Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program - Mrs. Mara Gano, 1st grade teacher from Scenic Park Elementary in Anchorage, Alaska travels to Japan to learn about its culture, people and education system.

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Tsukiji Fish Market and Harajyuku District

I got up very early on Thursday morning to take the subway to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This is where the fisherman bring their catch to sell to all the shop owners and restaurants in the city. It was wild! We missed the actual auctioning of the fish (that happens around 5 am) but we saw every variety of fish and seafood you could imagine, all while trying to avoid getting run over by vans, motor scooters, bicycles, carts, etc.!

The day was spent in lectures so no pictures there. But, we did go out to the Harjyuku District in the evening. Here we saw lots and lots of young people dressed in very elaborate fashions meeting each other, shopping, eating, etc. I am told that because the homes in Tokyo are so small, people go out a lot to spend their time. We enjoyed eating at a very authentic noodle house. I also bought a kimono which was one of my main shopping objectives of this trip.

I am figuring out the elaborate subway system fairly well. I do better underground figuring out where I am than above ground on the busy streets! The maps and signs are better in the subway, I think, at least for English speakers.

Until tomorrow, Sayonara!


Jumbotron in Harajyuku District - looked a lot like Time Square to me!

One of the thousands of tunas at the Tsukiji Fish Market

My dinner at a Japanese Noodle House


More seafood at the Tsukiji Fish Market

10/18/2007 : view on map : permalink : add a comment

Comments:

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Posted: 10/18/2007 7:43:40 PM by Anonymous

Thank you So much for sharing your trip with us. We are enjoying it right along with you.
We leave on Sunday for a 25 day trip. We will spend 10 days with friends in Lisbon and then cruise back to Rio, hitting exciting places along the way. Dad is having a lot of back trouble, so we are taking it one day at a time.
I have finished Seminary! I have my Master's of Art in Christian Theology. Not bad for an old lady that just got her Medicare card. :) Thanks again, Honey. Enjoy every taste, sound, and color.
Much love, as always,
Russ and Donna Jones

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Posted: 10/19/2007 8:28:34 AM by maragano

Hi Russ and Donna: Thanks so much for posting a comment. I have heard from Lee also. Your trip sounds exciting, too. Congrats on your graduation from Seminary! That is quite an accomplishment. So will you be candidating for a church now?:) Love, Mara

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Posted: 10/20/2007 5:34:19 PM by Anonymous

I think I just goofed. I answered your noiote, and thenI deleted it! I don't know where God will lead me. I had hoped to work as an Assistant Pastor in Women's ministries and Service Ministeries at our church, but I have to go through a big oral dissertation. The Pastor said I might get a certificate or a license. I don't think I want that. So, we shall see.
Stay well and enjoy each moment. Love,
Russ/Donna

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Posted: 10/18/2007 7:48:41 PM by Anonymous

Hi Mara: Thank you so much for including me in your list of people that has the opportunity to "go to Japan with you". I traveled there myself many years ago with 16 other teachers when we still lived in Anchorage. We had a blast! The tour guides, Cliff and Ellen Jones Walter, actually live nearby here in VA and we talk about the memories often. Have a wonderful time and thanks again for the "opportunity to travel abroad!". :-) Vicki Brackett Blacksburg, VA

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Posted: 10/19/2007 8:31:16 AM by maragano

Hi Vickie: What a treat to hear from you! I did not know you'd been to Japan. I love it here. I am here with 200 teachers but we are subdivided into groups of 20 for our prefecture visits. We leave on Sunday to go to Tainai, Niigata. We have been in many lectures the last few days from leaders in the country in government, economics, and of course, the educational system. We will visit several schools in Niigata, enjoy a homestay and a night in a ryokan Japanese style inn. I can't wait. Thanks for posting. Mara

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Posted: 10/20/2007 1:06:02 PM by Anonymous

Oh Mara, what an excellent experience for you! I am hoping your cold just disappeared, and your energy and strength are good. Reading your jouranl is almost as good as being there with you. We need a picture of you in your new kimono! Have a wonderful evening. Love & Prayers from the Horners

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Posted: 10/20/2007 4:12:19 PM by maragano

Hi Horner Family: Thanks for posting a comment. My cold is on the tail end fortunately and after five days my body is finally getting the message that yes, I want it to sleep at the opposite time that it is used to! I am about ready to post a very long entry because I have done so much the last day or so. A picture of me in my kimono will be part of that! Love, Mara

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