2 March 2013, Freezing
I am guessing that the temperature is around 3 degree Celsius. I had on 3 layers of clothing underneath my coat. Yet, the preparation was still insufficient for me to withstand the morning chill. It took awhile before a cab finally came.
The city looked serene at this hour. The driver attempted to introduce us to a sightseeing spot - the kabuki theatre. It took me awhile to get it. The ride was probably 15 min but cost ¥1, 880. At 4.30am, I thought I am the earliest. Upon being ushered into yhe building, I realised that 60 slots had already been filled. I was informed later that I was lucky to get a slot at 4.30am because normally there will be none left. It must be the cold that hampered the crowd.
The wait was more than an hour. I was finally brought into the centre of activity at 5.50am. It was a short and cold journey. Traders were going on their business without regard for us,the tourists.
There was a narrow platform for the tourists to watch the actions from a safe distance. Safe for them to go about their business without interruption. No flash allowed. The chefs could be seen inspecting the huge tuna. After a while, I saw two or three men carrying bells got om their little stool. Once they have secured their position, the ringing of the bells began. Buyers gathered round the sections of their interest. The auctioneers began their cjants. The trade completed within minutes. I couldn't tell who was the lucky ones.after around 5 rounds, we were led out of the hall. It was problem 6
10am by then.
The market was huge. I got lost searching for the dry market. After some lost turns and a map, I found the place. It was fun looking at all the seafoods and vegetables on sale. Of course I could not resist making some purchases such as dried sakura, preserved ika, dried mushrooms and ika. even bought dried shrimps and anchovies.
Left the market around 8am without stopping for sushi. Was told that it's Overrated.
I am guessing that the temperature is around 3 degree Celsius. I had on 3 layers of clothing underneath my coat. Yet, the preparation was still insufficient for me to withstand the morning chill. It took awhile before a cab finally came.
The city looked serene at this hour. The driver attempted to introduce us to a sightseeing spot - the kabuki theatre. It took me awhile to get it. The ride was probably 15 min but cost ¥1, 880. At 4.30am, I thought I am the earliest. Upon being ushered into yhe building, I realised that 60 slots had already been filled. I was informed later that I was lucky to get a slot at 4.30am because normally there will be none left. It must be the cold that hampered the crowd.
The wait was more than an hour. I was finally brought into the centre of activity at 5.50am. It was a short and cold journey. Traders were going on their business without regard for us,the tourists.
There was a narrow platform for the tourists to watch the actions from a safe distance. Safe for them to go about their business without interruption. No flash allowed. The chefs could be seen inspecting the huge tuna. After a while, I saw two or three men carrying bells got om their little stool. Once they have secured their position, the ringing of the bells began. Buyers gathered round the sections of their interest. The auctioneers began their cjants. The trade completed within minutes. I couldn't tell who was the lucky ones.after around 5 rounds, we were led out of the hall. It was problem 6
10am by then.
The market was huge. I got lost searching for the dry market. After some lost turns and a map, I found the place. It was fun looking at all the seafoods and vegetables on sale. Of course I could not resist making some purchases such as dried sakura, preserved ika, dried mushrooms and ika. even bought dried shrimps and anchovies.
Left the market around 8am without stopping for sushi. Was told that it's Overrated.
