Thursday, November 28, 2013

臺灣

So I visited Taiwan following after Tokyo. The timing worked out perfectly as my grandmother had just turned 100, and my father was visiting as well.

My cousin and her friends took me to 菁桐


菁桐火車站


We got off at 十分, got some food, and headed towards the falls


Bridging the gap... or what Seattle needs to build above I-5.


十分大瀑布


The area had a lot of cats, as the railway line connected to 侯硐, or the Cat Village...


On our way back, people were setting off 天燈


So we joined in!


After all of this, we headed to 師大路夜市






And had some ridiculously good shaved ice...


The following day, my Uncle took my father and me out to 慈湖陵寢


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Tourist Mode

Shinjuku Station - West Exit (and my favorite stores)


思い出横丁


The chef spoke Chinese. It was WONDERFUL.

ニャー

Shibuya


Meiji Jingū


Wedding #1 at Meiji Jingū


Wedding #2 at Meiji Jingū


Meiji Jingū


Selfie at the National Art Center!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Mandatory Training

On the third day of our meetings, we had the (wonderful) opportunity to observe the company's annual fire drill. If you ever find yourself in a Japanese building during an emergency, here's what you must do:

Step 1: Evacuate (like we did).

Step 1A: If you cannot evacuate, make yourself visible by unfurling a flag:


Step 2: Observe the observers.

^but don't go past those cones!

Step 3: Wait for the arrival of the fire brigade.


Step 3A: Wait for the arrival of a ladder truck.


Step 4: Get rescued.


Step 5: Celebrate your life with strangers.

^Actually, we had some time to kill (between our meetings and dinner), so we wandered into Tachikawa's tiniest bar.

This bar was chosen not because we knew about it, but because we were lost, and because it had a vintage Budweiser sign out front. The place had two tables, was smokey, and had the cutest lil bartender (on the left). Two 40's cost a few bucks, and the peanuts were free. Will go back!


Step 6: Catch the last train home.


Jammin' in Tokyo

So for this trip, I flew in early, so I had a full weekend before my meetings started. The timing worked out perfectly, because Mr. Packard-san's band had a gig on Saturday!

@ Shinjuku Jam


Presenting, Robert the Thief!


Packard-san


Nagato-san


Drummer-san




The main act was pure g three


カワノアヤコ


いただきます!!!