As the hotel we were in is not a fancy place, the breakfast was not very fancy too. I was not sure if it’s a Japanese type breakfast or not, but I decided to have a fruity breakfast after tasting some of the breakfast items in small quantities.

Half way thru breakfast, there was a 2 – 3 second rumble and I found out from our tour guide that Japan gets around 200 tremors in a year, hence I think we are quite lucky to be able to experience it.
Its off to Disneyland after breakfast and we had plans to explore Tokyo more than stay in the theme park for the whole day. Anyway, the tickets were already paid for, the transport have already been arrange, so we thought we could at least spend sometime there.

Tokyo Disney

When our coach drove into the car park, we could already see the huge queue that was trying to get in. Apparently Disneyland was not built for the foreigners, but for the locals, so Mickey spoken Japanese, Minnie spoke Japanese, all the Disney characters spoke Japanese.

Of cause we took lots of photos, but the most interesting one would have to be when Pearl wanted to take pictures with the local Japanese girls.

It was Disney Tokyo’s 25th Anniversary, so we at least waited to see just one show and the rest of the time, I was more like shopping for Disney merchandise. And just for the record, we did not even take 1 ride, we are not the ride riding type.

We do feel kinda guilty not bringing the kids, Clié and Cleo would’ve loved the castle. Anyway, we bought some gifts for them and if we do come back to Tokyo for Disneyland, we will sure bring our kids.

Ok, enough of Disneyland its time to explore TOKYO!

Tokyo and Ginza

With some advise from our tour guide, we took the train to Tokyo. Before jumping onto the JR Yamanote Line, we went out of the Tokyo Station and had a look see at Central Tokyo. I mean, you did not go to Tokyo unless you have been to the main Tokyo Train Station right.

Its May day, so no chance to see the crazy human traffic, but good also as it was not so packed.
After a short walk, it was off to Ginza where we walked around to look at up-market boutiques we had lunch there at a small café and next stop Shibuya.

Shibuya

Shibuya was pretty happening, there were a lot more people there and the shops were all vibrant with life, there were so many people hanging out at the train station and the main junction was huge.

We walked a lot here and came across the Mac shop, walked in for a short while and checked my mail to see if the Hotel T’Point had confirmed our reservation for the 2 days we have extended. Too bad, but they have not gotten back to us.

Harajuku

Next stop, Harajuku the international capital of Cosplay and Gothic Lolita. I was hoping to see more exaggerated stuff, but what we saw were still quite mild.

While Pearl was busy checking out a particular cosmetic shop, I waited outside to look at the crowd. The most interesting character I saw was surprisingly not any Cosplayer (I think that’s what they are called right?) or any of the full black zombie costumed Japanese, but it was this good looking guy who wore a big fluffy hat. At first I thought he was waiting for his girlfriend or something, but when he darted out from his relaxed position, he caught my attention.

He would walk a long side a pretty girl for a bit, then chat her up. He does not seem to be selling anything nor was he trying to make the girl go to a shop like what a lot of the African Americans were doing. So after observing his third move, I derived that he should be a “talent” scout. I leave the kind of “talent” to your imagination.

We walked on for a bit more and start to discover many small cozy buildings and more expensive street wear boutiques and this is the first time I went into a Gravis boutique. Back to the train station and its time for Shinjuku.

Shinjuku

Its dinner time, so before we went out of the station, we had our first go at having the typical Japanese vending machine dinner.

Shinjuku is colourful and its where Takashimaya is. The place really feels up-market and even the bins were beautiful. The toilets are superb and Toto’s washlet still never fails to amaze me even after being in the Toilet business. But the best part of the whole toilet was the view. You could literally see Shinjuku.

We walked around to see the loud neon signboards, the after office hours drinking crowd and before we can see any more, very very unfortunately my tummy forced me to visit the loo for several times. It was getting late, we were both tired and decided to head back to the hotel. Shucks, we knew Shinjuku is the night life capital of Tokyo, but just too bad our bodies wanted to head back to the hotel.

The biggest regret of the day for me would be that we did not manage to go to Akihabara which would definitely been a geek out place for me.

Ikebukuro

Its Prince Hotel at Ikebukuro Sunshine City for tonight. Staying at the 27th floor its quite nice. Zzz…

We are married 10 years now, hence this trip is our second honeymoon. Initially I thought of going to a beach resort nearby as I really wanted sun, sea and slack, but I think that may not be the best way to mark our tenth year. We talked about going to Japan when we were dating, and this would be the best time.

Saw 2 and a half movies on the Japan Airline flight, I Am Legend (loved the Bob Marley quote “The people, who were trying to make this world worse… are not taking a day off. How can I”), American Gangster (I love true stories) and half of The Great Debaters (the plane had to land).

Upon touching down, we headed to our first hotel of the trip, Hotel Narita Marroad which was just beside the airport. After putting down our luggage, William our tour guide brought us to Elms for dinner and some shopping as that was a nearby heartland mall. We were given a short time, hence my very smart shopper wife suggested we pack back and spend time shopping instead.

Can you believe it, we actually spent a few hundred Sing Dollars there.

At this mall, we were given a 5% discount voucher and I manage to remind Pearl about it only after we have bought our stuff. We went to a cashier and showed her our discount voucher. She knew what we meant and went to get her supervisor. Together, the voided the whole 3 receipts that we had and started scanning them all over again with smiles. Talk about service. In Singapore, I think the black face alone will already spoil the whole shopping experience.

We got back to the hotel, ate our simple take out dinner, had a good shower and soaked ourselves in the tub. It was a nice way to end our first day in Japan.

The only pity is that we found out that our hotel is quite a distance from the Tsukiji Fish Market as we initially planned to go there before day break. Oh well, good also, this means we will have more time for snoozing.

Ciao now. no no… its Sayonara… :)

Yes i’m excited about the upcoming trip to Japan & i’ve plotted out the WHOLE trip’s destinations onto my Google Map.

This trip is via a group tour as Pearl and I don’t really want to be think so much on this trip, so we’ll just go with the flow and enjoy ourselves. The detailed itinerary is as follows:

30 Apr, Day 1: SINGAPORE > NARITA TOKYO
When we arrive at Tokyo it will already be 6+ in the evening. We will deifnately go out and explore the city.

1 May, Day 2: NARITA - TOKYO DISNEY RESORT
We will try to wake up super early, then go to Tsukiji Fish Market before day break to see traders auction for the finest catch of the day.

The original tour plan is to go Disneyland, but we are not sure if we want to do that. I mean American Culture in Japan? Strange right. We are not bringing our girls, so Disneyland might not really make sense to us full grown adults who were never into disney stuff. Then again its been paid for and our Disneyland passport offers unlimited rides on all attractions, so we’ll decide when we get there.

2 May, Day 3: TOKYO – YOKOHAMA – LAKE SAIKO (Mt Fuji Region)
In the morning, its a Tokyo Sightseeing Tour and we will visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, then do some street shopping at Nakamise Avenue near the temple.

Next stop Tokyo Tower, Yokohama Chinatown, then Factory Outlet Shopping.

We will then visit the Ramen Museum, where we will find many types of ramen and even get to try them. Apparently its by a coupon system and our coupon can get us any Ramen we want.

Then from here on, we travel thru the valleys and will arrive at Lake Saiko in the evening. After dinner Pearl and I will prance around naked to indulge in a soothing and relaxing Japanese onsen at the nearby spa Izumi-no-Yu.

3 May, Day 4: MT FUJI - HAKONE - TOYOHASHI: Bullet Train Experience
In the morning, we will visit an ancient village and this area was once the village with the most gorgeous thatched roofs in Japan. This ancient village is located along Lake Saiko and this is where we will have the best view of Mt Fuji as i was told.

We will proceed up to Mt Fuji’s 5th station (subject to weather permitting). Its suppose to be cold up there, let see.

There is also suppose to be a visit to Owakudani Boiling Valley where we will absord some Japanese flavoured National Geographic Channel. lol…

In the afternoon, its Bullet Train time and its just for an experience. We will board at Hamamatsu and alight at Toyohashi which we will spend the night at.

4 May, Day 5: TOYOHASHI – KYOTO - OSAKA
Morning, we will go to Kyoto and visit the Heian Shrine; the most represented Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, and Kiyomizu Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kyoto famous for its unique architecture style.

We will also be going to the Nishijin district, world-famous for its traditional silk weaving and reputed to be the place for Japan’s highest-grade textiles. We will see a Kimono Show there. To bad the time at Kyoto is really short.

Its off to Osaka where we will visit Osaka Kurumon, Black Gate Seafood Market. Maybe will try try Fugu dishes, also known as the Poisonous Blowfish!!

Next Osaka Nipponbashi.

5 May, Day 6: OSAKA: Universal Studio
After Breakfast, we will visit Osaka Castle. Day 6 suppose to be Universal Studio, but then again, its the whole American culture in Japan thing which make us want to just go do our won thing.

Evening its shopping at Osaka’s finest and busiest shopping district Shinsaibashi Dotonbori.

From here on, our extended 2 day free and easy starts and we gotta quickly figure out where we gonna stay, what we gonna do. We’re gonna visit a friend and do some catching up as we have said we will come to Japan to visit him for the longest time and we are finally doing it.

the following are tentative.

6 May, Day 7: KYOTO free and easy
Maybe during the extra days, we will go back up to Kyoto to soak up more traditional Japan and explore as many places as we can.

7 May, Day 8: OSAKA free and easy
We will be meeting a friend of mine, whom i got to know from work previously. However we do have quite alot of time in Osaka, so if you have any ideas what to do at Osaka, do drop me a comment.

8 May, Day 9: KANSAI > SINGAPORE

Lets see how the trip turns out. Photos for sure, stay tuned.

This afternoon my fellow young earthlings, we will cover Planets 101 and according to our materials which are slightly out dated, yes Pluto is still a planet for today’s lesson.

The equipment we will require today is cardboard, crayons, a pair of scissors and sticky tape.

First, make circles, colour them according to what the library book states and then send them into orbit.

The most important planet in our solar system would have to be the one we are on and that’s planet Earth. Its important that we ensure that this planet is a perfect circle, however for today, something resembling a circle will be acceptable.

Each astronaut is also allowed to use their own space ship to explore the planets of his or her choice.

With a little imagination, space ships can even go into warp speed to reach different parts of the universe in a split second.

But of cause, not forgetting, there is no oxygen in space, so do ensure your space helmets are all in good working condition.

Work, work and more work is the lifestyle in Singapore and its easy to forget quality time with family. Even a simple breakfast in the good little heartland coffeshop downstairs our flat can be real enjoyable.

Our kids had their hair trimmed about a week ago, and they both look really cute with their straight fringes.

Clié looks like a real darling as well. The girl is growing up to be a real lady.

Prata, soft boil eggs, Teh O Peng, Bandung… what a Singaporean morning we had.

We were at Go Go Bambini for a couple of hours today. At $15 per hour per kid, i totally appreciate the free internet usage, the cafe that Mom and Dad can chill out, etc.

The kids loved the playground for sure. It was actually raining outside, but inside, its dry, clean and fun.

The girls definitely went thru all the different corners of the playhouse as i can see their heads bobbing around in it.

Isn’t Cleo way way cute in this one. How apt as she is born in the year of the monkey.

Took a few nice natural pictures of Pearl, we then started taking our own photos only to end up with this odd staring pose. lol…

A few weeks back, my mom had a serious case of diarrhea for 2 weeks without knowing whats going on, then came the high fever for several days. After the third doctor have seen her, she was advised to be warded for further investigation.

We all thought it was Dengue, but it was not, then later did we find out that she had Salmonella which later led to Typhoid fever as the bacteria already got into her blood stream.

Once the doctors figured out the problem, it was intense antibiotics drip for her.

My mom have never stayed in the hospital for that many days before and i feel its a good time for her to rest, to regain her sleep as she have been working so hard for too long. Even with this sickness she gets calls from her customers and she still faithfully chat with them on the work at hand briefly before referring them back to the main office for follow up work.

My dad, sis, brothers came regularly to visit her and its always a nice time to just hangout with one another.

I hope she gets well soon and be back to her healthy mode once again.

What do you think of the new MOE website?

Personally i think is very clean and very professionally done.

Not to mentioned it validates XHTML 1.0 Strict and CSS level 2.1. All these thanks to Lucian.

If you increased the font size via your browser, the main highlight image also scales up, how cool is that.

I hope to see more goverment websites being revamped… for the better of cause.

Was at Start-Up@Singapore’s Emerging Industry Series about Web 2.0. The 3 speakers there were Stuart Tan, Vanessa Tan and Kelvin Lim virtually.

It was interesting to hear people talk about Web 2.0, cuz we all hear it all the time and its one of those terms that we don’t really know for sure if we have the correct definition but use all the time.

Web 2.0 is a trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users.
~ Wikipedia

Web 2.0 is the term given to describe a second generation of the World Wide Web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online. Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from static HTML Web pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organized and is based on serving Web applications to users.
~ Webopedia

Clearly “Web 2.0? means different things to different journalists on different days. Mostly it means nothing—except a bigger paycheck.
~ Zeldman