This is my last set of Tokyo photos

After this I'll have to visit again in order to have more photos to blog with.



I went to Asakusa for the sole purpose of visiting the amusement park. But the Buddhist temple Sensoji was very beautiful too. It was a crowded day.

Before I left I joined the people praying at the main entrance and I noticed coins flying over my head and falling with a ting! into some spot far up front. I suppose no one could get ahead and pushing and jostling were simply not done. I tossed a 100 yen coin over everyone too. It was too infectious seeing all those flying coins.

There were many busy streets flanking the temple. I stopped to watch this amazing string puppet show. So many strings were involved and the movements of the puppets so lifelike it was awe inspiring. The man had to stop after each segment to wipe his perspiration so you can imagine the amount of concentration and energy he exerted in orchestrating such tiny, defined movements.

There was a casual eatery next to this show so I sat down for a tendon. Later I learnt that there was a famous tendon place in the same area but that would have to wait for the next trip.

It was an overcast day and the photos are badly underexposed but just to get a feel of it.

And the reason for my being in Asakusa. The old school Hanayashiki Amusement Park.

I thought it over a really long time before I went on the carousel as well. It was embarassing as the only adults on it were supervising kids. But I told myself no one would recognise me and while the Japanese might stare they don't comment loudly and rudely or point, so it would be okay. Super paiseh but enjoyable too.



















The roller coaster was small but fun. I got a lot of stares for being there alone and taking lots of kiddy rides. But it's okay.

I miss Japan.

Last one standing

Well actually it's not the last yet, but it's one of the more comprehensive last ones I know of. This may be gone and this is probably in pieces by now, but hopefully this one will have a slightly longer lifespan. Long enough at least for me to go back for better photos?

My sentiments exactly

I was waiting for bus no. 58 for a ridiculously long time when I saw this scribbled on the seat. (Some might recognise the type of bus stop this is, unless you already belong to the all bus stops are grey years.)

I didn't feel it when I was there but when I looked at the photo, I thought: This is how I feel about life sometimes.

***
Curtis Sittenfeld frightens me.

***
I have never been able to articulate what it is I dislike about you. I know it instinctively and I have always been certain that you possess this thing that makes me hard for me to ever trust or like you completely.

About 15 minutes ago, while I was tossing and turning, it suddenly occurred to me what it was. I don't know if you ever noticed, I can see right through you. I always have. I just never said anything and let everything else overshadow that because I never knew what I wanted to tell myself. Well, now I know.

And my heart went thud.