SHIKIMIKIE

I went with my co-worker Shella Mae! Okay so we actually didn’t have the idea that there’s a matsuri happening nearby our Shinjuku office (where we were assigned) until our store manager told me about it. According to her, it’s a festival where shop owners pray for the prosperity of their businesses. But we were no business owners so we were just there for food.  Distorted Hello Kitty face is life! Sorry, Mika. I know.  Osaka feels!!! I can’t even express my excitement when I saw these! Yas! Yas. Fancy! Entrance So many food, so little time!!  Tan!! (tongue) Seriously my go-to piece of meat whenever I go to festivals. Yas!  We regretted the castellas that we bought because it was soooo dry!!! I mean, it’s kind of cute but it was hella dry! That’s all! Ciao! 

And yes. We finally got a full bloom. Although alone, I really felt happy that I was able to see all this beauty.  I was kind of hesitant for Hanami actually because it particularly rained so hard earlier that day and I was like should I really go there with umbrella or something? But you know, it did stop when I was about to go off the train. Also, my advice is just to go for it because Sakura wouldn't wait for you.  Takasaki Park is kinda near the station.  Probably a 20 minute walk or less even so it's really easy to locate (if you know how to read a map). It's a small park though, but you know, you get what you want there so why not?  Beautiful!  Also a fun fact, there are actually about 3-4 bird cages in that park. I don't know what for but yeah.  So delicate. So pure. Like, who wouldn't love to stare at these, right?  Takasaki Park Awesome! For some reason, I like me some Sakura by the river/lake or something. Any parts of water for that matter. ...

stop over It has been a tradition of our family to go to the beach when it's dad's birthday. This time is no exception. We went to Olongapo. Actually, we don't really go very far from the city. Years and years, we've been alternating Bataan, Batangas, Subic, and Olongapo.  We went to a resort called Suzuki. I think the owner is dad's friend of some sort. I'm not sure. Anyways, the view when we arrived blew me away.  Just look at that. Very nice. Not the best beach but the view of the mountains will surely sweep you off your feet.  They only have one pool there and it's more of like for kids but it did it for us. Also, I have no idea why they opted for Shrek when it's irrelevant. For me at least. Mika and papa just chilling. The landscape isn't anything grand but it's well maintained so that's okay too.  The sunset was a show. I mean, I saw breath-taking sunsets somewhere and this is not near any of those but you know, sunset is sunset, can...

So...I went to Ueno the same day I went to Nakameguro. It was kind of a frustrating trip and I felt like I didn't really made the most out of it. I was supposed to meet with a friend but since Ueno is big, we can't seem to find each other. We were actually in the same convenience store and the same flower shop but in different places but all in Ueno Station that's how confusing it is around there but uhm yeah. I can go on ranting but I know I'll just get more frustrated than I already am or was so let's just pretend it all didn't happen.  I happened to visit when it was announced to the whole world that it's gonna be the full bloom. So many people!! Seriously couldn't even stop to take pictures without thinking that the people walking behind would be interrupted.  Red lanterns for Ueno.  They have loads of shrines in Ueno. I plan on visiting when there's not much crowd. I think it would be amazing.  Okay so we can't seem to find each other, right...

First of all, HAPPY DECEMBER. Gah time really flies so fast. December 1st, I officially already stayed for 8 months here in Japan and counting. This is my last chance of making my 2014 great and I'm kinda pressured because I think I haven't had something eventful to really celebrate. Well not really. I have kind of done a lot this year but I'm just kind of not seeing it. Whatever.  Pictures are irrelevant but I remember my mom saying that it looks Christmasy so there you go. I actually couldn't see her point and just half-heartedly took these pictures but on second thought, maybe a little. Looks like it snowed or something. Good point, mom.  Oh I'm feeling really thankful!! You know why, I being the careless person that I am, forgot my phone inside the CR and a very kind Filipina co-worker found it and surrendered it to the office and whilst working, the leader asked us if one of us forgot an iPhone and I was like, damn, did I? And then alas! It was me. I was actual...