Odaiba and 2 Chiba Marines' Baseball Games

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On this particular day off together, Larry and I decided to spend the majority of the day in Odaiba. Here, we revisited some of the things we've done before....only this time we had nice, sunny weather! Once again, we rode the famous Palette Town ferris wheel, had lunch overlooking Japan's Statue of Liberty, visited a cute cat store, and took a nice long walk along the beach. This time the skies were clear and we got a much better view of the Rainbow Bridge as well... On the way home, as you can see, we took full advantage of the fact that the trains were empty!!

Later that night, we went to check out our first baseball game in Japan - the Chiba Marines - managed by the popular former NY Mets' manager, Bobby Valentine. Right away, we realized that baseball fans are much more involved in the game here than most baseball fans in America. Not only does every player have their own original song/chant complete with choreographed movement, but this song and dance is performed by the whole crowd EVERYTIME the player steps up to bat! There is also a huge fireworks display in the middle of every single game. And....believe it or not, almost all "beer vendors" are female....dressed in bright, sexy outfits and equipped with actual kegs on their backs, they are quick to serve you a variety of tap beers! It's a little different than at home, but also a whole lot of fun!! Larry was sure to get his Chiba Marines baseball cap signed by the mascot before the game was over.

A few weeks later, Larry was given some free tickets to another Chiba Marines game, but unfortunately had to work....so I took a friend and fellow Ariel, Tenley, instead. This game was just as much fun as the first! While watching the game, we drank Chu-Hi (a fruity, Japanese alcoholic drink) and Starbucks....I know, what a combo! We even made out with the mascot between innings! haha! During the 7th inning stretch, we took part in a Chiba baseball tradition...we blew up these long, white balloons and then let them go to make loud, squeaky noises as they flew around the stadium. Before the end of the game, we were sure to find our friend and Disney coworker, Meho...who is a Chiba Marines' cheerleader! We also stopped for a picture with a "human Japanese cockroach" on the way out!! What a night!!

Love,
Larry & Melanie

JAPANESE FOR THE DAY: "Dono chimu ga ichiban?" - "Who's your favorite team?"

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Comments

[Danny]

Lazy Japanese Pitchers!
And they say Americans are lazy! God forbid the relief pitcher walk to the mound! PS. Why no mention of the Odaiba song?

[danae]

that giant cockroach makes me miss nyc more than i already do. looks like you two are having a blast! has it been 6 months already? more??

[D-Mac]

Awesome Shots
Dude, As I lay on couch and read your next blog entry I am watching the 2006 Baseball All-Star game, couldn't get better baby! I had no idea you were a Mets fan. These are awesome shots, and it great that Bobby V. is the manager and you had your hats on, rock on DUDE! Keep up the great shots, we will catch the Mets in the playoffs when you return to the other side of the pond!