The time change has been a challenge. By 6:30 pm last night (2:30 AM in Los Angeles) we were done. We did get a chance to walk around the neighborhood and catch some of the local flavor before heading to bed.
We also explored the hotel. We went to the restaurant where we were greeted by their very friendly staff. The manager came up to me and remembered meeting me at the Gate Hotel in Osaka. Of course I had to tell him this is my first time in Japan.
The room is very nice. Included are pajamas for use during our stay. Here is Patrice modeling hers.
Here you can see me in my pair.
In addition to a variety of niceties to make our stay more pleasureable the room has an amazing toilet. The machine says hello everytime you approach. Check out this video.
Today was our first day touring. Our guide, Silvia, and our driver Ogawa San, arrived promptly at 9:30. Actually they came early. Both were a delight. Silvia had us walking all over Tokyo and filled us with all sorts of interesting facts of which I remember very little. At the end of our tour Silvia walked us to our restaurant 634 Musashi (131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1 Chome−1−2) with is 350 meters above street level in what is called Tokyo Skytree. The structure is very impressive giving you fantastic views of the city.
The food at the restaurant was very attractive in its presentation but I didn’t think it tasted all that great. The portions were incredibly small but as my friend Mike likes to say they make up for it with very high prices.
After lunch we used Apple Maps to get us back to the hotel. I love navigating on public transportation when on a trip. It makes me feel like part of the community. So I set my phone to take us to the Gate Hotel and received perfect instructions on how to get there. Unfortunately there was one small detail that I failed to consider. I used the wrong Gate Hotel for my directions. Upon exiting the train station it was immediately evident that we were nowhere near our hotel. Luckily I was able to flag down a cab and he was able to get us back to our room.
I have to stop writing now because Patrice said she couldn’t wait to get into bed. This kind of wife is better than any automated toilet. So bye for now.
I’m back, I misunderstood her plans. She is fast asleep. I guess I will read my book
On the toilet.
See you tomorrow.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 