Thursday morning. It's about 730. I'm walking down through a train station to get to the right line I need to get to work. Walking the opposite direction towards me is ... a plump, middle-aged man wearing a shiny red sleeveless dress ... I repeat, dress ... a blonde wig, and a pair of golden angel's wings. WTF? It's too early for this.

Thursday morning. Approximately 11 o' clock. The head teacher at the school exclaimed great surprise at my teaching methods. The word 'bikkurishita' which means 'surprised', seemed to have been used as a replacement for any and all forms of punctuation. Apparently, I am THE teacher. He said I could go work as a teacher anywhere in the world because of the way I conducted my classes and the rapport I have with my student.
'Aeric-sensei! We don't want you to teach for just one year here. We want you to teach here forever!'
hmm ... what manner of portent is this??

Just came back from the Paul Van Dyk party at Ageha. It defies all explanation. The music was a mixture of Van Dyk classics and his more recent releases each with that distinctive 'Van Dyk' sound. That sound could be referred to as 'old school' in this day and age but the young generation will certainly recognize even if they will not be able to say who created the sound. It was full-on the moment we got there and had to navigate our way around some very inconveniently located people. Ageha can accomodate up to 2,500 people and it certainly looked like it might very well have to hold up that promise. There were way too many foreigners there though (a lot of guys from the navy base in Yokosuka). I'm guessing that it's because it's a Van Dyk gig. Still, it was a load of fun and I got to meet some pretty cool people . Anyway, at the club, there was a waitress selling lighty-uppy thingies and later, she and a japanese version of LL Cool J were selling shots of tequila. Her costume, was a very short silver mini-skirt, a silver tank top, and what must be the only warped pair of Mickey Mouse ears in existence. But the ears weren't flat. They were entirely spherical. So naturally, being in mature company, the question on everyone's minds was 'I wonder if she could do a handstand'.

Now I hate to be the bearer of bad news ... but ...
They didn't allow me to take my camera in.
So, no photos.
Sial kan?
Sorry lah, Sel. I brought my camera and everything and then suddenly potong stim.

In the 4 seconds it took me to run from the station entrance to my bike (with my umbrella), my shoes got soaked. Not because I stepped into a deceptively deep puddle, but because of the torrential downpour that insisted on falling about me. Even with my umbrella, by the time I made it back, I was completely drenched from mid-torso down.

Halfway back, the rained lessened somewhat noticeably.
10 minutes after I got back, it changed into a light drizzle.
30 minutes after I got back, it had gone completely and was actually starting to resemble a pleasant day.
Typical.

I decided to go buy a new bicycle seat.
The old one wasn't broken. It didn't even need replacing for any cosmetic value.
The stupid thing seems to accumulate water and retains it. I've had to keep a plastic bag on it for the past two weeks, possibly longer, since it rained then and there's still some water in it. Stupid foam seat. Every time it rains, I have to put a plastic bag over it or I end up looking like I've just had a rather unfortunate accident.
Well, no more!
I've closely scrutinized all the seats in the shop and finally found one that doesn't look like a portable water catchment. Ironically, it happened to be the cheapest seat they had. All the expensive seats, whilst looking really comfortable actually look like they could hold quite a lot of water. They all have stitching on the top or sides which would allow water in and no ventilation to let it out again.

So that's my new toy. Not much of a toy ... but it allows me to use my bike without a plastic bag.

whee

Oh, just remembered! Let the countdown begin!!!
3 days left...

With Hollywood running out of ideas, it would seem that it is up to others to release something of substance (or at least to remake an original without butchering it beyond recognition).

Already, WETA Workshop is planning a live-action version of Neon Genesis Evangelion and similarly, a live-action Initial D is in the works. Both look kick-ass. I only hope they remain faithful to the original and don't completely fudge things up by doing stupid things like retaining the Japanese names but insist on keeping the dialogue in English thereby inflicting upon unsuspecting ears the full horror of butchered japanese names with an American accent. *shudder*

Ahh ... to have a Japanese cast, backed by one of the big Hollywood studios, and outfitted by WETA. I'm already slightly dreading Initial D. Whilst they're keeping the original names, I'm not entirely sure how they're going to pull it off well with a Cantonese/Mandarin dialogue.

Happy, Sel?
Call me lazy cos I never update my blog. Cis!

Oh oh oh! Just remembered something blog-worthy. I got a very pleasant surprise from a couple of my students from last year. They're in junior high now but they sent me a couple of emails asking how I am and telling me about their new school. So cute ^_^

I'll have to see if I can leave a similar impact on the kids this year. Then pretty soon, I'll have my own little group of followers ready to take over the world! Bwahahaha!

So? Like my new shirt or not?

Wahahahaha!
First day back at work and it was a blast! The kids are naturally shy, this being the first class but I went a little crazy in the classes and turned it into some sort of show.
Kids like me ^_^

I'm thinking of redoing my introduction part of the lesson. Sure, they ask me the stock questions ... favourite food, hobbies, family ... boring stuff ... but what I really want to do is tell them about some of my more interesting friends ... hehe ... hmm ... who ah? ... like Ms. 'Living Sand' or Lady Pork. Haha ... Ms. Living Sand knows who she is ... Lady Pork doesn't visit my blog enough to know I'm writing about her ... and before you get the wrong idea, 'Lady Pork' does not refer to any aesthetic quality rather, a particular fondness for a menu featuring said animal.

Ahh ... I met some real cuties in the school today ... geram lah ...

This ... is becoming a bad habit.
SOMEONE ... mentioning no names *cough* sel *cough* is keeping me up at night.
She won't let me go to sleep until 3 or 4 in the morning.

ok ... I'll behave now.

Lucky I'm still on holiday otherwise I'd only get a few hours sleep before I have to wake up for work.
Sorry ah, sel. I start work next Tuesday so I cannot chat with you late at night any more.
No more stalking the cute girls of the blogosphere and talking about their dimples.

In case you hadn't realized by now. Sel be the Night Owl and thusly, also the Anvil.
Why Anvil?
Haha! Good question!
'Sel! Bangun lah babi!' :p

In other news, went to uni today to settle some paperwork and get myself registered. The help-desk-person seemed a little surprised that I wanted to matriculate already before the course started. I want to get it out of the way lah ...

I have to go to one of the schools tomorrow ... oh wait ... today, even.
Shitlah sel ... Pukul sembilan mau bangun la.

Anyway ... heard from the office that half the schools this year will be the same as the ones from last year. Two of the schools actually asked the office to send me again. Wahaha!
I is a super teacher!
I even got two glowing references from them, forever immortalized on paper.
Take that office! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
ph34r!

Oh babi ...
sel! You really putting that pic up ah? As I'm chatting you some more.
Some more censor the wrong thing.

oklah ... I need to get some tiduring done ...

Me: Hey Nick! Want to go for a pub lunch? Haven't had one in 4 years!
Nick: Hmm ... I haven't managed to successfully have a pub lunch ever. What with my unique constitution.
Me: Bugger!
Nick: We could do a curry. The Raj Mahal has a buffet going for lunch.
Me: Sold!
Nick: Right ... let's go.
*at the restaurant*
Nick: There appears to be a wedding going on.
Me: Where's the singing?
Nick: Beats me.
Waiter: Sorry sir, we don't have the buffet special on Sundays
Me: Bugger!

Welll, that went well. Despite not having the buffet I had my heart set on, I had a fantastic lamb tikka with the best garlic naan I had ever had the good fortune to consume.

With a curry in my belly and a smile on my lips, I decided to venture around Akasaka for a spell. Blindingly sunny day and all. Lovely day for a stroll.

Then I get an email from Jin.

Jin: Dude! Get to Odaiba!
Me: Eh? Why?
Jin: Just get out here! And bring your camera!
Me: But ...
Jin: Dude, everyone's here!
Me: Everyone? ok.

Babi kutu on a stick!!
The fella called me out to an outdoor rave!

I get out at the monorail station and I hear this vague pounding.

Me: Ok. I'm here. Now what?
Jin: Hear that? Go there.
Me: I hear it but all I see is this long line of people.
Jin: Join that. It moves fast.
Me: Dude, it must be 200m long.
Jin: We're inside.
Me: ok

This is insane. I spend 45 minutes in line waiting to get in where I see all these white tents and thousands of people.

Well stir my kacang and call me Sally ...

I counted 6 dance areas and from the flyer, it looks like 51 DJs were slated to spin.
It was like a friggin' rave mecca.
They had everything from Psychedelic Rock to Jungle to Trance.
My favourites of the day were Tsuyoshi, DJ Yu-ki, So and the delicious Domino.

All kinds of people were there. The metal-heads, the hippies, the clubbers ... some even brought their kids! Man ... never seen anything like it.

The party was in a huge parking lot behind the Fuji TV building and since they didn't have any club lighting or disco balls ... what do they do? They have a guy stand on top of the speakers about 20 feet off the ground holding a big prismatic mirror and then they project light onto him. Insane.

Tomoko, Jin (the Toilet King) and Chiemi

Oh, this is wonderful.

I have a balcony.
I have a foldable deck chair (with cup holder) and the sun hits my balcony juuuuuuuust right.

I can lounge in the sun with a cold beverage, music playing and still be withing easy reach of my computer.
Brilliant!

I picked up the Tokyo Pocket Guide from a Canadian restaurant a few days ago and it's great. Maps of my area, the cool places to go and be seen, marvellous.

Wahey! There's a Tony Roma's nearby. Looks like just over 5 minutes by bike. Now to find some fellow meat-lovers. Mmmm ..... ribs .....

What's this? An English pub! Looks like ...

Wait ... doorbell ...
*rushes off to get the door*
Booyah! Party tickets arrived. Paul van Dyk @ Ageha April 29th. Sweet!

Anwyay, where was I? ... English pub! The Hobgoblin ... near the station. Ooh! And an IRISH pub too! Waaaaaaaaait ... what the?! The Raj Mahal?? Who calls an Indian restaurant the Raj Mahal? Nevermind ... oh come on! Another one called The Taj is nearby too.

I wonder what's further afield in Roppongi?
Clubs, bars, restaurants ...
Another Tony Roma's! Where am I?? *looks around*

Right ... ok then ... anyone up for some ribs? Any takers? Anyone at all?

Yeah! A free PSP is up for grabs every week and also one Alienware Laptop. Sweet! Now everyone sign up!

Woke up this morning and upon opening the window, I was greeted by gorgeous weather. Cloudless skies and a particularly lovely 24 degree day.
*grumble* come on you lazy oaf ... go get some fresh air and exercise.
After much mental prodding, I departed.
Walking around the Roppongi area is quite pleasant in the early afternoon. People are still working in their little offices (haha! Run, little rats! Run!) and I get to take in the lovely shopping atmosphere that is Roppongi Hills. It's very much like Suria in the sense that everything is ridiculously expensive.
I stumbled across the Asahi Broadcasting building and by a stroke of good fortune, came across a little park-ette outside where all the sakura are now in bloom. Most lovely.
Some people were basking in the sun having their sandwich lunches, others were walking around taking photos.
I had this niggling in the back of my mind before leaving to take my camera with me and a good thing too.
Here ... more photos.

It seems that I've been host to quite a number of friends from back home since I moved to the Kanto region. Let's see, Chris & Sarah, Dave, Nicole & Jai, my family, and most recently, Karen. It's been good showing people around as it almost forces me to become more familiar with Tokyo and the surrounding areas. Sure, the places I know fairly well now are all touristy and needlessly kitschy but still a fun day out now and then.

Karen, an old school friend of mine hearkening back to my days in Garden International School, spent the last week here in Tokyo to take advantage of the free accomodation and free tour guide. She arrived Monday evening and after picking her up from the airport and taking her bags back to my apartment, we went out in search of dinner. Dinner at 10pm in Akasaka. It's actually tougher than it sounds. There were loads of little snacky-type places and cheapy places but I was aiming for something decent where we could actually get a proper meal. After walking blindly around for half an hour, I took her to an izakaya I had been to before. It turns out that she quite approves of izakayas. We went to another one the next night too.

And I think I've got the whole touristy thing down.

Day 1
Akihabara - to check out the electronic goodness and weird adult stores (her idea, I swear!).
She was quite bemused by the fact that people had to smoke in a special room. In all of Akihabara, you can't smoke on the streets so you have to smoke in a room. The ONE ROOM in Akihabara where smoking is permitted.
Also here was a shop that sold just about everything. From pharmaceutical products to 'shoulder massagers' (think about that). Posing pouches too. Pictures below.
Ginza - It's quite impossible to stop a woman from going shopping and I've resigned myself to the fate all men share. That of the tagalong bag-carrier. No purchasing was actually done (thankfully). Rather, it was the perusal of all things hither and thither.
After a coffee break at one of the millions of Starbucks littering Tokyo, we went on to
Shinjuku - Nightlife beyond compare. Dinner? No problem. Cinema? An area full of them. Karaoke? With a castle! Dodgy massage salons? By all means. Walking around Shinjuku at night is really an eye-opener. Still bustling and hustling at night, the youth of Japan seem to be everywhere all at once and up to some form of flim-flammery.

Day 2
Imperial Palace - An absolutely gorgeous day. Picture-perfect blue skies and at just the right temperature. We walked to the palace, took pictures and laughed at the hordes of tourists taking a squillion pictures. Karen also managed to flip off a doddering old man.
Asakusa - A tourist trap second only to the Tokyo Tower. The temple is a sight to be seen certainly, but the shops lining the long street leading up to it are kitschy beyond belief. Most, if not all of them have absolutely nothing to do with any sort of templey duties. They sell pastries, tea, toys, postcards, clothes, souvenirs and other random bits of fluff but none of the vestiges of holiness one associates with a temple.
Suido Bus - Not really a place but a very pleasantboat ride along the Sumida River passing under more than a dozen bridges leading to
Odaiba - A huge mass of reclaimed land in the Tokyo Bay area home to Fuji TV, and the Decks and Venus Fort shopping centres. Mum, remember that place we found that was made up to look like Tokyo from decades ago? They have another one in another building done up to look like old Hong Kong! It's in the adjacent building. Somehow, I've managed to completely miss a substantial area of shopping real estate until now. And it looked like I wasn't the only one judging by the lack of people wandering in that particular section.

Day 3
Meiji Jingu - Just next door to arguably the trendiest area in Tokyo is the Meiji Jingu shrine. Carefully shielded from the noise and crowds by a huge man-made forest, it is impressively serene. More so today as it was the middle of the week and hardly a person was to be seen. The only thing out of place was the Hindenberg flying around in circles like some obscenely overweight vulture intent on feasting on the carcasses of deceased holy men.
Harajuku - Everything weird, all that mystifies, and anything defying logic (fashion-wise) is born here. Goths buy their clothes here, those into cosplay find the necessary materials here, even people wanting to dress up their dog as superman can find a shop.
Funabashi - The only reason we went there was for the 7-floor 100-yen shop. Ugh ... It's exhausting going through the building. Only 2 hours but still ...

Day 4
Edo Museum -
Paaaaaaaaaartaaaaaaaaay!!!
Took my guest to Club M, conveniently situated 20 minutes walk from my apartment. We met one of the resident DJs who hails from Singapore but grew up in Oz and whose family comes from Malaysia. Weird coincidence, huh? And despite suffering from a slight cold earlier in the day, I had a great time too. Great music, friendly crowd and just enough people to get the dance juices going.

Day 5
My housewarming party - A little social get-together to relax and have some cheese fondue. A heart attack in a pot.

And thus concludes our tour.

PS - I've been introduced to the wondrous, maligned joys of Family Guy. Stewie Rules!

Akihabara, Smoker's Style
The only place in Akihabara you're allowed to smoke and by extension, the only human zoo in existence.

Akihabara, Don Quixote
The shop where you can buy ANYTHING.
I present to you, in all their resplendent glory ... posing pouches!

Akihabara, Don Quixote
More Posing Pouches.

Akihabara, Don Quixote
'Shoulder Massagers' for the discerning lady ( and for the gentleman who prefers his toast buttered the other side).
(Sorry the picture is on its' side. I forgot to turn it the right way up).

Ginza
Mikomoto Pearls.
For all you ladies with rich husbands. Go! Buy until puas puas hati.

Asakusa, Asahi Building
The Golden Turd!
In all its shimmering splendour. It's a lovely, creamy, golden turd billowing gently in the spring wind.

Harajuku Goth Clothing Store
I swear, the blackest store ever conceived this side of the nine layers of hades.

Harajuku Pet Clothing Store
See the little Superman and Spider-Man costumes?