Tokyo Ginza Photography

Stuck at home on a Saturday night because of the crazy flood! Always a good time to catch up on photography posts. Took a 4 hour photography class in Tokyo one day and here are some shots.

Was walking by Ginza looking for good photo-ops when this adorable group of kids walked by me. Quite happy with the shot given the split second I had to compose it. Love how they're all in dresses and girly umbrellas!

"Following The Leader"

If there's one lesson I took from the classes, it was to get over my fear of taking strangers -- at least in Japan. Here people are quite used to having you shoot at their faces. This was taken by a train station. The mom and child squats in front a small crowd as they watch a performer.

"The Asian Squat"

Was practicing on my metering making sure to get the right lighting of the subject's face under the shadow of the umbrella. Love how this man shows so much character. I've labeled the picture "Pah-yeeeee", which is a reminder of a cartoon my cousin and I used to laugh to when we were little. The man reminds me of that cartoon character.

"Pah-yeeeee"

Click on the link for more pictures from the trip: Tokyo Ginza Photos

ENJOY!!!

Too Many Gaijins...

So I’ve noticed that all my blogs have been revolving around food! To avoid sounding like a glutton who spends all her time munching away, I shall blog about something different.

GAIJIN.

Gaijin is a Japanese word referring to non-Japanese. If you’re looking for Gaijin – the Pong (a.k.a. Roppongi) is the place to go. To anyone who’s never been to Tokyo, I can't promise you’ll love or hate it, but Im sure you’ll always remember the experience. Make sure though that you go with only money you are willing to spend, and a full supply of energy to last till the sun goes up (Said with no exaggeration at all)! Im no Pong expert, but here's a list of places Ive been to in case you ever decide to make a visit...

The streets of Roppongi...

TRAIN BAR
Address: 1/F ROI Bldg 5-5-1 Roppongi Tel Num: (+81) 03-3423-0082 Website: http://www.trainbar.com

One Friday night, a few of our U.S. officemates were on vacation in Tokyo (last time I saw these guys was 2007? has it been that long?). After a few minutes of searching, and asking the Nigerians (yup, the Pong has tons of Nigerians who probably know the area best!) we found Train Bar. If you want a good mix of Japanese and Gaijin in a small intimate setting – it’s the place to be. BIG PLUS: They have a ton of rock CD's, and you can make your request!

With Aaron (one of my co-prisoners at the Hotel Hatchobori) and the Train Bar bartender (she speaks awesome English!). Hidden behind us is some random Romanian I met, hahaha!!!.

With our Informatica U.S. officemates, out to Tokyo for a visit. Showing them how its done in this side of the world!

A-971
Address: Tokyo Midtown East, 9-7-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.a971.com/

Its been a while since I hung out with my first Tokyo girlfriend. I head out with Marika (Aussie/Jap by decent) to Ebisu for some dinner, drinks and non-stop kwento (stories) about my recent engagement and her endless escapades. After dinner, we decide to head to this bar near Roppongi Hills (incidentally, its where we first met!). As always, our girl’s night out turned into another random Roppongi experience. Bumped into some people she knew, some I already knew, some I didn’t. (you know you’ve been in a country too long when you run into people you know in the streets, at bars… oh gosh…) As we were in Gaijin-town, everyone was Gaijin, a.k.a. English-speakers! That’s probably the only thing I like about Roppongi. So if you're looking for an upscale bar with 99% Gaijin...

This was the first time I met Mari at A-971 early 2008, has it been that long? At Mari's left is crazy Taka and Bob (the guy we never saw again!) at her right.

Mari and I on another random Pong-spree, 2009. See the difference?

FERIA
Address: B1F 7-13-7 Roppongi Minato-ku 106-0032 Tokyo
Tel Num: 03-5785-0656 Website: http://lounge-feria.jp
This is where you go if youre up for a party scene! Imagine... crowded and dancing with an eclectic mix of Japanese and Gaijins. Only thing I dont really like is that it resembles a New York club too much to the point that for a good 5 hours, you almost forget you're in Tokyo. Who wants to go to Tokyo to experience New York, right? But... for a night out of dancing with friends, pretty fun. Be ready to spend an arm and a leg though. Every move requires money out! To enter, to get a table, to rent a locker....

That's my officemate to the right and a bunch of his college friends. Notice the alchi? That got us a table for the night. Damage = Y13,000 / person not including entrance fees.

My officemate having fun with a sponsor lady at Feria (Zima - probably their version of lambanog! LOL)

There a bunch of other clubs, pubs, bars... around the area. But this is probably my top 3 joints at The Pong. Before I end the post though, I am obliged to share... there is a saying among us (credit to my ex-officemate, Kyle) Nothing good ever happens in Roppongi… so proceed with caution.

Took me one hour to figure out the rice cooker

So... Ive been coming back and forth for almost a year now, each time staying in a fully equipped apartment (man, can this spoil a lady!). The past 100 visits, I lived on Freshness burger down the road, or Pepper Lunch, that awesome revolving sushi place, or any of the million restaurants in every corner (again... man, can this spoil a lady!).

This trip, I've decided to become domesticated. I am getting married to a man who loves to eat soon - oh, the pressure is on!!! Plus, I find some fulfillment in learning to do something new. Back home, Id never really get the opportunity to cook (again... man, can this spoil a lady!). So, I have jumped at the opportunity to better myself. I am pleasantly surprised at what, even a a girl like me can do around the kitchen.

Around the corner from my apartment is an old lady that sells fruits and veggies. Its not always complete, but is extremely convenient and cheap. Ok... not cheap-CHEAP. But cheaper. 3 pieces of garlic = Y50. 3 tiny tiny avocados = Y100. 3 large onions = Y150 (i think?). apples/pears/etc... = Y400 or more (exagg! stay away from the fruits). Ill pass by tomorrow and get the prices. Note: 1 Yen = Pesos 0.5 = USD 0.01. Down Ningyocho-dori ("dori" means main road, "chome" means small street), there are a few small stores that sell a humble selection of raw fish, condiments, that kinda thing... With everything close by, its easy to stop for ingredients after work.

I must say though, I am very limited here. 1) I have no idea whats in the bottles: soy sauce? soba sauce? yakitori sauce? Ive been lucky with my guesses so far. 2) Who can tell whats what when everything in Japanese? I almost bought ham thinking it was chicken. Thank God for my limited Japanese ("Nan-de?" means what is that?). 3) Cooking for one is tough. I have too much raw ingredients that rot easily. Dont wanna eat the same thing every day, right? Lastly, not all ingredients are easily available (I want rosemary, and basil, and...)

I'm proud to say that I've made do with what I have and made some decent and some good dishes.

the tiny but complete kitchen I finally used

First few brainless dishes: Had to test the kitchen -- how to turn the stove on? How to chop? How to wash dishes? How to cook rice? man that rice cooker is hard to figure out! Most appliances in my apartment come with an English user manual. But NOT the rice cooker! First, I lived on rice with canned goods, Then I had to do the omelette with bread, had cheese, tomatoes, and spam. Awesome stuff. Then I did a few varieties of pasta, mostly used fresh mushrooms. Then I got confident and did adobong kangkong! I missed pinoy food. It was not bad for a first time. I wish I had a picture.

Second actual dish: Potato salad and pan-fried fish (the fish resembles salmon, but I dont think it is. Again, another con of not knowing Nihonggo). For the salad, I used local Japanese mayo, put some potatoes, chopped eggs, onions, a little avocado, seasoning, etc... I wanted to have it with grilled steak or chicken, but I couldnt find any nearby. So I settled for pan-fried fish with a little seasoning.

Third actual dish: Veggie-delight! Since Im going home soon, I figured I ought to use up all my leftover raw ingredients. Because of the friendly veggie vendor next door -- Ive got tons of veggies! Made boiled okra dipped in soy sauce and vinegar (this dish reminds me of home) and Stir-fried red bell peppers and onions/onion leaks. Again, I wish I had chicken to go with that. This dish turned out pretty yummy.

Tokyo Festivals and Food

Japanese festivals are very popular, they have one almost every weekend and for every occasion. Usually, they are held during the weekend by parks and temples and have a string of stalls that sell food, drinks and hold kiddie games.

Every festival offers similar food. Frequent dishes include okonomikayi (a japanese pancake), takoyaki (fried octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and fried potatoes.

OKONOMIYAKI

A Japanese pancake with all sorts of ingredients. Unlike a western pancake, this tastes more of ingredients than flour. If Im not mistaken, its originally from Osaka but its easy to find over Tokyo, especially at festivals such as this one. This picture was taken at a small festival right by Ueno park. Personally, Im not really fond of it. Its got this funky acquired taste, I still havent put a finger to what exactly it is. Maybe its the ginger, or the sauce (similar to Worcestersire but sweeter), or the fish flakes that move that they sprinkle on top...

YAKISOBA

Yakisoba is Japanese fried noodles made from wheat flour (similar to that found in ramen) and fried with a whole array of ingredients. From what I remember, there are veggies (usually cabbage, onions and carrots), pork bits, sauce for flavoring and ginger (again with the ginger!). My first experience of yakisoba was instant noodles - the type that cooks in hot water? I learned to actually like it, a reminder of my simpler days as a backpacker. This... tastes nothing like it. It almost tastes like chinese noodles, but with ginger. You know how I feel about ginger. So again, me and the traditional yakisoba dont go.

TAKOYAKI

Takoyaki is fried octopus balls - to me it actually tastes very similar to okonomiyaki. ITs got the octopus, and a variety of veggies, then topped with the funky fish flakes and japanese sweet sauce. Again... its got the ginger thing going on that Im not so fond of. Out of all the dishes, no matter which version I try, this one I cant seem eat and at all.

FRIED-O POTATO-O

Like my Japanese friend says -- say it like your retarded. Fried-o potato-o is usually what I go for in these festivals. I know it sounds boring, but they dont make it with the ginger I cant seem to dig! Usually the potato is fried with garlic and lathered with butter and salt. This picture above is cut, deep fried and sprinkled with your powedered flavoring of choice (mayo, wasabi, cheese, etc...)

Most festivals also have simple games. Y300-500 will earn you a small toy, if your lucky.


In this game, you are given a round hoop covered in paper. The challenge is to catch as many fish as you can without destroying the paper. Pretty innovative, dont you think?


This other one is just about catching any toy of your choice. There's actually no challenge to it as you can try as many times as possible, but i can imagine why kids would get excited!