Tokyo Japan - what a surprisingly wonder day in the rain and cold

The couple in the elevator on the way back to my room captured it best when I said how was your day and she said YUK - rain, cold, windy and then all the walking. 

I did all the same things as well as several rides on the metro - but had so many great moments throughout the day and a special finish at dinner. 

I am staying in the heart of Ginza this trip which is a forest of tall elegant buildings - with lots of old and wonderful Japan nestled in here and there.  

I was hosted to what may be the most wonderful dinner experience I have every had - almost magical.  We went to a traditional Japanese meal that featured tofu and other healthy choices and I am not sure which course was more beautiful and/or delicious.  It was at the foot of the Tokyo Tower.  The location and garden were amazing even in the rain - and we had our own lovely room, sitting on the floor and enjoying course after course after course.  And some lovely bamboo filtered sake as well.  

Tokyo Japan - Finding the Hotel

I have done this all too long.  And I know those cities I can just go with the flow.
I got my bus in from the airport, about a 90 minute ride, and then got off at the closest hotel to my place.  Usually I have always stayed at hotels that are on the bus route - but something is going on in Tokyo this week - WOW the rates at most hotels were making New York, London and Hong Kong all looking CHEAP.
Anyhow, had a great wander in Ginza on my way to my bed for the next few days.

Hong Kong - CNY celebrating continues

Hong Kong - foggy start to the new year

It has been a gloomy and foggy four days for the New Year's Celebration.
At times windy and then the humidity settled back in for the weekend.  It looked like it was going rain every day but didn't see much at all.
Today I took a wander through in the direction of the University of HK.  I also found the new MTR stops and an old temple nestled in to the side of the mountain and surrounded by towers.

Saint Paul Mn - a few more moments from the day and the birthday

Hong Kong - Chinese New Year 2015

The entire city is decorated for the New Year.  The festivities also include a huge parade and fireworks.
The major shopping areas, and there are many of these, always put together large displays for holidays and events throughout the year.
I got out for a walk to check out a few.