Tuesday 17th 09

The wind this morning was very cold, it said it was 40 but it sure didn't feel like it. It was scarf weather. Hopefully it won't start raining anytime soon. Had dinner at the Thai resturant, I discovered that Medium is too hot for me as well. I guess I am kinda mild.

Pictures

Japan Soft Drink Challenge Pouch 4

Tokyo Disney Monday 16th

Disney was fun. Hit up a few rides and enjoyed some food. We went on Star Tours, Grandprix, Roger Rabbits ride, Small world, and Space Mountain. It was my first time on Space Mountain, it was fun, but I was dizzy after leaving the ride. It is just a bunch of sharp right turns and then one left turn at the end. But it was a lot of fun. We went and tried the Yokosuka Burger at a restaurant near the hotel. It was a very good burger, probably the best one I have had here at the very least.


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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 16

New Hope Tokyo Sunday 15th

Decided to go up to Tokyo for church today. It was a great service and everybody enjoyed the trip. On the way back we stopped at Akihabara for the same curry as yesterday very good. On a seafood related not, one of the guys that went up to New Hope Tokyo was kind enough to buy an Ebi sandwich at McDonalds, it was the second time I have ever eaten shrimp it is pretty goo.d

Early to bed, the group leaves at 6:45 to get up around when Tokyo Disney Opens.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge

Humid Saturday 14th 09

Took a quick trip up to Akihabara this morning. On the way to the train station it became apparent that a jacket was not required. It was around 60 degrees the entire day, and it was humid.

After walking around and going into a few shops up in Akihabara we stopped for Curry and then got on the train home. It wasn't crowded at all, we were able to have a seat the entire way.

Went to pepper lunch for dinner and tried a taco chicken dish, it was pretty good but not as good as the standard pepper steak is.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 14

Windy Friday 13th 09

It warmed up during the day, by the time I left work it was 60 degrees. Nice and warm, only problem was the 40 mph winds. I had to get off and walk my bike several times.

For dinner it was back to Korean BBQ at More's city. No chicken this time, after what happened last summer. After dinner we went to Capcom plaza to play Street Fighter 4, lets just say that there are many great japanese SF4 players. Finished it off with some ice cream and then a little TV catchup.


Pictures

Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 13

Mexican Food Thursday 12th 09

Riding into work it was 32, but luckily it cleared up and it was nice and sunny. For dinner I decided to have Mexican, it was very good. But in Japan they do not give you free chips and salsa, cultural differences.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 12

Curry Is Awesome Wednesday 11th 09

Seems like round two of the cold is going around. More and more people are getting sick. Nothing better to clear up the sinuses than hot curry. I went back to Bengal curry, very good again.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 11

Sunny Tuesday 10th 09

In the morning it looked like it was going to rain, but the day was awesome. The wind died down and the sun came out in a serious way. Had dinner at the cool yakitori place. Then wound down by watching Jack Bauer save the US once more.

Japan Soft Drink Challenge Pouch 3

Grandberry Mall Monday 9th 09

After work I met up with a coworker and headed to the Grandberry Mall. It is like an outlet mall. The trip up to the mall took about an hour and a half. You have to head to Yokohama and then ride out a ways.

The first store we stopped at was Montbell. I got a really nice scarf, which will come in handy as it has been getting colder and colder. After walking through the lego and Adidas stores it was time for dinner.

We ate at Outback. I had the ribeye, which was very good. The ride back was going well until the train stopped and everybody got off. Now this is a sign that it is time to get off the train. But we saw people outside the train so I made the call to stay on. I wavered back and forth. Finally the doors closed, and the train moved the other way. Oh well, it happens.

We figure out that the train goes to that stop and then you have to switch. So after getting on another train and making the switch at the next station it was easy. The whole trip took about 5 hours.

Pictures

Japan Soft Drink Challenge Pouch 2

Brrrrrrrrrr Sunday 8th 09

I realize that this will fall on deaf ears for most folks, but it is cold here. The temperatures are in the 40's but the wind was really strong today. Good old wind CHILL. Of course this turn of events only happened when I was in the middle of a walk around town. But then again, it isn't snowing!

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Pouch Drink 1

Saturday 7th 09

Before work we went up to Yokohama back to Tokyu Hands. The train was nice and packed on the way up. As in all things I like to arrive early, so we had about half an hour to burn. Starbucks is a decent way to burn time and maintain energy levels.

After spending about 2 hours in the store I needed to get back to work so I headed back to the train station. On the street they had eye glass cleaning stations. It consisted of an Ultrasonic sink, wash water, and a chem wipe. All I can say is WOW. My glasses have never been so clean.

For dinner we went to Italian gardens. After that I wound down from a 6 day week by watching Psych. I cannot recommended the show enough, it is GREAT.


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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random X

Karaoke Friday 6th 09

Went to dinner at Nirvana (Indian food). I had spinach curry chicken, it was very good. After dinner I finally did a japanese tradition, Karaoke. I do enjoy singing, so I ended up singing almost every song. Got in a good rendition of "I'm yours" during the two hour rock session.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Tea 2

Curry Time Thursday 5th 09

One of the Japanese people who I work with suggested a restaurant to me. He drew a map and made the universal sign for good food (hand over the stomach). On the map he named the place Bengaru. I went to the street but could not find a restaurant called Bengaru, then I looked down the street and noticed a place called Bengal. The joys of ESL.

It was the fastest meal I have ever eaten, and it was awesome. I had spicy beef curry. The level of spice was just right, make the mouth tingle but don't burn the throat.

Swung by Starbucks on the way home for some liquid energy.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 9

Wednesday Feb 4th 09

Had dinner at the CPO for Mongolian night, very good. People at work are still getting sick at an accelerating rate. So hopefully I will not get sick again.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Tea 1

Another Tuesday Feb 3rd 09

Things seem to be working fine tonight on the internet side. So two soft drink challenges 1 post.

Took a couple of coworkers to my favorite katsu place. The guy who runs it is a chief up in Tokyo. At night he comes back and cooks in his small restaurant before calling it a night up stairs. It is an awesome experience and very tasty food.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge 7 & 8

Slow Again, Superbowl Monday Feb 2nd 09

Another day without the ability to upload any videos. If it happens again tomorrow, I will go seeking free WiFi on base.

Caught a little of the superbowl during the work day. They had it playing everywhere.

Went to the yakitora place by the train station. Had many pieces of meat on a stick. All very good.

The pipes are slow Sunday Feb 1st 09

Once described by a US congressman as a series of tubes, the internet is not wanting to cooperate this evening. As such I will be unable to provide the latest JSDC or pictures from today.

Got some suvinour shopping done today. When I was out I swung by CoCo's curry for lunch. They have almost every imaginable topping you would want with curry. I chose the thin sliced beef. Very good.

Finally tried a Honey Orange Latte at Starbucks. The orange is subtle enough to complement the espresso shot. All in all I would give it 1 and a half thumbs.

After church stopped by and had the buffet at Sbarro's. Which the is the first and last time I will ever eat there. But now I know, and the more you know...

Saturday 31st 09

No big trip today just hanging around town. Went to McDonalds for breakfast. They have a breakfast sandwich called the Mega Muffin. It is two sausage patties with bacon. Talk about heart attack, looking around the restaurant I saw no takers. So I passed.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 6

Rainy Rainy Day Friday 30th 09

During the ride into work it was drizzling a little bit. On the other hand during the day it was dumping, I got soaked through all my layers of clothes.

Luckily the rain lightened up for the ride home, or else I was thinking about calling a taxi.

Went to Za Watami for dinner. We all ordered a bunch of dishes and tried a little of everything. Very good.


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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 5

Sickness continues Thurs Jan 29 09

I received an email today informing me that John Snelson had sent me a message via facebook. Well that is strange I thought. A future me, doppelganger, etc. It turns out to be a guy who lives in Manchester UK. Small world.

I went to the Green Leaf today for dinner. It is right outside one of the gates. I had a dish called "Mama Dofu", it is a chili red sauce with tofu and ground beef over rice. It helps clear up the sinus's very well.


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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 4

Still Sick Wed Jan 28th 09

Another day of coughing up various parts of my lung, so that was fun.

For dinner I went to Korean BBQ in More's City. I got little fish that had sweet red bean inside. Interesting to try one, but not my favorite flavor.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 3

Cold Season Tuesday 27th 09

I tried to avoid it as long as possible, but I am in head coldsville. I took off from work at lunch time and got some rest and lots of fluids. Hopefully I can flush this out of my system soon.

Went out to dinner at the CPO club for Prime Rib. Stopped by 711 for some snacks and back to resting. Watching Family Ties in Japanese is something else.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 2

Windy Monday Jan 26th 09

People are starting to get sick around here, so I am packing away the vitamin c.

Went to dinner at a Ramen shop right outside base. It was very good, had Salt flavored ramen, gyoza, and a curry triangle. One thing you do not have to worry about in Japan is finding awesome food.

Swung by the grocery store after dinner and picked up some supplies. I got a package of strawberries that are awesome. Everyone of them is sweet and ripe.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Random 1

Rest Day, Sunday 25th 09

Went to work in the morning and then stopped by the burger joint for lunch.

I rolled my ankle on Saturday and decided against going to Tokyo for church today. We just went to the church on the base.

For dinner we went to a Chinese restaurant. Very good.

Finishing up by watching the two new Lost episodes.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Milk 5

Tokyo Fun Saturday 24th

It was Tokyo time today. Before leaving town we stopped by the local 5 bucks for some morning coffee. The train ride up to Asakusa took right around an hour and 20 minutes. We stopped at the 5 bucks up there before walking through the shopping area and then viewed the Temple.

From there we went to Akihabara. After walking through a few stores and not finding anything too compelling we stopped at the pepper lunch up there. To my surprise the prices were about 400 Yen less than in town.

To end the trip we went to Tokyo Tower. It is a copy of the Eiffel Tower, except around 10 meters taller. It cost 1400 yen to ride to the first observation deck, and then up to the top. Very nice view up there.

I slept the entire way back to town, but woke up just before the stop, I seem to be getting the hang of this.

Went to Watami for dinner and had a Korean dish and Gyoza, both good. Then it was a rush to base to pick up some supplies and back to the room before curfew.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Milk 4

Fun Friday

Because of actions of a shipyard worker over here, everybody has a curfew. They told us that it would be a couple weeks to see how things go. So that was fun.

For dinner I took a group to Kamakura looking for a curry place i had found in my lonely planet japan book. After circling around this one area, we figured out that I had no idea where the place was. Of course I did not bring the book with me, or a map, or have the name of the place i wanted to go. So in retrospect, there was no way that was ever going to work.

We ate at an Indian restaurant which was very good, I had beef curry and naan.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Milk 3

Another Rainy Thursday January 22nd

After a late night at work last night, and 3 hours of sleep, it was a very long day at work.

After work came back and took a nap, met up with some folks to go to pepper lunch. Awesome as always.

No pictures as I am just beat today.

Japan Soft Drink Challenge Milk 2

Rain Again Wednesday 21st

After work I got the first taste of rain in a while. Luckily it was just a northwest drizzle, not like the torrents i have seen before.

For dinner I met up with a bunch of engineers and we went to a Thia food place. I made the mistake of asking for Hot. After crying and draining several glasses of water I realized that I had overestimated my ability to take spicy food. I don't even want to know what Spicy is like.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Milk 1

Back to the Work Part II Tuesday 20th

Sometimes it seems like the 4 day weeks start off faster than the normal 5 day weeks.

After work I stopped by Starbucks to get some liquid energy. Coming January 28th they have a new drink, called Honey Citrus Latte, sounds interesting.

Went back to Italian Gardens tonight with a group of coworkers. The special was Pepper Steak, infuses on the pepper. It was like they were training people to crush pepper over the steak. Required many classes of water to get through it. But it was very delicious.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 6

Yokohama Again Monday 19th 09

Headed up to Yokohama today. The train was packed. Spent about two hours in the Landmark mall, and then went to the top of Landmark Tower, again. Ate lunch at Wendy's, the chili tastes exactly the same as back home, which is what you expect from a fine international fastfood company.

Headed up to Chinatown after lunch. Tried a custard fish snack, which was awesome. We ran into a bunch of people that we knew from back home around Chinatown. On the way back to the train station, I tried a Panda Sweet Roll, it was filled with some chocolate. It was very rich.

We stopped by Tokyu Hands near the train station in Yokohama. Found the most awesome cell phone dangle ever. A little pig with USA colors and flags on its face.

Felt like Italian food, so went on base to Italian Gardens.

Netflix streaming is working great over here.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 5

After yesterday it was just an easy day. I went and picked up a Lonely Planet Japan book. It covers all of japan, so if I decided to head south during the next three day weekend, I will at least have a clue as to what to do.

I had subways version of a cheese steak for lunch. They do not have the toaster ovens here so it was just the meat heated up.

I met a friend to go to Church on base. Next week we will be going to New Hope in Tokyo.

Had a steak dinner and then watched the newest episode of Psych. If you haven't seen it, it should be on the top of your priority list.

Tomorrow the plan is to head to Landmark once more and then hit China town for lunch.


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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Cocoa

My Feet Hurt Saturday 17th 09

Made it back to Tokyo today. After breakfast we headed to the Imperial Gardens. We took the train to Shinagawa and then to Tokyo station. On the train from Shinagawa to Tokyo there was a guy who had a cat in a harness like you would see small dogs in. It kept trying to hide under the seats.

It is about a 5 minute walk to the Palace grounds. The were holding a run around the grounds and we saw lots of runners. Several times as they would reverse lap us. When we got to the entrance to the grounds we decided to go for lunch. When headed in a direction and finally found a place which served curry. It was very tasty.

When we walked out of the restaurant I remembered that I had been there before and we headed up to walk under the huge gate. We headed back to the gardens and walked around until my feet felt like they wanted to explode. It was an easy trip back to Yokosuka because it wasn't during rush hour.

When out for dinner at a place called 12 frogs. Strangely enough they do not serve frog. Instead i had a Korean dish which ends up like a strange omelet. Also tasty

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 4

The weekend come Friday 16th 09

The weekend is clear of work so the town was alive with activity. Ran into a bunch of former coworkers today. Took my buddy Bryan to Pepper Lunch. As always it is most excellent.

I made a run to the grocery store for this weekend. And it was packed. But I got what I needed for the trip up to Tokyo tomorrow. The plan is to go to the Imperial Palace Gardens and then stop by a military shrine.

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Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 3

The Sun Comes Out Thursday 15th 09

First and Foremost RIP for Khan, passing away at 88 years.



Decided to hit the gym at an earlier hour this morning. It was a little cold on the way in but the way back to the hotel it was just right. I braved another breakfast at the hotel, not totally sick of it yet.

The internet at the hotel has ground to a crawl as everybody seems to try and communicate back home at the exact same moment. But it is better than some people have. Dial up is a thing that should have been left in the last century. At the very least I can listen to the soothing island sounds of IR 98.5.

For dinner I went to Italian Gardens. They had a Pizza called The Elvis on the menu. Basically it was a BBQ chicken pizza. Quick review, the crust was very good, the sauce was excellent but not enough, and it needed more onions.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 2

Adjustment Jan 14th 09

As expected I woke up at 2:30 AM. I finally convinced myself to go back to sleep, but the next time at 4:24 AM I stayed up. After getting all set for work I stopped by Starbucks on the way for a little liquid energy.

After stopping by 7 and i holdings to pick up the Soft Drink Challenge drink, I met up with coworkers and went out and had Tonkotsu. It was very filling.

After dinner it was time to relax and get ready for another exciting day.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge Coffee 1

Travel Day Jan 12th 09

Finally at 4:40 Pacific Time, I am settled in. After some Pepper Lunch for dinner all is well. You always get two things with Pepper Lunch, delicious beef and Run DMC in the background. It seems that everybody on the trip got to where they were supposed to be. I ended up in the same size room as I was in last time. Which is enough, especially considering where some other people have to come from.

The flight was a little late coming leaving Seattle. We were all ready to go, the doors were armed and then a bunch of flight attendants headed to the back of the plane. I overheard one of them say that someone was freaking out. So they took that person off the plane and we got ready again. But the door had to be checked by the flight crew, after 20 minutes we finally left. I didn't have anybody sitting next to me, so it was a restful flight.

On the way to customs a women in front of me fell of the escalator, her husband was very grateful.

After customs we met up in a big group and got on a bus. We made one stop in Yokohama where a few people are staying, then finally we got to Yokosuka.

Every time you come back it always seems like time hasn't moved, other than a few new shops and a few old ones that have disappeared. Also last time the air conditioner was full bore, now the same applies for the heater. It is not warm outside.

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Japan Soft Drink Challenge, in Hawaii

Travel day 22nd

Business Class ROCKS!

I don't want to go back to the old way, the level of service is amazing.

It was a very long day I got about 3 hours of sleep in 34 hours time.

Good to be back on this side of the water.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 68 - Japan

Stateside Marble Drink

Soft Drink Challenge Part 67 - Japan

Marble Drink

Thursday 21st

Last day at work on this side of the ocean for a while.

Last little bit of packing to do.

After work I met up with some coworkers and had chili and cake. It was all very good.

Pictures

Soft Drink Challenge Part 66 - Japan

Energy Gym

Soft Drink Challenge Part 65 - Japan

Pine Cider

Soft Drink Challenge Part 64 - Japan

Melon Cream Soda

Wednesday 20th

Got up really early and started packing. Then went to bed and woke up just in time to run off to work.

Had lunch at Chili's one more time before heading back. The food is good but the service is really bad. The chicken ranch sandwich was awesome.

After work it was time to pack even more. I think I am pretty close, just a few things to take to work tomorrow and should be set.

Dinner was Mexican and it was good, but no bottomless chips like back home.

Pictures

Tuesday 19th

Dinner was Suki Yaki, it is boiling broth, that you put meat and vegi's in.

Different but good.

I wound down the evening by watching cougar football highlight clips. 2002 was a very special season. Strange watching it 6 years later, it was the first year that my parents came over for all of the games. First year in a long time when WSU beat USC at home. My buddy Doug the "thug" was present at that one. Even the apple cup that year was a crazy game. I remember walking out under the scoreboard just as the bottles started to fly. The rose bowl was a crazy adventure. Driving straight to LA with my dad, and then back. It is a season which i will remember for a long time. With names like Gesser, Bush, Darling, Green, Basler, Bennett, Dunning. It was a great time to be into Cougar football. The new era begins in 12 days.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 63 - Japan

K-Spark Double Drink Day

Monday 18th

Got out of work on time today. Mailed a package back home. Started to pack my room up to move tomorrow. I checked with the front desk and it turns out that i am good through when i leave. That is good, I am not a fan of packing.

Dinner was a Thai restaurant and was good, the owner was very nice. The place had just opened up and one of the guys had been there the previous night. First time in a long time that I had Thai food. I think i am slightly allergic to shrimp.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 62 - Japan

Grape Jello in a can

Sunday 17th

It was a nice cool rainy day. A welcome change for the recent weather.

After breakfast I met up with a coworker and we decided to head up to the Grandberry mall in Yokohama. After three train rides we arrived. And notice that everybody was walking around with their dog. They had a "dogs are people too" shop and people were out and about. After a few good laughs it was in to Montbell, which is what REI is called in japan. The prices are high as in the US, but probably higher. I mean that is more than a few extra letters on the logo. Money doesn't grow on trees, unless you are Nintendo.

I stopped into the "Brickshop", standard lego stuff, nothing really unique to Japan. All the actual legos were exactly the same as the US ones.

I stopped at the Adidas outlet store and picked up a Yamuri Giants hat.

Lunch was Outback steakhouse. After my coworker almost left his new pack at the train station we got back to Yokosuka. Hung around the hotel room for a little while and then went to Church.

Dinner was subway, I watched the russians take the platform in womens tennis.

Then it was spindown to sleep time.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 61 - Japan

Sugary Grape

Saturday the 16th

Went into work this morning for a little bit. Then relaxed for the rest of the day around town.

The first thing I noticed when i walked outside at 8 am was that it was really hot. And it remained hot for the rest of the day, in fact as i am writing this the realfeel is still in the high 90's, after 9 PM.

I took two trips around town today, one to the mall and the other to the park. The sky was really clear except for some awesome looking clouds. Dinner was steak night at the CPO.

And then as with all S A T U R D A Y nights PSYCH.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 60 - Japan

Peach Jelly Part II and Grape Jelly

Friday 15th

Another long day at work.

Dinner was pepper lunch and then bed, time to sleep in for a change.

Soft Drink Challenge Part 59 - Japan

Peach Jelly Part 1

Thursday 14th

Another long day at work. After work it was the last night for another coworker so we went out to a Tonkatsu place.

After that it was a quick trip through the grocery store for SDC and then back to bed.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 58 - Japan

Marble-less marble drink

Wednesday 13th

Another very long day. I went to an Italian place for dinner. Recorded SDC and then off to bed.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 57 - Japan

King of Mango

Tuesday 12th

Another long day at work. After work I pedaled around town for a little bit before heading to Prime Rib Night at the CPO Club.

Very good food, they had some cream of mushroom soup that was awesome.

Pictures

Monday 11th

After a very long day at work. I stopped by one of my coworkers going away dinners. Pretty hot today, especially when you are crawling around.

Soft Drink Challenge will be delayed because of the long day at work and the early start to the next one.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 56 - Japan

Lemons into ...

Sunday 10th

After breakfast I met up with a coworker and went to Kamakura to look for shoes. He is trying to find shoes that the rickshaw drivers use. They have the big toe and the one next to it separated from the other three.

We did not find what we were looking for. After going down to the beach to film another on location episode of SDC-J. We stopped and had lunch on the beach. It is strangely similar to Mission Beach, where I was at 3 months ago.

After Church, I went to dinner at another Japanese restaurant. They carry a good variety of different foods, and it is cheap.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 55 - Japan

Orange Juicy

Saturday 9th

It was back to Sea Paradise today. It was a very large group of coworkers heading up. And I was the only one who had been so I ended up being a guide. At one people someone made a comment that I needed a flag. Then someone else commented that I was already a head taller than everybody else and it was easy to find me. Which I found strange because I thought I was doing a good job of blending.

We went into a cold ride again. You pick out bags at the end to try and match the weight of the bag outside the ride. Out of nine people only two were successful in the quest. I got in touch with my inner Indiana Jones and "Chose Wisely". I received a bear with pink wings.

It was a lot busier today, but it is a weekend day and the start of the Bon Festival. So people were out and about.

Very muggy and hot, but when the clouds rolled in, it became much better to be outside.

Dinner was pepper lunch, another home run as usual.

An episode of Psych is always a good way to wind down an evening.


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Soft Drink Challenge Part 54 - Japan

Blendy, but not

8/8/08

Very hot and muggy today.

Dinner was Yakatori and then I settled into to watch the opening ceremonies.

They started at 9 PM local and they introduced the athletes at 1010 PM. They were introduced in the order of the Chinese characters.

My sister Ruth and I are making live comments on the ceremonies. 8 hours apart but through the power of the internet right next to each other.

I always have liked the countries that have like 2 athletes but they made the trip.

Japan has 339 athletes in the Olympics. Takes a long time for everybody to come into the stadium

The UK came on at 1114 313 athletes.

The US came out at 1125 596 athletes.

Now the games begin.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 53 - Japan

Mango GO

Thursday 7th

63 years ago last wednesday and this saturday the US dropped atomic weapons on the nation of japan. I spent the evening watching a special in Japanese about the bombs and the aftermath. So in one year I was in Japan 65 years when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and when the A-bombs were dropped. It is strange to think about after all these years and where we are as nations now.

I am pretty sure we will get more protests this weekend.

But in other news the Olympics start tomorrow. It is strange being outside your country when the games begin. Tonight they were showing a prelim match between the US and Japan in the lobby. The US won 1-0, but it was close. It will be interesting to see how people reach around here.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 52 - Japan

Jelly Drink

Wednesday 6th

After work it was a quick trip through the exchange. Another hot and muggy day. I heard that it was a hot day back home, but I would trade it for this.

I went back to the place that serves horse meat. I introduced a coworker to Mr. Ed.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 51 - Japan

Double Feature

Tuesday 5th

Another hot and muggy day, after work dinner was CPO prime rib night. After going to the 100 yen store for another round of shopping it was movie and bed.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 50 - Japan

50th Challenge

Monday 4th

After work today we headed over to Home's. After shopping for a little bit, we headed on base to Chilies for dinner.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 49 - Japan

Tomato

Sunday 3rd

I was just going to hang around Yokosuka today, but ran into a couple of guys who wanted to go to Yokohama. So I went to Yokohama. Normal trip.

After getting back and going to church I went to dinner at a Tonkatsu place. Very good.

Lots of cleanup on base today after Friendship day. And it was muggy again. The heat just will take you out.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 48 - Japan

Sour Milk

Saturday 2nd

I spent the morning going around base and then shopping. It was Friendship Day on base, about 20,000 people come to the base and hang out and have a good time. It is strange to see that many people on base.

They had a "friendly" game between the base football team and a japanese pro team. It was a little embarrassing. Although it was only 14-0 a halftime, in favor of the japanese.

Dinner was Italian gardens and pizza and then i watched fireworks.

The evening entertainment was Psych you gotta love the art of performing stunts.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 47 - Japan

SUPER C

Friday 1st

After work today I walked around base for a while and then had dinner at McDonalds.

I went to a Bible Study at night and met a cougar. She graduated in 96, it is funny the places you meet people from WSU. But it is tru as has been said before on this blog Once a Coug, Always a Coug.

Only three weeks to go, this trip has been flying by fast.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 46 - Japan

Listerine Light

The last Day of July

Hard to believe that 7 weeks are almost over. The time has flown, and it has not been as hot as I had thought that it would be.

I looked out over the bay today and saw a blimp on the skyline. After I got out of work I went to hope on my bike and realized that my tire was flat. After about an hour I finally got it fixed.

Dinner was Pepper Lunch, and very good. Then it was time to wind down.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 45 - Japan

Soft Drink

Wednesday 30th

After work I walked around the city streets for a while. The humidity was down from what it was earlier in the week.

Dinner was Mongolian Night at the CPO club. Still on the mind.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 44 - Japan

Smoothy

Tuesday 29th

Woke up still feeling sick, so I decided to go to the hospital to get checked out. After about 5 hours they let me go. I decided to lay low for the rest of the day. On the way to pick up supplies and lunch I saw my first secada, ugly looking bug.

After getting back to the hotel and taking a mid afternoon nap, I woke up and watched Amazing Grace. It is a very good film about the struggle to abolish slavery in the Untied Kingdom. If you haven't seen it, it is defiantly worth watching.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 43 - Japan

Choco Madness

Monday 28th

Another hot day in Japan. I am still on a liquid diet, so lunch was at work. For dinner we went to Italian Gardens to get some lasagna. It was very good, as is most of the food on base. The temps have only been in the 80's and it has been hard to get motivated to get outside. August should be fun. Saw more protesters today, these were very old Japanese people, and they were singing a song called Peace Peace Peace, Love Love Love. It was interesting.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 42 - Japan

Aloe Vera Peach

Sunday 27th

I had a little bit of a fever yesterday, got up to 102.5. By the time I woke up it was under 100.

After getting breakfast I headed on base to go to Church. After church I went to subway for lunch, and then the commissary for some supplies for the week. The heat index was over 100, so by the time I got back to the hotel room most of the Popsicle were melted. I should have taken a taxi, but that is knowledge for the future.

I had dinner at the CPO club and then watched Psych and Monk while winding the weekend down.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 41 - Japan

Sweet Sweat

Saturday 26th

Today we journeyed up to Costco in Yokohama. It was pretty much the same but different.

I think I may be the recipient of food poisoning so this post will be short. The afternoon I just slept and then ate some apple pie from Costco, it was very good.

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Friday 25th

It was a DARK KNIGHT night. After work I meet up with a couple of coworkers and went and watched the new Batman movie. It was very DARK, but good. The new Batman movies are much better than the old ones. There were a few twists and turns along the way, but in the end it turned out okay.

On the weather side of things it was very muggy and hot today. I tried to stay indoors as long as possible.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 40 - Japan

Hello and welcome back to the 40th Japan Soft Drink Challenge.

Soft Drink Challenge Part 39 - Japan

WANNA FANTA ...

Thursday 24th

This morning was the first earthquake i had ever felt. at 0037 it was about a 4.5 local earthquake up north it was a high 5. At first I thought it was a dream, but it keep happening.

I got to work today and the detachment director calls me. He tells me how he saw me on TV last night. Unfortunately i missed my 5 minutes of fame on japanese national television, so keep your eyes open on youtube it may end up there.

It was korean bbq for dinner. we decided to try the 90 minutes all you can eat buffet. They challenged use to eat our own weight. That was the goal, but it didn't come to pass.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 38 - Japan

Orange Jello Drink

Wednesday 23rd

No bike craziness today luckily. After work I located another bike which i could ride. I do not believe that this one will have th same problem.

Dinner was pepper lunch this time I tried the fillet steak, it was very good.

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Soft Drink Challenge Part 37 - Japan

Jello Drink

Tuesday 22nd

Dinner was prime rib night at the CPO club, it was very tasty. The ride back from work was eventful. The derailleur folded into the spokes right before i got to the hotel. That made the back tire stopped immediately. If i wasn't on a straight it would have been bad. In a corner it would have sent the back tire out and me into traffic. The temp got into the 90's today but the humidity was low so it felt like 90 back home.

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