October 15 - 19, 2008

Kiran’s Arrival: We were so excited to meet our first (and as it turns out, our only) visitor at the airport. She arrived in fantastic spirits and appeared to have more energy than I remembered having the two times I’ve arrived in Tokyo in the past year…Kerwood and I were absolutely giddy on the train ride to the airport and enjoyed wandering around the airport with the anticipation that only comes when you’re awaiting someone’s arrival. On the way back into Tokyo, Kiran excitedly talked about all of the things she wanted to see/try while she was here….We put some good home-cooked food in our bellies when we got home, visited for a bit, and then had an early night to bed.

Kiran adapted super quickly to things here and started exploring this city on her own right away. This was fantastic because Ker and I had to work while Kiran was here. It set our minds at ease knowing that 1) this city is so safe for women and 2) Kiran could handle the train system. Oh, and 3) Kiran is very outgoing and quite a gutsy traveller (I can learn a lot from her on this front, as I don’t have a lot of experience travelling solo).

It brought much joy to Ker and me to hear Kiran’s excitement at re-telling her day’s adventures while we were at work….Our first night out all together was to a buffet at a funky, bohemian restaurant/café/lounge/gathering place in Shibuya, called….

The Pink Cow: We have really come to love the Pink Cow—it’s a place that takes community-building seriously and provides a safe space for artists, musicians, comedy improv-ers, people of varying gender/sexual identities, filmmakers, knitters, and the list goes on and on. And, the reason for our first official visit to the Cow was to indulge in the weekly buffet that happens on Fridays and Saturdays. Our taste buds were definitely celebrating and we were sad that we didn’t have more room in our stomachs. There was a lovely medley of flavours, ingredients, and vegetarian options. As we were eating, we learned that the chef previously worked at the Institute of Directors and the Savoy in London. He also cooked for Queen Elizabeth II…twice! No wonder it was so delicious ☺ If you have the chance, please check this place out! (Oh, the furry friend next to Kiran is Spot).