Posting all the pics that didn't make the blog while I was in Japan... We visited a "space" exhibit in Ginza. This paper cut-out display challenged you to discover three contrary cut-outs in the crowd: a child, a woman with an umbrella, and a cat. I found the woman with the umbrella and think I…
September 16, 2016: Goodbye, Osaka! Hello, Tokyo! Again!
I always found it interesting that, despite the crazy amount of food I would eat every time I visited Japan, I would return home actually lighter than when I left. At first, I assumed it was because I'd lost heavier muscle mass and gained comparatively lighter body fat BUT when I started measuring said body…
September 15, 2016: Osaka Day #2!
Good morning! The hotel (Intercontinental) upgraded us to a suite complete with kitchen so we took advantage by picking up some items at the local farmers' market and shops and making breakfast. Giant figs, two types of dried mushrooms, Okinawa sea salt, garlic & thyme olive oil, three types of dried pepper, local honey, local…
October 2, 2014: Akemi’s Japan Vlog!
Tokyo! Tsukiji Market! Tea Ceremony in Osaka! Check out the first installment of Akemi's Japan vlog: Next time, let's make it a group vacation. Who's in?!!
September 14, 2014: Japan Day #4!
On our last night in Osaka, we joined Akemi's family for dinner at Le Comptoir de Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant on the 33rd floor of the Breeze Building in Nishi-Umeda. We had counter seats which allowed us an unobstructed view of the open kitchen, allowing us to take in the culinary theatrics while we…
September 14, 2014: Japan Day #3 – Tea, Eel, and Leg Cramps!
Last night, I turned in at a nice and early 10:00 p.m. As a result, I woke up this morning at a less nice and early 3:50 a.m. I dozed on and off, cobbling together about another hour in catnaps, before sitting bolt upright at 8:15 a.m. with the realization we had a tea ceremony to…
September 12, 2014: Tokyo Day #2 – More eating, and I take a ride on the shinkansen!
There are three "can't miss" restaurants I HAVE to visit every time I come to Tokyo. The first is Sawada sushi - which, sadly, is closed during this two week stay. The second is Esquisse, a brilliant French restaurant headed by Chef Lionel Beccat - which we'll be visiting in the coming days. And the…
August 21, 2014: Jelly update! Japan plans!
I brought Jelly in to see a specialist last week. After a careful study of the x-rays and the my old gal, he reversed the initial diagnosis of a separated hip. Apparently, upon closer scrutiny, it looks bad - bad it isn't THAT bad. So that was great news. And then, Tuesday, she was unusually…
November 8, 2012: The Osaka wrap-up! Back in Tokyo! Family dinner! Honkogetsu! Killer ramen!
On our final night in Osaka, I was invited to join Akemi's family for a grand kaiseki dinner at Honkogetsu. It was a magnificent meal, due in large part to the food and company, but also in some small part because I made it through the meal without fumbling anything with my chopsticks or unwittingly…
November 6, 2012: The Osaka Walking Tour: Part Deux!
Wow! It's been a whirlwind few days here in Osaka. I've covered so much ground that I've decided to squeeze in an extra blog entry. Let's call it "November 6, 2012: The Quickening!" We met up with Akemi's parents on our first night in town. The plan was to go to Sushi Koyoshi, a mom…
November 6, 2012: A guided photo and video tour of Osaka! And a message from my sis!
Hey, we're in Osaka, Akemi's hometown, and we've just checked into the hotel. Akemi is going to meet up with some friends and, rather than tag along, I thought we might have the day to ourselves checking out the city. Ready? Let's go! Thanks for tagging along. This concludes our walking tour of Osaka. Let's…
November 5, 2012: What day is it? Oh, let’s call it Osaka Day #1! And the tail end of Tokyo Day #7! L’Effervescence! And dogs eating ice cream!
Today, we took the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Osaka, riding (and eating) in comfort as the scenery whizzed by. It was quite comfortable (surprisingly roomier than any airline I've ever flown), with reserve seating and food vendors who stroll up and down the various cars, offering up everything from ice cream and coffee…