Givogue Invasion: First Wave

Jen, Arron and Chantal arrived on Tuesday and we haven't stopped since. I love sharing Japan with people.

1. A visit to a Japanese classroom. Where they were put center stage to answer questions about Japanese culture and customs quiz show style. I even provided buzzers.

2. A walk through Inokashira Koen (park) in Kichijoji. My favourite place in Japan - also the first park I visited upon my arrival in Tokyo. It's wonderful to be able to share it with family.

3. A Japanese style drinking party with my International Relations students.

4. Kaiten Sushi - rotating sushi restaurant. "I know this great little place under the station"

5. Harajuku: Meiji Jingu Temple, Takashita Dori and Omotesando. Followed by a meeting at Hachiko the dog in Shibuya and dinner at a Nepelase restaurant.

6. Koganei Koen (park): a beautiful sprawling park that includes the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectual Museum.

After the park we followed the music to our local Musashisakai

Matsuri (Festival).

7. Let's enjoy nature in the Tamagawa River source. Located in the westernmost part of the Tokyo Metropolis, Okutama Town is a place of water and green trees. Its whole area is included in the Chichibu Tama kai National Park. That's right out of the pamphlet folks. We went to Okutama ko (lake), Ogouchi Jinja (Shrine) and Yamanofurusato Mura (Village) -

This is not to mention everything in between - Jen, Arron and Chantal are enjoying everything I throw at them. The journey to our destination is just as exciting the destination...Although this city never ceases to amaze me it's awsome to be able to share in the discovery of the little things through my visitors.

More pictures to be added. I'm falling asleep at the wheel here...must shower and head to Starbucks. Jen, Arron and Chantal are off to brave the big city without me...I must teach my very last class of the term at 2:30 today. I wish I could muster more enthusiasm.

J

PS. I've added the rest of the pictures. I never made it to Starbucks, opted for a nap instead. It's 1:14pm in the afternoon. I'm heading to work. For all of 90 minutes. If I'm lucky. I'm anxious to hear about J, A and C's excellent adventure. Another Givogue has been let loose in Tokyo. Watch out.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Planning on posting my favorites from the past few days later today. So check back.