Shinjuku / Harajuku

(This restaurant has a waterfall draping the windows. No, it's on the outside, not sandwiched between glass. It's wet if you touch it. No, I didn't touch it. )
New years eve. Much colder than yesterday. Aching all over. Sob sob sob... We both were. (T_T) Exchanged back rubs with Miki. OMG her legs were like rocks!!! (@_@;) Took it easy and left at 1pm(?). Most restaurants were closed for new year. I'd love to look at the fashion stores in Nakano Broadway, but so far no time. The deals and quality seemed to be better than in Hong Kong. (T_T)

Shopping at Shinjyuku Volks. To be exact, not quite Volks, but a subdivision, Angel's Nest. Unlike Volks, they only carry doll's stuff. The store was much smaller than I thought. It was unbelievably disproportional to such a gigantic train station. Miki didn't find anything too good but still managed to buy a pair of glass eyes and some cloths. Me? I bought a beginner's doll book too for reference, as I'd be helping Miki with her struggling-to-be-born doll cloths business. (Or you can say, there was no candy toy so I spent my money on the book.)

On our way out, we took pictures of the dolls displayed in the window from outside the store. Before we even walked 5 feet away, a girl from the store came out to wipe the glass as if we've left something so unacceptably filthy, she had to clean it up right away. That, was kind of mean. I know usually pictures are not allowed inside the store, but c'mon, that's a display facing the mall. And I didn't see any "no picture" signs. It wasn't like we didn't buy anything. Why were they so unfriendly? I wish I had bought the book elsewhere. Grrr...

Lunch was takoyaki at Gindako. It makes a huge difference when cooked fresh. Delicious! (Let's say, if it's not fresh, I wouldn't touch it.) We made an attempt for the free observation deck at Shinjuku city hall. However, somehow we managed to get lost and couldn't find it. Miki's strength was running out. In order to make the most out of what's left of the day, we decided to visit the Angel's Nest in Harajuku.

We came out of the Harajuku train stration, and got lost again. Went back-and-forth 3 times before finding the building. It was kind of hidden. Miki's love for these dolls really shows, hehehe... (I mean, she was able to find the place although exhausted.) This Volks (I mean, Angel's Nest) is the biggest I've seen so far. Miki bought some good stuff... wigs and cloths? Asked to see the second floor which was closed and reserved for full choice system order and ceremony. The girl let us in. While we were amazed by the display, setup, and atmosphere, the front desk phoned. Earlier, one of Miki's wigs triggered the alarm on our way to the second floor, and all items needed to be rechecked for deactivating the security chip. The sales clerk left one item behind when putting everything back in the bag. So they sent another girl to delivery the missed item, wrapped separately. That, was good service. Anyhow, full choice system is Miki's dream. But too bad it's not possible unless you live in Japan.

The story didn't end there. We expressed our disappointment for not being able to order a full choice system doll, thank the girl for showing us around, then went back downstairs to the other side with 1/6 dolls. While we were looking around, that girl came back with a magazine ad, and ask if we've been to the Korean Volks. Turns out that store doesn't need a local address for full choice system order. We ask if we could have a photocopy of the magazine page with the address, and she pleasantly gave us one.

Now, how come this one has so much better service than the Sinjuku store? Argh!!

It was all dark when we left. There were vendors on the street like an omatsuri in front of a shrine. Must be a new year thing. Ate some nice and warm mini sponge cakes. (Thanks Miki!) Very nice in this cold night. Temperature was dropping by the minute. I was curious about the chocolate covered bananas, but never gather enough courage to actually try one. Because! I don't like bananas. The taste isn't that bad, but I hate the stickiness and sliminess and the film it leaves behind on your teeth. It's just a fantasy that, if they're in Japan, and covered in chocolate, they might be superior or something like that. Pretty unrealistic, haha... My low travel budget came first, so the 300 yen banana was easily skipped. (My digestive system was craving for fruit, veggie, or fiber, though.) We had dinner at Yosinoke, a beef rice bow chain. Cheap and good.

New guests (a guy and a gal from Hong Kong) moved into the room next door late at night. Gotta fight for the bathroom from now on. Anyway, as we dropped by the corner store to get tomorrow's breakfast, might as well get something alcoholic, so we could have a new year toast. I'm not that good with booze, but was able to finish the whole can. Miki was tired enough to pass out after only half a can. We were hoping to catch some new year's eve performance show like the famous red-white, but the "don't laugh or get spanked by men-in-black" show was way more funny!

Akihabara

Again, left the hostel kind of late. Well, both Miki and I were still not used to the place. At least there was only one other occupant on our floor. Our bathroom time didn't crash either, so it was mainly me and Miki who need to keep each other waiting. (Sorry~ I take a long time in the bathroom.)

First appointment of the day was lunch with NG in Akihabara. She was quite familiar with the area and took us to an Indian curry restaurant. Perhaps there was a translation miss... I like Japanese curry more. Indian curry's a bit too hot. Nevertheless, it might be good in colder weather. Miki and NG were both into SD dolls and they had a good talk despite language barrier. As I usually eat too slow, I miss all their doll photos. Didn't even take one with NG... sob sob sob... (T_T)

T joined us after lunch and we went shopping in the Akihabara Radio Hall. First stop, Volks of course. That's what Miki's here for, hehehe! Doll stuff is not my cup of tea, but I still found candy toy and Pinkys to buy, hehehe... The cheapest RMP was 600 yen vs $38 in Hong Kong. Which one is cheaper? Don't know. (Argh! I can't deal with numbers!) There were a whole bunch of other toy stores in that building too. We also went to Asobit City nearby, where the photo of this life size Saber was taken. Usually no photos are allowed in stores, but there was a sign saying it's OK with this Saber. Went straight for it. Hehe...

NG lives in Kansei and had to leave by 4:30 to catch Shinkansan. There was some kind of accident and the train was delayed... or something like that. (Sorry, couldn't catch it all with my Frankenstein Japanese.) Meanwhile C was still in Tokyo with Y. She lives in Kansei too, and I thought she too would be gone by now. She was the one who sold Miki her extra Roy doll and exchanged the bootleg books with a real one. Miki would like to meet her if possible. Unfortunately, for some reason T couldn't get through to Y or C's cell phone until 5. It was 6 by the time we got together in Shinbashi. Had dinner at an izakaya. Again, oh~ how I wish~ how I wish I my Japanese were better... (T_T). It was fun although I couldn't fully understand the conversation.

A note: infrared transfer between T and Miki's cell phone didn't work. Could it be the difference in makers? Or different countries? Or something else?

Comic market

Yay! This year it's on December 28th, 29th, 30th. FMA is on the 29th, the second day.
In an unfamiliar environment , things just take longer. The vampire doesn't help either. Also need to tidy up somewhat, so Miki wouldn't have to be welcomed by my mess. So, by the time I left the hostel, it was already noon. (>_<;)

Got there around 1:20. Since S said we should leave for the party at around 2:30, I only had one hour to deliver all the chocolate and zipper charms. It took a long time! The place was huge! (Thanks S for the floor map!) Didn't expect to run into Y, but I was so glad I did! She acted as my guide and helped me find many tables faster then I can alone. Met NB, SM, NN, MR, RB, and NG for the first time. I only knew them form their blogs or books. Didn't get to see L and UR. (UR left early, sob sob sob...)

Got a bit lost. The only photo I managed to take was NN's Pinkys. I wanted more! (T_T) Neither did I take pictures with anyone I met the first time today... sob sob sob... (T_T) The floor was kind of chaotic. Carrying C's bootleg books made me sweat like summer. (No, it's unfair for me to say that, because my Vancouver clothes were too warm to start with.) And Japan is quite a bit colder than Hong Kong. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Then I realized I didn't know where to meet. People started packing up too. I don't know my friends' phone number so I had no way to contact them! Panic panic panic! Luckily, R was still around. Looked like M had left us behind. (T_T) R managed to contact M, and got directions to the cafe in Shinbashi, where I tried om-rice (rice in omelette) for the very first time. It was yummy! Had a taste of Japanese curry and it was yummy too. S brought books and toys for our entertainment. Cool! Thanks! Too bad my Japanese is still not good enough for conversation. Couldn't understand what they said most of the time. (T_T)

Later, half of us went to Akihabara's Yodobashi Camera for Pinky shopping, while the rest waited at a bakery cafe nearby. Pinkys weren't as cheap as I thought. Ended up spending more money on Sylvanian Families stuff. (Well, it's for Pinky too.) Got the grand piano I've always wanted. Yay~!! BTW, I always wonder why a camera store would sell more than cameras. It's actually a department store! Well I guess it's like London Drugs selling more than drugs.

Then we had dinner at an izakaya called Umekko. NG joined us here. She brought with her a lovely young SD dressed as Shinku, with costume made by herself. It was toy paradise on the table again. S made a set of cow print pajamas for T's Medicom Ed doll. Oh yeah! It's year of the ox! Awesome! T made miniature shipping cartons of a certain farm, famous among certain fans. (Hehehe...) TK walked me home. Thanks! She lives in Nakano. But I was a bit concerned that she'd have to walk home alone afterwards.

Got back at around 11:30 PM. Miki was fast asleep. She left the lights on for me. Thanks! Apparently, she wasn't feeling well. She had to host her own table at a Hong Kong manga event the previous day. That was why we couldn't come together. Luckily it seemed to be exhaustion and she felt better by the time we met.

Flight to Japan

Ended up packing all night. Didn't sleep. Really really sleepy, but still couldn't sleep... Seems like as I get older, it becomes harder and harder to sleep during flight. It was an older plane with public movie screen in the middle instead of on the back of each seat.

Thanks so much, T, for picking me up at the airport. And thanks for lending us Suica cards! It saved us so much time! Without you, I probably couldn't find the hostel. That place (東洋ハウス)was pretty good for the price. Single room 4800 yen. Twin 6200 yen. (Per night.) Shared bath and washroom, fridge, and washing machine (100 yen each load). There is a balcony too. In this small Japanese style tatami room, we've got a electric keep-warm kettle, small TV, and even an alarm clock. Closet is too small, though. Can't put 2 suit cases in there. The only inconvenience was, the Taiwanese staff and owner can't speak English. They seem to cater only to Taiwanese guests. Their amateur- looking web site don't have English or Japanese. To be honest, Miki and I were slightly worried. Turn out it's not bad for the price at all.

S and K joined us for dinner. Thanks for coming all the way to meet me! We had ramen (too salty) in Nakano Broadway. (Watch out, their site sucks! It plays loud music.) K brought me a bunch of junk food. Thanks! (They turn into breakfast and lunch in the following days.)

Was trying to take pictures on my way so I could help Miki find her way, but lugging a 21.5kg suit case changing trains from platform to platform (sometimes with only stairs and no escalator) proved too much. I soon gave up. By the time I settled down, I was so tired, all that I could manage was writing her an e-mail. Didn't even send these 3. Oh well...

Actually, when we booked the room, it was supposed to have no internet access. But to my surprise, I was able to catch an unlocked wireless line! Awesome! However, we've been home late and were too tired, ended up not using it much.

No sleep again

Last day before going to Japan. Went to Sum Sui Po to pick up some more metal pieces for the hollow glass beads. Then 3 nylon handbags at Garden Street for my Japanese friends. Promised I'd go home for lunch at 2, ended up going back at 4:30. (T_T)

Packing was slow. Tried to finish the hollow glass beads, only to find out those metal pin from Miki are too short. Sigh... had to drop the idea of bringing them to Japan.

Flight is at 8:35am, need to check in at 6:30. Need to be at the bus stop by 5:30. Need to get a cab at 5. This means, I must get up at 4:15am the latest. Aaaaaargh!! (T_T)

Boxing day

Hong Kong doesn't have Boxing day so there was no special sale or deal. Went to Mandy's office to learn re-stringing BJDs. Picked up some metal pieces for the hollow glass beads. Watched her do doll make-up. We were both exhausted.

Exhausted

Walked way too much yesterday. Need to replenish health points so I didn't go out until 4:30. Meanwhile took pictures of the little zipper charms I'm bringing to Japan. Gotta know who got what.

Met up with Mandy at In Point. Ah, that's the new toy mall! Almost 90% of the stores there, are toy shops. Saw another set of fighters Pinky, $50 each. Cleaner than those in Kai Wong. Eva Rei-Asuka set $78. Didn't buy any. Then got some bras near by at Easy Shop $98 each. Originally $170. Cheap, but they use more nylon than I want. Tried on many, ended up buying 5 (3 styles). The staff didn't look like they had any bra-fitting training. Doesn't fit? Tighten the straps. My shoulders were sore from that. Sigh... Hope those bras don't fall apart as soon as I start wearing them.

Stopped by Mandy's place. The rest of her family went to China so she has the whole house to herself (with 3 cats). Printed some info and maps, and she gave me patterns for doll clothes too. Got home at 11:30. Washed up those new bras so I can start using them ASAP. If they're good, I'll buy some more. BTW, those new socks seems OK. But I still want Fila ones. Hehehe. Didn't have enough energy to write any e-mail. That's not good....