Arriving in Tokyo

We arrived in Tokyo 4 days ago and it's been quite a journey. I must say, that we were lucky to have missed the typhoon that just came through and we'll be leaving just before the next typhoon hits in a couple of days. Tokyo has the hustle and bustle of NYC, but it's more intense. It's grimy, over populated, and people keep to themselves. I've been spoiled with the kindness and friendliness of Okinawans. Despite that, Tokyo does have its hidden gems. One can see and experience the past, present, and future all in one day, in one city.

I recall stepping out of the airport and seeing the madness of the subway station. What were all these colored lines running to? Why were there so many? And to make matters worse, it was all in Japanese. The subway and metro lines which intertwined throughout Tokyo was the most efficient way to travel, but seemed like a web of confusion. People rushed through the stations and if you couldn't keep up, you'll surely be bumped into and cut off. After a few days of exploring Tokyo with this system, we got it down. It's not too bad after all!

Somebody pinch me

I've always wanted to partake in a traditional Japanese bath house and today, I've accomplished just that. 3 hours, easily spent in amenities such as natural hot spring baths, healing baths, outdoor jacuzzi, and different temperature pools- All on the beachfront. It's not a place for bashful bathers, for complete nudity is the only way to go about the hot springs. It was soothing, calming, relaxing.



Outside in the jacuzzi and pool area, swimsuits were permitted. Thank goodness for that! I'm not that bold. I watched a full sunset while soaking in the jacuzzi. It was PHENOMENAL.



Sticking with the traditional Japanese ways, I proceeded to the showers...which was completely open in the women's corridors. They had these little stations where you'd sit down and soap up and shower. I never felt so comfortable and relaxed in my own skin. One last thing I had to do before I left: Doctor Fish.



These little fish nibbled the dead skin off my feet! Yikes!

When it Rains, it POURS

I've just experienced the first rain storm while being here. It's unbelievable. The thunder was so big and loud I could feel it vibrating the walls. The rain would come down hard in spurts. 5 mins of heavy rain and then it would stop. 5 mins later, it would start up again. The temperature? HOT as hell.

My plans for the day have been ruined...so I'm staying in. Annie took me to rent some movies. It was a few short steps to her car but I was hesitant to go into the rain. I stood there with my hand on the glass door, prepared to run for my life. No matter how fast I ran, I couldn't avoid being drenched. 5 seconds in the severe rainfall was all it took to be soaked head to toe.

Because it's so hot and humid...the rain actually felt good. I want to go back out there and go for a jog or jump in the puddles.

hmmm.. I did rent "The Hannah Montana Movie" and "Bring it on Fight to the Finish," starring Christina Milian and her pathetic acting skills.

Don't judge. I figured it would be a good excuse to watch these since I'm stuck on an island with bipolar weather.

Life is good...

Put to the test

Forest Adventure: An obstacle course through a jungle on top of Onna. This was not a place to be for weak hearts and those fearful of heights. We took a bus up to the mountain top where the Forest Adventure staff gave us a short briefing on how to use our harness and safety ropes. After just 5 minutes of instructions, they sent us off to the jungle. The high altitude made the weather even hotter and stickier.

The obstacle course consisted of zip lines that whisked you over the tree tops. The landings were really rough and I was always landed backward into the pile of tan bark. After doing it a few times, I was able to let go of my hands and it felt like I was flying through the jungle and was able to appreciate the lush, green surrounding. There were points where you had to climb these narrow 90 degree ladders that led up to a standing post. It was SCARY but once I got to the top, I looked around to see the beauty of the island and it was well worth it. The most intense part of the forest adventure was the "Tarzan Swing". You had to climb up this very high post and secure your harness to a rope and then jump off to a free fall. It took me a few minutes to gather enough courage to do it. I almost cried because I was so scared. Everyone was cheering me on and my sister was making fun of me. So I had to prove her wrong! I took a deep breath and leaped off the stand. It was a rush of adrenaline and it felt like a roller coaster ride. I was supposed to grab on to a net on the other side but my hands slipped and I dangled in the air for a little bit =) I was really proud of myself for going through it. Nearly 2 hours of climbing through rope bridges, zooming through zip lines, and swinging tree to tree was the biggest workout of my life. By the end of it, I had about 4 new mosquito bites, my shirt was drenched in sweat, my shoes all brown and dirty, and rope burns on my hands. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Nature at its best

We traveled up the coast of Okinawa to the Ocean Expo Park where the famous aquarium was. My favorite part were the GIANT sea turtles that swam out in these huge outdoor pools. It was burning hot outside and we made our way to Emerald beach, where the sand was so white, the sun's reflection off it was too much for our eyes to bare. I was the only one who had sunglasses on, so we didn't stay long.

Pineapple park was the best $5 I've spent in a long time! A self driving pineapple cart took us through the farm where we learned how pineapples grew. When they're small, they look like pineapples on a stick, coming out from the ground. This whole time, I thought they grew on trees. After the cart ride, we made our way to a pineapple factory to see how they were cleaned, cut, and put into cans. The best part was shortly after. Free wine and treat tasting! They had EVERYTHING pineapple. Pineapple bread, cookies, chocolates, lotions, soaps, etc... pineapple vinegar was actually good. Pineapple wine was delicious! I sampled enough of it to get a little buzz. We ate all the fresh pineapple we wanted as well. A can was $6! So we definitely got our money's worth at this place.

Next up was Mineada cove for snorkeling. It was exactly what we needed since we spent most of our day outside, sweaty and hot. It was a breath taking experience. The water was luke warm and a bit choppy, but we went with an experienced diver. He took us into the water and we saw all sorts of tropical fish. We even went into this beautiful cave where schools of fish swam around. It was surreal.

Sleeping cycle is %#&@*#

13.5 hours of flying...I felt like a zombie after reaching my final destination in Okinawa. I barely slept on the plane because it was just too uncomfortable. At that point, I was up for 26 hours. But I made it!

First thing sissy and I did was go to downtown to get some snacks. We went to this fancy 7-11 like store where I was overwhelmed with the all the different types of food they had, most of which were prepackaged meals: rice plates, sushi, mochi balls. In a hurry to get home, I just picked up a salmon rice ball and a coffee that came in a tiny milk carton. My sister made me get this spicy chicken that came hot out of an oven, placed in a small bag, and into my hands. It was tasty.

We headed home so I could finally shower and go to bed. The streets were crowded and narrow with many buildings of flashing neon lights. Lots of young girls on little mopeds, wearing no other protective gear but a helmet, would weave in and out of traffic. What's the rush? I was nervous for them. They could easily be hit by the other cars.

Fairly hot and humid at 11pm. I was afraid of how the days would be like: sticky, sweaty, suffocating. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

1 more day.

We've seen the worst of times and the best of times... all within one weekend. It started off with a delayed flight...a VERY delayed flight. Drunken jerks on the plane. Missed the bachelorette party. Caesers screwed up on our rooms. Got a lil too wild at the club the first night and my bestie lost her phone and ID. Everyone lost at the tables.
But! We managed like always and had the best time ever. Let's just say... luck was definitely on our side and everything happened for a reason =)





I'm getting that feeling... when the fun is just about to start, but then it has to end. The summer was okay...But it got even better these past few weeks. Especially after Vegas and spending time with loved ones. I have to leave it all and embark on this long journey alone.
My room looks like a tornado hit it. I'm definitely not ready for Japan. I don't know where to begin in terms of packing. I'm taking out my party dresses and pumps and putting in my walking shoes and weeks and weeks worth of comfy, light clothes.

I'd rather scrub the toilet than pack

One of my least favorite things to do: PACK. I woke up extra early today...to pack for Vegas, which I'm leaving to today. Pack for Japan? I haven't even thought of it. The most important thing I need to do before any trip/vacation is change my bedsheets and make it. I love coming home to a nice clean, perfect bed.

Vegas...

5 years ago, before we were even 21, my lovely girlfriends and I started our annual Vegas trip. We went every summer...typically in August. Every year we have such an amazing time that we come back for more. Yet each year gets even crazier and each year gets even better. I'm curious to see what else Vegas has left to offer us... perhaps this 5 year mark will be the last? Whatever the case may be, we're going to go out with a BANG.

On a side note...

Two observations today that made me happy.

Pure innocence. A little girl and her dad came into Starbucks. She must have been about 5 years old. They were holding hands and it brought a smile to my face. It was such a sweet thing. She was bubbly and he was happy to spend his afternoon with her. I couldn't help but stare. She got a strawberry banana smoothie. It was pink. Everything about the little girl was pink, all the way down to her cute little flip flops. The cup was so big she had to carry it with two hands, but while they were walking out the door, she accidentally dropped it and the smoothie splattered all over the ground. Her dad didn't yell at her. He simply talked to her and told her why it was important to ask for help if she couldn't hold it. He told her it was okay and it was a mistake. She was really quiet and didn't move a muscle. The nice people behind the counter made her a new one. Within seconds, she was her bubbly self again. Children...they get over things so quickly. I like it when I see little girls holding their daddy's hand.

It was a perfect night in the City. I haven't seen a clear sky in so long. My favorite part about driving there is seeing the skyline for the first time...off the 101. This time, the sun was setting. The sky had every color possible. Blue, a bit of purple, then yellow, then orange, then this firing red that was beaming out from the sun setting. The buildings soon became a dark silhouette with the sunset in the backdrop. A slight cool breeze in the air and the streets lit up with store lights and white lights in the trees. SF at its best.