Just one girl in the world of many

Lights in the city

2010-12-23T12:25:00.004-05:00

Ice skating ring and Christmas tree at Bryant Park.
Star lights at Time Warner Center.

It's Christmas time. Everyone are in a frenzy, buying gifts and presents.

I have a friend who's actually only starting to gift-shop today.
Talk about last minute...

Wishing a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all!

Chapter 1 in my "life"

2010-07-25T20:30:00.004-04:00

I have recently started practicing Yoga -- again, after 5 years of blissful ignorance for my physical health and emotional stability. No, I'm not going crazy or insane. I'm talking about inner peace, mindfulness of my surroundings and selflessness behavior.

Yoga has always thought me to have self-control over my body, mind and spirit. The body is just a shell and to do things, or in my case, difficult poses and stands, you must tell your mind that your body is just a vessel.

I'm not a big fan of chanting. I've never been a big fan of it. But, I have to say, upon attending a class whose teacher strongly believe in chanting, the act of chanting is a form of meditation. Of course, I've always knew that chanting helps meditation but never truly believed it. The teacher taught us, in this particular class, to let go -- of something. Anything. That possess you in this world. It could be an ex-boyfriend, an addiction, a thought, anything. Throw it in the fire in front of you and let go.

By the way, I am also in the midst of reading Eat, Pray, Love; whose author writes about her journey in finding herself. All this seems to be coincidental. But it placed me in a mind-boggling thought - or thoughts - about life.

Sometimes I go through a phase of these restless thoughts about what is life and how to go above-and-beyond the material world. It doesn't last very long, sad to say. I get sucked back into the "reality" of this world.

But then again, it creates mindfulness.

Which, personally I think, is very important.

-- Central Park through the eyes, or viewfinder of the Diana camera.

2010-07-16T15:23:00.003-04:00

Ah, New York City; vibrant, exciting, and almost crazy. After 5 months of moving here, I’d have to say I really like the change. The spontaneous move was driven by the fact that I, pretty much wasn’t doing anything well worth in Philadelphia.

What have I done recently?

- Ate at amazing, well-known restaurants. Also had my cravings satisfied for ramen noodles.
- Watch free movies at the park/pier.
- Tried to win the lotto tickets to watch Wicked, the Broadway musical, but still unsuccessful.
- Shopping (of course!)
- Chilling at the park.
- Attending Broadway at Bryant Park during lunch hour.

And many more...

My rooftop view. That's right, suckers!

London over again

2009-08-18T13:21:00.017-04:00

Another hot summer day in mid-August, in the midst of a heat wave. Around this time last year, I was preparing for my trip to London and Paris. To visit my three very good friends.

With two weeks to waste, and Paris in between, there were a lot of time to wander around the streets of London. Since we were staying at Elephant and Castle, we started our walking tour from down south, Southwark's Borough Market and all along the Thames River to the Millennium Bridge.

My little mischief with a graphic art in front of the Tate Modern Collection Museum.

Trafalgar Square, watching the Olympics.

I want to go to Cyprus.

Canary Wharf, the business district of London.

Not-so-tiny man and woman statue.

We, then took a little boat cruise from Canary Wharf to Tower of London.

The city hall that took after a human's thumb.

One of the must-have's for me whenever I go to London.
1) Fish and Chips

Hmmmm. I don't know what I want.

I know what I'm getting!

Oh my, so many choices

2) South Kensington Creperie.

Gotta have my crepes.

2009-07-29T18:46:00.001-04:00

I read somewhere that you can now post via email or mobile. I decided to try with my gmail account.
So this is a test. More like second test. As for the first one, I typed a long, and nice, post with pictures. and sent it via my email.
But it disappeared right after I sent it. No trace on the drafts, sent mail or trash.
So here goes the second testing.

2009-04-02T05:50:00.025-04:00

As I am sitting here at the consultant help desk, working on my weekly overnight shift at the computer lab at school, procrastinating on the ample of work that needs to be completed, I thought, why not blog!

School's been monotonous.
Life is generally the same.
Still looking for a job in the banking industry. (Right now, tough luck. I know right!)
But still, my mind wonders of the possibility of me traveling again.
Maybe this time to Spain. Madrid and Barcelona. Or maybe to Amsterdam for Sensation Black first, then off to Madrid then Barcelona, then Ibiza Island. Sounds like a plan.
Probably next summer. That is if I get a job and have saved enough cash to spend it again.

..Ok back to reality..
Working the overnight shift gives me ample time to browse the World Wide Web.
And my good, and one of my closest friends just started a side business of her own. By selling jewelries. *clap clap!*
Dashing Dunes is its name. Pretty pretty accessories.

Lotsa fancy accessories to go for a nice outing or party.
Speaking of parties, I've been hiding out from parties around Philadelphia. Maybe its the weather, maybe its the stress or maybe I just don't feel like partying much anymore.
I remember when I first got back from Japan, and went out with a few friends, most bars and clubs have to close by 2am. I wasn't used to it at all.
Japan clubs open till 7am, probably because they want to match the train schedule.
We would take the last train into Tokyo city center, party until 6am.
2am was the time we only started drinking and in Philly, 2am you have to leave.
What irony.

Back ---> to Tokyo.
We went for Nagisa music festival in April at Odaiba (the man-made island), next to the Fuji Television tower.
It was a 12pm-9pm event with different music genre ranging from House, Techno, Trance, Reggae, Chill-out and many more.
I have to say, one of my best I've been so far. Great times.

Ageha was another club that is a must-visit.
The ultimate club in Tokyo. Probably the biggest in Tokyo. Located near Shinkiba Station.

At Odaiba for the Nagisa Music Festival.

Me and Mr. Corona. And the party crew.

At Ageha. My friend, Nancy, laying on the train's seat at 7am.

I think I was a lil drunk that night. Eating some katsudon after a long night of partying.

And now, presenting Spring.

2009-03-28T18:30:00.012-04:00

Spring time.
Spring is here.
But that means more rain as well.
Oh well. Nothing beats the cool weather where your hair doesn't freeze up nor will it create static when you comb it. Also your make up will remain flawless for hours,... I mean hours, without sweating or frozen.

I just realized I don't take enough pictures around Philadelphia. Home to me for 3 years. Instead I take tons of pictures of Japan, home to me for ... 5 months ?

As I am [still] blogging about my Japan times. I've already been to places such as London, Paris, Boston, Germany, Switzerland, Prague, Rome, Toronto and Niagara Falls [ since Japan ].
I know. Bad bad me. Doing my very best to catch up in the cyberspace world.

Well back to Japan, spring time.
That means Sakuras, O-Hanami, Cherry Blossoms.
Very very beautiful picture. As I walk around the park in Tokyo [Yoyogi-Koen] I feel like I'm in a romantic movie, only to be hunted down by a serial killer after that.
.Right.
Here are some reminiscing pictures of Yoyogi-koen, Tokyo, Japan during the O-Hanami [Cherry Blossom festival].
(click on the pictures for a better view).

Thats my friend, Anthony whom I hung out a lot while I was in Japan, wearing my sunglasses that looks weird on him.

My other few friends whom I hung out a lot with.

Some of the Temple University, Japan campus crew.

The second week of cherry blossoms blooming, I went back to the same park with my friends again.
Even prettier as the sakura petals were falling and scattered romantic, pink sakura petals all over the park grounds.

My weird friends on the 2nd picture, and random group of people on the 3rd.

Some other people at the park. Parents with their child playing, best friends laying on sakura petals chatting.

Catching up

2009-03-23T20:42:00.022-04:00

I know.. I've been missing.

But I decided it's about time that I stop playing hide and seek with my blog and actually start writing again.
I just celebrated my birthday. (23 years of existence in this tiny planet)
And at one point during my celebration of stepping further into my 20's, while I was getting heaps of alcohol into my system, I thought, a year ago, I was in Miyazaki, Kyushu, Japan.. touring on my own. Alone.
That I say, awesome.

22nd birthday, toured Miyazaki, Takachiho, Kagoshima, and Sakura-Jima, All located in Kyushu, Japan. Traveling alone for the first time was fun and exciting, but also kinda scary. I had to do intensive research before embarking on my exciting trip.
Locals there were very friendly, helpful and kept saying to me "please be careful, you're a girl and you're traveling alone". :)

Practiced my broken Japanese with them.
Day 1: Stayed in a hotel in Miyazaki, a upbeat town with lotsa young people and business-suit yakuzas hanging around doing i-don't-know-what.
Took a lot of buses with bus drivers writing the name of the stops for me because I have no idea what was going on.
Visited a few places including an old tomb/temple up on a hill that I took a cab to(because buses do not go up there). A very nice friendly cabbie driver asked me how I'm getting back down and I said "I don't know". So, nice cabbie driver said he'll wait for me. We reached our destination and he said to wait and he parked his car and got out and walked with me all around the place, all the while telling me the history of the tomb/shrine and also, he became my camera-man.
Awwwww. How nice.
Well, of course I paid him more! How can you think that I wouldn't.

Day 2:
Took a train up north for 1 1/2 hours and then a bus for 1 1/2hours to Takachiho, a small town up in the hills with the famous waterfall called Takachiho-Kyo. And of course shrines.
How can you not visit the shrines.

Had a private taxi driver drive me around Takachiho... teeheeeee... because there's literally no public transportation around the town.
I paid him more because he was exceptionally friendly and nice. In return, he dropped me off and later return with a gift. Nice people.

Day 3: Took the express train down south heading to Kagoshima for 3 hours.
Yes! My whole time in Japan was only riding trains. Managed to catch the last ferry into Sakura-Jima, only with the help of the cabbie driver who drove fast and spoke with a heavy Kyushu accent, which I have trouble understanding.

Sakura Jima is an island with an active volcanic mountain (well, mountains, there's 3 of them).. There were escape routes and hide outs all over that island, just in case these mountains decide to erupt. And I kept reading these signs and I got scared for my life.
Like, seriously, if those mountains were to erupt right there and then, God knows when I'll be let out of the hide out caves and actually be able to return to Tokyo.
But all is well. The mountains were calm.

Day 4: Relaxed, souvenir shopping and returned to Tokyo.

A wedding procession was going on at Miyazaki.

The place where the nice cabbie driver took me around and waited for me. And thats him explaining something.

Takachiho-Kyo and the ever-friendly cab driver

Sakura Jima

2008-10-11T17:38:00.002-04:00

Current Status:

School: Barely surviving, in fact you can barely see me if I were to pile all my assignments and homework and exams up.

Thinking ahead: ..About winter break. Just bought my flight ticket to Germany!

Job Hunting: So-so. got a few, got rejected on a few too.

Weather: Getting warm in Oct...?

Additional members in the Family: +1 baby cousin in Germany!!

2008-09-07T11:54:00.007-04:00

More members in the family, and still counting! Uncle Simon in Shang Hai just had twins, Monica and Bianca. Such cute names. Congrats!
Now, there's one more that haven't popped out yet in Germany. But soon (apparently in October).
...Oh! So many cousins!

Arrived home from the hospital.

That's Bianca

And that's Monica.

2008-08-12T15:51:00.003-04:00

At a friend's place, we had takoyaki dinner session with the marvelous takoyaki grill.

Any ingredients

Take things further into the future

2008-08-04T16:04:00.004-04:00

All this job search and applying in specific high-profile companies got me thinking. After graduation, how is my life going to be like? Working a 9-5 job for five out of seven days per week. Enclosed in a small cubicle, hoping to make a break through, hoping to impress the top management with my skills, hoping to get a promotion.

Knowing that it is already hard to secure a job in this competitive country and competitive companies in this high unemployment season, I have to go through another process of, literally, winning the lottery of a work visa from the government.
One of my close, long-time friend recently left the high life of New York City to return home just because her work visa duration was up and she coldnt get the extension for her visa.

Knowing that, what are my chances?

Another friend, living the dream in London, recently found out about the 'Unmarried partner visa' which allows her to live in London as a PR as long as she live in with her partner for 2 years. Now, how come the United States doesn't have this kind of visa. I guess probably many people would take advantage of this visa.

As I sit here at my desk for my on-campus job, I am religiously revising my cover letters and resumes and filling out online application for specific companies and job-search companies, thinking where do I really want to work? Or what do I want to work?

I have came up with several options, either continue living in the United States, or transfer elsewhere i.e Europe or Japan or Singapore as my safety net.

One of my professors recently said "College is not about education, its all about networking to know the right people to network and get jobs". Which is really true.
I realized the more people you know, the easier things will be. And I am surprised of the connections my friends actually have.

At this point, there's only a few things I can do, which is continue pursuing my degree and earning my bachelor's and aggressively searching for jobs; and of course networking.

On the lighter side of things, I am now a certified diver! My next goal is to dive in the tropical islands of Malaysia and Thailand and Indonesia.
Also,, soon I am off to London and Paris for 2 weeks!! Visiting some close friends and new places (Paris!!).
Bought the necessary plane tickets, train tickets and hotel. And also, a Paris travel guidebook and French travel dictionary.

Bon Voyage to me~

Diving

2008-07-17T16:26:00.003-04:00

Probably I didn't mention it. I was taking diving classes at school to get licensed. So that I can dive around the world, expanding my skills beyond snorkeling and skin-diving, looking at pretty things underwater.

Truthfully, my purpose for getting licensed is so that I can dive around the islands in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and anywhere tropical. Of course, it also includes the Caribbean, and Hawaii. If only I have that extra funds...

So, I am getting prepared to be a licensed diver for my home-coming trip in December.

Hence, I am going for my dive check out this whole weekend. At Dutch Springs, Lehigh Valley. Wreck dive would be interesting.

Yes.

I am getting certified.

As a licensed diver.

Oh yea.

Cafe hopping while interning

2008-07-11T18:01:00.008-04:00

Ever since I started this internship over a month ago, my boss and I meet up once a week in cafes to discuss the progress of the company. Well..technically twice a month.. Since then, we have been cafe hopping around Center City, Philadelphia. With free internet access, of course.

We started out with Brew HaHa! near my place. Yes. It's actually called Brew HAHA. With the "haha". I especially love their coffee since I stop supporting Starbucks and went to support local coffee shops. Unless I absolutely am in great need of coffee and none other than Starbucks is to be found, I would then be forced to buy Starbuck's disgusting, tasteless coffee.

Oh thats not why I'm writing this blog. Right.. back to cafe hopping. Since my boss travels a lot, we don't get to meet as often. The other cafe this week was La Citadella . Charming lil cafe with solid green walls, which inspires me to work hard. Seriously, green is the color to study. Or so I've heard. But sad to say, the coffee or at least the mocha I ordered wasn't in par with my coffee standards.

What am I interning? It's a company called Global Touch Jewelry (www.globaltouchjewelry.com) that was founded a year ago, with the purpose of helping individuals especially women around the globe though microfinance. We sell accessories like funky bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings too.

While I'm in charge of the marketing sector, which I find it peculiar since I'm not even a marketing major student. Oh well, well rounded experience, I might say.
Although I cannot complain myself, since I am getting tons of experience from working with Global Touch.

Since when did summer become a mundane life for me? It's summer, I should either be in Tokyo or back in Malaysia, waking up only in the afternoon, taking short trips to the beautiful islands, catching up with old friends with occasional drinking and partying.

Instead, I'm stuck in Philadelphia, taking summer classes, working in the computer lab at school and interning with Global Touch. Waking up at 8am everyday wasn't what I actually wanted. But that's life, isn't it. We can't get what we want all the time. Sometimes, we can't get what we need. Much less, what we want. I have come to..almost despise Philly, though I am sad to say it. After 2.5 years of living here, I am quite sick of this place. I have been doing much thinking lately about my life, but that is not for now.

Maybe later on, I will write about it once I get everything figured out.

Oh well.

Cooking simple Japanese food

2008-07-11T17:09:00.015-04:00

My host mom knows that I live alone in US. Because I told her. She then ask me if I cook. I said yes a little. Also, I told her I want to learn Japanese cooking.
So Feb 24th, she ask if I wanted to sign up for this cooking class with the 越谷、埼玉
(Koshigaya, Saitama) community. Although I didn't really wanted to go, plus I had tons of work to do, I docilely said yes.

Turned out to pretty fun, though the recipe book is all written in Japanese. That reminds me, I have to translate it to English.

--I had to wear an apron and a head scarf. gosh.
The room consist of 4 stations of cooking area, where each group cooks about 2-3 dishes. The other side of the room consist of tatami mats with long tables for dining.

haha. Thats me.

The first dish, soup.

tau fu, and cabbage dish

Setting up the tables.

My host mom and Mayuko

And of course, which Asian country eat any meal without soups.

The crew!

After the meal, they were learning origami but I couldn't stay cause work was really pressuring me at that time.
Oh well.

Food weekend

2008-06-29T18:45:00.008-04:00

Well,for me at least . Haven't had home cook food for.. oh I don't know, ages.
Prior to the BBQ, aunt and I were chatting about Malaysian food. And we decided to make Penang Rojak. For those who are unfamiliar with Penang Rojak, prior mental preparation and high tolerance of pungent smell is absolutely needed for survival. For those who ARE familiar, welcome to the world of cravings and fantastic Malaysian food.

The kuah rojak given by aunt's friend who took a trip to Malaysia.

Mixed with chopped apples, pineapples, jicama/yam bean (sengkuang), shrimp crackers (keropok udang) and some crushed peanuts.

The next day, we decided to make Pan Mee and some Agar-Agar. Both my favorites back home.

The Pan Mee

The Agar-Agar

Colorful, ain't it.

For actual recipes, go to Gertrude who cooks like an angel

BBQ Weekend

2008-06-29T17:24:00.010-04:00

So it's summer. The rage of BBQ is in season. And I haven't done my session of BBQ yet, considering the fact that I live in the city without a backyard or a balcony or a rooftop yard or any kind of space that allows a BBQ session without burning ourselves and the whole apartment down. If only I have one of those, oh! and throw in a bigger kitchen too.

So I went back to my Aunt and Uncle's place to have our nicely planned BBQ. Where east meets west. It will all become clear later on.
Oh and to mention the fact that it's about 33 degrees Celsius or about 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't even get me started about the heat.

At the beginning, carefully arranged peppers, steak and sausages. Notice there's something left out because there isn't anymore space.

After some "convincing" from aunt's part, the fish is in it. Yes, I said fish. A damn good one too.

Oh forgot to take pictures of the shrimp and chicken satay.

Urg, will you look at that, I want to eat it all over again.

Picking up the satay.

Some satay, ketupat (sticky rice), cucumber and satay(peanut) sauce.

And lastly, the fish!! Urg, so good. Freshly caught talapia fish and cleaned by the ever-reliable mexicans. Later cleaned once again by aunt and marinated with sambal sauce.

Probably noticed and wonder where did the steak, sausage and peppers had gone..

Yea, he ate them. Thats why, its east meets west.

Hakone, 箱根

2008-06-15T13:09:00.016-04:00

Feb 11- 12th, TUJ (Temple University Japan campus) was taking a trip to Hakone, 箱根. I was excited to put my name on the list for the trip. About 3 weeks into school, I entered the Office of International Service in Azabu Hall, in Azabu-Juban, inquired about putting my name down for the Hakone trip, they informed me that the list is already full, since the first day of school. Damn. Those students are fast. I scouted around and asked my other friends if they wanted to go on a separate trip to Hakone on the same weekend. One of them said "If you plan it, I'll go". Then I met Nancy, whom Mya told me that she was too late to put her name onto the list as well. We decided to take trip to Hakone together with 4 other people from school. I found out the school was going to places that weren't even interesting. We planned the Hakone trip with every intention to step foot onto every tourist spot and destination. And we did it! We took trains, cable cars, rope-ways, buses, and even a ship all around Hakone.

Hakone, home to one of the best onsens (hot springs) in Japan, one of the spots to view Mount Fuji, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan, and has one of the active volcanic spot.
We started off with acquiring the Hakone FreePass along with discounted tickets for the Limited Express Romance Car Train. It only took about 1 hour 25 minutes from Shinjuku Station 新宿駅 to Hakone-Yumoto Station, 箱根湯本駅. It was almost like sitting in a shinkansen, bullet train. The 6 of us got separate seats on the train as we bought the tickets pretty late into the week. I ended up sitting with an older lady, in her 50's or so, surrounded by her other 3 companions, back and front. I had Hakone's tourist map and my Travel Guide, Japan book spread open during the journey, planning the best route to take to see all of Hakone. Obasan (おばさんolder lady/aunt) got curious and started talking to me.

おばさん：どこに来たんの？ (Where did you come from?)
私：マレーシアからです。今、アメリカの大学に留学しています(from Malaysia. I am studying abroad in an American University)
おばさん：あっ！そうか。じゃあ、今箱根に旅行に行ってか。(Ah! so now you're taking a trip)
私：はい、はい。そうです。(Yes Yes *trying to be polite as much as possible*)
おばさん：私、じつはロンドンに生まれた、六歳の時、日本に帰って来た (Actually I was born in London, and I came back here when I was 6 years old)。。。。。。。

And the conversation went on about her and how she met her friends, who were traveling with her, 20 years ago and remained best friends. She later told me the spots to go for the best view of Hakone and the must-see places.

Upon arriving, we battled with the crowd as it was one of the major holidays in Japan. We scouted our hotel's shuttle van and took it to our hotel to check in, then started our journey.
We took the train up to Gora, 強羅 to eat the famous Gyoza Center Restaurant.
Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table.
Evidence of the restaurant.
Top Left to Right: View of Fuji-san inside of the train, mountains along the ride, inside the sweet Romance Car.
Bottom Left to Right: Upon reaching Hakone-Yumoto Station, the crew, the 大 letter(big) on the mountain top viewed from Gora.
After our glorious meal at Gyoza Center, we hopped on the cable-car to go up to 早雲山, Sounzan and then jumped onto the cable car to 大湧谷 (Owakudani) to see it with our-own two eyes the active volcanic site which were developed before Christ time. And also to eat the oh-so-special black eggs.

Taste like any other hard-boiled egg to me.
Top Left to Right: On the ropeway towards Owakudani, 大湧谷, It's actually called the Hakone-ropeway, On the cable car towards Sounzan, 早雲山.
Bottom Left to Right: Owakudani ( see the smokes ), view from the ropeway.
The garden at our hotel. The hotel that we stayed in, had indoors and outdoors onsen, which Nancy and I took advantage off way longer than the guys did. Of course, the onsens are gender segregated. Even though it was middle of winter, Nancy and I went for the outdoor onsen which was one of the best pleasures in the world. I did get lightheaded after a while in the onsen but it sure made my skin so smooth and soft.

The next day, we headed off to the Hakone Open Air Museum and continued on our planned route as we didn't have time the day before. However it was raining that day, so we couldn't see Fuji-san.

We later then hop on to the ropeway again to go all the way to Togendai, 桃源台, the tip of Lake Ashi to ride the pirate-looking ship to Hakone Machi, 箱根町.

Top Left to Right: Fooling around with the pirate statue, Lake Ashi view from the ropeway.
Bottom Left to Right: The ropeway, evidence of my existence in Hakone with another pirate ship behind me.
Top Left to Right: Foggy road, a yucky day; Hakone Checkpoint Museum; lotsa snow.
Bottom Left to Right: The streets at Hakone Machi; Hakone Checkpoint; Mannequins to illustrate the life during the time.
We later walked along the cryptomeria cedar trees that was planted about 360 years ago for the people in Hakone to walk during the summer, so it wouldn't be too hot for them.
Top Left to Right: Illustrations of the Hakone CheckPoint, Romance Car Train.
Bottom Left to Right: Cryptomeria cedar trees and some temple gate somewhere.

We went home satisfied and dead tired. But something to brag about. And somewhere new to pin thumbtags onto the map.

Killing Rampage in Tokyo

2008-06-10T17:39:00.003-04:00

Sunday, 25-year old man went on a killing rampage in Akihabara, Central Tokyo.
In the country where it is considered the safest country in the world, to have a random killing rampage is rare. The man said he was tired of life. I can't blame him that he's tired of life, but what he did was plain psycho.
Personally, I think Tokyo is a stressful place to live in, especially if you work for a Japanese company which has very strict rules about everything and especially timing.
Time management is crucial in Japan. Every morning during rush hour, ( around 7.30am-9am) as I commute my 1.5 hour journey to school, I always see executives, dressed in their traditional black and white business suits, women and men, running back and forth the platform, up and down the stairs and escalators. The most famous one, jamming and pushing into already-crowded trains.
Every morning, I get squashed and pushed in the train. It is so crowded that literally, the next person is breathing down your neck, or your whole back, including your rear and legs are touching the other person. My personal space has been stripped off from me~!
I have been told that Tokyo's average suicide rate per day is 60. It is not surprising to me because I see suicide announcement and train delay during anytime of the day.

Yokohama

2008-06-09T16:20:00.011-04:00

About an hour south from central Tokyo by train. Yokohama being the 2nd largest city in Japan, home to the largest Chinatown in Japan and a major harbor. 4 of my friends took the trip down to Yokohama to meet my other 2 friends who live there to play tour-guide.
After an hour of confusion and a lot of "Are we going the right way? Where are we now? Which train do we take?" we arrived at 日本お踊り駅 'Nihonodori Station', Yokohama.
Not ten minutes and we were lost. Just Kidding! We went straight to Chinatown.
The big gate of Chinatown.

One of the special moments was that we visited Yokohama and Chinatown during the Chinese New Year. There were performance, extra decorations and definitely more people. Though it was very, very windy and chilly that day out.

Just something at the park.

Some views around Yokohama at night, when it rained and later snowed.

Snow in Tokyo

2008-06-09T16:13:00.005-04:00

This winter was actually the coldest winter in 4 years. Tokyo snowed for 3 days, which was pretty rare. The kids (my host family's children) were happy to play with it.

The view outside from my room. Not much view, just the neighbor's window. Now, if I stuck my head out and lean to one side,

The kids all prep up to go play in the snow. Introducing, Mayuko, 6 (in red) and Misuzu, 8 ( in blue).

Reminising

2008-06-09T15:52:00.004-04:00

So, its been a month and 9 days, and I feel like I never left. Being in Tokyo for 4 months was one of the most amazing time of my life. All I can do now, is to go down memory lane by blogging.

Jan 25, Masami and I met up at Ebisu Station for dinner and drinks. A friend of mine whom I met in Philly. A very talented, Berklee-graduate musician who was visiting his hometown and his family. We decided to meet up so he could show me places around Ebisu and drink with his few other friends.

Around Ebisu.

We actually went to an Southeast Asian restaurant which had satay and laksa. Pretty fancy spot.

Where did Diana disappear to?

2008-02-29T01:53:00.002-05:00

It's the 29th of February and it only happen once every 4 years.
What has Diana been doing for the past 1 month without blogging.

Okinawa, Day 3

2008-01-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

Last day in Okinawa. This calls for shopping!　おみやげ！
Bought a whole set of yukata (summer kimono) for 4,500Yen (~$45) and thats really cheap. A bargain. I got the robe, the obi, the shoes, and socks.

And we bought the most expensive but the most juiciest mango I have ever tasted.
It cost us 1,580Yen (~$15) for one mango!
One. Mango.
I forgot to take a picture because I couldn't resist sinking my teeth into it.
With some oranges and other smaller and cheaper mangoes too.
yum~
おいしい～

We then left Okinawa around late afternoon.
Upon arriving cold Tokyo, we bought some food from the supermarket and headed home to eat and rest.
The next day, we went cellphone hunting.
While walking around Ikebukuro looking for SoftBank shops, we stumbled around a sale on one of the big electronic stores.
Thus, I managed to buy a electronic dictionary with Japanese, English AND Mandarin in it for 19,800Yen (~$198).
Almost half price.
Yes.

--Bought a cover for it too.
We then continued our phone hunting and were waiting in the lounge of Softbank with our ticket number, when they announced that they were going to close for that night at 7pm.
Damn.
Failed.
Then we went on to another electronic store and inquire somemore.
We finally managed to get the plan I needed.
* My Japanese friend was telling them the wrong info all this time, thats why. And I needed either my Alien Registration Card or National Health Insurance card*

やったね！
電話をかったよ！
うれしいな。。。。

Okinawa, Day 2

2008-01-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

We started out the day by almost missing the boat to Zamami-Jima (Island). Scheduled to leave at 9am. We almost missed it because the man who told us the directions the day before wasn't specific enough. It was a big harbor and there were so many boats.

--Leaving Naha

--Looking forward to Zamami-JIma.

It took us about 1 hour to get to Zamami island. And me being a pig,always sleeping anywhere and anytime, slept on the boat.
Upon disembarking from the boat, I was greeted with the sight of crystle blue waters.

Beautiful. とてもきれいな。
We rented bicycles and pedalled to the nearest beach.

We were about to depart for the next island, Aka-Jima when the tour guides told us they spotted whales down south from the island. Exciting.

Yay.

So we ditched our Aka-Jima plans for whale watching.
And that wasn't easy. Windy, big waves, rocky yacth, cold.
And we had to wait about 15-20mins intervals for each whale sighting.
But, the wait was worth every minute.

Izakaya for dinner.
おいしかった！！楽しかった！

--Pineapple Wine.

--Spaghetti noodles with squid's ink.

--We ate a lot!

Okinawa, Day 1

2008-01-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Arrived Naha, Okinawa main island at 10am. For 30,000Yen (=US$300) for flight ticket and hotel is a very good deal. Thanks to my Japanese friends acting as translator.
We left the house at 4.30am to take the 45 minutes train ride to Haneda Airport.

--At Ikebukuro train station, chucking down coffee.

We were surprised that we got such a good hotel for that kind of price. We expected some cheap hotel, but it is actually very nice and cozy. Small but comfortable. Toyoko Inn (about 7,100Yen/night in Naha) was where we stayed and I recommend to anybody who's looking for a budget hotel with free wireless in the room, free PC usage at the lobby. They even provide soap, shampoo, toothbrush, hair dryer and all that necessities.

Surprising, Okinawa reminds me a lot of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The roads, the buildings, the monorail and a lil bit of the weather since it was warm. (About 20 degrees Celsius)

Day 1 was filled with historic sight seeings around Shuri, north of Naha.
First stop @ Shurijo Castle Park. It goes way back from 1372 and it has much Chinese influence because China's Emperor used to rule Okinawa.

--Lunch at Kokusai dori. Okinawa people love spam. Me too.

--At the entrance, or at least one of the entrance.

--Seiden (Main Hall)

We also had tea at the same room where the princess used to entertain guest and officials.

After Shurijo Castle Park, we went to Tama-U-Dun, the tomb which holds King Sho En in 1501 during the 2nd Sho dynasty.

We also visited the famous road that WW II did not destroy.

Dinner time, we went hunting for seafood! Of course, it wasn't Malaysian style seafood. It was more of sashimi-style seafood.
We found this cozy Japanese restaurant.

--Our meal. Oh so delicious~

--Fish head!!!

School starts

2008-01-16T01:53:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging in school mid-afternoon because I have class in 30 minutes and I'm too tired to go anywhere and hence, camping in the computer lab.
Today's the 2nd day of school in TUJ (Temple University Japan). Mandatory task like making student ID, getting the discount commuter pass, changing classes, looking for classes and !making friends! were things I did the first few days.

I'm going to Okinawa tomorrow. Skipping 2 days of classes. So much for being a good student. But hey, at least it's the beginning of the semester and not in the middle of the semester.

I moved in to my host family last Thursday and they are great. I hardly see my host father because he works at the restaurant and only comes back after midnight. Hence I spend a lot of time with my host mother and her two girls. 6 and 7 years old. Adorable but noisy little creatures. The first night, they were already climbing on top of me and sitting on my lap.
The current home is in Saitama and that is outside Tokyo region. It takes me 1.5hours to commute from home to school. The infamous human-traffic and sandwiched in trains are so very, very true.

I'm going to Okinawa tomorrow.
Yipee.

Day 2 in Tokyo

2008-01-08T23:17:00.000-05:00

Day 2, we grab breakfast from 7-11. Their food is so fresh.

While eating in the train, we headed to あさくさ (Asakusa) to visit せんせじ(senso-ji = temple).

Walking outside senso-ji, the shopping area, I noticed they packaging for everything are so beautiful.

Unfortunately, Khanh had to leave for Vietnam.

More pictures here.

Day 1 in Tokyo

2008-01-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

The journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo was about 2 hours train ride. Our friend was suppose to pick us up at the Airport a day earlier, but because of the delayed flight, she had to work on the day we arrived. We arrived at Minami-senju, our station. Since it was about 7 minutes walk from the station to hotel, it definitely was not easy pushing our big luggages for a distance of 7minutes walk.
The room is TINY...but cozy with tatami mats and japanese futon bed. For the price they ask, it is very reasonable with wireless internet, a nice lounge and clean bathrooms.
Khanh and I headed out after checking in and refreshing ourselves.

First stop: Shibuya.

-On the Hibiya Line to Shibuya.

-Some parts of Shibuya

We then went in search of some food since the last we ate was 6 hours ago. 2 aimless Asian tourist, didn't know where to walk, started strolling around Shibuya.
I put my Japanese skills into practice to look out for the word らめん (ramen) and we found it!

The machine-style where you place money and order from the machine and later give the ticket to the server.

After our bellies are full and satisfied, we head for the famous Shibuya crossing

And of course, the unlimited vending machines that is everywhere and every corner.

Seriously.
Every corner.

We then headed to Roppongi, the nightlife district that is famous for がいじん (gaijin = foreigners). Dark-skinned men standing along the sidewalks, asking you to enter the respective clubs with their Carribean accent. Sounds like they just got of the plane.

Tokyo Tower in the background.

More pictures here.

Arrival

2008-01-06T21:52:00.000-05:00

The flight to Tokyo wasn't full *Thank god* I managed to grab 3 seats all to myself and lay out with my legs bent and have a good sleep.

Upon arriving there, the first picture I took is:

Haha!

More of delayed flight

2008-01-04T03:05:00.000-05:00

It was suppose to be only 4 hours delay, then it turned to 5 hours. We finally get to board the flight. However, they found a technical problem with the fuel valve. And so while they try to fix that, we sat in the non-moving plane for 3 hours. After 3 hours, they announced that they will have to postpone the flight to the next day at 11.30am.
That would make it delayed for 24 hours.

Idiots.
-Khanh, upset at United Airlines.

-Me snacking while waiting for the shuttle bus to Grand Hyatt

Nevertheless, they put us up at Grand Hyatt Hotel about 5 minutes away. At least Grand Hyatt is a marvelous hotel. My friend and I got separate rooms and the bed was the most comfortable. The pillows were even better.

Moving on, we were back in Chicago O'Hare airport the next morning. Security check point was ridiculous. We manage to board and actually take off from Chicago at 11.30am on 2nd Jan.

Yay!

But, my poor friend only had an evening and a morning after this delay before he flies to Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.

Delayed Flight to Japan

2008-01-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

So right this minute, I am currently stuck at Chicago O'Hare Airport, with the delayed flight of 4 hours!! With the tiredness and the worst service at Chilli's, our day was a weird one.

Having the worst service at Chilli's.

I just found out from the flight attendant that the reason for our delayed flight is because United didn't have sufficient aircrafts. United!! Boooooooooooooooooooo...

Bake?

2007-12-15T10:41:00.001-05:00

So I tried baking, when I was supposed to be studying on Thursday.
Voila~!

Looks good, ey? It's hard and dry. The only tasty stuff is the chocolate cream frosting.

It's my first time. Have mercy on me.

Moving Forward

2007-12-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

Finally, the end of semester. Official date and time of freedom: Friday, 14th December 2007, 12pm. Hooray! The ultimate feeling of 'no-datelines-no-assignments-no-exams' freedom has not sunk in yet. I did take advantage of my 'oh-so-deprived' sleeping time. Hence, instead of partying and getting drunk on a Friday night, I slept at 8.30pm all the way to 8.30am. That beats anything in the world right now.

Still in bed, I am updating my blog *after so long* and listening to chill-out music.
Other than rushing datelines for assignments and studying for exams, I have been working and more over-night work at the Tech (computer lab), preparing my Japan trip and looking for a sub-letter. My Japan trip is coming together. Embarking on my adventure on 1st January 2008. Yay! I will be close to Malaysian time-zone. Only 1 hour ahead from Malaysian time. I will be living with a host-family in Saitama. FYI, Saitama is not exactly in Tokyo. It is next to Tokyo, which would take me an hour commute. An hour. Everyday. It feels like commuting from my aunt's place to school. But my Japanese friends consoled me, telling me thats normal in Japan. So, I am in a 'normal' situation. After seeing past the 'oh-my-god-its-so-far' situation, I'm actually excited for it. Saitama. Japanese culture and language. I am throwing myself in a pure, all-speaking Japanese people, true-essence of Japanese culture. Oh! did I forget to mention Japanese food. One consolation: shopping in Saitama will be cheaper than Tokyo. Simply marvelous.

I am actually going to miss my apartment and my aunt and uncle in Downingtown. It's only 4 months. Time flies like a rocket nowadays. It's almost same as going back to Malaysia for summer vacation. Speaking of Malaysia, I am sad that I will not be able to visit Malaysia while I'm in Japan. Simply no time and no money. I miss authentic Malaysian food. Malaysian restaurants here have the taste, but "something is still missing". !!!!!
I guess what's missing is the hot, humid weather, honks blaring, people cursing in Cantonese, and exhaust pipe from cars and trucks (lorries) polluting the air.

Back to the topic, I'm looking forward for Tokyo.

Can't wait.

Yes!!!!

76ers game

2007-11-18T02:14:00.000-05:00

Sports.
Well.
If you live in America, you have to go for at least one of the games. Either football, basketball or baseball. Or all of them.
Basketball. Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Jersey Nets. My first game.
Club box seats, semi-private room with a private bar. Good view. The DJ had complimentary tickets since he works there and created the opening theme and other graphics.
Awesome.

Halloween weekend

2007-11-18T00:43:00.000-05:00

Trick or Treat. Haunted houses. Dressing up. Halloween.
This Halloween I didn't dress up. Not surprising since I've never dressed up for Halloween before. Instead, the DJ and I had a night out the weekend before Halloween. Dinner in cozy, chic Italian BYOB restaurant in mid-town village. Except that we didn't know it was a byob. Bummer. Delicious food. Followed by a tour in the Eastern State Penitentiary, which used to be a prison back from 1829-1971. Specially for Halloween season, people made up and dressed up solely just to scare the life out of you, while touring on the grounds of supposedly haunted prison. Close to midnight, with low dim lights illuminating the outside walls created an eerie atmosphere as we waited in line. The rain made it even more real and eerie. Inside, with more dim lights, artificial mist and fog installed, chains and bars all around, we walked through the prison cells and other areas. We started off with the prison bus that were used to transport prisoners. As I walked on the bus, a black-dressed person jumps and rattles the bars. With one hand reached out, wanting to grab my legs. "This tour is not for the weak-hearted. You do not touch the exhibits and do not touch the people. And they will not touch you".
Well I don't see how they will not touch me when they have to jump at me and scare me.
"Here Kitty Kitty, come here kitty" Thats all they called me that night.
Moving on, we enter the prison, with dim lights and sometimes pitch black.
I remember we walked through the laundry room where huge tanks were placed at the left side of the room, prison robes hanging on a bar on the right. Dim orange lights illuminating only one side of the room, casting black shadows everywhere else. As we walked pass between the huge tanks and hanging robes, our eyes going left and right, searching for possible surprises and scares. We approached the end of the room, just when I thought it was save to let my guard down and leave the room, I heard a low wicked laugh right beside my right ear. Shivers ran down my spine as I was tottering out the room, turned and saw a completely dark figure simply standing between the hanging robes.
The most spooky room was the execution room, where upon entrance with artificial mist and fog all over, were dummies dressed in orange with robes around their necks. I walked through that room, with my hands and fingers digging into the DJ's arms. Through the mist and fog, suddenly came a figure of a woman with wild unkempt hair walking aimlessly like a ghost. Inches from my right arm. I almost cried after walking through that room. The DJ said in between laughs "calm down,take deep breaths".
Another room, a woman on a wheel-chair rolling back and forth, also with wild unkempt hair. "Touch me and I'll sue you" said that woman as one of my friends tried to touch her with his umbrella.

After more than an excruciating hour inside, we finally finished our tour with more down pouring rain. We headed to Arts Garage to have some drinks to end the night of terror, to find more people dressed up for Halloween. Except people at Arts Garage were dressed up stupidly and ridiculously funny.

Goodbye

2007-10-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

Got the news that one of my closest friend's ex-boyfriend passed away. I wasn't really close to him, but we did hang out a lot while she was dating him. I remember him as a vibrant, full of energy, funny guy. To think he is now gone due to health problems. It got me thinking about life and how short it can be and how sudden it can end. I am shocked to hear the news and saddened that he is not around to live life fully till his old age. My condolences to my friend, his family and his friends.

Weekend @ NYC

2007-10-17T17:31:00.000-04:00

DJ Sasha @ Webster Hall, New York City on 12th Oct 2007. Abso-f***k***-lutely awesome. Fantastic music non-stop until 5.30am. Napped only for 3 hours before heading to 5th Ave to meet friends and to shop at H&M. Did I mention H&M has fabulous clothes this season. Well, every season. And I'm gonna say that for every season. I spend quite a bit which sadly, I'm broke, again. for now. Met up with another friend of mine, took a drive along Queens-Brooklyn Expressway that gave the most beautiful view of Manhattan at night. From Queens drove all the way down to the beach at Coney Island. The beach at night was so peaceful. We drove back into Manhattan to Chinatown, to eat Pho Tai and spring rolls. After a while, had to board the bus back to good ol' Philly. A short but great trip indeed. Looking forward for my next trip to NYC again. Paul Van Dyk @ Roseland Ballroom, W. 52nd Street, 26th Oct, perhaps.

Before this..

2007-10-17T17:17:00.001-04:00

New semester, new beginnings, new motivation, new goals, new responsibilities, new friends, new places.
Fall of 2007, I was telling people I am graduating in December '08. Well, I'm not. I'm only graduating May '09. That is with two summer sessions, two classes for each session in '08. Friends say "thats great, you can stay in school longer!" Good and bad. Brand new semester, more upper level classes. More demanding professors and courses. I am holding two jobs. One at a restaurant and the other at the computer lab. With classes everyday, two jobs, and frequent trips to New York City, I only get a few days off to myself. And this is the part where I'm suppose to start bragging about my acceptance to my university's study-abroad program in Japan. Yes, I did get accepted and I am going to Japan in January for 5 months. Well, make that 6 months *for fun*. It's going to be an expensive, exciting trip. Can't wait to leave.