A little about myself lately...

I apologized for the lack of posts lately. My job is definitely more demanding of me now than before. I definitely wish that I can blog in my dreams so that the blog post will magically appear in this blog every time I dream.

So, about myself lately... I have started to work on two research projects and these projects are in their initial stages so they take up a good amount of my time. I also have been travelling a lot due to work. This coming July, I am going to Washington DC for a conference. It is always fun to be able to present my work, meet people and exchange ideas at the conference. I really enjoy attending conferences. 

Not only that my work and play has been taking a good chunk of my time, I also maintain another one purely research blog which I have been putting in a lot of time and effort to keep it update. However, the neglect of this blog makes me feel guilty. And I have to admit; whenever I have time nowadays, I love to spend it with a good book in the park. I cannot even mention how many blog posts have been backlogged in my hard drive now. Therefore, I feel that I should tell my readers that I will blog even lesser than before, but as much as I can, whenever I can.

There is so much for me to look forward to this year and I hope everyone who is reading my blog is doing/having the same thing too!

Goodbye 2014, You've been a good year to me again and Welcome 2015!

Here, I am, working in the tropical city of Singapore for one and a half month now. And Singapore is a fabulous city/country! It is vibrant, fun and their food are delicious (no, the food is totally amazing!). But, it is also so hot and humid! Although, it is a warm and welcomed change for me when I first arrived, however, after a month and a half, I begin to miss Japan, especially that now is the season for hot spring and snow. Moreover, the Singapore heat is wearing me down and I can't wait to go back to Japan soon after this project is done!

As usual, on every year's eve, I tried to write something for this blog. So, this year, I am going to celebrate the 9th year anniversary in Japan. Wow, in a blink of an eye - 9 years. And I will be celebrating my 10th year in Japan. Should I have a party for myself on my 10th year in Japan? Maybe I should ^^.

One thing that I have learned since starting this blog is that single author blogging is hard. Finding the time to write posts in between work, research and play is difficult. Usually, my work is more manageable over the summer period, but when comes to the fall semester (my favourite season), everything and everybody seem to want to squeeze and cram into that 3 short months before the coming of a new year. That always leaves me very little time for my own research, and for sure, blogging is sometimes out of the question. And every time, when I am in this time deprivation situation, I reminded myself of this timeless quote from the movie, Lord of the Rings, to pacify my frustrated feelings about time deprivation. 

‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.’ – Gandalf the Grey

With this in mind, I will try my best to blog, work and research.

So, this question of time management brings me to think about why I started this blog in the first place. I wanted a space where I share special places that I find interesting, journaling my experiences, and also in a way, keeping a record of my travel. Although I feel that I may have not done most of it, but, I am trying to blog whenever I can spare the time.

I feel that I should be blogging more post for my early years in Japan. Looking back at those years reminds me of many Japan-naivety moments for me. I had more time back then to visit many places in Japan, racking up too many funny and embarrassing experiences to record and I especially, wished that I haven't lost my 2005-2009 photos due a hard disk failure (T_T). But, I will do my best to write these moments down and, perhaps, revisit the places again, just to retake some photos for the blog. I think it will be fun for me to see the same place with a different eye now.

Actually, every year, I will make a list of new year resolution (which I will break within a week after the new year starts, huhuhu). So, this year, I am going to keep it simple as I can already see the direction for me in the coming year. Well, this is perhaps my longest new year's eve post ever. So, I wish all my readers, a happy 2015 year and may it be another good and kind year to you and your family.

Waterfalls of DuPont State Forest

Every time, I return to the US, it is like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet for every mealtime. Since I don't really eat lots of sweet stuff in Japan, I indulged in ice-cream, especially the flavours I can't get in Japan, cookies, cakes and soda. And it is really hard to say no, especially when I believe that I deserve a little treat. And the fact that the portion size of food in the US is waaay more than Japan's is really not helping. After many days of indulgence, I can feel that my dress size went UP. Not in a good way. So, I decided (reluctantly) to take back control of my diet. I am goin to slowly eat smaller portion, cut some sweet calories out and get back on track with my usual active lifestyle. 

So, I decided to go hiking in the DuPont State Forest near Asheville. It is an area blessed with lots of waterfalls with plenty of easy hiking trails. I also heard that this is the film location for the Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans so it should be a great place to go. 

After a 3.5hours drive and a lunch stop, I reach the DuPont State Forest slightly after 1:30pm. I parked my car, started my hike from the visitor centre and the parking area in Hooker Falls area. However, I decided to skip the Hooker Falls, and went straight to see the Triple Falls where they filmed the Hunger Games. It was a short walk, less than 2km. 

As soon as I saw the Triple Falls, I can immediately recall the scene where Katniss nearly step on Peeta in the Hunger Games. 

The Triple Falls has lots of flat rock area to walk on or to simply relax on. I can see that it is a really great place to have a picnic. 

I continue my hike for another 1km towards the High Falls. After a few turns and a short, steep hill, I found it. This waterfall has a magnificent drop of 50m. Later, I found that the water level is quite low at the moment and it could have been even more impressive drop. Nonetheless, it is still an amazing sight for me. As I stood around to take some photograph, another hiker with her dog came and stood beside me. We chatted for a bit and she told me that the scene of the Last of the Mohicans was filmed here. Wow, I didn't know that it was already a popular movie location. 

I went down, nearer to the waterfall and I saw lots of people gathering at the base of the waterfall. Some of them just sit under the falling waters. Further down where the water is calmer, people just go swimming in the river. As there were too many people, I just went to take some photographs and continue my walk to the Grassy Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. 

So, my hike took me a trail that leads me to the start of the High Falls. There is a covered bridge that connects the two banks of river of High Falls. This covered bridge somehow reminded me of the creepy covered bridge in the movie, Sleepy Hollow. I bet if it is rainy and misty, this bridge sure fits the bill. I went across the covered bridge and continue for a short distance to the marker that indicates the entrance to the Grassy Creek Falls trail. From there, I found the small trail that snakes through the woods with several short side trails to the falls. I decided to take one of the short side trails and found myself on the top of the Grassy Creek Falls.

This waterfall is secluded, more isolated and definitely quieter. I sat down to enjoy my packed snack and listen to the sound of running water. It is so calm and peaceful. The birds are singing. It reminded me of the piped-in bird singing sound that you can sometimes hear on the train station. I always find it weird to hear them on the train platform while waiting for the train. It feels so unnatural. That sound always makes me look up and see if any bird has set up their home and started to make a mess in the train station. Not a calming thought if that is what they intend the train commuters to feel. I personally feel that if they want to have a piped-in music, why can they choose classical or something soothing other that natural sounds that don't sound natural in the train station. Okay, back to my hike. 

After a quick lunch stop, I continue my hike down to the base of Grassy Creek Falls. However, going to the base was more challenging than I thought. There are lots of rocks that are slippery and some are just too far for the short-legged person like me to make a jump. So I just tried my best to get as near as I can. After a few photographs, I begin to make my way out. 

Still thinking that I will be going to the Bridal Veil Falls after this, but I noticed that the sun began to set and I looked at my wrist watch, found out that it is already 6pm. So, I gave up going to the Bridal Veil Falls for this time. 

I walked back to the covered bridge, and saw lots of other hikers who are also on their way back to the car park. One of the hikers has a dog with them and the dog just came up to me, sniffed at me. I know why he is sniffing me, I have a bit of cheese stuck on my pants (I tried to clean them off unsuccessfully) and he is trying to lick them off me - hahaha. It was a really funny moment. Then, the owner came up to take him away from me. But I am delighted to be able to touch such a friendly dog. I find that dogs in the US are pretty friendly and tall. 

Overall, I really enjoyed my hike and I think I will return again sometime soon to finish the other waterfalls. Now, I am going to drive back to devour a plate of big prawns!

A Photo Blog: A summer dream

Sorry for the long hiatus! 

I have been travelling. This time to the US! For work and a bit of personal time. 

Currently, I am enjoying lunch with a glass of wine in the nearby vineyard in one particular southern state of America. Vineyard here is still so green and pleasant to walk. 

I don't know much about wine, but I love to have a glass or two while working. So if you see any typo, you know what I have been doing *wink. 

Yes! More wine, please!

This trip just reminded how I needed to visit Japan's wine region in Katsunuma. If only I have more time... Well, once I am back, I guess I better do some proper trip planning for next year.

Well, I hope you have an awesome day!

Cold and wet

Typhoon is around the corner... which is strange for Japan as it is already the end of October.

Sorry for the blurry photos. Shaky hands from the cold and old phone camera.

Blue flowers for blue skies

We had a little typhoon two days ago but I am not blogging about heavy rain and strong winds today. I just want to show off some flowers (although I do not know its name) I bought from my local flower shop.

Isn't it beautiful? I like the sweet blue color. The petals fall like sakura, one petal by one petal.

Anyone knows the name of this gorgeous flower? 

It's snowing again this year!

Woo... wow... Woo... wow... It is snowing now in Tokyo. Wooo hooo... Hahaha, this is really silly of me. It is not my first time seeing or experiencing snow, but it always gets me excited like a puppy in the morning. Now is 7:30pm and I am walking home in the snow. In my short skirt (actually, it is slightly above the knee length).

I did not intentionally wanting to wear a short skirt in the cold winter, but, I was too lazy to make another decision on what to wear and just grab the nearest piece I could find. Although, I saw the news and it had forecasted the possibility to snow for today is 50%, I didn't believe it and went ahead with my clothes choice. My belief was further cemented when I step out from my home, and look up the skies to see that the weather was fine with some moody skies. Honestly, the weather looked as though it was only going to rain. Yes, it rains in winter in Tokyo. 

After I went around running errands for the day and ready to return home, it really did start snowing. I should have believed the newscaster, huh? The snow was fluffy in the beginning, but then, after a while, it snowed the kind of snow I didn't like - heavy and wet. That was no fun. And I think everyone went back early because of the wet snow when I went out around 9:30pm and there are noticeably fewer people walking on the main street which usually busy even after 11pm.

It was great to watch the evening news after that, seeing places around Tokyo being snowed all over. 

In fact, I missed playing in the snow. Making crumbly snowball that cannot be thrown. Yes, I make useless, crumbly snowballs. But it is always fun to throw snowballs at each other. Not so fun if you get snow dripping down your neck though. That is not fun. 

Unfortunately, there is no way to make any snowballs in Tokyo. Not even enough to make my lousy snowball. Tokyo snowed too little. Sometimes the snow is barely covering the ground. Nevertheless, it is still fun to see it falling from the sky. I wish for more snow every year. I think this time, my wish will come true. 

This morning, we had a sunny day to to begin with and I can hear last night's snow sliding off the rooftops and the dripping sound of snow melting from my window.

Goodbye to busy 2009 and Welcome to Happy New 2010!

I admit being so busy that I have no time to blog. When I have time to do so, I procrastinated to blog. 

After a year of unhappy times, good things begin to happen to me this year. I've made lots of new friends and had a blasting time with them, plus a special bonus for me too!!!  

I love all things that happen to me this year, and I hope that next year will be another good year for me. Moreover, I have some important milestone to achieve and hopefully I have a good announcement about them next year.

So long... 2008

Isn't this the time when you looked back and wondered how much you have achieved for the past year? NOOOO... this is the time to hibernate. Like me. Under thick, warm blanket with the TV on and sipping hot tea. Vowing that I will not be again separate from my comforts.
Unfortunately, this only last for one day before I got up and decided that a good walk was what I needed the most.
Today is the brightest day (considered as warm) in Tokyo winter. Tokyo has strange weather - it rains even in winter but not snow (???). Interestingly, today, it is absolutely beautiful. Clear skies, crisp air... plainly said REFRESHING!!
I guess this feeling is good considering after all the gloomy news about financial collapse, company restructuring and what-nots...
I pray for better 2009 and so long 2008.

Today's event

Today will be my most exciting day - moving out on my own, to my cute apartment. But that means that I will not be internet accessible for the next couple of days. Well, will occupy my time with house cleaning and arranging up the place. Till then¬