Thank You, Harry

I am fully aware that what I am about to say is an indicator of my getting older, but I'm going to say it anyway: Where the heck did the time go?!  Wasn't it just yesterday that this crazy phenomenon of a boy wizard swept the world under its spell?  Could it really be four years ago that I stood in line outside Borders in Silver Spring to buy the last book in the series?  Was it just eight months ago that I wrote about Partu One, my first movie-going experience in Tokyo?  Time is going by way too fast.  I want it all to slow down- I don't want it to be over.  But it's so over.  It all ended on July 15th.

Harry and Voldy, back to back on a huge ad in Roppongi Hills

Independence Day

Independence day is not my favorite holiday.  For one thing- it's always sticky hot out, and this day requires being outdoors a bit.  And once you've seen one set of fireworks, aren't they all the same?  The last time I remember being really excited about July 4th was in 1996 when I got to see my crush-of-the-moment on the big screen.  Yes, I'm talking about that action-packed blockbuster hit, Independence Day.  You might assume my crush at the time was Will Smith.  Sorry to disappoint you, but I had a big thing for another star in that movie.

Golden Gai

Let's talk about nightlife, shall we?  The sky is the limit here in Tokyo.  Hot and sweaty clubs with pounding house music?  Check.  Swanky lounges with overpriced cocktails and low white couches?  Check.  Irish pubs with pool tables and dart boards?  Check.  Area formerly known for prostitution now turned into a few alleys of almost 200 tiny bars?  Check!  This special area is known as Golden Gai.

One small alleyway in Golden Gai