I got up at 6am and took another bath before sorting out the reservation. Then I headed out to the Ginza at 8am, wandered about aimlessly-- nothing really opens until 10am-- until I ended up at Tsukiji Honganji where they were just beginning a buddhist service with gagaku music. Very cool.
I met my host mom at 11am for 5 hours of amazing kabuki. Its REALLY a shame that my family couldnt make it because the seats were great-- better than I could ever afford. After kabuki we ate sushi in Tsukiji. Now I am back at the ryokan waiting for my family. I hope they make it ok! Depending on how they feel, we might go out for a bit. I have to, at the least, get my dad to Tokyo station so he can get on the shinkansen to Kyoto. I am sure he will collapse of exhaustion before he gets there... but he has to; his conference starts tomorrow morning. Ugh.
Host mom and I arranged to have dinner again tomorrow-- sukiyaki this time-- in Asakusa, so she can at least meet my mom and sister. Wednesday we are meeting my friend Kyoko for breakfast! 忙しくなった！
Being back here is strange because its very familiar but I have also forgotten a lot about the way things are, and how to cope. Like that its bloody hot in the subway. And how hard it is to walk on the sidewalk in heels. Its a lot easier being a tourist in Tokyo than living here. I love being back though... its oddly comfortable.
Posted on October 22, 2007 @ 2:32 AM | 8 comments
Comments:
Here's hoping this is the first and last hitch in the trip plan!
I'm glad you got a day to yourself in in Tokyo, but sorry that your family had to miss one to make it happen.
By 
Justin, at
5:38 AM, October 22, 2007
So what happened to mom and dad's flight? Did they miss it our was it just delayed?
I hope it wasn't because they had to run around to Eleanor's auditions before the left...
Glad you made it safe! Wish I could be there with you all...
By Allie, at
11:46 AM, October 22, 2007
Squeearu, I wish I could be there with you!
By 
Rachel, at
1:36 PM, October 22, 2007
As I understand it, the flight was canceled. I'm not sure why, but I know they were at the airport when it was delayed 2 1/2 hours and then they called me again when it was canceled.
By Justin, at
7:19 PM, October 22, 2007
If you had suffered through summer in Japan this year, especially in the Kansai area, you would find 70 degrees to be quite chilly.
By Chris, at
7:00 PM, October 23, 2007
Don't get her started complaining about heat and humidity in Japan...she loves it there, really!
By Justin, at
10:12 PM, October 23, 2007
Hey Kitty Kat. Glad you're enjoying being back in Japan, though it's hectic. I hope I get to come back to Cuba someday and see what it feels like to be back in wonderland.
And I sympathize on the hot/humid factor. Still in the high 80's or more here all the time. Portland will be very chilly!
I miss you, hope all is well! XOXO
By Liz, at
1:38 PM, October 28, 2007
Hello Kathryn,
your website is pretty cool! I can't wait to see the pictures you've taken in Kyoto.. I have a few myself but my work is very "amateur".. really, no art involved.. informative photos more than anything!
Hope you'll enjoy the rest of your trip.. I'm spending my last 2 days in Tokyo shopping between meetings, trying to bring a little something for everyone back home..
It was nice meeting you..
TTYS..
Marc, Bridgestone
By , at
7:55 PM, October 29, 2007
