For Lunch - Ajisen Ramen

As the day started, I didnt believe there would be a chance of sun as foretold by the overcast morning. With the gray weather, I was in the mood for something that I usually have a hankering for in this type of weather. At Westfield San Francisco Centre, Ajisen Ramen has their first norcal foothold. They have a handfull of locations in the socal area. A friend spoke of this place. She also mentioned how another friend had been here before. That friend was also ttrying to sample a majority of the offerings on the menu. Because of this, I surmised it must be fairly decent.

Its a rather small footprint when the lunch crowd arrives. The wait was moderate at half past noon. The lines were actually longer at an hour later. The service was a bit slow in seating, taking the order, and presenting the meal. The lethargy of the wait staff was not outside of what I would consider accetable. There is no door or walls to keep the noise of the mall from overwhelming the dining area.

Since ramen was in the title of the restaurant,. I thought that I should try that first. My order was the beef curry ramen. I like japanese curry and I like ramen. I like the idea of the two combined into one. I dug into the soup upon its arrival. I was disappointed but it was what I expected. The soup has a very mild flavor and runny like soup. I dont know why but Im always expecting something a bit thicker, such as the curry found in curry udon. I guess no one really likes the curry to be very bold in their soup. For some of the ones Ive tried in Japan, they are similar to this. I would like to see one thats as flavorful as the ones found in curry rice. The noodles were straight and pretty thin. They didnt have the chewiness that I look for. Other elements found were cabbage and green onions. There was a good portion of thinly-sliced tnder beef. The meat tasted a bit sweet like korean bulgogi. After a couple of sips of the soup, the bowl almost looked bone dry. All that appeared was just a mound of noodles. As I neared completion, the ramen noodles gave way to a puddle of soup that was hiding beneath it. Cost was just under $10

Fashion invasion

I dont subscribe to fashion and am not considered a fashionable person. But, I have fallen victim tothe pressures of clothing trends. However, there were limits to how far I would go for fashion and that limiter was primarily money. The reason this thought comes to mind was because of what I saw this morning when I drove in to work. This sight is something that I see on occassion and Im sure its something that you've witnessed many times before. I saw a bicyclist ride by becdecked in all the apparel that you would see professional riders wearing in the Tour De France. I thought how silly they looked to me in the tight shorts and brightly colored, just as tight, jerseys. Then, I realized some are wearing these articles of clothing to emulate what the pros were wearing.

During my past years, I used to throughly enjoying playing paintball. Ive seen the progression of equipment and clothing from its early infancy to today. Street clothes were what I wore in my initial forays into the game. However, the de facto garb was the military battle dress uniform, BDU. The pattern didnt matter much though most people were wearing woodland camoflage as this was the easiest to get. Tiger stripe, Rhodesian, and other patterns would make an appearance onto the playing field. This lasted for several years. As the popularity of the sport grew and the dynamics of the game changed, so did the gear. People started to wear brightly colored jerseys made of fabric that wicks away sweat. Some patterns were bold and others subdued. The same thing went for the colors as well.

I fell into the trap and started giving up my BDUs for these jerseys. I had owned several similar to those shown below. Prices went from $30 and up. You could get them cheaper for last years model.
The evolution continued as things such as forearm padding were being integrated. Each manufacturer was trying to stand out either through styling or innovation.

One trend that I never bought into were the paintball pants. These things could run upwards of $200. I was not a hardcore player who would dive headlong or feet first into a bunker. These pants would be heavily padded in the knees and crotch. Some had kevlar linced shin areas for those who appreciated a good knee slide. although pockets were designed out of much of these items, little areas were sewn in to hold squeegees and other small items. I stayed with the BDU pants that held up well for me. They were inexpensive and could be had for as little as $20. As a concession to fashion, I did get the black ones because they went with my jerseys better.

Random thoughts

It has not been that long since I've been back from Japan, almost 3 months. After returning, I thought to myself that I have visited Japan and Tokyo, specifically, in the past few years that I dont really need to go again next year. I have, in no way, explored and seen everything there is to see or experience. I tend to do alot of the same things on most visits. Searching out for new things and places occupies only a small fraction of my vacation time. I have constantly told myself to expand my horizons and visit other countries and cities. But, it never fails to happen that just when I think I've gotten it out of my system, the slightest memory will trigger a flood of homesickness to wash over me.

Just last night, as I was watching a PBS show that was talking about bug collecting in Japan, the sudden sounds of the Tokyo train system had me longing for another trip. The scene is at a train station somewhere in Tokyo and the PA system plays a chime before a female voice announces the imminent arrival of one of the many train lines that criss cross the city. Anyone who has spent anytime in Tokyo will be investing countless moments in the public transportation system. the majority of which will be in either the train or subway system. I was half asleep laying in my bed. As soon as I heard the melodic tones, I sat up to stare at the television. The images of the large numbers of people exiting and boarding the trains and the stations reminded me of when I was doing the same things.

Other relapses have occurred when browsing websites as well. Flipping through images, I am emotionless until Ihit upon a few images that represent places that I had actually visited myself. the memories of the fun I had come to mind. The experiences become fresh in my mind once again as if I had just returned even though that specific visit may have taken place many years ago. The sounds and smells come to the forefront as I relive those moments. I cant help it. Japan was always the first place I wanted to visit and it still tugs at my heartstrings. Of course, time and money are stricting factors. If these elements were eliminated, I would be there several times a year.

Live there permenantly, you say? A thought that has crossed my mind on numerous occassions. In reality, its something that I could not see myself doing. Months at a time is quite possible but not on a permanent basis. I think it would detract from its allure if I were to resign my citizenship here. For example, as someone who lives in an area that does not regularly get snow, I look forward to the winter and snowy landscapes of Lake Tahoe during that time of year. I dont have to put up with shoveling snow for several months out of the year. I dont have to put up with white out conditions while driving to work. I dont have to put up with bone chilling temps and howling winds that strip the heat from your body. I go up to the snow when I feel like it. It doesnt come to me and ruin my day. While I enjoy the energy of the crowds on the streets or trains, Im sure I would tire of it very quickly if I were having to commute in it everyday. Waiting in line for meals would not seem as pleasent if I had a limited amount of time to purchase, ingest, and make the round trip return back to the office.

On the Job-Union Square again

Once again, I find myself in the Union Square area whilst on the job. Its a very nice spring day in the city. One of those days where its nice to be outside to bask in the sunlight without being nuked by the harsh sun. The sounds of roadwork embattle the ears. Visions of pedestrians and tourists fill ones field of view. The overall sense of calm is very easing. This open area is used for many purposes. In the winter, and outdoor ice rink is erected and the area decorated in holiday flair. though no major festivals are held here, small gatherings for specific events or purposes do arise on occassion. This place is also known to be a rallying point for protesters and those pushing their agendas.

On this fine fine day, artists were out in one corner of the plaza with their talents on display. Umbrellas help shade themselves and their artworks from what will become an unbearable onslaught of UV rays