Japan: Day 3 - Tokyo Tower & Arrival at Kyoto

We are only on day 3 and already the trip's beginning to take its toll on us. For my mother, it's understandable. Me? I have no excuse- I'm in my early/mid twenties with a bedtime of 9pm (okay, maybe that's exaggerating a little).

But there's not stopping us- thankfully the day turned out to be sunny!

Kyoto awaits us and so we trek up the hill leading to the Tokyo Tower.

Japan: Day 2 - More Tokyo

I realised I didn't write much from my trip in the previous post.

The first day ended up being a little hectic as we had very little cash and were having trouble with the ATMs. If you're ever in Japan with a foreign credit/debit card, you will only be able to withdraw from ATMs at the Post Office. Why? I don't know, but it's true.

What we didn't know was that we could still have gotten by paying with the card- but so many ATM rejections had us thinking said card was blocked. (Banks do that sometimes, for protection, if there's movement in an 'unusual' country).*

So, day 2 was a little more relaxed- financially speaking, because there was still so much time and so little to see.

Wait a minute, strike that, reverse it.

*wink, wink*

L: Instagram of Subway Ticket ; R: View from Subway

Japan: Day 1 - Tokyo

And so it began, as all long-ish trips do, at the airport. I, personally, get stressed out with pre-flight procedures; checking in, immigration, security scans, etc etc. It's so much to take in in a little amount of time, and you never know how it's going to go- I always prepare myself for the worst queues and am relieved when that's not the case. But anyway, on with the interesting stuff...

Bottom Right from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok

There & Back Again

Prospector: We're being sold to the Konishi Toy Museum in Tokyo.

Jessie: That's in Japan!*

View atop the Tokyo Tower (Instagram)

There's nothing like coming back home from a trip- all worn out, still excited about the new sights, assimilating your feelings, and finally sleeping in your own bed.

I got back from Japan last night, eager to shower and slip into my PJs and sleep like there was no tomorrow. It didn't help that the flight was delayed- apparently the plane we were originally set to fly in was hit by lightning and deemed unsuitable for flight. Technically, I shouldn't really be complaining for the delay...

A word of advise: If you ever travel to Japan, I advise your trip be longer than one week.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka were beautiful in their own right. 

I am still in the process of catching up on blog reading and photo uploading.

Can't wait to share photos with you all!

PS- Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby trailer is out! Thoughts?! I seem to (already) be having mixed feelings about it, but am looking forward to it.


* I get random 'things' stuck in my head sometimes. This Toy Story 2 quote was one that mulling around in my head throughout the trip. Call me crazy- 'cause I pretty much am.

Lost In Translation

Travelling is a lot of fun, but it can also be a little frustrating if you don't speak the language.

Frustrating and funny, in retrospect. 

Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation captured that wonderfully. Along with human relationships, nostalgia, etc...

These are two of the funniest scenes in the movie, in my opinion. They're not embed-able, so you'll have to click the link!

'Mr. Harris, I want you to lip my stocking.'

Elliptical machine 

I love this movie.
Thoughts?

Happy Friday!

'City' Songs

Even though I think I'm turning Japanese isn't representative of Japan, I'll most likely be humming it at one point during my trip to Japan. I say this because I know I'll fall in love with Tokyo and wish I were Japanese....

Truth is I'm Mexican, but like any human being, I like music! And musicals. And it just so happens that sometimes, when listening to a song, I daydream about singing it at said place mentioned in the song.

For example: When I went to Kanchanaburi I couldn't help whistling the famous River Kwai tune. I am that person... Truth is, when I first arrived to Thailand, I had that awful Bangkok song (from Chess, the musical*) for days on end. I still hum it every now and then, unfortunately.

So, I thought about other songs that could have the same effect.

Ready to Board!

I'm not lying when I say I cried tears of joy when the Japan trip was finally set in motion.
IT'S REALLY HAPPENING.

Source: allposters.com via lefa on Pinterest

It's going to be a little hectic- 6 and a half days (not counting travel time) to do some sightseeing in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. I've just finished the sight-seeing itinerary 'route', so as to not lose time in wandering around.
I wish I could make it to Disneyland Tokyo* but I don't think that'll be happening... However, I am in no place to complain. And I'm also not sure if I'll be making it to the Ghibli museum (wahhh)- who knows, fingers crossed!

I will have plenty more to say [and show] upon my return (mark my words!), but in the meantime I will leave you with these two videos.
Japanese related, of course (in a rather random way).






 

 And maybe (hopefully) I'll have a few souvenirs.

Have you been to Japan? Any recommendations of what to do/see?
What's that one** place you're dying to go visit?

*I love Disneyland/Disneyworld Parks. Seriously, what's not to like?!

** Or two places- I know I have a long list of places I want to visit. Ah, wanderlust...

The Room is a Drama

Watch and discuss.

The dialogue.* 
It may me a dramatic movie, but I don't think I've ever laughed or snickered at the screen as much as I did when I watched it. Seriously, youtube some scenes and prepare yourself.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!
* Have you ever stopped to think about how important it is in a movie? In theater it's a whole other thing, don't get me started...

Traveling the World in an Hour (Sort Of)

I've been in Bangkok for 3 months and a half already and there are some important malls I still have to visit.* Malls are a big deal here in Asia, I've come to realise. I feel like they are in abundance and varied: from random little stores (that, incidentally, sell really cute dresses and accessories) to brand names; you name it, they've got it!
And I won't even get started with the food stalls. Mmmmm.

Today I went to a rather well known (and relatively new) mall called Terminal 21. 

It's cray-cray (not really, but I like to over use that word)**, but the concept of it is pretty cool. 

Each floor of the mall is furbished according to different places around the world, such as London, Rome, Istanbul, Tokyo, etc... 

I feel a little foolish for not having been prepared (psh, and I call myself a photographer?***) but I plan to go there with a proper camera soon. So, sorry about the crappy photo quality.

Without further ado, here are a couple o' snaps of me in inaction! POW!

A glimpse of the 36m long escalator.

Photobooth and Boredom: In 3 Panels

I don't believe in that "boring people get bored" quote. We all get bored at one point or other- it can't be helped. 

Well, actually it can, but it takes that much more energy than you're willing to give, most of the times. And who's to say a little down time from the comings & goings & conversations & thinkings isn't good? Maybe boring is when I let all those ideas settle and allow then to come to fruition.

Other days, there's just photobooth. 

You know what? I'm happy. 

I'm obsessed with this I Love Lucy .gif * and I've been trying to emulate her, to no avail nonetheless. (This isn't the hardest of the efforts, by the way)

Anyone else practise making faces in the mirror?

*Insert futuristic space sound effect*

Anecdote of the day: That bandaid you see is from my trip to the hospital today- for a vaccine! I hate needles**, so it was still unenjoyable. I had to go see a doctor beforehand to get "permission" for the vaccine, even though I had my vaccine card with all the information, etc, etc. 

Finally, the time came to get the damn shot. It hurt, a little. And when I was getting ready to leave the nurse asked to take a picture of me, from her phone.

Apparently the doctor asked her to and wanted a photo. 

Yeah. It was awkward.

It's been another "I can't be bothered to dress" day. 

I say you upload a photobooth picture too. You know you want to.

* God, she was so good. Don't believe me? Click here. Or better yet, watch an episode of I Love Lucy. I dare ya. 

** How am I ever going to get that tattoo I want?!

On the subject of Movies...

Seeing as I'm on a movie kick (then again, I'm always more than eager to talk about them), I figured I should write about a couple I, surprisingly, want to go see.

I actually don't like to miss trailers when I go to the movies. (You'll find I'm weird in many different ways...)

Sequels* are also something I generally dislike. Men in Black II, for instance, I didn't really like. And having been a huge fan of the first, it was more than disappointing. 

This Is How I Roll

If I were to write an autobiography, I think that would be the title of it ('This is how I roll').

It seems to be my motto these days, my -er- 'excuse' to just being me. We've all been there, right?

And today I just mean that, were you to come visit me at home you'd find me in fachas* and you'd probably give me a disapproving look to which I'd just shrug my shoulders and say, "This is how I roll". Bazinga!

Movie Ravings, Once Again

Before I get to the movies, I must apologise for my previous hair rant... I am actually (it turns out) very pleased with the cut! (see attached smug photo) I seem to always have a problem with the styling, post-cut. I'm sensitive that way.

But, moving on...

2 movies in 2 weeks- not too shabby for someone who proclaims decent movies are rare nowadays. That might be so, but that doesn't stop me from guzzling down fizzies (or O.J.) and munching away on instant cavities popcorn. 

Source- Illustration by Scott C.

Bangkok Skies

Bangkok Skies, a set on Flickr.

I really can't get over the beautiful sunsets and skies in Bangkok.

Anyone else love sunsets or cloudspotting?

Madeline Kahn: Comedienne Extraordinaire on Funny Friday

If you don't know who Madeline Kahn is, well, good thing you stopped on by.
Madeline Kahn was one talented and beautiful cookie- a trained opera singer, too.

But I'll let the videos speak for themselves.

From one of my favourite Mel Brooks/Gene Wilder films, Blazing Saddles. 

As the German songstress, Lily Von Schtupp.

Young Frankenstein is one my favourite films of all time. It never fails to make me laugh.

This is one of my favourite scenes in the film:

This movie always seems to air during the holiday seasons (rightfully so). It's actually pretty funny, IMO- and it's got a spectacular cast.
And an extra little gem.

Getting Your Haircut in a Foreign Country

So, yesterday I went to the movies (The Avengers was the movie pick of the day, more on that on another post!) and went to get my hair cut.

Oh BOY, did I get my hair cut.

The hairdresser spoke NO english and I showed her a picture of the cut I wanted:

Source: google.com.au via Mariana on Pinterest

But I think we saw two different things.
Needless to say, pixie cut was not the finished result, but more so boy cut.

Oy vey...

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

Summer is Here, a photo by marianabigail on Flickr.

Summer!

Forget Spring- the flowers have bloomed, April showers are out of the way and the Sun's been giving it its all recently.

Audrey's Circle of Friends

I wanted to title this "When Audrey Hepburn hangs out with cool people", but I found it redundant. Audrey could be with a lamp (I love...lamp.) and it'd be cool. That's just my opinion, though.

Either way, here are some photos that stand out for me. (Not including any with actors or her co-stars; it would've been too hard to choose!)

Happy (Belated) Birthday Audrey
May 4, 1929 - January 20, 1993

With Ip (Full Name: Pippin), the deer.

She adopted Ip before filming Green Mansions (with Norman Bates Anthony Perkins), to bond with it- just look at them!

Funny Friday: Joke

I don't consider myself a good joke teller. Tell me to do something silly and I'll do it; but ask for a joke and my mind goes blank. Zip.

Except for this gem:

What's brown and sticky?

When Awesome People Hang Out: Part 2

Hold on, let me just get my wine spritzer and join the party...*

Starting with a bang!

Martha Stewart and Snoop Doggie Dogg making (what appears to be) brownies. It would be the most sensible thing to bake with Snoop.

I've always said that if I could smoke up with anyone in the world, I would want to do so with Snoop. I've changed my mind. I'd want to do it with Snoop and Martha. (And Conan O'Brien, just for the extra kicks)

George Clooney and President Obama at the White House. 

When pictures speak louder than anything else.

When Awesome People Hang Out: Part One

Bear with me while I photo spam you with pictures of cool people hanging out together.
Oh yeah, it's a thing(!) which happened to come across on Tumblr. If you have a couple of minutes hours, I think you should stop by and marvel at the photos/people.

Click Here!

I like to think that's what my friends and I look like when we're hanging out.*

The Million Dollar Quartet - so this may not be a rare encounter of "rockers" (using that term loosely) per se, but it's still awesome to remember this actually fuckin' happened. Thanks Broadway for reminding us. 

I'm not sure where they are- a football match? But Roger Taylor (my favourite Queen member) and Brian May are talking to David Bowie. Meanwhile, there's Lady Di, looking gorgeous as always, and Prince Charles. British Royalty indeed!