Our Adventures Begins

After a 7 hours flight from Singapore and a couple hours of sleep, we were kind of ready for our visit to Mount Fuji. After the authentic Japanese breakfast prepared by the hotel, we set off for our journey to meet Fuji-san.

The ride from where we were will be about 3 hours and we stopped by at the snack and rest area after one and half hour of bus ride. We went made after being welcomed by so many different types of vending machines and everyone was busy taking pictures with them. Hahahaahah…. There were different types of vending machines ranging from coffee, snacks, sandwiches to cup noodles. We were supposed to stop by for a quick toilet break but ending up snacking up some of their local snacks and did some light shopping for souvenirs too.

We continued our bus ride to lunch at Kawaguchiko which was very near Mount Fuji. We lunched at an authentic Japanese restaurant and they served simple but comfort food. We all enjoyed the food except the pioneers as they found the food kind of plain.

The view opposite the restaurant was simply amazing and we stopped over for our photo taking sessions and we spent some time enjoying the COLD breeze before we headed up to the mountain. The place was quiet, beautiful and gave the feel of old Japan.

As we continued our journey up Mt. Fuji, the tour guide told us to listen up for the ‘Mount Fuji Song’ when we passed by a route up the mountain. I was puzzled at first but when I heard the music coming from the forest, I was amazed. The music was super crystal clear but it can be eerie if you travelled at night and had no idea of it. It’s called the Melody Road: The Song of Mt. Fuji where it’s a special road that, when you drive over it, causes vibrations in the car that sound like the musical tune. Beautiful and amazing at the same time!

We were told by the tour guide that if weather is fine, we will be able to drive up to the level 5 which is the highest view point for tourist. We stopped by at the level 3 for some photo taking as that was one of the best view for the mountain. I was almost blown away when I got down the bus and I had to push myself against the wind and to stand extremely still for the picture which I had never experienced before. I guessed that would be the fastest photo taking ever in my life! The COLD and Unfriendly wind was simply unbearable!

Wala… we managed to reach level 5 despite the light snow and we ran straight to the souvenir shop immediately when we got off the bus. The wind was too strong and I was considered frozen at that point! We were warming up ourselves in the shop and we tried to have some pictures taken when the wind took its rest. Our little Emma was also upset with the wind and demanded me to bring her to the shop entrance so that she can give a scolding to the wind. Well, she did… she was standing at the entrance and simply blew wind from her mouth and that symbolized her scolding the wind and quickly returned to the shop and warmed herself. Hahahahahaahah…. It was very hilarious actually.

After visiting the iced mountain, we visited the Oshino Hakkai also known as the 8 sacred ponds in the Fuji Five Lakes Region. This is one place where it was strongly believed that their water originates from Mount Fuji.

When we arrived, it felt like a small old Japanese village where we were able to see their houses, ponds and their surroundings were beautiful. As it is a tourist attraction, there were souvenir shops and snacks stalls for everyone. We tried some of their street food like the fried fish cakes, spring toufu and their ice-cream. They were delicious… not that we were hungry but they were fresh and tasty.

It’s time to check out our hotel for the night. It was about 45 minutes bus ride before arriving at our hot spring hotel. After checking into our Fuji Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko, we were told that we are able to use the hot spring in the hotel. Our guide told us about the rules and regulations about using the hot spring and we decided not to try as we were to shy to bare our bodies…

Our tatami style room was pretty big but it’s totally not suitable for elderly. It is too difficult for them to get up as there was nothing much in the room they can use as a support… sighz… The kiddos loved it as they were able to roll around the room… hahaahah

We headed down for our steamboat dinner which was included in our package. The set up was nice but honestly, we didn’t enjoy the food at all… Okay, first of all, the soup was purely spring water and nothing added, then, we were given only soya sauce as compliments to the food. As Singaporean, we usually have sesame sauce, soya sauce and mostly importantly chili sauce for our steamboat and there were none… the elderly did not enjoy at all and they told us that it was the worst steamboat they had ever tried… Ooooppssss…

After dinner, we headed back to our room and tried on the Yukata which was provided by the hotel. Actually, we were supposed to dress in those for dinner but we preferred to wear our own clothes instead. The kiddos were really happy to change into their yukata and all ready for the photo taking. It was really fun seeing them in those costumes and with all that cosplay, they got themselves tired out and gone to bed pretty quickly.

We are looking forward to the shopping spree tomorrow…woohoo! 

To The Land Of Rising Sun

It was a much anticipated trip for the family as we planned it since the beginning of the summer holidays. We booked our trip once we gotten everyone’s consent in early July and here are we today, heading to Japan with the entire family.

We arrived at the airport slightly before lunch so that we can have our lunch before boarding the plane. After luncheon, we enjoyed walking around in the airport taking photos and the kiddos had some time to do some tracing before boarding.  

Once we were onboard, the kids were really excited about the landing time to Tokyo and their faces lightened up when told the flight will be around 7 hours. Well… that showed that they are simply enjoying their inflight entertainments while I had a few rounds of my favourite drink.

When the kiddos were taking their naps, it was my turn to enjoy the inflight movies sipping my favorite drinks and some snacks bought from home. Woohoo… Tokyo, here I come…

Lunch With Miya-San

We are really lucky and blessed to have an ex-boss whom we are still keeping close contact with after so many years. He being one of the best bosses in our company never fails to invite us to lunch or dinner whenever he is in town.

He was in town on a private leisure tour and as usual, he invited us to lunch with him at Golden Peony as it’s nearest to our office. Luncheon with him is always enjoyable as he always includes our ex-colleagues like Florence & Rie.

Singapore will be his last stop before returning to Japan to rest before starting his new journey in Bangkok in February. He is really looking forward to the new challenge ahead of him but we are sure he will enjoy his stay in Thailand. 

I am truly blessed to have an opportunity to work closely with him and he is indeed a great boss to work with! Thank you Miyazaki-san for the lunch and we are looking forward to visiting you in Bangkok next year.

Emma’s Birthday Party

How time flies… our little Emma will be turning THREE in December. Sigh… they are growing up too fast!

We had an early celebration for Emma as we will be travelling so, we planned early as usual. Hahahahaah… this time, we had her birthday party held at Pietro, one of our favourite Italian restaurants. We invited our family and close friends to join us in the celebration and we are happy that many turned up. 

The kids were engaged with their goody bags while the adults were enjoying their food and wine being served during lunch. Taking this opportunity, family and friends are able to catch up with a good spread of food.

We gathered all the kids to the table and had our short cake cutting ceremony and the kids simply love the cake we ordered for Emma. They were busy playing with the Peppa Pig dough figurine and some were happily eating the delicious cake. 

After the party, my cousin dropped off their kids at our place while they ran some errands. It gave the kids more time to bond with each other as they don't get to meet often. 

It was a simple but yet enjoyable celebration and we thank everyone present today and all your lovely gifts to Emma.

Look Who Dropped By!

It’s been a long time since we last met Kariya-san after she resigned from MC. I am happy that we are still in touch with her.

She was back in town and dropped by to visit us before she start her new job in Japan. We are happy that she has found a new job back in her own country and we are sure she will be doing well. She brought along her youngest daughter who is turning 2 yrs old and man… she is really CUTE! So bubbly and chubby!! 

Seeing her youngest daughter reminded me of my own youngest daughter too… she used to be so small and how I am missing those days when she was still learning to walk and talk! Now, she is already turning 2 weeks’ time and going to nursery!!! Sigh…

Anyway, good to see you Kariya-san and hope to visit you in Japan in the near future. All the best to you in your new job and take good care!

Make Up Forever Workshop

I am very happy and proud of my best buddy Rie who chose to live her dream of a Make Up Artiste. I remembered that we were supposed to resign together but I wasn’t ready then. She tendered her resignation with style and signed up the make-up course thereafter. After her graduation, she entered the Shu Umeura contest and won it! I was so happy for her!

Since then, she works full time as a MUA and is great to see her enjoying what she do. Today, we are here at the OUE Gallery to attend the makeup workshop done by her. She collaborated with Make Up Forever for this workshop and many friends of hers signed up. I am honored to be her model for this workshop as I am also learning while she paints my face.  

It was a very good and interesting workshop where she taught her participants how to find their own skin tone and as well as what are the colors they should be wearing to enhance their skin tone. Very informative for everyone and I didn’t know I belong to the WARM tone… I am a sunny girl! Wooohooo!

After the 1 hour demonstration, the participants are all ready to try on their own face using the products from Make Up Forever. Their ranges of makeup are great and I love their colors too. To me, their loose powder was light and natural. Love it! 

Everyone had a great time during class and as well as going home with a good discount of their products.

Congrats buddy on your workshop and I do hope you have more to come. Cheers!

National Gallery

Our bossy will be expecting guest later this month and he would like to bring them to a place with good view for light dinner and drinks. We talked it through and finally decided to check out the bar at the National Gallery.

When we arrived this evening, there was a crowd already but we were lucky that we made the reservation for the outdoor seat which was a fantastic choice as the view from where we were seated was absolutely gorgeous!

We ordered some dishes to try out and our best choice went to the burger which was so yummy!! The beef were juicy and tasty. Simply love it! As for the fish & chips, it wasn’t much of what we were expecting and it turned out to the fish fingers instead of the sliced of fish… mmmh… not of my choice if I were to visit again.

The night view was beautiful and I really felt proud to be a Singaporean to be able to live in such a beautiful and peaceful country. Thank God!

Beautiful Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa

It’s been quite almost a decade since my last visit to Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa and I am happy that we are invited to have a site inspection of this beautiful resort by our account manager Van.

When we arrived at the resort, I was thrilled to see how much it had changed. The resort lobby felt so lively and relaxing as we were greeted by our 2 friendly managers who welcomed us with a garland made with shells. It was simple and yet beautiful.

Van started to walk us through the resort from the lobby, ballroom and followed by the guest rooms. When we arrived on the guest room level, I was stunned by the view and decided to take a group picture so we can capture the beautiful sunset.

Their rooms were fully refurnished and I am totally impressed. The room size remained unchanged but the feel of the room was much cozier than before. I love it!

They had a new category of room type which is very welcomed by many… the Family Room which can accommodate 2 single beds or 1 king bed with an extra bed. The rates that he offered to us were simply attractive which includes breakfast for kids, free entry to the kids’ club and the extra bed.

After the viewing, we headed down to their restaurant for dinner. Though the spread wasn’t the best but I would say that I was attracted to their kids’ corner rather… their selection of food was simply more alluring but heard from Van that usually the staff will try to inform guest that the kids’ corner is exclusively for kids only…. Hahahaahah… however, that night, we managed to sneak ourselves to that cool corner and stole some food… kekekeekekek

The overall experience at Shang was great and I would want to stay for a night or two. Now I finally found a resort where I do not need to take the ferry… Woohoo!!!!