Things I love and hate thus far about Tokyo

Your eyes are not deceiving you - this pic is a bit blurry, but it is of a store near Harajuku on a major road way called "condomania" - great play on words don't you think? Note the friendly mascot on the right side. I had the boys with me, so chose not to peruse the merchandise - it seemed pretty crowded. This is a very safe country.

So, I've been thinking about the things that I love and hate thus far about Tokyo, and I'd like to list a few:

LOVE the "conbinis" (convenience stores) and vending machines - they pretty much sell everything - great for light lunches - actually healthy noodles, rice and veggie dishes. So unlike the grease laden super burritos found in U.S. 7-11s.

HATE skinny Japanese chicks. Haven't taken any pics of them, yet. They're beautiful, well-dressed, graceful, and skinny as all get out. Seriously, 90 percent of the female poplulation look like candidates for Dr. Phil's upcoming "you need to eat to survive" episode. They should all be hospitalized, and be fed intravenously. They've got to be super light, though, in order to wear the fabulous high heels that they hike around in for miles and miles every day. So, I guess the fashion requirement outweighs potential health risks. I've started my one-rice-ball-a-day diet (which I can get at ANY conbini), and bought some new shoes.

LOVE the hustle and bustle, sights and sounds, and being a foreigner here. Just sitting on a park bench is an adventure in eye candy. Forgot to mention that although I HATE the skinny chicks, I'm pretty much a fan of the thin, tall, and hip Japanese men. I haven't bumped into Abe Hiroshi yet, but I've seen (or imagined) several look alikes. Every street corner has a mix of high fashion, expensive restaurant, and mom and pop soba noodle bar. There's the constant din of neon lights, wafting familiar yet unknown smells, and the unconscious ebb and flow of understanding what's being said around me. Being a foreigner here hasn't been that bad thus far. Everyone that I've asked for help from has been more than accommodating, and gone out of their way to patiently explain to me what I need to know. I am always greeted and sent off with a genuine smile.

HATE sweating. It's August in Tokyo - monsoon season, lots of heat and humidity. I started using an enzyme, non-aluminum something or other, anti-perspirant and deodorant. I don't think it's working very well. May have to go back to the cancer-causing brands. Not very polite in crowded trains, but it does give me a bit more room around me. I'll have to consider the pros and cons. I don't have a car yet, and have been on several 2 plus hour evolutions to get someplace the past few days, and have just absolutely wilted with the commute. I don't know how the daggone skinny chicks also have long hair!! Oh yeah, they're so skinny they are constantly cold, even in this weather. Hmm, they fell into my HATE category again...

All right, not too bad - 2 points in each column, and a lot more time and ground to cover...

Ja Matta... (later)