Jun 2006
Superman Returns!
30/06/06 02:30 Filed in: Personal
Went to
watch the movie: Superman Returns on the second
Opening day which is on 29th of June 2006. Was with
Chong Peng and Wei Shan. The show was a blast, but CP
and Wei Shan found it so-so. I thought it was a great
movie with great cinematography, and a fresh change
to the rubbish that was superman 3 and 4. Superman
has a son now? Interesting.
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I was right! Repairing costs in Japan IS cheaper!
17/06/06 16:37 Filed in: Personal
I called up
Canon service center a few days ago to enquire
regarding the cost of repairing my canon ixus 400.
Previously I mentioned that it costs 9900Yen to get
it repaired in 7 days in Tokyo. That is about 140
SGD.
Well my hunch was right. A good thing too that I called them up so that I don't have to be down there and sulk after hearing what they have to say about the price. The engineer on the other end of the line was happy to quote me an exact figure of how much was required of me to shell out the dough from my pocket. A cool 220 SGD. That's disgusting really. If only I had stayed a week longer in Japan I would have saved 70 SGD just for repairs! Argh!
Guess I'll wait till my next trip to Tokyo this December. I'll be going to Tokyo Disney Sea actually with my significant other (hopefully as planned) and yes I'll be there for 2 weeks. Just nice to give them repairing guys at the Canon Service center in Ginza (oh poshy Ginza) some time to give my camera a good whack to get it back into shape.
Disgusting really...to charge a man that much money just to get my camera fixed. Man....I could do so much with 70 SGD! Like give it to my favorite Charity for example just to name a few!
So for now I'm happy using my Canon DV cam as a digital camera for the time being. Bulky as it maybe compared to a compact camera, it serves its purpose. Took nice photographs in good light too, if you notice the photos in my Tokyo journal entries
Very pleased indeed.
This camera was bought back in 2003 before the CCD conked out weeks ago. It served me well and I wish to get it fixed. It is still in good condition. 8.5 out of 10 (due to some light metallic paint chipped off at the corners and the sides). Superb compact camera I can slip into my trouser pockets after I've taken a casual shot. Awesome camera.
Well my hunch was right. A good thing too that I called them up so that I don't have to be down there and sulk after hearing what they have to say about the price. The engineer on the other end of the line was happy to quote me an exact figure of how much was required of me to shell out the dough from my pocket. A cool 220 SGD. That's disgusting really. If only I had stayed a week longer in Japan I would have saved 70 SGD just for repairs! Argh!
Guess I'll wait till my next trip to Tokyo this December. I'll be going to Tokyo Disney Sea actually with my significant other (hopefully as planned) and yes I'll be there for 2 weeks. Just nice to give them repairing guys at the Canon Service center in Ginza (oh poshy Ginza) some time to give my camera a good whack to get it back into shape.
Disgusting really...to charge a man that much money just to get my camera fixed. Man....I could do so much with 70 SGD! Like give it to my favorite Charity for example just to name a few!
So for now I'm happy using my Canon DV cam as a digital camera for the time being. Bulky as it maybe compared to a compact camera, it serves its purpose. Took nice photographs in good light too, if you notice the photos in my Tokyo journal entries
Very pleased indeed.
This camera was bought back in 2003 before the CCD conked out weeks ago. It served me well and I wish to get it fixed. It is still in good condition. 8.5 out of 10 (due to some light metallic paint chipped off at the corners and the sides). Superb compact camera I can slip into my trouser pockets after I've taken a casual shot. Awesome camera.
Google sketchUP for Mac released!
13/06/06 22:49 Filed in: Apple
I love this
application! Its the easiest 3D software I have ever
used. I followed the tutorial and I created my first
houses and all!
This can also be exported as a 2D drawing in JPEG and also EPS. EPS can be imported into Flash I think, (haven't tried it, but in any case if it can't, I'll just open it using Fireworks and then copy it over to Flash. Simple as that).
This will really speed up drawings for animations in Flash if ever I want to draw a nice little house or some buildings. Really nice.
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This can also be exported as a 2D drawing in JPEG and also EPS. EPS can be imported into Flash I think, (haven't tried it, but in any case if it can't, I'll just open it using Fireworks and then copy it over to Flash. Simple as that).
This will really speed up drawings for animations in Flash if ever I want to draw a nice little house or some buildings. Really nice.
Unbelievable day!
10/06/06 19:00 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Well got
back from Harajuku. Walked with Erwan and suddenly
got pulled into a Bob Marley One love FREE concert
just like the ones in France...but this one's
legal! Well
anyway don't have photos only videos so will
update very soon. Solid music. Reggae and its
all in Japanese...man...it was happening!
View them all in action in my Tokyo Movie Album!
Just outside before reaching the One Love Jamaica Festival, there's a few performers, notable ones are Loovee. Nice music.
Listen to them in my Tokyo Movie Album
...and a band called Everlastinglie. Nice demo CD they gave out free. I liked the song titled Don't Look Down.
Man selling waffle like delicacy by the park.
Man selling "economic platter" by the park.
Cosplay girls in Harajuku.
![]()
Well
anyway don't have photos only videos so will
update very soon. Solid music. Reggae and its
all in Japanese...man...it was happening!
View them all in action in my Tokyo Movie Album!
Just outside before reaching the One Love Jamaica Festival, there's a few performers, notable ones are Loovee. Nice music.
Listen to them in my Tokyo Movie Album
...and a band called Everlastinglie. Nice demo CD they gave out free. I liked the song titled Don't Look Down.
Man selling waffle like delicacy by the park.
Man selling "economic platter" by the park.
Cosplay girls in Harajuku.
Shibuya Friday Night!
10/06/06 00:22 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Took a walk
to Shibuya with Sergio and Erwan.
Erwan's from France and he'd learnt to speak, read and write in Japanese. He came to Japan to speak with the locals to improve on his Japanese. He's also hoping to get a job teaching french to Japanese Students.
So Erwan had been for the mosst part been our guide for the night. Hahaha reminds me of the joke he made regarding the night captain. There's this campaign in France to discourage drink driving. The thing about people there is that if there's anything that's not allowed, people will do it. Well anyway, it's similar to Singapore's campaign where if you go celebrate at night one of the people in your group has to abstain from alcohol for the night. This guy is the Night Captain. So there has to be an agreement among friends who will take turns to be the "Night Captain". So the joke is while everyone is partying away and high on booze, the Night Captain hasn't got any. Well not completely. The following night the girls complain of some pain in their *** and other parts. So the Night Captain from the night before said "Oh...uhm... it must have been the alcohol...yeah..you girls must have had too much"....seriously ....hahahaha
Came across a homeless man who was asking for a drink. Man that was pretty rough. Erwan spoke japanese to him, saying sorry he doesn't have any.
Statue of the dog named Hachiko (or achigo?)
In remembrance of the faithful dog that waited for the lecturer at the train station every evening. Even after the lecturer has died the dog was still there.
Well, the statue put up there is now a common place for people to meet in Shibuya. So if you want to meet up in Shibuya, most probably the landmark you'd say to your friend would be meet at Hachiko. But even so, you might not be able to find your friend because the area is quite big.
Giant G-shock watch/clock
Playing a prank on one of their own. These guys must have been high on booze. Well they saw me with a video camera taking the footage and they shouted out "Japanese?" to me. Which is strange because they should have said "Nihon jin". But maybe because I was with Sergio and Erwan at the time. So they couldn't be sure whether or not I am japanese. I think if Sergio and Erwan weren't there I would have probably been pulled into the prank!
One of the sleave alleys in Shibuya. Love hotels are here too. Most interesting is the pink hippo. Seriously hippo? man...Erwan wa saying that he wouldn't want to pay to watch a hippo dance and all in there. hahahah
Check out the video of the massive number of people crossing the roads at a single time!
Erwan's from France and he'd learnt to speak, read and write in Japanese. He came to Japan to speak with the locals to improve on his Japanese. He's also hoping to get a job teaching french to Japanese Students.
So Erwan had been for the mosst part been our guide for the night. Hahaha reminds me of the joke he made regarding the night captain. There's this campaign in France to discourage drink driving. The thing about people there is that if there's anything that's not allowed, people will do it. Well anyway, it's similar to Singapore's campaign where if you go celebrate at night one of the people in your group has to abstain from alcohol for the night. This guy is the Night Captain. So there has to be an agreement among friends who will take turns to be the "Night Captain". So the joke is while everyone is partying away and high on booze, the Night Captain hasn't got any. Well not completely. The following night the girls complain of some pain in their *** and other parts. So the Night Captain from the night before said "Oh...uhm... it must have been the alcohol...yeah..you girls must have had too much"....seriously ....hahahaha
Came across a homeless man who was asking for a drink. Man that was pretty rough. Erwan spoke japanese to him, saying sorry he doesn't have any.
Statue of the dog named Hachiko (or achigo?)
In remembrance of the faithful dog that waited for the lecturer at the train station every evening. Even after the lecturer has died the dog was still there.
Well, the statue put up there is now a common place for people to meet in Shibuya. So if you want to meet up in Shibuya, most probably the landmark you'd say to your friend would be meet at Hachiko. But even so, you might not be able to find your friend because the area is quite big.
Giant G-shock watch/clock
Playing a prank on one of their own. These guys must have been high on booze. Well they saw me with a video camera taking the footage and they shouted out "Japanese?" to me. Which is strange because they should have said "Nihon jin". But maybe because I was with Sergio and Erwan at the time. So they couldn't be sure whether or not I am japanese. I think if Sergio and Erwan weren't there I would have probably been pulled into the prank!
One of the sleave alleys in Shibuya. Love hotels are here too. Most interesting is the pink hippo. Seriously hippo? man...Erwan wa saying that he wouldn't want to pay to watch a hippo dance and all in there. hahahah
Check out the video of the massive number of people crossing the roads at a single time!
Ueno. Walk in the park.
09/06/06 16:33 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Today's not
a good day. It started off with rain which stretches
from early morning till about 2 pm.
Helped Sergio pack his bicycle and send it to the Grand Palace Hotel.
Terrible rain. Had to spend 200 yen to use the drying machine to dry off my clothes.
Well we had lunch at the Thai restaurant in Central Plaza. The Phad Thai is really good!
We headed for the train station and stopped at Ueno. We came to The Art Hall and stopped to have coffee.
We didn't catch any plays or performances. There's the Edward Scissorhands playing for that day. Ballet!
Well we continued our journey to the Western Art Museum. August Rodin seems to be the center of Attraction there.
The Thinker and Me.
We ventured forth till we came across the National Science Museum.
There's a steam train right outside the entrance.
A rocket Launcher!
Sad puppeteer. No one claps for him. And attracts almost no one.
Helped Sergio pack his bicycle and send it to the Grand Palace Hotel.
Terrible rain. Had to spend 200 yen to use the drying machine to dry off my clothes.
Well we had lunch at the Thai restaurant in Central Plaza. The Phad Thai is really good!
We headed for the train station and stopped at Ueno. We came to The Art Hall and stopped to have coffee.
We didn't catch any plays or performances. There's the Edward Scissorhands playing for that day. Ballet!
Well we continued our journey to the Western Art Museum. August Rodin seems to be the center of Attraction there.
The Thinker and Me.
We ventured forth till we came across the National Science Museum.
There's a steam train right outside the entrance.
A rocket Launcher!
Sad puppeteer. No one claps for him. And attracts almost no one.
Harajuku Part 2...
08/06/06 22:09 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Along the way we saw street performers. They were promoting their own self produced albums. They sound pretty I must say.
Tin Man. Check out the video in the movie album
Entrance towards the Meiji Jingu at Yoyogi Park.
Jingu by the way means Shrine.
Lanterns neatly arranged here. I really don't know the significance of this.
The park is really beautiful. It can't get any greener than this.
Entrance towards the shrine. Before we entered we washed our hands. We should also take a sip of the water there.
Its a video so will upload later.
We then headed for dinner at Takeshita Dori Street. It's this Italian restaurant called La Pausa. Shared a seafood pizza. The crust is really crispy and thin.
And yes, there's no chilli sauce. Only tabasco or this Pepper sauce.
And then for dessert we had waffle with banana on top.
Harajuku... Juku means "Inn"
08/06/06 16:21 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Well I
learnt from Erwan that Juku means "Inn". Shin means
new by the way, if you're thinking of Shinjuku (which
I will chronicle later). I forgot to ask Erwan about
the meaning of Harajuku. Lots of Japanese word learnt
from Erwan... and he's not even Japanese! He's
French. He learnt to speak and write Japanese for 2
years.
Well, had lunch first at Mos Burger. Fish burger and strawberry milkshake. I took the black plastic Mos Burger coaster back with me as a cheap souvenir.
Takeshita Dori Street. This is where all the cools stuffs are. Videos to be uploaded soon.
Gaudy fashion!
More graffiti!
Art right next to it.
I like the messy wires overhead.
Takeshita street has the most eccentric and beautiful designs for a shopfront. Check it out.
Nice European style gaudy fashion.
Some youths doing graffiti art on the wall.
We then head down to the main street, can't remember the name exactly, but we are heading towards Meiji Jingu.
Up ahead I saw this!
Panda-themed confectionery and ice-cream shop!
We plodded on towards Harajuku station. Nice architecture.
Across the street is ....
Yes..snoopy house. Apparently Snoopy is HOT in Tokyo. There's quite a number of shops selling snoopy stuffs. Even in the train stations.
To be continued...
Well, had lunch first at Mos Burger. Fish burger and strawberry milkshake. I took the black plastic Mos Burger coaster back with me as a cheap souvenir.
Takeshita Dori Street. This is where all the cools stuffs are. Videos to be uploaded soon.
Gaudy fashion!
More graffiti!
Art right next to it.
I like the messy wires overhead.
Takeshita street has the most eccentric and beautiful designs for a shopfront. Check it out.
Nice European style gaudy fashion.
Some youths doing graffiti art on the wall.
We then head down to the main street, can't remember the name exactly, but we are heading towards Meiji Jingu.
Up ahead I saw this!
Panda-themed confectionery and ice-cream shop!
We plodded on towards Harajuku station. Nice architecture.
Across the street is ....
Yes..snoopy house. Apparently Snoopy is HOT in Tokyo. There's quite a number of shops selling snoopy stuffs. Even in the train stations.
To be continued...
Hard Disk Hunting! Wednesday 8 June '06
07/06/06 18:28 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Argh...have
to fork out money to pay for electronic items
again....damn it. Well...i think i got a good deal.
160GB 7200rpm usb external HDD for 9980 Yen. That's
equivalent to about 140 SGD. Not too shabby.
Had dinner here before heading out to get the hard disk.
This is rice with tofu. Excellent. About 570 Yen if I can remember...paid for it using a vending machine system. Had to call the chef to help me and Sergio to find which menu is which button to press. Its all words and no pictures on the buttons.
Sergio had something nicer.
Had dinner here before heading out to get the hard disk.
This is rice with tofu. Excellent. About 570 Yen if I can remember...paid for it using a vending machine system. Had to call the chef to help me and Sergio to find which menu is which button to press. Its all words and no pictures on the buttons.
Sergio had something nicer.
Just collected my powerbook! Hah!
07/06/06 17:36 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
You know,
Singapore's apple care service provided by these so
called "authorised" service center really at a level
that is below the most bottom of all service. I
wouldn't even say its a service. And to think people
have had good experience with them. Right. Well the
story goes like this. My Powerbook's DVD rom drive's
slot has a fabric that covers it to protect dust from
getting in. Recently it came out for no reason. So
since its still under warranty, I went down to
Micro2000 at Alexandra road, at this building which
belongs to performance center (BMW). This Micro2000
is an "authorised" applecare service centre. I went
there, asked if they could help put back the fabric.
They said " oh! that is not covered in the warranty.
That is mishandling on MY part and so I have to pay
for it!"
What the SHIT! I thought to myself. The reception checked again with the so called "engineers" at the back room and came back telling me they said I have to PAY hundreds just to to replace the whole bottom case of my powerbook which they say is not covered by warranty. What stupidness!!!!!
I went back home dissapointed and really upset. So I left it at there. Besides, the latch which closes the powerbook tight is also not working. After this kind of shit, I thought I won't bother with these people. Forget other applecare centres in Singapore. Micro2000 was generally thought to be the best, but THIS is what I got.
So luckily I am here in Japan, and I popped by Japan's Apple Store (which is way cool by the way...even the lift is designed with minimalism in mind...just like how they Apple designed the apple remote or the iPod for that matter. More about that later.) and then I enquired about the my laptop and how they could help me. They checked my serial number and confirmed that it is still under warranty and still brand new and so I have NO NEED to pay for ANYTHING. I was so relieved.
The apple genius (this is how they called the service people who attended to you at the Apple Genius Bar) named Takeshi really is very helpful. Initially he said my powerbook can only be ready in 5 days. I told him its not possible, I have to leave for Singapore on Sunday. Then I told him, if I go back to Singapore, the apple service center will charge me hundreds of dollars to replace the bottom case even when it is still under warranty. He couldn't believe it himself! He shook his head. He then paused for a while.
Then he asked me when else am I coming to Japan, I said maybe in December. He said "hmmm..." He then made a few calls to check on the availabilty of the bottom case of my Powerbook and the latch and then after about 10 minutes of checking with their own repair guys and supplies, he confirmed I can get it on Saturday which is today. I can't imagine how glad I was!
But I have to back up my Hard drive because he cannot guarantee that all data will still be there. Oh shat... now I have to fork out money to buy an external hardisk... Oh heck. I said, I'll send the powerbook to him the following day (which is on Thursday). He said if he's not there, I can pass to another genius.
Excellent service. Apple care rocks. But not in Singapore.
And here's the applecare form which if you notice is all ZERO yen.
![]()
What the SHIT! I thought to myself. The reception checked again with the so called "engineers" at the back room and came back telling me they said I have to PAY hundreds just to to replace the whole bottom case of my powerbook which they say is not covered by warranty. What stupidness!!!!!
I went back home dissapointed and really upset. So I left it at there. Besides, the latch which closes the powerbook tight is also not working. After this kind of shit, I thought I won't bother with these people. Forget other applecare centres in Singapore. Micro2000 was generally thought to be the best, but THIS is what I got.
So luckily I am here in Japan, and I popped by Japan's Apple Store (which is way cool by the way...even the lift is designed with minimalism in mind...just like how they Apple designed the apple remote or the iPod for that matter. More about that later.) and then I enquired about the my laptop and how they could help me. They checked my serial number and confirmed that it is still under warranty and still brand new and so I have NO NEED to pay for ANYTHING. I was so relieved.
The apple genius (this is how they called the service people who attended to you at the Apple Genius Bar) named Takeshi really is very helpful. Initially he said my powerbook can only be ready in 5 days. I told him its not possible, I have to leave for Singapore on Sunday. Then I told him, if I go back to Singapore, the apple service center will charge me hundreds of dollars to replace the bottom case even when it is still under warranty. He couldn't believe it himself! He shook his head. He then paused for a while.
Then he asked me when else am I coming to Japan, I said maybe in December. He said "hmmm..." He then made a few calls to check on the availabilty of the bottom case of my Powerbook and the latch and then after about 10 minutes of checking with their own repair guys and supplies, he confirmed I can get it on Saturday which is today. I can't imagine how glad I was!
But I have to back up my Hard drive because he cannot guarantee that all data will still be there. Oh shat... now I have to fork out money to buy an external hardisk... Oh heck. I said, I'll send the powerbook to him the following day (which is on Thursday). He said if he's not there, I can pass to another genius.
Excellent service. Apple care rocks. But not in Singapore.
And here's the applecare form which if you notice is all ZERO yen.
My canon ixus 400 needs repair!
07/06/06 15:06 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Well lucky
for me I still have a working video camera which can
take photos. Decent photos. Not the best but enough
for this update.
Anyway Sergio wants help to adjust the date on his canon prima. We went all over Iidabashi and ginza and none of the photo shops know how to change the date on the lcd display. So one good shop keeper suggested we go to a Canon Service center in Ginza. Its a few blocks away from the Apple Store but we had quite a hard time to find it initially.
Well I inquired about my canon ixus 400 and the service guy there said I need to replace the CCD. Since its out of warranty (3 years old), the cost of replacing it will be 9975 Yen. That's about 140 SGD. About the same price as the HDD which I will be buying at Akihabara later in the night ( more about that later).
I said its alright, and he said it will take 1 week. What!? I won't be in Singapore already. He said, he's sorry, nothing he could do. Oh well. At least I know the price to repair. I have a GOOD feeling the price is SO MUCH HIGHER in Singapore. Will check it out when I come back to Singapore.
Anyway Sergio wants help to adjust the date on his canon prima. We went all over Iidabashi and ginza and none of the photo shops know how to change the date on the lcd display. So one good shop keeper suggested we go to a Canon Service center in Ginza. Its a few blocks away from the Apple Store but we had quite a hard time to find it initially.
Well I inquired about my canon ixus 400 and the service guy there said I need to replace the CCD. Since its out of warranty (3 years old), the cost of replacing it will be 9975 Yen. That's about 140 SGD. About the same price as the HDD which I will be buying at Akihabara later in the night ( more about that later).
I said its alright, and he said it will take 1 week. What!? I won't be in Singapore already. He said, he's sorry, nothing he could do. Oh well. At least I know the price to repair. I have a GOOD feeling the price is SO MUCH HIGHER in Singapore. Will check it out when I come back to Singapore.
Poshy Ginza
07/06/06 14:11 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Ginza's got
lots of designer label stores, lots of rich people
strolling the streets.
The road outside the Metro Subway.
Outside Tiffany's.
Posh bookstore. Expensive stuffs here.
Well anyway main purpose is to go Apple Store! No pictures only videos. Will upload them when I got them firewire cables.
The road outside the Metro Subway.
Outside Tiffany's.
Posh bookstore. Expensive stuffs here.
Well anyway main purpose is to go Apple Store! No pictures only videos. Will upload them when I got them firewire cables.
Lunch time before heading to Ginza
07/06/06 12:48 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Had italian
food before heading to Ginza to enquire about my
powerbook. More about that later. Nice restaurants
here at Iidabashi.
We went to Excelsior Cafe. There's a few chains around Tokyo.
Had spaghetti with fish and cod roe. Ithink it's called Meintako. Beautiful and looks exquisite. Price is about 730 Yen.
For those who hate the smell or taste of fish stay away. For I got no choice. Well I find it ok anyway. Its nice. Cod roe is excellent.
Some typical stores selling lots of mobile phones.
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We went to Excelsior Cafe. There's a few chains around Tokyo.
Had spaghetti with fish and cod roe. Ithink it's called Meintako. Beautiful and looks exquisite. Price is about 730 Yen.
For those who hate the smell or taste of fish stay away. For I got no choice. Well I find it ok anyway. Its nice. Cod roe is excellent.
Some typical stores selling lots of mobile phones.
Tsukiji Fish Market!
07/06/06 07:35 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Woke up
really early today and headed down to the Tsukiji
Fish Market. Its the biggest fish market in Tokyo. Me
and Sergio arrived there at about 7am. That's a good
thing because at 8 am there's nothing much to see
because all activities has died down. We managed to
catch some of the actions of hustle and bustle there.
Amazing vehicle. These fishmongers ride on these instead of pulling carts like the picture above. Very interesting contraption!
He's got a really long long knife! Reminded me of a samurai's.
I didn't miss any opportunity to get on this machine to try out it myself! Woohoo!
Its been a early day for these fishmongers. Trading started way early at about 5am. I was still sleeping then. Its time for them to sleep.
![]()
Amazing vehicle. These fishmongers ride on these instead of pulling carts like the picture above. Very interesting contraption!
He's got a really long long knife! Reminded me of a samurai's.
I didn't miss any opportunity to get on this machine to try out it myself! Woohoo!
Its been a early day for these fishmongers. Trading started way early at about 5am. I was still sleeping then. Its time for them to sleep.
2nd Day in Tokyo part 2
06/06/06 17:30 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
We walked
further out of the residential areas trying to get to
the nearest subway.
We dropped by a 100 yen shop, I bought 2 meiji chocolates, I think it costs more in Singapore. I'd have to check this out. After that we stopped by this shop:
Selling these:
Waffles with assorted toppings.
These are very tasty indeed!
We dropped by a 100 yen shop, I bought 2 meiji chocolates, I think it costs more in Singapore. I'd have to check this out. After that we stopped by this shop:
Selling these:
Waffles with assorted toppings.
These are very tasty indeed!
2nd day in Tokyo
06/06/06 17:26 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Bicycles outside Central Plaza where I stayed. I noticed A LOT of people in Tokyo ride bicycles. Its great! Sergio really is into bicycling. He buys bicycle magazines and asked if Singapore has any. I said yes, but these are usually imported from overseas like the US.
We went to MacDonald's to have breakfast. A breakfast meal there costs about the same in Singapore.
We left the hostel at 830am and headed for Iidabashi train station to go to Shinjuku. Weekdays its not so happening. We see a lot of people rushing to work. Men and women in their power suits. and all.
This photo above reminds me very much of the scene under the Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place MRT station back in Singapore.
Sergio mentioned something about Japanese people generally have very good walking posture. They are rarely seen slouching. And they dress very well!
Sergio was complaining about how difficult it was for travellers who are cycling to use the train. Then we saw THIS!
Oh well. It was about 940am when we got out of the Shinjuku train station. We were having fun taking photos of the busy people scurrying like mad! Lucky for us this is our holiday — NO WORK!
Shinjuku is amazing. What struck me most is the towering skyscrapers. Really beautiful. Women there are very beautiful too. I think everyone there really knows how to look good.
There are shops selling cheap ruck sacs for travelling. Sergio got one for 980yen only!
We went into several buildings which unfortunately I cannot really remember. The interior is well designed.
Go to the photo album page to view these photos individually.
As we walked down the streets of Shinjuku, we see MORE bicycles! It looks to me, it made more sense to cycle in Tokyo. I am inspired by Sergio's deep interests in cycling. I think I will bring my trusty bicycle to Zurich, Switzerland and cycle there! Its wonderful.
As in all cities, you can never escape from graffiti.
This one on the roller shutters of a shop.
Spotted this beautifully ornamented clock hanging on the side of a tall building.
Had lunch at First Kitchen in Shin Junku. Prawn noodles with bits of seaweed. Not bad.
We walked and we walked till I really don't know where I was. As we walked down the main road line with the corporate buildings, we came across a gap between 2 buildings. It turns out this alleyway leads to...
A shrine. I really don't know any shrine hidden behind these buildings. It doesn't appear in my traveller's guide book.
We walked some more and reached the residential areas. Really nice place.
A boulangerie. Very pretty.
and so is the manhole cover!
After dinner walk in Akihabara
06/06/06 06:24 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Where's the freaking control station??
06/06/06 06:10 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Damn it.
Firstly, we were late. We reached Akihabara at 620pm. Secondly, there's so many exits from Akihabara! So where the heck is the control station??
Heck, I went with Sergio from one exit to another to find them. No luck.
Sergio suggested calling. Bad thing is, I got cellphone which won't work in Japan. Secondly Chong Peng got no cellphone with him.
Good thing I got the guide book. Ikebukuro house was listed there with their phone number. I called (its was already 645pm). Was put on hold by them for a good 10 yen x 3 till I was transferred to an English speaking receptionist there at house Ikebukuro. Checked with them if Chong was still there. They said he left. Told me called back another time.
Well, final straw, if by 645pm i still do not see them, we're having dinner ourselves. Which we did of course.
Me and Sergio went round and found this somewhat affordable place where they sell curry dishes. Wow. thickest and most delicious curry ever! I had the Fried Fish curry,
Sergio — cuttlefish curry. The dish was served hot and I thought, whoa, that was so much better than the meal provided in Northwest Airline (NWA). NWA served oily mee goreng for breakfast and an afternoon snack of a egg filled sandwich. Nothing special, it was dry. Cost of the meal: 550 yen (SGD7.70). Nice.
Firstly, we were late. We reached Akihabara at 620pm. Secondly, there's so many exits from Akihabara! So where the heck is the control station??
Heck, I went with Sergio from one exit to another to find them. No luck.
Sergio suggested calling. Bad thing is, I got cellphone which won't work in Japan. Secondly Chong Peng got no cellphone with him.
Good thing I got the guide book. Ikebukuro house was listed there with their phone number. I called (its was already 645pm). Was put on hold by them for a good 10 yen x 3 till I was transferred to an English speaking receptionist there at house Ikebukuro. Checked with them if Chong was still there. They said he left. Told me called back another time.
Well, final straw, if by 645pm i still do not see them, we're having dinner ourselves. Which we did of course.
Me and Sergio went round and found this somewhat affordable place where they sell curry dishes. Wow. thickest and most delicious curry ever! I had the Fried Fish curry,
Sergio — cuttlefish curry. The dish was served hot and I thought, whoa, that was so much better than the meal provided in Northwest Airline (NWA). NWA served oily mee goreng for breakfast and an afternoon snack of a egg filled sandwich. Nothing special, it was dry. Cost of the meal: 550 yen (SGD7.70). Nice.
Tokyo International Youth Hostel!
06/06/06 06:02 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Finally.
Reached there at 5.30pm on Monday.
(Keep in mind I'm meeting Chong Peng and wife at 6pm at Akihabara Station control (don't think there's any station control in perticular)) Got my keys, paid for 2 days of stay first, and then head to my room. Found a room mate in there and we introduced each other. His name is Sergio. He's from Zurich. And he cycled from Hokkaido to Tokyo! Goodness gracious me!
Time was ticking, it was already close to 6pm and I asked him to join me for dinner with us. So we headed down to Iidabashi station, asked another train commuter how much the cost is (wonderful lady told us its 130 yen) and headed down to akihabara station.
(Keep in mind I'm meeting Chong Peng and wife at 6pm at Akihabara Station control (don't think there's any station control in perticular)) Got my keys, paid for 2 days of stay first, and then head to my room. Found a room mate in there and we introduced each other. His name is Sergio. He's from Zurich. And he cycled from Hokkaido to Tokyo! Goodness gracious me!
Time was ticking, it was already close to 6pm and I asked him to join me for dinner with us. So we headed down to Iidabashi station, asked another train commuter how much the cost is (wonderful lady told us its 130 yen) and headed down to akihabara station.
Lost!
06/06/06 05:52 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Reached
Iidabashi. and got lost.
Stupid guide book told to look for tallest building in sight — glass fronted slender building. Right.... That kind of description throws me off way off tangent. Walked a couple of kilometers only to find out from the helpful security patrol in the " tallest building in sight" that the hostel (showed him the address: Ikagarusha, Central Plaza was just behind the Iidabashi station. Damn it.
Well I reached Central Plaza and asked another security patrol guy again and he told me to take the lift up to the 18th floor. Great. Seriously, this hostel should put big advertisement sign board on or near that Central Plaza building.
Stupid guide book told to look for tallest building in sight — glass fronted slender building. Right.... That kind of description throws me off way off tangent. Walked a couple of kilometers only to find out from the helpful security patrol in the " tallest building in sight" that the hostel (showed him the address: Ikagarusha, Central Plaza was just behind the Iidabashi station. Damn it.
Well I reached Central Plaza and asked another security patrol guy again and he told me to take the lift up to the 18th floor. Great. Seriously, this hostel should put big advertisement sign board on or near that Central Plaza building.
More about Yesterday...Touch Down!
06/06/06 05:44 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Was with
Chong Peng and his wife from take off till landing at
Narita Airport. We took the same train to Nippori.
The purchasing of ticket was done at the ticketing
counter right outside customs checking. Good thing
the super friendly staff spoke good english. So
getting directions on the train ride was fairly easy.
The route map can be really daunting. We reached
Nippori, we took the transfer train to head to Ueno.
We then parted ways, they left for ikebukuro, I headed for Akihabara, change train there to head for Iidabashi.
Before that, we decided to meet at Akihabara station (station control) for dinner... guess what happened?
We then parted ways, they left for ikebukuro, I headed for Akihabara, change train there to head for Iidabashi.
Before that, we decided to meet at Akihabara station (station control) for dinner... guess what happened?
It's 5.29 and bright as ever
06/06/06 05:29 Filed in: Tokyo June
2006
Flying off in 8 hours and I haven't started packing...
04/06/06 22:53 Filed in: Personal
I feel so
lethargic...I just want to sleep...
Oh well, I guess I will travel light... any basic necessities I will get there. Need to remind myself to get Pam's acne cream. According to her, only that particular brand works on her and can only be found in Japan! Wah...really high maintenance this girl.
Oh well, I guess I will travel light... any basic necessities I will get there. Need to remind myself to get Pam's acne cream. According to her, only that particular brand works on her and can only be found in Japan! Wah...really high maintenance this girl.
Another Jam! This time at the PC show 2006!
04/06/06 21:51 Filed in: Personal
Wah....can't
stand it again. Human traffic at Suntec city is
really unbelievable. Everybody there was squeezed and
shoved and packed in that place like sardines in a
can. Could barely move around! Remind myself never
EVER to go on the last day of a PC show.
Wen Jun was there with me and he got for his dad a roll of dvd -R printable discs Got myself a holder for my powerbook 12 inch for cheap! $2 only. What a steal!
Wen Jun was there with me and he got for his dad a roll of dvd -R printable discs Got myself a holder for my powerbook 12 inch for cheap! $2 only. What a steal!
Agh....didn't go for run again!
04/06/06 21:47 Filed in: Personal
Damn it.
Didn't go for a run again this morning. Woke up
really late at 825 a.m. Suddenly remembered have to
go JB to top up fuel to full tank. Sigh..as I
expected, haveto endure the horrid Sunday morning
jam. Usually I would have reached the customs at 730
a.m. — no jam. Total time taken to JB and back: 3.5
HOURS!! can't stand it.
Went to Bishan Junction 8 to have my haircut. Getting too long and the whether really is a pain when you have long hair. Don't wish to cut hair in Japan because I know it's going to cost a bomb!
Went to Bishan Junction 8 to have my haircut. Getting too long and the whether really is a pain when you have long hair. Don't wish to cut hair in Japan because I know it's going to cost a bomb!
Procrastination...move that ***!!!
04/06/06 02:12 Filed in: Personal
Man...I'm a
real lazy bum...I'm leaving on Monday morning and I
still haven't pack my stuff yet. I haven't even plan
out where I want to go to! Well yeah I did scribble
some "planning stuffs" but its only good for up to 2
days of the trip... how about the rest of the 5
days??
Damn it. Hope I hook up with other like minded back-packers when I bunk at the Youth hostel in Tokyo and head and have some wild fun there.
Gotta sleep. Must tell myself I have to sleep. Must wake up to run. Damn knee. Keeps giving me problems. Should I go to the doctor?
Damn it. Hope I hook up with other like minded back-packers when I bunk at the Youth hostel in Tokyo and head and have some wild fun there.
Gotta sleep. Must tell myself I have to sleep. Must wake up to run. Damn knee. Keeps giving me problems. Should I go to the doctor?