Just as I had a 2.5 hour plane delay when I left Japan, so has my update on my Japan trip. Sorry! I can easily tell you that I had a great time in Japan visiting not only Joanna, but also the staff team and my Japanese friends. I enjoyed it so much that I would love to go back again. If you know me, I like expressing myself through photos. So here we go!
Yea, we were pretty much excited to see each other. I couldn't believe I was in Japan, even after a couple days. I had to pinch myself to see if this was real.
We went on a double date with Keigo and Ayumi. Keigo wanted to take me to eat the best sushi, so he took us to Sushi-Dai in Tsukiji, where the famous fish market is in Japan. Here we are arriving at the Tsukiji station.
There was a wait at Sushi-Dai, so the girls were kind enough to stand in line while Keigo and I explored the fish market. Unfortunately we got there when all the shops were closing. The fish market opens at 3AM and closes at 1PM! Crazy hours, don't ya think? Well, Keigo and I decided to still look around and we came to one fish shop. The owner was very nice, so nice that he even gave us hot tea! Keigo told me that never happens. The owner invited us to walk towards the back of the shop to show us that huge bluefin tuna head. And I mean, it was HUGE! Just use my head as a scale and then you can figure out how big the fish's head is.
After waiting 1.5 hours, we finally get a sit. Boy, it was sure worth the wait. I have never eaten such good sushi before. I can honestly say, Sushi-Dai's sushi is the best. Everything they served was fresh. Each sushi I ate would just melt in my mouth. WOW.
Here's one of the 11 pieces of sushi we ate.
Then we went to a coffee shop to have some dessert. There was Tiramisu on the menu, so I definitely ordered it.
Tokyo BEST club had their annual Christmas party. It was great to be a part of it. Jennifer prepared a delicious turkey. One man from each table had to cut some turkey meat for his table. Yasushi and I tried cutting it Samurai style and it didn't turn out too well. Just kidding on the Samurai style cutting.
At the end of the party, we had a Christmas gift exchange. I had so much fun seeing everyone's facial expression. Kon (the guy with his back facing us) got a card saying "I owe you a dinner sometime." Everyone was laughing as you can see.
I had the chance to visit Yokohama!
This is downtown Yokohama. It was such a beautiful sunny day, but super cold and windy!
Some friends I hung out with while in Yokohama.
I met up with Kuniyasu and I finally met his girlfriend, Yuka! It was great to see him again.
So Joanna, Mary, and I went to Costco at Minami-osawa. We were walking around the wine section and Joanna saw this wine bottle. Joanna was so excited that she wanted a picture of it.
We got the chance to go to Tama Zoo! We're in the lion bus, can't you tell?
On the side of the bus, there were pieces of meat for the lion to eat. I'll admit, it was kinda scary. I was just waiting for the lion to growl and try to break into the bus. Dunno how, but I just felt like it was going to happen anytime....
This little baby chimp was playing with sticks. He was trying to get the sticks through the small hole and get the leaf out. The chimp was fun to watch cause he was simply "being a kid."
Joanna took me to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which is the tallest building in Tokyo. It was pretty cool to see an aerial view of downtown Tokyo.
I've realized that I love aerial views because I get to see so much more around me. When I'm surrounded by vastness, my viewing perspective changes. I'm just one person, and there is so much more out there.
Joanna and I also had a double date with Kyle and Jennifer. We ate Chinese hot pot, which is kinda like Nabe or Shabu Shabu. Hands down, we all craved the shrimp!
It was my last day at Tokyo and some of my friends sent me off. I think they're great and I miss them.
Keigo (sticking out his tongue) and Masashi (hands in the air), they are one of a kind.
Keigo and Masashi even ran with the bus I was on! Good friends I tell ya.
Our last picture in Japan at Narita airport.
As I often think and reflect upon my trip to Japan, this picture pretty much sums up my thoughts and feelings. Even though two weeks was short, I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks Joanna for everything! You're the best!
From left to right: Eddie, Harry (Eddie's twin brother), Tony, Me
Here I'm facing west towards the sun.
Here I'm facing east towards the moon.
This past Sunday was my Mom's birthday. I asked her how old she was. She told me, "55." I must admit, my Mom still has a young look for her age and I forget that she's "over the hill." I still think she's in her forties. But, when she said she was 55, I was a little distraught cause I couldn't believe how old she was. Regardless of her age, I am truly grateful for my Mom. I couldn't ask for a better Mom than her. She always supports me and I always feel cared for. She is a huge blessing from the Lord. Thanks Mom! You're the best!
