Misadventure in Fussa

This picture just about sums up the stressful-turned-amusing misadventure after visiting my cousin and her family at the Yokota air base. On the way back to Tokyo, I realized my phone was missing. Good thing we were just a station away so we went back. However, I didn't have my cousin's number so we didn't know how to reach her. We decided to just take a cab to the base and maybe try to get them to page her. It was only until then that I realized that my camera was also missing. This time I left it inside the toilet of Fussa station. I was so frustrated because I just bought the camera on credit for the Tokyo trip. Checking the toilet it wasn't there anymore but I've heard of stories about the honesty of Japanese people so I was hopeful and optimistic. Of course, I was scolding myself for being so absent-minded and losing both my phone and camera. Now, I can attest to the honesty and efficiency of the Japanese. My camera was promptly returned to the station master and I was able to claim it within 15+ minutes that I left it. 

And so we only had the phone to worry about. Thankfully there was no taxi and I just thought to hang out in starbucks, use the wifi there with my mom's ipad to get in touch with my cousin. Unfortunately, you can't use their wifi straight away and you have to register somewhere else with wifi first. I was beginning to panic and feel desperate. Desperate that I was devising of a way to approach an American with his macbook to get me to use it for a while. And then, my mom decided to rummage her bag and surprise surprise my phone was inside! What a way to end our vacation!

As they say, misadventures and mishaps make for an even more memorable experience. :)

Surviving Summer in Tokyo

After so long I finally got to visit Tokyo. Although it was summer (which was definitely hot and humid therefore draining for all the sightseeing activities we did.) it was over the long weekend and in time for my birthday. Tokyo aside from being hot in summer was also expensive.

Here's how we survived on a budget:

1. Umbrella

Whether for the hot summer sun or for the drizzles, this came in handy. Of course, you can always buy one but daiso/donki may not be around when you find yourself in need of one.

2. Bottled water

My cousin emphasized how we should try to keep ourselves hydrated. We made sure that before leaving from the place we were staying we already have one. It doesn't last long though.

3. Shades

Protects your eyes and enhances your looks for those photo ops.

4. Sun block

UV protection

5. Fans

We didn't have one but there are quite a number that would give one away for free especially if you happen to be in an event. 

The ones from the souvenir shops are expensive as well so if you're really trying to maximize your budget, donki or daiso would be the way to go.

6. Sheds and trees

Thankfully Tokyo had quite a number of parks with benches that are shaded from the sun. Grab some tokyo banana and relax a little from all that walking and sightseeing.

7. Temples

The temples are very relaxing. The one in Hokokuji was also great to recharge us because the heat was really unbearable and draining. 

8. Plan your itinerary well.

Though taking pictures of Odaiba at night was difficult (I don't think I managed to take a decent picture.), it would have been challenging exploring around in the hot summer sun.

9. Proper clothes

Of course that goes without saying leave your sweater behind. 

10. Train naps

We usually end up getting sleepy and dozing a bit during the train rides when we do get the chance to sit down.