If You Could Read My Mind .

A reader commented on my Gachapin entry that it makes an appearance in "The Killers" new video, "Read My Mind." My first reaction was, "Who the heck are "The Killers"? I know the Lancaster movie, but I didn't know it spawned a band. So, a little surfing and I came up with this:



Sure enough, there's Gachapin in all his glory. I liked the "Dancing Elvis", though this one looks younger than the one I saw 7 years ago in Tokyo (there were some buskers in Yoyogi Park who dressed up as Elvis and danced around to his music blaring from a Ghetto Blaster. I'll try and find a photo for you.) And the school kids in full regale playing with them in the park was apropos. I liked the drummer beating the drums of a Game Center Drum Machine and how they all retired into a Capsule Hotel at the end. (Though I've never stayed in a 3-storey one, only 2-storeys. My favourite is Capsule Land in Shibuya.)

Oh, and the music isn't too bad either!

Run to the South of the Border!!

Moved our stomping grounds to Ebisu. Stayed at the Hotel Excellent (03-5458-0087), a little steep but REALLY convenient. That night, back to Harajuku to the most amazing Mexican restaurant, Fonda de la Madrugada. The watering of your mouth should commence: Mex Bloody Caesar; quesafodita (soft tortilla stuffed w/cheese) prep @ table; Carne Asada a la Tampiquena- grilled beef fillet w/small enchiladas, refried beans & guacamole (4 tortillas); Brochetas de Camarones, Chorizos, Y Champinones-Shrimps 2 brochettes w/chorizo, peppers & mushrooms; Margaritas (Yummy) and topped off with a Mariachi band-Paloma where they performed a beautiful tune, (coo coo ru-coo ru- brings tears to the eyes). Slip them a 1000 yen, for they definitely deserve it. A little expensive but not outrageous. For those in the area, you simply must go.

Hasta la vista, baby...

Happy "Day Between Two Holidays" Day!

The beginning of Golden Week started last Saturday for me and after a 2 hour Shinkansen ride and checking into my Capsule Hotel, the Festivities in Tokyo began. I met Mark and his fiancee Yuko and we went for excellent Sri Lankan food at the CeylonInn and a drink or two at "Chanoma" (by the way, a "GIN LIME" is straight gin plus two wedges of lime if you're considering ordering it.) Great atmosphere here; it feels like you're in an asbestos-covered warehouse with lots of pillows.

Back to the capsule. This is slightly different from what you might imagine. It's actually quite upscale, with your own biodome-type deprivation chamber with all the snoring salarymen you might want. It has free towels, robes, TV (ALL the good channels), a sauna and an onsen-clone. The cost is only 3700￥ and is easy to find. Get off at Shibuya, exit via Hachiko, take the left-hand fork @109, go up to the top of the hill past Shibuya Mark Town (odd name and photos are verbotten.) Unfortunately, it's only for guys, so women have to make do with a real hotel or hook up with someone and go to one of the innumerable Love Hotels. Call 3464-1777 for an encapsulating time.