London 2008 con't

A few more sights from London. Walking back to our hotel from Buckingham Palace

Before getting back, stopped off at a pub for lunch. H ere we have peas, broccoli, mashed potatoes, and some kind of pie filled with ground meat. Shepard's pie I believe

The HMS Belfast against the backdrop of Tower Bridge.A view of Embankment station from atop the London Eye

London 2008

I had mentioned in another post that I had been to London and France. Here are some of the pics of that trip while I was in London. I found that I would like to go back and explore of this city. I dont believe that I got to see enough of it during my short time there.


The face of Big Ben

Looking down the Thames at the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge

Tower Bridge, not London Bridge, near the Tower of LondonOn one of the last days, went to Buckingham Palace on a slightly damp day to watch the changing of the guard

Longing For Japan

As noted before, I have made several visits to Japan. On practically a daily basis, I visit websites that revolve Japan's culture, day-to-day activities, television, retail, etc. I grow almost homesick. For a few years now, I have been going back once a year to get my fix. But, I did not go last year nor do I plan to go next year. Although, Im hoping the latter does not pan out. My next trip isnt planned until 2011 and that feels a long way off. I have already begun doing some research for that trip to help make it seem like its within reach.
I visit sites that help to keep me in contact so I dont feel like Im so far away. On the flip side, it sometimes makes me long for it even more. I like the sites that show alot of pictures. Every now and again, my mind taps me on the shoulder to say, "I remember that!" I look up calenders to see what festivals are going on. I check tech websites to see the newest and latest gadgets lucky Tokyoites will be buying. I search for information on places that I would like to eat at. In general, Im looking for things that make me say, "Cool!" or "Interesting!"
The tall buildings of Shinjuku, the taste of a hearty bowl of miso ramen, the efficiency of their mass transit, the oversaturation of convienence stores and vending machines, the bright lights and neon of Shibuya. These are my memories.

One Leg At A Time con't

I was up late on a friday night watching Poker After Dark. The banter was flying fast and quick. Though half asleep, my ears did awaken me to a question that I had posted earlier about whether you put on your socks first on both feet then the shoes. Or, do you do one foot shoes and socks before proceeding to the other foot. There was not a whole lot of discussion on this as the one presenting the question, Phil Laak aka Unibomber, was behind in the chip stack. The question did progress to asking if anyone had put on socks before pants. Thats not something I do on a regular basis but some had confessed to it

At Dinner-Boulevard Cafe

Over the weekend, had a family dinner at Boulevard Cafe in Colma. It stands in the former location of a Lyon's restaurant. The food is mianly American fare with some Mediterranean additions such as a plate with chicken shawarma or spanikopita, hummus, and tzatiki as well as a chicken soup with lemon. I usually like to order the calamari appetizer. A huge platter filled with rings and legs is accompanited by cocktail sauce and something like tartar sauce but I believe it to be Thousand Island dressing. The batter is light and crisp. This accompanies the tender pieces of squid very well. This time around, I had the Salisbury steak. A large patty of beef cooked to order with a garlic and mushroom brown sauce. The dish came with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The steak was very good with a slight char to give it that great grilled flavor. Other items include pot roast, tutti de mare pasta and a selection of burgers and salads. Their portions tend to be on the genourous side and their prices are very good.