Japan

Cooked Sushi

I am pregnant. My list of things that I can not do is vast. I can not drink sake. I can't visit the famous Japanese hot springs. I can not eat sushi. I thought I was doomed to spend my time in Japan slurping down noodles until Mark and I found this sushi establishment in Rapungi. On the menu, seared sushi- I was saved.

The sushi was so fresh. I ordered shrimp and salmon (it's best not to get too crazy during the first trimester).

The chef made our rolls right there in front of us.

Our sushi came with a bottomless  cup of green tea.

*Note: Asking for ginger and wasabi on the side is a bit rude. The chef looked mortally wounded when we requested this as we are accustomed to in the states. "I have already placed it inside" was his horrified reply. And he had, he knew what he was doing and the food was phenomenal.

Why I'm Loving Taxis in Tokyo

I'm a New Yorker. I find taxis to be off-putting. I don't know if it's the pine odor mixed with the smell of ripe pits, or the constant nauseating jostling, but I'm just not a fan of taxis. In Tokyo, I am a different person. Completely helpless when it comes to navigating their complex subway system on my own, I am not only dependent here on taxis, but I have come to enjoy them.

Why I'm loving the taxis in Tokyo:

  1. Taxis glide over the smooth streets with expert precision. No potholes or craters blemish the smooth facade of Tokyo's streets making for a sleek and comfortable ride.
  2. Taxis are everywhere and easy to catch. Outside of every subway stop for the most part, you will find a que of taxis. If you're not near a subway stop, you can hail a cab the good ole' fashioned way. If a taxi is on the street and empty, it is available.
  3. Taxi doors open and close automatically. This catches me by surprise every time. The taxi pulls up and before you know it the doors are open, ready to receive you. * Note to the wise, make sure you put your legs and arms in before those doors close ;)
  4. The aesthetic appeal is just plain quirky. Taxis are multi-colored and instead of having side mirrors by the windows, two large circular mirrors rest on the hood of the car, giving the appearance of the car wearing spectacles.
  5. All taxis are GPS capable. You will not have to worry about the cab driver telling you "Sorry, I don't know where that is, unless you can give me directions you will have to get out!"
  6. You will not have to gag on that conspicuous pine scented car freshener odor. Taxis are clean and odor free.

* Note: Most taxis have a starting rate of 710 Yen. Which depending on your destination does not make for a cheap ride.

Christmas in Japan

Merry Christmas!

Surprisingly, Tokyo was decked to the nines. I almost felt like I was in the states with all of the garland, and ornaments (almost).

Japan is not a Christian country, however, Christmas is acknowledged and in certain areas (and among its Christian population) celebrated.

I got a kick out of all of the Christmas sale signs in the stores. I suppose commercialism is everywhere.