Updates

It has been near to a month since my return from Japan and i must say i miss the place, especially the weather :( Hmmm if you remember my earlier post, i was sort of 'complaining' about the coldness etc and here i am missing it :s Humans....Not complacent at all ya? Forever thinking 'the moon at the other side is always brighter' :p

Had fun cycling last Sunday with a group of 7 at ECP. I couldn't believe that my stamina exceeded my expectation as i haven't been exercising for mths....We've completed a total of app. 26km journey, from one of the bike store all the way to Changi jetty for lunch...and back of course :p Winter Sonata look alike scenery (in spring version), roads lined with tall lalangs, canal with a mini 'beach' and chit chats along the way had made the journey seemed shorter and less boring.

Under the scorching heat, no one except one of the smart aleck who 'armored' himself with long sleeves and 'japanese hat', escape being sunburnt....I guess this might be the last time that dear will ever go under the hot sun, unprotected by sunblock, for any kinds of exercise haha! He's like a cooked lobster now :p Poor baby...

Oh yes!!! Two PH are coming and i'm really thrilled! Desiring for more breaks from my current monotonous work pace and i seriously need a change in my working environment...Time passes real fast and we're approaching 2nd half of 2008 :s Wish to pick up something new but still thinking what would it be as i do not wish to wave goodbye to 2008 w/o achieving anything :( Suggestions?

Back to reality...‏

10days passed by like a bullet train (even though i have not try on one this time haha!). How i wish i could turn back time to 20 Mar 08.....Greedy huh but i guess it's most human beings thought ya? :p Unwilling to come back to reality :s Overall, it was a good break from my hectic cum monotonous working life and i'm already looking forward to my next trip! Hmmm when? Where? haha! No idea as yet but hopefully soon!

Here are some updates on my Tokyo trip with my Andy Lau, another self claimed title by him :s LOL This is my 1st time visting the land of the "Rising Sun", Japan. Initial impression of Japan was- very high standard of living, innovative & fashionable people, having a vibrant capital (Tokyo), aging population with many 'walking centuries' around, workaholic behaviour etc. But more observations were obtained during this trip....

An eye opening encounter when we witnessed a bunch of old folks who slept by the streets and even subway staircases in the cold cold nights just to strike silently. Their dignity is something that S'poreans will not understand as refusing pension/$$$ from the government is considered a foolish act here?! Jack Neo's "Money Not Enough" wouldn't trigger S'poreans hearts if we've the same mindset as the Japanese old folks...
Guess what. Couples in Japan don't usually show their affections in public, not even holding hands! Surprisingly huh? Japanese youngsters are that reserved?! Apparently we seldom see any lovely dovey couples sticking together like super glue haha! They merely walk side by side, one arm length away from each other... All of a sudden, we appeared to be like aliens in this foreign land :s

Oh ya, Tokyo's subway system isn't that complex afterall :D Was intimidated by the colorful spiderweb-like map when i 1st saw it. But with dear's explanation and guidance, it was eazy to maneuver around with it in hand and there was a couple of times whereby i actually lead the way! :D

The standard of living in Tokyo is undeniable high...A bowl of noodle can easily cost you S$10! No wonder Japanese are working like logs and I have seen some returning home late at night. Executives can be spotted dead drunk on Fri nights, sleeping on benches/floor while waiting for train...If you asked me if their high pay compensate for all these? Frankly speaking I have no idea and wouldn't want such pressure...No wonder the birth rate in Japan is declining at an alarming rate...

Ok back to my shopping trip :p After exploring the major shopping sites like Ikekuburo, Shibuya, Asakusa, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ginza, Roppongi, Odaiba, Akihabara, Harajuku etc and I have come to a small conclusion :D

Things worth buying:
1) Beauty supplement like collagen eg: Fancl, Meiji (40-50% cheaper)
2) Burberry Blue & Black Labels (exquisitely from Japan)
3) Magazines (30% cheaper and hot from oven)
4) Hair products (certain Shiseido range, reputable & not found in S'pore)

Things NOT worth buying:
1) Electronic goods (around the same price)
2) Fashion stuffs (different sense)

I'll definitely visit Japan again but maybe not Tokyo :) Both Hokkaido & Kyoto are high up in my list :p