Song??

Have been very busy these few nights... Not with studying. But singing...

Yes, singing. Don't be mistaken it's not some Karaoke I have entered into but a mini performance for the school's speech compeition next week.

Well... it happens that one of my friends was asked by the teacher to play guitar as one of the performances besides the speeches to be given by the representatives of each class. He didn't really want to do a solo so another friend suggested forming a small group to sing while he play something. So well, then my friend approached me to join them as we go to KTV regularly. Initially I was pretty reluctant cause well I didn't really want to go on stage but just to sit comfortably off stage to view the whole speech contest. But well it's a long story in between but in the end, still reluctantly, I agreed to join them.

Really, the songs were not that difficult but in Japanese?? It's all a different story... And even when the compeition is a few days away, I think we are still pretty ill-prepared. But ok, look on the bright side. It's just for fun and just to enjoy the process of the whole thing. It has been pretty fun so far though with all the practices every night.

We'll see if the whole performance turns out well anyway. Cheers to it!

CNY eve

wooh... it's CNY eve. I almost forgot about it if not for the reminder from my classmates. Yeah.. it nearly slipped past me because I never have to remember it anyway. Who needs to remember it is CNY when the same music blasts in unison in every different departmental store, pineapple tarts in red tins flooding every shell of NTUC.

Anyway it is... I would probably say refreshing way to spend New Year? Sure I missed the nig celebrations back home. I would even envision my family, plus cousins who are crowing over the steamboat pot now. According to my mum when I spoke to her last week, she is making Sukiyaki this yr. grr... Sukiyaki when I am away!!

ok anyway.... today I did something on my own which I am pretty pleased with. a secret though. just wanna share that I cleared many things I have on my mind. It's a new year. So live a new and happier mind!

Ok... just for laughs. Yesterday Owen came over to chat and study with me. Well supposed to study but we chatted for 3 hours, while I buffed his nails. Yes!!! That vain pot Owen!! well anyway, I am not supposed to tell anyone in class before he does cus he wants them to notice them themselves.... alright.. Yeah anyway, we din study much cus after that we watched "Ai No Ri" a Japanese reality show... followed by another hour of chatting.... tt's y I am really sleepy today. sigh.. Anyway we got really bo liao, decided to help each write names on our hands and take a picture of it. As Owen puts it, good moments must be captured!

ok Happy Chinese New Year folks! Best wishes and in the New Year, continue to pursue ur dreams!!

Miso Katsu

Ahh.... it was a lazy saturday afternoon yesterday... Partied till wee hours in the morning and I thought it will just be a perfect day to relax at home, have a good sleep and then wake up to do some stuff. So I did! I woke up at 9am, relax, talk on the phone with a friend and then.... went back to sleep again... hee

Anyway, my HK friend Man Yee asked me out in the evening for dinner with her Japanese friends, Reka and Chris (both Yamasa's students too) For the first time here, *ahem* I didn't have to go out in the cold with my bike. Her friend came to pick me up from my house and we went off to have Miso Katsu (Miso sauce with pork cutlet) at a restaurant nearby.

We had a really great time eating. The 2 Japanese girls were really very cute and yeah friendly! We had a good time just chatting and talking about the students and teachers in Yamasa cus they attended a party by Yamasa before. One of the girls even thought my "form teacher" Kurita Sensei was very cute. For a minimum fee, I told her I will help her ask if he is attached... haa

Ok anyway, after that, they drove us to a game centre and we started playing some video games. But well, the real tiring activity was the photo stickers we took. Took a long time cus we could take many many shots then choose a few eventually. After that, we took a long time decorating the pictures too. Wooh.... by the time we were done, it was about 10pm. We spent a hour plus on that alone?? Unbelievable...

But well, it was really fun and I am glad that I was able to know some Japanese. They know I like Karaoke so probably next week or so, we might be going to KTV!! Or they are going to bring us to go and see some festival at a shrine some distance away. Looking forward to it!

Some photos we took...

From left: Mika, Mio and Me!

The whole group of us...

Our super-1 hour-neoprints session. At the end of it, Mio was so tired that she lamented that it was as if we did some sports...

Some photos

Ok... some of the photos I took this week.

Snowing. Outside my apartment.

Owen doing acrobats on my bed...

The girls in my room! (Man Yee, me and Grace)

At the bar... playing around

From Left: (Me, Anil, Aymeric and Man Yee)

Yes... a little note. Aymeric is the french boy sitting beside me and we absolutely adores him! He is just like a small boy and he is super cute. Turns red easily.

The 3 musketeers... (Anil, Owen and Aymeric)

Party my ass off day!

Party my ass off day!

yeah.... friday finally came after a long week of school and confusing sentence structures to study. Esp during the last period of the day, we were doing some form of revision and trust me, that was really taking a toll on all our brains. For me at least, I was just wasting the minutes away waiting for the clock to strike 1.30pm...

Finally it did! ahhhh I was really kinda desperate to get home for a rest. But anyway haven't mention it in my blog. I lost my bike abt 1 month ago when I went Jusco with Carol who was here for a visit. And yes Carol chan, my bike is found!!!! Some kind soul brought it to the school. Probably saw the school's sticker on the bike. I have 2 bikes now! YAya!!

Anyway got home and slack for a while... and then my classmate Reko came to ask me if I wanna go to the supermarket near Minami Park which she has been talking about for a long time. Well sure why not since I have time.

So ok... went to shop a bit here and there... and finally found pork ribs to go with my bak ku teh herbs which my friends and family sent over. The supermarket is really pretty big, and also not too expensive. Can consider going there if I got time again. Ok was shopping happily with Reko when I got a call from Owen who asked me where I was. Since I was busy, told him I will call him back again when I am done.

At last we finished buying our stuff and then I went over to Owen's house cus it was just opposite. No problems finding my way up cus he took me to his house last week too. But... that idiot was sleeping! And I had to call him 3 times before he woke up. Even after he let me in to his apartment, he refused to get up from it. WOoh... only after an hour of pulling and tugging before he relented and got up.

After dinner, we still did not have any plans what to do that night. So he suggested going over to my house first to gather since it was the nearest. And yes, we were getting calls from miss grace every 10 mins for the plan. haaa ok so got to my hse and called eveyone who is available. After the first round of like drinks, we thought why not pop over to the student's bar.

and we did... arrived at about 11.30pm and the bar was crowded. managed to find some seats though. for a while, Man Yee (a HK girl) and I just chatted, then well, after a while, people just started gathering around us. Some friends an friends of friends... so anyway it was great, we all introduced ourselves.

As the night went by, more and more people left but then we were getting more high.. hee.. ANd that is when I discovered Man Yee and I had lots in common. We were chatting and the more we chat, the more awake we are while the others are just dancing and drinking away. We joined in once in a while here and there but really, it was just so comfortable sitting at the counter.

And... we partied till 3.30am! I really truly had a great time there. Probably cus it was mainly students from school and mostly people you know or at least seen before in school. I promised some of the people I will be back again next week. Hopefully I can live up to the promise!

photos from Ski!

Finally photos from Ski trip. Enjoy!

The scene outside the window...

That's me in front of the snow covered walkway to the ryokan. Snow still falling...

The cars all covered by the snow


Me! Getting geared up to ski soon.


Steph and I. We were demonstrating the right way to fall.. ahem..

The Ski ground... isn't it beautiful??

Unexpected appearances...The food gone in a flash....

Unexpected appearances...The food gone in a flash....

I was really happy to see a big parcel for me coming from my family. I knew it contained the many New Year goodies I have been yearning for! Pineapple tarts, peanut cookies... And viola! It got here on tuesday morning. And really, I planned to share with the class and teachers. Or at least, my latest plan was to probably share with the chinese students here. Yeah... just playing with thoughts when...

My classmate Owen turned up unexpected yesterday afternoon. He went gym with another of ex-classmate, Jan next door and then decided to come and call on me. Ok, I let him in and of course the food couldn't escape his eyes. So we thought ok since you are already eating, might as well get Jan too. So Jan joined in the makan session with pipping hot tea.

10 mins later, just as tea was made, ready to eat. The door bell ranged again. It was Reko, another classmate who stays upstairs. She wanted to pass me a magazine and ask me something. Seeing the 2 guys in there, she decided to come in for a bite too. Till now, 4 people are in my room.

Lots of chatting... jokes flying around the room for not more than 10 mins? Clark passed by my window. He's an American born Taiwanese staying beside Jan. Ok since he saw us so we got him in too... By this time, the room was a little chaotic.. crumbs flying... languages.. Japanese, English, Chinese all in the air... And i was walking up and down getthing this and that.

Ah... just as I was about to make myself comfortable. The door beside me slammed open. Oh that's Anna my neighbour. And we got to ask her cus she saw me with the parcel the day before and I promised her some of it. Ok we just shouted for Anna to come from my room. Jan did actually. So Anna came over, with her friend Franchesco with is here for a holiday, with a bottle of wine.

Wooh.... now it is really crowded in the room. Everywhere there someone sitting there. Jan and Owen went to get some beer and there they partied in my room...

Up to a certain point in time actually I felt really tired. I just came home after meeting a Japanese girl whom I met in church and then it was people in my room all the way till 9pm. WOoh...

The food... was gone just like this.... ah.... delicious pineapple tarts!

Test tom...

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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...

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! =)

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.

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.

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!

Squating… Flying… in the pure white snow! Estatic!

Our Shu nu-sleepy-sipping green tea pose…

Christmas Party

Wooh... had a great time celebrating Christmas yesterday... really made up for the sadness I felt for the past few days with people leaving me.

The party was held at Mi-chan's (a Korean lady) house which is like twice bigger than any normal rooms every Yamasa's student was staying at. Well.. after all her company pays for everything she is using now and naturally her things are in better shape than ours. And she sleeps on a proper thick mattress! Envy Evny... haa ok lah, I am pretty use to futons by now.

Anyway, I know about only half of the people the party because most of them are from Mi's class. I kinda know them by their face but not personally. But no worries, we did a quick round of introduction. And really, I can't help but be amazed at how each of us from very different countries, cultures and even continents can come together to learn a common language and even just the simple fact to know each other. This is really one of the most fantastic thing about goig overseas, you get to know more people and cultures all over the world.

Ok, as everyone turned up promptly at Mi's house, we started our first activity of the day. Making dumplings! Yeah, Korean style. (though I think it is very similar to chinese style) But anyway in the end, it was "free style" as cindy promptly puts it. Everyone just kinda wrapped them in any shape they fancy. The finish work was really interesting. There were flat ones, triangular ones, round ones.... super big or super small...

After that was pigging out! Ate until I couldn't move... ah.. and the dumplings were super delicious. No doubt about that.

We had gift exchange next. I got this really great present from Kya-na (Mi's Korean friend). There were 2 beautiful clay pots and a dish for aromatherapy. It comes with a candle and lavendar incense! I was pretty pleased with it. On top of that, must thank Cindy, Alyssa and Mi for buying presents for me too! Ahh.. went home with my hands full. Thanks girls! It was very thoughtful of you all.

Last activity of the day, we watched Polar Express together on Mi's laptop. It wasn't a fantastic show but then the mood was really right for christmas. I enjoyed it nevertheless!

Anyway think we had so much fun yesterday that Mi suggested another gathering before we all start school. Looking forward to it!

Kya-na in Action.. the dumpling Sensei!

Our queer looking dumplings...

The gifts!

A Merry Christmas posting...

Merry Christmas to all!

It's a beautiful morning here as I wake up to a sunny day with clear skies. Well, the weather is still a little too cold for me, my throat still itchy from the cold I caught last week but it is a great day nevertheless!

I got up and called home to wish my family Merry Christmas. Great to hear my mum's cheery voice over the phone. She told me they just had a party at one of my relatives place. So fun! Wish I was there too!

But anyway, it will not be a lonely christmas for me here. I will be going to a friend's house for party later. But of course the main reason for Christmas is not just about finding places to party or wondering what to buy as gifts or what to eat.

The real reason for Christmas is to remember again how Jesus came in flesh 2000 years ago. Born in a manger to be with us. He came with love, only to carry our sins on himself to the cross. As I was thinking about this last night, my heart became really warm again. The past few days hasn't been too great for me, as I have sort of mentioned in my blog. But I see there is no reason for me not to rejoice over Christ's triumph over death! Praise Be to Christ!

Ok... after Christmas I will be expecting Carol from Tokyo. From there, we will be going on a little adventure.. Going Hiroshima I think. But probably just on JR trains and no Shinkansen! It is always something I wanna try.... to just sit in trains for hours and travel like nobody's business. I am doing it!!!

WIll update u all on how it goes!

I need to pack my room badly...

I seriously need to pack my room now... it is in a horrid sight. A big mess.

Clothes strewn over one corner of the room, the other food from Singapore with compliments from my family and cousins who came over. The other, some things I brought back from the Osaka-Kyoto trip. Have to plan the trips I will be going after christmas... sigh seems like i got to do quite a few things...

Maybe becus I played and enjoyed so much these last few days that now I feel weird all over again being in Japan all by myself. Esp when Steph has gone on a trip and not here with me. I suddenly have no one to talk to. My classmates were very nice too. They somehow knew I am feeling sad inside me. Some of them somehow guessed it cus, well... so many people left me all of a sudden yesterday. Thanks to Grace who offered to go out with me this afternoon to cheer me up. She even treated me to a cake set meal at a local cafe. Arigatou!! I really appreciate how you guys are ging out of your way to cheer me up =) Feel so blessed all of a sudden again. I guess I will still feel the loss even for a while more, especially the times when I go home. But it will be over soon. Thank God for the convenience of internet and speedy mail services... of cus, web cams!

Ok better get to doing my things.. going Nagoya to buy some books tomorrow!

A day full of departures...

Dec 21 2004 marks a day full of departures...

Firstly, I sent my dad, brother and cousins to the airport first thing in the morning. We had a really fun week romping in Okazaki, Osaka and Kyoto. But all good things come to an end.. I wonder when will the next time we will meet again since I probably won't be back for Chinese New Year. Anyway, I was really pretty sad when they were queueing up to clear the customs... I just stood there beside the customs as I slowly saw their backs disappear...

Ok.. made my way back home and had a sleep... I was so tired from the trip especially when I was having cough and diarrhea for a few days.. ok... slept a while till 1pm. Then got up to do something for my friend who is leaving...

4pm: Suddenly got a phonecall from another to say that Shaggy is leaving Okazaki today! I got a shock cus I thought he was only leaving tomorrow. Turns out he was taking the train to Tokyo tonight so as to catch the early plane home tomorrow. Anyway, my friend said that Shaggy came to look for me but I wasn't in. Oh my god... I only went out for a mere 5 mins to look for someone... I really panic... cus I want to pass him something. I called another friend and told him to call Shaggy while I rush off to school. (heard he went there to say bye to the teachers)
Thank God before I hopped onto my bike, Shaggy called me so we arranged to meet in school. Told him I will be there in 5 mins. I really never cycled so fast in my whole life. I didn't even care if I will get into an accident, just wanted to be in school fast.

Ok side-track... but it was really quite funny when the people from the office was after him with a stack of bills and also he didn't cancel his phoneline. I smiled to myself. This is the Shaggy I always know, he would be stumped for an answer and then laughed out loud at his own silliness.

It wasn't really an emotional farewell but then I could feel the tears surging out. Thought we only knew each other for barely 3 months but he was really a nice friend and also was part of the numerous good memories I have of Okazaki. He is just someone I really like a lot and also treasure so much as a friend. Tears flowed down my cheeks when he gave me a hug. Sigh... really don't want to let go of him. Perhaps it is just the feeling of everyone leaving at one go... it feels really lousy. But of course he had to say good bye to other people so well had to let him go.

Ok... finally all the good byes and all his friends are gone. Only left both of us. Wanted to walk with him to the station but he insists that I go home. Says that he will be alone for the next few days so he will be alright. Another rush of fresh tears coming out. Ok... I bear with it. He promises he will come Singapore for a visit. I stand there in the cold for a few seconds as his back disappears into the dark. At this juncture, I feel really terrible inside me. It is like a very sad feeling to see him going off alone by himself. Regretted it. Should have insist on going to the station with him. I swallowed my tear. hiazz... he is gone.

I was walking slowly home when I got a call from Shaggy again. He wanted to pass his room keys to me. Ok.. I hop on my bike and went down to the station. One last look and last long hug from my dear friend. This is really the very last of him as we say our good byes and then one last photo taken of him till he finally goes to take the train.

I really hate this feeling... the feeling of seeing people leave. It really feels so bad especially when you don't know when is the next time you will see them again. Another friend of mine leaving to go Tokyo soon. Sighz... cannot take it...

To my dear friend Shaggy: Hey you said you will be reading my blog and writing down your comments. Remember to do so! I will surely miss you greatly. You better email me quick before I flood yours! Take good care and till then when I see you again.

Christmas Cookies Making Party

We had a christmas cookies making party yestersday and lots of fun exchanging presents and simply digging into the sumptous potluck. It is this early cus I will leaving for a short holiday with my family who is coming next week. After that Steph will be leaving...

Anyway look at some of my creation! Ok Cindy made half of it too...

Our little Park... Notice everything is in pairs??

Our names! Karen, Stephy and Cindy

The little bears we made!

Ok... obviously I ain't that good at making beautiful cookies. Just weird and funny looking ones. Hee... But anyway, I was beaten up by Alyssa yesterday for eating one of her cookies. Argghh... that hurts!

Ok..11 plus time to go home when Mi (oh... a Korean lady who join us too) Couldn't find her bicycle key. It was so funny when she told Cindy that she needed a knife (to cut the wire) and Cindy held up a jam knife, "This one ok" Both Mi and I was stunned for 3 seconds and we burst out laughing!! Jam knife to cut the chain?? See, that's Cindy, so blur and cute. Ok, fortunately we bumped into Brandon who was outside for a smoke, he lent her his extra bike. But of course, he had to pump it and all.

Ahh.. finally reach home. Was going past Shaggy's room when I saw a mysterious figure peering into his room thru the mailbox hole. Ah, it's Owen again. He is always doing weird things.. haa. He just finished a round of drinks with Jan and thus came to look for Shaggy. So 3 of us starting chatting for a while outside Shaggy's door and they ate some of my weird cookies. Both of them were laughing at how funny it turned out to be...

Was about to reach my door when I saw something sitting in front of it. It was a big soft toy and I got a shock. What is that thing doing there? Pick it up, no note, no name... Strange. Did anyone left it behind? Look around again, no one in sight. ?? I went to look for Shaggy and Owen and they told me it was from Jan. Strange.... but that thing is lying on my table now...

Ok... too tired to do anything... sleepzzz...