We were getting ready to go to Japan, but first we had to take Ben's picture for his time at Princeton. Seems like a simple thing, but he'll live with this for the next 4 years. And so the choice of the right photo is important.
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Then, on July 4th, we did the patriotic thing of going to the airport and getting this menu
with these details for our long flight which was made longer when we had to taxi back right before takeoff because we had the bags of someone who was not on the plane.
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as trays were opened, cloths were brought out
and dinner was served starting with nuts
with a bloody Mary
and progressing to a roll
as I spread my silver (lots of it)
as my wine glass was filled
and the first course of Suzanne's meal arrived
along with this first salad for me
before I had another roll
and the next salad was served
with dressing
as Suzanne's main course
and mine arrived
to be followed by our cheese courses
with port
and then the rich dessert.
The next meal came when people were sleeping and so I didn't record it, but as we were getting ready to land (maybe only 2 more hours of flight left), breakfast came for me
with a Japanese breakfast (though not like the ones we were to eat in the real Japan) for Suzanne
which she opened
as I recorded my soy milk which was free in some but not all ways
and she opened her rice ball
as I approached my vegan meal.
We did land and we borrowed other people for the Welcome to Japan sign
before checking in and out and finding our way towards our next flight where I were amused by this sign as was Suzanne by the music when she went to flush the toilet.
But, we were happy that our flight was ready to go
and so we boarded
and I recorded the details of the seat
as Suzanne slept
and before we knew it we were at Komatsu
where we were whisked away to our hotel room
together with our baggage
and admired the space that we had
and the 3 room (all small) bathroom
with sink
shower/bath
and toilet (but more about this later).
Having had a few minutes to refresh, we headed down to dinner with the language teachers and Professor Makino and some of the local dignitaries. It was a remarkable feast of course
after course
after course
and despite our jet lag, we enjoyed the occasion
as courses kept coming
some clearer than others
and some fishier
than the vegetarian courses
as we kept being served
with remarkable presentation to go with the good food
including this course served in a leaf-like structure
with condiments
and food inside
as sake was poured
and Suzanne had her first chance to say kanpai which she did happily since the fish was the best she had ever had.
There were more treats to come
as I recorded my menu
even as more courses came
including the tempura
in full presentation
and Suzanne's next course
in its full presentation
which could be opened
as I recorded the non-vegetarian menu
and the origami on the table.
In all, it was a remarkable meal and we ended with photos of the assembled
and then of the local leader of the program with Suzanne and me and one of the language teachers, now at Columbia formerly at Princeton and formerly our neighbor
and then the other local leader with me and Makino
followed by the women language teachers with Suzanne. It was a remarkable welcome to Japan and to Kanazawa which despite our tiredness made us feel very good.
The next morning we woke up relatively early from the jet lag and eventually took these photos of the town of Kanazawa below us
and then of our room and the cookies that had been left to greet us
and the shoehorns which were to be a staple of our time in Japan so that we gained a sense of how to present our own shoehorns.
In time, we went down to the hotel breakfast which was a mixture of Western food with Japanese food along with some foods we found unusual
including solid pieces of omelet
French fries with ketchup
and pasta.
This was the first plate I assembled
together with needed coffee
and this was Suzanne's start
along with this salad
and fruit plate
which made her partially awake
as was I in this self portrait
before we decided to walk to the train station next door
where we saw this interesting label on a taxi
recorded a license plate
took the obligatory phone booth picture
and this photo of the local goddess
before we went into a store and I recorded some of their wares
including the individual bananas
and the models of plates of food
as we started out of the train station and saw the arch which we grew to know from temples and shrines
and the benches with flower pots
as people in a distance waited to board their bus.
Suzanne posed in front of the station for what would be one of our few rainless moments in Kanazawa.
Our day began when we met Jeff, our translator, and our driver for the day's activities
which began with a visit to the language program where we went to the classrooms
and recorded lessons
including this scene where 2 students were acting out part of a story
and then to Professor Makino's class
before we headed to the castle in Kanazawa which had belonged to the feudal lord and were joined by a tour guide who took us through the castle and Kenryokuen gardens with the help of Jeff translating.
We began with a look at the walls of the castle
and the moat around them
as the rain picked up a bit
and then noted the vastness of the castle
which was enormous
as we noted our first tree that was being supported by poles. This became a common site in gardens where trees had been groomed for beauty (and quite successfully) but had lost the ability to support themselves in the process. It was necessary to think of these as gardens designed for perfection (and indeed they were) rather than as forests which present natural habitats.
We were still at the castle
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At one of the gates, I noted this remarkable header that involved a serious piece of wood
and put it in the context of the castle
before we came to the one gate that was totally preserved which consisted of 2 parts
with a bend in between to make it harder for enemy invaders
and we made our way through the gate to the other side
where after passing some shops
we found ourselves in the gardens looking at a waterfall
and then making our way into the gardens which had bridges
and (unfortunately) rain
and we made our way across a bridge
in the rain
to a viewpoint
where we saw the first of many lanterns
and an island in the lake
as Suzanne led the way
with remarkable views
including those to the island
and the beautiful bushes by the shore
with fish in the water
and a small structure across the way
as each view was beautiful and a sense of perfection reigned
through islands
and brooks
and this natural fountain that was gravity driven and is thought to be the first such fountain ever created since it needed no machinery.
It was clear why the gardens were so beautiful when we saw the crews working at manicuring the gardens in detail.
The moss was equally impressive
as we continued to be amazed by the gardens including reflections
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with the remarkable view
and so I took Suzanne's photo
and then we posed together
and continued our tour of the gardens
admiring this bamboo structure that was designed to cover up a drain so that no one would fall in.
Back to the gardens, we continued
through this water with grasses
and then to some banzai
and then this tree
with warning sign
and various garden views of bridges
before we found this bird
by the moss
and trees
before the bird presented itself
and we came across this statue to the war dead
complete with details
as we marched on
to what I thought was the most remarkable tree
along with its support structure
and we made our way further through the gardens
before we stopped to have the tea ceremony
on tatami mats
looking out at those who had recently finished the ceremony.
A small cake was served
on this beautiful plate
as the tea was served and placed properly on our left hands and then we were to rotate it two small turns before drinking in 3 or 4 shots
while looking out at this beautiful scene
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and this little rock
and amidst the trees
were the local gardeners doing their work
even as we looked back to the tea room in its quiet elegance.
This tree showed the scars of having been drained of its sap to make turpentine for the war effort in 1945.
After one final photo,
we found ourselves back at the hotel for lunch.
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and then he posed with Suzanne and me.
While at the prefecture headquarters, we went to the observation deck on the top floor and took photos in all directions of rice fields amid properties
and out to the sea
as this woman was describing
before we went back to the scenery on our own
and then headed back to the hotel for the conference about the Ishikawa Japanese Language program which was followed by a reception where Suzanne had this sushi.
Back at the room, I noted the marvelous properties of our toilet. When you approach
the cover rises
and as you walk away, the toilet flushes itself. A nice technology on which to end the day.
The next morning began fairly early as we were still struggling with jet lag and this was my breakfast
and Suzanne's
with my fruit
and Suzanne's cappuchino
and my dried fruit
and Suzanne's omelet
and salad
complete with morning fish
and more fruit.
After breakfast, Seiichi and Jisuk came to take us on a tour of the old part of Kanazawa
as we went into the first store
and then they posed
and then I joined the photo
as we found a nice backdrop
as we continued to explore and rains began to fail
before we entered an old tea house and went to the top of the stairs
before we began to explore the building
and the meaningful areas
and the musical instruments
and further directions
before we found the quiet room
which was well presented
and we then went to another room
and as we made our way, we looked down upon a garden which will be described below
and then a room for geikos to prepare
with models
and a low table
before we saw a sign explaining the green stones we had seen above
and continued our path through the building
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and then we settled in for our own tea ceremony where biscuits were served with tea
and we all posed perhaps happier because we had discovered that we could put our legs into holes under the table and so we didn't have to kneel as uncomfortably as previously
and so we could eat
before discovering these shoes as we put our own shoes back on and prepared to go back into the rain
which we did at the gold room
with the requisite bamboo protection
as we saw the gold
and garden
with the gold stone
outside the gold room
with its description
before we went back outside
and posed against the elegant backdrop.
After noting this building
we went into this shop where gold is made into thin sheets. We heard about how one kilogram of gold is pressed flat enough to make gold leaf to cover an enormous area (whose size I forget) and saw some of the process
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and then we went into the store where they sold numerous golden owls, one of which we brought home.
Next we went to Omicho, home of an amazing market
where we saw fish
vegetables and fruits
and then more fish
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and fish
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and recorded the signs
and then it was back to fish
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and desserts.
It was squash
edamame
and wasabi in root form
before we came upon the drink machine
where Suzanne posed.
Lunch was next and this was the table service
as the various courses were brought out
before Suzanne and I
and the teachers were recorded.
Next, we headed to the train station where the group purchased tickets that let them come onto the platform and see us off.
Then, we were on the train and on our own but we knew the system
and took a few photos of signs
and rice fields
before we came to Kyoto and arrived at the ryokan where we were staying and this was the only furniture
except for our small alcove overlooking the garden
and the bathroom with a different form of modern toilet though we were embracing a very traditional Japanese way of life.
Tea was brought for us
by Tomoko who was to be our room attendant for the next 2 days
and she took this picture of us in our Western clothes
as she brought our cloths
and a taste
and our container for kimonos
along with this instructive sign
while Suzanne read the bar menu
and on our return from our evening bath, water was waiting for us
even as Suzanne
and I had embraced the local way of dressing
and we settled in
for our meal
for which this was Suzanne's menu
and this was the beer we decided to share
as many courses of food were brought our way.
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The next day we had our morning bath and returned to the room to see water waiting for us
as the table was set
and orange juice
and fruit
and yogurt
made Suzanne
and me happy
especially when the main course came
and I marveled at the bread
and egg with a drop of ketchup
as coffee was served
along with butter.
Masatoshi's sister and brother-in-law, Tetsuya and Saori, offered to show us around Kyoto that day and so we gathered in our lobby
and then left to got to the subway station
where we found our train
and noted that the gates don't open to let you on the car until the train has arrived
as they posed with Suzanne
and then Tetsuya posed with me and Suzanne
and we continued on our path to capture all subgroups of size 3
before boarding the train
and then made our way to the trolley that would take us to Arashiyama
with this store in the background
as I recorded the station
and the sign over the traffic lights
when the train approached in the opposite direction
and then the direction of our train
and the women sitting opposite us
as we left the train
and walked past this stand
and this model
on our way to the Zen temple
which we entered
and read about it's history
before posing in front
and then rereading the history
and making our way along the path
where they posed
as we enjoyed the scenery
and the gardens
including these flowers
as we progressed
towards the main temple
and posed
before marching on
past the faces which were statues
and a small rock garden
as we walked on
past the tatami mats for meditation
and I posed
as the scene continued
until Suzanne posed
and we noted the gravel
which was neatly raked
and after this chair
we noticed the pond with its reflections
which made a wonderful backdrop for these photos
and this reflection.
We continued our walk around the pond and garden
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and posed on the path
before a monument
and so we continued past Buddha and bell
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and then of both of us
along the gravel path
with moss fringe
and the fish were in the pond
as we got back to the moss field
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and I captured the view below because we had gained some elevation
and after this tree
we came into the bamboo forest
with some hydrangeas
where we posed
and then after another monument
and dried grains
we marched on
until we came to the place where the hand washing takes place and so Suzanne
and then I performed the process.
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we were back into the bamboo forest
where there still were hydrangeas
and tombstones as we had reached a cemetery
which had its warning sign
and then we were back into the bamboo in more dense fashion
with some history
and good wishes
even beyond the cemetery.
Next, we stopped at a noodle house for lunch where this was the menu
which kept Tetsuya and Saori wondering
as they placed their order
and the food came
after which we posed.
After lunch, we walked along the path and saw these statues
and women in kimonos who had rented them for the day
from this locale
and then we came upon the water which could be used to boat back to Kyoto
and so we had our picture taken
and then I took this picture of Suzanne
before we observed the scene
and I took this photo of Tetsuya and Saori
while recording the scene
and sometimes the people in our group
including Suzanne and me
as the scenery was beautiful
but this water was a relief because of the heat
even as the water flowed
until we made our way to the subway
and noted the priority seats
before coming to Nishiki market
including a 100 yen store
and many interesting views
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and an obligatory pay phone (sans booth)
as we passed the fan store
and emerged to one of the outdoor street markets
including the feng sui shop
and sealed american clothing
the crab
and the fire sale suitably advertised
before we emerged at Starbucks
where the students at the next table were studying madly for exams.
On our way back to the ryokan, we passed the bar ber shop
before arriving at our place
and showing our room to Tetsuya and Saori who were more accustomed to such a room.
To welcome us back, tea was served
and soon it was time for our bath and so we went to the room
where the methodology was described
and this sink was available for cleansing and primping afterwards
before we came to the bath where Suzanne posed
and the cleansing showers
before the bath is entered
and these tubs are used to sit on or to douse ones head.
Back in our room, we had a beer with the tea that was awaiting us
and then dinner was served
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as the food continued for many courses. After the meal, the futons were again rolled out and we made our way to an early sleep.
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The next morning, I decided to record us in our kimonos as we prepared to go to our baths
and when we returned, it was time for breakfast and the realization that we would be moving on.
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and a yield sign
before I recorded this sign as a marker for where we had to turn on our return
with this arrow pointing the way
before we entered the palace grounds
and recorded the details
as we noted the long entryway through the garden
and the many smaller structures
and beautiful trees
interspersed with buildings
and monuments
and then more temple like buildings
and trees
and other residences
trees
residences
and Suzanne walking in the heat
so that we realized we needed water
before seeing the infected tree
As Americans, we were able to gain same day access to the Palace itself and so we waited for the gates to open
and when they did, we entered
and made our way through the buildings
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noting that the red lines between mats made the room for people of lower rank
as our guide led us
to buildings
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and we passed a shrine
and then some freshly raked gravel
before the remarkable buildings
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we saw more gardens
before making our way towards the exit
and observing workers keeping up the remarkable grounds
even as we departed
and began the walk down the long path
past this lovely tree
to the pond by one of the houses on the palace grounds
complete with fish
and their own bridge where Suzanne
and then I posed
before we took one last look at the house
and wondered if the turtle was real or made from stone as we'd seen in other gardens.
We left the grounds by this gate
and made our way back to the ryokan passing this store which made me wonder what an optional shop is.
This was the day that we moved and so we made our way to the Miyako Hotel at the train station and because we couldn't check in, we hung out in the train station and tried to find things where the information center was not helpful (though very friendly).
We stopped for lunch at a small restaurant in the train station where this was the menu
and this was the beer we had
as Suzanne's meal came
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We noted this clever display on the way
back to the hotel where we could settle in.
Once settled, we decided to do some exploring. The concierge at the hotel gave us a lesson in Kyoto buses and we began our adventure at platform D1 waiting for the 100 bus to the Ginkaku Temple (the Silver Pavilion)
and once off the bus, we were at the temple
recording the rules
as we made our way in
having passed up this hill with all of its shops.
This temple had raked sand around a single rock which was very spiritual
as was the cone of sand we saw there
as well as the garden
and the shrine where the bell could be rung.
The conical sand was quite impressive
as Suzanne observed
and you can imagine their concern about interference
with both sand gardens as we got closer to the raked garden
and then made our way to the gardens
and into the forest above
looking back at the sand gardens
and down at the fish in the pond
and the waterfall in the distance
to which had been added a different kind of sculpture though we suspect the coins caused more harm than good.
We marched on up the hill with Suzanne in the lead
and enjoyed the views of the temple grounds
and of the city below
sculpture
and special tree
about which this story is told
and moss
went along with this failed attempt to capture one of the local crows in flight
but I did catch him when he landed
and after this warped tree
caught another crow walking by
as we learned how the roof was made (and about the famous bamboo nails)
which probably did not come from this grove.
After capturing a few shots of this flower in bloom
we read the reasons why this is a world heritage site
and found our way to the start of philosopher's walk
where we saw the occasional fish
and hydrangeas of various colors
before coming to one of the bridges across the canal
and getting a view downstream
noting that there were temples and shrines all along the way
not to mention the obligatory phone booth photo
before we came across a shrine that had to be explored because of its base
and interesting animal pieces
and so we passed through the entry
to the shrine itself
where animals stood guard
and there was a bell to ring in the religious process
before Suzanne led the way
to the decorated pavilion
and on our way out we recorded the tale of the shrine
before admiring a turtle in the canal along philosopher's walk and wondering if it was real (I still say it wasn't)
and then recording a license plate
before heading back into town and finding a bar where we could order this gin and tonic
and this martini
not to mention nuts
and cheese elegantly prepared
and to have this picture of us
taken by the friendly bar tender
before we found our way to the river for a pleasant night time walk
where we were joined by this bird
and then after the bus ride to the station, we came to the aqua fantasy which was fireworks made of water which responded to the music being played
The next morning began with breakfast in our new hotel which had 3 restaurants and so we began with the American one where this was my juice
plate of goodies
and fruit course
as Suzanne had her juice
and main course
and I returned for a second helping of various foods, many of which I never thought of as breakfast foods
and some more traditional rolls
and then Suzanne had her coffee and so we were ready to begin our adventures.
We took the bus to Rokuonji Temple, the Golden Pavilion
along with the crowds
and recorded its status on the World Heritage List
and started in to the pavilion itself
with Suzanne posing at the marker
before we walked the path
and made our way
into the area
where the pavilion stood by the water which reflected extremely well
and was cause for many photos
starting with these of me
and then back to the pavilion itself (which is coated with gold from Kanazawa)
and this group of students being photographed
as we admired the reflections
before Suzanne found a quiet spot
in which I could take this photo of us
before a friendly soul took this photo of us with the pavilion behind
and we continued on our quest for the perfect photo of the pavilion and its reflections
before walking on past this interesting bush
and the closer view of the pavilion
with its gargoyles
and then we were on to the fish in the pond
and back to the remarkable reflections of this beautiful garden
as we made our way to the trail
with its waterfall
and rock sculpture formations
which attracted coins
and the marker beyond
as we came across a supported tree
and this group of school children admired the rock that was a chair
as tree roots were exposed
and this water was the drink of choice
and we made our way
past the sign thanking us.
Next, we went up the path
past many lanterns
until we reached the Western style rest room
at Ryoanji Temple which is also a World Heritage Site
and we noted the map
and began our walk around the lake
which also had beautiful reflections
to a small shrine where Suzanne posed
as we marched around structures
keeping the pond in view
and read this sign
and then saw the Buddha
and a model of what was to come with the 15 rocks.
Once through the exhibits, we sat to appreciate the rock garden
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which interfaced to the rocks
and then Suzanne captured these photos of me contemplating the garden
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and a beautiful garden
with berries growing
and this pagoda
which had a story to tell
as we admired many bushes
and followed the path through the lovely foliage
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and twisted tree
and another flower about to bloom
along with more hydrangeas
before we boarded the bus
and recorded another bus (this one a correct one, ours not as we discovered when we were trying to get off)
and the route it took.
On the way back to our room, we bought some beer
and sandwiches.
After a break, we headed out and stopped at a shrine that had this unusual monument
and then made our way to a restaurant overlooking the river where this was the menu
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and then we made our way back to the hotel stopping for a picture of the Kyoto Tower
as I took this photo of Suzanne
which came out better with flash
and then we got the reflection of the tower in the train station which looked every bit as good as the original
and saw a bit of the aqua fantasy show
before taking this self portrait of both of us
and then heading past Cafe Du Monde on our way back to call it a night.
Wednesday began with breakfast with these plates for Suzanne
including the usual French fries along with fish and salad
that she began to eat
and this was my plate
and my vegetable juice
and the packaged seaweed
before we went back for a second round
and bad tasting custard
with fruit
and rice with pickled plums
as I observed the buffet line
and took photos of Suzanne
and myself
before we began the day by walking past the Kyoto Tower
and over to the river
where we couldn't decide if these people were removing the debris or fishing but some might say there is no difference
as the train passed
and I recorded another license plate
and the sidewalk pattern
and the view down to the river
as Suzanne followed me
on our path to the shrine
and the store that had some Mickey Mouse things
before we reached the shrine Sanjûsan-gen Dô which was one of the more remarkable places we visited
but first I recorded the street sign
and the visiting hours
as we looked at the expanse of the building (there used to be an archery competition where arrows were fired the length of the building)
and then made our way in
through the visitor's entrance
as this group assembled
and we admired the doors before entering. This shrine was one of the most remarkable things we saw on our trip but unfortunately they would not allow any photographs of the 1000 statues each having 1000 arms (it takes some creative counting to get to the 1000 hands because you have to realize that one hand can do the work of 25, but the count of statues seems honest to me).
On exiting the museum, we explored the other buildings and the gardens where photography was allowed
and took a flower picture
which came into better focus
and then the berries
and another long building in the vermilion we'd come to love with pillars
and doors
as Suzanne posed
and then I noted that I couldn't photograph
but could take this photo of the next building
and this of the supported tree
not to mention the reflection in the pond
and the shrine
with the bell to ring
except that it wasn't permitted to ring it
and so we took a few more photos of the overall structure
and the Inari Shrine which was going to bring us good luck
as Suzanne emulated the prayer experience
at this shrine
and then I did the same
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to their exhibit of luck charms each with its own purpose
as you can see here.
ON our way back to the hotel, we passed this interesting sign at a storefront
and then a Japanese Circle K
and this man holding a menu
before we recorded this subway stop
and the man doing something in the river
as we passed another small shrine
by the first water we'd seen that had objects floating in it including this piece of fruit
and then after the gas station photos
and McDonald's photo
we were back at the station and ready to check out of our hotel.
Later, we came back to Track 4 to catch the 12:33 train to Tokyo
and watched a bullet train come in on the next track
as we lined up for our car
and noted what other trains were scheduled
as our train approached
and we boarded
with our snacks
and sandwiches
and the other snack
with our tickets visible for the conductor though we had to use them to get out of the station at Tokyo (except for my odd Kyoto experience where I essentially jumped the turnstile)
and so we proceeded until we got to Tokyo and the Hotel Villa Fontaine where we settled, had a little rest and then headed out to dinner taking photos of landmarks along the way so that we could find our way back
and so this was the first sign on the elevated walkway that took us more than half the way to the Ginza district
and these were the neighboring buildings
and the traffic scene of Tokyo on many levels since they need to build vertically here for both commercial venues and people's transit.
As we headed towards the Ginza, there was another obligatory phone booth picture
and these street scenes
before we saw these interesting windows and so did a bit of shopping.
Next, we landed in a tapas bar where this was the menu
as Suzanne had sangria
and I had a high ball
before we chose some foods
and so they took a photo of the two of us saying kanpai
as more food came
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and remarkable views of the city.
The next day began with breakfast at the hotel where this was my tray
before we were met by Dave Leheny who took us to his global seminar where we met Jeff Kingston
who became clear both in image and in voice as he delivered a excellent lecture. After the lecture and discussion, we headed off to an Indian restaurant with the students
and then all met at the subway station
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which is also the home of the Edo museum giving some of the history of Tokyo
and having an interesting design with spaceship like escalators
rising from this plaza
where the students assembled
which amused Suzanne
but before we left the plaza
we took a group picture with back lighting
and then we noted the city's history
and took some photos of the structures there
and the model of city buildings
and tapestries
and the building complex.
We also saw the residence of the daimyo where photography with flash was ok
and the parts of the Edo castle described
and then seen
along with this woman's planquin described
and seen as a way women moved through the streets.
There were other artifacts
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and then there was a hands on planquin for school girls to try out
before we came to the Kabuki theater
tools for extinguishing fires
and other objects
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including the big one
and then the bicycle where Dave joined his students
and the tricycle powered by the school girls
and the high bicycle.
But then it was time to go and so we reassembled and the school girls were preparing to take our picture but the lighting wasn't right and so we convinced them to join our group photo.
On the way to the subway, I did my suma pose
before we made our way to the disaster museum where students posed in the car
and then we were shown a video about the tsunami as well as having a hands on experience in heavy smoke and this simulation of an earthquake.
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to the Ginza district where I had this pizza with egg
and this group photo
was taken by the waiter who served us.
On Friday, I spent part of the day at the University of Tokyo visiting an giving a talk but when I returned we went to the Tsukiji fish market which was closed but these signs were left for us to admire
along with this set of rules
and we then walked across the bridge over the inlet pausing for Suzanne to pose
and into the Hama-rikyu gardens which were quite impressive
as we made our way past foliage
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and buds
with trees
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and this supported tree
before the statue of Mars
and then this cluster of trees against the very urban backdrop
and another reflecting pond
as well as unique downspouts
with individual cups
some beautiful reflections
and small flowers
with the city across the way
which seemed irrelevant to this crow
but as Suzanne posed
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We had a fairly unique dinner with Shel Garon at this robata yaki restaurant where the cook was on his knees next to us
with food in front of him
which he got as needed
and this was the menu for us
including some very nice asparagus
meats
and fishes
including the snapper Suzanne and Shel were to have
after our welcoming course
washed down with Asahi beer
as the meal began against a back drop of much enthusiasm from the wait staff and the cooks any time something happened (someone entered, something was ordered, ... )
and these were my mushrooms
and peppers
of two kinds
and tomatoes
with tiny cherry tomatoes
and then chicken for Suzanne and Shel
some edamame
and eggplant
chicken
and mushrooms
as snapper was appearing
and uniquely cooked on the grill
as more mushrooms arrived
together with the cooked snapper
as skewers were created
and we got to see the red snapper on hand
along with the menu
as progress was made on our snapper.
By this time, others had arrived which added to the excitement of the dinner. Here you see how food was served by extending a plank from the cook across the restaurant for you to take your dish.
Our food kept on coming
even as the snapper blurred
potatoes came
and it became time to mash the rice for dessert
and Suzanne was given a chance to do so to the cheers of the crowd
as was I
before I returned to our potatoes
and the rice which we had mashed.
Oddly the bathroom had a bowls of apples in addition to mouthwash.
We made our way from there to Roppongi Hills where we saw the spider sculpture
and the interesting architecture
before returning to the spider and calling it a night.
Saturday began with this breakfast for me
and Suzanne
and this sign in the elevator
which amused Suzanne
though this was the one I wanted (like us on facebook).
Masatoshi took us around the city this day and we began at a cruise ship location
where this photo was being taken
before we went to our boat location as Suzanne studied the schedule
and then posed with Masatoshi in front of the boat we wouldn't be taking
with this backdrop
and then we boarded our boat for Asakusa and observed this scenery along the way as we passed under many bridges
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and made our way past these possible desserts
towards the shrine at Asakusa
where crowds were gathering
as we approached the Kaminarimon Gate
with this large decoration
in front of which we posed
and proceeded
through the many street shops
past a variety of crackers
and a geisha sitting on a rooftop
towards the shrine
stopping to see these fruits which undoubtedly were the source of the vermilion for the temples and shrines we've seen
before I purchased a tweeting bird from this woman with Pikachu on it
though there were rules about what could be tried before buying.
The final shrine was the largest
and we posed in front of it
as the crowd was burning incense
and so Masatoshi gave instruction
and Suzanne lit her incense
sniffed it
added it to the flame
and inhaled the smoke
before we made our way to the core of the shrine
with pagoda on top
and golden interior
and remarkable painting on the ceiling
and many opportunities for fortunes.
We moved on to a less crowded neighborhood where I recorded this sign
as we crossed the outer moat that defined the city at one time
and now has railroad tracks below
at the Iidabashi station where we were also to have dinner
and we entered a noddle house
where tea and crackers were served
along with beer
and fish
as Masatoshi captured Suzanne and me
and I captured him
as my vegetarian (lotus) was served
along with edamame
and various condiments
that went with the noodles without
or with seaweed
and so this was the table at which we ate.
For the first time, I found collection signs in the bathroom
which are clearer here
along with the fresh flowers I'd come to expect.
Walking on through the shopping area, we came to the Dental location
and plants that yield the vermilion fruits
complete with the fruits
and then walked by a pachinko parlor
where there was lots of action
and went into this pastry shop where many options were offered
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We then went past a restaurant using real food for samples
and decided to beat the heat at a cafe with iced coffee
and espresso
green tea gelatto
and corn gelatto.
We paused at the shrine which was located where Meredith and Masutoshi's children had gone to kindergarten
and then stopped to visit Masutoshi's offices
where Suzanne played the visitor
and Masatoshi as the executive
posing in front of their sign and brick facade.
We walked down his street and Suzanne and I posed
before admiring these pieces of art and calling it a delightful afternoon. For some unknown reason, I forgot to take photos at our dinner that night with Masutoshi, Dave and Satsuki.
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Sunday was our last day in Tokyo and it was a hot day but we set off and admired the cows on top of this roof as we made our way to the train station
and then took the train to Takeshita-dori
which was a remarkable and crowded street to explore
with dog clothes
and fake money in Daisy's 105 yen store
along with all flavor of fireworks
before we came across the Harrad's knockoff
and this warning sign
as we continued down the crowded street
and saw interesting outfits for maids
when this man insisted on taking my photo and so I took his
as we passed this store
and Suzanne became enamored with stores that sold socks
as I looked down the street at where we had been
and what was to come
including these outfits
and then a crepe stand
before some more outfits came into view
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and eventually made our way back to Omote-sande where the architecture was interesting
as were the foods being offered at Wolfgang Pucks
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as Suzanne viewed the map
so that we could make our way to the Oriental Bazaar
where she made one final purchase
and we made our way down the street
past the fire hydrant
and this Armani sign for Jane's collection
and the local Gold's Gym
to the subway station
pausing for this photo of the smoking location
with its warnings
and on to the Ginza line to Suboya
once the train arrived.
While we were overwhelmed by the location, we did find our way to a noodle shop
where this was Suzanne's lunch
including this very interesting tempura
and my more basic lunch though I ate many of her noodles.
Next we were back to the train station
and on to Akibahra where this was the street scene
but we avoided the knife and weapon shop
though we did admire some of the food options nearby
and the vertical buildings with everything you'd ever want
including this fan that runs on usb power
and many stores like this
as the street was closed on Sunday to entice the crowds who were surely there
and this street scene
gave way to this pachinko parlor
with the day's magic numbers
as pachinko
and structures
and crowds defined the neighborhood
along with our good friend, the colonel.
I bought a pastry that came with these eating instructions
but the instructions from the person who sold it to me were fortunately more clear even though I violated them.
This locale (Yodobashi camera) represents ground zero of the area and although I took no photos inside, it was a remarkable experience.
Our time winding down, we went to a local place for sinner where this was Suzanne's last sushi
and my tofu dish
and the blueberry tofu cheesecake which gave a sweat send to a wonderful trip. Sayanora.
