November 2012 - Guest Blogger: Uncle Scott
It's an honor to be the first visitor to Kevin, Stephanie, Ethan, and Ryan's new home in Japan. After a treacherous 14 hours of travel carrying over 50 lbs. of miscellaneous items on top of my own luggage (note from us; thank you, Uncle Scott, we will think of you every time we eat a granola bar), I arrived to a place where everyone looked like a relative. My first day started with a boat ride on the Sumida River...
We arrived to the area of Asakusa where we saw the Buddist temple, Senso-ji and a magnificent 5 story pagoda.
There was also a wonderful koi pond and many other shrines and monuments.
We continued our journey to the Drum Museum where there was a lot of "Sumimasen" said, because it was an interactive museum in which Ethan and Ryan took full advantage.
We also searched out the wholesale area where they make the "fake" food seen in food displays at all the restaurants. Needless to say, that stuff is way more expensive than you would expect.
As our afternoon came to an end, we got an up close look at the Tokyo Sky Tree.
After a long day, we finished up with a pleasant "pork katsu" dinner.
The second day was an early rise. The plan was to head down to Tsukiji fish market to see the tuna auction. We left at 4:30am and it was still not early enough to make the limited number of spots. Good luck to the future visitors because the wake-up call will be 3:30am for you.
But all was not lost, as we enjoyed some fresh sushi for breakfast and explored the workings of the very busy fish market. In one of the local market stalls, we also managed to catch a glimpse of the preparation of a $2000 tuna bought at the auction that same morning.
The rest of my second day was a little more relaxed, as naps were in order due to our very early rise. We bicycled (maybe as dangerous as lane splitting down the freeway on a motorcycle) down to get lunch and enjoyed the very tasty "kakigori"- Japanese shaved ice.
The second day ended with "suki yaki" made by Kevin. I have to admit, his culinary skills are impressive.
My third day was more relaxed as Ethan went to school. Stephanie and Ryan accompanied me to the earthquake museum followed by several stops to find "omiyage," gifts. Note from Ryan: At the Earthquake museum, I got lost in a maze that had lots and lots and lots of smoke. And Mommy found me and then we found the door and we got out. (Ed note. it's a simulation exercise to practice escaping from a smoky room, as fire is one of the major problems following an earthquake)
That evening, we went to Shibuya, which is the center of night-life in Tokyo. It was incredible. We ate at the most high-tech and efficient sushi restaurant. Everything was computerized and ordered by touch screen. Each dish was whisked to you by conveyor belt.
Colder weather and rain were a slight inconvenience on my fourth day; however, I did have the opportunity to watch Ethan's 1st Japanese school play. I may not have understood any of the story, but it was entertaining. Ethan pulled off his single line with "gusto." Note from Ethan: During my play, I think I might have talked a little too loud, but other than that, it was fine.
On Sunday and Monday, we travelled up to Nikko where we visited several shrines and temples on the first day and enjoyed the autumn colors in the mountains. We ended the day with a relaxing stop at an "onsen," a Japanese tradition of public baths / hot springs. The second day was spent at Edo Wonderland, which recreates a much earlier time in Japan. We all had a great time throwing ninja stars, shooting arrows, traversing a large ninja maze, and enjoying many of the shows.
Note from Stephanie: Ethan and Ryan were especially excited by all the Ninjas running around... they both ended up with 2 Ninja swords and a Ninja headband. This may be a recipe for disaster, but they will have fun doing it.
Note from Ryan: When I threw the ninja stars, I hit 5 out of 5, so I got a sword. Annnddd... opa ninja style, opa ninja style, and that's all.
Note from Ethan: My favorite part with Uncle Scott was when we both helped each other find our way through the maze because we were a team. It was really hard and there were tricky trap doors that we had to figure out.
It is my final night here in Japan and it has gone by too fast. I will have to make another visit soon to continue the adventure.....
Note from Ethan: Uncle Scott was a lot of fun, but he made me clean up even though he's not the parent.
*********************************************************************************
Dear Uncle Scott - Here's a little slideshow to capture some more pics of your visit (the boys chose the music)! Please come again soon.
It's an honor to be the first visitor to Kevin, Stephanie, Ethan, and Ryan's new home in Japan. After a treacherous 14 hours of travel carrying over 50 lbs. of miscellaneous items on top of my own luggage (note from us; thank you, Uncle Scott, we will think of you every time we eat a granola bar), I arrived to a place where everyone looked like a relative. My first day started with a boat ride on the Sumida River...
We arrived to the area of Asakusa where we saw the Buddist temple, Senso-ji and a magnificent 5 story pagoda.
There was also a wonderful koi pond and many other shrines and monuments.
We continued our journey to the Drum Museum where there was a lot of "Sumimasen" said, because it was an interactive museum in which Ethan and Ryan took full advantage.
We also searched out the wholesale area where they make the "fake" food seen in food displays at all the restaurants. Needless to say, that stuff is way more expensive than you would expect.
As our afternoon came to an end, we got an up close look at the Tokyo Sky Tree.
After a long day, we finished up with a pleasant "pork katsu" dinner.
The second day was an early rise. The plan was to head down to Tsukiji fish market to see the tuna auction. We left at 4:30am and it was still not early enough to make the limited number of spots. Good luck to the future visitors because the wake-up call will be 3:30am for you.
But all was not lost, as we enjoyed some fresh sushi for breakfast and explored the workings of the very busy fish market. In one of the local market stalls, we also managed to catch a glimpse of the preparation of a $2000 tuna bought at the auction that same morning.
The rest of my second day was a little more relaxed, as naps were in order due to our very early rise. We bicycled (maybe as dangerous as lane splitting down the freeway on a motorcycle) down to get lunch and enjoyed the very tasty "kakigori"- Japanese shaved ice.
The second day ended with "suki yaki" made by Kevin. I have to admit, his culinary skills are impressive.
My third day was more relaxed as Ethan went to school. Stephanie and Ryan accompanied me to the earthquake museum followed by several stops to find "omiyage," gifts. Note from Ryan: At the Earthquake museum, I got lost in a maze that had lots and lots and lots of smoke. And Mommy found me and then we found the door and we got out. (Ed note. it's a simulation exercise to practice escaping from a smoky room, as fire is one of the major problems following an earthquake)
That evening, we went to Shibuya, which is the center of night-life in Tokyo. It was incredible. We ate at the most high-tech and efficient sushi restaurant. Everything was computerized and ordered by touch screen. Each dish was whisked to you by conveyor belt.
Colder weather and rain were a slight inconvenience on my fourth day; however, I did have the opportunity to watch Ethan's 1st Japanese school play. I may not have understood any of the story, but it was entertaining. Ethan pulled off his single line with "gusto." Note from Ethan: During my play, I think I might have talked a little too loud, but other than that, it was fine.
On Sunday and Monday, we travelled up to Nikko where we visited several shrines and temples on the first day and enjoyed the autumn colors in the mountains. We ended the day with a relaxing stop at an "onsen," a Japanese tradition of public baths / hot springs. The second day was spent at Edo Wonderland, which recreates a much earlier time in Japan. We all had a great time throwing ninja stars, shooting arrows, traversing a large ninja maze, and enjoying many of the shows.
Note from Stephanie: Ethan and Ryan were especially excited by all the Ninjas running around... they both ended up with 2 Ninja swords and a Ninja headband. This may be a recipe for disaster, but they will have fun doing it.
Note from Ryan: When I threw the ninja stars, I hit 5 out of 5, so I got a sword. Annnddd... opa ninja style, opa ninja style, and that's all.
Note from Ethan: My favorite part with Uncle Scott was when we both helped each other find our way through the maze because we were a team. It was really hard and there were tricky trap doors that we had to figure out.
It is my final night here in Japan and it has gone by too fast. I will have to make another visit soon to continue the adventure.....
Note from Ethan: Uncle Scott was a lot of fun, but he made me clean up even though he's not the parent.
*********************************************************************************
Dear Uncle Scott - Here's a little slideshow to capture some more pics of your visit (the boys chose the music)! Please come again soon.
Love,
Us
Great job, Scott! Maybe you should start your own blog--"Tales of the ER."
ReplyDeleteWe also enjoyed the added treat of the slideshow and music by the primary blogger and her assistants.
Papa and Rosie
Dear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteYou know how much we appreciate your time and efforts on the blog and as far as our friends, it is the first topic of conversation when we get together....no matter which group of friends it is! But alas, I do have to excuse some of them because I know their efforts to write a comment are well-meaning but way to techie for them. BUT others should be responding with the same comments they share with Kei and me. They all love your writing talents...want you to publish the blog....hmmm not a bad idea.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first post I have read, but I LOVE it. Your family is awesome. I really enjoy the view from your eyes. I will now spend some time in the next week or so reading the older postings.
I am headed to Cuba in Feb., on a bird survey team, and then on to play a bit in Ecuador.
Tickled to know you.
Ann Haverstock