Last day of my last leg in Tokyo

Been walking so much to different places.
Tsuikiji, Ginza, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Tokyo Main station....

I find it is quite tiring in Japan. Maybe it's the weather or just the constant squeezing with people on trains. The Japanese here have this fear of non-conforming. Everyone wears black or dress a certain way. Places where otakus hang out, you will not find someone different.

If I lived here, I think I'll stick out like a sore thumb. In terms of dressing, speech and behavior. The good thing abt the Japanese is their devotion to quality. I had the best sushi today. Fresh and oozing with flavors I couldn't imagine. I walked thru Ginza where the wealthiest people shop and where they wouldn't think of anywhere else.

Akihabara was supposed to be otaku-town but I see many sad people living out artificial lives. Shinjuku is the busiest place in Tokyo but where shopowners want foreigners to go in and spend money.

Tokyo is weird, crowded and respectful all at the same time. There is a place for all here and it seems that they are satisfied with the situation. Maybe there will be a day when change comes but I see it slowly evolving.

Rainy Taipei

Leaving Taipei in 7 hrs

It's been raining non-stop since I got here on last Fri. The major difference in feeling for the past week is one of constant cold and fog. Each time I step out, I get wet and my shoes goes squish. Not a nice feeling.

In the past 2 wks, I have been staying in hostels at Hualien and Taipei. The difference from my previous accommodation is that I get more conversation from my fellow dorm-mates and hostelites. Bonus is when one or more of us travel and have meals together. Because of the long school holidays in Taiwan and China, there are many English teachers taking time off to travel in Taiwan.

I miss the nice, warm and sunny South. Some days I complain about the heat, but it was all good. At least my toes don't shiver.

My 2- week update

Hi,

I did try to find an internet connection but it was too late/in an inaccessible area/painfully slow speed. My efforts hopefully didn't go unnoticed.

After 2 weeks, I've landed in Hualien, the hua-dong area. Going to Taroko Gorge tomorrow morning.

I did try to organize my photos abit from the last two wks but it's a slip-shot effort at best. Go to check out my new photos on FB to see if I've gotten fatter. Feels like it. [Update: My connection refuses to let me upload the full pictures of the marathon route and I don't feel like making an effort tonight. So it'll just have to wait]

I should be in the area for the next 4 days before landing in Taipei in time for Chinese New Year. Peace!