~Satsuki ~

Long time no blog....

2009-03-20T15:13:00.002+08:00

Its been such a long time since I last posted... Some frds ask me, "Eh, stop blogging??" Sigh, I dont know.. Not really that I stop, jus that nothing much to say so zippppped.. Well.. Its been a week since I stop working.. How I feel?? Its a mix feeling.. Been busy busy all this while, suddenly, very lay back...Yeah, most of the thgs are done and settled... Jus have to wait for the day to fly off.. A couple of thgs still hanging ard in my mind.. Jus waiting for the day for it to find a right memory space to settle in the brain...... :D
Met up many frds that Ive not seen for ages and only to realise, gosh, I have been quiet for very long.. But, Im so happy that even for some frds Ive not seen for 2 yrs, still remember me and there still so much to talk about. ..
Am I excited about going to Japan? U kidding me? Of coz I am!!! Hahhaa.. well, its going to be a new new new NEW experience...
Many ppl also asked, "so wat r u going to do next?". Well, I dont know.. I do wan to continue studying. Ive been dreaming all the while to be a Archaeologist, but its going to be tough to get it to be true.
I dont know.. Well, shall see how thgs go... Sigh... Another 3 more days..... Then after tt I be off to Tokyo for a short holiday on my own too... Looking so fwd to it....

Long time no see(eat)..

2008-12-14T19:56:00.003+08:00

I used to eat Wanton Noodles from this store at Aljunied hawker center every sunday morning(before visiting my grandma) since I was young, till my grandma pass away when I was 13.
I always remember, an old auntie and uncle preparing the noodles while another auntie will send to our table. I always look forward to the noodles as it has very nice ketchup taste.
Theres nothing fanciful in this noodles. No other sauce but ketchup and (i tik homemade) chilli.
Today, I returned to this store to have the noodles(wow really been yrs). Since I never liked char siew, so I ordered the dumplings noodles instead(no different to the noodles anyway).
Seriously, though there are alot of nicer wanton noodles than this store, but I guessed its the memories that added the taste to it. ^_^

Im tired.. Very tired

2008-12-11T22:04:00.002+08:00

I am getting tired. Very very tired.
Dont know is it coz Im growing old or wat, Im getting tired easily.
I felt I need a long break, a long long break.
Break from irritating work
Break from irritating people
Break from irritating noise
Break from this messy and selfish world
I just want to go back to simple and innocent days when people are simpler.
Not full of violence
Not filled with unnecessary problems
Not filled with selfish and defensive people.
I am very tired...

スカーレット・ピンパーネル The Scarlet Pimpernel ~3

2008-10-23T20:48:00.003+08:00

Tokyo last show(東京千秋楽).. Hahahaha!! Aran san so funny..

Maybe I should collate some of the funny script Aran san said to Yuzu chan in my next post... :p

スカーレット・ピンパーネル The Scarlet Pimpernel ~2

2008-10-22T21:22:00.003+08:00

This is a snapshot of different different parts of the show.. The starting part? Hahaha so funny... This is the part where everyone kept laughing n laughing.. Everyday, Aran will come up with different script to disturb Yuzu... And this day, Aran asked Yuzu if needed a strange suit to go to the party and said will count to 3.. When Aran counted to 2, Yuzu got pissed and shouted 3... Hahaha So funny.. And many times, Yuzu must be trying the very best not to laugh at Aran's funny script...

Still I want to say, I loved all the songs!! I thought they were very very very well sang!!!
I just cant get my hands off from the DVD!!!!

Grand Finale! Niceee....

スカーレット・ピンパーネル The Scarlet Pimpernel ~1

2008-10-22T21:08:00.003+08:00

After long long long wait, the DVD for Scarlet Pimpernel is finally out!!!
The is one of the best show (I personally felt), Takarazuka had produced ever since Elisabeth.
The story line can be found here : http://takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=The%20Scarlet%20Pimpernel%20(Star%202008)
The songs are wonderful wonderful wonderful...

This song is called, Into the fire. The last part so funny where all the Otokoyaku dressed as the laundry ladies... Its funnier when they try to recuse some royals and make a joke out of the French army by doing skipping with them, then tied them up...

This is whr all at a party and Percy and his frds purposely dressed strangly so that they dont get suspected... Haha...

A Message by George Carlin

2008-10-11T09:13:00.000+08:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by themoments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

Shin chan as musumeyaku

2008-09-13T16:08:00.005+08:00

Accidentally found this clip..
I kept laughing and laughing..
Its about Nene chan wanted to be trained as an otokoyaku so that she could join Takarazuka.
So during play(or is it break) time, she dragged all her poor kakis to the hall to practice with her.
Its so funny as they tried to represent something(looks like paper cardboard) as the feathers.
Last part is the funniest where Nene chan gave up and said she do not want to join Takarazuka anymore and Shin Chan say I want to go, Kazama kun replied, u r a boy cant join and shin chan shocked! Hahaha I liked his expression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkBP7I-mPXY
Its pretty good as they even use Sumire no hana song to play in the anime.

TCA Special parody

2008-09-08T19:46:00.006+08:00

Every yr thers TCA whr they have all the troops to gather together to perform.
But recent yrs had been a bit boring..
These are the few recents ones tt I tik quite funny.

TCA 2003, Gone with the wind -
Poor Todoroki, must be trying her best not to laugh!! @.@
All the Scarlet:
TANI→Kiriyan→Asako→Kashige→Aran

Cannot stand my Aran in tt black dress!!!!

TCA 2000, King of Revue

Hehe all the tops and my Koju so funny!!!! All after 1 young gal... The last part so funny whr the general say his wife dont know man or woman and the wife(Wao dressed as woman) appear.. Hahahhaa

Hope this yr will be more fun...

I Love Rose of Versailles products!!! ~ 2

2008-09-03T21:57:00.013+08:00

Now moving on to the next few ranges of products.. :D
They came up with Versailles Kids version. They are all so cute!!!!! I cant get my hands off them.
I bought the first two books. They have some new comic script which super funny. Some put the characters into modern world that ironically reflects to the original story. Example, theres a comic that was drawn as Marie wore Kimono for New yr's party. But the next page will more describe the actual story like how much dress did the queen Marie had and how it affected France spending then. Its very very informative and entertaining at the same time. I still couldnt get Kids 3 book as its sold out in SG Kinokuniya. Must try to get it from Japan... T.T
They even came out with the mug with the kids Versailles version!!
I want it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But if blur me accidentally break it, tik I will be heart pain..

My taiwanese frd went to Japan and got for me the 1st 4 figure. This is those toys capsule. I hung the first one, Oscar drinking wine on my handphone. Darn, I lost the 3rd one somewhr, Marie in Green dress, I hung it on my bag. I kept the other pink dress Marie and Ferison till I find a place to put them where they wont drop again. Hahaha!! I can hang them all on my phone though. The luck wasnt there for the last 2 Oscar and Andre which I wanted. T.T I went online to search and seems that ppl are selling the whole set from SG$100!!! It only cost SG$2.40 each turn!! I dont know.. Still tiking if I should get the whole set!! But the Oscar(as if shes falling down) and Andre(cross arms) are very cute!!

Oh they came up with the handphone strap version!!!!!!!
I also want!!! If anyone saw it in SG, pls tell me!!! I wan them!!!

This is the latest release!!
More of the Versailles Kids version!
I also want!!! Anyone saw it pls tell me!!!

I Love Rose of Versailles products!!! ~ 1

2008-09-01T21:18:00.009+08:00

Besides Elisabeth, Im very very much in love with Rose of Versailles Story too!! This is about french revolution. This is a historical fiction. Of coz Marie Antoinette is the real person, but my favorite character in this story, Oscar and Andre is fiction, but they r the couple I loved the most!!
Recently they release a series of products featuring the main characters of Rose of Versailles. My dear frd Sayuri san know tt Im hopelessly in love with the story bought me a couple of it..

★ This is the bath salt series (only series with all the loving gentlemen on the package). I loved the Andre(1st one) most. On the packet the story line from Andre to Oscar ''Its ok, I will always be by your side." I had used all 4 and I liked the 2nd pack too. It has very nice milky scent.

★ This is the body scrub series featuring the ladies. So far I only used Oscar's pack(2nd one). It has a very pleasent scent. It has natural salt, very good to the skin. :D I do not have the 3rd and 4th pack but I dont mind to get them.. The 1st one? Marie Antoinette, had not use yet..

★ Hahaha!!! Me, who dont use make up, yet I just cant get my hands off the Mascara featuring Oscar!! Ok ok, again, the scent is good and it really curls and extend my eyelash!!!! Though my eyelashes cant be tt long like Oscar, but Im near to it!!! Hahaha thick skin.

★ This is the only mask they released.
I didnt know its that expensive!!! I only have 1 and I used it 1 of night at the hotel during WTC. Its really good good good!! Ok its not jus coz its Oscar and Andre on the packet(well though 70% is the reason). :P It make the skin feel really smooth.. But too ex liao la!!!

★ They had just released 2 more item. 1st 2 is eyeliner, last 2 is for eyebrow (not really pencil I tik).. I dont have them yet, but I dont tik I will use even if I have.. I guess I will keep them and stare at the package. Hahaha!!!

WTC 2008

2008-08-28T20:20:00.007+08:00

Wow, nearly another yr had passed. This is the 2nd year that we helped to run the conference. My first day back to work after 2 mths break. I saw many ppl i know, especially the instructors both from local and overseas.. I was very touched. They were very concern bot my injury. Guys thanks so much! No worries Im bot 70% recovered! :D
Forget to take picture with most of them.... Well.. Hopefully I have another chance.. :p
This yr I learned something new, being a proctor!
Its interesting but back pain la.. Coz got to bend down to type the necessary thgs... But well, very interesting. Under the care of Lead proctor, Helene, 5 of us learned many things from her. I was very nervous at first especially I was the first one on duty, when there were so many of them at the same time, I was quite worried if I could handle, but Helene came to my "rescue". Thanks!! Shes still such a sweet lady.. I knew her since last yr conference.
Thanks to KL, we get to stay in hotel nearby so that we can get enough rest instead of traveling to and fro... On the 1st night we only rest for 2 hrs... I liked the hotel very very much.. Haha a huge bed with 3 pillows...
Its my 2nd time staying in this hotel.. The view? Super!!!!!!
Look fwd to next yr... Meanwhile, wking hard to make sure thgs get by smoothly.

「スカーレット・ピンパーネル」CM

2008-07-26T21:22:00.002+08:00

Aran san's new show, Scarlet Pimpernel.
This is a broadway show, music by Mr Frank, which had been showing in places like europe area for years and had been nominated for several awards.
The Story is about France after the revolution where situation still not stable and people fear for their life especially the royals. Aran acted as a England royal whom is racing against time n frenc new govt to save the royals including the prince with the help of his frds.
This is the first time Japan is showing the play and I think Hoshi Gumi members did a super wonderful job.
All the tickets for Tokyo had been zapped up...
Cool Right...
The song in the CM is a new song written by Frank specially for Aran... He praised her for her wonderful n passion in voice.

My dearest one - 14th Jan 1983 - 14th Jun 2008

2008-07-02T18:11:00.014+08:00

I went through mental struggle to decide to do this post on someone whom left and is(still) very very dear to me, Rayner Lim Ruixiang. We were together in the same class in sec 1. We got very close over the years and I started calling him "Ah kor" and he called me "Ah mui". By the time we left our sec school, we were still very closed. Hes someone whom is more than a frd, more than a brother, and even more than a lover to me. Though we had never been a couple, but our relationship is better than any couple. No one could ever replace him in my heart.

He, whom I go to when Im happy, sad, angry.
He, whom the first one I called to when I need to talk or bitch.
He, whom I go out for supper with till wee hours.
He, whom walked with me during my lowest point of my life.
He, whom had the common opening sentence with me, "free?" and we knew tt either 1 of us needed to vent out.
He, whom answered my call in the middle of the night despite he already asleep to hear me cry my heart out.
He, whom willing to rush down to meet me despite the time whenever I need a shoulder to cry.
He, whom willing to be my "bf" when I needed someone to help me out.
He, whom shared all his great findings, games, videos etc with me.
He, whom always helped me to carry my heavy bag or shopping bag w/o me asking for help.
He, whom nv forget my bdae.
He, whom share my food when the portion was huge.
He, whom lend me his jacket when Im feeling cold.
He, whom could go shopping with me and not feeling bored, coz we can always find somethg for each other to try on.
He, whom could talked with me for hours and a couple times of a week w/o worrying topics run out.
He, whom bridal services liked to ask if we want to buy package whenever we walked pass a bridal shop.
He, whom joked with me tt when we aged n if we 2 still single, shall share a house and stay together so that we can take care of each other.
He, whom took care of me very well and will get angry if someone bullied me.
He, whom even though left the world already, came back to take care of me when Im having a fever while in ICU. I knew he came, coz I felt the warmth of his hands on my head n telling me to inform the nurse that my fever is gone. I woke up and still feeling his warm hands and my fever gone. He still worries bot me coz he said I nv know how to take care of myself.
He, whom came to my dreams last week telling me what he need and could even joke with me when I asked him, "Do u want orange color?" and he used his usual eye roll on me n replied, "Since when did u see me in Orange?" and he laughed. I woke up feeling comfort that he is doing well on the other world.

Weeks before the unfortunate day, he talked frequently about death to me especially after his frd in CO left the world. He said he hope to die w/o pain, best if in the sleep. Though Im very very sad that he left me, but I find comfort in the fact that he left the way he wanted, though I didnt want him to go.
He was sleeping when the accident happened and he left in his sleep.
I remembered the last wds he said to me before the accident, "Im tired.", and he slept forever. Rest well, my dear Ah Kor, hope you wont be feeling tired anymore and thanks for taking care of me still.

Takarazuka on Spinshell

2008-06-12T22:12:00.002+08:00

Interesting Report from a TV program on Takarazuka.

From 2+mins onwards, Buying products, purchasing tickets, watching tickets, dressing like 1, waiting outside theater, oops I done all!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Well, yeah, its a wonderful world but not jus coz its a dream world, Im amazed with the ladies tt willingly to give up their youth and stay in, through the tough practice and wait, hopefully their chance is here to be the Top Star.. I like the passion they have.

Big issue VS mini micro issue?

2008-05-15T21:21:00.002+08:00

So much happening in this world within a month. Natural disasters happened 1 after another.. People loosing their family, house, and everything they(used to) have.
Even those that managed to survive, are no better of. Tears of sadness and grief over the lost of the family members, lack of food, lack of medical supplies, lack of blankets, lack of a roof over their head make the surviving tougher than anything else.
As the things happened. I sat in front of the TV, watching the sad news. 1 after another:

- 100 were saved, but only 20 managed to survived.
- Only 1 in the whole family of 16 survived.
- 1 after another corpse were pull out.
- No food and drinks, survivors snatched whatever comes by.
- 3 hours journey, now will have to take 3 days to reach before even able to save anyone.
- Survived but have to face the harsh fact of loosing legs or hands.
- The shocked image and memories of quake/cyclone that will stay with them for life.
- A teacher lost his life in bid trying to save his students.

I dont know if we are being punished for over using the resources mother nature had given us and we had not given her somethg good back except for spoiling her beauty nature? Or its a cycle that the world has to go through every other run?
With so much happening now, the issues Im going through now seems so mini micro.
Petty, selfish, self centered, huge ego to fill, ugly human nature were(are) jus some of the ugly side Ive seen in the cooperate world.
All the relief effort thats currently carrying out by people from all over the place, ppl are helping with one another to save more life, ppl that had lost their love ones in the disaster yet put all aside and try to help to save other lives touches me alot, coz ppl are trying to help whichever way they can.
It makes me really wonder, wats with the cooperate world? Working for the same company, same dept, same goals, yet, cant cooperate with each other to produce the best results,and have to use magnifying glass to blow big the issue when its able to be easily solved. Arrow flying from the back 1 after another and have to be constantly keeping a watch on the bad.
But at the disaster relief sites, ppl from different walks of life, trying hard to help, the only thg they have to watch is, are there any more survivors.
I dont know how "clean" envt is at disaster relief site, but Im sure, its much more self-less than the ugly cooperate world.
I pray hard that those affected will be able to feel less painful and rest in peace for those whom death came upon to.

AP Educ Meeting

2008-04-27T20:42:00.024+08:00

First time ever, we had a full - 5 day AP meeting in Singapore.
Its quite cool as I get to see people from AP whom are in Educ biz.
Me as usual being the Kaypoh one, besides attending the meeting on behalf of my counterparts, I was roped in to help in taking care of everyone's stomach.
Arrange all the tea break, breakfast, lunch and dinner for the team(of coz Kudos to my team who helped me lots while Im in meeting).
Day 2 was best part of the meeting. We went to Outward Bound Singapore for a 1 day team building trip. The last time I came here was.. wow.. 10 yrs ago. I really missed this place.

We had breakfast first before the session kicked off. 1st task? To know each other all over again and we were to exchange id. 2nd task? To do ball juggling, which we failed badly.
Coz too many voice and all wanted all to follow. Of coz we were forced to reflect and set our own ground rules.
3rd task, Raft escape in 45 mins. 19 of us to get on 4 tiny woods with another few more blocks. With all our sizes, we have to all squeeze in and out of sudden, errr, y m I at the front???Oh man.. Trust me, we are all like sardine fish, all packed!!!
And oops, one of the wood accidentally hit the floor from the start, I didnt mean it!!! T-T.. It was heavy and no one helped me... So we lost the first piece and was placed 1 metre away from us and we got to get there to win it back.. We managed to do it!!!
N they say Im like dancing coz stretching and trying to balance on tt little block.. Haha Markus got to hang on to me else Im going to fall.. Its all about team wk, blocks passing from back to front, holding on to each other and balance so tt none will fall.. Its really not easy... But we managed to complete it in 42 mins!!! Cool right?!? We actually learned to cooperate with each other and TEAMWORK!!!
All shouted with joy when we crossed the finishing line...
After lunch, we went rock climbing!!
Its the first time for a lot of us and gosh, its not easy... I manage to cross half of the wall but gave up soon coz I injured myself on the elbow when I slipped accidentally.. The pain kicked in after they lowered me down.. But its ok.. I enjoyed it(the rock climbing I mean, not the pain)!
Hehe.. SMILE!!
1 group photo b4 we move on to the next activity.

4th Task, build a real raft so tt we could go out to the sea and plant our flag! With only ropes, barrels and pipes, we started building. We break in small groups to perform our duty.. Its not easy, but we manage to do it and yes, its good enough to go out to the sea!!!
Out we go!!! Started to row.... The current was strong, but its ok, we managed! We got our flag, planted it and ready to row back.. But not before long, we started water war.. Someone started to splash water and everyone join in... Those poor thg in the middle were really wet coz both left n right attacked.. Haha.. But yup its fun!!!
After a quick wash up, time for a light dinner before saying goodbye...
Tired, but really contented..
Took a lift from the jetty to Roxy hotel with the team and oh, my boss whom happened to be in town, stayed in the same hotel. I called him out for dinner and a chat.. Hes very nice to talk to.. :D

12th April 2008 - Miao miao's bdae dinner

2008-04-13T16:56:00.004+08:00

Its been a long time(ok well,bot 2 mths) for the gang to get together. The reason for this gathering? Miao miao upcoming bdae. Our dear bdae gal wanted to have dinner at Kushinbo coz they have crab for dinner.
Xun (cough cough as usual) late, so 3 of us went in around 5.30pm. Miao n I dead hungry coz we didnt have lunch. Not tt we wan to make our money worth jus tt when she n I met up, its near to 3. Timing not so right for a decent meal.
Kushinbo is a Japanese Buffet and during wkend dinner, $39.80++ per pax.. Its a bit high end. But the variety makes the price worth.
The common item we attacked? Sashimi of coz! We took paper pot too!!! Im cravin for the soup!!
Xiang said hes lazy to eat the crab.. But miao miao n I, would loved to attack the crab.. Hahaha!!
The meat at the "legs", so so sweet!! But not the center portion.
Well, the sashimi, very very fresh, the handroll good, the paperpot yummy and many mnay other more Japanese food like Tempura, tepanyaki etc etc!!!
The only complain was, the curry, a bit salty, so dont take too much curry. More of the rice, else, got to drink lots and lots of water to clear your system.
Miao & I had round two for the crabs. Xun decided to join us in the messy mission to eat the crab. Xiang gave up, went on to desserts instead. I joined him soon. Well I was very full by then, so onle able to take in a few desserts. I even skipped my green tea ice cream, coz cannot liao.. T_T Could only have hot green tea to help digestion.
Well by the time we done chatting its about 9.30pm. Wow... 4 hrs... but we spend alot of time chatting.. Since the night still young, we wanted to go for a drink and cake for miao n xiang. But cafe cartel seems to have sold out a couple of them, I suggested for Cosplay maid's cafe. A concept brought in from Japan. They have many many types of drinks. Miao n I had cocktail, Xun had mocktail and Xiang had beer.
Of coz, we got a cake with candles for miao. She was so afraid tt we will sing out loud. Hahaha ok ok, we let u go, jus a soft bdae song for you..
Its our first time to be at Chijmes at such late hrs(for us,consider late liao) N of coz, we saw some of those *ermmm* ladies dressed very sexy standing ard getting near to men(if the men r w/o ladies companion). We were watching and highly doubt they are local. Are they illegal? I dont know, but find tt they r quite poor thg too. Some men get near to them touch them a bit, chat a bit then left w/o bringing them to continue biz. The ladies were left there again to look for the next possible "prey".
Well soon, pass midnight, better go home, got class today.....

A wkend away from shopping center

2008-04-02T20:42:00.006+08:00

Wanted to stop myself from shopping for a while.. so asked Bro Ran where can we go.. We ended up going to lots of place I nv been before.
We went to try a western food outlet at a coffee shop, Western Chow. I must say Im pretty impressed with the food. I had the Hainaness cutlet with French bean. and we ordered a potato salad to share. The portion was huge.. I had to give some of my chips to Ran..
After lunch no where to go, and we got no passport with us to go JB, so we went to punggol pt. Hadnt been here for 10yrs. The last time I came was to take the boat to OBS.
On the way, we saw a "white elephant" station. Everything is in place but yet its not in operation yet. Well, quite understandable. There isnt much housing nearby, it will be money wasting to have them in operation now ba... But who knows, next time when theres more housing build around the around, they could start operating.. :D
He brought me to Seletar Airport and old camp(now open to public). Haha.. nv been there before. Amazed! The whole area is full of greenies!! Really very different from city area.
Since we had an early lunch, we went to Jalan Kayu.. Not for roti prata but for the Otah and Wanton Mee.. The Otah seems to be very famous, have to wait for very very long.. But its very spicy and good! The banana leave is 80cents a pc. After which we went to the next door to try the He Ji Noodles. The noodles are in house made. Hence the texture very good, the chilli, wah! SPICY!!! I thought asked for extra spicy, but thk I couldnt take it, bro took the bowl wif extra chilli instead.... :P

We went to upper pierce reservoir park to breathe fresh air.. The air is so fresh and the surrounding so pretty!!!!
Tik next time should come here again to escape from the city....

29th Mar 08 ~ Strange encounter

2008-03-30T16:49:00.002+08:00

Share with you guys a strange encounter..
I was at TCC @ Nanyang Acad sch with Ben this afternoon for a coffee. As inside had been fully taken, we took the outside seat... About 2 hrs later, a gal passed by us, turned back and walked up to us. I thought she wanted to ask for directions, yes, but its the direction of love n communication. She asked if she could sit down(of coz we cant say no), and suddenly asked us a strange question, "I felt tt my bf has somethg in his mind but he wouldnt talk bot it. Wat shld I do?" Ben and I was quite taken back by her ques. She turned to Ben and asked again, "since u r a guy, can u tell me wat guys thk?" Poor Ben, hes a quiet person(hahaha,not bad still can chat wif me for hrs.. :P) and could tell from his face, he didnt know what to answer. So I kaypoh, give some little(general) advise and she wanted to get a drink n sit down to continue chat wif us.. Since we are leeaving soon, so we told her we are catching a movie soon, so......
She claimed tt shes from M'sia and not very sure whr to go. And later she said, shes here for many mths already. I dont know if shes really lost in her directions in love or thoughts.
After she left, Ben told me, he thought shes gg to sell some MLM to us... I thought shes going to talk bot insurance.. But her ques was quite a surprise to us.
I tik love is between 2 person and especially we dont know her or her bf(she said they r both 27yrs old), I dont tik its right for us to give any advise.. Love, is a 4 letter wd but its not easy to be understood by outsider.. Sighhh

IQ Sapuri

2008-03-29T01:28:00.002+08:00

Recently Im so hooked to this program.
My frd's mum recorded this program from the TV and sent it to my frd.. Hahaha of coz I borrowed!
This program is very educative, it test your IQ, eye sight and how fast witted are you.
This is one of the section:

Theres a section when they will show the actual and mirror image in fast moving motion side by side and u supposed to pt out whr are the difference.
Another section, they will give you some some clips to figure out how to change the wds to another wds..
Hahaha usually I get the wds guessing wrong coz theres still alot of the Japanese kanji character I dont understand. But its a good learning platform...
Pretty interesting right?

エル･アルコン－鷹

2008-03-17T21:42:00.003+08:00

Hehe... My DVD came!!!
Although I watched this show in Japan, but I loved it so much tt I must get the DVD. Happened tt Naoko san went back to Japan for a short trip so asked her to get for me!!!

The opening of the show is very grand, with half a battle ship look and the full cast!!!
Cool!!! Touko san acted as a 24yrs old young and ambitious man..(KAKOIIIII!!!!)
I liked her voice!!! I have the last part as my ring tone!!

And this as my sms tone!!! Cool!!! Cool!!!

Japanese food

2008-03-15T23:06:00.008+08:00

I like Japanese food lots lots and lots!!
Sashimi, Okonomiyaki, Paper pot, etc etc and of coz, desserts!!!!!
Theres a few place I liked to go for Japanese food, Waraku as usual is top on list, theres also Sun with Moon, Soba so good, Kushinbo(not bad too!!!), Sushi Tei, and more n more.
First of all, Waraku. They have lots and lots of choices for Japanese food!! Many many choices of Soba, Udon, Don, Side dish!!
I always liked to order, the Tamago with Kani Udon.. Well of coz if Im there for lunch, I will always get the set meal.. I like Kishimen with Tempura don. Paper pot set is another favorite of mine.. But a bit expensive so I will eat only either when I got extra cash to spend or I super duper craving for it..
It happened to be the Kani season, when I went to Waraku the last time, so I ordered one Kani hotpot.. But.. it was quite a disappointment... Sigh...
But well, ok la, the side dishes are good.. The salad is nice too...

I went to Soba so good a few times and I like it..
I returned there for dessert today. Coz they have the afternoon tea special. 1 dessert with a tea is only $5.00 ++. Oh, & I only found out today they have 1 of my favo dish, Kamo (Duck) Seiro Soba!! Im going to have it next time!
Sakae Sushi is a place I go frequent.. Well.. Its not really coz of the food super good, just that.... Convenient.. Hahaha.. they have it in many place la.. I ordered Kimuchi Ramen once, a bit disappointing.. Coz not spicy enough lor.. But the Hotate Hotpot is quite nice. The soup not too salty and the ingredients are fresh.
And also, of coz theres Liang court.
The curry rice, ramen, udon, omu rice all nice and good!!!!!!!!!!
Hmmmm... so far... I cant tik of anything tts not nice there...

Theres this new pasta place at City link.. Errr I dont wan to say the name, u see it urself... well... Nothing very special.. But the price pretty high!!!
I dont tik I might want to go again lor...

Oh ya! How can I forget.. Sun with Moon!
Sukoshi takai kedo, oishii!!!!!
I ordered Sukiyaki set, but since I dont take beef, I got chicken to replace the beef. 17.80++, quite worth it for the lunch set!!!!

Hehehe.. The best Japanese food I had so far? My frd's cooking!!! Her cooking is the best!!!! Gome.. Always trouble her... hehehe..

Aran Kei & Juri san!! Kawaii!!!!

2008-03-03T21:20:00.000+08:00

I like Aran's singing!! Juri is so cute too!!!

Farewell cum Good Luck lunchie @ Royal Scotts

2008-03-02T20:55:00.008+08:00

29th Feb 08 ~ To thank KL n Angela for helping us all these while and to give farewell wish to them, wishing all the best for the new role, we brought them out to Royal Scotts hotel to have lunch.
This is my 1st time here. Its halal buffet. The food spread?!? My gosh!!! From Japanese to international to Chinese to Malay to Pasta, of coz dessert!!! I attacked the Sashimi of coz!! Then went on to attack the cold dishes, scallop, crayfish.... Well, then went on to attack the Asian choice Kang kong, soup(crab!), etc.. Then 3rd round, took the western choice. And I tried the mutton soup with herbs,yummy!!!
My favo among all? Hmmm.. Sashimi of coz.. N the Kang Kong... N the soups... Hahaha... See, everyone so happy..

Too full.. Too full... Took a break to let the food settle down so that I could attack the desserts!! There are so so so many desserts!!! Tiramisu, Strawberry Tiramisu, Green Tea Cake, Chocolate Cake, Fondue, Ice cream, Strawberry cheesecake and more!!!! Ok ok, Greedy me!! I tried to have one of everything.. But I left pies and fruits out of my choices.. Coz too filling la.. After 2 rounds, enough... Stomach too full liao..... *BurPzz*
Ok one group photo b4 we head back..
*SMILE!!*

Photos of my niece

2008-02-25T15:21:00.004+08:00

My cousin in law just given birth to our first niece(from my mummy side).

The little gal is so sweet n cute!!!!!!
I was wearing red yesterday, and she likes to pt to my red top.
She so attentive and full of smile...
So cutieeeee..

元宵節

2008-02-24T20:29:00.006+08:00

Chinese believed family should gather together on the 15th of 1st Lunar month.
But for LBTO? on the 15th of the 1st Lunar month, we stayed back to have a training with the Atlanta team. KL treated us to Arnold's chicken!!!
YUMMY!!!! We ordered a special set meal(1 spring chicken, 5 pcs chicken, coleslaw, 6 buns,mashed potatoes) and wif additional Onion rings. I tik they taste better than K**...

Our call started ard 8.30pm and ended around 9.30pm. At the end of the call, we stayed on to complete some more work b4 heading home at 10++..
While working, I was on msn wif da ge. He too poor thg like us on a con call, but he only had char bee hoon for dinner, and he forgot he still owe me a jap meal since last yr.. T_T

Air Show in Singapore

2008-02-19T22:00:00.003+08:00

Wow.. Theres Singapore Air Show this week in Singapore at Changi area, which is near my office. As usual, we tapao lunch back, headed up to the roof to have our lunch there. We heard loud noises from the plane engine.
Yuppie, we could see the air show and stuns from our area. Its very clear.
We saw lots of fighter planes doing "aerobics" stuns, going vertically up the sky, 360 degrees turn etc.
Airbus A380 was there too. Huhhh but nope, it did not do stun(I doubt it could anyway).
The cutest stun was 4 planes coming together to do a heart shape with arrows.
We tried to take the photo, though not very clear, but still could be seen. Its in the middle of the photo.
Sha tried to take the fighter plane which was flying so close to us, but we missed it..
Well.... At least we get to see it clearly from our lunchie hangout...
Cooooool!!!

Thoughts bot my holiday trip.

2008-01-26T21:26:00.000+08:00

Total 21 days of holiday. Its a long holiday away from Singapore, from work and from my laptop. Although this was my 5th time to Japan, but the feeling was very different. Though the feeling of every trip is different but this trip,really very different. I get to see many things I had not seen before(example, Kinkaku-ji )and get to experience thgs I had not done before(example, Salon de Takarazuka photo taking, Maiko photo taking, eating at the roadside). And especially, it had been a long time(many yrs) since my family went holiday together.
Some ppl asked me, 5th trip Jap in 7 yrs?? Aren't u sian of the place?? Well, I can say it straight out from my heart, NOPE! I still like Osaka alot, I still like Takarazuka alot, I still want to go there again!!!!

Some frens asked if they could go Japan with me? But I said sorry, its hard, coz my main motive is to watch Takarazuka and of coz other Musical tt Im keen in and you guys will be bored to death following me unless u r XM, MX, etc whom r fans of Taka too.
I dont know when is the next trip, but I hope it wont be far from now. But Im quite sure, it wont be during xmas time(coz Aran san got no show this xmas.. Hahaha!!)....

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #19

2008-01-26T18:28:00.000+08:00

New yr's eve ~ Today got to go home.. SAD!!!!! My parents went to the Fish market to visit so only left 3 gals here to have breakfast and of coz, followed by last shopping at Isetan for bags and cosmetics. We kept looking at the time to make sure we back in time.
Checked out time is 12pm and our bus is at 1pm, so we 3 gals went to buy some burgers to eat.. We bought back for my parents too.. Since there isnt Pork burger in SG mac, I bought 1 there to try. My dad stole a bite before I knew it.. See the bite? By my daddy!!
We were very worried about our luggage total weight. Coz 5 of us, max 125KG, and we had 7 pc. Thank goodnees. Total was 125.8Kg!! We were safe!!! We went for lunch at this Narita Airport. Curry rice.. Hehe.. My sis chose one.. Shes hungry!!
After lunch, more shopping, I bought 2 more comics book and more chocolates... My dad kept telling me to stop buying, but when my mum bought I laughed, he shake his head...
Food on the flight weren't tt bad this time round for my family, coz I requested all veg meal for them.. But me? still remain as regular flight meal. Its chicken with veggies and of coz all veggies for them n XM. We had Ice cream for snacks!!
Our countdown was done on the flight. At 00:30, 1st Jan 2008, we touched down at Changi airport. Its good to be in Japan but great to be home too...
Hehe.. Some of my shopping, and of coz too much Takarazuka items for me to display out, so only took the key chain, necklace, Senbei and drink as my model. Oh and my show ticket!!

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #18

2008-01-26T17:26:00.000+08:00

30th Dec 2007 ~ Woke up early in the morning, XM & I head off to Tokyo Takarazuka Theater!! Hoshi Gumi having rehearsal today!! N I hope to see Aran san once again.. Haha.. So off we go and we were a bit early though.. N Im not going to join to squatting queue today coz here belongs to the Tokyo fan club n Im under Osaka fan club, so its ok.. :p
XM & I decided not to take photos of them today. We shall spend our time looking at them. We chose a good spot. A spot whr most of the stars stars will have to walk through. We were jus 3 steps away from the walkway and we could see them clearly. Maybe we did not have a camera in our hands, their head were not hang tt low when walked passed us.
All very pretty and style!! Oh ya, when Yo tatsuki walked passed us, XM told me in Chinese, "wow so pretty!" and we tik she heard it, we saw her looked at us a bit and smiled.. Maybe she understood the "美" word. Then she turned around n waved... Shes pretty!!!! Then Shio San came by too.. We still think she seems to be too stress, the glowing look on her face seems to have gone. But still pretty!!
Of Coz, Aran san came.. Her fans were waiting opposite us. I wanted to run cross the road to the back of the "squatting grp" to see her, but jus before I crossed the road I thought, hmm she has to pass by here to enter into the theater, I jus wait here then, dont care! Hehe.. Indeed, she did! She saw me, and maybe seeing Im harmless(w/o camera & only 1 there), looking at her with my eyes lightening up, she smiled at me!!! Me only!!!! Shiyawase!!! Then she walked in.. Ahhhhhh so cute!!! XM said maybe more or less she could remember me coz I'd intro to her b4 face to face n was told tt Im from SG... I still couldn't forget how she smiled at me(yuppie, me only)!! Hahaha..
Ok ok.. back to reality,tummy finally called for food after stars seeing. We went to the Starbucks besides it to have, Green Tea Fra & Sausage muffin and Bagel & hot choco for XM. While XM waiting for me to get the food, 1 star star sat beside her waiting for hers too.. I tik XM very happy too.. Hahaha.. After breakfast, we went to Takarazuka-an shop to buy more stuff. I bought 2 bks and 1 mag on taka.. XM bought a bk too..
We went back to Asakusa to visit the famous temple. So many local and foreign tourists. And of coz you could hear Singlish now n then. Haha.. many Singaporeans too. I'd been here once during my 1st trip. So this time round came with XM to visit and pray again.

We went back to hotel to put our shopping stuff b4 head out to Tokyo Dome. Kinki kids is having their annual(?) concert here today, so theres lots n lots of ppl.

Errr, well, we both not Kinki kids fans...So most impt for us then was, filling up our tummy.. So hungry, but everywhr was crowded!!! We decide to head to a Soba Shop located next building. XM had mushrooms with Soba and I had the duck soup sauce thgy wif Soba. OiShiiiiii!!!! I couldnt find this dish in Singapore!!!! So sad.. T_T
After lunch we went for shopping at Tokyo(but nothing to buy).. Before heading back to hotel to meet my family.
My parents and Sis went to Shibuya, Harajuku etc etc for shopping for the day. I tik my sis happily bought lots of stuff and my parents bought a Burberry blue label bag for me.. Its Pink in color but Im so afraid to use it coz scare dirty.. Haha!!! After going back, we went out to Takashimaya area for shopping.
We bought nothing but food for dinner at the supermart! I bought a bento set to try!! My sis missed the pumkim & sushi, XM n my parents wanted the chestnut rice and we bought a sweet n sour chicken and some veggies to try.
We also tried the black pepper chicken from KFC there and pork rice from Yoshinoya!! HAHAHAHA.. We need a lot of energy to pack our luggage...

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #17

2008-01-22T21:01:00.000+08:00

29th Dec 07 ~ After a night of rest, XM n I woke up at 6.30 to go for 1 more round of Onsen before breakfast. The air was so cooling. And the outdoor onsen was just as wonderful.

Jus when we stepped out of the Onsen, to head back to our room, the air was so fresh especially after a morning rain, and the scenery around the hotel were just too good to be missed. Mt Fuji is peeking out from the clouds, though not clear, but still could be seen. Our rooms were on level 2, right in the middle of the building.
Headed off for breakfast!!! Looking forward to breakfast. Service really good. They have staff to serve you for your rice, egg and miso soup.
The rest are buffet style. Quite the same to other hotels, but the different is, theres more food.. hahaha..
After breakfast we went out for a morning walk(which I hardly had the chance in SG). The water droplets stayed on the Sakura tree. It seems as if theres diamonds on the tree isnt it. Fresh air, little pollution, slow pace.. A good place to retire or a break for me away from work...(work? wat work?? hahaha.. JK)
Bottom from left: BG,our dining place - Our resort - XM & Mum with the lake n Mt Fuji - Family photo at the side of the lake

Soon 10am, time to check out.. So sad!!! T_T
Though super duper not willing to leave but have to... So we were off, taking the hotel shuttle and headed back to the bus station for our bus back to Tokyo.At this moment, Mt Fuji still couldn't be seen. But well, the clouds looked very fluffy n nice to rest on. Hahaa...
On the way back to Tokyo, theres a heart warming scene. Someone offered some gum for other passengers on the bus, though they didnt know each other, but they started to offer back so end up, each had another one's snacks. Its a small gesture but I tik it shows how friendly ppl r.
After checking in again at Sunroute hotel and went out for food. Its 3pm and we're hungry!!! We went to some small lanes at Shinjuku and found one Ramen shop tts still crowded despite passed lunch hr. We ordered Ramen. I had my special Ramen which had a little spicy taste. Well.. I still tik the one at airport had the best spicy taste(coz of the chilli).
After makan, we went to Odaiba, to Venus Fort(A shopping mall in the style of a 18th century South European town. It features more than one hundred boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants, targeting a mainly female audience.). They even painted the ceiling with blue sky color and clouds. We felt as if we were in olden Europe.
We went to Aquacity to catch view of the Rainbow bridge and since its night time, the lights r up with rainbow light bulbs, of coz. At 7pm, they had fireworks!! Though u couldnt expect it to be like our National day, but the fireworks had wonderful combination of flowers, stars, snow etc.
Though, we had enough shopping for the day but my dad wanted to go to Ropponggi Hill as his frd told him this is a huge place for shopping, entertainment and sceneries of Tokyo town. Well... yes, it does provide a good view. You could see Tokyo Tower from here and nice lights deco etc.. Shopping wise, well... ok..... not so bad...... Anything super duper good? hmmm the popcorn from the cinema store smell nice though(Im not kidding). Maybe our expectation too high, so a bit disappointed...

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #16

2008-01-17T11:54:00.000+08:00

28th Dec 07 ~ After a good breakfast we set off to Shinjuku bus terminal to make our way to 1 of Mt Fuji's Lake, Kawaguchi-Ko. When we about to reach, the sky was cleared and Mt Fuji could be seen very very clearly. But too bad when we reached the terminal, the top part of Mt Fuji had been covered with clouds. But still could be seen.
The hotel bus will picked us up at 3pm, so since theres some time and we do not have luggage with us, we took a slow walk to the Lake side. Since its the low season, so there wasn't crowd. And we met some Singaporeans on the way.
Ard the lake, theres a Gem Museum, Bear Museum, Cottages and what attracts us the most is the blueberry and lavender shop. They sold lots of blueberry products like cakes, tea, biscuits etc. We bought a lot of gifts here and I got ourselves a blueberry jam with honey.
Theres lavender soft cream & we tried. The lavender taste was quite strong but not till the extend that it taste like fragrance oil.
See, at the background of the pix, is the Mt Fuji. Slowly its been covered by clouds.
We got lunch on the way back to the terminal. The restaurants are on level 2 so that you could have the lake view. We ordered the local specialty, "Houtou" noodles(900 Yen). The noodle texture was quite similar to our "Ban men" but thicker and lots of veggies,eg pumpkin, mushroom, carrot, green veggies, "tao pok" etc.
The bus picked us up at 3pm. I thought it was near to the terminal but Im wrong! Its at another side of the lake and its facing Mt Fuji(which was covered totally by clouds. see the white clouds at the bg of my sis photo? Tts actually Mt Fuji's location.).The hotel staff(which was very cute looking... :P) was there waiting for our arrival, brought us to check in & to our hotel room. Showed us the view from our room(which faces the lake!), explained to us whr places were etc. But since he introduced to us in Jap, I got to translate.
After he left, we started to explore our room. Its a traditional Washitsu. Theres also a Tokonoma with the new yr deco. Theres tea for us to make and snack for us to eat. Theres a low table and chair for us to sit on, and 2 chairs at the window side to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Since theres tea n local special snack, my sis made tea for all of us to sit down and enjoy together.
Theres Yukata for us to wear too. Hahaha!! Being mountain turtle, of coz we started to wear and play with it la. XM being a fierce head of the house, me being a samuri(I know I dont look like 1), my sis a happy little child and my parents trying to act like old Jap.
Ok ok.. enough of playing, time to go enjoy the Onsen bath. Its male and female separate bath. You can choose the indoor or the outdoor bath. The outdoor bath was wonderful! Coz the air was cold, and the water was hot. The hot and cold mixture was super duper wonderful!!! But be mindful, dont soak for too long, else, u be giddy.
We chose 7pm for our 10 course dinner. BTW, our hotel stay was, 12000Yen pax/night with dinner(Kaiseki) & breakfast included. Ive taken Kaiseki in Singapore b4 n it cost SGD$400++. Hence, 12000yen? Its not expensive.
Shiho san had informed the hotel earlier that XM needs veg fd and they had indeed prepared for her with very very fresh ingredients and veggies they could find. XM was very happy!!!
And for us? We had the typical Kaiseki. My parents and even my sis weren't used to it coz alot of raw/cold food, but I loved it!!!! Every single item had been prepared and made carefully, its as if you could feel how sincere the chef was.
Theres nothing we could complained about. We really enjoyed the meal. The service staffs were very friendly. They asked us at interval if the food was good etc. My dad n mum said, service so good that we felt shy.

At first we thought the dessert must be ice cream. But well, we were a 1/4 correct. They gave us 4 variety. Apple, orange, chocolate cream cake and yuzu ice cream.
They r so thoughtful isnt it? I really loved the dinner!!!
After dinner, we went around the hotel. They were getting ready for the new year. Theres a nice Kadomatsu( traditional decoration for the new year) at the door. And of coz, a wooden chair engraved with the hotel name, Sunide resort. They have small cottages up the hill too. Theres lots of books and photos of Mt Fuji at the lobby area too.
Another reason they needed to know your dinner time was to made your bed(Futons) while u were out, u dont have to do it urself. The tables were pushed aside and Futons were made. Cool right! Opening part of the window with the heater on(of coz), we all went into a good night zzZZZzz...

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #15

2008-01-15T19:54:00.000+08:00

27th Dec 07 ~ After a night of rest, we woke up early to go to Hakodate famous morning market. They r famous for fresh seafood. When we stepped in, wow, lots of Hokkaido famous"Kun bu", dried scallop, etc.
Walking on, we saw more fresh seafood, live crabs, frozen crab, bbq crab, crab in soup ready to be eaten. If u love seafood, u will love this place.
See how happy my sis and mummy... My sis wanted to try on the bbq Cod fish, so I went with her to try. I ordered Sashimi Crab. The crab meat is so sweet!!!! I could hardly get such nice meat texture in Singapore...
After our little snack we went to the 2nd level of JR station. Theres a Jap-Chinese rest. From the showcase, the food looks good. My mummy ordered a Jap-chinese noodles with thick gravy(very very nice!!!), XM had Kun bu Undo(errr ok..I dont really know how to appreciate it), Dad n I had Crab ramen(sweet crab meat with scallop and prawns!!) and my sis, took a bit from all of us(I tik she ate the most.. haha).
Hakodate had the least snow fall in Hokkadio and yet we were lucky. Snow was falling fast n lots.. Well, tts somethg we didnt expect. N of coz, we were excited once again. It fell for 3 hrs.
Well, after lunch, we headed back to our hotel and get ready to leave Hokkaido for Tokyo. Our flight was at 3pm. Pulling our heavy luggage, enough of shopping here, time to say goodbye.
Caught the airport bus and we reached the airport at 1pm. Checking in our luggage with fear tt we might be charged for excess, thank you! they didnt.
Continued shopping at the airport(dad couldnt stand us!). Haha!!! I bought more food as xmas gift for ppl.
Since no food served on the flight, my sis bought Hokkaido Cheesecake. We each had one to bite on the flight.. As its near sun set time, the view was perfect.
Upon reaching Tokyo, one of the most wonderful thg happened to me. After we got off the plane, XM went to the ladies & she waited for quite sometime, so I ran to another ladies and jus went I was entering in, I was stunned by the person in front of the mirror! She.. she... looked familiar.. GASPS! Takarazuka hoshi gumi young star, Musumeyaku!!!! I tik she knew tt I noticed her, she smiled and heads down.
I stood beside her washing my hand,didnt know wat to do. Then suddenly, someone came out and GASPS! another Hoshigumi young star, Otokoyaku. She stood at my other side washing her hands and both of them talking. Standing in the middle, I felt extremely happy and lost too. They then walked out. I totally forgotten y I came in. I followed behind them, saw XM, I ran to her, and pt to them, "Got star star!!!" "Whr whr?!?" My family thought we two siao liao. XM was so excited too seeing them.. "Pretty pretty!!!! Tall, very Tall!!!" Hahaha!! Tts my closest encounter with Taka stars.. Hahaha..
Uh ok.. After all the excitement, time for dinner coz our bus only departs at 7.20pm. We went to the Ramen shop. XM order Veggies with egg ramen(very very yummy,abit regret didnt follow her). My sis, mum n I had stir fried pork cabbage with rice(Which was good too, coz many veggies n not too salty), dad had Tokyo Ramen(which was a bit blend). The best thg in this place was the chilli. Its really hot and I dont tik we got such similar thg in SG. My mum tried to find it later in supermarket there, but couldnt. Anyone who know whr to buy this, pls tell me.
After dinner, we hang ard some more and we saw another Hoshi gumi star star!!! Wonderful day for XM n me!!!
Of coz the main thg on my mind then was the hotel. Though the hotel had jus opened in Sept only, but dont know how was it. The airport service stop at the hotel and my mum was very very happy!
She said, wow! Very class looking hotel.(Of coz la, 6000 yen pax/night leh). This's the same hotel as Hokkaido, Sunroute Shinjuku Plaza hotel. The hotel looks like a 5 star hotel, but upon return my sis checked, n told us its a 3 star?!?! Cant be ba, it so nice!

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #14

2008-01-14T22:21:00.000+08:00

26th Dec 07 - Time to say goodbye to Sapporo. We are going to Hakodate today.
After checking out, we decided to get to the bus station by Taxi. No no! Not tt we r rich, but coz our luggage too heavy hence, its tough to walk 30mins from our hotel to bus station. Taxi was 880Yen. So we took 2 cabs. So still quite ok la..
Our bus time, 9.15am. Our bus driver? A young guy. Quite cute actually. Hahahaha!!
But poor thg, hes trying to figure out how to store our luggages. Hahaa...
Its a 5 hr drive from Sapporo to Hakodate. A long journey with 1 toilet stop only!!! I started to get motion sickness after 1 hr coz some ppl did big biz in the bus toilet so the bus stinks... I couldnt take it, so head started to spin. Thank goodness for the break, I felt better.
At last, we reached Hakodate!!! Our hotel is only 3000 yen pax/night. Its cheap, 5 mins from bus terminal, but the room... Errrr well, we were quite fine with it, but my mum abit disappointed.. Haha! well its not tt bad actually, clean and has free internet, jus tt the building, structure and interior is quite old and very diff from our Sapporo hotel. My poor dad got nagged by mum for very long time(coz their 3 pax room smaller than our 2 pax room) and threaten tt if Tokyo hotel not good, she will changed.. hahah!!!
Well, even though its 2+ we need to get lunch. We went to this foodcourt looking place. Dont ask me wat I ordered. I tik mine was a mixed of everythg... The taste was ok! 750 yen.

After makan, time to go site seeing. We went to the Goryokaku. It used to serve as a place for the General in the past and the design adopted western style, star shape(HOSHI!). The whole place had been planted with Sakura trees, Im sure its going to be beautiful in Spring.
We took the city tram to go to our next destination, Hakodate Hill top. The city tram is very easy to take but the seats quite limited though. Even the tram waiting stop had been decorated with xmas lightings.
Hakodate has the World Top 3 best night view honor. Since we are here of coz must take a look. We took the cable car up to the hill which is fast, less than 10 mins ride, indeed, the scenery, super wonderful. Not only its full moon but, we saw 2 shooting stars!!! Its very cold too!!
In order to continue enjoying the scenery but not in the cold, we went to a cafe to have snacks and hot drinks while enjoying the scenery(Aww life...). We were lucky to get a window seat. We ordered, hot chocolate, Hokkaido baked potatoes, special lamb set(the lamb very very fresh &tender and the sauce was very special with a sweet savory taste), warm Sake, and me being a dessert lover ordered a Hokkaido(map)cheese cake dessert (good, not too sweet) with hot tea. The dessert really had the shape of Hokkaido.

Finally, time to say goodbye to the wonderful night scenery. Next, we visited some of the famous church, but too bad, its too dark to take pix, and head back to our hotel at near to 11pm to zzZZzzz...

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #13

2008-01-12T19:08:00.000+08:00

25th Dec 07 - Its xmas day! My parents and sis going to Lake Toya. Since XM n I went b4 in 2006, we decided not to follow. Instead we chose a place tt seems not much ppl go, Tomakomai City. Dont ask me y we chose this place, coz we dont know too. Hahaha. Theres isnt any info about this place b4, so we want to be hero go explore la..
While we having breakfast in our hotel, it started to snow again.
Its really a white xmas. Though no fireplace, but we could feel that all clam and quiet.
After breakfast, we took the bus to Tomakomai city. When we reached Tomakomai City, I got a bit worried coz the town seems quite ulu.... I told XM, oops, have we chose the wrong place to venture. Xm said, well, errrrr dont know leh..
Im even more worried when we got off at the center. Even the center got nothing much but one shopping center and supermarket!! Thank goodness theres a tourist info center and they suggested us to go to Utonai ko which is less than 30mins from center.
We bought lunch from the supermarket before catching the bus. Upon reaching the lake, its so beautiful that we felt its worth for the long journey
As its 1+ already, we went to the resting stop to hide away from the coldness and filled up our tummy with wat we bought at the supermarket. I bought Crab omelette's rice. Though its not warm, but it very very nice!!!
The gravy was not too salty, the egg had been nicely done and the crab meat, was from real crab not like SG, not crab stick. Yummy....
After staying in for an hr, we finally went out to the lake. Its as cold as wat we experienced at Lake Toya, or even colder. This lake is top 100 Hokkaido natural beauty. Its really beautiful, but as its cold too. We couldnt walk too long.
We went to the nearest area where theres lots of swan and ducklings.
XM very excited!! Theres a little box for you to put in 100yen and take a bag of food on ur own to feed the swans n ducklings.
Though they r not my favo type of animals but seeing them so cute, I got a pack to feed them too. XM dare to put the foodies on her palm to feed them, but noooooo for me!!! Maybe coz when Im young, a bird poke my hand till it bled while Im feeling it. That had casted a shadow on me. I was quite terrified when they got too near to me, hence I ran far far from them. Hahaha..
After feeding them, we stayed a while longer to admire the beauty here. Both of us agreed, this's really really one of the best mother nature gave to humans. Clear blue sky, blanket of white snow, flocks of birds gathered together, no noise, air and "lake" pollution, what more could we asked?
Its 3pm, time to walk to the bus stop to wait for bus back to center. Though not willing to go, but, haizz had to no matter wat.. There wasnt much traffic on the road. I tik Jap ppl are very thoughtful. They built a little hut for ppl to hide while waiting for the bus, so that ppl dont have to wait in the cold. Its serve as a hiding place, for us at least. :P
After returning to the town center, XM and I went shopping.
The clothes here were pretty and suitable for me to wear to office..
Hehe...So, I started shopping again. XM also bought nail stickers for her hp and niece.
Soon back on the bus, going back to Sapporo town.
We reached Sapporo around 7pm and my family reached back around the same time. But as they were not hungry XM n I went for our Xmas dinner alone and they went shopping(in the end they ate ramen). Coz today's the last day in Sapporo.
XM n I went back to the place that we went to on day 1 in Hokkaido.
She ordered her Veggie pizza again coz she said its really good and I had the 3 mushroom type with Wafu Sauce pasta. Its a huge portion again so I must not waste food. :p
Since its xmas, well, its an excuse for me to try the dessert since I didnt get to eat it the first time. XM said she should try one too. She had almond tofu with fruits(500yen), she very happy coz theres fruits and the almond jelly melts in the mouth. I tried green tea ice cream with red bean and honey on toasted bread(700yen). Its very very special type of dessert. Theres lots of honey on the bread making the bread sweet and the ice cream is milky but not too sweet. Yummy..
When we were walking back to our hotel around 9pm, snow started to fall again. White xmas night.
Being greedy, I bought a little cake back to hotel too. Its one of the must try dessert in Sapporo. Its chocolate with chiffon cake (320yen)
Its dark chocolate and the cake very soft. I cant describe the taste but its really really good.
Uh, ok, enough of food, time to pack my luggage. -_-||
Just when we're about to zzZZZzz, snow started to fall heavily.
My mum said its too cold, she jus wan to watch it from the window, but XM n I ran out to take pix, though its not as heavy as wat we went through in 2006, but its good enough for us to get excited.

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #12

2008-01-11T20:28:00.000+08:00

While we were having breakfast at our hotel, it started snowing. My mum was very excited coz tts her main reason for coming to Japan, to see snow falling. She seen snow but not falling. Well She got her wish came true.
After breakfast, we went to Otaru. On the way, the scenery was so beautiful especially when we saw the sea. thats jus right next to the train tracks.
We reached Otaru after 30+mins train ride.
It's so much like in drama scene. Hahaha.. The old looking station, the snow, the tracks, the train thats ready to leave, ppl rushing in and out. Hahaha..
We took a walk out towards Otaru Canal. And of coz to a place thats famous for selling strange flavor of ice cream, Kitano ice cream ya.
Take a look at the menu. Dont you tik some of the flavor very very strange? Actually I wanted the Natto or Crab flavor, but they were sold out. So I'd got no choice but choosed the next strange one, squid. Its black in color.
The taste? hmmm well, it had a bit of fishy taste, but its still sweet, I tik coz of milk that was added in. XM didnt wan to be tt daring, she took white peach which had a very sweet scent. My parents and sis also wanted somethg normal, so I ordered melon and Aloe yogurt. They enjoyed it, but no one dare to eat mine coz they find it scary. But I quite like it leh.
Moving on, we saw alot of DIY shops. You can make your own musical box.
Just choose the figurings that you like, the type of music you want, and you can start making ur very own, 1 in the world musical box. Though I very very much wanted to do one, but my dad said its going to be tough bringing it back to SG,coz its too fragile and we are going to many places still. So.... :(
Next we came by clustered of low rise buildings that has lots of food eateries.
Theres sushi shop, Ramen shop(only 450yen), Rice(Don) shop etc and etc.
Sounds good! but errr still not hungry especially after the very rich Ice cream.
So see, see look look can la..
We turned into a street and to our surprise, the whole street of shops belongs to the same company, glass products making company. See this tree, the shiny thgy tts on the tree, they're not ice nor water droplets. Its little crystal like glass.
At the background of this photo is whr u could DIY, blow ur own design glass.
You can also make your own bracelet. Very very customized gift.
We saw Waraku shop here. My sis n I very keened to try out but not only its full house, but they also only had sushi at tt time coz its special promotion period.
So ended up going to a Ramen shop.
Not only the bowl was big with lots of bean sprouts but its quite cheap also. Average 700 yen per bowl. Haha.. Tik my sis and XM enjoyed it coz many many bean sprouts and they're very fresh didnt have the taste that Im very scared of.
After meal, the shop gave each person one free ice cream. Very sweet and thoughtful.
After lunch around 2.30pm, snow started to fall again.
We went to the famous Otaru Canal to take pictures. Very romantic with snow. Many tourist were here too to take photo. A TV station is here too to record a program. I think its some cooking program.
Taking a slow walk down the canal side. All the old warehouse had been changed into cafes etc. Its like our boat quay. But, I think our quay lack of the romantic feeling... Maybe no snow? Maybe too crowded?? Maybe too commercialize? Maybe too noisy??
Its getting too cold. Its about -1 degrees. We decided to head back to Sapporo. As we were walking back, one shop attracted my dad. Its a seafood outlet shop. They will cook scallop and crab on the spot for you to eat. No way my dad going to missed that. My mum didnt want it, and XM couldnt eat them. So my sis n I accompanied my dad to eat. We ordered 2 huge scallop and 1 crab soup. Nothing much was added in, only a bit of butter and some sauce. The meat, very sweet and fresh! We have to stand and eat by the roadside.
Maybe I was too tired, maybe the weather too cooling, I fell asleep throughout the journey back.
Upon reaching Sapporo, my sis n I went shopping around and tried the Hokkaido pudding and milk.
XM n parents when back to rest.
Usually the supermarket will have sale 1hr before closing for the day. The price can be slashed by half. Since we were hungry and it was 1hr b4 the closing(8pm), we went round the supermarket to buy food. See the amount of food we had! Total: 2200 Yen. Tts about 440 Yen per person. Less than SGD$6. Very very worth it!!!

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #11

2008-01-10T20:32:00.000+08:00

23rd Dec 07 - We wanted to go to Shiroi Koibito but as the company facing some problem now, they're not opened to public yet. So we ended up going to snow mountain.

It took us nearly 1 hr journey from our Sapporo station to Snow World - Takino Suzuran Hillside park. During winter season, entrance is free. Snow and more snow. Today is the first day of opening. Not much ppl yet buy rather, quite quiet. But its good for us coz the snow is so clean, no one stepped on it yet. They were very deep too. Up to my kneecap.

The place really really quiet. With very pretty fencing, little house and small huts.
Suddenly, we became big kids. Packing snow balls and having snow fight.

Looking at the clean blanket of snow, I had the urge to lie down on it like how kids in the comics did. "POP". Laid down on the snow.
Its not as cold as what I expected but since the snow its deep, I was quite worried I may sank into it.. Haha.. Thank goodness I didnt. But when getting up, I need XM help to pull me up.
As we walked on, we saw the Tube float slide. The electric line will pulled us up hill(Good! no need to walk). At the top, we will have to queue and wait for our turn to slide down. Due to safety reason, they only allow one to be at the slide at each time. So had to wait for a while. The slide is 200meter long. Its slides down the icy hill really fast!! Hehe... I played twice.
But my sis ran indoor to the resting place. Coz she brought the wrong shoes and the snow slipped into her shoes and when it melt, the socks is wet and her toes became freezing numb. We bought lunch from the canteen area. Theres pasta, soup, Curry rice etc. I had pasta(500 yen) and Corn Soup(200 yen).
The last bus back to the station is 4pm, we had to catch the bus. Theres a little hut at the bus stop. The scenery of sun setting very romantic too, wasnt it?

We went to Sapporo Beer Factory to tour round and went to the gift shop to buy some presents back to frds. At the shopping center, my parents didnt want to shop anymore, they came to Mister Donut to have a break. That was my 2nd time for this trip to eat its Donut(89yen - 200yen). Strange... I thought I took a pix of the donut I ordered, but I cant find it now.. Anyway, we ate the donuts and ordered "Miso pao"while watching the musical xmas tree.
Since we were not hungry for dinner, we went to Sapporo shopping street for shopping. My sis bought a pair of boots and cosmetics, and more food shopping for XM n I.
Walking back to hotel while searching for a good place for dinner, we saw this ad, 300G of crab for 700Yen(i tik). Its very cheap. Its on level 2 of the building. We thought, hmmm maybe not crowded ba, coz it look so quiet on the outside. Wow, were we so wrong. The place very big and they were full house. So we had to take the counter seat.
We ordered alot of food, haha!!! Pls see pix for clearer view.... Total bill, slightly less than 4000 yen.

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #10

2008-01-08T20:31:00.000+08:00

22nd Dec 07 - Got up at 5am so tt we could catch 6am bus for 1 hr bus ride, then to catch our flight to Sapporo at Osaka Itami Airport at 9am. Seriously I had a hard time waking up and we even had a harder time dragging our heavy luggage to the bus terminal. Haha. Off to airport and after weighing luggage, oops, 29kg for mine and 22kg for XM. We had a hand carry too.. Thank goodness, they didnt charged us extra.
I dont know y, but I had a mixed feeling. I wanted to visit Hokkaido again but then, I couldnt bear to leave Kansai area. Maybe coz I didnt get to meet a few frds as the timing couldnt match. But well, the plane is here. Time to leave. Theres a playground with their ground staffs there to take care of the kids just before boarding. A very thoughtful idea.
Happily showing off my new decorated phone while awaiting for landing.
An hr plus flight, and here we are again at Hokkaido. It had been a yr since we last came in 2006. Nothing much change. The same snow scene, the same friendly ppl and the same or much more coldness of the weather.
We checked in the same hotel as 2006, Sunroute Hotel. Y? well, the rooms are good, near to city center(5mins walk), cheap and breakfast included(4250yen pax/night).
My parents and Sister came on a slightly later flight and we met them at the train station and brought them to the hotel. Hmmm their luggage quite light... We all had Hokkaido Ramen separately.
We took a rest in the hotel room. And ohhh, BS2 had Takarazuka show again.. So TV hugging time again!!! We rested till about 6 and XM n I went out for dinner. I had Seafood Omu rice(800yen) and Veggie Pizza(500yen) for XM. Yummy!!! Though the portion is huge, but I must not waste food(excuses, haha). I finished all!!!
My family met us and went to odori for the xmas lightings. As the German market had ended, we were not able to drink the yummy hot milk again... Wasted.. But well, the lightings were as pretty or prettier than 2006. But grrr....coldddd....For XM n I not tt bad coz at least we went through coldness in Kansai area.
But for my family, they were like us in '06. From 30 degrees to a straight -1 degrees place. Too cold for them. As we were walking, we saw a little van selling "Stone hot sweet potato". 1kg 1000 yen. We bought 3 pc to share to warm our body..
After the hot snack, we continued our journey. Admiring the lightings before heading back to our hotel at 11pm. zzzzZZZZZzzz....

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #9

2008-01-07T21:32:00.000+08:00

21st Dec 2007 - Today is sightseeing day. After breakfast we went to the bus terminal and spent 500 yen for a one day ticket. First stop, Kinkaku-ji Temple. The image of the temple richly adorned in gold leaf reflects beautifully in the water of Kyokochi, the mirror pond. No matter from which angle, front, side or middle of the hill, golden temple is really astonishing.
As Golden Temple is located at the foot of the hill, we climbed sightly upwards and view Golden temple from the top.
Moving down, we came by a little hut. Theres a seat for you to sit. From the kanji writing we guessed that by sitting on top on the stone, we might get more good ppl supporting us, so we took turns to sit.
Just as we were leaving the compound, we saw resting area. It looked so tradition and lay back. 500 yen for a tradition snack(Kinkakuji design, very sweet) and tradition green tea(very thick and bitter). Thank goodness we dont have to kneel, we get to sit in the garden, under tradition looking umbrella. I felt so relax,wanting to stay here for ever.
After our little break we went on to Ginkaku-ji.
Ginkaku-ji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) is an elegant temple set in beautiful grounds at the foot of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. What attracted me most, is not the temple, but the sand deco in the garden and scenery that the hill had.
We took a sit on the landing beside the unique sand garden with its 2-metre silver cone,and quietly looked at scenery mother nature had provided for us to enjoy. Many Japanese were like us, sitting quietly,smiling & enjoying mother nature w/o talking.
Just like Golden temple, theres a path slightly uphill for us to go. From here, you could see the eastern to central part of Kyoto.
Its all quiet here. No screaming,shouting,rushing. Quietness that Im looking fwd to.
Lunch time! As we were walking towards the bus stop, we saw a small cosy restaurant.
XM ordered her favo, Sansai Udon(600 yen) and tempura soba(700 yen) for me. The soup based had a slight scent of fragrance.
After which, its near to 3pm, the sun is getting ready to set. We went to the next famous tourist attraction, Kiyomizu - Dera. The temple’s platform juts out of the side of a mountain supported by 13-meter-high wooden columns. We came to a small hall, seeing ppl taking off their shoes and going down the staircase. Being curious, we followed. Paid 100 yen, took off our shoes, placing it into a bag provided and walked down the dark staircase. The underground was super duper dark. You cant see anything. Not even if u placed ur fingers right in front of ur eyes. After a long walk and worry of falling down, theres a faint light in front of us. Theres a craved stone under the spot light with some Buddhism wording. We touched and turn it one round hoping it will give us protection(tts our wish, I dont tik its the real purpose of the stone) before going back to the bright world out there.
Moving on to the main hall, seated goddess of mercy. We took off our shoes again, stepped into the main hall, kneel down and prayed. Though there are many ppl, but still considerable quiet (except for tourists shouting at each other to take photo. Sighhh).
There is also a shrine on the grounds, and praying there is said to help one succeed in finding an appropriate love match. People desirous of a romantic partner can be seen walking between two prominent stones with their eyes closed. If one can make the journey alone, this is taken as a sign that the pilgrim will find love. Those who need assistance in making the crossing will require an intermediary to help them find their mate. I didnt try, which means... hmmm.. shhh....hahaha!!!
Once again, sun setting. It represent a day is about to end.
Though we were so unwilling but nothing can stop ending of the day. Admiring the nature and its color, looking at the stunning structure, suddenly I felt sad that Singapore doesn't had such place to go.

In Kiyomizu - dera, 3 waterfalls could be found. People come to the temple to drink water from the falls by collecting it in tin cups; the water is said to have therapeutic properties, and drinking from the three different streams is said to confer health, longevity and success in studies. Of coz, we drank.

Though its near to winter but Autumn leaves still could be seen.
They're beautiful, isnt it. BTW, as we left Kiyomizu and walked down the street, we saw Singapore TCS couple, Xiang yun and Chen Zhi Cai. They brought their kids. I tik they noticed we were looking at them, Xiang Yun smiled and her hubby waved and said merry xmas. We smiled and waved back.
We went on to Gion. Though its getting dark but we just couldnt get enough of Kyoto. The temple is getting ready for the new yr celebration and as we walked inner, its getting colder and of coz, quieter. No one seems to be around except for us. After a while, we decide to turn back.
Since its near to 7pm, we went back to our town center for dinner. We need to pack our luggage again today as we are moving again tmr. XM had kyoto's specially picked veggies with udon(600 yen) and I tried sometig new, Cold soba noodles dip with warm duck soup(Sayuri chan, I forgot the name of this dish, pls tell me).
After dinner, we went to Kyoto Shiki theater. They are performing West Side Story now. I would say their performance very very different from Takarazuka even though they're broadway too. They have men n women in the troop. Whereas purely women for Takarazuka.
I saw Black Jack and wanted to take a photo with this Kakoii figure.
Moving on, we went to the Kyoto Tower and I had been craving for Japan's Mac flurry. Couldnt stand it anymore!

I told XM I want to get it! They had Kitkat or berries. I took Kitkat of coz. Though its more expensive(300yen) but the size is double of Singapore's and the cream is much much more nicer.
As we were heading back to hotel, we saw Chen Zhi Cai again. He smiled at us and we smiled back(no we didnt trailed them, unlike Taka Stars!Haha)

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #8

2008-01-06T22:18:00.000+08:00

20th Dec 07 - Feeling recharged after a night rest and a good breakfast, we went to a place whr we had made reservation. Yumekoubou. Why? Coz, we're going to dress up as Maiko(舞妓) for makeover. We decided to go for 2 sets of clothes since we got the chance.
The studio located 5 mins walk from our hotel. As we had done our reservation, theres only two of us. We were brought into the dressing room to choose the design we wanted to wear. The dressing room was designed thoughtfully. They had a few chairs for make up, a lots of sink to wash up, an area for u to blow dry your hair, lotion for ur face if u need after the makeover, toilet, lockers for belongings etc. Cool!!!
So so many choices!!! We had a hard time picking. I picked the purple one 1st, our makeup artist helped me to choose the 2nd pc,red(n I loved it). XM took the artist advise for both her clothes, green and yellow, and it really suit her!

Now, time for make up. Shes fast! She did for both us at the same time and able to finish it in 30 mins and started dressing us up. Really uncomfortable! Tie the body with cloth tightly for a few layers b4 wearing the costume. Even after wearing the costume, we got wrapped again. Suddenly, I felt like dumpling. Haha... Then next is the hairwig.. Wah liao, heavy la!!! And we cant laugh else the makeup might crack. :p
XM proceed to take her photo first. But jialat thg was, she couldnt speak Jap & our dear photographer cant speak chinese, errr abit chicken n duck talk lor... Poor both of them, trying hard to understand. I came into the studio later and tried to help to translate as much as possible.
We could use our own camera. As we are still waiting for them to post our enlarged photos to us, so pai say la,now only have wat we took with our camera.
Top from left: XM's 1st set; My 1st set; My 2nd set wif Iguchi san; XM's 2nd set; My 2nd set outside the studio

Left: XM and my 2nd set; XM with our makeup artist(Shinzan san); Me and Shinzan San

After washing off the makeup, we had a look at our end product.. I couldnt stop laughing at myself! So funny!!!
Here you go, but same ya, dont laugh too loud hor! I got both, 6, 11,17 to enlarge.
After a break at our hotel, we went to Saga to take the Torottku train to tour around the hills and river in the west end Kyoto. 600yen perpax/25mins trip
I got to know this train also through TV program.

View along the way was wonderful! We saw bamboo forest, valleys, flowing river, sunset and lots more. On the way, XM n I hardly talked. Coz we were so adsorbed in by wat we saw. This is somethg which we dont get to see frequent.
We took a bus to the famous bridge, 渡月橋(Togetsukyo). The water flow quietly downwards. It so quiet that you may not even notice the water is flowing. We saw the bridge. Its a long bridge with lights on the side changing color frequently. Its sunset time, it seems quietly saying tt its hosting a romantic place for couple.
We crossed the bridge and came to a small restaurant. Its near dinner time and we wanted to settle with Kyoto famous food, Toufu soup. I had soya soup base with Toufu and clear soup base Toufu for XM. She wanted fried Toufu as a side. From her expression I could see that shes especially happy with her dinner tonight. Actually, me too.
After dinner we headed off to shopping again. Though we were very tired by the end of the day but we were very very happy.

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #7

2008-01-06T07:39:00.000+08:00

19th Dec 07 - Wif our heavy luggage, saying goodbye to Osaka, we went to Kyoto by train. It had been my dream to stay in Kyoto for 2 days to enjoy the sceneries and good food(of coz). Spoke to XM in Oct bot it and shes excited too. We picked APA hotel,5mins walk from city center. (4000 yen Night/pax wif breakfast). We reached ard 1pm, the check in time is 3pm. But we were too tired, so we decide to pay 2000yen extra to check in early and take a break. Thank goodness BS2 channel was showing Taka show, we two glued to the TV again. Haha..
Its around 4pm and stomach calling for food. We did not had lunch. I was watching a recorded TV program with Ryosuke san when I saw them introducing this restaurant Yamatomi.
They will give you Raw materials to let u dipped into Tempura paste and deep fried it urself. I find it so interesting that I told XM tt I wanted to try. Since theres veggies too, shes excited too! Im not familiar with this area(though been to Kyoto twice..) we asked the tourist info counter first. Took a bus and walked into a small lane. But theres many restaurant in this lane. I guessed coz they r jus right beside the famous Kamogawa.
It took us quite sometime before locating the shop, coz its quite deep inside the lane. We were a bit scared at first coz the lane is quite dark besides the lights from the various restaurants. But after stepping in, all concerns disappeared!

They brought us to level 2 and gave us a table thats right beside the window.
We could see Kamogawa clearly from here.
Its beautiful with the night fall. XM say its romantic but too bad we r two ladies. Haha!!!

As 2nd level is Tatami seating, we were to take off our shoes before stepping onto the Tatami.
They placed our shoes into the shoe cupboard and gave us the tag(which XM holding) to "redeem" our shoes back later.

I started to order the food. Minimum 2 sticks per order. So we ordered, sweet potato, green bell pepper, mushroom, tomatoes, lotus root, asparagus, potato, ebi and pork. With 2 rice. Me hor, thought they let us fried ourselves. But when they came with already fried I nearly fainted!!! Read the menu again then I realised, oops.. Only if I ordered the set meal then we can fried it ourselves, else they fried! Hai yo!!
XM very nice, said its ok. Maybe if we fried it ourselves, we might not be able to fry it so nicely, golden color. Ok la... Tts true too.. hahaha I said, maybe its god will that if we did it ourselves sometig bad may happen, hes protecting us.
The food really good and very very fresh n sweet! But I tik we over ordered! The bill was 3000yen in total. Very very worth it!!
The staffs thought we were from Hongkong, but when we said from Singapore, they were very surprised coz they didnt expect us to be able to find this place. :D
After dinner, we went shopping again. :p We bought more clothes and the bright bright "stones" to deco our handphones. Coz I saw what some Aran's fan did, I thought it was very pretty. Though Im not good with my Art, but I tried.
And tata, heres my finishing product!!! I was abit concerned worrying that the small stones will drop. So I bought some extra small ones to patch it in case any dropped. Front is "ARAN", and at the back theres a dangling "K" represent "Aran Kei" 's K. So reading from front to back is Aran K(ei) hahahaha!! and the rest are Stars to represent Hoshi gumi(star troop). Clever hor??! HAHHA!!!

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #6

2008-01-05T21:07:00.000+08:00

18th Dec 07 - Its a lazy day for both of us. Not much place planned in mind, though wanted to go Wakayama, but had a changed in mind. We ended up in Takarazuka Station again. Y? We planned to shop for bags and to catch Tsuki gumi stars stars.(They had a show at the bow hall). Though we were unable to get the tickets, we still want to see if we could see them at Irrimachi. It seemed quiet. Hmmm but stars stars were still walking in. Being bo liao, we decided to track the trails the stars stars seemed to come from. On the way, on back tracking. We saw many young stars walking towards our directions. Maybe we did not have camera in hand, they were walking n talking to each other as per normal w/o pulling their hats down to cover their face like they always did during irrimachi. As we walked on, we saw a Hankyu station. Its not the usual Takarazuka station we frequent. Ohhh!!! XM said, this is the biggest discovery for us.. hehe..
After done with the "tracking", we went to the famous Tezuka Manga Museum. One of my favorite Manga, Black Jack was written by Tezuka San. The outer Building itself looked very much like Manga. :D I liked the colors used.
Lunch time! We went to Sorio Shopping center at Takarazuka City to try the hand made Soba. The chef made the soba on the spot, cooked and served the customers. I ordered the Tempura Soba and Veggie Tempura Soba for XM. Handmade indeed was handmade! The texture,very different! Upon placing it in the mouth, it seems to melt by itself. Cost? 750 yen! Worth it!
We continued our shopping for bags. We bought 3 bags each. 1 for my mum and 2 for myself. The 1st time we came was 2004 and I bought 3 bags and we would not missed coming here for all our other trips. The bags cost 1050 yen each. Only SGD$13!! The bags are strong and could hold very heavy stuff. Im still using the one I bought from here in 2004 for my Jap lesson.
We went back to hotel,had a little break, hugged Sky Stage b4 heading out to Tenma station for 2nd round of shopping!!
Theres Xmas lights up at Osaka's City hall. We were there ard 5pm. The lightings will changed its color and blinked according to the Xmas music played through the speakers. The coordination was perfect! Really really amazing!!
We saw its City Hall building(left) and the library(rgt). Curious how the library is, we decided to hop in to have a look. Upon entrance, we were to put our belongings into the lockers. The building is quite old with statues and semi circle staircase leading up to level 2 for the books. Here, you'll able to find old collections, diff newspaper, publications etc. Its very quiet in here, except for the creaking wooden floor when u walked over.
We took a 45mins walk from the city hall to Umeda Theater for dinner. I was craving for the kimchi udon(with lots of veggies@900 yen) and XM wanted the cold noodles(600 yen).
Since another batch of Tsuki gumi members were there to perform, hahaha, we went to see the Demachi la... See Stars stars again. This was whr we came in 2006 to watch Aran's Hayscode.
As the show not ended yet, we went to the Hankyu hotel and by chance, I saw the 2bottles of wine having the Elizabeth show label!!
Take photo!!!! Though I couldnt buy it, but see see look look can la hor!

Time for Demachi. We saw the "squatting queue".. Followed by many stars stars. But its hard to see the Tsuki Gumi members coz they disappeared very very fast!!!
At last Ryuu masaki san came out. Its her bdae today. Her fanclub member all gave her a rose each and wished her happy bdae.
She talked to them alot and of coz we all get to stand behind to watch her. Ok, tts the good thg but the "squatting" part. We get to see clearly! Shes very pretty in person. Left: She on stage. Right: Her poster we took wif in 2006.
After tt, we saw a young star leaving and we decided to follow her.. Hey hey, not tt we r perverts, jus also so happened we were going towards tt direction back to our hotel.. We jus wan to kaypoh to see whr they heading towards.. Oh Hankyu station!! Ok.. Back to our room n hugged Sky stage again, oh ya and packing.. Sianzzz

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #5

2008-01-05T01:34:00.000+08:00

17th Dec 07 ~ KOBE.
This my 3rd time here and 2nd time for XM. I overslept and got off at the wrong station. But luckily its jus 2 stops away. Since its early, XM n I had breakfast at a bakery shop. I had the curry bread, egg and Green Tea latte again! And XM had mochi, Walnut bread and Hot Cocoa! About 500yen for each of us.
Around 11.20, XM n I went back to the right station to meet with Sayuri. We trying Onsen today! First time for XM n me. Excited and a little shy. We decided to go to Arima town for Onsen. This place is famous for their onsen and Taka stars like to come here too.. :p It took us near to 1hr bus ride. Arima is really quite hillside place.
We went to Kin-no-yu and it has men n women separate bath. Shy la!!!
At first when we stepped into the changing room we had a culture shock. I guessed they are used to it but we were so shy. XM wanted to back out coz we were so not used to. But I told her, since we r all ladies, errr no problem one ba... Finally we went into the Onsen after some mental struggle.. Hahahhaa!!!
Theres lots of obasan inside and they saw my untied hair, they taught me how to tie it up(thank you!). XM still very shy. The water is bronze in color. And cure:
"Kinsen(Strongly basic ferruginous sodium chloride spring of a high temperature) - This is effective for excessive sensitivity to cold, back problem, muscle & joint pain, distal hematogenous disorder, every kind of allergic skin affection, chronic eczema, hives, wounds, and burn etc."
Sounds good right? The temperature of the water is 40 ~ 42 degrees.. Hot!!! But good!!! Hahaha.. After Onsen, XM say ok la, pretty liao! Sayuri taught us to drink cold(milk or yogurt drink) after Onsen. The bottle so cute!! N the drink, yummy. I tik its 100+yen only.
Arima is a tradition looking town. You can see from the photos that theres hills, tradition looking shops and handmade senbei.I saw sometig interesting. Its a bun(err 50 yen I tik). We dont know whats inside. Sayuri n I bought one each to try. Oh! its red bean. But different from SG's Red bean paste pao. The dough is soft and u can see real red beans n not the paste. We tried their fish cake too.
We went back to the town and to a cake shop! 2004, we came to Kobe, we ate cakes here but XM was too full and she regretted not having any. So her request? To come here again for cakes!
Sayuri n I were greedy, so 2 pcs each with a drink(I had xmas strawberry cake and Tiramisu with berries). Only 1pc for XM. Yummy!!!! Its so so good!! Too bad SG doesnt has such nice cake! Mine total, 1000 yen I tik.
Next we revisited the pasta shop which we went b4. XM missed the veggie pasta. Sayuri and I had Veggie wif tuna pasta! Yummy!! Now Im missing it liao! Its 1000yen each. Its not expensive yo..
Today is the last day of the Lumine lights up. Road closure for human traffic to flow through. We took 30mins from the start of the queue till the start of the Lumine deco stretch. Its really stunning! Hard to describe. We were so absorbed by the decos. Its like palace,grand, bright! Everyone started taking photos.
Around 8.30pm. We "shooed" Sayuri back home. As she will take 2 hrs again to reach home. So we didnt wan to hold her back. XM & I went to Kobe harbor to see the view and we saw the Orion star again! Its a clear sky with many many stars stars.... This is life...

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #4

2008-01-04T21:34:00.000+08:00

As Sayuri chan stays near Nagoya and we felt bad having her to travel for so far to visit us, we decided to drop by Nagoya to have a look at this city. The bus took 3hrs and scenery is beautiful, even at the toilet break place. :p
We reached Nagoya at 10:58(the bus really on time!) and Sayuri is waiting for us there. But hor, we got no idea whr to go in Nagoya.. Coz the castle, err seen Osaka one b4, so we decided to visit the Guangyin temple and the shopping street.

We went around eating snacks. I saw this interesting snack,bought to try. They put fried egg and sauce in between of 2 Ebi crackers.
I liked it!!! Xiao mei bought 2 mini Taiyaki(105 yen) and Sayuri bought a dough ball with red bean inside(I forgot the name, 120yen) :p. All Yummy!!
We had decided what to have for lunch! Kishimen! Its a Nagoya special which u will be able to try in Singapore's Waraku. But I think Japan nicer la... :p The noodle is not as thick as Udon. Sometig like our Ban men. XM tried but still preferred udon.. Haha.. We ordered the Veggies one(I tik 600 yen).
We walked around Nagoya city center before heading to Nagoya Hilton Hotel for Xmas Dessert Buffet!! Yuppie!!! Sayuri had made reservation for us hence its cheaper. I think its slightly more than 2000 yen per pax(coffee/tea not included,but juices yes). There were lots of choices!!!
Chocolate cake, browine, Strawberry cake, butter biscuits, cheese cake, fondue, etc etc. SLURPP!!! The only savory item they have is the Dim Sum. Its nicer than SG.. :P The skin is fine and smooth, the prawns are fresh!!!! errr the only -ve pt is.... No sweet chilli to go wif.. Hahaa.
BURPZZ! By the time we were done, was near 5pm. Theres one place I wanted to go in Nagoya. Its the Italy village.
A small village of Italian style. With river, boat rides, church, small bridges and statues.

Since its xmas time, theres lots of xmas lights up around.. Haha, we went round n round taking pixs..
Theres even pizza shop making pizza by the window.
Since this place is near the harbor, we went on to the harbor but its getting way too cold..... And on the way, Sayuri pointed us out to the stars in sky saying tts Orion stars sign. We had a hard time trying to understand what is Orion.. :p Now I know... It only appear during winter time and we could see it!!! Not jus once, a couple of times later in our trip!!!
Soon its time to say goodbye and headed to the station. Jus b4 we left for our bullet train journey back to Osaka, Sayuri brought us to see Xmas lights up at the station shopping hall. The theme on bears!! So cute!!!!!!
Time to say goodbye/nite. Sayuri headed home and we went to wait for our bullet train. B4 going back, I bought a Miso cutlet bento set. Sayuri said this is a special food in Nagoya and I must try. So I bought it back to the hotel for dinner/supper.
I cant believe the amount of food & choices they had in this bento. Theres rice,pork cutlet with Miso on top(this is wat is special), fish, egg, pasta!, veggies and pickles. And the price? SGD$10 only!!!! Its yummy and I think its worth it!!!
Our seat number? 13!! Just like our hotel room level. Hahaha...
We were really tired but cant sleep... I was waiting to go back to hotel to hug Sky Stage..

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #3

2008-01-04T13:18:00.000+08:00

15th Dec 07: Today is Hoshi Gumi last day of performance at Takarazuka Theater for Elcon show. We called it as Senshuryaku. Usually stars whom going to leave Takarazuka will have their last performance this day. XM & I went around 9 plus hoping to catch some stars stars. N as per 2004 & 2006, I'd joined the waiting queue to see Aran. I couldnt escape coz the committee members recongized me. Haha.. Soon many stars started to come in. Then came Aran. Shes pretty!!!! But abit skinny. So eat fatter pls...
Hahahaha... ok ok. Then XM & I proceed to the next place, Salon de Taka. This is a different one from the day before.
We are going to get the real makeup and costumes to take our pix, jus like Taka stars.. First, picked the character that we want. Next, the staffs helped us with the makeup. Its so thick! It took bot 20 mins to get it done. These 2 are our makeup artist. They then dressed us up and took photo of us.
I wanted Elizabeth(the costume very heavy! Theres 3 layers tied to my waist leh!) and how could I not have Top star feathers(this is heavy too with the feathers..). XM had the Oscar(her favorite) and the Top lady feather. Ok, here u go, dont laugh, even if u must, dont laugh too loud..Upon seeing the photo, my mum & sis said, "its NOT u!!" My dad said, "Look strange" . T_T
Next time I want to try Andre and Todd. Hahahaha!!!! Next time...
I saw some huge posters outside and of coz, must take photo...
Lunch at Takarazuka was udon for XM(she missed the Udon here) and Ramen for me!

After lunch, its about 3pm. We went around taking photos again.
I'd always liked this city coz its quiet and peaceful. You dont get the crowd rushing everywhr. N the scenery, super beautiful.

I wanted to try the dessert at Takarazuka. We stepped into the cafe and ordered an ice cream each. XM had hot Yuzu tea and Green tea latte for me.
I just loved green tea with milk especially in Japan. Its not too sweet and the green tea taste is strong enough for me. Oops, the cafe is closing!!! N we didnt know. But the staffs were kind not to kick us out. But we hurriedly, ate n left!! The sceneries from the cafe were jus as pretty. Its facing a huge canal and u could see the theater's structure from here.
Since its the last day of the show, many fans will turn up at the Demachi.
At first around 4.30, we r bot to head back to hotel tiking that Demachi shld had been over and we had missed it.
But as we were stepping out of the gate, we saw fans from the fan clubs were still hanging ard. XM said go check it out.
So we went, n yeahhh the Demachi not over.. I didnt joined in the squatting queue till I saw lots of ppl running towards our direction,
I hurried joined in fearing that i will be at very very far back not able to see clearly.. Hahaha!!! I got into 3rd row!! yeah yeah yeah.. But also pain pain pain.
Sometimes, we squat for like 20 mins w/o standing up. N my dad find it silly.. Hahaha
Everyone around me is complaining leg cramp. But wat to do.. Silly fans like us got no choice la..
Hahahaha... For ppl retiring from Taka, they will wear their Taka"uniform", carried the flowers and leave the place in honor. And Sky stage crew will be doing the shooting for broadcasting later on the TV. Aran's fans cant bear to see them off. Alot of them around me were crying. BTW, theres alot more male fans now then the last time. Im quite surprised by it.
If Top star is retiring, there will be lots of reporters from other broadcasting company too.
For other stars that are not retiring, they will meet the fans with their own clothes. This is Asuka san. Shes so pretty and sunny!!! I liked her alot and Im glad shes Aran's partner. They are so cute together on stage. There r lots n lots more photo which XM took. Me? I couldnt.. I was squatting there. Leg pain la...
Then Aran came out. We were told to tell her(translated-meaning bot there) "Congrats on the success of the show. We liked your role alot(she laughed when she heard it coz her role is a bad person). It had been hard work for you. "
What I liked bot Hoshi gumi is, each fan club of different stars are very supportive and cooperative with each other. Whenever some stars going home, everyone will clapped. For this day, there are about 1K(estimate la) ppl seeing and sending the stars off. Its my first time seeing so many ppl around. Though not all belonged to the fan clubs but they were busy taking photos.. Haha..

PS: Theres various reason of squatting,1 of them is to let ppl at the back able to see the stars too. Quite thoughtful actually(though leg cramppp)

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #2

2008-01-03T21:31:00.001+08:00

14th Dec 07 - Off to Takarazuka City to the theater to watch Aran's show EL Halcon. This is a Manga, heres the story: http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/tt_stage.html
I dont know if Im allow to the the photo of the stage b4 start of the show, so I quietly took with my phone. Its a eagle with blue background.
Sayuri met us to watch the show. XM n I were at row 9, corner!!! and Sayuri at row 10 in the middle!!!! We were so excited! Its the first time we got the front seats! Its so clear!!!! We could see them coming on the stage n going in.. They were right at our side performing!!!!! FAINTZZ!!!
The show, really really good!!! There wasnt a moment of boredom. XM said, eyes so busy looking around!!! Aran kei is there right in front of me performing!!!! Sighhhzzz so nice!!!!!
Soon break time, we rushed out to the ladies before taking photos around. We kept talking about the show. Sayuri said its interesting and sitting in front!!! She could see clearly! So could we!!! Next is the Revue. Its very funny especially Aran and Asuka came on as an old couple.. ok ok.. fast fwd... After the show.. We went to Salon de Takarazuka to see the props they had for the previous Hoshi gumi show.. They allow us to try on the Oscar's Sword, the carriage that Andre ride on to meet Oscar in the last scene, and of coz, the feather that the young stars wore during the grand finale. Cool right!!!!!

I went on to more shopping for Takarazuka goods, before we went back to Osaka Station to have dinner.. Sayuri and I had Curry Cheese Rice and Xiaomei had Veggie Curry rice.. Its nice, a bit spicy and of coz, the cheese made the dish special..

After dinner, we went to take Ferris Wheel. This is something which I wanted to try since the 1st time I came to Japan. Though XM had fear for height but she agreed to take the ride and Sayuri joined us!! Yeah!!!
Though its about 8pm, but Sayuri had to take train back home. Its quite a long journey back for her, so we shooed her home.. :P
XM n I went to Dontonburi to have a look at the nightlife there. A good looking guy stopped us and ask if we want to go to club(those men service ladies night club), I spoke to him in chinese saying I dont know what he said.. HAHAHA!! XM cant stop laughing. We shopped for more cosmetics.. Bought more snacks, famous Takoyaki which sometime take at least 1 hr to queue, but since they are closing, it took me 10mins only!!! We head back to hotel and watched Sky Stage!! Hahaha

5th Japan Trip 2007 - #1

2008-01-03T20:27:00.000+08:00

1st in 2000, 2nd/3rd in 2004, 4th in 2006 and now, 2007, is my 5th trip to Japan.
I had been thinking bot it since early '07 to watch Aran's Show. My plan was to go Osaka for just 4 days to watch show and return. Then I thought, well, why not Kyoto and kobe for another 3 days.. Then my parents said they would want to go Hokkaido and if I wan to follow.. Well, y not.. Then became 15 days.. Then suddenly, my sis want to go too and request for Tokyo. so it became 18 days.. Then my dad said, since we are there y not 2 more days for Mt Fuji.. So end up, 20 days in Japan! Hahahahaha!!! Amazingly right!! From 7 days to 20 days!
Well I told XM my plan in July and asked her if shes keen.... She said she had to try to ask her boss for her leave as its a bit tough in getting especially its for such a long break.. I gave my in July and my boss approved!! Haha.. Maybe he knew I was overworked..
Thank goodness XM got approval too and my new boss supported me in getting my break..
So on 13th Dec 07, XM n I at the airport(My family will join half way coz Taka is out of their choice)!! On the flight, I saw Dan Rei's name(ex Taka star) on the flight mag.. Shes on the program introducing one part of M'sia. I took her photo off the screen! Haha..

Well the food on the flight was not bad.. But I thought, XM one is nicer!! Shes a Veg, so we requested special meal for it.. It looked so yummy!!! N we had our Yuzu drink as usual! We reached Osaka Kansai Airport at 7am. This is my 4th time here.. Wow, the place so familiar to us. We went shopping straight at UNIQUO since our hotel (Shin Hankyu Hotel) gave us early check in at 12noon. We went to our hotel, left our luggage with at the recept and went on shopping at Tenma station. We bought lots of cosmetics and snacks to eat! I missed all these shopping n eating.. Hahaha...
Back to our hotel to check in at 12 noon, Though we were tired, but it didnt stop us from on-ing the TV, Switch to Takarazuka Sky Stage channel and glued ourselves to the TV.. Oh ya, of coz, the view is good. We were at 13th floor..

We went for early dinner, and of coz, shopping at Quatre Revue for Takarazuka stuff..
Then we went on to Hankyu international Hotel to look at the posters of the OG of Taka stars... Heres my Koju Tatsuki Poster.. Shes pretty!!!!!
Then more shopping again around Osaka town before we hit back to Hotel and continued to glue to Sky Stage
This is just a part of my shopping for the 1st day in Japan...
Hahaha!!!! Terrible hor! Tik I spend near to SGD$400 in just one day.. Ok ok... but I didnt shop that much during the 2nd half of my trip lor...

~Merry Xmas and Happy new Year to all~

2007-12-12T14:58:00.000+08:00

Since I will not have access to my pc from today till 2nd Jan, here I wished everyone Merry xmas and Happy New yr..
Though its early but I had received some presents and well wishes from my friends..
7th Oct 2007: The very first present I got was from Aisha from STC dept.. How I know her? Its fate though.. Im always up accompany Angela breathing fresh air whenever we are sick n tired of our wk.. and shes Angela's buddy for breathing fresh air. Tts how I know her.. Didnt expect her to get a present for me and so early too! I was surprised when she hand it to me.. Its a very very elegant necklace. It goes well with many of my clothes... I loved it!! Thanks Aisha!
Since, Im not in during xmas, and Xun's parents out of town, we decide to meet at this place early for makan . At first we are thinking of going out in the middle of night to eat supper or jus drive around.. but hor, end up I was sleeping most of the time, coz too burned out from wk.. We were quite thrifty this time round.. We tapao at Tze Char stall.. 7 dishes, $38 only.. Oops.. we all forgot to pay miao miao.. Guys, remember hor...
As part of my thank you gift to 3 of them for the year, Ive ordered a Strawberry Cheese tart from Spinelli. I wanted to get Tiramisu but 3 of them, fell sick.. So better get something safe.. Ah kor had the honor to do the cake cutting.. but hor.. dont know is it coz its too rich or kor cut too big piece.. Miao n I cant finish our share.. hahaha..
10th Oct 2007: One of my instructor just returned from his trip, and he so sweet, got me presents.. Called me early morning asking if Im in office and till what time.. Coz he knew tt its my turn, flying away. He came over in the afternoon, took out a chocolate pack and said its my xmas present! hahaa.. He knew tt I loved chocolate! The other time I was joking with him but he took it seriously and got me a box of Merci Choco!! Oh, and he gave me dried mangos. His mum made it for a living in Indonesia(i tik tts wat he meant). I thought it meant to be sweet.. But.. Its so so sour!!!!! But addictive la..
Around 4pm, my lead brought out present for each of us.
She said since Im going away, she must well give it to all of us first.. Its a comestics set. Hahaa... I hardly use comestics...Since its so pretty, I think I shall use it for functions then... Hehe.. when I said tt my presents to all will be bought in Japan, my lead very cheeky n said, of coz tts wat Im expecting, and all of us laughed!!
Angela bought me a present too.. At first I thought it was a top. But only when I opened up the package then I realised that its something like a shawl but with buttons. Its good for lazy ppl like me.. I could jus slip it over my neck and it will hang on my shoulder nicely. Its very very lady like and easy to match too.. Hehe.. Im going to wear it up the flight... She bought me red coz she said, tts my favo color.. hahaha!!! True!
Ah kor TH said he got me a present too but forgot to bring.. Nvm.. I still do collection upon my return next yr... Hahahaha!! Just kidding!!!
Ah mai brought over my stuff and I found a xmas card inside the bag too..
I was keeping the things when I saw the card..
Haha.. come to think of it, its my first xmas card of the year!!
Thank you..

And me? My present for myself?? I passed my school Japanese Exams!!! I could promote to Yr 4 next yr!!!! YUPPIE!!!!!!

The best present for me now is, (really) 90% of the time, everyone is happy and 10% unhappiness but will get over asap. Life isnt always a bed of rose, but most impt is to move on.

Hehe.. seems like Im going to do quite a fair bit of present shopping in Japan. Hahaha!!!

Thanks everyone! Happy holidays!

Homecook Jap food

2007-12-09T00:33:00.000+08:00

I heard this saying about Japanese ppl, if they are not familiar with you, they will not really invite you for a meal at their house .. This is unlike Chinese, whom loved to invite ppl to their place for a meal..
Shiho san and I known each other for 3 yrs and she prepared dinner for me whenever I popped by her place ever since we start to get more familiar.. I loved her cooking.. Japanese Curry rice, tempura, Okonomiyaki, chicken wings, pasta etc etc.. I always looked fwd to her cooking.. hehehe...
6th Dec 2007 ~ I went to her place to discuss about my trip after work.. Shes preparing dinner for us(herself, Ryosuke and me).
Guess what is it? Yuppie! Salad with Japanese sauce, Sashimi, bacon with veggies, rice n miso soup!
Yummy yummy!!!! I liked Japanese food, but I like home cooked japanese food more!!! She taught me how to prepare a few Japanese dishes.. but after trying at home... I tik hers is still nicer.. Hahaha
For dessert.. We had our usual hot green tea and theres ice cream today! We had Green Tea Ice cream flown in from Japan!!! Nice and Yummy!!!
I always bring some tibits along for her kid.. but I tik we are all too full for tibits..
But she n her family will be going to Japan soon... Oh no... Im going to miss them and her cooking!!!
They are really very nice people.

Jap Exams Over.. At Last...

2007-12-02T22:22:00.000+08:00

Relieved... For now...
At last JLPT 3 is over..
I had never dreamed that I will picked up Jap, and coming this far.
Jap had never been my top choice or rather picking up a 3rd language, had never been in my consideration till Takarazuka came into my life..
After watching Takarazuka for 2 yrs, I decide to pick up Japanese language coz, most of the time, I dont know what they talked.. So, I started picking up this language..
Of coz, my parents were not that supportive at that point, coz I was at my final yr of Uni and, Im wking part time.. They did not think that I would have the time to pick up a 3rd thing..
But being stubborn I went ahead.
3 yrs since I started, I had never looked back and remind myself never to.
It hadnt been easy.. Me, knowing nothing about Jap language, picking up something thats so alien to me. Going through test after test, then exams, then new sch yr and repeat the process again. N going to JLPT 4 and passing it well, came a big surprise to me.
Last yr, some of my classmates and I went to JLPT 4 together.
We had been studying together since basic class..
After yr after yr, our group became smaller n smaller..
Yr 1, theres 9 of us, yr 2 became 6, start of yr 3, theres 5, but at the end of yr 3, only left 3 of us.. Mada, Eugene and I..
3 of us had been fighting hard to continue..
Esther is right, its the difficulty that killed the interest.
Of coz, we all started out as liking Japanese alot, and "guai guai" did the homework every week, till now.. errr...I dont think I even did one, except for the compo.. Only upon completing 4 yrs study, then we considered completing the basic foundation of Japanese language., Dont be surprise, its a total of 7 yrs of study..

Work had been very very very busy.. I know its not a good excuse.. But on wkends either Im back wking in the office, or too burn out to do anything.. Even up till yester, a day b4 JLPT, Im still in office the whole day..
Of coz, theres even a pt I had thoughts on giving up my job coz of the long wking hrs and Im loosing control of my life..
And now, Im at my crossroad, to stay or to leave my job..
When I opened my exam paper, be it school exam or JLPT exam, Im dishearted.. They all looked so Alien to me again...
My school exam results will release on 10th Dec.. By then, if pass, I will continue my yr 4, if fail.. I might give up too(though super unwilling, but I got to face it tt I might not make it)..
I am praying hard that, I could make it, both school exam and JLPT 3

What's Your Email Personality? - Haha. Well.. tts quite true..

2007-11-29T22:28:00.000+08:00

My Result: One-liner

Satsuki, when it comes to email, you're a One-liner

As Shakespeare so eloquently put it, "Brevity is the soul of wit." And these are the kind of words that seem to sum up your email writing style. Maybe you're so busy you can't manage much more than a quick reply. Or maybe you're just so witty you say it all without many words. And then again, maybe you just can't be bothered to type that much.

Truth is, you've got places to go and people to see. As much as you rely on email to keep your life sane, you're always looking for ways to make it more efficient. Tired of advertisements popping up every time you sign on? Wish you had a dollar for every piece of spam you had to sort through?

Take this test >

What's Your Holiday Theme Song?

2007-11-29T22:20:00.000+08:00

My Result: Deck the Halls

Satsuki, your holiday theme song is Deck the Halls

Good cheer? You've got it to spare. Come December, you're the kind of person who can spread joy for miles. Whether you're smiling at the Salvation Army Santa, rounding up a group of friends for a lively gathering, or decking the halls like nobody can, you know how to get into the Christmas spirit!

There's something about your upbeat manner that helps you rise above the chaos of the season. And that keeps you humming to your own holiday beat. So dust off those ornaments, show off those cards, and belt out those carols at the top of your lungs if the mood strikes you. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, so why not share the wealth? 'Tis the season to be jolly after all. And what better way to show it than by bringing your fa-la-la-la-la with you wherever you go?

Take this test >

!!Desserts!! ~ 3

2007-11-24T21:44:00.000+08:00

Taking a break from my studies... So.... Time to talk about desserts!
Donut Factory - A shop that started the Donut craze in town.. Ppl willing to queue for hrs jus to buy the donut.. Of coz, if u know me well enough, u know I wont queue more than 15 mins.. Hahaha!! Sayuri Chan n I passed by the outlet at Suntec and since the queue is very very short(amazingly), we decide to join in and ordered 1(yes, jus 1). We got our donut in less than 10 mins. Ive ordered Choco mint(I tik so.. hmmm). The bread is soft and its chocolaty. Hahah so Sinful, but ok la, I tik I wont queue 3 hrs for it..
The Coffee Club - The 1st time I tried this drink, Earl Grey float, didnt like it.. I like Earl Grey tea and ice cream as itself, putting them together, taste strange. After a few times, not able to resist either one of them, I kept ordering n slowly got used to the taste and even like it.. Hehe.. You may want to try.. But mind u, the taste and after taste is quite strong...
Sayuri chan wanted to try Ritz Carlton hotel's high tea. Since I nv been there before, I happily went with her.. Hermm a bit expensive though.. :P You could see that the food had been carefully prepared and they even had a live band playing for an hour.
They had a special theme. Its the sour fruits theme... FAINT!!! Its not my favorite.. All the desserts were made from sour fruits, lemon, lime, orange, etc etc.. SO SOUR!! My face expression kept changing coz of the sourness.. I tik Sayuri chan trying not to laugh...
We had dinner wif Sayuri chan before she flew off. As usual, dessert.. But.. Im too too too full... Since Xiang still could eat, he ordered Brownie with Ice Cream and I grab a few bites.. Quite nice, though slightly too sweet for me..
But its chocolate!! I cant resist!!

Waraku had a new venture, Waraku Pasta. They had new desserts too.. I was craving for one, and Im fulled... So nice bro Xiang shared with me.. We ordered Tiramisu cake with Ice cream.. Yummy yummy.. I like ice cream tt comes with fruits.. Not too sweet, jus nice.. If u r a lover of tiramisu, u could try!
After Da Ge, intro me to this place at Tampines Swimming complex, Ive brought the gang there twice to eat out. 1st time, we were too full, 2nd time, we left some space in the tummy to try the ice cream. Xiang ordered Macha and Xun ordered Mango. Its less than $5 each and they have lots of ingredients. Its really worth it. The mango one is on the sweet side, but the ice at the bottom, balance it off..
No Birthday cake? Its incomplete for a birthday in my house.
Couldnt recall since when it started tt we need a cake for every birthday. This yr, we bought cake from Bangawansolo for BIL n Mum, Sun Moulin for Sis and BreakTalk for Dad.. I thought my sis cake was the best... Coz its made out of good yummy n rich chocolate!! Hahaha
Remember during Xun n my bir we went to MM hotel to have high tea?? The dessert there is good.. But of coz compare to the dinner, dinner one is better. But well, theres cake, ice cream, Fondue, kuehs etc, whos complaining?

After which, we went to NYDC to have Desserts..
Errr.. Tea for me only pls.. Couldnt eat anymore.. Xiang ordered mud pie... Hahaha

Xiang n I was shopping ard Tampines when he asked me, ice cream? Hehe.. of coz, its our regular thg to do.. But we dont wan to go to Hagen, so we went for Swensens. Ohh.. Special promo, 1 for 1 sundae. We got a Coit Tower and a Ring-a-ling-a-ding. Nice, rich chocolate.. but too sweet...
Miao fly airplane la(not tt shes flying off).. so Xun n I ended up at Airport Sakae sushi for dinner. They are trying out new desserts at the Airport branch only. So we two ordered the Macha Cheesecake and Yuzu Ice cream. The Yuzu Ice cream is great, not too sweet, not too sour, but my poor gum being sensitive tt day, was giving me a hard time eating the ice cream. The Cheesecake is not too thick with cheese(which to my liking), but I hope the they put more Macha powder.. I thought the cheesecake goes very very well with the powder..
Ok.. Tts all for now.... Till much much later for part 4... Hahaha

~ The Gang n I with 2 new members~

2007-11-12T20:03:00.000+08:00

It been quite sometime since we last met with Mika Chan & Yukano Chan(ever since Sayuri chan sayonara). So on this day we decide to meet up. But nothing much to do anyway, so I suggested to go Bowling.. But Xiang n miao fly us airplane, last minute say can only meet us for dinner, so left Xun, the 2 ladies n myself.
Sigh, but as expected, its so crowded at the bowling place and we are on waiting list.
To kill time, we went to the Pool center to play pool. 3 of them had played before and Mika is an expert!! Wah liao!! Im so amazed by her!!! And even Xun played so well!!!! and me hor, its my first time playing... So shy. But thanks to them, they taught me alot how to play. After 2 games, jus when Im getting the hang of it, the bowling center called and say the lane is ready for us.. T_T (Xun, next time go with me again to teach me pool...)

Hehe.. Changed my heels to bowling shoes.. Hmm let me thk.. The last time I wore bowling shoes is....is.... 18 yrs old?? Wah seh.. Long long time ago...
Sigh, and me getting old liao also, my bowling skills so so lousy... but 3 of them are so good... I tik I better go cafe less n take on more sports.. Hahaha..

Our cute xun, he kept bowling 9 pin down , 9 pin down, at our 2nd game, he even more good.. out of 10 game, 8 games were 9 pts each!!
But I tik the best the best bowler is Mika Chan!
Shes really good at sports!!!! Strike Spare Strike Spare!!!!

After 2 bowling game, the 2 ladies arms are getting tired.. For me, getting hungry... Haha.. Oops, 5.30 liao.. Time to change location again! Off to Novena for Dinner!!! Today dinner place is suggested by me, Hong Kong Street Rest. I was there last yr for one of my makan kaki send off dinner. Had not been there since. Our 2 guest wants to have chinese seafood. So this might be a good idea.
Starting off with "Xian Cai tofu tang" preserved veggie with Tofu Soup to warm our tummy first.
Then next "San Lou Hor fun". The 2 ladies like it, saying its very special. The fish is very fresh!

Next served, "He zou"and claypot tofu.
I liked the sauce of He Zou, its sweet and the He zou is nicely deep fried and not too oily. The Claypot tofu is hot and the tofu is nicely prepared, not too salty.
The two ladies kept commenting, Oishi..
6 of us hardly talked, we kept eating non stop. Coz they served the food very very fast..
Next, curry fish head!!!! Whenever I suggest curry fish head, Xun say he will rain. I thought he jus jokking only, but he only took two sips of the curry sauce, he really start to sweat like rain!!!!(but not tt spicy leh!)
Err, Xun, I tik u better thank the next dish "San Bei Ji" 3 cups of chicken. At least u wont sweat so much liao la!! I like the rice wine and sesame oil. The fragrance is strong but nice!
The last dish is cereal prawn!! My favorite.. But I forgot to take a photo.. T_T
Xun happily eat the cereal no stop.. hahhaa.. and the 2 ladies very amazed with the dishes..
Its their first time eating all these food.. We wanted to order frog's leg for them, but they kept shaking their head..

After all the Savory food. Its time for dessert!!! I missed the "Or nee" here, so I persuaded the rest to have them.. We ordered a small one, and the when the dish came, everyone stared at the plate..

But hey guys, only the plate is big la..
The Or Nee is thick n rich. Its so thick that its not like other place which u use a spoon to scoop into the bowl, the server use a spoon to cut it into small portion before able to serve us. The Or Nee had been prepared with pumpkin and coconut paste. Well, actually if it had been served wif lard oil, SLURP!!!!!! Ok ok, I know its unhealthy, but it taste super good lor!!!