that…
I had pictured a nice, civilized little train ride to Yokohama. I’ve been there several times. No big deal.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.
I got on the right train. A few stops along, the announcements suddenly sounded different—and everyone got off. That seemed like a strong hint, so I got off too. Everyone lined up neatly on another platform, so I did that as well.
Then I noticed a sign saying the next train would be ten minutes late. Unheard of. About fifteen minutes later, a train arrived—stuffed. Truly stuffed. Another human could not possibly fit. But somehow, we all got squished on anyway.
Everyone was wearing puffy winter jackets. It was unreal. I felt oddly cushioned and strangely safe. I couldn’t move anything. I happened to have my phone in my hand, so I managed to take exactly one photo—of the floor.
A couple of stops later, I was pushed off the train with the crowd.
I got back on and continued to Yokohama Station. But I could not, for the life of me, find my way out of the station. Every attempt led directly into yet another shopping mall. Eventually, I declared ENOUGH, got back on the train, and returned to the hotel.
A different kind of adventure.
Japan is a weird and wonderful place.
Last night, I did make it out to see some of the “illuminations,” as they’re called here.
And not all the illuminations are outside.
Or not.
You never know.