Back from the Tokyo get together. Firstly, I have to apologize again to yorkii. I was supposed to pass his mobile number on to someone in the group so they could tell him what they were doing in the evening (me and Christoph left early). But after finding out Scooter doesn't have a mobile, I totally forgot to mention it to anyone else. Sorry yorkii.

In attendence: Fabrice; brose; woelpad; katsuo; scooter; Christoph and myself.

We met at Akihabara station and brose took us to his favorite ramen shop nearby. Noodles and company was good. Then we had a wander round about Akihabara before heading over to Ueno park via Ameyoko were we found tucked into some 100 yen pinapple on chopsticks. Wandered round Ueno park where Fabrice busted out some Japanese to ask a passer by to take our picture! Then had a beer in the sunshine and talked kanji.

After a quick 4 hours together, Christoph and I had to leave. Hopefully one of the other guys can fill us in on the rest of the evening.

It was great to meet Fabrice and katsuo and spend time with them and the guys. (Missed you, Wakela and Guppy!)

After synewave and Christoph departed, we went to Asakusa. Viewed the environs (no blades on the road), chatted more about RTK, and had fresh osembe. We were wondering what to do about dinner when woelpad's wife called (while brose was talking with Wakela). She was preparing curry for him and Fabrice! They headed for Chiba, so brose and I searched for grub in "Ah-Sa-Ku-Sa". Found a place with excellent tonkatsu in the Matsuya department store. We had a leisurely dinner and chat, and parted about 8:00. (Ask brose how he met his wife--quite an interesting story, I think!)

I'm really bummed I couldn't make it. There was just too much going on in my world that weekend. Looks like you guys had a good time.

I was especially looking forward to talking to Fabrice about RTK 2, since it looks like the discussion has fizzled out on the forums, and I think RTK2 warrants at least as much discussion as RTK1. Words with three fires, if possible.

Also, I was worried that Scooter would have another near-death experience, and I wouldn't be around to save him.

I know it's off-topic but there's no need to dwell on it for pages and pages: am I right in assuming that the overwhelming majority of Japan-based users of this site are in the English-teaching trade? The reason I'm curious is that I've been contemplating relocating to Tokyo and have even spoken to a few headhunters. It would be interesting to connect with someone who has experience going through this route.

Wakela Wrote:Also, I was worried that Scooter would have another near-death experience, and I wouldn't be around to save him.

LOL! My only faux pas this time was starting to drink my beer before the toast. Nonetheless, I was chosen to give it. "To Fabrice!"

We missed you, Wakela, but understand. There will be another get together--soon, I hope. I'm still intrigued by the museum mentioned earlier, and I'd like to go down Fuji way to synewave's and Christoph's neck of the woods sometime.

scooterinjapan Wrote:We missed you, Wakela, but understand. There will be another get together--soon, I hope. I'm still intrigued by the museum mentioned earlier, and I'd like to go down Fuji way to synewave's and Christoph's neck of the woods sometime.

The kids at my school are away on 修学旅行(しゅうがくりょこう）from today so I was sitting at work yesterday day dreaming of another day trip somewhere.

Places that crossed my mind were, the Ghibli museum (again!); Hakone; Yokohama or something else in Tokyo. Saturday June 2nd or 9th anyone?

I'll keep my diary free. I'll get to one of these meetings in the end!

synewave Wrote:...I was sitting at work yesterday day dreaming of another day trip somewhere.

Places that crossed my mind were, the Ghibli museum (again!); Hakone; Yokohama or something else in Tokyo. Saturday June 2nd or 9th anyone?

June 9 is better for me, though June 2 may be possible after some event juggling. Any of those places sounds fine. If we did Hakone on June 9, I would overnight at the cabins at Yamanakako. Anyone would be welcome to join me.

scooterinjapan Wrote:June 9 is better for me

Shall we say that's at least two of us for something on June 9? Unfortunately it's not possible for me to stay over. But if we wanted to do a bit of hiking, Hakone could be good. Otherwise, doing something in Tokyo is fine with me.

Scooter, just you and me so far!

As no one else seemed that keen on visiting the Ghibli Museum, we could head over there if you fancy it.

Tickets for June are still available at 1000円 each.

synewave Wrote:As no one else seemed that keen on visiting the Ghibli Museum, we could head over there if you fancy it.

I do indeed. What time? We can meet at Mitaka station. Let's have lunch and explore Mitaka or Kichijoji, just one stop away, on either side of the museum visit.

scooterinjapan Wrote:What time? We can meet at Mitaka station. Let's have lunch and explore Mitaka or Kichijoji, just one stop away, on either side of the museum visit.

Scooter, the tickets specify a time that we have to go to the museum. How about if we go for 2pm? Gives us time to grab something to eat first then we can do some exploring afterwards.

I've had a night out in Kichijoji before (a long time ago!) and it was good fun. How about having a wander round there after Ghibli?

If anyone else wants to join us, we're going on Saturday June 9th. Let me know asap coz I'm going to pick the tickets up tomorrow. And as they say, "if you're name's not down, you ain't coming in!" - well, unless you buy your own ticket that is!

p.s. I'm buying the tickets but I expect to be paid back

synewave Wrote:How about if we go for 2pm? Gives us time to grab something to eat first then we can do some exploring afterwards.

How about having a wander round [Kichijoji] after Ghibli?

Good plan. Make it so. (Apologies to Jean-Luc Picard.) Let's meet at the south exit of Mitaka station at noon. I'm flexible on the time, so suggest something else, if it suits you.

synewave Wrote:I'm buying the tickets but I expect to be paid back

Yes, of course, and we'll throw in a beer for the service and delivery fee.

p.s. Even if it ends up being only the two of us, it still counts as an RTK get together. We are more than one, we both use RTK, and it was planned here. Ha!

Scooter, all set for Saturday?

After we've been to the Ghibli museum we're gonna hit the town in Kichijouji - well get some food and possibly even a pint. So if anyone wants to join us, post a message to the new look forum

All set! I may ride my bike to Mitaka station if the weather is nice. Whatever my mode of transport, noon at the south exit. See you then!

Back just a bit ago from RTK Get Together #4, a very enjoyable day with synewave. We met at Mitaka station, as planned (well, a bit late on my part--got a little lost on my bike), found a nice soba/udon/tempura shop, then strolled through Inokashira Park to the Ghibli Museum.

Fantastic place--meant in both senses of the word. The building had many nooks and crannies, twists and turns, and unexpected little rooms such that we occasionally found ourselves asking, "Have we been here yet?" and saying, "We saw this bit already." We saw many personal and studio effects from the 20+ year history of the studio. Synewave has a picture of us in front of a life-size model of the robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky. We saw a 14-minute film with Mei-chan and Totoro and a host of new feline transportation characters.

After the museum, we walked back through the park, had beers by the lake, then curry in Kichijoji.

Great sights, good conversation, relaxed pace--fun day! Thanks, synewave!

scooterinjapan Wrote:Viewed the environs (no blades on the road)

I don't usually check this thread but now I'm glad I did

Picture taken on the roof of the Ghibli museum. I would definitely recommend going if you know his movies or if you have kids who do. Knowing Tonari no Totoro is essential. If you go with Scooter, he buys the beer! Thanks Scott.

[ファブリス]

synewave Wrote:If you go with Scooter, he buys the beer!

Cool! *writes down for later*

re: life story in Japan.

Istvan Wrote:Not too private at all, but likely too long . If you ever come up Tokyo way (or if I ever head down Susono way), we can talk about it over beers if you like!

Sounds like a plan. School holidays are coming up soon. yorkii you up for it?

Istvan Wrote:Not too private at all, but likely too long . If you ever come up Tokyo way (or if I ever head down Susono way), we can talk about it over beers if you like!

synewave Wrote:Sounds like a plan. School holidays are coming up soon. yorkii you up for it?

HEY! No get togethers until I get back to Japan on August 20! No, just kidding. Just realize, however, that I can't buy the beers if I'm not there.

Anyway, synewave and I have concocted a plan for October. The Japan-Scottish Highland Games, Sunday, October 7, at Kanda University of International Studies, Makuhari, Chiba. Mark your calendars. Details to follow.

Wakela and I had an impromptu get together at Narita Airport on 07/07/07; I on my way to the States and he waiting for a relative to arrive. I was talking with another friend, also a happenstance meeting, at the entrance to Starbucks, and Wakela walks out! Woah!

I just wanted to throw out there that the beach bars in Kamakura are now open, and will remain so until August 31. Nothing like the sea breeze, a glass of Premium Malts, Thai food, the crash of the waves, the setting sun, scantily clad members of the local populace...oh, and kanji cards. Yes. Always.

Just so happens that I live pretty close by, so if anyone wants to make the trip out here as an individual or as an official RTK function I'm game.

Sorry, I forgot to subscribe to this topic. Couldn't find a link except for on the post page.

ill be up for a meet up over the summer. i get back from Thailand on 10th August, so any time after then is cool.

Beer, Thai food, and beaches? Sounds like heaven!