January 14th - DAY IN THE PARK

First of all, the tea ceremony rehearsal wasn’t today but tomorrow: she messed the days up. Because I had nothing planned in the morning, I decided to go to the park in Shinjuku named Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. To enter the park, every adult has to pay a ticket of 200 yen (like €1.60). The park was unbelievably beautiful: really, it was breathtaking! I even switched off my Ipod because I wanted to experience the piece fully. The park was completed in 1906 as an imperial garden and it is a representative example of a modern western garden in the Meiji period. The large garden consists of the following three distinct styles of garden:

- English Landscape Garden
- French Formal Garden
- Japanese Traditional Garden

The traditional Japanese garden was the most impressive to me. Because it is winter, the leaves have all fallen down and the trees were bare. Still, it was a beautiful sight to see. It is so funny, because this park is located in one of the busiest areas of Tokyo, but when you’re in the park, you can only hear the birds (real ones!!). I brought my camera and the self-timer has become my best friend. I made some cool pictures of myself in the park. I will be going back there quite a lot, and am already looking forward to the spring when the cherry blossom trees will begin blooming.

After I left the park, I had to meet Makoto again to pick up my cell phone. I went to his shop and we chatted for a while. He is really quiet and does not like to be with other people, typical Japanese. But really, he is so kind and he helps me with everything. He told me he had to do some stuff for the shop he works in, this would take him like 1 hour. In the meantime, I went to Harajuku. I already told you before that Harajuku wasn’t what I expected it to be, but I just didn’t know where to look.

Laforet is one of the many departments stores in Tokyo. But this isn't like the others: this one is AMAZING! Oh my god, I have never seen such fashion. The shops were so stylish and they had everything! I wanted to buy everything I saw. I tried some clothes on in the store DOUBLE STANDARD CLOTHING, a Japanese brand. Because I have not been here for so long, I need to watch my money: therefore, I promised I would come back. They also had the famous Harajuku Babydoll-Rock shops, like Angelic Pretty. So cute, all those dresses and accessories. For everyone who will ever go to Tokyo: Laforet is the place to be!!

Makoto and I met up in Shibuya, where we bought my phone: I have to pick it up tomorrow morning. After that, he wanted to go to an opening of an artist. He asked me if I wanted to join, duuh! It was an opening of the work of Gelman. To be honest, the artist’s work was boring: a couple of chessboards, what’s the point? Anyway, a man asked me where I came for and I told him about myself and explained my reasons for coming to Japan. We talked for a while, and he introduced me to a Dutch friend of his, a dancer. She was so nice, so was he. He told me he was in the world of entertainment and that he could make me famous.. He gave me his card and asked me to call him, I will of course (but I will always be careful, you know). The woman also gave me her card, I don’t know why actually.. Haha..

After the opening, Makoto, Yuko, another nameless boy and me went out for dinner. We went to a traditional Japanese place: I had so much fun!! I have eaten some strange stuff, but I really don’t care: as long as it tastes good, it’s fine by me! When I got home, I found out the internet was gone: my neighbour has secured the network again. Tomorrow I will send him a note, I really need internet. Otherwise, I will die.

Oh! Before I forget, tomorrow I will have my first meeting with a modelling agency, please keep your fingers crossed cause I really want this to happen!! Makoto will join me, he knows someone who works there.

xx Steven

What’s on the menu for tomorrow?
Morning:
- Picking up my phone
- Internet café
Afternoon:
- Rehearsal Tea Ceremony Party
- Appointment with modelling agency
Night:
- Studying
- Paperwork for universities