In an effort to combat frustration brought on by too much time in front of Janet's cinema screen, I decided to take a walk through the neighborhood today.
Even more amazing than the labyrinth of streets, which are laid out in anything but a grid, is the fact that none of them have names. So you have to either use a radar-like sense of guidance or landmarks to get around. I opted for some combination of the two and am happy to report that I did quite well--after all, I'm back posting to the website, aren't I? I could still be aimlessly wandering the somewhat dizzying maze of electronics bazaars and massage parlors.
Not five minutes after leaving the apartment and hitting the streets, I was accosted by a Japanese girl that decided she needed to practice her english. "Hello," she said.
"Hi," was my response. I was trying desperately not to stare at her teeth, which unfortunately bared more of her lipstick than her lips did.
We went back and forth for a minute as I waited for the light to turn. I told her I was from the United States. "Of America?" was her response. I added I was from North Carolina, then she said she had been to Hickory, which I was inclined to believe because I know people from Hickory that don't admit they've been there. As we crossed, she asked if she could have a picture with me, which I agreed to as soon as I determined we would be traveling different directions at the next light change.
I then headed towards my new gym, just to get my bearings, and then back towards Shibuya, a very colorful, youth filled part of town. I came across a gaggle of school children, walking hand in hand from school to the subway for a ride home, each clad in a yellow hat and matching backpack. I must admit to being quite amazed by the fact that none of these kids had much supervision--they were just entrusted to get from school, to home, via the subway. Can you imagine this happening in New York City? I'm scared of the subway half the time I use it in New York. I also felt somewhat more comfortable in my surroudings after my run in with the kiddos--nothing like the vitality of youth to give you hope and direction.
I wandered the major streets a bit more, soaking up the city as much as possible, and ducked down a few colorful alley ways. I'm still constantly amazed at the visual feast that surrounds me all the time--it's almost too much to take in. At any given point, I'm being bowed to and politely handed flyers for an electronics store, given complimentary tissues laden with advertising, marveling at the 100-foot neon signs and trying to figure out where I am. Shibuya, a market district of sorts, seems to be saturated with all of this and more. Not to mention the occasional Japanese wanting to practice her English...
No street signs and roads not laid out in a grid? I would be completely screwed. I get lost in midtown.
To your point about kids running around without supervision. You actually do find that in NYC, but most of them aren't on there way home from school.
You are painting fantastic pictures with your words. Keep up with the great images.
Posted by: Tim on February 16, 2002 01:11 AMJim- I agree with Tim, great descriptions! Is it still considered rude to blow your nose in public there?
Posted by: Erin on February 16, 2002 05:01 AMAnd I meet you at the corner 2 houses away when the bus let you off after school in suburban Mobile!!! Or maybe that was my excuse to catch you just when you would be happiest to see me!!!
Wonderful portraits being painted here!!! I get so overwhelmed when things (or people) are just too much!! Seems there is ample opportunity for that in your temporary neighborhood.
Funny thing happended to Dad and I at the end of the Miller Brewery tour this weekend. Out of the 100 or so people on our tour who sits at our table for the complimentary free samples, you guessed it a young couple fresh from Japan working in Chicago. They did not know you!!!!
Mom
Posted by: Mom on February 18, 2002 12:34 PMWhat do you mean, the vitality and hope of "youth"...that's what YOU are to us. And we concur that the writing is so descriptive. Feels like we're there with you. Of course, I don't suppose that very many girls wanting to practice their English would join you if we were there with you in reality!!! Hugs and Kisses!
Posted by: Lani and Don on February 23, 2002 06:02 AM