Tokyo Day 1: Surprises

Last weekend Gordon and I planned to go to Tokyo for my birthday (October 8th). We were going to take the bus into Tokyo early in the morning, spend all day there and then ride the bus back at night. The night before we were going to head to Tokyo came my first surprise. Gordon told me we would be staying not one, but TWO nights in Tokyo at a highly recommended hostel! I was shocked and excited to say the least! Here's where Gordon said we would be staying:

http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/?gclid=CLXA2am26qsCFUsnpAodLXc21Q

So, the morning of the 8th, Gordon and I are busy packing and we hurry out the door to catch the 12 pm bus.

My birthday breakfast Gordon prepared before we left. Coffee, O.J., hash browns, toast and raisin bread. Yes, we are watching MSNBC's Morning Joe.

Gordon carrying all our luggage to the bus stop so I don't have to. YES, we are only staying two nights in Tokyo...don't judge the amount of luggage!

We caught the bus just in time and a short hour and 30 minutes later we arrive in Tokyo! We get off the bus and I'm immediately amazed by all the tall buildings, the amount of people and just city life in general. Tokyo is the polar opposite of Tohnosho!

Next, Gordon and I set out to find the hostel. Gordon wrote down the directions and we head to the subway and after consulting confusing subway maps we see our route and head toward Roppongi. I keep telling Gordon I think we need to head toward Ikebukuro, where I thought the hostel was located, but he says he wrote down the directions on the website, so I trust my tour guide.

We arrive at Roppongi and are surrounded by shops and restaurants. Gordon needs to be pointed in the right direction so he goes into a shop to ask for directions while I wait outside. I keep following Gordon and he says he needs to ask for directions again so we walk into the Ritz-Carlton where there is sure to be a receptionist or concierge that speaks English. We take the elevator to the 45th floor to the lobby and lets just say, I feel a little out of place and a little apprehensive asking someone for directions to another hotel, but the Japanese people are nice and I brush my worries aside.

Then came my second surprise. To put it briefly, I'm standing in this beautiful lobby with a magnificent view of Tokyo watching Gordon as he asks the receptionist for directions when the receptionist points at me and asks Gordon, "Is this her?". Huh? Then she comes up to me and tells me to, "Please, take a seat!" and offers me a "welcome drink". I don't know about you, but at this point I'm thinking Japanese hospitality is AWESOME for being so generous to someone who is not staying at their hotel! Sweet! A free drink! (I was thirsty).

Slowly, I started to realize there was a possibility we were supposed to be at this hotel. It didn't finally sink in until the receptionist took our luggage, we headed up the elevator and I saw the room.

And of course the view...

And a brief warning before you view the next picture. My reaction was not to smile, laugh and hug Gordon. I cried like a baby. And it is not pretty. So please skip ahead if you have a weak stomach.

Opening a card from Gordon. I promise, I'm not in pain.

And another one for your viewing pleasure...

Trying to compose myself. Notice that Gordon is the one taking the pictures while I'm in this vulnerable position.

Gordon fixing me green tea.

These enormous grapes were delivered a short while after Gordon and I got in the room. A welcome gift.

I finally composed myself. I was very overwhelmed by everything that was done for me (which Gordon's parents had a hand in :) ) and felt very special and undeserving at the same time.

After I stopped bawling my eyes out, Gordon and I freshened up and then decided to grab a bite to eat. Birthday dinner!!! We found the Roppongi Hard Rock and decided to eat there. We were craving American food.

ROPPONGI! An awesome area in Tokyo known for it's restaurants and night clubs.

Love all, serve all. Gotta love their motto.

Then came my third surprise...

ICE CREAM!

These cool kids let me pose next to them.

Gordon and I finished our amazing dinner (I had nachos and Gordon had chicken fingers) and headed back to the room to relax after a very eventful day. Shortly after we arrived back in the room someone knocked on the door and in came my fourth surprise.

Champagne and birthday cake!

What an awesome way to celebrate!

I think that was all the surprises I could handle in one day, so its good Gordon didn't have anything else up his sleeve. It was definitely a wonderful birthday and Gordon and I still hadn't explored all of Tokyo! We rested up to prepare for day two...exploring Tokyo!