Video of the Week

I heard this song a while ago, but could not remember the name. Then, on the way to the beach of few weeks ago, I heard it again. Great song. As I feel like the summer is coming closer and closer to and end, I think this song fits perfectly.

鮮やかな色 四季おりおりの景色求め二人で It's going going on
車、電車、船もしくは飛行機 計画を練る週末の日曜日

春は花見 満開の桜の下乾杯 頭上広がる桃色は Like a ファンタジー
夏は照りつける陽の元でバーベキュー
夜になればどこかで花火が上がってる
秋は紅葉の山に目が止まる 冬にはそれが雪で白く染まる
全ての季節 お前とずっと居たいよ
春夏秋冬

※今年の春はどこに行こうか?
今年の夏はどこに行こうか?
春の桜も夏の海も あなたと見たい　あなたといたい
今年の秋はどこに行こうか?
今年の冬はどこに行こうか?
秋の紅葉も冬の雪も あなたと見たい　あなたといたい※

また沢山の思い出　紐解いて ふと思い出す　窓の外見て
喧嘩もした傷の数すらも欠かせない ピースの1つ ジグソーパズル
月日経つごとに日々増す思い
「永遠に居てくれ俺の横に」
今、二人は誓うここに忘れない 思い出すまた蝉の鳴く頃に

苦労ばっかかけたな　てかいっぱい泣かせたな
ごめんな　どれだけの月日たったあれから
目腫らして泣きあったね明け方 包み込むように教会の鐘が鳴るよ
重ねあえる喜び 分かち合える悲しみ
共に誓う心に　さぁ行こうか探しに
新しい景色を見つけに行こう二人だけの
春夏秋冬

(※くり返し)

たまにゃやっぱり 家でまったり 二人毛布に包まったり
じゃれ合いながら過ごす気の済むまで
飽きたらまた探すのさ 行く宛
さぁ 今日はどこ行こうか? ほら あの丘の向こう側まで続く青空
買ったナビきっかけにどこでも行ったね 色んな所を知ったね

いつかもし子供が生まれたなら教えようこの場所だけは伝えなきゃな
約束交わし誓ったあの 夏の終り二人愛を祝った場所

(※くり返し×2)

そろそろ秋が来る

涼しい風
そっと最後の線香花火が消える
セミの鳴き声毎日少し小さくなって
木の葉の色が変わり始めて
人生のサイクルと同じように
また季節が変わる
もうすぐ夏終わり
そろそろ
美しい秋が来る

Young Veterans - Dream Dayz Riddim

.Since I've been studying Japanese, I haven't really been keeping up with what's been going on in the reggae/dancehall world like used to. I still keep my ears open, a little bit...lol

I just want to introduce Young Veterans productions to the world quickly. I've literally watched Young Veterans grow from an idea to where it is today. They have worked with a lot of artistes in the industry, from those just starting there career to those who have been in the industry for years.

I remember when we used to pass out cd's at events like ATI in Negril, Jamaica and just anywhere we were just a few years ago. A lot of long nights in the studio and stuff...good times :). I believe it will pay off soon.
Keep looking out for Young Veterans. We soon rise to the top!

This is Dream Dayz Riddim
http://www.mediafire.com/?scrv859sttldy7d
And for others who wish to purchase the official album
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dream-dayz/id386671552

DREAM DAYZ RIDDIM (KAYLAG JUGGLING MIX) - YOUNG VETERANS
BUGLE - WHY YOU WISH BAD
HYASLICE - PRESSURE WE BERE
TEFLON - SO HARD
MITCH - STRESSFUL
SPANNER BANNER - BEST OF LIFE
FYAKIN - OYEH NO
NICO D - NOTHING NAH CHANGE
SHEBA - PRAYER FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED
DARIO - NEVER KNOW
MAVERICK - BEEN AWAY
PERFECT - IN YOUR WORLD
GEOFFREY STAR - STILL IN LOVE
CUTTY CORN - DREAMING

神戸ハーバーランド温泉・Kobe Harbor Land Onsen

Today after work, I went to a new indoor onsen that opened up in Kobe in July. I was lucky to get a free ticket to go, so I wanted to use it before it expired!

I must say it was a great experience. It was first time and not the last time going to the onsen. There are about 9 floors of activities ranging from games, manga, and internet access, to different types of massages, the onsen, and saunas.
I spent about 30 mins or so in the actual onsen. First you have to wash yourself thoroughly before you enter. Then I went back and forth from the onsen to the sauna. It was just good alone time, in a nice quiet place. It was a good time to just hear myself and relax myself.

Afterward, I went up to the 18th floor. On the 18th floor they have a foot bath, with blue lights and beautiful night view of Kobe. I probably sat up there for another 20-30 min.

Then I went to the 10th floor and enjoyed a smoothie and read a manga.
They also have options to spend the night and stuff like that. Anything you want is there. It's great. It's like a getaway in the middle of the concrete jungle...lol

Check here for more info.

いらっしゃいませ！！Welcome!

A few weeks ago, I got a call back from the second interview I did, telling me I got the job. So I will be working in a restaurant/cafe!!! I've never worked in a restaurant before so this should be interesting, especially working in a stylish restaurant in Japan!

There is a lot to learn, but it seems like it will be fun. I'm learning everything from greetings, to how to pick up and carrythe plates, and not to forget the lingo used for certain terms. Within the short time, I already respect what people in the restaurant industry do because it's not easy. From customer service, to the actually operation of the business, it's 24/7 work. I started training on Saturday. The restaurant/cafe has not opened yet, so I will be part of the opening staff!!
これからも頑張ります！

I feel like this puts me one step closer to the goal. Not jumping the gun, but yes, I'm already looking for full time jobs. I'm determined, and not stopping, never stopping.
I'm hungry.

For life, for knowledge, for peace, for everything...

I'm hungry.

Video of the Week

I'm definitely feeling this song can definitely relate.

今しかないチャンスにかけて。。。

行きたい場所がある　　　やってみたいことがある

I just had to post the lyrics as well, big tune!

Lyrics/歌詞/かし

ずいぶんと世話になった　アレからどれくらいの日が経った
俺も少し大人になった　やりたい事がようやく分かった
自分が何処までやれるのか　知りたいからそこで試すのさ
何もしないまま辞めるのは　後悔だけが残るのさ

いろんな現場 集まる酒場　素晴らしき仲間が力くれた
馬鹿な俺は　夢追う最中　味わった経験こそが宝
挑戦は辞めないまだまだ　当然さ WE ARE STREET HUSLER
そこで 勝負してやると決めたから　しばらくの間 SAYONARA JAPAN

この国に生まれて　ただ生きてるだけで
いろんな奴だらけ　やるべきことは一つだけ
何かに導かれ　切り開け　くたばるまで
今しか無いチャンスにかけて
TO THE REGGAE ANOTHER DAY 海の向こうで
RESPECT JAPAN MI EVER NEVER GIVE UP TO DI WORLD

何のためって自分のため　この先の人生良くするため
誰もが良い方に転ぶ訳　無い所がこれにハマる理由
色んな国の色んなCULTURE 言葉　料理　音楽に格差
与えられた時間はわずか SO どれだけ学べるのか

未知なる世界に膨らむ想像　歌いたいから　企む今日も
何をするにもお金は必要 大事なのは勇気ある行動
雨が降ろうと槍が降ろうと JUST START THIS IS MY ROAD
全ての願いかけたパスポート　握りしめて戦う LIFE GOES ON

この国に生まれて　ただ生きてるだけで
いろんな奴だらけ　やるべきことは一つだけ
何かに導かれ　切り開け　くたばるまで
今しか無いチャンスにかけて
TO THE REGGAE ANOTHER DAY 海の向こうで
RESPECT JAPAN MI EVER NEVER GIVE UP TO DI WORLD

行きたい場所がある　やってみたい事がある
目標は常に高く　いるけど月日はすぐ変わる
何が俺をそうさせる　分からないけど追いかける
今の自分に問いかける　未来の俺はどうなっている

この国に生まれて　ただ生きてるだけで
いろんな奴だらけ　やるべきことは一つだけ
何かに導かれ　切り開け　くたばるまで
今しか無いチャンスにかけて
TO THE REGGAE ANOTHER DAY 海の向こうで
RESPECT JAPAN MI EVER NEVER GIVE UP TO DI WORLD

I Love Melon Pan

Today as I walked from the grocery store, I looked down and peeped into my grocery bag, and smiled as I saw the two melon pans staring right back at me. I don't know what it is, but I love melon pan.

After a long night of partying, for breakfast, for an afternoon snack, when I need brain food, melon pan is the food of choice. I think for me it's melon pan's simplicity that really makes me pick it over anything else. Soft, filling bread, with a bit of sweet to it. Not too overpowering or anything. Just right.

From a child I've always liked my food simple. For example, harddough bread with nothing on it. No butter, margarine, jam, just the nice plain bread. If I eat a salad, I eat a salad, no dressing. Even things like hot dogs and french fries. I think they taste just fine how they are, I don't need wads of ketchup and other condiments to smother the real taste of the food.

Two things I remember: My cousin used to smother everything and it used to drive me insane!! She used to eat rice and ketchup and literally put sooo much ketchup in the rice! Second, if she had pancakes or waffles she would smother them in the syrup until they were soggy. (I still love you though cuz) :p

It might sound weird, but I don't care, I just like to keep it simple.
Melon pan just makes my day :).

Osaka Bike Ride!!

Today was a good day. I woke up around 8 ready to go on our journey. My roommate and I decided that we were going to ride or bicycles to from Kobe to Osaka one day during the summer and today was the day!

We left out around 10AM and got some rations for the road. I chose my favourite, melon pan and onigiri :) Also some drinks to stay hydrated. After that we hit the road. We stopped maybe three times on the way. When we reached to about Amagasaki, one piece of rain fell and we were soaked. After that we made it somewhere near Tenoji in Osaka.

We arrived in Osaka about 2:15PM or so. So all in all in took us about 4 hours. By the way, from Sanomiya, Kobe to Umeda, Osaka it takes about 25-30 min. by train. It's about 30km or 18 miles one way!

It was good because there is so much that we have not seen, and that you can't see when you're in the train.

After drying off, it rained again on the way back!!! We got back around 6 or so.
Tomorrow I will probably wish I didn't do it. lol Although I run a lot, the bicycle uses a lot of different muscles as well.

Good night!!

三味線の演奏・Shamisen(Samisen) Performance

On Sunday, I went to a Shamisen Performance given by one of my language partner's wife. The Shamisen is a three stringed instrument that you can read more about here! The Shamisen actually derives from the Sanshin, which I mentioned in a previous post.


This post also deserves some video!

Minato Kobe Hanabi Taikai!! みなと神戸花火大会！

On Saturday, I went to Minato Kobe's Hanabi Taikai( Fireworks viewing). All I have to say is that is was amazing!!
After going to two firework events I know what to look for in terms of a good show :)
There's something about fireworks here that just feel like magic. Between the way the people come together and just the fireworks themselves. They really look like they are coming from the sky, and get so close I feel like I can touch them. いいなぁ。
土曜日みなと神戸花火大会へ行った。さすが、花火がきれいだった。花火を見るとなんかいい感じがする。天神祭とPLの花火も同じようないい感じがした。
その一瞬にみんな一緒に幸せそうだった。恋人と、家族と、友達と、みんな幸せそうだった。
恋人といえば、花火が見ると恋が叶うそういう説があるらしいんだ。
なんかな、花火はマジックみたい。花火はオーロラそういう現象みたいと思う。オーロラは見たことがないやけど、見たらたそういういい感じがするかもしれない。オーロラだったらたぶんもっと強くなる。言いすぎかもしれないでも僕の言いたいことがわかるでしょ！　笑

つまり、日本の花火が素晴らしい！

Beer Garden, ビアガーデン!!

A few days ago, I went to a beer garden in Osaka. Beer garden is basically a restaurant on top of a building with all you can eat yaki niku and all you can drink, anything you want, but I guess in particular beer! I didn't really drink beer before I came to Japan; the closest thing I would drink is Guiness Stout, and that was just socially, but other than that I just stick to the harder stuff :)

It looked like most of the people just got off work. I probably looked like I just got off work as well, having had two interviews earlier in the day. It was definitely a good way to end the day.

Beer Garden is a good place to go with your friends or co-workers. I definitely recommend this place if you want to have a good time!

This is what it looks like!!

PL 花火！！

Yesterday I went to PL Hanabi in the country side of Osaka. PL stands for Perfect Liberty, the name of the school that holds the hanabi event. If I recall correctly, PL Hanabi is the biggest Hanabi event in the Kansai area.
The fireworks were amazing! A lot of different colors and combinations. Simply beautiful. When it first began, the fireworks were loud enough to scare away all the birds in trees trying to get some cicada for dinner...lol
We left before the last set of fireworks, but trust me, if we didn't we probably wouldn't have made it home that night, because there were so many people.


I figured video would give you a better feeling of it! Check it out!