doctorc2@aol.comdiespam (Matthew Caesar) wrote in
news:20040920124937.10671.00001101@mb-m04.aol.com: 

> Hey all,
> 
> I'm about 12 days away from a year-long stint in Sapporo, as I
> recieved a Monbusho scholarship to study at Hokkaido University.  I've
> been to Japan before, but never for this long, and never to Hokkaido,
> so I have a few questions.
> 
> First off, I'm about 5'8, with size 10 feet, which are a...28 in
> Japan, I think.  I don't think I'll have trouble with clothing (32
> waist), but will I have problems finding shoes (specifically winter
> boots)? 

Shoes are not a problem, but I suggest stocking up on clothes before you 
go if you have either long arms or long legs.  My legs are 110cm to the 
hip and I have a 92cm reach and when I go shopping at a UniQlo, 
invariably their longest trousers stop halfway down my ankle bone and 
their longest long sleeve shirts don't make it to my wristwatch.


> I'm also looking for a foreigner-friendly gym.  I'd like to work out
> while I'm over there, and it'd be nice to know of a good gym.  I have
> no experience with gyms, so if the group of people there are nice too
> and willing to help, that'd be awesome.

You'll be in Kita-ku if you are staying close to Hokudai.  I suggest 
going to the Kita Ward Gymnasium as it is cheap and everyone is friendly. 
If you want spend a bit more and have more machines and a Martial Beat 
and DDR machine in the workout room, go to Konami Sports.  I worked out 
there for half a year and I liked it very much. The only reason I quit 
was I was in a money strapped time in my life.  I need to get back.


> 
> Thirdly, anyone have any restaurant/bar recommendations?  I'm a
> glutton, and I love good food.  I always hear about how good the food
> is in Hokkaido, and I can't wait to see if that's true or not.

For Italian, try Trattoria Cuccina.  Great stuff.  If you like Chinese 
(and Chinese food is way different and BETTER here) go to Dan-Chuu and 
try their Ankakeyakisoba. 

> Lastly, anyone in the area up for some drinks?  Hehe.

I usually hit the trifecta of going to Gaijin Bar (Tanukikoji 7-jo), 
Jersey Sports Bar, and then Rad Brothers on Saturday.  We might cross 
paths.




-- 
He was here before Christ, before civilisation. He was king here! 
Rawhead, that's what they called him! RAWHEAD! Get upstairs, fuckface - I 
can't keep god waiting!
-Father Declan O'Brien, Clive Barker's Rawhead Rex

I have created an empire out of greasy burgers and flat soft drinks. And 
you are just...what's the word?  Ahhh yes! A "Sucka"!
- Ronald McDonald speaking to Mr. T