TOURIST TUESDAY: DAY EIGHT HARAJUKU

And just like that it was time to go home. In true 'us' style we spent the last day eating. Wandering the streets taking photos. Then taking advantage of the fact we were staying in a Air B&B, and having a massive nap, and shower.

I used my skills at packing, and fitted all of our (Justin's) purchases back in the same small bags we came over with. Bar for one extra bag/box which had his new Docs in them.

Taxi, bus, plane. Waiting. Lines. Three whole novels read. And before we knew it we were back at the Gold Coast.

Lucky for me Justin can drive/survive on little to no sleep cause Jarvis and I slept the whole drive home. Why is it I can sleep so well in a car, but never on a plane? Maybe it was that coffee in a can before we left Tokyo?

I have to send out another thank you to the travel gods. Jarvis was an angel to travel with. 

PEOPLE I MEET. PEOPLE OF TOKYO: CUTE OVERLOAD

PEOPLE I MEET: PEOPLE OF JAPAN. WHEN IS IT TOO MUCH MAKE UP?

TOURIST TUESDAY: DAY FOUR IMPERIAL PALACE DAY, AKIHABARA DISTRICT NIGHT

Thursday we set off for the Imperial Palace. Travelling with Justin has a distinctive advantage... I do not have worry at all as to which train to catch, I let him figure it all out, and I follow, just tapping my Suica card as I enter, and exit. As the trains rushed past me I thought of how this gave me such ease. It is always good to travel with someone who has a different skill set than you do.

The Imperial Palace, where the Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, is situated in the middle of Tokyo. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and tree-covered grounds, a precious taste of nature within the bustling metropolitan city.

Even though it was a very windy day, It was still lovely to walk through the gardens.

With two people who love their cameras as much as Justin and I do, we do tend to get a lot of photos of each other taking photos.

After delicious lunch, we hit up one or two of the ops shops on Justin's list.

To ensure my sanity and Jarvis's good behaviour I still insist on naps during the day while we are on holidays. I find it also helps me. I get to relax and enjoy a book or three. While Justin heads out, child free to take photos.

Thursday night was all about Jarvis and Justin, we headed to the electronics district. Akihabara is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district.

The boys spent ages playing games. While I alternated between being overwhelmed by the noise and being bored, having no interest in games at all.

Back in Harajuku, we ended the night with a massive sugar rush. We bought fairy floss for Jarvis, but after one or two bits he was done. Justin and I sat there eating the rest, until we both asked ours selves why or why where we eating this? Fairy floss always does that to me. I am attracted to it soft spun sweetness, only part way in I fell sick and think gross I am eating pure sugar. I think we all had more fun watching ti being made than eating it. 

PEOPLE I MEET: PEOPLE OF JAPAN JAPANESE BHIKKHU

TOURIST TUESDAY: DAY THREE HARAJUKU DAY AND SHIBUYA NIGHT

Jarvis was awake, and bouncing on the bed, way too early. Justin's hungry tummy got us up and out early. Too early for Japan, as most places do not open until at least 10am. 

From breakfast it was a short walk to Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine), just past the Harajuku Station. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified souls of Emperor Meiji (d.1912) and Empress Shoken (d.1914). It is the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo, hosting many festivals and ceremonies.

An oasis in the heart of modern Tokyo, the Shrine is sheltered by gardens and trees.

There is the Inner Garden, with the main shrine buildings; and the Outer Garden, with sports arenas and the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. The shrine grounds are entered through two of Japan's largest torii (shrine gates), made of beautiful cypress wood more than 1,700 years old.

(All of the above information I got from Lonely Planet Tokyo)

I really really hope that the person who stole our sling a few years ago is enjoying it. 

For Jarvis it meant a space to run and play. He loved the 'gardens'. After wandering for ages our tummies beckoned and it was off to find food. 

A quick stop for some vintage shopping, and lollies for Jarvis.

Everyone vintage shops in a mask...don't they?

Then we just wandered the back streets of Harajuku until we found a place that took our fancy for lunch. No idea what we ordered or ate, but it was delicious.

I love wandering the backstreets of different countries. 

After lunch, I found my idea of heaven on holidays. It was a Hairdressing College just five minute walk from where we where staying. So while, Justin took Jarvis back for a nap, I got a free shampoo and blow dry. It was relaxing and funny all rolled into one. One by one, about twelve of the students came over to have a turn to blow dry my hair. I think they each just wanted to touch it. All of them were so nice, I got so many compliments on how soft, how pretty, and how beautiful my hair was, not only did clean hair make me feel good, I certainly got enough compliments to boost my ego for ages.

If you can find this building in Harajuku, you can get your hair done for free. 

I went back to the room feeling great. So while Jarvis napped I read and napped and Justin went off to buy a new (to him) vintage camera. In the end Jarvis napped for five hours. I had thought the day before was exhausting for him.

After five hours we woke him, (we were worried he would not sleep that night), and walked up to the Harajuku train station and caught the train to Shibuya Station. Just outside the station is the famous crossing. When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, people spilling out every where and cross what is rumoured to be the world’s busiest intersection. It is famously known as ‘The Scramble’.

After crossing it was time for more Japanese noodles. Then back to the crossing where a guy was giving away free hugs, and then on to the train back to Harajuku.

I think he liked his free hug. 

Family portrait of the day was taken at Meiji Jingu. Thanks random other tourist.

PEOPLE I MEET: PEOPLE OF TOKYO FRIENDS HOLDING HANDS

TOURIST TUESDAY: DAY ONE CURRUMBIN

I am counting the day, before we flew out to Japan, as day one of our holidays. As a day on the beach was a perfect prelude. 

Our flight was at 6am the next morning, with us needing to be at the airport at 4am, we thought it easier to spend the night at the Gold Coast

We left late morning to arrive at the Gold Cost in time for our 2pm check in, and took advantage of the beach in front of our accommodation. Every single time I go to a beach I sit there and day dream about living with-in walking distance to an ocean.

I am a last minute packer. Always have been, I buy/organise a few things in the week leading up to going away, but I always pack at the last minute. Combination of the fact I don't own enough clothes to pack in advance, and I never know what I will 'feel' like packing.

Which, in all of my overseas trips, has worked for me. Bar for this time. I blame it on Chester's party the day before, and two separate sets of visitors popping in to visit before we left. I am always cold on plans. in fact I often wear a light cardi all year round. So of course the one thing I forgot to pack is anything warm.

It was about 5pm when I realised I forgot to pack warmer clothes and my belt. Knew I would being going shopping the first day in Tokyo.

When do you pack?