Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Staycation, Day Two



Henry and Oliver are on spring break this week, and we have no plans. Sophie is back in school. We're sleeping in when we can and hanging out for the most part. Today, we took a trip downtown on the metro for a visit to Little Tokyo, or Japantown.





We got out of the train at beautiful Union Station and then walked a few blocks to a tiny restaurant that served typical Japanese ramen, teriyaki and tempura.



Then we wandered into and out of little stores, filled with Japanese stuff, both traditional and hip. I've never really "gotten" the modern Japanese culture -- anime, Hello Kitty, metrosexual fashions -- but I did like these glasses:





Dang. I should have bought them.

After browsing through many of these stores and arguing with Oliver over his desire to own a Japanese saw (they're so cool, Mom, and they cut wood so much better!), we made our way to the Japanese-American Museum. Oliver's disappointment was transformed by an interesting Los Angeles Dodgers baseball exhibit that demonstrated the integration of African American, Japanese and other minority players on the team. I feigned interest, relieved that they were largely silent and, for once, united in their mutual love of baseball.


We then walked upstairs and saw an incredible Japanese tattoo exhibit called Perseverance. 



I was bowled over by the beauty and artistry of the tattoos.





Remember when I said that I was going to get one when I turned 50 last August? Hmmmmmmm.




17 comments:

  1. Well, I think you better get started on that tattoo because it looks AWESOME and I am not wearing beer goggles either.
    Seriously- that is truly ink ART.

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  2. Let's have a tattoo date? I'll get the fake ones. You can get real ones!

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  3. Wear the beer glasses to go get your tattoo and on the way pick up that saw for your brilliant and oh so creative son :)

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  4. Such a beautiful photo of you and your boys. You should frame that one.

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  5. What a great way to spend the day, with your wonderful sons on an adventure in your own city. You look beautiful, and your shirt is so pretty!
    Those tatoos are works of art! - and I think you'd look good in one, if it's what you want. I often toy with the idea of a tiny butterfly, near my heart. Gregg and David continue to be scandalized by the idea. Hmmm. Maybe we should go together, in Victoria?

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    1. That's a grand idea, Karen! I want a tiny mermaid on the inside of my wrist. I'm serious -- I think you're on to something, and your Gregg and David can then blame it on your wild LA friend!

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    2. I'll google "best tattoo parlors in B.C." and see what comes up! I would love something as artistic as those that you posted. And Victoria has a vibrant Chinatown - there maybe a good place in it.

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  6. about the tattoo, i remember you saying "wrist", and not wrists + shoulders + arms! :)

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  7. That tattoo exhibit looks amazing. Love the photo. I say go for it! :)

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  8. I'm glad you had a day with just the boys. As for the tattoo, go for it. I have three. A mermaid sounds beautiful and perfect.

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  9. I'm wondering, did you find any mochi doughnuts? I hear they have them in Torrance. Stunning tattoo art. Receiving yours would be induction to the tribe, which seems very important. Yes, beautiful photo, always love seeing your family. xo

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  10. Seriously, If Oliver loves woodworking PLEASE PLEASE buy him the Japanese Saw. I have used them and they are amazing and will be a tool that he cherishes and loves forever. They take sawing wood to a whole new level. Worth the money spent to have such a fine tool.
    -Celtic Lass_

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  11. thanks for letting your readers tag along on this fine trip. the beer glasses are hysterical!

    I, too, would like a small tattoo but I'm too afraid of the pain involved, so I'll just remain a blank canvas.

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  12. Love ur Japanese tattoo! And also the new pic at the top of your blog. Glad you are enjoying some times w the boys. xo

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  13. I'm not gonna lie, I really want you to get a tattoo. Also, I'm envious of your skin. So creamy!

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  14. Wow! Those tattoos are amazing! My sister has some pretty cool ones, too, and I often wonder how people who have these intricate, beautiful designs feel when strangers stare at them for an awkward period of time, gazing at the art on their bodies. Do you think they ever get tired of it? Glad you're on a Staycation - I hope it stays fun and they don't drive you insane!

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  15. The best part had to be when they were temporarily quiet and engaged in the same activity.

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