Where is Ryoko

Is this really "cultural"?

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Today was another busy day in rural Japan. We woke up and rushed to school on our bikes. Once we got to school, we got to eat breakfast. The cafeteria serves many different types of bread in the morning called "kashi pan". You can get bread with butter, bread with cream, hot dogs, yakisoba pan, and many others. It was hard to choose but we ate a big piece of Coffee pan. It didn't taste like coffee though.

After breakfast, we went to look at a classroom.

Classrooms are very large! The chalkboard was huge too. We went closer to the chalkboard and there was a surprise for me!

Chloe and Tenshi drew flowers for me. Toyama has many beautiful flowers. They are famous for tulips. Right now, cosmos flowers are blooming.

Afterwards, we all took a group photo together (Elizabeth, me, Chloe, and Tenshi). On clear days, you can see mountains from the school! Today wasn't so clear though.

We walked around the school for a bit. One place we stopped was the kyudo range. Kyudo is Japanese archery. The club room was locked so we couldn't try anything but we still got to take a picture.

After school, we rode our bikes all the way downtown for something very cultural. Karaoke! There are many karaoke places in the area but we went to one that is set up like an airport! It really fits the theme of my travels well. We enjoyed some tea and fries but mostly had fun singing. First you have to pick a song out of a book or use the computer. Then you can sing all you want. During the day it is very cheap so we sang for a really long time.

Rei came to karaoke too! Afterwards we picked out a postcard to send to my sister and then went home. I'm almost done with my time in Toyama but that means a new adventure is waiting for me somewhere. Soon I'll be on the plane again and meeting even more new friends.

Relaxing in Japan

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Hello! Lately I've been traveling around Japan. It is a very interesting country to travel around in. The trains are very fast and you can enjoy the scenery easily. I've seen many rice fields too. The other day, I left Megu-chan's home and headed for another part of rural Japan, Toyama! Tenshi and her friends live in Toyama so they picked me up at the train station. Since I was very hungry, we went to get lunch first. There is a ramen place very close to Tenshi's house. It was very good but sadly we didn't get any pictures.

After lunch, we went to go spend some time in the park. It was a very big park with lots of playing fields and ponds. Ringo met us there and let me borrow some skates to skate around the park.

Tenshi teaches at a school which is famous for soccer. Students from her school play on teams all over the world and of course within Japan too. One of Tenshi's friends, Rei, plays soccer so she took some time to teach us the basics. I learned a lot! Mary and Sunny joined us too but they don't play soccer.

Of course we had to take a group picture! Sunny, Rei, me, Ringo, Tenshi, and Mary.

After awhile it got too dark to play anymore. Tenshi, Rei, and Ringo went back home for a little bit saying they had plans already. I was a little sad since I had come all this way to see them but Sunny and Mary took me shopping instead. We rode our bikes in the dark until we got to a store I've heard a lot about: Animate! I hear you can meet other Pinkys there so I was glad to see one in person. They don't let you take pictures inside though. Inside we got to meet a new friend, Nazuna! I'm glad I got to meet her too.

We rode our bikes back past the park until we got to the Pinky Community Center! It's a place where lots of Pinkys can come together and talk and have fun. It's run by Mami and Auggie. Recently they had a halloween party there so some of the decorations were still up. What surprised me most was how many Pinkys from the neighbourhood were there! Ringo, Rei, and Tenshi were there too! Their "plans" were setting up for my welcome party. I really am lucky to get welcomed with a party so often. We had different Japanese foods like grilled fish, sushi, and radish salad. It was very good! Since I had come all the way to Japan, Mami insisted I borrow one of her yukata to wear for the party. I had a lot of fun!

The community center also has wireless internet access so Mami let me borrow her computer. All the buttons and text were in Japanese so Auggie helped me too.

Once the party was over, Tenshi took me to her place and let me stay in her room. She really likes anime and comic books so her room is filled with posters and things. It was a little odd but kind of fun.

I am very tired but glad to be here. Tomorrow Tenshi has to go to work again but I can come too! I wonder what the school looks like. I also need to make sure to find a postcard for my sister. So much to do!

Leaving

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

I've made good friends with Megu-chan's girls, we had fun swapping clothes!

But it's time for me to go to visit Tenshi now!

Bye bye!

Karaoke

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Being in Japan and not doing karaoke is unthinkable! So, here I am, singing my heart out!

I had fun!

Osaka

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Since I'm visiting a less traditional place than yesterday, I decided to add a cap to my yukata ensamble

I'm back in Japan!

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Today I borrowed a yukata from Megu-chan's girls and went to visit Nakayama.

Thanks Megu-chan for showing me around!

SBG once more

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

I'm back to the Singapore Botanic Garden today. This time with Claudia and her friends. I was flattered this time cos there were so many cameras on me this time round. Claudia's photography friends tagged along with us to SBG today for a fun photoshoot. I felt like a movie star today! Posing with various beautiful flowers and scenary. It was the such an amazing first experience that I'll never forget!

Below are some shots I took at Singapore Botanic Garden...

Me at the entrance of Evolution Garden. In here you'll be able to how plants evolved from long long long ago.

That's me outside the National Orchid Garden.

Look who I met! Whole gang of Pinky:st! We gathered for a group photo infront of the waterfall.

And lastly, a group photo of the photographers and me in action!

This also marks the end of my stay with Claudia in Singapore. Tomorrow I'll be flying to Australia to meet Skwerlie. Can't wait for more adventure!

Sentosa here I come!

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

I was very excited and woke up very early this morning. Claudia brought me to the famous tourist attraction in Singapore - Sentosa! She told me that this place will be converted to a wonderful place in years to come. With lots and lots more fun attractions on this little island, she told me that I must return for another visit if I've the chance to.

Claudia took me to the Underwater World where I saw many types of sea creatures! Took a photo with the great shark outside the entrance...

Behind me stood the latest attraction at Sentosa. You can get a 360degree bird-eye-view of Singapore on the Carlsberg Sky Tower. We then went up the The Merlion, 37metres high and from there, I saw the busy harbour of Singapore. Claudia took a photo of me enjoying the view...

We got a little gift from The Merlion shop too. That's me with the tin of coasters and also a little keychain which I've bought for Inga. I miss u!

I had so much fun at Sentosa! Thanks to Claudia for bringing me to such a great attraction!

Visiting Claudia

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

My last home stay in Singapore is with Claudia. Moe welcomed me and showed me around Claudia's home. She told me that Claudia will be bringing me out later in the evening.

In the late afternoon, Claudia brought me shopping at a neighbourhood shopping center in Bishan - Junction 8. The place was pretty crowded.

We were lucky as there was a performance when we arrived! The characters from Over The Hedge was performing for the kids and their parents at Junction 8. We went to the upper floor to take a closer look at the performance.

The characters were all so cute! I love watching them dance on stage. We got hungry and went for dinner. Claudia brought me to Secret Recipe to try their famous Cheese Cake. I was impressed with the outdoor dining area. It was clean and the mood was very romantic. I beg Claudia to take a photo of me with the beautiful shades of coloured walls.

We ordered our food and here's what we had...

It was a nice dinner and I had fun with Claudia on my first day of stay. Claudia told me she'll be bringing me to Sentosa. I can't wait for the day to come!

Sayonara Akane!

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Before I knew it, today's my last day with Akane. My feet were still aching from all that walking in the zoo, so we decided to just chill out at home.

Later that evening, Akane brought me to a Japanese restaurant for a farewell dinner. The food was divine! *burps*

Can you guess what I'm lying on? ^ ^

*Squee* It's Nanook-chan! He was sleeping in the bathroom sink and I just couldn't resist! Such a funny cat! ^ ^

A final picture with Nanook-chan.

Minutes before I meet Claudia. The gang's all here to see me off.

Time really flies when you are having fun. I really enjoyed myself with Akane and am sad to leave. But I'm also looking forward to meeting Claudia and more adventures! ^ ^

The Zoo! The Zoo! (Part 2)

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

After a scrumptious lunch, we went to see the primates. First up were the Orang-utans. Orang-utans are apes with reddish brown coats and they sport long limbs. Here, we see a mother nursing her child. See how the other one is looking at the baby? ^ ^

This is the sun bear. See its chest? <3

Next, we met the giraffes! Akane loves giraffes.

Then we headed to my favourite section - the Cat Country! Here I am face to face with a lioness! RAR RAAAR! *LOL*

This leopard reminded me of Nanook-chan! He was sleeping when we took this pic. It's a pity we couldn't see his face.

This must be one of the most rare animals I've ever seen. A white tiger! She's really beautiful.

These are otters! They are a vocal bunch and they swim on their backs!

Here I'm posing with an otter statue. I like the statue alot, but Akane said we can't bring it home.

Before I knew it, it was time for us to head home. It had been a long day, but I had enjoyed myself thoroughly. I will miss this place and its animals. Oh, did I mention it rained? *wink*

The Zoo! The Zoo! (Part 1)

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

I got up really early this morning. I was too eager to find out where Akane would be bringing me later! She's still asleep though. I decided to watch the sunrise instead... ...

... ... ... ... Akane woke up, and said we would be going to the zoo!! The ZOO! Yay!

When we arrived, we first visited the reptiles.

This is the Komodo dragon. Arc was hoping to see it breathe out fire... - -; I don't have the heart to tell her it is not really a dragon.

This is where all the crocodiles are. They are really, really huge. O_o

That's a rattlesnake behind us. There are also pythons, anacondas, cottonmouths, cobras... oh no! Tamae had fainted! Is she afraid of snakes? Arc assured me she was OK and that she was just drunk on booze. I didn't realise she brought her booze along. - -;

It's feeding time for this iguana! The zoo-keeper brought out bunches of fresh leaves. The whole time I was watching it, it just flicked his tongue and licked the leaves. I wonder how long it's gonna take him to finish his food.

We trekked further and saw these cute raccoons. I wonder if they are brothers, because the smaller one kept following the other. They were walking side by side, swimming side by side, climbing up the rocks side by side. *squee* They are so cute!

In this zoo, you don't only see animals, but beautiful gardens as well.

The gals and I taking a rest. The view is spectacu... *stomach growls* ...lar. All that walking has made me hungry!

Food, glorious food!

Part 2 coming up!

A day in Akane's workplace

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Akane brought me to her office today. She didn't want to wear me out since I spent the whole day at the park yesterday. Tomoyo and Sacchin came along too!

Behind me is the container terminal. Akane said these containers were waiting to be loaded on ships to bring them to some place. There were also containers waiting for people to pick them up. I wonder if there's a container full of my friends!

A clearer view of what the terminal looks like. Oooh! A ship!

This white cat came out from nowhere and glomped me!

This is Akane's desk. Wait, she has two monitors! O_o

Another part of Akane's desk. It seems that everywhere I go, a Nyanko kitty will be following me.

These colorful bits are sweets. Akane's colleague (who has some of my friends) bought these from Kuala Lumpur. I remember Kuala Lumpur! I was there with Cuteapple! ^ ^

Look at what these sweets can do!

Aww... this mini hidamari loves me!

Later in the evening, Akane told me we would be having sushi for dinner. I've not tried sushi before. I wonder how they look and taste like.

Sushi made by Akane's mother-in-law.

I love the ones with the prawns! The unagi (eel) ones had a sticky feeling...

Akane has applied for leave tomorrow to bring me to somewhere exciting. She told me to sleep early, and NO SNEAKING OUT! (Gasp! She found out!!)

But I couldn't resist sneaking out of my room to sleep with Nanook-chan...

Sunday outing!

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Today, Akane brought me to a toy shop where most of my new friends came from. This shop is located in Orchard Road. Orchard Road is the retail and entertainment hub of Singapore.

Find Ryoko!

These girls look strangely like me... I hope they will find their way to wonderful homes soonest!
(Many thanks to Rapid Culture for allowing us to take these pics.)

Next we went to Marina South Park. The weather was cooling as it rained earlier. Akane jokingly commented that I bring rain wherever I go. I tried to sell her Pinkyboi's theory, that having showers is good fortune.

These flowers are bougainvilleas. I find them very pretty and they match Tomoyo's hair so well. Later Akane told me she had her wedding pictures taken in this park few years ago.

We saw these men fishing. I wonder if they'd let me have a fish to bring home to Nanook-chan... ='o'=*

Behind me is the city skyline of Singapore's Business District.

Behind me is Marina Bay. Lots of hotels and shopping places there.

This is the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. It was named after the second president of Singapore.

Suddenly Yoshiko squealed with excitement... what did she see? ^ ^

A cute little rat! It looked kinda fat. It scampered away before I could take more pics. It probably detected Nanook-chan's scent on me.

Along the way, Sacchin got distracted by this sign and started singing, "C-O-C-O-N-U-T..."

Just before leaving for home, we paused to take a last look. I want to remember this place as much as I can.

I had a great time at the park. Akane told me Singapore is a very busy city, and yet there is so much peace and calm here...

Hey! Sacchin is finally looking at the camera!

Akane's abode

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Akane fetched me from Shukumei's house on Saturday morning! On the way back, we stopped by a foodcourt for breakfast.

This is roti prata, an Indian dish that is made from dough comprising of fat (yikes!), egg, flour and water. It is most often served with curry and sometimes with sugar. It was crispy, the curry was delicious and not too spicy.

When we reached her house, Akane's girls had prepared a welcome party for me! This blonde girl, Arc, said she spent the whole morning making these sweets and that I have to finish them all! *gulps*

Akane showed me part of her TY beanie babies. I love bears! There are lots of them but I found these rather unique. These bears are limited editions representing various countries in the Asia-Pacific. Can you guess what countries they represent?

Akane continued to show me around her house. I saw these planes with beautiful liveries on display! They belong to Akane's hubby. I love the Pokemon ones! I hope I will see one when I visit Megu-chan in Japan...

I met some cool-looking robots! They look mean and tough, but were actually a friendly and fun bunch.

In the evening, Arc brought me out to meet some cool friends. I love making new friends!

Okaaay, so Arc brought me to a cantina. She said this place is a favourite hangout for Tamaes. They are really nice Pinkys, they just happen to love booze. (Maybe a bit too much?)

A cute little droid was serving beer. Inga wouldn't approve of me drinking, so I declined. (Inga, aren't you proud of me??)

Here's the band - Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes. I love these guys! They play really spiffy music!

When we got home (Akane didn't know we sneaked out, hee!) Nanook-chan had woken up. He still seemed sleepy. Arc said he probably waited for us to get home, just to make sure we were OK. What a sweet cat! I gave him one big hug before going to bed. He's so fluffy!

As I turned around, I saw the weirdest thing! A cute cat stuffed in some sort of a choco banana cake. I thought I had inhaled too much alcohol... Arc told me his name is Nyanko, and he enjoys being stuffed in all sorts of food. Nyanko came up to me, and rubbed himself on me. Awww... ...

Time for bed! Akane and her girls had prepared this futon bed for me. So schweet of them! I wonder where Akane is bringing me tomorrow. I'm so excited I can hardly sleep... ...

an oasis in the city

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

One day, I followed shukumei to work. Here I am with my new friend Starbucks, in front of shukumei's PC. Starbucks is going to show me around while shukumei works.

This is the view from shukumei's office. We're on the 29th floor so everything looks tiny. You can't see much except the rest of the building shukumei works in, but she tells me that a lousy view is better than no view at all.

shukumei works above a mall, which is just like any other mall or shopping centre.

But when I was walking around with Starbucks, we wandered into a secret garden.

And at the end of the tree-lined walkway, we found a bubbling fountain.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a garden here. An oasis of calm and serenity amid the urban jungle.

Looking around, I spotted something interesting. When Starbucks told me that it was supposedly the world's largest fountain, I had to take a closer look.

The fountain was indeed HUGE...

You can barely see me in this photograph... can you find me?

Doesn't the water look cool and refreshing?

Starbucks and I were hot and tired from exploring, so we decided to stop for lunch. Unsurprisingly, we ended up at Starbucks.

All Starbucks outlets look the same, no matter where in the world you are. I find that a little weird, but also comforting somehow.

Starbucks convinced me to try this weird green drink. He said it was a Green Tea Frappucinno. That's something you won't find in the UK!

(Don't tell Starbucks, but I quite enjoyed it!)

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Before I knew it, my time with shukumei was up. I was wondering how to get to my next destination, but Akane herself came to pick me up! I was very surprised and touched.

I can't wait to meet Nanook-chan! <3 <3 <3

ways to beat the heat

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Singapore is very hot and humid. The average temperature is 32-34 degrees Centigrade in the day and around 30 degrees at night. When it rains, it's cool and breezy; fortunately, it rains a lot!

The hot weather can be a bit overwhelming, but thankfully, my new friends gave me some good tips to beat the heat. I was afraid that I was going to melt!

Tip #1:

Wear light clothing. Sleeveless tops and bare feet are more comfortable.

Tip #2:

Use a fan to cool yourself down.

If it's really hot, use a bigger fan.

Tip #3:

Eat cold things. Ice cream is especially refreshing on a hot day.

Mmm... I can't wait to dive in...

Even though I don't gain weight, I think I should still exercise portion control.

Tip #4:

Kokoro says that you should carry an umbrella when you go out, to shield yourself from the sun.

But why go out? Why not relax indoors where it's cool?

Tip #5:

Take a nice cool bath or shower whenever you feel too warm. In emergencies, use ice.

I'm glad I'm waterproof!

Tip #6:

Finally, turn on the air-conditioner!

garden state

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

In Singapore, everywhere you look, you will see something green. That's why Singapore is known as a "garden city".

Today I'm at the Botanic Gardens, one of the nicest parks in Singapore. It was established by the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles. It contains many interesting and unique tropical plants, and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.

Geese and swans live in the pond you see in the background. I tried to take a picture with them, but they ran away as soon as I came near them. ;_;

I did manage to take this photo though. But I think that goose is a bit strange. It never moved the whole time I was standing there.

This garden is known as the Ginger Garden, but I didn't see any ginger there...

I think this is a sundial... how do you tell the time using one of these?

As I walked around the Botanic Gardends, I saw these pretty flowers...

... and these lovely sculptures.

"Girl on a Bike"

"Girl on a Swing"

and my favourite - "Mother and Child"

After walking around the whole park, I was glad when we finally stopped for a picnic.

It was impromptu and nothing fancy, but it was delicious all the same. Food tastes better when you eat it outside!

meeting shukumei

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

I arrived at shukumei's house on a Saturday night. I finally got to meet shukumei (she's on the left of the picture), as well as a friendly pair of twins. There's something very familiar about them but I can't put my finger on it.

The next day, I woke up early and shukumei brought me out for breakfast. We had bak chor mee (noodles - in this case, wide flat rice noodles called kway teow - with minced meat and other toppings like fish cake, fish balls, meatballs);

kolo mee (another noodle dish that originated in Malaysia, it's thin egg noodles with minced meat and lots of vegetables, tossed in a flavourful but non-spicy oil);

and to drink: black coffee, iced coffee, and iced Milo. Milo is a chocolate malt beverage that tastes like chocolate milk but better!

After breakfast, shukumei said she was going to take me somewhere special...

Can you guess where we are? ^_^

The Merlion

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:00:45 +0000

Dio was finally free today as it was a Public holiday (its Labour Day!)! She decided to bring me to the Merlion, which is the national symbol of Singapore

The Merlion is located in the Central Business District! So you can see lots of tall office buildings in the background!

A close up of the Merlion! Notice that it has the body/tail of a mermaid and the head of the lion?

We're still at the same place, just facing a different direction! You can see the Esplanade behind me, fondly known as The Durian in Singapore! You can't really see it from here, but the whole structure is somewhat 'spiky'.

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I took a short walk with Dio and ended up at Anderson Bridge!

Lol, I look so so so small against the words!

A better view of the bridge! We are now facing inwards.

If you face outwards, you'll be overlooking the river!

We're still very near the Esplanade. This is just a different view of it :)

After crossing the bridge, we reached a little garden. The flowers were really pretty as they were in full bloom!