another texan in 日本

I was lucky enough to have not only one but two amazing friends visit me in the same month. Stephanie came the week after Claire, and we had a really great time. She, too, endured the 17+(maybe plus a lot more) hour indirect flight to Tokyo along with all the bonus swine flu checks. She even showed up in Tsuchiura without any assistance because I had to work on the night she came. She's a smart cookie. A Master's degree will make you brilliant and resourceful, and she is now an experienced world traveler. Impressive. The 土浦 Health Center kept calling me to inquire about her health status, and I assured them in very broken Japanese that she did not have influenza of any sort.

Above is Steph pretending to be Buddha. And behind her is Buddha, the Ushiku Daibutsu 牛久大仏. It's the biggest statue in the world according to the Guiness Book sign posted on the inside of the Buddha, which we were fortunate enough to ride an elevator up to the top of (inside).

This was a really nice park near Tokyo Station.

At Asakusa Temple. We bonded with this guy, and he gave us some unsolicited information about all that is Japan. He got a chance to practice his English. He really enjoyed the phrase "On the other hand..." and used it appropriately in conversation at least 10 times during our 10 minute conversation, which might not be appropriate.One of the most popular Kaiten Sushi restaurants in Asakusa, according to the rickshaw driver. It was delicious, and Stephanie bravely tried a surprising amount of raw fish and other strange and wonderful foods. We even went to a friend's birthday party at a cute little bar near Tsuchiura station. Good times. I am a lucky person to have such great friends. Thanks for coming, Steph!!!