Friday, November 24, 2006
For lunch we went to Hard Rock Tokyo. We are taking our time easing into Japanese cuisine. Shawn is a really picky eater and doesn't eat fish. I'm just getting over being sick from the rocky flight here that I dont' want to take any chances. So for now, we are sticking with McD's and Hard Rock. Anyway, I ended up getting these quesidillas that were so hot they made me dizzy. We had to hop on the Ginzo Subway and I couldn't wait to get off. The Subway was just like the rail, only it was underground. Very easy to navigate, we found our way to Asakusa.
We got this Asakusa tour map from the front desk of our hostel. It was a little confusing, but Shawn has a compass on his watch so we just headed in the direction of the temple. We ventured trough some markets, and I found this amazing bandana that I picked up from some little asian ladies. We eventually found the temple and shrine. While there, we figured out the fortune thing. Basically, you pay Y100, shake a metal container for your chopstick to come out, the chopstick has a symbol on it, you find your symbol on the drawers and your fortune is within! After reading your fortune, you tie it to this abbacus looking thing. I recieved a Regular Fortune (the pic is in the album), Shawn got a Bad Fortune so he went back for another (both of which can be found in the album). His second fortune was titled the Last & Small Fortune, we thought how appropriate after getting the bad one.
There was a burning Sage pot, that everyone was wallowing toward them - I believe it is a cleansing ritual. I partook since I think we all could use some cleaning (photo). Then there is a water fountain, where you pick up the water with a ladel, pour it into your hand, drink it and then spit it out (photo). I'm sure it's a cleansing thing too- but I don't know for sure.
We couldn't get into the Pagoda, but we did find a Nazi symbol on one of the entrance ways (photo). From what I can recall, it is an ancient symbol of peace. But it's still strange to see it up there. We passed through a food market, where squid and other fish were the main course (photo).
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3 comments:
Hi again. I made a comment to your Blog, but I did not have an account, so I signed up and lost my original comments. Here I go again. What a fast paced few days you guys had. My head is spinning from all the photos and comments just from the market. I can't imagine how overwhelming it was to actually be there. I know you two handled it perfectly well. God bless your spirit of adventure. This is trip of a lifetime, and what great memories you guy will have to share together. Happy holidays and God Bless you. Love your friend Bob L.
Oh wow!!! I love Japan!! The Pagoda looks so beautiful and it looks very serene there :) Shawn's bad fortune was kind of scary - I'm glad he picked a better one! Even if it was the last and small fortune. Miss you guys already - Be safe and have fun. Love, your sister Kelley
I sent an email to your blog which is great. Wow to see Japan through your eyes. I even felt like I could taste and smell the sage as it was going past in your scenes. The orchids so large. The zoo Great, Just love the Penguins. I can't wait for the next round. Bob L.My head is spinning too. Go Kids and God Bless. Love Mom
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