Two Japans

We're back in Paris. Eleven hours of naps, movies, and mediocre meals and we were back in France, buying warm baguette from the bakery and doing laundry. Do we really have to go back to work already?

I have literally just filled up the hard drive on my computer with all the photos from the trip, but for now, here are just two. We left Steve, Yoshimi and Karina in Izumo on Saturday morning, and landed two hours later in Tokyo. It felt pretty much like we'd arrived in another country.


Goodbye rice fields


Hello craziness~the famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, where you can cross in any direction, including diagonally.

Anyway, we had a great day in Tokyo with Pete, and by the time we rolled out of Ueno station on Sunday morning bound for Narita, we felt like we'd certainly made the most of our time in Japan. It's never long enough....

One day in Tokyo

Our time was very limited in Tokyo on our last day, but Pete had prepared a full agenda.

It started with a barbeque at the Canadian Embassy. Perhaps not the most Japanese thing to do, but we'd had our fill of fish by this point, and who can say no to Alberta beef and Canadian beer in the gardens of the Ambassador's Residence?



It's been awhile since I last had a steak so large. Or so good! It certainly put puny French steaks to shame.



And of course more karaoke...



...and then drinks at some foreigner bar in Roppongi. By this point we were trying to decide if it would be wise to just stay up until we got on our plane, in an effort to fight jet lag. Luckily Erik had the sense to get us in a cab so we could have at least a couple of hours of sleep. Well, either sense, or the fact that he lost a contact lens and couldn't see anymore. In any case, it was a fun night.

Best Meal Ever!

Here's the photo recap of the meal that we had at the Osawa's. A visit to Shimane is not complete without a stop at this restaurant, and we've been lucky to have come each time we've visited Steve.

Entrees


Sushi and Sashimi were waiting on each table, and stayed the entire meal. These were platters for four people.





Sake was served in wooden boxes, and was exceptionally delicious.


Tempura--my favorite dish


Salt baked fish


A special fish that is native to Shimane


Fish head with fish liver


A sort of pot pie with fish soup inside


Dessert--bean paste filled with red beans.


Howard and Mr. Osawa


Breakfast the next day

Happily Married!

Shrine ceremony









Ring ceremony and reception






The celebration continued the next day with dinner and a stay at the Osawa's restaurant and ryokan



Joan and Karina practice bowing


Yesterday Karina, Yoshimi, Joyce and I did some shopping in the town of Omori, near the Iwami silver mine. Then we celebrated Joan's birthday with a delicious dinner at an Italian restaurant in the same town. We said goodbye to Walter, Joyce, Joan and Howard this morning, and I went for a much needed run along the water. It's been really windy lately, and the waves were crashing up against the road. I love the smell! Steve and Yoshimi's town is really charming, and after four days of solid eating and sitting the exercise was welcome. Today we're taking the day 'off', but we do have some fun things planned for the week ahead.

Technical Difficulties....

Pictures are forthcoming, please stay tuned.

The wedding was great, Yoshimi was beautiful and Erik and Steve looked fantastic in their 'costumes'. We have been enjoying Japan intensely for the past couple of days. It's great to be back!

Konnichiwa!

In case you were wondering, we have safely arrived here in Japan, after a pleasant surprise upgrade to Premium Economy on our long haul, and the usual Japanese efficiency that got us from one airport to the next, and then safely into Izumo.

The weather was tropical today, and it's been so great to see everyone. Hard to imagine that tomorrow is the big day!!


Steve and Yoshimi picked us up from the airport with sushi. Oishii!!


Karina tries out the massage chair


The view from Steve and Yoshimi's living room


Bento delivery to the lookout near Steve and Yoshimi's house


Looking out


View of the beach near their house


Itadekimasu!




The pre-wedding BBQ





And, check out this link. We were famous today!