Day 126 - Kobe day tour

July 31, 2011

Since Osaka and Kobe are quite close to each other, we decided to do a Kobe day tour instead of merely staying in Osaka.

Because of the number of kids and the super hot weather, we didn't go to that many place, which was ok. haha! We took their "loople bus" to tour around town. Before taking the ferry to see the Kobe port, we decided to eat Kobe's most well-known food - Kobe beef. Well well, it was an adventure in itself! We found a restaurant in the guide book. We went to the restaurant's area, BUT we totally ignored the possible size of the area....so we ended getting off the bus at a place that's about 20 minutes on foot from the restaurant. It was almost 2 at the time... so hungry and hot...

Now here comes Japanese's superb hospitality! We got off the bus in front of Daimaru department store. Using my super limited nihongo, I went in to ask for kobe beef restaurant recommendations. They were super helpful. A number of staffs were discussing which ones were good, which ones were nearby, etc. They even searched online for us! At last, this is the map they gave me:



すごいでしょう！

so at last, we went to a kobe beef restaurant nearby. That place was quite famous actually. We were lucky to be able to eat there because most restaurants' lunch services would end at around 2:30. By the time we got to the restaurant, it was probably something like 2:40. When we were browsing the menu that's outside the restaurant, we once again encountered Japanese's great hospitality.

The nearby store owner heard that we were speaking Mandarin and potentially had problem understanding the menu and stuff, so he came to help us translate. After we entered the restaurant, he came once more to make sure things were ok. Well, the store associates all know each other. It was very nice of them. =)

Ok, as for the beef, I've had Kobe beef before. I've had it in 3 different styles the last time I came to Japan: sukiyaki, teppan yaki, steak. I didn't really like the teppan style because the fat in the beef was very pronounced. I was not a big fan of it. Because Kobe beef is expensive, we ordered different sets. By chance, I ate the cheapest one. I was very satisfied to be honest. They gave me some of the expensive beef to try, but I think it was toooo fatty for my taste.

After our late lunch, we separated into small groups and along w/ my aunt and cousins, we did a brief tour of Kobe Chinatown. It was a nice small little Chinatown. It made me miss Chinese food!

The kids were very happy when we went for the ferry tour in a "kids friendly" boat. It was all well. We ended up having dinner at 10 something back in Osaka. They all really wanted okonomiyaki. Well, true. How can we not have okonomiyaki in Osaka?

Long day, but it was fun.

Next stop: USJ! =)

Day 125 - Osaka day 1 (walking tour…)

July 30, 2011

After the 13 hours of being in a moving object, I finally arrived Osaka! It actually wasn’t that bad. I still remember I went for my last washroom break at 1 something. When I became conscious again, it was 7 something and I was in Kyoto already! Well, it took an extra hour or so to go to Osaka, but it wasn’t bad at all.

Yeah…..It is a big city. Compared to Sendai, it does have a lot more stuff…even only near the station! I believe there were around 5 department stores within walking distance to Osaka station. Although I had been to Osaka before, that place still seemed vvvvery foreign to me. Luckily, the hotels I booked were really close to the station, so I had nothing to complain. =)
After spending some time by myself navigating the place a little bit (oh, I went to Koshien, the pro baseball field…so couldn’t see or feel anything. Ha!), I met up with the group. It was our first group picture in Osaka station. What a group from different age groups eh? Yup, that’s right! That’s our group. =)

We actually didn’t do much on our first day. We met at around 3 at the station, then we immediately went for food since the little persons were complaining about their empty stomachs. Haaa, went to a ramen place with a not-very-good-service server. Anyhow, small things like that would not affect my mood. =)

At night, we went to the Umeda..um…observatory..? I have no idea what that place was called. It was basically a place for people to see the night view of Osaka. It was very nice and chilled. It was probably the “chill-est” time of our day.

Well, gotta get a good night sleep for the next exciting day!

The next stop is…Kobe! =)

Day 124 - Last Sendai supper w/ Winz & getting ready for Kansai!

July 29, 2011

Sooooooooo the start of my trip has finally come!! I had been looking forward to this trip for the longest time. I was initially a bit nervous about the big group… (from 4 to 11), but I was still looking forward to the trip. Well, at the end of the day, it IS a vacation. Of course I want it to happen. Haaa!

Well, but unfortunately, I couldn’t see Winz off to her next adventure in HK, so Winz, Amanda, and I went for dinner. Hehe, it was so cute. We exchanged gifts. =) Hope you like it and remember the good times we spent in Sendai!

Now here I go for my Kansai trip. Wait…before that, let’s try the 13-hour bus ride! It’s sure gonna be fun….right?

Day 123 - Winz' "bye for now" gathering

July 28, 2011

Yup, it's just “bye for now” because I’m sure we’ll see again. =) Haaaaa, had our free “bigger than your face” okonomiyaki near my place, then desssssert at my place. (of course there HAS to be dessert!) I’m glad you liked the love potion. Hehe~~

Well well, all in all, it was fun times, as usual. =) It was definitely my honour to have known you and we’ll misssss you big times for sure!

Gooooood luck w/ your future and seeeeeee u again soon! (HK? Haha!)

Day 122 - The new bloods are here!

July 27, 2011

Hmmmmm, yeah, where was my picture??? Obviously the above picture wasn't taken this year. Oh well, you get the idea. I can’t believe I actually forgot to take a picture in the Group A new ALT welcome party. Although I’m not so much a party person, it is nice to meet at least some of the newbies and show some support.

Well, I didn’t get to talk to everyone, but the people whom I talked to seemed quite nice. =) Haha, one of them was really keen on learning Cantonese! =P sure, let’s speak Cantonese~~ haha!

Welcome to Sendai everyone! Please have an awesome and fulfilling year in Sendai! =)

Day 121 - Kashiwa mini farm

July 26, 2011

The special ed. Kids in my school help plant stuff in their little farm. Today, the special ed. Teachers harvested some veggies. They packaged them in little packs for the teachers to purchase. I bought a bag too. =)

Perhaps similar to other schools, my school gives the kids opportunities to do different stuff in life. For example, the class has a turtle that they have to take care of, or they sometimes go to different places to see different things.

Planting is a good way for them to see where their food comes from. Not only it is good for special ed. Kids, I think it is good for every single kid!! Hmmm, reminds me of FNH. =P

Cheers!

Day 120 - パインアイス (Pineapple icicle)

July 25, 2011

Ohhhhhh, back to the hot school. Well, I’ve been studying Japanese when I go to school. However, it’s very hot and humid in school. I sometimes walk around the school and see the kids play sports to prevent from “fishing” at my desk.

In the afternoon, my supervisor was handing out something extra cooooool at the time – pineapple icicle!! Hmmmmm…it was awesome to have something icy and cool during a hot day.

It probably wouldn’t taste super good under normal conditions, but having it during a summer humid and hot day seemed like I was in PARADISE~~~ Thanks Konno sensei! =)