I have been to Tokyo and Back.
Do words exist that accurately describe Tokyo? If they do, they are probably Japanese words with no translation into English. I have tried explaining to people what it's like. They look at me with confusion and the polite nod that means "I'm acknowledging that you're talking but I don't really understand what you are trying to say". My description of this place comes out flat, not nearly as rich and dimensional as the actual experience.
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi on the 10th floor. We had smoked salmon, salad, cereal, fresh fruit and cappuccino for breakfast. Thom and I tried to get some sight seeing in but most days were spent either sleeping, eating or preparing for the evening's festivities. Preparation consisted of Thom drinking beer and watching Japanese television while Aiko and I messed with our hair and makeup for hours.
The first night was the premiere of
Dark Shadows directed by Tim Burton. Thom and I were lucky enough to walk the red carpet and annoy dozens of photographers. It was windy and cold but worth it. We watched Johnny and Tim do interviews, shake hands and sign autographs for fans dressed up like Barnabas and Angélique.
From that point, it turns into a blur: sake, whiskey, multiple trips to toy shops, glitter, lots of black lacy polyester clothing, tears, more whiskey, potatoes, babies, vampires, corsets, bunny ears, samurai, chanting, ramen, eye balls, Japanese language lessons, crispy pizza, kittens, monkeys, giant crabs, maids, glow sticks, facials, falls,
Frank Zappa and Green Gargantua at Tokyo Tower.
It was quite an experience. Thank you to all my friends.
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| Photo by Derek Frey |
Thom and I were lucky enough to be included in the crew on this film. Armed with a powder puff and steamer, I kept everyone un-shiny and un-wrinkly during the shoot. I should also mention that I had a cameo as the effervescent waitress in the Indian restaurant scene and if you look closely, you will see me reviewing reports in one of the office scenes. Thom was on boom mic duty and provided security in some of the more dangerous locations. He definitely had it much harder than I did. Holding a boom mic for hours under hot lights doesn't really look all that fun. Most of my time was spent eating donuts and watching everyone else work.
We passed out flyers, ate pupus and finally watched the screening before being drug up to the front of the room for a torturous Q & A. Thom was pretty much on his own with that one. To my credit, I did help him with a good bit of smiling and nodding. 
Next, we traveled to Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona to check into the Kona Seaside Hotel. I forgot how cool this Hotel was. It's exactly the way I remember it from when I was a kid in the eighties and I am sure it was exactly the same back in the sixties when it was most likely built. Blue shag carpets, an old zenith tv and chains hanging down the walls from the fan and the ceiling light. Our old red suitcase felt right at home.
From that point, we began filling ourselves with various alcoholic liquids and walked around looking at the sights. I have a new appreciation for Tiki bars, little umbrellas and really long straws. Kona is a lot cooler than I remember. I guess you just have to know where to look. This trip will live on in our hearts and minds for all eternity.
Yes, I am drinking tea at this very moment. I am about 2/3rds of the way down on my box of PG tips. If I could, I would drink tea all day long. I think if I did, I would drive my poor husband out of his mind. I get really excited and I want to do 100 things at the same time and I turn into a chatter box. It's hard to sit down and focus on making jewelry when I'm on a tea high....