Sylvia's Scenario

After we left our  ryokan  in Hakone, Nick wanted to show us a famous 5 star hotel nearby called Fujiya Hotel founded in 1878.  John Lennon and Yoko stayed here in 1978.  He and Sachiyo had stopped by this hotel before and it was worth adding on our sightseeing tour.  It reminded me of  Hotel Del Coronado  only Japanese-style.  It was so elegant and plush and the grounds were beautiful and very tranquil. We enjoyed just walking around and looking at the gardens and beautiful trees and traditional Japanese architecture. We timed our visit to the Fujiya Hotel so we could have lunch here in their main dinning room. The hotel was known for it's curry dishes so that's what we all ordered. Bruce ordered the pork curry that came out looking like a pork cutlet breaded in panko and very crisp and delicate. The curry was brought out in a separate  dish that you poured over your meat and rice. ...

Sadly, this is the last day of our vacation in Japan but I can't help think about how much I like it here. I kept saying to Nick during our visit that my impression is so different than what I thought it would be. Here's why. I like the way everyone walks, rides bicycles or takes the train to get around and that they have parking lots for bicycles. I like how you don't have to tip at restaurants and you get the bill immediately and leave when you feel like it with no sense of rushing. I like the unspoken rule of no eating, drinking or talking on cell phones while on public transportation. I like how polite, respectful, considerate and thoughtful people are. I like the shiba dogs everywhere and now I want one! I like how everyone eats fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I like how you don't see any overweight people or need bariatric chairs. I like how they illustrate menu items with fake food that looks...