Junkgirl™

Browsing Junkgirl™ blog archives for February, 2010.

Reminiscing home

Kopi-O in an authentic cup and saucer

Curry Laksa with sambal belacan and half a lime

Nasi Lemak

Lo mai gai (Glutinous rice with chicken)

Siew pau

The must combination at Esquire Kitchen
Hui guo rou

and hua juan (flower rolls)

gui ling gao

fruit stall

the traffic jams

a street busker, something new.

durian stalls

mangosteen

open-air food stalls

This is what feeding in South-east Asia is all about and if you can’t put up with this, then go elsewhere. We don’t need you here.

stir-fried four-angle beans with sambal belacan

teppan-tofu

Carlsberg

Star-fruit juice

the littering

at a Mamak stall

packs of nasi lemak

teh tarik

maggi mee goreng – my favourite mamak stall order

the boss, observing his goods.

cat on a bike

There are some try-hards who were born and grew up in South-East Asia and then went overseas for a few years, comment about how dirty it is to eat at the food stalls in their country of origin. They grew up feeding in those places and yet, try to act like royalty after they’ve been away overseas. Acting like they’re not used to such places. Try-hards. Yeah, go colour your hair blonde, you wanna-be.

bracing the height to get this shot

always about 2 feet away from the railing though. the closest i can get.

the food court

wonton mee – the cut green chilli is a must with it.

Hainanese chicken rice

the city by night

the icon – Petronas Twin Towers

In my opinion, it is a truly magnificent building when lit at night.

Pavillion

Assam Laksa

another kopi-O

curry meehoon

love the architecture of these traditional shophouses, though most have torn down.

Pink guava

curry laksa at Madam Kwan’s, which is totally over-rated and over-priced.

cendol at Madam Kwan’s

traditional bread loaf

at the fish spa, letting the fish feed on us…

durian

hokkien mee. hokkien beehoon taste better though. nothing beats the hokkien stir-fried style – dark. the cantonese style is whitish and bland looking.

self-explanatory

ikan bakar (grilled fish)

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Osaka Day 2

The day before…

30 Dec 2009

Breakfast before heading to Shinsekai

on the train

arriving at Shin-Imamiya station for the Shinsekai district

the train tracks

exiting the station

waiting outside the toilet

a machine being repaired

recycling in Japan

the Festival Gate, a now bankrupt amusement park, awaiting sale as per Japan Guide.

Wandering around the Shinsekai area.

one of the lowest priced vending machine we came across

my favourite – hot lemon

the main attraction of Shinsekai – The Tsutenkaku Tower

cigarette vending machine

parking

towards the main tourist area

came across a lot of this statue in Osaka. It’s called Billiken.

a queue for takoyaki.

a barber opposite the takoyaki shop

children enjoying their takoyaki

our turn…

not a fan of takoyaki, but Osaka is home to the takoyaki so…

first attempt at the drums at an arcade

another queue for another takoyaki shop.

walking further away from the main tourist area, the atmosphere gets more localized.

the men were playing some sort of Japanese board game

a queue to get into a kushi katsu eatery, which we skipped

another Billiken

crossing underground is another option to get across a road. there were replica designer goods for sale at the stalls.

an Izakaya, a standing one. It takes a little getting used to eating, standing.

heading back towards the tourist area. It was good to get a glimpse of local, not so flashy Japan.

local past-time of the older male generation

Billiken

and more Billiken

i think these are the kushi katsu

the Tower

beef

a sitting Billiken

an old school cinema

an old school shop selling a variety of bags

underneath the tower

another queue for another takoyaki shop

shops on the other side of the tower

fresh meat for sale

queue to get onto the elevator that takes them to the top of the tower

heading back to the train station

local housing

old school newsagent/bookshop

A Uniqlo store, not far from the train station, where we did some shopping earlier, when we arrived. Prices are low and goods are quite decent.

Sunkus is one of the less popular convenience store. The main ones are Lawsons, 7-11 and AM-PM.

The ticket machine at the train station, with a choice of english or japanese menu. It’s really not that hard…

The JR local line trains are more sophisticated in Tokyo.

back in Umeda/Osaka station

the ferris wheel at Hep-Five, in the distance.

there is always people, everywhere, whether it’s a workday or the weekend, day or night…

some are moving, some are still

to Yodobashi, which sells lots of electrical, electronic, toys and miscellaneous goods

Mochicream on the 6th or 7th floor of Yodobashi-Umeda, the food level

at one of the cafe for a light meal. the prices were rather expensive so we shared a set meal

the basket for storing jackets and bags is such a good idea

salad

seafood gratin

tea

dessert, can’t remember what it was…some sort of chocolate pudding

dinner back at the soba shop near the hotel…cold soba with a raw egg

after mixing. it tasted quite delicious, even though it seemed a bit strange…

kare-don (curry rice)

Billiken

heading back to the hotel, the soba shop on the right in the undercover mall

Hearton Hotel was one of the cheapest considering the location and distance from the train station. And a semi-double room cost less than a double. We hardly spend anytime in the hotel anyway, just somewhere convenient to sleep the nights and store the lugagges. No complaints. Greatly recommended. Most of the budget hotels in the Japanese cities give toothbrushes, toothpaste and cottonbuds which are replaced daily by the housekeeping. They don’t have shower caps though, for some reason.

New Year decoration at the lobby

today’s purchases…
from Uniqlo

from Yodobashi

Haruhi

Konata from Lucky Star

chips from 7-11

from a store in the Yodobashi building

The following day…

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Never ending…

The above is from Eddie Wong’s burogu

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Vision: Still

Location: beside Osaka Station, Osaka, Japan
CS4 Notes: Black&White, Levels (right slider 232), +54 contrast, Smart sharpen

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For Darkness’ request

Darkness requested for some photos of bullet trains. This is for you, Darkness.

The bullet trains of Japan.
Some of the types of train on the Tokaido - Sanyo Line:

500 series

Shinkansen in motion. If a person jumps in front of an oncoming shinkansen, that person is bound to be splattered.

300 series

700 series

100 series

interior of the shinkansen

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Lion dance

Many Chinese take this form of art for granted but it never cease to amaze me. The There is so much skill involved to make it look like it’s really alive. And the best part is where the lion is about to spring into action, indicated by the drums rolling and then followed by a sort of knocking sound like at 2:02. I love that knocking sound. And the wagging tail.

There are two types of lion dance. Southern style and northern style. The one in the video above is the Southern style, which is the more popular style.

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Tiger 2010

The characteristics that apply…

Tiger people are quick-tempered and sensitive. They are fearless but cautious, sometimes overly hesitant when action is necessary. They are egoistic, somewhat penurious and affectionate towards their beloved.

Tigers’ compelling dynamism, intense activity, independence and curiosity about others make them irresistible, persons of multiple charms. Tigers attract followers and admirers. The Tiger has a regal quality and is courageous, active and self-assured; he makes an excellent leader and protector. Known for determination and charisma, the Tiger aims high and pursues goals with vigor, passion and daring. However liberal-minded Tigers may be, they are rash and resist the authority of others. Although they are selfish in the little things, they are capable of great generosity, even of altruism, in the larger. Tigers are men and women of action, thrust by destiny into the spotlight.

Tigers tend to renounce confining traditional roles, opting for a more unfettered life. Tigers have an inborn magnetic personality that attracts people to them like bees to honey. Warm-hearted, sociable and friendly, they are characterised by their frank, honest and open approach. Their immense kindness and generosity will always shine through except when crossed or backed into a corner, for then they can become vehement and ferocious.
Solitude is often the price Tigers pay for their position of authority, but they become accustomed to it. Better still, they draw on the experience, gaining new energies and great strength. However, this loner attitude and pride can sometimes prevent the Tiger from seeking other people’s assistance when faced with an endeavor that calls for someone else’s resources and talents.

Tigers make ardent and virile lovers who dominate their partners. Because of their sensuality, their impetuousness and love of adventure, there is an excitement that not only follows Tigers wherever they go, but also guarantees them a certain irrestible sexy allure. These creatures whose emotions are out-front have strong libidos and are lusty in their passions. Generally flirtatious, they are especially prone to wild flings in their early years but do settle down as they get older. When committed to a happy and fulfilling relationship, Tigers make loving and caring partners, warm-hearted and generous. They don’t, however, lose that romantic streak nor that exciting ability to surprise.

It is said that tigers born after midnight are the most ferocious. Don’t make me lose it, or the world shall tremble with fear.

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Hehhh…nani kore…

Ban-chan probably just wanted a better view of the world.

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Anime

trio, from gashapon, that has been sitting on my desk for almost a year now.

favourite

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I just want…milk?

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Niseko – second quarter

Eating out on the mountain is a little pricier. The alternative option is to get food from the convenience store to consume back at the hotel. For those who stayed in apartments with kitchen facilities, cooking is the best option.
Lunch at A-bu-cha 2. One of the few lunches we had, during the stay.

chicken something…

pork something…

Cream melon soda. Melon soda tasted a little like fanta, except it’s green instead of orange.

hotto mocha

heading down to the buffet area, snowboard/ski storage room and steps to the slopes

The steps leading from the hotel to the chairlifts. Figured that the reason the flooring has got holes in them is for the snow to be able to fall through to the ground below.

apartments opposite the hotel

arriving at the skiing/snowboarding area

One of the daily highlights for me during the stay is the buffet breakfast and buffet dinner included with the stay at the hotel. It’s not so much the eating but more looking at what’s available. Just like reading what’s in a menu even though i may not want to eat most of the things in it. Breakfast is served from 7 to 9 a.m. and dinner from 5.30 to 9 p.m. I made sure i drag myself out of bed for breakfast even if it’s on my own.
Most of the food are the same every morning and evening, with a few changes daily. They try to cater to western, chinese and japanese taste buds.

Dinner was, from different nights…
Sweet-tasting omelette

Edamame

There was pasta everynight, with a different flavour. Probably shouldn’t be having pasta since this is Japan but just could not resist. Especially with the ‘free-flow’ cheese powder next to it.

tempura corner daily, but not a big fan.

one of the trays

chawan mushi

daily vegetable intake

some Japanese braised dish. rather sweet tasting.

On some nights, there were deep-fried crab shell.

and crab claws on other nights. A fan of neither.

miso soup. The Japanese don’t drink their soup with a spoon. They stir it with a chopstick and consume straight from the bowl.

This was labelled German potatoes, which is similar to the Scalloped potatoes in Melbourne. It’s potatoes baked with cream, cheese, some mushrooms. Feels a little sick if consumed to much. Maybe due to the cream and cheesy-ness.

rice was available daily, with a variety of toppings such as seaweed and Japanese pickles to go with it.

the Japanese not only have the usual plain rice but they also tend to cook their rice with other ingredients like barley or crab or meat etc.

steak was also available daily to cater to the meat-eaters. It’s chicken and beef/lamb nightly.

Where we sat on the first night. The steak corner on the left. It was not a good idea to be seated too close, with the smoke and grease.

dessert corner, of which i only tried a few things. They looked pretty but a little too sweet.

Robes are provided for the hotel guests in their rooms. The inner layer is called yukata. Not sure what they outer layer is called. Most of the guests don the robes around the hotel.