Greetings from Tokyo! Thought Id do a paragraph on my initial impressions. Narita was just an airport, nothing odd happening there and I was one of many caucasians, shall we say, so no one looked at me like a martian at all. The staff at the tourist information and train ticket booths were very helpful and nice to a no-clue person like me. I took the train and then the subway during the get to work commute time but it wasnt all that packed really. Feeling rather pleased with myself as I did it in half the fare that a door to door bus wouldve been and only had one minor setback when the subway gate pincered me because I hadnt paid enough fare (but then I knew that would happen). I couldnt understand it though, I was like, c'mon im white, blonde, tall, big.. rucksack - c7mon point at me or move away in confusion or take my picture or something. Nope, nothing. Apparantely I am not that interesting to a Japanese commuter. I did notice that they looked just as miserable if not more so than london commuters although more placid, and of course absolutely silent. So many old boys on there too, fast asleep as soon as they sat down. Mind you I did that as well and a kind lady salvaged my ticket which had dropped to the ground. I am officially a grandpa.

So anyone that knows me knows that Japan is my number 1 wanted to see place. So I felt very excited looking out of the train windows seeing the wooden houses and the beautifully kept gardens with the bonsai and locals riding around on bikes. Allso seeing a bit of the quirky fashion here already. Socks are in. Ankle socks, knee socks, trainer socks. The rule seems to be they must be visible over your shoe in a fairly obscure fashion and must definately not match your shoes or your outfit. My only other observation is that there are vending machines bloody everywhere and they all sell green tee. The one ive had so far was gross.

Arrived at the hostel and its capsule style. The beds are nuts theyre like little wooden caves. Quite roomy, but essentially a cave. I am planning to be asleep in it very shortly. Grumpy bears like caves. There are 28 capsules in our room. And we have to change into plastic slippers, shoes at the door. Actually Ive just heard a rather nice American accent. I am off to investigate.. Oo no Im not I just overheard hes called Kevin so I wont bother.

Note on the flights I flew Melbourne to Sydney and feel rather pleased because I think I swindled my way out of paying quantas 80 bucks to re issue my ticket. Still had to pay then 120 but at least it wasnt 200 all in. And my flight to sydney was one hour and we got dinner and lots of beer. I had a very happy hour chatting to a businessman given that I am, of course, an international businesswoman. Ha, of leisure. No job offer though, damn, must try harder next time..! The flight Sydney - Tokyo was 9 hours and I got another dinner. Two dinners - hooray!! Nice steward who gave me all the extra chocolate macademia nuts which were damn good. I am definately carrying some extra New Zealand-Australia padding. Im scared itll be forcibly removed in Japan if all I can get from the vending machine is green tea. O no the one beside me has beer. I am saved :)