My last day in Tokyo was eventful, bittersweet at moments. I arose early to get to the Tokyo Skytree first thing; though it was cloudy, still totally worth it. It was fun to meander around the different levels and grab souvenirs for people (some at random). The rain was still a light mist, so it wasn't a terrible day for exploration.
After the Skytree, I headed to Nezu for an art exhibit at the Yayoi Museum. They featured a manga artist, Kazuo Kamimura (famous for Lady Snowblood), with pieces from the '60s and later; it was gorgeous. But I'd like to backtrack a bit to travelling to Yayoi Museum. Initially, I'd set out with my raincoat, and decided I'd purchase an umbrella somewhere along the way. It wasn't until I'd left the Skytree that it really begun to rain, a very steady rain.
The whole trip to Nezu pretty much involved me being underground. So, when I reached my destination, I just said screw it and walked the ten minutes, hood over my head, phone in hand, as I navigated to Yayoi. It was fantastic. I was drenched by the time I got to the museum, but those kind ladies lent me a towel and even took my coat and backpack while I walked freely through the exhibit.
Nezu has been added to some of my favorite places in Tokyo. The town is quaint, with lots of intricate homes and buildings. It was quiet, unlike busy Shinjuku or Nihonbashi areas. And did I mention that the Japanese people (in general) are impeccably polite? As I put on my coat and backpack to leave Yayoi, those two women stopped me, and held out an umbrella. I couldn't have been more grateful.
My check out time was 1pm, so I basically headed back to the hotel and made my way to the airport. It took close to an hour to get there by train(s), but I didn't want to miss the experience and take a taxi (which still only knocked off about 20 minutes). So there I was, hauling my luggage up and down a few stairwells, mildly regretting my choice. Fortunately, it didn't take too long to get to the train (A/KK line) which runs all the way to Haneda airport. Very efficient those Japanese. I had a few whispers from fellow passengers, and a couple stares, but not bad overall.
When I got to the airport, and reached the check-in counter, I was informed that I'd missed my flight. Apparently, when it says 12:00 am Sunday, it means....midnight Sunday (or in more clear terms, you better get your dumb ass to the airport on Friday night or you miss your flight). Yeah...that happened. It only took a couple hours on the phone with Expedia, of which no resolve was found, and the helpful ladies of ANA ticket counter to help me get on the next flight to LAX free of charge. I'd had to book a new flight, and pay, to get to Vegas from there. I'll take it!
I've never missed a flight in my adult life. This was certainly a learning experience. Also, Expedia sucks. Just saying. Don't book a person six nights at a groovy hotel with free breakfast and not expect them to stay six (whole) nights. Alas, after several hours of meandering and attempts of sleep in the airport terminal, I finally made my way home.
This whole experience for me meant life changes. I know what I need to do, and I know it's time to move forward, with big girl steps...no more baby steps. It felt like a part of my soul had been brought back to life, it made me appreciate human beings more. It made me realize that people can be awesome. I can't wait to explore so much more of this wonderful planet.
At that, I'd like to list my favorite things about Japan (so far..):
Vending machines, vending machine beer, food, all the food, sweets, macha, shrines, nice people, cute Japanese women, classy outfits, bidets, toilets with SO many buttons, Sonic the hedgehog, tiny people like me, tiny doorways and rooms so that Austin has to duck/crouch, sushi, sake, did I mention food in general?, art museums, sakura trees, and all sakura things really, foxes, hot springs, rituals and traditions, the lady that cleaned my hotel room, the lady that gave me an umbrella, the lady from ANA who helped me get home, the random guy who told us about the onsen, and all the other things. And Japan.
I hope you all enjoyed this adventure with me. And that my descriptions did some justice (though probably not, you should all go see for yourselves). Get out there and explore your universe. Life is far too short. Love you all,
~HB~
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