21 August 2010
Posted by: Jay

We found about this big party at the US Embassy called Friendship day.  We thought it would be fun to go hang out with a bunch of other expats and locals for a big grill-out.  We were told that it would be a good idea to show up a little early as there are only a certain amount of tickets and they sell out fast.  More to that in a bit.

So we headed down to the embassy about 1030 (party started at 11).  Luckily we ran into an embassy person and another family as it turns out the party was not actually at the embassy, but at the housing compound a hefty 10 minute walk away. When we got there we could not believe the number of people in line. We waited in line for 2hrs before we got in, luckily there was a park that I took the girls to while Jess waited in line.

We were a little worried when we found out that food was not included, but when we got in we found out that the beer/water/soda was free!  There were food vendors all along "Main Street U.S.A" which we could get anything from hot dogs and burgers to more traditional Japanese fare.  Now, normally I do not like MGD, but it tasted really good on such a hot day (see picture below). We met a couple of Jess's co-workers there also, so it was nice to meet them after hearing about them.

There was a ton of entertainment, including the U.S. Marine Band, a Sesame Street Live type show, tattoos, a blow-up jumper, firetrucks and a parade.  It was very hot and sunny, but we had a blast. The girls were troopers in the heat and had a really good time.

Here are some pictures of our day:

Marine Band

Enjoying a cheeseburger

Enjoying American Beer

Future race car driver

Tokyo Firetruck

hmmm, Krispy Kremes

Baskin Robbins after the party

After the party we went to the international grocery store and had ice cream.  Very tiring, but very fun day.

Kanpai!

Jay