Fantastic Mt. Fuji

Of the many things to do while in Japan, visiting Mt Fuji is usually tops of most people's list. In fact, a few of my co-woke rs here asked me if I wanted to join them in a climb of Mt Fuji a few days after I got here. I was torn...while I really appreciated their offer to include me in their fun, I knew that that this would be not a fun experience for me. I'm not the climbing type, I don't generally enjoy nature...and I would hate to have a safety scare so soon after arriving here in the country. So, I had to politely decline. I've been here for nearly three months, so another co-worker and I took a drive up to the area over our holiday weekend. What made me excited about THIS trip was the fact that (1) we wouldn't be climbing any mountains, (2) we could see the snow-covered Mt Fuji as opposed since it is the end of November and (3) our entire trip wouldn't be based on seeing the mountain. As much as I wanted to see Mt Fuji, I'd hoped to have something else to do. My friend and I visited a safari at Mt Fuji...this picture was taken in the parking lot of the safari...yeah!! So, in addition to marveling at the mountain in the distance we actually planned to do other things that day...love it!

Feeling Fat..

I've basically accepted the fact that I'm a monster here in Japan. I haven't been thin since I was a child, but never have I felt sooooo big. At least when I felt big alone, I could always find someone who was my size or bigger...and feel a little better about it...

No such luck here. In spite of my efforts to get my weight in check, no matter how well I do...I'll always be super huge here. I tower over most everyone and know without confirmation that I could never run into a store and pick up some pantyhose, shoes, gloves...nothing and expect it not to be a big ordeal. When the shopping bug hits me, I take myself to an American or European store and breath a small sigh of relief.

Yesterday, on a shopping trip after work to pick up a farewell gift for someone, I finally felt the desire to do a little investigating to confirm my fears. I cruised over to the sale rack and picked up some cute Guess heels on the large rack. Never one for conversions, I picked up the shoe flipped it over and was astounded to see that the Large shoes were a size 7. Intrigued...I checked the Medium shoes -6 or 6.5...and the small 5 or 5.5...interesting, indeed. Never the one to hide my feelings, my shock and dismay were easily picked up by my shocking buddies. Sensing my concerns, they suggested that we go to the equivalent of a Big and Tall shop if I wanted to make a purchase. In spite of the offer, I've decided to save my money and wait for my trip back to the States...I need to save money anyways!!

On a trip to the countryside last weekend, I finally found someone who was bigger than me...and couldn't resist taking a picture of the evidence...haha!

Presidential Matters

Although it may not be apparent in my blog, I'm actually here in Tokyo to work. I am super lucky to be here and have had the opportunity to to do many exciting things. I've met a lot of great people and participated in some really innovative and international programs. Last week, I attended Innovation Leader Training and worked with an impressive group of Toshiba international managers. After a week of interesting presentations and group discussions and reviews, I got to be a part of group presentation to Nishida-san, President of Toshiba!! For more details, check out the Toshiba website at: http://g-web1.toshiba.co.jp/cgi-bin/kouhou/enews/president.cgi

P.S. Information is in Japanese...good luck with that!

Kobe Beef...Yummy

I loooove meat...and especially beef...and that's no lie. I totally related to the Wendy's commercial when the guy described himself as a meat-atarian...I have to force myself to eat veggies most of the time. I had a day trip to Kobe for a business meeting earlier this week and nonchalantly mentioned my love of beef to my colleagues. After a successful meeting, they treated me to authentic Kobe beef...what a prize. They ordered for me, and I was shocked to discover that they ordered me a slab of meat that was it least twice the size of everyone else's at the table...how embarrassing. I quickly got over my embarrassment however, and dug in. All I can say is...you can believe the hype. The beef was delicious...so tender I only needed a butter knife. So well seasoned, no extra sauce was necessary. I also confirmed that the cows drink beer and are regularly massaged - hence the quality of the beef. All in all, highly recommended for all meat lovers. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this size of steak - it's not for the meek-hearted, but definitely give it a try!

Sushi...on a conveyor belt

I really enjoy sushi...I have since my first bite back in college. In fact, it's a very integral part of my weight loss plan here in Japan. It's real obvious to mention it's abundance here in Tokyo...especially since it's really popular back in the States. That being said, one of things that I had never seen until I got to Tokyo was sushi on a conveyor belt. How convenient! I sampled it during my first week here...in the train station and have seen it a few other places as well. I'm becoming a bit more discerning so I've stepped it up to the more expensive and delicious joints... In spite of that, I had to stop by one last time and share my experience with those who are interested...

Shichi-Go-San

I realize that most of my pictures are me...and that sometimes it's hard to tell if this blog is really about living and working in Tokyo or just a bunch of pictures of me. I know, and I'm ashamed. I bought a new camera since coming out here, and almost everyday I bring it with me and vow to take more pictures of other people or things...this blog is quickly taking on the mode of a personal scrapbook.

I work in a great place, with great people. They are all so open and patient with me...in spite of my ignorance and inability to communicate in Japanese. In spite of my attempts and language lessons, I am barely mastered some routine greetings and a few interesting words and phrases that I try to throw out whenever I can.

Last weekend, one of my colleagues invited me to his home to participate in a very personal and cultural event in Japan. I took a train ride and met up with him and his family at a local shrine to celebrate his twins' third birthday in the Shichi-Go-San ceremony. The twins wore elaborate clothes (kimono for the girl, darling little suit for the boy) and even greeted me in English..."Hello, how are you doing?." It seems that even toddlers around here are more bilingual than me...sigh. After our greeting, we all went in the shrine and listened to some chants and prayers in traditional Japanese and the children were given sweets as a reminder of their day. My synopsis is a bit short, so if you're looking for information about the event and it's importance in Japanese culture...check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San.

What an experience!!

Chesnuts Roasting on a random street in a random town outside Tokyo....

At the train station near my job, I noticed these strange little food items for sell. I wondered what they were, as I can't read anything but English...was pretty curious.

So, on a weekend trip to a small town outside of Japan, I encountered them again on the street. I stopped to inspect and asked my friend what they were.

Oddly enough...they were chesnuts. Not nearly as exotic as I assumed. I like peanuts, pecans, and cashews are okay with me...so I gave them a try. Exotic or not...I'll pass...I tried to hide my displeasure...but I guess I have a lot learn in that department...

I'm with the band...Beatles in Japan

Going to hear live music is one of those things I always think sounds like a good idea...but I rarely do it. I'm always busy and honestly there aren't that many people that I'd actually want to hear live. And then there's the question of venue...too big and I'm lost...too expensive and I'm not going. Oddly enough, several of my co-workers are musical...they love to sing Karaoke and play a variety of musical instruments...how impressive.

Last week, I was invited to a live performance at a venue not far from work. The price was reasonable, it was on a Thursday...and how often would I get the opportunity to hear a Japanese band cover Beatles hits? The decision was made, I had a great time...and I got to take pics with the band...lucky me.

In addition to my customary picture, I've also included a snippet of the performance...and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it actually works!

Statue of Liberty in Odaiba

A few weekends ago I took a quick weekend trip to the Statue of Liberty...haha...just joking. Instead of coming back to the US, I actually took a ferry ride to Odaiba...a cute little tourist area. Complete with a shopping area, charming Ferris wheel, and tons of places to eat and look around...I had a great time. The ferry trip there is nearly as fun as the location itself. Lots to do and see...find out more information at...http://wikitravel.org/en/Tokyo/Odaiba.

Enjoy!

Halloween in Tokyo!!

Yes, Halloween is celebrated in Tokyo. Of course, it's not as widely celebrated as it is in the US but some of my Japanese friends have told me that it seems to be increasing in popularity on a yearly basis. To be honest, I've never been a big Halloween fan, I haven't dressed up since I was a very small child...and even then I gave away over half of my treats collected from trick or treating because I've always hated chocolate. In spite of my ambivalence, I have been trying to do things that I normally don't in Japan...so I went with two friends from work to party in Roppongi...the infamous part of town dominated by wild foreigners. There...I witnessed tons of foreigners and Japanese young adults in costume, drinking and dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller." In spite of big plans, all I could muster was a small mask that conveniently fit in my purse....haha. Fun times!!