FAREWELL TOKYO

OK folks, this is the final Tokyo post. Just a few pictures that didn't really fit into the other posts, but worthy of a nosey I think. First off is a building in Asakusa. Asakusa was one of my favourite words to say. It is pronounced 'a-sock-sa' and is said fast. I thought I sounded very authentic saying it, so I would often ask the way to Asakusa even though I didn't want to go, just to impress with my accent. Try it, it is a nice word to say. A-sock-sa, A-sock-sa, A-sock-sa.

A-hem, onwards......The building is designed by Philippe Starck, his Flamme D'Or building. It is his version of the foamy head atop a decent beer apparently. The locals charmingly refer to it as 'unchi-biru' which literally means 'turd building'. I am never sure of his work. Striking yes, but hmmm, I don't know. It kinda looks like a huge bird that eats gold has flown by and left a useful little gift.....



I much preferred the building next to it, especially the design of the windows at the top. The reflection of light on this building looks great in the picture above (click to enlarge)..........



I thought that these plainly designed apartments in Harajuku were more effective against the grey skies of Tokyo. There was something about all the different shades of grey, and the lettering that appealed to me. For the same reason, I really liked this photo taken with the keen eye of Mr Reed. His photos are very cool in the eyes of Pod, I strongly recommend a peek or two.



More greyness, with a dash of reindeer, one of my favourite animals. They are strong and beautiful, and always catch my eye. I think this was a jewellers. I liked the lines, the greys, the logo, and the reflections..........



I love wandering around buildings, and I also love wondering around buildings. Construction can excite and disgust at the same time. I find cranes scary, but I am unsure why.......



I had to add this, if only for my lovely lovely sister, Lilleth Fair. The man in the box looks like a waxwork dummy of her crazy neighbour Nick, who once bought what he believed to be hens, but were infact fighting cocks that pecked the hell out of his poor wife's ankles everytime she tried to hang out the washing. His goat also used to terrorise my mum when she came home late at night. Those that don't know me probably have a picture right now that I grew up in a farming area, but no, a regular street. These are but two examples of Nick's idiosyncrasies......



This caught my eye too, not sure why.......



As did these three pots and all the white......



And finally, I chanced upon the Steven Klein and Madonna X-static Process exhibition in the Loius Vuitton store (don't worry I wasn't shopping there). It was the opening night, and all these ultra cool Japanese people were going in. I walked by a couple of times, and then thought 'oh what the heck!' and waltzed in as if I had been invited, and got handed a glass of champagne. So I got to see the exhibition midst the coolest of the cool of Tokyo. There were some great shots. I took some pictures, and something happened to my camera at one stage, resulting in this.....................



Right, well that is it. Thanks to everyone for having a look, and for all your great comments. I loved Tokyo, and I will return. Jules, if you are reading, thank you so much for making my visit extra special. I am looking forward to your return to Oz!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!