Nippon Adventure: Tokyo

Every great holiday will come to an end. I felt it when I was making my way to Tokyo. There were a lot of things that I looked forward to when in Tokyo but met some objectives before. So, the main objective for this Tokyo trip is mainly shopping and also Tokyo Sky Tree.

After checking in, I headed to Akihabara to do a quick toy hunt. Luckily I didn't had a shopping list or that I wasn't interested with what they offered. Managed to get my cousin's toy order and I almost got myself the latest Final Fantasy game but it was in Japanese language.

After Akihabara, I returned to Shinjuku to do more shopping. Instead of going around Isetan, I went the opposite direction of the train station towards Takashimaya and Tokyo Hands. Almost went crazy again at a Yoshida Porter boutique. I saw a the perfect bag in a showcase but ended not buying as the Porter logo was not prominent. 

The following day, I traveled to Tokyo Sky Tree. 3 years back, the building was only halfway built and I totally didn't realized it until I watched Japan Hour. Till then I was eager to go up. Hakimbo mentioned that there would be a long queue but I eased my way in. Ticket cost ¥2000 to the first observation deck at 350m and another ¥1000 to the second deck at 450m.

The view was magnificent as compared to Tokyo Tower. The majestic structure shadows the street down below was quite breathtaking. After circling the building, I took the opportunity to sit in the cafe and soaked in more of the view. The admission fee is quite costly but it was an experience I've been expecting.

The base of the tower is a shopping mall which I managed to get some souvenirs and mementos. They had a huge shop that sell numerous amount of souvenirs with famous anime characters. I almost had a spree but just ended with a present for a friend. 

My next stop was Asakusa which I decided to walk from the Skytree. Managed to had brunch at a Takoyaki shop and managed to find better mementos of Tokyo Sky Tree. Visited the blue bridge of Asakusa to tag my initials like I did last time and finally made my way to Sensoji Shrine.

I've been to Sensoji Shrine before but my intention there was to get my own Yukata. I had a hard time searching in other cities and got to know that it's mostly sold during summer. The shops at Sensoji Shrine sold it throughout the year and it's affordable, as low as ¥2500. I got mine at ¥3400 with the "happiness" character on it.

The last touristy itinerary was to visit a sento which I didn't managed in the other cities. I went to a private onsen at Hakone before but didn't managed to visit a public one. So I was yearning to try one. With the help of an online sento guide, I found one most accessible with an English assistance. Jakotuyu is quite modern with vending machine with English signs. There was an indoor and a rotenburo (outdoor) pool. As sento are olden culture, there were mostly senior patrons. I was one of 3 young people inside and everyone minded their own business (as we should). It wasn't an awkward experience but soaking in the bath was very rejuvenating after all the walking. I was super relieved when I got out. Do note that it's best to bring some grooming kit as you would have to wash off thoroughly before dipping the in bath. Hence all, bodily application would be gone. I went out without my moisturizer and hair wax, so I was in a mess.

I was thrilled that I completed my tourist itinerary, it was time to clear my shopping desire. First up was Omotesando where I needed my Head Porter bag(s) that I've been eyeing. I also went to Kurachika Yoshida (Main Line for Porter) and got another bag. Here I found a hand-made workshop and got to know that there were some limited pieces (1 piece made). Apparently, the one I found at the other boutique was an exclusive. Almost wanted to kill myself but truly, the bag doesn't shout Porter but the craftsmanship and functionality were spot-on.

My shopping was completed and I still have time to enjoy Tokyo so I walked my way towards the famous cross junction of Shibuya. I had the experience of both night and day craziness of the junction as I killed time at Starbucks overlooking the junction the next day.

So the day came for my last day in Japan. Spent some time in Shibuya to read and complete my scrap book and returned to the hotel to collect my 3 bags of goodies. It was easy to get to Narita from Shinjuku but it was crazy going through the crowded subway with luggage in tow.

Since the last trip was on companion pass, I didn't had much time to explore Narita airport. This time I had plenty of time to have dinner and explore the terminal. I was impressed that they had outdoor viewing gallery. The sight and sound was exhilarating for an aerospace student or it's just me. To hear how the un-muffled engine roar during start-up and taking off is quite pleasing for me too as I deal with aircraft engines.

I had a great time going all over and I still wish to return someday. I had in mind to return to Osaka and visit Nara, Kobe and Mount Koya or to Naha, Okinawa or Hokkaido.

So the next holiday on the way is Bangkok in January (experiencing travelling with kids) and a possible return to Hong Kong in April as a guide.

Check out my pictures of Tokyo.

Nippon Adventure: Osaka/Kyoto

I'm back to the once loved Osaka but Hiroshima tops the list now. Once in Osaka however, it meant that I get to shop.

I don't really have plans while in Osaka. I was procrastinating between Universal Studios Japan or Rinku Town Premium Outlet. Since I'm not a fan of theme park and more of a shopper, I decided to go to Rinku Town instead. 

Rinku Town is about an hour away from Osaka and getting there is covered by JR pass. Like all other premium outlet, Rinku houses many premium brands at up to 70% off. I was intrigued by the prices but the items does not fancy my taste. I ended getting gifts for my niece and nephew and almost gotten myself a Bally bag. However, I got crazy at the wall of Lego figurines at ¥490 each. I went ballistic and pick and mix a lot of figures from a full set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which was almost impossible to get in Singapore and some figures from Star Wars.

Other than the Lego figures for myself, I also started buying the Starbucks flavored Via coffee which I always asked favors from friends to get for me while they're in States. I bought a dozen of the via and continued buying more at other Starbucks store in Osaka.

On the second day of my Osaka stay, I planned a day trip to further venture Kyoto. I had limited exploration the previous trip so I decided to plan more. Kyoto is only 30mins from Osaka station by Limited express or 15mins by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka.

First stop was my return to Fushimi Inari Shrine. I planned to complete the trail up Mt Inari as both Hakimbo and myself took a wrong turn and ended where we started. With a sore calves from Mt Misen, I still ventured up Mt Inari at a slower pace. The route is shorter and the has more lower gradient steps. I thought that was an easy climb but was disappointed once I reached the top. At the very peak of Mt Inari stood a shrine which was covered the scenery by tree canopies. 

I just snapped a selfy to note I reached the top and proceeded down to the Ice Cream parlor. I managed to find a seat overlooking the Kyoto Town. That apparently was the highlight of my trail, eating ice-cream on a breezy mountain overlooking the city.

After completing my trail, I returned to another town that I previously visited, Gion. I went to Gion to retrace my previous trail to the shopping belt of Shijo Dori which I passed by previously. There were lots of shopping mall and a Porter shopping research brought me to Head Porter Loft. I immediately went crazy as I finally get to see the physical product of what I had cataloged in my shopping list. Thinking of the baggage that I will carry to Tokyo, I only bought the smaller purchase such as an order for a friend and some cases for myself.

Other than Head Porter Loft, I went slightly ballistic for some gifts for my siblings. I managed to get some exclusive flavors at Nespresso and another shoe order from my aunt. 

The last plan to complete Kyoto was a visit to the Kyoto Tower. Like Fukuoka, I was chasing the tower stamps and of course the high scenery of Kyoto which I was displeased with the one from Mt Inari. Once satisfied, I wanted to try a sento experience at the basement of Kyoto Tower but unsurprisingly, the place was crowded. What shocked me was the queue to enter the sento. There are only a few sento in Japan that caters English assistance. Others are strictly in Japanese. Disappointed, I returned to Kyoto Station to retrieve my shopping goods, which I stored before going to Kyoto Tower, and returned to Osaka.

I was famished in Kyoto and did not managed to eat sufficiently. Once back, I headed to Dotonbori and stuffed myself crazy with the food they offered. From a meal of Okonomiyaki, to street food Takoyaki and King Crab and end it off with pudding dessert. I was full and tired, and knocked out when I returned to the hotel.

Osaka is still a nice city, less hectic than Tokyo but Hiroshima now tops my favorite list. I would still return to Osaka still due to easy access to great food and still be able to shop. I can still plan to venture to other cities which are mostly less than an hour away by Shinkansen. If I were to return to Japan, I would definitely fly into Osaka and to shop again and definitely put Kobe as a day trip.

Check out the shopping and food galore of Osaka and the trail of Kyoto. Next up, the ending city to my Nippon Adventure, Tokyo.

Nippon Adventure: Miyajima

It was highlighted by my cousin that staying in Hiroshima for a day was insufficient. Both he and his wife had a great time especially at Miyajima. That is when I realized that the floating torii gate was located. Hence, I followed my cousin's advise and stayed in Hiroshima for 2 nights with a day trip to Miyajima.

I wanted to visit the Itsukushima shrine during low and high tide. I had to wake up early to catch the first train and a connecting first ferry (fully covered by JR pass) to the island. Miyajima is about 30mins away from Hiroshima by JR train and a connecting ferry which takes 10mins to the island. The morning started to pour as I head towards Miyajima ferry terminal and it got heavier as I reach the terminal. I had to miss the first ferry as I needed to use the toilet and get some light breakfast as my other objective at Miyajima is to trail up Mt Misen.

It was still pouring heavily as I boarded the ferry and within that 10mins ride, it turned to drizzle. As I step out of the ferry terminal, I was awed by the view of the cloud covered mountains and the view of the torii gate from a far. Since it was still drizzling, I just bashed through the rain towards the floating torii gates. 

Standing at the edge of the low tide, was a majestic monument. I followed some people onto the sand and walked towards the gate. That was something I would regret not doing.

After a couple of pictures, I noticed that the drizzle was getting lighter. I walked to the rope-way hoping to go up by cable car and walk down the mountain but due to the weather, the rope-way was not operational. Hence I decided to trail up and doing the vice-versa.

The start of the trail was so beautiful with the falling of red/orange leaves together with a calming stream of river flowing down the mountain. The track was gradient until it got to steep steps. It was a 2.5km trail up to the top and I started panting at 1.5km. That was the reason for not exercising or preparing to conquer this hike. I had to stop every 100m to catch a breather as I walked through passing clouds. 

Along the way, I met with some wild deer and a couple of shrines. Once on top of Mt Misen, I was practically the only one as the shops were empty. However, there was a guard at his post at the construction of the viewing deck. I then realized that the weather condition still would not permit the operations of the rope-way hence the reason of no one at the top. I bet the guard was also waiting for his colleague to relieve his post. Since the rope-way was non-operational, i had no choice but to walk back down.

Going down was easier and I took a different route. I met some people hiking up and tried some greetings in Japanese until they returned me some questions. I did make out the question but struggle with sign language to reply. That's for not preparing my Japanese language for this trip (too stress up with school and work to study Japanese).

With only a cup of coffee and a slice of baumkuchen, I was famished as I made my way down. I was searching for food once I reached the bottom and chanced upon a souvenir food stall. I just bought a pack of 6 azuki pancake and gorged down 2 with a bottle of isotonic drink.

I returned to the main town in search of proper food and also to rest my aching leg. I was hoping to visit a sento but can't seem to find within the town and the hotels sento was not open to public. So I ended looking for a place to eat. I noticed many shops selling grilled oyster and I just walked pass as I'm not a fan of shelled fish.

When I decided to try a local coffee roaster, their menu set consist of pasta served with grilled oyster. As I was famished and that was the heaviest meal they had, I tried the local delicacy. Confirmed, not a fan of shelled fish as I just swallowed it down. At least I tried local delicacy.

Making my way to the ferry terminal, I revisited the floating gate which was now high tide. The sea covered the sand I once stood in the morning. There were more tourist now and a bunch of deers were camping around the tourist. I'm surprised that it didn't ran away as I got closer. That was the first time I got close to a wild animal and actually pat on it too. 

Miyajima has been a wonderful experience. I would recommend coming here with someone ambit not to climb Mt Misen if they're not interested (Take the rope-way instead). It have great activities lined up with great scenery. I would love to try their rotenburo (outdoor bath) looking up the mountain, if I can find one. Definite recommendation to visit if you're at Hiroshima.

So now, back to Hiroshima for some shopping. Check out more photos of Miyajima.

Nippon Adventure: Hiroshima

Hiroshima is 70mins away from Fukuoka by Sakura Shinkansen. After dropping off my bags at Hana Hostel which is just 5mins walk from Hiroshima station, I decided to walk to the nearest attraction which was Shukkeien Garden as recommended by the hostel keeper. I managed to stroll and have a snack of fresh fruit salad along the way.

Shukkeien Garden is 15mins walk from Hiroshima Station but it was closed for a private function so I continued my journey towards Hiroshima Castle. It was roughly 10mins walk from the garden. I entered the castle via the eastern entrance and walked thru the beautiful gardens. There were a couple of wedding photography held at the place and it was not as grand as the ones I encountered at Meiji Shrine few years back. They were more casual and more joyous.

A makeshift castle is located at the far north western part of the compound. It houses a museum and a lookout tower at the fifth floor where I'm able to view the surrounding are out of the castle as the castle's compound were block by trees. 

As I walked towards the southern entrance, I had to pass by a shrine which had wedding procession going on. That explains the bunch of wedding photography in the park. I got myself a custard carp pancake and sat by the bench watching some wedding procession.

I continued walking to the next nearby attraction, A-Bomb Dome about 10 mins away. It was such a solemn place and I was astound by the remaining structure that survived the bomb blast. Across the river stream was the Peace Memorial park. I noticed that I've started the attraction from the back to front and missed out some vital places in the park but I was still satisfied. The museum stands at
the entrance of the park but it was too crowded for me to enter hence I decided to leave.

By the time I completed the main attraction, it was time to check out the local shopping scene. I did realized that I have yet to have a meal so I went to a local curry house and had some shrimp katsu curry don. It was alright but it sure filled my well. Once full, it's time to check out Hondori.

Hondori is a stretch of shopping arcade similar to Shinsaibashi in Osaka but it carry lesser known brands. I got tempted to shop again but subdued to mental shopping list. I retreated early to rest for my day trip Miyajima the day after.

After I completed my Miyajima trip, I told myself that I could start shopping limitedly. I returned to Hondori after a well rested nap and went to get what I had in my mental shopping list. I was quite pleased with the shopping experience in Hiroshima. The exchange rate conversion wasn't that fantastic but I managed to get some order request by people at home. At least I cleared the orders, I can concentrate fully on my needs. 

Hiroshima is a peaceful and solemn city. It is not as robust or hectic as major city of Tokyo and Osaka but it paced perfectly fine. I had a relaxing time and managed to to rejuvenate after a hike at Mt Misen. Food and shopping are plenty and it was easy navigating around town. Hiroshima is my top favorite city for this trip and I would love to return if given the opportunity. I could still do day trips around Hiroshima and will definitely stay in Hana Hostel again due to the excellent service and room.

Do check out my day trip to Miyajima and more photos of Hiroshima. Next, I returned to my old favorite Osaka.

Nippon Adventure: Fukuoka

After all the planning and going through a hectic time at work and school, I've been waiting for the day I returned to Japan. I wanted to go places that I have not been previously and to start somewhere other than Tokyo or Osaka. So it was either flying into Japan via Sapporo or Fukuoka and ending my bag packing trip with a lustful shopping in Tokyo. There wasn't much places to visit if I were to go down from Sapporo and risk radiation exposure, hence I concluded to start my adventure from Fukuoka and make my way up to Tokyo.

I planned only a night in Fukuoka as there wasn't much attraction and I do not wish to risk going around Kyushu as language would be a barrier. I could understand simple Japanese but conversationally numbed. So it was best to stay within city limit.

There were bunch of attractions in Fukuoka which were accessible by the Green Loop bus service. The bus
however has a 30 mins frequency and the approximate time of arrival on the bus stop signage wasn't accurate. I waited a lot for the bus but it was a direct bus to all the attraction and cost only ¥700.

First stop was one of e furthest attraction on the bus route, Hawk Town which is a baseball stadium and shopping mall. My main attraction was the mall. I was once again awed by the items that Japan has to offer. I went crazy at ABC Mart and Toys R Us but subdue my shopping urges by telling myself I'm on a bag packing trip. I left the mall empty handed but with a mental shopping list.

I didn't really went into the stadium due to no interest so I moved on to the next attraction, Kyoto Tower. If an actually see the tower from the stadium and it was a walking distance but I wanted utilized the buss pass so I waited for the bus instead. Luckily it wasn't that long.

My trip will normally include a visit to an observation deck where available and Kyoto has one. I thought it was an office building with an observation deck on top but was suprised that it was mostly beams and pylon that run the whole building. I got to know while taking the glass elevator down and saw the internal structure of the building. Since Kyoto Tower is one of the feature tower of Japan, it has it's very own mascot, stamp and souvenirs. I was tempted to get the long mini baumkuchen souvenir but it was too long to bring along on a bag pack, and they were out of magnets. Hence I only managed to get a stamp of the tower.

After a long wait for the Green Bus I made my was to the Ohori Koen. It's a large park with a huge pond and 3 connecting islands. People were either running, walking their dog or just wandering around. There was a canoeing event on the water as well. The walkway around the pond has so much activities that I decided to stroll across the 3 island. It was such a peaceful stroll with lovely sceneries.

There is another attraction near Ohori Koen which is the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. There wasn't much in the area except stone pillars and foundation of the castle with no physical castle. I made my was up to the highest point where the castle stood and was mesmerized by the view. While walking down, I noticed a bunch of tour group walking with a tablet in hand and moving it around. As I walked closer, I noticed that the tablet will show the section of the castle where the tablet was pointed. That was such an amazing idea. The tour group was nice enough to share the view with me and the image showed how grand the castle was.

After settling my check-in to the hostel and wash-up, I made my way to Canal City shopping mall. It's located at the back of the hostel and has a overhead passage directly to the mall. Canal City is huge with a water feature which I thought ran directly from the river through the mall but it wasn't. He main mall was quite huge but the shops are mostly small. You can find brands such as Muji, Uniqlo, ABC Mart and such but I found the joining building better with Bershka, H&M and a lot more known brands. I had to maintain the urge to shop so I just walked out to Hakata station to change and reserve my seating for the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.

It was roughly 10mins to walk from Canal City to Hakata station and roughly 15-20mins to walk to Hana Hostel from the station. I'm amazed that there were a lot of people loitering outside the station and felt like Sundays at Orchard Road. Hopefully you get what I mean but to my surprise, they were all Japanese taking pictures of the decorated station for the upcoming Christmas.

I was glad that I only spend a day to cover Fukuoka as there wasn't much attraction unless I proceed down to Beppu for some onsen experience. Though an advise by a friend, I must understand Japanese to be able to survive in Beppu. So Fukuoka was good enough. I might not shop in Fukuoka but the prices there was slightly lower than the other cities I've been to especially for toys. Some clothes are rare to find as well as I didn't find the same design at the same brand at the other city. At least I wasn't something I regretted not buying.

More photos of Fukuoka. So next stop, Hiroshima.

Nippon Adventure: Accommodations and Transportations

I've been planning this trip way before my second semester began, hoping I won't need much distraction with the plannings. Most importantly, I wanted to do this trip independently where I'm not obligated by a secondary voice.

Even though I've been to Japan before, I planned to travel from west to east starting from Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka, Kyoto and finally to Tokyo. I booked a direct SIA flight using my partial mileage redemption to reach Japan via Fukuoka and depart from Narita. It was quite costly but less trouble of transit or wasted traveling time if I were to fly in-out from 1 city. 

I've managed a night stay at Fukuoka, 2 nights at Hiroshima with a day trip to Miyajima, 2 nights in Osaka with a day trip to Kyoto and lastly 2 nights in Tokyo. I stayed at Hana Hostel (a sister brand to J-Hoppers which I had a pleasant stay previously at Osaka) for both Fukuoka and Hiroshima, APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi for Osaka, and Hotel Wing International Shinjuku. 

Like previously, I purchased the national JR pass to travel around Japan freely. The 7-day pass can only be purchase outside of Japan and it cost around SGD340 for unlimited rides on the JR city buses, trains and Shinkansen (bullet train).

Fukuoka:

Hana Hostel Fukuoka is located 2 subway stops from Hakata Station and situated along a shopping arcade Nakasuka. It wasn't difficult searching the place but it's at the very opposite end of the arcade from the subway station. There are plenty of diners along the arcade but not Starbucks hence I had to resort to Starbucks beverages from convenient stores. There is also a superb Thai massage parlor where I had the best Thai massage ever (even outdid the original Thai massage from Thailand itself).

Since I was in Fukuoka for a day, I opt for a 8 bed mixed dormitory. Everyone was pleasant but reserved by staying in their own bunk bed with the blind down. Each bunk is huge enough for a comfortable stay with an individual dresser to store personal belongings. The atmosphere is quite cozy with the wooden interiors.

Since JR isn't the main line in Fukuoka, I delayed changing my JR pass by a day (staying for a total of 8 days). There are a couple of private line which the pass does not covers. However, I gotten the Green Loop bus service which loops around the city to major attractions. The drawback is the 30mins intervals. Most of the time, I was wasting my time waiting for the bus as the places I'm going are far apart. I did walk to some places after checking in and over-utilizing the worth of the Green Loop pass because the last few places were within walking distance.

Hiroshima/Miyajima:

I continued my stay with Hana Hostel Hiroshima for the next 2 nights. I wanted a bit more privacy so I booked a single en-suite Japanese style room which feels more likely room during my ryokan stay. The room is meant for 2-3 people stay but I had it all to myself. The hostel location is only 5mins walk from the Hiroshima station but food around the area is quite scarce.

I was blown by the coziness of both Hana Hostels where the keepers took notice of you even when the place was fully-booked. They remembered our conversations about planned itinerary and asked whether I enjoyed the places I went whenever I returned back to the hostel. Truly amazing services.

Hiroshima is another city which JR is not the prominent transportation. A local tram line operates around the city and cost only ¥150 1-way within the city limits. The main attractions are all within walking distance hence a tram ride was sufficient. I did walk to every location on the first day and uses the tram by the second day.

My second day in Hiroshima was a day trip to Miyajima. This is when I utilized my JR pass for the train and ferry ride. It's only 40 mins away from Hiroshima.

Osaka/Kyoto:

I wanted to further my stay with Hana Hostel which is conveniently located within Namba but I managed to find a business hotel APA Hotel which is at a similar price of SGD60. The hotel provides better amenities and is just a few minutes walk to Shinsaibashi/Dotonbori for a quick shopping/eateries. 

Osaka has a few JR lines connecting to many locations however getting to Namba requires a transit. I had to use the private subway line for a direct route to Shin-Osaka whenever I have my luggage on. Getting to Kansai Airport or Rinku premium outlet is also covered by the JR pass. Same goes for traveling to Kobe and Kyoto which is an hour away by public train and roughly 20mins by express.

Kyoto has a scarce JR line but plenty of other private lines. Getting around Kyoto is still easy.

Tokyo:

Back in 2010, I stayed in a Khaosan Hostel at Asakusa which was quite inaccessible. Many of the hostels in Tokyo are quite inaccessible as well hence I decided to stay in a hotel instead especially one that is easily accessible by JR line and to Narita Express. After much research, I booked Hotel Wing International Shinjuku which is less than 10mins walk from JR Shinjuku. 

However, I had a bad experience in this hotel. Firstly, it's situated within Shinjuku red light district which is quite sleazy. I got touted for sex. The hotel also had a centralized heating system which unable guest to set the temperature in the room. It's either the heater is on or off. I requested some assistance to keep the room ventilated and the staff provided me with a fan. Apparently, I wasn't the only one with the fan as I saw some guest on the same floor who opened their room to allow the alleyway air conditioning into the room.

Getting around Tokyo was easy as JR line runs throughout many parts of the city. Some attractions are within walking distance or a transfer to a private line. There many JR station and the main stations such as Shibuya and Shinjuku are quite huge. Eventhough I commute to Shinjuku daily, I ended up towards different exit every single time due to the human traffic flow and the vastness of the station.

Generally, this solo adventure was more laid back eventhough I planned a lot. Accomadations weren't a letdown except for Tokyo and moving about was easy. I however would preferably return to Osaka than Tokyo as it is less congested. I can also revisit Kyoto and Hiroshima and can even venture to Kobe and Nara. Maybe I could plan a summer in Japan soon. 

Next few entries would be my adventures around Japan. Stay tuned.

Missing

It has been far too long since my last post which was my Bali Ignorance day entry back in late April. Nothing special happened after that period. 

Basically, I was involved in my exams after the trip, followed by non-stop of work. My school results weren't as bad as I expected so I headed on to a full 4 modules a semester. Boy, I foreseen the expected coming. I struggled with school and work from then on. There were a couple of group assignments and I was amazed that I managed to find good team members. 

Work was also quite tedious as I got promoted from planning assistant to supervisor. There was a hike in responsibilities which I struggled to juggle with school. That period wasn't the best time for me but I managed to set things to a better motion as time went by.

Another exam came and I was too delighted for what came next, my trip to Japan. No matter how sucky life gets, there are always something great to look forward to. It may or may not be relevant to the situation but it somehow eases the tension. 

Oh, did I say that I'm seeing someone? That'll be another story for another day then.