Coffee Day 6
With convenience stores and vending machines blanketing the Tokyo urbanscape, it’s hard not to be within reach of a caffeine hit. So while touring the streets of Shinjuku, a visit to Lawons yielded this.
I don’t know how true it is, but I think there was a “New” sign next to this drink.Maybe not as bitter as the typical Boss coffee drink and maybe a bit smoother but still a Boss in terms of taste (and the all-important caffeine rejuvenation).
Coffee Day 5
Despite seeing the different brands of coffee drinks available in convenience stores and vending machines, I had to try this Starbucks ready-to-drink beverage. The Caramel Macchiatto with Coconut holds true to its name with strong coconut tones sweetened by caramel. The drink comes with a small extendable straw that’s important. Don’t try drinking this without that straw to puncture the protective lid.
Overall a good drink but a little too sweet for regular consumption. But not seeing this locally, my curiosity is satisfied. Even though there are a few other espresso-based varieties, I’ll pass on this more expensive drink.
Coffee Day 4
Grabbed the most “safe” drink that I saw at the convenince store. I recognized the Boss brand, could see the actual liquid, and wanted a larger size, so this Craft Boss coffee was my pick.
Don’t believe I finished it in one sitting. It did help me make it through the day after waking up every few hours at night.
Coffee Day 3
Bought from a vending machine in the Nakamise shopping arcade is this Georgia European canned drink. Very much welcomed trying to get accustomed to the time difference – in the afternoon in Japan but at night Hawaii time. Nothing great, but it did caffeinate my system.
Side note: there are no Day 1 or 2 entries since technically these were travel days.
My Japan Education: Nike ACG 07 KMTR
Just look at this new Nike creation, born from Nike Labs under the All Conditions Gear (ACG) label. The NikeLab ACG 07 KMTR is built for the urban commuter.
Featuring no laces but instead a draw string to tighten the upper and a forefoot strap secured by magnets, the KMTR is meant to be easily removed and worn. This setup sounds perfect for an experience in Japan where shoe removal is all too common.
Of course, I’m wondering about the overall support and stability of this shoe since there are no traditional shoe laces for lockdown. Granted, I really can’t see wearers working out in these, but they have to stay put.
Update: Looks like the KMTR is just about sold out.
Lots of WordPress Attacks Today
Don’t know why but Pulpconnection underwent a bunch of WordPress attacks today alone. Looks like the defenses held but scary nonetheless.
Transgressions from the Weekend
So over the weekend, I witnesseed two transgressions. The first was at a dance showcase at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Of course, the venue was darkened during the dance performances. Then this happened.
This older gentleman would bust out his iPad to take pictures. In the dimmed lighting, that screen was super bright, blinding those behind him. With a good view of his screen, the taken photos looked blurry, so I’m not sure what the point was. But it gets better. After some time, his iPad wouldn’t take pictures. For some reason, rotating the iPad fixed the issue (not sure why). But in the now rotated position, his attached keyboard had no where to go but up. So not only did the bright screen blind the audience, his upright keyboard doubled the height of his raised iPad thereby blocking the view of those further behind him.
The second trangression I have no photo evidence for because I was simply too slow and dumbfounded. On Saturday, at Nisshodo Candy Store, we were picking up some mochi for Mother’s Day. That little storefront was packed as others were picking up orders and making purchases. Behind us enters an older woman who tries to scurry past me, seemingly to try to get in the front of the line. But with the amount of patrons there, there really was nowhere to go.
When the cashier asks who’s next, she tries to go forward, but I already had my hand up. End of story right? Well, when it’s finally her turn, she asks the employee to check the back for other mochi, not wanting the ones in the display case. Not having any inventory in the back, the woman begins to point to specific individual mochi pieces. She’s telling the worker to move pieces so she can see the ones underneath. Keep in mind that the room is still packed as more customers are trying to file in. I missed the photo op and the expressions of all those behind her as she individually called out which piece of mochi she wanted. But I guess if she was getting these for her mother then her fastidiousness may have been justified.
My Japan Education: Samurai Gourmet
To get a sense of the Japanese cuisine, its preparation, its underlying meaning, and its flavor, you must watch the Netflix series, Samurai Gourmet. While some of the storylines are hokey, you can’t deny the attention to detail and focus placed on the featured food dishes. The closeups and the sounds of cooking fill the screen but sadly do not fill your appetite.
At little over 20 minutes per episode, watching Kasumi lead his retired life while having interludes with a feudal samurai is delicious entertainment.
My Japan Education: Forest Bathing
So there’s scientific backing that being in the presence of trees, known as forest bathing, has tangible health benefits? So says a Japanese national public health program that started back in 1982.
Just remember that when you enter a forest, pick up a rock, put a problem in, and drop it. You can pick up your troubles again when you leave but unlike other bathing in Japan, be sure to keep your clothes on while forest bathing,