A postscript to our Tokyo trip:

We had great timing by leaving Tokyo on Sunday. Although we swore we felt some small tremors while in Tokyo recently (they have them ALL the time there & we usually do feel at least one), there was a big one out in the ocean near Tokyo on Monday -- the day AFTER we left. It was a 7.0, & did some damage & the tsunami warnings went up. Of course, Japan has the best tsunami warning system in the world, but none materialized -- just bigger tides.

In addition, the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Sayako was married in Tokyo on Tuesday, and there was a lot going on there that day. She tried to keep it small scale, however, since she married a commoner – a Tokyo city employee – and by doing so, must by law, give up the royal life. It was reported that she wants to learn how to clean, cook, and do her own laundry – things she’s probably never had to do. She’s taking driving lessons & has been practicing shopping in grocery stores. The newlyweds plan to live on his salary, although the former princess was given a sizeable parting gift to help her get by. Japanese royalty are very similar to the British royalty – separate from politics but of course, they are very respected.