> > I'm going to steal an idea from Bourne, and ask; If somebody gave you a free, one-week vacation in the city of your choice, where would you go? (Why, is optional.)
> > Howard
>
> Tokyo.
>
> Sosi"you can guess why"qui

No, I'm going to say why, because some other people have and it's interesting to see why. Hehe.

I'd guess 90% of you who know me looked at my answer and thought something anime-related. You'd be about half right. ;) Yes, I'm sure if I went to Tokyo I'd come back with a suitcase full of anime goodies and lots of animation cels, and a very empty wallet... but that's not the only reason to go. Indeed, I'd find that a very STUPID reason to go ANYWHERE.

No, I got plenty interested in actual Japanese culture and history. Anime was the gateway, yes, but after taking an Art of Japan class last semester, and hearing from my dad about it, I really want to go and see. I love travelling, love experiencing different cultures. The Orient is one of the few areas on earth where I've NEVER been, and it has a cultural mindset so different from our own that I find it fascinating. I want to experience that, I want to see the temples and castles and walk on a nightingale floor, attempt to eat Japanese food, ride on the bullet train, visit Akihabara (maybe I can find BG's robotic jellyfish), see Tokyo Tower (somewhat anime related as it shows up a lot, and usually gets destroyed by a monster or mecha within 15 minutes), visit the Studio Ghibli museum... and go on a giant anime shopping spree. ;)

I think I need to learn how to eat with chopsticks first, though.

Sosi"the instructions on Things People Said don't help at all!"qui