Coming and Going

It had been two years since Jan had been to Japan and with her last visit here to see me, I am surprised she had another go at it.  But I think it payed off in the long run.  During this visit she I actually had days off so I could spend time with her, so as not leaving her alone to fend for herself.  Also, I am not living in Miyagi anymore, and there is significantly more to do in Tokyo than there was in and around the remote bath house I was living in the last time she came to the land of the rising sun.

We got to see and do some touristy things that I never do and had never done.  For example, this giant pole, erected over the course of the past three years or so, but only recently finished, is known as the Tokyo Sky Tree and is the second tallest structure in the world, I think.  We went to it and saw it, walked around it, ate at the McDonalds at the base of it, and decided not to stand in line for 2 hours to pay to go up in it.  

We had some hot tea at the Canal Cafe by the river and enjoyed the chilly autumn weather.

Luckily, there was a dancing contest going on near my apartment the day after Jan arrived and we got to see all sorts of dancers competing all over the streets.

Jan wanted to see some sumo wrestling so we woke up bright and early to go to the nearest sumo practice spot, where they were going at it.  It is funny to watch, but they take it very seriously!

Here is Jan enjoying Shibuya's famous scramble crossing, the busiest crosswalk in the world!! 

Here is Jan not quite enjoying or knowing what to do with green tea ice cream.  At least you can say you tried it!

Jan and myself at the Sensoji temple on a perfectly crisp day to visit this famous tourist spot.  Bye now!

Well, Jan came and went and it is back to school for me!  And time for report cards and fake smiles because I have to have my picture taken with all of my students!