DUDE INN
We had some time to kill on our way to Tokyo so we stopped in a sea-side town in Hiratsuka to visit DUDE INN.
This is a small store catering to Japanese Deadheads. They make their own line of Grateful Dead and Dead and Company merchandise.
The proprietor was very glad to have us.
Owen liked the clothing.
It was a fun stop. We listened to a tape of Dead and Company at the Hollywood Bowl on Halloween two years ago. We were all at that show.
Tokyo
We are back in Tokyo. Our hotel is at the Shinjuku Station. It could not be more convenient. Owen is very happy with the view.
We’ll meet Hisashi-sensei and some of his colleagues this evening.
We met Hisashi-sensei and three of his young colleagues at the Omote-sando station, a very chic area of Tokyo. He took us all to another of his favorite spots to eat. It was a curry udon restaurant. Curry udon is two great tastes that taste great together. I believe that it is rare to have a chance to enjoy curry udon. The flavor of curry udon is very unique and very delicious. Owen was happy that we got to eat with bibs. He noticed that udon and ramen are difficult to eat while keeping your shirt clean.
Moemi-san, Kanori-san and Ren-san are our new friends. It was very generous of them to share a Friday evening with us. They made us feel very comfortable. Going out with Japanese people in Tokyo gives a whole new perspective.
Tokyo can feel somewhat cold. The people can seem distant. That is probably because the city is so busy.
Enjoying a meal and some drinks brought everyone to life and we soon felt very close. We laughed a lot together.
Hisashi also does a great job breaking barriers and bringing people together. I think it was smart for his company to move him into “Human Relations”.
After dinner, we went to a very nice rooftop bar that featured Campari. I enjoyed a Negroni.
Our new friends were very fun and eager to engage Owen and myself in conversation. We hope to meet again when Owen is of drinking age. Sensei was as lively as ever.