Sayonara Japan, remember when we were together As we said goodbye to the end of our 10 day Japan trip, it meant different things for four of us. For me, this short break marked a new chapter as I said goodbye to my previous job of 7 months. Coming back on 16 April, I still had another week before starting afresh in a brand new environment. For J, coming back to Singapore meant having to face another round of not so interesting job routine & dealing with the curious “parapazzi” who seemed more excited than her about her Japan trip. For A & S, their separation was temporary. I still remembered the scene at Tokyo Metropolitan Hotel where we boarded the bus to the Airport. It nearly moved me to tears and for once, it ... read more

Tokyo Disneyland ~ Leave your dreams at home A, J, S and me reached Tokyo Disneyland on the afternoon of 13 April 2007. Located on the eastern seaboard of Tokyo, the 5 year old Theme Park would be a delight to visit if ONLY :- 1) I did not have to suffer a terrible headache in the afternoon. Coming to Day 8 of our Central Japan trip. I could feel my body slowly draining away. Anyway, luckily that A had some panadols around. If not, it would be a really terrible day for me. 2) The 3.30pm traditional Afternoon Parade showcasing the best of Disney was on. 3) The nightly fireworks was on. Both events were cancelled due to “inclement wind conditions”. I was lamenting that since the resort was located next to Tokyo Bay, it ... read more

While writing his Japanese tales, the author simply ran out of inspiration. He decided to test his memory by recalling the places he have been to for the past few years. What follows is what he could best recall (without constantly refering to his passport!) The author is a true blue Singaporean who discovered the joy of travelling some 9 years ago in November 1998 when he followed his church buddy to Kuala Lumpur & Genting Highlands for a week long holiday. At a "ripe" 19 years of age, this was his first time taking a flight from the then old Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur to Senai Airport in Johor Bahru. "The trip simply inspired me to discover more and far!" Unfortunately, his travel plans were put on hold while serving his National Service ... read more

Osaka Castle to Universal Studios Welcome to the Kansai Plains. The Shinkansen finally pull into Shin Osaka Station on the afternoon of 9 April 2007. Was overwhelmed by yet again the numerous exit signs and the huge Shin Osaka Train station that welcomed us after the smoky ride. Thankfully, we found our accommodation, Hotel Shin Osaka practically next to the east exit of the train station. Anyway, check in time was 2pm and a walk around the Osaka neighbourhood surprised us. It was extremely quiet and most shops are closed for the afternoon. We were lucky to trance upon a Japanese family restaurant. Being truly 100% Japanese ~ No English menu, it was challenging to order food even with the lonely planet Japanese Phrase Book. After some haggling, smiles, embarrassment and pointing, we were able to ... read more

小田原, Odawara An hour by train from our hotel brought us to the charming town of Odawara. Famed for its famous Castle (小田原城), this place is extremely lovely every spring when the sakuras within the castle grounds are in full bloom. And for 2 weeks, fellow Japanese would gather their picnic mats under the sakura trees to admire the beauty from Mother nature. I’m impressed that despite a scarcity of waste bins, no rubbish would be “conveniently” left behind after the picnickers have left! I’ve only seen sakuras on TV and on postcards. To be able to see them happening right before our every eyes was great. J started collecting the flower petals and I was taking picture perfect memories of them. Nearby, the elephants and the red face monkeys were also capturing our attention. ... read more