tiny traveller

still unanswered but

2012-01-09T17:20:00.004+09:00

Throughout my journey in Nepal, I witnessed and went past many people, including both Nepalis and foreign backpackers, who are making their dreams/hopes come true. Some of them are living in a situation which is comparatively difficult than mine but they were still trying to live the life which they wish to live. It wasn't all about being "successful", but finding much more satisfaction and appreciation in what they have.

I also had a feeling of gulit everytime I came back from the countries which are less developed than mine. I was always feeling coufused and trying to find how I should stand in my society after seeing many difficult situations in such countries although I was hardly making any effort to change something in my life, to my shame.

The trip in Nepal, however, has given me a hint for that question; I should simply appreciate the life and society I live in, not asking for too much of anything, but live the best of what I can with what I have. This may sound pretty ordinary but I feel that I finally understood it with true feeling for the first time.

「心の外に理はなく、心の外に物はない。すべては心の中にある。」

自分自身が人生そのもの、世界だということ。

ひとつ踏み出して、またひとつ確信した。

Fill me up until the last, India

2012-01-09T17:05:00.005+09:00

Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai in India

On the bus, 90 minutes

2012-01-09T16:40:00.005+09:00

2012-01-09T16:37:00.003+09:00

2012-01-09T16:08:00.004+09:00

"Let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you Love one another,but make not a bond of love
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls
Give your hearts,
but not into each others' keeping
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts
And stand together yet not too near together
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,and the oak tree
and the cypress grow not in each others' shadow "

— Khalil Gibran

Pashupatinath

2012-01-09T15:59:00.001+09:00

Nagarkot, 31 December

2012-01-09T15:43:00.005+09:00

2012-01-09T15:36:00.001+09:00

Hold me tight when I get home

2012-01-09T15:08:00.003+09:00

turning

2012-01-09T12:43:00.004+09:00

I didn't expect that I could fly again within the year. Afterglow of summer in Rajasthan was still holding some parts of myself in India, and most surprisingly I almost felt no euphoric feeling this time which used to be overflowing from my heart every time I set out for new destination. It is quite sad to acknowledge this fact but I just want to believe that it is because my life has become much more close to the world, or it has indeed become a part of me.

Feeling that change in my passion, however, I've slowly begun to understand how fragile and volatile our feelings are. Even what I had been thinking as my most passion cannot stay as the same. Honestly I'm so scared to witness that in me but at the same time I'm more and more gaining trust in my own will because I knew that one's will can even give a permanence to ephemerals.

so I left for Nepal.

maybe it is more than "blue city"

2011-09-11T14:46:00.004+09:00

Near Clock Tower, Jodhpur,

glow in your eyes

2011-09-11T13:59:00.005+09:00

I return to your arms

2011-09-11T12:05:00.004+09:00

Sunset time, in Blue City, Jodhpur. Sound of Adhan calm down the hustle of the day and the city gradually gets back its divinity.

bejeweled

2011-09-10T20:57:00.004+09:00

Indian women are amazingly fashionable. Needless to say about their beautiful and colorful Saris, a lot of women wear gorgeous necklace,bracelet,anklet on a daily basis. I always wonder how they manage cleaning, washing and cooking by being dressed in such fancy way.

Fashion is women's universal interest.

Culture and ethnicity can never be separated from a person's beauty. Each culture has their own charms and beauties which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Indians are beautiful because they shine in their own way. So are Japanese.

Globalization sometimes make us forget to appreciate the beauty of each culture, but what I witnessed in lural India proved that true beauty lives in their own blood.

This is completely my selfish hope, but I really wish that Indian women dressed in a same way even in 20 years. Not in T-shirts and jeans please.

where are women?

2011-09-10T19:30:00.004+09:00

One of the mysteries you encounter in India at the early stage of your trip is that there are many more men out in the street but not so many women. Station, downtown and normally anywhere in the city street is occupied with men, men and men. From what I saw, maybe not so much in Delhi, but it was indeed very obvious in local city.

In fact, in India sex-selective abortion is still carried out because of the conventional preference for sons due to cultural views of daughters as financial burdens largely because of the dowries required before marriage. It has led to huge imbalances between male and female population and study even says that in 20 years there will be 20% more men than women in India.

On the train, Jaipur to Jodhpur

2011-09-10T17:34:00.004+09:00

Ithaca

2011-09-10T15:30:00.008+09:00

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

--- Ithaca,Constantine Cavafy ---

*******

2011-09-10T11:44:00.005+09:00

Travelling is my most passion. I'd always love to pursuit something which hasn't discovered yet in my life. Like we never truly understand how warm the inside of your house is in winter unless you experience the snowstorm outside, one can only learn his/her true-self by crossing the unknown. So I keep travelling, and that is why I don't hesitate to set my foot into the country where I have to muster out 10 times of my normal energy just to get on to the right train.

India wasn't always kind to me this time either. The journey was all about wandering away from my initial itinerary. From some point, however, I've started embracing what was happening in front of me instead of trying to fix it all.

An Indian friend often referred to the word without any doubt.
" You know, it's karma, destiny."

Vanity Fair

2011-03-01T22:14:00.001+09:00

Standing here, looking down where everything is doubtlessly perfect, I feel so fake.

I feel as if I have everything I want. I feel as if the world is brimming with peace.

I live in reality but this is so not real.

Discarding my vanity and vulnerability,

now I only need a truth.

Clair de lune

2011-02-27T09:35:00.006+09:00

Deluded,lured and lost.

I, however, never stop searching for hope beacuse we know that

even an immense darkness could never extinguish a thread of light.

The Road Not Taken

2010-12-31T23:37:00.002+09:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

---The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost

you are my miracle

2010-09-04T18:51:00.002+09:00

It was a miracle. My heart quivered but somehow it didn't surprise me at all. I knew that you and I were meant to meet here because I felt as if I've known you for a long time. At that moment everything became all clear within me.

I learned what I turly seek for my lilfe as well as what I need to leave behind.

"Choosinng one path means abandoning others- if you try to follow every posible path you will end up following none."
---Paulo Coelho

***

Back in Tokyo, I thought India was a twinkle of dream. But my spicy chai brought everything back to my floated mind and convinced me that I was there, with you.

you are beautiful

2010-09-03T19:52:00.001+09:00

He was aleady a great salesman. He made me buy two sets of postcards for 80Rs but I think I paid those 80Rs more for his great persistence and charms than for postcards.

Jugnu, my auto-rickshaw driver in Agra. He always cared the back sheet and asked me " Are you okay?" When we were caught in a sudden rain he brought me a cup of warm chai.

School kids whom I met at Agra Fort. They curiously looked at my camera and asked me " Photo?"At the end, they waved to me forever.

I love to travel. Because it always reminds me how beautiful our humans are.

Drive to you

2010-09-01T18:40:00.003+09:00

During the trip I travelled with auto-rickshaw (same as tuk-tuk) almost all the time. It was a cheap and convenient means of transportation in India and above all I could feel and see the life of people so close.

you stay with me

2010-09-01T16:13:00.003+09:00

"Humans can withstand a week without water, two weeks without food, many years of homelessness, but not loneliness. It is the worst of all tortures, the worst of all sufferings"

----Eleven Minutes, Paulo Coelho

She embraces everything

2010-09-01T13:11:00.005+09:00

Puja ceremony at Ganga River. It was magical, divine and out of the world.

Mother Ganga

2010-08-29T11:41:00.005+09:00

There were only life, purity and goddness.

"Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

---Mark Twain

I heard you calling me.

2010-08-28T21:17:00.005+09:00

I still vividly remember when my history teacher introduced us the story of taj mahal in high school. The story completely stole my heart and since then I'd dreamed of India for a long time but somehow always seeking for the right moment to visit there. Then this summer, I heard India calling me.

August 19 2010, late evening, I tenderly stepped my first foot in New Delhi.

Old Delhi from Jamma Masjid

View from the balconby of Humayun's Tomb

Main Bazaar, Pahar Ganji

Dust, noise, smell and just a crowd of people. Those are what struck me most in India.

And you know what. I miss them so much.

By the way I discovered my fav in India; Saunf.

I fell in love with the taste of exotica:).

Next up:Varanasi

Cinema can make a person fly

2009-11-15T11:12:00.005+09:00

I don't deny that I often grow my travel inspirations from movies and look for its vestige once I landed the place. I personally believe that this way I can add more joy to a simple sightseeing and just walking on anonymous streets can even turn into extraordinary experience.

Monmartre was no exception; a town of Amélie♥

Indeed real Monmartre was a town of great charms which we can't find in the rest of Paris. Time flows with peace and I noticed that people walk much slower than what we they normally do in Paris downtown.

Sacre Coeur

One of my goal at Monmartre was to get my self-portrait from those street painters. While some of the artists offered pretty crazy price just for a casual self-portrait I was lucky to find a nice lady painter who even had a student deal.

Being a model was much tougher than I expected!;P Hope the painter wasn't too anoyed of my bad modeling.

Amyone noticed where it is? Yes, Café des 2 Moulins, Amélie's worklplace;).

ideally

2009-10-18T11:23:00.003+09:00

Few weeks ago I watched documentray film Etoiles: Dancers of The Paris Opera Ballet which completely made me spellbound of ballet and its world. The film itself was as beautiful as a single art but what made me devoured most was the dancers who endure physical and emotional hardships to be on stage. I was even envious of them and questioned myself if I have ever met something which I can dedicate my life so hard to master something like those Etoile dancers.

Anyways it was too pity that I watched the movie after I came back from Paris. Our hotel was about 15 minutes from Palais Garnier and we walked past there so many times but somehow didn't get to see inside! Okay, next time in Paris I'll go back there with a ticket for Paris Opera Ballet:).

In front of Palais Garnier, I found a bit of Japanese invasion in Paris;).

We climbed up 387 steps (!) to get to the top of Cathedral of Notre Dame.

The Champs-Élysées

To be honest I was a bit disappointed of Champs-Élysées; too many global chain shops were occupying the avenue and I felt as if the place were losing its atomosphere. I was expecting something more high-class and classy. Or maybe I was just expecting too much from Paris?

Although globalization didn't please me much, looking down one of the most luxurious streets in the world still made simple pizza lunch upgraded.

Since French restaurant is pretty expensive just for a casual dinner we ended up eating at Japanese restaurant for 3 nights. Globalization is sometimes helpful, I know;P.

more Paris soon to come!

M. xxx

reverie

2009-10-18T10:37:00.001+09:00

"Paris is always a good idea." ---Audery Hepburn in Sabrina

I knew you were there for me

2009-10-18T10:14:00.003+09:00

6 hours of train trip, then finally.

I knew it was too cliché but who cares.

Coucou Paris!:)

you can't even buy it at Galeries Lafeyette

2009-10-17T11:50:00.009+09:00

Photos are from Jardin Massey in Tarbes, my bf's hometown. In Tarbes we went hiking for Pyrenees and also visited Lourdes. I tres adored French countryside as much as breathtaking Paris. You find no dazzling architectures, no Chanel but warmhearted people make you feel that you never want to leave there.

those mundane moments I embraced

2009-10-17T10:42:00.009+09:00

Bonjour!

Gaudi remnants

2009-10-13T10:37:00.008+09:00

Te quiero Barcelona

2009-10-12T10:20:00.008+09:00

Barcelona has been one of my dream cities and always been in my must-to-visit lists since I saw Spanish apartment. Too bad that bizarre weather (we were caught in an extremely stormy rain many times!) stolen a bit of colours from the usual sunny Barcelona while we were there. But how could I be bothered by such when the labyrinthine alleys and Creme Catalane totally got my heart?:)

Barri Gotic

Each small windows offered me a story and stirred up my
imagination.

Thanks to Chris I got to see Jordi, a true Barcelonian who deeply hearts Tokyo.

Creme Catalane! My most love in Barcelona;)

Plaça Reial

Wherever I go, it's good to know some things never change...

Yep, coffee time with my boy!;)

***

Back in the hotel room after 11 pm. Took off all the jewels. Too long shower then post card time on the bed. I didn't want to let this unbelievable day over yet.

Sitges,Spain

2009-10-07T23:48:00.005+09:00

Days gently end at the Mediterranean Coasts.

I never forget you. I can't forget you.

2009-10-06T16:40:00.007+09:00

So the days are already shorter, wind no more smells like the sun and my morning is already accompanied by woolen cardigan and hot café au lait. Summer is over. And I'm here again.

I just came back from Paris last week. I still dream myself walking in the town of Montmartre every night.

It'll be slow and take time but I start uploading photos from my trip very soon.

P.S.

Thank you so much for those generous friends who have kept visiting my blog while I was gone!

Big hugs,

Tell me you'll still be there

2009-08-09T15:13:00.006+09:00

In your arms I find solace during dark times. In you, I find a vision of who I truly am and what I want to be.

12 months long, 12 months not enough. Happy 1 year anniversary!

Big Kisses,

Summer progresses

2009-08-09T12:54:00.011+09:00

Bonjour ladies and gents!

First of all so sorry for the super long hiatus...I know I've been a terrible blogger lately; things have been a bit crazy around here and I scarcely have time to blog. As a compensation for my recent slackness, I've got a fabulous announcement for you:). I'll give you a few seconds to guess with photos taken ages ago!

Roaming the streets with a lovely friend, organic-vege lunch, laughter, cakes and coffee; in other words, a delightful day.

Despite her tied up schedule, Naoko visited me in Kobe for an afternoon fun.

I always heart her smile.

...Vintage shops never let us get bored, don't they?
*

Cakes can simply bring out girls' loveliest smile.

By the way I was so happy when I found out that she also has a secret passion for Korean pop culture;). They are damn good, yes?

So have you got any guess yet?

...I'm flying to France and Spain next month( and also a short visit in Vietnam)!

Let's have fun!xx

Mother Nature's Son

2009-06-29T18:01:00.013+09:00

After a week of gloomy clouds and pouring rain, mother nature kindly lavished its blessing and freshness upon us on the weekend.

Weekend lunch at the neighbouring farm restaurant. Isn't the place pretty?

Oh my, what a tough choice I had to make; boyfriend or beautiful dish. Sorry sweetie, you will win next time when I'm not hungry;P

Botanic garden is literally a hydrangea extravaganza at the moment.

*hearts*

T-shirt+jeans+sneakers+grass. As comfortable as paradise.

I'm going to watch Vicky Cristina Barcelona tomorrow. Can't wait to see what kind of awesomeness Woody Allen created this time!

Don't forget to smile everyone! Have a wonderful week!

I even embrace fiasco tenderly

2009-06-18T10:16:00.016+09:00

The light at the end of the tunnel arrived.

...I finally, finally got a job!

It was indeed a life shattering event when I lost my first job which I was just about to start this spring. It completely broke my faith in the future and needless to say I was devastated. Nevertheless, looking back from where I stand right now, it is more than clear that what just happened was a dose of challenge from god; because now I feel as if I've just settled in where I was much more meant to be.

Anyways my new job will start from next spring. Until then I still have lots to study, read, travel and yes of course Tiny Traveller is back to its life ♥ Honestly for the past few months I missed my darling camera so much...life without any creativity was almost turning me into zombie!

And more than anything I want to thank to everyone who had been always supportive during this one of the hardest time of my life. My dearest family, friends and my beloved. I'd never be able to make this entire process alone. I love you all. And not to forget thank you so much for all those faithful readers who had kept visiting my blog even during my absence. So let me share my tiny life journey with everyone again.

Last Saturday, still feeling dreamy from the fact that I got a job the night before, we made a way to the Imperial Palace for a nice Saturday morning walk, although we had to gave up in the midst due to insane humidity.

But it was still a perfect choice to spend a day in Tokyo Station area.

Scrumptious Thai dinner, then dessert at L'occitane Cafe, my most favorite place in Shibuya. Darling, now you know so well how to pamper me:).

Facing to a cake like this I bet no girls can say " sorry but I'm on a diet" and stick to their green salad habit any more. Yes I totally broke my diet rule at least for that night. I even stole quite a lot of bites from Chris's berry tart. Oups;P

Feeling gloriously happy with my crème brûlée...

Life really is a miscellany of sugar and spice, don't you think?

Keep smiling, everyone !

Kisses,

she let herself whine

2009-05-15T09:43:00.004+09:00

Because she knew, it always clears up.

feeling your love within a reach

2009-05-06T09:48:00.022+09:00

I thought seeing Ai Tominaga was already an unreal kick-off of my 5 days holiday, but followed by Picasso exhibition and Slumdog Millionaire, too much surreality abounds in my head now which is making my brain extremely difficult to get back to ordinary mode.

And spending 3days in Tokyo with all my beloved people were just too wonderful, sweet and full of love.

Dinner in Kichijo-ji with my dear sister, brother and his girlfriend. Since he was the only guy on that evening he had to bear the full brunt of criticism toward men in the world from three loquacious ladies;P.

Although he was too sick and my new shoes gave me too much pains and blisters, Chris and I also had fantastic weekend. Loved picnic in Yoyogi Park. It was awesomely refreshing. By the way happy 9 months anniversary darling( though I know we don't care much about it)!

You too have a wonderful May readers, I'll still post once in a while until when I can make my full come back so please stay tuned:).

Much love!

fill me up with your glow

2009-04-11T16:24:00.007+09:00

Lovely adornments which complete my spring looks 2009.

Pendant, earrings from Accessorize, scarf from my mom's closet.

Sorry readers it's been a while but I'm telling you that things are eventually looking up and hopefully tiny traveller will be back on its stream soon.

Hope everyone enjoys this wonderful spring season !

unborn

2009-03-20T11:32:00.007+09:00

Flowers grow out of the dark

dreaming of the day to be embraced in spring shower

tender as tears slip down her cheeks

but steady as dawn will never let us down

so I look up.

Tiny Traveller will have to slow down its pace for a while...I'll be back once things are settled!

Sending love with spring breeze,

No worries we won't try too hard

2009-03-02T10:50:00.012+09:00

Someone was looking like Le Penseur... want some philosophical dose?

or sugars?

...yes Crêpe suits us better than philosophy;). You know it.

My weekend was fantastic. Under perfect February weather in Kobe we had a full day from cozy pizzeria to his haircut. Yes I just needed a second to breathe like this.

It's already March by the way and another brand-new week to carry on. So let's get down to business.

A wonderful new month, everyone!xx

The day was happily never after but after all it was happily ever after

2009-03-02T09:18:00.015+09:00

February 14th, St Valentine's Day in Yokohama. I'm so sorry sweetie, I was almost becoming a type of girlfriend I least wanted to become.

like a flower under rain

like a child's first day

like a story's first page

watch our love come to life

love is not a thing to rush

it's a feeling you should trust

it'll be that way with us

watch our love come to life

come to life come to life

watch our love come to life

-Marie Digby Come to Life-

Still floating in the icy Orient

2009-02-22T23:48:00.015+09:00

Back in Myongdong urbanity...

We looked for our last supper in Seoul from stalls in Dongdaemun Market but apparently got lost in millions of retail shops. Language was indeed the desperate matter during this trip.

One of the symbolic shots of Korea though the gate was surprisingly smaller than I expected.

Not forgetting the girls' best friends in the evening:).

So at last I covered the whole itinerary of my Seoul trip... so sorry readers it took more than 1 month to post them all. For some personal reasons I'm not expecting any next big trip or going out of Japan at least until summer but I'm already considering a big travel plan later this year. Can't wait until the next exotic adventure.

By the way K-Pop is occupying my iPod now;P.

Insadong continued...

2009-02-22T23:34:00.026+09:00

I loved how the small alleys intricately exist in this neighbourhood; it did arouse the feeling of vagabond in me.

Starbucks could be so unlike Starbucks when it's written in Hangul alphabet;P. I loved it though.

Historical architectures really convinced me that Koreans and Japanese shared the same ethnic origin.

*
One of the things which I most wanted to do during this trip; trying authentic Samgyetang<3

My happy face explains everything:D. Yes, Samgyetang was beyond my expectation. Beautiful, beautiful.

Since I came back from Seoul I've been often having sudden craving for Samgyetang...it was that good.

Did anyone notice that the subway was coloured with Ying-Yang?

After all girls love to sit down and giggle

2009-02-18T11:39:00.020+09:00

So the day breaks a little loosely in this city.

7 am from the hotel window. Good morning, Seoul.

Armed with gloves and thick wool jacket to survive in -11℃, we gently kicked off our second day in Seoul. Insadong was the first destination.

The neighbourhood was flanked with endless series of small Korean antiques shops, galleries and tea houses. We strolled every nook and cranny in Insadong gil then sheltered ourselves from stabbing outside coldness. I didn't even feel my fingers or feet.

Breakfast time. Not Korean style at all;P.

Us looking so satisfied with a generous omija-tea present by a cute Korean waiter:).

Next Up: Insadong Part 2 & Samgyetang lunch<3

Planet two of a kind

2009-01-19T16:36:00.015+09:00

It wasn't Shibuya restlessness. It wasn't Shinjuku insomnia. But it was a planet which was amazingly identical to Tokyo. We're totally lost in translation in far-East country.

Welcome to Myongdong, Seoul.

We both fell in love with the naming of this particular cosmetic shop;). Can we also purchase perfect Korean skin please?

Completely lost in floods of Korean alphabet, we finally managed to come back to our hotel.

Seoul, Day 2 : Coming up soon!

Sunday overflowed with a thousand tender kisses

2009-01-18T23:17:00.012+09:00

May we have a big, undulant but promising year ahead.

After 4 months of lonely cups of chai latte, now a girl got her boy back next to her.

Who said that Kobe-Tokyo was easier than Japan-France distance?

Knowing that now you wake up in the same mornings sunshine, breathe in the same winter air and also knowing that cell phone allows us to exchange simultaneous "oyasumi",

I can't help missing you even more than ever.

***

P.S.
Tiny Traveller in Seoul, Korea: will be up very soon!

Afresh

2009-01-06T17:06:00.014+09:00

New year. Perfect time for family to be united.

Very classic but the best one we thought.

Twinhood is also versioned up:).

Curtains up. Here it arrives a brand-new year which sparkles with full of hopes, aspiration and love. Happy blessed 2009 everyone. Truly. It will be.

Starbucks, Chinese Steamed bun and old friend

2009-01-06T14:02:00.009+09:00

Apparently my Christmas 2008 was all about friend, friend and friend (... just letting you know for those foreign readers: Christmas isn't really a family thing here but instead we have New Year to spend time with family and relatives). See, Santa had sent me a guest from my dear Melbourne.

Sho visited me in Kobe on Christmas morning. No need to say my small size soy latte was so not enough to accompany our everlasting conversation.

Surprisingly China town was crowded as always even on Christmas day. Asians after all love dumpling and noodles rather than juicy turkey;P.

Sho-kun, I think I forgot to tell you the most important thing on that day; "Merry Christmas"!

I'll miss you, my Mr. joker!xx

Amélie meets blackbird

2009-01-01T19:52:00.022+09:00

She was the one who never needed cliché with her man and I was the one who may love cliché but lived too far apart from her sweetheart on that holy night. That's why these two 20 something ladies got to share their cheer together on the night of Christmas Eve. So why not make it magnificently girly as lacy baby doll.

Doesn't she look so Amélie?:)

My drink of the night which I immediately fell in love with after I saw its name on menu; Kitty. Perfectly bewitching for the super girlish Christmas Eve.

...and how can Christmas become itself without being sugarcoated?

It wasn't carol but the Beatles in the air. Doubtlessly Santa was too nice for us.

Guess what we're off to Seoul next week;).

What a spontaneous night. haha.

So it's Christmas time

2008-12-22T13:52:00.004+09:00

Happy holidays everyone!xx

bittersweet

2008-12-16T13:23:00.004+09:00

If I open the last window can I already skip to Christmas day?

Three more weeks then I have your warmth right next to me, with no microphone, no emoticons to convey all my affections.

December never felt this long.

"And you're still here, waiting here, to catch me if I fall"

2008-12-12T23:58:00.004+09:00

Forgive me lovelies. I can't believe myself having been so slack on blogging lately. Things have just been really busy around here and the past few weeks have honestly flown by in a twinkle. This weekend will also be spent in Kyoto for annual debate competition from my seminar class but after this major task I hope I'll eventually be able to burst into the mood of Noel and Christmas greetings.

Photos are from last month with my regular Mr/ Ms favorite line-ups this time in Kita-Shinchi,Umeda.

Natsuko and Micchan who always shows up with the nicest T-shirt I've ever seen. By the way Natsuko and I are anticipating the most girlish Christmas Eve together this year. Wanna join, anyone?;)

...just for this moment, appetite won over the conversation.

Naoko. Adorable, as always.

4 carefree laughs and jaunty steps. They naively coloured the blank sky of Umeda business district on that night.

I need a hug too.

Priscilla veiled Umeda with love

2008-11-29T15:46:00.009+09:00

She was an angel, a perfection, and a lonly bird that warbles out in winter sky.

What an amazing night.

pretty please

2008-11-24T16:53:00.006+09:00

Hi lovelies you may have noticed that my updates have been getting a little slow these days but my absence can attribute to nothing but the whirlwindness of my current life-style ; no kidding, for the past few weeks I found myself either at university or work and as soon as I get home I eat, bath, get into PJ's and snuggle down in my bed. I'm now totally convinced with people whinging that a day had more than 24 hours.

Photos are also piling up but they'll soon be uploaded(sorry girls!).

To my relief, this week is going to be mixed with a bit of sugar and spice besides mound of study and work:

-payday! yay!
-Priscilla Ahn concert in Osaka on Thursday
-may have a slight change on my hair style
-open new make up base from cle de peau BEAUTE
- and not to forget routine Skype bonne nuit with my beloved:)

Enjoy the last blessing of November everyone! Next post will be up soon so please stay tuned.

Friday deluxe

2008-11-04T10:55:00.010+09:00

Last Friday both my best friend and I had our classes cancelled due to university festival so decided to indulge ourselves in early weekend comfort. Lunch at Genius Cafe among many hurried office workers; in 5 months from now we'll be also munching on a sandwich with business documents on one hand. Scary.

Career, men, fashion, beauty tips, marriage and life: as usual our conversation covered whole index of female magazine.

Naoko:"I wonder what being independent means."

...I think we need a special issue for that topic, sweetie.

Crawled through vintage shops after lunch.

Isn't this dress so Blair Waldorf?Beautiful.

Realizing that it's November, I was suddenly caught in reminiscence of days in Melbourne; it's amazing how a year changes everything.

I miss you my people.

Fall in Love

2008-11-02T11:57:00.004+09:00

These cuties are what I had crush on this autumn.

Boots and shawl from Italy, earrings from India.

*

...and love delivered from France. Merci darling, and happy 2 years anniversary from the day we first met! Miss you:).

A midweek bliss

2008-10-31T23:09:00.006+09:00

This week has been fantastic. Sudden cancel of lecture on Wednesday pampered me to go out for shopping and I ended up doing some great autumn buys (I got a gorgeous pair of Italian short boots!). But most importantly I had several catching up sessions with my dear girls this week which unexceptionally accompanied darling food and a cup of chai latte.

Natsuko, with her new fairy hair. Lovable.

A smell of cinnamon and trivial conversation with girlfriend : I badly needed this.

monochrome

2008-10-23T09:12:00.006+09:00

“Shades of grey wherever I go

The more I find out the less that I know

Black and white is how it should be

But shades of grey are the colors I see.”

Pink Ribbon Smile Walk

2008-10-21T17:34:00.006+09:00

Sunday morning I took part in charity walk for breast cancer campaign with Naoko and proudly completed 10km walk all around Kobe.

I didn't know that breast cancer is indeed the most common cancer among Japanese females; today in Japan one in twenty women develops breast cancer and its death rate has continued to rise unlike its decrease in US and Europe. Indeed I remember so well that we even learned about breast cancer at high school in Australia but here in Japan we seldom had chance to know what it is until recently ( though some trashy fashion magazines seem to be misunderstanding its concept and utilizing pink ribbon for their marketing purposes).

We always want to believe in our own health and often don't connect ourselves with cancer and such until we actually diagnosed as its patients. But who knows that I won't be the one in twenty women?

Just a little awareness and action; it's that simple to save our life and happiness!

October Vibrancy

2008-10-11T20:28:00.009+09:00

So now I'm back to classes after too long summer holiday and already winded by 5 hours of train trip between home and university. To make matters worse lack of my autumn wardrobe is adding an extra hour before my routine haste to the bus stop in the morning. However I'm after all feeling much more vividness in life with going to classes; I think we often start missing some academic dose when the life is getting too vacationed. I go to uni 3 days and work 4 days a week this semester and this will continue until March.

I'm so sorry for the recent lack of posts. I hardly had time neither to blog nor get some photography inspirations since uni started but I'll soon get back to blogging habit once this back-to- school fever is settled.

...Oh and yes, I've got a ticket for Priscilla Ahn concert at Billbord Osaka next month! Super, super excited.

Autumn love for everyone,

Bloggy Award

2008-10-01T09:41:00.009+09:00

Tiny Traveller was tagged at Bloggy Award. They are indeed giving a useful evaluation to my blog. If you are interested, see

http://www.bloggyaward.com/bloggyaward/tiny-traveller/

Also if you guys have any recommendations or ideas to refine Tiny Traveller, never hesitate to leave comments /email me please<3.

It's ladies exclusive

2008-09-27T11:21:00.016+09:00

To tell the truth I was expecting more awkwardness and a stammer ; it was unusual enough having lunch privately with my brother's girlfriend whom I've met only once before. 15 minutes later we were however just two loquacious girls who never stop talking on boys and cheerleading ( we're both ex-cheerleaders!) with health-conscious salad lunch. We incredibly struck a chord with each other.

Dearest my brother, I think you're truly blessed.

By the way, it's time to appreciate hot coffee...recent insane climate is already making people impatient for boots and coat!

hiatus needed

2008-09-22T21:37:00.007+09:00

Past few weeks had been nothing but part time work. Spending 8 hours straight in department store everyday isn't as pleasant as I initially expected.

Rainy day off, watching fav movie with a mug of chamomile tea, no high-heels but barefoot. Feel so revived.

authencity lies in nudeness

2008-09-14T16:56:00.022+09:00

Even the tide was too low, Japan's top3 view still had an absolute majesty standing by itself. Bravo, bravo.

Miyajima was purely a beautiful place. Needless to say as to Itsukushima shrine, but there seems to be also many historical attractions to discover in that small island. In the town you see lots of classic inns and adorable cafes, and thousands of momiji-manju confectioneries suffer you to choose the one right shop just for a souvenir;P.

...and tame deer may come up and harass you for food! They may be not as cute as they look;p.

Lovely September weekend for everyone!

No more Hiroshima, No more War

2008-09-14T11:24:00.009+09:00

My first visit to Hiroshima ironically happened on the 7 th memorial day for 9.11.

In today's world it seems as if achieving peace is only one remove from war and there is indeed a rising social tide for bashing those people who simply plead for the world peace.

I have to admit that I have no real sense for how awful and merciless the war is; for me any of war related movies, documentaries and books I've seen and read had never been more than a history and when I mention war and peace I feel myself so lame. Facing to the remnants of Hiroshima tragedy, however, convinced me that we need no reason to claim peace.

I found a solemn silence but no peace from those traces of war in Hiroshima. The Stars and Stripes has never looked so empty to me on that day.

so I sealed it with kisses...

2008-09-08T10:26:00.017+09:00

Before the summer starts this year almost every worker I've met told me that I should have a full blast during the holiday since this was the final big vacation I've got as a student. Without fail it has indeed turned out as one of the most amazing summer I've ever had. No more fears and hesitancy, and everything has become crystal-clear in me as if those bright summer days made it so.

It was a summer of rediscovery, faith and love.

Chris leaves Japan on Wednesday and we won't see each other until January. 4 months sounds pretty harsh but he'll be busy with his MA course and I'll also be tied up with my final semester plus part time work so hopefully it won't be that bad. But of course I'll still very much miss him for sure.

Kindly September wind already feels so sweet.

Kisses,

you forever a chica

2008-09-01T23:50:00.012+09:00

So September has begun and I'm still far behind in updating with a bundle of photos from August. Meanwhile I'm at last getting my butt off to a new part time work this weekend and yes sir I'm ready to dedicate my whole September for it; so before I'll be estranged from blog sphere, I'm going to post a few more entries from my splendorous August. So please stay tuned ladies and gents...

It was almost 2 weeks ago when Naoko, Akiko and I got all together. Despite how diverse each one's life has turned out today since high school, we are still connected like you wouldn't believe and have more fun together than you could ever imagine.

Akiko, always one of the kindest souls I've ever met.

Our early evening began with glasses of grapefruit juice and they kept us going through the whole night. You see, 7 years of friendship doesn't even need a cocktail boost to talk their little hearts out:).

...and here's my dearest birthday-girl. Happy (super-belated) birthday my babe! Every time I see you, you are growing more and more as a mother, a woman and as yourself. I am so proud to have you as my best friend.

Lotsa Kiss from miffy:)

L'occitane Café

2008-08-31T13:26:00.016+09:00

Some of you female readers might know, L'OCCITANE launched its first cafe in the world in the center of Shibuya in May this year. Since I'm a bit of devotee of their products, I'd been longing to experience afternoon tea at this cafe if I had a chance to visit Tokyo. So there I was...

Cosy ambience+ divine afternoon treat+ wonderful company= happiest smile on me♥

My order: Iced earl grey tea with fruit salad and organic honey.

Oh yes, this might work better on my weary summer skin than expensive night cream.

Chris's beautiful tart bejeweled with red berries...

Another great feature of this cafe was that you can almost command the view of Shibuya scramble junction if you are lucky to have a seat by the window ( though this fantastic location seems to have an apparent impact for the prices of food there;P). It was pretty phenomenal.

So, I'm done with all my Tokyo photos now...

Meiji Shrine walk

2008-08-31T11:36:00.009+09:00

Located right next to the hurly-burly of Harajuku teenage paradise, it was amazing to see how much repose resides in this particular vicinity.

Let's not fight, sweetie.

2008-08-30T20:47:00.002+09:00

Couldn't help popping the shutter at Shinjuku station.

The Secret Garden

2008-08-29T18:58:00.009+09:00

One Monday morning in the middle of Daikan-yama, there exists a secret garden which was exclusively reserved for one happy couple...and some curious onlookers;P.

...Coucou mon chéri:).

My last day in Tokyo, never had I embraced his morning look this much.

evanescence

2008-08-29T17:39:00.002+09:00

Trains come and go. Passengers get on and off. I just wished that there was something which never follows that way.

Yokohama getaway

2008-08-29T13:57:00.015+09:00

Taking a bit of break from the insomniac Tokyo, we found a day of peacefulness in neighboring port city Yokohama.

Yokohama Chinatown: The largest Chinatown in Japan and Asia.

This Chinatown had a completely different atmosphere from the one in my home city Kobe; needless to say its scale was enormously huge and everything looked more organized in tourist attraction way.

For lunch, as my brother cautioned me, we had a trouble in deciding a restaurant; how can we possibly choose one from over 200 of them? we after all believed in our own intuition as we always do;P.

...By the way, big congrats for the glories of team Japan in Beijing Olympic 2008<3<3

...A lovely scenery of harbour which reminded me of my city; Yokohama really was a bigger version of Kobe I thought.

Walked to red brick wearhouse, one of the historic buildings in Yokohama.

Tokyo adventure is almost coming to the end...

Spirited away

2008-08-29T10:57:00.004+09:00

Cicadas chirped with hollowness, the wind murmured into the trees and misty air veiled my skin.

Pop it up with Harajuku girls

2008-08-21T19:09:00.013+09:00

Harajuku girls

I'm looking at you girls

You're so original girls

You got the look that makes you stand out

Harajuku girls,

I'm looking at you girls

You mix and match it girls

You dress so fly and just parade around

("Harajuku Girls" by Gwen Stefani)

Eccentricity thrives....

One of Must to do things in Harajuku: trying famous Marion Crepes

Did I try? No. After experiencing authentic French crêpe in Omotesando I didn't think I could dare to do that;p.

Vanity

2008-08-21T18:26:00.003+09:00

With millions of lives, still somehow looks so deserted.

When you wish upon a star

2008-08-21T11:06:00.012+09:00

Seriously I didn't know that fantasy still works so well on two 22 years old university students; Disney magic really did exist and we were no doubt its living proof on that day.

As soon as the entrance opened at 8 am we dashed for the ride called Splash Mountain and then got completely soaked by a huge splash in the end. What a perfect kickoff of the day;P.

Super cute Mickey Mouse shaped cookie with ice cream:D. Sorry, but I have to eat...gomen ne.

Daydream continued even after the sun went down...

One of the legendary attractions: It's a small world! Since we both love it so much we've been on its ride twice this time. I'm pretty sure that I can still enjoy it even when I become the age of grandma. You know, we all have more or less of Peter Pan spirit.

Time to leave the world of fantasy...

Thank you so much Chris for giving me such an wonderful and unforgettable day (although I may have spoiled this perfect present a bit with my nose allergy). It had certainly become the best memory of my 2008 Tokyo summer.

...and thanks so much for always keeping me entertained with your crazy materials;). You completely make me lose control of my virgo-ness!

By the way, why it's always so sad to leave the world of Disney?

Akihabara, wrapped up with Korean appetite

2008-08-20T14:00:00.017+09:00

Immediately after arriving at Akihabara station, I was already feeling goose bumps on my skin. This queer town did have something extraordinary.

For those who don't know, Akihabara is so-called "geek heaven"and it's a paradisiac place for everyone who loves electronics, computers and computer games of any kind. Thousands of electronic and manga-comic shops are occupying the whole neighbourhood.

We timidly hit some of the mini-figure stores.

I found Ultra Man mini figures:D. used to have them at home when I was little. They bring me back a childhood memory.

To be honest I was feeling somewhat restless in Akihabara ( probably because I was still a bit aware of the tragic incident in June?), but no matter what they are the place was definitely taking on some strong cultural power which continues to keep its presence as the world's otaku capital.

Great thanks to Chris's patience with my spoiled princessness, we decided not to have dinner in Akihabara but instead made a train trip back to Shinjuku and then Shin-Okubo, the largest Korean town in Tokyo. Thank you sweetie!

His first bibimpa experience... :).

*Coming up Next* Tokyo Disneyland<3

bitter coffee+ unexpected sweetness= you've got me.

2008-08-19T13:15:00.014+09:00

During our Tokyo adventure we'd been faithful customers of Starbucks; it was no doubt an oasis in the middle of aestival heat island but also one or two hours of cozy break between hectic city exploration was simply one of the highlight moments with my special.

Starbucks in Asakusa however became the most memorable and sweetest one despite my routine black iced coffee. Guess what played for milk and syrup...

It was a pre-booked ticket for Tokyo Disneyland for my early birthday present.

Of course, special escort was also reserved:) .

classic one always wins

2008-08-16T10:59:00.010+09:00

Usually I'm not a big fun of too touristy places in terms of travelling, but when it comes to Asakusa I firmly recommend you foreign readers to make a bit of trip to this old downtown Tokyo; oh yes, the place is super overflowed with foreigners but it's in a way a perfect place if you are looking for something very Japanese-ish which you often find in Lonely Planet guidebook as such. Also even for us Japanese the place offers an amusing experience to catch a glimpse of how foreigners perceive our culture.

Tried our fortunes with Omikuji; we both got Kichi=Blessing *relieved sigh*.

"When spring comes, all trees and grasses are in full bloom. Everything will go good, then you will be happier in the future..."

Thank you my god, I'll stay a good girl;).

Only regret in Asakusa was that I didn't feel like trying real Ningyo-yaki ( famous Asakusa sweet cake with dolly figure) due to insane heat but still monaka-ice ream compensated for my sugary craving:P.

Sorry, I love Crêpes more than Louis Vuitton

2008-08-15T16:16:00.018+09:00

Omotesando is often renowned as one of the prestigious neighbourhoods in Tokyo; we see the stretches of designer label boutiques on the both sides of the road, and many chic cafes and restaurants are also found in the side streets. Apparently it was one of my fav places in Tokyo though it might still take some years to be able to crawl from shop to shop in the area with tons of brand-named shopping bags; yes, I'm after all a poor student yet;((((.

Architecture designed by Tadao Ando.

I've just found out later in Wikipedia that Omotesando is often designated as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées; wow, it perfectly makes sense that I had my best French moment at a lovely French crêperie in Omotesando with my French beloved(we had even been there twice in one week... now I'm a huge fun of galette:D).

Or maybe you knew it sweetie, yes?

Alley my love♡

2008-08-15T15:44:00.005+09:00

Who said that stories are only to be found at main street?

when Starbucks became so spectacular?

2008-08-14T09:38:00.015+09:00

Starbucks in Shibuya is privileged to command the view of entire scramble junction, which is definitely one of the breathtaking spectacles in Tokyo. Since it's such an iconic place, this Starbucks seemed to be one of the tourist attractions where tons of foreigners flock in.

...iced coffee for me, and mango frappuccino for him. We stuck to this basics during our Tokyo travelling:p.

Spied into Shibuya 109, the mecca for young Asian fashionistas. Unfortunately their barbie-ish style didn't impress me much any more but I would have gone nuts if I were still teenage for sure.

Din-din with Misha at Isetan in Kichijo-ji<3.It's been already 5 months since twinhood got apart.

*Coming up next* Omotesando /Asakusa temple /Akihabara.

awakening

2008-08-13T23:43:00.004+09:00

5am in the morning from my brother's apartment I saw the transient calmness before the city goes back to its tumult.

walking Shibuya in a trance

2008-08-13T13:15:00.005+09:00

So, I'm back. My mind is still in transition from the world's most eccentric city to my peaceful bedroom in Kobe. Please give me some time so I'll soon be able to give you an overview of my Tokyo itinerary. More photos are soon to come.

precociously mujer

2008-08-02T08:53:00.024+09:00

So it seems our girl is turning into even more of woman with her vaso de tinto.

Natsuko just came back from her 2 months study program in LA so last night three of us ( Yukkin couldn't make it since she was away this weekend) flocked in Umeda for regular wine& dine session and most importantly it was her 23rd birthday. Gosh, years pass astonishingly fast; we're both 18 when we first met in uni. Things have completely changed now.

My friend who never fails to be the most adorable girl in the whole universe.

...And a secret of the night was revealed:). Happy Birthday my dear lady! You are forever a girl of Reppeto although Manolo Blahnik may dangle its voluptuous high-heels before you.

Simply the best shot of the night.

So I'm leaving for Tokyo tomorrow night! See you later all my ladies and gents, and enjoy your summer with oodles of ice-cream and sun shines! I'll be back in a week.

Best summer time wishes xxx

Virgo in August:"you've just climbed one heck of a mountain and now it's time for dawn."

2008-08-01T09:04:00.017+09:00

Returning massive volumes of books to the university library, going to hairdresser, outlet store shopping and sleeping without alarm clock; yes, summer holiday is here! oh, I feel super.

Exams went decently good and fortunately I won't have to stay restless over the summer in terms of my results.

So, 3 more days till I leave for...guess where:). I'll give you some hints. 1) Beijing for 2008 Olympic Games. 2) Melbourne to visit my dearest peeps. 3) Tokyo. Well, I've been unemployed for so long so you know whether I could possibly cross the border with the current insane airfare price.

I'm going to Tokyo!

This is indeed my first time to properly visit there( so far my Tokyo experience only happened in Tokyo Disneyland, Yoyogi national stadium for cheerleading competitions and for job-interviews at one of the firms. What a shame;p) so I'm lusting to see real Tokyo this time. Plus the thing is that I'll be travelling with my favorite french guide. You'll find out what this means later*grin*.

and guess what I inherited from my daddy yesterday...

I cannot be happier, seriously.

We are still No.1

2008-07-23T00:04:00.005+09:00

Just a quickie...

Cheerleaders united♡ Each one of us now leads their own path, but our spirit is forever.

Big hug and kiss,

Enchanted---Kyoto Gion Festival

2008-07-19T10:43:00.014+09:00

I'm embarrassed to confess this, but despite being born in Japan and have grown up in Kansai for almost 23 years, I'd never had a chance to go to Kyoto Gion festival. Some foreign connoisseurs of Japan may be shocked at my unfaithfulness to her own culture, but come on, it's simply same as people who never visit tourist attractions in their city. We often forget to appreciate the things near us, yes? ;P

Anyways, Gion festival is one of the three grand matsuri in Japan, and when I went it was yoi-yama, the highlight night of the festival.

The city was veiled in dreamy ambiance as the sun went down.

Beautiful lantern float, an iconic symbol of the festival.

It was regrettable that I wasn't wearing yukata that night. Walking on the ancient Kyoto alley with yukata would definitely be more fun, and bring us the feeling of festivities. I'll surely do it next time.

Alrighty... I'm off! I'll be back once my exams are over. So please stay tuned all my loves:).

Lost in Annabelle

2008-07-12T18:34:00.019+09:00

Although the recent summer climate no longer recalls us the fact that the rainy season isn't officially over yet, today's photos are all about hydrangea, the most precious gift of Japanese rainy season.

My mom and I went to see hydrangea festival at neighbouring botanical garden.

It was quite overwhelming to see so many of them altogether. Almost like hydrangea carpet!

And more...

I have no need for referring to their beauty, don't I? Pictures do speak for themselves.

Resting...:).

Exams/report pressures are getting intense, and project from my firm is also bothering me a lot now. (By the way, does anyone agree that facebook is a terrible killer during exam period? I tend to get so distracted from it especially when I have to study for exams.... it should have been created for procrastination, yes!)

But after 3 more heavy weeks, my 2008 summer adventure is ready to begin!

Early summer greetings, everyone!

certitude

2008-07-05T17:53:00.003+09:00

Once before I decided not to alight on the road.
Because I needed more time, to contemplate if it was a place which I was meant to stop.
I was scared.

But this time, though my feet are still trembling, I unbind myself.
Because now I think I know this is where I'm meant to go down.

I'm reaching you.

nascency

2008-06-23T18:11:00.010+09:00

In the midst of lingering rain, we often fail to discern the blessings it will bring us after the dreary weather---after 6 months of brokenness, now I firmly believe that they were after all innegligible stepping stones that had led me to the one optimum conclusion.

Yes, I've got a job! ! ! ! Finally! ! ! ! !

It was terribly a long process with full of twists and turns, and I've settled in an industry which I initially had no clue about; it's a full-time position in human resource company, and I'll be assigned to do all sorts of employment arrangement works. Hopefully I'll be able to move on to work for international department or the team for foreign firms, which I'm highly interested in.

And it seems I still can't fully decompress myself since we've already got 2 months-group project from the company. ahem. But it is indeed better to prepare myself personally and professionally for next April.

Anyways, I really would like to thank for all my family and friends who had given me a lot of assistance during my job-search period both mentally and materially; special thanks for my parents, Misha, Jun and his girlfriend Ma-chan, both Naoko, Micchan, Natsuko and Chris. Thank you darlings!

Exams are awaiting me next month, but I've already started thinking of summer. too bad.

...and I have a special guest arriving from France next week!<3

Maybe it's not only about bad hair day

2008-06-21T11:25:00.007+09:00

When it rains outside, nothing is more paradisiac than staying at home and pampering oneself with trifling comforts. It feels as if I've got a justification to be super lazy for a day.

Laptop, books, chai tea, new Coldplay and a piece of home-baked cake.

That's all I need.

Happy Saturday everyone:).

Kisses,