Packing Up and Saying Goodbye

Waiting for the movers!

It's time to pack up! We've manged to give away most of what we don't want to take with us, and throw out the rest...except for one confusing incident with the couch.  Several people want it, but it's too big for their apartments.  So we end up having to trash it, because in Japan there's no place that accepts used furniture unless it's perfect (and someone was eating yellow curry and spilled it on the cushion, leaving a stain...).  We've talked with our apartment building about getting rid of it, because you have to pay a fee if the item is bigger than 30 cm.  We're told we can just put it in the waiting area by the service elevator, and they'll take care of it and send us the bill (like we've done previously).  Steve breaks it down to it's parts, so it's easier to move, and we think we're all set.  But then one of the managers comes to see us and says it's too big.  What?!?  We go back and forth about it a few times, then she asks if our movers can bring it to the trash area when they come the next day.  We never completely understand exactly what the issue is, but our movers take care of it for us.  And we pay the bill.

Steve's idea of what to do while the packers are in the apartment.

On moving day, Tie-Dye has one final visit with the kennel people and dogs, because we decide he'll be happier there rather than having to hide in the shower all day (that's the only place I can think of to keep him in our apartment).  I'm glad we do that, because we have five people show up to pack our stuff.  I frantically try to help label boxes, so hopefully I can find what I need when it all arrives.  I'm also double checking the room they've marked on the box, because the items in the den are going to four different rooms in the house.  By late afternoon, it's all finished.

First load, heading down to the truck.

It's empty!

We keep several items back (we plan to throw them out the day we leave) so we have a few kitchen items.  I had hidden away our original dollar store items, so we have one cup, two wine glasses, two plates, and two sets of silverware....plus a pot!  I had accidentally put it in the recycle area, because I wasn't planning to cook anymore, but then I remember I meant to keep it so we can boil water (the electric kettle was given away).  Luckily no one has picked it up, so I can still make instant coffee and eat Cup Noodles.  We also have a leaky air mattress and the comforter (despite our washings in the bath tub it will never be completely clean), so we have a place to sleep.  Normally people move to a hotel for the last few days, but again, with a large dog, it's easier just to stay in place.

Soaking in the view from our apartment balcony, one last time.

Tie-Dye comes home, after playing with his friends all day. 

Taking a break from fun and games for a treat.

Those party animals wear me out!

We're treated to some Sayonara parties so we can say goodbye to our friends.  Many of the people we've known have already moved away, but I have lunch with the remaining members of my quilt group - they're down to three with my departure (vs fifteen of us from last year).  We also have fun with our neighbors and the staff at our local bar, Bubbles.  Tie-Dye even gets to go to that one!  Unfortunately, we forget to take many photos, but we have wonderful memories.  Steve gives a speech thanking everyone and sharing how they've helped to make our time in Japan so wonderful.  It's not until tonight that I learn about tejime, the special clap you're supposed to do at the end of a talk.  Technically, it's supposed to mean the party's over, but we still continue on for a couple more hours.

Bubbles!  Don't you want to expand to the US?
I'm going to miss my fresh squeezed juice cocktails!

Now who will meet Jerry
when it's time to walk the dogs (and maybe
stop for a drink at Bubbles, too)?

Photobomb!

Quentin, Tie-Dye's late night walking buddy.

Yes, a wine bottle makes a good
microphone (in case you're
wondering).

"I'm exhausted from all this partying!"

Departure Preparations - Humans

W Cellar Restaurant- our best substitute for not having our own grill (plus we love watching them cook).

So we're down to the final couple of weeks we'll be in Tokyo. Now that Tie-Dye's arrangements are made (read about it here), we can relax and visit some of our favorite places one last time.

Two Rooms - not a wine dinner!

Naturally we go to our preferred restaurants, and say goodbye to the waiters we've frequently visited.  We even learn something new - some of our best wine dinners have been at Two Rooms Restaurant.  We can't make the one scheduled for October, so we eat there another night.  We discover they serve a chef's choice menu, with wines accompanying each course.  It's just as good as the winemaker's dinners have been.  What a shame we learn about it at the end of our stay.

Another place we frequent is the grilled clam restaurant, which opened a satellite site right across the street from our apartment building about a year ago (I'm not sure of the name - it's in Japanese).  The clams are fantastic - served three at a time per person, with a different topping each course (well, six different toppings - then they repeat).  They're all you can eat, i.e., they keep bringing them until you say stop, but you pay by the clam!  They also have a regular menu, which includes the BEST salad - fresh avocados and tomatoes in a carrot puree.  I'll have to try making this at home!

THE BEST SALAD!

My favorite topping - green onions and a butter sauce.

Our sushi restaurant (again, it's in Japanese, so we never learn the name), is located right beside the apartment building.  I don't think we'll be able to eat sashimi and nigiri this good back in the US.  I know we won't find it as close to our house!

Great chefs, and they always remember I don't like wasabi.

wine with a view

We're able to attend a couple of wine events before our departure.  In the last month we're here our apartment building begins tasting parties.  It doesn't get any better than that - no need to even think about transportation, just ride the elevator down nine floors.  We have a multi-course prosecco themed meal, and it's fun discovering the variety between the different sparkling wines.

The Tokyo American Club also has one of the Luciano Sandrone family members hosting a dinner, complete with their wonderful Piedmont wines.  Once again, Steve's excited we're seated at the same table as the winemaker.  But unfortunately, we can't buy any bottles because there's no way we can drink it before we move home.  We've been lucky because while in Tokyo many of the special events have been with wineries from the Piedmont region of Italy, one of our preferred regions.

Our last TAC wine dinner!

With Barbara Sandrone, daughter of the original
winemaker and the current manager of the winery.

It's not all eating out!  We have to empty the refrigerator...and the freezer, too!  My emergency stash of frozen homemade chicken soup is defrosted and eaten, and I think it helps to prevent me from getting sick as we run around taking care of all the moving details.

Mom's recipe - still the best!

We plan to be out most of one weekend, so we send Tie-Dye to the kennel so he can have one last celebration there, instead of sitting home alone and barking the entire time.  We go down to Yokohama to eat at the Cup Noodle Museum - it's still the best Tom Yum soup in the area.  We're planning to wander around eating street food in Chinatown afterwards, but it's pouring rain.  Instead we stop at the Red Brick Warehouse, a collection of little stores and restaurants.  I think most of the vendors are geared towards tourists (lots of gift shops) but it's still fun to explore.

Tom YUM is named appropriately!  Maybe I have two bowls...

Deja vu!

On our way back to Tokyo we stop at the Yebisu Brewery and Tasting Room.  I want to go because Yebisu is my favorite Japanese beer, and we've been to Asahi, Sapporo and Kirin while living here.  I thought we'd never been here before, but as we walk up to the facility both Steve and I recognize it - we came when we visited Tokyo in 2011.  (Side note - afterwards, I try to figure out what led us there.  We both recall "stumbling upon" a brewery in 2011, but we didn't remember it was Yebisu.  I look back at my notes and the guide book from that trip, and I can find nothing that has us in the Ebisu area, or directing us to the brewery.  Based on the pictures we took in the past, we're also at the Imperial Palace that same day, miles away.  Weird!)

I prefer the dark beer!

We each order the tasting sampler, which includes three beers and some snacks.  I love the mini beer glasses, and how they print their images and color coordinate with the beer flavors on the tray.

Love the extra space with these seats.

For one last time, we attend the movies in Japan.  I'm going to miss my pizza flavored french fries...but I look forward to going to a movie theater that sells candy when we return to the US. 


We have one more chance to play the Tokyo Underground Mystery!  Once again we discover new pockets of Tokyo, and explore subway stations we've never heard of in our two years here.  They're designing the game better, too - previously you might find part of a word, and figure out the subway station just from that, instead of solving the puzzle.  Now when you solve the puzzle you have something like, "Go to the station with 7 vowels in its name" instead of the specific subway stop.

Yes!  We get to solve mysteries one last time!

Taking a coffee break while
working on some of the puzzles.

One last Japan pose with the Underground Mystery mascot.

Mystery Selfie

We must be getting smarter....we're able to solve it in about five hours, our best time yet!  And we complete it all in one day, for the first time. (Part of the reason we have Tie-Dye at the kennel is because we don't know how long it will take us to figure it out.)  They've gotten much sneakier about clues, and at one point we have to play Subway Bingo (which we NEVER thought we'd do correctly the first time, but luckily we did) which is a little stressful, but entertaining, too. (I don't know what the other people on the subway thought about it...they probably didn't find it amusing.  We're the only ones playing the game in our subway car.) 

The final answer and message is very meaningful to us.  I won't give away any clues, but here's part of the passage.



















It's not all fun and games!  We start packing up our stuff and preparing for the movers.  Naturally I take care of the important stuff (fabric) and Steve takes apart some of the furniture so it's easier to ship.

Pretty Japan fabrics!

Such a handyman!

Tie-Dye is starting to worry he'll be left behind.  Don't worry - you're going, too (just not in a suitcase)!

Departure Preparations - Dog

Don't forget me!

About five months before we're scheduled to return to the US, I start making calls to see how we're going to take Tie-Dye home.  The rules have changed for the airlines, and they're not allowed to fly pets as checked baggage or cargo on flights averaging over 12 hours. (This is announced two weeks after the dogs and I arrive in Tokyo, in 2015.  I decide not to worry about it until I have to start thinking about booking tickets for our homecoming.)  Now the time has come, and Delta confirms it - they tell me they cannot fly Tie-Dye to any city in the United States. (New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis are all too far, the wrong planes fly to Seattle & Portland - as in they don't have oxygen circulating in the cargo area - and they only fly to Los Angeles from Haneda airport, and Delta doesn't fly pets out of Haneda.)

(Side note: if you're a government employee or military on assignment, they will still fly your pets as checked bags/cargo, no matter how long the journey.)

I check American Airlines, but they only fly pets as cargo, and I'm trying to avoid that option if possible - the price is ten times as much and requires a drop off more than four hours before the departure...and there's no guarantee he'll be on my plane.  I don't even bother checking their transport times.

United Airlines also only flies pets as cargo, and I know they'll fly him into Los Angeles...but everyone I've ever talked with says you shouldn't use United.  They're my last resort.

"Dad, you don't plan to eat all that fish yourself, do you?"

I wonder if the Japanese airlines have the same restrictions for flying pets...so I check ANA (All Nippon Airlines).  On their website, they state they fly pets as checked baggage, but don't mention any time limits.  When I check their routes, the closest non-stop flight to the southeast United States is Houston, TX. (I want a nonstop without a connection, because in my research many of the problems with pets flying seems to occur during the connection.)  I verify they have one leaving Tokyo in the morning and arriving in Houston in the morning, so the temperatures will be cooler, and it's definitely ANA - not United with an ANA code share.  That means ANA's rules are in effect.  So far, so good.

I call ANA, and reach the English speaking line.  I ask if I'm allowed to check a dog for that flight, and they say yes.  However, they can't verify there's space on the specific trip I want unless I have a ticket.  At least I know it's possible, and we have a way to fly Tie-Dye home with us. 

"Oops, I didn't mean to miss.  No, really!"

Then I have to wait a few months, hoping for no more rule changes, until we receive the final notice for our return home.  Steve and I book our tickets, then I call ANA again.  After being on hold while they verify with Narita Airport (I never ask her why she has to confirm with the airport) she says Tie-Dye can be booked for our plane.  Yes!

"Can I take porcupine with me?"

During my earlier conversation with ANA, they mention an export inspection.  Tahoe & Tie-Dye followed the long process to enter the country, but until that conversation, I don't realize there's a procedure to take a dog out of Japan, too.  But I go to the Animal Quarantine System (AQS) website, and learn that I need to fill out a form and to stop by the airport so Tie-Dye can have an export inspection.  The examination can be completed ahead of time, but because of the difficulty in arranging transportation for him, we decide to do the inspection the same day as our trip.

"Everyone has their work to do -
Dad on his computer, and me with my toy."

I double check the requirements for entry to the United States and Texas, using the CDC website.  All that's necessary is a current rabies vaccination.  As a precaution, I decide to schedule an appointment with my Tokyo veterinarian to receive a health certificate for Tie-Dye, a few days before our trip.  It's not required by the United States, but I decide I want it in case the airline asks for it or we have trouble on the plane. 

About six weeks before our departure, I fill out the application for export inspection, and email it to AQS, along with Tie-Dye's rabies vaccination certificates.  They respond back with a question regarding his other vaccinations, which I also include on the form.  I don't have a certificate for them, and I don't feel like bothering my veterinarian about it, since it's not required for entry into the United States.  At first I can't understand why AQS is concerned about it, but then I realize they are "certifying" my information to my country of entry, so they want proof that these shots have taken place.  I cross out the other vaccinations.  So after only a couple of attempts, my form is approved and we have an appointment set.

The picture I use for Tie-Dye's "story."

I also use the Tokyo American Club's services again.  I type up Tie-Dye's "story" to tape onto his kennel, and ask them to translate it into Japanese for me (I don't trust Google to do it properly for this situation).  Once I have the story in both languages and a cute picture of Tie-Dye, I print it out so it'll be ready to attach when it's closer to our journey.

kennel practice

At this point all that's left is to practice with Tie-Dye in the kennel!   Since I don't have a car, I can't ride around with him in it (to simulate the kennel being moved around while we're in the air).  But I have him go inside, and I bang on the sides and top, and wiggle it back and forth and lift it up slightly - so he's (hopefully) used to noise and it being moved around.  I'm tossing in little treats the entire time I do this, and he enjoys the "kennel game" (or at least the treats).  I'm hoping this helps him be less afraid when he flies, especially since this time he doesn't have Tahoe in a kennel beside him.  I also freeze water in his bucket, and he practices drinking out of it at different stages as the ice melts.  That's everything I can think of to help Tie-Dye prepare for his departure!

"I need a spa day after all this work!"

Living with a Dog in Tokyo

Still one of my favorite pictures - taken the day after we landed in Japan.

One of the reasons I want to write this blog is to help share information with people in a similar situation.  In the months before we moved to Japan I scoured the web searching for tidbits of information about living in a foreign country with dogs (and when Steve traveled to Tokyo on business trips before we arrived, he had a list of questions he was supposed to ask any English speaking person he saw with a dog).  Maybe a bit of what I learn will help out someone else.

Before coming to Tokyo we were apprehensive about bringing our dogs.  There was no doubt we would take them with us, but they were used to having a fenced in backyard to run around with plenty of room to use the bathroom, and going for five mile hikes, off leash.  How would they adjust to city life?  Many of the parks in Japan have greenery, but it's all landscaped, with lots of low walls and shrub borders.   (BTW, a garden that charges an admittance fee usually does not allow pets inside.)  Our dogs are used to using the bathroom on grass or pine needles, so will they adjust to having just a scrap of space while being poked with sharp branches? 

Arisugawa Park, where the dogs are allowed to go.

We also had concerns about the different living space.  Usually they go out as soon as we wake up, and then maybe five more times during the day (or whenever they look at us, begging with their eyes).  The 39th floor apartment we choose for our Tokyo home isn't conducive to quick trips outside.

It turns out, we didn't need to worry about it.  They quickly adapt to being city dogs, as if that is all they know.  We never have a problem (or accident) with the extra time spent waiting for the elevator.  And going out only three times a day is not a problem.  And if we're on a walk, going in the middle of the bushes never stops Tahoe, and Tie-Dye will just use the sidewalk.  Luckily, we always walk with poop pick-up bags!  For the first month we also carry spray bottles of water, to dilute the urine puddle, but we stop doing that because we never see anyone else using one.

One corner of Aoyama Park, with the last of the cherry trees blooming.

Even though going in the bushes isn't an issue, we still feel lucky with our building choice.  We happen to find the one place in Tokyo that has a wide open grassy area, that allows dogs. [Some of the popular expat parks near residential areas, like Arisawaga Park (see pic above) and Shiba Park, do not allow dogs to go to the bathroom in the grassy areas, because classes of students will eat their lunch there - forcing the dogs to use the landscaped areas].  Our building, Park Axis Aoyama 1-Chome Tower, is next to the north section of Aoyama Park, which consists of about 5 acres of grass, with a few bushes and cherry trees.  It's popular during hanami (cherry blossom party) season, but not so busy that the dogs can't wander around.  There are also some pretty flower beds, maintained by local gardening clubs.  Occasionally kids play and run around in the area, but they mostly stay in the adjoining playground.  It's perfect for dogs, and we often see other ones there, for the same purpose.  At first I was a little uncertain about walking the dogs by myself at night, but Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, and I never feel threatened.

One portion of the north part of Aoyama Park - look at all that grass!

Another section of Aoyama Park

Playing in the park during hanami season!

"Really?  Do I have to put up with this again?!"

Most dogs in our area are miniature versions - under 20 pounds, and very cute!  Some people like their dogs to socialize, some do not.  We try to ask before allowing our dogs to go up to other dogs.  I think sometimes the owners are worried our large dogs (at least for Japan - Tahoe's weight is about 40 lbs and Tie-Dye is 50 lbs) are going to eat their little ones!  But Tie-Dye loves the small dogs, and they usually love him.  They know they can jump all over him and he won't do anything.
 

Along one of the pathways in the cemetey

One of the wide sidewalks at the cemetery.

Another popular area to walk dogs is Aoyama Cemetery.  (I have to ask three different Japanese people before I feel comfortable bringing the dogs there.  They all assure me it's okay!)  It's a 65-acre cemetery with few roads running through it, making it very convenient to take hour long hikes or jogs with your pets.  It's also popular for large dogs to get exercise here.  The grave sites are varied and unique, and looking at their architecture makes for a nice view as you wander around. 

I like the little cobblestone walkways - I think Tie-Dye does, too.

Another good place for long walks/jogs is around the Akasaka Palace grounds.  There's limited traffic lights, so you don't have to make many stops.  It's good to go early on a Saturday morning - it gets busier with running clubs and foot traffic later in the day.  (Sprinting around the Imperial Palace grounds is also a popular spot, but that's too far away for us to use with the dogs.)
 

Luckily, I can always see my apartment building from the cemetery, so I can't get lost!

I'm able to easily get dog food from Costco.   They sell multiple Kirkland and Iams brands.  My US Costco membership card works at the Japan stores, and I can have the food delivered to my apartment. (For $5 or $10 - I forget the amount.  Either way, it's worth it so I don't have to carry 40 lbs of dog food!)  You cannot order from the Costco website though - you have to go to the store to make the purchase.  If you're willing to pay extra (or don't have a Costco membership - though it's actually cheaper to join in Japan, about $40/year) you can order the food (and other items from Costco) from either www.theflyingpig.com or www.hilomarket.com.  Just be aware that they mark up the items 50% (on top of the higher prices already being charged in Japan vs the US).  Dogs are a luxury item in Japan, and items associated with them are priced accordingly.  It can also be difficult to find accessories for larger dogs, so we bring stuff like additional heavy duty retractable leashes, etc, in our shipment so we know we can replace it if it breaks.

There's also a decent size pet store in Roppongi, Kojima, that has dog toys, treats, and food (along with cat stuff, etc).  My dogs love the dried fish treats. 

Their favorite dog treats!  Made in
Japan - and only a few dollars for the bag.

Kojima pet store

We use the Akasaka Animal Hospital, which is only a 20 minute walk from the apartment building.  Dogs cannot ride in public transportation (I don't think any animals can, except service ones), and they can only be in a taxi if they're inside a carrier.  Our carriers wouldn't even fit in a taxi, so we have to walk there.  Luckily we never had a situation where they were hurt and couldn't make the trek.  There is a vet who speaks some English (I believe the vet who is fluent in English may no longer be there, but I'm not sure).  However, one time when I was worried Tie-Dye had an infection and needed to go in the same day I called, they hired a translator so the veterinarian and I could communicate easily.  There is also a receptionist who is fluent in English, which is a big help when you call to make an appointment.

Akasaka Animal Hospital - located in Akasaka-mitsuke,
on the second floor above the Lawsons.

Causing us much heartbreak, Tahoe was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, along with other issues, after we lived here for about a year.  Akasaka Animal Hospital did a wonderful job explaining our options and what we could expect, but they did not bring up putting her to sleep until we did.  I'm not sure if that is a cultural issue, but when we did ask about it they strongly recommended it (they really didn't think she would survive the emergency surgery she would need).  We were able to take her home for a couple of days and keep her comfortable, so her final days were with us, until we went back for her appointment.  The staff were very sympathetic - afterwards they even sent us flowers (talking with some Japanese friends later, we learned that was not customary).  I don't think it could have been handled any better in the United States.

I thought Tie-Dye looked really cute when he rubbed his eyes.  I feel bad when I realize he's rubbing because he has an eye infection.

We do have an occasion where we needed to bring Tie-Dye to a "specialist."  He has three eye infections in a five week period, including one while at the kennel.  The kennel owner recommends we bring Tie-Dye to an animal eye specialist, because he feels the vets in Japan don't know a lot about eyes.  So we find Triangle Animal Eye Clinic (website - in Japanese only), about 3 miles from our apartment, which is a little too far to walk.  We have to use a pet taxi in order to drive us there and back.  The company name is One House (website - in Japanese only), which charges a reasonable price (at least, it feels reasonable after living in Japan for almost two years).  It's around $80 for the round trip, including waiting time while we're at the Clinic (about 3 hours total).

Part of Tie-Dye's eye therapy - having to wear an eye mask I heat in the microwave.  He doesn't actually like it - I have to hold it on his face so he doesn't drop his nose causing it to slide off.

Both the Eye Clinic and One House have only Japanese speaking employees, so we use the Tokyo American Club to help arrange the appointments.  However, the Triangle Eye Clinic requires us to have a translator.  That's very surprising, and the first time we have the onerous on us to find a translator.  I figure there are companies where we can easily hire one, because Steve has used one occasionally for work purposes, or when we have dealings with companies they would have a translator there for us if they don't speak English.  However, it turns out the companies that provide translators only work with businesses - not individuals!  And if we are able to hire one, it's for a minimum of 4 hours and at a cost of $600.  Eek!  Luckily, we're able to have a friend assist us (and for our second visit, the doctor has just returned from a week long seminar in Baltimore, so he speaks English with us the whole time).

(Side note: It turns out Tie-Dye just has very dry eyes - a liquid is not distributed across the eye ball because he doesn't close his eyes all the way when he blinks.  No surgery or other invasive procedures are needed, but he will have eye drops and "blinking exercises" probably for the rest of his life.)

One of our other concerns about moving is having a place for them to stay when we travel.  We expected to be able to have a dog sitter at the apartment, but in the fine print of our contract it says that someone else cannot care for the dog at the building.  So I do a run around Tokyo, checking out all the nearby kennels...and I'm practically in tears.  For the most part, they are set up for little dogs - the largest cages they have are smaller than our dogs' airplane kennels.  They also don't smell very clean, and the dogs staying there look to be in distress.  I save the one with the best recommendations to visit last, Dog Inc (English site here), and it turns out to way, way, better than the other eight kennels I stop at.

Will jump for treats!

I visit each kennel without an appointment, so I can see what they are "really" like.  When I walk inside Dog, Inc, there are 5-6 dogs playing together in one section of the floor, in another part a person is playing with a dog, and in a different area an older dog is resting quietly.  It also smells clean, and none of the dogs look anxious.  All the employees speak limited English, and I'm able to make an appointment to meet with the owner, who is fluent.  On my return I find the dogs in similar situations, and I enjoy talking with Toru Yamada.  He is truly a dog whisperer - even I start calming down and relaxing as I speak with him.  I get a full tour, including the back room where the dogs rest in kennels between play times.  The room of about fifteen dogs is quiet until we walk in and turn on the lights - but they are sleeping comfortably before that.  He assures me he has large kennels for my dogs, so they will have enough space.  The first time we leave them he can tell Tie-Dye is a little apprehensive, so he takes him for a run to help him work off some energy, and he ends up being fine. 

Lots of play time at Dog, Inc!

He has another bit of adjustment at the kennel after Tahoe dies.  Previously, for the nights, we have them booked in the suite, which is a room about 8 feet by 10 feet.  My dogs aren't really used to staying in a kennel overnight, and I want them to have more space to stretch out.  However, Tie-Dye is stressed being in the room by himself.  The kennel tries different alternatives to see what makes Tie-Dye more comfortable.  They come to the conclusion he's happiest when he is in the kennel near the other dogs - he just doesn't like being alone.  Toru makes the suggestion that we use the kennel at night, even though that means his fee is cut by more than a third.  I appreciate his honesty, and his concern about Tie-Dye!  And Tie-Dye loves going - he starts to bark with excitement when he recognizes his kennel bag.  Dog, Inc has a pickup/drop off service (for a fee), so he is easily able to get to and from the kennel, located in Kawasaki.

Of course, arranging their entry to Japan through the Animal Quarantine Control was it's own long (7-month), exacting process.  I wrote about it early in the blog, and you can read it here, here and here.  Luckily, planning Tie-Dye's export doesn't seem like it will be as arduous.