SAM in Japan: June 2010 Katie's Pics of Japan

My niece Katie let me unload some of her pictures from her Japan vacation, and permission to put some up on the blog. As a result, I don't know where some of the pics were taken, or what they are of (except the ones with family members in them, then I know who they are of)
Most are from Tokyo and surrounding area.

Tova somewhere in Tokyo (see isn't this a great slide show so far....I'll just point out the obvious)

The building in the background is Tokyo Tower.

Below: Great! Is this a shrine to the BBFR? (Big Black Flying Rats you know them as Crows)

Looking up at Tokyo Tower.

Above and several of the below are views from Tokyo Tower.

Below: A school group out on a field trip.

Ah....I know I have made comments about the Japanese trench toilet, but have not provided much more than that. Well, now you get the full picture.

"Flash valve" AKA the handle/button which one uses to flush the darn thing.

The trench can be a bit tricky, especially if you are not feeling all that flexible. Or if you discover that for some reason your daughter can't "cop a squat" and you must go in and discover your inner contortionist to help get the job done. Thankfully after a year in country, she's got it figured out....I'm not naming any names though.

Below: Taking a peek, the Great Buddha - Kamakura. The 2nd largest in Japan at 13.5 meters.

Just in case you are getting hungry.....have a crepe with......stuff.....

Below: Mt. Fuji-san

The Arnold family traveled South of Tokyo to a town called Toba. It was here that they enjoyed their expensive hotel room. (reservations made via computer not realizing the rates til the confirmation was received) But enjoyed their once in a life time, over the top hotel extravaganza.

Below: The bathroom. After the sinks there is the half wall, (glass the rest of the way up) brings you into the shower area. What a view! (complete with an overhead shower spray)

View from the balcony.
Complimentary PJ's not made for the tall Americans.

A visit to the aquarium.

Notice the sign below warning about the dangers of the pelicans.

Below: A group of high school kids out practicing their English. They have a list of questions then get their picture taken with the tall guy.

Big Boy in Japan

Below: A rainy day (I guess it rained a lot....but that's how it is in June in Japan)

Below: Shane glanced over as I was loading this picture. He wondered why I was putting a Scandanavian style architecture building on the blog. Told him this was a picture from Tokyo. "Those Vikings....they went everywhere". We have encountered several Scandanavian things like the word "sukoshi" or "Skosh" for little. I can remember my mom and others saying that when it was just a little, skosh amount they wanted for something. And aebliskiver. The Japanese have those pans with the little round holes for aebliskiver. Except they put things in theirs like squid.