東京/箱根 ♥

It was by a stroke of luck that we chanced upon an awesome deal on Zuji and hurray, we're back in Tokyo in less than a year! Included Hakone in our itinerary this time because I was sorely disappointed that I didn't get to see Mt. Fuji (and experience onsen) the first time. I mean, traveling Japan is just incomplete without seeing Mt. Fuji!

It was a much needed getaway for me too, away from the commitments and shortfall of expectations.

6 days including traveling time was simply too short - in addition to shorter day time in winter, we had to do away with some of our original plans in order to prioritize the sights we haven't been to. And what a right decision we've made!

東京♥

The highly recognized Kaminarimon leading to Sensō-ji

Nakamise Shopping Street with a wide array of omiyage and street food

 

Tokyo Tower 東京タワー

 

Obligatory tourist pica

 

Passed by this gorgeous park on our way back. When fall turns to winter. Feels like a scene taken out from a movie.

 

Prettiest autumn leaves I've seen!

箱根♥

Hakone is such a lovely place I'm so glad we made it a point to travel out of Tokyo! Cable cars and ropeways are part of its everyday transportation which make navigating and exploring around Hakone so much more adventurous and exciting. We opted for a 2d1n ryokan stay and it was such an indulgent experience!

Tatami mats & futon beds!

 

Yukata

 

This is bliss. Outdoor onsen in the middle of the night at subzero degrees was an experience not to be missed! I could get used to this everyday.

 

On our first day in Hakone, the ropeway to Ōwakudani was closed by the time we rushed there. The beautiful sunset at Sounzan made up for our disappointment despite the wasted trip and time.

寒い

The next day we made our way up again, feeling hopeful upon greeted by the good weather when we woke

 

And there! The sight I've been longing for

 

Snow-capped & majestic looking!

 

My life is complete ♡

 

Kuro tamago @ Ōwakudani Valley

 

Said to add 7 years for every one you eat!

 

Kuro ramen. The authentic volcano ramen that beats Ajisen's hands down.

I've graduated!

"Graduate! Paper chase! We'll get out of this place! Don't turn around. Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town. Now that's all for us. It's last call to go!"

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I've officially graduated from school! The graduation ceremony, which most proud parents including mine eagerly look forward to attend and celebrate the joyous occasion of their kids gaining (financial) independence, officially marks the end of my 16 years of academic journey and paper chase.

It has been a long ride indeed, from back during pre-school days how my mum was reciting timetables to me during bedtime hoping to subconsciously rub some mathematics in me, to sending me off to kindergarten and then pretending to leave but was actually constantly peering into the classroom to make sure I have settled down in class and was interacting fine with my classmates, to going great extents to make sure I get into a good primary school... and then it was the start of the paper chase. The PSLE, GCE 'O' Level and GCE 'A' Level examinations, where like many of my peers, preparation involved completing a long list of assessment books and practicing other top schools' examination papers. Friends come and go, some friendships were forged and some were broken, puppy loves, crushes, hanging out till late in shopping malls ... those were the days back in secondary school. Which also resulted in the peak of my rebellion and I took a stumble during the 'O' Level examination. Despite the tough price to pay and humbling lesson to learn, all roads lead to Rome and I'm more than thankful I emerged unscathed and got into my desired university choice.

University was a significant milestone, I was thrilled at having not to touch Science subjects ever again, yes to no more Chemistry and my most hated Physics classes! It was a fast paced environment with a steep learning curve, having to grow up in the pseudo reality of working life, grasping and juggling with many more things, as well as grabbing the opportunities when they present themselves to you. Internships, overseas community service, overseas study trip, exchange program, those were the good and fun times!

Seriously, all credits to the two most important people in my life. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all these without them. This is THEIR big day!

No, not these two. ;)

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Universal Studios Singapore!

With a penchant for doing touristy things, I was really excited about going to Universal Studios on my birthday! Applied for my first annual leave despite barely passing my one-month mark at work to avoid the weekend crowd but it was surprisingly still very crowded on a Monday morning. Nevertheless, I was all psyched and raring to go!


Got our one-day passes!

Taking the river boat ride
We love to move it, move it!
This was our first ride since friends strongly recommended it! I have to confess that being a scaredy cat I actually wiki-ed the entire flow of the ride so that I could expect those sudden accelerations and plunges but it all happened too fast for me to react! Very fun and thrilling I would say!



Shrek in 4D was awesome! I'm not a huge fan of 3D but the effects for this animation were good! Love those cheeky physical effects too (pardon the blur pica taken using phone)
Dino-Soarin'
The most thrilling ride of the theme park but unfortunately I only had the guts to take the Human track of Battlestar Galactica. I think we stood there for the longest time watching the roller coaster go up and down over and over again, while trying to muster our courage and prepare ourselves for the ride. Almost chickened out when the ride was delayed due to technical difficulties and had to go for 5 test runs! So proud of myself to have conquered it!



I was genuinely impressed that USS Singapore have a queuing system in place for photo taking with mascots. Having been to Tokyo Disneyland where they only paid attention to kids, I was delighted to be able to queue for a photo with my favorite people! It would have been a complete experience if I was able to catch hold of Puss in Boots and Kungfu Panda!

♥ these mascots who played their characters really well.


Marilyn Monroe!
The ever cheeky Charlie Chaplin who has SO many different poses!
Frankenstein! wahahaha
Missed some of the shows due to the timings but I know I'll definitely be back for the Transformers attractions this coming December. It was so much fun packed in one day. :)

A new beginning

Hello, corporate world.
Finally signed and had my fate sealed in the contract. It was a good two months of unemployment and bumming around, being free like a bird after my last academic exams and having the liberty of time to chill and spend quality time with myself, family and friends. There was a slight regret of not being able to go on a "graduation trip" like everyone else, despite already having my fair share of traveling and fun during exchange. Then again, I knew that if I were to go for a short trip, I would probably be worrying about getting employed at the back of my mind, which would defeat the purpose of traveling!

Anyway, I can never be more grateful that this job search has come to an end. The anxiety and frustration of not getting any calls for interviews after sending in countless applications is something I wouldn't want to experience anytime soon again. The job hunting process has taught me one thing: It's damn important to have the right contacts to tap into. Onto a more positive outlook, I'm ready and looking forward to my first day of work at my first job next week! Cheers to pencil skirts, high heels and anything that spells c-o-r-p-o-r-a-t-e!

End of academic life

Contrary to the rest of my peers who felt nostalgic or even a tinge of sadness to part with their academic life or experience, I was pretty much neutral from saying goodbye to my 16 years of education journey. It wasn't that the feeling of graduating hasn't sunk in yet, it was just ... nothing. When my last exam paper was handed in, there was no exceptional exhilaration or sadness. Probably just a rush of relief that I'm finally done and over with the education system.

It's no longer a secret that I only have regrets for my education journey. Of not being smart enough, of not being hardworking enough, and of being average. Despite not being able to fit in, I'm still thankful for all the opportunities given to me. Nevertheless, it has all come to an end. That said, as with the harsh reality of working life, I do pray I can accomplish something bigger, something better!

Sun, sea and sand lovin'!

Adjusting my life back from a traveler to being a student in an ever elitist university wasn't as difficult as I thought, perhaps because I was in my graduating semester and I couldn't give two hoots about the competitive system already. The unbearable weather still stays, I can't reiterate how much I miss the winter and snow in Europe!

I never expect myself to go on a short getaway so soon, considering how much I've spent over the past 5 months and how I really ought to settle my heart down and do some serious mapping for my future. It was such a blessing that I have initiative friends who made this Bintan trip happen! It was a short 3 days and we did nothing except to bask in the sun, take in the scenic view, enjoy the sea breeze and laze around at the pool - too good to be true considering it was mid-semester week!

Bintan, Indonesia



Our villa, Banyu Biru @ Nirwana Gardens


Everyone was sunkissed!