Michael and I, in order to cover more ground, decided to split up for about a week and meet back in Hiroshima. I’m currently in Shizuoka, the sake capitol of Japan! If I don’t remember the next couple of days, at least I’ll know I spent them wisely! Michael is in Kyoto and should be posting an update pretty soon himself. As for me, I’ll 
probably be recovering from my Shizuoka revelries for the next couple of days. Thanks again guys for staying tuned.
Archive for February, 2008
It seems as though during this whole trip we’ve been experiencing set back after set back…and here comes one more blow (hopefully the last). My computer has officially been destroyed. The countless error messages finally caught up to my machine, it took its final breath, and now its hardrive is in some Tokyo dumpster with all my past data/files…no backup. Fortunately…Steve Jobs, the gracious leader that he is, has allowed it so that my computer could be repaired with parts fully replaced and sent back to me at my Japanese address. I happen to remember that I am traveling in a foreign country, it feels so unreal that I’m recieving this kind of service from a large billion dollar corporation especially when I’m overseas. I don’t care what people say about globalization, I’ve just become a fan.
(Not my actual computer)
We initially wanted to start this blog/site as a guide for people wanting to move or visit Japan after discovering for ourselves that online there was basically no useful information on the subject. I guess you could think of us as your trailblazers discovering your paths for you here in Japan. Unfortunately, for both Michael and I, this is all very new and we virtually know nothing about getting around in Japan. Going from destination to destination here has absolutely been a challenge. But things have just gotten A LOT easier. Meet Toshi-san.
This Bad-Ass of a man is your neighborhood Tokyo police officer. Due to the extremely low crime rate here in Tokyo, more often than not, you’ll find these officers pointing out routes on a map for a befuddled tourist…like ourselves. These officers are stationed in what are called “Kobans” or police stations. These Kobans are almost on every street corner, it’s like looking for a Starbucks back home…not hard. It’s likely that you’ll see one on every exit of any major Tokyo subway station. The best part of all this? They’re free! Make sure you start every questions with “sumi-mah-sen” (excuse me) and end it with “kyo-ro-ku arigato go-zah-ee-mas!” (thank you very very much).
It’s been an amazing time here in Tokyo thus far. Thank you so much for those of you who have decided my cold feet were worth supporting! Updating Good Morning Japan has proven to be difficult due to the fact that my computer’s insides seem to be blown to bits, but thank God for the Ginza-Tokyo Apple Store and Apple Care. And when I say God, who I’m really referring to is Steve Jobs. We’ve run into a number of technical issues since we’ve gotten here, but the Apple Store has been very gracious in helping out with all of our needs. So sorry about the delay, but this page will be jam packed full of content starting tomorrow. In the meanwhile I will be devouring multiple bowls of Chashu Ramen. You think you know ramen, but ooooo you have no idea!
The Apple Store - Ginza
We’re finally here! After a surprisingly pleasant 13 hour flight from Los Angeles International Airport, we arrived at Narita International to some horrific weather conditions. It’s currently below freezing and it’s been raining. I’ve been walking around Tokyo with chucks on my feet and they have holes…awesome. I think my toes are beginning to fall off…even MORE awesome. If you would like to contribute to the Good Morning Japan fund so I can hook myself up with some hole-less kicks, please, FEEL FREE (button on the right)! All in all though DAY 1 has been nothing short of fantastic. It’s not normal to have a pleasant flight, let alone one that takes 13 hours, but the staff on this flight was spot on. A quick shout out to all the beautiful ladies working the KE 002 non-stop to Narita. I’ve never been treated so well in my life from women who were so beautiful! With all the special treatment I found myself falling in love with the flight’s All-Star MVP. Maybe she’ll give me a call…Someday…
(You can check my baggage any day)