Sheila asked what was for breakfast. Well, today breakfast was whatever we could identify at the little grocery store down the street from our hotel: Choco Pie, Yogurt, and pineapple chunks. We were smart enough last night to think ahead and buy something to have for the morning since we were meeting up with the tour at 7:45 a.m. Greg is a big fan of choco pie!
Yesterday, we slept so late we skipped breakfast and went straight for lunch at McDonald's. The day before that we had an expensive buffet Western-style breakfast at the hotel. From what I've heard about a traditional Japanese breakfast, I doubt we'll be trying that: raw egg over rice, fish, and I don't need to know what else!
Today was the Kamakura tour. Kamakura is about a 45 minute train ride south of Tokyo.
There were 2 stops on the tour.first stop was to the Hase-dera Buddhist temple in Hase (pronounced Ha-say). From there we walked to Kotokuin Temple (otherwise known as the Giant Buddha). After that, we had a traditional Japanese lunch, which included some kind of broth soup with lots of vegetables and some other unidentifiable things floating it, rice, and a few little bowls of various other unidentifiable, but tasty things. I asked for a vegetarian version, and I think that's what I got. Greg had what he thinks was chicken, but it was slathered in onions, so he didn't eat it. He later got ice cream. I hate to sound like such an idiot about the food here, but it really is something to see. When you've been walking around all day and you're starving, you just don't feel too experimental.
The next stop on the tour was to Kamakura, where we saw the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shinto Shrine and walked along the Wakamiya-oji Street, which was lined with cherry blossom trees that were a week or 2 away from blooming.
There was lots of walking today and we're exhausted. We tried to end the day at a nice, relaxing Onsen (hot spring bath) but the place was closed. We ate Indian food again for dinner because it was the only restaurant we could find where we understood the menu besides Wendy's.
So, now we're back at the hotel, pooped. I'm trying to write this and watch the game at the same time. Greg is studying the back of his eyelids. I was out cold 2 seconds after we got back to the room, but somehow I managed to wake up and see how Dice-K was doing during his return to the Tokyo Dome. I'll post a few more pictures and I've got to go watch the rest of the game. Its tied 4-4 in the 9th right now.
Tomorrow we're supposed to meet Rui at the Tokyo Tower. He's supposed to show us around and then we'll go to game 2 at the Tokyo Dome.
The pictures:
Fish, our tour guide, shows us the entrance to Hase-dera Temple.
The Buddha inside the Hase-dera Temple.
One cherry blossom tree at the temple was almost in full bloom.
Lunch.
The Giant Buddha really is giant!
Us with the Giant Buddha.
Now the game is tied in the 10th inning. I know in Japan they play until 12 innings and they stop if its a tie. I dont' think that'll fly for an MLB game. Geez, I hope I can stay awake long enough to see what happens!
Yesterday, we slept so late we skipped breakfast and went straight for lunch at McDonald's. The day before that we had an expensive buffet Western-style breakfast at the hotel. From what I've heard about a traditional Japanese breakfast, I doubt we'll be trying that: raw egg over rice, fish, and I don't need to know what else!Today was the Kamakura tour. Kamakura is about a 45 minute train ride south of Tokyo.
There were 2 stops on the tour.first stop was to the Hase-dera Buddhist temple in Hase (pronounced Ha-say). From there we walked to Kotokuin Temple (otherwise known as the Giant Buddha). After that, we had a traditional Japanese lunch, which included some kind of broth soup with lots of vegetables and some other unidentifiable things floating it, rice, and a few little bowls of various other unidentifiable, but tasty things. I asked for a vegetarian version, and I think that's what I got. Greg had what he thinks was chicken, but it was slathered in onions, so he didn't eat it. He later got ice cream. I hate to sound like such an idiot about the food here, but it really is something to see. When you've been walking around all day and you're starving, you just don't feel too experimental.
The next stop on the tour was to Kamakura, where we saw the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shinto Shrine and walked along the Wakamiya-oji Street, which was lined with cherry blossom trees that were a week or 2 away from blooming.
There was lots of walking today and we're exhausted. We tried to end the day at a nice, relaxing Onsen (hot spring bath) but the place was closed. We ate Indian food again for dinner because it was the only restaurant we could find where we understood the menu besides Wendy's.
So, now we're back at the hotel, pooped. I'm trying to write this and watch the game at the same time. Greg is studying the back of his eyelids. I was out cold 2 seconds after we got back to the room, but somehow I managed to wake up and see how Dice-K was doing during his return to the Tokyo Dome. I'll post a few more pictures and I've got to go watch the rest of the game. Its tied 4-4 in the 9th right now.
Tomorrow we're supposed to meet Rui at the Tokyo Tower. He's supposed to show us around and then we'll go to game 2 at the Tokyo Dome.
The pictures:
Fish, our tour guide, shows us the entrance to Hase-dera Temple.
The Buddha inside the Hase-dera Temple.
One cherry blossom tree at the temple was almost in full bloom.
Lunch.
The Giant Buddha really is giant!
Us with the Giant Buddha.
Now the game is tied in the 10th inning. I know in Japan they play until 12 innings and they stop if its a tie. I dont' think that'll fly for an MLB game. Geez, I hope I can stay awake long enough to see what happens!
8 comments:
Deeniesan
I read every word of your blog and still can't get enough. Love to hear more about the Shinto shrines, the Buddhas, etc.
By the way, ell spleen with squid eye is MUCH better than it sounds.
Weyermann
PS- Forget about the sword thing
I must say, I think I'd stick to the McDonalds and Wendys!!! Patty
Ginza flagship store opening -SWAROVSKI
Visit the new flagship store in Tokyo!
Highly visible, more than a thousand Swarovski boutiques and concessions are located in all major fashion capitals around the world. Now, Swarovski will be opening a new flagship store in Tokyo’s renowned Ginza district on Saturday, March 29, 2008. It will showcase the entire Daniel Swarovski Couture Line and the jewellery and accessories from the Swarovski fashion collection.
Three exclusive Ginza limited edition pieces will be available at this particular flagship store: the Black Elvis Pendant, the Signature Necklace and the Signature Power Evening Bag.
Modelled on the flagship store, all of the other Swarovski boutiques will be refurbished from 2008 according to the new architectural concept. These new design concepts have resulted from the collaboration between Swarovski and the famous Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka.
Inside the Ginza boutique the “Crystal Forest” comes to life. All of the walls are textured with reflective white relief prisms of various lengths. These faceted, multi-layered elements create visual depth and exude an internal rhythm. For this one-of-a-kind boutique, named Swarovski Ginza, the conventions of design are challenged by bringing the “inside to the outside”. An experience to embrace when in Tokyo!
March 2008
Great job blogging, Denise! We miss you. Make sure you have a safe journey back.
denise!
love the blog -- great job and gorgeous pix!
one question: if a blog item is posted at 10:30 p.m. is that your time or the time we're seeing it here?
also, here's a direct link for your Q&A with Rui -- it's been moving around and people might want to get to it directly.
http://www.projo.com/redsox/flash/2008_season/japanquestions/
can't wait to read more & travel safe!
- maria caporizzo
Denise, great pix and what a great event to be at today. We got up as usual but it was fun to watch baseball so early in the day instead of those god awful post-season games that start so late at night...can't wait to read more. Mary
Oops -- maria's URL to your Q&A with Rui cut off. I'll try it in html, see if the link will take:
Q&A with Rui
myHi I'm enjoying this blog sooooo much The pictures are great and I have to laugh at your food experiences. I have to admit some of it sounds strange even to me. I give Greg credit for attempting to try some of it.We had chocolate cream pie for Easter-I gave the rest to John. You guys look great in the picture. Hope you get to see a good game tomorrow. Ma.
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