Baumkuchen, Baumkuchen, Baumkuchen~~~

Mr こいびと came to visit poor one-eyed me with something I've been wanting to try for ages! Presenting the Baumkuchen!



The Baumkuchen is very popular in Japan despite it being a cake of German origins. It is also one of the many popular gifts which the Japanese will bring along when they go house visiting. Bringing exquisite gifts, usually sweets (in Japan, cakes and such are usually called "sweets"), along for a house visit is part of the Japanese culture.

This also explains why most shopping malls in Japan housed a whole level dedicated to sweets. This is an entire separate level from the food hall. On this level, you'll be able to find all kinds of pretty looking sweets with even more beautiful wrappers. Of course, they are not cheap either.

One of the shops we saw at Tobu Deparment Store (東武百貨店)'s "sweets" level was selling pieces sliced off from this gigantic roll of Baumkuchen. The crowd at the shop caught our attention and we decided to pop in to have a look. At that time I have no idea that was the Baumkuchen, nor was I aware that it is such a popular rage in Japan.

Ponyo ponyo ponyo sakana no ko...

Movie of the moment: Ponyo


credits:wikipedia

I've been wanting to watch Ponyo for the longest of time but haven't got the chance to. Ever since I went to Japan and visited the Ghibli Museum, I'm even more determined to check out Ponyo.

I wasn't disappointed! The plot might have been very simple and straightforward, but the execution itself was beautifully done. I believed Hayao Miyazaki has outdone himself with Ponyo! There's nothing not to like about Ponyo!

Ippudo's Ramen

Welcome to Ippudo, the much raved about ramen from Japan.



Be warned that you'll have to queue around 30mins or more to get to try their food.

Longchamp

Because Jo's been asking about my Longchamp Le Pliage bags, and I've also received quite a number of requests, I'll be addressing them all in this post~

Long Flights

I hate long flights. In fact, I hate flying. There's something about being in the air with nothing under your feet that always gives me the jitters. It makes me feel damn insecure. And then there's the helplessness when you encounter turbulence. So now is the time to say I wish I have some magical skills... teleporting would be great.

Anyway after sitting still for almost 8 hours behind this inconsiderate Jap ojisan who pushed his seat all the way back, and me literally having the tiny TV right in my face and my food right on my lap, this was a very rewarding view. Not rewarding enough though.

But something about seeing the first sunrise in Japan, even though knowing damn well it's the same old sun, it got me excited.

おみやげ

Something I got for 老婆for Christmas from Japan...

It can't be seen clearly coz of the reflection, but the other half of the heart is black with gold trimmings. I find it utterly pretty~~~ Only when I came back did I remember I've already gotten her a Tiffany heart key ring before.

(@_@)

おまもり

Something I bought for the girls & 姐from Japan.





I love おまもり!!! No guesses the 恋爱 one goes to who~ May you find your Mr Right soon!

New Year

In Japan, the start of a new calendar year holds much more significance than just the start of a new year. It is much like our Chinese New Year, where most Japanese return back to their hometown to celebrate the new year with their family.

The day begins with a trip to the local shrine. Usually you can see many Japanese women deck out in their exquisite kimonos as they make their way down to pray for safety, happiness, or longevity. Already while I was there in Decemeber, some random few obasans were spotted in their beautiful kimonos at the shrines, after which they dropped by the local kimono shop to have their new year outfit made.

It's the time of the year where it's really cold in Japan. While I was there, almost all parts of Japan were experiencing heavy snow except Tokyo. It was an exceptionally cold winter for them.

Dreams Do Come True!

Up till now I still cannot believe that I actually went Japan! I've always wanted to go, but somehow, never gotten round to it. Thank you Mr こいびと for making it possible and helping me realise my dream!


@ Hakone


in Tokyo~~~

Bags!!!

I've always got a thing for bags. Some girls spend their money on cosmetics, some girls spend their money on shoes. I spend my money on bags~~~ If only money wasn't an issue, I would have bought all the nice bags I saw in Japan~~~



I got a new wallet~~~ after years of not using a proper wallet~~~

I'm back from Japan~~~

ただいま~~~

Japan Japan Japan~~~

I'm leaving for Japan~! (\^v^/)

Gonna miss Baby!　またね！！

Omamori

ありがとねVinson!! When Vinson told me he's going Japan I was so envious! I asked him to get a pair of おまもりfor me and Mrこいびと. Even though Vinson is now stationed in Hong Kong with his wife, he took the trouble to remember my request, got me a matching pair, and mailed them to me from Hong Kong. How sweet!

おまもりだいすき！