1st day in Japan

The time is 1.24 am in Yokohama. I am seated on my bed, with my laptop and the TV on. Right now I am staying at Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel. A garantuan 42 storey modern themed hotel situated in the heart of Shin Yokohama.
Today was not a very good day to tour the place although I did go to Tokyo for lunch. IT is pretty amazing stuff considering that last friday I was still worrying my ass off whether I can handle the EOPT. Right now I am enjoying superb Japanese hotel services or rather courtesy because they are great at offering you services.
I arrived at NArita airport at 7.15am an hour later than Singapore's time. It is indeed a wonderful place, Japan. Everyone is unbelievably pleasant and helpful. Except I really cannot make head or tail what they are trying to say. It all sounds like a gigantic porn movie without the porn. Not that I have watched many but perhaps it might be a good way to improve my Japanese.
So there is this Limosine bus which took me straight to my hotel from the airport. A journey that lasted the whole of 2 hours. The wind was cold and the rain started falling in bits and pieces. Much like raining water crumbs. As the clock continue the its circular motion of its limbs, the temperature fell further and by the time I got to the hotel, it was really too cold to be going anywhere. The raindrops conspired to take away more heat from us.
I was told at the checkin at the hotel that the room is only available at 2pm. Something which I encountered during my trip to Ansaca Hotel in KL. So at 9.20am local time, I was left with the option of paying 1500 yen for each hour earlier I decided to check in or just hanging around and explore the place abit.
Despite the icy breath of nature abound outside, I decided to chance my thick layer of cold resistance fat against the peri-zero conditions. I started out by making a short run over to the mall just besides the hotel. With Yoshinoya and KFC in sight, there was a chance to settle in with some familiar food before I experience with something more adventurous. The whole menu was different for both restaurants but at least the cashier speaks good english at KEnturket Fried Chicken. She looked Fillipino but with a Japanese name I felt inappropriate to bring my curiosity further. The food over here is expensive. With a simple burger and drink costing almost 450 yen. That is around 8 bucks in Sing dollars.
By dinner time I had gotten over the huge price tags and decided that a $20-$30 dollar meal is acceptable for a few days. But back to morning, the kind lady took about 20 minutes or so and involved almost every staff just to answer my question of how to get to Tokyo cheaply and fast from Shin Yokohama. I was really touched by her heart of servitude and she even GAVE me an umbrella because she saw that I was not carrying any. She was phillipino looking and had dark skin and big nose, not to mention the Ronald Macdonald smile. Quite ironic considering that she is working in KFC. BUt i am truly grateful to her assistance because even with her advice, I got stumped a few times by the massive number of lines and train services at their interchange. She is definitely in possession of a gorgeous personality. By the way, another lady waitress who seemed to be in her 40s looks quite delicate and attractive for a 40-year-old. That was a trend I noticed, even the old girls here look quite decent. I began to wonder why so many of them look like Taitais with their big and expensive fur coat,classy boots and elegant gloves. Then I realized maybe they are really Taitais. The devilish part of me wonder if they worked part time to earn more income for the family.
Getting to Tokyo was a rather arduous affair. Taking the subway from Shin Yokohama to Yokohama was relatively fast and straight forward. But at Yokohama there are so many interconnected lines that it gave me a headache trying to figure just where is the correct line. I even spent 10 minutes studying a map of the route of one of the lines before the policeman told me I am at the wrong place. Finding the correct Tokaido line proved to be much more difficult than I orginally envisage. YEt getting back from Shin Yokohama was a much more direct and easy matter . Mainly because I have such a good memory for places.
I had wanted to go to the Imperial palace near Tokyo station but the heavens were not helping me. With the rain showing no signs of abatement, the cold wind proving too much for my lipo covering and jacket, I had no choice but to stay within the shopping malls. There was a food street which looks more like a food town. There were just so many interconnected streets and shops which made it definitely easy for me to lose my way. I was still getting to get used to the price, because everytime I convert the quoted price back to SIng, I was left gasping. SO i headed down to Daimaru and bought a ten piece sushi for 780 yen and a ebi for 280 yen. Green tea was 240. So that became my lunch, something detrimental to my wallet but still healthier than dining at those ramen or sushi shops. Finding a place to sit was the more tiring and monumentous task of my day. There were simply no seats to be had in that 100 acre of shopping and commerical district. Not that I am sure of how big exactly is 100 acre. I meant it figuratively. But there were really no seats. Except for a row of REST station where there were about 10 seats but they were all occupied. I suspect that those who sat on it gave people an impression of being downtrodden and jobless. Either it is the seats or they are really wandering souls.
So after half an hour or meaningless walk through the whole area and not really paying attention to the shops and surroundings we found some benches marginally beneath the external edge of the compound/ It was sort of a waiting place for people looking to embark on long distance journey to other parts of Japan. ok I mean it is a bus stop.
At first the bus was blocking the rain so I put up with the poisoneous fumes emitted passionately whenever the bus arrives or takes off. Even so, it was still cold. And towards the end, the buses started to run out and I was left with little cover and had to finish my cold sushi meal with my muscles in overdrive shivering.
That was when I decided I had enough and shall not scrap and save for any more meals here. After all it is only 4 more days and with so many top notched chefs and famous eateries around I am not doing myself a favour.
I made my way back after lunch and checked into my room on the 23rd floor. It overlooks the city and now the traffic has ceased to random moving spotlight once in a while. There is a pay TV for porn for 1000 yen in my room. You have to get this TV card from the vending machine outside. I slept straight away because I did not do so on the plane. With the inflight entertainment screening of Batman plus the attractive stewardesses proving too great an impetus not to sleep.
I had wanted to wake at 6 to explore the city but only managed to pry my eyes open at 9.30pm. So it was just a short trip around the area to get my dinner and I settled for Pizza. I should really be eating more Japanese food rather than Italian food. But more shops are closing and it was really hard to decide which was worth a punt. So I ordered a cheesy pizza and a cake. The cake was definitely worth every penny and must be one of the best I had ever tasted this year. It is a layered fruit cake with dough and egg layers interpersed by delicious cream and sliced picecs of fruits. Describing it hardly do any justice. I shall let my waistline bear testimony to the satisfaction I felt eating the cake.
So at 11pm I realized the time was right. So I took a 1000 yen and made my way out. The selection was immense and I was really impressed with the Japanese for being able to make everything vendingmachined. OF course I am not talking about the pay card that was required for me to watch porn. It is the vending machines on level one where I can get hotdogs and chicken pieces and ice cream and soft drinks and beer.
Too bad it was not a day I got to know more about Japanese culture and the places but hey at least I got a few shots with the staff at the Italian restuarants to show!

Drogba is back, Anelka scored again and Chelsea drew again.

The title of the post says it all. It was another frustrating night for me as I watch my beloved team slump to yet another disappointment at home. Intriguing, I struggle to recall a time where I wore my Blue Chelsea Jersey and my team won. Perhaps I am just being paranoid but I am mildly convinced that I am a sort of curse to my favourite football club.
Knowing that tonight's West Ham is easy meat, or so I believed, I decided to test that theory again. Hoping to break the jinx once and for all, I ended up with eggs on my face as Chelsea couldn't score more than twice in 90 minutes and dropped points at Stamford Bridge once more.
Drogba is looking fit and dangerous again and Anelka is taking the chances coming his way. So I probably shouldn't be complaining. They do take time to gel and the most crucial part would be in February and March. That is when the top of the table is getting more defined and Champions League action is coming thick and fast. I am still unconvinced of the abilities of Deco even though he has scored a triplet of good goals so far. HIs passes appear to be always going astray and where is the vision that he guaranteed us? Nothing penetrating so far and nothing very exquisite. Perhaps he should be taken off instead of Joe Cole who can at least drag the opposition wide or beat them with his trickery and pace.
I am still betting on Deco to come good. Hopefully Ballack shakes off his rustiness soon and perform as he did the later part of last season. Sometimes we get too dependent on Bosingwa and if he has an off day, we usually stutter.
With the January transfer window looming, I think we really need a dynamic or willy player. Owen might be a good addition but he is only good at scoring. He no longer beats opponents with his pace and we have Anelka finishing off the moves already. With him in the team, either he has to be satisfied with not playing all the time or not lasting the whole match or just coming on as a substitute.
Ribery is involved in the Champions League with Bayern and Robben won't be returning. So two of the best players in creating chances and beating opponents are definitely not on the way to Stamford Bridge. I have always wanted Benzema, and I think he just might be another Fernando Torres. But he is ineligible for the Champions League and Lyon would want the world for him.
So where does that leave us? Amri Zaki with his powerful runs and skillful execution might be interesting but he is not the top of my list. Maybe Damian Duff can make a return or Robinho can still go on a strike and demands a move to London. Yah Robinho is definitely my first choice. Too bad he was waylaid by Mark Hughes' MAn City. I can imagine Chelsea leading with at least 8 to 9 points ahead of Liverpool if he had joined us.
Perhaps we should let Scott Sinclair establish himself with more first team experiences. His pace makes him an interesting prospect but he really needs time to settle down with the pace of top flight football.
Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps!

"I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place, a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it."

"I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place, a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it."

Tokyo DisneySea is hosting the romantic and relaxing special event “Harborside Christmas.” Sparkling illumination, vibrantly colored ornaments and a magnificent Christmas tree in front of the luxurious ocean liner S.S. Columbia all help create the Park’s uplifting holiday mood for this “town and sea” Christmas. At night, the show “Candlelight Reflections” is performed on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor with the Disney characters lighting a giant, waterborne Christmas tree. Also, the live swing jazz show “Big Band Beat” at the Broadway Music Theatre will feature the Disney characters and dancers in some additional Christmas-themed scenes. There are also lots of programs during the daytime. In “Meet and Smile,” the Disney friends gather together to welcome Guests to the Park during this 25th anniversary year. Other shows and attractions around the Park will have their own Christmas surprises as well, so bring someone special and enjoy this wonderful Christmas event!

Tokyo Disneyland hosts “Christmas Fantasy,” a fantasy-filled special event that can only be experienced here in this Kingdom of Dreams and Magic. The entire Park will be decked for the holidays to give Christmas cheer to all. For this Tokyo Disney Resort 25th Anniversary year, the area in front of Cinderella Castle has been transformed into a wonderful world of snow! Here, Mickey and his pals host a fun and lively musical show called “Mickey’s Jolly Snowtime.” The Disney friends are joined by charming snowmen, lovely snow fairies, and dynamic dancers for a jolly good time in the snow! The holiday fun continues with a special Christmas version of the nighttime parade “Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights.” This is a fantastic parade of twinkling lights, with special arrangements of popular Christmas tunes. Also, Stitch gives some Hawaiian-style Christmas cheer in the greeting parade “Stitch Presents ‘A Happy Holiday Greeting.’” Other entertainment programs and attractions around the Park will feature added Christmas touches of their own, so be sure not to miss this year’s magical Christmas at Tokyo Disneyland.Tokyo Disneyland hosts “Christmas Fantasy,” a fantasy-filled special event that can only be experienced here in this Kingdom of Dreams and Magic. The entire Park will be decked for the holidays to give Christmas cheer to all. For this Tokyo Disney Resort 25th Anniversary year, the area in front of Cinderella Castle has been transformed into a wonderful world of snow! Here, Mickey and his pals host a fun and lively musical show called “Mickey’s Jolly Snowtime.” The Disney friends are joined by charming snowmen, lovely snow fairies, and dynamic dancers for a jolly good time in the snow! The holiday fun continues with a special Christmas version of the nighttime parade “Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights.” This is a fantastic parade of twinkling lights, with special arrangements of popular Christmas tunes. Also, Stitch gives some Hawaiian-style Christmas cheer in the greeting parade “Stitch Presents ‘A Happy Holiday Greeting.’” Other entertainment programs and attractions around the Park will feature added Christmas touches of their own, so be sure not to miss this year’s magical Christmas at Tokyo Disneyland.

Prince

The Area
Although Yokohama is an integral part of the greater Tokyo area and a major urban center in its own right, it has its own personality stemming from its role as one of the greatest international seaports of Asia.
Thirty minutes by train from Tokyo, its broad, relatively uncrowded streets and mellow atmosphere provide a welcome contrast to Tokyo's congestion. Yokohama is a favorite holiday destination for those seeking sea air, tree-lined streets and harbor life.
The area immediately surrounding the Shin Yokohama Hotel is known as a huge sports zone featuring renowned facilities such as the Yokohama International Stadium and Yokohama Arena.
Activities Nearby
Ice Skating Rink - 10-minute walk
Bowling Center - 15-minute walk
Indoor Tennis Courts - 10-minute walk
Yokohama International Stadium - With a capacity of 70,000 spectators, this is the largest stadium in Japan and the home of the World Cup Soccer Tournament in 2002. (15-minute walk)
Yokohama Arena - A great spot for indoor track and field events, as well as music concerts, this facility holds up to 15,000 people. (2-minute walk)
Sightseeing Nearby
Chinatown - The largest Chinatown in Japan and great for an authentic meal anytime of day. (15 minutes by car or from JR Ishikawa-Cho Station)
Chinese Noodle Museum - Visit the museum, gift shops then sample the real thing in a variety of noodle shops. (10-minute walk)
Sankei-en Garden - Among the ponds and flowers are 16 architectural treasures, including a three-story pagoda from Kyoto. (10 minutes by car)
Minato Mirai 21 - An area of redeveloped docks featuring some creative architecture and street performers on the weekends. Focal point is Landmark Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Japan. (20 minutes by train, JR Neigishi Line)
Yokohama Bay Bridge - A famous local landmark. (25 minutes by car)
Kamakura - One of Japan's most interesting cultural areas with 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines, including the famous Great Buddha. (50 minutes by train, JR Yokosuka Line)
Shopping and Entertainment
Yokohama Bayside Marina - A shopping area with nearly 50 outlet stores selling apparel, sporting and outdoor goods. (10 minutes by car)
Yokohama-Hakkeijima Sea Paradise - A fun family place featuring an aquarium, fireworks shows, carnival and whale show. (20 minutes by car)
Yokohama City "Zoorasia" - See your favorite animals and some rare ones too! (30 minutes by car)
Shin Yokohama Prince Pepe - Shop for apparel, fine jewelry, purses, accessories and cosmetics. This shopping plaza is also famous for its liquor shop, which features 500 different types of wine from 10 countries.

Stormtroopers arrest Santa

SANTA'S FACTORY, North Pole (Agencies) - An Imperial Stormtrooper commando broke into Santa's Factory on the North Pole yesterday evening, killing an undetermined number of elves, arresting the owner and confiscating his sled. Joe Kwazansky, local spokesman for the Evil Galactic Empire in Los Angeles, appeared in a press conference this morning confirming the rumors of an Imperial takeover of Christmas' celebrations. "The Emperor wants to assure His subjects that Xmas will continue as planned. The pug-nosed fatso, however, will pay for his crimes," Mr. Kwazansky said amid the palpable shock in the press corps. Apparently, the arrest has occurred in connection with earlier reports on the manufacturing and stealth placement of Weapons of Mass Destruction:
Answering questions about the causes of this assault and Santa Claus' detention, Mr. Kwazansky pointed out that Imperial Intelligence had undeniable proof of Santa's production of WMDs at his factory located near the North Pole. "He is also a perv, you know," he added, "a guy who goes around his house clad in red velvet and has underaged boys assisting him all day long. Illegal sex? Forced labor? You gotta be kidding. We have the patent on forced labor too. Ask the wookies."
Later in the press conference, Mr. Kwazansky, 48 years old and still living with his parents, revealed that Santa may have been stealing industrial secrets from Imperial-exclusive defense contractor Sienar Fleet Systems. "And what's with the bloody flying reindeers anyway?" he said, "how the Force do they fly? I bet they have Twin Ion Engines up their butts. That's classified technology, people. Fatso is finishing his days in the Great Pit of Carkoon, I tell you." The spokesperson left the stage laughing maniacally, muttering something about how Santa was going to suffer for all those years of coal back at the Imperial Orphanage.
Commenting on the strike, UN's North Pole representative Kalle Jugercømmandersson said that "we don't understand this act of unprovoked agression. The North Pole has been weapons-free since 1959, when Timmy the Polar Bear was killed by a drunk seal using a 38." Then, he started sobbing, crying "and we are not little boys! We are little grown men!" out loud.
Lord Darth Vader was unavailable to comment at the time of this report.
(Photo of Santa being taken to an Imperial Shuttle—or something like that—courtesy of Michael Sibbernsen)

Yuppie, I wrote the previous entry. Was kinda hoping to win this necklace which the magazine offers for the chosen letter.