Tokyo is AMAZING!

I've arrived-safe and sound!

Wow....this photograph looks like a fake, but I assure you, I was just there! In the background is a Buddhist Temple named Senso-ji Temple. As we took a little bus tour on our first full day here, we were dropped off in the Asakusa area for a tempura lunch, (basically deep-fried anything for those that aren't familiar) followed by free time to explore this amazing temple.

Check out the Asian girl in the photo. EVERYONE does the peace sign here. They think it's cool.

Let me catch you up. It's been awhile since I posted my "stress in on" message!

I arrived in San Francisco on Sunday for an orientation session. At the session, we were informed that because of government cutbacks, we will be the last JFMF delegation of teachers. I'm SO glad that I applied last year. To think that I might have missed this...! After orientation, we were taken to the consulate general's home for a reception, which was very elegant. Men in tuxedos serving beverages are always a welcome sight! I had to carefully maneuver the food offered, as I had no way of knowing where shellfish would be lurking. I'm happy to report that the epi-pen is still intact.

I have to say, the teachers participating on this trip are AWESOME! We're a diverse bunch, but everyone is super-friendly and I've already made friends with whom I know I'll keep in touch!

After a loooooong flight over the Pacific (10 hours), we arrived in Tokyo and checked into the hotel. I ventured out to a sushi place with a small group of my new friends. It was amazing, of course! After dinner, we asked where the locals hung out and were told to go to a soul place called "Susuren." It was surreal to be sitting in Tokyo and listening to James Brown and "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. Great night!

Today, we had more orientation, followed by the aforementioned bus tour, where we saw the Diet Building (Basically the Japanese House of Congress), the Imperial Palace and the Senso-ji Temple. We returned to the hotel to see a presentation on Kyogen theatre, which is traditional japanese theatre that's over 600 years old. Performed in a sing-song sort of voice, it's a little different, but really interesting. They also use face masks for characters portraying the devil, animals or ugly women. Nice.

Favorite sights: Hello Kitty Public Bus, a store called "Books & Drugs" which is literally a book/drug store, Tokyo Tower-which looks remarkably similar to the Eiffel Tower, all the boisterous school children who obsessively wave at you when they see you!

Tomorrow morning, I'm planning to leave the hotel at 5am to check out the Tsukiji Fish Market which is a whole-sale fish market. Giant tunas galore! Look for my story later on Thursday!

Sayonara!