Post 34: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

Tuesday was not very busy. It was pretty rainy and I was really lazy. I did head over to Kichijoji to go to the Titikaka store there, but it was changed around and they also did not have the bracelets I was hoping for. That was fine, because there was another store that had some. :) Though some were a bit too long, so I need to buy some elastic and re-bead some of them.

While I was there, I walked a little bit through Inokashira-Koen.

Wednesday, I went to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. I took the Shinkansen early in the morning, but I was told the reserve seats were filled. It was either 自由席 (find your own damn seat) or Business class. Business class was like ¥2000 more….and I was like “gimme that shit!”

Though to get to the Shinkansen, I did take the Tozai line to Otemachi….you can walk the underground at Otemachi to Tokyo station. Not surprisingly crowded.

I had to use the restroom…..and ended up in a squatty toilet. At least these now have bars to balance on. Don’t like pooping in these though. (note: did not poop in these)…

Arrived in Hamamatsu around 9:30 or something and met up with my friend. :) This is the street that has 50+ plaques lining the street to tell the story of the trip to Edo back in the day.

We then met with one of my friend’s childhood friends, and she drove to the Unagi-pie factory. Fun fact, one of the ingredients sprinkled on top is powder from ground up unagi (eel) bones. Fucking delicious. It seems to be pretty sweet I guess….not that I will be putting it in my coffee or anything.

We then went to a park. This was on their sink.

“Do not wash your dog here please.”

The fact there is a sign there means it has happened more than once.

Going up to a 50 meter tower, to overlook the park. It was a pretty amazing view.

They had an “artist area” of the park. I believe it was the Monet area of park?

Tons of flowers….some of the most beautiful arrangements of flowers.

We walked around Maisaka and found a Toori in the water and a young couple watching the sunset on the lake.

Friend’s family is from a fishing family and owns some boats which are on this dock.

It was a lovely trip and nice seeing my friend and her husband whom I have not seen in about 20 years. It was a nice, relaxing time.

Now I have to prepare for the person to come round and see what needs to be moved back to the US.