meeting with jonathan-kun

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! I met up with Jonathan today! It was ace finally getting a proper hug from someone! (my goodness I am gonna be awful once I get to the "real" Japan). We went off to Ueno first, but this time in to the madness of the stalls. There were loads of stalls selling all sorts of stuff (lots of shooooeeees!) at good prices. So that needs to be noted! We went for Ramen, the best I have had yet! It was a massive bowl too. Though it was a little surreal sitting in this traditional looking Ramen place listening to Christina Aguilera and Evanescence...that's Japan I guess. We then made a quick trip to Akihabara where we went to another maid cafe. this one was a little less weird than the other one. They had a whole rack of costumes that the girl customers could try on (for 600 yen) and have pictures taken. Depending on the day of the week there's different themes too, like "nurse", "school girl" or just "cute frilly maid". You just can't quite point your finger at the reason why its a bit wrong....Jonathan took me to a store selling cosplay costumes and general outfits...Its disturbing what you can buy. But at least I am sorted for the next cosplay party. We happened upon a band performing too, who were pretty good!

So after some strawberry milk, we then went off to Shinjuku (well actually the stop before that) and walked to the Meiji park. That is the emperors park. It was so serene, and green. Strangely enough it was noisy too with the sounds of many different species of birds. We went in to this Temple and actually happened upon a wedding (That's 2 in 2 days!). This time it was up close and so I could observe and take some good pictures. It was beautiful, and such a quiet and solemn affair! Not like the western wedding, which is loud and full of laughter! I noticed that the brides dress was quite thick actually, like she was wearing a big duvet...why is that? Anyone?

After that we walked to the next park, near Harajuku. That was quite a contrast, as it was full of young people all hanging around playing music, singing, playing badminton, or sitting in pairs on benches holding hands. It was a really nice atmosphere to be in. I guess that's where the kids go to have some privacy away from prying eyes and the rules of society. Both parks are absolutely beautiful - oh and picnics are allowed and done too! So eating in public apparently can be done in those situations!