- Never Stop Dreaming -
Alrite for all you fellowship of this humble fire spewing blog, for all you people who studys Japanese Language at Tenrikyo Mission Center in SG which offers the cheapest rates and for all you who knows who Okada Sensei is, yeah finally after a long long time she is gonna tie the knot with Akira. Seems like wedding bliss is everywhere...from my childhood friends, to my cousin, to my brothers, to my kin, everyone is tying the knot. Taking advantage of the recsssion I presume but whatever the case is...it's all very sweet.
And no I am not trying to brag about anything here but I kinda hanged with Akira San when he visited Singapore when I am still there so I have to say I know him more like a personal friend. Then of course it's from my ex Japanese teacher Okada Sensei whom I met Akira. Even after I treaded Japanese soil, Akira and I kept in contact and when he hinted to me last year that he might be ringing the wedding bells this year I was liable to be a distinguish guest to grace this special event. And then this year sometime in Feb, I got a keitai mail from Akira conveying that my prescence is mandatory at his confirmed wedding so of course I have to be there even if it means losing a kidney. Besides I have already promised him last year that I will attend so hey promises are meant to be kept. Then this morning Okada Sensei sent me a keitai mail for the wedding event and the party after that...yeah boy am I super duper excited.
I am not sure who else from Singapore is being invited but I can be considered pretty lucky to be one of those privilege few to grace such a memorable event. Now with my tiny toy camera, I am more than set to frame them for the generations later and for those here reading this in your office or home of course. They will host the wedding on the 22th of May so 2205 or 0522 or any combinations of these numbers might be a good choice for 4D (If win must pay tribute to me okie?). But the only thing that is putting intense weight on my head is what prized clothes should I wear and how am I gonna haul my toy gear thousand over miles to another part of Japan. But fret not because I promise you I shall deliver pictures since most of you can't be there. And this will probably be my first wedding experience so fault me not for flaws. :p
Seriously in my humble opinion, I think Okada Sensei is exceptionally beautiful and Akira is equally gorgeous looking in that sense, I kinda felt like...say one of the most perfect unison of 2 absolutely fabulous people whom I know personally is gonna take place...EPICAL! It's probably gonna be the first time I am attneding a wedding as a photographer to witness such a compatible eye candy couple. It's almost like seeing Brad and Gwyneth at some point of time (Yes I like Brad and Gwyneth and not some Jeni or Angel bimbos!). Hmmm...I basking in a huge mixture of pressure and pleasure with regards to this upcoming wedding in a month's time...
God Bless...
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Messy Tuesday Morning
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Though most people dread Monday because of the previous week's partying and the blues of the new week, I say Tuesday ain't that great either. This Tuesday morning had to be one of the worst ones I had in decades simply because I blew up a packet of food in my microwave. Yeah and the packaging says it's all good for microwave but before the Ka-ching timer sounded off, there was a Ka-boom and pieces of food were splattered on the insides of the white box. What a mess...and thank God it wasn't an animal inside there like Urban Legends. Had to expand much effort to clean up the sick mess before I can enjoy my much deserved breakfast of cereal and milk, muffins and patties. Not to mention I had to skip coffee...dang!
If you ask me, this was the first time I had actually blew up something inside the microwave and boy it ain't a pleasant experience. Yeah I meant the cleaning up part...because the last time round I presumed I had a slight concussion where I actually placed a packet of regular (or so I thought) food inside. A couple of seconds after turning the knob, there were green lightnings and sparks flying off the inside of the white box. Then there was a burnt stench smoking off the corner of the packed food. Yeah it had metal lining on the packaging and for a moment I thought a T-800 was gonna spawn from my mini microwave.
That aside everything else is pretty much the same old routine that everyone goes thru to get thru the week except that I might just be a little better with much of my work time dedicated to updating blogs and stuffs, listening to podcasts and fiddling with Facebook's applications.
Be sure not to try the same insane stunts I did and make darn sure you check the packaging the next time you microwave you food because I won't be responsible for any energy orbs or T-800s.
Though most people dread Monday because of the previous week's partying and the blues of the new week, I say Tuesday ain't that great either. This Tuesday morning had to be one of the worst ones I had in decades simply because I blew up a packet of food in my microwave. Yeah and the packaging says it's all good for microwave but before the Ka-ching timer sounded off, there was a Ka-boom and pieces of food were splattered on the insides of the white box. What a mess...and thank God it wasn't an animal inside there like Urban Legends. Had to expand much effort to clean up the sick mess before I can enjoy my much deserved breakfast of cereal and milk, muffins and patties. Not to mention I had to skip coffee...dang!
If you ask me, this was the first time I had actually blew up something inside the microwave and boy it ain't a pleasant experience. Yeah I meant the cleaning up part...because the last time round I presumed I had a slight concussion where I actually placed a packet of regular (or so I thought) food inside. A couple of seconds after turning the knob, there were green lightnings and sparks flying off the inside of the white box. Then there was a burnt stench smoking off the corner of the packed food. Yeah it had metal lining on the packaging and for a moment I thought a T-800 was gonna spawn from my mini microwave.
That aside everything else is pretty much the same old routine that everyone goes thru to get thru the week except that I might just be a little better with much of my work time dedicated to updating blogs and stuffs, listening to podcasts and fiddling with Facebook's applications.
Be sure not to try the same insane stunts I did and make darn sure you check the packaging the next time you microwave you food because I won't be responsible for any energy orbs or T-800s.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Spring Trip To Kansai (Osaka)
- Never Stop Dreaming -
And here are the photo updates of the Spring Trip down to Osaka. Will update the Kyoto ones when they are ready.
When my alarm clock rang at 0330 hours on the cold silent morning of 27th March 2009, I was pretty reluctant to get out of bed because the warmth that I had accumulated beneath my cosy fur blanket was simply too comfortable. Hesitant, I knew I can't miss the 0450 hours bus down to Kansai. So a can of Asahi Morning Shot coffee and some bread from last nite, I was navigating my way thru the heavy snow storm in the dark. The snow was definitely a blessing though a bit late since it's already Spring now but nonetheless, my Accord glimmered thru the white slippery surface with ease. Was too cold and too hazardous to pull out my camera from my 15kg bloated pack while I was driving so no pics.
Boarded the bus and went straight for the back row while trying desperately to steal some precious nap before the sun wakes. Of course had to transfer buses 2 times which took me by surprise since I didn't saw that coming. By now it was the 3rd bus and last bus to transfer and was pulling away from Ina (伊那) and heading towards Kyoto via the highway. The sun was trying to peep thru the thick fluffy white skies so I took the chance to fire one from the back.
See how the foggy roads ahead were still white on the sides...
Then along the way the sun finally shone thru and the gentle rays lit up the otherwise sleepy white town below.
See how the mountains on the other side woke up with a sweet golden glow on this cold wintery morning.
Then when I hit Kyoto, quite simply I stashed away my camera and slept thru the 1 hour journey from Kyoto to Osaka. Well I thought I would be in Kyoto 2 days later for the temples, shrines and cherry trees so I shall skip the boring city of Kyoto for now.
Upon reaching Osaka, the first thoughts that surfaced were street candids so pulled the first one here where the cones lined up unevenly.
Then came the attempt to frame people off the streets but the problem soon arises since everytime I looked into the viewfinder, people tended to shun so to make it less obvious since I was using a 35mm prime, I simply punched in the settings after metering off the viewfinder, held the cam to my chest level and fired away randomly hoping to catch some unsuspecting victims. Viola...
"Weird leggings"
"The Sound of Music"
"Tall hat with no Chocolates = No Charlie and no Mr Depp"
And the entire afternoon I spent a boring time with a friend in Osaka but I shall skip the details since I have already said it was boring. Towards the evening I passed the underground Namba Walk to find my sleep hole when this interesting "Wall of Moving Lights" caught my attention. The whole underground walk kinda reminded me of City Link beneath CityHall in SG.
So after exiting JR Namba Station, I happened to cross this bridge when the reflection of the setting sun of the river and the buildings almost killed me. Mesmerizing I thought and POOF!, I let my camera do some magic and so these were quite possibly some of the most beautiful ones I took in Osaka.
And then in the end I found my little Capsule Hotel where I rejuvenated for 2 nites in Osaka. Located deep in the American Street in Namba, this steal was only ¥2,000 per nite. Of course the downside was that it was a all male capsule hotel I presumed and the locker space was big enuff to fit a puppy.
And Elsie said it looked more like a pet shop selling dogs.
And I said it was big enuff to fit persons smaller than 175cm.
And Mum said it looked like an oven.
All that spelled the end of Day 1 in Osaka so moving on to the 2nd day this was my Breakfast - Freshly brewed coffee, Japanese curry bread and fried pork bread...pretty yummy.
When i finished chomping my breakfast, I had to lug the now 16kg ++ bag around because the capsule was closed from 1000 hours to 1600 hours and EVERYONE had to checked out and re-check in from 1600 hours on daily. Cash only and reservations had to be done online. Whatever...so with my tripod on the left, I strapped my jacket on the right of my bag. Draped in 2 T-shirts, Levi's denim and desert boots, I stormed Den Den Town which is about 15 minute walk from where I stayed. It's kinda like Akihabara in Tokyo where toys, games, anime, maids, figures, gadgets, cameras, porn, were everywhere except this is in Osaka.
Yep Volks Inc and boy do they produce some of the most amazing figures and dolls. There are about 5 or 6 floors dedicated to different categories of toys ranging from Gundams, robots, to figures and of course wonderful wonderful life-liked dolls. Though I visited other stores that thronged this place, photography was prohibited inside the compound so again no pics. Then comes more street candids...
While crossing the street...
This Ah Pek was filming something and I shot him! Yeah he did caught me snapping him and gave me a really unfriendly stare.
This was what he was filming, 2 full floors of adult anime-themed games, videos, figures, cards, gay, lesbian, cosplay, anything fictional related that pleases the senses. So I decided to go there and have a look but the lights were red...
and I saw this 3 brothers and their dad. SNAPPED!
Kinda reminded me when I was younger because I was the middle child with 2 brothers as well but the light turned green and they fleeted.
Hmm I was greeted by this really crowded alley before reaching MelonBooks and curiosity took the better of me. SNAPPED and SNAPPED. These people here were actually OTAKUs aka Japanese geeks and most shared a similar trait may be offending if I spelled it out loud here so go ask your Japanese teachers, friends, bosses, EXs, etc and go figure.
And apparently this was the place pushing out some anime-themed event that drew a huge following and nah I didn't bothered to shove thru the crowd to get in. Besides there was an entrance fee I presumed.
Moving towards MelonBooks, this 2 adorable kitties posed across the street when they saw my DSLR...SNAPPED!
I signaled to them that I wanted a closer shot and yep these fluffy kitties agreed readily.
Then there were the more ordinary looking maids which I had skipped altogether except for this one.
Took a nice tour inside MelonBooks and upon exiting saw this anime-themed Silvia S15...SNAPPED!
Moving on the street in front of MelonBooks, snapped a maid cafe sign that says, "Welcome back my Master". Interestingly there were a lot of different themed maid cafes which offers interesting experiences but most were priced by hourly package which can be anything from ¥3,900 for an hour. Nothing too sleazy or shady like China Crows in SG though but still pretty exorbitant which sort of justifies the young 18 or 19 year olds, sweet looking maids in your favorite cosplay outfit serving you and addressing you by Master.
Before heading for a late lunch saw this sweet bond between father and son.
Walking along the different aisles of Den Den Town, I found a ramen store that serves Tonkotsu Ramen aka Pork Broth Ramen named KamiTora (God Tiger). They had the regular white based "God Tiger" ramen, the black based "Black Tiger" ramen and the red based spicy "Red Tiger" ramen. I had the Black Tiger set without the Singapore Tiger (Beer) of course which was replaced with Asahi Super Dry. The noodles were a little too soft for my liking but the mini Kim Chi Beef Bowl was not too bad. (And that is my personal chopsticks!)
The cute waitress Yuki told me that I was very cool and wanted to be my friend. Done and we exchanged numbers...now I have 1 more friend in Osaka and she have 1 new Singaporean friend in Japan. Got them all 3 to ignite more entries for my "Mystery Message" project. The young chef and owner of this ramen store is on the right with the cap.
After the late lunch at around 1630 hours I had ample time before I meet my cousin Terry and Kirsten later in the evening. Popped by the Taito Arcade building and tried my hands on Street Fighter IV and got my sorry ass kicked hard. Then it was simply watching how the pros mashed buttons and chained combos. This sick dude trashed every challenger with Zangief and held on to some 15 wins champion.
There after I went on to BIC CAMERA to check out more camera gear. Initially wanted to get some decent second hand strobes while in Den Den Town but the 2 Nikon SB-26s I had checked out earlier had issues like non working display light or faulty batt cover. In the end I gave up searching for strobes and bought an orange foam pouch for my camera. Around 1900 hours, I travelled to Shin Sai Bashi to meet up with my cousin and while crossing the lights beneath the highway, a sleeping quarters of some begger had 2 cats and a white fluffy dog sleeping in it. Warmth in odd places was how I felt.
And here are the photo updates of the Spring Trip down to Osaka. Will update the Kyoto ones when they are ready.
When my alarm clock rang at 0330 hours on the cold silent morning of 27th March 2009, I was pretty reluctant to get out of bed because the warmth that I had accumulated beneath my cosy fur blanket was simply too comfortable. Hesitant, I knew I can't miss the 0450 hours bus down to Kansai. So a can of Asahi Morning Shot coffee and some bread from last nite, I was navigating my way thru the heavy snow storm in the dark. The snow was definitely a blessing though a bit late since it's already Spring now but nonetheless, my Accord glimmered thru the white slippery surface with ease. Was too cold and too hazardous to pull out my camera from my 15kg bloated pack while I was driving so no pics.
Boarded the bus and went straight for the back row while trying desperately to steal some precious nap before the sun wakes. Of course had to transfer buses 2 times which took me by surprise since I didn't saw that coming. By now it was the 3rd bus and last bus to transfer and was pulling away from Ina (伊那) and heading towards Kyoto via the highway. The sun was trying to peep thru the thick fluffy white skies so I took the chance to fire one from the back.
See how the foggy roads ahead were still white on the sides...
Then along the way the sun finally shone thru and the gentle rays lit up the otherwise sleepy white town below.
See how the mountains on the other side woke up with a sweet golden glow on this cold wintery morning.
Then when I hit Kyoto, quite simply I stashed away my camera and slept thru the 1 hour journey from Kyoto to Osaka. Well I thought I would be in Kyoto 2 days later for the temples, shrines and cherry trees so I shall skip the boring city of Kyoto for now.
Upon reaching Osaka, the first thoughts that surfaced were street candids so pulled the first one here where the cones lined up unevenly.
Then came the attempt to frame people off the streets but the problem soon arises since everytime I looked into the viewfinder, people tended to shun so to make it less obvious since I was using a 35mm prime, I simply punched in the settings after metering off the viewfinder, held the cam to my chest level and fired away randomly hoping to catch some unsuspecting victims. Viola...
"Weird leggings"
"The Sound of Music"
"Tall hat with no Chocolates = No Charlie and no Mr Depp"
And the entire afternoon I spent a boring time with a friend in Osaka but I shall skip the details since I have already said it was boring. Towards the evening I passed the underground Namba Walk to find my sleep hole when this interesting "Wall of Moving Lights" caught my attention. The whole underground walk kinda reminded me of City Link beneath CityHall in SG.
So after exiting JR Namba Station, I happened to cross this bridge when the reflection of the setting sun of the river and the buildings almost killed me. Mesmerizing I thought and POOF!, I let my camera do some magic and so these were quite possibly some of the most beautiful ones I took in Osaka.
And then in the end I found my little Capsule Hotel where I rejuvenated for 2 nites in Osaka. Located deep in the American Street in Namba, this steal was only ¥2,000 per nite. Of course the downside was that it was a all male capsule hotel I presumed and the locker space was big enuff to fit a puppy.
And Elsie said it looked more like a pet shop selling dogs.
And I said it was big enuff to fit persons smaller than 175cm.
And Mum said it looked like an oven.
All that spelled the end of Day 1 in Osaka so moving on to the 2nd day this was my Breakfast - Freshly brewed coffee, Japanese curry bread and fried pork bread...pretty yummy.
When i finished chomping my breakfast, I had to lug the now 16kg ++ bag around because the capsule was closed from 1000 hours to 1600 hours and EVERYONE had to checked out and re-check in from 1600 hours on daily. Cash only and reservations had to be done online. Whatever...so with my tripod on the left, I strapped my jacket on the right of my bag. Draped in 2 T-shirts, Levi's denim and desert boots, I stormed Den Den Town which is about 15 minute walk from where I stayed. It's kinda like Akihabara in Tokyo where toys, games, anime, maids, figures, gadgets, cameras, porn, were everywhere except this is in Osaka.
Yep Volks Inc and boy do they produce some of the most amazing figures and dolls. There are about 5 or 6 floors dedicated to different categories of toys ranging from Gundams, robots, to figures and of course wonderful wonderful life-liked dolls. Though I visited other stores that thronged this place, photography was prohibited inside the compound so again no pics. Then comes more street candids...
While crossing the street...
This Ah Pek was filming something and I shot him! Yeah he did caught me snapping him and gave me a really unfriendly stare.
This was what he was filming, 2 full floors of adult anime-themed games, videos, figures, cards, gay, lesbian, cosplay, anything fictional related that pleases the senses. So I decided to go there and have a look but the lights were red...
and I saw this 3 brothers and their dad. SNAPPED!
Kinda reminded me when I was younger because I was the middle child with 2 brothers as well but the light turned green and they fleeted.
Hmm I was greeted by this really crowded alley before reaching MelonBooks and curiosity took the better of me. SNAPPED and SNAPPED. These people here were actually OTAKUs aka Japanese geeks and most shared a similar trait may be offending if I spelled it out loud here so go ask your Japanese teachers, friends, bosses, EXs, etc and go figure.
And apparently this was the place pushing out some anime-themed event that drew a huge following and nah I didn't bothered to shove thru the crowd to get in. Besides there was an entrance fee I presumed.
Moving towards MelonBooks, this 2 adorable kitties posed across the street when they saw my DSLR...SNAPPED!
I signaled to them that I wanted a closer shot and yep these fluffy kitties agreed readily.
Then there were the more ordinary looking maids which I had skipped altogether except for this one.
Took a nice tour inside MelonBooks and upon exiting saw this anime-themed Silvia S15...SNAPPED!
Moving on the street in front of MelonBooks, snapped a maid cafe sign that says, "Welcome back my Master". Interestingly there were a lot of different themed maid cafes which offers interesting experiences but most were priced by hourly package which can be anything from ¥3,900 for an hour. Nothing too sleazy or shady like China Crows in SG though but still pretty exorbitant which sort of justifies the young 18 or 19 year olds, sweet looking maids in your favorite cosplay outfit serving you and addressing you by Master.
Before heading for a late lunch saw this sweet bond between father and son.
Walking along the different aisles of Den Den Town, I found a ramen store that serves Tonkotsu Ramen aka Pork Broth Ramen named KamiTora (God Tiger). They had the regular white based "God Tiger" ramen, the black based "Black Tiger" ramen and the red based spicy "Red Tiger" ramen. I had the Black Tiger set without the Singapore Tiger (Beer) of course which was replaced with Asahi Super Dry. The noodles were a little too soft for my liking but the mini Kim Chi Beef Bowl was not too bad. (And that is my personal chopsticks!)
The cute waitress Yuki told me that I was very cool and wanted to be my friend. Done and we exchanged numbers...now I have 1 more friend in Osaka and she have 1 new Singaporean friend in Japan. Got them all 3 to ignite more entries for my "Mystery Message" project. The young chef and owner of this ramen store is on the right with the cap.
After the late lunch at around 1630 hours I had ample time before I meet my cousin Terry and Kirsten later in the evening. Popped by the Taito Arcade building and tried my hands on Street Fighter IV and got my sorry ass kicked hard. Then it was simply watching how the pros mashed buttons and chained combos. This sick dude trashed every challenger with Zangief and held on to some 15 wins champion.
There after I went on to BIC CAMERA to check out more camera gear. Initially wanted to get some decent second hand strobes while in Den Den Town but the 2 Nikon SB-26s I had checked out earlier had issues like non working display light or faulty batt cover. In the end I gave up searching for strobes and bought an orange foam pouch for my camera. Around 1900 hours, I travelled to Shin Sai Bashi to meet up with my cousin and while crossing the lights beneath the highway, a sleeping quarters of some begger had 2 cats and a white fluffy dog sleeping in it. Warmth in odd places was how I felt.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Aged like Kyoto
- Never Stop Dreaming -
I happened to realise that age have crept slowly into my body to deteriote it silently. Before I depart for the Kansai region for my Spring Break, snowboarding had left me nothing short of a damaged shoulder and MCL. Still occasionally limping on my knee and unable to fully rotate my shoulder, once again I sucumbed to yet another lousy injury. This time round I sprained my ankle so bad over a half inch unleveled ground in Kyoto, my ankle is all bruised up, swollen like a bun and pretty messed up. All these injuries are hinting a sign of coincidence or pointing me to decipher the meaning of an omen? Might it be some a**h*** cursing me behind my back?
Brats, that aside I have to say travelling down Southern Japan wasn't really all spills and no thrills. The journey from Nagano on the morning of 27 March was snowy and really beautiful. Then in Osaka, I was rewarded with spontaneous and interesting people, cheap capsule hotels (￥2,000) and cute kitty maids. Oh not to mention a sweet young ramen store staff who told me I was very cool and wanted to be my friend...done! Yep I was staying in downtown Namba in a cheap capsule hotel with a locker that can only fit a briefcase so in the end I had to unload the contents of my pack to puzzle them into the tiny crammed locker. The little capsule cubicle mouse hole was not too bad because it was clean and comfortable. Didn't see any females there (think is an only male capsule) and the shower was the typical Japanese onsen style ones. Walking around the streets, I travelled in the day to Den Den Town scouting for toys and old camera gears. Well since it was the second time I have been there, the streets were all so familiar. In the end the toys were a bit to bulky for me to lug around since I had a backpack loaded with at least 15kg of camera lens, flash, batts, cards, tripods, etc. so I had to sulk and leave. Didn't buy any camera gear as well because the old Nikon SBs were either dirty, certain functions not working or a sqeaky batt cover. But I did capture some decent frames, walked thru hordes of weird OTAKUs reading uncensored porn manga and whisked myself a decent set of vixen's ears and a tail (Yeah COSPLAY). With still time on my schedule, I tried out Street Fighter IV at the arcades and got my sorry ass kicked badly...man this game is HARD. And finally before leaving, I made friend with a sweet ramen staff by the name of Yuki who told me I was very cool (can I even deny that?!)
Then arriving in Kyoto, I had an excellent photojournalistic journey with my cousin Terry and his gf. Of couse I couldn't miss out my wonderful local guide, Mai who was also my friend and a really gorgeous model. Partnering with Terry, we simply paraded around armed with Canon cameras, devilish red "L" lens and 580EX2 flashguns. Though the main purpose for me in this trip was to catch the cherry blossoms, sadly the weird weather only prompted some pockets of them. Nonetheless, the rustic but photogenic setting, the warm setting sun and the beautiful people and colors made it all possible to capture some rather amazing frames for an amateur like meself. Mai was really photogenic and enthusiastic with no qualms about posing for me each time I ask for a shot. Not to mention all those button mashing FEC times so in the end, yep I have to agree that some of the shots did turn out pretty good. Now it's just post processing them. Terry my wonderful cousin was another great photographer...together we tend to see the same perspective time to time and he was never tired of trying insane shots or to slave his 580EX2 for me. Kirsten was equally amazing as well be it posing for a shot or busy framing Terry.
The locations were at Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace grounds, and various other famous locations in Kyoto which I have forgotten the names altogether. But I do remember the night illumination at Kiyomizu Dera where my tripod did worked for me to get the night shots. This otherwise sturdy tripod also allowed me to HDR(ed) the gates at Fushimi Inari. Not sure how they will looked until I return home today. While in Kyoto, my humble lodging was provided by Utano Youth Hostel which I would really RECOMMEND. Fantastic resort style lodging that was recently refurnished so everything is brand new, cosy and clean. Staffs spoke excellent English so you don't have to slog thru your Japanese textbooks. Lockers in the 4 man double deck dorm was huge to fit my backpack and the dorm had a sofa, tables and chairs. The rates were ￥3,300 for a single night which you can opt for breakfast (made by Maruzen Bakery) for an additional ￥600. In front of the hostel stood a willowing, amazingly beautiful cherry clossom tree which is perfect for shutter chance if the blue sky permits. To sum it up the entire Kyoto experience was simply too heavenly because I had my cousin Terry to go on a photographic spree and my good friend Mai to drive us around, be my model and to take us to lavish authentic Kyoto style restaurant by the river side (aka Clark Quay) to savor some of the best local Kyoto only limited fare and sake. I had skipped the restaurant pictures because I was busying sipping sake.
Was rudely interupted yesterday while I was still strolling the streets in Kyoto by a phonecall to tell me that I had to go to work today because the new staffs were to be properly introduced and a ￥5,000 dinner was inevitable. There I spend my last few hours in Kyoto on 31st with Mai and Azu, sampling the famous sakura ice cream and the soy bean "extra strong" ice cream before heading back to Nagano. Tired, bruised and limping, I hauled my oversized backpack onto the bus by 1600 hours only to reach Saku by 2320 hours. Was greeted by my silver Accord which brought me home by 2350 hours where I unloaded and fell into bed like a log.
Now in the midst of the all Japanese meeting, I can trying to squeeze the memories outta my head before they clot like my ankle...Pictures did I hear you screaming? Yes yes I will try to process them and post them up.
God Bless because I can feel that I am fallin apart.
I happened to realise that age have crept slowly into my body to deteriote it silently. Before I depart for the Kansai region for my Spring Break, snowboarding had left me nothing short of a damaged shoulder and MCL. Still occasionally limping on my knee and unable to fully rotate my shoulder, once again I sucumbed to yet another lousy injury. This time round I sprained my ankle so bad over a half inch unleveled ground in Kyoto, my ankle is all bruised up, swollen like a bun and pretty messed up. All these injuries are hinting a sign of coincidence or pointing me to decipher the meaning of an omen? Might it be some a**h*** cursing me behind my back?
Brats, that aside I have to say travelling down Southern Japan wasn't really all spills and no thrills. The journey from Nagano on the morning of 27 March was snowy and really beautiful. Then in Osaka, I was rewarded with spontaneous and interesting people, cheap capsule hotels (￥2,000) and cute kitty maids. Oh not to mention a sweet young ramen store staff who told me I was very cool and wanted to be my friend...done! Yep I was staying in downtown Namba in a cheap capsule hotel with a locker that can only fit a briefcase so in the end I had to unload the contents of my pack to puzzle them into the tiny crammed locker. The little capsule cubicle mouse hole was not too bad because it was clean and comfortable. Didn't see any females there (think is an only male capsule) and the shower was the typical Japanese onsen style ones. Walking around the streets, I travelled in the day to Den Den Town scouting for toys and old camera gears. Well since it was the second time I have been there, the streets were all so familiar. In the end the toys were a bit to bulky for me to lug around since I had a backpack loaded with at least 15kg of camera lens, flash, batts, cards, tripods, etc. so I had to sulk and leave. Didn't buy any camera gear as well because the old Nikon SBs were either dirty, certain functions not working or a sqeaky batt cover. But I did capture some decent frames, walked thru hordes of weird OTAKUs reading uncensored porn manga and whisked myself a decent set of vixen's ears and a tail (Yeah COSPLAY). With still time on my schedule, I tried out Street Fighter IV at the arcades and got my sorry ass kicked badly...man this game is HARD. And finally before leaving, I made friend with a sweet ramen staff by the name of Yuki who told me I was very cool (can I even deny that?!)
Then arriving in Kyoto, I had an excellent photojournalistic journey with my cousin Terry and his gf. Of couse I couldn't miss out my wonderful local guide, Mai who was also my friend and a really gorgeous model. Partnering with Terry, we simply paraded around armed with Canon cameras, devilish red "L" lens and 580EX2 flashguns. Though the main purpose for me in this trip was to catch the cherry blossoms, sadly the weird weather only prompted some pockets of them. Nonetheless, the rustic but photogenic setting, the warm setting sun and the beautiful people and colors made it all possible to capture some rather amazing frames for an amateur like meself. Mai was really photogenic and enthusiastic with no qualms about posing for me each time I ask for a shot. Not to mention all those button mashing FEC times so in the end, yep I have to agree that some of the shots did turn out pretty good. Now it's just post processing them. Terry my wonderful cousin was another great photographer...together we tend to see the same perspective time to time and he was never tired of trying insane shots or to slave his 580EX2 for me. Kirsten was equally amazing as well be it posing for a shot or busy framing Terry.
The locations were at Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace grounds, and various other famous locations in Kyoto which I have forgotten the names altogether. But I do remember the night illumination at Kiyomizu Dera where my tripod did worked for me to get the night shots. This otherwise sturdy tripod also allowed me to HDR(ed) the gates at Fushimi Inari. Not sure how they will looked until I return home today. While in Kyoto, my humble lodging was provided by Utano Youth Hostel which I would really RECOMMEND. Fantastic resort style lodging that was recently refurnished so everything is brand new, cosy and clean. Staffs spoke excellent English so you don't have to slog thru your Japanese textbooks. Lockers in the 4 man double deck dorm was huge to fit my backpack and the dorm had a sofa, tables and chairs. The rates were ￥3,300 for a single night which you can opt for breakfast (made by Maruzen Bakery) for an additional ￥600. In front of the hostel stood a willowing, amazingly beautiful cherry clossom tree which is perfect for shutter chance if the blue sky permits. To sum it up the entire Kyoto experience was simply too heavenly because I had my cousin Terry to go on a photographic spree and my good friend Mai to drive us around, be my model and to take us to lavish authentic Kyoto style restaurant by the river side (aka Clark Quay) to savor some of the best local Kyoto only limited fare and sake. I had skipped the restaurant pictures because I was busying sipping sake.
Was rudely interupted yesterday while I was still strolling the streets in Kyoto by a phonecall to tell me that I had to go to work today because the new staffs were to be properly introduced and a ￥5,000 dinner was inevitable. There I spend my last few hours in Kyoto on 31st with Mai and Azu, sampling the famous sakura ice cream and the soy bean "extra strong" ice cream before heading back to Nagano. Tired, bruised and limping, I hauled my oversized backpack onto the bus by 1600 hours only to reach Saku by 2320 hours. Was greeted by my silver Accord which brought me home by 2350 hours where I unloaded and fell into bed like a log.
Now in the midst of the all Japanese meeting, I can trying to squeeze the memories outta my head before they clot like my ankle...Pictures did I hear you screaming? Yes yes I will try to process them and post them up.
God Bless because I can feel that I am fallin apart.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Spring Vacation + some degenerative regression
- Never Stop Dreaming -
With only less than 6 more working days, I will be embracing the Spring Break here in Japan. The holiday spans about 2 weeks odd and begins on next Thursday. With my cousin bringing his love here to visit Japan, he is also bringing my love from SG to me. Yep he will be delivering me the lovely EF24-70L lens and boy will it be intruiging to get cosy with my new toy. I will be in Kansai region for about 5 days for this trip. With the first 2 days in Osaka, I will be catching up with Miki and doing some random street candids follow by the much anticipated photography spree with my cousin of Kyoto.
The rustic alleys, wooden temples, the relatively unchanged ambience that had transversed thru time and not to mention the hordes of school kids visiting Kyoto. All these only spell shutter chance in my head. I got my tripod, 2 red L lens and a wonderful flash, the only items I am missing out are a spare batt and a bigger memory card which I will be placing an order soon.
However before that, there is a slight chance that I might be travelling up to Izuna to visit the Ninja Village if I can gather enoungh strength. Well that's probably one if the attractions of central Japan and besides, did you know that Nagano actually houses 2 of the most prominent Ninja Factions in the Warring Era? I guess that's because there were a lot of forests here and mind you I am not refering to tropical rain forests aka SG style. I am refering to bamboo forests like in the Zhang Yimou's movies less the spendid bright green visual enticement. Would love to get some Ninja gear if I do visit the place.
After the Spring Break, I will most likely be adjusting my life for a little while because I have to get my driving licence converted (which is taking a ridiculously long time), buy a car and then lay low for a while (save up funds). Of course I will be most delighted to have an animalistic experience well, quite literally for every night to fulfil my ravage nature. These days it seems that I may not be the only one purging such pressure, other animals have in fact joined the likes of my ranks and boy am I proud of it. Haha too bad only the likes of such ravage beasts will understand the meaning of this gibberish spew of filth.
Ok ok...trying very hard not to stray after a series of consecutive nightly hyper high psychedelic fruity fungus animalistic mental ingestation. Wow, now that's definitely quite a mouthful. So ok April, take cover and prepare sniping position. But despite all that, I will most likely take advantage of the Cherry Blossoms in April to do a couple of photoshoots after I got my casts of models lined up. 3 in fact so far from the gorgeous dolly Mami to the sophisticated Yudie and Canadian Prince, Andrew. Will probably be my first ever photoshoot so I am pretty excited and yet stressed out by it since my perfectionist nature is demanding a lot more from me.
Life by my definition seems great and there are no other reasons why I would need to get a new one or change the current one. I am blessed with wonderful friends who love my company and wacky antics, everywhere I go I make more wonderful friends and even back home I can safely say I do have fantastic brothers to chill, lovely sisters to kill (for) and an interesting array of animals whom I might just be the Mighty George of the Jungle Tarzan Boy Wonder Kumpung Kid. Maybe because I am not a pest to society, not an unsightly eye sore weed among others, not a liability to people around me, not a leech sucking for life support and most definitely not some despicable tyrant terrorizing the lives of other people at large by attacking the vulnerable pawns on a chessboard like Mr Osama "Been very crazy lately" Laden. Simply because I believe that it's always who I have for friends and not how many I have, it's always what I do and not who I am and lastly I have to sadly admit, my stringent and yet effective ziple layered filter process takes out even the bad neutrons in an atom just so that I am rewarded with only WONDERFUL WONDERFUL FANTASTIC AND GOD SENT friends, families and faces I adore.
Thank You.
With only less than 6 more working days, I will be embracing the Spring Break here in Japan. The holiday spans about 2 weeks odd and begins on next Thursday. With my cousin bringing his love here to visit Japan, he is also bringing my love from SG to me. Yep he will be delivering me the lovely EF24-70L lens and boy will it be intruiging to get cosy with my new toy. I will be in Kansai region for about 5 days for this trip. With the first 2 days in Osaka, I will be catching up with Miki and doing some random street candids follow by the much anticipated photography spree with my cousin of Kyoto.
The rustic alleys, wooden temples, the relatively unchanged ambience that had transversed thru time and not to mention the hordes of school kids visiting Kyoto. All these only spell shutter chance in my head. I got my tripod, 2 red L lens and a wonderful flash, the only items I am missing out are a spare batt and a bigger memory card which I will be placing an order soon.
However before that, there is a slight chance that I might be travelling up to Izuna to visit the Ninja Village if I can gather enoungh strength. Well that's probably one if the attractions of central Japan and besides, did you know that Nagano actually houses 2 of the most prominent Ninja Factions in the Warring Era? I guess that's because there were a lot of forests here and mind you I am not refering to tropical rain forests aka SG style. I am refering to bamboo forests like in the Zhang Yimou's movies less the spendid bright green visual enticement. Would love to get some Ninja gear if I do visit the place.
After the Spring Break, I will most likely be adjusting my life for a little while because I have to get my driving licence converted (which is taking a ridiculously long time), buy a car and then lay low for a while (save up funds). Of course I will be most delighted to have an animalistic experience well, quite literally for every night to fulfil my ravage nature. These days it seems that I may not be the only one purging such pressure, other animals have in fact joined the likes of my ranks and boy am I proud of it. Haha too bad only the likes of such ravage beasts will understand the meaning of this gibberish spew of filth.
Ok ok...trying very hard not to stray after a series of consecutive nightly hyper high psychedelic fruity fungus animalistic mental ingestation. Wow, now that's definitely quite a mouthful. So ok April, take cover and prepare sniping position. But despite all that, I will most likely take advantage of the Cherry Blossoms in April to do a couple of photoshoots after I got my casts of models lined up. 3 in fact so far from the gorgeous dolly Mami to the sophisticated Yudie and Canadian Prince, Andrew. Will probably be my first ever photoshoot so I am pretty excited and yet stressed out by it since my perfectionist nature is demanding a lot more from me.
Life by my definition seems great and there are no other reasons why I would need to get a new one or change the current one. I am blessed with wonderful friends who love my company and wacky antics, everywhere I go I make more wonderful friends and even back home I can safely say I do have fantastic brothers to chill, lovely sisters to kill (for) and an interesting array of animals whom I might just be the Mighty George of the Jungle Tarzan Boy Wonder Kumpung Kid. Maybe because I am not a pest to society, not an unsightly eye sore weed among others, not a liability to people around me, not a leech sucking for life support and most definitely not some despicable tyrant terrorizing the lives of other people at large by attacking the vulnerable pawns on a chessboard like Mr Osama "Been very crazy lately" Laden. Simply because I believe that it's always who I have for friends and not how many I have, it's always what I do and not who I am and lastly I have to sadly admit, my stringent and yet effective ziple layered filter process takes out even the bad neutrons in an atom just so that I am rewarded with only WONDERFUL WONDERFUL FANTASTIC AND GOD SENT friends, families and faces I adore.
Thank You.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Merely Signs
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Back in those days, not too long after the era of policemen in shorts, SG used to be known as a place where law and order strives. In fact the laws were not only published in the Gazette, they were effectively enforced with severe punishments for the occasional rebels. Though seemingly resembling a Kim Jong "is very" Ill state, it did paid off and instilled fear in most of us to actually question our actions before we commit an act against the law. In that sense we became morally ethical puppets who conforms to every single law, killing creativity, illegal activities and eventually earned ourselves a recognised place on the global scale. Now that of course is a really really behemoth of a blessing because a dot on the "i" in the word Singapore is what we really are on a world map and because of the way Singapore was protrayed as, it have evolved to be one of the most livable city states in Asia.
Yes I grew up abiding laws and avoid any direct conflict with it because there were severe and the fines were not within my capacity. Of course like every other teenage-angst-ridden youth, there were times where we flouted the laws. But these were done away from pesky public eyes. Even the older Japanese here in the Land of the Rising Sun remembers SG as a "Clean and Green City" and "Singapore is a FINE City." where the strict laws were effective in governing the land. Other American friends remember the infamous Michael Fay "Ass-Whipping" case and shrudders in fear when they seek my confirmation and details pertaining to the who issue.
So these days when I tune in to my local dosage of more MIC poisoning cases, rude behaviors, run-ins on STOMP and Channelnewsasia and have myself a really good laugh. I find myself reading more articles on how the laws that once wielded such enormous power were being blantantly flouted in SG. Escaped terrorist, eating on MRTs, smoking on MRTs, illegal parkings, naked paraders, porn in carpark, killing in University, etc were just teasers I presumed. Besides that, these news were almost 70% reported by netizens on STOMP and as far as I know, no one was apprended, no fines were issued and everyone simply gets on with their lives. I am left pondering the reasons for the recent spate of these lawlessness spree.
Is it because the economic downturn have reduced the staff strength of the various organizations?
Have the related staffs lost the vigilance and effectiveness to carry out daily duties?
Have the laws lost it's effectiveness and become mere posters and decorations on public places?
Have we evolved so advanced that laws are no longer needed?
Is there otherwise an indication I have missed out?
Is there a surge in rebels with no regards to the law?
Questions and more questions but little answers...but the bottomline is that though some of the issues I have quoted above are little and really nano as compared to murder or national conspiracy, laws are still meant to be observed in the confines of the public. I do hope that the laws that had such immerse influence which I grew up with and had gained recognition worldwide will not succumb to the recent surge in such amusing activities.
Back in those days, not too long after the era of policemen in shorts, SG used to be known as a place where law and order strives. In fact the laws were not only published in the Gazette, they were effectively enforced with severe punishments for the occasional rebels. Though seemingly resembling a Kim Jong "is very" Ill state, it did paid off and instilled fear in most of us to actually question our actions before we commit an act against the law. In that sense we became morally ethical puppets who conforms to every single law, killing creativity, illegal activities and eventually earned ourselves a recognised place on the global scale. Now that of course is a really really behemoth of a blessing because a dot on the "i" in the word Singapore is what we really are on a world map and because of the way Singapore was protrayed as, it have evolved to be one of the most livable city states in Asia.
Yes I grew up abiding laws and avoid any direct conflict with it because there were severe and the fines were not within my capacity. Of course like every other teenage-angst-ridden youth, there were times where we flouted the laws. But these were done away from pesky public eyes. Even the older Japanese here in the Land of the Rising Sun remembers SG as a "Clean and Green City" and "Singapore is a FINE City." where the strict laws were effective in governing the land. Other American friends remember the infamous Michael Fay "Ass-Whipping" case and shrudders in fear when they seek my confirmation and details pertaining to the who issue.
So these days when I tune in to my local dosage of more MIC poisoning cases, rude behaviors, run-ins on STOMP and Channelnewsasia and have myself a really good laugh. I find myself reading more articles on how the laws that once wielded such enormous power were being blantantly flouted in SG. Escaped terrorist, eating on MRTs, smoking on MRTs, illegal parkings, naked paraders, porn in carpark, killing in University, etc were just teasers I presumed. Besides that, these news were almost 70% reported by netizens on STOMP and as far as I know, no one was apprended, no fines were issued and everyone simply gets on with their lives. I am left pondering the reasons for the recent spate of these lawlessness spree.
Is it because the economic downturn have reduced the staff strength of the various organizations?
Have the related staffs lost the vigilance and effectiveness to carry out daily duties?
Have the laws lost it's effectiveness and become mere posters and decorations on public places?
Have we evolved so advanced that laws are no longer needed?
Is there otherwise an indication I have missed out?
Is there a surge in rebels with no regards to the law?
Questions and more questions but little answers...but the bottomline is that though some of the issues I have quoted above are little and really nano as compared to murder or national conspiracy, laws are still meant to be observed in the confines of the public. I do hope that the laws that had such immerse influence which I grew up with and had gained recognition worldwide will not succumb to the recent surge in such amusing activities.
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