Excitement of the City!

The fog of jet lag is pretty much gone, though we still get tired and refresh ourselves with local treats and drinks in the spirit of exploration; there are SO MANY foods we haven't tasted or enjoyed only rarely, that it is our obligation as conscientious tourists to sample as much as possible in our short time here. We begin our day with tasty foods from the convenience stores nearby (Not like our own convenience stores whose prepared food is pretty much inedible)--they have wonderful selections:

Different kinds of breads, like a doughnut filled with red bean paste, very good; Sam's enjoying kind of a marshmallow-y roll; Jame enjoys sushi; there's always Suspension, of course, green tea, coffee, on and on--a delightful and essential beginning to a day of touring!

Walk to the station, buy a train ticket from a machine like these at the bottom after deciding our route and fare from the map above

Board the train and go!

Sometimes we get seats!

Our destination today is Akihabara, a center for anime and manga--Japanese animated films and comic books--that Sam and Jamie particularly enjoy.  It is a truly vibrant area--or maybe my jet lag has just cleared enough for me to enjoy it--but there is palpable excitement in the air! Bright colors and paintings on the buildings certainly contribute-- 

 

Besides the brilliant ambience, the temperature was perfect--fresh and cool!

Jamie, Sam, and Hideko enjoyed time at a comic shop-

And an anime gallery with actual drawings by the artists

Back outside, what did we come across but the worldwide Golden Arches! McD caters to local tastes and here offers shrimp burger and teriyaki burger:

But we chose instead--okonomiyaki!  Somewhat like a stuffed pancake, there are regional variations, and we tried two--one with noodles (on the right), Fabulous!

More random wandering then another snack at a bakery

Where Hideko ordered exotic coffee brewed over a chemistry lab set-up:

Great fun!

Back on the train to Shinjuku, the nearest major station near us. It's another VIBRANT area, full of people, colors, tall buildings, and magnificent skylines.

Godzilla is peering over a building in the center above.

Quite surprisingly(!) I bought lovely Japanese fabric!!!

There is so much going on everywhere you look: flashing colors, people trains, the visual rhythm of the skyline... It's energizing-

But ultimately, tiring. We walked partway toward home, then succumbed to a taxi. Quiet time for a couple hours then off to dinner for ramen noodles!

I love this place and these people!