DAY 2
Well, I’ve discovered I’m not mature enough to use the “bidet” function on my Japanese style toilet. That is, I can use it, but not without giggling every single time. It’s just that the description of “shower” which is in the instructions in no way prepares you for the sensation of a waterpick stream aimed at your bum. (Or “front part,” depending on which setting you use.) However I am beginning to like the sensation of being just a little cleaner than normal. Part of the operation of this toilet is the fact that every time you sit on the padded seat, some water starts trickling into the bowl. It’s almost like the toilet is peeing for you!
Another thing about this room – the bed is good preparation for the ryokan I’m planning to stay in later. I mean, it’s as hard as a tatami mat. I never knew they made mattresses like that! I got a pretty good night’s sleep, though. Except for the jet lag which had me up at 4:30am. I’m definitely going to need a nap later.
Breakfast this morning, which is included in my hotel charge, was Japanese style only. There were some sweet rolls and bread you could toast (that wonderful white fluffy Japanese-style bread which is a treat), but other than that it was very non-Western: tofu with something that seemed like little bits of hamburger but which may have been meatless, rice – both plain and with some bits of peas and egg and lotus root in it, pickled daikon grated like noodles, miso soup, and vegetarian curry. If I eat that every morning, I think I’ll be in great shape to bare all at the onsen. *LOL*
Today I checked out a stationary store near my hotel, and boy was it filled with stuff. Kinda like Staples combined with Hello Kitty. *g* I was tempted by the fountain pens, but didn’t buy any then. I will probably go back later since it’s just about a block away, and pick up some of the cheap pens they don’t sell in the US. Afterwards I met my friend Mil for lunch and we ate some sashimi and grilled eggplant and miso butterfish. Except that they didn’t call it miso butterfish….can’t remember the Japanese name! There was something weird on the sashimi plate which looked like mayonnaise but had no flavor whatsoever. I’ll wait for one of my Hawaii family/friends to enlighten me…..I’m guessing it must’ve been some kind of fish eggs or innards or something??
After that we decided not to stray far from the area, and so walk several blocks to a nearby river. It was great seeing people just relaxing, plus birds (egrets, gray herons, crow-like birds with funny beaks, and even some hawks/eagles flying about) and possibly some fish in the river, because we saw people with poles, although not any actual fish. We took the subway back home, and one the way wandered into a store FILLED with pastries. I mean, it was like a market full of pastry vendors, all with their own counters and glass cases of strawberry shortcakes and tarts and cream puffs and indescribable delights. I wish now I had had the presence of mind to take a photo. And I didn’t buy anything then, but I’m DEFINITELY going to go back there (if I can find it again)!
Tonight I am really feeling the jetlag, so will try out the furo feature of the bathroom. They have a neat set-up which must be quite common in Japan, where the water can be diverted to the sink or the shower head. The faucet spout can be swung around to hang over the tub, so you can fill the (very deep) tub when you want to soak. There’s also a drain in the floor, which explains why all the hotels in Waikiki have instructions in Japanese telling the guests they need to bathe INSIDE the tub!
Written by Suzette Tom