Landed and Loving It

Popping out of the Ueno train station in Tokyo was a cacophony of sense stimulation and I couldn’t help but stand there like the gawking tourist that I am. Walking through Ameyoko Market to get to my capsule hotel(you know I had to check out the experience;), I was flooded in the best way as my brain tried to sort out what the hell was happening. My brain could only contextualize at first as we all do, through familiar patterns… In my case, my media references – think open air bazaars from every culture, going off in every direction for as far as the eye can see…or the best kind of futuristic sci-fi market with food in all forms(bladerunner, altered carbon and of course, SW)– little sushi cafes with tables on the market street, punk style music and people yelling to hear one another, but then 20 steps down, a demure noodle shop….hustlers everywhere, telling to come to their cafe, or their store. Stereotypically anticipated Tokyo culture and infusions of other cultures with kebab stores and pizza windows. An ocean of happy humanity, people eating, shopping and laughing…I think the market and Tokyo so far makes Toronto and Old Montreal look like little cutesies(we all know Van is even cuter). As the noise tapered off walking into the Akihabara neighbourhood I’m staying in, it felt like a Japanese version of what I’ve experienced with mediterranean culture…quiet streets, friends walking arm in arm down the little streets. I am going to go tuck in, get regulated to the time zone and see what the day holds tomorrow. Hugs to you all. Just wanted to let my peeps know I’m here and safe