It's muggy, again. It rained overnight and through 5am this morning, I know because I was once again awake by 4am. The rain did little to cool things off or clear the clouds, but the cover is welcome at this point.
Today it was off to downtown Shibuya, a 20 minute walk from our apartment. The walk is beautiful, as a portion of it follows along the outline of Yoyogi Park, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoyogi_Park. My park exploration will begin while I'm on my own this week.
Shibuya is much like Shinjuku, although refreshingly a bit less neonic. Shibuya contains both the intersection and Park Hyatt hotel made famous by the movie Lost in Translation. Clearly, this is where my karaoke singing needs to begin.
Two of Tokyo's more renowned Department Stores are found here. Japanese department stores offer 5-8 stories full of shopping, restaurants, and a bottom level which typically serves as a food market. We're told this is one of the cheapest place to grocery shop, although there's nothing else cheap about it. Clothing has a huge mark-up from the States, with styles closely resembling those found in both NYC and Chicago. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Coach and Hermes are a few of the luxury stores featured in these department stores, and are also much more expensive (if you can imagine) than prices in the US.
American influence is prevalent here too (in addition to the aforementioned style similarities). We passed an Outback Steakhouse, multiple McDonald's (the monster burger pictured is courtesy of a McDonald's creation), Wendy's, and bars such as Alcatraz- where you can be cuffed and lead to your drinking cell. 80's and 90's music, along with various classic rock plays in the majority of boutiques as well.
Lunch today was one of the best grapefruits I've ever had- an amazing mix of sweet and sour, a meal shake from home ($ saver) and a green tea. I hope to find a great sushi place (finally) for dinner, although that could be co$tly. Last night was some amazing Indian curry a block or so away from our apartment.
Two leads on intensive Japanese language classes, both are relatively cheap and should be an ideal place to meet various travelers in similar situations.
Tomorrow- Pachinko? http://www.mikesblender.com/indexblog56.htm
Things I miss (already): cereal, Granny Smith apples, English speakers. Thank God for the streaming NPR playing Wait! Wait! Don't tell me in the background as I type.
1 comments:
I did not think it was possible for McDonalds food to be even more disgusting but your picture of the burger showed me the error of my thoughts.
Your adventure is off to an interesting start. I look forward to reading and seeing (pictures) more about your trip.
I myself am headed out for a kayak paddle on a great GA day.
Uncle A
Post a Comment