Surprises in Japan

I know that nobody wants an entire recap of my recent vacation, so I have whittled my 300 photos down to just a few of the best for you to enjoy or hate. After that I may need to blog about Christmas, because I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!!!!
*phew*
Yes. This is a public toilet. I dreaded these squatters so badly.....I have no idea how those little Japanese women in there high heels and tights and miniskirts even handle these things. If you were lucky, there was a bar to hang on to as you squatted....but that makes wiping...well, nevermind.
Funny thing, though, the regular toilets were DECKED out with heated seat, bidet squirters of nice warm water, and even musical flushing sounds so no one can hear you tinkle. I loved those toilets, man, Just loved them!

Mr. Sammy took this picture at a quiet park just across the street from the Olympic Arena. The colors were so great, I was amazed! We packed heavy coats, but really didn't need them. This was such a nice place, I wanted to share it. The parks are all so serene- a big contrast to the squished buildings and neon signs.
This is the Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan, where the hotel is located. Turns out my husband had been working around this area on his mission, but didn't know it because the area had changed so much in the past 20 years. The metal art was in the courtyard outside the mall, which linked to the hotel you see behind it. Yep-it is 70 stories high, and sitting in the window was enough to make you dizzy and your hands sweaty, but it was gorgeous.
Not an uncommon thing, my kid in a picture with complete strangers....but the kids were especially fascinated with his looks and hair. I love this picture because of the kids in uniform and all the peace signs. You better throw a peace sign if your in a photo in Japan!
This little barber shop behind me is very special....above it is the apartment my hubby lived in for 7 months while serving his mission in Hachioji. The town was amazing- with a great street of sidewalk sales and quaint shops (well, some not so quaint, as the vendors yell out strange things to try to get you to come shop)and we toured the small LDS meeting house and visited with missionaries who happened to be there, and met up with a local member who was a friend during the mission. I have never seen my hubby giddy over anything....but he was giddy this day. I also call this my "take a picture it will last longer" day, because I left my hair curly, and I was stared at, double takes, and watched all day. Weird. I felt like Angelina or something.
This was taken at a shrine that had a flame burning (in the metal wing) that has been linked to the flames of Hiroshima. Around it were strings of various origami, and a history board was posted nearby. It was kind of a somber feeling here, but my son was fascinated with the story and ended up really loving this site.

I realized I have barely made a dent in my favorite of favorite photos.......so, oh well, more later to come..... I hope there is something here of interest or beauty.