Student Exchange Programme at its Best !

Recently our university ( Open University Malaysia )played host to a group of 2nd year students from Soka University Japan. And during this inaugral students' programme, we worked hard to make it memorable for them and for us too. Besides undergoing a 2 week English Language immersion activities, they were also given insights into Malaysian culture. It was a hit ! which made them want to come back again in the future. On the final day at the KL International Airport, it was a scene of sadness and happiness, all in one. For us, it was a great feeling to see that the programme went well ( except for the stomach upset incident ! )and that the students' were generally happy. For some, it was a short one, they want more time to see and learn more. My verdict : they were great kids : polite, courteous, creative,and as Prof Maheswary commented, " they were angels!". Kudos to Soka University, you have a set of talented and bright students in your midst.

Time-Out

DSCF0171, originally uploaded by repin.

One interesting place to visit while in Tokyo is perhaps a walking adventure from Omote-Sando to Harajuku along the main street and its tributaries especially on weekends. Its just like Oxford Street, London but more fun ! we will see shoppers from around the globe and locals especially teenagers in their most colourful attires and weird hairdos and some in lacy Victorian age frocks. More so in summer, I guess. Perhaps one can find every well known brands of products and shops lining up both sides of the street. Traffic is huge and one could find a fair share of big bikes too. And if one is lucky, one can even see people walk their dogs and cats just as shown in the picture. Of course, we cannot blame them ( the dogs ! ) for taking time-out after such a long walk. Ahhhh...its good that we have shades too.

Stuff to Eat

DSCF0099, originally uploaded by repin.

All around Tokyo, along side streets i.e. away from the main arteries in places such as Ueno, Asakusa, Shinjuku etc we can find many eating places, cute restaurants offering authentic Japanese cuisines and fast food outlets. One cannot go hungry here. Some may have english speaking staff to assist you when you order. If not, you can see the food that you ordered on display ! So, just go ahead and point and the food that meet your eyes. Obviously in this photo, it is clearly mentioned that they have english speaking waiters to help you with your choice of food. Price-wise, it varies from one outlet to another...emm I missed those tempuras already !!!

The Bridge and the Statue

The Bridge and the Statue, originally uploaded by repin.

Where on earth can you find 2 "city image icons" in one location ? And I was kind of lucky to stumble on this quite recently ( 16th June, 2007 ) to be exact. My other half and I were in Japan again but this time with one purpose i.e. to visit our daughter in Tokyo but having some free time at hand, we took a ferry ride on the Sumida River bound for an island made from rubbish ( so, they told me ! ) somewhere in Tokyo Bay. The view was magnificent and real CLEAN on both banks of the river. It was a real treat and worth every single yen spent. By the way, Tokyo is the 4th expensive city to live in according to a 2007 survey. Number 1 is, guess what ? is Moscow. When we arrived at the "rubbish island " of Odaiba, we saw the Statue of Liberty and the San Francisco Bridge. Check it out !

Opposite of fast food !

Opposite of Fine Dining, originally uploaded by repin.

This photo was taken in Tokyo during my trip there in mid 2005. What the owner of the food outlet tried to tell us is that they are offering wholesome and real food and not the fast food variety. Not bad for a description ! Slow food dining anyone ?

Watchout Cowboys !

050109-Harajuku05, originally uploaded by repin.

This photo was taken in Harajuku, Tokyo at either a food outlet or a store selling clothes. I forgot. But it sure is funny !