Japan

My first trip to Asia brought me to the Far East.    It was a drastic difference from the Western world, and so much to see and learn in this incredibly orderly and clean country.  The majority of the time I spent in Tokyo, with a side trip to Kamakura and Hakone, where I was able to see lots of Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines, and even get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.   Transportation was mostly by three overlapping train systems.   It was a great challenge and adventure to figure out how to get around on the chikatetsu (subway) and Shinkansen bullet train.    At first everything tasted fishy, and there were lots of unidentifiable ingredents in the food.   Soon, however it was fun to try and ask in Japanese what was in the food, and order something from a picture or display in the window, not knowing what it was... lots of fun surprises, and some things still a bit of a mystery.   Food presentation is so beautiful and artistic.    Japanese people are so polite and helpful and learning to speak some Japanese is fairly easy and fun!     Quickly got used to saying "Arigato Gozaimaaaaaas"!!   Thank you very much. . and lots of bowing!!

Pictures here are limited and lower quality, as in fact I believe digital cameras did not exist at the time I went on this trip!