Out of several misadventures in my life, this was the most unexpected one. I woke up very late today around 11:30am due to jet lag, to a very dark and cloudy day. Apparently, the Berlin cloud followed me here too. I wasn't gonna let it crush my excitement so I got ready and hurried out in search of pocket wifi.

I had checked the map beforehand. There was only one shop in Shinjuku that sold it but it required quite a bit of walk from the station. I was feeling a bit more pain in my left foot with every step. Last week while playing pingpong, I had misstepped which left me feeling uncomfortable in my left foot while walking.

I didn't pay much attention to it as it was just a mild discomfort which I hoped would go away on its own. Instead, the discomfort decided to stay and escalate into mild pain. As I was walking towards the store, I was unable to pick my pace. After getting my pocket wifi, I took my Japanese friend Yumiko's advice and went to a pharmacy to get a cold patch to stick on the side of my left ankle where it was hurting. 

As I took off my shoes and sock, I saw my ankle swollen up to the size of a tennis ball. Shocked that it had to happen here of all the places, I decided to take it easy for the day. The pharmacist was kind enough to help me stick the patch. I ignored the pain and headed out. It was already dark, windy, cold and drizzling outside. I decided to go to places that would let me be indoor. And with that, I limped my way towards the Samurai Museum which was 20mins walk.

On the way, I noticed a tiny restaurant that served Korean Kimchi Jjigae and I heard my stomach complain by growling since I had skipped breakfast that morning. I quickly found a seat and ordered a bowl of that. It was nothing like the ones I had in Berlin. I was crying from the spiciness but still loving it!

The food made me forget my pain. I also had a lovely conversation with the Korean waiter there. I decided that Tokyo was gonna be all about foodgasm. Fuck all the touristy spots. I am gonna go in search of my soul food after Samurai Museum. Yeah, that's the only touristy place I will visit because it's Samurai!

This time I found my way easily thanks to Google Maps! On the road, I saw too many Pachinko stations but I was too afraid to become a notorious gambler. So I moved on. The museum tour took an hour in which they also saw Samurai enactment. It was fun and I went "Sugoi! Sugoi! Sugoi!"

And then it was time for dinner. I chose Shirube, a Japanese Izakaya, one of the recommendations of my friend Karl who had lived in Tokyo for 2yrs. It was raining heavily and I was limping badly so I stopped for a cake and coffee (Kohī in Japanese). Foodgasm remember? 

I waited for the rain to stop while sipping the aromatic coffee inside. The streets were still crowded. Rain or no rain, Tokyo didn't sleep. Maybe that was its charm. Even though I was alone, I didn't feel lonely because of this.

Soon the rain stopped and I dragged my limping self to Shimo-Kitazawa. It was another task finding the Izakaya. As soon as I entered the Izakaya, all the waiters and chefs from different corners of the restaurants welcomed me by saying "Irasshai mase!" 

I had never received such a warm welcome. I found it tragic to be living in Berlin where people don't smile unless it's summer and the Sun shines over their gloominess. 

I promptly ordered Sake, Mackerel and Uden. Satiated, I decided to head home to rest my feet.

I wasn't done with food yet! On the way to my Airbnb stay, I picked up American Dog and Milk Pudding to eat in my room. One great thing about Japan is that you will find good food everywhere. Be it a tiny diner in a shady alley or a supermarket that is always open. I wonder how these Japanese people manage to stay so fit. I am shamelessly hogging on non stop even though I can't workout or stretch because of my foot. After all, this is my foodgasmic holiday!

Oyasuminasai!