Things They Do...

I walked in a different direction today... one that I have not gone yet. I brought my camera just in case I found something interesting. I walked around an arcade with many shops and restaurants. There is so much to see but I wish I could understand what it all meant. Here are a few oddities that I came across:

A Discount Clothing Store with Guest Appearances by Darth

A Cool "Fuckin" Sign

Hawaii is never too far away...


I found the "Squatter"

It's My Birthday

Kim and her Japanese friends took me out to a bar called the "One Coin" for my birthday. It was NOMIHODAI which meant that it is all you can drink! Oh boy... it was a fun night as I recall. Pictures below will explain.

You ever hear Japanese sing Bon Jovi?

Rook Right Den Rook Left...

Note to self... "rook right, den, rook left" before crossing the street. Things are some what different here as I am adapting myself to the city and culture. Getting around on foot is easy. If I find myself lost, I just jump in a taxi tell them Shirakawa Koen (the park next to my apartment). A couple of lessons that I've learned so far.

1) Use the restroom before you leave the house.

My Japanese language skills are quite basic. I can ask where or if I may use the restroom but after that, communication comes down to a lot of hand signals and made up words. Needless to say... there were a couple of close calls.

2) Avoid crossing the street in the bike crosswalk

There are 2 crosswalks at major intersections. The crosswalk (above) with the bike is mainly for bicycles and therefore they have the right of way. Be careful because they won't stop if you are in their way.

Concrete Jungle

Nagoya is huge... There are all sorts of mischievous things for me to get myself into. Tomorrow I will explore this concrete jungle. Kim has been working in Tokyo since we arrived. It will give me a chance to get lost and aquaint myself with the area on my own.

Goodbye Seattle... Hello Mr. Robato

After 7 unforgettable years in Seattle, Washington, I decided to pack my bags and head off to Nagoya, Japan.

Nagoya is the 3rd largest incorporated city and 4th most populous urban area in Japan. It falls between Tokyo and Osaka. It's main industries are automotive and aerospace. Companies such as Toyota are headquartered out of Nagoya and Mitsubishi and Kawasaki have R&D divisions.

Let the adventure begin...