Tried this?
Starbucks' ice-cream..? I saw this at Giant's supermarket last week. It was the first time. However, it was a little too expensive so I will try it another time. I wonder if it's nice or not..
Istanbul next?
I have chosen my next destination to be - Istanbul, Turkey !
taken from here.
For weeks I have been thinking about where I should go on my 12 days leave in mid-March. First, it was Jordan (Petra!) .. but after reading reviews and realize that its currency's exchange rate is just like SGD to British Pounds, I changed my mind. (I do have a budget of $2000SGD)
Then came Melbourne, Australia to visit my friend Non and hopefully, to have a much more relaxing holiday. However, I have been there 3 times before so maybe I could split it with Sydney but again, it was a bit more expensive than I had hoped. Also, I WOULD DEFINITELY shop if I am there. Hence, I'll be blowing my budget..
Somehow or rather, I think with me missing "Morocco", I had wanted to visit a Middle-Eastern country. I had thought of Turkey but Turkey is partly in Europe and I would be going to Europe later of the year.. "Turkey is beautiful, you really should try it" so says a friend.
I started looking for tour packages as I could go to more places with just slightly out of budget. I am interested in one but currently, no one has made any booking on the date that I had chosen. It needs a minimum of 16 people to be confirmed. :(
Well, I figured I'll do Free & Easy. But I definitely won't visit the "must-go places" in tour packages. As I've heard that Istanbul alone has a lot to offer. And the route that the tour packages offer means I have to travel further which is going to take time.
Actually, the other "strong" reason for me to visit Turkey is to visit a town called "Mardin". But it is in the South-eastern side and will take 22 hours by bus alone! But.. but.. have you seen how beautiful Mardin looked? I saw this Redbull promo Ad and immediately, I was taken in. So it is still under consideration.
And yes, I wish I could do that and back-flipped together with the pigeons. :)
So, unless I change my mind again, Istanbul will be it. =D
Halal food in Japan
Taken off "Visit Japan 2010's Facebook page" posting about a hostel that understands and even tells you about Halal food in Tokyo. Very helpful. It kinda missed out on the one I usually go to though.Sakura Hostel's Halal recommendation and friendly accommodation.
Since we are at this topic, I am going to tell you about the Halal food I have tried in Tokyo. Halal food in non-Muslim countries are most often made up of the Turkish Kebabs variety or Indian cuisine. But always remember to ASK if the food is Halal. Do not simply assume. There is a Kebab kiosk near my hotel at Asakusa and when asked, they told me that it wasn't Halal. So be careful.
2 Halal place that I usually visit when I am in Tokyo is in Akihabara:
1) Star Kebab (just remember that ONLY the chicken meat is Halal)
- They serve the typical kebabs (with different sizes) and Kebab with (sticky) Rice. Kebab with Rice (¥650) is apparently, my favourite. The rice has a little bit of sweet taste in it and the chicken is nicely marinated, the vegetable side is just cabbages with some mayonnaise.
Kebab with Rice (that has dhal!)
The photo of the shop can be found on my 1st trip to Japan page.
2) Siddique's Pakistani/Indian (and sometimes Vietnamese) food
- They serve the typical Indian cuisine, also Kebabs and in Akihabara, Vietnamese noodles. I like their "chicken skin" curry - can't be found locally. Vietnamese Green Curry noodle is delicious too. While their Kebab is a hot favourite due to its price. At ¥350, it's quite filling.
Strangely enough, I don't have a proper picture of the food I've eaten there. Sorry about that!
* I visited this restaurant on my first trip but since I usually don't frequent Roppongi area, I've never been back. It's more expensive (albeit overpriced) than the rest but it was interesting for me as it was my first time eating Iranian cuisine. I think its called Aladdin.
Menu, Rice with Chicken and desert = ¥1750 est.
This is a Halal meal provider I got on-board ANA flight:
1) Malay-chan
- They served me epok-epok (curry puffs with potato curry), otah-otah (spiced fish-paste) and mini-satay. Coming from Japan... it taste rather authentic! I must find this outlet next time.
(from wikipedia : (locate the Metropolitan Art Space and the bus loop that services that area. Walk to the curve of the loop, cross the main street (Geikijo dori) there and walk up a little street that winds left, then right. Then walk about 2 blocks farther). A small Malaysian restaurant on the west side of the train/subway station that is a little hard to find.)
[ for some reason, I didn't take a photo of this on-board meal. :( ]
Tokyo 2008 (I)
This is my first trip solo. I don't often travel when I was younger, so I kinda justify that with the constant travelling now. I don't know much about Tokyo but I had about 40 days to plan everything (that includes persuading my parents to allow me to go on this crazy trip, it wasn't easy). With the lower currency previously, my total budget amounts to about $2000SGD or about $1500USD. It could have been lesser as the accommodation takes up a lot of it.Little bit of info:
- its a 7 days trip during Hanami (cherry blossom season).
- 70% of planning was done thanks to the Lonely Planet's guide to Tokyo city.
- 20% of planning was done thanks to the Hardwarezone's Japan thread.
- 10% is by asking people I know personally.
Hence, my 7 days is covered by the recommended sights mentioned in the guide book. It was a bit rushing as I would like to cover as much as possible. I went to:
- Akihabara - Ueno
- Asakusa - Odaiba
- Zojoji Temple/Tokyo Tower - The Lion King musical (in Japanese)
- Shibuya/Roppongi - Shinjuku/Metropolitan Government Building
- Imperial Palace East Gardens/Ginza - Meiji Temple/Harajuku
I took North West Airlines (now, Delta Airlines) as it was the cheapest at that moment at about $850. I was advised to sit on the left side of the plan so that if the weather is good, Mt. Fuji will clearly be visible from the plane.
As recommended, I purchase the "NE'X" package to get into the city. For 3,500¥, you get a SUICA pass (just like our EZLink card) loaded with 2,000¥ and a 1-way trip into Tokyo city. NE'X is a fast-train, with lesser stops into the city. If you don't need a SUICA card, I would actually recommend you to just get the normal commuter train that ends at Ueno for 1000¥.
I stayed 10 mins away from Akihabara (by walking) and 20 mins away from Ueno park. Its very comfortable and had delicious breakfast too. The changing of the trains is fine but when I get to the stop, I got lost! I had to ask the policeman at the koban (a police box) - first try with asking at the convenience store wasn't successful. Hotel Edoya.
1st day:
After checking-in at the hotel, I decided to explore Akihabara. The famous area for electronic, gadgets and anime products. I was in awe with the colourful arrays and different types of handphone. There is also a Turkish food stall nearby. Reminder: Only the chicken meat is halal. A kebab is 400¥. While one with rice is 600¥.
Love the neon lights!
"Halal" Turkish kebab
2nd day:
Woke up early to have breakfast and walk to Ueno park. Ueno park is known to have about 1000 cherry blossoms tree and is famous when they are blooming. Its the first time I see trees looking totally "white" from the trees. But it was not full bloom yet. Though I did get to experience this as it happened 2-3 days later and I returned. Ueno park is very big. It contains the Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Zoo, a baseball park, a concert hall, a few shrines and the Shinobazu pond.
I had allocated myself till the evening here. I spent 4 hours in the Ueno Zoo (its big!) and only 2 hours in the National Science Museum (I gave myself 4 hours but I think due to the descriptions being in Japanese, I can't read much).
Ueno Zoo's entrance.
The geek in me visits the National Science Museum.
A human cell.
Roaarrr !!!
Sakura flavoured ice-cream after all that anyone?
After that I went to Shinjuku.
Pick a line, any line. O_O
Many recommend visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to have stunning views of the city at 45 storeys high - for free! Instead of paying for the over hyped Tokyo Tower, this is definitely an option. There are 2 towers that closed at different times. On a good weather day, you can even see Mt. Fuji!
A view of Tokyo Tower.
Security check before you can board that lift up.
Since I ended earlier than usual, I decided to walk around Shinjuku station - one of the biggest and more crowded (not to mention, easy to get lost in!). Oh yeah, I was in search of the "fabled" Krispy Kreme donuts! I had those previous year in Melbourne and it was good! (But definitely a health-killer) I found it, after walking much... and while queue-ing, they actually let the customers have free original donut each.
A silly story.. I had Starbucks before Krispy Kreme as I was really tired from all that walking and wanted to have a break. It was my first encounter with a glass door panel that would only open when you press this "black bar" on it. It was in Japanese I couldn't read.. I knew I had to do something in order for the door to open. So I pressed on it.. hard.. nothing happened.. three times! I was starting to look silly outside. Ok, "One last try!" I tell myself. This time, gently I pushed the button and.. voila! It opens! Grrr.. this door..
To be continued ...
Ceramic Speakers
The first time I saw this featured in one of Fab.com's sales I went "wow!". I simply love the simplicity of the design and colour choice. Never has Pink and White look so good! (well, asides from it being my school uniform). It was 40% off, though it only ships to US address. I manage to get a US address but it can't process my card!!! This is disheartening. :(
Its a tad pricey but it doesn't look common. It also has good reviews but not optimal for bass. Honestly, I love bass. I listen to music with a lot of bass but I mean, who can resist that beauty ???
You can get it from :
http://joeyroth.com/ceramic-speakers/
Music
I listen to a range music. I used to really love R&B and Pop, well it was a hit "thing" back in the 90s. But nowadays, in fact, ever since 2004 - I began to like something new. I started to listen to "Chillout", "Electronica", "Lounge". Rarely do I turn on the local radio (though I still favour lush995). Instead, I turn to online radios or sites.So I like music that makes you chill :
Solid Steel Radio Show 6/1/2012 Part 1 + 2 - Bonobo by Ninja Tune
Music that makes you move :
Music that I never expected to be a favourite (still is) :
And last, but definitely the most important, music from an artist that will always be my favourite :
Its a New Year!
Hey, its 3 a.m. and I'm still awake. Its my New Year's resolution - to have a blog where I can talk about what I like to eat/do/see. Yeah, so welcome! Basically this blog is going to consist of:1) What shows I'm watching
2) Food reviews
3) Walking around Singapore
4) Photos
5) My travels
6) and Whatever I want to talk about..
The reason its called "walk and snap" is because I really love to walk around... and snap pictures.
So, welcome ! ^_^
Please be kind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
