Fall, in love with Japan 2013 - part 4

So after procrastinating for a whole year, I decided to continue with blogging about my 2013 trip to Japan with KK. LOL....here goes!

Day 4 - we spent the entire day in Kyoto. It was already an interesting start when we had to get ready in the morning, sharing bathrooms and sink space with other lodgers. I think it was also rare that we could stand side by side doing our makeup, while complaining what a hassle it was.

in front of our ryokan in Kyoto.

We decided to go to Nijo Castle first thing, but if I remembered correctly, we really didn't have our whole days planned. I'm guessing we chose to go there because we felt like we needed to visit a castle, and that it's one of those tourist attractions that opens quite early. So off we went. It was much more convenient to utilize the bus system than subway/trains in Kyoto, which was what we did.

we are ready!

one of the first pictures I took of Nijo Castle.

We paid for entrance fee and went inside, the castle wasn't that big really. We got to see what a Shogun's place looked like, and they had little signs along the way, that explained what each room was for and who the manniquins were. Of course, it was one of those place where we had to take our shoes off at the entrance, and I was wearing my Nara edition Kapibara-san socks that I got the previous day (no shame of course). There were a lot of empty rooms with tatami, but the paper doors had different designs to it. Pictures were not allowed inside so, nothing to show trolololol.

I'm a proud sock owner. LOL.

kind of creepy manniquins inside.

We took a walk around the whole castle. It was a nice walk but nothing too eventful happened. I was really happy that I had a chance to wear my new shades though hahahaha! We took a break at the snack/souvenir area. Since we had no idea where to go next, we took out all our Kyoto pamphlets and maps to see where to go next. I also bought some postcards at the souvenir shop so I could stamp them with the Nijo Castle stamps that tourists could use for free.

Random snaps I took inside the Castle area:

Afterwards, we just headed in the direction of our next destination, and we were looking for a place to grab some lunch on the way. We ended up at the underground shopping street and we had curry at a random curry restaurant. I really liked picking places randomly sometimes because I like being spontaneous sometimes.

Us at the snack bar in Nijo Castle planning where to go next.

Japanese curry for lunch!

After walking around some more, we went to Yojiya Cafe for some green tea drinks/dessert. Yojiya is a brand from Kyoto and lots of people buy their products (beauty/skin care related things) as souvenirs from Kyoto. Naturally, we had to visit their cafe!

green tea latte with Yojiya logo

perks of having a travel buddy - someone to take pictures for you with your food!

chocolate truffle with Yuzu filling ❤❤❤

taking an evening stroll in Gion.

of course we shopped at Yojiya and got some goodies!

We went back to our Ryokan to put down our stuff and freshen up, then we went to search for the light up at the Kiyomizu Dera! Our host told us that it was being lit up for a limited time in honour of breast cancer (I think).

On our way!

It was so pretty!

The place was actually closed at night, but there were still people like us, who came all the way to the front door to take pictures!

Since we weren't feeling too hungry, we just went to a convenient store and grabbed some Oden to eat back at our Ryokan.

found random phone box so we decided to be idiots. 

dinner!

before dinner selfie!

KK drunk after 2 sips of "cocktail" LOL.

Pretty eventful day I'd say!

2014 Round Ups and 2015 Goals

Well well well, it has been a whole year since I have came on this blog.

2014 was full of ups and downs for me, so I really feel like writing a round up to formally say bye to 2014 and to prepare myself for the upcoming year.

The first few months of the year was a bit blurry to me now. I think I was just constantly feeling sad and scared because my dad was terminally ill and I was dreading having と face reality everyday. I went back and forth from trying to cheer myself up and being dragged right back down because my dad was suffering more and more. I knew the end was coming; I was dreading it on one hand, but on another I knew my whole family was emotionally suffering. It was extremely hard to deal with it all but luckily I was always just a text away from my loving friends whenever I needed their support.

Then, one day in April, my dad left us. It was really sudden, and not like how I imagined. My mom has told me that she thought he would first go into a coma, but he didn't. He was perfectly conscious that morning. I really don't think I can blog about the details of it because it hurt too much. I think I went through a phase where I was numbed about the situation and I didn't mind talking about him, but weirdly as time passed, I became more and more uncomfortable talking about him. I think the pain just settled in slowly. There were times when I would cry myself to bed. However, I'm usually feeling fine when I'm around people. I haven't gone a day without thinking about him since his passing though.

I would say 2014 was another big turning point in my life. With dad's passing, it flipped my (and my mom's) world around. We've moved, twice.

After the funeral and taking care most of the immediate matters, mom and I went back to Canada for a few weeks. We had to move out of our apartment in Toronto because we have decided we are no longer living there. We threw out half our stuff, packed up and moved the rest to our relatives' houses. I went back to my University to get my diploma. I was really happy to see my homies again because I really really missed them. At the same time, my mom and I started having a really strained relationship. We bickered and had arguments almost everyday since my dad left. In hindsight, I think it was because my dad used to be the decision maker in our family. With him gone, we weren't used the new responsibility of decision making. I was really unhappy because all my life, my mom and I had a really good relationship. Things are way better now, now that most things are settled and we have learned to live with each other again.

my Toronto family❤ - reunited with my homies. hehehe.

It was around the time after my dad passed, that I started talking to Y again. At one point I stopped messaging him because he didn't seem like he cared anymore; but I really needed him again because I realized that I've lost dad already, I couldn't stand seeing him walk out of my life too. Luckily he became really kind to me and we've rebuilt our relationship. He was one of the people who gave me immense support through the darkest period of my life.

I have also met a bunch of really nice friends who were coming to Hong Kong every month from Japan for business (also for fun). Eventually I've decided to work with them and we have been trying to build a future that we want. We are slowly building a network of like-minded people and we have a lot of fun together in our work. I've been learning a lot from them and my Japanese definitely improved! (even my Nii-chan said so when we were catching up and I was so happy to hear that from him :D)

my new circle (Osaka team) ❤

After coming back from Canada, I had to start planning the trip to Europe for my cousin's wedding. The plan was to meet up in Venice, Italy, and then take a 7,8 day cruise that travels to Croatia, Turkey, and Greece. The wedding itself happened in Santorini (Greece), and it was surreal! Prior to joining up with them, I travelled to Venice first by myself (since they were coming in from Toronto). I had two days to explore Venice, which was BEAUTIFUL. I was a little worried at first because it was my first time in Europe/Italy, and I didn't know a lot about travelling in Europe. However, I'm glad I went through with it because I honestly had an amazing time. The highlight for me was going to Burano Islands. It was a beautiful place and I will never forget it. As was Santorini. It's probably the closest thing to how I imagined heaven to be like. After the cruise, we also went to see more of Italy. We went to Florence and hung out in Venice for a few more days until we all went home. The cruise, the whole trip to Europe was unforgettable.

Checking off my bucket list - Burano Island, Italy (Venice)

After Europe, my mom and I moved to a smaller apartment, and the renovation preparation for our old home started. Moving twice within such a short period of time was really exhausting. It was better for me this time around 'cause I had less stuff to get rid of in Hong Kong. However, it was harder for my mom because she had more things with sentimental values here. After we moved, I've booked a three week trip to Japan because I missed seeing my Japanese friends (and I had to see Y of course).

My trip was from late October to the first part of November. This time going to Japan, I was lucky because I got to stay at a friend's house for the majority of the time, unless I was away from Tokyo/Kanagawa.I went to Hiroshima to see Y. I missed him so much. We didn't do anything special, but I was glad to see him. On my way back to Tokyo, I went to Osaka because my friend invited me to stay for a night. It just so happened to be the last day of EXILE TRIBE live tour in Osaka, and my friend asked if I wanted to see it. Of course I did! and she managed to got us tickets, for half the price too!!! So I checked another item off my bucket list and I was super excited and super thankful for being able to see Omi-kun live! Unfortunately Atsushi wasn't in this tour, but one day, I will see him! I just know it! My friend was such a great host. Aside from arranging going to the EXILE TRIBE live, she also drove me out and showed me around Osaka and Kyoto. I only stayed in Kansai for two days but it was really fun. After I got back to Tokyo, I've met up with various people and hung out with Tiffany (the friend I was staying with) a lot. We went to karaoke, cat cafe, ate A LOT, and shopped some. It was fun hanging out with Tiffany! I can hardly believe that I've only met her for about three months and we became so close already. I also FINALLY got to reunite with Shuhei. He gave me the biggest and warmest hug ever! We hung out two days in a row and it's just always fun when I have him around! Even if we just sit on street side at night and talked. He took me to an 'escape game' which was also really fun! It would be better if I could understand more Japanese but he took good care of me there. We've promised each other that we will get back on our feet, save up and travel together. Honestly, he's one of those people that I always want to keep in my life. I'm so grateful that I've met him.

Cat Cafe with Tiffany

Alice themed restaurant (Ikebukuro branch)

hanging out with Shu-chan ❤❤❤

After coming back from Japan, I was really motivated to make something of myself. I had a week to finish the online TEFL course that I started a year ago, which I did. After that things with Y started falling apart again and I was again, in a phase where I'm trying to go between cheering myself up and feeling down. That brought us to December, and for the month I had been trying to look for a job that will take me to Japan. There has been a lot of changes, good and bad ones. Hopefully 2015 will be better, I'm feeling positive!

In 2015, I really want to be less lazy (lol). I always switch between being extremely motivated and extremely unmotivated. I really want to try harder to be persistent in my effort.

I am going to aim for landing a job in Japan in around the Spring time. I also am aiming to live a healthier life, mainly to make better decisions when it comes to the food I consume. I will build a better future for myself. I will also become a better version of myself; learning to love myself more so I can love others. I want to meet people, go on dates, and just have fun with life. I will be on my journey to finding happiness this year!


２０１４って出会いも別れもたくさんあった。
いろいろ大変だったけどそれでちょっとだけでも成長した気がする。（笑）
でも道はまだまだ長いだから２０１５も頑張らなきゃ！

２０１５よろしくお願いします！❤

Fall, in love with Japan 2013 - Part 3

On the third day, we spent the morning in Osaka, and made our way to Kyoto early afternoon.

We checked out of our hotel in the morning, but we left our luggages at the front desk so we can go explore without a worry. We decided to find our way to the JR Namba station so we would know our way there later when we have to make the way with our luggages. We found the Welcome-to-Osaka metal ball!

Got way too excited about a giant reflective metal ball...

After we sorted out the way to the train station, we went to Shinsaibashi for shopping. After shopping we went for box sushi (箱寿司) for lunch! To be honest, the taste wasn't too special, but it was definitely super cute and relatively yummy.

having prism sushi - another thing off my bucket list.

so cute right? Food that looks like toy (like, prism sushi, sushi balls...) excites me ^^

 

After lunch we went to Dotonbori to get some souvenirs. Since I've been to Osaka way too many times, I didn't really buy much souvenirs from there. Just got some candy for myself (*´∀｀). We were having way too much fun so we were kind of rushing back to the inn to get our stuff, and we rushed to the train station. Good thing we checked our routes beforehand, so we made it in time to catch our train.

selfie with shades - MY NEW POLICE SHADES! (been wanting a pair for the longest time because...ATSUSHI <3 )

 

However, the ride was not a comfortable one. There were not enough room to fit my large suitcase in front of me. I had no leg room. (*´Д｀). It was a bit better when KK switched seats with me so I could sort of tilt my leg sideways towards the aisle, but still... uncomfortable!

no leg room (T___T")

still, not having leg room didn't stop us from taking a selfie.

 

 

After we arrived Kyoto station, we booked our seats for the way to Tokyo two days later, and then we took the bus to our accomodation in Kyoto. As directed from the information provided to us, we took a bus to Kiyomizu-zaka. This turned out to be quite a challenge; trying to balance myself and preventing my luggage from rolling and bumping into other passengers was not an experience I would want to repeat. After we got off the bus, we located ourselves. We started making our way to the accomodation, which is actually a Japanese style Ryokan in my opinion, although on the booking site, it was named a "hotel". The walk was not too long, but it was a killer because it was uphill! The sidewalk was really rough so during the entire way, I prayed that the wheels on my luggage won't fail on me (because it has happened, twice for that matters). It was also really dark by the time we got to Kyoto, and we were not entirely sure of our ways. Luckily we found our Ryokan without too many problems, but next time, I will surely opt for a taxi to save ourselves from the hassle.

our room when we first stepped into it.

we had a little desk thingie which was so cute

determined to take more selfies before we mess up the room.

 

The Ryokan we stayed at was operated by a family, who lived on the second floor. The wife was the one that greeted us and she was really friendly. She told us of all the regulations and showed us around the place. When we got into our room, we were so tired, and I was really sweaty. We cooled off (yay AC), dropped off our stuff, refreshed ourselves, and went out to get dinner and do a bit of exploring. We ended up walking into a small Okonomiyaki restaurant, since we didn't have a chance to eat it in Osaka. We ordered okonomiyaki obviously, as well as a dish that I totally don't remember the name of. On the menu, the restaurant claimed that the dish was popular amount regular customers. It looked pretty good, so we decided to order it. It was something like a roll, with egg on the outer layer, wrapping some pieces of pork inside. It was indeed delicious.

our Okonomiyaki nommmmmm!

It had soba in it, which made it more like hiroshima style okonomiyaki.

the pork egg wrap dish popular among regular customers.

 

After dinner, we decided to take a night walk around the neighborhood. We went to conbini and the local supermarket, where I found eito candy <3. We took a different way back and kind of got lost. We didn't care though, since we were too busy taking photos of the dark, creepy but kyoto-like streets. It was almost like an adventure and I was so glad I went with KK. There's no way I would dare to explore like that if I were to go by myself. After we got back to the ryokan, we just cleaned ourselves up and chilled until we went to bed.

haroooo I'm actually in the photo.

super Kyoto-esque scene.

more creepy but pretty kyoto scene.

The next day we spent entirely in Kyoto, which was quite eventful. More about it next post!

Fall, in love with Japan 2013 - Part 2

So the second day of our trip, we decided to go to Nara. I've been there before, but KK wanted to see the deers so I went with her again. We took the JR to Nara, and since I had to get my foreigner travel pass in order to take the JR train, we also reserved seats for the train to Kyoto for the next day.

When we got to Nara, we checked out the tourist information centre to see if there are maps or pamphlets since we didn't have a solid idea of what we wanted to see.

A very nice lady gave us maps and helped us decide on a course to see the most of Nara, and we were off.

our adventure begins! - with a selfie of course.

 

 

To be honest, we just spent most of the time hanging out with the deers, petting them and trying to take selfies with them - it's not as easy as it seems.

got everyone in the shot ^__^

always on the look out for the little ones

 

KK wanted to feed the deers before we leave Nara but in the end we both forgot. Oh well, that will give her a reason to return next time!

gimme the foooooodssss, human!

Unlike the previous time I went to Nara, this time we actually went into some of the temples. There was one special buddha on display, and legend has it if a sick person touches a picture of it and then rubs the corresponding part of his/her own body, the person will heal. I took a picture of it just in case it comes in handy in the future (^_^;). The weather was pretty good - great condition for outdoor pictures! During the entire trip, whenever I visited a shrine or a temple, I wished for the same things - good health for dad and good relationship for myself (*´∀｀).

just gotta accept the fact that there's always gonna be random tourists in your photos.

love this shot - pretty blue sky really makes a difference.

somehow I always ended up with selfie duties when I travel with this girl.

obligatory touristy shot - not what I usually go for but it's nice sometimes

 

Binzuru, the healing buddha image I was talking about earlier - feel free to use this image. you're welcome.

 

Buddha in the house

 

we also got our fortunes - hmm not entirely sure what it was saying but I got the jist of it...

 

"mom! stop kissing me...it's embarassing!"

 

We stopped by another tourist centre for washroom break midday. The centre also provided visitors with hot or cold tea, wi-fi and AC! We stayed there for a little while and then we were off again after signing the guest book. KK also found her new lover, Sento-kun, standing in front of the building.

what a sweet couple <3

leaving our trace in Nara

 

After more hanging out with the deers, we decided to have kaki no ha zushi (柿の葉寿司) for a late lunch. Kaki no ha zushi means "sushi wrapped in Japanese persimmon leaf",  which is originated from Nara and Wakayama. The reason for using persimmon leaves is because persimmon leaves have sterilizing effects, so the sushi can be preserved for longer before it goes bad. To further extend the period of freshness, the kinds of toppings  (ネタ）used for this type of sushi are limited. Many of the toppings are pickled and thus, have a sour taste. Unlike traditional sushi, kaki no ha zushi are not consumed with wasabi and soy sauce. It was really flavorful and delicious on its own. We shared a box and each time we unwrapped a sushi, it was like opening a surprise because we weren't sure what we would be getting next! (source for info on kaki no ha zushi, because obviously I was no expert on it! : http://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9F%BF%E3%81%AE%E8%91%89%E5%AF%BF%E5%8F%B8)

shared this 12 pcs box with KK

 

yummmm!

 

After lunch, we headed back to the souvenir area and KK bought some souvenirs. We took the train back to Umeda (Osaka). We dropped by kiddyland, where we shopped at the Kapibara-san shop, Snoopy shop, and Rilakkuma shop. We also had dinner at Umeda before we headed back to Namba.

Kapibara-san

The name's Cheburashka/チェブラーシカ! (okay I cheated, I could never remember his name....)

Snoopy store! I swear I got snoopy crazy because of KK...but I'm actually more into his brother, Olaf <3

our dinner - I'm pretty sure it was an Oyako don...

 

When we got back to Namba, we went to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori because I wanted to show KK the awesome night view there, with all the brightly lit commercial boards along the Dotonbori river. It's definitely one of my favorite places to go at night. KK also got to experience the scene of all the hosts standing around trying to get business for their clubs. /laughs/

This is my idea of beauty, I'm a city girl afterall.

I swear I have way too many photos of this scene in my blog, but I will never get tired of it.

 

We called it a night after that night stroll and went back to our inn. Next day, we were planning to spend the morning hanging out in Osaka and then setting off to Kyoto after lunch. Our adventure continues in the next post.