kimikoh.blogspot.com

International Driving Permit

2011-05-25T23:26:00.008+09:00

I am soon dispatching to France and Congo for 1.5 years to complete my Tech and Field Program for my company Schlumberger. I needed an International Driving Permit as one of the tons of documents needed to be submitted.

So, I was in Putrajaya the other day, applying for my Certificates of Good Conduct (yea, I am no gangsta), I thought I might also pay a visit to JPJ headquarters Putrajaya too. It turned out, they can't do the "transaksi" there cause they don't have counter. :-| So called "Ibu Pejabat"!

Came back to Banting, went to the shop-lot-turned-JPJ-office near Sidek's house, within 10 minutes, Tadah!

All you need is 1year or more of valid local Malaysian license, RM150 (valid for one year only), IC and license, copy of IC and license on the same page and a passport photo.

Contrary to some informations found on the web, your Malaysian license will still be with you.

Japan M8.9 Earthquake

2011-03-12T16:06:00.009+09:00

I figured I should document this day.

11st March 2011, a magnitude of 8.9 hit northeast part of Japan. Highest ever recorded in Japan since they started keeping track. Sendai is the worst hit area. Total more than 1000 people perished in Japan from the quake and Tsunami.

I was in Tokyo when it happened. The biggest fear that I have ever experienced in my life.

The normal routine of daily life began and while chatting over MSN with my sis, at just before 3pm, the earth shook.

Earthquake is so normal in Japan. Normally once we experienced earthquake, we would momentarily paused whatever we were doing that moment, and hope that it would subsides, and it would. That's the usual case.

But the earth continued to shake more violently that day. Suddenly electricity were cut (first time in my stay here for 3 years). The gap of time for decision making is over. It's time to react.

Off Gas.

Open door of alternative escape route.

Grab mobile phone.

Grab wallet.

Grab keys.

Open main door. Run.

When I was outside my house, it was shaking so badly, I cant even aim properly to lock back the door. (Not sure why I was still thinking to lock it. habit I guess.)

I was in 6th floor. While running down the emergency stairs, I saw people on the streets frozen. They looked confused which was a rare sight since they were trained since young about earthquake and thus do not get panic easily. (The last earthquake I ran from, people were still walking their dogs, which made me look like an idiot).

I was shivering in fear when I touched the ground. Everybody got out of their house looking puzzled. I guess it's their first time experiencing such a huge earthquake too.

After the 3 minutes earthquake subsides, the phones were down, the electricity were down, except the internet. So immediately, I was trying to contact KimEan who is in Chiba and informing my safety to my family in Malaysia through Facebook.

After returning back to my building, I started packing some stuff like my passports, and some documents, mobile charges.. into a backpack. I kept my winter clothing on even in the room because the heater was off and yea, it was freezing.

Many many aftershocks afterwards. I was helplessly waiting by the exit ready to run again. Until the night came, I decided maybe I should hide under my blanket (cold.. ) with my mobile phone and torchlight by my side, while updating my safety, assuring my family that Tokyo is okay. It seems that my mom was so worried that she cant call to any of us.

It is reported that more than 100 aftershocks with 19 of them are with magnitude more than 6.

The blessing in disguise is that I am just glad that this is Japan, the truly advance country that is capable of handling such disastrous catastrophe in the most efficient way. Everything was in order, no chaos, no panic, top notch.

Public transportations in standstill, stranded people walking home.

Shinmaruko in total darkness.

Today, everything in Tokyo resume to normal. I just hope Sendai will soon recover from this never before disaster too.

Watch here. Supermarket in Tokyo.

FujiQ Highland and Fuji Five Lakes

2011-01-10T19:50:00.005+09:00

My youngest sister and Kim Ean's bf came visiting Japan during the year end and new year holidays. So, for some reasons unknown, we decided to bring them to extreme amusement park rather than happily jolly Disneyland (that btw, Kim Ean still strongly anti it because once again, for reasons unknown). I guess it runs in the blood that we belong in the dark side.

When I meant extreme, it was no kidding. Although it's my second time (first time here) to the park, the rides still gave me the goosebumps, especially Eejanaika, the so called 4th Dimension Roller Coaster that is floor-less and could rotate 360 degrees forward and backward (the red track in the photo above), it was just mad crazy. Mun and I were sitting in the first row, the moment the car went climbing up backward, and starting smashing you forward, face down 90 degree almost to the floor, twisting all over, we just went mad non-stop screaming till the end.

But it was still super awesome.

Because it was the year end and new year season, most part of Japan are lighten up as illumination. So was FujiQ highland. It was pretty impressive.

We stayed overnight in Kawaguchiko to visit the Fuji Five Lakes the next day. We went to both wind cave and ice cave.

Her top model dream in Kawaguchiko.

Maybe we were travelling during the year end, most of them shops are closed. Also, we could not find any convenient stores all along the way. So, finally when we saw this vending machines in the summit of Mount Tenjo, we were ecstatic! But later we found out that the machine was not working, so back to hungry mode all the way down Mount Tenjo and found ourselves a convenient store. phew.

On the way back to Kawaguchi Station from Mount Tenjo, it was snowing all the way. We stopped at a park and suddenly someone initiated snow ball fight. So much fun!

It was really a great trip. Update next on New Year Countdown.

Women are Crazy, Men are Stupid

2010-12-16T16:19:00.005+09:00

"Since the dawn of time, when the first smitten caveboy tried to woo the object of his affections by shoving her into the mud, men have demonstrated that when it comes to women, they are profoundly stupid. And when it comes to men, women - no matter how intelligent or mature -- are completely crazy."

"It's a vicious cycle this one. Stupid men drive women crazy, a crazy woman makes the man do stupider things, which drives the woman even crazier."

- Women are crazy, men are stupid : The simple truth to a complicated relationship -

by Howard J. Morris and Jenny Lee

I guess after the Hitchhiker's guide series, it's gonna be my reading material for the Christmas holidays.

I go home every summer, thanks for asking.

2010-12-10T14:05:00.015+09:00

Yesterday, a Chinese guy asked me a weird question,

"Where were you born?"

I went through a momentary lapse of "wtf" moment, because I knew that if I were to mentioned that I was born in some tiny village called JB in Malaysia that is very near to Singapore, you would not have a single clue where I was referring to. So, my tiny brain started to process how this conversation would go, suddenly I realised! Oh! it's one those questions that I would receive every now and then from Chinese about "returning home", my blood started to boil, every tiny veins of mine started to go berserk till the point that they would kill each other and eventually kill themselves,

but outwardly, I remained calm, it was obvious that few seconds of my inner struggles ate up a period of time that caused the uncomfortable silence, I answered,

"Malaysia. I AM MALAYSIAN!"

The innocent Japanese guy beside me was startled by my firm voice and started to back-up a little, leaving some safe distance for secondary escape plan if something wrong happened.

"What about your parents?"

This time, inside of me went crazy!

We were all born in Malaysia, my parents, my grandparents! In fact, my parents speak no single word of Chinese, they are the so-called "banana" in Malaysia meaning skin is yellow but inside is white. I speak the language because my parents thought that since we are speaking English at home so why not let us learn Mandarin too? and so I spent 11 years learning the language. So don't bother asking me when am I gonna "return home" to China, because I just went back home (MALAYSIA!) last summer holiday and I had a blast, I know no one in China and I definitely cant call it home and it's absolutely absurd for you to "request" me to "go home". Totally idiotic!!!

but I still answered calmly and too calmly almost to a instance of serenity,

"Malaysia, so does my grandparents if you are still curious."

I only have the guts to speak my thoughts in blog than shooting that person directly. Booo!!

or maybe it's all in my thoughts that how an innocent question would have been escalated into my imaginary fury, it's just that I was asked about "returning home" too often that it simply made me phobia and irritated.

"I go home every summer, thanks for asking."

The Long Overdue

2010-12-05T13:55:00.005+09:00

It's been such a long time I did not update my blog, I almost forgot how to do it.

The blank blog posts started as lack of inspirations to write, later continued as an excuse due to months after months of hectic master's student life: research, experiment, proceedings, conference and so on, then prolonged into procrastination, finally it just turned into pure laziness...

But that day, when I walked pass my uni school yard,

it was such a beautiful day, suddenly it just hit me that it is gonna be my last fall in my uni, a gush of sadness just ran through me. I always think fall is a sad season, I guess it applies now. I just hope I don't tear up during all the farewells. I am too old for that tear drops crap! roar!

Next, I am going to embark into an unknown journey of working in a brand new country. All the mix feelings engulfing me is enough to make me psychotic, nevertheless, this blog shall rock on!!!

One Phone Call

2010-05-04T16:14:00.003+09:00

On the 30th of April 2010, I received a phone call, as far as I could remember, I did not have any experience ever... of jumping in joy like a monkey after receiving a news.

I smell evil plan. >:)

Someone put Tokyo into the Freezer

2010-02-09T16:28:00.006+09:00

Last week on the 1st of February, someone decided to put Tokyo into the freezer and let it frozen. It was whole lots of fun for me because it's the first time ever that snows accumulate in Tokyo for the time I am here. According to the news, around 1cm to 5cm of snow were accumulated.

It started innocently as heavy rain, then suddenly, the violent rain stopped and started floating down. I turned off the light in my room, let the balcony curtain open, sat quietly on the bed and watch the snow fall.

Woke up the next morning with all the roofs coated with icing topping.

The usual sight on the way to school changed entirely. Well, it was all covered in frosting. Someone must had stayed in the school really late last night to make this Mickey.

Tokyo Institute of Technology Sakura Deck

Tokyo Institute of Technology

On the way home, I stopped by Tamagawa to snap pictures with my faithful compact camera.

Snowy Tamagawa

Snow Palette.

That same day, it was also quite depressing listening to the sound of the melting snow. Happy feelings gone.

FINALLY, It Snows!

2010-02-01T21:40:00.005+09:00

OMG!! Finally snow!!

But why on the day before my exam!!!!

Yet still, please dont let it stop!!!!

An Ordinary Weekend.

2010-01-31T14:28:00.005+09:00

My very first sloppy attempt of transparent screen.

Inspired by Transparent screens

An Ordinary Friday

2010-01-29T23:53:00.002+09:00

Time: 430pm
Weather: Cloudy

An Ordinary Thursday

2010-01-28T20:42:00.006+09:00

Today, is really an ordinary day.

I went to school in the morning for an exam, lunch in the usual curry house, attended a lecture in the afternoon, a brief visit to 7-11 under my building, stood in front of the wide varieties of drinks trying to choose one, in the end buying the usual. Went back to lab, took off my coat, but left my scarf on because it was chilly, and my sweater was low cut.. oh yay baby, no seriously. It was chilly.

It's intimidating for me to be smacked right in the middle of two phD students, me trying to look busy, but behind evil plan was actually chatting with two sisters and surfing about iPad. Yea, they will have wings for the next version. KimEan says maybe nightsafe is safer.

Winter this year sucks. Sometimes freezing, sometimes sweaty. Sometimes rain, sometimes sun but never snow. :(

An Ordinary Wednesday

2010-01-27T23:07:00.005+09:00

As a "You have done a good job!" for myself finishing an assignment, I decided to pamper myself. (again).

I went shopping online!

It's a website call Rakuten 楽天. In this website, you can find everything under the sun.

No seriously. Look.

In the category under women's bag itself, it has at least another 20 more sub categories, the maximum numbers in one of the sub category has more than 97,181 items. And I have no idea a simple "bag" can be divided into handbang, clutchbag, tote bag, backpack, shoulder bag, second bag? recruit bag, even porch has accessories porch, make-up porch.......

Well, I need a simple black colour bag, so that I could "blend-in" and not stand out as the only person in the crowds with colourful shoes and bag. Who say shopping online is easy when I spent 2 hours, tons of window tabs opened and closed, before I made my decision. @_@

Because I dont have a credit card, well, to curb my spending habit, okay I lied, because I am merely a poor student, no fret shopping online! See,

You can pay the item during delivery. How awesome is that?!

An Ordinary Tuesday

2010-01-26T13:33:00.005+09:00

I am pretty convinced now that the google-street-view-car-driver is living somewhere near my house. Yeap! If not, why would I saw that hybrid toyota prius with it's canggih 360 degree camera on the rooftop so many times and yet I could not find myself in the Google map street view! I refuse to believe that they reject to upload my photo into the map, it's not my fault I dont look like a supermodel! WHY! WHY! Anyway, I saw there's dents on google car, HA! eat that! That's the result of not putting in my face in the map! *totally enjoying the self indulgent moment*

I enjoy walking on the streets from my home to the train station every morning. Variety of shops make me happy. The smell of fresh bakery, the sight of beautiful flowers from the flower shop, not forgetting the smell from a ramen shop, the smell so good even the imaginary smoke has engraving stating, "eat me! eat me!", I think I could write a romance novel out of that wonderful smell.
Except all this, is the smell of fresh laundry from a laundry shop, yeap, call me a freak all you want, but fresh laundry makes me happy. :)

An Ordinary Monday

2010-01-25T14:44:00.006+09:00

If you see a foreigner dashing, running to catch the train, you know that person had been in Japan long enough! to realize! that it wont be another train for the next 4mins 32 seconds!!!!!! O_o" !! cheers.

An ordinary Monday, it's always good to see two great mind come together every Monday early morning, arguing with each other in a positivity-stimulation way, my two professors debating on students' presentation during weekly seminar. You can see their oversize brain sending RF wave, pumping stimulant, the chemical reaction serve as the catalyst to motivate you not to not ganbatte on your research throughout the week.

Somebody please fetch me my pina colada. :(

OMG

2010-01-23T11:33:00.003+09:00

Notebook for grab in a garbage dump.

Chairman of the Bored

2010-01-22T15:12:00.006+09:00

"Describe what Marcellus Wallace looks like!"
"What!"
"Say what again. SAY WHAT AGAIN. I dare you, I double dare you, motherf*er. Say what one more goddamn time"
"He is black... bald..."
"Does he look like a b*tch?"
............

Samuel L. Jackson - quote from Pulp Fiction

I am bored.

Japanese of the day

2010-01-22T00:26:00.002+09:00

I just learn some new words today. And it's officially my favorite now!

Tadah!!!

復旧　- restoration; restitution; rehabilitation
復仇　- revenge

both pronounced as:

FUK KYU!!

Ang moh 紅毛

2010-01-21T00:03:00.007+09:00

Suddenly feel the urge to speak like a drunk Angmoh.

"Today, I was like.. walking out from the building, and I was like.. preparing myself for the freezing winter cold breeze, and after I stepped out, I was like...
'no cold!?',
and I was like... so curious right, where the cold goes?.. and then, I was like..
'wtf, this is not cool!',
as I walked toward the train station right, I was like... started to sweat... and I was like,
'com'on!!!' ,
and it was like.. winter screaming back at me saying,
'No! You com'on!',
and I was like..
'No! YOU COM'ON!'
'No! You com'on!' (goes on for about 57 times),

and then I was like checking the weather forecast right, and it was like 18 degree Celsius, and I was like,
'WHAT? during winter so hot?!'
and I was like..
'The earth is doomed,'....

and it was like.... you and me together right.... I was like me and you together.. and things like that.... right..."

67th Golden Globe

2010-01-19T12:48:00.010+09:00

I watched the entire award show first time in my life because Ricky Gervais was hosting it. However, the expectation for him to be funny, turn out to be a flop. He made some lame jokes about his own private part, which is... not cool.

Anyway, call me old school, but HOW COULD AVATAR WON over Inglorious Basterds? Avatar is just a high tech version of Pocahontas. "Man walked into the jungle, man fell in love, man stay happily ever after in the jungle". Come on! There's no memorable acting, no conversations that could make any impact at all. Also, what's all the fuss "make the connection" with the fiber optics jutting out from each others tail, with certain kind of self-melting mechanism to do the bonding, never mind the 3D technology too, it made my eye teary throughout the whole show. I was suck into this whirlpool of hype, and yet, I found it has no originality, and definitely think it's overrated, over-hype! Rubbish.

But I am glad my favorite character in Inglorious Basterds, that's right, "Monsieur LaPadite, I regret to inform you I have exhausted the extent of my French.... " Christoph Waltz won Best Supporting Actor. His acceptance speech with his signature voice sound like he had murder few Jews before accepting the award, like he was still in the spell-binding movie, Awesome!

Please do it at home!

2010-01-09T00:38:00.008+09:00

"Oui! Wake up!"

The sneaky old specky guy!

The one shoe on one shoe off drunkard.

The scattered beer cans.

The drunk salary-man!

Super AWESOME-NESS!

830k Lines Code

2010-01-08T14:19:00.013+09:00

Tokyo has the most dense railway system in the world. Just look at the map above, left one is JR Tokyo, right one is Tokyo Metro (which is mostly UNDERGROUND)! Except this, other private railway companies in Tokyo includes Keio, Tobu, Tokyu, Seibu, Keisei, Odakyu. So if you are in big major stations like Shinjuku, or Tokyo... @_@

Although with such complicated link, Japan trains are still dead on punctual. If it's 1 min late, people starts to look at their watch trying to reaffirm the arrival time. If it's 2 mins late, people will start to look a little bit daze and a bit lost. 3 mins late, apology announcement will keep on blasting over the speakers.

Huge respect!

But the most amazing thing isnt just this. In 2001, they introduced contactless smart card Suica and in 2007, PASMO which is based on RFID technology. Since Suica and Pasmo are interchangeable between each other, practically, you can use only one card on ALL the railway stations (regardless of different companies), bus systems, most of the convenient stores, vending machines, keyless locker systems, even tramways.

Point is: IMAGINE the PROGRAMMING CODE!

I knew this through Japanese listening and speaking lesson that I am attending. The video of this news was shown.

In year 2007, after half a year PASMO was introduced. Gate glitch gives commuters free ride. In this incident, at 2.30am, suddenly all the gate of 662 stations closed automatically with alarm triggered. At around 4am, after confirming there's nothing wrong with gate's hardware system, they concluded that software is the problem.

Now the big questions. How are you gonna debug a programming software with 830k lines!!! They knew it was the software problem, but which part of the software? Although I am not a programming person, I could also imagined that, they were in TROUBLES.

Nope. The Japanese done it like a breeze! It is reported that at 920am, operations starting to be back to normal. How the hell did they do that?!

I wonder what will happen if there's a glitch like this happening in Malaysia, "Apa? glitch? tak tau lah! makan kuih first!"

Lomo!

2010-01-05T17:15:00.012+09:00

All photos taken with Diana lens : Soft Telephoto 110mm, EOS500D body with Diana F+ lens Adaptor EOS mount.

Itadakimasu！いただきます

2010-01-03T10:25:00.011+09:00

Went to Otousan and Okaasan's home for new year celebration. (お正月)!!

Foster parents were very kind to invite all of the students who were under their wings over for dinner. So, there were a lot of catching up, stories, and laughter to share. I was there around 3pm and my mouth didnt stop eating and drinking till late night. They took out boxes after boxes of awesome decorated super delicious Japanese sweet (お菓子), and okaasan fed me red beans soup dip in mochi, super delicious! Remind me of red beans soup from home. :D

Me and Kim Ean were there last year, but maybe because there were not as many attendees as this year, so we did not get to eat the traditional new year foods. It's called the osechi-ryouri お節料理. Similar to the Chinese, each type of food symbolize a good meaning like tons of children and offspring and so on. The history of osechi origin where women do not cook during the new year so they started preparing osechi before new year, put them in a box and eat for few days.

I was helping out in the kitchen to cut the sushi and sashimi. Okaasan thought us some trick to keep the sashimi fresh even up to few days, which is to wrap it in a super huge seaweed, called... I forgot. As first they open 6 boxes of osechi and lay them on the table, I thought that was too much, then, we prepared sushi... then sashimi... then whole box of crabs... Phew! After everyone was seated at the table, we drank Japanese sake from a traditional sake bowl, like those you see from the emperor movie, a flat bowl thingy almost plate like and you have to hold it with two hands, and drink all in one gulp. Of course, after that, we drank some red wine and Portugal wine.

The night went on until my last train. Loads of fun!

Gochisousamadeshita!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T15:48:00.007+09:00

I love this time around Tokyo!! Because it's empty!! Where everyone gone back to their hometown.

What more meaningful that visiting temple to make wishes in this glamorous brand new year of 2010! The second decade of the 21st century!

So we went Meijijingu 明治神宮 to celebrate the countdown. We were stuck in the line when the clock struck 12 midnight, but with the Smirnoff in hand, we manage to make a little tiny celebrations while lining up, like a tiny fade-off sound. "wuuuhuu...." , then because the monks were chanting and drumming, so we went back to silent. I envied those guys beside us with Atsukan 熱燗, even looking at the steam coming out from the hot sake makes me feel warm. Imagine drinking it in this super chilling weather, warm tummy!

Happy 2010 Everyone!

Belated Christmas Dinner

2009-12-29T13:44:00.004+09:00

Chocolate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate Fondue FOUNtain. Marshmallow!! CHOcolate FONDUE fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate Fondue Fountain. MARShmallow!! Chocolate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate fondue Fountain. marshmallow!! ChoCOlate Fondue Fountain!! Marshmallow!! ChoCOlate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate Fondue Fountain. marshmallow!! Chocolate FonDue Fountain. Marshmallow!! Chocolate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!! chocolate Fondue Fountain!!! MARSHMALLOW!! ChoCOlate Fondue Fountain. Marshmallow!!

PCS

2009-12-26T17:42:00.010+09:00

PCS - Post Christmas Syndrome.

Definition: Retrovirus that is associated with the onset of rushing due dates during Christmas. Responsible for trauma developed after of not having Christmas celebration.

Causes: When the patient's siblings are all going for holidays in Singapore and taunt her of not able to join them.

Symptoms and Complications: Patient will post unrelated pictures on her blog on the 26th of December.

Click on picture for caption

Psss! Big shout out to Joanne and Kuan Yew for their Wedding Day! Wish I were there for the celebration. Best wishes!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:40:00.009+09:00

Merry Holiday Season

2009-12-24T03:04:00.008+09:00

Recently my life has really been centered around school, lab and assignments. So, I have no photos and updates to show you.

Except if you wanna know that graffiti is kidda a major problem in Japan, or someone has forgotten their keys.

Or, you wanna see the massive choices of drinks from vending machines and yet, I am addicted to coke.

Or maybe you wanna see my pissed-off face in a cold weather... Yea! It's friggin cold and I dont like it! I desperately need to bask in the glorious sunshine, best is the tropical sunshine with thick slap of sunblock... good old days.. good old days...

Or worst come to worst, I can show you the best pictures of all time from my blog collections, the Ueno zoo's awesome-kick-ass ape's butt.

The thing is, I made it a point not to mix up work and play. That's is the reason why you dont often see me blogging about my lab, research, and school. In addition to the reason that actually my lab is working on a super-secretive-world-domination evil project, I don't wanna reveal any secret that cost me my head. YOU DONT PISS IN THE WELL YOU DRINK!! (Oh! Maybe the last sentence here is not related, but I am just finding an opportunity to yell it out!), YOU DONT PISS IN THE WELL YOU DRINK!! (again...) but I really really really need to update my blog, so...

*Gulp Gulp Gulp*, three naughty bottles of beer boycotting Miss Orange Juicy Sunshine.

It was the year-end party celebration last Saturday. Everybody was suit up, ready to mingle in an environment where research was not the main topic of conversation.

Me and She-san in her fabulous cheong-sam.

We were jealous bachelor students had a group picture among themselves so we gather all master first year student and took this happy picture.

Saeki wanna steal all the spot light from us so we kicked him!

Because the alumi were all there, so we had to introduce ourselves. I was speaking in Japanese, but by the look of my face, I think I was too nervous and I crapped my pants.

And I think this guy found out, he cant help himself laughing his guts out.

Well, who cares, more alcohol please!

It was awesome fun sitting on tatami floor, the food and the drinks and the chatting, the accompany with lab members was beyond joyous, Happy Holidays!

Homeless

2009-12-04T17:02:00.007+09:00

I saw an elderly homeless women stooping her head real low on the priority seats during rush hour today. It was obvious because people were avoiding that section of the car due to the stench. I took a glimpse on her, and it was conspicuous that the rainy day yesterday did not leave her, her shoes were muddy and her clothes were still drenched. Despite the cold rolling eyes from other passengers, she held tight the little possessions that she had.

I wonder where are her family.

Suddenly all my troubles just seem so infinitesimally tiny, even unworthy of mentioning.

Autumn Ramble

2009-11-28T21:25:00.011+09:00

It's definitely unlike my first year in Japan, whereby incomparably I had way more free time than now, however, I do not wanna miss the beautiful colours of autumn, so after careful planning, some of the weekends outings are actually made possible!

Two weeks ago, Ahmet told me this fabulous place called the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum (日本民家園) located inside Kawasaki, so as a reward of me finishing the preparations of my Monday seminar presentations earlier than scheduled, we headed straight off to this awesome place.

It's an open-air museum of the old Japanese Folk House from all around Japan. One of the most famous folk-house in the museum is the traditional houses which was originally located in Shirakawa-go, Gifu-ken. It is Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, well known with their architecture style known as the gasshō-zukuri (合掌造り). You see, it snows so much in Gifu, so, this unique design allow the house to withstand the heavy snowfall.

Except beautiful scenery, it also exhibit stuff that the olden days people used. Like this below, was used to decorate the praying altar.

And olden days lantern.... not much changes since then.

Besides this museum in that area, it also has an art gallery, science museum, observatory deck. Definitely a recommendation if you wanna spend a day off inside Tokyo but away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Two weeks later today, it's a celebration after a mentally and physically tired weeks. Except the seminar presentation, also had to prepare another presentation as part of a course assessment. Then two exams the following week. Until yesterday, finally finished all my duties as an obedient and proud member of my lab to help out in an external exhibition in Yokohama. (Yeap! we won the university category presentation, more on that later). Further I was down with a flu, and still am, I think the definition of the word "tired" is unquestionably under-rated in Malaysia. Talk about tired-ness, I never knew the exact meaning until now.

Rambling asides, despite the weariness and the flu, with my early Christmas present's first outing, we went to Rikugien Gardens (六義園) located in Komagome Station.

Starting from yesterday up to 13th December, this beautiful garden is extending their operation time up to 9pm in conjunction of the "light-up" event.

What else could I say? Breathtaking scenery!

Sad to say, although very much like to hang out longer till deeper in the night before the starting of another busy week, sleepy-head and the flu just would not leave me alone. Maybe it's time to pay the docs a visit to make sure I am free of the ongoing violent attack of H1N1 here. Oyasumi. :)

Early Christmas Present

2009-11-25T20:24:00.007+09:00

I got myself an early Christmas present last Monday. (more like a very lame excuse to buy meself something). Can you tell what it might be?

1,2,3 Action!

2009-10-21T23:49:00.005+09:00

You could not imagine the excitement and happiness when the flight captain announce through to speaker to instruct his crew members to buckle up, prepare for landing on Malaysian ground, my joy just cant stop oozing out, from my fingertips, toes, nose, everywhere!! Filled with great joy!

Curious thing is, I am not even a very easily homesick person. But the thoughts of meeting everyone at home after 1.5 years of separations, was so exciting and meantime so comforting. My feeble attempt to act cool was overpowered by my own thumping of feet, rushing out the arrival gate, dashed to hug the two younger rascals and family waiting at the gate.

Merely this simple joy, kept me smiling throughout the one whole month of vacation back home. And a lot of things that were taken for granted by me before this meant even so much more. From down to driving my lil sis to school that used to be an annoying task (although I only drove her once throughout whole month), up to having a lone 6 hours road trip up to Penang Island, I enjoyed every single seconds of it.

All the gatherings and catch-up, also seem far more meaningful. Especially when everybody is so busy enjoying their own great life, a suitable time where everyone willing to stop momentarily with what their doing and give you their accompany was most precious.

It was truly one hell of a holiday for me.

Enjoyed a great buying spree in Cameron Highlands with family. I was so used to buying 3 sweet potatoes, or 1 sweet corn sometimes 2, 1 box of strawberry for myself in Japan, but these units does not make sense with my family market buying spree. Sweet potatoes? Let's get 3kg! Sweet corn? at least 100. Strawberry? let's buy 10 boxes instead. Phew!

Also, had the chance to learn diving in Redang Island. I remember I had written a post in year 2005 on "45 things you should do before 45", one of them is to get a diving license. Well, I got one now. One more slash out from my to-do-list.

Redang Island

This is my second trip to Redang Island. But never from this kind of perspective. On the first day, instructor straight away throw us into the 6m deep ocean for confined water training. Total more than 20 skills you have to master before the actual boat dive. Skills like half-mask clearing, full-mask clearing, hovering, CESA... it was so much fun!!

On the first boat dive, we were sharing the same space with this huge jelly fish. It's truly intimidating! All the happy feeling that Spongebob has for Jelly fishing doesnt apply here. Nevertheless, it's a surreal feeling from the serenity of the surrounding, when a school of fish encircling you and you swimming along side with them, it makes you into addiction, addicted to diving.

It was a good trip back home. And again, it's also good to be back Tokyo, fully charged and renewed to face the new semester.

Till the next holiday.

Petronas Twin Towers

You aint messing with women in cape

2009-10-15T00:22:00.005+09:00

Tuan tuan and puan puan, spring is definitely over now. Summer has come and gone too. So it's way overdue to do spiddy web cleaning for my blog. But it still did not deter me from putting on my batman cape and challenge my mentality to jump off the bridge.

I had tons of awesome stories to tell for my summer-holidaying in Malaysia, also been one of the craziest hectic week since I came back Japan.

Till the next time. Ciao.

Pulau Redang

2009-09-17T18:47:00.005+09:00

I went for 4 days 3 nights open water diving course in Pulau Redang, awesome experience! Wait later I have time to organize, will upload the tons of photos here!

Ueno Zoo

2009-09-16T13:28:00.006+09:00

They made me broke but happy

2009-08-30T13:13:00.008+09:00

I resisted myself to grab the cute hello kitty wrapping papers since these presents are for the adults in a traditional Chinese family. Imagine my granny opening the hello kitty wrapping paper....... Hmmph!!!!! ADORABLE! Should I consider re-wrapping?

They took me whole night to do the wrapping, but the final look make me so happy.

Tamagawa Fireworks

2009-08-24T04:23:00.017+09:00

Image 1 of 8

You probably get sick of people uploading summer fireworks pictures. I promise this is the last time. For Tamagawa Hanabi 2009, we brought along merely a good-old-picnic style with coke, snacks, sushi, laughter and a faithful tripod.

Have fun clicking the next button in the photos.

Also, if you wanna get a "real feel" of the fireworks, below is the video people screaming "sugoi", "wuuhuu". But I must warn you this recording looks like a pirated cam-version of a blockbuster from the cinema, with people blocking the full view.

Hi, My name is Bob

2009-08-21T16:59:00.016+09:00

Image 1 of 3

Ps, You wont think I am just gonna post Bob's picture right? Try clicking the picture. :)

Also Pss, there's total 3 images!

What a WEEK!

2009-08-16T23:16:00.009+09:00

It didnt feel like summer holiday at all until the last day after I handed up my report. Although still miles and miles of research works needed to be done, but at least it's end of the semester and I survived the spring semester!!

First stop: Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival. 東京湾花火大会

Same as last year summer, we played dress up in yukata and join in the massive crowds to watch the fireworks display. And same as last year too, I wore the same yukata, same obi, same shoe. (shhh..) well, I dont wanna spend another fortune for a whole new set. However, proud to say, it took me merely half an hour and only one trial to put on yukata this time! compared to multiple fail attempts last year!

Siska, me and Rainbow Bridge. Photo courtesy of See Tatt.

The fireworks was awesome. The gathering with Japanese Intensive course classmates was awesome too. Afterall, it's been awhile since the last gathering in a karaoke session.

Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival 2009

東京湾花火大会2009

Later that week, discovered a giant watermelon after a big feast in Hanamasa Yakiniku Buffet in Shimbashi. There goes my diet plan ditch down into the gutter.

"You come one more step closer I am gonna smack your head with this giant watermelon"

Also, if you dropped-by Shimbashi, take a short walk to Ginza and stop by the Sony building, every year summer they have an event called Sony Aquarium. Except the real aquarium on the 1st floor, they will be also showing a 3D show giving you a glimpse of the legendary Okinawa aquarium.

The definition of kimochii waruii.

This sting-ray made Ahmet very happy becoz sting-ray has a happy smiley face. Note the diver behind, I accidentally took like hundred of pictures with his butt facing the camera. Nope, it wasnt intentional.

"I'm leaving on the JR train....."

All the different buildings with unique architectures in Yokohama is visually stunning. The interior design also equally breath-taking. Literally. Every time I take the long long escalator from Minatomirai line to Queen's tower in Landmark Tower, it never fail to make me feel nervous. It's like one slip, the fall rolling off the escalator is gonna be absolute killer. Gone case!

I brought this fear along to challenge myself to the observatory deck. Located 69th floor of Yokohama Landmark Tower. The elevator up this 273m tall building takes no longer than a jiffy. 69 floors, 273m tall, with a elevator with max speed of 750m/mins, it took only 40 seconds to be exact.

"Ladies and gentleman, you just reached 69th floor in 40 seconds"

The view up there was......... breathtaking. 1000yen is all worth it.

Met Patrick Star and Mr.Krab up 69th floor.

"Ooishii sou" Looks delicious! >.<

UFO attacking Yokohoma.

Yokohama Stadium

Minatomirai 21 day time

Minatomirai 21 night time

By chance, also saw a muted fireworks display from 69th floor.

Took a walk from Minatomirai to AkaRenga, on the way to Yamashita Koen, there's a newly built park. And they have this whole stretch of wall shining with blue lights. Not sure what is so appealing about this design.

I dunno, it looks like those electronic flies zapper to me.

Difference is this Zzzap human instead of flies.

Let the record play

2009-08-14T14:33:00.014+09:00

Standing right there listening to The Beatles and Jefferson Airplane playing on Ahmet's records, I realized I had been living in misery all this while. It just hit me that instant how good music should be. I started hating my-ever-so-proud mp3 collections' sounds like. Hate the sound with a passion, hate them with a vengeance! Thinking they sound like bunch of chipmunks trying to sound good, seriously evoked my nausea from the unmelodious, flat sound coming out of my speaker.

Who knows, I will surrender myself to a turntable instead.

Earthquakes

2009-08-12T12:45:00.003+09:00

Getting one more one of these I will be having a heart attack.

It's already 2 times in a row this week. First one was Sunday around 8pm with magnitude 6.9 in epic center and with a magnitude 3 shaking my building.

Second one was Tuesday early morning 5.07am. It shook me up from my sleep. And nothing wakes me up except my sisters' annoying tickles and alarm clock after snoozing for 1 hour. So you know how strong it was. Magnitude 4 shaking me in 6th floor.

Now, I sleep fully dress, a tiny bag with all the emergency kits, prepared and ready to run!

Disappearance

2009-07-28T23:08:00.003+09:00

If you have been reading my blog, you would kidda notice that I disappeared from the blogger scene since ...well, 10 days! Like I have dissipated (No, not constipated), like I have turned into cloud of smoke and gonE FOREVER!!!

What? I have a life in the real world too you know! except blogging and facebook-ing!

nah, I dont have a life except blogging and facebook-ing! :)

Ando and Hirokawa Lab

It's a yippie day today! Coz I finished my final's papers! So I put my awesome lab group picture with all the happy people!!

Living on the train

2009-07-17T01:10:00.003+09:00

During rush hour, everybody bring along their long-faces to board the rush-hour train.
These train, is no fantasy chuu-chuu-neverland-train. It's train-of-hell, train-of-sardine, train-of black-suits.
However, every now and then, you will some funny characters shining among these dull, uninspiring, big-yawn people.

1) People who read. (including some adults reading comic or some hentai stuff).

2) People whose fingers glued to the mobile keypad. (laptop, handphone, TV)

3) People who blast their earphone, and I know he is listening to some J-pop.

4) People who sway and dance along the J-pop.

5) Heroic Station Attendants with awesome biceps who stop the door for last minute train-dasher. (I heart this)

6) Heroic Station Attendants who push people into the train. (I hate this)

7) People who snap pictures of the pornographic advertisement on the train. (non-stoply and then giggle).

8) People who trying to find treasures behind the seats of the train. (and giggle after he found some rubbish) - unfortunately Kim Ean saw this mental case. :)

9) Homeless people who live on the train. So morning and night, you will see him walking along the train doing nothing.

10) People who eat bento on the train. (That's me, sometimes Onigiri).

11) Girls with completely no make up putting on make-up on train and transform into Britney Spears during concert.

Just when I thought I have seen it all......

I saw someone curling her hair in the train with battery operated HAIR CURLER!

I have so much things to learn living on the train.

Summer Night

2009-07-16T00:00:00.004+09:00

On a summer night like this, staying at home to study for finals is not the best thing to do. How I wish I could put on my night adventure mode, sneak to the river and dip my feet into the cooling stream of water. Lay carefree-ly upon the soft grass, counting stars on a clear summer sky.

I am listening to too many romantic songs. It's getting into me. I am not like this you know.

Money not Enuff

2009-07-14T17:23:00.002+09:00

I had curse the F word,

I had uttered romantic words that could make the birds dance in rhythm.

BUT.......!!

I had/has/will, never ever ever say,

"I HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY AND I DUNNO WHAT TO DO WITH IT!"

Life sucks

Real Size Gundam in Odaiba

2009-07-12T13:56:00.005+09:00

久しぶりにwent back to my "home" for last year, Odaiba to witness the giant anime character came to life. The 18m tall 1:1 scale of RX-78-2 Gundam model. It will be there from now onwards till end of August, so Gundam will be joining me for the Odaiba fireworks too. I hope he will consider putting on Yukata(浴衣) for the Hanabi festival （花火大会). Here for more details.

18m tall is around 11 me stack together.

Gundam will move and tilt his head, shine light-saber torch, and spray water to the audience as finale.

Awesome Gundam.

At first, I wanted to wait till the night to see the lighting effects, but I allocated longer-than-I-thought-it-would-be-shopping-time for my shopping spree in Odaiba. Mainly coz I ran out of money. So I reached Gundam earlier, snap a few photos, and too tired to wait till the night.

Then I saw this long line people queuing up. It turns out to be you could walk under the gigantic robots and snap picture of him from upclose. Like really really up close, like, down there.............

I am pretty sure Gundam was a bit shy himself letting all this although tiny, infinitesimal, worthless human to walk underneath him and take picture from his down there.

So he decided to disguise with thick mustache and nicely trim eyebrows.

"no one recognize me! no one recognize me!"

I am not sure what his archenemies will think of his new look.

Me, one of the worthless human snapping his picture from down there.

Then I touched Gundam's leg, pray pray and hope I pass my final examinations.

Finally, the soft side of Gundam.

Arh.. so sweet....

S.A.L.E.S

2009-07-12T02:06:00.005+09:00

You wont wanna mess with the Jap girls when they are in shopping mode. It's nasty!

Arigatou Michael!
SALES!!!!!!!

The preparation for Fuji Rock Festival'09

I find this cute little shop hiding out of the main street very cute.

It's sales season in Japan. Every year during January and July, it's shopping spree! And its really dirt cheap. A pair of bottoms from H&M only 500yen! 500 yen I cant even get a meal of decent food here! I love summer sales! :)

You know you are in Japan long enough when..... [update]

2009-07-11T12:24:00.000+09:00

-1) You pronounce "network" as net-to-wa-ku. "system" as si-su-te-mu. "cut" as cut-to.

0) You spell "レベジイ"　(Revenge) as rebenge.

*********************Last Updated*********************************

1) You wave your hand to turn on the light. (Most of the switches are motion-detector)

2) You wave your hand to turn on the light when you are sitting in the toilet for too long. (The light goes out because of long period motion-pause time.)

3) You nod your head like there's no tomorrow even talking thru phone. Sometimes till the extend of bowing 90 degree. "Hai! HAIII! HAIII!!! Wakarimashita!! HAAAIII!!!!" (nod nod nod bow bow !! )

4) You buy everything from convenient store (sebun-erebun, aemmu-piemmu...) ranging from beers to disposalable underwear.

5) You stopby every 50 steps to buy drinks from vending machine.

6) You buy umbrella from a vending machine.

7) You buy instant noodle from a vending machine.

8) You buy chocolate bar from a vending machine.

9) You buy battery from a vending machine.

10) You have all sorts of point cards, Tokyu card, Yodobashi card, Pasmo, Suica, Yamada Denki card, Sakura-ya card, Nanaco card, Ikea Family card.... (or is it just me?!)

Help me update.

July dy!!!

2009-07-04T15:49:00.006+09:00

I purposely open the "butt-shape" colourful rainbow graph [ It's called the contour graph you retard! ] and matching it with my awesome happiness Spongebob calender I got from the 100yen shop in this photo to make me look smart and look busy. The papers are bunch of scribbles as last minute work for assignment due the next day. Btw, they are in bunch of greek's symbol and equations and equations! They made me look smart too, but I have no idea what they mean.

It's July! in one month time, it's end of this first term and off for Summer holiday!! Wuuhoo!! I cant wait to go home. I could smell the taste of Nasi Lemak, Maggie Goreng, Bak kut teh and Dimsum in my the corner of my mind dy! Kenot forget Teh Tarik. ! **drool**

I will be having one month of Summer Holidays in Japan before heading home! Money money money, in a poor monbushou scholar world, so have to decide between Fuji Rock Festival 09 jam pack with lineups like Oasis, Franz Ferdinand, Weezer, Lily Allen, Ben Harper, Jimmy Eat World, Jet, Fall Out Boy!!! or, Nagasaki Hiroshima!!! or.. Stay home... Worst.. stuck with lab work.

Out.

You can have My Job

2009-06-30T00:59:00.006+09:00

Hi, meet my three-week-old toothbrush.

Deep down in me, I think my braces never parted with me ever since that last appointment with my orthodontist decade (singular, decade!) ago. My metal teeth is embedded in me. I thought toothbrush can last for three months?!

Poor student like me in an expensive city, cant even afford a decent toothbrush.

Sleep-less

2009-06-29T01:38:00.007+09:00

I tried!!

Sleeping early, waking up early.

Nope. Not working.

I am going fishing in the seminar tomorrow morning. Might be able to catch some salmon. :)

Instant Passion

2009-06-28T19:52:00.004+09:00

Today, I had the urge. To get an SLR. For real this time. Stood up, got dressed, and off to Yodobashi.

I was standing there right in front of the camera stand, holding it on my hand, thinking... and walk away!!!

In the end, I bought whole series of Shiseido products instead. Gosh, when will I feel I am ready for the upgrade?

Every.thing Talks (Literally)

2009-06-20T22:42:00.004+09:00

In Japan, everything talks. Literally! I mean, the vending machines, the escalators, the turning vehicles, the lifts, the trash cars, the ticket machines, the ATM machines (my biggest "phew" is they dont yell out the amount $ withdrawn), even the traffic light have birds chirping sound.

So, if you are in Japan, these are some of the sound you should recognize.

Vehicles:
Emergency Car is turning right.
"救急車は右に参ります。"
QQ sya wa migi ni mairimasu. (no, not cute!)

Escalators:
Please be careful of your legs when getting on and off the escalators.
"降り乗りの際は、足元には十分ご注意ください。"
Ori Nori no SAI wa, ashi moto ni wa jyu bun go cyu yi kudasai.
(No, not hami-SAI in hokkien).

Traffic Light:
"Tew... Tew..... Tew.... Tew...."
(Dont get mad, no body cursing you. I believe this is also not Hokkien or Canto).

Lift:
The door is closing.
"ドアが閉まります"
Doa ga shi-mari masu.
(Nope, Shit is definitely not coming.)

Busy.Busy.Busy

2009-06-10T15:41:00.002+09:00

I am so freaking busy since last week. Wanted to leave a good impression on my presentation, practice and practice, yet I got so nervous I couldnt form a proper sentence in the beginning.

Then, it was exam, assignment,quiz, then tmr is another presentation.

Amidst of all this busy-ness, yet I cant refrain from peeping into my new fiction book.

Wuah! The book Lolita is so erotic, in a good way. The language are superb. Gonna rush rush rush, get all my work done, and indulge in my reading! YOS!!

Jealousy kills

2009-06-06T14:26:00.009+09:00

A guy in my lab did this rollover picture in his lab member page. I was so jealous!!!

So, I consulted a programming master name Ahmet...

Muahaha!! Roll over (your mouse lar, not literally, duh!) to see my chubby face.

End note: My amazon order came in today. Did you know that except paying via credit cards, you could also pay in any convenient store in Japan? Paying in 7-11 (pronounce: Sebun Irebun) is the best coz all you need is just to print out the bar code and pay at the counter. (instead of pressing complicated buttons on the auto teller machine). So, there's no reason to own a credit card here unlike in Malaysia who has to go through whole loads of applications and then kena cut for a RM5 debt. Damn pissed off! @_@

Depressed

2009-06-01T17:12:00.003+09:00

Sometimes, when I am depressed, I thought of others in this world, who are suffering way more than I do, I will try my utmost effort to cheer up, and hopeful that everything is gonna be all right.

Depressed button

YES. Imagine yourself to be an emergency button in the toilet, everyday sit there silently, watching different people walk in and out of the cube, even the most sexy beautiful chic walk in, she might also have constipation or digging her nose behind close door........

NO Wonder the button is depressed.

Belated

2009-05-31T03:29:00.004+09:00

Taken during Sakura Season in Tokyo Institute of Technology

I was flipping my old albums and I realised I liked this photo so much. Compare to now, every weekends, it just has to rain! Little Kimmy wanna play! 梅雨は大嫌い！

Feed the Hungry

2009-05-17T19:24:00.004+09:00

I made salad. I felt great after eating, but not so great for the chicken family.

親子サラダ

I ate the whole family.

I also found my happiness yesterday. Ikea sold 17containers for only 599yen!!! It's even cheaper than 100yen shop!!!

Now my fridge transformed into....

Realized there's a free shuttle bus from Denen-chyoufu to Ikea. Life is good!

Stalk me

2009-05-13T18:16:00.003+09:00

Google Map Street view is awesome!

**Update** Google Map Street View is still mind-bogglingly awesome!
東京工業大学 Tokyo Institute of Technology

Playing the stare game

2009-05-12T21:10:00.002+09:00

Video conferencing.

Yokohama 150th-Year Anniversary

2009-05-09T15:05:00.001+09:00

Yokohama is celebrating it's 150th-year anniversary of opening of the port. They are having a series of events to ~~earn your money~~ celebrate this memorial period.

The first time I saw this poster for this event, I thought what was selling for 150yen.

The most anticipated event I would say is this giant Spiddy. Called the ENEOS La Machine. It's a 12m tall giant spider designed by a French company.

Spiddy attack

But it cost like 2400 yen to enter the venue 始まりの森 (Hajimari no mori) to see it up-close, so I could only afford to see it across the road. Funny thing is that this name could be easily related in Malay Language, Haji.Mari (Haji coming) , then turned out the Haji is a big spider!!! **not funny.. cold~~~**

The spiddy is operated by 10-men, weighting more than 37 tons. I was just in time for one of the daily performance. For 20 mins, the spiddy will move theatrically, spraying water to the audience. I would imagine from up-close, the movement would be spectacular.

There's so many sight seeing spots in Yokohama except Minatomirai 21 and China Town. Near the Yamashita Park (山下公園) and port areas, lies The Three Towers. Introducing the King's Tower.....

King's tower is the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Office.

King's tower

I am not sure is it allowed in during normal season, but during this event, this sightseeing spot is open for public. You could get in and chill in the roof top area, from there, you could see the whole port area and also the Yokohama Stadium. I was deaf with cheering that day while some baseball game was on-going.

Next is the Queen's tower. The description on the Yokohama sightseeing spots website goes something like this "The Islamic like green dome of the Yokohama Customhouse is the Queen"

Queen's Tower

Lastly is the clock tower, Jack's tower as Port opening Memorial Hall. Loving the red brick wall.

Jack's Tower

The Yokohama Archives of History building was originally British Embassy back in Showa 6 (昭和6 = 1931)

Yokohama Archives of History

Now all it left was this pink telephone. :D
Nah, I was too late for the visiting hours actually, so couldnt see the rest of this building.

There was a International Costume Parade going on that. Initially I was planning to see the parade, but the time I got there, the parade was over, all what was left is this bus with Mickey on the driver seat.

Mickey Bus

This is so my future car light gonna be pimped!

and dragon and lion dance as the parade's finale.

It's not even CNY but all the shops were inviting lion dance to "ong" their shop up. Maybe since they already dressed up for the finale, why waste the opportunity to earn some business men money.

Check out lion's cool socks.

Hang out in minatomirai 21 area before heading home. This is located near the InterContinental The Grand Yokohama hotel.

I think it's a restaurant. Not sure.

and no Yokohama trip would end without snapping the signature sight - Ferris Wheel.

This is what you do when your pocket is dry.

2009-04-30T09:39:00.000+09:00

Stay home and play with your webcam. :D

Nemo Eyes

Tiled up

4 squares.

50's

And my personal favorite!!

Biscuit face

Next week is the golden week for Japanese Holiday. I reckon everywhere should be jam pack with people, so I have decided! **to stay home and practice Zen.** So I guess i wont be updating much. Unless you wanna see my stupid webcam pictures. I have tons more :D

My Daisy are fine. Thank you.

2009-04-19T14:57:00.004+09:00

A very pathetic attempt to take them upside down.

It has been a very busy week. I am too age-d to attend classes from 9am to 5pm, and stuck in the lab to 6, 7, 8pm. Had some draft in this blog to blog 'bout some interesting Japanese surname, the recent obsession of Susan Boyle, and me falling in love..... with the new secret garden I found along Tamagawa river, but didnt have the time to edit 'em all.

I wish weekends never end. :(

Quake and Tsunami Predicition

2009-04-10T11:08:00.005+09:00

Received emailed saying that on 22 July 2009 eclipse, estimated magnitude 6 quake will hit Japan at local time 3pm.

Tsunami will hit Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia...

Click Here for advance explanation with "Pseudo Science" and "simulator" and "excel spread sheet"! **wuuuuuu**

One Year Anniversary

2009-04-09T16:33:00.000+09:00

Already been in Japan for one full year, to be exact, till date, it's one year 1 week. One full year in a foreign country, it's a very interesting, eye-opening experience. Yet, amongst all these excitement, it has a hint of sadness, homesick-ness and sometimes difficulty especially in communicating with the locals in broken Japanese. Could be frustrating sometimes. So and so, nevertheless, in one word, I still had an amazing year (or 6 words).

Taken in Matsushima last summer. Photo taken by Zhan Wei.

One of the most amazing experiences is of course experiencing the 4 seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Last year this time, I arrived in Japan with Sakura welcoming us newcomers, except appreciating the beauty of Sakura, it didn't mean anything more. However, now, awaiting Spring has more meaning than just to-see-flowers. It's like new life sprouting after the dreadful winter, kidda like representing new hope.

I am not trying to be emotional. Spring 2009

Also, always from the TV, the most happening event, or the most romantic love story, always happen during summer. Now I can understand why everybody enjoy Summer that much. (except the loooong 2 months school break), it's the only 3 months throughout the year, you do not need to wear 4 layers of clothes whenever you go out, or have to tip toed to the freezing toilet and have your butt touch the damn cold toilet seat. Also, it's the only time to show off your body in bikini. :)

Puffy ice and just-woke-up-eyes in Winter, Takayama

In addition, after the 4 seasons here in Japan, finally it reminded me how much I was in love with the sunshine in Malaysia, the beautiful sandy beach during any evening throughout the year, and also how much i miss the rumbling thunder and howling wind during thunderstorms in the tropical.

Momiji, Autumn in Hakone

All the amazing people I met had given me massive supports and dear friendship. Finally meeting Professor Ando in real person was a total shocker. Imagine all you know about him was his name appearing in journals, papers and through google, finally meeting in real person, it's quite unbelievable. Also, lab members not only willing to provide advice and help in academic wise, but also during outings like to Kusatsu Summer Camp, the warm "tourist" guide in one step towards understanding the beautiful culture of Japan.

All (except some who couldn't make it to the party) the beautiful people from the lab. Taken in Professor Ando's home party

One of the happiest moment is also during the Japanese Intensive course. All the crazy classmates and wonderful sensei aiming to strive for better Japanese language for ourselves and for the students.

The Happy People

However, I spent most of my beginning of Japan year with fascinating people below. I first met Mint and Oo on my first day. And I spent most of the summer holidays last year with Kenny, Ahmet, Yap visiting places like Hokkaido, Nikko, Sendai, Matsushima, Kanita, Hakodate Furano, Sapporo, Otaru Canal, Aomori for Nebuta Festival, Fuji San.

Birthday Celebration.

Kawagoe

Kamakura

When Kim Ean was here in Japan, we had the chance to Himeji, Kyoto, Universal Studio, Osaka and etc.

Fushimi Inari 伏見稲荷大社　Kyoto.

But the most awesome experience was still Fuji Q! Until today when I looked back the pictures I took in Fuji-Q, I can still feel I am falling 10floors straight down with my butt strap on a chair.

Yeap, the red track behind. Eejanaika. Awesome ride!

In addition, it's definitely one eventful year. I had the opportunity to catch Radiohead Japan Tour 2008 in Tokyo International Forum. It's was one of a kind of experience to see a live gig from one of the favorite band.

Radiohead Japan Tour 2008

Went to support a friend of mine in Tokyo Marathon 2009.

Tokyo Marathon 2009.

Flashing back the events like Sumo competition, Tea ceremony, Summer fireworks! Tokyo Drift in Odaiba, Kabuki .......

Sumo-san with their sexy and expensive underwear.

Its no longer something that belongs in the sport section of the newspaper but experience the event in real person. You could feel the quake and deaf yourself in the thumping sound of the giant sumo stomping the floor, you could hear the piercing scream of the fanatic crowds, and you could smell the sweat of the sumo wrestlers in sniffing distance during their leisure time walking around the stadium. (Although I strongly advice not to provoke the gentle giant.)

Drifting in Odaiba

You could hear the race car tire screeching in the sharp corner of the drifting competition. Again, the screaming of the crowds cheering in the event make everything seems so surreal. But when you wanna make sure you are not in a dream, you pinch the guy next to you and you get that anger stare, you know that this is all real.

Only after arriving in Japan, then I realized the artistic side of mine. Try to imagine visiting art gallery from Picasso, staring at the Ophelia painting by Sir John Everett Millais, or admiring the Thinker Man sculpture.. I mean come on! Do I look that sentimental to you? but surprisingly, I was enjoying every second of that moment of me trying-to-appreciate-art-self-indulgence foolishness.

Hakone open-air museum.

Of course, there are also many interesting and fun museums, like the Ghibili Museum , inspired by the very talented Miyazaki Hayao's animations.

I was hoping that Toro was really gonna sell me tickets.

Science museum likes Miraikan in Odaiba, which were just few steps away from my ex-dormitory and etc.

Finally, concluding this one year anniversary post: I wanna be America's next top model. No no!! hahaha! I mean it's truly eye-opener experience and I am grateful to have this opportunity to experience in this amazing place.

For the next coming years, I have a set of targets for myself to achieve. As high as the peak of Fuji-san, as passionate as the burning larva inside the crater....... hopefully academic wise, social wise, nihongo everything smooth sailing.

Fuji-San peak

Summarizing things I achieved:

1) developed a phobia towards touching metal object after countless time of electrocuted.

2) the needle on the weighing scale goes towards larger number every time i step on it. My younger sister is preparing to write a thesis entitled "How 4 seasons affected my sister's weight."

3) one year ago, my most fluent Japanese sentence was,
"Sumimasen desu nga, otearai wa dochira desuka?" (Excuse me but may I know where is the toilet?)

4) one year later, my most fluent Japanese sentence is,
"Sumimasen, to-i-le.... doko?" (Excuse me, toilet, where?)

Lavender in Furano

2 more years to go....

Himawari, Furano.

Ganbarrrreee!!!! Yosss!!!

Kanamara Matsuri

2009-04-06T01:00:00.000+09:00

Disclaimers:

1) This post contains some images that might appeared disgusting to someone and thus causing nausea, headaches, and heart-failure. Be warned!
2) Children below 18, meaning you Kim Mun, kenot read!
3) Whoever in the family, do not open this post to show popo. I mean you Kim Foong!

Kanamara Festival, or officially known as Festival of the Steel Phallus or better still known as Penis Festival, it's celebrated in Japan whereby a bunch of people holding a giant pink penis walking down the street.

According to Wikipedia, this festival is popular among the prostitutes who wishes for protection against STDs. But now, according to what I saw, it's popular among foreigners and transsexual. I think, this whole thing is just an evil plan to boost the tourism!

This is the very odd occasion whereby you hear odd conversation that utterly doesnt make any sense in daily life.

For example,

"Oh NO! The pink penis is going away, Let's get closer"

Or,

"The pink penis is coming! Touch it Touch it!"

Or

"How does your penis taste like?"

Or,

"Come Buy Come Buy! Tasty Penis and Vagina!"

This aunty was screaming her lungs out,

"Is this penis too big? There's also small one available!"

Hand made Penis and Pussy are available for sales at 600 yen each.

I wouldnt wanna imagine the conversation of buying one of these candies.

I think it would be something like this,

Think you have seen it all? Think again. Welcome to Japan!

It's a tough decision

2009-04-01T02:34:00.001+09:00

I received a phone call from my family, things at home definitely not looking too bright.

It's a tough decision, but I think I have made up mine. I have decided to drop everything here in Japan, and go back home to Malaysia.

Thank you to all the friends here in Japan, for all the cheerful, wonderful and support that you had given me. I will definitely miss here.

House Warming

2009-03-31T13:03:00.003+09:00

What is great about being big sister or elder in Japan? Answer is, you could have a house warming party, invite your friends to come over to your house,but, you have them cook for you instead. Muahahaha!!

See Tatt was the chef of the day, he brought sushi ingredient and taught us how to make sushi. According to him, it's his first time making sushi but in my opinion, it was superb! made me wanna scream like the Japanese girls in high pitch tone, "OOOISHIIiii...!" **Glass crack**

Pity the guys, my room is so small, that they had to sit at the corridor while rolling the sushi. While me sipping my coca-cola, sitting on my bed, concentrating on the movie Red Cliff on the screen. (of course, on and off a quick step of walking over, giving a lil' of moral support, take some picture for this blog, and hustle off for my movie.)

I seriously had to admit, the guys were better in making sushi. I was helping out in trying to press the rice into rice clumps, the result was disastrous, I had my whole palm sticked with rice the first time, and the shape just didnt came out right till the end.

Someone suggested wasabi competition... everyone was gushing with tears while chewing. Suddenly everyone very touched, turned sentimental, everyone has tears in their eyes... sob sob! Oooishii..!!

Had a great time. :D

Pink

2009-03-30T17:24:00.005+09:00

2 more days, it's gonna be one year for me here in Japan. I guess i would be writing some flash back of this amazing one year.

The new lair's transformation

2009-03-27T19:00:00.000+09:00

Day -1: The negative 1 day before moving in.

A so called empty lair, with absolutely nothing except air.

The wardrobe and kitchen.

Day 0: Still Moving in.

Day 1: Arrival of the bed

Mattress that is made in Malaysia, from Muji. 無印良品

For the next one week,

Without Table.

Wallet recovery.........

After that,

MoRE Furniture SHOPPING!

The Arrival of the Table named Vika, Cupboard named Flarke, and Chair named Herman. (I cant agree more they are named funny. :-S)

But I just called my table "The Kenya's Goddess". Coz it's shinning black like Sandra in cycle 12 America's Top model.

Tadah!!!

The smiley daisy :)

I dont even know how fast is this

2009-03-26T13:30:00.005+09:00

Let's see,

27667kb/s, so it's 27Mbps.. which means 3.45MB/s?!

I have my own fiber optics connected right there under my table!! The internet guy even told me, please be careful not to bend the fiber optic wire! WHAT?!!! I only learn that in school,

"Chapter 1: Dont bend fiber optic."

Muahahaha!!!!!

It's Spring Time

2009-03-23T14:07:00.002+09:00

After a dreadfully cold winter, you gradually realise it's okay to wear spaghetti string t-shirt in your room, and you started to wonder, "ey, why today not so cold one?!" then you carefully tip-toed to the bathroom and turn on the hot water tap, "ouch! Hot!". Then, you cautiously look through the window,

AND IT'S SPRING TIME!

You know it's spring time when the grass is green again.

When a dad could spend a Sunday evening playing football with his kid,

When the picnic mat is out again from the frozen store room,

When the love birds know only how to chirp,

When you can still see your own shadow at 430pm around high rise building!

When the trees without leaves are so last week,

And when the sakura flowers shyly peeping through the beautiful spring day,

and Blossom!

It's Spring time and I cant wait for full bloom around next week! :)

The New Hood

2009-03-14T20:01:00.002+09:00

I officially changed my address from Tokyo to Kanagawa.

Now am a proud resident of Kanagawa ken, whenever I do not feel like it, I can walk to the border of Tokyo-Kanagawa and pose like a lamp-post.

My building is the grey coloured building on the right.

Train line which I use everyday to Uni. Meguro line or Toyoko Line from Shinmaruko station heading to Tamagawa Station.

Home Party

2009-03-10T17:37:00.004+09:00

9th March 2009. (Monday)

Professor Ando invited all the members in the lab to his house for dinner. It was an amazing night with delicious food, tons of alcohol and huge dosage of laughters.

Farewell

2009-03-05T14:45:00.002+09:00

3rd March 2009 : Moving out

Room B1016, Tokyo International Exchange Center, Odaiba, Tokyo.

This is our fond Farewell! sob sob sob!

SNOW in TOKYO!

2009-02-27T11:21:00.003+09:00

I was hibernating under my blanket, unwilling to open my eyes to leave the warm comfy lair. Then i receive a SMS from Ahmet.

"It's snowing outside!"

WUAH!!!! The speed I jump out of my bed, Jet Lee also not as good kung fu as I am!

IT'S SNOWING!!!! RIGHT OUTSIDE MY BALCONY!!

I AM GETTING READY TO GO OUT NOW. MUAHAHAH!!!!!!! *EVIL LAUGH*

How to rent an apartment for gaijin student in Japan.

2009-02-27T00:45:00.002+09:00

Being a gaijin (外人) in Japan, one of the most inconvenient thing is to find and rent a house in Japan. Here's my personal experience.

First of all, MONEY!
In Japan, renting a house is like sucking out all your life saving. Normally, any house owner in Japan would require you to pay

敷金　- shikikin : Deposit Money
礼金　- reikin : Gift Money

Minimum 1 month rent each. Normally 1 month 2 months or 2 months 1 month or 2 months 2 months. I asked my Japanese lab mate once, they think it's strange if owner doesnt collect shikikin and reikin, they think something hanky-panky happened to the house if nil is collected. Well, for gaijin like me, I dont mind if I could find a place without a need of paying those. :)

Except reikin shikikin, prepare one month rent agency money, key money, insurance money, cleanning money and one month pre-rental.

Personal touch :
I found a house from an agency call Able. Pronounce E-i-bu-ru. エイブル.

A mansion cost 67k yen rent monthly and 5kyen management fees.

Mansion Management Fees: 5k yen
Reikin: 67k yen
Shikikin: 67k yen
Pre rental: Nil. (After showing my difficult face on the final sum he made, the agent made a call again and finally agree to waive this fee)
Agency Money: 35.175k yen (Able collects 52.5% rent)
Cleanning money: 15k yen
Key Money: 15k yen
Insurance: 9k yen (Bought from school, much cheaper, Able's insurance cost 20k yen).

A whoppy 210k yen!! (RM 7875 with RM3.75 to 100yen currency rate).

It's sometimes negotiable, just bring your "I am poor student with no money face" with you along to the agency.

Then, location, location, location
Anywhere inside Tokyo, cost fortune! Do a lot of survey from the internet, normally all the properties are listed online.

It's also expensive if:
House is near to the station.
Final stop of a station.
Train station has more than one line.
Express train that stop at that station.

Personal Touch:
My university is Tokyo Institute of Technology Oookayama campus in Meguro-ku, Tokyo. So, I do not mind a little bit of travel to Kanagawa-ken (which is out of Tokyo) along Meguro train line as long as I do not need to change train.

Agent
It certainly require you to speak Japanese or know Kanji (漢字). Bring along Japanese friend with you if you are not sure.

After you decided on a property, go to the agency listed online. Normally, that agency specialize only in that local area.

Firstly, once you enter the shop, they will ask you to fill up forms, name, address, personal info. Then, comes the main part, they will ask you what kind of houses you are looking for.

1) Budget (rent + management fees).
2) Along which train line.
3) A little bit of your background.
4) When do you need to move.
5) How far away from train station is tolerable.
6) Desire condition.
For me, I wanted western style room, indoor washing machine place, 2nd floor and above, 1R, 1K or 1DK.
(1R = 1 Room - room and kitchen together,
1K = 1 Kitchen - Kitchen and room seperated,
1DK = 1 Dining Kitchen - with dining room)

Normally other conditions includes, toilet and bath together or separate? (Separate cost higher), bicycle parking? facing which direction? (South cost higher).

Then comes the crucial part, they will scramble along all their available properties, and MADE PHONE CALLS. The conversation normally goes like this,

" Hi, this is Koyama from Able, I am planning to introduce this property to a customer and wonder is it still available?"

" *short pause - Checking* Yes, still available, go ahead!"

"However, the customer now is international student, I am wondering is it still okay."

*Long hesitation*
(This is indeed the most annoying part, it's more difficult than a job interview. Questions like, which university? can they speak Japanese? How do they receive their income? Which country? Malaysia? Nope, terrorist!!! *click......* It usually takes more than 2 calls to complete the inquiries.)

Then, they will show you the "O-Kei" (okay) properties. Look through each property carefully, Be very sure what you want, what you didnt like for example too expensive, too small, too far, before asking to see the house.

Field Trip
After you decided you kidda like those few houses they introduce, ask to see the houses.

Firstly to notice is the neighborhood. As Japan is considerably safe country, it shouldn't be causing too much problem. Also, is it quiet enough, peaceful? near to the traffic is usually annoying. Then inside the house, is it bright enough? enough sunlight? is there any blocking view from your balcony or front door?

Back to the Agency
Think! think! reconsider all the available choices. Normally the agent would push to close the deal with you. You could reject them politely and say you needed more time to think. It took me 2 full weeks, various field trip, to finally found a house. Stressful but satisfying experience.

Once decided on a house, it's all legal stuff, contracts, insurance, foreigners would need guarantor, consult your university on this matter. You would need to have alien card, 印鑑 inkan (name ink) when you are making your payment.

It's definitely not an easy task to find a house you like, mainly due to the language barrier and the sky high cost. My lab mate was being really helpful in helping me to find a house. Especially my tutor who even offer his help to go to the agency together. However, I was thinking this tedious stuff would be better not to bother others. huhuhu!! I will be moving starting coming Saturday, 4 days for me to slowly move my stuff. and slowly furnish my new home, should be fun. :)

So any friends of mine who are reading this, you will know what I want if you receive my phone calls from Saturday onwards! Muahahah!!

SnowMan

2009-02-26T13:37:00.001+09:00

Snowman finally appeared in Tokyo's weather forecast! muahahah!!!!

Hokkien

2009-02-24T18:58:00.003+09:00

保険 = Hoken
Meaning: Insurance

保険人 = Hoken Lang
Hokkien people.

Warning:
*保険人 doesnt make sense in Japanese actually. *

World Flags

2009-02-19T21:06:00.001+09:00

Can you remember those days during primary school, in art classes, one of the assignment is definitely to draw your country flag.

I sucks big time in art, drawing. I cant even draw a straight line.

So!!! Drawing Malaysia flag, the biggest problem for me was the 14 point star! I could never never ever get it symmetry!

Flag of Malaysia

Why not Malaysia flag as simple as Japan Flag? I am sure the Japanese school children love art classes.

"Students, today we drawing flag!"
"YAYYYY!!!!!"

5 mins later.

"DONE!"

Flag of Japan

But then, later, enter university, met some friends from Penang. Then, my turn to revenge. To laugh at them for having such a difficult state flag to draw.

I am sure they are very expert in drawing coconut tree or pinang tree. Maybe students from Penang excel in drawing "Picnic by the beach" during art class.

Flag of Penang, Malaysia

Then, Ahmet told me during his art class, his red colour crayon all gone. One box of brand new crayon for art class, all other colours untouched, except red.

Flag of Turkey

But still, I cant imagine little children from Bhutan, Cambodia or Wales during their art class.

Flag of Bhutan

Flag of Cambodia

Flag of Wales

Cool!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T21:55:00.004+09:00

For the couples

A Love Shape Strawberry.

For the Singles

Love SUCKS! Butt shape strawberry!

Happy Valentine's Day

Winter bear bear biscuit

2009-02-11T20:01:00.003+09:00

Obviously bear bear from bear bear biscuit doesnt live in Tokyo. Because if so, this picture doesnt make sense. IT DIDNT SNOW, NOT EVEN ONCE IN TOKYO! It was freaking cold and yet it doesnt has the decency to even snow!! **Cold and pissed off**

Belated

2009-02-10T22:04:00.006+09:00

This is a really belated post. Happened once upon a time when Kim Ean was here. (1 month ago).

We went Takayama and Shirakawago. It's listed as the world heritage for their unique architecture.

It seems that during winter, the snow pile up so high, they need their houses to be 3 storeys farmhouse. If snow covered the first floor, they use they 2nd floor window as door and so on. The roof are built so that snow would not pile up on the roof causing collapse.

Shirakawago Village view from Shiroyama Viewpoint.

This was taken inside one of the farmhouse in Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, most of the farmhouses has been relocated to this open-air musuem to prevent them from destruction.

It snowed heavily that previous night. The next morning, we woke up as happy children, kicking and playing the snow at each other on the street at the risk of being honk by vehicles to our way to the bus station back to Shinjuku.

The imperial palace is only open to public twice a year. Which is on the Emperor's birthday, 23rd December, and during the new year celebration 2nd January.

It's kidda impossible to walk around the palace, they just lead you to an open space where Emperor Akihito would addressed the crowds for 5 mins, then you will get washed out the palace by the amount of people in the crowds. Some granny was so pissed off, stomping out the waiting crowds, screaming that she rather stay at home and watched the TV. Granny, I really felt you that time.

Third from left, Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, The Emperor, Empress Michiko, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko.

So, we rather amused ourselves by taking pictures with Keihin Tohoku train in Shimbashi.

That night, we invited Kelly to come over my place for dinner. Somehow, it turned out that Kelly was in the kitchen cooking...

The one who was suppose to be in the kitchen was not in the kitchen......

tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk.....

My contribution was the steam egg, 3in1 Thai green curry and frying the chicken marinated with oyster sauce.

But what was after the dinner that were awesome! Kelly made this fantasticly delicious dessert, match with Bailey and redwine that Ahmet brought, 最高！！

Kim Ean ended her Japan trip with hot spring in Odaiba Oedo Onsen 大江戸温泉 with my Japanese foster parents, Kaneko-san and Kelly. It was so cool that onsen because you do not need to bring anything except your wallet to the bath, from comb, toothbrush to all kind of lotions are provided. Admission after 6pm is cheaper, apply for membership, first timer cost 1700￥. Consequent visit entitled 10% off.

I cut my hair yesterday. No more cheapskate looking half dyed hair.

I have bangs and kidda layered bob hair, dark brown. Pictures will be uploaded once I have a good one to show off. :)

Life After Exam.

2009-02-09T22:15:00.004+09:00

Life after exam, it's very mind-bobbling. Cause all I could think of towards the end of my evening, is to decide which movie to watch. Too many movies, just too little time. *head-shaking in mild despair*

The Reader

If you are a fan of Kate Winslet's boobs, this is definitely a movie for you. She is showing off her body throughout the whole movie. Story begins with her having sexual affairs with a 15 year old boy, it turns out that Kate Winslet was one of the Nazi's guard during World War II, so after she suddenly disappeared after summer, she reappeared being prosecuted on court for murdering 300 Jewish women. That boy once upon a time, witness the court case as a law student, never stop loving her until the day he grew old and she died.

Movie starts with intense love scenes. Bombard you scene after scene like terrorist attack on the screen. I somehow doubted I was watching the "wrong-type-of-movie". Love and romance was never my cup of tea. This movie doesnt change my mind.

Changeling

There's just no reason to hate or envy Angelina Jolie with her sexy lips. Her acting truimph it all. She as an ordinary working mum, played a strict but loving mom, found her son gone missing after a long day at work. Story based on a true story. Her son gone missing and corrupted police force are too occupied being corrupted. I would not include spoilers here. Wonderful twist in the movie, not to be missed movie.

Angelina Jolie was suppose to be a lady, a mom in the 1920's era. Soft-spoken and Oh-th0se-amazing-hats-she-wearing and to tolerate the male chauvinism. However, you can see a little bit of Girl Interrupted Angelia Jolie when she was thrown into the psychiatric ward and also that wee bit of Tomb Raider in the way she walks confidently in that movie. This gives the balance of being too goodie-too-shoes. It's no wonder the Oscar's nomination for best actress.

Religulous

A documentary about Christianity, Jewish, Islam, Catholics, Mormon and Sciencetology by Bill Maher. The message of this movie was to encourage people to have doubts towards what they are believing. It's hilarious how he documented and presented the whole story. Like sarcasticly showing dinosaur in Flintstone to prove man and dinosaur coexisted thus no evolution of human from ape, man and animal were created within the 7 days! He made a lot of assumptions for example "What if Jack and the Beansprout is religion and Adam and Eve or Jonah living in the big fish for 3 days or Virgin birth are fairytales?" He agitated most of the people he asked.

Hilarious!

On the way, Frost/Nixon, Grand Tarino, Hunger, Milk...

Too many movies... too little time... *more head-shaking with fierce despair*

Strolling

2009-02-08T18:04:00.004+09:00

I havent have the time to do CNY decorations. So here is the replacement.

Tiny magnets of jumping frogs and swimming athletes with floats on my lab's working desk.

I also brought the spongebob calender to my lab. I hope professors wont ask me to grow up and start behaving like an adult!! *shy*

Although temperature maintained around 11degree throughout the day yesterday, it was sunny and perfect for strolling!

I was brought to a pregnant slim building in Meguro. See the red colour buldge. It's a driving school it seems.

Then went to Ueno Park.

The lotus flowers all decided that they wanna take a nap for the winter. So they all went to sleep.

But some flowers were cheated by the sunny day and assumed spring has arrived. They cant wait to sprout out to only realised that it's still winter. (Also maybe because of global warming?)

The Japanese has a way for the decorations on the floor, which I find it so adorable! The next time you visit Japan, do not forget to look down and see the piece of art you are stepping all over it.

"What are you staring at?" Grumpy green face.

"I love my new nose ring" Mascara-ed Sunflower.

Electrifying Sun.

Groovy grandpa.

Colourful Amoeba

Directory in Takayama.

It did not even snow once in Tokyo so I hope winter over soon already. I have enough of electrostatic shock already everywhere I go, and I have enough of cracking lips and dry skin.

OWARIMASHITA!!!!!!

2009-02-04T11:08:00.004+09:00

FINALLY!!!!!!!! After months of preparation!

I still havent calm down from the interview half an hour ago. I was so freaking nervous my bp shot up to 200/200. Me alone facing 7, 8 professors in a long table, including Professor Ando and Professor Nakagawa who I attended his class as a revision. I think it will take a while for me to cool down.

Maybe hot spring will help!

Till the result day, for now, it's YIPPIEEEE!!!!!!!

I-su-ra-mu

2009-01-28T18:24:00.009+09:00

Had a tea party with my Science Technology Japanese teacher Nishina Sensei 仁科先生　after the course final exam. All her 6 students gathered in her room and we had cakes, tea and strawberry. Yeap, good life!

One of the topic we brought out was about the Islam religion practice in Japan. One of the student is Indonesian and she told us about her difficulties in practicing Islam prayers in Japan. For example, her experience of getting stone early in the morning 5am outside her balcony by Japanese kids because they thought they saw ghost in a long white hood, or how she had difficulties in praying when she was in Shinjuku during prayer time, where she couldnt find a suitable spot for prayers.

Sensei said, in Japan, there's a law saying that everyone has the freedom to choose their religion, but officially, it is not allowed to practice it anywhere especially schools or government building. However, considering Muslim student, surau are set up for them to do their prayers. And so, some may argue, if Islam are allowed, why doesnt allow the Christian to do the same, or the Buddhism in school? They called it cult if you try to convey religious message in school/campus ground, heavy punishment might occur. Same case in Turkey, they are arguing whether to allow headscarf in a government building or universities. Currently, it's not allowed.

After further conversation, we found out that her parents are actually Christian, her grandparents are Catholics. She embraces Islam after she found peace by practicing prayers with her nanny. And that, in Indonesia, there are no rules saying that students are required to wear headscarf in primary school or secondary school.

This got me thinking.

The way Muslim practice Islam in Malaysia are way more stricter than Indonesia. They are rules in school whereby Muslim girls have to wear headscarf, what more government building, even the women in police force have to wear headscarf along with a hat. and yet, the Indonesian girl made me speechless by telling me that she came to KL, and she saw girl with headscarf kissing another guy in a shopping mall, and then, Nishina Seisei told me she went to Malaysia for a conference, she was surprised for the relatively long prayer before the conference. So I said, Islam is the national religion of Malaysia, no question about it. Every Muslim are born Islam in Malaysia, there's no freedom for them to convert or choose their own religion either. I dont find anything wrong with this statement, but it made them so surprised.

The conversation continued till the extend I was questioned why I aint wearing headscarf, what religion am I. I say no religion, but I have a set of believes:

I believe Maxwell equations are the root of evil in making me constipate, I still hate Newton and the apple, damn Einstein for E=mcc! And the Hindi conversation in Slumdog Millionaire are making me addicted in perfecting my head shaking technique when I speak and spoken to.

I think I am definitely burning in hell.

There's probably no god, now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
::Atheists in London promoting their new slogan in London city busses. ::

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-22T14:13:00.007+09:00

I had never been through such a lonely Chinese New Year my entire life. Last year, I lost my grandpa, so we were not celebrating Chinese New Year, it was lonely but I had my family with me and this year, I am not celebrating either because I am stuck in Japan preparing for exams.

Penang Kek Lok Si Temple

It gets most lonely when you look at home country news and everywhere is showing the CNY decoration at home. How Midvalley, KLCC and Pavillion are competing in turning their main lobby into huge giant lantern or plum flowers. How Jenjarom Dongzen temple Flower Festival for the ox year gonna be like, a glimpse of the giant ox with happy monk and laughing children infront. As though they are laughing nincompoop like me who couldnt celebrate CNY this year.

Midvalley Kuala Lumpur, decorations for 2009. Photo by SooHK, Flickr

I decided not to call home during the reunion dinner. I dont want to hear the gathering knowing that they are having delicious home cook cuisine and I am not there.

Side story, I had my Japanese presentation for my Japanese Science Technology class. I presented about basic antenna and electromagnetic wave. Nothing fancy, just about how wavelength related to antenna length. I did the whole presentation in Japanese, it took me more than 1 day to prepare the slides, and script. (Nope, I cant present impromptu without script). In the end, i forgot most of the script and speak like a layman beginner. Kore wa antenna desu. (This is antenna). Sore wa tokyo tower desu. (That is tokyo tower). I felt myself such a failure after almost 1 year, I still couldnt speak Japanese like I should have.

Anyway, learnt some Japanese related to EM waves:

Frequency 周波数　しゅうはすう　 syuuhasuu
Frequency Band 周波数帯　しゅうはすうたい　syuuhasuutai
Wavelength　波長　はちょう hacyou　
Speed of light 光速　こうそく　 kousoku

以上です！

Akihabara Yodobashi Camera Song

2009-01-18T23:40:00.004+09:00

I just got back from Yodobashi Camera Akihabara, walked inside the shop with this song constantly playing. After coming home, the song is still playing flamboyantly in my head.

Now I am gonna poison you too. WITH LYRICS!! Muahahah!! CLICK CLICK!

ま～るい緑の山の手線
ma ~ rui midori no yamanote sen
真ん中通るは中央線
mannaka touru wa chuuousen
新宿西口駅前と
shinjuku nishi guchi eki mae to
秋葉のヨドバシカメラ
akiba no yodobashi kamera

つくばと繋がる秋葉原
tsukubato tsunaga ru akihabara
ますます便利なお買い物
masumasu benri nao kaimono
ＩＴ何でもそろってる
IT nande mosorotteru
秋葉のヨドバシカメラ
akiba no yodobashi kamera

良いパパ良いママ、良い家族
yoi papa yoi mama , yoi kazoku
みんなが集まる秋葉原
minnaga atsumaru akihabara
安くて何でもそろってる
yasuku te nande mosorotteru
秋葉のヨドバシカメラ
akiba no yodobashi kamera

つくばエクスプレスも走ってる
tsukuba ekusupuresu mo hashitte ru
買い物便利な秋葉原
kaimono benri na akihabara
大きな売り場と品揃え
ooki na uriba to shinazoroe
秋葉のヨドバシカメラ
akiba no yodobashi kamera

みんなが集まる秋葉には
minnaga atsumaru akiba niha
ＩＴ何でもそろってる
IT nande mosorotteru
世界中の注目だ
sekaijuu no chuumoku da
秋葉のヨドバシカメラ
akiba no yodobashi kamera

Fuji-Q

2009-01-16T14:19:00.006+09:00

During the stay of Kim Ean in Japan, I was trying my best to bring her to as many places as we could visit, mainly because ~~she is paying~~ I wanna make her Japan trip one of the best travel experience for her. *cough cough!*

So, one of the places we went, was Fuji-Q. 富士急ハイランド

Snowy when leaving.

It's not famous because it has a magnificient view of the Fuji-san, but the coasters in Fuji-Q are some of the top 10 coaster in the world.

Like Fujiyama below, it held the record as both the tallest and tallest drop coaster during year 1996. Drag you up to whoopy 79m above ground and swing you upright downward from 70m above ground. It's one of the longest ride (2045m) I ever ride on too, you scream and scream and get tired and rest your throat a bit..... and continue screamming also not yet reach the end.

Fujiyama coaster.

However, the scariest ride of all, was this ---> Eejanaika!

DAMMIT! You felt yourself swinging on air when the coaster turn you 360 degree. Its scariest when departing, coz its moving backward. So, not only you cant see where is the track going, you just knew that you are going up and up and up.. and you are preparing for the drop... still not yet drop.. then suddenly it goes, it drop you like you are jumping down from 10 floors building with your butt still stick to your chair.

Eejanaika

Image source :BBC News

I wasnt screamming the first time, because I was too scared to even scream. And I kept my eyes close most of the ride. We took the ride for the 2nd time. And this time, I was opening my eyes and screaming like a mad cow.

You can look at me and Ahmet, but the main objective of this picture is the Eejainaka track on the background. :)

One other ride was very worth the experience was Dodonba. Held speed record of 172km/hr as the fastest coaster during year 2001.

Then, it's this ghost hospital.

It was suppose to be a maze, and it took us 50 mins to get out even with arrows and direction guiding you. 50 mins was also mainly because the instruction giving was about 10 mins, the initial ghost video watching to instil fear in you was about another 5 mins. During the lining up, we saw everyone screamming out from the exit. We promised ourselves to be cool. But me and Kim Ean broke the promise. oppsss..

The props were good. The "human-ghost" in doctor uniforms were good too. Most of them had burgers in a hurry before their ghost shift because they spilled ketchup all over their uniform. Ahmet was walking in front, me in the middle, Kim Ean clinging behind. Bad choice for Kim Ean, because normally the ghost will chase you from behind. Hahaha!!!

Some other rides include this one.. Pizza La something...

and dunno you believe or not, I think I never ride on Merry-go-round before this.

It was exhilarating! *wink*

Home sweet home for Kim Ean

2009-01-09T18:22:00.006+09:00

7th January 2009. Narita Airport.

I have to forget that you are gone so I gulped down two cans of beer and isolate myself in my bathtub for the fear to face the hollow empty room, afterwards it still didnt help me forget so I have to eliminate all the remaining of your shadow by swallowing maggie cup - tom yam flavor, curry flavor ,with a sprinkle of Ayam Brand Sardine that you brought all in one-go.

Send me somemore maggie mee once you see this. :D ::crave crave::

Man-eater, literally!

2009-01-08T12:31:00.005+09:00

Full Article

I know GuangZhou people eat everything under the sun. For the saying," Everything under the sun, with 4 legs, could be eaten, except the table". That's why GuangZhou has so no stray cats and dogs, coz all ended up in their tummy. But eating babies?! wtF!!!

I just lost my appetite for lunch.

Universal Studio Osaka, Japan

2009-01-06T12:42:00.003+09:00

The entrance to Universal Studio is 5800 yen. With this, you could enter the park and ride unlimited number of times for all the rides.

Problem is, the crowds in Universal Studio is massively huge. Merely to get the entrance ticket, although more than 20 ticket booths are open, we still had to line up for ++30mins.

I am not sure it's because that day was a Sunday? or because it's a year end holiday? Most probably both.

Below is I guess their most exciting coaster. Called the Hollywood Dream - The Ride. Me and Kim Ean, we waited for around 90 mins for this ride. Yeap. just for the 30seconds of adrenaline rush...

The whole place was decorated so western style. All the hollywood characters, however, all of them speak Japanese. A bit odd combination.

Abby Cadabby the character from Sesame Street. Nope, she didnt turn me into a frog.

Met sexy Betty Boop.

Shrek and Princess Fiona

Elmo dancing with Abby and a crew of santarina and snowman.

Except the queue, Universal Studio is definitely a happy place to go. We were only able to get on 2 more rides except the coaster, which are the Animation Celebration and The Shrek 4D Adventure. Both rides are equally refreshing.

Himeji, Kyoto

2009-01-03T11:24:00.005+09:00

Himeji Castle 姫路城, Himeji

Kinkakuji Temple 金閣寺,Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine 伏見稲荷大社, Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple　清水寺, Kyoto

Happy New Year !! Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T15:00:00.005+09:00

The last hours of 2008, we decided to sardine pack with few other millions people in Zozoji Temple for the countdown. Although few millions people, they were actually only two types of people.

One type: To be the first few to enter the temple and make new year wishes once the midnight clock strike, and also to release more than thousands of ballons to the sky with their wishes tied to it.

Second type: People who wanna make use of the 24hours train operating hours to be in somewhere pack with people and finally get drunk.

3 of us, we were there, frankly because of the ballons. Free ballons!!! who dunwan?!

The tokyo tower was there making the best backdrop. Half an hour before midnite, tokyo tower swith off its light.

Then turned into this.... tadah!!!

See the amount of people here, but it was still freagin cold!!! This is the first countdown ever I am shivering among a sea of human beings! CNN was doing a coverage of this event. "This is CNN, Tokyo!" the announcer was standing right beside us. Maybe we were on TV too. :D

Happy 2009 everyone! New Year resolution! I wanna be America's Next Top Model! Oppss!! I mean, I wanna study hard and earn my qualifications! BAHHH!!!!

The Snowy Encounter

2008-12-31T19:49:00.003+09:00

We are close sisters.

We love each other so much..

But when it comes to snow ball fight, there's no mercy!

Obviously, she although elder, she was beaten flatly!! >:)

I always wonder how snow taste like....

Trust me, it taste nothing like Durian.

Muahahah!!! Kim Foong dont be jealous!

Kim Foong

2008-12-31T19:09:00.006+09:00

We know you didnt come to Japan, but your shirt came, Somehow, your name came to Kyoto too. :) Engraved on a biscuit.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T15:06:00.004+09:00

The next post when i am back, will be about Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, Takayama, Shirakawago.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Shiodome

Roppongi Hills

Shinjuku Terrace

Siapa tu?

2008-12-24T23:26:00.002+09:00

Siapa Tu?!!

24th December 2008. Shiodome, Tokyo, Japan

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

kimikoh.blogspot.com

International Driving Permit

Japan M8.9 Earthquake

FujiQ Highland and Fuji Five Lakes

Women are Crazy, Men are Stupid

I go home every summer, thanks for asking.

The Long Overdue

One Phone Call

Someone put Tokyo into the Freezer

FINALLY, It Snows!

An Ordinary Weekend.

An Ordinary Friday

An Ordinary Thursday

An Ordinary Wednesday

An Ordinary Tuesday

An Ordinary Monday

OMG

Chairman of the Bored

Japanese of the day

Ang moh 紅毛

67th Golden Globe

Please do it at home!

830k Lines Code

Lomo!

Itadakimasu！ いただきます

Happy 2010!

Belated Christmas Dinner

PCS

Merry Christmas!

Merry Holiday Season

Homeless

Autumn Ramble

Early Christmas Present

1,2,3 Action!

You aint messing with women in cape

Pulau Redang

Ueno Zoo

They made me broke but happy

Tamagawa Fireworks

Hi, My name is Bob

What a WEEK!

Let the record play

Earthquakes

Disappearance

Living on the train

Summer Night

Money not Enuff

Real Size Gundam in Odaiba

S.A.L.E.S

You know you are in Japan long enough when..... [update]

July dy!!!

You can have My Job

Sleep-less

Instant Passion

Every.thing Talks (Literally)

Busy.Busy.Busy

Jealousy kills

Depressed

Belated

Feed the Hungry

Stalk me

Playing the stare game

Yokohama 150th-Year Anniversary

This is what you do when your pocket is dry.

My Daisy are fine. Thank you.

Quake and Tsunami Predicition

One Year Anniversary

Kanamara Matsuri

It's a tough decision

House Warming

Pink

The new lair's transformation

I dont even know how fast is this

It's Spring Time

The New Hood

Home Party

Farewell

SNOW in TOKYO!

How to rent an apartment for gaijin student in Japan.

SnowMan

Itadakimasu！いただきます