Harajuku & Shibuya

Pictures from my day in Harajuku & Shibuya.

Entering the gate to Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya.


A happy couple posing for wedding pictures.


On the plus side, being hunched over is a time-saver when living in a bowing society.


Derek takes a squat. I should mention that many of these shots are from his handiwork. Between the two of us, not many photographs go untaken.


Another happy couple strolls into marriage.


The wedding procession.

A brief rest.


I took the man up on his offer.


We then exchanged cards.


On Takeshita Dori--a fine place to window shop and people watch.





On the corner of Meiji, looking up Omotesando road. A very popular place to shop.


Also, a very wealthy area. One of a half dozen Lamborghini's spotted today.


A plethora of wondrous Izod sweaters were to be found at the Chicago second hand store. Our thrift stores are combed over for these fine linens, which are transported back to Japan to be sold at premium prices.


This is the vending machine capital of the world.


Hachiko crossing, one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. It's all cars until the lights change, and then it's all people. Pretty cool to see in person.


In Japan, it's common to see 'little people' used as pack mules for long shopping trips.


Lost in the crowd.


Not a kid's meal.


These gals were putting on quite the show as we made our way to the train station to return home.

Chicago Day 3

We were so tired from walking the first two days, that we decided to go see X-Men III downtown. Went straight to the wedding at the Magnificent Mile Marriott Hotel after. Both Amy and I were excited to experience a traditional Indian wedding.

This is Amy and I shortly after arriving.

This is my friend Ram with his sister Shoba.

Ram led a procession of guests around the room and up the escalator to the ballroom foyer.

The wedding was held inside the ballroom, which was gorgeously decorated.

Amy posed beneath the arch.


The wedding program. The entire ceremony takes place in Sanskrit, which nobody except the Hindu priest understands.

The canopy, where all the action took place.

The flower girl.

The bride enters for the first time.

Flower leis are exchanged as part of the ceremony.

The ceremony is long and includes many offerings to the gods. Here is the aftermath.

Flowers were everywhere. These arrangements lined the walkway.

Instead of rice, guests throw flower petals at the bride and groom as they leave the wedding.

You'd think I could have got a better shot of the happy couple, but you'd be wrong.

A very simple cake, which I don't think is historically a big part of Indian weddings.

The ballroom was reset for dinner. I decided not to draw unnecessary attention to myself by photographing the many wonderful Indian dishes. The food was delicious.

The night ended with a dance party. Amy and I both had a great time. We wish Ram and Vani all the best.

I have two video clips which I will try and post this week.

Chicago Day 1

I was in Chicago over the weekend for a friend's wedding. I went with my friend Amy who had just returned from Russia. Here are some photos from Day 1.

Since it was her birthday, I took Amy to dinner at an Ethiopian place called Mama Desta's Red Sea Restaurant. Seemed to be a combination of Arab and Indian food. Quite good.


You use the spongy bread to scoop up the various dishes. Silverware is overrated.


Walking back we passed some of Chicago's finest parked at the local Dunkin' Donuts. I'm sure they were following up on a big case.


The train stations are filled with local art, including this Latin masterpiece.