Melbourne

During these first few days in Japan, I’ve focused on just orienting myself around and spending time with my friend (and her friend who has tagged along). We haven’t done anything substantial in terms of sight seeing. First day was pretty much just getting off the plane and eating.

Yesterday I first went to TeamLab Planets, which was cool, and then it was pretty much just a shopping day. I told myself I wasn’t going to buy much, as I’m typically not a big shopper. I only brought two changes of clothes, so I kind of went ham. I don’t really have any winter clothes at home either. Also brought some snacks from Muji for people, which we probably have in Australia upon second thought. I will find some Kit Kats maybe tonight. My poor friend has been grabbing all of my bags and carrying them for me, including the suitcase, insisting on doing so. She knows that I have zero spatial awareness so maybe that’s partly why.

Anyway, yesterday I tried quite a few new foods. We went to some place in Shibuya and there was an option to get mixed skewers. They asked us if we were fine with pork rectum and guts, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to order that option. So we got that, and I don’t know if I ended up eating it, but there were a few really tough skewers that might have been the rectum. The rest of the food was good though. Mackerel is wonderful, eel is alright. Tried shark cartilage marinated in plum which was interesting. We also saw the Hachiko statue which was cool. Shibuya is a lot less seedy than Shinjuku and I probably wouldn’t stay here again. Overall, it’s been fun but scary. Today I will try the konbini. Within walking distance, there are at least five that I’ve seen.