I am Taji, Mooneyes Staff that went to MOONEYES SUMMER event in California.
This is my first trip report so before I begin, here is a brief introduction about me.
I have been with MOONEYES Japan for several years working in the Sales and Shipping department. This is why I usually am not seen by customers unless they frequent the MOONEYES Sidewalk Sale which I regularly attend. I am also seen at events so I might be familiar to some folks. Also, I own a 1946 Chevy. For the last three years working here at MOONEYES I never thought I'd be asked to go to USA for work but it was an awesome experience and very memorable.I hope you enjoy my USA trip report!
I begin my USA trip officially at the airport with these photos.
This was actually my second time riding an airplane in my life and the first time I have left Japan!
Without any delays, we took off and had a problem-free flight. The next thing I knew, we were in the land of dream, California USA!
We rented a car for the trip and to get to MOONEYES USA.
Of course, a tradition for just about every visitor to MOONEYES, I had to take a souvenir photo in front of the palm trees.
They were a lot taller than I had imagined.
You can see these painted eyeballs from space, so I've heard.
After a quick browse, and tour of the shop, I was put to work right away because I have shipping experience. Although I couldn't read most of the labels, the products were the same and it was really no different than Japan. I guess packing and dispatching are universal anywhere.
Later in the day, there was something forming in the Machine Shop. In the afternoon, many people began to show up. It was the MOONEYES SUMMER 2010 Staff Meeting.
After that, there was food and I ate pizza. In the evening, we started preparing and packing all the items that were going to be brought to the event on Sunday..
Day 2: Robert Williams & Suzanne Williams
Amazing experience. I don't understand English but just visually stunning to see all the vintage things and fine arts.
After that we all had dinner.
Then to end the night, we shopped. In just this short period, I spent over 150 bucks. I might run out of money...
Day 3: Morning Cruise
Wildman tossed me the key to the MOONEYES HHR, "You drive!"
What? I couldn't believe it, then realized it wasn't that hard after all. The only problem was Wildman was putting on the heat with acting like a backseat driver, "Turn, turn turn!" and "Hit the gas! Hit the brakes!"
We made it to the Morning Cruise. This is held each Saturday and all kinds of classic cars show up. Amazing!
After that, we ate more food.
From there, we went straight to the MOONEYES SUMMER 2010 event location in Irwindale to help with setup for the show.
On the way, the trailer got a flat tire on the freeway! But we made it safely.
SETUP!
After we were finished with setup, we had Japanese food at this restaurant.
Day 4: MOONEYES SUMMER 2010
The pinup content was nuts! There were pinups all over the event too. Many photographers and models were everywhere. Very cool to see!
I just happened to be walking past this booth when...
I got me a professional dew from Hawleywood Style, barber shop style.
Day 5: Heading back to Japan We packed our things, checked out of the motel and stopped on last time at MOONEYES USA.
But before we went to the airport, we stopped at this classic auto parts dealer so I could find some things I wanted for my Chevy. This was a good way to get rid of any cash I had left. Needless to say, it was an awesome place and I want to go back already! Wish they had one of these in Yokohama!
Thank you for viewing!
