A few random thoughts and pictures before heading to the airport. And of course I’ll start with food.

1) I think I actually gained weight these past two weeks in Japan. When I wasn’t splurging on pastries and other snack items from the convenience stores, I was eating really good meals and enjoying a beer every night. Definitely more calories than I’m used to, but that’s due in large part to the beer and snacks. The meals here have been so healthy. The beautifully presented little plates promote portion control and high concentration of protein and wide-variety of vegetables certainly help. The Japanese have the lowest obesity rate in the world. Japan accounts for 2% of the world’s population, but they eat 10% of the world’s fish. And they have high standards when it comes to the meat and fruit used in the country. The healthy diet is offset by the large number of smokers here, but even with that factor the Japanese have the longest life span in the world. I have REALLY enjoyed the food.

2) Including some pictures for Kim and Angelus of a sweets shop in Asakusa.

3) Including some photos for Rick of the Mitsubishi A/C displays in Akihabara.