Three weeks in Japan

Over the winter holidays, Stephen and Holly spent some quality time in the land I call home. Tokyo I give instructions to the lovebirds on how to reach my apartment from the airport. I must not be very sneaky, though, because when I show up at the airport to surprise greet them, they are not shook. They are thrilled to see me! But not shook. I wear a Phoenix Suns tank courtesy of my brother (at the time) in Chicago, to represent AZ. In the summer, showing shoulders is already weird, but in winter it’s just bizarre. We exchange pleasantries and I throw the sweatshirt back on. We hit the 電車 and make moves into town. First things first: ラーメン. It’s a calorific, soporific staple that you can enjoy around the clock. Competition for ramen is so intense that it’s difficult to find a joint serving anything less than magnifique. Long live the noodly bowl of indulgence. I love bringing my favorite people to カラオケ. It was invented here! kara is the same “empty” as in karate—empty hands. oke is…