Serenity Now!

Yesterday we ate lunch at a rotating sushi place--that was fun. It was a lot nicer than I thought it would be. To pay, the server scans your plates; they contain chips. $40 fed the four of us, and it was delicious--the best I've had. On the way down into this place we all saw this cute small dog and made a small fuss--the owner loved this and got the dog to watch us descend the stairs, all the while waving at us!

After lunch we took the train to Harajuku and visited the uber-serene Meiji Jingu Temple. The grounds are beautiful--it's a huge forest (100 000 trees!) with massive gates made of Japanese cypress. The temple itself is made of the same wood and it smells fantastic.

From there we made our way into the bustling streets of Harajuku. Tons of people and lots of shops. We went to a place where I noticed a sign reading 'Tokyo Champs d'Elysee'--fancy shops like Dior and Burberry. We toured a bit looking for a vegetarian option for Joanne (harder than you think). Energy levels dropping. So we stopped on this main drag for coffee and food. I was very tired and then Jo and Chanti stuck me with like $25 in change--this somehow pushed me over the edge and I got really grumpy. It's all good.



We then hit a park near the temple to kill time before meeting Jo's friend Mac. People were singing, playing guitar and there was a guy tap dancing who was very good. With time in hand we were off on the train to Shibuya to meet Mac. Dude-Shibuya is crazy. Lost in Translation anybody? I have never seen so many people before in my life. For real. According to Mac, every 3 minutes 10-20 000 people cross the intersection. I have video proof. It makes Times Square look quaint!!! We rendez-vous'd at the statue of Hachiko the dog and Mac took us on a short tour of the area around Shibuya station. It was insanely busy with a varied mix of people. We then made our way to a Nepalese restaurant for some delicious food.

Then it was back into Shibuya station (one of the busiest in the world) to get home. It was after eleven and extremely busy. The train we got on was packed. Like sardine style packed. And as the doors were about to close a uniformed official wearing white gloves gave a polite but firm shove to squeeze everybody in. It was awesome. What a place--serene temple within walking distance of complete absurdity. If ever you can you must come to Tokyo.

Nomikai Fun Time Party!

So it is proving a little more difficult to keep up with this than anticipated due to the amount of things we have been doing!

When we first arrived Joanne took us to her University to participate in her english classes. It was a lot of fun--we played games and quiz shows, and answered questions the students had for us. Two nights ago one of the more advanced classes was getting together (as school is winding down) and we were invited. It is called a nomikai--drink meeting--and lasts two hours. There were about 20 of us in a private room, seated on the floor around a huge table. Food and drink is delivered for the duration of the party, and once everyone has a bite to eat the karaoke starts! And everyone (save myself) is an amazing singer. They wanted us to sing, and somehow I managed to duck out to the bathroom and returned to witness Jen, Jo and Chanti singing the Beatles.

After the party we hit an arcade to take a group photo in the biggest photo booth I have ever seen! Like all of us. Seriously. We also played claw grabber games and I shot bugs from a Jeep.

At the end of the night all the students were sharing photos and chatting. Jen and I were hugging and I gave her a peck on the cheek only to realize that we were being photographed paparzzi style by like six people! The three of us must be in a thousand photos.

I will fill you in on yesterday and today later.

Short pants

Konnichiwa!

So after what seemed like 2 weeks on an airplane we have all finally made it. Jen's flight arrived on time in Tokyo. My flight was delayed in Vancouver for two and a half hours. And Chantal's was delayed and then diverted due to a medical emergency getting her in four hours late. Thank goodness Joanne is a trooper and was at the airport almost all day waiting for us.

We took the train from Narita airport to Musashino Tokyo where we are staying. Our "suite" was ready and waiting which was awesome since the three of us had about 90 minutes of sleep between us. After showering and rolling out our futon mats we finally collapsed and slept the sweet sleep of travellers on the move for twenty five hours!

This morning we were up bright and early--showers and coffees and then off to university with Joanne. She had us participate in three of her classes, having the students ask us questions to practice their english. It was a lot of fun--and, yes, there was a lot of giggling.

We are now about to go out and visit a park in Kichijoji. Hopefully, we will grab a coffee to stave off jetlag.

This is so fun! Sayonara!