Wonderful Japan!!

Hi all,

It's been a while since we came from Japan. Still feels like yesterday...
A BIIIIIIIIIGGGG THANK YOU to the ORGANISERS ( they know who they are) ;D for giving us the opportunity to visit this WONDERFUL country JAPAN, Land of the Rising Sun, breath-taking sceneries, hot baths, and glorious food.... This trip has been so fruitful with memories and we learnt so much within only a few days...

As much as I can remember, Day one : Changi Airport in the evening. ..Farewell to the parents and relatives and friends (with careful reminders to bring back japanese souvenirs for them)..Photo-taking as if we were Hollywood actors and actresses on the Red carpet at the Academy Awards...Some teachers from TWSS came to say BON VOYAGE. ..Some were quite emotional, but who can blame them..? We knew it was going to be an exciting trip awaiting...

It was raining at Narita Airport the first day when we stepped on the Japanese soil... Outside was pouring and very windy and some of us did forget to bring an umbrella, ellah, ellah...eh eh..so they had to buy one at the convenient store. It was not so much of summer during the first 2-3 days..For those who never experienced the cold before, they got served...:)
We got to know our tour guide , Tammy-san and chauffeur Yamada-san who were very kind to us throughout this trip. of course, no one can forget Tammy-san GREAT sense of humour, especially with Mr Miso Soup...LOL
The first day was indeed a very tiring day for all of us. Some students barely slept on the plane and apparently, it was uncomfortable and cold for others. Some were dying to take a refreshing bath at the hotel and eat something consistent...They couldn't believe when they were told that it was only in the late evening that we all checked-in the hotel. Nevertheless, we spent a wonderful day in the City area, visiting the Disaster Prevention Centre (check out the gargantuan architectural aspect...), RAINBOW bridge ( by which we passed many times), ate ice-cream in the cold weather (Ronald's inspiration), Bugis look-alike street leading to the temple...(sorry can't recall the name..)...etc, etc...busy busy day indeed.

OMG! We went to so many places really out-of -this world. But the cherry on the cake was the day we went to Mount Fuji... It was AMAZING, INCREDIBLY beautiful..!!! I remember everytime our bus did the contours and at every sight of the summit, we all went: "' Aaahh!!...oohhh" in awe. And here goes the flash of cameras again. I bet Mount Fuji likes to be taken in photo. Tammy-san said she is even more beautiful in winter, all covered with fresh coats of snow...Picture this using your imagination, it's a priceless vision to be treasured!!! One day, maybe we can all pay her a visit when she is all dressed in white...This wouldn't be interesting enough if Chiang Tek "thought" he lost it when he realised his camera was "missing".....haha Lesson learnt. Thanks to the sensitivity of his belly.

We also witnessed a traditional Japanese ceremony, all dressed up so beautifully.. It's indeed a fascinating culture where everything should be perfection.. Even the food was presented in a very ZEN way..It reminded me of some Feng Shui style, so neat and clean and properly executed. I do hope people learn when they come to Japan, they don't mess around with the environment...And first impression SHOULD always be a GOOD one.

Tokyo and Japanese country-sides are so different, in another words, worlds apart. It's always rejuvenating and peaceful be be in touch with nature (I love the way they trim and "style" the leaves on trees; they look like green mushrooms). The traditional houses are magnificent and I bet living in these areas must be an everyday joy, no worries, embracing freedom with Nature. Oh and the flowers were so aromatherapeutic, especially the lavender!!! If only I can bring some home...

Oh oh!! The Sulphur mountains!! What a blast!! The wind was so strong that some of us couldn't stand still; it was literally pushing us back slowly..Then we climbed the steps up, fighting against the extreme cold (I love it by the way!!!) and wind. It's interesting t know that even in such a cold place, the sulphur liquid can be 100 degrees Centigrade!!!..It reminded me of some horror movies like Hills have eyes..or The Fog.. I can't imagine this place at night and in winter!!..You must be kidding..hahaha

Gotemba!!! Shopping frenzy!!..Can we go there again!? It's clearly a request. MAybe we can bring along sleeping bags and plenty of cash and credit cards. Anything I missed?

Anyway, I'm happy to be part of this trip and the opportunity to open my eyes to a new culture. I hope the students enjoyed this experience as much as I did. Of course, THANK God we were not around the area where the human-stabbing spree happened.. It was scary to hear that. We were blessed.

We haven't seen the rest of Japan yet....and there is so much more to see, smell, taste and enjoy!!It's not Sayonara Japan. Hope to visit you again!!

Arigato.
By Jennifer sensei.