January 22, 2004

fig. 1: A family of tanuki at Yurakucho station

So a few days ago, one of my coworkers and I decided to head upstairs for lunch at one of the cheap Japanese restaurants in Yoga station. After lunch, we were confronted by this old man who started asking my friend if he was European. My coworker said, "No man, I'm Canadian!" Then the old man looks at me and says, "You're the American!" I gave him this shocked look, as if to express, "Oh no, I've been found!" So the old man quickly grabs my hand and starts shaking it, and insists I "Do the song!" I look at my coworker, who returned my look, agreeing this old man was nuts. Suddenly, I remembered that I usually whistle on my way to lunch(I know, I am distinctly American when I travel, it's easy to spot me...), and figured maybe he'd been listening to me earlier. So I start whistling the song, and my guess was right, the old man started howling and began singing along with my whistling. It was freaky, so we quickly made our way back to work.

Anyway, I had a very nice day today, I enjoyed my work, and ate a burrito for dinner. It was the first good burrito I had since I let America, it was full of chicken and beans, it was wonderful! When I got home, Yuko and I went out for a drink at the local bar. I had a White Russian, and Yuko had a Malibu Ginger, her favorite drink. After our drink, we walked back to our apartment and I called a few of my friends and family to see how they were. Another nice day in Tokyo, Japan. I'll try to be better now and update more often. New photos are coming soon, I'm examining a software called, "Moveable Type," which I may implement soon on my site.

January 19, 2004
O.K., here it is, a serious post.

So, over winter break, I spent my time with Yuko's family in Mito. I had a great time, meeting her father and mother and one of her sisters. Her father and mother cooked sukiyaki(a giant hot plate filled with meat, vegetables, sauce, and sake for taste, all cooked together) for dinner on our first night there. It was delightful, her father can speak some English, and we could talk a little. He's studying Deutsch, and was excited to show me his new electronic dictionary for it. Her mother was so nice, she kept giving me green tea and snacks as we sat around a table in her living room. During the few days we spent there, I saw an amazing plum tree garden, and an ancient school house which was restored for visitors to walk through it. Yuko showed me around her neighborhood, and I took tons of wonderful photographs of the trees and old architecture. We went to pray at one of the shrines, and met some of her old friends there.

I think it was on the second night, we decided to go for a walk down one of the streets near her parents house around midnight. We wanted coffee, and came across this tiny hole-in-the-wall coffee shop/bar which we decided to try. Walking inside, we met this middle-aged man from America who warmly greeted us into his dimmly lit cafe. Yuko and I looked at eachother and agreed that it was like a scene out of a movie, old aging photos on the walls, the smell of coffee, cigarrettes and alcohol, and an interesting bunch hanging over the bar area. Yuko and I took a seat near the window, warming ourselves by the heater. The man walked over and started talking to us. He decided to reveal his secret to us, that he's a voice actor for Sailor Moon, a popular Japanese anime, and he plays the role of a magician. It was interesting meeting him, he's been spending his years working in television, and runs the cafe as a side job, maybe like a hobbie. We had a great time talking with him, and sharing stories. After a few drinks, we decided to head back to our room and get some sleep. It was quite an experience, I look forward to returning there someday.

O.K., next on my list is my job situation and living situation. Well, I moved out of my apartment, and now live with Yuko. Our rent together is very low, now that we're sharing a place, so it's a good opportunity for me to save money. As for my job teaching, well, there have been some changes. I gave my one month notice and am leaving my school to take on a position as a graphic designer for a respectable English magazine in Tokyo. I'm very excited to being working for them, but this means I won't be leaving Japan for a while now. So, my plans are to try to visit this summer, if all goes well. I must keep working hard and remain dedicated to graphic design and my dreams. I will tell you more later when the new job begins.

Well, right now I have to cook dinner. I'm making something with pork, corn, and tomatoes, I hope it turns out well! Till next time!

January 11, 2004
Hoo-ha, I've been a lazy bum about writing! Still not sure what to say. Tonight, Yuko and I had miso ramen soup in Meguro for dinner. Tomorrow, we're planning to go to Akihabara to look at toys, then go to Ueno and buy fruits. Yuko found an interesting Bali restaurant in Roppongi, so we might try it for dinner. I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. It's been freezing cold here and staying in a warm bed as long as possible is my priority right now.