July 30, 2006

Asian Monsoons End - Let Summer Begin!

This was the scene near my hotel today.  Koreans take summer very seriously!  Weeks of festivals begin at Busan's seven major beaches, including an Asian Rock Concert.  As I write, a colorfully lighted stage of exotically beautiful Korean folk dancers is in view from my hotel window.  I need sleep, but I am compelled to head out just for the experience. Next weekend I have two days off!

July 22, 2006

Waves Crashing Me to Sleep in the City of Ten Thousand Towers

Early morning preparation on Haeundae Beach . . .

. . . for the obvious afternoon activities (view from my room).

Of course if you are not up for the beach, the Aquarium is the cool spot for kids

I flew JAL Business Class from Nagoya to Busan, and now I know why American airlines are losing money - poor service, antiquated seating and mediocre food, on a global scale.  Then, a one hour bus trip from the airport passing seemingly 10,000 high-rise buildings in a valley surrounded by green mountains, finally opening up to the sea.

As the JAL food was great, I snacked at the executive lounge for free (with a few glasses of a good French wine) and took a short walk along the beach during an overcast sunset.  This is truly different world, and I have the weekend off to explore, at least by foot.  Busan - 2nd largest city in Korea and I only vaguely recall ever hearing of it before I got here!

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July 21, 2006

Off to Busan

Let's see, I had a great two full sunny weekends in Seattle.  I wanted to see the ocean in Washington State, so I drove south toward Portland and headed west along the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean - you know - the Lewis & Clark route, or at least the last leg of it.

Then made my way north along the coast.  I must say, both California and Oregon have Washington beat in terms of awesome coastal beauty, but it was a trip well worth is.  That was two weeks ago.

Last Sunday I returned to Nagoya, Japan to rap up some unfinished work, planning to stay for a month.  But it seems I'm needed elsewhere.

Today I'm flying to Busan, Korea and will be there for about three weeks.  The hotel is right on the ocean (no, not the building pictured).  I've got two associates there waiting for me who have spent a few weeks there - so it should be a breeze to get around and see the sites (if I have any free time).

I expect I can post a few pictures this Sunday as this is my first trip to Korea and you know I love to wander with my camera!

Lotte Tower, Busan Korea          

July 5, 2006

Back In America! Road Trip!

Boy it feels good!  Arrived in Seattle Sunday.  Slept 18 hours.  Got the 325xi out of storage and gave it a good wash & wax.  Escaped in great hast to the Cascades to a no-name resort and just took all the beauty in.  Perfect Weather!  Great food!  Didn't want to leave but reality calls.  Back to Nagoya soon, but oh there's so much I've yet to discover in these mountains and the great Columbia River.

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July 1, 2006

Japanese Orchids

 This is my last full day in Nagoya.  Noon tomorrow I'll grab a train to the new Centrair Airport, hop on a flight to San Francisco and then back to Seattle - for a week anyway. Tentatively, I'm back here in Japan next week for the long haul.  Italy - well looks like all the action is in Japan right now.

I'll have a brief chance to check on the 325xi, pickup some summer clothes and pack a few pounds of Starbucks coffee for my coworkers stationed here on long-term assignments. 

I've also decide to retire my vintage 2001 Dimage 7, favoring buying a Cannon S80 because of its high ratings and small size.  In honor of my old digital camera, I shot a few photos in its macro setting, when I came, by chance, to the Nagoya Orchid Gardens during a much needed long walk today.

I can't wait to pick up some fresh King Salmon and real vegetables at Pikes Market for my brief stay in Seattle. When I return to Nagoya, I'll bring all that I need and commit to daily workout in this great fitness center at the Marriott.

Nagoya train tracks from the Marriott - from here about any destination in Japan is possible.

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