What did you do today.

[me_in_japan]

I mean, have I just gotten spoiled by living in Japan for so long that I expect a modicum of appreciation for the customer,.

Yes and absolutely. Hope you can find a good book to read instead. Have a break from the Internet I would. Perfect excuse.

Dude, I can barely afford food in this country*. A book is out of the question. I'm currently holed up in my hotel room watching anime on my iPad (ergo proxy - quite good, if a bit remorselessly gloomy). Manly is a beautiful town, no doubt, but if one doesn't want to surf, swim, or spend a lot of money in restaurants, there ain't much to do.

* I brought 40,000 yen with me (in dollars). I've been here 3 days and have spent about 15,000 already. On food*. And not in restaurants, either - I'm talking supermarkets and chip shops here.

*ok, and some deodorant, toothpaste and shaving gel, but apart from that, food.

[Tenorikuma]

Where the heck are you?

[me_in_japan]

Manly, Australia, on a school trip. 10 days, 74 students, 3 teachers. Most days we have a pretty full itinerary, but evenings and weekends I'm free to do as I like (phone calls from host families notwithstanding). In theory it sounds nice, but I'm really not a beach person, and as there's not much to do here besides sit on a beach and get horrifically sunburnt or sit in an expensive restaurant and spend a lot of money (although to be fair, the food does tend to be pretty good) I find the whole experience a bit dull. Alienating, even, since 99% of folks here do come for the beach lifestyle. I find myself walking down the street wondering why everyone else seems to be having such a good time. Meh, come Monday there'll be things to do every day, and then we're away on Thursday. I'll cope, I'm just a bit bored at the mo.

[Spevna]

Those crafty Aussies can tell you are not one if them so have been giving you the tourist prices for everything

I'm not much of a beach person but I'd jump at the chance to go for a swim in some clean sea water.

Dive in dude!!!

[me_in_japan]

For most folks that'd be fine, but I'd burn up till nothing remained but a little little black crispy thing and a faint but lingering aroma of haggis. That and the fact that I didn't bring any swimming stuff make it an unlikely prospect.

Still, Manly has redeemed itself a bit. I decided to grab the bull by the horns, so to speak, and actually check out a proper restaurant. It turns out that, although my dinner cost me 42dollars, I get much better value there than in e.g. a fish and chip shop. I'd far rather pay 42 bucks for a beer, chips and a half-rack of ribs as big as my own, in a nice restaurant, than 20 bucks for a mediocre fish and chips and a bottle of sprite in a bag. A man tends to feel much better about the world after ribs and beer, it must be said. Incidentally, Spev, if you're ever in town you should check it out - there's an option on the menu for a challenge meal. Full rack of pork ribs, full rack of lamb ribs, 1kg steak. Costs plenty, but if one person can eat it all, you get it for free, plus a commemorative knife and fork set and your name on the wall of fame. Clearly one such as I would fall at the first hurdle, but for you...for you...hmmmnnnn.....

[Spevna]

Spev, if you're ever in town you should check it out - there's an option on the menu for a challenge meal. Full rack of pork ribs, full rack of lamb ribs, 1kg steak. Costs plenty, but if one person can eat it all, you get it for free, plus a commemorative knife and fork set and your name on the wall of fame. Clearly one such as I would fall at the first hurdle, but for you...for you...hmmmnnnn.....

I have done a 1kg steak before. Wasnt too much bother. I had fried shrimp and garlic bread with it too.

The ribs though are another beast altogether. If I ploughed into it for 20 minutes without coming up for breath I might be good. I would probably keel over and die afterwards but at least it would be with a smile on my face.

Today I cooked pasta fazul for dinner and have made serious inroads into a bottle of chianti.

Oh, and I also got a bit of painting in today. The green lads are getting another ride

Pics to follow at a later date.

[Primarch]

Just to let folks know, Town Crier will be closed tomorrow, (Sunday 24th March) as Ikeda san will be at a fantasy game in Zengo.

Today I played 3 games of 40K. Thanks to all of my opponents for being so gracious in defeat. Better luck next time guys.

[ashmie]

@MiJ If it makes you feel better my folks tell me it's snowing in Scotland and -2. Has been terrible weather for a very long time in the UK. Get out in that sunshine mate. Do it for all the poor souls back home who can't get away.

I finished reading Rome and her Enemies from Osprey (a 3 year venture it was so long) and started on the Pike and Shotte rules with Liam. Same as Black Powder but with some nice tweaks and updates. Still a war game like many others, slightly de ja vu to read. I like the friendly style the Warlord Games books are penned in. A very relaxing around the table, chit chat with pipe and slippers affair.

I also had a treat and watched The Fellowship of the Ring extended DVD. It's now 10:30 and I'm wondering if I can fit in the next two films before dawn. I've never actually done that with this trilogy. It is Sunday tomorrow. It could be done.

[Spevna]

I also had a treat and watched The Fellowship of the Ring extended DVD. It's now 10:30 and I'm wondering if I can fit in the next two films before dawn. I've never actually done that with this trilogy. It is Sunday tomorrow. It could be done.

I have all three movies on DvD, the extended directors cut.

Me and my brother started watching the first one at about 10am. The first movie was supplemented with bacon/mushroom sandwiches and Dr Peppers.

The second movie was supplemented with french bread steak and cheese sandwiches and Coronas.

The third movie was supplemented with roast chicken sandwiches and Guiness.

When watching the trilogy in a row, give it the respect it deserves.

[ashmie]

Flippin eck that is awesome.
I want to keep going but I'm full and not sure how much food I have in. Brilliant mate, nice one.

I did have fish and chips tonight, home cooked by Mrs Gamgee and breaded mushrooms so I'm a third of the way there. Perhaps I should watch the Two Towers now with tea and toast and then Return of the King tomorrow with all the trimmings.