Japan trip reflections

Now that I have fully recovered from the trip, I look back fondly at the enjoyable time spent in Japan. One of the things I miss is the camaraderie of friendships forged between my travel mates and I. I miss the joviality along with the amusement generated by my roommate, Joseph, through his positive attitude and sense of humour. Another thing I miss is the companionship and gung-ho spirit.

The weekly series, Japan Hour, is a favourite of mine. It shows various scenic locations and little-known interesting nuggets of things the locals do. Many a times, I would drool over the exquisitely presented dishes. At last I got to really taste and smell these delectable delicacies. Believe me, the dishes taste as good as they appear.

The dishes of Japan are delicately flavoured and less salty as compared to Singapore. The local ingredients are prepared in a much healthier manner compared to Singaporean dishes. The Japanese use healthy methods of cooking. They seldom use methods such as deep-frying. After this trip, my palate has changed to healthier dishes which are cooked with less oil and salt. Now my preference has shifted to the healthier alternative of steamed salmon over old favourites such as fish and chips.

The scenic sights in Japan were a feast for the eyes compared to the concrete jungle of Singapore. The flora and fauna in Japan are unique. Unlike Singapore, their national flower, the cherry blossom, is visible throughout Japan. Why can't Singapore have that too?

There is palpable difference between the schools in the rural and urban areas. In the rural areas, the students are more outgoing and were very enthusiastic in welcoming us. We could feel the warmth of their friendship. Unfortunately for them, they lagged behind their urban counterparts where their studies are concerned. The students in the urban areas seemed rather jaded. I am sure that in Singapore we face different stress levels in different schools. Will students in less stressful environments have a warmer personality?

After a week of uttering words like "Arigato gozaimasu" and "Konnichiwa", I have unconsciously used them in my daily speech upon returning. This trip has also sparked my interest in the Japanese language. Once in a while, I turn to the residential Japanese experts, namely my father and sister, for clarification on certain Japanese words.

Book reviews Part 5

The 5th book that I have finished reading is known as Colossus written by Lesley Howarth. It is not as gripping as the other books that I have read. But it is still exciting enough to keep you reading. The main character is Nathan.

It begins with a storyteller telling two children, Sam and Ali, about a lucky magical trinket which is a small Colossus. A boy called Nathan finds it. With it, Nathan can do things which he could not normally do. For example, he can speak without stuttering. He looses Colossus but, with the help of a boy called Stefan and some luck, he finds it. Nathan, with much encouragement from Stefan, jumps off a diving rock and swims across a bay. He drops Colossus along the way. He returns with his sister, Lennie, to snorkel and look for Colossus. They fail to find Colossus. Later, Nathan goes parascending (funded by Stefan), spots Colossus and retrieves it. After that, Nathan finds that he does not need Colossus any more and throws it back into the forest where he originally found it. Nathan discovers that Stefan is actually the ghost of the old king of the town, Kalamoulos. Kalamoulos fights with his brother, Aretes, for the throne and they decide to take three tests. During the second test, Aretes drowns while swimming across the bay. Stefan sees Nathan as an embodiment of Aretes and asks for forgiveness. Nathan forgives Stefan. Nathan later finds out that he had a twin brother that died upon birth. At the end, the storyteller reveals himself to be Nathan.

Nathan is a character that is caring but moody at times when he is stressed. At first, he lacks confidence but later learns to believe in himself. He does not like adventure to begin with, but in the end, he longs for it. He can also be a bit impulsive at times. Nathan has a great imagination and can recreate scenes in his mind clearly.

The character Lennie is also quite imaginative. She argues with her brother initially but at the end of the book, they patch up and grow closer. She can take care of herself quite well and is slightly a tomboy.

Japan Trip Photos

This is a scenic view of a small village in the countryside. Tranquil setting with a mountain range as a backdrop.



Here is a selection of traditional items. Very artistic.



This is one of the lively and colourful shops along the streets of Japan.



This is the entrance to the grounds of the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is one of the shrines in the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is a ceremonial bell in the Kiyomizu Temple. Very picturesque. Puts you in a meditative mood. A sure way to Nirvana....... until they ring the bell and you wake up.



This is a statue of a monk in the Kiyomizu Temple. Looks like Daruma.




This is one of the gates in the Kiyomizu Temple.



Here is a "waterfall" in the Kiyomizu Temple from which people drink for good luck. Drink more, and I may pass my Chinese.



This is a pagoda in the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is a photo of me at scenic pond in the Kiyomizu Temple. So serene.




This is a photo of me with the famous Xing Chang Cheng bullet train. Lucky me, as shortly after this photo was taken, the new generation train has just replaced this first-generation train which has been phased out. Many Japanese people feel very nostalgic about the disappearance of this first-generation train which has served them so well, and without fatal accidents, for decades. There is no such photo opportunity any more.



These are some of the stuff sold in a fish market. Typically Japanese and typically very neat.



The streets of a fish market. Bustles with activities.



The outer walls and moat of Osaka Castle. Brings you back to the good old samurai days.



Me drinking from the sacred well of Osaka Castle. So you see, I am ever so fortunate. Don't I always count my blessings!




The splendour of Osaka Castle. Indescribable!



Time capsule at Osaka Castle.



Osaka Castle. Awing at any angle.



Ready to take down the Edo Castle troops with my canon at Osaka Castle.



Cruise Ship at Lake Ashi (Mount Fuji)



Me on Lake Ashi Cruise to view Mount Fuji.



The Owakudani Valley (Boiling Valley) - boiling hot and can be dangerous with poisonous gas



Authentic Tatami Bedroom at Fuji Yamanaka-Ko Hotel (Mount Fuji)



Magnificent Mount Fuji in the wee hours of the morning (heavenly!!)



First View of Mount Fuji's Fifth Station.



Conquering the Fifth Station at Mount Fuji (Victory at last!!)



Gate to Asakusa Kannon Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)



Guardian God at the Temple - scares evil spirits away.



Lunching at Asakusa Kannon Temple. Delicious!!



Tokyo University Facade - Grand!



Sanshiro Pond in Tokyo University. Don't I look drunk with contentment?



Tokyo University's Fountain - must be the fountain of knowledge.



Tokyo University's Red Gate - breathtaking.



Lego Model of Tokyo University's Red Gate. I feel like a giant!!



University of Tokyo Clock Tower. No excuse for being late for lectures!



Milling around Singapore Embassy in Tokyo looking like busybodies! Nice round-off for the trip.

Book reviews Part 4

The fourth book that I have finished reading is known as Brisingr. It is part of the Inheritance cycle (three books is a trilogy, four books becomes a .......cycle, so says the author). It was supposed to be the last book of the trilogy but due to unforeseen circumstances (the author's imagination ran wild), Christopher Paolini extended the story to make it four books. As it is a thick book and due to it being the third book, the story is very well developed. Everything is quite clear if you have read the previous books (which I have). The storyline is quite gripping. It is action packed and full of suspense for what is going to happen next.

The book begins with Eragon, the main character, and his dragon, Saphira, along with his cousin, Roran, journeying to Helgrind to free Roran's fiancée, Katrina, from the grip of the Ra'zac. The Ra'zac are strange nimble creatures the serve as the assassins for Galbatorix, the evil king. The heroes manage to kill all of the Ra'zac but one. Eragon stays behind while Saphira takes Roran and Katrina back to the Varden, the group of rebels united against Galbatorix. Eragon kills the last Ra'zac. He binds Slogan, the father of Katrina, with a spell to make him change his evil nature and sends him to Ellesmera, the kingdom of the Elves. Following that, Eragon, despite being in the midst of Galbatorix's empire, safely returns to the Varden on foot. In the mean time, Nasuada, leader of the Varden, defeats Fadawar, leader of the wandering tribes, in the trial of the long knives and so gains the full support of the tribes. Shortly after Eragon returns, the spellcasters whom the Queen of the Elves, Islanzadi, had sent, arrive to protect Eragon. Eragon somewhat nullifies the curse he had accidentally placed upon a child called Elva. Murtagh, Eragon’s half brother, and Thorn, Murtagh’s dragon, attack Eragon and Saphira. With the help of the Elven spellcasters, Eragon and Saphira successfully drive Murtagh and Thorn away.

Then, Eragon is sent alone by Nasuada to ensure that a dwarven king, who supports the Varden, is elected. Fortunately, Eragon's "brother" Orik is elected the king. But, this was not before Eragon was assaulted by assassins. Orik uncovered the plot behind the assassins' attack and thus manage to claim the throne. Back at the Varden's camp, Roran is sent on a series of missions to prove his mettle. He does quite well and saves most of his men in a mission but is punished in the process due to insubordination. Saphira goes to the dawrven kingdom shortly before the coronation. She mends the star sapphire, the most valuable and historical treasure of the dwarves that was broken in a previous battle. Then, Eragon rides Saphira to Ellesmera to consult his mentor, Oromis, on how to defeat Galbatorix as well as to find a reliable weapon. Rhunon forges Eragon a dragon rider's blade using Eragon's hands. Oromis and his dragon, Galaedr, set off to help the Elves while Eragon and Saphira return to the Vadern. Eragon, Saphira and the Elf, Arya, kill the three powerful spellcasters of the city the Varden were attacking as well as a shade (evil spirit) that the spellcasters summoned. During this time, Oromis and Galaedr are killed by Murtagh and Thorn. This is done when Galbatorix takes over Murtagh's and Thorn's bodies and strike when Oromis is having a spasm.

The main character, Eragon, cannot be swayed in his decisions. This can sometimes lead to disaster due to his rashness. He is also bold. His physique had been improved during a ritual that the Elves performed previously. He hates killing living things after experiencing reading the minds of flora and fauna.

The character, Saphira, provides a counter balance to Eragon's character. She is calm and wise beyond her years. She is slow to anger and but when she is angered, she has a horrible temper. She helps to council Eragon when he is confused.