I am here in Tokyo and just writing that seems crazy to me! I will try to update interested folks at home of happenings here half way around the world in the next year. So far, I have been sleepy and excited to be here in Japan! I start orientation April 1st for my new job (English teacher at Rikkyo University http://english.rikkyo.ac.jp ) so I am just chilling / freaking out until then!
I've seen many things and met some people so please see the below pictures for more detail! Over all, I have found Tokyo to be overwhelming but surprisingly clean and safe! I am in awe of the advertisements on seemingly every surface available in Tokyo as well as the sheer pace of life (especially in the metros) but everyone has been extremely helpful and I can't wait to explore more!
A sculpture at Ikebukuro station, otherwise known (by me) as "bat-shit-crazy station"
Side street at Ikebukuro, doesn't it just make you want to explore?!
Shopping here becomes even more interesting if you go DOWNSTAIRS into the basements of the shopping centers. These looked delicious!
My first vending machine purchase! Piping hot canned coffee... it was ok.
It advertised on the side that "real technology" helped to make the coffee better!
Also downstairs, fresh sticky buns! I bought a brown one, the one I pointed at, it tasted like sweet beans! I have found that where verbal communication fails, pointing, smiling, and nodding my head vigorously are my best friends (why didn't I remain obsessed with Japanese culture like when I was in 8th grade?! Note to future Asia travelers: keep watching that Anime!)
Me and some "Sakura" or Cherry Blossom trees. (My face looks weird / why didn't anyone ever tell me my face looked weird?) Sakura viewing is a big deal in Japan. They track the blossoms opening across Japan on the news! I will go with my work next week to a "Sakura viewing party" where we will drink alcohol and look at them together. I could think of worse things to do with my future coworkers : )
Pretty Sakura in a park with anatomically correct sculptures!
Love you all and don't forget to save up for your visit : )
