Manhattan Sailing

After being in New York for 6 years, there are still so much I haven't tried, especially touristy things. I took a whole week of from work to spend time with my parents who recently came to visit me in the States for the first time in the eight years since I left Japan.

We did pretty much everything, Empire State Building to Broadway, Met to Ground Zero. But the most memorable and fun experience for them was the sailing cruise. So was for me. There are number of sailing tours. Some are on a sailboat, some are on a gigantic ship. Since the weather was unpredictable, I chose the boat with seats on a deck as well as inside. Luckily, the weather was excellent and we stayed out the whole time, but I think it was a good choice. The sailboat Schooners seems fun and refreshing, but you can't really keep standing.

Another good choice is the time of the cruise. I selected sunset cruise so we start while it's light, cruise in twilight and ends watching the Manhattan's night view. I absolutely recommend this plan as the city is almost the best at night. The cost for 1.5 hours cruising was $50 per person with one complimentary drink of wine, beer or champaign. Additional drinks are around $6.

Sail NYC
http://www.sail-nyc.com/

Gutter

Some smart people came up with an idea to further invigorate the Brooklyn’s hipster neighborhood by opening up a bowling center. A cool bar and short lanes with old score monitor seem to get easily packed even during the weekday. I felt like doing something more than just a bike ride one night. Past 10 pm on Wednesday, the lanes are all taken and we had to wait a bit. I didn’t expect that. Come to think of it, this neighborhood is full of non-9-to-6 lifestyle people. $7 per game per person is expensive, but the fun is guaranteed.

The Gutter
http://www.thegutterbrooklyn.com/

July 4

In the past, we’d thrown a party on July 4. First year, we humbly grilled on the fire escape by the kitchen window—a semi barbecue party. Our building roof peeked through other buildings and surprisingly had a really good view of Macy’s firework. The next year, our super informed us that he wouldn’t be able to open the roof. Apparently, some idiots threw bottles from the roof previous year. It must have been at another building our landlord owned. We told our guests about the news and still ended up having over 30 people in our tiny apartment. Our signature chili-rubbed beef tenderloin was sold out in less than five minutes! There's no better feelings than cooking for people and seeing the dishes all empty at the end of the party.

To most NY residents, July 4 isn’t all about firework. It’s about gathering with friends. Plus, to me, firework in the states is nothing compared to what we have in Japan where it is a traditional craft. This year, we were invited to our friend’s high-rise mid-town apartment. Although the “Spider Man” building blocked the view, we enjoyed the food and friends—and that’s all you need.

Turkish BBQ

For me in my little 2nd floor apartment, the only option to BBQ is at the firescape by the kitchen window. I’m always scared of the flame outside of window, fanatically worried neighbors might call fire department.

We were invited to their biennial BBQ party. They have a beautiful, spacious terrace to accommodate group of guests. The host friend’s mother prepared super yummy side dishes – cabbage salad, ratatouille -ish roasted veggies, couscous-looking thing, and the host friend grilled 30lb lack of lamb. My favorite was the cabbage salad. I like his BBQ because there’ s always a good selection of side dishes—unlike typical American BBQ which involves little cooking... We brought bacon-wrapped asparagus (roll fresh asparagus and so easy, perfect to grill), which successfully sold out.

Russian & Turkish Bathhouse

After a week-long event at work, my body was feeling like 200lb... And I needed a serious massage, for which I would have needed to spend good $200. Plus, I don't like the idea of making an appointment to get a massage. I want to get is when I feel like it. So I tried something new: Turkish & Russian Bathhouse. It has been in business for over 100 years in now the Japanese mecca in Manhattan, East Village. Although the majority of clientele is male and I wouldn't go there alone, there are quite a few female guests and couples.

You walk in and put all your valuables in narrow tin can at the reception. The locker room is very small; obviously not a luxurious spa environment. They have shorts and robe for men; some girls were also wearing them. Towels are provided so are sandals. I changed in my bathing suit and now to the sauna. It's steamy and hot all over. You walk into sauna (different temperature), and when you can't take it, jump into the icy cold pool. This is PAINFULLY cold and cannot stay more than 1 second. When you get out the pool, the whole blood circulation starts to detox. Such a refreshing feeling.

In one of the rooms, Russian guys give Platza (Oak Leaf treatment). Basically, the guy hits your body with bunches of oak leaf. It's a bit rough and done among other guests. Some girls were making moaning noise when the guy lift their legs in like 90 degree, which kind of made me reluctant to try myself... They also have regular massage in a private room.

My body felt cleaner and lighter. It's only $30 and you can stay as long as you'd like.

Maui, Hawaii

A week after the trip to the D.R. Now I'm off to Maui. I've been to Maui, which is my favorite Hawaian island. The trip was frustrating already on the way out there; some technical troubles and delay. Already exhausted from the 13-hour trip. A baby was crying the whole time. It was already dark when I arrived.

Westin Hotel has an artificial lake in the lobby with swans, actually black swan. It's really strangely beautiful...

As usual, it was not until the last day that I got to enjoy the beach. Some young folks were jumping off the cliff. It's not allowed, but it's deep enough and safe, I guess. As long as someone jumps and kicks a snorkeler, it's ok. The snorkeling around this cliff is amazing. I was floating with a turtle for an hour.

And the sunset and rainbow was just so memorable.


On the last day morning, my boss treated us for a whale watching. It was already pass the high season and most whales were back on the journey to Alaska. We still saw quite a number of whales. One whale came really close to the boast. The staff told that they had a special censor that would let him avoid touching a boat even if it came an inch away. Smart. Clever. Nature is amazing... I was particularly impressed with the turquoise water that male whales make when they breath. I literary saw a spot of turquoise water in the ocean. Being mesmerized by the wonder of whale life, I was half sick from the boat ride.

Dominican Republic

I stayed in the Dominican Republic for a week for work. Honestly, I wish I didn't have to stay in a huge resort, a concrete compound, but I have to admit I had a good time down there. Luckily, I got to stay in one of the Casitos (individual villa) right in front of the beach and away from everyone else. This lobster was one of the biggest and best I ever had.


One of the evenings, we had a dinner followed by local Dominican dancers. Sad news: the driver who was carrying the costumes got in an accident and couldn't deliver them. We almost thought of canceling the evening event. However, someone somehow managed to deliver the costume and the entertainment started. We danced. They danced. Everybody danced to the merenge (if you want to learn, I can dance a bit...).


I didn't have a chance myself but my co-worker walked through a trail and he saw huge iganas.

Every morning, I tried to supplement my vitamin C with this local fruit: passion fruit. You just suck the seeds covered by this slimy thing. I loved it for the first day. But it was too acidic and it got smaller ad smaller the remaining mornings.


One thing I liked very much was the bed making. I guess every room maker does their own way, but this particular day, she/he made a little heart with a bath towel and local flower on my bed. How sweet!!!

Summer in Queens

In my 6th year in NY, I finally had a chance to go to PS1. I didn't know the exact location and got off the 7 line, barely seeing anyone around. But I easily found PS1 because of the house music coming from a specific direction. About 70 people are in the general admission line but I got through the MoMA members entrance. The direction and assistance there was terrible. I was completely misguided and ended up paying the admission which I didn't have to. My boyfriend took me back to the ticket counter, asking for the refund. But the people there are as bad as the temporary security staff who pays no attention to details. Long, annoying story short, I would never go back there. They rudely joperdized my loyalty to support MoMA and turned down the whole evening.
After the PS1, we went over to the beach party by the river and took the water taxi, which was a nice experience and the view was pretty cool.

Little Miko Hits 30s!

My boyfriend and I were supposed to meet some friends at Double Happiness, a basement bar in Chinatown. Walking down the stairs, I heard music—a bit unusual selection for this bar. "What's this music tonight?" I said. Then I saw a huge group of people standing with corn hats in silhouette. I whispered, "Shoot." Someone is having a big party or something." SURPRISE!!" Hell ya. They got me, totally. It took me a while to look at everyone's face and recognize the party was for me.

It was such a wonderful feeling, and somehow weird, to see my friends, from different network. My dearest boyfriend, with lots of help from other friends, planned the whole thing. I had no idea an e-vite with my poorly-cropped headshot was being sent to the world. The best party ever, with the best dumpling—200 pieces. Another surprise was the cake from our local spanish bakery La Villita (I blogged about this place earlier). A plastic sexy naked girl on a gigantic pink cake said "Happy 30th Little Miko."

I even had my private DJ, a very talented one (in the right pic looking at me like I'm an idiot.) I danced all night long. I got lots of presents. And all was thanks to my boyfriend who'd done such a great job while dealing with his own busy work schedule. Perhaps, half of the crowds were there not only to celebrate my b-day but because he's very popular. Can't thank enough to the best boyfriend.

Some guy said, "Are you the B-day girl? Celebrating your 21st?" I guess it's a good thing people thought it was my 21st birthday. I will keep looking young. But I am a lady. Do not fuck around with Little Miko. I have many good friends to protect me too.

Green in Bronx

Here is a must-go one day trip destination. I was dying to escape from the city this Memorial weekend. It's too much to fly anywhere and staying at hotels. Even the rental car can thinner my wallet. Besides, I rather wanted to take a train trip, without worrying about the traffic. Thanks to my boyfriend's dad, we learned there's a garden park in Bronx, Wave Hill. We checked the website, which was promising. The biggest YES was its location. It is only 25 minutes from Grand Central by Metro North (Round trip $6/person). You cannot believe it's in Bronx. The free shuttle picked us up from the Riverdale station and climb up the steep hill and drove for a minute through lovely houses.

It's located on the hill, overlooking the hudson river and beautiful summer green. Pretty and exotive flowers are blooming and the sun-house full of cactus was entertaining. They also have a little pond—due to my frog phobia, I was unable to get too close to this; In fact, there are big frogs. There's a designated picnic area but I am sure you can bring some food and eat on the field, if being sneeky. We spent good 1.5 hours looking through the park. If it wasn't 90 degree, we could have spent more time just lying down and enjoying the nature. If you would spend 20 minutes to get to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you definitely should go to Wave Hill.

Wave Hill
www.wavehill.org

Sakura Matsuri

One of the most beautiful things Japan has is its cherry blossom in spring. Huge trees gorgeously bloom only for a week and quickly lose the light pink petals. Not only in Japan and Washington D.C., you can enjoy this beauty in Brooklyn, NY. Annually held, Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a weekend event in late April called Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom fesitval). I went with my home-made Japanese lunch box of kara-age (friend chicken), tamago-yaki (egg omlet) and onigiri (rice ball), with of course a bottle of sake. There is a designated area where people can eat and drink. In Japan, we call this hana-mi (seeing flower, translated directly). In the spring, most of the companies send a freshman to one of the public parks early in the mornign to reserve a spot. At night, other workers gather around on the field and drink under the cherry blossom tree. It's nice in the sun, but it's undescribably beautiful at night. Japanese cherry trees are much much bigger and the scale of the blooming trees are rather powerful, yet with such sutle pale pink.


The park is a good spot for families, especially with kids. I was surprised to see so many non-Japanese people that day. People were enjoying taking pictures of not only cherry blossoms but other flowers like iris, tulip and lylac. It's probably one of the biggest park events in NY. I arrived around 2pm on the second day and it was still really crowded. You probably want to avoid going by your car cuz it's a mess around the park with the traffic. Admission $8 ($4 for students). Although I unluckily missed the big parade of Hanagasa-ondo (flower dance), I had a wonderful time.

Florida

For my work, an advertising award, I had to stay at Four Seasons in Palm Beach, Fl. This is a kind of city Donald Trump built his member’s club with his famous big flag for which he pays $1,000 per day. Other celebrities such as Rod Steward, Madonna, Versace and many more also own castle-size houses. To my co-workers and me, they were ugly, fake European-house replica.

It’s a work trip. It cannot be that great, especially at the hotel with racist, yappy, rich, tasteless guests. As I write this blog, I see a group of obnoxious men dressed in free golf tournament t-shirts, short pants with ankle-socks in shiny black leather shoes, behaving like brain-damaged monkeys. Yep, one guy is staring at me. Fine. Never seen an Asian girl? I can stare at you back, sir. On the other hand, the staff is really nice. The other day, we were in the jacuzze with other families and kids. The moment my Afrian-American co-worker joined in, the father of 3 daughters took them out of the bath. Ironically, the girls wanted to stay with us. It could have been my over-thinking but my friend also though it was quite obvious. Unlike bitter New Yorkers, event the immigrant workers here seem to be really happy with their lives and offer hospitality from their heart.

The only and best time I had down here was the cruise dinner on a boat. The sunset was really beautiful. It was a good 3 hours. I had great time talking to my co-workers and simply enjoyed the evening. I’d probably not come back here unless forced. At least, I enjoyed the way people work here and I was happy that I lead my life on their side, not the guests’.

Facial in Chinatown

This winter has been an undeniable proof of global warming. We had a summer-like day with 70 degrees and then 20s next weekend. Cold dry weather is one of the biggest enemies to women's skin. Even those expensive moisturizer won't penetrate well into the dry skin. I have a quite healthy skin, very economical. I barely use cream either. But the recent series of excessive dinning and drinking had given a little problem to my normally egg-like healthy face.

Luckily, I have a Japanese friend who works at a beauty spa in Chinatown. This place uses high-quality european products and a whole process of facial you could get in the city for couple hundred dollars. The regular price for 90 minutes facial is about $60. They have a 10-ticket set which makes a single visit only $40. Chinese customers like to have every pour squeezed out empty, which is actually bad for your skin. But my Japanese friend, unlike other Chinese estheticians at this spa, does a very gentle practice.

The place is right on Canal street and the room is small but clean enough. It starts with cleansing, steaming, pour cleaning, masking, massage. She massages not only the face but the neck and shoulder as well, promoting the blood circulation around the lymph gland. All this for $40 is a very, very reasonable. I've sent a few friends of mine, including a Czech girl who has a very dry, sensitive skin. She liked this facial as well and didn't have any problem with the products they use. With my healthy skin, I don't NEED to go there so often, but I love it for the facial experience as well as the relaxation.

Ci Ci Beatuty Spa
221 Canal Street, 2nd Floor
212-680-3526
MAP
Let me know if you are interested in going!

Bronx Zoo

The off-season Bronx Zoo is almost deserted. All the shops are closed and most habitants need to stay inside the buildings. But I'd rather take a rainy, cold day than a sunny, warm spring when all kids block the view, screaming and kicking the glass window. First animal I saw was three camels in a tiny field. I later found out that they were for the camel ride. I had to question myself: "Should I protest against zoo by not visiting or is my $14 admission used to feed these poor animals who cannot survive in the wild nature any more?"


This zoo is in the middle of Bronx. People from surrounding apartments can probably see some animals through their window. But here I am, I stop worrying and rather enjoy the day trip. Besides the fact that they have lots of frogs in this zoo, I pretty much enjoyed all other animals. My favorite was this long-nose, b/w, panda+elephant animal. It doesn't move at all. Seemed really sad or completely enlightened.


Across from it was two black panthers, with beautiful pattern on their black fur. The zoo is famous for it's exhibition. Their fake forest was quite well done. It's like a mini amuzement park.



Bronx Zoo
2 or 5 train to East Tremont Ave/West Farms Square. 5 minutes wall from the station. 30 minutes from Grand Central. Open 365 days!

China - Forbidden City

The Forbidden City and Great Wall were the two places I wanted to visit. With a limited time scheudle, I only got to see the Forbidden City.

Once you pass the Tienamin square, where the big picture of Chairman Mao looks out the city, you see the City covered by tall red brown walls.The outside of the square is surrouned by water. In winter, the fog/pollution creates an exotic feel. Sadly, Beijing is renovating many parts of the city for the Olympic, including many buildings inside the Forbidden City.

This is a gigantic square in which the last emperor spend his most of life in. To him, this was the whole world. If you haven't seen the movie, Last Emperor, I strongly recommend it. My vivid memory from some scenes of the movie gave me further excitement and appreciation.

Besides the recommendation of the movie, a guide will help learn the history and trivias you would never know. I had a student with me who visited the City many times with a personal guide. He was full of knowledge and it totally helped me enjoy the tour.

One of the buildings is a treasure library full of lurxious ornaments and objects made with jade, crystal, diamond, coral, pearl, gold... What's surprise more than those visually stunning pieces is the way they're exhibited. Guards are sitting by the entrance but they don't really seem to care what people do. I guess nobody would try do anything crazy.

If you visit in the winter, it's harshly cold. I had a quick 2-hour tour but this place can entertain you for at least 4 hours.

China - Food

It requires a bit of courage and a tough stomach to enjoy real Chinese food. Especially since the local water is not drinkable yet people use the tap water to make soup, my boss and western travel-mates avoided any liquid dish. Luckily, I had both the courage/curiousity and a tough stomach. I tried authentic to internationally-famous dishes like Bejing duck. I rarely have Bejing duck in NY so I cannot exactly claim the local one is better. But the price was definitely cheap. The whole course with appetizer (soup, fried-beancurd, duck's leg skin that was not my favorite) comes with the roasted duck. The crepe had a perfect softness and thickness. All for 6 people came under 40 dollars, with beer!

Off the famous shopping street in Bejing, local street snack shacks line up. Over 20 vendars sell same stuff but a few had something unique: scorpions, crawfish, grasshopper, warm-looking species. Even my Chinese friend gave a disgusting look and I saw no one eating it. It's supposed to be eaten deep-fried.

The weirdest thing I ate during the trip was duck's tongue. It was steamed, still with the throat bone like a deer's scull attached. I could see the bumps. I knew it wouldn't taste good. But since it was an official dinner hosted by the school we worked with and none of my Western travelmates seemed to try, I did it. I kissed the tongue and bit it. As imagined, no taste but just an uncanny texture. Maybe, musturd could have helped.

So far, it was mostly 'fancy' dinners and I was unsatisfied. I wanted authentic, local food. With local students as my guides, we stepped into a very small restaurant—just a few small tables and stools and absolutely no foreign customers. Even the Chinese students asked me if I would want to try, worrying that I might get sick. At that point, I had to fight with my dillenma: 'Try local food nobody else would try' vs. 'I don't want to kill my stomach (it's almost impossible to find a clean bathroom in case of emergency).' I said 'Yes' for just a bite. This was the last place I'd have any soup, like instestin-extravaganza stew, or a sour plum tea. The severly cold weater, however, had me drink up the tea while the intestin soup didn't entertain my palette. My stomach was tougher than I thought. I was content that I at least tried very authentic Beijing food (i.e. lots of intestines and peanut paste dipping sauce). Coutinued walking on the street, we ran into a hot-skewer stand. Skewers with meat, blood jelly, veggies, fish cakes are cooked in a spicy hot sauce. You get a steel plate covered by plastic bag (so that no need to clean the plate) and pick whatever you want. This was my favorite dish and experience. I didn't see this type of vendar anywhere else. It was a night of super local food marathon.

In Shanghai, you must try Shao-long-bao, a steamed dumpling with soup inside. I went to a famous place with my local friend's recommendation. It was good. But honestly, Joe's Shanghai in NYC does a really good job. If I must compare, real Shanghai ones are lighter. What we don't have in NY is a deep-fried soup dumpling. My Shanghainese friend took me to a famous place whose storefront is full of local people. They were so good—crispy bottom and lots of juice inside. This dumplings are huge and the dough is much thicker than Shao-long-bao. I was hungry but 5 pieces was the max.

Do Chinese people eat anything? Pretty much. Some are so dlicately cooked with very intricated flavor. Some are not flavorful, rather bland or a bit stinky with the ingredients' original smell. A suggestion: the information from websites tend to change rapidly, so it's better to make sure that place does exist. I tried to find couple restaurants that were already closed.

China - Beijing

Ni-hao, China! Many people think I'm Chinese. But I am 100% pure Japanese. In fact, I've never been to China. With some good and bad pre-conceptions about this country, I began my 2-week trip in Beijing. Honestly, I was surprised how wide and clean the streets are. NY's one block is nothing compared to the one in Beijing. And guess what keeps these big streets so clean; the cleaning people who literary pick up trash with a large pinset, driving a tricycle from corner to corner. Hats off!

As the city is getting ready to welcome people from overseas for the Olympic and becoming more and more modernized, many old buildings are getting turned down. Most of the old Beijing scenes is now covered by construction walls. Like many other cities, it's a sad development. Even the local people don't necessarily appreciate this modernization. I wish the city tried to keep the exteriors old and renovate interiors. In a long-run, this modernization may keep the travelors away.

Did I get to go to Great Wall? No. It's my plan for the next visit, if ever.

Pacific Coast Highway

Driving could be really fun. Last summer, we had a great time driving rough, curvy roads through trees in Vieques island, Puertorico. This summer, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) got us one of the most memorable driving experience. SF to LA. 3 days on the road. We could have spent extra days easily.

I didn't think the West Coast ocean scenery could be that beautiful. Part of the scenes even reminded me of the sea in Japan. The waves are high and rough. Huge splash against the coast. Along with many scenic spots, there were some places you could drop by. Local breweries and farmers shop.

Drawn to the sign 'Fresh Strawberry,' we tried a basket of organic strawberries and a cup of strawberry cyder. That was one of the best strawberries I ever had.

In Monterey, we took a detour through the 37-mile drive. It's a reserved residential erea where non-residence pay and drive through. All the houses were like castles! It was so much fun to just see those houses by the sea shore. Another memorable spot is Big Sur, the most exciting and magnificent sceneries along the curvy narrow roads. It leads into the forrest in the mountain. The inns by the river put chairs right in the water. People can read or have beer with their foot dipping in the clear water.