Tuesday, April 28, 2015

April, 2015

APRIL

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It's that time of year in Japan. That time where, for a short few weeks, everything is perfect. I have a couple months of "spring break", so I really don't have much work. The weather suddenly becomes nice. And cherry blossoms and drinking, that too.

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No clue.

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Your meal, princess. As far as wedding food goes, Meguro's Gajoen venue was decent. I get in trouble for my criticism of friend's weddings, but this one was textbook solid.

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Part of my photo series entitles Japanese Beauties Serving Tasty Food. Tai sashimi.

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Wanko soba.

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Ramen.

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Meanwhile, up north in Iwate Prefecture.

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I'm not a huge fan of sitting around and listening to jazz music. The gems are true gems, though.

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This random jazz bar, in some random town that is famous for having nothing, turned out to be hellllla sick. It's called Basie, and you should put its existence somewhere in the back of your mind.

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Probably the most epic stereo system I've come across. Everything was vintage, with tube amps powering these crazy custom made JBL speakers. Back in the day I built an audio system for my car using JBL components; 12-inch woofers in a tightly ported box with some separates installed into the door panels of my 1966 Ford Mustang. Respect.

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Also keep in mind that the cherry blossoms pop about 2 weeks later up north.

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Did you cop my book yet? Any support is greatly appreciated.

http://www.ramenadventures.com/p/ramen-guide-book.html

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Cook your own egg in 90 degree onsen water, then walk down the road and have some old dude barbecue you some fresh shellfish.

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Izu is always legit.

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I usually jump out of the country around this time, but I'm starting to think that March-April-May is prime for touring within Japan.

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A week after this shot and Mt. Fuji is almost clear of snow.

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Enjoy the HDR.

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Enjoy the obligatory sexy bike show at Lake Saiko.

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This group of Chinese tourists were all about my choice of photo spots.

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Don't touch my bike!

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Super random designer house / restaurant up in Yamagata. Lapin serves up French barbecue in a beautifully bleak structure. You either love this style of architecture or hate it. I love it. Here is a better photo from the Hosaka Takeshi website.

lapin

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Pretty good course as well. I'll be back.

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FM Yokohama. My first radio interview. On air May 16th or 17th. Does anyone even listen to radio anymore?

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Meanwhile, in Kochi, Shikoku.

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So ridiculously good. Local deep-fried river shrimp and plenty of fresh katsuo sashimi.

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April is also when the school year starts. I'm still working at a private girl's high school and a beauty school for a few hours a week. There is always that uneasy anticipation of the new crop of students. Will they be down with what I try to do? My approach to teaching, whether it is effective or not, is to create a goofy, fun experience that provides zero stress. While their other classes are chance for them to catch up on sleep, mine is a non-stop barrage of participation and discussion. Wish me luck!

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