Thankful

So I've returned from my trip to South Korea (It was awesome) and I'm back in Japan. Here in Okayama life continues on as normal despite the country being hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami a couple of weeks ago and despite the lingering fear of radiation. As far as worrying about the air I am quite far from ground zero and don't think it will be a problem though it is a bit worrisome thinking about the possibilities of radiation being in the food that is shipped all around Japan including my city. Regardless I have a lot of other things to be focusing on these days besides fear, such as my moving to a new city this weekend and the start of training for my new job.

I was checking out the news online on the state of Japan and I saw some articles about some American English Teachers who's bodies have been found and it really  made me think how bless I am. As an English Teacher I could end up teaching virtually anywhere in Japan, it's just the nature of the job and so I could have just as easily been teaching in one of the hard hit places in Japan and not be here today but instead I was safe and even able to leave for a short time after the disaster to spend some time in Korea. So let me just say I am thankful to the Lord for giving me more time on this earth and may I use it well and to his glory. I'm also thankful for the new job.

My heart goes out to the families and friends all over the world who have lost loved ones to the disaster in Japan. God Bless you all. Keep the hope.

Smile For Japan

Here is a video made in Beijing showcasing  people from all different countries showing their support for Japan during this difficult time.

Keep smiling Japan!

South Korean Vacation

Currently on vacation in South Korea for 11 days right now. With everything going on in Japan right now it feels a little strange being here, but I'll be enjoying myself as much as possible for now. Check out my journeys in Seoul and Busan at a later date here on this blog.

안녕히 가세요!

A Night In A Capsule

When you are planning on places to sleep in most big cities in Japan you have a few choices. There's hotels, hostels, guest houses, and the wonder accommodation known as the Capsule Hotel. The magic of these places lie in the name being pretty much exactly what they are. You sleep in a capsule which are very small but at least long enough to hold my 192cm body in stacked on top of each other like bunk beds of the future.

A hall full of sleeping rooms.

 Now with some Capsule hotels you will even get breakfast or be able to use a sauna room amongst other things but it wont be like a night in a hotel and you've probably only decided to stay in one based on 1 of 3 reasons.
1. Its cheap. (And by cheap I'm talking by Japan standards.)
2. You're a middle aged salary man who went out drinking after work and missed your last train. (Probably the most common customer here.)
3. You just wanna experience it. (This is reason I first slept in one a year ago with some friends on vacation. #1 is the reason I just recently slept in one.)

Some Capsule Hotels are only for men and some like the one you see here also have 2 or 3 floors dedicated to women though it seems men frequent this kind of place much more often. The prices vary depending on the options you want but this one here at it's basic price is 2500yen which is pretty much about $25. This will get you the capsule which includes a TV and radio and also use of the bathroom including shower.

The Capsule

As you can see it is indeed small but while you wont be able to sleep your whole family in a single capsule it has plenty of space for it's primary function which is sleeping. There is a pull down curtain that helps you maintain some privacy. As you can see there is a pillow and blankets provided as well.

Looking in from the outside.

Looking out from the inside.

 

 

In this particular one you will also find a TV, a light, and a radio.

They even manage to get a TV in there.

 

 

 

 

 

Radio/TV/Light controls

The downside to a Capsule Hotel besides the size is the chance that you may not have hot water to shower with when you really want it. Also you aren't gonna muffle out a lot of sounds while in your capsule so if the sound of old men snoring or the chatter of TV bother you, you may wanna bring some ear plugs.

If you happen to be traveling in Osaka I'd like to recommend this Capsule Hotel. It is quite near to the exit at Namba station which is a good area for visiting a lot of popular spots in Osaka including Den Den Town and Doutonbori and more. The staff are kind and the price is good. You won't find a lot of plugs to charge your electronic gear though.

Big Earthquake In Japan

I'm sure you've heard the news about the huge earthquake that hit Japan recently and the following tsunamis. While my city is quite far from all the destruction I ask you to pray for the areas of Japan that are affected as well as the other countries who are getting tsunami warnings as a result. It's been quite sad watching the news reports.

Breaking News!!

My job interview that I failed to mention here that I had last Sunday apparently went as well as it felt. I got a new job and will be moving to the City of Gifu by the end of March. More posts concerning the move, my thoughts on the end of another life chapter and my vacation in between jobs in which I will probably be going to Korea will be coming over the next few weeks.

God is very good!