Well, after taking a bus to the Gion district that consists of traditional Japan with temples, shrines and Geisha, we walked around for the better part of an hour looking for a Love Hotel. Rooms were either $50 per hour or $130 for overnight. But check-in was at 10 pm, and we did not know if we could go in and out of the hotel. The sun was setting, we were starting to get cranky and hungry. We ended up back on Higashioji Street just down from the Yasaka Pagoda staring into a diner. We were hungry, so we set our weary parts down at a table.
We did not have high expectations. While we were waiting for the only woman took cook our food, we contemplated sleeping at the train station, trying a hostel, or taking the train to another city and leaving Kyoto. The latter made me very sad because I really wanted to see Kyoto. We almost skipped the city all-together. We had not made a hotel reservation and every room from a hostel to a hotel was booked. It is the beginning of the cherry blossom season.
Our dinner was good and fufilling. We we were paying our bill, the restaurant owner took pitty on us. She called her husband to assist us. He came by the restaurant and phoned an aquaintance and left a voicemail. We sat a waited hoping for even a spare room in some random building.
After a few minutes, the husband came over and informed us he managed to arrange a place for us to stay. He even came out to explain the directions to the taxi driver. Most streets and buildings in Japan do not have signs or numbers.
The taxi driver had no idea where this guest house was, but he managed to find it. A fellow met us at a gate. We followed him down a walkway. When he opened the door, we were in complete awe inside the Gojo Machiya Guest House. It is a two-level Japanese style house with lots of browns and whites with a kitchen, shower and bathroom, heated-seat toliet, laundry and tv. The best part is the guest house is only $150 per night with a $100 deposit. Most of the hotels started at $250 to $300 per night.
I am currently sitting on a Thai-triangle pillow with a fuzzy blanket in a tatami room listening to classical opera playing on a cd player hanging on the wall.
Life in Kyoto is *so* rough.
Also, I saw my first Geisha. We were standing outside the restaurant and there were two Geisha standing on the street. A few people were photographing them, and they turned their backs to avoid being photographed. Both Geisha were stunning.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Kyoto
We just showed up in Kyoto and all the hotels are full.
Osaka was amazing. We stayed at the Flex Hotel near the train station. Lots of little bars, Izakaya and boutiques. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.
We went to see the Osaka Castle. It was originally built in the 1500s, but it was burned down during a war in the 1600s. It was rebuilt and struck by lighting and burned again. Air raids during WWII also destroyed a lot of the castle walls and turrets.
We also went to the aquarium. The aquarium has eight floors with exhibits from Japan`s Forests, Alaska, Antarctica, Cook Islands, Aleutenin, Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The latter tank has 5400 tonnes of water and is loaded with fish, sharks and manta rays. I also saw gigantic spider crabs, octopuses and jelly fish. The acrylic glass of the tank is 30 cm thick.
We also saw a gigantic ferris wheel on the harbour front.
The food in Osaka was also amazing. We had incredible bento boxes for lunch at a tiny place with beautiful decor. For dinner, we had good sushi at Jean-ni (sp?). After dinner, I had a nap for a few hours. At 2 am, I decided to go for a walk. I walked north to see a organic building, temple and shrine. Then I walked south towards the Osaka Theatre. Eventhough it was 3 and 4 in the morning, I felt completely safe. I walked through the Shinsabashi Shopping district. At night, it looks like Times Square or Las Vegas.
I love Osaka city!
We went back to Nariyama for one more night. We went to another Onsen Hanna bath house. Not as fancy as the first one. It had three pools and two saunas. Because it was after 7 pm, it only cost $5.
Now, we are sitting in the foreign tourist office located on the 9th Floor in the Seto department store searching the Internet for love hotels to stay at. I snuck a quick peak the the Kimono fabric section of the department store. Kimonos start at a few thousand dollars in price.
Our plan was to stay two nights in Kyoto, but we may have to leave if there is no accommodation. *sigh*
Osaka was amazing. We stayed at the Flex Hotel near the train station. Lots of little bars, Izakaya and boutiques. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.
We went to see the Osaka Castle. It was originally built in the 1500s, but it was burned down during a war in the 1600s. It was rebuilt and struck by lighting and burned again. Air raids during WWII also destroyed a lot of the castle walls and turrets.
We also went to the aquarium. The aquarium has eight floors with exhibits from Japan`s Forests, Alaska, Antarctica, Cook Islands, Aleutenin, Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The latter tank has 5400 tonnes of water and is loaded with fish, sharks and manta rays. I also saw gigantic spider crabs, octopuses and jelly fish. The acrylic glass of the tank is 30 cm thick.
We also saw a gigantic ferris wheel on the harbour front.
The food in Osaka was also amazing. We had incredible bento boxes for lunch at a tiny place with beautiful decor. For dinner, we had good sushi at Jean-ni (sp?). After dinner, I had a nap for a few hours. At 2 am, I decided to go for a walk. I walked north to see a organic building, temple and shrine. Then I walked south towards the Osaka Theatre. Eventhough it was 3 and 4 in the morning, I felt completely safe. I walked through the Shinsabashi Shopping district. At night, it looks like Times Square or Las Vegas.
I love Osaka city!
We went back to Nariyama for one more night. We went to another Onsen Hanna bath house. Not as fancy as the first one. It had three pools and two saunas. Because it was after 7 pm, it only cost $5.
Now, we are sitting in the foreign tourist office located on the 9th Floor in the Seto department store searching the Internet for love hotels to stay at. I snuck a quick peak the the Kimono fabric section of the department store. Kimonos start at a few thousand dollars in price.
Our plan was to stay two nights in Kyoto, but we may have to leave if there is no accommodation. *sigh*
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Konnichwa
Greetings from Hiroshima. This is the first time I have had an opportunity to us a comptuer. After every word, I have to hit the enter key. I was only in Tokyo for a day and a half. We stayed with a friend of a friend`s in Yutenji. She shares a penthouse apartment with 4 other roommates.
In Tokyo, I went to Akihibara, the electronics district. I saw cute girls advertising maid cafes. I also went to Asukusa and saw the ancient temple. I tried some octopus donut holes (not my favourite. In the evening, we went to the club in Babel called Womb. Crazy. It had four floors and played a lot of hosue and trance. A 21 year old University student tried to pick me up. He was really sweet and said my outfit was very cute.
Then we went south to Nariyama for three days to visit Mike`s sister`s family. We stayed in a Japanese house with sliding doors and tatami mat rooms. The housing here has no central heating. She cooked amazing traditional food and served amazing green teas. We also went to an Onsen (public bath). It was like a luxury spa. It had 10 baths, including cold, hot, bubbling and hot spring. There were also 3 saunas, a cafeteria, massage, movie room, library and computers. Lunch was amazing and I paid $3 to be barried in sand up to my neck.
The toliets here are amazing: trickle rinses, dryers and always warm to sit on. Some even play music.
In Naoshima, we stayed in Yurt by the beach. We went on a walking tour of 20 different types of art structures. We also toured the Benesse Museum, Chichu Museum and Art House Project (restored houses with art).
Now I am in Hiroshima. Today, we visited the Memorial Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. The museum was emotional and horrifying. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima blasted everything within a 600 metre radius and radiated everything around 2 km. Over 140,000 people died, 70,000 of which were never identified.
Tomorrow, we are off to Kyoto and then Osaka.
My basic Japanese is becoming better and better each day. Japanese culture is very interesting: people wear masks when sick, wave thanks during driving, say please and thank you a LOT, and bow.
All the food I have eaten has been amazing and cheap. It is cheaper to eat quality restaurant and a-la-carte food then in Canada. I love Kirin lemon tea and milk tea (strawberry too!).
I rode a bullet train that went 285 kms per hour!
I have seen lots of stray cats lying around temples and in parks. They are not very friendly to strangers.
Lots of love from Japan!
Cho Segoi (very awesome)!
In Tokyo, I went to Akihibara, the electronics district. I saw cute girls advertising maid cafes. I also went to Asukusa and saw the ancient temple. I tried some octopus donut holes (not my favourite. In the evening, we went to the club in Babel called Womb. Crazy. It had four floors and played a lot of hosue and trance. A 21 year old University student tried to pick me up. He was really sweet and said my outfit was very cute.
Then we went south to Nariyama for three days to visit Mike`s sister`s family. We stayed in a Japanese house with sliding doors and tatami mat rooms. The housing here has no central heating. She cooked amazing traditional food and served amazing green teas. We also went to an Onsen (public bath). It was like a luxury spa. It had 10 baths, including cold, hot, bubbling and hot spring. There were also 3 saunas, a cafeteria, massage, movie room, library and computers. Lunch was amazing and I paid $3 to be barried in sand up to my neck.
The toliets here are amazing: trickle rinses, dryers and always warm to sit on. Some even play music.
In Naoshima, we stayed in Yurt by the beach. We went on a walking tour of 20 different types of art structures. We also toured the Benesse Museum, Chichu Museum and Art House Project (restored houses with art).
Now I am in Hiroshima. Today, we visited the Memorial Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. The museum was emotional and horrifying. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima blasted everything within a 600 metre radius and radiated everything around 2 km. Over 140,000 people died, 70,000 of which were never identified.
Tomorrow, we are off to Kyoto and then Osaka.
My basic Japanese is becoming better and better each day. Japanese culture is very interesting: people wear masks when sick, wave thanks during driving, say please and thank you a LOT, and bow.
All the food I have eaten has been amazing and cheap. It is cheaper to eat quality restaurant and a-la-carte food then in Canada. I love Kirin lemon tea and milk tea (strawberry too!).
I rode a bullet train that went 285 kms per hour!
I have seen lots of stray cats lying around temples and in parks. They are not very friendly to strangers.
Lots of love from Japan!
Cho Segoi (very awesome)!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Vacation: All I Ever Wanted
I saw Jimmy Kimmel's Unnecessary Censorship of Sesame Street recently and could not stop laughing.
Also of a laughing nature is Prop 8: The Musical. I know this was going around a few months ago, but I finally decided to watch it.
Tomorrow, I will be flying to Tokyo on a 10-hour JAL flight. I managed to arrange a cat herder at the last minute when my previous person fell through. Thank you Claire for offering to watch Choco Cat for me.
I recently read the story of Hachiko, Japan's most Faithful Dog. Hachiko was the loyal companion of Professor Uyeno in 1923. He always accompanied his owner to the train station and waited for him to returned and walk back home with him. He did this for two years. One day, the professor died at work and did not return home. The Akita dog continued to go to the train station and wait for him for 10 years until his death (the same spot he last saw his owner alive). There is a statue in Shibuya to honour Hachiko.
I am really looking forward to 18C warmer weather in Tokyo. However, I hear it can be quite windy at times. I miss my scarf.
Listening to: Jim Sturges - Across the Universe
Also of a laughing nature is Prop 8: The Musical. I know this was going around a few months ago, but I finally decided to watch it.
Tomorrow, I will be flying to Tokyo on a 10-hour JAL flight. I managed to arrange a cat herder at the last minute when my previous person fell through. Thank you Claire for offering to watch Choco Cat for me.
I recently read the story of Hachiko, Japan's most Faithful Dog. Hachiko was the loyal companion of Professor Uyeno in 1923. He always accompanied his owner to the train station and waited for him to returned and walk back home with him. He did this for two years. One day, the professor died at work and did not return home. The Akita dog continued to go to the train station and wait for him for 10 years until his death (the same spot he last saw his owner alive). There is a statue in Shibuya to honour Hachiko.
I am really looking forward to 18C warmer weather in Tokyo. However, I hear it can be quite windy at times. I miss my scarf.
Listening to: Jim Sturges - Across the Universe
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Heard It Was A Full Moon
Here is a link to Validation the movie.
Flight of the Conchords' Ladies of the World
Flight of the Conchords' songs were the anthems of my weekend in Victoria. The weekend in Victoria was great. We had brunch at Floyd's, Pho at Pho Vy, and partied Carnivale-style at a Firehall in Sannich.
After work, I ran around downtown crossing off errands. I tried to find another scarf to replace the one that was stolen from the Waldorf party two weeks ago--no luck. That was my favourite scarf. *grr* I bought my Japan rail pass with 20 minutes before closing to spare. One week from now, I will be on my JAL flight with a Cheshire grin and worshiping JAL flight attendants. Arigato gozaimasu!
I also went to MAC to buy some face products, including the lipstick and lipliner I had to replace that were stolen in my wool coat. I also picked up a beaver skiing snowglobe for Mike's sister's mother-in-law in Japan. I also bought his s-n-l a bunch of cute dollar-store stickers (she is a teacher) and a shwack of chocolate (she's craving Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Balls). I also bought some cute Vancouver fridge magnets to give away. A cute bear ornament I bought broke on the way home. I am going to see if the Maintenance guy at work can help me fix it.
Man, this Imperial Earl Gray tea from T is good, especially with Tim Tam's. I learned about Tim Tam's in Australia. You bite off one end of the biscuit, then the other and suck the tea through and eat it. I recently found Tim Tam's at London Drugs.
I forgot I have to do my taxes, or beg my cousin too. She did them last year... by hand. I usually buy Quicktax and split the cost with others. Last year, I bribed her with steak and lobster dinner at The Boathouse at English Bay. You may say QB is cheaper than surf & turf for two, but she's really good company.
Tea sips... yum. I just have to finalize my packing list and actually start packing. I also bought used Mary Lawson's Crow Lake to read on the flight. My massage therapist recommended Lawson to me.
I bought some yuppie black Pumas today. I wanted black sneakers to wear at work and in Japan. I have tried on so many black sleek sneakers to no avail. So I broke down at bought them at Brown's in The Bay. I also bought a pair of Ed Hardy's with a funky koi pattern.
Oh yeah, I have yet another cold. Third one of the year thus far. Thank goodness it is a mild one. It should be gone by the weekend. I guess I shouldn't have been... yadda yadda... this past weekend.
Listening to: The Fixx - Saved By Zero
Flight of the Conchords' Ladies of the World
Flight of the Conchords' songs were the anthems of my weekend in Victoria. The weekend in Victoria was great. We had brunch at Floyd's, Pho at Pho Vy, and partied Carnivale-style at a Firehall in Sannich.
After work, I ran around downtown crossing off errands. I tried to find another scarf to replace the one that was stolen from the Waldorf party two weeks ago--no luck. That was my favourite scarf. *grr* I bought my Japan rail pass with 20 minutes before closing to spare. One week from now, I will be on my JAL flight with a Cheshire grin and worshiping JAL flight attendants. Arigato gozaimasu!
I also went to MAC to buy some face products, including the lipstick and lipliner I had to replace that were stolen in my wool coat. I also picked up a beaver skiing snowglobe for Mike's sister's mother-in-law in Japan. I also bought his s-n-l a bunch of cute dollar-store stickers (she is a teacher) and a shwack of chocolate (she's craving Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Balls). I also bought some cute Vancouver fridge magnets to give away. A cute bear ornament I bought broke on the way home. I am going to see if the Maintenance guy at work can help me fix it.
Man, this Imperial Earl Gray tea from T is good, especially with Tim Tam's. I learned about Tim Tam's in Australia. You bite off one end of the biscuit, then the other and suck the tea through and eat it. I recently found Tim Tam's at London Drugs.
I forgot I have to do my taxes, or beg my cousin too. She did them last year... by hand. I usually buy Quicktax and split the cost with others. Last year, I bribed her with steak and lobster dinner at The Boathouse at English Bay. You may say QB is cheaper than surf & turf for two, but she's really good company.
Tea sips... yum. I just have to finalize my packing list and actually start packing. I also bought used Mary Lawson's Crow Lake to read on the flight. My massage therapist recommended Lawson to me.
I bought some yuppie black Pumas today. I wanted black sneakers to wear at work and in Japan. I have tried on so many black sleek sneakers to no avail. So I broke down at bought them at Brown's in The Bay. I also bought a pair of Ed Hardy's with a funky koi pattern.
Oh yeah, I have yet another cold. Third one of the year thus far. Thank goodness it is a mild one. It should be gone by the weekend. I guess I shouldn't have been... yadda yadda... this past weekend.
Listening to: The Fixx - Saved By Zero
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friday, March 06, 2009
Ain't What I Used To Be
Well, let me tell you 4 hours sleep doesn't feel the same as when you were 21 years old. I went to a fundraiser for Yvonne's Mad Hatter Party last night at the Canvas Lounge. I had never been there before, but I know it is the former Babylon Studios space. I think they raised a lot of money for her cause and I was proud to participate.
Prior to the party, I went to Hastings Steam & Sauna for some Eucalyptus steam with F&C and D. When I got home, I just wanted to lie down on my comfy bed. But it was good to go to the party and connect with people. There were some really great hats.
Tonight, I am going to Carnivàle Party in Victoria with Yonderboy and Squishelle. I am excited for my first Victoria Burner Party. Yonderboy has offered to do a photo shoot for Bunny Ruffles and I. I packed a shwack load of clothes and three pairs of shoes. I am hoping to squeeze in some cat naps along the way to Victoria in the car and on the ferry. I just have to make it through my work day.
Prior to the party, I went to Hastings Steam & Sauna for some Eucalyptus steam with F&C and D. When I got home, I just wanted to lie down on my comfy bed. But it was good to go to the party and connect with people. There were some really great hats.
Tonight, I am going to Carnivàle Party in Victoria with Yonderboy and Squishelle. I am excited for my first Victoria Burner Party. Yonderboy has offered to do a photo shoot for Bunny Ruffles and I. I packed a shwack load of clothes and three pairs of shoes. I am hoping to squeeze in some cat naps along the way to Victoria in the car and on the ferry. I just have to make it through my work day.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
FlipText
˙ɯɟʞɔɐɾ uo ǝnƃɐǝl ƃıq s,ǝuɐɹɥɔoɔ ɯoʇ oʇ ƃuıuǝʇsıl ɯɐ ı ʍou ʇɥƃıɹ
˙ɹǝɥɔɐǝʇ ɐ sı ǝɥs ˙ɥʇıʍ ƃuıʎɐʇs ǝɹɐ ǝʍ uɐɯoʍ ǝɥʇ ɹoɟ sɹǝʞɔıʇs ǝʇnɔ ǝɯos puıɟ oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ı ˙uɐdɐɾ ǝɹoɟǝq op oʇ uoıʇɐɹɐdǝɹd ɟo ʇıq ɐ ǝʌɐɥ llıʇs ı
˙ʞɹoʍ ɹǝʇɟɐ ʇuǝɯʇuıoddɐ ǝƃɐssɐɯ ʎlɹɐǝ uɐ oʇ oƃ oʇ ʎɐpoʇ ʎlɹɐǝ dn ʇǝƃ oʇ pɐɥ ı
¡unɟ sı ɟɟnʇs ʇxǝʇdılɟ sıɥʇ
˙ɹǝɥɔɐǝʇ ɐ sı ǝɥs ˙ɥʇıʍ ƃuıʎɐʇs ǝɹɐ ǝʍ uɐɯoʍ ǝɥʇ ɹoɟ sɹǝʞɔıʇs ǝʇnɔ ǝɯos puıɟ oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ı ˙uɐdɐɾ ǝɹoɟǝq op oʇ uoıʇɐɹɐdǝɹd ɟo ʇıq ɐ ǝʌɐɥ llıʇs ı
˙ʞɹoʍ ɹǝʇɟɐ ʇuǝɯʇuıoddɐ ǝƃɐssɐɯ ʎlɹɐǝ uɐ oʇ oƃ oʇ ʎɐpoʇ ʎlɹɐǝ dn ʇǝƃ oʇ pɐɥ ı
¡unɟ sı ɟɟnʇs ʇxǝʇdılɟ sıɥʇ
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Canon Memory Card Error
So, my 5 year old trusty Canon S400 was giving me a Cannot Read Memory Card Error. After replacing the battery, I still received the error. I took it to VanCam Service to have it assessed. The technician informed me Canon was issuing a recall that may fix my problem for free. He also said my canon has a very good lens and is sturdy because it is thick. He further stated the new slim cameras are not as sturdy when dropped and the lenses are not as good.
In Japan, D&M and I are booked at the Tsutsuji-so Lodge in Naoshima.
I purchased a lovely Curious George sticker and colouring book from KidsBooks today. The shop even gift-wrapped it.
Currently watching the L-Word. Love the show. I love seeing the Vancouver shoot locations in the show. There is a post-production trunk sale this weekend for the L-Word. I wish I was going to be in town to see the sale.
Listening to: Rammstein - Du Hast
In Japan, D&M and I are booked at the Tsutsuji-so Lodge in Naoshima.
I purchased a lovely Curious George sticker and colouring book from KidsBooks today. The shop even gift-wrapped it.
Currently watching the L-Word. Love the show. I love seeing the Vancouver shoot locations in the show. There is a post-production trunk sale this weekend for the L-Word. I wish I was going to be in town to see the sale.
Listening to: Rammstein - Du Hast
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)