Tripping Far Side

Today is March 21st, the start of spring. And, also a holiday that Japan celebrates, so I had the day off from work today. Unexpected, and really nice to take a day to relax.

I didn't do much today, which is what I had planned. I was thinking last night what I should do, and I read through the Lonely Planet Kyoto Guide book. But, I've already seen a lot of Kyoto sights, and I didn't want to make a trip outside the city. I was thinking about Lake Biwa, but going without Anna is just no fun.

So, this morning I went out to go do some gift shopping for people back home. I went to the Avanti Shopping Plaza on the south side of Kyoto Station, in the Hotel Keihin building. First, was lunch at Chibo, an okonomiyaki restaurant. It's quite a sight to see the 1 chef cooking everyone's meal. And making okonomiyaki is hard work, and usually takes at least 5-10 minutes per serving. A bit of entertainment and good eats.

Then, I went to Uniqlo, where I bought some clothes for me and Anna. Uniqlo is like the Gap of Japan--they just opened a flagship store in New York recently. Their style is simple, functional, and understated. And not so expensive. Work shirts, undershirts, underwear, socks--damn almost all of the clothes that I brought TO Japan, are from Uniqlo. Usually there are sales, but I only picked up a few things.

Then, at another store, I bought the same pair of shoes I recently bought, but for Anna in brown. Now we can match. :) I walked around the other floors, and most all of the stores are for girls. But at the top, I discovered Sofmap, an electronics "Gigastore". You see, Sofmap used to be in Kintetsu Plaza north of Kyoto Station, but currently being renovated by Yodobashi Camera. So, it was nice to know where I can go if I need anything quick. They have a sampling of everything there, from TVs to cameras to PCs to software to games to anime to toys.

At the basement of Avanti is a quirky Spencer Gifts-like store called Outlet. I won't post the pictures that I took, but I bought some cool gifts that the friends would appreciate. For example, I found a cheap lighter where you can swivel the flame--and on the highest setting, the flame is 3 inches long. What could that be useful for? And, I picked up a ashtray that is normally closed, but when you push the button, the bottom drops and rotates, so the ash and butts can go into the tray. Interesting store; you get the picture.

Back at the hotel, I started watching episodes of Freaks and Geeks. Another excellent TV show that Fox mismanaged into cancellation (More Firefly!!). Thanks to Lucas's suggestion, I'm getting really into it. I'll share it when I get home.

Then I had Aloe Yogurt for dinner.