Japan....

This may be short and without pictures. Got the pictures added but can't move them-the cues are in Japanese! Japanese computers have many buttons we don`t have and some in different places.

The first thing I noticed was the quiet - no car horns. Then the lack of color in what people wear - but color is everywhere. There is little or no English here.

Food is beautiful, small, and delicious - delicate after the loud big plates of curry in India. I thought I would have trouble "tasting" but it is so different. There is tea everywhere (something Japan and India have in common).

I have walked over 20 hours in the past two days (not counting time on the various subways). I have seen the Fish Market - visitors are not allowed at the early auction because it is the busy season. I have taken a water taxi under most of the bridges, eatten soba noodles, tempura, sushi, and will have my first beef in 12 weeks tonight. The department stores have huge two floor arrays of food for sampling and purchase - it is like a food court, sample food show, grocery store, deli, etc all rolled into one. No pictures allowed - of course I snuck some.

The differences from India are huge - I have given up on comparison - I am just seeing so much - and I see with different eyes than I have ever traveled with before. While I don`t miss India, exactly, I am kind of feeling like I don't belong anywhere right now. I do miss my kids lots.

I will try to find an internet cafe (I know they exist - it is just reading the signs and going down the right street).

I will be home in 4-5 days (I do Sat the 20th twice)...It does seem like Christmas is close -decorations everywhere - Ginza is wild with moving signs, lights, etc...

I am looking forward to talking to and seeing all of you.