I have a test tomorrow but.... I totally wasted today away...
Firstly, thought of getting a nap in the afternoon and then waking up to do some revision. I did wake up but saw a friend online and started chatting with him. Talk about lots of nonsense, some serious stuff, people back home and finally I thought ok better get down to studying...
Opened my file and flipped through of the things given out in class. Then came to some things I don't really understand. Pack my things and march up to my classmate's room upstairs. She was also studying so we thought ok maybe do some Kaiwa (conversation). Started forming some sentences and.... we got distracted. We got gossipy... we got into other things. And she had the cheek to say that we might as well chat since we are both so tired from studying. And I!!! I actually agreed to it. What was I thinking...
And we put our files aside and chatted for the next 2 hours! About our classmates, our own lives, haaa talking past relationships, people... wooh... and the 2 hours just flew past.
Tom's test.... one word: SIGH.
1.27.2005
1.24.2005
Apres-Ski...
Skiing… is fun. Yes it is great to stand on the peak of a snowy slope, look down at where you are going and then let your skis take off. The excitement is high; you feel your adrenaline rush. But at the same time you can’t ignore the bruises and bumps you sustained in the process of it... me I mean.
Steph and I went off to meet the rest of the people going off to ski too with great anticipation. And much to our delight... heh heh it was 2 guys as we have both wished. Haaa… Yeah, we were saying how good it will be to be in a nice resort with the company of 2 cute guys. Well the 2 of them are not too bad though, both from America, Chris and David. So the 5 of us, including the director of the International Student’s office, Declan took off to Nagano in Yamasa’s van.
It was a long 6 hours ride. And by the time we finished dinner and on the last part of the journey up the mountains. It was really snowing hard. I mean, I have never seen such heavy snowfall in my entire life! It was so much like those you see in Kung-fu shows in ancient china. Snow falling like heavy rain fall, the roads all covered with snow with “snow walls” about 6 feet tall already being formed at the sides. And the sight was really beautiful. Besides the kung-fu shows, it looked like a picture of a Christmas card too. Those where you can see little houses lined up beside each other and then with lights illuminating them. It was well over Christmas but really the atmosphere was just so great.
Anyway we were really grateful that it was 2 guys who came along and not 2 girls. You will see why in a minute.
Firstly, we needed to fix chains on the wheels before going up the mountains to prevent slipping. And in the heavy snowfall, the guys had to lie on the floor to do that! It was easy as Declan needed to move the car every few second so as to get the wheel to move and the chains around it. Steph and I were also shivering like mad in the car when the guys were outside. So can you imagine if they were not here? Then we will be the ones outside fixing the chains on.
Anyway, we finally got to the resort about 12 midnight and that was the end of that day. Tired and dead beat.
Second day, skiing day! Of course being kiasu-photos mad Singaporeans, 2 of us were out for a photo shoot the next morning. Hee…
Finally got all the skis and things on but cus of some mistake, I went back with Declan to the rental store while the 3 of them went ahead to the ski place.
Ok so I got Declan as my personal coach for the first part of the day. And when we took the lifts up the mountains, I tell you, my breath stopped for a moment. The scenery was truly magnificent. It was amazing! It was as if you wish your eyes were a good camera to capture those shots. Yes, that was the moment I realized my camera was still in David’s pocket.
But well, I was so thrilled by the endless snow-capped mountains I saw that I almost didn’t get down the lifts. But well, of course I did. And I did such a perfect jump that Declan exclaimed, “hey that was a perfect jump! I’m sure you will do great in skiing too!” I beamed at that but why do I feel such a feeling that bodes ill inside me? Frats… ignore that feeling.
Next Declan taught me to move forward and then brake. Perfect. Could do almost all he said. I was born to ski isn’t it? Yes! I am skiing and Skiing is me! Who ever told me it was hard?
Now challenge no1. Down slope. And I let my legs go. And for the next 8 seconds my mind was in a blur. The people and sights wheeze passed me in a flash. I was going at maybe 60 km/hr? Nope.. maybe not but hey that’s too fast for me! I can’t even control my thoughts. In probably the worst thing to do, I induced a fall. Yes, I INDUCED my first fall. After, when I shared this thought to the 3 guys, they looked at me with unbelievable eyes.
The rest of the morning was spent falling down, wearing the skis after they dropped when I fell down and swearing not to ski every again. Nope, I don’t hate it like I said, just can’t ignore the pain I am accumulating throughout the whole body.
Anyway, was almost pass lunch time and Steph and I were still quite stuck up the supposedly beginners’ bunny slopes. Declan decided to give us a help by getting us to hold on to him while he skied down. Whooh… that was a great sense of relief. So once again, thank God it was 2 guys who knew how to ski who went along. Imagine 4 beginners… Declan would have probably collapsed. And we suggested he add a clause to the next skiing trip. “ No beginners allowed unless accompanied by strong, professional skiers.” And he nodded with much agreement.
After lunch, we decided to take a break and to get the guys to go ahead. They were pretty pleased at the suggestion though they didn’t specifically said it. Well, we held them up the whole morning and this is the best we can do for them. So they were skiing while we went to play with the children’s play. A mini slope where you slide down while sitted on little trays... heeeee that was fun!
At night, Declan took all of us to a cozy pub. Atmosphere not too bad. It was cold outside so drinking a little helped to generate some heat. Had lots of fun listening to Declan’s endless stories of his travels including Singapore. On the way back, was a whole journey of the guys throwing snow balls at each other and of cus us at times…
WOoh…. Day 2 did nothing much, decided not to ski so just walked around a bit…
Was a great experience overall. Did skiing and of course see what snowboarding is like too. Probably wun go again for a long time. But well, I truly enjoyed the trip nevertheless.
Steph and I went off to meet the rest of the people going off to ski too with great anticipation. And much to our delight... heh heh it was 2 guys as we have both wished. Haaa… Yeah, we were saying how good it will be to be in a nice resort with the company of 2 cute guys. Well the 2 of them are not too bad though, both from America, Chris and David. So the 5 of us, including the director of the International Student’s office, Declan took off to Nagano in Yamasa’s van.
It was a long 6 hours ride. And by the time we finished dinner and on the last part of the journey up the mountains. It was really snowing hard. I mean, I have never seen such heavy snowfall in my entire life! It was so much like those you see in Kung-fu shows in ancient china. Snow falling like heavy rain fall, the roads all covered with snow with “snow walls” about 6 feet tall already being formed at the sides. And the sight was really beautiful. Besides the kung-fu shows, it looked like a picture of a Christmas card too. Those where you can see little houses lined up beside each other and then with lights illuminating them. It was well over Christmas but really the atmosphere was just so great.
Anyway we were really grateful that it was 2 guys who came along and not 2 girls. You will see why in a minute.
Firstly, we needed to fix chains on the wheels before going up the mountains to prevent slipping. And in the heavy snowfall, the guys had to lie on the floor to do that! It was easy as Declan needed to move the car every few second so as to get the wheel to move and the chains around it. Steph and I were also shivering like mad in the car when the guys were outside. So can you imagine if they were not here? Then we will be the ones outside fixing the chains on.
Anyway, we finally got to the resort about 12 midnight and that was the end of that day. Tired and dead beat.
Second day, skiing day! Of course being kiasu-photos mad Singaporeans, 2 of us were out for a photo shoot the next morning. Hee…
Finally got all the skis and things on but cus of some mistake, I went back with Declan to the rental store while the 3 of them went ahead to the ski place.
Ok so I got Declan as my personal coach for the first part of the day. And when we took the lifts up the mountains, I tell you, my breath stopped for a moment. The scenery was truly magnificent. It was amazing! It was as if you wish your eyes were a good camera to capture those shots. Yes, that was the moment I realized my camera was still in David’s pocket.
But well, I was so thrilled by the endless snow-capped mountains I saw that I almost didn’t get down the lifts. But well, of course I did. And I did such a perfect jump that Declan exclaimed, “hey that was a perfect jump! I’m sure you will do great in skiing too!” I beamed at that but why do I feel such a feeling that bodes ill inside me? Frats… ignore that feeling.
Next Declan taught me to move forward and then brake. Perfect. Could do almost all he said. I was born to ski isn’t it? Yes! I am skiing and Skiing is me! Who ever told me it was hard?
Now challenge no1. Down slope. And I let my legs go. And for the next 8 seconds my mind was in a blur. The people and sights wheeze passed me in a flash. I was going at maybe 60 km/hr? Nope.. maybe not but hey that’s too fast for me! I can’t even control my thoughts. In probably the worst thing to do, I induced a fall. Yes, I INDUCED my first fall. After, when I shared this thought to the 3 guys, they looked at me with unbelievable eyes.
The rest of the morning was spent falling down, wearing the skis after they dropped when I fell down and swearing not to ski every again. Nope, I don’t hate it like I said, just can’t ignore the pain I am accumulating throughout the whole body.
Anyway, was almost pass lunch time and Steph and I were still quite stuck up the supposedly beginners’ bunny slopes. Declan decided to give us a help by getting us to hold on to him while he skied down. Whooh… that was a great sense of relief. So once again, thank God it was 2 guys who knew how to ski who went along. Imagine 4 beginners… Declan would have probably collapsed. And we suggested he add a clause to the next skiing trip. “ No beginners allowed unless accompanied by strong, professional skiers.” And he nodded with much agreement.
After lunch, we decided to take a break and to get the guys to go ahead. They were pretty pleased at the suggestion though they didn’t specifically said it. Well, we held them up the whole morning and this is the best we can do for them. So they were skiing while we went to play with the children’s play. A mini slope where you slide down while sitted on little trays... heeeee that was fun!
At night, Declan took all of us to a cozy pub. Atmosphere not too bad. It was cold outside so drinking a little helped to generate some heat. Had lots of fun listening to Declan’s endless stories of his travels including Singapore. On the way back, was a whole journey of the guys throwing snow balls at each other and of cus us at times…
WOoh…. Day 2 did nothing much, decided not to ski so just walked around a bit…
Was a great experience overall. Did skiing and of course see what snowboarding is like too. Probably wun go again for a long time. But well, I truly enjoyed the trip nevertheless.
1.21.2005
Skiing!
Going Skiing this weekend! In fact in less than 2 hours time I am supposed to meet the rest of the people going in school.
WOoh.... It should be fun considering it is not just Ski but also Hot spring. Ok just to inform you guys I will be away! Look out for photos next week!
WOoh.... It should be fun considering it is not just Ski but also Hot spring. Ok just to inform you guys I will be away! Look out for photos next week!
1.16.2005
A long thoughtful email...
I received a long thoughtful email from a dear friend from my cell in Singapore today. In her email, she told me about somethings I never knew about that happened in these 3 months that I came to Japan. After I read the mail, it was like a bit Qing tian Pi li kind of feeling. That some things happened and I didn't know about them. I feel so sad I wasn't able to be there for my cell members, I wasn't able to send my encouragements and also be understanding towards them for not sending me mails. Now I finally have a glimpse of what went on and my heart truly, ached for my cell members.
Today I prayed for a long long time... Wanted to get a lot of things off my chest. And I really begin to see some of the reasons why I am in Japan. Not just to have fun and study but I know God's purposes for me stretches more beyond that. And in the event of doing so, I have learnt to appreciate many people who have been there for me rain or shine.
Just to mention some friends:
Biyin: Thanks a lot. And thanks alone is not suffice for the times you have put in effort to write letters or send things to me. You know what, this is the person who sent me letters and warmth every week when I first came to Japan. You cannot imagine how much comfort I felt. From things that were hand-made to even the recent 8-days mag she sent me! Imagine that, she is practically my peep-hole to home now. And cheers to our friendship. Remember what I said about it ok, as solid as a rock and no further words needed.
Elene: Your countless emails... Always so prompt and wise. I am really glad you are still sheperding me over the internet =) Thanks too for giving my Godly advice despite my seemingly down times...
Peiling: For the precious meaningful handwritten cards. Every word weighs so much to me. esp you are one the friends I know I can totally rest my head on. Know that I can trust you in every situation. Peiling is really one whom I know will even give herself to save me in emergencies. Such is her kind and giving heart. I know do the same for you. No second thoughts...
Got lots more friends to note.. but that is it for the blog today. I just wanna give these few people some special mention! God you are soooo good to me!
Today I prayed for a long long time... Wanted to get a lot of things off my chest. And I really begin to see some of the reasons why I am in Japan. Not just to have fun and study but I know God's purposes for me stretches more beyond that. And in the event of doing so, I have learnt to appreciate many people who have been there for me rain or shine.
Just to mention some friends:
Biyin: Thanks a lot. And thanks alone is not suffice for the times you have put in effort to write letters or send things to me. You know what, this is the person who sent me letters and warmth every week when I first came to Japan. You cannot imagine how much comfort I felt. From things that were hand-made to even the recent 8-days mag she sent me! Imagine that, she is practically my peep-hole to home now. And cheers to our friendship. Remember what I said about it ok, as solid as a rock and no further words needed.
Elene: Your countless emails... Always so prompt and wise. I am really glad you are still sheperding me over the internet =) Thanks too for giving my Godly advice despite my seemingly down times...
Peiling: For the precious meaningful handwritten cards. Every word weighs so much to me. esp you are one the friends I know I can totally rest my head on. Know that I can trust you in every situation. Peiling is really one whom I know will even give herself to save me in emergencies. Such is her kind and giving heart. I know do the same for you. No second thoughts...
Got lots more friends to note.. but that is it for the blog today. I just wanna give these few people some special mention! God you are soooo good to me!
On the bike all the way...
I finally cycled to Uni QLO and Higashi Station. I wanted to try to cycle to these 2 places long ago but always either couldn't find the time or the right opportunity to. Well actually didn't plan to go there. It was just that in the morning, my classmate who stays in the same blk as me when to the traditional, roadside market before class. It was really much cheaper I tell you! Both of us got really excited and started picking out the vege, fruits and even fish. For a minute, really I think I have become a housewife who goes to the market to haggle prices. We were walking up and down the stalls, comparing prices, freshness and even sharing tips on keeping the food fresh! Well well... no choice when we have to cook our own meals.
Anyway the food came mostly in huge packs so we had to share among ourselves. Was going to do that right after school when our new Taiwanese classmate came along. We were just chatting and he said he wants to see how Villa 4 rooms look like.. So ok, he came along with us. We were chatting in my room and eating oranges when we started talking about the Higashi Park, the station etc when I mentioned Uniqlo was there. At once, So, the taiwanese guy got all excited. He was exclaming how the cheap the clothes are and then well... we just decided on the spot to cycle there. Well I actually just told Steph and Grace I din wanna go cus I dun have anything I wanna buy. But then, I wanted to know exactly the route to cycle there and also well since the 2 in my room are already so on about it...
Ok cycled for only about 20 mins and we got there. So fast! Heck the bus next time. Hmm... and I shopped around for a while and bought something... Can't resist it and well, uniqlo is really not ex. It is thick but I figured I can still wear it in spring and autumn... hee
Ok was on the way home when we decided to pop in Midori, a mini-mart. And just as I locked my bike, the key fell into the drain! I couldn't get it out becus there were metal bars firmly sitted on it. Sigh.. really tough luck. Had to get to the nearest bike shop then.
Thanks to So san who offered to carry my bike there for me. Yup had to carry course the wheels can't move at all. At first, the shop uncle refuse to do it for me. He said need to go to police-station and all cus apparently stealing of bikes in very common in Japan. But of course.... I begged with him, showed him my most pathetic-cute looking face *pukez* and he finally relented. The best thing is, he is really nice about it, though I am not supposed to tell anyone he help me cut the lock, he even did it for free when there is supposed to be a charge of 250 yen.
There is really an advantage of being a foreigner there. Like I said, everyone is more accomodating and forgiving.
Ok... by that time, the sky is already dark and it was time to go home... The way home was pretty easy, just a gentle slope up and then all the way down.
Oh yes, Steph, I registered for the trip to Nagano le. Yeah!! going skiing! Nagano is a fantastic place to ski considering it was the place where the 1998 winter olympics was held. We need to go and get our ski equipment soon uh!
till then!
Anyway the food came mostly in huge packs so we had to share among ourselves. Was going to do that right after school when our new Taiwanese classmate came along. We were just chatting and he said he wants to see how Villa 4 rooms look like.. So ok, he came along with us. We were chatting in my room and eating oranges when we started talking about the Higashi Park, the station etc when I mentioned Uniqlo was there. At once, So, the taiwanese guy got all excited. He was exclaming how the cheap the clothes are and then well... we just decided on the spot to cycle there. Well I actually just told Steph and Grace I din wanna go cus I dun have anything I wanna buy. But then, I wanted to know exactly the route to cycle there and also well since the 2 in my room are already so on about it...
Ok cycled for only about 20 mins and we got there. So fast! Heck the bus next time. Hmm... and I shopped around for a while and bought something... Can't resist it and well, uniqlo is really not ex. It is thick but I figured I can still wear it in spring and autumn... hee
Ok was on the way home when we decided to pop in Midori, a mini-mart. And just as I locked my bike, the key fell into the drain! I couldn't get it out becus there were metal bars firmly sitted on it. Sigh.. really tough luck. Had to get to the nearest bike shop then.
Thanks to So san who offered to carry my bike there for me. Yup had to carry course the wheels can't move at all. At first, the shop uncle refuse to do it for me. He said need to go to police-station and all cus apparently stealing of bikes in very common in Japan. But of course.... I begged with him, showed him my most pathetic-cute looking face *pukez* and he finally relented. The best thing is, he is really nice about it, though I am not supposed to tell anyone he help me cut the lock, he even did it for free when there is supposed to be a charge of 250 yen.
There is really an advantage of being a foreigner there. Like I said, everyone is more accomodating and forgiving.
Ok... by that time, the sky is already dark and it was time to go home... The way home was pretty easy, just a gentle slope up and then all the way down.
Oh yes, Steph, I registered for the trip to Nagano le. Yeah!! going skiing! Nagano is a fantastic place to ski considering it was the place where the 1998 winter olympics was held. We need to go and get our ski equipment soon uh!
till then!
1.11.2005
3rd Day of Class...
Into the third day of class. I am pleased to say that things have improved tremendously. This time round, I think the teahers deserved the effort. Both our teachers today are pretty genki and thus, class was much more enjoyable today. More noises, more jokes and more laughter too. I think everyone is gradually getting more used to each other so perhaps have lighten up too...
We did 2 pretty funny activitites today. Frankly, it is very hard to put down in words exactly what was so fun about it. But anyway, I would just say we all had fun not just practising our Japanese but also suaning each other...
Great! I hope the lively atmosphere will go on! Anyway going to have a mini gathering again tonight! Hee.. as always. Going to Steph's house with Jan and Owen later... Great food waiting for us...
We did 2 pretty funny activitites today. Frankly, it is very hard to put down in words exactly what was so fun about it. But anyway, I would just say we all had fun not just practising our Japanese but also suaning each other...
Great! I hope the lively atmosphere will go on! Anyway going to have a mini gathering again tonight! Hee.. as always. Going to Steph's house with Jan and Owen later... Great food waiting for us...
1.06.2005
Brand new day, brand new sem, brand new class...
Yes today marks the first day of school. On this note, I realised how time has past, I have been in Japan for 3 whole months. Anyone misses me badly?
Stephy, my dear comrade is still in my class =) Such a coincidence. Did I mention she was also in my primary school and in my Pri. 3 class? Yes, that is how far our history goes back to. Well, Owen and Reko is still in the same class as us while the rest of the class consisted of 3 new students and some others from other classes previously.
Basically we did the same things we did previously. Almost the same... the orientation, the goals for the class and then we got into groups to do self-introduction and finally the board. Yes, remember that? the fateful one (different questions though) which got me introduced to Owen and Shaggy in the previous sem.
Somehow... somehow something seems a little wrong. As I was telling Steph and Grace during lunch just now, I am not in a bad mood or what. In fact I feel hopeful and even looking forward to achieving some of the things I wanna do in the new year. But then, when I entered the class, I couldn't feel the sense of excitement I felt when I first saw the previous class. It was like now I couldn't be much bothered to know everyone in the class. The class now just doesn't feel as close, as genki or as spontaneous than what we had. Perhaps cus we had Owen who was super genki then and the rest of the people who were equally funny. But now, I just miss my old class, my teachers, the familar seats, the familar way we greet each other in the morning, fight over switching the heater, the windows... Even the times where we will climb out of the window to the balcony to have lunch together in a group.
Perhaps it is just because it is a new sem and I had too much fun with my previous class. Or maybe it is just too difficult to make new friends, get really close to them and then having them leave to go home. In any case, I still hope I will have fun with the new class...
But one thing I am happy about is the new electives. Among the academic ones I chosen, there is a Japanese cuisine class! Very happy about that. can't wait for it to start!!
Ok... going Nagoya to shop with the girls tom again... hope that will cheer me up considerably. But of course, I have a long weekend. Monday is a holiday in Japan.. going to sleep in probably.. or do something... Something I have been thinking about. Wait for me to update in my blog! =)
Stephy, my dear comrade is still in my class =) Such a coincidence. Did I mention she was also in my primary school and in my Pri. 3 class? Yes, that is how far our history goes back to. Well, Owen and Reko is still in the same class as us while the rest of the class consisted of 3 new students and some others from other classes previously.
Basically we did the same things we did previously. Almost the same... the orientation, the goals for the class and then we got into groups to do self-introduction and finally the board. Yes, remember that? the fateful one (different questions though) which got me introduced to Owen and Shaggy in the previous sem.
Somehow... somehow something seems a little wrong. As I was telling Steph and Grace during lunch just now, I am not in a bad mood or what. In fact I feel hopeful and even looking forward to achieving some of the things I wanna do in the new year. But then, when I entered the class, I couldn't feel the sense of excitement I felt when I first saw the previous class. It was like now I couldn't be much bothered to know everyone in the class. The class now just doesn't feel as close, as genki or as spontaneous than what we had. Perhaps cus we had Owen who was super genki then and the rest of the people who were equally funny. But now, I just miss my old class, my teachers, the familar seats, the familar way we greet each other in the morning, fight over switching the heater, the windows... Even the times where we will climb out of the window to the balcony to have lunch together in a group.
Perhaps it is just because it is a new sem and I had too much fun with my previous class. Or maybe it is just too difficult to make new friends, get really close to them and then having them leave to go home. In any case, I still hope I will have fun with the new class...
But one thing I am happy about is the new electives. Among the academic ones I chosen, there is a Japanese cuisine class! Very happy about that. can't wait for it to start!!
Ok... going Nagoya to shop with the girls tom again... hope that will cheer me up considerably. But of course, I have a long weekend. Monday is a holiday in Japan.. going to sleep in probably.. or do something... Something I have been thinking about. Wait for me to update in my blog! =)
1.05.2005
Ohi sashi Buri...
It means “long time no see” in Japanese. Welcome back to Queen of my Heart after a long 2 weeks break. How are all my readers doing? Happy 2005 to all!
Well it is a long break because of several reasons. Firstly, there are simply no interesting events after the Christmas party. I was basically stuck at home cleaning. Until my friend Carolyn came from Tokyo. (She’s my sec school friend as well as NUS classmate) We were then too busy traveling around to get to updating our blogs. Finally when I did want to post something, the internet server was down in my residence. And then the worst thing happened to me. The system had some error and completely shut down before I could post my completed long blog. Yes. Completed. This is hence the 2nd copy you are reading. However, quality will not be compromised as usual. Hiak.. Anyway I was really glad to see Carol and the interesting changes I notice in her. I shan’t publicly write it here for fear of her slamming me for mentioning it again and again. But note, I entertain queries through my personal mail. =p
The first few we basically cycled round Okazaki, went to the castle the park which had a mini zoo. Yes, we met this really kind uncle at the pet shop who has kindly gave us 4 packs of dog food which he said we can use to feed the ducks. Of course, we had a hard time trying to get rid of the food nevertheless. The ducks are smarter nowadays. They don’t eat everything. I can’t say the same for the swans though.
Well it is a long break because of several reasons. Firstly, there are simply no interesting events after the Christmas party. I was basically stuck at home cleaning. Until my friend Carolyn came from Tokyo. (She’s my sec school friend as well as NUS classmate) We were then too busy traveling around to get to updating our blogs. Finally when I did want to post something, the internet server was down in my residence. And then the worst thing happened to me. The system had some error and completely shut down before I could post my completed long blog. Yes. Completed. This is hence the 2nd copy you are reading. However, quality will not be compromised as usual. Hiak.. Anyway I was really glad to see Carol and the interesting changes I notice in her. I shan’t publicly write it here for fear of her slamming me for mentioning it again and again. But note, I entertain queries through my personal mail. =p
The first few we basically cycled round Okazaki, went to the castle the park which had a mini zoo. Yes, we met this really kind uncle at the pet shop who has kindly gave us 4 packs of dog food which he said we can use to feed the ducks. Of course, we had a hard time trying to get rid of the food nevertheless. The ducks are smarter nowadays. They don’t eat everything. I can’t say the same for the swans though.
Me feeding the hungry fowl…
Carol Relaxing under the clear Blue sky…
Anyway we had wanted to go Hiroshima to visit my host family and then Kyushu. It was too eh… ambitious, yes as carol puts it aptly. Cus we wanted to travel by the normal trains not bullet train. So instead we decided to go Ise Jingu anyway. For those who don’t know. Ise Jinggu is THE shrine. It is the shrines of all shrines in Japan. It is supposedly the most sacred of all… For instance, there are 2 shrines, the outer and inner. Which to reach the inner shrine, you have to hike 4km. The inner shrine is apparently so sacred that only the emperor can go in. And that is only after a few days of cleansing rites and purifying ceremonies. (Am I right Carol?) They also rebuilt the shrine every 20 yrs. Yes, no mistake about that. The moving of the sacred items in the shrine is only done in the dark at night, behind doors and bolts of cloth covering the people involved.
Anyway it snowed on the day we left home to go Ise! It was really very good to see the white flakes. They were just so pretty.
Ok finally reached Ise after 3 hours or so. It was freezing I assure you. So much so that I couldn’t move much with my teeth chattering vigorously. Had to drag Carol into this Soba/Udon store to eat something hot.
Anyway it snowed on the day we left home to go Ise! It was really very good to see the white flakes. They were just so pretty.
Ok finally reached Ise after 3 hours or so. It was freezing I assure you. So much so that I couldn’t move much with my teeth chattering vigorously. Had to drag Carol into this Soba/Udon store to eat something hot.
My last meal in 2004, A sumptuous treat from Carol!
Ise Shrine, as the reputation is, was filled with people. It was yes mountain people mountain sea. There were bonfires every where and according to the tradition, people would go there with their familes, bring mochi, a kind of food and roast in under the bonfires then eat it together. Though Carol and I din bring any, we got to eat it with compliments from some friendly Japanese ladies we met. In fact, it is good to be a foreigner at times. The Japanese are usually very friendly and accommodating towards us. Like the pet shop uncle mentioned above, the Japanese… Oh I even got a free grill fish at this shop outside the shrine. Though I suspected the uncle used me as a publicity cus he called out to me in front of all his customers. ( I was taking pics and he probably figured I was a tourist) It was not bad too, he removed all the bones for me as well.. hee hee.. But well, we had our fair share of stares at times too. When we were in the shrine, there were so many instances where people would turn to look at us when we spoke in English. This particular guy, he turned around to look at us when we were queuing up for the bus. He even pretended to look elsewhere. Please mister, it was so obvious you were looking at us. So obvious that carol and I just burst out laughing in unison at him.
People roasting their mochi by the fire…
The free fish!
Anyway, we went by a mini party hosted by the locals. Got lots of free food again, and even a pack of rice by playing a game! Was nearly called up the stage to give a speech cus we are foreigners again…
Someone imitating Matsu ken San…
We went to the Futami the next day. In English, the husband and wife rocks. Since it was near the sea, it was super windy and at one point, Carol exclaims excitedly, “ Hey this feels like Sekai No Chushin De Ai O Sakebu”. The English name being “Shouting Love in the Centre of the World”. Happens to be a touching Japanese movie we just watched together a few days ago. Got me crying and crying… Carol claims that she did not, just felt it was sad… gulps..
Yes this is what all Japanese hang on their doors on New Year
Sekai No Chushin de Ai o Sakebu
Futami
Ok, we went back to Okazaki in the evening, played with some sparklers with Steph and then set off to Shizuoka the next day.
First day was just normal… walked about. Second day, took a 2 hours bus ride into the mountains to the hot spring hotel. It just snowed so the whole place was snowed cap. Really amazing. The air was much fresher and also much colder of course.
The hot spring really works wonders. Removed all the aches in our bodies. The outdoor hot spring offers a pretty magnificent view too. You can the snow and mountains in the day and then at night, a sky full of stars. It was simply relaxing. So much so that, everytime after our hotspring session, we would feel like going to sleep. Yes, no wonder people go to lengths to go mountains for hot springs.
Ok… basically that is the summary of what we did…enjoy the photos!
First day was just normal… walked about. Second day, took a 2 hours bus ride into the mountains to the hot spring hotel. It just snowed so the whole place was snowed cap. Really amazing. The air was much fresher and also much colder of course.
The hot spring really works wonders. Removed all the aches in our bodies. The outdoor hot spring offers a pretty magnificent view too. You can the snow and mountains in the day and then at night, a sky full of stars. It was simply relaxing. So much so that, everytime after our hotspring session, we would feel like going to sleep. Yes, no wonder people go to lengths to go mountains for hot springs.
Ok… basically that is the summary of what we did…enjoy the photos!
Squating… Flying… in the pure white snow! Estatic!
Our Shu nu-sleepy-sipping green tea pose…
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