Life Around The World

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 7

2011-07-10T06:11:00.000+09:00

July 8, 2011

We packed up all our stuff, checked out the room, and asked for keeping the luggage at the bell desk of Grand Waikikian/Lagoon tower.

Then we enjoyed our final shopping at Alamoana Center until 2PM or so. After getting back to the Hilton and receiving our baggage at the bell desk, we went up to 8th floor of Grand Waikikian to use their lounge for some drinks and shower for my wife and daughter.

We took a taxi to Honolulu airport; it took around 35 USD excluding tip.

I and my wife felt that we chase our girl all the time though, it was really great vacation as a family!

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 6

2011-07-09T04:21:00.000+09:00

July 7, 2011

We visited Outrigger Reef Hotel to have a buffet breakfast provided by Club Wyndham; after that, their Japanese sales rep, Mitue, explained the system and took us a tour for their time-share. Since I have the time-share of the Hilton Grand Vacations Club, she recommended to purchase a smallest share of their Waikiki condo near Trump. Hilton's point is also transferred to Wyndham's point (Hilton 7,200 → Wyndham 77,000). They call it PIC or rescue. It turned out that Wyndham is the pioneer of the time-share business. It costs 1.12 million JPY in total, including all the discounts, taxes, and expenses. Their management fee is also cheap, 24,000 JPY or so per annum. That said, I thought I should make full use of Hilton Grand Vacations Club, I decided not to buy it.

Then we went to DFS to purchase souvenirs.

We got back to hotel around 3PM and met our friends, a man and his wife, who are almost the same age of our parents. The man who talked to my wife at Haneda Airport happened to sit next to us and we promised to meet while in Honolulu. His wife flew from D.C. to Honolulu. We were invited to their 2LDK room of Lagoon tower; they originally planned to share the room with their friends, but their friends did not come due to the earthquake and turmoil in March 11, 2011. We had a nice talk and his wife showed us a great hula dance. After my wife and our daughter going back to our room at 6:30PM, I remained in the room and continued to talk to him until 9PM. We both were drunk and really enjoyed it. We promised to meet back in Japan because we are living in cities, which are 30 min drive distance.

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 5

2011-07-07T16:08:00.001+09:00

July 6, 2011
I borrowed a Compact car at Alamo for $82.30, including insurances, taxes, one infant seat, GPS navigation system; I've already booked the car online.

Waikiki Hotel Pier Shuttle
1778 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815
Toll-Free Phone:(888) 826-6893
Hours: Sun-Sat: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Then we went to Waikele Premium Outlets mainly to buy clothes for our daughter and newly-born my wife's younger brother's second daughter. We arrive at the Outlets just before open at 9AM. Whenever you go to the Waikele Premium Outlets, you should stop by Information in the center courtyard and show your JCB or VISA card to have coupons for discounts.

Waikele Premium Outlets
94-790 Lumiaina Street
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-5656
Waikele Premium Outlets is located just 15 miles west of Honolulu directly off H-1 Freeway, exit 7.

We enjoyed shopping there until around 2PM; actually, our daughter kept walking in the shops and it took a longer time to finish it.

After that, we went to Kahala mall to buy some foods and drinks at Whole Foods Market. Kahala mall is not that big; it might be mainly for locals, rather than tourists.

Since we had time, we also drove to Kailua Beach.
Kailua Beach Park
450 Kawailoa Road, East O'ahu

Kailua Beach was beautiful; its sand was fine and some people were in the sea.
Prior to going back to Alamo, I drove the car to Lanikai Beach just next to Kailua Beach; there were a lot of mansions along the way but no parking lot as described in some books.

I drove back to Alamo and filled the gas just before returning it to the shop; filling took time since I had no clue how to operate it. (I needed to push up the lever or something before starting; I never saw this process before not only in Japan but also in Hawaii. I just asked a shopkeeper for the process.)

It was a good drive in Oahu.

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 4

2011-07-06T04:03:00.002+09:00

We got up at 5:30AM and arrived at Eggs 'n Things around 6:30AM. There were about 10 people waiting outside of the restaurant. I let a restaurant staff member know my name and he gave me a pager. It took about 10 min and we sat together at the table. I ordered Spinach, bacon, cheese omelet (cheddar cheese, potato); my wife chose Strawberry pancake with whip cream. They are two of the most popular dishes at the restaurant.

Eggs 'n Things
http://www.eggsnthings.com/

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Then we went to DFS for my wife's shopping. After that, we took a pink line trolley to Ala Moana Center; if you show JCB card, it's free of charge.

At Ala Moana Center, on top of the clothing shops, we also went to Shirokiya to buy some groceries like a pork cutlet. It has many Japanese takeout food shops with reasonable prices.

We walked back to Grand Waikikian and took some rest. Then we went to Halekulani hotel; it's sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere. I think Hilton Hawaiian Village is better for a family with small children.

We visited DFS again to look for a souvenir like chocolates and cookies. We then took a pink line trolley again back to Hawaiian Village.

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 3

2011-07-05T15:28:00.001+09:00

Today is 4th of July, Independence Day.

I went to surfing with a borrowed 8 feet long board and enjoyed 2-hour ride. Unlike the last year, I had watershoes. My daughter played with sand in the beach with my wife.

Since we were very hungry, we headed for Wolfgang's steakhouse at Royal Hawaiian Center. Honestly speaking, I and my wife thought that their STEAK FOR TWO was not better than the one in Tribeca, Manhattan.

Our family went to the lagoon and pool near the beach; our girl seemed to like playing with water!

Then we went Food Pantry at Eaton Square to buy some foods and drinks.

The fireworks began at 8:30PM and lasted for 20 min!

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 2

2011-07-05T15:16:00.000+09:00

We brought our daughter to the lagoon again; she seemed to be happy with playing with water. After that, we went to Ala Moana Center for shopping.

Since it's the previous day of July 4th, there was a parade in the street of Honolulu when we walk along Kalakaua Ave.

Honolulu in July 2011: Day 1

2011-07-05T14:06:00.002+09:00

We stay in Grand Waikikian for the first time since I became an owner of the time share, Hilton Grand Vacations Club last year. I reserved a 1DK plus, including living/dining/kitchen, one bed room (two beds)+bath tub, shower/toilet/washroom, washing machine and drier, and dishwasher. It's big and great place to stay in!

We went to Foodland at Ala Moana Center and bought some foods and drinks. Then we let our daughter play at lagoon near our room.

Free WiFi at Grand Waikikian

2011-07-03T10:40:00.000+09:00

Network: hgvc

You are required to enter password which is given in your packet including room key.

Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-07-02T22:23:00.000+09:00

Our family will stay in Honolulu, Hawaii for one week including the Independence Day!

Free WiFi at Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)

2011-07-02T22:20:00.000+09:00

Network: TIAT

You need to register your e-mail address and nickname.

Singapore - Haneda, Tokyo

2011-03-31T00:50:00.000+09:00

30Mar/SQ634 Singapore 1520 - Tokyo, Haneda airport 2305(actual:2238)
economy class for the whole family

なんじゃもんじゃNanjya Monjya

2011-03-27T18:00:00.002+09:00

392 Havelock Road
#01-03/05 Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
Singapore 169663

TEL: 6738-7177

Our Japanese friends here in Singapore booked the restaurant. Unfortunately, they could not make it since their daughter caught a cold. So we cancelled.

Afternoon tea at Fullerton Bay

2011-03-27T15:00:00.000+09:00

When I was swimming in the pool at 5F of Mandarin Oriental, my wife said to me that she will meet her friend to have an afternoon tea. I joined it to take care of our daughter, while my wife enjoyed the talk to her old friend back in her university. It was SGD 50 per person. The atmosphere was sophisticated and luxurious. Our daughter played with other children there; children quickly get along with each other, unlike adults.

Marina Bay sands - sky park

2011-03-27T14:16:00.001+09:00

This is my second time while it's the first time for my family.

Singapore: temporary relocation under the company's sponsorship

2011-03-22T22:26:00.000+09:00

Under the company's official relocation instruction, I and my family left Tokyo last night(technically midnight, today, on March 22) and now stay in Singapore to avoid radiations, rolling blackouts, and limited commuter trains for electricity conservation. Temporary return date is April 1 at this point in time; until then, I'm working in Singapore and staying at Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

22Mar/SQ633 TYO, Haneda airport 0030 - SIN 0655
economy class for the whole family

Ishigaki jima(island), Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-20T17:37:00.000+09:00

Now we are back from Ishigaki. I and our family will head for Nagoya since my company supports the official relocation to there to avoid the turmoil due to the earthquake, tsunami, and rolling blackouts in Kanto area.

Ishigaki jima(island), Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-16T17:23:00.000+09:00

I, my family, my brother-in-law's family, and mother-in-law come to Ishigaki jima(island), Okinawa, Japan. Since we have a small child, we just decided to leave Kamakura and Tokyo yesterday since the Fukushima nuke plant #1 is in an unpredictable situation.

My wife's childhood friend works in a hotel here and kept rooms in her hotel.

Rolling blackouts have been taken place in Kanto area excluding central Tokyo. The relatively small earthquakes have been breaking out in Kanto area sporadically, but there seems to be almost no risk of tsunami.

Fortunately, I am able to work online. I wish I could contribute to help the disaster victims directly, however, our decisions were made with the safety of the children the highest priority.

Free WiFi: Super Hotel Ishigaki jima

2011-03-16T15:45:00.001+09:00

Network ID: 000D0B393231_A, 000D0B393231_G

スーパーホテル石垣島
〒907-0023
沖縄県石垣市石垣36番地
Tel：0980-83-9000
Official website(Japanese only)

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ANA Sky Web: "tokuten riyou sya" (a family member who is able to use a mileage)

2011-01-04T19:14:00.000+09:00

Add my baby girl as a "tokuten riyou sya" (a family member who is able to use a mileage) on ANA Sky Web.

Honolulu, Hawaii in June 2011

2011-01-02T20:23:00.008+09:00

Hotel: Hilton Grand Vacations Club

2011/1/2 - Reserved

Flight

2011/1/4 - Reserved

Seats

3 seats in the middle without seats in the back

2 seats for adults (aisle for me, middle for my wife), no seat for a baby

arm rest is movable

Bassinet

Cancelled

Baby meal (only option for under-2-year-old)

Changed baby meal to non-allergenic: 2011/6/29

Confirm a fee for the baby(18,840 JPY): 2011/6/29
Print an e-ticket for the baby: 2011/6/29

Parking (Haneda Airport)

つばさパーキング

Website (Japanese-only)

http://www.tubasa-p.co.jp/

2011/6/26: Reservation via website.

Rent-a-car

2011/6/24 - Reserved (Alamo; Honolulu, Waikiki Hotel Pier Shtl (HNLR71))

Insurance

2011/7/1 - For our child

Documents (e-ticket for the flight, ESTA, rent-a-car reservation, hotel)

2011/7/1

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

A reservation for a seminar in Hawaii (Japanese only)

http://www.anasumai.com/resort_int/ind-hilton.html
http://www.hgvchawaii.com/seminar/index.html

Free WiFi: Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport

2010-10-14T22:29:00.000+09:00

Network: #HKAirport Free WiFi

At Hong Kong International Airport

2010-10-14T22:26:00.000+09:00

Today is the last day in HK. After taking a shower at the Health Club of JW Marriott, at the lowest floor, I took a shuttle bus at JW Marriott to their last stop, Hong Kong Station. I bought a ticket of Airport Express by cash; it just costs 100 HKD. It just takes 24 min or so.

It seems people in Hong Kong is approaching mainland China; people try to learn Mandarin while they are getting a bit poor at English. Unlike Singapore, there are some people who cannot speak English very well. In this sense, I felt a bit tired in HK; it's a part of China and I just don't get used to Chinese culture and way of thinking.

I felt differently in Singapore; it's more international country and I merely thought I was a foreigner.

Now it's time to go back to my home country.

NH1276: 0:35 Terminal 1, Hong Kong - 5:45 Terminal 1, Haneda, Tokyo; flight 4:10

Marriott Rewards for ANA Milage

2010-10-13T22:52:00.000+09:00

If stay in Marriott, you can choose either (1) get ANA milage or (2) get Marriott's Rewards. I chose (1), but I needed to join Marriott Rewards to make (1) happen.

Marriott Rewards
English
Japanese

Work, lunch, work, drink, and dinner

2010-10-13T22:46:00.001+09:00

I did an internal presentation in the morning. I also visited a prospective client with my colleague in HK at 11AM. After that, my colleague brought me to the restaurant where is famous for the dim sum. The restaurant was City Hall Maxim's Palace.
Another my colleague came to the place with lots of people in a training session which I am one of the lecturers. We are around 16 people or something; it was like a lunch party.

After a long day at the training, I went to a bar just in front of the HSBC building with my associate in HK and had some drinks there. Then our team went to the restaurant, Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun Shop at ifc, International Financial Center. I enjoyed the cuisine and my coworkers' hospitality.

2010-10-12T22:45:00.001+09:00

I did some work in the morning. Then we just had a quick lunch near Citibank's building. In the afternoon, I did two training sessions for employees as a lecturer in the office today. For dinner, my colleagues brought me to a popular Cantonese food restaurant. Tomorrow is gonna be hectic.

I found out taxis in HK accept only cash. It's a bit inconvenient.

Free WiFi: Lobby at JW Marriott Hong Kong

2010-10-12T02:35:00.000+09:00

Network: interTouch@JWMarriott_public

Free WiFi: Lounge@International Airline Terminal, Haneda Airport

2010-10-11T19:14:00.000+09:00

Network: KOKUSAISEN_OKU

Business trip to Hong Kong

2010-10-11T19:10:00.001+09:00

I took a bus from the nearest station to my home. A bus reminds me of my old days back in my university. I sometimes use a bus to go to Tokyo; it's a kind of nostalgic, but not that bad feeling. I always feel "Oh, I am far away from that old days." Moreover, I also think that "did I make every effort to improve myself? Not enough, huh?". I am basically an introvert and introspective person.

I chose ANA's flight from Haneda airport. It's a flight in the night. Reasons why I selected the flight are:
1 - the flight is in the night so I can sleep in the airplane.
2 - I prefer Haneda since it's relatively near my home. I can save 1 hour compared to Narita airport.
3 - all but tonight's flight by ANA were already fully booked. Actually, I checked the ANA's flight during the day, but there was no vacancy. I was recommended JAL and Cathey by a travel agency, but I like ANA and am correcting ANA's mileage. ANA is a member of Star Alliance while both JAL and Cathey are members of One-World.

NH1275: 20:30 Terminal 1, Haneda, Tokyo - 0:10 Terminal 1, Hong Kong; flight 4:40

Hotel is JW Marriott Hong Kong:
Pacific Place 88 Queensbay
Hong Kong Island 22407 CN
Rate 2100.000 HKD/night

I have lots of internal trainings as a lecturer. Furthermore, I have to do some external meetings there. Fortunately, I was invited to Hong Kong office as a guest speaker, who has an expertise in quantitative finance. I will do my best and make a n every effort to make it successful. I would like to give them a positive impact!

What I've learned from my business trip to Singapore

2010-10-02T10:55:00.000+09:00

(1) Importance of foreign languages: English and Mandarin

English: even taxi drivers speaks English, technically "Singlish" though. I've heard from my colleague that Singlish has a similar accent with Southern Eastern part of mainland China, Hukken in Japanese pronunciation; Singaporeans' ancestors are mainly from the area. Some local restaurant employees seem to prefer Mandarin, but they basically have no problem about English. However, in Hong Kong, I think people is getting poor at English; rather, I assume they try to master Mandarin I addition to their mother tang, Cantonese.

Mandarin: Singapore has a strong business relationship with mainland China. Also, one of their four public languages is Mandarin. Especially Chinese Singaporeans usually speak both English and Mandarin.

In Singapore, they cover the most important, and probably the second most important language; namely, English and Mandarin, respectively. This is really huge advantage for them. A language might be just a language, but it will certainly impact our business environments; it deteriorates Japan's competitive advantages.

(2) Singapore's expanding economy and social systems which support it

I did feel that Singaporean economy has been booming. There were a lot of people out there and they got more sophisticated even compared to my first visit back in 2008. Since one ruling party moves the politics and business, they are quick to make a decision and well-organized to build good social systems. I think ordinary people are under the strong control by the government, but "leaders" have been doing good job.

At Singapore Airline's Lounge of Chiangi Airport

2010-10-01T22:49:00.000+09:00

I took a taxi from the Fullerton Hotel and went to Terminal 3 of Chiangi Airport. After checking in Singapore Airline's flight SQ638 to Tokyo, I passed the immigration and got my tax refunded in SGD.

Now I am writing this at the Singapore Airline's lounge for Business Class.

The aircraft is Airbus A380 again. Boarding is going to be 11:15PM; so I would like to have a good night sleep.

Free WiFi: Singapore Airline's Lounge for Business Class

2010-10-01T21:52:00.003+09:00

Network: SINSKL

Black pepper crab

2010-09-30T23:14:00.001+09:00

My colleague from HK, MW, who also came to Singapore for our internal meetings, brought me to a very "local" Chinese restaurant for dinner; we enjoyed a black pepper crab, not a typical red chili crab. We used our fingers and suck the crab's shell. It's really local and I don't think European people can enjoy it.

Margarita's at Dempsey Hill

2010-09-29T23:01:00.000+09:00

My colleague in Sigapore, CW, brought us to this great Mexican restaurant for our team dinner. I enjoyed fajita with shrimps.

http://www.dempseyhill.com/tenants_Margarita.htm

Lei Garden and Bay Sands

2010-09-28T22:58:00.002+09:00

I had a dinner in Lei Garden in CHIJMES with my associates. It serves traditional Chinese food like Beijing duck and some dim sums.

Then we headed for Marina Bay Sands; we just took a brief look at Casino there and went to the Sky Park; we enjoyed the night view from the observation deck.

http://www.marinabaysands.com/SandsSkypark/Sands_Sky_Park.aspx

Pagi Sore (Main Outlet)

2010-09-28T14:47:00.001+09:00

My associate from HK office brought me to this great Indonesean Restaurant. It got crowded during the lunch time and I really like it!

Pagi Sore (Main Outlet)
88-90 Telok Ayer Street Far East Square Singapore 048470

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Night view of Marina Bay

2010-09-27T23:35:00.002+09:00

My team leader AD, a colleague in Singapore MC, and I had drinks at the lobby of the Fullerton hotel. Then we went to the nearby Fullerton Bay Hotel (One Fullerton) to enjoy the night scene of Marina Bay.

http://www.fullertonbayhotel.com/gallery-en.html

Chiang Mai Palace

2010-09-27T16:36:00.001+09:00

Thai restaurant. I went to there with my associates in Singapore office.

Chiang Mai Palace
Far East Square 133 Amoy Street #01-01 Singapore 049962

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Tumi: Alpha Expandable Organizer Computer Brief 26141

2010-09-26T23:54:00.000+09:00

My previous Tumi's briefcase's zipper got out of order in Singapore, I had to buy the new one at Raffles City Shopping Center. My old one was too slim, so I just bought the most popular, and bigger one. It's good for daily use and enough for one night business trip.

Thai Village

2010-09-26T22:00:00.001+09:00

My Japanese friends, Y family, kindly invited me to the dinner at this great restaurant. I enjoyed good conversation with them.

Due to F1 grand prix final, I could not come close to the Fullerton Hotel, I just got off the taxi near Swissôtel, bought Tumi 26141(*) at Ruffles Place, and walked back to the Fullerton hearing exhaust noise.

(*) TUMI Alpha Expandable Organizer Notebook Brief: SGD 670 - Tax to be refunded at Chiangi Airport(36.85 SGD)

Thai Village

Outlet: Goodwood Park
Address: 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore 228221
Contact Number: (65) 6440 8251

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The Fullerton Hotel

2010-09-25T21:44:00.001+09:00

To Singapore

2010-09-25T11:02:00.006+09:00

My flight, Singapore Airline's SQ637, was originally at 11:30AM. However, due to typhoon approaching Japan, their previous flights seemed to be delayed; so does my flight to 1:40PM. This is my first time for me to go to Singapore for business and use Singapore Air. I and my wife visited there on vacation. It is getting cooler in Japan, but it's hot (around 23-31 centigrade) and humid in Singapore.

I got a meal coupon for 2,500 yen from Singapore Air to compensate their delay. I felt like having a good Japanese food so I ate Sushi near gate 46.

Their airplane, A380-800 by Airbus is a two-story, big airplane. Business class is on the second floor(uppder deck); seats are wide and flat-beds. Their Japanese lunch was also great.

Free WiFI: ANA Lounge at Narita International Airport, Japan

2010-09-25T10:48:00.000+09:00

You are required to register your e-mail address. Also, there is no WEP or other security for your Internet connection.

September 4, 2010@Manhattan

2010-09-06T01:10:00.000+09:00

While my wife was meeting her old friend in NYC at a restaurant of Barney's New York at Madison Avenue, I walked around the Central Park with our baby girl in the stroller. When we arrived at the Central Park Zoo, my daughter started crying; so I went back to Hilton New York. We happened to come across my wife on our way hotel.

Then we went to my ex-colleague, HY's apartment near Broadway, 68th Street. He, his wife, and their around 1.5-year-old girl had us for their home-made delicious Italian lunch. His wife is going to finish her PhD dissertation next year at Yale and my friend is a PhD of Harvard. They met in Cambridge where Harvard is.

They are Korean Americans; I personally want our daughter to have a great education in the U.S. I'm sure we need to learn a lot from them and I am vert glad to have them as our friends.
It was fun. We appreciate their warm hospitality to us.

Free WiFi: British Airways Lounge at JFK International Airport

2010-09-06T00:25:00.000+09:00

Network name: britishairways
Password: london

September 3, 2010@Manhattan

2010-09-04T10:33:00.001+09:00

We took a subway A/C bound for Downtown/Brooklyn at 50th Street and got off the subway train at High Street, 1st station in Brooklyn. We climbed up stairs of High Street station and a kind man told us a way to Brooklyn Bridge; he is Chris Owens, who is a politician and a candidate for the election on Sep 14.

We walked on the Brooklyn Bridge toward Manhattan. It was less than 900 meters and pedestrian deck and bicycle lane were higher than car lanes; it's good since we don't need to care about car exhaust very much.

Then we went to South Street Seaport and had a Mexican Lunch at Red.

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I came to this restaurant before since previous company's NY office was near the the restaurant. It's my favorite and I wanted my wife to enjoy her favorite Mexican foods.

After the lunch, while my wife looked around the South Street Seaport, I bought several Ts and sweatpants at Abercrombie & Fitch.

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Then we got back to the Hilton New York from Fulton street; since the Metrocard vending machine was out of order for new ticket, a woman at the booth let us in for free. We should have taken 1, local train, but we somehow rode on 2/3, which was a express and skipped not only 50th Street but also Columbus Circle. We got off the train at 72nd Street. We just changed the platform and went back to 50th Street by Subway 1.

While my wife took a rest and our baby girl played on the bed, I went to Simply Fresh at 6th Ave to buy a smoothie, Aloha something, which contains strawberry, pineapple, and orange. It was $3.95 and my wife seemed to like it.

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After the break, my wife shopped around, SABON(soap shop) at 6th Ave and FAO Schwarz(toy store) at 5th Ave:

SABON at 6th Ave

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FAO Schwarz at 5th Ave

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I visited 5th floor of Hilton New York for fitness, which only provides mainly running and weight training equipment, but it seems I needed to prepare everything except for towels. Since I did not bring jogging shoes, I gave up it.

September 2, 2010@Manhattan

2010-09-03T08:12:00.002+09:00

My wife shopped around along 5th Ave. I just followed her like a servant.

For lunch, we ate cheese burgers (Classic American, Cheddar cheese, respectively), Caesar salad, French fried potato at Burger Heaven. It was mediocre and expensive (~$34) considering its quality. We had better McDonald.

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Shopping is okay; but I would like to buy something if and only if I really want it and the product is worth paying for the amount of money.

I visited Abercrombie & Fitch(ANF) at 5th Avenue. ANF always reminds me of what I had been wanting; I had wanted to go global and work as a top-tier professional. Very little has changed since then.

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Free WiFi: Starbuck in front of Hilton New York

2010-09-02T07:59:00.000+09:00

1330 Avenue of the Americas New York‎ NY United States

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September 1, 2010@Manhattan

2010-09-01T20:30:00.057+09:00

I am already a member of the Hilton Grand Vacations Club; when I went to Hawaii, I bought timeshare resort of Grand Waikikian, 1 bed room, garden view, and platinum season. The annual Club Point given is 7,200(every year).

I was invited to join the 90 min tour for their resort in Manhattan with a continental breakfast with breads and fruits. Since we would like to stay in their resort here in Manhattan someday in the future, we accepted the offer and looked around the property.

West 57th Street by Hilton Club
102 West 57th Street, New York, New York, United States 10019
Tel: 1-212-379-0103 Fax: 1-212-379-0104

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After the breakfast, we were told about the property in West 57th Street. It turned out that although I am a timeshare owner of the Grand Waikikian Hawaii, I can book a room of West 57 Street from 45 days before. This is one of the special perks only for the West 57 Street owners. I was told that when we come to Manhattan, we should make a reservation at Hilton New York or Waldorf-Astoria and try West 57 Street before 45 days of the planned NYC trip; if we can make it, then we can cancel the reservation at a hotel.
They also have two-floor Hilton Club rooms in 37 and 38th floor of Hilton New York; these properties seemed to be sold out though.

Then we took a subway A/C at 59th Street Columbus Circle and headed for Uptown. We were supposed to get off the subway at 81ST Street - Museum of Natural History, but we somehow passed the station and got off at 86th Street and walked to the Museum. We could enter it for free since my company is a corporate member.

American Museum of Natural History
79 Street And Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
(212) 769-5100
Subway: 81ST Street - Museum of Natural History

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Based on my wife's request, we looked around ocean- and animals-related displays.

Then we went to Zabar's, historic grocery shop and bought our lunch, like tandoori chicken, spinach with garlic, and mixed salad for my wife. After that, we bought some bagels for our breakfast tomorrow at H&H Bagels, just across the W 80th Street.

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We walked across the Central Park and had a lunch at a bench. It was hot; we bought a diet coke at the stand. We arrived at Madison Avenue in Upper East Side and walked along the avenue. My wife wanted some clothes and watches for her and our baby girl.
We departed at Madison Avenue, 66th Street. Then I went to Merit Cleaners at Lexington Avenue to pick up some clothes for dry cleaning and laundry while my wife breast-fed our baby girl at Loews Regency. Then we got together, got back to Hilton New York, and went to Whole Foods Market at Columbus Circle to buy foods for our quick dinner and breakfast.

August 31, 2010@Manhattan

2010-09-01T05:53:00.010+09:00

I, my wife, and our baby girl went to 50th Street station of Subway 1 and took a subway to South Ferry station. Then I bought two tickets for adults to ride on the ferry to the Liberty island. Actually, it was my first time to be there; when I was a student, I used the ferry to the Staten island for free. Its course was far from the Statue of Liberty.

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After the cruise to the liberty island, we saw the Statue of Liberty and got back to Manhattan. Then we took a taxi and went to Wolfgang's Steakhouse Tribeca.
409 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013

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We had:
- Beverly Hills chopped salad
- Prime NY sirloin steak
- Spinach (creamed)
- Assorted ice cream(vanilla and chocolate & chocolate chips)
These were enough for two adults. Steak was really nice!

After the nice lunch, we took a subway 1 at Franklyn station and went back to 50th Street station. We got off the subway at 50th Street and got back to the hotel.

While my wife and baby girl took a rest for 30 min, I checked e-mail and updated this blog at Rockefeller plaza. My wife and our sleeping baby girl joined me and we headed for Bath & Body Works at 44th Street & Lexington Ave where she bought some stuff for her. We also visited the Wordolf-Astoria Hotel and the New York Palace Hotel. Both were very gorgeous and historic. My wife said maybe we cannot afford to the accommodation, but at least she wants to have a tea in the courtyard. I strongly agreed with her.

August 30, 2010@Manhattan

2010-08-31T11:25:00.000+09:00

After going to pick up clothes at Merit Cleaners at Lexington Ave and meeting my colleague in the office, we went to Whole Foods Market at Columbus Circle and bought foods for picnic. We put the plastic sheet on the ground and had a nice lunch together. At the ball field 5, people were playing a softball.

Then we went to Sheep Meadow; it was huge grass field and we just happened to talk to a Japanese woman who has twins. She, her husband, and twins are going back to Japan after staying here in NYC for 3.5 years. Technically, twins are almost the same age with our baby, 7-month old now.
My wife and this woman exchanged email address so that we can keep in touch. She will live in Oota-ward, Tokyo.

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Then we went back to Hilton New York by taxi and my wife and baby girl got off the car. I headed for Lower Manhattan and met TS and then TL; they are working for the investment group of a certain company which I quit. Conversation with them were really good.

After returning to the hotel, we went to Whole Foods Market at Columbus to buy salad and fruits for our dinner and breakfast tomorrow.

August 29, 2010@Bronx

2010-08-31T10:59:00.003+09:00

I checked-out Loews Regency and asked a bell boy at Hilton New York to keep our luggages since it was too early to check-in, that is, the room was not ready yet at 9AM.

Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, United States 10019
Tel: 1-212-586-7000 Fax: 1-212-315-1374

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I, my wife, and our baby girl took subway 5 at 59th Street and headed for uptown, Bronx. It took around 30 min to get to E Tremont Ave - West Farms Sq. My ex-colleague, NB, and her husband, GB, kindly host our tour at Bronx zoo. That was very big zoo; we enjoyed walking and watching animals.

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After the Italian lunch near the zoo, we went to the Botanical Garden. It was also huge but I enjoyed walking with NB and GB while my wife and our baby girl took a rest at the entrance.

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Free WiFi: Starbuck at Rockefeller Plaza (Concourse of GE Building, Rockefeller Center)

2010-08-31T10:00:00.000+09:00

If you enter the GE Building from the street, that's street level of the GE Building, namely, Rockefeller Plaza. After going down to concourse level, you will find attwifi network.

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Free WiFi: Two World Financial Center, lobby level (upper floor)

2010-08-31T06:30:00.000+09:00

Network name is Downtown Alliance Wintergarden.

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August 28, 2010@New York City

2010-08-29T08:20:00.003+09:00

I, my wife, and our baby girl visited my friend's apartment in Upper West Side. He, AA, is a US economist; we joined the same company after each university. I quit the company about four years ago and he was transferred from the company, a consulting and system solution firm, to an investment bank.

He lives in NYC for a year with his wife and their kid; he is around one year and eight months old. The boy is shy at first, but he gets used to us and we played around. While my friend's wife was preparing our lunch, we went up to the roof terrace and enjoyed nice sunshine and drinks. Helicopters were flying above the Hudson river; we heard that when it's sunny, they always see helicopters, mainly for travelers.

Then we went back to the room and enjoyed nice talk and Japanese cuisine. They seemed to like our fruit jelly as a dessert. They were also pleased to have cookies from Japan as a souvenir. My friend is trying to survive in NYC as an economist and wont't expect the company to employ him until he retires. I really like his strong motivation and desire for improvement. It was really relaxing and nice party!

Merit Cleaners

2010-08-29T06:59:00.008+09:00

I've asked a hotel employee the place where a dry cleaning and laundromat (laundry) are. This shop is run by Korean couple and it does both dry cleaning and laundry service. It cost $68.75 in total for 5 dress shirts($17.50), 3 pants ($35.25), and 1 jacket for dry cleaning, and 2 plastic bags for laundry($16.00).

Merit Cleaners
+1 (212) 472-4747
880 Lexington Avenue
New York‎ NY
United States

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August 27, 2010@New York City

2010-08-28T07:57:00.003+09:00

I went to Asian restaurant with my colleague in NY office, YG. She told me that it's the best Asian restaurant near the office. I tried curry broth noodle; it was delicious.

FUSIA
677C Lexington Avenue (on 56th St.) New York, NY 10022

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Finally my wife and our baby girl have arrived at NYC! Since they are very tired, I am going to buy fruits, yogurt, bagels, and water for them.
Whole Foods Market, Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019 USA
Phone 212.823.9600

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August 26, 2010@New York City

2010-08-27T11:41:00.000+09:00

After my client meeting, I met my ex-colleague here in New York City, HY. He looks great and we had a nice catch-up talk. After leaving his group, a lot of people in NY office had left the firm. Some joined my ex-boss' new start-up hedge fund. The others went to the asset management firms or broker/dealer side. The dinner was awesome. That was one of the best Korean food (BBQ style) I've ever tasted.

Madangsui Restaurant
35 West 35th St, New York, NY, USA

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August 25, 2010@New York City

2010-08-26T11:26:00.025+09:00

I had a nice lunch with my ex-boss, MC, who is going to launch his hedge fund possibly this year. He is a mentor for me. He is energetic, aggressive to some extent, but polite and kind great financial professional. We did have a good conversation, like investment, politics, and families. I ordered the same dish as him.

BLUE FIN
SESAME CRUSTED BIG EYE TUNA
shiitake mash room, jasmine rice, carrots, snow peas, ginger soy vinaigrette

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I went out and had a dinner with my colleague, MR. He was from the mainland China, finished his master's course in NYC. His recommended Chinese restaurant was really great. It's Sichuan(Shisen in Japanese) style, from the west part of China. It's spicy and hot. My favorite is Ma Po To Fu (Spicy Beab Crout w. Minced Pork).

Grand Sichuan Eastern
1049 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, 10022

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August 24, 2010@New York City

2010-08-25T11:39:00.008+09:00

After my tons of internal meetings, I went to the steakhouse near the office for a global team dinner. I enjoyed greensald, creamed spinach, fillet, and Tiramisu. There are 6 people from NY office, 1 from London, 1 from Switzerland office, and myself from Tokyo office.

Club A Steakhouse
240 East 58th Street New York, NY 10022
(212) 688-4190

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August 23, 2010@New York City

2010-08-25T11:34:00.003+09:00

I was not feeling good due to the jet lag, I just went back to my hotel after the job and ate Caesar salad with grilled shrimps of the room service. It was good.

Free WiFi: Lobby at Loews Regency Hotel, New York City

2010-08-23T15:05:00.000+09:00

Loews Regency

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August 22, 2010@New York City

2010-08-23T09:45:00.016+09:00

It's been a while since I visited NYC in April of 2008. ANA NH010 flight was wonderful. Business class of Boeing 777-300ER was great:

Staggered seats: Passangers can move to the aisle without disrupting neighbor.
Lie-flat seat; I had a good sleep!
Big screen, good for movies.

I called for a taxi which is affiliated with my company at the JFK International Airport. My hotel for my business trip is:
Loews Regency

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After check-in, I went to the office and said hi to my colleague who was working on Sunday. Then I headed for Apple Store Fifth Avenue to buy iPad 64GB WiFi($699.99), iPad Case($39), and iPad Camera Connection Kit($29). It cost around $835(¥70,975=$835*85JPY/USD) including sales tax in NY, around 9%. Due to strong yen, it's roughly 10% cheaper than Japan(¥79,548 including 5% sales tax). I like iPad; I would like to bring this to everywhere I go in ordewr to write/read e-mail, post a blog, surf the Web, maintain my calendar & contact list, and enjoy photos and videos outside of my home.
http://www.apple.com/retail/fifthavenue/

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ANA Mileage Club Mobile

2010-06-23T19:50:00.000+09:00

Only in Japanese. I downloaded AMC mobile application for DoCoMo FOMA.

2010 Hawaii in June 2010: (12)Contact address and tel number in Japan and Hawaii

2010-06-07T21:50:00.002+09:00

Registered at ANA Sky Web.

2010 Hawaii in June 2010: (11)Express to Airport

2010-06-07T21:41:00.002+09:00

NEX (Narita Express)

Buy tickets by mobile phone for their ticketless service (ticket information for my wife and myself was stored in my mobile phone; no ticket needed for our baby girl) (*1)
Paid by Rakuten card since paying for the railroad fare allows only card holder to be covered by their traveler's insurance for free. (*2)

(*1) Eki Net (only in Japanese)
(*2) Rakuten Card (only in Japanese)

2010 Hawaii in June 2010: (10)ESTA

2010-06-07T21:38:00.000+09:00

ESTA
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/j/visa/tvisaj-esta2008.html

Registered for all family members.

2010 Hawaii in June 2010: (9)International Driver's License

2010-06-07T21:37:00.002+09:00

Unnecessary for Hawaii, USA.

Hawaii in June 2010: (8)Passport

2010-06-07T21:36:00.000+09:00

Passport renewal needed?

Unnecessary

Myself
My wife

Necessary

Our baby girl (newly applied on April 21, 2010; registered on April 25)

Hawaii in June 2010: (7)Reservation of Dayroom

2010-06-06T21:44:00.000+09:00

Dayrooms & Showers @Narita International Airport
English
Japanese

1,600JPY per hour
No bath tub; we have to have a shower with our baby girl without a bath tub...

ANA Mileage Club Family Account Service ("ANA Card Family Mile")

2010-05-05T19:37:00.001+09:00

I registered our baby girl as a member of ANA Mileage Club Family Account Service. We can aggregate each mileage when we exchange the mileage for flight tickets. Since my daughter only has her mileage club card (not ANA credit card), I needed to send (1) completed application form and (2) a photocopy of residence certificate ("jyuminhyou") to them.

Japanese
English

ANA Mileage Club Card

2010-04-14T21:21:00.000+09:00

I applied to ANA Mileage Club Card on behalf of my baby girl!

We can get following cards for free:
(1) ANA Mileage Club Edy Card
(2) ANA Mileage Club Card

I chose (1) since we may use Edy or ANA's "Skip" service.

Japanese
English

New York City in August 2010: (4)ESTA

2010-04-10T12:15:00.002+09:00

ESTA
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/j/visa/tvisaj-esta2008.html

--> If you have already applied to ESTA, then the ESTA application would be valid for (1)2 years from the start date of the ESTA application, or (2)expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

New York City in August 2010: (3)Flight Reservation (Private, for my family)

2010-04-10T12:08:00.003+09:00

[1] adult (my wife)
via the Internet (It's cheapest and it provides 2,000JPY discount!): http://www.ana.co.jp/
--> booked and selected the seats for round-trip flight
--> to be printed

[2] infant, but needs to book a seat (our baby girl)
Tel
https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/amc/reference/info/01.html (English)
https://www.ana.co.jp/amc/specific/anacard_desk/index.html (Japanese)
It costs 2,100JPY as a charge of service. The price of the flight for booked seat for an infant is 75% of an adult.
--> booked a seat next to my wife.
--> asked meals for the baby (7 months old in August)
--> reserved a "bascinet"
--> will be sent by mail
--> received E-ticket from ANA (April 14, 2010)

[3]Reservation of ANA Airport Support
http://www.ana.co.jp/int/checkin/airport_support/

--> booked over the phone
--> My wife has to tell an ANA's staff member at the Narita airport that she needs the ANA Airport Support.

New York City in August 2010: (2)Flight & Hotel Reservation (Business)

2010-04-10T11:49:00.002+09:00

I am working on this with company's travel agency.

(1)Flight
--> Confirmed (April 12, 2010)

(2)Hotel
--> Crib can be prepared for one king bed room but not for a twin bedded room. (July 20, 2010)
--> Finally I chose a twin bedded room. (July 20, 2010)

New York City in August 2010: (1)Working out our schedule

2010-04-10T11:47:00.001+09:00

(1)Determining my business trip schedule
(2)Settling my family's schedule

This time, I will go to NYC first for my business trip and then take a vacation with my family. My wife and my baby girl will join me and we will come back to Japan together.

Hawaii in June 2010: (6)Changing flight schedule & additional hotel reservation

2010-04-10T11:37:00.001+09:00

[1] telephone call from ANA about my reservation on the waiting list (April 9, 2010)

[2] change of the flight schedule (April 10, 2010)
(1) call
https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/amc/reference/info/01.html(English)
https://www.ana.co.jp/amc/specific/anacard_desk/index.html (Japanese)

(2)change the date of flight back to one-day later -->OK

(3)"bascinet" for our baby girl -->OK

(4)instead of printed tickets that were already sent to us, we need to print out tickets for ADULTS --> to be printed
(5)tickets for our BABY --> waiting for their reply --> will be sent by mail

(6)in-flight meal for our baby girl (5 months old when travelling) is NOT necessary -->OK

[3]additional hotel reservation
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Oahu
--> OK!
--> Got a e-mail from JReservations@princehawaii.com on April 14, 2010 and made sure that (1) a crib will be available and (2) twin (two beds).

[4]change itinerary
-->OK

Hawaii in June 2010: (5)Arranging our itinerary & Making reservations

2010-03-21T17:08:00.003+09:00

[1] Itinerary
Almost completed!

[2] Reservation

Car rental at Hertz (reserved, for Dole plantation visit!)
Surfboard for me

No advance reservations is necessary; I will visit Waikiki Beach Activities' beach stand located oceanside next to the Hau Tree Bar. (June 1, 2010)
A one day rental of a surfboard is $57.59 including tax.

Mandara spa for my wife

Booked.

Hawaii in June 2010: (4)Checking with Hotel

2010-03-20T20:17:00.003+09:00

(1) Transportation service from Honolulu International Airport to the hotel. (Also, the hotel to airport when we leave your hotel.) Would that be available?

(2) We may extend our stay, in that case, should I contact the hotel by this e-mail address or should I make ANOTHER reservation at hotel's website?

(3) A crib availability for our 5-month old (in June) baby girl

(4) Check in earlier if possible

I have already asked hotel and am waiting for their reply..
----------
March 20, 2010
First inquiry to info@hiltonhawaiianvillage.com.

March 29, 2010
Dunning e-mail to info@hiltonhawaiianvillage.com.
Also sent to hrccjapan@hilton.com.

April 3, 2010
Dunning e-mail to hrccjapan@hilton.com.
Also sent to reservations@hrwtokyo.hilton.co.jp.

April 5, 2010
Finally got a reply from hrccjapan@hilton.com...

(1) Transportation service from Honolulu International Airport to the hotel. (Also, the hotel to airport when we leave your hotel.) Would that be available?
-->No transportation service by Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. 20 min by taxi.

(2) We may extend our stay, in that case, should I contact the hotel by this e-mail address or should I make ANOTHER reservation at hotel's website?
-->Cancel the original reservation and then rebook.

(3) A crib availability for our 5-month old (in June) baby girl
-->Already described in the original booking, so tell a staff member when checking-in.

(4) Check in earlier if possible
-->We need to reserve previous day's room if we want to make sure of the early check-in. So I just visit the hotel earlier and check with the front desk.

Hawaii in June 2010: (3)Hotel Reservation

2010-03-20T18:55:00.001+09:00

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa
Official website:
English - http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/
Japanese - http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.jp/

Since I got an e-mail from Hilton before which introduced discount rate for this hotel, I made a reservation today at Hilton's official website (http://www.hilton.com/) and take advantage of "ADVANCE PURCHASE FULL PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NON REFUNDABLE". On top of that, I am a member of Hilton's HHONORS and would like to have points for the program.

Offered rate for one night, 2 double beds ocean view room at Alli Tower, most luxurious tower out of the seven towers, is as follows:
ADVANCE PURCHASE FULL PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NON REFUNDABLE.
22,059.20 JPY* ALII TOWER 2 DOUBLE BEDS OCEANVIEW
244.00 USD* ALII TOWER 2 DOUBLE BEDS OCEANVIEW

If you don't choose "ADVANCE PURCHASE FULL PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NON REFUNDABLE", the second best rate would be:
BEST AVAILABLE RATE BEST UNRESTRICTED RATE (more)
27,935.62 JPY ALII TOWER 2 DOUBLE BEDS OCEANVIEW
309.00 USD ALII TOWER 2 DOUBLE BEDS OCEANVIEW

Hawaii in June 2010: (2)Flight Reservation

2010-02-14T16:17:00.007+09:00

February 11, 2010

I made a flight reservation from Tokyo to Hawaii(Oahu). Since I and my wife will go with our baby girl, I have to book our seats via telephone (ANA Mileage Club Service Center) instead of the website:

Japanese:
https://www.ana.co.jp/amc/reference/info/01.html
English:
https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/amc/reference/info/01.html

February 14, 2010
I've confirmed my reservation by telephone today because today is the deadline to fix the schedule.

(1) Airline tickets (round trip) for me and my wife: 40,000 x 2 = 80,000 miles
(2) Additional tax and fee for me and my wife: 39,780 JPY (including fuel surcharge 25,200 JPY)
(3) Airline ticket (10% of the regular fare) and so on for our baby girl : around 15,000 JPY
(4) A place for a cradle: reserved

February 19, 2010
Our flight tickets arrived!

Hawaii in June 2010: (1)Working out our schedule

2010-02-11T07:18:00.000+09:00

(1) checked my company's schedule and reserved travelling week.