We are staying a few blocks from a main thoroughfare, Market Street. We walk to the intersection of Castro St (where we're staying) and Market to pick up the F Trolley which will take us right up to the bay. Part of the intersection has been blocked off from cars and this is where we saw the naked guy the first day we arrived here. What we have since learned is that there is no law in San Francisco banning public nudity. Yesterday morning we got an eye-full (more than an eye-full truthfully) of men exercising their legal right to be naked. I did not take a picture. I know you're thinking "thank you"; you're welcome. Note to nudists: Most people (including you) look much much better wearing clothes.
Here is what the skyline frequently looks like on any given street.
Each trolley, and some buses are attached to these by things sticking up from the roof.
Upon reaching Japantown we were inundated with loud music and crowds of people. Cherry blossoms really were in full bloom.
There were tons of vendors selling touristy things, jewelry, clothing, other little trinkets, and food. After wandering and meandering through the crowds we decided to find something to eat. We walked all the way around until finding what looked good. Bob went for something called riblets, and I had Yakisoba, pronounced ya-kee-so-bah. It was a combination of cabbage, egg noodles, and a tiny bit of red ginger and Japanese seaweed. There was a kid standing in front of the booth yelling all sorts of ridiculous things, "Yakisoba- for every order you get two free smiles!""Yakisoba- for every order you get three free hugs (from her, not me"(pointing to the girl taking the money), "Yakisoba- goes well with beer and water!" This went on and on and he kept everyone laughing and smiling. My kind of guy.
We sat down at one of the dozens of eight foot tables set up and my napkin went blowing away instantly. It landed in front of a lady who grabbed it and placed it in her own napkin pile. I don't even want to know what she intended on doing with it.
After we ate we saw this:
It's the Chuck Norris sushi roll. It has shrimp tempura, sake, spicy crab, green onion, fish egg, and spicy sauce. Yep, that's right, spicy sauce. That must be what makes it Chuck Norris sushi.
I got accosted by a giant wool monster. Upon close inspection he looked to be made from dryer lint. Now we know what happens to all those missing socks, They get turned into dryer lint monsters.
After attempting to save me from becoming the monster's slave, Bob got arrested for assaulting a dryer lint monster.
I am currently taking applications for a photographer for my ridiculous travel emails. No experience necessary, must have a good sense of humor, and be willing to be the butt of many of my jokes.
At some point during the festival we got to see people playing these awesome drums. The sound was fabulous and they danced while playing the drums, switching places and instruments during the show, as part of the dance routine. All ages, both genders, and many ethnicities were represented. If you look closely you may even see the ONE token Asian person on stage. Nice that one was included for the JAPANTOWN Cherry Blossom Festival.
Here was a fun thing I saw. They had a booth allowing people to try their hand at Japanese calligraphy. One was supposed to write, in Japanese calligraphy, a prayer and hang it on the tree. What you can't see, because it's too small, is that one child wrote, "Being mean to my classmates." which sent me into a little tizzy of laughter. I'm sure he meant he hopes to stop being mean, but it crossed my mind, What if his incorrect prayer is answered and all his classmates suddenly become the victims of meanness? Not nearly as funny on paper. I guess you had to be there.
We finally went home, after filling our bellies with Japanese food. Back in our neighborhood I happened to chance upon this sign. It is either the most diverse store in all of San Francisco, or the most specialized.
I went inside. Guess what they sell. They sell crystals, jewelry, statues, beads, and doll house miniatures, and they also repair watches and do feng shui readings.
After a brief rest we went downtown for dinner at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant. I did not notice the television when we first went in, but after sitting down I couldn't stop watching it, despite my real college-try. It was all Indian music videos. I've had the good fortune to see a few of these before, but few things will make you laugh more than a good Indian music video. If you're interested, Youtube one. I'm sure they won't be hard to find. Here's one if you want to see one, but don't want to look it up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxDHDuJttzE
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