For those of you interested in a more detailed version of my itinerary, here's the plan:
August 15th: Hang out in Tokyo (Night bus to Kyoto!)
August 16th: Arrive in Kyoto 6:45 am. Spend day in Nara.
August 17th: Spend day in Nara.
August 18th: Train to Kyoto, spend day in Kyoto
August 19th: Spend day in Kyoto
August 20th: Train to Kobe to see Himeji-jou and the beach
August 21st: Spend day in Kobe
August 22nd: Travel around Osaka
August 23rd: Travel around Osaka (Night bus back to Tokyo!)
August 24th: Spend day in Tokyo
August 25th: Spend day in Tokyo
August 26th: Meet for final camp.
August 30th: Fly back to US!
Day One (August 13th): Enoshima
It was also very hot. I did my best with the sunscreen, but sometimes the sun finds a way around even the strongest SPF.
Day Two (August 14th): Futakotamagawa
-0r-
My valiant but failed attempt to get to Yokohama
There was a giant pet shop, a stationary store where I parted with more of my money than I probably should have, and a bagel shop that sold tofu bagel sandwiches. This is the point in my blog where I introduce you poor, deprived people at home to one of the miracles of Japan: erasable pens. Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking: "Listen, Allison, we've got those in the US. It's nothing special." Well let me tell you, these things are life-changing. I'll never look at a normal pen the same way again. They had a ten pack while I was sorely tempted to buy, but it was a tad too expensive for a pack of pens. I bought two, and will probably buy several more before I head back to America.
All in all, it was a fun, relaxing day. I got to pick up some gifts for some people, and watch the Japanese populace go about their business. Some questions that I will attempt to find an answer to before I leave:
-Why do Japanese people seem to love Crocs so much?
-Why do Japanese people feel the need to dress up their dogs?
-What does the Japanese government have against putting up functional street signs?
-Where did United Tribe go?
-Why are Japanese craft stores so much more awesome than their American counterparts?
-How many erasable pens is too many erasable pens?
I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as my travels continue, but for now, signing off:
-Allison