Day Seven

Today marked my last full day and night in Tokyo. I arose from my air mattress behind a limp curtain to a grey sky covered by ominous clouds. I made my way down to my favorite café and  was able to delight myself with a final delicious chocolate pastry with a café mocha. I walked the streets towards the station, not even my shadow was there to walk beside me today. I took the train to harajuku (my favorite district in Tokyo), I decided today I would begin searching for gifts to bring back to my family. I wandered up and down the crowded Friday streets in the pouring rain, but I did not feel lonely, as one would being totally and utterly alone in a country thousands of miles away from his or her home. The fast paced movement of the people in the streets and the vibrant lights of the shops had the ability to comfort my sensitive soul that had been with out true english communication for over a week. In all, it gave enjoyment for my weary eyes that had been worn out by the brilliance of this nation of lights. I walked through the fashion district of Tokyo, as Harajuku was known, it was a place bursting with energy and the newest styles and vintage thrift shops. Before beginning my "shopping spree" I stopped to get coverage from the rain at a shop that served octopus balls in a nice little basket. The little spheres looked like ebelskeevers, round hot and filled with different parts of octopus, I chowed down on these small delights. After this I began exploring the stores and found out that, despite popular belief  that Tokyo is expensive, the prices were fare and due to the strength of the current American dollar things were cheaper than expected. I spent hours trying on kimonos, jackets and pants of all the different shops. I ended up making only one purchase, but the whole process was a blast and the people at the shops doted on me hand an foot, it was a large change from American shops where employees are less hands on. Crepe stands were scattered throughout the streets of harajuku, and most shoppers were seen with the French delight in hand so I decided I would try out eating a crepe on the go while I walked towards the train station. The delectable food of French origins rested comfortably in my hand as I munched on its crispy edges and fluffy whipped cream towards harajuku station. When I got home I once again indulged myself in even more food, I decided tonight I would try the food of the basketball café, where I was staying. I ordered a filly cheese steak that fused Asian flavored with a Classic American sandwich. I regretted not eating there earlier, for not only was lunch amazing but the whole menu looked diverse and mouth watering. Once I finished my meal I rested and waited for Ken, my japanese acquaintance, who promised to take me out to okonomiyaki. Ken picked me up around 10 o'clock and we zoomed over to the bustling center of Kiba, the streets were filled with laughter and drunk businessmen stumbling about. We went up to the okonomiyaki restraint but to our disappointment the seats were filled. After being rejected we went to the local shrine to bide time until more spots opened up. At the shrine we made our prayers and shot some more photos. While we were at the classic shinto shrine a huge group of buisnessmen showed up laughing and crowing and making their bows and asked Ken to take a picture of them together in front of the shrine, they even asked me to join in their photo! As a posed next them I could smell the alcohol on their breathe, the whole scene was a hilarious sight as I towered over these men, but it was fascinating to see this side of the culture. After the shrine we went back to a smaller less famous okonomiyaki joint and enjoyed having our meals cooked right in front of us as we sat crisscross around the flaming table. The dish ended up looking like a pancake but tasted like a savory omelette with crunchy pork, we ate it hot off the griddle. After dinner Ken and his friend Kahn from Korea and I parted ways for the last time embracing each other. I slept like a baby all through the night.

Breakfast

Octopus balls

At the shrine

Okonomiyaki