The View From Space

Saw this sign at Narita while going through security.  Guess they do have a sense of humor after all.

Now I’ve seen it all, while waiting for my flight from Narita to Honolulu I happened by one of the duty free shops and noticed they were selling … Yes … rice cookers.  Now why anyone getting ready to board an already cramped airplane would be compelled to purchase a rice cooker is beyond me.  But if you’re ever in Narita and just happened to forget your rice cooker … well, you can thank me later.

Not only do the Japanese make great electronics, but they’ve got the limited parking space maximization thing down pat.

Having completed work in Guam I’ve moved on to Yokosuka, Japan. I’m finding more and more western influences here, maybe it’s because of the Navy base located within it’s city limit.  Or maybe it’s just the normal influx of US products found around the world.  Either way the Japanese have found ways to make each their own (and yes I did have Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner one day).

Found these at the Kmart on Guam.  Although I’ve seen dried mango before, I’ve never encountered dried GREEN mangoes.

Here’s an interesting cake from a place called Sweet Relief.

Now I like chocolate and I like wasabi, but ….

Currently in Guam providing training for one of our organization’s divisions.  While here had the opportunity to attend the Change of Charge for my buddy the outgoing Officer-in-Charge.  The ceremony took place at the Top of the Mar.  Here’s a photo of the view from the building overlooking Apra Harbor

Playing with my YouTube account and uploaded this short video taken with my Samsung Vibrant.

My wife and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by traveling to Laie and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.  There, after a buffet dinner we were treated to the highly acclaimed show Ha: Breath of Life.

True to form the show centered around the various dances of each polynesian culture.  Here they introduced the concept of Ha (breath of life) and tied each culture together with it.  They also used the life story of Mana (a boy) as the backdrop.    His life starts in Tonga and as he grows they take you through each of the island cultures.  Hawaii, as a young boy where he grows and learns. Samoa, where as a young man he falls in love with a Samoan beauty.  Tahiti where he is married.  Then to Fiji to witness the death of his Father in battle.   All the while using dances unique to each culture to help tell the story.

While the message is very deep and spiritual the show is not without it’s fun moments.  In Samoa, Mana is caught wooing the girl of his dreams and must prove himself worthy to her father.  This entails doing the fire dance and suffering the hilarious consequences.

Here are some pics and short video snippets.

They’re currently offering Kamaaina’s a great deal, for $30 you get a buffet dinner and the show.  Hurry before the special ends August 31.  It’s well worth the price.

There’s also that “other” Magical place, Six Flags Magic Mountain. Comparing it to the Magic Kingdom is like comparing night to day. The mountain is geared towards the “older kids” with many high thrill coasters (X2,Tatsu and Goliath were my personal favorites) and a waterpark. Although California Adventures has Screamin and the Magic Kingdom has the Matterhorn it just doesn’t compare. So if you’re into coasters Magic Mountain is the place for you.

However, if you’ve ever loved a Disney movie, regardless of your age the Magic Kingdom will definitely not disappoint you. Every ride is a trip through Walt Disney’s endless imagination. On a more practical note, Disney definitely wins the parking and people moving experience. From the moment you leave your parked car you’re immersed in the Disney experience, the tram ride to the main gate could almost pass as one of the theme park rides.

In this department Magic Mountain is sorely lacking. An open asphalt field with poorly marked tram stops and even poorer methods of crowd control make the long uphill walk from the parking lot to the gate more inviting than waiting for one of the two trams that run the route.

I did feel safer at Disneyland than at Magic Mountain. Maybe it was the (possibly perceived) reputation of the surrounding area or perhaps it was the metal detectors at the gate, either way it took away some of the “magic” of the experience.

All in all I personally enjoyed both parks. Disney definitely gets the nod for families with young children (including the young at heart) while Magic Mountain wins hands down in the thrill-seeker department.