2018.9.30

The last day of September.

Another big typhoon No.24 is approaching and it was a rainy day.

I went to Hihashi Shinjuku via Yokohama.  I should have taken the planned train but I arrived at Yokohama earlier and took the earlier train. I noticed it did not stop at Higashi Shinjuku after passing Shinjuku San Chome. So at Ikebukuro I got off and took another train to back to Higashi Shinjuku. But unfortunately it was another express train and did not stop at Higashi Shinjuku again. So I had to change again at Shinjuku San Chome.

After getting off the train, it said the target place was just 2 minutes away, but I took the wrong way and had to walk more.

The seminar about the rhythm color was interesting. There were about 10 participants. Everyone loves traveling and has some dreams related with foreign countries. It took nearly 3 hours, but we could not finish all the things the instructor aimed.

After that eight of us went out for lunch. We enjoyed the Italian lunch at a restaurant where only the owner and the guests of the high-rise apartment building can use.

There were something I want to do after that but all the transportation will stop operation earlier because of the typhoon. I gave up and came home.  After that I went shopping. Supermarket was going to close at 6 pm. So I was lucky to be in time.

2018.9.29

It was a rainy day, another big typhoon No.24 is approaching.

There were two events I got invitations but decided not to go out.

I could relax at home without doing anything special but did something I wanted to do.

2018.9.28

It was cloudy.

The last working day of September.

There were lots of things to do after two days off.

After work I went to Meguro to attend SRC convention. It started around 4pm but I arrived around 7pm. However it seemed the best timing because I heard the very important parts.

After that I had dinner with a friend at the pork cutlet (とんかつ: tonkatsu) restaurant where I have wanted to visit. This time we could enter and ate pirk fillet cutlet set menu. It was rather expensive, but I am glad to be there finally.

2018.9.27

It was cloudy, and became fine.

I took a bath in the morning.
Breakfast was buffet and I chose Chinese style.

I took a walk in the morning before leaving.

We visited two places in Kyoto today.  First was a shrine where I have never visited before.
Next was a temple where I have been to serveral times.

Lunch box was really nice.

I came back to Shinagawa and met friends.

It was a nice vacation.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.26

It was rainy.

I took two days off to attend a special tour.

I missed a planned train from my station, but fortunately I was in time for Shinkansen from Shinagawa.

I went to Nagoya and changed to the chartered bus. We visited three places and headed for Kyoto.

The accommodation is superb. Dinner was wonderful.

I had a very good time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.25

It was cloudy in the morning but became
rainy in the afternoon.

Tonight is the full moon but we can't see unfortunately.

Today was the first working day after three day weekend, and there were two weekly and biweekly meetings in the morning and afternoon.
Moreover I take two days off to go to Ise and Kyoto tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, which made me overwork.

I got a post card which I sent from Cairns on Sep.14. It took about 10 days. Emails go at once. I wonder how we could have done business without IT before.

2018.9.24

It was cloudy.

Today is transferred holiday and I could sleep long without alarm.

There were many things to choose today and I chose three.

First I had lunch with 4 travel club friends in Kanda. It was fun to talk with someone with the same interest.

Second I attended the BOM of Cryptcurrency. It lasted for three hours. I happened to see a friend there.
I think there are so many ways to be a billionaire at this age. There will be a big difference between those who know these information and those who do not.

Third I went to Ginza to see the art exhibition of my friend. This is once a year event. There are many beautiful works. If you have time, please visit the Gallery Musashi at Ginza 1 chome by Saturday 29. You will be healed by her beautiful works.
  
I wanted to go to see a movie, but gave up.

2018.9.23

It is shubun no hi (秋分の日), Autumn Eqinox Day. It is a national holiday and it is Sunday today.  Tomorrow is a transferred holiday. So we have a three day weekend.

It is higan no chunichi (彼岸の中日), middle of equinoctial week. We visit the grave yard during this time of the year. So I visited my parents' grave yard in the morning.

After that I went grocery shopping. The road was very crowded and I took a different way to come back.

In the afternoon I went to the beauty salon to have my hair cut and perm.
I went shopping and had a good deal.

In the evening I went to the Tokyo to see my friend. We had French toast set and talked for nearly three hours.

After that I went to Tokyo Station Hotel Lobby to see someone. I had a special drink.  We have talked another three hours. It was a nice consultation.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.9.22

It was cloudy.

In the morning I went to massage which is my once a month health treatment.

After that I visited Iseyama kotai jingu (伊勢山皇大神宮) and Naritasan (成田山). The former is a shrine, the latter is a temple.

Then I went to Ueno Bentendo (上野辯天堂) at Shinobazu pond (不忍池) to attend the Minarukane taisai (巳成金大祭), once a year big festival.
It became fine at that time.
There were so many people there.
Last year I could not buy a gold coin metal shaped charm because of a long waiting line. I could buy it this year.
Lotus at the pond became so big compared to early summer. There were some people feeding sparrows by their hands.

I came home early to receive my suit case.

2018.9.21

It was a rainy day and getting colder.

At lunch time I could talk with an insurance company and felt relieved to hear about the reimbursement of the hotel fee which I had to pay in Brisbane.

I bought an insurance before traveling but it does not cover the cost due to flight cancellation.

So I called the credit card company which I bought the ticket with but they also did not cover.

Therefore I asked which insurance cover such things, and they told me about the American Express Card.
Fortunately I have the Gold card.
At first they said they only cover for the food but I had to stay there two more nights. They considered again and said they would cover. I am very glad to hear that.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see my friends.

2018.9.20

It was cloudy in the morning, and became rain in the evening.
It has become cooler these days.

Monday this week was a national holiday, and next Monday is a transferref holiday. If you take four days off, you can get 10 days off. This time of the year is called Silver week.

In October we have another three days weekend.

It is a good time to have a short trip.

2018.9.19

It was fine.

There were many things to do at work. After meeting in the afternoon, things to do became so clear that jobs have got done.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see someone. But the appointment was suddenly canceled and I only met others for 20 minutes or so.
Here again after the meeting, things became clear.

Talking is very important, isn't it?

2018.9.18

It was cloudy daytime but became rain in the evening.
Depends on the place, it rained so heavily that my train delayed.

Today was the first day after 11 days summer vacation. Some colleagues took the summer vacation at the same period, therefore I got many sweets as souvenirs.

After work I visited the Fuji Film Square, Softbank, and got off at Yokosukachuo to shop something and to go to bank.

2018.9.17

I started the day early, at 3 am. I took a shuttle to the airport instead of walking at 4:10.

My flight schedule back home was supposed to be at 00:50 on Sunday via Hong Kong, but the biggest typhoon made it canceled and the Cathay Pacific Airline rescheduled mine to Virgin Australia and Qantas.
After all I did not use Cathay Pacific for both ways.

The flight from Brisbane to Sydney was at 6 am by Virgin Australia. It was a window side. It took one hour and a half.

At Sydney first I had to go to Qantas Terminal, then check in and move to the international terminal by bus. It was rather confusing.
I could use the American Express Lounge while waiting.

The flight from Sydney was at 10:25 but it was rather crowded and left about one hour later. At first I was in the middle again but there was a vacancy and I could sit on the window side. It was very nice.
I watched three movies.

It was supposed to artive at  Narita Airport at 18:50 but arrived around 20:20 after all.

Narita Airport also introduced the automatic immigration service.

After sending a suitcase, it was already 21:00 and it seems the last train has gone already.

It has been nice weather in Australia, but it was raining when I got to Narita Airport.

It is a national holiday called Keiro no hi (敬老の日), Respect the Aged Day. I am glad not to take an extra day off.

2018.9.16

It was fine.

I enjoyed making candy-sushi and walking around the house in the morning.

In the afternoon we went out for lunch which was volumy.
I joined the balance yoga class in the afternoon.

My friend took me to the airport hotel l in the evening.

2018.9.15

It was fine and beautiful.

I visited many places in Brisbane. First Queensland Art Gallary, second Gallery of Modern Art, third Queen Street Mall, fourth City Hall and Museum of Brisbane,
fifth Old Museum and Science Center, sixth Southbank Parklands, seventh City Botanic Gardens, and night street market.

After saying Good-bye to my friend at the airport, I found my flight was canceled.

Adventure continues!

2018.9.14

It was fine all day long.

I checked out around 10:20 am and headed for the airport by shuttle bus.

I left Cairns before 1 pm by Virgin Australia. I wished to have a window side, but again it was middle. There were some  empty seats, but because of weight balance they didn't grant my request.

After arriving at Brisbane, my friend took me to the biggest shopping center and the pier. I saw another beautiful sunset.

Then we headed for her house and had dinner.

2018.9.13

It was fine but partially rained and I could see the rainbow for the second time during this trip.

It was a sightseeing day and I visited two world heritage sites.

In the morning I went to Green Island National Park. It was so beautiful. I enjoyed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park through the Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

In the afternoon I went to Kuranda by Skyrail on my way there and by train back to Cairns and enjoyed Tropical Rainforests and Barron Falls.

Time was short but it was worthwhile visiting.

After coming back i saw the rainbow and felt happy.

2018.9.12

No plan day.

I tried to book for Mudcrab catching tour but it was full and I could not.

I tried to eat them at restaurant but they did not have. It seems it is not the season.

I ate Seafood Course Lunch at Raw Prawn on the Esplanade which taxi driver last night recommended me and seems very popular. There were manyJapanese tourists.

I enjoyed the Night Market from 5 pm.

2018.9.11

It was another moving day.

I left Kingfisher Resort around 7:30 am
to catch the 7:50 ferry to Hervey Bay. I went from Hervey Bay to Brisbane by Qantas, and from Brisbane to Cairns by Tiger Air.

This was the very first time for to use LCC.
They only accept up to 15kg for check in buggage, therefore I had to repack. They don't serve the free drink, so I bought hot chocolate and a piece of cake for $6.
At first my seat was center, but I asked to change to the window side, and I saw the beauriful sunset.

At night  I walked to the night market.

2018.9.10

It was a beautiful day.

In the morning I attended the taining for two hours.

After lunch we went to the Lake MaKenzie via Central Station by 4WD bus which reminded me of the desert safari I attended in April this year in Dubai.

The view of the lake was magnificiant. The water was too cold for me to swim. Sand was white and fine. So beautiful!

After coming back I went to the beach to see the beautiful sunset. There were many small holes on the beach and small sand balls here and there. They say they were made by small crabs.

I changed to Yukata (浴衣), summer kimono to attend the Gala Dinner. Many people praised my yukata-style and I was asked to be taken pictures with them. This reminds me of Expo '92. I was taken so many pictures at that time.

I enjoyed drinking, eating, chatting, making many new international friends, and dancing.

It was such a nice dream trip.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.9. 9

The 3rd day of my summer vacation.

I left the apartment before 9 am and walked to the tram station with a suitcase. This reminded me of the very first day of my JOI coordinator at Atlanta in August 2006. The venue of the training was held at the motel of the suburban of Atlanta. I did not have enough cash at hand and could not use the taxi and had to walk to the motel with a very heavy suitcase.

If there are much money, there will be more ways of selections to be happy and to make others happy.

I took G-Iine tram and Brisbane Airport Train which cost AUD38.40, got on 9:06 from Cypress Avenue and arrived at the Brisbane Airport around 11:30.

The view of Gold Coast from the tram reminded me of that of Miami and Fort Lauderdale along the river.

I sat at 10D of plane where is near the Emergency Door when I left for Hervey Bay. It was a small plane for 48 passengers or so. They asked me about my English ability in case of emergency.
In flight the view from the window was beautiful.They served a snack and tea.
After an hour flight I arrived at Hervey Bay airport.
I was wondering how to get to the main Kingfisher Resort Reception. After all everything went well.

Some people from South Africa were waring the Dream Tripper's T-shit, and it was easy to recoganize them with the same group.

We took the ferry to the Fraser Island, the biggest sand island in the world. On the ferry I became friends from Miami, Florida where I stayed in Delray Beach for two years.

After checking in, I went to see the sunset. It was a bit late but the sky was very beautiful. There I've got two friends from Georgia and we had dinner.
We had a good time.

It was a nice moving day.

2018.9.8

It was slightly raining and chilly when I got to Sydney after 18 years.

After immigration, I picked up the suitcase and put luquar inside and checked in the suitcase again. Passengers were transfered to the terminal by bus.

There I walked around and found an interesting walking escalator covered by the plane shape.

I found an ATM and tried to withdraw from the HSBC for the first time. This is very convenient. I do not have to exchange money.

The flight to Brisbane was QF508 which is my lucky number. It delayed a little bit to wait for international flight passengers.
They served cereal breakfast.

When I arrived at Brisbane, my friend from Expo2005 and her husband were there to pick me up. How nice to be welcomed!
We killed time by looking around the supermarket. Prices were rather expensive. They say the salary is also higher than Japanese average.

Then we headed for their daughter's Japanese school. They say in Austraia there are four terms, starting January. Their first long vavation is around Easter holiday and every year it differs according to the calendar.

After that we came to my accommodation which is Chevron Palms Holiday Apartments. It is for the long-stay visitors.
There are a bedroom, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, porch, and furnitured.

We walked to the world-famous Surfer's Paradise and enjoyed lunch seeing the rainbow.

At night I attended the Gold Coast Glow Warm Tour of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests.
It was a wonderful experience. I recommend you to visit there if you come to Goldcoast. Especially in December.

It was a nice day.

2018.9.7

It was cloudy and slightly raining in the morning, and became fine in the afternoon.

I took a half day off to go to Australia.

I got an email from Cathay Pacific Airways saying the delay of the flight. I wondered if I could catch the connecting flight or not.

At the airport I picked up my suitcase and input something at the repacked area. I have never seen the area before.

Now I will be onboard.

See you next time from Australia !

I tried to issue the ticket but it was impossible because of the delay and I was asked to go to the counter.

There they offered me to go to Sydney by JAL and to Brisbane by Qantas which arrives earlier at Brisbane. Of course I accepted.

2018.9.6

It was fine and hot.

There happened big earthquakes in Hokkaido this morning which made big damages and the airport was closed there.

In the morning my train delayed about 30 minutes to save someone that became sick on the train.

In the afternoon I had a chance to attend a tea ceremony for foreigners. It was a very nice experience, and I felt like practicing again. If possible I hope to introduce tea culture and kimono culture abroad again.

After work I went to Awajicho to attend a monthly meeting. I thought I had enough time to be there. But my map navigation introduced me a wrong way and I was late for 15 minutes or so. I missed some parts unfortunately. But I am very glad to attend there to get important information.

From tomorrow my summer vacation starts.
I am very looking forward to going to Australia.

2018.9.5

It was fine after the typhoon No.21.

It seemed it left tremendous damages to Kansai Area including the Kansai International Airport and the bridge road to the airport.
They say electricity power went down and many travelers had to spend a night without air-conditioning.

I feel sorry for them.

I hope their early recovery.

2018.9.4

It was a rainy day because of the biggest typhoon No.21.

I could get up earlier than usual.

After work I went to the Bunkyo Civic Center to attend a seminar of Mr. Takao Hiramatsu who is a professional of business making from what people like.

One of my friends introduced me about the seminar on August 15, but I was not sure at that time if I could attend or not. Yesterday I found I would not have to work later tonight so I decided to join.

It cost yen 2,000 but participants got his new book "Sukinakoto wo bijinesu ni suru kyokasho (好きなことをビジネスにする教科書): Textbook to Make a Business out of What You Like" which values yen 1,500.  What is more, he offered the participants one hour consultation which usually costs yen 30,000. How generous he is!

At the venue I met some interesting people. One of them can read the palm lines. She mentioned that I had a very fortunate line regarding the sudden marriage with a wealthy man. How nice it would be true!

Now I am very looking forward to the next trip abroad this weekend to meet my Mr Right.

I am so glad to have attended the seminar.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.3

It was slightly raining in the morning, but became fine in the afternoon.

After work I went to many banks. Usually ATMs are available from 8:45 to 21:00.
But today I found there were some machines at banks which are available until 24:00.

There are some banks which are 24/7 for telephone service and of course for online service.

In 1992 when I was in Spain, their ATMs were available for 24/7 and they were very convenient.

In 1996 when I was in Washington State in the USA, there were drive through ATMs and I was so surprised.

From 2006 to 2008 when I was in Florida, I was wondering about the personal check deposit. At the ATMs we put the personal check into the envelop and deposit by ATMs.  What will happen if the amount of pressing numbers and the checks were different?
Interesting thing was they can't withdraw that amount of money soon after depositing.

These days there are many cryptocurrency which are used by smartphone. It is very convenient but I  am not sure how many people are dealing.

2018.9.2

It was cloudy, rainy and fine.

I waited for a call but they did not call the time I asked, so I went shopping for my friend. Fortunately I found and got the things I hoped.

In the evenning the suitcase pickup came. I am glad that I do not have to bring it with me during the rush hours.

I finally booked the hotels in Australia. Now I am thinking to book the local tour in the near future.

2018.9.1

A new month has started. September is kugatsu(9月) or nagatsuki (長月).

It was cloudy and sometimes rained today.

I went to Shin Yokohama to attend the Breakthrough seminar which started at 10 am and ended around 6:30 pm.This is the first biggest event in Japan, and there were American lecturers and some Japanese and Korean Leaders' speeches.
Entrance fee was US$, therefore depending on the date applied, cost seemed quite different.

There were about 700 participants. I met some friends.

After the seminar, 44 members had a dinner party.

It was a fruitful day.