A STROLL AROUND A TOKYO MARKET

Outside the market we went to, there were lots of rickshaw runners hanging around waiting for punters. They were super fit after pulling all those plump tourists around. Over breakfast, before we went to the markets, for some reason I was trying to explain the concept of the 'camel toe' to Yasu, my friend Julia's Japanese boyfriend. First try explaining what a camel is, then how that links to the phenomenon of the 'camel toe'. It went from bad to worse, and ended up with lots of pointing and blushing. I didn't really get the whole point across. Yasu smiled politely and bowed his head. It kinda fizzled out and I gave up. Imagine my joy, when we chanced upon the rickshaw boys. Look at their footwear. By the end of the day, Yasu could use the term 'camel toe' correctly and with ease. A happy ending, no?



Street lamps seem to be different wherever you go. I have a mild fascination with them (which I guess may become apparent in future blogs). Some of the Japanese ones where really pretty. Like this one......



I am guessing that the leaves are maple? They lined the markets. I think they were symbolic of something. Autumn I suppose. They were really cheerful against the blue sky in the eyes of Pod.



You can see them all along the tops of the market stalls here. You can also see the volume of stalls, and hence may get an idea of how hard it was to look properly and not buy everything!



There were all sorts of things to buy. I did buy a lucky waving cat that you see everywhere in Japan, and at the door of businesses to bring good fortune. However, I only bought a small one that didn't have the moving arm. And now of course, I want one. Kitty?



More masks, and even wigs (which also seem to catch my eye, whether in a shop or on someone's head. Sometimes I cannot help but stare, and often have to make a huge effort to curb the immense urge I get to accidentally on purpose pull them off!)



Sweets of all kinds.....



And I mean all kinds! As with the dolls in the junkshop, I am sure that these were arranged so that the looks on their faces told some sort of story (you know you can click on the photos to make them bigger don't you). Highlighting again, the incredible eye for detail, and importance of appearance.



These funny people were wandering around signing autographs too. They remind me of someone, but I can thinketh not who (Cher?). They are famous singers in Japanese musicals.



OK, hope you all enjoyed your stroll around a Tokyo market!