Unusual living room....

Aimless wanders.....

Oliver and I went to visit an organic food festival on the East side of Tokyo last weekend. It was the first time I had seen the ocean since I arrived! We sampled a bunch of tasty treats, and stocked up on organic Japanese lemons (they taste sweet and delicious like oranges!), tea and sake!

After once we were nibbled out, we wandered aimlessly around the wide open streets and breezy walkways of this east side area. I have never seen so much open space in Tokyo either! We came across this curious little plaza with a confusing blend of architectural styles and a cawaii brick couch on which we took a sunny afternoon rest.

Hanami party continued....

Hanami Party!

Sakura season has recently left us....but the bizarre and wonderful memories of that magical week still live on. The Japanese celebrate the coming of spring with avengence! People flock by the thousands to the local parks where they set up camp and hang out all day and all night beneath the delicate and fleeting beauty of the sakura trees. Our crew ventured to Yoyogi Goen, a large park popular with the younger crowd. Arriving just after 5 pm, we found the park already packed full of genki Hanami merry makers, with the snacks, beer, livley conversation flowing steadily!

At first we came armed only with a bag of mandarines and some salty rice snacks, but as the evening progressed, and our numbers grew, we had a splendid Hanami feast layed out before us! People were singing and drinking, playing sports, tap dancing, fire breathing, you name it, it was happening! All in all a lovely adventure, and a splendid way to spend a fine spring evening. May there be many more to come........