Three sleepy kids, one husband, one border collie, 9 large suitcases, 18 pair of shoes, 25 hours of traveling and one new cookbook called: 101 WAYS TO STIR FRY. Konnichiwa, Tokyo! We're back!!!!
And, just to let you know, we are smarter.
We are no longer the rookies of six months ago.
1. When we first arrived six months ago, we didn't know what to buy for our first dinner or where to go to buy it. We ate at McDonalds.
This time, we knew where to buy food....but knew the Dominos Pizza phone number even better. (We are still sticking with cheese and pepperoni topping. So far no takers with the mayonnaise/corn/tuna special).
2.This time, I accept street handouts. Well, not just any street handouts. In Tokyo, companies pass out free mini packets of tissues. It's wonderful! I've got tissues in my earthquake kit, in my kids' backpacks, in my purse, in my pockets, in my dog bag, up my sleeve. In fact, I have so many tissues, now I'm starting to pass them out on the street.
"It's a great way to meet people," I said to my sons. "People with allergies love me."
3. This time, I know to look out for bikes. With a basket in the front and one in the back, the bikes here really do not look at all threatening. But, my goodness, watch out! It's Tokyo Drift, The Two Wheel Version.
"You know," I said to my allergic friend. "You know, I have a hard time talking on my cell phone while walking. Today I saw a woman biking, while talking on her cell phone, while holding an umbrella."
My friend sneezed in agreement.
"And you know the kicker?" I said. "She was also wearing high heels."
4. Oh, the shoes. The shoes. Tokyo women wear gorgeous high heel shoes--up and down stairs, in and out of trains, while playing badminton, hurrying down the street--everyday and everywhere.
"What are you doing, Mom?" my son asked.
"I have decided to put away my comfortable, moldable footbed sneakers. I thought (grunt, groan) that if I could fit my feet into city heels (grunt, groan), then I would be fitting in better to life here."
"Mom," my son said. "I think your City Heels are making your little toe bleed."
"It's ok," I said. "I've got plenty of tissues."
