Update..

I'll be updating the travel log when I have time.  School started, so I wont have the time right now to rewrite everything that happened during my trip until later.

Time Flies...

My goodness!  With summer classes finally ending today, I realized I haven't done much planning for my trip to the east coast yet.... I leave on MONDAY!

That's not good...
Got to start planning out what I need to bring, what bag to use and where we're going to go.  Plus we need addresses and directions just in case.

It's going to be a busy busy BUSY weekend too.  Hair appointment tomorrow, Concert on Saturday night and then got a party Sunday night.. So I got to do as much as possible before Monday since we gotta be at the airport by 4:30 am!!

Time, can you please slow down just a bit?

All Set..

Well, plans are all set to hit the East Coast this summer.  August 16-22 is official.
The week right before school starts hahah.  It'll be a hectic time!

Where To Next?

I thought Seattle was going to be my last trip of the summer.  Turns out it's not.

Upcoming travel plans:
Day trip: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Weekend trip: Los Angeles/San Diego (this is a maybe)

Week long trip: Baltimore. DC. NY. Philly

I'll update with more information when I get it.  Off for now~

*Side Notes from Travel Log*

Thought I'd share the random side notes I wrote in my travel log.  It has all the places we hit up, or were going to hit up on the trip including addresses and how far all the places were from our hotel.

Seattle:

(3.5) Space Needle

400 Broad St.

(4) Pike Place Market

85 Pike St. 

1531 Western Ave.

(4) Olympic Sculpture Park

2901 Western Ave.

1st Ave. & Union St.

Red Mill Burgers (LAST)

Phinney Ridge 312 north 67th St. 4.7 miles from parking

Interbay 1613 W. Dravus St. 2.7 miles from Parking

(4) Pier 55

Shirt Co.

1101 Alaskan Way

10.5 miles from parking

Bellevue Square

2077 Bellevue Square

Bellevue, WA

(1) Safeco Field

1250 1st Ave. South

(4) Seattle Waterfront Park 

1301 Alaskan Way

(3) University of Washington

lot 1 0 4535 12th Ave. NE

4710 University Way NE #110

(2.5) Sweet iron Waffles

1200 3rd Ave. Suite 110

(2) Chinatown

719 S. King St.

(4) Simply Seattle

1600 First Ave.

(4) Pike Place Chowder

1530 Post Alley

600 Pine St.

University of Washington Central Plaza Parking 

NE 41st St.

(R 15th ave. NE, 15th Ave NE until 41st Street) Parking entrance on L

*Side Notes from Travel Log*

Thought I'd share the random side notes I wrote in my travel log.  It has all the places we hit up, or were going to hit up on the trip including addresses and how far all the places were from our hotel.

Federal Way:

(6) Powellswood Garden

430 South Dashpoint Rd. 

8.6 miles

(2) Dash Point State Park

5700 SW Dash Point Rd.

13.7 miles

(7) Redondo Beach/Saltys

28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S.

Des Moines 7.2 miles

(2) Steel Lake Park

2410 S. 312th St.

12.1 miles

(4) Pattison's West

34222 Pacific Highway South

11.8 milse

(1) Tacoma Rainiers Cheney Stadium

2502 S. Tyler

24 miles

(5) The Commons (mall)

1928 S. Commons

11.7 miles

Day 4 (day 2) - Back Home

Date: June 12, 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 8:52am

Sitting here at Seattle-Tacoma Airport waiting to board the plane.  The airport looks better than when we had the stopver from Japan.  Our departure gate is also twice as big.

Just chilling here and facing me is this huge Apolo Ohno sign about that Hawaii sweepstakes that pretty much already happened.  nice to see the sign's still up haha.  At security earlier, the guard frisked me probably cuz my shirts too big haha. If it didn't beep, then what do you think i'm hiding?  My bag also went back into the xray.. or maybe they checked the person after me.. all I know is my box rolled back in haha.

So recap of Thursdays shenanigans.. After bathroom haha.

Time: 9:27am

Apparently our flight is delayed for a couple minutes since the plane isn't here.

So Thursday.. Finally.

Our day consisted of going to Tacoma and Federal Way.

Tacoma first at around 9:30am.  Went to the AAA Minor league stadium for the Mariners.  The Tacoma Rainiers @ Cheney Stadium.  Randomly, the stadium is in a complex with a high school (Henry Foss High).  Took a couple pictures, then headed toward Tacoma Dome.  Totally can't miss that thing.

... Finish on aircraft.. gonna board, I think.

Time: 10:40-ish am

On the plane and got a beautiful view of Seattle at take off.  The mountain areas still covered in snow looked so pretty.  Let me finish the recap of Thursday so I can sleep haha.

After Tacoma Dome, headed to Federal Way.  Straight to "the Commons" mall so we can grab a quick bite to eat.  Looked around a bit, but nothing special.  Kind of looks like Newpark mall.

After, drove around to all the parks.. I take back about going to the mall first.  Headed to Dash Point FIRST, then Steel Lake Park.  Both were fishing areas.  Nothing much to look at except the scenery. 

After headed to the mall, then to Pattison's West so I could take a picture of where Apolo Ohno and JR Celski used to do inline.

Couldn't stop at Powellswood, so ended up going to Redondo Beach, then to Des Moines beach.

Got lost and drove around and around looking at trees and random residential areas.  Finally headed back to Redondo Beach to eat at Salty's Restaurant.  So expensive! $40 each including tip!

After dinner, headed back finally and that was the end of the day.  I forgot to write all the details, but i'll save that for the blog writing.

As for now, the drink cart is going around.  Just waiting to see if I can get my final "Seattle's Best" coffee haha.

Day 3 - Almost at an End..

(continue)

Date: June 12, 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 1:07am 

Continuing on.  After getting lost going around and around Safeco Field (and Qwest Field) headed toward International District.  Wasn't sure if we should stop and look around so we drove through to see if anything is appealing.  Wasn't much so we headed straight to University of Washington.

Getting off the freeway, had a bit of a problem finding parking since the address I had was pretty much a random street.  Luckily Wednesday night i found the address to the performing arts garage.  After a quick park, took the elevator up and was immediately greeed by a bronze statue of George Washington.  It was commencement day, so the area was full of graduates.  Luckily it was over, so we can wander around freely.  This was around 12pm.

Headed straight to the UW library (Henry Suzzallo Library) and was so amazed at how huge the study hall was.  Totally a Harry Potter moment!

UW's campus was beautiful!  The architecture was crazy nice.  So much brick that everything looked like a castle estate!  As we headed in more, we saw this huge fountain.  Huge cannot even describe how big it was.  The fountain was surrounded by rose bushes, more buildings and huge lawns.  After some quick pics, headed to the Seattle center and the Space Needle.

Parking is crazy ridiculous there. 0-2 hours: $8 or $15 at the space needle.  Ended up finding a lot and paid $8 for 20-4 hours since we weren't sure how long we were staying.  Took pics of the Key arena first then off to the Space Needle.  The ride up cost a whopping $17!! Crazy!  But worth it.  The 360 degree view was amazing.  Would have been even more pretty with a sunny sky, but we got the overcast.  By the time we left, the sun came out and the clouds disappeared (me now: -_-*)

After an hour at the needle, walked back to the car and off to Pike Place Market.  It's about 1pm now and we were starving.  once we parked at Pike Place, we immediately tried to find "Pike Place Chowder".  Walked through the market area.  Totally reminiscent of Odaiba's "Joyopolis".  Got caught in a mob of people and foot traffic slowed down to stop and go (of course I got angry! "Don't stop in the middle!!").  Once we reached fresh air, tried to find the chowder place.  Got lost getting there about 3 or 4 times.  Glad we did though or else we wouldn't have found the infamous (and germiest) gum wall! it's so.. colorful, but nasty!  I wanted to leave a piece, but oh well.

Once we found the place, it was a small restaurant at the corner with plenty of customers.  The clam chowder was probably the best i've ever had.  After food, hit up some souvenir stores then to Pike Place Starbucks.  The FIRST Starbucks and probably the best Starbucks i've had.  An awesome Iced Vanilla Latte (the roasts tasted a bit different than any other starbucks).

AFter one more souvenir store, headed to Bellevue for the "Ritz" and "Glitz" of Seattle.

Bellevue Square Mall was freaking amazing!  It was huge! and so much nicer than the Westfield mall at Southcenter.  Walked around a bit, but nothing to buy.  Nothing interesting except the fact that these Asian bopper boys in a waiting area turned around to watch us walk by -_- gross.. way to be obvious.  

Anyways, once we rested, we headed straight to Red Mill Burgers for dinner to bring home.  Thanks to Man v. Food, I wouldn't have known about this place!  Got a cheeseburger and shared onion rings.  Amazing!  It was so good!

When we got gas, these people came up to me to let me know I'm putting bp gas in the car. Okay thanks?  It's kind of late now. 
Anyways, I know it's not a great recap, but I'm tired.  I'll recap with more details on the travel blog.  As for Thursdays shenanigans, i'll have to do it later.  SLeep now since flight is "early morning" at 10.  Till then..

----------------------------------------------

Notes:

I'll add more details later, or make a new post with indepth traveling.

Day 3 (day2 skipped on accident) - Wandering Seattle!

Date: June 11, 2010 (Friday)

Time: 4:52pm

Forgot to write about our day yesterday.  I'll recap later tonight.

As for today, started off the morning at 9am and headed to Seattle.  First stop was Safeco field.  I was super excited!  I probably took a dozen shots alone from the car as we traveled into the city.

Got semi-lost because the parking situation.  Ended up going around and around for street parking.  We found one right out front the team store and lucky only paid $1 for street parking.

Took my time looking through the Mariners merchandise and found myself an Ichiro shirt.

I forgot about the penny collectors for this trip and lucky enough I had extra quarters and pennies.

....update later.  About to get up.  Btw, i'm in PIKE PLACE STARBUCKS!

Day 1 - Traveling.. OH SO EARLY

Date: June 9, 2010 (Wednesday)
Time: 7-something am
Destination: Seattle, WA


So, here I am, off on another trip.  Rocky morning that's for sure.  
Woke up at 3:30am, about 3 hours of sleep I'm running on.  Flight at 7 and here I am on the plane.  But let's back track a bit.


We thought our flight was with American Airlines, so we headed to terminal 3.  Turns out our flight was with Alaska Air in terminal 2, so we had to walk outside all the way to the next terminal.


Checked in my bag and off we headed to the security check.
Boarded at 6:30 and here we are on the plane.  I want to sleep, but that seems unlikely right now.  I'm already annoyed by the people around me.  Quit moving around damnit!
Maybe I'm irritated because lack of sleep.  I'll go and try. haha.


Time: 7:42pm


Just took a shower and ate dinner.  So let's recap what happened after the last entry.


I think I only got about 15-20 minutes of sleep on the plane.  I was completely sandwiched between Deanna and the Lolo on the other side of me.  So sleeping was a bit difficult.


Picked up the car and upgraded our economy to a Prius, which I think sucks.  We'll see what happens after I drive it tomorrow.


Went to get food immediately after. Headed to Kent and tried to go to "Kent Station."  Ended up at Kent Commons and ate there instead.  Panera haha.


Drove around a bit to get used to the car and headed back towards the airport toward Tukwila for the Westfiled mall.  It was HUGE!  And twice as nicer as Valleyfair.  Walked around a bit to kill time.  We also got Starbucks because we started acting loopy from sleep deprivation.  
Had my first coffee since before lent and I must say, worth the wait for a fresh Seattle taste. 

Trying to kill time, finally it hit 3pm so we headed back to Kent.
Stopped at Safeway to buy some tea and microwave food for dinner, then off to check in at the hotel.


Our hotel room, or should I say SUITE is completely outrageous!  Amazing outrageous!  It's a 2 bedroom condo with a full kitchen (thank you priceline!).  It's 2 stories, my room's upstairs and we both have our own bathrooms as well.


Took a shower, yet i'm still sleepy.  Can't help the deprivation.  Even coffee didn't help.  It's only 8, but I'm sleepy.  Maybe I'll hit the sack early since I did wake up super early.
It's going to rain tomorrow (btw, it's raining..or was..here -_-;)


So decided to save Seattle for Friday since we're mainly walking.  Tomorrow we're hitting up Federal Way.  Hopefully the rain won't be too bad.  Federal Way is supposed to be super pretty with all the gardens, parks and beaches.


Anyways.. till later (or tomorrow)...

Back Home!

Back home from Seattle (or yesterday I should say). 

Will recap my trip with my travel diary tomorrow.  I'm a little tired, and it's only 9pm...
plus i'm recovering from food poisoning last night. 

Coming Along

So the hotel is finally booked.  Staying at Hawthorn Suites.  Looking at the pictures and hearing the description of the room, it'll be freaking awesome!  it's a 2 bedroom, 2 queen bed suite with a full kitchen and backyard patio! $90 a day only! wowza!

By the time the money got transferred to my account, all the hotel rooms that i've been wanting to book have been already off the list of reservations.  Paypal hella screwed us over cuz they kept a hold on my money for hella long.  Fuckin pisses me off... but whatever, it's done with. 

All that's left so far is the car.  Hopefully we can get a deal for a car rental... *sigh*

Oh yeah.. also checking up on weather reports, it seems like it'll be raining during our trip.. the SAME 4 days we're gonna be there.. what are the odds of that?  Oh well..
hopefully it won't be raining since it's an advanced weather forecast..

Trip Planning

Seattle planning is going good (despite not booking a hotel or car yet. YIKES!).

I've been listing out places to go and restaurants to eat at.  All i'm worried about is getting lost along the way.  Even with a GPS, you never know what could happen.  Road closures? Detours? I don't know... but we'll see.

So NO hotel and NO car as of yet.  I'm waiting for the funds from paypal to STOP.PENDING. it's driving me crazy!! Those need to get let go soon so I can book a hotel.  The 2 bdrm at the hotel I was planning on booking at is already gone (stupid crap!), which means I'm going to have to search for another hotel which will hopefully stay open until those funds release.  Paypal fucking stupid holding the money for such a long time.  Yeah sure security is good, but couldnt you do pending on HALF the funds or something... i mean, holding all the money is fucking whack, especially for the alotted time they're giving.

For the car, I can't book it since i'm not 25 yet, or else theres going to be more fees added to that.  =/
Deanna's going to take care of that, but that's after the pending transaction with paypal -_-;;;;;;
Seriously.. this is the most irritated i've been that doesnt have anything to do with school..

Seattle Planning

June 9-12 is when the big Seattle trip is planned to take place.  How's the planning so far?  Crappy.. more or less.

Im completely broke, and even with the priceline packages, i still cant afford it.  What am i going to do?  I really wanna take a vacation before summer session starts... argg.. so frustrating.

Been trying to sell my stuff trying to get SOME extra cash, but no ones budging.

I already jotted down places to see and all that good stuff, but the factor of money always takes place.. *sigh*
we'll see what happens.  Gotta jump on those reservations now, cuz prices are going up the closer it gets to June..

Day 7 - Home Sweet Home!

Date: August 16, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM


Checked out of our awesome hotel room and headed for Yokohama Station.  Before we left, we were checking out some stuff on TV.  Tamori-san was doing a show called Chibikko Land and a portion of the show showed people claiming their relatives look like celebrities.  One said their little brother looked like Sho.  I didn't pay attention so I thought Sho was gonna be there and got excited... He wasn't.  It's just look alikes.. boo..


Anyways.  Now on the train heading to Narita.  Had a problem at Yokohama Station, but not too bad.  Unlike in Tokyo haha.
On the way to the airport with all our heavy ass luggage.  Or just all mine.  Though I did have to pick up Deanna's luggage to put on top of the luggage rack in the Narita express.


I'm ready to go home.  Comfort of my home Haha.  Though sleeping will still be a problem. Jet lag.


Time: 3:31PM
At Narita waiting for our plane.  Boarding at 4:05 apparently.  Sad that i'm leaving, but seriously.. can't wait to get home.  Stop over at Seattle.  Be there around 9AM and flight for SF is at 11:15 or so.  


It hella doesnt feel like a Sunday.. then on the way back it's gonna be afternoon of Sunday.  So it's gonna feel like we went back in time.  


About to board I think..
Hungry already.. wondering when we're going to eat Haha.


Time: Whatever it is in our time zone.. haha (it's dark out)
Just finished our "dinner" or by the time we head to Seattle, breakfast.  Our seats had a double booking, but they let the kids move and kept us at our seats.  We shoulda moved Haha.. cuz we got a stupid ass lady next to me that's pissing me off.  i wonder if she's doing it on purpose.  Anyways.  Lots of choices of in flight movies.  Personal screens so that's cool.  Star Trek is on.  Wanna watch, but can't concentrate.  Also Monsters vs. Aliens - too bad no 3-D haha.
I wonder what I should do if I needa use the bathroom =/  Whatever.  Stupid inconsiderate lady who didn't help me get my shit.. also who takes too much fucking space.


Time: Roughly 8AM pacific time.
Just had breakfast on the plane. WTH? Haha.  Kinda weird to me.  First plane meal I didn't finish.  Felt gross to me cuz i'm not much of a breakfast person.  Huge egg with cheese, ham sausage (?!), it was like 3 vienna sausages put together haha, hash browns and an "apple pie."


Trying to stay awake for the next hour.  Let's see if I can hold up. My Eyes are slowly drooping though.  So i'm listening to my high tension music XD


I can't get that stupid Nakai commercial outta my head Hahaha!  Damn Johnny's!


I couldn't exchange a majority of my cash b/c it was in coins.  Sucks ass man..
I'll just save it for "next" time Haha.  Whenever that is.  The next time I know how to packa nd what to prepare ahead of time.


Time: 11:00AM -ish pacific time.
Stuck in a tiny ass plane heading to SF.  They overbooked the flight.  Would have given up the seat for a free ticket, but i'm ready to go home.  We've traveled longer than everyone else..
I'm already missing that big ass plane with the annoying lady cuz this plane and airport sucks ass! We transferred those terminal railways 2 times to get to our terminal.  Hella stupid.  I hate Tacoma Airport Haha.  Time to take off.


Time: 12:00-ish
I can't sleep on this stupid plane.
1) there's no room
2) the head rests suck
3) there's no room... hahah


I can't wait to unpack and see all the stuff I bouight.  I didn't really geta  chance to look at everything.  I really wish we got to go to the 100yen store, but we couldn't even find our way in!  or a place with cute nail jewels.  Prolly missed a couple in Shibuya.
I'm just bored trying to pass time.  I guess i'll do the "things I'll miss" and "things I wont" when I recap so at least these entries flow..
-------------------------
picspam:

Pic #1 our plane getting ready to start boarding people, Pic #2 my omiyage (souvenirs) from the trip all laid out.
--------------------
Notes:
Thanks for reading throughout my trip.  I know I say a lot of BS and stuff doesn't make sense.  I don't tend to realize what I write at the time, it just sounds right hahah.

Hopefully this blog doesn't just end with a trip to Japan.  I want to go to plenty of places, so we'll see what comes up next.  (pending...... Seattle! ironic right? LOL)

Day 6 - Roam Around Yokohama

Date: August 16, 2009
Time: 12:10 AM


Last night in Yokohama.  Last night in Japan.  Enjoying to the last bit.


Went to Cosmoworld one last time around 6PM.  Bought some souvenirs at Cosmo Shop.  And then bought tickets to go into the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel.  It was approx. a 35 min wait to actually get into the wheel and it was the 15 minute revolution.


I forgot to mention before Cosmo World, we stopped by the mall for SOME shopping and got lunch, then headed back to the hotel.  
Got McD's "tamago double mac" which was surprisingly was good!  

So after the Ferris Wheel went to try the crane game.  Since I love playing those, Japan became my playground for this =P
I finally tried the machine with the Tofu plush I wanted from Kiddyland.  It's actually a little bigger than the one I wanted too.  I tried it for 200 yen and failed because I didn't know that when you let go you're done.
I tried it again and got it immediately!! Holy Shit! 400 yen to WIN the plush I wanted which is worth more than 400 yen.  I was so excited.  Too bad my camera corrupted that video of me winning it! Rawr!! 


After went to get drinks from the Sunkus konbini and dinner from KFC.  The chicken has less skin, a little dry, but still good.  The fries are good though, definitely different from those wedges we get. 


Now imma get ready to sleep.  Pack a bit then get straight to bed.  It's 1:19AM now and gonna wake up at 8 AM so yeah....
-------------------------
picspam: 

pic #1: Queen's Square is the name of the mall. It's right outside the Minato-Mirai station.. just like how SF center is connected to Bart (for all you bay area people), pic #2 Ferris Wheel.  Changes color every second, pic #3 Yokohama Landmark Tower.  Didn't get a chance to go up there, pic #4 our last dinner in Japan. LOL, that's orange Fanta in my glass
--------------------
Notes:
Sunkus became our home away from home just like Family Mart was to us in Tokyo hahahah

Day 5 - Yokohama We Go!

Date: August 14, 2009 - Friday

Time: 8:11 AM

 

Check out at 10AM.  Going to Yokohama to the other hotel.  And yeah.. I wonder if we can check in early, but I doubt it.  So what are going to do for that couple hours, WITH my heavy duffle bag...

 

anyways, still gotta find hella souvenirs.  But I keep forgetting who and I always get lazy to write who they're for. so, i'll write here:

[censored list]

Time: 12:14 PM

Here in Yokohama.  It's so beautiful here.  I wish we stayed here instead of Tokyo.

Tokyo's nice and all for pop culture, the fashion you know, but here it's so pretty.  Great views of the sea, got the bayside right next to us.

I feel so underdressed at this hotel since it's so high class looking.  It's like a 25 story wedding hall.

The amusement park is right outside our hotel.  Literally steps.  We can probably eat there for cheaper too.  I wonder how much things are here... If it costs more or not than Tokyo.

There's so much more space to walk here and there's less people crowding the area.

AND it's cooler here!  Less humid =Db

It's so nice here.. I can't help but keep saying this.  Even the train stations are brighter and cleaner.  And guards are nicer.  They helped us easily.

I was thinking that because of the weather here, and how clear it is, we wouldn't have gotten these bug bites... Damn Tokyo haha.

Time: 10:46 PM

Back after looking around.  The weather got nicer out here.  You can even walk around with a sweater on!  Ate dinner at a place called "American House" Haha.. very deceiving.

Had a Hamburger Steak which was REALLY good! not something you'd find in America often =D

Queen's mall with a huge ass escalator.  Hope I don't have to ride that tomorrow.

After dinner, headed to the bayside where the amusement park is.  The ferris wheel is beautiful at night.  I hope we get to ride that tomorrow.. without other people Haha.  One ride takes 15 minutes OMG.. that's hella long which means it's a big wheel!! Ahhh!  Gotta check out the EXPO Y150 stuff.. Hopefully!  But Minato Mirai alone is hella nice

------------------------

Picspam:

Pic 1: Hotel lobby, Pic 2: View from our hotel room.  Very pretty!

Day 4 - Last Day in Tokyo

Date: August 13, 2009 - Thursday (part 2)

Time: 12:49 PM

 

Today, we (Me and Deanna) woke up from ANOTHER earthquake.

WTF DUDE?

 

Got Ready ASAP.  Sent our things to Yokohama for tomorrow's hotel switch.  Then tried to find a place that sells bug bite medicine.  Took us an hour to finally find a real drug store.  Breakfast at starbucks and now chillen in the room.

 

It's 4:08PM now and we're hella wasting time but we're sore, bug bite covered and had no other plans beside Akihabara.  I think we're leaving at 6PM to go to Akihabara, then tomorrow back to harajuku for the 3rd time for the Johnny's shop and to find tickets for GLAY...

 

btw.. about the bug bites, we're completely covered in them or our legs.  And they swelled up pretty badly.  We couldn't think of where they came from and finally concluded it was the walk from Aoyama to Meiji.  Hopefully these heal soon.. they look hella nasty and it's hard to wear shorts now cuz they are so damn ugly and make us look like we have leprosy haha.

Anyways.. until later tonight after Akihabara.

[Oh wait lol.  I kept changing the channel to find dramas and kept saying stuff about all the actors and stuff.  Finally found a good drama to watch "My Boss, My Hero" is on replay.  iono why, but yeah.  Saw lots of dubbed TV as well.. like friends and Matilda haha  I just cant wait to see Yamamoto Yusuke in something (which I kinda did) or Mukai Osamu Haha.  EVEN SOMETHING ARASHI! I don't even know what the schedules are anymore.  Or what channels dramas are in.  Wow, I completely went off topic]

Time: 9:48

Back from our little adventure.  Went to Harajuku again.  Took a different, more confusing way, but still worked out.  

Shin-Nihonbashi -->Tokyo Station --> Marunouchi line --> Ginza --> Omotesando

Missed out on the Johnny's shop twice.  By 20 minutes... missed takeshita-dori too.  And couldn't find teh store that sold tickets.  No Akihabara.  Deanna's injured.

Went straight back to Shin-Nihonbashi, the same way.  My Suica card didn't work and got back tracked 3 times because of the train transfers.  Finally got back and stopped for the last time at our corner family mart.  Back to the room and put on more bug medicine.  It looks to be working.  Hope it works faster.

Off to Yokohama in the morning.

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picspam:

 Pic 1: Arashi ad found in one of the train stations, Pic 2: Family Mart. <3

Day 3 - Recap of Odaiba

Date: August 13, 2009 - Thursday (part 1)
Time: 12:49 PM

Sorry I missed one day.  Too tired to write.

Okay, so yesterdays adventures, Me and Deanna got brought around Tokyo by Linah and her friend Xuan.

*Funny story: Linah called me Tuesday night to ask me where I was staying at and what we were going to do Wednesday.  I told her I'm staying in Nihonbashi.  She tells me she's about 2 stops away.. here's the convo (note: not exact words)

Me: Yeah, we're in Nihonbashi

Linah: Oh.. That's only 2 stops away.

Me: Oh no, i mean Shin-Nihonbashi.

Linah: OMG, what hotel?

Me: ... Hotel Kazusaya

Linah: WHAT ROOM?

Me: 307...

Linah: SHUT UP!! hold on..

*knocks on door*

Turns out she was next door to our room in 308 HAHA.

What a coincidence! So we freaked out for a good 20 minutes and realized our rooms were switched.  We originally had the studio room, but ended up getting the bigger room instead (as i mentioned).  I told Linah what we ordered and it turns out our rooms probably got switched because we're foreigners.

Anyways, Tuesday night we freaked out and turns out we have different things in our room than they do.  They had the internet plan haha.  So now we have internet here! =O  

On to Wednesday.  At 10 AM decided to head over to Odaiba.  took the water boat there and transferred twice.  The water boat view was CRAZY beautiful.  The view of all the buildings and bridges was super nice.  When we were going around the Odaiba island, we saw the HUGE Gundam model just chillen on the side. Super Huge!

There's also a statue of liberty there.  WTF?!  A STATUE OF LIBERTY? Turns out the Odaiba attractions are called the "United States of Odaiba" HAHA!

Went to "Joyopolis" shopping center. HELLA people over there! Hard to walk around.  Checked out their ABC mart, but couldn't find new kicks.  Saw clothes, but didn't bother, looked like stuff out of wet seal and stuff.  After the shopping center we went straight for the "VS Arashi" stand.  I didn't think I'd freak out, but when we got in and I saw the pictures my eyes went O__O and I fell in love again.  It's unfortunate you can't take pictures (duh.. Johnnys..).  I saw you could use a stamp to stamp a booklet of yours, but I didnt have one.  I shoulda stamped this notebook.

After "VS Arashi" got a "passport" to go inside Fuji Terebi Studios.  Waited maybe 20 minutes in line to go up to the 25th floor.  Crazy line for the elevators.  The elevator led us straight to the dome on the top of FujiTV's building.  There's some art up there and some merchandise.  At the exit, we went down some stairs to tour a bit more.  Saw ads for some of the recent and past dramas.  Took a picture of the ad for Toma's drama (can't remember the name) and 2 of "Atashinchi no Danshi" and a TOKIO Variety I think.  When we got out decided to head to Harajuku for Kiddyland.  Ended up getting lost somewhere.  I'm guessign it's Hamamatsucho Station, but we ended up at Shiodome where NTV is.  Stopped at the Exclessior coffee shop for a drink.  I actually ordered for us in Japanese.  I was surprised I remembered my counters.

After our drinks, we finally headed to Harajuku.  Went to KIDDYLAND and totally freaked out! So much toys and figurines! I wanted to buy everything.  Spent a hefty amount on items.  A couple souvenirs, a couple for myself, yeah.. major splurge haha.

After Linah showed us where the Johnny's shop is.  Along the way, took pictures of Johnny's ads along the roads.  At the Johnny's shop, I took pictures of all the signs possible.  We chilled for a bit, but because I was taking pictures and talking too loud, the girl came out.  Without her telling us, we left Haha.

Went home from there.  Linah hadda go home, but we all went back to the hotel on our own.  Luckily we didn't get lost.

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picspam:

*Pic 1: Gundam, Pic 2: VS Arashi tent, Pic 3: the crowd at FujiTV, Pic 4: inside KIDDYLAND

Personal Blog

Decided to separate my blogs up for organizational purposes.

here's my personal blog http://angelstar124.blogspot.com/

All my personal posts from this blog will be transferred to the other blog later =P

Day Two (part 2) - Shibuya Craziness!

Date: August 11, 2009 - Tuesday
Time:4:17 PM

I'm here at the Meiji Shrine. Just left Shibuya and embarked on a 1600 meter journey to Meiji Shrine from Aoyama.  yeah.. BIG mistake.

Meiji Shrine's in Shibuya.  So basically we walked an hour to go back to the same place.  So... we basically found the shrine in the city we were just in.  Funny thing is.. I wrote it down in my other notebook and forgot.

Time: 8:39 PM

Today, we went to Shibuya.  Our goal was to go to Harajuku after but decided to head back cuz I didn't know from where we were how to go tehre.  Decided to go to Aoyama instead (like I said XD) and headed to Meiji Shrine.  Well before i get to that, I'd like to say I hit dehydration today.  I was super thirsty.  Hunger never hit me (maybe a lil) and all I could do was drink up as much as possible.  I nearly fainted in Shibuya and I was getting cranky cuz I needed to sit and get a drink.  I ended drinking 2 cups of water, a glass of ice tea, ad bottle of Kirin Iced Tea and I U chugged a bottle of water.  And i only peed once today. That's.... bad LOL.

Anyways, back to Meiji Shrine.  The walk to the Shrine was really nice.  The trees and then you see different walkways and the shrine thingys LOL.

Sitting down for a bit and an Asian American asked me to take a picture for him.  I Think it's cuz we spoke English or I should say we were talking a lot in English.

We couldn't actually go into the Shrine cuz they were closing but we got a good look from outside.  We started leaving, but not before I tried the cleansing (wait, I did the cleansing first, then went to the Shrine).   Noticed Harajuku Station and decided to head tehre.  I wish I knew where we were cuz the Johnny's Shop was RIGHT THERE where we were and I had no idea >_< WHY?! Now i missed my chance.  I don't even know why i'm so upset when I'm not so into them now.. but still... lol.
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Picspam:

*top two pictures of Shibuya.  Lots of ads!
*bottom 3 pictures from Meiji Shrine
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Notes:

We saw a sign in Aoyama that said "Meji Shrine" with an arrow.. so we followed it.. and just kept walking and walking.. and ended up at like.. Setagaya station (i think?) and then saw the sport complex and just kept walking.  I realized we hit Harajuku at one intersection when I saw a police car that said "Harajuku" -_- great man that was a long ass walk, but it was nice to see everything.  All the small shops and buildings and nature along the way.

I felt really bad for Deanna because I lashed out at her a couple times before finally sitting down in a really cute dessert cafe.  After getting my drink I was super happy after that.  Then when I got my drink in Aoyama from the vending machine I was even more happy HAHA

BTW. The walk through Aoyama (park?).. some lady was brushing her dog and all its fur was shedding and blew right at us HAHA.  She was so cute though she was all smiling saying "aah, Sumimasen!" LOL

Yeah.. I dont even know why I had to include the last part.  I just made myself sound like a crazy fangirl HAHA

Tahoe Trip and March Madness

angelstar124 personal blog: Tahoe Trip and March Madness

Tahoe Bound!

The fambam are in Tahoe this weekend! wooo..
Got to the cabin right before heavy snow was falling.  A couple of inches of snow piled up throughout the day, so the backyard is now filled with lots of snow to play with!

Friday's plans was basically just to chill in the cabin.. the directTV went out so we couldnt even watch tv, so most of us were chilling on our computers (which carried on this morning haha).

Today, everyones splitting up so there's the snow park, boarding and then for us poor people, kicking it in the backyard with the fresh snow haha.  Lets just hope that our shoes dont get too soaked!

PICSPAM:

Day Two (part 1) - Day One Recap!

Date: August 11, 2009 - Tuesday
Time: 6:08AM

Couldn't sleep.  Originally was gonna wake up at 7AM, but the jetlag got us and ended up waking up (HOT!! as well) at 4:30AM.

Around 5 something an EARTHQUAKE hit... didn't even react cuz we thought it was strong wind or the garbage trucks we saw outside haha.  The quakes here feel diff than at home.  It sways side to side while home is all over.

Anyways, since we're awake so early, we're going to TRY to get ready and head out.  Todays itinerary is Shibuya and Harajuku area.  Wonder how that's going to pan out.  There's rain, humid temps and the possible quake aftermath.  Hope things go well... no problems especially with the railways today.  Gotta find Mitsukoshi station.  Says it's a 5 minute walk from here, but let's see which direction!  Our internet doesn't work, or we weren't provided any.  We know there is tho.  The wireless says there's one on our floor... but how to log in.

Last night we had a problem at The FAMILYMART conbini.  The girl asked us something and we were like ..... what?  She said nevermind (in Japanese) and continued on haha.

Semi problem using the train station after we got off of the Narita Express.  Didn't know we could transfer and but didn't know how to get to the other side.  But looking how the trains work remind me of Bart and Muni so it wasn't too bad. It was only one stop with no problems after.

Finding the hotel was a problem though.  Even though the directions said to exit at #6, it never said which direction to go to for the hotel.  Looked at the street names and easily found it in one of the "alleys."

A man helped me with my luggage up the stairs at the exit since there's no elevators or escalators.  My limited Japanense was with a "iie, ii desu" he helped anyways and then i gave the simple "arigatou gozaimasu" Haha.  so SIMPLE! my skills suck... i wonder what the barrier will be like today.

I'm waiting to shower next.  The bathroom is hella small, but whatever.  Our room turned out to be bigger than I expected and paid for haha.  Not like the picture at least.  There's actually space to walk around!

Anyways.. gotta get ready to head out.  Shower and yeah... maybe I shoulda showered first since my hair is gonna take  the longest to dry.  Well i'm off for now.

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Picspam:

*our hotel room, the blue thing on the bed are yukata robes

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Notes:

The earthquake hit Shizuoka (if i remember) with a maginitude of 6.0+.  There was also a previous earthquake that had hit Japan the Sunday we left to head there.  Throughout the week we were there, all we saw on the news was coverage about the earthquake (and that Noriko Sakai scandal haha)

It seems that the person who gave us the hotel room switched our room with the people who were next door to us (HAHA Sorry Linah XD)

School and Work

angelstar124 personal blog: School and Work

Day One - Travel Day!

Date: August 9, 2009 - Sunday
Time: 11:30AM - 12PM

This is the start of my travel log. What's my destination? TOKYO, JAPAN.
That's right! After 5 years of dreaming and planning to go, it finally happened. My planned travel buddies always changed, but I finally found one on such a whim too.
It all started (and ended) like this:

Me: I wanna go to Japan.... Let's go this summer!
Deanna: .... Okay!
Me: You think i'm kidding? Im not
Deanna: ... Okay!

Haha! Yeahh... not the exact convo, but pretty close.

My original idea was to go for Arashi's 10th Anniversary. Turns out they're celebrating in the winter than their usualy summer concerts... booo... BUT i'm happy and super excited despite haha.

I'm actually on route to Japan as I'm writing this. The view at take off was amazing. I couldn't believe how much prettier San Francisco was until that aerial shot. The fog was rolling in (or maybe even away) and engulfed the Golden Gate Bridge. It was such an amazing shot. Too bad no camera or electronics could be turned on...

So, Flying United Airlines, not an empty <--Ha! I mean not a full plane. Got myself a little extra room to stretch .. next to the window with Deanna falling asleep at the other end haha.
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So, Just had lunch or dinner or whatever, ginger chicken salad and an oatmeal bar, which was actually super yummy! (love & quiche haha)

I feel bad cuz we kicked some guy out of his seat, then it happened 3 times cuz of Lady.

It looks like it's bed time even though it's day out. They turned off all the cabin lights and told us to close our shades. 10 minutes later, they turn them back on and now we're in turbulence mode. Seat belts back to buckled. Btw, I'm still hungry Haha.
*Buckles off again Haha, never ending process.

David Archuleta's "Crush" is playing on the planes radio. A little fuzzy but still sounds good enough to listen to.

I Just found an 80's station, i think, sweet!

Okay, right now i'm wondering what time it is. It's crazy not knowing what time it is... I'd say we were in ehre for at least 2 hours, but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Judging by the video we're being shown, we're heading up North and are about where Oregon and Washington is. Still a hefty chunk left for the flight. I'm worried about when we get there. My Japanese isn't the best and my skills are dreadful... I'll be lucky to remember stuff...

The in flight movie is on, but I didn't see what it was. Paul Giamati and Julia Roberts is in it. I wonder. I'll just keep listening to music Haha. I think i'll end this for now. Be back when we get to the hotel.
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PICSPAM:

*The view from Narita Express train from the airport to Tokyo Station. 
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Notes:
There are 3 seats per row on the sides of the plane, so me and Deanna had some guy with us. He ended up moving to an empty section since there was plenty of space available (1). He was kicked out of the section he moved to sit somewhere else (2). Later, he was asked to move again because some lady needed the whole row to lie down due to motion sickness (3). I felt bad for him =(