Tired of the tried and true, ho-hum travel column? Are you a seasoned travel voyeur looking for even greater thrills? Join GiGi-a-GoGo as she leads you where Conde Nast fears to tread. In her quest to satiate her uncontrollable desire: each month a different destination-a-go-go. Lonely Planet? Hardly, darling. GiGi-aGogo's "Dromomania" will lead you astray, but in all the right ways.
Tokyo-a-Go Go
by GiGi-a-Go Go
Are you ready? Take a deep breath. Open your eyes wide. No, wider. Take my hand, don't let go. It's time for Tokyo-a-go go.
You're on a train racing into the heart of Tokyo. A constant bombardment of neon flashes against the black sky. You strain to see fleeting glimpses of post-communist architecture, not quite hidden by the colorful lights.
Other trains are passing like lightning rods. So quickly, so closely that they seem to be creating a sonic boom.
Meanwhile, all is calm inside. Perfectly groomed and smartly uniformed young beauties offer treats from their trollies. For a moment you think you're flying Concord. But no, you're on a train on the way to Tokyo.
Finally, Shinjuku station, the heart of the city.
Hurry, don't stop!
There's an endless sea of humanity streaming in all directions.
Quickly, run up the stairs. So many, so steep!
Surprise, no escalator. Faster, yes this must be the right exit.
Finally, you're outside. You've made it. Everyone and everything is in motion. But, you can't move.
You're bombarded my monolithic video screens suspended against the night sky. Asian sirens are winking at you. Music videos delight you. A bevy of images all around carefully set out to amuse and seduce you. And beyond the huge screens infinite rivers of neon flow into the darkness.
Suddenly, you hear the roar of the city.
Everyone's on a cell phone, cars are whizzing by, hawkers vying for your attention are competing with young rock hopefuls. A group of people are playing the congas and someone with a mike is selling his political ideas.
Have you placed one foot into the future? Is this "Bladerunner" or some fantastic animation? Just like Dorothy you know it ain't Kansas.
Your eyes are wide open. Your head is spinning. Your jaw has dropped. You're almost vibrating. The energy is electrifying. This is Planet Tokyo.
...to be continued.
Contact Dromomania at 5a7@avivalasvegas.com. Make sure to put Dromomania in the subject line.
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