During my stay in Japan I hooked up with Yuta Sakaguchi of Tokyo Daily Life. Tokyo Daily Life introduces attractive points of Japanese daily life to people all over the world! In this video Yuta (writer / creator) tells you all about what you’ll find their Facebook/Twitter/Instagram pages. This video is the first of four videos to be premiered on my blog featuring Tokyo Daily Life.
My next #SEANOUN is a person named Keegan Hall. Keegan is a Marketing Expert from Seattle,WA. Check out this video to hear his favorite quote and how it applies to business. Follow Keegan on twitter
My Second #SEANOUNS video is of a person named Brandon Foy AKA phnk. Brandon is an individual with a great story and a excellent sound. Check out this video to know how this musical artist works in his Seattle based studio and also about his inspirations.
To find out more about PHNK go to phnkMusic.com or his Facebook fan page .
Some thoughts on why I travel
Saint Augustine is quoted by saying, ” The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” I feel there’s something about going traveling that changes you. When you travel to different places you are exposed to different ideas, concepts and ways doing things that might not be your own. After being exposed you might find this alternative ways of doing things might be better, thus changing your outlook and perspective on life. I believe a lot of cultural acceptance can be obtained by visiting other cultures and understanding why they do what they do.
The picture on top is a mural by JESSE HARRIS and was taken from my adventures in Toronto,ON.
First let me start things off by saying, I am not really a runner. I think the most I’ve ever ran in one sitting was something like 2 miles and that was pushing it. Last year was my first time doing the Run with Abe and let me tell you it was a bit more challenging than I thought. Even though the 5k was not super easy for for me, I did realized it’s was less about where you placed and more about the experience. In the end I placed in the middle of the pack and I felt good about donating to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year I will be registering for The Run With Abe 5k. I’m planning on bringing my camera and documenting my experiences at the race so expect a video soon. I hope to see you there.
If you’re interested here are the details:
Run With Abe 5k
Seward Park (Seattle)
April 28, 2013
8:30 Registration 9:30
If you like fun footage you might like this one. A short feature of four friends traveling from Sydney to the Gold Coast. All footage captured through iPhone.
Now that I’m nearing the end of my stay in Tokyo, I’m going to list out the top five things you’re going to need to know when visiting Tokyo under 90 days. If this is your first time it might be useful. I hope this helps you or someone you know.
1. STAY CALM
Right after you leave the airport you’re in for a rush of busy activity. Tokyo is a big city with small corners and bright lights. I seems like every one is in some sort of rush to go somewhere. If your Japanese language skills aren’t up to par the idea of getting around the city can be quite intimidating. Don’t worry! Most places have integrated english into their signage. This includes Trains, Maps, Menus and others. Some Japanese around town know a small bit of english so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Buy a Suica card at the Airport
A Sucia card is a like a charge card for for the JR trains & Subway system of Tokyo. You can even use the Suica to buy any items at connivence stores like 711, Family Mart and Lawsons. It’s a good item to have if you don’t understand the subway system. All you have to do is swipe over the over the entry gate and go! The scanner at the gate is so strong you can even swipe through your wallet, like most Japanese.
3. Do your research
Every country has different holidays, weather patterns and special occasions. These instances can change your experience dramatically. For instance if you’re traveling to Japan around New Years time. During New years most Japanese will be on holiday, therefore students are out of school, people are off work and lines maybe longer at your popular attractions (Disneyland, Concerts, etc).
4. Look to purchase everything before you enter Japan if you can
There are a bunch of sweet deals you can get while you’re outside Japan that can’t get while inside. Like for instance the JR pass. The JR pass is a ticket that will allow you ride the Shinkansen (bullet train) and all JR trains as many times as you want for a select amount of days. This item is important if you want to travel to other major cities like Kobe, Kyoto or Osaka. Once your inside you cannot purchase this ticket and it will cost you each way around $150. Yikes!
5. No free wifi
Most places in the US and in Canada have options for free wifi. In Japan this is not true. Free wifi is almost impossible to find. If you do find it it super slow or really hard to connect to your favorite social media apps. I would set up to rent a internet dongle at the airport. This way you can use your personal device at your connivence. If you must search around for free wifi here are a few options I’ve found. Other than that you’re on your own.
7eleven / look for “7spot”
Some malls and subway / look for “wifine”
The Apple store
Tokyo station and major stations / look for “JR East wifi”
Other than that you’re on your own. Have fun!
For those who have been following my Twitter, Instagram or other social media streams you know I have been using the hashtag #FlyingGaijin. After I recieved a few questions about it I realized I failed to tell you what that means. Duh! I assumed everyone spoke Japanese.
Flyin = Flying (You all know this)
Gaijin (sounds like Guy jean)= Japanese term for foreigner, alien or outsider
Flying Foreigner
Simple enough right? If you didn’t know any Japanese at all this is your first successful lesson!
The holiday season is here again and chances are you or someone you know is traveling somewhere. My questions is, what’s in your flight bag? Everyone packs different things in their carry on bag. My bag seems to be very tech dominated, while your’s could be mostly snacks, make up or entertainment magazines. Show me what you got! Safe travels.
Carry on Bag (Briggs and Riley) contents:
Passport
Sunglasses
iPad
iPhone
Pen
Chapstick
Reading books
Bose (noise canceling headphones)
Extra clothes (Rolled not folded)
Toiletries