Recompression IX

I just returned from my 7th Burning Man Vancouver Recompression on the Sunshine Coast.



I had so much fun and made so many new friends. I camped my second year with Arabian Nights and hung out with the Cops.

The theme for the weekend was Alice In Wonderland. The Moose Lodge decorations were fantastic, as was the chill space. I enjoyed all the performances of the talent show, propane poofers, fireballs and bunny cannons by Disaster Area, the Legion of Flying Monkeys Karaoke Puppet Show, the Rally Car Race, the fire show choreographed by Mystress Fire, and the Man burn.

I also helped Yonderboy with his photo booth for 3 hours Saturday evening.

Not too mention, the food was fantastic!

The ferry ride home was rather awesome.

Listening to: Opus III - Dreaming of Now

 

I Wish Dolphins Were My Friends

Dolphin Bubbles: An Amazing Behaviour



 

Kyoto Loves Me

Well, after taking a bus to the Gion district that consists of traditional Japan with temples, shrines and Geisha, we walked around for the better part of an hour looking for a Love Hotel. Rooms were either $50 per hour or $130 for overnight. But check-in was at 10 pm, and we did not know if we could go in and out of the hotel. The sun was setting, we were starting to get cranky and hungry. We ended up back on Higashioji Street just down from the Yasaka Pagoda staring into a diner. We were hungry, so we set our weary parts down at a table.

We did not have high expectations. While we were waiting for the only woman took cook our food, we contemplated sleeping at the train station, trying a hostel, or taking the train to another city and leaving Kyoto. The latter made me very sad because I really wanted to see Kyoto. We almost skipped the city all-together. We had not made a hotel reservation and every room from a hostel to a hotel was booked. It is the beginning of the cherry blossom season.

Our dinner was good and fufilling. We we were paying our bill, the restaurant owner took pitty on us. She called her husband to assist us. He came by the restaurant and phoned an aquaintance and left a voicemail. We sat a waited hoping for even a spare room in some random building.

After a few minutes, the husband came over and informed us he managed to arrange a place for us to stay. He even came out to explain the directions to the taxi driver. Most streets and buildings in Japan do not have signs or numbers.

The taxi driver had no idea where this guest house was, but he managed to find it. A fellow met us at a gate. We followed him down a walkway. When he opened the door, we were in complete awe inside the Gojo Machiya Guest House. It is a two-level Japanese style house with lots of browns and whites with a kitchen, shower and bathroom, heated-seat toliet, laundry and tv. The best part is the guest house is only $150 per night with a $100 deposit. Most of the hotels started at $250 to $300 per night.

I am currently sitting on a Thai-triangle pillow with a fuzzy blanket in a tatami room listening to classical opera playing on a cd player hanging on the wall.

Life in Kyoto is *so* rough.

Also, I saw my first Geisha. We were standing outside the restaurant and there were two Geisha standing on the street. A few people were photographing them, and they turned their backs to avoid being photographed. Both Geisha were stunning.

 

Kyoto

We just showed up in Kyoto and all the hotels are full.

Osaka was amazing. We stayed at the Flex Hotel near the train station. Lots of little bars, Izakaya and boutiques. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.

We went to see the Osaka Castle. It was originally built in the 1500s, but it was burned down during a war in the 1600s. It was rebuilt and struck by lighting and burned again. Air raids during WWII also destroyed a lot of the castle walls and turrets.

We also went to the aquarium. The aquarium has eight floors with exhibits from Japan`s Forests, Alaska, Antarctica, Cook Islands, Aleutenin, Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The latter tank has 5400 tonnes of water and is loaded with fish, sharks and manta rays. I also saw gigantic spider crabs, octopuses and jelly fish. The acrylic glass of the tank is 30 cm thick.

We also saw a gigantic ferris wheel on the harbour front.

The food in Osaka was also amazing. We had incredible bento boxes for lunch at a tiny place with beautiful decor. For dinner, we had good sushi at Jean-ni (sp?). After dinner, I had a nap for a few hours. At 2 am, I decided to go for a walk. I walked north to see a organic building, temple and shrine. Then I walked south towards the Osaka Theatre. Eventhough it was 3 and 4 in the morning, I felt completely safe. I walked through the Shinsabashi Shopping district. At night, it looks like Times Square or Las Vegas.

I love Osaka city!

We went back to Nariyama for one more night. We went to another Onsen Hanna bath house. Not as fancy as the first one. It had three pools and two saunas. Because it was after 7 pm, it only cost $5.

Now, we are sitting in the foreign tourist office located on the 9th Floor in the Seto department store searching the Internet for love hotels to stay at. I snuck a quick peak the the Kimono fabric section of the department store. Kimonos start at a few thousand dollars in price.

Our plan was to stay two nights in Kyoto, but we may have to leave if there is no accommodation. *sigh*

 

Konnichwa

Greetings from Hiroshima. This is the first time I have had an opportunity to us a comptuer. After every word, I have to hit the enter key. I was only in Tokyo for a day and a half. We stayed with a friend of a friend`s in Yutenji. She shares a penthouse apartment with 4 other roommates.

In Tokyo, I went to Akihibara, the electronics district. I saw cute girls advertising maid cafes. I also went to Asukusa and saw the ancient temple. I tried some octopus donut holes (not my favourite.　In the evening, we went to the club in Babel called Womb. Crazy. It had four floors and played a lot of hosue and trance. A 21 year old University student tried to pick me up. He was really sweet and said my outfit was very cute.

Then we went south to Nariyama for three days to visit Mike`s sister`s family. We stayed in a Japanese house with sliding doors and tatami mat rooms. The housing here has no central heating. She cooked amazing traditional food and served amazing green teas. We also went to an Onsen (public bath). It was like a luxury spa. It had 10 baths, including cold, hot, bubbling and hot spring. There were also 3 saunas, a cafeteria, massage, movie room, library and computers. Lunch was amazing and I paid $3 to be barried in sand up to my neck.

The toliets here are amazing: trickle rinses, dryers and always warm to sit on. Some even play music.

In Naoshima, we stayed in Yurt by the beach. We went on a walking tour of 20 different types of art structures. We also toured the Benesse Museum, Chichu Museum and Art House Project (restored houses with art).

Now I am in Hiroshima. Today, we visited the Memorial Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. The museum was emotional and horrifying. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima blasted everything within a 600 metre radius and radiated everything around 2 km. Over 140,000 people died, 70,000 of which were never identified.

Tomorrow, we are off to Kyoto and then Osaka.

My basic Japanese is becoming better and better each day. Japanese culture is very interesting: people wear masks when sick, wave thanks during driving, say please and thank you a LOT, and bow.

All the food I have eaten has been amazing and cheap. It is cheaper to eat quality restaurant and a-la-carte food then in Canada. I love Kirin lemon tea and milk tea (strawberry too!).

I rode a bullet train that went 285 kms per hour!

I have seen lots of stray cats lying around temples and in parks. They are not very friendly to strangers.

Lots of love from Japan!

Cho Segoi (very awesome)!

 

Vacation: All I Ever Wanted

I saw Jimmy Kimmel's Unnecessary Censorship of Sesame Street recently and could not stop laughing.

Also of a laughing nature is Prop 8: The Musical. I know this was going around a few months ago, but I finally decided to watch it.

Tomorrow, I will be flying to Tokyo on a 10-hour JAL flight. I managed to arrange a cat herder at the last minute when my previous person fell through. Thank you Claire for offering to watch Choco Cat for me.



I recently read the story of Hachiko, Japan's most Faithful Dog. Hachiko was the loyal companion of Professor Uyeno in 1923. He always accompanied his owner to the train station and waited for him to returned and walk back home with him. He did this for two years. One day, the professor died at work and did not return home. The Akita dog continued to go to the train station and wait for him for 10 years until his death (the same spot he last saw his owner alive). There is a statue in Shibuya to honour Hachiko.

I am really looking forward to 18C warmer weather in Tokyo. However, I hear it can be quite windy at times. I miss my scarf.

Listening to: Jim Sturges - Across the Universe

 

Heard It Was A Full Moon

Here is a link to Validation the movie.


Flight of the Conchords' Ladies of the World




Flight of the Conchords' songs were the anthems of my weekend in Victoria. The weekend in Victoria was great. We had brunch at Floyd's, Pho at Pho Vy, and partied Carnivale-style at a Firehall in Sannich.


After work, I ran around downtown crossing off errands. I tried to find another scarf to replace the one that was stolen from the Waldorf party two weeks ago--no luck. That was my favourite scarf. *grr* I bought my Japan rail pass with 20 minutes before closing to spare. One week from now, I will be on my JAL flight with a Cheshire grin and worshiping JAL flight attendants. Arigato gozaimasu!



I also went to MAC to buy some face products, including the lipstick and lipliner I had to replace that were stolen in my wool coat. I also picked up a beaver skiing snowglobe for Mike's sister's mother-in-law in Japan. I also bought his s-n-l a bunch of cute dollar-store stickers (she is a teacher) and a shwack of chocolate (she's craving Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Balls). I also bought some cute Vancouver fridge magnets to give away. A cute bear ornament I bought broke on the way home. I am going to see if the Maintenance guy at work can help me fix it.

Man, this Imperial Earl Gray tea from T is good, especially with Tim Tam's. I learned about Tim Tam's in Australia. You bite off one end of the biscuit, then the other and suck the tea through and eat it. I recently found Tim Tam's at London Drugs.

I forgot I have to do my taxes, or beg my cousin too. She did them last year... by hand. I usually buy Quicktax and split the cost with others. Last year, I bribed her with steak and lobster dinner at The Boathouse at English Bay. You may say QB is cheaper than surf & turf for two, but she's really good company.

Tea sips... yum. I just have to finalize my packing list and actually start packing. I also bought used Mary Lawson's Crow Lake to read on the flight. My massage therapist recommended Lawson to me.

I bought some yuppie black Pumas today. I wanted black sneakers to wear at work and in Japan. I have tried on so many black sleek sneakers to no avail. So I broke down at bought them at Brown's in The Bay. I also bought a pair of Ed Hardy's with a funky koi pattern.

Oh yeah, I have yet another cold. Third one of the year thus far. Thank goodness it is a mild one. It should be gone by the weekend. I guess I shouldn't have been... yadda yadda... this past weekend.

Listening to: The Fixx - Saved By Zero

 

Love Like Blah

Like: Did You Know?



 

Ain't What I Used To Be

Well, let me tell you 4 hours sleep doesn't feel the same as when you were 21 years old. I went to a fundraiser for Yvonne's Mad Hatter Party last night at the Canvas Lounge. I had never been there before, but I know it is the former Babylon Studios space. I think they raised a lot of money for her cause and I was proud to participate.

Prior to the party, I went to Hastings Steam & Sauna for some Eucalyptus steam with F&C and D. When I got home, I just wanted to lie down on my comfy bed. But it was good to go to the party and connect with people. There were some really great hats.



Tonight, I am going to Carnivàle Party in Victoria with Yonderboy and Squishelle. I am excited for my first Victoria Burner Party. Yonderboy has offered to do a photo shoot for Bunny Ruffles and I. I packed a shwack load of clothes and three pairs of shoes. I am hoping to squeeze in some cat naps along the way to Victoria in the car and on the ferry. I just have to make it through my work day.

 

FlipText

˙ɯɟʞɔɐɾ uo ǝnƃɐǝl ƃıq s,ǝuɐɹɥɔoɔ ɯoʇ oʇ ƃuıuǝʇsıl ɯɐ ı ʍou ʇɥƃıɹ

˙ɹǝɥɔɐǝʇ ɐ sı ǝɥs ˙ɥʇıʍ ƃuıʎɐʇs ǝɹɐ ǝʍ uɐɯoʍ ǝɥʇ ɹoɟ sɹǝʞɔıʇs ǝʇnɔ ǝɯos puıɟ oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ı ˙uɐdɐɾ ǝɹoɟǝq op oʇ uoıʇɐɹɐdǝɹd ɟo ʇıq ɐ ǝʌɐɥ llıʇs ı

˙ʞɹoʍ ɹǝʇɟɐ ʇuǝɯʇuıoddɐ ǝƃɐssɐɯ ʎlɹɐǝ uɐ oʇ oƃ oʇ ʎɐpoʇ ʎlɹɐǝ dn ʇǝƃ oʇ pɐɥ ı

¡unɟ sı ɟɟnʇs ʇxǝʇdılɟ sıɥʇ

 

Canon Memory Card Error

So, my 5 year old trusty Canon S400 was giving me a Cannot Read Memory Card Error. After replacing the battery, I still received the error. I took it to VanCam Service to have it assessed. The technician informed me Canon was issuing a recall that may fix my problem for free. He also said my canon has a very good lens and is sturdy because it is thick. He further stated the new slim cameras are not as sturdy when dropped and the lenses are not as good.

In Japan, D&M and I are booked at the Tsutsuji-so Lodge in Naoshima.



I purchased a lovely Curious George sticker and colouring book from KidsBooks today. The shop even gift-wrapped it.

Currently watching the L-Word. Love the show. I love seeing the Vancouver shoot locations in the show. There is a post-production trunk sale this weekend for the L-Word. I wish I was going to be in town to see the sale.

Listening to: Rammstein - Du Hast

 

Where's the Beef?

Ok, if you did not know the title give props to an old 80s commercial--you are too young or way too old.

It's one of those weeks. You know, where as soon as you get home you want a nice chunk of dark chocolate. Better yet, a grilled steak, medium-rare, with a glass of shiraz served to you in a hot tub by a hunky delish man. (Save room for dessert...)

I settled for organic multigrain soya-mozza grilled cheese with Simply Organics ketchup and a strawberry black tea. No, really, it *was* satisfying.


So funny, Flight of the Conchords' Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor



I cannot stop listening to Michael Mind's remix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like the Wind. I noticed it in BToxic's Electrograde mix (electro-house remixes of retro songs).

Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind (Klaas Remix)

 

Turning Japanese

Well, it's official. I am traveling to Japan mid-March for two weeks. I am flying into Tokyo to meet Dani & Mike. They are currently in Thailand and will meet me in Japan. The flight only cost $1,100. In 2003, I purchased a ticket on JAL through Tokyo to Australia during SARS for only $1400. I *love* Japan Airlines. Best airline on earth. Amazing service, comfy seats, video insets, lots of hot towels, pocky, green tea and delicious meals.



We are meeting at Tokyo airport and staying in Tokyo for a few days. Then we are taking the train north, south and back to Tokyo. Needless to stay I am ecstatic. I cannot wait to be in completely awe of Japan's art, culture, history, cuisine and customs.

In one week, I have learned how to count to 10, say yes, no, thanks, no thanks, good morning and good afternoon.

I am currently watching Lost In Translation for research.

 

Illuminate Yaletown

I went to Yaletown's first annual Illuminate Festival on Saturday. There were about 25 art installations including an ice living room, ice bonfire, light spheres, wall projections, shadow theatre, and light panels.



The highlight of the festival was Radiant Heat's fire performance shows. Radiant Heat performed three shows with a grand finale in front of EQ3.

I was surprised the event was not car-free. Pedestrians were everywhere with children and toy dogs. It was one giant car park. I thought it was strange the Roundhouse Community Centre did not have an open house for the event either. Apparently, the festival was such a hit, it will be back next year for the Olympics.

Listening to: Oscar the Grouch - I'm Sad Because I'm Happy

 

Ecofriend and Fabulous!

Imagine fulfilling your consumeristic desires guilt-free. Well, not completely guilt-free, but pretty darn close.

The Green Depot has opened its doors in Brooklyn. It is a green hybrid of Ikea and Home Depot full of organic and sustainable products for your home.



Also nifty, is the new West Elm store in Emeryville, CA that has a green and solar power roof, not too mention reclaimed hard-wood floor and low-VOC painted walls.



Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind

 

Love Like Blah

Like this Rat. I am not a huge fan of rats, but this is one cute bugger. Apparently, she chatters when she's content and snuggles stuffed animals. Cute. Bugger.

If you are a big g33k, you'll enjoy the History of Video Games. Reminds me of a few weeks ago when my niece and I were playing Pac-Man and Dig-Dug.



My cousin K sent me this music video for Fatboy Slim's The Joker. Bizarre. I love seeing the cat herders' hands in the camera shots.

I am not sure I want an iPhone enough to pay $60 a month on top of my cell phone plan. My unlimited Fido plan is grandfathered. I do not have digital cable because it costs $60 per month. I doubt plan prices will be going down any time soon.

Listening to: Beck - Timebomb

 

Laughter Is Always Good

I love British humour. BBC's Women Know Your Limits is very funny.

The Onion has its own YouTube Channel.



Hotmail stopped working on Mozilla today. Argh. I have to use IE to use it.

To iPhone or not to iPhone. Simple consumeristic, technologic whorish luxuries.

Listening to: The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong

 

One of Those Days

It is one of those days. You know... the ones where you just want to put on lounge wear when you get home, eat some dark chocolate and drink some vanilla earl gray tea.

I started a profile on Urban Spoon. I saw that there is a Urban Spoon iPhone application, so I decided to check the web site out. It is actually very well organized and reviewer driven. Funny, I had this idea several years ago. But, Urban Spoon truly delivers. I have reviewed over 114 restaurants and voted on 218 in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. I definitely like to eat out.

Now I am thinking about a bubble or salts bath. Another action-packed weekend starting with Friday at work. I am looking forward to catching up with a friend visiting from San Francisco, whom I have not seen since end of summer. I am excited to play host to a tourist.

It is the official one-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It is even more controversial than ever.



Thrifty Foods is promoting Romance In the Aisles, where you can shop and mingle with other singles. Make a date over spending a buck or two.

Listening to: Holly McNarland - Numb

 

Trader Joe's Song

The fabulous Trader Joe's song. When is Trader Joe's coming to Canada?



I love Trader Joe's. Natural amazing fusion and International foods: dried fruits, trail mixes, teriyaki beef jerky, wasabi peas, healthier chips, mango and peach salsa, $2 wine, strawberry juice, garlic linguine, real soaps, and the list goes on. Most of it is chemical and additive free.

I also love Talking Rain sparkling water. It consists of natural water with only 100% natural fruit essences. The flavour kiwi-strawberry is amazing. Now there is pomegranate-lime? I am thinking about a Costco card just to purchase flats in Washington.

I am debating purchasing an iPhone for the cool applications. I am such a geek. Not really interested it as a phone because the Rogers plan in Canada is the second highest priced in the world (behind Italy). But the applications to organize my daily life, podcasts, games and gallery are cool. I already picked out colorware colours in blue, orange and chartreuse to change it from black.



I want to sing "I Wanna Be iPhone-sturbated" to the Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated.

Listening to: Coldplay - Clocks

 

Back Burner

Well, I was chatting with my boss the other day about Earned Days Off (EDOs). I thought that you worked over time to bank up an EDO. So, this year I worked an extra 4 hours so far. Usually, I would just adjust my time when I wanted and work less on a day(s) to reduce the extra hours earned.



Apparently, this is incorrect. I am suppose to work extra as needed, but I get an automatic extra 5 EDOs off (regardless if I work less or more). So, last year I did not take these extra 5 EDOs. In fact, during the Xmas holidays, I took three Leave of Absence (LOAs) with NO PAY. Argh.

I am still awaiting my 6 month and annual performance review and a potential raise.


Oh, and 30 year old Frat Boys are dumb.

Listening to: Madonna - Sorry