Adventures in Tokyo

As I watched Big Boy here, I realized that we had arrived at the next level in our Japan adventure. (Actually he was not one of the big ones but I liked his flexibility). It has been one month since we left Montreal. Our first week was filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. Now we still revel in our adventure but with a greater sense of comfort. We truly feel at home.

Yesterday the rains from the typhoon let up and we went to explore the neighbourhood of Azuba-juban, for no other reason than it is next to our rather high-rent space. We wandered down various streets, dropping into random shops. Some of the owners who were well versed on English, thought we were lost. (Thanks to my iPad, we were not). Others, were of the impression that we actually knew our way, so gave us elaborate directions.

I can assure you, Japanese is not essential in this wondrous place. Ok, some basic stuff is important As graduates of Kindergarden and Piki's memory, we could take on the shop-keepers. Piki found this marvelous woman's boutique and set a world record for buying an outfit. The major challenge was choosing the ONE. We found our way around the 'hood to the Gallery where local ceramic and potter artists showed their stuff. Although our credit card was poised for action, we held off, for no reason in particular. However, we did get directions to this intimate little park across a steep hill and down some very narrow streets. All with minimal language skills but a very good map of Tokyo (iPad).

The walk continued as we explored the neighborhood, a very pricey one, on our way to the park next to the hospital. By Tokyo standards, it was tiny. Every corner was a gem. The leaves are about 2-3 weeks from turning. I never cease to be astounded by the attention to detail in most of what we see. At tea time, we stopped for coffee at a Sangfredo shop. Yes, they did use the Italian jargon with a distinct Italian thread. We ordered our cappucino with tiramisu. Suddenly the server comes back in a state of panic. It took a couple of moments to realize that his anguish was that he no longer had that cake but could offer us cheese cake. Love the attitude. (By the way, the food shops in the department stores will be the subject of another missive.) As we left, he shouted out bona serra.

I am afraid that my words cannot give true justice to this one day. But I shall keep exploring with my eager companion, Piki. More on our evening adventure to follow.

Marcel