Wednesday was a day for Japanese okonomiyaki (fried as you like it “pancakes”) and visiting the Kumamoto Castle. Norman was down for the count with some bug, so Keiko and I took the group to experience Kumamoto!
The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of the narrow building.
Keiko demonstrates how to mix well the bowl of special flour, egg, cabbage, and preferred meat.
Next step: Place well-mixed batter onto the grill set into the table.
How long do I stir this?
Once the bottom is nicely browned, it’s time to flip it over. Look at this face of success!
All that’s left is the special sauce, mayo, fish flakes for the brave, and trying to eat it with chopsticks!
Following our romp at the restaurant, we walked the two blocks or so to the castle. Then the real work began. There were quite a number of steps to climb outside the castle, and I counted 136 steps inside the castle. Whew! But the view at the top was worth it!
GRIT team 2014! About to enter the castle grounds.
The castle! (I had to get at least one picture of me in here!)
Proof that they were there!
A random castle-goer from Tokyo stopped us to practice his English.
Great view of Kumamoto City!