Travel period: May
Key places visited: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
Tokyo
A food feast for me even in their 7-11s. I was a little girl digging out all things pretty from every store. Strolled along the Asahi building to take naughty pics of the sperm like structure. The Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple were also part of our itinerary. Talking the train, one would realise how organized the society was. Men decked in slim cut suites queueing up behind young children going to school. One train ride later, my eyes were opened to THEIR world. There were carriages reserved for absolute silence. In another carriage, I saw the women doing a balancing act of smearing eye liner in one hand and using the other to hold up their mirrors. I marvel at their eye makeup and realised how lazy I was compared to them. I see school kids wearing yellow helmets and lugging square school bags. Oh how cute they are but at the same time I wonder if they were below 10. Japan u mesmerize me and got me reflecting every moment.
Tourist Tip: Check out the city's food halls located at the basement of most department stores. There's a wide selection of Japanese food for your sampling pleasure. The servers greet you with a wide smile and willingly you offer you samples to try.
Kyoto
A land strapped in time. Where the ancient civilization meets the modern tourist. I fell in love with how the city's past is so well preserved. Like in ancient times, we walked on foot to get from one point to another. Stayed in a hostel(6 to a room) that cost SGD40 per night. The toilets were amazingly sparkling clean despite the sharing of toilets. Lots of temples for those seeking to meditate and delve in an atmosphere of peace. The highlight was hunting down the shooting location of the hollywood film, Memoirs of a Geisha.
A stone throw away from Kyoto by train but a city wide in contrast. A bustling city competing for attention from its biggest sister. Modernisation and globalisation are evident in this city. I spotted Krsipy Kremes, H&M to name just a few. One day in Osaka was enough for us to call it quits and return to the quiet magical old town of Kyoto.
Sanrio Gallery anyone? This one is for Hello Kitty fans.
Disney Sea
My first Disney experience at the very (young) age of 23. Had one earlier trip cancelled in Sec sch due to the financial crisis and at 18, I had to make a June holiday choice between studying and a USA holiday. Of course I chose the former. Being in Sg, studies more impt leh! So anyhow, I had my virgin Disney experience at Disney Sea, Japan. The experience totally blew me away. Ok, more like the performances! The rides were expectedly kiddy yet cute. But the performances were the bomb. My moolahs were well spent thanks to the splendid spring carnival performances!
Curry popcorn anyone?
Anyway something really suai (unlucky in singlish) happened to me!!! I brought my iPod touch along the trip to check my mails and communicate with my exchange friends. One of my friend who resides in Yokohama suggested meeting in Tokyo but I checked her message one day too late :( Better luck next time. Hopefully we'll have another chance to meet again. Really miss their hospitality and awesome home cooked food.
Here's a pic of what we made in Sweden. Notice how they've managed to turn the unused sausage into decorative item. Will update about my Swedish exchange the next time.
