Truly settling into life in Japan~

I think there comes a point in time when we stop being tourists that get excited over every new attraction or place, with an eagerness to visit top tourist spots in a foreign land. I guess that time has come for me, at least for now. I'm contented to remain in a familiar place like Odaiba and try looking at it with new eyes. Even in the normalcy of daily life, there are special things, people and places that deserve a closer look. When you do so, you realize that there's so much more to be thankful for right in front of you. That's a wonderful feeling.



A cycling adventure saw two good friends travel to the end of the Yurikamome line at Toyosu on a bright sunny Sunday morning. :)

The sights, sounds and smells of a regular street in Toyosu remind you that spring is here and everything is so much more alive!

Nong Nat and me. I have learnt much about myself from this opportunity to get to know her better through learning a language together. Sharing knowledge is more than just reciting what you know, I realized if it is infused with sincerity and gentle passion, you get a chance to share your love for a language with her -- hopefully, that can help create some inspiration for a learner.

Sunset@Odaiba

This picture was taken just opposite my dorm along the Tokyo Bay. Lovely isn't it? Small and beautiful things are happening in our lives everyday and every moment so sometimes, we don't have to go around looking for the big exciting events!

About keeping badminton in my life

The simple satisfaction after a badminton game is priceless.

I never took my eyes off the Men's Doubles finals!

A part of my father's legacy.

A first time referee.

Happy faces, Happy times.

***

The flurry of activities in our lives and work sometimes leave us feeling rather anxious yet empty. Can you remember the things that make you smile, feel absolutely relaxed and even.. carefree?

I hope we all keep these special things in our lives for a long long time to come.

GRIPS Badminton Tournament 2009~~!!!

29th April 2009 (1200-2200) : GRIPS Badminton Tournament 2009

Location : Tokyo International Exchange Center Sports Hall

Participants : Excellent international players hailing from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Mongolia, Singapore, Central Asia etc.

Games: Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Men's Singles, Women's Singles

May the best man win!

Pre-tournament pose~

Drawing for the day's events.

- View of the linesman -

This was definitely the most exciting match of the day. Mixed doubles between Agus and Gunawan against Men's Singles Champion Unang and Zaldi.

Presenting to you... "Women's Doubles Champion"

"Mixed Doubles Champion"

"Women's Single Champion" :)

"Mens' Doubles Champion" and Unang (left) as the "Mens' Single Champion

Esprit de Corps~ The ISC Organizing Committee!

Happy moments after all the matches were completed!!

My favorite players! Agus and Gunawan~

Ry, our best supporter who made us pancakes for lunch!!!

Battuul's cute son Muno~

***

Yesterday was one of the most memorable days spent in Tokyo.

The GRIPS Badminton Tournament was another great success for the ISC whereby everyone really enjoyed themselves! Personally speaking, my love for badminton is inspired by my wonderful father, who taught me the wonders of this game since I was a child. I have fond memories of us playing outside our home in Singapore as he patiently explained how to manage the strength of my strokes and the rules of this game. His words were also an important motivation for my playing yesterday. "Enjoy the game", it's as simple as that. But when one can enjoy the game despite the pressure of a group of cheering spectators and scorekeeping, the game is more than just a match between opponents. It is the sparring of skills, it's about testing your own limits and understanding of the courts, it is about finding the right stroke at the right time.

That in itself is the truly amazing feeling of badminton! I look forward to playing alongside my father when I return home. Thank you Papa! I would like to dedicate the medals to you.

Yours Sincerely,

Sheryl