Mmm... the local equivalent of heineken. Light, frothy, easy to drink. A great summer beer.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
A cut above
Today was nice. I woke up around 10:30 with a barely perceptible hangover and started packing my stuff to move to my new place. I went downstairs at 12, checked out, jumped in a Taxi and went of to Hiroo-o.
I got there, turned on the air-con (it was bloody roasting) and started to unpack. It felt a bit weird as I still haven't got curtains and anyone that wanted to could look in, but that's on the cards to be fixed tomorrow. Anyway, once I was done, I took a look around town and found a bunch of barber shops. This was fortunate as I was beginning to look like I should be called Claudius... So, after nipping to Roppongi to buy an inflatable mattress to do me till tomorrow when the furniture should arrive, I went for a haircut.
At least, that was what I thought I was getting. It started innocently enough. I had a bit of communication difficulty with the barber and after a couple of failed attempts I convinced him that yes, I really wanted him to use the clippers, and I really wanted it short - but not the 2mm length he thought I was initially looking for. Now, remember, this is Japan, so even though this guy was using the clippers, he has to give me the full service. After the usual ten minutes it takes to crop the mop he took out the scissors and went over my whole head to ensure that it was perfectly even. This takes at least another ten minutes. Then he started to check the fringe was perfect - another 2/3 minutes. After that, he took out some hot towels and starts rubbing my head - 2 minutes again. Then the scissors came out and he went to work on my side burns. My hair was looking pretty good at this stage - the only thing that needed work was the back. So when he started to take away the shroud that barbers aleays wrap round you, I was a little confused. Not to worry though, he was only putting a fresh one on. He then tidied up the back of my head, and went over the entire mop AGAIN with the scissors! Current timing - 35 minutes. Right, by this stage I was getting bored - and he could tell. "How heavy are you?" what the f*ck? He didn't speak much english and I think he was trying the usual Barber shop "go anywhere nice for holiday?" conversation. But come on "how heavy are you?"!! What was I to say... "very" was all I could think of. I don't know my weight in kilos after all. This was very funny apparently. Nonplussed as I was, when he asked if I wanted a massage I just agreed. Of course this just presented him with the opportunity to pursue the conversation. "His wife is very fat!". Huh? I realised he was pointing at the owner of the shop - an old guy about 5ft, balding and chuckling to himself at the joke. At this stage my resistance had dissolved. "How fat?" I asked. This causes bouts of spontaneous belly aching laughter. Oh dear. They both stood behind me (I hate how hairdressers do that) and explained through international sign language exactly how heavy she is. As I understood it she is about 5ft too, but both horizontally and vertically. I find this hard to believe as the number of overweight Japanese is without a doubt far lower than anywhere in the west. Hilarity aside - the massage clocked in at ten minutes again.
I was under the impression that my cut was coming to an end. It was not. Of course, this was a barber shop - and in Japan they do everything 100% Kshhiiiing..... Kshhiiiing..... Kshhiiiing..... For those that don't know, that's the sound of a cuthroat razor being sharpened. But I didn't get the usual shave - oh no. Out came the hot towels again. This time they were applied to the back of my neck and my ears. Huh? Anyway, after whipping up some shaving foam and applying it to my neck the shaving began. The banter stopped at this stage - much to my relief. But the shaving kept going. He pretty much shaved around my entire hairline. Not at the front - but I got a fright as the guy next to me was getting his EYEBROWS shaved. I wasn't looking forward to explaining that 'No no, I like my eyebrows the way they are thanks!' It didn't come to that but it did come to shaving my EARS! I've never had my ears shaved before. And not just the lobes and the external parts. The cuthroat went right into the hollow next to my earhole. Maybe its because I've never had a full barber shop treatment before... but all of this pretty much came as a shock.
Finally, after over an hour, he was done. I had have expected him to offer me a beer while I waited, but it wasn't to be. How much did this cut, shave, massage, comedy duo routine cost? Fifteen whole pounds. Wow, not bad. I had been bemoaning the price before I went in. But when you scale it to the time taken and the extra services, this is even cheaper than Mr Topps in London. Aah, anyway, I'm now heading out for a couple of beers.
Gnight!
SAB
I got there, turned on the air-con (it was bloody roasting) and started to unpack. It felt a bit weird as I still haven't got curtains and anyone that wanted to could look in, but that's on the cards to be fixed tomorrow. Anyway, once I was done, I took a look around town and found a bunch of barber shops. This was fortunate as I was beginning to look like I should be called Claudius... So, after nipping to Roppongi to buy an inflatable mattress to do me till tomorrow when the furniture should arrive, I went for a haircut.
At least, that was what I thought I was getting. It started innocently enough. I had a bit of communication difficulty with the barber and after a couple of failed attempts I convinced him that yes, I really wanted him to use the clippers, and I really wanted it short - but not the 2mm length he thought I was initially looking for. Now, remember, this is Japan, so even though this guy was using the clippers, he has to give me the full service. After the usual ten minutes it takes to crop the mop he took out the scissors and went over my whole head to ensure that it was perfectly even. This takes at least another ten minutes. Then he started to check the fringe was perfect - another 2/3 minutes. After that, he took out some hot towels and starts rubbing my head - 2 minutes again. Then the scissors came out and he went to work on my side burns. My hair was looking pretty good at this stage - the only thing that needed work was the back. So when he started to take away the shroud that barbers aleays wrap round you, I was a little confused. Not to worry though, he was only putting a fresh one on. He then tidied up the back of my head, and went over the entire mop AGAIN with the scissors! Current timing - 35 minutes. Right, by this stage I was getting bored - and he could tell. "How heavy are you?" what the f*ck? He didn't speak much english and I think he was trying the usual Barber shop "go anywhere nice for holiday?" conversation. But come on "how heavy are you?"!! What was I to say... "very" was all I could think of. I don't know my weight in kilos after all. This was very funny apparently. Nonplussed as I was, when he asked if I wanted a massage I just agreed. Of course this just presented him with the opportunity to pursue the conversation. "His wife is very fat!". Huh? I realised he was pointing at the owner of the shop - an old guy about 5ft, balding and chuckling to himself at the joke. At this stage my resistance had dissolved. "How fat?" I asked. This causes bouts of spontaneous belly aching laughter. Oh dear. They both stood behind me (I hate how hairdressers do that) and explained through international sign language exactly how heavy she is. As I understood it she is about 5ft too, but both horizontally and vertically. I find this hard to believe as the number of overweight Japanese is without a doubt far lower than anywhere in the west. Hilarity aside - the massage clocked in at ten minutes again.
I was under the impression that my cut was coming to an end. It was not. Of course, this was a barber shop - and in Japan they do everything 100% Kshhiiiing..... Kshhiiiing..... Kshhiiiing..... For those that don't know, that's the sound of a cuthroat razor being sharpened. But I didn't get the usual shave - oh no. Out came the hot towels again. This time they were applied to the back of my neck and my ears. Huh? Anyway, after whipping up some shaving foam and applying it to my neck the shaving began. The banter stopped at this stage - much to my relief. But the shaving kept going. He pretty much shaved around my entire hairline. Not at the front - but I got a fright as the guy next to me was getting his EYEBROWS shaved. I wasn't looking forward to explaining that 'No no, I like my eyebrows the way they are thanks!' It didn't come to that but it did come to shaving my EARS! I've never had my ears shaved before. And not just the lobes and the external parts. The cuthroat went right into the hollow next to my earhole. Maybe its because I've never had a full barber shop treatment before... but all of this pretty much came as a shock.
Finally, after over an hour, he was done. I had have expected him to offer me a beer while I waited, but it wasn't to be. How much did this cut, shave, massage, comedy duo routine cost? Fifteen whole pounds. Wow, not bad. I had been bemoaning the price before I went in. But when you scale it to the time taken and the extra services, this is even cheaper than Mr Topps in London. Aah, anyway, I'm now heading out for a couple of beers.
Gnight!
SAB
Friday, August 26, 2005
A view to a Flat...
Sweet Home Hiroo East #201
Yay! I've finally got my hands on the keys to my apartment! I went to the flat inspection today and after 30 minutes of checking for damage, playing with the air-con, signing forms and figuring out the combination lock on my mailbox it was finally MINE! I plan to go round this evening and dump some of my stuff.
Also - I went shopping on Thursday for some furniture. I went to Muji (yes, the same one that operates in the UK) and bought a bed and sofa. They will arrive on Sunday... which presents a problem. I move out of my corporate accomodation on Saturday. So, I'll have to nip round to the notorious Don Quixote (I still remember the Jingle - Ugh) and by a futon and pillow. I was smart enough to bring a sleeping bag so at least I won't be cold. Saying that, if I just switch off the air-con it will be comfortably warm anyway.
Another problem is presented by the lack of curtains. So I suspect that rather than sleeping in the beedroom which faces onto the main road, I'll sleep in the living room. Hopefully I'll do that this weekend. There is no reason I can't buy some on Saturday and install them. Of course, they are bloody expensive but when I go to DQ I'll buy a measuring tape too. That way, I can at least save on the expense of returning them. Of course this will be useful when buying a bloody washing machine and fridge too. I still haven't decided whether to even bother. Apart from keeping water chilled, I'm not sure how much I'll even use a fridge. And I'm betting there is a cheap laundrette nearby that will do the work of washing for me....
But for the first time in a Month I'm really excited again! Finally things are coming together! I'll have my own place, and soon enough all my gear will arrive and I'll be all settled and it'll be AWESOME!
SAB
Also - I went shopping on Thursday for some furniture. I went to Muji (yes, the same one that operates in the UK) and bought a bed and sofa. They will arrive on Sunday... which presents a problem. I move out of my corporate accomodation on Saturday. So, I'll have to nip round to the notorious Don Quixote (I still remember the Jingle - Ugh) and by a futon and pillow. I was smart enough to bring a sleeping bag so at least I won't be cold. Saying that, if I just switch off the air-con it will be comfortably warm anyway.
Another problem is presented by the lack of curtains. So I suspect that rather than sleeping in the beedroom which faces onto the main road, I'll sleep in the living room. Hopefully I'll do that this weekend. There is no reason I can't buy some on Saturday and install them. Of course, they are bloody expensive but when I go to DQ I'll buy a measuring tape too. That way, I can at least save on the expense of returning them. Of course this will be useful when buying a bloody washing machine and fridge too. I still haven't decided whether to even bother. Apart from keeping water chilled, I'm not sure how much I'll even use a fridge. And I'm betting there is a cheap laundrette nearby that will do the work of washing for me....
But for the first time in a Month I'm really excited again! Finally things are coming together! I'll have my own place, and soon enough all my gear will arrive and I'll be all settled and it'll be AWESOME!
SAB
Typhoon!
This doesn't show it too well, but there was a Typhoon last night! It was really pouring down. I've only seen rain so heavy once or twice. The result was that this morning when I got I the sky was so clear I could see Fuji-san in the distance. I'll try to take a photo next time if I get a chance.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Suchowato Ban
Almost Famous
Saturday Night at Paddy Foley's. Brought to you courtesy of the Scottish Sun. Can you spot our intrepid hero?
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Teddy Scares...
One for Lauren. Teddy scare's (as featured in the below article). The perfect way to help your angst-ridden teenager reach new levels of Goth chic.
Meiji-Jingu, Harajuku, Shinjuku, I'm a cuckoo
Taking advantage of my surprising lack of hangover and the free time I had today I went on one of my planned excursions. The idea was get the Oedo line to Yoyogi, walk down to the Meiji-Jingu shrine, head down to Harajuku, laugh at the Goths and either go to Omote-sando to take in the boutiques, or go to Shinjuku and check out the de-pa-to-me-n-to stores.
Part 1 - Brunch: I started about midday and had a hankerin for something filthy to eat. Unfortunately, the first place I came to was Subway. One 30cm subway Ceaser BLT sub later I jumped on the Toei-Oedo line to Yoyogi (代々木) and emerged realising I didn't know how to get to the park. Not to worry, I headed in what, fingers crossed, was the right direction and found myself at the entrance to the park.
Part 2 - Shrine: The entrances to the park - or at least the parts of the park belonging to the shrine - are marked by very tall and intimidating gates (I'll try to upload my own picture, but the one I took was too big for my phone to send) called Torii. These are traditional at Shinto shrines. The whole place has a strong sense of scale. Obviously, it was built to inspire awe, and it acheives it very well. At the entrance to the shrine proper is a small chouzuya (trough of water) where long handled ladles will be visible. Many (although not all) visitirs purify themselves by washing their hands (first one, then the other) and face with the water in the trough. Try not to let the spillage go back into the trough though as I'm guessing its meant to be kept clean. Each entrance eventually leads to the main hall of worship (haiden) where people can pray. If you wsih to pray, you can make an offering (toss a coin into the offering boxes at the temple entrance), clap your hands to atract the attention of the deity/spirit (not sure which it is in this case - past emporors seem to be considered deities here - and this shrine is devoted to one such emporor), make your prayer, and finally clap your hands twice before bowing and backing away. I learned whilst I was there that this shrine is actually a reconstruction. The original was destroyed during the war.
Part 3 - Harajuku and beyond: Done at the temple, I went down to Harajuku. Harajuku is famed for its mix of Goth and Cos-play kids. Goths are goths - and don't change much the world over. But when the Japanese do anything, they do it 100% These kids sit on Harajuku bridge waiting for someone to pass by and either notice how sexy/sad they look, or ask for a photo. I was actually looking forward to taking a couple of snaps but my heart wasn't in it. Maybe I had my fill of teen angst back when Radiohead was blaring out Creep at 100 decibels on my personal stereo. But I just felt something was missing with those kids. Its not that I think there is anything wrong with the idea of what they were doing: my sister managed it without being too much of a pain. But they seemed to miss the point. The attention seeking aspect of what they were doing seemed to be the primary motivation. Why else sit out on a bridge that is frequented by tourists with cameras? I remember being that age, and I remember my friends from that age. We did the things we wanted to do, not for attention, but for fun. You can't be a happy Goth (a la Irn Bru's genius advertising campaign). The other side of the coin is the cos-play kids. Cos-Play, short for costume play, is a lot more innocent than it might sound in other countries. Kids will dress up as their favourite cartoon, video game, manga or movie character and just hang out. There are places you can go to play card games like Magic or Yu-Gi-Oh! with cos-play waitresses done up to look like a character from the parent show that spawned the merchandise you are using. It seems to be quite a market over here. Any new anime is designed for evolution based card collecting that just has these kids hooked for years on end. Compare that with He-Man which had some of the most brainless and short lived toys available. All you could do was bash them together. Japanese kids have to study their chosen past-time just to be able to compete! Its quite different. The end result of this is a fairly visible current of people into cos-play. Just walk around Akihabara or Harajuku and you'll see what I mean. OK, its fairly limited to those areas, but thats just the ones that want to be seen in public... So after being underwhelmed by Harajuku's grim street urchins I decided to take my fill of bright lights and easy shopping over Omote-sando's boutiques and cos-play officianados. A five minute train ride landed me in Shinjuku.
Part 4 - Shinjuku: Since I'm moving into my apartment next week this was an ideal opportunity to check out a couple of furniture stores and maybe try to find Kevin that camera he wants a quote on. Shinjuku station is possibly the most confusing station I've ever been in. Its not really one station, but four or five stations turned into one giant hub - all connected through bloody shopping malls and department store basements. There are THREE south exits. So if you go there, don't arrange to meet at the south exit. I got out at the main JR terminal and swung over to Tokyo Hands, a big department store with pretty much everything you could want. It even has clocks that tick backwards. My favourite find was the Teddy Scares. Goth teddy bears to help get your kid on the path to harajuku heaven. Unfortunately, the furniture section sucks. There were maybe four or five sofas - and only one I'd consider that is going to cost the equivalent of 250 pounds. Thankfully I'll get paid next week so I should have some cash to play with. The next shock was the cost of curtains. I don't want to go into it but Its possible I could spend more on curtains than a sofa. I lost hope at this stage and didn't bother looking for mattresses. Thankfully, all I'll need in my first week is - curtains, sofa, mattress, fridge and washing machive. So I reckon I can limit the damage to a thousand quid if I'm very careful. Next stop was Odakyu Halc, where the famous Bic Camera resides. This is an OTT electronics store that also has a good selection of cameras. I didn't see Kevin's but I couldn't remember the name so didn't ask.
Part 5 - Home: So thats it, I'm about to head home and watch a movie. I'm on support tomorrow so I want an early night... otsukare!
Currently Listening to: Belle and Sebastian - I'm a cuckoo (oh, and I've just ran into Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne).
Part 1 - Brunch: I started about midday and had a hankerin for something filthy to eat. Unfortunately, the first place I came to was Subway. One 30cm subway Ceaser BLT sub later I jumped on the Toei-Oedo line to Yoyogi (代々木) and emerged realising I didn't know how to get to the park. Not to worry, I headed in what, fingers crossed, was the right direction and found myself at the entrance to the park.
Part 2 - Shrine: The entrances to the park - or at least the parts of the park belonging to the shrine - are marked by very tall and intimidating gates (I'll try to upload my own picture, but the one I took was too big for my phone to send) called Torii. These are traditional at Shinto shrines. The whole place has a strong sense of scale. Obviously, it was built to inspire awe, and it acheives it very well. At the entrance to the shrine proper is a small chouzuya (trough of water) where long handled ladles will be visible. Many (although not all) visitirs purify themselves by washing their hands (first one, then the other) and face with the water in the trough. Try not to let the spillage go back into the trough though as I'm guessing its meant to be kept clean. Each entrance eventually leads to the main hall of worship (haiden) where people can pray. If you wsih to pray, you can make an offering (toss a coin into the offering boxes at the temple entrance), clap your hands to atract the attention of the deity/spirit (not sure which it is in this case - past emporors seem to be considered deities here - and this shrine is devoted to one such emporor), make your prayer, and finally clap your hands twice before bowing and backing away. I learned whilst I was there that this shrine is actually a reconstruction. The original was destroyed during the war.
Part 3 - Harajuku and beyond: Done at the temple, I went down to Harajuku. Harajuku is famed for its mix of Goth and Cos-play kids. Goths are goths - and don't change much the world over. But when the Japanese do anything, they do it 100% These kids sit on Harajuku bridge waiting for someone to pass by and either notice how sexy/sad they look, or ask for a photo. I was actually looking forward to taking a couple of snaps but my heart wasn't in it. Maybe I had my fill of teen angst back when Radiohead was blaring out Creep at 100 decibels on my personal stereo. But I just felt something was missing with those kids. Its not that I think there is anything wrong with the idea of what they were doing: my sister managed it without being too much of a pain. But they seemed to miss the point. The attention seeking aspect of what they were doing seemed to be the primary motivation. Why else sit out on a bridge that is frequented by tourists with cameras? I remember being that age, and I remember my friends from that age. We did the things we wanted to do, not for attention, but for fun. You can't be a happy Goth (a la Irn Bru's genius advertising campaign). The other side of the coin is the cos-play kids. Cos-Play, short for costume play, is a lot more innocent than it might sound in other countries. Kids will dress up as their favourite cartoon, video game, manga or movie character and just hang out. There are places you can go to play card games like Magic or Yu-Gi-Oh! with cos-play waitresses done up to look like a character from the parent show that spawned the merchandise you are using. It seems to be quite a market over here. Any new anime is designed for evolution based card collecting that just has these kids hooked for years on end. Compare that with He-Man which had some of the most brainless and short lived toys available. All you could do was bash them together. Japanese kids have to study their chosen past-time just to be able to compete! Its quite different. The end result of this is a fairly visible current of people into cos-play. Just walk around Akihabara or Harajuku and you'll see what I mean. OK, its fairly limited to those areas, but thats just the ones that want to be seen in public... So after being underwhelmed by Harajuku's grim street urchins I decided to take my fill of bright lights and easy shopping over Omote-sando's boutiques and cos-play officianados. A five minute train ride landed me in Shinjuku.
Part 4 - Shinjuku: Since I'm moving into my apartment next week this was an ideal opportunity to check out a couple of furniture stores and maybe try to find Kevin that camera he wants a quote on. Shinjuku station is possibly the most confusing station I've ever been in. Its not really one station, but four or five stations turned into one giant hub - all connected through bloody shopping malls and department store basements. There are THREE south exits. So if you go there, don't arrange to meet at the south exit. I got out at the main JR terminal and swung over to Tokyo Hands, a big department store with pretty much everything you could want. It even has clocks that tick backwards. My favourite find was the Teddy Scares. Goth teddy bears to help get your kid on the path to harajuku heaven. Unfortunately, the furniture section sucks. There were maybe four or five sofas - and only one I'd consider that is going to cost the equivalent of 250 pounds. Thankfully I'll get paid next week so I should have some cash to play with. The next shock was the cost of curtains. I don't want to go into it but Its possible I could spend more on curtains than a sofa. I lost hope at this stage and didn't bother looking for mattresses. Thankfully, all I'll need in my first week is - curtains, sofa, mattress, fridge and washing machive. So I reckon I can limit the damage to a thousand quid if I'm very careful. Next stop was Odakyu Halc, where the famous Bic Camera resides. This is an OTT electronics store that also has a good selection of cameras. I didn't see Kevin's but I couldn't remember the name so didn't ask.
Part 5 - Home: So thats it, I'm about to head home and watch a movie. I'm on support tomorrow so I want an early night... otsukare!
Currently Listening to: Belle and Sebastian - I'm a cuckoo (oh, and I've just ran into Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne).
Paddy's Folly (pt. 2)
At the bequest of Mo-chan, I returned to Paddy Foley's again this weekend - against my better judgement. I couldn't imagine watching Celtic getting trounced by Rangers as being a great way to spend a Saturday night. But then, I hadn't been wise enough to plan an alternative. And so it was I found myself sitting at the AGM of the Tokyo Celtic Supporters Club. Its amazing how football fans are the same the world over - especially Celtic fans. Barring the few local newcomers who were just there to watch Nakamura (as evidenced by there inability to sing ANY celtic song...) these guys were die hard, green nosed, daily record hating celtic supporters. Okay, so it took a couple of Scots, and an Aussie to get it started, but there are Japanese members. As well as (gasp) a Lass from Alloa! The game (for those that missed it) started bad and with the exception of one brief glimmer of hope delivered by Maloney, it only got worse. But Celtic fans are faithful, and the growing lacklustre demonstrated by the team was only a counterpoint to the heartfelt singing from the CSC that continued long after the dismal defeat. And as if any other evidence of their good nature was needed, there was hand shaking and (gulp!) hugs all round for the few Rangers fans that thought it was a good idea to watch an old firm match in an Irish pub... So although the game was shite, I had a good time anyway. There was plenty of banter (Och! The banter!) to be had, and I met a few interesting characters. However, after the game, the evening took a leap into the twilight zone as a 60 year old wig wearing Elvis impersonator turned up and started gently strangling his way through Elvis' greatest hits. Mo-chan and I escaped the pub at this stage and crashed out after grabbing a quick snack. So... even though both times I've been there it was good fun. I don't think I can go back to Paddy Foley's. I didn't come here to watch Celtic games in an Irish pub. I came here to find out about Japan. Next time Neil wants to meet up, I'm going to propose going to Yokohama and going out there. I still haven't met his girlfriend... and I'd like to get outside Tokyo for a day. So - maybe in a couple of weeks thats what I'll do. Not next week though.. I'm moving into my new place! Yay!
Friday, August 19, 2005
I'm becoming a Pastafarian...
Today's lesson is in Atheism, and Intelligent Design. Or in the case of GWB - lack of intelligent design.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster
http://www.venganza.org/
I've been giggling at this stuff all afternoon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster
http://www.venganza.org/
I've been giggling at this stuff all afternoon.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Earthquake safety equipment
Nev: In case you didn't beleive me - my patented YMCA earthquake safety hat...
Earthquake!
Wow, I just experience my first BIG earthquake. Magnitude 5 in Tokyo. The details are here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4155026.stm.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Paddy's Folly
This weekend saw two major experiences to relate. First was my night out in Paddy Foley's, the local meeting point for Celtic games. I was invited along by Neil Mochan (a friend from back home) who wanted to watch the Celtic vs. Falkirk game. Roppongi has a bit of a reputation, and it lived up to it that night. Since the same pub had played the rugby, then the Everton vs Man U. game afterwards it was a little crazy. We were trying to watch the game whilst standing in the middle of a crowd of dancing loons. Still, it was good fun and we got quite into the dancing the more we drank. We finished off the night with a visit to Bar Milwauke for a game of pool and proceeded to beat of all local competition without much effort. I made it to bed around 3am and woke up with a thumping hangover. The problem with drinking in this country is that you dehydrate to quickly. I eventually got up around midday to grab some lunch and attempt some shopping.
Which leads me to my experiences in the drug store. I went in looking for two things... 1) Some shower gel - I eventually found some body shampoo that seems to do the job, and 2) Deodourant. This is where I ran into some problems. I couldn't identify the stuff! There were so many products that I couldn't recognise I pretty much spent my time looking at every single bottle/can hoping that some manufacturer would be kind enough to put something in english on it to help me identify it. An hour later I eventually found some spray - but NO roll on! Its not really popular here unfortunately. Ah well, spray is not too bad. Now I'm going to wait until I run out of Shampoo before my next visit... Oh, and they don't do head and shoulders. I checked.
Which leads me to my experiences in the drug store. I went in looking for two things... 1) Some shower gel - I eventually found some body shampoo that seems to do the job, and 2) Deodourant. This is where I ran into some problems. I couldn't identify the stuff! There were so many products that I couldn't recognise I pretty much spent my time looking at every single bottle/can hoping that some manufacturer would be kind enough to put something in english on it to help me identify it. An hour later I eventually found some spray - but NO roll on! Its not really popular here unfortunately. Ah well, spray is not too bad. Now I'm going to wait until I run out of Shampoo before my next visit... Oh, and they don't do head and shoulders. I checked.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Go in the Nudy!
Uh... not sure what this is about. I think its kinda like DKNY or FCUK - but missing the point entirely.
It follows you everywhere...
So this weekend saw me watching football in an Irish pub with Neil Mochan... Funny how the first game I see is Falkirk vs. Celtic. The only two teams I actually have a link to in Scotland.
Friday, August 12, 2005
East of East
Huzzah! My application to Hiroo East #201 was succesful. So I'm now on my way to being the proud tenant of a Japanese apartment in Hiroo. I'll post some pictures if I get a chance but I doubt I'll be back in until I move.
Tokyo Observations #156: How inefficient can a market get? Just come to Japan and you'll find out. Take the f*ing property rental market as a simple case. Tokyo is the most populous city I've been to. Yet because the standard features are 1 bedroom/studio (no one wants to share out here - unless you are a foreign teacher), 1 baruconi (balcony - not that you can use them. Its too loud, smelly, you can't hang out clothes and you can't have a barbecue), properties have to face south (because you have to get sunlight y'know?), a shower AND bath (seperate - not combined), a utility room/area (usually in the bathroom for some unknown reason) and aircon (to be fair, this is a necessity) the consequence is an abundance of really badly designed apartments that are too small and too expensive. Then there are the barriers to moving - key money, deposit, agent fee. You can expect to pay SIX (count 'em, SIX) months rent in advance JUST TO HAVE THE PRIVELEDGE OF MOVING. As you can imagine, a consequence of this is that moving companies are also pricey. Oh, and since properties here come completely unfurnished (no sofas, beds, tables, chairs, curtains, doormats, cups, plates, chopsticks...) you get to spend what little cash you have left on THAT. Its a miracle anyone lives here at all. Oh - and now that I'm going to be settled - I'll have to go get an Earthquake survival kit. Expect me to spend about $100 on crap that I need to survive should a big earthquake hit. Fun fun eh? Well, at least my projector should arrive in a couple of weeks...
Tokyo Observations #156: How inefficient can a market get? Just come to Japan and you'll find out. Take the f*ing property rental market as a simple case. Tokyo is the most populous city I've been to. Yet because the standard features are 1 bedroom/studio (no one wants to share out here - unless you are a foreign teacher), 1 baruconi (balcony - not that you can use them. Its too loud, smelly, you can't hang out clothes and you can't have a barbecue), properties have to face south (because you have to get sunlight y'know?), a shower AND bath (seperate - not combined), a utility room/area (usually in the bathroom for some unknown reason) and aircon (to be fair, this is a necessity) the consequence is an abundance of really badly designed apartments that are too small and too expensive. Then there are the barriers to moving - key money, deposit, agent fee. You can expect to pay SIX (count 'em, SIX) months rent in advance JUST TO HAVE THE PRIVELEDGE OF MOVING. As you can imagine, a consequence of this is that moving companies are also pricey. Oh, and since properties here come completely unfurnished (no sofas, beds, tables, chairs, curtains, doormats, cups, plates, chopsticks...) you get to spend what little cash you have left on THAT. Its a miracle anyone lives here at all. Oh - and now that I'm going to be settled - I'll have to go get an Earthquake survival kit. Expect me to spend about $100 on crap that I need to survive should a big earthquake hit. Fun fun eh? Well, at least my projector should arrive in a couple of weeks...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
A fistfull of 円...
I've put an offer on a place in Hiroo. Not my perfect place but its in a good location and is decently sized. I'm offering substantially less than the asking price (in rent mind) but I'll offer more 'key' money too (like a deposit you don't get back, or a 'thanks for letting me live here' bonus for the Landlord). But pls pls let third time be a charm!
...unless his name is Madagascar
No, I didn't go to see Madagascar, I went to see ISLAND. It was pretty good - and not as reminiscent of Logan's Run as I thought it would be. It was a bit heavy on product placement. However, its always nice to see Scarlett on screen so I can forgive them. Also, its not often you get to see Ewan McGregor actually acting these days so that was a nice change. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a decent action flick with a sci-fi twist. So if you liked Minority Report, you'll probably like this.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Mo' Money Mo' Problems pt. II
Grrr... that place looks like it fell through as well. I'm having real problems finding a flat. Over 20 viewings - two places I've offered on and twice 'someone got there first'. I'm highly sceptical about this whole process.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Mo' Money Mo' Problems
Good News! I've just asked my estate agent to offer on a place! Its in Naka Meguro (I liked it that much) and its about 5 minutes from the station. I timed it and it takes about 30 minutes to get to work. I'm offering a bit below the price with the hope of negotiating. Its already below my budget so I'd be happy to go the full price. However, its been on the market for two months so I suspect the owner could be flexible. I'll keep you all updated as things progress... I think I'll go for a pint to celebrate. If all goes well I'll have the fun of looking for furniture at some point this week. Apparently, I should order by tomorrow if I want it to arrive by Saturday. Lets see if I can pull out the stops and get things moving.
SAB
SAB
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Summer Matsuri, Pajamas, Kimonos and Naka Meguro
I went to see a few places in Naka Meguro that I quite liked, so I decided to take a look around in the evening to find out if the area was any good. I have to say I was impressed - the summer Matsuri was right next to the station and I had great fun walking along the parade route and watching all the different groups perform. Naka Meguro (中目黒) seems to be quite lively, although not as lively as Ebisu. The Matsuri seemed to run like so: First the teams set up round the north side of the station up one of the side alleys. They'd build themselves up, let people take photos and generally get in the way. Once they were happy, they'd move off under the bridge and register with the organisers. Once a space opens up, they start the show. Each team walks up the main side street and performs in front of various judge panels. The judge areas are decked out in lots of Lanterns (see photo below). It looks awesome, but it turns out they are just adverts from the sponsors! The procession goes on for a few hours and then I think there are some judging ceremonies and muchos drinking. I went home at that stage as I was getting pretty hungry and had a curry to eat. I heard there might be fireworks as well but I didn't see any. It reminded me of the Mary from Dungloe contest but it was during the night and had more focus on teams that individuals. Anyway, it was all good fun and I had a laugh at the different performers.
More on NakaMeguro - Right next to the station are about four side streets. The ones that lead south west have lots of little shops, restaurants and pubs, whereas the ones that head north east bump into the river. Once you hit the river you can walk along the bank and there are a few more nice places. Most notably is a real Japanese style Tavern (which it turns out I've been to before). Japanese style pubs are well lit, friendly, and have large areas for Tatami mats with low tables. If you come in a group you'll be expected to sit on the Tatami mats (really the floor - but you have to take your shoes off). They serve Japanese beer (Yebisu is my favourit at the moment) and lots of finger food. Its all good stuff and a fun way to try some Japanese foods you might not otherwise have the nerve for. I think it was pretty cheep too but I went back in March so can't really remember.
Lastly, I posted the photos I thought best captured the event. Sorry some of them are a little blurry but my mobile phone camera (although 2 megapixel) doesn't work great in the dark or in low light. Once my camera charger makes it to Japan, I'll try to take photos on my camera and upload them via my mobile. I think that’s the neatest thing I've discovered so far. Since my phone has a SD slot this is dead easy.
Laters
More on NakaMeguro - Right next to the station are about four side streets. The ones that lead south west have lots of little shops, restaurants and pubs, whereas the ones that head north east bump into the river. Once you hit the river you can walk along the bank and there are a few more nice places. Most notably is a real Japanese style Tavern (which it turns out I've been to before). Japanese style pubs are well lit, friendly, and have large areas for Tatami mats with low tables. If you come in a group you'll be expected to sit on the Tatami mats (really the floor - but you have to take your shoes off). They serve Japanese beer (Yebisu is my favourit at the moment) and lots of finger food. Its all good stuff and a fun way to try some Japanese foods you might not otherwise have the nerve for. I think it was pretty cheep too but I went back in March so can't really remember.
Lastly, I posted the photos I thought best captured the event. Sorry some of them are a little blurry but my mobile phone camera (although 2 megapixel) doesn't work great in the dark or in low light. Once my camera charger makes it to Japan, I'll try to take photos on my camera and upload them via my mobile. I think that’s the neatest thing I've discovered so far. Since my phone has a SD slot this is dead easy.
Laters
Pyjamas...
Lots and Lots of people wearing these pyjama type outfits. Apparently the older ones get drunk later and cause a bit of mayhem by running through the streets in various states of undress.
Lantern
This is a close up of one of the Lanterns. I had it translated, turns out its an advert for a local limited stock holding company... and there I thought it was going to be 'Good Luck' or something...
Matsuri!
Hey, my first Flickr post! This is a pic I took at the Matsuri... there were lots of pretty girls dressed up in serious kimonos dancing away. Very cool.
Week 2 - I don't want to live in a capsule hotel
So my plans for the weekend didn't entirely work out. I went out on Friday to some restaurant and ended up singing karaoke until about 3am. So - that meant the morning's walk around Ebisu didn't happen. An estate agent picked me up at 1 and we plodded around the area south west of Roppongi. I saw seven places, only two of which were worth considering. I then took myself round the Roppongi Hills shopping areas (Louis Vuitton, Armani and anything else too expensive or not likely to come in my size). Despite that, the area is pretty cool, I'll probably go to the cinema at some point this week to see the Island. Although I haven't figured out if they dub films yet. I bought some DVDs that were in English with subtitles so I think it should be fine. I then headed into Roppongi proper to pick up some power transformers in Don Quizote (you can buy anything there) and went back to charge my mp3 player. Which I then discovered actually runs on 100V at 50 Hz, and all I needed was a socket converter. Ah well, it'll come in useful when my DVD player/sound system, XBox, and PC arrive. That left Sunday for the local tour - which meant I didn't have time to go to beer mountain… probably for the best really as one of my colleagues didn't make it in the next day.
Then the week proper started… It seems like I've seen a lot of places so far. Well over twenty, and Thursday was the first day I saw anything I really liked. I put an offer in for one of them but it looks like its already taken (It was roughly at the centre of this map http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?ll=35.644524,139.711515&spn=0.005682,0.008979&hl=ja about two minutes from the station - look for the word Qualia). So the hunt is still on. I've got more viewings coming up though so I don't think it will be a problem but I'm beginning to get annoyed with the whole process. Some of the estate agents are pretty good but most are lazy. It seems they don't get commission or performance related pay so there is little motivation for them to pull out the stops and find the best places. One guy keeps canceling viewings which is really getting on my nerves. The other problem with flat hunting is that although the office is giving me all the time I need to get out and find places - I then find myself working late to make up for all the hours I've been out during the day. This isn't helped by the fact I live across the road. So I need to organise more activities to keep me busy in the evening as well. That leads me to this tonight. I'm going to a place called 'Grail' and then I'll probably nip out to Shibuya again to meet Neil Mochan (a guy I went to school with). Grail serves Haggis apparently, although I'm not tempted to try it here. I'll also meet up with Stuart Croy and his girlfriend Yuka, who I haven't seen since she lived in London - in fact - probably since the last flat warming we had at 104.
Oh, how could I forget. I got my Alien Registration card (temporary), bank accounts and mobile phone (http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/March2005/1161.htm) so I'm finally starting to feel like I can settle in. But since I'm going to have to move rooms in the corporate apartments tomorrow its going to be weird again. The fact I've registered everything (bank accounts, phone, gaijin card) at #1609 is going to cause hassle I'm sure.
Tokyo Observations #23 - Why are bath tubs so small? It seems every place I've seen bar one had a half size bath tub. The idea is you sit in it… and instead of a shower attachment over the bath, the entire room (which is pretty small) is used as a shower room. So you end up with half a bathtub, and half a shower. http://www.housingstation.co.jp/pro_new/images/unibath.jpg should give you an idea of what I mean - but this is a bit bigger than what I've seen. Oh, and the stool is to sit on… In Japan, the bath tub is only for soaking in. You wash while sitting on the stool, soak in the bath for a while, then scrub down on the stool again. I'm sure its very clean but it’s a bit of a pain. Also, you don't drain the water. Everyone uses the same water to soak. Then of course - the toilet is in a separate room. Again, it makes sense but it takes up more space if you have to have more rooms.
Tokyo Observations #11 - Morning exercise. The other day when I was on support I left for the office at about 7.30. In the plaza in front of our office building were about 100 locals doing morning exercise. It was all being filmed for TV Asahi and broadcast live to your home in a 1984 like scene. Apparently its a big thing here. I remember they tried that with Mr. Motivator in the UK but it didn't quite take off… Also, in some companies the employees sing the company song before starting the day. They take a lot of pride in it too. I don't think my firm has a company song though. The last time I saw anything like that was in China Town in New York.
Then the week proper started… It seems like I've seen a lot of places so far. Well over twenty, and Thursday was the first day I saw anything I really liked. I put an offer in for one of them but it looks like its already taken (It was roughly at the centre of this map http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?ll=35.644524,139.711515&spn=0.005682,0.008979&hl=ja about two minutes from the station - look for the word Qualia). So the hunt is still on. I've got more viewings coming up though so I don't think it will be a problem but I'm beginning to get annoyed with the whole process. Some of the estate agents are pretty good but most are lazy. It seems they don't get commission or performance related pay so there is little motivation for them to pull out the stops and find the best places. One guy keeps canceling viewings which is really getting on my nerves. The other problem with flat hunting is that although the office is giving me all the time I need to get out and find places - I then find myself working late to make up for all the hours I've been out during the day. This isn't helped by the fact I live across the road. So I need to organise more activities to keep me busy in the evening as well. That leads me to this tonight. I'm going to a place called 'Grail' and then I'll probably nip out to Shibuya again to meet Neil Mochan (a guy I went to school with). Grail serves Haggis apparently, although I'm not tempted to try it here. I'll also meet up with Stuart Croy and his girlfriend Yuka, who I haven't seen since she lived in London - in fact - probably since the last flat warming we had at 104.
Oh, how could I forget. I got my Alien Registration card (temporary), bank accounts and mobile phone (http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/March2005/1161.htm) so I'm finally starting to feel like I can settle in. But since I'm going to have to move rooms in the corporate apartments tomorrow its going to be weird again. The fact I've registered everything (bank accounts, phone, gaijin card) at #1609 is going to cause hassle I'm sure.
Tokyo Observations #23 - Why are bath tubs so small? It seems every place I've seen bar one had a half size bath tub. The idea is you sit in it… and instead of a shower attachment over the bath, the entire room (which is pretty small) is used as a shower room. So you end up with half a bathtub, and half a shower. http://www.housingstation.co.jp/pro_new/images/unibath.jpg should give you an idea of what I mean - but this is a bit bigger than what I've seen. Oh, and the stool is to sit on… In Japan, the bath tub is only for soaking in. You wash while sitting on the stool, soak in the bath for a while, then scrub down on the stool again. I'm sure its very clean but it’s a bit of a pain. Also, you don't drain the water. Everyone uses the same water to soak. Then of course - the toilet is in a separate room. Again, it makes sense but it takes up more space if you have to have more rooms.
Tokyo Observations #11 - Morning exercise. The other day when I was on support I left for the office at about 7.30. In the plaza in front of our office building were about 100 locals doing morning exercise. It was all being filmed for TV Asahi and broadcast live to your home in a 1984 like scene. Apparently its a big thing here. I remember they tried that with Mr. Motivator in the UK but it didn't quite take off… Also, in some companies the employees sing the company song before starting the day. They take a lot of pride in it too. I don't think my firm has a company song though. The last time I saw anything like that was in China Town in New York.
Week 1 on planet Nippon
My final day in the UK was pretty eventful - got up to pack the last of my stuff, sit my driving test (failed) drink some Champers with James, Sian, Charlie and Sigrid, then pop into a Taxi to Heathrow. Shortly afterwards there was an Earthquake http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4711381.stm in Chiba (a little east of Tokyo) that could have put a damper on my travel plans. However, the plane departed as expected and I landed a smooth 12 hours later after having watched Robots and Meet the Fockers (with a four hour snooze between them). The temperature when I landed was about 32 with very high humidity. Carrying around two bags and a suitcase isn't fun when you are sweating bullets.
I eventually arrived at the apartments (http://www.moriliving.com/sa/66/en_plan_price.html - the office is the silvery building, and the apartment is the little one with two vertical strips on either side), had a shower and went to Shibuya to the tasty Tsukino Shizuka to meet up with my team for a meal. I collapsed at about 11.30 looking forward to the week ahead.
Work has been pretty standard. I've had to cajole people to get my systems working correctly, do some support, try to get all those little things sorted that will no doubt annoy me for months to come. I've still to get: a gaijin card (alien registration card), bank account, mobile phone, place to live, furniture, life… but its all good right now. I went out Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for dinner with various dignitaries, but worked late on Wednesday and tried to call some folk in the UK (including my dad, as it was his birthday). As usual, the food here is great. I went for lunch in an Okninawin place yesterday and it was really good. Two big pieces of fatty pork that just melt in your mouth along with some ramen, rice and sashimi. You can't get food like that in the west.
So my plans are: Saturday, go to Ebisu and check it out. I've told the relocation folks to set up some appointments there as it comes highly recommended. Apparently it’s the summer Matsuri (Matsuri = festival) this weekend so Ebisu should be pretty busy. Apparently, this is what Matsuri looks like: http://www.geocities.jp/nagara1971/matsuri/matsuri-gazou-05-006.jpg. Sunday, go back to Toriyama, or Beer mountain as they call it this time of year. Monday, get my Gaijin card - and maybe a mobile phone. Tuesday onwards, hopefully find a place to live.
That’s all for now - oh, lest I forget. I'm heading out in Shibuya tonight which should be good. About thirty people seem to be heading out for karaoke… how could I refuse?
Breaking news - An estate agent just called. I'll be going to view some places tomorrow at 1pm! Yay!
That’s All Folks
SAB-chan
Ps, while searching for pics of the summer festival I found this: http://gaijin-life.info/karlson/kanamara08.jpg Don't ask - because I don't know.
I eventually arrived at the apartments (http://www.moriliving.com/sa/66/en_plan_price.html - the office is the silvery building, and the apartment is the little one with two vertical strips on either side), had a shower and went to Shibuya to the tasty Tsukino Shizuka to meet up with my team for a meal. I collapsed at about 11.30 looking forward to the week ahead.
Work has been pretty standard. I've had to cajole people to get my systems working correctly, do some support, try to get all those little things sorted that will no doubt annoy me for months to come. I've still to get: a gaijin card (alien registration card), bank account, mobile phone, place to live, furniture, life… but its all good right now. I went out Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for dinner with various dignitaries, but worked late on Wednesday and tried to call some folk in the UK (including my dad, as it was his birthday). As usual, the food here is great. I went for lunch in an Okninawin place yesterday and it was really good. Two big pieces of fatty pork that just melt in your mouth along with some ramen, rice and sashimi. You can't get food like that in the west.
So my plans are: Saturday, go to Ebisu and check it out. I've told the relocation folks to set up some appointments there as it comes highly recommended. Apparently it’s the summer Matsuri (Matsuri = festival) this weekend so Ebisu should be pretty busy. Apparently, this is what Matsuri looks like: http://www.geocities.jp/nagara1971/matsuri/matsuri-gazou-05-006.jpg. Sunday, go back to Toriyama, or Beer mountain as they call it this time of year. Monday, get my Gaijin card - and maybe a mobile phone. Tuesday onwards, hopefully find a place to live.
That’s all for now - oh, lest I forget. I'm heading out in Shibuya tonight which should be good. About thirty people seem to be heading out for karaoke… how could I refuse?
Breaking news - An estate agent just called. I'll be going to view some places tomorrow at 1pm! Yay!
That’s All Folks
SAB-chan
Ps, while searching for pics of the summer festival I found this: http://gaijin-life.info/karlson/kanamara08.jpg Don't ask - because I don't know.
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