Well, I'm gone....for a little while

[boxermania]

Actually I've been aware of it for about three weeks, I just wanted more information before making an announcement.

Yes, I have accepted a six month assignment, in Tokyo, to work on the Rotating Equipment SpecificationS/Bid packages for a chemical facility to be built in Saudi. I really hate to go.....yeahhhh right.....but someone has to do it. Ahhhh....now you are aware of one of my dark secrets.........

Since I've never been to Tokyo and don't know how things click, I've called on, N2BMW, (Jeff) which resides there and he has provided me with some guidance. We plan to hook up and hopefully ride, we will post accounts and pics of our adventures.............I'm told that I will have available an internet connection at the efficiency that has been set aside for me....which by the way is small by US standards. Just in case I will take a box of Depends with me......He, He, He.

I was also told to take plenty of clothes, westerners are hard to fit there, let along someone marketing size like me.......I'm really excited.....err....really dread the thought and promise that I will have all of you present on my mind on a daily basis.

I'm working on an assignment downunder....to vist with DJ and the guys............

I'm also saddened by the fact that I will be unable to attend any of the functions scheduled for the first half of the year, Bashes, Texas Hill Country and the Barber Motorsports Supoerbike race.........

On the good side, I'm looking forward to the assignment from the standpoint of the job involvement, the location, as well as being able to hook up with Jeff.........wish me good luck.

domo arigato......thank you

[Biff's R]

Have fun Al!

Is your employer allowing you to take your bike, or are you gonna hafta rent one?

[boxermania]

I will have to rent one and they are not cheap....about $250 for an 8 hour rental for a mid size...........I'll have to play it by ear.

[toner87]

Have a great time and keep us posted!
T.

[RandyRandy]

Al,

Good luck to you. I'm jealous! Although I will return to Japan sometime within a few years for an extended motorcycle trip. I just don't know exactly when yet. There's a book I have about motorcycle touring in Japan, perhaps you'll be interested in it:

Motorcycle Vagabonding In Japan

I lived in Kobe Japan and worked in Osaka Japan for about 2 years. But this was back in the late 1980's. Working in a Japanese company at the time meant I didn't travel as much as I should have. That's why I want to go back and travel the entire country.

If you're single, then enjoy Nampa ! (Ask a young lady what that means, if you don't know yet)

Al, Take care and post pictures here!

Randy 1150 Randy

.

[wncbmw]

Hey Al - enjoy yourself! Should be interesting in Japan. And I would supect that a man of your . . . er . . stature, yes, that's the word, would have a hard time shopping in Japanese stores!

Sorry there won't be any chances for us to ride together again for a while but we'll try to do it when you get back.

[DJ Downunder]

It'll be good to catch up with you Al when you make it down under...btw...todays our first day of Summer....wahoo!

DJ

[jbuzbee]

Japan - what a great architectural country. One of my favorite architects is Tado Ando - look up some of his work!

Seriously, it's a completely different society - design wise. Would be very interesting experience it first hand!

Good luck and enjoy . . ..

[darthrider]

Hey Al, put the bite on Jeff for a fast ride on that fine MT-01!
Have fun.

[new2BMW]

Oh yeah...I'll be offended if he doesn't take it for a spin.

[riceburner]

Hope everything goes well.

[wncbmw]

He has a big stomach,” to express the same virtue.

Boy, they are going to think Al is one virtueous dude!

[Biff's R]

Al,
I want to see the look on their faces when you tell the "A good goat will do that" joke.

If I were to go to Japan, I would try to dress as a sumo. I saw one of those guy's wife, and she was pretty hot.