Home Sweet Home

I'm home! =) Will be posting photos, sketches, and reflections, right after I get my life back on track and beat the jetlag.

Greetings from Tokyo

So it's been a week since a gruelling 12-hour plane ride has landed me in this city. I've been enjoying the past week, some days more than others. So far we've seen the Shibuya crossing, gone shopping at Harajuku, visited a really sketchy bar/dance club in Roppongi, caught a glimpse of Akihabara, and browsed through the huge doujinshi stores in Ikebukuro (haven't manage to go to a "butler cafe" yet.) We've also visited the Ghibli Museum and spent some time in a lovely park in the suburbs of Tokyo. It's a strange feeling I've been getting here. A few years ago my main focus would definitely be shopping, and stocking up on as many anime/art merchandise as possible, but this time, we emerged from all those stores without a single purchase. (so far!) Part of it may be our rather thin budget, but another part of me is proud to be able to walk away from things I don't really "need." I have also been getting a lot of sketching done, the people here are so interesting to draw! I wish I have the means to scan and upload them.

I think the most inspiring thing I have seen is the Ghibli Museum. Inside, Miyazaki has recreated 2 of his workspaces, and they are filled with reference images, books, and beautiful paintings. Sketches and storyboards decorate the wall. Finished paintings frame the tables littered with half-opened poster colors and animation paper. While it's true that I loved some of his movies (namely Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Howl's Moving Castle,) I don't think I've ever been so appreciative of Miyazaki as an artist until I have browsed through that museum.

Anyway internet at this place costs $1 every 30 mins, and my time is running out (and I'm too cheap to pay another whole dollar for more time on the net =P) so I'll stop here. I hope everyone is enjoying their break! =)