Training Day

I learned how to create space between paragraphs!

Today, I accomplished another exciting first: Tokyo Train Ride!

Let me break it down in the sequence of events in chronological order!

1. I purchased a PASMO fare card from an ATM at the train station at Shinagawa. It had a handy button which allowed me to change all of the menus to English. You aren't able to pay with a credit card, so I inserted some cash yen at the prompt and a plastic credit-card style card was distributed into my hot hands.

2. With my destination in mind and already pre-loaded into my iphone, I was ready to conquer this easy trip! I strolled up to the entry point and swiped the card over the reader to hear the satisfying beep of confirmation. I was admitted to enter and my remaining balance also flashed onto a monitor. This is handy, since you have to reload as needed in the ATMs with more cash. You can't just "set it and forget it" like you are able to do with a credit card elsewhere.

3. As I ascended a few steps to the platform, imagine that zoom effect in movies when the protaginist looks off balance and the backround swoons as the lens zooms in on my face. I was instantly overwhelmed. Note that this was early Sunday morning. This was probably one of the slowest times all week to travel here, but I was shocked at what I saw. There were so many options for trains/routes/colors. Suddenly, my confidence diminished and I rushed to get out of the way of more-confidently-striding riders walking toward the platform. The signage had a few english phrases to guide, but the majority of information displayed all around me was in Japanese lettering. Not being in a hurry and welcoming the challenge, I studied my map and desired train. How can I find it amongst all the options presented before me?

4. I found the right line! You see, there are color-coded lines with the proper destinations indicated on the platform. It is like lining up at an amusement park for a ride. Very orderly. Also, I see that my train is scheduled to arrive in 2 minutes, so I am elated to see that I am about to embark on my FIRST TOKYO TRAIN RIDE!

5. I'm extra confident because I can see that I am lined up behind a kindly looking, slightly stooped elderly woman. She wouldn't lead me in the wrong direction, would she? Right on time, my train arrives! I stroll in and grab a seat. A comfy seat by the window is mine. The train is half full, and it is a beautiful day. What could go wrong? For fun, I am following along on my GPS map to count my stops just to be sure.

6. I was supposed to follow the curve. We are going straight, and in the wrong direction. In shock, I realize I am on the wrong train. Sad trombone. My mind is spinning as the landscape consisting of buildings whizzes by. No problem, I think. I will get off at the next stop and recalibrate. We don't stop at the next station. Or the next. Or the next. Ah, we must be on one of those "express" trains that is speeding us south. I check my cell phone battery. Halfway gone! That is my lifeline, in case I end up in Osaka. I smile sadly to myself as I play out all of the scenarios.

7. After about 15 minutes, there is an announcement that I don't understand and the train starts to slow. We are arriving at a stop! I hastily exit into A MUCH LARGER STATION. As far as I can see in both directions on the platform, there are stops and signs of different colors. I perch against the wall and hastily enter my home address into Google Maps. OK. I see which train I need to take. This time, however, I am worried about repeating my "wrong train" error again. I approach the station map. There are 3 levels to this station! Am I on the right level? I study every aspect of my destination information and compare to the station map. How can I find where to catch the correct train? My confidence is lower and I can feel the pressure. I finally realize which level I am supposed to be on. It's not this one! I need to go down to the next lower level to get on platform 6. I descend the escalator to find my line. This time, I need more information to make sure I get on the correct train to get home! I study more details about the names and numbers of my destination, comparing them to my phone. OK. I think I have this. I remember that I did NOT confirm that I was on the correct train last time with the markings on the train. I was too confident in the time that it arrived, thinking that since it arrived at the specified time that it was the correct train.

8. As my supposed train slows to a stop, I compare the colors, names, and numbers on the train to the information on my app. I have a match! I'm on! There are only three stops and I am back at my home station, relieved that I wasn't utterly lost in Tokyo after my mishap. As I strolled back home, I test my PASMO card on a vending machine to purchase the world famous drink: Pocari Sweat. It was tasty, and replenished me.

Even with the challenges, I was so happy to experience this adventure. I am in a completely foreign culture trying to figure things out. There is some real life meaning in these kinds of experiences that you can't get by not trying. I just arrived, and am loving this experience. Now, I need to plan for my next adventure. Let me know what you would like for me to see or experience while I am in Japan. I didn't take many pictures, since I was so stressed out, but I did manage a couple of photos as I returned to the Shinagawa station.