First days in Tokyo

So we made it to Tokyo. Three hours later then scheduled. Which in a way was good, fewer hours to try to stay awake. The jet lag is definitely noticeable. By some strange will power we forced our selves to go out for dinner. Found a nice Japanese izakaya (bar/dining) on the 46th floor of the Caretta Shiodome. Fabulous views over Tokyo bay and its pretty rainbow bridge. Yes, it is lit in all the rainbow's colours.

Next day Ian had the morning off. So we took the boat up to Asakusa, the old part of Tokyo. Ian had to go in to work so I explored Asakusa on my own. The area is most famous for its old temple Senso-ji and gigantic lanterns. The area is popular with tourist so lots of souvenir shops could be found.

As always ordering food in a language you don't understand is always fun. You never really know what you are going to get. Luckily lots of restaurant have either pictures of the food or plastic versions... I played it safe for lunch and stopped at a self-service cafe. I was a bit impressed that most of the stuff there had a sampling tray next to it, so you try it before you bought it.

Waiting for Ian I wandered around the shopping area around our hotel. It is a rather interesting concept. You don't really find anything at street level here. You walk one level up on gangways, and the shopping is one level down. There are lots of tunnels opening up to big open-air piazzas surrounded by the skyscrapers.

Surprisingly enough they all have lots of Christmas decoration. Masses of Christmas lights can be seen everywhere and in the most fantastic constellations.

I even found a little stall selling pictures with pressed flowers and saying God Jul next to a Danish flag. The stall was called Ayakos Blomster (another Swedish word).

We, (Ian had by now caught up on me) also stumbled upon a interesting artist. He was wearing a DJ mixer table around his neck, dancing to some funky music and painting at the same time. It is hard to describe, but most enjoyable to watch. The guy was using brush, charcoal and spray cans. I was most impressed with him drawing a man in three seconds.

All in all it was a very nice day with lots of exploring. Unfortunately towards the end of the day I felt a nasty cold coming on :-(

Today I felt even worst. Hardly slept at all during the night. Kept waking myself and Ian up by coughing. So, nothing much to do but to stay in bed. Managed to get some sleep and have had fun watching Japanese TV. The commercials are hilarious. Feeling much better now. Hoping for a full nights sleep and some exploring tomorrow. Keep you posted!