2014 Jan Hokkaido;Japan - Day 2

I'll still in shock that I will be leaving Singapore to Korea for a year in 10 days time and I'll still stuck with my Jan trip posts. I will try to finish blogging it before heading off to Korea. 

This post will be slightly longer as this is my favourite place of all in Hokkaido. I like to share all the thing about this place with you all and hope if anyone of you are heading to Hokkaido, please give this place a day and I believe you will fall in love with this place too. 

7 Jan 2014 - Hokkaido ; Otaru (小樽)

Otaru - Otaru Canal (小樽運河); Sakaimachi Street (境町通り) ; LeTAO ; Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building 

Shin Sapporo JR Station platform

Actually I planned to go to some where else today ( somewhere further out of Sapporo ) , but we were still in tired mood, so Aunties made me change my itinerary to go somewhere near for second days of the trip as they don't think we were be able to wait up so earlier in the morning. So I decided to change the plan abit and head to Otaru instead. 

I did alot of homework on the JR train before heading to Hokkaido. As many know that if you are to travel in Japan, it will be better to get JR pass as it will be much easier. Actually I did thought of buying this too, but because I have a grandma that I need to worry about,  I can't plan to travel out to many place in that week so I had to look into other ticket offers that JR Hokkaido that offers to tourist. 

And thank god that I found that JR Hokkaido had a few ticket offers for Otaru itself. The most popular discount ticket was < Sapporo-Otaru Welcome pass >, where it contain round ticket of JR train and 1 day subway pass in Sapporo. But I chose < Otaru Free Ticket > instead as this contain round ticket of JR Train and 1 day Chuo bus around Otaru. I don't need the 1 day free subway pass in Sapporo because we gotten the < Kitaca > card (is the same as Singapore's Ezlink card * I will write about this future post ). You can read more there - http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/pticket/pticket06.html

Otaru (小樽)

Otaru is a small harbor city, about half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train. Its beautifully preserved cancel area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a pleasant day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from Niseko or the Shakotan Peninsula. 

From the early days of Hokkaido's Colonization in the late 1800s, Otaru served as major trade and fishing port. It was hence chosen as the terminal station of Hakkaido's first railway line that connected the port with nearby Sapporo. Many old warehouses and former office building by shipping and trade companies give Otaru's city centre a special character reminiscent of past decades 

(Taken from : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6700.html )

We headed out later as planned, by the time we reach Otaru is already noon time. We find one restaurant and headed in for lunch. 

A seafood restaurant in Otaru

Simple and easy ; feel likes people living home

Yummy !!! 

Main course ; More Yummy !! 

After the yummy lunch, we chose to walk to the most populate attention of all - Otaru Canal - which is nearby (as we had missed the timing if the Chuo bus too) . The walk was not very far but because there were ice everywhere, we had to walk slowly and to be careful not to fall down. (Is about 3 min walk but because of the ice, it took us 10 min to get there). 

Otaru - Otaru Canal (小樽運河)

It was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century. Large vessels were unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the cancel. The canal became obsolete when modern dock facilities allowed from direct unloading of larger vessels. Thanks to a citizens' movement, a part of the canal was beautifully restored in the 1980s instead of being landfilled, while the warehouses were transformed into museums, shops and restaurants. 

The canal makes for a pleasant stroll during the day, when artists present their works to passing tourists, and during the evenings when old fashioned gas lamps are lit and provide a romantic atmosphere. The canal also serves as the main site of the town's Snow light path Festival (end Jan - Feb)

(Taken from : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6701.html )

The most populate tourist attention - Otaru Canal 

The very first snowman I even made !!

While walking on this path, we can't stop taking picture and seeing the snow so white, seem so clean, it made us want to stop our steps and want to play!! We had snowball war and made snowman too. Maybe because it was very cold and the snow festival is not out yet, there wasn't many people at that period, we were able to play until so crazy or else is really very embarrassed thing (like a bundle of crazy girls! ) 

Otaru - Sakaimachi Street (境町通り)

It is an attractive, preserved merchant street in central Otaru, a short walk from the city's canal area. During the development of Hokkaido in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Otaru thrived as a port city, and many trading and shipping companies constructed impressive Western style buildings in the city center to house their offices and shops. 

Many of the buildings along Sakaimachi Street have since been converted into restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques and museums. There are also a few glass workshops for tourists to enjoy a hands-on experience in creating the local Otaru Glass. 

(Taken from : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6704.html )

One of Kitaichi Glassware shop 

Otaru - Sakaimachi Street (境町通り) ; LeTAO 

100% must try dessert when you are in Otara is LeTAO, they have more than 50 kinds of cakes and sweets are prepared at all the time. Sometimes they have limited product which is served in the head store of LeTAO only. Not only that, they have a cafe on the 2nd level which people are able to enjoy cakes and coffee or tea. 

Address : 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido, 047-0027 

Tel : 0134-31-4500 

Shop Hours : 10am ~ 6pm (vary from season to season) (cafe close at 30 min beforehand)

(offical website of LeTAO : http://www.letao.jp/global/en/stores.html )

LeTAO 

Cakes !! yummy yummy

Otaru - Sakaimachi Street (境町通り) ; Music Box Museum 

The Music Box Museum consists of multiple building scattered around the southern end of Sakaimachi street, one of which house a small museum about music boxes. The most prominent building, however, is a large shop with a wide variety of music boxes on sale. In front of the building stands a steam clock, a present by the city of Vancouver

Hours : 9am ~ 6pm (until 7pm on Fri and Sat in Summer)
Fee: Free

Too late, closed by the time we reached

Since most of the shops were closed then, we tried to walked back to the train station. But the ground was too slippery and the snow was quite heavy so we cab back instead (to be safe.) Tomorrow, we will be heading out (that was planned to go today), so was good that we head back earlier to rest. 

2014 Jan Hokkaido;Japan - Day 1

Recently I was super busy with the decision I had make before the Chinese New Year. And with the holiday period (Chinese New Year Holiday), I didn't had the time to blog on my Hokkaido trip.
As promise, there is my post on Hokkaido.

6 Jan 2014 - Hokkaido ; Sapporo 

Sapporo - Mitsui outlet park 

Took ANA airline's night flight from Singapore, Changi Airport to Japan, Hanada Airport to New Chitose Airport. To reach New Chitose Airport, we had to transfer from international flight to domestic flight to reach there. And because of that, we had to get our baggages and re-check in again.

Sun rise at Hanada Airport

We didn't had much time to look around, shop around or even to sit down and have breakfast as we have to rush to re-check in our baggages. And we had to take the shuttle bus to the domestic terminal ( as when we arrive at the international terminal ).
It took us some time before we were able to find the correct terminal to re-chek in


1 hrs flight from Hanada airport to New Chitose airport was very fast, we looked for the a restaurant to eat breakfast before heading into city. Took the JR line train to Shin-Sapporo Station, to Sheraton Sapporo Hotel. So excited to see so much snow !!!  

SO MUCH SNOW !!!!!!!! so happy !!

View of Shin-Sapporo from my room.

As we wasn't able to have good rest on the plane, by the time we reached our hotel room, we were all exhausted. We just have lunch in the hotel and since last night, auntie was not feeling very well, they chose to stay in the, and the rest of us go shopping. 

Sapporo - Mitsui Outlet Park 

Address : 3-7-6  Omagari-Saiwai-Cho, Kita-Hiroshima-city, Hokkaido, 061-1278 

Phone : 011-377-3200

Hours of operation : 

- Shopping : 10am - 8pm

- Food court : 11am - 8pm 

- Restaurants : 10.30am - 9pm 

*Sat / Sun : 11am - 10pm    

Website : http://www.31op.com/sapporo/foreign/index_en.html (if you are able to read Japanese or even Chinese, this website has more information : http://www.31op.com/sapporo/access/index.html )

How to go : From Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line Oyachi station about 25 minutes by bus ( Bus no. 大88 ). Get off the bus at the "Mitsui Outlet Park Entrance" stop. ( bus schedule is list on the bus stop )

Mitsui Outlet Park has approximately 130 stores from famous foreign and domestic brans offering women's, men's and kid's fashion, sporting and outdoor goods, fashion items, lifestyle items and more. Of these 130 stores, 58 are opening a store in Hokkaido for the first time, and 9 are the first in Japan. Visitors can easily come to Mitsui Outlet park, located around 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo, right off the Kitahiroshima Interchange exit on the Dochu Expressway. The outlet is also easily accessible by bus from the Fukuzumi subway station and from New Chitose Airport. There are also direct buese to Mitsui Outlet Park that run only on weekends and holidays from the bus stop in front of Sapporo station (behind Tokyu) 

Mitsui Outlet park 

Actually I didn't planned to come to this outlet at all (truth is I didn't know this factory outlet at all!!). It was when aunties were busy checking in, I looked around at the brochure and I saw this factory outlet that is nearer and it's indoor !!! (the factory outlet that I planned was an outdoor factory outlet :p) The journey was longer than it should be, but we were too exhausted that we don't care and just sleep on the bus.

I always thought that shopping in Japan is super expensive but this factory outlet trip totally change my mind. The thing there were so much cheaper than it was in Singapore!!! Bought a pair of snow boots and some thick legging. The food there seem nice but we decided to go back and bring grandma and auntie out for dinner. After dinner, we went back to have some rest as we will be heading out the next day

Big decision 2014

So fast, first month of 2014 is ending soon. Didn't feel anything and is already ending, so sad!

Actually during the second half of 2013 , I had this thought of going back to school. Since now my parent still don't really need me support me, Even if i'm not working, is still all right. I should do what I want before it's too late. And out of a sudden,  my friend, PQ,  asked if I'm interested in going Korea to learn Korea!! 

I did thought about that too but because i didn't found a good school and the fee was so expensive. But PQ found it! It was a language course from Sungkyankwan university and the sch fee is so much cheaper than other schools. The whole course will be at least a year, so if I'm really interested, I will have to quit my job.

It took me more than 5 month to think about it. (Luckily the application dates starts in end Dec ) and I had decided to go for it!!! It's something that I won't dare to do I will be going alone. With PQ going with me, I feeled more safe and at least there is someone will look out for you.

Submitted my resignation letter last month,  and this 30 Jan will be my last day of work. When I submitted the letter, I really felt relief and believed that this is really what I want and I should do this. even before the certificate of administration had been issue (a document for us to do and do visa) have been issued, we had booked our one way tickets to Korea.

The application went through faster than I thought. (Submit in 30 Dec, 31 Dec receive confirmation from school to do payment ). But I wanted to take the whole course (which has 6 session) but they only issue for 1 session and refused to issue a certificate of administration to us to do visa. (Singapore passport had 90 day free entry, only if we are staying more than 90 days need to do visa)

After ton of email back and fro, they finally understand and issue the certificate to us! Now that we received the visa, we had to go and do it asap as we have less than 1 month (sch is going to start early mar). Thought that visa will need at least a month to do in the end it took less than 1 week to complete , now we only left wit finding accommodation.

Truth is, now I'm excite, nervous, scared and worry. Is my first time away from everyone I know for so long. Actually I choose to experience this but I still can't stop worrying. I just pray everything will be fine and go as plan.

2013 Nov-Dec BKK;Thailand - Day 3

Is been almost 2 month and I haven't finish blogging my Dec Thailand trip. Wit Christmas, new year, Japan trip all so near to each other, I

had no time to blog at all. 

BKK Day 3 - 2 Dec 2013 - Coming back
Today also didnt had the chance to go Plantium mall as it was closed due to the riots. Was very sad as there is a one place I never miss when I'm in Bangkok, but this time I'm being forced to stay away from it. *sob sob; so sad :( *

CT intro me to this new shopping mall. When I came out of the station , there is this shopping mall named 'sunshine mall'.  Since i had so much time alone, why bot just go in for a walk. This place is a IT paradises,  as all shops are related to IT products. The place is very big but the people tend to stare when someone walked by. I went off after one floor. 

Headed to the new shopping which CT intro. Many of the international brand can be found here. And this place totally remind me of Singapore 'ION',  the higher level you go, the thing get more expensive. Things was too expensive and the brand can be found in Singapore so I gave III p shopping and just have a cup of coffee 

Dinner wit CT before taking the subway back to her place for last min packing. We just had something light at the food court (actually it was still too early).

According to CT, the subway never break down before, so I guess I'm just unlucky. Subway door was open when I reached the plaform. I just went straight in, thinking that the door will close soon. But the door was not closing, then we were asked to take the next train as there are problem with this train. The next train took 5 min to reach there station, but it was slight delay too as the train ahead was still in station.

I was more than half an hrs later than planned (all because of the subway delay!!) Had to rush to check in counter to do check in first (Wasn't able to do check in first as my friend's hse has no printer.) After that I still have to rush to the custom as the queue was super long too!! Took me another 20-30 min to get through custom itself !

Finally got through custom, was able to do last min shopping before boarding, spent too much time shopping that I didn't had time to enjoy the WI-FI (actually while shopping, tried to connect to the WI-FI but always failed, so give up. In the end, while siting down before the gate to rest for a while, finally got connected ! LOL)At least I had the time to ask my parent not to come and pick me up, or else I think I'm just even more stress (my Dad just can't wait for people)

This flight is much better than the flight there as there was no kid seated next to me, was able to relax in peace. The moment the plane door opens, everyone was rushing out. I was still there sitting at my seat, letting people go out first as all there trying to get out as soon as possible. Because I don't has check in baggage, even if I was the last few to came out, I can get out of the gate earliest *hehehe*. Took cab home straight to get ready for work tomorrow.

2013 Nov-Dec BKK;Thailand - Day 2

Day 2 - 1 Dec 2013/ Sun - Let have fun !

Because CT's exam is coming soon, she still has to go to school on Sunday, so I will be alone for the whole afternoon. Before heading out, CT helped to check where is safe to go to, I can't go to my favourite place Siam area (Planetarium mall , Siam square) as it will be close today. Therefore I decided to go to Chatuchak market (since it's a weekend market.) & Terminal 21

BKK - Chatuchak (weekend) Market 

Address -
Kampaengphet 3 Road, Khwaeng Lat Yao,
Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
How to go - Take the Sky Train (BTS) - Get onto the Mo Chit northern bound train either by the main station, Siam. The Mo Chit station is the last station on the line. When you arrive at the station, get out and follow the signs for the market. The market is on the right hand side of the street, just behind the large Chatuchak Park. OR take the Underground Train (MRT) - Take the underground train (MRT) from any station on the northern line . Stay on the train and either get off at Chatuchak Park station or Kamphaeng Phet.
Website - http://www.chatuchak.org/

The weekend Market is one of the world's largest weekend markets covers area of 27 acres altogether divided into 27 sections, contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand . It is also very popular shopping centre to Thais and has become a popular place to tourists and foreigners. Almost everything can be found here at a bargaining local price and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving and clay handicrafts. You name it, it have it.

There are 27 sections in together -
Section 1 = Amulets, books, collectibles, food shops and cafe
Section 2 - 4 = Collectibles, home decor, paintings and terra cotta
Section 5 - 6 = Clothes, adornments and miscellaneous products
Section 7 - 9 = Antiques, furniture, ceramics and handicrafts
Section 10 - 24 = Clothes, consumer products, adornments, household appliances and pets.
Section 17 - 19 = Ceramics, fresh and dry food
Section 22 - 26 = Antiques, Furniture and handicrafts
Section 27 = Books, collectibles, food and dessert shops

Chatuchak market 

Map of Chatuchak ; Taken from - http://www.chatuchak.org/map.html

The last time I was there, I nearly died from the heat, so this time I purpose to go there early in the morning and wear cooling dressing. Surprising that morning, it wasn't very hot (just that the sun can be little too bright) and I have a great time walking there. As I was alone, I didn't have to worry people getting lost (when you are in big group, need to take note who had been leave behind) and just see thing where my legs bring me to. Spent the whole morning there, just one morning I already buy so many things !! OMG, have to control myself ! or else later not enough to use. After that, headed to Terminal 21 for lunch

BKK - Terminal 21 

Open - 10am ~ 10pm 

How to go - Take the Sky Train (BTS) to Asok station  OR take the Underground Train (MRT) to Sukhumvit station. Direct access via Skywalk and it will link straight to Terminal 21 

Terminal 21 is a delightful shopping and dining experience. It has particular appeal for the younger generation of shoppers, specifically university student to your executives. When compared to other luxury shopping malls along downtown Sukhumvit road, Terminal 21 definitely has its own edge and is definitely worth visiting. 

There are nine floors at Terminal 21 has more than 600 shops. The basement level (LG) has a Caribbean theme and is where you will find the gorment market, take away food outlets market-style food vendors as well as banks and bookstores. Take an escalator up one level and the ground floor (G) bring you to Rome, with all kinds of international and local fashion labels such as Kipling, Fox, CC:OO, Nike , Jaspal, Adidas , Levi's and more

Terminal 21 part 1

Level M is Paris, which will take you to the Champs-Elysees, where even more fashion await your discovery. The 1st  to 3rd floors are home to smaller shops by local independent labels. Women's fashion is found on the 1st floor (Tokyo) and Men's on the 2nd floor (London). The 3rd floor (Istanbul) is for gifts, jerellery, fashion accessories, toys, beauty products and home decor. This floor has a look and feel of a middle Eastern zouk but with a modern Twist.  

Terminal 21 part 2 

San Francisco on the 4 & 5th floor, where there are more than 50 restaurants and cafe.
I chose a Steak house for lunch as later will be having Thai food with CT.
Was slightly dry but is just half price of Singapore's steak house.

Lunch @ Jeffer @ Terminal 21  

Took my time, slowing eat my steak. I find this is one good thing about being alone, you could take your time to finish your food and don't need to listen to people pushing you to hurry up and food your food. After that, I started my window shopping (well, do buy some things too! hehe). I didn't dare to go to other areas as I have no WI FI , don't know if other areas are safe anot. Walked until tired le, I just find a place to sit down and have some dessert.

2014 Jan Japan - D-day

Wasn't able to blog much about the planning for this trip (with all the Christmas , new year party).

But luckily I was able to finish the itinerary because I didn't had to look for accommodation and I don't even have to change money too (my auntie help me since she is changing too). 

The weather in Hokkaido now is super super cold (- 5 degree). And because I had experience the cold before, I know I will want to wear more since we will be outdoor all the time. I packed all the thick clothes I had and OMG, I think that my luggage is already overweight !! Bought 3 pack of hot pack from Diaso, hope it's enough to keep us warm. 

 I can't wait to flying of to Sapporo tonight. 

2013 Nov-Dec BKK;Thailand - Day 1

Despite of the recent riots in Bangkok, I went ahead with my BKK trip. I really need this trip badly as there were lot of thing going through my mind, and i need to get away for a while or else I really do think I will go crazy. Since I can't just disappear like that, I went for a short trip alone (since it was actually my 2013 plan; to travel alone.) Actually chose BKK as my destination was because I have a friend that is currently studying there. I could just crash in and stay a few days with her [helping me to save up in accommodation

Day 1 - 30 Nov 2013/ Sat - Arrive BKK

Singapore Airport Dec Theme 

As I did online check-in the day before, I don't need to go to the airport so early. But I still went there slightly earlier so I can have some time to do some shopping before boarding. Due to the heavy rain, flight was delay for about 30 min. There was a kid seated next to me and she just can't shut up, kept moving around and asking ton of question (although she wasn't asking me , but she was just too noisy.) Believe that because it wasn't the travelling peak period, the flight was not fully pack. Even if I was the last few to leave, it don't take long to reach BKK airport. And because I don't have any check in baggage, I can walk out as soon as I clear custom.

My friend's CT was already waiting outside for me. We headed to somewhere nearby [in the airport] for dinner as by the time we reach city area, shop will already be close [CT said now there are curfew, shops and people are to stay indoor after 10pm or else police will catch.] Had some authentic Thai food. They have picture menu [good for people like me; totally have no clue of Thai], serving were abit slow, but the price isn't expensive and many local were eating there too. I'll come back to this store again the next time

Dinner 

Bought some cupcake for tomorrow breakfast before heading back to CT house. I'm staying with her with I'm here in Bangkok. Took the airport rail link  and change to underground subway. The door closing for the Airport rail link was so loud that I got shocked for a few times.

After alighting the underground subway, we will still need to walk at least 10 min to reach her house. But it was already very dark at night, CT suggest we take the motorcycle taxi to her house [which will only take 2 min]. It was my first time taking the motorcycle, I was shaking while waiting for my turn to board. CT told the driver the destination and he just drove off with me behind worrying. The ride cost 10THB, and before boarding CT already asked me to hold on to the coin and just pass to the rider once alighted [she said never know if the driver with snatched your bag when you are 'digging' out the coin for them, so is better to hold the coin in your hand and just pass to them once arrive].

What a interesting night, I can't wait for tmr for me to travel alone in a unfamiliar country !