Began the day quite early and with a lot of energy

We were out wandering the city probably by 7:30 (jet lag will do that to you) after having munched on a fun breakfast from the market--suspension (which is gelatin with mandarin oranges, at least that's my favorite) and choco-bread--a yeast bread with chocolate swirled in it. Satisfying and interesting.

Our first destination was the government building of our section of Tokyo, Nakano. We were there before they opened the observatory, so wandered to a convenience store for a snack! Perhaps you can tell from my simple sentence structure that I am very tired again, although it is only 9:00 p.m! That's because we were on the move all day long--and it was a lovely day!

First: Here is Sam near our front door. This 'alley' is the driveway to our house and others beyond, also opens to a path along the river--handy and pleasant. 

A few interesting things en route to the government building:

1. Jamie examines a few of the ubiquitous vending machines. Almost anything can be purchased from them.

2. This is the part of the sidewalk for walking--not for bicycles, and there are many, many bicycles!

3. A shop named for ME!!! ('Momo' is what my family calls me.)

4. The government buildings and the blue sky! Observatory is at the top! And here is the view:

"Forever" is beyond civilization and not visible here. Impressive?!!!

A relatively short train ride to visit Meiji Shrine, located within the busy city in a small forest:

The tori, gate to the shrine, is the tallest of that style in Japan. Such a peaceful walk through the woods to the shrine, even with a lot of people sharing the wide path.

I've seen these symbols, hanging from the thick rope, at other shrines; sorry I don't know their meanings.  We washed our hands, then tossed a coin, clapped twice, and said a prayer. I liked it, saying a prayer is always good.

Before leaving we walked through the Iris Garden; silly me, I was surprised that they were all Japanese Iris, instead of the more familiar (to me) bearded iris from my yard back home.  Another classic 'Duh!' Moment--oh, right! We're in Japan, what else would they be?

Amazing lunch at a restaurant Hideko and Jame had enjoyed in New York City---Fabulous! And much less expensive!! Fried chicken and vegetable with a salad, rice, pickled veggies, and miso soup!

Now into the heart of Shibuya, where throngs of people congregate. 

Sam had wanted her picture taken with a statue of the dog Hatchiko, who waited for his deceased owner at the RR station for about ten years, until he too passed away. This statue was a meeting point for generations before the digital age.

Dinner tonight we cooked at our table: thinly-sliced beef, shrimp, squid, veggies, a rice dish with vegetables, cucumbers with plum sauce, four sauces for dipping--and for dessert: Suspension!

And now, my dear friends, I'm off to bed; I'm very tired, and my legs and feet ache, BUT I couldn't be happier!!!