Yeah-nkees vs. Red Sux—Sun. July 6, 2008
Though the Bombers are not performing to their fan’s hopes and expectations in the final season at the legendary House that Ruth built … they are hanging on and have, once again, spoiled the momentum of their arch rival up north in that little city of Boston .. and witnessing it first hand was truly amazing .. again.
No commentsHanalog—Back in Action
We have settled back into the groove after an unbelievable 2 1/2 years in Japan and over 6 months of transitioning. The future posts on the Hanalog, as with all things, will take a new path. Although the culture will be more familiar to those in the Western hemisphere, hopefully (at least for my sake), the experiences will still be relevant and interesting.
No commentsHanabi 2007
Naoya and his Family were kind enough to open the doors to their home to some of Kai Nihongo School’s finest students and friends to experience the greatly anticipated 2007 Hanabi. Their residence was perfectly located on the top floor of a Tokyo mansion directly in front of the fireworks barge. The experience was overflowing with libation, yaki soba, and little treats of “kawa” here and there (and I am not referring to the river). To say that we were in good ’spirits’ would be an understatement.
Check out photos of the extravaganza and witness for yourself.
1 commentThe ‘superior’way (6of6): Train-ing in the Densha
Looking for that little bit of quiet time in the midst your 12 hour work days. Ever crave a little bit of “me-time” where you can sit back and read that novel or catch a little cat nap without any noise or distractions? Believe it or not, the Tokyo Metro is possibly that haven. Learning the ediquette for travelling in the Tokyo Metro subways can catch some Bostonians and New Yorkers a little bit off guard.
No commentsThe ‘superior’way (5of6): Choosing the right platform
You have entered the turnstile .. now its time to get to the train. Where is it? Just follow the signs. They are consistent from the entrance throughout the station, in all the signage and maps. It is just a matter of following the arrows. One slight difference in Japan, is that transportation directions are opposite to what we know in the States. This is as true with the hallways, stairways, and trains as it is their streets, escalators, and sidewalks .. though there are always exceptions. Nothing too different from what we could expect in a US subway? Or is there…?
No commentsThe ‘superior’way (4of6): Keep the Kippu
Kippu = Japanese for “ticket”
Every subway system is different when it comes to purchasing and using tickets. The ease of acquiring and using a ticket can make a big difference on one’s commuting experience. Tokyo is different than what I experienced in New York and Boston, but is it better?
No commentsThe ‘superior’way (3of6): Doko the Loco(motive)?
Ok. that was super lame .. but whatever. I am still laughing .. and since I am probably the only one that reads these posts .. its all daijoubu. (It means “where is the train?” in both poor japanese and english .. though after reading it, you might assume a slight spanish influence.)
Omotesando Station: There are 3 train lines that come into the station, the Ginza Line, the Hanzomon Line, and the Chiyoda Line
It is not uncommon to be short on time when commuting. Once you are in the (unfamiliar) train station, will you know how to navigate? Are you more likely to go in the right direction or just go crazy?
No commentsWhat does that Engrish say?
Caution: Just trying to respect those who might be turned off by innuendoes (as you suddenly perk up in your seat). This isn’t graphic but a little bit uncomfortable. Why post it? Because the misuse of English is extremely common here in Japan and this example kinda shocked me a bit. The fact that I, being someone who used to have blue hair and wear tshirts that said “I (heart) Your Mom” found it shocking … made me think it was worth a post.
No commentsThe ‘superior’way (2of6): In the beginning, and it is good.
When approaching something new, I believe the time that we need the most direction, whether it be learning how to play the clarinet (don’t laugh!), putting together your new IKEA EKTORP JENNYLUND chair, or learning Japanese so you know how to order a hot dog instead of a coffee (again don’t laugh!), is at the very beginning. Once we take a few steps, we generally pick up a few things as we go; understand a little more, making it easier each time that follows until it becomes routine and instinctive. The more intuitive the instructions are from the start, the quicker we tend to grasp how it works. This is especially true when it comes to figuring out directions. What is the key to clearly communicating one’s orientation? That’s right … design .. and this is how the Tokyo Metro begins…
No commentsThe ‘superior’way (1of6): The subway series
I simply want to go north and for some reason I first have to go south and then east and then northwest. Would you trust me if I said to “Just follow the signs and the fact that you have no idea what the words on the signs are saying .. isn’t a problem, either.” Ever think that perhaps, the quickest way from A to B isn’t a straight line.
No comments