First meal with chopstix; Korean Sundub

Woke up to find Col had eaten remainder of my chocolate orange; bah humbug - how can I enjoy christmas now?

Walked over to La Qua area and just had our first meal using chopstix... quite an experience, as it was a very spicy (although only level 3 of 6 on the heat scale) miso/meat soup with side dishes including rice, veg, crispy pancakes, and a bowl of salad (similar to above).  Have to admit, we were very successful - didn't wear any of it, even though paper bibs had been supplied!  I even had a bottle of Sake (said 60% on the bottle, but I'm still standing so not sure what the percentage referred to).

Now back at hotel enjoying a chilled bottle of chardonnay....

Feet minging from too much walking, so need to sleep again soon. Could be jet lag but I refuse to give in to it.

Hope to book tickets for Mixed Martial Art at the Meets Port Centre for Wednesday.  Theres some kind of big tournament happening.  As we can't find Sumo match... this will do just as well.
Intending to climb Tokyo Tower tomorrow before rain sets in.  (Was 18 degrees and sunny today).

Shrines, Temples and Imporial Palaces

The sun has been glorious today. We have walked about 12 miles and our feet are throbbing nicely.

It has been fascinating to see how integrated both Shinto & Buddhism are in local communities. Walking around Ueno today we have seen shrines and temples nestled in between regular residences. They really add colour and calm to an area. The people here are serene, and contrary to popular belief, they are very friendly and enjoy interaction with strangers.

At Ueno Park there are beautiful shrines and wide open spaces with pathways that lead from one delight to another. There is a wonderful lake temple which sits mysteriously in what looks to be a lake of freshwater poppies.

Walking from Ueno into Tokyo city centre to find the ultimate symbol of Emperial rule. The Imperial Palace is awesome. I mean it's massive and elite and majestirial. I guess it's the way this symbol of ancient rule sits perfectly in amongst the high-rises so well.

Anyway Bev's just having a nap before we hit a restaurant tonight. It's 5pm here (8am in UK).

Watching the BBC coverage of the weather crisis at London Airports.

It's nearly 8am here in Tokyo and it's becoming clear that we have been incredibly lucky with our flights. People stranded in Heathrow until Wednesday !. We're counting our blessings and hoping that it all clears up for the New Year ...

La Qua area

Just got back from walking the immediate area.  Had dinner at La Mangia Mangia (a japanese take on the italian restaurant); Col had baby Pilchards (eeuch - could see the eyeballs) and I had pasta with ham and cabbage!  Good food, good Chardonnay, good service.
Seemed to find the Xmas light celebration area; whoever said the Japanese don't do Christmas hasn't witnessed this.  Fabulous lights, especially the lettuce display - yes... LETTUCES!!!!
Then joined a queue of what seemed to be excited people to see what was going on, only to discover it was the metro rush!!  Ooops, backed out rapidly.
A pleasant walk, not too busy, but back at hotel room by 10.30pm to try and get more sleep; hopefully will get us over the jet-lag.
Nighty-night all
B xxx

 Baby Pilchards with Shrimp for Tea !

 Contrary to popular belief ... Christmas is bigger in Tokyo than in London ;-)

Up 'n at 'em

OK - few hours kip under the belt, so now awake and looked at room (bloodshot eyes calmed down a little to pretty pink shade!).  All the normal stuff supplied... tea, kettle, hairdryer.... paper slippers?, dressing gowns!  Shower in bath.... very high step if you're a little japanese person, but an equally extreme low toilet (imagine sitting on one of the child seats in your primary school classroom).

Showered, changed and off out to see what the local scene is all about.... wish us luck.... maps to hand!

Narita Airport - Hotel

Arrived Narita airport... checking in thro' customs was easy (all signs giving an English translation - phewee), and we then found a bus from the airport to Tokyo Central station (6,000 yen [about £48.00] as opposed 250,000 yen for taxi!).  Then navigated our way to metro underground and a tube to nearish our hotel.  Walked remainder to Hotel Wing International - our home for the next 14 days.  Hotel staff greeted us in English, and allowed us to check in an hour early - lucky coz I couldn't stay awake a minute longer.  Col's unpacking - me tooo sleepy.... yeah... bed.....

Paris, France - Narita, Tokyo

Departed Paris before the snow set it.... admittedly we were an hour late taking off due to iced up flaps and rudder on the plane - yikes.  Advice: make sure you're one of the last to board, coz sitting around for the extra hour was mind numbingly dull.
Flight was exhausting, stifling, cramped, and full of spluttery, sneezy, germ breeders.  Used up whole pack of Saniwipes, half packof Ibuprofen, and Throaties - will let you know if the anti-germ campaign worked; no doubt will know within next few hours.
Flight food OK (nuffink special); flight staff pleasant and helpful.