cyber cafe

Updated Friday, Sept. 14, 2001 6:15 pm Tokyo time


For those of you who know Andrew in California: Andrew's father passed away on Thursday afternoon. :-( Andrew is currently trying to get a flight to Toronto and hopes to arrive Friday evening.





Posted Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, 1 pm EST Tokyo time


I am typing this on a Japanese keyboard at Mr.-Canada Cyber Cafe in downtown Tokyo. There are about 10 Dell computers in a row; patrons can order from the Canada Cafe and eat their lunch as they surf the Web for free. This wasn't listed in any of the internet cafe directories I researched before our trip, nor did I find mention of it on the Web - I suspect it must be new. There is a big colour map of Canada on the wall (I'll be posting pictures later today) with all the province names marked in English and Japanese. The menu includes items such as Caesar salad, ratatouille, chicken or smoked salmon salad, option of fries and salad on the side. Drink options include Canadian Spring water, Canada Dry ginger ale, Moosehead Beer, Ontario wine, and Labatts Blue. A large projector screen covering one wall is showing scenes of Canada...camping, canoeing, hiking, people shots.





It's very odd to have come across this by chance, and of course it's all making Jeff and me pretty homesick right now. There is even a shelf of all kinds of brochures for all kinds of Canadian tourist attractions, including HAMILTON. :-) Beside the information desk are a number of clocks on the wall, each showing the time in different provinces.


As far as I can tell, Jeff and I are the only Canadians here. :-)





The guy at the information desk told us that although the flight from Toronto to Tokyo is now operating, the Tokyo to Toronto flight is still suspended. We are hoping he's wrong, of course.


This morning, Jeff and I visited the U.S. Embassy to sign the condolence book. There were actually two books, one in Japanese, and one for those who spoke English. On each side of the table were piles of flowers. The Japanese press were everywhere. It was clear that access to the Embassy was restricted, with two guards allowing people through (probably only once they had proved a legitimate need to get in). I'll post photos later today.


I can't remember exactly what I wrote in the book. I'm sure it was very messy, though, because my eyes were full of tears.





Today's Blatherpics


The first three photos were taken this morning at the U.S. Embassy.


There is also a picture of the Mr. Canada CyberCafe, and World Magazine Gallery.


Today's poll question:


Do you currently spend more than one hour a day watching, reading or listening to the ongoing coverage of the post-attack coverage?