510guy

That's a good point. Now that I think about it when I have bought locally I have either had to settle for what they had or ended up ordering from catalog anyways. The one advantage, at least with Asian places is I was able to negotiate price or delivery charge by buying multiple items or paying cash.

I have bought desks, media racks, small dining table from online. There are times I have found maybe not quite what I wanted but it will due. My general rule is if I can live with it maybe not quite what I want if I can't return it I will take the chance. It's a chance I am willing to take if cost is under $300 but I normally prefer to be able to visually see what I am buying.

I agree that letter of references are basically useless now. When I was a reference I was told to just refer to HR. With social media it is hard to get anything of substance in writing as you never know when a letter could show up on Facebook. Even a glowing letter could end up on social media for co-workers to see which an employer may not want seen by employees. The fact that the person hiring you also was let go for a vague reason probably makes your case harder.

Yeah, him and his buddy who went by Brian before change their names frequently. I occasionally look at their Instagram feeds which have a pretty good following.

I agree with the assessment that he can be cold in terms of personality or that customer experience. He was a bit better after massage but that lacked those little touches that make people want to come back. With that being said, he does move a lot so if interested book him while you can as it's hard to know when he may leave.

The two Russian girls made it seem so easy. But really the talent pool for the girls has not been there for a few years. The guys were a bit disappointing but at least you can see the star power in Nathan Chen and even Vincent Zhou.

I only hire for massages so probably not the same connection but my two favorites both left. One was out of the blue so did not get to see him again and another was no longer taking appointments before he left. If either returned I will be waiting.....

I noticed with him a few times he blurs his pictures but leaves one where his face is not blurred. If that is him then he probably is around mid-30.

I am a bit surprised as to the level of distaste for him. I did see him 6 years ago for 4 hand. Thought it was an okay massage. My guess was he was about early 30. If those are his pics they are outdated but I did think he was a good looking guy but his partner was better looking but I don't think he is around anymore.

And this guy is for hire too. Been tempted to try him. He is the only one I have noticed in the Asian section that is for hire.

And the Karl rave continues. I haven't seen him in maybe 5 months, I guess time for another appointment.

Thanks for the tips. A couple of places I plan to go, some I never heard of so I will add to my list. I plan to get a pocket Wi-Fi rather than international sim. Yup, JR rail pass is the plan. It is amazing how many little cultural nuances there are including don't walk and eat, very little trash cans but also very little littering.

Thanks for all the tips. We may be able to catch the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, looks like we are too early for Osaka.

Good question. I am a foodie so I wanted to be near the street food off dotonburi and the night life. But using Osaka more as a base. Plan to take train out to Kyoto twice and venture into nara, kobe, and possibly hiroshima.

Yes I am. I figured you were too but I also know SF East Bay is not the only area that refers to itself as the East Bay.

Thanks guys. I will be staying in the Shinjuku region in tokyo and namba in osaka. If I go alone to the spots may try those. But I have a friend traveling with me who has no interest in being naked in front of others but may try to get him to go to a place to relax to try them out. I honestly am not comfortable being naked but I will probably get used to it. I am Asian and no tatoo so I don't look like a foreigner

@FurryDude thanks so much. Not really looking for action, just nice "views" would be nice. Yes, I heard about sentos. I guess my terminology is a little confused. I heard about one place in Osaka that charges you based on age! Older you are more you pay

So going to Japan next month. Interested in going to an onsen (bathhouse, springs) are they mostly older men in those? I have been to the "springs" in US which can be cruisy. Are they like that in Japan or are these such a way of life that being naked in front of others is no big deal. Any good ones near Osaka or Tokyo anyone would recommend. Not interested in ones where men/women will be mixed.

I actually liked him the second time around. But I can see him being the "mileage may vary type". He was a pretty nice guy and a B massage. But I can see how he can come across as arrogant to some. Personally, I like the hunky Asian type so he is up my alley so I would go back but I can see why others may put him down.

I have seen this guy twice for a massage, I don't get why he keeps changing name since I think he can choose what reviews gets posted. I think he knows some of the negative things about him but he has not been really talked about lately.

Well, we know what a fan you are of Karl so if you haven't already you going to try him out for us?

Looks intriguing, do tell if you partake please

Did you happen to hear back?

I normally go on carrentals.com and see the prices for various companies. If say Avis has the best deal then I will go to Avis website to try to book for better price or just to book direct. Whether it be hotel or car rental better to book direct but use third party more to do a search. There is fine print in third party sites that a hotel can cancel your reservation without notice. Also, the time of pick up matters greatly. Add 1 hour and you may find the price change. When. I went to Boston I needed a car around 6am. I put in 7 am and my rental for the week was $100 more than putting 6am. My guess is 7am starts the peak pick up time. Off peak pick up hours seems to matter.

Email just does not seem to work anymore. I deal with a lot of 30's and under and they just don't email anymore or that gets lower priority than text. Emails get filled with spam, promos, bills, etc.