somethingboutrenes » 2010 » February

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:30:22 +0000

This is the last entry for the day. At this rate, I’m only going to reach Day Four on Wednesday. HAH.

Goodnight World.

Harajuku

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:26:24 +0000

Harajuku, Tokyo is fun, vibrant and quirky! It was a mad Sunday morning but instead of spotting strange gothic crowds we saw a familiar face.

I think we saw Addy Lee the celebrity hairstylist. HAH. Interesting group of people.

Huge Candy!

Mega Camera.

Cute iPod speakers!

They take product promotion too “seriously” (Part I).

HAH.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:37:20 +0000

“Meiji Jingu. Built in commemoration of Emperor Meiji in 1920, is Tokyo’s grandest shrine. Like all of Japan’s major shrines, it’s large in scale but simple in structure, entered via a winding path and through a giant torii gate. On summer weekends you have a very good chance of catching a Japanese wedding in progress here; the shrine is also packed on New Year’s Eve when people come here to celebrate the new year”

– Source: Wikitravel.org

Japanese Lamp Post.

A whole lot of wine barrels.

Opposite the wine barrels are a whole lot of rice wine barrels. HAH. Weird. This is along the walkway towards the Shrine. Hee.

We were lucky to see a Japanese Wedding at the Shrine!

The bride looks happy!

So elegant so glamorous.

I love the Shrine. Peaceful and tranquil.

It’s only the Second Day.

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:46:56 +0000

A bright and sunny second day! I love dressing up for winter!

P.S. Friends! I know you are all eager to see the pictures of the proposal, but that happened on the forth day. HAHA. Be Patient.

Hotel Review: Toyoko Inn at Ikebukuro, Tokyo

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:40:21 +0000

An affordable, cozy and convenient inn with great service!

Price: Reasonably priced considering the location and facilities! We made an extra savings because we joined their membership!

Service: The front desk staff was very helpful and friendly. They even recommended that we join their membership just so we can save an additional SGD 20 – 50!

Location: It is just a few minutes walk from the Ikebukuro JR station! It is also in the middle of the shopping district and food area! Except for the fact that it is near some sleazy bars (But Japanese’s sleazy bars are very “private”. No excitement or actions along the street so it’s rather safe!) !

Size of Room: Tiny. It’s Tokyo. What do you think!? HAH.

No. I am not trying to look like a goddess. He thinks I look like a sleeping Buddha. HMPH.

Food: Complimentary Japanese breakfast was provided every morning! I love the rice rolls. Yummy!

He loves their Miso soup!

Having breakfast in pyjamas! Perfect!

Imperial Palace

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:03:35 +0000

“Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. Reputedly the most expensive square kilometre in the world, which during the height of Japan’s bubble was estimated to be worth slightly more than California. Unfortunately, the inner palace gardens and buildings are closed to the general public except on January 2 and December 23, when the imperial family makes a public appearance.”

– Source: Wikitravel.org

This spot would be pretty if spring is here.

Look at the reflection on the moat!

It was a long walk just to catch a glimpse of the palace!

The famous bridge.

The Imperial Palace.

Temples of Asakusa

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:14:09 +0000

Disclaimer: Picture quality may differ from photo to photo depending on (1) the camera – an SLR or a down-to-earth point and shoot camera and (2) the photographer – a semi-pro or someone with butter fingers who knows nothing about lighting, framing and whatever .

Asakusa is a part of Tokyo’s downtown Taito district best known for its many temples, particularly Sens?ji – Tokyo’s largest Buddhist temple and a major attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike.

– Source: Wikitravel.org

I love this place. It’s bustling, lively and an extremely colourful place! You will see why, part of the reason is because it’s so touristy; it became a great place to get some souvenirs!

It was a beautiful day!

A giant straw sandal on the door.

People trying to get the smoke on themselves for some luck?

People getting their life read with these sticks.

Then they go get the paper, read it and tie them here.

Along the streets outside temples, there are many stalls which sell random souvenirs and snacks!

Really cute dolls!

Bread-man. Too cute!

Doraemon Pastries!

A real Orange Tree.

Random Floury Snacks.

Yummy!

Freshly Cooked Rice Crackers!

A random street near the temples with cute street art.

I love these red doors and can’t help but photo whore a little. Hee.

The SIA’s Flying Experience.

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:08:22 +0000

Super excited! Hee.

Inflight Entertainment System (The only entertainment I got on a budget flight was my trusty iPhone). The team behind this system is awesome! HAHA.

Major newspapers

Major magazines (When will they start stocking up Vogue and Glamour magazines!? HAH)

Travel Essentials (I wonder why Givenchy wants their name imprinted on a lousy bag filled with a pair of shapeless socks and a toothbrush.)

Food Menu (We actually get to choose!)

Decent Meals (On a budget flight, you freaking pay SGD 5-8 for a cup noodle. )

Refreshments (This was good)

Japanese Breakfast (It was ok)

International Breakfast (Urm)

Japanese Lunch (Awesome)

Excellent Service

I must be really lucky (I don’t always get awesome service on SQ flights)! On our flight back, the service team actually remembered my name after seeing it once on my boarding pass (Ok. Ms Tan is not a tough name) and they gave us a copy of Straits Times when all the copies were given away at the entrance. I wonder where they got that copy from. HAH. But it meant a lot to us! A week without local news is just crazy! Maybe because it’s a flight to/from Japan and Japanese’s impeccable service standard is world-renowned.

I wish we can do this more often. Hee.

I love the SIA’s flying experience.

P.S. You will see Japan soon. I am getting there.

Terminal 3.

somethingboutrenes — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:52:16 +0000

I went Tokyo instead of Taiwan (No wonder he has been acting really sneaky)!!

I love departing from Changi Airport Terminal 3 instead from our atas bus interchange (Budget Terminal)!

At T3 you’ll get to enjoy …

…it’s beautiful décor…

… it’s pretty powder room …

… and free internet access …

I love Terminal 3!

Flying away on A380!

Thank you Baby!

P.S. I realized sorting 1000 over pictures and uploading them on SbR is no joke. Be patient.

somethingboutrenes — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:53:11 +0000

I am back! I’ve A WHOLE LOT of entries to update after my Japan trip! But gimme some rest time and I’ll slowly post them up one at a time! Stay tuned!