Lou's Year In Review: 2007

Really nice to see those random shots of bits of California taken from the car, reminds me of our trip there in September. We did the whole Hollywood thing too and yeah some of it's kinda tacky but then its still cool to see the stuff you see on tv

 

After we drove through Hollywood we did go along some windy road towards Santa Monica (I think) which didnt really seem wide enough for the cars and SUV's. That for me was also the only time I felt a bit nervous driving over there. I like the big wide straight roads!

And I was so excited to get to Asia... Which I'll post "tomorrow".

 

 

Final Jeopardy music playing in the background

 

 

 

I like how "tomorrow" is in quotation marks.

 

I knew if I didn't put the quotation marks people like Bob would be all "hey, it's tomorrow... Where are the pictures?"... Figured I may as well not lie.

JAPAN!!!!

 

So a whole bunch of us flew over to Japan from LA together, which was a lot of fun as I despise flying alone. Upon arrival, I was *INSTANTLY* smitten with the place, even at the airport I was astonished at peoples' efficiency and good manners. Jeff asked an airport worker where a smoking area was, and he didn't just point out a sign, he actually walked us over there, smiling and bowing the whole way. We also got to take our first train ride, on the Narita Express from the airport to Shinagawa, our first base camp. I've always loved trains, but I think all others will pale in comparison to the Japanese rail system and in particular the Shinkansens.

 

 

After meeting a few more people at the hotel, we all headed up to our rooms at about 6.30pm, arranging to meet back in the lobby at 8 if we wanted to go into the city for a few hours. Our hotel was ridiculously awesome too, the place is like a mini city complex complete with 24 screen cinema, 25 karaoke rooms, a 51st storey bar, a giant food court and several other restaurants, 80 lane bowling alley and arcade, roller coaster, pirate ship, simulator, and dolphin show. Very cool.

 

 

About a dozen or so of us got on a local train to Shinjuku... I'd heard from various people that your first time in Japan can bring on a complete sensory overload... They weren't kidding! Within minutes of being off the train I was just astounded at the number of people, the sounds, the lights, the awesome-smelling food, the buildings, the arcades... I just loved it. Completely unlike anywhere I've ever been before, and yet I've never felt so comfortable in another country. I can't wait to go back.

 

 

Somehow I ended up near the front of the group... Which is always a bad idea. Robb knew where he was going though.... McDonald's! My first meal in Japan. *sigh* We were all far too tired from travelling and way too excited for a proper sit down meal though, and hey, Japanese McDonald's is a hell of a lot better than in any other country I've had it!

 

 

Stupid as it sounds (as there ARE neon lights in other places after all), these buildings just look so distinctively Japanese.

 

 

Robb and Jeff playing the drum game. I didn't try it this night, but over the course of the following days, I feel in love with it and played it whenever I could. To be honest, I'm not a major lover of arcade games, they're fun, but there are very few I really like, but I became a total Taiko addict, I could've spent the whole trip playing on these things.

 

 

If anyone knows what this is, I'd be greatful for the explanation. It appeared to have dates on it, but not ALL dates, if you see what I mean. So I really have no clue.

 

 

Busy Shinjuku side street. Amazing how there can be so many people and yet I never felt crowded or uncomfortable.

 

 

Back at our gorgeous hotel, ready to crash out for the night.... After a few drinks in the bar, obviously.

 

 

You gotta love Japanese toilets. Dave will testify to the fact that I experimented a little too much with it, it then attacked me with water and deodoriser and tubes and stuff when I tried to use it.

 

 

The next morning, whilst Robb, Elissa, Dave, Dan and a few others went to TDR to pick up tickets, the rest of us had a lie-in and then either went credit-whoring or else did what I did and just hung around the hotel exploring and chilling out. Just as I was debating what to do for lunch, the Disney group arrived back at the hotel, so we headed to the food court for energy and then headed straight for the bowling alley!

 

 

Believe it or not, those rather pretty trainers I'm wearing are actually bowling shoes. Which just proves my point that those atrocities of fashion they make us wear in bowling alleys here really ARE just to make us look stupid, and are really unnecessary. Oh, and that giant foot is Chris's, he can't wear bowling shoes.

 

 

It makes me sad that this hotel bowling alley is nicer than the massive one my huge town has.

 

 

Notice the camera on the screen above Dan's head. It's pretty cool to watch somebody bowl from both the front and the back... Especially if it's somebody pretty like Dan.

 

 

Dan whooped our asses. And yes, they did transcribe my name as "Low".

 

 

This is the moment the addiction started....

 

 

After we bowled, Shane and Ryan and I headed up to the bar at the top of the tower to check out the view.

 

Industrial side.

 

 

Dramatic clouds!

 

 

Yeah, we're tourists. Notice the bandage on my finger? This is what happens when you poke Robb hard in the stomach: Half your nail will fall off, I mean, halfway down to the quick. He looks soft, but seriously, that belly has power!

 

 

The bar/eatery area is lovely. This was the only time I saw it in daylight though!

 

 

Everything is so close together! You can see for miles from up there.

 

 

Skyscraper are surrounded by residential streets and smaller office buildings.

 

 

Another of the towers of our hotel... Complete with helipad! Told you this hotel had everything!

 

 

Eventually we all reconvened and headed to another part of the hotel for our ride on Galaxy 999! Kindof a WTF coaster. This is us preparing to listen to the safety instructions for the coaster, which includes a complete description of the layout, warning us about a sharp left turn... I do wish I'd heeded that warning. Ouch.

 

 

Jeff shows off a map from his credit whore excursion that morning... Teehee, it says "old and small". (Love you Jeff!)

 

 

This is a terrible picture, but does at least show that the pirate ship (once again, in our hotel!) has pretty good theming!!

 

 

Apparently Rich and I are surprised to be heading to LaQua!

 

 

Ice cream on top of flavoured ice... It's the future.

 

 

Chris makes love to his crepe.

 

 

In Japan, not only do you wash your hands when you go to the bathroom, but you also clean the toilet!! This bathroom also featured babbling brook and bird sounds, much to mine and Falafel's amusement.

 

 

LOL. This was at the truly awesome drop tower which was the best ride at the park!

 

 

To briefly discuss the rides while I'm on the subject... The mouse was okay (Dave and I actually spun quite a bit if I recall correctly), Thunder Dolphin sucked and I got yelled at for having a name tag around my waist and a lip balm in my pocket, and GeoPanic gave me endless amusement. We're in space... Now we're in a cave... And now we've gone 70 million years back in time... Back in space... WHAT IS THIS?!?!?!?! Oh, and Linear Gale was okay but nothing particularly special.

 

 

This picture also sucks but is the best I could get. Miles, Steve and I hung out in the bar for a while, this was the view at night: Truly stunning in person, I promise you. This bar was really nice, but really kinda pricey. Not by British standards, but by Japanese... Yes. Nice atmosphere and good cocktails though!

 

 

Arty shot of Miles enjoying his beer. I wussed out and went to bed around 1am... God knows what time Miles and Steve were up until!

 

 

At Yomiuriland the next day, Rich and I assaulted this dog. I quite enjoyed this park, though as with many of the parks, there were no really amazing coasters. White Canyon was actually fine and nowhere near as bad as I would've expected (though there was one particularly bad SLAM around a corner which sent my skull flying into Mike's shoulder), Momonga was fun, and Splash Bandit was pretty damn cool! An average ride, but the water was a nice touch, even if we stayed pretty dry the time we rode it on a wet cycle.

 

 

Rich was just thrilled to be in such an enclosed space with Jeff and I.

 

 

This Ferris Wheel was not made for people over 5'6".

 

 

Brian and Bill have no idea of the wetness about to descend upon them.

 

 

Miles got himself a Panther! I think I speak for both he and myself when I say the rest of the gang was missed!

 

 

Brian's wet ass.

 

 

Hungover much, Steve? (Not pictured is Miles sitting opposite and trying desperately hard not to vomit. )

 

 

Back in Shinagawa, we picked up Aussie Richard (who continued his tradition of arriving on trips a day or two late ), grabbed our bags, and headed back to the station to catch a bullet train down to Fukuoka. A few of us ended up sitting in a smoking carriage, and I had a very enjoyable journey chatting with The Hoffman Guy about life, the universe and everything. I loved watching the trains go by at the station, and I don't have the words to express how amazingly well the system runs and how efficient and comfortable the whole thing is. Why can't all public transport be like that?!

 

More Japantics (see what I did there?) to follow, umm, "shortly"...

Dave will testify to the fact that I experimented a little too much with it, it then attacked me with water and deodoriser and tubes and stuff when I tried to use it.

 

I swear that seeing Lou getting attacked by the hotel room toilet was worth every penny I spent going to Japan. This was serious comedy, and taught us an important lesson: DO NOT TAUNT THE TOILET!

 

And yes, we got an awesome ride on the spinning mouse, which spun like mad for us and not anyone else. I'm guessing that unbalancing the car with you and I in it had a lot to do with that.

 

Looking forward to the next part...

 

dt

Great pics. I really miss Japan and all the friends that went. I think your pictures are going to force me to spend a couple days there after the China/Korea trip.

 

I miss you Lou!

Japantics...hahaha

 

Were those pictures of Tokyo? my guess would be...yea. That city looks like it would be so cool to live in, but I'd just be so overwhelmed by how much there is there, and how large it is. I could probably go my entire life living in Tokyo and not see every end of it, that is truly stunning.

 

But yea, Japan looks cool

Brian and Bill have no idea of the wetness about to descend upon them.

I don't know, but I look like I'm posing for you here. Sucking in the gut, puffing out the chest. What the hell was I smoking?

 

 

 

 

Brian's wet a$$.

I didn't even notice until somebody pointed it out. Was that you, Lou?

^That TPR takeover of Splash Bandit was pretty memorable--they launched that train and all wet hell broke loose.

 

Some kid nailed me in the eye with a Super Soaker when I rode it.

Brian, yes it was me that pointed out the wetness. And you DO look like you're posing!!

 

Chuck, my face in this picture of yours says it all, we were NOT expecting to get soaked, we were supposed to be the soakers not the soakees!

 

Chris convincing the Japanese Ride Op to give him the hose was one of the highlights of the trip!

Lou = awesomely hot.

 

Lou's Year In Review PTR = awesomely hot goodness of multitudeness that cannot be described.

Did Ryan have a stroke? He always has that look on his face.

^ I think Ryan has a stroke every day... Sometimes multiple times!! Oh, to be 17 again... Anyway...

 

 

More from Japan!

 

The next day, we were off to...

 

Space World! (This is a map.)

 

 

Apparently the theme for this trip was me copying poses from random posters and statues, I think Chris has like five pictures of me doing this in different parks.

 

 

Ginormous loop makes Richard look like Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oh, and yes Chris, it is a real spaceship.

 

 

Advice for life.

 

 

More advice for life. Repeated for emphasis.

 

 

This bathroom was so awesomely futuristic that it warranted a Kodak moment.

 

 

All the Japanese parks have such nice backdrops. Oh, and ferris wheels of course.

 

 

I love this picture, thanks for taking it, Bill! Chris's hand is just a *tad* too close for comfort though...

 

 

On the train to Uminonakamichi, Richard slept, and a few of us, Jeff included, watched what appeared to be driver training. Kinda interesting.

 

 

This is right before we almost died because Ryan blinded the train driver with the flash from his camera.

 

 

This is what Lou looks like after listening to Ryan and Jeff talk about trains for fifteen minutes!!!

 

 

In a way, I'm glad their inane chatter kept me awake, as I saw some great traditional style buildings on this journey, with those distinctive roofs that I think are so pretty.

 

 

The driver was pointing out everything that warranted her attention (signals, crossings, etc), and then would point back to the centre to realign her vision when she should be back to watching the track... At least I think that's what was going on. Jeff explained it to me but I fail at life.

 

 

I love that Shane tried so hard to pose but didn't actually manage to get in the picture properly.

 

 

Upon arrival at Uminonakamichi, we headed to for filming... We were the only people in the park! It was awesome! And these things were in the station. Random pink plastic baskets... Comfort and beauty, LOL!!

 

 

I was SO convinced that Tom was gonna end up in the water! I'm actually pretty impressed that he didn't, his balance was better than I gave him credit for... Well, up until Lagunasia when he had a disagreement with a fence.

 

 

Somewhat arty shot of Ryan beginning his journey through the tyres...

 

 

...However, I think he underestimated the level of bastardry that these guys will stoop to.

 

 

One by one, his tyres were taken from him...

 

 

...until only one remained. At which point I was labelled "The No Fun Girl" briefly because I decided we were being TOO mean to him.

 

 

For a big guy, Robb landed pretty gracefully!

 

 

Funnyish story... After arriving back at the station near our Fukuoka Area Base Camp, Chris and I decided to grab some food from McDonald's... Anyway, there was a student next to us with a bunch of textbooks, and this piece of paper was on the countertop between her and us. We figured it was a piece of her work, but for some reason I decided to take a sneaky picture of it.

Anyway, during the meal, Chris kept getting hit with water droplets from the ceiling, prompting me to make lots of piss-taking remarks towards him about "CEILING, RAINS!!!" and so on. A week later, we asked a barmaid in a pub to translate the sign for us from my camera... Turns out it means something along the lines of "Don't sit here, the air-conditioning leaks". Poor Chris.

 

 

After going back to the hotel for a shower, and then being mistaken for a prostitute by a Japanese businessman, me and a few others headed out to explore the area. This store (this is the Yodobashi, right??) was SO amazing. I could've spent hours there. We picked up a few bits and then decided to try and find a restaurant Robb had eaten at with Quaker when they were in the area in 2005. Eventually we found it!

 

 

You would never even know it was there unless you, well, knew! Pretty well hidden, and in a basement, basically! Very cool, not at all touristy, which I loved.

 

 

The place is really small, seats like 8 or 10 at the counter and then there's table space for maybe 20 people. I was full from McDonald's so I didn't eat much this night and let the boys order. They picked some good stuff!

 

 

But priorities are important, and before food... BEER!

 

 

I don't know what this is... I mean, I know it's Joey, but I don't know what he's eating. Chicken? Turkey? Chihuahua? *shrug*

 

 

There is something VERY creepy about this picture. Beyond the normal level of creepiness that Chris oozes, I mean.

 

 

I have sooooo many pictures from the last two years where I told Robb "Look sexy!" and I either get "sleepy", "creepy" or "retarded". I think this was beef and peppers... The beef was goooooood.

 

 

Apparently Yakatori is a TPR-approved cooking style... What could be better than meat on a stick?!

 

 

I believe on this night they went through 87 skewers... On our second visit the following night we broke the 120 mark!

 

 

The cheese wrapped in bacon was by FAR the best skewer, it was unbelievably yummy. Judging by this picture, they agree with me!

 

 

I was gonna post another day but I actually don't have time, but I'm determined to get through this more quickly so look out for a ginormous update at some point over the weekend!

Oops!! Just found a picture that I meant to include and didn't... I've decided it's awesome enough to get its own post and not just be edited in.

 

Dan's got SKILLS!!!

 

Lou - Did you explain to the Japanese gentleman what the difference is between a prostitue and a porn star?

 

I haven't seen bathroom shots that good since Blue Man Group opened at Universal. Makes me wonder if anyone got shots of the uni-sex bathroom in the Barcelona mall during the Spain Trip.

How did I miss that awesome Bathroom of the Future at Space World?

Why was there a urinal in the women's bathroom

Lou - Did you explain to the Japanese gentleman what the difference is between a prostitue and a porn star?

 

I haven't seen bathroom shots that good since Blue Man Group opened at Universal. Makes me wonder if anyone got shots of the uni-sex bathroom in the Barcelona mall during the Spain Trip.

 

I am still freaked/embarrased by the uni sex bathroom in Barcelona.

^^There are several different types of 'toilets' in the nicer Women's restrooms in Japan. It's for the kids! Mom's come in and there are kid sized toilets, urinals for boys, normal toilets, japanese toilets, it's quite impressive!

 

There are even highchair type seats to put your child in while you go to the bathroom.

 

I miss Japan.

Glad I could help out with your photo TR, Lou.

 

Great TR you're sharing with everybody.

 

 

And... I miss Japan, too.

What camera are you using??

 

I look so fat and not old in your pics?

 

Something's wrong.

 

 

 

JJ

Awesome pictures! Looks like it was a fantastic trip. It really makes me wish I could dig up the cash and go on the next TPR Japan tour. I loved Japan when I went almost two years ago. I didn't do too much coaster related, though, so it would be fun to go back and do just theme parks. Japan is such a great country.

 

I do agree that Thunder Dolphin is not very good. At least it looks good!

Great photos!

 

The photos would be better if I were in them.

Awesome photos Lou, I miss Japan a little bit more with every photo!

 

I really should have called time on my jumping after that.

So, let me understand Lou Time.

 

If "tomorrow" means five days from now, then:

1. "shortly" means two days from now

2. "weekend" means "Not this coming weekend, but maybe in a couple of weekends"

3. "soon" means "I don't have a clue when I'll post the next update"

 

And since you're an English/Linguistics major, just what does "ginormous" mean? Or did you for get to SPELLCHECK?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, wait. You've got a job and I don't, so of course I'm just hanging around doing nothing all day but harassing you.

 

You know, I should be nice to you. After all you are a mod, and if I annoy you enough, you just might drop kick me off into Bantron for a time out. (I hear the serve free alcohol there . . .)

 

 

 

Anyways, your pics of Japan are a nice stroll down memory lane. I'm kind of surprised you don't have more pics of Space World and Umam . . . something or other . . . Park. (Come to think of it, I seamed to be lacking on pictures for this day as well. I think I was just having too much fun to think about taking pictures.) Wasn't this the day in the ice house you laid on the ice bed? Or was that later?