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
Monday, June 23, 2008
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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
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
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
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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