Waves Of Our Lives

JAPAN

September-October 2008

Hakodate, Japan

Vending macines in Japan are fun. This one has green, black, and milk teas, black and milk coffees, water, juice, and soda. This machine was only iced drinks, but there are those that serve hot and cold drinks together. Even beer vending machines!A colorful manhole cover, the squid is a symbol of Hakodate representing its fine seafood."Don't Litter!" (I think)The view from atop Mt HakodateApparently this bear will steal your purse if you don't lock your carMusicians frollicking An Excaliber hiding in someone's garage

Yokohama & Tokyo, Japan

Olivier plays on his iPhoneGreg says, "Where's my friggin' train over here?"Andy is shocked. Something Patrick said...Or was it this guy's blue hair?Lunch in Tokyo: katsu-don (fried pork cutlet), sticky rice and udon noodes Tokyo Palace & GardensYokohama skylineWe asked a nice local where to eat a traditional Japanese dinner. He gave us a great place, we removed our shoes upon entering and were led upstairs to a private dining room where we sat (on mats on the ground) and feasted. Since the menus were in 100% Japanese, we decided to draw what we wanted to order just in case. Above is everyone's contribution.Alicia & AmyGreg, Patrick, me, Olivier, Adam, Alicia We went to a nearby watering hole after dinner. This picture was taken in the elavator, it makes me think of a rock band poster.

Osaka, Japan

Osaka Ferris wheelA few days before we pulled into Osaka, someone had discoverd that Radiohead was going to be in town. As luck would have it, we had an overnight stay in port. Still, it would take some serious luck to get tickets on the day of the show, and get around our work schedule for that evening. The work schedule ended up being light, so a couple guys covered for Olivier, Greg and I who wanted to see the concert. After unsuccessful attempts to purchase tickets online and outside, we hopped a train to the venue. After a bit of a wait, the ticket counter opened right on time. Tickets purchased, we're in!

Osaka Bay Bridge

Radiohead was a great concert. Superb sound quality, and some impressive lighting as well. The long strips of light are huge led tubes. Apparently they're very earth friendly, producing bright light using 30% the power. On both sides of the stage and behind the tubes there are honeycomb-shaped fixtures that move around for lots of cool visuals. You can also see video projections behind the tubes. These are transmitted from the tiny fish-eye cameras angled at each member of the band.

Yummy pork noodle soup

The Japanese love their neon

What a street name!

Nagasaki, Japan

We hopped a streetcar to view the Peace Park

"The elevated right hand points to the threat of nucear weopons, while the outstretched left hand symbolizes tranquility and world peace. Divine omnipotence and love are embodied in the sturdy physique and gentle countenance of the statue, and a prayer for the repose of the souls of all war victims are expressed in the closed eyes. Furthermore, the folded right leg symbolizes quiet meditation, while the left leg is poised for action in assisiting humanity."

Countries donated their own sculptures to premote peace.

Apologies

I'm apologizing to everyone that's looked at my blog in the last three months! You must think I'm a lazy bum who never checks this thing. You would be pretty correct.

I have an excuse, but it's really not. I've been very busy with my new job (Band Leader), and I've been giving a lot of time to family and my new girlfriend since I arrived home 10 days ago from Regent Mariner.

The good news is: lots of great Asia pictures coming very soon!!!!!! Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia in that order. Give me a few more days, and there will be much to see.

H

East Coast Trip 2008

My sister Genevieve at the airport to send us off. She worked for United Airlines this summer.

We flew first class to Seattle. Feeling like a rock star, I ordered a couple Jack and Cokes.

Mom went with her new poison, a bloody mary.

Nice view

Landing in Seattle, the beautiful Mt Rainier in the distance

Maureen, Mom, and Colleen at Anthony's on Pier 2. Boston, MA

Anthony's is one of the nicest places to eat in town. It's just outside of downtown, free parking, wonderful views of the bay and lots of ambiance and history. Inside you'll find pictures of the owner with everyone from Liz Taylor to JFK.

Boston skyline

Faneuil Hall

Naragansett Beach, RI. One of the best beaches in New England.

Amazing private residence at the beach

Classic Henry shot

Mom the lifeguard

Colleen, Mom, Maureen and I at a nice dinner in Newport, RI

Veggie kabob of epic proportions

It's all in the name

Below are shots from the New Britain Museum of Modern Art.

N.C. Wyeth - "One More Step, Mr Hands," Said I, "And I'll Blow Your Brains Out," 1911

Maxfield Parrish - "Dusk" 1942

Alton Tobey - "Sumerian Priests" 1978

Frank C. Bensing - "Lydia's Just A Mite Taller. She Takes Her Height From Her Father's People. We Hope She'll Be A Teacher, Too, When She Finsihes Normal This Year..." 1978

Rafael De Soto - "Eyes Behind The Door," from Detective Tales, Dec 1947

Rowena A. Morrill - "Twilight Terrors," for National Lampoon Magazine 1980

Solon H. Borglum - One In A Thousand, bronze, modeled 1901, cast 1960's

George Inness - "Saint Peter's, Rome" 1857

Albert Bierstadt - "Seal Rock" 1872-87

John Haberle - "Time And Eternity" 1889-90

Norman Rockwell - "Weighing In," cover for The Saturday Evening Post 230 (June 28th, 1958)

Joe De Mers - "Rules Kept From Her Husband. They Couldn't Keep Her Visitor Out" 1966

Carl Lundgren - "Holy Man" 1978

Steven Dohanos - "Rained In Vacationers," The Saturday Evening Post July 31st, 1948

Lisa Hoke - "The Gravity Of Color" 2008 This piece took up two stories, from floor to ceiling. A pretty impressive use of plastic and paper cups, paint, and hardware.

Dale Chihuly - "Blue And Beyond Blue" 2006 My Mom is a big fan of Chilhuly's work, and the blown glass exibit was the real purpose of our visit to the museum. Unable to take photos of that exhibit, you'll have to take my word that there were some really nice pieces. For anyone familiar with Celebrity Cruises, you might remember Chihuly's pieces hanging on the Millenium class ships.

Georgia O'Keeffe - "East River From The 30th Story Of The Shelton Hotel" 1928

Andy Warhol - "Man Ray" 1974

The following three shots are from one huge painting. Graydon Parrish's "The Cycle Of Terror And Tragedy: September 11th, 2001" 2002-2006 I found it fascinating and sad, my Mom couldn't stand to look at it.

A nice day chock full of culture

The sights of Bristol, CT. My parents' hometown.

Muzzy Field, my Dad's old little league diamond

Rockwell Park, where my Mom learned to swim

MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino. Not a bad lobby, eh?

Front Desk

The digs

5 Days In New York City

Grand Central Station

Fifth Avenue Mac Store

My Emma

Radio City Music Hall

The door to our hotel room

"This town deserves a better class of criminal. And I'm gonna give it to 'em." Emma and I got to see The Dark Knight on opening night, what a great flick. It was pretty sweet seeing it at a sold out theater in New York City.

Martinis at Vintage

Apple Cinnamon infused vodka at the Russian Vodka Room

Infusing jugs

Emma and I stayed at the Night Hotel. Cool place, located right on 45th near Times Square.

Dave Fiore, Cameron Washington, Emma and I enjoy a nice cold one on a hot day in Brooklyn.

One last game at Yankee Stadium before her doors close.

DJ and A-Rod defend the infield

Hardcore fan!

Over 55,000 in attendence. It's almost like an Obama speech.

Nothing beats a hottie in a Yankees cap

Maureen and Mom

The subway ride home from Yankee Stadium. It felt like being inside a baked potato.

Ruby Foo's for some sushi

Carousel in Bryant Park. She made me.

Emma and I went to see Wicked at the Gershwin Theater. Here's the map of Oz backdrop, with the Dragon Clock above.

There's no place like NYC

July 12th: I Now Pronounce You Adam & Jenny Fast

Here are some shots of Jenny and Adam's beautiful Alaskan wedding. It took place at the Sunset View Resort, in Big Lake, Alaska. Jenny and Adam are old friends of the family's, we all were in high school band together many moons ago. Adam is my brother Vince's best friend.

We like to fish here

Vince the best man stays loose before the main event.

from left: Genevieve (my sis), Danielle (Vince's girlfriend), Mom and Dad

Vince and the maid of honor, Annabeth

Matron of honor Jenn and her husband Brett

Derek and Jenn (yes, another one)

Flower girl 1

Flower girl 2

Derek looks nervous

Vince makes a face

Even the men's flowers were baited and ready

Alaskan decor

Hanging fish flower baskets adorn the aisle

inset: the ringbearer

The Wedding Party

Gazebo on the water

The men patiently finishing their photographical obligations

The girls entertain themselves with some DS before dinner

How cute is that?

Yup, Brett definitely spilled beer all over his tie

Where did all the cute kids come from?

Vince gives his speech

Dirk (Adam's dad)

Their first dance as husband and wife

My Mom tried to sneak a shot of me, but I got her first

The ladies weep tears of joy, Adam's all cried out at this point

Dirk was wearing a tux just a second ago

One at a time ladies, I'm married now

That's better

Perfect

Dinner's done, time to get down. Luke shows you how we do.

Everybody "Gettin Low"

My Dad instructs Jenny to eat already

from left: me, Genevieve, Jenny, Vince and Danielle

An Alaskan wedding called for Alaskan beer

Taste the rainbow

JD had a great time. Too bad he can't remember it.

This little guy's dance card was full

See what I mean?

Who needs dancing shoes?

Get it girls

Dirk sings to the new bride

Work it out

You know the fun wedding that your friends always get to go to? This was that wedding.

I see you

The wedding party and a few others stayed the night at the resort house which was a tight pad. Totally loaded, amazing views, nice kitchen and furniture, two porches, sauna and this monster jacuzzi.

Jenny shows you what drive, determination and the Alaska Club can do.

I'm overjoyed for the new couple. They've been going out a long time, so the feeling is one of familiarity and strength. Jenny planned and organized the entire shabang, huge props on a great wedding. Congratulations guys.