Thank you for 2010

I would like to that everyone for 2010!!

Really really really thank you ALL!!!

I hope everyone has a great New Year's Vacation!!

Looking forward to catch up after the break!

Be safe and Enjoy!!!

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings...

Usually I do not like to talk about religion, but today I will touch on the subject a little.

Contrary to popular belief, I am not Christian. So I do not celebrate and have never celebrated Christmas. When I was in high school and university, some friends invited me over to their house for a Christmas dinner or party. So, I have attended a few Christmas Parties before. However, I never had a christmas tree in my house, and never ate a Christmas dinner or drank eggnog in my house, and Santa never came to my house with the reindeer and his sled. But since I have lived in Japan, I usually celebrate Christmas by going out to a dinner or eating a special dinner in my house. This year I will do the latter with my wife. Also, I got her a Christmas present for the first time, so I will give that to her tonight. I hope she likes it!!

In Japan, many people often say "Merry Christmas," and some people even send sweet "Merry Christmas" emails or cards. In fact, I have already received a few from some people and they made me happy. However, in other countries, especially America, many people say or send cards with "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings" instead of "Merry Christmas." The reason for this is that not everyone is Christian, thus not everyone celebrates Christmas. Most Japanese are not picky about religion at all. Depending on the event, they usually visit Temples or Shrines, two totally different religions. Temples are from Buddhism. And Shrines are from Shinto. For funerals, many Japanese use Temples. For Marriages, some Japanese use Shrines. Other Japanese get married in Churches!! Many Japanese also "celebrate" Christmas. For the New Year, some people visit Shrines and other people visit Temples, to be honest I sometimes forget which is for what...It is very confusing!!! :)

Anyway, and most importantly, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings!! Please choose whatever expression you like the best!
Also, I wonder what these two kids got from Santa for Christmas?! If they were good this year, not naughty, maybe Santa gave them a nice gift!!

Xmas (Blog by Luis)

Xmas for a child is one of the best times of the year. I remember finding out that Santa was bogus when I found a red bag hidden in my parents wardrobe. I think I was about 8 years old. After that, I always tried guessing what I would be getting. A few Xmas later, I became an expert in finding the presents, and in unwrapping them without anyone finding out! Let me tell you a secret...Back then, I was a naughty boy!!! But don't tell anyone!! Xmas in Japan does not exactly have the same meaning as it does in foreign countries. Here you enjoy the time with your friends, while in Western countries it's the time for family reunions. I remember when I was a child flying to Portugal and having a long dinner in my grandparents house with many relatives. Now, living abroad, I tend to feel melancholic and homesick! Also, I miss the sweets and typical dishes of the Xmas season. Maybe this year, I will go to that Portuguese restaurant in Nishi-Tenma (I forget the name, but it's near the American Consulate) with my wife. How are you going to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year? Have any exciting plans?

Holland and Belgium (revised blog and photos by Miss e)

About my trip to Holland and Belgium. It was really great!

The reasons were....

1) I could see many paintings at famous museums and cathedrals. I often go to exhibitions of popular painters (ex. Gogh,Vermeer )in Japan. But there are always so many many people, it is so crowded, so it was impossible for me to look at the paintings closely. This time was amazing and precious time for me.

2) I enjoyed the architecture and seeing many old buildings. Each building had a different style, design, and history. I like European buildings (including cathedrals,churches) and the beautiful streets. In particular, the atmosphere in Belgium was beautiful. And there weren't so many tourists so the town and sites were all calm.

3) The tour guide in Belgium was excellent. When I first saw him I wasn't so sure...he looked a little strange, odd...so I was worried whether he was a good guide or not. But he was great! He had a lot of knowledge about the history, the paintings and the architecture and his explanation was really understandable and interesting.
(The moral of this story is: Never judge a book by its cover!!)

4) About the hotels in both cities (Brussels and Amsterdam). I stayed two nights in each of the cities. The hotels were nice. The first hotel in Belgium had a shower booth! And the buffet style breakfast was nice at both hotels. I went on this tour by myself, so I could stay in a room with two beds all by myself!! I could relax and use the whole room as I liked. It was a luxurious feeling!! About the other meals...well, they were so so...But the Belgian hot waffle I ate was great! (The fabulous tour guide took us to the shop).

This trip was a little short (only 6 days) but fulfilling for me. I was really satisfied. I took pictures with my new digital camera (it was the first time to use it), and if I have a chance,I'd like to show them to you.

Trip to Tokyo (blog and photos by Luis)

After a quick 2h30 Shinkansen ride [aka bullet train] we arrive in Tokyo.
Arriving by Shinkansen at Tokyo station takes you to another world, about 20m above the ground and surrounded by modern buildings, fashionable people, nice monuments, great dinning places, and the latest technological gadgets whereever you look.. You feel like part of an elite cosmopolitan society. Unlike my first visit to Tokyo, we weren’t chancing getting tired seeing monuments and famous places...so this time, we decided to simply relax and enjoy. Perhaps this is the main reason why I liked Tokyo so much more this time than previously. We met some friends, on Saturday night for drinking, on Sunday morning for a great buffet brunch and at night for a home dinner, on Monday for a day trip to Nikko National Park [UNESCO World Heritage Site] and a casual dinner with a good friend, and Tuesday for lunch in Roppongi Hills. Most people asked me "Which do you prefer: Tokyo or Osaka?"... That's a tough question. Let’s say I’d prefer to have Osaka people living in Tokyo. This would make it almost perfect. Ah! Of course, I love Osaka food too!! But did you know that Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than both Paris and NY together! Btw, there have been 14 restaurants awarded 3-stars since Nov 17th. Will I come back? Obviously.

Glenn: I have a question for you Luis. How many Michelin 3-star restaurants have you been to in Tokyo? How about in Osaka? Which is your favorite? or Which one or two do you really recommend?

Santa Claus

Guess what?!
You'll never believe what happened!!
When I was coming to the classroom yesterday morning, I saw Santa Claus!! I am serious!!! This is not a joke!! I swear to God it's true!! He was standing on a bridge on Yostubashi Street, just over Tosabori River. He was an old guy, with a big white bread, and white hair, and he was wearing baggy red pants, or overalls (I couldn't tell which...) and a green long-sleeved shirt with some decorations on it. And he was holding a camera and taking a photo of a boat in the river. Why he was taking a photo of a boat?
Who is he?
Why is he wearing a Santa Claus suit and look exactly like Santa?
What was he doing on Yotsubashi Street in the morning?
Was he really Santa?

I have many questions, but I do not know the answer to any of them.
It is a complete mystery!!!

Anyway, my friends are coming to Japan in a few weeks, and they are going to be in Tokyo. But only for 2 days. Please answer the question below if you want.
"What would you suggest doing on a 48-hour stopover in Tokyo?"
(from The Japan Times Online)
Read here for some sample answers:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20101123vf.html

Below is Miss K's home-made dinner. It looks delicious!!

Flag Football

Today is lousy, miserable weather. Dark, grey, and rainy. And, this morning, I dropped my new umbrella in between the train and the train tracks!! Can you believe it?! Unbelievable! It is GONE!!!

That is enough of the bad news. Now, onto some good news!

Last Sunday I did something new. I played flag football. Do you know what flag football is? Well, just in case you do not know, I will explain. It is like American football (not "football" as they say in Europe!!!) except there is no contact, which means there is no tackling, no pushing, no hitting. All of the players must wear a belt with two flags attached. Instead of tackling the other opponent, you have to tear his or her flag off. If you don't know the rules of American football, which most of you don't I think, then it is difficult to explain any further than that. But if you really feel you want a deeper explanation, please check wikipedia, not wikileaks!!

Anyway, I found this group "Porarisu Takaraduka Flag Football Team" because I often exercise; go walking, jogging, or cycling, on Mukogawa River which is near my house. And one day, while walking, I saw a bunch of people, both guys and girls, playing. I watched from the sidelines for a while, and thought about asking them "Do you mind if I play with you?", but I am shy and I was embarrassed, so I gave up and went home. Then a few weeks after that, I saw one guy setting up the field for practice. And I thought, this is my chance! So I got up the courage and I asked him, "Is it alright if I use one of the footballs for a little?" He said, "Sure, no problem." I was psyched(=excited) and sprinted out(=ran quickly) onto the field and then he threw the ball with me and we had a catch for about 30 minutes. It was the first time in while I threw a football, so I was a little rusty, but not bad!! However, after only 30 minutes I was pooped(=tired!)! But I had a good time! It was fun!

So before I went home, I ask him, "If possible, I would like to play sometimes with your team..." And he told me, "You are welcome any time." I was happy.

Last Sunday was my first practice. In the future, when I have time, I would like to play with them again. All of the members, both girls and guys of a variety of ages, were all really nice and friendly and serious about flag football!! It was a good Sunday!

But there was one problem!! On Monday, I was very sore!!! All of the muscles in my lower body; my calves, thighs, hamstrings, and groin, were sore!! But today, I feel ok, and not so sore! Do you know what that means?! It means I am not so old!!

(fyi, if you get sore two days after exercise, that means you are old! but if you get sore only one day after doing exercise, it means you are young).

Below, is from Ms. F. It's funny!! Do you get the joke?

Minnie Mouse

Below is the other email I got the other day. It is from Ms. H who is presently studying abroad and also doing an internship in California. She studied at The University Of California, Berkeley. It is a good school! Ms. H is young, and a Freshman in University in Japan. Her family run both a Temple and also an Izakaya Chain of restaurants.

Here's the email, and cute photo!

I'm gonna take a trip with my classmate:)! I'm looking forward to going there!!
Oh, really!? It will be freezing in NY!! OMG!!!
We are planning to go 4 days there. I have to buy warmer cloths by trip!!! BTW I finished to go language school 11/30. then, it will start internship this Saturday:) I chose to go seniors enter. I heard that internship is very hard. but, i'll do my best!!! I'll send a picture when it was Halloween party! I was mini mouse:)kk




Additional topics.
If you were stuck underground like the Chilean miners, what's the first thing you would ask to be sent down the chute?

This is from "Views from the Street-THE JAPAN TIMES"

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/print/fl20101019vf.html

Jakarta

The other day I got two emails from some two students who are presently working or studying abroad. One is in Indonesia, the other is in Indonesia. Today I will put Mr. I's emails and photos up on the blog.
By the way, I always like to get such kinds of email. They make me happy.

Concerning Mr. I, he has studied at EZ English for a while now. His primary purpose of study is for business because he must lead various big operations overseas, mainly in East Asia. He lives in Nara, and also studies calligraphy, and has a good sense of humor. In addition, he hopes to retire when this project is finished.

These are some revised excerpts from the the email he wrote me:

"Hi, Glenn. I am in Jakarta INDONESIA. My Project's contract was completed and the contract will Kick-off on 2nd Nov. The Project will last for six years, so I will have to go to and stay in JKT several times during that time. Now, according to my wife who is in Japan(I speak to her often on the phone), it is very cold in JAPAN! JKT is in the rainy season, so the temperature is warm, but it is very humid. The economical growth of INDONESIA is fast and it is very active in the City, which is good because I like lively places!! According to the paper, the sum total area of all of the cars in Indonesia, and the total area of the road, are the same. Unbelievable!!! Please see the attached pics. Best regards."

Y's

Last weekend, I went to a great restaurant. It is in Fukushima which is recently a popular area with a lot of new and interesting places. I was looking for a special place, because it was a special occasion. And, thanks to the net, I found one. When I called to make a reservation, they staff said, "Sorry, we are all booked tonight." I was disappointed. But then the staff continued, "Well, if there is a sudden opening, or if some people go home early, we will call you." I was relieved. It wasn't 100%, so I also looked at a few other restaurants, but I was hoping to get a call on my cell from the staff. And fortunately, while having a beer at happy hour, my phone rang. Bingo! It was my lucky day! The staff said, "A couple just left, and two seats are available, so if please come right over if you like." And thirty minutes later, I was sitting in the restaurant.

Y's, a small French restaurant, is run by a young guy, 31 years old, whose name is Mr. Yoshida. (Get it? Y's...) He is the chef and owner. A woman, who I originally thought was his wife, helps him out. (Later, when I spoke to them after dinner, I found out that she was actually his sister. ) First of all, the food is fabulous! You can order a la carte if you like, but most people order the course. It is 4000yen. Truly delicious, and the portions are nice-sized. In fact, I had trouble finishing all of my meal. (As I have gotten older, I can't eat as much as I used to. especially recently, my appetite is not so big. ) With a bottle of wine, the total bill was 12,000yen. I thought it was very reasonable. As far as seating is concerned, Y's is a very small restaurant, so the seating is snug (=tight). There is a counter with about 12 seats, and two tables in the back. Almost all of the customers are Japanese, who are not so big, so this is not a problem. If all of the customers were American, watch out(=be careful!!)

Anyway, for any occasion, I really recommend Y's. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was stylish and at-homey at the same time, Mr. Y and his sister Ms. Y were very kind and worked hard, and you can spend "slow" time there and enjoy everything...I guarantee you will like it!

Below are the final photos from Miyakojima

Miyakojima-Part 3, Eco Points

Good morning.
First, please see many "Smiling Glenn" photos below from Miyakojima.
I really love Okinawa. It is a special place for me. And just looking at the photos always brings back the good memories and feelings I have about Okinawa!
Please feel the positive energy!!!

From today, the Eco(ecological) Point system changed. Until November 30th, you could get full points for anything bought which was applicable to the Eco Points system. Such products include a tv, refrigerator, air conditioner, and maybe a few more, but I don't know.

I decided to take advantage of the system and bought a tv in early November. After I bought it, I told a few people(Actually I told A LOT of people) about it. Then, to my knowledge, many people I know bought a tv too. Ms. J bought a 40 inch Toshiba, and so did my buddy Mike from America. They both got great deals and paid only about 75,000yen. Mr. T bought a 52 incher Sharp, a very high grade tv, and paid over 400,000yen. But to my surprise, all of them will have to wait at least a month to get their tvs delivered because the tvs are out of stock. That sucks. I got my tv delivered in two days...
Anyway, from today, you can still get Eco points, but only half of the total value. Half is better than nothing!!

On a more serious topic, please read below:
Who — if anyone — should be punished for the Senkaku collision video leak?
(from The Japan Times Online)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20101130vf.html