Washington Steelhead Fishing Trip

Steelhead, which is a kind of trouts, tastes relatively similar to salmons. It didn't bother me much when I purchase fish cutlets from markets, but it was quite something watching a fish being slaughtered right in front of you and seeing its guts being ripped out.

Foreigh Currency Exchange

Japanese guru friend told me that I shouldn't bother having Yens exchanged in US since the rate is better in Japan. He said he usually goes to the local banks, but the experience maybe a bit intimidating for me, a non-Japanese speaker. So he suggested exchanging at Narita airport. I checked their rates, http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html. Yah, I will get probably 2~3 yens per US dollar extra. BTW, he said I could go exchange at post offices. Wow.

I also asked him about phone cards. He said they are commonly sold at train stations, kiosks, and vending machines. NTT probably works best. Maybe KDD as well. Okay, I will need to look for vending machines... Don't they sell everything at vending machines anyways? How do you say phone cards in Japanese? "Just say calling card in a bad accent, " he said. =))

Tokyo-Taipei-Hongkong: The Planning Stage

Well, I have to say this is one of the least planning I have to do trips I have ever gone. Much thanks to Magemadness though since he took over the responsibility. Tokyo is being taken care of, score! Taipei. Mage is local. Nothing to worry about. HK. Ha, what do the butt heads expect besides days and days of shopping, eating, and shopping. That's the plan :D

Went by bn during lunch and saw the book "Eyewitness Travel Guide: Japan." Really tempted to get it. I mean, I will have 12 hours free time on the flight, don't I? Drinking coffee can't take up that much time... Maybe I will check it out again this weekend.

Mage has been IMing me about the trip. Here is his latest master plan around Tokyo: start from Shinjuku, go to Akihabara, Ginza, Odaiba, Roppongi. Of course, the first day is Hokane and then Yokohama.

I am glad that my 1G CF is finally shipped. Please, pleae, please. Please have them arrived in time for me to bring to the trip. My 512 is just not going to be enough.