I went to the dentist on Saturday, just for a routine cleaning - it was nice catching up with Nishijima Tomokazu, my excellent dentist, too.
I was also pleased to have had time to drop off a load of our cleaning at a new-found dry cleaner in our neighborhood- they even gave me a member's card and a 30% off coupon for my already-passed birthday! Forgotten is my woe of last week when I found out that our former dry cleaner was going out of business.
While being out in the car anyway, I drove to the Gotemba Supremium Outlets Mall for some shoe and window shopping. I got some shoes - but the windows weren't so hot:-)
On the way home, I also got my car washed. Naturally, the weather forecast is calling for rain tomorrow.
And finally - yesterday was quintuple points day at my local supermarket; if you have a point card, you get a certain amount of "points" for every yen you spend. The points are actually yen that you can spend later. On triple-point day, you get three times the points as usual; quintuple-point day speaks for itself!
And the fact that this weekend felt like one of the best ever, and the fact that I KNEW it was quintuple point day, suggests to me that I
need
a
life!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
First 5K - Atami Beachline!
I love riding. I have been riding seriously for years - as a roadie in Montreal, and a mountain biker here in Japan.
But since July of last year, having been inspired by Bernicky and Alyssa, I've been dedicating some time to running. I discovered, to my surprise, that a morning run is actually very nice, and I have also discovered that running downhill in winter is a hell of a lot warmer than riding downhill in winter, and since flats are not an option where I live (first I go straight up, then I fly straight down), running is a warmer way to keep in shape throughout the chilly months.
This year, I decided that, like other runners, I wanted to test my endurance and meet other people out for a good time. To that end, I have enrolled for my first race - only a short, flat 5 K (kilometers) along the Pacific coast in Atami. I've got plenty of time to train for the March 12 race, which should be a good race for beginners; and if all goes well, I may continue to join races and go longer distances or more challenging terrain.
Here is the flyer:
But since July of last year, having been inspired by Bernicky and Alyssa, I've been dedicating some time to running. I discovered, to my surprise, that a morning run is actually very nice, and I have also discovered that running downhill in winter is a hell of a lot warmer than riding downhill in winter, and since flats are not an option where I live (first I go straight up, then I fly straight down), running is a warmer way to keep in shape throughout the chilly months.
This year, I decided that, like other runners, I wanted to test my endurance and meet other people out for a good time. To that end, I have enrolled for my first race - only a short, flat 5 K (kilometers) along the Pacific coast in Atami. I've got plenty of time to train for the March 12 race, which should be a good race for beginners; and if all goes well, I may continue to join races and go longer distances or more challenging terrain.
Here is the flyer:
Thursday, January 26, 2006
And the Answer is...
Riding without a helmet!!
Brian was possibly one of the many helmetless riders to be ticketed that New Year's Day in what, I am guessing, was a holiday safety check (I escaped that hefty $6 fine, as I stayed in our bungalow, lost in a fevered delirium).
Here in Japan, neither of us would even think about getting on our mountain bikes without a helmet, and nor will we ride with un-helmeted friends. And so, the irony is not lost on us that we did not put helmets on our dense skulls the whole time we were motorbiking up to a 125km/h around Koh Chang.
Brian was possibly one of the many helmetless riders to be ticketed that New Year's Day in what, I am guessing, was a holiday safety check (I escaped that hefty $6 fine, as I stayed in our bungalow, lost in a fevered delirium).
Here in Japan, neither of us would even think about getting on our mountain bikes without a helmet, and nor will we ride with un-helmeted friends. And so, the irony is not lost on us that we did not put helmets on our dense skulls the whole time we were motorbiking up to a 125km/h around Koh Chang.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Rules of the Road
Tracy's recent license renewal reminded me that although I moved about 2 years ago, I haven't informed the authorities of my address change, so I made the trip to the friendly, but not really local, 'License Center' for the update. In 10 years of driving in Japan I've never even been looked at by police while driving, let alone pulled over. I can't imagine getting ticketed.
Later that day, still in the paperwork mood, searching for my documents to renew my working visa, I found this traffic ticket tucked into my passport wallet; I had forgotten the incident but will post it here to share. Only on the road in Thailand for two days, and I get burned by the man (acually men, with pistols).
This shouldn't have been too big a surprise, though, as I was guilty, and there were plenty of witnesses. I paid the fine, about $6, in cash, and was released with a "Happy New Year" in English. If anyone can correctly identify the infraction there may be a prize...
The day before, Tracy and I followed the one road on the island (a ring road) to the most remote section at the southern end. Some maps we had seen indicated a sandy beach accessible only by this section of road, but the maps described the section as "Under Construction" "Abandoned" and "Planned" interchangably. A few kilometers in, but still far from our beach destination, we found this washout:
The footbridge practically swayed under the skinny jungle dog that came across to greet us, so there was no way to get the bikes across. (This was few minutes after Tracy saw the loooooong python.)
We had hoped to try again from this point on foot, with provisions for walking in such heat, but we didn't make it back to this end. Maybe next time!
Later that day, still in the paperwork mood, searching for my documents to renew my working visa, I found this traffic ticket tucked into my passport wallet; I had forgotten the incident but will post it here to share. Only on the road in Thailand for two days, and I get burned by the man (acually men, with pistols).
This shouldn't have been too big a surprise, though, as I was guilty, and there were plenty of witnesses. I paid the fine, about $6, in cash, and was released with a "Happy New Year" in English. If anyone can correctly identify the infraction there may be a prize...
The day before, Tracy and I followed the one road on the island (a ring road) to the most remote section at the southern end. Some maps we had seen indicated a sandy beach accessible only by this section of road, but the maps described the section as "Under Construction" "Abandoned" and "Planned" interchangably. A few kilometers in, but still far from our beach destination, we found this washout:
The footbridge practically swayed under the skinny jungle dog that came across to greet us, so there was no way to get the bikes across. (This was few minutes after Tracy saw the loooooong python.)
We had hoped to try again from this point on foot, with provisions for walking in such heat, but we didn't make it back to this end. Maybe next time!
34
That's how old I am now.
Being an introvert, what I really wanted to do for my actual birhtday was have a quiet day with Brian, so I more or less celebrated my birthday on Saturday instead. While Brian rode his bike, I lounged at an onsen, drinking beer with a friend. In the evening, we all (Brian too) went to our friend Larry's place for cocktails and pizza - and, surprise - a birthday cake. I haven't had a birthday cake in years! Luckily, Larry very considerately only put one candle on the cake!
Me and My Cake:
Larry and His Margarita:
Sunday was a great day, too - biking with Brian and enjoying a birthday gift he gave me: a new Cateye Micro Wireless Cyclocomputer! I had actually missed knowing my speed and distance, so it was great to track it yesterday.
Stay tuned for reviews of the Cateye Wireless, as well as some information on the Cateye lights for night riding that we ordered yesterday.
Being an introvert, what I really wanted to do for my actual birhtday was have a quiet day with Brian, so I more or less celebrated my birthday on Saturday instead. While Brian rode his bike, I lounged at an onsen, drinking beer with a friend. In the evening, we all (Brian too) went to our friend Larry's place for cocktails and pizza - and, surprise - a birthday cake. I haven't had a birthday cake in years! Luckily, Larry very considerately only put one candle on the cake!
Me and My Cake:
Larry and His Margarita:
Sunday was a great day, too - biking with Brian and enjoying a birthday gift he gave me: a new Cateye Micro Wireless Cyclocomputer! I had actually missed knowing my speed and distance, so it was great to track it yesterday.
Stay tuned for reviews of the Cateye Wireless, as well as some information on the Cateye lights for night riding that we ordered yesterday.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Still dreaming of Thailand...
Although the two weeks back in Japan have been great, we still awake thinking of the food, sights and people of Thailand. While there, we spent a little time in Bangkok just eating and shopping, and learned how to avoid the traffic and noise by getting around by longboat 'water taxis'. Next time we will be able to get around with ease and dignity, motoring on the river. Here is a map of the city officially called Krung Thep, but known as Bangkok (we stayed at the White Orchid Hotel in Chinatown, inexplicibly noted as number 52):
We quickly set off to the second-largest island in Thailand, known as elephant island because of its size (30 km long!). It is also home to two elephant sanctuaries, coincidentally. Here is a map indicating the island, Koh Chang...
and here are two of the fiery dishes that sustained us during the hot days in the jungle and on the beach...
Shrimp salad:
and shrimp / seaweed curry:
and of course as much pineapple and beer as necessary:
More updates about developments here in frosty Japan, as well as more reminiscing, will be forthcoming!
We quickly set off to the second-largest island in Thailand, known as elephant island because of its size (30 km long!). It is also home to two elephant sanctuaries, coincidentally. Here is a map indicating the island, Koh Chang...
and here are two of the fiery dishes that sustained us during the hot days in the jungle and on the beach...
Shrimp salad:
and shrimp / seaweed curry:
and of course as much pineapple and beer as necessary:
More updates about developments here in frosty Japan, as well as more reminiscing, will be forthcoming!
Friday, January 20, 2006
TGIF
It's Friday again, another week put to bed, and the 20th day of 2006.
This weekend should be social and yet relaxing - a visit to the onsen tomorrow to unwind after a hectic week, and then cocktails with friends.
I hope you have a great weekend, too!
This weekend should be social and yet relaxing - a visit to the onsen tomorrow to unwind after a hectic week, and then cocktails with friends.
I hope you have a great weekend, too!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Driver's License Renewal
We all just gotta love beaurocracy, and this year for me will involve much of it, as it seems like everything from my passport to my driver's license expires this year.
In fact, my license was due to expire this week, so I've already taken care of that little problem. I took a day off work and spent three hours at my local license beaureau (which is where I also did my driving test three years ago and which, ironically, is inaccessible by train!). My morning began smoothly, getting all the preliminary paperwork done in a matter of 15 minutes. But then I was sent to room 304 - where a 2-hour lecture was set to begin at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
What I learned during the lecture was: only first-time renewers have to attend (which explains why everyone in the room was oh-so-young); and, driving kills. Yes - there was a 25-minute video which contained interviews with parents of children killed in road accidents, as well as actual footage of some of these accidents; after the video, just in case we weren't sufficiently impressed/distressed, the lecturer expanded on the dangers of driving dangerously by displaying more recent statistics of people killed in the last week in our very prefecture.
At the end of the lecture - which was a pretty good Japanese lesson - I walked out an enlightened, safer driver and three more years of legal driving in Japan!
In fact, my license was due to expire this week, so I've already taken care of that little problem. I took a day off work and spent three hours at my local license beaureau (which is where I also did my driving test three years ago and which, ironically, is inaccessible by train!). My morning began smoothly, getting all the preliminary paperwork done in a matter of 15 minutes. But then I was sent to room 304 - where a 2-hour lecture was set to begin at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
What I learned during the lecture was: only first-time renewers have to attend (which explains why everyone in the room was oh-so-young); and, driving kills. Yes - there was a 25-minute video which contained interviews with parents of children killed in road accidents, as well as actual footage of some of these accidents; after the video, just in case we weren't sufficiently impressed/distressed, the lecturer expanded on the dangers of driving dangerously by displaying more recent statistics of people killed in the last week in our very prefecture.
At the end of the lecture - which was a pretty good Japanese lesson - I walked out an enlightened, safer driver and three more years of legal driving in Japan!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Photos of Thailand
Finally - we spent some time organizing our many digital photos, some taken with a Lumix DMC-FZ1, and some taken with a Nikon D50. We had several gigabytes to sort through, but we narrowed it down and made an album with only a few of our better photos.
Actually - we made two albums with the same photos, just to try something different. We made one album using a simple flash album (easy to load and view), and another as a FlipBook, which is very cool but requires that you download the free FlipViewer.
Click here to see our album intro. After the intro, you will be given the choice of seeing either the Flash Album, or the Flip Album. Click the album of your choice and view the photos!
Please don't be shy to let us know what you think of the photos and of the album set up.
Actually - we made two albums with the same photos, just to try something different. We made one album using a simple flash album (easy to load and view), and another as a FlipBook, which is very cool but requires that you download the free FlipViewer.
Click here to see our album intro. After the intro, you will be given the choice of seeing either the Flash Album, or the Flip Album. Click the album of your choice and view the photos!
Please don't be shy to let us know what you think of the photos and of the album set up.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Waste of Time
According to a survey quoted in the January/February issue of The Atlantic, "one in four U.S. workers reads blogs regularly while at work, losing...some nine percent of the workweek". Other time is lost trying to decipher poorly written email.
I'm sure we are not losing more productivity now than previously; surely there were other activities that provided workers a "break" from the day - though I couldn't find a study to prove it.
I'm sure we are not losing more productivity now than previously; surely there were other activities that provided workers a "break" from the day - though I couldn't find a study to prove it.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Contrasts
As reported, we are back. It's chilly here (about -1 celsius or so), and there is still a little snow on the ground. Bernicky asked how we lived without central heating here; it's simple as the climate is mild, and kerosene is cheap. We have a little kerosene heater that warms up our little place quite efficiently, and we snuggle down under the kotatsu (see earlier post) for warmth and TV watching. It's very different from Montreal, and also very different from Thailand!
Thailand was gloriously warm with plenty of blue skies. We stayed in Bangkok for two nights when we first arrived, then again on our final night in Thailand. Here are some photos of the three places we stayed:
The view from our hotel in Bangkok (Chinatown) left something to be desired. Then again, so did the paint peeling off the walls and the cockroaches in the bathroom!
Our little bungalow in Koh Chang was awesome - great ocean views (as reported!), very clean and comfy.
Our bungalow was nice, but simple - no hot water or flushing toilet:
As I mentioned, Brian and I don't exactly plan our holidays, and when it came time for us to leave Koh Chang, we found that there were no flights available from Trat to Bangkok. So, we hired a driver for a very long drive back to Bangkok. Luckily, we had booked the fairly luxurious Asia Airport Hotel for our final night in the country. And I have to say, cable TV (English!!), hot running water and a Pizza Hut right downstairs was hard to beat, especially after the chaotic drive back!
Thailand was gloriously warm with plenty of blue skies. We stayed in Bangkok for two nights when we first arrived, then again on our final night in Thailand. Here are some photos of the three places we stayed:
The view from our hotel in Bangkok (Chinatown) left something to be desired. Then again, so did the paint peeling off the walls and the cockroaches in the bathroom!
Our little bungalow in Koh Chang was awesome - great ocean views (as reported!), very clean and comfy.
Our bungalow was nice, but simple - no hot water or flushing toilet:
As I mentioned, Brian and I don't exactly plan our holidays, and when it came time for us to leave Koh Chang, we found that there were no flights available from Trat to Bangkok. So, we hired a driver for a very long drive back to Bangkok. Luckily, we had booked the fairly luxurious Asia Airport Hotel for our final night in the country. And I have to say, cable TV (English!!), hot running water and a Pizza Hut right downstairs was hard to beat, especially after the chaotic drive back!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Back from the Kingdom of Thailand
Happy New Year to everyone! We arrived home last night, to snowy, icy and downright cold conditions, after a long but relatively easy journey home. It was a great time away but of course we wanted stay much longer; we left a lot undone while we were on 'Elephant Island"!
We chose our area to stay based on a rough map, and because we wanted a sandy beach, sunset and sunrise views, and peace and quiet, Ban Khlong Phrao seemed a good guess, and we were right. We found a bungalow on a spit of land (Cape Chaiyachet), with the ocean just 3 meters from the front door and 5 meters from the back, plus a perfect pier to ourselves! The sun rose in the front at 7am:
and set out back at 5:45pm:
Here Tracy waits out back for a sunset shoot:
Hopefully we'll get our best pics together in a photo album for the website soon; we'll post a link here when we're done!
We chose our area to stay based on a rough map, and because we wanted a sandy beach, sunset and sunrise views, and peace and quiet, Ban Khlong Phrao seemed a good guess, and we were right. We found a bungalow on a spit of land (Cape Chaiyachet), with the ocean just 3 meters from the front door and 5 meters from the back, plus a perfect pier to ourselves! The sun rose in the front at 7am:
and set out back at 5:45pm:
Here Tracy waits out back for a sunset shoot:
Hopefully we'll get our best pics together in a photo album for the website soon; we'll post a link here when we're done!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
A New Way to Ride
After spending a day hopping the public taxis/pickup trucks to go to a different beach, only to find ourselves waiting in the hot sun for another taxi to happen by, we decided instead to rent a couple of motorcycles. We got out early in the morning and rode over the the hills (Koh Chang is a large mountainous island and national park), somewhat beyond civilization. The western side of the island is built up and well-touristed, but as we rode further south, the resorts and bungalows dissappeared.
Brian was riding ahead of me, so when I turned a steep bend and saw a fairly thick tree branch across the road, he was already nearly around the next bend. The branch was curved at the top, like a snake with its head up...and then I saw its eyes - indeed it was a snake, probably the biggest snake I've ever seen. I wanted to stop to take a picture, but the hill was too steep, and my engine to weak to be able to get going again; and knowing now that this island is home to reticulated pythons, maybe it was for the best that I didn't stop. Brian is still disappointed that he didn't see the snake, which was probably trying to cross the road as he swooshed by. What a way to travel - motorbiking the Koh Chang Island.
Brian was riding ahead of me, so when I turned a steep bend and saw a fairly thick tree branch across the road, he was already nearly around the next bend. The branch was curved at the top, like a snake with its head up...and then I saw its eyes - indeed it was a snake, probably the biggest snake I've ever seen. I wanted to stop to take a picture, but the hill was too steep, and my engine to weak to be able to get going again; and knowing now that this island is home to reticulated pythons, maybe it was for the best that I didn't stop. Brian is still disappointed that he didn't see the snake, which was probably trying to cross the road as he swooshed by. What a way to travel - motorbiking the Koh Chang Island.
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