Taken at 円月島
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Well, yesterday, Thursday, a national holiday here in Japan, we took advantage of the bad weather and moved apartments. We were really lucky since it had been sunny and getting warmer the whole week, up until Thursday, that the cold weather and rain came back. *phew* Just in time for our move because it was clear again today. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if we'd had fine warm weather during our move… sweating even more, not having to dodge the rain and not cover everything in plastic?? Ah! Perish the thought! Well, we didn't finish at all and we're going to have to finish it up on the weekend. It's do or die since Rina has to be out on Sunday. I totally see why Japanese are big on the moving companies. Totally worth it. Also, properly pre-packing: totally worth it. Anyways, our new place is 3DK; 3 rooms, a dining space and kitchen area. A bit bigger than the first place I lived but a heck of a lot nicer (the windows on this place shut too!). We're sleeping in the what will be office for now since the other rooms are filled to the brim with all of Rina's cardboard boxes. More of our cardboard home later.
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Word up to all you out there in internetland! Ok, so, as with most things, if I haven't mentioned this before, but I feel like I have, Japan is extremely seasonal. Now coming from Southern Cali, where I'm sure you've all lived at least once, this is quite shocking. Both to the body and the mind. Fruits, vegetables, festivals, clothing. It all comes in and out of fashion; goes up and down in price. But, that's not all. Even moving is seasonal. Every year around March or April, thousands upon thousands of people pick up and move house. One good reason for this is that it is not freaking freezing anymore. Another reason is that's just when it's done. Also it coincides with the new school year, which carries over into the working world and is also when new hires start their jobs. And thus, we too shall be joining the hordes of movers that will set upon new domiciles, unloading millions of yen upon the owners of said buildings, moving companies, and housing agents that need to get their middle man cut of things. I really hope in some way this helps to keep a good part of the economy going. We are, however, part of the front line of movers, and are going to be starting it up a bit early. This week! Eeeek! I am very not ready and I don't think Rina is either. In terms of packing or really knowing what we're getting ourselves into by combining our separate living spaces into one. But I am quite excited and very much looking forward to it! The actual move, not so much. Ok, well, that is all for now from the land of the rising sun. More details about the new place, and the old too perhaps, to come.
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OK!! So, everyone. Little update here, or perhaps big update. When last you'd heard from me, it was through email. Well, as I said last time, I'd be making some changes to how the content gets delivered to you. So now here we have it! I decided to go with a blog. I thought this would be easier for everyone to read at their leisure, but mostly be less of a strain on the email and also allow me to do some custom formatting to hopefully make the story easier to follow. And for those of you just into pictures, well, I guess it's pretty much the same thing. Anyways, welcome to the new home of my updates! Check back as often or as infrequent as you feel. I'll still let you know when new monthly stories are available so fret not! (Not that you were) I've also included all of the old email updates for you to relive the glory days when we were all that much younger, as well as some other stuff I've written or found relating to Japan. And I'll eventually be filling in the back episodes of what has happened over the last year and a half that is missing between the last email update and now. I will try not to ramble too long, or sing out of key.
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Some pictures from the recent Guam getaway. (Click somewhere for the bigger version. You can even go fullscreen!)
more about "Guam getaway", posted with vodpod
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Today was a good day. A day of relaxation. A day of warmth, a day of life.
I got to catch up quite a bit today on blogging and uploading pictures. It all went pretty smoothly too. I've got my workflow down pretty well now. From adventure to camera to flickr to here. It's still quite a bit of work and I wish I knew more programming to write a program that would be tailored to my specific needs, but alas I haven't found one yet. Still my system is getting more streamlined and thanks to the new flickr uploadr, it makes getting pictures into flickr a lot faster and easier now. Now, I just have to figure out how to get my pictures edited faster and we'll be all set.I even got to go outside and take a few quick snaps during one of my breaks and it was awesome. The sun was still up and it was already 5pm! They really need to make winter a lot shorter. In fact, cut out the whole second half of February. I wouldn't mind it one bit. The shortest yet longest month ever! I'm so glad it's over. And I'm so looking forward to Spring. Heading to Malaysia next week and getting pretty excited. Only dilemma is what camera equipment to bring. Oh the quandaries!It's so close to Spring I can feel it in my bones, my soul feels alive again, energized and happy! I feel safe to say that winter is over! -
For all the pictures related to this email in one place, click here.
Sent: Wed 8/22/07 12:11 AM
Ok, on to July!!So this month is packed with a bunch of stuff. So let's go!Ok, first, to celebrate the summer it was beach time. Tim's friend from studying abroad invited Tim to go to the beach and Tim invited me, Gerard, Rina, and Kirstian. So we met up with Tim and his friend Scott and Scott's friends, many of whom happened to be moms. I don't know how he knows all those moms but anyways, they were full with kids. The beach was way down in Wakayama and we had to take a bunch of trains to get there, but it was a pretty spacious area. It started to rain a little bit but it let up right away. Meanwhile the kids had run down to the water and when I caught up with them they had already found a bunch of tiny hermit crabs in the sand. Eventually they would add more hermit crabs, regular crabs, a couple starfish and even some shrimp. Crazy! Where did these kids come from, the Discovery Channel?? I don't know how they managed to find all these things. Maybe because they're low to the ground and have no fear of anything yet. Anyways, it was a good day except they didn't allow us to play frisbee, catch, soccer, or anything that you would normally think to do at the beach. There were plenty of surfers though. But unfortunately for them, there were no waves; ok, very, very small waves.
The next weekend I went with Rina to Kyoto to do some shopping for my buddy Steve's wedding. I wanted to find something very authentically Japanese. I ended up getting some green tea from the capital of Green Tea. It's supposed to be really, really good for you. Who am I to argue. Gotta keep my buddy and wife in good health. The next day I went to the Apple Store in Osaka to get them a couple iPods to use while they do their running. And also in a cooking store I got them a spatula when they BBQ delicious healthy stuff on the grill.
Soon enough the big day had come. Well, A big day.. time to leave for the wedding... in Hawaii! I'd been freaking out about the wedding for the past month and a couple weeks before I got pretty stressed out checking to make sure everything was in order as far as logistics go. I'd been writing the speech for a little while now and I had all the pieces but still hadn't really put them all together or polished them. BUT, it was too late! Time to go. So I met Rina at the airport and we checked in and all that and then we go to our seats and to our surprise and Rina's really, really great excitement we were in Economy Plus. We got the tandem seats so we had quite a bit of leg room and we even had these little leg rests that we could adjust. The personal video monitors and trays popped out of the arm rests. After a quick 7 hours we were in Honolulu. After going through Immigration and Rina getting questioned about whether she actually finished her study abroad, we were through more gates and more checks to get to our plane for Maui.
It was here where my toothpaste was confiscated. How ridiculous. We are too paranoid in this country where we can't even bring toothpaste through. It was an inter-island flight! I made it all the way from Japan without any problems. And now they're going to take away my toothpaste?? Why don't they just require us to change into hospital gowns to get on board? After all I could possibly use my belt as a weapon! *gasp* I think a newspaper is more dangerous than toothpaste. But I guess the TSA is right... I think I'll stay in Japan a little longer. Anyways, I digress, I bought a bunch more toothpaste anyways. Take that TSA! Boo to you. I'm bringing a bunch of small toothpastes next time and there's nothing you can do to stop me! It's the law.
So we landed, got the rental car, for more than I was quoted online, but I forgot to print out the receipt so I couldn't remember exactly how much it was. Let this be a lesson. Always print out your confirmations and bring them with you.
After that we stopped at L&L for some lunch and headed to Kihei where our hotel was. After settling in we went out searching for a cellphone so I could call Steve and let him know I was there. I thought it would be cheaper than using the hotel phone to make a call. We stopped at Radio Shack and the salesman was super super helpful and basically told me it wasn't worth it to get it if I was just going to be making a few calls. Thanks Radio Shack dude! That was by far the coolest Radio Shack guy I've ever met. After that we went to the beach for a bit and enjoyed the water. It was really windy and the sand stung a bit as we were walking on the beach. Afterwards we returned to the hotel and I called Steve who invited us to a BBQ they were having at his place.
It was a bunch of cottages and there was a grill right in the middle. Once we arrived, by literally walking for 5 mins from our place. We were greeted with hugs and hot dogs, salad, spray-on dressing, and a delicious pudding that Steve made all by himself! Don't let your wife take that recipe, buddy, it's a winner! After chowing down and meeting Colin, Beth, and catching up with Georgie, Steve's mom, we went inside and Steve presented me and Colin with a gift. Our very own customized beer mugs!! w00t! I'll never have to write my name on a plastic cup again! I'm gonna take this with me to every party I go to from now on. Provided that the party is at my place. But it was really an super cool gift. Thanks dude. I'll definitely be using it!
The next morning Rina and I walked over to Steve's place again and rode with him and Bethany, his fiancée, to breakfast in Lahaina. Maui in the morning is very, very beautiful. It's actually beautiful all the time, but then it was still cool enough so that we didn't feel like we were burning right away. The dinner was with everyone that was there, about 40 of us. At Moose McGuillicudy's. Sooo good. Real American breakfast. Proper pancakes and bacon, and omelets and just everything was so delicious.
After that, we went back to Kihei and checked out of our place to move to the timeshare. But we couldn't check in until 4pm so we went over to Steve's place and he, Rina and I went snorkeling. Bethany was pooped from all the hustle and bustle so she took a nap. Steve drove us down the coast to just about the very southern tip of the island. Then we parked right near the wedding spot and went snorkeling in a cove nearby. There were a lot of fish to see and I even grazed one with my finger. Apparently when Steve was younger he'd go there with his family when they went to Maui. It used to be a real secret beach but now there's a sign that says "Secret Beach" and that's the way it is on all the snorkeling guides as well. Still all in all, it was really fun and Rina had a really fun time seeing all the fish and eventually worked up the courage to venture further out. I was happy she could venture out with me and Steve even though her mask was leaking. My mask was leaking also, but I guess that's just bound to happen with $10 masks.
Later, Rina and I chowed down on some good 'ol American Mexican food. Mmmm... mmmm!! More great eats! Plates the size of your chest for $8. Outrageous! I'm sure my students will flip their lids when I tell them how much it cost. After that we walked down to the beach for a stroll and saw these tiny glow worms in the sand. They were literally pulsing this blue light. At first I wasn't sure what it was; I thought maybe plankton or something. But I picked one up and saw that it was actually worm-like. I had never seen them before but they were really cool. It was like looking at the stars in the sand. I can only imagine how cool it must look in a part of the island where there aren't restaurants and hotels right on the beach to wash out their light. Even still the sky was amazing. I could even see the cosmic dust of the Milky Way or something. But it was that kind of thing that I've only ever seen in the movies, on TV or in pictures. Truly magic! Take that Disney. Haha.
We got back and I rang Steve to tell him that I wouldn't be able to make it to the sunrise on the volcano crater. On 3 hours of sleep and with jet lag I was pretty sure I'd be done in the next day if I decided to attempt this.
So eventually when we woke up around 11, we decided to get some shopping done and out of the way. I wanted to pick up some things not available in Japan and get some souvenirs for my teachers and stuff. After shopping we had a late lunch. I feasted on a delicious bowl of chicken chili and a salad with some mango dressing... oh so good!
A couple hours later we were back in Lahaina for the luau! Steve's dad took everyone there to this luau. It was at a beautiful spot and there was an open bar. There was also a beautiful pig and a beautiful sunset. After the dinner and show me, Rina, Steve, Bethany, Colin, and Beth took a picture by torchlight to commemorate the night.
Back in Kihei, the groomsmen and their girlfriends joined Steve for his last beer, of his single life. Also, I picked up my super cool Hawaiian shirt and silk pants that Steve bought for me to wear in the wedding. Thanks, buddy! Oh yea, and some spiffy socks as well.
Then it was back to the hotel. I prepped everything I needed for the next day and rehearsed my speech with Rina. A couple more practice runs and I became satisfied enough to sleep. So off to bed I went with butterflies in my stomach, preparing myself to help get my friend married.
The next day, we got up and got to the wedding site at 8:15am. Once we were there, there was just enough time to get settled but not enough time to over think things. My speech was ready, I had my cheat sheet, that's how it was going to stay! So before it began, I got a picture with my best friend from kindergarten. 75% of my life, I've known this guy. Brother from another mother. From the ABC's to the aisle. It's been a heck of a ride! And it has now just really begun.
The wedding site was absolutely perfect. If you could think of a Hawaiian wedding in any movie, this is where they did it. The aisle went right down to the ocean where it dropped off into the water. If you're going to do a wedding in Hawaii this is the way to do it. For sure.
And so we were off. Steve escorted his mom down, then Bethany's mom. Then it was Colin escorting his bridesmaid, and then me escorting the maid of honor, Bethany's sister. Thankfully I made it all the way down the aisle without tripping or anything. Then, came the bride. Ok, everyone in position. Standing up there in front was pretty cool, I'd never been this close before and I could never hear what they were saying. But it was like I was in the movie now. Vows exchanged, some nice words from the pastor in Hawaiian and English. And then the kiss! Done! *phew*
Next, sign the certificate and be a witness, all that legal stuff. Next breakfast.
But first some champagne! Yes, yes, calm the nerves.. all the nerves. Good stuff. After a bit the wedding coordinator came over to me, instructed me to introduce the new couple and then I was on for my speech!
Ok, step one, done. Now, get the cheat sheet, and begin!
Yes! I remembered it! Pretty much all of it. Except I don't remember if I remembered it. Benefits of champagne on an empty stomach at 10 in the morning.
BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!
I'd made it. Thank goodness. Ok! Time to really enjoy Hawaii!! All half day of it. There was the cutting of the wedding cake, which was amazing. And then the groomsmen cake. Am I right on that? Meanwhile Rina and I went around and explored the wedding grounds while the guitarists and hula girls did their thing. Super, super relaxing. Then it was on to the bouquet and garter belt toss.
Shortly after that it was time to vacate the premises. I gave them their spatula which wouldn't fit wrapped with the other gifts and saw them off on to their 10-day Maui honeymoon, spa treatment and all.
Later that day, after some more beach action, Rina and I headed for some sushi. Nothing like some good 'ol American sushi. mmm.. mmm!! After that, it was time for a bit more shopping to finish up some loose ends and then back to the hotel to pack up and get ready to leave at 5am the next morning.
Luckily we made it to our flight even though the rental car place didn't open until 6am and our flight was at 7am. Domestic flights first rock!
Sadly, we boarded the plane and tried to sleep and dream, so that we could stay in Hawaii for 8 more hours while our plane brought us back to Japan.
It was truly and amazing experience even though it was so brief. Thank you Steve and Bethany for inviting us to be there with you. It was the best wedding that I've ever been to, and I doubt it could ever be topped. Congrats!
As soon as I got back it was time for more classes!
Well, only one class actually. BUT, sadly, as I guess this time of year must be often, it was time to say goodbyes. The Friday of the week I got back from Hawaii, Tim and Mayumi set off for their new life in Tokyo. Tim's time on JET was up and he found a new job in Tokyo. I wish them the best of luck. They've been the best neighbors I could have ever hoped for; helping me out so much when I first got here and throughout the year and they were always so nice. I think I'll miss Tim's guitaring and Mayumi's sanshin'ing especially. They were always so relaxing to hear. The night before though we did some sparklers up on the roof. For the good 'ol times.
After that, I headed down to Wakayama with Kim to see Iris and Dustin for their last weekend in Wakayama. Weather cleared up and the next day Rina came to join us. Then we all went to Round 1, a gaming center. They had all kinds of games to play there. I was pretty tired after that. The next morning we went to a delicious breakfast and an even more delicious all-you-can eat lunch! I'm gonna miss visiting you guys!
A couple days later, we all celebrated Brad's bday with some pizza and drinks at Brad's place. The next day we went out to Tenjin Matsuri where they decorate these boats with lanterns and drive up and down the river while they set off fireworks on the banks. Of course thousands of people turn up as they always do in Osaka for any kind of festival. Since it's hot, everyone likes to wear yukata, it's like the summer kimono. I was lucky enough that Rina had bought be a jimbei, which is kinda like a yukata but it's shorts and a shirt. Anyways, mine is really thin and it's really nice to wear in the heat of summer.
After fighting crowds a bit and finding some snacks to eat we headed back home. The rest of the month is pretty calm and nothing much went on. I got a cough and now it's kinda in my lung. Back to the doctor again! As soon as they're open again. Well, here's to August! w00t w00t! I actually finished this right on time.
Well, that's a year right there, folks. As of July 29th. A little slice of Mike's life in Japan. Hope you've enjoyed reading. I know I lagged for a bit but with good cause. But now you have plenty of summer reading to do! Even though summer vacation is almost over, NOOO!! I guess you could read it at work, even when you're not supposed to be on break. I don't mind. Anything that'll give me a more favorable exchange rate! hahah.
Till the next time..
Take care,
Mike -
For all the pictures related to this email in one place, click here.
Sent: Wed 8/22/07 12:05 AM
Alrighty! back again!So June... not too many events going on though it seemed a bit busy. But they were kind of big events. First was our Awaji soccer tournament. Just like the one held back in December but now, in the scorching heat. Except our games were preceded by thunderstorms due to it being Rainy Season.
After meeting at 7am at the top of Osaka, we hopped on a bus and were on our way. On the way, Paul and Yuki busted out their DS Lites and played some Bomberman. It was quite intense action. After we got to the grounds we set up camp under one of the baseball awnings. And just in time because the sky opened up right after that right as the first game of the day began and let down a load of water on the teams that were out there. Luckily, by our match it was all done and by lunchtime the sun had come out. It created a sort of nice swamp-like feeling. That first day we were 3-1 and on top of our group. We took some team pictures to commemorate the event. After the games were over we headed back to the hotel, grabbed a shower and onsen and some dinner. Then we headed out for a night of celebration.
The next day was our first playoff game. We were doing well and had scored the initial goal. The other team was short on subs and had to keep rotating their guys in and out. I think it was that combined with our lack of desire that lead us to end up losing that game. Once they got the equalizer we just did have the stuff to keep it going. Once again we were out of the tournament in the first round of playoffs. We ended up being 5th place overall. Not too bad.
The next week I went down to Wakayama with Rina to visit Dustin and Iris.
We hit up this burger place called Sasebo88 with these monster burgers. They were a pretty good deal and I was stuff after we ate there.
The next day I headed up to Slices to see Brad's photo exhibit. He had many of his photos on display at the pizza joint including one of me that he took which is in the background behind Brad. The one with all the eyes on it. It was pretty fun shooting those pictures with Brad and it's really cool to see what he turned it all into.
The next day, Emma (of UCSD and Vegas fame) came to visit along with Kim! It was like a college reunion because later on we met up with Iris, Dustin and May and eventually Rina came along too. But it was kinda like old college times but in a new place. A place I wish existed during college times. We had loads of fun catching up and generally acting silly.
The next weekend Rina, Brad, Haruca, Gerard and I all joined forces and made our way to Nishikinohama beach. A lovely spot where the freeway passes almost right over the beach. It's grand. Go Japan! But still, we had fun tossing around the frisbee, and other flying devices, playing the guitar and doing handstands.
The next weekend we had an end of the season team party. We went out for all you can eat and then hit the bars. It was a good night of joking around and being stupid. The footy guys are really a lot of fun to hang out with and I'm glad I joined up with them to play and generally hang out.
Well, that's a quick summary of June events. Not much happening, but July is packed to the brim! More on that soon. I hope.
Till then, take care,
Mike -
For all the pictures related to this email in one place, click here.
Sent: Wed 8/22/07 12:04 AM
Ok, folks! Here we go with the May adventure!So the first week, in the midst of "Golden Week" I went with my students to Kobe for a field trip. This was a practice run for their trip later this year to Taipei. I got to ride in a couple different buses as they were divided by class. It was pretty uneventful since it was kinda rainy and cold. Not much too much to enjoy but my teacher did buy me lunch! So that was cool, all you can eat Brazilian. Then a couple days later since I had no school I headed down to Wakayama to hang out with Iris and Dustin. They chef'd it up and made some delicious salad and chicken dish. Thanks guys! Later they took me to this super secret bar in the bottom of this old shutdown hotel that's right on the beach. It was pretty cool because you have to park in this random boatyard and then walk around the building and across the beach to this bar that you would never be able to find except by randomly washing ashore in a boat. But it was a really cool spot all decorated on the inside with a very naturey feel to it. They even had some delicious veggie taco that I sampled. I was almost fooled into thinking there was meat in there.
Then on Saturday I went with Rina to Minou Falls.
We met up with her friends Ethan and Akko there. It was really nice weather. One might say it was "golden"? So on the way up the trail to meet her friends we rounded the corner to find all these Japanese guys with their huge digital SLR cameras clustered together, their lenses all directed in the same general vicinity. When Rina asked what they were looking at the guy gave her a look and said in that can't-you-tell tone "Those leaves." And just then one of the old guys with a cane gets up on the fence, balancing precariously, and begins to pull the dead leaves off of the branches for that oh-so-perfect shot. Quite ridiculous. My neighbors are photographers and quite good I must say, and they've told me about this phenomenon before. All these retired guys become camera nerds and buy these cameras, lenses and gear for thousands and thousands of dollars so they can keep the thing on Auto mode and take snapshots. I'm sure that's not all true but there are a lot of these guys and it's kinda ridiculous that they wanna get the perfect shot by altering the environment. And that they ALL have to have the same shot. I just hope they have a competition afterwards to see who got the best picture of the leaves. I'd really like to know what these guys do with all their pictures. I wonder if they print 'em out or if they just leave them on my computer. Yet another reason to learn Japanese.
After that, we moseyed along and meet up with Ethan and Akko. After that it was a short hike to the base of the falls... where everyone else was. Joy. With a country so small, most popular places are crowded. I think that's because (1) it's easy to get to and (2) it's beautiful enough to deal with the crowd. The crowd there really makes me wanna do some serious backpacking and see some of the inner sanctum of Japanese wilderness. Despite the endless sprawl of cities, there's still a lot of greenery to Japan. I know, I've seen it in Google Maps. Anyways, once we got there we took pictures and just relaxed in the cool and refreshing atmosphere. It was quite enjoyable.
Afterwards, we headed back to the concrete jungle that is Osaka. Once we got back we were quite hungry so we stopped by this place called Ippudo.
My South African neighbor Stephen, had recommended it to me earlier in the week and suddenly it clicked that this was the same place. What a coincidence! He claimed it was the best ramen he'd ever had and the best gyoza too. Well, I was about to put his theory to the test. I texted him to see what he had eaten. After I ordered, I gave his rating the thumbs up. It was the best ramen I'd ever eaten. Ever. Such good noodles and the sauce and the meat, so fatty. Most excellent on a winter's day. The gyoza were quite good as well. I'm no gyoza expert so I can't really say if they're the best I've ever had. One thing is certain, I left immensely satisfied.
The next weekend I headed to Kobe with Rina to meet Ethan and Akko and some more friends. That weekend there was the Kobe Festival going on. It was a big international festival with a major function being dance. Especially Samba dancing. From what it seems so far there are quite a few Japanese people that really like Brazil. I dunno what it is, but I've never met more people who are into Brazil. Anyways, they had a lot of food vendors there and other exhibits like some jazz singers. But the main event other than the parade was the Samba street. Here they had a bunch of women dressed up in Carnival-ish outfits doing a little dance routine. They would do a certain few steps, and then rotated down the street and then back again. And all along the street were people photographing, and videotaping, mostly men. Quite a sight to see, as you can see. Later, I saw this really cute pudgy dog that was being dragged around by its owner and had its leash caught up under its legs. I have no other reason for including this picture and story other than I thought it was incredibly cute and hilarious.
Later that night, I headed back to Osaka to catch up with some old JET friends who I hadn't seen in a while. We were all gathering to celebrate Laura's bday. It was mostly a picnic down by the river, but there was a fantastic view of Osaka, really beautiful with all the lights. And it was really good to catch up with everyone I hadn't seen in what seems forever.
A couple weeks later it was time for the recontracting conference! However, just before the conference I'd gotten sick. And then I got better and then right right before the conference I got sick again. This conference is where all the JETs from the West half of Japan that decided to stay another year get together in one hotel for 3 days of insanity. Because we have a bunch of workshops to attend to refresh us and prepare us for another year in Japan. Some interesting, but many seemed irrelevant and one 3-hour workshop was far far too long.
However, it did give me an opportunity to catch a bit more of the sights of Kobe and dine, once again, on some melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is Kobe Beef. Mmmm mmm..! In honor of this special occasion, Kim and I both wore our ninja shirts from Koko. Thanks Koko! And we ate at her favorite Kobe Beef restaurant that she introduced me to oh so long ago, Steakland! Delicious as always. Thanks again, Koko! Other than that I was kinda miserable with my stuffed up head and illness. What a great time to get sick, huh? But the conference was over soon enough and it was time to get back to the grind. At least summer is around the corner. Time to kick it into high gear for my season!
Until we meet again, your friendly neighborhood ambassador to Japan,
Mike
