またまたイスタンブールに来ています。
これで今年のトルコ３回連続訪問はおしまいで、来月はネコ当番＆パスポート更新です。
この記事を書いているのは一泊過ごした翌日。雨は降っていなくても曇り空。
でも今後は天候が回復する模様で、傘いらず♪
久しぶりに、ノスタルジっク・トラムバイにも乗りました。
今の時期は観光客が少なめで快適です。
今回からのお泊まりは…インタコです。
この『共和国戦士の像』の向こう側、ゲジ公園のところに聳え立っています。
同じ５つ星でも、クラウンプラザとは断然レベチです。
さすが IHG ポイントを倍費やすだけの事はあります。
で… アテネでもそうだったんだけど、何故かインタコに泊まると、スッポンポンの時にハウスキーパーがやってきます。昨夜は全裸でウソコしていたら、ターンダウンサービスが来ました。
ベッドメイクはいらぬ。と伝えたら…こんなに一杯、お水を置いて行ってくれました。
儂のバスタオル姿って、新妻裸エプロン並みの攻撃力でしょうか？w
その後、トルコの先生とイタリアンに夕食へ。インタコの周囲はレストランが豊富♪
リングイーネのカルボナーラを試しましたが、とてもサッパリした風味。
なぜなら… ここはイスラム圏なので、豚のベーコンは使ってないのぢゃ！
以下がウエイターくんとの問答。
「ねぇ、カルボナーラにベーコン入っているの？」
「ここムスリムの国ですよ！豚なんか出てくるわけないっしょ！」
ウエイターくん… 半ギレで返事してくれました。
どんだけ豚を嫌気しているかが如実に出ていて面白い。（ぉぃぉぃ）
結果、子牛のハムが使ってあるカルボナーラを初めて食べました。
ベーコンやパンチェッタが入っていないと、すごくあっさり風味。
これはこれで美味しいけれど、風味に深さが足りない気がする。
あと、カルボナーラなのに黒胡椒が全くかかっていません。
胡椒がかかっていないと伝えたら… 白胡椒の瓶をくれました。（苦笑）
そして翌朝の朝食ブッフェ。ちょっとヨーグルトを取りに行った隙に…テーブルに 泥水 が。
シェフさんが、トーフのミソスープを作って持ってきてくださいました。
儂が席に戻った途端に、支配人さんがドヤ顔で挨拶に来てくださるし…。
前回は昨年９月だったから、半年ぶりなのに。みんな覚えていてくれて嬉しい。
ただ、ブイヨンカップとスプーンでおみおつけをいただくのは凄い違和感。
（結局、しまいにはブイヨンカップの取っ手を持って直飲みしました）
安心・安定の日本食で落ち着きます。インタコから徒歩数分なのも嬉しい。
きっとこの記事を書いた後も、トルコの先生と一緒に夕食へ行くと思います。
インタコのクラブラウンジは、やっぱり豪華ですよ。
店名そのものも『ベランダ』になっていて、開放的で心地よいです。
ここのウエイターくん達もみんなお互いに顔を覚えていて、待遇が良い。
昨日の午後ティーでは、この三段重ねが出てきました。
パンパニコルみたいな黒パンの上にサーモンやチーズ。あとは甘いものがどっさり。
カプチーノだけでお願いしたら… ウエイターくんに凄く悲しそうな顔をされました。
これが、さっきいただいたカプチーノ。ビスコッティは有り難く頂戴しました。
来週水曜に帰国しますが、それまではイスタンブールを堪能するつもり。
帰宅して、無事にパスポート更新が終わったら、その次は半年ぶりの訪日です♪
This is a completely unrelated comment to Istanbul, but this morning, 'Limited quantity, limited time, Kame Shizuku Gen 1800ml 20 degrees Imo Shochu Kyo-ya Shuzo 2 jars' arrived at our clinic. According to the brewery's website, 'Gen' means 'black' or 'profound,' and as the name suggests, 'Organic Shochu Kame Shizuku Gen' is made by blending three types of original sake to create an exquisite and profound flavor.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to other shochus from this brewery, it should have a smooth and refreshing finish, combining richness and lightness. I plan to bring it home immediately, chill it in the cellar, and enjoy it straight or on the rocks.
Thank you very much for your kindness, I am truly grateful. Oh, of course, I handed one jar to Doi-sensei before I forgot (lol).
Anyway, thank you!
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteI also got an email from Dr. Doi. Thank you.
Hope the 2024 millésimé of Kame Shizuku “Kuro” matches your taste.
Wish you guys have great Ohanami season and see you in two months!
It seems you're back in Istanbul once again. You've been leading quite a global life, haven't you? Perhaps there's a bit of Turkish blood flowing in your veins?
ReplyDeleteIf this marks the end of your third consecutive visit, by now you must be in California, busy with cat duties and passport renewal?
Certainly, reading your travel blog, I sense your knack for bringing good weather along with you. Even though it seems cloudy that day, you managed to evade the rain. You must have been born under a lucky star after all.
On the other hand, there's me, who often jumps to conclusions like "It should be fine today," and ends up getting caught in a downpour without an umbrella. I'm not so much a rainmaker as much as I simply lack foresight for the future, I suppose.
By the way, about this tram, judging solely from the images, while the track width seems decent, the width of the vehicles doesn't appear to be all that wide. I wonder if it's intentional due to the tram's running on relatively narrow lanes?
You might have seen the Okayama city streetcars which also traverse quite narrow paths. Consequently, there are quite a few narrow stops, with only a "green area inside the yellow line" on the road indicating the stop. About twenty years ago, there was an accident involving a large number of people, prompting considerations for improvement, but it seems that hasn't been realized.
Incidents of people falling into the waterways and drowning persist, and ever since you pointed it out, I've been realizing day by day just how eerie this town of Okayama can be.
Certainly, even under the same IHG brand, there is a noticeable difference between InterContinental and Crowne Plaza.
ReplyDeleteIn my perception, InterContinental is considered the pinnacle within IHG, possibly even regionally. It's luxurious, high-end, and often lives up to its price tag. On the other hand, Crowne Plaza, while slightly inferior to InterContinental, is still luxurious enough. It's like a slightly downgraded version of InterContinental, definitely a step up from Holiday Inn. Your opinion, having stayed frequently at both, would likely offer more detailed insights.
It's interesting that both the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza in Istanbul are rated five stars. Yet, redeeming IHG points at InterContinental requires twice as many points as at Crowne Plaza.
For instance, searching for a one-night Reward Night stay on May 31st shows Crowne Plaza - ANA Hotel Okayama at 13,000 points, while InterContinental The Strings Tokyo requires 61,000 points. This discrepancy seems more a reflection of the urban-rural divide rather than just brand differences. It's almost comical to compare them, given the vast disparity (lol).
By the way, regarding the turn-down service, I've only experienced that service in quite high-end hotels in Tokyo. I believe the purpose of the turn-down service is to relax the guests and ensure they have a sound sleep. Dimming the lights in the room and creating a pre-sleep atmosphere seem to be done for that purpose.
ReplyDeleteThere was one time when I was already tired and dozed off, and then the turn-down service arrived, which actually hindered my falling asleep. Well, they probably didn't expect guests to be sleeping so early, but it would be a welcome service if they came when I was already out of the room. It's like when traditional Japanese inns time the setting of the futon during dinner; it feels appreciative.
If you were to open the door wrapped in just a bath towel... As expected, the housekeeper was shocked. But technically, since they've rented out that room to the guest, whatever attire the guest chooses to wear inside the room is their own business. It's funny to think that the housekeeper would be shocked.
But seriously, "newlywed naked apron"... I think I've seen that kind of adult video a few times before (lol).
You tried Ringuine Carbonara but found it to have a very refreshing flavor because... Well, that is an Islamic area, so they don't use pork bacon.
ReplyDeleteAs a piece of my knowledge, in Islam, consuming pork is prohibited by the teachings of the Quran and Hadiths. Pork is considered impure in Islam, hence not only pork itself but also processed products like ham, sausage, and even lard are forbidden. I knew about this prohibition, but when you asked, "Hey, does Carbonara have bacon in it?" and the waiter responded with a half-annoyed tone, "This is a Muslim country! Of course, there's no pork!" it really showed a strong aversion towards pork.
This kind of sensitivity doesn't quite resonate with typical Japanese like me. I used to casually think, despite the religious prohibition, do they actually want to eat pork? However, it seems they not only don't want to eat it but also dislike even thinking about it.
As a result, you tried Carbonara made with veal ham for the first time, and while you found it to be very light in flavor without the bacon or pancetta, you also somewhat understand the feeling that it lacks depth in flavor. Being originally from Kansai, I often eat okonomiyaki, and I prefer topping it with cheap and greasy pork belly rather than beef, as it gives a stickier, oilier sensation.
I'll write a little bit in connection with InterContinental. Last weekend, I stayed for two nights at InterContinental The Strings Tokyo, where we're planning to stay for two nights at the end of next month, to attend the 121st Annual Meeting and Scientific Session of the Japan College of Internal Medicine. As I'm also a Platinum Elite and Ambassador member, they upgraded me to a room on the top floor, but the room wasn't particularly spacious. In fact, it was the most standard size, I believe.
ReplyDeleteThere was a turn-down service, and it seems they timed it well when I was out at the Tsukiji Sushizanmai main store for two consecutive nights (lol). They probably came around between 18:00 and 19:00? There were two chocolates placed by the bedside.
I'm not sure where the Club InterContinental Lounge is located in that hotel, but according to the website, it seems to be in a location where I can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo. Upon arrival, I can also have a private check-in at the club lounge (isn't that expected?). Taking a breather with a welcome drink and enjoying the check-in while overlooking the panoramic view of Tokyo sounds delightful, doesn't it?
Surely, having a concierge available at all times would be great, and it seems like a good idea to ask the concierge how someone like me from the countryside can enjoy a day in Tokyo to the fullest. Spending precious time with loved ones or enjoying some leisurely time alone, both options seem good. I look forward to enjoying the sophisticated ambiance and personalized service at the Club InterContinental Lounge at The Strings, with your assistance.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteAs per I mentioned you already, you may enter InterContinental Club lounge with my attendance. However, please note; the “annual membership of lounge access” doesn’t give the benefits for the guests staying club rooms – for example, I cannot check-in at the club lounge for most of InterContinental hotels such as Athens, San Francisco, etc. Istanbul is the exception – because I stayed too often, lounge staffs are remembering me, they upgrade me to the club floor for the next stay when I check-out, endless welcome fruits and the miso-soup like thing on the breakfast. So I can comfortably skip the reception and go to the receptionist at the InterContinental Club with confidence.
From my point of view, Sensei is staying at The Strings quite often; I am simply wondering why they give you any advantage and/or benefits for you as a frequent stayer. I think your ‘posture’ is not enough or strong. This is the DNA I got inherited from my father – I chat with those receptionists or servicepersons, bring some candy boxes and establish a certain friendships personally. Such behaviors override the ‘guaranteed benefits’ by IHG or Ambassador, I guess. So please try to be nice to the hotel staffs, make yourself impressive and easy-to-remember. This is my two cents. ;)
So, please check-in at the IHG reception as usual and text me just before your arrival. I will see you at the lobby and then I will take you to the club lounge for evening cocktail time after you dropped your luggage, followed by the dinner at Tsubame Kitchen.
Knowing that with your "同伴" (← Is it my past behaviors that make me feel uncomfortable with this expression when it's between people of the same sex?), I can access the InterContinental Club Lounge, my expectations rise. However, even if you possess an "annual membership qualification for lounge access," the benefits are not applicable to your guest who would normally stay in the Club Room, right? I think that's natural when I consider it. Because that annual membership qualification is something you should have acquired for a fee, and it should be a qualification that only you can enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI see, even you cannot check in at the club lounge at most InterContinental hotels. However, since you are a regular guest at the InterContinental in Istanbul, you receive exceptional treatment. The lounge staff remember you well since not only you stay frequently but also your inherently friendly personality must have a great effect.
In any case, there must be a reason why you can confidently head to the InterContinental Club reception without going through the regular guest reception when in Istanbul.
As you pointed out, my recent accommodations when visiting Tokyo have been either InterContinental The Strings Tokyo or The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, but the latter is mainly due to the AmEx Free Stay Gift. Indeed, I stay somewhat frequently at the former, but I am hardly given the benefits or advantages that you seem to enjoy. As you say, my status as a regular guest is not sufficient or influential enough.
My father was probably the type similar to your father. While my father conversed with various people (although for some reason, they were many women, and it often involved alcohol), he didn't often bring gifts, but he ended up building personal friendships. On the other hand, I am not good at such actions, so I cannot override the "guaranteed benefits" provided by IHG Platinum Elite or Ambassador like you can. Still, from now on, I will try to follow your advice, be kind to hotel staff, and strive to be an impressive and memorable person.
On May 31st (Friday), I will check in at the regular guest reception as usual (lol) and will contact you. I'll organize my belongings in the room and then see you. Please guide me to the club lounge, then.
However, I have a request: please do not recommend alcohol to me at that time. Perhaps it's because of my age, but if I consume alcohol while the sun is still up, I tend to feel a bit unwell. Although, let's enjoy plenty of alcohol at the Tsubame Kitchen where you will guide me afterwards for dinner.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteAt the club lounge in the evening, I wouldn’t insist you to drink. I’m in the same page or my case is severer because of my DM. Primarily we go to the lounge for introducing Sensei to ラウンジ嬢in person is a main purpose and mention them when we attend there in the morning for the breakfast.
I am currently considering to pick some German beers at Tsubame Kitchen. Since their signature dishes are hamburgers and sausages, German beers would be suitable beverages but they also have procecco so we may be able to toast with bubblies as well. (but No Asahi Super Dry, please)
The restaurant information can be found at the following URL.
https://g533113.gorp.jp/
Anyhow, please text me from Keikyu/Monorail car (or taxi?). Before your arrival, I will be spending good time with my mom and sister at the lounge for afternoon tea♪
In the evening at the InterContinental The Strings Tokyo's club lounge, I was relieved to learn that you wouldn't insist on me drinking alcohol. Knowing that you share the same sentiment also eased my mind. Yes, considering your diabetes, you should be cautious about drinking, and I even feel a responsibility as your 「同伴」physician.
ReplyDeleteSo, you'll take me to the lounge and introduce me directly to the 「ラウンジ嬢」(←in my mind, I almost translated it as 「キャバ嬢」 but refrained)? Furthermore, you'll tell them so I can have breakfast in the lounge for free?
I took a peek at the URL for Tsubame Kitchen. Um, if I recall correctly, you mentioned this restaurant as a "nostalgic place you used to frequent" before, but now it's located in Atre Shinagawa? While staying at the InterContinental The Strings Tokyo, I've seen the name Atre Shinagawa multiple times, and it seemed like a relatively new facility. So, did they relocate from the original place to the current Atre at some point?
It's labeled as a "Western restaurant loved for over half a century." Additionally, it mentions the "signature hamburger steak," so I suppose I should definitely go for that menu item, as you suggested. Since various German beers are also available, as you mentioned, I'm looking forward to it. Considering that the signature dishes of this restaurant are hamburger steak and sausages, it's essentially a German cuisine restaurant, right (obvious?)? With German beers and Prosecco available, even slightly oily dishes should become more enjoyable.
But why is Asahi Super Dry a no-go? The URL seems to have the draft version of the same beer (lol).
From Haneda Airport, I'll take the Keikyu line to Shinagawa. As you know, I used to be a train otaku, mainly knowledgeable about the old JNR, but particularly less familiar with private railways in Eastern Japan. Previously, I used to take a ridiculous route, going from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho by Monorail, then taking the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Shinagawa and backtracking. Truly a country bumpkin.
By the way, there's a newly established station called "Takanawa Gateway Station," just 900 meters away from Shinagawa Station. When I looked it up later, it seems to be the station with the fewest passengers within the Yamanote Line at the current time. I observed it closely from the perspective of a former train otaku, and indeed, there seemed to be very few passengers. As the primary reason, it was speculated that there was virtually no transfer demand in the first place. However, large-scale redevelopment is underway in the vicinity of the station, and once all of these are completed, considerable foot traffic can be expected.
That was a digression.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeletePlease be advised; there are two Tsubame restaurants in Shinagawa area – Traditional Tsubame Grill remains located at the same place, just in front of Shinagawa Prince Hotel and The Pacific. That is the one I introduced and invited co-workers of Sega Europe from London Office for dinner. They were pretty much impressed the food quality as well as the affordability, then they got jealous Sega of America team is always guided by the ‘former local citizen of Ota and Minato region’ (me). UK team was really surprised by those hamburger steaks or cured meats because they never had this quality in Germany. And me either. (lol)
So, Tsubame “GRILL” is located west side, close to Hotel Pacific where I used to stay very frequently with my Iranian friend, then later on, Atsu-san was everyday selling vegetables and taking care of cows over there. (I’m kidding.) The actual his job was at Hibiya Kadan – very renowned flower shop. I wish to introduce what we learned at the University, which was disrespected by the filthy words from the ‘former’ Governor of Shizuoka. www
Anyway, The Tsubame GRILL is west side, old traditional restaurant. And Tsubane “KITCHEN” is newly located on the 4th floor of “Atré Shinagawa” in the east exit. This is their newly opened branch restaurant for the guests in East Exit areas. (btw. Tsubame started their business in Ginza)
I picked Tsubame KITCHEN because this one is much physically closer from InterContinental String Hotel …but if Atré looked very busy and guests are making long line at night, we might immediately give up there and move to Tsubame Grill in west because of larger capacity (more tables), It really depends because it’ll be a Friday evening… so please keep your finger crossed. Neither one takes reservation so I can’t secure our table anyway.
§
In regards to my opinion; I was disgusted with Asahi Super Dry and not appreciated at all, it tasted somehow somewhat artificial. Also, I don’t appreciate Japanese mass produced beers with using rice or starches. I almost stopped drinking beer because there are so many ‘outlaw’ beers, or beer-style-alcohols which doesn’t follow the original German rule of beer brewing… hence I stopped being a beer drinker. Wines are a bit more honest, even in California.
§
I’m glad Sensei will take Keikyu Anamori Line (now Kuko Line) to Shinagawa. I lived that area over 20 yrs when I’m in Tokyo – Kamata, Kojiya, Otorii and Anamori-Inari.
So please text me during your Keikyu ride. I’ll wait for you at the reception lobby. (26F?)
I see, so there are restaurants named "Tsubame Grill" and "Tsubame Kitchen" in the Shinagawa area. The former is located right across from the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, correct? I've stayed at that hotel a few times in the past for pharmaceutical company-sponsored research seminars, and it certainly felt like it had some history to it. It had that vibe of an "old Showa-era hotel."
ReplyDeleteIf my memory serves me right, you used to travel frequently to Sega Europe's London office, right? I remember hearing about your story of taking British Airways flight BA007, almost like the title of an action movie, from you on ‘that forum’.
Anyway, it seems like Tsubame Grill strikes a good balance between the quality of the food and affordability, right? And not only did you guide Sega Europe team to this grill, but also the Sega America team. It's surprising that the UK team hasn't tried dishes like hamburger steaks or cured meats. I always imagine the UK and Germany as neighbors in my mind, but maybe it's because of the widespread belief that "British people aren't very interested in food, have a culture of light seasoning, and don't do much fancy cooking," which could be a representative reason why they haven't tried much German cuisine. It's quite a revelation that even someone like you, who's now known for being a foodie, hadn't tried dishes of such high quality back then. That's unexpected (lol).
So, the Pacific Hotel where you often stayed with your Iranian friend, if I recall correctly, was located a bit uphill from the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, but I don't have much of an impression of it. Of course, I've never stayed there. Upon a quick search, it turns out that Hotel Pacific Tokyo was a large-scale city hotel owned by Keikyu Corporation and formerly operated by its subsidiary, Hotel Keikyu. It was planned as part of Keikyu's 70th-anniversary project, much like the Keikyu Marine Park. That's quite a historic hotel.
Hahaha, it's quite amusing that your senior was supposedly selling vegetables and taking care of cows in front of that hotel every day. It would be a waste to joke about it, so I'll write about it on his blog (lol). So his actual job was at Hibiya Kadan, the flower shop in the hotel, huh? The backgrounds of people in the T-related circle are indeed diverse. On the other hand, my university connections are 100% within the same industry, which lacks some excitement. Just thinking that people with such diverse backgrounds might celebrate the birthday of someone like me, who lacks such intrigue, makes me feel fortunate.
By the way, the opening of the Linear Motor Car is significantly delayed due to the interference (?) of the former governor of Shizuoka, and it might even be that we won't be able to ride it while we're still around. Nevertheless, the construction of the Yamanashi Linear Experimental Line began in 1990, so the progress of the plan is far too delayed. Now, I'm starting to think that it might be more realistic to give up on the Linear and instead focus on building the Second Tokaido Shinkansen?
I've digressed quite a bit, but you chose Tsubame Kitchen because it's closer to the InterContinental The Strings Tokyo... I, of course, lack that kind of sense of smell, but I somehow feel like you might want to go to the more memorable Tsubame Grill. Certainly, Atré Shinagawa always seemed busy (though I haven't actually been inside). If Tsubame Kitchen is too crowded and guests are forming long lines, at least I'd happily move to the larger-capacity Tsubame Grill. Yes, unlike Okayama, Friday nights in Tokyo are really dependent on the situation... I'm also praying that it won't be crowded. But neither of them takes reservations, huh? It seems more like a bistro where we can drop by casually rather than a formal restaurant.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Asahi Super Dry seems to be fairly well appreciated by the Japanese. I've presented data on alcohol consumption, especially beer consumption, at some medical conference before. When defining those who drink more than 1.5 liters of beer per day as heavy beer drinkers and investigating their brand preferences, over 70% preferred Asahi Super Dry. This brand was launched in 1987, so before its release, most people drank Kirin Lager. Furthermore, when asked why they switched from Kirin Lager to Asahi Super Dry, they said, "While I get tired of drinking Kirin Lager after a while, I never get tired of Asahi Super Dry, so I can drink a lot of it ♪." It's also a bit of a revelation, even for me, to hear a doctor who enjoys drinking alcohol make such a presentation (lol).
You and I still haven't received a reply from your senior regarding our comments as of now, so I'll write them here instead (lol).
ReplyDeleteHmm, as an outsider, I can't accurately assess whether "the study of selling vegetables every day and taking care of cows" refers to the "Faculty of Agriculture." However, it seems closer to my image of "agriculture" or "primary industry" itself rather than the "Faculty of Agriculture." By the way, who is the old man who used to be a professor of political economy at Waseda University?
Regarding your suggestion for "the best idea that could solve things more fundamentally," could it possibly be "to divide Shizuoka Prefecture into two and cede it to Yamanashi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture"? Indeed, this idea might instantly solve at least the Linear Shinkansen issue.
Additionally, as a punishment (?), I'd like to add some thoughts on the matter of "deciding that only the Kodama will stop in Shizuoka Prefecture." The Nozomi, which started operating in 1992, is a dream super express that connects Tokyo and Shin-Osaka in about 2 and a half hours, but for the people of Shizuoka Prefecture, it might be an "irrelevant train." This is because Shizuoka Prefecture has six of the most stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen, including Atami, Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Shizuoka, Kakegawa, and Hamamatsu, but the Nozomi doesn't stop at any of these stations. So, even if it were decided now that only the Kodama will stop, I don't think the people of Shizuoka Prefecture would be greatly inconvenienced. Of course, it would be troublesome if even the Hikari passed through Shizuoka Prefecture.
Right, so you're also a camera enthusiast from childhood. Wait, aren't you being modest? Aren't you not an "enthusiast" but rather a "professional"? Since you've been exposed to cameras since nursery school, you have much more experience than your senior who started in junior high school. Furthermore, when you entered junior high and there was no photography club, you founded one!? That's amazing dedication.
And then you graduated at the top of a photography college... I don't know how many students there were at that photography college, but that's still impressive. And you became a professional, working not for K Gaho Magazine (lol) but for F Gaho Magazine.
I apologize to your senior, but when it comes to photography, I'll personally judge that you, the junior, are superior (Senior, I'm sorry).
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteThe Senior-san at T-Gakuen is a very smart guy. When I joined the same Photo-club, other members told me I am as smart and knowledgeable as the Senior-san. I had no idea who the hell he is until encountered in person, but since I saw him I totally understood other guys’ opinion – Senior-san is a very smart and knowledgeable.
It is interesting when the Internet became common, the alumni of the school of selling vegetables / caring cows were shown over the Internet rather than the school of industrial technology… no wonder we are the 農 of 士農工商 amongst the schools of T-Galuen. (btw. 士 stands for 師範 = faculty of Education)
And my mid school required joining one of the club activities. Because of missing of photography or science clubs, I once joined tennis circle but immediately gave up, then joined ESS, the English Speech Society. I also tried to quit ESS but the professors didn’t allow me to quit – I had to be representing the mid school or the county for the speech contest. (sigh) However, I was lucky as well. The science teacher was my dad’s friend and he is the brother of the owner of photo shop close by. Therefore, he is happy to be a supervisor of the photo-club and allow club members to use the resources of science lab. We had to buy and bring the films, papers and chemicals, of course. But when acetic acid (works as developing stopper) was out of our stock, we couldn’t refrain experimenting other acids such as sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric or citric acid. It was fun expecting the results – i.e. hydrochloric acid brings back metal silver to silver halide so the image goes white, or nitric acid melts the silver so the entire silver on the paper will be lost – and our guess was right. Those were a great training for the chemistry.
§
The filthy ugly disgusting ex-professor of political economy at Waseda University was the Governor of Shizuoka. I am glad I didn’t attend such school but learned how to sell veggies and caring cows. (lol)
Besides giving Tsubakuro area (not Tsubame Grill but same kanji) to Yamanashi and Nagano, Izu Peninsular or at least City of Atami must be given to Kanagawa. We Kanto people recognize Izu is a part of Kanto and Atami is a extended part of Odawara. Actually, the coverage of TV stations are similar to Hakone and the weather forecast of NHK Tokyo covers Izu Peninsular.
§
I had set my ‘goal’ of life – Riding maglev from Shinagawa to Nakatsugawa to buy Kurikinton. I primarily expected it would happen in 2027 so I can achieve this easily within my healthy period. Now it might be much more difficult because of that filthy ugly disgusting ex-professor of political economy at Waseda University.
Furthermore, unbelievably, he chanted a poem by Hosokawa Gracia when he resigns – that poet was the one when Gracia committed her suicide, so the ex-Governer of Shizuoka must kill himself. But I don’t expect someone assassinate him because he doesn’t have worth to be killed by someone else. (LoL)
Shame on Shizuoka!
Maglev is everything!
I only experienced two – Shanghai Maglev and the one at Tsukuba Expo powered by JAL. I really jealous Senior-san because he already experienced the Maglev in Yamanashi.
Honestly speaking, from my perspective, both you and your Senior at T are very intelligent individuals, albeit in different ways. I agree that your Senior is knowledgeable, but I believe you possess even more knowledge, especially when it comes to computer-related topics including the internet — your expertise is professional-level, or should I say, ex-professional. Otherwise, you wouldn't have a chance to shine in an organization like Sega.
ReplyDeleteOh, so in your junior high school, participation in club activities was mandatory? I mostly belonged to the "帰宅部," so I can't comment much, but back when we were in junior high school, the tennis club and ESS were quite popular. You tried to quit ESS, but you weren't allowed to – that's probably because (and still is, I'm sure) your English speaking ability was outstanding.
By the way, there was an Esperanto club at my university. I was invited to join, and I peeked in briefly, but I declined the invitation politely because I sensed a resistance towards the imperialistic attitude of considering English as the lingua franca.
Nevertheless, the story about photo club members utilizing the resources of the science lab is quite intriguing. I see, acetic acid is used to stop development, huh? And your experiments with other acids like hydrochloric or nitric acid, and the process and results of trying to prove your hypotheses, show your sincere attitude towards the study of chemistry.
On the other hand, I chose chemistry for my university entrance exams but never grew fond of it. I didn't even choose biology. I was more of the type to earn points through mathematics and physics, so I managed to get through the exams somehow. But once I entered medical school, avoiding biochemistry and biology was not an option (of course), and I struggled a bit.
I see, so the ex-professor of political economy at Waseda University became the Governor of Shizuoka. As I said before, I initially wanted to enter the Faculty of Economics. The entrance exams for the School of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University required Japanese, which I was weak at, but social studies were optional, and I could choose between Mathematics I and social studies. Being a science-oriented exam taker, I challenged it.
Sure enough, the questions in Mathematics I, even for a prestigious private university like Waseda, were quite challenging, but being a science exam taker for a national university, if I mobilized my knowledge up to Mathematics III, I could manage to score reasonably well and passed the exam.
If I had failed all the medical school entrance exams and entered Waseda University, would I have been taught political economy by this governor? Thinking about it now, I'm glad I didn't go to such a department. In my current profession, I can't sell things, but at least I learned how to care for sick people. Of course, I cannot care for sick cows at all, hahaha.
You believe that the Izu Peninsula, at least Atami City, should belong to Kanagawa Prefecture because people from the Kanto region consider Izu as part of Kanto, and Atami as an extension of Odawara. I was born and raised in western Japan, so I can't speak any, but somehow I agree with that opinion.
When I was in first grade of junior high school, my family took a trip to Shimoda. I'm not sure why Shimoda was chosen as the destination, but I remember the itinerary vividly. We took a JNR express train from Okayama to Shin-Osaka, transferred to the Shinkansen Kodama to Atami, then the express Amagi to Izu-Kyu Shimoda, and stayed at a place called Kurofune Hotel. I'm amazed that this hotel is still in operation, and I hope to visit again someday.
On the way back, due to my father's desire to ride the Hikari (I'm sure the Hikari didn’t stop at Atami at that time), we took the express Amagi again to its final stop, Tokyo, and then went all the way to Shin-Osaka on the Hikari. I think we spent only a short time in Tokyo, but for my father, it was his FIRST and LAST trip to Tokyo in his life…
Oops, once again, my story went off track as usual.