Inside Cheech’s mind

Our last day in Tokyo was on saturday. so we decided to head down to check out the world famous Tsukiji fish markets. Waking up at 5am just to go see fish. Weird. Anyway we had to pack up and get our stuff ready for our flight as well as we were now off to Sapporo after the fish markets but breakfast down there.

After saying good bye to Thao (sue was sleeping) we made our way down to the markets. We had no idea where the markets were so we basically, got off the train and followed our noses and some signs. You could smell the seafood.

When we got there it was truly amazing, how busy the place is and the amount and variety of food available. It was a smorgasboard of food and tastes. You could pretty much find anyting that lived in the sea, and more.

There was a vibrant energy about the place with workers running around, shops trying to sell items, food stalls rushing fresh seafood to customers, and toursits and locals trying to taste everything.

Yuli and I decided to have some fresh soba. We found a stall serving fresh soba and you pick what ever you want to go with your noodles and they cook it fresh for you. Very fresh and Hot. We ate it however we took our time. I was truly amazed at the speed in which the locals ate. Basically they sat down and the next thing you know they are gone.

After our nice breakfast we went further into the markets to look for the huge tunas that are famous in this area. What we found was some massive Tunas. First we saw one that was 100kgs. and then as we walked around a bit more we found a super fresh one being cut up. It weighed in at 176kgs. It took 3 guys to flip one quarter of it. It was cut fresh right in front of us and was definitely an experience. We started talking to the guy, and he told us what he was doing etc. He also gave us fresh sashimi right off the bone which tasted really good. It just melted in your mouth. The piece along was around about $50 so we were really lucky.

The tuna auctions are now closed to the public due to people like us tourist. As they get in the way of the auction but we were lucky to find this guy. Big thanks to him

After our fish markets experience it was off to the airport and on our way to powder heaven.

I will get some photos up soon. STAY TUNED

Waking up to a nice cool crisp day in Tokyo, our mission today was Snowboard shopping in Tokyo. The Mecca of snow stuff, Ochanomizu was drawing us there. I set off on my mission with Yuli and Thao to go shopping.

But before this we went up to Roppongi Hills to have a look. Akasaka is pretty close to that area. Most of the expats live here so a lot of westerners are around here. Its very busy area with lots activities. However we managed to find a small tranquil park with a nice little temple there.

Walked around Roppongi for a bit and scoped out some small shops. Then it was off to have lunch. We had lunch in Jimbocho in a nice Ramen takeaway shop. It really amazes me the efficiency that they have here. We ordered out of a machine, and then the food is in front of you within minutes. Taste for the food was also great. Love the efficiency. Trains on time, food ready for you. But then again seems like everyone’s in a rush, and no time to breathe.

Anyway we reached Ochanomizu, and the shopping was to start. This place is a Mecca, with snowboard shops everywhere. Blocks and blocks of shops and they are all multi storeys. Well we spent ages looking around for gear and bargains and got everything we wanted and more (for yuli). Even Thao got a bag for her ski boots.

After our long day climbing stairs and checking out all the coolest and latest snowboard stuff we had just enough time to walk over to Akihabara to check out some electronic gadgets. Not much was bought but managed to scope out a few ipod stuff. Lotta cool stuff but a bit expensive.

Now it was off to grab a bite to eat and then rest up as tomorrow we were heading to Tsukiji Fish Markets.

Finally arrived in Japan, after long months of planning. first few days was spent in Tokyo. This involved a lot of walking, getting use to the language again, and then snowboard shopping and fish markets.
Well, Karina managed to squeeze a small amount of time out to see me off at the airport which was great. Thanks baby. It was sad and also happy time knowing that my adventure was to begin, but sad to know that I won’t see my baby for a while.
This time I travelled with a friend of mine Yuli (now known as Yu Ri by all the Japanese as they can’t pronounce the Li.) We managed to get on the upper deck of our flight and travelled safely to Japan.
Arriving in Tokyo our first challenge was to get our luggage and send it over to Niseko in a Takkyubin. Paid a bit more than we estimated but the key was it got there when we needed.
Once we completed this we were off on our adventure on the Tokyo train system. Destination Akasaka. Managed to navigate my way through most of the subway, remembering places from last time quiet easily. Finally reaching Sue’s Palace.
Sue place is huge, like a palace, thanks so much for your kind hospitality. After this we were off to get some nihon tabemono. Japanese food. What else could we get but Ramen. Once our stomaches were full it was off to bed to rest up. Ready for the next day.

peace out