First day in Tokyo, its been major!

So today was my first day in Japan, 

The flight was pretty good. Very Smooth, Finnair is reasonable. As and added bonus the entertainment selection was so good that I had to treat myself like a child about going to sleep, AND there was no one sitting next to me! Also they served cold green tea as a refreshment. In fact since I've been here I've had more green tea than I've had in the best few months (health boost anyone??) and I've just been really happy and upbeat and amazingly just going and going and going.

Today I saw Ginza, Shibuya and Asakusa. I feel like it was great to do some quick skimming and discover a few things. I actually found an awesome little gallery in Ginza where the artist happened to be present and got a pic with him. Unfortunately we didn't really get to talk though. I got his contact info and will post about what I saw at the exhibition soon.

It was awesome to see all of the stores I've ever heard of crammed into one place. But not fun like, Yay! this is so cool kind of fun. That was Asakusa:



Pre-Departure Update Vlogg

I'm so excited! Like, Beyond!

Gearing up to go....

So I can't wait to leave. Counting down, I only have tomorrow night and then I am out! So excited. 

Splat and bounce.

Lol. 

My energy level took a skydive today. I got home from work and crawled into bed almost immediately. It was like I tried to do a few things but every road-bump seemed insurmountable. The next thing I knew I was snoozing and comforting myself by repeating "At least I went to work today". 

I've been so busy planning my trip and thinking about what I should do, where I should go, who I should meet, that I just drove myself into the ground with excitement. When I have so much on my plate I always feel like I am somehow behind or forgetting something, and I've been having dreams about that too! It's so nice to wake up and realize that I am still in Finland and my wallet is in my backpack. 

Friday I got really stressed about where I would be staying in Tokyo. I got some offers on couchsurfing but somehow I still had an unsure feeling. Luckily a local friend came to my rescue and offered me an opportunity of a lifetime: to stay at her parents place! I'm really excited to see everyday Japanese life and working on my polite ways to say please and thank you (in Japanese) so I can live up to any positive expectations they might have of me. The excitement about staying with my friends parents has got my head spinning. 

Lately I've been wondering how I can be so luck! I even got a compliment on my blogging skill! Yay!

I hope you're all well! 

Thanks for reading!

- E 

Reaching out for resources!

So, I've been doing research and couchsurfing apps and trying to decide exactly what kind of trip I want to have. I've been mentally prioritizing and just going through shock waves that I am actually going. It's amazing! 

Tomorrow is a regular work day but today I spent time going through Japans top ten and discovered some awesome Japanese music, and one especially awesome lady Crystal Kay Check out her video! I wanna interview her! 

another video behind the cut >

Stuff I want to do in Tokyo

Okay so I have been crazy about planning for my trip to Tokyo at the end of this month. It will be in the middle of the rainy season in that part of Japan and I have so much to learn. Though I hear it won't be very wet in Japan.

So I made a list of stuff I want to do:

• Wake up in a comfortable high rise apartment, walk over to the window and see Tokyo at my feet. 
• Catch a ride in a Fancy sports car, and get a driving tour like that.
• Drive a moped through Tokyo 
• Drink Boba tea (I know it is korean, but it reminds me of Tokyo) 
• Eat Tempura and lots of other stuff. 
• Eat at a traditional Japanese restaurant. 
• See a Kabuki play 
• Eat at a Japanese Steakhouse 
• Drink Sake 
• Do karaoke
• Get drunk 
• Meet Haruki Murakami 
• Check out artists places in Tokyo (maybe even visit a studio) 
• Get on the radio in Tokyo 
• Interview people, Finns living in Tokyo and otherwise 
• EAT!

• Visit the big old style garden Rikugien Garden!

• And lots Lots more, Maybe visit the hot springs... 

What do you think? can I do this in a week? Anybody out there that can help me?

Thanks! 

- E 

I'm going to Tokyo

I'm going to Tokyo! I found some low price from Finnair, direct flights! WOO HOO. I never thought I had a bucket list before this! lol. Now I am knocking off the only thing I just found out was on it... well, there are a few more. I can't wait!