From Pennies To Yennies

For lunch today, Dan took me out to Chofu, where his office is. It’s about 5 miles west of where we live. We went to a restaurant called Jackson Hole. It’s a restaurant that opened some time ago, and then was featured in Nana, an anime and manga, and has since gained much popularity.

We ordered our food, then headed upstairs to sit in the Wyoming themed restaurant. There was an adorable child passed out on the couch behind Dan.

We ordered Jackson burgers, a side of fries and drinks. Way smaller portions than America of course. I had no idea what to expect, so I was pleased with what I got- a cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, tomato and a dollop of chili. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good picture of my burger 🙁

After our delicious lunch, Dan and I parted ways- he headed to work and I headed back home on the train… ALONE!

I got to Chofu station and scanned my train card. I somewhat followed the masses until I saw signs for Shinjuku. Yes! Rokakoen is on the way to Shinjuku. I headed downstairs to the platform and had 2 options- a rapid train and an express train. Dan told me I wanted a local train.

Hmm…

Rapid’s not as fast as express right? That will probably get me where I wanna go. Right?

I hop on the rapid line and sit down. As the train gets going and I realize I’m going in the correct direction, I feel positively giddy. Yes! I’m doing it! Look at me, I’m such a local. I’m just like everyone else, riding the train off to where I need to go.

Except my heart’s about to pound out of my chest with nerves that I’ve somehow messed up.

I’m for the most part enjoying my ride when, at a stop, I notice a restaurant called Jonathan’s. “Hey, there’s a Jonathan’s by our apartment! Cool, oh wait, oh no…” and just as the doors close, I realize this train didn’t stop in Rokakoen.

After a good 10 seconds of sheer panic and thinking of how I’ll never see Dan again, I get off at the next stop and cross over the platform. There, that should get me going the right way. A train pulls in and I see it’s an express. No thanks. I impatiently wait for a grueling 4 minutes until I see a local train. I hop on, and a couple minutes later arrive at Rokakoen.

*Insert cocky “I can do anything” dance*

I made a little mistake but I was able to get home. It wasn’t as horribly frightening as I thought, riding the trains without Dan. In fact, it was ridiculously liberating and I’m excited to start venturing out more on my own now. Good day indeed 🙂