First Impressions of Japan

Good Morning from Tokyo Japan,
Someone pinch me because I woke up and here I am in Japan. What a beautiful city. We arrived after a long flight. Everywhere we went at the airport there were Fulbright volunteers with signs to greet us and to guide us through the airport process. Surprisingly enough they let me in the country. We were soon on our way to our hotel. This is probably one of the most elegant places I have ever stayed. The picture is the view from my room.
We immediately were sent to a large room with numbered tables. Two Japanese musicians serenaded us with Japanese instruments, one was a stringed piece and the other a bamboo wind instrument. We divided into small groups and were introduced to a volunteer. I met Hana, a 20 year old student. She reminded me of Lauren, my own daughter. She accompanied me and two other teachers out to dinner (courtesy of JFMF). We walked down narrow streets lined with restaurants. It is the business district and very quaint. We went to a little place where she helped us to order our first Japanese meal. I got a tofu dish which was delicious! It came in a tiny little pot with four little fried balls of tofu in a sauce. I also got a dish of soba noodles served in a square dish. To eat it, I first put some condiments (green, white or freshly grated wasabi) in a bowl of broth. Then you eat them. Slurping is polite and really a great way to eat! I think we should adopt this custom.
By now I was sleeping sitting up (as I do so well), we went back to our hotel. I have my own room on the 25th floor. The room is filled with so many exciting things. The bathroom itself is state of the art! The toilet has to be navigated and it starts making sounds when you sit down. It comes complete with warm water. This is luxury I haven't seen back home.
I was sound asleep at 9:30 and up at 5 am for a jog around the local palace. What a way to start the day. So now I am off to breakfast and our orientation. I am very thankful to be here. Love to you all.
Barbara
Note: BAD mistake...don't drink the plum tea (it tastes like chicken broth)