Giraffe in Motion

2011-06-05T16:31:00.008+09:00

Got sick :-(

Have had a really good run health-wise so it's bloody annoying being sick, especially being a casual. I always start reminiscing about Japan this time of year as friends start posting pics of park BBQ's and hanging outdoors in Tokyo. May to October is definitely my favorite time of year in Japan with June-July-August my least favorite in Brisbane. Pretty spoiled though really considering the mild winter here. Just wish some people I know embraced socialising in the park a little more.

This was taken during our trip back to Tokyo in October last year. It was a great time, with some of THE best weather I've experienced in Japan! Just look at that blue sky!

Here are some photos I've taken on my phone recently.

2011-02-24T10:00:00.002+09:00

Time to resurrect the giraffe!!

After a three year hiatus Giraffe in Motion is back and now available through dancrowther.com

The focus will change slightly now as I'm based in Brisbane. Hopefully my Japanese peeps can see what's happening in Brisbane every now and then.

Dan.

2008-01-20T21:46:00.000+09:00

After reading a friends blog the other day, I realised that after being in Tokyo for a while (4 years) your perspective changes and many strange, funny or unusual things become the norm.

It's for this reason that my blog posts have virtually ceased. Although this was primarily a 'photo-blog', I've been putting photos on Facebook these days, as it's easier, and all in one place.

It seems a shame for a blog to die, but if I can think some new angle for this site, maybe I'll continue posting stuff.

2007-09-11T12:30:00.000+09:00

We're going to Hong Kong on Thursday for a short trip. This will be a good chance to take some pictures, eat and bond with the family.

2007-07-17T23:38:00.000+09:00

Well, we didn't go to Oiso Prince Hotel due to the typhoon that hit Japan last week.

Unfortunately there was a bad earthquake in Niigata (again) that's caused a bit of damage and ripped apart a nuclear waste facility. This road won't be driven on soon either.

2007-07-06T15:46:00.000+09:00

Today I renewed my license at the Fuchu Drivers License Center. Because I had two fines for illegal turns last year, I had to sit through a 2 hour lecture on drink driving and speeding. The whole process took 4 hours of my day off. I've heard people actually have to take a day off from work just to renew their license!

Because I rode to the center with my cap on, the new license photo sucks as I have flat hair and bloodshot eyes.

In other news, I'm going to Kanagawa Oiso Prince Hotel for Japanese Marine day weekend and then to Hong Kong in September.

I'll probably be stuck in Tokyo for summer vacation, so will hit Tokyo Summerland, Beer gardens and Akihabara frequently.

Find me on Facebook and we can beer up together!

2007-05-14T16:00:00.000+09:00

I should really post some photos of our recent trip to Shikoku. Before I do that though, let me give you a brief rundown about the island.

Shikoku (四国, Shikoku meaning"four countries" or *death country* LOL) is the smallest and least populous (4,141,955 as of 2005) of the four main islands of Japan). This is a good thing for me, as I also come from one of the least popular land masses, Australia. Getting away from the over-populated metropolis of Tokyo is nice once in a while. Coincidentally, Shikoku is shaped like Australia.
Click http://www.supertravelnet.com/map/1/187_9004_5.jpg here for a map of Shikoku.
Click http://www.bugbog.com/images/maps/australia_map.jpg here for Australia.

Brisbane and Naruto share similar places when overlayed.

2007-04-20T14:46:00.000+09:00

Something has happened with Blogger and all my setting , logins and help are in Japanese. Im confused.

I might have to start a new blog or keep mucking around with these settings. Anyone know how to get back to English blogger while surfing in Japan?

Hawaii and LA Pics as promised...

2007-02-17T08:13:00.000+09:00

Have you heard of Fuji Safari Park?
It's like a zoo, where you drive your car through the animals habitats.

Pretty cool, but I can't imagine the animals appreciate a constant traffic jam right in the middle of their crib.

I wanted to wind down my window and touch some animals but the rangers are pretty strict and are on the look-out for people getting out of their cars, since a guy was eaten by a bear a few years ago! Here.

There were some good photo ops on the way home as the light was superb :)

2007-01-09T09:11:00.000+09:00

We went to Australia for a couple of weeks of Summer!
Here are some photos from the trip.
From the top, Brisbane City buildings, the new art gallery and art, our transport (Suzuki), Woodford folk festival and mum's cat.

2006-11-29T14:26:00.000+09:00

Good Afternoon!!

It's time to go to work!

Kokubunji has become a dangerous place, so let's not take any chances.

See you on the train ;)

2006-10-15T00:50:00.000+09:00

Ageha Sunrise - 6-02am

Well, it's almost been a month since my last post, possibly marking the laziest point in my 3 year blogging career. Sometimes you need a break from interest so you can become reaquanted and motivated again. I won't promise any more regular posts though sorry.

This week one of my favorite bloggers appartently OD'ed and his blog has gone offline which is a shame. But everyone needs a break from the internet sometimes...it's healthy ;)

Last weekend I went to club Ageha with some friends, students, co-workers and random Australians. It was a blast and a great way to say goodbye to summer. I've never had a bad night at Ageha. I always end up talking to randoms around the pool, soaking up the atmosphere, coz most people are really friendly and chatty there IME.

Now I've gotta figure out how to handle winter again.

2006-09-20T23:53:00.001+09:00

Lounge Room Floor and Window
On Monday night after the rain cleared, I noticed a nice light streaming into the loungeroom. As I walked outside, a wicked sunset emerged!

2006-09-20T23:53:00.000+09:00

Balcony view on Monday evening

2006-09-20T23:52:00.000+09:00

Multi-colour sky

2006-09-20T23:50:00.000+09:00

Setting Sun

2006-09-08T14:17:00.000+09:00

Shinjuku Stairs ;) 11-53am

2006-09-08T07:16:00.000+09:00

Today's gonna be HOT and 95% humidity WTF! That must be pretty close to mist or rain.

Please smack me upside the head and give me the motivation to take some photos.

In this weather I don't feel like doing anything. I can't beleive I'm saying this but I'm kind of looking forward to the cooler weather!

Here a photo a taken of me at a little dance party when I was back in Australia.

The rest of the photos are here. Click on the 'Triggerhappy' Album.

2006-09-05T11:29:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, just after I heard about the Steve Irwins death I got ready for work and was heading out the door when my eyes came across this:

It's a Crocodile Hunter toy helicopter I bought in Nakano about 2 years ago. I'd like to collect the whole set now, to remember him.

2006-09-05T11:12:00.000+09:00

The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Urwin is dead. :(

An Australian icon, he was killed by a stingray barb while filming a documentary on them.

Australia mourns the loss of this local hero.

Rest in peace Steve.

2006-08-30T13:32:00.000+09:00

I was just reading over DJ mag's Top 100 poll and was surprised at how many of them I've seen! from 1996 to 2006 is about 10 years of clubbing for me...OMG!
Here's a list of some of the DJ's I've seen...
Tiesto :)
Carl Cox :)
Dj Keoki
Andy Whitby
Thrillseekers :)
Blank and Jones :)
Dumonde
Cosmic Gate
Junkie XL
Lisa Lashes
Slacker
Armin van Helden
Krafty Kuts
Above and Beyond :)
Yoji Biomehanika
Ken Ishii
Josh Wink
2 Many DJs
DJ Sammy
Scot Project
Anne Savage
BK
M.I.K.E (Push)
Fatboy Slim
Fergie
Timo Maas
Pete Tong
James Holden
Nick Sentience
Christopher Lawrence
DJ Craze
Roger Sanchez
Paul van Dyk :)

They're just the one's from the top 250.

Ultrasonic
Chemical Brothers
Sharkey-Hixxy-Scott Brown
Crystal Method
Aphex Twin
Tim Deluxe
LTJ Bukem
Ian Pooley
not to mention all the Australian DJ's ...

...many 'interesting' nights.

2006-08-29T13:58:00.001+09:00

ECC Party!

2006-08-29T13:58:00.000+09:00

Peace Frowny!

2006-08-29T13:57:00.000+09:00

Fukushima Krew in da house!

2006-08-29T13:56:00.001+09:00

What is happening in this pic?

2006-08-29T13:56:00.000+09:00

You gotta lick it...before you sip it! Tsubasa's Cap LOL

2006-08-29T13:55:00.000+09:00

Statues!

2006-08-29T13:54:00.001+09:00

2kool4school

2006-08-29T13:54:00.000+09:00

Beer and Cellphones are a must.

2006-08-29T13:53:00.001+09:00

Should I lick my finger?

2006-08-29T13:53:00.000+09:00

Fingers Crossed!

2006-08-29T13:52:00.002+09:00

Go Yuki!

2006-08-29T13:52:00.001+09:00

Rock Star!

2006-08-29T13:52:00.000+09:00

Happy Birthday to Mie and Sally!

2006-08-29T13:51:00.001+09:00

Happy Birthday to Mie and Sally!

2006-08-29T13:51:00.000+09:00

Cheeeez!

2006-08-24T12:15:00.000+09:00

Azabu Juban International Festival

2006-08-24T12:03:00.000+09:00

Random Parade

2006-08-24T12:00:00.001+09:00

Lantern = Festival !

2006-08-24T12:00:00.000+09:00

Setting Up

2006-08-24T11:59:00.000+09:00

Spain Food Stall setting up

2006-08-24T11:58:00.000+09:00

Chihuahua carrying festival goer

2006-08-24T11:57:00.001+09:00

Anti-terror Security

2006-08-24T11:57:00.000+09:00

One of the many food stalls

2006-08-24T01:17:00.000+09:00

Live 2 Please

2006-08-24T01:16:00.000+09:00

Angry Sad Balloon Animal Making Clown

2006-08-24T01:15:00.000+09:00

Awe Yeah

2006-08-24T01:14:00.000+09:00

MJ Vibe

2006-08-21T10:16:00.001+09:00

Awesome Koala

2006-08-21T10:16:00.000+09:00

Kangaroos lazing around

2006-08-21T10:15:00.001+09:00

Tired Kanga!

2006-08-21T10:15:00.000+09:00

Friendly Kangaroos

2006-08-19T00:31:00.000+09:00

The Australian Wildlife Experience @ Dreamworld

2006-08-19T00:30:00.000+09:00

Sleepy Kangaroos

2006-08-19T00:29:00.001+09:00

Crocadiles
The Dreamworld wildlife experience has a lot more animals than I remember last time I went. These crocadiles were HUGE and must've been 7 metres long! There were tired and didn't move much. Because the weather was cool, they couldn't conduct a feeding session. Apparently they only feed them when it's above 25 degrees.

We could touch the baby crocadiles though...they feel like a lizard!

2006-08-19T00:29:00.000+09:00

Koala and Baby

2006-08-19T00:28:00.002+09:00

The FlowRider Machine

The FlowRider is an artificial wave machine, which can be used for surfing or body boarding.
There were quite a few people using it...even in winter! It looked fun and I wished I'd brought swimmers.

2006-08-19T00:28:00.001+09:00

I'm breakin' OUT!!

2006-08-19T00:28:00.000+09:00

Wanted!

2006-08-19T00:11:00.000+09:00

Waverider Girl

2006-08-19T00:06:00.000+09:00

Shark!

2006-08-19T00:05:00.000+09:00

Giant Prawn

2006-08-07T13:37:00.000+09:00

Im in Australia!! It's cool but not too cold.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Here are some random pics...

Scully

My cousin, Lara.

Church

Riverbank Lights on the Brisbane river.

2006-08-04T11:20:00.000+09:00

View
This is the view of the new apartment we'll move into at the end of August. It's bigger, closer to the station, newer, higher, more secure and more expensive.
It's called Chiyozuru Building, but I've named it 'Cheer-of-zulu'...let's get tribal!!

2006-08-04T11:19:00.000+09:00

Lounge Room
Unlike the bedroom, the loungeroom has plenty of natural light from a window and sliding glass door. There are also plenty of powerpoints and aerial sockets.

2006-08-04T11:18:00.000+09:00

Auto-lock=Security
There is a nice autolock, with video link. Will I let YOU in?

2006-08-04T11:12:00.000+09:00

Tiny Balcony
I can't seem to much time being spent here as the space is really small. A place for clothes drying and plants I reckon.

2006-08-04T11:10:00.000+09:00

Kitchen
The kitchen is small but neat. Everything seems new! Not much storage space.

2006-08-04T11:09:00.000+09:00

Toilet
The toilet is the highlight of the apartment.

2006-08-04T11:07:00.000+09:00

Bedroom
This room is actually pretty dark and quiet. Important for sleeping. There are no fly-screens in this room which could be a problem.

2006-07-27T10:07:00.000+09:00

New KitKat i-Stick

I found this new KITKAT in the freezer section of my local convenience store and bought it! The idea of KITKAT icecream was really appealing.

2006-07-27T10:06:00.000+09:00

Twin Bars in Foil

Similar packaging to the regualar KITKAT. i-Stick is written in 'ice', to appeal to customers during the sweltering summer months.

2006-07-27T10:05:00.000+09:00

Frozen rich choc KITKAT!
The chocolate isn't icecream but really rich dark chocolate. This is a little disspointing considering the package says Ice Stick and it's sold in the freezer section.
It's a little too sweet for me and being dark chocolate, it's quite bitter.

2006-07-26T14:48:00.000+09:00

Umbrella holder!
Umbrella, parking ticket and compass.

2006-07-26T14:47:00.000+09:00

Super-Equipped Bike
This bike has multiple carry satchels and umbrella holder and if you look closely on the other pic...a compass!

2006-07-26T14:46:00.000+09:00

Umbrella-toting rider with gloves!
This lady was riding in full sunshine with gloves and an umbrella. She's prepared for anything!

2006-07-25T23:35:00.000+09:00

Well, thanks to Yuki for the first photo suggestion! - Umbrellas or 傘 'kasa' in Japanese. I took one photo today and will try post a collage of 'kasa' so long as this rain persists.

While looking for a sofa on Sunday, I also snapped these sad looking street cones or 'witches hats'.

2006-07-21T19:47:00.000+09:00

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but Japan is in the middle of a really long rainy season and I haven't been motivated to take pictures :(

So, in order to make this website more interactive, I'd like you to send me an email. Please make a suggestion about what I should take a photo of next!! What would you like to see? This is your chance to dictate the future photographic direction of this blog (a little ;)).

dancrowther@gmail.com

2006-07-03T11:37:00.000+09:00

Karate Tournament in Tama

2006-07-03T11:33:00.001+09:00

Head Kick!

2006-07-03T11:33:00.000+09:00

Ready, Set, FIGHT!

2006-07-03T11:32:00.002+09:00

Mini Kids

2006-07-03T11:32:00.001+09:00

Supporters

2006-07-03T11:32:00.000+09:00

Action!

2006-07-03T11:31:00.002+09:00

Competitor

2006-07-03T11:31:00.001+09:00

Supporter

2006-07-03T11:31:00.000+09:00

Serious Judge

2006-06-29T12:36:00.000+09:00

Cookie Monster (CM) a.k.a 'Party Slut' dropped into Tachikawa school during a recent party and proceded to wreak havoc.

2006-06-29T12:33:00.000+09:00

Taji...no he's not Thai! LOL

2006-06-29T12:32:00.001+09:00

Bite my eye-ball CM

2006-06-29T12:32:00.000+09:00

Cheeky CM

2006-06-29T12:31:00.001+09:00

Orangy CM

2006-06-29T12:31:00.000+09:00

Good times

2006-06-29T12:30:00.000+09:00

Konichiwa!

2006-06-29T12:29:00.001+09:00

Thumbs up!

2006-06-29T12:29:00.000+09:00

Peace!

2006-06-25T21:46:00.001+09:00

Left Side
It seats one big person...just. Under that seat is a cavournous space for storing drinks, a helmet, weapons, oil, food, etc

2006-06-25T21:46:00.000+09:00

Yamaha 'Remo-con' Jog Z II

This is my true motor sports beast the 50cc Yamaha Remocon Jog ZII!!

It's really zippy and is great for getting around. Journeys under an hour are preferable due to the upright seating position. It beats any car at the lights, as the acceleration is super responsive. It's economical too, as 350 yen fills the tank and parking isn't a problem!

2006-06-25T21:45:00.000+09:00

Su '564' Number Plate
In Japanese, this number means killer!! ko-ro-shi!

2006-06-25T21:44:00.000+09:00

Z-II
This scooter is a 2 stroke, which means it has a high power to weight ratio. This is good because I weight about 90 kilograms and my tall stature means there is considerable wind resistance when riding around. Therefore, I need the power! Unfortunately 2-stroke engines don't last as long as 4-strokes. See here for more info.