2025-02-02

I’m surprised that domestic Japanese flights do not check your ID! Just scan your boarding pass and go. Unthinkable as an American.

2025-02-10

The cheese shop was nice enough to pack my purchase in a cooler bag with an ice pack so I could take it on the plane without worries. It’s チーズの店コンテ CONTE in Sapporo, Hokkaido, check it out!

2025-02-14

If you’re using Apache Spark with Apache Hive and trying to configure S3 and Minio and it is hanging/stalling/stuck, remember to set path-style access!

2025-02-20

I finally realized I could use the fish grill to roast vegetables, instead of needing a full oven. It doesn’t quite heat evenly, but otherwise works fine.

2025-02-21

I’ve finally found “real” yogurt in Japan. It’s seemingly only available at Seijo Ishii, is called “Rich the Yogurt”, and is about 10% fat, just like the Cabot greek yogurt that I adored back home. It feels and tastes about right so I hope this isn’t a limited time thing!

2025-02-22

Other things different about Japan: usually when you use your card online, you get a code over SMS that you have to type in. It does make the shopping experience feel a bit safer.