I've realized that despite having more Internet access on this trip, I haven't been uploading pictures or updating the blog as frequently. But then again, maybe I'm just vacationing properly. Well, we're 2/3rds of the way through, with the likelihood that the remaining 1/3rd will be done in the blink of an eye.
So, here's a rundown of where I've been, since.
I do owe a post on the fun side trip to Higashiosaka, so I hope to sneak that in these next couple of days.
On my return to Tokyo and Shinjuku, I took the opportunity to visit a number of bars in Golden Gai. One was a pretty cool, but tiny multi-story bar. The other, I happened to stay at for more than 3 drinks. That bar was a lot of fun.
On Saturday, I got to volunteer with Second Harvest for one shift, then tagged along to help with their Saturday morning soup kitchen. Afterwards, with the sakura in bloom, I wandered around Ueno Park, and the surrounding area with one of the local volunteers.
Sunday was a day full of nervous anticipation. I was able to sneak morning mass in, then it was off to Tokyo Big Site, for the Tokyo Animation Fair. With a competing event taking place the week after, the fair itself seemed to be lacking from my first visit.
However, if that was a little bit of a downer, the event set up by the Meet The New Japan campaign was not. I, and about 8 other lucky visitors got to spend some time hanging out, training and working with seiyuu (Japanese voice actors). It surpassed my expectations, and I'm still thinking about it!
Monday was my long train trip, all the way to the city of Takayama in the Gifu Prefecture. As an added bonus, due to the popularity of Hyouka, there were a lot of bonus things that made it fantastic for myself (and other Hyouka fans that I spotted throughout the trip). Takayama also meant that I got to enjoy some onsen (especially outdoor onsen!). And of course no trip out here would be complete if I didn't make sure to have some Takayama noodles and some Hida beef (or in my case, both!). A trip out to the Hida Folk Village was fun, but perhaps slightly creepy, since I was one of the last people there for the day and it was getting quiet...too quiet!
Now, it's back to Tokyo, for mostly Tokyo based activities and Holy Week and Easter.
It's another hour before I get to Nagoya. More to follow. Maybe.
-- wake.eat.sleep