Intercontinental Yokohama

... of us wondering what all the fuss is about. However this sushi was delicious and full of flavour. The dishes came past on a conveyor belt and we chose all sorts of things like raw salmon, caviar (yum!) and prawns. The best one had a raw egg on it. I finally understood why people go mad over sushi. After admiring the clock, which was made of sushi and eating 11 dishes between us, we went back to play with the i-phones in Shibuya.

... was the pasta bar, which I'm guessing would not have been as popular in Japan as it was in Australia. Also, the salad bar was a decent amount smaller, with only a limited selection of salads compared to what Aussies would remember. Still good though. Children under 3 eat for free at this Sizzler, so when we entered we told the waitress that Angela was 2, to which she loudly and proudly proclaimed that she was 3 because she had ...

... of teaching for Sayaka's class, we made a lot of new friends. Everyday we have different kids. Actually I have a miracle story to tell. Although some people may read this and say that is just a coincidence, i look at it and say " God provides!" Ok so we figured that we needed a calling card of prepaid cell phone to call home or for people to get ahold of us here in japan (whether they be the pastors of whoever). We spent the first week ...

... my pink Cherry Blossom hostel to go relax in a hot spring naked, surrounded by many other naked men. That is to say I went to Onsen. It's really relaxing, and it's not half as gay as it sounds. I also finally had an Okonomiyaki, which was tasty and a fun experience to cook yourself. I managed half a Japanese conversation with the chef, too. whcih is a nice surprise. So I've been having ...

... s identity. He gave me some answers. By then I had sensed that something was wrong with his mind. Not in the quirky artist sense, but something went completely wrong in neurological or psychosomatic senses. Pointing towards the moon above us, he began talking about a temple that direction. He told me the temple was in Kamoi, easily over 5 km away from where we were. He seemed extremely eager to get ...

... which is the most popular patrol vehicle. Police cars are uncommon. Although most police officers speak little English (or other western languages), Koban are a good place to ask for directions as there is usually a map on the premises. In many cases there will also be a public restroom nearby. One word about public restrooms, especially the older ones; they are not very private, and are often none too clean. In some cases there are not separate restrooms for men or women, so one must ...

... mentality among the people in the last few years. Now, a completely different subject. Keeping fit in Japan can be an expensive exercise. I made a few enquiries at gyms in my neighbourhood. Good-bye to my student concessions. I was told that a monthly fee would set me back by about Y10,000. This includes the use of machines, swimming pool and classes with instructors. The only thing that stopped me from signing the dotted line was that they open at 9h00. For an early ...

... was surprised at how big it was, seating several thousand people with a stage for the wrestlers in the middle covered by a decorate pagoda roof and several scrolls. The qualifying matches were first and many seats were still empty. The good seats are down on he floor where people sit on cushions and many buy tickets a year in advance. The most striking thing is the amount of posturing and ritual that occurs before each and every match. There ...

... at me. Since it was Saturday morning, we had quite a time trying to reach someone, anyone, who could help us. At last, a maintenance man arrived, looked at the damage, nodded at my explanation (though I must say that a year of studying Japanese didn't prepare me for this!) and ran out, saying he'd be back. Soon, he was back with two other men and they mopped everything up, emptied the washing machine, drained the water our of the kitchen's ceiling ...

... and I were invited by Mariko (a Yaei-Higashi sensei) to join her at a Ballroom dance competition. She use to compete in ballroom dance when she was in college. She saw many of her college friends at the comptetion. It was a lot of fun. Just like the movie, "Strictly Ballroom"! I enjoyed seeing the beautiful dresses and shiny jewelry. It was fun to the couples dancing as they move their heads to counter ...