My aim is to live a life with no regrets. Yet after college graduation, when Ana last invited me to join them on their trip to Peru – I declined – and I’ve always regretted that missed opportunity. So I let them know that next time they visited Peru – I’d love to join them.
Then next thing I know, I hear they’re going to Peru in January – I’m so very excited. Ana’s been my best friend since 5th grade so to goto Peru with Ana was such a privilege and honor as I’d get the “local” perspective. This was important to me as I’d just had two mediocre “Highlight City Tour” experiences. And I should mention that I didn’t speak more than a few words of Spanish.
Wed. Jan. 4
The morning after I arrive, we have breakfast at a café around the corner – where I have the largest fruit juice shake you can possibly imagine – I’m heading back to the Lima airport to catch a flight to Cusco. This is my first experience with “Peruvian time” – the airplane gate changes not once, but three times! And what will become a pattern for us this trip - when we travel Peruvian Airlines – the flight is delayed.
Finally we arrived in Cusco (about a 1 hour flight) and collected our baggage and headed out of the airport. We were surprise to see our tour guide representative waiting for us outside with “Linda Masako” on the sign she was holding up. I say “surprised” because I had absolutely nothing to do with making any of the arrangements of our trip to Cusco/Machu Picchu. Ana booked everything, I was just along for the ride - yet the sign at the airport (and every other time we met a tour greeter) says “Linda Masako” – go figure.
While it became a running joke – this is my official big call out and THANK YOU to Ana for making all of the arrangements for our trip.
I wasn’t long in Cusco before I had this immense pressure filled headache. It didn’t hurt like a “splitting headache”, it felt more like a tremendously stuffy head on the verge of becoming a pounding headache. Cusco, I’m told, is even higher in altitude than Machu Picchu so I’d been told to expect altitude sickness and that’s why we were here a day early to acclimate to the higher altitude. Relief came in the form of cocoa leaves, drops and tea. I had cocoa tea every opportunity I could get and I tried chewing the leaves directly but found it too bitter. Note: I don’t know how, but using some chemical process I’m told that cocoa leaves become cocaine. That’s why when we exited the area we were checked for cocoa leaves as you’re only allowed to bring a small stack of it out of the area at any one time.
Once we checked into the El Porte Hostel we headed into the plaza in search of a backpack, rain poncho and a few other things for the day trekking.
As you’ll see from these photos, what’s most remarkable is the incredibly blue skies of Cusco. I’ve never seen such startling blue skies! We walked up and down many steep hills and stairs as we explored the town and went into various shops. It was very, very tiring – I couldn’t tell if it was the altitude or jet lag or both but I was getting winded very easily, my heart was racing and I was getting very sleepy. There's an embarrassing photo of me taking a nap on a wall high up on a hill as I was waiting for them to take several panoramic city shots and FlipVideos.
We had dinner at a restaurant that serves the special corn and then we meandered back to the hostel to meet the private guide who was going to hike with us to Machu Picchu – Jose.
Thurs. Jan. 5
I woke up with a pressure-filled headache again, but after an Advil I felt immediately better. On the van ride toward Ollanbambo, we rode on these winding roads higher and higher. As it was rainy and overcast we got on our mountain bikes a bit lower (elevation 3900 meters down to 1700 meters). Jose, our fantastic travel guide, set us up with helmets and gloves and down we went. I was the slowest of the group and Jose was wonderful about staying behind with me. The van also followed us the whole way so that was comforting.
While this mountain bike ride was the closest I’ll ever come to a “Tour de France” and what I’ll always think of as my “Tour de Peru”, I’ll always remember how I didn't bring my sunglasses because chances were bleak that the sun would come out. So of course I left them in the van.
Why is this important? Well, the mountain bikes we rode didn’t have a splash guard on the front tire so the rain literally flew right into my eyes!!! If I wasn’t rapidly blinking and wiping my eyes and trying to duck, swerve and avoid this single stream of rain water from going into my eyes (I had no sunglasses to protect my eyes and I was worried my contact lenses were going to fall out) so I could see where I was biking as I sped down the hill – it would have been comedic.
The road was slick with water and there were several times when we had to bike through water run off at a diagonal with our rain ponchos flying behind us. There was also a bit of off-roading at the end where they were still building the road. This got our pants and shoes totally wet so that at the end of our two-hour ride we were covered with mud and needed to be hosed down.
After our bike ride, we had lunch in Santa Maria where I had a soup starter, fried fish, french fries and rice. Having french fries AND rice or even rice AND yucca (Peruvian potatoes) with a meal would become a pattern in Peru. So many starches to fill you up! The guys were often the beneficiary of my second starch ☺
After lunch we headed on a perilous taxi ride from Santa Maria to Santa Theresa. This ride was even scarier than a drive about this time last year (Note: In January 2011, Shell and I were driving to the Jenolan Caves in the fog and I remember driving very nervously along winding roads very high up in the mountains).
It was scarier because it wasn’t a paved road, it was a dirt road high in the mountains, no guard rails, very bumpy and only one car wide. There were also no road mirrors, only the honking of horns to denote another car was coming from the opposite direction.
Once we arrived in Santa Theresa, we checked into our hostel. It was nice and had a garden courtyard. We quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed to the natural hot springs with beautiful vista views of the mountains. The water was warm/hot and I had to sit along the rocks a few times as I was getting a bit overheated.
Dinner was at the same place that we would have brekkie the next day. It was pitch black dark as we walked to dinner as we were in such a small village so I got to use my new head lamp which Ana and Scott had given me for Christmas for the first time.
Friday, Jan. 6
After breakfast we started hiking through the Sacred Valley, Urubamba Valley, towards Machu Picchu. It started off – literally – like an Indiana Jones movie. We had to cross this roped bridge that had a few missing planks so you had to place your feet deliberately to avoid falling into the raging river.
While two obnoxious jerks were bouncing on the bridge and shaking it, I let them pass and used the opportunity to take a few photos.
Ana thought it was me making all the racket and turned around and glared (expecting it to be me) and ended up giving the evil eye to the other hikers ;)
We walked along the base of the valley in what could have been a rock quarry. Along the way we saw this man randomly digging a hole in this rock quarry, no wheelbarrow or truck to indicate he was doing something other than digging his own grave. Later we learned that he was digging for dirt to fill up sandbags as there was flooding expected.
Finally we came to the point where we had to cross another part of the river to make it across to the other side of the valley. And would you believe that it was even more meager than the rope bridge we crossed. We were basically going across in a flat wooden orange crate held by a few metal rings onto a rope!
Jose and Scott went across first so that when it was our turn they were already on the other side and could pull us is as momentum would only take us halfway across the river.
Once on the other side, we saw many fruits, coffee/red bean and coca leaves (bright colored leaves). Hiking wasn’t so difficult as thankfully the sky was overcast and fortunately not raining or hot. In fact it was rather cool and comfortable. Along the way we ate “God’s Snack” which is like Peruvian popcorn.
Lunch was, no surprise, soup, more lomolindo beef and ice cream for dessert.
Note: We had lomo saltado (beef with minimal veges) so many times and it was always served along with some combination of two of the following: rice, yucca and French fries. I just don’t get why there’s a need for two starches! Way too much yucca!
After lunch we headed off walking along these railroad tracks that Jose informed us were abandoned but train did surprise us (evidently only a portion of the tracks were abandoned). The train we were hiking is the original Inca trail and relatively flat.
After about 5+ hours of hiking we finally saw the terraces that indicated Machu Picchu was not far ahead. It was amazing to turn the corner and see Machu Picchu high in the distance!
As we neared the town of Aqua Caliente, Ana and I stopped to eat a fruit called Granada (“pop” with the palm of your hand to open it).
As it was still misty from raining, we arrived to see a beautiful rainbow across the valley.
The town of Aqua Caliente itself is a lot more modernized than when Ana and Scott were last there. We saw where all of the shirpa’s are awaiting their next assignments when we neared our hostel – they are very hefty strong and short.
After checking into our hostel, I walked around for about 2 hours, checking out the town market (purchased a stuffed alpaca toy for Bachan), saw some 5 star hotels at 600 soles a night and very up scale restaurants.
Sat. Jan. 7, 2012
We woke up very early to catch a 5:30 a.m. bus to Machu Picchu. When we reached Machu Picchu it was 6:30 a.m. we were among the very first tourists. The plan was to watch the sunrise but it was so rainy and overcast and covered with clouds at times we barely saw Machu Picchu.
I’m amazed at how high we are – level with the clouds – and how widespread the “town home” of the 9th Inca King is. The “village” where people live is also very, very vast. It’s amazing to think how they built it without cement, with so many rocks so high up!
From Machu Picchu, looking at the hiking path we took the day prior:
How the Inca cut the rocks they used to build Machu Picchu
Mystic Machu Picchu in the clouds:
The Inca garden at Machu Picchu
More Machu Picchu
Holy Plaza at Machu Picchu
Archaeologists map the Model of Machu Picchu
As Jose’s telling us the history, Machu Picchu disappears in the clouds. It gives Machu Picchu a very mystic quality. I’m most impressed with the puma that at the summer solstice lights the eye of the puma.
Inca Pyramid
Homes in Machu Picchu
Astronomers at Machu Picchu
By far my favorite (and Jose’s as well) is the condor! By taking advantage of the condo-wing like shapes in the rocks that are colored black, the Inca created a condor shaped rock on the ground with white around its collar.
One of the cool tricks that the Inca built in were these amazing echos – you’ll see this one of Ana.
Ana was most impressed with the Inca water system. Ironically, the modern water system at the Machu Picchu Visitor Centre was broken so after exploring the area for several hours I appreciated the Inca water system.
Manchu Picchu Ruins Part 1
Manchu Picchu Ruins Part 2
Part 3
We finally met up with Jose for a final lunch and a drink (pisco sour with fruit) after which I was so totally toasted and took a nap so I didn’t appreciate the tourist train ride back to Ollantamba much.
There again at the train station among all the tuk tuk (cab) drivers and our driver was the little man holding the “Miss Linda Masako” sign indicating he was our ride back to Cusco and the El Portal Hostel.
Along the drive back we saw a few other Inca sites and family of pig/cattle/sheep herders as we were stopped for construction workers to let us through on the main road. I’ll always remember this grandmother who was overseeing her kids, herding all these animals, while knitting and hiking through the mountains. The ultimate multi-tasker!
Dinner is at a fantastic German restaurant in Cusco.
Sun. Jan. 8, 2012
We wake up early and head to the airport. Again Peruvian Airlines is delayed. We quickly repack (this time I bring my suitcase and backpack) and head to a regional restaurant and I love the Chica Morada purple drink! And the peaches and ice cream for dessert were yummy! And the ceviche was amazingly fresh and tasty!
Then we head to the bus depot where we embarked on our 20 hour (yes, you read correctly 20 hours) bus ride to Tumbes which is the Northern-most province of Peru. We departed at 4 p.m. and arrived at noon on Jan. 9.
We paid extra so we were on the top level of the bus and had seats that reclined 180 degrees and movies (mainly in Spanish, but I finally found one with English subtitles) and 1 toilet for everyone on the bus (both top and bottom levels). Bizarrely they bus company only provisioned 2 rolls of toilet paper for the bus and 1 packed of sink towels for the duration of the trip.
Oh, and the meals were awful! Worse than plane food, totally unedible!
Mon. Jan. 9, 2012
It’s total chaos upon arrival at the Tumbes bus depot!!
Finally it’s decided that we’ll go with Piru in the smallest car possible (think Mini Cooper) with all of our luggage, the 4 of us, Piru and the driver. Piru takes us to a hostel he knows (sister, of an Aunt or something like that) and I help check it out for cleanliness and determine it’s fine. We check I and shortly hop back into the “mini cooper” like car with Piru riding in the back to goto the Mangroves.
Along the way through, we head to Piru’s Aunt’s house to drop off our laundry. We’d tried to drop if off at a proper laundry mat but they wouldn’t get it done in time. So Piru volunteered his Auntie. I must admit to being a bit shocked at the state of their home – it had cement walls, sheets were used as curtains to divide the rooms, there was a corrugated tin roof and it was very barren outside with dirt, no sidewalks or lawn. Inside was the most basic of furniture and what stood out the most for me – a satellite TV with Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington’s “The Bone Collector” movie playing in the background. They had the most humble of homes yet they had cable TV! Yet they offered us warm hospitality with a glass of juice as the Auntie counted each piece of our smelly dirty laundry from hiking Machu Picchu at 3 soles an item. Let’s just say I never had my socks or my underwear ironed before!
When we reached the Mangroves, we had lunch of blue clams that are reputably an aphrodisiac and mixed ceviche (I’m just loving the ceviche in Peru). Then we go for a boat tour through the mangroves to Bird Island. There is no land and thus none of the natural predators of birds, so thousands of birds live in the mangroves on bird island and it definitely has the accompanying bird stench.
Then we head to the crocodile farm. As we wait in town for our Mini cooper car ride back to the hotel (it’s a long wait as his car had a flat tire) we treat ourselves to a lucuma ono frido ice cream.
When we return to the hotel, I walk around Tumos which has “the bissou” kissing couple statue so we take a photo of that and check out the Tumbes market which is very crowded and packed with items more suited for a flea market that a food market.
For dinner we head out to Edouardo’s Brouha (Edward’s Witchdoctor) for one of the best meals I had in Peru! It was this lovely cream sauce with shrimp, fish and calamari. On our walk back, we walk through the night markets of Tumbes, it’s amazing how late on a Monday night it’s so bright with lights and there are tons of vendors out selling DVDs, socks and other random things.
Tues. Jan. 10
Breakfast is near the Tumbes Central Square. As Tumbes didn’t really impress us, we decided to head South for better beaches. The same driver took us first to one hostel that Piru recommended but it was (surpringly) booked so we went back to a very nice resort we’d passed along the way called “Mango” in Zorritos which is a popular beach destination. I love the resort as it was the most upscale since I’d arrived in Peru, it had a great pool and even better cozy beach with hammocks, beds, chairs and umbrellas as well as an onsite restaurant. We checked in and hung out by the beach and enjoyed our Blue Moon welcome drinks.
Lunch was at another Brouha where we sat on the second level looking over the beach with a beautiful view. I ordered Albon digas de Cangrejo which are like crab hush puppies which were very tasty and quick to eat.
We walked back to the hotel along the beach and as we were so full from lunch we decided that instead of dinner we’d enjoy a nice dessert. The original plan was to goto Ivan’s hut for dessert but it was closed so we took the tuk tuk to the centre of town. There we had lucuma ice cream. Strangely for such a deserted town there were 5 cops walking around. We must have looked dangerous or suspicious.
We took the tuk tuk back to the hotel and had more substantial desserts and a Chilean bottle of red wine – we would have preferred Chilean.
Wed. Jan. 11, 2012
We had breakfast at the hotel and then relaxed on the beach. For dessert we checked out Ivan’s place for homemade Peruvian dessert. I had this wonderful dessert called “Torta Helada” that was a firm jelly with pineapple on top, some cream filling and then a cake. I had this concentrated espresso with hot water and milk to dilute. I poured half and added hot water for three small cups of coffee … it was very strong!
That coffee (or the milk), I speculate, was my downfall. That night I was so wired and wide awake that I was watched the movie “Watchmen” with intermittent commercials and trips to the bathroom.
Thurs. Jan. 12
After a leisurely morning at the beache after our final breakfast at the hotel, we relax at the beach until check out at 10:30 a.m.
This shuttle van picks us up at 11 a.m. and takes us on a 4 hour drive from Zorritos South to Piura. I’m in the row right behind the driver trying to sleep as much of the way as possible and just praying I didn’t need to use the bathroom. The driver was a real fan of the 1980s music – so imagine trying to sleep, watching desolate towns speed by and listening to Purple Rain.
Finally we arrived in Piura and got a nice referral to a very well air conditioned restaurant where I had a steamed fish fillet which really hit the spot.We tried a dessert which was sauce and cheese then we walked around Piura – checked out a sweet shop – then got a cab to the Piura Airport. This cab, seriously looked like it was going to fall apart – you could feel every bump on the road to the airport.
Continuing a trend, again we took Peruvian Airlines and again it was delayed. Our flight was meant to depart Piura at 7 p.m. but didn’t depart until 8 p.m. and arrive in Lima an hour later.
Friday, Jan. 13
For breakfast we had epanada which is like a meat pie from a local store. Then we took a commuter “bus” for 1.5 sole (about US$.050) for about 50 blocks to the city centre. As there are many, many of these buses driving the locals to work and they’re each trying to make as much money as possible:
• They barely stop to let you on board (there’s a lady at the side door who’s yelling out the stops like as fast as an auctioneer and takes your money so the driver can drive on, sometimes the doors just closing and he’s already pulled away)
• The drive speeds through red lights
• The bus doesn’t pull to the side of the road to let off passengers, they’ll let entire families with kids off in the middle of the street so the family has to wind through traffic to make it to the curb themselves)
• And periodically they’ll get an “update” from monitors along the road who’ll tell them how many buses are ahead of them so the driver knows how to pace himself (and the lady tips the monitor).
When we arrived in the centre of the city, we went to Qantas so I could ask if it was possible to change to leave on the same flight as Ana and Scott back to LA only to learn my only option was to go standby.
That afternoon was our shopping day as we visited several local Inca markets. Silver jewelry, Alpaca gloves and scarves, paintings and wood instruments were popular items.
In the afternoon I visited some of Ana's family and then we duck out for a very late lunch at a restaurant that is Japanese-Peruvian. Berfore we head back I quickly goto a local grocery store to purchase some pisco sour omiyage.
Then we worry we’ll be late for a Peruvian Cultural Dance and Dinner Show with a 10 p.m. start time. We arrive at 10:40 p.m. and everyone is dancing. It turns out that there’s a cultural performance, then guests dance to the local band then there’s more cultural dancing… this went on until 2 a.m.
By the end of the evening we all got out on the dance floor to dance.
Dancing Part 1
Dancing Part 2
We returned and spent an hour packing!
Sat. Jan. 14
Quickly we grabbed a sweet roll for brekkie and then arrived at the airport at 9 a.m. so I’m 1st on the stand-by list. At 11:30 a.m. I return to find that I can get out on the same flight as Ana and Scott – yeah!
I’m in row 12 which is the first row in economy so have a bit of room to stretch out. It’s an 8 hour flight to LAX.
Mom, Papa and Uncle Eugene were in LA’s Japantown earlier that day so they had a wonderful spread of Japanese sake, susi and sashimi for us back in the hotel room so we could all just eat, drink, relax and enjoy everyone’s company after a long day of travelling.
Sun. Jan. 15
We enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Embassy Suites North with Uncle Eugene. It’s wonderful to see Uncle Eugene as he’s gotten his weight down considerably to 170 lbs and his numbers are lower in terms of the insulin he needs to take to the point that his doctor may soon move him to a children’s dosage (vs. adult dosage) which is fantastic news!
In June 2012, Uncle Eugene will be fully vested which means that probably in 2013 he’ll retire and I hope he’ll come visit me in Australia!
Mom, Papa and I take American Airlines from LAX to Narita Airport in Tokyo (reminder NOT to take American Airlines again as the movies start at specific times, only 6 choices, and you cannot pause/rewind the movie which makes you feel held hostage in your seat). I’d finished reading the book Moneyball while on the beach in Zorritos, Persu so watch the movie which paled in comparison to the book.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Long Service Leave: Okinawa, Japan (Jan. 16-21, 2012)
Monday, Jan. 16, 2012
We transfer at Tokyo/Narita Airport and as we flew over the international dateline when we finally arrive in Okinawa its 10:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. We pick up our luggage at 11:15 p.m. and as my Father loves to take public transportation we make a mad dash to catch the last monorail train which departs at 11:30 p.m.
Papa’s running far ahead, I’m pushing the luggage cart and before we reach the platform there’s a stalled escalator which we mistaken for having already been shut down and alongside it an incredibly long staircase.
Upon seeing this, I say “Mom, you’d better get started” and Mom starts climbing the stairs in earnest. Little did we know that the escalator was automatic and turned on when you stepped on it (those clever Japanese) and we quickly manage to get all our luggage to the top. Mom’s made a valiant climb of the stairs and we’re all exhausted when we finally reach the train which has been held for us!
When we arrive Kencho-mae station we take a taxi to Hotel Nikko in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. It’s midnight by the time we reach our rooms, so we’re exhausted!
Tues. Jan. 17
We decided to come to the Southern-most island of Japan – Okinawa – because my Chicago-land area parents crave warm weather during Winter. Also, while my Father was born and raised in Japan, he’s never been to any of the other islands. I on the other hand have been to Kyushu and someday hope to go skiing and the Winter Festival in Hokkaido.
We enjoy a wa-shoku breakfast at the hotel and with the 50,000 yen that Papa received from Uncle Fujio which he’d sent for some future date when I’d marry at the same time he sent a similar amount for Tomu and Ellen’s wedding gift we managed for to see a number of sights and meals for the first few days.
First we took a cab from the hotel to Kencho-mae monorail train station and headed to the Shuri Joo Monorail (last stop). We walked along and at a Family Mart purchased musubi and continued to walk to a bridge leading to a small house called the Bezaitendo Shrine and Enganchi Pond where Papa played his shakuhachi and attracted 5 geese (really!) who enjoyed his playing.
At this point, I can’t help remembering when my brother Tomu was practicing his clarinet in elementary school and it sounded like a herd of geese. Nostalgia ☺
We walk on to the Sonohyan-utaki which is where people pray for a safe return before beginning a long journey, the mon/gate to Shuri Joo and then to the omiyage store after enjoying our musubi.
Shurijo Castle served a the proud centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom (before it was known as Okinawa and a province of Japan, it was know as the Ryukyu Islands). The castle has influences from both Japan and China. It was originally constructed in the 14th century and was the place of rule for 500 years until Kinh Sho Tai who then abdicated to the Meiji Government of Japan. As the gate to China, Southeast Asia and Japan the influences are seen from all three in the castle from the red lacquer to the ceramics and dragon paintings.
The Shurijo Temple (a famous TV drama series in Japanese/Chinese is filmed here called The Tempest) tour begins in the courtyard and we learn that the Okinawan’s admired the Chinese so took the dragon for it’s talisman but modified it so it only had 4 toes (China’s Emperor also admired dragons and in paintings you’ll see it has 5 toes).
Eerily Shurijo Temple reminded me of Machu Picchu as it too had been built entirely from stones/rocks (yet it was not on top of a mountain), the walls were higher and there certainly weren’t terraces but there was some interesting water drainage systems, writing on the stones, red pillars and painted designes but what we saw that day had been rebuilt as the original Shurijo Temple had been destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
Throughout the temple there were Japanese hanko stamps that we stamped in our brochures. We also enjoyed tea and traditional cookies in this restored Japanese tea room at Shurijo Temple.
After walking the grounds a bit more we had Okinawan soba in a beautiful Japanese rock garden.
As we left the soba-ya Papa started to complain about his right finger which had a few weeks ago hurt and he used his red “tin tin” medicine but he worried that it had gotten infected as he was swimming and relaxing in the Jacuzzi in Hoffman Estates. And now it was warm and painful to the touch.
So we went to the local doctor. I went in with Papa to see the doctor and when asked questions like his weight (he couldn’t remember in kilograms), his height (again, couldn’t remember in cm).
The procedure itself involved Papa laying down on the doctor’s table, he cleaned the finger area, made a cut and squeezed out the infected pus, cleaned it and put some ointment on it as well as a bandage. Papa’s right foot twitched as the cut was made but otherwise Papa didn’t cry out. After paying for the procedure (8,000yen) and medicine (antibiotics which meant Papa could not drink alcohol for 7 days) we walked back to the monorail trainstation.
Along the way we found a famous manju place and in addition to buying our favorite red bean manju we were also encouraged to buy the local favorite which is beni-imo manju.
We took the monorail to Koku-sai Dori where we walked along the main shopping district and Papa and I both purchased these handcrafted An-Shin Lion (these clay lions come in pairs where “An” is an open roaring lion to symbolize life and “Shin” which is a lion with a closed mouth to symbolize death and the full cycle of life. These “An Shin” lion were everywhere around Okinawa on the gates and entryways of stores, homes and train stations.
It was incredibly hard to find a bank ATM machine in Naha that would accept any of our bank and credit cards to get Yen so finally we ended up going to the Japanese post office – who would have guessed?
Wed. Jan. 18
As Okinawa is well known for its yaki mono (pottery), we went along this famous street known for its pottery and I purchase two tea cups and treat plates as well as omiyage for my friend Venecia.
We stopped for coffee and treats and then caught a local bus to the Renaissance Hotel 1.5 hours north. As it was a local bus, it stopped many, many times and passed many large US military bases. I knew that the US had bases in Okinawa, what I didn’t realize is that they’re ALL over the island, many of them and they’re all quite large and along the main highways in the best areas of the city. And as you’ll see from these photos, they looked rather deserted with graveyards of old tanks and jeeps. It made me wonder why, if we weren’t using the bases we didn’t give it back to the Okinawans.
We had a dessert and coffee and then while Mom and Papa rested in the hotel I had a manicure and pedicure at the hotel and was quite impressed with some of the very sophisticated styles that can be selected!
The weather was rather overcast so we largely checked out the hotel which is much better in the Summer and really much more geared to families with a “swim with dolphins” program and a pool with a waterslide (and only one small lane for adult swimming). We had dinner there as well.
Thurs. Jan. 19
The main reason we’d headed north to the Renaissance Resort was so that I could go scuba diving and the original plan was for Mom and Papa to take a tour/bus even further North to check out an aquarium and a Pineapple farm.
The two dives I did with Natural Blue which was the only dive shop with an English Dive Master were fantastic! I’d researched the various dive site and it looked that The Blue Hole and the Dive with Whale Sharks were the most popular.
The Blue Hole was spectacular! It was a gorgeous sunny day so the sun shone through two spots in the cave and reflected of the white shelled bottom to make this absolutely incredible aqua blue color that was amazingly clear (the best visibility) and great photos! There were many white and yellow bat fish that I’ve seen in Australia, some black batfish that are indigenouse to Okinawa. And Japanese tea cup soft coral on rocks and leaves. I saw parrot fish, needle fish, lion fish, red devil fish and very big anemone! There were also silver fish in the cave that are indigenous to Okinawa.
Dive # 146: Natural Blue Dive Shop and Dive site: Blue Cave. Max depth was 7.4 meters (25 feet) and 29 minutes with a temperature of 22 degrees Celcius. The visibility was more than 30 meters. My Dive Master Yas had dived in Florida and the Bahamas before returning to his homeland.
Blue Cave Part 1
Blue Cave Part 2
Upon heading out to the whale shark dive, I remarked “I hope I’m lucky enough to see a whale shark”. I was very surprised when Yas responded that I was guaranteed to see whale shark as they were in these 100mx100m nets in the middle of the ocean and I was going to watch them fed and get a chance to swim with them.
I had no idea! They were captured whale shark swimming in these nets in the middle of the ocean. The experience was thrilling, to be so close and see what absolutely beautiful sea mammals they are. They are huge and very gentle. When I was watching them get fed, I could see they had gummy teeth and I could look halfway down into their stomach – a small child could fit in there and still have plenty of room to kick around – I didn’t think it’s be so cavernous.
Dive #147: Natural Blue Dive Shop and Dive Site: Whale Sharks, Max depth was 18.3 meters for 35 minutes.
When I got back to the hotel I learned that Mom and Papa had decided to enjoy the hotel. We walked to a local food market called Onnamachi where we had grapes of the sea, sashimi and other Okinawan delicacies.
It rained but finally we made it back to Hotel Nikko for a late dinner.
Friday, Jan. 20
We went to the fruit and vegetable market then onto the Naha Fish Market where we saw tons of fresh fish that we could pick from and have cooked to taste upstairs at one of half a dozen restaurants. Before we selected the fish, we walked around and saw huge shell fish, puffer fish with the spines off and gigantic shrimp. There was also a “meat” aisle where I was tricked to eat pig face!!! I was following Mom down one of the aisles and she was standing next to a vendor lady who had what looked like bacon on a toothpick. Stupidly I put it in my mouth before asking what it was – while I expected it to taste like a salami it was crunchier in a grittier kind of way than I expected so was shocked when upon asking what it was she pointed this package of what looked like a rubber pig face mask! Ugh!
The fish we selected to have sliced, steamed, fried and such was wonderful. And I topped it off with Japanese version of Munchkin donut holes that had sesame seeds and coconut and chocolate.
Then off we were again taking another local bus this time south of Naha on what would become our historical education day of the visit to Okinawa.
Our first stop was to the Himeuri Memorial which was built in honor of school girls who during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 first started out as nurses turned into victims and many lost their lives. What seemed to show that Okinawans were yet to be a considered a part of Japan was the fact that the Emperor of Japan was willing to sacrifice any and all people young and old living in Okinawa as a means of stalling the inevitable invasion of the Americans to mainland Japan. Thus many of the exhibits showed how students were starting to be trained to be nurses and combatants in the war and when the military was told to pull out the students were left to fend for themselves. And sadly, many died. The museum featured photographs that portrayed the lives of the girls and had models reconstructing these winding caves and the deplorable conditions they lived in during the war.
Then we headed to the Okinawan Peace Memorial which was a museum of the history of Okinawa and outside along the ocean there were walls much like the Vietnam War Memorial with the names of over 200,000 names of military and civilian lose of life in the Battle of Okinawa. It’s incredible to believe that in 95 days, more civilians lost their lives than the military death toll in what’s called the “Typhoon of Steel” in late March 1945.
Mom and I wanted to goto see the Former Navy Underground Headquarters, which consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war but we simply didn’t have enough time.
Instead we took a bus and checkout another local market where we had dinner and a look around the shops before heading to Kokusai dori for a final bit of omiyage shopping (this is where we got Kenichi and Hiroshi’s zori personalized) and I had my second favorite Japanese dessert – Okinawa Zenzai! If I’d found this on my first day, I would have had it every night!
After nearly a week in Okinawa, I was very impressed with what a modern, big city Naha is. I always thought of Okinawa as an island largely made up of very small fishing villages. The city’s quite wide spread, modern with tall office buildings, an extensive train and bus systems which made getting around very easy and as in the rest of Japan a very clean and safe place.
We transfer at Tokyo/Narita Airport and as we flew over the international dateline when we finally arrive in Okinawa its 10:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. We pick up our luggage at 11:15 p.m. and as my Father loves to take public transportation we make a mad dash to catch the last monorail train which departs at 11:30 p.m.
Papa’s running far ahead, I’m pushing the luggage cart and before we reach the platform there’s a stalled escalator which we mistaken for having already been shut down and alongside it an incredibly long staircase.
Upon seeing this, I say “Mom, you’d better get started” and Mom starts climbing the stairs in earnest. Little did we know that the escalator was automatic and turned on when you stepped on it (those clever Japanese) and we quickly manage to get all our luggage to the top. Mom’s made a valiant climb of the stairs and we’re all exhausted when we finally reach the train which has been held for us!
When we arrive Kencho-mae station we take a taxi to Hotel Nikko in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. It’s midnight by the time we reach our rooms, so we’re exhausted!
Tues. Jan. 17
We decided to come to the Southern-most island of Japan – Okinawa – because my Chicago-land area parents crave warm weather during Winter. Also, while my Father was born and raised in Japan, he’s never been to any of the other islands. I on the other hand have been to Kyushu and someday hope to go skiing and the Winter Festival in Hokkaido.
We enjoy a wa-shoku breakfast at the hotel and with the 50,000 yen that Papa received from Uncle Fujio which he’d sent for some future date when I’d marry at the same time he sent a similar amount for Tomu and Ellen’s wedding gift we managed for to see a number of sights and meals for the first few days.
First we took a cab from the hotel to Kencho-mae monorail train station and headed to the Shuri Joo Monorail (last stop). We walked along and at a Family Mart purchased musubi and continued to walk to a bridge leading to a small house called the Bezaitendo Shrine and Enganchi Pond where Papa played his shakuhachi and attracted 5 geese (really!) who enjoyed his playing.
At this point, I can’t help remembering when my brother Tomu was practicing his clarinet in elementary school and it sounded like a herd of geese. Nostalgia ☺
We walk on to the Sonohyan-utaki which is where people pray for a safe return before beginning a long journey, the mon/gate to Shuri Joo and then to the omiyage store after enjoying our musubi.
Shurijo Castle served a the proud centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom (before it was known as Okinawa and a province of Japan, it was know as the Ryukyu Islands). The castle has influences from both Japan and China. It was originally constructed in the 14th century and was the place of rule for 500 years until Kinh Sho Tai who then abdicated to the Meiji Government of Japan. As the gate to China, Southeast Asia and Japan the influences are seen from all three in the castle from the red lacquer to the ceramics and dragon paintings.
The Shurijo Temple (a famous TV drama series in Japanese/Chinese is filmed here called The Tempest) tour begins in the courtyard and we learn that the Okinawan’s admired the Chinese so took the dragon for it’s talisman but modified it so it only had 4 toes (China’s Emperor also admired dragons and in paintings you’ll see it has 5 toes).
Eerily Shurijo Temple reminded me of Machu Picchu as it too had been built entirely from stones/rocks (yet it was not on top of a mountain), the walls were higher and there certainly weren’t terraces but there was some interesting water drainage systems, writing on the stones, red pillars and painted designes but what we saw that day had been rebuilt as the original Shurijo Temple had been destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
Throughout the temple there were Japanese hanko stamps that we stamped in our brochures. We also enjoyed tea and traditional cookies in this restored Japanese tea room at Shurijo Temple.
After walking the grounds a bit more we had Okinawan soba in a beautiful Japanese rock garden.
As we left the soba-ya Papa started to complain about his right finger which had a few weeks ago hurt and he used his red “tin tin” medicine but he worried that it had gotten infected as he was swimming and relaxing in the Jacuzzi in Hoffman Estates. And now it was warm and painful to the touch.
So we went to the local doctor. I went in with Papa to see the doctor and when asked questions like his weight (he couldn’t remember in kilograms), his height (again, couldn’t remember in cm).
The procedure itself involved Papa laying down on the doctor’s table, he cleaned the finger area, made a cut and squeezed out the infected pus, cleaned it and put some ointment on it as well as a bandage. Papa’s right foot twitched as the cut was made but otherwise Papa didn’t cry out. After paying for the procedure (8,000yen) and medicine (antibiotics which meant Papa could not drink alcohol for 7 days) we walked back to the monorail trainstation.
Along the way we found a famous manju place and in addition to buying our favorite red bean manju we were also encouraged to buy the local favorite which is beni-imo manju.
We took the monorail to Koku-sai Dori where we walked along the main shopping district and Papa and I both purchased these handcrafted An-Shin Lion (these clay lions come in pairs where “An” is an open roaring lion to symbolize life and “Shin” which is a lion with a closed mouth to symbolize death and the full cycle of life. These “An Shin” lion were everywhere around Okinawa on the gates and entryways of stores, homes and train stations.
It was incredibly hard to find a bank ATM machine in Naha that would accept any of our bank and credit cards to get Yen so finally we ended up going to the Japanese post office – who would have guessed?
Wed. Jan. 18
As Okinawa is well known for its yaki mono (pottery), we went along this famous street known for its pottery and I purchase two tea cups and treat plates as well as omiyage for my friend Venecia.
We stopped for coffee and treats and then caught a local bus to the Renaissance Hotel 1.5 hours north. As it was a local bus, it stopped many, many times and passed many large US military bases. I knew that the US had bases in Okinawa, what I didn’t realize is that they’re ALL over the island, many of them and they’re all quite large and along the main highways in the best areas of the city. And as you’ll see from these photos, they looked rather deserted with graveyards of old tanks and jeeps. It made me wonder why, if we weren’t using the bases we didn’t give it back to the Okinawans.
We had a dessert and coffee and then while Mom and Papa rested in the hotel I had a manicure and pedicure at the hotel and was quite impressed with some of the very sophisticated styles that can be selected!
The weather was rather overcast so we largely checked out the hotel which is much better in the Summer and really much more geared to families with a “swim with dolphins” program and a pool with a waterslide (and only one small lane for adult swimming). We had dinner there as well.
Thurs. Jan. 19
The main reason we’d headed north to the Renaissance Resort was so that I could go scuba diving and the original plan was for Mom and Papa to take a tour/bus even further North to check out an aquarium and a Pineapple farm.
The two dives I did with Natural Blue which was the only dive shop with an English Dive Master were fantastic! I’d researched the various dive site and it looked that The Blue Hole and the Dive with Whale Sharks were the most popular.
The Blue Hole was spectacular! It was a gorgeous sunny day so the sun shone through two spots in the cave and reflected of the white shelled bottom to make this absolutely incredible aqua blue color that was amazingly clear (the best visibility) and great photos! There were many white and yellow bat fish that I’ve seen in Australia, some black batfish that are indigenouse to Okinawa. And Japanese tea cup soft coral on rocks and leaves. I saw parrot fish, needle fish, lion fish, red devil fish and very big anemone! There were also silver fish in the cave that are indigenous to Okinawa.
Dive # 146: Natural Blue Dive Shop and Dive site: Blue Cave. Max depth was 7.4 meters (25 feet) and 29 minutes with a temperature of 22 degrees Celcius. The visibility was more than 30 meters. My Dive Master Yas had dived in Florida and the Bahamas before returning to his homeland.
Blue Cave Part 1
Blue Cave Part 2
Upon heading out to the whale shark dive, I remarked “I hope I’m lucky enough to see a whale shark”. I was very surprised when Yas responded that I was guaranteed to see whale shark as they were in these 100mx100m nets in the middle of the ocean and I was going to watch them fed and get a chance to swim with them.
I had no idea! They were captured whale shark swimming in these nets in the middle of the ocean. The experience was thrilling, to be so close and see what absolutely beautiful sea mammals they are. They are huge and very gentle. When I was watching them get fed, I could see they had gummy teeth and I could look halfway down into their stomach – a small child could fit in there and still have plenty of room to kick around – I didn’t think it’s be so cavernous.
Dive #147: Natural Blue Dive Shop and Dive Site: Whale Sharks, Max depth was 18.3 meters for 35 minutes.
When I got back to the hotel I learned that Mom and Papa had decided to enjoy the hotel. We walked to a local food market called Onnamachi where we had grapes of the sea, sashimi and other Okinawan delicacies.
It rained but finally we made it back to Hotel Nikko for a late dinner.
Friday, Jan. 20
We went to the fruit and vegetable market then onto the Naha Fish Market where we saw tons of fresh fish that we could pick from and have cooked to taste upstairs at one of half a dozen restaurants. Before we selected the fish, we walked around and saw huge shell fish, puffer fish with the spines off and gigantic shrimp. There was also a “meat” aisle where I was tricked to eat pig face!!! I was following Mom down one of the aisles and she was standing next to a vendor lady who had what looked like bacon on a toothpick. Stupidly I put it in my mouth before asking what it was – while I expected it to taste like a salami it was crunchier in a grittier kind of way than I expected so was shocked when upon asking what it was she pointed this package of what looked like a rubber pig face mask! Ugh!
The fish we selected to have sliced, steamed, fried and such was wonderful. And I topped it off with Japanese version of Munchkin donut holes that had sesame seeds and coconut and chocolate.
Then off we were again taking another local bus this time south of Naha on what would become our historical education day of the visit to Okinawa.
Our first stop was to the Himeuri Memorial which was built in honor of school girls who during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 first started out as nurses turned into victims and many lost their lives. What seemed to show that Okinawans were yet to be a considered a part of Japan was the fact that the Emperor of Japan was willing to sacrifice any and all people young and old living in Okinawa as a means of stalling the inevitable invasion of the Americans to mainland Japan. Thus many of the exhibits showed how students were starting to be trained to be nurses and combatants in the war and when the military was told to pull out the students were left to fend for themselves. And sadly, many died. The museum featured photographs that portrayed the lives of the girls and had models reconstructing these winding caves and the deplorable conditions they lived in during the war.
Then we headed to the Okinawan Peace Memorial which was a museum of the history of Okinawa and outside along the ocean there were walls much like the Vietnam War Memorial with the names of over 200,000 names of military and civilian lose of life in the Battle of Okinawa. It’s incredible to believe that in 95 days, more civilians lost their lives than the military death toll in what’s called the “Typhoon of Steel” in late March 1945.
Mom and I wanted to goto see the Former Navy Underground Headquarters, which consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war but we simply didn’t have enough time.
Instead we took a bus and checkout another local market where we had dinner and a look around the shops before heading to Kokusai dori for a final bit of omiyage shopping (this is where we got Kenichi and Hiroshi’s zori personalized) and I had my second favorite Japanese dessert – Okinawa Zenzai! If I’d found this on my first day, I would have had it every night!
After nearly a week in Okinawa, I was very impressed with what a modern, big city Naha is. I always thought of Okinawa as an island largely made up of very small fishing villages. The city’s quite wide spread, modern with tall office buildings, an extensive train and bus systems which made getting around very easy and as in the rest of Japan a very clean and safe place.
Long Service Leave: Taiwan (Jan. 21-28, 2012)
Sat. Jan. 21, 2012
We catch a noon flight from Naha, Okinawa to Taipei, Taiwan and my wonderful friends Venecia and Sam meet us at the airport and take us to Lin Family Mansion and Garden where we see beautiful trees with a maze of roots, horizon created rocks that give the garden dimension and a taste of wealthy living in Taipei.
Then we went to a famous dumpling restaurant where there were actually instructions on how to eat them!
Then we headed to see the Chinese lamp sculptures at the historic Grand Hotel in Taipei.
Then we checked into our hotel at the Sheraton Taipei Hotel which was a bit off the beaten path. For future note, the Grand Hyatt is much more central to key tourist spots such as Taipei 101 and shops.
Sun. Jan. 22
This is New Year’s Eve Day so while we’d signed up for a tour of Taipei a few of the sights were closed for the holiday.
With my birthday being on Jan. 1, it’s not surprising that my favorite holiday is New Year’s and I’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve celebrations all around the world from New York, to Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. What I was curious to experience was the celebration of the Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) in The Republic of China. Since Venecia and Sam had moved to Taiwan, I was keen to visit their new home and experience Venecia’s new home country and to do this over Chinese New Year seemed ideal.
And while my parents have been to Beijing and Shanghai and my Mother to Hong Kong neither of them had ever been to Taiwan, but we’d all heard wonderful things from Uncle Eugene who’d lived in Taiwan for a time so we were all looking forward to the visit.
Our first stop was to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall but it was unfortunately closed for the holiday and so we simply walked around it and took photos.
Then we headed to the National Palace Museum which was a tour highlight of my Mother as our guide spent considerable time showing us some of the oldest artifacts in Asia. When we’d seen Uncle Eugene in LA he made us promise that when we visited Taiwan we’d be sure to see the famous Jade Cabbage with a small grasshopper hidden in the leaves. You might ask, why all the fuss for a very small piece of carved jade that could fit in the palm of your hand – the beauty of the piece is that the artist took a very oddly shaped green and white and made it into something that took advantage of the natural color of the jade to create a very realistic cabbage and grasshopper.
We also saw beautiful porcelain, wood and bamboo carings, scrolls of calligraphy and jewelry. Then we headed to lunch at The Grand Palace Hotel. Afterwards we headed to the Martyr’s Shrine where those that fought in the various wars Taiwan had battled in were commemorated. Then onto the top of Taipei 101 where Papa found the “Damper Baby” that he just had to purchase at the gift shop.
Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building back in 2004 at 1,440 ft with 101 floors until Dubai opened up one that was even taller. It’s won architectural designs and awards for being green and technologically with a “damper” that prevents the building from swaying during earthquakes and typhoons that are common in Taiwan.
It was a bit rainy but we could still appreciate the views from Taipei 101.
We did a quick stop at Hwashi Night Market where we saw snake alley which I unfortunately don’t have photos of as they’re not permitted but it’s quite easy to imagine large, long snakes waiting for those who have an appreciation for this delicacy to purchase them. Neither Papa or I could be tempted to even consider tasting a snake and Mom wouldn’t even think to consider it.
Our last stop was Longshan Temple where our guide told us of the customs of visiting the temple, doing something very similar to the Japanese fortune telling from Mikuji, but tossing these half moon shaped red blocks three times for a yes before drawing a stick with a number on it that indicated what drawer you were to pull your fortune from.
There were several Gods at the Temple each representing a different “wish” such as for good health, good luck in school studies, good fortune in romance/marriage and prosperity.
Papa and I were planning to come back for the actual observation of New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight, so we held off from visiting each “God” until later that night.
While our guide was there, thought, I did take advantage of her language skills to help me purchase a lantern for the Horiuchi Family that would hang in the Longshan Temple for 45 days for good luck and prosperity.
What was surprising to me was that when we arrived back at Longshan Temple at around 11:30 p.m. it was not at all crowded like it was at Times Square or any popular temple in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve. We were able to walk in, buy our incents and watch as temple-goers brought in food offerings for the Gods (that they later took home and served to their guests) and prayed and offered incents. As we neared midnight, the priests in the temple started to chant and say a prayer or reading and ring the gong over and over again. It was rather a melodic, repetitive chant that was soothing and constant. At midnight, Papa and I stepped in with the rest of the crown and following our guide’s earlier instruction we went to each of the “Gods” and paid our respects.
Lunar New Year Part 1
Lunar New Year Part 2
As we exited the temple there were a few folks lighting fire crackers on the streets but it certainly wasn’t anything like the massive fireworks that went on for 10 minutes in Thailand.
I did purchase a traditional New Year’s Eve treat from one of the vendors out front and brought it back to the hotel to share with Mom.
Mon. Jan. 23
On the actual Chinese New Year’s Day we headed to the hot springs in Beitao that really showed that the Taiwanese had taken the concept of Japanese hot springs and elevated to a Disney-land like experience. We went to Spring City Resort in Beitou which had numerous temperatures of hot baths, hot baths with reclining chairs and bubbles underneath so you felt like you were floating and the best yet was these tremendously powerful waterfalls that when you positioned yourself just right were great for sore necks, shoulders and even the top of your head. Mom spent a lot of time under these pounding waterfalls massaging her back and shoulders.
We spent a few hours enjoying this hot spring resort with a myriad of different springs.
Hot Springs Part 1
Hot Springs Part 2
We took local trains to get to the spa
Afterwards, we headed to these other markets for a late lunch. Only because of Mom’s great observation skills did we finally stumble on the massive food market that all the locals goto enjoy the best street food of Taipei.
We crammed our way in and enjoyed clam omelets and other sweet an-pan like treats.
We rested a bit at our hotel before heading to a restaurant known for serving traditional Chinese New Year’s dishes. We enjoyed Buddha Jumps Over the Wall which is a variety of shark fin soup, number of different meats, and vegetables. It got its name because evidently the soup was so enticing that it even tempted the vegetarian monks who’d jump over the wall to partake in this dish. We also had long leafy greens which can last a long time, cook a long time and thus symbolises long life.
Tues. Jan. 24
If we made a mistake in planning our trip to Taiwan, it was leaving all of the country-side sightseeing after Chinese New Year’s when every Taiwanese family is driving to visit the Father’s side or the Mother’s side of the family and a trip that typically takes 1.5 hours takes 5 hours by car! We should have flipped it and remained in Taipei where you had very reliable local trains and left the longer distance travel to non-holidays.
Not realizing that it’s tradition to visit the Father’s side of the family and then the Mother’s side of the family and then friends in the 2-3 days after Chinese New year’s, we consumed a lot of time driving in very heavy traffic to the outskirts of Taiwan - outside Taipei. It’s hard to believe, but highways were so congested that on some mornings during the holiday unless you had 3+ people in the car you couldn’t even enter the highway. So it wasn’t just one “carpool lane”, you weren’t even allowed on the highway unless you had 3+ people in the car! Imagine that not even being able to get onto Highway 101 or 280 in California unless you had 3+ people in the car!
This morning we took a 5 hour drive to Sun Moon Lake. When we finally arrived in the area we enjoyed a meal at a restaurant serves the food of the Tehua indigenous people of Taiwan and watched their cultural dancing and music.
Then Papa and I hiked to the top of this mountain with the promise we’ll see a pagoda that has amazing view of Sun Moon Lake – which has the shape of the sun on one side and the shape of the moon on the other – and to ring a bell for good luck. Little did we realize that to ring the bell, we’d have to climb a whole heap of more stairs!
More Sun Moon Lake
It was well worth it – and luckily we were blessed with fantastic sunny weather – as we had a panoramic 360 degree view of Sun Moon Lake.
When we got down from the mountain, the guide took us closer to the lake so Mom could get a better view, we could watch the sun set and Papa could play his shakuhachi.
We checked into the Del Lago Hotel where we stayed in a 2 story hotel room with loft beds and a spectacular view of Sun Moon Lake.
Wed. Jan. 25
Venecia and Sam arrived just after breakfast to pick us up and whisk us across the mountains the the East side of Taiwan. Yet we were unaware that there was a snow storm overnights so the mountain pass we closed.
Plan B was to check out one of the local sights – a Taiwanese wine/sake factory – where we did a wine tasting and checked out a few of the museum exhibits. Then we went to a tea-tasting place and then onto lunch where Sam did a fantastic job ordering a wonderful seafood and vegetable filled meal for us.
On our way out of town we purchased several bunches of different types of bananas. Side note: As a child growing up in Japan, Papa had always thought of Taiwan as the country of bananas and thus very warm. While it was actually very cold in January, Taiwan did have a number of different types, sizes and flavors of bananas (rose, berry). I must admit other than observing the different sizes and colors, I couldn’t quite distinguish much difference in taste. I must not have that discriminating a palette.
We also stopped by a famous place that sells Taiwanese chocolate called Feeling 18 or 18 Degrees Celsius Chocolate.
We headed back to Venecia and Sam’s place and rested a bit before heading out to get massages at a place local to where they live. After sitting in the SUV and the van before that, it felt so wonderful to have a soothing massage!
For dinner, we met Sam’s parents and enjoyed a lovely dinner at their favorite restaurant. I also learned Venecia’s code word for beware of what you’re eating when she says “This is my Father-in-law’s favorite dish, I love to just pick out the eggplant.” I’m not sure what I ate, but now I know that Venecia’s hints are very, very subtle…
That evening Sam took Venecia and I to his local bar where we met up with some of his friends and had a few drinks. They go there often so we got really good seats and there were a bunch of people that Sam knows.
On our way to the bar, Sam drove us down a street well known for “Beetlenut girls”. First you have to know that beetlenut is nut with some other powdery stuff wrapped up into a green leaf and when chewed turns your lips/tongue red and gives you an energy boost which is why so many truck drivers use it as a caffeine kick. And they’re sold by these young, scantily clad women who sit in these big shop windows (while I’ve never been to Amsterdam, I imagine it’s similar to prostitutes making themselves available in shop windows in the red light district) and when a car pulls up they come out to take your money and give you a plastic bag of beetlenuts.
I had asked about beetle nuts because earlier in the week while riding the train, one of the signs said no eating, drinking or chewing beetlenut on the train. And of course, I was like “why not just say no chewing gum, what’s beetlenut and what’s so special about it”.
In any case when you see this video, you’ll be shocked at just how red your mouth turns when you chew beetle nut. No wonder they don’t want people spitting out beetle nut on the train. It’d be just as bad as spitting out tobacco on the train.
Thursday, Jan. 26
We headed to Yilan which is in the Northeast side of Taiwan. When we arrived we explored a fishing village and had a wonderful seafood lunch. Then we drove to our hotel which took longer than usual due to the heavy holiday traffic. When we finally arrived, we rushed to check out the hot springs which was very relaxing.
That evening, with the recommendation of Sam’s friend we went to this amazing chicken restaurant where the chicken were roasted in these black kettles so had an amazing flavor. Sam did the honors when it came to taking the chicken apart which we were grateful for otherwise it would have been a much messier proposition.
Friday, Jan. 27
After breakfast, we took the challenge of dunking our fish into these pools of dead skin eating tiny fish.
It was incredibly hard to keep my feet in the water as it tickled my feet and I squirmed when I realized that all these fish were surrounding my feet and nibbling away. It was too much but after some time I could keep my feet in the water and let the fish eat away at the dead skin on my feet.
Then just before checking out we made one last dash to the hot springs.
On another recommendation from Sam’s friend we took a drive up to this famous coffee shop at the top of the mountain with a panoramic view of the ocean-side. We had morning tea/coffee and enjoyed the sunshine and warmth.
Then we arrived at Yehliu Geopark where there are a number of rock formations that have been given names that – much like when you look at clouds your imagination sees things – represent what people think the rock looks like. The most popular is know as “The Queen’s Head” but you’ll also see a gorilla, candles, a dragon head, a slipper and tofu.
Then we headed to a very special and spectacular restaurant that had the most amazing view of Taipei and its surrounding towns. We were outdoors but warmed by heating lamps and surprisingly there were random firework displays we could see taking place at various places around the city.
Here are some interesting statistics. Australia’s the size of the continental US or looked at another way the size of Western Europe. Taiwan’s 1/3 the size of California. Australia has about 22 million people. Taiwan has about 23 million people. And the US has 311 million people and France has 64 million.
As we were driven around Taiwan, I saw vast forests, well constructed highways, a train system that’s equal to if not better than Japan’s in terms of its’ organization, timeliness (unlike Japan, there was plenty of digital signs informing you when the next train was coming, news and other information) and directions (color-coded lines on the ground directed you to the right platforms in the train station). And I saw little poverty as the streets were clean, traffic flowed well, and there was plenty of commerce, restaurants and shops that looked to all be doing healthy businesses.
It was recently reported that while the rest of the world’s industrialised nations have seen asylum applications increase, Australia is the only country in the region to see a decrease. In fact it went down 9% in Australia. The US had 74,000 claims for asylum and France 51,000. Australia had 11,510. My view is that Australia can be doing a lot more to help the plight of suffering people seeking asylum around the world considering that its such a big, mature and industrialised country and done right has the capacity to support a more diverse population.
Sat. Jan. 28
In the morning Sam and Venecia gave us a quick driving tour of their home town of Hsinchu City which is the high tech hub of Taiwan. On our way back we stopped off at their favorite beef noodle soup and picked up the best pineapple cake.
We catch a noon flight from Naha, Okinawa to Taipei, Taiwan and my wonderful friends Venecia and Sam meet us at the airport and take us to Lin Family Mansion and Garden where we see beautiful trees with a maze of roots, horizon created rocks that give the garden dimension and a taste of wealthy living in Taipei.
Then we went to a famous dumpling restaurant where there were actually instructions on how to eat them!
Then we headed to see the Chinese lamp sculptures at the historic Grand Hotel in Taipei.
Then we checked into our hotel at the Sheraton Taipei Hotel which was a bit off the beaten path. For future note, the Grand Hyatt is much more central to key tourist spots such as Taipei 101 and shops.
Sun. Jan. 22
This is New Year’s Eve Day so while we’d signed up for a tour of Taipei a few of the sights were closed for the holiday.
With my birthday being on Jan. 1, it’s not surprising that my favorite holiday is New Year’s and I’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve celebrations all around the world from New York, to Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. What I was curious to experience was the celebration of the Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) in The Republic of China. Since Venecia and Sam had moved to Taiwan, I was keen to visit their new home and experience Venecia’s new home country and to do this over Chinese New Year seemed ideal.
And while my parents have been to Beijing and Shanghai and my Mother to Hong Kong neither of them had ever been to Taiwan, but we’d all heard wonderful things from Uncle Eugene who’d lived in Taiwan for a time so we were all looking forward to the visit.
Our first stop was to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall but it was unfortunately closed for the holiday and so we simply walked around it and took photos.
Then we headed to the National Palace Museum which was a tour highlight of my Mother as our guide spent considerable time showing us some of the oldest artifacts in Asia. When we’d seen Uncle Eugene in LA he made us promise that when we visited Taiwan we’d be sure to see the famous Jade Cabbage with a small grasshopper hidden in the leaves. You might ask, why all the fuss for a very small piece of carved jade that could fit in the palm of your hand – the beauty of the piece is that the artist took a very oddly shaped green and white and made it into something that took advantage of the natural color of the jade to create a very realistic cabbage and grasshopper.
We also saw beautiful porcelain, wood and bamboo carings, scrolls of calligraphy and jewelry. Then we headed to lunch at The Grand Palace Hotel. Afterwards we headed to the Martyr’s Shrine where those that fought in the various wars Taiwan had battled in were commemorated. Then onto the top of Taipei 101 where Papa found the “Damper Baby” that he just had to purchase at the gift shop.
Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building back in 2004 at 1,440 ft with 101 floors until Dubai opened up one that was even taller. It’s won architectural designs and awards for being green and technologically with a “damper” that prevents the building from swaying during earthquakes and typhoons that are common in Taiwan.
It was a bit rainy but we could still appreciate the views from Taipei 101.
We did a quick stop at Hwashi Night Market where we saw snake alley which I unfortunately don’t have photos of as they’re not permitted but it’s quite easy to imagine large, long snakes waiting for those who have an appreciation for this delicacy to purchase them. Neither Papa or I could be tempted to even consider tasting a snake and Mom wouldn’t even think to consider it.
Our last stop was Longshan Temple where our guide told us of the customs of visiting the temple, doing something very similar to the Japanese fortune telling from Mikuji, but tossing these half moon shaped red blocks three times for a yes before drawing a stick with a number on it that indicated what drawer you were to pull your fortune from.
There were several Gods at the Temple each representing a different “wish” such as for good health, good luck in school studies, good fortune in romance/marriage and prosperity.
Papa and I were planning to come back for the actual observation of New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight, so we held off from visiting each “God” until later that night.
While our guide was there, thought, I did take advantage of her language skills to help me purchase a lantern for the Horiuchi Family that would hang in the Longshan Temple for 45 days for good luck and prosperity.
What was surprising to me was that when we arrived back at Longshan Temple at around 11:30 p.m. it was not at all crowded like it was at Times Square or any popular temple in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve. We were able to walk in, buy our incents and watch as temple-goers brought in food offerings for the Gods (that they later took home and served to their guests) and prayed and offered incents. As we neared midnight, the priests in the temple started to chant and say a prayer or reading and ring the gong over and over again. It was rather a melodic, repetitive chant that was soothing and constant. At midnight, Papa and I stepped in with the rest of the crown and following our guide’s earlier instruction we went to each of the “Gods” and paid our respects.
Lunar New Year Part 1
Lunar New Year Part 2
As we exited the temple there were a few folks lighting fire crackers on the streets but it certainly wasn’t anything like the massive fireworks that went on for 10 minutes in Thailand.
I did purchase a traditional New Year’s Eve treat from one of the vendors out front and brought it back to the hotel to share with Mom.
Mon. Jan. 23
On the actual Chinese New Year’s Day we headed to the hot springs in Beitao that really showed that the Taiwanese had taken the concept of Japanese hot springs and elevated to a Disney-land like experience. We went to Spring City Resort in Beitou which had numerous temperatures of hot baths, hot baths with reclining chairs and bubbles underneath so you felt like you were floating and the best yet was these tremendously powerful waterfalls that when you positioned yourself just right were great for sore necks, shoulders and even the top of your head. Mom spent a lot of time under these pounding waterfalls massaging her back and shoulders.
We spent a few hours enjoying this hot spring resort with a myriad of different springs.
Hot Springs Part 1
Hot Springs Part 2
We took local trains to get to the spa
Afterwards, we headed to these other markets for a late lunch. Only because of Mom’s great observation skills did we finally stumble on the massive food market that all the locals goto enjoy the best street food of Taipei.
We crammed our way in and enjoyed clam omelets and other sweet an-pan like treats.
We rested a bit at our hotel before heading to a restaurant known for serving traditional Chinese New Year’s dishes. We enjoyed Buddha Jumps Over the Wall which is a variety of shark fin soup, number of different meats, and vegetables. It got its name because evidently the soup was so enticing that it even tempted the vegetarian monks who’d jump over the wall to partake in this dish. We also had long leafy greens which can last a long time, cook a long time and thus symbolises long life.
Tues. Jan. 24
If we made a mistake in planning our trip to Taiwan, it was leaving all of the country-side sightseeing after Chinese New Year’s when every Taiwanese family is driving to visit the Father’s side or the Mother’s side of the family and a trip that typically takes 1.5 hours takes 5 hours by car! We should have flipped it and remained in Taipei where you had very reliable local trains and left the longer distance travel to non-holidays.
Not realizing that it’s tradition to visit the Father’s side of the family and then the Mother’s side of the family and then friends in the 2-3 days after Chinese New year’s, we consumed a lot of time driving in very heavy traffic to the outskirts of Taiwan - outside Taipei. It’s hard to believe, but highways were so congested that on some mornings during the holiday unless you had 3+ people in the car you couldn’t even enter the highway. So it wasn’t just one “carpool lane”, you weren’t even allowed on the highway unless you had 3+ people in the car! Imagine that not even being able to get onto Highway 101 or 280 in California unless you had 3+ people in the car!
This morning we took a 5 hour drive to Sun Moon Lake. When we finally arrived in the area we enjoyed a meal at a restaurant serves the food of the Tehua indigenous people of Taiwan and watched their cultural dancing and music.
Then Papa and I hiked to the top of this mountain with the promise we’ll see a pagoda that has amazing view of Sun Moon Lake – which has the shape of the sun on one side and the shape of the moon on the other – and to ring a bell for good luck. Little did we realize that to ring the bell, we’d have to climb a whole heap of more stairs!
More Sun Moon Lake
It was well worth it – and luckily we were blessed with fantastic sunny weather – as we had a panoramic 360 degree view of Sun Moon Lake.
When we got down from the mountain, the guide took us closer to the lake so Mom could get a better view, we could watch the sun set and Papa could play his shakuhachi.
We checked into the Del Lago Hotel where we stayed in a 2 story hotel room with loft beds and a spectacular view of Sun Moon Lake.
Wed. Jan. 25
Venecia and Sam arrived just after breakfast to pick us up and whisk us across the mountains the the East side of Taiwan. Yet we were unaware that there was a snow storm overnights so the mountain pass we closed.
Plan B was to check out one of the local sights – a Taiwanese wine/sake factory – where we did a wine tasting and checked out a few of the museum exhibits. Then we went to a tea-tasting place and then onto lunch where Sam did a fantastic job ordering a wonderful seafood and vegetable filled meal for us.
On our way out of town we purchased several bunches of different types of bananas. Side note: As a child growing up in Japan, Papa had always thought of Taiwan as the country of bananas and thus very warm. While it was actually very cold in January, Taiwan did have a number of different types, sizes and flavors of bananas (rose, berry). I must admit other than observing the different sizes and colors, I couldn’t quite distinguish much difference in taste. I must not have that discriminating a palette.
We also stopped by a famous place that sells Taiwanese chocolate called Feeling 18 or 18 Degrees Celsius Chocolate.
We headed back to Venecia and Sam’s place and rested a bit before heading out to get massages at a place local to where they live. After sitting in the SUV and the van before that, it felt so wonderful to have a soothing massage!
For dinner, we met Sam’s parents and enjoyed a lovely dinner at their favorite restaurant. I also learned Venecia’s code word for beware of what you’re eating when she says “This is my Father-in-law’s favorite dish, I love to just pick out the eggplant.” I’m not sure what I ate, but now I know that Venecia’s hints are very, very subtle…
That evening Sam took Venecia and I to his local bar where we met up with some of his friends and had a few drinks. They go there often so we got really good seats and there were a bunch of people that Sam knows.
On our way to the bar, Sam drove us down a street well known for “Beetlenut girls”. First you have to know that beetlenut is nut with some other powdery stuff wrapped up into a green leaf and when chewed turns your lips/tongue red and gives you an energy boost which is why so many truck drivers use it as a caffeine kick. And they’re sold by these young, scantily clad women who sit in these big shop windows (while I’ve never been to Amsterdam, I imagine it’s similar to prostitutes making themselves available in shop windows in the red light district) and when a car pulls up they come out to take your money and give you a plastic bag of beetlenuts.
I had asked about beetle nuts because earlier in the week while riding the train, one of the signs said no eating, drinking or chewing beetlenut on the train. And of course, I was like “why not just say no chewing gum, what’s beetlenut and what’s so special about it”.
In any case when you see this video, you’ll be shocked at just how red your mouth turns when you chew beetle nut. No wonder they don’t want people spitting out beetle nut on the train. It’d be just as bad as spitting out tobacco on the train.
Thursday, Jan. 26
We headed to Yilan which is in the Northeast side of Taiwan. When we arrived we explored a fishing village and had a wonderful seafood lunch. Then we drove to our hotel which took longer than usual due to the heavy holiday traffic. When we finally arrived, we rushed to check out the hot springs which was very relaxing.
That evening, with the recommendation of Sam’s friend we went to this amazing chicken restaurant where the chicken were roasted in these black kettles so had an amazing flavor. Sam did the honors when it came to taking the chicken apart which we were grateful for otherwise it would have been a much messier proposition.
Friday, Jan. 27
After breakfast, we took the challenge of dunking our fish into these pools of dead skin eating tiny fish.
It was incredibly hard to keep my feet in the water as it tickled my feet and I squirmed when I realized that all these fish were surrounding my feet and nibbling away. It was too much but after some time I could keep my feet in the water and let the fish eat away at the dead skin on my feet.
Then just before checking out we made one last dash to the hot springs.
On another recommendation from Sam’s friend we took a drive up to this famous coffee shop at the top of the mountain with a panoramic view of the ocean-side. We had morning tea/coffee and enjoyed the sunshine and warmth.
Then we arrived at Yehliu Geopark where there are a number of rock formations that have been given names that – much like when you look at clouds your imagination sees things – represent what people think the rock looks like. The most popular is know as “The Queen’s Head” but you’ll also see a gorilla, candles, a dragon head, a slipper and tofu.
Then we headed to a very special and spectacular restaurant that had the most amazing view of Taipei and its surrounding towns. We were outdoors but warmed by heating lamps and surprisingly there were random firework displays we could see taking place at various places around the city.
Here are some interesting statistics. Australia’s the size of the continental US or looked at another way the size of Western Europe. Taiwan’s 1/3 the size of California. Australia has about 22 million people. Taiwan has about 23 million people. And the US has 311 million people and France has 64 million.
As we were driven around Taiwan, I saw vast forests, well constructed highways, a train system that’s equal to if not better than Japan’s in terms of its’ organization, timeliness (unlike Japan, there was plenty of digital signs informing you when the next train was coming, news and other information) and directions (color-coded lines on the ground directed you to the right platforms in the train station). And I saw little poverty as the streets were clean, traffic flowed well, and there was plenty of commerce, restaurants and shops that looked to all be doing healthy businesses.
It was recently reported that while the rest of the world’s industrialised nations have seen asylum applications increase, Australia is the only country in the region to see a decrease. In fact it went down 9% in Australia. The US had 74,000 claims for asylum and France 51,000. Australia had 11,510. My view is that Australia can be doing a lot more to help the plight of suffering people seeking asylum around the world considering that its such a big, mature and industrialised country and done right has the capacity to support a more diverse population.
Sat. Jan. 28
In the morning Sam and Venecia gave us a quick driving tour of their home town of Hsinchu City which is the high tech hub of Taiwan. On our way back we stopped off at their favorite beef noodle soup and picked up the best pineapple cake.
Reflections on Long Service Leave
Looking back at my long service leave, a few thoughts:
• While Australia’s in the Asia Pacific, it’s a long ways from anywhere with the exception of New Zealand. All my flights were at least 8 hours long. It was a lot of flying and I’m not surprised I came home at the end of it with a cold. Not unlike my shopping cart theory (shopping cart handles are festering with all kinds of germs), sharing a confined space with recirculated air in an airplane with more than a hundred people you’re bound to catch something.
• It was “planes, trains and automobiles” plus much more. It was monorails (Okinawa), bullet trains (Taiwan), tuk tuks (Peru), the back of flat bed pick up trucks (Thailand), gondola à la orange crates over raging rapids (Peru), 20-hour bus rides with 180° reclining seats (Peru), jam packed mini-coopers with 6 adults plus luggage, ferry (from Koh Samui-Koh Tao), river boat (Bangkok and Peru), local bus (Okinawa) and of course one elephant ride (Thailand).
• I’m very grateful and blessed to have friends and family to travel with on my long vacation. While I’m fairly self reliant and happy to travel on my own, it’s far more fun to share the experience with someone.
o It was wonderful to see Peru from the eyes of a Peruvian, there are so many places we visited and places we ate at that I would never have had no matter how much I could have researched them in a tour guide book. While I jest that all the planning was done by Ana yet I got all the credit if the signage held up by our drivers/guides were any indications, in all seriousness, I wouldn’t have made the trek to Machu Picchu without Ana and Scott's very pragmatic, spontaneous and “just try it” approach to travelling which (and my close friends understand what I mean by this) stretches me and opens my eyes to even more new experiences. Ana’s Dad has a great talent for finding the very best places to eat!
o And it was a real honor to be welcomed into Sam and Venecia’s home and to meet his parents and be showed his hometown where he grew up and meet his parents and some of his very funny and entertaining friends. And I’m thrilled that Venecia and Sam were generous in letting me tag along on their Thailand vacation (and I tried super hard not to be a third wheel) and very happy that Venecia stayed on a few more days so we got to spend time together catching up on girl-talk without boring Sam.
o And I’m grateful that my parents are healthy and keen to explore new countries, foods and learn about other cultures. We always have a wonderful time and because Papa wakes up so early with excitement each morning we are able to pack a lot into our day and as a result we’re tired and exhausted at night and it’s no wonder journaling in my travel diary ended upon arriving in Okinawa.
• While Australia’s in the Asia Pacific, it’s a long ways from anywhere with the exception of New Zealand. All my flights were at least 8 hours long. It was a lot of flying and I’m not surprised I came home at the end of it with a cold. Not unlike my shopping cart theory (shopping cart handles are festering with all kinds of germs), sharing a confined space with recirculated air in an airplane with more than a hundred people you’re bound to catch something.
• It was “planes, trains and automobiles” plus much more. It was monorails (Okinawa), bullet trains (Taiwan), tuk tuks (Peru), the back of flat bed pick up trucks (Thailand), gondola à la orange crates over raging rapids (Peru), 20-hour bus rides with 180° reclining seats (Peru), jam packed mini-coopers with 6 adults plus luggage, ferry (from Koh Samui-Koh Tao), river boat (Bangkok and Peru), local bus (Okinawa) and of course one elephant ride (Thailand).
• I’m very grateful and blessed to have friends and family to travel with on my long vacation. While I’m fairly self reliant and happy to travel on my own, it’s far more fun to share the experience with someone.
o It was wonderful to see Peru from the eyes of a Peruvian, there are so many places we visited and places we ate at that I would never have had no matter how much I could have researched them in a tour guide book. While I jest that all the planning was done by Ana yet I got all the credit if the signage held up by our drivers/guides were any indications, in all seriousness, I wouldn’t have made the trek to Machu Picchu without Ana and Scott's very pragmatic, spontaneous and “just try it” approach to travelling which (and my close friends understand what I mean by this) stretches me and opens my eyes to even more new experiences. Ana’s Dad has a great talent for finding the very best places to eat!
o And it was a real honor to be welcomed into Sam and Venecia’s home and to meet his parents and be showed his hometown where he grew up and meet his parents and some of his very funny and entertaining friends. And I’m thrilled that Venecia and Sam were generous in letting me tag along on their Thailand vacation (and I tried super hard not to be a third wheel) and very happy that Venecia stayed on a few more days so we got to spend time together catching up on girl-talk without boring Sam.
o And I’m grateful that my parents are healthy and keen to explore new countries, foods and learn about other cultures. We always have a wonderful time and because Papa wakes up so early with excitement each morning we are able to pack a lot into our day and as a result we’re tired and exhausted at night and it’s no wonder journaling in my travel diary ended upon arriving in Okinawa.
First Time to Japan on Business
Since my role at Cisco has expanded beyond Australia and New Zealand to also include Japan and Korea, for the first time in a business capacity I was traveling to Japan (Dec. 13-18, 2011).
After concluding all of my work responsibilities, I stayed on the following weekend to visit with family who I hadn't seen in a few years.
First I visited my Great Aunt and her son Teruo for a lovely lunch and tea:
And of course no visit to Tokyo is complete without a visit to my favorite place - Asakusa!
And here's me doing the Mikuji or Japanese Fortune Reading at Asakusa
One of my absolute favorite desserts in the world is kuri-zenzai (red bean, mochi and chestnuts) and this place is where I was first introduced to it. This places holds a special place in my heart as my dear Auntie Haruko introduced me to this place on my first visit ever to Japan when I was about 12 years old.
And I've been missing and thinking about my Uncle Fujio (my Dad's older brother) and his wife Auntie Yasuko and was thrilled to meet up with them for lunch at their place on my last day in Tokyo:
After concluding all of my work responsibilities, I stayed on the following weekend to visit with family who I hadn't seen in a few years.
First I visited my Great Aunt and her son Teruo for a lovely lunch and tea:
And of course no visit to Tokyo is complete without a visit to my favorite place - Asakusa!
And here's me doing the Mikuji or Japanese Fortune Reading at Asakusa
One of my absolute favorite desserts in the world is kuri-zenzai (red bean, mochi and chestnuts) and this place is where I was first introduced to it. This places holds a special place in my heart as my dear Auntie Haruko introduced me to this place on my first visit ever to Japan when I was about 12 years old.
And I've been missing and thinking about my Uncle Fujio (my Dad's older brother) and his wife Auntie Yasuko and was thrilled to meet up with them for lunch at their place on my last day in Tokyo:
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Second Trip to Singapore, First Class Back
Now that I've got an expanded role at Cisco looking not only after Australia and New Zealand, but also having the PR leads for Japan and Korea report into me plus joining the Asia Pacific Corporate Communications leadership team so gaining regional responsibilities as well I've been spending more time in Singapore.
On this, my second trip to Singapore I'm supporting our first Partner-led Conference. With over 50 media and analyst from Asia Pacific and China, it was a very busy week (Nov. 13-19) and after several days of keynotes, business presentations and panel discussions we headed to the Singapore Flier for some sight seeing.
Then we head to Coup d'Etat for drinks. I get a bit closer to the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands and still hope to some day actually swim in the pool at the top of the world.
One evening after the media/analysts had head home, I checked out the original home of the Singapore Sling at Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel. It's the one place in Singapore you can throw peanut shells on the floor and not get arrested :)
And on the day of my departure Miin was a wonderful host and showed me around Sentosa which is a very upscale, 2 km island.
On my flight back to Sydney, I was very, very lucky to be upgraded to First Class on British Airways. I'm not sure how this happened , but think it was because I checked in on the late-side (an 1:15 before my flight was due to depart, but since Singapore International Airport is the gateway to Asia my friend Miin says you don't have to check in the typical 2 hours in advance) and economy was already checked in so I was informed I'd been checked into Economy Plus.
As I was settling into my seat, I heard my name called over the intercom to identify myself to the steward. So I headed to the front of the plane and was surprised when informed my seat was being changed to...she pointed to seat 14B...at the same time I realised I was standing in first class. And it was weird, there were all these "pods" that were set up in pairs with one facing forward and the other towards the back of the plane.
All of a sudden I had a stewardess asking me what newspaper I wanted (no Singapore Straits Newspaper or Sydney newspaper, only UK pubs) and if I'd like a glass of champagne (which I only got a few sips of before they had to take it away as we were taking off, but they quickly got me another as soon as we were up in the air). Then another was trying to get me to take my seat, however, what stumped me was there's was no place to put my purse as there was no "under the seat in front of you". Then I got shown the drawer, of course how obvious, a drawer.
The other thing that befuddled me was if I sit down and recline how does the passenger in the pod along the window get in and out - he steps over my feet/foot stool - which is rather inelegant.
Once we're up in the air, I have a chat with my pod-mate (you feel compelled to say "hello" as you're basically lying right next to each other, face-to-face with only a plastic divider that moves up and down as he's passed his meal/drinks) and find out he's the architect of the Surry Hills library just down the street (we commiserate on the rather useless kitchen in the front of the library and the need for more seating) as well as new Parliament House (I compliment him on the great symbolismy of having the roof open to public picnics, see my previous blog post on this).
On this, my second trip to Singapore I'm supporting our first Partner-led Conference. With over 50 media and analyst from Asia Pacific and China, it was a very busy week (Nov. 13-19) and after several days of keynotes, business presentations and panel discussions we headed to the Singapore Flier for some sight seeing.
Then we head to Coup d'Etat for drinks. I get a bit closer to the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands and still hope to some day actually swim in the pool at the top of the world.
One evening after the media/analysts had head home, I checked out the original home of the Singapore Sling at Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel. It's the one place in Singapore you can throw peanut shells on the floor and not get arrested :)
And on the day of my departure Miin was a wonderful host and showed me around Sentosa which is a very upscale, 2 km island.
On my flight back to Sydney, I was very, very lucky to be upgraded to First Class on British Airways. I'm not sure how this happened , but think it was because I checked in on the late-side (an 1:15 before my flight was due to depart, but since Singapore International Airport is the gateway to Asia my friend Miin says you don't have to check in the typical 2 hours in advance) and economy was already checked in so I was informed I'd been checked into Economy Plus.
As I was settling into my seat, I heard my name called over the intercom to identify myself to the steward. So I headed to the front of the plane and was surprised when informed my seat was being changed to...she pointed to seat 14B...at the same time I realised I was standing in first class. And it was weird, there were all these "pods" that were set up in pairs with one facing forward and the other towards the back of the plane.
All of a sudden I had a stewardess asking me what newspaper I wanted (no Singapore Straits Newspaper or Sydney newspaper, only UK pubs) and if I'd like a glass of champagne (which I only got a few sips of before they had to take it away as we were taking off, but they quickly got me another as soon as we were up in the air). Then another was trying to get me to take my seat, however, what stumped me was there's was no place to put my purse as there was no "under the seat in front of you". Then I got shown the drawer, of course how obvious, a drawer.
The other thing that befuddled me was if I sit down and recline how does the passenger in the pod along the window get in and out - he steps over my feet/foot stool - which is rather inelegant.
Once we're up in the air, I have a chat with my pod-mate (you feel compelled to say "hello" as you're basically lying right next to each other, face-to-face with only a plastic divider that moves up and down as he's passed his meal/drinks) and find out he's the architect of the Surry Hills library just down the street (we commiserate on the rather useless kitchen in the front of the library and the need for more seating) as well as new Parliament House (I compliment him on the great symbolismy of having the roof open to public picnics, see my previous blog post on this).
Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi Beach
Continuing with the theme from the previous day, I checked out the 11-11 sculpture at the Sculpture by the Sea which is a series of sculptures lining the ocean view walkway from Bondi to Bronte Beaches.
A turtle made of tires, not slow moving at all with all these car tires.
This wishbone reminds me of all the times my brother and I buttered the turkey on Thanksgiving and got more butter on each other than on the turkey. Mom's turkey was always moist and wonderful tasting! Tomu and I always enjoyed making our wish and after pulling the wish bone apart seeing whose wish came true!
This art work spells out "dreams".
A turtle made of tires, not slow moving at all with all these car tires.
This wishbone reminds me of all the times my brother and I buttered the turkey on Thanksgiving and got more butter on each other than on the turkey. Mom's turkey was always moist and wonderful tasting! Tomu and I always enjoyed making our wish and after pulling the wish bone apart seeing whose wish came true!
This art work spells out "dreams".
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