Wash Out & Step Climber

Isn't this beautiful?

Today we were planning to go to Asakusa, which has the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo and then go to the Nakmise Shopping Arcade to get some souvenirs. However, during lunch at Midtown the skies opened up and the rain came down. We decided that would literally put a damper on our plans and tried to find an inside activity. So we decided to go to Shinjuku and hoped it would clear up and we could look at some of the amazing buildings. Also, the Shinjuku train station is busiest in the world with over 100 shops and restaurants. It also has two department stores. We went there and went shopping. I got shoes for $10.50 and went to Uniquo. My new favorite store. What am I going to do without it in the US? The nice thing here is that any store that has toys has lots out and lets children play with them freely. So, that was Savannah's inside fun for the day. It was a shame because the departmetn store had a rooftop playground, but it was quite wet. The train station had TONS of steps. When we reach the steps, Savannah wants out of her stroller and says, "Walk." Then she says, "More steps." She did A LOT of steps today and she did them at a good pace. Many times only Savannah, Rich, and I took the steps. A few people took them down, but nobody takes them up. She is quite an active girl. She has always loved to do steps. When we got back to Roppongi, we ate dinner at Tony Romas. They did not have spaghetti or pizza, so Savannah had rice and veggies. Savannah was happy because she got a red balloon. When we came out it was windy and pouring rain. Even though we only had to walk across the street and one block, we were soaked when we got back to the Oakwood. Savannah told the people at the desk that she was "soaked" and needed "new shoes." Tonight out our window the Tokyo Tower is illuminated in rainbow colors and says Tokyo. Very pretty. We love to see what color it will be each night. We will try to go to Asakusa again tomorrow. We were planning to go to Mt. Fuji, but the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating. We are going to attempt it on Friday.

Tokyo Tower in a rainbow of colors.

Quite a sight to see out your window every day and night.

Eating something other than spaghetti--rice.

Savannah walked up all these steps. Notice everyone else taking the esculator.

More steps. Up, up, up

And steps again. Look at her go.

Lots and lots of steps in the train station.

Savannah is climbing.

And more climbing.

Still going. Every corner you turn to get to the train has more steps. Look how many and we are all alone. Nobody else is taking the steps. Rich carried the stroller up the steps, but not with Savannah in it this time.

Odykyu Department Store had an entire floor of children's toys and clothing.

Savannah enjoyed the dolls, toys, ride ons, and puzzles.

While I was shopping she got in some valuable reading about Tokyo.

I need some privacy to read.

I have the rest of our time here in Tokyo all planned out. I know where to go.