Sunday 5 May 2013

Bad Cop


I can't remember the exact reason why I bought these mirrored sunglasses. I was looking at the Rayban aviator style and thought they looked pretty cool.

I tried on the Oakley (Plaintiff) version and found a pair on Yahoo Auctions. They set me back 13,500 yen, but they were much cheaper than new ones.

I wasn't expecting the delivery on a Sunday so when I failed to answer the door I found the undeliverable slip. While the Sagawa courier still do deliveries, their branches are actually closed. I ended up chasing down a delivery truck to get them to redeliver it. Hard to do when the guy didn't speak English.

He did manage to say "Star Wars" when he heard my R2-D2 sms ring though.

I'm quite liking these sunnies but I did find out a few days later that the screw on one of the arms had been overtightened and I couldn't adjust the arm's looseness.

Another teacher often wore his dark sunglasses even at night. (Now that's a classic song) I thought it was silly but sometimes lately I've been wearing these on the train, and I can see how some people feel uncomfortable, but I can see why the other guy does it.

It's nice having my own privacy even on a train, and for once I'm not the one feeling uncomfortable for being watched.

Saturday 4 May 2013

Shinjuku Park

Shinjuku gyoen is a park MUCH closer to my house. You're probably wondering why I don't do my debauched drinking, and playing guitar there instead of Yoyogi Park?

I came here on this (Greenery) day, and since it was free today, I may as well see what I wasn't missing. Sure the Taiwanese pavilion is kind of nice. The greenhouse is kind of cool to all the geeky camera nerds with macro lenses. Oh, and you can't forget that rose garden. Unforgettable.

Their website amusingly states:

IMPORTANT REMINDER
1. To bring items listed below.

  • Animals, or pets (except assistance dogs)
  • Bicycles, tricycles (except pushchairs), or trolleys
  • Alcohol
  • Plants

  • 2. To do the activities below.


  • Roller-skating, rollerblading
  • Playing with radio-controlled helicopters, radio-controlled cars, and similar products
  • Playing badminton
  • Playing frisbees, or boomerangs
  • Rope-jumping
  • Playing soccer and other activities using balls
  • Kite-flying

  • 3. Disrupting natural habitat such as:


  • Taking out or damaging the plants
  • Taking or causing injury to mammals, birds, or fish
  • Climbing trees
  • Feeding animals

  • 4. Activities which may disrupt other visitors.


  • Entering by car (except administrative vehicles)
  • Collecting donations
  • Smoking other than in smoking areas
  • Getting drunk and making other visitors uncomfortable

  • 5. Impairing scenery.


  • Throwing out or leaving rubbish other than throwing it into trash
  • Setting flags and putting posters
  • Bringing in a tent, parasol, table, chair, or such outdoor goods

  • 6. Activities which disrupts the garden administration.


  • Making the facilities dirty or damaging them on purpose
  • Entering restricted areas
  • Swimming in the ponds
  • Building a fire, or using products that cause fire or smoke
  • Taking fallen leaves, branches, or flowers and taking them home
  • Playing musical instruments, using audio goods, or speaking over a loudspeaker

  • What they really mean is that all the fun things to do in a park are actually prohibited. On top of that the usual entry is 200 yen.  No thanks. I'll do my getting drunk and making other visitors feel uncomfortable for free!

    Ueno Zoo was also free today too so we did a two in one. SO many people. No chance to see the pandas again. Dang.