Tokyo Marathon 2009

Have you ever watched a marathon in person? Toyko 2009 was my first. It was so overwelming just getting from place to place, wading through the crowds, and watching so many people exert themselves so much, I am completely pooped. I can only imagine how the 30,000 some participants must feel: a little out of sorts, perhaps. My reasons for cruising all over town to catch bits and pieces of the festivities was to support my good buddy Dave* who ran like the dickens, beating his goal time by some 30 seconds. For all the stats and times, you'll have to check in with his blog tomorrow where he'll have a much better wrap up than me. Despite getting rather lost (numerous times) on a rented bike that had only one speed that wasn't exactly perfect for the starting and stopping required for city sidewalk riding* and getting a little wet and really wind blown, it was a good day. There is nothing like a good mission to give purpose to your day.

Sunday March 22 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Sun 22nd Mar, 2009 10:25 am PDT hannah said: A few years ago I had the chance to watch the Chicago Marathon. For some reason, I felt it was very moving and inspiring, but I stayed in one place while I watched. ************************ on Sun 22nd Mar, 2009 01:41 pm PDT David's parents said: Thanks for the update Wren! Great job on the photography - wish we could have been there. We were so excited to check in "real time" David's pace every 5km - glad the Tokyo Marathon had that on their website. Great you were able to be there to David - I'm sure he really appreciated it :-) ************************ on Sun 22nd Mar, 2009 11:59 pm PDT Joe said: congrats to dave. I've seen a couple marathons, Portland and the one in Seattle Tim ran in. So much respect for people that can finish a marathon, I just don't have that in me. ************************ on Mon 23rd Mar, 2009 05:24 pm PDT K said: Got my sumo wrestler postcard today! ************************ on Tue 24th Mar, 2009 06:57 am PDT Dave said: You were awesome, Wren. I couldn't figure out how you kept beating me to various points on the course. I'm glad to know you were cheating. Really, thanks for being there and being obnoxiously vocal. ************************

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Turlets of Japan

I've heard stories of the crazy turlets* in Japan and how they analyze your pee to make sure you are getting enough iron and tell you all sorts of fables to inspire you to do your best in there. Well, I haven't found any that do any of that, but I have found a few difference that are kind of interesting. First, the picture at right* is of a fancy turlet they've had at the last couple hostels I've stayed. There is a built in bidet, deoderizer, flushing sounds that cover up "bathroom noises", and more. It is all a little fancy for me, but some people dig it. The one thing that I don't like about these toilets (besides the fact that they are overkill and use energy needlessly) is the heated seat that I haven't figured out how to turn off. My butt produces plenty of its own heat, thank you very much. Second is the ubitquitous squatty potty. They were all over SE Asia and China when I was there a couple years ago but I don't think I ever got a proper picture of one. It is rare to find them in the fancy places in Japan, but this one was in a small park that was definitely off the beaten path. Again, they don't quite do it for me, but some people love them. Finally, perhaps the best turlet invention I've seen in Japan, is the hand washing station built in to the toilet. The water that goes to fill the toilet tank first comes through a faucet so you can use it to wash your hands. Genius, I say! They make most sense in public washrooms that will be flushed every use*. As an added benefit of saving water by providing it for hand washing, it goes to demonstrate how much water is used by each flush of a toilet. The first time I used it, I frantically looked around for the off switch because I had finished washing my hands and it killed me to see the faucet still running. Then I realized it was okay. My only critique of this particular turlet is that enthusiastic handwashing can leave water on the back of the toilet seat, which is never pleasant for the next person to us. Yep, culture, food, and beautiful sights are not all that catch my eye when traveling. Some things just can't help but be noticed.

Friday March 20 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Fri 20th Mar, 2009 06:31 pm PDT Ryan said: I like how you took a sneaky photo inside the ladies restroom. ************************ on Fri 20th Mar, 2009 07:16 pm PDT Saxtor said: Hmmm, Ryan. I'm not sure which photo you're talking about. Both the Washlet toilet seat, with it's *ahem* multidirectional spray apparatus and the squatty potty are unisex turlet devices. And both quite brilliant to boot. You can expect to find both (as well as the wonderful egg-shaped Japanese urinals) if I ever such a say in the bathroom fixtures of a living space. ************************ on Fri 20th Mar, 2009 07:29 pm PDT Nesbitt said: While the heated seat may waist energy in some situations, I found that it saved energy in the winter in Japanese houses that are usually only heated in the room that you are using. Thus, in the dead of winter a heated seat in a non-heated bathroom is quite nice. ************************ on Fri 20th Mar, 2009 11:50 pm PDT per said: The squatty potty scored quite a bit of design appreciation on my part when it comes to doing yer business. Not many other turlets will free yer bum from any unsightly mess on the rim or the random pube in need a dainty swab. Squatty potty, you have my heart. ************************ on Sat 21st Mar, 2009 08:23 pm PDT Sean said: True conservers know that if it's brown, let it hang around ************************ on Mon 23rd Mar, 2009 12:21 am PDT Joe said: lol is that spray button icon a butt or boobs? haha...I don't agree with the heated seat. I like the comfort of the cold seat, because I don't wanna think about the butt that was just sitting where I am now. When I moved into that house in Anacortes, where my grandma lived prior, she had a soft cushioned toilet seat, and it was always warm when you'd sit down. oh i hated that, it had to go immediately. ************************ on Mon 23rd Mar, 2009 12:21 am PDT Joe said: lol is that spray button icon a butt or boobs? haha...I don't agree with the heated seat. I like the comfort of the cold seat, because I don't wanna think about the butt that was just sitting where I am now. When I moved into that house in Anacortes, where my grandma lived prior, she had a soft cushioned toilet seat, and it was always warm when you'd sit down. oh i hated that, it had to go immediately. ************************ on Mon 23rd Mar, 2009 12:22 am PDT Joe said: sorry about the double post wren, clearly this site has issues ;-) ************************ on Mon 23rd Mar, 2009 08:15 am PDT Hope said: We saw the bidet and the hand washer at an eco friendly home in Omaha NE. Who says we're behind (bwa ha) things in the midwest? ************************

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Kyoto Photo Wall

Tuesday March 17 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Tue 17th Mar, 2009 09:04 pm PDT Wren said: Kyoto photo wall. Get it? Damn I`m clever. ************************ on Tue 17th Mar, 2009 10:04 pm PDT Mom said: Sorry, I don't get it. But, hey, it's good to see the old familiar crossword cum chow back again. ************************ on Tue 17th Mar, 2009 10:32 pm PDT Saxtor said: I get it Wren...good show! Ramen = yum! Kappa maki = yum! Kyoto = AMAZING! If you're still there for a day or two, this came to me as highly recommended, but never got to do it: Johnnie's Kyoto Walking ************************ on Tue 17th Mar, 2009 10:39 pm PDT Saxtor said: It should be noted that Myke, Andrew and myself got our own walking tour. I was determined to get a locally brewed beer (not very common in Japan) and we set off with "directions"* It ended up being a massive cross-town ordeal that included some very friendly policemen drawing a VERY detailed map of the Western half of the city and culminated ended with a closed bar, much frustration and VERY tired feet. ************************ on Wed 18th Mar, 2009 12:41 pm PDT Joe said: That pavillion place looks really cool. ************************ on Wed 18th Mar, 2009 06:33 pm PDT Mom said: I like that vertical Mahjong game--cool. ************************

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Another Travel Quote for a Monday

"We'd now reached the stage familiar to all you seasoned travellers where one city starts looking pretty much like another. You know how it is; first time away from home, you start off thinking how wonderfully different everything is - gods, you say to yourself, in these parts they roof their cattle-stalls with osiers and have an entirely different way of lacing their boots, isn't this incredible? And after a while, once you've trudged far enough and seen enough of the cities of mortal men, you tend only to notice the similarities, the basic shapes that are common to all human settlements - here's the city gate, here's the square, here's the well, here's the palace wall, big deal. I don't know if either way of seeing things is right, or better than the other, although you could say that since the latter view comes with age and experience, it ought to be wiser and therefore more valid. But I don't know. Don't care much either." Tom Holt, Olympiad I don't intend for this passage to be indicative of the way I'm feeling (I see and appreciate new things everyday), but I came across it in the book I'm reading* and it definitely struck a chord and got me thinking about differences and sames, and how we choose to focus on one or the other and to what degree that can – well, suffisive to say, it made me think.

Monday March 16 2009

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Sakurajima Public Footspa

A good idea is a good idea, and today I stumbled on just that: footspas are a good idea. If someone said, "Hey, I've got a good idea. Let's go to a footspa.", I would respond with something along the lines of, "thanks but not thanks." Luckily no one told me to go to footspas. I stumbled upon them all by myself.* I'm now in Kagoshima, the southern most point in "mainland"* Japan. Just across the bay sits an active volcano. The plan for the day was to ferry across the bay, go climb up the volcano (or at least to wherever they allow), take a picture*, and then come back. My encounter of the footspa came at just the right time. There is just something about sitting outdoors almost up to your knees in [naturally] warm water after a respectable hike and watching a wonderful sunset. If I had brought a clean pair of socks, it would have been that much better, but I'm not going to complain.

Sunday March 15 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Sun 15th Mar, 2009 07:38 pm PDT melissa (in toronto) said: living vicariously through your posts.. can almost feel the water warming up my frostbitten toes! (okok an exaggeration) looking forward to more adventures! ************************ on Sun 15th Mar, 2009 08:38 pm PDT per said: 'stumbled upon a footspa' Brilliant!The Japanese don't foots around with soul contact. Sorry, Wren but seriously if you come across some Jika-tabi I would consider giving my first born (plus the going rate) for a pair of work boots. ************************ on Mon 16th Mar, 2009 12:03 am PDT Wren said: Per, what size? A mission is always a great thing to have when traveling. ************************ on Mon 16th Mar, 2009 01:13 am PDT Joe said: is that so your centaur costume will be all the more believable per? ;-) they look like hooves. ************************

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Ode to Beach Trash

Ode to Beach Trash Why, beach trash, why Is all I can say My time at the beach Has been ruined today In this idyllic place With so few people around Your bottles and packaging Seem to cover the ground Floats, ropes, and buoys Cans, bulbs, and crates Lighters, balls, and pens Flip flops without mates If I block out this feeling Deep in my sould There is much intrigue That your treasures hold "Hey this might be useful" Or "Wow, look at that" "I didn't know it til now but I need a hard hat" But that feeling creeps back One of sickness and gloom Each time at the beach It seems to linger and loom But you're not to blame You're the victim here It's us humans that did this That fact is quite clear We use and consume At a furious pace Sometimes forgetting To put trash in its place Still if we do Put trash in the can It could end up here Atop your fine sand 'Cause stryofoam and plastic Don't ever die We often forget that When we choose what to buy Though it may not be pretty I take your image to heart And share with my friends So we can all do our part Why, beach trash, why Have we caused you to be But give us a chance We'll change, wait and see

Thursday March 12 2009

File under: Japan, poetry

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on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 10:33 am PDT Amanda said: Harkens back to The Lorax ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:30 pm PDT Mom said: Me thinks you have found yourself a job, matey. Pull out those latex gloves and get to work cleaning up those beaches! A few big black plastic bags, a day at the beach, and bingo you've got yourself a pristine hideaway, eh? ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:38 pm PDT Jule said: All that beach trash and I have yet to find a glass fishing float!!! If you find one, it is MINE! ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:46 pm PDT Wren said: I found the bottom seam thing to a couple but no dice on the full deal. I'll keep my eye out, though. ************************ on Sat 14th Mar, 2009 10:51 am PDT Andrew said: Ahh crap! There's my water bottle! I was looking for that! ************************ on Sat 14th Mar, 2009 05:15 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: yes! Glass float! Yes, please! Looks like you have a new E.P.O.T.M! ************************ on Sun 22nd Mar, 2009 03:42 pm PDT Mira said: I'm using this one in class.Thanks for the birthday greeting. Where will you find my next one? ************************ on Fri 27th Mar, 2009 11:14 am PDT rus said: sometimes if it aint too bad I try to pick a little of it up. Im not doing anymuch else anyway. ************************

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Proper Zamami Post

Satellite image of Zamami courtesy of Google Maps Zamami Island, where I've been staying with Dave Sensei the last week, is a special place. I felt that my previous Zamami post didn't really do it justice, so I've worked up a proper one so you can hopefully share in some of its specialness. Zamami, part of the Kerama archipelago, is some 40km* from Okinawa, although it feels much farther*. Its 6.5 square miles of area are basically covered by 15 or so miles of paved roads, which can easily be explored by bicycle* in one day. Of the 600 inhabitants of the island, 500 live in the main village, a perfectly sized city, at least for some good down time. (Here's a shot of Dave walking to school on Main Street*.) Big enough for a few restaurants but small enough that you start to recognize the same people around town, it has served as a great counterpoint to Taipei and some of the other cities of Taiwan for me. Despite the small size of things, there is plenty to explore. (With exploration, of course, comes geocaching.) Around the island on tops of various bluffs and hills, there are 5 observatories for checking out the views and trying to spot whales. Beaches and snorkeling are popular (when it isn't raining, of course) which I hope to get some time in for later this week. But my favorite activity so far is just soaking in the wonderful small town vibe. Having an in with the community to introduce me around and get us invitiations to community-type events has only helped that vibe. People have been asking me, "How's Japan?" I'm somewhat unable to respond. I know practically nothing of cultural/societal Japan is represented here on this island. But time for Japan culture and society will come soon enough. For now, I'm enjoying Zamami.

Monday March 9 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Mon 09th Mar, 2009 08:55 pm PDT Mom said: Any of those 6-ft long I-G-B-Y-A-W-Y-C-A-S-Y snakes there? ************************ on Tue 10th Mar, 2009 08:00 pm PDT Joe said: was that an ipod in that geocache??that place looks awesome, looks like it has a great vibe, beautiful. ************************ on Wed 11th Mar, 2009 01:49 am PDT Juline said: Geocaching! Have you been doing it throughout the trip? What kind of items are in a Japanese geocache? ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 06:39 am PDT Dave's Dad said: Wren i am glad you are keeping us informed of your stay on Zamami as it seems your host doesn't seem to have time! Have a great time. ************************

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Quote For Monday - Traveler Edition

A friend sent me this quote today and I've been thinking about it all day. Unrelatedly, another friend asked what happened to my Monday quote series. Talk about kismet. "Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty—his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure.� - Aldous Huxley

Monday March 9 2009

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on Mon 09th Mar, 2009 07:25 pm PDT Juline said: I was thinking along those lines when you posted about your inactivity the other day. Hope you bring back the weekly quote feature. ************************

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Rainy Days on Zamami

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. That's pretty much been my sentiment since arriving here on Zamami. My usual routine of roaming aimlessly around looking for neat stuff and taking silly pictures has been greatly curtailed. I got one good roam session in in the 4 days I've been here. Said roam session was great as I saw beaches, tiny villages, and more, but my legs are getting restless. Luckily there have been indoor activities to keep me not only entertained, but getting a backdoor look at the Japanese (or at least Zamamian) culture. I got to watch Dave's Taiko drumming class practice where presentation was focused on just as much as the music being produced. We also went to his boss's house last night to watch Japan play Korea in the World Baseball Championship*. A night of being in a place where I was the only one that didn't speak Japanese* is a definite cultural experience. And in a brief window of no rain, Dave and I headed out to meet up with his grade schoolers from Geruma while they were on a field trip. It basically turned into babysitting duty/play time. As per usual, my juggling and stupid human tricks made an appearance with positive results. While nights sitting around a room not knowing what's going on or spending a couple hours having pillow fights with kids isn't my normal independent travel routine, it is my experience on Zamami so far and you aren't going to hear me complain.

Saturday March 7 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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I Undress Myself

I'm working up a post about Zamami, the island I'm currently staying on, but don't want to rush it. (There hasn't been much good light for taking pictures recently*.) Anyway, in the meantime, enjoy this sign I ran across on the ferry out here from Okinawa. I sure did.

Friday March 6 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 09:49 am PST Mom said: Is this a promotion for schizophrenia or self censorship? ************************ on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 11:34 am PST Saxtor said: That reminds me of the Divinyls song. ************************ on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 11:25 pm PST Joe said: is that a common enough occurrence to warrant a sign? ************************

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