27 years and counting…

May 28, 2012
random, travel
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So, I just turned 27.

For me, it’s just a number. I try not to make it matter too much, except well, when attending friends’ weddings (four got hitched this year and another three in 2013, what!).

This actually got me into thinking of making my own bucket list. Sure, we always say it, but do we really have one? I have plenty of things that I want to do, but to put to them in a list is something else. It means that I have to do everything to make them happen… eventually. I’m not big on that “live fast, die young” mantra, but I do believe that we can live our lives the way we want to without regrets.

1. Eurotrip

Think global. If there’s one place or continent I want to visit, it’s Europe. I’ve read many things about it and it makes me want to BE THERE as soon as possible.

2. Bungee jump on Macau Tower

Not a fan of heights, but it’s fucking challenging I don’t mind crying while doing it. At least in the end, I could say that I jumped off Macau Tower.

3. Hanami

I’ve been to Japan twice, but never during the sakura season. I might have been postponing it so that I will always have a reason to go back. But then again, it’s Japan. I don’t need a reason to go back.

4. White water rafting

This is probably the most achievable thing on this list as of the moment. Yes, I’m from CDO but I haven’t tried it. I know, I know, such a loser.

5. Write Fanfiction

I have been planning to write something for the fandom for quite a while now. It’s not great or something. I just want to write a story I’ve been formulating and get it out my system. The only hindrance in this one is laziness, which I have in abundance.

6. Pink Hair

Possible? Yes, in June.

7. Learn to surf

I have plans, but I keep on postponing this. Hopefully, I can go to the beach this June and enjoy the waves.

8. Bake a cake

I’m a frustrated cook. Baking a cake is a challenge. I haven’t even whipped cream before (how do we even “whip” them). LOL. I eat a lot, but I can’t cook to save my life. I need practice.

9. Ride a bus from Manila to CDO

It takes 42 hours. I wonder if I could take it. It sounds interesting, but it not might be fun when you’re on your ass for at least two days.

10. Tattoo

My ideas are ready, but I still need some push to go into that shop and get myself inked permanently.

Think of it as a fluid list. Of course, it won’t always be ten. I’d be crossing off items and adding more, but at least I have an idea of what to work on. Motivation is key.

Hello, Fukuoka (Day 4 and 5)

May 13, 2012
travel
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Yay! It’s my last entry on my little trip to Fukuoka.

On the 4th day, I was sick. That didn’t stop me from going around the place. It’s a hassle that I had to wear a mask the whole day because my nose was running and I had the urge to sneeze every minute. So, I decided to go to the nearby Dazaifu.

Dazaifu

It’s a tourist trap, but it was very pretty. It reminded me a little of Asakusa minus the crowd. I got there a little early, so there were still a few people. The shops just opened and I could smell the sweets they were brewing. Plenty of Umegae-mochi were already on display that I had to taste one. It’s actually filled with bean paste or bean jam. Also, a Starbucks branch had its soft opening and they gave away free coffee. Lucky, I know. I had my breakfast set.

Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu is full of shrines and I guess the most popular one is the Tenmangu Shrine. From what I’ve read, the shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the “god of learning.” People who have exams to take or wants to succeed in academics go to this place to pray.

Shades of autumn

I walked further towards the hill and found Kyushu National Museum. It was as if I had to go through the hill to get to entrance and its facade is fantastic. Our National Museum paled in comparison to this one. They don’t allow pictures to be taken inside the museum (too bad). I did take my time to enjoy their history and culture, which is i think important to widen our perspective on things.

Kyushu National Museum

After my little trip to Dazaifu, I went all around Fukuoka city and of course, sampled the chocolate croissant again. I met up with Loren and Jill at Kyudai and had a little dinner at their cafeteria (where food was cheap and good). And did I mention that the temperature was freezing? It actually dropped to about 5 degrees and I had to wear more clothing than ever.

On my last day, I went to the nearby coop to buy my omiyage and stuff. I was still sick and the temperature was fucked up, but that didn’t faze me. I met up with Loren at one of the train stations so that she could take me to the airport. My hosts were pretty busy finishing up their lab work in preparation for the holidays, so I had a lot of opportunities to be alone in the city.

Convenience?

Going home…

Yay!

I’m planning to go back soon, but this time, I’m dropping by Kyoto and Osaka for the fall (hopefully!). If not, I’ll be there for the sakura.

Hello Fukuoka! (Day 3)

April 6, 2012
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On the third day, Jill took me on a side trip to Nagasaki, which was about an hour and a half away from Fukuoka. If you remember, Nagasaki was the second city in Japan attacked with a nuclear bomb with the code name “Fat Man.”

Me and my travel guide, Jill.

Our first stop was at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. We were greeted by plenty of origami paper cranes, which symbolize peace and hope. Looking at the displays, it was depressing. You’ll see things that remind people of how great the destruction was. More than that, it was because many civilians were killed and affected by the bombing. When you see the city now, it does not reflect that image and it’s amazing to think how they have managed to recover from being nothing.

Images from the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Beside the museum was the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. After feeling depressed, it’s only natural to take a moment to reflect and pray for those affected. The entrance of the memorial was very grand and simple at the same time.

The entrance of the memorial

Inside the memorial was as calming as the outside. It is also amazing that they have kept all the names of those who have died in the Remembrance Hall and continue to update it.

Inside the Peace Memorial

Near the museum and the memorial is the hypcenter and the Peace Park. The weather was great that day so it wasn’t tiring to walk around the city. We even saw students have their class pictures taken in front of the Peace Status.

Autumn in Nagasaki.

After reminiscing this part in history, Jill took me to Chinatown for some champon and dimsum before heading back to Fukuoka. Compared to the other cities I’ve been to (although it’s like only three, haha), Nagasaki is the most probinsya-like. The place is old-school, but I guess that’s what makes it charming. I’ve also read that it is the city with the most Christian population in Japan. It has plenty of churches, and sadly, I wasn’t able to visit one unless you count the ruins of a church from the bombing.

(L) Old and modern trams; (R) Too excited for champon

We ended our day (or night) with a drinking session with Loren and Leah, although no one got drunk. It was really fun talking to these girls! It was a mixture of intellectual and sex conversations about anything and everything. This is what you get when you have smart and sassy friends. Ahem. Hahaha.

Having fun with the girls: (T) Jill and me; (B) Loren and Lea

Hello, Fukuoka: I got myself some Hakata air (part 2)

March 25, 2012
travel
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Second day in Fukuoka, I roamed around the city and watched the locals do their thing. As expected, they were very fashionable yet true to their roots.

The first stop is Kyushu Daigaku 九州大学 to meet Jill and Loren’s labmates, and to see their campus. Impressive is an understatement. It was really pretty. I wouldn’t mind to have a campus like that.

On the way to school...

AUTUMN!

From school, I stopped by Fukuoka Tower. Luckily enough, the weather was quite clear. The top gave a really pretty view of the city. It would have been nice to go back there at night. It reminded me of Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro, only that Fukuoka Tower has a seaside view.

(L) Fukuoka Tower from below; (R) Near the museum...

Seaside view from the top, which includes the Yahoo Dome!

I also dropped by Robosquare and enjoyed the robots! I would have wanted to buy Aibo but it’s too expensive. At least, I would have a pet that I don’t need to feed everyday. After that, I walked around the Tenjin area. It’s similar to Tokyo’s Shibuya area, with full of shops and amazing bijins. I wasn’t really interested in shopping, but it felt really nice to walk around the area and go people-watching. Plus, the weather was great.

Aside from the shopping district, I also walked around the residential areas observing the neighborhood, the houses and the children in school uniforms. I’m no stalker though.

Last stop before going home was the Tochoji Temple. One wouldn’t go to Japan and not visit one of their temples. It’s amazing that they are able to preserve their temples amidst the modernization of the cities. Tochoji was right in the middle of buildings and houses. I think that is also what make temples attracting. It gives you comfort in the middle of your busy lives.

In and out of Tochoji Temple

Second day was fun, my legs were shaking due to the heavy walking I did. I enjoyed the city, even though random people approached me and talked to me in Japanese. I was able to find my way in train stations. I think that in general, Fukuoka is different from Tokyo because the atmosphere was more relaxed. I’m saying it again, but I had a great time people watching. \(^^)/

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