- Never Stop Dreaming -
Well this is like the second part of the belated updates which I wrote at Bangkok Airport. Here it goes...
"Tuesday August 7 2007 1.11am (Japan Time)
Reached Bangkok International Airport, the plane landing was perfect. Didn’t really felt the usual jerky and hard landing. It suppose to be an 1 hour transit as written on the itinerary but as soon as I got outta the plane, the other passengers were like rushing to some place where gold or cash were to be given out. Well, being so much a Singaporean, my “Kiasu” instincts kicked in so I followed suit like the others…
With my trusted Blackhawk 3 Day Assault backpack (Digital Camo) with my precious Macbook inside strapped to my back, my other love, my sweet black Crumpler Complete Seed (Black) swung across my front torso and my Military-Spec Altama Desert Tan boots wrapping my feet, I literally “floated” across the airport to a counter labeled “International Transit”.
Got the second ticket (You’d need 2 tixs…1 to the port of transit and the other to depart from it) printed with the seat and carrier info and the sweet receptionist told me the carrier was already on boarding status. SWEET! And so like a mad rush during lunch our rush at Shenton way but now it’s like 1 am (Japan Time) in Bangkok, I fluttered to catch my flight to Japan.
So I made it to the carrier TG642 (777-200) and got a window seat 39K. Now the plane was just packed…with lotsa Japanese passengers head back home. Here I took a shot of the airport while I am still regaining my breath from the “fast march” from army days…ha what an ironic trigger for unpleasant memories!
And so sandwich between me and another Japanese lady was an empty seat. And so I was penning these lines so fast where I caught her stealing glances at what Sanskrit I was writing…ha! Okay it seems like the lights will go out soon for take off so I had better wrapped up this article soon…Whoooooo in another couple of hours more I’d be in Japan, living the dreams that I’d always wanted. Too bad I didn’t get to get hold of Yumi Chan as we had agreed earlier to meet for breakfast in Narita. *sigh* But rite now I am really looking forward to dawn…Gdnite"
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Narita to Komoro-Shi WALKTHROUGH
- Never Stop Dreaming -
So here it is...finally the COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH for all you people who want to come to Japan to find me.
So you`d first need to beg, steal or rob some cash, get a air ticket ( I got mine from P2P travel ) be it transit via Bangkok by Thai Airways which is a whole lot cheaper or do whatever it takes to come here.
So you get to Narita Airport, get your bags and things and go out to which ever terminal you are at. Go to Terminal One and find an overhead sign board like this...
Alternatively you could also find a map board like this...
Anyway find your way to B1F to get on the train to Tokyo or if you`d like, take the lift up to forth floor and find the shop FUJI DOLL which opens from 0730 to 2030. This shop stocks a hell lot of souvenirs ( Hey XANRDA...this is there I got my T-Shirts!) which some of them like T-shirts, are made in Japan and are exclusively for this shop only.
Once in the basement, look for the Keisei Skyliner counter which have direct trains to Ueno. You can take the Express ones which are a little faster and cost like ￥1920 or you could take the Local ones which are a little slower but at only ￥1000.
Of course you can always take the JR Narita Express which are like a whooping ￥3000.
Anyway it would be good if you can speak a little Japanese when enquiring at the counter but English is fine though. Bear in mind that the Keisei Skyliner (Express ones) have reserved seats and non-reserved ones...and so like if you take the non-reserved ones when it`s really crowded, chances are that if you can`t find a space, you`d have to stand throughout the whole 1 hour plus journey.
Here`s a pic of the ticket...
After getting your ticket, just head to the gate right next to the Keisei Skyliner counter...
From here just take the train and head to Ueno which is like the last stop. A point ot note here is that Keisei trains are different from JR trains...where the latter covers almost all of Japan. So when you get to Ueno, look for the sign to JR trains or station.
Follow the signs and exit ( I took the left exit from the control station...) where you would immediately see a map board...
You can skip the map board if you want but if you look left from the map board, you`d be able to see a green JR station entrance...
so just walk along the pavement and cross the traffic to get to the JR station. After you cross the traffic, look up and you`d see an overhead signs for 2 different entrances to the JR station.
Take the Shinobazu Entrance and head to the ticket machine. Look at the overhead map of the rail lines and find Tokyo station. Check the cost to get to Tokyo station which lies on the circular Yamanote line and it cost ￥150.
Now look at the little computer screen below the map...
Touch the screen for English if you`d like an English menu...
Click on the 1 man icon for 1 ticket or 2 man icon for 2 tickets...
Then press the screen for the appropriate fare which is ￥150 in this case...
Next insert coins in to the slot on the right or bills into the middle black slot. Then REMEMBER to take the little ticket stab at the bottom.
Now head to Yamanote line on the platform 3 which says to TOKYO...
Check the sign board on the platforms before you board the trains for the time schedule if you want. From Tokyo station, you`d have to find your way till you see a sign board that says SHINKANSEN...as this central station is always PACKED with tons of people..things might get a little complicated but you`d get there so dun worry...
As there are a lot of SHINKANSENs going to so many parts of Japan, find the one that goes to NAGANO which is called ASAMA (あさま) Shinkansen. The sign board here just shows the SHINANSENs going to different places but only the ASAMA (あさま) Shinkansen goes to Nagano which is where I am at.
Once you find your way to the Shinkansen counter, get a ticket from Tokyo Station to to SAKUDAIRA STATION, NOT NAGANO!!! Either get your tickets from the counter (which is STRONGLY recommended for amateurs and noobz) or the automated machines. GET A TICKET TO SAKUDAIRA STATION AND NOT TO NAGANO!!! Well I got mine from the counter as once again there are reserved and non-reserved tickets. Reserved ones are more expensive but you`d definitely get a seat.
There are specific sections of the Shinkansen for non-reserved tickets so if you get there first, you`d probably get a seat. The journey is about 1 hour plus...Look at the sign above the counter for the train name あさま, the platform number, the place it`s going the the time it departs which in this case is all in red.
Take the Shinkansen all the way to Sakudaira Station. The place I am at now...you`d need to take a local JR train just beside Sakudaira Station. So just put in your tickets and exit the station gate and take a left...walk about 10 to 20 paces and take a left turn again. Walk down a little hallway and wait for the 2 section train that GOES RIGHT TO KOMORO and not the one that goes LEFT!!! It`s a single track on the platform but the trains here goes in 2 different directions so take the one that GOES RIGHT! Take it to Komoro Station.
Now that`s it...pretty simple huh.
Cheer and see you soon
So here it is...finally the COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH for all you people who want to come to Japan to find me.
So you`d first need to beg, steal or rob some cash, get a air ticket ( I got mine from P2P travel ) be it transit via Bangkok by Thai Airways which is a whole lot cheaper or do whatever it takes to come here.
So you get to Narita Airport, get your bags and things and go out to which ever terminal you are at. Go to Terminal One and find an overhead sign board like this...
Alternatively you could also find a map board like this...
Anyway find your way to B1F to get on the train to Tokyo or if you`d like, take the lift up to forth floor and find the shop FUJI DOLL which opens from 0730 to 2030. This shop stocks a hell lot of souvenirs ( Hey XANRDA...this is there I got my T-Shirts!) which some of them like T-shirts, are made in Japan and are exclusively for this shop only.
Once in the basement, look for the Keisei Skyliner counter which have direct trains to Ueno. You can take the Express ones which are a little faster and cost like ￥1920 or you could take the Local ones which are a little slower but at only ￥1000.
Of course you can always take the JR Narita Express which are like a whooping ￥3000.
Anyway it would be good if you can speak a little Japanese when enquiring at the counter but English is fine though. Bear in mind that the Keisei Skyliner (Express ones) have reserved seats and non-reserved ones...and so like if you take the non-reserved ones when it`s really crowded, chances are that if you can`t find a space, you`d have to stand throughout the whole 1 hour plus journey.
Here`s a pic of the ticket...
After getting your ticket, just head to the gate right next to the Keisei Skyliner counter...
From here just take the train and head to Ueno which is like the last stop. A point ot note here is that Keisei trains are different from JR trains...where the latter covers almost all of Japan. So when you get to Ueno, look for the sign to JR trains or station.
Follow the signs and exit ( I took the left exit from the control station...) where you would immediately see a map board...
You can skip the map board if you want but if you look left from the map board, you`d be able to see a green JR station entrance...
so just walk along the pavement and cross the traffic to get to the JR station. After you cross the traffic, look up and you`d see an overhead signs for 2 different entrances to the JR station.
Take the Shinobazu Entrance and head to the ticket machine. Look at the overhead map of the rail lines and find Tokyo station. Check the cost to get to Tokyo station which lies on the circular Yamanote line and it cost ￥150.
Now look at the little computer screen below the map...
Touch the screen for English if you`d like an English menu...
Click on the 1 man icon for 1 ticket or 2 man icon for 2 tickets...
Then press the screen for the appropriate fare which is ￥150 in this case...
Next insert coins in to the slot on the right or bills into the middle black slot. Then REMEMBER to take the little ticket stab at the bottom.
Now head to Yamanote line on the platform 3 which says to TOKYO...
Check the sign board on the platforms before you board the trains for the time schedule if you want. From Tokyo station, you`d have to find your way till you see a sign board that says SHINKANSEN...as this central station is always PACKED with tons of people..things might get a little complicated but you`d get there so dun worry...
As there are a lot of SHINKANSENs going to so many parts of Japan, find the one that goes to NAGANO which is called ASAMA (あさま) Shinkansen. The sign board here just shows the SHINANSENs going to different places but only the ASAMA (あさま) Shinkansen goes to Nagano which is where I am at.
Once you find your way to the Shinkansen counter, get a ticket from Tokyo Station to to SAKUDAIRA STATION, NOT NAGANO!!! Either get your tickets from the counter (which is STRONGLY recommended for amateurs and noobz) or the automated machines. GET A TICKET TO SAKUDAIRA STATION AND NOT TO NAGANO!!! Well I got mine from the counter as once again there are reserved and non-reserved tickets. Reserved ones are more expensive but you`d definitely get a seat.
There are specific sections of the Shinkansen for non-reserved tickets so if you get there first, you`d probably get a seat. The journey is about 1 hour plus...Look at the sign above the counter for the train name あさま, the platform number, the place it`s going the the time it departs which in this case is all in red.
Take the Shinkansen all the way to Sakudaira Station. The place I am at now...you`d need to take a local JR train just beside Sakudaira Station. So just put in your tickets and exit the station gate and take a left...walk about 10 to 20 paces and take a left turn again. Walk down a little hallway and wait for the 2 section train that GOES RIGHT TO KOMORO and not the one that goes LEFT!!! It`s a single track on the platform but the trains here goes in 2 different directions so take the one that GOES RIGHT! Take it to Komoro Station.
Now that`s it...pretty simple huh.
Cheer and see you soon
Sunday, August 12, 2007
WoooooHoooooooo......beach party
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Ok here`s the thing...went out on a road trip with the guys from Samurai and Kuroshi shi (黒獅子) in Saku city. The owner Yuuri ( I tink so...) is totally awesome...he`s elder hook us up a bus and like a whole bunh of staffs from the two restaurants were headed to a beach in Niigata Prefecture. Along came 2 other English teachers from GEOS...and there we were, 2 americans, Ashley and Shane, me and like a 3 other hot girls and a whole bunchs of really cool guys waiting outside Kuroshishi like 3am Sunday morning for the bus. The road trip took like 3 hours and along the way, I caught the awesome sunrise at 4.30am.
When we reached the beach, some YAKUZAs and hell I mean big time Yakuzas that`s like way above the Yamaguchi Group pulled up in a convoy of black radical vans, full tinted windows, complete with flags and banners and approx 20" speakers on the top of the van. 2 white GMCs vans escorted the convoy with a white Japanese limo in the middle. I wanted to snap some shots with my trusted EOS Kiss Digital X but was disuaded by my Japanese friends. Well they were saying it`s better not to even look at them if you want to keep your life...way too cool.
And so we headed to the beach in the scorching 40 degress sun with absolutely no one else on the beach except us. The beach is superbly clean with dark brown sand...and it`s a totally nice experience...cos there is this little hut with tatami mats which people kinda chill in them and eat ramens, yakitoris, beers and a hell lot of other food.
Yup with this new toy in my hand, i took a lot of pictures....like I am learning from Shane, who uses a EOS 30D and he says...take like 30 pictures and you`d find at least 1 picture worth printing. So he and me were just there literally shooting away in a succession of quick clicks fom the shutters.
Will try to edit the pics soon and post them here so chill and keep those comments coming in...
Ok here`s the thing...went out on a road trip with the guys from Samurai and Kuroshi shi (黒獅子) in Saku city. The owner Yuuri ( I tink so...) is totally awesome...he`s elder hook us up a bus and like a whole bunh of staffs from the two restaurants were headed to a beach in Niigata Prefecture. Along came 2 other English teachers from GEOS...and there we were, 2 americans, Ashley and Shane, me and like a 3 other hot girls and a whole bunchs of really cool guys waiting outside Kuroshishi like 3am Sunday morning for the bus. The road trip took like 3 hours and along the way, I caught the awesome sunrise at 4.30am.
When we reached the beach, some YAKUZAs and hell I mean big time Yakuzas that`s like way above the Yamaguchi Group pulled up in a convoy of black radical vans, full tinted windows, complete with flags and banners and approx 20" speakers on the top of the van. 2 white GMCs vans escorted the convoy with a white Japanese limo in the middle. I wanted to snap some shots with my trusted EOS Kiss Digital X but was disuaded by my Japanese friends. Well they were saying it`s better not to even look at them if you want to keep your life...way too cool.
And so we headed to the beach in the scorching 40 degress sun with absolutely no one else on the beach except us. The beach is superbly clean with dark brown sand...and it`s a totally nice experience...cos there is this little hut with tatami mats which people kinda chill in them and eat ramens, yakitoris, beers and a hell lot of other food.
Yup with this new toy in my hand, i took a lot of pictures....like I am learning from Shane, who uses a EOS 30D and he says...take like 30 pictures and you`d find at least 1 picture worth printing. So he and me were just there literally shooting away in a succession of quick clicks fom the shutters.
Will try to edit the pics soon and post them here so chill and keep those comments coming in...
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Belated updates...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Though I am already in Japan, and it`s a little like week late, here`s the stuffs I wrote while on the plane. Had to type them out as I wrote them on paper and get the photos resized and then transfer them via a memory stick to another comp which have access to the net. Here they are...enjoy
Monday 6th August 2007 8.38pm (Singapore Time)
On board flight TG410 bound for Bangkok, a transit en route from Singapore to Japan. A little nervous but nonetheless excited and a little shaken that I’m actually taking the flight alone. Seems like I do enjoy a little company time to time be it friends or family though there’s more freedom and fun with the former. Have traveled to many places spanning across the globe but this is like the second time that I’m actually taking the flight alone. This time round it’s a little different as I am going to a whole new place foreign to me.
Looking out the little window from the cabin, streams of thoughts seems to pour in edging each other for my attention. However the cognitive battles seems rather futile as all I can see is my own reflection at 50% opacity amidst a series of other aircrafts line up beside the window. The path that I’ve chosen seems to be vague and ridden with uncertainty and yet I felt that I should go forth and seek the end.
Since the official confirmation of my job in Japan, I’ve been “battling” the authenticity of realism and the fusion of doubts and blanks that seem endless. Time and again Desiree’s photos of her days of training in Japan under JAL seems to cajole me on each time I lose my directions in the “battles” and these memories like being etched on stone seems to withstand any elements without the slightest signs of corrosion. Strange though…everything about her never seems to go away. (Dun get me wrong Des…it’s a good thing)
Penning these lines, I paused to listen to the inflight announcement about the duration to Bangkok, which is like about 2 hours. Once again, I gazed out through the little hollow oval beside my 63A seat. The calmness and the silence of the nite seems to suppress my anxiety and the dim orange lights, as usual seems to illuminate the beauty of everything. Well I had a fad for orange street lamps on moonless and silent nites, where they produce a sweet gold streak, silhouetting peoples’ faces and everyone just look sOoOooOoOoo beautiful. Yeah the sight outside the plane…it eases my soul and all the uncertainties just faded away and I really felt reluctant to question my own decisions and actions further. And then the turbines begin to roar the vibrations below the cabin seems to remind me of the scene a while ago where my friends and my family stood there helplessly, watching me walk away from them. No it ain’t a good feeling as I would like to share the joy with them too.
Thanks everyone…mum and dad, grandma, Eileen, Ben (Kiwi), Xandra ( oh yeah thanks for the present and tell Cyrus I miss him so GOD DAMN FREAKIN MUCH and give him a hug for me), Roystan, Angela, Val and Caron ( u’ve got potential to be in the showbiz girl…nice meeting you). In my wildest dreams would I’ve imagined that you people are the ones who would actually be at the airport to see me off and not my brothers whom some, I’ve known like for like ages…Really, time IS important in friendships but you guys (and gals)…hell yeah, you blew me away. Sincerity (like what Tenrikyo teaches) is the way to go. THANKS
Kinda enjoying the weekend...went to Tokyo on Friday morning to apply for my working VISA which too like only an hour. Went around Akihabara with Grant who is the other American teacher here with me to walk around. Saw a couple of Maid Cafe`s Cosplay girls but too bad they didn`t want to be photographed so no pics. Stay at Roppongi in the nite but went to party after I got to know some Japanese while getting a burger at some burger joint. Got back to the hotel at 5am which is already like Singapore 8am. Oh by the way, the sun sets here at around 5.30pm and the day breaks at 4.30am. Yep...those Japanese were nice...and so I took a little nap at 5.30am till 11pm, headed to Akihabara and got myself a Canon EOS KISS Digital X which is a 400D in Singapore with a EF-S 17-85mm IS USM lens. THAT cost me a bomb but there ain`t nothing much to do in my new place after I moved in...in like 1 week time so might as well...
Tonite, gonna meet some really cool Japanese that runs a dining and pub just in front of my place now...by the way it`s called SAMURAI. Will go on a road trip with them to the beach next morning but we`re like meeting at 2 am tonite. Sounds like a hell lot`s of fun.
Next I will try to get the pics resized and update a complete walkthrough from Narita to my place here in Nagano like I promised.
CHeers and have a great week
Though I am already in Japan, and it`s a little like week late, here`s the stuffs I wrote while on the plane. Had to type them out as I wrote them on paper and get the photos resized and then transfer them via a memory stick to another comp which have access to the net. Here they are...enjoy
Monday 6th August 2007 8.38pm (Singapore Time)
On board flight TG410 bound for Bangkok, a transit en route from Singapore to Japan. A little nervous but nonetheless excited and a little shaken that I’m actually taking the flight alone. Seems like I do enjoy a little company time to time be it friends or family though there’s more freedom and fun with the former. Have traveled to many places spanning across the globe but this is like the second time that I’m actually taking the flight alone. This time round it’s a little different as I am going to a whole new place foreign to me.
Looking out the little window from the cabin, streams of thoughts seems to pour in edging each other for my attention. However the cognitive battles seems rather futile as all I can see is my own reflection at 50% opacity amidst a series of other aircrafts line up beside the window. The path that I’ve chosen seems to be vague and ridden with uncertainty and yet I felt that I should go forth and seek the end.
Since the official confirmation of my job in Japan, I’ve been “battling” the authenticity of realism and the fusion of doubts and blanks that seem endless. Time and again Desiree’s photos of her days of training in Japan under JAL seems to cajole me on each time I lose my directions in the “battles” and these memories like being etched on stone seems to withstand any elements without the slightest signs of corrosion. Strange though…everything about her never seems to go away. (Dun get me wrong Des…it’s a good thing)
Penning these lines, I paused to listen to the inflight announcement about the duration to Bangkok, which is like about 2 hours. Once again, I gazed out through the little hollow oval beside my 63A seat. The calmness and the silence of the nite seems to suppress my anxiety and the dim orange lights, as usual seems to illuminate the beauty of everything. Well I had a fad for orange street lamps on moonless and silent nites, where they produce a sweet gold streak, silhouetting peoples’ faces and everyone just look sOoOooOoOoo beautiful. Yeah the sight outside the plane…it eases my soul and all the uncertainties just faded away and I really felt reluctant to question my own decisions and actions further. And then the turbines begin to roar the vibrations below the cabin seems to remind me of the scene a while ago where my friends and my family stood there helplessly, watching me walk away from them. No it ain’t a good feeling as I would like to share the joy with them too.
Thanks everyone…mum and dad, grandma, Eileen, Ben (Kiwi), Xandra ( oh yeah thanks for the present and tell Cyrus I miss him so GOD DAMN FREAKIN MUCH and give him a hug for me), Roystan, Angela, Val and Caron ( u’ve got potential to be in the showbiz girl…nice meeting you). In my wildest dreams would I’ve imagined that you people are the ones who would actually be at the airport to see me off and not my brothers whom some, I’ve known like for like ages…Really, time IS important in friendships but you guys (and gals)…hell yeah, you blew me away. Sincerity (like what Tenrikyo teaches) is the way to go. THANKS
Kinda enjoying the weekend...went to Tokyo on Friday morning to apply for my working VISA which too like only an hour. Went around Akihabara with Grant who is the other American teacher here with me to walk around. Saw a couple of Maid Cafe`s Cosplay girls but too bad they didn`t want to be photographed so no pics. Stay at Roppongi in the nite but went to party after I got to know some Japanese while getting a burger at some burger joint. Got back to the hotel at 5am which is already like Singapore 8am. Oh by the way, the sun sets here at around 5.30pm and the day breaks at 4.30am. Yep...those Japanese were nice...and so I took a little nap at 5.30am till 11pm, headed to Akihabara and got myself a Canon EOS KISS Digital X which is a 400D in Singapore with a EF-S 17-85mm IS USM lens. THAT cost me a bomb but there ain`t nothing much to do in my new place after I moved in...in like 1 week time so might as well...
Tonite, gonna meet some really cool Japanese that runs a dining and pub just in front of my place now...by the way it`s called SAMURAI. Will go on a road trip with them to the beach next morning but we`re like meeting at 2 am tonite. Sounds like a hell lot`s of fun.
Next I will try to get the pics resized and update a complete walkthrough from Narita to my place here in Nagano like I promised.
CHeers and have a great week
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Jesus Christ...Holy shit...OMFG...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Ha after 2 days of sweet nice stay in the 2nd floor of the private school, I was getting so used to the place with is like in a quiet little town with fantastic scenery, I got a like SHOCK when I was ushered to "view" the new place that I would be staying in Mochizuki town. Yep I don`t deny that the scenery is equally as good if not better...but the place is so run down deep in some kampung ridden neighbourhood. The house reeks of a stale himid stench and it`s surrounded by forests. Infront of the house is a nice little "garden" with nothing but wild grasses and plants with a century old, badly rusted clothes stand. Sorry did have a photo up now but will try to get it up soon. I had a total shock that almost resulted in a cardiac arrest. No aircon, no wireless and totally unpopulated besides the landlord that stay next to my house. And in the house is this little dimly lit room with really old wooden furniture like shelves and stacks. Well didn`t really like the feel of the room though...
I simply cant describe the house anymore but though it`s inhabitable, a urban geek like me simply can`t fit into rural style right away. Yeah it`s true though that I used to live in a kampung in the past but that`s like so long ago. Alrite I will try to adjust and quit whinning...other than that, from my house to get to the schools, there`s like a whole series of mountain touge passes which could use or go by the main road which is obviously longer. Hmmm...yeah I know I know, you could sense the evil grin on my face now...yep it stills runs in the blood, that adrenalin charged, raging demon is crying to break free. Restrain I would...I can`t promise though.
The schools are not too bad and the second hand cars are like...I can`t put it in words but I am seriously considering to get one. Saw a red RX7 FC3S going for 650000 yen which is like around SGD$7k...
Geez...I am beginnning to stray with wild thoughts...I`d be heading o Tokyo tomolo morning to get the immigration done and then from there I will chill out in Tokyo with Grant and stay there for a nite till like sat where we will head back and crash with anoher group of Japanese Grant met in a small dining place in front of our school called Samurai. With them we`d head to a beach (yeah I ain`t no beach boy...but WTF) and crash on Sunday...hmmm seems like my weekends is fully booked and I expect a hell lotsa suprises...Hahaha
Enjoy your weekend now and Happy Birthday Singapore. ROCK on you skaters...Eileen, Ben, the twin brothers and Angela and Roystan...
Ha after 2 days of sweet nice stay in the 2nd floor of the private school, I was getting so used to the place with is like in a quiet little town with fantastic scenery, I got a like SHOCK when I was ushered to "view" the new place that I would be staying in Mochizuki town. Yep I don`t deny that the scenery is equally as good if not better...but the place is so run down deep in some kampung ridden neighbourhood. The house reeks of a stale himid stench and it`s surrounded by forests. Infront of the house is a nice little "garden" with nothing but wild grasses and plants with a century old, badly rusted clothes stand. Sorry did have a photo up now but will try to get it up soon. I had a total shock that almost resulted in a cardiac arrest. No aircon, no wireless and totally unpopulated besides the landlord that stay next to my house. And in the house is this little dimly lit room with really old wooden furniture like shelves and stacks. Well didn`t really like the feel of the room though...
I simply cant describe the house anymore but though it`s inhabitable, a urban geek like me simply can`t fit into rural style right away. Yeah it`s true though that I used to live in a kampung in the past but that`s like so long ago. Alrite I will try to adjust and quit whinning...other than that, from my house to get to the schools, there`s like a whole series of mountain touge passes which could use or go by the main road which is obviously longer. Hmmm...yeah I know I know, you could sense the evil grin on my face now...yep it stills runs in the blood, that adrenalin charged, raging demon is crying to break free. Restrain I would...I can`t promise though.
The schools are not too bad and the second hand cars are like...I can`t put it in words but I am seriously considering to get one. Saw a red RX7 FC3S going for 650000 yen which is like around SGD$7k...
Geez...I am beginnning to stray with wild thoughts...I`d be heading o Tokyo tomolo morning to get the immigration done and then from there I will chill out in Tokyo with Grant and stay there for a nite till like sat where we will head back and crash with anoher group of Japanese Grant met in a small dining place in front of our school called Samurai. With them we`d head to a beach (yeah I ain`t no beach boy...but WTF) and crash on Sunday...hmmm seems like my weekends is fully booked and I expect a hell lotsa suprises...Hahaha
Enjoy your weekend now and Happy Birthday Singapore. ROCK on you skaters...Eileen, Ben, the twin brothers and Angela and Roystan...
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hail from Japan...Nagano Ken
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Well, here it is...FINALLY. Yep took a 2040pm flight TG410 from Singapore to Bangkok on Monday 6th August nite. Transit to another carrier TG642 from Bangkok Airport and arrived at Narita Airport on 7th August, 8.00 am. Bumped around the airport and got some stuffs...took a couple of pictures and head to Ueno Station via the Keisei Skyliner (Local) from Narita Airport. The ride is like an hour 10 minutes long and cost like a thousand yen as compared to my previously planned Keisei Skyliner (Express) which cost like 1920 yen and the JR Narita Express which cost like 3000 yen.
Slept along the 1 hour plus journey and alighted at Ueno station which is like the last stop. From there, went upsome stairs and went across the road to the JR Yamanote line to catch another JR train (150 yen) to Tokyo station. And from Tokyo station, it gets a little complicated as there are a lot of train lines here and there the the crowd...ha. But wasn`t too bad.
Oh a little word of caution here...there are pretty lots of stairs to climb as escalators and lifts are not a luxury you can enjoy from time to time so dragging a 28.9kg luggage around like me is strongly not recommended unless you are really in to things like this.
And so from Tokyo station, find the Shinkansen counter, grab a reserved ticket (~6000+ yen) if you want a seat or the cheaper alternative (~5000+ yen) if you don`t mind standing in the asisles and near the doors. The Asama Shinkansen to Nagano is the one to take if you are coming to find me so a little recap...Narita to Ueno via Keisei Skyliner, Ueno to Tokyo via JR Yamanote line and Tokyo to Nagano via Asama Shinkansen. Alight the Shinkansen at Sakuraida Station and board the local JR line to Komoro-shi which happens to be the last stop. From there I will come pick you up...
Sorry cant get internet to my lappy yet so cant updates the pics. Will do a real detailed walkthrough with pictures on how to get here from Narita airport. Now using the school`s comp. This place, Komoro shi, Hon Machi where I am at now is in a small town high up in the mountains. Small quiet and really nice though there is basically nothing much to do here.
All I see each day are quiet streets and mountains and more mountains. That`s it for now...and a little info to get all you people envious...Nagano has like really good strawberries and 巨峰 grapes and also peaches. Since arriving yesterday, I am eating authentic yakitoris and chicken katsus! Gosh you people gotta come here and stay here in Japan for GOOD.
Oh this one is for my brothers and sisters who like cars. The famous Akina mountain which is actually Haruna mountain were Initial D was famous for...it`s like somewhere along the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sakuraida station. Well, the train pass by Gunma prefecture and there is this station called "Annakaharuna Station" before Sakuraida Station...there is this really big mountain with lots of touge passes. Though I am not really sure if that`s Haruna but I will definitely pop by and confirm the place against the Initial D gallery stage webbie "http://gallerystage.com/"
cheers
Well, here it is...FINALLY. Yep took a 2040pm flight TG410 from Singapore to Bangkok on Monday 6th August nite. Transit to another carrier TG642 from Bangkok Airport and arrived at Narita Airport on 7th August, 8.00 am. Bumped around the airport and got some stuffs...took a couple of pictures and head to Ueno Station via the Keisei Skyliner (Local) from Narita Airport. The ride is like an hour 10 minutes long and cost like a thousand yen as compared to my previously planned Keisei Skyliner (Express) which cost like 1920 yen and the JR Narita Express which cost like 3000 yen.
Slept along the 1 hour plus journey and alighted at Ueno station which is like the last stop. From there, went upsome stairs and went across the road to the JR Yamanote line to catch another JR train (150 yen) to Tokyo station. And from Tokyo station, it gets a little complicated as there are a lot of train lines here and there the the crowd...ha. But wasn`t too bad.
Oh a little word of caution here...there are pretty lots of stairs to climb as escalators and lifts are not a luxury you can enjoy from time to time so dragging a 28.9kg luggage around like me is strongly not recommended unless you are really in to things like this.
And so from Tokyo station, find the Shinkansen counter, grab a reserved ticket (~6000+ yen) if you want a seat or the cheaper alternative (~5000+ yen) if you don`t mind standing in the asisles and near the doors. The Asama Shinkansen to Nagano is the one to take if you are coming to find me so a little recap...Narita to Ueno via Keisei Skyliner, Ueno to Tokyo via JR Yamanote line and Tokyo to Nagano via Asama Shinkansen. Alight the Shinkansen at Sakuraida Station and board the local JR line to Komoro-shi which happens to be the last stop. From there I will come pick you up...
Sorry cant get internet to my lappy yet so cant updates the pics. Will do a real detailed walkthrough with pictures on how to get here from Narita airport. Now using the school`s comp. This place, Komoro shi, Hon Machi where I am at now is in a small town high up in the mountains. Small quiet and really nice though there is basically nothing much to do here.
All I see each day are quiet streets and mountains and more mountains. That`s it for now...and a little info to get all you people envious...Nagano has like really good strawberries and 巨峰 grapes and also peaches. Since arriving yesterday, I am eating authentic yakitoris and chicken katsus! Gosh you people gotta come here and stay here in Japan for GOOD.
Oh this one is for my brothers and sisters who like cars. The famous Akina mountain which is actually Haruna mountain were Initial D was famous for...it`s like somewhere along the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sakuraida station. Well, the train pass by Gunma prefecture and there is this station called "Annakaharuna Station" before Sakuraida Station...there is this really big mountain with lots of touge passes. Though I am not really sure if that`s Haruna but I will definitely pop by and confirm the place against the Initial D gallery stage webbie "http://gallerystage.com/"
cheers
Monday, August 6, 2007
Rationalise and compose
- Never Stop Dreaming -
With just some crucial hours before dawn, I am counting down my remaining time left here in Singapore. My flight for Japan is 2040 hours (Singapore Time) on the 6th of August 2007. Just finished some last minute checks on my cargo before sealing them and completing my week long preparation since receiving official news that I have been offered a position in Japan, Nagano Prefecture.
Well for those who have known me for some unimaginably long years, the mere fact that I have been obsessed to land myself a job in Japan since a long time ago is of no element of surprise to them. I have work "remarkably hard" (that is if you believe...!) to fulfil this destiny that I have chosen and since the initial intention to embark on a journey to seek my dreams, I have not looked back but continued running forward. The truth is that the beginning is always ardous and futile and besides the occasional set back here and there, I have learnt to hold on dearly despite all unforseen external influences and I told myself to stop only when I get to the very end. But somehow it's just a little weird that when I actually got the official confirmation sometime like 2 weeks ago, I was rather lost and I felt a sense of uncertainty rather than letting out a roar of delight that I could fulfil the first step to complete the master blueprint of my dreams.
The sense of uncertainty incapacitated my cerebral ability to rationalise and I felt like being sucked into a blackhole facing emptiness and void darkness. It's just funny how something that I've longed for and eagerly awaiting for it's arrival seems to cause uncertainty and panic the moment I actually got it. Didn't really know what to do with it when i actually have the physical possession of it. And so I begin to slowly back out and view the situation from a whole new pespective and regain my composure and finally, make a decision that will probably changed my entire cognition.
Somehow, the proccess of defragmenting myself to piece back the fundamentals elements that occupy up my memory seems to yield more blanks and i question myself time and again whether the sacrifices made are justifiable. This is where the "regrets" factor becomes a multiplier to the other actions that I have chosen. But...at the end of the day, I'd still have chosen the same path despite all other constraints being factored in.
Ok looks like I'm all set to start my life in a new place, where people can't prejudge me based on my past. They'd just have to know me from where I position myself. Till then, rest well and start the week less the Monday blues and before you know it, Friday's just around the corner less me...
With just some crucial hours before dawn, I am counting down my remaining time left here in Singapore. My flight for Japan is 2040 hours (Singapore Time) on the 6th of August 2007. Just finished some last minute checks on my cargo before sealing them and completing my week long preparation since receiving official news that I have been offered a position in Japan, Nagano Prefecture.
Well for those who have known me for some unimaginably long years, the mere fact that I have been obsessed to land myself a job in Japan since a long time ago is of no element of surprise to them. I have work "remarkably hard" (that is if you believe...!) to fulfil this destiny that I have chosen and since the initial intention to embark on a journey to seek my dreams, I have not looked back but continued running forward. The truth is that the beginning is always ardous and futile and besides the occasional set back here and there, I have learnt to hold on dearly despite all unforseen external influences and I told myself to stop only when I get to the very end. But somehow it's just a little weird that when I actually got the official confirmation sometime like 2 weeks ago, I was rather lost and I felt a sense of uncertainty rather than letting out a roar of delight that I could fulfil the first step to complete the master blueprint of my dreams.
The sense of uncertainty incapacitated my cerebral ability to rationalise and I felt like being sucked into a blackhole facing emptiness and void darkness. It's just funny how something that I've longed for and eagerly awaiting for it's arrival seems to cause uncertainty and panic the moment I actually got it. Didn't really know what to do with it when i actually have the physical possession of it. And so I begin to slowly back out and view the situation from a whole new pespective and regain my composure and finally, make a decision that will probably changed my entire cognition.
Somehow, the proccess of defragmenting myself to piece back the fundamentals elements that occupy up my memory seems to yield more blanks and i question myself time and again whether the sacrifices made are justifiable. This is where the "regrets" factor becomes a multiplier to the other actions that I have chosen. But...at the end of the day, I'd still have chosen the same path despite all other constraints being factored in.
Ok looks like I'm all set to start my life in a new place, where people can't prejudge me based on my past. They'd just have to know me from where I position myself. Till then, rest well and start the week less the Monday blues and before you know it, Friday's just around the corner less me...
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