Spreading the VC

So its been a while since the last post...here's a rundown of what we've done since that Sumo night:

We explored more of Tokyo including Shibuya, Shinjuku(?) and Eric took some great shots of Harijuku girls all dressed up. Maybe Eric can upload some. We met up with Kumiko's work friends Rose and Mei, and hit up what Rose swears was the best Thai food in Japan, even better that Thailand itself. We believe her because she's from Thailand, and she didn't disappoint. Also, another plus, the Thai restaurant had a Kareoke machine, so we busted out some Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline, Guns n' Roses - Knockin on Heaven's Door, Bryan Adams - Summer of 69, and Eric did an unforgettable rendition of Limp Bizkit - Nookie. I think there's a few pics loose on Facebook via Kumiko. And if you're lucky, she will upload a sweet vid of me doing my best Axl Rose dance.


The Thai restaurant was in an area called Roppungi, which is the entertainment district for frequented by foreigners, i.e. us. On our mission to discover somewhere to drink, I scouted out a 5th floor establishment called Club Pascha...the elevator door opened and I heard music, but saw nothing. As I moved forward to step out of the elevator, that extra moment I took to listen, caused me to be in perfect position to have my shoulders crushed by the closing elevator doors. The ensuing crash caused everyone to turn and stare at this t-shirt and jeaned white dude stumble into the lounge nursing his shoulder. I saw some quick glances and signalling of someone to come over and deal with me. An old man waddled up to me mentioned "Japanese Only" and promptly pushed the down button on the elevator. Since the elevator was already on its way down, I stood there...waiting awkwardly, as more and more patrons took turns staring me down. I took the time to explain that there was no indication on any signs that the club was Japanese Only...but i think it fell on deaf ears...people just like to stare. So I made it down and explained the story to Eric and our Aussie friends who accompanied us. They suggested we return to an Aussie pub just around the corner...a safe harbour, for a last beer before heading back to the hostel....not a very successful night...but at least Kareoke is checked off the list.

The next night Eric and I tried again...this time we found a little pub called Picadilly, designed in the shape of a London Tube Station..where we could get Beer and Gin and Tonics for 500 Yen. We were also happy to teach the bartender how to make Vitamin C shots and coined it Tokyo Vitamin C - TVC for short. We shall spread the VC to as many bars as possible in tribute to Zaheen.


On Wednesday morning we woke at 5AM to meet up with Kumiko and Mika and explore the famous Fish Market. This place was chaotic, and we were almost run over multiple times by little flatbeds running off of scooter motors. We had missed the actuall auction, but were able to check out rows upon rows of fresh seafood. Afterwards we headed to a nearby famous sushi house, for probably the most expensive, but freshest and most tastiest sushi I've ever had. I also had a beer for breakfast. This stuff melted in your mouth. I'll probably never have anything like it again unless i return to Tokyo.
The food:
The Feeding:
The happiness:

We returned to the hostel to get some much needed rest. Which, by the way, I only had 1 hour sleep because Eric locked me out of the room by accident..no idea where my key went. I slept on the couch in the common room. Anyways, after sleeping off the rest of the day we met up again with Kumiko and her friends to check out the view from Roppongi Tower, where Kumiko works at Lehman Brothers (not for long apparently). We had some spectacular night views.



Once again we hit up a restaurant with the crew. This time a famous Udon Noodle restaurant with bowls the size of Rambo's massive cranium, hair included. That was some tasty noodle. We had one more drink with Kumiko at Agave, a Mexican themed tequila bar. Then bid her goodbye. We were off to Osaka and the Capsule Hotel Experience.