Happy July!

I had a pretty long weekend – good thing I scheduled my weekend posts early!  Yesterday, I had a morning training for work so it was a bit like losing a day in the weekend.  Today, we headed out to the beach and my gosh – it was insanely busy!  We generally like Magic Island because it’s emptier.  I had to go to Waikiki Beach today and it was very rocky and full of strong waves.  I hope today was busy because it’s the weekend before July 4th?

Anyhow!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  This is a shot I took at the entrance of Meiji Shrine.  This little critter was hanging in mid-air wanting to say hello!  Sorry if any of you don’t like critters…:)

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Japanese Tea Garden Treat

When I visited a pretty garden in Tokyo, there was a cute little tea house in the middle of it.  This was definitely not your traditional tea house, we ordered our dessert from a vending machine outside and had a seat inside.  Then a little Japanese woman in a Kimono shuffled out with your order within minutes.  The tea house wasn’t crowded at all, I’ll assume it’s because it was more of a tourist thing.  That’s all right with me!  The dessert was gorgeous.  Please enjoy the pictures.

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Bichiumaya in Shinjuku

Before I made the trip out to Japan, I had to do a lot of research on Japanese eateries!  The research definitely yielded some great rewards but in the end, I was unable to find a few due to the fact that I don’t know a lot of Japanese and being unfamiliar with the area.  One of my first meals in Japan was located right in my neighborhood, Shinjuku.  I found Bichiumaya thanks to the Tokyo Cuisine Guide.  His blog is so useful for us tourists – he shows a lot of pictures and tells you what you should order.  If I hadn’t read his entry, I would never have been able to eat what I ate there!

SURUMEIKA NO BUTTER SHOYU YAKI (Grilled squid with butter and soy sauce)

SURUMEIKA NO BUTTER SHOYU YAKI (Grilled squid with butter and soy sauce)

NEGI KAKE TSUKIMI NIKUTAM (Okonomiyaki with green onions & fried egg)

NEGI KAKE TSUKIMI NIKUTAM (Okonomiyaki with green onions & fried egg)

MOCHI CHEESE NIKUTAMA (Okonomiyaki with cheese & sticky rice cake)

MOCHI CHEESE NIKUTAMA (Okonomiyaki with cheese & sticky rice cake)

This was one of the best meals we had in Japan.  We didn’t realize how big the portions would be and had to get a take-out bag.  I felt so bad especially since I read that you aren’t supposed to do take-out in Japan.  The squid was the best squid I have ever tasted.  Perfect seasoning and oh so tender.  The egg in the second picture was really one egg that had two yolks!  I was amazed by that.  Wonderful food and start to my trip in Japan.

Shinjuku, Japan – April 2012