Tokyo
The first entry! A long (12 hours) flight to Tokyo on BA. The flight was mostly empty, so we were able to spread out a bit. However I rarely sleep on planes and, true to form, managed only a small doze. I watched The Bourne Identity (good fun - three stars) and Solaris (new George Clooney film, disappointing - two stars) on the plane, so that helped pass some of the time. We arrived in Tokyo at 9am local time on Saturday, which was midnight UK time. We were met at the bus station by Sarah, a friend from school. Sarah and her boyfriend, Wayne, have been living here for two years and had offered to put us up (and put up with us) for the time we're in Tokyo. Not only is this very kind and saves on accommodation, it also means we have locals as guides, so we should get a lot out of our eight days here!

First stop was the electronics shops. Sarah says they usually take vistors to see temples first, but thought I'd appreciate these shops. That says a lot aboput me and people's perceptions of me. The shops were great! I'm very tempted by a digital camera. Anne is less keen. We shall see who wins this battle of wills (my yen are on Anne).

Saturday night, after a two hour power nap, we went for a fab Japanese meal. On our own we'd have been a bit confused and probably gone for something safe (pizza?) However, with our guides we were able to enjoy a great meal without feeling we might be committing some terrible faux-pas. Then it was on to a party, where there were English, Aussies, Americans, and even a Brazillian. All very cosmopolitan! It was a good do, and despite having slept little since Friday morning Anne and I managed somehow to stay awake and got to bed at one in the morning. I was quite proud of us.

We had a reservation at a very posh restaurant (!) on Sunday afternoon. On the way there we went to an area where the young Japanese show their rebellious side, by dressing up bizarrely and just hanging out. There were people dressed as gothic doctors and nurses (complete with blood), and some loud bands. The police were very timid, and when they wanted a band to stop and pack up they kept their hands behind their back and let the band finish the next song. All very strange, and there didn't seem to be much real rebellion going on. We started a game here that we have not stopped playing yet, and that game is the game of looking out for dogs dressed ridiculously. The Japanese dress their (mostly small) dogs in jumpers (some with hoods), hats, football tops and even skirts. Not all at the same time, of course - that would be silly.

Nearby there was a nice big temple, where some traditional weddings were going on. Then it was on to the meal, where we over-ate. We collapsed that evening, after a tour of the "pink" district (the red-light area), in front of The Sum Of All Fears on DVD. I'd seen it before and enjoyed it again. Four stars. (My film-judgement-star-system is out of five stars by the way.)

Monday. I'd woken at 4am, and only got to sleep again at 8am. Bloody jet lag! Sarah and Wayne are at work today, so Anne and I had to be very brave and go it alone. Yes, look impressed.

We took a tube line to the end (under Sarah's instructions) and went to Asakusa. Here there were some nice temples, though the surrounding area was pretty unattractive. The weather was really nice and clear. Cold, but bright. We then caught a leisurely water-bus to Odaiba, an expensive land-reclamation site where shops, amusement arcades and rides have been built. Two contrasting areas today then. I was in danger of falling asleep whenever I sat down (especially on the boat). Jet-lag will not beat me - I will prevail.