Korea Day 1

Touched down at 6am, it was uncomfortable. The plane took off at 11pm (12midnight Korean time) and breakfast was served at 4am. And since we were in the economy, we could never sleep peacefully and I was dozing off on the way to hotel, by the time we reached, it was 8am and registration would start at 10am. Oh my goodness.

Anyway, the morning session consisted of only the opening remarks by the President, followed by an introduction of the Korean NRF by one of the Directors, photo-taking and it was lunch. I couldn't believe that lunch would be from 11:50am - 2pm.

The session after lunch was dreadful, I certainly hope the camera didn't catch me dozing off but by then, it was almost dinner and we began with a toast, the President made some comments that the workshop was more than an exchange of ideas but a way to network (trust the Koreans to come up with any reason to drink)

The auntie on my left was from Germany, the right was from Slovakia and the auntie opposite was from Thailand, yes, even my colleague at another table could tell that I was popular (how I wish I can be popular among the younger ones instead)

Since dinner ended a little past 8, I returned to my room, chatted with Melvin for a while before heading out to explore. Saw some Izakaya, Yakiniku eateries but it is sad when you don't understand the language, wondered what was written on the signboards (Haiz). Back to the feeling of Day 1 in Tokyo for me but I was excited back then, knowing that I'd be fluent in the language, but now, I couldn't be excited since I know I'd be lost till I fly back on Sunday.

Oh, Korean Air doesn't even provide the small screen for movies and games for economy passengers; but the good thing is: because we took the night flight and missed the Tues night hotel, the extended Saturday night hotel stay will be free (yay!!!) Think it's worth it, saved us on the trouble to carry our luggage and all, and another night in a 5-star hotel =P

これってやばいかも

なんか好きな人ができたみたい、相手はどう思ってるのか分からなくて、こんな気持ちは結構ひさしぶり

付き合う気分まではまだなっていないけれど、この気持ちをクールに隠すよりもはっきりと伝えたほうがいいかなぁと

うん~だから自分はこんな気持ちでデートとかしてるから、きまずいとしたら断っていいんだし、そうじゃなければまた遊ぼうってちゃんと言ってみたいかも

あ~ジョアン以外こんなに好きになれる人なんて御無沙汰

告白するのもおそらく4年ぶり

優子の時以来じゃなかったっけ

別に降られても微笑んでやっていけそうなのはなによりも素晴らしい

Would have written a long post

If I had my laptop with me just an hour ago, was doing the dishes when everything just came into my mind: the meaningless squabble with my mum this morning, the elitist environment that I'm in, the sense of unsatisfaction when I see those around me

I just don't want to be any other guy looking for that big break, I should know the way out already, just that it doesn't feel that way

John 1: 1-14

It hasn't resonated within me yet

I agree that I have a biased view of this world, but it is tough when you work in such an environment where the first lines after a meeting with your peers is that, "Are you a ○○?" In translation: Are you on such a scheme? It was easier because I was still in the running but it gets tough, knowing that I'm probably out and yet I have to see these people everyday, listening to similar remarks

It's made worse when the other groups perceived me as one of the privileged few, when I'm not. Yes I agree that it is a twisted world that I work in, it is only in our country where experience is valued a lot less than perceived potential and intelligence and sound judgement without the need for experience. 

Don't take me wrong, I enjoy my work, really. It has the challenge and I get to hear bright, young people, making decisions, recommendations that I am able to learn a lot just by working with them. Yet, it is the other aspect that hurts.

And what about the people outside the elite group, someone told me to count my blessings and be thankful. I know the lines because I use them to "encourage" others. But what about comparing with those on top, aren't we taught since young to look to those above rather than below?

Nevermind

the best time in life

What is the role of the senior management? To give direction? Or to make decision?

I guess the ideal situation is such that the senior management gives a clear direction but gives a lot of room for planning and minions like me will think, discuss, and cook up some recommendations for them to decide on (knowing full well that we are vulnerable because they certainly are smarter, have more experience, and will find ways to shoot down our proposal so that it may withstand the onslaught by the tax payers)

But it is just the ideal situation, there are times when the direction is unclear so recommendation and progress get stagnated (why forge ahead when it may be all wrong)

Anyway, such is the life of a young adult who prod along since he doesn't have the power to make decisions.

But then again, it's such a wasteful thing to do, and it is just as wasteful for those who are in operations where they are just busy earning big bucks or charging clients during and after office hours.

I was talking to Q over lunch yesterday that young adulthood is actually the best time in life: First of all, we are not too young to be easily dismissed and definitely not too old to dream. So why waste all the energy on something that won't benefit us? We should cater some time and energy, at least to pursue knowledge, to embark on changes, etc. Why work blindly just because we are the lowest in the food chain? Why don't we reserve some energy to improve ourselves?

I'll bet that JX will advise me to join the Opposition

Song of Sparrows

Have got too little idea for Japan 4, and since I've already uploaded my pics on FB, I'll pass. Anyway, I went to 御殿場 to shop for gifts for my Godma (it was her birthday on 21 Oct), for my parents, for my brother and doggie before taking a long ride back to Tokyo. The second last day was spent shopping for more gifts before meeting my ex-girlfriend for tea, and then somemore tennis gang (those who couldn't come for the camp) for dinner.

ジョアンはあいかわらずかわいかった(笑)もう話さない状態だったのに、ちょうど自分が日本に着いた日に連絡が来て、結局どのように接していいのかを知らないまま、会ってしまった。会社が潰れたことは分かったけど、近況が分からなかったから、頑張っていて都内のビジネススクールに通ってるその姿を見て、ちょっと安心した

本当に自分が東京にいれば、やり直せるだろう。そしてどっちかと言うと好き。ただ、うまくできるのは半年ぐらいの自信しかなくて、先週礼拝のメッセージを聞いて、昔のことを思い出して、やはり根本が違うし、モード系の彼女とはいずれつらいと感じるだろう

Song of Sparrows

Watched this last evening, it was such a wonderful movie. Very light hearted and reminded me that no matter what religion a person believes in, and no matter what culture a person comes from, the vulnerability and susceptibility towards the temptation of riches and as a result, selfishness remains the same.

But nevertheless, there are signs in our lives that will bring us back on the right track (if we are willing to open our eyes and see them). A wonderful feel-good movie and with the sermon the day before, I guess I've received something internally.

Japan 3

This is going nowhere, haiz ... it's taking forever to complete and I haven't even started on the photos yet

Day Five and Six

It was the highlight of my visit to Japan, the tennis camp with my former サークルmates. There were over 20 of us over the entire duration of the camp, of those from Year 4 to Year 15 (by the way, I'm Year 7 since I had graduated 3 years ago). Realised how much harder I need to try for my tennis but at least, I realised why I wasn't hitting clean shots.

Tennis during the day and Alcohol during the night. We had cocktails, beer, vodka, whisky, brandy, 焼酎, 日本酒, 梅酒, etc etc and it was a survivor series where コールs were thrown and people just drink either due to peer pressure or because they had lost in a game.

The first night, Katayama got rowdy outside the hotel (he was out to buy more alcohol and I was asked to join him by Ayaya) and I had to drag him back, a full 400m and boy, was he heavy. Also wrestled with Watanabe since he was bothering us as we tried to tidy up the room when almost everyone was down and out. Suffered carpet burns because of that.

The second night was more tame, since the outspoken and sadistic Year 12 senior had gone back during the day but nevertheless, the people just collapsed one by one. I felt a sudden sense of boredom, that it was impossible to drink merrily with this group and with over 20 rowdy people, it was impossible to have a HTHT.

I guess I was also tired from my trip, I had wanted to return home soon, at least for that night.

--------------------------------

Just did some maths:

Total Expenditure: S$2300

Of which: Transport: S$600++; Tennis Camp: S$280; Gifts: S$300++

Didn't expect gifts to be costing so much, haiz ... time to save a little before Cambodia

Japan 2

I realised that I couldn't post any updates until I have finished with my travel journal, so here goes:

-------------------------------------

Day Two point Five

It is quite an experience to spend a night at the 漫喫, there is free internet access, free comics, drinks bar, you can even order food, and pay a small amount to use the shower room, just that there is no space to lie down and there is no privacy because the cubicle is not sealed.

Anyway, I managed about 3 hours of sleep at the reclining chair, checking the typhoon every now and then and finally heading to the washroom at 6 to prepare for Day Three. Yes, I spent only $40 for accommodation with internet access and free flow of cheapo corn soup, juices, etc

Day Three

Japan is made up of 4 large land masses - Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, according to my Japanese friends, there is nothing at Shikoku but then again, it doesn't feel right not to go and tell people that there is nothing.

So I made my way to Okayama (where Momotaro used to live) before taking the Marine Runner to Shikoku. According to the guidebook, there is this Ritsurin Koen that is extremely beautiful and so I made my way there, and by the way, it took me almost 3 hours to reach it from Hiroshima.

With the typhoon heading northwards to Tokyo, it was bright and sunny in Shikoku and I must say that I couldn't find any tourist-looking people in Shikoku. Walked another 15min from the station to the famed Garden ... I felt I was cheated. Well, it was nevertheless beautiful but isn't the Shinjuku Gyoen just as beautiful? I felt cheated, not the 400yen entrance fees but the 3 hours of hardship, carrying that not-too-light haversack.

Anyway, I spent only an hour inside, took some pictures of the scenery before making my way to Himeji Castle, a world heritage site.

For more info, please see Himeji Castle @ Wiki. Reading the Wikipedia page, I realised that I didn't even need to take pictures since those online were so much better. Haiz... did I also say that I'm not a shrine or castle person? Yes, I did another Amazing Race there, running through the route and snapped some pictures before making my way back to the station (time check: 3.30pm)

I had initially planned for another night at the 漫喫 somewhere in Osaka, but after the experience on the reclining chair , and carrying the 10kg haversack on my back for 2 days, I wanted to lie flat for the night. I could have swiped my credit card and suffer later but I did the more logical thing, called my Godma and booked a bed for myself lol. My Godma is just so nice, not a typical Japanese who would be uneasy with foreigners but she had opened her house to us (foreign students) again and again and would always be sad to see us leave.

Anyway, I returned to Tokyo and had actually slept all the way from Kyoto back to Shinagawa. I made my way to my senior's house to deposit my haversack while bringing out my tennis bag. Fukusho was having company in his house and his friend, upon hearing my holiday, couldn't help but asked - are you really not a student?

If I'm optimistic, I'd take it that I have youthful looks; if I'm pessimistic, I'd think that no sensible adult would just fly off to Tokyo to play tennis and drink with his friends. Dinner was Sukiyaki at my Godma's house, it was comfortable, a proper bed and not just Futon, a homely feeling.

Day Four

With nothing planned (well, I was supposed to be making my way back from Osaka) I tried to head down to Gotenba where my hairdresser Evande informed that I could get good bargains at the outlet stores. Armed with my JR Pass, I headed over to Shinjuku where there are direct buses, only to be told that my JR Pass would not cover that particular bus ride.

What?!?!?!

I sulked and didn't know what to do for the day. Anyway, I made my way around, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Akihabara, to grab as much gifts as possible. It was quite a fruitful day since I managed to get something for Shu, Q, Anais, Pangster, Merv. I tested out some office suits but the price just turned me off: at that price, I shouldn't be bothered to bring it back, instead, I should be buying in Singapore (Raoul, here I come)

Dinner was with Katayama (yes, that Katayama Susumu who stayed over at my house and informed me of THAT tennis camp) at his house. We planned to go to the tennis camp together the following morning and so, it is only logical for me to stay over at his place. As his Dad was based in Shanghai (since he knew Chinese), dinner was just the 3 of us. It was then that I tasted my first drop of alcohol in 4 months and we retired early at 12midnight, after setting the alarm for 5.30am

So Fukusho's place (Day 1), 漫喫 (Day 2), Godma's house (Day 3), Katayama 家 (Day 4), I was a homeless man