Land of the rising sun - Part 3

Japan continues to be in my prayers..

During my visit, I spent some time visiting the Tsukiji- fish market and the nearby produce markets.

I did not get to Tsukiji in the wee hours of the morning, but did get to see a lot Tuna being carted around to be sliced and diced for sale. Lots of exotic sea creatures also to be seen. It's a humming place, with carts zipping in and out at lightning speed, quite amusing to watch - as long as you are out of their way

The produce market too was interesting It's always fascinating to me the things you find - like different grades of wasabi - for 22000 yen (possibly by the kilo), but that is approx $220 - very EXPENSIVE!

Other foods like cherries and mangoes were also pricey!

Other highlights included a walk to see the imperial palace, ginza and shibuya.

Getting around was quite easy- i saw everything using public transport and walking - everything is well signed - though i have to admit, you forget how populated Tokyo can be, can be quite overwhelming

This is the pedestrian crossing at Shibuya.

Still I love the hustle and bustle of this city.

Sydney Theatre Co

This year my girlfriend K and I decided that we'd be theatre partners together. It's been a while since i've had a subscription to the Sydney Theatre Co , so it is a real treat.

We had dinner before the play at the Hickson Rd Bistro. I had Crisp Skin Ocean Trout, Crushed Potatoes, Seared Scallop, Basil & Ramesco Sauce - very enjoyable - particularly the ramesco sauce , but i would have like the skin to be more crisp.

K had the Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli, Baby Peas, Lemon, Almond, Parmesan & Sage Butter - which she said was quite nice. Nice restaurant that i'd go back to.

We finish dinner about 15 mins before the play starts and this is when the fun begins - we discover that the play - in the Next room - was not on where we were - we were down on Hickson rd and the play was at the Opera House. Panic sets in and we head down the street - i suggest to K that we should catch a cab, it would have taken us 25-30 mins to get there on foot. Fortunately for us - we make it down to the Drama theatre with a minute(literally) to spare.

I have to admit that i don't recall reading the blurb about the play - though parts of it would definitely make one blush. I really enjoyed the story line - but felt that there were overplayed too many times. Not a bad start to the theatre year!

If you read this K - i had a memorable night - and very funny! :)

Land of the rising sun - Part 2

What a terrible past week for Japan - praying for the people of that land and remembering those in NZ as well!