Japan Day (still don`t know) – Kyoto

So I`ve been in Kyoto for 2 days now and I really like it here. Yesterday I went to the Golden Pavillion, the Imperial Palace, some other temples and shrines – I can`t remember their names and I`m too tired to think properly. Really beautiful places though and certainly relaxing. I really enjoyed sitting on a bridge over a river /pond and watching the Koi and turtles swim by at the Shinto Shrine. Took a lot of pics so will upload them when I get back… no cable here unfortunatly.

Yesterday was good though on the tour I met a japanese lady called Mio who was working in telecomms but now has recently qualified to be a tour guide,  it was nice to find out about what she`d been up to. She was grateful to have someone to talk to too and someone who could speak Japanese. We started at 8am as 2 people, by the end of the day there was 3 / 4 of us and by the evening there was 7 of us. Made things easier and more fun. Meant we could all talk about our experiences and not have to worry about swapping languages.

After eating we went to a Japanese bar and had a couple of drinks then moved to a bar called `sam n daves` – very japanese I know… lol was fun, we chilled out chatted and I played some pool with a girl called Janet and some of the other people we`d picked up during the day, before playing some other Japanese friends. They taught me to play 9 ball which was cool, because I didn`t know how to play it before.

Today I think we may pop to Nara since we did so much of Kyoto yesterday. This is all for now since I need to get ready to pop to Nara.

But yeah, I do miss people! lol

Japan Day (dunno) Hakone-Takayama-Kyoto

I have no idea what day it is or what date it is at the moment. Although I think it is the 20th. I have just arrived in Kyoto but let me re cap these last few days.

Leaving Tokyo for Hakone

I was kinda sad to leave Tokyo because to me, it is one of my favourite cities in the me, it is one of my favourite cities in the world. It was good to see Ogi, Anthony, Justin and the others ａｎｄ good to travel around with ease. We left Tokyo for Hakone early in the morning and took the train to Hakone. The day was misty and raining but still stupidly humid so it was ok, atleast I thought it was so it was ok, atleast I thought it was. I had an umberella so I was ok. On arriving at Hakone some couple of hours later, we took the bus to Hakone Machi and had a look round some botanical gardens and stopped for lunch when it started to rain－we had　Tonkatsu – one of my favourites.

Ａｆｔer lunch we took the cruise boat across the lake to Tongenai where we then caught another bus to our hotel in Hakone. The hotel was nice but because of the mist and rain I grabbed an early night ready for the following day.

Leaving Hakone

We were up bright and early the following day and grabbed the bus to Hakone Machi then to one grabbed the bus, catching sight of how beautiful Hakone really was and also seeing Fuji-San, to Hakone Machi then to one more stop down the line where we caught Hikari 7 (shinkansen) to Nagoya and then another train to Takayama. The trip and then another train to Takayama. The trip to Takayama was insane. The journey was maybe 2 hours on the train from Nagoya and it really didn`t feel like it. The scenery was unbelieveable. For the most part we followed the river －　crossing it a few times.

On arrival at Takayama, I asked for a Taxi to arrival at Takayama, I asked for a Taxi to our Ryokan. I asked for a Taxi to our Ryokan. On arrival at our Ryokan, I was fully aware that there would be no understanding of English here. Thankfully I could understand understanding of English here. Thankfully I could understand what they were saying and was able to get by easily －　including sending my luggage to Kyoto. I lost track of how many times I was commended on my Japanese.

We got to our Ryokan at about 5pm so we chilled out until dinner. Once we went down for dinner in our Yukatas I remembered previous meals Ive had in Japan. I figured I would be getting fish had in Japan. I figured I would be getting fish －　with its head still attached and I was right. Lol. We had for 2 dinners and 1 breakfast – Tempura, sashimi, fish, Tofu, Squid, Shabu Shabu, and goodness knows what else.

During the following day we wandered around Takayama Old Town and visited a few wandered around Takayama Old Town and visited a few places before the storm hit. The rain was warm but it got so heavy that we took shelter along with another small Japanese lady in front of a restruant. The rain finished within 5 or so minutes and then with a polite head nod to the lady we were on our way.

My impressions of Takayama －　Totally beautiful and its really nice to see such a traditional town. Our Ryokan was lovely and the staff were very helpful. Another place I didn`t really want to leave.

Today I arrived in Kyoto via Nagoya via Shinkansen, and I have to say I kinda forgot how quiet the trains are here!

For now, theres you in more as I can.

For now, theres my short update!

Japan Day 3 – Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuru

So today we got up late because we were so tired and then got our JR rail passes after asking for directions to a place that actually can give them to us. Problem? Yes, Shinjuku station is TOO big! Was like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Still we got there in the end.

Then we took the yamanote line to Shibuya and happily wandered around some shops, down some allies, brought an umberella for 390yen, some cds and then popped back. The crossing there is certainly insane, so many people.

I then went back to the hotel in Shinjuku and chilled for a bit before going to meet Ogi and his friend at Ikebukuru for some drinks and some food. Cant quite remember what I had but I know 1 dish was squid and very nice it was too.

Afterwards we went to an arcade and I played some more VF5R and grabbed a couple of access cards Played against Ogi before going back to their Ryokan to meet his other friend. Time went by quickly, we went and played some more and then I travelled back to Shinjuku at about 11pm.

Got back to the hotel where my friend was and then remember I was supposed to send my bags on to my next hotel! I then spent the next hour trying to figure out if it was possible and packing ready.

I got up this morning at 5:30 am and then went to the reception to organise my bags being sent to the hotel! Sorted! Now I have to prepare – have a shower etc before leaving for Hakone via Shinkansen.

^_^ I’m going to miss Tokyo.

Specially thanks to Ogi.

Japan Day 2 – Ariake (SBO), Mitaka (Ghibli), Akihabara.

So today I had to wake up at some un-godly hour - 6am to meet up with Ogi-Sama in the hotel lobby whereby we would then be off to Ariake and Super Battle Opera for the finals of various fighting games.

It was a bit of a nightmare to get there since Ogi was stressing out and it was super hot and humid today. However, after a walk past a jam packed Anime Convention in Kokusa Tenjijo we made our way to SBO, grabbed some food and went it. It was pretty impressive to be honest. Stage and everything with super clear big screens to watch the matches on. Watched the Besuto4 SF2 and some of the matches were super close. Also met Itazan too with Ogi, so was nice to meet some new people.

Will probably pop back tomorrow too because unfortunatly we had to leave early to make our way to the otherside of Tokyo towards Ghibli – Mitaka. On the way we stopped off at Akihabara (electric town) and spent way too much time there popping in and out of the air con and 37 degree heat. I brought Memories Off which only came out yesterday and have been playing it abit since we got back to the hotel and so far  I really like it. Also brought Guilty Gear 10th Anniversary Core Plus game. Brought other things but can’t list them all. Akihabara, I could walk around for ages and spend so much money. -_-; not good!

Then we went back to the hotel to have a wash and then went on to Mitaka from Shinjuku for Ghibli museum. The museum was pretty small in itself but it was impressive to see Miyazaki’s work and how everything goes round in the studio. From the gift shop I brought a Soot ball from Spirited Away and some Film strips and other bits and pieces. Unfortunatly no cameras were allowed inside so kinda sucks there.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a department store and I brought a memory card for my psp – 4GB for about 20 Pounds – not too sure how cheap that is since I never brought one in the UK, also along with a Sanwa cover for my camera. Not sure how long we were in there for but 8 floors of electrical ’stuff’ and when we eventually came out it was dark…. lol.

Hrm, tomorrow? Well I think we’re going to maybe pop to SBO again and then to Shibuya and then somewhere like the Meiji temple or Tokyo Tower. Right now all I know is Watashi wa chotto nemui to tsukareta.

Ja ne.

Japan Day 1 – Tokyo

So after a nice long 11 hour flight from Heathrow to Tokyo, we touched down and were conforted by the sauna like weather atm. On landing the temperature was 36 C, a little bit higher than London….

I have to admit it was abit daunting having landed and not been to Japan for a few years, but I scrapped through and jumped onto a Limosine bus to Keio Plaza hotel, where I am currently staying.

On arriving at the hotel, I jumped on the net to find out what was going on with everyone and who would be meeting who where. Ogi and his friend came to our hotel and picked us up and then we walked around in circles a few times before moving to Club Sega – Nishi Shinjuku. Compared to the Troc this was mad. So many people, so much smoke and such awesome games. VF5R impressed me and so did the fabled SFIV. So cheap to play here too. 100Yen here, although I know it is cheaper elsewhere.

On walking to Club Sega we met up with Anthony and then on arrival at Club Sega we met up with Justin, a guy called David and some others. After a brief lunch of purchasing a ticket and then sitting down, Myself and a few others went looking for Puri Kura but there were none that we found. This coupled with the fact we broke an elevator – not my fault – it was actually a Jusin’s friends fault because he opted to pull in a plant to the elevator and yeah I won’t go into details but it was highly funny at the time.

Shortly after returning to Club Sega I felt sleep catching up with me so we decided to go back to the hotel. Now we knew our hotel wasn’t far from Club Sega but it was dark and we couldn’t see it. So I asked and the man directed us to the hotel And here I am now. Sitting on a rent-a-laptop writing up my first blog. Also I think Miso soup is growing on me! lol Pictures taken so far? 2. Why? Because you can’t take pictures in the arcade and it’s dark! From my hotel room on the 30th floor, at night now, all I can see are red lights!

Anyways until my next update, Ja ne!

Tomorrow is SBO followed by Ghibli Museum and watever else I can squeeze in before Club Sega again!

Moving onwards

Courtesy of Albel

So I recently wrote a blog on the cgs site. For those of you who havent seen it, it is basically me stepping away from DOA for a while. I have to say I do share the same mentality as that of Phoenix and having spoken to her for a bit I understand what I need to do with regards to DOA. I need a break from all the drama and I’m taking it for a bit now. I may compete in CGS combine next season but I might not. Right now, I’m playing VF and loving it. ( http://www.thecgs.com/index.php?s=upanel&d=viewblog&b_id=2815 )

Whilst obviously it’s seems to be a bit harder, I’m loving the challenge, the new friends I’ve made and it’s making more sense. Shout outs to Opti, KneeNinja, Fulan, Leonard, Jide and Sudden, sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone!

Who knows maybe it will aid my knowledge and help in a way with DOA.

Not only VF but Soul Cal IV comes out soon and no doubt I will have that on launch. I’ve played as Taki, Cassandra, Mitsurugi and Yoda and it’s great. SC3 wasn’t so good so let’s hope SC IV picks it up. The online mode will be sure to set this up to be competitive.

Other than gaming, I went out and brought some sun cream, unfortunatly the weather has decided to be poop ever since! Figures!

Oh and I’m happy to say I’ve joined a new team. The world reknowned team called www.team-dignitas.org Great guys and really well managed. Looking forward to playing.

1,2 poof!

That’s exactly it. I own 2 xboxs, and they’re both broken. So anytime I have spent online has been at my friends for doing the beta for Tom Clancy’s Endwar or training on VF, Shadowrun, Gears, Halo3 or DOA.

What sucks even more is that for the past 6 years I have never gone without my xbox for longer than 3 or so days and now I don’t have one it actually sucks! I’m totally lost, that is to say, I’m not addicted I just really miss talking with my friends over live or playing games with people – even the trashers.

It’s not fun to be speaking to Paddaman and he suddenly suggest I should come and play and say I just have to turn my xbox on – having completely forgotten that it is disfunctional at this precise moment in time. Either that, or Stephen saying how much fun he is having on MGS4 or Shadowrun… -_-;

All I have is my DS lite, and there is only so much time I can spend on Sight training or Lunar Genesis and it’s no fun being in picto chat with only myself.

I have, however, been out with some friends and caught up with some reading. It is nice to take a break but it would be nice to play a few games of an evening or something.

It has been nice to catch up with everyone though and catch up on watching films!

Microsoft need to hurry up and send it back!

I will also at some point be getting a new pc so i can get back into the pc fun of COD, warcraft and quake so that this situation can be avoided in the future as best possible!

A Little Poem

So I get a lot of e-mails from people about gaming bits and pieces but from one young girl I got a poem. Now she’s not very old and has tried hard on it, so I thought I’d give her the time of day and put it on my blog. It’s a nice gesture and I’m grateful.

Thank you Katrina.

 

Samantha ‘Ricochet’ Whale

 

 

Well her Alias is Ricochet she is a good gamer She plays dead or alive 4.

 The team she was on was Birmingham salvo team, she is 21 year old female

She was quite surprised when she was picked for the CGS.

The CGS means champion gaming series.

 

 

What do I think of ricochet?

 

Well I think she is the best gamer in the world even if she loses

She is a great person who cares for everyone in the world.

She is the best person in the world who you can trust.

   Ricochet makes a good friend who you can talk to at any time.  

 

Always a pleasure

As I did once before, I’m taking a few moments out to thank some people who have really helped me over the past few months and year before I have to pop out for a bit. This is of course related to gaming and I will try and keep it brief.

So here, I begin:

Michael ‘ODEE’ O’Dell: If you don’t know why, here is a briefing. He’s a fantastic manager and a really great guy. He is supportive, fun and stern when he needs to be. He believed in me for season 1 and for that I am grateful. He’s built my confidence and to him I am so grateful. I have a lot of respect for him which will continue to grow.

Avtar ‘Paddaman’ Padda and Stephen ‘Dr McMystery’ Knowles: As before these guys mean a lot and even more so as friends. I rely on them for a lot and they never fail to deliver. They seem to always have time for me and to be fair I couldn’t ask for anything more. If ever I’m down, they don’t hesitate to pick me up and whenever I need pushing they’ll be the first to do something to make me do it. I respect them and value their friendship. These are the guys I can call on at anytime with a problem and they’ll do their utmost to assist me in whatever way they can.

Birmingham Salvo Season 1 Team: Fantastic guys and a great group of gamers. Always fun to be around and a complete pleasure to be with. Good luck this coming season. Special mention to Rattlesnk, Marc and Pete for making me laugh all the damn time.

The guys above, Dave Chappelle, Grunt Dude, Athena Twin, 2gd, Redeye, Sujoy, Stuart Saw, Fatal1ty, Dr Dogg and many more, all of whom at more than one point gave valuable advice and support when it was needed most.

The people I met in LA and the CGS staff: What can I say? In true english: bloody smashing!

My family and friends: I could say so much, but it all goes without saying. They’re always there for me, no matter what.

The guys and girls who support me: Obby, Simpology, Evil, Ninjitstu, Rip, Rezza, Snake, Bats, Kara, Technics, Simon Wong, Phil, Ty, Katrina, Streetrunner, Largo, Apache, Equinox, MantisMax, Serenity-, Forsaken^, 2Klein, Original R, Goldee, Amakakeru and countless more that I’m running out of time to continue more.

It’s Never Good-Bye

Firstly I would like to congratulate all who are on the 2 UK and 2 EU teams, well played.

Secondly I would like to give a huge thank you to ODEE for giving me my season in CGS last season and that I was glad to play for him and meet such incredible people and friends who I hope will stay that way. I would also like to give a huge thank you to everyone who supported me through thick and thin even when rumours flew and times were hard, you know who you are.

Thirdly, I would like to thank CGS for creating such a statement in the gaming world and for pushing it forward making it more recognisable to everyone who watches. I had an amazing time last year and for that I am thankful.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed but to be fair I’m happy enough. I had some good matches, some bad but I know, for myself, I improved and I know I will keep doing so. Indeed, I beat Strobe in a good match but I know Ben needs someone who can play and get rounds on Sarah and her sister is a good choice in that case! It’s clear I am in need of experience and I know I will get it.

I will keep playing but for now I jump back but, it is never goodbye.

Best of luck to both Salvo and Mint.