Day 2 is more or less day 1 since the majority of yesterday was spent on a Boeing 777 38k feet in the air. Anyway, I was able to get caught up on my sleep last night. I already feel pretty acclimated to the time difference.

The main goal today was find an ATM that would accept our Visas. After multiple failed attempts at local bank ATMs and Family Mart, the Japanese Post office came through for us. With the Yen I pulled out, I purchased my Suica card. The Suica card is the easiest way to pay for the JR and Metro. It’s as easy as just waving it over the RFID reader and walking on.

Lunch was at a Japanese style fast-food restaurant. Very yummy, even though I’m not quite sure what it even was.

We made a quick trip through Akiba: a 12 story electronics store and picked up a Nikon charger and battery for Max’s camera. Cool store… Easy to spend money in.

On to Shibuya now. Visited the Apple Store and Tower Records. I picked up and awesome copy of Bruno Mars’ album. Although the music is the same, it’s wrapped in some cool Japanese package with kanji all over it.
Shibuya crossing was very cool! I posted a picture of it on the photo stream. Definitely a stream of people. Wow!

Ended the day with a stop at Family Mart for hotel room snacks and drinks. I’ve spent the last few hours looking up what else would be neat to do in Tokyo and planning a trip to southern Japan.

Great second/first day!

Busy busy busy.

Upon coming up out of Shinjuku station and beginning to make ourselves aware of our surroundings as to hopefully find our hotel, two of the nicest–and I mean NICEST–people I’ve ever met came up to us and asked us if we needed any help. Of course we did. I showed them the name of our hotel and off they went to their data connected smartphones looking up where it was located.

“That way,” said the lady of the two and she pointed up the street we were standing near. “Thank you very much,” we said and headed in that direction, only to be told to “follow us” with us being our new found friends.

Off we went, tagging along with our oversized suitcases in tow. Making casual conversation along the way, the lady kept telling us that the hotel (Listel Shinjuku Hotel Tokyo) was very far from Shinjuku Station, but we’d get there. About what seemed like half way there, our friends made a quick stop in a convenience store. We just figured they were picking up something to take home that they needed, but instead had bought a package of hand warmers to share with us as it was quite chilly on this walk.

We continued on towards the hotel, or at least that’s where I was hoping we were continuing on to. What seemed to be a series of twists and turns down streets that could not have possibly led to any hotel, did in fact lead us to the Listel Shinjuku. I began to recognize the buildings from Google Street View and within minutes we were at the entrance to the hotel.

With a simple “enjoy your stay” from our new friends they went on their way!
This first experience will hopefully set the tone for the rest of the trip.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and Tokyo, you did it right!

I’m writing this on the plane and the heads-up display says we have 1 hour left to Narita!

It’s been a long flight. Sheesh. 2.5 meals thankfully… I guess they’d rather not deal with restless, hungry passengers if at all possible. Watched some True Blood and a Katy Perry documentary where I learned that she is a huge fan of Japan after her tour took her to Tokyo a while back. But wow, after seeing how much she cared for Russell Brand and then how he just broke her heart..I’m pretty miffed at him!

Alright, we’re beginning the decent. Lets do this!

It’s 10:00 and we’re waiting on the plane at gate D36. Check-in and security were a breeze. Wasn’t really sure if a big crowd or small crowd would be flying this morning… So far, it’s pretty small.

I’m excited to leave. A little anxious at the same time.

Merry Christmas!

Made it to Dallas without any problems. Ready to crash and get some sleep now.
Planning to wake up around 7 and leave around 8ish. Be at the airport by 9 and the flight leaves at 11:30.

It’s kinda hard to believe it’s Christmas Eve. Very different feeling knowing that I’ll wake up on Christmas and instead of opening presents, I’ll board a plane for a 13 hours flight. Exciting at the same time.

Merry Christmas!

Well, the amoxicillin is kicking in. Not 100% better yet, but definitely an improvement from Saturday morning.

Just finished up my trip site’s “splash page” if you will. japan.brockshetley.com with a nice view of the Tokyo skyline coming through from the background.

Packing went fairly easy. When you have a huge suitcase, it’s not hard to decide what to take and what not to take…just take it all. The haterz are gonna hate though! *cough cough*
Went ahead and torrented the first three seasons of True Blood. Thought it might make for some nice plane entertainment.

Heading for Dallas around 15:00 tomorrow. Can’t wait!
Merry Christmas Eve everyone.

Update: It is strep throat. I started the antibiotic today and the doctor said I should feel better in a day or two.

Well, I woke up today feeling the worst that I have in a while. For the last three days my throat’s been feeling progressively worse.

So, I’m at the Access Medical center in MWC, sitting here in the waiting room feeling like I’m in an incubator. For real, why cram 16 people that are either sick, or living with someone who is, in a room that has the same kind of air filtration system as a standard living room. It really seems like the worst idea in my mind. But I’m here, and hopefully they can help.

It is completely typical of me to get sick so close to leaving for a trip. Oh well!