Today - I went out to lunch for the first time with my son, he's now two months old. My wife and I decided it was best to go to a place that we could easily relax.
- A nice little greeting card at our table.
I went to an italian restaurant in town called "LIFE." I chose this place because it is quiet and has comfortable seating (including couches) the lunch price is reasonable for what you get as well. I chose the Pasta and Panino combo with coffee - it came out to about 1400 yen, or 13 dollars (give or take).
- A tomato pasta and salad, covered in club sauce. (If you haven't seen arrested development - I recommend it)
The food was bomb. 💣 Actually, quite good. I was really surprised. It's sort of a "chick spot" if you will, so I expected an excellent looking dish in a quiet, warm and comfortable location that lacked in quantity and quality. Luckily, I was wrong. While it was not a huge portion by any stretch of the imagination it wasn't too shabby either. The taste exceeded my expectations as well. It certainly wasn't no hamburger helper anyway. ;)
After I dropped my wife and son off back at home I headed to work. a private lesson in Bandai (the main shopping area here in Niigata).
Are you familiar with TOTORO?
It's an Anime that was created in Japan and now has a cool store found in cities throughout Japan.
- Even if you don't have the name recognition - you may have seen this guy around...
Now, there is a store celebrating the animation here in Niigata (It's been here quite awhile, actually.)
As my father used to say, "she ain't no magic carpet, but she'll take you for a ride. (NO, he never actually said that, I just felt like saying that here) Speaking of that, I almost forgot!!
Awesome one-liner credit: Written by the creator of this post (as far as I know)
I was lucky enough to "interview" a friendly Japanese lady today about TOTORO.
ME: Why do you like TOTORO?
HER: Well. It’s very heartwarming and there is a giant creature in the movie! He is so cute!
ANOTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKER DUDE allowed me to interview him. Also, such a nice, nice man.
Now a brief note. Have you ever seen Japanese construction pants or "TOBI" trousers? (they will come into play in this interview)
Tobi Trousers
TOBI image credit: source
START OF CONVERSATION:
CONSTRUCTION GUY: You look like Harry Potter!!
ME: (Thinking) I look nothing like Harry Potter, you ass.
ME: Can I ask you a question about TOTORO?
CW: Yeah! Come on, Harry Potter!
ME: Do you like Totoro?
CW: It's ok...
ME: Why are the construction pants baggy? I always wondered.
CW: They are like cat whiskers and warn us of dangers!
OK, actually that is a pretty awesome explanation. Anyone know of any other reasons? Fasion mainly? I've heard that now too.
Thanks for reading! All pictures in this were taken by me unless otherwise noted.