And now...

...US beer and cola.

Sliding Doors

I stepped on the train and doors closed behind me. As the train shook, I clung to one of the hand rings over head like Mitch Gaylord and shuffled my feet. A man, perhaps in his fifties, threw me smile. I smiled and nodded. He then leaned forward and with great clarity said, "Do you speak English?" and I again nodded.

He continued, "30 years ago I moved from Osaka to Tokyo for my job. The people from Osaka thought I strange too. People from Osaka speak very different. We use different expressions, different pronunciation and many local words. Don't worry, you will be okay soon".

Don't know what prompted him to say this but I smiled for the rest of the day. The sky was gleaming at 6pm, the start of the evening shade. Do I say "evening" or "afternoon"? I don't know.

And now...

...$12 Grape fruits.

Today was their Birthday

Friday was a blast. With a Japanese, French, American, and Spanish crowd, the UN feel was a buzz. Unfortunately my chef extradonaire Ms. Ayumi couldn't make to her jaunt through the Caribbean Sea for the next couple of weeks, but Dominoes filled in adequately to kill the hunger.

With Nishikubo-San on the skins and Eisaku "Isaac" Takami driving guitar lead and myself riding shot gun, we threw down "Happy Birthday", "Pagan", "13th Hour" and others for the crowds enjoyment.

Great Pics for Kicks

Hiya folks. Quick post, new cruise spot. My buddy Jim Valencia has a great blog, showcasing his great eye for photography. Want to see how a pro does it? Want to see the Kobe/Kansai area of Japan captured on a Nikon? Please cruise on by. Cheers.

Good crowd, good times

Great crowd at Common Café last Friday. Many new faces and all seats were filled. Ayumi-san was throwing down the Cuban/Puerto Rican food, and before the end of the night, it was sold out. Doing it all again Friday, March 13th. Hope to see everyone again.

Boozing it up in '09

Well back in swing at Common Cafe in Umeda, Osaka next Friday, January 30th. To kick off the new year, bring a friend whose never been to CC before, get one free mixed drink!

Hope to see you there!