Showing posts with label Impressive places I have visited. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Impressive places I have visited. Show all posts

Jun 12, 2020

Going back to Cali


Driving on the freeway from LAX,I'm heading up 101 to the north. Every time I tried to change the lanes on the freeway,I made a same mistake over and over again to put windshields on instead of a blinker on because I just arrived from Tokyo but gradually reducing that kind of mistake when I driving around Thousand Oaks.The freeway 101 ascends steepy from there. I've been listening to KIIS-FM in the car radio since I've started driving from LAX but gradually faded out its voice and can listening to Spanish radio instead when my Chevy going downhill. I always afraid of driving when I going this downhill because I lost my sense of speed when I going down there.I can see the Camarillo Premium Outlet.I will be soon arrive at my destination.

I just arrived at Oxnard that takes about one and half hours which includes traffic jam.I think of Oxnard as my second home.Although there are nothing particular in this town but I love this town which surrounded farmland and greener grass.There are many Mexican so I had a opportunity to talk with Mexican people.sometime I felt that I shoud've study Spanish in order to lively conversations with them.

There was nothing to do aside from surfing. so I went to the K-MART or VONS to buy something that often. I loved a Baja Fresh's burrito and El Pollo Loco. Kampai is a typical American Japanese restaurant with sushi bar and teppan grill.my friend used to work at there.There's bar adjoining a Kampai.I used to watch Dodgers' game while drinking at the bar. It's really warm climate year round in there. If I lived rural area of Southern California like a Oxnard just once,I just wondering that can't live other places any more.

Usually I go surfing to Ventura but I asked my friend that I want to go to Silver Strand once in a while. He told me that I don't recommend to go surf in Silver Strand because it's hard to deal with localism. I accepted what he said so I'm going to Ventura as usual.Took the freeway to north and get off at California Street. Arrived at the beach in front of Crowne Plaza(ex Holiday Inn) and then turn right.There are any surf break over there.During the periods of staying in California, Surfing at the Ventura was my daily routine. Basically,it seems to be waves are subsided in the summer in here. but when it becomes winter,waves are big enough.The big storm near aleutian islands create the big waves on NorthShore Hawaii in the winter,big wave season begins in Ventura as well. I surfed Mondos Beach that often which located a bit north of the central Ventura.


Further drive freeway 101 to north,it takes about 15 minutes when you pass through Santa Barbara,you can see the pebble stone seashore.There are good waves along the cape,Rincon. Maybe Rincon is crowded surf spot than other area but crowd is interspersed at three distinctive take off spots,Indicator,River Mouth and cove. When the waves are perfect,riding wave at the Indicator can connect all the way to the inside of the Cove.

I'm going to take a short trip to hot springs.Sycamore is a place where a hot spring wells up. You can get there approximately three hours from LA by freeway 101 heading to north. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa provides open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs which surrounded by a beautiful rich wood fence with lattice to ensure your privacy from other guests. We are taking the hot springs which surrounded by nature,serene environment and fresh air. I really felt so happy that I was able to take the hot springs here in California. I realized like that when I looked up at the starry sky.

After we were refreshed by hot springs,we forgot that we are starving.we visited at Nipomo on our way back to Oxnard. Jacko's steak house is bustling with customers even though such a rural area like that. While we were waiting for our turn,we drunk some beer at the bar which adjoined a restaurant.I started a conversation with someone who sat next to me."I came all the way from Tokyo to eat steak which served here." He prourdly said that "The Best steak in the world." Actually I came to California to visit my friend who lives in Oxnard and I wanted enjoy surfing but it's true that I desperately wanted to come back to this steak restaurant.

A waitress called our name,our table is ready.We were wait for a long time but were not tired of waiting. I can see that so many steaks grilled over charcoal fire through the glass windows. The smell of steak grilled by charcoal fire make me hungry.We drunk California wine while waiting for a steak.presently our steaks are served on the table.A big steak which I ordered was grilled crispy outside and juicy inside.I think California wine is delicious that goes well with this steak.

There are so many restaurant which serves steak in the world.we can enjoy a good meal if we spend a lot of money.I don't know the steak which served here is the best in the world or not but apparently the one I ate here is the best ever to me. If I could come back to here,I would be very happy the rest of my life.

Driving on PCH 1 to south along the coast from Oxnard,I found a surf break so pulled over my car along the road near Neptune's Net which is well known as the shooting place for the movie "Point Break" by Keanu Reeves.A name of surf break there is County Line.I did surf for a while at there.When I was waiting for a wave at line up,someone or something came near to me from offshore. I looked at that carefully,Uh-oh,that was a seal.A seal passed through near me and keep swimming
for the shore. I've never seen the wild life seal so that was interesting to me.

Further down the PCH 1,we dropped in at Zuma Beach and Malibu.We didn't surf because there were no waves for surf that day so we gave up for surf but I love the atmosphere of Malibu because it remind me of my hometown.Next is Topanga Beach.I found the vicinity of Malibu that include Topanga Beach looks like Shonan which is my hometown in Japan.When I return to Japan,I would be nostalgic feeling when I watch the sea of Shonan. Pelicans are flying in the air. I've never seen that kind of birds in Japan.I see the Pelican at the zoo that was very strange to me.

Santa Monica is a very famous sightseeing spot but I felt good old days in America when I see an amusement park on the pier that remind of me that Santa Monica is a terminus of Route 66. We often came to Karaoke in Santa Monica from Oxnard at night because it provide tons Japanese song.

Venice Beach is right next door from Santa Monica. It's very commercialized place bustling with many people as well as Santa Monica.It feel like I was in the American TV dramas scene.What comes to my mind when I hear California Girl? A healthy blonde who enjoying a roller skates at Venice Beach but some of them I saw there were a bit overweight.

As I drove down on the PCH 1,The Los Angeles International Airport came into my view.Watching Japan Airlines' large airplane passed overhead of me while driving and touched down on the land of America.I had a happy feeling somehow to see that. I mean,I didn't see any Japanese people in America but definitely I'm not what I used to be. I don't know who were on the Japan Airlines' flight but when they are staying in America,we can share experience together in America. I've never thought of that before.Since I came to America,I gradually started thinking that I want to live my life as Japanese than American.

We dropped in at Hermosa Beach to surf.My friend made a proposal to has a meal at his favorite Japanese restaurant in Torrance after surfing.so we had a dinner at there.When it comes to the foods in America,it has add more seasoning like a sugar and salt compare to the one which served in Japan. Japanese restaurant in America are no exception.I think Japanese food is more healthy than any other
countries in the world.When it comes to the Japanese restaurant in America,it has a lot of seasoning that going to be ruin its taste.but the meal I ate at there were same taste that I ate in Japan. I guess there's many Japanese people lives in Torrance that why the Japanese restaurant in Torrance doesn't have to be suited to American tastes.


America food is really big and added more salt and sugar in it.I guess American food organization trying to promote purchase of ingredients to revitalize domestic economy.I wonder how do they tackle with wasted food and obese tendency?
My hometown in Japan is near the U.S military base.I watched American movie a lot.I have been inspired by wonderful American culture since I was a young boy. But when I actually came to America and see it with my own eyes,it seems to be many people those who living in there are suffer from obesity.Actual American were not movie star I watched in American movie in Japan.During the periods of staying in America,I ate whatever I want but didn't eat too much and eat left over in the next morning in order to stay my shape and to reduce food waste.
I really love American food.Burrito which has a lot of guacamole and sour cream,Reese's peanut butter chocolate and countlessly many kind of Gatorade.I don't see those stuff in Japan.Hamburger and pizza which served in America are much more delicious than the one which served in Japan.

Next destination is Huntington Beach.We stayed at Chinese owned motel along the Hwy 39.It's very convenient place to stay.We can go to the shopping mall,movie theatre and supermarket anytime we want.
Basically the waves were a bit dumping but Huntington Beach is a special place for surfer.we can surf in the morning only during the summer. A lifeguard who rode on a jet ski approaching to lined up surfer to force out of the water in the afternoon because there are so many beachgoers in Huntington Beach.


San Clemente,The beach located in front of the Amtrack Station and Amtrack running along the ocean in this area.The ocean is beautiful,I like the atmosphere of this place. I've heard that San Clemente has produced famous pro surfer one after another but I didn't see any pro surfer in the water.I think it's because the waves are small that day but I enjoyed the warmer water anyway.


We moved to Oceanside.The people who walking down on the street wearing a Padres cap.I can't see Angeles or Dodgers cap anymore. I've already visited Oceanside several times because I like unpretentious atmosphere of this town that made me visit there that often.I'm happy to hear that my friends like this town too.Oceanside is one of my favorite town in Southern California.


We were starving after surfing,so look for the place for lunch.I found IN-N-OUT but looked at carefully its sign.it shows Angelo's Burger that confusingly similar sign.Anyway,we had a lunch at Angelo's Burger. As it shown a sigh "Angelo's Burger". but it has not only Hamburger but also Mexican like a TacoBell, Fried chicken like a KFC, Sandwiches like a Subway,Hot dog and Gyro.I think Gyro is a Greek food. I just curious what kind of restaurant Angelo's Burger is. but it's funny,I liked it.

We moved to Carlsbad,Delmar and La Jolla is a final destination.And then,go back to Oxnard.


We've gone through surf trip to Southern California like that.I found that there's not a good waves everyday like a Hawaii or Bali. Every time I see a footage of surfing in California,I admired its quality of the waves.I think those kind of footage filmed in California are only good waves.They don't have to filmed bad waves.Even though some footage filmed bad waves,it looks good waves because expert surfer made it better. I was born and raised in Japan which surrounded by the ocean. I recognized that Japan is a ideal place for surfing as well as California.But California is a place of origin for surf culture.It is very important to see and feel its way of surfing and fashion that making progress every day.


May 4, 2020

Oregon

Planning Snowboarding trip:
I'm just thinking of plan a Snowboarding trip in search of powder snow.
When should I going? January is the coldest in a year in order to improve the probability to seek the powder snow.

Where to go? Travel period is two weeks but I'd rather choose minimum traveling time for transportation as possible as I can.Hokkaido? I live near Tokyo so Hokkaido is the nearest ski resort to me but I've ever been there many times.Vancouver? I already visited there twice and is accessible because there are direct flights from Tokyo to Vancouver and I know there are direct shuttle bus services to Whistler from the airport.I understand what to do and where to stay in Whistler or downtown Vancouver that gonna be reduce my stress but I just wanna look for somethings to stir me up.

Oregon? I've heard from someone who I met in America last time,he said that if you are powder hounds I recommend you visit Mt.Bachelor.Gerry Lopez who is the famous Surfer was completely fascinated by powder snow in Mt.Bachelor and he decided to moved to Oregon.Those facts which I mentioned above made me interested in Oregon.I made up my mind to visit Oregon.I booked a Delta Airline's flight tickets to Portland from Tokyo immediately and started preparation for Snowboarding trip to Oregon.


Portland Oregon:
The plane which I boarded touch down on the runway safe and sound at the Portland International Airport in the United States of America.A Black man cabin attendant near me opened the plane window shade and looked out of the window.He lamented that Oh,I've never seen sunny Oregon.
Portland International Airport,its building unified with green carpet that make me feel to reduce my tension. Heading to Downtown Portland,I was looking for an accommodation and checked in the Indian own cheaper motel which located a little far from downtown area.I left my heavy backpack in the room and took a stroll around the Downtown area.

It's raining today.Every time I came to a region in northwestern America like a Seattle or Vancouver,it always rains.Portland is no exception. I've heard that the air crosses from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains that forces the moist air into the atmosphere,enhancing the thick clouds and steady rainfall in northwest of America that why bring heavy snow fall on the mountains.
Even though it's rainy,the local people doesn't carry an umbrella.It's really cold in there but they wearing a T-shirt without warm jacket.I just wondering that Japanese and White men are different anatomy.

The city that covered by thick clouds is rainy in the semi dark all day long but make me feel better when I feel a nice flavor of coffee.I think its taste in the northwestern region much better than any other cities.Running cars in the city turning on its headlights from the daytime that was strange thing to me.In Japan,we rarely turn on the vehicle headlights during the daytime even though it's in the dark. I think the American are more practical than Japanese.

I was impressed at the Powell's book store and nearby stores such a Cafe or Deli that feels like I was at the Notting Hill.Though I've never been to Notting Hill.Anyway I loved at there.Apparently American read a lot of books than Japanese.We are not read as much books as you think.It's very common the one wearing business suits reading a comic magazines which pervasive sex and violence in the commuter trains in Japan.American books are very big like a phone book with thick hardcover but Japanese books are very small like a pocket notebook because we have 130 million population in the small land.Japan's land is a little smaller than California.so we need to downsize everything in Japan.

I took a bus,it's already dark.I saw the night view in the rain from the window of the moving bus.Raindrops on window are shinning by night view. I like the idea of Purple Rain.The bus driver turned on the radio and let the passenger listen to the local FM station.I just listening to Boyz II Men - On Bended Knee from FM station.
The bus stopped in front of the Hawthorne bridge. I was surprising to see the bridge suddenly raised to let the ship pass through.I was the only one to surprise to see that.Eventually the bus passed through on the Hawthorne bridge as if nothing had happened.I dropped off the bus in front of the Youth hostel on the Hawthorne Blvd and checked in the hostel.

Portland Hawthorne hostel is a old big house but very cozy which surrounded by green.Hawthorne district is a fantastic town that in the suburb of Downtown Portland.I really loved at the atmosphere of the Hawthorne district.

I'm staying at the dormitory room in the Youth Hostel that meas have no choice in the shared living room other than go to bed.Backpackers,Students and a Business man who taking a business trip.There were all sorts of people showed up in the living room.I found the American to be very friendly, making strangers feel at home and immediately welcome.Sometime I feel that when I being with American,they seems to be acting their role in the movie scene.I wonder that I was able to play a role of Japanese snowboarder who came from Tokyo in this movie scene?

In Tokyo,Basically we don't talk with stranger.we gonna have to behave special care when we talk with older one that not going to be functional that city.but I feel very comfortable since I came to America because I don't have to hesitate to start a conversation with stranger and I can say whatever I want to say.

Snowboarding in Oregon:
I took a Greyhound bus from Portland to Bend.The bus driver let me off at the bus depot in Bend but nothing stands around there.I didn't know how to get to the youth hostel in Bend.I should have ride in a taxicab from bus depot but I'm not rich enough everywhere go by taxi and I didn't know any amount was suitable for a tip because Japanese don't custom for a tip that discourage me from take a taxi.
so I asked someone for a direction to Downtown Bend and started to heading to
Downtown to carry heavy back-pack on my back.

I was able to get to Downtown Bend anyway but have to take a walk over again to the youth hostel.Maybe I walked through to the youth hostel from Greyhound's bus depot for an hour with carried heavy back-pack.

I rang the doorbell at the youth hostel in Bend,A tall manager opened the door and appeared in front of me and said Thank you for going out of your way from Tokyo.He welcomed me warmly.I'm going to stay there for a week.

There is a bus stop near youth hostel for free shuttle bus to Mt.Bachelor. I bought one week pass lift ticket.lift tickets in America are incredibly expensive nowadays but I was able to buy it cheaper two decades ago.I might not go snowboarding in America anymore but I was lucky to able to snowboarding in Colorado, Utah, California and Oregon.


Mt.Bachelor is a big scale ski resort.Especially I like near the top of the mountain which surrounded untouched nature.It's gonna be wonderful if I had a powder snow but I haven't had any new snow so far.

On my way back to youth hostel, I found a take out pizza shop which lined up many people.Its smell from the pizza shop was tempting so I bought a pizza which contain lots of mushrooms in it.That pizza was the best pizza I've ever had.
Mt.Bachelor wasn't developed long stay ski resort like a Vail or Whistler that time. so there was nothing to do at night.I didn't have a rent-a-car so I had a trouble to go to the Supermarket but sometimes someone who stay at the hostel asked me to take me to the Supermarket by car that was really pleased about that.

Next morning, I put some pizza in the microwave which leftover yesterday at the kitchen.someone said out of the kitchen that what a nice smell.he said to me that you must be a very good at cooking.To be honest,I just heated leftover pizza in the microwave,I'm not good at cooking but I didn't say that.

I know that Mt.Bachelor is well known for its powder snow in America.I came all the way from Tokyo in search of powder snow.I came to Oregon in the best ski season in January.I bought an one week pass and staying there for four days but basically snow condition has been icy.The weather forecast said that will not be expect new snow for a while,so I made a decision to leave Mt.Bachelor and move to Mt.Hood.

I told a manager of the hostel that I'm going to leave this hostel ahead of schedule for move to Mt.Hood.He inquired me with concern that Do you have any idea how to get there or where are you going to stay? You know I've ever traveled many countries by myself,it's peace of cake for me those kind of preparation.I didn't say that to him but I told him that I already checked there's a Greyhound bus to Mt.Hood from Bend and I already made a reservation for accommodation near Mt.Hood.

Next day,I came back to Government Camp,the base of Mt.Hood.What do I mean to came back? Actually this is the second times to come to Mt.Hood.I was here a couple years ago to join the snowboarding summer camp so I'm already familiar with this town.I still remember everything about that.I know there's a restaurant,
grocery stores and bar those all are in walking distance.

I checked in at the Huckleberry Inn which has the dormitory rooms so I can stay there cheaper but a manager will kick me out on weekend because already booked up on weekend for group travelers.I accepted what he said because I came here on Monday and go back to Tokyo on this weekend.

Skibowl is a really close from Huckleberry Inn.It's in the town.It is said that America's largest night ski area.Indeed,all terrain are lit for night skiing but I doubt about it because I went to Snow Summit in southern California which was same scale as Skibowl.I don't care which one is the largest night ski area but I don't believe "America's best".For example,I was gather some tourist pamphlet at the tourist information in SF,many of them emphasized that the best place to visit in USA.and then,I did the same thing in LA,the tourist pamphlet said that the best place to visit in USA.I saw a lot of the best hamburger in USA,I saw a lot of the best pizza in USA.I don't literally believe that the define of "America's best" anymore.

Timberline Lodge,its building is well known as the shooting place for the movie "Shining" by Jack Nicholson.The snow never melt even in the summer.Like I said, I've ever joined Snowboarding summer camp about a couple of years ago at there.
We learned the half-pipe or slalom lessons in the morning.Its program offers not only snowboarding lessons.After the snowboarding lessons,they offer another activities like a MTB,Wakeboarding,River rafting and so on.Snowboarding summer camp also to providing for children's program.I definitely think the summer camp in America is really wonderful.

Since I've started to write this article that bring me back the memories while I was there.I began to think that I want to let my daughter to participate the summer camp in America regardless snowboarding camp.Even though with a different language and culture that sometimes made her uncomfortable but eventually those experience while she was young must be has a rich imagination and expand her possibility.The experience in Oregon gave me a new dream.




Mar 2, 2019

HongKong's Rampage

Now I came all the way to HongKong, I wanna have the chance to authentic Yumcha which small amount of Chinese cuisine and snacks served on small dishes or in a bamboo baskets are eaten with tea. HongKong is its place of origin.
I raised in Japan, but there's ChinaTown in my hometown. so Yumcha is familiar
to me since I was a child. 

What's the difference between Japanese Yumcha and HongKong's Yumcha? I wonder if a pretty waitress who wearing cute skirt Chinese dress serving foods and drinks on me? Are there any foods that I've never seen in Japan? How many kind of teas do they have? My heart leaped up with expectation.


There's so many Japanese tourist those who thinks the same thing, when it comes to Yumcha, many Yumcha restaurants is presented in the travel guide book which published in Japan. But I didn't want to go to a Yumcha restaurant in the travel guide book. so I wanted to find out a Yumcha restaurant that wasn't in the travel
guide book. Subject to choose its restaurant, you know that it's not in the travel guidebook but bustling with local people. 

A week day lunch time, I went to the business district in central HongKong. Look for a Yumcha restaurant that bustling with many customers for a while. After a little while, I was able to find out ideal Yumcha restaurant. so I went into there.

When I went into a bare appearanced Yumcha restaurant, elderly middle aged man waited on me. I was expecting a pretty waitress wearing cute skirt Chinese dress take my order...
He said what would you like to have a tea? I said I'll have jasmine tea. He said 
we only have oolong tea, no jasmine tea. You only have oolong tea? Don't ask me about drink order! I don't want to perform a comedy with you.

All employees at there were elderly middle aged man. There was no one those who pretty waitress in wearing cute skirt Chinese dress. About the menu? Basically its taste were plain and soggy. Those were unpalatable for typical Japanese just like me. so I leftover some foods.

I beckoned the waiter for the bill. He look around at leftover foods on the table, 
He mumbled something and shook his head.

No matter the Yumcha restaurant are commercialized, I should've go to a Yumcha restaurant that recommended in the travel guide book. I made a big mistake on that day.


Jan 17, 2019

Orlando Magic

In the flight to Orlando Florida that I have boarded from Detroit, Captain said by internal announcement that this flight will be soon landing approach on Orlando International Airport. I got excited When I heard of that. Universal Studio, Sea World and Disney World, There's a lot of things to enjoy. "Orlando Magic" What a wonderful phrase it is! 

I borrowed a rent-a-car at the airport and heading to downtown Orlando on my way to Disney World. The view from the window at the moving car was greenery bogs and was really humid in there. I think the climate of west coast in the States during the summer is dry and mild being avoid to be heat and humidity. so I noticed that America's climate is comfortable to live. but it was the first time to go to east coast in the States ever so I was surprise that the climate in east coast is as humid as Tokyo.

When I driving down the road, I often seen the animal carcass that run over by the car. I thought those carcass were cats because it happen quite often in Japan. However, I wonder those animal carcass were something different between the cats. I found another carcass again, pulled over and get out of a car. I took a look at a animal carcass carefully that run over by car. Oh my Goodness, that was armadillos! I was surprised to see that because there's no armadillos in Japan and I've only seen that one on TV or zoo. I was curious that such a novelty animals run over by cars.

I arrived at Downtown Orlando and checked in TravelLodge. I took a rest over sipping some coffee in the disposal plastic cup which served at Motel and ate some Reese in order to bring some energy after put my luggage and organized in my room. I was able to recover from fatigue and I felt hang around the town within walking distance.

I've ever seen many American city that surrounded skyscrapers. but the city of Orlando has not so many skyscrapers compare to other American cities. The people those who walking down on the streets are mostly elderly people. The music which I listened to in town are also very old. I felt like as if my energy absorbed by elderly people that made me feel down. I wonder what's the definition of "Orlando Magic"?

Although I wasn't interested in about an aging society during my stay in Orlando, Nowadays I wish that my country changes into one where elderly people can be live easily.

It has come time that We have to seriously think about what we should do from facing the trends of an aging of society.

It's gonna be wonderful if I were able to go back to Orlando again, I want to learn how the government working on the elderly people support system and then I want to be useful for those know how in a local community where I belong as a volunteer work.



Jan 5, 2019

The thing the British Empire really wanted

Japanese people learned English speaking countries's culture from America. I'm no exception that I admired American celebrities. but the celebrities I took them for an American wasn't American. Actually many of they were British.

Once upon a time The British Empire spanned nearly 1/4 of the world and is prospered by trade. Around 150 years ago, Japan broke away feudalism by revolution and was able to develop into a modern nation. The British Empire in which not only an insular country but also its population and land area is as large as Japan, greatly prospered like that. So Japan considered that can do the same thing The British Empire could. For such reason, Japan chose to be increasing wealth and military power looks to The British Empire as a model.

...
The climate of London is always covered with thick clouds. I gonna pay my respect its culture and history, However I gradually felt depress to stay there for a while.

Everytime I traveled around the world, I always see the British people. No matter I haven't seen some American people, I have seen some British people. Why so many British people be there around the world? I always wonder about that.

Since I came to London, I think I understood about that kind of circumstance because British people takes a trip to heading for lands of Sunshine. The reason the things the British Empire Ships really wanted wasn't tea or pepper but "Sunshine".



Dec 24, 2018

Celebrate New Year's Eve / Zermatt


I spent a New years eve at Zermatt in Switzerland for Snowboarding. I was staying at the accommodation near a train station and had a relax in the room with my room mate. We noticed that outside of the accommodation is very noisy such a late at night. What's the hell is going on out there? Looked out of the window, we surprised to see that many people going out and walk toward the same direction so we have decided to go out and follow them. Finally we arrived at a public square in front of a church. Many of them already got tipsy and set off firecracker but they seems to be waiting for something. Instinctively I understood this place is a New years eve count down celebration site and they are waiting for count down call.

Now, it's time to start countdown call! Everybody scream and shout "Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Happy New Year!" The priest in front of a church set fire to fireworks to the night sky! Everybody throwing their own belongings like a beanie or even the fireworks or empty wine bottles in the air. It's really chaotic in there. I thought Swiss people are shy but they got loud with big bodies. Beautiful blonde women approaching to me one after another, she guys said "Kiss me". I was surprised to hear that because basically Japanese people rarely kissed in public and don't kiss aside from their lover. I didn't have a girl friend that time but felt a bit guilty to kiss with strangers. Anyway, I accepted the offer to kiss and hug at least twenty women.

Suddenly someone grabbed my shoulder from behind me. He said that grab the
shoulder in front of you and we got together danced in a circle. Finally the party came to the climax...

A few hours later, the party is over. Everybody left at public square though. Some people lost fainted on the ground with lost consciousness. I guess those people drunk too much or bumped empty wine bottles. Electric ambulance arrived and they were carried by ambulance. Gasoline powered vehicle prohibit by protect the environment.

A lonely feeling made me just wanted to be stay there for a while...
Apparently that was memorable travel experience for me.


Mar 10, 2017

Frozen City

I got on the public bus from the Airport heading to Downtown. Bus driver told me that next stop is the closest place to Downtown. so I got off the bus at there. The bus left and I was alone at the bus stop. I'm standing at the place a little bit apart from Downtown area. There's a park that covered with snow in front of me. I can see the Downtown's buildings across the park.

Calgary, It's really cold out there, Electric bulletin board which installed at outside of the Bank indicates temperature minus 24 degrees celsius though, Local people didn't seems surprised to see that and they works as usual.

When I take a breathe frozen oxygen stuck into my throat, Icicles hung along the buildings or houses and pile of snow which falls several days ago never melts became ice which covered everything in Downtown Calgary.

I wonder the immigrants those who came from south eastern part of China in search of their dreams might considered they should not have came here because the climate in Canada must be too extrem and harsh to them. Do they really adapting the way of life in Canada?

There are abounds with ice skate link in the park and shopping mall. Boys are playing Hockey, Girls are practicing Figure skating.

SkyWalk, which is a type of pedestrian way consists of enclosed bridge between the buildings by avoiding being cold are built every corner of the place in Downtown area.

The steam are rising from the top of the buildings, the steam are rising from Manhole on the ground and are seems to be sucked into the thick cloudy sky. People are acrossing in the Skywalk like a walking in the air. It seems like I'm in a Hollywood's SF movie scene.



Nov 7, 2016

Chinese restaurant in America

Chinese restaurant is very common in Japan. Apparently it is indispensable of Japanese people's diet.

During the period of staying in the States, sometimes I'm missing of Japanese food. American style Japanese restaurant that prepared chopped beef or seafood on a hot steel plates.Although I like the atmosphere at there, but I rarely find those kind of restaurant in Japan. I mean, it's not typical Japanese restaurant. Therefore, I look for a China town or Chinese restaurant instead.

For example, The major city like San Francisco, it has very commercialised China town there. Go into a restaurant, take a look at menu list. However it written in Chinese character, but it translated in English just like chinjaorosu means stir-fried beef with onions and peppers, that very useful for tourists.

In contrast, Chinese restaurant in the suburbs of Vancouver, menu list has written in Chinese character as well. I found English alphabet below the Chinese character, but it's not translated in English. it written just a Chinese pronunciation like a chijaorosu that make me confusing.



Nov 6, 2016

Can't take deep breathe / Colorado

On my way to Rocky Mountains in Colorado for a Snowboarding trip, I thought shouldn't directly to get there in case of being altitude sickness because its elevation is higher than Mt.Fuji. so I decided to stay at downtown Denver for one night because its elevation is one mile that equivalent to 1,600 meters to adapting myself into the altitude would reduce my altitude sickness symptom.

Next day, I took the Greyhound bus to Vail. After a while, the bus kept going on an upward slope. I aware of something wrong with my breathing, I couldn't breathe deeply and it gave me a panicky feeling. I told myself that I'm not able to breathe depply though, I can take the breathing anyaway.

Finally, I was able to take relax without breathe deeply.I had overcome about that just like a local people. The local people spends their daily lives in such a harsh environment.


Nov 5, 2016

Speed limits on the freeway / Canada

I was traveling in the States. Heading to Vancouver from Seattle by long distance coach.

Usually, speed limit on the freeway in the States is 55 or 65 mph. The bus arrived at the immigration office between America and Canada for inspection and we got through the immigration.

The bus pick me up again and left there for Vancouver using the freeway in Canada. I was very surprised to see When I look out of the window from the moving bus because the traffic sign on the freeway indicates 100 speed limit.

I was very scared that 100 mph is so fast! Come to think of it, Unlike America, Canada takes kilometer system. Now I got it 100 speed limit means 100 km/h. Not 100 mph(160 km/h).


Nov 4, 2016

Adult Disneyland / LasVegas

During the drive down from LosAngeles to LasVegas, the view from the window kept monotonous desert scenery. I was shocked to find out that the LasVegs emerge from desert suddenly.

Using of huge bulletin boards and illuminations which using of too much electric power. I wonder that do they know the concept of save energy?


Egyptian pyramids, NewYork City and so on, LasVegas its hotels are very unique.
The artificial volcano eruption on peliodically was really powerful!
Everything is extraordinary.




Although prices are relatively low like having a meal or accomodation and so on. I guess they only depends on profit of gambling.

You can ask to waitress for drinks like Budweiser while you gambling, it's for free but not forget to give her a tip.

Everyone can be enjoy even if the people those who no interested in gambling in here.
Definitely, LasVegas is the adult Disneyland.


Nov 3, 2016

Public toilet / Germany

If you want to go to the public toilet when you visit in Germany, it'll be make you confused on your mind.

I was not able to figure it out of the gender between Men and Women because it doesn't features illustrations of gender.

The name of gender that indicates Herren and Damen. I don't know German language that why I don't know which one is Men's toilet. I thought that Herren sounds like women's name so I went into the Damen. I was surprised that I bumped into a older lady looking at me angrily, I got out of there immediately. I should've went into the Herren. I made a big mistake that time.