I am warming up the engine again.
How does it feel like to go into an office as a temp and not feel the burden of a manager weighing now on you?
How does it feel to go to work as a F&B service crew, not having to sit on the desk and strain your neck at the screen for hours, but just giving free smiles and serving people with enthusiasm?
How does it feel to be able to work from home, get some income with a couple of hours of work and being able to go to a pool on a weekday?
All these, I will start to miss them.
If life can be reprogrammed, I would like everyone in the world to have equal treatment, same pay same level of education. Of course, the rest of the things can differ, families, friends and the way you grow up. But because of the differences in the world, the rich and the poor, and the average people like me, we are neither moving up or down because we can't this life unless you get really lucky. We are stuck. We live to pay bills. If you are lucky and don't have a lot of financial obligation, you probably get to work for your passion, but unfortunately life is seldom fair.
14.8.15
My rebellious mom
My mum is one rebellious old woman.
I often wonder if it is just my mum. But I have realised it is a common trait of many senior citizens. They are very stubborn and always refuse to try something new. They always think in the same way like other old people do, LOL, this I came to know after talking to my friend about our mums and I couldn't believe they could say the exact same thing at a similar scenario!
This beloved rebellious mum of mine just turned 64 last weekend. We decided to have a staycation for her birthday celebration, it was in time for the SG50 Golden Jubilee celebrations as well and which was why we got the rooms at promotional rates. Our last staycation was for a new year countdown quite a while back. Here's my review for the stay, however pardon the grammer as I wrote it in a bit of a rush without editing. (p.s. Tripadvisor should allow us to edit!)
About 3 weeks ago, the mum got hospitalized for excessive post menopause bleeding. It freaked the whole family out. 2 years ago, she was also admitted due to abscess. But due to the fact that she has high blood pressure and diabetes, her condition always make things even more complicated. Fortunately she was allowed to be discharged the following day and the attentive nurses at KKH did help make her stay more bearable. She also made a new friend at the hospital who was also admitted for the same problem, but she was a tourist (and has went home back to Sabah).
A cell biopsy was performed and mum was made to undergo a few other scans earlier this week before the doctor can tell us what the diagnosis is. She has been suspected of 2 types of cancer, and although this rebellious old woman of mine has always self-diagnosed herself and told us umpteen times about "cancer" but refusing to seek treatment, suddenly it dawned on us... This time, it is real. There wasn't any shock from us when the doctor said it. But we are worried, especially for her emotional state.
For days after she heard "cancer" from the doctor, she had been in a daze. Somehow the staycation came at the right time, it was refreshing to be able to get out of the house and spend time together as a family. We also took her out to meals instead of letting her stay in the room and surprisingly after the stay, she became slightly more positive.
For the last couple of weeks, we also tried to change her diet - to have healthier meals. But it is easier said than done, being her stubborn and rebellious self, she wanted to eat her favourite things. She insisted she couldn't have meals without rice, she hated oats. But we managed to convince her time to time. I hope that she will become a less rebellious mum and more positive person as we overcome this ordeal together. Please let her rebellious streak put up an unruly war with her illness!
加油妈妈！我们并肩作战！
I often wonder if it is just my mum. But I have realised it is a common trait of many senior citizens. They are very stubborn and always refuse to try something new. They always think in the same way like other old people do, LOL, this I came to know after talking to my friend about our mums and I couldn't believe they could say the exact same thing at a similar scenario!
This beloved rebellious mum of mine just turned 64 last weekend. We decided to have a staycation for her birthday celebration, it was in time for the SG50 Golden Jubilee celebrations as well and which was why we got the rooms at promotional rates. Our last staycation was for a new year countdown quite a while back. Here's my review for the stay, however pardon the grammer as I wrote it in a bit of a rush without editing. (p.s. Tripadvisor should allow us to edit!)
About 3 weeks ago, the mum got hospitalized for excessive post menopause bleeding. It freaked the whole family out. 2 years ago, she was also admitted due to abscess. But due to the fact that she has high blood pressure and diabetes, her condition always make things even more complicated. Fortunately she was allowed to be discharged the following day and the attentive nurses at KKH did help make her stay more bearable. She also made a new friend at the hospital who was also admitted for the same problem, but she was a tourist (and has went home back to Sabah).
A cell biopsy was performed and mum was made to undergo a few other scans earlier this week before the doctor can tell us what the diagnosis is. She has been suspected of 2 types of cancer, and although this rebellious old woman of mine has always self-diagnosed herself and told us umpteen times about "cancer" but refusing to seek treatment, suddenly it dawned on us... This time, it is real. There wasn't any shock from us when the doctor said it. But we are worried, especially for her emotional state.
For days after she heard "cancer" from the doctor, she had been in a daze. Somehow the staycation came at the right time, it was refreshing to be able to get out of the house and spend time together as a family. We also took her out to meals instead of letting her stay in the room and surprisingly after the stay, she became slightly more positive.
For the last couple of weeks, we also tried to change her diet - to have healthier meals. But it is easier said than done, being her stubborn and rebellious self, she wanted to eat her favourite things. She insisted she couldn't have meals without rice, she hated oats. But we managed to convince her time to time. I hope that she will become a less rebellious mum and more positive person as we overcome this ordeal together. Please let her rebellious streak put up an unruly war with her illness!
加油妈妈！我们并肩作战！
20.7.15
Hopeful Singaporean?
The intensive job search for the past few months has been draining and nothing short of an emotional roller coaster ride. The highs when you received calls from the jobs you applied for and then the lows when the silence that lingered thereafter slowly and softly suffocated me - so much so that, I decided to write in to MOM, not sure so much if I was asking for assistance or filling them in with my grievances. The 16 out of 18 job applications on Jobs Bank remains unviewed, some even dated back to last year! That initiative to help Singaporeans land on jobs, that promise to cut back on work permits and hiring foreigners... They all didn't seem to work. Recently, a friend shared with me the news that they are now stepping it up by offering companies a subsidy if the employee to be hired is Singaporean. Again, I try not to get my hopes too high this time.
p.s: I almost felt a little crippled when I came back to my blog and decided to write. But my mind is filled up with a zillions of things I missed documenting. That circus I decided to join last year, the few great weddings I attended, the Europe trip, that Tokyo impromptu trip... all of those, I need to get them written down. I will slowly fill them up (and backdate them nearer to when they happened).
p.s: I almost felt a little crippled when I came back to my blog and decided to write. But my mind is filled up with a zillions of things I missed documenting. That circus I decided to join last year, the few great weddings I attended, the Europe trip, that Tokyo impromptu trip... all of those, I need to get them written down. I will slowly fill them up (and backdate them nearer to when they happened).
28.6.15
Books & Beer (literally)
7.6.15
My teacher's wedding
Yes. I attended my teacher's wedding. He is 46. His wife is even younger than me. Ooops. Despite a big age gap, they look very loving and I wish them a blissful marriage.
He was my form teacher in secondary 2, and then my A Maths and Physics teacher. A very stern teacher whom a lot of students fear. Instead of fearing him, I do like him. He was one of the teachers I admired a lot while I was in school. I don't know if you call it a crush, maybe an infatuation, LOL! I used to write my teachers cards every Teachers' Day and festive season but not anymore.
Anyway I feel really honoured to be invited to his wedding, I even wrote him a card and picked up a dress especially for this event :) A few of us from my class (PRSS 1997 batch) attended, we still try to meet every year or two during a class gathering just to have a catch up. My heartiest congratulations, Mr Seong.
He was my form teacher in secondary 2, and then my A Maths and Physics teacher. A very stern teacher whom a lot of students fear. Instead of fearing him, I do like him. He was one of the teachers I admired a lot while I was in school. I don't know if you call it a crush, maybe an infatuation, LOL! I used to write my teachers cards every Teachers' Day and festive season but not anymore.
Anyway I feel really honoured to be invited to his wedding, I even wrote him a card and picked up a dress especially for this event :) A few of us from my class (PRSS 1997 batch) attended, we still try to meet every year or two during a class gathering just to have a catch up. My heartiest congratulations, Mr Seong.
23.5.15
Adding some colors
Johanna Basford's Secret Garden is beautifully illustrated... I have received a Chinese copy (comes with a mini book) from my sister. It is very therapeutic indeed to spend an afternoon, not thinking but colouring. To catch a glimpse of my completed work, visit my instagram account.
25.4.15
Carousellswapshop #1
My first Carousell event - Carousellswapshop.
Carousell has been an amazing invention, I have sold so many things through it and made some pocket money from it! This time, they organized a swap event mainly for clothes and accessorises. It was a fantastic idea as clothes are the hardest things to sell (for me), especially second-handed. Nowadays, people can get great buy at sale. But this event gave us all a chance to give our clothes a new lease of life! They also did a very good job with the organization, from collecting clothes to the actual event. I just wish they also do a better consistent QC as some of the clothes were actually a bit worn (though they were very strict when they checked mine). Also staff shouldn't do folding during the swap... chaos should be expected. LOL!
15.4.15
From long to short
Guys like girls with long hair but I like mine just the way I want it! LOL. My hairstylist, Andy, is a Pierre Png lookalike, very patient and gentle. 6 hours! Hair has been washed thrice.
Thank you Kimage (I was a Hair Model for their new Korean perm technology)!
23.3.15
Goodbye LKY
Today the nation mourns for a loss. A big loss for us Singaporeans. Our founding father, Lee Kuan Yew has passed on after more than a month of hospitalization.
"Singapore has lost her father today. Singaporeans have also lost our founding forefather. We are all feeling lost and terribly upset."
It definitely hurts much more than the first time when the fake rumour went around. Because we all know it's real. The first thing I saw on my Facebook feeds this morning, everyone was sharing about his passing. I don't know Mr Lee personally nor have I even met him, yet he felt like a grandfather (one I never had). Tears just trickled down my face as I read the news.
Even though many of us moan about the current lifestyle in Singapore, many would rather to have it this way than living in our neighbouring countries. The reason why everyone flocks here is because Singapore is doing so well. From a land of swamps to what we are today, MM Lee has done it for all of us. He brought us the roof over our heads, that water supply we constantly have to struggle with our lack of natural resources, and the international ties we enjoy together with many other countries...
When I was a child, there wasn't even MRT. Today we have MRT, LRT and it keeps on expanding to bring all of Singapore connected. From the developing country we were, we are now flourishing. Mr Lee is the man behind all these. As many also complain about the lack of freedom of speech, the strict policies and a singular ruling government, we must also remember because of these solid foundations we built on, we have managed to become the modern city we are today. But we must also keep thriving to make constant improvements in this country, to carry on that legacy he has left behind. It doesn't have to remain as what it is, it has to improvise... and now the baton has been passed on! We need to make it a better Singapore!
"Singapore has lost her father today. Singaporeans have also lost our founding forefather. We are all feeling lost and terribly upset."
It definitely hurts much more than the first time when the fake rumour went around. Because we all know it's real. The first thing I saw on my Facebook feeds this morning, everyone was sharing about his passing. I don't know Mr Lee personally nor have I even met him, yet he felt like a grandfather (one I never had). Tears just trickled down my face as I read the news.
Even though many of us moan about the current lifestyle in Singapore, many would rather to have it this way than living in our neighbouring countries. The reason why everyone flocks here is because Singapore is doing so well. From a land of swamps to what we are today, MM Lee has done it for all of us. He brought us the roof over our heads, that water supply we constantly have to struggle with our lack of natural resources, and the international ties we enjoy together with many other countries...
When I was a child, there wasn't even MRT. Today we have MRT, LRT and it keeps on expanding to bring all of Singapore connected. From the developing country we were, we are now flourishing. Mr Lee is the man behind all these. As many also complain about the lack of freedom of speech, the strict policies and a singular ruling government, we must also remember because of these solid foundations we built on, we have managed to become the modern city we are today. But we must also keep thriving to make constant improvements in this country, to carry on that legacy he has left behind. It doesn't have to remain as what it is, it has to improvise... and now the baton has been passed on! We need to make it a better Singapore!
22.3.15
The Fabulous 4 upgrade
And so.. with 3 Mrs and 2 new babies. I am the poor soul left. I probably need to place an ad to find my prince! LOL. Nothing I can really do to speed things up, can I?
In March 2015, we welcome two super adorable babies named Luke and Zachary. Awww, I can't describe how cute they are. I was getting so excited when they were arriving and couldn't help falling in love with their tiny wrinkled hands and feet. Aaaaa... some baby craze going on here.
So Luke is the baby boy of Syndy and John, he came out at 3.8kg and was described to have the body of a rugby player! LOL. He is so going to be a strong lad... He has little hair (now bald!!) and very sexy lip, I think he will be a heart-breaker like his mum.
Baby Zachary came about 10 days later, the baby boy of Aaron and Joy. He definitely has a softer look like Joy but really distinctive features. He's only 3.2kg but doesn't look anything that light as he is going to be a really tall boy with his long limbs!
I have met Luke but not Zachary. But both are faraway now as they don't reside in Singapore. This is how tough it is to have friendship like this. Even though we do see their photos on Whatsapp very often, it isn't just the same when you can't play with them. I watch Mia, my good friend's girl grown up... she's over 1 now and I am glad she will recognize me as part of her life!
It is so exciting to see two of our Fab 4 moving into motherhood... oh boy, it sounds like the Sex and the City movie!!! And in another year or two, Angela will be upgrading as well. Hopefully I will catching up by then!
In March 2015, we welcome two super adorable babies named Luke and Zachary. Awww, I can't describe how cute they are. I was getting so excited when they were arriving and couldn't help falling in love with their tiny wrinkled hands and feet. Aaaaa... some baby craze going on here.
So Luke is the baby boy of Syndy and John, he came out at 3.8kg and was described to have the body of a rugby player! LOL. He is so going to be a strong lad... He has little hair (now bald!!) and very sexy lip, I think he will be a heart-breaker like his mum.
Baby Zachary came about 10 days later, the baby boy of Aaron and Joy. He definitely has a softer look like Joy but really distinctive features. He's only 3.2kg but doesn't look anything that light as he is going to be a really tall boy with his long limbs!
I have met Luke but not Zachary. But both are faraway now as they don't reside in Singapore. This is how tough it is to have friendship like this. Even though we do see their photos on Whatsapp very often, it isn't just the same when you can't play with them. I watch Mia, my good friend's girl grown up... she's over 1 now and I am glad she will recognize me as part of her life!
It is so exciting to see two of our Fab 4 moving into motherhood... oh boy, it sounds like the Sex and the City movie!!! And in another year or two, Angela will be upgrading as well. Hopefully I will catching up by then!
28.2.15
Little Britain
So I mentioned I joined the cirus last year.
A couple friend of mine set up a food kiosk last September selling British food, mainly pies. It all happened too fast while I was still running around in Europe on my backpack. When I got back, they already found a venue, got the recipes tested, and were almost ready to kick it off.
It is named Little Britain.
With nothing on my plates then, I decided to give them a hand. I joined my friend at the kiosk serving British food (English breakfast,pies, cornish pasty) to customers in Raffles Place, a place I used to strut around in office dresses avoiding eye contacts with people giving me flyers. I couldn't believe it when I had to give out flyers this time. LOL. But it was just part of the fun. We started with flyers, giving out food samples, we talked to people whom were curious about where we came from. Some even believed we were a franchise shop of a big brand back in the UK.
Anyhow the whole stint at Raffles Place lasted for nearly 6 months, by then we already had a pool of regular customers! Not bad I must admit, with the prices we were selling at and the quality of the food, we could have gone much further, but the rent was a kill. My friends couldn't afford it further, partly also because we were situated in the basement of the building, pretty much hidden away, we couldn't tap on the constant flux of people coming out from the MRT or office buildings.
But those months I slogged, woke up and be the first to leave the house, stood for those 6 to 8 hours continuously, I didn't have any complaint. It was probably one of the best learning experiences I had in life. I witnessed my friends running a business; we did fun things like getting a video company to come shoot our £1 breakfast campaign, remembering customers' names and building relationship with them! I even worked as pie delivery girl, our delivery platters were very popular with office parties and meetings.
I miss all those interactions we had with the customers, and those smiles we managed to bring to their faces! Sometimes they came down to get a breather and to have a short chat with us too!
For the whole time, I also helped to managed their Facebook postings and you can check out what happened over those months back at the kiosk! For now, they still do delivery from home if you're hungry for a British pie. Who knows, they might make a comeback one day!
A couple friend of mine set up a food kiosk last September selling British food, mainly pies. It all happened too fast while I was still running around in Europe on my backpack. When I got back, they already found a venue, got the recipes tested, and were almost ready to kick it off.
It is named Little Britain.
With nothing on my plates then, I decided to give them a hand. I joined my friend at the kiosk serving British food (English breakfast,pies, cornish pasty) to customers in Raffles Place, a place I used to strut around in office dresses avoiding eye contacts with people giving me flyers. I couldn't believe it when I had to give out flyers this time. LOL. But it was just part of the fun. We started with flyers, giving out food samples, we talked to people whom were curious about where we came from. Some even believed we were a franchise shop of a big brand back in the UK.
Anyhow the whole stint at Raffles Place lasted for nearly 6 months, by then we already had a pool of regular customers! Not bad I must admit, with the prices we were selling at and the quality of the food, we could have gone much further, but the rent was a kill. My friends couldn't afford it further, partly also because we were situated in the basement of the building, pretty much hidden away, we couldn't tap on the constant flux of people coming out from the MRT or office buildings.
But those months I slogged, woke up and be the first to leave the house, stood for those 6 to 8 hours continuously, I didn't have any complaint. It was probably one of the best learning experiences I had in life. I witnessed my friends running a business; we did fun things like getting a video company to come shoot our £1 breakfast campaign, remembering customers' names and building relationship with them! I even worked as pie delivery girl, our delivery platters were very popular with office parties and meetings.I miss all those interactions we had with the customers, and those smiles we managed to bring to their faces! Sometimes they came down to get a breather and to have a short chat with us too!
For the whole time, I also helped to managed their Facebook postings and you can check out what happened over those months back at the kiosk! For now, they still do delivery from home if you're hungry for a British pie. Who knows, they might make a comeback one day!
27.1.15
NYE escapade - 東京(3)
The third day in Tokyo.
It was basically a shopping day for me. From Shibuya to Harajuku. My legs almost broke, and I didn't even manage to cover most of it. I skipped most malls, and randomly walked into bookstores, handicraft shops like Tokyu Hands, cool boutiques selling bohemian stuff. Those kept me in for hours... I didn't even walk into fashion stores, maybe I did but nothing caught my eyes. I looked at food more than clothes to be honest! LOL.
Anyway, the New Year Sale was still going strong. Many were selling lucky bags with items at a fraction of the original prices. I had no idea what to buy and I didn't want to get one just because it was at a deal. I looked at a lot of them but eventually decided I didn't need one. Haha.
I really enjoyed Shibuya. I thought Harajuku seemed to be more for the younger hippy kids. I particularly didn't like Takeshita street, it was almost an ideal place for pickpockets because it was so packed and everyone seemed to be pushing. Unlike the usual polite Japanese. I left quickly after entering, it was an eye-opener but definitely not my kind of hangout.
I headed back to Shinjuku to meet Stephanie whom I had invited her back for a cake (got it from the hotel bakery!) and happy hours at the bar. She met Adam and Sebastian whom also had some guests over. We had a quick drink before we left again for Shinjuku for more shopping (for Stephanie!).
It was a really long day, especially one for my legs. Poor legs.
I didn't come across any Monchhichi so far and definitely I had to get them the following day as it was my last full day in Tokyo. I purchased my return coach ticket to Narita together with a subway pass (good deal), and so I could use the pass the next day!
I told Adam I would be abandoning him in the room early the next morning (4th day) as I wanted to get out early (after 4 hours of sleep!!). He was more than happy to stay in as it was the night he got us upgraded to a suite! Staying in a suite in Park Hyatt Tokyo, an expensive dream came true!
I headed for Senso-ji at Asakusa, and this place is practically the home for Monchhichis! Like the birth town, I sighted so many of them but overwhelmed with so many choices, I couldn't make up my mind and only bought one. I later regretted not getting my Kumamon Monchhichi. Oh well! By Senso-ji, there was also a food market and I managed to grab some grilled sweet potato sticks and an eggplant pancake thingy. I then headed towards the Tokyo Skytree in search of places for dango, but unfortunately it was a fruitless trip. Many things were not opened, but I stumbled upon the Asahi Brewery and a very nice river.
I ended off shopping at Uniqlo in Ginza and got some winter clothes which I couldn't wear in Singapore!! LOL. But I am sure I will utilise them somehow for future trips. Before I headed back to the hotel, I stopped by at Daimaru food hall to grab some dinner for me and Adam (who never headed out). I didn't know why Daimaru as they were thousands of departmental stores there but I remember Daimaru from my last Japan trip and the food market was heaven. Indeed, it never failed me, 2 levels of Japanese goodies. I just kept on piling and piling food on top of my shopping bags, bought 2 cakes, 2 dangos, 1 bento set and sandwich but I had to eat most of them as Adam was so health conscious I think he avoided all the sugars! Man!
The following morning (last day), I headed out again for a quick walk in Shinjuku to get any last hope of spotting any more Monchhichi (never did again) but found other things I needed! Then it was time to head back and stuff all the things I bought (together with a complimentary bottle of wine and baumkuchen from the hotel!) into my luggages. I swore they were almost bursting. It was an afternoon flight (but I needed 2 hours to get to Narita!), and my flight back to Singapore was via Seoul. So it was a long way back but I figured I could do with some "Korean skincare" shopping at the airport or maybe a shower too!
But Incheon airport is one of the lousiest I ever seen, most of the shops are closed by 9pm with one or two exceptions and you are not allowed to go in. You can make your order telling them what you want. CRAP. Whoever shops like this??? But I knew what I wanted so I just bought it. The shower room which was said to operate till 10pm was closed as well. So what a lousy transit airport, just utterly wasting time in a boring airport! Even Narita was more interesting! Now I do appreciate how good Changi Airport is!
I finally got back home after a long day of travelling, commuting and flying! And the best thing was a nice taxi driver whom was not grumpy about my destination! I rounded up the dollar and gifted him a mochi before saying bye! Japan, till we meet again! *muacks*
It was basically a shopping day for me. From Shibuya to Harajuku. My legs almost broke, and I didn't even manage to cover most of it. I skipped most malls, and randomly walked into bookstores, handicraft shops like Tokyu Hands, cool boutiques selling bohemian stuff. Those kept me in for hours... I didn't even walk into fashion stores, maybe I did but nothing caught my eyes. I looked at food more than clothes to be honest! LOL.
Anyway, the New Year Sale was still going strong. Many were selling lucky bags with items at a fraction of the original prices. I had no idea what to buy and I didn't want to get one just because it was at a deal. I looked at a lot of them but eventually decided I didn't need one. Haha.
I really enjoyed Shibuya. I thought Harajuku seemed to be more for the younger hippy kids. I particularly didn't like Takeshita street, it was almost an ideal place for pickpockets because it was so packed and everyone seemed to be pushing. Unlike the usual polite Japanese. I left quickly after entering, it was an eye-opener but definitely not my kind of hangout.
I headed back to Shinjuku to meet Stephanie whom I had invited her back for a cake (got it from the hotel bakery!) and happy hours at the bar. She met Adam and Sebastian whom also had some guests over. We had a quick drink before we left again for Shinjuku for more shopping (for Stephanie!).
It was a really long day, especially one for my legs. Poor legs.
I didn't come across any Monchhichi so far and definitely I had to get them the following day as it was my last full day in Tokyo. I purchased my return coach ticket to Narita together with a subway pass (good deal), and so I could use the pass the next day!
I told Adam I would be abandoning him in the room early the next morning (4th day) as I wanted to get out early (after 4 hours of sleep!!). He was more than happy to stay in as it was the night he got us upgraded to a suite! Staying in a suite in Park Hyatt Tokyo, an expensive dream came true!
I headed for Senso-ji at Asakusa, and this place is practically the home for Monchhichis! Like the birth town, I sighted so many of them but overwhelmed with so many choices, I couldn't make up my mind and only bought one. I later regretted not getting my Kumamon Monchhichi. Oh well! By Senso-ji, there was also a food market and I managed to grab some grilled sweet potato sticks and an eggplant pancake thingy. I then headed towards the Tokyo Skytree in search of places for dango, but unfortunately it was a fruitless trip. Many things were not opened, but I stumbled upon the Asahi Brewery and a very nice river.
I ended off shopping at Uniqlo in Ginza and got some winter clothes which I couldn't wear in Singapore!! LOL. But I am sure I will utilise them somehow for future trips. Before I headed back to the hotel, I stopped by at Daimaru food hall to grab some dinner for me and Adam (who never headed out). I didn't know why Daimaru as they were thousands of departmental stores there but I remember Daimaru from my last Japan trip and the food market was heaven. Indeed, it never failed me, 2 levels of Japanese goodies. I just kept on piling and piling food on top of my shopping bags, bought 2 cakes, 2 dangos, 1 bento set and sandwich but I had to eat most of them as Adam was so health conscious I think he avoided all the sugars! Man!
The following morning (last day), I headed out again for a quick walk in Shinjuku to get any last hope of spotting any more Monchhichi (never did again) but found other things I needed! Then it was time to head back and stuff all the things I bought (together with a complimentary bottle of wine and baumkuchen from the hotel!) into my luggages. I swore they were almost bursting. It was an afternoon flight (but I needed 2 hours to get to Narita!), and my flight back to Singapore was via Seoul. So it was a long way back but I figured I could do with some "Korean skincare" shopping at the airport or maybe a shower too!
But Incheon airport is one of the lousiest I ever seen, most of the shops are closed by 9pm with one or two exceptions and you are not allowed to go in. You can make your order telling them what you want. CRAP. Whoever shops like this??? But I knew what I wanted so I just bought it. The shower room which was said to operate till 10pm was closed as well. So what a lousy transit airport, just utterly wasting time in a boring airport! Even Narita was more interesting! Now I do appreciate how good Changi Airport is!
I finally got back home after a long day of travelling, commuting and flying! And the best thing was a nice taxi driver whom was not grumpy about my destination! I rounded up the dollar and gifted him a mochi before saying bye! Japan, till we meet again! *muacks*
25.1.15
NYE escapade - 東京(2)
The next morning.
Hello 2015!!!
It was a beautiful day and I witnessed my first sleeting in Tokyo. Felt like dancing under the ~rain.
Most establishments are closed on the frst day of the New Year in Japan, so I decided to follow where the Japanese go. To the shrines it was then. I picked Meiji shrine, because it looks really magnificent, you can enjoy a stroll through the nature before you get to it. Because it was the New Year's Day, it was insanely packed. Adam wanted to tag along to snap some photos, so we went together but I think the crowd intimidated him or maybe he has agoraphobia!
There were probably thousands of people but everyone was nice and polite. Nobody pushed or got frustrated. The crowd management was superb, very orderly and very clear signages even for people like me who couldn't understand Japanese. So we queued, got in, asked for blessings, threw coins, then gave thanks and left. On the way out, I paid a small token to draw a lot but it was in Japanese and I couldn't read. I took a picture for translation later (LOL) because I had to tie it into a ribbon right there. Right next to the shrine, there was a food market all set up. I almost went nuts at the variety of food... I wanted to eat everything!
I had to filter out so many and I settled for these. I really wished I had space for more. But fortunately I didn't stuff myself because when I headed out, there was another stretch of food market down Harajuku and I found BBQ mochi!
We headed back to the hotel after, I wanted to stay out but everywhere was swarming with people and Adam looked stressed out (LOL!). So we went back, this time we switched to Park Hyatt Tokyo. The hotel is magnificent, the lobby is on the 41st storey and has a view of Mount Fuji! Everyone was impeccably dressed, from the porter to the receptionist, Park Hyatt seems to hire the best. Model height, slim and very pleasant features!
We couldn't check in till 7pm as it was full, so we enjoyed our Happy Hours at the bar where the bartender promised me anything and everything! LOL. I am impressed indeed. There was a selection of tapas, though limited choices they were prepared on the spot! Read more on my stay on Tripadvisor.
Finally we got checked in before 8pm. I got so restless that I just ventured out to Shinjuku after I dropped my bags in the room. I wanted to breathe the cold air in Tokyo and not trapped inside the hotel no matter how posh it was! It was about 4 degrees outside. I managed to have a little stroll though many things reamined closed. At least the vending machines were always available, and a hot drink definitely warmed up my tummy!
When I got back, I realised I haven't had dinner, so did Adam. LOL. We looked up places to go for food before he suggested 24/7 Denny's which was a 15 mins walk away (but better than going back to hunt in Shinjuku). We walked in the cold, cold and hungry at around midnight... but the HOT food in Denny's made everything worthwhile. I had a very very delicious beef Sukiyaki! I bet I could sleep really good after that!
Hello 2015!!!
It was a beautiful day and I witnessed my first sleeting in Tokyo. Felt like dancing under the ~rain.
Most establishments are closed on the frst day of the New Year in Japan, so I decided to follow where the Japanese go. To the shrines it was then. I picked Meiji shrine, because it looks really magnificent, you can enjoy a stroll through the nature before you get to it. Because it was the New Year's Day, it was insanely packed. Adam wanted to tag along to snap some photos, so we went together but I think the crowd intimidated him or maybe he has agoraphobia!
There were probably thousands of people but everyone was nice and polite. Nobody pushed or got frustrated. The crowd management was superb, very orderly and very clear signages even for people like me who couldn't understand Japanese. So we queued, got in, asked for blessings, threw coins, then gave thanks and left. On the way out, I paid a small token to draw a lot but it was in Japanese and I couldn't read. I took a picture for translation later (LOL) because I had to tie it into a ribbon right there. Right next to the shrine, there was a food market all set up. I almost went nuts at the variety of food... I wanted to eat everything!
I had to filter out so many and I settled for these. I really wished I had space for more. But fortunately I didn't stuff myself because when I headed out, there was another stretch of food market down Harajuku and I found BBQ mochi!
We headed back to the hotel after, I wanted to stay out but everywhere was swarming with people and Adam looked stressed out (LOL!). So we went back, this time we switched to Park Hyatt Tokyo. The hotel is magnificent, the lobby is on the 41st storey and has a view of Mount Fuji! Everyone was impeccably dressed, from the porter to the receptionist, Park Hyatt seems to hire the best. Model height, slim and very pleasant features!
We couldn't check in till 7pm as it was full, so we enjoyed our Happy Hours at the bar where the bartender promised me anything and everything! LOL. I am impressed indeed. There was a selection of tapas, though limited choices they were prepared on the spot! Read more on my stay on Tripadvisor.
Finally we got checked in before 8pm. I got so restless that I just ventured out to Shinjuku after I dropped my bags in the room. I wanted to breathe the cold air in Tokyo and not trapped inside the hotel no matter how posh it was! It was about 4 degrees outside. I managed to have a little stroll though many things reamined closed. At least the vending machines were always available, and a hot drink definitely warmed up my tummy!
When I got back, I realised I haven't had dinner, so did Adam. LOL. We looked up places to go for food before he suggested 24/7 Denny's which was a 15 mins walk away (but better than going back to hunt in Shinjuku). We walked in the cold, cold and hungry at around midnight... but the HOT food in Denny's made everything worthwhile. I had a very very delicious beef Sukiyaki! I bet I could sleep really good after that!
24.1.15
NYE escapade - 東京(1)
東京
Tokyo.
My first time.
This was pretty abrupt. Barely a week before the trip, a friend chatted me up. During the conversation, he mentioned he was going to Tokyo to join a friend's birthday celebration. And out of nowhere, he asked if I wanted to go along. I knew him for maybe 7 years, we have met a couple of times during a trip or two when they happened to concide. It was the first time he invited me. Well, of course, I wasn't suspecting anything unusual or whether he had any motive... my only thought was he wanted a companion for the trip. So I agreed. He said he was burning his air miles anyway, and he had accomodation sorted, so all I need was to come along.
Booked.
I flew to Haneda on Singapore Airlines and sat with two very polite Japanese women. It was a night flight, so I managed some sleep on the plane. I arrived on 31st December, it was early in the morning and the tourist information counter at the airport wasn't even opened yet. So no free wifi for the trip (I read they do give out free SIM card). I sorted out the bus ticket directly to the hotel, arrived there but couldn't check in, so I left my bags and went into the city for breakfast.
The weather was freezing but I loved it.
So my friend, Adam, was only arriving later that evening, I decided to hook up with a fellow Singaporean friend living in Tokyo to have a little tour. I met up with Stephanie, an ex-intern in my company before, Stephanie is half Chinese half Japanese, so having her around helped a lot! She took me to Jiyugaoka, a hippy area outside the city centre to see the "Little Venice", we chanced upon a good ramen place and some cool boutiques. We also ended up in a tiny cafe serving awesome cakes, and regretted we didn't eat more that afternoon! LOL. But I had to get back to the hotel for check-in and also probably heading out for more food that night.
So when I got back, Adam had arrived. He was with his friend, Sebastian, who was staying next door. I don't know why but Adam did not bring a winter coat (haha!), he was probably travelling too much he forgot it was THIS cold in Tokyo. Thanks to all the NYE sale, he found a really good bargain at GAP. After that, all of us went to this quaint Japanese restaurant for dinner. It seemed pretty authentic with lots of Japanese customers, we had to keep our shoes in lockers, kneel or sit around a small table for food. The whole place was a bit smoky though and I was sure we smelled after that!
I decided to pick what the locals would go for, Hoppy beer with intestinal skewers. The boys opted for safer options, pizza and some sausage-alike skewer! LOL. I didn't realise I could get high on Hoppy beer as they actually mixed it with shōchū. After that, I could feel the heat on my face and had to get some snack from the convenience store to dissolve my intoxication.
We didn't have the most exciting countdown for sure. I was there whatsapping with the guy who broke my heart before (wrong move!!!) and making myself a lovely bath, while the boys headed down to the lobby for some champagne. Goodbye 2014 and goodbye to that jerk.
I was staying at Hyatt Regency Tokyo that night, here's my review on Tripadvisor.
Tokyo.
My first time.
This was pretty abrupt. Barely a week before the trip, a friend chatted me up. During the conversation, he mentioned he was going to Tokyo to join a friend's birthday celebration. And out of nowhere, he asked if I wanted to go along. I knew him for maybe 7 years, we have met a couple of times during a trip or two when they happened to concide. It was the first time he invited me. Well, of course, I wasn't suspecting anything unusual or whether he had any motive... my only thought was he wanted a companion for the trip. So I agreed. He said he was burning his air miles anyway, and he had accomodation sorted, so all I need was to come along.
Booked.
I flew to Haneda on Singapore Airlines and sat with two very polite Japanese women. It was a night flight, so I managed some sleep on the plane. I arrived on 31st December, it was early in the morning and the tourist information counter at the airport wasn't even opened yet. So no free wifi for the trip (I read they do give out free SIM card). I sorted out the bus ticket directly to the hotel, arrived there but couldn't check in, so I left my bags and went into the city for breakfast.
The weather was freezing but I loved it.
So my friend, Adam, was only arriving later that evening, I decided to hook up with a fellow Singaporean friend living in Tokyo to have a little tour. I met up with Stephanie, an ex-intern in my company before, Stephanie is half Chinese half Japanese, so having her around helped a lot! She took me to Jiyugaoka, a hippy area outside the city centre to see the "Little Venice", we chanced upon a good ramen place and some cool boutiques. We also ended up in a tiny cafe serving awesome cakes, and regretted we didn't eat more that afternoon! LOL. But I had to get back to the hotel for check-in and also probably heading out for more food that night.
So when I got back, Adam had arrived. He was with his friend, Sebastian, who was staying next door. I don't know why but Adam did not bring a winter coat (haha!), he was probably travelling too much he forgot it was THIS cold in Tokyo. Thanks to all the NYE sale, he found a really good bargain at GAP. After that, all of us went to this quaint Japanese restaurant for dinner. It seemed pretty authentic with lots of Japanese customers, we had to keep our shoes in lockers, kneel or sit around a small table for food. The whole place was a bit smoky though and I was sure we smelled after that!I decided to pick what the locals would go for, Hoppy beer with intestinal skewers. The boys opted for safer options, pizza and some sausage-alike skewer! LOL. I didn't realise I could get high on Hoppy beer as they actually mixed it with shōchū. After that, I could feel the heat on my face and had to get some snack from the convenience store to dissolve my intoxication.
We didn't have the most exciting countdown for sure. I was there whatsapping with the guy who broke my heart before (wrong move!!!) and making myself a lovely bath, while the boys headed down to the lobby for some champagne. Goodbye 2014 and goodbye to that jerk.
I was staying at Hyatt Regency Tokyo that night, here's my review on Tripadvisor.
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