Two Days In...

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Konichiwa!

It is Tuesday evening,　around 1830 hours, second day into the trip. Michi's was having some issues with the net, but lucky me it's up and running again. The flight over was uneventful. First time on a 777 - pretty large plane. I paid a little extra at the gate for "economy plus" seating, which basically means the first section of econmy seats have a little extra leg room and they can charge more. A 10 hour flight was worth it.

I arrived Monday afternoon local time, and was surprsingly not too jet lagged. Customs was a breeze, and the first thing I noticed was how imaculate the airport was. Of course, absolutely wonderful to walk out to the arrivals area and be greeted by Michi. Considering the train to Tokyo was another hour ride, we sat and had a coffee at the airport and briefly caught each other up on life.

Michi's flat is a cute, modest one bedroom in a pretty nice building within walking distance of Shinjuku, the crazy shopping area (and gay area too!). We went to dinner nearby, and had some great Japenese food - sashimi, various chicken things. I let her order as it was all Japanese to me! ;-)

After dinner we wandered around Shinjuku and through the gay area. 　I was hazy with jet lag at that point, and it is quite overwhelming with the all the lights, businesses, people, etc... So it was off to home and to bed to return refreshed.

Tuesday, we had a leisurely morning and went around the business district to exchange some money, and sight see. A nice lunch. Again, I was impressed at how imaculate the city is considering its density - we could learn a thing or two! A little strange,　but great to be an obvious minority/oustsider amongst the masses. I finally don't feel short here! One observes right away the focus on fashion, business attire, and just plain non-Americaness. It's great.

Michi and I have been talking talking talking about life, love (or lack there of), and reminiscing (sp?) about the past. To be expected I 'spose.

Well, we are off to Kyoto/Nara for tomorrow until Friday to experience some traditional Japenese culture. More to come.

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Photos

1st restaurant
cool place!

1st Beer
jet-lag refrshement

1st meal
mmmmm.. 1st Tokyo meal

1st meal
so full and exhauseted

SO TIRED
jet-lag sexy shot

tuesday morning
morning coffee

lunch
lunch.. mmm noodle

finances
changing $$

Comments

[tommy]

more jet lagged shots
please include additional shots of you being tired. how cold was it in that room?

[Carlos]

jet lag sexy shot
You're supposed to put a warning if this email is inappropritate to open at work :) PS - I ran to your apartment to pick up your mail and used a glass for water. I hope I put it back in the right place.

[Afrodite]

So cool!!!
Great to see you out there traveling. Kepp the blog coming and enjoy!

[ScottN]

Where's the beef?
Great pics, but why aren't you eating any Mcdonalds?

[Danny and Angie]

Hmmmm....
Digging the jet leg shot Naters. Hope you're having a blast.

[Jeff]

Hmmm....jet lag???
Advice: On the return trip, spend less time on your knees in the lavs and you won't be so tired when you get there. Or at least I have found that is what works best for me when travelling.

[Carlos]

inappropriate
I just realized I spelled that wrong earlier.... why doesn't this have spell check?

[Bill]

Hi.
The text and photos of article remain the copyright of the Author (Nathan). Under no circumstances should the photos or text be used without the express permission of the Author (Nathan). If you wish to use or publish photos or text from this article - please Contact Nathan. Can I use the sexy jet lag photo as my wallpaper?

[Scotty]

both feet planted
I love it that you didn't feel short there! I think shorter men are the sexist, buddy! No comment on "Jet lag sexy". ;)

[Steve J. Garrod]

Awesome Blog
Nate : Great to see your trip blog. Will definitely go through it in full detail but I love what I've read already! ~ Steve