Every year I find the trek to Charleston to see family over the Christmas holidays to be too stressing and taxing on me. Besides the frenetic schedules and constant driving, there's always the issues of how much time to "allot" to each family. We don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so we do what we can.
This year was exceptionally quiet. My father is anticipating surgeries in the next couple of months and my mother is also having her complications associated with getting older. Everyone is I guess. They didn't even bother with putting up a tree this year because of all the work involved.
We started out trip staying with El's family and had dinner, opened presents and then went to bed. We skipped Midnight Mass this year. I was too wiped out from the drive to make it. It was the first time in how many years since I was little that we didn't go. I opted for bed. THe next morning we got up had brunch with her family and proceeded to my family's place.
We had lunch, chatted and opened more presents and unexpectedly I crashed out AGAIN. After snoozing on the couch for half an hour I woke up and it was time for dinner. Geez. We ate and went back to El's place. We hung out with her relatives and then went back to bed.
This year has been mentally and physically straining on El and I. Besides our regular day to day we also had to manage our fledgling catering business and cope with three back to back to back hurricanes. We barely have any time to ourselves and just relax. Next year I'll do better to make it different.
Back to Christmas...
I got sick. Ear infection, fever, etc. Couldn't sleep very well which made me very tired and irritable on the way back to Florida. And to boot there was another accident on I-95 which made our 6 hour trip into a 9 hour trip. It never fails during a holiday.
We got home late and fatigued. I felt bad for El who I know was tired, but I couldn't do anything. She had to unload most of the baggage. I just wanted to eat, bundle up and go to bed.
Today I decided to tough it out and go to work since I had alot of loose ends. Plus, El's relatives are here in Orlando today and may come by the house. Oh and El's birthday party is on New Year's Eve and I've still got a lot to do. I love this time of year.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
brownbag
It's no secret to most people thaat know me that I love to cook and aspire to one day open up our own restaurant/catering service.
My father is a fantastic chef and once made plans to open up something in Charleston, SC, but things happen and once we moved overseas his dream was never realized. I've decided to take up that dream in his honor.
Fast forward to my college years. To pay my way through art school I was lucky enough to be hired by a family owned restaurant, called The Lady and Sons. With no experience whatsoever I worked my way up from busboy to server to night manager and even asked to partner up with the owners to open a new restaurant in Savannah's sister city, Charleston! All in my first year working there!
Paula Deen and her two sons, Bobby and Jamie, were very much like my family while I stayed in Savannah for 5 years while I attended school. I was truly lucky to work for such an amazing family who welcomed me in and put so much trust into someone who had no prior experience. When Paula initially asked me to open a new location in SC I was quite honored and shocked. Now you ask - who is Paula Deen? She is author of several Random House recipe books that are best sellers and featured frequently on QVC, New York Times, The Today Show amongst others. She also has a cooking show on the Food Network, called Paula's Home Cooking. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving family.
Unfortunately, I took the longer road to personal success and decided to pursue my career in graphic design in Florida. Quite happy with the progression of my design, the restaurant bug never left me. For almost a year now, I've introduced and managed a catering service, named brownbag. Once a week, I cater to The Golf Channel for a set number of people and feature all kinds of dishes. It can range from Italian to Japanese to American fare and so on. It's been a success. The response has been mostly positive and has only heightened my desire to begin our dreams of one day opening one of our own restaurants.
I realize it's hard work and the odds are against us that it'll be successful. If it fails it won't be for lack of desire or hard work. Today El and I decided to thank our "clients/guinea pigs" with a comped lunch. Today we featured our famous Chicken Chunk Sandwich on Marbled Rye or Wheat; a tossed salad with olive oil and vinaigrette; and a delicious homemade 15 bean soup - my first foray into soups. Everyting turned out awesome - the chafing dishes and pans were cleaned out! Sadly, the holiday season has taken a toll on us and we need some rest. Also because the recent hurricanes hurt Florida crops, produce is very pricey. I may resume brownbag in the Spring, but of course, nothing is for certain. Anyways, our customers deserved a little Christmas "thank you" for their support and interest so this was our way of saying so.
My father is a fantastic chef and once made plans to open up something in Charleston, SC, but things happen and once we moved overseas his dream was never realized. I've decided to take up that dream in his honor.
Fast forward to my college years. To pay my way through art school I was lucky enough to be hired by a family owned restaurant, called The Lady and Sons. With no experience whatsoever I worked my way up from busboy to server to night manager and even asked to partner up with the owners to open a new restaurant in Savannah's sister city, Charleston! All in my first year working there!
Paula Deen and her two sons, Bobby and Jamie, were very much like my family while I stayed in Savannah for 5 years while I attended school. I was truly lucky to work for such an amazing family who welcomed me in and put so much trust into someone who had no prior experience. When Paula initially asked me to open a new location in SC I was quite honored and shocked. Now you ask - who is Paula Deen? She is author of several Random House recipe books that are best sellers and featured frequently on QVC, New York Times, The Today Show amongst others. She also has a cooking show on the Food Network, called Paula's Home Cooking. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving family.
Unfortunately, I took the longer road to personal success and decided to pursue my career in graphic design in Florida. Quite happy with the progression of my design, the restaurant bug never left me. For almost a year now, I've introduced and managed a catering service, named brownbag. Once a week, I cater to The Golf Channel for a set number of people and feature all kinds of dishes. It can range from Italian to Japanese to American fare and so on. It's been a success. The response has been mostly positive and has only heightened my desire to begin our dreams of one day opening one of our own restaurants.
I realize it's hard work and the odds are against us that it'll be successful. If it fails it won't be for lack of desire or hard work. Today El and I decided to thank our "clients/guinea pigs" with a comped lunch. Today we featured our famous Chicken Chunk Sandwich on Marbled Rye or Wheat; a tossed salad with olive oil and vinaigrette; and a delicious homemade 15 bean soup - my first foray into soups. Everyting turned out awesome - the chafing dishes and pans were cleaned out! Sadly, the holiday season has taken a toll on us and we need some rest. Also because the recent hurricanes hurt Florida crops, produce is very pricey. I may resume brownbag in the Spring, but of course, nothing is for certain. Anyways, our customers deserved a little Christmas "thank you" for their support and interest so this was our way of saying so.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
"You like reaching into your pocket and only feeling your leg???"
-quoted from George Washington Duke, Promoter Extraordinaire, Rocky V
This time of year always puts a hurting on me financially more so than others I imagine. In addition to it being the holiday season, El is also a New Year's Eve baby. So she always makes out like a bandito this time of year - Christmas presents and birthday presents. Of course, I always try to get her something she'd like.
This year will be different in that I plan on hosting a shindig to celebrate New Year's Eve and her 33rd birthday. Friends and family will travel from around the country to help celebrate. Since I'm not making it into a gigantic extravanaganza, I plan on some really topnotch details.
Sample menu...
• Panko & Pisatchio encrusted Basa with a Ber Blanc sauce • Beef Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce • Crab Cakes in a Black Bean Salsa • Leche Flan topped with fresh berries • Chicken Chunk Finger Sandwiches on Marbled Rye • Pecan Encrusted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish • Southwestern Chicken Eggrolls • Calamari with Marinara • and on and on
I also plan on serving only wines (Cabernets/Merlots, Rieslings, Chardonnays, Pinot Grigio) and some bubbly to toast off to. Mostly, it's wines El and I have sampled over the years and enjoyed.
Even the decor, which is themed, will be a secret until the evening of. I plan on having El take everyone out to a theme park (Disney or such) while I prepare the house for the festivities. All I can say is the event will be based on good fortune for the upcoming year.
I would've liked to have had all of our friends and family here as a mini reunion, but I realize this time of year is tricky as far as scheduling. Still a good many of them will make the trek. All of the repairs and updates to the house has, in a way, been in anticipation of this event. I know El didn't want to make a big deal out of her birthday, but slowly she is getting into it. I hope she and everyone else enjoys what I 've got planned out - she truly deserves it. All I know is it's a nice sized dent in the wallet...
This time of year always puts a hurting on me financially more so than others I imagine. In addition to it being the holiday season, El is also a New Year's Eve baby. So she always makes out like a bandito this time of year - Christmas presents and birthday presents. Of course, I always try to get her something she'd like.
This year will be different in that I plan on hosting a shindig to celebrate New Year's Eve and her 33rd birthday. Friends and family will travel from around the country to help celebrate. Since I'm not making it into a gigantic extravanaganza, I plan on some really topnotch details.
Sample menu...
• Panko & Pisatchio encrusted Basa with a Ber Blanc sauce • Beef Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce • Crab Cakes in a Black Bean Salsa • Leche Flan topped with fresh berries • Chicken Chunk Finger Sandwiches on Marbled Rye • Pecan Encrusted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish • Southwestern Chicken Eggrolls • Calamari with Marinara • and on and on
I also plan on serving only wines (Cabernets/Merlots, Rieslings, Chardonnays, Pinot Grigio) and some bubbly to toast off to. Mostly, it's wines El and I have sampled over the years and enjoyed.
Even the decor, which is themed, will be a secret until the evening of. I plan on having El take everyone out to a theme park (Disney or such) while I prepare the house for the festivities. All I can say is the event will be based on good fortune for the upcoming year.
I would've liked to have had all of our friends and family here as a mini reunion, but I realize this time of year is tricky as far as scheduling. Still a good many of them will make the trek. All of the repairs and updates to the house has, in a way, been in anticipation of this event. I know El didn't want to make a big deal out of her birthday, but slowly she is getting into it. I hope she and everyone else enjoys what I 've got planned out - she truly deserves it. All I know is it's a nice sized dent in the wallet...
Monday, December 06, 2004
One down...
...six more to go!
After the hurricanes there seemed to be an endless list of "to-do's" with the house. First and foremost was definitely going to be repairing my poor fence. After the storms posts were either snapped in half or bent downward. The entire thing had to be taken down and redone. I was able to take it down myself (heavy!), but once the reposting began it was ddefinitely the work of two men. Luckily, my buddy, Ed, offered one weekend to help out. Props to him! In four hours we managed to redo the entire left side of the house. Not bad considering it was our first time doing it and we had worked out a nice system that made it run smoothly.
This past weekend another buddy, Brian (aka Rick James, BITCH!), came over to help a brutha out so we could bang out the other side as well. Whew! What a load off my shoulders. Now I could concentrate on the other FIVE OR SIX projects to do outside. Bailey certainly appreciated it - he hadn't been able to run around without a leash for about two months. He spent the remainder of Sunday lounging in the grass as the sun dipped while I hammered on patch boards to fill gaps where they had flown off during the storms.
All that remains left to do is reshingle the roof (I'll get contractors to do this); repair, primer and paint the exterior the outside of the house (I can do this I think); landscape (Professionally-El's Christmas wish believe it or not); wire and mount two new light fixtures outside of the garage; redesign the toy/computer room and other various oddds and ends. Woo-hoo!
I did manage to install new chandeliers in the dining room and foyer a week ago, though. Yay!
After the hurricanes there seemed to be an endless list of "to-do's" with the house. First and foremost was definitely going to be repairing my poor fence. After the storms posts were either snapped in half or bent downward. The entire thing had to be taken down and redone. I was able to take it down myself (heavy!), but once the reposting began it was ddefinitely the work of two men. Luckily, my buddy, Ed, offered one weekend to help out. Props to him! In four hours we managed to redo the entire left side of the house. Not bad considering it was our first time doing it and we had worked out a nice system that made it run smoothly.
This past weekend another buddy, Brian (aka Rick James, BITCH!), came over to help a brutha out so we could bang out the other side as well. Whew! What a load off my shoulders. Now I could concentrate on the other FIVE OR SIX projects to do outside. Bailey certainly appreciated it - he hadn't been able to run around without a leash for about two months. He spent the remainder of Sunday lounging in the grass as the sun dipped while I hammered on patch boards to fill gaps where they had flown off during the storms.
All that remains left to do is reshingle the roof (I'll get contractors to do this); repair, primer and paint the exterior the outside of the house (I can do this I think); landscape (Professionally-El's Christmas wish believe it or not); wire and mount two new light fixtures outside of the garage; redesign the toy/computer room and other various oddds and ends. Woo-hoo!
I did manage to install new chandeliers in the dining room and foyer a week ago, though. Yay!
Although expensive and time consuming, I love working on the house. Strangely I find it relaxing, not to mention satisfying. El and I have managed to redo the outdoor patio where I laid out a porcelain tile floor, put up a bamboo ceiling, added new patio furniture, put a new light fixture, hooked up outdoor speakers to the family room sound system and installed some iron scrollwork planters. This was probably one of the most time consuming since I had never framed out a ceiling or mortared out tile before. After a couple weeks of researching and planning and I finally finished the job while our friend, Jen, was visiting.
Talk about obssessed, but well worth it. It's pretty serene outside on cool evenings sitting out here while El, Bailey and I take a breather from our schedules. It's nice to sit out at nights watching the go down and in the mornings walking Bailey and seeing all the various cranes and ducks in the pond feeding
After Rachel moved out we also redid the guest bedroom in a Hawaiian theme. Our anniversary trip there a couple of years ago allowed us to bring back some neat stuff - silkscreened sarongs, carvings, etc. My Uncle Rey got me some original drawings from the Phillippines a few years back that I had matted and framed. I've always wanted to put them up, but never had the right place for them. We also purchased a small chest of drawers and refinished it with a darker stain. Overall this has got to be one of the most relaxing and "quiet" rooms in the house.
In the guest bathroom we removed all the dark blue accents and instead replaced everything in brushed silver and white for a cleaner look. We added some other framed photos we picked up at various exhibtions and I installed a new wall fixture.
The last two rooms left to design were the master bed (shameful!) and my toy/computer room. Our trip to Japan let us FINALLY finish the master bedroom with a Japanese theme. While there we bought some silkscreened textiles, which I framed; a couple of Washi prints and I enlarged 10 photographs which I also framed and lined along the room. New drapes and lighting were added to make the room definitely more subdued.
Whew! Last is the computer room where I hope to begin making progress with and complete in the next two weeks. We plan on hosting a party for El's birthday and New Year's so it would be nice to bang out everything before then. Once the house is completed, then we can kick off the new year right.
The last two rooms left to design were the master bed (shameful!) and my toy/computer room. Our trip to Japan let us FINALLY finish the master bedroom with a Japanese theme. While there we bought some silkscreened textiles, which I framed; a couple of Washi prints and I enlarged 10 photographs which I also framed and lined along the room. New drapes and lighting were added to make the room definitely more subdued.
Whew! Last is the computer room where I hope to begin making progress with and complete in the next two weeks. We plan on hosting a party for El's birthday and New Year's so it would be nice to bang out everything before then. Once the house is completed, then we can kick off the new year right.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Oh Christmas Tree...
We flew in back to Orlando Saturday night and headed home. Sunday afternoon was spent unwinding and doing small odds and ends chores.
After a relaxing Thanksgiving Day, El and I typically begin the hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree. We began our search relatively late so the traditional spots like Home Depot and Lowe's, where we almost always find our tree at a great price, closed before we even got there.
The private Christmas Tree Lots usually have a nice looking selection, but are ALWAYS wa-a-ay overpriced ($75-80 for a six footer?!?). We didn't even bother looking.
I should've bought stock at Tar-jay since we spend so much time and money there. They have everything you could possibly need, INCLUDING our tree! We spotted an eight-footer not even 10 minutes into the hunt. Perfectly symmetrical, full and green - the Frasier Fir was picked up and trimmed by the nice guy manning the post. At only $45 it was steal. Thrown on top of the Explorer we had dinner with my sister, Rachel, and made our way home.
After a relaxing Thanksgiving Day, El and I typically begin the hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree. We began our search relatively late so the traditional spots like Home Depot and Lowe's, where we almost always find our tree at a great price, closed before we even got there.
The private Christmas Tree Lots usually have a nice looking selection, but are ALWAYS wa-a-ay overpriced ($75-80 for a six footer?!?). We didn't even bother looking.
I should've bought stock at Tar-jay since we spend so much time and money there. They have everything you could possibly need, INCLUDING our tree! We spotted an eight-footer not even 10 minutes into the hunt. Perfectly symmetrical, full and green - the Frasier Fir was picked up and trimmed by the nice guy manning the post. At only $45 it was steal. Thrown on top of the Explorer we had dinner with my sister, Rachel, and made our way home.
Me "We can wait until tomorrow to decorate it. I just want to finish trimming it up and putting it in place in the living room. I might just put the lights up to get started."
15 minutes later...
El "I'm just really tired and have to be up at 5am"
Me "No problem. I might just finish this and maybe hang a few ornaments to see what it looks like..."
El "Well I wanna help decorate, too, though so don't finish it."
Me "Okay."
By 12:30am all three of us have finished decorating the tree, El has hung holly in the dining room and changed the centerpiece on the table.
How sly am I?
El "I'm just really tired and have to be up at 5am"
Me "No problem. I might just finish this and maybe hang a few ornaments to see what it looks like..."
El "Well I wanna help decorate, too, though so don't finish it."
Me "Okay."
By 12:30am all three of us have finished decorating the tree, El has hung holly in the dining room and changed the centerpiece on the table.
How sly am I?
Friday, November 26, 2004
Turkey Day at Rick & Donna's
This year we were spared the stress and pain of preparing Turkey Day for the family. This year my brother, Ricky, and his wife, Donna, hosted the event. We made the flight up to Lawrenceville, a little north of Atlanta, to partake in this year's gluttony celebration. We were joined by my parents; my sister, Cher and her husband Kevin and son Kai; Donna's mother, Susan, and brother, Danny; and aunt Connie. My older sister, Rachel, will be joining us tomorrow night.
The food was tasty (and filling). Donna slaved away and prepared a fantastic meal of Roasted Turkey, Honey Ham, green bean casserole, homemade dressing, sweet potato casserole, vegetable medley, cranberry, red cabbage, an apple chutney, and several desserts. My gut was BUSTED.
Tryptophan kicked in and I was soon passed out for the next two hours. Most of the day was spent being a complete bum. It was nice to be on the other side and not have to prepare and cook.
Tomorrow the girls want to brave the cold weather and try their luck at Black Friday's Post-Thanksgiving's shopping. Oh geez.
Hope everyone had a good time. Time to turn in (again) and power up for tomorrow's excursions...
The food was tasty (and filling). Donna slaved away and prepared a fantastic meal of Roasted Turkey, Honey Ham, green bean casserole, homemade dressing, sweet potato casserole, vegetable medley, cranberry, red cabbage, an apple chutney, and several desserts. My gut was BUSTED.
Tryptophan kicked in and I was soon passed out for the next two hours. Most of the day was spent being a complete bum. It was nice to be on the other side and not have to prepare and cook.
Tomorrow the girls want to brave the cold weather and try their luck at Black Friday's Post-Thanksgiving's shopping. Oh geez.
Hope everyone had a good time. Time to turn in (again) and power up for tomorrow's excursions...
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Low Key Saturday Entertainment
The girls are fans of Norah Jones whom I first gave a listen to a couple of years ago. Digging deeper even her older stint with The Peter Malick group was pretty good, including an old Bryan Ferry tune, More Than This.
I learned a few months ago that she was coming here and decided to purchase some tickets. Unfortunately she wasn't playing in Orlando, but rather in Kissimmee at the Silver Spurs Arena. What a dump. It looks fairly new, but in the middle of nowhere. It took quite awhile to arrive at the venue and the traffic was terrible. Plus to "boot" it must've been line dancing night for the locals and we had to fight for parking.
Arriving a half hour late we made it to catch the last song of the opening act, Amos Lee (WHO???). The women at least seemed to love him. The crowd was definitely an older group - pretty subdued. We stayed for a little over an hour and then bailed out to dodge the traffic before her last song (which I didn't know) ended.
The air was cool and we got home at an early hour, not unlike other concerts I've been to. This was definitely a very calm night. We're getting old.
I learned a few months ago that she was coming here and decided to purchase some tickets. Unfortunately she wasn't playing in Orlando, but rather in Kissimmee at the Silver Spurs Arena. What a dump. It looks fairly new, but in the middle of nowhere. It took quite awhile to arrive at the venue and the traffic was terrible. Plus to "boot" it must've been line dancing night for the locals and we had to fight for parking.
Arriving a half hour late we made it to catch the last song of the opening act, Amos Lee (WHO???). The women at least seemed to love him. The crowd was definitely an older group - pretty subdued. We stayed for a little over an hour and then bailed out to dodge the traffic before her last song (which I didn't know) ended.
The air was cool and we got home at an early hour, not unlike other concerts I've been to. This was definitely a very calm night. We're getting old.
Right before the concert we joined a couple of friends, Chris and Joy, for dinner (along with my sister, Rachel) at Timpano Italian Chophouse in the Dr. Phillips area. Considering this is a "chain" restaurant, although more upscale, it's pretty decent. The food is always tasty and presented nice and a decent selection of Italian wines makes the joint enjoyable when you want to have an "adult" night. Actually almost all the restaurants in the Dr. Phillips area are all pretty nice. It's the dining spot whenever our good friend, Jen, decides to hang out away from Virginia.
Our server was pretty attentive at first, but soon lost a couple of stripes once the place started to fill up a little. Salads were left out and some dishes were overhyped as if she worked on commission. She also had an eerie resemblance to another Jen we had the pleasure of knowing before she moved to Atlanta. Smoker's voice and almost yelling in our ears she became somewhat annoying after awhile.
I did manage to try an Italian Cabernet/merlot that we really enjoyed called Luna di Luna. A couple of days later I managed to track down ONE last bottle of it at our local World Market.
Our server was pretty attentive at first, but soon lost a couple of stripes once the place started to fill up a little. Salads were left out and some dishes were overhyped as if she worked on commission. She also had an eerie resemblance to another Jen we had the pleasure of knowing before she moved to Atlanta. Smoker's voice and almost yelling in our ears she became somewhat annoying after awhile.
I did manage to try an Italian Cabernet/merlot that we really enjoyed called Luna di Luna. A couple of days later I managed to track down ONE last bottle of it at our local World Market.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Happy Halloween!
This year's Halloween was a nice long holiday weekend of debauchery. Saturday night was spent dressed "to kill" and head downtown with friends and party. Always a good time. Sunday night El and I did up our back patio for trick or treaters as the Spooky Post-Hurricane Patio complete with webbing, flying bats, skulls, a full size zombie with treats, eerie blue lights, a fog machine, candles and lanterns and piped in spooky music via outdoor speakers. It was a good laugh to see parents and kids alike afraid to go inside the patio to get their "treat". Here's a small sample of our display...
Halloween here in O-town is a blast. Me and El went as a masquerading zombie couple, but by the end of the night I resigned to being the Phantom of the Opera (nobody got it.). Oh well. It was fun. El got tore up on shots and cocktails and was feeling a little "dead" afterwards on the ride home. Here we pose with a couple of Extreme Soccer Players. During this time of year, it's not unusual for people to grab you to take pictures. Granted this is the most ambitious costuem for me to date. Previously, my sister, El and I went out as the Addams Family (Gomez, Morticia and Wednesday) and the year before I went as a Catholic Priest ("Can I see your I.D....uuuuhh...sir?").
My buddy, Brian, usually wins the award for most original costume every year. In the past he's bee a six-foot blue Smurf complete with white jogging pants and white hat as well as a scantily clad Hooters girl. This year's Rick James (I'm Rick James, Bitch!) was a nod to the dearly departed Master of Funk.
Pre-Halloween Prank
It's customary in my office for whomever to be out longer than two days on vacation to catch some kind of hell from the other co-werks. Since Halloween was around the corner what a perfect welcome back from Ed, Amy and Dan than to completely encase my desk in spider web complete with a denim dressed skeleton. Here I am trying to climb my way out of trouble with little luck...
Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals are here again!
The following weekend El and I arrived back in Orlando was the National Finals for the Drive, Chip & Putt hosted by my company, The Golf Channel, and presented by Mutual of Omaha. All year long the DCP crew hit the road and host tournaments for kids to find the best of the best in each age category. At the end of the year the finals take place here in Orlando. My job? Taking pictures. A paltry part considering, but very enjoyable nonetheless. The weather was incredibly cool and clear and the event, as usual, is a blast. This year I was even able to concept the touring bus that goes out to each event. But it's always fun to watch the kids compete against each other to be the year's National's Champion.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Top 10 Best Things
So I finally got to upload the last of the journal and pictures. After a brief discussion El and I came up with our Top 10 BEST and Not So Best Things of Japan. Enjoy...
The Top 10 BEST Things of Japan
10. The food (taste, variety, presentation)
9. No gratuity needed...ever.
8. Extremely helpful and courteous locals
7. Bidets
6. Hot towels before every meal
5. The rail system
4. Shrines
3. Onsen (hot spring baths - El, not me - see previous postings)
2. C.C. Lemon by Suntory
1. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants
The Top 10 Not So Best Things About Japan
10. Hard beds
9. Rude older staff in hotels
8. Overpricing of EVERYTHING
7. Snotty overdressed girls
6. Humidity
5. Smoking EVERYWHERE
4. Riding in coach
3. TYPHOONS
2. No photography allowed when you really, REALLY wanna take a picture
1. Terrible air conditioning
The Top 10 BEST Things of Japan
10. The food (taste, variety, presentation)
9. No gratuity needed...ever.
8. Extremely helpful and courteous locals
7. Bidets
6. Hot towels before every meal
5. The rail system
4. Shrines
3. Onsen (hot spring baths - El, not me - see previous postings)
2. C.C. Lemon by Suntory
1. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants
The Top 10 Not So Best Things About Japan
10. Hard beds
9. Rude older staff in hotels
8. Overpricing of EVERYTHING
7. Snotty overdressed girls
6. Humidity
5. Smoking EVERYWHERE
4. Riding in coach
3. TYPHOONS
2. No photography allowed when you really, REALLY wanna take a picture
1. Terrible air conditioning
Monday, November 08, 2004
Homeward Bound
The last day was a hodge podge of confusion and stress. We still had to pack and check out. Plus we had to schedule our bus trip to Narita International airport. We wanted to tour more, but I was nervous about missing our bus, our flight, etc. The bus ride was surprisingly long (two hours) and once we got to Narita International we were in for another shocker. Since we are used to long security checks and baggage check-in (think L.A.), we arrived three hours before our flight out. Unfortunately, my foresight worked against us. Our check-in and tram shuttle to our gate took a total time of 30 minutes. What to do for 2 1/2 hours...
El tried some duty-free shopping (boring), I tried reading (got restless) and the food at the terminal was AWFUL. Talk about spoiled from our previous sampling of local cuisine. Even worse, after speaking with someone at the Japan Air ticketing counter we were unable to upgrade to first class. Damn! Once on board I decided to make the most of our 12 hour flight and had a few drinks and passed out. What a mistake. As I mentioned earlier the Japanese have no tolerance for cold weather and thus I awoke sweating in my seat with a terrible hangover AND with 8 more hours to go! Even worse I wore a long sleeve light sweater in anticipation of very cold overhead A/C vents. Uncomfortably hot and with a pounding headache I scrambled out of the chair as my fellow travellers snoozed bundled up in their layers of clothes to stretch out. El was fast asleep and I felt like jumping out off the plane. That had to be the absolute worst plane ride ever.
Once we were in LA we were culture shocked once again with long lines, rude people, and inefficient terminal staff. We hopped onto our next plane and I welcomed the larger seats with their individual cold air conditioning and a shorter (8 hours) flight towards home. We arrived back in Orlando closer to 2am and we chatted until the wee hours with Rachel and finally went to bed. We awoke finally at 5pm the NEXT DAY. Talk about wiped out. It took over a week to adjust back to our time, although I've still been coming in to work earlier than before. It was a fantastic trip and someday we hope to make it back there. For a small country there is so much to see and so much that westerners could learn from the Japanese.
El tried some duty-free shopping (boring), I tried reading (got restless) and the food at the terminal was AWFUL. Talk about spoiled from our previous sampling of local cuisine. Even worse, after speaking with someone at the Japan Air ticketing counter we were unable to upgrade to first class. Damn! Once on board I decided to make the most of our 12 hour flight and had a few drinks and passed out. What a mistake. As I mentioned earlier the Japanese have no tolerance for cold weather and thus I awoke sweating in my seat with a terrible hangover AND with 8 more hours to go! Even worse I wore a long sleeve light sweater in anticipation of very cold overhead A/C vents. Uncomfortably hot and with a pounding headache I scrambled out of the chair as my fellow travellers snoozed bundled up in their layers of clothes to stretch out. El was fast asleep and I felt like jumping out off the plane. That had to be the absolute worst plane ride ever.
Once we were in LA we were culture shocked once again with long lines, rude people, and inefficient terminal staff. We hopped onto our next plane and I welcomed the larger seats with their individual cold air conditioning and a shorter (8 hours) flight towards home. We arrived back in Orlando closer to 2am and we chatted until the wee hours with Rachel and finally went to bed. We awoke finally at 5pm the NEXT DAY. Talk about wiped out. It took over a week to adjust back to our time, although I've still been coming in to work earlier than before. It was a fantastic trip and someday we hope to make it back there. For a small country there is so much to see and so much that westerners could learn from the Japanese.
After our shopping frenzy we decided to head back to the Kyoto train station for dinner. Where to go? Our favorite restaurant, a sushi restaurant with a conveyor belt system. This place reestablished my love for sushi. Sushi is made quickly by a number of chefs who simply plop them onto plates that revolve around the bar via conveyor belt. it was pretty novel to us, which made the experience more enjoyable. Prices are 120 Yen each plate and you grab whatever you want, whenever you want. Plus to boot, our pleasant server knew us from a previous visit and knew to automatically bring us two large biro (beers) to sip with our dinner. After all the different pubs, cafes, and restaurants this was definitely my fave. Atmosphere, novelty, delicious food, friendly and efficient staff. At this point we were feeling more like locals than earlier in our trip. We were familiar with customs and etiquette. We picked up enough Japanese to speak simply. And we felt comfortable in our surroundings. It's amazing how the Japanese's attitude changes towards you when you put forth an effort to blend in. The last couple of days, although tiring, we felt more at ease as we wandered around the city. Although, it's always a great feeling to know you're going home we actually felt pretty sad about leaving. After dinner we went back to our hotel to pack and rest for our long journey home.
The Kyoto Handicraft Center
Our little hike from the Palace took us down what I thought would be only a few blocks across the Kamo River. We had to look like complete jackasses. Here's two gaijin, obviously lost, walking across a bridge on the highway and through busy avenues. Luckily other tourists had the same idea and we ran into quite a few foreign backpackers. When we finally got to the Kyoto Handicraft Center we were shopping like we were on a mission. Since we had very little time to buy anything during our vacation we decided this was going to be the perfect opportunity. El and I are notorious shoppers when we travel. We try not to fill our home with the usual lot of junk trinkets from trips. Instead we opt for art, textiles, pottery, jewelry - anything handmade and representative of wherever we travel. We were able to walk out with quite a bit including a beautiful, handpainted room panel; a wooden collectible Geisha doll for my sister, Rachel, who was watching our house and our dog, Bailey; a ceramic Sumo Wrestler knick knack; a woodblock print; and a cloisonne pendant I secretly bought as a gift for El that she was eyeing the other day. One of the outstanding purchases was three large (3'x4.5') Washi prints. Washi is handmade paper silkscreened with scenes of Japan. I was really hoping to purchase one the incredibly detailed antique kimonos, but El talked me out of it, though, as it was a question of how we could properly display it. Plus to boot they were anywhere from $500-$1000. I'm still regretting not buying one.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
We caught another train and walked to the Palace Administration building where we filled out paperwork for admission onto the grounds. The Palace itself is roped off to the public, but the perimeter can be toured. The gardens were probably the most beautiful I've seen yet. Our guide was a young Japanese girl who seemed extremely nervous and out of breath while she spoke. Come to find out it was her first time giving the tour! An older British gentleman and I gave her the reassuring "pat on the back' and chatted with her afterwards. Surprisingly she told us that she learned her English stateside in TAMPA. Funny! Afterwards, we decided we could walk to the Kyoto Handicraft Center since the weather had cooled down a little and I was wanting to see more of the rural life. Bad call.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
The next morning we woke up fairly early and had breakfast and decided to make up for whatever sights we missed. Since this was the last full free day before our flight back home we hoped to catch the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and then to shop at the Kyoto Handicraft Center. To travel more efficiently we caught a train to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to see the famed red laquer Tori Gates and then north to the Palace. The Inari Shrine is dedicated to cats and is known for its hundred of beautiful Tori gates. Most shrines have a Tori gate, but none like this. After getting lost - literally - in this deceivingly huge area for an hour El decided we needed to catch the Palace before we missed the 2:00pm cut off time for the English speaking tour.
Field Trip
The Japanese rail system, one of the best in the world, is the hub of transportation for most. Japanese schoolchildren on a field trip overrun us on our way to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Nara Park
As evening wore on we walked over to Nara Park, or more appropriately called Deer Park. Thousands of gentle deer can be fed and petted. Nearby a crowd formed around a young performing artist who juggled flaming batons and knives. El and I just wandered around until the sun set. It was a nice ending to a full day. Afterwards we took the bus back to the Rihga Royal Hotel where we dined on (at our hesitation) MCDONALD'S. We had no choice really. We were incredibly hungry and didn't feel like getting cleaned up and dressed for dinner. All I wanted was a hot shower and something to eat - ANYTHING. After all the delicious Kyoto cuisine we had been dining on, eating McDonald's for "a taste of home" actually made me want to puke. I can't believe Americans eat this crap all the time.
Lanterns of Kasuga Shrine
Nearby Kasuga Taisha Shrine is considered one of the three greatest Shinto Shrines of Japan. The Japanese worship a plethora of deities and this temple consists of four shrines consecrated to all the different Shinto
deities. Thousands of stone and bronze lanterns cover the grounds and roam with wild deer. Reading some literature I learned that the deer are perfectly comfortable with human contact and return to their pens at the sound of a trumpet in the evening.
deities. Thousands of stone and bronze lanterns cover the grounds and roam with wild deer. Reading some literature I learned that the deer are perfectly comfortable with human contact and return to their pens at the sound of a trumpet in the evening.
Todaiji Temple
One of the busiest temples in Japan it was built during the Nara period for Emperor Shomu from 724ad to 749ad.
Golden Buddha of Todaiji Temple
After lunch we met up with the rest of the tour to head over to Nara to visit the Todaji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Shrine. Todaji Temple is considered one of the busiest attractions in all of Japan. As one of the most important temples it houses the colossal statue of the Vairocana Buddha and the world's largest wooden hall. The Vairocana Buddha is constructed of bronze and covered in gold leafing. It is central to the Kegon Sect of Buddhism. Ironically, the wooden hall was reconstructed, but only as a third of the original size! This was what me and El really wanted to visit. To see the size of the Buddha is breathtaking! Two other monstrous buddhas sit next to the main statue, but look tiny in comparison. Around back featured two fierce looking guardians carved of wood and a scaled down verson of the temple grounds. To hear the history of this building was interesting enough, but the eye candy made me wander around on my own to shoot as much as I could.
Entrance to Todaiji Temple
Incense is lit and a quick prayer made outide of the one of the world's largest wooden halls.
The Golden Pavilion
The last excursion was probably the highlight of the tour. Kinkakuji Temple, or Golden Pavilion, was a stunning example of an authentic Japanese style garden. This fantastic pagoda sits on Kyoko-chi pond (or mirror pond) and it's virtually impossible to take a terrible photo from any angle. Gilded in gold leaf this structure was built by Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Ashikaga who designed this beautiful area to indulge himself in the area's naturally tranquil setting.
Afterwards, we headed out to the Kyoto Handicraft center where we would have lunch and await frothe second half of our tour towards Nara. The handicraft center was surprisingly a great collection of all the crafts from Japan and had decent pricing. We were starving and had only an hour for lunch and didn't have time to really shop around. We made plans to come back here when we went to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace the next day.
Afterwards, we headed out to the Kyoto Handicraft center where we would have lunch and await frothe second half of our tour towards Nara. The handicraft center was surprisingly a great collection of all the crafts from Japan and had decent pricing. We were starving and had only an hour for lunch and didn't have time to really shop around. We made plans to come back here when we went to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace the next day.
Higashi Honganji Temple
Because it was a national holiday today the Imperial Palace was closed and we were forced to detour to one of the local shrines. El and I were pretty bummed about it, but made the best of it. We visited the Higashi-Honganji Temple, the largest wooden building in Kyoto. It would have been a more interesting visit but the whole exterior of the shrine was encapsulated in scaffolding as they were restoring it and to boot we weren't allowed to shoot photos inside. All in all this had to be the most disappointing part of Kyoto.
Nijo Castle
The next day we have actually planned out a tour of Kyoto with stops at Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Golden Pavilion. Unfortunately because of restorative plans we were unable to photograph Nijo Castle. Apparently it was the second home of the powerful Tokugawa shogun who built the castle in 1603 to be closer to the emperor of the time. Interestingly, we learned from our guide that it was typical for the real ruling power to emanate from the shogun. Because he actually controlled the military might he also had the financial abilities to maintain the country. During the time of Kyoto's term as the capital, the Tokugawa shogun actually PAID the emperor a stipend. The castle itself was until recent years of restoration used for administrative purposes of Kyoto and was quickly deteriorating. The gold leaf murals were systematically being restored to its former glory and the castle secured for touring purposes only. Its most notable feature were its "nightingale" floors which were purposely designed to creak when a person stepped on it. This was used as an early alarm system to allow shogun aware of any person walking in any area of the castle.
Shopping in Gion
After the shrine we still weren't ready to head back so we decided to head out shopping in the Gion District. The city lit up now has the appearance of a decent city. We move around the shops for a couple of hours but the humidity is just too much. When we ocassionally find an a/c vent we have to hang out for a few minutes to cool down. The Japanese tolerance for humidity and heat is amazing. We've seen girls layered in shawls, boots, fur lined jackets and complain it's too hot and remove a glove to cool off. Unfortunately, they have zero tolerance for cold and their a/c in hotels is stuck on vent or 80 degrees (probably their coldest setting). Everyday we pour out sweat within an hour of walking around. We do notice that things are somewhat less expensive here in Kyoto vs. Tokyo. Not by much.
Yasaka Shrine Entrance
Next we decide to venture out farther towards Yasaka Shrine, which a young Japanese who speaks perfect English volunteers to help us find our way (which we were completely going the wrong way) and even writes a note for us to show people if we get lost. We head back towards the bus terminal and are soon on our way. Yasaka Jinja is the most famous shrine in Kyoto with it's bright orange Tori gates. Unfortunately it is swarmed with tourists and peddlers or trinkets and cheap jewelry. Everything is overpriced. It's hard to focus on the shrines when you see all this. We stray away from the shrine and end up in Maruyama Park. At first it doesn't look like much, but then again it's most often visited in the spring when the cherry blossoms are flowering. As soon as evening sets in everything has a more romantic glow to it. Even the shrine has its shoji lanterns on and I can't resist but attempt to capture some intriguing night shots for the next two hours.
Yasaka at night
At night Yasaka takes on a more romantic air as couple wander around the temple. It was a great opportunity to try the night features on my digital camera, but unfortunately doesn't quite work out.
Kyoto Cuisine
We check into the Rhiga Royal Hotel and clean up. After our long train ride she is ready to move around and explore. We decide to head back to Kyoto station since it was most convenient and offered the most with restaurants for lunch and shopping. We notice we haven't even once had sushi or sashimi since we got here so it becomes the next mission. We find a nice dark wood restaurant that seems to have a huge selection and are seated in a huge room with dark slat windows. We order a sashimi platter with miso, seaweed salad, pickled daikon and a couple of other cold dishes. El gets the tempura platter with basically the same sides as mine. I can't get myself to eat the octopus which El tries. Surprisingly she doesn't like the texture. I'm actually kinda shocked since she loves Unagi and squid. Bleck! If she doesn't like it there's no way in hell I'm gonna eat it. The tuna sashimis and squid are good though.
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