I keep forgetting to tell you all that little tidbit. It is not customary to tip in Japan, so there is never a need to tip at dinner, meals, or other places you might ordinarily. The service is still incredible, though. Also, most gas stations are full-service. They fill 'er up, clean the windows, and you never have to leave your car! There are a few self-serve places we've seen, but they were the same price or MORE than the full-service places. Of course, the problem lies in communicating what you need to the attendant, but Sam has it down, and I should be able to get the phrases pretty easily.
We ate at a wonderful place on Sunday! We call it "Chili's and Garlic," but that's just because the sign on the restaurant has two red chilis and a clove of garlic - it's got to be good, right? We looked at the outside menu, and it showed all these different cuts of RED MEAT - another good sign. We went in, and there were rows and rows of lockers. Huh? Ohhhhh, to put your shoes in! So we put our shoes in a locker and pulled out the piece of wood that serves as a lock and number reminder. They then showed us to our "table." Sam and I were concerned we were going to have to sit on the floor, but the tables were actually sunken, so we stepped on our seats, and sat down. In the middle of the table is a small grill. We ordered a plate of miscellaneous meats and grilled them ourselves. There was garlic, and several other sauces to flavor with. It was scrumptious, AND none of the girls got burned!
Yesterday, Ai, one of the girls who works at the Tokyu met us at the hotel and went to the aquarium with us. She called ahead to make arrangements for us. When we got there, two men greeted us at the entrance with some little souvenirs for the girls. They told us to meet at the penguin encounter at 1:00 to meet the penguins. When we arrived, they brought the girls another bag of souvenirs. We weren't able to see the penguins up close and personal, but they let Gracie ask the keeper a question. She was soooo cute, and I was so proud of her. As we were leaving, we met a group of men and told them thank you, and they gave us another bag of souvenirs. I'm not sure who Ai told them we were, but the girls really got the royal treatment. It was a very special day, and we really enjoyed Ai's company!
Today, we went to Higashiyama Park for a picnic. The girls had more of the peanut butter sandwiches they like, and I had one of the sandwiches I like. We fed the HUGE crows and pigeons. The girls bought fish food, but ended up feeding the pigeons instead. We also got to hold guinea pigs (they now want one as a pet)! I'm not sure what they sedated the guinea pigs with, but they were VERY calm and docile - LOL :) I will add pictures tonight or tomorrow.
The house is ready, but all the paperwork and "stuff" is still in the works, so still no immediate sign of getting into the house. We're very ready!!
Love and Hugs to you all!
~Michelle
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2 comments:
I LOVE the cheesy smiles! =)
Those little dresses are precious and seems like they're the perfect choice since it looks pretty hot over there. I know you're having so much fun that you might not even notice the heat! (okay, I bet you notice it, but it doesn't slow you down much)
So .... will there be any pet guinea pigs in your future? Looks like they had a fun time with them. Is it customary to have pets? You know, I'm a little partial to cats - get a couple of kittens (okay, three I guess) and your lives would be fun 24 hours a day!
Your description of the service/no tipping, etc. was so interesting. I never would have thought of a place where full-service was cheaper than self-service!
The "Chili's and Garlic" place sounds pretty yummy. I hope you're keeping a list of all the best places you've found so that when I finally get to come visit, we can hit the hot spots! (Okay, I'm now laughing to myself - neither one of us are really known for hitting the "hot spots" around town, are we? LOL)
I hope the paperwork on the house goes through smoothly - I know you're ready to be in your own place. Hmm ... do you think the hotel staff will still come change your sheets and towels everyday? that would be sweet!
Love y'all,
=)Cindy
You know they probably would come take care of us :)
No, there won't be any pets in the near future :) Our house has a "no pets" clause. You know we will be feeding all the neighborhood strays, though - LOL.
It is pretty hot right now, but it won't last as long as the Texas summer does. I don't think it's any hotter than Texas, we just walk more here, so we're always sweaty. I'm so not complaining though, as I'm getting lots of good excercise. Most of the Japanese also don't have air conditioning in their homes - we are sooo spoiled :)
It was so good to get to hear your voice yesterday :)
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