Sakura in Washington

In spring in Japan there is a tradition of “viewing the cherry blossoms” called “Hanami, which is not to be confused with the viewing of fireworks called “Hanabi”.  Hanami is basically a time to sit under a cherry tree, enjoy the view, hang out with family and freinds, and most importantly get PLASTERED!!  Hanami parties are some of the best parties you can go to in Japan, especially for a “Gaijin” (No Japanese).  I remember many times just walking home from work and being invited to join complete strangers for a drink or two and some wonderful food (mostly drinking). 

The wifey and I went driving the other day and noticed that there were what we thought were cherry blossom trees.  After a couple double takes we relized that they were indeed cherry trees.   We wondered if there were any Hanami parites going on or was it a little too cold to throw one.  We thought that it would be cool to have a BBQ under the Sakura Trees with some of our friends, but don’t think we can do it this year.  Perhaps next year we can organize an official Hanami party. 

Sakura - Cherry Blossom in Japanese

Gaijin - Foreignor in Japanese

Hanami - Flower viewing usually Cherry Blossoms

Hanabi - Fireworks viewing

Japanese Food Party Foul!

Okay so we went to eat dinner at this so “Japanese” food restaurant last night.  I was suprised that they had “Chicken Nanba”, which is a dish that was born in Miyazaki, Japan.  They serve it at many places in Japan and I would always buy it at “Hokka Hokka Tei” a take out food chain in Japan.  This place, The Bento Box (iirc) had it on the menu and of course I ordered it.  Well to my suprise what I got was nothing like the Chick Nanba I was used to eating in Japan.  I am not even sure what the heck it was.  It was more like a cross between teriyaki and ginger chicken.  Not to say that it wasn’t good, because it was pretty good, but it wasn’t what I expected!!  Another problem with the place was that this Bento cost $9 freaking dollars!!  Is that the Bellevue price or what?  The staff at this place was very nice and the service was great but I am not sure if we will go back again.  So far, I haven’t been too impressed with the Japanese food in Seattle.  Anyone out there in Seattle know of a good Japanese food restaurant?  I will continue to try and find one and document along the way. 

-ET

Seattle Ho’s and Slut’s

Seattle S.L.U.T.

Getting a DSLR

I am picking up a Digital SLR Camera this weekend, for sure!!  The battle is between the Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80.  The Nikon is a couple hundred extra as compared to the Canon, so I am really debating which way to go. 

I know both will take excellent pictures and you will really be able to see and feel Seattle and where ever else I go.  Which is usually Japan and Hawaii for longer vacations, and shorter vacations will probably be around the Pacific North West.  Currently I am using a $150 Nikon point and shoot and my cell phone, so any of these two camera’s will be a big leap in quality. 

I haven’t used a DSLR but have a little experience with a Flim SLR.  It will be interesting to see what kind of stuff I can do with a DSLR.  I am planning to really read the manual and understand every feature of the camera, since:

1. They are expensive
2. I will have it for a while
3. I love technology
4. Faster to get on the web than video

Tonight or tomorrow is the day!! I must decide very, very, very soon which to get!?!?!?

Seattle isn’t really that cold

I moved from Hawaii in January and I have to say that Seattle hasn’t really been that cold.  I mean compared to Japan and other parts of the world in the winter, Washington State isn’t that bad.  Disclaimer:  I know it CAN get cold but so far on average it hasn’t been too bad from a Kamaaina (Local person living in Hawaii).  I have a winter jacket that is usually too warm to wear during the day.  I end up having to take it off and put it back on.  I hope to pick up a lighter jacket, most likely one of those GoreTex ones, or any other similar material that keeps you warm and is waterproof. 

PS.  The days are getting longer now and I didn’t get too screwed up by day light savings time.  (The dont do that in Hawaii!!)

Seattle Life: “Was that Jesus?”

Is it me or is there a lot of facial hair in this city?  I was walking to work this morning from the bus station and i saw this dude that had hair just like Jesus!  The funny thing is I see all kinds of facial hair all day long, especially if you go to Whole Foods.  Every male staff member seemed to have a beard of some sort.  Is this a seasonal thing?  I don’t know yet but I am curious if during the summer I will see this many.  Hmmm… Just something i noticed in my first month of living in Seattle.

Bellevue Whole Foods

Took the family to the Bellevue Whole Foods on Saturday, and I have to say I was impressed.  It was the first time I actually “shopped” at a Whole Foods.  The service was excellent and it seemed that everyone there wanted to work there.  Not the usual “I only work here becuase it’s a job” like at most supermarkets.  The wifey, son, and I went up and down all the isles just to have a look at what was available.  We ended up spending about $20 or so, on some bakery items and some udon.  The guy at the fresh fish section almost had us buying some Alaskan king crab legs but we had that the night before so nice try my friend.  I told him we would have to wait until next payday. 

Some of our friends shop there exclusivily but I am not sure if we will do that.  It’s a little out of the way and our local supermarket carries a lot of the same brands and other organic alternatives.  I think it will be more of a monthly trip, or if we have nothing else to do type thing. 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention.  They have a mean deli section with all types of cooked foods!!  I had pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and califlower.  My wife had a salad and some sort of baked chicken.  We were both very satisfied with the meal!!