Luckily this past week I had four days off work. Thats right, four whole days and I couldn't wait. For once I didn't make any elaborate plans to do anything. I decided to relax, have fun and see where I ended up.
The first day began calmly with a trip to Shibuya, exploring the narrow busy streets, shopping, trying a new sushi restaurant and people watching from the infamous Starbucks at the Shibuya crossing.
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| Sushi |
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| How to choose from such a large sushi menu. |
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| Shibuya crossing - people watching. |
The night was a little bit more crazy; an event called St. Practice Day was held in Tokyo, yes you read that right. A pre-drinks party for the imminent St. Patricks Day on March 17th.
Day two was an exciting day for one particular reason. First, I went to a Japanese hot spring (onsen) where my body and soul had time to luxuriate and relax after the night before. Feeling energised I met a friend for lunch in a Mexican restaurant where we chatted about our travels. Feeling inspired, I went home, did a LOT of research and booked my summer plans. I have been hesitating for some time about where to go but upon seeing this simple quote....
I just booked it. A trip of a lifetime.
On day three I was starting to feel a little bit antsy; I needed to get out of the city. So I did. I chose a place that I haven't been to before - Kamakura; a place that is highly recommended by many and not very far from Tokyo. A beautiful Spring say, the sun was shining, the cold air gone and within an hour and a half I was there.
On day four I went to the hair salon which also includes a massage in Japan. It is not easy to find a hair salon that not only deals with foreign hair but also blond hair - I have found the best. Friendly English speaking staff, massage, great hair colour and cut and best of all up-to-date English magazines - thank you Sozo.
The day ended with an amazing Japanese meal in a lively restaurant in Tokyo. Four days of non stop but unplanned action and I loved every minute; I feel refreshed and invigorated. Having time to spend as you please reminds you of the why and the now. I remember now why I love Japan so much.
What do you think? With time to spend as you please, what would you do?
That's great. I can't remember how to relax anymore! When I do get time off I'm all antsy from not using all the energy I normally do on a busy school day. I would love some more practise though!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean, it was great to just have the time to do nothing. I felt a little antsy on the third day, going to Kamakura cured that. Having time to do what I wanted helped me to remember why I was here and how great the place really is :)
ReplyDeleteI don't travel nearly enough any more but it's so hard getting Nat to go anywhere!
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