#goldenweek2k17

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Lunch at SMOKEN, another hole in the wall, though this time at Pia Bandai, one of the last stops on the pink bus line in the Niigata City Loop. My lunch set, at a nice 980, includes the Mexican Dog, a salad with a Southwest flavor and a kick, and some nice, crisp potatoes on the side. Ah, and of course, Ginger Ale, the best drink that's always on tap in Japan. For the first time in months, I feel back home: my hot dog is actually fresh ground beef chili, sans the beans, with red onions and good spice throughout​. I can taste a Texas summer with every kick off heat! This was definitely a great lunch choice. Now, let's go get some fruit ice at the place across the way! #smoken#restaurants #food #hotdog #piabandai #niigatayasumi #goldenweek2k17 #niigata #chubu #Japan (at Pia Bandai)

[pixelatedlenses]

And... Done! I can honestly say that I'm really happy with my coloring. It was a great first try, and makes me want to invest in Copics sooner than later. With so much free lineart that's been kindly created, I think I could really enjoy a bit of practice in the regular with them, and steadily improve my own style of coloring. Who knows what'll come when I come back to visit: maybe I can show the staff, who kindly helped me, my stuff! Maybe I'll snag a few as a last hurrah in a brand new city! It'd be a great, creative memory to take back home. #manga #niigatayasumi #niigata #mangahouse #goldenweek2k17 (at Niigata, Niigata)

[pixelatedlenses]

Getting ready for a relaxing day around Niigata City with my Instax and a cute bag. Let's go and see the sea! #niigata #goldenweek2k17 #niigatayasumi #traveling #chubu #japan

[pixelatedlenses]

Til next time. #Niigata #niigatayasumi #nature #goldenweek2k17 (at Niigata, Niigata)

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Ridin' nerdy with my boy Inuyasha in the final day of my vacation! #buses #takahashirumiko #inuyasha #niigata #goldenweek2k17 (at Niigata Station)

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Breakfast at Yoshinoya, this time with a beef bowl topped with a mountain of cheese. Honestly, this is what will make me have Yoshinoya for a third time tomorrow, and maybe a fourth when I inevitably don't want to cook Friday. Best breakfast ever. It's just really good, and so cheesy! Now let's go shop! Bandai City, here we come! #Yoshinoya #niigatayasumi #food #goldenweek2k17 #gyodon #donburi #niigata #chubu #Japan (at 本町食品センター)

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Stopped in at Hakusan Park before lunch to work up my appetite, and found it incredibly beautiful. It was a nice peaceful walk, and definitely a place that felt very special. #hakusanpark #niigatayasumi #niigaya #nature #parks #goldenweek2k17 #chubu #Japan (at Hakusan Park)

[pixelatedlenses]

Lunch in the Furomachi district at Ken's Burgers. Instantly, it reminded me of the hole in the wall places I'd go with my dad in Dallas. Between the smoke from the grills and the two person staff, I had a great time just being and waiting for my meal. I enjoyed the American Black Cherry burger and thick cut cheese fries with real, melty, gooey cheese. The burger certainly took me by surprise: grilled cherries might be a new favorite thing, especially carmelized onions. Definitely would, and will, go again. Maybe even tomorrow or Wednesday! #kensburgers #food #burgers #fries #futomachi #niigata #niigatayasumi #goldenweek2k17 #chubu #Japan (at Ken's Burger)