25 June 2008

More Japan Pictures


A scenic spot in Osaka Castle


Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Osaka. It was super crowded here. It was drizzling slightly when we arrived, but the rain stopped soon after. There were lots of men in suits and students. I think almost all the ladies had dyed hair! And the Japanese seem to have a penchant for transparent umbrellas.


Todaiji Temple, Nara [we passed through a deer park to get in]


One of two magical rocks in Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto. One is deemed to have good marriage prospects if he can walk blindfolded from one of these rocks towards the next.


Oshinohakai Village, a stop point before Mount Fuji. There are 8 mini-lakes here, each boasting crystal clear waters and eye-catching waterlife.


Lake Kawaguchi



Mount Fuji 5th Station


The Bullet Train


Inside the Bullet Train. Feels like an airplane or sth.


One of the souvenirs on offer on Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo: Dogs crafted from tiny pieces of leather!


The view from my hotel room in Narita


A gift shop in Aeon Mall, Narita. My sister was fascinated with this stuff.


Sashimi!!

19 June 2008

Photos from Japan trip (11-16 June 2008)
















Mount Fuji!! (14 June 2008)
















Me outside Hard Rock Cafe, Narita on my last day in Japan. Cool right? (16 June 2008)
















Me and my sis at kiyomizu temple, kyoto. I think I was stoning after taking the lucky water. (12 June 2008)




















My family on the first day at the kansai airport monorail. Guess who was taking the photo? (11 June 2008)


On an unrelated note: this is an interesting (though depressing) article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/health/views/17essa.html?ex=1371355200&en=505c2fbd5bfe4f7f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

18 June 2008

Japan! (Please refer to XY's blog for greater detail; this is only an outline)

We shopped at Osaka and visited Osaka castle on the first day, ending it at the popular Shinsaibashi shopping belt in Osaka.
On the second, we headed to Nara for the TodaiJi temple, then Kyoto for Kiyomizu temple.
Then on day 3 we went up mount fuji and visited Oshinohakai village on the way.
On Day 4, we visited the Shin Yokohama raumen museum, took the bullet train to keikyu shinagawa. We also headed to Asakusa, Ueno Flea Market and Shinjuku. We spent day 5 at Tokyo Disneyland.
On our last day in japan we took a public bus to Aeon Mall in Narita.

Pics soon! :D

09 June 2008

Ytd I had a good gathering with my fellow chinese chess enthusiasts, some of whom I had not seen for a long time. Had a lot of fun, relearnt some mahjong. Also, HW and I had a painful chinese chess lesson from Brian. (Lol he seems to think I camo from the army due to my hairstyle) But it was a good learning experience, and I found to never take a situation for granted on the chessboard. A pro can easily turn the tables on a seemingly victorious opponent.
KY family was once again extremely hospitable, and I was grateful to be treated to a sumptuous lunch as well as a free flow of drinks :D Hospitality is something I should pick up! Sadly, I couldn't stay for dinner as a family dinner was organised for the night.
I met up with Jared today after losing touch with him for so long. I am happy that he got a place in dentistry, but I can't believe we're going to be school mates again next year albeit in different years and faculties. But it looks like the RI flutes for my year are all heading into medically related careers while our counterparts from RG are in law. Things just happen u know. I kept bugging Jared to organise a section outing, and he said he would do sth about it. Hope=)
The rest of the day was the usual; gymming and supermarketting. Gotta sleep for an early day tmr (: