Monday, July 21, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 36 - Japan

Flowery Tea

Monday 21st

After work I walked around town for a little while, the temp and humidity were manageable. For dinner it was the sit down Yakatora stand again. Very good. I could use more clouds over here too much sun.

Pictures

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 35 - Japan

Grape Cider

Sunday 20th

Just hung around Yokosuka today. IT was very sunny so I decided to go hang out at one of the parks. After grabbing a very delicious snow cone, I just people watched for about half an hour. As the Japanese people would walk past they would laugh. I am glad I can bring entertainment to them. I wore sandals to the park and forgot to put sunscreen on my feet. Ouch, but solar cane works pretty good.

After church a coworker and myself went out to TGI Fridays. It was good food. In teaching him how to say thank you, we got into a very long conversation with the waitress.

Yogurt and Psych to cap the evening.

40 days until COUGAR FOOTBALL.

Pictures

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Saturday the 19th

Shinjuku was the place to be today. While riding the train up we met an American who married a Japanese women and is now getting his residency. He is an english teacher and had a few interesting stories for us.

When we got up to Tokyo we went ot the Metropolitan Government Offices. It is a very cool building. And the best part it didn't cost anything to get to the top.

The next thing was to go to Roppongi Hill's again. After walking around for a while we ate lunch and then head back to Yokosuka.

More protesting today, dinner was garlic night on base. Everything was garlic, the yakatora was very good.

Pictures

Soft Drink Challenge Part 34 - Japan

Pepsi Diet

Soft Drink Challenge Part 33 - Japan

Ball in a Cup

Friday, July 18, 2008

Friday 18th

After work a lot of people from work went together to the Yokohama Baystars and Tokyo Giants game. It was quite a game. We managed to leave 4 people at Yokosuka. They finally caught up with us outside the stadium. We picked up some food before heading into the stadium.

We sat in a section that is normally reserved for Japanese. We moved around a lot in the section of seats that was reserved for us. I enjoyed two snow cones through the game.

The Giants went up early it was 7-2 entering the 7th inning. It did not look good for the home team. By playing small ball they worked themselves back into the game.

At this point it turned into a college football atmosphere. People were screaming and yelling and clapping. I felt right at home. All the Japanese around us started to get into it as well. In the end it was Kroon who spelled doom for the Baystars. A Baystar himself 1 year ago, so it was a little like the A-Rod situation back home. The game ended on a broken bat liner, Giants win 7-6. All together it was a blast.

As we were walking out there were a lot of Japanese American High Fives. In the true spirit of cooperation.

Pictures

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 32 - Japan

Gross

Thursday 17th

While being driven to lunch the person driving thought they were in America and drove on the wrong side of the road. It was exciting for about 40 yards before we got back on the left side.

Dinner was Pepper Lunch and it was good as always. Rockford Files was the evening entertainment.

Pictures

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 31 - Japan

Melon Soda

Wednesday 16th

It was nice and sunny today. But the humidity was out, so it was a good idea not to hang around outside.

Had dinner at the CPO club, it was Mongolian night. Very good again. After dinner it was time to decompress.

Pictures

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 30 - Japan

Cherry Drink

Tuesday

For dinner it was Ramen and then Rockford Files. The Ramen was milk based and was pretty good, I am not the biggest fan of fish flakes but it was okay. They looked very similar to that which you would feed to a 2 dollar goldfish.

Pictures

Monday, July 14, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 29 - Japan

Juice

Monday 14th

For dinner we hit up a Mexican restaurant, pretty good. But does have a big difference in between here and back in the states. They don't provide chips and salsa, and they skimp on the beans and rice. Which is odd because everywhere else will send you into a rice overload coma.

After dinner it was Rockford Files. A nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

Pictures

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 27 & 28 - Japan

Sorry for the Delay here are two challenges



Weekend 12-13

Sorry for the delay but I figured I would do two days in one post.

Saturday,

After getting breakfast at the hotel myself and a coworker headed up to Tokyo. As often happens on these trips, we got a little lost. The train came in on a different platform than I was used to, after getting outside the station I realized that we needed to head back in and get on the next train. The same line that goes up to Tokyo turns into a subway car.

After getting to Asakusa Bunko station we walked around the area for a little bit. As Japan doesn't wake up until around 10 am, nothing was opened. But we did manage to find a Starbucks, so I got my daily jolt.

A note on the temperature, it was in the 70's, but the humidity was very high. So it felt very hot. And there was not a cloud in the sky, so it was a big frying pan.

Asakusa is a very old district of Tokyo, it used to be the entertainment district a very long time ago. Now it is a very large shopping district. The malls were very long. After grabbing lunch, we headed to the temple.

It was very large and had a Pagota on the grounds. I looked over at a couple of statues and saw a westerner sitting right next to it and doing the posses. Myself and the other guy decided at the same time we should follow the guy for a little while. Inconsiderate tourists didn't do much more, but it was funny.

After checking out the temple a while more, we decided to head towards the "River Bus" tour. You pass under 13 bridges on this tour. We sat on the top deck and we got cooked under the sun. The tour guide was saying things and everybody on the boat was looking to the left or to the right, except us. No worries it was a nice ride.

The original plan was to walk up towards the subway and catch that back to Shinagawa and then take the train back to Yokosuka. But I realized that the closer station would take us where we needed to be. And at that point I was all for reducing the amount of walking happening.

After getting back to Yokosuka we stopped and got some meat on a stick. It was good.

For dinner I went to subway, but I started feeling very sick. So I checked in to Hotel Naval Hospital Yokosuka.

Sunday,

After getting released this morning I swung through the Exchange to get some groceries for the week. I stayed inside to avoid the huge protest which happened today.

For dinner I met up with a couple of coworkers and we went to a pizza place on base. I underestimated the size of the pizza, I have more than enough for lunch tomorrow.

Pictures

By Special Request


Friday, July 11, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 26 - Japan

Grapefruit

Friday 711

Another work week down.

After work I took a coworker to Pepper Lunch. Which was awesome as always. Although they had the P on the salt and the S on the pepper.

After dinner I walked around Yokosuka a while and then went to the hotel and relaxed for tomorrows adventure.

Pictures

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 25 - Japan

Grape Juice

Thursday 10th

In the evening a group headed out to Yokohama and Landmark Plaza. Got to experience a packed train. Once we got up to Yokohama there weren't many people around. Eat dinner at Landmark Plaza, got some nighttime shots of Landmark tower and then headed back to Yokosuka.

Pictures

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 24 - Japan

Can't beat 100 PERcent

Wednesday 9th

After work we went to the CPO club and shot some games of pool.

For dinner we went and had Yakatori, basically meat on a stick. It was a really cool restaurant. One guy was running it and he was running.

Pictures

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 23 - Japan

REAL SOLID GOLD

July 8th

Another fun day at work.

After work I walked down to the big mall and finally found the game I was looking for. It comes with a paddle for the DS. Very cool.

Another coworker arrived today, so myself and another coworker took him around town. We went to dinner at a Korean BBQ place. Which is always good. Then we took him to a big food market, and got sweet cream filled rolls. We then went to the big mall and walked around.

Pictures

Monday, July 7, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 22 - Japan

PEPSI NEX

7/7 not 07

Another fun workday, it was very muggy once more.

After work I did a little grocery shopping and then had dinner at the CPO club. It was Italian night. The chef told me that it would be the last one until the big boats come back. The other buffet will continue but the Italian night always will have a special place in my heart. It is the only time I have seen pan fried speggitii. Very good.

Pictures

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 21 - Japan

Ball in a Cup part V

6th

Today was a very relaxing day.

After eating breakfast at the hotel i headed onto base. I found some sandals on sale for 12 bucks and picked them up.

After lunch I met up with a coworker and headed to church in tokyo. It took three trains to get there. And it was at the hottest and muggiest time of the day.

The church is the sister church to the one I went to last sunday. It was held in the 8th floor of a Christian building. It was a good time.

On the way back we stopped and had romen noodles. Very different from what I am used to but it was good.

Today was only in the high 70's and it was bad. I can only imagine what it will be like in August when the temps reach 100.

Pictures

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 20 - Japan

Tea

ADVENTURE!!! 5th

The problem with wanting an adventure is that you often receive what you wanted. The downside is that it is not what you thought. Today was such a day.

I met up with a coworker to head to Mt Nokogiri. It is a series of temples located in the Chiba prefecture. It has a very large stone buddha. Along with 1500 small versions called Arhats. They varied from large to small.

Back to the adventure, we headed for the ferry. When we got to the ferry terminal, or ferry stand as they called it, we found out that it was delayed because of fog. We thought that was very strange, our ferries run during the fog. Someone brought up a good thought, Tokyo bay is one of the busiest harbors in the world. After waiting a little bit we hopped onto the ferry. It took about 40 minutes to cross the bay. It was about a 20 minute walk to the gondola.

After taking it to the top the walking began. I have never seen that many stairs in one place. The view would have been awesome if the fog wasn't there. Overall the place was pretty amazing. A lot of the stone work was down by hand. The big buddha was made in three years time. That is a lot of work.

After seemingly climbing Fuji, we got back to the rope car. When we arrived back at the ferry dock we received an unwelcome suprise. The ferry was shut down. We were literally on the other side of Tokyo Bay. We knew then that we were in the middle of an adventure.

After finding the train station we received something that I have never seen, it was a sheet of paper that had writing on it. No ticket gate or anything. We got on that train and rode it for about 2 hours. We arrived in Chiba.

We got off the platform and turned around and realized that we had been on the right platform but it was the other side. After waiting about half an hour we rode the train back to Yokosuka.

It was a very long day, but it was fun.

Pictures

Friday, July 4, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 19 - Japan

Cider

Happy 4th

An exciting full day.

In the morning I went to Sea Paradise. It is like Seaworld. You can touch dolphins and they have a big show. The show was pretty cool. At one point a Dolphin flung one of the people about 50 feet in the air. The pictures of the show are about a quarter of the way through the pictures today. It was nice and not crowed at all. The downside is that we were today that it was going to rain and be cloudy, which it did not rain at all. I didn't put sun screen on and got a little toasted.

For dinner I went on base and grabbed a sub before getting a spot to watch fireworks. I ran into one of the Japanese people that I work with. I got to meet his family so that was cool. They had a barge sitting out in the bay, I got as close as I could. They had a lot of different shapes and sizes. But it was the most big fire works I have ever seen. I figure you let sailors requisition their own fireworks you are going to end up with a lot of big ones. The whole show lasted about 32 minutes.


Pictures

A very full day.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 18- Japan

Green Apple Tea

Thursday the 3rd, You wouldn't like me when I am hungry

Today was my Friday, tomorrow is the 4th. It will be the first time I have been out of Washington for the fourth.

For lunch a group of us went to Chili's on base, Philly steak is always good. The one old thing is they used dark paint for the inside and it looks out into Tokyo bay. So if you are facing the windows you are blinded.

I went shopping after dinner tonight, bought a few shirts. I have already gone through the ones i brought.

I went and saw the hulk which was good. It sort of picks up where the other movie left off.

Pictures

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 17- Japan

The 100th Post Special "Ball in a Cup part IV" On Location

Wednesday 2nd

One more day in the 4 day week.

It was very muggy today, but the temp was about 71º so it wasn't too bad. It will be hotter soon enough.

For dinner I went to the CPO club for Mongolian night. I may need to go somewhere else, I know everybody's name there now.

Pictures

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 16- Japan

Mango Juice

Going Away Part III

Today is the last day for a few coworkers. After doing some shopping at the exchange i went back to the room and relaxed.

Birds have been flying all around they pick the bugs out of the air. Which is good, but i have been almost hit in the head several times. Today a swallow and a pigeon almost tried to run into my head.

For dinner I went to the CPO club for Prime Rib night. Once again it was awesome.

Pictures

Monday, June 30, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 15- Japan

More Jelly

Just another Monday 30th

Last Day of June.

A very long day at work, after work I went to the CPO club for itialian night again. It was very tasty.

On one of the buildings as I was walking out had a crow with its head in a vent. A small bird was attacking the crow. My guess was the small bird had a nest in the vent. Interesting.

The picture below is me and one of my coworkers with the Pastor from New Hope Yokohama



Pictures

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 14 - Japan

Jelly Drink Part I

Sunday 29th

This morning I took a group to Kamakura. It was a good trip, but It was very wet. I tried Melon ice cream, and it was great. We got back to Yokosuka around noon. I picked up a sub on the way back to the hotel.

A coworker and myself went to New Hope church in Yokohama. It was crazy, very load. The pastor is Japanese so he talks and then an interperoter translates what he said. I was suprised how well it worked. They played a lot of the same music i was used to. The only difference is that the first verse would be in Japanese and then they would switch to English. Next week we are going to try the one in Tokyo out. Should be fun.

On the way back a guy got taken off the train for ripping a womens sleeve. It was interesting. I stopped at Pepper Lunch for dinner.

Another very long day.

Pictures

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 13 - Japan

Mountain Dew 2?

Tokyo Saturday - 28th

A very long day today. I met up with two guys for breakfast at the hotel. I needed to head over to the cash machine for fundage for the trip.

Today we went to Akihabara and Roppongi. Akihabara is known as the "Electronics District" and Roppongi is known as the "International District".

To get to Akihabara we needed to take two trains from Yokosuka. It would have been two, but I pointed at the wrong platform so it was three. But that is the great thing about the trains here is that you just hope on the other train.

After walking around Akihabara for a while we went to Pepper Lunch for Lunch. I know crazy, but it was awesome. After lunch we headed out for Roppongi.

I finally found a Starbuck's in Roppongi, which was also very good. We headed to the big building in Roppongi, it was more expensive than I remembered but it was worth the price.

On the way back I saw an ice cream cone sign. So we stopped and got some delicious treats.

Then the ride back to Yokosuka, it took about an hour to complete the trip.

A very long travel day my feet are very sore. For dinner I went to Mongolian again, delicious as before. For dessert I got myself a McFlurry. It is good treat once and while.

Pictures

Friday, June 27, 2008

Friday 27th

First day without training wheels at work. So far so good. One of the contractors who quit was brought back for the day.

After work I walked around for a while then met up with my old boss and his brother. After eating we went and looked at cars.

I finished off the night with watching Get Smart. My side almost split from laughter. It was the funniest movie I had seen in a long time. I would recommend it to everyone. Although I think the movie being 3 dollars may have had something to do with it. Especially on the day when the market fell a nice 400 points.

Pictures

Soft Drink Challenge Part 12 - Japan

Crazy Juice.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 11 - Japan

Different Combo of Fruit Juice

Going Away Part II

My other coworker leaves tomorrow. We took him out to pepper lunch for one last taste before he leaves.

It was raining heavily this morning so i decided to walk into work. The rain subsided and it became a standard northwest day.

Pictures

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 10 - Japan

Ball in a Cup Part III

Tuesday 25th

After work i headed over to the mall and on the way i ran into a japanese tv crew. After talking with them for about 5 minutes i badly lost a variant of rock paper scissors. That was the most interesting thing that happened today. They appeared to be a comedy duo. One guy had a three string guitar. After i lost he played a song on it. It was pretty funny.

For dinner i went to a Chinese restaurant and had some pepper beef. It was very good.

Pictures

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 9 - Japan

Ball in a Cup Part II.

No Rain 24th

It was a very nice day today. No rain and the humidity was fairly low. I went on a walkabout after work. Although I was tired earlier in the day than usual. This is because I went to the gym at 4 am. I was nice and awake during work, but after wards the early time set in.

For dinner a group of us went out to a pork cutlet place. It was owned and operated by a Japanese guy that loved Hawaii. He was naming all of the artists that he liked. One of our group grew up in Hawaii so they had a lot to talk about. It was an excellent deal, 10 bucks for a lot of food.

Pictures

Monday, June 23, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 8 - Japan

Milky White

Yokohama Monday - 23rd

Another day at work getting the last turnover bits rapped up.

After work the other engineer and I headed up to Yokohama to go to Tokyuhands and Landmark plaza. It was a pretty funny trip, the train ride back was packed out.

The view at the top was the clearest out of any time I had been there previous. The elevator ride up had 4 people on it and the one down had 2. It seemed a little faster without all the extra weight.

We went to the CPO club for Italian night, it was awesome as usual.

Pictures

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 7 - Japan

"Anna Banana Went To Alberstons to buy some Mitchem."
At least one person knows what i am talking about.

Sunday 22nd Kiwi Time

About 2 AM the load speakers in town came on and said something in Japanese, then they said something in english. I was too asleep to hear what they said. But i was fully expecting an earthquake to come rumbling through. It turns out it was a warning for flooding.

Today was an extremely rainy day. But before the bulk of the rain hit, i met up with a few guys and went to HOMES. We got over to the place a little early so we walked around the park for about an hour. We were walking around inside HOMES looking at different things. They have a pet store inside. There was one cat that was attacking the window of anyone who would walk by. The prices for these pets were increadable they ranged from cat $700 - to dog $7000.

I bought a rain suit inside which is good because as soon as we got outside it started dumping. I put on the coat and went back to the hotel, by the time i got back i was soaked except for my torso so the jacket coat worked awesome.

I met up with a couple of people and went to pepper lunch for lunch. It was as always great. AFter lunch I headed to the Daiei mall. I did some grocery shopping. The first thing i noticed when i walked in was a very large kiwi display. They were giving away samples. The price was decent about 50 cents per kiwi so i got 10 of them. They came in a little basket with a kiwi logo on the side. And they threw in three kiwi tools. which is made up of a knife on one side and a spoon on the other. Very cool.

I went to church and ran into a couple of coworkers. After the service we got a ride back to the hotel by someone who works on base. I called up one of the guys and we went out to Mexican for dinner. It was pretty tasty. One the way back to the hotel the rain had lightined a lot, but that just means it is saving up for tomorrow.

Pictures

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 6 - Japan

Boxed Green Tea?

Tokyo - 21st

Went to Shibuya today, it is one of Tokyo's districts. It contains one of the worlds biggest Mass Crossing areas. It also contains one of the worlds largest Starbucks.

It was supposed to rain a lot today so I decided to ask the front desk to borrow a umbrela. The girl was gone for a long time, she came back with a huge grin on her face. In her hand she was hold an bright red umbrela with white butterflies on it. Needless to say every teenage girl giggled when she noticed the umbrella. Once I got back from Tokyo the front desk had 10 people at it. They all broke out in laughter when they saw the umbrella. One of the guys at the desk said, "NICE". At least i can entertain a few people.

Up in Shibuya we went to Tokyo hands, which had a lot of stuff, 8 floors with most everything you would need except clothing.

For lunch we ate at a Kirin resturant. I had some steak, which was pretty good.

In the evening i went into the base and ate at the CPO club. Tonight was Mogolian Grill night. It was pretty good.

I headed up to More's City to do some window shopping, and had a Kiwi Juice for dessert. It was awesome.

Pictures

Friday, June 20, 2008

1 Week - 20th

One week down, how the time is flying. It was very quiet in the office today as most people had left. And the rain has finally set in. This is part of the rainy season, we got an email talking about how to not be depressed during the rainy season. They mention that the rainy seasons last for an astounding 20 days. Most people would not survive the winter in the Puget Sound.

After work I went out and bought some more of the kids drink with the marble in it. Before dinner a few people tried their luck at it. I found good instructions online, so i didn't get sprayed down.

Moving rooms went smoothly, my bags were in my room waiting for me when i got off work.

We went to the CPO club for dinner, then walked around base for a few hours. Eventually we met up with a few more people and saw The Forbiden Kingdom. Which didn't make very much sense, but i could have been being awake for a long time.

The other engineer and I tracked into work to make a call back to the mothership.

Then Bed.

Soft Drink Challenge Part 5 - Japan

British Tea?

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 4 - Japan

In this installment I try a drink in a unique bottle.

Thursday 19th - Going Away Part 1

Tonight was the last night for about 5 people who have been working on the project for over a year straight. We decided to go out and try some Japanese food for dinner. We had 11 people and we went to a place that translated means to "sit". After about 2 hours and many different dishes we decided that was enough. A lot of handshakes around once the dinner was over.

After work I decided to go check out Mikasa park. It was empty, the pictures show the sky is dark. I think a lot of people were afraid it was going to rain. I had no such qualms. But as of tonight still no rain. Which i think is pretty good for a week in Japan.

I had to pack to move to my new room tomorrow.

Pictures

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Wednesday 18th

More turnover fun at work, the reins are slowly being transferred.

For lunch we went out to Chili's on base. One of the Japanese contractors was quiting today. he has been a big help to the project so we wanted to show our appreciation.

After work i decided i would go try something American. I was riding past Taco Bell when i noticed the Big Box Meal, so i gave it a try. It was a burrito, taco, calupa, and cinnamon sticks. It was pretty good.

I didn't go out on the town just stayed in and filmed some future Soft Drink Challenges.

Pictures

Soft Drink Challenge Part 3 - Japan

In this exciting episode I try Pepsi Blue.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Soft Drink Challenge Part 2 - Japan

In this exciting episode I will try Kagome Green Drink.

17th - Bike Day

Another long day at work, but only two more before i am almost alone with the keys. I did get to borrow someones bike today. Got the bike, lock, and helmet. The one thing is that it a small, and my bike at home is an XL so it is a little tiny. I feel like a clown riding a tricycle.

After work i headed out and bought a Japanese DS game. It is based off the show GameCenter CX. It is a show where the host plays really hard old video games. The DS game plays off that with fake retro games. The games are suprisingly good for being minigames on a ds cart. I think hung around until dinner.

For dinner we went to the Daiei mall and tried something made at the food court. I thought i was getting a chicken sandwhich be it ended up being ham. I guess they figured farm animals are all the same.

Pictures

Monday, June 16, 2008

Soft Drink Live Taste Test 1

I came up with this idea when listening to a video game podcast. Every week they have a different energy drink to try. They do a live reaction to it. I don't know how it turned out but here is the first installment.


Monday 16th - Birthday

My birthday got off to an auspicious start. I was pretty to go out into the bug infested world and inadvertently sprayed some insect repellent into my eye.

After reading about possible outcomes online, i called poison control. They told me to rinse it out and if it still bothered me in an hour to go in and get seen. An hour passed and no pain so that was good.

After getting down to breakfast a little late, i ate and headed into the base. It is good to see things go from planning to completion. Two of my coworkers are leaving Friday and the other one is leaving the next week. Should be fun a 3 for 1 exchange. We will see if the exchange rate is correct.

After work i went and got registered on base, so if i lose my id card they will let me in and get me a new one.

I swung through the Daiei mall and the 100 Yen store to complete the pre-dinner tour.

I went back to a pizza joint that i had gone to last year. They have a cheese pizza with almonds on it that is awesome. Plus they bring out a continuous stream of appetizers, some of which were fish but i tried them anyways. They were pretty good.

I came back to the hotel and had gotten the first batch of laundry back. It was pretty interesting, very well starched and they had stapled tags to every piece to identify it to my room.

Pictures

I came up with this idea when listening to a video game podcast. Every week they have a different energy drink to try. They do a live reaction to it. I don't know how it turned out but here is the first installment.


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Sunday 15th - Lazy Day

Today I just stuck around Yokosuka. Got in a nice morning walk around town, had some Starbucks. Got brain freeze from it, but it was good. Sadly there is no Java Mint Chip fraps here in Japan.

I took a group for a tour of the base around lunch time. A couple of the guys bought calling cards and they had a heck of a time getting them to work. Finally after about an hour of trying someone got through.

After getting back to the room I changed and went to church. The time had changed since i last attended so i was half an hour too early. After the service i had to move rapidly back to the hotel and meet up with a few people. We went to a noodle place. I showed them the bike parking garage and then it was time for bed.

Pictures

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Saturday the 14th - Once a Coug

I am in the smallest room in the hotel. Another great thing is that it has 2-prong plugs instead of three like the other rooms i have stayed in. This was rectified by getting an adapter, but i am starting the process of trying to get another room. Right now the hotel is busy but it should open up after this next week. Anyways onto Saturday...

The old waking up at 2 am worked like a charm again. At least it happens to everybody. Two of the people that were on the same flight as myself thought it was a good idea to listen to me and follow me around japan. I know, sounds like a bad idea.

After eating breakfast and show my shoebox of a room to a few of the people who are on their first full day in japan, i took two people on a trip. I showed them a little of base. Important things like the ATM machines and were to get food. After that we headed to the local train station.

We got everybody PASMO cards to make the train situation easier. Then we headed to my favorite spot, Yokohama Landmark Plaza. I started by showing them the important things like, Starbucks. We then headed to the big mall. I pointed one guy in the direction of the Pokemon store for his granddaughter. Then i talked them into going to the top of the tower.

After we got back down we decided it was time for some lunch. So we went to the mall on the other side of the water. I pointed out why quite a few people had umbrellas, to keep the sun from burning them. We ate at a Chinese fast food place, which was pretty filling. After filling up on some white chocolate with white chocolate chip ice cream we headed to the Ferris wheel.

The wind was blow pretty good near the top. I thought we were in the middle of an earthquake, but the one that happened this morning was very far north. After we got out everybody was pretty beat, so we headed back to Yokosuka.

They made the mistake of following me on base and going to the exchange and commissary. After making sure they and their goods were in a taxi to their hotel i went back to the hotel.

After spending about an hour in a haze staring at the ceiling want to go to sleep but realizing that will only hurt the adjustment, I called them up and we went to my favorite eatery. Pepper Lunch. Everybody enjoyed the food and on the way to show them the 100 Yen store, i made a pit stop showing them a grocery store.

We spent about an hour walking around. For some strange reason we did not find 2% milk, we did however find 80%. The Japanese do not fool around when it comes to milk fat, they want 80-100 percent nothing less. We also saw lots of seafood which looked like it was in need of further prep before eating. One thing that was interesting was the piranha ready to eat in one of the cases.

Now for a couple of interesting stories. On the big escalator in Yokohama, the two other guys were about 10 feet behind me. I looked back to see if they had gotten on and then heard beautiful words, GO COUGS. I turned around shocked to here the call of WSU alumnus everywhere. It was a Japanese businessman who had spent two years at WSU. Funny enough that he was there the same time i was, we talked a little about football and basketball, before giving a farewell GO COUGS. Just goes to show Once a Coug, Always a Coug.

The other interesting story is very short but it shocked all of us. We were sitting on the train back waiting for the doors to close when, out of nowhere this guy starts running for the train. This is after the song to close the doors and start moving has started. He hurls himself into the door. Or I should say about halfway into the door. The door had closed on him. We thought we were going to see something bad, luckily one of the platform workers jumped in and pulled the doors apart letting the man inside the train. Crazy.

Pictures

Friday, June 13, 2008

Back in Japan

It has been a very long day. The airport went smoothly on both ends, besides the flight being delayed that was the only travel problem. There were a bunch of first time travelers on the flight. SO i saw to that they got to the hotel okay.

The problem is that the hotel is packed out and they separated us into two hotels. The other being about 2 miles away from the main hotel. So it will be interesting to see how they like that.

I got into Yokosuka about 7:30, checked into the hotel and then headed on base to the work rap up bbq. It was good to see all of the people that have worked very hard on the project once again.

Now i must go to sleep.

Pictures

Flight Day June 12th


Well it is time to kick start the old blog once more. And what a better way to start than some crazy kit kat flavor! The drive in to SEATAC this morning was free of traffic. The flight has been pushed back half an hour for takeoff, so i get more time to enjoy an busy airport terminal.

A group of about 30 4H people are on the flight over, so that is interesting. It looks like they only have 2 chaperons. They have been busy running around trying to keep the children out of trouble. It has been good comic relief.

The flight boards in about 45 minutes. I am in boarding group 1, so besides all the fine folks in first and business class I will get the privelage of sitting on the plane for a while. The nice thing is that i will be amoung the first to exit it as well. Give and take.

A few pictures

Friday, December 21, 2007

Travel Day Friday

Woke up around 7 AM and decided to walk over to the base to stage for the bus. I got a number, 3 not too bad. Then headed for some coffee and breakfast. The bus left Yokosuka around 10 AM. After taking a little nap on the bus, I finished off with some DS MARIO PARTY with the project engineer.

Check in was a breeze as it was last time. And the great thing is they don't make you take off your shoes at this airport. The PE got me into the United Lounge area. Free snack food and beverages. And it is nice and quiet. 3 hours till boarding.

Pictures

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Thursday

Took some annual leave today to take care of a few things. Stopped by the hospital to pick up my records from last time. After that went to the CPO club for lunch buffet. For dinner walked out to Livin and then headed back to pepper lunch. As always very good.

Pictures

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Wednesday

Things are rapping up at work. After work walked around town for a while. Then met up with some people for another round of Pepper Lunch. Anyone coming to Yokosuka needs to get some Pepper Lunch.

Pictures

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Tuesday

Everybody is starting to look forward to coming home. Made of post office run after work today, won't get back in the states until after Christmas, but I have faith it will get there before the 1st. After work went out and had a little Starbucks, then headed over to a different Japanese restaurant. They had something on the menu which sounded interesting. Horse Sashimi. And it was pretty good.

Pictures

Monday, December 17, 2007

Monday

The picture link for Sunday has been fixed. I hoped everybody liked speed king. After work headed to CPO for spaghetti night. The pasta and vegi's are pan fried, different but very good.

Pictures

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Sunday

Went to church with one of the guys here in the morning. It was in the high school auditorium. Sang out of hymnals, first time in a long time. We finished with the classic "this world is not my home."

Then i met up with another guy and headed up to Roppongi. It was a lot less painful than i thought it might be. Two transfers and about an hour and ten minutes. Walked around a lot of parks and went to one of the best views in Tokyo. 250 M. After walking around for a few hours, we headed back to Yokosuka.

Had dinner at a Japanese restaurant, then chilled.

Pictures

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Saturday

Went up to Yokohama this morning, back to landmark plaza. Went on the ferris wheel again. Then walked around the mall for a while. Went back up to the observation deck. The building seemed to be moving a lot more than last week. After Yokohama we headed up to Shibuya, the largest mass crossing area in the world. It was crazy.


Pictures

Friday, December 14, 2007

Friday

At work we had a BBQ for lunch. Burgers, dogs, and pie. Just like home. I wanted to go caroling but no one else had the same feeling. It was nice and sunny again today, very strange to know that it is cold back home and raining.

For dinner went out to a noodle place which was very good. It was very thin noodles with shredded beef. Also had a basil roll, ceaser saild (that had something fishy on it), a sweet roll, and sherbet. Pretty good. Tomorrow heading up to Yokohama and Tokyo.

Pictures

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Thursday

After work went out and explored a little around town. We met up with some of the Japanese contractors for a traditional Japanese Meal. It was all very good. The sitting on the ground thing got difficult after a while. But it was a very good expierence.

Pictures

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Wednesday

For dinner we went out to Korean BBQ tonight. It was pretty good, but the food goes very fast, because it cooks so fast. Walked around for a little while after dinner, then hit the hay.

Pictures

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Tuesday

Another day of work. On the way out i saw that another crow had gotten stuck in the netting, he eventually worked his way out. Came back and hung around the hotel, then went out to dinner with a few people. Had noodles and Gyoza, very good.

Pictures

Monday, December 10, 2007

Monday

After work headed out and walked around town for a while. Then went to dinner at Pepper Lunch again. Then finished off the night by stopping by the 100 Yen shop.

Pictures

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Sunday

Got up and decided to explore a little. Left the hotel around 9 AM. Walked about 5 miles out from the hotel. Found a couple of parks. One had a BMX track. The other had a ton of fishers. After getting back to the hotel around 12 i ran into a couple of people and head over to a buffet. We then decided to track to Kamakura. Ran into another person who wanted to head that way so we all pilled onto the train. We checked out a few things. Then headed back to Yokosuka. For dinner i went to a Mexican restaurant.

Pictures

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Saturday

For breakfast, went back to McDonald's. Needed to see if the Ice in the OJ was an aberration. It was not.

Headed up to Yokohama back to Landmark plaza around 10, arrived at Landmark plaza around 11. A lady was spinning a cup on here umbrella. We decided to go check out the ferris wheel. We went to the amusement park and saw a place called -30 degrees C. It was 500 Yen so we decided to check it out. It was about 60 degrees F before we walked in. So we started with our jackets off. In the first room they had some weird fish and it was probably about freezing. The next room it was pretty cold, so i put my jacket on. Then in the next room it was freezing, or below freezing as it were. My nostrils froze up pretty quick. When we got back out in the amusement park it took about 5 minutes to warm up.

Went over and rode the wheel. It takes about 15 minutes. Pretty good view. We then headed and got some lunch. Then it was back to the top of the tower again. After that headed back to Yokosuka.

They were having an open base event today, they were expecting about 50,000 people. When i walked on base the streets were full. I took some pictures then grabbed a bit to eat.

Pictures

Friday, December 7, 2007

Friday the 7th

Very nice day weather wise today. In the 60's with no clouds in the sky. I swung through the mall to do a little shopping. I picked up some Kiwi chips, only to find out they tasted like fish. Very strange.

Just relaxed and got a little dinner the rest of the evening. Now the weekend begins.

Pictures

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Thursday 6th

After work i decided to explore around the base. You can see the bridges and the tower in Yokohama on a clear day. The Cougars remain undefeated after a tough game with Gonzaga. Random fact.

On the way out of work I noticed that crows had landed on the mesh that protects against rock slides on one of the hills.

After exploring around town for a while i wound down by watching some crazy Japanese tv game show. It was Believe or Not Believe, sounds familiar concept. They had an American video that showed a high schooler doing a back flip on a tight rope. They all said believe, and it was true. Pretty amazing.

Pictures

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Wednesday

After colors they play don't fear the reaper by the blue oyster cult. One of the people said that was the motivational song to get everybody ready in the morning. Strange.

It is very strange that you walk down th street and hear Christmas music in English.

Went back to the same place as last night for dinner. This time i had pizza. It was the best i have had in Japan.

Pictures

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Tuesday

Nice blue sky's in japan today. A far cry from the conditions stateside. After work headed over to the commissary to pick up breakfast stuff. Then hung around the hotel for a few hours. Then I hooked up with a few people and went to an Italian restaurant on base. Had steak, it was thin, but tasted pretty good.

Pictures

Monday, December 3, 2007

Rainy Monday

Back to work. It was rained a lot. Then about noon we got a thunderstorm that rolled through. After work headed over to pick up a few things from the exchange. Headed over to the mall in the evening. Just another day done.

Pictures

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Sunday 2nd

Busy day today. In the morning headed over to the mall and walked around for about an hour. Then i met up with a couple of people and headed up to Yokohama. If you get on the right train it is about 35 minutes. If you get on the wrong train it takes about an hour. Which happened on my last trip. It was another 10 minute train ride to Chinatown. The one in Yokohama is the largest in Japan. They had a lot of different things.

After about an hour in Chinatown we decided that was enough and decided to head over to the Landmark Plaza. It is very high end. After getting back to the main station in Yokohama. We realized that we had missed the right stop by one station. So we hopped back on and headed back. They have a very big ferries wheel, a structure that looks like the London bridge, a big boat, a huge mall, and the Tallest observatory in Japan.

One of the guys had to stop and get some Pokemon stuff for his kid. We then went to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Fairly expensive but good. We decided to go to the top of the building. The elevator reaches a top speed of 750 meters per minute. It takes under 40 seconds to reach the top. You can feel the building moving, but the view is awesome.

After doing that we decided it was time to get back.

Pictures

Saturday, December 1, 2007

It is December now

Another day of work and another day done. Warmed up today. During lunch the hawks came to visit. We were tossing up bread into the air and they would swoop down and pick them out of th air.

After dinner i borrowed one of the peoples 360's and got a little gaming in. Just had to veg out. Here is a couple of pictures.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Friday

After work I headed over to the mall. Saw a few strange things. Such as an air guitar. Which is just 4 frets and the head of the guitar. So you can rock out. A lite up toilet seat. A dart board that has its own stand. When i got back darts was on the sports channel. I think they were speaking English, but it was extremely hard to understand what they were saying. I think they may have been English.

Time for bed, work tomorrow.

Pictures

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thursday

A full day of work. Always good times. For breakfast i had Kiwi Juice and yogurt. So much goodness in liquidy form. Awesome.

For dinner went and had a Gyro. Quite a few Christmas decorations up around town. And there is Christmas music everywhere.

Pictures

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wednsday

Woke up around 2:30 am. Managed to go back to sleep. Got up at 6:00 am, decided to try some Japanese McDonald's breakfast. Pretty much the same. The strange thing was that they put ICE in my orange juice. Stopped by Starbucks for a little go juice.

Did the rounds at the NEX and commissary, then headed into work.

After work went to one of the 100 Yen stores. Lots of Christmas stuff up.

Pictures

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Long Day

Very long day. I got to the airport about 2 1/2 Hours early. Good thing, as i didn't have a ticket, a slight miscommunication between organizations left me in limbo for about 45 minutes. Finally did get through. Flight was decent, not too bumpy. The flight path took us more northern than normal. Got to see Alaskan glaciers from 40,000 feet, very cool.

Got to japan, went through customs. They are now doing fingerprint and pictures to everyone who comes in, except those on official business.

Hooked up with a few co-workers at the airport and took the train to Yokosuka. It is about 2 hours and 42 minutes, but you have more leg room than on the bus. Arrived at the hotel around 8 PM. Went to pepper lunch for dinner. On the way back bought two Dual Shock 3 controllers.

Time to hit it.

In other non japan related news BILL DOBA IS DONE!!!!!

It is about time, and he will get a say in who replaces him, so all is well. At least until next football season.

Pictures

Monday, November 26, 2007

Travel Day 3

More Fun with Airplanes Tomorrow.

Anyways I just couldn't resist.







GO COUGS!!!
WINNING THE DAY