More Events from Tokyo while in London
Two weekends ago, the weather in Tokyo was exceptionally windy. I was told this happens every year and is indicative of the changing seasons though usually last only a day. It seemed to have lasted the better part of a week if not more this year. Being from the Windy City, I know a thing or two about wind, and this wind was some of the most relentless I have seen. At one point while walking about in Ebisu and Daikanyama, two fronts must have collided as the sky turned from blindingly bright to an ominous blue/gray.
The neighborhoods of Ebisu and Daikanyama were full of winding streets that were littered with small boutiques and cafes. The area seemed to have a more European feel than Japanese. The people I saw were of two kind; the stylishly dressed, determined shoppers and the tourists, both foreign and Japanese, who came to observe the beautiful, rich and trendy on their weekend outings.
To fuel a Saturday of shopping in a European styled neighborhood requires espresso. And just outside the Daikanyama train station was this light cargo van converted into a mobile espresso stand to fill the need.
There were many of these tiny vans running about as they have such obvious practicality for merchants of all kinds. Here is one parked beside a grocery store. Seriously, these things are so small I think I could tip one over (I have the strength of nine monkeys and two tigers...my Kung Fu is quite strong, but you already knew that).
Even the graffiti in Daikanyama is stylish. Though, I am not certain if this is more just storefront decoration versus true graffiti as it was on the door which was pulled down, similar to a garage, to close up and protect the shop.
I also finally spent some time in the Hamarikyu Gardens which are just behind the Conrad Tokyo. The gardens look quite nice from 37 stories up, but are less than spectacular when in their midst. I suspect spring will change that significantly as the flowers bloom and the crows are replaced with song birds. However, the park also offers the pleasant Japanese arrangement which itself is nice enough and there are a few structures such as shrines and bridges and statues throughout.
At one point, I came across some people photographing women in the park. For the most part, Japanese women are impossibly thin. I have mentioned before they seem ready made mannequins for the expensive Ginza purchased fashions they wear.
I also decided the criteria for what is labeled a mountain in Japan needs to be reevaluated. Here is a picture of Mt. Hinokuchi. It would take approximately 15 seconds to climb.
Ok, it's 06:30 on Monday in London and I have to take a conference call with my colleagues back in Tokyo. I'll be in London for a week. My luggage didn't arrive yet so I am wearing the same clothes I wore Sunday in Singapore and then flew 14 hours in. Thank god the fashion mavens in Tokyo can't see me today as I would be excommunicated from certain social circles. I will at least get a razor from the hotel services so I can shave.
