Today is officially my birthday! As, I am on the other side of the world, I was concerned that I may be a bit homesick on my birthday. Luckily, I have made some wonderful friends here who were not going to let that happen. In Tokyo there are all sorts of fun ways to celebrate. We decided that we would celebrate in the proper fashion. That is an all-night clubbing fest in Roppongi! Since the trains and buses stop relatively early, it is difficult (and expensive) to get back to wherever you are staying in Tokyo. Luckily the clubs are open all night to keep you entertained while you wait for the next train. We planned this and got a relatively late start (and a nap on Saturday afternoon). I left to meet Isolde and Steph at their place around 8:00pm. We then caught the train to start our adventure.
We had dinner at Samrat. Yes, it is an ugly name, but the food was delicious! If you ever happen upon one, order the Butter Chicken- it's an amazing curry.
Next we met up with Jeannie and James and hit The Hub. It's a cute little English style pub that they have throughout Tokyo. Isolde and I had an extensive conversation about the irony of a Coldplay picture next to a Nirvana picture.
Finally it was time to dance! We first stopped at Motown, which has an odd obsession with Lionel Richie. There was a massive 6 foot picture of him on the way in. The place was packed, but there was always room to dance.
We moved from club to club throughout the night. There were quite a few observations to make as we went including: Even if the first Samrat is closed, don't be discouraged- the one down the road may still be open. The same goes for Motown (if the first is full). Japanese business men love "It's Raining Men" and will sing it loudly with you. Daytime comes at you fast in Tokyo. It may be dark when you go into that last club of the evening, but it will be daytime when you come out. A Mcdonalds McMuffin at 7:00 am after a night of celebrating your birthday in Roppongiis is the most delcious breakfast ever.
After savoring every bite of our McBreakfast we headed home. Each of us struggled to keep our eyes open as the trains hypnotic movement lulled us to sleep. When we finally pulled up to the campus, I climbed off the bus and dragged myself to the townhouse that I had left 12 hours ago. I then passed out for the next 4 hours, satisfied that after Saturday night, Sunday would be delightfully spent in recovery with Harry Potter. It was such a fun night, and a great and memorable birthday. Turning twenty-foxy (as Jeannie so wonderfully put it) was pretty awesome!
Today was the last day of SDC where I was teaching this summer. This means that I will be leaving Tokyo in only a couple of days. I am both happy and sad about this. I will miss the great friends I have made and the beauty of Japan. But I am also ready to return to my friends and family back home. As I reflect on all of the wonderful experiences I have had, I wish I could convey to you in words what they were like. Instead I will offer some pictures that I think offer a glimpse into what I have seen and what the last month has meant to me.
Flying over Alaska
Pokemon!
Buddhist Temple
Prayer Cards at a Shinto Shrine
Out with Uncle Gerry
Sticker Booths with Isolde
Lunch with the Girls at School
Happy Birthday to me!
Bamboo Grove outside of my place
