Sometimes, when you rerun a certain occasion in your mind, when you try to recapture what you felt, heard, or experienced, for some reason, it just wasn't as good as you thought it was. Friday night was definitely not one of those occasions. For some reason, every time I think about that night, it just keeps getting better.
After pre-gaming outside an AM/PM "konbini" or convenience store, a couple friends and I headed over to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku. Earlier during the week, I reminded myself that one of my goals I had to accomplish was to go to a top-floor hotel bar eventually. Well, turns out, one of the Park Hyatt Hotel bars is the exact location where the film "Lost in Translation" was shot. So, obviously, I was psyched. Our brisk walk to the hotel after the "konbini" affirmed my already tipsy state. Laughs and somewhat directionally challenged: I think that's the best way to describe our small group. But after the elevator climb, along with some ear poppage, I instantly felt different as soon as the elevator doors opened. It's hard to describe really, but I'd say I felt something close to jaw-dropping awe and serenity wrapped up nicely with a bow on top.
The Park Hyatt Peak Lounge was ambiently lit, the ceiling atleast 5 stories high, glass windows revealing the delicate Tokyo skyline to the salarymen sipping their scotches. After figuring out where we were sitting, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to actually be experiencing this. We had a table close to one of the windows facing most of the taller buildings in Tokyo - city lights and empty office buildings included. And oh, by the way, my beer cost me 1,300yen, or about $14.00! Anyways, there's something especially soothing about looking out into the night sky, even if you can't see the stars. I love taking evening strolls in Chicago, but seeing the Tokyo cityscape at night is just mesmerizing. You can't help but stop and think about why you're here, what you're happy for, and what you regret - and oh, do I have my regrets. Looking out over that infinte skyline and realizing how small you really are in Tokyo really tugs at your heart strings a little bit. Quite romantic, really.
As introspective as my description of the Park Hyatt Peak Lounge seems, I really did spend some quality time conversing with friends, for once. No crazy drunkness, no random girls and Japanese guys taking them away, no sausage fests, no sickly/drunk wandering - just happiness in its purest form (well, the drinks did help a bit). I've experienced clubs and alcohol fueled courage but, in retrospect, I've never really been satisfied with dancing with a random girl and getting her phone number.I diverge. Some nights are great for debaucherous activities, but I'm slowly beginning to realize that there's much better things to do with my time here in Tokyo...
[the first two pics are at a different hotel]
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