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!)

Last edited by scooterinjapan (2007 April 21, 9:40 am)

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.