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Tokyo--a Random Look
Since we first visited Ueno Park with its wonderful zoo a few years back, we've been talking about the excitement of seeing live pandas. Well, excitement is stretching it as, honestly, all they did was lie in their cages, asleep. Whenever one stirred, the crowd would gasp and hold its collective breath, hoping the wonderful creature would get up and walk around. We considered ourselves lucky just to watch them snore. This time, we really hit it lucky. There he was, in his black-and-white beauty, wandering around the outside area adjoining indoor display case. Imagine the excitement of the crowd as he lumbered toward us! Like everyone else, we ooohed and aaahed and snapped lots of pictures.
Penguins without ice? We've been here in the summer when it was quite warm and humid, and we didn't notice any difference in the penguins' behavior. Perhaps with enough sashimi, penguins aren't particular about weather. Ueno Park has many other attractions in addition to the zoo. There are numerous museums, small shrines, and teahouses. It is best known as the place to view sakura (cherry blossoms) in the springtime. We haven't enjoyed this activity--yet!
Visiting the Imperial Palace is a "must" for Tokyo tourists. Of course entry is strictly forbidden, though our friend Milton made a valiant effort. He asked Yuriko to explain to the Japanese version of Secret Service agents that he was a college classmate of Emperor Hirohito. We never learned what she did say, but at any rate, we were not invited inside for a cup of green tea. Adjacent to the Imperial Palace are the ruins of the Edo Castle and a modern, elaborate park with scores of dancing fountains. The area projects a sense of calm and tranquilty although it is in the heart of the largest city in the world. Swans swim gracefully in the Castle moat as buses, cars and trucks hurry past on an eight-lane road.
A Waianae boy, Konishiki and his family have done many things to help our community. Perhaps he is best loved for his "Konishiki's Kids" program. Every other year, he sponsors a trip to Japan for two dozen outstanding Waianae youth and their teachers. This opportunity is a great motivator! In Narita, we attended an exhibit of children's art from around the world. We are hoping perhaps next time some entries will come from Waianae. Please continue to the next page to see a few pictures of Narita.
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Oh,
did I forget our big interest in sumo? Our friend known professionally
as "Konishiki," was the largest sumotori in the long history
of the ancient sport. Before he retired, we had the privilege of visiting
him at Takasago-beya, his training "stable" in Tokyo.
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