Visitor from Indy

We've been quite busy for the last 10 days or so. The boy had a visit from a good friend back home and we tried to show him as much of Japan as we could squeeze in. He was a real trooper. We had him hike 2km up a mountain, do numerous urban hikes, climbed 6 flights of tiny stairs in a castle, explored 2 different zoos, and a variety of shrines and temples. He tried all sorts of strange foods, some he liked-some he didn't. He mastered train riding and even learned some Japanese words which he was able to use with the locals. He got on a plane headed home this morning and I was sad to see him go. It was a good visit. I'm going to put up a few photos of some of our adventures.

Two Days in Tokyo

We went to Tokyo this past week-end to say farewell to friends who will soon return to the US. It was cold and rainy the first day but we had a great time exploring a famous shopping street, visiting with our friends and trying new foods.

We were able to visit the famous statue of Hatchiko, the dog who waited at the train station everyday for his master to return home from work. The man had died while at work one day and the poor dog waited for him every day until his own death years later. You know I'm a sucker for a sad dog story!

We also visited a temple with this memorial to all the babies and young children who died too young. People dress them and leave small toys and drinks for them. One photo at night, the next during the sunny day that followed. We also went up the Tokyo Tower and I have included a photo of Tokyo from above.