IPP 33

Well folks it's that time again. Katherine I got to Japan on Monday. At the airport We saw Rosemary and Harold. Together the three of us came to the hotel. When we got here we saw a few other puzzlers had a nice dinner together. And went to bed early. Tuesday's my kid and I at Disney sea. And on Wednesday we went to Disneyland with Andreas.  I know you're not interested in this part so I'll just let it pass.

Thursday was a great day we woke up in the morning and at 8:30 headed over to tribox and Hanayama. At Tarbox we looked at all of their puzzles and a cutting machine. Andrea went crazy taking photos for the twisty puzzles museum. George found a soma cube made out of a 3 x 3.  So we all had to buy one and get them signed. From there we headed off to the Hanayama offices. We looked at toys. We also saw some new products that they're coming out with but it's not a puzzle. All of us were given a gift of the cast cylinder the newest puzzle. It's a neat little thing. That has five pieces. They rated as a four out of six. Once again Andreas took photos for the puzzle museum. 

From there we had lunch. Andreas and George went back to the hotel. Jose Oskar Scott Catherine and I went on to the Tokyo sky tree. Once again I went up the tower terrified as I was but I managed. 

Later that evening we all had dinner together. And then set down to puzzle. Thursday was over.

Sunday in GZ

Well the GZ puzzle party is over. Sunday came and went without puzzling-ok, with very little puzzling anyway. We decided to meet at the hotel again at 10 and do some sightseeing. Because of the night before, we managed to arrive at 10:30. Not bad all things considered. 

First stop was a museum dedicated to SunYat Sen. It was 5 levels of photos, pottery, and other curiosities. The best part was the view from the top floor. 

Second stop was a temple of sorts. AJ paid the 10RMB for us to enter and we took a walk around the building. And really, that was all it was. We saw a tree in a tree and then headed off. 

As we were walking through the park we stopped for a while and watched a few people playing some sort of feathered hackysack game. They let us have a go but of course rox was a total incompetent!  As we were leaving the skies opened up and we waited it out under a small gazebo. It must have lasted an hour!  

From there we headed to lunch with Mr. Fok yet again before heading back to the hotel to dry out a bit. I was very glad I left my luggage there. Dry socks!

Next stop was Mr. Fok's warehouse where Oskar showed yet another puzzle or two and George explained his. I asked mr. Fok for a copy of his newest puzzle and he gave one to each of us. Even signed them! And yet..More rain. We once again waited it out before going over to see the Canton (GZ) tower. I love the look of the building and it never fails to amaze! This time we went up!!! 108 floors is a tough call for a girl afraid of heights. But I made it to the top and even managed to walk out on the glass with a bit of help from my friends. I was shaking let me tell you!

As always, we looked for puzzles and weren't disappointed. Found a 2x2 keychain and a slide tile 15.  We took a few more photos with the lights on the building and made our way to the subway system. 

Because I was flying out to IPP in the early morning we parted company and I headed home. I heard they all had dinner together and I know lucky George and Oskar were getting a Hanayama factory tour in Monday. 

As for me? I'm posting this in the train in Tokyo heading for Disney! Here's hoping I find more puzzles!

GZ boys and toys-day last

Last night was the dinner. The long awaited dinner.

Ming I've later found out was in charge of the whole party. We had around 30+ people there. It was a roaring success! I wish I could tell you what the food was but truth be told, I didn't really eat. I drink better!  When we walked in I made a beeline for Da Yan for a big hug!  I missed my teddy bear. George later told me that he never saw me without my arm around someone. 

I brought along a bottle of whiskey for the dinner and toasted all who would drink it with me. Sadly it was only 9 guys. Leslie took home the remainder of the bottle and I've discovered he likes the hard stuff as much as I do. 

Oskar was the star of the show. One and all wanted a photo with him. I think they got more than one. The photo ops never stopped. 

The atmosphere was one of major celebration this time. The company was great and all had a great time. 

The lads left me in Mings capable hands and headed off for karaoke. Sadly, I wasn't allowed this time. I think they were doing business late into the night. Doesn't matter, there will be more opportunities for me to sing off key. 

Ming and I dropped off Oskar and George and headed back to our hotel. We invited over a few puzzlers and played the rest of the evening away. On to IPP!