and then some...: August 2011

Day 1

I arrived and then I tried to get to some temples but Japan subway system is complicated and not as foreigner friendly. I toured around Kyoto then instead of staying the night I decided to take an overnight bus to see Riina and Tokyo again.

Day 2

I got in early and headed to Tsukiji then Kamakura. It was so nice. I tried to get to Nikko but it was really far and by the time I got there it was dark and rainy so I just rode the train back to Shibuya. I tried to find wifi to see where to meet up with Riina but there was none in the usual places ie Starbucks and McDonalds. the worst. So I just called her and she and her two friends came to meet me. We went to a karaoke bar then the boys left us and we went to the punkest bar where Kelly's future husband lives. He played nice songs and then 2 Germans came in and tried making conversation with us. I ruined their ideas of Korea due to the secret that all the girls get plastic surgery. The bartender told them they had to leave cause he was closing but lied and let us stay. Then we went home.

Tsujiki Market by melaniereimer

Day 3

We slept in and it was nice. Riina made a nice breakfast and I cannot stress how great she is. I talked to Melissa on Skype which was also great. Then we headed out to to see the drum festival. Riina said it was the equivalent of Halloween where the drums are supposed to scare the spirits back to the other world. Then we went to eat with her family. They are really adorable and great. We had sushi and it was the best. Her brother was there too and he mentioned he was going to see Systematic Death. I guess my eyes widened at the mention of the show cause Riina eventually asked me if I want to go with which I replied very enthusiastic yes.
Then we met up with her friends and went to many fun bars.

Drum Festival Tokyo July by melaniereimer

Systematic Death July 30th 2011 by melaniereimer

Day 4

I decided to get a Japan tattoo and Riina's friend was set to do it but he was missing some equipment. So we went to Tokyo Hardcore Tattoo and I got a beckoning cat on my leg. It's cute. Then I had some money issues. My korean card and my credit card wouldn't work with any machines but I could buy things with it. I had already booked the overnight bus back to Kyoto as there were many temples and palaces I wanted to see. I called Riina to tell her my predicament. Unfortunately I realized I didn't have the money or the time to meet her before getting on the bus. But she surprised me and showed up at the depot! She is the best did I mention that yet? She really is. I got on the bus and hoped my financial worries were only do to taking out more than my limit of the weekend.

Day 5

I got in early and tried to take out money assuming my limit would be reset. Still no cash. At this point I started stressing about getting from Kyoto to Osaka even just to catch my flight home Tuesday. I found wifi in a hotel lobby and found out that I didn't get paid and very few Japanese machines allow you to take out cash advances. Here is something else the McDonalds as well as most other stores do not take visa. Whoops. I was staying with someone in Osaka so I had to get there. I exchanged the little Korean money I had left over and got myself to Osaka. I wasn't meeting my host until 10:30 so I just roamed around for hours. really just taking the city in. I also tried to eat at Starbucks and then my Visa didnt work but this time the girl called my company for me. Turns out I maxed out my pin. So he reset it for me. Also I found an ATM that would let me take out smaller increments than 10000 Yen so I drained that account and had an extra 2000 Yen. I shopped all day but couldn't find anything worth buying. I met my host, he gave me some snacks and I slept.

Day 6

Since I was delirious from little sleep, walking for hours and little food I miscalculated what time I needed to leave at to catch my plane. I had to run literally, from the subway to the train to the check in desk and to security. In the airport station I tried to spend the rest of my change. I bought this meal replacer cause I didn't know what it was and they are everywhere. I was scared I wouldn't have money to get on to the subway to get home so I exchanged my 1000 Yen back to Won, and took the long subway home.

Things I learned

- some planning is required for trips, really I can't wing it this hard again. When I left I didn't even know where I was staying. Also immigration really doesn't like it when you have no where to stay.

- no talking to strangers in Japan ever. This blows my mind. Seriously. You only meet people through friends and at work. Literally. For example, if let's say you saw the Japanese man of your dreams at a Systematic Death show. Like he was tall, well dressed, handsome and at a Systematic Death show wearing a Doom shirt. You can't talk and people don't know people each other there so there is no in. You may as well just wear sweatpants for the rest of your life.

- Also everyone cheats on their significant other but get mad when they find out.

- Boho look is still strong for the ladies in Japan. For boys, pants that when you roll up the bottom are plaid inside. Silly hats for all. All in all Japan has mad flavor that Korea doesn't though the verdict is still out on whether that's good or not. Korea is like a sea of carbon copy hipsters. Everyone dresses pretty similar and are very in tune to trends. Japan is just a free for all, I guess like the rest of the world.