Meal Presentation

I have mentioned a few times getting used to having food served to me with a head on it. Thought you would enjoy a couple of pictures of this.


About half the shrimp/prawn meals I have come with their heads still on. I am used to it now, but the boys still are grossed out.

This is Lechon, roast suckling pig. They have it cut like a checkerboard and you just stab the piece you want and pull it off. Honestly, it tastes great. There is always a mad rush for the skin and ears. I pass on that and just get to the pork. No chance the boys will eat this.

Tokyo - Day 7

So we have one day in Tokyo. It was chaotic to say the least. First, we went got on the subway and went to the Imperial Palace. This isn't like the White House or Buckingham Palace where you can walk up to the fence. It is on an island in the middle of the city with a wall and moat around it. But you can get a partial view. Nothing extraordinary, but marked it off our list.

Second, we went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Our only museum on the whole trip. Very interesting and well done. We each had headphones in English telling us what we were looking at. Unfortunately, we were so tired from running everyday, we dragged around.

We hit the McDonald's across the street. Oy. We were on the second floor and saw three Sumo wrestlers walking around the area. Must be training nearby. Didn't see them when we went back down.

Next we went to Asakusa. The main reason was for souvenir shopping. There is a long line of shops leading up to the Senjosi Temple. Big tourist spot. We bought a few nicknacks there.

Finally, we went to Ginza. This is the Times Square of Tokyo. Lots of high end shopping and bright lights.

Multiple stations, trains and stops. Running from one end of Tokyo to the other. Dragged everyone back towards the hotel. Dinner at Planet Hollywood at Disney. Honestly, not a bad idea to end the day.

Tokyo Disney Seas - Day 6

So today we went to the other park here, Tokyo Disney Seas. It is more like EPCOT with some rides from MGM Studios. It was well designed and definitely has more thrill rides than Magic Kingdom. We were on Tower of Terror, a new Indiana Jones adventure, Journey to the Center of the World, etc. They were alot of fun. The best part is we didn't find a ride that had over a 5 minute wait.

But just like the other parks at Disneyworld, it just doesn't feel like Disney. I won't complain much, we had alot of fun. Surprisingly, the stores just don't have anything we want. We severely lowered our standards and still can't find anything to buy.

Oh, they had one of those shows on the water with fireworks and fire. Really cool.

Tokyo Disneyland - Day 5

Actually, a really good day today. We spent the whole day in the Disneyland Park. It is Disney, so things are basically the same. Of course, most things are in Japanese. We went to the Tiki room and the whole show was in Japanese. So that was the last of the shows we went to. However, we chose to go to the Jungle Cruise. Knowing that all the jokes would not be in English. However, it was pretty funny watching the boat driver over act in Japanese. I will need to post the video of that ride.

Food choices were quite different. The boys had a craving for pizza. There were two choices - bacon and pineapple or seafood. So we moved to burgers.

Good day and not overly expensive.

Bullet train to Tokyo - Day 4

Alright...this trip took the better part of the day. We are in pretty good shape, luggage-wise. We have 4 bags on wheels, 3 backpacks and 3 laptops (don't ask why). But we have to lug everything around up and down escalators and stairs, from time to time. If you have ever been in Times Square subway station, it has nothing on the stations in Japan. The big stations have multiple lines coming in all with their own section on different levels.

Once we got to the station where the bullet train was, we are in good shape. Let me pause to discuss the costs of things here. Everything is very, very expensive. I was already having a heart attack that the bullet train would cost me $200 per person. Then I found out that was one way. Terri knows me well enough to let me voice that out loud about 5-7 times. Then she tells me it is enough. So this is the last time - $1,600 to ride a train. Oy.

We are staying at the Hilton on the Tokyo Disney property. We made it here just fine. About 4 1/2 hours end to end. In four different stations. It is totally Disney here. Other than most things are in Japanese. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe (no pizza all day). Now combine the costs of Japan with the costs of Disney and you know how much pain my wallet is in.

Even with that said, we are having a really good time. We will hit the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and I know it will be great. Wonder if all the shows are in Japanese.

Kyoto - Day Three

We went to Kyoto today. Just a 40 minute train ride. Weather was good - sunny and 60s. I think we walked close to 5 miles today, uphill and down. And some of the hills were quite steep. Today was the day for history. We saw plenty of temples and shrines. In between each of them were hundreds of little shops and restaurants. Terri purchased a couple of small things for the house.

The highlight, for me, was a temple that houses over a thousand statues of Kannon. The temple is Sanjusangendo for those that want to google it. The statues are over 750 years old. The are lined up in this long hall. There are also other statues of Buddhist dieties. Unfortunately, no pictures can be taken.

So lots and lots of walking. It will get us prepared for Tokyo Disney in a couple of days. Bullet train to Tokyo tomorrow.

Oh, no pizza today for those keeping score. But we did hit the Hard Rock back in Osaka. At least it was good food.

I haven't mentioned this yet. In Europe, you can find plenty of people that have some level of proficiency in English. Not in Japan. They are as polite as they can be, but communicating is quite the challenge. As we walked up and down the side streets in Kyoto, everything is in Japanese. So finding a public bathroom became a problem. How do you gesture that you need one? Fortunately, we followed some ladies down a small street and find them.

Osaka - Day Two

Rainy and cold...all day. Oh yeah, and pizza for lunch.

We started off at the Osaka Castle. From outside it looks really interesting. Big moat around it and huge stone walls. On each corner of the island there is a turret. The 8 story castle is in the middle.

Unfortunately, the interior of the castle is a museum. Everything is modern. There are some cool artifacts and dioramas. But I was hoping for an old castle as it was.

We left and had lunch (pizza) nearby were they have a Sega Joypolis. Two floors of video games, virtual reality rides and pachinko machines as far as the eye could see. The boys had a great time.

Then we headed to Dotomburi. This is the shopping and eating zone. It is exactly what I expected here. Narrow lanes, tons of shops, and food vendors in the street. I ate grilled crab legs that were really good. Then we came across the Octopus Balls. Once I get home I will post the video. Amazing how these things are made. Basically, it is batter, some green onions, slice of octopus tentacle and, believe it or not, rice krispies. I am sure they don't call it rice krispies, but that is what they were. The cook keeps turning it into a ball. Once done they but some teriyaki sauce on it. Terri and I both tried it. Honestly, not bad.

We walked up and down the shops and had a really good time. This is what is was ready to see and it did not disappoint. Tomorrow, Kyoto.

Osaka - Day one

Yes, we had pizza last night. Oy...

Initial thoughts...Cold. It is in the 50's here. I know that might not sound cold to you, but Manila has been in 90s everyday for the last few months. Nobody speaks in English. In Europe, you can find people on the street that know a little. Here? No such luck. Bud they are real polite about it and try to help.

Cokes cost $3.70!!! Going to have to tighten up.

Heading out for some exploring. Nijo Castle, Sega Joypolis, and some temples and shopping. Should be alot of fun.