Cheaters - Seoul style

So many of you have heard/seen the show Cheaters, which films and documents the philandering ways of certain Dallas guys and their female companions. So I'm in a bar in Gangnam, after a unmercifully long journey from Nagasaki, which included a train from Nagasaki to Hakata, ferry to Pusan (after a 3 hour layover), another train to Seoul, then subway to my hotel. I order a beer and start watching the TV, which shows a fuzzy picture in a •REC box, and a young gentleman getting cozy with young lady at a local Seoul resaturant. Then the picture wipes to two hosts, a distraught looking female, and her mother, both obviously upset. Words are flying quickly, as the subtitles have train of thought descriptions (no doubt something to the effect of "Suspect seen leaving restaurant with unidentified female..."). The plot advances to "The Confrontation" The hosts, distraught girlfriend and irate mother drive up in a semi-trailer, which has the side fold down (like Knight Rider) and everyone piles out to the surprise of the boyfriend and his new ladyfriend. Crazy!

So the next 10 minutes is spent trying to explain to the barwoman that (1) We have a show like this in America (2) I love it and (3) What is it called? The woman finds the host and she tells me that it translates to "An immutable law of love". "The Conclusion" Though we don't speak the same language, the barwoman, host and I are all aghast that the gf takes the bf back in the end. Joey Greco can rest easy tonight - his franchise clearly cuts across cultural divides.

Nagasaki nights with Maranaka

So after an 8 hour train ride (that included two transfers - the last one I made by 120 seconds) I safely arrived in Nagasaki station. Mission one completed. Finding my hotel, however, was an entirely different story, which required taking the Number 4 street car to Shokakuji-Shita station, transfering to the Number 5 line toward Ishibashi and getting off at Ourakaigan-Dori. Talk about a mouthful. Of course, things didn't go entirely to plan. After navigating the crowded street car (with 2 bags and many more unhappy passengers) I got out at the correct transfer station Tsuki-Machi. So I'm standing on the side of the street waiting for the next car, when I realize that everyone on the car is looking at me, including the irate driver. Apparently I didn't pay the proper amount when I got on. So I walk up to the front, pay as fast as I can, leave and try to blend into the sidewalk. Thankfully I know little Japanese (and no swear words) because I'm sure there were a few choice ones thrown in my direction.

I arrive safely at Hotel Monterey Nagasaki, which is a unique blend of Dutch and Japanese architecture, drop off my bags and set out in search of a bite. I'm walking towards the city center when I stop in the first restaurant. Imagine walking into a place and having the music stop - that was about the reception I got. Leaving quickly, I see a cafe up the street and go to the door. I think it might have been a karoke place because the translated sign on the door said something to the effect of, Japanese speaking only. Detered, but still ravenous, I happen further up the street upon Maranaka and venture inside this tranditional sushi house. The head chef Mr. Maranaka welcomes me with English, a glorious assortment of sushi, and too much sake. An hour into the meal he suggests we venture downtown for some more festivities. I'm like why not? and on the way downtown, he tells me about his good friend who is the sushi chef at the Ritz-Carlton in DC (excellent!) We wind up going to three more local places I couldn't find again with a map and GPS, sampling more sake, which was extraordinarily delicious, and another sushi house where I sample the freshest most delicious mackrel, salmon, unagi, and shrimp I have ever had. I bid Mr. Maranaka good night and find my way back to the hotel. What a way to start my adventure in Nagasaki.

Shinkanzen to Nagasaki with hilarous consequences

So in my infinite wisdom of not really checking all the way through with travel plans, I found out that it is going to take 8 hours to get from Tokyo to Nagasaki. I didn't know for sure how long it would take, but I didn't think it would be THAT long. They don't call it the bullet train because it's slow right? Of course, I found out about the time when asking the JR representative, "I'd like a ticket to Nagasaki tomorrow." He sort of laughed, then said better make yourself comfortable on the train - you'll be arriving there at 7:00pm. I didn't ask about any time chance, though I don't think there is any.probably should have checked that out all. No matter, the real fun happens when, in one day mind you, I take the ferry from Pusan to Hakata, then the train all the way back to Tokyo. I'd give it a 50/50 chance that I make it on time. Hilarity will likely ensue.

Sumo and Gyoza

I'm walking down a side street in Ginza and happen to see the Fukuoka basho I tried to get tickets for later this week. So I stand at the entrance and watch long enough to have the barmen ask if I wanted to come in. I of course oblige and 5 minutes later I am doing shots of Jack Daniels with the two barman. One of the guys expels all the English he learned in school, then summons his coworker in an attmept to keep up the comversation. I buy them both another shot, and I regale them with stories about I too was a barman in Irleand. Well, not really. I (think) I was able to tell them that I too served drinks. No matter - I ask where the best local place to buy gyoza is and they write down directions to Tenryu. I thank them both profusely and head over. They were right - the gyoza here is the size of my arm and delicious.

Hurry up, in 5 minutes this place is becoming a Starbucks

So I'm addicted to Starbucks. I'll admit it - I need some caffeine in the morning and there are 3 Starbucks within 3 blocks of my office. So I lucked out with my hotel in that, much like my office, I also have 3 Starbucks within walking distance. Certainly makes up for the fact my room is smaller than a walk-in closet. No matter. So I get into Starbucks and am greeted with a warm smile, pictogram menu, and my caffe latte all within 90 seconds. I love my local Starbucks on Connecticut and L, but this is absolutley fabulous. And the venti size is just enough to get me through this time change.This jet lag is like a kick in the pants. Well, off to Tokyo Station to get my ticket to Nagasaki for tomorrow.

Why am I Mr. Sparkle?

So I take a bit of a nap here around 5pm, after walking around to the Emporer's Palace, Hibaya Park, and the Diet, and find myself at 1030pm. Shoot. So I get dressed and head out into Ginza to find a restaurant that is 3 levels below the street. I try to order udon noodles and some gyoza, but wind up with some sort of shrimp and rice dish. Perhaps I should have learned Japanese before I got here, eh? LOL So of course I eat the dish with a Kirin, and somehow, while I'm paying the check, I wind up having another beer with salmon. What the heck just happened? No matter, I thank the hosts, then wander over to an "American" looking bar with Jack Daniels and Budweiser in the windows. The place is deserted except for two Japanese business men, so I spend the next hour looking through my phrase book with the barman telling him I know less Japanese than he know English. I was even unsuccessful in getting him to take a shot with me. Kampai! So I'm at Yoshinoya in Ginza having some ramen before heading back to the room. I plan on getting to that huge fish market tomorrow morning - should be an adventure.

Dulles when did you turn into a real airport?

So when did Dulles build this nice, new Modern-looking terminal? The last time I was here was admittedly a while ago, probably two years. I remember waiting 30 minutes in the ticket line, another hour to go through security, then 25 to wait for the people mover. I made it on the flight just as the gate was closing. Now the terminal is within walking distance and there's a Chipotle in the terminal. That opens at 6am! Wow, viva la life!

OK folks, here is the inaugural post of the SIA blog chronicling the travels of a kickball nut through Japan and South Korea. I'll only have my iPhone to post so bear with the spelling. The plan is to stay in Tokyo a few nights, then take off for Nagasaki, and the Seoul. I'll spend the last night back in Tokyo before heading back to DC. Did I mention that I don't speak Japanese or Korean?

My flight to Tokyo takes off in a few moments. I imagine the 14 hours will be slightly less painful than a root canal, with all of the swiftness of trying to digest a bowling ball. I'll post when I get there Wednesday night, if I survive. Can't wait for the adventure of navigating the Tokyo subway system. Should be very interesting. And by interesting I mean I hope I make it to the hotel.