(c) BRIgArNet: Nagoya
Today was a great day!
When I woke up this morning I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Brian and I decided we were going to Nagoya but that meant I had to catch two trains to get there, and last I remember, I do NOT speak japanese! But, alas, I, being the resourceful person I am MADE IT, in one piece on time! As soon as I got to the Nagoya station I got a map and figured out where the Hilton Hotel was (brian and I were meeting outside). It was a nice little trot but the city is beautiful. First stop - LAWSONS for some batteries for my camera and some water. After that I walked under the train station, over the river and safely arrived at the Hilton. As I arrived, this hotel was magnificent. It looked like a ritzy jazz club on the main floor, and it had high class shopping on the second floor. There was a "maserati photo shoot" outside of the side entrance to the hotel. Well, Brian "Mr. Starbuck Addict" was across the street at the Starbucks but we finally found each other. For lunch, we decided against being adventurous and went to the Hard Rock Cafe across from the Hilton. We were both so hungry it was ridiculous. Nagoya is a high business city so there were a lot of black and white people around, it was very strange but very nice. We were planning on going to the aquarium but mr. planner man decided not to find out when it was open until this morning and of course, its closed on monday. So, we decided to go to this garden instead. Instead of taking the subway or a taxi we decided to walk ... yes ... walk ALL FIVE KILOMETERS to this garden. On the way we took a detour over a bridge (which was merely a street overpass) and through a park (that had a magnificent water fountain, a sand field, dogs playing frisbee, a japanese man playing an african drum next to a tent, and japanese business people sitting around maxing and relaxing). After the park we took another detour over another bridge (overpass) and finally got back to our route. We kept walking a little further and found this random group of temples. So, as foreigners we stopped in, walked through and took lots of pictures. Brian then decided he was going to be a Buddhist for the day and attempted to do the traditional Buddhist things but alas, he doesnt speak Japanese nor is he a Buddhist so it was funny watching him attempt these traditions. So, then we decided to stop at 7/11 (yes, they are everywhere) get some more water and attempt to buy our baseball tickets. Well, that 7/11 didnt sell the tickets so we just continued our walk. Probably half way there we looked at the clock and realized it was 4:30, well we only had an our to view this park, so we hailed a taxi. When we got to the park it was beautiful, but again it was a Buddhist park with Buddhist traditions. Again, Brian attempted to be a Buddhist, but this time, all of the natives laughed hysterically. When you enter the park you are supposed to purify yourself by washing your hands and face. Then you are supposed to go to this stairway and clap for the Gods. Then you are supposed to bow on your way out. Well, Brian started at the clapping, lol. Oh rewind ... when we first entered, there were chickens, HUGE chickens, that kept attempting to fly. Where they came from? Not so sure ... I should have stolen one to cook it. Just kidding. LOL. Fast forward... so Brian and I were taking pictures and what not and i started scratching my arm as he began to scratch his leg. We both ignored it and just said, hey, its japan and we probably got the cooties. So on our way to get some MORE water, Brian decided he was going to purify himself. Well, instead of washing his face and hands he washed his hands and drank the water. Lord, I think the japanese people that were purifying themselves almost had a heart attack they were laughing so hard. We finally got to the refreshment area and my arm was now red, Brian said it was the water, I said i didnt drink any. I had 5 mosquito bites and he had 3. We then decided it was time to go. So, we walked over yet another bridge (overpass: I keep calling them bridges because they are massive) and hailed a taxi. This taxi driver was hilarious. He spoke English and of course we were speaking japanese, so we began to laugh at each other. It was great! We got to the train station and then headed to the baseball game. We saw a little boy and Brian had a field day because they both had team clappers and wristbands, it was precious. Moving right along, genius boy decided it was time to get off the train, the boys mother and sister did as well. But the boy stayed on the train and then the mom and sister ran back on and Garnet and Brian are stuck waiting 4 minutes for the next train because we got off a stop early. When we get to the station (ozone, lol, oh-zo-nay) we make our way to the stadium. And of course, the game is sold out, because they go hard with the baseball. So, we get some tickets, cough, and proceed in the stadium. I too bought clappers (they are a necessity in japanese baseball) and we made our way to our seats, oh wait, after getting food. I got a shrimp burger and fries, brian got a steak burger and fries. Both were delish! As the game begins I felt like I was at a college football game. Both teams have pep squads, WITH musical instruments (trumpets, drums, etc.). And, the home team has cheerleaders, ha! This baseball game was awesome. ((Oh and I found a black guy in Japan, he plays baseball for the Dragons, I am trying to plot to meet him, lol.)) Anyway, after the game Brian and I parted (deciding on going to Toba next weekend) and I made it home in one piece.
It was a great day.
Great adventure in Japan.
love.
g.
