There's No Place Like Home

There have been tons of stories from all sorts of places, and it's been great! I've seen and felt and learned. But now Im looking forward to starting a new chapter in a place called home.

Horn OK Please!!!

"Horn OK Please", Mumbai, India

It's amazing how there is organization in something seemingly chaotic to an outsider. The noise, the crowds, the clutter... It's got its own character, thats for sure!

Last night, as I was heading home from a stressful day at work I came up with an idea. People who have worked in India for a month or so must have a high tolerance for stress. *Just a thought*

You see, I planned to take a nap on the way home to re-energize before finishing up some work in the hotel. But WOW, there was definitely no sleeping for me! My driver drove like he was being chased by a dragon along a slippery and deadly slope! He swerved left and right and jumped through potholes! He sped right behind trucks just to come to an abrupt stop 2 inches away from the bumper! A few times, I actually thought he ran through some people! I was almost relieved when I reached over for the seat belt only to find out that it didn't have a buckle! Something so normal to a local felt like a near death experience to me!

Typical Indian Auto

Then there are the obstacles. Tons of motorcycles popping out of nowhere, unsuspected items on the road -- like fences, or holes, or people, or cows! You've got the autos and buses overflowing with people, crossroads with no stoplights... What a ride!

Cows on the road!

On top of this, every 2 seconds he would honk his horn as if there were some emergency. It was completely normal, and even encouraged! Most trucks have a sign painted in their rear saying "Horn OK Please" (as it is in Mumbai) or "Sound Horn" (as it is in Kerala). I could not understand why at first... but I think I get it now. It's sort of a way you to tell the other vehicles that you are there. I think drivers rely on the horns over thier side mirrors. In a crazy way, it works. To me though, it will take a long long time to get used to.

"Sound Horn" at Fort Cochin, Kerala

Now I understand foreigners freak out with Manila's drivers! This though, is a whole other level.

Im Going Singapore Airlines...

I usually fly PAL cuz of convenience. This time though, I was flying to Kerala and there was limited airline choices. So, I chose Singapore Airlines instead. It's been awhile since I've flown SQ and I'd almost forgotten how preferable it is!

For one, the planes are newer and better! Even in economy, the seats seem larger than usual! There are more options for reclining and is by far more comfortable than other airplanes Ive rode.

The comfy SQ economy

Second, each economy seat has its own TV! Unlike the PAL TV it is not touch screen, but its a small price to pay for the 20++ movie options and over music choices! The movies are pretty new and updated! There we at least 2 movie options I really really wanted to see!

Movie time! Watched Time Traveller's Wife :)

Listening to my pesonal playlist

Third, the food iwas great! I think it's probably the best economy food Ive ever had. Plane food usually sux, but this was food I would actually order from a restaurant! They served baked fish with potatoes and veggies, a green apple salad and a simple corn pudding dessert. It was delightful! They even gave you a menu to choose from! Thay usually only happens in business class!

The SQ Menu

My food before it was wiped out!

Last but not least, the service is the best Ive ever had! Ive been to one too many airplanes where they pretend not to hear the call button or see you only to find them chit-chatting with their colleagues and eating the leftover desserts! (*ARGH... airline pet peeve!) The sterwards and stewardesses are alert and always in the move. If you ask for a drink or a blanket or anything at all, they get to it right away! They always respond when called. Although they'renot very friendly, they serve you right.

So... if not for the miles I am trying to accumulate, I'd choose to fly Singapore Airlines.

Despite the comforts... Flying always tires me.

The Cancer Cage

Goodbye Hotel Hatchobori

Besides the 360 degrees survelience cameras and lurking sea creature, in some way I am going to miss Hotel Hatchobori.

3 Things I miss about Hotel Hatchobori:

1. At around 3pm everyday, they would call us for "refereshmento"!!! I must say the snacks we not always great, but sometimes they were not bad! Plus, it took a good 30 minutes of doing nothing from our day.

2. The new office in Toyocho looks exactly like how I imagined it to look like. Dull with white kitchen lights and stiff. Its far from comfortable, and it makes an already long day seem WAY TOO LONG. Well, at least you no longer have to take off your shoes!

3. Smoking seems to be such a part of Japan culture, especially the to the working class! Every hour or so, our team goes for what we call "KEWKEI" or break time. When we used to work in Hatchobori, we'd go downstairs to the open air smoking area. It was a good opportunity to step out and get some air, even if you didn't smoke. Now at Toyocho, the smoking area is in an enclosed killer box - the CANCER CAGE (see picture)! You go in there, you go out smelling like you just survived a burning building!

In tribute to Hotel Hatchobori... here's a song my officemates put together...

Hotel Hatchobori
Aaron Moore with thanks to Adam Mcguiness
Sing to the Eagles, Hotel California

On a dark Tokyo Subway
Warm small of the Mochi, risin up through the air
Up ahead in the distance I saw a Dennys sign
My nerdsack grew heavy, and my sight grew dim
I had to work for the day

There she stood in the doorway, I heard the tofu man
Then I was thinking to myself, they could be real or they could be fake
Then I took off my shoes, and showed me the working room
There were voices down the corridor….
Thought I heard them say……

Welcome to the Hotel Hatchobori
Such a horrible place
Such a boring place
Plenty of lectures at the Hotel Hatchobori
Any time of year
Any time of year
Get your lectures here

Her mind is sadistically twisted, she got the sensei wagon
She got a lot of pretty pretty girls she calls we call tea ladies
How the meet in Cronos
Some lecture to remember, some lecture to forget…
How they meet in the 6th floor, some day to remember
Some day to forget

So I called up Mooraka-san, please bring me my meji
She said we haven’t had that chocolate here, since Myron arrived
And still those voices are calling from faaaarrr awayyyy
Wake you up in the middle of the night…..
Just to hear them sayyy

Welcome to the Hotel Hatchobori
Such a horrible place
Such a horrible place
Such a nice spread sheet
Theyre living it up at the Hotel Hatchobori
What a dread surprise
What a dread surprise
Takashita-san bring your alibis……

Cameras on the ceiling, refreshmento at 3
And she said, you lack fundmental understanding, your not as smart as me
And in the sea creatures lair
They are all afraid of the beast
They stab it with their steely emails
But they just CANT LEAVE THE BEAST

Last thing I remember, I was running for the door, had to catch the7:30 flight, back to the place I was before…..Relax said Kogoe-san…..we are programmed to Receive…
YOU CAN TAKE YOUR SHOES ANY TIME YOU LIKE……
BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE.

Subway Stampede!

Today Typhoon Melor (I think thats what its called) hit Japan. Strangely enough, its the first time I saw bright sunny skies and no rain since I got here 4 days ago!!! Weird, right??? But the winds were quite strong, at least for Tokyo standards. For Philippine standards, it was nothing.

Just as most "Acts of God" in Tokyo, the first that was affected was the Metro. A long queue that lasted about 20-30 minutes awaited me just as I hit the Tozai Line Kayabacho station. It may sound like no big deal to most people (especially my fellow Filipinos), but in Tokyo... its headline news.

During rush hour, I would estimate a train arriving every 5 minutes (sometimes less?) with each cart fully packed. Now imagine 30 minutes worth of people all rushing to get to work... CRAZY!!! It was the first time I experienced it THIS bad.

It all began when the train arrived and the doors opened. Pushing... shoving... I had to cling on to my belongings for dear life. One slip of the cellphone from my fingers, it would be lost (FOREVER!! hahaha). So there I was trying to make my way into the train cart. Being inexperienced, I was unintentionally pushed to the outskirts of the stampede. NOPE, stubborn me, I was getting in that train. That was when I felt that close-to-panic feeling. With all the pushing and shoving, I got jammed between the mob and the train door, face forward, lungs crushed out of air... holding on to my cellphone with dear life while the heavy laptop bag that was slung over my shoulder was being tugged away from me. it was pretty crazy! With 3/4 of my body in the train and my other body parts still sticking out, I was close to hopping out. Just then, 4 train conductors came and started literally pushing and packing us in the train just to close the doors!!! Once I was in and able to breathe again... I pulled out the cellphone I was still clinging on to, turned it back on (cuz it somehow got switched off during the fit), and took a shot.

What an experience...

So... next time we read the Japan headlines: "Trains stopped due to...", do not take it lightly.

Chicken Heart for the soul...

When I got back to Tokyo, the handy 7-11 store across the corner of my apartment was GONE! You see as a Gaijin, 7-11 can come in really handy.

TOP 3 reasons why I need 7-11:
3 - Prepaid cards for my Softbank phone. Then again you can get this in any convenient store.
2 - Precooked food for the lazy chef. Again, its not hard to find elsewhere.
1 - This is my top 1 reason. Most ATMs dont accept cards from foreign banks. But all 7-11 ATMs do!!!

Not all was lost though. Not far down I found another 7-11.

Anyway... Im babbling...

My point, that 7-11 store was replaced by a Tori (chicken) restaurant. Ive been wanting to try it out but never got the chance to (as is always the case with restos close by your home). This trip, my colleagues and I finally passed by. Tried CHICKEN HEART yakitori for the first time! Texture was tough but meat was juicy. I'd say its a cross between dark meat chicken and liver. Not my fave but not bad at all. :)

*Picture of Chicken Heart Yakitori
** With phone cams, you rarely get a good shot, but you more often than not get the shot.

My Overall Rating of the Resto: 3 out of 5
Taste: 4/5 (a little on the salty side, but I like salty. definitely tastey though.)
Portion Size: 2/5 (really really small portions. Only dishes that were ok with quantity was the tsukune (chicken meatball, yakitori style) and rice dishes (bento style))
Environment: 4/5 (new and clean especially for a yakitori place. nothing impressive though)
Service: 4/5 (not bad but not execptional either)
Price: 1/5 (too expensive for yakitori, especially considering the portion size)

Restaurant: Gosh, I wish I knew the name... Tori Restaurant 2 blocks between the Ningyocho Station (exit beside AM/PM) and Bureau Ningyocho Nihombashi.

Back in Tokyo! Yoroshiko Onegaishimasu!

After postponing my flight 2 times (due to "Acts of God"... yup! The typhoon Ondoy, aka Ketsana left me stranded in the second floor of my own home for almost a week), I have finally made it to my second home.

I rode Philippine Airlines and was pleasantly surprised to see that they have upgraded some of their planes! Now, not only business class passengers get their own personal TV! YUP, if you're lucky enough, you get the same feature with fiesta class! Not only can you choose your own movies on demand, they also feature games such as Bejeweled, Tetris, etc... (Long gone are those free deck of cards!). There's also radio stations and a number of good CDs you can choose from. You can even create your own playlist. Pretty cool, huh? I dont recall Singapore Airlines having this in economy? Hmmmm... :)

The plane to look for is a Boeing 747-400. 4 hours can go by so quickly... :)




P.S. The practical application of "Yoroshiko Onegaishimasu"

The first few days of this trip has been meeting new co-workers. Thank goodness I brought a new set of business cards. Man do they go fast. A typical business introduction goes like this...

1. There is fumbling (each party awkwardly fumbles for their business card, sometimes it takes so long that Im just standing there waiting...)
2. The awkward stance (you and the person being introduced stand face to face for a few seconds)
3. The speech (he/she introduces himself while holding his/her business card facing you and with two finders of each hand, you dont have to understand it. Basically they say where they are from and their name. Most business cards have an English translation anyway.)
4. The bow (self-eplanatory)
5. The do over (I do the exact same thing he/she did. If Im brave, I try it in Japanese -- "Watashi wa Hahn Regina des". Although I havent been brave this trip yet)
6. And... the final words (this is when they and/or you say either, "Hajimemashte" - "Nice to meet you" or... "Yoroshiko Onegaishimasu" - "Please be nice to me", honestly... I find this statement a little strange, dont you think? Who says "Please be nice to me" after an introduction? Another one of those Japanese things I dont think I'll ever get.)

Yes Tokyo, I am back... Yoroshiko Onegaishimasu.

How To Donate to Victims of Ondoy

TO DONATE IN CASH...

1. PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
Check out their website: http://www.redcross.org.ph/ for more information on how to donate

BANK DEPOSIT
Account Name: The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross

METROBANK
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 151-3-041-63122-8
Dollar Acct.: 151-2-151-00218-2
Type of Acct. : SAVINGS
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM

BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Account: CURRENT

BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
UN Branch
Dollar Acct.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Account: SAVINGS
Swift Code: BOPI PH MM

For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

Credit Card

Please fax the following info to +632.404.09.79 and +632.527.0575: Name of card member, billing address, contact nos. (phone & mobile), credit card no., expiration date, CCV2/ CVC2 (last three digits at the back of the credit card), billing address, amount to be donated.

For online donations you may also visit our website at www.redcross.org.ph .

SMS and G-CASH (Globe)

SMS
text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

G-CASH
text DONATEAMOUNT 4-digit M-PIN REDCROSS to 2882

2. PAYPAL

Donate via Paypal. Go to TXTPOWER.ORG. All donations coursed through TXTPower will be sent to the Philippine National Red Cross.

TO DONATE IN KIND...

1. PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

In-Kind Donations

LOCAL
Please send in-kind local donations to The Philippine National Red Cross – National Headquarters in Manila. We could also arrange for donation pick-up.

INTERNATIONAL

1. Send a letter of intent to donate to the PNRC
2. A letter of acceptance from PNRC shall be sent back to the donor
3. Immediately after shipping the goods, please send the (a) original Deed of Donation, (b) copy of packing list and (c) original Airway Bill for air shipments or Bill of Lading for sea shipments to The Philippine National Red Cross–National Headquarters c/o Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila 2803, Philippines.

2. VICTORY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Donations can be brought to:
Victory Fellowship,
Every Nation Building
(across from Market-Market, Fort Bonifacio)

When:
Tentatively until 5pm may may extend hours.
Entire week until Friday.

Contact Person:
Pastor Bernard Marquez
Hotlines: 813-FORT, 8171212
www.twitter.com/VictoryFort

3. LUZON RELIEF

Donations can be brought to:
Renaissance Fitness Center
2nd Floor, Bramante Building,
Renaissance Towers Ortigas,
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

When:
Starting September 28, 2009, Monday
9am – 7pm

Contact Person:
Warren Habaluyas
(0929) 871 3488
luzonrelief@gmail.com

4. PETRON / 2GO

Visit any Petron or 2GO Branches to drop off your donations.


MAY GOD BLESS AND PROTECT THE FILIPINOS.

If I Could Choose My Second Hometown...

...I would probably choose Sydney. The architecture is pretty, it almost feels like you're in Europe. The atmosphere is so laid back, cant imagine people ever get stressed here. The food is awesome and the outdoor activities are endless!

"Missing My Man"

Click the link to see more pictures of Sydney: Sydney Photos

Tokyo Ginza Photography

Stuck at home on a Saturday night because of the crazy flood! Always a good time to catch up on photography posts. Took a 4 hour photography class in Tokyo one day and here are some shots.

Was walking by Ginza looking for good photo-ops when this adorable group of kids walked by me. Quite happy with the shot given the split second I had to compose it. Love how they're all in dresses and girly umbrellas!

"Following The Leader"

If there's one lesson I took from the classes, it was to get over my fear of taking strangers -- at least in Japan. Here people are quite used to having you shoot at their faces. This was taken by a train station. The mom and child squats in front a small crowd as they watch a performer.

"The Asian Squat"

Was practicing on my metering making sure to get the right lighting of the subject's face under the shadow of the umbrella. Love how this man shows so much character. I've labeled the picture "Pah-yeeeee", which is a reminder of a cartoon my cousin and I used to laugh to when we were little. The man reminds me of that cartoon character.

"Pah-yeeeee"

Click on the link for more pictures from the trip: Tokyo Ginza Photos

ENJOY!!!

Just keep on moving, its such a wondrous world out there!

A friend shared this video and song on Facebook and I fell in love... Life is too short. Live, Love and Learn.

Down Below
by: Johannes Stankowski

Be just who you want to be, my friend
You just got to trust in fate.
Do the things you want to do ‘cause life don’t wait
Take it easy, keep your head up high
No need for sorrow and despair
Just keep on moving, it’s such a wondrous world out there

The years are flashing by and everything will change
But way down deep inside – we all just stay the same
And down below
Old memories come alive and then we know
Down below

It’s a long road we all got to walk
But there’s an awful lot to see
And the sun keeps rising up wherever you may be
Fly the ocean, dive into the blue
No need for sorrow and despair
Just keep moving, it’s such a wonderous world out there

The years are flashing by and everything will change
But way down deep inside – we all just stay the same
And down below
Old memories come alive and then we know
Down below

The years are flashing by and everything will change
But way down deep inside – we all just stay the same
And down below
Old memories come alive and then we know
Down below

Home Is Where The Tummy Is

My standard "Im home" dish is chicken adobo or pork sinigang cooked by our very own Manang... Mom always has them prepare this for me on my first night. This time was a break from the tradition. A great one nonetheless.

After being away for over a month, I came home feeling "makabayan" and craving for the true Filipino lifestyle. Off to Manila we went!!! Spent the afternoon walking Old Manila and Mall of Asia. Dinner was an absolute treat at Seaside! For those that dont know, Seaside is a wet market where you get to buy fresh seafood and have it cooked in any of the strip of restaurants overlooking the bay. Had garlic butter shrimps, kinilaw na tangingue (vinegared raw fish), ensaladang mangga (green manggo with tomatoes, onions and shrimp paste) and the staple, garlic rice! Ofcourse it wasnt right without the cold San Mig Light! To complete the absolutely Filipino outing, we sat by the ledge over Manila Bay, chatting and listening to cheezy Filipino karaoke till 2AM! hahaha :)

Feels good to be home.

Im officially a Gaijin

After 20 visits to Japan (ok, Im exaggerating... but it sure feels like 20!), my company decided to set things right and get me a proper visa. Prior to today, I would fly on temporary business visas which would take about a week (give or take a few) to apply for. Honestly, it was always a perfect excuse to go back home for a few days. Unfortunately, those days are over! Gotta start looking for a new excuse...

Got my Gaijin card (aka Alien Registration Card) and a 1 year stamp on my passport. Check it out -- I even look Jap in the picture!?!?! Hahahaha! I am now an official Gaijin!


Its a long weekend in Tokyo, Silver week I think is what they call it. (Strangely enough, they have a Golden week too! I wouldnt be surprised if they cover all the colors! hehe) Good news is, with my papers all fixed, I can go home for a few days! YEY! YEY! Its gonna be a short and incredibly hectic stay in Manila, but Im sure it'll give me the recharge I need.

Thats me, trying hard to look Filipina again, in the PACKED the plane ride back to Manila!

"I DO"... love BC

Beautiful British Columbia

ok, I know the pic is cheezy... I got carried away!

After 6 months, finally been able to upload some photography shots of British Columbia. Here's the link if you want to check it out: British Columbia Photos

Vancouver, in all its warmth (ok ok... Im being sarcastic, but really Vancouver is a special place to me. Here's why: "I DO" love BC), is every nature photographer's haven! With mountain and sea on each end (and everything in between), every corner is a shoot opportunity.

More than "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto"...

I figured, Tokyo would be a much cooler experience If I knew more Japanese then arigato gozaimasu! As promised, here's a few more Japanese phrases Ive learned during my time here.

Disclaimer: Dont take the translation too seriously, Im not 100% confident that its accurate. And forgive my spelling, but it helps me to spell as it sounds. Im trying... Im trying.... sheesh :)

Restaurant / Food Stuff:

1. Oishi - "yummy"! Or "tastes good". If you wanna sound cute (this is according to Tomo), you can say Oishi ne. Or if its really good, then you can say Sugoi Oishi!

2. Mama - its quite a negative term. You say it when you think the food tastes "so-so"

3. Itadakimasu - This is said when you receive the food... it means something like "I will receive", but in context it is a polite thing to say before you eat.

4. Goitchisosama Desu / Goitchisosama - This is usually said before you leave the restaurant to the waiters or chef. Its sorta like a compliment to them letting them know that you had a good meal.

5. Kampai - "Cheers!!!" - nuf said.

6. Osusume onegaishemasu - A lot of restaurants do not have English menus, some dont even have pictures. So if you have no idea what to order, just say this. It means, "your recommendation please"?

7. Idashaimuse - This is said when you enter places of business. It means "welcome". To welcome someone to your home, you can say Idashai.

8. Okaike onegaishemasu - means, "check/bill please"! Note though that for a lot of Japanese restaurants, then give you the receipt as you order. Then when youre done, you take the receipt with you to the cashier by the entrance and pay there. It is quite common to go Dutch, even with just one bill, you can just pay for your own meal.

9. Dame - This is also quite negative, and means "No" or "I dont want to accept". Its usually said when someone offers you something to eat and you dont want it.

10. Some food translation: Tako - "Octopus", Uni - "Sea Urchin", Maguro - "Tuna", Enggawa - "Halibut", Anago - "Eel"

Hi-Hello-Goodbye Stuff:

1. Konichiwa - "Hi!"
2. Ohaiyo Gozaimasu - "Good morning!"
3. Watashi wa, Hahn Regina desu. - "My name is Regina Hahn"
4. Hajimemashte - "Nice to meet you"
5. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu - "Please be nice to me." Ok, I dont know why Id ever say this... must be a Japanese culture thing. But apparently you say it after you meet someone.
6. O genki deska? - "How are you?"
7. Hai, genki des yo. - "Im doing good"
8. Hai, ze ko cho desu. - "Im doing amazing!"
9. Batchiri desu! - "Everything is perfect!" This is to be said in a casual situation / among friends.
10. Hai. - "Yes"
11. Iie - "No"
12. Otskare sama desu - This ones quite hard to translate. At first I thought its just used at work. We usually say this to our officemates before we leave, it means "Thank you for your hard work today." But then as I became familiar with the phrase, I noticed that people say it in all sorts of situations -- trains, stores, even among friends. So now Im confused. hehe.
13. Dai jo bu? - "Are you ok?"
14. Dai jo bu. - "Im alright."
15. Matane - "See you later!"
16. Mataraishu - "See you next week!"

More Stuff:

1. Kudesai - "Please". But this is hardly ever used in itself - usually it is prefixed with a verb? Im guessing ofcourse. hehe.
2. Kawai - "Cute!!!" Another favorite Japanese word. Everything seems to be Kawai!
3. Kirei - "Beautiful"
4. Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go, Roku, Shichi, Hachi, Kyu, Ju - 1-10 in Japanese, if you want to say 11, its Ju Ichi. Twelve is Ju Ni. 20 is Ni-Ju. 21 is Ni-Juichi. And so on.... pretty easy, huh?
5. Gomenasai - This means "Im Sorry". Its said when you've wronged someone and you really want to apologize. More casually, you can also say Gome.

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto... 5 Nihonggo survival phrases

With my new found Japanese friends :)

My first few weeks in Japan was quite intimidating. Everyone seemed to be talking gibberish in high-pitched tones. But -- here's the secret! I figured you dont actually have to understand everything to know whats going on! Japanese are quite repetitive (sorta like they are living a script!). You go in any restaurant, any store, taxi... chances are they will all say the same thing. And, if it seems as if they are muttering some looooooooooong speech, dont be alarmed. One English word translates to 30 seconds of Nihonggo! So just stand there, give a simple polite bow and smile. It usually works. If all fails, say... Nihonggo wakarimasen (Im a Gaijin and I dont understand what the heck you are saying!)

But.... if you wanna be cool but you're brain can only take 5 words, I recommend the following:

1. Domo - This is the ultimate survival phrase, and the funny thing is that it doesnt really have a direct translation. Domo can mean "Hi", or "Thank You", or "Excuse Me"... Its like an all around phrase.

2. Sumimasen - This is another ambiguous word. It tends to mean "excuse me", or a really casual "Im sorry". Its not the Im sorry I made you cry type, more of the Im sorry I accidentally nudged your shoulder on the train. Or Im sorry, can I squeeze through? Most useful application is to call a waiter at a restaurant. Note that you've gotta scream it loud or they wont pay attention. It takes some getting used to. hehe.

3. Onegaishimasu - This means "please". So... if you wanna order food, just point to the picture and say Onegaishemasu (note the last letter "u" is not pronounced).

4. Sugoi - Directly translated, it means "amazing". I was never really taught this as a survival phrase, but what I learned what it meant - its like my eyes were opened to a whole new world! Maybe cuz Japanese seem to find every little thing amazing!!! hahaha! I noticed that they use it a lot in casual conversation.

5. Arigato Gozaimasu - Im sure you know what this means... "Thank you very much!" You'll hear it in restaurants often. (note again that the last letter "u" is not really pronounced).

I'll give you more words in my next blog in case youre interested...

Too Many Gaijins...

So I’ve noticed that all my blogs have been revolving around food! To avoid sounding like a glutton who spends all her time munching away, I shall blog about something different.

GAIJIN.

Gaijin is a Japanese word referring to non-Japanese. If you’re looking for Gaijin – the Pong (a.k.a. Roppongi) is the place to go. To anyone who’s never been to Tokyo, I can't promise you’ll love or hate it, but Im sure you’ll always remember the experience. Make sure though that you go with only money you are willing to spend, and a full supply of energy to last till the sun goes up (Said with no exaggeration at all)! Im no Pong expert, but here's a list of places Ive been to in case you ever decide to make a visit...

The streets of Roppongi...

TRAIN BAR
Address: 1/F ROI Bldg 5-5-1 Roppongi Tel Num: (+81) 03-3423-0082 Website: http://www.trainbar.com

One Friday night, a few of our U.S. officemates were on vacation in Tokyo (last time I saw these guys was 2007? has it been that long?). After a few minutes of searching, and asking the Nigerians (yup, the Pong has tons of Nigerians who probably know the area best!) we found Train Bar. If you want a good mix of Japanese and Gaijin in a small intimate setting – it’s the place to be. BIG PLUS: They have a ton of rock CD's, and you can make your request!

With Aaron (one of my co-prisoners at the Hotel Hatchobori) and the Train Bar bartender (she speaks awesome English!). Hidden behind us is some random Romanian I met, hahaha!!!.

With our Informatica U.S. officemates, out to Tokyo for a visit. Showing them how its done in this side of the world!

A-971
Address: Tokyo Midtown East, 9-7-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.a971.com/

Its been a while since I hung out with my first Tokyo girlfriend. I head out with Marika (Aussie/Jap by decent) to Ebisu for some dinner, drinks and non-stop kwento (stories) about my recent engagement and her endless escapades. After dinner, we decide to head to this bar near Roppongi Hills (incidentally, its where we first met!). As always, our girl’s night out turned into another random Roppongi experience. Bumped into some people she knew, some I already knew, some I didn’t. (you know you’ve been in a country too long when you run into people you know in the streets, at bars… oh gosh…) As we were in Gaijin-town, everyone was Gaijin, a.k.a. English-speakers! That’s probably the only thing I like about Roppongi. So if you're looking for an upscale bar with 99% Gaijin...

This was the first time I met Mari at A-971 early 2008, has it been that long? At Mari's left is crazy Taka and Bob (the guy we never saw again!) at her right.

Mari and I on another random Pong-spree, 2009. See the difference?

FERIA
Address: B1F 7-13-7 Roppongi Minato-ku 106-0032 Tokyo
Tel Num: 03-5785-0656 Website: http://lounge-feria.jp
This is where you go if youre up for a party scene! Imagine... crowded and dancing with an eclectic mix of Japanese and Gaijins. Only thing I dont really like is that it resembles a New York club too much to the point that for a good 5 hours, you almost forget you're in Tokyo. Who wants to go to Tokyo to experience New York, right? But... for a night out of dancing with friends, pretty fun. Be ready to spend an arm and a leg though. Every move requires money out! To enter, to get a table, to rent a locker....

That's my officemate to the right and a bunch of his college friends. Notice the alchi? That got us a table for the night. Damage = Y13,000 / person not including entrance fees.

My officemate having fun with a sponsor lady at Feria (Zima - probably their version of lambanog! LOL)

There a bunch of other clubs, pubs, bars... around the area. But this is probably my top 3 joints at The Pong. Before I end the post though, I am obliged to share... there is a saying among us (credit to my ex-officemate, Kyle) Nothing good ever happens in Roppongi… so proceed with caution.

Took me one hour to figure out the rice cooker

So... Ive been coming back and forth for almost a year now, each time staying in a fully equipped apartment (man, can this spoil a lady!). The past 100 visits, I lived on Freshness burger down the road, or Pepper Lunch, that awesome revolving sushi place, or any of the million restaurants in every corner (again... man, can this spoil a lady!).

This trip, I've decided to become domesticated. I am getting married to a man who loves to eat soon - oh, the pressure is on!!! Plus, I find some fulfillment in learning to do something new. Back home, Id never really get the opportunity to cook (again... man, can this spoil a lady!). So, I have jumped at the opportunity to better myself. I am pleasantly surprised at what, even a a girl like me can do around the kitchen.

Around the corner from my apartment is an old lady that sells fruits and veggies. Its not always complete, but is extremely convenient and cheap. Ok... not cheap-CHEAP. But cheaper. 3 pieces of garlic = Y50. 3 tiny tiny avocados = Y100. 3 large onions = Y150 (i think?). apples/pears/etc... = Y400 or more (exagg! stay away from the fruits). Ill pass by tomorrow and get the prices. Note: 1 Yen = Pesos 0.5 = USD 0.01. Down Ningyocho-dori ("dori" means main road, "chome" means small street), there are a few small stores that sell a humble selection of raw fish, condiments, that kinda thing... With everything close by, its easy to stop for ingredients after work.

I must say though, I am very limited here. 1) I have no idea whats in the bottles: soy sauce? soba sauce? yakitori sauce? Ive been lucky with my guesses so far. 2) Who can tell whats what when everything in Japanese? I almost bought ham thinking it was chicken. Thank God for my limited Japanese ("Nan-de?" means what is that?). 3) Cooking for one is tough. I have too much raw ingredients that rot easily. Dont wanna eat the same thing every day, right? Lastly, not all ingredients are easily available (I want rosemary, and basil, and...)

I'm proud to say that I've made do with what I have and made some decent and some good dishes.

the tiny but complete kitchen I finally used

First few brainless dishes: Had to test the kitchen -- how to turn the stove on? How to chop? How to wash dishes? How to cook rice? man that rice cooker is hard to figure out! Most appliances in my apartment come with an English user manual. But NOT the rice cooker! First, I lived on rice with canned goods, Then I had to do the omelette with bread, had cheese, tomatoes, and spam. Awesome stuff. Then I did a few varieties of pasta, mostly used fresh mushrooms. Then I got confident and did adobong kangkong! I missed pinoy food. It was not bad for a first time. I wish I had a picture.

Second actual dish: Potato salad and pan-fried fish (the fish resembles salmon, but I dont think it is. Again, another con of not knowing Nihonggo). For the salad, I used local Japanese mayo, put some potatoes, chopped eggs, onions, a little avocado, seasoning, etc... I wanted to have it with grilled steak or chicken, but I couldnt find any nearby. So I settled for pan-fried fish with a little seasoning.

Third actual dish: Veggie-delight! Since Im going home soon, I figured I ought to use up all my leftover raw ingredients. Because of the friendly veggie vendor next door -- Ive got tons of veggies! Made boiled okra dipped in soy sauce and vinegar (this dish reminds me of home) and Stir-fried red bell peppers and onions/onion leaks. Again, I wish I had chicken to go with that. This dish turned out pretty yummy.

Non-Japanese Food in Tokyo

All food in Tokyo is good because its fresh. But most non-Japanese food does not taste authentic. Stick to the Japanese cuisine to get the best of your experience!


CHINESE FOOD - For some reason, I was craving for XIAO LUNG PAO when we came upon this restaurant at Roponggi Hills. They had all sorts of dishes -- all was pretty good but not awesome. If you've had first class Chinese dining in Hong Kong, then stick to Japanese food in Japan.

ITALIAN FOOD - I have tried only two Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian food, both with Italian chefs (obviously). One was in a rooftop in Shinjuku and one in an underground restaurant in Higashi-Ginza. Other than that, I would classify all other Italian dishes Ive tried in Tokyo as Japa-lian (hehe). Its got its own distinct flavor enough to be its own cuisine! Most Ive tried have the following ingredients: butter (tons and tons), garlic (pretty standard), clam based sauce (kinda like vongole but richer and creamier tasting), fungi mushrooms (those really tiny shrooms).... If you've eaten in UCC Manila, the pasta tastes something like that. Dont get me wrong, its not bad -- its just different.

Tokyo Festivals and Food

Japanese festivals are very popular, they have one almost every weekend and for every occasion. Usually, they are held during the weekend by parks and temples and have a string of stalls that sell food, drinks and hold kiddie games.

Every festival offers similar food. Frequent dishes include okonomikayi (a japanese pancake), takoyaki (fried octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and fried potatoes.

OKONOMIYAKI

A Japanese pancake with all sorts of ingredients. Unlike a western pancake, this tastes more of ingredients than flour. If Im not mistaken, its originally from Osaka but its easy to find over Tokyo, especially at festivals such as this one. This picture was taken at a small festival right by Ueno park. Personally, Im not really fond of it. Its got this funky acquired taste, I still havent put a finger to what exactly it is. Maybe its the ginger, or the sauce (similar to Worcestersire but sweeter), or the fish flakes that move that they sprinkle on top...

YAKISOBA

Yakisoba is Japanese fried noodles made from wheat flour (similar to that found in ramen) and fried with a whole array of ingredients. From what I remember, there are veggies (usually cabbage, onions and carrots), pork bits, sauce for flavoring and ginger (again with the ginger!). My first experience of yakisoba was instant noodles - the type that cooks in hot water? I learned to actually like it, a reminder of my simpler days as a backpacker. This... tastes nothing like it. It almost tastes like chinese noodles, but with ginger. You know how I feel about ginger. So again, me and the traditional yakisoba dont go.

TAKOYAKI

Takoyaki is fried octopus balls - to me it actually tastes very similar to okonomiyaki. ITs got the octopus, and a variety of veggies, then topped with the funky fish flakes and japanese sweet sauce. Again... its got the ginger thing going on that Im not so fond of. Out of all the dishes, no matter which version I try, this one I cant seem eat and at all.

FRIED-O POTATO-O

Like my Japanese friend says -- say it like your retarded. Fried-o potato-o is usually what I go for in these festivals. I know it sounds boring, but they dont make it with the ginger I cant seem to dig! Usually the potato is fried with garlic and lathered with butter and salt. This picture above is cut, deep fried and sprinkled with your powedered flavoring of choice (mayo, wasabi, cheese, etc...)

Most festivals also have simple games. Y300-500 will earn you a small toy, if your lucky.


In this game, you are given a round hoop covered in paper. The challenge is to catch as many fish as you can without destroying the paper. Pretty innovative, dont you think?


This other one is just about catching any toy of your choice. There's actually no challenge to it as you can try as many times as possible, but i can imagine why kids would get excited!

Tokyo Sushi

Tokyo has awesome food in every corner! Yakitori, yakiniku, yakisoba, or whatever it may be, the quality is always first class. Even convenient store food aint bad, well at least for convenient store food.

My personal favorite is Japanese sushi! It's probably one of the easiest dishes you can make. But nothing I have tried compares to how they make it in Tokyo! The combination of sticky Japanese rice cooked to perfection(rice here is awesome by the way!), fresh seafood, and grated wasabi -- YUM YUM YUM! You gotta note though that authentic sushi is just seafood, rice, wasabi, and sometimes seeweed wrap (nori). You dont get crazy maki or anything like that. Over here, its all about the fresh catch.

For sushi, you can never go wrong with Tsukiji. They bring in seafood right out of the boat to this fish market so its always fresh. Plus, for a fish market, the place is pretty clean. You dont get any funky odors, if you didnt know you wouldnt have guessed it was a wet market.

TSUKIJI WET MARKET

Fresh goods for sale

Fish wrapped and ready to go

Dining at Tsukiji - approx Y1000/lunch set

OTHER JAPANESE DISHES

SEARED SALMON SUSHI with SALMON ROE - Yummmmmmmmmmmmmy! This is one of my faves. This dish is made of seared salmon that melts in your mouth and fresh roe that pops when you eat it. Its still got the salmon skin, that is cooked till it's just crunchy enough to eat. Had this at a yakitori resto at Akihabara. But its easy to find at any yakitori house.


UNI SUSHI - I obviously dont mind the raw stuff. Not many people can handle the uni, and quite honestly, every now and then you get a bad batch that just makes you feel all feverish. This one was taken at a revoloving sushi resto at Tsukiji.


TORO SUSHI - fatty tuna sushi. This is absolutely fantastic. Much better than the regular tuna (or "maguro" in Japanese) but also more expensive. This one was at a fancy restaurant in Ginza, somewhere near the JR tracks.

RAW COW LIVER - I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to try this. Im not fond of liver at all! But... being a sushi lover, I couldnt miss the opportunity. Its dipped in sesame oil and eaten raw. Surprisingly, once you get over the texture, its quite yummy!

FUGU - puffer sushi! This is a must try for the dare devils... The fish has some toxic organs that can kill if cut the wrong way. We tried this dish at an upscale Ginza restaurant, I reckoned it would be safer. Tastewise, its nothing extravagant. This dish was raw but prepared with veggies and ponzu sauce. The texture is quite rubbery and flat, similar to squid. But the experience is quite thrilling.

MORE SASHIMI / SUSHI

Awesome selection of sashimi, including salmon, scallops, octopus, yellow tail, sardines... everything fresh! This was at a yakitori outdoor resto just a few stations west of Shibuya.

Typical Japanese sushi platter, unagi ("eel), tuna ("maguro"), ebi ("shrimp"), salmon, salmon roe.. among others