Toyko

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We have had a great start to our trip!  Tokyo has been amazing, a place we could easily envision returning to.  The things I noticed the most; how clean things were, how nice everyone was dressed, no homeless people, and the people are very respectful of one another.

The streets are kept immaculately clean.  You will see workers out sweeping outside store fronts.  There are very few garbage cans, and yet no litter is left laying around.  We didn't notice people smoking in the streets, this seemed contained to restaurants (a change for us!) and smoking rooms (a room where you can buy cigarettes, sit and smoke).

Everyone seems to be well dressed here.  Most men were in business suits, and ladies in suits or very nicely dressed as well.  Some outfits were more "traditional" Japanese, with frilly skirts, bows on socks, etc.  And we have definitely seen people in the very traditional kimono, mostly around temples.

We have not seen a single homeless person.

Given that Tokyo has a population of 38 million, more people than the entirety of Canada, everything flows seamlessly!  Everyone has such respect for everyone else, it is fantastic.  Everyone follows in line, no pushing through crowds, and generally just polite to one another.  They do not worry about locking up bikes, or leaving personal items outside a door; it is just a given that is will be fine.

Todd and I have been amazed with the kids!  We have walked, on average, around 17 km a day.  They do this without whining, but are definitely tired at the end of the day!  At this rate, we'll need new shoes every month!!

The boys have also tried a variety of new foods, and found some new favourites!  We have been to Sushi Bars, Noodle Restaurants, and Japanese Curry Houses.  The favourite has become the Japanese curry!!  It certainly doesn't look appetizing, but even Jacob loves it!  A favourite quick snack is ramen (cup of noodles) from the Lawson, a store similar to 7-11.  You buy the noodles, and they have a canister of hot water to cook them up!

Big bowl of sashimi for me...which is not my fav!

tsukiji fish market

Trying to use google translate to figure out what we were ordering!

Homework time!

Subway Map

Noah enjoying Japanese beef curry--doesn't look too appetizing.....

Off to Osaka

First of many train rides (this doesn't include subway trains!).  Day trip out to Nikko. 

Rice Fields

In Nikko at the World Heritage Site.  So many interesting temples. 

A very tall pagoda

Jacob enjoying (that's right, picky eater right here, eating it up and loving it!!!) pork curry!