It`s like watching J-Drama

4 days after arriving in Japan, its doesn`t FEEL like I`m in Tokyo. Since the only knowledge of other countries I`ve ever gathered is from watching TV, the whole experience is like watching 3d tv. With the aircon at a chilly 20 degrees C.

I don`t even take in the sights. I make reference shots, to be relived later.

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If Tokyo has a smell, it`s deadened by the chilly air. Not like good ole Manila.

The only time I smelled someting funky was standing near green water inside Asakusa temple.

By the way, the Temple has this tiangge section where they sell souvenirs and streetside cuisine. Reminds me of every other corner of Metro Manila. 

SHIBUYA

HOW DO I DESCRIBE SHIBUYA? THE AIR FEELS LIKE ITS CONDITIONED, THE CROWD IS DARINGLY DRESSED, THE BOUTIQUES ARE HUGE AS THEY ARE PLENTIFUL…

SHIBUYA IS LIKE GREENBELT MALL. EXCEPT ITS AN ENTIRE DISTRICT. 

THEY HAVE ENTIRE BUILDINGS DEVOTED TO A SINGLE  BOUTIQUE, LIKE RALPH LAUREN, PLUS OTHERS I`VE NEVER HEARD OF.

I FOUND MCDONALDS IN SHIBUYA. I BARELY MADE IT TO ORDERING A VALUE MEAL. LUCKILY, THE SUPERVISOR KNEW A LITTLE ENGLISH AND HELPED PROCESS MY REQUEST. 

FIRST PICS FROM TOKYO

I`VE JUST MOVED INTO MY HOST`S PLACE HERE IN KIBA DISTRICT, TOKYO, AND HE HAS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET. I`M STILL GETTING USED TO THE KEYBOARD, THOUGH, AND THAT`S WHY I`M TYPING IN ALL CAPS.

HELLO TO EVERYONE FROM JAPAN! IT`S ALREADY BEEN FOUR DAYS  SINCE I`VE ARRIVED. MY OFFICIAL DUTIES ARE OVER, SO NOW IT`S ALL TOURING FOR ME FOR THE COMING WEEK.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE GALLERY.

THE INITIAL RUSH OF BEING IN A NEW COUNTRY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY 30 YEARS HAS DIED DOWN, AFTER HOURS OF WALKING HAS WORN OUT MY FEET. SUNDAY NIGHT, I` STAYING INDOORS, FOR ONCE. 

30 hours to go

Well, we made it. God willing, I’m getting aboard a jet plane in a day and a half and I’m going to Japan.

I got my plane ticket, my passport (with visa), emergency cash, backup documentation, and neck wallet.

I’m bringing a first aid kit of paracetamol and bonamine, my PDA, backup phrase book, gifts, sketch pad and business cards.

I’m packing light (3 pairs of pants, eight shirts…) so that I can buy lots of pasalubong without going over the 25 kilos maximum luggage weight. I’m packing for cold weather, which includes blazer, scarf, and sweater.

I was able to borrow a Vodafone (which works in Japan), and luggage set. I’m staying over a friend of a friend. I’m meeting a Japanese Beerkada fan who will tour me around Tokyo.

I’ve memorized all the Japanese phrases I could during the past months. I’ve downloaded maps, suggested itineraries, tips for surviving Japan.

I mailed The Philippine Star three weeks’ worth of strips already.

I made backups of my files. I’ve treated the Beerkadets who attended Komikon 2006.

I could promise to update this blog while I’m over there, but I barely update it while I’m still in Metro Manila. 

Wish me luck. 

Last two weeks’ preparation for the 26th trip.

I tried watching this j-drama called kimi wa petto (you are my pet) but the dialogue wakarimasen. Just bare phrases. What the heck is going on?

All that’s left now is a positive attitude that everything will da alright.

But I have the sniffles. Better now than later.