Bloggin 2: Electric Blogaloo

2011-07-19T16:22:00.000+09:00

Gale winds, nut flushes, and lasagna.

2009-07-19T14:14:00.004+09:00

I'm going to have to say that Hong Kong was a wonderful experience. With a loose schedule, on-the-spot itinerary, and great weather, I could not have been more relaxed. I ate some great food, met some entertaining characters, and sight saw my touristy little ass off. I explored the city so much that I knew more about Oscar's neighbourhood than he did. I even won money at an 'underground' poker house in the midst of a level 9 typhoon warning last night. What a way to cap it!

Oscar was the consummate host. He treated me to dinners, took me to the hot night spot, and met me at the airport! His brother also made sure that all the finer details of my stay were taken care of. As well, his parents were very pleasant and his father gave me advice on where to buy my plane ticket.

In the obvious ways, Hong Kong differed greatly from Tokyo. Things were less tidy here, building signs jutted out instead of shot up, public garbage cans were plentiful, and English was abundant. Cab drivers were rude, clueless, and dangerous, but that's the Chinese way! Food was cheap but so was generally everything else like public transport and discount furniture. And unlike Tokyo, trains were full of cell phone chatter (though, as too were the museum theatres. Man I wanted to smack that kid.).

I don't want to overgeneralize but my jaw rarely dropped from after seeing an attractive Hong Kong girl. They just don't do style here like they do in Japan. Hong Kong is not a place for creative fashion among the populace. I don't know how to describe it but they do 'rural' pretty well here. Only at night in Lai Kwai Fong (the bar district) do the models (mostly white) come out and strut their stuff. Unfortunately, the sheer number of Western male expats (sporting their untucked dress shirts with collars so wide they could go hang-gliding) in the same vicinity just makes the overall style points of Hong Kong plummet to the ground.

But I came here for one reason and one reason only: to expose myself to the Chinese culture. Much like the hork exiting from the old man's throat, the Chinese are obtrusive, loud, and yellow, but managed to divert my path for the last time. I say this because when I was younger, I could not have cared less about Hong Kong. I didn't really take any pride in my heritage.

But this whole trip, which started in Japan, was a medium for me to learn more about myself by removing myself from Western society and placing myself in a whole other context. That went well. And after that ran its course I sought Hong Kong on my own terms, away from my mother's usual influence, and I'm glad I came to see it for myself, by myself (remember FUBU, Pat?).

No itinerary. No time limit. No sweat.

2009-07-16T16:27:00.000+09:00

Actually, lots of sweat.

Roll call!!

2009-07-16T00:13:00.002+09:00

ULTRA MAGNUS

2009-07-15T02:10:00.000+09:00

HSBC Headquarters, Standard Chartered

The hood

2009-07-11T17:54:00.003+09:00

Oscar lives here:

Which is next to here:

here:

and here:

Sorry but the pics don't capture all the grit and grime.

Time is Love

2009-07-11T17:50:00.002+09:00

Move over Big Daddy Kane, we have a new goosebumper

2009-07-09T18:39:00.002+09:00

(L-R) Jack Swagger, gitty-azzed wrestling fan, Evan Bourne

Actually, I had more sweaty palms than goosebumps during this wrestling show. Jericho vs. Mysterio = worth every motherf*cuking penny. Live wrestling shows are FUN and I'll easily go to the next one in a heartbeat.

19.9kg!

2009-07-09T16:29:00.004+09:00

Ho's before Bro's in HK
The Tokyo adventure's over. I am now in Hong Kong staying at my friend Oscar's place in Kowloon. He lives in a luxury condo in an industrial centre. Next door grimey shirtless dudes with cigarettes dangling from their lower lip are carting tropical fruits off of trucks into warehouses. Same situation across the street, but another kind of fruit.

But I can't wait for the condo people to fill Oscar's swimming pool with water. Until then, I'll have to settle for his maid doing my laundry. Or maybe there's something good on on the TV in the bathroom.

First morning observations:

Chinese people are kinda ugly
Jay walking is the shit here
The sights (ugly people), the sounds (loud-talking ugly people), and the smells (not of B.O. like Tokyo, but of the streets like Chinatown).

2009-07-06T16:05:00.001+09:00

Watcha got in store for me, Big Guy?

2009-06-29T23:27:00.001+09:00

Doomsday Whistle

2009-06-22T12:39:00.002+09:00

This happens at least 3 times a week in the mornings.

Living like a hobo, eating like a king

2009-06-15T13:19:00.005+09:00

The Longest June...EVER

2009-06-11T23:36:00.002+09:00

Gotta love the type

With 3/4 of my apartment sold and eating only bento boxes (among other prepared delectables), this has been the longest 10 days of my life so far. I guess I'm anxious to go but can't yet so it feels like forever. Save the best for last of course. Night biking this Saturday and of course, Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio with special guest referee Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat!!

One thing I won't miss: some old stank-ass B.O. motherf*cker was LEANING against my chest in a crowded train, READING A NEWSPAPER! I could feel the sweat from his shirt soak into mine. I couldn't get my arms up for some reason, and I ended up smelling like him when I got of the train. Time to burn that shirt.

Bassmaster

2009-06-07T19:44:00.006+09:00

Me, The Bassmaster

Last night, I went to a restaurant called Zauo in Nishi-Shinjuku with my friend Hashi. The concept? Snag a fish and they'll cook it for you! Along with the standard izakaya fare on the menu, this restaurant also lets costumers catch their meal from an open fish tank surrounding the dining area. It's a great idea and a lot of fun.
It took a little while for the fish to bite. There were many times where a fish did bite but fell off the hook as it was splashing around on the water (subsequently wetting the adjacent diners). Fishing can be frustrating. The fish seemed smart enough to nibble from my poorly baited hook. But after numerous unsuccessful attempts, one did not get away. I schooled that fish, later identified as Tai (Sea Bream). Though it was the cheapest fish on the menu (and the most abundant in the tank), it was delicious. Hashi ate the eyeball.

Catch fish from the comfort of your own booth

Bait was soft and shrimpy

Thus difficult to hook

Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and you get rid of him for the whole weekend

Here fishy fishy fishy fishy...

SNAGGED

Owned!!

DISCRIMINATED

2009-06-04T00:12:00.002+09:00

Just getting rid of some unused sauces in my fridge

I've been discriminated against. By Japanese people. For being smart.

I plan to go to Hong Kong from Tokyo before heading back to Vancouver. This means I need one-way flights from Tokyo to Hong Kong and one from Hong Kong to Vancouver. A travel agency in Japan called "No. 1 Travel" offers discount discounts to many popular destinations all over the world. I found a nice flight to Hong Kong for 198,000 yen round trip. I figured I'd buy this one now and buy my Vancouver ticket in Hong Kong.

So I went down to their office in Shinjuku to ask some more questions. I asked how much a round trip ticket would cost and I asked how much a one-way would cost. It turned out that the cost of a round trip ticket was substantially lower than the cost of a one-way. I thanked the gentleman for his time, left the office with this new information, and returned home to work out my schedule. Hell, I figured I'd buy a round trip ticket and 'miss' my return flight. Whoops, my lazy ass slept in. Big deal.

With my dates set, I went back to the Shinjuku office and spoke to the same gentleman. "I'd like to book a round trip ticket to Hong Kong, please," I requested. Knowing I was aware of the price difference and SUSPECTING that I was not going to return to Tokyo, he demanded that I present a re-entry visa to Japan before he can sell me the flight. I had no such visa. In that case, he demanded that I show him a copy of a plane ticket leaving Japan for a date after I return from Hong Kong. I had so such ticket. He said without either of those documents, he could not sell me the ticket to Hong Kong. I told him this was crazy. Since when does an agency care whether I had the proper visa or need to know my travel plans for an unrelated trip? Plus, being a Canadian citizen, I wouldn't need a re-entry visa to enter Japan as a visitor anyway. Their 'new policy' was completely bogus. I blew a fit. I asked him when this policy became effective. He stumbled out a made up time frame. I then asked for evidence of this policy in writing but he said he didn't have it. I asked to speak to his supervisor and she gave me the same tired routine, except this time she was able to tell me that the policy came into affect in April. Ya right. In the end, they were not going to sell me the ticket because they feared I was not going to use the return. Of course, they did not say this to me directly. I left the office quite frustrated.

The next day, I went to their Ikebukuro office and purchased the same ticket, no questions asked. Looking at my itinerary, what does it say? Kindly note that passport validity and visa requirements are not our responsibility or that of your travel consultant and we are not liable for any loss or expense due to a passenger's failure. Also: No. 1 Travel is not responsible...if you could not board the flight, or was not admitted to immigrate or emigrate to the immigration control office at the airport in Japan or in the country of your destination because you did not have a proper visa..." No shit, eh?

I can't believe Japanese people lied to me in my face like that, straight discriminating me because I brought up the notion that flying round trip is cheaper than one-way. Well, I won in the end. I'm leaving Japan and going to Hong Kong!!

The Beautiful People

2009-05-31T22:40:00.004+09:00

And jus like that

2009-05-31T22:35:00.003+09:00

SOLD: Bed, desk, stove, fridge, microwave

+

Approximate days left in Tokyo: 40

=

Not sold on eating out every day for every meal from now on

Exit Strategy

2009-05-26T02:02:00.002+09:00

Scrap the initial plan. I'm coming home in the fall.

**************************

Right. So to elaborate. After spending a year in Tokyo, I feel that there is nothing else for me here. I did all that I wanted to do. I've proven to myself that I can live on my own in the most foreign of countries. I've met all my personal goals. I haven't mastered the language but I've learned a decent amount. And I didn't need two years for it all.

For the last month, I've been feeling a little uninspired. I thought a new camera would help me 'open my eyes' again. Though I love my new camera, it didn't solve the problem. Also, my job is unfulfilling. It's safe to say that would not want to do this any longer. Finally, the Japanese lifestyle is not the lifestyle for me. After this experience, I would never choose to live here. I don't have negative feelings towards all this nor do I regret any of it. I just realize now what really fits and what needs to go.

Staying here for two years was only an approximation-a number that allowed me to conveniently avoid the Olympics in Vancouver. But looking at the big picture, if I didn't want to be around for the Games, I can still leave town when the time comes. It's not that difficult. At the same time though, I hope to see Vancouver in a new light. I can talk shit about it all day, but there's got to be some positive qualities that I could embrace and use as inspiration.

So back to the real deal. I would still like to go to Hong Kong and Australia for 4 weeks if it makes sense (weather, available friends, flight costs, etc.). I would like to leave Tokyo by the end of July. However, my band has a show in late August and they want me to stay for it...

"For my own part, regret nothing. Have lived life, free from compromise ... and step into the shadow now without complaint." -Rorschach, Watchmen

Gross domestic products

2009-05-23T19:14:00.003+09:00

By the way, I am With Camera again :)

After weeks of concocting unsuccessful homemade fruit fly traps, from pinapple juice to vinegar to old-azzed banana (all tried, tested, and true on the internet), I accidentally leave out a 1/4 glass of watered down orange juice in the morning and return home to find its thirsty victim. This, after developing my fly-clapping skills to a point where even Mr. Miyagi would be humbled in my presence. Just today I snatched a fly out of the air with one hand-IN THE DARK!

I think my co-worker's a dork and I have proof to back up my claim. He doesn't share my view about the annoying hot weather because he loves hot weather, he says.
He's happy-go-lucky.
Upon entering the room after a class, he sighs and proclaims, "It's been a long day." Sympathizing sarcastically, I say "Lucky you," to which he replies, "Why is that?"
The poor guy's conversation starters are limited to a) "All done for today?"; b) "Got any fun plans for the weekend?"; and c) "Get to anything fun on the weekend?" When I do get riled up enough to rant about a topic, he has nothing to share. Or it's something that a happy-go-lucky guy would say.
And obviously not his fault, but this guy is blind. Like, legitimately visually-impaired. Anything he reads is held up to his nose. His eyes aren't quite aligned. And whenever I pass him on the street, he doesn't even know it's me.

Now let's talk swine flu. Firstly, I seem to spend half my time in classes trying to get my students to admit to their Japanese logic holes. I know it's a selfish foreigner thing to do and fortunately for them, their English is never at a level high enough where I can declare myself "victorious" for being such an asshole. Most of the time we just go in circles. However, many students have told me this past week that Japanese people have been totally overreacting to the current swine flu outbreak. Masks are sold out in every store, though I see only a small increase in people wearing them in Tokyo. I asked a student, who recently bought a supply of masks, when she would "start" wearing one and she told me, "maybe next week." I was trying to get her to admit to the fact that by the time that she thinks she should start wearing the mask, it would probably already be too late. There will never be a time when the government will say "Okay. Start wearing your masks.....NOW!" It's either now or never. And if you really cared, you'd be wearing it all day. But of course, she didn't get it.

I see people wearing or putting on their mask whenever they please. I saw a woman put on a mask on the train, when she had already been maskless for 10 minutes. Sometimes I see people with their mask under their chin or with their nose exposed. Why are they wearing them at all if this is what they do?

Always hungry...for food

2009-05-17T16:03:00.002+09:00

Recently, I've been thinking about home a lot. There was a period last summer and fall when I wasn't thinking about Vancouver at all. Even in January 2009 I got over homesickness in about two weeks. But I think something has triggered it this time. It could be the recent spell of hot weather that has conditioned me to "hate" Japan. It could have been hitting the one year mark 40 days ago. Regardless, it's not homesickness I feel now but the actual missing of people, places, and things I've been away from for a long time. With under a year left in my "Two Year Plan," I've put some thought as to what I want to do and where I want to go after Japan. I haven't thought about anything "career"-wise yet, but the first 3 months are pretty certain. If you think that planning my 2010 year now is a little early, then you don't know me.

Jan 1 - 31, 2010 - Plan, pack, quit, shut der down in Japan.
Feb 1 - 15, 2010 - Visit Hong Kong (almost 25 years in the making) and celebrate Chinese New Year
Feb 16 - 28, 2010 - Visit Brandon in Sydney, Australia; see a real beach. "Where the bloody hell are you?"
March 1, 2010 onward - Back in Vancouver to celebrate Mayah's 2nd birthday; play with Mayah; enjoy a moderately warm summer

But until then, I still have 8 months to "burn" and boy will I ever, considering it'll be summer soon. I still haven't bought that camera I promised myself, which I should since I'm attending a Japanese wedding in two weeks and FINALLY a live WWE Smackdown event in July (Y2J = more Big Daddy Kane-style goosebumps).

Mi oh Mi the Heat

2009-05-11T10:49:00.001+09:00

So hot, Alonzo Mourning, afternoon, and evening.

It all comes full circle

2009-05-03T17:50:00.002+09:00

You know when you're playing ToeJam & Earl and the level map starts out all black and as you begin exploring the world you start uncovering portions of the map at the same time, until the entire map is visible?

I basically go for walks and start in random locations (thinking I'm really far from anywhere I've been before), only to find myself at a landmark I've already visited, but this time uncovering it from the other side. More often than not do I find myself approaching a building or walking up a street from the opposite direction that I had initially walked before. I pride myself on my EXCELLENT navigational skills so when I find out I've been to a certain location before, my whole internal compass jars back into place. Then it's all "Holy shit! So THIS is where I am!"

And then everything in Tokyo is closer than once thought. I think it's a safe assumption that most stations are only within 15 minute walks from each other. Therefore, riding the train has duped me into thinking that the stations are far from each other.

Saturation Point

2009-04-22T00:02:00.003+09:00

This is the contraption that I have to build in order to make glasses fit my big head. How long should I stretch them for? The frames are plastic.

Pat POV

2009-04-16T22:33:00.003+09:00

Getting enought to eat and releasing stress

2009-04-12T22:57:00.004+09:00

I think I neglected to mention that I've now been in Tokyo for a year. Not sure what to say. I guess what I have been saying is enough.

Actually, here is a picture of me in August 2008 where I look skinny as f@ck.

I'm not sure if it's the angle, lighting or altitude, but thank god I don't look like this anymore, nor do I feel as stressed as I did when that picture was taken. August was the height of my stressed period as I was looking for an apartment (July being the homesick/depression period) and the weather was just stupid hot. So add all that up and you get that picture.

i don't know how much I weigh now, but I feel alright. It's true. I do need another year here, now that I've gotten a handle on things. The first year was to get my feet wet; now it's time to really have some fun.

Did you know that I can hear my upstairs neighbour's phone vibrate?

Burritos, Brunch, M. Bison (Or Biking, Bingo, and Bromance)

2009-04-08T23:19:00.018+09:00

Nobody sits in public in Tokyo. So when two foreigners are sitting, eating frozen creampuffs and drinking beer, you better call the cops.

Avacado and mashed potatoes. I DARE you.

Mexican Pat

Dziekanski-esque. Too soon?

Heading home in style (bus).

Well we did it. A whirlwind week has come and gone. We spent $15 on Street Fighter IV in two nights only to be kicked out of the arcade because they were closing (the arcade attendent would come running shouting "Dame! Dame!" after I already put my 100 yen coin in the slot). We karaoke'd. We Hanami'd. We had burritos for dinner and burritos for breakfast (technically fajitas). We biked and biked and biked and ate frozen creampuffs and beer and biked and then saw Watchmen and biked and drank 3 doubles in one hour at my favorite bar and biked and got some McDonald's and biked. We picture-clubbed. We okonomiyaki'd. We watched a bartender do his 'impression' of Doraemon. We visited a major shrine and stumbled onto a neighbourhood one. We watched AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels on YouTube while drinking Canadian Club. We ate 740 yen beef jerky at Wrestling Cafe Tokyo. We ate Indian Curry for breakfast. We went shopping for Pat only to find out that nothing fits him in Japan.

So far, sooo good

2009-04-02T23:31:00.006+09:00

2009-04-01T19:01:00.004+09:00

WOULD
NEVER
HAPPEN

I've seen this 'broken tap' scenario in 3 different textbooks. Unless you've stupidly clogged your drain with something, a running tap is never anything to panic about.

Vernal Equiknockers

2009-03-23T12:48:00.006+09:00

As a part of my Spring Spontaneity Initiative, I went for a 20-minute run this morning instead of taking a 20-minute snooze.

However, what I did not expect was the 20 minutes of vomiting that followed.

Okay. That last line was inserted only for comedic effect. In actuality, I did expect the 20 minutes of vomiting.

Legal

2009-03-19T23:48:00.003+09:00

Three years, baby! In all honesty, the whole visa process here in Japan was super quick and easy. I submitted my application on a Friday, and received a letter telling me it was approved the following Thursday. The documents I needed to submit were all provided by my employer and all I really needed to do was fill in my vitals and sign the application form. Gosh darn walk in the park! I've completed visa applications in Canada for international students and for the most part they were NOT easy, nor was the process as efficient.

Hirugohan

2009-03-19T23:38:00.007+09:00

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Notice a theme? Well, I'm getting as much exercise as possible--let's put it that way. And to be honest, I actually don't work on Fridays.

Clean your microwave with a lemon

2009-03-13T19:42:00.004+09:00

Don't you hate it when you stumble onto the most beautiful public bathroom in the world and you don't even have to use it?

Pictured above is what the Japanese call "An Man." It's a steamed bun with some sort of bean paste inside. My mom used to make these things for breakfast all the time and recently they have been my "go-to" food whenever I need a quick snack. They're always hot, the paste is sweet and delicious, and you can get it in any convenience store for 110 yen.

The bigger the cap, the bigger the peelin

2009-03-09T00:46:00.006+09:00

So yeah. I think the majority of the public needs to be educated or re-educated on the greatness that is Ice Cube. As mentioned earlier, I've been working on a mix that tells the story. It's now ready for download for your listening pleasure. Seventy-five minutes of nostril-flarin', hoo-bangin' gangsta shit: *INQUIRE WITHIN*
I made a gif to accompany this mix. BoomPingPING!
The track listing is:

1. The DOC - The Grand Finale
2. NWA - Straight Outta Compton
3. NWA - Fuck the Police
4. NWA - Gangsta Gangsta
5. NWA - A Bitch is a Bitch
6. Ice Cube - Giving Up the Nappy Dug Out
7. Ice Cube - Steady Mobbin
8. Ice Cube - Jackin' for Beats
9. Ice Cube - Gangsta's Fairytale
10. NWA - I Ain't the One
11. Ice Cube - Once Upon a Time in the Projects
12. Ice Cube - It Was a Good Day
13. Dr. Dre & Ice Cube - Natural Born Killaz
14. Ice Cube - When Will They Shoot?
15. Ice Cube - What Can I Do (Remix)
16. Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It
17. Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It (Remix)
18. Westside Connection - Hoo-Bangin' (WSCG Style)
19. Ice Cube - Friday
20. Ice Cube - Ghetto Bird
21. Ice Cube - How to Survive in South Central
22. Ice Cube - Amerikkka's Most Wanted
23. Ice Cube - Wrong Nigga to Fuck Wit
24. Ice Cube - Check Yourself (Remix)
25. Ice Cube - No Vaseline

Enjoy and share!

I had goosebumps

2009-03-08T18:05:00.008+09:00

That's right. I saw Lord Finesse and LEGEND Big Daddy Kane perform live at Billboard Live in Roppongi. Holy shit I had no idea that I would get goosebumps like I did when Kane got down. I guess that's the feeling you get when you grow up listening to someone's music and then you see them do their thing on stage in person. Twenty years strong and brother didn't lose a step either. He was totally on point line for line during the entire set. He also did his dance routine with Scoob Lover (as seen recently in VH1 Hip-Hop Honors). I'm not the biggest fan of Lord Finesse but he gets props too. They both signed autographs after the show-some fans even bringing their entire Kane LP collection for him to sign.

The Billboard Live venue itself was pretty sweet. It was on the 4th floor of the Tokyo Midtown building in Roppongi. The seating was kinda like dinner theatre-style: everyone was sitting at a table or along a bar, surrounding the stage. There was no dance floor or standing section. After the show, the curtain behind the stage was drawn and revealed the floor to ceiling window looking out into the Tokyo skyline.

Photos were not allowed. My friend was secretly taking some and the a venue staff member was standing behind us for 10 minutes. After they left, I thought I would give it a try with my phone. I guess it was pretty obvious because I was standing completely still trying to film a video (while the rest of the time I was dancing my ass off). I quickly put the phone down and closed it when I saw the staff member come back in my peripheral vision. He said something in Japanese. Now, the BEST thing to do when you're in shit in Japan is to 1) act stupid; and most importantly 2) SPEAK ENGLISH: "I'm sorry I don't understand."
He then politely replied, "Photo. Delete." Well, I guess he got me. Or so he thought. I "clumsily" navigated my phone to my Pictures folder and showed him that I didn't have anything. I even showed him the picture of vinegar that I took at the supermarket (so that I could get a friend to translate the label)

and the picture of the Valentine's chocolate that I got from one of my students.

"I don't have anything," I protested. Convinced, he left me alone. Ha! Little did he know, I filmed a VIDEO and it was stored in the microSD card so there would have been no way he could have found it without taking the card out and plugging it into a computer.
Henceforth, the highly illegal video is below for your viewing pleasure. The sound is terrible of course (turn the volume DOWN), but it was worth it.

!Updated!
Photos from said night. Pictured with me are Soh and Yuuka (aka Matty).

Conference Call

2009-03-04T22:01:00.002+09:00

The Great Equalizer

2009-03-01T18:04:00.002+09:00

Mayah gives buttons an inferiority complex

First thing's first: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYAH!!! Mayah is now one years old. To celebrate, some interpretive art with the help of my cell phone.

This one's pretty self-explanatory

Lots of things to cover today. I went to a friend's hip-hop night last night in Ikebukuro. He was djing and played a pretty good set, though I was really hoping he'd mix in Ice Cube's "No Vaseline" after he dropped "Dazz" by Brick. I guess I've been on an Ice Cube binge lately. After downloading NWA's discography 'on a whim,' I developed a new appreciation for Ice Cube's writing and Dre's production. I made a "Classic Cube" mixtape that covers all his dope stuff before his 'rhymes' become synonymous with 'weight.' Let me know if you're interested in a copy and we can work out a file transfer.

Anyways, the party last night was a late one that started at midnight. I was planning just to take the first morning train back but then realized later that I couldn't tough it out all the way to 4:30am. After deciding at 3:30am to share a cab back to Koenji with some friends, we were all ready to go until I needed to retrieve my jacket. It was somewhere behind the stage and my dj friend didn't want to interrupt the rapper's show to get my jacket. So we basically waited another 45 minutes until their long-azzed set was complete before I got my jacket back and we could leave. My legs were so rickety from standing all night and my eyes where burning from the cigarette smoke. Ugh. There's always so much on-stage talking during live shows in Japan. I, on the other hand, was screaming inside. I think some of it leaked out. Iona would have called it an "Arturo moment."

Baby pandas have nothing on Mayah

I've been loving riding my bike. So far, I been able to bike to the following places (places that seemed so far away at first [as I would usually take the train]):
-Shinjuku
-Shibuya
-Daikanyama
-Takadanobaba
-Shimokitazawa

Usually the soundtrack greatly enhances the enjoyment of the ride. Today it was Songs in the Key of Life. I'm not sure why it took me so long to realize that that album existed. And guess what? A Japanese man asked me for directions today, in JAPANESE. And I replied, in JAPANESE. However, I'm a still little skeptical about the situation. We were both on bikes at an intersection. He looked a little confused and then asked me where Koenji station was. I pointed and said "this way, over there." I was skeptical because it wasn't very far at all and if he had ridden just a little further, he would have seen it himself. Plus, it's a pretty big station. So I followed him to see if he was bluffing. He ended up riding past the station down another street. His question still could have been legit, so maybe he's just stupid.

I just thought this template was funny

I'm going to try a new facial hair design. I think the 'handlebar-less goatee' is what's in right now, with some hair about halfway along the jaw from the chin. I'll keep you updated!

For Chris (and to a lesser extent, Dan)

2009-02-23T12:06:00.001+09:00

Smooth Moves

2009-02-20T14:05:00.001+09:00

I've finally crossed over

2009-02-18T01:01:00.002+09:00

The "Japanese Robert Plant" joked that I looked like Oddjob from Goldfinger. Then everyone laughed. Feels like home.

Chomo Research Late Entry or "My Quest Continues"

2009-02-12T21:22:00.003+09:00

Drink Name: Van Houten Cocoa
Maker: Kataoka
Price: 128 yen
Size: 1000ml
Container format: Standard 1 litre carton
Advertised features or distinguishable characteristics: Named after renowned Dutch chocolate maker C.J. Van Houten himself, the inventor of the cocoa press.
Taste: Maybe the most promising of the three so far, but still not perfect. There's a strange chemical-like aftertaste that taints the entire cocoa-drinking experience. Nice aroma but still a little watery. Sir Van Houten would be rolling in his chocolatey grave.

Be water, my friend.

2009-02-11T17:44:00.012+09:00

I played a pretty cool show last night with some super fun bands. We were the only band without coordinated costumes. Some photos and videos below (they were taken on a cell phone so mind the distorted sound).

1. Flower Mulu
These girls were cute and played some fun garage rock, 60's mod grooves and so forth. When I went up to talk to them, they introduced themselves with their stage names, each named after a different type of flower. I asked what their reals names were and it turned out that those were much easier to remember. I couldn't really tell how old they were because they were wearing lots of makeup and fake eyelashes, but they said they've been playing together for 10 years. I bought the cd they were selling, which was a compilation of girl groups in Japan. All the songs on the disc have the same stereotypical garage sound, which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering you can't really find this type of music in Vancouver. I rather enjoyed it actually.

2. The Mighty Moguls All the members of this band wore cavemen costumes and their lead singer had a voice like a 60 year old smoker. And she was a chick. They were really cool though. Lots of energy. In normal clothes, they look, well, normal.

3. Lemon
From "Heard It On the Grapevine" to some Japanese stuff to "Proud Mary," this diva turned it on.

4. The ParrotsCute bass player. Sgt. Pepper-ish costumes. Matching white coiled patch cords.

Subway Safety

2009-02-06T00:32:00.003+09:00

These are dope because the old ~~bald~~ guy is always getting the shaft.

Chomo Research

2009-02-01T22:42:00.004+09:00

I like chocolate. I like milk. I like the two together sometimes ("Let us celebrate our agreement with the adding of chocolate to milk"). However, chocolate milk is hard to come by in Japan. 'Normal' tasting milk in general is difficult to find (it just tastes different over here). I have purchased warm cocoa from a vending machine before, but would I be able to find a refrigerated version that didn't taste so watery? This weekend I stumbled onto a liquor/convenience store in Shimokitazawa that sold a particular brand of chocolate milk that I had never seen in any other store before. I also found a small tetra-pak drink made by Hershey's at the local Seiyu. Let's see how they compared in the taste test:

Drink Name: Cocoa
Maker: Hershey's
Price: 69 yen
Size: 220ml
Container format: Slim tetra-pak with plastic straw
Advertised features or distinguishable characteristics: None, though the picture on the front has chocolate milk with an ice cube in it. Gross.
Taste: Pretty watery, with a powdery-cocoa texture. Very sweet taste, almost like milk tea. Similar taste and consistency with the hot cocoa purchased from vending machine.

Drink Name: Milk Chocolate Drink
Maker: Sujahta
Price: 178 yen
Size: 1000ml
Container format: Standard 1-litre carton with plastic spout and flip-off cap
Advertised features or distinguishable characteristics:10mg of GABA, 60mg of Polyphenol, and 1.2mg of Vitamin E. Picture on the front is a chocolate bar pouring itself into a cup. Looks to have potential.
Taste: More of a thin chocolate liquid than a milk (akin to the difference between 'orange drink' and 'orange juice'). Also watery-tasting. Strong dark chocolate-flavored aftertaste.

Verdict: Japanese don't know good chomo.

Rock 'n' Soul Part 1

2009-02-01T02:40:00.003+09:00

Might as well keep the theme going

You know that feeling you get when you're biking home at 2am from Kichijoji half buzzed with Hall & Oates playing on your MP3 player, not really caring how long the bike ride home is as long as the Hall & Oates album doesn't end, and though it's a reportedly 3 degree Celsius you're not cold because you have your toque, scarf and mitts on and your legs are constantly battling the random inclines? And you pretty much aren't thinking about where you're going because you know this part of town like the back of your hand? Well, I just had that feeling.

"If you didn't you wouldn't be in here"

2009-01-30T00:37:00.000+09:00

"I know you ________"

Me, Mayah and a Moose

2009-01-28T23:21:00.001+09:00

Jan. 3, 2009, YVR

4 bad apples spoil the bunch of 5 that I bought

2009-01-25T23:32:00.001+09:00

This has been happening to me far to much lately.

From one of my textbooks...

2009-01-21T22:23:00.002+09:00

The boy's riding a banana, the girl's riding a peach.

So...

2009-01-20T23:19:00.002+09:00

Bunt is dead. For real this time. AJ mentioned that he doesn't "have time to justify cruising around on the internet anymore, looking for amusing nonsense." The funny thing is, this is all I have been doing since I got to Tokyo. Really, it's become a problem. However, now it may all be justified. Therefore, loyal readers, would you like me to carry on the Bunt tradition of scouring the internet for 'neat' stuff (aka, visiting other real blogs and biting their posts)? Think of it as an added bonus to an already entertaining blog. Or I can just 'keep it real' and not change anything. Of course, you're all welcome to continue communicating with each other in the comments section. Holla!

The numbers are in!

2009-01-11T00:33:00.004+09:00

After a strenuous amount of research (stumbling onto a 100 yen shop that sold thermometers), it has been determined that the temperature of my apartment--without the presence of a human being and with the heat off--is.......12 degrees celsius. That's hardly comfortable, is it? The kitchen and bath are a few degrees colder and they don't have heating at all. My main source of heat is the air con hot air blowing machine, which only warms whatever its air comes in contact with (so whatever is directly beneath it, leaving the other 3/4 of the room cold and alone). Every night it feels like I'm camping, all bundled up in my blankets while the air around me is as brisk as an iced tea. And have you ever put on cold clothes? Like, clothes that are cold?! I reminisce about living in an apartment with FREE heat, and walking around naked was, ironically, second nature.

Concurrently, there is a peculiar humidity that exists only in the bathroom. This is a place where the hand towel never dries.
A place where the toilet paper is slightly moist.
A place where the mirror always fogs up after my morning sighing, and will only defog through human intervention.
A place where small amounts of dirty brown water drips from the fan because condensation accumulates in the vent cover.

On a good note, the Japanese flight attendant on the plane thought I was Japanese!

Kawai! The Mayah Gallery

2009-01-06T10:59:00.002+09:00

Living in a multicultural society and a culturally homogeneous one

2009-01-06T10:25:00.005+09:00

Now that I'm a bit more awake, I can write a little more coherently. Going home was great. Coming back to Japan, Vancouver felt like a fantasy to Tokyo's harsh reality. For some reason, I was expecting so much change returning to Tokyo, even though I was gone for only 10 days. Tokyo doesn't wait for anyone. Not even me. I think I felt this way because it was such a shock being back in Vancouver: seeing my niece again, taking the bus with so many loud 'minorities,' being a slave to the snow, coming back to a heated house and not having to use 3 layers of blankets to stay warm, etc. I only ate ONE fully home-cooked meal on my last night and I barely made a dent in it because I ate it so fast that I got major gas. Such a missed opportunity. All this made me think: where's home? Where am I supposed to be? Well, of course, I'm not 'supposed to' be anywhere. I just happen to physically be in Japan while life keeps on lifin.' My mind on the other hand...

Henceforth, as I mentioned earlier, my body has been on auto-drive since I got back. That shouldn't be anything to really complain about, but it doesn't feel right if you're still waiting for your brain to arrive like lost luggage. It's almost like I'm bored here. But that will change once I get back into the groove of things. Hopefully doing so isn't too disruptive as I've been going to bed earlier and waking up way earlier (10pm to 5am). I don't want to crashing in my night classes. That's why I'm looking for a new job for the April 2009 semester.

Regarding riding the bus in Vancouver, it was good to see so many races in one place again. It just felt harmonious. And it's a good primer for when you decide to actually visit one of those countries.

Shit Happened

2009-01-06T07:56:00.002+09:00

Mind and body not yet synchronized. Mind still in Vancouver, I think. Or somewhere over the Pacific. Body on cruise control in Tokyo. Was worried about trivial things upon arrival, such as: What's for dinner? When can I do laundry?; Why am I here? Read "Watchmen" to distract mind. Worked. Now writing like Rorschach.

Grandma's Crazy Wall of Knick-Knacks

2009-01-05T09:13:00.004+09:00

Backwards

2009-01-05T08:49:00.000+09:00

Why would I get patted down coming OFF of an airplane?

6am jet-lagged blog entry

2008-12-24T23:17:00.004+09:00

Together again

White Christmas, Black President

2008-12-22T21:38:00.004+09:00

Looks like there's a little snow in the Vancouver forecast. How ideal. See you tomorrow.

Speaking of which...

2008-12-19T16:21:00.002+09:00

Have there been any artists that painted/drew their rendition of a 'realistic' Santa Claus? Like a Marlbaro-ad Santa? I'm picture a leathery-faced Santa with a dirty beard, wearing animal skins and furs, ploughing through the Arctic tundra in his sled with the help of a pack of rabid, raging caribou. Snow, snot, and breath are all flying and visible in the frosty night air. And Santa's pissed, yet resilient.

See ya real soon, kids!

2008-12-18T13:20:00.001+09:00

14 days

2008-12-09T23:22:00.003+09:00

Save me a seat, Mayah.

Fall Colours courtesy of Shinjuku Gyoen

2008-12-06T22:41:00.005+09:00

Breakfast for dinner: of course!

2008-12-05T01:13:00.003+09:00

I've had two Parkour dreams in as many as three nights. I think it's a sign to get back to it. Body's ready (thanks to yoga).

Everyone wish my mom a Happy Birthday!

2008-11-28T17:13:00.005+09:00

This is the woman that made me. Not an easy task. She's indestructible. The strongest person I know.

Some of you don't know this, but my mom played a large part in my decision to move to Japan (and no, it wasn't because I wanted to get as far away from her as possible).

One day in December or January, a few short weeks after my first Japan visit with Pat, I was driving in my car contemplating what to do with my life. After much self-deliberation and realizing how mundane Vancouver was, I finally told myself that I wanted to live in Japan. However, the decision wasn't actually all that final. I still needed to do one thing: I phoned my mom.

My mom's response would make or break my trip to Japan. It may seem strange, but me moving all the way to Japan ultimately depended on whether my mom said Yes or No. I was 75% sure I was going to do it, but I really needed her blessing do know that I was making the right decision. When she told me - without hesitation - to go for it, I was slightly surprised. But at that moment, it made me realize that after a lifetime of constant nagging and (s)mothering, she still just wanted to make sure that my happiness was a priority, even if it meant that her only son would be living halfway across the world.

30 days

2008-11-23T23:54:00.002+09:00

...until I get to see this special little someone again

Aye Carumba! Pat! There's a wrestling themed cafe/bar in my hood!

2008-11-21T16:43:00.003+09:00

When are we going?

Yes, the poll is a gimmick. I don't know how it works myself. The percentages don't add up but I'm just glad to see people voting. Personally, I voted for more Simpsons quotes.

Woodhands @ JZ Brat Shibuya

2008-11-16T21:00:00.004+09:00

As expected, another party rocking set from Woodhands. They definitely left their mark on Tokyo and I expect to see them again real soon.

Velours

2008-11-14T21:14:00.010+09:00

Woodhands (Dan and Paul) are currently in Tokyo and took part in a Canadian music showcase on Wednesday, rubbing elbows with delegates and Japanese music execs alike. I had the fortunate opportunity to house the duo for 4 of their 6 nights in the city. Dan snored like he was choking on a chicken bone and Paul occupied 3 square metres of my precious floor. If you want to get their side of the story, they are submitting daily blogs for Now Magazine in Toronto. Each of their first entries can be found here http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=165926 and here http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=166016.

I didn't get to see their show (opening for-ahem-Bedouin Soundclash), but I will get to see them play an all night indie rock dance party on Saturday night.

For the past few days I felt like I was on vacation-probably because I canceled a class to hang out with them. But regardless, it's always good to have friends in town and do some intense bonding with these two crazy kids (Paul who I've actually only hung out with twice before).

Here's what we've been up to so far:

A stranger took our picture.

Velours bar.

Paul picked a bad fortune so he had to tie it to this line. Dan solemnly reflecting, as he possibley picked the worst fortune ever.

Paul and I shared many moments on this night, including THE original McDonald's apple pie.

Obligatory temple visit with label rep Trevor (and a couple beers).

Paul and friends.

Enjoying good times (but secretly counting the days until they move to their hotel).

Obligatory Barack Obama Victory Post

2008-11-06T01:40:00.001+09:00

A Change Gonna Come

An instant noodle Halloween

2008-10-31T21:42:00.004+09:00

Had to buy this

I'm allowed to start celebrating Christmas now because the Japanese have already begun themselves. I bought an Ella Fitzgerald Christmas cd in April specifically for this reason. 'Tis getting cold now. I don't really know what 15 degrees feels like anymore because I've been thrown into such a temperature tumble since I got here. Either way, heat is required to be turned on in my apartment and I have to start wearing a coat outdoors.

Anyway, I noticed something quite comical on the train today. Not 'ha ha' comical though. Firstly, Japanese people usually carry a handkerchief with them to wipe the sweat from thier brow, face, or neck. Well, I notice a zitty-faced fellow wiping his face repeatedly with his handkerchief, but then preceded to keep it in his hand as he held the hand rail. It's like he was wiping down the hand rail and his greasy-assed face with the same towel! So gross. Not as gross as the smell coming out of my kitchen drain though. I'm going to try bleach to combat that. I can't find baking soda here.

Likerish Quartet Oct. 25 show time: 3am to 3:30am

2008-10-24T01:58:00.007+09:00

Almost edible.

Reaching for the Best

2008-10-19T03:57:00.001+09:00

Geeks, Gamers, and Babes! Oh My!

2008-10-17T17:42:00.006+09:00

My friend Mark and I went to the Tokyo game show last Sunday. Many new games were on display, such as Street Fighter 4, Mirror's Edge, and Grand Theft Auto 5: Streets of Malawi (I made the last one up). If you wanted to try the games, you had to wait in a queue that was usually longer than my actual interest in the game. Things that did keep my interest were the spokesmodels. They politely stood in front of their respective booths, modeling with the company's brochure in-hand and making sure the attendants go home happy. Up close photographs were commonplace, and the rare conversation was started by some of the bolder perverts. If you're into cosplay, there were plenty of geeks dressed up as their favorite video game character, and more geeks snapping pictures. Oh! That's why the lines were so long for the bathroom stalls...

Triple-Decker Weekend

2008-10-14T01:56:00.002+09:00

Tokyo Game Show
The Riff Randells at Rock Joint GB
Disney Sea (Disneyland B)

Detailed entries to follow.

Here's how I make spaghetti

2008-10-05T22:51:00.008+09:00

My friend Mark took me up on the offer of staying on my floor so now he's here for 3 weeks. I used to work with him at Canadian Tire.

I befriended a bar owner in Shibuya and I can now call his bar one of my 'hangouts.' It's a bourbon bar and he plays great music. Too bad I don't really drink.

Next Sunday, Mark and I will go to the Tokyo Game Show and then watch the Riff Randells (a Vancouver band) play live in Tokyo.

I'm making lots of extra dough teaching more private classes. I seem to be getting a new student inquiry every week. One of them is a professional drum teacher and he offered me free lessons. I told him that I couldn't accept payment from him for my English classes if he wouldn't accept payment for his drum lessons but he said he loves to teach and doesn't want my money. I will keep you informed on my "salary to drumming skills ratio."

Tonight we're using garlic, canned tomatoes, red bell pepper, onions, tomato paste, mushrooms, and ground beef.

Chop that shit fine.

Make sure you COOK the beef.

Brown that meat. Who doesn't like browning their meat?

Set the meat aside for later use.

Clean the pan and heat some olive oil.

Cook the garlic and then the onions.

Toss in the mushrooms for good measure.

Add the tomato paste.

Then dump in the canned tomatoes.

I think these are whole roma tomatoes. They work well.

Get the noodles going at the same time.

Toss the beef back into the mix.

Sweeten the deal with some brown sugar.

Add some basil and or-e-GA-no. What the hell?

Salt and pepper to taste. Lots of pepper for me.

Balsamic vinegar for color and a touch of sourness.

Shit's done. Good because I'm hungry.

A dash a parmesan so that I feel like I'm eating at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

Any other recipe suggestions?

The Lickerish Quartet at Aoi Heya 27/09/08

2008-09-28T11:49:00.002+09:00

Our original dancer couldn't make it, so we found a couple last-minute replacements.

I heart blank

2008-09-25T15:34:00.004+09:00

I was tossing this idea around for years, like when I was really into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs back in the day. I never got down to making this design until last night. I threw it together in 10 minutes. Has it been done already? Does it speak volumes?

Then at the same time last night, I suddenly decided that the "I, Robot" franchise needed new promotional material (yeah, I know it's way late and irrelevant now). Therefore, I half-heartedly put this together.

Does anyone get it or would you need an explanation? Chris: your thoughts? Am I ripping off anyone?

For Piet

2008-09-19T20:57:00.001+09:00

What you got on this, AJ?

2008-09-18T22:00:00.006+09:00

I figured I'd show you what I am forcing myself to eat here. And of course, to reassure my mom that I am getting enough to eat. Last night was spaghetti with my homemade meat sauce ("I can't believe I ate the whole thing") so tonight was red curry, Thai style. I never really perfected the recipe back home but tonight it turned out alright. I think the key was to let it simmer for a while and of course, not rushing it because you're so hungry and it's already 10pm. Ironically, I was missing some key ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffer lime leaves, and fish sauce (I substituted it with oyster sauce this time). I couldn't find those items anywhere. Did you know that a head of lettuce is about $2 here? And cheddar cheese is stupidly expensive. Who would have thought that cheap-azzed tacos would be for special occasions only? "I'm having guests tonight so we're having tacos."

Tonight's ingredients include: chicken, red pepper, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes (though I prefer the grape variety)

The onions, garlic, and curry paste getting it on.

Go coconut milk (only available at import food stores)

Add the colour

Cover and simmer is KEY

You Got Served

And just like that, it's gone (elapsed time: 5 minutes)

Me, my new band, hippies, mother nature, and Red Bull in Hakuba.

2008-09-18T04:04:00.009+09:00

Oh yeah, I'm finally moved in.

2008-09-08T00:23:00.001+09:00

A more topical video to follow.

My Backyard

2008-08-25T01:16:00.004+09:00

Can't buy a tan out here

2008-08-16T22:33:00.003+09:00

I think it's the pollution level out here or something because the UV index is like 11 everyday. I'm not getting any darker; I'm probably just damaging my skin without even knowing it.

I found my own pad and will be moving in within the next two weeks.

Elephants Gerald

2008-08-04T23:06:00.002+09:00

The same day that I forgot to work, I bailed on my bike in front of 2-3 bystanders. Did they say anything? No. Did they do anything? Not really. They just watched me fall off and kept on walking. I wasn't physically hurt, but emotionally I was devastated.

Time flies when it's 80% humidity

2008-08-04T17:02:00.002+09:00

I was chilling at the Starbucks in Kichijoji, sipping on an iced Chai Tea Latte and flipping through my Japanese textbook. I was thinking, "Man this holiday is loooong." Suddenly my phone rings and it's my boss.

Boss: "Simon, where are you?"
Me: "I'm in Kichijoji."
Boss: "Why are you in Kichijoji?"
Me: (pause) "Is there class today?!?!"

I think you know how the rest of this turns out.

Aircon or Die!

2008-08-03T23:46:00.001+09:00

This is how they wash your hair in Tokyo.

Free hanky with purchase of water bottle!

2008-08-03T14:13:00.002+09:00

I'll probably be living in something like this next month

As I'm still on holidays, I bought a Japanese textbook and am studying for about 2 hours a day. Mainichi boku wa nijikan benkyoo shimasu. So usually I head to the nearest cafe (where ever I may be) and crack that sucker open. Sometimes I get stuck in the smoking section and that's just not a productive place to study. After an hour, my eyes begin to burn from the smoke and my clothes smell awful.

Hmm, what else is new? I am playing drums for a local band and we will be playing at an outdoor festival in September. The music is kind of funky, 60's, soundtrack stuff.

Oh! And whenever I have to wake up early for work, I am so grumpy that I always have thoughts of wanting to going back to Vancouver. This usually lasts until lunch time. It's only temporary, but what a drag, ne?

隅田川花火大会

2008-07-27T16:50:00.006+09:00

Dave made a comment about Vancouver's fireworks being a pile of shit. This is true. Let me give you a little background information on how it goes down in Tokyo.

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival takes place on the last Saturday of July. Young men and women would don their most fashionable yakuta and take to the streets. I thought the yakutas were great as it gives the young Japanese women an excuse NOT to dress like sluts. This year, over 900,000 people converged in Asakusa to view the hour-long display. They gathered on rooftops and camped out on the street. On the closed roads, families would tape off a section of the pavement to reserve their spot and then later set up their picnic. Of course, some lucky folks (such as myself) had the privilege of enjoying the view from the rooftop of an apartment building. As you can tell by the video, there wasn't just one display of fireworks, but two going on at once! Yes, dueling fireworks. I think the MAIN difference with this one and Vancouver's was the fact that their was no litter on the street or random brawl.

Plan Z

2008-07-23T19:38:00.004+09:00

Dejected, but not ousted

Well it all went down. I feared the 'worst' and it happened. I sat down with a lady from the accounting dept, the art director with a major serious look on his face, and the English-speaking copywriter whom I was to be replacing. She talked about the position and showed me the company's portfolio. Then the art director had some questions-IN JAPANESE. Alas, it turned out that my Japanese level was too low to be able to communicate with the rest of the staff.

Here's the thing though: my portfolio blew them out of the water. Impressed the SHIT out of them. To be honest, it looked better than their own portfolio and they knew it. The girl who was doing the hiring said that she would have worked with me hands down (if she was staying), and would have hired me on the spot. I had the writing skills, design skills, personally, poise, attitude, enthusiasm, etc. They all knew I was perfect for the job as other applicants brought in stacks of paper for their writing samples. STACKS OF PAPER!?!?! Are you fucking kidding me? And I was such a perfect fit for the position that I could tell that they were struggling with the notion of rejecting me because they knew that if they let me go, they'd be back to square one. They were willing to try me even though I definitely did not have the Japanese skills to talk to them about anything. In the end, I told them that even though I couldn't speak enough Japanese, I was up for the huge challenge. I got the impression that they weren't entirely ready to tell me 'good luck with your future endeavours.' But I'm moving on regardless because I don't have time to wait.

It's been too hot to post

2008-07-20T20:11:00.003+09:00

Chris, it's all about building up suspense. I'm probably going to post the best post yet...now. Oh and the portfolio's done by the way, Chris. Interview is tomorrow. I'll send you the pics.

Ok, so I filmed my bike ride today. I figured some of you may be interested in what some of the streets are like in Tokyo. It's an 18-part video and I suggest you watch them in order. Please note that this was all filmed ON a bicycle, with no walking whatsoever (except for stupid part 12 which you will see). So enjoy the bumpy ride!
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

where amazing happens

2008-07-07T22:08:00.002+09:00

Who's up for some 21?

cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_0SSUzVXzUOE/SHIV7gL-shI/AAAAAAAAATg/-L5SDCxfQWM/s400/IMGP1289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220259030072472082" />Nothing but coiled steel

Rim out much?

In the not-too-distant future, Basketball will no longer exist. But there will be Coilball.

Part 3 - "West Shinjuku Skyscraper District"

2008-07-06T23:55:00.006+09:00

I had Burger King today

2008-07-06T23:20:00.002+09:00

As you may be aware, I'm quite the loner out here (or "lone wolf" as I'd like to call it). It comes with the territory of being a foreigner, no big deal to me. And Purgatory is full of loners. So to coincide with this notion and in conglomeration with all my free time, I've decided to become a "cafe guy." This is basically anyone who hangs out in a Starbucks or similar establishment for more than 30 minutes. People tend to read, do homework, or just rock out on their laptop. I've never really been into this because a) I don't drink coffee; and b) I'd have stuff to do. But things are different in Japan. Therefore I have started drawing again. Inspired by the works of Chris, I'm now doodling in the inside cover of my agenda as the hours fly by. It works on the train and in restaurants too. And just to let you know, parkour and breaking have taken a back seat to drawing due to the sudden burst in this month's temperature and humidity. We're in the 30's here, with relative humidity sitting at a sticky 80% or more.

Speaking of restaurants, I eat alone most of the time here in Tokyo. It's cool. Everybody does it. I'm into Indian food and I sometimes pass this one Indian restaurant on my alternate route to and from the train station. I've been there a couple of times and there are never any other people eating there. I feel sorry for the guy as he's got a staff of at least 5 on hand making and serving my meal. When I do pass by, I always see him and his wife sitting at the back booth, waiting for patrons (ala "Two Guys from Kabul"). I don't know how these types of places stay in business. Tokyo seems to be festering with small businesses on the brink of going belly-up but I have yet to see it happen. I sure hope this guy otherwise stays in business otherwise I'll have to go all the way to Koenji for my Indian craving.

Speaking of Purgatory...

2008-07-04T21:00:00.003+09:00

How appropriate was it to cap off my day at the National Museum of Nature and Science with a nice little lightning storm. I was snapping away like a beatnik on jazz night, but still couldn't get that million-dollar upskirt shot. So here are the best photos of these so-called "Anvil Crawlers":

And for those of you who appreciate video more:

6.43 fortnights later...

2008-07-03T20:57:00.003+09:00

It's been exactly (almost) 3 months since I left Vancouver for Japanesier pastures. I will say that I am officially one month behind schedule, in terms of having a full-time job and living on my own. I feel like I'm in purgatory: I've made the trip, but can't really get that final boost to get me into "heaven" (or..."hell"). I've been in the same position for the last two months. Of course, April wasn't the most opportune time to start looking for work in Japan, as March and August are the big recruitment months for the respective April and September semesters. Nonetheless, if I did indeed arrive a month late, then maybe I'm just 5 months early for the Fall semester.

I must say that my emotions have not been toyed with as much as they have been here in Tokyo. No, not even by Amanda (Hi, Pants ;))! There have been many ups and many downs. As of this writing, I do not want to go back home. But it was only a short time prior when I was contemplating my return to Vancouver, maybe in time for the Jazz Fest. Life's like that I suppose. The only real thing keeping me here is the prospect of good things to come. These don't happen often, but this time it's landing an interview for a Copywriter position with a design firm. That's right. Just like the English Narrator position from last month, I'm preparing one basket to carry my multiple eggs. But I've only ever had one basket here so it's no big deal.

I got a new haircut, rash

2008-06-28T00:38:00.003+09:00

It was a coincidence I got this photo today

Yep. I went back to the doctor's office today. What was it this time? Well, yesterday morning I woke up to a peculiar rash on the inside elbow of my right arm. Kinda itchy. Then the right side of my back started itching. Then my whole torso under my arm, and after my stomach-well you get the picture. Some sort of major breakout going on here. Was it bed bugs? The new soap I bought? Allergic reaction to Indian food? Scabies (as Brandon suggested)? Cancer? Nope. It's (probably) caterpillars, suckers. No, not under my skin (which is what I first thought and nearly pissed my pants). The doctor said I came in contact somehow with caterpillar hair, which can cause a rash not much unlike poison ivy. I couldn't even imagine when I ever came across a caterpillar or its hair. But maybe it's a rare-not-so-rare phenomenon, like getting shitted on by a bird. Ha, it could be good luck. So I got this cream I have to apply twice a day and I should be good as new in 3-4 days. Toyo's dad said that my breakout can also be related to me experiencing stress in a different environment, confronting new challenges that I've never faced before. All this "I-need-more-work-to-get-more-money-to-move-out-oh-shit-how-do-I-rent-an-apartment-in Japan" stress isn't good for the body and I'm prone to get kicked in the balls more so being a rookie at it. I can't say that episodes like the one above don't affect my morale. It's always more shit that has to complicate things, ya know? Oh, everyday I think about coming back home. Then later in the day I know I want to stay. If I had a Suicideometer like AJ, it would be fluctuating more wildly than those zany gas prices! Zing!

Furthermore, this doctor's visit could not have come at a more inopportune time. My travel insurance provider is already "up in arms" about extending my coverage since I submitted a claim a couple of weeks prior. "Are you completely healthy?" they ask me, like I only buy insurance while I'm in foreign country for kicks and I enjoy paying $100 per doctor's visit.

Japanese in Action!

2008-06-24T23:28:00.004+09:00

Below is an actual conversation (translated into English) between myself and a Japanese man this afternoon at Takashimaya Time Square.

Japanese Man: (KNOCK) (KNOCK)
Me: "Uh, yes?"
JM: "Pardon me, did I leave my bag in there?"
Me: "Yes."
JM: (Probably did not hear me through the door) "Is there a bag in there?"
Me: "Yes. Just a second..."
JM: "Thank you. Sorry for bothering you."
Two minutes later.
Me: (Exiting the stall of the men's room) "Okay. Go ahead."
JM" "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble."

TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!

2008-06-22T21:07:00.004+09:00

TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!
TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW! TOY SHOW!

"Not unless you think of the irony!"

2008-06-21T17:03:00.003+09:00

Having a 'whale' of a time in Tokyo

So dude called me back from HIS cell phone on Thursday night, asking if I wanted to come in for just the upcoming Saturday. I suppose he wanted to give me a second chance at the narrator gig. I don't pass up this type of opportunity to make a second impression, right? C'mon, the guy calls me at off-work hours and asks me to come in because I am still on his mind. Yea well screw that I had to teach a class on Saturday. I reluctantly turned down his offer, as there was no promise that it would grow into the full-time position I wanted.

Well guess what? I go into work on Saturday and the student cancels. Of all the Saturdays I needed off, this one was THE one. I'm running out of balls to get kicked in.

Brian Schick

2008-06-19T16:38:00.002+09:00

I was saving my next post to tell you that I got the job. But no, I didn't get the job. I was quite upset about it after speaking to the guy. His reasons? For the Narrator job, the part read for someone with a more east coast American accent. He said my accent was too clear so he gave the job to an actual American dude. Fair enough. As for the teaching job, he opted for a female at the request of one of his current clients. Fair enough. However, dude did say that I made the biggest impression on him and he remembered my interview the most. I'm basically in line for the next opening he has, but this timing is just a kick in the balls for me.

So I'm back to square one which in reality isn't too far from where I was before.

If I did get the job, I was going to drink my face off to celebrate. If I didn't get it, I was going to drink my face off to grieve. So what a coincidence that my childhood friend Brian Schick was in town and wanted to go out. He was in Tokyo for a couple of days with his friends from med school.

We started things off at this great looking whiskey bar in Shibuya where we all shared a bottle of Wild Turkey on some of the 'coolest' ice I've ever seen. It was frosted and cut in jagged cubes, but with rough edges like a piece of granite. The bar owner was real cool (moustache) and of course I got a photo with him (all photos will follow in a future post once Brian sends them to me). He asked us if we liked the music he was playing and-honest to god-it was some of the best 70's and 80's stuff I've ever heard. Basically the kind of place and music that Quentin Tarantino would get hard for.

We stumbled out of there and took a cab to Roppongi. Standard drunken craziness ensued. Not really going to go into detail about it now, but I caught the 6:21am train back home. I thought I was going to ralph but lucky me I didn't!