Dinner at Roy's In Tokyo

http://www.soho-s.co.jp/english/roys/tokyo_fs.html Well worth the splurge! Or cut back on something else for the month (such as fast food, junk, etc!) The view is actually better from the restaurant than it shows on the web page. We had a window table that looked right out to the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo night sky. Champagne with fresh squeezed pineapple, appetizers, main course and dessert around 13,500 Japanese yen or around $130 no tipping required, but what was different in this Japanese restaurant was the 10% gratuity charge added to the bill- which was part of the 13,500 Japanese Yen total- not bad at all considering the food, the VIEW and the outstanding service. I would highly recommend. In addition- we forgot our camera so they took photos for us and developed them on the spot!!!!

Do It At Home!!

We liked this poster hanging in the Tokyo Subway Station and in the actual subway trains. Tokyo was fun but super hot and sticky in July. A lot cooler at home where we have many trees.

Mosaic Mall

http://www.mosaicmall.co.jp/ Went here today- interesting- HOT AS HECK!!!!!! I don't think I saw too many trees, just a lot of concrete everywhere- it was soooooo HOT!!! There were a lot of cool shops and a hige grocery store/food area in the basement, a Lush store, Starbucks etc. The subway stopped pretty much right at the mall- about 10 stops from the Yokohama Station- interesting adventure :)

Wave Pool

This appears to be the place that Liam went to with the summer day camp. Good thing they did not go in July or August. It is amazing how crowded it is in some places....... http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=inA-36YRV0Y&feature=related (better than watching Friends!!!)

Huge Spider of the Ropponghi Hills

This is a photo of the humongous spider that rules the Rappongi Hills area. Cool gigantic spider overlooks a garden with swimming fish, shopping areas, Starbucks. You can also see the Tokyo tower from the area. Lots of shopping, upscale stores and very good, inexpensive restaurants (you would not expect this from the area) a easy trip from the Tokyo subway lines.

Shopping in Yokohama

Picture of the Landmark Tower at night in Yokohama. The bookstore where I went shopping for English teaching books is here, it is a nice place to shop and you an find pretty much anythingyou need in this area.

Tatami Mats

What are they? They seem to be made out of straw type stuff. Our house has 2 rooms like this- the room was measured by the number of tatami mats that are in it- so for example are room is a 10 tatami mat room- to replace mats it is about $50 each. All of our heavy furniture has stuff under it to protect the mats from being dented. Cleaning is done with a swiffer and a lightly damp rag (water only).