Back from Japan

Taka came back with some souvenirs~lots really!

So beautifully Japanesey...

...yes...here is...the epitome of Japanese wrapping.... to the extreme~ rather gorgeous. And in a way laughable ...but, in a way~a shame. These ~ rice crackers~are individually wrapped,

put into another plastic bag...then another semi-plastic bag...and finally in the paper bag. Four times over...wrapped~

For me~ a love and hate relationship~

His and her's fans, from Naomi-chan!!!

And his and her's ZORI...Tatami Zori...

a note on the package says "Please Feel"

There should be a note saying "SMELL" cause they smell SO wonderfully of TATAMI

Taka's first meal back- lostsa salad from the yard. The first night-last night- he got to sleep 12 hours! 10:30 pm California time till 10:30 am! THAT'S the way to kick jet lag in the arse!

And the night before~ Julie, Sayoko and Leora, from Australia, Japan and Australia on their way to Escalen~ I got them for two nights before they drove on along the California Coast

And they got to get some gorgeous Califonia sun and redwood vibe here~

The only thing more I wish to ask for is to have had them for longer!

Taka in Japan at the best Ramen Shop ever

GONKICHI....in my 20+ years in Japan- I've never found a better ramen shop

Taka and Yoshizaki's, Ischin, Kahori, Naomi, Sheon, and Tatzuro EIGHT of them squeezed in to this small RAMEN-YA

Their tantanmen is the ULTIMATE....

The brothers have run the restaurant~I've tried to talk with them, but they hardly will respond...and have never wanted to get their photos taken~~

When we go to Japan, GONKICHI is ALWAYS where he have to go to eat at least once- the more the better.