Before I say bye-bye...

Nothing to really enter into the blog, other than doing some last minute shopping and visit friends. I am leaving early tomorrow morning so I had better start packing and calculate my spending damages, so I can properly report it to US customs.

But before I went home, I went over to visit my friend Peter Kam (金培達), a well established producer/song-writer in Hong Kong, at his studio Opus One in Wan Chai. We hung out for several hours before he took me to a concert at the Hong Kong Convention Center (香港會議展覽中心). The concert was for HK's Universal Records (環球唱片) 10 Year Anniversay. The concert were mostly a platform to promote some of their newest upcoming stars. However, the concert did kicked off with Alan Tam (譚詠麟) doing several numbers. The stage set was very nice. It was kind of loud though...but I think it has more to do with my age than it is with the music really being loud.


Lobby of HK Convention Center


Alan Tam leading a group of Rookie Artists


One of the upcoming Artist from Mainland China

Half way into the concert, Peter and I left and went to Time Square in Causeway Bay to meet up with Stephen Ip (葉富生) and his wife for some fabulous dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Stephen is also an established vocal trainer/producer in Hong Kong.

I could not have asked for more with a great evening with friends before I take off from HK. Thus, this concludes my vacation adventure for the year 2004! So long, and thanks for All the Fish!! 再見香港 =)


View of Lai Chi Kok Road near Mong Kok from home...

Out of Japan and Into Hong Kong

I was walking on thin ice today. I had only about $27 in my pocket. $19 of which went to the train I needed to take to the airport. So essentially, I had only $8 left. I was hungry, so I ate a little breakfast. At first I was planning to eat a pastry that would have cost me $3.60, but I opted for the $1.60 one. I just did not want to cut it close. What is left in my pocket was $6.40, which should be okay since there is access to Citibank ATM at the airport.

The night before, my friend Rodney left me a luggage to help him carry back to Hong Kong, since he was on his way to Beijing and did not want to lug excess baggage all over the country. I’ve asked him to leave his luggage at the train station where my train takes off to the airport, so I don’t have to lug two pieces of luggage across town. He gave me the key to the locker last night. But apparently, there is a time limit on the locker. Once it passes midnight, one has to pay again. And the cost was $5!!!

For my friend’s sake, he was fortunate that I did not choose the $3.60 pastry. So the $1.60 hot dog pastry saved his luggage from being abandoned at the train station!!!

As I was leaving, I got a little tearful...like I was leaving a friend. And this shall conclude my Japan Tour 2004. 日本 さようなら!! 本当にありがとう!!! 愛してるよ!!!

The rest of the journey to the airport and Hong Kong was fine. So I am back to do my last minute shopping as well as visit friends whom I did not see before heading off to Japan.

Shop! Shop!! Shop!!!

Today's entry is simple. I just shopped all day. From Ginza's Apple Store...to Akibahara's Liberty (used DVD/CD)...to Shibuya (Yamaha Building)...to Shinjuku (camera/phone accessories)...to Ueno (motorcycle).


Shopping by day: Ginza District

All within a 12 hour period of time, with a brief lunch in Akibahara's Teppan Yaki Restaurant and dinner in Shibuya's Hokkaido-style Ramen Shop.


Lunch break: Akibahara District

So basically I shopped 'til I dropped...literally, because I now have a blister on my left middle toe. Ouch!!!


Shopping by night: Shinjuku District

I'm in Heaven! I'm in Bandai Heaven!

Before entering into Tokyo...I passed by Mount Fuji (富士山). It is a rare occasion that one gets to see this famous valcano so clearly...


The magnificent Fujisan

Today is probably the most exciting day of this entire trip!! It all happens back in Tokyo. As soon as baggages were dropped in the hotel, I went to THE Bandai Museum (バンダイミュージアム). The moment I stepped in, I turned into the little kid that I once was. I just stared in wonder at all the displays...Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Goranger, Gundam, and even Mazinger Z....all my favorites... the 70's super-heroes I grew up with....many with life size displays. I lost all track of space and time. My camera just kept taking pictures without control. I ran from one display to the next, then back again.


Front Door of Bandai Museum


Kamen Rider, Goranger, Gundam, Mazinger Z (clockwise from top left)


Who is that guy sitting in the Gundam Cafe???

The display of vintage toys was one of the best part. I recall having many of these toys...some my parents bought for me for being a good boy, some because I blackmailed them (long story). They bring back so much memories. I was so stupid that I gave away all of these toys...otherwise I could have made a fortune.


Toys!!! Toys!!! Toys!!!

Another place I visited was a shopping mall full of used CD, DVD, and toys. My stupidity was confirmed as I find that the toys I used to own are worth several hundred dollars, some even thousands. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Later in the evening, I visited Shibuya (渋谷)...a place where many young people hang out (as well as horny old businessmen). The lights are superb. In many ways, it is even more spectacular than Shinjuku. Even at 10:30pm, there are thousands of people walking the streets. It resembles Hong Kong so much, except that the shopping places are closed.


Neon Lights at Shibuya Station

I had better get some rest. Tomorrow is shopping day, as I head out to "hunt"!!!

Nagoya...the Home of Kishimen

Arrived in Nagoya (名古屋) today at around 2pm. Checked into the hotel at 4pm. And off I went to the Nagoya Castle....which was CLOSED!! Since I was a bit hungry, I stopped off at McDonald's. Yes, it is McD...I just could not escape IT, but it was the closest food place available.


A disgruntled traveller eating McD's out of necessity!!

Oasis 21 is an architectural beauty within a big shopping heaven in Sakae (still within Nagoya). Not only does this complex serves as a central bus terminal, but it also serves as a date and pickup joint...both on the ground level area called "Field of Green" and the rooftop observation deck called "Spaceship Aqua".

JR Central Towers are high-rise buildings located above the JR Nagoya Station. One tower is office space and the other is a hotel (Marriott). However, on the 11th, 12th, and 13th floor, there are numerous pricey restaurants. Since I was on a low budget vacation, I settled for Kishimen Noodle Shop on one of the JR train platforms.

Kishimen is a type of flat handmade noodles. It is a famous regioinal dish within Nagoya. Best of all....it was only US$5 per bowl. Although...it would have been less than US$4.50 if it wasn't for the US dollar being so weak. ***sigh***



A happy traveller eating Kishimen out of shear hunger!!

"Schu and the Volcano"

At the ryokan, I got to meet two people from Australia and a couple from Germany. One of the great things about going to places where ryokan houses foreigner, is that you get to meet new people who can speak your language…and suck some info about their country for possible visits in the future. The German folks already gave me some idea of what to do next year.

Oddly enough, this ryokan is fairly famous. There once was a traveler from Germany (I believe some kind of professor), who stayed at this ryokan for 90 days. Shortly after, this guy committed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train. How weird. The more weird part is that the ryokan owner posted the news article about the incident on the message board, as if he is proud of it. Whatever.

In the morning, I took the ferry over to Sakurajima (桜島), an active volcano. According to another couple I met (this time from Canada), the volcano has been quite quiet…but today there were actual smoke coming out.


The Volcano at Sakura-jimi...Please don't erupt on me today...

The best part of the day was a nice soak at the local onsen. Without reading the instructions carefully, I went into the bath area without purchasing a towel. Bad idea. I eventually dried myself with my T-shirt.

Tonight, it is an encore visit to Fukuoka/Hakata…mainly for the Ramen Street. Is the effort and cost justified?


Small Hut-like Pub Owners near Ramen Alley


THE Ramen Alley...but only one among many in Fukuoka

I'd say it is ALL worth it!!!

Just a day of relaxation....enjoy the sun!!!

Today was the day to relax. I did not leave Fukuoka/Hagata (福岡/
博多) until 3pm. However, the bummer part is that just as I was about to leave, I realized that Hagata does have lot of things to see, according to the tourist information booth…thus, plan is to return through Hagata on my way back toward Tokyo Monday evening…mainly for Hakata’s infamous Ramen Yatai (basically a strip full of sidewalk ramen shops).

Today’s destination is the south most tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima (鹿児島). Upon arriving at Kagoshima, the first impression is…China. The train station has that feel to it…analog white circular clocks, under-lit lighting levels with fluorescent blue tubes, and post WWII train station design complete with those little red trains that get stepped on by Godzilla (ゴジラ).


Train Station at Kagoshima

Walking though this city, I came across the typical American chain stores: McDonald’s, Tulley’s Coffee & Starbucks, Tower Records, to name a few.


Downtown Night at Kagoshima

Tonight, I had one of the best Ramen yet. It rivaled the Ramen in Shinjuku. I literally cleaned it all up!! Yum!!!

Beppuuuuu....Beppuuuuu.....

What a day!!!....what started out to be a 2-hour tour ended up to be a 6-hour tour. Today was a visit to Beppu's (別府市) famous jigoku (地獄), in other words, Hell Hot Springs. The difference between Jigoku and Onsen is that Onsen is for people to bath in; Jigoku, if immersed, will kill you....just like what James Bond did to that guy in 'You Only Live Twice'.

There are a total of nine jigoku's - Umi (Sea), Oniishibouzu (Devil Rock), Yama (Mountain), Kamado (Oven), Oniyama (Devil Mountain), Shiraike (White Pond), Kinryu (Golden Dragon), Chinoike (Pond of Blood), and Tatsumaki (Tornado). There were some very spectacular jigoku's...where the minerals/chemicals cause the liquid to be different colors.


Four of the Nine Jigoku's

Many of the jigoku's have a place where visitors can dip their feet into the hot water. I felt sooooooo good...although I am allergic to the minerals and forgot to bring my Allegra with me. I have a little time limit, just like Ultraman...where I can only dip for maybe 5 minutes. The last thing I wanted is to have itchy feet for the rest of my tour.


A Little Leg Dipping

Back in 2003, I had the horrible experience of submerging in a natural hotspring for too long, and have to continually bath in Alveno Oatmeal baths for 2 weeks. I was itching all over my body, although there was no apparent rash. So....I am veeeery cautious this time around.

There were about two or three jigoku's that were total rip offs. One was a stupid aquarium, one was a boring greenhouse, and one was a terrible zoo with an crocodile farm. The zoo was the worst. They have elephants, flamigos, snakes, monkeys, etc. All of these animals are housed in not-so-ideal situations. Not really a pleasant site. But as to why they are at these jigoku's? I have no idea....

Another thing that was very peculiar were the two jigoku's that relates to dragons. Both places look like some store out of China. Very un-Japanese. It was like I got transported to China for a moment in time.

Late in the afternoon, I took a train from Beppu to Fukuoka (Hakata). Tonight, I am staying at Hyatt Regency, thanks to Rodney who got free accommodations via his Hyatt Gold Passport Points. So...a real bed for tonight....no floors!!!

P.S....I got to eat at the infamous 100 yen per sushi plate tonight....superb deal with lots of selections!!! Anyone coming to Japan should definitely look these places up!


Satisfaction at the 100 Yen Sushi Restaurant

Kyoto by day...Beppu by night...

Today, Rodney and I joined two other travellers to visit some local temples and gardens. One is Kyle, an American from Texas teaching English with a local English language school called Nova. The other is Genova (Gen), and Australian girl from Sydney taking a road trip away from her American military boyfriend stationed in Korea. These two folks are great and prove to be good travel buddies.

Wandering through the underground railway around Kyoto (without being aimless) took us to Kinkaku Rokuon-Ji (金閣寺/鹿苑寺), a temple made of (or at least the color) of gold. We took a public bus with an entire high school class all the way up to the mountain. Typically in Japan, when Japanese students see a Caucausian, they would either wave, say hi, try to start a conversation, or giggle wihtout reason. To our surprise, nobody did any of the sort. However, once we got off, one student did approach Kyle and Gen and attempted to talk English with them (and not Rodney and I, since we aren't white enough). The student carried a little booklet with him with pre-written English phrases...very cute. Or course, the encounter ended up with a photo session. Although they probably did not want Rodney and myself in the picture, we stuck our heads in anyways.


Rokuon-Ji with Rodney, Gen, me, and Kyle (L-R)

After Rokuon-Ji, we walked a mile to our next destination, Ryoan-ji Temple (龍安寺). This place is famous for its rock garden, a composition of white gravel and 15 stones that many consider to be the ultimate expression of Zen Buddhism. Just about everything in this garden is beautiful, bringing forth a peace that words could not describe. I could just sit there for hours just enjoying it all. I sure would love to have one of these rock gardens in my backyard...which is presently full of weeds and dog poop...not very zen.



Zen Gardne at Ryoan-ji

By 3pm, I rushed back to Kyoto station and took the next available train to Beppu (別府市), a natural hot spring paradise. The train ride took about 4 hours.

Arriving at Beppu was a bit disappointing, because it is still too urban to me. I guess all the rural tourist places are outside of town...so I just have to wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I am just enjoying my stay at Minshuku Kokage Ryohan. The place is another traditional hotel with 5.5 tatami rooms, private toilets, and a private hot spring tub. Very nice!!!

From Kyoto with Rain

Arrived in Kyoto (京都) at around 2pm today...but just like what the weather report said, it is raining.


Waiting for my train at Ueno Station...

But thank goodness, only lightly. The hotel I am staying at is called Tour Club, only a few blocks from the Kyoto JR Station. Most of the visitors here are foreigners.


The Crowd at Kyoto Station...taken from Mr. Donut

After a brief visit to my favorite bank, Citibank, I wandered to the Gion District. Gion is Kyoto's well known geisha (芸者) quarter and contains some of the oldest looking feudal Japan houses. Geisha are female professional entertainers...and I saw qute a few of them, rushing from one place to another, like schoolgirls rushing from class to class.


Street Mall at Shijo near Gion District in Kyoto

At around 10pm, I returned to the Hotel and went to the social room, where there are folks from Australia, USA, Taiwan, Scotland, Germany, and even Ukraine. People are kind of networking and exchanging business cards. Part of the social room is traditional Japanese with tatami...the other part is western (refrigerators, sinks, microwave, etc...). It is very neat...and is definitely a social room. Everyone here has a laptop and are either downloading pictures from their digicam or getting onto the internet (wireless connection, of course). We are all exchanging information on where to go and how to get from where to where...

There is a possibility that I may join with some of these folks to go on a local Kyoto tour...we shall see....

Here in Japan!!! Yeah!!!

I arrived at about 2pm today at Narita Airport (成田空港). Upon arrival, I went to the convenient Citibank ATM machine and appropriately gotten 30,000 yen (US$1 = 110 yen) out. I took the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori for about 1600 yen.

Waiting for the Keisei Skyliner @ Narita Airport

As I looked out the window from the Skyliner, seeing all the buildings and people, I felt that I was getting reacquainted with an old friend. I felt very nostalgic. Japan has always been a place where I would love to stay and work. I have kept a lookout for oppotunities where US companies would send employees to Japan...but in my line of work (Electrical Engineering in Construction), these types of opportunity is next to zero. I felt comfortable speaking my limited Japanese capabilities...and got my way around to find my hotel in Minami-senju at Taito-ku (within Tokyo). This hotel is very simple. Originally the hotel is geared toward local workers who had to work late, but could not go home. The rooms are 3-jo (3 tatami size...which is how people in Japan measure the size of rooms, instead of square feet/square meter...roughly 10'x6'). It is sufficient....it only cost me about US$28 a night.

Well...I am hungry now....so I had better take off to Shinjuku (新宿) to eat at my favorite Ramen Shop, Jyumei-ya, owned by a Chinese family. I first went to this shop in the mid-80s. Great atmosphere...and great food.


Slurp!!!

Got at the restaurant at around 9pm. Mmmmmmm....ramen!!! Soooooo good!!! After this yummy meal, I took a stroll around Shinjuku to the multiple camera/electronic shops and DVD/Game Stores, as well as this Street Ramen Shop at Shinjuku Station.


I want one of these in San Francisco!!!!

Personal Stuff Today

Well...woke up at the usual 7:30am to have morning tea with Dad and Mum. Afterwards, I went with my Dad to pay my respects to my Grandfather, whose ashes are stored in a little 4"x4" space in a Temple. The temple are full of people who can get a spot just by donating some money for maintenance and building new temple structures. However, this time they have built some really beautiful stuff, like this monument with the entire Tao Te Ching engraved onto it...


Monument with Tao Te Ching @ Fung Lum Shin Temple

After I did my rounds, I went to visit some friends in Kwun Tong, and had lunch with them. Of course, I also shopped there, since there is a huge mall there at Kowloon Wan. How convenient...=P

By 4pm, I ended up in the Hong Kong side on Queen's Road Central where all the business folks are...with tall buildings and upscale designer shops. All you see are people rushing from one place to another. However, parallel to this busy street are some very old non-modern streets. All the roads are very steep as this is really the foot of the Victoria Peak.


An Alley near Queen's Road Central

I doddled around the area...walking through alley ways and cramped buildings for several hours. By 7:30pm, I ended up in Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side again, to meet up with my parents. We went into a Chinese restaurant called YunYan (雲陽閣川菜館) located on the 4th Level of Miramar Hotel. I love the restaurant 'Spices' in SF, but the spicy-ness is no comparison with this place.


Some Really Spicy Food @ Yun Yan Restaurant, Kowloon
Shop A, 4/F, Miramar Tower, 132-134 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

If you look at the red dish...you see chicken in the midst of a bed of red pepper. It is sooooo hot, that I could not even eat it. My tongue was so numb. If you ask my friends, they will tell you that I can eat hot food...but this place was beyond my imagination. The other two dish, although is spicy, but is no where as horrifying. This place has some really spectacular food....a 4-star restaurant non-the-least...with many patrons being businessmen from all over the world (I saw Indians, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Australians, to name a few...).

Afterwards, I went home...and began packing for my next destination....JAPAN. My flight is at 9:25am, so I had to leave home at about 6am. So, I had better sign off now....gotta get some zzzzzzzz's!!!!

Everything is SOOOOOO SLOW!!!!

I had morning tea this morning with my folks. Then I headed off to get my permenant residence status in HK. I took the Ferry across the Bay, which really brings back a lot of memories.


Hong Kong Ferry


Hong Kong Bay

All is well until I got to where I was headed....the Immigration Department. The first part is to verify all my documents (passport, birth certificate, etc...which was presented last time I was in HK two years ago)...this takes place on the 25th Floor which is only accessible from Elevator 4. However, in order to get my residence card, I have to go to the 8th Floor which is only accessible via Elevator 1. So I have to go back and forth, back and forth...it really sucked. I have get a number, just like getting a number in that dreaded DMV. Everything started at 10am.

Then by 12:30pm, I finally got everything done with the document verifcation....but I have still have to get my residence card. However, that department said that I need to have to original birth certificate. Since I did not have it, they have to look it up in their microfilm database....which takes a few hours....which leads to my next thing....

I am in this internet Cafe called Zambra. Their internet access sucks too....it is sooooooo slow...and it is not because I have a weak wireless connection....it is because the connection goes on and off. Thus, in the meantime, I am uploading pictures and stuff every 10 minutes or so. Well....it is time for me to go back to the Residence Card Department...so I sign off. Hopefully, next time I have a faster connection.


Causeway Bay...in front of Soho

It is now night time....I went to Causeway Bay to visit a music collaborator of mine, who is now working in the music business. We had a very interesting talk about the music industry in HK. He said that composers in HK compose for people to sing, not for people to listen. Many Western Composers write songs to express their ideas for people to listen and appreciate...however, in HK, composers are to write songs for general public to sing in Karaoke Bars. This difference is huge! I understand now this is the reason why HK pop music is stuck. If you listen to top hits, majority of the songs are piano ballad songs with very formulative arrangement. We might think it suck, that it lack creativity...but this is what sells. Thus, in order for composers to survive in HK music business, they have to fit into this mold. It is very sad. =(

HOT!!!! HUMID!!!! SHOPPING!!!!!

It is sooooo hot! It is soooooo humid! I am surrounded by shopping heaven (or hell, depending on your point of view)!!!! Today was my shopping day continuation. I must have walked at least 10 miles. My feet is killing me, but I must still shop. What else is there to do in HK??? I spent most of the day in Mong Kok area and Kowloon Tong's "Festival Walk" (one of HK's largest shopping mall).


Mong Kok @ Sai Yeurng Choi Street


Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong

Tonight, I get to see my aunt and cousins....it has been at least two years. We had a great dinner time together catching up on things at their house over in Kowloon Tong. Since I am not using my own CPU, I can't type too much. Therefore...I had better sign off, so I can............DO MORE SHOPPING!!!!


Mango Freeze with Sesame Bits Tapioca

One more thing...I had to have dessert at this place in Tsim Sha Tsui, across from Ocean Terminal. Yummy!!!!!

Here in HK!!! I must do my duty to SHOP!!!

Arrived. Tired. But I must go on.....must go out and shop!!! I simply could not sleep on the plane....even with some medicinal help. However, I was quite surprised that United Hags were not present on my flight. Most of the flight attendants were Chinese in their mid-30's or so. They were quite courteous. However, the food is still gross. I actually felt kind of sick after eating their pseudo Ravioli.

Anyways... for my first night, I have already bought a bag full of HK DVDs and had some great dessert with my friend, Rodney. So, that made me happy for a night. Until tomorrow....must close my eyes.

OK...Time has come...for Schu to Travel!!!

This morning I am frantically getting my stuff together...in preparation for this HK/Japan trip. Finally an Asian trip where I don't have anyone to be accountable for. The flight is on the dreaded United with lots of old grumpy hags...and of course, dog food.