Shinjuku Park, Waffles, and Birthdays

I have always loved that Japan mixes old and new so much; with their super traditional shrines etc and then the most modern of mod cons. Shinjuku-Gyouen really demonstrates this. I guess it being a park in a big city it would naturally do so, but it makes for pretty pictures anyway! I went with a bunch of SOAS buddies on the 19th of April. Look how pretty it is!

At the entrance

Sam included!

My ticket

Sakura crepe; wasn’t bad but wasn’t incredible

Japan grass… not very grassy.

Metropolis and greenery

My first time seeing wisteria!

Sam looking lovely with the flowers

curly curly

After we’d had a nice long day hanging out in the park, I met a bunch of the TUFS lot and went for a good old Karaoke 😀

Marlene being cute

Selfie!

Michelle, Micheal, Ksenia, Kent, Marlene, Nat, and me 🙂

Sam stayed over, mostly in burrito form XD

The next day I took a trip to Kichijouji with Sam and Michelle, to visit Michelle’s favourite waffle stand. They’re pretty awesome there; really tiny bar with tasty waffles and friendly owners. Link: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1320/A132001/13164007

Outside the stand

Yum!

The Hama-sans

So for my Japan year abroad birthday, what did I do? I spent time with some of the most wonderous humans in my life. I went with Sam and Marlene to Harajuku for a bit of shopping! I got some hugely thoughtful presents from my TUFS friends too. I felt very loved 🙂 And jacket potatoes for dinner!

Off we go!

What is this thing?!

Tangled themed roof garden going on.

Starbucks in the roof garden

Sam looking disconcerted by this very strange McDonald’s doll…

Why not?

Purikura!

Earl grey tea cookies from Sam in my Totoro mug from Amy

Ready for jackets!

My Harajuku buys; got Tim a present and a bunch of fun things for me

From the left: from Sam, From Marlene, from Nadja, from Nat!

That’s it for now; I’ll be back with zoo trips and karaoke soon 🙂