Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

An interesting Japanese behavior pattern is backing into parking spaces. Everyone does it. Arriving at work in the morning, there is usually a small line of cars waiting to park. The cars however do not swing into the space but … Continue reading →

So, the first thing is all the plastic bags you get when you go shopping. The check out person meticulously packs everything into a plastic carrier bag, reciting what it is you have bought and how much it costs. Butter, … Continue reading →

This is a line from the most high church of carols, Adeste Fideles or less pretentiously Oh Come All You Faithful. I have been singing since I was ~ six. I still don’t really know what it means but I … Continue reading →

So a couple of days ago I got a strange missive in my letter box. I have to have my car safety tested. This is a big deal in Japan. The procedure is called Shaken. Before a test can be … Continue reading →

Back to the garden where I optimistically planted potatoes some weeks ago. I must have put in 30 or more seed potatoes and this what has come up. I am disheartened by this feeble showing. Ah well, I suppose I … Continue reading →

I love to polish things. I think black leather shoes give the most pleasure but silver and brass come very close seconds. It is very rewarding as you get an instant payback for your efforts. What was dull is now … Continue reading →

I use this title as I am visiting a world famous particle physics lab, KEK in Tsukuba. Being in an experimental facility I want to carry out my own little experiment. I used the title “Hiroshima” in a previous blog … Continue reading →

As you will have seen from my previous posts, there is something wrong with my camera. To be more specific, something wrong with my Nikkor 18- 105mm lens. I cannot get it to focus properly. Saturday at the Temple was … Continue reading →

So time to have lunch. I am a complete beginner with Japanese cuisine  and because I cannot read I have no idea what the myriad of restaurants around Asakusa are offering. It is true that some display photos and even … Continue reading →