My Trip To Tokyo

Tuesday August 13th

Smooth landing at Narita. Had to go through immigration and customs after a long walk from the plane. Met Hiro at the arrivals gate and made our way towards the parking lot. Before heading to the car, we stopped at a restroom near the parking lot (not inside the airport). Looking inside confirmed my worst fears and what I'd read about Japanese toilets in the Fodor's guide to Japan. In addition to traditional urinals and old fashioned basins (for washing hands), there were rows of what can only be described as holes in the ground. You're supposed to squat over them to do your business. Like I said, I'd read about these prior to leaving, and I think, as a result, my colon slowed down its activities for a couple of days due to my fear of having to deal with this cultural barrier. Having mentioned this to Hiro in the car, he assured me that 99% of the toilets in Tokyo (or did he say Japan?) were modern, which turned out to be true. I also noticed that every one of the modern toilets I encountered was made by a company named Toto. They're like the Microsoft of porcelain bowls. But their monopoly is well deserved.

We drove around for a while, Hiro pointing out different districts and what they're known for. I can't remember much of what was said. He did ask what my first impression of Tokyo was, and at the time I was like, it looked pretty much like any other urban area. It was already starting to get dark, and you could make out various neon signs. Some in English, others in Japanese. We had driven into Tokyo from Narita on a highway (don't know which one). Traffic was light, because I'd come in at a time when many in Japan were themselves on vacation, visiting their hometowns.

I think we stopped by his office for a few minutes. There was some info he needed, got printed and we were on our way. We stopped to eat at a place called Skylarks. He described it as being like Dennys, but I've never been to Dennys, so I'll say it's not much unlike a diner. I forget exactly what I had to eat except that it was accompanied by french fries (simply called potato) and a small cup of ketchup and mayo, divided half and half. I vaguely recall hearing that Europeans put mayonnaise on their burgers and/or fries, but I wasn't keen on trying it here. Besides, I wasn't in Europe, was I? I went straight for the ketchup. America's universal condiment. Since I was on vacation I allowed my self some white wine, which leads me to think I probably had fish, 'cuz if I were to order white wine, normally I'd do so with fish. I don't drink very often, but when I do, it's usually with dinner. I forget whether chicken is a red wine food or not. Probably beef, but I don't eat beef.

There's a little ritual one goes through when paying for something; You have to say "excuse me, please", but in Japanese, which is "sumimasen, onegaishimasu", which Hiro had pointed out to me before I went to pay. I don't know that everyone I observed during my stay did this, but I do know that people at the registers were more often than not pleasantly surprised when I did.

On to Kawasaki, Hiro's home town, just outside of Tokyo if I understand correctly, though before that we scope out the location of my first hotel to make tomorrows check-in all the easier. While going over a bridge he informs me of the plight of a seal that has been trapped in the local river recently (he would soon be called "Tama-chan", named after the river), and as of yet hasn't been successful in returning to sea. His story is of great interest to Kawasaki's residents as well as the Japanese media who are sometimes criticized for devoting way too much air time to the lost seal.

We make it to his parents home. My room has the traditional tatami mat, and rolled light mattress with pillow. I turn in and grab some shut-eye.