Headed to Ishinomaki and a “well known” manga museum today. For my part it was a quest for all things “cute”.
Heading to Kanazawa for 3 days tomorrow.
So far so good. But jet lag continues.
Cuteness Quest
First Day
We got up early, and started out on our trek to Sendai. Got on a train. The wrong train – but still ended up where we wanted to be. Got here OK. Since the Japanese take “check in time” very seriously – we dropped our backpacks off at our hotel and headed out on sightseeing.
Rode the Loope Bus around Sendai. Saw some sights.
Had cow tongue curry for dinner. I should have done laundry. But didn’t. For sure tomorrow do laundry.
We are here
Have arrived in Japan. The flight was late and long. We got 4 movies and 3 lunches in-route. Needless to say, neither dinner nor TV was on our evening agenda.
We had surmountable issues with the ATM machines. But, have a modest supply of yen. We navigated our first Japanese train. And have a fancy Toto Toilet with lots of “features” in our tiny bathroom.
Pictures later. To much jet lag to mess with photos.
Dawn’s Early Light
I managed to wipe my WordPress theme out. So, for now … I’ll just use this one.
Happy Birthday America. Last night before turning in – I noticed some fireworks. Many of our local towns have fireworks before the 4th – not wanting to compete with the big show. Being too lazy to do anything – I just took the Point and Shooter out and Pointed and Shot. DSLR and Tripod would do heaps better. But, you get the idea.
I am getting into trip zone. Preparing for 20 hours of transit. Heading off on an adventure. A samurai tale. The old grasshopper and young cricket – each on a quest.
I always said that old age is the time to take risks. What exactly do you have to lose when you are 66 – maybe 20 years max. Years of decline. It is time to put your money where your mouth is, grasshopper.
Tour de France 2010
Le Tour starts tomorrow. I don’t imagine I’ll get much coverage of the race in Japan. But, it is the summer sumo season in Japan.
Please Feed the Carlton…
Carlton said that I could not outfit him with 30+ days of food stuff. So, I shouldn’t even try. Well, I put some ham sandwiches in the freezer for him, anyhow. And, I’ll stock him up on ice cream. There is a fine Korean Deli in the lobby. But, I don’t know if Carlton is able to actually pay for food. Most likely he’ll rely on the kindness of friends and strangers.
So, if you are in the area – please feed the Carlton.
major travelers remorse…
Major travelers remorse is setting in. What am I doing leaving my expensive tranquil almost penthouse apartment? Why am I going to a strange land with tiny hotel rooms and squatty potties. What on earth am I going to do with a 17 year old?
The only question I have an answer to is the 17 year old. The only thing I can do is treat the 17 year old like a civilized grown up human person.
Today I moved all the old photos and extra stuff off the Airness. Fired up TimeMachine. Treated myself to a couple of audiobooks. Going to Japan, I don’t imagine I need to take extra SD card or computer stuff. Should be able to buy all manner of hardware.
Speaking of hardware. Went to Pentagon City this afternoon. The Apple Store is right next door to the Sony Store. The Apple Store was stuffed with buyers. Packed. The Sony Store – which sells Sony computers and camera was empty. Well, except for a few folk who were watching Soccer on a Sony TV that the store had setup. Note to self. Next market meltdown – put AAPL on the shopping list.
time is running out…
While Carlton played tennis – I did the final pack packing.
Notice there are not many clothes. I am wearing one “outfit” and am packing 1.5 “outfits”. There are 30 thingies of instant “coffee”. Not for taste – but for caffeine. And a few snacks. 320 “fiber” capsules. (Getting old sucks – but, it beats the alternative – getting dead). Also in the bag – the Airness. After taking the photo – I decided to leave the the Airness “extension” cord at home. And, some of the Tide stays home. If I run out of laundry soap, I can wash my 2.5 “outfits” in hotel shampoo.
I was going to take two pair of shoes. Well, after my test run on Tuesday, I decided that something had to go. Everyday, I look at the Japanese weather – and it always seems to be 30% chance of rain. If Tevas were good enough for Paris – they are good enough for Toyko. So, the leather sandals stay home. Also, decided to leave the ball cap at home.
Next, I’ll pack my purse. I looked at all my purse options today – and decided that normal at home purse will be just fine. I just have to do a little rearranging.
I decided to stick a bunch of greenbacks in the titty bank. That will be my ATM machine problem Plan B.
Made steak for Carlton for lunch today. Sort of a “Last Supper” gesture.
wildlife photography
Lovely weather here today. Sunny and cool.
what to worry about?
Spent an hour in Sherpa-mode this morning. I used the backpack. Guess I’ll take it to Japan. But, the tote bag is still in the running. I might give it a Sherpa test. Or I might just use the tote as a really big-ass purse.
Mainly today, I am worried about what to worry about. I am worried about my first squatty potty encounter. Maybe, I should just hope that I am not suffering from a bad case diarrhea when I encounter it.
And, I am worried about not being able to get money out of ATM machines. I had a really bad experience with ATMs in Brugge five years ago. (See my tale of woe) ATM machines in Europe are normally traveler friendly. ATM machines in Japan are normally traveler hostile. I am considering going into DC to convert some dollars. If it was just me – I wouldn’t be too worried. But, I feel some obligation to the kid traveling companion.
In my experience – the stuff you worry about doesn’t happen. What you didn’t think about comes along and kicks you in the butt.
Possessions…
Possession does not convey value.
An interesting concept. Had an interesting discussion along those lines today with a cardiologist today. He had come up to get some of our “old” pig flu vaccine. He is still trying to get his patients vaccinated. He thinks that the pig flu might come back before this year’s “regular” flu vaccine comes out. I don’t share his concern… But, nevertheless, we have lots of pig flu vaccine. The doctor said “possession does not convey value”. Meaning the flu vaccine wasn’t doing any good in our fridge.
The doc went on to say that has lots of patients who say “I have a stationary bike”. Having a stationary bike doesn’t do squat for your cardio system.
It is an altogether fine concept. Possession does not convey value.
Adopt a Portapotty…
Montgomery County’s parks department is moving ahead with plans to seek private donors to endow portable toilets in the county’s public parks, complete with a laminated plaque identifying the sponsor.
Parks chief Mary Bradford said Friday that she needs about $150,000 annually to keep the toilets, or about $65 a month per toilet, which covers rental, maintenance and other costs. Otherwise, when the fiscal year begins Thursday, the agency will begin to jettison 80 portable toilets.
Now will this not be a suitable memorial for your friends and loved ones. In honor of my current husband’s first wife, I could endow a portapotty. What’s not to love?
Did my trip clothing “final” edit today. 1 bra, 1 cami, 4 panty, 5 shirts, 1 jeans skirt, 1 crop pants, 1 belt, 2 pair shoes, 1 ball cap (so american). That would be all the clothes. might add big scarf or pareau. Don’t see what else I can cut. Maybe one of the shirts.
Tomorrow – the rest of the stuff.
Monday or Tuesday will be time for the “pack test”.
I guess I’ll do a Field Test. Say a 2 mile hike with all my stuff. And, I am hoping that my load will be less than 20 pounds. I can hike my stuff to the hospital and weigh it on a baby scale. That should do it.