One week in one day

Stairs. Stairs and more stairs. Endless flights of stairs leading up, then down. That will probably be my most vivid memory of my first real day in Tokyo.

After the jet-lagged sunrise post yesterday, I went on a whirlwind day of trekking about the City, figuring out the amazing, but very confusing, metro system, going to a huge Design Festa, and finally climbing into bed without any supper. But that tells you nothing. So backing up.

As I was leaving the hotel in search of a dry cleaner (don't ask!), I noticed a very agitated young man standing at the front door, pacing frantically, and looking as if he were about the implode. Being the consummate customer service type (!) I asked what was wrong. Best question of the day. He was stuck in Tokyo as he got his visa to Viet Nam sorted and felt upset and worried as his wedding date is only 2 weeks away. He knew the embassy was closed, but kinda wanted to know where it was. So, again, being the professional I am, cheerfully said - let's find it together. Armed with a poorly printed map with no street names, we set of f walking. How far could it be? As we walked narrow streets, found sidewalk parks, and kept getting further afield, we were covering more ground than we expected. We stopped to ask people along the way - me with horrible Japanese and him with pantomime - and every single person was so helpful (one lady used her iPhone GPS to get us started), we didn't notice we had been walking for nearly an hour. Every turn brought new delights. As we strolled down a lovely neighborhood street, we came upon an exquisite tower. Which, unexpectedly, was connected to a Mosque. It gleamed alabaster white and gold.

Another street, another delightful surprise. A shrine. We climbed an ancient set of stone steps upward, only to stumble upon a wedding in progress (no pictures - didn't want to intrude). The bride was in full traditional dress - couldn't really see her face - and the very handsome groom just beamed as her looked at her. It was like a fairy tale. It was cool at the shrine and it would've been fun to linger, but  intrepid adventurers, we pressed on to the embassy.

Finally the embassy. Closed. But who cared? We were in an incredible neighborhood of old villas and shady streets. Walking up the hill toward us, a couple, who when they spotted us, gave huge smiles and a warm greeting - in English. The man, from Ghana - name of Elvis - and his Japanese wife were out for a fitness walk. Elvis was the soul of good cheer, walking with us until he knew we were heading in the right direction home, inviting us over to his house for beer or a visit later.

Nearly 3 hours later, we made it back to the hotel. Feeling now like old friends, M and I decided to meet for lunch and then head off into the wilderness known as the Tokyo metro to make our way to the Design Festa.

Hilarity ensued. Four trains later we entered this amazing plaza and with a jolt of recognition andexcitement, I recognized the building instantly - from anime! It's called Tokyo Big Sight and is the center for concerts, events, anime fest, comicon and so on. Like Staples Center only really dramatic, beautiful, and utterly amazing. And more stairs!!! Once inside, we were confronted with hip, young, extremely fashion conscious Japanese who are on the leading edge of various art and craft movements. The place was so enormous, I don't even think we actually made it to every area. Bands of all types played in various arena areas. Some very good rock, some new agey sunth music, and one delightful young lady who could not carry a tune, belting out J-pop. Her trio was called Bubble Skirt. Don't look for their CD anytime soon.

Even more than the wares on display were the festival goers. Lolitas, goths, punk, lots of cat ears, bright colored wigs and extreme make-up. For me, an otaku, it was anime heaven. M and I were so tired, yet we didn't want to leave. But the day was coming to an end, we knew the subway would be crowed, so we finally made our way back to the hotel. I don't know about him, but I lay down just to take a quick nap before venturing out for dinner and didn't wake up until the sun was shining in my eyes.

Pictures to follow.