Day 74: Picnics In The Park And A Change Of Plans

Nov 15

Nov 15 Day 74: Picnics In The Park And A Change Of Plans

So I'd just found out that Adam had never been to Yoyogi Park which meant that I'd been a pretty bad guide to Tokyo because that's essential Tokyo right there. To rectify the situation, Lani and I decided to have a picnic in the park, Japanese style.

But first, getting there.

Okay, it should have been easy but one wrong move at Shimokita station got us on a Special Express going the completely wrong way on the Odakyu Line. We rushed past station after station seeing Tokyo become smaller and smaller in the distance. I panicked.

What did I do? Where am I taking us to? Will we end up in Yokohama? Will we ever make it back to Tokyo?

I felt sick. We were leaving Tokyo and were never coming back. Or so it felt like it at the time. Eventually it stopped after what felt like forever about 25km away from where we were meant to be. Sigh. We hopped off, and jumped on a train all the way back to Shimokita to start it all again. A lesson to you all, don't just jump on the first train you see. Especially if you can't read kanji.

We eventually made it to the picnic crew where our sushi rolls and baked goods joined the party alongside gyoza, French cheese, baguettes and karaage chicken. And lots of wine and beer.

Enjoying the weather while it lasts. It's going to get cold soon. Real cold.

We left the picnic before the sun really disappeared as I had a Domino's date with Vivian planned. Unfortunately Vivian's baby was sick so she had to cancel on me so I had two options. Stay at home and potentially order the "home alone" deal at Domino's or get it together, put some make up on and head out for the night. I figured that I was in Tokyo for a limited time only and sitting at home alone on a Friday night would be no fun, so out it was!

Walking from the park to the station. I don't think I've ever been into Tower Records even though I've walked past it a million times.

We decided on a cheap and cheerful dinner at Yoshinoya. They also have a stamp campaign going on at the moment where if you get seven stamps you get to choose a special Yoshinoya gift. I want this gift, so I will eat at Yoshinoya.

Getting my protein fix before heading out. Oh and a highball to get things started.

Nina, Adam's friend from Sydney was in Tokyo for one night only (she was playing a show) so we planned to meet up and have a few drinks before her show. Adam and I wandered around Shibuya for about an hour trying to find a good bar to have a drink at. For such a busy area, finding a small bar is really hard.

We picked up Nina from her hotel in Shibuya and met back up with Lani and her friends at Bridge just down the road. The main room is hectic and reminded me of clubs in the early 2000s, but the drinks were good and there was the front room where we could sit at tables and actually hear each other. I'm well aware of how old this makes me sound.

Party poppers to pop when a mystery birthday boy walked through the door. We had no idea who we were waiting for, but that didn't stop us cheering and singing happy birthday as if we knew him.

Nina was due to play at 1.45am, so we left the guys at Bridge and walked over to Sankeys in Daikanyama. I was impressed with myself, I'm never usually out this late!