THE JAPAN DIARIES PART I: Tokyo

Hey everyone,

So this is the first in a series about my trips to Japan.

Tokyo is so vast, I'm going to focus on specific areas in a few different blog posts.

For now, I'll just share some of my favourite photos from what I do my first week in the crazy, amazing Japanese capital...

  If you've had a long journey (it's a 13 hour flight for myself to Tokyo - and that's after my connecting flight from Newcastle!) no matter what time I arrive I pretty much like to write the day off.  I always stay in an AirBNB as I think you get a lot more value for money, and I find Tokyo hotels extortionate.
I like to unpack, take a long nap, then wander around my local neighbourhood - it's a good idea to source the closest metro stop and convenience store ("konbini") and browse the local stops and restaurants. 
Oh, and the above pic is the view from the first apartment I stayed in 2014, just outside Nakano. (I was above the bus depo.) While I loved the apartment, it was a little far out than I would have liked and it was tiring passing through Shinjuku station everyday. 
The year after I stayed in Meguro which was adorable and a lot cheaper, but not a lot as much to do locally. 
When I return in 2017 with my sister, I want to stay somewhere around Shibuya.
(UPDATE: We're staying in Minato-ku in which I've managed to book an apartment next door to an Irish pub. Well done, Carla.)
Anyway, I digress...
 

It's also worth checking out your traditional Japanese bath - it's actually a lot more comfortable than it looks, although the first few tries you do feel like a laundry load. 

If you're going to bath the correct way - if course you're supposed to shower before, stepping into the bath completely clean. 
This is because the bath is really only to be used for relaxation, and also in Japanese families the same water is shared by everyone. 
However I was by myself so just chucked a Lush bath bomb in. YOLO. Well rested? Good. Time to explore...  
If you plan to travel around Japan quite a lot as I did my first year, I can not recommend a Japan Rail Pass enough. 
This allows you to use JR local lines which operate in major cities (most notably the Yamanote line in Tokyo which takes you to most touristy places) as well as most bullet train ("Shinkansen") servies nationally. 
However if you are just planning to stay in one city such as Tokyo, then it's not really worth it. Just buy an IC such as a Suica or which work the same way as Oyster Cards in London. 
Except they're much cooler as you can use it to buy from vending machines, convenience stores, fast food resteraunts and so much more. So it can be handy getting one anyway.  (Check out this page from Japan-Guide to see which card is best for you during your stay.)
Don't forget to buy a cute case from...
   
Harajuku is a place I've been dreaming about for the best part of fifteen years. While the scene isn't as huge as it was in the 90s, it's still an awesome place to shop for cute, alternative fashion.  (Think Camden in London). 
I prefer going on the morning on a weekday when it isn't quite so manic - it's absolutely packed on weekends.
 However please note if you go during the week, some stores aren't open. 
Don't forget to stop for a famous Harajuku crepe.  Though when I went in late 2015, there seemed to be a craze for huge, pastel candy floss (or cotton candy if you're from the USA!).
     
I'm a sucker for anything 'kawaii' so when I stumbled upon this PomPomPurin cafe I had to nip inside for lunch. 
I had a peach iced tea and a custard pudding, though the set meals also looked wonderful.
  Meiji Jingu is a beautful Shinto shrine, located a stone's throw from Harajuku station and offers a haven for quite reflection opposite the bright colours and loud music of Takeshitedori. 
It's very popular with locals and tourists alike - I went around lunchtime and there were several salarymen praying for prosperity on their break.

 
For around 500 YEN you can buy a wooden plaque to hang your wish or prayer. This was mine.
  Head to Akihabara - aka 'Electronic Town.' An otaku heaven. 
Sadly (and some would say surprisingly) I'm not a huge anime fan so a lot of the products in stores go right over my head.
I think it's still definitely worth a visit for the maid cafes, original cat cafes and if you bring your passport you can shop duty-free in the district's many electronics stores. 
It also looks amazing in the evening when the sun goes down, and the neon lights are still blaring. 
     
The 5-story Sega Centre where I got lost and had to ask an amused assistant where the exit was.  A Maidreamin' maid drumming up business.

I actually much prefer Nakano for my geekery when I'm in Tokyo. 
It's a three-story shopping mall packed full of little independent shops selling mostly second hand goodies. Also the ice cream stall in the basement is something of a local legend and has been frequented by celebrities such as Naomi Watanabe and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. 
My personal favourite stores are one which sells second hand Nintendo memorabilia (I've got some amazing deals on plushies and figurines - nothing I've bought is over £10) and another which is a room full of gachapon capsule machines:
 
I've seen these machines around my local toystores in the UK,  but they're got usually pretty crappy prizes. 
However I've seen everything from Super Mario Bros, Totoro, Hello Kitty, Disney, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Hatsune Miku, Rilakkuma, even stationary..ranging from ¥200 to ¥400 they can make for super cheap, adorable souvenirs which won't take up lots of space in your suitcase. 
Beware - they can become very, very addictive!  And yes, I did spot a gachapon where you can win panties.  Not USED panties as legend dictates, but panties nonetheless.

Shibuya 109 is a huge department store which is definitely worth a look if you're at all into Japanese fashion. 
Being a size 18, there's not a lot I can squeeze my big butt into - however there is a branch of Punyus, which is an awesome store selling sizes UK 6 - 20. 
There are also plenty of other stores I found myself losing a whole afternoon in - accessories, jewellery, wigs, cosplay, beauty. 
Though beware if you're not keen on crowds, I wouldn't go on a Saturday. Bedlam. 

 
After you've inevitably spent all your holiday money in the places mentioned above you'll be in need of a cheap date. 
I recommend visiting the Tokyo Government Building - on the top floor there is a free observatory offering amazing views of Tokyo. There's also a gift shop and several cafes. 
I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds then treating yourself to an inexpensive ramen or udon lunch at one of the many shops nearby, surrounded by harassed salarymen.

OK, now back to the madness...
   
The Robot Restaurant is a must-do for all first-timers to Tokyo.  (Though 'restaurant' is pushing it a bit - you really just receive an overpriced Bento box so I recommend eating before you go as we did.) 
While you are waiting for the show to start, a robot band treats you to elevator music and wedding party classics.  You haven't lived until a robot has serenaded you to The Carpenter's 'Close To You.' Beer is 100% necessary. 
And the show...  I know it's a very 2005 word, but 'random' is the only was I can really describe it. 
Bikini babes on traditional (albeit, covered in LED lights) drums, a boxing match between the robots and dinosaurs, pole dancing, idol girls riding sparkly unicorns singing Lady Gaga...it's just madness.
I've never tried hallucinogenic drugs, but I can imagine it's a similar experience. 
Me and my friend Hiro-chama were sitting near some fellow Brits who looked throughly unimpressed, but if you go in with an open mind, embracing the sheer hilarity and craziness for an hour or two, you'll have a great night! 
 Again - I reiterate - beer very much helps.
  Don't forget you can take a robot selfie during the break!
And that should have you covered for the first week of your trip. 
I'm going to slot in a few extra posts about specific things to do in Tokyo I want to go into more detail about, such as the Studio Ghibli museum and a few more of the crazy themed bars. 
We'll also be moving on to a few other major cities soon so do check back for more soon!

Muchos love, Carla

TRAVEL: Autumn Airport Tips

Hey everyone,

Following on from my Autumn weekend packing tips, I thought I'd chip in my two cents on how to save money at the airport.

Mostly thanks for the wonders of the internet in my youth, I have friends scattered all over the world and have been lucky enough to have been invited to stay with some of them.
(Which they then regret when they meet me in person and discover how tedious I really am. Not really. I think.)

I've stayed in Virginia twice and travelled around the East Coast with Jessica, ate all the food in Belfast with Claire and of course became a squatter at Hayley and Henry's house in Sydney (and later her mum's in Melbourne!).

However this also means the bane of some existances - airports.

"Got on a plaaaaaane from London Heathrooooooow"

I actually don't mind airports and flying at all.
For some reason train journeys get me way more flustered.

But since like I said in my last post that Autumn is the time to grab quick last minute deals, I thought I'd write up some of the tips and tricks to save money at the airport and have extra cash for your trip!

Use public transport to get to the airport.

Yes hawking your bags on buses, trains, trams and tubes is never fun – especially if you’re travelling during a rush hour. However it’s worth so much in the long run: if you take your car you run the risk of racking up hundereds of pounds in car park fees.

Taxi fees depend from place to place, so do some research beforehand.

For example: a taxi from Kings Cross to Heathrow is about £60 and a single underground ticket is just a fraction of the price. But a taxi from Sydney Central Station to the airport was about $15 – around the same price as a train ticket! 

Double (and Triple) Check your luggage!

Going on a quick weekend jaunt with your friends? Fit as much as you can in your hand luggage without going over the weight limit to save spending extra on hold luggage (remember if you’re going anywhere particularly touristy to factor in souvieners on your way back.)

If you are checking in hold luggage be sure to check the weight before you go to the airport.

I’ve only been caught out by this once when I was doing last minute shopping the last time I went to Virginia and found I had gone over my limit.
While it's not the end of the world, it's honestly the last thing you need before a long haul flight to be fussing and sorting out what you are going to leave behind.

Looking elated the day before I started backpacking. 

(I was less elated when the floral backpack from ASOS broke at Heathrow! It didn't even make it out of the country.)

Sleep at the airport/enquire about an earlier flight.

If you have a 12 hour+ layover and are considering staying local overnight, hotels near aiports can be a premium – especially last minute.
If you must stay overnight, have a browse for cheaper alternatives but be sure to take into account travel to and from including airport shuttles (airport shuttles average around £15 return), taxis and public transport.

If you are travelling with a backpack, tie your backpack to the chair with a bike lock and sleep with your day pack full of clothes as your pillow. 

And you never know, check with the desk – there may be an earlier flight they can bump you on if you ask nicely enough!
(This happened to me in 2008 – I was expecting a nine hour layover, but when I asked, I was put on a quicker flight for no extra cost in two hours time.) 

There's a phrase we say in the North East: "Shy bairns get nee broth" - aka: "You don't ask, you don't get!"

Looking fresh as hell after a 10-hour flight from Melbourne to Hong Kong, about to board a 13-hour flight to London.

Remember to pack baby/face wipes, a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on for a quick freshen up in the airport/transport bathroom.

Bring your own food.

Eat before you leave for the airport or bring some sandwiches to munch before your flight.

Or, if you’re like me and compleletely lose your appetite before travelling; pack the backpacker saving graces - granola bars! 
You can get heftier ‘meal supplement’ versions but I usually go with standard versions by Quaker. If you're able to eat them, get ones with nuts in to sustain your energy. 

HOWEVER if you have extra foreign currency leftover you might as well spend it as you'll most likely just lose money exchanging it back, so during my last trip to Virginia I ended spending my last $20 at Buffalo Wild Wings. Class-ay.

$20 well spent!

Avoid buying entertainment

Magazines, books and games can be sold at a premium in airports, so bring your own enterainment.

Personally, if I know I’m going to be at an aiport for hours bring my Nintendo DS with a word-heavy/puzzle/point-and-click game from the Professor Layton or Ace Attorney series.

I’ve found that these use up less battery than action or racing games, but by all means bring your charger – a bit of hunting and you’re bound to find a plug!

Yes, we still have the original Nintendo DS consoles.

Definitely asking Santa for a 3DS this Christmas. 

(If only to play Ace Attorney 5 OMGOMGOMG!)

Don’t Pay for wi-fi!

Discreetly sit nearby a Starbucks or fast food chain like McDonalds and check to see if they have free wifi. You could pay £10+ per 24 hours if you pay the airport’s rates.
(However, be sure to sit near or outside the venues – as someone who has worked in food service, don’t be the douchy obvious person who is sitting without buying anything.) 

Some airports I’ve been to such as Hong Kong offer free internet service at their hotspots, but this is also worth checking a day or so before your flight.


Don’t Buy Souvieners At the Airport.

When me and my sister were in New York we planned on buying everyone I HEART NY t-shirts as inexpensive souviencers we found at a shop for 3 for £10. 

However in the airport, the same t-shirts were retailing for about £30 each.

(Of course if you do some exploring, you're bound to come across something way more unique. We were just a little pushed for time.)

Avoid The Fines: Know What You Can and Can't Take Into the Country!

If you are travelling abroad, make sure you check the customs guidelines for prohibited goods and know what you have to declare to save yourself on hefty fines. 

When I travelled to Australia where they are notoriously strict with their customs, I had a pretty good idea what I was able to bring into the country including my medication.

As a precaution I declared everything I had on the form (Prescribed: asthma inhalers. Unprescribed: ibuprofen, stomach tablets, travel sickness pills), and just to be on the safe side food-wise, I left my stash of Cadbury’s chocolates with the housekeeping team in our Hong Kong hotel. 

What are your top tips for saving time and money at the airport? 
Do let me know!


And honestly, I've tried to find a smooth way to work this picture into the post as it's hilarious, but really there's no other way around it.

For goodness sake if you're flying long haul, move around on the plane otherwise you may end up with feet like this...

I couldn't fit into my Vans shoes for a week!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla


DISCLAIMER: Post in partnership with Purple Parking (ooh, unintentional alliteration there!). Be sure to check out their own Airport Travel Tips!

TRAVEL: Back to Blighty!

Hey everyone,

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know I have returned to Blighty!

(All pictures shamelessly stolen from Sam!)

It's been an incredible five-and-a-bit months, but I decided to come home. 

Not for any particular reason - it's not that I wasn't enjoying myself, or feeling homesick at all - but it was the right decision for me. 

It's been an amazing adventure - and I thank you all a million times for being so patient during my hiatus.

The reason it seems a little out of the blue was that I actually wanted to surprise my parents. 

After my two flights (twenty three hours in the air was not fun - and I managed to mess up my already dodgy knee so I now have an attractive limp) I spent three days in London with my best friend Sam. 

It was so much fun, and I wasn't too jet lagged as I was lucky enough to get a red eye from Hong Kong.

Not having much stirling on me, we had lots of dvd watching under blankets with tea and toast. Although we did have a jaunt into the city for our favourite London activity of wandering around the V&A museum then for a cheeky pint or two. 

I also got to see my girl Lauren of Pocket Rocket Fashion for a date at The Diner and caught up on what everyone's been up to - I'm not going to lie, it's been hard at times being so out of the loop!

We always take a 'tourist shot' of me reading a map!

I had no winter clothes with me, so had to layer up all my Summer gear and Sam loaned me a hat and scarf.

Kylie Minogue's dressing room exhibition at the V&A. I love her so much!

Running around The Disney Store in Oxford Street like an excited child.

At one of our favourite watering holes in Central London - The Porterhouse in Covent Garden.

(We also usually go to The Maple Leaf but most of the taps were off for some reason.)

It was so much fun surprising my parents when I got back to the North. 

I asked Italian Catholic Mother to go to my sister's window overlooking the road, and I was down there with my backpack waving! 

Needless to say she and Papi B were very surprised! 

I've been home for just over a week now, and have been enjoying some serious downtime as well as catching up with my friends which has been so much fun.

I'm definitely going try my hardest to get back into regular blogging as I really do miss it - and you all.

I seriously can't thank you all enough for your supportive comments, messages and tweets while I've been away. You guys are the best!

Muchos love,

MessyCarla.

TRAVEL: Checking In...from Melbourne!

Hey everyone,

Dear me, where has the time gone? Have I really been away from home for four months already? Crazy.

Once again I must apologise for not blogging, but one again everything has been none-stop.
Although it was almost a month ago, I must tell you all that Christmas abroad was awesome.

Despite it being thunder and lightening and "Sydney's wettest Christmas in seventy years". That didn't deter us.
We planned to go to the beach, so we bloody well went to the beach.

On the plus side, we had the whole coast to ourselves.
And the water wasn't so cold after a bottle or two of Prosecco.

BRITS ABROAD, WOO.

This is the picture WITH the bathing suits on. Just sayin'.



We'd only just recovered from Christmas, (and managed not to catch colds - score!) when New Year was upon us.
We had tickets to the Opera House Bar to watch the fireworks and they were worth every penny.

With my roommates Olivia and Alyson waiting for sunset.

The party was beach themed - so my floral Red Herring dress was perfect!

However, yesterday we all moved out of our little flat (known lovingly as 'The Crack Den' if you follow me on Twitter) to continue our adventures elsewhere. Olivia and Alyson have headed up the East Coast, but I have moved to Melbourne!

The view from my hostel.

As you can probably tell by the shape of the above photo, I have joined the Instagram family. Only about three years too late to the party, right?

My poor little Blackberry drowned in the afformentioned Christmas downpour so I now have an Android. You can follow me on Instagram under (of course) MESSYCARLA! 





Right, apologies again this is so short - but I have lots of job hunting to do (boo!) before I meet my friends Jay and Becca for a few drinks (woo!).

I do miss you all loads - the best way to keep in touch with me is (as always) via Twitter!


Muchos love,
MessyCarla

TRAVEL: Six Weeks Down Under

Hey everyone,

Remember me, that girl who used to blog?

I'm so sorry it's been almost a month since I blogged, but everything is still all systems go in Sydney.
We moved into our flat last month and have been here for about three weeks now. It's very cheap, but there's are technically nine of us living here (four in our room - me, my friends Alyson and Olivia and a French girl, Mathilde), four French boys in another room (François, Romain, Adrien and another whose name we keep forgetting but we call him 'Pitbull' as he looks a bit like the rapper of the same name) and another single room housing another French guy called Mario and his girlfriend sleeps over most nights too.

It gets a bit cramped sometimes as the lads always have their mates over to watch football or play Fifa (François is a HUGE Newcastle United fan!) but never overbearing. We keep meaning to all go out together so but we keep missing each others schedules - either we have plans/are broke or vise versa. There's also a bit of a language barrier as their English is very scattered and of course our French is even worse. But as Olivia pointed out this will just make things funnier!

Right, I'll stop waffling on now and share some pictures.
(I hope this style of blogging is ok with you guys for now!)

So recently I have...

Chilled out at Surry Hills - possibly my new favourite area of Sydney!
(but I still haven't been to Newtown yet...)

Explored Watsons Bay.

Eaten delicious calamari and chips.

Made a Sydney BFF in the form of Hayley!

Seen Planet Earth in Concert...

...and Pixar in Concert at the Sydney Opera House!

Enjoyed a cheeky bottle of Prosecco (or two) at the Opera Bar afterwards....

But can you blame us? Check out the view!

Become addicted to the $10 bento from the Japanese place under my apartment building.

Developed a second sight for happy hour!

Got inked!

(More on this in an upcoming blog post! It's still a bit scabby and healing in the photo.)

(Photo by Hayley)

Dressed up as a kitty cat for Halloween, went to Jesse Willesee's Haunted Hotel party in Kings Cross, and cried because I just want to hug all of the cats.

Was attacked with allergies so bought out my local pharmacy and spent all day in bed watching movies.

(Olivia, me, Alyson, Becca, Jay and a Chilean guy called Juan who spent his last night in Sydney with us - the lucky duck!)

I got better just in time for our favourite 'Pommy' quiz night at Irish pub, Scruffy Murphy's!

This always works out a cheap night as they give away free jugs of beer. (Check out Olivia and Alyson using wine glasses, the classy birds!)
Our team 'The Quiz Tarrants' have come second both times we've competed - third time lucky?

And that's all for now, folks!

I hope you all had fun Halloweens whether you were out dancing or home watching scary movies with a huge bag of sweets. Both sound marvelous to me.

Finally, I'll leave you with a picture of my friend Daniel dressed as a jilted bride:

Miss you, lover!

Muchos love,

MessyCarla.