Last day in Tokyo

What a great day, I've been all over the place, up and down escalators, on and off of trains, in and out of stations and I haven't got lost once....well, not exactly.

This is the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, situated in a pretty suburb, with roads lined with dogwood trees in full bloom. It was my first port of call this morning and was fascinating. What a superb building. 

Unfortunately photography wasn't allowed so I can't show you any of the beautiful contents, but you can see some of the amazing collection on their web site.

After that I headed back to Shibusa for lunch. This was my place of choice today, encouraged in by that lady on the doorstep.

And this is what I ate, meat, fish and vegetables with noodles. It was very good, mighty filling and I burned my tongue.

Next I headed off to the International School, where I met up with Steve Tootell. I did a demo for his class and then gave a throwing lesson. It was really enjoyable and very satisfying, they were a lovely bunch of kids.

Steve had arranged with another teacher for us to have a jam in the school music studio, so we recorded a somewhat shabbily played demo, which was great fun and a nice thing to have as a momento. Here's Steve mixing the track down.

Then Steve and I headed out for dinner in one of his favourite eateries. It was great to sit and chat about life and pottery and mutual friends. Here are some more food pictures

This was a kind of whitebait on a bed of puree radish, served cold.

Followed by these little nuts that were a bit like sweet chestnuts. This was freshly cooked in front of us on hot charcoal.

Next was this chicken, with a herb that is unique to Japan, I don't remember its name.

Then chicken with plum sauce and more of said herb.

Next up, mushrooms stuffed with pork

Then green pepper with melted cheese, wrapped in bacon

all washed down with copious amounts of lager and a sour lemon and sake drink.

We said our farewells and went our separate ways. It was very pleasant indeed, I've been so well looked after here.

Full of good food and drink, I climbed aboard my train and proceeded to doze off. When I awoke I was much further along the line than I was supposed to be, so I then had to travel half way back again. It was good to get back to the hotel for the last time and kick my boots off from my tired feet.

Tomorrow Koi, the gallery owner is going to collect me in the morning and we'll head off by road to Mashiko and the next leg of my adventure. He's been so kind to me and organised my schedule on this trip when I really hadn't a clue. Mashiko is a town of many potters, it will be fascinating. I'm not sure if I'll have internet access when I get there, but if I do, I'll let you know what's going on. If not, I'll be back soon with words and pictures. Thank you very much for all of your comments and words of encouragement on my recent posts, they are much appreciated. Time for bed for me now, goodnight all.