LANDING AWAY IN JAPAN MALAYSIA SINGAPORE: February 2010

Tsunami Alert in Japan - Tokyo - Japan

Today, I woke up and it was raining, I have turned the TV on and there was a tsnumami alert. Some channels were showing live coverage of the coastal areas, while others continued with their normal transmitions, but had a flashing map of Japan as backgroung, with the areas at risk highlighted in red.

I have decided to check the internet for some additional information. For anyone willing to check the weather conditions in Japan, I suggest a look at the Japanese Meteriological Conditions website, that has the most updated weather details also in English.

http://www.jma.go.jp/

The earthquake that has generated the tsunami alarm was in Chile. First there was the powerful earthquake in Haiti on January 12th, than a couple of days ago, one in Okinawa Islands (South of Japan), and now this one in Chile has triggered tsunami alerts in over 50 countries.

I am living away from Tokyo Bay, on a high rise building so the tsunami should not reach this area. Nevertheless, I have decided to review the ''Disaster Prevention and Emergency Procedures'' brochure, that I have collected at the city hall. It contains information mainly applicable in case of an earthquake. Since my arrival I have felt two earthquakes, 4.0 on Richter scale, and I have felt abslolutly powerless.

At around 12:50, I have started to hear loud alarms coming from outside, these alarms were followed by a message in Japanese. I have opened the window and the sound of it gave me a sense of apprehension. The alarms continued sporadicaly until 14.00. I have looked outside and everybody was acting normal. No one was runing, no seemed in panic. As the hours went by and I didn't listen to more alarms, I have started to feel more relaxed, the sun started to shine so I've decide to venture outside.

The streets were as busy as they normally are on a Sunday afternoon. I was glad that I went out. I walked around the Shinagawa area for one hour and when I was back at home I was feeling some serenity.

In the evening I have looked outside and there was a bright full moon in the sky.

The day has ended with an highly appreciated normality.

Landing Away in Tokyo

Ginza, the Fish Market, Hama-Rikyu Gardens - Tokyo - Japan

The first month in Tokyo finished with a visit to Ginza, the shopping area for very expensive items, like for example Van Cleef & Arples. The opulent Tokyo didn't impress me, it had just shops and I wanted more...so...I have headed towards the fish market! Here I have felt Tokyo again...at least a Tokyo that seemed more authentic.
The fish market on a Sunday around 11 am was packed, I just had to go with the flow of people. There were innumerous stalls selling mostly fish related products. But its also possible to buy tea and vegetables, eat in some small restaurants, or buy some delicious cakes. Japanese pastry was a pleasant surprise, they have a vast variety of fine delightful cakes.
I have ended up my solitary walking tour at the Hama-Rikyu Gardens tea house, again in inner calm with magnificent views over the town.

I've seen peculiar places and also experienced some Japanese Hi-tech: taxi doors that open and close automatically, toilet seats that are a combination of toilet and bidet (anus washing, bidet washing and seat warming all in one), washing and dryer machines that have automatic programs...but there's more...much more.
This was just the start but I am completely surrendered to Japan and its charms.
Looking forward to uncover more of Tokyo!!!

Landing Away in Tokyo

Akihabara, Kanda Myojin Shrine, Imperial Palace - Tokyo - Japan

I have started my second walking Tour in Akihabara, the electric city (where you can find the latest in electric products), but I walked away from it quickly. I don't fancy huge shopping malls in general let alone for electric products. My telephone (simple, no camera, no added gadgets) is as hi-tech as I go.
By chance I have ended up at the Kanda Myojin Shrine allegedly built in 730. This Shrine is so bright, with striking red, gold and green colors. As I walked around it I could not believe my eyes...there was a wedding celebration inside and outside people were taking pictures of what appeared a baptism celebration. This Shrine is believed to bring luck in business, family and finding spouses. I quickly learned the ''prayer'' ritual: with closed eyes I bowed my head down towards the Shrine, bowed it up and clap my hands, bowed down again made a wish, than bowed up and clap my hands again, to terminate bowing down, sort of a final thank you.
There were dozens of visitors but the quiet and peaceful atmosphere was impressive.
I continued my walking tour, passed by the Yushima Seido Temple, continued towards the Nicholai-do (Orthodox church of Byzantine architecture) and ended up in the Nihombashi area right across the Tokyo Stock Exchange building.
I continued walking and just a few minutes away I was at the Imperial Palace East Park...again...I felt that I was making a journey across time. The palace has amazing gardens, with fantastic views towards the city. Again, the idea of an adequate balance between tradition and modernity is reinforced.

Landing Away in Tokyo

Shibuya and Harajuku - Tokyo - Japan

The first place I visited was Shibuya which has one of the most famous intersections in the world. Crossing that intersection late afternoon on a weekend is absolutely overwhelming. It's croweded, busy and you just see waves of people everywhere.
In Shibuya we feel Tokyo's vibrant character. A lot of shops, shops with attendants on the door using loud speakers to promote their products, several restaurants and a few concert venues. The streets packed mostly with lively teenagers, loud music coming from the shops, and... at dusk the colored neon lights are on, yes, this is definitely Tokyo! I have strolled around with a travel guide and a map for reference, walking without a map can be challenging because there few streets with names.
I ended up eating is a very small Sushi bar, that could seat a maximum of 10 people! On my plate the controversial red tuna that is in extinction. It was so tender that I couldn't tell if it was meat or fish. I do understand why they catch it, it's delicious! But nevertheless it is in extinction...
My walk ended in Harajuku, I would say, for those who know London that its Tokyo's Camden Town, with teenagers dressed in Costume Play, instead of the Punks. They wear the most peculiar costumes you can imagine.

Landing Away in Tokyo

Landing Away in Tokyo...- Tokyo - Japan

After an 11 hours flight from Europe I have finally landed in Tokyo, Japan.
I must confess that apart from the standard cliches, (Sumo wrestling, Samurai, Karate,Toyota, Lost in Translation...) I didn't know much about this country. For a Western European, Japan is really far away. So, the possibility to spend 11 months living here was unquestionably a once in a life time chance!

After only a few days I have felt overwhelmed. Why? Because this country is different from most of the countries that I have visited. Tokyo is a very big city with millions of inhabitants, but what impressed me the most was the inner calm that it reflects. Old Temples next to modern buildings in an adequate balance. People walk orderly, talk quietly (certainly quietly than the Italians), are polite and in general don't make eye contact or stare. There are a lot of rituals in the way the Japanese interact and to master these rituals is a challenge for any foreigner. My aim is not to master the Japanese social rituals, being here, having the chance to walk in these streets, eat their amazing food, learn about their culture, absorb its character is my simple and unambitius intend.

Landing Away in Tokyo