Tokyo
Almost retracing my earlier journey, my flight left London to fly just north of Riga and then just south of St Petersburg before heading across Siberia to Tokyo. I’m guessing that this journey would have taken a lot longer 20 years ago, and I can confirm that east of the Ural mountains much of Russia is a frozen wasteland. The best views were after dawn on the pacific coast north of Vladivostok.
So, Tokyo, where to begin? Well, it’s the only city I’ve ever visited that’s considerably bigger than London, and despite what’s said about bustle somehow I find it a bit more relaxed. Perhaps that’s because Tokyo seems to function better. The transport system actually works and is incredibly good; the trains are well-ventilated despite being crowded and the ticket prices are reasonable despite being complex. Apparently the biggest city in the world, by population, is Seoul.
Apart from the hi-tech transport, skyscrapers and neon signs that literally go on for miles, Tokyo is home to a few historic buildings, some major Buddhist and Shinto temples, and those surrounding the tree-ringed (and therefore impossible to see) imperial palace.
I’m out of here tomorrow. A selection of the best Tokyo pics are now in the gallery – there are more to come when hopefully I can get cheaper internet access (though in fairness Tokyo’s internet cafes are very comfortable and astonishingly well equipped – I’m talking lounge chair, TV, video, Playstation, and high-end PC all in your own lockable cabin) .
My next update will be from the Southern Hemisphere.
