Japan

Slowly but surely, I am uploading all my pictures. Here are a few of my favorites from Japan.

Great views..

Friends..

And...deer. Who knew!

This one is for you Dad. Who would have known that our family's old time favorite - Shakey's- could be found in Tokyo?!

love,
La Beba

Well folks, it is my last day in Japan. And I must say it has been quite an adventure. It takes about one week to feel comfortable somewhere and I think I just about hit it. And now I leave!

There are definitely some things I will miss. Heated toilet seats being the first. AMAZING! But also the friendly, kind-hearted people, the beautiful temples, the clean, fresh water, and the biking culture of my dreams. Oh yes and Starbucks, on every corner. I just can't escape the US can I?

I've had quite an amazing last few days. The fish market yesterday was quite the highlight. And the 50 dollar sushi breakfast (at 8am!) that followed it as well. Oops! It was quite delicious if you like sushi. Which I don't. hehe

Hope to have more pictures soon! I'm off to Bangkok then Cambodia tomorrow. Have about a 24 hour adventure ahead of me, so wish me luck. When I return I will be with Cat and Cnuts. And I think we all know that means trouble.

love,
Cristina

I am actually writing from an internet cafe...that I slept in. I had the quintessential Japanese night. Oh right. ps I changed my flight. Cat and Cnuts are in the *jungle* so they are won't arrive in Cambodia until the 17th. Two more nights in Tokyo baby, and it was even free to change it!

So yes back to the night. It had an inauspicious beginning. One crazy Japanese guy started this group called Wish Club. Every week they host an event to bring together young Japanese folk and travellers like me. It was quite amazing. We all met in the park next to the Tokyo Tower, which I must say is quite similar to Paris. NOT. Everyone brought a bottle of wine and we talked the night away. I met so many wonderful Japanese people. They truly are some of the sweetest, most kind-hearted people I have ever met.

Then the night continued...to KARAOKE! Straight out of Lost in Translation! We had a few foreigners then a giant group of Japanese people singing to their hearts content in English. Adorable. It was so much fun, and cheap too - NOT. There were like 15 of us, we barely drank a drop, and it was still 50 bucks a person. What a bargain! haha. They must bring in the bank with places like that.

But what Saturday night could be complete in Tokyo without a trip to Roppongi?!? The area is famous for its monstrous clubs, bright blue lights, and foreigners galore. I saw one to many shaved white heads, but so be it. What an energy! Everyone must do it once.

And hence, how we all ended up sleeping in an internet cafe. A. it's cheap. B. it's close. and C. well we just had no where else to stay. The metros don't run between 12 an 6, and heck, if you want a cab, be prepared to not eat for 5 days. You won't be able to afford it.

Having a blast in Tokyo,
Love,
Cristina

Forget Tokyo man, Kyoto is where it's at! The city is surrounded on all sides by the most beautiful temples I have ever seen; the most breathtaking of which is a statue erected as a World War II Memorial. As I walked towards the mountain, I was taken aback by a 50 foot statue protruding from the cliff side. It truly was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It actually took my breath away. I tried to capture it's beauty below, but I just don't think I can do it justice. There is just something so extraordinary in the unexpected...

And the Geisha, the Geisha!

I actually made not one, but two friends- gasp- and we've had an amazing pair of days. Though the weather called for showers all week, it's been bright and sunny and just incredibly beautiful out. I truly feel lucky. The three of us though have become quite the celebrities. The Japanese students treat us like we are Justin Timberlake and Charles Barkley (?!?). We've signed probably a combined 50 autographs in the past two days. Who knew!

Ok less talk, more pictures. Thank you all for checking in! I am so glad to be able to share my stories with you...

love,
Cristina

I just arrived in Kyoto. I already love it! For those of you who have been to Spain, it is kind of the difference between Barcelona and Valencia. It is much smaller and manageable, the trains seem older and slower, and the people appear to be warmer.

I rented a bike and I am off to explore. First stop: lunch. The lady told me to grab some Japanese style pancakes with vegetables, kinda like a pizza. I already saw two Geisha walking down the streets! Nutso. I can't wait to walk around the Gion district to see more.

I will check back soon. Hopefully with some cool pictures! Tomorrow, I go to the Golden Palace and the natural hot springs. What a life!

love,
Cristina

This will be me!

And this was me yesterday. Got to love the umbrellas:-)