Tokyo 2016

I'm suffering from Olympics withdrawal. For 2 whole weeks, I was always guaranteed something to watch on TV, even if it was rythmic gymnastics or Michael Phelps overload. While in Japan, I found out that the country is bidding for the Olympics 2016, an attempt to bring the games to the heart of Tokyo's vibrant city. In support of Japan's Olympic bid, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building is lit up in the Olympic colors. For nearly four hours after dusk, projectors covered in red, blue, yellow and green film, along with one left unlit for black, light the building in an image of the colors of the Olympic symbol. Located in Shinjuku, it houses the City Hall and various other local government offices. It is the tallest building in Tokyo at 248 meters (814 feet) from base to top, and the second-tallest structure after Tokyo Tower. Lori and I went one night to the top of the building for a fantastic panoramic view of the city at dark. This was the perfect location to witness the organized chaos of Tokyo. Hopefully, I will get a chance to return to Japan for the 2016 Olympics, if not before!

Shoulder Sleepers

While riding the train in Tokyo, it was quite common to see passengers fall asleep while sitting upright. Often times, the sleeper would slip over to one side, even resting upon their neighbor's shoulder. So it seemed that sleeping in public places is not only common, but perfectly acceptable. This also appears to be common in business meetings as well. On our last day in Tokyo, some of the dignitaries joined us, and it surprised me to see several "catnapping" during the presentations. Some said that they were actually listening, and closing their eyes meant that they were listening very intently. Even when visiting the Superintendent of Schools, one of the Principals was snoozing away, or should I saw "listening intently". Call it what you will, but here in America--it's sleeping! And even more surprising, it seemed that this was no big deal and implied that they must be working hard to fall asleep in such working environments. At least in meetings you aren't bobbing your head side to side like on the train, drooling on your chin and neighbor. Sleeping while standing on the train is an art (I had a hard enough time just standing, much less snoozing as well). I saw one guy make a little "pillow" with his head, resting his head against his arm while grabbing on to the dangling handles above him. Maybe sleeping is just a way to avoid talking to anyone as no one makes eye contact or even acknowledges one another. I'll search my photo archive for a pic of a train sleeper....but for now, excuse me, I think it's time for some zzzzzzz's....