Photography and Sushi

Above, Asya at work photographing me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The photo shoot, sketching and dinner meeting with artist Asya went very well tonight.

We met up at Kula Revolving Sushi at Sawtelle Place in Japantown in West Los Angeles. I arrived first and found a line of people waiting to get seated. Asya was en route via Uber. I checked in with the electronic check-in gizmo that was mounted at the entrance. According to the gizmo, we had about an hour wait.

Above, a reference photo of yours truly by Asya.

When Asya arrived, we used the waiting time for the photo shoot of me for the painting. She used my Canon Rebel camera for this. She took photos of me from all angles and in different lighting.

We had just completed the photo shoot when we were notified that we were next to be seated.

Above, the crowd waiting to be called to be seated. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We were seated at a table near the front windows of the restaurant. The system was a simple one. Everything on the conveyor was the same price, $2.25. All we had to do was to send our empty plates down a chute to be counted. If a patron reaches 15 plates, they win a prize. We ended up sending 17 plates. I let Asya keep the prize.

Above, the food conveyor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite that, the total bill for the meal was around $55. Not bad! The food was pretty good, too! This was the first time Asya tried Asahi beer. Apparently, Asahi Beer isn't available in the Russia, where she's from. She liked it!

Above, Asya sketching me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly enjoying a glass of Asahi. Photo by Asya.

After dinner, we went outside for more photographs and then we headed out. I drove Asya to her home in the Olympic/Robertson area (I guess it's called Mar Vista).

Above, Asya reviewing the photos she took. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We both enjoyed the evening.

Wi-Fi Is Exploding In Tokyo

Above, a view of Tokyo from Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to the influx of foreign visitors and the 2020 Olympic Games, Wi-Fi is exploding all over Tokyo.

The Japan Times reported:

Wanna surf the web for free in Tokyo? It’s finally time to catch the wave. Along with an influx of foreign tourists, Japan is seeing an explosion in wireless internet spots. 

These days, it seems you can’t walk 100 meters in without seeing a “free Wi-Fi” sign of some sort in central Tokyo. Visitors and Tokyoites alike have thousands of access points to choose from, emanating via everything from vending machines to bullet trains. Users no longer have to rely on the generosity of hotels or internet cafes. Wi-Fi is now a top-down affair: some of the largest municipal and commercial groups in Japan are working together to make Wi-Fi an essential piece of infrastructure.

I used to have to rely upon the hotels I was staying in or at Starbucks or Tully's coffee shops for Wi-Fi access while in Tokyo.

To read more, go here. 

The Things I Say Sometimes

Above, the ring can be seen at left at the Superman Plaque dedication in 2014. Photo by Steven Kirk.

The other night, I was hanging with a lady friend and things got a little "hot and heavy".

At one point, I had to stop to straighten my horseshoe ring. Since I lost weight recently, due to the turmoil that happened with Denise, my ring has gotten a little loose on my finger. I am now down to around 200 pounds, which was my weight right after I graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 1979. At least that's one good thing I can credit those rough times.

She asked me if something were wrong. I said, "No, I had to turn my ring around. That hot kiss made it spin!"

She jumped, laughed and exclaimed, "Wow! You just made me blush!" That lasted for a several minutes. It apparently was an intense blush as it took her a bit to regain her composure and "get back to business". That was definitely a good blush.

That was funny!

Getting Started

Above, Asya with one of her abstract paintings.

Last night, I met up with Asya, the artist who will be doing a portrait of yours truly and we came to an agreement on the work that I am commissioning, including size, medium (oil), price, etc.

I asked her which medium she feels most comfortable in doing a portrait and she chose oil. I was pleased by that. We are planning to do a traditional portrait, but with a Japanese-themed background. I have to send her some photos I took in Japan to give her some ideas.

She (kidding, of course) asked me if I wanted to be painted as Batman, after I showed her a sketch of Batman I did last weekend at my cousin's.

We are going to meet up again in the "Little Osaka" (or Sawtelle Japantown) tonight for a photo shoot, sketches and dinner to get the ball rolling. "Little Osaka" is a Japanese enclave in the West Los Angeles area bordered by Santa Monica Blvd. to the north, and Olympic Blvd. to the south. It is several blocks long along Sawtelle Blvd. I am very familiar with the area. My grandfather lived on Sawtelle Blvd. until his death in 1966 and I have frequented the Japantown area many times during the past several years. Asya lives in the Olympic/Robertson area.

The Los Angeles City Council designated the area as "Japantown" last year by a unanimous vote.

I am looking forward to this as I have been thinking about having a portrait painting done for quite a while. It's not an "ego thing", but a curiosity about seeing how an artist would see me in artwork. Asya estimates that the whole process will take about a week or so to complete. 

This is getting me "fired up" again to want to break out my art equipment and start drawing again.

The Day

Above, The Beast had its floor cleaned today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today started out with breakfast with Jessica, my former roomie at the Lamplighter Restaurant in Canoga Park. She had a craving for blueberry pancakes. I settled for chorizo and eggs.

Following that, we made a quick stop at a local Target store so she could pick up some vacuum bags to store some stuff.

After dropping her off at home, I headed home to sweep and mop The Beast's floor before the ungodly heat of the San Fernando Valley takes hold, making any chore in a RV uncomfortable.

After resting up a few hours, I will be meeting up with an artist I recently met. I am considering commissioning a painting. That's something I've been thinking about doing for a while. Up until now, I just haven't found an artist that I would consider using, since Sam Evans* is no longer available. She does very nice work (one of her sketches is below). She did a series of paintings with cigars as the subject that look almost like photographs.

Later, I'll probably be headed to West L.A. in the "Little Osaka" area of Olympic and Sawtelle.

*Sam Evans (David Ford) was an artist and the father of Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) in ABC-TV's Dark Shadows. He did the portrait of Barnabas Collins that hung over the fireplace at the Old House.

Yosemite National Park Dispute Headed To Mediation?

Above, if a settlement is reached, Half Dome Village can get its old name, Curry Village, back. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the dispute between the National Park Service and Yosemite National Park's former concessionaire, Delaware North may be resolved sooner than originally thought.

The Charlotte Observer reported:

WASHINGTON A high-profile clash over the trademarking of Yosemite National Park names appears headed for a mediated settlement. 

The potential mediation, revealed in a new court filing, would enable the National Park Service and Yosemite’s former and current concessionaires to resolve their intellectual property differences more amicably and probably more quickly than in the raw legal arena.

Read more here.

Dollar Down To ¥100.60 In Tokyo

Does Japan know something that we don't in regard to today's U.S. jobs report?

Apparently, the Japanese financial world doesn't have much faith in the June employment data that is set to be released. The U.S. dollar is down to ¥100.60 in Tokyo trading.

According to Jiji Press:

Tokyo, July 8 (Jiji Press)--The dollar softened to levels around 100.60 yen in Tokyo trading Friday, dampened by Japanese shares' continued weakness and some speculative moves ahead of the release later in the day of U.S. jobs data for June.

 To read more, go here.

Tokyo Pop Culture Events This Summer

Above, one pop cultural event will be held at Tokyo City View at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning on visiting Japan and is also a fan of Japanese pop-culture, then this summer is the time to go. There are several pop-culture events that are going to be held in Tokyo this summer. One or more may be of interest.

According to Tokyo Cheapo:

Summer is quite the eventful season in Japan. It’s a season of festivals, and we don’t just mean traditional ones with fireworks and Bon dances. If you like pop culture (be it anime, manga, games, cosplay, J-pop, or even Western fandoms), have we got good news for you! This summer is shaping up to have a number of events for pop culture enthusiasts, and here are some of them. Note that we’ve limited the events to those in and near Tokyo, so we didn’t list the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya.

To see what they are, go here. 

Kyushu Discount Drive Started

Above, Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of you who want to see the Saikai Bridge that Rodan blew down, the Fukuoka Tower that Godzilla toppled over or the domed stadium that Gamera trashed, you may want to take advantage of the discount drive that the Japanese government and travel-related companies are spearheading to get more visitors to Kyushu.

According to the Chicago Tribune:

TOKYO - Travel agencies and air carriers in Japan have discounted their tour and flight fees for Kyushu as a measure to vitalize local tourism in the region's seven prefectures, which has slumped since the Kumamoto Earthquake. 

Using government subsidies, a system has also been launched to encourage discounted travel in Kyushu, with campaigns expected to be more popular as the summer vacation season approaches.

To read more, go here.

Kyoto Bumped From No.1 Spot In Travel Survey

Above, the stage of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel surveys are always subjective, so in one year (or two) a place may be in the top spot, while in another, it could be bumped down. It depends on the number of people participating and other factors.

Such is the case of Kyoto, Japan. It had been the number one tourist spot in Travel + Leisure's reader surveys, but it has been bumped down a bit.

According to the Japan Times:

OSAKA – Kyoto fell from its perch as the world’s top tourist city in survey rankings compiled by the influential U.S. magazine Travel + Leisure, which dropped Japan’s ancient capital to No. 6. Charleston, South Carolina, claimed the top spot. 

While the reasons for the fall were not explained, city officials suggested that the huge crowds of foreign and Japanese tourists visiting its popular temples, shrines and gardens as well as its major downtown shopping districts, might be the cause. 

The result of the recent tourism boom has been often long lines in shops and restaurants, as well as traffic gridlock that has created apprehension among municipal emergency workers concerned about fire trucks and ambulances trying to get through Kyoto’s narrow streets. 

There have also been growing allegations of price-gouging, with some English-language travel websites posting reader comments warning that Kyoto jacks up prices during peak periods such as April’s cherry blossom-viewing season or the late autumn months.

We visited Kyoto last October and enjoyed it immensely. We didn't find the prices in the city any worse than anywhere else in Japan.

Maybe next year Kyoto will reclaim its number one survey perch.

To read more, go here.

Kick-back Time In Ventura

Above, The Beast at camp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A couple of nights were spent at the Ventura Beach RV Resort with my former roomie, Jes. I got home a little while ago and finished unpacking. We had a great time.

She needed some relaxation time (and to give her dad a break), so she came along and enjoyed it.

We also had our pets with us. She brought her dog Lola with her and I bought along my cat Sierra. The two of them got along just fine. No problems at all!

Above, Lola and Sierra. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The weather was nice and the park was not too crowded. We just cooked, relaxed and watched season six of The Big Bang Theory on DVD. She had never seen those episodes before (she bought me the set a couple of months ago).

I did hear from my ex-fiancee Denise Santos two nights ago at the campground. She sent a text and asked for my address (which is strange, since she already had it). Perhaps to finally send the wedding/engagement rings? The text message she sent was a trifle incoherent, so it is hard to say. But she did ask, "please stop contacting me via txt or email."

Well, since I broke off contact with her in June, the only thing I sent her was an email with my demand letter, which is what the courts require plaintiffs to do before initiating lawsuits. When I sent my address to her, I reminded her of this (just in case she plans to pull some B.S.). I have no plans for any further contact with her.

I am about to meet with an attorney and any communication to her in the future will be done by him anyway.

Speaking of Denise, I saw a video a friend sent last night about narcissists. Here, Coach Corey Wayne described her to a "T". It was uncanny! She did/does everything that's described in the video (but I am not saying she is one). After watching it, I sent it to a friend and she said, "It is scary how accurate that is!" If you suspect that you are dating a narcissist, this is a good video to learn what to watch out for. Things are starting to finally make sense!




Despite all that, I had a great time during the past three days!

*************************

UPDATE (1/12/17):

Just as I suspected last July, I was being set up by Denise Santos. She accused me of "stalking her" and filed for a temporary restraining order. We appeared in court in August and she dropped the action as my attorney and I had documents proving that she and her "flying monkeys" were stalking me and causing problems while I was trying to avoid her. There is some "residue" from that, whch I am still dealing with. When it became apparent that I was being set up, that's when I decided to fight back and ratcheted up the rhetoric on this blog. I am now convinced that she has narcissistic traits.

Climbing Mount Fuji: What To Expect

Above, a bullet train  view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Minutes ago, I posted a blog about the opening of climbing season at Mount Fuji in Japan.

If anyone reading that posting is planning to go to Japan and climb Mount Fuji, News On Japan has posted an article on what to expect. The article originated from Gaijinpot.

It begins with:

Did you know in 2013 Mt. Fuji became designated as a World’s Heritage site? This iconic representation of Japan is now even more well known around the world, and lucky for its fans, its officially climbing season.* 

Mt. Fuji stands 3,776 meters, or 12,388, feet tall. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707 A.D.; and it is considered to be overdue for another eruption. So how should you handle this terrifying disaster waiting to happen? Climb it! 

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when climbing Mt. Fuji.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Fuji Climbing Season Begins

Above, climbers with lanterns scale Mount Fuji. Photo from video by Armand Vaquer.

If you are headed to Japan and have a desire to climb to the top of Mount Fuji, now's the time to do it.

News On Japan posted:

The climbing season for Mount Fuji opened Friday on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. The mountain is Japan's highest, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

It straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. The Shizuoka side will open to climbers on July 10th.

Above, Mount Fuji from a shinkansen window. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Noel Neill, R.I.P.

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill at Noel's 85th birthday luncheon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This came sooner than expected, but Noel Neill is now reunited with Jack Larson, John Hamilton, Bob Shayne and George Reeves. When I say "sooner than expected", I mean that we all figured that Noel Neill would live to 100. But, that was not to be. The good Lord had other plans for her.

Noel's friend and biographer Larry Ward notified Jim Nolt on Facebook:

From Larry Ward:

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my very close friend, actress Noel Neill, the original "live action" Lois Lane from Superman. Noel passed away yesterday at her home in Tucson, Arizona after a long illness. She was 95. 

Noel Darleen Neill was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1920, the daughter of Minneapolis Star Tribune news editor David Neill and New York vaudeville performer LaVere Neill. She hit the stage early in life in local productions at the age of five, and also offered dramatic radio performances on local Minneapolis stations as early as 1929. She was childhood friends with the Andrews Sisters as they attended dance school together, with Noel eventually branching out as a solo singer and dancer. Noel and the Andrews Sisters barnstormed middle America together playing many of the RKO Orpheum Theatres throughout the region, as well as performing at countless county and state fairs throughout the midwest in the 1930s. 

After graduating from Central High in Minneapolis in 1938, Noel and her mother headed west by automobile, reaching Los Angeles a week later where she would eventually make her permanent home. Soon after her arrival, at almost 18 years of age, she was hired to sing with Bing Crosby's band at the Del Mar Racetrack. Other singing jobs followed in San Francisco, Tucson, and in Los Angeles. 

And then Hollywood came calling. With the help of Crosby, Noel signed a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures in 1941. She initially made several short films, then appeared in mostly non-speaking roles, gradually gaining leading lady status beginning with 1944's Are These Our Parents? 

In total, Noel made close to 100 films in her long and incredible career, and surprisingly, most were Western films made in the 1940s and 1950s. She worked with many noted directors such Cecil B. DeMille, Vincent Minnelli, and Hal Roach, and starred with actors Bob Hope, Crosby, Gene Kelley, Clayton Moore, Johnny Mack Brown and William Holden. 

But it was her role as Lois Lane in the 1948 Columbia movie serial Superman that caught the interest of fans everywhere. She was bright, funny, assertive but with a quick sense of humor; and opposite film's first Superman, Kirk Alyn, the serial was a hit which necessitated a sequel, 1950's Atom Man Vs Superman, again starring Alyn with Tommy Bond as Jimmy Olsen. 

Her work in the iconic 1950s television series, The Adventures of Superman with the late George Reeves, however, best defined and cemented her legacy as "the intrepid reporter." After years of playing bit parts in bad films and great roles in forgotten films, she finally found her niche. As a teenager she knew all about the newspaper business from her father and she had also actually written for Women's Wear Daily in the late 1930s, so it was a role she believed she was born to play. And as she would admit in interviews later in life, she simply played herself. 

Arguably the most prolific actor in the Superman science fiction genre, Noel would also go on to work with Christopher Reeve in the 1978 film Superman, in the 1980s in the Superboy series with Gerard Christopher, the 2004 Jerry Seinfeld webisode Hindsight is 20/20; and finally, in Brandon Routh's 2006 feature film Superman Returns. 

The recipient of many awards over the years, she had long professed that her 2004 Golden Boot Award - for her many Western films - as presented to her by her friend and fellow actor Tom Selleck - was likely her favorite. 

The town of Metropolis, Illinois, which had proclaimed Noel Neill First Lady of Metropolis some years ago, also dedicated a Lois Lane statue in her likeness in 2011 for her love of the role and her many visits to Metropolis over the years. The statue is a popular attraction and has been visited by thousands of her admirers since its dedication. 

As Noel's close friend, companion and biographer, I found Noel to be generous with her time and the same person off the screen as she appeared to be on the screen. Her stamina was legendary as she happily made personal appearances and attended book signings well into her 90th year. She was kind, selfless, hardworking, funny with a quick wit, and assertive - all the same qualities that embodied the character of Lois Lane. Noel truly was Lois Lane, and for many of us, she was the first working woman seen on television. Few of her fans actually knew her real name, almost always simply calling her "Lois" to which she would unfailing answer with a bright smile and a kind word. It was more than a role to her. "Lois" was someone she believed in and a character she happily and warmly embraced. 

Noel Neill maintained that bright, perky and engaging personality up until her death.
Funeral services will be private with a public memorial held later this year. 

Larry Thomas Ward, July 4, 2016

Above, Noel and Armand at the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

I first met Noel Neill in 2001 when we held the "Superman Week" ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and luncheon immediately after. Over the years, we got to know each other at various conventions, including the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

Above, Noel addresses the "Superman Week" ceremony as Supervisor Michael D.
Antonovich looks on. Photo courtesy of the offfice of Sup. Michael D. Antonovich.

In 2005, a big luncheon celebration was held at the Beverly Garland Hotel for Noel's 85th birthday. I, along with many other fans and celebrities, attended. It was a memorable event.

Above, Noel and Armand at the Hall of Administration in 2001.

Around about that time, Noel and I had an email discussion about the state of education. I may still have those printed emails. She was a very thoughtful person and was concerned how young people today weren't being educated as well as they should be.

Above, Noel with George Reeves.

She had been in frail health for the past several years and had to retire from conventions and fan events. She could not attend the 2014 plaque dedication, but I understand that she was pleased about the plaque that was placed in Tarzana honoring her and her co-stars of the Adventures of Superman. We've missed her these past few years, but thanks to Larry Ward, we were able to keep tabs on her and to send greetings on her birthdays.

Above, the Superman plaque in Tarzana, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will always have fond memories of Noel. She lived a good, long and active life. We will now miss her even more.

The Lucky Dragon No. 5 Exhibit's 40th Anniversary

Above, the bow of the Lucky Dragon No. 5. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Lucky Dragon No. 5 exhibit is "celebrating" its 40th anniversary this year. But there are those who are concerned that the famed boat may not last another 40 years unless action is taken now.

According to an article in the Asahi Shimbun:

However, there are many nowadays who are not familiar with the Bikini Atoll incident, which became a watershed rallying point for the anti-nuclear weapons movement around the world. 

This year, the hall printed 1,000 copies of a memorial book on the 40-year history of the exhibition hall, and some information panels were renewed in hopes of attracting more visitors. 

Preservation of the ever-deteriorating Daigo Fukuryu Maru is an urgent issue needed to be addressed. Thirty years have passed since its last major restoration, which took 15 months to complete. 

It has become a daily chore for the gallery staff to sweep up paint chips that are peeling off the hull and are falling to the floor. 

The public interest incorporated foundation that operates the facility has invited several experts in cultural asset conservation to look at the tuna fishing boat. An assessment is expected to take several years, after which a conservation action plan will be written up.

Above, the port side of the Lucky Dragon No. 5. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I visited the Lucky Dragon back in 2007 and again in 2014. The incident involving the boat was one of the inspirations for the creation of the Godzilla character. It is spotlighted on page 25 in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here.

Finally Folded!

Above, the bike folded. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in May 2015, I purchased online an Adventurer 6-speed folding bicycle to use while camping from Camping World.

The bike ride nice, although I had to put on a more comfortable seat. But, I never used it while camping. I couldn't get the blasted thing to fold. And, to make matters worse, I couldn't find the instructions that came with it.

Finally, tonight I got the thing to fold!

There's a discussion thread at a RV forum I belong to on folding bicycles and a fellow forum member posted this in reply to my post on difficulties in getting the bike to fold:

Have you tried, After releasing the fold lever, Raise the lever up, and it will release the catch pin. The guy at CW showed me that. By the time I got to try it, I totally forgot all about it. Then I saw the sticker that showed raise lever. DUH.

After reading that, I immediately tried it out and it folded on the first try! Now I can stow it in The Beast and use it!

Above, the bike ready for use. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maria's Fourth of July Party 2016

Above, Fred's Tiki Bar was a popular area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, my cousin Maria and her husband Fred held their annual Fourth of July party at their home in Wildomar, California (near Lake Elsinore).

I decided to go in The Beast and stay over Saturday night. I got home about an hour or so ago. Traffic wasn't too bad.

It was nice to see many family members, some of which I haven't seen for a while, and others that I last saw at my Aunt Rose's funeral in January. It is nice to have a big family gathering at a party instead during sad occasions. Kudos to Maria and her husband Fred for putting on the shindig, I think this was the best one yet!

I was given a lot of hugs and words of encouragement from my family because of the recent turmoil with Denise Santos (ironically, Denise and Aiden were personally invited to this by Maria when we briefly stopped by while heading home from San Diego in February). They understood everything I went through and lifted my spirits.

The party began with a welcome speech by Maria with her husband Fred standing by her. They set up a vinyl white tarp for everyone to sign. They also had a live band, who played throughout the party until ten o'clock that night.

It was well-attended. There must have been at least 100 family members and friends. There were lots of kids, who made good use of the swimming pool throughout the day. The temperatures were in the 90s. Lots of food and drinks were available.

Here's some photos of the party:

Above, cousin Annette with her new grandson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the gathering at Fred's Tiki Bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the yard was well-suited for a party.. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Fred's Tiki Bar sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my Aunt Gloria. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, daughter Amber and boyfriend Neil. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly and Amber.

Above, Fred and Maria's welcome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cousin Steven Guistina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, second cousin Brian Correa and his new twins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, 3rd cousin Gunnar gives his thumb's up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the band. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cousins Steven Guistina and Jeanette Coutee in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, great weather, live music and fun. What more can one ask for? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly clowning with Amber. 

Above, my contribution to the tarp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Below, is a YouTube video of the party I uploaded:

Norco Car & Truck Wash

Above, The Beast at the Norco Car & Truck Wash. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, my cousin Maria and her husband Fred held their annual Fourth of July party at their home in Wildomar, California (near Lake Elsinore).

I decided to go in The Beast and stay over Saturday night.

While en route to Wildomar, I stopped in Norco to see if I could find a coin-operated car wash to wash The Beast. Lucky for me, I exited where there's a coin-operated car wash, the Norco Car & Truck Wash, that has two stalls for big rigs and RVs. It also has platforms on both sides so that roofs and other higher places of vehicles can get washed.

I had washed the roof of The Beast earlier this year, but it is recommended that it be done at least twice a year. Where the motorhome is parked at home, sap and leaves continually drop from the trees behind it. So it had an accumulation of dirt and sap on the fiberglass roof.

The rub was $15.00 for 15 minutes, plenty of time to wash, wax and rinse The Beast!

So, after waiting for another RVer to finish, I cleaned The Beast from top to bottom. It really came out nice and clean, including the roof!

I'll stop there again when I have The Beast with me in the area.

Norco Car & Truck Wash
2176 Hamner Ave.
Norco, California 92860
Phone (951) 735-5730

"I Think My Dog's A Democrat" by Bryan Lewis

Check this out! Hilarious!

Dollar Down To Around ¥102.50

The dollar fell in Tokyo trading today, which is not good news for Japan-bound travelers from the U.S. as they will actually get less than 100 yen per dollar traded in currency exhange.

Jiji Press reported:

Tokyo, July 1 (Jiji Press)--The dollar gave up early gains and fell to around 102.50 yen in Tokyo trading late Friday, dampened by position-adjustment selling ahead of the weekend.

This may dampen any possible increases in tourism from the U.S. A strong yen makes goods and services more expensive for travelers.

To read more, go here. 

May Hawaii Arrivals Up, Spending Down

Above, a view of Diamond Head at dusk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Apparently, our trip to Hawaii in May was part of the increase in tourist arrivals that month compared to arrivals in May 2015.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

More visitors came to Hawaii this May than during the same month last year, but they spent slighly less, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). 

Total visitor arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands in May 2016 rose 1.3 percent from a year ago to 718,913 visitors. There were higher visitor volumes from the Hawaii’s core U.S. West Market, it’s second largest U.S. East Market and from international destinations outside of Canada and Japan, which posted decreases.

We spent the first few days in Honolulu and finished off the trip at Waikoloa on the Big Island.

To read more, go here.