Japan Trip - Yokohama

Finally it's adieu to Osaka and yokoso Tokyo! However, we would be stopping by Yokohama and stay for a night first before adjourning to Tokyo. It's been 4 years since I last saw Yukie-chan and Satchan. And they have not met little Jaz before.

5 Sep (Sat)

Again, it's time to lug the luggage (which by now has increased from 2 suitcases to 2 plus one big bag of the soft toys we have captured) from the airport to Osaka Station. After breakfast, we went back to the room and started packing. We have booked ourselves for the 12.15pm shinkansen (bullet train), so we must give ourselves time to go to Shin-Osaka station to catch the train.

All the 3 Js were pretty excited. It was their first time boarding a bullet train. Not sure how good the selection would be in the train for the bento boxes, I bought a shinkansen bento set at the station, just in case the girls get hungry in the 2 1/2hour ride.

We reached the station and were grateful that the hotel, Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel, was just a stone's away. Actually this hotel was not our initial choice, but the one we have wanted, Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel, told us they were fully booked only 3 days before our departure! By the way, a word of caution, in Japan, accomodation for Saturday nights is really expensive. It doesn't matter if it's so called peak period or not. It applies to ALL Saturdays and the price for the hotel stay can be as much as double the usual fee!

I was looking around for Satchan and Yukie-chan, who should have already reached the hotel. And I heard someone shouting my name. It was Yukie! Satchan was waving frantically beside her too!

It was so heart-warming seeing my old friends. They have not changed much. And Joy was more warmed up to them, than Jaz, who was the first time meeting the two. After ensuring our luggage in the room, we wasted time no more and set off to Cosmos World.

COSMOS WORLD

Didn't expecte Cosmos World to be so big! Naturally, my girls were so excited! Should we go for the kiddy rides first, or the more adventurous rides, or the arcade games? And little Jaz wanted the ferris wheel again! Thankfully, the weather has turned cool. It was a pleasant sight seeing and being surrounded by happy Japanese families with their children laughing and playing.

CHINATOWN

We skipped visting Yokohama Ramen Museum. We were hungry and also worried that it might end up too late for Satchan and Yukie-chan to go home, if we were still to visit the Ramen Museum and thereafter Chinatown.

We took the subway to Chinatown. It was my4th or 5th visit to Chinatown. Used to be amazed at how much prices for Chinese food are being jacked up there. For example, a 油条 will cost about S$3. But since JF has never visited Chinatown, decided it might worth an eye opener for him, to see the extravagant background lining the whole streets.

We settled for a restaurant (among the dozens of duplicates there. Really all the Chinese restaurants look a like, serve same set menu and prices are similar too.) and ordered the set menu. The food was ok, bearing truth to the fact that you can hardly get real authentic and good Chinese food in other non-Chinese countries.

Joy and Jaz not exactly satisfied with the meal and started to ask for .... French Fries! As it was getting late (Yukie will need around 1.5hr of commuting to get home), we decided to call it a day and started to make our way to the station. We stopped by a shop to get 泡泡茶 for Joy. Of course, the price was exhorbitant, comparatively. The shop attendants saw Jaz and began pouring compliments on her, saying she is so pretty, adorable and chubby. They asked how I have brought her up and what I have been feeding her. =)

We reached the station and spotted a MacDonald's! Joy and Jaz had their fix of fries. And we all took train to Yokohama Station. We told Satchan and Yukie-chan that they need not exit the station as it was late already. We hugged and bade one another farewell. Satchan is going to be married away to Denmark in October, so we all knew it might be more difficult to meet up in the future. And tears began rolling down Satchan's eyes.

When we were back in the hotel, Joy told me that she likes both Satchan and Yukie-chan =)

Okay, our one and only night in Yokohama as we would be setting off to Tokyo tomorrow!

Japan Trip - Kyoto

Didn't manage to have time to blog past few days, as we have less and less days in Japan. Hence every morning would try get the girls ready and off we go and start the itinerary.


4th Sep (Friday)


Have planned to go Kyoto today. Though JF is not keen in Japanese temples and shrines, managed to convince him that we should make full use of our JR Pass and visit this traditional old capital of Japan.

We didn't take the bullet train, though we could, from Osaka to Kyoto. The station staff said taking the Rapid Train would be good enough. I agreed since our hotel is already near Osaka Station, and to take bullet train, we would need to change at Shin-Osaka.

The train ride to Kyoto was rather fast. When we reached, we approached the Tourist Information office to get more info and maps. To start with, I am not as familiar with Kyoto, as I am with Osaka and Tokyo. Also, in Kyoto, you can't go to the temples by trains, you've got to take the local buses and walk. Knowing that further killed JF's enthusiasm. Joy, on the other hand, was more keen when I told her that Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines.

Our first destination would be Kinkakuji 金閣寺, the Golden Pavilion. And the bus ride would be around 50min. Grabbed some doughnuts for the girls from the station and we set off to take the bus.

JF was amused at how Japanese bus system works. Only the back door is opened for passengers to board (and the front solely for alighting purpose). And you pay a flat fare, regardless of the distance of your ride, only when you are alighting.

We reached the stop and it was just a 5 min walk to the temple. It was, as expected crowded, with many people snapping photos. We managed to take a few shots and had a little walk in the garden.

Next destination - Gion 祇園, in hope of catching a glimpse of some geisha and maiko. Told JF that we might not have the luck as it has been reported that they don't come out in the open that much anymore. In all my previous trips to Kyoto, it was not unusual to see those immaculately made-up and dresses geisha and maiko, but that was years back.

Again, another 50-min bus ride and we reached the traditional area with little alleys of tea houses. JF was famished by then and when he is hungry, he is indeed a very angry person. Hence, our most immediate task was to hunt down, not geisha nor maiko, but somewhere to eat. The streets by the main road mostly sell Kyoto snacks, tea and handicrafts but no eateries at all. It was until almost towards the end, we found a small ramen shop.

After our belated lunch, we walked along the streets, looking at the shops. There was this shop selling bags. I love the designs. Very traditional fabric used but for very whimsical designs! So very tempted to buy the bags but the prices a bit deterring. And we did bump into a maiko! She was walking past, probably doing some shopping. Joy's eyes lit up when she saw her. After that, we walked into the street with the tea houses, supposedly where geishas would be working. However, it was broad daylight, so we didn't think we would catch anymore geisha or maiko.

Bought a few small Kyoto-inspired accessories and JF said we should go back Osaka! Huh?!!! All the way to Kyoto and we visited only one temple! I have planned to go Kiyomizudera 清水寺, which is near Gion. However, it was so apparent that JF wasn't keen for anymore temples nor shrines. So, we went into a cafe, had some parfait (what Japanese wold call for "sundae") and started our way back to Kyoto station by taking another bus.

When we were back in Osaka, it was around 6pm. JF then told me he wanted to go to this place to look for a RC plane shop. He had long prepared the map (trust him not to forget his remote controlled planes in all our trips!). We took the train there but realised the map was so deceiving. We asked around, getting answers that they don't know where that street is, or that it is very, very far away from where we were standing. Sensing the disappointment in JF, I grabbed Joy's hand and told her let's do it for papa's sake. Both of us dashed streets after streets, crossing many junctions. The sky was so dark (as I have mentioned, by 6pm, it looked like 9-10pm in Singapore). And Joy was getting hungry. An hour of running has passed and it was reaching 8pm. Joy was getting hungry but told me that it was alright. "Let's find the shop for papa first."

JF and Jaz finally caught up with us. Perhaps sympathising his daughters and also guilt-conscious, JF said to give up the search. Turning to Joy, "Let's go and have dinner. And papa promised you to find saba for you, right?" By the way, Joy LOVES grilled saba! And it was one of the motivations for her to come to Japan.

We came across an eatery. It was like our 杂菜饭 but in min-restaurant style. You take the dishes you like from the shelves and you paid them at the counter. We took quite a few dishes, all very traditional, home-cooked ones, including saba. And we enjoyed the simple, but heart-warming dinner a lot! Joy complained that the saba wasn't enough for her.

But haha... it was embarrassing when we were leaving the shop. We were called back and told that in their restaurant, we were supposed to clear the tables ourselves! Sheepishly, JF and I quickly cleared the plates on the tables, as instructed, bringing the trays to a small window counter. You have got to clear the rubbish into the bin as well before handing the plates and utensils over.

However, it was still a pleasant experience as we have enjoyed the dinner.

Time to get back hotel, pack the luggage to get ready to move on to Yokohama the next day!

Japan Trip - Osaka

I'm still in Japan and it's not even 6am in Singapore yet but I guess I'd better start my blogging on our Japan trip as I know when we get back Singapore, I would be so busy again. Also, the sky gets so bright at 5am, looking like its noon time in Spore, I would wake up automatically as I am super sensitive to light.


It has been a great trip so far. Seeing Joy and Jaz enjoying each and everyday is a motivation for me and a testimony that the trip is worth it. We left for Osaka on 1st Sep. Our flight is actually on midnight on the 2nd Sep. We reckoned we should choose a night flight again so that the 2 otherwise super active girls would not create a din on the flight as they would be sleeping. True enough, they were very well behaved during the flight. Joy has always been so actually for all the flights she had been. But Jaz, the last flight to Bangkok was a nightmare, so I was actually quite worried. However, she behaved well during this 6 and a half hour flight.

2nd Sep (Wednesday)

When we reached Kansai airport, the girls picked up their energy again and started running around. It has been more than 10 years since I last came back to Osaka. The feeling is nostalgic and I was getting excited too.

We took the limo bus to our hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza. It isn't that near to the JR nor subway stations, so I pity JF who had to drag our luggage all the way from the bus stop to the hotel. The hotel was nice. We really pamper ourselves this trip, staying at all 5-star hotels. JF said the Japanese hotel room is too small, so better to get a good hotel, so as to accomodate all 4 of us.


The room wasn't ready. Most Japanese hotels are quite stringent with check in time. JF was aggitated that they can't even make an exception for us, seeing that we have kids in tow. Moreover, I was unwell! Yes, the flight triggered my rhinitis and I was really sneezing badly and became grossly drowsy after taking my medicine.


No choice, we left our luggage in the hotel and started roaming the vicitinity for a place to take our lunch. We ended up in one of the small quaint traditional restaurants. Joy was amused at the setting, asking why Japanese sit on the floor to eat and stick their legs in the hole under the table. The restaurant ran out of saba (Joy's favourite) and the staff recommended another type of fish but is braised, カレイ. And it was simply delicious! JF and my dishes were great too! The meal was a great start for our Osaka stay, offsetting the walk to the hotel and not being able to check in yet. After the unforgettable meal, we made our way to Osaka Aquarium 海遊館. I know JF and the girls would like the place. I have been there before and have been telling them that it is one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. And the 3 of them truly loved the place. The place is really big and there is a huige collection of marine life! The girls squealed at the sight of the giant sharks, stingrays, octopus, turtles, dolphines, and so on. JF agreed that this Osaka Aquarium is awesome.


Outside the aquarium is the Ferries Wheel. JF is a fan of Ferris Wheel, so despite the expensive fare, he wanted us all to take the ride. The girls again, were excited, especially when we reached the highest point. After the ride, we spent a while at the arcade there and the shops there. Jaz was getting tired, and so was JF. We had to change our plan to go Dotonburi and made our way back to hotel instead.

3rd Sep (Thursday)

The 3 of them woke up around 8 and we went to the club lounge for breakfast before we started the day with a visit to Osaka Castle 大阪城. The train ride was short but the walk to the castle was tough. It was way more than the 10min stated on map. The weather was hot and the girls became a bit whiney and JF's was getting frustrated again. When we made it to the castle, I thought it would not be a good idea after all. However, it turned out that they enjoyed the place very much! JF has always been interested with historical musuems. And he is right about Joy. The girl too, is keen with musuems and was so seriously and attentively watching the videos and displays, relating the history of Tokugawa's history. Haha! What a difference from when I was studying Japanese history during uni. Hehehe..... my keenness paled in comparison to Joy's.

After a historical visit, time for something for the girls, and er-hm, the BIG CHILD in JF. Brought them to Joypolis near Umeda. It is a Sega themed amusement arcade. We had lunch in Hep 5 (where Joypolis is located) in a udon restuarant. Joy loves udon, that's why.

Joy and JF had a great time playing at those arcade machine and they went for a stimulated flying cruise. Jaz was so pitiful as she couldn't play most of the stuff. I made it up by buying her ice cream and playing some kiddy machines with her.

Actually Jaz was getting tired after Joypolis, but what's a trip to Osaka without visiting Dotonburi 道頓堀? We tried to keep Jaz awake while taking the train. Once we reached there, she was wide awake, amazed at the sight of the famous food street. jaz would scream each time she spotted the giant crabs ot puffer fish and anything that were part of the displays on top of the restaurants. We went to a small okonomiyaki restaurant and had a simple but fulfilling dinner there.

Befire and after dinner, as we walked along the crowded street and came across many UFO catcher shops. JF and I are pretty good at that, so we decided to try and haha... we really caught a few of the softtoys! And among them, a few are those walking/moving types. Actually I was trying one which the prize is a gigantic Minnie (the size would be up to my waist) and was pretty sure to get it if I tried one more time, but JF asked me not to, as we would not be able to bring all the toys back. He was right. Sigh...

We didnt't really shop at Namba nor Umeda though we have been passing these places. The girls and John were tired. The walking was really a lot, so much so that poor Jaz would be nodding and dozing off, while holding hands with us and walking on her own back to hotel.

Proud of the girls. To be frank, we really did a lot of walking and they both never muttered a single complaint and would keep to their promise of "no cry cry, no carry carry". It is JF, who complained the most about the walking and the tiredness.

It will Kyoto tomorrow!

最初最真

回到最初的最真

AJ 25th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner - 29 Aug 2009

just plain lucky

2 more catches ... ...

no secret to it. just plain luck.

Catcher

I must have been feeling so lousy at work that I actually went to play those "catcher" games at MS last week after a long hard day. I would normally walk past those machines, as I wouldn't want to waste my money. The claws for those machines are so weakly set up that although one might be able to catch the item, the claws would be so loose that it is unable to take the weight, and oops! The item will drop.

However, hubby is quite skillful in this. During our last trip to Japan, he actually caught quite a few items and stuffed toys. Even in Singapore, he would normally manage to get the thing. But I don't think I would have the skills nor the luck.

Yet last week, I must have been lucky. In my 2nd attempt, I actually caught an Elmo =) I never actually fancy Elmo nor Sesame Street. But this big stuffed toy is quite adorable and I think my girls will like it. Haha ... it's just going to be yet another statistics added to my heap of soft toys.

Nevermind, nevermind. Afterall, playing the games and of course winning something, did help to DEstress me that evening.

Next Trip

In less than a month, we will be going Japan.

Initially, when our plan has to be changed form going to Las Vegas to Japan, John must have felt disappointed. But in the process of preparation for our longest trip together so far, and with our 2 princesses, he seemed to be getting more and more enthu. (^-^)

Will be a 9-day trip and this time round, will be covering more areas than our trip to just solely Tokyo 4 years back with Joy. Will be getting JR pass and will be travelling from Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama all the way to Tokyo.

I'm excited too, cos I'm looking forward to seeing my 3 beloved JJJ having a great time at the trip. I surely hope it will turn out a fabulous family time together and a wonderful trip.

In the meantime, besides getting ready our itinerary and the accommodation, I am busy researching and preparing my shopping list too! Haha... of which, majority of the items comes from friends.

Jaz's New Haircut

My girls' hair always grow so fast that every month or so, I would need to bring them for a trim. As Joy is now growing her fringe long, we do not have to bring her for her haircut as often now.

Brought Jaz to Junior League again (yes, hehehe... I know I have said that I wldn't indulge in that kind of atas haircut for my girls anymore but ...) last Sunday. However, this time round, we went to the one at United Square. Jaz made a dash to the salon once she spotted it and hurriedly climbed onto the chair. What a change! She used to resist hair-cutting so much that she would wail and scream till the whole shopping complex could hear. But now, she enjoys cutting hair so much.

The stylist suggested a bob style for Jaz. Since Jaz is so sporting to try any style (hehe.. as if she knows what she is getting herself into), I let the stylist do what she wanted. She took half an hour to do Jaz's hair! My girl could actually sat still throughout. Must be the lure of the VCD in front of her.

Her new haircut is refreshing and much neater. Hmmm... however, I think I would prefer the last one. Well, since her hair grows so fast, it will be just another month and ta-dah! Jaz will be with another style. I do envy my Jaz... cos I cannot have short hair myself.

Seems to have some problems with blogger. Cannot post any pics. Once the problem is resolved, I will post the pics of Jaz's new hairdo here.

「赤い糸」

昨日頭がすごく痛かったのに、眠れなかった。それで、「赤い糸」見に行った。頭痛のせいかも、あまり映画を楽しめなかった。ただ、主題歌は気に入った。

「３６６日」HY

それでもいい　それでもいいと思える恋だった
戻れないと知ってても　繋がっていたくて
初めてこんな気持ちになった
たまにしか会う事　出来なくなって
口約束は当たり前
それでもいいから

叶いもしないこの願い
あなたがまた私を好きになる
そんな儚い　私の願い
今日もあなたに会いたい

それでもいい　それでもいいと思えた恋だった
いつしかあなたは会う事さえ拒んできて

一人になると考えてしまう
あの時　私　忘れたらよかったの?
でもこの涙が答えでしょう?
心に嘘はつけない

恐いくらい覚えているの　
あなたの匂いや　しぐさや　全てを
おかしいでしょう?　そう言って笑ってよ
別れているのにあなたの事ばかり

恋がこんなに苦しいなんて　
恋がこんなに悲しいなんて
思わなかったの　本気であなたを思って知った

恐いくらい覚えているの　
あなたこの匂いや　しぐさや　全てを
おかしいでしょう?　そう言って笑ってよ
別れているのにあなたの事ばかリ

あなたは私の中の忘れられぬ人　全て捧げた人
もう二度と戻れなくても
今はただあなたあなたの事だけで
あなたの事ばかり

Back to St Nicks for the P1 Registration

I was a bit excited about going back St Nicks today. It's been years since I last went back. And today I was going back for another purpose as well, to register Joy for her P1, under Phase 2A1. My girl has grown and I was proud to show her mummy's alma mater, the place that has shaped mummy into who I am now.

The registration was fast, since the alumni has already kindly done some of the preparations before hand. I brought the girls and hubby around the school for a short tour, before the place will be torn down end of the year for the upgrading.

It was nostalgic walking the same familiar corridors and stairs, seeing the same familiar sights. Was so elated to see uncle mobeen! Though he was shy to take the pic, he still allowed me to take one. And of course, I must get a cuppa of the iced milk tea!

Mrs Cheong was around in the canteen and I took a photo with her. I do miss her and 校长 a lot. We walked around the premise and memories kept flowing back, the spectators stand, the roof garden, the bougainvillea, the pianos, the mirrors .....

Since today was Phase 2A1, which is for old girls who are alumni, I was looking around to see if there's any familiar faces. And I saw Jennifer! She has 2 kids, the elder girl is going P1 as well! Didn't see Wendy. She should be registering today as well.

Didn't manage to take much pics. Below are only some of them. You may go to my profile in FB for more pics. I guess, after all, the memories are already etched in my heart ....