Paracord

So Ive started playing around with parachute cord, paracord.  Normally made of a nylon outter sheath with seven inner nylon strands with a tensile strength of 550 lbs.  They are used, as the name would suggest, in constructing parachutes.  People have been weaving all sorts of things from bracelets, key chains, and other crafts.  A number of different weaves have been employed in the handicraft.  

Travelogue Japan Day 8 Mother F- - -

Yesterday I tried to buy a package ticket for transport to Mother Farm, MF.  I was informed by the attendant at the JR travel center that it was only good for two people.  Thee was no single supplement.  There was nothing special about the package except for a green car reservation.  Otherwise, it was a normal JR route.  I would however,need reservations for the shuttle from the station, she called them and put my name on the list for today.  MF is in Chiba on the Boso penninsula.  The train passes Kisarazu station.  So, you could come by way of Umihotaru.  The shuttle runs one roundtrip and coincides with the arrival/departure of a specific train to/from Tokyo.     The shuttle is just outside the east exit at the far end of the lot.  Turn left when you eit the pay gate.  100 minutes on the train and 30 on the shuttle each way.

And you are at your destination, basically a farm themed amusement park.  Admission is 1500yen for adults.  The return shuttle departs at 15:30(3:30pm)

Travelogue Japan Day 7 What to do today

A funny thing about cell phones.  This is the first time I brought it along.  During the early days of this trip, I would find myself grabbing my phone when I boarded the train.  For those who dont know, I use the train departure chime as my ringtone.  On to this post.  Today is going to have the nicest weather of the whole trip.  A bit last minute but I was hoping to go to Mother Farm today.  This will have to wit until tommorrow.  Since I was here, I went to the Chocolatory at the Daimaru.  Last year, I went to the one at Seibu in Ikebukoro.  My 6am flight allowed me to go direvtly there and line up for the 10am opening.  Fortunately, no lines to queue up for.  I was in and out.  On my way to Rokurinsha, I noticed Garrett popcorn had a decent wait to it.  This would be consistent over several hours and days

I stepped into place at 1045 for the 11am lunch opening.  As the initial patrons pruchased tickets and sat down, the line progressed by the menu items they had pasted on the outer walls.  This amkes it more efficient as it give the people who want tsukemen a peek at what they can order.

Travelogue Japan Day 6 Costco/Ikea

Ive tried to visit Costcos on my travels if I can figure out how to geet there.  In Japan alone Ive already visited two.  Some a little easier than others.  However, both required quite a bit of walking from the train station.  This time around, Saitamas location gets the privelege of my visit.  They are conveiently located near Shin Misato station.  The short walk is made more pleasurable via the Lala Port shopping mall.   It doesnt need to be stated that I was indoors during the walk, another plus.

Travelogue Japan Day 5 All Day on the Toei cont

I dont know what it is about my camera but zoomed in shots like this are not coming out sharp.  Maybe its time to get a new camera.  Anyway, I got to the Arakawa line via the Asakusa, Oedo, and finally Mita subway lines.  It runs along the city streets as well as in between house and businesses in some places

Travelogue Japan Day 5 All Day on the Toei

Today should be shaping up to be a nice day

No forecast for rain so I should take the chance to go some place where clear visibility would benefit the most.  I picked up hte Toei all day economical pass(Toei only, no JR) for 700yen. Walked a bit to the Asakusa metro line station at Sengakuji.  Took it all the way to the terminus at Oshiage 

Though I dislike the subway for sightseeing. it ogt me there in a straight shot.

Travelogue Japan Day 4 Back To Tokyo

Breakfast is a little more varied in Shin Yokohama.  Three types of fried rice though I only tried two.  Acoouple fo salads including this sweet vinegared noodle salad.  Green beans and konyaku.  Human made, Im assuming, miso soup and mcahine dispensed cream soups.  Selfserve coffee dispenser offering a variety of coffee drinks and milk tea.  I wonder if the cream soup and coffee were available all day as the machines were still set up after the breakfast period and as I left around 10am