Number Ni and a Number Roku

Posted at 9:24 pm by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

Because we are cultural explorers (and not because we were hankering for fries), we checked out the McMenu for some local flavor. I ordered the shrimp sandwich (McEbi) and Andrea ordered the teriyaki burger. My sandwich was actually quite tasty. It had real bits of shrimp, so it had to be good. On the other hand, Andrea’s sandwich was a sausage patty slathered in teriyaki sauce — a burger imposter!

One thing of note: the fries here are just as addictive as back home.

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Buddha Says Patrick is Doomed

Posted at 8:00 pm by Andrea under Tokyo Summer Vacation

At Senjo-Ji Temple, we discovered the quirky buddhist tradition of self-serve fortune telling (”omikuji”). After watching a few experts we decided to try. First you shake a metal container and allow one stick to fall out. The stick has a Japanese character on it. Then you match the character on the stick with the wooden drawer that contains your fortune. You then pull out the fortune, read it and then tie it to the metal rods so that your wish/fortune can be carried away into the wind.

The result: I will experience great fortune, health, and wealth — while Patrick…well, I wish I could say the same. Here’s a quote: “Although you are in a hurry, there will be no boat to cross the river. If you dare to sail, the boat will be swallowed by high waves. You can’t go ahead, and should go back to your homeland.” This is just an excerpt, but you get the idea.

It’s just like the Tiki statue Greg Brady found in Hawaii! I hope we don’t mash a flip flop in the suitcase, and then get accosted by Vincent Price in some dark cave!

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We Were Real Live Americans!

Posted at 7:13 pm by Andrea under Tokyo Summer Vacation

Just before arriving to the Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple, were were approached by a gaggle of giggling Japanese 14 year olds. As a part of some school scavenger hunt, they had to find some English speakers to ask several questions (How long have you been here? What’s your favorite Japanese food? etc.) They seemed delighted with every answer we gave: “Yakitori” we said. “He he he yakitori he he he” they said. Then Patrick gave them a business card. You would have thought it was a $100 dollar bill. Wow what a prize! We felt kinda special.

(I should explain that it is Japanese custom to throw up the peace sign for every photo. I think this started after WWII.)

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Potty Problems

Posted at 7:01 pm by Andrea under Tokyo Summer Vacation

Despite the inappropriate nature of a post like this, Japanese toilets simply must be documented. The Western style commodes I experienced in the airport and hotel were familiar, yet fancy. They were the sit-down style I was used to — except they had extra FEATURES! Do toilets need electronic features? In various western toilets I’ve experienced (yes tried, in the name of cultural anthropology) the bidet feature, the “spray” feature, the toilet flush noise feature, the blow dry feature, the heated seat feature, and the variable dial water pressure feature. How much fun could it be, going to the bathroom. I have to admit I let out a couple of audible yelps on a couple of these.

Ok, now enter the traditional Japanese toilet pictured above. In most bigger establishments you have the choice of traditional or western, thus I was able to avoid the traditional joint for most of the trip . . . . until yesterday. We were at a little pub called Mickey House talking to some of the locals. They had ONE unisex toilet — a traditional model. So I had to use it (and under the influence of at least 2 beers). As you can see, it’s basically a toilet on the floor that you have to squat over. Closest comparison — an emergency trip to the woods. I don’t wanna talk about it.

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Gratuitous beer picture: Lion Beer Hall

Posted at 5:29 am by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

Yebisu dark lager in a train-station-based faux German gasthäus. Andrea’s dinner tasted worse than some Lean Cuisines she’s had (bad order on her part). Blisters are forming on all four feet from too much clomping around in flip-flops.

Man, life doesn’t get much better than this!

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