Dear Friends
Today is my last day here in Japan. Marie and I were invited to a Picnic in a beautiful park for Sakura ( the cherry blossom) which is a huge deal in Japan. It was a great day and a great way to end this journey which will remain in my memories as one of the best trip I've had to date.
For all the people I met here, the friendships that have started & the ones who have strengthen I am grateful. Thank you Japan I will not say Sayonara…..I chose Arigato Gozaimasu!! We shall see each other again!!
Pictures: ( Cut and paste link in your browser)
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/lyssaworld
L
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Day 16 - Hakone..Mount Fuji was hiding!!
Konnichiwa!!
As planned today was our big excursion to Hakone.... We did it all!! Train, Bus Cable Ferry at 1500 Meters high, Boat... Unfortunately we did not see Mount Fuji who was hiding behind the clouds. A great excuse to come here again:)
Pictures: (New links alert!! Cut and paste in your browser)
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/lyssaworld
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=1&rows=30&style=
As planned today was our big excursion to Hakone.... We did it all!! Train, Bus Cable Ferry at 1500 Meters high, Boat... Unfortunately we did not see Mount Fuji who was hiding behind the clouds. A great excuse to come here again:)
Pictures: (New links alert!! Cut and paste in your browser)
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/lyssaworld
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=1&rows=30&style=
Day 15 - Change of Plans - Hip Hop in Tokyo is alive and well!!
Konnichiwa Tomodachi,
Konnichiwa Tomodachi,
Today we woke up at sunrise to get ready for our excursion at Hakone a 4 hours get away in the mountains at close to 2000 feet high allowing you to meet Mount Fuji from pretty close . We were faced with torrential rains when we open the door and I told my friend that I was on vacation.. not on Survivor Japan… Therefore we decided to go shopping in Asakusa a place that I visited earlier. We also spent the afternoon at the Tokyo Museum of Photography and went through an interesting exhibit from the Magnum photographers and their shots of Tokyo over the past 5 decades. Needless to say the day wasn’t waste.
At night, Marie heard about this club in Shibuya and decided that we should past by. She was informed of a specific dress code. No jeans, No Rags All black and white, classy etc… When we got there we were in for an interesting surprise. I personally think that there was some massive language barrier … This place called (Gas Panic) was a hip hop joint with a very “young” crowd... … In the end we decided to stay for a few drinks and dance.
Let’s just say that we turned water into wine that evening :)
Pictures: ( New Picture site alert -- Cut and paste in your browser)
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/lyssaworld
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=1&rows=30&style=
Konnichiwa Tomodachi,
Today we woke up at sunrise to get ready for our excursion at Hakone a 4 hours get away in the mountains at close to 2000 feet high allowing you to meet Mount Fuji from pretty close . We were faced with torrential rains when we open the door and I told my friend that I was on vacation.. not on Survivor Japan… Therefore we decided to go shopping in Asakusa a place that I visited earlier. We also spent the afternoon at the Tokyo Museum of Photography and went through an interesting exhibit from the Magnum photographers and their shots of Tokyo over the past 5 decades. Needless to say the day wasn’t waste.
At night, Marie heard about this club in Shibuya and decided that we should past by. She was informed of a specific dress code. No jeans, No Rags All black and white, classy etc… When we got there we were in for an interesting surprise. I personally think that there was some massive language barrier … This place called (Gas Panic) was a hip hop joint with a very “young” crowd... … In the end we decided to stay for a few drinks and dance.
Let’s just say that we turned water into wine that evening :)
Pictures: ( New Picture site alert -- Cut and paste in your browser)
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/lyssaworld
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=1&rows=30&style=
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Day 13th – Montreal Fashion Theater at the Canadian Embassy
Konnichiwa Tomodachi ,
Time flies when you are having fun!! I cannot believe that I will head back in less that a week. Don’t get me wrong I do miss my family friends and colleagues however it feels so great to get away and recharge!! This has been some of the best time I’ve had in a very long time. Thanks Marie and PY:)
Tonight Marie and I took out the “Bling Bling” for a fashion event (The Montreal Fashion Theater) at the Canadian embassy. Some of the Canadian designer present: Rudsak Collection, Marie St Pierre, Morales, Marissa Minicucci … in addition to the movers and shakers of Tokyo’s fashion community. We have to extend our gratitude to Mr Jean Clavet, General Manager of the Quebec Delegation in Tokyo for this invitation; we had a fantastic time!!
The night ended at a resto-lounge in the area (Marie’s Fav pick of the week) where we hung out with Ashi a talented jewelry designer from England on a commercial mission in Tokyo. She shared some great insights with us on life, love, family and self awareness. Thanks Ashi for a wonderful evening!
Pictures of the day:(cut and paste the link into your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Time flies when you are having fun!! I cannot believe that I will head back in less that a week. Don’t get me wrong I do miss my family friends and colleagues however it feels so great to get away and recharge!! This has been some of the best time I’ve had in a very long time. Thanks Marie and PY:)
Tonight Marie and I took out the “Bling Bling” for a fashion event (The Montreal Fashion Theater) at the Canadian embassy. Some of the Canadian designer present: Rudsak Collection, Marie St Pierre, Morales, Marissa Minicucci … in addition to the movers and shakers of Tokyo’s fashion community. We have to extend our gratitude to Mr Jean Clavet, General Manager of the Quebec Delegation in Tokyo for this invitation; we had a fantastic time!!
The night ended at a resto-lounge in the area (Marie’s Fav pick of the week) where we hung out with Ashi a talented jewelry designer from England on a commercial mission in Tokyo. She shared some great insights with us on life, love, family and self awareness. Thanks Ashi for a wonderful evening!
Pictures of the day:(cut and paste the link into your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Day 12 – Meditation in Nikko
Konnichiwa Tomodachi,
Today was a peaceful day of meditation in Nikko. A city located in the mountains 3.5 hours north of Tokyo by train. Nikko is at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. It is most famous for the Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex and mausoleum.
Pictures: (Cut and paste link into your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Today was a peaceful day of meditation in Nikko. A city located in the mountains 3.5 hours north of Tokyo by train. Nikko is at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. It is most famous for the Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex and mausoleum.
Pictures: (Cut and paste link into your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Monday, March 26, 2007
Day 11 – Yokohama and the Japanese Hospitality
Konnichiwa Tomodachi!
I spent the day in Yokohama, the capital of the Kanagawa area. With a population of 3.6 million, this is Japan's largest city after Tokyo. Yokohama is known for its Port; the 1st Japanese port to be open to foreign trades and also know for its Chinatown, the largest in Japan.
The day did not go quite as planned nevertheless I had an amazing time;
First I got lost when I arrived and a Good Samaritan drove me back to a main hub where he called his girlfriend who spoke a little English and she gave me directions
Secondly around 3pm I went to a traditional eatery. I was about to order my meal and there was a kid and his parents at the table next to me and he kept on looking at me. Marie taught me this word (KAWAI) which means cute in Japanese. I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to use this word and I did…Well all I can say is that this word had its impact. The parents kept on thanking me (in Japanese) they invited me to their table and started ordering an 8 course meal to give me the full traditional experience…At some point I got a little worried ...I wasn’t so sure of what I said... Here I was in Yokohama at a table with a Japanese family who could not speak a word of English… and I could only frame a few words of Japanese. (What did I get myself into???)
Well it all worked out. The food was out of this world;the shark, octopus and even “the unknown”... It all melted in my mouth and the spices wooh!! I was so full that I had a double espresso to get back on my feet.
By that time I realized that it was night!!LOL!
Pictures:(cut and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
I spent the day in Yokohama, the capital of the Kanagawa area. With a population of 3.6 million, this is Japan's largest city after Tokyo. Yokohama is known for its Port; the 1st Japanese port to be open to foreign trades and also know for its Chinatown, the largest in Japan.
The day did not go quite as planned nevertheless I had an amazing time;
First I got lost when I arrived and a Good Samaritan drove me back to a main hub where he called his girlfriend who spoke a little English and she gave me directions
Secondly around 3pm I went to a traditional eatery. I was about to order my meal and there was a kid and his parents at the table next to me and he kept on looking at me. Marie taught me this word (KAWAI) which means cute in Japanese. I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to use this word and I did…Well all I can say is that this word had its impact. The parents kept on thanking me (in Japanese) they invited me to their table and started ordering an 8 course meal to give me the full traditional experience…At some point I got a little worried ...I wasn’t so sure of what I said... Here I was in Yokohama at a table with a Japanese family who could not speak a word of English… and I could only frame a few words of Japanese. (What did I get myself into???)
Well it all worked out. The food was out of this world;the shark, octopus and even “the unknown”... It all melted in my mouth and the spices wooh!! I was so full that I had a double espresso to get back on my feet.
By that time I realized that it was night!!LOL!
Pictures:(cut and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Day 10 – A day of rest !!
Today was the first rainy day since I’ve been here and I decided to spend the morning in to plan the week ahead since most of it will be spent out of Tokyo. With so many places to see and so few days left we definitely had to reprioritize.
In the afternoon I felt the sudden urge to visit the Imperial Palace…I thought that it might look nice after the rain. I was able to take very limited shots... Most of the area was not open to the public today.:( At least it was a nice walk.
Then night came and Marie and I hit the scene in the Daikainama district. On our way back she took me on a scenic tour in the “red light” district of Tokyo. An area where you will find an interesting assortment of “love hotels” with accessories thematic etc…. videogames included (On aura tout vu!!) Unfortunately I was not able to take any pictures :( Rule # 1 In this area everyone is “Incognito!!”
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
In the afternoon I felt the sudden urge to visit the Imperial Palace…I thought that it might look nice after the rain. I was able to take very limited shots... Most of the area was not open to the public today.:( At least it was a nice walk.
Then night came and Marie and I hit the scene in the Daikainama district. On our way back she took me on a scenic tour in the “red light” district of Tokyo. An area where you will find an interesting assortment of “love hotels” with accessories thematic etc…. videogames included (On aura tout vu!!) Unfortunately I was not able to take any pictures :( Rule # 1 In this area everyone is “Incognito!!”
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Day 9 Shinkuju
Konnichiwa Tomodachi,
I spent the day in Shinjuku which is the main connecting hub for rail/train traffic between central Tokyo and its western suburbs on JR, commuter rail and metro lines, the station is used by an average of 3.29 million people per day making it the busiest train station in the world in terms of number of passengers.
The main attractions of this area includes:
Park, Restaurants,High End department stores & Governemnet buildings. I did the area by foot and walked all the way to Shibuya...Once again I am proud of myself I did not get lost. Pictures:(cut in paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
I spent the day in Shinjuku which is the main connecting hub for rail/train traffic between central Tokyo and its western suburbs on JR, commuter rail and metro lines, the station is used by an average of 3.29 million people per day making it the busiest train station in the world in terms of number of passengers.
The main attractions of this area includes:
Park, Restaurants,High End department stores & Governemnet buildings. I did the area by foot and walked all the way to Shibuya...Once again I am proud of myself I did not get lost. Pictures:(cut in paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Day 8 ASAKASA & ROPPONGI – LADIES NIGHT OUT!
Konnichiwa Tomodachi!!
A little hang over this morning from last nights events.
The day started in Asakasa where I visited the The Hie Shrine located atop a little hill at the edge of the area. To get there you have to take a steep flight of stairs under a veritable tunnel of orange torii, the shrine grounds are an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city.
Asakasa is one of Tokyo's central business & government office districts, in addition it also contains several embassies including United States of America, Canada and Spain. Walking around was a great way to observe the diversity in architecture of the city.
The afternoon was spent in Roppongi at the Mori tower. This tower is a 238 m, 54-story high-rise building housing an art museum, a cinema complex, restaurants, cafes, stores, the offices of Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Yahoo! Japan and many more.
The top six floors house the Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View with panoramic views of the city. I attended the Animal Totems exhibit and took pictures of the city from the observation deck.
Then Marie and I headed for a night out in Roppongi. Let’s just say that we had Fun Fun & Fun… Pictures are worth 1000 words. (Cut & Paste in your Browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
A little hang over this morning from last nights events.
The day started in Asakasa where I visited the The Hie Shrine located atop a little hill at the edge of the area. To get there you have to take a steep flight of stairs under a veritable tunnel of orange torii, the shrine grounds are an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city.
Asakasa is one of Tokyo's central business & government office districts, in addition it also contains several embassies including United States of America, Canada and Spain. Walking around was a great way to observe the diversity in architecture of the city.
The afternoon was spent in Roppongi at the Mori tower. This tower is a 238 m, 54-story high-rise building housing an art museum, a cinema complex, restaurants, cafes, stores, the offices of Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Yahoo! Japan and many more.
The top six floors house the Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View with panoramic views of the city. I attended the Animal Totems exhibit and took pictures of the city from the observation deck.
Then Marie and I headed for a night out in Roppongi. Let’s just say that we had Fun Fun & Fun… Pictures are worth 1000 words. (Cut & Paste in your Browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Day 7 Odaiba (Tokyo Bay Area)
Today I spent the afternoon & evening at Odaiba the Tokyo bay area. I saw
Aqua City, The Fuji Television center, the Toyota car exhibition, the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower (Eiffel) & Tokyo’s statue of liberty ...The Japanese are unbelievable...they have it all in one frame!! The view from the pier was spectacular. I have to come here again.
The night ended in a nice Irish Pub at Shiodome.
Pictures: (Cut and paste link in your browser):
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Aqua City, The Fuji Television center, the Toyota car exhibition, the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower (Eiffel) & Tokyo’s statue of liberty ...The Japanese are unbelievable...they have it all in one frame!! The view from the pier was spectacular. I have to come here again.
The night ended in a nice Irish Pub at Shiodome.
Pictures: (Cut and paste link in your browser):
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
DAY 6, DISCOVERING KAMAKURA
Konnichiwa Tomodachi!
Today we decided to escape the neons and head spinning ways of Tokyo to Kamakura a city located in the Kanawaga Prefecture an hour away south of Tokyo by train.. The most attractive feature of Kamakura is the numerous temples, shrines and of course Daibutsu; the great Buddha of Kamakura. This is bronze statue of Buddha located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan. The statue was cast in 1252 and was originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were washed away by a tsunami in the end of the 15th century, and since then the Buddha stands majestically in the open air. You feel very tiny next to him as you will see onmy pictures of the day.
Well Daitbutsu did inspire us today and gave us the strength to go “up” the steep hiking trails leading to the temples. A full 12 hours of work. We got lost in the middle of the woods and it got really dark. All we had to find our way, was the sound of the train and a good samaritan who was able to frame a few words of english. To keep my spirits high I was visualizing the steamy shower, nice eel diner and glass of wine waiting for us at home.. And it was worth it!!
Pictures:(cut and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Today we decided to escape the neons and head spinning ways of Tokyo to Kamakura a city located in the Kanawaga Prefecture an hour away south of Tokyo by train.. The most attractive feature of Kamakura is the numerous temples, shrines and of course Daibutsu; the great Buddha of Kamakura. This is bronze statue of Buddha located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan. The statue was cast in 1252 and was originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were washed away by a tsunami in the end of the 15th century, and since then the Buddha stands majestically in the open air. You feel very tiny next to him as you will see onmy pictures of the day.
Well Daitbutsu did inspire us today and gave us the strength to go “up” the steep hiking trails leading to the temples. A full 12 hours of work. We got lost in the middle of the woods and it got really dark. All we had to find our way, was the sound of the train and a good samaritan who was able to frame a few words of english. To keep my spirits high I was visualizing the steamy shower, nice eel diner and glass of wine waiting for us at home.. And it was worth it!!
Pictures:(cut and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
DAY 5,Kyo Mado Kaimono & One unpleasant experience in the metro during rush hour
(Kyo Mado Kaimono; Today was all about window shopping)
I ventured the streets of downtown Tokyo to discover the bargain shops. I was particularly interested to discover Akihabara "Electric Town" Which is legendary for it's electronic product offering. There is everything from big retailers, wholesale shops and small street stalls all competing to you sell everything from CDs DVDs , Gaming Products, Robots, PCS etc.. There isn't enough space to describe the number of items to be found here. In addition to will find technology (Phones PCs & Robotics) that will hit North America & Europe in maybe 5 years ++. Instead of Shopping I felt like I was at an outdoors techno museum. I would like to point out that if you are looking for bargain on electronics you will be disappointed. The prices are similar or slightly higher than at home. Same thing for camera equipment. I only managed to find a few deals on storage devices (USB port, Flash or SD cards) & other accessories.
I walked through out the streets of Downtown Tokyo following the subway line all the way to Ginza famous for its boutiques, galleries & cafes. I had an unpleasant experience taking the subway at rush hour... Did you know that they shove (yes) so much people in the metro that people are practically on top of each other? During rush hour there are even carts for women only because men will used this opportunity to grab/touch your privates. Well I did not know about these carts for women and I landed on the lap of some old man...Lucky me he was not a freak...He seemed rather amused by the fact that I was foreigner without a clue... Thank God!! I know the deal now. LESSON LEARNED!!
Pictures:(Cut & Paste link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
I ventured the streets of downtown Tokyo to discover the bargain shops. I was particularly interested to discover Akihabara "Electric Town" Which is legendary for it's electronic product offering. There is everything from big retailers, wholesale shops and small street stalls all competing to you sell everything from CDs DVDs , Gaming Products, Robots, PCS etc.. There isn't enough space to describe the number of items to be found here. In addition to will find technology (Phones PCs & Robotics) that will hit North America & Europe in maybe 5 years ++. Instead of Shopping I felt like I was at an outdoors techno museum. I would like to point out that if you are looking for bargain on electronics you will be disappointed. The prices are similar or slightly higher than at home. Same thing for camera equipment. I only managed to find a few deals on storage devices (USB port, Flash or SD cards) & other accessories.
I walked through out the streets of Downtown Tokyo following the subway line all the way to Ginza famous for its boutiques, galleries & cafes. I had an unpleasant experience taking the subway at rush hour... Did you know that they shove (yes) so much people in the metro that people are practically on top of each other? During rush hour there are even carts for women only because men will used this opportunity to grab/touch your privates. Well I did not know about these carts for women and I landed on the lap of some old man...Lucky me he was not a freak...He seemed rather amused by the fact that I was foreigner without a clue... Thank God!! I know the deal now. LESSON LEARNED!!
Pictures:(Cut & Paste link in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Monday, March 19, 2007
DAY 4 ST PATRICK IN THE STREET OF OMOTESANDO
...I never attended a St Patrick's parade in Montreal ... and here I am in the streets of Omotesando with front seats to a relatively modest parade. Check out the pictures and I dare you to find the missing link :)
Pictures: (cut and paste in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Pictures: (cut and paste in your browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Sunday, March 18, 2007
DAY 3 ASAKUSA & A GREAT MILESTONE
Konnichiwa Tomodachi!!
Today, I felt particularly proud of myself. I had my 1st day trip totally on my own. After a crash course from MP I took on Tokyo Ginza line to Asakusa.
I did have a few LOST IN TRANSLATION(the movie) moments but overall the experience was rewarding. Some of you may wonder why the big deal..it's only the subway.. well check out the subway map in the pictures of the day and you will understand what I mean. Secondly in Tokyo..there is no such thing as an address ... Only districts and neibourghhoods are identified. People give directions by providing these 2 and a visual reference point. -Interesting fact for a city with so much sophistication the bottom line is that it works very well. I also want to point out that Tokyo's Subway system is a work of art and once you figure out the main lines it gets very easy.
I arrived at ASAKUSA early afternoon. ASAKUSA is one of the oldest cities within Tokyo. The areas is famous for it's street stalls,bargain shops & shrine. The main historical sight here is the Sensoji Temple the most ancient buddhist temple of Tokyo . Huge smoke winds can be found in front of the temple, this stems from a huge incense cauldron around which you can stand wafting the smoke and it's scent to your body and your head to ensure good health... Well let's just say that it will take me months to get the smell of incense out of the clothes that I was wearing:)
Pictures of the day at:(Cut & Paste in browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=2&rows=30&style=
L
Today, I felt particularly proud of myself. I had my 1st day trip totally on my own. After a crash course from MP I took on Tokyo Ginza line to Asakusa.
I did have a few LOST IN TRANSLATION(the movie) moments but overall the experience was rewarding. Some of you may wonder why the big deal..it's only the subway.. well check out the subway map in the pictures of the day and you will understand what I mean. Secondly in Tokyo..there is no such thing as an address ... Only districts and neibourghhoods are identified. People give directions by providing these 2 and a visual reference point. -Interesting fact for a city with so much sophistication the bottom line is that it works very well. I also want to point out that Tokyo's Subway system is a work of art and once you figure out the main lines it gets very easy.
I arrived at ASAKUSA early afternoon. ASAKUSA is one of the oldest cities within Tokyo. The areas is famous for it's street stalls,bargain shops & shrine. The main historical sight here is the Sensoji Temple the most ancient buddhist temple of Tokyo . Huge smoke winds can be found in front of the temple, this stems from a huge incense cauldron around which you can stand wafting the smoke and it's scent to your body and your head to ensure good health... Well let's just say that it will take me months to get the smell of incense out of the clothes that I was wearing:)
Pictures of the day at:(Cut & Paste in browser)
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637&pageID=2&rows=30&style=
L
Friday, March 16, 2007
Day 2 ( Kyo Shibuya ku)- Today in the neirhborhood of Shibuya
Konnichiwa Tomadachi (Good Day My friends)
Today was a great for street photography in the streets of Shibuya.
Shibuya is one of the trendiest areas of Tokyo. By night people say that it is the Tokyo of dreams and by day it is a street with an ecclectic mix of young japanese loaded with money. There is more Louis Vitton, Hermes & Gucci bag per capita then any other place in the world and there selling price is marked up at 30% higher than in America and Europe. Most ladies own 3-4 of these bags and they keep up with the latest trends like a nurse who is monitoring high fever on a patient.
Shibuya is not rich in historical sites however it is one of the best location to check the pulse of the city. It is a pumped up of version of the plateau Mount Royal in Montreal with Yoyogi Koen (park) In the middle.
The day began with a stop at a temple in Shoto (where I am currently staying in Shibuya). Followed with a breakfast of champion at a local eaterie The Dream; Japanese Omellette,Sushi & Green Tea for breakfast. By the way did I mentioned that if you hate fish and seafood, you should skip Japan. Fruit from the sea is king here and fresh is an understatement. And not to worry Japanese are obsessed with cleanness and freshness no E-coli or salmonela on the menu.
Once we fueled the adventure began with 5 hours of discovery; Metro Stations, Street Attractions Stores of all kinds...A stop here for a cup of green tea hummm... and there for a shot of hot sake ... Life is good!!
I would like to point out 2 encounters I had today:
The first is with Assan a brother who wiped his eyes twice when he saw me on the street. Sisters are rare here and I undertsood what he meant in the magnitude of his embrace :) Assan works at a local hip hop store and speaks french & english fluently. I guessed that he is orginally from Nigeria.
My second encounter was with author and poet Hideo Asano in Yoyogi park. Who approched us interested to know where we were from. Hideo was born in North Korea studied at the University of Southern California and travelled the world as a journalist. He recently visited Canada and was sad that he did not get a chance to spend some time in Montreal. He gave me a book of poems & a few of his essays for a small token. You can see him in the pictures of the day: (cut & paste in your browser): http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
By for now!!
L
Today was a great for street photography in the streets of Shibuya.
Shibuya is one of the trendiest areas of Tokyo. By night people say that it is the Tokyo of dreams and by day it is a street with an ecclectic mix of young japanese loaded with money. There is more Louis Vitton, Hermes & Gucci bag per capita then any other place in the world and there selling price is marked up at 30% higher than in America and Europe. Most ladies own 3-4 of these bags and they keep up with the latest trends like a nurse who is monitoring high fever on a patient.
Shibuya is not rich in historical sites however it is one of the best location to check the pulse of the city. It is a pumped up of version of the plateau Mount Royal in Montreal with Yoyogi Koen (park) In the middle.
The day began with a stop at a temple in Shoto (where I am currently staying in Shibuya). Followed with a breakfast of champion at a local eaterie The Dream; Japanese Omellette,Sushi & Green Tea for breakfast. By the way did I mentioned that if you hate fish and seafood, you should skip Japan. Fruit from the sea is king here and fresh is an understatement. And not to worry Japanese are obsessed with cleanness and freshness no E-coli or salmonela on the menu.
Once we fueled the adventure began with 5 hours of discovery; Metro Stations, Street Attractions Stores of all kinds...A stop here for a cup of green tea hummm... and there for a shot of hot sake ... Life is good!!
I would like to point out 2 encounters I had today:
The first is with Assan a brother who wiped his eyes twice when he saw me on the street. Sisters are rare here and I undertsood what he meant in the magnitude of his embrace :) Assan works at a local hip hop store and speaks french & english fluently. I guessed that he is orginally from Nigeria.
My second encounter was with author and poet Hideo Asano in Yoyogi park. Who approched us interested to know where we were from. Hideo was born in North Korea studied at the University of Southern California and travelled the world as a journalist. He recently visited Canada and was sad that he did not get a chance to spend some time in Montreal. He gave me a book of poems & a few of his essays for a small token. You can see him in the pictures of the day: (cut & paste in your browser): http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
By for now!!
L
Day 2 ( Kyo Shibuya ku)- Today in the neirhborhood of Shibuya
Konnichiwa Tomadachi (Good Day My friends)
Today was a great for street photography in the street of Shibuya.
Shibuya is one of the trendiest areas of Tokyo. By night people say that it is the Tokyo of dreams and by day it is a street with an ecclectic mix of young japanese loaded with money. There is more Louis Vitton, Hermes & Gucci bag per capita then any other place in the world and there selling price is marked up at 30% higher than in America and Europe. Most ladies own 3-4 of these bags and they keep up with the latest trends like a nurse who is monitoring high fever on a patient.
Shibuya is not rich in historical sites however it is one of the best location to check the pulse of the city. It is a pumped up of version of the plateau Mount Royal in Montreal with Yoyogi Koen (park) In the middle.
The began with a stop at at temple in Shoto (where I am currently staying in Shibuya). Followed with a breakfast of Champion at a local eaterie The Dream; Japanese Omellette,Sushi & Green Tea for breakfast. By the way did I mentioned that if you hate fish and seafood, you should skip Japan. Fruit from the sea is king here and fresh is an understatement. And not to worry Japanese are obsessed with cleanness and freshness no E-coli or salmonela on the menu.
Once we fueled the adventure began with 5 hours of discovery; Metro Stations, Street Attractions Stores of all kinds...A stop here for a cup of green tea hummm... and there for a shot of hot sake ... Life is good!!
I would like to point out 2 encounters I had today:
The first is with Assan a brother who wiped his eyes twice when he saw me on the street. Sisters are rare here and I undertsood what he meant in the magnitude of his embrace :) Assan works at a local hip hop store and speaks french & english fluently. I guessed that he is orginally from Nigeria.
My second encounter was with author and poet Hideo Asano in Yoyogi park. Who approched us interested to know where we were from. Hideo was born in North Korea studied at the University of Southern California and travelled the world as a journalist. He recently visited Canada and was sad that he did not get a chance to spend some time in Montreal. He gave me a book of poems & a few of his essays for a small token. You can see him in the pictures of the day: (cut & paste in your browser): http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
By for now!!
L
Today was a great for street photography in the street of Shibuya.
Shibuya is one of the trendiest areas of Tokyo. By night people say that it is the Tokyo of dreams and by day it is a street with an ecclectic mix of young japanese loaded with money. There is more Louis Vitton, Hermes & Gucci bag per capita then any other place in the world and there selling price is marked up at 30% higher than in America and Europe. Most ladies own 3-4 of these bags and they keep up with the latest trends like a nurse who is monitoring high fever on a patient.
Shibuya is not rich in historical sites however it is one of the best location to check the pulse of the city. It is a pumped up of version of the plateau Mount Royal in Montreal with Yoyogi Koen (park) In the middle.
The began with a stop at at temple in Shoto (where I am currently staying in Shibuya). Followed with a breakfast of Champion at a local eaterie The Dream; Japanese Omellette,Sushi & Green Tea for breakfast. By the way did I mentioned that if you hate fish and seafood, you should skip Japan. Fruit from the sea is king here and fresh is an understatement. And not to worry Japanese are obsessed with cleanness and freshness no E-coli or salmonela on the menu.
Once we fueled the adventure began with 5 hours of discovery; Metro Stations, Street Attractions Stores of all kinds...A stop here for a cup of green tea hummm... and there for a shot of hot sake ... Life is good!!
I would like to point out 2 encounters I had today:
The first is with Assan a brother who wiped his eyes twice when he saw me on the street. Sisters are rare here and I undertsood what he meant in the magnitude of his embrace :) Assan works at a local hip hop store and speaks french & english fluently. I guessed that he is orginally from Nigeria.
My second encounter was with author and poet Hideo Asano in Yoyogi park. Who approched us interested to know where we were from. Hideo was born in North Korea studied at the University of Southern California and travelled the world as a journalist. He recently visited Canada and was sad that he did not get a chance to spend some time in Montreal. He gave me a book of poems & a few of his essays for a small token. You can see him in the pictures of the day: (cut & paste in your browser): http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
By for now!!
L
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Day 1 Pix- IMPORTANT NOTE--for all pix
When I opened my blog -- To my surprise Everything was in japanese characters... For some unknown reason I cannot edit the text encoding..so much for technology:)
It took me a few hours to figure some of the basics functions Yes I did .Thanks to MPs help. But this is as far as I will go. Therefore all the pictures will be posted on another link:
To view all day 1 pictures go to this link:(cut & paste in your browser)
http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
It took me a few hours to figure some of the basics functions Yes I did .Thanks to MPs help. But this is as far as I will go. Therefore all the pictures will be posted on another link:
To view all day 1 pictures go to this link:(cut & paste in your browser)
http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
L
Konnichiwa!!!
Konnichiwa!
I arrived in Tokyo at 6pm Thursday March 15th or for most of you 4am EST.We have a 14 hours differences (I am ahead). Needless to say that I was jumping of joy. After 14 hours in the air ..I would've been happy touching any soil. Between 100 ARIGATOs & SUMIMASENs (THANK YOU & SORRY).. I made my way to the Limo buses.
The ride between the airport and the city was another 2 hours...I was very tired...All I wanted was a cup of tea and a warm bed. However as soon as I hit the city a mysterious source of energy manifested itself and just like that I was ready for action:)
Summary of the night
Welcome Toast at Park Hyatt--nice view between the martini and a lantern -KAMPAI!!
Tested my composition and aperture while driving through Shinjuku (This is insanity!! ..Neon lights everywhere..on everything--There goes the electricity of half the planet..and this is just the tip of the iceberg.)
For some strange reason I developed a craving for crepes (Thanks to PY,MP's boyfriend)..Of all places.. PY ..made reservations at a french cafe.... Up to now i thought that Tokyo was; NEWYORK MEETS LAS VEGAS & ATLANTIC CITY in 3D...Now I have to toss PARIS in the mix. The Cafe was called LE BRETAGNE.. and all the staff( Japanese gents & ladies) were speaking Français de France. The Crepes were succulent Thanks P.Y...I now can make the difference between french crepes et les bretons(LOL!!) Imagine learning this in Japan( H. D..here you go, diversity at it's best)
...You've heard the expression When in Rome ...do like the Romans... Well in TOKYO everything goes it seems.
That's all for tonight..it is 5am for me I will try to catch a few ZZZZZ..before sunrise:)
To view a few of the evening pix go to: (cut & paste in your browser)
http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
KOMBAWA! (Good Bye)
I arrived in Tokyo at 6pm Thursday March 15th or for most of you 4am EST.We have a 14 hours differences (I am ahead). Needless to say that I was jumping of joy. After 14 hours in the air ..I would've been happy touching any soil. Between 100 ARIGATOs & SUMIMASENs (THANK YOU & SORRY).. I made my way to the Limo buses.
The ride between the airport and the city was another 2 hours...I was very tired...All I wanted was a cup of tea and a warm bed. However as soon as I hit the city a mysterious source of energy manifested itself and just like that I was ready for action:)
Summary of the night
Welcome Toast at Park Hyatt--nice view between the martini and a lantern -KAMPAI!!
Tested my composition and aperture while driving through Shinjuku (This is insanity!! ..Neon lights everywhere..on everything--There goes the electricity of half the planet..and this is just the tip of the iceberg.)
For some strange reason I developed a craving for crepes (Thanks to PY,MP's boyfriend)..Of all places.. PY ..made reservations at a french cafe.... Up to now i thought that Tokyo was; NEWYORK MEETS LAS VEGAS & ATLANTIC CITY in 3D...Now I have to toss PARIS in the mix. The Cafe was called LE BRETAGNE.. and all the staff( Japanese gents & ladies) were speaking Français de France. The Crepes were succulent Thanks P.Y...I now can make the difference between french crepes et les bretons(LOL!!) Imagine learning this in Japan( H. D..here you go, diversity at it's best)
...You've heard the expression When in Rome ...do like the Romans... Well in TOKYO everything goes it seems.
That's all for tonight..it is 5am for me I will try to catch a few ZZZZZ..before sunrise:)
To view a few of the evening pix go to: (cut & paste in your browser)
http://www.mybetterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=137637
KOMBAWA! (Good Bye)
Monday, March 12, 2007
Less than 48 hours to go!!
I am all packed and ready to go. My Camera can barely stand still.Trying to catch up on my Japanese key Phrases and Tokyo city guides tonight.
Stay tuned!
L
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
7 days until the big day
Dear Friends,
As you all know, In a few days I will be leaving for a spectacular adventure in Japan. Many of you asked me to take you in my luggage..while I wish I could :) I found a better way for you to partake in this adventure. This Blog !! I will keep regular postings through out my journey. Feel free to send me comments/ messages.
Let the fun Begin!!
L
As you all know, In a few days I will be leaving for a spectacular adventure in Japan. Many of you asked me to take you in my luggage..while I wish I could :) I found a better way for you to partake in this adventure. This Blog !! I will keep regular postings through out my journey. Feel free to send me comments/ messages.
Let the fun Begin!!
L
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