05/10/2006: "Greetings from the far east"

As I said in earlier posts, I am currently attending the Global Grid Forum meeting in Tokyo. I am hoping to make some good contacts and meet various collagues at the security session tommorow. Tokyo gives the same impression as any other big western city although having said that it is probably a lot bigger. The airport in situated in Narita, about 70 kilometers outside Tokyo and believe me the last thing one wants to do after a 12 hour flight in ride on the train. But it is just about the quickest way into Tokyo. So an hour`s train journey, and a brief subway ride later I found myself in the centre of Shinagawa, where my hotel was located. I checked in around 14:30 and immediately started work. I have to try to make the most of it since I am not staying here that many days. Went for a meal earlier this evening to a Greek owned restaurant (the only one) here in Tokyo. I was rather surprised that a real Greek restaurant would be here, and it was good quality too. I will update again on Friday with some technical info about the Forum and later on I will post about my impressions of Tokyo. I will now go back to battling my jetlag induced insomia. btw, I did find the region of Tokyo where all the cheap electronics stuff are so I will try to pay a visit there too at some point. The people that asked me to buy them electronic equipment need not worry.