Google Map test
Can you see a Google Map to our home? I sure hope so. If this works, this could be an exciting feature. There are lots of cool places I can show you. With Google Maps you have the ability to include photos and video clips, so if we go on a trip, for example, I can show you the map and then include links to sights and sounds. Hmmm… sounds cool!
Wow, it works… sort of! Check it out: click on one of the control arrows and see what happens. You can zoom in and out, or drag the map around. Three map views are also accesible- try them out:
Map: Just like a regular street map (all the place names are in Japanese- sorry!)
Sat: (Satellite) This shows you a real satellite image view. Wow!
Hyb: (Hybrid) A mix of these; you can see a satellite image with roads and place names overlaid.
Oh, one cool thing: If you go into satellite view, zoom out a bit, you’ll notice that the clarity of the map really really improves only meters from our home (about 800 to be precise)! Google just recently update the satellite image of Toyama City, but unfortunately we live just outside the clear range. Someday I hope to present you all with a very clear view.
Okay, let me know if you could see this map- just add a comment below. Be aware that the map may take a few moments to load- the time will depend on your Internet connection speed. If this test works out, I’ll be doing this more, for sure!
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Hello! My name is Gerald Talandis Jr, and I'm the webmaster of this blog. I'm using it as a tool for staying in touch with family in friends around the world. I've been in Japan since 1993 and currently teach English at the 
This is my wife, Shinobu. She's originally from 
Luke was born on July 29th, 2001. He is now an elementary school student and loves sports, like his mama. Each week, Luke swims, plays soccer, and goes to a gymnastics class. He is also studying English and dreams of visiting the USA someday and becoming an Olympic swimmer, like his hero Michael Phelps.
Our daughter Max was born on March 7th, 2007. She is currently attending nursery school and is learning to walk, talk, and eat by herself without making a mess. She is growing by leaps and bounds, and loves Micky Mouse, Hello Kitty, and Anpanman.
Darius
hi bro - didnt work for me. sorry.
Sep 20, 2007 @ 6:04 am
Darius
Oh sure, as soon as I sent that last comment it worked! So YES it works! Cool!
Sep 20, 2007 @ 6:05 am
Papa
Ok, thanks. Yesterday it looked a bit strange for me- there was this big space under the map, and I couldn’t figure out why. After a bit of trial and error, I discovered that the link Google Maps provides with the map, one that takes you to a larger version over at their website, was the problem. I’ve just taken that link out and it looks fine.
So, how about now? Do you see a map when you first load the page? If not, then click the “-” button and zoom out a bit. For some reason it was also appearing very very zoomed in at the start.
Anyway, it should be okay now. Let me know.
Jr.
Sep 20, 2007 @ 7:06 am