StringGrrl sees the World

Kyushu Netchuya, Shinjuku in the Nomura Building  The team in Shinjuku Tokyo, in Japanese custom, very hospitably invited StringGrrl out for an Authentic Kyushu izakaya experience. We walked from the office to a nearby shopping area to visit the restaurants in the lower levels (Why can't we have such nice things in the USA?). Izakaya are casual Japanese pubs or taverns that serve drinks and a variety of small plates, similar to experiences with Tapas in Spain, the work teams will leave the office for a drink and meal of several tastes before embarking on sometimes long commutes home. Kyushu Island is home to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa prefectures. It is the 3rd largest of the Japanese Islands and is the southernmost of the larger Japanese "mainland".  Credited with being the "Birthplace of Ramen", where Tonkotsu Ramen was innovated as a novel new dish using Chinese Noodles in a Creamy Pork Bone broth. Hakata Gyoza,...

  As a result of the 15 or so broken ribs sustained in the " incident ", StringGrrl and Eric had to find a place to remain nearby the hospital for 2 additional weeks, before we were deemed "Fit-to-Fly". Quick internet research yielded many hotels and Inns in the "Inns River" area. A standout was the Tramserhof Hotel which promised a wellness center with Sauna, Waterbeds, Ice cold Kneipebecke (wading pool), and rooms with Bathtubs (needed since I cannot stand up for a shower).  Jan was Elwood, to my Joliet Jake, & drove Bluesmobile to Tramserhof post release from House-of-pain Southfacing patio provides stellar views throughout the day Essential Supplies: Alkoholfrei Biers und Scharfsaus Bayerische Sauerbraten, Sehr Gut Room packages included very reasonable Single-rooms with options for Room Only, Room with Breakfast, and the Half-Board option (half-board includes breakfast and a 4-course dinner nightly).  Soaking in Bathtub is a joy, our OnlyFans and ...

Wanderbeak Guide, Dani, met us on Passeig de Gracia for a short walking tour of food & modernist architecture. The Tour was a gift from Vikram's Wife El Nacional- First Stop for Cava and Oysters Our tour took us to several foodie destinations along the Passeig de Gracia. Our first stop was El Nacional. I didn't take any pictures of the restrooms, but really visit the restrooms. They are wonderful to behold (albeit a little weird to be down in the john taking photos). El Nacional Market selections at El Nacional Oyster bar at El Nacional Oysters: Mediterranean and Atlantic The Block of Discord: Battle Royale of Modernist Architects  Casa Ametller Further along the Passeig de Gracia, we arrive at the Block of Discord and visited a few of the sites of the spectacular examples of Modernist Architecture in Barcelona. We entered one establishment, chocolatier Casa Amettler.  Gothic and Flemish details come together Styling garage doors in Casa Ametller The Garage of Casa Ametlle...