Russell and I have been married 17 years. I know because he tells me. And the funny thing is...I still like him... a lot. I mean after 17 years of course you love your spouse but to still like him, now that's really something. He's still the first person I want to tell if something wonderful or deplorable happens. And that's nice.
So yeah, the Imperial Palace and Gardens. Technically we only caught a glimpse of the palace. It's really only open twice a year: New Year's Day and the Emperor's birthday (Dec 23), twice in one week. Whoa. But the gardens are impressive; the only place I've been in Tokyo (so far) where there is actually wide open spaces.
Right off the train we see these giant fish under the bridge. I mean you can't tell from this picture but they're huge. What have they been feeding them? Tourists?
I'm thinking a moat for my next house.
Ok, so how do you get in this boat - jump?
Entrance to the grounds.
This is the largest boulevard I've seen in Tokyo, an army could march through this.
Oh right, they probably have.
I need an ornate lamp like this for my backyard.
Ok so all the tourist guides say the thing to do is to visit the Higashi Gyoen
(East Garden).
So we did and it was beautiful.
Yes, that's a big ass spider. Scary.
Every where you look the view is planned.
and beautiful.
Lovely little bridge.
With Koi waiting for snacks.
Hey, this looks just like that famous painting by what's his name.
Ok, this is a postcard right here.
And this too.
This is a guest house - can I stay?
Designated smoking area.
This is one for my wallet.
I love the ancient moat framed by the 20th century buildings.
You think the original designer had this in mind?
There was an event going on at one of the structures on the grounds.
Everyone came in traditional garb.
Including us - we wore the dumpy American uniform: jeans, tennis shoes and a baseball cap.
We stopped to picnic in the wide open spaces. Which is awesome except when you're trying to hide the bottle of wine you brought to go along with lunch.
Can somebody help me get out of this bubble?
We think this is the palace.
Hey! There are swans.
Pretty parting shot.
Across the street from the Imperial Palace and gardens is this totally modern
water sculpture area, complete with a cafe.
This clam actually sprays water but I didn't catch it.
Looks like a nice place to eat.
After all the walking around it was time for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The building with the white top on the right is the famous Penninsula Hotel.
Oh yes, it will be mine.
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