Rezokuuu!!!!

Rezokuuuu-> Refridgerator.

After the move to Kawasaki, Finding a refrigerator within my needs and quality was one of the toughest challenges i had. No doubt I had a very rough time with some Japanese traders who are pretty famous around. But the experiences were so bad that they did not even have a sense that they are dealing with powerful and potential customers.

Had made several visits to several shops and recycling guys for the fridge but never could get the right one with the right price. I was almost getting the deal done with the Japanese trader but at last he messed up putting his ignorance on what I had selected being to his place! You can imagine how brilliant these fellows can be in business despite their age! After a Long time in my life I lost respect for yet another senior person (seniors and kids usually deserve respect for reasons as per my principles).
Well it is the peak of summer in Japan and i ended up daily reaching home after the drenched walk form the station and purchasing a drink or chilled water form the Vending machine.

Almost 2 months without the Fridge and i have been praying and cooking and buying supplies on a daily basis.
At lasts spotted one on the net (after days and days of search from India and Japan) and communicated to the owner after a mutual agreement on the Fridge. I was supposed to call the next day and in the evening when I called I came to know to my weirdest surprise that the lady had sold off the Fridge to some one whom she thought was me! Damn !!!!! I was like what is going on????
But Just similar to my days after college when failure after failure struck i always believed in my strength being with my Strong and powerful Lord and been praying and hoping in faith. I just took it as per the purpose and His will and soon I see another one on line and send in a request. Amey too informs me the next day on the same offer and I confirm that this is already requested.

In 2 days Flat I received the Fridge delivered in my Kitchen thanks to the wonderful family previous owners of the refrigerator TIM and AMANDA and praise God for them and all that happened. When the deal was struck I was praising God because it came with even better things and blessings than I wanted and imagined for,.
As I always say that is our Lord. He knows what we need even before we ask and those who have faith in Him will never be despised and What God has kept in store for us, none of us can comprehend, nor imagine!
He is an awesome God. Glad to meet the family strong in their faith and also that I was given a beautiful Fridge a very new one indeed with a great Christian family introduced! Blessings! And above all Praise Him our Lord who is indeed magnificent!

Welcome home the Sharp SJ WA-35G

Punctured 5 Kms away from base!

My good old bicycle has always been my company in Japan the foldable Athletic Orange black combo. After my move to Kawasaki, to my surprise could not locate a cycle shop around in my usual routes.The air was pretty low since last week and I wanted to locate a cycle shop and get it pumped up! Unfortunately timed out at last I located my own pump and carried it all the way down to ground floor and gave it some work out. Pumped in just enough on to the back tyre to carry myself the ..Kgs precious passenger :)

Went around shopping neatly with the bicycle till evening and came home for an early dinner rice and Chinese Chicken preparation (you bet it was awesome on the first attempt itself!).
Then all charged up decided to take a long evening ride to explore the are as usual. ventured in to unknown territory along the Kawasaki daishi station for about 5 Km and reached a major intersection. Well let me mention there were quite a few waves and stares all along. God knows why and few I did reciprocate too :) Had a doubt whether it was a rare site of a gaijin on a bicycle this side.Donnn think so but could be...

Well at the major intersection I saw a Gas station and a prudent Japanese service person at Esso Station (college guy may be), He was waiting for me to cross to give a green to an awaiting crane truck to move out of the station.I took a 360 degree turn in to the station and as the crane moved out approached the service guy and asked him in Nihonglish about a cycle shop near by to pump in the tyres for a smoother and longer ride!

To my surprise he looked at the tyre and said Dozooo and he asked me to park towards the tyre safety area.I had the doubts about getting it pumped at the gas stations always and with the same doubt I had always kept cycling past so many gas stations. Well I could not find a single cycle shop in this area near my place. idi as usual wanted to check out his usual calculated extreme risk policy! I parked the cycle and got down. He professionally checked the tyre by pressing and checking the pressure and looks up at me and nods. He starts his pump with jetting air. I had doubts but the confidence he showed was too professional that I kind of was ready to go beyond my calculation of risks. He puts the nozzle in and pumps in ssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! after about 5 seconds he releases and puts in the nozzle and in 2 seconds my tyre goes down FLAAAAT.....

He looks up and says looks like something wrong and tries again.

Ssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh pump in for 4-5 seconds and ooooooooooooouuuuuuuuusssss in 2 seconds back to FLAT.
This time he never looked at me and ten opens the valve ad shows me the blasted tube. and says to me that this is out need replacement and presses and shows me the FLAT tyre . I was like ...........................................................@#%$#%%^#@^%@$^@%^%^@%$^^

Then he says to me in Japanese that he will replace it and states searching in the service station boxes . For a few moment I was relieved that he would have a spare. 30 seconds & he rushes to the office and after about a minute comes back and says suimasen.....
You need to go and get it from a Daishi ya?? (not sure if the word is correct but he meant a cycle shop.) I looked at my watch and 8:40 PM. Damn no ways an cycle shop is open Asked him politely if there were any. He said toiee des. And that meant FAR and I asked him Kono hen de (in this area)? He just wanted to run off I guess and he says to me Wakarane in plain Japanese and tell me valve is broken and so you cannot pump in.I Had to smile even if there were big drum beat sessoins going on in my mind and head! He was talking like some thing was technically wrong and as if i was no where around when things happened.Oh My God!!!
Started walking back and the tyre was making a ridiculous noise being FLAT. oH my God! walked for about 2.5 Kms and then saw a 7 11 Holding Ito Yamaka (I guess I got the name correct) across the highway.
7 11 always have gained my appreciation for their service and convenient stores and wanted to give it a try. I was about to cross I saw the ground floor supermarket having a cycle shop. No harm and idi ran his risk analysis again. went in to see that all the crowd was moving out and by this time it was almost 9:35 PM. And to my surprise my bicycle wanted me not to leave her for some reason she could not even stand on the usual stand. Had to lean it on a pillar and ran in to check with the personnel in the cycle section and he was straight away wakaraney. and I was like D....!!!! and then there was this young guy servicing a bicycle and suddenly popped up and started to ask me "Yes please" . I was really wondering to ask or not and then I asked him if he had the valves. He said "okay! please bring the cycle"
I still was not sure out ran out and got the cycle in. First thing he looked at the tyre and pressed and looked up and spoke in Japanese as if the tyre had to be changed. Then I told him in English "the valve is blasted, could you replace?" and showed it to him and then he realized what the problem was! I was wondering what is really going on! My Goodness!
He jumped up and ran back with a replacement and fixed it and pumped in air and what a relief and then I asked him immediately that when they were closing and he said 10 PM .Wow great. at last and then I requested him to fill in the front tyre also and he did it perfectly. I was really happy and asked him the payment and he jumped up and said "Service des" which means 'Free in Japanese business terms and they are looking forward top seeing me again.'
I thanked him seriously and drove out and man and again me and my orangey-black baby we were flying again so smooth and fast. In another 10-12 minutes I was back at base and gulping down a chilled Pepsi Twist down my heated up body!
Oh Back to the base at at last and I did find a Bicycle shop near by to my place and the real way you bet ha haa!! ! But you know I love it this way and experience filled life and loving my life every moment filled with His grace and providence!

A380 flight experience! An amazing experience

The day before i was to start to India i was going through the iterary in a bit detail and was doing the online check in! At that momnt something caught my eyes Aircraft type etween Narita ad Singapore is Airbus Industrie A380. Well any time i came across the term Airbus i had that dream with me of Flying this Jumbo jet the largest commercial airliner in the world. I was confused a bit when i read A380 on the travel plans and double checked online for this and tomy surproise and excitement i found that indeed i am booked on the largest Jumbo jet in the world. one of the four operational with Singapore Airlines.


I was indeed excited and looking forward to it and i got the first glimpse of it as soon as i finished the Seurity check at Narita.Praise God and that was when i was sure Yes i am gonna fly A380 soon. The craft was so huge to capture it close on a single shot! Soon we had the boarding and was inside my gosh on the A380.
I was on the lower deck and seated on 51H.

Some of the snaps from insde and outside the aircraft are added here. The flight was really smooth however the sounds of the hydraulics are too much specially when the wings go in and out and when the landing gears come out. Man! its tremendous thus and the ummmmmmmm and thud sounds. But acceptable considering the huge size they are bearing. Even with Trubulence the flight was shifting like a big boat and overall the flight was really smooth. The descend starts about 30 minutes ahead and considering the size ye it must be required!

I had to have the Kyoto designer meals Japanese style as the international one was over but still with the senior platoon of Singapore airlines hostesses and stewards and an amazing unbeatable Inflight entertainment systyem the flight was just amazing.Well the airhostess was like these Sobas are awesomyou better try it out and i had to agree to her smile :) even if i am not t much a fan of the Japanese Soba.

There were many honey mooners around and SIA was glad to celebrate with them.
I thouroughly enjoyed the flight smooth and it flies lke floating in a big room and amazing entertainment and food with couple of Singapore Slings and a icecream.
Details on the craft here with virtual videos which are amazing to see before you board the caft ! Have fun flying the Airbus way!

Few areas of design may need improvement as it showed specially on the upper luggage doors which were getting locked up,the inflight screen for the first line seaters which are available for public view!, the hard cases below seat for the life jackets, The grring Wing hydraulics (can be excused considering the size of the Jumbo!)and the THUD at which the landing gear is released almost towards the end of the 30 minute Descent!

Rest all of the flight was extra smooth! And of course and experience and a complex designed craft still marking its hours of flight!

All my snaps aailable on Flick here.

More snap on A380 experiences here on flickr group pool!

God always surpirses me with the best at the right time. Really unexpected and previleged t have thiflight on the 11th day of service from Tokyo Narita.Aweome is our Lord and His plans for us! :)

Taking a snap in Tokyo

I had to renew my Alien registration card here in Tokyo and that’s the reason for this blog. Well Japan and the people here in offices are systematic. In fact too very systematic for that matter. I had been to the ward office for my card renewal and I had to return because they wanted my latest snap and more over there were 2 more days for my card to expire :)

Usually for VISA purposes i visit a studio and its so costly to get a snap in there! Any ways, I have been thinking of getting this new snap and my friends kept suggesting the very common photo booths in Japan. Friday night while on way from work just got out of the station and found one of the booths.

I was amazed by what something on the roadside could do so much in such a simple time.

As I get in and pull the curtain across the door, the lights come on and the screen lights up.

Ask- Fun photo / formal photo and display the rates.

The machine has left and right arrow keys and a green OK button.

Select formal photo

Asks you to insert the amount. Once done, you could change the language to English and then

Soon you are asked to sit and adjust your face to be at the center of a red ring that would be appearing on the screen and in a moment you are there so clear right in front of you.

Announcement is made that the 3 shots would be taken and you would soon hear the 3...2....1 count down for each shot. Once that is over, the machine displays all the 3 snaps and you can choose the best of all.

And you would be in love working on this simple but brilliant microcomputer.

And soon the announcement comes. Please wait outside and in 19 seconds your photos would be available.

Oops! Out of the booth. By the time you wear your jerkin on there come the snaps.

It’s all about facilities and perfect ways of doing things. Did any one go jobless because of this self automated machine?

I do not think so. Here is the place where cameras digital, SLRs and all types of gadgets are sold like hot cakes. Even high costing lenses are sold out in minutes.

And you can see so many of the photographers all around Tokyo with their real professional cameras. Do not be surprised if you hear the shutter sounds! its Tokyo.

It could be a professional or a near my machine! :) So make sure you are always with a great smile :) :)

The system is called Photo- me . Note that the snap was transferred to the web via another clikc from my mobile and hence looks a bit dull! Other both the subject and the snap looks fabulous :)

Idi goes BoAt Riding

DSC03781
Originally uploaded by idivilayil.

Me with Captain Tamada (ex - japanese Naval officer who speaks fluent english).Tamada san gave me a real interesting session on boat riding and the systems in use. Few things were similar to me from my navigation lab visits at HAL and the INS Viraat visit as a school boy.
It was fascinating and specially as there was a typhooon passing nearby and the sea being rough i was allowed to ride the boat for about 10 minutes under his giudance. Its fun ! But just dependent on whats on the screen and nothing else.!I guess its God's guidance and experience that is required more than anything in this profession.

But an ever lasting memory as we tossed up and down as we cut through rough high waves.The ride was being reffered to as a water roller coaster! Next attempt a sail boat?Lets see what God has in store in my experience pages! Hi heee.. Cheers!

Sushi Time

Savour the Sushi
Originally uploaded by idivilayil.

Check this out!
My first Sushi experience and i swear its wow . Its really cool.
recommended as a must try.

clockwise from top left (facing the snap)
Tuna
Some fish
Salmon
Octopus
Omlette rolled in Japanese style
Pickled Ginger (too gud)
Mashed potatoes with fish bits
Fish eggs
Fish again
Shrimp.

All you need to do - pick it up using your chopsticks and turn them around 90 degrees to tyhe right. Dip in the soya sauce and whoooom suck it in to your mouth.

Its really cool stuff! Authentic Jap style!

Operation Red Rocks

I always have been thinking a lot about a good trek or some kind of rock-climbing and camping experience. Being in Japan and a city like Tokyo made me feel this could be an experience out here in Jap land.
Until there was a sudden plan to visit Mt Fuji. The largest mountain in Japan.
Mt Fuji - History and details.Click!


Of course most of the members who got involved for this trip were amatuers2 or people with no past experience in rock-climbing and a mountain climb was beyond imagination. However sole determination and the desire to do something different gave us the Charge to go on with the plan. Very soon the mission was named 'Operation Red Rocks'.
Now that every one wanted to see the Fuji in its closeness and experience it, there were two groups formed - Package 1 and Package 2.

Package 1 was the group who wanted to experience the Fuji in its toughness to go further from the base station #5.And Package 2 consisted of the members who wanted to get close to the mountain and experience the majestic view of Fuji san. Both the teams were scheduled to reach Fuji san on the same day and package 2 had started early morning so that they could wrap up their visit by evening the same day. However for the package 1 team, the journey started my noon when we took the train to Kawaguchiko station.

Our special hill train had to stop in between for about 30 minutes as the rain was pouring and the climate was not very conducive FOR THE CLIMB. We were trying to contact our package 1 members to get a hang of the real situation at the Fuji base. However the hilly route and the climate were so much unpredictable that we could never get connected to them easily. We were on the verge of aborting the ORR attempt but decided unanimously to reach the base and then decide on to proceed up or to turn back depending on the then conditions. The spirits were real high. As the train was about to reach the station we got a call from Package 2.They were concerned about our plan to climb that day as the rains were heavy with thunder showers and lightning streaks splitting the skies. We confirmed them that we were all fine and will decide once we reach the base camp. And hope fully we were to meet at the station as they were still waiting at the station due to the heavy down pour.

Soon the rains had stopped and the climate was clearing up. We had our first views of Mt Fuji in its closeness and we all were clicking snaps from the moving train. In a few minutes we were at the station and we were gearing up without pending purchases for the climb such as fluids. We were not able to see any of the P2 members and soon discovered they had gone to the lake as the rains had stopped. It was great to see our known crowd and as usual lots of masti and noise in Japan :)

We were soon joined by Anirudh another SE from India and Anoop an IAF officer from India whom we were really looking forward for some guidance for the climb. Now we were all set. Then we got the tickets for the buses to BS#5 and we were moving soon. Once at the base we realised that there were a few hundreds ready to climb that very same day but had guides with them. Well we started gearing up with our extra padding on clothing and also the food our lady climbers had prepared. Awesome Rotis sealed with Aloo ka masala inside and sandwiches. Soon we got the headlamps on and we started the trail. it was rocky and pitch black and as we climbed from station to station the course toughness was increasing . We were using some real special and specific strategies suggested during the course by our friend Anoop.No: ed 1-9 we kept reporting and climbing.
At each station we had a small break and then proceeded with the climb. The ladies of the team were extra enthusiastic and were so firm in reaching the top- (Seems like they were really ready to do anything to win some bets they had placed before starting the journey .lols.)
The climb was pretty easy to start off with and we took small rest halts at each station. WE were fuelling with energy choc bars and energy drinks. As soon as we started the course from 6-7th station the track was getting rocky and way too scrambled. We were careful to be together and supporting each other all through out. Counts were taken 1-9 most of the time as we were getting involved with the crowd all along the path.
Sooner or later we were at station 7. By this time i was at least getting tired but was ready to climb further up. After a few minutes of rest at station 7 we started fro station 8.

Suddenly the course became treacherous - steep and rocky. Every step you put needed to be a careful one. The team started splitting up due to delays and tired members. And soon we were climbing in 3 different groups separated by few meters. As it progressed the climb was getting tougher and tougher. I was worn out and so tired that I had to abort the climb at the 8th station. I stayed in an inn at station 8 till it was morning at 4.30 AM approx. WE were able to see a delayed sunrise from station 8.However except for 3 members the rest made it to the top at various timing .It is told that it was extremely cold out there on the top and even the rum shots cud not keep them warm. We had a great sleep though right at level 8 of Fuji san and witnessed the sunrise as good as it was from level 10.

It was a great experience. Soon it was time to start the descend; and no jokes the down climb can be as tough as the upward journey or even more tough. Round rolling laterite and lava rocks ill make sure you fall at least once in your climb down.
The views were just great and during the climb we realize one of our friends left his passport back at the inn on level 8. Thanks to the radio systems the guides were using and with wonderful turn of events we got the passport safe. Once we were at the base, we were all totally drained out and every one was sleeping so tight in the limousine bus riding back to the Shinjuku station. In a sense we had a real success on the mission ORR. The tee shirts designed and prepared by the team have become a souvenir to all the climbers and for even few package 2 members.

Fuji san has created mixed feelings and emotions to each of us. I felt it’s nothing of great interest except to see a great view of God's creation from the mountain top. But one thing great stamina and determination is the first step. Carry enough water and warm clothing and definitely some bright torches and headlamps and trekking poles. Thus we had a great time on the largest mountain in fact a dormant volcano of Japan. It’s said that after the eruption about 300 years back, it could happen again any time soon. God's plans may be different though! Wait and watch....

Snaps are available on the flickr link on the right side of this page under the set Fuji.

Or

Take me to Fuji Snaps ! Click...