Hmm what do you think?
9.04.2006
8.31.2006
Just to illustrate
Just thought I'll write this down... some examples of what I mean by services not up to expectations or am I just being too demanding?
A company... I'll leave out the name ( but give obvious hint as to which one... hiak...) which introduced me to my current job ( see! that's very obvious right!)
This company have staff which is not very professional according to my standards.
I was actually quite pleased with them, or thought they were very efficient because they called me pretty quick after I submitted my resume online. They gave me a long-distance call despite the fact I was still in Japan then. They asked me about my date of return and told me they will call soon.
As they promised, they called me just 3 days I came back and found me my first job within 2 weeks I was back. So.. this current job is more like being shoved into my hands. I was just told to turn up for interview though I told them I would like some more time. Then the next thing I knew, I was asked for an interview by the prospective company and I begin working 3 days after that.
Fast and efficient right? Very good. They promptly replied my emails and calls till.... till I was happily settled in the company.
One fine day, I emailed my agent to ask him something regard the job ( since I was on the agency's payroll) and then he never replied. ( He did not just not reply. He never ever replied)
I got a call only 4 days later from his colleague who greeted me in this way. "You mean he never tell you he went on a business trip meh?"
Ignoring the bad English and manners. I replied no. Yup, I swallowed up the rest of the sentence. " Yes you are absolutely right. He didn't BOTHER to reply to me so I wouldn't have known his whereabouts. You see mdm, I am not his keeper." Anyway, she wasn't at all a help to the questions I had. fine..
Another fine morning, I received a msg on my phone. "Please call me immediately at this number 62XX-XXXX. Urgent."
What the heck... who in the early morning. No name, unidentified number. My mother has always told me to ignore strangers since young. I guess it extends to strangers on the handphone too. What rudeness. If you are urgently looking for me then have the decency to pick up the phone to call me. Or at least offer me your name.
Anyway it turned out to be the agent and the best thing was, it was nothing urgent.
The last incident ( or so I hope).
Their receptionist called me up one morning to tell me there was a mistake in the calculation, the amount they paid me ( note: she said there was a mistake and no more) was $10.10 more. and she said this," Can you come down to the office to give me back the money?"
I replied coldly, 3 words. " I am working."
She replied in her chripy voice " Oh is it? You are working in XX office right? Very near our office, can come here."
What kind of service is that. Hey look, you are the one who made the mistake. Instead of thinking of ways to rectify the problem, y0u are asking me to go to your office instead? Whｙ should I was my first reaction though I know it is not good to be so calculative. Besides anyway, she made a mistake, I wasn't at the office near hers.
Anyway, I checked my pay slip and found that there were no mistakes so I called her back to clarify the matter. and she replied, " If you look carefully, the 5 looks like 6 right? That's where the mistake came about." So she wrote the cheque wrongly, mistaking a 5 for a 6, after looking carefully.
I was really pissed by now ( I censored some other parts of the conversation, mostly on her lame excuses) so I replied " If you say so. because I LOOKED carefully and I see a 5. So you are telling me now it is not a calculation problem and YOU are the one who made the mistake? Is that what you are telling me now?"
ok... for those who think I am mean. Maybe I am. But then I not am against the girl nor the agent but their attitude. I think it is ok to make mistakes because we all do. But then, being in the service line especially, I think sincerely brings you further. WHen you make mistakes, admit and apologize. Nice humans out there ain't all that mean and demanding. You will make them more irritated when they discover they have been brought on a merry-go-round by you trying to shove the blame here and there.
So.. was I too mean?
A company... I'll leave out the name ( but give obvious hint as to which one... hiak...) which introduced me to my current job ( see! that's very obvious right!)
This company have staff which is not very professional according to my standards.
I was actually quite pleased with them, or thought they were very efficient because they called me pretty quick after I submitted my resume online. They gave me a long-distance call despite the fact I was still in Japan then. They asked me about my date of return and told me they will call soon.
As they promised, they called me just 3 days I came back and found me my first job within 2 weeks I was back. So.. this current job is more like being shoved into my hands. I was just told to turn up for interview though I told them I would like some more time. Then the next thing I knew, I was asked for an interview by the prospective company and I begin working 3 days after that.
Fast and efficient right? Very good. They promptly replied my emails and calls till.... till I was happily settled in the company.
One fine day, I emailed my agent to ask him something regard the job ( since I was on the agency's payroll) and then he never replied. ( He did not just not reply. He never ever replied)
I got a call only 4 days later from his colleague who greeted me in this way. "You mean he never tell you he went on a business trip meh?"
Ignoring the bad English and manners. I replied no. Yup, I swallowed up the rest of the sentence. " Yes you are absolutely right. He didn't BOTHER to reply to me so I wouldn't have known his whereabouts. You see mdm, I am not his keeper." Anyway, she wasn't at all a help to the questions I had. fine..
Another fine morning, I received a msg on my phone. "Please call me immediately at this number 62XX-XXXX. Urgent."
What the heck... who in the early morning. No name, unidentified number. My mother has always told me to ignore strangers since young. I guess it extends to strangers on the handphone too. What rudeness. If you are urgently looking for me then have the decency to pick up the phone to call me. Or at least offer me your name.
Anyway it turned out to be the agent and the best thing was, it was nothing urgent.
The last incident ( or so I hope).
Their receptionist called me up one morning to tell me there was a mistake in the calculation, the amount they paid me ( note: she said there was a mistake and no more) was $10.10 more. and she said this," Can you come down to the office to give me back the money?"
I replied coldly, 3 words. " I am working."
She replied in her chripy voice " Oh is it? You are working in XX office right? Very near our office, can come here."
What kind of service is that. Hey look, you are the one who made the mistake. Instead of thinking of ways to rectify the problem, y0u are asking me to go to your office instead? Whｙ should I was my first reaction though I know it is not good to be so calculative. Besides anyway, she made a mistake, I wasn't at the office near hers.
Anyway, I checked my pay slip and found that there were no mistakes so I called her back to clarify the matter. and she replied, " If you look carefully, the 5 looks like 6 right? That's where the mistake came about." So she wrote the cheque wrongly, mistaking a 5 for a 6, after looking carefully.
I was really pissed by now ( I censored some other parts of the conversation, mostly on her lame excuses) so I replied " If you say so. because I LOOKED carefully and I see a 5. So you are telling me now it is not a calculation problem and YOU are the one who made the mistake? Is that what you are telling me now?"
ok... for those who think I am mean. Maybe I am. But then I not am against the girl nor the agent but their attitude. I think it is ok to make mistakes because we all do. But then, being in the service line especially, I think sincerely brings you further. WHen you make mistakes, admit and apologize. Nice humans out there ain't all that mean and demanding. You will make them more irritated when they discover they have been brought on a merry-go-round by you trying to shove the blame here and there.
So.. was I too mean?
Impatient
I seriously think I am a very impatient person. No matter what I do, I always think and want to see results quick. Is that why I always give up half-way?
When I was young, my mum is always skeptical about letting me learn new things. I remember how I would always try to persuade her into letting me go for some classes. For eg, I went piano, dance, computer... I will always start by trying to convince her that I have longed possessed a life-long passion for that particular thing and by letting me go for classes, she might be the next star's mother...and I will go on and on till she relents. Actually, I know.. I think she knows I will probably give it up half-up but still, cherish the glint of hope that something good might come out of it.
I am even impatient when I am sick. I used to ask my mum "How come the medicine doesn't work!" 5 mins after I ate it. And my mum has to explain to me it is not a xian dan or ling yao
Then now that I am grown up, I am still impatient. As people who are late for appointments, service people who don't meet up expectations. Even computer systems can piss me off big time.
What can I do to slow down my pace a little?... feel so unsettled and fidgety
When I was young, my mum is always skeptical about letting me learn new things. I remember how I would always try to persuade her into letting me go for some classes. For eg, I went piano, dance, computer... I will always start by trying to convince her that I have longed possessed a life-long passion for that particular thing and by letting me go for classes, she might be the next star's mother...and I will go on and on till she relents. Actually, I know.. I think she knows I will probably give it up half-up but still, cherish the glint of hope that something good might come out of it.
I am even impatient when I am sick. I used to ask my mum "How come the medicine doesn't work!" 5 mins after I ate it. And my mum has to explain to me it is not a xian dan or ling yao
Then now that I am grown up, I am still impatient. As people who are late for appointments, service people who don't meet up expectations. Even computer systems can piss me off big time.
What can I do to slow down my pace a little?... feel so unsettled and fidgety
8.29.2006
God will make a way when there seems to be no way...
This morning as I was getting ready for work, suddenly a song came to my mind.
God will make a way, when there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
God really knows how each and everyone of us feels and thinks. And He wants us to know He cares and is also troubling alongside with us. For people who have been talking to me, knows that I have been troubling over some issues recently and I am glad God's reminder came as sweet assurance to me this morning.
Althought it still takes some time to completely put everything in His hands, I know now I am not troubling alone and indeed with it seems all impossible and the future looks bleak, God will make a way.
God will make a way, when there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
God really knows how each and everyone of us feels and thinks. And He wants us to know He cares and is also troubling alongside with us. For people who have been talking to me, knows that I have been troubling over some issues recently and I am glad God's reminder came as sweet assurance to me this morning.
Althought it still takes some time to completely put everything in His hands, I know now I am not troubling alone and indeed with it seems all impossible and the future looks bleak, God will make a way.
8.02.2006
Last attempt at storming Tokyo
First installament of Tokyo storming.
Time: A few days before my grand entrance back to Singapore
Venue: Tokyo, to be more precise, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya
Main characters: Me (but of course!), Chou ( the first part and the last part), So-kun ( middle and last part) and the others....
Ok... so a few days before exiting Japan, Chou and I decided to make our last attempt to do last minute shopping in Tokyo. Ok, it was more of my idea. She wanted to go Osaka at first but she couldn't resist the temptation of a Disney land cum sea closure so she chose to go Tokyo with me.
However, since we only had 3 short days, we had to be very strict. We needed a fool-proof plan... btw, just a side note, sometimes i am just so amazed how chou manages her time. We took private lessons together for the whole of a 2 months period and she was NEVER on time! Her record was to be late for 2 hours on a day our lesson started at 12.40pm. She woke up at 1pm and took another hour to make up. But then, she always makes it on time for our trips. AMazing uh. So i call this selective punctuality. or selective impunctuality.
And our plan was...
no plans. Just take us to where our desires lead. ( sounds so worldly.. gosh.)
Ok, so reached Tokyo on the first train and we bumped in a gang of sumos! ( i dunno which collective noun to used because sumos never appeared in our textbooks before)
and I mustered up my courage to ask for a photo! the funny thing was they were stlil smilling and laughing before that. but they immediately turn very stern when I approached. I guess they have a professional image to upkeep uh.
Ok then we went on our separate ways and I went to meet So kun in Harajuku. We didn't take any pictures nor will he appear in this blog because we have taken too many pictures together before. So no special need to take anymore.. . but I met someone!!!
For those who have been in Japan catching the reality show "Ainori" you will realised that this Hero, is no other than Hide!! who has on the show for like 1.5 years? 17 countries. Details of the show pls wait for another entry. Will come soon uh..
Ok.. after the Hide craze.. I mean, really I was excited. I was estactic. I wasn't hysteric though. I have been catching the show since day one I started watching it and acutally I was pretty lucky. The previous time I went Harajuku I also bumped into some other Ainori participants.
I
I think I was a bit too nervous to smile properly. I was nervous becus of So's poor photography skills. He has proven track record. I did not malign him.
Anyway, for those who know So kun, He TREATED me to lunch! How cool is that! He gave me a TREAT!! haa... for the benefit of those who don't, So Kun is one of my best buddies in Japan. He is 30 but he is just like a kid always being bullied by me or sometimes the other way round. But we have always shared a very close friendship. Especially after some thing happened to both of us. Seen 2 people crying for each other? Everyone always thinks he is very petty with money and he also acts like he does by how he scramb;es from one market to the other just to save like 100 yen ($1.40) but I know he isn't all like that. He saves on himself only to splurge on his friends.
Finally after a long walk together, we joined the others for dinner. ABout 8 of us. Some friends' friends, some ex- yamasa students...
Night... chou and I decided to stay overnight at a love hotel.. kekeke.. last time in tokyo so needed some excitment. uh hem...
Love hotels in Japan is well as the name suggested bascially for couples to stay in for a few hours or overnight. I heard that love hotels used to be more bold and flamboyant but in recent years, they have toned down a little because it wasn't reflecting very well on Japan to have such a "attention-seeking" red-light industry. It is still thematic though less of its former glory. I heard those in Osaka are more fun though.
Ok, basically it works like this. You enter the hotel without having to see any staff or receptionist. The photos of each room is being flashed on a board with buttons beside. And you get to choose any room that is available by the push of a button. Side note, I realised the hotel has lots of entrances and exits. Probably to facilitate easy escape in the case of being caught in the act.
Then you enter the room and realised that the doors can't be locked until you swiped your credit card against this machine on the wall. The money is not paid yet and it is only then you come to another realisation. The door can't be opened until you swipe your card to pay again. So, once you go in you can't come out. The assumption is you won't need to go out for nothing again.
Anyway, I really recommend love hotels for budget travellers. It is nowhere cheesy but really spick and span. The basins and floors were gleaming bright. Tubs big enough to accomodate 2 and comes with a massage jacuzzi. But of course it depends on each room though. We each only paid about 4000 yen each. Mind you, this gives you only a budget hotel room in Tokyo but we got a really good bargain I would say. The bath room even came with disco lights. cool combi.
Ok.. last on my list. Did I mention I was in Shinjuku's red-light district Kabuki cho? Hmm.. I must admit it is not exactly the safetest place to be but well, as long as you don't hang out in the middle of the night I guess it is ok. I went there to check out the host clubs. ( guys cabaret). Don't why but recently hosts clubs seems to be so popular that the documentary show on them are so often seen on TV.. and yes, all hosts looked the same to me. ( (I mean clothes and style) . They are so easier recognisable. Long, stinted, set-hair with suits. See the bill boards and you will get what I mean..
Another Ainori participant, Autoro's dentist.
The array of host club pictures. Welcome to Shinjuku Kabuki Cho!
Anyway, for those who know So kun, He TREATED me to lunch! How cool is that! He gave me a TREAT!! haa... for the benefit of those who don't, So Kun is one of my best buddies in Japan. He is 30 but he is just like a kid always being bullied by me or sometimes the other way round. But we have always shared a very close friendship. Especially after some thing happened to both of us. Seen 2 people crying for each other? Everyone always thinks he is very petty with money and he also acts like he does by how he scramb;es from one market to the other just to save like 100 yen ($1.40) but I know he isn't all like that. He saves on himself only to splurge on his friends.
Finally after a long walk together, we joined the others for dinner. ABout 8 of us. Some friends' friends, some ex- yamasa students...
Night... chou and I decided to stay overnight at a love hotel.. kekeke.. last time in tokyo so needed some excitment. uh hem...
Love hotels in Japan is well as the name suggested bascially for couples to stay in for a few hours or overnight. I heard that love hotels used to be more bold and flamboyant but in recent years, they have toned down a little because it wasn't reflecting very well on Japan to have such a "attention-seeking" red-light industry. It is still thematic though less of its former glory. I heard those in Osaka are more fun though.
Ok, basically it works like this. You enter the hotel without having to see any staff or receptionist. The photos of each room is being flashed on a board with buttons beside. And you get to choose any room that is available by the push of a button. Side note, I realised the hotel has lots of entrances and exits. Probably to facilitate easy escape in the case of being caught in the act.
Then you enter the room and realised that the doors can't be locked until you swiped your credit card against this machine on the wall. The money is not paid yet and it is only then you come to another realisation. The door can't be opened until you swipe your card to pay again. So, once you go in you can't come out. The assumption is you won't need to go out for nothing again.
Anyway, I really recommend love hotels for budget travellers. It is nowhere cheesy but really spick and span. The basins and floors were gleaming bright. Tubs big enough to accomodate 2 and comes with a massage jacuzzi. But of course it depends on each room though. We each only paid about 4000 yen each. Mind you, this gives you only a budget hotel room in Tokyo but we got a really good bargain I would say. The bath room even came with disco lights. cool combi.
Ok.. last on my list. Did I mention I was in Shinjuku's red-light district Kabuki cho? Hmm.. I must admit it is not exactly the safetest place to be but well, as long as you don't hang out in the middle of the night I guess it is ok. I went there to check out the host clubs. ( guys cabaret). Don't why but recently hosts clubs seems to be so popular that the documentary show on them are so often seen on TV.. and yes, all hosts looked the same to me. ( (I mean clothes and style) . They are so easier recognisable. Long, stinted, set-hair with suits. See the bill boards and you will get what I mean..
Another Ainori participant, Autoro's dentist.The array of host club pictures. Welcome to Shinjuku Kabuki Cho!
...
Don't know what's up with me these few days. Played too much over the weekend at genting?... hmmm anyway, i am suffering from what you call, Tou zhong jiao qing or head heavy feet light. I kept feeling giddy and even puked at home twice yesterday. Thank God there wasn't much work on Monday because the IT side is making some changes to the server and my Sup allowed me to go home earlier. But then a 2 hr nap didn't helped as well and I ended up paying $50 plus to see a doctor because I only decided to go there after 9.30pm. Doctors really know how to suck hard-earned money from poor OLs like me.. just a less than 3 min consulation and I see my blue bill flying into his register.
Well anyway, today has been a busy day at work. Though I will have OT but then, managed to clear the stuff pretty fast. Anyway, there was so many mistakes in the order that I had to keep emailing the Japanese. But good in the sense cus I got to practise my Kanji as I had to type many addresses.
I need more sleep I guess.. more more more..
anyway, I got an email from a friend in Japan. She was complaining to me about this common gu friend we know who is so zong se qing you. Sigh sigh... I was guo lai ren loh.. I already too used to his pattern that actually I just kinda drifted away from him. But then now another complaint. seems like I am not the only one. My advice to all you out there, Zong se qing you (putting your bf/gf above the interests of your friends and taking your friends for granted) is a dnagerous act. It is contagious too. Once one of your friends contract it, you will see it the disease spread unless you take some control of your own actions..
case closed.
Well anyway, today has been a busy day at work. Though I will have OT but then, managed to clear the stuff pretty fast. Anyway, there was so many mistakes in the order that I had to keep emailing the Japanese. But good in the sense cus I got to practise my Kanji as I had to type many addresses.
I need more sleep I guess.. more more more..
anyway, I got an email from a friend in Japan. She was complaining to me about this common gu friend we know who is so zong se qing you. Sigh sigh... I was guo lai ren loh.. I already too used to his pattern that actually I just kinda drifted away from him. But then now another complaint. seems like I am not the only one. My advice to all you out there, Zong se qing you (putting your bf/gf above the interests of your friends and taking your friends for granted) is a dnagerous act. It is contagious too. Once one of your friends contract it, you will see it the disease spread unless you take some control of your own actions..
case closed.
7.26.2006
My latest whereabouts
To dispel all rumours (again) on my whereabouts, here I am to clarify it. Acutally, I really got somemore to share about on my latest trip to Tokyo. But that can wait.
I am in....drumroll....
I am in....drumroll....
SINGAPORE!!
Ah hem.. why am I back? How long will I be back for?... yes, I see questions flying furiously towards me. In fact my family and friends and myself for the matter have been asking myself the same question.
I am actually already working now. But it will only be a contract job. Life in office has been so far so good. I am working in an American co. but in the Japanese dept. It sells softwares and online support. American companies are good and I like where I am in. I can wear whatever I want to work, ( my sup did warn me against bikinis though..), come into office at a flexible time, ( but well at least before 9.30) and then leave once I am done with work.
Japanese colleagues have been very kind so far. Teaching me very patiently despite their own tight schedules. Especially the Japanese girl sitting beside me. She has to answer to my every question and sometimes, I really admire her for her constant smile however tired she is. But you see, she is a Japanese. She might have received some training in smiling before...
Other than that, I have been actually crusing in office surfing the net, playing online games. even resorted to watching videos once when I was nearly dying from boredom. The work comes in once in a while tho...
Have met up with friends, relatives... cells.. more friends to come..
Japan. I am... well or maybe I should be back in Japan. As to when? You reading this will know again when the time comes. I shouldn't start any rumours again when I am trying to stop one.
Anything else more personal you wanna know? ASK ME PLS...
6.14.2006
Reunion with Mio
Mio, is the name of one of my private lesson teacher. I actually knew her about 1.5 years ago when I first came to Japan. She wasn't a teacher then. I met her through the introduction of a friend over dinner but then lost contact after that. But , what a coincidence to to have her as my teacher. This time round, we could communicate like 100 times better because well, my conversation skills have improved and we turn out to have much more in common than we know.
anyway, she invited me and another girl to her house for dinner last saturday and we had a great time!
Firstly, she stays in a house with a hundred-years history. Her house is what you can imagine seeing in a Japanese period drama (except for the kitchen which had been redone). It comes with a garden, sleeping quarters separated from the living room, tatami, sliding doors, wooden furniture... I was so awed by her house truly.
ok what we had for dinner:
anyway, she invited me and another girl to her house for dinner last saturday and we had a great time!
Firstly, she stays in a house with a hundred-years history. Her house is what you can imagine seeing in a Japanese period drama (except for the kitchen which had been redone). It comes with a garden, sleeping quarters separated from the living room, tatami, sliding doors, wooden furniture... I was so awed by her house truly.
ok what we had for dinner:
with compliments from Mio's mum: chou umakatta!!
Mio ( in the polo-Tee) and Chou making takoyaki
YUm yumzz!
5.23.2006
Visits and Visits...
It must had been a good time to visit Japan... from Mar to till, I have had 4 ex-classmates coming back to visit Okazaki. For various reasons though, some come here to meet others, some came here on the way to else where, some came here to simply party and eat. Hee.. but good good, it is all for the good for the otherwise boring and routine lifestyle we have here.
Here are some of the good memories when Bill came back!
Here are some of the good memories when Bill came back!
The present we made for him, consisted of all our good friends over time in Yamasa.
His sheepish look... but then really he was just trying to hide his hideous looking swollen lips.
All credits to Bill we got all of us a trip and treat to Matsuzaki Sensei's house for Yaki-Niku ( BBQ Meat)
ANd finally...
His signature expression! In Bill's world, all females talk in the same tone and have this expression when they are surprised, happy, overjoyed, shocked.... and the list goes on...
It was really fun to have him over in the few days. Bill... to me is a big brother and a good friend. He sprouts nonsense all the time but nonsense that holds its own wisdom and truth in it. And being here together for 1.5 yrs together, our friendship grew bit by bit but surely deeper each day. From just laughing at his senseless stints, I began to understand more of his thinking, his ideas and his way of life. He makes me feel comfortable and easy with him and even on skype after not meeting for some time, we can talk about the most mundane things under the sun, about his cat and etc... I can say we came a long way as friends! And, we will go on. Bill is a friend I will keep my whole life...
ANd next up, SO KUN!!! I am so looking forward to his visit!! This duo, is the unreplacable in our hearts =) Cheers to the boys!
5.21.2006
Spring in Japan with Dad and Mum
At the end of Mar, my parents came and we went to Tokyo, Hakone, Kobe, Himeji and Kyoto. So many places in mere 10 days right? Yes... tell me if you want to come to Japan to travel. After being here for nearly 2 years, I can tell you quite clearly what are the must-go, can-go, go-if-you-have-time and don't-go places... Mum was pretty happy as this is her first time and also seeing all the beautiful sakuras..
That is Dad under the sakura trees in Ueno Park, Tokyo
Asakusa's famous temple
And with my friends who came over to join us on the various days..
3 of us in Hakone..
and finally some sakuras up close!
A letter to the "me" 10 years later...
That will be in 2016, May 21st or Heisei 28 ( in the Japanese calendar)
What will I be like then? What have I become? Married? Single? Japan? Singapore? Other parts of the world? These are some questions I have for the me 10 years later...
Nope, I have not become poetic or mad all of a sudden. This is just part of the attraction in Meiji Mura ( Meji Village) which I visited with the family one of the kids I teach. Meiji mura is a place which showcases the Meji Restoration stuff, buildings where western ideas started entering Japan. So, the letter to the me 10 years later is just one of the services offered by the post office.
I sat on the old street car, horse carriage ( it is contrary to popular belief, super comfortable!), trains that ran on coal etc...
Went into the houses of popular Japanese writers like Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai...
Had an interesting experience. In order to experience what it was like in the meiji period because electric light became common, we were led into a room (more like a maze) totally without light. Meaning eyes shut or wide open makes zero difference. The kid I taught was simply terrified. The usual brat who loves to tease me all the time just held on to my hand so tightly and he kept calling out for me. Haaa.... but all in all we had a good time.
But of course, what eventually killed us was the weather. The hot sun was though very welcomed after a few days of rain, it also took away all our energy quickly. Thanks to the occassion snacks of drinks and ice-cream that kept us going to the end of the day. wooh!... Summer in Japan is terrifying!!
What will I be like then? What have I become? Married? Single? Japan? Singapore? Other parts of the world? These are some questions I have for the me 10 years later...
Nope, I have not become poetic or mad all of a sudden. This is just part of the attraction in Meiji Mura ( Meji Village) which I visited with the family one of the kids I teach. Meiji mura is a place which showcases the Meji Restoration stuff, buildings where western ideas started entering Japan. So, the letter to the me 10 years later is just one of the services offered by the post office.
I sat on the old street car, horse carriage ( it is contrary to popular belief, super comfortable!), trains that ran on coal etc...
Went into the houses of popular Japanese writers like Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai...
Had an interesting experience. In order to experience what it was like in the meiji period because electric light became common, we were led into a room (more like a maze) totally without light. Meaning eyes shut or wide open makes zero difference. The kid I taught was simply terrified. The usual brat who loves to tease me all the time just held on to my hand so tightly and he kept calling out for me. Haaa.... but all in all we had a good time.
But of course, what eventually killed us was the weather. The hot sun was though very welcomed after a few days of rain, it also took away all our energy quickly. Thanks to the occassion snacks of drinks and ice-cream that kept us going to the end of the day. wooh!... Summer in Japan is terrifying!!
5.20.2006
Okinawa!
I went to okinawa recently and here are some of the photos I took!
Okinawa... is part of Japan yet so different from the main island. It is moe like a tropical kingdom with its own history, unique culture, language, food and on top of that, even the people looks different. The only common they share with Honshu Japan is probably the passport.. But nevertheless, it is THE place to be in summer! And I got to swim for the very first time I am in Japan...
Okinawa... is part of Japan yet so different from the main island. It is moe like a tropical kingdom with its own history, unique culture, language, food and on top of that, even the people looks different. The only common they share with Honshu Japan is probably the passport.. But nevertheless, it is THE place to be in summer! And I got to swim for the very first time I am in Japan...
That is me in front of a minature, traditional ryukyu house (Ryuku is the older name for Okinawa)
Traditional Kimino( different from the usual Kimono we see right?)
The buffalo used to pull a machine that extracts sugarcane juice to make sugar
My friend and I near a mangrove...
Here come the beautiful beach and scenery!
4.17.2006
A long long time
Er hem.... I am back!
Took my a long time tho'... received lots of complaints and enquires about my un-updated blog. which I shall do up very soon... gimme some time uh?
Bascially to dispel all rumours as to my whereabous. I am currently still in Japan. Future plans? Still in the midst of seeing how things will go.. But bascially, I wil probably return to Singapore for a short period of time even if I find employment in Japan. But then even if I return to Singapore, I will still be back in Japan eventually ..
haaa tongue twisting? try again in the next post.
Took my a long time tho'... received lots of complaints and enquires about my un-updated blog. which I shall do up very soon... gimme some time uh?
Bascially to dispel all rumours as to my whereabous. I am currently still in Japan. Future plans? Still in the midst of seeing how things will go.. But bascially, I wil probably return to Singapore for a short period of time even if I find employment in Japan. But then even if I return to Singapore, I will still be back in Japan eventually ..
haaa tongue twisting? try again in the next post.
1.14.2006
Final Installment of the Trilogy Takayama
Yes, I am going to be very lazy to skip the 2nd day but make up for it to talk about the final day. As all final episodes should usually be, it marks the climax and the climatic ending of our trip. Relax... there will not be any cliff-hangers nor cliche endings...
On the last day, in fact the evening of the 2nd day, we trodded to our 3rd and final destination "Shirakawa-go" or White river village translating it directly from its Japanese name. Like I mentioned way before in the first installment, we got more snow than we ever bargained. In fact as many of you already know, this is the coldest winter in Japan in more than 20 years, with numerous places snowing like crazy. Even before we departed, it was already reported on news the snow fall in Shirakawa-go was hovering around 2 metres. But still, to a bunch of kids who were raised in tropical islands, it was just a mere number.
It was .... snowing.... snowed like crazy. The scene before my eyes then was just beyond words. Snow was falling everywhere, we couldn't see what was in front of us, shops were closed.. Imagine heavy rainfall, only it was snow. And with snow avalanches possible, we were forced to end our trip earlier to make our way down the mountain as soon as possible.
On the last day, in fact the evening of the 2nd day, we trodded to our 3rd and final destination "Shirakawa-go" or White river village translating it directly from its Japanese name. Like I mentioned way before in the first installment, we got more snow than we ever bargained. In fact as many of you already know, this is the coldest winter in Japan in more than 20 years, with numerous places snowing like crazy. Even before we departed, it was already reported on news the snow fall in Shirakawa-go was hovering around 2 metres. But still, to a bunch of kids who were raised in tropical islands, it was just a mere number.
It was .... snowing.... snowed like crazy. The scene before my eyes then was just beyond words. Snow was falling everywhere, we couldn't see what was in front of us, shops were closed.. Imagine heavy rainfall, only it was snow. And with snow avalanches possible, we were forced to end our trip earlier to make our way down the mountain as soon as possible.
Still in the mood for a picture in the snow then...
But... nothing can stop yours truly from posing for a nice shot!
And then evidence of us running for our lives to the bus terminal
Look how the whole bridge is covered with snow
And me not forgetting to turn around for a final pose...
Being on the bus doesn't mean we were safe from the snow... One of the wheels of the bus was stuck in the snow while the driver was giving way to another on-coming vehicle. That cost us an extra hour. To cut the story short, we left shirakawa-g0 at about 1pm and only got home at 12am in the morning. A normal 4-5 hours trip took us 11 hours...
You still the love the snow? Ask the guy who went along with us, he hates it now.. haaa
Extras:
The food we bought as souvenirs turned into lunch and then dinner
And Hello Kitty from Hida! I didn't bought it tho'. It was from my friend as a surprise for me =) He bought a doraemon for himself tho'. Hmm guys collecting doraemon...
Continuation...
Ok part 2 of my Takayama trip...
So where was I after making all of you drool looking at the pictures of the Hida beef?..
Well Takayama's basically a pretty small and old part of Japan similar to that of Kyoto. It boasts a number of traditonal shops be it food, trade or art. The snow though made walking difficult, also enhanced the beauty of the streets.
So where was I after making all of you drool looking at the pictures of the Hida beef?..
Well Takayama's basically a pretty small and old part of Japan similar to that of Kyoto. It boasts a number of traditonal shops be it food, trade or art. The snow though made walking difficult, also enhanced the beauty of the streets.
This being one of my favourite picture! Like a postcard right?
This should be one of the most propotionate snowman I ever seen! (Not like I have seen a lot tho')
This is basically how the whole street look like. Paved by snow
The row of old shops...
Night view! It's fantastic I tell you. This photo does no justice to it.
So that was basically what we did on the first day. Walked around the old shops in Takayama, sunk our teeth into the hida beef, drinking the sweet sake and finally a relaxing night at the Onsen. Have I already mention crying buckets of tears over our favourite show and posing with the famous mascot of Hida...
and finally....presenting..... the very satisfied us!
12.30.2005
Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Gero
Hee... this trip marks the end of a semester.
Went to Gifu prefecture last week with 3 other friends. 2 of them being new students from Taiwan were really pretty excited cus it will be their first time seeing snow. Yup, we were going to a super snowy place, (or you can say the white country as Japanese themselves named it.) But then we got much than we bargained for. Much much much more...
On the first day we reached Takayama only to find the streets piled with snow which made walking so difficult. But well, despite the supposedly 8 mins walk as written on the pamphlet which took us nearly 20 mins, the grand hotel took our minds off our tired legs. We paid only 8500 Yen per person ( amts to about 120 sing), we got ourselves a big Japanese style room, buffet steamboat dinner consisting of "Hida Beef" (p/s: this is high-class beef that costs as much as 3000 yen per 300g for the highest grade!) , a top facilitated hot spring and then buffet breakfast the next morning.
Went to Gifu prefecture last week with 3 other friends. 2 of them being new students from Taiwan were really pretty excited cus it will be their first time seeing snow. Yup, we were going to a super snowy place, (or you can say the white country as Japanese themselves named it.) But then we got much than we bargained for. Much much much more...
On the first day we reached Takayama only to find the streets piled with snow which made walking so difficult. But well, despite the supposedly 8 mins walk as written on the pamphlet which took us nearly 20 mins, the grand hotel took our minds off our tired legs. We paid only 8500 Yen per person ( amts to about 120 sing), we got ourselves a big Japanese style room, buffet steamboat dinner consisting of "Hida Beef" (p/s: this is high-class beef that costs as much as 3000 yen per 300g for the highest grade!) , a top facilitated hot spring and then buffet breakfast the next morning.
Our hotel at the back
The night view
Note: This is one person share!
And then all our happy faces...
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