Strolling in Tokyo, Japan - Day I

Japan is beautiful, her culture, government and people makes her so mesmerizing. The weather fell between 9- 15 °C in November it's the best time to travel. It's cooling but no cold cold, that's what I like my gal (TT) to experience. Although it rains most of the time, but we enjoy just walking on the tokyo streets. No, no umbrella, we don't carry any, it going to spoiled our journey. However the last thing you want to do is getting your kid sick in a foreign country so please make sure your kid isn't got drenched and wear them thicker than you do.

 

We woke up around 8am each day, dress up, breakfast, we depart from hostel at 10.30am. Guess what? Since we planned to "dress to kill" (ha...kill camera -lah), plus the weather condition, it does take us almost 2 hours to ensure we're well covered. at times we come back for more clothes if the weather is so unbearable, especially TT. But, if you're on tour, you'll unable to enjoy these luxury time^^. See the hat she wore, it's a thick knitted winter hat plus a layer of nylon inside, that help to keep her warm.

 

 

Remember we checked-in midnight? The first thing I do was to find internet connection! Japan tourist centre populated at many places, at least I got no problem in locating one. There were so helpful and friendly. One of the assistance asked "are you from Korea?" ^^. haha. Oh well. I know I get asked many times back in my country haha  

 

Hotel Ò Uguisudani  鶯谷 Ò Tokyo National Museum (东京国立博物馆)

 

So to get to know Japanese Culture, the best place to go is Tokyo National Museum (东京国立博物馆）. We went shop a little and lunch before heading to National Museum, by the time we reach there it was already 12pm. It was rainy day, I insisted to travel, however I didn't get to see much other than the archeology. More so, that grow boredom out from my gal, but she didn't complain, cause I promised to bring her to Her places (where? tell you later).

 

 

 

 Yeah, our first stop in Tokyo, we made our way here!!

 

 

 

 

I like how orgarnize they pinned those dug items against the map, you could tell clearly the location of each. Surprisingly, she enjoys and intrigue to find out the history of these artefacts! She went from from gallery to gallery, item to item, she made my museum visit more interesting and delightful (she's such a wonderful, isn't it?). Entrace fee is only USD7 for adult and FOC for children (what? so cheap?) Yeah, I find it is worth to spend a trip there, we gain insights and knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

It was dark by the time we get out from Museum, clock ticking at 4.30pm, rains still. We ducked and walked in the rain about 100m to train station (Make sure your kid is well covered, in this case TT has thick hat and her waterproof overcoat, of course plus multiple layer of stokins on her legs.). We decided to end our day and go back to Hotel and spend bit of time in planning our next itinerary.

 

 

 

 
I've landed in Tokyo National Museum~

 

So tired after hours of visiting~

 

 

An artefacts..xoxo

 

  

Dinner place..

 

 

Novevember month is the best to travel, however due to this condition, the day begins early and end early as well. The sky is getting dark at 4pm and completely dark at 5pm, we didn't get to go other places but National Museum. To me, that's more than enough.

 

The Right Things

Remember I've a simple plan to move on? When my heart and brain contradicting each other, My simple plan was "I listen to my heart". Sound a bit vague. There isn't a concrete plan, but everything I do, I do it with heart. The last reconcilation made was to give the angel a family, even I knew it's fairly impossible but I went ahead, I know I was doing a RIGHT thing. Whether it's right, it's very much an individual perception, as for me, that is what my heart told me so, most importantly it's my life. This is the least thing I can do for the angel - Forgive.

The second Right thing was I put her away from the father. Sounded selfish but it isn't. When you're single mother and the father not giving any form of support but troubles, you need to decide what's best. You need aids not problems, anyone else comes in your way, tell them off. When I realise the father begins to lapse in child support fee, didn't show up regularly or late, last minutes cancellation, spoilt her with expensive gifts, these anger me to no ends, anything affects me would have the effect on her because we were emotionally connected. So I told him " you should only see her when you've learnt to respect me and show love to her".

We live peacefully without the father present, somehow, at least she doesn't crave for the father anymore. She could focus on her study, move on with her life, she has peace of mind. I made her feel loved all the time. Of course there are times she wanted the father badly but I could only tell her the positives side of having without a father who unable to love hear wholeheartedly.

The another Right thing was I led my life with the focus on her and her only. I give myself no time and attention, all I wanted was to make her happy. I spent all my time and penny on her, I knew I was doing a right thing. She was in trauma but today she is a confident child, she loves herself, she loves me and people around her. Worth the efforts.

The last Right thing, we were on trial for the child maintenance fee. I debated should I take on on this emotion involved legal contest afterall she didn't want to see anyone of us got hurt. I proceed, because what I get resulted from court order will goes to the child welfare, she deserved it. At least I try.

It's the another year of single mother journey, reminisce the past 4 years journey, I wish to proclaim that I did the right things, most importantly my heart is fulfiled and peaceful. The first step is always tough, my philosophy? "You will never know you can until you try".

For now, I wish to conclude the first chapter of single mother journey. Why do I concluded this? Because it's a right thing to do:)

 

 

 

 

 

Shoe Closet

 

 

Divorce is not something new in today's economic-rich world, we are educated and we know what's best for ourselve. I'm pretty sure there are at least 1 or 2 people around you who are in this situation. As for me, I had been separated for more than 6 years and finally and officially divorced. Divorce is definitely painful to affected people regardless nationality, race or religion, because we're human, afterall.

 

Why did I took so long to divorce? Child Maintenance issue (Well, it's lame i know).  Instead of saying something which doesn't seem to be an apparent issue, I have to admit that I was weak to accept the fact that my marriage has failed and I got no clue how to take my life on...together with my angel especially. For a long period of time I even debate whether should I bring her into my life, so I hid myself in this separation mode. Neither Single or Divorce. Say whatever you like, I was a lost soul.

 

I shared my story to people I've met, I told them about my sorrows, hatreds, resentments, grievance and dilemma, I gained enormous empathy and moral support, however it doesn't resolved the problem of how to move on. Should I stay on in a marriage with broken trust and fear of next broken heart? Should I go farfaraway and dissappear from this heart breaking town or I bring my angel with me to begin my new life? Either way, it's going to be exquisitely tough and pain because those greatly involved emotions and financial support, and I was neither ready. Yes, sharing your story would help to mend a broken heart....hmm over time BUT could never resolve your painful problems. Matter of fact, too many advices confused me even more. 6 years later, one fine day, I woke up to a haggard looking me, dark eye circle, eyebag, hangover, brittle hair and scrawny figure, I cried, out loud. I gained nothing by hiding myself in this self-pitty world, I felt sick of living without a sensible soul. So I decided and I've a plan. A simple plan.

 

I made a last reconcilation with my ex (which is the ideal resolution for an angel), it was hard to mend after so many piercing incidences, so I moved on. I talked nothing about my past simply because I don't need any more empathy. All I wanted was a New Life. She deserved a better life, whether you're living she needs to live!

I worked very hard to achieve my goal, I was so overwhelmed by the energy exerted within my mind, body and soul. It work so cohesively for the first time, the adrenaline spike up just because I had ignited the desire of Reborn, the strong me emerged. I never spoke about my past marriage thereafter, perhaps I was afraid my past will haunt me or drag me back to the past like a vortex, something I didn't want to submerge into, again.

 

Today, someone ask if my past is a taboo to talk about? I said no. Perhaps it was, but it wasn't because I hated my past marriage but simply I want to move on. The past marriage was just a pair of shoe reside in your closet, over the years it has went out of fashion, worn-out, and even broken just like what I've elaborated in my last post, some shoes got broken easily because it's time. It might appear to you again the moment you open the closet, but you would never wear it anymore. At time, you tempted to wear simply because it was something you fond of or perhaps occasions you've shared with, but it has grown out of shape which doesn't fit you anymore. It has become a collection of shoes which can be kept for a long long time simply because it carries sentiment values or it will be thrown away simply because the closet has limited space. Human biology is so awesome that you won't be drown by too many unwanted memories.

It's mere a simple old shoes analogy but we do know that the "closet" is our memories bank and the "shoe" is one of our memories. Without it, there won't be today's me, I'm proud of who I'm today and will continue to be better each day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photoshooting

I like to do photoshooting as I always preach to preserve youth, oh well. I particular like a phrase stated by a photographer "capture the moment that gone forever".
 

Thanks to photographers who make me look so beautiful, elegant and stunnig as I maybe. Thanks for enabling a discovery of other physical facets and the postures which I would never do and most importantly the body language which tells so much about myself.
 

Being a model is never an easy task, being a full time model is even harder. One would need real body fitness and flexibility to meet the postures thus optimum outcome in the photos, me? Barely meet that criteria. One the other hand, they would need to endure the heavy make ups and the positive minded to try on different outfits and themes. Moreover, keeping up with appearance to be competitive is money consuuuuuming. So never take model lightly, it does required lot of hardwork to be one.
 

I'm fortunate to be able to be a fun model under the camera of these professional photographers, special thanks to Roger Ong and Edwin Goh for gracing my blog with this Gallery.


I'm awesome afterall? haha. oh well.

 

Tokyo, Japan Part II ~ Cost of Living

 

Many people told me cost of living in Japan is high but they never tell me specifically in comparison of where I live. I do heard about the extraordinary pricy property which could cost to an extend where they pay off over 3 generations. So how expensive it is to living in Tokyo?

 

I made a bit of research on accommodation prior to my trip. Generally the lowest accommodation I could get for private twin occupancy was USD80 per night. Don't be shock, the cost of private twin occupancy of guest house can cost the same as a 2-3 star hotel. The only difference was Hotel charge per room and Hostel charge by  no. of pax, either way, still cost the same. After a bit of deliberation, I chose Hostel because it provides kitchen facilities plus overall amenity like TV, dinning table, more so the hostel carries bit of Jap culture.

Tadah

 

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This is where we stayed for 5 days in Tokyo

 

 

We put a night in Town Hotel due to early arrival than ETA. Town Hotel located middle of the town of Kaminarimon, yes, the hotel name call TOWN HOTEL literally. It was only 1 hour different from Kuala Lumpur during Autumn. It's  cold and breezy when we stepped out of train station, it was 12am. I finally made it to Japan (exclaim)! Although it was midnight, the cold does awake us a little.

One strict rule in Japan was most smaller time hotel do not allow kid, so if you bring a child make sure you check.  The possibility was kids affect their business if there were misbehave one.

The receptionist in Hotel speak only 5% of English but it's ok for just one night (why? I will explain later). The room was kind of small with bathroom attached, kinnnd of unexpected, oh well.

This is the one person bathroom, you can imagine how big the room will be!!.

 

 

 Typical single bathroom in Town Hotel, Tokyo

 

Accommodation

 

We check-in hostel the second day, Khaosan Tokyo Samurai, it's a three storey guest house, the front view look the same as I saw from Internet. In fact things look the same as per Internet, nothing hidden or beautified (You know some photos were advanced via editing and angle they took to make the space look bigger, then when you check-in you realised you got deceived! right? sound familiar to you? ^^. Well  I find most hotel does but not Khaosan).

There were small reception, small foyer and common computer as we entered, but it was clean and doesn't feel dodgy!! Plus we were welcomed by a strong handsome looking Japanese receptionist! haha well. Guess what he carried my 20kg luggage up to first floor without panting! Bravo (Imagine a receptionist can be so good looking, you can tell how many more in Tokyo, well. Please note, we brought quite a lot of clothes there, 20kg check-in luggage was just nice for both of us spending 6 days in Tokyo). As expected we exceeded check-in luggage upon coming home (you know shopping = =), so you might want to consider extra weight upon purchasing the ticket. Anything purchase in the airport is priceeeeeeey.

 

Although I've seen how small the room will be from Internet, seeing it with my own eyes was still caused me a bit "deep breath", the room was rather small than the one we stay in Hotel! It's long narrow which practically fits only one double bed and a study table! Other than this, washroom, bathroom and basin are populated in different section outside the room. A typical guest house, but, it was clean ....and new and doesn't smell..at all (I luv it!)

 

I'm smart for not bring any bigger luggage (mine is 29" luggage, well that's the largest I guess, silly~~), because it layS just nice in the room with bit of space for a person go in and out from the bed. well. My friend told me a studio in Tokyo cost USD 1millions! So you could imagine why the hotel/hostel were so small with the price I pay. Nevertheless, I like the guest house, it's clean plus muscular handsome receptionist haha. well. Nah, most importantly, hostel popular with foreigners, so they speak good English which guide us places to go and you will find really helpful to get a Japanese who can speak english! That's why I encourage to stay in Hostel than Hotel.

Second floor will be the kitchen and dinning area which gives you more room to move around than Hotel, autumn has short day and long night. I like the outdoor dinning area where you could enjoy breeze and cold clean air!

 

Typically a studio of 500 sqf  cost about USD1million in Tokyo, you can imagine how precious the land in Japan. To break into measurable unit, USD22,600 per sqm or USD 2,260 per sqf. I'm not comparing the cost in town centre like the Golden Triangle here, this is just an average cost!!

 

 

 

 

Taxi

The hostel also given proper guidance and cost indication on various transportation mode from Airport to Hostel. Bear in mind the cost from Airport to Khaosan Samurai could cost easily USD200! Taxi meter start at USD15 for the first 1 km. So be advised not to take taxi!

Food

Many friends of mine told me how expensive the food here in Japan, well, it's slightly expensive as compared here but it's worth because the portion is big (I do noticed Japanese eat a lot, even a gal!)! So the portion is just nice for me and my daughter. A meal with fried rice, ramen and gyoza cost me around USD9! Cheap right? Ocha is free of charge. If there are more than one adult, some places offer "big" size at the same price, to me it can be shared by 3 persons! Other option is you can consider get some ready made packet food from the nearby supermarket, heat up in the kitchen, the price is relatively reasonable.
 

 

    This one cost only USD9, for two persons! The Gyoza is reaaaaaaal yummy, some people came here for just the Gyoza!!

 

 

 

She's grinding sesame for her noodle

 

 

 This one? USD9 for two persons, hmm actually 3. We ordered big size by misperception. It's yummy!

 

 

Fresh and yummy sushi! USD1~2 per piece.

 

 

 

  This ready made ramen? USD3

 

 

 This one? USD2.5

 

 

Vending machine ~ USD1.5. There served hot and cold drinks, this one? is hot.

 

 

 

Transportation

 

We go by train most of time. remember the train map I shown in my previous post? I spent quite a fair bit in train, BUT if you are smarter (Yeah I didn't realize we can purchase multiple route in a ticket, "Kao Gong"-> Hokkien), you would able to save some money as some route may required bit more in a ticket than purchase the ticket separately. Generally it cost about  USD 1~2 per person per route and usually you need to reach a destination via multiple routes.

Shopping

Shopping is my least priority as they carry mostly autumn/winter apparel. A brandless tote handbag cost min USD100 and same goes to clothing, although it's pricey but it commensurate with the quality. If you don't intend to shop there make sure you bring sufficient clothes. My gal wore three layers of stokin but still feeling cold. Camera is relatively cheap though, I bought a Fujifilm model  cheaper by couple of hundreds.


Assistance for Routing

 

A helpful friend directed me to this Japan Travel Bureau who offer free routing adivse on cost and train as well as itinerary. So if you are going on free and easy trip, do pay a visit for advise, it's very useful!

 

JAPAN TRAVEL BUREAU (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD
Unit 16.05-16.07, Level 16, Amoda, 22, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: (603) 2141-9991 Fax: (603) 2142-5344
E-mail: jun.y@jtbmalaysia.com.my
URL: http://www.jtbmalaysia.com

 

 

So where did we go? Look out my next post. Frankily, travelling with kids on own itinerary is exciting, it's real challenging for mommy and real training for them to be independent and foster bonds in between...