little hopes

The colleague and I were supposed to look at the 2nd guest house yesterday, but it was already taken up. The 1st one we saw last week was not quite my taste; location wasn't convenient, there were unwashed pots and pans in the shared kitchen, and worse still, the toilet was unflushed!

I've been scouring over the Internet looking at gaijin houses, guest houses, and apartments which are catered for foreigners. Many have had bad experiences with landlords who prefer not to rent out to foreigners as they do not speak the language. Many a times, the payment upfront is outrageous and some need to pay as much as 6 months' of rent initially, not including furniture and appliances later on.

While getting busy with this, I was also trying to get flight tickets back home. Japanese travel agents, well at least the ones I know, require you to transfer money from the bank to their account. With much technology and all that, I still cannot understand why credit card usage is so low in this country!

Anyways, a lot of emails to and fro with the No 1 Travel agency finally brought me to an itinerary which I hope will allow me to go back for awhile before starting work proper, attend one of my friend's wedding and still have a place to stay when I come back here. The agent only got back to me yesterday and he told me the deadline was today.

By the time I got his email, the bank had already closed. Even though Japan is known to be a safe country overall, their banks, ATM machines all close early! Some don't even open on weekends and holidays, so you got to have their opening hours memorised somewhere.

So after brunch, I walked out trying to find the nearest Mitsui Sumitomo Bank, of which the travel co had an account. I was worried if I could make the transfer as I did not have an account there. So I approached the security guard asking for help. A Japanese lady behind me overheard us and offered to help me. I explained to her my situation, and she assured me it was not a problem.

So we walked to the ATM machine and she helped me make the transfer. While we were talking, I found out that she herself works for a travel agency. Hmm, perhaps I could get her to make flights for me next time. So there, blessing no. 1 today, after many days of disappointment and seeming bleakness.

On the way back, I decided to get myself an umbrella coz the forecast said that there would be rain today and tomorrow. Since I was out, I decided to check if there were any cheap shops around, like the Y100 shop. I saw a big sign across the street and quickly walked towards it, but only to find that it was some old office of the shop which had already closed down.

By the time I came out, it was already raining. There was no place to take cover so I got wet. I managed to get to the Shibuya station half drenched, hoping the rain would subside. The skies didn't look like it would anytime soon. So I got myself to the nearest information center, but they told me there was no Y100 shop in the area. They pointed me to the 3rd Flr of the departmental store instead.

Not surprisingly, they only had designer umbrellas, averaging Y10,000 each. The ones on sale were selling for Y3,000. I would be crazy to spend so much on an umbrella, especially in my situation. So I hung around the departmental store trying to see if the rain would subside. About half an hour later, a little voice prompted me to go. I said, "Where? It's still raining, isn't it?"

So I walked out, not knowing where I should go since I was not familiar with the area, and it still raining. After awhile, I stopped to see where I was. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw people hogging around a shop just outside the station. I didn't give it much thought since Shibuya station is always packed with humans anyways. But then through the many people in front of me, I managed to see, umbrellas! This was a film and camera shop selling umbrellas in front of their counter, of all things.

No wonder business was brisk. Many umbrellas, from compact, foldable to the long ones, all selling for only Y500. I decided to choose a small one which could fit into my bag, somewhat like the one my mum gave me. Without thinking much, I took the yellow one, symbolising bright days ahead.


Blessing no.2, just like the earlier one, may not seem like something to shout about. But to me, these little gifts were what gave me hope. That there will be better days ahead. That when we listen close enough, God speaks and guides us to where we should go.

The clouds are still hanging low even as I write this. It doesn't look like the rain will go away anytime soon. I have to move out again this evening. But this time I have my umbrella, and most importantly I have Him by my side.

an email from dad

I got a pretty long email from my dad today. He read about my latest post and was quite concerned about what I just went through. The last time we talked was the night my parents landed back in Malaysia. But even during our holiday together, I didn't tell them about some of the issues that I had coz I didn't want them to worry. I just wanted them to enjoy themselves in Japan.

He said he had a good time with my mum and I, and really appreciate the effort I took to plan the trip and bring them around. For me, even though it was quite a tight period having to settle things back in campus, graduate and say goodbye and take care of my parents, I didn't regret it one bit.

I hated to say goodbye, and wished I could spend more time in campus with my friends. I was trying to balance both at the same time while my parents were there. But actually, their being there was like a cushion. I had to concentrate on my parents, making sure that the travel plans and accomodation were in place. That took my mind off the sadness of leaving. If I had to just go straight down to Tokyo from IUJ, it might have been worse.

So on hindsight, even though I feel sad and wished my parents were here longer, it was a good time that I'll always remember. He told me that he wished he could express himself better, especially about the Kobe beef! Haha, my dad can be so funny sometimes. He must've read my post and thought I thought he didn't like the food.

My mum always says my dad's the typical Chinaman type who doesn't express himself with hugs and kisses, but we know that he loves us a lot. I wouldn't have minded a bit that he didn't say anything about the trip, coz spending time together like this was something so precious money can't buy.

Here are some pictures that we took when I brought them to Disneyland.

My mum was wondering why so many girls were wearing these Minnie headbands and decided to put one on herself.

My dad,the machoman, trying to lift the 10,000kg dumbell.

a new phase begins?

I wonder if God's trying to tell me something.

It was with a heavy heart that I took the train back to Tokyo after sending my parents off at the Kansai International on Wednesday. I was busy making sure my parents enjoyed themselves in Japan and that everything was in place that I somehow took for granted I had a place to stay in Tokyo. So on the way back, I was still trying to get a place to bunk in, but most either were staying with someone else, or had friends staying with them. I had some other choices but I wasn't comfortable because of personal reasons.

Finally I had to ask the company for help. The Prez was really kind enough to find me one, an apartment they rented for their partner in S'pore. I was really grateful because I was already so tired from all the travelling and had been in the Tokyo station for hours contacting everyone I knew. Internet here was expensive, Y100 for 10minutes! I also had to buy a phone card coz I think I blew the budget on my mobile bill. The partner was away, so I was allowed to stay for the night.

But I had to travel to Nerima to get my other luggage from a friend, and on the way back, it rained. I didn't have an umbrella with me, so luggage and I got wet. I was hoping the next day would be better. I finally got a place to stay with another friend, but because the apartment the company found for my 2nd lodging would cost Y7000 per day!

Because my friend would only be back after work, I decided to stay on till evening and cleaned up the company's apartment. Then I got a call from Yoko, Lenice's Jap friend telling me that a typhoon would hit Tokyo. I had to pack up quick, but the linen and towels were still in the washing machine.

Even though I talked to the Prez about staying for another night, I felt I shouldn't overstay as he was already nice enough to find me something so last minute. So I decided to bring all my luggage, brave through the rain and wind and shifted out, leaving the laundry still tumbling in the machine. I could come back the next day to check it out.

When I left the place, it was drizzling, but it began to get worse, and soon enough, strong gusts of wind swept through the area. It came in all directions, so having an umbrella only helped a little, if not made it even worse. I didn't have an umbrella the previous night, so I got really wet. I dreaded catching a cold at a time like this, so I took out the umbrella my mum gave me which I'd never used before.

As I was nearing the station, I got excited. I told myself, only a few 100m more to go. Suddenly out of nowhere winds blew from various directions, my umbrella flew away, the cap on my head flew along with it. I was all drenched, my umbrella broke and my cap got wet. Needless to say, all my luggage got wet too.

The umbrella I got from my mum just before I left for Japan, now rendered useless.

I quickly dragged everything to the station, envying the people who didn't get caught in the gust of wind that struck me where I walked. When I reached the station, almost everyone looked dry. Or at least, dryer than me! I looked as if I had just dragged my luggage through the shower room. I never felt so miserable before.

I had already said goodbye to the closest people to me, I had no home to come back to, and knowing that I will be moving at least 3 times before I find something permanent made me feel like a nomad. Yes, it will be at least that many times before we find someplace where I will stay for the longer term. Apparently, it takes weeks before a suitable place is found, according to my new colleague (whom I've never met before, btw!)

Anyways, a lot of other things are on my mind as well. Changes to be made to the alien registration card, opening a new bank account, insurance, trying to get a flight ticket back home, looking out for alternative accomodation and most importantly, finding a right church where I can belong.

But I have something more urgent to talk to God about. Those who knows about this, please pray along with me, I can't do this alone. I want to do the right thing, and do it right.

transition period again

Am typing this from Kyoto's Toyoko Inn. We've just come back from a day trip to Kobe. My parents tasted Kobe Beef for the first time. Funny how they didn't have the same reaction as I did when I had my first bite.

Just one month ago I was in the Kansai area too, and went to almost the same places I'm bringing my parents. Many memories came back, especially of the fun times I had there. Same place, different people, surreal feeling.

So far so good, they liked where I've brought them. Tokyo was Odaiba, Disneyland, the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Roppongi. I told them that I will show the most glam and glittery and the traditional sides of Japan. So it was supposed to be the opposite in Kansai, and therefore, temples in Kyoto. But since they were not into temples and pagodas, I brought them down to Kobe instead. We took the City Loop Bus and had a ride to the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, Meriken Park, and Mosaic. Tomorrow will be Osaka, most likely the Osaka-jo.

I will be sending them off the day after. So many goodbyes these few days. When I left IUJ, my closest buddies in SD1 were there to send me off. We had a good dinner together with my parents the night before and played UNO till 3 and I still didn't want to leave if not for the fact that I still had not finished packing.

Then I had to say goodbye to Au when she left for HK for her exchange programme, and tomorrow Al will be leaving for Switzerland for his as well. And the day after that, I will be sending my parents off at the Kansai International and my new life here will begin.

The transition between IUJ and Tokyo has been a mixed bag of emotions. I still want to go back to campus as if I never graduated, but my nametags on the door and mailbox will not be there anymore. I also wish I can just go home and not think about working! In between, I still talk to my SD1 buddies, it really eases the pain somewhat.

Gosh, why is this turning to be a sad post. You know I hardly do that, I post up happy stuff to remind me of the good memories and keep the painful ones somewhere else. So I will stop here and go do my laundry :p Who knows when I'll have the chance to post again - I still have not gotten a place to stay!!

i'm graduating!

My parents are here! Yup! In Japan hehe :D Yes I'm really happy they finally made it here. They almost wanted to come last year when I was still in Niigata, but I guess this trip would be more meaningful since I'll be graduating tomorrow!

Time really flies, and it's an understatement to say that I will miss this place. A lot has happened here so much so that I think I must've gone through several years' worth of experiences that I will never forget!

As I was packing little by little throughout the week from the last, I felt bits of memories coming back to me.

The skiing trips on the snow-capped mountains last winter.

The gift that you made for my birthday.

The cup we used to make Milo together.

The assignment we spent hours working on.

The vitamin C soluble that cured your cold.

The Japanese homework in which you wrote about me.

The corals you picked up while diving in Okinawa.

As I ponder on my remaining hours here, I thank God for all the good and bad that has happened this past year. I've certainly learnt a lot, seen a lot and went through a rollercoaster ride. I wonder what would have happened if I have not taken the opportunity to come to Japan, whether life would have just been the same as the 4 years before that. Whether what I've gone through here would make sense in the bigger picture.

We shall see. Tomorrow is the end of a phase, and a beginning of a new one. One which is yet uncoloured, uncharted, unclear.

unique japanese food 2

Japanese bento sets can be such a feast for the eyes, and this attacts people to buy them in the first place. The bento that our campus Yamazaki usually sells don't look too appetising. When I first saw this colourful looking 4 section bento, I knew I had to try it. It was the most expensive bento I've seen there, but I think Y500 is considered quite affordable.


This is something my Papa wouldn't eat - raw fish! Sprinklings of squid, prawn, fish roe, scrambled eggs, cubed cucumber and some other unidentifiable food elements make this quite a healthy balance of a meal. No need to be warmed up, can be eaten straight away.


After Sour Cream and Onion, this has got to be my next favourite. Japan not only has a wide variety of delicious looking food, even their Pringles come in various flavours! I've never seen the Gourmet range before, so I was quite delighted when my friend let me try this, and I must say it really is addictive.


Imagine my delight while down in Tokyo recently I saw this range of Pringles in Lumine, Shinjuku. Since this particular store stocks food items from various countries but mainly from America, I'm thinking some of these could be from the US. However, when I checked with their website, some of these aren't in there... But still, knowing that my favourite ain't limited to only Sour Cream & Onion makes a world of difference between only settling for one flavour and having the ability to choose from many more.


The same goes with Kit Kat I guess. The above picture was taken from one of my purchases at the Niigata University co-op for in-between-class snacking. That must've been one of the spring range last year as this year, they offered the sakura flavour.



The wonderful thing about having 4 seasons mean you get to wear different clothes, and taste different cuisine. Thus, pineapple, orange and banana flavours for Kit Kat this summer. Looks edible enough, but there was one which was supposed to be melon flavour that looked kinda odd with green and ochre stripes. I didn't buy it, maybe it would have tasted better than it looked.

do i have a right to be upset? p3

Thank you all for your comments. I have gotten quite a mix of opinions, ranging from go-for-it to why-bother?! through this blog and personal messages. My personal reason for putting this up was to share my experience and gather feedback.

I have decided what to do and I hope it is for the best. In view of the larger picture, I shall leave it as it is for now as clearly this company is not worth my effort and time. I know who holds my future and am trusting Him in this matter.

Thank you and goodnight.

do i have a right to be upset? p2

Actually I kinda got over the company, but somehow through another round of events, they give me reason to be really upset this time.

They did not only send me a rejection letter, but they bad-mouthed about me to the uni's director of career services. She was the one who had posted the ad for them at our uni's notice board and little did I know that they must have been buddies coz I remember her mentioning that she had the company's President on her Skype list.

While taking a break down Kansai area, I got this email from her saying I should "LEARN (yes, in caps!) from this process" and "really need to look at in evaluating (myself) and how (I) conducted the job hunt". Apparently they told her that I put off a project, rearranged the telephone calls time and again and when it finally went through, I only talked about money and lifestyle.

What a bunch of twisted stories. First of all, I did a project for ANOTHER company which I was also interviewing for, and I only asked for a 2-day extension because it clashed with the deadline of my thesis. The President that company was fine with it and was even supportive that I should concentrate on my studies first.

Secondly, it wasn't the telephone calls which I postponed, it was the Skype interview. And lastly, for the particular interview which I postponed and apologised for, I did not mention about money. That was in the PREVIOUS interview as they asked me to go down Tokyo to start work for them before graduation. It was only natural then that I enquired about travelling and accomodation expenses. Wouldn't that be a sign that they wanted you to work as soon as possible, and a green light to ask about reimbursement?

I emailed her back, while on holiday (already spoilt by this load of accusations) and maintained that I did everything they asked, on my own initiative. I even asked her which project she was referring to.

She still defended the company by saying that this was the reason why they rejected me, then apologised for the mix-up with the other company about the project which I did. Then, to rub it in and not sound like she messed up the accusations, she said I shouldn't let travelling interfere with my job hunting.

Since there was no point in emailing her to defend myself, I replied by saying that I would meet her directly when I get back to campus to clear things up. I went to meet her the first thing I came back, even though I was tired after the 7 hour train ride from Tokyo. Even before I could finish saying what I had wanted to say, she quickly said "Well, we all have our own versions of reality". What the..?!

Since I still had the unreplied email of hers, I'm thinking of sending it back with what I had left out in that conversation with her. I'm planning to tell her to check her stories with both sides before jumping into conclustions. Besides, no other companies have complained about me before with regards to job interviews, and that I wish this particular company have set the story straight even though I postponed the interview.

Furthermore, I only started my travels after settling everything related to studies and job hunting. I even kept in contact with other companies, so my travel plans were no barrier to any job interviews. In fact, all interviews with this company were prior to my travels and inititated by myself.


Do you think I should send that email to her, or just let it go?



BTW, I was really excited and wanted to post up pictures and stories about my recent holiday, but I'll have to go down Tokyo again in a few days for another interview.