eggggsdfjsldkj: Tokyo Day 1: Exploring / Fancy PhotoParty

Long overdue Tokyo post time!

I seriously heart Tokyo.

Even though it is the hardest place to navigate as a tourist, people are SO friendly and helpful.

Upon arrival in the city, my first task was to make my way to AlyParker's apartment in Minato-ku.

I managed to get myself into the general vicinity, but after frustratingly wandering around her hood for an hour and a half (there are no street signs in English, and very few English-speaking street-randoms) I had to go into a little dental office where three lovely Japanese dental assistants, dressed in cute little dental assistant dress-costumes, helped me call Aly (my cell phone and GPS don't work internationally and she was still at work), figured out where she lived in Japanese (they did not speak a word of English), and then proceeded to walk me the 5 blocks from the dental office to her apartment themselves. (All three of them seemed to have nothing to do and were very excited to escort me there, giggling excitedly amongst themselves the entire way.)

Once I unloaded my bags, I decided to brave the big city again and explore.

I headed straight over to nearby Shibuya.

Got a snack at a place called "Rice People, Nice People"

And then hit up the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.

I also explored Harajuku (I think)...where the streets are filled with aggressive African hustlers trying to grab you to bring you to their respective strip clubs or random shady businesses. After getting grabbed a few too many times, (I attract a lot of attention in Asia generally) I finally turned to the next guy who grabbed me and roared, "DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME!!!"

The look of unexpected terror on the guy's face was priceless. I don't think the average Japanese local is particularly assertive with these guys.

If you've been anywhere in Asia, you know that "Engrish" is quite common. Tokyo is no exception.

Things in Japan also are quite small. This is how I look walking through most doorways. Luckily I had my fellow giant AlyParker with me who understands my pain. (In heels she is 6'3" I think.)

Aly happens to be living in Tokyo for two years for her job. (She is a lawyer working for a Japanese client.) As soon as she got off work, we headed to a Photo Exhibition sponsored by Louis Vuitton. (We were invited by her fabulous fashion photographer friend Nicci.)