The Visit Pt. 4

I took a one day break and let the group go off on their own.  I would have loved to have gone with them to Kyoto but I had an observation that I couldn't get out of (actually, I didn't try- I figure if they are going to give me extra money then I should do the job).  I would love to write about the observation as it was interesting, but I don't think that would be very responsible of me.  I didn't worry too much as both Maggie and Dad have been to Japan about five times between them.  And I had also given them very specific maps/directions/etc

On Thursday as soon as I had finished work at the elementary school I raced to catch the train to Tokyo.  I think some people might be bothered by long journeys but I rather enjoy them.  I don't like the price in Japan (about $200 for one way) but I do like the ease of the trains (though I think Europe has Japan beat).  Even when alone I don't mind the almost five since I like to read and have a smart phone.  I had King Rat for book club and being on a train for about five hours actually allowed me to finally get into it.

I made it to Tokyo at about 10:30 and was relieved to see that it wasn't raining (forgot my umbrella at school) and that the hotel was really easy to find (I highly recommend the Comfort Inn in Tokyo Higashi if you have family in town- super easy to find and decent breakfast, though if you are just with a bunch of mates a hostel s better).  I was also relieved to see that the others had made it and that they were ready for the next day.

We had a day and a half in Tokyo and tried to take in a lot.  We made it to Asakusa but it was raining so that put a bit of a damper on doing any shopping at the stalls leading up to the temples.  We then made it to the Imperial Palace where it wasn't raining but cool, which is nice since there isn't any shade there.  We stopped for lunch at Hard Rock Cafe ( a little cliche but so good- I had this California burger with avocado, cucumbers, bacon, and cheese) and then made it to Harajuku for shopping and the Meji Jingu Shrine.  The Shrine is one of my favorites as it isn't red but left in it's natural wood.  It is really cool how you are literally steps away from the craziness that is Harajuku ( a major shopping street) and yet you feel like you are in the woods.  Sheila enjoyed the flowers there (note to self for future gift ideas- gardening tools) and the rest of the group enjoyed the peace. 

We window shopped in Harajuku and then made big purchases at the 100 yen store (aka the $ store).  I had assumed that Maggie had already taken the group to one but this was Dave's first time and he floored by the selection and quality of goods.  I was happy to be there for his "first time."

To end the evening we went to Shibuya to see the Hachi Statue (though it was really crowded) and the major cross walk that is similar to Times Square and that is featured in a lot of movies.  To fully enjoy the amount of people without being overtaken by them, we went to the Starbucks that sits at one end of the cross and people watched.  I so wanted a white chocolate mocha but I played by the rules and got a vanilla frappe (which is supposedly free of caffeine).

I had hoped to shop in Shibuya (English book store) or at least get a bite to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants there, but the group decided to head back to the hotel and look for food there.  My dad doesn't do well with jet lag and had been up by about 4 or 5 every morning, and Sheila was tired from walking.  I think Maggie and David wanted to keep the peace.

Unfortunately there wasn't really a lot of selection near the hotel.  The staff had directed us to a lovely "sticks" place that had cheap beer (to David's delight), but it was one of those whole in the walls that only sits about 7 and it was full.  The lovely restaurant below it that sat us right away unfortunately only really served fish (not for Dave and Sheila- and probably Maggie either).  So we started wandering and ended up at a cheapo Chinese restaurant.  Everyone seemed to like it, but again I was upset that I couldn't show everyone a nice meal.

The following morning we slept in a bit and then hit up Tokyo Tower for our final site.  I myself hadn't been there but enjoyed it.  I mean, it was your typical tower, but it didn't have a long wait and it had nice areas for sitting once you got up into the tower.  I feel bad that Sky Tree will steal its thunder...

Afterward we had what was going to be a quick lunch at a Chinese place (David picked on the basis that they had chicken) and unfortunately it took quite a long time.  It was good, but the place only had two workers and was popular with other diners.  Thus we ended up having to pretty much run back to the hotel to pick up luggage and then catch the train to Narita (I just escorted them).  Good-byes were quick but not sad as I am going home this August.

Overall it was an ok trip.  Maybe not as good as others we have had in the past (last summer was fun taking Dad and Maggie to Nagoya and Tokyo Disney) but I really enjoyed getting to know David better (he is perfect for the family) and it was nice to finally put a person behind the name that is Shelia.  I could get into some of the drama that was had, but I don't know who reads this and there has been enough drama this year.