SHIKIMIKIE

Sunday 27 December 2015

Take me Home <3

December 27, 2015 0
Take me Home <3
Selfie. 

It was actually my first time to go to the airport alone. Let alone going to another country alone. But for some reason, I wasn't nervous. Anyways, my itinerary that time was Sagamihara-Machida-Narita. All about 2 hours and 30 minutes away from home. I planned to take the first train but I was like, too early. So I took the next train. Then when I was down the entrance of my mansion, I felt like my face was too hot (it's winter) so I thought I wasn't able to turn off the heater so I went back up again. At this point I really don't have any time to spare so I rushed my way to the station. I was able to make it on time but then when I tapped my SUICA CARD, it  turned out I don't have enough credits remaining so quickly, I asked the lady to load the card and she said I have to do it alone. Clearly, no time left for me. I missed the train so I really have to do everything quickly when I arrive at MACHIDA. Or else, I'll miss my bus. It was a very tiring moment because of time limits and stuff but everything else was peaceful. 


I still arrived at Narita International Airport an hour early so still no problem. I checked-in online so no problem really but I wanted to like do everything quickly for me to able to roam around and eat and do last minute shopping. The lady at the station was really nice because you know, when I checked-in online, I wasn't able to select a seat and she was really nice enough to offer and said there are window and aisle seats still available. So I chose window. 


I thought I'd eat a light meal but other restaurants are kind of full that time so I went to eat chicken curry set meal instead. 

Chicken Katsu Curry 

After eating, I went to the passport control, bought some stuff, then I still have like 45 minutes to spare so I went to the charging station and charged my phone. Slowly walked to my boarding window then waited a little more. My arrival time is like 3:55 in the arbo. I slept the whole flight and will occasionally wake up and check the time, right? I woke up at around 4:10 and we're still up in the air. It was very windy that time and we were warned that we'll be landing but the captain decided to delay the landing or something I don't know. I think we landed at around 5:00 pm. 


With the family! The flight was actually an hour late but you know as long as you get along with your family at the end of the day, it's alright I guess. 


I didn't tell anyone but a friend but I actually really planned to eat at Jollibee first when I arrive but I guess momma really knows best. So yeah, ciao! :) 

Friday 25 December 2015

EXPLORING Takasaki

December 25, 2015 0
EXPLORING Takasaki










Takasaki has been one of my favorite cities to visit recently. It`s not much but going here kind of gives me a peace of mind of some sort.














When we were in Yokohama, I saw this double deck-ish kind of train compartment and it was my first time seeing one so I was like, what the heck is this? And Bry explained that it is a GREEN CAR and it is where passengers can somehow ride (for a cost) to avoid the hassle of standing and/or crowded trip. I initially thought it's only for airports and stuff. 











As a rule, you have to tap your SUICA CARD right  away or else the attendant would have to ask you to pay in cash. What happened to us is that we didn't have a loaded card so cash it was. The fee actually depends on your destination and I remember ours was like 1000 yen plus each so yeah it`s kind of pricey but I can imagine how convenient this gimmick would be for late commuters or like PWD.











The smell of poultry. I haven`t even thought of that when I first exited the station but Bry kind of pointed it out. It was bothersome the first few times but I guess it grew on me and I don`t mind it much now. 










Very subtle station. 










It`s one of Gunma`s major station and with Shinkansen connections all over, I can see why. The station is actually quite big and quite lots of stalls to visit and there are actually quite a lot of local souvenir shops so awesome. 










I have actually been here for maybe like 8 times or more but I still haven`t got in the building at the back. Although I should have. But I don`t know when I`ll be back here. 












It was September when I first visited so it`s like a transition to fall but the trees there were kind of ahead the season so I was like, must take pictures!








As mentioned, they actually are somehow an agricultural city of some sort so they did have quite a lot of rice fields and stuff. The first time I visited, this is how it looked like. 











Couple of visits after, they turned yellow. Am I the only one amazed how nature works? 










Totally out of the plan but there`s actually a park nearby and obstacle courses and it`s totally not the ideal activity considering the time but it turned out to be a great idea. 










When we visited, I remember this day being the day the moon turn BLOOD RED but I guess not in ASIA but we did get quite an awesome view that night with the stars surrounding and shining from above.










Then this happened. 











Harvest season!









I saw how it happened. I feel like a proud momma. Hahahaha 











Even this is nice to look at. Like, you can see that Japan is not only about Tokyo. 
















Fall.












Inside the train.














On the difference note, you`ll be amazed on how vintagey the trains are there. Some modern and some are like this and I`m not even complaining. It`s awesome as it is. It`s like Japan way back when. I suggest you do visit Gunma. Ciao!



Thursday 24 December 2015

Losing Wallet in Japan

December 24, 2015 0
Losing Wallet in Japan

This will be the last time I'd ever lose a wallet ever again. It was awkward. Like, very awkward. I wish I was informed that this would be the situation when claiming the wallet. So basically, the last time I saw my wallet was when I paid for the screen protector for my phone in GEO. Then I was walking my way to Belc, a supermarket, then I didn't find what I was looking for so I then went to a different one.


I actually didn't find what I was looking for in the other supermarket that I went to either  but I decided to buy other things instead and then when it's time for me to check-out, couldn't find the wallet. I sort of panicked. I then asked the check-out lady to set aside my stuff and I'll just look for my wallet. I did. I went back to the path I crossed and didn't find it. I then for some reason thought of going back from that supermarket, to Belc, then to GEO. At this point I only had 2% battery left. I called the Police. Then they asked for all the details I can give about the wallet, put me on hold. Whilst on hold, I went to Belc and asked whether they found it but nah. They actually showed me a wallet but wasn't my wallet. The lady there was actually very nice. She tried to really help me find my wallet but then I needed to move-on. The lady asked for my number and promised to call me whenever they find it. I went to GEO but then the same thing. The police was then on the line once again, said they found my wallet. And I was like, whoah. That fast? They then tried to confirm and asked me again what I remember is inside my wallet. I stated everything again. Awkward moment again. I had to mention my health insurance, graduation picture, baby picture (weird), picture with my cousin, some point cards, appointment cards, membership cards, and ATM cards. Then my address and if there's something in my wallet that has that and all that stuff. At this point I only had 1% of battery left and I warned the officer that my battery is gonna die off soon so yeah she was so kind and asked me what time is it okay for her to call back and I said10 minutes after. My battery died. So yeah after that talk, I realized that 10 minutes is not even enough for me to return to the apartment and so yeah I rushed home, charged the phone, ate a chocolate bar for energy, and waited. At this point 30 minutes have passed. I was kind of worried that I missed the call and stuff but then I got the call. So yeah obviously I was able to retrieve the wallet and stuff and everyone was helpful. They told me to be careful next time. They then gave me the number of the person who found my wallet and I called her the next day and she said she's glad I found my wallet again. Ciao!