Travel Memoirs: Big In Japan

And that was what happened to me. Big in Japan last week. 3 days in Tokyo = 1.5 kg heavier! 

I love Japan for its gentle yet rich culture. The fact that everyone seems so extremely polite. Where juxtaposition is a way of life - from the timelessness of Zen gardens to the fervid yet organised crowds of the rush hour in Shinjuku. Yet, sometimes, it is disturbing for me to be reminded of their intense cruelty in Asia during World War 2. I find it hard to reconcile their multiple acts of violence with the somewhat restrained yet civil society that surrounded me last week.

The weather was magnificent last week - so pleasantly cool with a touch of chill in the evenings, and clear cerulean blue skies in the biting air of the mornings. Wondrous.

Gorgeous winter sky and achingly beautiful trees with bare branches

Most of all, I love Japan for its food! And I will make it my personal objective every time I am there to feast incessantly on Japanese food. 

One of the quaint traditional restaurants that I sauntered past constantly on my way back to the hotel. I was so tempted to enter alone but was daunted by the Japanese language menu

From the succulent delight of springy ramen to the jubilant charm of exquisite bentos. From the breathtaking arrangements of food too gorgeous to be eaten to the delectable and pretty snacks dotting the ubiquitous grocery stores. I would gorge myself during all meals and then furtively stashed a whole inventory of delicious snacks back to my hotel room where I could revel in these sweet sins with immaculate relish.

Food presentation is truly an art in Japan

Hence, the extra 1.5 kg after less than 3 days of constant indulgence. I am ashamed. Yet I never fail to bring home copious boxes of daintily-packed snacks in all shapes and sizes from Narita airport. To be stuffed back into my poor overworked stomach at home. Help!