Dinner - Japanese Style!

It may look like a grimace, but I was actually enjoying myself at the Aoi Marushini Restaurant! A group of 40 of us were seated around short long tables, we sat on cushions, and we were served a tempura (deep fried) dish of shrimp, potatoes, and vegetables. We were told to dip our tempura into the little white bowl which contained soy sauce. We were all given chopsticks, but were offered forks if we needed them. I opted to eat with chopsticks, and after some coaching from my new friends, I was able to at least get the food to my mouth! The accomplishment of the evening was when I was able to pick up a large, round berry, and sucessfully transfer it to my mouth!I am beginning to understand why so many Japanese women are small and petite. It takes a lot of time to eat with chopsticks! I am VERY TIRED - it has been a wonderful day, but now it is time to go. Sayonara!