Posted in Action, Beauty, Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health

Detoxing

I was off line for a while.

It wasn’t my will but I detoxed this weekend, both physically and digitally.

I had good days and bad days and bad days eventually forced me to detox.

Last week, I was busy with good days.

Weekend: I went to Wakayama Prefecture to visit temples and enjoy being in nature – ocean, waterfall and mountains & trees.

Monday: I went to gym.

Tuesday: I went to an ear doctor for check up – nothing is wrong, I can go for more diving!

Wednesday: I went to body work.

Thursday: I went to see physical trainer.

Friday: I had girls’ night. We had so much fun so we had a little too much of red wine.


Saturday: I had a hangover and I slept through a day.
Sunday: I was feeling better, but I felt tired and slept through another day.

Monday: It is a Japanese national holiday (Spring Equinox Day); therefore, my office is closed. I finally woke up and be active: doing laundry, cleaning room, even went to beauty salon to get my hair done.

Since I slept through Saturday and Sunday, I didn’t eat and I open SNS.

I was forced to detox; but I feel fresh.

My body is lighter (lost few kg over weekend) and my mind is lighter (didn’t care about message – I only noticed I received few today).

It’s difficult to detox for me because I don’t have a strong will.

It is a perfect timing to change my diet – eating meat and vegetables only.

Let’s see how it works.

I will share more about it after getting result on me.  

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Gadget, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Tokyo

Summary of My Week

I was rushing to places past few days and returned home after midnight.

I try to blog everyday; but I didn’t have stamina to do so.

Therefore, I decided to upload the summary.

On Friday, we went to Indian Restaurant Khan Kebab a Biriyani @ Ginza.

Sometimes, I get disappointed with food that requires many types of spices.

I understand the restaurant might face trouble sourcing the spices or simply trying to save cost. 

But at this restaurant, I enjoyed every food.


On Saturday, after our field trip to the cutting edge Japanese innovation center TEPIA, we explored Tokyo.

TEPIA is quite interesting to visit.

You can also participate in Japanese innovation.


This is the Nissin Cup Noodle Dancing Robot. 

The robot dances for three minutes while waiting for a noodle.

It’s a nice three minutes timer.


Then we went to Shibuya.


I enjoyed Kebab at Saray Kebab at Shibuya.


I had Kebab rice with humms and cherry drink.

Delicious♪


I also went to Harajuku.

The crepe was introduced in here; therefore, it is a fashion to eat a crepe here.

I ordered one.



I had Angel’s Heart strawberry crepe.

On the show window, there are six pieces of strawberries, a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate; but I had only two pieces of strawberries and mainly tasting whipped cream.

There are many crepe stalls; you should try others.

I decided to post bads as well.

I had a bad experience on Friday.

My friend bought watches as sourvenir at Don Quijote Ginza (we call the retails Donki for short).

Before ringing a cashier, we asked if they could set the time to Malaysian time which is one hour earlier than Japan.

Two sales persons said they would do, but we were told we need to purchase them first.

Fair enough, so my friend bought watches.

Then the lady who did cashier started telling me we cannot ask them to set the time because they are busy.

I told her we asked in advance and they said okay, it is not fair that the store asked us to purchase and after we purchase refuse to do what you promised.

She was bitching all the way.

But I kept quiet because I wanted everything to be processed.

Luckily, we asked them to set the time because one of them was out of battery.

This bitching lady needed to process it again, so she was really bitching.

But I don’t understand why she was so angry because the total amount was more than USD 500.

Then later we found out that she punched wrongly.

The amount was overcharged.

There is a tag saying, if you buy four, the price is JPY 2500.

But she charged JPY 1000 each.


Next day, we went back. 

She was there again and told us the store won’t refund if we don’t have every merchandises with its barcode.

The scene was about to get nasty, then a lady cut in.

I explained all the situation by showing a photo of price tag, pointing the actual signage and showing receipt.

This nice lady quickly apologized and processed to refund.

But the bitching lady was still bitching in Japanese.

And a man, I don’t know what’s his position, but he was siding this bitching lady by saying “you are right, you did the right thing” in front of customers.

I don’t understand them.

She overcharged a customer and it’s okay?

When we settle this, the price tag isn’t there any more.

The store must have taken it away quickly.

Luckily, I took a photo before they took it out.

This made me realized I need to write something bads as well, to protect consumers like us.

We went to other Donki, but they assisted us nicely and so as other stores.

Watch out the lady at Donki Ginza 2nd Floor watch section, she overcharges and she thinks it’s right to bitch in front of foreign customers in Japanese. 

She made me shame.

My friends from overseas thought Japanese are nice; but She succeeded to give a different impression to them who visited Japan for first time.

Luckily, they met more Japanese during their stay so they know she is the exceptional case.

After Harajuku, we went to Akihabara and had sushi.

The sushi restaurant strategically uses iPads to assist foreign visitors in many languages.

Too bad I didn’t take any pictures at Akihabara.

Perhaps, next time.

On Sunday, I catch up on my sleep because I need to go back to office as usual tomorrow.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Place, Shopping, Travel

Short Trip to Canada (Day 3)

Today is the day for Canadian Rockies hunting.

Eat well, prepare well.


First, went to the Banff National Park to see the Bow Fall.

However, it’s cold and snowing; it’s difficult to find a fall itself in the photo. 

It’s at left side of photo.


Then, visited the Surprise Corner where we could take a nice photo of our hotel, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.


Today I also enjoyed a nice walk in snow at Johnston Canyon.

I walked for 1.3 km to lower falls.


I admired nature in many ways.

Water is frozen; and it’s in nice blue.


 


Limestone


This is lower falls; it’s just amazing.


Water is so blue…


This is a good photo spot for Morant’s Curve if I manage to catch a train.

We had lunch at Fairmont Chateau Louise.

This hotel is located just in front of Lake Louise. 


Lake Loise is overlooked by Victoria Glaicer. 

During the winter, Lake Loise become a skate link.


I had lunch at LAGO..


After lunch, it was time for exercise.

I wear snowshoes to go to Paint Lake.


It was a long way to the lake.


Peyto Lake.

I manage to see Rockies as well.

It was worth walking there.


Bow Lake
It’s covered by snow; I cannot tell it’s a lake or great plain.


Crowfoot Glacier

The glaicier is in a shape of crowfoot.



Castle Mountain

The shape of mountains are in shape of castle…?


Vermilion Lake

This lake will turn into red with sunset.

Today, it remained in WHITE.


The last spot is observation point overlooking Banff.

There is a group of Big Horn Sheep and the Sulfur Mountain.


There is a natural hot spring at the Sulfur Mountain.

Unfortunately, I don’t have time to try it this time; therefore, I bought a packet of this to try the Banff Hot Spring at home.


It is Christmas Eve.

I had turkey and Christmas desserts for dinner.



By the way, Marilyn Monroe stayed in this hotel and this is the proof.

She took a film of “A River of No Return” here in Banff.


I’m glad that I’m spending my Christmas here.

I wish you Merry Christmas!

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 9 (Last Day)

Today is the last day and still need to visit 11 temples to complete.

My favorite ice cream was served as breakfast. Yeah!

No. 11 Fujiidera (Fujii Temple)

Unfortunately, it was raining.

Mummmm it was cold and difficult to conduct the ritual.



There is a gorgeous dragon drawn on the ceiling.



No. 10 Kiriharaji (Kirihara Temple)

Started the count down…


No. 9 Horinji (Horin Temple)


There are so many people trying to reserve space under the roof to practice. 


No. 8 Kumadaniji (Kunadani Temple)




I thought these guardians look strong!


No. 7 Jurakuji (Juraku Temple)

The gate is called Ryugu Mon (Ryugu Gate).

Ryugu is a kingdom in the ocean.

I think this gate is cute. 




No. 6 Anrakuji (Anraku Temple)


The garden is beautiful.



Today, this temple provides hot spring here.

I wish I had time to dip.

Perhaps, next time…


No. 5 Jizoji (Jizo Temple)



This temple’s Daishido is nicely decorated; so sophisticated.



I ate a local (Tokushima’s) snack at a car. 

This is chikuwa (fish cake/surimi) on a bamboo.

A bamboo gives nice flavor and aroma.


No. 4 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)



A bowl of hot Udon noodle warmed my body. Yammy!


No. 3 Konsenji (Konsen Temple)



Another well to check my reflection.

I can see myself! Yeah!!!


No. 2 Gokurakuji (Gokuraku Temple)



This is a carrying Buddha; making a wish while carrying Buddha.


Buddha’s foot print.


Splash Fumyodo-oh (Acala) to make a wish.


No. 1 Ryozenji (Ryozen Temple)


The last temple.

I was overwhelmed; I started crying.

I felt calm and peace; the place is gorgeous and holly.

I completed…


I completed…time to go back to my ordinary life, but I won’t be the same.

I learned many things through this trip.

I enjoyed an obento (packed meal) on Shinkansen (bullet train) back home.



I’m grateful that I could conduct this exercise.

Yes, I would like to conduct this exercise again!!

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 8

Again food is fresh and enjoyed very much. 


The estimated time for sun rise was 6:45 am on that day, but we departed hotel at 6:30 am.

Sun was about to rise….


Sun rose while driving for a temple.

I felt so blessed when I saw sun rising: calm and peaceful.

No. 23 Yakuoji (Yakuo Temple)


We believe that at the age of 33 for women and 42 for men is unlucky age that we need to be careful.

It is good to be careful all the time, but I think this is believed because this is the age that our body system change that require attention.

Or we could blame on a bad year.

When climbing stairs, we place money every steps for offering.

There are two sets of stairs, one for women (33 stairs) and men (42 stairs).



No. 22 Byodoji (Byodo Temple)


This rope is connected to Buddha. 

It’s very nice of a temple to arrange this rope to reach the entrance. 
People who have difficulties to walk can be blessed at the entrance by holding this rope.

The ceiling is nicely decorated.


No. 21 Tairyuji (Tairyu Temple)

We need to take a ropeway because the temple is located on the mountain (618 m high).



Tairyuji Station




It’s so beautiful and air is fresh; I wanted to walk around the area, but needed to catch the next ropeway down. 

Instead of walking, I was running to the station. hahaha


No. 20 Kakurinji (Kakurin Temple)

The symbol of this temple is a pair of cranes.

Two cranes was protecting a small statue of Golden Buddha.



A Statue of Golden Buddha was protected at this Japanese cedar by cranes here.


These trees were planted by Kobo Daishi.


No. 19 Tatsueji (Tatsue Temple)



Unfortunately, it cannot be seen in the photo, but there is a bunch of thick long hair.

This temple serves as a checkpoint as well.

If you commit bads, you cannot pass through this checkpoint.

When a lady named Okyo who cheated her husband tried to walk through this temple (checkpoint), her hair suddenly extended stopping her to walk through.

I could walk freely…that means I am okay…right?


That’s a scary story, but the temple itself is beautiful.


No. 18 Onzanji (Onzan Temple)

Originally, this temple prohibited women to enter.

However, when Kobo Daishi’s mother visited him, he conducted hard ascetic practices to lift the ban so that he could meet Mother.

Today, I (female) have no problem entering.




Lunch Time!!

Had a lunch at a self service restaurant.

There are varieties of food (fried, grilled, noodles, curry, etc.) that we can pick a plate.

Again, delicious!


No. 17 Idoji (Ido Temple)



The temple’s name IDO means a well.

There is a water well in the temple.

If you can see yourself when you look into a well, you are okay.

If you cannot see your reflection, something bad will happen to you in three years…

Yes! I could see myself; I’m safe!

No. 16 Kannonji (Kannon Temple)


No. 15 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)

There are four prefectures in Shikoku region/island.

Kokubunji is located in every prefecture.

As such, this is the fourth Kokubunji that I visited.


The Main Temple is under reconstruction.


I prayed at the temporary main temple.


No. 14 Jorakuji (Joraku Temple)

This is the only temple worshipping Mirokubosatsu (Maitreya) among 88 temples.




This is Araragi (Japanese Yew Tree) Daishi.

This tree is about 10 m high.

This Daishi is good for diabetes and eyes.


Can you see Daishi? 


No. 13 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)

This temple is situated along a road.



No. 12 Shosanji (Shosan Temple)


Greeted very well. fufufu






Today, I visited 11 temples.

Checked-in at Tokushima Tokyu Rei Hotel.



I felt cold so it was nice to have a hot pot for dinner. 

Winter, it is a hot pot season as well.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7 Part 2

No. 30 Zenrakuji (Zenraku Temple)


Umemi Jizo (Stone Buddha) for head problems. 

I don’t want to become dementia. 


No. 29 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)



This temple has a nice garden.

Moss is nice and GREEN!


No. 28 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)



Lunch time!

A bowl of boiled whitebait.


Dessert was a homemade sweet potato; very natural.


Very peaceful…


No. 27 Konomineji (Konomine Temple)


No. 26 Kongochoji (Kongocho Temple)



Rubbed to prevent any cancers.


No. 25 Tsushoji (Tsusho Temple)


Needed to climbed-up…



The temple is located on a hill that can overlook the ocean.

How nice!


 No. 24 Hotsumisakiji (Hotsumisaki Temple)

Entered from the back.


One Wish Stone Buddha 

The Main Temple is surrounded by many nice constructions.


Sunstarted setting…the moment is so beautiful…

Proceeded to Mikurodo where Kobo Daishi practised.

While looking at the sky and ocean, Kobo Daishi decided to use the name Kukai.



Checked in at Hotel Riviera Shishikui in Shishikura Onsen (hot spring).

I like a tatami mat room and love an onsen!

Onsen water is slimy…you need to try it to understand what I mean.



Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7

A Christmas tree decorates the entrance of the Crown Palais New Hankyu Kochi.


Again, enjoyed local food buffet breakfast♪


No. 34 Tanemaji (Tanema Temple)

It feels good to start a day early.

I was at Tanemaji at 7:10 am. hahaha



No. 33 Sekkeiji (Sekkei Temple)


Finally facing Pacific Ocean.


No. 32 Zenjibuji (Zenjibu Temple)


Nice view from here.


No. 31 Chikurinji (Chikurin Tempe)

The direct translation of name of temple is Bomboo Forest.

Yes, moss is so beautiful and green.





Sorry, I need to catch up with my sleep. 

I will continue tomorrow.

By the way, guess what I had for lunch today.

My friend invited me for a bowl of Jakoten Udon at the Ehime Prefecture’s satellite shop in Tokyo.

I think I had enough for Jakoten noodle. Hahaha

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (Second 1/2)

Sorry, I was too tired yesterday and I was literally forced to shut down; no more energy to stay awake.

I will continue from later half of Day 6.

Kochi Prefecture is famous for bonito fish.

I enjoyed Katsuo no Tataki (bonito sashimi) with two different sauce: ponzu (soy sauce with yuzu citrus) and shiodare (salty sauce).

 

I also enjoyed a Katsuo burger (bonito burger); surprisingly very delicious!


Melon Soda


No. 37 Iwamotoji (Iwamoto Temple)

I continued visiting temples.



The ceiling is nice, but what Marilyn Monroe doing here…!?


No. 36 Shoryuji (Shoryu Temple)




No. 35 Kiyotakiji (Kiyotaki Temple)


At the bottom of Yakushinyorai (Bhaisajyaguru/Buddha of Healing), there is a maze in dark).

It was scary because I couldn’t see anything. 


This was the last temple of the day.

I had time to enjoy Sun setting as well.

Posted in Cooking, Experience, Feelings, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (1/2)

Starting my day with Japanese breakfast.


Hotel is just next to Uwajima Station.


The first temple is far from Hotel while driving, enjoyed a peaceful view.


No. Kanjizaiji (Kanjizai Temple)



My guardian, Senju-kannon (Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara)


Kaeru (Frog) is a good luck charm in Japan because it sounds same as “Return”.

Happiness Returns, Wealth Returns, Illness Reurns


No. 39 Enkoji (Enko Temple)



Water is good for curing eye illness. 

Tap/rub some water around your eyes.


Further drove down to the most Southern poont of Shikoku island.

This is Shimantogawa (Shimanto River), one of three purest rivers in Japan.


No. 38 Kongo Fukuji (Kongo Happiness Temple)


The garden is beautiful.


This point is the most Southern spot in Shikoku.



This is John Manjiro who is one of people That studied in the USA. 

He became a translator for Japan when Japan is opening isolation in the mid 1850.

I visited more temples today, but I need to go to bed now.

I will continue tomorrow, oyasuminasai