Sakura

Although I have a better camera now, I didn't get too many shots of the Sakura(Cherry Blossums) this year. There's a place near the Imperial Palace that is pretty famous for it Sakura viewing. You can take a nice long stroll underneath a plethora of Sakura trees. And at night they light the trees up with different colored lights. Pretty cool.

Jitensha

I finally got a bike! In case you can't tell from the picture, its very small. Thats why the seat is so high up. haha. But it works great for cruising around town on the weekends. On the downside, I've had the bike for about a week and I've already gotten a puncture in the back tire and a parking ticket. Hopefully I won't have too many other problems.

View from above

Went to an art gallery in Roppongi last weekend. Its located on the 5oth something floor of a building called Mori tower. Its kind of a trendy place with lots of shops and restaurants and stuff. Took a few photos of the view. Although the weather wasn't the greatest that day.

Life is a beach

A few weeks ago, I went to a place called Chigasaki. My girlfriend lives there. Its about an hour south of Tokyo by train. Its a nice place, it doesn't have that crowded feel that Tokyo does. And best of all, it has a beach! It is still too cold to really enjoy it but it was nice to check it out. The town reminded me a bit of North Carolina.

While there, we just happened to see this motorcycle gang passing by. They are called the Bosozoku. One of Japan's many subcultures. One of the modifications they do to their bikes is to remove the muffler. You can hear them coming from a long way away, and when they pass you, your clothes practically vibrate. Quite an experience.

Photography...

Apa-to

My new apartment. If you can believe it, my kitchen and my bathroom are even smaller than the last one. But I think my living space is a bit bigger. I have a loft which is totally cool. Here are a few pics. Keep in mind its hard to take pictures in such a small space. ha ha.

The Return

Well it looks like I just couldn't stay away. I returned to Tokyo on January 22nd. I've signed a one year contract with the same company as before. It feels great to be back. Everything has such a familiar feel to it.

Things have been a bit hectic since I've got here. Renewing my visa, finding an apartment, finding furniture to put in the apartment. But I'm starting to get settle in now. On top of all of that, work has been steady as usual. I am working with many of the same people as I did before. There are also a lot of new faces as well. Seems like it will be a great group of people and a fun time once again.

One thing was definitely different from the last time I was here. Its snowing in Tokyo! It was a bit surprising to see Tokyo covered in snow fall. But not surprising was the fact that the people here were more prepared for it than most Coloradans are. Almost every car had chains on the tires and many people wore stylish rubber boots.
So my Japanese adventure continues...