Movies, Volcanoes, and much more...

Today I want to talk about a variety of topics. I found the following headlines and when I was reading The Japan Times net newspaper. I make it a point to read a paper newspaper as well as a net paper every day so I can keep up with the current news. Usually I read the paper newspaper in the morning while I commute to work. I read the net paper during my break time. Do you read a paper newspaper, or net newspaper everyday?

"Toho Cinemas to lower ticket prices"

I am excited about this news!! The current price of a movie in Japan, 1800yen, is too expensive! That is one of the reasons why I rarely go to the movies. 1500yen is not cheap, but it is better than 1800! And there is a Toho Cinema near my house, about a 15-minute walk, so if 1500yen I think I will go to the movies more. Speaking of movies, I saw "Burlesque" the other day. I really enjoyed the movie. It is an up-beat and fun and entertaining movie. And, the soundtrack and dancing is fantastic! And one of my favorites singers, Cher, co-stars in the movie with another very famous young singer, but I forget her name.

"Volcano evacuation zone widens"

My mother emailed me last Monday or Tuesday and said "I just saw there was a big earthquake in Kyushu. Is everything OK? Are your wife's mother and family OK?"
I checked Yahoo News, but I couldn't find any news about an earthquake. When I got home, I asked my wife, "Everything alright...my mother said a volcano erupted?" She said "Yeah everyone is fine. That volcano is in Miyazaki. My family lives in Kumamoto."

But the situation in Miyazaki seems to be very serious. Let's pray that the people, and their homes, there are safe.

"Stranded Fukui travelers sleep in cars, trains"

In Philadelphia, there have been many snow storms this year. Just last weekend, another 19cm fell. Snow and ice make the roads treacherous. And, icy roads are very dangerous and force the closing of schools and prevent people from going to work, thus causing some companies to close!
Also all over Japan this year, there has been a lot of snow. Can you imagine being stuck in a train for two nights because of snow. Miserable, especially if you are impatient and like fresh air like I do.

"Asia Cup match viewed by a third"

Did you watch the match of the century?! Well, that is a little bit of an exaggeration. It wasn't exactly the "match of the century," but it was a big match. The Championship game of the Asia Cup with Japan playing Australia. Many Japanese people always complain, "Why is Australia in the Asian Group. They are not Asian!! It is unfair!!" These complaints make me laugh. I watched the first 10 minutes of the game. Then I fell asleep under my kotatsu. When I woke up, it was the beginning of extra time. I thought, "Extra time...Again!?" I tried to stay awake, but I couldn't help myself from falling asleep again. I woke up again around 4 AM, but the game was over so I got up to go sleep in my futon. In the morning, I turned on the tv and saw the following news:
"Japan is Asia Cup Champions!"
"Japan beats Australia 1-0 in extra time!!"
"Lee scores the winning goal on spectacular volley!!"

Anyway, that is the new update for now. This is Glenn Gross signing off...Have a good day everyone.

Below are photos from Ms. S who is in a Chorus Group and recently had a big performance in this amazing hall. She told me; "When I performed in this Hall, I thought 'I am really happy that I joined the Chorus Club.' '"

Lost

"Lost" is the name of the TV series which many people feel is the best American TV Drama ever. In particular, many people say the Final Season was the best! This TV show was very popular in America the past few years. I have never even watched one episode, so I must be behind the times. But the next time I have a long vacation, I am definitely going to rent it.
Have you ever watched "Lost"? If yes, what did you think of it?

And now, on to the main topic of the day. Yesterday I got a sudden call from Luis. He sounded very distraught, so I was worried. We had the following conversation:

Glenn: Hey Luis, what's up?
Luis: Not much. But I can't find my wallet. I may have lost it.
Glenn: Really?!
Luis: Yeah, I am serious. Have you seen it in the classroom by any chance?
Glenn: Hold on a sec and let me look. Nah, it's not here. Sorry...
Luis: Ah...I didn't think it was there, but I wanted to ask you just in case.
Glenn: What are you going to do?
Luis: Well, I just called the restaurant I went to last night. The staff said he would check to see if it was there and call me back if he found it. I am keeping my fingers crossed...
Glenn: I hope he calls you back with some good news.
Luis: Me too. But in the meantime, I can't count on that, so I am going to go to the Police Station now to report it. Because everything-my credit cards, driver's license, alien registration card...I don't even want to think about it-was in there!!
Glenn: Well, I will let you go. This is an emergency so you should report it to the Police as soon as you can. And you better cancel your credit cards ASAP!
Luis: Yeah, you are right. Ok, I am outta here.
Glenn: Alright, take care. And let me know if you find it. See ya.

1 hour later, I got a message from Luis on my cell phone. Here it is verbatim:
Luis: Hi again Glenn. I have some good news!! Just as I arrived at the Police Station, they guy from restaurant called me. He told me he found it! And everything-all the money, cards, my license, was in it!! I can't believe it. Only in Japan!! I am so lucky!! Anyway, sorry for worrying you!! Bye.

I was very relieved when I listened to that message. Because I lost my cell phone a few years ago. It was only my cell phone, but I was absolutely miserable!! So, I felt bad for Luis when I heard he lost his wallet.

Anyway, I feel tired from just telling this story...I need a cocktail!!

Bonsai

"This is one of my father's bonsai plants.
My father has some bonsais and looks at them every day and smiles.
My father said that 'I think that it is good that bonsai plants have an unsymmetrical shape because dissymmetry is more natural than symmetry.
However, to be honest, I can't understand what is good about Bonsai at all.
Because I am more interested in food than in plants!"

The above is past of an email I got from Ms. Y. What do you think about Bonsai? Do you like them? Do you have any?
I think Bonsai are really cool. I do not have any Bonsai plants, but I would like to get one some day. Actually, since about two years ago, I am really into plants! I have about 10~15 plants in my house or on the balcony. But in the winter, it is really hard to take care of them. This winter, because it is so cold, I, and the plants, are struggling. Do you have any advice on how to take care of house plants during the winter? If you do, please let me know. I am all ears!!

Resolutions and Midosuji lights

So, it is almost the end of January. How about your New Year's resolutions?
Did you make any New Year's resolutions this year?
If yes, have you kept the resolutions so far. Or did you already break them?

I made one resolution this year. My resolution is to run 3 half marathons in 2011. On January 9th, I ran the first one. So I am a third of the way there to achieving my goal. Only 2 more left. I plan to run one in the spring and one in the fall. There is no reason to rush. Plus, I want to space them out, and enjoy running in each season. However, I am not crazy so I don't wanna run in the summer, because it is too hot and humid.

Last week, on the 16th, the Midosuji Lights Illumination Event wrapped up. I really enjoyed this year's lights. I walked to the station on Midosuji on my way home almost every day in December and January while this event was being held. It was fun, and every day I could feel refreshed and enter a bright and fantasy-like "Midosuji World." It was nice, so thanks a lot Governor Hashimoto and Mayor Hiramatsu; I hope you organize this even again next year too!!!

"What are your resolutions for the new year?"
(from VIEWS FROM THE STREET, The Japan Times)http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110104vf.html

Cold

It is freezing this winter.
I wear many layers of clothes-a tee-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, a sweater, two pairs of socks, long underwear, a hat, a big down winter jacket, a huge wool scarf (this was a Christmas gift from the Mrs. She made it by hand! It took a lot of time and effort I think...so I will cherish this scarf forever!!)...but even wearing all of these clothes, it is all still not enough. I am still always cold.

The two warmest places in my house are: under the kotatsu, and the toilet seat!!!

Yesterday I thought, "I really can't wait for spring to come!!"

I saw the first snow of this winter last December in Honmachi. It was only a really small flurry.
Have you seen any snow this year yet?

Many people often ask me,
"What's the weather like in Philadelphia? Is there snow?"
If you want to know if there is snow or not, it is obvious when you look at the picture below.
My father took this photo of the front yard of his house after a blizzard.
Can you see the mail box all covered in the snow? How about the light pole?

Regarding the weather and temperature in Philadelphia, there is more snow and the temperature is colder in Philadelphia in the winter (but I think it actually feels colder in Osaka!!), basically Philadelphia and Osaka are similar. Please read below for some other differences and similarities between the two cities.

The similarities:
They both have four seasons; spring, summer, winter, and fall.
The four seasons are the same time during the year in both cities.
The summer is hot and humid in both cities, but I think it is more humid in Osaka than in Philly.
There is beautiful foliage(fall leaves) in both cities.

The differences:
Osaka has a rainy season, but there is no rainy season in Philly.
Osaka has typhoons sometimes, but there are no typhoons in Philly.
There are blizzards in Philly, but no blizzards in Osaka.

New Year's Eve

On December 31st, I woke up and went for a bicycle ride along Mukogawa River.
It was a cold and brisk morning. Then, I stopped at the Spa (Kumano-Yu) I always go to, soaked in the outside tub, and went in the dry sauna and the salt sauna, sweat a lot and then jumped in the really cold water to refresh, and totally relaxed. Then I headed back to my place and had a nice lunch with my folks.

We took it easy all afternoon and then around 6pm began cocktail hour, and got ready to go out. It was freezing outside, so we all bundled up, and around 8pm we walked to the station-about a 20 minute walk-and took the train into the city.
The train was empty...Once we arrived at Kita-Shinchi station, we went above ground. The streets were also dead...

Next, we walked about 5 minutes to my favorite sushi shop, Ichiba-Zushi, and met my friend Mr. A. There were quite a few people in the sushi joint, and the four of us talked and ate and drank for about 2 hours, and then walked across the street to an Irish Bar where we rang in the New Year. There was a live band and the bar was packed.

By chance, we ran into my buddy Mike. (Look below at his photo.)
Mike is a professor in the day time and a rock star at night.
He is also from Philly, so we have a lot in common.

About 20 minutes after the clock hit midnight and signaled the beginning of 2011, my parents and I hailed a taxi and were home before we knew it. I slept the whole taxi ride home. It was a fun night!!

On January 1st, I woke up at 7am and headed right back to the spa for my first bath of 2011. It was a beautiful morning...

My father, Ed, and Mike

My mother and yours truly

"The Lucky Guy Race" and fortunes

Do you know about the "Lucky Guy Race" which is held at Nishinomiya Shrine every year on January 10th. It is held during the Ebessan festival (I don't think "festival" is the appropriate word to translate this event, but I can not think of any more suitable one...).
About the race, it is one of my dreams to enter and win this race. I think if I could get a front position, which is very difficult to get, I could win. I used to be fast when I was younger. My nickname was "Speedy"! :)

This year a young business man won the race.
This is the article.
"Salaryman wins 'Lucky Men' Race"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110111a3.html

About Ebissan, I think Ebisu is the God(=deity) of Merchants, but I could be wrong. Anyway, basically, many people go to Shrines where the Ebisu god is(there are a few of them) and pray for a good year of business. I go every year to Imamiya Shrine, but this year was my first time to go to Nishinomiya Shrine. I was excited to see the inside of the shrine, but unfortunately I couldn't. Because it was toooooooooooo crowded. Unbelievably crowded!!! So after waiting about 15 minutes in line, I gave up and went home. It was a shame.

But, Ms. N was luckier and more patient than I. She waited in the long line for an hour, and after that she picked a fortune. And fortunately, her effort paid off...she got "Big Good Luck!!"

Do you pick a fortune when you go to a shrine or temple around the New Year?
I don't. Because I am afraid of picking "Bad Luck." I don't want to think about bad luck for 365 days.
How about a good luck charm? Do you buy a good luck charm?
I do. Because I want to have something lucky for 365 days.

The first blog of 2011

How was your New Year Vacation? What did you do over the vacation?
My vacation was spectacular. On the 26th of December, my parents came to Japan. It was their first time to come to Japan in the winter. Thus it was their first time to spend the New Year in Japan. It was special.

In all, they were here 8 nights. On the first night, my wife made a wonderful dinner at home. The next three nights we went out to dinner in Osaka. Then, on the 30th, I cooked my famous Miso Soup and we bought sashimi (raw fish) at the local fish market. On New Year's Eve, we went out for sushi and after that headed to The Blarney Stone, an Irish Bar right around the corner from the sushi place, to ring in the New Year. On New Year's Day, my mother cooked Shrimp Scampi which was delicious. On the 2nd, a repeat of my great Miso Soup and sashimi again.

I just remembered. On the 1st, I went to a Sale at Nishinomiya Gardens. I don't like shopping, but my mother asked me to go...so, I had no choice. It is a son's duty. And my mother, who is like a professional shopper and also very good at it, said "This is the most crowded mall I have ever seen in my life." And she thought the "Good luck Bags," the ones for 5000yen or 8000yen or 10,000yen which have a lot of random goods in them, were really cool. She said, "We don't have those in America. But they are a great idea." Did you buy any of those bags this year? I did. I bought one for the first time in my life.

In the next few weeks, I will write a little more about the New Year vacation with my parents and also put up some photos from their trip. My father took many photos with his new camera. He is totally into this camera and was clicking away all the time. I am waiting for him to send me the photos in order to put them on the blog. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos with my camera...I regret it.

I wonder if 2011 will be a roller coaster, or a smooth ride...I hope it is a...

Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year!!!

And since this year is "The year of the Rabbit"...we must all

hop....... skip~~~~~~~~~~~~~ and JUMP!!!

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