A Gaijin's Encounters

28 April

2011-04-27T22:29:00.001-07:00

30% increase in dating agency applicants since the earthquake - people wnat to make their lives count.

27 April

2011-04-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Muge has pulled out!

I ask Etienne (my co-driver who I havent met yet) as i recall him originally saying that he hasa friend. He later gets back to me and his friend can join, we are back to 8 people.

-------------
I receive a mail from Ricky, he had asked me if i would join his trip (to work on an island trip), and I had asked him if he would join my trip- both for the same reason - Chris had dumped us :-)

26 April

2011-04-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

May confirmed that she cant go.

I ask Ricky, he cannot go anymore either

I advertise on FB and find someone called Muge

Chris apologises for pulling out, he has a genuine reason as he has been offered a two-month stint in Sendai. I can understand that, and wish him well, but I cannot forgive the way he pulled out. I have been informed that he knew of this trip a couple of days before he pulled out on me, but refrained from telling me. He works for Ricky so is familiar with what is involved. I feel let down from what was a good friend, I de-friend him on Facebook. Yes its childish I know, but I have heard of several divorces and cracked friendships since the earthquake, people are really re-evaluating their lives, friendships, relationships.

25 April

2011-04-27T21:15:00.001-07:00

Chris has now pulled out ! - no apology either....

May says that she would like to join, but cannot confirm yet.

25 April - Yuko's mate

2011-04-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Lunch with Yuko

She tells me of her friend, whose husband has gone crazy since the earthquake. At the time of the radiation scare, he took the family to Singapore. it was there that he told his wife that he would leave her. He is in love with a younger colleague and wants to make life count.

A few weeks later he turns up on his wife's doorstep. He tells her that he wants to die, he had read online that this can be achieved if you starve your body of water for five days. He wants to do this in their old spare room - she allows him in...

Five days later he is still alive though, although not in the best of health. The Mother in law arrives and asks if he needs anything - he needs a pineapple...

He also now loves his wife again and will drink water....I really hope she leaves this nutter. I think that she is now just waiting for the cash that he has promised her & the kids. Apparently, he holds a senior position at an investment bank, and during his water starvation, he went to work every day, living a 'normal' life!

23 April

2011-04-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Shige is also pulling out as he needs to go to the same party. i have advertised on FB and have found two replacements, one is a French guy who has a driving license.

22 April

2011-04-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Dan has to pull out as he has a leaving party that he had forgotten about

20 April

2011-04-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Decided that I want to go back and do some more volunteering, so have decided to go on the evening of the 28th. Friday si a public holiday in Japan, so we can work on Friday and Saturday. Shoko will join and the guys I went with before are also kean.

I will take two cars as there are so many people who have asked if they can join.

19 April はしょふう

2011-04-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

As we left the volunteer centre yesterday, I had a medic tell me that I should get a tetanus jab as I had fallen over in the zone. At first, i took it with a 'pinch of salt' as I was barely grazed. But on reflection, I learned how poisonous the zone actually is. The water not only contained dead bodies, but moreso, poisons from telegraph poles. Apparently the boxes that you see located high on one in every half a dozen telegraph poles contain highly toxic ingedients.

The medic told me that I had four days to get a tetanus boost, and so I spent the morning searching for a local clinic that could save me- which thankfully I was successful in my search.

17 & 18 April - Watari

2011-04-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend on a trip to Watari where we would be volunteering in the tsunami hit region of Sendai. I shared the driving and we left Tokyo after work, arriving in Sendai close to midnight, that did not stop us venturing out and finding a local bar, where we met & dransk with the locals until 2am.

The following morning we drove to the volunteer centre, and on our short 20 minute journey, I caught my first glimpse of the disaster zone. From the expressway, suddenly the fields to our left were brown, littered with cars and ships, this was 4-5 kms inland ! On arrival, we registered, were given insurance and then assigned to a team, totalling ten people. Other than my friends, the team comprised Japanese men, a pilot & a policeman from the murder squad among them. I was impressed at how well organized the centre was, we were issued with thick gloves and steal soles to put in our boots to protect from glass and nails.

Today's task was to clean the garden of a house that had survived the tsunami. On reflection, it seemed nonsensicle that we were tidying someones garden, when there were so many other more needy victims. However, the owners family had already cleaned the house and i suppose they were now utilizing their alloted volunteers.

As we drove into the zone itself, there was a strong miliatry presence, and we had to pass through several checkpoints, only allowed to pass through once confirmed that we were volunteers.

The garden itself was littered with mud, grass and other debris. The owner told us that the water had only lasted 5-6 minutes before retreating to the sea, yet the damage was indescribable. No houses in the zone have any water or electricity. All drains are blocked, telegraph poles down, literally everything had been caked with mud.

At lunch time we walked around taking photos, amazed at the sights that greated us on every turn of the head. Houses had been spun around, others up-ended, although many had disappeared altogether. Inside the houses painted a sorry picture; it was there that you were reminded that thsi was once someones home. Rooms were full of debris, all of it layered with mud and grass.

There was an electric railway near the house, yet the overheads were wrecked and a pantograph lay twisted on the ground.

Once we had finished working we drove around to see more of the damage. At one point we stopped by the road and saw rows of 'brand-new' cars sat on top of one another completely wrecked. this was 3kms inland, yet dead fish and crabs littered the ground, childrens toys, shoes, household furntiure littered the fields along with smashed cars and boats. Whilst we were looking around there was a lot of activity with the emergency services, and we were informed that a body had been found.

As we strolled through the carnage, one of our party who remained by the vehicles was questioned as to our intentions. The authorities are weary of looters, the most likely candidates apparently being foreigners.

We then headed to the beach and saw the smashed greenbelts. The trees were littered with clothes and flattened, all facing inland. A truck with a crane on the back lay on its side on the beach, this really did look like a Hollywood movie set. Tetrapods (weighing 50tonnes)were smashed and had been shifted hundreds of metres up the beach.

An outdoor pool on the beach was filled with sand and debris, the pool house was a horror story in itself and I cannot imagine hwo anyone would have survived being in there.

The remainder of our day was just as shocking, the constant frown of my expression later caused a headache. We saw the airport, and houses that had been 'domino-ed' into each other, the former occupants stood outside, watching with tears on their cheeks.

We saw a wooden temple, completely intact surrounded by flattened buildings, some make take it as a religous sign, although a sturdy oak tree just in front of it may have offered adequate protection.

I dont think anything can really prepare the human mind for such images. yes, I had seen the TV coverage, but to actually see the effects of such devastaion was a truly numbing experience.

Sunday
The next days work was far more meaningful, we were clearing out a house that was within 1kms of the sea front. The water mark was visible and literally everything inside had been destroyed. our task was to clear the house and throw the contents on the roadside. Furniture, tatami mats (floor-boards), clothes, ornaments - absolutely everything was being discarded. I opened a shoe cupboard to start throwing shoes, every shoe was full of sea-water. The smell of sea-water was prevalent, although there were stronger smells emanating from the huge fridge-freezer (I managed to busy myself in other tasks when that wsa being thrown out). That was a nice thing about this type of work; it is easy to switch tasks. Maybe I shall go on wheelbarrow duty, or maybe I will take the curtains down, rake mud off the floor, or assist with clearing water from the drains....

At lunchtime, a stroll around the corner showed us just how lucky 'our house-owner' had been. 90% of buildings had been flattened, cars, boats and bicycles littered the area. The army had done a great job clearing roads leaving the debris at over a metre high either side (I know as I fell off it).

I was with a press jounalist, who at one point warned us to steer clear of a certain car. A bad smell was emanating from it, and my friend said that he was familiar with the smell of death.

As we got closer to the shore front, we saw some bigger ships, most were perched on and in houses.

10 April - hiking

2011-04-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

I went hiking in the countryside today, as a break from the City was needed. It was a hike that I had previously trecked, although i had forgotten how tough it was. I took Shoko with me and she wasnt prepared for the narrow paths aided with chains built into the rocks to prevent falling down sheer drops :)

That said, it was an enjoyable day out coupled with good exercise and beautiful scenery.

8 April - another aftershock

2011-04-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

We had another large aftershock yesterday which was a 7.1 (same magnitude as Haiti, although it was offshore and deeper).

I had had a few beers and was in a taxi on my way home. I was with Spencer and the car was stopped at the brow of a hill waiting at traffic lights; when it started rocking back and forth. Spencer asked me 'what it was' and I told him it was the driver's poor clutch control, believing that to be the case...I guess the beer is stronger with radiation.....

7 April

2011-04-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Workers at Fukushima are pumping nitrogen gas into reactor 1 because there has been a large build of of hydrogen gas.

With all the recent news focussing on No2 leaking into the sea, I had completely forgotten about No1.....

Once that is fixed I guess we can start looking at 3....4...5....6

The number of people known to have died in the earthquake and tsunami has now reached 12,494, with another 15,107 still missing, according to police.
Do they really expect to find any of the 15,107 alive? I wonder at what point, we have to acknowledge the tragic size of the deceased.

6 April

2011-04-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

Success - the leak at No2 reactor has been blocked !!!!

Also, I saw a 2 litre bottle of water today...life is getting back to normal

5 April

2011-04-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

Boss told me that he is off to London on business next week.

Workers at Fukushima are plugging the leaks with an absorbent polymer mixed with sawdust and shredded newspaper...Now I am really filled with confidence

# of foreigners leaving Japan soars 8-fold

2011-04-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

An immigration official says more than 161,000 foreigners have left Japan since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that triggered an unfolding nuclear crisis .

Taichi Iseki, an immigration official at Japan's major airport, Narita, said Friday the number of foreigners flying out from March 11 to March 22 totaled 161,300 _ an eightfold increase from about 20,000 in the same period last year.

The number of foreigners arriving at Narita from March 11 to 22 plunged 60 percent year-on-year to 33,400.

Saturday 2

2011-04-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

We partied in the park for hanami. it was really nice to catch up with many old faces. whilst we were there, we all felt a big earthquake, it was the first time that i have ever felt a quake when outside. Quite unnerving as the park packed with thousands of picnicers suddenly silenced. the quake was only a 5, but was close by in Ibaraki.

Friday 1st

2011-04-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

There are many events taking place where the proceeds go towards people of the Tokoku Region. Friday was an all night karaoke-session at Fiesta, - similar to English karaoke where punters watch/ laugh at singers on a stage. The 'show' was streamed online and Wesley got to see 'Uncle Jeremy' being naughty dancing on the table

water water nowhere, & not a drop to drink

2011-04-01T01:37:00.000-07:00

thank you Mr Coleridge...

I just popped down to buy some water from the cafeteria, I was being optimistic hoping to find water in stock - especially Evian.

Why are we drinking bottled water anyway? Its only tap water that has been filtered; the filtering process doesnt remove radiation, but we do it anyway.

Wednesday 30

2011-03-30T02:28:00.001-07:00

Been chatting with Dan, who has been in Singapore since the 11th he asked me why I will be here when this is the current headline – I have to say, that I don’t know why I’m here either.

‘Seawater near Japan's crippled nuclear reactors is said to have a much higher level of radioactive iodine than previously reported. Water near the Fukushima Daiichi plant's reactor 1 contained radioactive iodine at 3,355 times the legal limit, Japan's nuclear safety agency said.’

Tuesday 29

2011-03-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

`Trying to find the source of plutonium found in the ground’ - BBC
I notice that often newsreaders first question is ‘what is the worst case scenario?’

Ate at a fancy restaurant with Shoko in Ginza, I think it’s only the second time that we have eaten in a restaurant since the 11th. Ginza is usually lively and full of neon, but due to the power outage, its dark and silent. The streets are empty, and the expensive restaurant was even offering free drinks to entice customers - we started with a 1982 champagne - that tasted more like port.

Nice work lads

2011-03-29T02:04:00.000-07:00

Mum has been asking her friends to look for geiger c'ters.....now apparently the Luton police force are scouting for me

Monday 28

2011-03-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

For the first time since this started, I haven’t felt an aftershock today

Death toll is now 10,804 with more than 16,000 still missing

My boss’s boss is in Tokyo this week, a lot of senior managers have been visiting Tokyo over the last two weeks to reassure & praise the staff. It was clear that my boss’s lack of leadership has been noticed by senior management.

Helping hand

2011-03-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Woke up early and headed to Ayase to assist in giving food to refugees. We were told that there were approx 300 refugees in the shelter, although I don’t think I saw that many. Maybe only half that ventured outside for the food. When I saw the first few refugees, I felt like crying, as for the first time, the images on TV were now real. These people were wearing what were probably the only clothes they had, and likely donated clothes too. There were appreciative and humble and just wanted to keep their heads down.

There was a lot of media hovering around and that probably deterred many from venturing outside. The first people who came out just wanted to eat, but had TV cameras in their faces. I was interviewed and it was aired on TV on Sunday evening.

I read that more than 200,000 people are living in temporary shelters

Saturday 26

2011-03-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

Go to Akihabara and do some shopping for the house, buy cables, and rivets (to fix my snowboard bag) and some screws to fix the towel rail. I also buy myself a new PS3 game, as I seem to be spending most days indoors now.

Emiko comes over in the evening and I cook for the three of us, it’s good to give Shoko a break as she cooks 95% of the time.

Saturday night I receive an e-mail from Mum, the BBC says that the sea off Fukushima has reached 1,250 times over the safe radiation limit, I can’t read this now – need to get some sleep, will face it tmrw, send mum a mail saying that all will be fine.

Friday 25

2011-03-25T02:26:00.000-07:00

My potassium iodide pills that I bought from the UK have finally arrived – yay. My sister also included a couple of picnic chocolate bars 

Thursday 24

2011-03-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, it’s time to get back to normal, I call my gym as all this hanging around home drinking alcohol isn’t doing my weight any good – gym is shut until April 1st

After yesterdays tap-water headline, I can’t seem to buy tap water anywhere.

'Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore have all moved to ban certain Japanese food on fears of nuclear contamination’ – so what I am eating – does that mean more for me…?

Wednesday 23

2011-03-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Reply from my sister – think I made a typo in my family e-mail, I re-check – I asked them to look for Geiger c*nters!

I found water, only 500ml but at least its water, I try buying two bottles but am told I can only buy one

Lunchtime I head to the British Embassy and get my emergency dose of potassium iodide, they also give me a dose for Shoko. I read the accompanying pamphlet at least 3-4 times. It clearly says ‘take tablets as soon as you have finished reading this leaflet’ so I bosh them. I then get home and re-read the Govt website – it says to keep them as a precautionary measure and not to be taken now, uh-oh

Mail from Noel in England – just seen the headline `Tokyo's tap water now has more than twice the level of radiation considered safe for infants, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, black smoke was emerging from one of ...`

Tuesday 22

2011-03-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

Back to work and the boss isn’t in the office, I was told that he was in Singapore for one working day; he will be back in Tokyo tonight. I wonder how much it cost to fly business class, stay in a hotel for four nights, and then work one day (which is quiet as Japan is on holiday), sounds like a productive trip, a – great example to the team…

The World Health Organisation says the food contamination in Japan is 'more serious' than first expected. This comes after concerns that the radioactive particles have contaminated food and water supplies.

None of the three kombinis that I ventured into earlier had any water, so I then tried stocking up on fruit juice. However, the assistant informed me that we are rationed to 5 bottles of fluid – I wonder if that includes shampoo?

I start research into Geiger counters and soon realize that they have sold out – globally! The mass panic has caused people in America to freak out and now all Geiger counters have been sold. I see some on EBay going for 10* the original price. I hastily send a mail to Mum, Dad and Lorna asking them to look out for such tools, in case a local merchant has one.

Monday 21

2011-03-21T02:24:00.000-07:00

Public holiday in Japan. On the plane, I am the only non-Japanese. I feel like I’m walking the green mile.

As I’m filling in my arrival forms, an official walks over to me and questions me, asks me: why am I returning to Japan; why didn’t I leave like all the other foreigners?

I then face the same questions again at customs, my bag is also searched for the first time ever – maybe I am trying to bring water into the country – he only found dirty boxers & a toothbrush.

Sunday 20

2011-03-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

Due to return to Tokyo, I head out to the airport only to be told that my flight has been cancelled due to the earthquake. I couldn’t understand if they were referring to the big one, or just some aftershock. I now fly at 6am tmrw

Receive a mail from my step-sister who informs me that the British Embassy is giving out potassium iodide pills, why are they doing that, and why haven’t they told me? I registered with them, so they have my e-mail….

Official death toll is now at 8,450 with 12,931 missing.

Saturday 19

2011-03-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

A typical stag party, we were out drinking until 6am. More of the same again Saturday night too. I catch up with a few old faces, many of the guys worked in Japan, but a fair % are now working in HK & Singapore.

the picture is of our stag - Andy

I did manage to get a nice cheap 2 hour massage though which was great, shame the masseuse spoke zero English

Friday 18

2011-03-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

British Govt has arranged for flights for British Nationals to fly to HK

I head for Haneda airport as I have a stag party (booked months previously). I feel like a traitor/ deserter as I make my way to the airport. I ask the station attendant which platform my train is on, he looks at me, a foreigner going to the airport, I feel embarrassed. The plane is packed and I felt a group sense of relief as the plane took off.

I arrive in Taipei, check in at the hotel, and head for a kombini before I even go to my room – I buy 4 bottles of water

Thursday 17

2011-03-17T02:19:00.000-07:00

Woke up to read my emails and see that the British Embassy has told its citizens to evacuate. What has changed since last night?

I mail the office and tell them that I am going to take today off as a vacation (as originally planned), I then mail Jenny asking her what is going on, then make a call to the Foreign Office. They inform me that the risk has not changed and that they are just advising that people should leave Japan if possible for logistical reasons, as there are anticipated food shortages and transportation problems.

Jenny later phones me and says she was just as surprised when she heard the news; she thinks it maybe a political move, also we have to be aligned with Australia & the US.

The US has now chartered aircraft to help Americans leave Japan and authorized the voluntary departure of relatives of diplomatic staff. I decide to stay though, aslong as there is no threat to my health, I can’t leave Japan. I have discussed it with Shoko, she would lose her job if she left Japan, and she would also be leaving her family behind.

The confirmed death toll has risen above 5,000

Thursday evening I get a call from Jason – he just heard that my boss has just booked a flight to Singapore.

Wednesday 16

2011-03-16T02:19:00.000-07:00

I should have had a holiday today, but I decided to go to work instead. I don’t feel like snowboarding right now, besides, Ricky told me that the gondolas at Nozawa are damaged and that they had two avalanches.

Radiation has leaked from the plant, though it is not clear from exactly where. Reactors 2 and 3 are thought to be the most likely candidates.

In the evening we meet with Senior Management. It is nice that they spare the time for us, and we are finally informed that engineers have checked and confirmed that our building is safe.

Tried to buy 2litre bottle of water, but it can’t be found anywhere, can only buy 500ml bottles.

There's increasing uncertainty about the radiation levels at the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan, as what appears to be white smoke or steam, has been rising from the plant. The aftershocks are still huge, a few over 6 every day. I feel as though I am living on a ship and am constantly rocking

I have a good reassuring conversation with my friend Jenny at the British Embassy. She is great, and reassures me that there is very little chance of any radiation threat. She had a pre-booked holiday to Australia but cancelled it, as she is needed in her job right now, and she has no fear about radiation in Tokyo. I feel good after our call and sleep well.

Anxiously watching the news

2011-03-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

Another day, more of the same, constant aftershocks and being scared watching CNN. I speak to more friends who are either already out of the country or have booked flights to get out of the country. Friends and family back home send me links and news items from a range of sources all conclude that Japan is going to have a nuclear problem, and that I should run whilst I can. I phone a travel agent to get an idea of prices; I can still get a flight to the UK, although the price has doubled.

Mailed the Embassy to inform them that I’m safe & I updated my details on their website

Drank beer and wine at lunchtime with two colleagues, and the discussion all centered on the same issue. I decided that I would be in Osaka by tonight, especially as so many people seem to be heading that way.

After lunch I have a long chat with my boss, he asked me where his report was. I tell him that I’m working on it but I am having trouble concentrating with what is going on, I ask him what the possibilities of working abroad are. He tells me that, if I leave and try to work offshore, there will be consequences, hastily adding that he is not threatening me. He then goes on and tells me that I would be like a front line soldier deserting the troops. He also likens it to a rat leaving a sinking ship, and says that I have a duty to the team, and lead by example. I tell my boss that the French embassy has recommended that its nationals leave Japan, to which he replies ‘they are always the first to run’, I tell him that I will leave Japan if my Embassy tells me to evacuate. Begrudgingly I walk back to my desk, the UK is now open and I receive more mails from friends and relatives abroad telling me to escape – I send out the same ‘please don’t worry’ e-mails

Monday 14

2011-03-14T02:17:00.000-07:00

Back to work, and there are constant after-shocks, the building is swaying, the door swinging, and my Starbux Americano seems to have a whirlpool. But, I’m pretty used to it, we all are now, and we just work – or try to. I am watching CNN most of the day which is making me age far faster than any potential radiation will do. The news varies every day, something new happens to one or more of the six nuclear reactors, we can only sit and watch and pray for the people working on the plant.

There is a somber mood in the office, I’m told that my boss departed at 16:30 on Friday without telling anybody, whilst other people could not get home and had to sleep in the office, it sounds as though the team have lost respect for him. I speak to more friends who are all anxious for their safety and they are leaving the country.

It’s not until 19;00 that we receive an email from the company acknowledging the earthquake, nothing to reassure us that the building is safe though.

Sunday 13

2011-03-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Iron Maiden concert cancelled, can’t say I’m surprised, although I think it would feel good to sing ‘Run to the Hills’ with a bunch of other metal heads right now.

Watching the news & seeing the live tsunami is overwhelming, I don’t think a tsunami has been filmed live before, not one of this magnitude anyway. The footage shows boats crashing through streets and cars trying to flee the oncoming waters. You just hope that the crew, drivers & residents survive. To watch the footage and know that you are seeing people being killed is something that you put to the back of your mind – I’m sure they escaped.

The emergency cooling system is no longer functioning at the Fukushima No. 3 reactor, an official from Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has told journalists.

the day after

2011-03-12T02:12:00.000-08:00

Feeling pretty null by the whole thing, spend most of the day watching BBC, and NHK. The contrast between the type of reporting is interesting. TV cameras capture a massive explosion at the power station, it’s unclear what caused the blast. When I first saw the news yesterday, the no of dead was 17, and that increased before I went to bed, but now the number is in the hundreds.

I receive a phone call from work, they want to check that I’m safe and ask why I didn’t return to the office after the earth quake…where do I start? Apparently the six ‘I am safe’ e-mails that I replied to, and the registering ‘I am safe’ website failed to register – great to know we have a solid BCP plan!

Shoko and I leave it late before we venture outside, the streets are dead as we head to the supermarket and the shelves are bare, no meat at all in the fridge, but there are vegetables and some water.

March 11

2011-03-11T02:05:00.000-08:00

Well no need to explain what happened at 14:46, but I wasn’t in the office. Just like 7/7 2005 (I was taking a sickie that day). This time, I was working, just having a late lunch in the area of Kanda close to my office. I was with Mieko and we were in a nice French restaurant when the quake struck. As usual, you ignore it at first, then as it gets bigger, everyone looks around at each other. No-one moved, but I knew this was bigger than anything that I had experienced before, and I was in an older building, so I got up and moved to the street. Outside it was chaos, people running and screaming in various directions, and women crying huddled together pointing at the swinging telegraph poles and noisy creaking buildings. By now Mieko was behind me and I suggested that we run to a more open space, she grabbed my hand and we ran through the mayhem, it was just like a Tom Cruise movie, running from danger but unsure where the destination was. We arrived at a main road that seemed to be wide enough to avoid debris should it come to that, and there we waited for 10 minutes until things died down, I tried to call Shoko but could not get through. We went back to the restaurant, paid for our food and started walking back to the office.

We arrive outside the office (20storey building) and there is a crowd of colleagues outside, many wearing the white helmets issued by the company, others donning the aluminum jackets that are also included in the earthquake kit (that we all have underneath our desks). We exchanged some banter and discussed going back into the building, some people were talking about massive cracks that they had seen in the stairwells, I wasn’t too keen to go back inside.

Then, a massive aftershock strikes, we are stood in a plaza surrounded by skyscrapers, that are really swaying. One has a few cranes on the top that are just flapping in the wind, if anyone is inside those cranes, they must be bricking it. The lower building to my right is visibly shaking from side to side as if it were alive and its making a racket. At this point, a few people state that they are going to head to the Imperial Palace – which was the evac point for my last company too, so I knew it’s probably the safest open space in Tokyo. As we are walking out, I decide to record some of the mayhem on my phone, I start running ahead to catch the scene, but that starts everyone else, and soon like wildebeest in the Mara, everyone is running – which made my footage even better 

Once at the Palace, there were many people congregating, the traffic was at a standstill, and there were lots of sirens wailing as police, fire and ambulance drove past. I bumped into Bacon and a few other UBS people, aswell as many of my own colleagues. I tried calling Shoko many times, tried sending an ‘I am ok mail’ to my family but nothing was going through – just like London on NYE.

I received several ‘Safety Confirmation’ mails from work, they are auto-generated but don’t seem to be acknowledging my safe status. After chilling at the palace I decided that I wasn’t going to go back into the office building, so I headed home on foot. The roads were packed with thousands of others doing the same thing, everyone walking home as the metro was down. I walked past bus stops with queues hundreds of meters long, thankfully my house was only a 90minute walk – I was lucky. I stopped by at Taka’s (hairdresser) on my way home and exchanged stories with him. I was home shortly later and was relieved to find Shoko safe. The news mentioned a few casualties, but we had no idea about the devastation that had been caused in Tohoku.

Hakuba

2011-03-08T01:58:00.000-08:00

I went to Hakuba for the second time this season, on thsi ocassion I used Tokyo Snow Club. Emiko shared a room with myself, Jody and the Earl, and I fear she saw too much testosterone, farting and AC/DC. We went to snow splash party in the evening and saw some great performances, particularly a Japanese ska band.

The snow in Hakuba was not as great as recent weeks, but the beautiful scenery made up for that.

Zao

2011-02-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

My second time in Zao, and I was still just as overwhelmed by the snow monsters as i was the first time - simply awesome, anda great way to spend my birthday

birthday

2011-02-19T02:14:00.000-08:00

thanks for all the pressies - i love this mug from lil sis

Scissor Sisters

2011-02-09T02:04:00.000-08:00

Simply brilliant - make sure you see these guys.

As usual, the polite Tokyo crowds allow you to easily work your way to the front of the stage. So yes, i should have taken some good pictures, unfortunately i was too busy dancing, but took thsi with my phone for nostaglia

Happy Birthday Shox

2011-01-20T02:21:00.000-08:00

I dont recall drinking so much quality wine before...but then again, you wouldn't would you...

Farewell Yuka

2011-01-15T02:32:00.000-08:00

Another good friend leaves for foreign shores. we celebrated in style on a ski trip in Hakuba, the evening entertainment was brilliant, we found a live band who played the likes of AC/DC & GnR...awesome !!!
All the best Yuka - you will be missed

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T02:36:00.000-08:00

The Shadows

2010-07-15T01:17:00.000-07:00

I havent ridden a 'big' bike since I took my test probably 10 years ago. dan and I recently hired a couple of shadows to 'test the water' and cruise around Tokyo. IT was so much fun that we extended the time period and are now planning a boyz bike-camping trip in the coming months.

ふじ　さん　４かい　め　のぼった

2010-07-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

After watching a lot of the world cup recently, and therefore drinking more than usual, I decided to get out of Tokyo and do some exercise. I helped Ricky out as a hike guide on one of his climbing trips. Its the fourth time that I've climbed it and i thought it would be relatively easy for me, but the conditions made it a real challenge. Eighty kmph winds along with constant heavy rain made it a miserable climb. My socks were squelching they were so wet & thermals soaked through - it was certainly a challenge.

World Cup

2010-07-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

Its not been a great WC for England fans, especially when it required staying awake until 6am to watch a pathetic performance. That said, a merry group of friends watched most of the games together and remained in positive spirits at the start of every game. Overall I really enjoyed following this WC, I watched more games overall than previous WC's and Im glad the winning team was one that hadn't won before.

Matsushima

2010-05-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

I recently translated my drivers license to Japanese allowing me to drive in Japan. So I hired a nice yellow car and headed off for the countryside. I found myself in Sendagi and Matsushima. A truly beautiful place on the East coast packed with lots of small islands. The locals were friendly too, I managed to find a bar that was playing the Villa game and then got the entire population of the bar to support Villa, all in vain though as we lost...

Kumar

2010-05-05T04:28:00.001-07:00

Ive lost many good friends since Ive lived in Tokyo, its all part of ex-pat lifestyle and something you get accustomed to. That said, we recently said goodbye to Kumar - who is one of the old-timers and one of only a handful Ive known since my arrival in Tokyo. Kumar has been my best friend here, always willing to help others, and never critical. He is moving on out of love and everyone wishes him well. Sayonara buddy

For Those About to Rock

2010-05-04T04:23:00.000-07:00

Ive been to a lot of gigs this year, but AC/DC are a cut above everyone else. Considering their age and that they are often negatively perceived as 'heavy metal', its surprising how long they have lasted and can still sell out huge arenas. At the end of the day, they are just 'lock n loll' - and experts at it.

Winter 2010

2010-03-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ive done a lot of snowboarding this winter, with trips to Naeba, Myoko, Minakami, Zao and Hokkaido. One the whole, the snow has not been good and I have not enjoyed boarding so much. I also took a big fall in Zao, and 6 weeks on, I'm still limping with my injuries, no damage just bruising. Whilst the boarding itself has not been "brilliant", its always fun getting away with friends, and spending some time in the countryside.

February saw the departure of a close friend Tatjana, more good friends are leaving in April with Kumar and Mikey Mike amongst them. With others also following, I have to now decide where my future lies.

I celebrated my birthday with an impromptu party at my apartment, which had a good turnout of people, especially as many were only given a few hours notice.

Winter Pics

New Year in England

2010-01-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Later than expected I finally made it to

England

only to experience more cold weather, I was greatful to be in time for my Granny's 90th birthday, where I caught up with family. New Year was spent chilling with Mum, Roy, Lorna and Wesley. I then headed West, and met Dad, we drove to Birmingham to watch an entertaining Villa beat Blackburn in the FA Cup. London and Hatfield were my next destinations, where I caught up with Dads side of the family, all in all clocking up 1,000 miles in the car and 19,500 air miles in total

Christmas in the US

2010-01-08T18:42:00.001-08:00

My Christmas adventure commenced in LA where I hooked up with Kayo. It was great to catch some sun, meet Kayo's friends and do Xmas shopping. After a few days, we headed out to South Dakota to see Mt Rushmore and surrounding National Parks. The climates could not have been any more extreme as we moved from 23c to -12c. We were due to fly back to LA on Xmas day, but winter blizzards caused the airport to close. Xmas day was spent in an empty hotel, at least the vending machines functioned. Luckily we caught the only flight on Boxing Day- thanks to a very determined Lady Pilot. Had that not flown, we would have been stuck in Rapid City for another week !

America Pics

The Argentine came good

2009-12-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Martine & Rie - my third wedding this year and a very enjoyable one too. Martine was introduced to me when I first came to Tokyo by a mutual friend from the UK (Daz the Spaz) so we've known each other for 4 years now. This wedding was real tear jerker, Rie looked lovely and the speeches were very emotional - especially from Martine's Father.

City break

2009-11-11T04:44:00.000-08:00

Kawaguchiko pictures

A bunch of friends and I stayed at a lovely cottage near Mt Fuji for the weekend pursuing fresh air and relaxation. There were 13 of us in total so maybe relaxation wasn't always going to take place, but it was certainly a fun weekend. Having hired bicycles we cruised through the local village & farmers market before embarking on a gentle ride around the lake. On return to the cottage, the owners served us steak followed by beer and snacks whilst we rested in the outdoor jacuzzi.

The following day, our bodies were tested again as we hired canoes and ventured around the lake. That was followed by a couple of hours on quad bikes. It was my first taste of quad biking and I LOVED it. So much fun was to be had as we scrambled up and down hills. I was a bit over-eager at one point, I took a sharp corner too fast, my bike didn't turn and decided to go straight over the edge and head down the mountain which was at least 60-70degrees. Survival instincts told me to jump and catch the nearest tree - which I did, and luckily the bike didnt go more than a few meters further solo.

Halloween

2009-11-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

Where has the last year gone !!!!
It wasn't that long ago that I was looking for bras and accessories. This year the costume was a bit more masculine. Emiko did a great job making Musketeer costumes for herself, Kumar and me. There were many great costumes and maybe the economic climate caused people to be more creative and make their costumes this year.

Naomi & Chris

2009-10-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Naomi and Chris who wed on Saturday. Naomi entered the room in true style to 'Always' by Bon Jovi. Naomi is one a few people remaining who was around when I first came to Tokyo. She first met Chris on a Niijima trip, although their romance did not k/o until 18months later.
It was my first wedding in Tokyo and a good chance for me to catch up with friends who I haven't seen in 3 years. All had a wonderful evening, especially Masae who caught the bouquet.

Japanese Wine

2009-10-12T02:24:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us recently hired a car and hit Yamanashi prefecture to check out the local grape. Japan is not renowned for its wine and maybe I should have reminded myself of that fact before wine-tasting. I tried a good 20+ wines - all were disgusting. I didn't see a single person purchase any wine throughout the tasting session.

After lunch we went grape picking. Under the local farmers guidance we chose the grapes we liked and could pick as many bunches as we liked. We then returned to the seating area where we had an hour to munch through what our pickings, any surplus would need to be purchased. Naturally we had all been a tad greedy when picking the grapes and were in a spot of bother forcing as many grapes down as possible.

Thailand

2009-10-01T03:26:00.000-07:00

Whilst Ive been there several times before, Thailand never ceases to provide new and amazing experiences. The purpose of the trip was to spend 3 nights in Phuket where we would enjoy humiliating Spencer on his stag, and later celebrate his marriage vows with Yuri. The photos of Spence in his Blue man suit say it all, we also ensured he ate some viagra before heading to the go-go bars. The wedding was set on the beach during sunset and was like something out of a movie, very romantic.

Mike and I then headed towards the islands of PiPi and Krabi, before heading back to Bangkok. We met many people, visited "the Beach", saw the naughtyside of Thailand aswell as the more 'family friendly' side. We snorkelled and I saw a sea-snake, spent a day in a Thai cooking class, visited many markets and massages.

It was also a highlight to be able to eat chicken cordon bleau - a luxury that is unavailable in Japan.

Thailand Pics

Summer Sonic 2009

2009-08-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

This festival is now 3 days long and has a very strong line-up. I only went on the Saturday but saw many great acts and was with a big crowd of friends. Festivals in Japan are completely different to the UK. Everyone is respectful of others, people queue to recycle their trash, smokers have to smoke in designated areas. Despite rigid rules, the festival works really well, people drink all day, but you don't have to worry about a bottle of urine smacking you in the head - boy - I have witnessed the full spectrum.

SONIC PICTURES

KASABIAN

2009-08-07T07:27:00.001-07:00

KASABIAN rock, I love this band, no frills, no obnoxiousness, they seem like a bunch of lads who just enjoy sharing their music. My friend Ryoko once again came up trumps with front row tickets for this secret gig - a warm up for a festival appearance at the weekend.

Niijima II

2009-07-27T07:21:00.001-07:00

I recently returned to Niijima island. Its the perfect destination for a long weekend. Nice beaches, free outdoor onsen, everywhere is accessible by crappy bikes. Ricky now takes 70 people so there is always a guarantee to have party animals, this time there were many so I took a backstage position and relaxed.

Niijima Pictures

Legends of Rock

2009-07-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

A Sunny Sunday afternoon spent drinking beer watching vintage Rock cover bands was awesome. Even though I had a throbbing hangover, I could not resist but bop along to the Stones. Each band did a 30 min set allowing them to play their icon's classics. Unfortunately the Van Halen lead singer a 50yr old Oji-san thought it amusing to don tight leather pants that pushed his bum out for all to see. Oh well, there's a future career there for me I guess

Paris

2009-07-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

The last time I went to Paris, I was on a Bon Jovi "Keep the Faith" tour with Bella - we were 19. To be honest, it hasn't changed much, although it was raining more. I went with Ikumi and we timed our 2 day trip perfectly as it spanned the London tube strike. It was Ikumi's first time, so we saw all the usual sights, I loved the Louvre, and was able to enjoy many coffees and croissant.

Paris pictures

Update

2009-07-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in ages, and to be honest, I was going to retire this blog, but I realize that there are still some loyal readers out there so I shall resume posting.

I recently went back to the UK for my cousin Mike's wedding in Devon, and managed to spend time in Bath, Paris and London too. My trips back home these days are understandably more family focused. Wesley (pictured) is now one year old and is adorable, there's something about a smiley baby that brings joy to everyone around.

Apologies for those of you who I did not see, my trip was very fleeting and I only had two nights in London. I do miss the UK, and can see myself returning one day, although I don't really have any desire to return to London, especially as a dodgy ex still haunts my old stomping ground.

Brownie

2009-04-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

No, I know what you are thinking, but this brownie was created with my hands. Can you believe it, I am cooking!!! Ive cooked several dishes recently (with some assistance) but this was tasstiiiiiii

東京マラソン2009

2009-03-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend I participated in my first ever full 42kms marathon . The longest distance that I had done in training was 30 kms, so I knew the last 12kms were going to be tough - and that is where I hit the wall, as you can see from my times on the attached link. (I started 6 minutes after it commenced)

Marathon time

It was not an easy run, but I was buoyed on by many friends who braved the wind & rain to give support - I saw Kunix three times, Spencer & Yuri twice, Nic, Mori, Martin, Miwa and know that others were there too. I was also motivated by the generous donations from many friends towards the Lung Cancer charity that I chose (although disappointed that wealthier others did not contribute). My Grandfather died from lung cancer and so when times got tough, I thought of him, a WWII veteran and the bravest person I have ever known.

Charity

My other motivation was my music, good old rock with a bit of cheese thrown in, including the Rocky soundtrack. Sometimes a good song really lifts you and I pick up speed. At one time I had just seen Nic and his gf sporting a banner with my name, I could see Asakusa temple ahead, and then Vangelis (Chariots of fire) came on my ipod, I waltzed the next 3mins 34 seconds.

Pictures

This marathon has really inspired me to make sure I continue to stay fit, and ensure that it wont be my last

blast from the past

2009-03-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

My friend JJ was recently in Tokyo, we used to hang out when we lived in Bath almost 20 years ago. JJ was still at school and I was a teen banker, we experienced Acid house together and the 80s rave scene. We later hung out for a few years in London, still getting wasted and partying at every opportunity, somehow we haven't hooked up in 9 years. She is still same, and I probably haven't changed that much either so it was fun reminiscing & updating each other on our life's experiences. I took JJ to see Mayumi who was performing that night. Mayumi is a natural belly-dancer. Her performance captivated the audience and made you appreciate the effort & skill involved in her act.

Bottom left pic: JJ, me & Slates in 1996

kekkon omedetou gozaimasu

2009-02-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Spencer & Yuri for tying the knot recently. I was honored to join a small contingent to congratulate the couple on their official marriage day. The night culminated with plenty of shenanigans, especially when Deno & I get together...

Mum

2008-12-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Arriving back in Bath allowed me to meet my Nephew Wesley for the first time which considering that he is now 6months was well over due. The following day was spent celebrating Mum's 60th. Lorna has been planning a surprise celebration meal for several months & everything went like clockwork

Pictures

Countryside Retreat

2008-11-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Country air, beautiful scenery, cycling, kayaking, karaoke, out-door jacuzzi, great company, food & wine.....a superb way to spend the weekend.

Pictures

halloween

2008-11-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween in Japan, everyone makes an effort to get into costume and party & anything goes. The celebrations were a week long & despite the 31st being a Thursday no-one was deterred from working the next day. We went to a club that had sold 3,000 tickets with everyone in costume. On the way home, a dirty old man asked me if I'd like to join him at a love hotel, I still am unsure if he knew my gender....

Shaishin - Pictures

keep on running

2008-11-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in my second half-marathon. I haven't been training so much due to various injuries and advice from my chiroprator, so I was pleasantly surprised with my time of 2hrs 2mins - faster than my first run; the collectiveness of others running beside you is a true inspiration.

Here I go again....80's Brit Rock

2008-10-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

80's Rock giants Whitesnake & Def Leppard recently played a double bill at the Budokan. I've been to several similar concerts during my time in Japan & am now used to seeing childhood idols rocking away carrying some extra timber. They may not move as fast, but are still able to give an impressive show, belting out their classics. From our seats, we could view the hardened rockers backstage - including being pampered with hairdryers and make-up during the set...

Finally...after a 15 year wait

2008-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

One of the most highly anticipated albums in rock history, "Chinese Democracy" by Guns N' Roses has been given a release date of November 23. I'm sure that most readers of this blog don't really care, but I am soooo excited about this news. The release of this album has been discussed and promised to such an extent, that earlier this year, the soft drink company Dr Pepper vowed to give a free can of Dr Pepper to "everyone in America" if the album arrived anytime in 2008.

Click here to listen to the title track

unsettled times

2008-10-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to be affected in one way or another with the current financial crisis, which has spiraled since Lehman filed for bankruptcy. The future is uncertain, but for now, I'm grateful that I have a job. Thankyou to everyone for your concern and support over the last month.

FUJI

2008-10-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

When Ricky asked me if I would like to be a guide on a Fuji hike, I agreed thinking that the exercise would do me good. I have never climbed it in the day (in normal conditions) and my knowledge of the mountain is now pretty good. Of course, by the time we returned to the bus, I was in agreement with all the other climbers, moaning about how badly I ached and vowing never to do it again....

Martin's birthday

2008-10-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

Martin had a surprise birthday celebration when we took him to an extraordinary place. From street level, we were in the middle of the city. On the roof terrace of a department store was a completely different world. An outdoor beer garden, where we would cook our food on the heaters built into the tables. Live entertainment ranged from a bizarre wrestling event to topless dancers. It wasn't as seedy as it sounds and the audience comprised a mix of men & women

Road Trip

2008-10-08T06:57:00.001-07:00

I can understand why many American citizens choose to holiday in-land, my trip was 'awesome'. We did a road trip across the desert to Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Hoover Dam and ended in Las Vegas with a show (David Copperfield) Of course the trip was made all the more special in a Mustang convertible.

America Pictures

cow parade

2008-09-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Cow parade originated in Switzerland, today it is also held in Paris and New York. Cows that are decorated by prominent personalities and pupils from junior high schools can be seen on the streets and in shopping malls all around Marunouchi. After doing their time on the streets, the heffers are autioned off at a charity event

Countryside Action

2008-09-08T03:15:00.000-07:00

A few of the boyz recently headed to the coutryside for some moutain-biking and canyoning. It was a pretty action packed Sunday culminating in a trip to the outdoor Takenagawa onsen. This picture captured Dan in motion during his first fall.

ドラゴンボール Doragon Bōru

2008-08-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Ricky's birthday celebration took place on a boat cruise where the majority of party-goers dress in yukatta. Having had Darren ask me if 'I was going to wear the same yukatta as usual' I decided it was time for a change and headed to DQ to buy a new yukatta. Unfortunately the range in DQ was very dull and uninspiring, so I decided to buy a 'jimbe' which was a nice bright orange. I did not realise that I had purchased a costume of a famous manga character - Doragon Ball

Dragon ball is legendary and I was the source of much amusement amongst the Japanese, especially the men - all of whom wanted their pictures taken with me. I was effectively the only person dressed in a costume & felt like a gay icon

Wonderfest

2008-08-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

Wonderlerfest was an apt name for an exhibition/event that I visited this weekend. Wonderfest introduced me to a world of toys tailored for the adult (not the type that run on batteries). Many of the toys are based on anime characters & are in limited edition making them collectable. There was a strong provocative theme in many of the toys and Cosplay costumes.

Wonder pix

Battle Royale (2002)

2008-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

This movie directed by Kinji Fukasaku and featuring Takeshi Kitano & a young Chiaki Kuriyama (Kill Bill) is a must see and will surely have a cult following. Its violent, thought-provoking, disturbing and unforgiving

A bunch of "unruly" schoolkids are chosen to fight each other in a 3 day, no-rules contest, the "Battle Royale." on an abandoned island off the coast of Japan. Their only chance of survival is through the death of all their classmates using items ranging from pot lids to high powered automatic weapons. The 40 strong class attempt many different ways to survive provoking consideration as to how people may react in this type of situation. Tarantino was clearly influenced by this film when directing Kill Bill.

Oshima island

2008-07-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

I recently took the ferry to Oshima island, on arrival we hired bikes and embarked on our mission to cycle the 52k around the island. With its the lush vegetation, volcanic rock, black sanded beaches & exotic birds constantly chirping, it felt extremely tropical. Sunday morning was spent clearing hangovers hiking the volcano. The volcano was still smoking in parts and you could feel the heat from the ground. The afternoon was more relaxing, I went snorkeling & saw several blowfish.

Oshima pics

Proud Uncle

2008-06-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

My sister Lorna recently gave birth to Wesley who came in weighing a dinky 7lb 0.5oz. The entire family are really proud and I can't wait to meet my nephew. Until then, I have ensured he has a decent wardrobe and indoctrination.

relaxed joint

2008-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Japan custom officers have been hiding cannabis in passengers' luggage in an exercise to 'improve the sniffer dog's ability'. Last week, the canines failed to detect their 142g narcotic target. The custom officers also had a bad day as they forgot which bag they had planted the gear in, leaving the unsuspecting mule to leave the airport with GBP5,000 of cannabis.

Back to Fuji

2008-06-02T06:33:00.012-07:00

A week after my adventure on Fuji, I was back in the region, this time for a half marathon. The run was around Lake Yamanakako, the largest of the 5 lakes at the base of Mount Fuji. It was my first serious run and I was pleased to complete it in 2 hours 4 minutes.

the beast of Mount Fuji

2008-05-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

As the Japanese proverb goes, “He who does not climb Mt. Fuji is a fool, but he who climbs Mt. Fuji twice is also a fool.”

Having climbed Japan’s highest peak (3,776 m) previously I vowed at the time, to never return. However I recently broke that vow, why? I hear you cry.... to go off-season with a snowboard on my back.

I have done many stupid & dangerous things in my lifetime, I've swam with crocodiles, piranhas & sharks, caught anacondas, jumped out of a plane and have dated dodgy girls, but this was the craziest thing I've ever done

Ricky & I set off at 4am on less than 2 hours sleep, having camped at Kawaguchiko 5th Station (2,300 meters) at -2c. The snow was approx a foot deep from the start with drifts being in the meters. During our ascent, we experiened all weather types; rain, snow, sunshine & extreme wind. No-one else was on the mountain, just the two of us battling with the weather & terrain. I was cussing the fact that I have heavy Burton snowboard boots, and the snowboard on my back was banging into my legs. We climbed for 5 hours making good time. From around 3,100 meters, our pace slowed, we had to stop every 7 meters to acclimatise and catch our breath. The huts that are open to climbers during the summer, were boarded up, many were buried in snow allowing us to climb over their rooves.

The wind was howling and sounded like pipe music. Such was its strength that at times, we had to just sit tight and bury our heads in our chests. At 3,500 meters I decided it was too dangerous to continue. We had the peak within our sight, but without ice-axes, it was a long way to fall should we have slipped. So we strapped onto our boards and descended through clean snow being careful to avoid rocks, buried huts and avalanches. Apart from smashing my head against a tree during a fall and suffering from severe sunburn & windburn, we both arrived safely back at the 5th station. I am a little disappointed that we didnt make it to the peak, but am happier to be alive for it.

Fuji pics

Bali

2008-05-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a week in Bali. I had expected it to be a relaxing break sitting & reading on the beach, but it turned out to be far more adventurous. On the first day, I was caught by a corrupt cop for running a red light on a moped, but managed to haggle my fine by 50%.

During the course of the week, we did: four dives, para-sailed twice, jet-skied, surfed, did the banana boat & flying fish. The 'flying fish' is pictured below. A speedboat drags a huge inflatable (carrying 3 people) at a speed that causes the inflatable to life from the water.

Eva

2008-05-05T01:56:00.001-07:00

With the snow season finally over, I found some spare time to hit the photo studio again. This time we were graced with Eva's presence, here are some of the reults.

Eva pictures

hiking in Okutama

2008-04-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Within 90 minutes on the train, you can find yourself in the Japanese countryside, which is as far removed from Tokyo as one can get. We trekked 17kms up and down a mountain that was immersed with trees and cloud. The greenery reminded me of South America, yet other parts could have easily been mistaken for the English countryside.

pics

Rugby Sevens

2008-04-08T07:48:00.001-07:00

Sunday brought extreme sunshine & we made the most of it in corporate hospitality watching the rugby 7s. Drink & eat as much as you like all day, the best seats in the house, good company & rugby - a great way to spend the day. Shame that our drunken state ensured that we caught the wrong train home, a 30 minute journey becoming 2 hours long.

pics

Cherry Blossom

2008-03-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

The cherry blossom seemed to appear overnight, the whites and pinks abundant across the City. This weekend, people flocked to the parks for picnics & drinking beneath the sakura.

St Patricks Day

2008-03-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

A few people referred to this day as 'Green Day' which sums it up really....an excuse to have a party whatever the cause. The main st in Omotesando was closed, a gang of us supported one of the Irish pubs here, donned in green and sporting shamrocks we pararded the streets. Naturally Guinness flowed freely later, although I was drinking pocari to remedy a 2 day hangover

Hokkaido - in search of powder

2008-03-13T05:36:00.001-07:00

Four of us recently flew to the northern island of Hokkaido, as its renowned for its perfect skiing conditions. Unfortunately it hadn't snowed for a few days and the mountain comprised ice & slush. A booking error allowing us to upgrade our room to one with a ryokan (pictured right) and the delicous local food was some compensation.

plobabry

2008-03-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

Its a well know fact that the Japanese language does not distinguish between the letters 'R' & 'L'. This causes many amusing experiences for the English speaker. I regularly visit this cafe, where the quiche rollaine is dericious.

A Gaijin's Encounters

28 April

27 April

26 April

25 April

25 April - Yuko's mate

23 April

22 April

20 April

19 April はしょふう

17 & 18 April - Watari

10 April - hiking

8 April - another aftershock

7 April

6 April

5 April

# of foreigners leaving Japan soars 8-fold

Saturday 2

Friday 1st

water water nowhere, & not a drop to drink

Wednesday 30

Tuesday 29

Nice work lads

Monday 28

Helping hand

Saturday 26

Friday 25

Thursday 24

Wednesday 23

Tuesday 22

Monday 21

Sunday 20

Saturday 19

Friday 18

Thursday 17

Wednesday 16

Anxiously watching the news

Monday 14

Sunday 13

the day after

March 11

Hakuba

Zao

birthday

Scissor Sisters

Happy Birthday Shox

Farewell Yuka

Happy New Year

The Shadows

ふじ さん ４かい め のぼった

World Cup

Matsushima

Kumar

For Those About to Rock

Winter 2010

New Year in England

Christmas in the US

The Argentine came good

City break

Halloween

Naomi & Chris

Japanese Wine

Thailand

Summer Sonic 2009

KASABIAN

Niijima II

Legends of Rock

Paris

Update

Brownie

東京マラソン2009

blast from the past

kekkon omedetou gozaimasu

Mum

Countryside Retreat

halloween

keep on running

Here I go again....80's Brit Rock

Finally...after a 15 year wait

unsettled times

ふじ　さん　４かい　め　のぼった