Sunday, June 22, 2008

Last night in Japan ...



All good things come to an end just like our honeymoon in Japan.
 
I always thought two weeks for a honeymoon is too long but seriously, its still too short especially when the destination is Japan. There is just too many things to see and do here.
 
Thankfully, we managed to eat lots of Japanese delicacies such as the puffer fish sashimi, whale sashimi and lots of other delicious dishes. We also managed to drink the different sakes ( rice wine ) , various brands of Japanese beer not found in Singapore and best of all, we got to make some friends as we visted the different cities.
 
The company we had with buddy Mun and Clara totally made the trip different and I hope they too feel the same about our companion.We laughed and had lots of fun throughout and if it was only Sandy and myself, it could have been boring. Oops. ; )
 
Anyway, I will upload the photos later on when I am back in Singapore and will try to give a more detailed experience in my next blogs.
 



 

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Hotspring in Hokkaido ...

I wasn`t able to update my blog for the past few days as I was in retreat mode in the mountains of Hokkaido, enjoying the weather as well as the hotspring made available by mother nature.
 
It was surprising to know that remote parts of Japan do not provide internet access to guests. I always thought this was the most advanced country in Asia.
 
Today is my second day in Sapporo, another city town in Hokkaido. We took a long drive between towns and thanks to the GPS provided in the car, it made finding places so much easier.
 
The evening before scared me a little as we drove up the mountains while the sun was about to set, the roads were winding and we were above the clouds which made the road a little less visible. We had to go slow and I was pretty sure everyone in the car was a little tense as we slowly climbed up and down the narrow and winding road. I too was a little scared when suddenly you find your car in the midst of fog and visibility was really low at some parts. Falling of the cliff surely wasn`t going to be anything funny.
 
Will try to update the blog more often now but to every one back home, don`t worry. We are all safe despite the numerous tremors thats shaking Japan.



 

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Tokyo - Day 3

We practically spent the whole day shopping rather than sight seeing. We skipped the Imperial Palace and the numerous Shinto shrines but never ever intended to miss any malls but that's impossible.There are just too many malls in Tokyo. Believe it or not, we haven't even covered the shopping area within our hotel's vicinity.

We managed to visit a food court similar to that in Singapore at Venusfort but interesting to know there were only four stalls - all Japanese stalls.

For dinner,we managed to find a Yakitori bar at Ropongi but only after plenty of walking from Tokyo Tower. In short, I walked too much and what's worst in a new pair of shoes didn't make things easier.

Supper at a push cart store that sold 'yong tau foo' was interesting . I'll upload the photos once am back home so you can see what I meant by road side stall. :)

We encountered many stumbling drunkards along the way and trust me, it was hilarious seeing these guys lying on the road and best, making their way into the train - drunk.

Yakuza - Japanese mafia were also spotted in Shinjuku last night as we walked around the red light district. My, they still wear clogs here. Shall update you more again later.

Earthquake in Japan

Tremors woke us up this morning at about 0845 hrs local time. The bed was shaking violently and we all thought we were dreaming thus I turned on the news to find out an earthquake indeed hit some part of Japan.

Till now we have no idea where exactly was hit as the news here are in Japanese without any English subtitles etc. This is something really interesting about the country - minimal English. Even when ordering food we do find it difficult but thankfully all of us are adventurous with food.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tokyo- Day 2 ...

Finally we managed to visit a sushi bar / restaurant in Tokyo after numerous attempts.
 
You must wonder whats with the attempts. Whenever we tried entering a sushi bar, we were always told to leave however, with a stroke of luck, we managed to enjoy the nice delicacy in a typical sushi counter. Just imagine, one sushi master and only 8 customers seated just across the counter, laughing and enjoying the soccer match being played.
 
We made some friends there at the sushi restaurant and I have to say the guys there were really warmth, especially Yoshimasa and the mother of the chef. This meal we had will surely be one of the sweetest memories we`ll have of Tokyo. Of course, we`ll still be looking for more of such encounters.
 
As usual, its shopping paradise as Mun and I have to carry a heavy load of shopping bags from one place to another. I really wanted to much to just give up and hail a cab but taxis here are really expensive.
 
I`ll update more later on as the time for this internet station is running out. Today, we`ll be visiting the Imperial Palaca as well as more shopping. My, the funds are drying up really quick .... scary to think even I succumbed to the temptations of shopping here.
 
As for meals, we`ll be on budget the next two days before we head to Hokkaido as we have spent close to S$700 the past two days but its all worth it.

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http://hidekram.blogspot.com/
 

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Tokyo .. a town of sinful shopping

We landed safely at Narita airport yesterday morning and immediately started on our shopping frenzy.
 
I just cannot believe that I too will be enjoying the retail therapy. I in fact bought some stuff - one pair of cheap jeans and an X-Japan key chain.
 
Will update again soon as the time is running out on this computer. 100 yen for 10 minutes.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Japan here I come ...


Time hasn't really been on my side to allow me to write about my wedding however I promise that will happen when I come back from my honeymoon trip.
 
As I post this blog, its raining out there on the tarmac while the A380 is waiting for us to board. This is going to be exciting. A rare chance to catch a glimpse and even ride the A380 belonging to Singapore Airlines,
 
More details to follow when I find my next internet station.
 

 

Friday, June 06, 2008

Its time ...

In a matter of hours, I'll be her groom and she'll be my bride. After more than 10 years of staying close together and sharing life's challenges, we'll be pronounced man and wife at about 1145am (GMT + 8)on 7 June 2008.

Just 40 minutes away from the big day I have been waiting all my life, I start to reflect on how our relationship bloomed. 10 years is not a short period of time and given a chance, I wouldn't have allowed her to wait this long but nevertheless, the time has come that we come together as one.

I don't know how to really express the joy that's filling up inside me. Its surely an exciting ride ahead for us both as we engage in a new chapter of our lives. We walked together this far and I am sure we'll walk further, closer together.

I have written a song for Sandy which I'll share the lyrics in a later blog but for now, please wish us a blissful marriage and endless years of happiness together.

I will cherish every moment of tomorrow and lock them in my memory. Every smell, every sound and every laughter will be recorded and never forgotten, like this love I have found with Sandy ...

The time has come , the time we have all been looking forward to - 7 June 2008.