Friday, 20 May 2005
After hanging out at "home" on base a bit (staying in a three bedroom apartment with a washer/dryer and American TV shows is quite nice), we went to eat tonkatsu for lunch with Christina's dad. Hung out at their place a bit, then we went with Nick (Christina's brother) to this game place near base. Kinda reminded me of Jillian's game place a bit...Just had to play my favorite air hockey game, and then Christina, Max, and I took pictures in the complicated step-by-step photo machine.
Then, at 3:30 pm, we caught the train towards Tokyo to Harajuku. They really don't live too far from Tokyo, only about an hour and a half train ride. And, I was able to sneak using my Japan Rail Pass still, by flashing it quickly to the officer, even though it expired a few days ago (I had to get my money's worth!). Michelle, Ricky's girlfriend, met us in Harajuku, where there are a string of fancy stores, like Rodeo Drive. After grabbing a "cheap" 500 yen meal at McDonald's, we walked to the baseball stadium, got our seats, and then moved down another tier to get a closer look at home plate. Ricky had to watch the first five innings with the team, but was able to join us after that to see his team, the Akult Swallows, beat the Orix Buffaloes (Ichiro's old team) 3-1.
Ricky, an Anacortes high school buddy of Andrew's (Christina's husband), got drafted by the Swallows, after playing for the Padres and the Mariners. There are only four "imports" allowed on each team. He has been living in Tokyo for the past month and a half, making $250,000 a year, and his girlfriend Michelle just moved there a few weeks ago. He was going to be starting pitcher at Sunday's game, so too bad we wouldn't be able to see him. But, it was fun to get to see a baseball game and hang out with Ricky and Michelle.
Differences between Japanese and American baseball:
1) Of course, there's the Japanese writing on the big screen for starters.
2) The fans have developed specific cheers for each player when they are up to bat.
3) The fans cheer by waving these small green umbrellas above their heads.
4) Beer vendors carry keg backpacks on their back through the stands..."Asahi! Kirin!"
5) When a runner comes in, they flash on the screen "Home In!!!"
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