Although I'm Buddhist and have been deeply interested in Japanese culture since my college days, my trip to Tokyo in April 2008 was actually the first time I'd visited.

In retrospect, it may have been fear of disappointment that kept me away.  I knew the old Japan of Kurosawa's and Mizoguchi's films no longer existed, and I was afraid to find instead an impersonal megalopolis.  Nothing could have been more different.  What impressed me about Japan was the willingness of absolutely everyone to help me during my visit.  One classical musician walked blocks out of his way to get me to my destination.  I'm really grateful to all the Japanese I met for making me feel so totally welcome in their country.

As for Tokyo itself, it's the coolest city I've seen.  In some ways, it's a mirror image of NYC as imagined by a manga artist to a trip hop beat.  It's sophisticated and fun; parts of it are as futuristic as anything in Blade Runner.  There are so many great places to go.  I definitely recommend a visit to a club called Oath in Aoyama.  The bartender is the beautiful model Chiemi.

Santa Fe is a rich man's town and a tourist destination selling huge amounts of silver and turquoise jewelry that may, or may not, have been made by Native Americans.  (The only way to be sure is to buy from the Cathedral gift shop, or from the licensed artisans seated in front of the Governors' Palace.)  Everything is expensive, even by a New Yorker's standards.  In many ways, it's reminiscent of Southampton on the East Coast and many of the same upscale stores can be found there.

Behind this chi chi facade, however, is a real Western city where people go out of their way to be friendly and polite and where, or so at least it seems, every 60's hippie who didn't sell out and go straight can be found lounging about the Plaza or else selling handicrafts in some side street store.  Santa Fe has a genuinely good vibe and is a pleasant enough place to relax for a few days.

Click Here for more Travel Photos

Pictorialism

All photos and text, except where otherwise attributed, copyright (c) 2007 - 2008 by Frank McAdam.  All rights reserved.