Walk to Ueno Park and Help From A Super Nice Girl: This is study abroad....I have to study. But I've got to get out of this hostel. I decide to walk to Ueno Park, because there's a Starbucks there, and find a spot to sit and read. It's about a 25min walk. I'm really glad I decided to rent the pocket wifi because it can take me there. I set out on my stroll and Google takes me via the back streets. Its great because I feel like I got to see parts of the real, everyday life of Tokyo. I walked past apartment buildings, and every block has about 20 parked bicycles, at least one vending machine, some kind of paid parking lot, and at least one delivery car. Then I see futons hanging out windows to dry, kids practicing baton twirls, and people walking or riding a bicyle. Everything is going fine, until Google becomes vague and I'm not sure if this little curvy ramp is for pedestrians or not. I stop and use Google translate to ask a girl where Ueno Park is. There's a lot of motioning and pointing and she eventually offers to take me the rest of the way. There's like 10min left, so I just can't accept this. She says she has free time and insists. We have broken conversation and make it to my destination. I thank her profusely and offer to buy her a Starbucks drink or whatever she wants. She won't accept, but its really hot out, so I offer to at least get her a water. She still refuses, so I decide not to push in case this is some kind of Japanese culture etiquette. We part ways, and I'm thankful but feel guilty for not being able to help her in return or show some kind of thanks.
Starbucks:
Of course, there's a Starbucks. The menu there looks pretty much the same, except they have Matcha items (finely ground green tea). Let me tell you, the Match Latte is very yummy. :-) I will be having that again before I leave.
More Caffeine and some amazingness!
I walked around the park a little bit and discovered that this is where the zoo and many of the museums are located. We're getting a pass for those soon, so I didn't go, but I know where they are!
I find a place to sit and read a bit. They do have mosquitoes here, by the way.
Later, I see another coffee shop and just have to stop. I get a Brown Sugar Coffee and some kind of chocolate truffle.....that is amazing (#A1)! Wow, I didn't realize Japan would have these tempting sweets. It was like a unique cheesecake taste with the most soft, plump raisins I've ever had. I NEED to have that again ;-) I ordered it to go, so she handed me my bag with my sweet, and I waited for my drink like any place. Then I looked in the bag and saw my drink. What?! My drink is in the bag? That's right. Japan knows how to do it. They put it in an insert so that it wouldn't fall. How amazing is that! (#A2) Oh hush up, its amazing. I love coffee; sue me.
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