National Diet of Japan

No, I am not referring to food, although looking at my pictures you would think I am. Today was a busy day. We went to the National Diet Building, which is Japan's House of Representatives. This is a major government building, and I am not sure what the word "diet" means, but it has nothing to do with eating. Before going to see this important place, we went to Asakusa, which is a part of Tokyo that has a big shrine, and many little, fascinating shops. Today was the beginning of a shrine festival so there were many children in traditional Japanese kimono, large cauldrons with burning incense, prayers tied to special railings to bring good fortune and a dragon fountain with water that will purify you. I washed my hands with this water. (I felt very pure after). It was very crowded in Asakusa, and the air was filled with a bluish, smokey hue, but it was really a wonderful experience seeing this part of Tokyo on this special day. I loved it so much I went back there for dinner. I also met Emiko, who is a Japanese woman who works at the Argentine embassy. She is a friend of a friend from NYC and she and I have been emailing for a few weeks. Tonight we finally met and she was such a lovely and gracious person. She took me, and two new friends of mine from the Fulbright program, to a little restaurant, again a noodle shop, but you can't get tired of fresh noodles in Japan! I plan on going back to Asakusa again, because I saw so many wonderful things I would like to buy, and I also will meet Emiko again before I come back to New York. What a long day...I am so tired I can't even remember what day it is!