We Gonna Rock Down To Electric Avenue

DAY 338: Japanese technology can be seen all over the world, from a mobile phone in a remote town in Africa to a big home theater in Chicago, USA. Chances are that the very computer you are using right now to read this very Blog has some Japanese parts in it, if not all Japanese parts. Japanese technology has put the "modern" in "Modern World" as many everyday indispensable things originate from the electronic über-companies that are based in Japan, particularly Tokyo. In fact, Liz's apartment was just across the street from the backside of Sony World Headquarters, with a windowless R & D wing guarding so many secret prototypes like a secure fortress -- you couldn't even park you car on the street outside.

Sony's secret products eventually are made public and leave the factory, along with other hi-tech products produced by the other Japanese electronics companies, for worldwide distribution -- as well as in the home country of Japan. In Tokyo, all these electronics can be found in the Akihabara neighborhood, a district full of so many multi-level electronics stores and video arcades that it is also known as "Electric Town."

Going to Electric Town was a major culture shock to me, having been in really undeveloped places the past several months -- Ethiopia and central China for example -- and walking through its canyons of neon lights (picture above) I was reminded of a TV special in the 1970s, Rescue From Gilligan's Island, where the castaways of the popular syndicated TV series are finally rescued after fifteen years from that uncharted desert isle and must adjust to life back in modern society. I remember the Professor (who never had a real name, am I correct?) was having an especially hard time trying to get back into inventing new things in his lab because he had missed out on so many leaps in technology since he left for that ill-fated three hour tour (three hour tour). Why he had problems I don't know; the Professor could make radios and metal detectors out of dried up palm leaves and a couple of coconuts.

Anyway, one scene that came to mind was when Gilligan (played by Bob Denver, who will always wear that stupid fisherman's hat if he wants a steady income) goes to visit the Professor in his lab. The Professor is sitting there in a lab coat, still stumped on ideas, probably due to the lack of coconuts. Gilligan tries to cheer him up by showing him something that had been invented since that the day the tiny ship was lost: a frisbee.

MY METAPHORICAL "FRISBEE" CAME NOT in the form of a flying disc but in the form of a mobile phone. Mobile phone technology had skyrocketed since I left New York in October 2003 and as I walked on through Electric Town I saw just what cell phones in Japan are now capable of. Not only could a cell phone be a low-resolution digital camera, an MP3 player and a PDA, but now it could come with optical zoom, simulated surround sound and videophone technology. One flip phone I saw actually doubled as a camcorder; the top part opened up then swiveled to the side so that you could use it like a traditional camcorder since the lens was mounted on the side of the hinge. Another phone I saw was actually a color television (antenna broadcast only though). My stroll through Electric Town showed me that phones are getting smaller, sleeker and smarter and one day we might push buttons through an easy-to-use interactive menu to order a pizza with mobile internet technology -- so that we may never have to actually use the phone function to simply call and order that pizza from an actual person.

ELECTRIC TOWN WASN'T JUST ELECTRONIC STORES but electronic playgrounds with multi-level video arcades from Taito and Sega. Inside were titles of each respective gaming company, both new and old, attracted not only teenage boys and girls, but suited businessmen on their way home from work. Most of them went to play MJ2 -- Mahjong 2 -- although I had to wonder if they were really there to try their luck at a skill crane where one could win a dress.

After wondering around the video arcades and stores and with items I couldn't yet afford to buy -- but definitely drooled over (hey, I'm a guy) -- I met Liz by the train station near a couple of street performers, a girl wailing out Japanese lyrics to the riffs from an electric guitar. Liz and I took a crowded rush-hour train out of Electric Town, sitting next to a middle-age man reading the porn section of a regular Japanese newspaper, and then went out to eat tonkatsu (food breaded and fried Japanese style) for dinner -- real food that is, not the convincingly real plastic kind seen in the window of almost every restaurant in Tokyo. (Japan even has technology to make fake food look real.) After dinner we took the train back to the apartment using the train system's electronic sensor debit cards -- cards that will soon be placed in cell phones so that one can just use his/her cell phone to get around.

I may have been thirteen hours ahead in the future of North America's eastern seaboard, but being in Tokyo felt like I was at least two years ahead. I'm sure if any company from another country tried to surpass the leaps in Japanese technology, they wouldn't be able to do it. And even if they did, the Japanese would come back and surpass them again anyway -- no matter how many coconuts they have.

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Posted by Erik on September 28, 2004 11:06 AM
TrackBack | Category: Japan

GO NEPAL 5; NO NEPAL, 14. The polls are still open.

DAN's link is quite interesting; the latest posts are from backpackers who just landed in Kathmandu and say everything is fine as long as you avoid the overly American areas. From my experience, the warnings posted by governments are usually an overreaction -- there were warnings about going to Tanzania and Sinai; similarly there are warnings in other countries to avoid New York -- and usually it's okay. But there are also warnings (from the backpackers) not to trek solo -- not that I would; I'd try and find a group to trek with -- that is, if enough people are saying YES to Nepal too and will be there.

Keep in mind that dealing with Maoists on the trails is inevitable and has been for years -- and people still go -- it's part of the experience so I'm told. (They usually give you a receipt for the items they take from you so you can claim on insurance.) Also keep in mind that my plan wasn't to do the popular Annapurna Circuit; I was just going to fly into Kathmandu, acclimate for a day and then fly to Lukla, the closest airport to the base of Everest. I would hike from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, not all the way from Kathmandu.

I'm still 50/50 on Nepal but I'll stick to my word and really put it in the voters' hands (without having it ultimately come to only the votes from Florida). Assuming that the results kick Nepal out of the itinerary, I will go straight to India (which is not without it's current political tension).

Assuming Nepal doesn't win the election, where should I be for my 30th birthday on October 18? My plan was to ring in the Big Three-Oh at "the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world." What superlative can top that? (Keep in mind that I'm really "churched out," "templed out," "shrined out," "pagodad out," "pyramided out," etc.)

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 27, 2004 11:12 PM

BEHIND THE SCENES: So, the day I met Sebastian in Marrakesh, Morocco, I got an e-mail from the Wall Street Journal, asking for an interview from me since they were going to do an article about the pros/cons of travel Blogs. I went back and forth with the reporter there via e-mail for months. And, so I'm told the article is out today (9/28) in the WSJ's Personal Journal section.

Exciting? No. If the article is what they sent me in an e-mail I just got, mention of me and The Blog didn't make the cut. In fact, out of the 50 or so people interviewed from the industry, only about three people have provided quotes in the final article.

I'm not sure if I'm mentioned in the actual PRINT edition; if you want to look into it, go ahead.

(FYI: This was part of the reason why I was behind on the Blog in Morocco/Europe.)

NEPOLL UPDATE: GO NEPAL 9; NO NEPAL 13.
Despite how you may have interpreted my last rant on my internal Nepal debate, I'm still really 50/50; there are pros and cons either way. The polls are still open.

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 28, 2004 12:35 PM

Erik:

I would like to second Td0t's HAI! in regards to going to Nepal. HAI! HAI!From the news that I have read on the subject from from bloggers that have recently been there, it sounds like a managable situation for a seasoned traveller like you. Just excercise extra caution.

Its a shame that there's not a HAI! pronunciacion equivilent in the Spanish launguage, I would love to shout SI! in a normal conversation with the same loud entonation when speaking here in Costa Rica (where I currently live) without getting strange looks from bystanders who think that I have a hearing problem or that I have begun speaking Spanish at a higher VOLUME than the locals, much in the same way that Americans speak when conversing amongst themselves in English (It has been my experience that many non-english speakers percieve that folks from the US practically YELL when speaking to each other in English--I include myself in this group of LOUD TALKERS by the way...guilty as charged).

Also, as one of the bonafied TGT blog addicts, I am one of many who love the daily posts to feed our wanderlust. However, if updating the blog on a daily basis means that you are not getting enough sleep or neglecting a cool experience on the road, please don't do it. We can wait a couple of days to hear about your latest adventure. Remember above all to enjoy this experience to the fullest with no regrets!

Posted by: James on September 30, 2004 10:54 AM

first!

My first "first".

It must be because I too am in Tokyo.

Hey Erik, are you still in Tokyo (Sep 28?), if so, any interest in meeting my girlfriend and I for a drink? We found a great place for Sake.

Isn't Tokyo amazing?

We're one month into our RTW trip (Australia & New Zealand before here), if I could plug our megar site www.rtw2004.com, you can check it out.

If you are interested, you can email me at john@rtw2004.com.

Hope we can meet up---

John & Melissa

Posted by: Szlachta on September 27, 2004 11:08 PM

it just looks interesting to me. A friend (from India) places it high on his list of places to go.

Also, see the beginning of the Bourne Supremacy. The first 15 mins or so are all in Goa.

Posted by: tjw on September 27, 2004 11:18 PM

ok ok...

You ONLY live once...
You ONLY turn 30 once...

If it's meant to be, it's meant to be....I still say feel it out, there might be someone out there (SBR, or anyone else, or maybe even something cool that I don't even know about (where's that line from? :-)) that will lead you in our path to the base of the mountain...

but if, not...on the way to dehli, you must stop at pankot palace....and you must take the the LEFT tunnel, the LEFT tunnel...

Posted by: markyt on September 27, 2004 11:41 PM

Look, birthdays are just an arbitrary thing. Time is a made up concept. Some physicists even argue that it doesn't exist, unlike mass or distance. They say a more realistic measure would be entropy.

I don’t think you need a superlative experience for your 30th birthday after spending your 29th year like you have. Life’s not about topping your previous experiences, it's just about growing. Like me, growing thirsty for another beer.

Cheers

Posted by: tjw on September 27, 2004 11:46 PM

hah. i like Bill's attitude. "If you make it." lol

anyways, you sound like you wanna go to nepal...so i recind my "no" to a "yes". You can also cross the sea north and head over to South Korea..and if you want to attach a superlative to that, think North Korean Border.

btw, the future is now. i ordered a Papa John's pizza in Clifton thru the internet. Paid by credit card and recieved a confirmation via email. ah yes, if only Giligan's Island had broadband they could've been stuck on the island with good food.

Posted by: Love Penny on September 28, 2004 12:51 AM

As I'm a diver and have it from a friend, Sri Lanka is a wonderful place... you could maybe go diving in Goa and then get to Sri Lanka and dive there?? Just a thought. You've been diving on the East Coast of Africa, so maybe elsewhere? Could be fun...

Also, porn in the newspapers is ODD! Do you have to be of a certain age to buy them? That seems so strange.

Posted by: Noelle on September 28, 2004 01:02 AM

i've got to say that San Francisco has pretty BAD street performers...

Go to Nepal cuz I'm off to Hurricane Country, either wise known as the land where votes don't count tomorrow...

Posted by: markyt on September 28, 2004 01:09 AM

Hey Love Penny, Erik did take a pic WITH the booth bunny! And yeah, Electric town has all the goodies the japanese don't export out of the country. We won't see half that tech in the states for another 2 years.

Posted by: oogy on September 28, 2004 01:46 AM

TJW / NOELLE: Goa was always on my To See list, but not necessarily on Three Oh Day.

NOELLE: Porn in newspapers, Liz tells me, is fairly normal. They also run hard core anime porn and bukkake videos on TV around 10 p.m...

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 28, 2004 05:56 AM

GO NEPAL 8; NO NEPAL 12.

LOVEPENNY: Yes, I do feel like going; but am just as wary as all the people voting NO. I can't tell if the warnings this time are the same "usual" paranoid ones issued every so often for other countries, or if this one is really the "real deal." Peace Corps and the American Embassy pulled out people out of Kathmandu a couple of weeks ago; then again, they are known to be perhaps overly cautious.

ALSO, going to Nepal cuts into my India/SE Asia time...

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 28, 2004 06:17 AM

I think if you have any doubts that the warnings are not the usual paranoia....than don't go. I originally voted yes, but am now recinding my vote to a no.

It is 9:00 am here and I am cursing you for putting that song in my head, I am sure it will be with me ALL day!

Posted by: Lisa on September 28, 2004 09:49 AM

Like you said, the Maoist's have been part of "the experience" for a couple years now. There haven't been any serious incidents with tourists being kidnapped or targeted to my knowledge. Not that I'm a commie or anything, but all of the news pouring out of Nepal about evil rebels comes from the govt. of course, and we know that all of that isn't the clear truth.

I think if you do the obvious and avoid demonstrations, lay low in the capital, and stay with a group, you'll be fine. You may even have the oppurtunity to talk with a Maoist rebel while trekking and hear their side (someone I've spoken with via email did just this).

How about Indonesia? Do you have plans to visit? The warnings to Indo have to be worse than Nepal, but besides a few incidents, it is a safe and welcoming country (outside the capital and northern sumatra).

Good luck with your decision. I'm voting again for YES - Hey, I'm from Florida so I wanna make sure you get my vote :)

Posted by: Dan on September 28, 2004 09:58 AM

Dude just "DO It! " 30 I hear is just downhill after that... besides You don't want to miss out on this ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3695426.stm
I'm sure you can use your chameleon skills to get around without even being noticed there.

Posted by: Simf2p on September 28, 2004 10:27 AM

i voted no, but seeing how you really want to go, and how you don't look like an typical american, and how you wanted to do something "special" for the big 3-0, even though this whole trip is something incredible, then i'll retract my "no" and give you a "yes". but make sure you are very careful and you get a receipt for anything they take from you, though i don't see how that works with the insurance companies.

Posted by: alice on September 28, 2004 11:10 AM

I know that the 30th birthday is a big deal. I went to Spain for my 30th. (not as exciting as Nepal but I agree that you gotta do something BIG!) Hey simf2p, it's not all downhill after that.... I turn 34 in a few months and I'm going on my biggest trip yet backpacking in Asia over Christmas!

Being 30+ is COOL! especially when you look and act young to begin with. (I'm still pretty immature)

Just had to stick up for your "older" readers, haha!

Posted by: sara on September 28, 2004 11:36 AM

Finally all caught up =) I don't know if it's too late to vote but I vote no to Nepal - just from all the links I've read. You should spend your 30th at the Taj Mahal =) It's an amazing place.

Posted by: Yvette on September 28, 2004 12:03 PM

MOE: GBR, been there, done that. (May 2003) Thanks for the idea though.

Kashmir... I'll look into it.

LOVEPENNY: That goes for N. Korea too; Skye (Yangshou) said that one company has figured out the loopholes to let American tourists into N. Korea. He told me that you mustn't stray away from your guide or else he will be shot.

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 28, 2004 12:38 PM

Hey Erik

Have a go in Nepal. It's supposed to be great. Be careful though.
About N.Korea: I checked a couple of months ago and the tours are still going but are really expensive and strictly monitored. (as Lovepenny said) I haven't been that far North, but the tour to the DMZ is really good. I know you're templed out and Korea is yet another land of temples and pagodas. They start looking the same,, and you haven't been to S.E. Asia yet. You'll see enough for many lifetimes. I know how you're feeling.
I'm just outside of Seoul so if you come to Korea you have a place to stay, but if not, have a great time with the rest of your travels.

Posted by: Angie on September 28, 2004 02:55 PM

After careful concideration, I vote HAI! for Nepal. As long as you don't spend to much time in the capital.

But if Nepal loses the poll, how about Bhutan?
http://www.kingdomofbhutan.com/
Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Posted by: Td0t on September 28, 2004 04:41 PM

You'd get the beauty of the Himalayas unmarred by a dicey political situation. And, you could still celebrate the big three-oh among the worlds highest peaks.

Posted by: Td0t on September 28, 2004 04:56 PM

ERIK: When i lived in Japan i remember freaking out over those porn magazines that they sell over there that are read by boys. teenagers and old men. I actually have one at home. Shame on me

Posted by: neven on September 28, 2004 06:01 PM

I vote for Bhutan. Great idea Td0t! I was trying to think of somewhere up there that won't get you killed. The only Hindu state in the world has to be worth something, right? While they may not have access to Everest, they still have some pretty tall stuff.

About Nepal, you don't want to be the first foriegner that they actaully kill. Its bound to happen at some point. Its not like you were actaully going to summit on Everest, so going to base camp is really just symbolic anyway.

Posted by: tjw on September 28, 2004 07:58 PM

I was just reading about Bhutan - not to rain on anyone's parade - but they recommend getting the Visa 90 days before your arrival and no independent travel is allowed... ugh. But, that site does tell you all you need to know...

Posted by: Noelle on September 28, 2004 08:20 PM

Sorry I'm still behind... MY BRAIN IS ABSOLUTELY FRIED; my eyes have been red for about a month now, from the lack of sleep from trying to travel and make a Blog interesting at the same time. Last night I've discovered now that there's a whole big visa to-do for getting into India that is going to be a whole other headache added to the pile. Not to mention the stress that my bank account is rapidly diminishing.

I apologize in advance if the next coming entries aren't up to par...

Posted by: Erik TGT on September 28, 2004 10:44 PM

I just voted NO NEPAL in the previous post, but there are some good Pro Nepal arguments in these comments here. So I hereby declare my vote as officially changed to YES NEPAL!. Just take care, find a group to go around with as you get to Kathmandu and yada yada yada.

However, if No Nepal wins, how about starting early with your SE Asia bit and spending the BDay by the tallest twin towers here in Kuala Lumpur?

(still want to know what SBRs stand for, I guess I'm one of them)

Posted by: Lets on September 28, 2004 11:35 PM

Erik - we will read, have no fear. Your posts are always interesting, even when you think they're boring... reason being that we are armchair/desk/treo travelers - and we love that you are out there inspiring us... have no fear!

Posted by: Noelle on September 29, 2004 01:50 AM

hey Erik - first of all, Noelle is right - your posts ARE always interesting! Secondly, I think you need a vacation! If your eyes have been red for a month and the blog is stressing you out a bit, maybe you can find a little island or town to chill out in. You can tell us about the local characters or just post pictures of your feet on a beach and when you're ready, go conquer whatever you feel like. It will still be interesting to read about, I promise!

Posted by: sara on September 29, 2004 11:39 AM