fuchsia fragments

One month away from home really isn't such a long time. It's the equivalent of a longer holiday and it many respects, a lot of the things can kind of just be 'put on hold' for a few days longer until you are home.

And during this time away I haven't felt bored yet. I still have so much of Tokyo that I can see and easily get to and spend time around. One thing is for sure: I haven't really experienced much of the Tokyo nightlife (since I'm really not that kind of person... on my own anyway) and after walking around shopping centres or tourist attractions for 7 or 8 hours straight, you're kind of tired by the time the evening rolls around.

It's hard to believe that I've already spent 3 weeks here. I've tried to do some things that the locals do  - still hard considering most of my colleagues do not live within Tokyo - and I've also done a number of touristy things. It's kind of obvious when you're at a tourist attraction. You don't hear much Japanese. In fact, its lots of mainland Chinese thrown in with the odd English phrase or two. I hear more American accents than Australian. I've managed to be at a couple of locations where there was some festival: Tokyo Dog Festival day yesterday for example. Pampered pooches everywhere but no matter how dolled up they look, I firmly believe that Nessie & Maxxie have a much happier life with a garden, real walks (not being pushed around in a stroller), real friends and real parks to see.

I've done a lot of shopping. And even more window shopping but I should probably assess the space in my suitcase before I go out this last weekend for last minute purchases. I think I have also done more shopping for others than for myself.

I've even managed to find a better supermarket and places where I will probably stock up on necessities when I come back. Toyko is not a cheap city and when you think about it, the subway for that matter is not cheap. 200 Yen or so for a 10 minute ride a few stations and if you are hopping on and off it a few times a day, that is easily over 1,000 Yen in transport fees. Of course, a taxi is even more expensive...

I've felt very safe here. I think I felt a slight tremor on Saturday evening in my building (wasn't sure if it was the washing machine though) as there was an earthquake off the south coast of Japan - very far from Tokyo. It kind of just highlights the need to be aware I guess. You can't very well live in fear.

I am definitely looking forward to some warmer weather although it has been very mild albeit wet. And Christmas BBQs and new year drinks. And I also am dreaming about Hawaii... I wonder when will be the next time we meet oh beautiful island(s).

It's Remembrance Day back home. And apparently here, there is something called National Pocky Day. Say what?

Halfway here and halfway home and I can safely that time has flown. Learning to take the small wins and to take every win for what it is because the culture here is so different. I'm not experiencing a culture shock and so many people said I would but I have embraced this with both eyes open and without judgement. Perhaps it is the forewarning that I received that I am not surprised.

Things are slow here. And vastly different. It's a genuine surprise when I run into the odd one or two familiar faces from home.

My mommy came to visit this week after visiting HK. We did a day trip and lots of shopping (window shopping). She agrees that everything is a lot more expensive that the previous times we'd been here. Prices have risen sharply (their consumption tax has gone up 3%) and our dollar's buying power is weaker. That makes things significantly more expensive. The two things that we consider affordable in Australia: Meat and Fruit/Veg are ridiculously overpriced here. We paid almost 600 Yen the other night for 5 chicken wings and for the same price in Australia, we could get 3 whole kg! Similarly, fruit is sold by the piece here and you are probably looking at 400 or 500 yen for an apple or a pear (they are noticeably ginormous though).

We also had to buy another suitcase (LOL). We always seem to be doing this with the exception of Hawaii earlier this year where my sister and I were totally prepared. Suitcase inside a suitcase plus a Country Road bag each for the win. To be fair, there are a few that are old and we should look at throwing out. And digressing, I would love to own my own suitcase collection - we just have a few that are either just too small or just too big. Each to their own but I want my own hand carry and suitcase (needless to say, preferably a brand-y one...).

Then onto my handbag search. I'm going to do it. I even asked my aunt before my mum left HK if it was cheaper to get there and it's not. It is cheaper in Japan by about A$400...  yeah! Now to get paid so I can buy. Huge month of spending and whilst I am excited that December (and Christmas and New Years is coming), I am really not looking forward to getting back to my Sydney office. One crisis at a time... the more I observe, the more that I feel I'm a minority in Gen Y. What has happened to taking accountability and responsibility? And pride in one's work. And here's a good one: how about using your own brain instead of always asking someone else?!