Hello Tokyo!

After a long day of travel we reached Tokyo. Being served breakfast on the plane at 7am Japan time and 11.30pm ours was odd! I watched the film of The Diving Bell And The Butterfly on the plane and cried and cried like a baby. It was my father who gave me the original book several years ago and it seems all the more poignant now.

Tokyo's not really what I expected somehow. It's busy for sure but somehow very civilised too. For one thing everyone is very polite and sensitive towards each other, not like the hussling bussling Londoners. People wait patiently for the green man and give each other ample room even on the tube. We haven't yet seen it in full rush hour of course. There is very little shouting or car honking or litter in spite of the fact that (or maybe because) the bins are few and far between. People don't hassle you for money either, or force goods in your face and even the homeless people lay their shoes neatly outside of their box homes. There aren't many white faces here which surprises us. There are loads of cyclists, men, women, children, the old, but they have to use the pavement so are constantly nearly missing each other and pedestrians!
I'm doubtful that would work so well in London, or maybe it would if we gave it a go.

Ric's friend Dave and his Japanese girlfriend met us in town yesterday and helped us navigate our way to the hostel and the complicated underground network for the day. Thanks goodness! We shall go and stay with him in Fukui later in the week. The Japanese Rail passes we got in London are really useful and will save us a small fortune!

A few things that have amused us thus far:

Signs of irons and hairdryers on the pavements. Apparently the roadworks companies do this to make sure they use up their budget so they are given the same amount every year!
People wearing face masks on the tube! Apparently to protect from pollen or so as not to spread their colds.
The loos have warm seats and all sorts of functions besides the obvious!
The bird noises and songs at every pedestrain crossing
The water feels sticky - does that mean it's hard or soft?

Ric and I walked a lot today, both feeling a bit shell-shocked and not quite in holiday mode (whatever that really is). What to do here? We visited a huge Electronics retail area where there are hundreds of computer, phone and gadget shops. Then we went to Yoyogi park and saw its temple. Then we went to a huge toy shop full of kitsch, the obligatory Hello Kitty merchandise, and some slightly unsettling kinky toy dolls. Then as the sun went down we walked ages to find some food for both of us, or rather find something I could stomach. It's impossible to find proper veggie food here - why should I expect it? Ric says I'm pulling odd faces and that I look different. I think it's because I'm trying so hard to relax and not be a nuisance to him!

It's weird being away. Still don't really feel on holiday yet but I'm sure the sense will grow on me as the days pass. The plan is to stay here in Tokyo until Wednesday and then head to Mount Fuji for a night and then further West.

There are people waiting to use this computer so I'll sign off. Here are some photos