@Asakusa, Sensoji Temple.
Almagul and I organized a potluck dinner to celebrate the arrival of my family in Tokyo at TIEC. It was an awesome session where my parents got to meet all of my friends :)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A family reunion in Tokyo :)
@Asakusa, Sensoji Temple. Almagul and I organized a potluck dinner to celebrate the arrival of my family in Tokyo at TIEC. It was an awesome session where my parents got to meet all of my friends :)Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tana's birthday (and the delicious cakes)
Ry. :) My awesome friend who is ever-caring. Her dress sense is uber cool too!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Our First Hiking Trip to Mt Takao
And so, the bunch of us headed up Mt Takao one bright and sunny morning, a 50 minute train right away from the Shinjuku Station. We took the Omotesando Trail 1, which was supposedly the easiest one suitable for old folks and children (haha). However, scaling the 600m mountain was no mean feat. I was huffing and puffing my way up, so there are not many photos of those scary steep slopes. heh.BUt the majestic view of Mt Fuji at the summit plus an awesome home-made lunch
justified all that effort. 
I am recently exploring how to take good portrait shots and had a good time snapping photos of my friends. This is Olim, my friend from Uzbekistan. His wife recently gave birth to a daughter and he would be flying home to visit them soon.
This is Oybek, act-cool gangster but really is quite a child at heart. He and Yaxing can form a comic duo.
This is my favorite portrait photo of the day - Dechen from Bhutan. She has a set of amazing eyes that look right at you, doesn't she? I'm going to make her my model from now. Hehe.
This lady sells assorted fruits and vegetables found in Mt. Takao and her stall was right at the summit. I envy her simple life - full of fresh air, surrounded by nature. Nature has a wondeful ability of removing your bad energies and revitalizing your soul. All I remember about the descent was a silent trickle of the streams, last autumn leaves on many trees... 
***
I am recently exploring how to take good portrait shots and had a good time snapping photos of my friends. This is Olim, my friend from Uzbekistan. His wife recently gave birth to a daughter and he would be flying home to visit them soon.
This is Oybek, act-cool gangster but really is quite a child at heart. He and Yaxing can form a comic duo.
This is my favorite portrait photo of the day - Dechen from Bhutan. She has a set of amazing eyes that look right at you, doesn't she? I'm going to make her my model from now. Hehe.
This lady sells assorted fruits and vegetables found in Mt. Takao and her stall was right at the summit. I envy her simple life - full of fresh air, surrounded by nature. Nature has a wondeful ability of removing your bad energies and revitalizing your soul. All I remember about the descent was a silent trickle of the streams, last autumn leaves on many trees... I am looking forward to more hiking trips.
***Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Last & Best of Autumn at Gaienmae
Gaienmae is a 20minute walk from my campus at Roppongi.
It is my first time setting eyes on a street of golden gingko trees, watch children play with fallen leaves while artists paint their impression of such transient beauty.
Walking along this street made me feel like I'm walking about in one of those paintings I have seen only in art galleries.
This place is a must-visit in early December, a path well-hidden by the tall buildings in the area. The Japanese say the leaves will fall by next week.. it is no pity as they will return. Someday, if you are going to Tokyo in autumn, I will give you exact directions to find this treasure.
'my idea of a golden romance'
It is my first time setting eyes on a street of golden gingko trees, watch children play with fallen leaves while artists paint their impression of such transient beauty.
Walking along this street made me feel like I'm walking about in one of those paintings I have seen only in art galleries.
This place is a must-visit in early December, a path well-hidden by the tall buildings in the area. The Japanese say the leaves will fall by next week.. it is no pity as they will return. Someday, if you are going to Tokyo in autumn, I will give you exact directions to find this treasure.
'my idea of a golden romance'the wife sits patiently by the artist's side, admiring the work of her better half. She waits for him to have the lunch she has prepared. little does the artist know, that he is already part of this beautiful scenery all around us, that he is already living the art that he paints.
***
Monday, December 1, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Lunch at Professor Hashimoto's House & Omote Sando Street
This was my first time visiting a Japanese home. Together with my new friends of the International & Japanese Student Council, we headed to Professor Hashimoto's house for a get-together one Saturday afternoon.We found immediate comfort from a rainy afternoon in a warm, cozy and colorful home. Professor Hashimoto's wife had prepared sandwiches and decorated the table with flowers. It was so heartwarming!
This is Taku & Umi, both from the Tochigi Prefecture (where Nikko is). I was just about to leave for Nikko that weekend~!
We were supposed to prepared a short presentation of our country/prefecture to share with the rest. It was a laidback session while we enjoyed a delectable lunch selection. It was very interesting to listen to a variety of stories from so many different countries, like Pakistan, Africa, Phillippines, Thailand, China etc. Even within Japan, the different prefectures have their own stories of pride.
My presentation was entitled ' 10 things I love about Singapore '. I had so much fun preparing for it and sharing my thoughts about Singapore with my international friends. Of all these lovely things about Singapore, they were particularly interested in the following. 1) Durian, 2) Kaya Toast with Egg & Teh Si, 3) Chilli Crab... ;)
My neighbour Yaxing has definitely brought out the 'mean' streak in me. I can't help laughing at him everyday... Sorry Yaxing... hahaha.
Well, Professor Hashimoto also invited his daughter and children back for the gathering. Isn't she adorable? ***
The Omote Sando Street leads to the Sensoji Temple. It is more of a place for the rich and famous. Nonetheless, it was worthwhile seeing how some world-class brands have decided to showcase their latest winter collection.
Jimmy choo shoes, anyone?
***The exams are finally over, at least for a while! We headed straight to town to take a breather and shop for some 'cute winter accessories'. Now , walking along the Ginza streets make me feel like I am taking a stroll along Orchard Road back in Singapore. Indeed, places and things are getting more familiar and comfortable, not to mention the pleasing weather of the autumn season.
Meanwhile, we are busy working on the annual ski trip, badminton and chess tournaments & excursions in December for the student body. It will be a fun-filled christmas for all! (not to mention the awesome shopping...)
Next week, we will have a chance to visit the Japanese Diet Building as part of our Politics in Japan class!