Day -7: tokyo

tokyo is so much fun.
i've lived here for a total of 3 years, and every time i come, it feels as though i left just yesterday.
i miss tokyo life.

unlike hachijo or maui, there's not much green here.
cement jungle has it's own appeal though, and when mixed with a great amount of nostalgia, the scenery can even appear beautiful.
compared to other cities that i've lived in, the appeal of tokyo lies ultimately in it's safety.
there's a sort of freedom that you have, knowing that somehow you'll be safe.
small police stations are well within walking distance, cops are sweet and they take care of you.
customer service is of highest quality, and no one is out there to steal your money.
hotels and internet cafes can be found anywhere, bars open til the first train (5am), no need for a car, no need to for a dd, and 24-hour conbinis supply everything that you'll ever need (even underwear).

being in tokyo is like having a smartphone.  i know, weird analogy...
i'm still a new owner, but the iphone has allowed me so much freedom.
no longer do i have to memorize directions, print out google maps, answer urgent e-mails before taking off, and make sure everything is packed before every departure.
with an iphone, i can think to myself "somehow it'll be ok.  i possess the power to figure it out."
i leave my home with confidence.
tokyo to me, is like an iphone built into the whole city.
here the facilities, transportation, stores, and people work together to empower me.
every time i step out of my brother's apartment in shimokitazawa, my heart is filled with excitement just thinking of all the things i can possibly do.

tokyo, family, friends

of course it has its faults (and so does owning a smartphone), but i'll save that for later and enjoy being here with my old friends.