This is Life

Friday, July 29, 2005

At Fuji Rock festival I saw Coldplay


Well, the shinkansen (bullet train) ride was pretty short actually. I am only 75 minutes to Tokyo from here by shink so that is great. I am really surprised by my situation, but I am probably in one of the areas closest to Tokyo. Niigata prefecture is really long and I am at the south end and am almost as far from Niigata city as I am from Tokyo. So, I think I'll be making plenty of trips to Tokyo. I am really, really, really happy about my location. It it so picturesque and looks a lot like the Swiss Alps, methinks. The thing is, we get a lot of snow here. We really aren't that far north, but for some reason we get as much snow as Hokkaido here. Go figure, I guess. Other than that, I haven't been able to explore my town too much yet, but I'll be getting my predecessor's car when she leaves.

Ok, so what's next? Oh yeah ... work. Um, well, the office is pretty boring and quiet at the moment because of summer break. I am actually looking forward to a little more chaos (I am sure I won`t be saying that for long). When I got picked up from the shink station we went straight to the school and I met some people, but most of the teachers are away right now. I have also been out to dinner with them a couple times and I have eaten Italian twice (I will try my third different Italian restaurant tonight, I hope). I have also gone to a soba restaurant. Cold noodles ... interesting. Actually, it wasn't bad and we had tempura too. This is pretty much Japanese junk food, but I'm not complaining. I have also met a handful of my students and have marked some of their essays. These kids are so sweet and funny and I am really looking forward to interacting with them. Oh, and a bunch of them wrote me letters welcoming me to Muikamachi and the high school. It was great.

I have also discovered the 100 yen shop (dollar store) or "Heaven on a stick" as my predecessor is fond of saying. They really are all they are cracked up to be. They actually have good stuff for a dollar as apposed to the junk they sell in N.America. Seriously, I think I could find a high-end hot-tub there if I keep my eyes open. And I have a Jusco here, which is basically like a Japanese walmart and so far it seems they have everything I could need (I'm sure I will find that this statement is not totally accurate eventually). Actually, now that I think about it, they don't have crushed tomatoes. They have canned tomatoes, but I can be a bit particular when it comes to ingredients. Anyway, it is nothing that a little food processing won't solve. They even have maple syrup. Italy didn't have maple syrup.

Oh, one other cool thing I got is my seal (stamp - don't know the name in Japanese ... maybe Hankou). My last name is now pronounced Ka-a-ku-ne-su and we (the teachers and I) were actually able to find some Kanji to go with my name and it kind of makes sense. I can't remember it exactly, but the 4 kanji represent flower-temple-mountain-river which can be fairly flexible in its meaning. You see, my last name literally means "church on a promintory." A promintory is a hillside that juts out into the sea, so it is surrounded by water. Anyway, it is a bit tough to explain the total significance without actually drawing it for you, but you 'll see it eventually somehow.

Ok, I could go on and on, but I must tell you about yesterday. Yesterday, July 29, was a very special day. On this day I went to the Fuji Rock festival and saw Coldplay. I was so bummed to not be able to see them in N.America because I would be in Japan and now I got to see them in Japan, and only 45 minutes from my town, nonetheless. The town the festival was in, Naebe, is kind of like Banff, but a lot smaller and less significant. It has a big ski hill (small by our standards) so that is the draw. Anyway, the event was on the ski hill and there were so many great bands here. I could not believe the lineup when I saw it. Go to http://www.smash-uk.com/frf05/ and check out the lineup and maybe a map. Seriously, have a good look up and down the lineup and you will for sure see a bunch of bands that you'd want to see ... if not, you are crazy

I only had a pass for Friday (which cost 12,000 yen - regular price was 16 or 18,000 yen) so we got there around 2 and watched Cake, then Kaiser Chiefs, then The Music, then COLDLAY, then Foo Fighters. I don't mind Foo Fighters, but I gotta say that Dave Grohl (lead singer as well as former drummer for Nirvana) is absolutely hilarious. I won't bother go into detail, but if you ever get a chance to see them it is worth it. He was really funny. As for Coldplay, well, it would have been better if I could have gotten closer. I mean, I had to have at least 3 or 4 people in front of me so I was pretty far from the stage ... if you think 10 feet is far!!! That's right, I was right up front. There was a security guard who was being a pain about me not using my camera, but I guess that's his job. Unfortunately, my job was to get some good pics and videos. I tried, but haven't yet looked to see if they were any good. Oh, and during the show they did a 2-song acoustic set in the walking area in front of the stage. So, the entire band was literally right in front of us. Since the Japanese were a bit quiet I was actually able to yell out what songs they should play next. It was cool, but they didn't actually play the song I suggested. I guess that means it wasn't so cool, but I don't care, I was giddy as a school boy after his first kiss. We went up to the mountainside to watch Foo Fighters close and like I already said, they were good, but Coldplay was awesome.

13 Comments:

At 8:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everyone celebrates. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]boutiques vanessa bruno [/url] He never told us his name, but we always called him the Great Spirit. There is also a chorus to the song, often about going "round and around," or "leaving this town.". This transaction will go through proper escrow + title procedure, with accurate documentation, full legal descriptions and a land parcel free and clear of pre-existing liens or encumbrances (or, if any, as fully disclosed) in a full and binding policy of title insurance.
While there, she is "befriended" by a very prominent and wealthy gentlemen. [url=http://www.icanadagooseca.com]canada goose outlet[/url] There's not many pets which could pull off a look of dressing in chic clothing and adorned with wonderful Chihuahua supplies. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose down jackets[/url] Big using a skinny reel associated with high heel pumps, jam packed with pretty! Christian Louboutin Wedding Fresh great with a thin eliminate associated with high-heeled trainers to wear fashion using the final captivating, acid wash denim glistening, well known of this winter! This unique develop is really desirable utilizing 14 details shock as to very hot compose pants, coarse forefoot exclusive model, so along with the bunch One day rotator, and never having to be concerned about in the mail, the actual shoe pains can not wake up. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre store canada[/url]

 
At 2:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The people who live in India wear very light and loose clothing because the temperature can get above 40 degrees. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]boutiques vanessa bruno [/url] He peers birdlike through a thatch of long, brown hair and blows urgent hailings on the polished rosewood instrument-deep, throaty yawps, err-ONK!; excited clucks, ruck-rick-ruck-rick!!; and wild, baleful cries, er-raawwwk!!!-that gust and tangle and sail off. Zebra mussels can also colonize a clam shell to such a huge extent, that the clam can't open to eat and therefore dies. A couple of the weight loss supplements available in Canada are Acai Power blast and Acai Slim (formerly called Acai Burn).
It's the biggest shift in pricing in decades, but retailers have a long way to go to convince shoppers that predictable pricing is better than the temporary promotions that they've grown to love. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose parka[/url] Mr. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose for sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose chilliwack[/url] other new thing that will be new in GTA V(speculation of course) is the online bank account that can be accessed within the game which uses money of which players in the game are able to set up their own business and can buy shares around the multiplayer world of GTA from other people businesses. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre laptop commercial song[/url]

 
At 4:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Which means racers not only needed a car, they needed a truck and trailer to get the car to and from the track. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]vanessa bruno Pas Cher[/url] and muddy shores. As the young grow up, they become more and more like the adults and by the fourth year they are fully grown with adult plumage.. Hodgman: Well, I have to say that I'm sort of surprised and delighted by it, and that fellow, as I understand it, is also a Microsoft employee, an engineer, I understand, and somebody who is not an actor, and I presume that he is similarly having the same surreal experience that I first started enjoying when our ads came out -- of having all this attention, being on TV for the first time.
As the level of sap in the pot diminishes, top it up with fresh sap from your bucket. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose jacket[/url] After a ceremonial sip of the wine, he would politely whisper the ship's name, wishing her good luck on her voyages. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose jacket[/url] It does work in just a few directions:-- Involved regeneration- Solidity not to mention consistent the surface of cellsThe chicken eggs are generally special sculpting as well as adding nourishment to, like:To Bottles not to mention beefs up their own cell phone buffer, to be precise any cellphone membranes, therebyproviding a trustworthy give protection to to prevent detrimental temperatures. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre official twitter[/url]

 
At 6:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shorebirds here include both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Common Snipe. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]Sac vanessa bruno[/url] She was holding on the way Rose and Jack gripped the bars at the helm of the Titanic as it plunged into the Atlantic. Recently, I realized that Michael Kors Hamilton Outlet may be observed hugging along with the woman's brand new sweetheart, Austin texas Servant, (We think about him or her brand new simply because We nevertheless think about the woman's to be along with Zac Efron) non-stop. The conservative group now has spent $4.6 million on ads against McCaskill since last year..
No foreign entity can own more than a quarter of a Canadian airline, and no foreign airline is allowed to fly passengers from point to point within the country.. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url] Headbands are both a functional and effective stylistic fashion feature to add further interest. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose outlet[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose on sale[/url] Most notably, Voyt (Dorian Missick) doesn realize that the Cape (David Lyons) is his old partner whom he framed? As the Cape, Vince doesn really change his inflections (he not speaking in that gravelly rasp Christian Bale did in the last two Batman films) or mannerisms the way Bruce Wayne does when he Batman. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]buy beats by dre quotes[/url]

 
At 8:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your bereaved could have lots of speedy tasks in order to do-at a bank, a funeral service property, or perhaps a attorney's office. [url=http://www.2012canadagoosepascher.fr]Canada Goose[/url] The third icon opens the alliance information panel, here you can view all the alliances on your server. The method we found our mine was psychic. All guests need a valid fishing license from the province.
The Americans plump, peachy, warm ones. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose jacket[/url] There are many people who have these feelings also. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose parka sale[/url]
http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca NEXT POSTChristian Louboutin Athletic Shoes Might Possibly Towards Quite Often Be The Foremost A real boots and shoes will be specified to get a state of affairs which generally could quite possibly ensure it is straightforward for are very important it is broken or cracked inside your common together with leisure carryout. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre pro ireland[/url]

 
At 10:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

is still a chance you could get into an accident or have something happen to the car. [url=http://www.2012canadagoosepascher.fr]Canada Goose[/url] Second, if I can manually put it into gears independent of the shift rod (with the pinch clamp loose) then the problems are likely in the shifter and shift coupler area, right? Should I be able to manhandle that shaft that the coupler attaches to and put it into all gears? So the left rear of the car is first, left front is 2nd, middle rear is third, etc? Should I be able to feel it click into every gear like that? Look on sites like eBay or Kijiji for bargain deals. I don really understand what does Backyardigans talking about.
One area you would want to visit is Los Angeles, California because it is home to your favorite Hollywood!!! This urban city is also home to a very relaxing beach. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url] I wanted to try out a cotton suit; I've seen off-rack marques going for $750.00, and was happy when Indochino started to offer this fabric in an affordable 2-piece suit.". [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose outlet[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose[/url] But the one that drives me crazy is the length of the first story in the film, "The Swimming Dead." We should never make excuses, but the reason it is so long, so stretched out, is that back then distributors wanted features to be as close to 100 minutes as possible. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre urbeats 2[/url]

 
At 12:55 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Switch to SteviaCut out extra carbs in your tea, coffee or juices by sweetening them with stevia. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]vanessa bruno sac[/url] Sit and read to your hearts content on a secluded balcony overlooking our wooded garden. In a 2009 Zagat airline survey, only 19% of respondents said they would be willing to pay for snacks on domestic flights. It seems that Ted would be a great neighbour to have.
For obvious historical reasons. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose toronto[/url] As I'm certain you already know this trend aspires to reduce the previous style of intake of electric energy and substitute it with renewable efficient electricity. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose whistler parka[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose on sale[/url] What is an emotionally destructive relationship? The consequences of an emotionally destructive relationship What makes relationships difficult and destructive? Destructive themes of the heart : pride, anger, and envy Destructive themes of the heart : selfishness, laziness, evil, and fear The truth about change : you can stop living this way The truth about choices : they have not been taken from you The truth about speaking up : your voice deserves to be heard The truth about standing up : you can become a champion of peace God sees you and wants to heal you If you let go, you will grow When properly nourished, you will thrive. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dr dre london store[/url]

 
At 3:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I turned round again. [url=http://www.2012canadagoosepascher.fr]Canada Goose[/url] Time to simplify the years 1965-1969 in shoes. Over one quarter million people live in the major cities of Kelowna, Kamoops and Prince George or their surrounding areas. makes him incredibly famous speech "I Have a Dream".
Since last summer, Lowe's flip-flopped. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose toronto[/url] There are two general rules of thumb. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose for sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose online[/url] Geoscience Australia spokesman said the center,Air Jordan 11 Retro Low - Argon Blue / Zest - White, located about 600 km east of Perth, Kalgoorlie-Boulder City half a century, never had more than 4.2 magnitude earthquake,chChristian Louboutin Lace Bootie, the earthquake will damage some of the old buildings and restaurants, main street have been blocked, there is no report of trapped or injured. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]dre beats pro problems[/url]

 
At 11:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Diversification is the way to go, with a few big bets on the above sectors. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]vanessa bruno pas cher[/url] With Elton John.. We ALWAYS have very socialized pups. There were welts, she was swollen and then I saw Zoe's shoulders.
Bring plenty of water too, as there are virtually no facilities. http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca He ought to additionally maintain a vigorous checking account. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose outlet[/url]
http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca The aspect of The Love Song that stands out to me most is how Prufrock feels so unwanted, hearing negative comments on his appearance, and desperately trying to get his thoughts and feelings across to those he loves, but instead has to swallow the harsh slam of the words, "That is not what I meant at all. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre zalando[/url]

 
At 1:34 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It was at his behest that I tasted my first premium arabica brew. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]cabas vanessa bruno[/url] However, recovery from a population crash takes a while as there are far fewer adults to restock the population.. One night, a boy called 'Carrots' was refused admission because there was no room in the house. the one night of the living dead soundtrack, in man four year old party games them a generosity stewardship Out of che soderberg that the flat top johnnies.
Facing a choice between being killed or being enriched, city officials chose the latter. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose parka[/url] Every day, the inn will all visitors to a bowl of free bird beans LiangFen, that is the most traditional of the particular naxi people simple appetizers, is by the real naxi women handmade. http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose jacket[/url] Can seemingly continuous "employee discount deals" really keep a car company from falling into the depths of bankruptcy? Are the majority of American car buyers waiting until 2010 to accept the fact that small, economical, versatile cars from Europe with good driving dynamics aren "gay"? Now seems like the logical time to make a comeback against companies like Honda and Volkswagen in the American small-car market. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre philippines price[/url]

 
At 3:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

While some vendors are not open to negotiation on prices, others are willing to make some concessions if you buy in certain quantities. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]Sac vanessa bruno[/url] Oe childhood, his close relationships with females, and his connection with both rural and urban Japan provides his work with a scope that few novelists achieve.. I took advantage of the email notification, and it worked perfectly this morning!. Marsh plants include cattail, Phragmites, swamp loosestrife, bulrush, pickerelweed, yellow pondlily, fragrant waterlily, water shield, duckweed, fanwort, and bladderwort.
What I didn't get a picture of are two more layers. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose parka[/url] This article explains those tips in detail, so that you have a pleasurable and memorable experience of li . [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose parka sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose chilliwack[/url] Do you want adjustable handles? Do you prefer straps? Will you use it once more for other purposes? Do you have a particular shade in brain or materials and pattern you desire?If you want to look greatest with your choice of Burberry handbag, you should also know how to correctly carry it. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beatstm protm high performance professional headphones from monsterblack[/url]

 
At 5:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Food shopping in England has become more about appearance and presentation than about taste and smell. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]sac lune vanessa bruno [/url] In my opinion the Alberta Government is a terrorist Organization, that is my feeling on the matter. The accumulations of Duck noted last week were also much reduced although c(80) Mallard continue to be Strong. They'll make your stroll down the romantic Venice even more enjoyable..
i dont know what year it is and have no way of knowing. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose outlet[/url] Companies are doing what they can to ensure the safety and security of their facilities, and one way they can do this by requiring employees to keep their company-issued ID badges on display at all times.. http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca
http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca An outlet to collect purse, before receiving first clean before the leather face,chanel outlet online and the bag to put clean of scraps group or cotton unlined upper garment, to keep the shape of the bag bag, then put soft cotton bags, collect in the closet purse should avoid improper extrusion and deformation. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre solo hd tesco[/url]

 
At 12:53 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

little did we know that it was costume night. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]vanessa bruno pas cher[/url] The potholes are like little ponds carved into the rock by the river. Also, a version with standard marked keycaps was introduced. Rules for some Badminton World Federation tournaments dictate that opposing players wear different colors.
Says Grisman of Gordy: "[He] belongs to the new elite family of American acoustic practitioners who are pushing the ever-expanding envelope of a musical frontier . [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose jackets[/url] And the chains on the sides are also used for attaching the detachable shoulder strap, which enables the bag to be carried across the shoulder or as a clutch. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose on sale[/url] Forty-two percent were affected directly and 84% personally knew of someone who had experienced a medical mistake.(14)At this press conference, Leape updated his 1994 statistics, noting that as of 1997, medical errors in inpatient hospital settings nationwide could be as high as 3 million and could cost as much as $200 billion . [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre logo wallpaper[/url]

 

Post a Comment

<< Home