Surprise Surprise

The birthday weekend was quite busy and full of wonderful surprises. First, Meki took Nicole and I to see Savion Glover in "Classic Savion". I've admired the performer since he was in The Tap Dance Kid on Broadway and a regular on Sesame Street. His performance on Sunday was electrifying and phenomenal. I sat at the edge of my seat watching him tap to a 9 piece orchestra and improvise with a 4 piece jazz band. After the show, Nicole talked her way into backstage (Bravo!) and we all got to meet Savion and have our little photo op. He is amazingly kind.




Saturday night we had the law school dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay. I enjoyed that as well because I got to see my classmates clean up and it will be one of the last times we are all together as a group. I guess we should have taken a group shot, but given seasickness (and other illnesses) that would probably have been impossible.































Sunday night I had a surprise party thrown for me by Rachel and Jeremy. It took a lot of trust to get me to wear that blindfold and walk down busy Tokyo streets. I was a good sport and did it though. We had so much fun at a Karaoke Bar. I have actually not done Karaoke up until this point.

Something about having a microphone in hand and surrounded by other people who cannot really sing, makes the inner diva in all of us emerge.

I'm just surprised Jerry or Jeremy didn't jump on the table and really "bust a move." But I did blush when they both serenaded me... Jeremy did so in Japanese. Show off.

In all, it was a fun, fun weekend and an excellent way to celebrate another birthday. I appreciate everyone who shared in my merriment and sent well wishes my way.

And because of the time difference, I actually get to celebrate for almost 3 full days. I just missed my brother's call to wish me Happy Birthday.

Nikko

We also went to Nikko one weekend, which is north of Tokyo. Remember my spring motif? Well there was snow on the ground in Nikko. Kristina and Jeremy got in a snowball fight. I figured referee was the safest position to play.

In Nikko, we saw shrines, temples, waterfalls and snow capped mountains. It was absolutely serene and gorgeous.










I also had the BEST steak in Nikko. That's the stuff memories are made of. I guess I shouldn't let a cut of beef outshine the traditional Ryokan we stayed at that evicted us at 9:55 am or the Onsen that was a 1.5 KM walk off the main road. (I have to do an onsen post!)

In all, it was another fabulous weekend in Japan.

Spring in Tokyo

Spring has always been my favorite season. It represents new life, renewal, warm weather, birds chirping, my birthday. Paris in the spring is a dream of mine, but for now I'll have to settle for Tokyo in the spring, which represents everything, except warmth. But Tokyo in the spring has a nice uniqueness of its own.

We had Hanami, which is the cherry blossom viewing. My roommate and I planned a picnic. We sat in the cold and viewed the beautiful white flowers with our classmates and newly made friends.

Mark and I contemplated our future with a hyphenated last name ceremony. Luckily, no paperwork was involved, so it's not legally binding.

And I saw this hurried group of Geisha at Ueno park. They were headed to a party that I was not invited to, nor could I even attempt to gain admission. Maybe next time. More happened, but my computer doesn't want you to know.