May 23, 2014 - Culture Shock Hits

Culture Shock Hits

The day started off decently. I laid around until about noon then decided to grab lunch. I wanted some more sushi. I walked around Asakusa for at least 45 minutes and a found a place. I really didn't want a lot just enough to tide me over. I was kind of forced to get the lunch special. I about lost my lunch when I got to the fish eggs. Not because of the taste, but it was more the texture. It was just overwhelming! I have had better sushi. This was not it. 

After that, the day went downhill from there. I missed a stop on the subway and was I didn't know where I was in relation to the Ueno Zoo. I grabbed a map. I had to go back a station but I still didn't know where I was for a minute or two. I was trying to meet up with my roommates but that wasn't happening. I couldn't update them because both our SIM cards don't work with our phones. We can only communicate when there's wi-fi. 

I made the best of the zoo. I went back to the hostel, checked my messages and decided to see Akihabara. The anime stores were good. I had questions about some of the figurines I saw. I didn't understand the purpose for some. 

My breaking point came when I was trying to find the Robot Restaurant. I could have sworn it was in Akihabara! I walked around for many blocks, looking for any type of touristy place. There was no free wi-fi anywhere. I caved and headed back to the train station. I sought the information building but they spoke very little English. I told him what I was looking for and he grabbed a map. He circled 3 places. I knew this was not correct. I left even more frustrated.

A glimmer of hope came when I saw a Metro bus pull up. Those buses have free wi-fi. I was going to catch a signal and find the place. The only problem is that the buses kept leaving. I finally saw a bus that pulled up to the station and stayed. I moved right next to the bus. I had a great signal according to my phone. STILL NO CONNECTION. I went back to the hostel defeated, wishing I was back home with internet on my phone.

Before you go out, plan your routes, get the necessary maps and give yourself extra time to reduce your stress!