Wedding Anniversaries

Today is my parent's wedding anniversary. They have been married a very long time.
I haven't spoke to them yet so I don't know for sure, but I imagine they will go out to dinner to celebrate. In addition, maybe they will exchange cards or presents, and my father will probably give my mother flowers.

In Japan, I often hear that many married men don't even remember their wedding anniversary. Needless to say, if they forget the actual date, then forget about getting some flowers, a card, or a gift for their wives....That is a big NO-NO, and unacceptable in America.

There are many cultural differences regarding how Americans and Japanese celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and various other holidays like mother's day or father's day.

To change the topic, many students often tell me that they go to Nagoya on business trips. I have never actually been to Nagoya, but I have driven though the city once.
Have you ever been to Nagoya? If yes, what's it like?

Nagoya: What's the best reason to visit Nagoya?
from "The Japan Times Online"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20110726vf.html

Below are some photos from Ms. e's day trip to Northern Hyogo. After looking at these shots, this area is now also on my "Must go to" list.

Borneo

Have you ever been there? I haven't. But after seeing these photos, Borneo is definitely on my "Want to Go Places" list.
Ms. K went there the other day on a one-week vacation. She went snorkeling, and saw many wild animals in the jungle. She said she had a great time! I am very happy for her!! But I am also jealous of her...

I want to go...

Especially after a long couple of days, I really want to go...

TV Ratings

I was surprised. When I was talking to Mr. M in class the other day, this was our dialogue about the big Soccer Match:

Glenn: "What do you think the tv ratings will be for the game on Monday night?"

Mr. M: "Maybe about 30%."

Glenn: "Really?! I don't think so. The game is going to be on at 3:45 am. I think the tv ratings will about 10%, and maybe reach 20% around 5am."

Mr. M: "Glenn, you are still a novice. You have only been in Japan for 15 years. I have been in Japan over 40...Take my word for it, and watch and learn from the master.

According to the article below, it looks like the Master was correct, and the Novice was wrong.

"World Cup draws 27% viewer rating"
from "The Japan Times Online"

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110720a7.html

To change the subject, about the rest of my 2-day vacation last week, at night on Sunday I went to Hankyu Department store with my wife and used some of the gift certificates I got because of "eco-points' to buy dinner. After tasting a lot of samplers, I finally decided what I wanted to buy for dinner...Dumplings!! And they were delicious!!!

On Monday, cause it was raining and I was a little sun burnt (again) from the day before, I just stayed at home and took it easy all day. Around 4pm, my wife and I watched a movie, "176 hours" (I think that is the title but I am not sure.) This movie is based on a true story and actually I heard about it from Ms. e a while back, so I already knew the whole story, but I enjoyed it and the time with the Mrs. However, I don't recommend it. It is not for everyone.

Mr. T gave me a recipe and told me how to make dumpling the other day. Instead of buying dumplings, next time I think I am going to try to make them. Check out Mr. T's dumpling photos below.

And, I almost forgot. I woke up naturally, without using an alarm clock, at around 5am on Monday. Right after I woke up, I switched on the tv and the women's soccer game was on. It was 2-2, in the end of extra time. So I watched the penalty kicks, and watched Japan win, and then went back to sleep. It was fun.

FYI, many people always ask me: "What does your wife look like?"

Final Answer: She looks a little like Sawa, the MVP of the World Cup. But, she can not play soccer, and is a little shorter, and has bigger, rounder eyes than Sawa.

3-day weekend

Good morning. How was your 3-day weekend? Did you go anywhere or do anything special?

I had Sunday and Monday off. I was really looking forward to going to Awajishima and chilling on the beach, but due to unforeseen circumstances(=something came up), I had to cancel the trip. But like Nadeshiko Japan, I also believe in "Never give up/ Don't give up!!!". As long as you don't give up, something good will happen. That is one of my mottos!

So, after a semi-slow morning of reading the paper while drinking coffee, I had some toast for breakfast and then headed out to Mukogawa River with my new shiny blue "Sun Shelter." Do you know what a sun shelter is? Well, if not, let me explain. It is like an umbrella, or a cabana, that provides shade and protects you from the sun.

I found a great place by the river, and set up the sun shelter. It was easier to assemble(=put together) than I thought it would be, but one of the pieces was broken. A defect. However, I made the best of it and found a way to make it work for the day. And everything was swell!! After laying back in the sun shelter for a few hours, playing in the river, reading a book, and dozing off for a few minutes, I decided to go to my favorite waterfall in Nigawa. It is a little difficult to get there, you have to walk through the forest a little and climb a few rocks, but once you get there, it is definitely worth it. Because it was a Sunday, there were many people-kids, and teenagers mostly already there. I fit in perfectly because my heart and mind are much younger than my actual age ;) But many of the young and wild and rebellious teenage guys, jump off the cliffs into the water. The jump from two places, one is about 3 meters high, and the other is about 7 meters high. I pass on that activity. I am, and never have been, so young or rebellious. Anyway, I swam in the water, sat under the waterfall, basked in the sun. It was a great feeling!! I felt alive!!!

It was about 2pm at this time. I will write about the rest of that day, as well as the National Holiday(See/Ocean Day) which was on Monday, sometime later this week.

Update: The typhoon didn't come to Osaka...

The Women's World Cup Finals

The Finals, between Japan and The United States, will kickoff at 3:45am on Monday Japanese time. Are you going to wake up and watch it? I wouldn't miss it for the world!

And everyone is asking me, "Glenn, who are you rooting for?" So please let me set the record straight. I am rooting for Japan. But if America wins, I will also be happy. So, for me, it is a Win-Win situation. And I was really excited to just sit back and watch the game just for the sake of pure enjoyment. But then, last night while I was eating dinner, my wife suddenly blurted out, "Hey baldie, you wanna bet on the game? I want America." She is a gambler. Usually I refrain from such sketchy activity, but this time I obliged, because I want to make her happy. So, I said "Sure, I'll take Japan, what do you want to bet?" And she said "If America wins, you have to give me a one hour massage. And if Japan wins, I will give you two bottles of Awamori(=Okinawan Shochu). OK?" So I said, "Sure. It's a deal."

As of now the odds in Las Vegas are 2:1, America is favored to win the game. On a side note, did you know that Japan has never beaten American in women's soccer? They have played over 24 times...Well, there is a first for everything!!! I hope...

And, the other day when I spoke to Luis, he brought up an interesting point. He said
"Why do you think everyone was so excited for the men's world cup soccer, but everyone is not so wild about the women's soccer. It sure seems like there is a big difference of 'excitement level' don't you think?" I replied, "Yeah, you are right. I guess it is just because it is women's soccer..."

And the latest news from ESPN( a major sports network in America) is that " the Japanese Team is playing for all of Japan", and that "the workers at TEPCO are watching the game and getting inspiration from each victory", and that "the Finals will be a battle of a difference in culture as well as soccer styles..."

As they say, "may the best woman win!"

My two heroes

5 Similarities between the two fellas.

1. The both love golf.

2. They both love their families.

3. They both have an injured knee.

4. They both like Las Vegas.

5. 2012 could be their "Comeback Year"

Cool!!

Here is an update on the battle versus the horrendous summer heat.
It is still early but so far, I am winning 1-0.

First, I got a fan. Actually, I should better say that "I could get a fan." Because as many of you might have seen on the news, almost all of the electric fans were sold out!! But, I was lucky(=fortunate) , cause I went to Midori Electric store exactly when it opened, 10AM sharp. After I arrived and entered the store, I took the escalator to the second floor and asked a staff member "Excuse me, could you tell me where the electric fans are?" The staff member replied, "They are over there, in the corner. You better hurry before they are all sold out!!" After I heard that, I hustled my little fanny over as quick as I could. And just as the staff member said, the fans were selling like hot cakes. So I grabbed the first one I set my eyes on!! Now, in my place, I have my own fan which is directly aimed at me all of the time. It is the first time I have ever experienced such a delicacy. It is a real treat!

Next, a few weeks ago I saw Luis wiping his body with a "wipey thing" before class. And it also had a nice smell (=fragrance, odor). So, I asked him "What is that? And where did you get it? What company makes it?" And he replied, "These are 'wipies.' I don't know exactly where you can get them cause my wife got them for me, but I recommend the "ICE wipies". They are a must for the summer in Osaka!! And I think the company that makes them is Gatsby."

And then, by coincidence, when I went to the restroom in between the sets of a Jazz performance I was watching two nights later, there they were, right next to the sink. They were placed there for the customers to use. So, I tried it...and WOW!! It was great!! My body felt clean and refreshed and also a little "stingy" from the "ice effect." The next day I immediately ran out to the drug store and got my hands on a few packs. Since then, I have been using them every day. Have you ever tried one? If not, you really should!!

And last, my wife and I got some "cool sheets" and also some "cool gel pads." You can put both in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect if you want. Actually, I recommend to do so. With these two items, plus the extra fan, my room is about 4 degrees Celsius cooler than before. That makes a world of a difference, and is what we call a WINNER!!

Below are some photos of the porch and deck and garden from my brother's beautiful house.

A Flash Back

The below blog is a blast from the past: a blog that I wrote in July of 2006.
"Today is July 4th, Independence Day, in America. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, which used to be the capital of the United States before Washington D.C. Did you know that? There are many historical places in Philadelphia, for example, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and much more... Every year in Philadelphia there are huge fireworks on the 4th. I like fireworks and I am looking forward to the summer fireworks in Japan soon. Where do you recommend to see the fireworks in Japan? If you know any good places, please tell me!"

Speaking of flash backs, recently I am watching "LOST," which was a very popular TV Series in America. Many of the characters have flash backs throughout the show. These flashbacks are quite interesting. The Doctor lent me Season 1, 2, and 3. I am almost finished Season 3. After that, I want to borrow Season 4 from him too, if he doesn't mind.
Have you ever watched "LOST"? How about any other American TV shows. My wife is really into "Glee"...she records it all of the time. I have watched a few episodes, but unfortunately I can't get into it. It is just not my cup of tea.

The dog days

Welcome to July, and welcome to the dog days of summer! If the past week is any indication, this summer is gonna be on of the hottest ever!! in June this year, the thermometers already reached 33 and 34 degrees Celsius. What highs are in store for us in July and August...I don't even want to imagine.

So, since I am sweating buckets every night when I sleep, I am planning to go out and buy a new electric fan this weekend. As many of you know I don't like the AC, so one of the rules of my house is "The AC is prohibited!" (Do you have any "rules" in your household?) But of course electric fans are allowed. The electric fan which is in my house now works fine, and it is not broken. The problem is that it is aimed directly on my wife, every night, all night. She monopolizes that fan. So I need a new and better one for ME!

Also, I am on a mission to find "cool" sheets and a "cool" pillow. Do you have any suggestions?

Moreover, I know I have written about "daylight savings" before, but I found an interesting article so I want to share it with everyone.

"Daylight saving: Is it finally time to convert?"
from "The Japan Times Online"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110628i1.html

Good news and Bad news

Which do you want to hear first, the good news or bad news? Anyway, don't worry, the bad news isn't so bad and you don't have to sit down or anything...

First, the good news:
I ran into a student Mr. K yesterday before I went for a jog. I know that he rides his bike on Mukogawa river every weekend, and I often go jogging or walking or cycling along the river, but I have never met him until yesterday. While I was stretching, I man on a bike started slowing down and waving at me. Honestly speaking, at first I didn't recognize him. He looked different. Maybe it was because I usually see him when he is wearing a suit. But yesterday, cause he was cycling, he was wearing a helmet and some very snappy "bike wear." He stopped and we chatted for a minute or two. I noticed that he was wearing sunscreen, and I said "I bet I will get sun burnt today." Then he said "Be careful and have a good day" and went on his way.

The bad news: As I thought, I did get red. I got very sun burnt. My face and head looks like a ripe tomato!!! And it is hot!! I made a stupid mistake by not using sun block, but I swear that I will learn from my mistake and cover up and use lotion every day from now on.

More good news: Yesterday, as usual on Sunday, I went to the fish market and bought some delicious fish for dinner.

The bad news: While I was looking around the market, I thought "There isn't that big of a selection today. And not only the fish shelves, but a lot of the other products shelves, are empty or almost empty. It is strange... " So I looked around and then I found a big advertisement that said "Big Sale!!" I thought "OK, but I wonder why..." And then, after I paid for the fish and stuff ant the register and got my receipt from the cashier who is there every week, bagged my stuff, and put back the shopping cart, I walked outside. It was at that time that I saw the sign in front of the entrance: "As of June 28th, we will be closing..."

I was at a loss for words....shocked.

That was my favorite place. I went there almost every Sunday. The fish was great, and a reasonable price. And FRESH! a BIG! and the staff, from the fish cutters to the floor sales staff to the cashiers, always remembered me every week and were kind. I am really gonna miss that shop...

But, it is in times like this that I try to be optimistic and remember the saying: "Every beginning has an end. And for every end, there is a new beginning..."

Now, I have a new challenge: I have to find a new place to buy fish on Sunday.

Below are photos from Ms. e's trip a while back. Can you tell where these photographs were taken?

Supermarket Adventure (blog by Luis)

Every time I travel, one of my “fetishes” is exploring supermarkets and see what type of food can you find, what do people normally eat in those places/countries. In Japan, there are convenience stores and supermarkets everywhere. Moreover, these are most likely to be open any time, I mean 24/7. In the remote scenario that you cannot find one, you will surely pass by several vending machines.
Once inside the supermarket you feel immediately in an unusual territory.. You start by entering through the left door(the opposite to Europe/US), corridors are quite narrow since the shop tends to be smaller too. I haven’t found any really big supermarkets where you find everything you need (hypermarkets, big grocery stores), here they are more specialized in food (they might have a second floor with clothing and house products). The products, well.. where to start, totally different and very hard to find the brands you normally would find in Europe or America. Foreign brands and products are almost non-existent. If found, they are priced 2 or 3 times above a European/American store. Thus, to save money in Japan, you will need to invest some time exploring Japanese products and brands first. Nonetheless, 1L of Japanese milk costs about 1,50Eur and the only pasta (I wanted penne, there was no fusilli, and only a 2~3 brands of spaghetti) I could find was in a tiny 125g package and cost more than a 500g package in Europe! On the other hand, there is quite a lot of fish for reasonable prices though.
The fruit is curious, the sizes I mean. They look like the fruit in Europe or America, but while the taste is similar to the European (Yummy!), the size is closer to the over-sized American “bland and tasteless plastic” fruit (I am referring to the apples for this comparison). On the other hand, you get vegetables like a cucumbers which are thinner and smaller than the ones overseas.
Time to pay! The payment process is quite similar to anywhere else, the funny part is the gestures of the employee and how they meticulously pass the products through the machine and count the money you give them and the change they give you back, it looks like a ritual (to avoid the word robots) or maybe more like an assembly plant. Another difference is the cash machine they use, there is no till!! Well, there is one but it does not open, the machine has an automatic coin counter and bank note reader and gives back the exact change. Those employees at the counters could easily be replaced by no-one! Nothing revolutionary, we already have self-payment checkouts in Europe, and US has them too.
I almost forgot one important part. Ah! Except for bicycles, there is no parking lots at many of the convenience stores.

Japanese Cooking (blog by Luis)

The other day I cooked: Boiled udon with thin pork slices mixed with vegetables, with Korean kimchii as side dish.
It was my first attempt to cook Japanese food and I must say it was damn good. My meal portions have to be always quite generous. And thus they are not so fancy to the eye. Of course, the Korean kimchii was not prepared by me, but it is considered to be the healthiest food on Earth (by me!), very spicy cabbage, and I love it.

Favorite quote(by Luis)

"Some people see things as they are and ask why.
I dream things that never were and ask why not!"

Below are photos of the front and back from my(Glenn's) parents house. My father recently completed this big project. He did a great job!!

"Let's go for a drive"

Recently I got a Japanese driver's license. It was an ordeal to get it. First I had to do a lot of paperwork, then take a written test, and lastly pass a difficult driving test. But to be honest, it was much better than the other option, which is go to Japanese driving school which requires an exuberant amount of time and money!! One of the main reasons I wanted to get a driver's license was to be able to go for a drive and check out many "nature spots" with my wife around the Kansai area. As soon as I got the license, I said to my wife, "Let's go for a drive!" It was the first time I have ever said that to her.

Ms. N talked about going for a drive to Lake Biwa with her husband a few months ago, and that info stuck in my head, so the first place I decided to go to was Shiga Prefecture. It took about one hour, or one hour and a half, from Nishinomiya to Otsu City last Sunday. There wasn't much traffic on the way there. But on the way back, there was a lot of traffic before getting on the highway. We had to sit in traffic for about 40 minutes until the toll booth. I was in the right lane, which was moving like a snail because many other drivers used the left lane and sped to the front and did a snake job(=cut in the line) at the last minute. What do you think? Is that style of driving dangerous/reckless or clever/smart? I guess it depends on your perspective...

It was cloudy on Sunday, but Lake Biwa and the mountains and countryside scenery were all really beautiful. After we arrived at Lake Biwa, we stretched and ate an egg-salad sandwich for breakfast while gazing at the Lake. Then we drove to a couple of spots on the lake. It was fun to watch a local fisherman catch a lot of fish using a net in a river going into Lake Biwa. He threw out his net about 3 or 4 times, and each time caught about 20 fish. In all, he was there for about 20 minutes or so. It was very efficient fishing I thought. And near him, there were many other fisherman using a rod. But, they didn't catch anything. NOTHING. ZILCH. I wonder what they were thinking...If I was them, I would have bought a fishing net pronto!!
Then, we headed to a local market and for a snack, we ate Mackerel Sushi and a red sweet-beans rice cake. I liked the sushi a lot. Then we drove to the most Northern part of Lake Biwa, but the road was closed so we had to turn around. And then for lunch, we found a small cafe and ate a pizza which was baked in a special pizza oven, and drank an apple juice and ginger-ale. Tow pieces of chocolate cake also came with the pizza lunch set. Everything was good. Do you think we ate a lot? ;) Then, we went for a drive in the mountains. I love the tiered rice fields and countryside scenery of Japan so that was my favorite part of the drive. And before we went back home, I also went in a nice hot spring. It was refreshing.

Some random comments:
1. I got lost two times. Once was in the mountain, and the second time was when I returned the rental car. FYI, the rental car was a Toyota Corolla. It was a smooth ride.
2. The automatic navigation system is truly a great and convenient device. It saved me a lot of time finding many places. Whoever invented it is a genius. But at times it can distract the driver because it beeps a lot and also sometimes gives wrong directions. And, drivers must concentrate on the road, so when we use a navigation system, we should be careful.
3. I would like to to especially thank my mother, my wife, my friend Mr. BD, and the driving teachers who taught me how to drive on the course and pass the driving test, for all of their help in getting the license.

Enjoy the photos!

Cool Biz

What do you think of Cool Biz?
For those of you who don't know what "cool biz" is, please refer to the following explanation which I got from Wikipedia:
"The Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MOE) began advocating the Cool Biz campaign in summer 2005 as a means to help reduce electric consumption by limiting use of air conditioning. This idea was proposed by then-MOE minister Yuriko Koike under the Koizumi cabinet."

Some of the rules are:
1. Offices must set the air conditioner temperature at 28 degrees Celsius(=82.4 degrees Fahrenheit). In my opinion, that is HOT! If you open the windows and use an electric fan, or even a hand fan, I think it would be cooler.
2. Men are not allowed to wear ties or jackets. Instead, they have to wear button down collared shirts. (Be careful, golf shirts are not permitted.)
3. Shorts are prohibited, but Aloha shirts are not.

And it is important to note, that participation in the Cool Biz Campaign is voluntary, not mandatory. That means that all companies don't have to do it. They can do it only if they want to.

Personally, I like to dress up sometimes, and I understand that many business people in Japan feel the need to wear a suit and necktie to please their clients. Especially for salespeople, I can understand why dressing formally may be important. However, I think dressing down in the summer is a great idea for many reasons. One of the reasons is of course to save energy. Anyway, I am definitely for more company participation in the Cool Biz Campaign! How about you...for or against?


"Cool Biz campaign goes 'Super' this summer"
from "The Japan Time Online"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nb20110602a1.html

The rainy season is almost over...

Spelling Bee

When I was in 3rd grade in elementary school, I won the Spelling Bee! I won it three years in a row, and then I was dethroned in 6th grade. Those were the glory days!!
Do you know what a "spelling bee" is? Well if not, let me tell you. It is a spelling competition.
Read below for this year's champion! And fyi, the final winning word of this year's tournament was "cymotrichous," which means wavy-haired. Are you good at spelling?

"2011 spelling bee is won by a hair"
from The Japan Times Online
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110604a6.html

And below is one of my favorite sweets to cool down in the hot and humid Kansai summer. Vanilla and Green-tea (Ma-cha) soft ice cream!! Yummy!!!

The Rooster

Last night, after I finished up class with Mr. M at 10pm, I did some paperwork and cleaned up and headed to Kita-Shinchi station on foot. There was a nice breeze, and it was a nice and basically normal night...UNTIL right before I arrived at the station. And then, I couldn't believe my eyes!! There was a rooster on the roof of a car!! I thought I was delirious, maybe sick or something, so I rubbed my eyes a few times and slapped myself in the face (like an Inoki slap!) to wake up. But when I opened my eyes again, the rooster was still there. I was not hallucinating!! It is true, and I am totally serious!! ON THE ROOF OF A CAR, THERE WAS A ROOSTER!!! Now tell me, am I lying?




p.s. Actually, a few months ago, or maybe more, there was a special on a tv show I often watch, "Tantei(Investigator) Night Scoop," about this "rooster on the roof." So I knew about it. But to actually see it with my own eyes, well, that is something different!!

Wajian

The other day I went to a great restaurant with my wife. The name of the restaurant is Wajian, and I definitely recommend it to everyone. It is in Edobori/Higobashi.

I heard about it from Ms. M. She lives the neighborhood and said "Wajian is one of the nest izakayas in Osaka. Take my word for it, you'll love it."

So, I followed her advice and just as she said, it was fabulous!!
What was so great about it?
Well, for starters, the food. The menu is enormous, and my wife and I actually both got tired from reading all of it, so we ordered the "Leave it up to the chef 3800yen Course." It included a raw fish assortment, a grilled beef plate, and some type of nabe(=a hot pot, or vegetables and beef boiled in a pot) with ramen noodles, plus a bunch of other original small dishes. I was more than full. And very satisfied.
In addition, there is a wide selection of beverages; beer, wine, sake, shochu, whiskey, cocktails, and more!!
The owner/chef is around 33 years old, and a nice guy. Two guys, I think one of them is his classmate from high school, help with the cooking. And two ladies, who are very beautiful, help with the floor(=help with waitressing.) For all of you ladies out there, I heard that many people also think that all of the guys are good-looking too. But, I didn't notice...

Take a look at the link below for the menu, and exact location, and oh yeah, the telephone number. Because if you go, reservations are recommended!!
http://www.wajian.com/

Below is my sister-in-law's new project. She is collecting rain using the red buckets on her deck. If she lived in Japan for the past two weeks, I think she would have collected A LOT of rain!!!

Cool bird house!!

A friend? A neighbor? A roommate?

Rainy season, and music

Today is May 31st, the last day of May. Tomorrow will be June 1st, and the first day of June. And June means the summer!!
But before the summer really comes, we have to waddle through the rainy season.
Recently I notice many women walking around town sporting new, slick rain boots. I am considering getting myself a pair!
This year the rainy season began quite early, about two weeks earlier than usual.
When it rains all day, like it did last Sunday, what do you like to do?
Last Sunday I went to the gym for a swim in the morning and then came home, had some lunch, and took it easy in the afternoon while listening to some new CDs I recently bought. Speaking of music, what kind of music do you like? Except for heavy metal and hard-core rap, I basically like everything.

"Tokyo: What's your favorite Japanese music?"
from The Japan Times Online, VIEWS FROM THE STREET:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20110531vf.html

Below is a Buddhist monk in training. ;) That is a joke.
Actually, his mother made a mistake when cutting his hair.
She wasn't used to using the electric clippers because it was her first time to use them.
I think little K looks good and should keep the new hairdo forever!

Luis and Sachiko's Wedding Photos

I had the pleasure of seeing some of their wedding photos; from the photos of the ceremony in the church to the reception and dinner at Luis' cousin's house. It looks like Luis did it right! A top-notch job! I wish I could put more photos up on the blog, but I can only put 5 photos up at one time-that is the max, so I chose 5 of my favorite. And I want to thank Luis for permission to put these photos of his and his wife's very personal moments on the blog!! Now, I hope everyone takes a look and enjoys!

Luis making a toast...Cheers!

A very cool black-and-white shot of the dinner party

Their friends and family in the church.

I think Luis's brother is somewhere in the back laughing.

Hollywood Style!!

Cutting the cake!
I wish I could show you the photos of them feeding each other the cake too...
they were too cute!!!

The Big Day (blog by Luis)

The wedding day is more than a single ceremony and reception party. It requires several months of preparation organizing every detail for that big day.
We flew to Portugal a week earlier and had literally a marathon running around between the catering service, flower shop, church, hairdresser, meeting the DJ/cameraman/photographer,... and end up not being able to sleep more than 5h in any of those nights.
In between, I had to "babysit" my wife's parents and guide them around North of Portugal and Spain. Fortunately they really enjoyed the sightseeing, food and were surprised how helpful and friendly Portuguese people were to them.
Time flies when you are a busy bee and the wedding day came faster than a blink of an eye. Everything was perfect, the flower arrangements in church and we also had a "quarteto" of singers in church, and the reception place and catering service too.
As we were leaving the church we got surprised since there were dozens of French tourists waiting to congratulate us.
Then, we moved to my cousin's house around 6.30pm. At this time of the year in Portugal the sunset is very late, around 9pm. So, we had a few drinks and appetizers by the pool before changing to our kimono&hakama. Everyone wanted to take pics with us.
Dinner started around 9.30pm and lasted until mid-night. After, the party continued around the pool again and finished with the sunrise just after 6am!
We were exhausted but relieved and glad everything went well and our families and friends enjoyed.
The next day was time for some grocery shopping (wine, smoked dried ham, 'choricos', cheese,...)and packing.
Now, after 2 nights back in Japan I am heavily jet lagged and cannot sleep more than 3~4h at night, and extremely sleepy after lunch.

Rice Omelet, New York, Roses

First, does anyone know how to make a rice omelet? If you do, and if you have a good recipe, please tell me because Mr. M is on a mission to make a superb rice omelet, but he seems to be having some trouble. He has tried the past two weekends to make a "good looking" and "good tasting" omelet. However, unfortunately, he has failed. The first time he failed miserably. The second time, he fell one step short of the success line. But I believe this weekend, his third time to try, will be a success!!

The ingredients he used are the following:
milk, eggs, butter, chicken, tomato, onions, green peppers, scallions, ketchup, and oyster sauce.

Is he forgetting anything? Did he leave anything out?
The below photos are proof of his effort and also the results.

Prep work

More Prep work

The second time's result. So close!!!

The first time's result. So far away!!

Grocery shopping

To change the subject, do you know how many roses are in Utsubo Park right now? I have gone to the park every day this week during my break time and counted. The final tally is 3400 roses!!! Actually, I didn't count. That was just a joke. But 3400 is true. I heard it on the radio this morning.

And before I go, I want to pass on some good info. Earlier this week, Ms. J told me that a "New York Fair" is being held at Hankyu Department Store from the 18th of May for about a week. There will be a variety of booths with food, clothes, and a bunch of other stuff. I like bagels, so I am going to grab a few New York bagels and eat the for brunch this Sunday. If you are interested, check it out!