Christmas in Japan

After having such a wonderful Christmas Eve, it was difficult to make Christmas Day any better.  In my family it is a tradition to have a big breakfast Christmas morning and I was not about to let that slip in Japan.  Drew couldn't wait to open presents, so after all of the unwrapping I whipped up some bacon, eggs, and banana pancakes.  Turns out the bacon here is more like Canadian bacon and does not produce nearly the amount of grease that I am used to.  Nevertheless, it was quite a tasty meal that was reminiscent of home.

Due to my reduced state from jet lag, I never did get around to buying an actual Christmas tree.  We had to make due with this two dimensional tree instead.  There were presents under it so I think that means it counts.

We took a trip into Tokyo to see the sights and shop around for the gifts we've decided to get each other.  I want a nice Japanese kitchen knife and Drew wants a Japanese tool that is a mix between a hatchet and a knife.  It's easier if we pick out our own and Tokyo is definitely the place to shop.

While in Tokyo Drew said he had something he really wanted to show me.  By now I can tell when these statements are going to be followed by something ridiculous.  This was one of those moments.  As we rounded a corner, Drew pointed up to this statue explaining that it is fondly referred to in Japan as "kin no unko," or "the golden turd."  Apparently, this is supposed to be the Asahi flame.  Asahi is a beer company and their brewery offices are in the building to the left of the flame which was made to look like a beer mug.  Thanks Drew for showing me the poo.

We almost ate at a Thai restaurant that night for dinner but it just wasn't going to fit in with the Christmas spirit.  Instead, we resorted to a Mexican restaurant to make us feel more at home.  They even gave us a glass of sangria as a "Christmas present."  We did end up having to order extra food though because Drew's burritos were the size of tacos and my tacos were the size of nothing I've ever seen in America.  Even that tiny bowl of chips and salsa in the picture was $5.  By far the most we've ever spent on Mexican food, but it sure was fantastic!

Here's a little video just to capture how massive the crowds are at the crosswalk in Shibuya.