Up, breakfast, and shower out of the way – I am ready to leave. This is the big day. I take the bus to the station without help from Marci. Sounds like no big deal to most of you, I know. But for me, it IS a big deal. I’ve made the trip with Marci several times now and am finally feeling confident to do this. Whatever happened to my courage to try new things?
Anyway, out the door and on my way. So happy it is a clear, dry day – a bit windy but….. I crossed a busy intersection and headed for the bus stop. I feel better today. I recognize most of the buildings now however, still unable to read the advertisements and signs on the buildings – more to learn for later.
At the bus stop I got in line and then stepped aside and let two of the buses pass me by. They were too crowded and I was told there are many buses on this street and to wait for one where I would have a chance to sit down. When getting on the bus I remembered to use my “Suica” card properly, listening for the “ping” as it was accepted and finding a place to sit. (The Suica card is a prepaid card that covers things like a train, bus transportation, small purchases such as coffee, gum, etc.) Wow, I am on my way. Inside the bus, there is a special section for passengers that NEED to sit down.
Typically, age, medical problems, pregnancy, and such. These seats are color-coded as well. The seats will be made from a different color fabric than the others, the seats will often be heated as well. Nice on a cold day! The front of the bus is set up with seats along the side so when you sit down – you are facing the person across from you. The back part of the bus is a step up and the seats are facing typically forward. There is a button on each poll or directly beside each seat that you can depress for notifying the driver – -please stop at the next stop.
At the train station building, there are two different locations for the bus to drop people off. I have been shown how to exit the bus and where to get off and what to do after disembarking, again using my “Suica” card which was accepted and the payment transaction is now complete.
This is where the street ends, you can go right or left but not straight ahead as before you lies the station. There is a pedestrian bridge to assist you in crossing the street over the taxi and bus cues to enter the station building. You can either climb the stairs or take a small elevator to the bridge.
This building is called Toku Square and has a lot of stores inside and most of all it has a Starbucks located at the corner of the building. First, however, I need to visit the eleventh floor where there is a Hachioji International Association help desk. Hopefully, they will have some printed material in English that will inform me of some various meetings in the City conducted in English. There is a lovely art exhibit on the 11th floor today as well.
Marci has followed me and we will have coffee together today at Starbucks. We will sit where we can watch people move about the street. This is quite a busy shopping area. There is a lot of coming and going of shoppers. Even though it is quite cold today, many people hope to sit at the tables just outside the coffee shop that lines the side of the Starbuck windows.
You, my friend, are a brave woman! I am surprised to find myself wishing I were there to adventure with you!