What's on my playlist lately:
From the Heart (Another Level)
Shadows of You (Nakashima Mika)
Hitoiro （一色） (Nakashima Mika)
Carpe Diem (Alderbert)
La complainte de l'ex-fumeur (Alderbert)
Kuroi Namida (黒い涙）(ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi' NANA)
Can You Feel My Word (Wang Lee Hom)
You've Got A Friend (Hirai Ken)
Sakura Biyori （桜日和）(Hoshimura Mai)
Let Go (M-Flo feat. Yoshika)
Home (Angela Aki)
The Nearness of You (Norah Jones)
Nakashima Mika's voice is so beautiful, I really wish I could sing like her. Can't stop listening to her songs, they are quite addictive!!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Moving to the airport...
At least this is how I feel, when I think about the number of times I've been going to the airport this year, and will be going to!
Let's recap...
January: came back from Paris; Feb: went back home for CNY; March: came back to Tokyo; April: send mom off. In May I would have been at the airport too, but opted to not there to send my friends off.
What about the future? Let's see, LOL.
Next month I'm heading over to Africa to visit my folks. Just a short, slightly over a week trip to dad's place in Uganda, and then stopping over Kenya for a quick safari before heading back. It'll be well cool to visit Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile. How nice to go for a cruise down the Nile too, but that's not going to happen anytime soon, unfortunately!
On to possible airport visits... In July I'm heading back to Europe! Yes YY, I so love it over there... hehe. This time because of school I can't stay for a very long time, but long enough to do a short language course either in Florence or Paris. In any case back to the airport again in August... hehe If not, going back to Narita again in September, as my folks come over for a visit!
Conclusion? I should have gotten a year pass for the airport...!!!
Let's recap...
January: came back from Paris; Feb: went back home for CNY; March: came back to Tokyo; April: send mom off. In May I would have been at the airport too, but opted to not there to send my friends off.
What about the future? Let's see, LOL.
Next month I'm heading over to Africa to visit my folks. Just a short, slightly over a week trip to dad's place in Uganda, and then stopping over Kenya for a quick safari before heading back. It'll be well cool to visit Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile. How nice to go for a cruise down the Nile too, but that's not going to happen anytime soon, unfortunately!
On to possible airport visits... In July I'm heading back to Europe! Yes YY, I so love it over there... hehe. This time because of school I can't stay for a very long time, but long enough to do a short language course either in Florence or Paris. In any case back to the airport again in August... hehe If not, going back to Narita again in September, as my folks come over for a visit!
Conclusion? I should have gotten a year pass for the airport...!!!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Kyoto in the Spring
Yes, it is not Spring, it is Summer, as far as Japan is concerned. We didn't have Spring, Winter left and Summer came instead! Just when the weather was well warm and everything beautiful, I had such a cold day (like yesterday). Well, whatever it is let's recap a bit of the lost Spring.
Lunch at Gion - really yummy!!
Maiko dancers at the annual festival in Kyoto
Mom was here for the lovely cherry blossoms. We even went all the way too Kyoto for it, on a day trip (two night buses in a row, it really kills!). Kyoto is and will remain my favourite Japanese city. I love how one can never get lost, how there are always quaint and ancient things to discover, how although throngs of tourists stamp their mark there every year this little city strives to stay unchanged.
Ryoanji Temple, the Zen Garden
Canal Cafe
What a wonderful day Friday is!
Today I met an old friend whom I had not seen for months. It was really lovely to meet again. We had lunch sitting on a bench under the trees on campus. It was well nice, but if only the wind was not that strong! Because we were in the shades we were quite cold although the sun was out, it was really funny!
Friday evening is the day I have my DALF preparation class at the French-Japanese Institute in Iidabashi. After two hours of intensive French, one's brain can just die from exhaustion. Good thing I had dinner plans after that! After class I met up with a photographer friend that I met during my internship with the BBC, and went for dinner at an Italian restaurant by the river in Iidabashi! FYI, there are rivers in Tokyo you know. It reminded me so much of the Seine, and my friend agreed too (he's French). It was really a lovely time, with pizza, pasta and a bottle of lovely red Italian wine. Just what I was craving after the doc told me to stay away from alcohol for a few days after I had my yellow fever vaccination jab. The restaurant was really lovely, it had an outside terrance by the river, where one can just enjoy a nice meal, or even do a bbq party if one wishes so! They also provided cute red blankets to keep us warm. It was a pity that the blankets were a little small. Because it was so cold, I wished they had turn on the heaters instead.
Now I am back in my place, dressed in a thick sweater as I defrost myself. Time for bed soon as it is past midnight, but just wanted to record things down.
Welcome, the weekend!
Today I met an old friend whom I had not seen for months. It was really lovely to meet again. We had lunch sitting on a bench under the trees on campus. It was well nice, but if only the wind was not that strong! Because we were in the shades we were quite cold although the sun was out, it was really funny!
Friday evening is the day I have my DALF preparation class at the French-Japanese Institute in Iidabashi. After two hours of intensive French, one's brain can just die from exhaustion. Good thing I had dinner plans after that! After class I met up with a photographer friend that I met during my internship with the BBC, and went for dinner at an Italian restaurant by the river in Iidabashi! FYI, there are rivers in Tokyo you know. It reminded me so much of the Seine, and my friend agreed too (he's French). It was really a lovely time, with pizza, pasta and a bottle of lovely red Italian wine. Just what I was craving after the doc told me to stay away from alcohol for a few days after I had my yellow fever vaccination jab. The restaurant was really lovely, it had an outside terrance by the river, where one can just enjoy a nice meal, or even do a bbq party if one wishes so! They also provided cute red blankets to keep us warm. It was a pity that the blankets were a little small. Because it was so cold, I wished they had turn on the heaters instead.
Now I am back in my place, dressed in a thick sweater as I defrost myself. Time for bed soon as it is past midnight, but just wanted to record things down.
Welcome, the weekend!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
the 100th post!
Wow, my 4th? 5th? year posting, and finally I reach the 100th post. Took me a while to get here, it did indeed.
I have been feeling blog-ish lately. Wonder why. The advantage of a blog is that it lets you let out your feelings, thoughts, stress, anything, you name it. I feel great after blogging, there's a sense of achievement, which coming from Ms.Procrastinator (me!), it is a BIG achievement, *laughter*
There has been much progress in my studies. So glad that I've got my presentation dates fixed. Need to concentrate on my graduation paper as well, so once I get all the other annoying, time consuming school stuff out of the way I can concentrate better. At least in 2-3 weeks' time my DALF exam would be over, and that will be one big relief, I must say. Regardless of the results, it will be done with as far as I am concerned. Turns out to enter graduate school in France one does not really need the DALF certification. bugger. I guess if I want a pursue a second degree there it would well come in handy...
There's big progress with my lawsuit too. Recap: We're suing our ex-landlady for incompetence, basically. We're submitting the papers to court next week, and then all we have to do is to wait. Finally after months of preparation (no thanks to one, but big thanks to the Foreign Students' Office), we are ready. I am now keeping my fingers crossed and pray that our ex-landlady will completely ignore the court order, hence the court will just rule according to our request, and then she just pays us. Now, if everything is a fairytale, life would be well nice!
Oh, I had the nicest Turkish lunch yesterday with the ACCU Culture department staff. They treated me to a farewell lunch at a Turkish restaurant. It was really yummy! Apparently the restaurant took part in the Aichi Expo 2005 at the Turkish house. They even have the Turkish ice-cream, the "hot and cold" one! Definitely going back there for that. Comfort food indeed.
I have been feeling blog-ish lately. Wonder why. The advantage of a blog is that it lets you let out your feelings, thoughts, stress, anything, you name it. I feel great after blogging, there's a sense of achievement, which coming from Ms.Procrastinator (me!), it is a BIG achievement, *laughter*
There has been much progress in my studies. So glad that I've got my presentation dates fixed. Need to concentrate on my graduation paper as well, so once I get all the other annoying, time consuming school stuff out of the way I can concentrate better. At least in 2-3 weeks' time my DALF exam would be over, and that will be one big relief, I must say. Regardless of the results, it will be done with as far as I am concerned. Turns out to enter graduate school in France one does not really need the DALF certification. bugger. I guess if I want a pursue a second degree there it would well come in handy...
There's big progress with my lawsuit too. Recap: We're suing our ex-landlady for incompetence, basically. We're submitting the papers to court next week, and then all we have to do is to wait. Finally after months of preparation (no thanks to one, but big thanks to the Foreign Students' Office), we are ready. I am now keeping my fingers crossed and pray that our ex-landlady will completely ignore the court order, hence the court will just rule according to our request, and then she just pays us. Now, if everything is a fairytale, life would be well nice!
Oh, I had the nicest Turkish lunch yesterday with the ACCU Culture department staff. They treated me to a farewell lunch at a Turkish restaurant. It was really yummy! Apparently the restaurant took part in the Aichi Expo 2005 at the Turkish house. They even have the Turkish ice-cream, the "hot and cold" one! Definitely going back there for that. Comfort food indeed.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
What have I been up too lately?
Well, before you decide to gang up on me and bash me for not writing, please note that I do have a good reason - BUSY - to keep me away from my blog! Come to think of it, half of you are also out there working your arse off so don't go calling the kettle black... although I do admit that you probably are a more faithful blogger than I will ever be...
So, back to the big question that is on the title...
I have been working my arse off, what else is there to do anyway in this no-life of mine? Ok, ok, I should be more detailed. I am right now doing an internship with the BBC; to be more specific BBC News Tokyo. They officially offered me the spot after the two week trial with the Chinese premier, in which my Chinese came in handy and well earned me some points! It is a well interesting job, as you know that the BBC has both radio and TV, and since we are such a small team we handle both. This is really nice since I get to learn how to do live broadcasts and radio interviews, getting in touch with London and Singapore via satellite, on-site reporting etc. We have been busy in April, with the murder of a British girl Lindsay Hawker in March, and the Lucie Blackman verdict that came out end of April. (I even made front and second page on the Japan Times, unintentionally! Page 1 at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070425a1.html and page 2 at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070425a6.html. It was well cool!!)
Being a British corporation (if you haven't figured that out from the name yet...), we focus mainly on UK or UK related news like Japan-UK news; although we do work on interesting and big events like Wen Jia Bao's visit, the Live8 concerts etc. I've learnt how important teamwork is, how crazy the media world is, and best bit? I've well polished up on my British accent LOL
My stint with ACCU will officially come to an end today. I've opted for an "early retirement" from my volunteer duties (ha!) since I really need to work on my graduation paper,hence I'm moving on to mainly part time jobs at ACCU when they come in. I am going to miss this place though, I've been here since last October, how time flies!
Other than that, I am doing well with my teaching jobs, working myself to death of course! The good thing is that I've cut down my number of class times (I can see Marc nodding to this one...). Well, if the Euro drops, then I don't have to kill myself working and saving for the summer.
Last bit of news: I've found a job in Tokyo with a Japanese firm (oh no!), which means that I will be staying here after graduation! It's a weird contradiction (and I've been told!) since I would like to move to Europe, but I guess God has his plans that are beyond me. But grad school is not out of the picture, I will go back to grad school, I will move to France (or Italy, if that ever happens!) and pursue what I want (don't ask me to elaborate, it's forever changing...)
That's all for now, I guess. Satisfied with this long update? No complains will be entertained but your valuable comments are most welcomed!
So, back to the big question that is on the title...
I have been working my arse off, what else is there to do anyway in this no-life of mine? Ok, ok, I should be more detailed. I am right now doing an internship with the BBC; to be more specific BBC News Tokyo. They officially offered me the spot after the two week trial with the Chinese premier, in which my Chinese came in handy and well earned me some points! It is a well interesting job, as you know that the BBC has both radio and TV, and since we are such a small team we handle both. This is really nice since I get to learn how to do live broadcasts and radio interviews, getting in touch with London and Singapore via satellite, on-site reporting etc. We have been busy in April, with the murder of a British girl Lindsay Hawker in March, and the Lucie Blackman verdict that came out end of April. (I even made front and second page on the Japan Times, unintentionally! Page 1 at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070425a1.html and page 2 at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070425a6.html. It was well cool!!)
Being a British corporation (if you haven't figured that out from the name yet...), we focus mainly on UK or UK related news like Japan-UK news; although we do work on interesting and big events like Wen Jia Bao's visit, the Live8 concerts etc. I've learnt how important teamwork is, how crazy the media world is, and best bit? I've well polished up on my British accent LOL
My stint with ACCU will officially come to an end today. I've opted for an "early retirement" from my volunteer duties (ha!) since I really need to work on my graduation paper,hence I'm moving on to mainly part time jobs at ACCU when they come in. I am going to miss this place though, I've been here since last October, how time flies!
Other than that, I am doing well with my teaching jobs, working myself to death of course! The good thing is that I've cut down my number of class times (I can see Marc nodding to this one...). Well, if the Euro drops, then I don't have to kill myself working and saving for the summer.
Last bit of news: I've found a job in Tokyo with a Japanese firm (oh no!), which means that I will be staying here after graduation! It's a weird contradiction (and I've been told!) since I would like to move to Europe, but I guess God has his plans that are beyond me. But grad school is not out of the picture, I will go back to grad school, I will move to France (or Italy, if that ever happens!) and pursue what I want (don't ask me to elaborate, it's forever changing...)
That's all for now, I guess. Satisfied with this long update? No complains will be entertained but your valuable comments are most welcomed!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Spring is here
Can't believe that March is almost coming to an end. These past weeks have been so eventful it is hard to believe that it has only been almost 3 weeks since I came back to Japan.
Quick update: I've been job hunting! Crazy as it sounds, I've decided to work first, gain some pratical experience before I go back to graduate school in the next 3-5years, perhaps. Rounds of interviews after interviews, submitting application sheets and getting rejections... what a mentally and physically exhausting time! I am already considered to be late, missing many foreign companies' deadlines. So far the companies that I have applied are mainly Japanese firms with international fame in the area of banking and consultancy. No idea where I would end up, but as long as I do my part, I can only trust God to lead me all the way.
Can't wait to get this job hunting out of the way. Once April starts, I'll be juggling classes and an internship with BBC! Just the Tokyo news bureau, a rather small one, but still cool all the same. In any case the internship is a trial, to evaluate me for further opportunities. At least something positive after I got rejected by Bloomberg, boo.
So much more to let out from within me, but I'll stop for now. Can't get my thoughts concentrated. Until next time!
Quick update: I've been job hunting! Crazy as it sounds, I've decided to work first, gain some pratical experience before I go back to graduate school in the next 3-5years, perhaps. Rounds of interviews after interviews, submitting application sheets and getting rejections... what a mentally and physically exhausting time! I am already considered to be late, missing many foreign companies' deadlines. So far the companies that I have applied are mainly Japanese firms with international fame in the area of banking and consultancy. No idea where I would end up, but as long as I do my part, I can only trust God to lead me all the way.
Can't wait to get this job hunting out of the way. Once April starts, I'll be juggling classes and an internship with BBC! Just the Tokyo news bureau, a rather small one, but still cool all the same. In any case the internship is a trial, to evaluate me for further opportunities. At least something positive after I got rejected by Bloomberg, boo.
So much more to let out from within me, but I'll stop for now. Can't get my thoughts concentrated. Until next time!
Monday, March 05, 2007
CNY in M'sia
It was great to be back in M'sia. Although only for a short 2 weeks. Except for my younger sister who was stuck in Swiss for her internship, the other members of the family came back. As usual, I ate and ate and ate... It the beginning, when everyone saw me, they went:"You lost weight! What happened?" But towards the end my mom said that I'm starting to put back on the weight.. oh no! LOL
I met up with my long time friends too, who went to Australia, US, UK and Germany. So swell to see everyone! It was interesting to note that our conversation was more serious than before, we ended up talking about long lasting relationships, jobs, income tax(!!) etc. What a difference from the old days, when we talked about uni and our future. Guess we must be growing up after all!
To stretch CNY thin, I brough back all the yummy goodies to enjoy here.. lol... 新年快楽！
I met up with my long time friends too, who went to Australia, US, UK and Germany. So swell to see everyone! It was interesting to note that our conversation was more serious than before, we ended up talking about long lasting relationships, jobs, income tax(!!) etc. What a difference from the old days, when we talked about uni and our future. Guess we must be growing up after all!
To stretch CNY thin, I brough back all the yummy goodies to enjoy here.. lol... 新年快楽！
Monday, February 19, 2007
lost...
How does one gets over heartbreaks?
How does one become whole again?
It's only been a week since I broke up with my boyfriend, but it feels ages, yet the pain fresh. How weird! I don't really know how I should be, how I should act. Sometimes I feel so lost, sometimes all I can do is just sit down and think about the times we spent together, and it makes me miss him so much. Deep down I know that is not the right thing to do, but that is the only thing that I seem to be so good in doing at the moment. Argh, what a mess!
*sobs*
How does one become whole again?
It's only been a week since I broke up with my boyfriend, but it feels ages, yet the pain fresh. How weird! I don't really know how I should be, how I should act. Sometimes I feel so lost, sometimes all I can do is just sit down and think about the times we spent together, and it makes me miss him so much. Deep down I know that is not the right thing to do, but that is the only thing that I seem to be so good in doing at the moment. Argh, what a mess!
*sobs*
Friday, February 09, 2007
emotionally insane
maybe i am, maybe i really am illogical and out of my mind. maybe i'm demanding, maybe i'm such a horrible person who is so dictative, maybe i am so emotional that i can't seperate what is urgent and not urgent. the list can just go on but i am JUST TOO emotional to write!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Your Honour...
I hope it never comes to that, but it might be possible. Our "gracious" landlady has refused to negociate even a bit, and has "suggested" that we talk to her lawyer. Well, the school is going to do that, if our lawyer tells us that we have a strong case (meeting scheduled for the 7th). For all ye law students out there, this is a chance to follow a potential court case on tenant law in Japan...
On the other hand, things have started to perk up, after I've hit rock bottom I can't go anymore lower than that. I've found a new place to move into, and will officially move on the 10th. My exams are almost done, only Hebrew to go! So happy that I'm done with my social survey pratical class, Arabic, Italian and French! Dear Lord, what was I thinking? And I most probably need to do German too next term... oh yes, I'm going home in two weeks' time, CNY here I come! Started job-hunting too, in and out of Japan. Got to be frank, if I can work in Europe, I might just do it since Japan is really not my favourite place to be at the moment. (Yes coming from me it must be quite shocking but people change, end of story.)
Well, that's the update for now. Not really up for elaborating. Things are going well, but I must say my mental and emotional health has taken quite a tumble that I've gone quite weepy lately. urgh... From handyman Jo to weepy Jo. What is this world coming to?!
On the other hand, things have started to perk up, after I've hit rock bottom I can't go anymore lower than that. I've found a new place to move into, and will officially move on the 10th. My exams are almost done, only Hebrew to go! So happy that I'm done with my social survey pratical class, Arabic, Italian and French! Dear Lord, what was I thinking? And I most probably need to do German too next term... oh yes, I'm going home in two weeks' time, CNY here I come! Started job-hunting too, in and out of Japan. Got to be frank, if I can work in Europe, I might just do it since Japan is really not my favourite place to be at the moment. (Yes coming from me it must be quite shocking but people change, end of story.)
Well, that's the update for now. Not really up for elaborating. Things are going well, but I must say my mental and emotional health has taken quite a tumble that I've gone quite weepy lately. urgh... From handyman Jo to weepy Jo. What is this world coming to?!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Unexpected behaviour from a Japanese
Q: "What do you think of the Japanese people?"
A: "They are the kindest, politest, generous people I've ever known."
That was my answer each time someone asks me that, and it would have remained the same, if not for some troubles that have surfaced over the past 4 months. It all began in September, when heavy rain led to leakage in one corner of my roomie's bedroom. Quickly she contacted the real estate agent (in Japan you never have direct contact with the landlord), who promised to get the problem fixed asap. Due to the hot and wet weather, and to no sunlight into that corner, the walls and floor started to fall apart, with mould and mushrooms(yes you've read it right!) growing out of the wet wood!
Shocked at such turn of events, my roomie pestered the agent to contact the landlady over and over again, but to no avail, getting only the same replied from the landlady, who told us that she had already contacted the contractors and they will be coming. Sick and tired of the lack of activity, sincerity and everything else, we brought the case to the attention of our university, who acted as our guarantor when we signed the contract. The school quickly got into action, and in the space of less than a week, workers came to check out the situation. During that time, our dear landlady came knocking on our door, and I was the unlucky one who happened to be in at that time, yelled at me for being impatient (after 2 months that witch!), inconsiderate and for complaining so much!
The workers repaired? filled up? some holes, and things seemed to have been solved, altough the promise of cleaning and sanitarising my roomie's room has yet to be carried out (until today). Happy that we made progress, we left for Christmas break with a light heart. However, the weather god has refused to be kind to us, or perhaps, wanted us to know the truth. Coming back after a month, we found her room in a state worst than before!
That was the last straw and my roomie decided to move out (without caring whether the problem could be fixed, nor my feelings). We (she) handed in notice last Sat and this is where our real battle begins. Being so busy as we already are (it's the end of term), we will have to juggle school and apartment hunting, figure out how we're going to get the money to move, and start a whole negotiating process with the landlady to get our money back. Things are just going to get uglier and uglier...
On a different side, I found out that the landlady has refused the real estate agent to contact any contractors to fixed the problem (which would have solved the problem thoroughly back in September), for she has a contractor friend whom she contracts with. I don't really care who does it, as long as it is fixed in a week, but it is not possible for she is apparently not interested and doing so and tries to put us off by telling us that she's going to fix it... which was and is a big lie, for she only contacted the workers when the school got into the picture.
Such behaviour is unacceptable, regardless which country/nationality etc. Her actions has made us lost faith and trust in the Japanese people. We cannot help but question the thinking and the morality of her actions, which can only been seen as selfish and uncaring. Perhaps she felt that since we were foreigners, we will not be able to do much on our own. This is where is she is wrong. Precisely because we are foreigners, we are not afraid to voice out our opinions, our thoughts, and we are not submissive! Such behaviour is totally unforgivable and I hope that she will be well punished for what she did.
A: "They are the kindest, politest, generous people I've ever known."
That was my answer each time someone asks me that, and it would have remained the same, if not for some troubles that have surfaced over the past 4 months. It all began in September, when heavy rain led to leakage in one corner of my roomie's bedroom. Quickly she contacted the real estate agent (in Japan you never have direct contact with the landlord), who promised to get the problem fixed asap. Due to the hot and wet weather, and to no sunlight into that corner, the walls and floor started to fall apart, with mould and mushrooms(yes you've read it right!) growing out of the wet wood!
Shocked at such turn of events, my roomie pestered the agent to contact the landlady over and over again, but to no avail, getting only the same replied from the landlady, who told us that she had already contacted the contractors and they will be coming. Sick and tired of the lack of activity, sincerity and everything else, we brought the case to the attention of our university, who acted as our guarantor when we signed the contract. The school quickly got into action, and in the space of less than a week, workers came to check out the situation. During that time, our dear landlady came knocking on our door, and I was the unlucky one who happened to be in at that time, yelled at me for being impatient (after 2 months that witch!), inconsiderate and for complaining so much!
The workers repaired? filled up? some holes, and things seemed to have been solved, altough the promise of cleaning and sanitarising my roomie's room has yet to be carried out (until today). Happy that we made progress, we left for Christmas break with a light heart. However, the weather god has refused to be kind to us, or perhaps, wanted us to know the truth. Coming back after a month, we found her room in a state worst than before!
That was the last straw and my roomie decided to move out (without caring whether the problem could be fixed, nor my feelings). We (she) handed in notice last Sat and this is where our real battle begins. Being so busy as we already are (it's the end of term), we will have to juggle school and apartment hunting, figure out how we're going to get the money to move, and start a whole negotiating process with the landlady to get our money back. Things are just going to get uglier and uglier...
On a different side, I found out that the landlady has refused the real estate agent to contact any contractors to fixed the problem (which would have solved the problem thoroughly back in September), for she has a contractor friend whom she contracts with. I don't really care who does it, as long as it is fixed in a week, but it is not possible for she is apparently not interested and doing so and tries to put us off by telling us that she's going to fix it... which was and is a big lie, for she only contacted the workers when the school got into the picture.
Such behaviour is unacceptable, regardless which country/nationality etc. Her actions has made us lost faith and trust in the Japanese people. We cannot help but question the thinking and the morality of her actions, which can only been seen as selfish and uncaring. Perhaps she felt that since we were foreigners, we will not be able to do much on our own. This is where is she is wrong. Precisely because we are foreigners, we are not afraid to voice out our opinions, our thoughts, and we are not submissive! Such behaviour is totally unforgivable and I hope that she will be well punished for what she did.
Friday, January 12, 2007
City of Lights to the Land of the Sun
In a swift of smooth velocity, I gained 8hrs and found warm bright sunlight when I opened my eyes.
Perhaps you're wandering what I'm talking about, perhaps you already know, if you've been keeping tabs on the ever so mobile me (I've not found any GPS transmitter on me yet but I'll keep an eye opened for it just in case...).
Travelling in Dec/Jan season is never a good time I fear. Must be the year end buzz, for those planes just never take off nor land on schedule no more. Tension is high with all the long lines at the check-in counters, passport control and security check. Many people had to repack their suitcases to the allowed weight limit. The girl at the counter made me removed 3kgs from my bag as well. Thank God I had an empty bag at hand. CDG must have really tightened up on their security measures as well. As I was waiting in line at passport control/security check, out came 3 policemen: one walking ahead, one leading a passenger with his hands cuffed behind towards the exit, and one pulling the suspect's check-in suitcase(It seems that all check-in bags go through security AFTER the check-in procedure, hence from the
tag attached one can tell immediately). I wonder what the man had in his bag that warranted his arrest, but it obviously didn't please airport security.
Everything went smooth flowing after security check, although the late departure didn't go too well with my pangs of hunger for lunch... lol... But soon we were on air, and then lunch! (^_^) It was a pleasant flight, with me attacking the food while being absorbed with The Da Vinci Code in French(I snatched my friend's copy) at the same time. I think I shall give Angels and Demons a try in Italian next...
4 hours later, we landed and applause broke out...!
Moscow International Airport is one word: tiny. The "world's best duty free shops" are found in little corners of the corridors between the gates. Duty free products are quoted in Euros, while anything else is all in Rubbles. I heard that Russian chocs are quite the thing to pick up from Russia, so I bagged two boxes.... FInally, the last leg of my journey is about to begin. Hoping for at least some movies to cure my boredom, to my dismay the inflight system was not working! If not for
the book and my Ipod, I would have just cried myself to sleep, but that wouldn't have worked for the kind granny like Russian lady (on her way to Sydney via Tokyo) would have tried her very best to comfort me in... only Russian. I wished hard during the 9hr long flight that my Russian friend Alyona was beside me to translate instead of me trying to communicate in sign language! What a sight we were, the 2 people (an American as well) sitting by her side.
We finally got into Narita around 11ish. Applause. The plane couldn't park for 15mins so we were nicely tucked away in a big fat bird. But everything cleared up and I finally got out of the airport around 12. My bags took forever to come out!! Oh, one big thing I've got to clarify, TOKYO is not NARITA, NARITA is not TOKYO. Narita Airport is in CHIBA, a different prefecture altogether, making Tokyo city at
least an hour away by the fastest train!
All say and done, I got myself in one piece back to my place around 2pm. Of course the whole procedure of unpacking, laundry, sorting out the pile of mail (one month's worth!!) etc and here I end up, writing such a long piece (the longest ever on my blog).
All's well ends well. Applause.
ps. Some of you might have gotten this on your emails.
Perhaps you're wandering what I'm talking about, perhaps you already know, if you've been keeping tabs on the ever so mobile me (I've not found any GPS transmitter on me yet but I'll keep an eye opened for it just in case...).
Travelling in Dec/Jan season is never a good time I fear. Must be the year end buzz, for those planes just never take off nor land on schedule no more. Tension is high with all the long lines at the check-in counters, passport control and security check. Many people had to repack their suitcases to the allowed weight limit. The girl at the counter made me removed 3kgs from my bag as well. Thank God I had an empty bag at hand. CDG must have really tightened up on their security measures as well. As I was waiting in line at passport control/security check, out came 3 policemen: one walking ahead, one leading a passenger with his hands cuffed behind towards the exit, and one pulling the suspect's check-in suitcase(It seems that all check-in bags go through security AFTER the check-in procedure, hence from the
tag attached one can tell immediately). I wonder what the man had in his bag that warranted his arrest, but it obviously didn't please airport security.
Everything went smooth flowing after security check, although the late departure didn't go too well with my pangs of hunger for lunch... lol... But soon we were on air, and then lunch! (^_^) It was a pleasant flight, with me attacking the food while being absorbed with The Da Vinci Code in French(I snatched my friend's copy) at the same time. I think I shall give Angels and Demons a try in Italian next...
4 hours later, we landed and applause broke out...!
Moscow International Airport is one word: tiny. The "world's best duty free shops" are found in little corners of the corridors between the gates. Duty free products are quoted in Euros, while anything else is all in Rubbles. I heard that Russian chocs are quite the thing to pick up from Russia, so I bagged two boxes.... FInally, the last leg of my journey is about to begin. Hoping for at least some movies to cure my boredom, to my dismay the inflight system was not working! If not for
the book and my Ipod, I would have just cried myself to sleep, but that wouldn't have worked for the kind granny like Russian lady (on her way to Sydney via Tokyo) would have tried her very best to comfort me in... only Russian. I wished hard during the 9hr long flight that my Russian friend Alyona was beside me to translate instead of me trying to communicate in sign language! What a sight we were, the 2 people (an American as well) sitting by her side.
We finally got into Narita around 11ish. Applause. The plane couldn't park for 15mins so we were nicely tucked away in a big fat bird. But everything cleared up and I finally got out of the airport around 12. My bags took forever to come out!! Oh, one big thing I've got to clarify, TOKYO is not NARITA, NARITA is not TOKYO. Narita Airport is in CHIBA, a different prefecture altogether, making Tokyo city at
least an hour away by the fastest train!
All say and done, I got myself in one piece back to my place around 2pm. Of course the whole procedure of unpacking, laundry, sorting out the pile of mail (one month's worth!!) etc and here I end up, writing such a long piece (the longest ever on my blog).
All's well ends well. Applause.
ps. Some of you might have gotten this on your emails.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
bye bye 2006...
It was Christmas just a few days ago... and now New Year's Eve is about to loom up... Has everyone succeeded in achieving their resolutions yet, or shall that be brought forward? I think I gave up on doing resolutions for some time now. Just take each day as it comes, as long as there is a clear goal at the end ^_^ (which for me, after 365days, I'll be lucky that I actually remember it....)
Moving on! It's been cold here!! Gone is the sun that was here I arrived. Ever since Christmas kicked in, the weather has been gray, gray, gray.. It finally rained, and will continue doing so for another 5 days?!?!?!??! *sigh*
Oh well, that aside, it is the end of the year, so I wish you all a Happy 2007, and let's party when I get back!
Moving on! It's been cold here!! Gone is the sun that was here I arrived. Ever since Christmas kicked in, the weather has been gray, gray, gray.. It finally rained, and will continue doing so for another 5 days?!?!?!??! *sigh*
Oh well, that aside, it is the end of the year, so I wish you all a Happy 2007, and let's party when I get back!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas in Paris
Greetings from Paris!!!
Christmas is a magical time. The decorations on the streets, the crazy shoppers doing their last minuite Christmas shopping, all the feeling of love in the air as Christmas songs blares through loud speakers to warm the pedestrians up. Excellent!
I celebrated Christmas together with my birthday, so typical ^_^! Mo and I went to a really nice French restaurant called Kong (a little bit Jap fusioned, food and decor wise). I had foie gras, it was really good, for a first time trying something! Didn't cut any cake, but since I brought back "il panettone"(the Italian Christmas cake from Italy) when I visited Marc on a whirlwind trip just before Christmas, so we probably will try it tonight.
I've been having a nice holiday so far, apart from the cold weather. It hasn't been sunny since the last few days so there's a kind of depressing feel in the air. That's the problem with places up north. Italy is ok, lots of sun during the day!! But I am enjoying myself, between studying and rechecking out the places that I know.
Going to spend the next few days doing studying, and probably hang out with a group of people for new year's. Will also be trying to meet up with the French friends that I made while I was in Japan. The wonders of globalisation! lolz...
Oh well, Christmas shoutouts to all! Have a great one wherever you are.
Christmas is a magical time. The decorations on the streets, the crazy shoppers doing their last minuite Christmas shopping, all the feeling of love in the air as Christmas songs blares through loud speakers to warm the pedestrians up. Excellent!
I celebrated Christmas together with my birthday, so typical ^_^! Mo and I went to a really nice French restaurant called Kong (a little bit Jap fusioned, food and decor wise). I had foie gras, it was really good, for a first time trying something! Didn't cut any cake, but since I brought back "il panettone"(the Italian Christmas cake from Italy) when I visited Marc on a whirlwind trip just before Christmas, so we probably will try it tonight.
I've been having a nice holiday so far, apart from the cold weather. It hasn't been sunny since the last few days so there's a kind of depressing feel in the air. That's the problem with places up north. Italy is ok, lots of sun during the day!! But I am enjoying myself, between studying and rechecking out the places that I know.
Going to spend the next few days doing studying, and probably hang out with a group of people for new year's. Will also be trying to meet up with the French friends that I made while I was in Japan. The wonders of globalisation! lolz...
Oh well, Christmas shoutouts to all! Have a great one wherever you are.
Friday, December 15, 2006
City of Lights
After clocking 15hrs of flight time, finally I arrived in one piece in Paris. What a long day it was! Late departure from Narita, late arrival plus late departure in Moscow! Of course we arrived late in Paris, I realised that Aeroflot tends to keep its flight hours and not the flight arrival/departure times. hmm... Service and food wise was ok, although I ended up watching Harry Potter:Globet of Fire in Russian as there was neither English or Japanese!!! Unfortunately, I can still only say yes and no, after 3hrs of it!! *sigh*
Paris is not as cold as I expected. Very similar to Tokyo, although it has been shining since I've arrived (hehe) and it is much more foggy at night. At this rate I won't really need heavy duty winter stuff, which is good for me, meaning that I don't have to go shopping and max my card... *lucky*
Alrights, this sounds weird but I've got to get down to do some studying now so that I can have some fun during the weekend! YES, there's always homework, regardless when and where... sigh...
Paris is not as cold as I expected. Very similar to Tokyo, although it has been shining since I've arrived (hehe) and it is much more foggy at night. At this rate I won't really need heavy duty winter stuff, which is good for me, meaning that I don't have to go shopping and max my card... *lucky*
Alrights, this sounds weird but I've got to get down to do some studying now so that I can have some fun during the weekend! YES, there's always homework, regardless when and where... sigh...
Monday, December 11, 2006
dec 11th
2 more days ~~ 2 more days ~~
lolz...
ok, the next two days are going to be so so crazy! Usual Monday at the Centre, and then, a quick stop at uni to get some work done before my part-time job in the evening. I really do wish that my ticket was on Thursday instead, I really could do with the extra day to get my work done... Why is it that winter vacation is always packed with homework? This is one Christmas gift that I do not want!!!!!!!
I had a good weekend, although I was extremely tired due to a hectic week, waking up at 7am 3 days in a row and working until 10pm everyday... It's amazing that I am still in one piece! Although mentally I've been hit by the depression bug since Sat, no idea why.
Ohh, I had a Christmas/Birthday party on Friday night! Was really worried that no one was going to show up (it almost ended up being a nice candlelit romantic dinner with myself, trust me!), but people started trickling in after 8pm so it was all good. I made my usual nasi lemak (nothing like M'sian food!!) and my famous cheesecake ^_^. Friends brought salad, snacks and drinks. We had a lot of rum in us, cause yours truly spiked both the cheesecake and the fruit punch (in public)! The Christmas and jazz music was a great help to the atmosphere. It was loads fun!! For those who couldn't make it, maybe next year? Hey, we could do a New Year's Party *hint hint*
lolz...
ok, the next two days are going to be so so crazy! Usual Monday at the Centre, and then, a quick stop at uni to get some work done before my part-time job in the evening. I really do wish that my ticket was on Thursday instead, I really could do with the extra day to get my work done... Why is it that winter vacation is always packed with homework? This is one Christmas gift that I do not want!!!!!!!
I had a good weekend, although I was extremely tired due to a hectic week, waking up at 7am 3 days in a row and working until 10pm everyday... It's amazing that I am still in one piece! Although mentally I've been hit by the depression bug since Sat, no idea why.
Ohh, I had a Christmas/Birthday party on Friday night! Was really worried that no one was going to show up (it almost ended up being a nice candlelit romantic dinner with myself, trust me!), but people started trickling in after 8pm so it was all good. I made my usual nasi lemak (nothing like M'sian food!!) and my famous cheesecake ^_^. Friends brought salad, snacks and drinks. We had a lot of rum in us, cause yours truly spiked both the cheesecake and the fruit punch (in public)! The Christmas and jazz music was a great help to the atmosphere. It was loads fun!! For those who couldn't make it, maybe next year? Hey, we could do a New Year's Party *hint hint*
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
15th Noma Concours
After more than two months of volunteering in ACCU (Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO), I FINALLY had the sense to link the website (in Japanese and English) to you all and let you guys get a sense of what kind of work I do. Check out the link section on the right panel!
And also announcing the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations!! It's a biannual competition organised by ACCU for the promotion of artworks etc from Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Arab states. The selection, which will be held over two days, begins today at 1300hrs Japan time. Since I'm also working on this project, it's so exciting to see all the beautiful and touching illustrations that came from all around the world. If you are interested, check it out at http://www.accu.or.jp/en/culture/cul02.shtml (English link), where you can also find previous winning works online. So check it out when you have the time!
Good luck to all the 400 odd contestants, a new record!!
And also announcing the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations!! It's a biannual competition organised by ACCU for the promotion of artworks etc from Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Arab states. The selection, which will be held over two days, begins today at 1300hrs Japan time. Since I'm also working on this project, it's so exciting to see all the beautiful and touching illustrations that came from all around the world. If you are interested, check it out at http://www.accu.or.jp/en/culture/cul02.shtml (English link), where you can also find previous winning works online. So check it out when you have the time!
Good luck to all the 400 odd contestants, a new record!!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Forgetfulness
There are many kinds of forgetfulness in this world. Most of them is personal, so whatever we forget, it ends up affecting ourselves. However, there is another kind, the one that imposes trouble on others without creating any for the culprit.
Why am I suddenly talking about this at 2am in the morning? Because I am pissed at my housemate who for the 100th time has forgetten to turn off the darn lights that, because of my glass room doors, jolly well reflect into my room! It is beyond funny when I end being woken up by lights flooding my room, only to find out that it is her bloody fault that I don't get a straight 8hr sleep. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For this time, she left the lights on and went to bed without any care, and wonderfully waking me up. Maybe I should make her pay the electricity bill, since I tend to come home to lights left on in the toilet, her bedroom etc. GRRRRRRR... I feel like yelling....... can't wait to get out of all this stupid stress that isn't even because of me!!
Why am I suddenly talking about this at 2am in the morning? Because I am pissed at my housemate who for the 100th time has forgetten to turn off the darn lights that, because of my glass room doors, jolly well reflect into my room! It is beyond funny when I end being woken up by lights flooding my room, only to find out that it is her bloody fault that I don't get a straight 8hr sleep. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For this time, she left the lights on and went to bed without any care, and wonderfully waking me up. Maybe I should make her pay the electricity bill, since I tend to come home to lights left on in the toilet, her bedroom etc. GRRRRRRR... I feel like yelling....... can't wait to get out of all this stupid stress that isn't even because of me!!
Friday, December 01, 2006
December
YES! IT is finally December... 13 days before I go to Paris, 22 days to winter break, 25 days to Christmas, 26days to AHEM day... lolz... 31days to the end of 2006.
What a year, 11 months in flash. I had so much fun, and am still having fun. Winter sem has been tough so far, and I had to do all my presentations and reports before I leave. But it was worth it, it meant less work during winter vacation, although the lecturers must have caught wind of my thoughts, for two new reports have popped up... *sigh* So I guess I'll be spending my days in Paris writing reports, just like summer!! *sob*
By the way, December also marks the beginning of SALES, SOLDES... for Autumn stuff, and some winter (probably last year's batch) stuff. Who cares... I can't wait to go shopping, can't believe I held myself back so long (hooray for self-control!!). Uniqlo (the Gap of Japan) is having a special one week sale, got myself a nice down jacket ^_^ ah.... oh... Shiseido is gonna give me a birthday present, yeah!! Don't you just love the membership stuff they have over here, all the points and rewards. Life is good!~!~!~!
Happy J
What a year, 11 months in flash. I had so much fun, and am still having fun. Winter sem has been tough so far, and I had to do all my presentations and reports before I leave. But it was worth it, it meant less work during winter vacation, although the lecturers must have caught wind of my thoughts, for two new reports have popped up... *sigh* So I guess I'll be spending my days in Paris writing reports, just like summer!! *sob*
By the way, December also marks the beginning of SALES, SOLDES... for Autumn stuff, and some winter (probably last year's batch) stuff. Who cares... I can't wait to go shopping, can't believe I held myself back so long (hooray for self-control!!). Uniqlo (the Gap of Japan) is having a special one week sale, got myself a nice down jacket ^_^ ah.... oh... Shiseido is gonna give me a birthday present, yeah!! Don't you just love the membership stuff they have over here, all the points and rewards. Life is good!~!~!~!
Happy J
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