Monday, May 8, 2023

The Club SEA

ここから、4月に出かけてきたイスタンブールの旅行記を少し綴ります。

この時のイスタンブール便は、往路に直行便の特典券が見つからずに、シアトル経由にしました。シアトルでの乗り換え時間には余裕を持たせたので、共有ラウンジを利用しました。
この、The Club SEA というラウンジです。

ユナイテッド航空で SFO → SEA を飛んだため、印刷された搭乗券はユナイテッド航空のデザイン。そのため、無知なラウンジのレセプショニストに入場をダメ出しされました。

「これ… トルコ航空の搭乗券じゃありませんが?」
「最初のセグメントがユナイテッド航空だから、当然こうなります」
「トルコ航空のゲートへ行って、新しい搭乗券をもらってきて」
「まだ前の便がいて、係員がいないよ! そしたら Priority Pass で入る」

ここまで話したら、試しに搭乗券のバーコードを読んでみるって…

 リーダーに緑色のライトが点灯して、パスしました

読み取りには時間がかからないんだから、試しに読ませてみればいいのに。大馬鹿です

さて、このラウンジは搭乗ゲート階の上階にあります。なので入場口は、エレベーターか階段。
このエレベータで上階へ上がるわけです。そうするとラウンジがみっつくらいあります。

勉強不足のレセプショニストのせいで入場に若干手間取りましたが… 入るとこんな景色。
パンデミックのせいなのかどうなのかは不明ですが、座席間隔は広めにとられています。

囲い込まれた席と、窓際の開放的な席。窓際はほぼ盗られていました。
ちょっと座ってスナックほうばるだけだから、どこでもいいけどね。

SFO 発だったらポラリスラウンジが使えるし、シアトルは設備がオンボロすぎ。なのでシアトル経由はもう沢山
ここでシアトル経由になっている 11 月の旅程を調べたら… SFO → IST 直行を発見!すかさず変更かけました。

なので、ここは最初で最後のつもりで軽く散策しました…。
スナックコーナーは、まあまあ。SFO の仮設エアフララウンジよりはマシだけど、たいしたことはありません。

で… さすがシアトル?『ロブスタービスク』と書かれたスープの壺を発見!
激うまいはずもないだろうけど… 試す価値はあると思いました。

他にもいろいろありますが、補充が遅くて荒れた感じがありました。
共用のためか、客相もいろいろ。スナック類に関してはややざんねんなラウンジです。

Wi-Fi は… ラウンジ独自のものはありません。
空港のフリー Wi-Fi に接続するようになっていました。

繋いで計ったら… なかなかすごいぞ、シータック・エアポート。
下りが 200Mbps くらい出ているのは立派だと思います。

で、収穫結果は、こんなです。
ボウルいっぱいに、なみなみと注いできたロブスタービスクがイタすぎる?(笑)
肝腎のお味の方は…思ったほど酷くない、です。ちゃんと蝦の身も入ってた。

飲み物はバーカウンターに寄って、チップ置いてコークゼロを注いでもらってきました。
チップ置く客が少ないせいなのか、バーテン姐さんが席までおかわり届けてくれたよ…。

この着席位置はパーティションで囲まれた奴ですが、着差姿勢での目線はこうなります。
ソファに座ったほどひろびろしていない代わりに、飲み食いし易い。

ロブスタービスクの他は… サラダとミートボールを。
ミートボールは、思ったほど悲惨ではなかった。マリネラソースがざんねん気味な以外は、ちゃんと食べられます。マカロニサラダやグリーンサラダは普通に美味しかった。

あんまり食べ過ぎるとトルコちゃんの機内で困ると思って、このくらいにしておきました。
実際は、出発が2時間くらい遅延したために、もっと欲張って大丈夫でした…。

選択肢がありませんから、このラウンジでしたが… ややざんねん
実はラウンジに入る前、搭乗ゲート階のシーフードレストランで食べようと思ったんです。
で、座ってダンジネスクラブを頼もうとしたら… 仕入れが高くなって置いてない。…って。

ダンジネスクラブが売りのレストランで、御本尊様を仕入れないって、どんだけ~!?

シアトル空港の利用者は、明らかに SFO よりショボくてボンビーでサナバビッチです(ぉぃぉぃ…)

ラウンジを早めに出て、ゲートで搭乗を待ちました。
トルコちゃんの利用者では「あるある」なんですが、搭乗順序が理解できない奴らばっかり…。

ゲート職員が、もう半ギレになってほっかむりした婆の大群を誘導していました。

儂は文句言われる前にポディアムでビジネスクラスの黒っぽい搭乗券を印刷してもらってありました。
なので、半ギレの係員がやってきても、ビジネスクラスの搭乗サインの前で文句言われませんでした。
逆に「搭乗開始になったらお呼びしますから、そこのソファに座ってて」って丁寧に案内されました。

で… 案の定、搭乗開始のアナウンスがかかったら、ゲート前は飴玉に群がるアリみたいな乗客で一杯。

またゲート係員がキレながら「座席番号よく見ろゴルァ!」って、追い払っていました。
(トルコちゃんのエコノミーは座席の列で搭乗順序を決めています)

最初にビジネスクラス、Miles&Smiles エリートプラス、ご不自由な方々だけを優先搭乗させました…。

もうやだこんなレベルの低い空港!!シータック空港は凝りました
特典座席がなければ SEA 経由しかないけど、もう来たくない

30 comments:

  1. Yamada Denki sensei and All,
    Due to the concerns of my better-half-san’s health conditions, I cancelled my trip to Barcelona.

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  2. First of all, I pray for the quick recovery of your spouse's health and am deeply concerned about the condition. I will leave comments as usual, but please don't worry about responding.

    By the way, I learned from your previous articles that Turkish Airlines has a surprisingly diverse range of destinations, including Istanbul flights from not only San Francisco but also Seattle. I'm starting to see the company in a different light. Perhaps it is a global airline on par with other mega-carriers? Since you couldn't find any award tickets for direct flights from San Francisco, there must be a strong demand for travel to Turkey from North America. Even though it involved a stopover in Seattle, it allowed us readers to learn about shared lounges that we don't usually see.

    At first, when I read the title of this article, "The Club SEA," I thought it was a lounge with a sea theme or something, but it turned out to be the name of an airport. We often see the three-letter codes for airports established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), but if they were given a trendy code like SEA, it could also improve the image of the airport. Of course, I think Seattle is the most suitable airport for this code.

    Indeed, even in my own imagination, I feel like receptionists in shared lounges for various aviation industry personnel are less skilled compared to elite member-exclusive lounges for specific airline or alliance.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      I couldn’t leave my home make better-half-san alone with five kitties. I am more concerned about the good care of kitties. (lol)
      By cancelling the flights to BCN as well as 5 nights at InterContinental Barcelona, my cancellation was 26 hours prior to departure so all the miles and points – 174,000 miles and 300,000 points, are refunded immediately. But this morning I already booked Turkish flights in March 2024 by using 147,000 miles, so I will ‘commute’ to Istanbul every month next year.

      Currently, Turkish Airlines has the most destinations worldwide. Not British Airways, not Air France or not Lufthansa, Turkish is the widest coverage now. …and they can still fly over Siberia for faster and more .sustainable routes And the new Istanbul Airport is the largest airport if we don’t count the one in an autocracy country – New Beijing Airport.
      Seattle became THY’s destination in May 2022, just a year ago. Therefore, people don’t know this route well hence the award availability is widely open. And I thought transfer at SEA is easier than LAX, ORD, IAH or anywhere within 48 states because there’s no time zone changes and not too busy like LAX. …but I was wrong. SEA is spitted in 6 concourses and each one is inconveniently located, tired, stinky and the passengers look like beggars.

      If there is only SEA connection is available, I might choose it. But for example, the reservation I made this morning shows SEA connections almost everyday, but I carefully picked SFO to IST direct flights even the staying period in Istanbul become longer or shorter.

      The representatives at the lounge reception were newly hired, I guess. They are not knowledgeable when I said “This is not code-shared ticket” they don’t know what code-share means… obviously the lounge company hired their employee at minimum wedge without any professional interview for sure.

      Delete
  3. When the receptionist tried scanning the barcode on your boarding pass as a test, you were granted permission to enter the lounge. It seems like the receptionist lacked resourcefulness after all.

    Wow, there are three lounges when you go up the elevator to the upper floor. In my mind, San Francisco is a major representative airport on the West Coast, second only to Los Angeles, but Seattle gives me the impression of being a smaller, mid-level airport compared to those two. However, it is still a decent airport in the US, with a scale that may not be familiar to us Japanese.

    Well, since you are used to the Polaris Lounge at San Francisco Airport, the facilities at Seattle may seem dilapidated to you. However, for someone like me who usually only experiences rooms that are too sparse to be called lounges on domestic flights within Japan, it looks quite luxurious. Especially when there is a pot of soup with "Lobster Bisque" written on it, which seems to be a Seattle specialty, it is enviable.

    Certainly, in shared lounges, the customer base tends to be diverse, and I understand that the selection of light meals, snacks, beverages, and their rapid replenishment are quite inferior compared to the Polaris Lounge.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      At United Club or Polaris Lounge, they ask all the ‘challenger’ (lol) to scan their boarding passes. If the red sign turns on and beeps ‘boo’, there is no chance to enter even Global Service members. That’s so simple, caveman can be a receptionist. But… at this Seattle lounge, they didn’t receive proper education or they just forgot what they learned.

      This world is filled with numbers of idiots.

      Because S-island concourse is designated for overseas flights, British Airways or Cathay… those large foreign carriers have their own lounges. I the Seattle route is successful for THY, they might open their lounge like Miami or JFK. I don’t think they open SFO lounge even there are twice daily connections because we have Polaris Lounge for their business class passengers and United Club for Miles&Smailes elite members.

      Seattle has some renowned companies, such as Nintendo, Microsoft, Amazon or Costco. But… it’s a cold and rainy place. If it’s summer I am happy to visit there but in winter, no thank you. Oh, by the way, the personal jet flight from Seatac to Napa was my first experience I could sit in the copilot’s seat and hold the siring (does it call stiring?), then captain allowed me to use air brake. One of the vice president saw I had a control, then screamed and reported to Mr. Okawa. Chairman Okawa trusted me enough so he shouted back “Don’t drop my plane, ObaKoba!” (lol)

      So, sensei… you’ve been attracted by Lobster Bisque at the lounge? It wasn’t good enough to be served at the seafood restaurants, but considering this is a free meal, I can accept – it was as good as airliners’ in-flight meal. (I wouldn’t say United. It’s more likely Northwest)
      Please remember, United’s Polaris Lounge was once honored as America’s best airport lounge by Starlux. (Of course it keeps degrading since then. (lol))

      Delete
  4. It's a shame that the Wi-Fi is not exclusive to the lounge, but if the free Wi-Fi at Seattle Airport is sufficient, then that's okay. The Lobster Bisque that you poured into your bowl looks delicious, with the shrimp meat properly included, so that's also okay.

    Hmm, you properly left a tip on the bar counter and get a refill of Coke Zero. There are apparently few customers who leave tips, but does the tip have an effect when the bartender brings the refill to your seat? As someone who still can't get used to the tipping culture, can I expect a decent return by tipping more than the expected amount, or by tipping when the other party doesn't leave any?

    Still, with the Lobster Bisque, salad, and meatballs, this is already more than enough content for me. However, even a lifetime 1K like you has no other lounge options at Seattle airport. Well, you can't expect the Centurion Lounge here, of course.

    A seafood restaurant that promotes its freshness, yet doesn't have the essential seafood on hand due to high procurement costs... If I went to an oyster restaurant in Vancouver and they didn't have any oysters in stock... it wouldn't matter to me since I don't eat oysters (lol), but wouldn't customers other than me who came specifically for oysters go crazy?

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      After all I am a happy camper today by cancelling the trip to BCN. Instead I booked one more trip to my heaven – the Turkish bath with bunch of mustaches.

      SeaTac Airport’s free Wi-Fi was as fast as SFO Free Wi-Fi. Usually over 200 Mbps at downstream is quite impressive as a public connection.

      …and juts a small issue – lobster is not a shrimp, more likely a crab. I am not talking zoology but cooking at this time. Under such recognition, Ise-ebi is not a shrimp but a variety of crabs.

      In terms of the tipping, I was surprised that the famous blogger Mr. Mathew C. on “Live and Let’s Fly”, he only left a buck at the bar, he wrote. That is way small amount I feel… I usually put three to five dollars when I ask an alcoholic drink at the bar.
      However, at this bar, I didn’t have small bills. We can always ask a change but I left ten dollars note, smiled and said “your lucky day?” to de mixologists. She was really delighted and replied me “Definitely sir! Thank you, sir!!” …then, she brought me another glass of Coke Zero, surprisingly. Isn’t this a win-win situation?
      Just an FYI. The amounts I saw at the airport lounges were – one to five dollars per a request. At United Clubs, people leave one to three dollars, At Centurion Lounge, I often see five dollar notes are being left but mostly two or three dollars. If you ask complicated cocktails (don’t ask Singapore sling except SIN) or champagne based cocktails like bellini, you should tip more, up to five dollars. Sensei is always curious about the amount of tipping, so this is the info just for you.

      The flight TK204 delayed 2 hours so I think I had decent amount of meal before boarding. I could eat everything I requested in the airborne. But if I could have Dungeness crab cakes with lobster bisque, I was much happier when I boarded.

      Yes I remember you don’t have oysters… when I learned about norovirus, it was shocking. That virus can only multiply inside of human body. That means, the oysters are completely contaminated with human poops! In Southeast Asian countries, they splash human poops for cultivating Black Tiger so it is not so sensational if I compare, but usually oysters are taken FRESH!? …I still enjoy having it though. I am well experienced with someone’s poops… et tu? (lol)

      Delete
  5. How is your spouse's health? Of course, we are looking forward to your visit to Okayama, but please don't worry about last-minute cancellations in case of any unforeseen circumstances. We will be flexible in changing the testing date according to your schedule. Please prioritize the health of your spouse first.

    By the way, you cancelled your trip to Barcelona this time and changed it to Turkey instead. I know you really like Turkish baths, but is it more appealing to you than going to Barcelona?

    Regarding the taste of cooking rather than the field of zoology, you pointed out that "lobster is not a shrimp, but rather closer to a crab." I tried to express my opinion, but couldn't come to a conclusion as to whether it's closer to a shrimp or a crab.

    I see, even I can smile and say "your lucky day?" with a $10 bill at a bar in an airport lounge? Indeed, if I leave just a $5 bill in that situation, the response might be just "Not much" instead of "Certainly, sir! Thank you, sir!" (lol).

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      My better-half-san is okay-ish. I decided to cancel the trip to BCN about 6:30 am, two hours before, better-half-san came back to the bed with coughing and asthma-like breathing… I couldn’t back to sleep and worried about my kitties – one can take care of them besides our employees, and it may be more productive refunding those thousands of miles and points, and then spend for the future trips. I think I did a right decision just before check-in starts.
      However, even the trip to Japan is much longer, I will make Japan trip unless otherwise better-half-san went critical condition. I might proceed traveling even further – unless otherwise I have to manage the funeral. So, please rest assured. I will be showing up Crowne Plaza Okayama as I planned, without eating anything solid. (sob)

      By booking one more trip to Istanbul, my trip plans are: NRT, IST, IST, IST, NRT, IST, IST, IST, then NRT (probably). I am so addicted by Türkiye. However, I am currently watching at the presidential election on next Sunday, 14th. Probably one more time on 28th, but if Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lost his position by voting, He might be argue about it and then coup happens to protect the democracy, and so on… after all, I am concerning the safety. For example, Gezi Park, where is just adjacent to InterContinental, will be filled with fire grenades and water cannons, as usually happens. But I love Istanbul, I love Turkish bath.

      Regarding the lobsters and shrimp, plus crabs… if good broth will be taken, it’s a crab group. Of course good broth can be made from shrimp and prawns; usually it can’t beat crabs or lobsters. (If I wrote without typo, you can find ‘shrimp’ is not plural.)

      Well I usually leave 5 dollar note at the airport lounges, except the dining room in Polaris Lounges. Otherwise… ah, I left 10 euro at Lufthansa First Class lounge/terminal. The amount I leave depends on the quality of service, which is following the common sense, I hope. Therefore, when I withdraw some cash at Chase ATM, I choose some 5 dollar notes and those are basically for gratuities, donations on the street, or buying lotteries.

      Delete
  6. I'm not particularly interested in the amount of tips, but I tend to hesitate about itself. It would be strange to leave too much tip, and the amount may vary depending on the situation even if I receive the same service. Moreover, there may be differences between North America and Europe. If I start thinking about it, there seems to be no end. Nevertheless, personally, I would be willing to pay a lot for "services that really help me, or services from beautiful ladies/wemen that I like" (lol).

    What I remember most is when I stayed at the Westin Hotel in Guam with my family, and my daughter suddenly vomited and soiled the floor in the hallway on the way back to our room from the elevator hall. I called the room attendant in a panic and asked for cleaning, and she willingly agreed and said, "Don't worry about it and go back to your room and relax," with a smile, so I gave her a $20 bill without thinking. I still don't know if that amount was appropriate...

    Yes, I don't eat not only oysters but also mackerel, squid, and Pacific saury. I'm more afraid of excessive allergic reactions than food poisoning caused by Anisakis. That means there are individual differences. In a medical check-up (i.e., no subjective symptoms), the endoscopist may find Anisakis invading the stomach wall. There may be no abdominal symptoms in such patients, probably because no allergic reaction has occurred to them. However, in severe cases, the stomach wall is thickened like that of scirrhous gastric cancer. It can also cause hives all over the body, indicating that such patients are experiencing strong allergic reactions. The symptoms cannot be resolved by removing the Anisakis alone, and prescription of anti-allergy drugs may be necessary.

    In severe cases, Norovirus can cause high fever as well as vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration. Such patients are hospitalized, but after discharge, they say, "I thought I was going to die. I will never eat oysters again." Both Anisakis and Norovirus are terrible pathogens. It is difficult to avoid them 100%, but I want to take as much risk avoidance as possible.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      Thank you for your response from my iMessage. I’ll use it for communicating with you because I will keep my US number and my Japanese number is assigned to the backup iPhoe SE2. There is no eSIM from HanaCell (SoftBank) yet… Sorry if you felt any inconveniences.

      Yes, I totally understand about your concerns or complications. The amount of gratuity may vary – depends on the place you are, service you received, what you are, etc. And there’s no strict rule.

      Very rough idea I can give you in Western countries, which I tip rather higher amount. Particular number tells the range of [decent] or [appropriate] tipping. By the way. I am not a thrifty side. But I am not a super rich side either. I belive I am mediocre
      [North America]
      Restaurants: 18-20% if your party is 6 or higher. Otherwise 15%, if you love the place, 20%.
      Airport Lounges: 1-2 dollars for wine or beer, 3-5 dollars for cocktails or champagne. 3-5 dollars on table. Polaris dines or First Class dining, leaves 10 dollars because what you are was almost $100 worth sometimes.
      Taxi: 15% minimum. Otherwise the driver upsets. But if you have luggage, one more buck for each luggage.
      Above is for North America – U.S. or Canadian cities. Also within U.S. New England needs 2-3% higher amount usually.
      Also, tropical islands are exceptions such as Hawai’i, Guam, Polynesia, or Puerto Rico. Tropical islands needs a bit more tip because they are resorts.
      [ In Europe, tips are thrifty. ]
      Restaurants: 5-10% is decent unless otherwise you treated like a king. (sometimes zero in UK)
      Taxi: 10% would be happy, usually. But, if the place is American’s favorite cities like Athens or Paris, Drivers expect good tipping… you don’t have to follow but they demands quite often.
      [ Türkiye ]
      Currently, Istanbul is crazy… when I change the banknotes, those are mostly YTL200 and YTL100. 100 Lira is only US$5 and 200Lira is US$10.
      But… if I had 100 Lila, I can hire taxi wherever within downtown of Istanbul. If I give 100 Lira, US$5 equivalent to turn down serviceperson, housekeepers and serviceperson at restaurant, they sometimes screams and tell me how they thank me. Due to their reactions as well as the food price at kiosks, our US$5 worth 3-4 times, so 100 Lira works similar to 20 US dollars, I felt. The prices are very unstable, everything price raises often.
      This is a very sad situation for the people live Istanbul/Türkiye, but a person came from a country of US dollars, it’s a haven.

      Ah, yes. I never got one in myself but anisakis is a nasty guy. I can only rest assured Chilean salmon because they cultivate the fish without parasite. I don’t trust it well so I usually ask whether it’s frozen once or fresh from the market. I choose frozen. But before that, I don’t ask salmon basically. In Paris, Japanese bistro owner was offering shime-saba but I didn’t pick that Today’s Special because the marinated pH is uncomfortable for me…
      But I still eat oyster! (LOL)
      Worst case scenario, if someone got a severe reaction by anisakis, epipen may help?

      Delete
  7. I understand that what I'm about to say may not be relevant to you, as you seem to have a good understanding of it already, but please bear with me as I share the perspective of how a typical gastroenterologist interacts with their patients.

    As you mentioned, oysters are always contaminated not only with human feces but also with various pathogens. Patients who have gotten sick from eating oysters often ask me, "I bought freshly caught and cooked oysters, but still got so sick. Can I report the name of the shop to the health department?" In my opinion, it is not the responsibility of the shop that sold them.

    First of all, there are no completely safe oysters in this world, and whether or not we get sick from eating them is like playing Russian roulette (Of course, the probability of hitting varies considerably depending on the roulette table).
    Also, patients say they "cooked them thoroughly," but whether they make oyster hot pot or oyster fry, the heat does not reach the center of the oyster. If they cook it thoroughly enough to do so, all the delicious flavor of the oyster will be lost, so people eat them halfway cooked. I repeat this explanation to my patients all year round.

    Thank you for your response on iMessage. It's good news for me that we can communicate through iMessage from now on.

    And thank you for giving me a rough idea of tipping ranges when paying tips. Indeed, if you were extremely stingy or extremely rich, it would not be helpful. However, it seems that some super wealthy people can be stingy in their daily lives.

    One thing that caught my attention is that in North American restaurants, the tip amount is higher for parties of six or more than for parties of fewer than six. I thought that larger parties would be easier to serve all at once and that the restaurant would require less effort. Or perhaps high-end restaurants provide more meticulous service for larger parties.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      No I am totally fine listening your suggestions and guidance. I am not involved with healthcare industry or anything regarding medical issues. I am just an idiot.

      I understand the risks of raw food by contamination and/or cross contaminations, due to my examination to pass food protection management – believe or not, I passed at full score on the knowledge of microbes or related laws. Though I on scored 65% for purchasing commercial foods which I never experienced yet.
      Even heat up the foods around 165F for 15 sec at the center, which is the strictest management for poultries, we can’t destroy the toxins from staphylococcus, for example – that I learned by the test, but there are so various nasty and toxic microbes such as norovirus or clostridium. I will be careful taking meals but there is always some risks remain. I would rather learn how to prevent or cure from those problems.

      Thank you for replying my iMessgae. I will definitely send you a text when I arrived at Narita or purchased a ticket of Nozomi.

      It is always a controversial issue amongst FTers which is tipping for airline lounge workers. Because they are earning appropriate amount of salary we don’t have to tip ‘em – one side says, but the others says even they receive salaries, tipping is a right manner for those service oriented job workers. So I don’t have a right answer hence I do the ‘safer way’ to leave reasonable amount, then everybody is happy.

      Within North America, the percentage of the gratuity may vary by areas and states. Recently I heard was the highest tipping state is Virginia at 18% average. And if you visit Europe, they tip 5-10%, and in UK, no tip is common sometimes.
      Charging 18% or higher for the party of six is very common in California. Because we are in Rome, we follow the Roman laws, simply.

      Delete
  8. No, I am aware that you passed the food protection management exam in the US and have extensive knowledge of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus, norovirus, and Clostridium, that can be present in food. While you take precautions when eating, you acknowledge that there is always some level of risk involved and believe that it's important to learn how to prevent or treat these issues. I think this is a commendable attitude, and I hope that our patients will follow your lead.

    Even in Western countries, tipping is always a controversial issue, and I'm relieved that Japan doesn't have a tipping culture. If tipping were to become a common practice in Japan and even medical professionals like us began to expect tips from patients (since we are not manufacturers, but simply service providers), I would feel strange. I don't think patients in America would give tips to doctors either, but perhaps they would give them gifts instead. Is this sentiment common in both Japan and the US?

    In California, it's common to charge 18% or more in service fees for groups of six or more, but why is six the cutoff? Oh well, the world is full of mysteries. Just as I think I've solved some of them, I'm already approaching the final stretch of my life.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      For me, the word “Clostridium” was the turning point I changed my primary doctor. When I was transferred to San Francisco office, Sega assigned a doctor who is the 3rd generation of Japanese American, speaks ‘acceptable’ Japanese. Then… one dayshe checked thru my vaccination histories. She asked me “Tetanus のショットは打った?” I didn’t know the word ‘tetanus’ so I asked her back “please define tetanus. It’s a name of decease, right?” She replied to me “Well… if you stamp on the rusty nail, you will have…” Okay! I think I know it! I continued her explanation “…stiff neck, jaw or muscles. It caused by Clostridium and the vaccination is actually toxoid. Yes, I received that 破傷風 toxoid years ago!” She was surprised about mu knowledge so I explained the high school was medical and pharmaceutical course, but I majored in genetics. But at least I have minimum knowledge of biology or basic health. …since then, she stopped talking to me in Japanese, English only. The atmosphere became very cold and uncomfortable.
      So fortunately, Dr. K opened Nihon Bay Clinic near San Mateo train station, I started attending there. I think I told you that the first in-person interview by Dr. K, I explained my background – not only for computer science but I’m somewhat good with biochem. At that time I explained the story with the previous primary doctor, that I didn’t know the name of Clostridium tetani in English. Dr. K deeply sighed. Even for now, he keeps sighing or sonically laughing when I see him. (lol) But I am so glad I can speak with my primary doctor in Japanese so I can understand almost 100% of his explanations. (some of the technical terms are out of my knowledge, of course)

      The culture of tipping is everywhere, basically. Even in Singapore, I leave “pillow money” at the hotel room. Otherwise they charge me service fee on the bill so I don’t have to worry, but the housekeeping in my room is an exception. I can see the significant difference sometimes which extra water bottles, replacing all the bath amenities, etc. Small amount of money makes the stay more comfortable, so why don’t you tip?

      The threshold of “Automatic service fee for the party of 6”, I have no idea. SO I googled it…

      “Auto gratuity is when a restaurant automatically adds a gratuity charge to the bill of a party. Usually, this gratuity is equal to 18% of the bill and is only applied to parties of six or eight or more. Generally, a restaurant will print this policy on its menu to alert patrons before they receive their bill.”

      It reads “Party of six or eight or more” so… 6 is not a strong threshold number but majority, and this is not in California but all over the United States, I think. …謎は深まった. (lol)

      Delete
  9. Regarding the effectiveness of epinephrine as a treatment for extreme allergy symptoms caused by Anisakis, it would theoretically be effective if the symptoms were similar to anaphylaxis. However, I have not heard of any cases of anaphylaxis caused by Anisakis. Unlike with soba or bee allergies, immediate or subacute allergies may not occur as easily with Anisakis.

    You have previously mentioned the existence of "challengers" who storm into United Club or Polaris Lounge, but to me, it is a strange phenomenon. It's like they're kamikaze pilots, prepared to be shot down, even though they don't meet the entry requirements. Or maybe their reckless charge succeeds even just a little bit? At least in ANA Premium Lounge at Okayama Airport, I have never witnessed such a scene. Is it because Japanese people are too resigned?

    Regarding this, my personal opinion is that one of the virtues of Japanese people, "politeness in the event of a major disaster," has been reported by foreign media for some time. For example, the image of people patiently waiting in line for hours without complaining to receive relief supplies at temporary shelters or the fact that no one tried to open the safes washed ashore on the coast after the earthquake in Tohoku.
    At first, I believed that this was a virtue of Japanese people that we can be proud of. Now, I feel that it may actually be a reflection of Japanese people's weakness. When faced with a great misfortune, especially if it is not their own fault, Japanese people tend to accept it as their fate. Even if everyone remains silent while waiting for relief supplies, there is a risk that supplies will run out before their turn comes, endangering not only themselves but also their families. In such extreme situations, what would be the blame for anyone who tried to grab some supplies?
    Sorry, it was a digression.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      Wow… I didn’t expect Epi-pen works for anisakis. One of my friend’s son has a very strong allergy to peanuts. When I served shabu-shabu, the friend, the mom of allergic son, really really concerned my sesame sauce doesn’t contain any peanuts. I made it from roasted sesame, white sesame paste, mirin, soy sauce (of course) …and ready-made shabu-shabu sauce. So I told her the only concern is the ready made sauce but as klong as I read the list of ingredients I can’t find peanuts. Then… son replied to us. “No worries. I will dilute the sauce and put a drip on my lip.” So… he put a sesame-seed-big amount of sauce in a glass of water, then put a drip of that water on his lip. Several minutes later, he said the sauce is safe. “If there is a piece of peanut in this entire amount of souse, how does your body reacts?” I asked and he replied “In that case, my lip will be swollen and I can’t breathe.” That sounds terrific! But he said “I have an emergency weapon with me.” and he showed me EpiPen.
      Peanut allergy is such a severe and dengerous problem…. Oh, after several years of this dinner, he successfully graduated medical school and became an MD PhD. The threatening of life gives a great motivation to someone.

      I think there are so many members of United Club, or carrying one-time passes to enter UC. Those people are basically idiots, don’t understand the difference of United Club and Polaris lounge, or simply saying, they don’t check the warning sign – a banner in front of the entrance which clearly describing who can enter Polaris lounge. Again, this world is filled with idiots.
      I saw Japanese passengers are arguing at the reception of United Club or Polaris lounge that they are star alliance gold member. Unless otherwise their domestic flight is a “connecting flight” from international ones, they have no chance. This world is filled with Japanese idiots as well
      And that’s why the airport lounge reception started installing the barcode readers. Receptionists are idiots too, but the machine doesn’t mistake – if the program doesn’t have any serious bugs.

      And these days, Delta, Amex or even United started installing “Grab-and-Go” kiosks near lounges. Those original lounges are filled up by the people who pay annual memberships; the ‘supplemental’ users can’t enter. Instead, they offer “Grab-and-Go” which wannabes can grab some foods and beverages at the show cases then continue to the boarding gate except entering the lounge. This alternative option works very well at some busy airports.

      For me, like I did at the Z-gate concourse in Frankfurt, I saw hundred of beggars making a line for free foods and drinks… I immediately gave up to enter Senator Lounge and seated at the Italian restaurant, spent a good time “with tipping nicely, receiving a cup of espresso as an extra service.”
      https://www.obakoba.com/2022/03/lucullus-nero-fra-z-gates.html

      Delete
  10. Yamada Denki sensei,

    My better-half-san is allergic to everything. I heard she couldn’t have cow milk, fed goat milk… sounds this life is filled with torture in the hell. So, better-half-san always has several inhalers, asks me “インヘイラーちょうだい” when needed.
    And yes, better-half-san is allergic to cats so when we adopt a new kitten, double or quad doses of diphenhydramine are required. After a month or two, the allergic symptoms with the new baby are settled. But if we visit our friends’ home and meet their feline or canine, better-half-san is in trouble in hour or two.
    Due to those difficulties I didn’t recommend adopting new kittens but better-half-san keeps adopting new cats, preferred with long haired which gives stronger reaction…

    There are several reasons of cancelling the trip to Barcelona.
    . The lawyer of Athens can’t join because of his court schedules.
    . Rie-san, the owner of Nonna Maria, is now in Tokyo so I won’t be able to see her.
    . Spending 300K points and 174K miles without seeing my friends would be a waste.
    . I can see the award availability by THY in March 2024.
    . My better-half-san is sick, won’t be able to take care of kitties.
    I honestly prioritized the reasons above. (lol)
    So, Türkiye is calling me, I’ll see my friends there in Temmuz, Eylül, Kasım, ardından gelecek yıl Ocak, Şubat ve Mart!! …sorry, I was so excited about these.

    And I strongly hope anything bad movement, coup, suppression of democracy, or violence. However, simultaneously, I am so nasty I am a bit expecting those difficulties because it may affect to the currency exchange rate.

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  11. I have received news of an earthquake that occurred earlier this morning, with its epicenter located in the southern part of Chiba Prefecture. The tremors were observed with an intensity of 5 strong in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, which I know you used to live in, and a wide area including Tokyo's 23 wards and Yokohama City observed an intensity of 4. I am concerned about your partner's condition, besides that, is your mother okay? I have also heard that there are some who were injured, and I sincerely pray for your mother's safety.

    Regarding whether EpiPen actually works for severe allergy symptoms caused by anisakis in clinical settings, I am not sure. While “theoretically” it should work, I am not aware of any practical evaluations.

    I was very impressed by the story of your friend's son, who despite having a severe peanut allergy, not only became a doctor but also obtained a PhD in medicine. Although I have not met him, if he has elevated his noble spirit of wanting to "save patients with the same severe allergy symptoms" and turned it into motivation to be a doctor, it is a wonderful story. If I were in his position, I might have given up halfway or I might have avoided pursuing medicine altogether.
    The reason I became a doctor was that I did not have artistic or athletic talents, or I did not think I could serve a large company. In any case, I am ashamed to say that I did not pursue medicine with the noble spirit that your friend's son has.

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    Replies
    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      Thank you for asking, I just called her and found my mom is okay. She had an appointment with her orthopedist for 6th vaccination of Comirnaty by Pfizer. The reaction was almost nothing either.
      Besides, I was watching that news Ohayo Nippon showing KIsarazu Station or certain residence where the roof slate dropped. From those images I can’t specify where they are taking those report pictures… KIsarazu changed a lot since I left almost 50 years ago.

      Keeping just one Epi-Pen is nice. It’s just like keeping AED machine in any cases.
      So next time when the suspicious client came, you can simply apply Epi-Pen. But please don’t apply AED who has strongly under allergic reactions. If you electrically shock anisakis with AED, those kanko birds will be coming back. …oh, btw. I saw someone used electric shock to disinfect anisakis. Why don’t you try it? You’ll be a famous doctor applying a new method to prevent anisakis infection. …but the clients are in miserable.

      I think he is still in the medical school hospital at University Texas. So he is quite familiar with the treatment for whom shot by guns severely. (The registered guns in Texas are 4 times larger than its populations)
      And I hope he doesn’t have any rival – a nasty rival may try giving him peanut butter…

      Delete
  12. I'm relieved to hear that your mother is doing well. Lately, there have been frequent significant earthquakes across Japan, and I've become a bit afraid of your visiting Okayama, since you caused a major earthquake in Turkey (lol).

    So your mother received her sixth vaccination of the Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine, right? We also started administering the sixth vaccination at our clinic yesterday. In our country, the vaccination rate among individuals aged 65 and older seems to be quite high. The main reason for this is the constant emphasis on "elderly individuals being more prone to severe illness if they suffer from COVID-19."
    However, this is similar to existing influenza virus infections, where even among the same elderly population, the vaccination rate for COVID-19 is significantly higher than for influenza. The biggest factor contributing to the high COVID-19 vaccination rate among not only elderly but also younger population is undoubtedly the fact that it is free. If even a small co-payment were required, the vaccination rate would immediately decrease.

    The situation here is similar to the scenario of "using an ambulance as a substitute for a taxi." Somehow, in our country, ambulance services are still free, and a certain number of people call for an ambulance casually. If we were to charge, let's say, ¥5,000 per use, such "misuse for purposes other than the intended" would likely decrease. As a practicing physician, I constantly feel that it would be great if the funds saved from reduced ambulance usage could be allocated to social security.

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    Replies
    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      I don’t call her yet but she must be fine. Last time when she received the 5th shot, the reaction was almost nothing. The reaction of Cominarty is much milder than SpikeVax due to ObaKoba family’s experiences.
      Oh, sensei’s clinic also offering the shots? When I went there, if there’s any leftover, please shoot me. Because I can’t expect when I can receive the next dose… probably when I reached 65 in this fall?
      I heard Omicron variants, like XBB series, became very contagious but weak for heats. Therefore the behaviors are getting much similar to Influenza virus. If this theory is correct, it’ll be okay if I can receive the next dose in fall, hopefully flu+Covid mixed one shot.

      In terms of the ambulance, it’s free or almost free in Japan. In California, it’s stunningly expensive. If you got ambulance service, you will receive 800 to 1,500 dollars of bill, and health insurance companies refuse to cover. So I joined EA+, Emergency Assistance Plus service to insure the ambulance services worldwide, including helicopter picks me up from snowy mountain or from the ocean… I don’t think I do such an explorer activities in the future though.

      One more thing I have to let you know.
      I just purchased a specially designed meals for pre-endoscopy.
      There are several manufacturers selling such foods, but I chose Kewpie because this one is extra sized – 50% more okazu and 100% more crackers. Hope it tastes good…
      https://www.kewpie.co.jp/carefood/products/kensa/crearthough_nb3/

      Delete
  13. Yamada Denki sensei,

    The correct roman spelling must be “Ohayo Nippon,” not “Ohayou Nihon” since the name of the country officially is NIPPON which you often saw on the Japanese rockets by JAXA.
    NHK World is an English based broadcasting services from Tokyo to worldwide, if I understood correctly. Then what I am subscribing is “TV JAPAN” which is provided by NHK Cosmo Media, subsidiary of Nippon Housou Kyokai, and the programs are 85% NHK – General, Educational and BSes, plus some prescribers’’ favorite programs from private channels such as Aibo, Shoten, Unknown, Matsuko no shiranai sekai, etc.
    And Japanese TV ads are sometimes sponsored some programs. NHK Kohaku Utagassen has several sponsors like ANA, Canon, Nippon Express, Takara Sake, etc. It is amazing to listen “この番組の提供は…” on NHK Special. (lol)

    Yes I am the “Death” or a catfish when I travel somewhere. But the ‘ground zero’ is usually far enough from me… when I was in Istanbul, Kahramanmaraş is more than 1,000 km away.
    So, 1,000 km away from Narashino is… Minami Satsuma pilot farm of T-Gakuen where I tortured ponkan trees in the orchard!! Okayama is only half the way so please rest assured. If huge quake happens, please adopt me for awhile – until ANA or United flights resume to SFO.

    And if your AED became out of order, I will help. I got certified CPR by AHA, American Heart Association. I will keep breaking someone’s ribs until functional AED arrives.

    The electroshock to anisakis is not used for people, but the fish!!
    If I remember correctly, It was innovated by Kumamoto Univ. and applied for mackerel or salmon, raw fis to kill the parasites. Don’t do it in your patients’ stomach – especially for me, please.

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  14. As you mentioned, it seems that the word "Nippon" is indeed written on Japanese rockets. And "TV Japan" is provided by NHK Cosmo Media, with NHK programs being the main content. So, "Ohayo Nippon" would be the correct English representation. Oh, now I notice that "ANA" stands for All Nippon Airways (lol).
    It's also quite surprising and enjoyable to know that the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen has sponsors like ANA, Canon, Nippon Express, Takara Shuzo, and others. I'm curious about the timing to insert commercials during that seemingly uninterrupted singing competition (lol).

    Actually, I've been wondering about this for a while, but how widely recognized is the name "Nippon" internationally, considering that Japan is more commonly used as the country name externally? Does it resemble the relationship between "Netherland" and "Holland"? (Of course, I'm aware that the Netherland officially discontinued the use of the name "Holland" as a common name three years ago.)

    Yes, I don't think of you as the "Death" or a catfish, and I'm relieved to hear that you usually stay in places relatively far from disaster areas. However, that makes me a bit concerned about your return to Chiba after your stay in Okayama (lol). Of course, if the situation were reversed and you experienced a disaster in Chiba, please evacuate to Okayama with your mother. We would be happy to accommodate you in Okayama until your safety is secured.

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      It is interesting that English phrases in Japan are sometimes very American but sometimes very British… Airlines is American style but Airways is definitely British. (Accurately ‘British’ is incorrect in this case so I have to say English English but it sounds very redundant…)

      I recently saw the Japanese governmental suggestions that Nippon is official but Nihon is commonly used hence both are correct… very Japanese decision. (lol)
      In the case of The Netherlands, Holland is an informal word… and it’s not Netherland but The Netherland[s]. Sorry if it sounds complicated, but I’m just describing what I learned. In the States (means United States of America), Netherlands is more commonly used than Holland, but it really depends… both work evenly and people don’t care.

      I am not a catfish but a cat. …and I have no name… isn’t a situation but… when I lead Sega Mobile USA, we developed 育てゲー like Tamagピーtch. The player incubates an egg, then… an animal comes out from the egg. The varieties are: Dogs, Cats, Lions, Snakes, etc… with this game concept, I had to give up the ‘scientist’ in me. Then the issue is; those animal babies have [default name] and the player can rename whatever they like. The coordinator girl from marketing department wants to name all the babies, so we allowed her to do it. Next day, when I entered the marketing team area, she found me and shouted “Hey, ObaKoba! You are a male CAT!!” …w h a t ?? She put my name as a default male cat. And the team totally agreed with that decision. But the funny part wasn’t there. She continued “I am a female dog!” … W H A T ??? “ummm… you know what female dog means?” I asked but she didn’t listen to me, kept telling “I’m a female dog!” to everybody there. “The female dog means Bit…” before I finish saying a word “Bitch,” the director of marketing stopped me. “Don’t say that word!! I told her about it numbers of times, but she doesn’t listen to me…” Finally the project leader Ryan shown up, the girl screamed again “Hey Ryan! I am a Female Dog!” …then Ryan simply responded “I know.” (LOL) Working at video game company is a fun.

      Thank you for the offer adopting me and my mom in Okayama. But her UR Danchi should be strong enough and nothing scares nearby, so it’ll be okay. And more importantly, she can’t survive in West Japan because not enough soy sauce… me either. (LOL)

      Seriously, I am a bit concerned about those nationwide earthquakes – Big ones in Noto, followed by Tohoku, Kisarazu, and Miyako islands today. From North to South, all of Japan islands are shaking… is this an omen of Nippon Chimbotsu? Simply scary.

      Delete
  15. Yes, you hold a CPR certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). AHA is a prestigious organization also well-known in Japan, similar to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) that we are familiar with. The AGA's annual meeting, known as Digestive Disease Week (DDW), is renowned for its rigorous abstract acceptance process (I've only been accepted only once so far), and the AHA's annual meeting is similarly rigorous.

    Yes, I have heard about the use of electroshock therapy for Anisakis in fish. While it is an intriguing concept, I personally don't have a strong desire to go to such lengths just to eat mackerel. However, oysters are a different story. If It could be 100% assured that I could safely consume raw oysters with that treatment... Well, maybe on the day before my demise, I would indulge in an abundance of raw oysters, so I have no regrets (lol).

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    1. Yamada Denki sensei,

      Thank you for the text as well as this comment.

      The CPR training at AHA was “fun.” Everyone is serious but still fun. The funniest part was the demonstration videos. The first one, very fat, bold and hairy middle aged guy (don’t say it looks like me) shouted “I am having heart attack!” then fallen down. It was too explanatory, so I couldn’t refrain from laughing. Furthermore, the bell captain came up and started speaking “around the venue is safe.” and then loose fat guy’s shirt and pants, open the shirt and start watching his hairy chest – looks quite fun to me – then! The background music “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees started!! Bell captain pushes fat guy’s hairy chest with the rhythm of Stayin’ Alive. After the video, we did the physical training with a rubber guy.

      I asked some questions to the instructor from AHA.

      “If the recipient is an old lady, I have a concern of osteoporosis and crunching her ribs.”
      Answer by Instructor: “Good Question. Injury is always better than death.”

      “Can I sing ‘Stayin’ Alive’ during the CPR?”
      Answer by Instructor: “No, you should not. NO humming either. Just stay in your brain.”

      Finally we learned how to use AED. I have a question again…
      “Like that first video, fat old guy is sometimes super hairy. Then these electric pad doesn’t stick on his hairy chest.”
      Answer by Instructor: “Good Question. You have a Training Kit. The real one is here and...”
      The real AED kit has a knife… and a shaver. However, no pre-shave or aftershave lotions are inside. So… if the recipient is a hairy guy, we can play shaving hairs… (lo)

      The high voltage of electroshock kills anisakis but can’t inactivate viruses, I guess. (Look! I properly used the words! We can’t ‘kill’ viruses but inactivate or destroy. Because those are not lives.)
      If you request Oysters Rockefeller, it can be safer – those oysters are “Gratin in its half shell.” Rich creamy sauce with spinach and bread crumbles are topped with half shelled oyster, then bake in the oven thoroughly. If you ask “Well-done” it, then the center temperature must be sufficient – above 85C for 90 seconds (this supposed to be the Japanese standard, right?).

      Delete
    2. 儂… そうまでして牡蠣食べたいとも思いませんが。(苦笑)

      Delete
    3. 明日は写真だらけでくどい SEA→IST TK204便の記事が公開されるので、ここはもうお払い箱♪

      Delete
  16. You say "this is the end of the line", but please allow me to write here anyway. Oh, I know that you're at your parents' home in Chiba, so no need to reply. Tomorrow is the fun lunch at that extraterritoriality hotel, isn't it? Please give my best regards to everyone.

    Regarding the demonstration video at the AHA's CPR training, did a "very fat, bald, and hairy middle-aged man (I won't say he looks like you, but perhaps your type?)" shout that he's "having a heart attack!" and then collapse? If he could really calmly grasp what was happening to his body, I must say that this man is quite familiar with clinical medicine, and especially cardiology. That's because, when I had a cardiac arrest in November of the year before last, I wasn't even able to understand what was happening to my body. I only realized what was happening while I was being transported to Okayama Seiseikai Hospital by ambulance with Midori-san. Is this because I'm a gastroenterologist, not a cardiologist, or simply because I'm a quack?

    Furthermore, the background music during the CPR training was the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive"? Hmm, I think I understand why. That tune is very rhythmic and upbeat, so it would be a good motivation to keep doing CPR for a long time. It would be perfect if the CPR site were a disco!

    I have experienced multiple cases of CPR on elderly women suffering from osteoporosis. I can still vividly recall the sound and feeling of their multiple ribs cracking under my arms. Was this description TMI for you?

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