Tuesday July 24

Tuesday July 24
Tokyo

This is the last day of our "magical mystery tour." Tomorrow, we take our flight home.

So Ms. Becker and I thought we had a good plan today. We headed to Dean and Deluca in Times Square before our morning tour of Tokyo to get a good and elicit us breakfast. Well "the great laid plans of mice and men." It was closed. We walked about a half hour to get there and now we had to get to our tour. Ugh.

Our tour was only about 3 hours. First, we went to the Tokyo TV Tower which was modeled after France's Eiffel tower. Funny, it is actually 9 meters taller than the Eiffel tower but it looks smaller. The reason is simple, because Tokyo's tower is dwarfed by other high rises. We went up to the observatory to see the panoramic views of the city.















Then we went to what I will call "the palace that cannot be seen", aka the emperor's palace. The tour said we were going to see it. But then the guide informed us that we are not allowed but could only see the walls, mote and tower - all the things meant to keep people like me out. This made Ms. Becker and I laugh. The tour bylines did not mention this. Oh well. This palace was built by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 and the shogun lived there until 1867 while the emperor lived in the imperial capital of Kyoto. The capital is always where the emperor lives. The emperor moved into the capital in 1867 and all emperors have lived there since, thus the capital is now in Tokyo.






Our final stop with the tour was at a temple to Buddha built in the 7th century (It was destroyed during air raids of WWII and has since been rebuilt). It is the oldest one in Tokyo.








The tour left us off on the electronic town called Akihabara. Not wanting to distance ourselves to far from our train and mode of transportation home we stayed near the station. This place was filled with tons of Animee stores. I got excited and dragged Ms. Bisconti around in search of memorabilia of the show Sailor Moon. To be honest, other than the title of the show and the fact that the main character has long blond hair, I don't know much about Sailor Moon. I do however have two friends from high school who loved the show, so I was hoping to find a cool gift to bring back from Japan. Mission not accomplished. We walked into a few stores, and lets just say they weren't exactly children based stores and walked out. I kept looking but no luck came my way. Sorry Amy and Kaitlin. I tried.







Then back to our hotel so that Ms. Becker could help me pack and make my bag lighter before we head home. I shopped way too much.

Hehe, we spent about an hour repacking Ms. Bisconti's bag and carry on. Neither one of us wants to have to pay extra in handling charges because our bag is too heavy, so that requires some organized packing on our parts. Let's just say our carry on will help build some arm muscle for both of us...


By the way that picture doesn't show all the stuff that was laying on my bed!



Tonight Ms. Becker and I went to an awesome restaurant! It was called "500 Yen" because that was how much everything cost there. It was all pizza, pasta and salad!! It was sooo good. I had a salad with this avocado and cream cheese that was incredible!



Then, I had spaghetti with tomatoes sauce and mozzarella, and it was awesome!!



The really cool thing is that the place was incredibly small with a super tiny kitchen and they had such great food! Ms. Becker and I wish we discovered it sooner.

That is the tiny kitchen where they make everything right in front of you. Okay and the guy on the right is the Johnny Depp of Japan for all you Johnny Depp fans out there:


We ended our last night in Tokyo wandering around one more time and grabbing some ice cream and macaroons! Tomorrow we begin the long journey home.


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Monday July 23

Monday July 23
Tokyo

It was a long day today and I have to admit that I was pretty crabby. We were headed to a full day tour of Hakone including Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. It started out poorly because Ms. Becker and I could not find a good breakfast place. I don't do well when I don't eat properly as my friends and family will attest.

We met our tour group bright and early, 7:45am, and the tour ended at 7pm. We were really annoyed when we found out that it did not drop us back at our starting point.

We had a long ride on a twisting winding road on a very foggy and cloudy day. I knew we were in trouble when the tour guide said " I asked Mount Fuji not to be shy today." Well shy was not the word for Fuji! She was a down right recluse and never showed her face or just about any part!! Poor Ms. Becker. I was already crabby because I had not eaten, then I bought some rice crackers to eat and they were super hot with some kind of spice, but I ate it anyway, and then felt sick and then I was really upset that we were not going to see the mountain. Plus, it was chilly out and I had shorts on and spaghetti straps. Oh my. Let's just say I was not pleasant to be around. Luckily, Ms. Becker said we should at least buy a picture of of the mountain.

Here are the "no Mount Fuji" shots:



Cute hiker:



Rice fields on the way to our destination:






Twenty minutes later we headed to the Hakone rope way, which is a cable car that goes up the side of a mountain looking over Lake Ashi. It was okay, again. The 7 minute ride provided views of the mountains but it was extremely cloudy and I was starving and having serious tummy trouble. Then we took a pirate boat cruise on Lake Ashi that was very peaceful and serene and I enjoyed it in spite of myself.












Tori gate at Lake Ashi:






My problem also with the day is that we spent soooo much time on the bus going to each place and then we really did not stay very long. I am still glad we went, it was not perfect (nor is anything ever) but we got to see more remote areas of Japan.

Then around 5:30 pm on the way to the train station, trouble hit. When I don't eat enough, I get really sick. I mean migraine, vomiting and hospital. Mr. Bisconti and my family have been there for that. It is not pretty. I knew I needed food and I needed it ASAP. I was just about ready to start asking random people when Ms. Becker woke out of her sleep. Luckily she found out we would be at the train station in 5 minutes. So I flew into a bakery to get a croissant (oh, sheer heaven) and Ms.Becker went to figure out where we were going. We lucked out because our train was leaving in 2 minutes and we ran and made it (Or I should say we were pretty sure it was the right train; we just jumped on and hoped). I felt so much better and less crabby at this point. We were able to figure out the subway and get back to Shinjuku section of Tokyo.






When we got off at our station, we noticed that this was where Tokyo Time Square is located and as such, this station had amazing stores. We both were feeling rejuvenated. As we walked out of the station I looked to my left. I squealed and stopped dead in my tracks and grabbed Ms. Becker's arm. "That is Laduree!" She looked at me clearly not understanding. "They are from Paris and they have THE most amazing French macaroons!" I said, dragging her into the store. She still did not understand. So I went to the counter, bought us each a chocolate one, shoved it in her hand and said, "Here we need this after this day. Wait until you taste this." I watched her put the cookie up to her mouth curiously and bite. Then I thoroughly enjoyed watching the transformation of her face and the twinkle in her eye as she tasted one of the most amazing chocolate treats you will ever eat. That made my day.








Here they are in all their glory:-)


We walked on and I told her I was treating her to dinner. We went to an Italian place called "Maguro 5" and had an incredible personal pizza and an awesome chicken Caesar salad. It's funny, there are pizza places and other western food everywhere. Our tour guide told us that the older Japanese generations still eat traditional food but that the younger ones are turning more and more to western food. That explains why there are so many Western style restaurants and why they are packed with twenty something's.

Ms. Becker and I left there and went back to Time square and walked around. Then we went back and I feel fast asleep. We were out from 7am until 10:30pm, we were beat.

There isn't really anything I can add that Ms. Bisconti didn't already write about. I will say that although Mt. Fuji never showed herself for our visit and most of the time was spent on the bus, there were really nice moments. At the top of the Hakone ropeway were some nice mountain views and I loved the boat ride. Anytime I have the opportunity to be near water and mountains, I am happy. (Me too, which is why Mr. Bisconti and I want to retire to Taormina in Sicily- mountains 3 km above sea level and the ocean. Heaven).

I can also attest to the fact that Ms. Bisconti was not in the best mood all day until she finally got some food in her system. Believe me we both had our days during this trip. I snapped a photo of her while she slept on the bus, and just so you know she said I should upload it.


Evidence of Ms. Bisconti's most peaceful moment during our tour.


Oh and one last thing. If you like chocolate you MUST try the macaroons from Laduree. Omg, I have no words. I hold Ms. Bisconti responsible for my newest addiction.



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Saturday July 21

Saturday July 21
Kyoto, Japan

It was a much needed lazy day in Kyoto! First we stopped at our favorite bakery. Then Ms. Becker and I headed out and got the bus to the Philosopher's Walk but we never got off. It started to pour so we stayed on the bus and went back.

Our bus stop:


We got some lunch and went back to the hotel. We ended up snoozing for a good part do the day! We really needed it! I was running out of steam and getting home sick.





But we woke up feeling refreshed and had some dinner. We walked around to check out the night life in Kyoto. We both really love this town. It has a real college town feel, lots of young students around. There are a lot of great shops, clubs and places to eat. Our favorite tonight was this massive Godiva shop! It was like a Cathedral of chocolate!! It was huge and all lit up. That is one thing I have to say about Japan, there are plenty of sweet shops, ice cream places and chocolate shops (much more than China). Anyway, this Godiva had an amazing Belgium chocolate ice cream in a cone, with chocolate syrup and a piece of chocolate for decoration. That was it! I broke down, I had to have ice cream! Let's just say I have been avoiding all that stuff because I generally have tummy troubles. But the sight if that come was way to much for a chocoholic to turn down. And for the record, it was delicious! Ms. Becker and I both had one and you can see how happy we are. (I blame myself for Ms. Bisconti's need for ice cream. I saw the the Godiva store, and I've teased Ms. Bisconti with my own ice cream over the last three weeks she just couldn't take it anymore. Oops.)



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Two serious cheese smiles:


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Friday July 20

Friday July 20
Kyoto, Japan

We had another great day, but much more relaxing! First we stopped at our favorite bakery and then on to Starbuck's. Then we went to the train station and headed out to Nara. This was the capital of Japan before Kyoto and was the eastern most point on the Silk Road. It was very easy to figure out the train. The system is so awesome here that even we can get from point A to point B. Not to mention that people here are very eager to help.

It only took about 45 minutes to reach Nara. Then we hopped on a bus and we were at the Nara Park in 5 minutes. Ms. Becker and I are sooo proud of ourselves. It is such a sense of freedom and independence to just wing it. We really had no idea how all these things work, which can be a bit intimidating anywhere and especially when everything is in a completely different language. Yet together we have been getting where we want to go and doing what we want to do.

The first thing we experienced when got there were the deer. There are TAME deer everywhere ( they are known for this and the temples in Nara). As soon as we walked into the park a deer walked right up to us and we got to pet him. It was a bit disconcerting at first but exciting. Everywhere you look vendors are selling food to feed the deer, so we immediately bought some. Ms. Becker walked across the way to the park area to feed them so I could take pictures. Obviously not ready to feed the deer yet, I put the crackers into the pocket of my bag. Before I knew it, there was a paparazzi of deer around Ms. Becker and I was snapping away with my camera. Next thing I know I feel something going in my bag!! It was a deer, and he had his snout in my bag! Then he started biting, yes biting, my hip because he wanted the food! I was hysterical laughing but a bit freaked out. It reminds me of my cat who will make tiny little nips at my arm when he wants to be loved. But he was no kitty!

While Ms. Bisconti and I made our way from the bus to the park I immediately noticed all the deer wandering around. I got all giddy and excited like a little kid seeing something for the first time. It was awesome. I kept thinking my nephew would love this! As I crossed the street and made my way into the park, the deer began to come up to us hopeful we had food. I'll tell you what, it's definitely exciting but also a little nerve wracking to see the male deer with their huge antlers coming toward you.

There was a stall right next to us selling deer food, as Ms. Bisconti said. While we stood their snapping pictures in an excited frenzy, the deer food merchants began to swat away the deer and bang a loud stick to try and move them off to the grass. I got a little upset. Well little did I know those deer can be feisty little stinkers. After purchasing my deer food I slowly started walking to the park area. This slow walk became a brisk jog as the deer, who are not that much shorter than me really, started to crowd me. They wanted their food! One started to chew on my skirt while another bit my butt! I was apparently taking too long to toss out the food. I needed to get to higher ground. I made a run for the benches located across the way. Feeling slightly taller and a bit more intimidating, I tossed out the food from my new location. I couldn't stop laughing as the deer kept munching on my skirt and crowding my bench!


Biting Ms. Becker! That is just sketchy!


I took this picture because it reminds me of our cat, Cimba:



I don't have anymore guys!!!







Baby Bambi!!!






We then headed through the park to see the Todegji temple! It was really beautiful. Inside is a massive Buddha and several other figures.








Our favorite were some of the scarier ones that I was thinking of putting in my classroom in full scale size as a reminder to do your homework! Ha!



We also like the one outside. The Japanese are very superstitious and have all kinds of good luck charms and images to help with a variety of troubles. There was one sitting on a chair. You are supposed to rub a part of this statue's body and the corresponding part of your body to help ease any illness or pain in the area. Well, I really wanted to rub his head and tummy as those are my issues, but he was up too high. I did contemplate climbing up the statue it for a moment, but you all know me and climbing onto a high space...well, we know it would have been ugly. Oh, well. Ms. Becker suggested I take a picture and give it a try that way. We'll see.



We walked around a bit more and then decided to head back. We were both looking forward to our massages and dinner.

Right before our massage:



Okay, so they brought this to us right before we went in. They said something to us in Japanese that we did not understand (our fault, we should have learned more before leaving) and neither one of us have ever had a massage, so we had no clue. So what did we do? We just laughed and laughed because we did not know if it was a drink or something to put on before our treatment. Oops! Well it was tea. Embarrassing.


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Thursday July 19

Thursday July 19
Kyoto

Today was a very hot and hectic day. Ms. Becker and I went on an historic one day tour of the major sights of Kyoto. We saw 6 major sights in really unbearably humid heat. It was still a good day.

Our first stop was Nijo Castle. The castle was originally built in 1603 and completed in 1626. It was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. It is considered an excellent example of Edo period building design and paintings. The Tokugawa were responsible for unifying Japan after a long period of division. The castle was built as a show of their power. During this period, the shogun was really the one who held power and the emperor was really a figure head. Like the major domo in Europe, the shoguns held the political and military power. In fact, this castle, unlike others, was not built for fighting but was built to keep an eye on the emperor. This all takes place during Japan's feudal period. Remember we compared that to European feudalism.



The place is really beautiful. The castle is all made of wood and is a huge complex of rooms for many different purposes and for each person's differing status. One of the things I loved was the "nightingale floor." The floor actually makes squeaking noises like nightingales as a warning to invaders. It was really wild. There were lots of incredible paintings inside as well but we were only allowed to take pictures outside.















Then off to the Golden Pavillion. This place is called a sheriden meaning that it is a hall of relics of the Buddha. At one point it was also used as a guest house. Now it has been converted to a temple. It is, like many of the sights we saw today, surrounded by breath taking gardens of bonsai trees, water, rocks and bridges. What a serene place. It's out in the middle of the water and I can imagine myself relaxing there and reading.












Our third stop before lunch was the Imperial Palace. Ms. Becker and I were starving and sweating like crazy at this point. Okay, so this place was enormous! It is a total of about 27 acres!! In 784, the capital of Japan was moved from Nara (we are headed there tomorrow) to Kyoto and it remained there for over 1000 years until it was moved to its present location in Tokyo. The move marked the beginning of the Heian period where we get the great literary work of the "Tale of Genji" by Lady Murasaki. The city of Kyoto is considered the "heart of Japan" since the capital enjoyed such a long history here. Unfortunately, the palace was often destroyed by fire and was rebuilt several times, so I am not sure what is original if any. But it had some amazing paintings inside and awesome gardens.




























During all this we had a real character of a tour guide. For those of us older folk who have seen the show "Taxi, " our tour guide was like Laka on red bull!!! He even said "thank you very much" in the same way about a million times. Ms. Becker and I were dying! Too funny. That was the extent of our morning tour, then it was off to lunch with our group and some shopping. Good bye Laka and thank you very much:-)

In the afternoon, we had three more stops and a new tour guide! Ms. Becker and I were totally exhausted and drenched in sweat at this point. Our first stop was the Heian shrine, built to honor the 1200 anniversary of the period. It was beautiful and a bright orange color but recently built. The garden areas here as you will see are spectacular. I could have stayed there all day!

("This was by far my favorite place we visited. I got to sit on the bridge and feed the fish."- Ms. Becker)


































What is neat is that each shrine has a place to buy good luck charms. At one I purchased a good luck driving and traffic safety for my nieces, one has been having some issues lately. Then I purchased two for myself that is supposed to help with headaches. Anyone that knows me would not be surprised that I got two.

Heck, I was ready to buy up the whole box ! It's neat though, they have a good luck charm for everything: studying, for exams, for health, love, etc

Next we went to the Sanjusangen-do temple. It has a thousand sculptures of Kannon or gods of mercy. It is a rather strange sight to see all of these in this dark space. This wooden structure was built in 1164 and is the longest wood structure in the world (that is a shout out to Andrew, Tim and Adam from out tour group, they will know why). There is one main Kannon that has 1000 arms (symbolically). It also has images of 10 other heads upon its head. Ms. Becker and I could not take pictures here.

But for 100 yen you could try your luck at a fortune grab basket. Ms. Bisconti was smart to not test her luck but I just had to know. Thankfully my fortune was "good", solidly in the middle of best fortune and incredibly bad luck. Here are a few highlights from my fortune:
1. Stress will effect my health (I already knew that one)
2. Journey is agreeable (I was glad to hear that because we have 6 more days wandering around this awesome country.)
3. My soulmate will be late (bummer)
4. My lost item will be found later (I didn't even realize I was missing something. Now I need to figure out what it is.)

Finally, Ms Becker and I were at our last stop, which was up a huge incline and lots of stairs. I just wanted to cry at this point. This was the Kiyomizi temple. Once at the top it provided some spectacular views of Kyoto. We looked around, snapped some photos and headed back .

Ms. Bisconti and I also briefly visited the Jishu shrine where the god of love lives aka "the Cupid of Japan". You could purchase all sorts of charms to have a better chance at love or ensure a good marriage. Young girls and boys were running around and one group in particular were giggling while ringing a bell that must have something to do with finding true love. It was quite sweet.

























At this point, Ms. Becker and I were starving. Happy to say we found a Burger King. Now I don't really eat fast food at home, but I am really missing home right now and that whopper jr., fries and soda tasted like the best thing I ever ate. So much so that Ms.Becker hardly sat down and I finished my meal with a huge grin. This is why my family used to call me the human vacuum and many family members are known to grab their food when they see me coming! Anyway, I must confess. It was so good and I was so hungry and homesick that I got up and ordered another full round. The guy behind the counter laughed. I sat down and this time savored every bite:-)



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