As I've been on break, I haven't had much compulsion to go hard-core traveling. I know I should, but I just couldn't get it together. But I did go on a sort of "day-trip" with Elizabeth and Cat, wandering around Tokyo - specifically, Shibuya and Yoyogi Park and whatever we came across in between. Unfortunately, my camera's memory card decided to be corrupted after taking almost 200 pictures that day. I've bought a program to remedy the problem...or at least, save my pictures.
But before we did that, I finally went to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka with again, Elizabeth and Cat, and also Ayane! It's a magical little place. I love Miyazaki and his works - and I haven't even seen all of them (which I really should)! For those who don't know much about his films, I'd recommend Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke (this one is a bit violent, so maybe not for the little ones), Castle in the Sky, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind...and of course, My Neighbor Totoro! Oh! And Ponyo. I wouldn't watch it in English though - Disney kinda sorta killed it, I've heard. Or at least they killed the theme song - which is supposed to be cute and simple. Then Disney added auto-tune and it was never the same.....
Anyway! Here are pictures from that!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028915&id=1230390045&l=9bb47e14fe
Do you remember how I said I wouldn't buy Pokemon HeartGold or SoulSilver until I completed my LeafGreen game? Well, McDonald's destroyed my will. Why, you ask? Because between January 29th to February 14th, the McDonald's in Eda was giving out free Mew via Wi-Fi. I couldn't pass that up. It was interesting too - me and three kids were hovering under the Wi-Fi sign inside McDonald's eagerly awaiting our free downloads. I'm such an adult.
Last night, I saw the last of my three favorite bands ever! I sat up in the higher area, so I could put all my stuff down in a safe place. You see, it was about 24 degrees yesterday and raining/snowing. I could have been a really intense fan and just wear my t-shirt and jeans like I saw many people do. But then I thought that I could get sick, and then feel miserable for the entirety of my time home and that thought was horrifying. So, I buried myself in my hoodie, coat, hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella. It was nice when I had to wait outside for an hour.
There were so many Americans. Expected, but at the same time, it was still weird. I talked to some of them - this couple (I assume) were teachers and two girls lived on a military base in Japan, one of which had lived here since she was two years old. I ended up spending the concert with the girls and they were just as spastic and crazy through the concert as I was - but the Japanese guy next to me just stood there the whole time. I was headbanging, jumping up and down, singing along, screaming and cheering, waving my arms...he just stood there, he clapped when they finished a song. It was incredible. Our contrasting behaviors.
Speaking of contrasting behaviors: the moshers. As I was much higher than everyone else, I had a great view of the whole venue and all the people that filled it up. There was this little circle of Americans who decided that a mosh pit was necessary. It was isolated in one spot though, so it was awfully strange....and distracting. All of the Japanese people around them seemed to either think it was funny or annoying. Some of them joined. Some of them looked at them with disdain.
All in all, it was beyond exhilarating, fantastic, fun and just wonderful. My neck is suffering from my choice in throwing my head all around though. Worth it.
Here's what little pictures I could take without getting in trouble.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2029565&id=1230390045&l=28a21c7b3f
I'll be home in a matter of two days. For three weeks - now I'll have a reason for not updating, considering I'm not in Japan for some time. I can't wait to come home! :D
