Gummi Bears

I sometimes find that it is quite fascinating how humans (or maybe it's just me) to attribute so many meanings to objects. I am a serious hoarder because I like the feeling of looking at things that would somehow remind me of someone, something or some time in the past.


These gummi bear rings reminded me of a time when I was really happy, when I had little to worry about, when I thought that I could realize my dreams, when I thought that I could finally be one step closer to doing the things that I want to do...


It's funny how that is only one week ago and things have vastly changed. I only wish that people might actually care about me enough to understand and support me. Is that too much to ask for?

Winter in Japan Part 2: Mount Fuji and Hakone

Part 2 of my very belated post on my trip to Japan earlier in the year. 


My siblings and I haven't been on a trip with my parents in a long time because my parents are generally more interested in slow and well planned out tour groups while my brothers and I prefer to stumble, wander and discover (believe me my parents were not thrilled when we walked for blocks and blocks trying to scout for restaurants to have dinner in... to the point when my daddy said *grumpily* if i don't eat soon I will die). 


So in order to treat them to something that they much prefer to do (and also we went on this tour on our last visit and enjoyed it heaps), we joined a guided tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone. We were picked up from out hotel and were on a bus the whole way... which made my parents rather happy I would say.

I don't exactly remember what these were.. but i think they were the rocks that Mount Fuji spitted out when it was erupting. I have zero knowledge on this so please don't believe what I say. Just google if you are curious....

Winter in Japan (Part 1): Asakusa & Akihabara

This is a long belated post. My family and I went on holiday to Japan in February 2011 but I still hadn't had the chance to upload the photos let alone blog about the trip when the Tohoku earthquake struck on March 11th 2011. At the time, looking at the photos from the trip would make me feel really sad knowing that Japan is suffering so much from the disaster.  


The Japanese people were truly inspiring in so many ways. Their general benevolence, kind-heartedness, strength, community spirit and overall optimism despite the circumstances really touched my heart. 


It has since been months since the disaster but I hope that my humble little blogposts (I am planning to do 5 in this series) would remind everyone that the recovery from the disaster is going to require a lot of time as well as support. The impact on the tourism industry in Japan has been quite profound according to several articles that I have read. I think that visiting the country is an amazing way to show one's support as well as playing a part in aiding the economic recovery of Japan.  

I hope to be able to visit Japan again soon as it is definitely one of my favourite places in the world. 


Without further ado, let's get started~~


Day 1. We landed in the wee hours in the morning and we couldn't check in to the hotel yet. So we left our luggage in the hotel and went to Asakusa to visit the temple. 

The entrance into the Asakusa area. I loved browsing at all the amazing shops there. There was always something cute to be discovered; let it be snacks, retro toys, traditional sweets, cute souvenirs and etc. The shopaholic in me went a little crazy.

Sangria and Tapas ♥

Tuesday nights have somewhat become my movie night of choice. Firstly, it's cheapo tickets day at Hoyts cinema (well, I suppose it's really not a massive saving but it still makes me feel good: which is what really matters anyways). Secondly, I just think that it is a mid-week indulgence away from my typical drunk/hungover weekend. Plus there usually isn't anything going on on tuesdays so watching a movie is a chillax-something-to-do for me.

The movie of the day was Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D. To be honest this is my second time watching it. I like it but it is definitely not one of those ever-so-bloody-awesome-i-have-to-see-it-again-asap movies. The only reason that I want to see it again was because I liked the movie the first time round but I was too hungover to concentrate most of the time (on a saturday -.-). Plus I have a thing for cartoon/animation~~~ 

After the movie, my friend and I went to dinner at Movida Aqui. Movida (the original one) seems to be very popular... fully booked on a Tuesday, plus they now have 3 or 4 restaurants (The Masterchef effect??). 

REVIEW: Movida Aqui is nice and cozy, located in a quieter part of the city. I like the atmosphere of the restaurant a lot because it's not one of those pretentious restaurants with itsy bitsy portions of food. I also don't feel like I have to dress prim and proper, sit upright and  not make any noise (Don't get me wrong... I do really enjoy fine dining because I love good food, but most of the time I feel so tense and out of place that I prefer more casual restaurants like this one). Service was okay, I think there was only one or two waiters overlooking the seating area, so can't blame them I suppose. The food was a bit slow, but the waiter did apologize for the delay. Food was pretty good and a pleasant dining experience overall. 

3.5 stars out of 5.

THE FOOD

We ordered a jug of Sangria~~ Maybe it's not the best idea considering it's a tuesday and my friend has class at 8am the next day. 

But this tastes amazing. I normally am not too fond of the slightly strong kick (you know, that punch at the end of the sip) of red wine. THIS.. tastes like juice. The girly side of me loves silent killer drinks like this one: just enough to make me get a little giggly but nothing that is going to burn a whole in my stomach and make me pull a face after drinking it.

They do have an extensive wine list but I am absolutely clueless when it comes to wine so no point trying. I highly recommend the sangria though. Loves it~~

The place that feels more like home than home

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" Lao Tzu

Letting go is something that I am never good at doing, but I am slowly preparing myself for it. The past 6 over years of my life in Australia have been nothing but amazing, because it allowed me to be myself more than I ever could if I were to stay in Malaysia my whole life. I never would have done the things I did and I never would have met the people I met if I decided to stay home 6 years ago. 

I suppose if I really wanted to stay here, I would have been able to find a way. I would have submitted my TR application and tried really hard to look for a job.. But ultimately I did not do it. 

The decision to leave Malaysia 6 years ago was right, and when I have to make the same decision 6 years later, I chose to leave once again. I guess I need to stumble down a new path, chance upon new possibilities and see a different side of the world before I could be sure of what I want and who I want to be. 

Wish me luck. xoxo