Zocko's Journal

O-Bon Holiday ... Sorta.

2007-08-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend Sayaka saved me from the busy Japan train station on Saturday evening and returned me to her exceptionally lovely home where I was greeted by her courageous mother Naomi-chan and her somewhat shy-seeming father. Our friend Atsune arrived an hour later to visit with us before he left for his parents house, far away near Hokkaido, for O-bon (which is a yearly Japanese customary celebration to honor the departed).

Atsune was sweating buckets thanks to the ravenous heat. He once told me that he needed to drink a 2L bottle of water when he played badminton to replace the 2L of sweat he lost. After everyone cooled off and had adequately revelled in the awesomeness of Sayakas house, we played a few games of Senmusousomething ruther (Dynasty Warriors).

Atsune left. We ate dinner - delicious but epically proportioned as usual. Afterwards Sayaka, Miyuki and I relaxed while looking at pictures and discussing anime and animals. Sayaka knows about loads of old animations that I have never heard of. She showed me tons of wonderful books and her two favorite figuines below. Miyuki was the funny-looking hawk haired guy and I was the hostile dude with less impressive hair.

Next day Sayaka had school so I went to visit the grandmother with her family. We went to the graveyard to honor their grandfather, where everyone took turns lighting insence, washing the gravestone, and decorating it with flowers before giving a brief prayer. Afterwards, we returned by car and Miyuki was entirely enraptured by the handsome fellow driving the car (the dog, not the old man). The old man found our expressions of awe rather amusing so he rolled down the window and pursued our car until I captured an adequate picture on my camera.

We then ate lunch and parted ways at the station, with promises to meet again for Shabu-Shabu! Yum!

Japans Greatest Mystery ...?

2007-08-08T01:38:00.000-07:00

In a country where the inhabitants are rarely caught not eating, where they package and repackage even the smallest piece of gum, I must ask why the garbage cans cant be a little bigger! It doesnt matter that the hamburgers are half the size of your palm if they come in ten different boxes and a plastic bag in case it rains. Bigger garbage cans please!

Sometimes the garbage cans are even non-existant, like in the train stations where food stands and vending machines are ample. Regardless of this fact, you dont see anyone littering. Maybe Japan simply has excellent janitors. In any case, I found myself carrying an empty can of coffee around all day until I got home because theres no garbage cans anywhere. Maybe Japanese people usually eat the cans when theyre done. I dont know. Its mysterious.

This week I went to Atami with my friend Tatsuya. Atami was an amazing little tourist town full of everything from palm trees to ramen - minus garbage cans of course. Tatsuyas father drove us to the top of the hill/mountain/thing but we couldnt see Mount Fuji because the fog was thicker than the packaging on a piece of japanese gum. I met Tatsuyas friends, we watched movies, and ate lots of food. Yay for ma-chan and rice pilaf!

After returning to Yokohama I went for dinner with Atsune, Degashi, Tatsuya, and their friend. I didnt take pictures - Curses! But it was an awesome time full of Melon Soda and food at Johnsons. Atsune and I went to Badminton practice afterward. I did not bad, but I did trip on the station staircase on the return home. I need to work on my gracefulness. Its embarrasing.

Hisashiburi Japan!

2007-08-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

Its been five days of craziness since I entered Japan ... and I still cant find the punctuation keys.

On July 30th I finally realized I was going to Japan ... the next day, no less! I began packing immediately. Stuffing everything within reaching distance into the largest bag I could find. After weighing the sumo suitcase, however, I realized the airplane staff would surely turn me away and therefore began re-packing with my utmost care in selecting those things which were most important to me; underwear ... books ... Playstation2 ... PSP .... games ... movies ... etc.

At 4am the following morning I was packed and ready to sleep for a good 48 hours. I took my 3 hours of precious sleep before waking up to shower. We then drove to the Edmonton airport, where mom casually discarded me at the front entrance with a formal unmotherly goodbye. Needless to say, I was in the waiting room within minutes and on the airplane before I knew it. I spent the flight cramming random japanese phrases into my head and hoping I wouldnt forget them - which obviously I did.

My excellent friend Atsune was kind enough to pick me up at the airport - I dont know how I would have commuted my baggage without him. He was naturally surprised to find out I had a PS2 in my carry-on bag, not a brick. We met my other friends Tatsuya, Yoko, and lovely as ever Saori at Yokohama Station and went to a cafe where I attempted to stay awake and speak japanese.

Next day, Atsune and Saori took me scavenger hunting for a pre-paid cellphone. You may be one of those persons who think that Japan is the land of incredible technology ... and you would be right. There is no place here for outdated pre-paid cellphone plans. Good luck finding one because it took me five days.

We spent the more enjoyable portion of the day reserving a place for hanabi (fireworks). Atsune marked our small patch of grass with a cute tarp, wrote his name on it with ductape, and placed a cooler on it. The bicycle nearby made a much better marker, however. After shopping some more, we returned to watch the fireworks with Donaldo Duck (See Below). Unlike Canada, these fireworks change colors, take shapes, and some are even multicolored. Every space around the lake was packed with people and when the fireworks ended, everyone headed for Yokohama Station - Daimyo Gioretsu!

Saori and I spent one day together just shopping and relaxing. Then on August 3rd I met Chinopan at the station. We went to Coldstone Creamery (my ultimate favorite dessert experience which secures any reasoning I have for not returning to Canada) and then rode the watercoaster at some kind of amusement park. As per usual, we exchanged countless hilarious stories, somewhere wherein I deduced that Chinopan was actually a chicken. We took the train back to his house and met Nami-chan, and the next day ate Okonomiyaki and teased Chinopan about being Chino-chicken instead of Chinonator.

My dog ate my Blogger Journal

2007-05-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Really an update! Can you believe it? My excuse -> I forgot my password. (Hey it's better than "my dog ate my Blogger Journal")

Life in Canada is the same old. May showers bring June snowstorms. Today the sun baked down so ravenously that we Eskimos were forced to give up our parkas. I even practiced riding the motorcycle for a total of 15 minutes today before my leather coat had melted into the skin layering my arm.

After returning from Japan, my life took a turn towards busier. Vince, my friend from Seattle, came over for the family boat trip which turned into something of a disaster. Firstly a duck smashed through our speed boat window on the drive to British Columbia. Once reparied, the engine would no longer work, and the boat had to be dragged behind the houseboat until repaired.

Belay there! This is why people aren't allowed to drive underage ... or under the influence. Just kidding. Our poor speed boat was swamped by a freak storm while we were beached for the night. Some other houseboat started blowing away in the wind, the boys and I ran over to save it, only to discover my dad marooned in our flooded speed boat upon returning. Oops ...

Bilge-sucking barnacle! Son of a biscuit eater! Scurvy landlubber! Toss him into the briny deep! Lance abandoned ship when the waters got too rough - yeah ... that person is a boy despite his lovely locks of hair.

Upon returning from British Columbia, my beautiful friend Star got married! She's so mature and wonderful here in this picture. However I'd rather be a girl and have fun forever~!

In October I landed myself the first job I kept longer than 3 days - a private investigator. That means I sneaky-sneak around with shoppers and watch for theft. When I see somebody steal, I arrest them! My favorite part is when the Police Officer comes! They're sooo cool! By the way I hate thieves so DON'T STEAL! It's way past uncool.

During this time my cute Japanese friend Saori came to Edmonton to live with me at our new condo. It was her birthday here. I look like trash but it's the only acceptable picture I could find.

Back to the future ... I quit my job and moved back into my parent's house which is a Class 5 natural disaster. While away, a tornado ripped through it, tossing cardboard boxes, juice stains, and bread crumbs everywhere. Now Zockorella determinedly cleans up on a daily basis, trying to recover stuff layered beneath scourge and grime, while planning her return trip to Japan. I'm looking for a job in Japan and also planning a pre-stop in Fiji. Booyah! Pina Colada's for me!

Meanwhile my lovely Latidoll finally arrived and I immediately dressed him up as Cloud <3.

Elves don't live in Japan

2006-06-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

The one thing I really missed during my Japanese adventure was the huge amounts of personal space, cricket calls, and owl cries that make Canadian nights so mysterious. There's a different sort of magic in Japan; beautiful but not the same.

Anyway though life is busy I managed to pull off a Welcome Home party at my house. It was quite successful ... especially the eating icecream and karaoking parts. Here's a few pictures so nobody worries that I'm still stuck behind the Coldstone icecream counter!

My friends learning Tatsuya's pose. Me in about 50 layers of skirt.

Crazy Canadians! We're gonna take over the world ...!

Super D!!!

Tadaima!

2006-05-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

It's good to be back in Canada although I already miss the friends I left in Japan. Arriving in Seattle was an interesting experience (as always) because Vincent's house burnt down and for once he wasn't joking. This led to Vincent forgetting about my arrival (thanks a lot!) and me having to find his mother's business number in the phone book. Luckily I only had to stay at Seattle's Youth Hostel for one night. It was nice there by the way ... and I found this wonderful icecream shop near Pike Place. (1lt = $3.88)

After Vince picked me up he bought Coldstone icecream, hoping to appease my wrath, and it worked. Everything is big in Seattle: the people, the icecream, even the bathroom key! I took some pictures for Chinopan because three dollars in Japan buys you about a spoonful of icecream. It's ridiculous and one of the few things I don't miss. The second is being able to stretch my arms outward and not touch about ten different walls.

That's icecream Cathy (I love her) and the icecream key. Anyway good times, busy times. I'll start updating my Japan journal backlog A.S.AP!

Why not just miss the airplane?

2006-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Awoke at the sound of Tatsuya’s alarm and rushed to the train after his hair-make was complete. Tatsuya’s sister bought our tickets to Yokohama and presented me with a beautiful fan that was my salvation against sheer heat later in Seattle. While riding the train Tatsuya and I shared Nami-chan’s present (delicious sakura filled bread for breakfast!) then fell asleep while the train became congested with people who glared at us for taking a whole bench. We met Sayaka and Atsune at Tokyo station and talked about video games and manga because Atsune works at an internet cafe during the day.At the airport we searched for a crepe store in vain. Finally I relented at some random dessert shop where Tatsuya bought me a strawberry cheesecake crepe even though I had planned to pay for everyone. Why!?! He also gave me a cute Studio Ghibli music box. Afterward we talked alot and goodbyes took forever but I still got on the airplane with two minutes to spare!

Odaiba PuriKura!

2006-04-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

After watching Tatsuya pose all the time I finally decided to invent my own. The gun pose became my trademark and you'll see it in alot of the photos. I think it turned out well ... don't you? But the guys can't pull it off so good haha!

This was edited in Photoshop where I added Musketeer hats because I ran out of time on the actual photo booth editor system. Yes, you're timed.

Yep! I love Tatsuya, Chinopan, and Sayaka very much <3!!!

Chinopan and I hung out earlier and talked about my friend Jenny, who absolutely refuses to dance even if it means global calamity (which Jenny would actually approve of). When forced, Jenny will raise her fingers and move them left to right. In this picture Chinopan and I are doing the "Jenny Dance".

<-- He looks like a model doesn't he? -_- Actually they all do.

Makiko chan!

2006-04-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

MAKIKO is an adorable girl who could always make me laugh! When Tatsuya deflected our imaginary bullets, Makiko and I proceeded to aim rocket launchers at him instead. Makiko became so determined that she stumbled back on her high heels while mounting a second imaginary rocket launcher on her shoulder. It was really cute! Before I left for Canada Makiko gave me a beautiful star necklace. Thanks Makiko *-*! Love you!

I did Puri Kura with Makiko and Mio-chan once too! Check it out, we are the Japan Angelz~

Sayonara Party!

2006-04-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tatsuya did beautiful Hair-make before rushing me to Atami Station. We spent a great amount of time and money getting to Odiba where we ate and did Pura Kura with Chinopan and Sayaka. While waiting for a zombie slaying game to end, Chinopan did an awesome TERMINATOR impression. He's my hero.

Then at night everyone played badminton together (except Tatsuya because his hair would get ruined). For dinner we met Makiko at Johnsons. Makiko was excited to see me again and bought fondue (which everyone ate while I wasn’t looking) and a cute double star necklace for me.
And somehow, after spending less than a week in Yokohama, I had fallen completely in love with these people. It was impossible to say goodbye and I couldn’t hold the tears back for anyone. Tatsuya managed to pry Makiko and I apart eventually. At Yokohama station I said farewell to Atsune, Chinopan, and Nami-chan ... which was even harder after spending two nights together. Tatsuya managed to pry me away before we could miss the last train to Atami.

Karaoke Night!

2006-04-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today I met Tatsuya, Mio, Sayaka and her sister Miyuki at Yokohama Station. We ate lunch then spent 3 hours at Karaoke. Everyone had beautiful voices ... in fact Sayaka and Miyuki sung better than KAT-TUN (the original band)! Later we met Dennis at this weird crypt-themed restraunt and ate viking/buffet style. Tatsuya left early to get my luggage so we could return to his house in Atami shortly. We arrived at his house freezing cold and unable to find the house key, which was later spotted hanging inside the inner porch. Embarrassed but hardly showing it, Tatsuya rung the doorbell and waited for his mother to save us. We went into the family room and met Tatsuya’s father (who scared me at first) and his sister (super sweet). Within minutes I felt comfortable and welcome. I explained Tatsuya’s mistake and called him “Kawaii baka = cute idiot”. Both parents found this hilarious so it couldn't be far from the truth I suppose! (I like this picture cause I'm not in it and I looked terrible that day.)

Sayaka & Miyuki!

2006-04-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

SAYAKA is a girl of many talents! Not only can she sing better than KAT-TUN, but she's prettier than Jennifer Lopez and her English skill is amazing! She's also studying video games ... which is super cool! Hopefully we can work together someday ^_^.

And thanks for fighting your cold and taking me to the airport instead!

And MIYUKI also amazed me with her beautiful singing voice! She wrote me a goodbye letter, which I pasted into my Scrapbook because it was so cute! We share many interests so I'm sure we'll become awesome friends in the future! Even her favorite Final Fantasy 7 character was Aeris (just like me)!

Genie rocks your socks!

2006-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I did Nami’s make up and gave her a becoming pink necklace. She looked gorgeous (like a model!) and returned the favor by lending me her cute yellow shirt and jean jacket. Thanks Nami-chan! I love you!

Then ... With my wallet screaming for mercy I headed for DisneySea alone (<-- everyone was busy dealing with work or school). This time my Disney adventure began correctly with the purchase of cheesy Minnie Mouse ears. The highlight of my day was sitting on Genie (best Disney character ever!) and eating tiramisu icecream.

@}--;--;--------

(The later picture was taken after consuming Tiramisu icecream. Beware! May cause drunkeness and other abnormal side effects ... like making you look like Avril Lavinge ...)

Studio Ghibli

2006-04-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday ...

I missed the last train and took a taxi for $15 to Asakusa’s youth hostel, so I awoke slightly grouchy and deterred. Getting ready took me longer than planned and I arrived at Shinjuku late, but Atsune and Tatsuya spotted me immediately and within seconds were packed inside a Taxi driving for Studio Ghibli before our ticket entrance expired (fortunately Totoro didn't seem to care).

We ate at legendary Straw Hat Cafe and I paid because Tatsuya had already covered the taxis, while Atsune wouldn’t accept money for my Ghibli ticket. The sandwiches were so delicious that I punched the air after saying “Gotchisosama DESHITA!” Atsune laughed at my uncustomary strangeness!

These pictures were taken on the roof where I discovered this wonderful device with a shiny handle that I couldn't help but turn. A blast of water shot from the hole and rained down on Atsune, who valiantly attempted to stop it as Tatsuya was already running for cover. In the picture Tatsuya is posing (his specialty) and Atsune is drowning I think. Only Tatsuya can pose while drinking from unstable fountains I think.

We split up at Yokohama Station where I met Nami-chan and Kim, who kindly carried my luggage all the way up the evil hillside to Chinopan’s house. Nami put make up on Chinopan and Kim, then I gave them lollypops from Studio Ghibli. Nami and Kim were exhausted but Chino and I managed to play Ninja Turtles for a few hours. He likes Leo best.

Team Badminton

2006-04-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up from the most lousy and cramped sleep ever but was pumped after watching the magical vending machine eject my cup and fill it with hot cocoa one last time. I dragged my luggage down one floor to Denny’s to use the toilet and eat pancakes that I swear looked bigger on the menu. After checking in at Asakusa’s youth hostel I emailed Chinopan and made arrangements to meet at Yokohama station that evening. We played badminton with Nami and friends!!!

This picture doesn't really do ATSUNE justice. He has these big gorgeous eyes and is totally the sweetest person ever. I love him! Atsune always wears purple and pink but (unlike American dudes) he looks awesome.

He works at an internet cafe and loves manga and anime. Cool guy!

DENNIS (at least that's what his shirt said) is absolutely hilarious. Unfortunately I can't remember his real name. Whenever we played badminton or ate food Dennis was there. That guy knows where to be. His poses also rock (obviously)! Miss ya!

CHINONATOR

2006-04-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Grrr...! Forced to stay at Asakusa youth hostel again because cantankerous owner refused to change dates. I took the $5 train to Yokohama and met Chinopan.

We ate at MacDonaldo then played Mario Kart at a Game Center. We got icecream at Baskin 31 Robbins and talked about how small Japanese food portions are – especially icecream ...

Chinopan glared at a nearby pigeon and said “Tabeti = I want to eat! This is pigeon’s spoon”!! so I told him about the Venice tour guides who carry umbrellas instead of sign posts to avoid becoming a toilet when the millions of pigeons take to the sky. Chinopan found this hilarious and wanted to experience being a pigeon’s toilet, while I laughed and said Tatsuya would run for cover. Chinopan white, Tatsuya black. Now Chinopan'’ goal is to eat pigeon flavored icecream at Coldstone and experience being a pigeon's’toilet in Venice.

Star Trek Vending Machine Thingy!

2006-04-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

I spent 10 hours on a JR Bus but met a beautiful girl named Kana! We ate at MacDonaldo together and took pictures at our sunset bus stop. After I totally took the wrong train from Tokyo to Asasaka when I should have gone to Akasuka. Lost my ticket too but it was so late that the guards let me through anyway. I got to the Youth Hostel (with much difficulty and baggage) only to find that I had booked for tomorrow night. So at 1:30 AM two kind staff members guided me to the nearby internet cafe. Cool experience but a definite pain in the neck. I drank lots of hot coco from the free vending machine to get my $15 money’s worth. Boo yah!

<-- That's Iku. She nearly cried when I couldn't stay at the Youth Hostel. Iku helped me find the cafe, bought me hot tea, carried my bags, and gave me a cell phone bear. She was so cute!

Puri Kura!

2006-04-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

First time at Puri Kura, in Kyoto! Japanese photo booth is amazing and a gabagillion times better than American photo booth. You have to go! Best advice is make the funniest face or pose you can. Clockwise starting with me is Nami-chan, Tatsuya, Degashi, Chinopan, and Mari-chan!

What beautiful friends I have ^^!

@}-;---------

5 Man Omelette!

2006-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a Crazy Day! Tatsuya, Chinopan, and Nami-chan invited me to join them in exploring Kyoto. Two of their friends, Mari and Yuichi (Degashi), joined us at Pura Kura where they splurged and bought four sets of photos. We went for lunch and Mari's super awesome English skills helped translate the menu while Chinopan recommended the delicious beef omelet. Tatsuya got this massive 5 man omelette that could cast an entire planet in shadows, but couldn’t finish so everyone helped. Don't believe me? Have a look for yourself:

Afterward we went to Kyoto Tower (hardly exciting for the $6 we paid) but the wacky mirror on floor 5 made up for it. Chinopan and I danced as midgets while Tatsuya frantically attempted to fix his already perfect hair. After eating dessert parfaits together everyone had to leave for Yokohama. I almost cried ...

Yuichi (DEGASHI) was the serious cool guy who could pull off some awesome poses in Puri Kura photo booth. He was also an awesome badminton teacher! Thanks Degashi!!!

And Mari was such a cutie! It's a shame Mari-chan lived near Kyoto because I only saw her once, but let's talk on MSN okay?

Super God!

2006-04-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

God was really pulling some strings on Saturday morning. Instead of travelling straight to Tokyo I stopped in Kyoto due to a sudden bought of exhaustion. Earlier LIV (this crazy cool Lebanese hippy guy – See photo) had mentioned an excellent place to stay in Kyoto: Backpackers K. So there I headed with my abundance of baggage. I arrived at approximately 1:00 PM, booked a room, tossed my baggage under the table and collapsed on the bed until 7:00 PM; which is when I leapt from bed and hurried into town for a bite to eat before all the restaurants closed.

When I returned to bed at 11:00 PM my French neighbours had the TV cranked up unkindly, so I groggily stumbled into the common room still wearing my pajamas and fed the computer money. A pretty girl named Melissa attempted to sit across from me but the chair collapsed beneath her. Melissa and I had so much in common (loved the Japanese boonies, teaching English, friends getting married in the summer) and began to talk, not realizing how fast time was passing because there were still three Japanese people sitting on the couch nearby.

Suspiciously, these Japanese people had turned the couch so they could watch Melissa and I. (Okay admittedlty we were watching them too. Earlier I saw Chinopan sitting at a desk and thought "That guy had good vibes ... I wanna talk!" but then Tatsuya entered and totally shocked me with his glitteryness.) Melissa said they probably wanted to talk but suddenly the Japanese girl hurried to bed before I could say goodnight! I felt kinda bad so when both Japanese guys rushed by a few minutes later I quickly shouted “Oyasumi nasai”! They kinda stumbled and started talking and running really fast. Soon there was tons of racket upstairs and a few minutes later all three Japanese returned to the common room looking slightly nervous. After I instigated conversation (now feeling slightly aware of my fluffy pink pajamas) Yuki Chino, Nami Kayama, and Tatsuya Maezawa introduced themselves. They invited me to hang out together the following day and I accepted, though Melissa had already planned Geisha dancing. Wah!

Meet CHINOPAN! Somehow he understood all my half English, half Japanese stories. Chinopan is hilariously amazing and always surprised me with his impersonations of termintor and more. He had the cutest smile ever and a radiant soul. I can't explain it. I love you Chinopan!

I'll never forget NAMI because she was amazingly cute, sweet, and STRONG too! Once Nami took me for a ride on the back of her bicycle. She even brought me deliciousness from her bread store and dressed me up for Disneyland. I love Nami-chan so much! We're sisters forever!

TATSUYA is a Japanese Prince, who kinda scared me at first because he looks like a model or someone you're not supposed to talk to. But in reality Tatsuya is a sweetheart. It took Tatsuya about five seconds to fill my agenda with plans that included all his friends (he's obviously a people magnet and the ultimate poser ...) I could never pull the camera out fast enough to get a normal shot. Anata wa ichiban, Tatsuya-san ~_^!

Never grow up!

2006-04-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Friday was freaking cold! I bought this lame Osaka city pass and used three of the twenty tickets to visit the Sky Garden Tower and eat banana chocolate cake for breakfast with a side-order of cocoa. The damned cocoa was more expensive than the cake! I explored the Mariene museum in about 20 minutes and took the Santa Maria harbor cruise which was slightly disapointing because the sail wasn’t out. Finally I arrived at Universal Studios and took pictures with my spiffy friend Hiro before the premier of Peter Pan began. After we played an awesome slay zombies with machine guns game and died alot ... as predicted.

In HIRO's younger days he starred as Goofy and Capt Hook in Japan's very own Disneyland. How amazing and cool is that! Hiro is living proof that you never have to grow up. Hope I can see ya again in America someday!

Tasmanian Dudes!

2006-04-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the last day I could use my crappy Kansai pass so I went to Nara and ate sesami icecream (obviously the highlight). When I went to the tourist office the awesome people gave me a free kimono patterned paddle that many Japanese people pointed at. Some random old man guided me to Todaji Temple and onward. Nearly died of dehydration so I bought a soft drink fearing it would have chunks in it. Luckily there was no unpleasant chunky-doom surprise hidden inside the can.

I returned to Universal Studios, planning to buy crepes for dinner but ended up talking to Hiro instead. He was very funny and good at impersonating characters because he played Goofy and Captain Hook in Disneyland. After talking about movie stars, old cartoons, and constantly dying in Tomb Raider I asked if I could buy a ticket to see the premier of Peter Pan, but it wasn’t possible. However, because Hiro worked at Disneysea he was able to get a discount the following evening if I could come. Ka koi!

By then too cold for eating icecream crepes so I headed for the train and met two cool Austrailian dudes from Tasmania! (Why didn't I get photos?!) BEN was glad for the English company while his brother GERARD was glad not to be lost on the train system. They were kind enough to buy me a tall green tea drink at Starbucks while we decided what to do next. With less than two hours to spare we decided to try Dotonburi but never made it because I had already missed my curfew by then. Plus the Para Para at Osaka Station distracted us for five invaluable minutes. Ben and Gerard walked me back to the youth hostel just in case I actually got locked out - which I totally did. Ben planned to let me borrow his JR Rail Pass and ride the trains all night long. A brilliant plan! But ... Luckily a police man let me in so Ben didn’t have to lend me his JR Rail Pass for the night!

Kobe! (And Himeji ...)

2006-04-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I said bye to Jang and met JANE - this hilarious Austrailian woman who was staying in a bunk nearby but got separated because a huge group of Ghana Buddists arrived that night. (It was kinda scary because they were really happy and kept trying to convert me. Anyway ...)

(Everyone loves Himeji!!! Except me.)

I hurried to Himeji before its major attractions could close at the ridiculous hour of 4 PM. I highly recommend visiting Himeji Castle if you find examining seven floors of the same wall enthralling. I personally fled from Himeji Castle and nullified my disappointment at having wasted $6 on entrance fees by eating icecream crepes at Baskin 31 Robbins. With time to spare and a stomache to fill I headed for Kobe, a romantic stop for lovers. It’s home to a beautiful shopping plaza and funky futuristic archetecture. (And a Studio Ghibli store where I met a cool girl!) I ate cold meat skewers in China Town, which is possible to access after crossing a maze of different sky bridges. Good luck! Cause you'll need it ... hehehe.

(Go Kobe!!! Cause it's better.)

Japanese Style

2006-04-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Jang and Makiko were talking in the cafeteria when I returned to Shin-Osaka’s youth hostel. It was Jang’s last night so we took some authentic Japanese photos together (the ones where you don’t smile) but only MAKIKO could pull it off. That girl is absolutely gorgeous! In fact Makiko could be a model but she'd rather improve her already awesome English and visit foreign countries. Jang is pretty cute too. Love ya guys ^^

Even phones can be friends ^ Japanese people have to wear business suits all the time so they express their individualism via phone straps and colored cases. I spent the night cursing my crappy 4 day Kansai Pass because it only worked on transfer trains, meaning I’d have to walk alot over the next few days.

Hanami in Kyoto!

2006-04-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took a train to Kyoto again. I met Donat’s friend Walter who was headed to Yokohama for a wedding. After arriving at the station Tomo and Miki took me to Nijo Temple. The temple floor would squeak under every footstep – a safety measure implemented to keep the emperor safe from ninjas. We visited so many temples and gorgeous gardens that I can't remember the names ... but they were all awesome and if you go to Japan visit Kyoto (but make sure you have a guide cause otherwise you'll get lost)!

I met TOMOHIRO in Kanazawa when I was all dressed up Geisha-like actually. He love's chocolate and manga comics so we got along really well! His father, MIKI, was incredibly kind and treated us both days all the time! I wish my father was more like him *sniff*. Thanks guys ^-^ I had so much fun!

MZ call Home!

2006-04-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I met JANG, a 22 year old photographer from Korea who studied Japanese for a year and now speaks fluently. I also called home for the first time on Easter Sunday. Unfortunately the international phone was impossible to find so a Japanese police officer took me through two ticket barricades at Shin-Osaka station just to reach the telephone and find out my phone card didn’t work. It was not only difficult to buy a phone card at a local kioske, but also to hear Gram’s voice for the first time in ages. I began crying and couldn’t understand a word anyone said. After the time expired I wiped my eyes while the police officer guided me through the ticket barricades. I searched vainly for a toilet and didn’t find one until taking the escalator to Floor 2. And heaven forbid there be any toilet paper. I had to exit the washroom and ask a nearby saleswoman for tissue so I could blow my nose. Then, hoping there wasn’t mascara running down my face like Alice Cooper, I boarded the train to Kyoto. My friends from Kanazawa (Tomohiro and his father Miki) were waiting at Booth 0. Miki bought us Easter cake, then we toured the terrace temple, Kyoto station, Atom boy shop, tea ceremony, and gardens!!

Donat is Spiderman!

2006-04-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of DONAT that I nicked off his website! He's a really funny guy and you can even view a couple pictures of Donat and his friends scaling Himeji's castle walls like Spiderman. It's awesome so check it out at: http://mypage.bluewin.ch/Donat/

Explore Osaka!

2006-04-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

Osaka is this AWESOME city where everyone always tries to make you laugh, dance, and be happy. It also has the number 1 youth hostel in Shin-Osaka. The locals were super helpful and spoke good English.

I also met Donat; a tall blonde blue-eyed guy from Switzerland. He must have been popular in Japan. Donat said the Kyoto Youth Hostel was terrible because he had to “sleep like banana”. Donat also hates octopus meatballs (takoyaki), which he had to stand in line for. I can't eat seafood so I was exempted from the horror. Donat's Japanese friend also recommended taking a picture of Dotonburi clown but there was no way he was wasting film on "stupid clown". So I took one for him. Other than that, Donat seemed to be enjoying himself.

And holy HORRORS OF HELL! My JR Rail Pass expired today.

Happy Days

2006-04-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

We started the second festival day off right by stampeding to the 50 cent apple stand. After taking a few pictures with the whole group we kinda dispersed until later on when Vivian and I chased the procession by winding the backstreets while wondering if the parade people were getting sick of seeing me at every turn. (Vi had the oriental look and blended in but I didn't).

I like kids.

Quite possibly the funniest dude in Japan (can't you tell?). I bought a $3 hida beef skewer from him just cause he was that awesome!

When rain fell the Takayama floats were hurried to their shelters. I ate obento lunch with Viv (complementary of Shuhei and his pal) then headed for Shin-Osaka slightly earlier than planned. Unpacked at Shin-Osaka’s awesome Youth Hostel and met Donat.

Canadian Comrades

2006-04-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Neil: Great guy from Calgary with a wonderful sense of humor and ample amounts of patience to boot. Neil was always relaxed, ready to go, and didn't mind being around a bunch of girls --- not that we were demanding or anything. Go us!

Jennifer: Cheerful and cute, Jen had hilarious stories to tell and always remained positive. Sounded like Jen had a tough job back in Calgary but that didn't deter her awesome attitude one bit. Yay Jen!

Vivian: I met Vivian while dragging my luggage up the hill toward the temple. Vivian loves to be around people but it was difficult for her to navigate Japan because everyone thought she was a local.

Anne: Down to earth girl with an adventurous heart. Like me, Anne was braving the land of Takayama on her own. Even still, Anne had lots of friends -- and for good reason! She was funny, interesting to talk to, and always offered a smile or kind words when needed.

Slumber Party!

2006-04-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier I asked everyone to buy a snack for our last night together in Hida Takayama. Unfortunately the common room was so full that Anne, Viv, Jen, Neil, and I were forced to sneak into the entrance room and bask in the glory of our feast. But the cantankerous monk found us and in his tumulent anger turned out the lights ...

Hida Takayama Festival!

2006-04-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

Festival day began with Vivian, Anne, Jennifer, Neil, and I trying to reach the staircase foundation before our toes froze to the icy floor. Once outside we hurried down the slope and watched the dancing puppet shows (with Neil providing hilarious commentary), followed the floats, ate delicious 50 cent apples, meat skewers, and then split up until evening. I chased the float parade while taking pictures; during which time some crazy local named Shuhae (shoe hay), who was spiffily attired but quite drunk, pointed at the shrine and said “That is God”!

My favorite picture and costume ^_^!

Happily heading toward the festivities!

Got sake?

Ancient Japanese puppet.

These mournful looking college kids were the only Japanese without tobacco and beer hidden inside their kimono sleeves.

The Big Kahuna!

Beautiful girl in Takayama.

Man-powered cart. If you're rich you can actually ride one!

Everyone helps at festival time!

Kosuke's Kindness

2006-04-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

Today I decided against wasting time travelling to Okinawa. Instead I jumped a local train bound for Uminonakamichi Park and met Kosuke Kaneko, a 22 year old guy living in Fukuoka. After showing him a confusing English map Kosuke said I was on the train for Kashii, which I confused for “kaisha” meaning company. Momentarily horrified, I attempted to dive bomb off the train but Kosuke pointed at the map until I realized there would be a transfer.

Once my heart rate settled and the train began moving I asked Kosuke if Uminonakamichi Park was interesting ... Surprisingly Kosuke had never been there. Luckily Kosuke had just finished a job interview and had some free time so we transfered to Uminonakamichi together, stopping briefly at a post-office so Kosuke could withdraw money. We wandered the desert peninsula in vain and soon realized we were lost in a construction zone deceiptfully mingled with parkland.

Somehow (after much fruitless wandering) Kosuke and I exited through the gates of a deserted amusement park. By miracle we managed to find the marine harbor, which transfered us across the bay to an Italian-styled plaza where we decided against spending $10 each to climb Fukuoka tower. Instead Kosuke and I wandered towards Hakata's Ferris Wheel park and, having just discussed the deliciousness of icecream, Kosuke asked if I’d like a crepe. Of course!

But Kosuke paid for my crepe before I could even reach the purse strapped to my back. The ferris wheel (which Kosuke also paid for) forbade us from eating aboard so we finished our crepes and rode the wheel at sunset. As the wheel began to stop our conductor said “ki o tsukite!” (travel carefully) so, naturally, I stood up promptly and bumped my head on the roof. Kosuke tried not to laugh but it was pretty hilarious. At 10:00 PM Kosuke had to leave ... but not to bed. To work! Maichinngu! I didn’t know and felt really bad because Kosuke wouldn’t be sleeping that Wednesday. We rode the subway to Hakata Station where I bought two souviners (Jiji Music Box for me and Neko Bus ordament for Kosuke) from the Studio Ghibli shop so the awesome day could never be forgotten!

"Today I am rich"

One of those dayz ...

2006-04-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

As the title says ... today was just one of those days where nothing really happens and nothing goes right. In the morning everyone packed into the owner's car and drove to the unknown station disgruntled. I spent the morning dragging my luggage around Fukuoka city, searching for the youth hostel while bulking my biceps a little more. I arrived at the poshiest hostel you could imagine, located smack dab in the heart of Fukuoka Hataka City. More importantly it was near Hokka Hokka Toi where I bought chicken & tartar obento.

Incredible building covered in folliage

Famous anime store beyond infamous Japanese bicycles.

The locals fled every hour ...

Even the Ninja Turtles would be proud.

Chunky Grapejuice?!

2006-04-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

With deep resentment for Tokyo bubbling through my veins and aching in my hands I headed for the farthest city I could possibly reach in a day: Fukuoka. Slowly while riding the Shinkansen I became parched and, for the first time, was forced to buy a juicebox -- full of grapejuice and grape chunks. It was disgusting and I have no idea who could possibly drink it but I certainly didn't. Morning dwindled to dusk while I talked with Yukiko, an older woman who quickly became a dear friend.

Yukiko and I parted at Fukuoka station. Initially I hoped to ferry across the ocean to Okinawa Island but the ferry ride was a ridiculous 24 hours long. My undesirable situation plummeted into further misery when I discovered the youth hostel was booked. There were no options; only lodging farther away.

Sheets of rain and crisp lightning made the unknown train station an ideal atmosphere for shooting your everyday horror flick, starring a beautiful girl who finds herself abandoned and forced to confront an ugly and obviously evil super villain who can magically hide an assortment of kitchen knives, machine guns, and at least one trademark weapon (chainsaw or blowtorch) beneath his tattered trench cost. And thus, with imagination running amok I nearly fainted when the ugliest, most cantankerous hostel owner drove up in his shady car to rescue me from the rain. Thankfully he didn’t kill me. There was a grand total of two other people staying at the youth hostel ... and that was only because Fukuoka's was full.