Imperial impressions....

I had a chance to explore the area surrounding Tokyo Station yesterday after an interview, and I went to see the Imperial Palace, where the royal family still resides. I got kicked out because they close at four which I was unaware of, so I'm not so sure how complete my exploration was. I did get to see some sunny gardens, and a lot of strange and narled trees! There were also a few blossoms opening up,not too sure if they were cheery or plum (the plum blooms earlier). It was a beautiful serene getaway from the business district outside the moat. Yes! The whole palace is surrounded by a moat! Complete with something like 4000 goldfishies! (that number is a complete fabrication, all I know is that the ducks were having a field day!) Unfortunalety, most of the grounds aren't open to the public, but my brief visit was just right!

From there I came across an atrocious public washroom! What can I say, I was desperate. The ladies room consists of a stall with a long narrow well in the ground beneath you. I know it is a far cry from the conditions of the washrooms in other remaining unnamed Asian countries, but nonetheless, it came as a surprise!

Relieved I walked from the Palace to Tokyo Station, and then made my way to a tasty noodle joint beneath the tracks. These are said to be the best soba in the city! Lots of slurping and grunting, this is the Japanese etiquette. You sit shoulder to shoulder will greedily hungry salarymen, slurping and gulping down noodles as if it were a contest! Hah ha! Every guy in the place beat me out! I didn't want to burn my tongue you see.

My days have been filled with a great deal of walking(6 hours the other day) and going to a variety of job interviews. Soon the stars will aligne and Tokyo Les will be settled. Off to the post office, just your regular everyday challenges....