Day 4: Sushi Class and Bar Hops

May 23, 2019

Culture is defined by history and leadership. I’m not sure who said that but it sounded strong. The Japanese culture is firmly based on politeness, forgiveness, meticulousness, and one other 'ness.

Our first stop today is a sushi cooking class. On our way in, it looked like a drive through.

So when you walk into a sushi bar, the sushi chef's say, "Irasshaimase!". It means "Welcome to the store!" or "Come on in!. I don’t cook at home. But my first job was at Union Sub. I made a mean teriyaki steak cheese and onions. I have some cooking experience.

Rough start. Brad's Crocs made me sick.

"Let me fan the rice to cool it down."

"You fan Amy. I've fanned enough."

We made all different types of sushi. Believe it or not, it took 2.5 hours to prepare our lunch. Japanese meticulousness. I like to be meticulous, but I wouldn't categorize myself as such. At what point is it not worth to be meticulous? Or should we always be meticulous with everything we do?

HR.A+ for Sushi Sun Cooking School

Julia's plate looks nice...

Brad and Max prayed their plates ruled the room.

But look at mine. I rocked this sushi class. I meticulouse'd the "F" out of this. Come on. This doesn't even look real, right?

I have a gift that I never knew about. I can open a restaurant in the Palisades. Fuck Caruso. Magic Sushi. After sushi we took a picture next to a dog statue. I have no idea why. Sparky Sushi.

After the dog pick, we walked to Tokyo's Time Square. It is in the Shibuya District. We climbed a building to see the views from above. I'd pass on that. But it was a when in Tokyo moment. I was still dreaming about my sushi plate. I promise that was real.

They thought their sushi plate was better. Not.

We walked around Shibuya and stumbled upon Takeshita Street. I told Brad all about it. I think he needs too. Some wanted to do some Takeashita shopping. They sell shita like thisa >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Brad and I decided it was time for a drink. I love social drinking. Especially with family and friends. Especially on vacation. Especially in a foreign country. My friend Joe says, "I'm not an alcoholic. Alcoholic's go to meetings." My brother in law Brad never, ever, ever, ever refuses to join me for a drink.

Unless this happens.... "Sad Brad"

I rarely experience Sad Brad. I found Brad's sadness tipping point. This one hurt. We had to opt for Starbucks. Brad needed caffeine to get through jet lag stage. I needed caffeine to deal with Sad Brad.

We headed towards the Samurai Museum. Found Godzilla along the way.

I would not recommend the Samurai Museum. It's too dangerous. But, not how you think.

The Broudy's get the giggles... In inappropriate places. It runs on both sides of the family. Julia has it the worst. In high school, she was voted, "Most Likely to Laugh at Your Funeral." Reid was voted, "Most Likely To Send His Kids to Wildwood (his school)." Wendy was voted, "Best All-Around Senior." I was voted, "Most Cuddliest." If you want a hug, see Jeff. If you want to get F'd, see Steve Garsha. Back to my funeral laughing daughter. She broke out during the meticulous, traditional, Samurai demonstration.

I think this guy did my circumcision

Rule #1: Don't laugh in a Samurai's face.

"I command you to Sister chop or kiss my friend"

Thank you Evan for saving your cousin. It's time to bar hop. Bar hop #1....

Shout out to Chris again for suggesting the Golden Gai District. There are over 200 bars. Many that fit less than 10 people. I found the cure for Sad Brad....

Bar Hop #2. Brad fell in love with Hibiki - a Japanese Whiskey. Brad's birthday is 11/22.

It was then time to say goodbye to our tour guide Kazumy. HR.A+. Thank you Kazumy for becoming part of our family for the last few days. You represent Japan well and we are grateful to have met you. If you are looking at the picture below, Kazumy is the one on the bottom right, just right of Excited Evan.