Happy Birthday, My Dear Blog!

So last year on Nov. 11, 2011, I've started this blog, while B started hers.

One year later, my updates became less and less frequent, and B's actually sorta died. /laughs/

I think I want to keep updating from time to time, but maintaining a blog is so much work!

And lazy is my middle name...scratch that, first name. = ="

I've gotta think of what to write, then take/find photos, resize them...blah blah blah that's just wayyyy too much work for a lazy girl like me.

Anyway, seeing as it's my blog's first anniversary, I guess I'll just come and randomly blab about what has been up with my life.

About two weeks ago, I've posted an ad looking for penpals on Japan guide - for the first time. I used to reply to other people's posts before but it wasn't easy finding suitable ones. So I decided to compose and ad and let people come at me. lol.

I've gotten quite a number of responses and have been having a lot of fun talk to many people. I have never typed so much Japanese in my entire life. I think my Japanese skills have improved a lot for the past 2 weeks, and I'm super happy about that. I even skyped called (voice only) one of them and although it was a little awkward at first, it was damn exciting and super fun! I'm so glad I met so many nice people.

However, there are also some weirdos out there. There was this 35 year old guy who messaged me, knowing very well about our age gap, and that I was looking for people in the 20s. I accepted his friend request because he seemed sincere. After a couple of emails later, I felt irritated because he started 'lecturing' me on stuff like, how I should smile when I take pictures. He then mentioned that we have a really big age gap that cannot be filled (wtf) and that it might be a barrier for us (wtf x2). He KNEW this before he even messaged me, so why is this an issue now? He also assumed that my "type" is the "handsome type", just because I told him I like EXILE, and some Johnny's groups. Yes I do like handsome guys, but doesn't everyone appreciate handsome/pretty people? What's more is, I started liking EXILE because I fell in love with Atsushi's VOICE. The visual attraction came much later! Anyway, he decided to give me a lecture on Japan not being a country that has a lot of handsome guys. He said only 5% is handsome and the rest is NOT MY TYPE?! I was very pissed that he was judging me that way. It was so shallow of him. What's more, I never even said I was LOOKING for a guy or anything. I just wanted to make friends for god's sake!

I could go on and on about him because it's not everyday that I get pissed off by some guy that I don't really know. But there it is, a very good example that not everyone can be compatible, which makes me cherish my existing pen pals a lot more. :)

That's probably the most exciting thing that's going on with my life. Oh, and my friends and I started playing baddy weekly. It's super fun and I'm getting some exercise for a change XD

Ending the post with a picture of my very very cute capybara babies.
(I know it has nothing to do with the post, but it's cute!! My blog needs something cute!)

Happy Birthday, Blog! ♥

Why I Love Japan.

I've been wanting to write this post for a while. It's no secret that I really like Japan. I think the language itself is beautiful, and I like Japanese related things like J-pop (which is one of the things that got me started on studying Japanese), dorama,  and Japanese fashion. There are just so many aspects of Japanese culture that attract me, and I've always enjoyed travelling in Japan. To some people, it might seem like I'm looking at it through a rose-tinted glass, but believe me, I'm actually aware of the darker and not-so-great sides of Japan as well.

This post really isn't about fangirling over Japan, but rather, I just want to explain how Japan has changed me in a positive way, and for those reasons, I truly love Japan. Hear me out.

I'm a naturally introverted, shy, and at times, socially awkward kind of person. I've had trouble talking to strangers and meeting new friends all my life. Making friends had always been very difficult for me (but I do have a bunch of very close friends). Also, I have always been dependent, whether on my family or friends.

After I've started learning Japanese about four years ago, things started to change. Since I really don't come in contact with Japanese people on a daily basis, I started actively searching for Japanese penpals online so I can practice my Japanese. I've discovered that talking to people online is a lot easier than talking to a stranger face-to-face. It is easier for me to open up and carry on a conversation when I don't have to worry about being judged based on my appearance, and I have time to sort through my thoughts before I reply (I'm kind of slow too = ="). Sometimes, I feel that I can express my thoughts and let my personality show even better when I'm behind a computer screen. It might seem dangerous to talk to a stranger online, but you just need to be cautious about what kind of information you are telling the other person.

This whole penpalling became an important part of my life. I've met many great people and made friends this way; some stopped corresponding after a while, some stuck around, and some I even got to meet in person. It's a really good feeling when you have been talking to someone for a while, and you finally get to meet them in person. They are in between a stranger and a friend - sort of strange, and yet familiar. It's a lot easier for me to face someone that I already know a little bit about, rather than a complete stranger. The feeling is kind of exciting, and I've had a lot of fun each and every time.

I've also learned that people come and go in life. There were times when some of my penpals stopped responding all of a sudden, and there was nothing I can do about it. In the beginning it was really hard for me to cope with. It took me a long time to recover each time, but as I talked to more and more people, I realized, c'est la vie. There are many reasons why people stop responding, and often it's nothing personal. Sometimes, the best way is just to let it go. This is a major self-esteem lesson for me, not to take things so personally, and not to be so emotionally dependent on other people.

This online activity also led me to become more successful in dealing with strangers in everyday life. It got easier for me to take the initiative to talk to people in school, and when it's time to find a group for assignments, it has become much easier for me to do so. This is a very unexpected, but positive result, coming out of my eagerness to learn Japanese.

Another thing is, I've also become a much more independent person. I used to never be able to go anywhere without a friend or family member. However, because of my love of Japan, about three years ago, I started travelling to Japan alone. At that time I had a friend in Kansai, that sorta worked as a safety net for me. She wasn't able to meet up with me everyday, but at least I knew I have someone to call if I got into any kind of trouble. It was a huge step for me, but as it turned out, I had the best time of my life! I went alone again this past summer, and it was another awesome episode of my life. Travelling in Japan was just so liberating for me, and it will always be fun to explore the place at my own pace.

I might still be quiet and awkward at times (especially during social gatherings where games are involved - I really don't like group games...except for pictionary), but I've come a long way, and loving Japan has made some pretty awesome change in me. It's precisely because of these positive changes that make me love Japan even more.

Eating my Kimchi.

So it's been a while. I've been meaning to do a series of posts about my epic summer trip to Seoul and Osaka, but then I guess that is not going to happen. At least not the way I have planned to.

I was going to write about what I did everyday and such but turns out I never made a record of what I did each day while I was on the trip, and since it was almost 2 months ago, I can no longer remember. ^^"

Instead, I will just word vomit and type out whatever I can recall. Ready?

The thing I like most about Korea, is their food. Growing up in a Korean town in Toronto, I've been feeding on Korean food for the past 10 years of my life. It got even worse when my mom went back to HK, leaving me here on my own. I have Korean food at least 3 times a week.

Angel brought me to try a lot of different Korean dishes, some familiar to me, some are new - BUT THEY ALL TASTE SO FRIGGING GOOD! Best of all, Korean food are relatively cheap. Cheap and yummy, I'm in heaven!!!! :D

My favourite has to be the soondae bokeum. Soondae is not new to me, I often order soondae kuk (soondae in soup) at our local korean restaurant. However, it's the first time I've had it in...bokeum form?!?! Basically it's a table cooking kind of thing. It looks like this.

Looking at that makes my mouth water.

My favourite building is this landmark building at Insadong. It's full of boutiques and unique stores (in my opinion). The coolest thing is, you just keep walking in circles and you're actually walking in a spiral upwards. How cool is THAT? XD

As for shopping, I actually really liked the typical touristy shopping place - Myeongdong. I bought a bunch of cosmetics (etude house mostly), and a bunch of accessories (yay fake collars!). It was so fun to shop there. Salespeople speak funny Chinese and Japanese trying to draw customers in, since the place is so fully of tourists.

Etude House ♥

I'm not an Etude House fan or anything (seeing as I'm Japan bias of course I tend to buy Japanese cosmetics), but I hauled a little and bought some stuff from there since I've heard lots of good things about the brand. I bought their precious mineral sun bb cream since many people said it's good - and I was not disappointed! I've been using it since I've bought it and I do really like it. I almost like it as much as my laneige one. I switch between the two depending on my mood but that's basically what I use instead of a traditional foundation.

my little EH haul, with a generous amount of samples.

One day, we went to do our nails at dongdaemun. I had no idea exactly what I wanted but I wanted something sweet because I had plans to meet some friends I made online when I go to Japan and I didn't want to come off as too extreme (and scare them away). So this is what I chose.

In the end my friends never saw it because it started chipping and I removed the nail polish :(
It was nice while it lasted though, and I wouldn't mind wearing this pink x cloud design again!

I had a really good time chilling with my bff and rolling around in Seoul. Shopping, drinking, coffee time, girls' talks. The 4-5 days flew by.
It's good that I had Japan to look forward to or else I would be super sad to leave Seoul.

My awesome friend and I.

I guess I'll make a separate post on Osaka (and a day in Kyoto). This is getting pretty long :P

Life's been good these days.

It's been a while since I've updated this blog. My spring/summer vacation has only 6 weeks left and to be honest I'm starting to freak out a bit. When I first came back end of April, it took me a while to get used to my life here - living with my parents again after 8 months of living by myself was a huge adjustment. It was painful but now I'm quite comfortable here, albeit still having issues with the parents from time to time.

In a bit over a week, I'll be going on my highly anticipated trip to Seoul, Korea, and Osaka, Japan. Angel promised to seoul me around /LOL/. I can't wait to see my friend, whom I haven't seen in over a year, have really good korean food, cafes, and go crazy shopping in both Korea and Japan :D

However, after the trip, there will only be 3 weeks left until I head back to Toronto. I miss my friends and my house there, but I'm going to miss my parents a lot - also the carefree life in which they take care of most of my meals and laundry - not going to lie, but I really hate juggling housework AND my studies at the same time.

Just to make this post a little more interesting, I'm going post some photos I took of my life here, because life's been pretty good these days and I want to remember it.

Starting off with some food I've been obsessed with...

Beef & Crab Roe Fried Rice with Japanese Soy Sauce

I've had this rice 3 times so far, and it is heavenly! It was so unexpectedly good, and unbelievably yummy. I'm so sad because my dad got tired of the restaurant (Sogo Cafe) and I probably can't get anymore of this. /tears/

Indo mie with musical egg

Made this for lunch one day, it's so simple, yet so delishushhhh!! Indo mie is an Indonesian brand instant noodle and comes with a lot of sauces and stuff. There are soup based ones but I've been loving this one lately. It's just a bit spicy and tastes really nice. I added a musical egg (apparently the hen listen to music while laying eggs, and the eggs are supposed to taste better) and I cooked it just a bit so the yolk is still gooey and awesome. Simple and fast and yummy - if I have luggage space I will definitely bring some back with me.

A bunch of my friends dropped by Hong Kong before they took off on a month long trip to Southeast Asia. I hung out with the bunch of them a few times during the time they were here, but one of those days I met up with Terri alone for a good catch up.

Cafe Corridor

I searched for a good cafe for us to sit down and chill out, and found one near Times Square. It's actually quite hidden - you have to walk pass a long corridor, hence the name, to get there. It's quite nice, I liked the decor and the latte was nice. I can imagine myself going back for latte when I come back to live here permanently.

Afterwards we went to Times Square since Terri needed to buy trainers for her trip. Found a pair in no time and we headed to dinner.

waiting for dinner

The meal was okay, not amazing but in Torontonian standards its pretty good already. After dinner we looked for a bar to chill in but since it was Friday night, EVERYWHERE was full; and Terri grew impatient. #nothingnew

We found one eventually, one that Terri has been to last year with another friend. The place was pretty sketchy in my opinion. I wanted to try an Asahi but the beer girl persuaded me to get a bud just like Terri (because bud was from the company the beer girl was promoting). Terri called me a pushover for giving in, but I really didn't think it mattered on petty things like that.

having a bud with my buddy.

So that was my day chilling with Terri.

The next day was my mom's birthday. Grandma came over at about noon, and we went to yum cha in Causeway Bay. Then we came home for a while and went back to the same restaurant for a big family dinner.

Selca; OOTD

Loving my pink shorts and tiger print shirt ❤
When I bought the shorts, my dad said the colour was ugly. Until I wore it that day, he said my shorts looked good with my shirt. My tiger actually has the same color bow around its neck, so it matched quite nicely. I'm usually not that into tigers, but this guy has such a cute face I had to get it ❤
I'm also obsessed with my newly dyed hair (second time this summer) - thanks to the awesome daisuke-san. I haven't had such light hair in YEARS!

selca with mom, and her side of the fam.

I tried to raise the angle so my mom would look less like a potato head. She went to get a haircut a few days before but I don't understand why she wouldn't go to a nicer hair salon. She used to go to decent ones but recently she said she doesn't mind going for non-stylish ones now because she doesn't have anyone to impress anymore. = w =" Oh, and my cousin, grandma, and aunt wanted to be in the background too /laughs/

mama's bday cake

My mom's bday cake that we got her from Mimosa - a quite famous bakery in my neighborhood. It was a passion fruit mousse cake and it was delishhhh!



Ending the post with a family photo ❤

家族❤

My parents and I, and the cutest human baby ever.

My family has its issues, but it's perfect in my eyes.
ある時ひどくなっても、家族は家族だから、絶対越えるよね。それが、愛の絆。

It's EXILE time!! Life is beautiful ♪

EXILE TRIBE TOWER OF WISH 2012 LIVE in SAPPORO.

IT. LASTED. FOR. FIVE. HOURS.

5 hours of awesomeness. And muscles. *nosebleed*

Atsushi's solo segment. I just....I can't even....ahhh it was orgasmic /laughs/
I'm so proud of myself for being able to understand everything he said during his MC. He talks really fast and I always find it hard to understand his talks. But not this time. This time I understood everything.

Also during 24Karats he took off his jacket, AND HAD NO SHIRT INSIDE (///口///)
From then on, throughout the whole song I was just looking staring at his half-naked body. His skin is smoother than my own #iwannatouch

The other performances and other performers were great too. Just not as great as my godly godly Atsushi. He fckin' cures my soul.

I wish E-Girl had more stage time though....and cut back on sandaime JSB. They had too much performance time. XD

Although I was only watching live broadcast in a movie theatre, I was really thankful to be given this chance. I feel so touched that I can see my beloved Atsushi on a huge screen, in real time. TwT"

Someday it will be the real thing ;) I HAVE to go to their live one day.

I <3 EXILE TRIBE.

I took time to do nice makeup today, but my fringe is getting too long and I don't know what to do with it =w=" I've booked hair appointment for Friday though, I can't wait to chop some hair off.

Rei (me) on pigg!

Since ameba pigg members can also watch the live broadcast online (requires a lot of credit though), they also started 'selling' EXILE TRIBE caps so I bought one, and I dressed my avatar in the 24karats outfit I got a while ago. I'm all ready to partyyy!!♪
July2012 had a really good start, and it's only gonna keep getting better!
This week I'm gonna try to go for eye exam, haircut;
next week my friends are coming from TO;
Then soon after it will be my epic KR-JP trip in which I get to see Angel, buy a shit load of goods from EXILE TRIBE STATION, KAPIBARASAN SHOP and RILAKKUMA SHOP.

I CAN'T WAIT.

What am I doing here...

For the past two weeks or so, I haven't experienced anything, in real life, that makes me feel truly happy. Under a lot of pressure from trying to adjust to living with my family again, after living by myself for the past year or so.

Met a new friend about two weeks ago but ever since we've met up, we haven't really been in contact with each other, well, he hasn't been in touch. I don't want to make a big deal out of it, nor do I think it was because he didn't like me. It probably has a lot to do with his personality and the fact that he'd rather be back in Japan. Whatever the reasons might be, at the end of the day, it magnifies the loneliness that I have been already feeling from missing my fantastic friends back home.

What I want to say is, I miss my friends very much, because as much as my family means to me, my lovely friends are the ones who understand me the most. I feel like ever since I moved to Canada 13 years ago, my family - except my mom - have not been with me and thus, have not watched me grow at all. It's even worse that I'm not the type that is outspoken or tries really hard to show people what I know. It is fine, but the fact that they make assumptions about me frustrates me a lot. For instance, my grandma still thinks I'm this idiotic girl who can never recognize roads and directions. It might be true that I'm not particularly good at it, but it doesn't mean I am incapable of finding my way at all. Afterall, how could I survive a trip to Japan on my own, and living by myself all this time in Toronto, without knowing how to get to places? Pfffft.

Lately, the only time I feel happy is when I whatsapp with friends back home. It's a bit hard to say everything through text but it calms me down when I talk to them. Not to mention they make me smile to myself like an idiot.

Life isn't easy to deal with when you don't have someone who understands you by your side. Not to mention I can't express this to my family at all because rather than being supportive, they would probably say something like "then go back to your friends!", or, disown me lol.

I don't belong here.

Cherry Blossom & Capybara - Hanami at High Park ♥

Sakura/Cherry blossom is my favourite flower.
Not only does it represent Japan - my favourite country aside from my home countries (HK & Canada), but I just think sakura is really really pretty. I really like the shape of it and also its pinkish white colour.
Coincidentally the cherry blossom scent from L'Occitane is one of my favourite scent! I'm so obsessed with it! I use the shower gel, body lotion (rarely), and recently - its perfume.

I did my nails to match the sakura theme.

Back to the main point. After countless talks and planning, we finally went for a hanami (flower viewing) picnic at High Park - one of the few places in Toronto that has cherry blossom trees.

I've been to High Park for the cherry blossom 2 years ago, but we just took pictures, walked around, and chilled out.This time, we had a PICNIC - just how I've always imagined hanami should be.

I've made spicy salmon roll and tempura shrimp x tamago x cucumber roll (first attempt). Also, I've made egg salad sandwich - my favourite kind of sandwich. *nomnomnom*

cut up tamago-yaki to put in sushi

making spicy salmon roll

tempura shrimp roll

Before KK came over, she went to Centerpoint to get a table cloth so we can sit on the ground, and also some potato salad and macaroni salad.

I think preparation is a big part of a fun picnic. I love cooking and making bento boxes. However, I was running around frantically all morning cause there were just so much to do! At least KK came at 1:30 to help me out. However, we weren't ready until about 4PM.

i called shotgun.

so squished at the back XD

Bella drove us all down, but the traffic was kind of slow. It was also impossible to get a parking space! We took so long to find one - and at one point I had to ask these girls if they're going to their car, but they just looked at me and gave me this clueless blank look without answer my question! My fragile feeling was hurt - but then it was actually more funny than hurt hahaha....oh boy.


When we finally got down to the area with the cherry blossom, the place was so crowded, but lively! There were so much to look at, cosplayers, random hula hoop dancers, dogs, kids, babies. It was amazing.

View from our picnic spot.

We found a spot and quickly set up our picnic stuff. I think we were all pretty hungry by then and we just ate and chilled. There was a kid with her mom and sister, he was playing near our tree, and we made friends with him by giving him some sushi! At first I was a little worried cause it was spicy salmon, but I guess I didn't put too much spicy sauce so it was okay. Later, when he was about to leave, his mom said he didn't want to leave us! LOL. Then he asked us for a juice box - well it was a vita lemon drink. He seemed to like it nonetheless, so maybe we have infested some asian love in him. /Hopefully/ XD

epic picnic time ft. salad, sandwiches, sushi and OJ!

Us girls walked down the waterside to take some pictures ^^ The weather and view was so amazing.
Bella had to leave afterwards, but the rest of us just walked around - we visited the small zoo there!

The waterside was so nice.

Individual self-shots with my dearest dearest friends - B, KK, Terri ♥♥♥

self-shot group

A nice man took a group photo for us ♥

Last time, I was not impressed with the zoo because the animals all looked like bulls and cows. There were different species but basically they were kind of similar. The wallabies weren't on display last time and I was so sad.

This time however, the same bull-ish animals were still there, but there were also wallabies! Just as I thought it couldn't get any better - I spot one of my favourite wild animals - Capybara! I was crazy about them when I visited the Osaka Aquarium last summer. I practically ran to them when I saw them from a distance. Oh My God they were super cute! They looked like super big guinea pigs.

Kapibara-san konnichiwa!

They look so funny and cute♥

After the zoo, we started heading back. On the way, we found a playground, and Terri suddenly wanted to play on the swing! I guess she found her childhood back haha. On the other hand, we discovered that Ray never learned how to play on a swing. It was hilarious watching him try so hard to swing up, with Terri swinging happily beside him.

Terri happily swinging!

We took the TTC back, and it took about an hour. I was exhausted when I got home, and I slept at 10:30PM. I didn't even have to worry whether I should get dinner - I slept right through it.

 I had an amazing day with my dearest friends. It makes me even more sad to think that I have to leave them very soon, and won't be able to see them for 4 months. >w<"

♥

I hope I can go to Japan for the cherry blossom season some time in the future. From my penpal's pictures, it looks really amazing.

ending with a selca :)

Negative Energy

Been having a lot of negative energy lately.
I feel like I have so many complaints and when something is bugging me, I can't move on until I let it out.
On the other hand, I feel extremely guilty when the matter is around someone I consider to be close with.
So then I began to wonder, have I done something wrong?
Have I made myself an ugly person, because as much as I hate to admit it, I was essentially gossiping?
Am I being hypocritical and judgemental?
I wouldn't want others to think badly of me after they hear my rants.
However,I can't take back what I've said (although it's not thaaaat bad),  so I can only strive to be a better and more forgiving person from now on. Afterall, I do understand that nobody is perfect.

Anyways, enough about that. Had an amazing chilled day with B.
We went to Leslie's Cafe for cheap but yummy lunch.
Then onto Cafe Princess for a drink and more chatting/blogging (Bella).
I ordered a coke float and when it came, it literally exploded like those baking soda&vinegar volcano projects. = ="
We ended up coming home to do our nails and more chilling and talking. LOL we talk so friggin' much! At like 10:30 ish we finally decided we need to get dinner, so we went to Owl's.

at Cafe Princess. Unimpressed bears are unimpressed.

Was trying to take a picture of Bella while she was blogging, but she said no.jpg
I love chilling with B because she's so chilled. and she gets me. (at least I hope)

---
Went to Guu Sakabar on Sunday. Food was amazing although I'm disappointed that their sushi ball dish is off the menu.

sweet frigging jesus... .jpg

It's hanami season soon and they changed their decor a bit.

桜が咲いた!

I'm obsessed with cherry blossom.

After dinner, drove KK home to get the lovely Mr. Brownie.

aww Mr. Brownie why you look so sad?

.... I think he was just sleepy.
Once again, we are thinking of going on a short trip in April.
Will the plan work out this time? heh we'll see.

Beautiful Days in Japan - Osaka Romanesque 3

Time for another Japan post!
This is the last of the Osaka Romanesque series, in which I will talk about Namba (難波・なんば) and Kobe (神戸).
However, there will be more Japan posts to come!

You can read part one here: http://ilivelikethis.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-in-japan-osaka-romanesque-1.html

and part two here: http://ilivelikethis.blogspot.ca/2011/12/beautiful-days-in-japan-osaka.html

難波の庭園好きだったね
二人ではしゃいだ観覧車から
神戸まで見えたあの日が続くと信じてた...

I haven't really been sightseeing in Namba nor Kobe in my last two trips, but I stayed in Namba because it's really convenient.
Namba is a district located in the southern part of Osaka. It also includes Shinsaibashi and Doutonbori featured in my last Japan post (part 2 of Osaka Romanesque)
Many major train and subway lines pass through Namba, which is why I always choose to find accommodation in this area. Also, there's train service from the airport straight to Namba, so it's super quick and easy! LOVE IT!

Nankai Namba station & Takashimaya Department Store

南海電鉄ホーム - Nankai train platform (train goes to the Rinku outlet and airport)

四天王ラーメン Ramen shop near the Namba station #sweetjesusface.jpg

 There's many cool places in Namba that's worth exploring.

Den Den Town (Kansai's version of Akihabara, for electronics and anime fanatics) - although I haven't been there myself, my travel guide books told me that there's a lot of electronic stores, and a Mandarake (a chain anime/manga store) there. I've been to Mandarake in Amerika-mura and in Shibuya (Tokyo) and they were awesome! There's also lots of JE related goods like uchiwa, live tour pamphlet, tour goods, and pictures. I always have fun digging through that section.

Takashimaya (department store) - my mom loves shopping at the sales section, just digging for good deals. She got some makeup pouches and hankerchiefs for herself and as souvenirs.

My fav. part was the food section, which is in the basement. There are so many different stalls selling sushi, ALL kinds of salad, croquette, bentos...you name it. One time, we bought lots of food from the basement of Takashimaya and we had an epic meal in our hotel room. #megusta

potato croquette

daddy chose this sushi set for me even though he doesn't eat raw fish <3

Namba Walk is an underground shopping district that is connected to the Namba station. One time I missed my own exit because my attention was on the shopping district exit /laughs/. I ended up shopping there for a little while before heading back to the hotel.

Another interesting place worth visiting is the 千日前道具屋筋商店街 (sen-nichi-mae prop street). Ever been to Japanese restaurants where they have those yummy looking food models on display? You can most likely find them on this street! Even if you don't own a restaurant, you might be able to find some weird/funny things as souvenirs for your friends and family.

There are more places in Namba that I haven't been to, but I will definitely check them out when I go there again.

The final place that concludes this series is Kobe.

I've only been there for an afternoon+evening. I met up with Angel there during my trip in 2010, and had the time of my life there!

Although I didn't sightsee, I did everything I wanted to do in Japan in that afternoon/evening.

First, we went to karaoke - my first time in Japan! Although we only went for a short while (about an hour), Angel let me sing more since she has way more opportunities to do it. I got to sing most of the songs I wanted and I was super satisfied.

Then we went shopping! Although I had been shopping a lot in Osaka too, it's always nice to shop with a buddy. Angel called that street "The Cursed Street" because she and her friends always end up spending money there. Of course, we also did a little damage that day. It was hard to resist when things were on sale!

a recent picture of me with a top i got that day.

When the stores started to close down, we took a quick look at China town.

cute panda vending machine

I'm not really a fan of the overly stereotypical decors of China town, so I didn't really take pictures (except for the above two).

We went to have dinner afterwards. We decided to go to a yakitori place which ended up being Torikizoku. I was super excited because it is owned by my favourite favourite man (Okura-kun from kanjani8)'s family and I have always wanted to try it! It was fate because Angel probably didn't do it on purpose, but she made my dream come true! The food was really yummy, and many ikemen (good-looking)servers. #eyecandy

We had fun time catching up and enjoying nice food + drinks.

menu ♡

my drink that Angel chose for me, some calpis-based drink - super yummy

yakitori!!!

some rice dish in the bkgd and fusion pho?!

 I was going to buy a Torikizoku logo phone strap but I forgot :( I better get to go there again!

To conclude the night, we went for some purikura but I'm too lazy to dig it up.

Karaoke, Shopping, Izakaya, Purikura - everything I love about Japan all in one day!

I'll be back with more Japan posts - hopefully with better, more interesting pictures. /laughs/