Exploring Yokohama

Trip Start Jul 06, 2008
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Trip End Aug 25, 2008


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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ryan took me to dinner with his work crew last night. We went to this awesome Japanese place and we had to remove our shoes before we could go in. I loved it!  We ate in our own little private room and there was a low table in which you were supposed to sit cross legged. Of course, I wore a skirt, so this became a little tricky. When you wanted service you rang a little bell and within seconds a waiter slid the door open. The food was amazing and I tried this plum wine which was super sweet and tasted incredible.  Apparently it is very strong and you have to be careful not to have a few too many.  Don't worry, I stopped after one mom.

Today I took a train, a bus and then walked about 10 minutes to get to this famous garden called, Senkeien Garden. It was designed by some wealthy businessman who made his fortune in the silk trade...whatever, it was a cool garden
Be careful!
Be careful!
. I walked around there for about two hours and was absolutely mesmerized by the beauty of the place. It was pristine. I took about 1000 pictures.

After that I took more trains and walked around other parts of the city scoping out good places for Ryan and I to walk around after he gets out of work. My mission is to find cool places to eat.

So, here are some things I have learned about Japan so far. When waiting at a traffic light no one will cross the street until the sign tells you to walk. Even when there is no traffic...not a car in sight. They all just stand there and wait for the green sign to appear. It is pretty amazing. Also, when they wait on the platforms for the trains to come, they all stand in these perfectly straight lines. The trains are packed but they are silent and people are so polite it is insane. A teenage boy bumped into me on the train today and he stopped and said something and then bowed to me!!!  I did not even know what to do.  I just smiled at him and nodded dumbly.  They do not lock their bikes up. I saw so many bikes today parked all over this city and not one was locked. My question is, what are they doing here to get everyone to be so polite and considerate and honest?  There is something almost magical about it. My favorite thing I have seen so far are the school kids. They wear the cutest damn uniforms you have ever seen and the children here are so unbelievably beautiful it is crazy. 

Well, enjoy the picture slide show and I'll write again soon.
 
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