Tokyo at night

Monday 4th February

Was very proud of myself today as managed to communicate successfully with the guy in the post office that I wanted a price list of sending things back to the UK via seafreight. After a few charades like actions I went away happy and headed to the shops to purchase a few momentos. Unfortunately though most things are quite heavy so tried to be restrained, especially as this is only my first stop.

However my successful streak didn't last long as I failed miserably for the second time to buy an international phonecard and was wrongly recommended to buy one that can only be used with Japan so am still none the wiser. Nevermind I will be in New Zealand soon where my mobile should work yeah!

The afternoon I spent wandering around Roppongi Hills (where Daniel works). It is an amazing complex which took 17 years to build by property magnate Mori Minoru at a cost of 280 billion yen. It includes everything from a cinema, hotel, shops, restaurants, art gallery, offices and even a rice paddy on the roof apparently. My favourite bit was the pet shop for the designer minature dogs with the most ludicrous amount of outfits and accessories plus even a cake counter with fancy treats for the pooches. Apparently there are also places in Tokyo where you can pay to take a dog for a walk for an hour. In the UK it's the other way round!



I met Daniel after work and we went for dinner before going to look round the UBS art exhibition. Situated on the 52nd floor the view of the city at night is quite incredible, with the vast amount of high storey buildings and neon lights. Besides an old cemetry there is no visible open space remaining. The exhibition was good too with some really interesting pieces, plus some which in my opinion looked like they had been done by a five year old, but that's art I suppose.