Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku

Today I remembered to hand my cash and grab my cash with both my hands. I almost remembered to stand on the left side of the elevator each time so other walkers could pass. I still wasn't quiet on the train but hey you can't have everything...

Craig with a Priest

The Japanese are always incredibly polite. I love watching Shoji interacting with the Japanese. It just seems like a series, of "yes", "thank you" and bowing. I realized yesterday that if you bow at someone, they must bow back. I tested this theory at the amusement park and basically got in a bowing fit with one of the workers. They probably thought I was crazy. They are also a quiet people. For those who know me I am quiet about 5% of the time. I love to talk. Especially about myself. If I could speak fluent Japanese I would be talking to everyone who I was next to: telling them what I thought about things, asking them questions, etc...They just don't do that here. You are quiet on the train and for the most part you nap. Even standing up!

I love what the businessmen where here. Their suits are all nicely tailored and their shoes are awesome!

I was happy to be able to sleep in today. We spent a lot of the morning just kind of lounging around our hostel. Despite the fact that I am not used to lodgings like this I quite enjoy the hostel. There are so many different kinds of people here. Old, young, Asian, Australian, European. Everyone is super friendly and talkative and just down to have a good time. Even though there are a hodge podge of languages everyone seems to converse in English. Around noon we headed off to Shibuya and Harajuku.

I was excited to go so I could see the fashion and maybe even get some shopping done. The boys were excited to go to check out the pretty Japanese girls. I never did get to go shopping, I'll probably head out solo in a couple days to buy some crazy Japanese style. We did see plenty of pretty Japanese girls. I can't reiterate enough how much effort they put into their looks. Every time I dipped off to go to the bathroom there were a gaggle of women doing their hair, make up, etc. It seems like they want to look white. Many will dye their hair an odd orange color and I always get super freaked out when I look someone and see huge blue contacts. It seems like a lot of pressure to look good and I have been finding myself to fall prey to it...and I am white! I have been wearing more make-up than I normally and was even toying with the idea of wearing a skirt out just to fit in in the fashion districts! Then I remembered I was white and that I would probably never quite fit in  appearance wise in Asia.

We saw plenty of interesting shops along the way, and a lot of American places. We even stumbled across a Krispy Kreme! I think my favorite part of the day was lunch. We went to a really good noodle bar. I got some spicy type ramen dish with seaweed. Oh I was in heaven!

We haven't really hit the town yet to do any hardcore partying. Our plan is to head to some bars and clubs and stay out till about 4:00 AM and head over to the fish market! I am sure I will have plenty to say about it tomorrow. :)