I don't really enjoy having people within my own personal space very much. And thus far have been pretty successful at avoiding it. Until tonight on my way home from Ochanomizu. The train going into Tokyo was fairly empty so I was able to sit/sleep the whole way there (it's about a 35 minute ride). I was looking forward to some more resting of the eyes on my way home, until the train pulled up and I wanted to cringe at the thought of getting on. It was so full of people that I didn't think there was any possible way that another human being could fit! But you, those Japanese sure do know how to make the most of space, so we crammed into that little car, as if expecting it to just expand as more people got on. I looked around trying to see if there was something I could hold onto so I didn't fall over when the train started, and then realized how ridiculous that was. There was no way I was going to fall, because I was pressed up against people on all sides. And when I realized that my butt was touching another guy's butt, I somehow felt like I was 13 and tried really hard to suppress my immature giggling at the immense akwardness. I could feel the sweat starting to drip down my back (I had 3 shirts on and a coat, scarf and hat) and was so thankful when they turned the fan on above my head. I watched two poor little girls essentially getting crushed by some older guys about twice their size and smiled as they were unsuccessful in suppressing their laughter.
Ochanomizu is music and sports HEAVEN! The church we went to on Sunday (Easter) is located on the 8th floor of the Ochanomizu Christian Center which is on the same street as about 8 guitar shops, at least 2 violin shops and countless other music stores. I came back this evening to have more of a look around and to price guitars because I desperately need a new addiction other than Grey's Anatomy, and was completely enthralled by the vast amount of music stores and sports shops! I walked and walked and walked, stopped at one of the many Starbucks I came across and ordered a Caramel Machiatto, then continued to walk some more, ignoring most of the stares that I got (although sometimes I enjoy just staring right back, because then the stare-er usually looks really uncomfortable that they got caught mid-stare). I found a guitar for about 9000 yen, ($90) and although I'm sure it's not very good quality, it should be fine for a learning tool for now. John said he would come with me and help me talk to the salesperson about everything, so hopefully soon I'll be plucking away those strings instead of staring mindlessly at my computer screen wondering if Meredith and McDreamy are ever going to just be OK without all the added drama. There were so many board shops as well--snowboard, surfboard, skateboard ,etc. It made me wish I could do any of those (especially surf) just so I could justify looking around!
Then on my way home, I sucked it up and ate at McDonalds by myself. Now, I don't mind eating alone, but whenever I see someone else eating alone I can never help but feel a tinge of sadness for them, as if they have no friends and are forced to eat alone. Then, I remembered I have no friends and I do have to eat alone! :) Haha, but it was ok because I had the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia with me so CS Lewis entertained me as I ate, and there were several people eating by themselves and studying (yeah, McDonalds is actually a pretty popular place to study apparently) I also don't like McDonalds in general, but I usually only remember that about an hour after I eat there...note to self: no more McDonalds.
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