Ichigo in Izu...it's Strawberry Season!

I love strawberries!! For my last weekend in Japan, my friends and I took a day trip to nearby Izu. There, we visited a strawberry farm and took the opportunity to see a different environment, outside of Tokyo. It was refreshing, and for about $20, we paid to sample and enjoy all the strawberries we could eat. Who knew there were so many different types of strawberries? Yummy!!

The Masked Bandits

One of the first peculiar things that I noticed upon arriving in Japan is the people wearing masks. On the trains, in the streets, in the office...you see people wearing these masks. Instead of asking someone and risking seeming silly...I assumed that they were for protection against pollution. But, a few weeks later I concluded that pollution couldn't be the reason so I asked. The masks are what people wear when they're sick - to protect themselves and others from passing on the coughing, sneezing and other similar symptoms....
Apparently, I wasn't the only one surprised and confused by the abundance of masks...my mother also asked about them when she came for a visit. I wore my mask to work yesterday, not because I was sick, but because I wanted to try it out. And can I just say that they are as uncomfortable as they look...lol

Toilets in Japan: Take 3

This is my final week in Tokyo...my assignment actually ends on Thursday. I'll be traveling to China for a week before my return to the U.S. Of course, I'm excited to get back home, but I'm also really going to miss so much about living and working in Tokyo.

I've made some really great times, expanded my horizons...and encountered so many interesting things. One of this first and silliest posts I made in my blog was about toilets. So, I guess I'm returning to my roots a bit with this post.

This is an interesting toilet, in that, it's connected to a faucet. So, when you flush this toilet water comes out the faucet simultaneously... I know that it's not dirty water or anything, but the fact that the water comes out of the faucet at the exact time you're flushing seems more than a little strange to me. Convenient, yes...but it's still hard to get the idea of out your head that you're not washing your hands with dirty water...lol

Happy Birthday, Tokyo Disney!!

This season marks the 25th anniversary of Disney in Tokyo...so it's one year younger than me...how exciting!! It's a really big attraction here, as in most places, so I wanted to make sure to visit before I leave Tokyo next week (time really flies when your having fun). To be honest, I really feel like Disney is best enjoyed with kids in tow or maybe as part of a romantic couple. It's definitely about the experience - about the sights and sounds as opposed to the exciting rides. With that understood, there are two opportunities for enjoying Disney in Tokyo...Disney Land or Disney Sea. Disney Land, as I've heard is more targeted towards children and the Disney Characters while Disney Land is the home of more of the exciting rides. I'm a rider, so it was an easy choice for me...Disney Sea. I had a great time in the Tower of Terror (2 times) and in the Journey to the Center of the Earth Ride. My friend and I discovered that we could basically eliminate the wait time by riding the roller coaster as single riders. By breezing by the lines that lasted for about two hours, we had the opportunity to ride the roller coaster 3 times in less the amount of time it took other riders to go on only once. The only downside was that we didn't get to ride together...but took our chances with random strangers. In the end, it was well worth it and we had a great time...definitely an option to consider for future amusement park visits.

Who Eats Strawberry Popcorn, Anyways?

I went to Disney Sea yesterday...lucky me! I was actually approved a day off by my manager to go on a weekday - hoping to avoid the massive crowds on the weekends at Disney. No such luck - in spite of the fact that it was a Thursday, the crowds were still ridiculous...several rides had a two hour or longer wait...crazy! I haven't been to a Disney park in awhile, several years ago at least. Although in Tokyo, things were still very similar. I don't know if things have changed...but one interesting phenomenon I did note was that there was several popcorn stands located all around...the mere presence of popcorn wasn't so extraordinary...but it was the flavors offered. I love popcorn, and cheese is my favorite...but I couldn't find it anywhere. As can be expected there was salt and caramel...but unexpectedly there was black pepper and strawberry as well. Interesting, and not at all tempting. In conversation with my boyfriend last night, he chastised me for not trying the strawberry popcorn or getting some for him...go figure!

Eating Fish Sperm In Tsukiji

For many foreigners, Tsukiji is synonymous with Fish market. This is because the Tsukiji fish market is super famous, a place where many tourists visit in the early morning darkness (4:00 or 5:00 AM) to witness the fish auctions firsthand. I'm told it's an amazing place to see and experience, but like many of my Japanese co-workers, I just couldn't bring myself to wake up that early to witness it's many charms. For those who can, I've heard great reviews...so I would definately recommend. For those who are unable to get up quite that early, not to worry...Tsukiji as more to offer than just the early morning auctions. It's the place to be for the freshest fish and seafood, and if you're here in the winter months, the place to be to experience a special Japanese dish...fish sperm. Intrigued by the concept, I made a trip to Tsukiji after work last week, and tried the dish for myself. It wasn't the best thing I've eaten in Japan, and I wouldn't recommend gorging yourself on the dish, but a taste or two was a great alternative to the fish market...lol!

For more information about the Tsujiki fish market, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_fish_market.

Sexual Harrassment in Tokyo

Let me begin by saying that based on my experiences, Tokyo is an astonishingly safe city. The crime I hear being reported is extremely rare, and compared to the US, is practically non-existent. I've never felt unsafe or concerned about my safety, in spite of walking around by myself at all times of the day or night. In preparation for assignment, I was warned of the possibility of being harassed or touched inappropriately, especially in crowded commuter trains. To combat that phenomenon, I have noticed "women only" cars on certain trains, regulated at certain times. Fortunately, I have not experienced any such incidents. I have had a few questionable remarks directed my way, but nothing that I wouldn't experience in the US, or any other country for that matter. In fact, this interesting sign has been the closest I've been to any real sexual harassment!!