We have spent the last couple of days in Sendai. You may remember it from the news about 5 years back when the Tsunami claimed their airport. Its a smaller city but still massive. And cold. Which has given us an excuse to buy cute Japanese winter wear.
Yesterday was spent along the coast close to where the tsunami hit. Luckily the area we were in was saved as it was within a bay. Which was lucky as the area was just absolutely stunning. Had our first experience of the autumn leaves at 'peak' and jeepers it is beautiful.
Today we hop on the Shinkansen again and head all the way south to Kyoto.
Friday 18 November 2016
Tuesday 15 November 2016
So Kawaii!!
Our return to HellonKitty World did not disappoint. This time there was a massive line up, like should we bother massive line up. So glad we did, the park swallowed up all those people without batting an eye. We watched 2 stage shows 'one about friendship where apparently farting in ones face is the height of comedy, and then Kitty in Wonderland which was basically a full musical
Production. It was magnificent. Then there was the parade, the shopping, the adorable sweets and the all round weird kookiness of it all. Don't forget I had zero interest in Hello Kitty until our first visit here and now we have a spiritual connection.
Last night we managed to get drunk and stay out until almost middnight! A first for us when holidaying alone. It was all courtesy of the robot restaurant. I would give them all of my money. All if it. Such epic level fun. Basically consisted of hot warrior women leading robots into battle against one another. Sooooo good.
We also managed to squeeze in trips to Golden Gai and Piss Alley - some older parts of Shinjuku where you will find the tiny little yakatori and sake bars. When I say tiny, you'd be lucky to fit more than 6 people in most of them.
Needless to say we are having a great time.
Production. It was magnificent. Then there was the parade, the shopping, the adorable sweets and the all round weird kookiness of it all. Don't forget I had zero interest in Hello Kitty until our first visit here and now we have a spiritual connection.
Last night we managed to get drunk and stay out until almost middnight! A first for us when holidaying alone. It was all courtesy of the robot restaurant. I would give them all of my money. All if it. Such epic level fun. Basically consisted of hot warrior women leading robots into battle against one another. Sooooo good.
We also managed to squeeze in trips to Golden Gai and Piss Alley - some older parts of Shinjuku where you will find the tiny little yakatori and sake bars. When I say tiny, you'd be lucky to fit more than 6 people in most of them.
Needless to say we are having a great time.
Monday 14 November 2016
Visiting our spiritual home
Everyone love Harajuku Sundays. The Mecca for all thing cool and hangout for disaffected yoof. If you want a taste of all those crazy Japanese things you see on the internet this is the place to experience it. We stumbled across a genuine cat cafe and of course squeed until we were hoarse. They somehow make kitties differently in Japan and it is no wonder they are so revered here. Some have tibybstubby legs, all of their eyes are unnaturally anime large and there fur is so soft it's like petting clouds. So freaking adorable.
Takeshita street is lined with the coolest (too cool for me) fashions in Tokyo. Just don't take pictures or you will be asked to leave the store. My favourite is the store jammed so tightly with exquisite sequence over the top show girl/boy outfits you can barely move. They have dressed all manner of celebrities- think Madonna, Beyoncé, Gaga and I want it all. Mostly I want the mirror ball spiked shoulder pads. Then there is the Lolita, goth, punk, gangster and some other weird ass fashions that probably don't have an English term yet.
Last night I tried my first ramen and it has changed my life. On a side note there is a common misconception that it is expensive here but we have found that not to be true. I had a massive bowl of ramen, goyza and a beer last night for around $13AUD. You couldn't get that in Aust for less than $25. Although we also had lunch at a crazy themed cafe with shows and weirdness that was closer to $100. So you can spend it if you want to!
Today we are heading back to Hello Kitty world!!!!
Takeshita street is lined with the coolest (too cool for me) fashions in Tokyo. Just don't take pictures or you will be asked to leave the store. My favourite is the store jammed so tightly with exquisite sequence over the top show girl/boy outfits you can barely move. They have dressed all manner of celebrities- think Madonna, Beyoncé, Gaga and I want it all. Mostly I want the mirror ball spiked shoulder pads. Then there is the Lolita, goth, punk, gangster and some other weird ass fashions that probably don't have an English term yet.
Last night I tried my first ramen and it has changed my life. On a side note there is a common misconception that it is expensive here but we have found that not to be true. I had a massive bowl of ramen, goyza and a beer last night for around $13AUD. You couldn't get that in Aust for less than $25. Although we also had lunch at a crazy themed cafe with shows and weirdness that was closer to $100. So you can spend it if you want to!
Today we are heading back to Hello Kitty world!!!!
Sunday 13 November 2016
And...... we're back!!
The siren song of Japan is just too enticing. 5 years after our first Asian Odyssey we are back to celebrate Ashley's 40th year of not doing anything so stupid it might kill him.
If you remember, our last trip was made in the weeks after the tsunami that devastated parts of Japan, saw a max exidous of gaijin and all but obliterated tourism. This was one of the reasons we wanted to return, we were not sure that was the real Japan we had experienced. That and everything about Japan is awesome and kooky and headscratchingly bizarre. Or stunningly beautiful. Most times both!
The minute we stepped on to the Japan flight it was clear this was going to be a different trip. Last time the plane was nearly empty, we were the only foreigners going through immigration and the airport was apocalypticly deserted. Not so much this time around. Navigating the immense crowds in the airports, train stations and alleyways has been a challenge we have not before experienced. We knew some lights had been turned off in Shinjuku, but wow - it is realllly lit up now. And there's just this overall feeling of calmness that wasn't there last time. Chaotic calmness. And lots lots more foreigners. Hearing other languages in the street is something that was glaringly absent last time.
This time we are staying in the heart of Shinjuku where the syrrrts below are awash with people, good time, odd bars and so much food.
Today is Sunday. And everyone knows what Sundays in tokyo are about.... HARAJUKU DAY!!!!
If you remember, our last trip was made in the weeks after the tsunami that devastated parts of Japan, saw a max exidous of gaijin and all but obliterated tourism. This was one of the reasons we wanted to return, we were not sure that was the real Japan we had experienced. That and everything about Japan is awesome and kooky and headscratchingly bizarre. Or stunningly beautiful. Most times both!
The minute we stepped on to the Japan flight it was clear this was going to be a different trip. Last time the plane was nearly empty, we were the only foreigners going through immigration and the airport was apocalypticly deserted. Not so much this time around. Navigating the immense crowds in the airports, train stations and alleyways has been a challenge we have not before experienced. We knew some lights had been turned off in Shinjuku, but wow - it is realllly lit up now. And there's just this overall feeling of calmness that wasn't there last time. Chaotic calmness. And lots lots more foreigners. Hearing other languages in the street is something that was glaringly absent last time.
This time we are staying in the heart of Shinjuku where the syrrrts below are awash with people, good time, odd bars and so much food.
Today is Sunday. And everyone knows what Sundays in tokyo are about.... HARAJUKU DAY!!!!
Friday 29 April 2011
THANKS MUM!!!!
Big thanks to Mum Jacqui for keeping the blog going while we've been in China.
You're a superstar Mum! There's a Chinese trinket in it for your troubles.
Big loves xxxxxx
You're a superstar Mum! There's a Chinese trinket in it for your troubles.
Big loves xxxxxx
Honkers: Stop Talking Like a Retard, People Speak English Here.
Good evening from Nathan Road, Hong Kong.
Isn't it amazing how a few kilometers and 99 years of British occupation can completely change a place. We caught the ferry over from Zhuhai this morning, leaving behind China for good this time. It's a bittersweet release full of contradictory feelings which, lets face it, describes our entire time in China. The last few days in Zhuhai were excellent, catching up with Jazzs friends and generally just relaxing and reminiscing.
The first difference we noticed in Honkers was that the taxi had seatbelts. And the driver had a fluent conversation with us about all manner of things. And we didn't for a moment fear for our lives. It was good. He delivered us to the Sheraton Hotel for our 5 star luxury suite. Which turned out to be craptastic. Well not craptastic, but certainly not of the standard that we had expected, particularly after we have stayed in such amazing hotels for a fraction of the price. I'm sure they'll regret disappointing us by the end of our stay.... Just sayin' if you ever come to the Sheraton in Honkers, bring a black light.
So far we've hit the streets pretty hard, enjoying all the little alley ways, and getting pretty well ass raped by the vendors. Haggling is not my strong point. But turns out we have plenty of dosh left so we're happy to part with it. We were hoping to get an ipad, but the 2 hasn't been released here yet so no luck. Everyone we've spoken to here speaks English fluently, but we're so used to no one understanding us, that we're still pointing at the menu going 'I want that one' and speaking in slow monosylables like cave men. I'm pretty sure they think the loony bus has lost a few... I'm sure we'll get the hang of speaking English good back again soon.
Tomorrow we're going to head to the Peak and then to Mongkok (True dinks there is a place in the world called Mongkok) for the ladies market to do lady things.
Isn't it amazing how a few kilometers and 99 years of British occupation can completely change a place. We caught the ferry over from Zhuhai this morning, leaving behind China for good this time. It's a bittersweet release full of contradictory feelings which, lets face it, describes our entire time in China. The last few days in Zhuhai were excellent, catching up with Jazzs friends and generally just relaxing and reminiscing.
The first difference we noticed in Honkers was that the taxi had seatbelts. And the driver had a fluent conversation with us about all manner of things. And we didn't for a moment fear for our lives. It was good. He delivered us to the Sheraton Hotel for our 5 star luxury suite. Which turned out to be craptastic. Well not craptastic, but certainly not of the standard that we had expected, particularly after we have stayed in such amazing hotels for a fraction of the price. I'm sure they'll regret disappointing us by the end of our stay.... Just sayin' if you ever come to the Sheraton in Honkers, bring a black light.
So far we've hit the streets pretty hard, enjoying all the little alley ways, and getting pretty well ass raped by the vendors. Haggling is not my strong point. But turns out we have plenty of dosh left so we're happy to part with it. We were hoping to get an ipad, but the 2 hasn't been released here yet so no luck. Everyone we've spoken to here speaks English fluently, but we're so used to no one understanding us, that we're still pointing at the menu going 'I want that one' and speaking in slow monosylables like cave men. I'm pretty sure they think the loony bus has lost a few... I'm sure we'll get the hang of speaking English good back again soon.
Tomorrow we're going to head to the Peak and then to Mongkok (True dinks there is a place in the world called Mongkok) for the ladies market to do lady things.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Plastic Venice: Jazz's Old Digs
Good Morning from the Paradise Hill Hotel in Zhuhai! This place at some point in time was 5 star luxuary. Now it's just kind of sad. But the room is larger than some (most) of the units I have lived in. Just don't try getting into the pool without a bathing cap or someone will scream at you in Chinese until you slink away to the kiddies pool and look confused until they leave you alone. Just ask Jazz.
On Easter Sunday we left Shanghai. We traveled for a full 24 hours, by train, bus and ferry and ended up in Macao. Macoa is like the Vegas of Asia. It is wall to wall casinos, bright lights and smells like the sort of regret that comes from not only gambling away your life savings, but the life savings of three generations of your offspring. But dang it was fun!
You may remember that we booked the Royale suite at the Venetian Hotel in Macao. Wow. wow. It is like a city. They give you a map so you can get around. We've decided we will return there one day and live there for a week and see if it's possible not to have to leave for any reason. We're sure it can be done. The room was amazing, everything about it was amazing. A bit of a change from being stuck in a train booth with two strange Chinese men continuously farting throughout the night. We had a little flutter on the pokies - they even had the old ones where you pull the handle. But we lost spectacularly. Dinner was at Mortons Steakhouse. It looked pricey but we thought we'd give it a look see anyway. Our suspiciions were right - It was so pricey they don't even show you the menu. Instead they bring out a massive tray of meat and go through all the cuts with you - demonstrate with the vegies how you can have them cooked, and then introduce you to the live lobster that could be yours for just 400yaun a pound. He had his pinchers tied tight which was a relief because the look in his stalky eyes was one of murderous rage - "You wanta eat meee? Bring it!!!" We settled on a New York strip steak and Fillet Mingon. It has ruined meat for me forever. sigh. After dinner we went for a gondola ride. Yes the Venitian - with a plastic Venice, has canals with real life gondolas and real life gondalers who sing in Italian for you while you float lazily under the beautiful sky painted on the roof. Whilst it may sound somewhat tacky, it was pretty cool.
We did manage to tear ourselves away from the casino and make it into Macao itself. It has a very clear Porteguese influence and is really quite pretty when you get away from the bright lights of the casinos and the crowded and noisy streets. The square and church front were really lovely - and the egg tarts to die for! In the morning we decided to try the breakfast buffet. Big mistake. We officially cannot be trusted with a buffet, especially not one that has a 200 metre long buffet of breakfast treats. *Drools*
We managed to haul our fat asses accross the border to Zhuhai. It's the first time I've ever walked accross a border. Pretty cool. Zhuhai is gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of Canberra. The streets are tree lined, the traffic doesn't seem as bad and there is much less pollution. But it does only have a population of 1.3 million compared to Beijings 13 million.
Today we're off to see more Zhuhai.
On Easter Sunday we left Shanghai. We traveled for a full 24 hours, by train, bus and ferry and ended up in Macao. Macoa is like the Vegas of Asia. It is wall to wall casinos, bright lights and smells like the sort of regret that comes from not only gambling away your life savings, but the life savings of three generations of your offspring. But dang it was fun!
You may remember that we booked the Royale suite at the Venetian Hotel in Macao. Wow. wow. It is like a city. They give you a map so you can get around. We've decided we will return there one day and live there for a week and see if it's possible not to have to leave for any reason. We're sure it can be done. The room was amazing, everything about it was amazing. A bit of a change from being stuck in a train booth with two strange Chinese men continuously farting throughout the night. We had a little flutter on the pokies - they even had the old ones where you pull the handle. But we lost spectacularly. Dinner was at Mortons Steakhouse. It looked pricey but we thought we'd give it a look see anyway. Our suspiciions were right - It was so pricey they don't even show you the menu. Instead they bring out a massive tray of meat and go through all the cuts with you - demonstrate with the vegies how you can have them cooked, and then introduce you to the live lobster that could be yours for just 400yaun a pound. He had his pinchers tied tight which was a relief because the look in his stalky eyes was one of murderous rage - "You wanta eat meee? Bring it!!!" We settled on a New York strip steak and Fillet Mingon. It has ruined meat for me forever. sigh. After dinner we went for a gondola ride. Yes the Venitian - with a plastic Venice, has canals with real life gondolas and real life gondalers who sing in Italian for you while you float lazily under the beautiful sky painted on the roof. Whilst it may sound somewhat tacky, it was pretty cool.
We did manage to tear ourselves away from the casino and make it into Macao itself. It has a very clear Porteguese influence and is really quite pretty when you get away from the bright lights of the casinos and the crowded and noisy streets. The square and church front were really lovely - and the egg tarts to die for! In the morning we decided to try the breakfast buffet. Big mistake. We officially cannot be trusted with a buffet, especially not one that has a 200 metre long buffet of breakfast treats. *Drools*
We managed to haul our fat asses accross the border to Zhuhai. It's the first time I've ever walked accross a border. Pretty cool. Zhuhai is gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of Canberra. The streets are tree lined, the traffic doesn't seem as bad and there is much less pollution. But it does only have a population of 1.3 million compared to Beijings 13 million.
Today we're off to see more Zhuhai.
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