going home...

This is my last day in Japan, and a very short day at that.

Breakfast: I went to one of the many Starbuck’s knock-offs for a pastry and coffee. I tried the one that looked the least westernized. What I got was a green tea latte (bright bright green and thick with green tea powder) and a unique pastry. It was a rectangular affair made primarily of puff pastry, with a layer of soft filling. It’s the filling that made it interesting. It was a smooth and spicy mix of potatoes, chili, and possibly corn. It wasn’t sweet at all. I also tried the Japanese version of the “danish.” This is very much like the steamed breads I saw in the markets, only the filling was strawberry jam and a very mild sweet cheese that could me mistaken for whipped cream. Again, this was a steamed bread, so it wasn’t even brown like it’s puff cousin.

I packed up my hotel room mess, checked out, and left my bag with the bell desk. I had just enough time for one last bit of Japan. I also had a reservation.... I went to observe, learn, and taste at a tea ceremony. It was interesting, but not what I expected. Long ago, in my grade school years, I took some martial arts classes. To me, the tea ceremony seemed like a martial arts form for making and serving tea. It was very ritualistic and focused. The garden and tea room were beautiful. It was still morning, and I was the only paying customer. I had just enough time to ask questions of the tea lady (I’m sure there is a more proper and respectful term) and hop the bus to the airport.


Perhaps I’m getting better at international travel. But still I credit much of my enjoyment in Japan to the Japanese. Tokyo is a very easy city to visit. With the exception of directions (the place is a maze, most streets don’t have names, and haze can even make cardinal directions a challenge) the city was an absolute pleasure. (In there defense, there are wall-sized maps on street corners every 5-6 blocks and at every Metro. So While it’s easy to get lost. Finding oneself isn’t that difficult. Just expect to do it often.) The city is remarkably clean. The trains are cheap and easy. Yes, easier than DC. People are polite and confrontations are very rare. The intimidation factor vanished quickly. I’d go again, and I look forward to opportunities to experience rural Japan.

That was it.
Tokyo 2008.