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2017 Travel - South Korea and Japan

Travel Diary: Japan and South Korea Trip - January 2017 I just wrapped up my first trip of 2017, spending five days in Japan and South Korea, primarily visiting family and exploring all the changes in the area. I wanted to stay longer, but I'm trying to budget my vacation hours wisely to last throughout the year. Day 1 - Narita, Japan (Tokyo) I've visited Narita Airport several times before, and it remains one of my favorites for its logical layout. Once you understand how the terminals are organized, navigating the airport becomes a breeze. However, this efficient structure seems to complicate the runways, as it often takes 15 to 25 minutes for planes to taxi to the gates. A minor annoyance is the storage lockers—they don’t count by the hour but rather follow a set time schedule. If you arrive on an evening flight, you might have to pay twice for a few hours of storage. After a simple dinner of Pork Tonkatsu, I took an airport shuttle to a nearby hotel to get some rest before ...

Audio Technica MSR7 Headphones - 2017 Japan Souvenir

Audio-Technica MSR7 Review One of my main objectives during my visit to Japan was to sample some headphones, and I stumbled upon a decent selection at the airport, including models from Sony and Audio-Technica. Although I couldn't find the M70x or MDR1a, I had the opportunity to try the ATH SR5, MSR7, and the new SR9. While the SR9 sounded better than the MSR7, I felt it required an amp to really shine.  Ultimately, I focused on the MSR7, and after a 15-minute audition, I decided to purchase a pair. Although Amazon sells them for the same price, I wanted to support the airport stores so they continue stocking cool gear for future layovers. Specifications Speakers: 45mm closed-back drivers Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW Frequency Range: 5 - 40,000 Hz Max Input Power: 2,000 mW Impedance: 35 ohms Weight (without cable): 290g The MSR7 has similar specs to the ATH M50x but boasts a greater frequency range and input power capacity. The Good The MSR7 is a worthy contender and a great comple...

Pilot Fountain Pen - Con-50 Ink Converter

Update on the Con-50 Ink Converter for the Pilot Metropolitan I recently picked up the Con-50 ink converter for my Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen. While the stock CON-20 ink converter that comes with the pen works fine, I found it a nuisance to gauge how much ink was left. It was especially frustrating when it ran out of ink in the middle of a business meeting. Initial Impressions The Con-50 converter functions similarly to the Platinum ink converter, allowing me to fill the pen quickly and with minimal mess. Although it holds less ink, I appreciate that I can easily see when it’s getting low. This will help me start estimating how many days or weeks I can go between refills. Update (1/12/17) Unfortunately, my experience with the Con-50 took a turn for the worse. It cracked! I ended up with a total mess and had to disassemble and clean the pen thoroughly. I’ve reverted back to using the stock CON-20 converter for now. This marks my third frustrating experience with Amazon, where I...

Fountain Pen# 3 -- Platinum Century #3776 -- Chartres Blue (Fine Point)

My New Fountain Pen: Platinum Century 3776 in Chartres Blue I recently picked up my third fountain pen: the Platinum Century 3776 in Chartres Blue (Fine Point). There are plenty of reviews available, so instead of a full review, I’d like to share why I chose the 3776 as my first “nice” pen. Why the Platinum Century 3776? After enjoying both the Pilot Varsity and Metropolitan, I felt ready to invest in a higher-quality pen for a better writing experience and deeper understanding of fountain pens. The 3776 stood out as an excellent choice for me. Priced at $67 from Amazon, with an additional $8 for the ink converter, it's a significant step up, but the cost is manageable. I had considered a pen in the $30–$40 range, but an extra $20 for the 3776 seemed worth it for the quality and craftsmanship. First Impressions Upon receiving the pen, I immediately filled it with Iroshizuku Kon-Peki Ink. The initial lines were a bit scratchy and thin, but after some time for the ink to saturate the...

Ink# 1 -- Iroshizuku Ink -- Kon Peki

First Impressions of Iroshizuku Ink: Cerulean Blue (Kon-Peki) I finally received my first bottle of Iroshizuku Ink in Cerulean Blue (Kon-Peki), a popular choice that many have raved about online. After loading it into my Pilot Metropolitan Fine Point, I was able to write some lines, and I can already see why this ink has garnered such acclaim. While it's still early to determine if this will become my "signature ink," it's definitely shaping up to be a color I'll use quite regularly. Mishap with the Bottle Cap Unfortunately, there was a mishap during shipping: the flimsy plastic bottle cap fractured, causing some ink to leak all over the inside of the shipping package. I managed to seal the fracture with tape, but I'll likely need to transfer the remaining ink to another container. It's a pity to encounter this issue, especially since I’m learning that the plastic cap is a common flaw with Iroshizuku Ink and doesn’t hold up very well.

Monkey Shoulder - Blended Malt Scotch Whisky -- 750 mL

Evolving Perception of Scotch Whisky What a difference a year can make in my perception of Scotch whisky. I was barreling toward single malts only to be disappointed by a very bad bottle of Macallan 12-year-old. Now, I find myself hurtling back to blends. Exploring Blended Whiskies While I tried various blends, none seemed suitable beyond Johnnie Walker Red or Black. I was tempted to move toward Green Label, but online reviews mentioned that the older, discontinued variation of Green Label was limited to just four single malts that defined this Johnnie Walker version. In other words, I missed the party on that one. To ensure some variety in my collection, I opted for Monkey Shoulder, a blend of three whiskies: Glenfiddich Balvenie Kinivie I am familiar with Glenfiddich and Balvenie, but I was mostly unimpressed by Glenfiddich until I tried mixing it with other whiskies. This led me to become interested in Monkey Shoulder. I don't know much about Kinivie, other than that all three w...

San Diego Weekend

Weekend Vacation in San Diego I flew down to San Diego for a weekend vacation. I didn’t do much, which was the point of a true vacation. Accommodation and Amenities The hotel had Starbucks in the room and an In-N-Out Burger down the road, making it convenient for a quick bite or a morning coffee. Evening Relaxation In the evenings, I enjoyed a tall glass of beer, which added to the relaxation of the trip. Overall, it was a fantastic weekend, and then it was back to the bustle of work.

Fountain Pen# 2 -- Pilot Metropolitan

Review of the Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen Contents Pen Pen Display Case (Clear Plastic Top Cover) Con-20 Style Converter One (1) Blue/Black Ink Cartridge Nib Style Options Fine (F) or Medium (M) Color / Model Numbers Classic Black MRFC1BLKFBLKP (F) MRFC1BLKMBLKP (M) Gold MRFC1BLKFGLDP (F) MRFC1BLKMGLDP (M) Silver MRFC1BLKFSLVP (F) MRFC1BLKMSLVP (M) Retro Pop Green / Marble Red / Wave Orange / Flower Purple / Ellipse Grey / Hound Tooth Turquoise / Polka Dots Animal Print Purple / Leopard White / Tiger Black / Crocodile Gold / Lizard Silver / Python Initial Impressions My Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen (Fine Point) arrived from Amazon, and it is a beautiful writing instrument. The online reviews accurately describe it as an excellent starter pen. The immediate sense of quality is apparent just by holding it. There is a certain weight and heft that exudes quality, making the overall look and feel best experienced through actual use. For $13, this is a phenomenal deal. It even comes w...

Venturing into the World of Fountain Pens

Exploring the World of Fountain Pens I've become interested in fountain pens and spent a few weeks researching online to develop a plan for approaching this newfound hobby. My goal is to invest in about half a dozen pens over a period of sixteen months and hopefully acquire a decent level of knowledge and experience in using and maintaining fountain pens. I also aim to develop some degree of penmanship. 1. Practice Phase (Pilot Varsity, Pilot Metropolitan) - 2016 (1 Month) Having absolutely zero experience using a fountain pen, I am starting small with some Pilot Varsity and Metropolitan pens. Pilot Varsity - October 2016 Online, there have been many rave reviews about the basic $3 Pilot Varsity or Platinum Preppy, and I was okay getting either one. My local office store had the Varsity in stock, and I picked up a pair to begin writing. The selection was limited; they had only Medium Point in Purple Ink (other choices were Red or Pink). Pilot Metropolitan - October 2016 I went ah...

Johnnie Walker -- Blue Label Whisky -- 750 mL - Celebrate 2016

A Reminder of Hard Work Everyone needs a reminder that hard work pays off, and this year has been an eventful one. To commemorate and cap off 2016, I'm adding a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label to my modest whisky collection. It will sit front and center next to my JW Black and Red Label as a constant reminder that I have achieved quite a bit in life, but I have much more to accomplish before I feel satisfied. Setting Goals I have set some goals in life, and perhaps in five years on New Year's Eve, I'll crack open this little gem to celebrate. Until then, I'll just glance at it each time I pass by my liquor cabinet to remind me that I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe...

Casio G-Shock Mudman G-9000MS-1 Black Watch

New Addition: Casio G-Shock Mudman G-9000MS-1 First Impressions Recently, I picked up a Casio G-Shock Mudman G-9000MS-1 in black, part of Casio’s Military-Inspired Series . This model runs on the 3031 Module and feels similar to a round version of the classic 5600. Though slightly larger than the 5600, it’s notably smaller compared to the bulkier 6900. Build and Comfort After just a few hours with it, I'm finding the Mudman quite enjoyable. The buttons are a bit tough to push , which seems typical for the Mudman’s rugged design but is still something to adapt to. Out of the G-Shocks I’ve tried so far, this one is quickly becoming a favorite—almost on par with the 5600 series. Display Concerns One thing that stands out is the negative LCD display . It can be challenging to read under certain lighting, so I may eventually switch to a standard G9000 model. However, I do appreciate the all-black bezel and strap on this version and would look to keep that look if I end up swapping pa...

Coffee Saturday -- Godiva - Hazelnut Trufflelata

Godiva's Hazelnut Trufflelata and a G-Shock Hunt Coffee Break: A Twist on the Usual This weekend, I found myself at a new upscale mall , and while it looked sleek and stylish, there was no Starbucks in sight. Instead, I decided to try Godiva’s Hazelnut Trufflelata for my coffee fix. It was definitely a departure from my usual cup of coffee, but an interesting one. Mall Impressions and the G-Shock Search Despite the mall's modern look, it lacked the basic stores I typically gravitate toward. I was especially hoping to find a shop with a decent Casio G-Shock selection on display—specifically, either a black GW-M5610 or a Mudman G9000 . Unfortunately, my search came up empty. A Different Solution After a while, I settled near the fountain area and decided to turn to Amazon. A quick order later, I had secured a Black Military Series Mudman G9000MS-1CR . Not quite the in-person experience I’d hoped for, but sometimes, online shopping just gets the job done.

2016 Travels -- Hilton Waikoloa - Big Island, Hawaii

Weekend Getaway on the Big Island at Hilton Waikoloa Resort Returning to Familiar Grounds This weekend took me back to the Hilton Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island, a place I hadn’t visited since childhood. Walking through the resort stirred up memories of running around as a kid, although now, I’m picking up on details I hadn’t noticed before. While the place hasn’t changed much, experiencing it as an adult offered a new perspective. Things to Know The Big Island offers a slower pace, with limited activities after dark. After sunset, the main options are winding down in your hotel room or catching a movie. A tip for future visitors: hitting up a local grocery store before heading to the resort can save you quite a bit, as food prices within the resort can be steep—though I was pleasantly surprised that a cup of coffee was reasonably priced at $4.50. Staying in the Makai Lagoon Tower I stayed in the Makai Lagoon Tower , which I’d recommend for its convenience. This resort is quite exp...