Audrey

Article 013.

I’m old, I admit. But I’m also an old soul. There’s a difference. I like classic films and by classic I mean the 80s. Sure, for Generation-X you don’t kinda consider the 80s as “classics” yet but since we are in the 21st century already, it is more than qualified for it to be tagged as one. I say this because the array of movies available at JAL was a bit eclectic. And after a sumptuous meal of beef stew and cold noodles (yummy by the way), the cherry on top is a 2-hour film from the boob tube. Yeah yeah, I did this before on my trip to Hong Kong, did some commentary on a Julia Roberts movie— how many times have I mentioned this woman’s name in my posts? But this time I went a little further back in time. So far back that Doc Brown and Marty would be delighted— Blake Edwards’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961. I can’t believe it’s on the list as well.

Isn’t she just adorable? Her outfits, her aura, her pretty little face. I’ve always admired Audrey Hepburn’s still photo for that movie, very iconic. Big framed dark glasses, hair pulled up with a tiara while eating what I think is a croissant. But I never really watched it on purpose, just because my initial assumption is that the plot cannot be any good. To be honest, I was right but I did come in with lower expectations so overall, it was not disappointing. There were scenes in the film that got me really smiling. And a nameless cat?? Reminiscent of my pet dog when I was a kid— Emanon (I’ll give you a second to figure that out). Her co-star George Peppard— I know someone named George Peppard, wonder if that’s where his parents got the idea— was a writer in the film. ‘Twas the turning point of my interest (actually Hepburn got me too smitten). Really wanted to finish the movie from thereon.

The lights were turned back on as I turn the tint on the window off. The horizon is just filled with clouds, vast and so white. It’s almost midnight at home but we’re just approaching 4pm JST, with about an hour left before we land. I didn’t get to sleep at all, but not for lack of trying. Just couldn’t get a feel of the sit-down shut eye, eventhough the seats have good leg room and no one was sitting beside me. The thought of being by myself in a foreign country is finally kicking in. Not sure what to expect. Landed and immigration was a breeze. After grabbing my luggage, I see the sign towards the train. Took a stab understanding the system mapped on the wall, and I’m seriously, wtf?? Asked security what to take and he points me to the, let’s just call it the Blue Line. I’m putting my fate that I make it to my hotel to a guy who barely speaks English. I asked if I need to transfer trains and he said no and to get off at A14. Mind you this Blue line turns to Red, with two other colored lines merging and doing the same. You can understand my skepticism but I should trust him, he’s local, and by the looks of it, providing directions for awhile now. Well, what’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like imma end up in Compton if I get lost right? It was rush hour Tokyo. Trains were packed. I was standing against the other door away from the entrance, side-by-side with another distinctly white American. We chatted for a bit as we find out we’re both first timers. California meets Minnesota. He gets off the station before the blue converts to red, as well as a hundred passengers. The crowd thins up significantly. I wait for A14 to pop up the prompter but I noticed it goes from A13 to A16. I got antsy. Now I’m really paying close attention to the screen. I need to get off at Hinonbashi but there’s two— you guessed it, A13 and A16. I’m fucked. I brave up and talked to this lady who luckily speaks decent English. She told me to get off at A14. No shit lady, that’s my original plan. She was kidding. Seriously? Now is not the time. She notices I wasn’t amused and apologized profusely like only Japanese people can. All good. Tells me it was A13 and that I need to walk about 15mins along Kayabacho Street (I think) and make a left where the Hibiya Line goes. Okay now we talking. 

Finally got to my spot. I’m exhausted. Dragging the 62-inched dimension luggage was no joke. Did I mention I had to carry it 3 levels up from the train to the street surface? I mean didn’t think we were like that deep into Earth so I skipped the elevator. Anyway, I get into my room and was stunned by the size. My kitchen literally is bigger than this yet they manage to fit all the necessities of a hotel room. I was ready to just jump into bed but promised to finish reports for work. Doggarnit! I did one outta three, best I could do. Quick clean-up, popped a quarter of a sleeping pill and daydreamed of Audrey. 

Oyasumi! Tsugi no burogu made… not sure if that’s even accurate, blame Google Translate.

The iconic photo of Audrey