This could seriously become a non-photo vacation...:S Hopefully in Japan I can upload them...
Note #1: S. Korea is land of the FREE for shopping in beauty shops! They constantly give customers free samples, just for going into the stores and then when you spend money they give you free samples for that too. I bought ONE bottle of nail polish and got a box for 20 cotton make-up pads and some other samples. I only really spent $1.50...
Note #2: For the ladies who love beauty products beware of what you buy, b/c that stuff is freakin' heavy yo! be mindful that you gotta lug that stuff and pass the customs' luggage weight!
EHWA WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY
This is the place to shop for clothes, accessories and whatever! How do the university women even focus on classes when there is a shopping paradise here?!!? Got some clothes and earrings. I only brought 4 tops on this trip, so I literally had to buy clothes LOL.
It was actually hot, so I was wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless blouse and I was shopping some random sales lady ran her hand down my arm and said, "ohhh summer!" RANDOM YO! She was just being friendly, but it kind of caught me off guard. Spent a long time at Cottiny buying earrings because they were all nice. (http://www.cottinyshop.co.kr/shop/main/index.php) Also, I got a free pair b/c of my purchases.
LE BUNNY BLEU (http://www.lebunnybleu.co.kr/seoul/)
I fell in love with this store. I've never wanted to buy a whole collection of shoes before but it happened! I literally wanted to say, I'll take them all. The sales ladies were letting me try on everything and I took a pic of the best ones. No, I didn't buy them all... but I did get three. Pics to come when I can find a dang computer that will let me upload them.
IT AIN'T AN ARCADE, BUT I WON!
I was at one of the beauty stores and noticed they had a crane game. You know what that means right? Sam is gonna play that game. I got a free token from the counter and won some random skin treatment sample thingies.
VENDOR FOOD and DBS PIGEONS
Somehow one forgets/ignores a rumbling stomach while in the midst of shopping. I stopped at a food vendor along the side of the main road and got bbq chicken and onion skewers. I dragged my shopping bags to a seating area and while I was eating OH LUCKY ME...the ahjumma (middle-aged lady) beside me decides to throw some bread and all of a sudden the pigeon plague descends!! @___@ While shooing them away I spill bbq sauce on my pants and ended up relocating away from the pigeon ahjumma. Oh well...I'll have to wash these pants...good thing they were black?
AGNES UNNIE
I was able to reach Agnes unnie earlier in the day. My emails were sent back to me, but Helena unnie gave me her number via email. She was really surprised I was there and said she would come meet me tonight. Ahh but she works 1 1/2 hours away, so she ended up coming really late. I felt bad but it was really nice to see her! We ate bbq pork ribs. Really delicious! We laughed about our memories of my other trips like hiking up the mountain for 2 hours looking for a Buddhist temple, on a smoldering day and ran out of water and shade. LOL. If I survived that I can survive anything!
Afterwards, she left and I went back to the guesthouse and arranged some of my luggage. Wanted to take a bath but got too tired.
Hope all of you are doing well! ^__^
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
ASIA REVISITED part III
Cinderella SAM-urai made it home before midnight! Today was a busy day!
LAST NIGHT'S AFTER EFFECTS
As some of you may have read last night, I got soju sodrunk and woke up this morning at 5am still wearing last night's clothes LOL. I took an advil, changed and went back to sleep. I swear advil prevents my hangovers!
ANNE, APGUJEONG AND CELEBRITY SIGHTING!
Called Anne to confirm arrangements. She asked what I wanted to eat and we decided on dakgalbi! :) I love that stuff! We went to Apgujeong to eat and the food was quite delicious. Will upload photos later. After that, we walked around the area. We ended up at a store and there was a candy/toy dispenser inside. If someone puts 500 won in, it dispenses an egg-like container which can contain discounts of 5,000won, 10,000 won, 20,000 won, 30,000 won, free clothes or free headphones.
I was really interested in trying my luck to win the headphones (w/c I found out later, were unavailable) so I changed some money. Anne thought it would be a waste of money, but I had this feeling...I used a 500 won coin and gave Anne the other one. She won 30,000 won off and I won a FREE SHIRT! Heck yeahhh!
While we were shopping around, I was looking out the store window we were in and I saw a tall Asian dude, dressed with a white shirt, black blazer and black pants. There was something about him, that made me think he was a celebrity and then I knew right away. It was Chansung from 2PM! He was directing his manager's van to a nearby store. I couldn't help my curiosity. We went over to the store just to peek, he left soon after coming out from the back and walked right by us. He seemed in a frustrated mood, so I didn't bother doing anything like taking a photo or trying to talk to him. I'm from Toronto, yo! We don't stalk celebs...we just acknowledge...there's a celebrity...cool...on with life!
Yeah...I tried to break in some shoes I bought the other day...failure..got me a blister and since my feet were sore, I bought a pair of toms to rest my footsies. Good investment!
Thanks Anne for lunch and midday snacks! Hanging out with you is always part of my visits!
REUNION, TAXI AND DRAMARAMA
After I separated from Anne, I went home to shower. It had been a hot day and I couldn't stop sweating...not to mention, I had also worn my shirt backwards the entire day!!..luckily it wasn't obvious. I was planning to meet the oppas at 7:30pm. When I got there, slightly late, Song oppa was there :)
He told me Sean oppa had waited since 7pm and just left a short while ago. OOOPS! I thought we were meeting at 7pm! My bad! Song oppa called him back and he and Jinyoung oppa met me to eat. Song oppa had to work so he couldn't come to eat. He looks so different with his hair a lighter colour, short and straightened.
We took a taxi and the old man driver kept turning around to look back at me and smiling at every stop. He told them in Korean that I was pretty and according to Jinyoung oppa, he said I looked like a good Korean wife...whatever that means @__@ LOL! I told the driver no, that's not true but he disagreed. I tuned him out after that...yipes! Jinyoung oppa was sitting in the front, so the driver kept talking to him and I focused on my catching up with Sean oppa.
We went to a place that has really fresh tasting beer. Can't remember the name at the moment. Beer hits me faster, so I only finished a glass and a half and the oppas drank the rest for me.
I had to use the washroom and there was dramarama in there. Two ladies arguing, the younger one crying and upset. I tried to get around them, but they were both caught up in the drama. Later on, the older lady came out and 4 younger guys were trying to calm her down. On top of that at some point another random lady was fighting/beating a guy in the man's washroom, while another guy tried to pull her out of there. Jesus!! Ladies gotta stop drinking to the point where they get crazy like that!! I offered to get as drunk as them and cause a scene too, but thankfully the oppas declined. kekeke
They decided to make sure I got home before midnight. We communicated in English, Korean and Japanese LOL. When we were leaving I tried to pay, but Sean oppa had his card out quickly and Jinyoung oppa gently pushed/pulled me out of the door and told me Sean was paying. Ahhh this happens every time! They are such nice guys! I really feel taken care of when I hang out with them. They dropped me off at the station. I always look forwarding to meeting with them and glad we could arrange something :) Thanks for a nice time guys! Til we meet again!
Big hug to those who actually read this long entry!
-Sam ^__^
LAST NIGHT'S AFTER EFFECTS
As some of you may have read last night, I got soju sodrunk and woke up this morning at 5am still wearing last night's clothes LOL. I took an advil, changed and went back to sleep. I swear advil prevents my hangovers!
ANNE, APGUJEONG AND CELEBRITY SIGHTING!
Called Anne to confirm arrangements. She asked what I wanted to eat and we decided on dakgalbi! :) I love that stuff! We went to Apgujeong to eat and the food was quite delicious. Will upload photos later. After that, we walked around the area. We ended up at a store and there was a candy/toy dispenser inside. If someone puts 500 won in, it dispenses an egg-like container which can contain discounts of 5,000won, 10,000 won, 20,000 won, 30,000 won, free clothes or free headphones.
I was really interested in trying my luck to win the headphones (w/c I found out later, were unavailable) so I changed some money. Anne thought it would be a waste of money, but I had this feeling...I used a 500 won coin and gave Anne the other one. She won 30,000 won off and I won a FREE SHIRT! Heck yeahhh!
While we were shopping around, I was looking out the store window we were in and I saw a tall Asian dude, dressed with a white shirt, black blazer and black pants. There was something about him, that made me think he was a celebrity and then I knew right away. It was Chansung from 2PM! He was directing his manager's van to a nearby store. I couldn't help my curiosity. We went over to the store just to peek, he left soon after coming out from the back and walked right by us. He seemed in a frustrated mood, so I didn't bother doing anything like taking a photo or trying to talk to him. I'm from Toronto, yo! We don't stalk celebs...we just acknowledge...there's a celebrity...cool...on with life!
Yeah...I tried to break in some shoes I bought the other day...failure..got me a blister and since my feet were sore, I bought a pair of toms to rest my footsies. Good investment!
Thanks Anne for lunch and midday snacks! Hanging out with you is always part of my visits!
REUNION, TAXI AND DRAMARAMA
After I separated from Anne, I went home to shower. It had been a hot day and I couldn't stop sweating...not to mention, I had also worn my shirt backwards the entire day!!..luckily it wasn't obvious. I was planning to meet the oppas at 7:30pm. When I got there, slightly late, Song oppa was there :)
He told me Sean oppa had waited since 7pm and just left a short while ago. OOOPS! I thought we were meeting at 7pm! My bad! Song oppa called him back and he and Jinyoung oppa met me to eat. Song oppa had to work so he couldn't come to eat. He looks so different with his hair a lighter colour, short and straightened.
We took a taxi and the old man driver kept turning around to look back at me and smiling at every stop. He told them in Korean that I was pretty and according to Jinyoung oppa, he said I looked like a good Korean wife...whatever that means @__@ LOL! I told the driver no, that's not true but he disagreed. I tuned him out after that...yipes! Jinyoung oppa was sitting in the front, so the driver kept talking to him and I focused on my catching up with Sean oppa.
We went to a place that has really fresh tasting beer. Can't remember the name at the moment. Beer hits me faster, so I only finished a glass and a half and the oppas drank the rest for me.
I had to use the washroom and there was dramarama in there. Two ladies arguing, the younger one crying and upset. I tried to get around them, but they were both caught up in the drama. Later on, the older lady came out and 4 younger guys were trying to calm her down. On top of that at some point another random lady was fighting/beating a guy in the man's washroom, while another guy tried to pull her out of there. Jesus!! Ladies gotta stop drinking to the point where they get crazy like that!! I offered to get as drunk as them and cause a scene too, but thankfully the oppas declined. kekeke
They decided to make sure I got home before midnight. We communicated in English, Korean and Japanese LOL. When we were leaving I tried to pay, but Sean oppa had his card out quickly and Jinyoung oppa gently pushed/pulled me out of the door and told me Sean was paying. Ahhh this happens every time! They are such nice guys! I really feel taken care of when I hang out with them. They dropped me off at the station. I always look forwarding to meeting with them and glad we could arrange something :) Thanks for a nice time guys! Til we meet again!
Big hug to those who actually read this long entry!
-Sam ^__^
ASIA REVISITED part II
Hey Ya'll,
Hope all is well wherever you are!
FINDING FRIENDS AND EATING POO
So yesterday was "find/contact my friends day." I went to Sunny's store Nanishow in Insadong, but found out she sold the store. She is actually living in Australia now but is coincidentally in Korea right now because she's getting married. Dunno, if I'll be able to meet her but I left her a gift. The new owner is one of her friends and I became friends with an employee there named Sujin. She is supernice and even treated me for breakfast. Bought a bunch of stuff there - actually, I always put aside money specifically for that store!
Ok, you read "eating poo" right? They have a special bread there that is in the shape of cartoon poo. Yup ate some of that! Kehehehe. It was good, but so random yo!!
Next stop was Myeongdong. I had tried to contact Song oppa who owns a music store in the station, but my emails came back. It has been 3 years since I last saw him, so I was unsure if he was still there. Lucky it was!! It was also surrounded by a bajillion fangirls buying stuff. I squeezed inside to see that Jinyoung oppa was there.
I don't know why, but I always think that if I haven't been to Korea in a while my friends my forget who I am. We only ever really keep in touch when I visit...but Jinyoung oppa remembered me even before I had to remind him. The funny thing is, he is so shy to use English and my Korean is limited for long conversations, but ironically we can communicate in Japanese better. LOL. He called Sean oppa, who I confused for Song oppa and we arranged to meet tonight for dinner. Song oppa was working in an office in another location, so I didn't get to see him but I'll see him today.
MYEONGDONG
Not much to say about this other than I blew a hole in my wallet...all the Skin Food products and Etude are killing my suitcase and my wallet! I didn't even shop for clothes yet...oh dear...
I ate at a homemade noodle place. I don't remember the name but I took a photo. There are only 4 things on the menu and there was a line-up before and after I ate there. Plus they kept stuffing me with fresh kimchi. I had the handmade noodle soup with dumplings inside. They also sell a dumpling dish, spicy noodles and another dish.
ROBIN & ELAINE
I had made plans with Robin to meet at 8:30pm and so I met him at Seoul 53 Hotel, of which he is a part owner now. He said he'd give me a discount next I visited :) They literally just opened.
We went out for BBQ and soju of course. We caught up and had tons of fun, but soon the soju hit me like a ton of bricks. Then I was ordering pitchers of Asian martinis (water). LOL. Robin made sure I was okay and kept telling me to drink more water. We met up with his friend Elaine and we ate fried chicken and they had beer while I drank more H20. Robin's hyung also came and hung out with us for a bit. They all walked me home and then took a taxi.
I'm really lucky to have made such good friends here.
Now I gotta go, so have a nice day everyone.
-Sam ^__^
p.s. sorry for any grammar/spelling mistakes. don't have time to doublecheck!
Hope all is well wherever you are!
FINDING FRIENDS AND EATING POO
So yesterday was "find/contact my friends day." I went to Sunny's store Nanishow in Insadong, but found out she sold the store. She is actually living in Australia now but is coincidentally in Korea right now because she's getting married. Dunno, if I'll be able to meet her but I left her a gift. The new owner is one of her friends and I became friends with an employee there named Sujin. She is supernice and even treated me for breakfast. Bought a bunch of stuff there - actually, I always put aside money specifically for that store!
Ok, you read "eating poo" right? They have a special bread there that is in the shape of cartoon poo. Yup ate some of that! Kehehehe. It was good, but so random yo!!
Next stop was Myeongdong. I had tried to contact Song oppa who owns a music store in the station, but my emails came back. It has been 3 years since I last saw him, so I was unsure if he was still there. Lucky it was!! It was also surrounded by a bajillion fangirls buying stuff. I squeezed inside to see that Jinyoung oppa was there.
I don't know why, but I always think that if I haven't been to Korea in a while my friends my forget who I am. We only ever really keep in touch when I visit...but Jinyoung oppa remembered me even before I had to remind him. The funny thing is, he is so shy to use English and my Korean is limited for long conversations, but ironically we can communicate in Japanese better. LOL. He called Sean oppa, who I confused for Song oppa and we arranged to meet tonight for dinner. Song oppa was working in an office in another location, so I didn't get to see him but I'll see him today.
MYEONGDONG
Not much to say about this other than I blew a hole in my wallet...all the Skin Food products and Etude are killing my suitcase and my wallet! I didn't even shop for clothes yet...oh dear...
I ate at a homemade noodle place. I don't remember the name but I took a photo. There are only 4 things on the menu and there was a line-up before and after I ate there. Plus they kept stuffing me with fresh kimchi. I had the handmade noodle soup with dumplings inside. They also sell a dumpling dish, spicy noodles and another dish.
ROBIN & ELAINE
I had made plans with Robin to meet at 8:30pm and so I met him at Seoul 53 Hotel, of which he is a part owner now. He said he'd give me a discount next I visited :) They literally just opened.
We went out for BBQ and soju of course. We caught up and had tons of fun, but soon the soju hit me like a ton of bricks. Then I was ordering pitchers of Asian martinis (water). LOL. Robin made sure I was okay and kept telling me to drink more water. We met up with his friend Elaine and we ate fried chicken and they had beer while I drank more H20. Robin's hyung also came and hung out with us for a bit. They all walked me home and then took a taxi.
I'm really lucky to have made such good friends here.
Now I gotta go, so have a nice day everyone.
-Sam ^__^
p.s. sorry for any grammar/spelling mistakes. don't have time to doublecheck!
ASIA REVISITED part I
Good Morning from Seoul!
Whaaaa?! Yes, I'm in Seoul right now! I'll be here until May 1st and then heading to the Kansai area of Japan and a few other places. Get ready to be spammed...if you don't wanna get the various emails, let me know.
Anyway the reasons for this trip are:
1. Happy 30th to myself 2. Fulfilling a lifelong dream: Visiting Sadako's statue in Hiroshima and leaving paper cranes there 3. Live life to the fullest 4. As I told customs.."Freak my parents out"...lol...they worry about the S. Korea part, but it's all good 5. Stick to my motto of LIVE. LOVE. TAKE RISKS. REGRET NOTHING.
So yes, the airport stories consist of almost leaving my knapsack in Narita b/c I was charging my phone and a dude stood in front of it covering it...realized when I was in line to board that my shoulders were unnaturally feeling light. LOL!
I did a good deed and switched seats with an elderly Japanese couple who wanted to sit together. I think they were surprised that I spoke back to them in Japanese and they were grateful...and so cute! So, I ended up sitting in the middle of two dudes. One was really nice, but no friends..no husband yet! kekeke Tried to watch some films...saw the Oz one...Major League...love that one! Watched The Impossible and cried a ton...good thing the lights were out. My limobus to the guesthouse wasn't such a simple trip b/c my driver missed my stop, so I had a 40 min detour, but I got there eventually. Ahhh nothing more exciting than being exhausted and navigating at night on the streets of Seoul.
Guest house ended up giving me a bunk bed room with my own washroom and tub to myself! Shweeet!
Managed to contact my friend Robin last night, who just recently opened a guest house 1 min away from me. We are scheduled to drink it up tonight...oh dear! Ended my night talking briefly to my-chan and then having a tall can of Hite beer with some food and chips.
Now it's 8:50am and I will be heading out to shop my butt off and try to locate some of my other buddies.
Off I go, update ya'll later!
-Sam ^___^
Whaaaa?! Yes, I'm in Seoul right now! I'll be here until May 1st and then heading to the Kansai area of Japan and a few other places. Get ready to be spammed...if you don't wanna get the various emails, let me know.
Anyway the reasons for this trip are:
1. Happy 30th to myself 2. Fulfilling a lifelong dream: Visiting Sadako's statue in Hiroshima and leaving paper cranes there 3. Live life to the fullest 4. As I told customs.."Freak my parents out"...lol...they worry about the S. Korea part, but it's all good 5. Stick to my motto of LIVE. LOVE. TAKE RISKS. REGRET NOTHING.
So yes, the airport stories consist of almost leaving my knapsack in Narita b/c I was charging my phone and a dude stood in front of it covering it...realized when I was in line to board that my shoulders were unnaturally feeling light. LOL!
I did a good deed and switched seats with an elderly Japanese couple who wanted to sit together. I think they were surprised that I spoke back to them in Japanese and they were grateful...and so cute! So, I ended up sitting in the middle of two dudes. One was really nice, but no friends..no husband yet! kekeke Tried to watch some films...saw the Oz one...Major League...love that one! Watched The Impossible and cried a ton...good thing the lights were out. My limobus to the guesthouse wasn't such a simple trip b/c my driver missed my stop, so I had a 40 min detour, but I got there eventually. Ahhh nothing more exciting than being exhausted and navigating at night on the streets of Seoul.
Guest house ended up giving me a bunk bed room with my own washroom and tub to myself! Shweeet!
Managed to contact my friend Robin last night, who just recently opened a guest house 1 min away from me. We are scheduled to drink it up tonight...oh dear! Ended my night talking briefly to my-chan and then having a tall can of Hite beer with some food and chips.
Now it's 8:50am and I will be heading out to shop my butt off and try to locate some of my other buddies.
Off I go, update ya'll later!
-Sam ^___^
Monday, August 17, 2009
Installment 18: Harajuku & Italian
Installment 18: Harajuku & Italian
Morning Sickness
No, I'm not preggers. I woke up feeling the sickest I've been thus far. I had a headache and a sore throat with a stuffy nose. I know my body when it's like this. I felt kind of disoriented too. It was our last full day in Tokyo, so I forced myself out. Jos and I left the house at around 230ish. Jos wanted to go for shabu shabu again, but by the time we got there, the restaurant was closing until dinnertime. We decided to go straight to Harajuku and eat there. We took the omotesando exit and was surprised to see that the JE store had no line-up. They stopped Jos from taking a picture of the store, but let her take a picture of the billboard. I spent way too much money...again...
Some Italian?
Jos and I were pretty hungry at this point and decided on a pasta restaurant. We both ordered the same thing which was pasta with shrimps and sadly, (I didn't see it in the picutre) mushrooms. Jos ate miund, but I could still taste a bit of it in the sauce. I sucked it up and ate it anyway. The salad was good. We made our own milk tea with tea, liquid sugar and milk. The dessert was good. I ate a chocolate cake with ice cream. Jos had a cream caramel.
Waiting for Mellers
After we ate we walked around a bit and found a lot of thrifty and second hand stores. We found a nice hat shop and shopped a bit. I called Mellers and we arranged to meet at GAP. While we waited for her, we saw four girls on the corner dressed in Halloween gear. Mellers arrived and we headed off to the main shopping in Harajuku.
Harajuku Shopping
Mellers and I warned Jos that it would be impossible to not buy anything in Harajuku. I was actually good and Jos pretty good too. We shopped around pretty fast, because the stores were closing at 8pm. We took more sticker pictures and then we made our way out. Then Jos reminded me that I didn't get my haircut.
HOST CLUB?!?!?
Mellers filled out my form to cut my hair. Then I convinced Jos to get a haircut too. The both of us convinced Mellers to cut her hair as well. So we all got haircuts. Jos and I gave full freedom to our stylists, short of shaving our heads. Jos' stylist asked her if she'd been to a host club. We all laughed but then seriously started considering doing that. Mellers had never been to one and what better way to end our trip? Jos and Mellers finished their hair before I did and they continued to talk about the host club. We paid for our haircuts and then our stylists escorted us out.
Dinner at La Boheme
I believe that is the name of the restaurant. Feel free to correct me Mellers. We went to the restaurant that Mellers works at and ate like crazy. We had avocado, wasabi, crab salad...calamari, chirisso (i don't know how to spell that), margherita pizza and one plate of pasta each. Because I wasn't feeling too great I couldn't finish my food. We had a great time and it's clear the staff loves Mellers, b/c everyone made it a point of saying hello and talking to us. Dinner was great!
As for the host club...well...what happens in Tokyo stays in Tokyo MUAHAHHAHAHAHA
I fell asleep in the taxi on the way home. Jos and Mellers could tell I was pretty sick. They helped me along. Went to sleep with my jacket on.
We are leaivng in 15mins for the airport. I had a great time as always here. Lots of great memories. Now...on to Canada and frigid weather. Tomorrow it will hit 0 degrees?!?!? See you all soon. I'll finish the Philippines installments when I get back.
-Sam
Morning Sickness
No, I'm not preggers. I woke up feeling the sickest I've been thus far. I had a headache and a sore throat with a stuffy nose. I know my body when it's like this. I felt kind of disoriented too. It was our last full day in Tokyo, so I forced myself out. Jos and I left the house at around 230ish. Jos wanted to go for shabu shabu again, but by the time we got there, the restaurant was closing until dinnertime. We decided to go straight to Harajuku and eat there. We took the omotesando exit and was surprised to see that the JE store had no line-up. They stopped Jos from taking a picture of the store, but let her take a picture of the billboard. I spent way too much money...again...
Some Italian?
Jos and I were pretty hungry at this point and decided on a pasta restaurant. We both ordered the same thing which was pasta with shrimps and sadly, (I didn't see it in the picutre) mushrooms. Jos ate miund, but I could still taste a bit of it in the sauce. I sucked it up and ate it anyway. The salad was good. We made our own milk tea with tea, liquid sugar and milk. The dessert was good. I ate a chocolate cake with ice cream. Jos had a cream caramel.
Waiting for Mellers
After we ate we walked around a bit and found a lot of thrifty and second hand stores. We found a nice hat shop and shopped a bit. I called Mellers and we arranged to meet at GAP. While we waited for her, we saw four girls on the corner dressed in Halloween gear. Mellers arrived and we headed off to the main shopping in Harajuku.
Harajuku Shopping
Mellers and I warned Jos that it would be impossible to not buy anything in Harajuku. I was actually good and Jos pretty good too. We shopped around pretty fast, because the stores were closing at 8pm. We took more sticker pictures and then we made our way out. Then Jos reminded me that I didn't get my haircut.
HOST CLUB?!?!?
Mellers filled out my form to cut my hair. Then I convinced Jos to get a haircut too. The both of us convinced Mellers to cut her hair as well. So we all got haircuts. Jos and I gave full freedom to our stylists, short of shaving our heads. Jos' stylist asked her if she'd been to a host club. We all laughed but then seriously started considering doing that. Mellers had never been to one and what better way to end our trip? Jos and Mellers finished their hair before I did and they continued to talk about the host club. We paid for our haircuts and then our stylists escorted us out.
Dinner at La Boheme
I believe that is the name of the restaurant. Feel free to correct me Mellers. We went to the restaurant that Mellers works at and ate like crazy. We had avocado, wasabi, crab salad...calamari, chirisso (i don't know how to spell that), margherita pizza and one plate of pasta each. Because I wasn't feeling too great I couldn't finish my food. We had a great time and it's clear the staff loves Mellers, b/c everyone made it a point of saying hello and talking to us. Dinner was great!
As for the host club...well...what happens in Tokyo stays in Tokyo MUAHAHHAHAHAHA
I fell asleep in the taxi on the way home. Jos and Mellers could tell I was pretty sick. They helped me along. Went to sleep with my jacket on.
We are leaivng in 15mins for the airport. I had a great time as always here. Lots of great memories. Now...on to Canada and frigid weather. Tomorrow it will hit 0 degrees?!?!? See you all soon. I'll finish the Philippines installments when I get back.
-Sam
Installment 17: Sensoji Temple (Asakusa) and Halloween Party
Installment 17: Sensoji Temple (Asakusa) and Halloween Party
Sensoji Temple
Craig came by in the morning to get ready for the Halloween dress up. He had decided on Mickey Mouse's sorcerer's apprentice. Mellers was a flight attendant. Jos and I didn't have to dress up until the party. Mellers invited us to the candy exchange at SILS, but we declined, since we wanted to spend more time at the temple.
We went there and finally found zaru soba! Jos has been looking for it everywhere. Zaru soba is cold soba noodles with a soya dipping sauce and shrimp tempura. Jos was amazed at the shopping district that led to the temple. We found Chris a dress and found some other nice things. We made it to the temple and Josie and I did all the rituals. We lit the incense, poured the water, did our fortunes and made offerings. Then we bought charms.
We went back through the shopping district. I took her to the funky ice cream shop, but it was under renovations. I was really disappointed. Instead I took her for manju (fried biscuit looking thing with various fillings). We had green tea, pumpkin and sweet potato with sesame. She really enjoyed that.
We shopped more and then headed back. We got home just in time and we dressed up. Although Mellers had a witch costume for me, I ended up being an angel. Jos was Josie and the Pussycats. We met Mellers friends at Hub in Shibuya. She had a lot of ppl from her program there. Jimmy Mackey was there too. He is a former JE performer and still a celebrity in many fangirls eyes. We moved from Hub to the club where the party was being held, and stopped by Don Quixote again. Some fangirls recognized Jimmy and were squealing. He's not hard to miss..he's supertall and was dressed as a kindergarten student. Some of her other friends were dressed as 80's girls, drag queens, etc.
We went with Mellers to pick up Craig and then we lined up for the club. As we were going in, I looked up the stairs and saw Matsuda Shota!! He is an actor and is widely known as Soujiro in Hana Yori Dango (the Japanese live action version). Apparently, he bumped into Mellers and apologized. Mellers told Jos it was F4 and for some unknown reason, Jos thought it was Vanness from the Taiwanese F4. ahahahha She said the only F4 she thinks of is the Taiwanese guys.
The club was rammed. There were so many people there. Jos and I danced with Mellers and her friends for a bit. Then we moved around the club. We sat upstairs for a while and enjoyed other music and then finally found ourselves on the balcony dancing. Craig came by for a bit and then as we were dancing we saw Mellers dancing on stage with a whole lot of other people. She made eye contact with us so we were dancing from a distance too.
As the night ended, Jos and I checked out our stuff from coat check and waited for Mellers and Craig. Some dude tried to talk to me, but I just shook my head. We left the club and ran into Eugene, George and their other friend, who I had met last time I visited. We were hungry and really tired. We went to the station, ppl were staring at us and then we went to Yoshinoya. (Kind of like Matsuya.) Then we went home. Another tiring, yet fun day was done.
-Sam
Sensoji Temple
Craig came by in the morning to get ready for the Halloween dress up. He had decided on Mickey Mouse's sorcerer's apprentice. Mellers was a flight attendant. Jos and I didn't have to dress up until the party. Mellers invited us to the candy exchange at SILS, but we declined, since we wanted to spend more time at the temple.
We went there and finally found zaru soba! Jos has been looking for it everywhere. Zaru soba is cold soba noodles with a soya dipping sauce and shrimp tempura. Jos was amazed at the shopping district that led to the temple. We found Chris a dress and found some other nice things. We made it to the temple and Josie and I did all the rituals. We lit the incense, poured the water, did our fortunes and made offerings. Then we bought charms.
We went back through the shopping district. I took her to the funky ice cream shop, but it was under renovations. I was really disappointed. Instead I took her for manju (fried biscuit looking thing with various fillings). We had green tea, pumpkin and sweet potato with sesame. She really enjoyed that.
We shopped more and then headed back. We got home just in time and we dressed up. Although Mellers had a witch costume for me, I ended up being an angel. Jos was Josie and the Pussycats. We met Mellers friends at Hub in Shibuya. She had a lot of ppl from her program there. Jimmy Mackey was there too. He is a former JE performer and still a celebrity in many fangirls eyes. We moved from Hub to the club where the party was being held, and stopped by Don Quixote again. Some fangirls recognized Jimmy and were squealing. He's not hard to miss..he's supertall and was dressed as a kindergarten student. Some of her other friends were dressed as 80's girls, drag queens, etc.
We went with Mellers to pick up Craig and then we lined up for the club. As we were going in, I looked up the stairs and saw Matsuda Shota!! He is an actor and is widely known as Soujiro in Hana Yori Dango (the Japanese live action version). Apparently, he bumped into Mellers and apologized. Mellers told Jos it was F4 and for some unknown reason, Jos thought it was Vanness from the Taiwanese F4. ahahahha She said the only F4 she thinks of is the Taiwanese guys.
The club was rammed. There were so many people there. Jos and I danced with Mellers and her friends for a bit. Then we moved around the club. We sat upstairs for a while and enjoyed other music and then finally found ourselves on the balcony dancing. Craig came by for a bit and then as we were dancing we saw Mellers dancing on stage with a whole lot of other people. She made eye contact with us so we were dancing from a distance too.
As the night ended, Jos and I checked out our stuff from coat check and waited for Mellers and Craig. Some dude tried to talk to me, but I just shook my head. We left the club and ran into Eugene, George and their other friend, who I had met last time I visited. We were hungry and really tired. We went to the station, ppl were staring at us and then we went to Yoshinoya. (Kind of like Matsuya.) Then we went home. Another tiring, yet fun day was done.
-Sam
Installment 16: Kodansha & Tonkatsu
Installment 16: Kodansha & Tonkatsu
Odakyu, Keio and Seibu
Because Jos and I didn't have to be at Kodansha until 2pm, we decided to eat first and then stick around the vicinity. Our mission was to also find costumes for the Halloween party and find out about the limo bus to the airport. We ate at a small restaurant in baba (Takadanobaba) and then we headed off to Shinjuku to look for airport bus information.
After a while and asking for directions, we finally found it. We bought our tickets in advance and went into the department stores: Odakyu and Keio. We bought Shu Uemura face products and body spray. We also went to Seibu department store. There was food everywhere. OMG the onigiri (rice ball) was massive and they had different types of sushi, croquettes (deep fried potato with meat and various types of fillings)...basically food heaven. Jos and I basically bought a little of various items and the food was so tasty! Jos said this was such a good merienda, we should do it the next day too.
Jos also bought oranges on our way to Kodansha for my throat. Did I tell you I am sick?...yet again. After the typhoon, I've been under the weather, but trying to fight it.
Kodansha
Jos and I arrived at Kodansha early, just to be on the safe side. I took us to the wrong entrance, but the security man helped us find the right one. The receptionist already knew I was coming and said that Ms. Kubo would come down to meet us. She gave us guest badges and we waited in the seating area. I was really excited and Jos could tell. Ms. Kubo arrived and she gave me the company profile and a manga (japanese comic) catalogue. She gave us her business card and Josie gave her card and then I remembered that the darn typhoon wet my remaining business cards. I gave my somewhat damp card to her and apologized profusely for it's condition. (I apologized a lot about my card..I had to give my card...if Josie gave hers, how bad would it be if I didn't..seeing as how I was the one who was there for the appointment)
Ms. Kubo told us that Ms. Tomoko Suga would be coming down to meet us as well. Ms. Kubo is above 50 years of age and very friendly and kind. Ms. Suga looks pretty young and has a British accent. The latter was really business-like and well, I'll tell you more about it later. As we went up the elevator, they informed us that we would be visiting the editing department and we had a meeting with...THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF SHONEN WEEKLY MAGAZINE! Holy jebus....I was shocked! Editor-in-Chief....I inwardly panicked. I didn't have a lot of good questions to ask, but thank goodness Josie did. Ms. Suga told us that it the Editor-in-Chief, Hiroaki Morita, doesn't usually have meetings like this and asked what I wanted to know specifically. She translated all of our questions to him T___T She was a bit intimidating, but overall they were all nice to us. He showed us drafts and explained what editors do, as well as the history of Shonen Weekly Magazine. I'll tell you more about that meeting in person.
After the meeting was done, Ms. Suga went back to work and Ms. Kubo continued our tour. She showed us the library and the vault downstairs that has everything they have published. Ms. Kubo was extremely nice. We wanted to take her out for coffee, but she told us their cafeteria could only pay by card, so she treated us. I would really like to send them a thank you email.
Arcade Addict
We called Mellers afterwards to find out about dinner plans. She told us to come back home for 7pm. So Jos and I thought we might have time to buy costumes. We went to Ikebukuro, intending to avoid Sunshine City b/c we wanted to shop there with Mellers. We found ourselves there anyway. I found an arcade....and you know what that means right? For those of you who don't know, I am a self proclaimed claw game (ufo catcher) addict. I can't stay away from them...it's worse than a gambling addiction. So Jos went to look for costumes and I played the claw games. Jos had said she wanted a pillow...well I won two soft pink ones with cute bunnies on it. I also won...A DIGITAL CAMERA!! Well it's not one of those highly expensive ones, but a digi camera nonetheless. Jos was shocked when she came back! I only spent like $12.00 to get all three...then I spent $18 more trying to get other cute stuff, I'm such an addict. Jos had to get me away from there. Jos had bought our costumes...a halo and wings for me and a cat headband, bowtie, tail and leopard nose for herself.
Tonkatsu
We got home with all of our purvchases and called Mellers. She was still at the U.S. military base, so she told us to call Eugene for dinner and she would meet us later. We called up Eugene and went with him to buy his friend a gift. Unfortunately, the bookstore was closed. We went to Shibuya, so Eugene asked us what we wanted to eat. We said anything. He took us to a tonkatsu (fried, breaded pork) specialty restaurant. On our way there, we saw so many hosts! Holy jebus! Male hosts basically work at a club and fulfill the needs and desires of women ahahhaha. They tell you you're pretty and they romance their costumers. They were easy to spot in their ironed suits and the complex hairstyles. They must spend hours on their hair! Jos and I couldn't help laughing and she managed to take a picture.
We found the restaurant and ate some superyummy food. Wow. Tonkatsu was amazing and the potato/tuna salad was really good. The dessert was like a tofu pudding and it was sweet. Our dinner was delicious. After that, we met up with Mellers at Don Quixote (sp?) a store that sells everything including halloween costumes. I wanted to buy an evil kitty costume, but it was apparently for men, not women?!?! We also met Mellers friend Craig. He was dragging a big luggage with him, which contained all the purchases from the base.
Craig and their other friend went to eat. I told Mellers about my winnings at the arcade and then we saw another one. She told Craig to meet us at the arcade. I went crazy yet again... This time I won a cute little bunny and...AN MP3 player! MUAHAHAHHAHA. We also took some hilarious sticker pictures of Mellers, Eugene, Josie and me. They are seriously classic!
Craig came back and we went to baba for karaoke. Craig was tired, so he went home. We went to karaoke with Eugene, Mellers and their friend George. He's part American so we kept cracking jokes...he started it! While we were waiting for our Karaoke room, the luggage started to leak! The drinks had busted open and two were spraying. George and Eugene ended up spraying each other and I got out of the way. Our karaoke room was on the 7th floor. There are a lot of karaoke rooms at that place! We ordered a party platter and drinks. We also brought in some alcohol too, but we hid it under the table. Karaoke was fun. We sang in different languages. We got home past 3 a.m.
-Sam
p.s. I took Jos to Matsuya a day or two ago. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but it's kind of a cross of fast food and home cooking and supercheap! I like the food there.
Odakyu, Keio and Seibu
Because Jos and I didn't have to be at Kodansha until 2pm, we decided to eat first and then stick around the vicinity. Our mission was to also find costumes for the Halloween party and find out about the limo bus to the airport. We ate at a small restaurant in baba (Takadanobaba) and then we headed off to Shinjuku to look for airport bus information.
After a while and asking for directions, we finally found it. We bought our tickets in advance and went into the department stores: Odakyu and Keio. We bought Shu Uemura face products and body spray. We also went to Seibu department store. There was food everywhere. OMG the onigiri (rice ball) was massive and they had different types of sushi, croquettes (deep fried potato with meat and various types of fillings)...basically food heaven. Jos and I basically bought a little of various items and the food was so tasty! Jos said this was such a good merienda, we should do it the next day too.
Jos also bought oranges on our way to Kodansha for my throat. Did I tell you I am sick?...yet again. After the typhoon, I've been under the weather, but trying to fight it.
Kodansha
Jos and I arrived at Kodansha early, just to be on the safe side. I took us to the wrong entrance, but the security man helped us find the right one. The receptionist already knew I was coming and said that Ms. Kubo would come down to meet us. She gave us guest badges and we waited in the seating area. I was really excited and Jos could tell. Ms. Kubo arrived and she gave me the company profile and a manga (japanese comic) catalogue. She gave us her business card and Josie gave her card and then I remembered that the darn typhoon wet my remaining business cards. I gave my somewhat damp card to her and apologized profusely for it's condition. (I apologized a lot about my card..I had to give my card...if Josie gave hers, how bad would it be if I didn't..seeing as how I was the one who was there for the appointment)
Ms. Kubo told us that Ms. Tomoko Suga would be coming down to meet us as well. Ms. Kubo is above 50 years of age and very friendly and kind. Ms. Suga looks pretty young and has a British accent. The latter was really business-like and well, I'll tell you more about it later. As we went up the elevator, they informed us that we would be visiting the editing department and we had a meeting with...THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF SHONEN WEEKLY MAGAZINE! Holy jebus....I was shocked! Editor-in-Chief....I inwardly panicked. I didn't have a lot of good questions to ask, but thank goodness Josie did. Ms. Suga told us that it the Editor-in-Chief, Hiroaki Morita, doesn't usually have meetings like this and asked what I wanted to know specifically. She translated all of our questions to him T___T She was a bit intimidating, but overall they were all nice to us. He showed us drafts and explained what editors do, as well as the history of Shonen Weekly Magazine. I'll tell you more about that meeting in person.
After the meeting was done, Ms. Suga went back to work and Ms. Kubo continued our tour. She showed us the library and the vault downstairs that has everything they have published. Ms. Kubo was extremely nice. We wanted to take her out for coffee, but she told us their cafeteria could only pay by card, so she treated us. I would really like to send them a thank you email.
Arcade Addict
We called Mellers afterwards to find out about dinner plans. She told us to come back home for 7pm. So Jos and I thought we might have time to buy costumes. We went to Ikebukuro, intending to avoid Sunshine City b/c we wanted to shop there with Mellers. We found ourselves there anyway. I found an arcade....and you know what that means right? For those of you who don't know, I am a self proclaimed claw game (ufo catcher) addict. I can't stay away from them...it's worse than a gambling addiction. So Jos went to look for costumes and I played the claw games. Jos had said she wanted a pillow...well I won two soft pink ones with cute bunnies on it. I also won...A DIGITAL CAMERA!! Well it's not one of those highly expensive ones, but a digi camera nonetheless. Jos was shocked when she came back! I only spent like $12.00 to get all three...then I spent $18 more trying to get other cute stuff, I'm such an addict. Jos had to get me away from there. Jos had bought our costumes...a halo and wings for me and a cat headband, bowtie, tail and leopard nose for herself.
Tonkatsu
We got home with all of our purvchases and called Mellers. She was still at the U.S. military base, so she told us to call Eugene for dinner and she would meet us later. We called up Eugene and went with him to buy his friend a gift. Unfortunately, the bookstore was closed. We went to Shibuya, so Eugene asked us what we wanted to eat. We said anything. He took us to a tonkatsu (fried, breaded pork) specialty restaurant. On our way there, we saw so many hosts! Holy jebus! Male hosts basically work at a club and fulfill the needs and desires of women ahahhaha. They tell you you're pretty and they romance their costumers. They were easy to spot in their ironed suits and the complex hairstyles. They must spend hours on their hair! Jos and I couldn't help laughing and she managed to take a picture.
We found the restaurant and ate some superyummy food. Wow. Tonkatsu was amazing and the potato/tuna salad was really good. The dessert was like a tofu pudding and it was sweet. Our dinner was delicious. After that, we met up with Mellers at Don Quixote (sp?) a store that sells everything including halloween costumes. I wanted to buy an evil kitty costume, but it was apparently for men, not women?!?! We also met Mellers friend Craig. He was dragging a big luggage with him, which contained all the purchases from the base.
Craig and their other friend went to eat. I told Mellers about my winnings at the arcade and then we saw another one. She told Craig to meet us at the arcade. I went crazy yet again... This time I won a cute little bunny and...AN MP3 player! MUAHAHAHHAHA. We also took some hilarious sticker pictures of Mellers, Eugene, Josie and me. They are seriously classic!
Craig came back and we went to baba for karaoke. Craig was tired, so he went home. We went to karaoke with Eugene, Mellers and their friend George. He's part American so we kept cracking jokes...he started it! While we were waiting for our Karaoke room, the luggage started to leak! The drinks had busted open and two were spraying. George and Eugene ended up spraying each other and I got out of the way. Our karaoke room was on the 7th floor. There are a lot of karaoke rooms at that place! We ordered a party platter and drinks. We also brought in some alcohol too, but we hid it under the table. Karaoke was fun. We sang in different languages. We got home past 3 a.m.
-Sam
p.s. I took Jos to Matsuya a day or two ago. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but it's kind of a cross of fast food and home cooking and supercheap! I like the food there.
Installment 15: No Yokohama, Shibuya 109
Installment 15: No Yokohama, Shibuya 109
Shhhhhopppping
Jos and I were supposed to meet Mayumi to go to Yokohama. Mellers said she needed to sleep b/c she was really tired. Jos and I went to Shibuya to meet Mayumi. Because we had evening plans and we met a bit later, we decided to just go shopping instead. We met outside of the station and then headed to Shibuya 109 building. Jos saw
At first, Jos tried to be good and not spend any money, but there were a lot of floors of fashionable clothing. She eventually broke haahhaha. Are you surprised? I mean, overall, she was pretty good. I spent whatever...cuz I'm on vacation and I don't care muaahhahahaha. Halfway through we decided to go for coffee/tea. We went outside the mall, but the only coffee shop we saw was full, so we went to the top floor and ordered drinks and dessert.
Mayumi checked her cell to see how long it would take me to get to Kodansha publishing the next day from Takadanobaba. Did I mention that my friend, Ko, got me an appointment for a tour of Kodansha publishing in Tokyo? Anyway, we sat and relaxed up there for a while and Jos said she didn't want to shop anymore. She was trying to save her money and luggage space. In the end, we visited every floor.
After that Mayumi took us to a dessert food court...omg..the food looked amazing...so much to eat! Jos got something that looked like marzipan and then Mayumi bought two boxes of sweets for me to take home to the family. Thank you Mayumi! You are so kind! I promise next time, we will visit Yokohama! I look forward to it!!
Shabu Shabu
We took a few pictures and then parted at the station. We went home and Mellers was waiting for us. We went for shabu shabu with Mellers, Eugene and Airi (I hope I spelt that right). Mellers had to work so she sped through her meal and we ordered harusame (vermicelli noodles) a bazillion times, we thought the waittress hated us. The shabu shabu (hot pot - when you cook your food in the soup) is all-you-can-eat, by the way. After Mellers left, we continued to eat and talk. Eugene told us hilarious stories.
When we finished eating we took a picture and headed off to a bar called Hub. Eugene ran into some Waseda students and we each had a drink. We called it a relatively early night, meaning before 2 a.m. At Mellers place, Jos and I checked email and called home.
Shhhhhopppping
Jos and I were supposed to meet Mayumi to go to Yokohama. Mellers said she needed to sleep b/c she was really tired. Jos and I went to Shibuya to meet Mayumi. Because we had evening plans and we met a bit later, we decided to just go shopping instead. We met outside of the station and then headed to Shibuya 109 building. Jos saw
At first, Jos tried to be good and not spend any money, but there were a lot of floors of fashionable clothing. She eventually broke haahhaha. Are you surprised? I mean, overall, she was pretty good. I spent whatever...cuz I'm on vacation and I don't care muaahhahahaha. Halfway through we decided to go for coffee/tea. We went outside the mall, but the only coffee shop we saw was full, so we went to the top floor and ordered drinks and dessert.
Mayumi checked her cell to see how long it would take me to get to Kodansha publishing the next day from Takadanobaba. Did I mention that my friend, Ko, got me an appointment for a tour of Kodansha publishing in Tokyo? Anyway, we sat and relaxed up there for a while and Jos said she didn't want to shop anymore. She was trying to save her money and luggage space. In the end, we visited every floor.
After that Mayumi took us to a dessert food court...omg..the food looked amazing...so much to eat! Jos got something that looked like marzipan and then Mayumi bought two boxes of sweets for me to take home to the family. Thank you Mayumi! You are so kind! I promise next time, we will visit Yokohama! I look forward to it!!
Shabu Shabu
We took a few pictures and then parted at the station. We went home and Mellers was waiting for us. We went for shabu shabu with Mellers, Eugene and Airi (I hope I spelt that right). Mellers had to work so she sped through her meal and we ordered harusame (vermicelli noodles) a bazillion times, we thought the waittress hated us. The shabu shabu (hot pot - when you cook your food in the soup) is all-you-can-eat, by the way. After Mellers left, we continued to eat and talk. Eugene told us hilarious stories.
When we finished eating we took a picture and headed off to a bar called Hub. Eugene ran into some Waseda students and we each had a drink. We called it a relatively early night, meaning before 2 a.m. At Mellers place, Jos and I checked email and called home.
Installment 14: Welcome to the Japanese Storm
Installment 14: Welcome to the Japanese Storm...
Dear Avid Readers,
I fear that there will be yet another delay in the Philippines installments, much to my dismay. Firstly, b/c we were so busy in the Philippines (so there is much to write), I could not faithfully send the installments to you. Secondly, we are now in Japan and would rather much stay as close to the current events than speak of the past. Fear not, I have kept notes of all the happenings in the Philippines, so I will try my best to recount what happened. I will most likely send you adventures of Japan more than the Philippines for the time being, so don't worry if the Installment email numbers are out of whack....no, you aren't missing any.
Please expect to read Installment 15 very soon and possibly 9...yada yada yada
So without further ado (is that even right?!)....the next installment...
Installment 14: Welcome to the Japanese Storm
Bye Bye Philippines
In the morning we got ready to leave and finished off the last minute packing. I took some pictures of Franco hiding in my luggage ahahhahaa. We went downstairs for brekkie, which ended up being more like lunch. Our family feeds us well. We had rice, adobo, fish and lechon kawali. I decided to leave some of my clothes in the Philippines with Tita Bello. Why? Because I wanted more room in my luggage and my pants are too big now? Could I have lost weight while travelling? Well...if only it were in a more obvious place like my face...ah well. I still think I look the same...hopefully the PK staff will recognize me when I come back. Just kidding.
We said our goodbyes and took pictures with our family. Then Roly drove us to the airport. We were assisted by staff at the airport and lucky for us, there was no line. Score! Jos was talking with some staff too and one dude was particularly interested in us. He was asking me if I speak Tagalog and I just said no and then moved on. No, he is not a potential...he was actually creepy...kind of lurking around and staring at us. He even checked Jos' carry on and said it was heavy...sure enough 4kgs too heavy! She had to re-pack some of her stuff and also she had to take her boots of later on for screening and the lady thought her socks were her shoes...b/c of the design...
Mr. Creepy was on our side too once we had checked in...we had tea and coffee. We tried to make some phone calls, but we really couldn't understand the payphones. We were able to make one phone call and then we gave up. Flight went well. I was sandwiched by Jos and a tall dude who helped us with our luggage. Jos hasn't been feeling too great on the planes, but she's starting to feel better.
We got to Singapore airport and briefly checked our email. Everyone gets a free 15mins. So we rushed it. A few of you were concerned about what happened...don't worry..we're fine, just busy. Made some phone calls and shopped a bit. Jos bought ANOTHER Tokidoki bag..
Arrived in Tokyo to rain. The customs line was ridiculously long and tiring. They will start the fingerprinting/photo procedure starting in November. We got our luggage and took the Skyliner to Nippori. We were doing ok, a bit awkward with Jos' luggage, but ok nonetheless. That was until we switched to the Yamanote sen line...huuhuu...
When you're dragging two luggages each plus your carry-on and purse..it is really difficult to get everything in before the door closes. We were doing pretty well for the first two luggages and then the door started to close and my back was pushing between the closing doors with one leg on the platform and the other in the train...with Jos dragging me in and actually hitting someone in the face... T______T It was so funny, yet really embarassing at the same time. I apologized and Jos couldn't stop laughing her butt off.
Actually, a woman asked us if we were okay in Japanese. I assured her we were fine. We dreaded repeating this on our way out of Takadanobaba stn. Luckily a young woman offered to help us take our luggage out. She was really nice and actually left the train with her belongings inside...that's supernice in my books. Anyway, got to the station and it was raining really hard. No taxis would take us with all that luggage, so we walked in the cold, frigid rain. A 10min walk took 25mins. We were soaked when we got to Mellers. She felt bad for not being able to meet us, but it was ok. I took a shower and Jos took one too. We ordered Bulgogi Pizza from Pizza Hut delivery.
Made a quick trip to the convenience store and also saw the old, supermarket owner that I talked to in April. He remembered me too and was all ready to have another good conversation. We talked a bit and in my broken Japanese explained Jos was my sister and we visited other places too.
We went back and ate some food. We relaxed for a while and then got ready for clubbing. Yes, clubbing on the very first day we got to Tokyo. What a long day huh? Jos did a nice makeup job on me...b/c I really don't know anything about makeup and off we went. We waited at the pizza place near Gaspanic Cafe and surprised both Nare and Yu-chan. I was really happy to see them again! They both had different hairstyles too!
Gaspanic was crowded as ever. The music varied and Jos waited for her music to play. We danced to pretty much everything. Sadly I only saw a few hotties ahaha, but they didn't stick around long. :( The rest were yuck. And there was an extremely drunk dude who eventually got kicked out. Mellers did her long awaited Soulja Boy dance... We also took a break to the convenience store and saw the actor who played the rival high jumper in the Hana Kimi j-dorama. One of the guys there was wearing a netted shirt with a jockey with a faucet/tap stategically placed and money tucked in the jockey too.
Jos was pretty jetlagged and I even blinked a couple of times on the train ride home. We stayed till the club played the last song, I believe at 4 a.m. Went back to get our stuff and walked to the station. Can you believe we saw the drunk dude who got kicked out in a store corner embracing an asian woman (who seemed ok with it)?!!
Got home, took showers and went to sleep.
Ok...I need sleep. Update you again later.
Bye Bye
Sam
p.s. found out this morning that we actually walked through a typhoon...yup...just our luck!!
Dear Avid Readers,
I fear that there will be yet another delay in the Philippines installments, much to my dismay. Firstly, b/c we were so busy in the Philippines (so there is much to write), I could not faithfully send the installments to you. Secondly, we are now in Japan and would rather much stay as close to the current events than speak of the past. Fear not, I have kept notes of all the happenings in the Philippines, so I will try my best to recount what happened. I will most likely send you adventures of Japan more than the Philippines for the time being, so don't worry if the Installment email numbers are out of whack....no, you aren't missing any.
Please expect to read Installment 15 very soon and possibly 9...yada yada yada
So without further ado (is that even right?!)....the next installment...
Installment 14: Welcome to the Japanese Storm
Bye Bye Philippines
In the morning we got ready to leave and finished off the last minute packing. I took some pictures of Franco hiding in my luggage ahahhahaa. We went downstairs for brekkie, which ended up being more like lunch. Our family feeds us well. We had rice, adobo, fish and lechon kawali. I decided to leave some of my clothes in the Philippines with Tita Bello. Why? Because I wanted more room in my luggage and my pants are too big now? Could I have lost weight while travelling? Well...if only it were in a more obvious place like my face...ah well. I still think I look the same...hopefully the PK staff will recognize me when I come back. Just kidding.
We said our goodbyes and took pictures with our family. Then Roly drove us to the airport. We were assisted by staff at the airport and lucky for us, there was no line. Score! Jos was talking with some staff too and one dude was particularly interested in us. He was asking me if I speak Tagalog and I just said no and then moved on. No, he is not a potential...he was actually creepy...kind of lurking around and staring at us. He even checked Jos' carry on and said it was heavy...sure enough 4kgs too heavy! She had to re-pack some of her stuff and also she had to take her boots of later on for screening and the lady thought her socks were her shoes...b/c of the design...
Mr. Creepy was on our side too once we had checked in...we had tea and coffee. We tried to make some phone calls, but we really couldn't understand the payphones. We were able to make one phone call and then we gave up. Flight went well. I was sandwiched by Jos and a tall dude who helped us with our luggage. Jos hasn't been feeling too great on the planes, but she's starting to feel better.
We got to Singapore airport and briefly checked our email. Everyone gets a free 15mins. So we rushed it. A few of you were concerned about what happened...don't worry..we're fine, just busy. Made some phone calls and shopped a bit. Jos bought ANOTHER Tokidoki bag..
Arrived in Tokyo to rain. The customs line was ridiculously long and tiring. They will start the fingerprinting/photo procedure starting in November. We got our luggage and took the Skyliner to Nippori. We were doing ok, a bit awkward with Jos' luggage, but ok nonetheless. That was until we switched to the Yamanote sen line...huuhuu...
When you're dragging two luggages each plus your carry-on and purse..it is really difficult to get everything in before the door closes. We were doing pretty well for the first two luggages and then the door started to close and my back was pushing between the closing doors with one leg on the platform and the other in the train...with Jos dragging me in and actually hitting someone in the face... T______T It was so funny, yet really embarassing at the same time. I apologized and Jos couldn't stop laughing her butt off.
Actually, a woman asked us if we were okay in Japanese. I assured her we were fine. We dreaded repeating this on our way out of Takadanobaba stn. Luckily a young woman offered to help us take our luggage out. She was really nice and actually left the train with her belongings inside...that's supernice in my books. Anyway, got to the station and it was raining really hard. No taxis would take us with all that luggage, so we walked in the cold, frigid rain. A 10min walk took 25mins. We were soaked when we got to Mellers. She felt bad for not being able to meet us, but it was ok. I took a shower and Jos took one too. We ordered Bulgogi Pizza from Pizza Hut delivery.
Made a quick trip to the convenience store and also saw the old, supermarket owner that I talked to in April. He remembered me too and was all ready to have another good conversation. We talked a bit and in my broken Japanese explained Jos was my sister and we visited other places too.
We went back and ate some food. We relaxed for a while and then got ready for clubbing. Yes, clubbing on the very first day we got to Tokyo. What a long day huh? Jos did a nice makeup job on me...b/c I really don't know anything about makeup and off we went. We waited at the pizza place near Gaspanic Cafe and surprised both Nare and Yu-chan. I was really happy to see them again! They both had different hairstyles too!
Gaspanic was crowded as ever. The music varied and Jos waited for her music to play. We danced to pretty much everything. Sadly I only saw a few hotties ahaha, but they didn't stick around long. :( The rest were yuck. And there was an extremely drunk dude who eventually got kicked out. Mellers did her long awaited Soulja Boy dance... We also took a break to the convenience store and saw the actor who played the rival high jumper in the Hana Kimi j-dorama. One of the guys there was wearing a netted shirt with a jockey with a faucet/tap stategically placed and money tucked in the jockey too.
Jos was pretty jetlagged and I even blinked a couple of times on the train ride home. We stayed till the club played the last song, I believe at 4 a.m. Went back to get our stuff and walked to the station. Can you believe we saw the drunk dude who got kicked out in a store corner embracing an asian woman (who seemed ok with it)?!!
Got home, took showers and went to sleep.
Ok...I need sleep. Update you again later.
Bye Bye
Sam
p.s. found out this morning that we actually walked through a typhoon...yup...just our luck!!
Installment 6: Speedy Singapore
Installment 6: Speedy Singapore
Good Morning Singapore
Jos and I arrived at 1am in Changi airport. Once again we got cursed with a
screaming child on the plane, but we managed to get through it. We took a
taxi to Nancy's and once again the driver was not very familiar with her
address. I was able to somewhat direct him there. Nancy was already aware
that we were arriving late and had left the door unlocked. We got inside
and were greeted with a tray of water and Bailey's Chocolate Mint. Nancy is
awesome!
Mauled by the Malls
We changed and slept. We woke up in the morning and Nancy cooked breakfast
and gave us a key too. We caught up and Jos got to know Nancy more. Nancy
headed to the gym and we took a cab to Orchard Road. We dove straight into
shopping. I can't say I know exactly what Jos' thoughts were on the
experience. We shopped like mad. We went to lots of malls...Paragon,
Takashimaya, Wisma, Isetan, Ngee Ann Building and Lucky Plaza. Jos asked
around about cell phones and every shop had a different quote at Lucky Plaza.
There were lots of name brands and Jos and I tried to find some Singapore
brands.
We ate at the Food Republic food court upstairs Wisma. We had beef kway
teow (sp?), suimai, har gow (w/ aloe wrapper), dumplings, shells with veggies and shrimp and crispy fried tofu. We really ate a lot. I'm full just thinking about it again.
Breaking the Piggy Bank
We continued to shop and the last mall I took Jos to, was the Hereen Mall. In my head I only remembered it as the HMV mall. I really like the shopping there b/c it reminds me of Queen St. shopping. Jos had been really good thusfar and hadn't really gone crazy shopping like she is so capable of doing. THIS MALL BROKE HER. ahhahaha
She found two places. She bought a pencil skirt from Garcon and Jean Perrie. The latter had her walking out with over $100 in spending!! I bought two things there...I'm not sure how much she bought. The person who designs the clothes is actually Japanese, but doesn't have the manpower to have a business there and instead set up shop in Singapore.
I had just been dabbling here and there buying random shirts and some trinket stuff. In one store I bought a nice, black top and a black tie with a crown on it. I really don't know why, but I was attracted to that tie. I contacted Mylia and she was unable to meet me :( It's ok. I really wanted to see the Singapore girls, but I should not expect them to clear their schedules for a one-day rush event with me. Next time, I'll have to kidnap them!
Towards the end of the shopping at Hereen, I remembered I really wanted to go to the Venetian tea house I went to before. I remembered that the cookies were way costly, but they were really good and the experience was nice. Jos and I took a cab there and when I went back the same woman was there. The place is actually called the Cookie Museum.
Tea and Foodage
She did a tea service for us and yeah...Sam dropped the big bucks for three tins of cookies. It was my treat to myself...very extravagant! After that, I brought Jos to the outdoor food court to eat. I really hope Toronto could have one like this! It is really nice, great atmosphere and yummy food.
We ate hot pot, beef satay sticks, bbq ribs, oyster omelet and we drank Chelon (sp?) which is a nice drink with beans, and other things in it. Jos was really charmed by the hot pot owner and we took pictures with her too. After that we walked through Marina Square and Suntec City.
I felt that Jos' trip would not be complete if she didn't ride the Singapore MRT. She was quite overwhelmed...and I think jetlag might have played a part too. Hahahah I haven't seen her that overwhelmed and giggly for a long time. All we did was laugh and make a ruckus! She looked so lost!!
We waited in a long taxi queue and in the morning Nancy cooked the best pancakes ever and we also had ham and bubbly. THANKS SO MUCH NANCY! It was great to see you again!
-Sam
Good Morning Singapore
Jos and I arrived at 1am in Changi airport. Once again we got cursed with a
screaming child on the plane, but we managed to get through it. We took a
taxi to Nancy's and once again the driver was not very familiar with her
address. I was able to somewhat direct him there. Nancy was already aware
that we were arriving late and had left the door unlocked. We got inside
and were greeted with a tray of water and Bailey's Chocolate Mint. Nancy is
awesome!
Mauled by the Malls
We changed and slept. We woke up in the morning and Nancy cooked breakfast
and gave us a key too. We caught up and Jos got to know Nancy more. Nancy
headed to the gym and we took a cab to Orchard Road. We dove straight into
shopping. I can't say I know exactly what Jos' thoughts were on the
experience. We shopped like mad. We went to lots of malls...Paragon,
Takashimaya, Wisma, Isetan, Ngee Ann Building and Lucky Plaza. Jos asked
around about cell phones and every shop had a different quote at Lucky Plaza.
There were lots of name brands and Jos and I tried to find some Singapore
brands.
We ate at the Food Republic food court upstairs Wisma. We had beef kway
teow (sp?), suimai, har gow (w/ aloe wrapper), dumplings, shells with veggies and shrimp and crispy fried tofu. We really ate a lot. I'm full just thinking about it again.
Breaking the Piggy Bank
We continued to shop and the last mall I took Jos to, was the Hereen Mall. In my head I only remembered it as the HMV mall. I really like the shopping there b/c it reminds me of Queen St. shopping. Jos had been really good thusfar and hadn't really gone crazy shopping like she is so capable of doing. THIS MALL BROKE HER. ahhahaha
She found two places. She bought a pencil skirt from Garcon and Jean Perrie. The latter had her walking out with over $100 in spending!! I bought two things there...I'm not sure how much she bought. The person who designs the clothes is actually Japanese, but doesn't have the manpower to have a business there and instead set up shop in Singapore.
I had just been dabbling here and there buying random shirts and some trinket stuff. In one store I bought a nice, black top and a black tie with a crown on it. I really don't know why, but I was attracted to that tie. I contacted Mylia and she was unable to meet me :( It's ok. I really wanted to see the Singapore girls, but I should not expect them to clear their schedules for a one-day rush event with me. Next time, I'll have to kidnap them!
Towards the end of the shopping at Hereen, I remembered I really wanted to go to the Venetian tea house I went to before. I remembered that the cookies were way costly, but they were really good and the experience was nice. Jos and I took a cab there and when I went back the same woman was there. The place is actually called the Cookie Museum.
Tea and Foodage
She did a tea service for us and yeah...Sam dropped the big bucks for three tins of cookies. It was my treat to myself...very extravagant! After that, I brought Jos to the outdoor food court to eat. I really hope Toronto could have one like this! It is really nice, great atmosphere and yummy food.
We ate hot pot, beef satay sticks, bbq ribs, oyster omelet and we drank Chelon (sp?) which is a nice drink with beans, and other things in it. Jos was really charmed by the hot pot owner and we took pictures with her too. After that we walked through Marina Square and Suntec City.
I felt that Jos' trip would not be complete if she didn't ride the Singapore MRT. She was quite overwhelmed...and I think jetlag might have played a part too. Hahahah I haven't seen her that overwhelmed and giggly for a long time. All we did was laugh and make a ruckus! She looked so lost!!
We waited in a long taxi queue and in the morning Nancy cooked the best pancakes ever and we also had ham and bubbly. THANKS SO MUCH NANCY! It was great to see you again!
-Sam
Installment 5: Missing Wallet?!?!?
Installment 5: Missing Wallet?!?!?
National Museum of Korea
Josie really wanted to go to the National Museum of Korea and I had never been there, so first thing in the morning we went. There were tons of students there and I saw some Japanese students as well. The place is huge and there are pagoda gardens as well. We browsed through the floors and took pictures without flash. I usually walk pretty quickly through museums and Josie takes it in better. I love museums, but I find that I get tired if I am in them too long...don't know why. Took pics of the Korean alphabet, weapons...oh! and the first dictionary in Korean!! What else....just things that I thought looked interesting...plus it would be a waste for Jos and I to take the same pictures.
While she was looking through the Buddhist exhibit, I went to the tea shop to buy some tea. When she finished we decided to try to call Robin. We had tried earlier but no luck. We headed downstairs and decided to call home too. It was nice to hear their voices. We emptied our locker and headed for the pagoda gardens. We were taking pics and I saw a bunch of little kids...sooooo cute! I offered to take a picture for their teachers. Josie headed off to the large pagoda and I was videotaping...then I saw Jos on the other side of the garden. We quickly took more pics and headed back to grab a cab. We had to check out of Beewon.
Where's My Wallet?!?!
So we're in the cab and Jos checks her bag and her wallet is missing. We apologize to the driver (who is younger than all the other driver's we've had...and he says it's ok). Jos goes running back to the museum, with only 5,000 won in her hands... I didn't feel right going ahead without her. So I went back to the museum, with the intention of finding Jos and calling Beewon to tell them the situation and that we were running late.
Before I get to the main lobby, I hear Josie calling my name. She found it!! Thank goodness!! We made the call and Eun-Mi told me Robin called. We called Robin, who sounded ultratired. He might visit Toronto in March...otherwise we'll see him next September. We rushed back to Beewon and checked out.
What's Cooking in Korea?
Jos said she wanted a Korean cookbook. We were going to go to one of the big bookstores, but when we downstairs at Anguk station, we found a small bookstore. They just happened to have some English-Korean ones there, so she was pretty happy. That left us more time to visit Insadong.
Eating Flowers
We were pretty hungry, so Jos kept an eye out for some restaurants. We wanted to do Korean bbq, but alas we couldn't. Jos found a place that had interesting dishes. We had Korean pancake with oysters (Mom you would have loved it!), sundubu (tofu kimchi soup) and I had wild flowers with mixed vegetables and rice (like bimbimbap). It was pretty!
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
Okay...I didn't buy diamonds...but I bought some nice jewelry. Last year I bought some at a place and I went there again to get more. It's really unique. After eating I went to the jewelry store beside it and made friends with the owner and the girl working there. There stuff was soooo cute and they had white gold so I could wear it. I'm allergic to other metals. They were so nice and gave me discounts. The girl who worked there, Anna, is the same age as me and was talking to me in Korean. She was really friendly and we exchanged emails.
Goodbye Seoul
We headed back to Beewon to quickly re-pack and head to the airport. We took the limo bus 602-1 I think...I can't remember now...and we got there in an hour or so (and that's b/c they didn't pick a lot of ppl up). We had the fastest check-in ever! We were tempted to shop but didn't. Called home and I did yesterday's installment...accidentally only sent it to Jenni and Michelle...oops! Re-sent it just now for the rest of you. There was a 20min delay with the plane, but we finally boarded. They fed us again and I slept for a long time. Jos watched a movie. When I woke up, I had lost one of my new earrings...BOOOOOO...but I found it later when Jos reminded me to check if it fell on my shirt in the washroom. SCORE! Jos was able to tell the cabin crew about her various food allergies.
When we were getting off the plane and Jos was paged. They wanted to assure her that they were trying to make sure she got peanut-free meals. Only one of the several flights we have left is still pending for her peanut-free meal. How efficient and somewhat strange that they felt the need to page us for that. What a great airline. btw...I had cherry ice-cream and it was supergood. One of the crew, gave Josie a mango-passion fruit one as a substitute. Seriously ppl, fly with Singapore Air if you can one day...top notch!
Details of our day in Singapore in the next email. Gotta run. Need to shop, not a lot of time!
-Sam
p.s. thanks if you're still reading and sorry i don't often reply to your replies...i'm always in a rush!
National Museum of Korea
Josie really wanted to go to the National Museum of Korea and I had never been there, so first thing in the morning we went. There were tons of students there and I saw some Japanese students as well. The place is huge and there are pagoda gardens as well. We browsed through the floors and took pictures without flash. I usually walk pretty quickly through museums and Josie takes it in better. I love museums, but I find that I get tired if I am in them too long...don't know why. Took pics of the Korean alphabet, weapons...oh! and the first dictionary in Korean!! What else....just things that I thought looked interesting...plus it would be a waste for Jos and I to take the same pictures.
While she was looking through the Buddhist exhibit, I went to the tea shop to buy some tea. When she finished we decided to try to call Robin. We had tried earlier but no luck. We headed downstairs and decided to call home too. It was nice to hear their voices. We emptied our locker and headed for the pagoda gardens. We were taking pics and I saw a bunch of little kids...sooooo cute! I offered to take a picture for their teachers. Josie headed off to the large pagoda and I was videotaping...then I saw Jos on the other side of the garden. We quickly took more pics and headed back to grab a cab. We had to check out of Beewon.
Where's My Wallet?!?!
So we're in the cab and Jos checks her bag and her wallet is missing. We apologize to the driver (who is younger than all the other driver's we've had...and he says it's ok). Jos goes running back to the museum, with only 5,000 won in her hands... I didn't feel right going ahead without her. So I went back to the museum, with the intention of finding Jos and calling Beewon to tell them the situation and that we were running late.
Before I get to the main lobby, I hear Josie calling my name. She found it!! Thank goodness!! We made the call and Eun-Mi told me Robin called. We called Robin, who sounded ultratired. He might visit Toronto in March...otherwise we'll see him next September. We rushed back to Beewon and checked out.
What's Cooking in Korea?
Jos said she wanted a Korean cookbook. We were going to go to one of the big bookstores, but when we downstairs at Anguk station, we found a small bookstore. They just happened to have some English-Korean ones there, so she was pretty happy. That left us more time to visit Insadong.
Eating Flowers
We were pretty hungry, so Jos kept an eye out for some restaurants. We wanted to do Korean bbq, but alas we couldn't. Jos found a place that had interesting dishes. We had Korean pancake with oysters (Mom you would have loved it!), sundubu (tofu kimchi soup) and I had wild flowers with mixed vegetables and rice (like bimbimbap). It was pretty!
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
Okay...I didn't buy diamonds...but I bought some nice jewelry. Last year I bought some at a place and I went there again to get more. It's really unique. After eating I went to the jewelry store beside it and made friends with the owner and the girl working there. There stuff was soooo cute and they had white gold so I could wear it. I'm allergic to other metals. They were so nice and gave me discounts. The girl who worked there, Anna, is the same age as me and was talking to me in Korean. She was really friendly and we exchanged emails.
Goodbye Seoul
We headed back to Beewon to quickly re-pack and head to the airport. We took the limo bus 602-1 I think...I can't remember now...and we got there in an hour or so (and that's b/c they didn't pick a lot of ppl up). We had the fastest check-in ever! We were tempted to shop but didn't. Called home and I did yesterday's installment...accidentally only sent it to Jenni and Michelle...oops! Re-sent it just now for the rest of you. There was a 20min delay with the plane, but we finally boarded. They fed us again and I slept for a long time. Jos watched a movie. When I woke up, I had lost one of my new earrings...BOOOOOO...but I found it later when Jos reminded me to check if it fell on my shirt in the washroom. SCORE! Jos was able to tell the cabin crew about her various food allergies.
When we were getting off the plane and Jos was paged. They wanted to assure her that they were trying to make sure she got peanut-free meals. Only one of the several flights we have left is still pending for her peanut-free meal. How efficient and somewhat strange that they felt the need to page us for that. What a great airline. btw...I had cherry ice-cream and it was supergood. One of the crew, gave Josie a mango-passion fruit one as a substitute. Seriously ppl, fly with Singapore Air if you can one day...top notch!
Details of our day in Singapore in the next email. Gotta run. Need to shop, not a lot of time!
-Sam
p.s. thanks if you're still reading and sorry i don't often reply to your replies...i'm always in a rush!
Installment 4: To the Palace!
Installment 4: To the Palace!
Chandeukgung Palace
Jos woke up with a wicked hangover so I went to get her some gatorade and DAWN. (Dawn is a hangover drink with an ajusshi [middle-aged man?] on the can) Thanks KMP for sending me Sam unnie's phone number. I called her and although she is superbusy, we made plans to meet at 6pm yesterday. We tried to get to Insadong, but we ran out of time, b/c the English tour at the palace started at 3:30 p.m.
The entrance cost 3 dollars and of course, there were many foreigners. This palace was the most well kept of all the palaces here and we were able to see the Huwon (secret garden). Last year I missed the tour b/c of rain, so I was happy we were able to go see it together. Palaces are huge and beautiful. Did you know that when the emperor would go to the washroom to do a number two, they would take it and analyse it?! hard core! The tour was 1h 30mins long and after that we rushed to drop off our stuff before meeting Sam-sun unnie.
We called Robin, who was terribly hungover and although had the day off, couldn't manage to work on his script. He said to call him before 10pm.
University of Seoul
Our driver didn't know where exactly we wanted to go and I told him the station that Keonmi told me about...but he heard Seoul University and he thought it was the national university. I assured him we wanted to follow KMP's directions. The only university he mentioned was Kyunghee and even a bystander told us about it. So we asked the driver to drop us off at Kyunghee since we were under the impression that was the only one in the vicinity. We were a little worried, but we had no phone. During the ride, I got supertired...I fell asleep several times and kept "blinking"...I didn't even know I fell asleep, but Josie told me I did.
We got to Kyunghee University finally and could not find a phone. The first student we approached for help just looked at us and then waved us off when we tried to speak in English. I was told later on that although most students know some English, they are shy to use it. The next people we stopped looked like a couple. They were both good looking and very nice. We asked them where a "chonhwa baksu" was (phone box). They said there weren't any and then we said our friend was at Seoul University. We looked so worried and so the girl offered to lend us her phone. We were really grateful. The both of them were really kind and the guy would talk to us in broken English. I managed to get hold of Sam-unnie. The funny thing is she answers as Sam and then I tell her I'm Sam and then we get kind of confused at first hahahaha. Anyway, she asks us where we are and we tell her we are at Kyunghee and she says we're in the wrong place.
I asked the girl to write the university name in hangeul (korean) b/c the taxi drivers never understand our romanized writing. She wrote it down for us and we thanked her and her friend. We ran off to catch another cab and of course he was an older man who needed to pull out the magnifying glass to read where we were going. Did I mention majority of our transactions with taxi drivers have been like that? It's always an older gentleman who has to use a magnifying glass and my bad Korean to figure out where we are going. Oh wellz! He got us to University of Seoul! Woohoo!
We called Sam-unnie and it was really cold. I was wearing short sleeves b/c of my mosquito bites. They get irritated by long sleeves. Sam-unnie came with Seo-Ryeon-unnie who I met last year too. We all hugged each other and were happy to meet again. We went out for food. I think we ate something like spicy squid/octopus and then side dishes and then the waitress came with rice that she cooked in the same sauce.
We talked about coming to visit again and I gave them some gifts. I was really happy to see them even though I know they are extremely busy. Sam-unnie took us to her campus to look around and we had 100 won coffee which was really good.
To the Bus
Called our cousin Janelle and planned to meet for dessert since she ate and so did we. I told her we'd call when we were done. I was supposed to call Robin too, but I didn't want to take up more time when Sam-unnie had to go back so soon. We talked for a while on the campus and then Sam-unnie had to go, so we said our goodbyes. Seo-Ryeon-unnie took us on our first bus ride to the station. Holy moly Koreans have strong arms. Bus rides are bumpy and rough!! How do the elderly do it?!?! She also helped us by playing cards.
We went on a second bus and then headed to Nowon. Once there we called Robin. He told us he was waiting for our call and Gus was with him too. When we didn't call, they ate and then Robin went home. I felt sooooo bad!! I apologized and he said it was okay. He told me to call him after meeting with Janelle b/c we were far away from where he was. I aske him if he was sure, b/c it would be late, but he said to call anyway.
It's A Small World
We met up with Janelle and went to a bakery. We bought a small cake and they are awesome. They pack it up, give you candles, a plastic knife, matches, firecracker thingies and a birthday hat! We took pics and we sang a song and blew out the candles. Janelle and I pulled the firecrackers and WAHHHHH! Actually fire sparks, a really loud noise and streamers go flying hahahahhaaha. So much fun! When the bakery was closing we headed off to Beewon to call Robin and Janelle went home. We gave her a big hug. It was so nice to see her for so many days in Korea!
Fatigue
Taking the cab to Beewon, Jos fell asleep and even made snoring sounds, but I didn't want to wake her up b/c she was tired. She took a nap while I tried to contact Robin. He didn't pick up...he fell asleep. I read my manga and watched some tv.
Installment 4 to come next. Sorry for the delay but I gotta board the plane. We're leaving for singapore. Jos says hi.
-Sam
Chandeukgung Palace
Jos woke up with a wicked hangover so I went to get her some gatorade and DAWN. (Dawn is a hangover drink with an ajusshi [middle-aged man?] on the can) Thanks KMP for sending me Sam unnie's phone number. I called her and although she is superbusy, we made plans to meet at 6pm yesterday. We tried to get to Insadong, but we ran out of time, b/c the English tour at the palace started at 3:30 p.m.
The entrance cost 3 dollars and of course, there were many foreigners. This palace was the most well kept of all the palaces here and we were able to see the Huwon (secret garden). Last year I missed the tour b/c of rain, so I was happy we were able to go see it together. Palaces are huge and beautiful. Did you know that when the emperor would go to the washroom to do a number two, they would take it and analyse it?! hard core! The tour was 1h 30mins long and after that we rushed to drop off our stuff before meeting Sam-sun unnie.
We called Robin, who was terribly hungover and although had the day off, couldn't manage to work on his script. He said to call him before 10pm.
University of Seoul
Our driver didn't know where exactly we wanted to go and I told him the station that Keonmi told me about...but he heard Seoul University and he thought it was the national university. I assured him we wanted to follow KMP's directions. The only university he mentioned was Kyunghee and even a bystander told us about it. So we asked the driver to drop us off at Kyunghee since we were under the impression that was the only one in the vicinity. We were a little worried, but we had no phone. During the ride, I got supertired...I fell asleep several times and kept "blinking"...I didn't even know I fell asleep, but Josie told me I did.
We got to Kyunghee University finally and could not find a phone. The first student we approached for help just looked at us and then waved us off when we tried to speak in English. I was told later on that although most students know some English, they are shy to use it. The next people we stopped looked like a couple. They were both good looking and very nice. We asked them where a "chonhwa baksu" was (phone box). They said there weren't any and then we said our friend was at Seoul University. We looked so worried and so the girl offered to lend us her phone. We were really grateful. The both of them were really kind and the guy would talk to us in broken English. I managed to get hold of Sam-unnie. The funny thing is she answers as Sam and then I tell her I'm Sam and then we get kind of confused at first hahahaha. Anyway, she asks us where we are and we tell her we are at Kyunghee and she says we're in the wrong place.
I asked the girl to write the university name in hangeul (korean) b/c the taxi drivers never understand our romanized writing. She wrote it down for us and we thanked her and her friend. We ran off to catch another cab and of course he was an older man who needed to pull out the magnifying glass to read where we were going. Did I mention majority of our transactions with taxi drivers have been like that? It's always an older gentleman who has to use a magnifying glass and my bad Korean to figure out where we are going. Oh wellz! He got us to University of Seoul! Woohoo!
We called Sam-unnie and it was really cold. I was wearing short sleeves b/c of my mosquito bites. They get irritated by long sleeves. Sam-unnie came with Seo-Ryeon-unnie who I met last year too. We all hugged each other and were happy to meet again. We went out for food. I think we ate something like spicy squid/octopus and then side dishes and then the waitress came with rice that she cooked in the same sauce.
We talked about coming to visit again and I gave them some gifts. I was really happy to see them even though I know they are extremely busy. Sam-unnie took us to her campus to look around and we had 100 won coffee which was really good.
To the Bus
Called our cousin Janelle and planned to meet for dessert since she ate and so did we. I told her we'd call when we were done. I was supposed to call Robin too, but I didn't want to take up more time when Sam-unnie had to go back so soon. We talked for a while on the campus and then Sam-unnie had to go, so we said our goodbyes. Seo-Ryeon-unnie took us on our first bus ride to the station. Holy moly Koreans have strong arms. Bus rides are bumpy and rough!! How do the elderly do it?!?! She also helped us by playing cards.
We went on a second bus and then headed to Nowon. Once there we called Robin. He told us he was waiting for our call and Gus was with him too. When we didn't call, they ate and then Robin went home. I felt sooooo bad!! I apologized and he said it was okay. He told me to call him after meeting with Janelle b/c we were far away from where he was. I aske him if he was sure, b/c it would be late, but he said to call anyway.
It's A Small World
We met up with Janelle and went to a bakery. We bought a small cake and they are awesome. They pack it up, give you candles, a plastic knife, matches, firecracker thingies and a birthday hat! We took pics and we sang a song and blew out the candles. Janelle and I pulled the firecrackers and WAHHHHH! Actually fire sparks, a really loud noise and streamers go flying hahahahhaaha. So much fun! When the bakery was closing we headed off to Beewon to call Robin and Janelle went home. We gave her a big hug. It was so nice to see her for so many days in Korea!
Fatigue
Taking the cab to Beewon, Jos fell asleep and even made snoring sounds, but I didn't want to wake her up b/c she was tired. She took a nap while I tried to contact Robin. He didn't pick up...he fell asleep. I read my manga and watched some tv.
Installment 4 to come next. Sorry for the delay but I gotta board the plane. We're leaving for singapore. Jos says hi.
-Sam
Installment 3: Climbing mountains, Moving Guesthouses
Installment 3: Climbing mountains, Moving Guesthouses
I have been re-miss....(is that the right phrase?) anywhodanay...this is our itinerary:
Seoul from Oct 13 (6:45pm) - Oct 17 (7:45pm) 5 DAYS
Singapore Oct 18 (1:00am) - Oct 19 (1:25pm) 1 1/2 DAYS
Manila Oct 19 (4:55pm) - Oct 26 (2:20pm) 8 DAYS!!
Tokyo Oct 27 (7:30am) - Nov 1 (6:30pm) 6 DAYS
Mt. Namsan & Seoul Tower
Woke up in the morning without a hangover...shweet! We packed up all of our luggage so it would be easier for us to checkout and came to the realization that I needed to buy another luggage. Robin said that we could checkout at 1pm instead of 12pm so that I could also have time to get luggage. So, Jos and I climbed farther up the mountain to the cable cars. We got quality standing space to take pictures and when we got out we had to climb these wide and steep stairs to the top of the mountain. Of course, I re-lived the embarassment of seeing the strong, Korean seniors religiously climbing the mountain...while my youthful self took a cable car...>__< We were in a rush so we had to take the cable car up and down the mountain. We took pictures in the smoke signal area, the pagoda (gazebo?), scenery and went to some of the gift shops. When we went a bit higher we noticed all these locks on the fences surrounding. Apparently it was Couple's Day and ppl were hanging the locks. We took pics. It was really interesting!
Lugging Luggage
When we went back down we asked Robin where to buy luggage and he told us to go to Namdaemun market. I bought luggage underground and we went to the market very quickly. Btw...Josie really bargained well and saved me 10,000 won on that luggage! Visited Song one more time and took pics. He gave us more discounts. Headed back up the mountain and Robin drove us to Beewon. We made plans to meet him later for drinks. He couldn't find parking so he ended up parking right in front of the driveway. He was helping us bring our stuff in and then we heard yelling...ooops! He rushed back and we said we'd call him.
We've scored a first floor room with bunkbeds. We unpacked a bit and got ready to go back out, after using the internet. Off we went...
Ehwa Women's University
Jos and I got to Ehwa Women's University, which was fun. Bought some jewelry and other things. Jos bought some clothes and jewelry. Clothes were really cheap there, but we were running out of time! Called Robin, who told me Janelle called as well. He told her to call his cell when she was done b/c we'd be with him. We decided to meet at Jonggak station which is near where we live. We got lost a bit...I somehow lost my guidebook somewhere! :( That's like my guidebook here!
Robin & Friends
Met up with Robin, who was pointing to his watch when we finally got there! ooops. He had his friend, Gus, who is Filipino with him and his friend Jay. Both are Canadians and are teaching in Korea. Jay went to go meet someone for some Thai language lessons and we went to drink for a bit until Janelle came for dinner. It was fun. We talked a lot about movies and what we liked and disliked and it was soooo cheap! Drinking and eating is discounted and the food is so good.
My mosquito bites which are now at about 10 of them, were itching pretty badly so I went to a pharmacy, without a phrasebook and tried to communicate. She understood and I got some rub-on ointment that cools the bite. It kind of works for a bit...but i almost overdosed b/c i was so itchy!
Party Party
Janelle came and we decided to just eat where we were. Ate a lot of food and drank a lot of soju. Let's just say we were all pretty smashed...even Jos! It would come in waves for me...getting drunk...sober...getting drunk again...sober again...tipsy.. At Beewon, the office closes at 1am..but we were out past that time and were really worried. Janelle took a cab home. Robin walked back with us (since we didn't know how to get back) and managed to call someone to help us! Thank goodness for Robin! The most fun night we've had yet.
Gotta go now...we're going to Insadong and the palace.
-Sam
p.s. Chris, send me Michelle and Jenni's email addresses!
p.p.s. I fear I will be covered in mosquito bites after this asia trip...booooo....
I have been re-miss....(is that the right phrase?) anywhodanay...this is our itinerary:
Seoul from Oct 13 (6:45pm) - Oct 17 (7:45pm) 5 DAYS
Singapore Oct 18 (1:00am) - Oct 19 (1:25pm) 1 1/2 DAYS
Manila Oct 19 (4:55pm) - Oct 26 (2:20pm) 8 DAYS!!
Tokyo Oct 27 (7:30am) - Nov 1 (6:30pm) 6 DAYS
Mt. Namsan & Seoul Tower
Woke up in the morning without a hangover...shweet! We packed up all of our luggage so it would be easier for us to checkout and came to the realization that I needed to buy another luggage. Robin said that we could checkout at 1pm instead of 12pm so that I could also have time to get luggage. So, Jos and I climbed farther up the mountain to the cable cars. We got quality standing space to take pictures and when we got out we had to climb these wide and steep stairs to the top of the mountain. Of course, I re-lived the embarassment of seeing the strong, Korean seniors religiously climbing the mountain...while my youthful self took a cable car...>__< We were in a rush so we had to take the cable car up and down the mountain. We took pictures in the smoke signal area, the pagoda (gazebo?), scenery and went to some of the gift shops. When we went a bit higher we noticed all these locks on the fences surrounding. Apparently it was Couple's Day and ppl were hanging the locks. We took pics. It was really interesting!
Lugging Luggage
When we went back down we asked Robin where to buy luggage and he told us to go to Namdaemun market. I bought luggage underground and we went to the market very quickly. Btw...Josie really bargained well and saved me 10,000 won on that luggage! Visited Song one more time and took pics. He gave us more discounts. Headed back up the mountain and Robin drove us to Beewon. We made plans to meet him later for drinks. He couldn't find parking so he ended up parking right in front of the driveway. He was helping us bring our stuff in and then we heard yelling...ooops! He rushed back and we said we'd call him.
We've scored a first floor room with bunkbeds. We unpacked a bit and got ready to go back out, after using the internet. Off we went...
Ehwa Women's University
Jos and I got to Ehwa Women's University, which was fun. Bought some jewelry and other things. Jos bought some clothes and jewelry. Clothes were really cheap there, but we were running out of time! Called Robin, who told me Janelle called as well. He told her to call his cell when she was done b/c we'd be with him. We decided to meet at Jonggak station which is near where we live. We got lost a bit...I somehow lost my guidebook somewhere! :( That's like my guidebook here!
Robin & Friends
Met up with Robin, who was pointing to his watch when we finally got there! ooops. He had his friend, Gus, who is Filipino with him and his friend Jay. Both are Canadians and are teaching in Korea. Jay went to go meet someone for some Thai language lessons and we went to drink for a bit until Janelle came for dinner. It was fun. We talked a lot about movies and what we liked and disliked and it was soooo cheap! Drinking and eating is discounted and the food is so good.
My mosquito bites which are now at about 10 of them, were itching pretty badly so I went to a pharmacy, without a phrasebook and tried to communicate. She understood and I got some rub-on ointment that cools the bite. It kind of works for a bit...but i almost overdosed b/c i was so itchy!
Party Party
Janelle came and we decided to just eat where we were. Ate a lot of food and drank a lot of soju. Let's just say we were all pretty smashed...even Jos! It would come in waves for me...getting drunk...sober...getting drunk again...sober again...tipsy.. At Beewon, the office closes at 1am..but we were out past that time and were really worried. Janelle took a cab home. Robin walked back with us (since we didn't know how to get back) and managed to call someone to help us! Thank goodness for Robin! The most fun night we've had yet.
Gotta go now...we're going to Insadong and the palace.
-Sam
p.s. Chris, send me Michelle and Jenni's email addresses!
p.p.s. I fear I will be covered in mosquito bites after this asia trip...booooo....
Installment 2: So-ju...So drunk?!? and shopaholics
Installment 2: So-ju...So drunk?!? and shopaholics
Hello All,
Sorry for the lateness! Today we moved to Beewon Guesthouse at Anguk station...this is the account of yesterday's events
Late Start, Unwanted Affection
We started a little later than expected, but we made it up in the end by coming home late. Janelle stayed overnight with us b/c we drank more in our room. Jos and I got up pretty early and tried to get on the internet. I was having trouble sending out the first installment b/c of some of the email addresses...oh well. Got chatted up by Kent...the guy who teaches in China and well...he's a loner...and sooo wanting to get to know Janelle better hahahahaha
When we got ready to go, Janelle was gonna head home and we were going to go to Mt. Namsan and the Seoul Tower. Unfortunately when we were leaving, out comes Kent with the nastiest, greasy mullet. He was kind of hinting that he had no plans, but we didn't take the bait. He was going down the same way as Janelle, who really didn't want to run into him. He waited around the corner for a while, while we were talking but then he finally left. We walked down with Janelle and decided to shop at Myeongdong instead.
Broken Budgets?
HAHAHHAA...we totally went crazy shopping yesterday. At first Jos seemed disheartened b/c she is tall and we are "endowed", unlike many Korean women. We ate at the yummy dumpling place Des and I almost died at ahhaha from overeating. Then we went around shopping. There was a place Jos had peeked in and thought it could be dangerous..(as in she likes the style, but not sure if she could fit into anything) There was a saleswoman who fell in love with Jos..she took her by the arm and went around the store choosing clothes for her. She took me around too and we were able to find a lot of clothes. Jos dropped the big cash-o's there. Even while I was buying my clothes the saleswoman was trying to show her more clothes and if I didn't like what she was suggesting to Jos, she'd nudge and sometimes playfully strangle me ahhahaha. She said we were beautiful and she loved us.
We went through a lot of stores and didn't even finish it all, b/c we didn't want to majorly break our budgets. We dropped off all of our shopping at Namsan Guesthouse and then Jos went to use the internet and I went back to the underground shopping mall to see if my acquaintance from last year still owned his music store down there. Song was still there and he remembered me too! He gave me discounts and free posters..what a nice guy!!
I told him I would wait for Jos in his store and he brought out a seat for me. :) In the end, Jos didn't come at the expected time so I went back to Namsan. I talked to Robin for a bit. He is the manager at Namsan. Because of the confusion yesterday, he didn't charge me for Janelle staying over with us. He asked the other guy working to drive us to Dongdaemun.
Dongdaemun: Hats Are The Rage
Jos and I went crazy in the malls, buying nice clothes and hats. I got three, Jos bought ten?!?!? The lady just kept choosing these really nice hats. So helpful. Actually, sometimes we notice that some of the shopkeepers will not really pay attention to who is looking around and they are busy talking to friends in person or on the phone...but those who are nice, are supernice. Oh, they are really into cameos here. Frilly dress shirts with cameos. I really like the style, but so far haven't seen a shirt like that at a good price..they are around 30 dollars or more. Ahhh Jos is also buying scarves and the shop owner who helped her helped me too. He talked to me in Korean and I said "aratso" which means I understand, but he said that because he is my "oppa" (b/c he is older..that means older brother) that I should use "aratsoyo"...*embarassed* oops... I apologized and he was just teasing. I've been giving people my Laura Secord candies, so I gave him one and his co-worker too.
I think we hit three different malls there....spending spending spending
I'll Have the Raspberry Wine
Meeting Janelle for dinner proved to be a mission. Firstly we couldn't find our way around the underground shopping centre at Dongdaemun station to where she was...took us forever and asking people for directions. When we finally met her we ate a restaurant that had regular dining and also the type where you sit on the floor. We sat in the chairs. I ordered braised beef soup, Jos had bosam (pork lettuce rolls) and Janelle ordered raspberry wine. She ordered it from a young man who worked there. He couldn't understand what we were saying so I pointed it out to him. He told us it was 5 dollars. When we got the bill it was in Korean and we couldn't understand why it was more than we expected. Another waiter came around and told us what each cost was for. It seems Janelle's raspberry wine was actually 15 dollars! ahahahahaha....so then she takes out her coin purse and starts giving them all of her change ahahahahhaa. We were shocked and appalled and we made sure to drink every lost drop!!
Concert by the Water
Janelle went home and Jos and I went to walk by the water and watched a bit of a concert. Then we went shopping at Dottam (sp?) and there was a "LOVE SALE" so discounts on everything and they had wonderful fashion, but we were starting to get tired. Mind you, neither of us have jet lag at all. We decided to head back, b/c we always get to look forward to the hill back home. On our way back we ran into Song closing his shop. I introduced them and he asked us to wait for him. Apparently he lives near Namsan. So we waited and dropped by a convenience store...he paid for our drinks and jos' onigiri (rice ball).
Jos was talking about how she wanted to eat ramyeon. Song suggested we meet at 12a.m. and he'd invite us over to eat ramyeon with his friends. How could we say no?
So-ju..so drunk
Part of me was a tiny bit nervous. Song is a really nice person, but we don't know each other that well, but when we went into the place, it was such a nice atmosphere and his friends were great. We met Jin, Grace, Tesu (sp?) and another guy. We tried two different ramyeons...remember to cook it with egg..tastes so much better! We also drank a lot of soju. They were impressed that Jos could drink three bottles by herself. We talked about differences b/w our countries, our occupations (they are in film and are artists too) and type of guys/girls, etc. My glass never emptied and at some point I realized that I was drunk.
When we were getting ready to leave I stood up and WHAM..i totally felt it. They were all just laughing. I didn't fall, but I kept apologizing. I don't like being drunk in front of people, but we had so much fun. Song and Jin walked us to Namsan...Song was guiding me up the hill, b/c I wasn't walking straight. I could walk straight if I focused, but if I wasn't concentrating on it...I was walking crookedly. I was also talking to Song in Japanese. ahahah. He can speak a little as well.
Went to sleep and now I must go off for more adventures...this may the longest novel yet. Please excuse grammar and spelling mistakes, I'm in a rush :D *hugs to those who made it to the end!!*
Soberly Yours,
Sam
P.S. I have two giant mosquito bites..one on my finger and the other on my arm...booo...darn those mosquitoes
p.p.s. Please print/forward to my page buddies....chris still hasn't sent me their email addresses!
Hello All,
Sorry for the lateness! Today we moved to Beewon Guesthouse at Anguk station...this is the account of yesterday's events
Late Start, Unwanted Affection
We started a little later than expected, but we made it up in the end by coming home late. Janelle stayed overnight with us b/c we drank more in our room. Jos and I got up pretty early and tried to get on the internet. I was having trouble sending out the first installment b/c of some of the email addresses...oh well. Got chatted up by Kent...the guy who teaches in China and well...he's a loner...and sooo wanting to get to know Janelle better hahahahaha
When we got ready to go, Janelle was gonna head home and we were going to go to Mt. Namsan and the Seoul Tower. Unfortunately when we were leaving, out comes Kent with the nastiest, greasy mullet. He was kind of hinting that he had no plans, but we didn't take the bait. He was going down the same way as Janelle, who really didn't want to run into him. He waited around the corner for a while, while we were talking but then he finally left. We walked down with Janelle and decided to shop at Myeongdong instead.
Broken Budgets?
HAHAHHAA...we totally went crazy shopping yesterday. At first Jos seemed disheartened b/c she is tall and we are "endowed", unlike many Korean women. We ate at the yummy dumpling place Des and I almost died at ahhaha from overeating. Then we went around shopping. There was a place Jos had peeked in and thought it could be dangerous..(as in she likes the style, but not sure if she could fit into anything) There was a saleswoman who fell in love with Jos..she took her by the arm and went around the store choosing clothes for her. She took me around too and we were able to find a lot of clothes. Jos dropped the big cash-o's there. Even while I was buying my clothes the saleswoman was trying to show her more clothes and if I didn't like what she was suggesting to Jos, she'd nudge and sometimes playfully strangle me ahhahaha. She said we were beautiful and she loved us.
We went through a lot of stores and didn't even finish it all, b/c we didn't want to majorly break our budgets. We dropped off all of our shopping at Namsan Guesthouse and then Jos went to use the internet and I went back to the underground shopping mall to see if my acquaintance from last year still owned his music store down there. Song was still there and he remembered me too! He gave me discounts and free posters..what a nice guy!!
I told him I would wait for Jos in his store and he brought out a seat for me. :) In the end, Jos didn't come at the expected time so I went back to Namsan. I talked to Robin for a bit. He is the manager at Namsan. Because of the confusion yesterday, he didn't charge me for Janelle staying over with us. He asked the other guy working to drive us to Dongdaemun.
Dongdaemun: Hats Are The Rage
Jos and I went crazy in the malls, buying nice clothes and hats. I got three, Jos bought ten?!?!? The lady just kept choosing these really nice hats. So helpful. Actually, sometimes we notice that some of the shopkeepers will not really pay attention to who is looking around and they are busy talking to friends in person or on the phone...but those who are nice, are supernice. Oh, they are really into cameos here. Frilly dress shirts with cameos. I really like the style, but so far haven't seen a shirt like that at a good price..they are around 30 dollars or more. Ahhh Jos is also buying scarves and the shop owner who helped her helped me too. He talked to me in Korean and I said "aratso" which means I understand, but he said that because he is my "oppa" (b/c he is older..that means older brother) that I should use "aratsoyo"...*embarassed* oops... I apologized and he was just teasing. I've been giving people my Laura Secord candies, so I gave him one and his co-worker too.
I think we hit three different malls there....spending spending spending
I'll Have the Raspberry Wine
Meeting Janelle for dinner proved to be a mission. Firstly we couldn't find our way around the underground shopping centre at Dongdaemun station to where she was...took us forever and asking people for directions. When we finally met her we ate a restaurant that had regular dining and also the type where you sit on the floor. We sat in the chairs. I ordered braised beef soup, Jos had bosam (pork lettuce rolls) and Janelle ordered raspberry wine. She ordered it from a young man who worked there. He couldn't understand what we were saying so I pointed it out to him. He told us it was 5 dollars. When we got the bill it was in Korean and we couldn't understand why it was more than we expected. Another waiter came around and told us what each cost was for. It seems Janelle's raspberry wine was actually 15 dollars! ahahahahaha....so then she takes out her coin purse and starts giving them all of her change ahahahahhaa. We were shocked and appalled and we made sure to drink every lost drop!!
Concert by the Water
Janelle went home and Jos and I went to walk by the water and watched a bit of a concert. Then we went shopping at Dottam (sp?) and there was a "LOVE SALE" so discounts on everything and they had wonderful fashion, but we were starting to get tired. Mind you, neither of us have jet lag at all. We decided to head back, b/c we always get to look forward to the hill back home. On our way back we ran into Song closing his shop. I introduced them and he asked us to wait for him. Apparently he lives near Namsan. So we waited and dropped by a convenience store...he paid for our drinks and jos' onigiri (rice ball).
Jos was talking about how she wanted to eat ramyeon. Song suggested we meet at 12a.m. and he'd invite us over to eat ramyeon with his friends. How could we say no?
So-ju..so drunk
Part of me was a tiny bit nervous. Song is a really nice person, but we don't know each other that well, but when we went into the place, it was such a nice atmosphere and his friends were great. We met Jin, Grace, Tesu (sp?) and another guy. We tried two different ramyeons...remember to cook it with egg..tastes so much better! We also drank a lot of soju. They were impressed that Jos could drink three bottles by herself. We talked about differences b/w our countries, our occupations (they are in film and are artists too) and type of guys/girls, etc. My glass never emptied and at some point I realized that I was drunk.
When we were getting ready to leave I stood up and WHAM..i totally felt it. They were all just laughing. I didn't fall, but I kept apologizing. I don't like being drunk in front of people, but we had so much fun. Song and Jin walked us to Namsan...Song was guiding me up the hill, b/c I wasn't walking straight. I could walk straight if I focused, but if I wasn't concentrating on it...I was walking crookedly. I was also talking to Song in Japanese. ahahah. He can speak a little as well.
Went to sleep and now I must go off for more adventures...this may the longest novel yet. Please excuse grammar and spelling mistakes, I'm in a rush :D *hugs to those who made it to the end!!*
Soberly Yours,
Sam
P.S. I have two giant mosquito bites..one on my finger and the other on my arm...booo...darn those mosquitoes
p.p.s. Please print/forward to my page buddies....chris still hasn't sent me their email addresses!
SISTER ASIAN INVASION: Installment 1
SISTER ASIAN INVASION: Installment 1
NOT A BREEZE
Upon leaving, I almost forgot.....my passport! whoops
We got to the airport on time, but the lines were long. Our plane was delayed b/c of a family...two rambunctious, spoiled children, two car seats, an unwanted mom and a high-in-demand father... Jos and I slept majority of the flight and I watched SURF'S UP. Transferred in San Fran which was somewhat confusing b/c it was really big and we had to get to the International Terminal. We went to a Mexican restaurant and we were supposed to eat light, but my meal looked like it could have fed two. We were enjoying our fruity drinks and I went to use the washroom. I suddenly heard our last name on the speaker. I thought, there might be other DIZONS...but then I heard J and SD. They boarded us pretty quickly. Everything went pretty well...we watched some movies, slept a lot too. There were many children crying ever so often. Flight was delayed in letting us out....
Bus took forever b/c of fireworks and some event that happened with a lot of people. We landed half an hour late and didn't get to Namsan until 1030pmish. T---------T When we got here, we were told that our room was taken...major boo....the manager was called and it will be fixed tomorrow we hope.
COUSIN REUNION
We met up with our cousin Janelle at around midnight. We bought some booze and snackies and headed right to the SOJU TENT! OH YEAH!! We ate dumplings, kimchi pancakes, fish and broth. We are enjoying drinking the beers for now...tomorrow is soju time. We told Janelle to come stay over with us because it's late anyways. Been a long time since we hung out and did a sleepover. So funny that we are seeing each other more often in another country when we were all living in Toronto. After eating and drinking, we bought more stuff at the convenience store and headed up the hill. We talked, laughed watched some k-tv and drank more. We went into the computer room to get on the internet, and an old Japanese man, kept coming out and yelling at us for the noise..although we weren't making a lot of noise. Finally went to sleep, without finishing the email... so that's why I'm emailing now...
extremely short, eh? [canadian accent] don't get used to it...i'll write longer ones soon!
-Sam
p.s. if you don't want these emails, pls say so and i'll take you off the email list....hugs for those who keep reading!
p.p.s. can someone pls post for my page buddies and anyone else I forgot?!?!?! i have to get the emails from chris...i forgot them at home
p.p.p.s. it's taking forever to send this...crapnards...i don't see anything wrong with the address
NOT A BREEZE
Upon leaving, I almost forgot.....my passport! whoops
We got to the airport on time, but the lines were long. Our plane was delayed b/c of a family...two rambunctious, spoiled children, two car seats, an unwanted mom and a high-in-demand father... Jos and I slept majority of the flight and I watched SURF'S UP. Transferred in San Fran which was somewhat confusing b/c it was really big and we had to get to the International Terminal. We went to a Mexican restaurant and we were supposed to eat light, but my meal looked like it could have fed two. We were enjoying our fruity drinks and I went to use the washroom. I suddenly heard our last name on the speaker. I thought, there might be other DIZONS...but then I heard J and SD. They boarded us pretty quickly. Everything went pretty well...we watched some movies, slept a lot too. There were many children crying ever so often. Flight was delayed in letting us out....
Bus took forever b/c of fireworks and some event that happened with a lot of people. We landed half an hour late and didn't get to Namsan until 1030pmish. T---------T When we got here, we were told that our room was taken...major boo....the manager was called and it will be fixed tomorrow we hope.
COUSIN REUNION
We met up with our cousin Janelle at around midnight. We bought some booze and snackies and headed right to the SOJU TENT! OH YEAH!! We ate dumplings, kimchi pancakes, fish and broth. We are enjoying drinking the beers for now...tomorrow is soju time. We told Janelle to come stay over with us because it's late anyways. Been a long time since we hung out and did a sleepover. So funny that we are seeing each other more often in another country when we were all living in Toronto. After eating and drinking, we bought more stuff at the convenience store and headed up the hill. We talked, laughed watched some k-tv and drank more. We went into the computer room to get on the internet, and an old Japanese man, kept coming out and yelling at us for the noise..although we weren't making a lot of noise. Finally went to sleep, without finishing the email... so that's why I'm emailing now...
extremely short, eh? [canadian accent] don't get used to it...i'll write longer ones soon!
-Sam
p.s. if you don't want these emails, pls say so and i'll take you off the email list....hugs for those who keep reading!
p.p.s. can someone pls post for my page buddies and anyone else I forgot?!?!?! i have to get the emails from chris...i forgot them at home
p.p.p.s. it's taking forever to send this...crapnards...i don't see anything wrong with the address
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Installment 12: All Good Things Must Come To an End...
Installment 12: All Good Things Must Come To an End...
Today is my last full day in Tokyo with Mellers! T___T Tomorrow I leave for the 6:08pm flight to Chicago and then Chicago to Toronto, to arrive around 10:55pm.
SLEPT IN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Mellers was supposed to attend classes in the morning, but for some reason, none of her three alarms went off. >)____(< So she missed two classes...oops. We ate lunch at Matsuya. By the way, for any of you who will visit Tokyo one day, Matsuya and Yoshinoda have good food at cheap prices...ranging from around 300 yen to 700 yen, if I recall. Also if you have eaten instant noodles (ramen), you have not really eaten ramen. Oh my gosh ramen here is so delicious. The noodles are amazing and it's much more substance than what the packaged bowls/cups have led us to believe. My ramen last night was delicious! Noodles, broth, meat, green onions, I believe there were some snow pea leaves in there too. It was really great. So big bowl of ramen, rice, gyoza for around 600yen. I'd say that's really cheap, wouldn't you? Most of the sets will come with miso soup, plus a big bowl of food, so you won't go hungry. Even the pre-made bentos in places like 7/11 are really good. That's where I got my cold soba/udon for aroun 400 yen and it was really good.
So the best things I ate here (in no particular order):
-zaru soba (cold soba noodles and shrimp tempura)
-ramen (noodle soup)
-onigiri (chicken & mayonaise riceball and salmon riceball)
-sushi... sooo good
-omurice (rice wrapped in an omelet) with curry
-yakiniku (bbq meat)
-takoyaki (octopus balls)
-oden (soup with various items)
-tons of other stuff that I don't even know the name of.. it was in the pictures...
DETERMINED TO SHOP
I bought some black converse sneakers! yay! and I got my calendar! Woohoo! Determination pays off. I found the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku (with Mellers directions and help from other people) and was able to grab that calendar. Finally. Now I don't have to pay 4000 yen in shipping!
SHINJUKU SCORE!!!
Yes, I must admit to you that I saw some arcades in Shinjuku. I did go in and spend money, because I am soooo competitive. That bear rikamaru (sp?) bear really doesn't want to come to Canada. I spent like 1000+ trying, but alas, I have resigned. I did however, just spend 100 yen and won something on the first shot of that ufo game. A MINI MP3 PLAYER!! OH yeah SCORE! I also won a bunch of little cute toys in this game where I use a claw to pull this string and it empties all the goodies out. They are actually really cute and weird at the same time.
RAIN, RAIN GO AWAYYYY!
It started to rain, so that kind of put a damper on things. I was supposed to go to the Meiji Shrine, but I guess I'll leave that to next year, unless I superrush it tomorrow morning... we'll see... I also wasn't able to go back to Harajuku really quickly to get Mellers the skirt and do some last minute stuff, but that's ok. There's always October!
I am proud to say I found/bought everything on my list! SCORE! And of course, more... Thank heavens I made a budget for this trip! Thank goodness I saved! Thank you Parkdale for giving me extra hours.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYU CELEBRATION
I totally forgot to bring Mayu's gift again. I'm such a dummy. We met her at Shinjuku and we ate at Asian Kitchen. It has a really nice atmosphere and we ate soooo much! It was crazy and the Happy Birthday dessert was crazy big and good. Pics of that will come laterrrrr... We talked a lot and had so much fun. They were correcting my Japanese and verifying stuff for me. We took a lot of pictures too. Mellers and I were also gonna go to the public bath, but we were too late. I guess next time...
This was such an awesome trip.
*correction: In the previous installment, I said kendamas were wooden TOES, I meant TOYS!
originally written: Apr 11, 2007
Today is my last full day in Tokyo with Mellers! T___T Tomorrow I leave for the 6:08pm flight to Chicago and then Chicago to Toronto, to arrive around 10:55pm.
SLEPT IN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Mellers was supposed to attend classes in the morning, but for some reason, none of her three alarms went off. >)____(< So she missed two classes...oops. We ate lunch at Matsuya. By the way, for any of you who will visit Tokyo one day, Matsuya and Yoshinoda have good food at cheap prices...ranging from around 300 yen to 700 yen, if I recall. Also if you have eaten instant noodles (ramen), you have not really eaten ramen. Oh my gosh ramen here is so delicious. The noodles are amazing and it's much more substance than what the packaged bowls/cups have led us to believe. My ramen last night was delicious! Noodles, broth, meat, green onions, I believe there were some snow pea leaves in there too. It was really great. So big bowl of ramen, rice, gyoza for around 600yen. I'd say that's really cheap, wouldn't you? Most of the sets will come with miso soup, plus a big bowl of food, so you won't go hungry. Even the pre-made bentos in places like 7/11 are really good. That's where I got my cold soba/udon for aroun 400 yen and it was really good.
So the best things I ate here (in no particular order):
-zaru soba (cold soba noodles and shrimp tempura)
-ramen (noodle soup)
-onigiri (chicken & mayonaise riceball and salmon riceball)
-sushi... sooo good
-omurice (rice wrapped in an omelet) with curry
-yakiniku (bbq meat)
-takoyaki (octopus balls)
-oden (soup with various items)
-tons of other stuff that I don't even know the name of.. it was in the pictures...
DETERMINED TO SHOP
I bought some black converse sneakers! yay! and I got my calendar! Woohoo! Determination pays off. I found the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku (with Mellers directions and help from other people) and was able to grab that calendar. Finally. Now I don't have to pay 4000 yen in shipping!
SHINJUKU SCORE!!!
Yes, I must admit to you that I saw some arcades in Shinjuku. I did go in and spend money, because I am soooo competitive. That bear rikamaru (sp?) bear really doesn't want to come to Canada. I spent like 1000+ trying, but alas, I have resigned. I did however, just spend 100 yen and won something on the first shot of that ufo game. A MINI MP3 PLAYER!! OH yeah SCORE! I also won a bunch of little cute toys in this game where I use a claw to pull this string and it empties all the goodies out. They are actually really cute and weird at the same time.
RAIN, RAIN GO AWAYYYY!
It started to rain, so that kind of put a damper on things. I was supposed to go to the Meiji Shrine, but I guess I'll leave that to next year, unless I superrush it tomorrow morning... we'll see... I also wasn't able to go back to Harajuku really quickly to get Mellers the skirt and do some last minute stuff, but that's ok. There's always October!
I am proud to say I found/bought everything on my list! SCORE! And of course, more... Thank heavens I made a budget for this trip! Thank goodness I saved! Thank you Parkdale for giving me extra hours.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYU CELEBRATION
I totally forgot to bring Mayu's gift again. I'm such a dummy. We met her at Shinjuku and we ate at Asian Kitchen. It has a really nice atmosphere and we ate soooo much! It was crazy and the Happy Birthday dessert was crazy big and good. Pics of that will come laterrrrr... We talked a lot and had so much fun. They were correcting my Japanese and verifying stuff for me. We took a lot of pictures too. Mellers and I were also gonna go to the public bath, but we were too late. I guess next time...
This was such an awesome trip.
*correction: In the previous installment, I said kendamas were wooden TOES, I meant TOYS!
originally written: Apr 11, 2007
Installment 11: Temples, Shrines & Canada!
Installment 11: Temples, Shrines & Canada!
I went to Sensoji Temple solo today, because Mellers had class. I took the train to Ueno station and then transferred onto the Ginza line to Asakusa. It's really nice that I can adventure around. Mellers always tells me to call her if I have trouble, but so far no.
I couldn't really tell how much tickets would cost, so I just asked someone to help me. hahaha. Word to those who travel here and don't know how much the train ticket will cost to where you are going...ask someone who is buying a ticket/has bought one or of course someone who works there. People are very accomodating.
So I got to the temple area and it took me a while to get to the main temple, because of all my detours. No, not the detours you think (getting lost) more like seeing interesting things and steering off my path.
KENDAMAAAAAA!
Woohoo I was able to find kendamas. They are hand-made wooden toes, that require skill to play with. I will upload a pic...ahahaha so many to upload. So I bought two OFFICIAL kendamas. Yes, official, there are actual professional competitions. There's even someone who has the Guiness record for it. Ko showed me the official site when I was in Toronto and mannn some people even breakdance while playing kendama!
ICE-CREAMMMMMMMMMMM
I found an ice-cream place with 30 different flavours. There were all sorts of different flavours like Japanese apricot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato, sesame, etc. I chose sakura (cherry blossom flavour) soooo goood! I want moooooorrreee!
SANDALS
I was on a mission to find bigger sandals to wear with my yukata (summer kimono), since the ones I bought last year were a little too small. Finally found it, when I went for a detour. Most places only had smaller sizes, but I find my size at this small shop and got an 80 yen discount too.
SENSOJI TEMPLE
The temple was just as beautiful as I remembered and even nicer during the day. I did all the stuff like drinking the water and wafting the incense, etc. I also bought charms for good luck and health, as well as making your dreams come true. I took video which I'll upload. I also did the fortune...this is what I got...
No. 96 THE BEST FORTUNE
Relying upon a person in higher rank for help to succeed in one's life is just like a cock tries to fly following a phoenix and perches on a higher twig.
Poling a boat across the stream is a simile of your getting along well with others in this world.
You will rise in the world and will be wealthy.
*Your wish will come true, so you should be modest for everything. *The sick person will get well. *The lost article will be found. *The person you are waiting for will come. *Building a new house and removal are both good *It is good to make a travel. *Both marriage and employment are good.
YUKATAS & CANADA?!
I wanted to get another yukata, so I went by a store and ended up getting Kimono coasters instead. The ladies were really friendly and when the oldest one heard I was from Canada, she said in Japanese that she loves the maple leaf. hahhaa So I gave each of them the Canadian badges I had brought. She was so happy, she gave me a handkerchief as a gift. They were so cute too. They saw I had a lot of bags and gave me a bigger one and told me to put them "ishoni" (together). I had that happen at three different stores...ahahah am I shopping too much?
CUTE STORE OWNER
Hahaha I bet you're thinking I was checking some hot guy out right? No... when I went to the local grocery store, there was an old man who owns it. Last time I went there I was looking for something, so this time he remembered me. He said, "oh Canada" ahahah. I stayed there for a bit and we talked. It was really cute because his English is limited and my Japanese was limited, but somehow we were able to have a good conversation! We talked about food and the money conversions and what I was doing here, etc. ahahah who would have thought. I am quite happy to say that so far on this trip, I have never had the experience of NOT being able to communicate what I'm trying to say. Through Japanese, Korean, English and hand movements, it's all been good.
Wahh this is super long. Sorrryyyyy! Just to let you know that while I was at the temple I asked that all my family and friends stay healthy and happy.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 10, 2007
I went to Sensoji Temple solo today, because Mellers had class. I took the train to Ueno station and then transferred onto the Ginza line to Asakusa. It's really nice that I can adventure around. Mellers always tells me to call her if I have trouble, but so far no.
I couldn't really tell how much tickets would cost, so I just asked someone to help me. hahaha. Word to those who travel here and don't know how much the train ticket will cost to where you are going...ask someone who is buying a ticket/has bought one or of course someone who works there. People are very accomodating.
So I got to the temple area and it took me a while to get to the main temple, because of all my detours. No, not the detours you think (getting lost) more like seeing interesting things and steering off my path.
KENDAMAAAAAA!
Woohoo I was able to find kendamas. They are hand-made wooden toes, that require skill to play with. I will upload a pic...ahahaha so many to upload. So I bought two OFFICIAL kendamas. Yes, official, there are actual professional competitions. There's even someone who has the Guiness record for it. Ko showed me the official site when I was in Toronto and mannn some people even breakdance while playing kendama!
ICE-CREAMMMMMMMMMMM
I found an ice-cream place with 30 different flavours. There were all sorts of different flavours like Japanese apricot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato, sesame, etc. I chose sakura (cherry blossom flavour) soooo goood! I want moooooorrreee!
SANDALS
I was on a mission to find bigger sandals to wear with my yukata (summer kimono), since the ones I bought last year were a little too small. Finally found it, when I went for a detour. Most places only had smaller sizes, but I find my size at this small shop and got an 80 yen discount too.
SENSOJI TEMPLE
The temple was just as beautiful as I remembered and even nicer during the day. I did all the stuff like drinking the water and wafting the incense, etc. I also bought charms for good luck and health, as well as making your dreams come true. I took video which I'll upload. I also did the fortune...this is what I got...
No. 96 THE BEST FORTUNE
Relying upon a person in higher rank for help to succeed in one's life is just like a cock tries to fly following a phoenix and perches on a higher twig.
Poling a boat across the stream is a simile of your getting along well with others in this world.
You will rise in the world and will be wealthy.
*Your wish will come true, so you should be modest for everything. *The sick person will get well. *The lost article will be found. *The person you are waiting for will come. *Building a new house and removal are both good *It is good to make a travel. *Both marriage and employment are good.
YUKATAS & CANADA?!
I wanted to get another yukata, so I went by a store and ended up getting Kimono coasters instead. The ladies were really friendly and when the oldest one heard I was from Canada, she said in Japanese that she loves the maple leaf. hahhaa So I gave each of them the Canadian badges I had brought. She was so happy, she gave me a handkerchief as a gift. They were so cute too. They saw I had a lot of bags and gave me a bigger one and told me to put them "ishoni" (together). I had that happen at three different stores...ahahah am I shopping too much?
CUTE STORE OWNER
Hahaha I bet you're thinking I was checking some hot guy out right? No... when I went to the local grocery store, there was an old man who owns it. Last time I went there I was looking for something, so this time he remembered me. He said, "oh Canada" ahahah. I stayed there for a bit and we talked. It was really cute because his English is limited and my Japanese was limited, but somehow we were able to have a good conversation! We talked about food and the money conversions and what I was doing here, etc. ahahah who would have thought. I am quite happy to say that so far on this trip, I have never had the experience of NOT being able to communicate what I'm trying to say. Through Japanese, Korean, English and hand movements, it's all been good.
Wahh this is super long. Sorrryyyyy! Just to let you know that while I was at the temple I asked that all my family and friends stay healthy and happy.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 10, 2007
Installment 10: Shibuyaaaaaaa!
Installment 10: Shibuyaaaaaaa!
HELLO...IT'S SAM
I was finally able to talk to Mom after over a week. Mannnn I keep missing her and finally I reached them by collect call. Talked to Dad for a bit too which was nice. Yay income tax, I don't owe the government money. That's always a plus
SHIBUYAAAAAAAAAAAA
I went to Shibuya by myself as Mellers had class. It was quite exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There were soooo many people there! There seemed to be three popular ways of crossing, so I decided to start on the left. Left is always better than right (at least in my head) I stumbled upon an arcade. Hahahah you know how I love challenges, right?
I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY!!!
So, naturally, I got sucked into that darn crane game/ufo game. I really wanted to win that big bear...1000 yen later...no success. Darn you, Bear! I almost got you twice....you were caught up and on your way to me and then you fell!! T___________T I decided to try a different one and on the first shot, I won a yellow elephant. It's soooo cuute. I'll upload a pic later on today.
109 BUILDING
I went up and down the streets until I got to the 109 Building which is infamous for women's fashion. The stuff there was beautiful. Let me just say that if I didn't find some good sales, there's no way I could afford to buy all the things I wanted there. There were a lot of tanned girls there, some had raccoon eyes too. All the staff at each store were very nice though. I had to really try not to just by things because they were so nice and I felt bad that I couldn't spend ahhaha. There was the beautiful, beautiful belt...seriously gorgeous. I wanted it, but it was 7100yen. Sorry, but I will never pay that much for a belt. The employee there even put it on me and I was thisclose to just buying it for the heck of it, but I restrained myself.
It was nice to hear them trying to speak English to me when they knew I couldn't speak Japanese fluently. Most just thought I could understand and had whole conversations with me... AM I THAT CONVINCING?!?!? ahahahah If you're wondering what's fashionable now, it's the nurselike dresses with vertical thin blue stripes. They were everywhere.
OMERICE & DESSERT
After doing some shopping, I decided to eat. I ordered Omerice (which is exactly what it sounds like..rice in an omelet). I ignored the cute mushrooms that were cascaded on it, and enjoyed it. I also ordered a dessert which was called Millefleur or something to that extent. I will upload a picture of it. It was really really pretty and consisted of: raspberrries, pastry, custard, jam and pistachios. I couldn't finish the whole thing because...I have no idea why, but I didn't think I should finish all of it.
BACK TO THE SHOPPING
So, I continued to shop and each stores' employees kept saying something, but I can't remember the exact words. Mellers said it is probably "irashaimasen" (sp?) which means welcome. The loudest, believe it or not, were the lingerie staff ahahah. Finally decided to go home with all my bags, but was delayed a little by the rain. Mellers was already home and napping. I decided to do the same. We woke up around 10pm and ate.
FANGIRLING...revisited
I've forgotten to mention that "Hoshi wo Mezashite" PV is currently #1 in the charts. Not sure which chart though, but they keep showing it on the screens. I hear the song a lot whether I'm eating or shopping too. I had a dream about meeting Kei-kun and Tego. I also took some pics of Pi's drink ad and Operation Love mural that was at the Shibuya subway station.
Seems like I have a lot of pics to upload, huh?
Ok...off for adventuring again. Still deciding whether to go to the Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple...Senso-Ji is farther away. Should I be lazy?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 9, 2007
HELLO...IT'S SAM
I was finally able to talk to Mom after over a week. Mannnn I keep missing her and finally I reached them by collect call. Talked to Dad for a bit too which was nice. Yay income tax, I don't owe the government money. That's always a plus
SHIBUYAAAAAAAAAAAA
I went to Shibuya by myself as Mellers had class. It was quite exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There were soooo many people there! There seemed to be three popular ways of crossing, so I decided to start on the left. Left is always better than right (at least in my head) I stumbled upon an arcade. Hahahah you know how I love challenges, right?
I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY!!!
So, naturally, I got sucked into that darn crane game/ufo game. I really wanted to win that big bear...1000 yen later...no success. Darn you, Bear! I almost got you twice....you were caught up and on your way to me and then you fell!! T___________T I decided to try a different one and on the first shot, I won a yellow elephant. It's soooo cuute. I'll upload a pic later on today.
109 BUILDING
I went up and down the streets until I got to the 109 Building which is infamous for women's fashion. The stuff there was beautiful. Let me just say that if I didn't find some good sales, there's no way I could afford to buy all the things I wanted there. There were a lot of tanned girls there, some had raccoon eyes too. All the staff at each store were very nice though. I had to really try not to just by things because they were so nice and I felt bad that I couldn't spend ahhaha. There was the beautiful, beautiful belt...seriously gorgeous. I wanted it, but it was 7100yen. Sorry, but I will never pay that much for a belt. The employee there even put it on me and I was thisclose to just buying it for the heck of it, but I restrained myself.
It was nice to hear them trying to speak English to me when they knew I couldn't speak Japanese fluently. Most just thought I could understand and had whole conversations with me... AM I THAT CONVINCING?!?!? ahahahah If you're wondering what's fashionable now, it's the nurselike dresses with vertical thin blue stripes. They were everywhere.
OMERICE & DESSERT
After doing some shopping, I decided to eat. I ordered Omerice (which is exactly what it sounds like..rice in an omelet). I ignored the cute mushrooms that were cascaded on it, and enjoyed it. I also ordered a dessert which was called Millefleur or something to that extent. I will upload a picture of it. It was really really pretty and consisted of: raspberrries, pastry, custard, jam and pistachios. I couldn't finish the whole thing because...I have no idea why, but I didn't think I should finish all of it.
BACK TO THE SHOPPING
So, I continued to shop and each stores' employees kept saying something, but I can't remember the exact words. Mellers said it is probably "irashaimasen" (sp?) which means welcome. The loudest, believe it or not, were the lingerie staff ahahah. Finally decided to go home with all my bags, but was delayed a little by the rain. Mellers was already home and napping. I decided to do the same. We woke up around 10pm and ate.
FANGIRLING...revisited
I've forgotten to mention that "Hoshi wo Mezashite" PV is currently #1 in the charts. Not sure which chart though, but they keep showing it on the screens. I hear the song a lot whether I'm eating or shopping too. I had a dream about meeting Kei-kun and Tego. I also took some pics of Pi's drink ad and Operation Love mural that was at the Shibuya subway station.
Seems like I have a lot of pics to upload, huh?
Ok...off for adventuring again. Still deciding whether to go to the Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple...Senso-Ji is farther away. Should I be lazy?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 9, 2007
Installment 9: A Day of Rest...
Installment 9: A Day of Rest...
ahahah we decided to slow down a bit today. hahaha mainly because we got home so early in the morning and I woke up at like 3am and Mellers was still off in lala land ahahhaha. So I went left around 4:30pm to look around again. I saw Eugene eating at one of the shops so I joined him.
SQUIRTED AGAIN?!?!?
Remember last year when I went to Korea, I got sprayed by the thing in the toilet? It wasn't a toilet this time! I asked Eugene to order mashed potatoes for me and there was a sauce/dressing that went with it. Well it looked kind of like the jam packets but doubled..so I was trying to unpeel the lid...no success. Then I saw that there were directions..so I bent it in half..but the wrong way!! ooopsss....Out comes dressing squirting full speed...right onto Eugene's jacket!!! ooopsalini...very minor stains on my jacket...mostly on his. I felt sooooo bad! I kept apologizing and offering to pay his cleaning bill. He said he would just laundry it...oops T_____T
HARAJUKU
Went back to Harajuku, but the Takashite exit this time to shop around. Is it too much info to say that I would fit into a lot of the pretty clothes (shirts mainly) but my chest is too big?!?!? ahahahhaha....It's such a shame! Oh well I guess in a way I'm saving money right? Called Mellers after getting some stuff. I saw these two people dressed in Gothic Lolita style and the best part was they were men kekekeke. Good for them for pulling off that fashion. They looked like dolls.
I refused to totally superfangirl and buy all the unofficial pics...also because some of them weren't that great quality. They even had prize packs and all sorts of stuff, but I refrained. ahahha. I don't want to break my budget!!
BULGOGI PIZZA?!?!
Mellers woke up at 7pm ahahahha. When I got home we decided to order pizza. She ordered it online and it was Bulgogi flavour. Bulgogi is Korean style marinated beef and it comes with vegetables. Well, I must say it was very interesting. The crust looked different too and when I started to eat it, I realized it was filled with hot dogs. So it looks like hot dog pastries..kind of hard to explain, but I took a picture. The chicken was good too and it came with two cans of tea.
We just relaxed, listened to music and talked. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we can talk like this. She watched some of Prison Break and I went to sleep. Mellers didn't even end up sleeping. Crazy girl!
Short installment this time. You're not disappointed are you?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
ahahah we decided to slow down a bit today. hahaha mainly because we got home so early in the morning and I woke up at like 3am and Mellers was still off in lala land ahahhaha. So I went left around 4:30pm to look around again. I saw Eugene eating at one of the shops so I joined him.
SQUIRTED AGAIN?!?!?
Remember last year when I went to Korea, I got sprayed by the thing in the toilet? It wasn't a toilet this time! I asked Eugene to order mashed potatoes for me and there was a sauce/dressing that went with it. Well it looked kind of like the jam packets but doubled..so I was trying to unpeel the lid...no success. Then I saw that there were directions..so I bent it in half..but the wrong way!! ooopsss....Out comes dressing squirting full speed...right onto Eugene's jacket!!! ooopsalini...very minor stains on my jacket...mostly on his. I felt sooooo bad! I kept apologizing and offering to pay his cleaning bill. He said he would just laundry it...oops T_____T
HARAJUKU
Went back to Harajuku, but the Takashite exit this time to shop around. Is it too much info to say that I would fit into a lot of the pretty clothes (shirts mainly) but my chest is too big?!?!? ahahahhaha....It's such a shame! Oh well I guess in a way I'm saving money right? Called Mellers after getting some stuff. I saw these two people dressed in Gothic Lolita style and the best part was they were men kekekeke. Good for them for pulling off that fashion. They looked like dolls.
I refused to totally superfangirl and buy all the unofficial pics...also because some of them weren't that great quality. They even had prize packs and all sorts of stuff, but I refrained. ahahha. I don't want to break my budget!!
BULGOGI PIZZA?!?!
Mellers woke up at 7pm ahahahha. When I got home we decided to order pizza. She ordered it online and it was Bulgogi flavour. Bulgogi is Korean style marinated beef and it comes with vegetables. Well, I must say it was very interesting. The crust looked different too and when I started to eat it, I realized it was filled with hot dogs. So it looks like hot dog pastries..kind of hard to explain, but I took a picture. The chicken was good too and it came with two cans of tea.
We just relaxed, listened to music and talked. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we can talk like this. She watched some of Prison Break and I went to sleep. Mellers didn't even end up sleeping. Crazy girl!
Short installment this time. You're not disappointed are you?
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
Installment 8: In Da Club...again! & 1 year anniversary!
Installment 8: In Da Club...again! & 1 year anniversary!
Before I am labelled a spendthrift, just know that I saved a lot for this trip! Budget, budget, budget! Oh, and extra hours help out A LOT! ^_____^
DREADED BOOKSTORE
I must say that paper will be the end of me....Japanese notebooks, stationary, origami paper, magazines... I'm carrying the Japanese forest home with me. Wish me luck!
Mellers had a late morning..we both did...but she slept later than me! So, in the morning, I went to a bookstore to find Chris her cherished magazines (kekeke I treasure them too!) and was able to find them! SCORE! But, as I have learned on this trip, small things add to large amounts...13 magazines later... *keels over* I must say that I did find an ultranice magazine that Chris will drool over ahahahahaa, it was so good that I had to buy three of them! I also bought a magazine for Josie.
YAKINIKU
Went for Yakiniku, which is basically bbq near Yoyogi station. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet more of Mellers and Eugene's friends. All who know me really well, know how much I loooooove fire....so you can probably imagine me squealing when the fire went insane and I was backed up into my chair as far as I could go ahahhaha. The food was really good though. Fun times ^_________^
ROPPONGI
Eugene, Jeff, Mellers and I went to Roppongi to meet up with Rika and Yu-chan. We were supposed to watch the Sakura (cherry blossoms) during the night, but it was raining a bit so we couldn't. The artists are really innovative here and so I admired a lot of it. Not to mention that Roppongi is richieville. So expensive!
We met up with Yu-chan (who we clubbed with the day I arrived) and Rika (who I met last year at Gaspanic club). It was so nice to see them. We went to a bar to drink...the prices were basically like you would expect hahaha. OH! and the gingerale REALLY TASTES LIKE GINGER! ahhaha
GASPANIC 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
We all went to Gaspanic. Eugene and Jeff went to the bar and we hit the dancefloor. Soon after Mayu-chan came! I was really happy to see her. Last year when we came, we became friends with Mayu-chan, Rika and Taka. So this was going to be our 1 year anniversary. We were having a lot of fun...minus the creepy dude who was admiring me *gag*. Taka showed up and he ordered a big wine cooler. He opened the bottle and told me to drink. So...chugged half of it and shared the rest ahahha no way I could finish the whole thing!
Later on we met some jerks. Seriously, they were really raunchy and rude! We wanted to sit down and these three guys were like "HEY, come sit with us!" in English. They were American, but they wouldn't say why they were in Japan...not that I really cared. Anyway one guy said, "come sit on my lap" and I said NO. So then he sat on my lap *gaaaaagggggg* and his other bald friend looks over at me and says "I WANNA ------ KISS YOU". Hellllll NO! Mellers said I had a boyfriend and he's says, "Well he's not here. I won't tell.." EL GROSSO! They were totally after Mellers and I was getting pissed off! The lap dude tried to kiss Mayu-chan and Mellers too, but we got out of there. I saw them later making out with some asian girl, who eventually got upset and left. BOOOO to jerks!
Anyway, back to the fun stuff. We took some breaks in between and Mellers got me some oden! It was interesting and tasted good. We went to the Gaspanic cafe and seemed everyone wanted some of the oden too ahahha. I was able to catch up with Mayu-chan and all the girls were talking. We relaxed for a while before going back. When the club was going to close, I made sure to get a souvenir and we took some pics. Then we went for food. I was so hungry and tired. Another great day to add to the memory books. ^_______^ We got home at around 7amish and I slept around 8amish hahha.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
Before I am labelled a spendthrift, just know that I saved a lot for this trip! Budget, budget, budget! Oh, and extra hours help out A LOT! ^_____^
DREADED BOOKSTORE
I must say that paper will be the end of me....Japanese notebooks, stationary, origami paper, magazines... I'm carrying the Japanese forest home with me. Wish me luck!
Mellers had a late morning..we both did...but she slept later than me! So, in the morning, I went to a bookstore to find Chris her cherished magazines (kekeke I treasure them too!) and was able to find them! SCORE! But, as I have learned on this trip, small things add to large amounts...13 magazines later... *keels over* I must say that I did find an ultranice magazine that Chris will drool over ahahahahaa, it was so good that I had to buy three of them! I also bought a magazine for Josie.
YAKINIKU
Went for Yakiniku, which is basically bbq near Yoyogi station. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet more of Mellers and Eugene's friends. All who know me really well, know how much I loooooove fire....so you can probably imagine me squealing when the fire went insane and I was backed up into my chair as far as I could go ahahhaha. The food was really good though. Fun times ^_________^
ROPPONGI
Eugene, Jeff, Mellers and I went to Roppongi to meet up with Rika and Yu-chan. We were supposed to watch the Sakura (cherry blossoms) during the night, but it was raining a bit so we couldn't. The artists are really innovative here and so I admired a lot of it. Not to mention that Roppongi is richieville. So expensive!
We met up with Yu-chan (who we clubbed with the day I arrived) and Rika (who I met last year at Gaspanic club). It was so nice to see them. We went to a bar to drink...the prices were basically like you would expect hahaha. OH! and the gingerale REALLY TASTES LIKE GINGER! ahhaha
GASPANIC 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
We all went to Gaspanic. Eugene and Jeff went to the bar and we hit the dancefloor. Soon after Mayu-chan came! I was really happy to see her. Last year when we came, we became friends with Mayu-chan, Rika and Taka. So this was going to be our 1 year anniversary. We were having a lot of fun...minus the creepy dude who was admiring me *gag*. Taka showed up and he ordered a big wine cooler. He opened the bottle and told me to drink. So...chugged half of it and shared the rest ahahha no way I could finish the whole thing!
Later on we met some jerks. Seriously, they were really raunchy and rude! We wanted to sit down and these three guys were like "HEY, come sit with us!" in English. They were American, but they wouldn't say why they were in Japan...not that I really cared. Anyway one guy said, "come sit on my lap" and I said NO. So then he sat on my lap *gaaaaagggggg* and his other bald friend looks over at me and says "I WANNA ------ KISS YOU". Hellllll NO! Mellers said I had a boyfriend and he's says, "Well he's not here. I won't tell.." EL GROSSO! They were totally after Mellers and I was getting pissed off! The lap dude tried to kiss Mayu-chan and Mellers too, but we got out of there. I saw them later making out with some asian girl, who eventually got upset and left. BOOOO to jerks!
Anyway, back to the fun stuff. We took some breaks in between and Mellers got me some oden! It was interesting and tasted good. We went to the Gaspanic cafe and seemed everyone wanted some of the oden too ahahha. I was able to catch up with Mayu-chan and all the girls were talking. We relaxed for a while before going back. When the club was going to close, I made sure to get a souvenir and we took some pics. Then we went for food. I was so hungry and tired. Another great day to add to the memory books. ^_______^ We got home at around 7amish and I slept around 8amish hahha.
-Sam
originally written: Apr 8, 2007
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