in foreign environments like this you really appreciate technology

like GPS and the wireless internet connection when the road signs and tv program are foreign to you. Yes, I'm in Tokyo! Had to use some broken Japanese earlier to get some directions from the locals, who generally go all the way to help.

I was really impressed when one guy whipped out his mobile and started to look up his GPS application to help me find my way to the ryokan. Now, it is really not enough to only equipped one with the technology. The map wasn't easy to read and somehow he interpreted the directions wrongly (which I know because the ryokan ended up being at the opposite side of the road). There could be ways to improve the presentation/layout of the map on the phone such that users can understand it, relative to the current surroundings, immediately.

Anyway, besides the usual lost-in-translation cultural shock, here are some other personal first impressions of the city:
1) Buildings/flyovers are built in close proximity to one another. One can easily spy on another in Tokyo!
2) Too many slopes! As if the steps at the metro/mrt stations are not enough to kill...
3) The Japs like to speed ... in their bicycles! They don't like to brake, and they make good use of the downslopes to cut down their commuting time.

Where I stay:

And I'm really thankful for the wireless internet provided here. So should you too! ;)