Japanese Shows I Like to Watch-The Tetsuwan Dash

This show is emceed by the aging boy band Tokio and consists of several members, sometimes all, doing several different missions or activities on the show. One of the most interesting is a tiny minivan that they rebuilt to run on electricity with a solar panel on the roof. With this, they drive around the shores of all of Japan's islands seeing how far they can go and stopping off at interesting locations here and there. I have forgotten where they left off but I believe they've gotten around most of the major land masses.

Another segment involves a farm where they will grow plants and well as live stock. Make thing from scratch like a pot or even food. Also, they will provide general informaton on a number of random subjects. They have from time to time, sought out the best restaurant for such and such in particular cities and villages. Historic walks through some of Japan's most modern areas have been used to contrast then and now. Engagements against local townfolk with waterguns are some activities they have been know to participate in. Taking a dip in the most nondescript onsens, if you can even call them that, that only locals know about.

The show is fun and informing. The members do not take things too seriously and are still happy to participate even if they lose a bike race to a train. I am fortunate enough to be able to rent this show and others on DVD at a shop in Japantown. The membership is free and a 3 night rental is only $2.

Korean Shows I Like to Watch-Invincible Youth

There are a number of shows that KBS World subtitles and airs in America. The first is 1 Night 2 Days. Another that Ive caught on to is Invincible Youth. The premise of the show revolves around 7 members from 6 girls groups, 1 female comedienne, 1 male singer, plus an older gentleman of stature. All these city people are dropped into a small village in the countryside where they learn how to do things for themselves.

The female leads are from the hottest girl groups in Korea: Sunny & Yuri from Girls Generation, Hara Gu from Kara, Hyuna from 4Minute, Hyomin from T-ara(pronuonced Tiara), Narsha from Brown Eyed Girls, and Sunhwa from Secret. Kim Shinyoung is the comedienne and Kim Taewu, no relation, is the lucky male soloist. Over the last few months that this has aired, the cast have developed their own personalities while some are still looking for their gimmick. Yuri is everyone's favorite it seems. Sunny is a very capable person who is funny and will bowl you over with her acts of cuteness. Hara is the doll faced idol who like to tell cheesy jokes but is a bit of ham and tries to get as much camera time as possible. Hyuna has been dubbed the whiney one. Hyomin is know for being edited out of the show alot but that is changing. Narsha is known as the adult idol for the many provocative poses and utterances that come out of her mouth. Sunhwa is known for being blank, not too bright. Hilarity ensues when they do farmwork, play games, and entertain guests.

Theres alot of eye candy as these 20 something girls, except Narsha who is 30, work the farm. They are beautiful even when dressed in their "work" clothes and at times bear no makeup for the show. If you get a chance, take a gander at a few of the episodes. Part of the reason this show works so well is that the cast really looks like they get along well with each other and are genuinely having fun on the show

Whats worse than Monday?

Going back to work on Monday with jetlag. Unfortunately, I am still suffering from some jetlag from my trip and its carried over to today. I was hoping the extra days I had allocated to being at home would rectify it. But, it seems, as I get older, I am less resilient and it takes longer for me to recover. Because of that, I had not posted anything after I returned.

Whenever I made these trips to Asia, I would wake up at 4am, local for the area that Im in. It used to only take 2 days before I could sleep in until 6 am and only a few more before I would begin to get up at 9am or later. On this trip, it took a week before I would get up at 6am. I never woke up any later than that for the rest of the trip. Now that I am home, Im finding it hard to sleep until 4am. This wreaks havoc when I have to get up by 7am. It will be a slow adjust period over the next few days to get back into my usual routine. This almost makes me dread the next trip I have planned for 2011 to Hokkaido.

Travelogue-Tokyo Day 4 Dinner

So, I mentioned I had a ramen last night but no camera to provide evidence. It was so good, I thought Id go back today. The restaurant is Setaga-ya.

I cant read the cahracters on the button but this was what I had chosen last night and again

Here is the dish. Green onions, fried garlic, pork, thick bamboo shoots, and saffron(?)

Here I mixed it nup so you could see the wide noodles. It helps to hold the chowder like soup. However, there was still plenty of soup to drink up with a spoon. Its probably too thick to pour anyway

As a side dish, more of that nice fatty grilled pork over a bit of rice.in case the ramen doesnt fill the bill

Travelogue-Tokyo Day 4 Tokyo Station

Cold and wet, I sought shelter in some indoor place that I could walk around in comfort. With little left on my Suica card, Tokyo Station was within range. I stumbled upon Grand Sta, a basement level beneath the main level where people enter and exit the station. The main level already has plenty of shops. This level was devoted to food. It never fails to surprise me how much capacity this city has for retail. In this section, desserts are the primary draw.
Macarons of different flavors and colors span the spectrum as they are backlit. The displays of these cookies always make my mouth water ever since I had my first not too long ago in Paris

You cant have dessert with the main meal. This area takes care of that need. A deli section that has all the makings for a nice bento or pickj up one thats premade. Anything you may be in the mood for, they can accomodate.

Up for something grilled and skwered? Take your pick

I had not seen these in any other place that sells Tokyo Tamago. It looks like pudding in an egg shaped container with a dollop if black sesame at the bottom. Will have to give this a try