Song Be Cafe Kamakura

I write about favourite stationery haunts but now it's time I mentioned somewhere different. I'm trying to get into the habit of archiving my discoveries and using my camera more specially while in Japan. I can't remember exactly when or how I discovered Song Be but it's a firm favourite.

Song Be describes itself (if Google translate can be trusted) as having a rustic old Asian furniture and with the warmth of wood and cloth. This is certainly true the interior has a strong Vietnamese theme as does the menu but along with some Thai dishes and, of course Japanese food.

The first time I went I was feeling a bit adventurous and tried something new; their Zenzai. I didn't like it but it's good to try something new every now and then. Song Be is tucked away but I located right next to the tracks of the JR Kamakura station. It's usually pretty quiet in the day and is a great place to relax and get a few letters written. I suspect it's probably busier during the evening.

There are selection of books, toy and knick knacks as well as local postcard, jewellery and other handmade wares available. There is lots information on local events and stores with lots of cute business cards and flyers as you enter I always take a few for my TN or my letters. Song Be is one my fav places whatever the weather to hang out in that isn't too far from home.

Outgoing [Febrarury]

I've slowed down on my replies and taking my time plus I've been busy, so less letters this month. I didn't do as much Valentine's Day mail as I would have liked but there were a few birthday letters I managed to get out. Now I just have to think about Mother's Day I hope I  haven't piqued too soon after my Mummy Valentine.

This month's letters were the usual mix of old magazines, paper, paper bags and new stationery. I did use two postal notebooks though, I tend to hoard them. One for my mum written about here and one for my new totally amazing and inspiring pen Madagalena. Both of which I'm particularly proud of.

I have a another new pen pal Eunice in America fellow stationery love and it seems we share the same sense of humour. Eunice's birthday was Valentines day and we had previously organised a swap prior to deciding to write so her letter was packed full of goodies.

Not everything was posted to Instagram or even photographed, that was part laziness and part forgetfulness but I think it's nice to keep letters a surprise.

My Mum

Tee, USA

YF, Singapore

Eunice, USA

Emmalene, UK

Shivani, India

Weekly outgoing

Magdalena, Australia

Elisbet, Sweden

Weekly outgoing

Incoming [February]

Wow! February was my birthday so I received more mail that usual. Letters, postcards, parcels oh my! Birthdays are great as you received mail those friends and family that you don't usually hear from. It's nice to know you are loved and are not forgotten.

There was a strong cat theme among my birthday cards which I couldn't help but notice ^・ω・^ .  I also received my first Aerogram! Without sounding like a child it was SO SUPER COOL. But talking of being a kid I love the Tintin postcards and the Ukiyoe colouring book from my lovely pen pal Chanou, so lovely and unexpected.  I love the creativity and care of some of these letters for example Robert of Dear Sincerely with his pastels mosaic and detailed writing and Chanou thoughtful put together letter, or Emily's stamp theme.

I treated myself this month and ordered some actual books rather opting for kindle downloads and my Flow Magazine paper lovers book arrived too. I received a couple of surprised bits and pieces to too. So all in all this month has been great mail wise. I've yet to reply to most of these and have loads of Thank Yous to write.

Robert, Ukraine

Henna, Finland

Yu Rong, Australia

My Cousin

Lin, Canada

Flow Magazine book for paper lovers

Amy, Australia

Vivian, Singapore

Early birthday mail and letters

Stamps galore

Birthday presents

Amazon Binge

Colouring book from Chanou

Aerogram from YF

Birthday of a cat lady

Emily, UK

Chanou, Netherlands