The 3 AM worries
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 05:33PM On a fairly regular basis I wake up at three in the morning and fret. But it's not often I can graphically depict the concern keeping me awake: a perplexing problem at work, an upcoming workshop, an article due, a relative with health issues. But for the past couple weeks the image that floats in my mind in the wee small hours looks exactly like this:
It's the subway map of Tokyo where I will spending next week - first playing tourist, then doing a couple days of workshops for an international school in the 'burbs.
I'm not quite sure why this map so intimidates me. I've conquered the transit systems of Rome, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Rio, Bangkok, Mumbai, Istanbul, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC. etc. Oh, and the single line in Minneapolis. (I am far too cheap to take taxis whenever can take public transportation.) Maybe it just the complexity of the whole thing...
According to Wikipedia, the Tokyo subway is the most used system in the world with 3.1 BILLION users in 2011 - about 6.5 million people each day (few who speak English?). Platform attendants push people into the cars. It has nine lines and 179 separate stations. It connects to another subway operator TOEI and a bunch of railways, a monorail, and probably Charon's ferry. Toyko is the largest metropolitan area in the world with about 32 million people and measures almost 60 miles east to west.
I have been practicing my Japanese by watching the miniseries Shogun again. I can say
- Koni-che-wa, Toranaga-sama.
- Hai, Toranaga-sama
- Dozo, Toranaga-sama.
Which will all come in very handy if I meet someone named Toranaga, I'm sure.
I've downloaded a Japanese language app that pronounces words at two speeds - regular and Minnesotan - Minnesota speed has a little turtle icon. I've downloaded off-line street maps and subway maps for the iPhone which I am confident will work fine so long as there are no tall buildings in Tokyo and I am never indoors or underground.
I'm signed up for tours each of the four free days I am in Tokyo including a bike trip, a walking tour, and a bullet train trip to Mt. Fuji. If I can find the meeting point. I have two gracious hosts coming from the American School in Japan to show me around a couple evenings as well.
Keep me in your thoughts... But not at 3 AM.
Reader Comments (9)
Doug, your sense of humor will take you far--just stay off that ferry!
Doug, you don't need to worry! The Japanese are one of the nicest people around! They'll help you out with the subway. I was there with four kids (ages 5-12) to see Disneyland and we also went into town. They helped me out when I was stuck and lost. You don't have to worry about someone pick-pocketing you while you're asking for directions either. It's a super safe city. You'll have a great time. Enjoy some Ramen noodles and sushi.
~Vivian
Reading this on the Fukutoshin Line on my way to school. As long as you allow plenty of time for getting a little lost now and then, it'll be fine! (Most) signs are in English and the Metro staff are everywhere and very helpful.
Thanks, Beth. I'll do my darnedest.
Doug
Thanks, Vivian, for the encouraging words. My night-time worries usually are far less intimidating during the day. I really am looking forward to the adventure. Oh, I don't know how you did it with 4 kids! That would make me more nervous than the subway system!
Doug
Thanks, Bart. I tend to allow for being lost. Appreciate the words of comfort!
Doug
Hi Doug,
I did it with four kids as we were desperate to go to Disneyland. I was there alone with the kids too. I was insane but I had experienced Japan by myself years prior.
I wouldn't go alone with four kids in Paris even NOW, though they are much older now. My husband and I were in Paris with the 4 kids and there was an attempt to pickpocket me while boarding the subway. Someone tried to pull down the 9 year old as he boarded to create a diversion but my 9 year old would not budge.
The people in Japan are so helpful. We got lost a few times on the subway. It mainly happened when I suddenly zoned out and missed our stop. The problem with the subway is that if you miss your stop, it's not that simple to go the opposite direction. In Hong Kong, you just cross the opposite platform to go the other way. In Japan, you may have to exit the platform to board another platform, entirely.
The map is intimidating, isn't it!
Happily, if you have a metro map in hand, someone will be happy to help you out. They love practising their English there. Since English is a compulsory subject in Japan, you'll find that most citizens have rudimentary English, at least, to communicate with you.
It will be a fantastic experience. Take the grandkids to Disney there, if you get a chance. The Disney Sea Park is not like the Disneyland in America.
Vivian
PS. I do subscribe to any threads where I comment on, so I do return to read any replies. It just might take a day or two!
Hi Doug,
Good luck with the train system! Will you be visiting American School in Japan (ASIJ)? I have a friend who teaches there.
Alicia
Thanks, Vivian. I am hearten by your words. I am sure everything will be very exciting.
I've only travelled to Paris with 1 son who was a teenager and never ventured to Disneyland there. He's been to Disneyworld in Florida enough he could be a guide!
I'll remember your words of advice about asking for help. I'm not too shy.
Doug
Hi Alica,
The ASIJ is where I will do my workshop. The people there have been very gracious.
Doug
@BruceFerrington is a math teacher on Twitter and he has turned the subway map in Singapore into a math inquiry: http://authenticinquirymaths.blogspot.com.au/
I'll Tweet him this post too so he can see the map in Japan!
Hi Vivian,
I looked at his site (very cool). The Tokyo map is there!
Doug