Tokyo, Japan

In mid-Dec, Merck Japan brought Mommy and her two coworkers/friends (Kelly and John) to Tokyo to present to their doctors. The flight was long and the trip was exhausting. But Mommy, Kelly and John managed to fit in a little fun too. :)

We had 1 free day and hired a local guide to show us around the city including 2 ancient temples (Asakusa and Meiji jingu shrine - we saw a traditional wedding here), the famous Tsukiji fish market, Hamarikyu garden, a tea ceremony, an open-air market, a river cruise and some quaint districts along the way...yes we fit a lot in for 1 day.

That evening we also got tickets to see the very interesting art of Kabuki at the Nissei theater (a highly esteemed type of Japanese theater with elaborate make-up and costumes in which all the actors are men and they specially train their voices to have a very unique high-pitched sound)...we definitely didn't fit in and were completely lost with the storyline, but it was fun all the same.

Our hosts (Merck Japan colleagues) were very excited to have us visiting and enjoyed taking us to a hibachi grill (laughably American) and "Ninja" (sister restaurant to the famous NYC location, which was laughably touristy)...but they tried. Every other part of our experience was totally authentic Japanese....it was amazing.