Konicihwa from Tokyo

Tokyo is a quite a contrast coming from a month in Micronesia and we have enjoyed every minute of it. But before I go any further, we would like to thank the Nagashima family (Shoji-san, Hitmoi, Moto-san,

Ki-san, Yuko-san, and Ao-san)

from the very bottom of our hearts. Our week would not have been the same as their hospitality was unparalled. Although we never met prior, they took us in to their homes and treated us as if we were old friends. Then they fed us, chaparoned us all over town and woke us each morning with breakfast and presents! We
have NEVER met anyone so kind and generous. We hope to return the favor when they come to visit us but in the meantime, please accept our gratitude. Domo arigato gozaimasu.

Tokyo is unlike any city that I have ever been to as it has all of the modern features

that one would expect from a 1st world metropolis, yet it still retains some of its old traditions and customs. For example, the train/subway system
is extensive, extremely punctual (we were told that trains run every 2 mins on weekdays and every 5 minutes on weekends) and can become overcrowded during rush hour (at certain stations, there are employees who's job is to push willing people into already jam packed trains so that the doors may close) . Yet, the trains remain very clean and during many of our shoulder to shoulder rides, you could almost hear a pin drop. Most people are respectful of other poeple's space so they make an effort not to talk too loud and definitely look down on talking on your cell phone in public places. Hopefully you get my parallel of modern
meets tradition
but maybe it's better that I say that they are just more respectful of others as a whole. We took a couple of day trips to Kamakura and Nikko to visit world heritage temples and shrines


and also went to the happiest place on earth - Tokyo Disneyland.

Erin was extremely happy about that. The other days were spent walking around the various districts to shop and people watch, visiting an onsen (public bath/spa) , participating in a tea ceremony, watching Kabuki theater, cruising the river, eating the local and traditional delacacies

and were lucky enough to witness the end of a traditional Japanese wedding on 2 separate occassions.

A week was not enough so we will definitely be back. Until then, sayonara. Off to Beijing tomorrow (10/17). Thank you to all of our friends and family that have visited the blog and sent us comments/emails along the way. It is ALWAYS great to hear from home and to keep a pulse on how you are all doing.

FMP