Thursday, December 27, 2018

December 27, 2018


December 27, 2018
A bit of a micro update here. I tend to like to start with bad news to get it out of the way, but today, let’s make a good news sandwich, with two bits of good news and a spicy smidgeon of not as good in the middle. So, my boss has come back for a visit and I got a haul of gifts, haha. Christmas in Japan is less about gift giving than stateside, though kids do still get gifts, many, Nintendo Switches. I whole heartedly approve. But for me, it’s been a bit lonely at times. It was nice to get a gift of mac and cheese, stuffing, and cheese potatoes. I’m happy. Then again, I’m also a simple man, haha.
Alright, bad news. I’ve been dealing with a food issue even as far back as my Tokyo trip in summer. It was always assumed to be a fungus, but the itching, the pain, and the frustration finally got to me and with the help of my very lovely staff, we found a hospital nearby that spoke English and would see me. Christmas miracle, that place. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes with a prescription for some medicine that’s really helped with the pain and itching. It turned out to be a bacterial infection. More than medicine, which has made life much easier, I also now have a regular doctor to go to for skin issues. I don’t really have any, this foot thing was my first time, but hey…it pays to have regulars, like I do in terms of clinics and eateries.
Back to the good news, and this is the juicy stuff. So, my Christmas consisted of a four cheese pizza and three cakes ordered from a convenience store. The cakes are small, but respectable, however the most important one to me, the Black Thunder cake made by the company I love, was amazing. It was a gigantic Styrofoam tub full of dry ice to keep the cake cold. All three, the strawberry, cheese, and black thunder cakes were all delicious, but it gets better. I spent my Christmas traditions, of Saint Oniisan, Christmas NiGHTS, and a new one, Christmas Overcooked, with my beautiful, wonderful(if you’re reading, hi) girlfriend. Granted, it was over video camera, but I haven’t been so happy in ages. It was such great fun. And as part of my recovery from my foot issue, I bought Katamari Damacy to enjoy over the holidays. Though, I do have other plans. I want to visit the bath house and take a day trip to see the Shotaro Ishinomori museum. And my yearly trip to the sea. Well, we’ll see how the foot feels when the time comes. One more day of work, then a chance to rest. I’m looking forward to it.
Here’s to a great 2019. Merry Christmas to all and a happy new year. My family’s already gotten their gifts. Hopefully my special someone gets hers soon too haha. It’s a wonderful life, folks.

Monday, December 10, 2018

December 10, 2018 + Photos

So, small update. I went to the doctor to get a general checkup on issues I've been having and it was mostly fine.  They said I was healthy. Annnnnnnnd cut to December. I'm sick. Again. It's probably just a 24-hour cold, and if not I can always go see the doctor since I actually HAVE healthcare here, haha. Anyway, I'm a bit late, but here are the most recent photos of my adventures. Enjoy.

So, while exploring, I found a cool temple that was close to a graveyard. Nothing special, but I love the architecture and that there's still stuff to find close to home.

Jizos



Quaint little temple


A nice little Tori gate
Welcome to Matsushima, this is the Orugoru museum, aka the music box/calliope museum


Cool music boxes through the ages

From giant calliopes...

To classic disc boxes



These can do some crazy combos. Yes, this one does accordions, horns, drums, and piano

The museum also has old school metal toys from like the 20s-40s





And now we got to a special kind of museum. It's a special kind of chair...

It's not real! It's art!


High five, dude. Welcome to the trick art museum




This nice lady helped me get my photos. She's so tall isn't sh-

Oh...nevermind

I'm really...

WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!

AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH- it's a mirror, guys.




This one moves when you move. Weird effect, eh?

Cause it's a trick! They're cones! Not a flat painting!

Mad ninja skills

Worship me for my awesomeness

Speaking of Ninjas...

Eep!

Gimme my bag back!

Ahhh...a nice dragon ride home.

Or is it?



They also have a cool wax figure museum on the history of Date Masamune


There's so much to learn here. I really enjoyed the visit. 



Fun fact, Masamune wanted to establish trade with Mexico of all places and built a ship to try

And there's the big bridge of Matsushima. I was too tired to go on it again, but it's the same as it was last year. Beautiful.