My Summer in Tokyo in 20 Pictures

Though it may not show, I do actually take a lot of pictures. Usually, it's with my iPhone but lately, I've been using my regular point and shoot more. Most of the pictures I like are ones that need some context but it's hard to muster up the energy to put in captions for every picture you upload on Facebook and Flickr. I have this blog for a reason and with the summer pretty much over (I hope), now is a good of a time as any to share some of the random things I've done this summer through photos.

3, 2, 1... 

It was great to be in Japan during the 2010 World Cup. Expectations were really low for the national team but with some luck and scrappy play, they managed to make it out of the group stage. After the tournament, we stumbled upon the JFA Museum where they were riding the soccer craze wave.

Oh, Roppongi. You just never know what you're going to see. This neighborhood of Tokyo is nightlife and foreigner central. It's loud, over the top and kind of weird -- much like this pooch on a bike. 

I really like taking pictures of produce. 

Drank some ice cold sake too keep cool. This sake is frozen and then shaken to make a sake slushy. Perfect drink for the Tokyo humidity. And you get to keep the glasses. 

Beer is another good option...but maybe not from this rusting vending machine in Chiba. 

Aside from fruits and veggies, I also like to take pictures of buddha statues. 

Rode on a boat in Saitama. 

Jonesing for some my mama's cooking, I went through an intense Vietnamese cooking phase in early August.  

Accidentally stumbled upon a photo of 3 of my former students from Asakusa Junior High School in a famous photographer's latest book. They're famous! Ume Kayo is a young Japanese photographer that takes photos of the quirky moments of daily life. She has a really great point of view and has a knack for taking hilarious photos. I got a chance to see her Tokyo exhibition this summer after discovering her book. She's great. Here's a recent interview. 

A couple of friends came to visit. I always enjoy this because it gives me an excuse to eat some of my favorite Japanese foods that aren't part of my routine. 

I despise the summer weather in Japan. I watched this rain storm from my balcony, begging it to come my way. 

By far, my best purchase in Japan. 

See, I told you liked taking pictures of buddhas. Like a moth to a flame. 

Fireworks!!!

An unexpected but much adored gift from Squidward. 

Got a healthy dose of culture watching yosokoi dances in Yoyogi Park. 

The cutest shaved ice I've ever seen or eaten. 

Beer + Summer = Best Friends

Finally decorated the walls. 

Bye bye Summer.