Japan!

We haven't said much about this, so I'll start now..
Yippee, we are heading to Japan in 3 short weeks.
Michael has a couple days of work then we will just hang out in the GIANT city of Tokyo. Do you know how many people live in the greater Tokyo area??? 30 MILLION PEOPLE!!! I can't even fathom that many people. It is going to be insane. It is the most populated Metro area in the world, not most populated city, but metro area. We are staying in the Shinjuku area which is also where the busiest subway/metro/train station in the world is located. Now, I'm not much for crowds and a bit claustophobic but I am really really looking forward to seeing this with my own eyes.

We don't have a set plan because a while back I promised Michael the next trip we took I wouldn't make any plans and we would play it by ear. If you know me well, you know this is a HUGE challenge for me. I am however getting familiar with the area(s) and the things I would like to see while we are there. It's a good compromise I think! :) PLUS, I have two days from probably 10-5 where I have the whole day to do whatever I want since Michael will be working.
Michaels boss was talking to him a bit back and said his kids are older and out of the house now and his wife is starting to want to go with him to Japan from time to time. He has been telling her she will just be bored and will sit in the hotel all day everyday. Michael laughed and said, "My wife is the kind that will get up and wonder the streets...She's the type to go to Moscow by herself and hitchhike around the city" haha! go me! :o) (The hitchhiking sounds worse then it is, as it is a common transportation method in Russia)

Back to Japan, I am very interested to see how the very traditional areas of Tokyo can exist within the high tech capital of the world with its skyscrapers and other buildings. There are parks with shrines and temples littered throughout this giant city. How does it all keep its balance I wonder? I'm fascinated to see this!! Anyways, here are 3 pictures from Tokyo. The third one is in the middle of the city...Amazing because it doesn't look like it would be.