I think I was in the Ueno? We went out for lunch at an Izakaya. Those were my favorite places in the world. I forget but at the one we went to, there was some toilet that had a sink on the top of it. I thought that was rather clever...but I guess we have those in our prisons in the US... Kinda cool.

We went to a flea market with some people from the hostel. I guess you are supposed to negotiate with them but I am bad at that. I bought a hat because I was really getting self conscious about my hair... like when I go traveling the water does weird things to it, or is it all the drinking? I just felt old maybe...? Or I just needed a better haircut and admit my forehead is getting bigger. I bought a striped shirt and a coat because they looked different... I wear them in some of these videos and swedish chick is like "Barter for it." And I am thinking, for what? Two dollars? I tried and I had nothing to say really... so I didn't barter anything and gave up, as they spoke japanese and I just paid. I think if I would have examined it, I would have seen holes in the shoulder and armpits that would have dropped the price maybe... that's what you need, is an eye to find this stuff. I bought some wind up toys and just cheap toys and refrigerator magnets. Collecting stuff in Japan... there is too much to collect.

Oh I went up to get a higher view of the whole flea market and ended up walking into some track and field event.

I dunno. The Swedish chick was mostly just hanging out with people around the hostel, talking about how they hung out all night just talking, I dunno... it felt like she was just getting out for the first time really. I think at some point... actually I think I know the point... it was at the first part of this trip to Japan when she was singing YMCA with that guy, some dorky looking guy from Australia, he just bopped his head aggressively into the camera, and... I dunno... I kind of took it as an aggressive unconscious move like he was making a move on the girl I was hanging out with. And we hung out since and all has been fine, it did feel a bit weird having to deal with him but we got along. Like... I just felt like I didn't want any drama and I was holding on to my hairline and acting young and naive. I wasn't THAT naive.

We went to McDonalds, and I remember being outraged because I wanted something new and amazing all the time.. like I have food goals... I want the best ramen, curry... all kinds of sushi... "But have you tried the Japanese McDonalds? It is different." she said. It was different. Teriyaki burger and something else... I don't know... nothing memorable. I think they had recycling in the McDonalds and the swedish chick was like, "Oh you Americans don't recycle." and I'm like, no, we have this stuff, but not in the restaurants (at this time) but I had to decide on what is what on the spot and as someone that doesn't know fast food trash or if napkins are acceptable or if paper with wax on it is acceptable.

Anyway... it was mostly me going off doing my own thing... I was thinking we would be hanging out more but she mostly stayed around the hostel. I think it was through hostel guests that I learned that there was a flea market and we all went together. I think I was getting annoyed because I was like, I didn't know if she wanted to go do things, go see things, she mostly just talked on the computer, and I would be like, "Can you give me a straight answer so I can plan out my trip?" and she wouldn't so I would just go off. Maybe this is what she meant by "Americans don't know how to just sit and relax", well... no... not when I want to see a lot of stuff in a short amount of time.

I had contacted the japanese girl that I met in Iceland to see if she wanted to meet up,... I think that I saw on her couchsurfing profile that she lived in Tokyo. I think she said she was busy but sent her friend. So we made plans to go to Tokyo Tower. I had no interest in anything except Izakayas so it was good she made me go.

Tokyo Tower was worth it. Great view.

There are some stamps you can use at different tourist sites around the city. Good thing I had my sketch book. I think I tried this at different places but they didn't change the ink. Next time I will bring my own.

And that chick took a picture with me so I took advantage and took 4. Make all you other ladies jealous. She was really cool. I wonder if she was a couchsurfer or just doing her friend a favor... too bad I didn't buy her lunch or something... I feel like I owe people.