December and International Exchange...

It`s almost December! Can you believe it! Only one more month to go until 2008...I`ll talk about Christmas and the Winter Holidays and New Year`s parties, and New Year`s resolutions and all that jazz later! Right now I want to talk about International Exchange. There are so many different types of international exchange, culture exchange. Today I want to tell you as story of a woman, Ms. H, who really spread her wings, took a risk, challenged herself, and took a flight over to the U.S. for a one month home-stay study. I know, I know, you are thinking "What`s so unusual about that?! Many Japanese people study abroad..." Well, ya see, she isn`t just any Japanese person. She is a shy woman, in her fifties, who lives with and takes care of her husband. She also has two daughters and a son, all of whom are already grown up. And she also has one cute grand-son, tokumaru. She wanted to test herself and her English, she wanted to go to a foreign country all by herself and just see what happens, experience something new. Do you know how difficult that is!? It takes courage and bravery! I really admire her!
This is her class. There are so many different types of people in the picture, just like America, "a melting pot." She went to Olympia, Washington. Olympia is the capital of Washington. Did you know that?! I didn`t. I thought that Seattle was the capital of Washington. Boy was I wrong.
I have no idea what the hell this bus is...But it must have been interesting to ride. Ms. H said the food was just ok, and that every breakfast she ate standing in the kitchen. It`s kind of like my parent`s house in Philadelphia. Standing and eating is a very common thing in America! Some houses and restaurants don`t even have chairs!!! ;) Just joking! Hope you all have a good weekend!



p.s. Ms. H came back to Japan a more cultured, confident woman. It was amazing to see. And it is not needed to be said, but her English also improved a ton. Good Job Ms H!! You should be proud OF YOURSELF!!!

Swimming in Yellow leaves

Midosuji Street is swimming in yellow leaves. Midosuji subway line is marked RED in the subway map, but above ground in the winter it is without a doubt YELLOW! Every day when I walk on MIdosuji street recently I see the YELLOW leaves and for some reason I just feel thankful, grateful. In the past few years there has been a movement to build-up and improve Midosuji Street. As a result, many of the banks located on the first floor moved to the second or third floor or closed, making room for a flurry of cafes, car shops, wedding halls, restaurants, and more. There are a plentiful amount of shops on both sides of the street all the way form Umeda to Namba. In addition, TREES line the street on both sides. In the spring and summer GREEN leaves, in the Fall, brilliant YELLOW leaves. Every day, I feel like I am swimming in yellow leaves when I walk down Midosuji street.

Speaking of swimming, I hope to get back into the swinn, my daily swimming routine, tomorrow or sometime next week. After the marathon, my legs were really shot. But the past few days, my legs seem to be getting their strength back. Hopefully within the next few days I will be able to put on my RED speedo, then bright GREEN swimming cap, the BLACK goggles, and flop right into the pool. I can`t wait! ;)

about 4 hours and 41 minutes

On Friday I ran the Fukuchiyama full marathon. It was a hell of an experience! Basically, as I wanted to, I ran with a smile!!! :) However I forgot about one thing since the last time I ran...AFTER running the race, it is more difficult for me to smile because I can`t move my legs, especially knees and groin and ankles, which equals just about the whole leg...and oh yeah, usually the body goes into shock, so in addition to the drop in temperature upon sunset in Kyoto (Kyoto is COLD in the mountains!) and the natural drop in body temperature after running such a marathon, basically my whole body gets hot(partly due to the inflammation=fire=burning of all the above mentioned leg parts) and gets a fever. Fortunately, after much sleep and some good food and body care, I am back to about 100%. So let me tell you about the race...

My friend and boss, Mr. H, picked me up at the station at 6:30am and drove me to Fukuchiyama. That was such a big help!! Compared to riding on a crowded train for three hours, to sit in a heated and comfortable car while chatting and reading the newspaper is a dream. That time was a much needed rest time for my body. The race began at 10:30am...

While standing at the start line, waiting for the fireworks which begin the race, an old Japanese guy said to me..."Where are you from." I was in meditation mode, so to be honest I didn`t really want to talk, but I said "America." He said "How old are you?" I said "33". He said, "I am 65...You are American runner!" I said, "Yes, and you are Japanese runner..." We both laughed. Then about 20 kilometers later, as he coasted by me, he said with a BIG smile, "I am Japanese runner!" It was a funny moment.

I saw one runner with a shirt that said "I have ran 160 marathons." That guy was short and about 60 years old maybe. Unbelievable!!

I want to make a shirt for me that says "I ran 2 marathons and that`s it! Done! Finished! Retired for life!!! ;)"

Also, Mr. H, who is in his mid-fifties, began running when he was in his early forties. Now he runs about 3 marathons a year. He is in great shape! He finished this marathon in 3 hours and 51 minutes. I can only bow my head to him...that is a great time. I respect him a lot!! And he really helped me during the race, because after about 23 kilometers I was hurting and tired. Just at that time, he ran by me and said with a BIG SMILE "Glenn!!!" His words really encouraged me and lifted me up. It was a big help!!

After about 30 kilometers I began to talk to myself and sing to myself...of course with a smile. But my legs were literally dragging. Then, one woman runner , about 45, said to me "This looks easy for you, but are your legs OK?" I said "My legs are Okay...BUT it feels like someone is hammering a nail into my knee caps..." She said, "But your mouth is healthy! ;)" I said, "Yep, it is..."

There was also one other foreigner who I saw running the race. He was from England, a tall and lean guy. He was also friendly and said to me in the beginning "Looks like we are the only two foreigners (stupid enough) to run this race." I smiled at him. Then later, towards the end, I was furiously pumpimg my arms to move forward because my legs couldn`t move. At that time, I passed him...But I didn`t realize that until he ran up to me slowly and said "You gave me inspiration! I had just quit this sport..." Then he continued to slowly run. It was a happy moment.

The service and fan support at the Fukuchiyama is fantastic!! Really applaudable! There is ample food and drinks at every rest stop, and many people say "Keep it up", "Don`t give up!", "Only 5 more kilometers...", "FIGHT!!"...All of those words really go straight to the heart! A great motivation! And the fabulous scenery in Fukuchiyama, the country views combined with the beautiful red and orange and yellow fall leaves, really lifted me up! Without all the people`s support in addition to nature`s support, I could never have done it. Thanks a lot Fukuchiyama!!

Winter`s here! Break out the heavy blankets, scarfs, hats, and gloves! Burrrrrrrrr......

In America, soon it will be Thanksgiving! Do you know about Thanksgiving in America? Do you know the meaning of this holiday? Do you know what Americans typically do to celebrate this holiday? If the your answer to one or more of the questions above is "NO", click on the link "November 2006" and "November 2005", and read about Thanksgiving on my blog from the past.

From tomorrow is a 3-day weekend, for most people. On Friday and Sunday I am off. On Friday, I will head up to the mountains, Fukuchiyama, and participate in the Fukuchiyama marathon. I ran and finished this marathon about 11 years ago. My time was an impressive 3 hours and 35 minutes...I ran as hard as I could...when I crossed the finish line I cried like a baby, and I didn`t even know why. Sometimes running a marathon can be very emotional. 11 years ago I was in very good shape, i didn`t drink alcohol, didn`t smoke(presently I don`t smoke either though) , was a vegetarian and didn`t eat meat or eggs or any dairy products, ran every day for about 45 minutes, rode my bicycle 90 minutes to and from work 5 days a week, did Aikido about 4 times a week, and weighed about 65-67 kilograms. I was a machine!

Now, I drink (only sometimes ;), eat meat, eggs, dairy products, and any food that is put in front of me, for that matter. Some people call me "The Vacuum", or people say "If you can`t finish it, just give it to Glenn...he`ll finish it". I have trained for this marathon since about 6 months ago, jogging 3 or 4 times a week for about 35-45 minutes...But on October 8th, when I did a long run of about 17 kilometers, I injured my Achilles tendon and heal. I thought it would get better in a week or so, but I was wrong. It still hurts, aches, is tender a little. But after the 8th, I began swimming at the gym I go to, DO SPORTS, about 3 or 4 times a week. Now I really like swimming...I am like a dolphin gliding through the water!! Haha, actually, I am like a flailing fish, flapping wildly...My goal is to just run with a smile tomorrow, and when my leg begins to hurt, stop with a smile too. Maybe I can run about 22 kilometers I think, but if my leg hurts after only 10 kilometers, then I will just stop. No worries! It should be fun...and I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful red and orange and yellow fall leaves as I run...

Hope you have a good weekend!

The best castle I have ever seen, by far!

Good morning! These are some pics from my trip to Ireland a few months ago...The above is a Castle, and the one below this is The Giant`s Causeway, and the one below that is some ruins and graves from Aran`s Island. In Japan, the are many castles, like Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle, Okayama Castle, Niji Castle...I have been to a bunch in Japan. Osaka Castle, a famous site, is good to look at from the outside, and the park and moat surrounding it is cool, and the view from the top is spectacular, but the inside is not so special I think. It`s too modern, too much about history... Himeji Castle is nice, and feels like a castle. BUT the Castles in Oreland really take the cake!!! There is no comparison!
In a few days Thanksgiving, an American National Holiday, is coming. Do you know what the meaning of Thanksgiving is? Do you know what American people typically do on Thanksgiving?

Wine, Wine and Dine, Whine, and...

Today`s the Day! At midnight, the first Beaujoulais Noveau of 2007 is let loose! You can bet your bottom that I`ll be sipping a little when the clock strikes 12 tonite! Recently, I am hooked on wine...

Do you know the expression "wine and dine"? I want someone to wine and dine me! This expression means to take someone out, treat them to drinks and dinner, and show them a great time. Especially in Japan, many business men wine and dine their customers or clients on their company`s expense account. This means the company pays for everything, the dinner, drinks, karaoke, lounge...everything! That means for the company`s employee and and the client, EVERYTHING is FREE!! I like FREE! ;) and my business`s expense account is VERY small, so I hope someone wines and dines me very soon!! Any volunteers?
Speaking of companies and businesses, many workers whine, or complain about their jobs or their bosses. Why are so many bosses so stubborn and selfish and clueless?! Luckily, I know a few very generous and considerate and successful bosses like Mr. F and Mr. O. Ms. Y. If all of my students could work for those three people, maybe there would be no whining!!
Btw, all the pics are from Ms. e. She took them during her trip to Lake Biwa. The sky looks really blue...Thanks a lot!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Spacca Alberta


This restaurant is located in Kita-Shinchi. It is one of my favorite restaurants. It is casual, laid back, and there is really a wide variety of food on the menu, something for everyone. It is a mix of Italien and Spanish. I especially like that you can order a pasta any way you like, this means that if you tell them you want a "cream sauce, musroom, broccoli spaghetti dish", they will make it for you. There is also a nice selection of foreign beers, but I think the Malts draft beer is the best personally. Also, the wine selection is good and reasonably priced. The manager, Mr. Hayashi, is a hard-working good guy. A little good-looking. The dessert I recommend is the "purin", like pudding. I don`t usually like pudding, but this is to die for!! In the restroom, there are also two interesting posters. I first went there about 6 months ago, and have gone there many times since with friends and even family. I went there with my folks when they came to Japan this summer. We had a great time together there!!! And they liked it too!! Anyway, it`s a great place for a date, for two friends, for a group...Anyway, hope to see you there some time. Check it out.

http://www.alberta-dining.co.jp/

Make a wish...

It`s already November...Time really does fly by. Only two more months left in 2007, then a new year. Many Japanese people go to a temple or shrine around New Year`s and pray for a happy and healthy year or something like that. At lost temples and shrines you can buy some good luck charms, or pay the priest/monk some money and they will do an extra special prayer for you for that day, or a week, or a month, or 6 months...Of course, the longer you want the prayer recited for you, the more money you gonna pay. But hey, if it works and makes ya feel better, safe, relieved, I say, why not? Whatever floats your boat.
Have you ever written one a wish or a prayer on one of these wooden plates? I haven`t, but maybe one day I will. People write all kinds of wishes on these, like "I want to pass the High School//University test", "I want to be with my HIM/HER for ever", "I want to make a happy family", "I want to find a special HIM/HER." These are the regular normal types.

Some other ones which I like are "I want the stocks to go up!!!", "I want Horse Number 4 to win the Big Race this week" "I want to win the monthly golf tournament this week!!", "I want to win the weekly ma-jan game this Friday!!", and the list goes on and on. My friend Yuki who is about 12 years old, would say "You are stupid. I wouldn`t waste my luck on those things!!"

How about you? What you wanna wish for? Be honest!

Without a doubt, the worst candy in the world!

Alert: This is dangerous and should not be taken by children without the supervision of a parent! Beware! It is NOT drugs!! It is candy!!! Really! I swear! It is candy that is made and sold and popular (yes this is true) in Finland! Ms. C gave it to me as a souvenir from here trip to Finland. I gave it to 8 people. All 8 people made the same facial expression, similar to drinking tequilla and the biting into a lemon slice and licking salt...a painful-looking sour nasty facial expression. Then 7 outof the 8 people proceeded to spit it out immediately. One gentleman, the last of the eight people, actually finished it. Some of the comments about the candy were: "It tastes like rubber, gummy bears, sour and salty, and like chinese herbal medicine." Maybe it is a coincidence, but the one gentleman who actually managed to finish the candy is Chinese. :) Everyone agreed, the candy was nasty, terrinle, awful, disgusting, horrendous, vile!!
Speaking of candy and sweets it reminds me of something I hear often..."I am going to go on a diet FROM TOMORROW." Haha. Whenever I hear that I can only laugh, especially because I hear it so often.

About sports, the baseball season is officially over. Last night the Dragons won the Japan series. I like the manager, Ochiai, and last night he made another tough decision. After 8 innings, his pitcher was pitching a perfect game. He gave up NO hits, No walks, No hit batters, NO errors, NOTHING. And for the 9th inning, up 1-0, Ochiai changed pitchers, and put in the stopper. He changed pitchers!! Unbelievable! The closer got three outs, 1-2-3. First Championship in 50 something years!! End of story! End of season! End of this week`s blog.

I am outta here. Have a good weekend!

Apologize! What are you kidding me!

Last week there were two big news stories, Kameda and Nova. As many of you in Japan know, Kameda is a story about boxing. The Kameda family consists of a father and three sons. The father is also the boys` boxing trainer. They are from deep south Osaka, and their image is like a "Big Mouth", dirty, bad-ass type. They are real flashy, wear flashy clothes, have crazy haircuts, say crazy things....pretty normal for boxing. The media also has hyped them up A LOT. Last week the 2nd brother had a world titile fight, got whooped(=lost=beaten badly) and in the process committed 3 fouls, one of them a pro-wresling suplex, and thus lost the fight. After the fight, the media and many commentators went ballistic(=got very angry) on the family, especially the father, demanding the father should apologize for some stuff, the main thing being he was recorded on tv at the end of the 11th round as saying "You know you lost, it`s over, hit him in the balls!" Now, "hit him in the balls" is not the nicest thing in the world to say. BUT, this is boxing, not chess! Professional Boxing is probably the dirtiest sport in the world, all about the money. And what people say is not always the literal meaning, sometimes there is a figurative meaning, like "hit him in the balls"="go all out, let it all hang out, give it all you got, give it your best shot, just do your best and don`t regret anything..." Personally I don`t like or dislike Kameda, honestly I just think they are funny.

But what disturbs me is tha the Japanese media is really strange and pathetic. THIS, this little boxing story, was by far the number one news story in Japan from last Friday to maybe Sunday...BUT, another story, NOVA, the former biggest english school in Japan, was the second biggest story last friday. BUT nobody demanded that the NOVA president, or manager, or secretaries should come out in public and apologize, Nobody pleaded for this. But not only the president, MANY PEOPLE from the top to the bottom all knew that NOVA`s ship was going down, EVERYBODY knew that, but the secretaries and staff still kept selling and selling and selling packages to students...I have watched many of these Japanese students on tv since last week saying "Ah, I paid 600,000 yen and I have 300,000 yen left of classes to take..." And these students, ...who all liked the pink rabbit and fancy commercials and "in front of the station study abroad slogan"..., say this with a normal calm facial expression. In America, good or bad I don`t know, but if you steal 5000$ from a normal person, they are going to be quite upset! And you can use your imagination if you want, but THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM, a BIG PROBLEM! Foreign teachers have not been paid for months, 300,000 or more students lost A LOT of money. Not really lost, the money was basically stolen. FRAUD! Including the teachers and japanese staff who also have not been paid their salaires, hundreds of thousands of people had money STOLEN from them! Millions of dollars!!! But this was the second biggest story in Japan on friday. I could go on and on for hours about different points of controversy about Kameda and NOVA and the Japanese media, but I will stop here...Absolutely Ridiculous!
I think I need to go back to Ireland, go to the oldest distillery(whiskey making factory in the world) and have a drink...

The weather...

This year the weather has been pretty unusual in Japan. It was a crazy hot and longggg summer, and probably we will have a very short fall. In America now, there is a big natural disaster: wildfires or forest fires, in the San Diego area of California. I told some people this and some people said "It`s not a big deal...there are those fires every year in America." Actually, I thought the same thing when I first heard the news. But according to the news in America, this time is a little different, bigger, more serious. Already some people have died and thousands of people have evacuated the area...

Speaking about weather, I really think that a weather man`s job is the best! If a weather man makes a mistake, forcasts the wrong weather, every day, it`s OK! The weatherman will still have a job, won`t get fired (if they have a cute/good face). There is no other job in the world where you can make a mistake every day and still have a job. Unbelievable!

3 3

That`s how many years since I came out of the womb. Thanks to everyone and everything who helped me get here...

Oregon continued...

Recently I listen to an Irish music CD my friend gave to me. It is really soothing and peaceful music. It goes great with the fall season coming, and also goes well when looking at the Oregon photos. I wonder if the leaves have changed color in Oregon yet...In Osaka, not yet, but I am sure that in Kyoto and Osaka, the whole western japan=Kansai are, the foilage will be full of red and orange and yellow colors soon. Summer is my favorite season, my fall is OK too I guess...
The above photo is really unbelievable! Is it the shadows of two GIANTS (NOT the Tokyo Giants who will lose the Classic series to the Chunichi Dragons in a day or so) or is it the shadows of a small Japanese couple? Guess!
This farm picture is also pretty cool. But sorry, I don`t know what the farmers are growing on that farm..wheat? corn? something else...I wish I knew. I am really interested in farming. In the future, or my next life, I want to be a farmer I think. It seems like very hard work, physical labor, outside in the hot or cold or rain every day of the year, but it also seems like a rewarding and fulfilling life. I could wear jeans every day, a tee-shirt every day (basically the same as now ;) )and a cowboy hat maybe too ;)

Hope yall have a good weekend!

Oregon, a great trip to the beautiful country

Mr. H, a travel agent, recently went to Oregon with his wife. He has been all over the world on business as well as pleasure. Every year he tried to take a trip with his wife abraod. This year he almost gave up because recently he spent a lot of money on the inspection of his car, but luckily he decided to go. In general, Mr. H and his wife enjoy nature, just like me. Last year they went to Boston and drove around the New England area. I like and admire his way of traveling. In general, he seems to go to remote, less-traveled places. I think it is exciting because you really never really know what to expect or what you will see when you travel to the country. That photo above of the flower is pretty good I think. It takes a good camera man and a good camera to take one of those photos!
Oregon...I don`t know too much about Oregon, but I have two images of the state. The first is the Oregon Ducks, the names of the team of the University of Oregon. The next is NATURE. Only, and All, nature. My cousin lives near that area and he told me that he has gone on a few trips in the Oregon area. He always says it is really beautiful and peaceful and calm and quiet. Because I really like nature, it is one place in America which I would like to visit one day.

Mr. H showed me a bunch of photos in his nicely-organized album. But I think my favorite is the one photo above. I don`t know why, but this photo portrays my total image of Oregon. Quiet, secluded, a lake with a small dock surroudned by forrests. Nice, real nice...

Enjoying Ireland...and fire trucks

I really like Irish music. The mixing of all of the instruments, a fiddle, flute, guitar, and many other is all kind of neat. About music, I like basically all kinds. The only music I don`t like is hard-core heavy metal and hard-core rap. Everything else is OK. Especially I like Jazz I guess. But since I was a child, of course my tastes have changed a little. Also, I like some Japanese artists very much. However, in general, I think the quality of japanese music is very low. It is too main stream, with too many just cute faces.
Fire trucks. Many kids in America dream of being a police man or a fire man. This is a small fire truck on the runway at the very small airport in Aran Isaland. By regulation, maybe a fire truck is required at an airport. Both in America and in Japan, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes after the fire alarm goes off for a fire truck to reach the scene of a fire. That`s pretty fast if you ask me. In Japan though, there are many tall and narrow buildings, like a matchbox. Many of these buidling also have no windows, many bars, restaurants or karaoke shops. Also, there is usually only one set of stairs and also no fire escape door or stairs or ladder. This is pretty dangerous I think. There is no way to escape if there is a fire. So I want the city government to make stricter regulations for these types of buildings.

Shirakawa, the baseball season is officially over

Good morning! All of these photos are from Shirakawa in Japan. Shirakawa is a traditonal town for sightseeing in Japan, with a good mix of nature and scenic views and old-fashioned architecture like the roof in the photo above. I have never been to Shirakawa, but I would like to go there one day soon. It looks like a town which I would like.
Last night I watched the ball game with my friend. As I expected, the Tigers lost. That means for me the baseball season is officially over...It`s a long time til next spring training...
Last week I read in the newspaper that Al Gore, the former Vice-President of the United states, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I wrote about his environmental movie before on this blog I think. From that movie I saw that he has been involved in the Environment for many years. I was surprised to learn that, but I also enjoyed and learned some things from the movie. I recommend it again.

Yesterday was also the Midosuji Parade. I go to this Parade every year for about an hour to just check it out. There are many interesting floats. It reminds me of my childhood when I went to "The Mummer`s Parade" in Philadelphia. "The Mummers" are a famous parade group in Philadelphia. They were extravagant costumes and dance all around the street. Speaking of costumes, Halloween is coming soon...

Potato Picking

Potato picking...Not a bad idea for a way to spend a Saturday or Sunday I think. Mr. F, (aka The Doctor) took his daughter potato picking last weekend. He said it was a sunny day and loads of fun! In total they picked about 12 or so Potatos, so they have been eating potatos all week...

I like sweet potato very much. But a few years ago I ate one BIG one, it was only 100 yen, and I got heartburn. So I haven`t eaten so many sweet potatos since then. And if I do eat one, I am very careful not to eat too much.
Actaully the Doctor`s daughter was given a choice: go potato picking, or go to an amusement park. I was surprised, but she chose Potato picking. Maybe she wants to be a farmer in the futre ;) But honestly, I think it is great for her and everyone to go out into nature as much as possible. Nature is a beautiful thing.
It`s Sunday...I wonder if The Doctor is potato picking again today...

Ireland notes continued...The Spire

Can you see the needle sticking out into the sky in the above picture. That is called, "The Spire"!? Personally, I didn`t like it nor think it fit in the city, Dublin. Dublin is an old city, and looks a little run-down. Most of the buildings that I saw are not tall buildings. Most of them are about 4 stories high. In general the buildings are low, and so are the clouds...so the city feels small. But The Spire, only The Spire, points up wat into the sky. I read it was built as a millenium project, like modern art, but I just didn`t see the point to it and I didn`t like it. But it does have one good point. It is a good place to meet if you are a tourist because it is very easy to see and find from anywhere in the city.
I took this photo to show two things. First, the rain. It rained at one time at least every day. Two, the yellow and blue double-decker buses. They were everwhere, tons of them...I watched dozens and dozens every morning pass by my hotel`s window. But I never saw so many people in them, so I don`t understand why the City of Dublin needs so many of these buses.
The Temple Bar area is an area filled with bars, all different types of bars. Old ones and new ones are all mixed together. The architecture of many of the old ones is pretty cool, old and nostalgic. The guy in the black pants and jacket is the bouncer. That means that he is the security for the bar. He usually stands outside the bar and checks all the patrons coming in. Usually bouncers and big and not so friendly.

I took this photo during my layover at the airport in Amsterdam. This is a plane of the Irish company. I forget the exact name of the airlines. But the clover on the wing of the plane is neat!! Inside the plane, it was a normal cabin, nothing special, though.

The excursion to The Guiness Beer Factory and museum was great. From the top of the factory, we drank one delicious, creamy, Guiness while looking at the city of Dublin. It was a great view. But as my cousin said, "This is the ugliest city I have ever seen."

Have a good weekend!

The Biggest Steak Ever!!

This was the biggest steak I have ever seen in my life!!! It was 16 to 18 ounces big, I don`t know exactly, but that`s what it said on the menu. I have eaten some pretty big steaks in my life, and always finished, but not this time. The steak beat me. I lost!!! Honestly, on the night of that dinner I felt a little like I had a cold, and I had a little jet lag, and ate a big delicious appetizer, and when I ordered the steak I didn`t know that it would be that BIG! So I wasn`t in my best condition to try to tackle this monster of a steak. I am not making any excuses for not finishing the steak, but if I was in my best condition, I think that maybe I could have finished it. But I would have had to work, work very hard, sweat, to finish it. It was HUGE! And it was a little tough. I prefer more tender steak. Also, it was cooked well-done. I prefer my steaks rare or medium rare. How about you?
This was the appetizer. Some delicious mussels! But I don`t think this is traditional Irish food. You can eat good mussels any place near the ocean I think. But these mussels were really good. Usually mussels are served with red sauce or white sauce. I like both. It was a good starter! And dipping the bread in the sauce was also delicious!

Some traditional Irish food or drinks which I saw or tried are the following: Irish stew, Boloxy(fish or beef or chicken wrapped in a pancake), Fish and chips, Irish coffee...That`s all that I can think of right now.
The portions overseas, especially in America, are really just too big. That`s one of the reasons many of the people are overweight. In Japan, the portions are small. So I think that`s one of the reasons people are small. What do you think?

Ireland notes...

The nature in Northern Ireland was really something! On one hike, I think it was a national park, we had to cross this rope bridge. Even though I am scared of heoghts, I crossed it no problem! But my father was a chicken and too scared to cross it so he decided to wait with all the children and babies as I explored the other side. Situated next to the ocean, the cliffs provided a great view and a pleasant cool breeze.



Speaking of rope bridges, have you ever crossed the high and long and narrow rope bridge in Totsukawa town? I have! That is scary!!! Compared to that, the bridge from Ireland was Nothing!!



Besides heights, I am also scared of tight places=I am claustrophobic. Do you have any phobias?



Norman, the Guide! Norman was a great guy! He was retired, about 65 years old, and very friendly and informative. He really made the tour more interesting with his tid-bits of knowledge. He spoke a lot, but not too much...He was perfect.
The pilot! :) I rode the above plane...a 6-seater propeller plane!!! Above I already said that I am claustrophobic...well, guess what, I am also scared of heights, so being in a small tight plane very high in the sky is not my idea of a good time. But that was the only way I could get to the Aran Islands. So I guess the 15 minutes or so of misery in the plane was worth it...because the Aran Islands were truly beautiful!

It`s a rainy day in Osaka today...Have a good one!