After writing my last blog update, Dave and I decided to head over to a part of Tokyo we hadn't yet visited called Roppongi. We realised when we got there that the only thing that seemed to be worth doing was to go up Tokyo tower. So after some debating whether to pay, we decided not to be stingy and so it. Though we did try to get in as 15 year olds again, but this time were unsuccessful and had to pay adult price. I was thankful we did as the view from the tower gave us a fantastic overview of the city, and the sheer scale of Tokyo. Being a logically-minded person, seeing Tokyo from above provided me with a better sense of direction and understanding of where everything was (too bad it was on the last night). Below are a few photos, both of the tower and from inside it.
We then decided to go back the bright lights of Shibuya, which were even more spectacular at night. Our immaturity got the better of us and again we decided to play games on the crossing, trying to touch a pole on each corner of the crossing before the lights went green again. We also had an interesting experience, as two different guys asked us at seperate places if we were available for modelling. Unfortunately it wasn't for another few weeks so with regret we informed them we were unavailable. Scam? We chose to believe it wasn't.
When we returned to Asakusa and Khaosan (our hostel name), our Dutch roomie Patrick asked to go out for a few beers with his Dutch friends. While on the way to the bar, we discovered some interesting facts about the Netherlands:
-People that called it "Holland" are wrong - Holland is a province within the Netherlands
- Every year in the speech from the Pope, he always thanks the Netherlands for the Tulips
- After asking what hello was in Dutch, Patrick responded with "Hullo!"
After a few beers -Dave's first drink in 20 months - we went home and to bed ready to get up for the train to Kyoto at 10:30 the next morning. Below is a photo of Dave and Patrick in "Mosburger", because Patrick really wanted a hamburger.
KYOTO
If I fell in love with Tokyo, then i don't have words to describe Kyoto. It has lived up to and exceeded all expectations. The fact that we have done all our commuting via bike may have added to the allure of the city. Dave's uncle Vince was kind enough to provide accomodation and also borrow his bikes, mine of which is brand new.
We caught a "Hikari" train from Tokyo to Kyoto, making the 450 km journey take all of 2 and half hours. We were also privileged with a great view of Mt Fuji on the way, as we had a perfectly clear day. Upon arriving in Kyoto, we were greeted by Vince who was keen to show us the view from the top of Kyoto station. As Vince said, the building effectively cuts Kyoto in half as it is about 500m long and 10 stories high (there is not an abundance of high rise buildings in Kyoto, especially compared to Tokyo.) After settling in, we rode into town to meet Vince's wife Ann for dinner at a Vegan restaurant. Our first glimpses of the city were splendid as we rode along the side of the river and weaved through the many backstreets within the maze that is Kyoto.
The next morning we woke up semi-late to be greeted with a "Good Afternoon" by Vince. We ate breakfast which included plenty of toasted bagels (it's as if Dave never knew they existed, as he wouldn't stop talking about them). The four of us jumped on bikes and made our way through the city till we made it to Mt Daimongi, on the outskirts of the city (Kyoto is actually surrounded by mountains, giving a Lismore-esque feel apart from the fact it is 50 times bigger and 1000 times nicer.) A short hike up the hill revealed a breathtaking view of this marvellous city, as you can see in the photo below.
We then had lunch at what may possibly be Dave's new favourite restaurant - The Tofu Cafe. After a delicious lunch we had a Soft cream - Soy milk ice cream. To my great surprise, Vanilla soy ice cream actually tasted good. Yes, good... As you can see from the photo below, Dave was in heaven.
Following lunch and an ice cream, Dave and I reverted to something a little more touristy and went to look at Kinkakuji (Japanese for golden pavillion). It was a phenomenal site, seeing an old Emperor's Gold house. The phrase "How's the serenity?" was thrown around a few times between us. As you can see below, Kinkakuji is quite a sight and i wouldn't mind living there myself!
I think that is enough for now, as a Japanese Yebisu beer is calling and the smell of Dave's Indian curry is wafting out of the kitchen and into the living room. We go on a 4 day bike ride on Monday. I'm apprehensive, mainly due to my fitness levels but I'm sure it will be an amazing way to see Japan. Our trip includes visiting Hiroshima. A place that I am very interested to go, though I'm sure the experience will be very sobering. Until next time, bye...
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