Category Archives: Travel

Japan guide

Welcome to my guide to visiting Japan. This is based off my experience visiting and living in Japan. It’s not a completely travel book by any means. It doesn’t cover specific places to go, but general knowledge on getting around the country. I know there are things that are not on here that probably should be. In which case, leave a comment to let me know, and I’ll try to include information about it.

I’ve been asked by several people the past few years for things to do when going to Japan. Things like using the subways, good Japanese phrases  and words to know, price of things, etc. I love sharing my knowledge with others, but I find myself repeating myself, so rather than have to come up with a new list from time to time, here’s my compendium of things to know before going to Japan. Continue reading Japan guide

Leaving so soon

In just a few days, I shall depart for my maiden voyage to Korea, followed by a return visit to Tokyo.  I detailed the details over here.  I must note in advance I probably will not take as many pics in Tokyo as I usually do.  This is because I already know what the city looks like.  Korea may yield some pictures though.

People keep telling me I should join the twitter bandwagon.  I still refuse for a few reasons, detailed below:

  • I hate having a character limit.  I don’t want to be limited to 150 characters per post.
  • I don’t have a means to make updates when I’m not at a computer
  • The site is free for now, thanks to imbutions of angel funding and other sources of money.  At some point it’ll have to be riddled with ads or fees will be charged to use it, which would annoy me.
  • I already have enough distractions.
  • Would I really remember to post on there?

That said, it could be handy to post stuff during my travels in Japan.

Meh, I’m ok with what I have going for now.

Silence is broken

Since returning from Panama, work has been non-stop busy.  But the month from hell is just about over, so now I may resume posting.  I’ve found motivation once again to really focus on my Japanese classes, so I’ve been focusing more on that when I’m at home.  Oh, and playing Street Fighter IV.

Street Fighter IV has been a blast thus far.  It’s easy to pick up for a few mins (which oftentimes turns into hours).. sort of like most DS games.  Pick up for a few mins, play, put it back down.  Of course, it takes a huge commitment to become really good at the game.  Lots of precision timing and learning to read opponents is required.

Continue reading Silence is broken

“He vuelto”

Beach at Panama So I have returned from Panama.  I left March 4 and returned March 8.  A short trip that I wish could’ve been made longer, but work wouldn’t let me take off more time. By the way, click the image here, or this link, to view pics from Panama.

The purpose of the trip was to see my dad and stepmom. I, of course, did other things… like drink! Alcohol down there is cheap. I saw handles of vodka and rum in the grocery stores for about $12.50.

The parents live in a nice villa that’s part of a resort/hotel complex.  The villa they own is about 5 minutes away from the beach by golf cart. While on the beach–as seen in the picture–you can order drinks to be brought to you while you wait on a chair in the shade.

Continue reading “He vuelto”