✈ Japan Anime Live @ Düsseldorf

Ever since the Germany Oktoberfest trip did not materialise, I have been feeling pretty bummed. Finally, I decided that I've had enough of being cooped in Castellanza and started scouring the Internet for a last minute weekend trip. Somewhere, anywhere!


Chanced upon the Japan Anime Live in Europe trailer on YouTube and at the spur of the moment (with some instigation from me), we bought the train tickets only two days before the event in Düsseldorf, without making purchase of the JAL tickets itself! Even though the JAL tour will be stopping over in Milan and other cities in Italy during November, we still went ahead for the Düsseldorf event, and I'm feeling so thrilled about the spontaneity! I would be sorely disappointed if I were to miss the event as I will be traveling out of Italy during the scheduled tour dates.

We took a huge leap of faith and wasn't disappointed! There was a long queue when we got to the venue but we managed to secure two tickets! I think we spent more time traveling to Düsseldorf (more than 12 hours of uncomfortable train journey for a SINGLE trip, meaning 24 hours two and fro) than being in the city itself, but it was well worth it and certainly an experience to remember. I am in awe at how anime culture has such influence globally, even over at the other side of the globe. Most of the crowd were anime fans, cosplaying in their favourite character. Given that it is not widely accepted in their countries, one really got to marvel at the courage and passion Europeans have for the anime culture.

Finally got in!
Snippets of Bleach and Naruto that got the Dutch fans screaming through the roof

Parcel of awesomeness

I love Asian food. And I love spicy food the most. The tingly, numb sensation when my taste buds get in touch with the Asian spices are just so stimulating and addictive! And that's what I missed most here in the West T_T

Back in Singapore, we would go for weekly 麻辣 sessions:

I remembered making a passing remark during one of my Skype conversations with my mum, and being the fabulous mum she is, she sent me a parcel of awesomeness containing all the food and products I love! ♡

It took almost two weeks for the parcel to be delivered! 

Ta-dah! Bursting with excitement and glee while slashing the tapes!
First glimpse of the parcel of awesomeness, with its contents way cheaper than shipping (Mum paid close to SGD$250)
Hello maggi, tomyum, sambal, miso and everything awesome! :D 
Nicely packed into our shelf for consumption...
...which happened on the night itself. :) Tom yam maggi with sambal. Nom nom nom!