一条马路，有漫步沉思类型的，比如 Lexington Ave；有令人憧憬童年趣事，那上海乳山路；也有的令人连绵往事,如早稻田通力。通化街，今天让我差点成了购物狂。幸好我不是女人，不然依刚才的心情，没准会破产。
主人说我大概就是全世界最了解通化街的外地人(这里指非台湾人),可能的确如此. 这次来台湾5天,没有什么特殊安排,只是想逛逛.
虽然一样是小商品摊小吃部一个接着一个,却没有深圳东门的压逼感.现驻深圳的我,昂然觉得这里很安全,人人有礼貌.
八成的货不定就是深圳运过来的，但是我好想把这里搬回去东门。
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Credit Card Clients
Congratulations to Ziv who successfully launched www.creditcardclients.com. Please check it out to learn how to use creditcards to your advantage.
Press coverage from Newsweek and Consumerist:
http://consumerist.com/consumer/credit-cards/save-on-your-credit-cards-with-savings-agent-230684.php
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16965325/site/newsweek/
Press coverage from Newsweek and Consumerist:
http://consumerist.com/consumer/credit-cards/save-on-your-credit-cards-with-savings-agent-230684.php
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16965325/site/newsweek/
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Changes.
Dear friends who visit my blog:
Happy new year, happy chinese new year. Wish you all best health in 2007, year of the pig.
I'm undergoing some changes down here and am adjusting to a completely different lifestyle - yes, even more crazy than the one I had before. This is my lame excuse for not bloggin these days... There are, however, some new photos.
With the new business and a reborn vision, there should be more adventures in 2007, in China.
Details will be shared in time.
Happy new year, happy chinese new year. Wish you all best health in 2007, year of the pig.
I'm undergoing some changes down here and am adjusting to a completely different lifestyle - yes, even more crazy than the one I had before. This is my lame excuse for not bloggin these days... There are, however, some new photos.
With the new business and a reborn vision, there should be more adventures in 2007, in China.
Details will be shared in time.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Overdue post. New stuff...
After Japan and Korea, there was some light travelling in Liaoning and Shandong, which I will brief in another occation.
I'm now involved in at least 2 businesses. One of which is my own. The name of my company is 新界集团. Vision is to close in on the product / quality of life / culture gap between China and the rest of the world, via international trade.
新界 is the name of the most remote territory in Hong Kong, the large piece of land closest to Shenzen in the Mainland. It is where I live, it literally means "New Territory" / "New Frontier". In our world, many good things/places are waiting to be explored, protected, treasured, and shared, in that order.
Off the record to myself,
新界, my first company, will promise to be a socially, culturally, and humanly responsible entity. It will promote the goodness of China, and bring good products and culture from outside to within China. From this endevour I will broaden my horizon even more and be closer to enlightenment of both the mind and the body.
Hopefully, in not long I will hv a website, and some clients.
Travelling and blogging? I don't expect it to stop. Will likely do it professionally in fact...... Let's see...
I'm now involved in at least 2 businesses. One of which is my own. The name of my company is 新界集团. Vision is to close in on the product / quality of life / culture gap between China and the rest of the world, via international trade.
新界 is the name of the most remote territory in Hong Kong, the large piece of land closest to Shenzen in the Mainland. It is where I live, it literally means "New Territory" / "New Frontier". In our world, many good things/places are waiting to be explored, protected, treasured, and shared, in that order.
Off the record to myself,
新界, my first company, will promise to be a socially, culturally, and humanly responsible entity. It will promote the goodness of China, and bring good products and culture from outside to within China. From this endevour I will broaden my horizon even more and be closer to enlightenment of both the mind and the body.
Hopefully, in not long I will hv a website, and some clients.
Travelling and blogging? I don't expect it to stop. Will likely do it professionally in fact...... Let's see...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday night clubbing in Seoul
Tonight, or rather last night, we went clubbing. It's the weekend before Holloween...
First Woobar in W-Hotel, the only 6-star hotel in Korea. Steve's friend played electric violin there and we got in free. Fancy decor but not much action after the live music and dancing ...
Next to a hippop place in the bar/clubbing street beside Hongik University. Jampacked cheap basement club plays pretty good music.
It's been awhile since I visited a club. I had to decorate myself a bit to get into Woobar...
First Woobar in W-Hotel, the only 6-star hotel in Korea. Steve's friend played electric violin there and we got in free. Fancy decor but not much action after the live music and dancing ...
Next to a hippop place in the bar/clubbing street beside Hongik University. Jampacked cheap basement club plays pretty good music.
It's been awhile since I visited a club. I had to decorate myself a bit to get into Woobar...
Saturday, October 28, 2006
First Day in Seoul. 汉城/首尔。
The hostel I'm staying at is between Jongno3ga Subway Station 钟路3街 and Chongdeokgung 昌德宫. It's one of the good ones. I'm in a 4 person room for 16000 Won per night. Clean and simple -- very happy with Steve's choice.
We met up with Simon for lunch near the impressive Central district -- Gwunghwamun 光华门. These most prominent office buildings are backgrounded by an awesome looking mountain and ancient palaces and parks. Near the hustle and bustle were more local streets with local restaurants that serve tasty food. I had some really good Kimchi-Tofu Soup.
In the afternoon I did my homework as a foreigner and went sightseeing. I visited Gyeongbokgung 景福宫, and Chongdeokgung 昌德宫. It was a nice walk in the greens. At night we had some traditional Korean food and then traversed the artsy district of In-Sa-Dong 仁寺洞, and had some Korean rice wine -- that was very tasty.
Then in later hours we visited the famous Namdamun 南大门 -- kind of like Ladies Market 女人街 of Hong Kong or former Xiangyang Street 襄阳路 of Shanghai.
A typical pleasant touristy day in a new country for me.
We met up with Simon for lunch near the impressive Central district -- Gwunghwamun 光华门. These most prominent office buildings are backgrounded by an awesome looking mountain and ancient palaces and parks. Near the hustle and bustle were more local streets with local restaurants that serve tasty food. I had some really good Kimchi-Tofu Soup.
In the afternoon I did my homework as a foreigner and went sightseeing. I visited Gyeongbokgung 景福宫, and Chongdeokgung 昌德宫. It was a nice walk in the greens. At night we had some traditional Korean food and then traversed the artsy district of In-Sa-Dong 仁寺洞, and had some Korean rice wine -- that was very tasty.
Then in later hours we visited the famous Namdamun 南大门 -- kind of like Ladies Market 女人街 of Hong Kong or former Xiangyang Street 襄阳路 of Shanghai.
A typical pleasant touristy day in a new country for me.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Weather Today.
Weather in Seoul in nearing 10C, compared to 23-29 in HK. Here in Tokyo, air is getting drier.
After getting to Shandong, Taishan, Qingdao, and Dalian are on the list. Haven't been to Dalian in 6 years, and never to Qingdao.
Flying Northworst Airlines tomorrow evening to Seoul. With the combination of Narita's remoteness, and the American plane, I need to start from where I live in Tokyo about 5 hours before takeoff, 2 to get to Narita, and 3 for Northworst to search me -- FIVE hours...
After getting to Shandong, Taishan, Qingdao, and Dalian are on the list. Haven't been to Dalian in 6 years, and never to Qingdao.
Flying Northworst Airlines tomorrow evening to Seoul. With the combination of Narita's remoteness, and the American plane, I need to start from where I live in Tokyo about 5 hours before takeoff, 2 to get to Narita, and 3 for Northworst to search me -- FIVE hours...
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Small World.
Canadians, it's amazing how we manage to find each other in faraway lands. Since first day in Tokyo working, I have acquainted a dispropornate number (with respect to population of Canada, 31 mln ) of Canadians in Tokyo. Even during this 2 weeks stay in Tokyo, there have been at least 4 Canadian connections.
The most amazingly unbelievable of them all: Last Wednesday the 18th, I literally bumped into Salma, a class mate from Junior High, on a street corner in Shinjuku. We used to run track together back in ... Grade 8 -- Hawthorne Hawks!
How strange that we all love Canada, but in the meantime are so far away from Him. Only in the years since I left Him did I fully realize just how valuable my passport is. We get to be in South Korea for 6 months without a visa, the longest of all countries.
Vive le Canada!
The most amazingly unbelievable of them all: Last Wednesday the 18th, I literally bumped into Salma, a class mate from Junior High, on a street corner in Shinjuku. We used to run track together back in ... Grade 8 -- Hawthorne Hawks!
How strange that we all love Canada, but in the meantime are so far away from Him. Only in the years since I left Him did I fully realize just how valuable my passport is. We get to be in South Korea for 6 months without a visa, the longest of all countries.
Vive le Canada!
Ethan, Salma, Daryl's Hands (sorry the cell phone was out of battery)
Definitely respect you guys are trying to do. Hopefully I can make it to Africa.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Japanese Vending Machines.
An amazing phenomenon -- In Japan, for every 23 people there is one vending machine! (according to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association)
http://www.sonic.net/~anomaly/japan/vending.htm
Click on this link for an anecdote on what's offered in these machines. On this list there are a few I have yet to see: rice, tampon, toilet paper, pornography, fresh milk, and batteries.
Maybe China will move towards this one day. But definitely not today -- cheap labour and theft (petty, serious, or grand) are commonplace. In Shanghai, in shortage of copper, people even steel hydro lines. Street lamps, shopping carts, cars, bikes -- Anything is game. Market economy can be just as extreme as 1950's communism when pots and pans and door knobs contribute to building tanks and planes.
What I'm curious about are the economics on deploying Japanese Meal Ticket Vending Machines in China. Thanks to these things my meals in Japan was that much easier. It could well be the case that in certain developed cities machines maybe cheaper than labour, and the value-added reliability and automation could prove this a worthwhile trade. If these cities have a combine population of over 100 million, say, then, oh, that's almost the size of Japan... In many restaurants, business is just too good, and logistics terrible. A quick search on Alibaba.com yields no such product in the market place. I haven't seen it in my travels in China either.
By the way, if you've not heard of Alibaba, perhaps you'd be interested in taking a look. It's a Chinese phenomon and success that's proving America's Ebay has no place in China. Alibaba will be the 'Ebay' for Ebay Vendors. And Jack Ma the CEO is the idol of all Chinese entrepreneurs around the world.
http://www.sonic.net/~anomaly/japan/vending.htm
Click on this link for an anecdote on what's offered in these machines. On this list there are a few I have yet to see: rice, tampon, toilet paper, pornography, fresh milk, and batteries.
Maybe China will move towards this one day. But definitely not today -- cheap labour and theft (petty, serious, or grand) are commonplace. In Shanghai, in shortage of copper, people even steel hydro lines. Street lamps, shopping carts, cars, bikes -- Anything is game. Market economy can be just as extreme as 1950's communism when pots and pans and door knobs contribute to building tanks and planes.
What I'm curious about are the economics on deploying Japanese Meal Ticket Vending Machines in China. Thanks to these things my meals in Japan was that much easier. It could well be the case that in certain developed cities machines maybe cheaper than labour, and the value-added reliability and automation could prove this a worthwhile trade. If these cities have a combine population of over 100 million, say, then, oh, that's almost the size of Japan... In many restaurants, business is just too good, and logistics terrible. A quick search on Alibaba.com yields no such product in the market place. I haven't seen it in my travels in China either.
By the way, if you've not heard of Alibaba, perhaps you'd be interested in taking a look. It's a Chinese phenomon and success that's proving America's Ebay has no place in China. Alibaba will be the 'Ebay' for Ebay Vendors. And Jack Ma the CEO is the idol of all Chinese entrepreneurs around the world.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Cooking the Mongolian way.
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?article_class=5&no=320206&rel_no=1An interesting link given by my friend Charity. When I was in Inner Mongolia I didn't get to see this, but I believe mutton I was eating was cooked the same way.
Deals on Foods in Tokyo.
While walking about quasi-purposefully today, I couldn't help but reminisce. I had so many great times here, and so much good food... Along the same line of thought (see my previous blog enty "Japan Survival Guide -- trite scrooge version"), I thought I'd write down something before these memories decay.
Good deals on foods are plentiful despite the apparent high costs to the newcomer. These are some of the places I frequent (almost treating them as my cafeteria) for a grab under 1000 Yen. As a general rule, having a nice big lunch is a good idea, since they are usually at discount. Dinners - ha -- that's not my specialty ... Theme of the day is "Cheap and Tasty".
Sushi -- In increasing order of price.
Tenka Sushi 天下寿司 in Takadanobaba 高田馬場 on the Yamanote Line. Use Waseda Exit 早稲田出口, and you will see a little street right beside the train bridge (栄通り), walk down that street for 1 minute and you will see it. They will offer you English menu. It's Kaiten Sushi but you can order also. 140 Yen per plate. I usually get full after 7-8 plates.
Oedo Mae Sushi 江戸前寿司 in Kanda Station 神田 on the Yamanote Line. Use the West Exit and make a right turn (I thin). In 2 minutes walk, there're at least 4 of them. Ask for Matsu Lunch or Take Lunch for a good deal around 800 Yen for 8-11 nice pieces. Dinner is more expensive. I used to go here for lunch every second day as it's only walking distance from Otemachi (and therefore Tokyo Station).
A famous sushi shop in Roppongi Hills. In the dome like structure in Roppongi Hills, where stores are arranged on a circle. It's on the 2nd or 3rd floor from the bottom. Hard to miss if you care to look. This is premium Kaiten Sushi. Expect to spend 2500 Yen and up. I've been here 2-3 times only ...
Of course there are gazillions of others ...
Ramen -- Use a Ramen Guide Book for details but here're 2 I really like. By the way, this is a Chinese word for 'pulling noodles'. In China, where machines are more expensive, ramen is made on the spot from raw flour. In Japan, the texture is softer due to addition of eggs and technology. Japanese ramen is doing very well in China.
Ippudo 一風堂, a chain. I go to the one half way between Waseda Stn on Tozai Line and Takadanobaba on South side. 900 Yen for great noodles in great decor and great service.
Kyushu Jan Ramen in Harajuku 九州じゃんがら原宿店. A famous one 2 minutes walk from Harajuku Station. It's labelled 'A' on the map in link. Hip store, loads of combos, you can add more noodles if it doesn't fill you ... but it should. If you like ramen and happend to be in Harajuku (fashion shopping on Takeshita-dori 竹下通り for eg.), this is a must.
Japanese Curry -- alledgedly why Indians are sueing Japanese on intellectual property right violation.
Black Curry Pork Rice 黒カツカレー Very nice. Across the street from Kanda's South Exit. 715 Yen for the signature Black curry. A lunch favourite for me. This will mostly likely fill you up real good, no matter where you're from.
BBQ Fish -- One of the key reasons I look forward to coming to Japan. They're all good. Just walk into any Izakaya 居酒屋 (Japanese style bar/restaurant).
The Great Fish Shop-- A tie for lunch favourite with Kanda Sushi but I can't remember the name of the joint. At lunch time, go to the gate of Otemachi Stn's A5 Exit (still underground), and you will see Starbucks. Facing starbucks, take the walkway to the left of it, with out changing direction. In less than 2 minutes you will see a short queue outside a Japanese looking BBQ Fish store just to the right of Deli France, where the street joins another one. This store is in the same orientation as that Starbucks. If you don't know what you want, ask for Lunch of the Day (日替わり -- "Higawari") ... OR ... Unconspicuously (or not) take a little walk around the restaurant and point to the one you like -- This is what I did before my Japanese was good enough to order most foods. 870 Yen for the best fish ever. By the way, I know this because I used A5 Exit to get to work.
Tempura -- I like, then I swim.
Tenya 天丼てんや -- Cheap, good, everywhere. As little as 400 Yen.
The Great Crab Tempura Shop in Shinjuku -- Can't remember name or location except to say it's right beside Shinjuku's East Exit, and for 980 Yen the lunch set is steal of steals. Dinner costs 3 times as much! ... feeling saliva ... going there tomorrow.
Bee-Bim-ba -- Korean rice in stone BBQ bowl.
The Great BBB Store -- Nickname again. Exit Tokyo Stn at Marunouchi North exit 東京駅 丸の内北口 and walk straight, following your right (north bound on side walk). In 2-3 minutes you will see it on your right on the same street. A lunch the queue goes fast so don't get turn off by that. Order 石焼ビビンバ 'Ishiyaki Bee-Bim-Ba' for 400-500 Yen. A steal for both quality and quantity. This restaurant makes money from high turnover, efficiency, and automation.
Other
Bento (Lunch box), Soba, Udon, Tofu, Natto -- Get from any supermarket. Healthy, cheap, fresh, cultural experience. Japanese bread is also great. Japanese desserts are awesome. Gosh we gotta import some of this stuff to China.
Well, if anyone actually follows my advice and ends up with extra Yen per budget, maybe you want to get some Sake at a liquor store or Supermarket (or convenient store). Or, eat more cheap and great food!!!
Enjoy!!!
Good deals on foods are plentiful despite the apparent high costs to the newcomer. These are some of the places I frequent (almost treating them as my cafeteria) for a grab under 1000 Yen. As a general rule, having a nice big lunch is a good idea, since they are usually at discount. Dinners - ha -- that's not my specialty ... Theme of the day is "Cheap and Tasty".
Sushi -- In increasing order of price.
Tenka Sushi 天下寿司 in Takadanobaba 高田馬場 on the Yamanote Line. Use Waseda Exit 早稲田出口, and you will see a little street right beside the train bridge (栄通り), walk down that street for 1 minute and you will see it. They will offer you English menu. It's Kaiten Sushi but you can order also. 140 Yen per plate. I usually get full after 7-8 plates.
Oedo Mae Sushi 江戸前寿司 in Kanda Station 神田 on the Yamanote Line. Use the West Exit and make a right turn (I thin). In 2 minutes walk, there're at least 4 of them. Ask for Matsu Lunch or Take Lunch for a good deal around 800 Yen for 8-11 nice pieces. Dinner is more expensive. I used to go here for lunch every second day as it's only walking distance from Otemachi (and therefore Tokyo Station).
A famous sushi shop in Roppongi Hills. In the dome like structure in Roppongi Hills, where stores are arranged on a circle. It's on the 2nd or 3rd floor from the bottom. Hard to miss if you care to look. This is premium Kaiten Sushi. Expect to spend 2500 Yen and up. I've been here 2-3 times only ...
Of course there are gazillions of others ...
Ramen -- Use a Ramen Guide Book for details but here're 2 I really like. By the way, this is a Chinese word for 'pulling noodles'. In China, where machines are more expensive, ramen is made on the spot from raw flour. In Japan, the texture is softer due to addition of eggs and technology. Japanese ramen is doing very well in China.
Ippudo 一風堂, a chain. I go to the one half way between Waseda Stn on Tozai Line and Takadanobaba on South side. 900 Yen for great noodles in great decor and great service.
Kyushu Jan Ramen in Harajuku 九州じゃんがら原宿店. A famous one 2 minutes walk from Harajuku Station. It's labelled 'A' on the map in link. Hip store, loads of combos, you can add more noodles if it doesn't fill you ... but it should. If you like ramen and happend to be in Harajuku (fashion shopping on Takeshita-dori 竹下通り for eg.), this is a must.
Japanese Curry -- alledgedly why Indians are sueing Japanese on intellectual property right violation.
Black Curry Pork Rice 黒カツカレー Very nice. Across the street from Kanda's South Exit. 715 Yen for the signature Black curry. A lunch favourite for me. This will mostly likely fill you up real good, no matter where you're from.
BBQ Fish -- One of the key reasons I look forward to coming to Japan. They're all good. Just walk into any Izakaya 居酒屋 (Japanese style bar/restaurant).
The Great Fish Shop-- A tie for lunch favourite with Kanda Sushi but I can't remember the name of the joint. At lunch time, go to the gate of Otemachi Stn's A5 Exit (still underground), and you will see Starbucks. Facing starbucks, take the walkway to the left of it, with out changing direction. In less than 2 minutes you will see a short queue outside a Japanese looking BBQ Fish store just to the right of Deli France, where the street joins another one. This store is in the same orientation as that Starbucks. If you don't know what you want, ask for Lunch of the Day (日替わり -- "Higawari") ... OR ... Unconspicuously (or not) take a little walk around the restaurant and point to the one you like -- This is what I did before my Japanese was good enough to order most foods. 870 Yen for the best fish ever. By the way, I know this because I used A5 Exit to get to work.
Tempura -- I like, then I swim.
Tenya 天丼てんや -- Cheap, good, everywhere. As little as 400 Yen.
The Great Crab Tempura Shop in Shinjuku -- Can't remember name or location except to say it's right beside Shinjuku's East Exit, and for 980 Yen the lunch set is steal of steals. Dinner costs 3 times as much! ... feeling saliva ... going there tomorrow.
Bee-Bim-ba -- Korean rice in stone BBQ bowl.
The Great BBB Store -- Nickname again. Exit Tokyo Stn at Marunouchi North exit 東京駅 丸の内北口 and walk straight, following your right (north bound on side walk). In 2-3 minutes you will see it on your right on the same street. A lunch the queue goes fast so don't get turn off by that. Order 石焼ビビンバ 'Ishiyaki Bee-Bim-Ba' for 400-500 Yen. A steal for both quality and quantity. This restaurant makes money from high turnover, efficiency, and automation.
Other
Bento (Lunch box), Soba, Udon, Tofu, Natto -- Get from any supermarket. Healthy, cheap, fresh, cultural experience. Japanese bread is also great. Japanese desserts are awesome. Gosh we gotta import some of this stuff to China.
Well, if anyone actually follows my advice and ends up with extra Yen per budget, maybe you want to get some Sake at a liquor store or Supermarket (or convenient store). Or, eat more cheap and great food!!!
Enjoy!!!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Today in Tokyo.
Had a wonderful day walking around Yo-tsuya 四つ谷 with Sensei, my Chinese Japanese-teacher. Had a tour of Sophia University and surroundings where she studies. Great Fengshui!
On the way to Internet I got caught my Tokyo police asking for ID. Do I look like a drug dealer? This is not the first time ... My Canadian passport says I'm a good guy.... hehe.
Tokyo ... IS ... a very comfortable place to live. I miss it, and I'm happy to be here.
Thank you, my friends in Tokyo.
Korea, 楽しみに待っています！ I'm coming soon.
On the way to Internet I got caught my Tokyo police asking for ID. Do I look like a drug dealer? This is not the first time ... My Canadian passport says I'm a good guy.... hehe.
Tokyo ... IS ... a very comfortable place to live. I miss it, and I'm happy to be here.
Thank you, my friends in Tokyo.
Korea, 楽しみに待っています！ I'm coming soon.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Japan survival guide -- trite scrooge version.
Most people I know perceive Japan as an expensive place to visit. They're also very curious about Japan. Let me briefly share my thoughts on something very practical: How to get the most for your Yen as a tourist here.
Assumptions:
You want to visit Japan.
You're open minded.
You a lite packer.
You want to Maximize Gen while Minimizing Yen.
Transportation:
Since it's an island, flying is most likey. But if you're in China/Korea, or planning to go there. One may take a 24 hr boat ride from Weihai in Shandong Province to Renchuan (don't know Korean name), which is a sister city of Seoul. Then somehow get to Busan (bus or train). From Busan, a 3 hr ~150 USD jet ferry will take you to Fukuoka in Kyushu. If you plan to go anywhere far outside Tokyo. The 1 week 28300 Yen JR (Japan Rail) Pass is highly recommended. With this pass you can then move you way about Japan on the Shinkansen (bullet train) network (as well as other JR trains, such as Narita Express), and make your way to Tokyo. Of course this would mean either you leave Japan the sameway, or faced with a 1-way air ticket issue. If you're just visiting Tokyo, use the Keisei Skyliner to get from Narita Airport to the city. This costs 1700 Yen as opposed to 3300 via bus or Narita Express.
If you plan to move about alot in the subway network, plan your day and buy a 750 Yen Tokyo metro 1-day pass. But if you're a first time visitor, then probably you won't need this as all the 'downtowns' are on the perimeter as defined by the famous Yamamote Line (light rail), which circles Tokyo frequently in both directions. Both Keisei Skyliner and Narita express end on he Yamamote Line.
Lodging:
Of course this depends on how many of you there are. If many, hotel is not a bad idea. I assume one to 2 here.
Crash at friends -- choice of choices for the lucky one.
Youth Hostel -- an easy one.
Likes of http://www.sakura-house.com , which is English friendly and vary in amneties. Ernest stayed in one of these trouble free, hassle free places during his internship in Tokyo on our trading desk.
LaQua Spa in Korakuen (on the Red Marunouchi Line). -- This is a semi-luxury bathing and onsen (hotspring, real ones) joint in the centre of Tokyo (where the roller coaster and Tokyo Dome is) designed mainly for salarymen. They have overnight facilities. If you're female then there're quieter rooms to sleepin, rather than the main room, where everybody sleeps. Once you're in you can't leaving unless for checkout, so go near bed time. Checkout is 9am. Basic prices is around 3000 Yen/person. I'm not going to explain in more detail, except to say it's worth trying.
Capsule Hotel -- Haha. Try it only if for the experience. Economically you're better of with the other recommendations.
Manga/Internet Cafe -- They vary, but many have flat/flattish surface to sleep on, and with shower. You can do your research (live by the day like me) for the next day here. Free drinks/comics/magazines/dvd/games. Ubiquitous. 24hrs. Price range from 1200-2500Yen overnight. They're many in Shinjuku, like everywhere else. They also charge by the hour.
Sleep some during the day in parks. (I'm not sure about nights). Saves money if you going to a Manga place at night.
Bring a sleeping bag or find some cardboard if you don't want to spend anything.
Storage
Use in conjuntion with your choice of lodging. There're lockers in (almost) every station. Small for 200-600 Yen depending on size. Add ONE to the number of times your stuff passes 2am, multiply by the quoted cost -- That's how much you pay.
Food
Just look around, include convenient stores and supermarkets, and find cheap stuff -- They're there. If you're really thrifty and have thick skin (somewhat like me), then you can fill yourself with free food at selected department stores, where the food section often puts out stuff for shoppers to try. There places are good, for example: (to be filled, please help me...)
Shower
the places in Lodging section, and public swimming pools. There's a public sports centre between Takadanobaba and Shin-Okubo stations on the Yamanote line, a short walk due south of Takadanobaba. That one costs 400 to swim. Some others are cheaper. I'll add more.
Laundry
In Manga/Internet, it's feasible to do it in the shower and hang in your enclosed quarter, but keep a low profile... And of course, coin laundary -- It helps to be able to read Japanese Katagana.
Cell phone
Expensive to rent. If you have a friend you can trouble, ask friendly friend to get a plan from AU/KDDI (this is what I did yesterday). If you're staying for less than a month, all-in cost for 120 mins of talk time within a month (receiving calls are always free in Japan), including signup cancellation everything, is around 10K Yen (100USD). Worth it if you need it.
Fun
Use a guidebook. I'll definitely write more on this subject.
..
The above work for Tokyo, and feasible for big cities like Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, etc. No guarantees tho... Try it! Japanese people are very friendly, so worst case you end up in a Dont-speak-Japanese situation, in which case, find a hotel.
As a denouement: It helps tremdously if you have good travel equipment. Lite Hiking clothes that try quickly. Strong but lite backpacks. Strong but lite umbrellas etc... My favourite brand is www.golite.com
Ask away if you have questions!
Assumptions:
You want to visit Japan.
You're open minded.
You a lite packer.
You want to Maximize Gen while Minimizing Yen.
Transportation:
Since it's an island, flying is most likey. But if you're in China/Korea, or planning to go there. One may take a 24 hr boat ride from Weihai in Shandong Province to Renchuan (don't know Korean name), which is a sister city of Seoul. Then somehow get to Busan (bus or train). From Busan, a 3 hr ~150 USD jet ferry will take you to Fukuoka in Kyushu. If you plan to go anywhere far outside Tokyo. The 1 week 28300 Yen JR (Japan Rail) Pass is highly recommended. With this pass you can then move you way about Japan on the Shinkansen (bullet train) network (as well as other JR trains, such as Narita Express), and make your way to Tokyo. Of course this would mean either you leave Japan the sameway, or faced with a 1-way air ticket issue. If you're just visiting Tokyo, use the Keisei Skyliner to get from Narita Airport to the city. This costs 1700 Yen as opposed to 3300 via bus or Narita Express.
If you plan to move about alot in the subway network, plan your day and buy a 750 Yen Tokyo metro 1-day pass. But if you're a first time visitor, then probably you won't need this as all the 'downtowns' are on the perimeter as defined by the famous Yamamote Line (light rail), which circles Tokyo frequently in both directions. Both Keisei Skyliner and Narita express end on he Yamamote Line.
Lodging:
Of course this depends on how many of you there are. If many, hotel is not a bad idea. I assume one to 2 here.
Crash at friends -- choice of choices for the lucky one.
Youth Hostel -- an easy one.
Likes of http://www.sakura-house.com , which is English friendly and vary in amneties. Ernest stayed in one of these trouble free, hassle free places during his internship in Tokyo on our trading desk.
LaQua Spa in Korakuen (on the Red Marunouchi Line). -- This is a semi-luxury bathing and onsen (hotspring, real ones) joint in the centre of Tokyo (where the roller coaster and Tokyo Dome is) designed mainly for salarymen. They have overnight facilities. If you're female then there're quieter rooms to sleepin, rather than the main room, where everybody sleeps. Once you're in you can't leaving unless for checkout, so go near bed time. Checkout is 9am. Basic prices is around 3000 Yen/person. I'm not going to explain in more detail, except to say it's worth trying.
Capsule Hotel -- Haha. Try it only if for the experience. Economically you're better of with the other recommendations.
Manga/Internet Cafe -- They vary, but many have flat/flattish surface to sleep on, and with shower. You can do your research (live by the day like me) for the next day here. Free drinks/comics/magazines/dvd/games. Ubiquitous. 24hrs. Price range from 1200-2500Yen overnight. They're many in Shinjuku, like everywhere else. They also charge by the hour.
Sleep some during the day in parks. (I'm not sure about nights). Saves money if you going to a Manga place at night.
Bring a sleeping bag or find some cardboard if you don't want to spend anything.
Storage
Use in conjuntion with your choice of lodging. There're lockers in (almost) every station. Small for 200-600 Yen depending on size. Add ONE to the number of times your stuff passes 2am, multiply by the quoted cost -- That's how much you pay.
Food
Just look around, include convenient stores and supermarkets, and find cheap stuff -- They're there. If you're really thrifty and have thick skin (somewhat like me), then you can fill yourself with free food at selected department stores, where the food section often puts out stuff for shoppers to try. There places are good, for example: (to be filled, please help me...)
Shower
the places in Lodging section, and public swimming pools. There's a public sports centre between Takadanobaba and Shin-Okubo stations on the Yamanote line, a short walk due south of Takadanobaba. That one costs 400 to swim. Some others are cheaper. I'll add more.
Laundry
In Manga/Internet, it's feasible to do it in the shower and hang in your enclosed quarter, but keep a low profile... And of course, coin laundary -- It helps to be able to read Japanese Katagana.
Cell phone
Expensive to rent. If you have a friend you can trouble, ask friendly friend to get a plan from AU/KDDI (this is what I did yesterday). If you're staying for less than a month, all-in cost for 120 mins of talk time within a month (receiving calls are always free in Japan), including signup cancellation everything, is around 10K Yen (100USD). Worth it if you need it.
Fun
Use a guidebook. I'll definitely write more on this subject.
..
The above work for Tokyo, and feasible for big cities like Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, etc. No guarantees tho... Try it! Japanese people are very friendly, so worst case you end up in a Dont-speak-Japanese situation, in which case, find a hotel.
As a denouement: It helps tremdously if you have good travel equipment. Lite Hiking clothes that try quickly. Strong but lite backpacks. Strong but lite umbrellas etc... My favourite brand is www.golite.com
Ask away if you have questions!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
More Japan.
My one word summary of Hiroshima is "peaceful". Lighthearted guitar playing trances between willows, across the canal, and enters the hearts of onseers of memorials in remembrance of the A-bomb event.
Kobe was a very nice city. After waking up to sounds of morning internet cafe-goers, we walked up to Kitano 北野, the site of western style homes. The area carried an aura of nobility, yet the creative shops and the crisp and warm atmosphere were relaxing. We had a nice hike here; Rosanne and Sharon couldn't help themselves at the site of the exquisite merchandise...
Then had Kobe beef...! The most expensive meal in recent memory...
A short ride to Kyoto later, we hopped onto the city's sight seeing bus and went to Kyomizudera 清水寺, a famous temple in Japan -- lots of foreigners here... Then on to Gion 花見小路, the famous Geisha district. Parts of the movie Memories of a Geisha was made here. I even saw a Geisha walking the streets to her duty, just like the movie. The restaurants here do look ancient, and fancy at the same time. Salarymen, being here after sunset must be the highlight of their day -- closure, justification, and epitome of enjoyment ...
Back to Tokyo now, yes, tonight I'm also in an Manga/Internet cafe. Shower time...
A list of manga/internet cafe's in Tokyo:
http://www.cafeman.jp/htm/13101.htm
Kobe was a very nice city. After waking up to sounds of morning internet cafe-goers, we walked up to Kitano 北野, the site of western style homes. The area carried an aura of nobility, yet the creative shops and the crisp and warm atmosphere were relaxing. We had a nice hike here; Rosanne and Sharon couldn't help themselves at the site of the exquisite merchandise...
Then had Kobe beef...! The most expensive meal in recent memory...
A short ride to Kyoto later, we hopped onto the city's sight seeing bus and went to Kyomizudera 清水寺, a famous temple in Japan -- lots of foreigners here... Then on to Gion 花見小路, the famous Geisha district. Parts of the movie Memories of a Geisha was made here. I even saw a Geisha walking the streets to her duty, just like the movie. The restaurants here do look ancient, and fancy at the same time. Salarymen, being here after sunset must be the highlight of their day -- closure, justification, and epitome of enjoyment ...
Back to Tokyo now, yes, tonight I'm also in an Manga/Internet cafe. Shower time...
A list of manga/internet cafe's in Tokyo:
http://www.cafeman.jp/htm/13101.htm
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tokyo, Aizu, Fukuoka, Yanagawa, Hiroshima, Kobe, Kyoto. 東京、会津、福岡、柳川、広島、神戸、京都。
In Kobe at the moment. In fact, in this very room pictured on the right, a cozy Manga (comic/internet cafe) place between Motomachi Eki and Chinatown Kobe. I get 9 hours for 1800 Yen, a formidable deal in this country. They got a shower and other night amenities.
Last few days were eventful. First night we had sushi, shopped around then crashed at LaQua Spa in Korakuen 後楽園. Day 2, Kendall joined us; we took Shinkansen plus JR plus bus to a late near Aizu 会津. Did some hiking in the rain. The view was very nice, but ground muddy. Was going to head to Kiushiu 九州, but a time update tell the we wouldn't have made it in time for check in at our hostel in Fukuoka. So, another night in onsen-happy LaQua. Kendall loved it. For 3000+ Yen, we get to use awesome bath and hotspring facilities and overnight stay on a sofa or a mat. It's a Japanese version of these bath/recreation places I crash in China, a watered down version, with focus on bathing.
Day 3, we early rose to a 6 hour Shinkansen (the famous Japanese bullet train) ride to Fukuoka 福岡 in Kyushu 九州. There they shopped; I waited, and then we we to a famous Ramen Street and had some good food. They seem to sell more Yakisoba (fried noodles) and Yakitori (bbq chicken) than ramen.
Day 4 we met up with Rosanne's friend Atsuko. Thanks to her we had a nice tour of the region, starting with Dazaifu 太宰府, a famous shrine in Japan. Then to Yanagawa 柳川 for a nice walk munching on local cookies. Finally to Atsuko's home, which was with her family for 500 years. They have a room dedicated to Japanese tea ceremony, and we played around with dainty pots and bowls, while Atsuko explained to us each movement. The night ended in a wicked fusion of Japanese and western appetizers, followed by an oversupply of sushi!
The meal was really really good. So, thank you, the Imaizumi Family!
...
As you can see, I chose a 'flatto' -- a nice room for sleeping but not for typing. So I write the rest after I get to Tokyo tomorrow.
Last few days were eventful. First night we had sushi, shopped around then crashed at LaQua Spa in Korakuen 後楽園. Day 2, Kendall joined us; we took Shinkansen plus JR plus bus to a late near Aizu 会津. Did some hiking in the rain. The view was very nice, but ground muddy. Was going to head to Kiushiu 九州, but a time update tell the we wouldn't have made it in time for check in at our hostel in Fukuoka. So, another night in onsen-happy LaQua. Kendall loved it. For 3000+ Yen, we get to use awesome bath and hotspring facilities and overnight stay on a sofa or a mat. It's a Japanese version of these bath/recreation places I crash in China, a watered down version, with focus on bathing.
Day 3, we early rose to a 6 hour Shinkansen (the famous Japanese bullet train) ride to Fukuoka 福岡 in Kyushu 九州. There they shopped; I waited, and then we we to a famous Ramen Street and had some good food. They seem to sell more Yakisoba (fried noodles) and Yakitori (bbq chicken) than ramen.
Day 4 we met up with Rosanne's friend Atsuko. Thanks to her we had a nice tour of the region, starting with Dazaifu 太宰府, a famous shrine in Japan. Then to Yanagawa 柳川 for a nice walk munching on local cookies. Finally to Atsuko's home, which was with her family for 500 years. They have a room dedicated to Japanese tea ceremony, and we played around with dainty pots and bowls, while Atsuko explained to us each movement. The night ended in a wicked fusion of Japanese and western appetizers, followed by an oversupply of sushi!
The meal was really really good. So, thank you, the Imaizumi Family!
...
As you can see, I chose a 'flatto' -- a nice room for sleeping but not for typing. So I write the rest after I get to Tokyo tomorrow.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Japan.
After more than 1 year. I'm back in Tokyo, this time a tourist, with the JR Pass I always wanted (the passport to Japan's expensive rail system).
懐かしい !!!!
After renting cellphones, the next stop was my favouriate Kaiten Sushi (Conveyer Belt) ｊoint in Takadanobaba. Fond memories from days as a salaryman in Tokyo rushed to mind as devours more fish than I should have.
It was a full meal, but I became even fuller after drinks over yet more fish with Chiew. Only true love can call for such demenors. If I ever own a restaurant, it would either serve sushi or BBQ fish ...
Almost 2pm. Going up north too see a lake, then south to Kiushiu, staring early tmr morning ...
懐かしい !!!!
After renting cellphones, the next stop was my favouriate Kaiten Sushi (Conveyer Belt) ｊoint in Takadanobaba. Fond memories from days as a salaryman in Tokyo rushed to mind as devours more fish than I should have.
It was a full meal, but I became even fuller after drinks over yet more fish with Chiew. Only true love can call for such demenors. If I ever own a restaurant, it would either serve sushi or BBQ fish ...
Almost 2pm. Going up north too see a lake, then south to Kiushiu, staring early tmr morning ...
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Laziness. Philippines.
Been lazy recently, therefore not much blogging.
I was in the Philippines with Kwun last week. That country still needs wires, and K's got some. We stayed with his uncle in Manila's Chinatown, a grey market currency trader/broker. That Chinatown doesn't smell too good, but people there are friendly enough. The Chinese community speaks Hokkien (a Fujian dialect, also known as Min-nan dialect, and Taiwanese -- plz correct me if I'm not on track), almost the same language spoken in Taiwan. There are at least three generations of 'Fujiannese' there, and no cultural revolution of the likes, so perhaps wealth carried on.
My first 4 days consisted of following K's Uncle arounds. With sharp timing and strong purpose, he avoided being mugged, at same time took us currency trading the old fashioned way, traversing through Manila's alleys and warehouses, via bikes, buses, Honda 4-wheelers, and horse carriages, making every effort to avoid taxis... I felt like mafia/bodyguard, waiting with K for K's uncle while he does his business in local houses such as Equitable PCI Bank. Well... I was missing a big rifle, like the one Mr. Bank Security was carrying.
We ate 4-5 meals a day, which is also apparetnly consistent with Cantonese/HK culture. (As an anecdote, I learnt a long time ago that the optimal number of meals per day is 17, from a health perspective.)
Last 2 days were spent in Cebu, a renowned vacation spot. There were many Koreans in Cebu, dunno why... Rainly, first night was spent 'uptown'; nextday back to Mactan Island (were the airport was). The beach was was divided, each piece is virtually a private back yard of the hotel in closest proximity. I stayed at Tambuli Beach Club, where the beach was lined with seaweed and rocks. A working lifeguard told me be best beach is this one, as it's the 'most natural' -- others like "White Sands" are artificial.
K and I were more fans of Chinese food, rather than Philippino, to be honest. For us, the local taste seemed to be on the salty and sour side -- far side. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our meals, drinks, singers, and the pool. It was at least a vacation from Manila.
Airport security was super tight. I surrendered my newly purchased duct tape, and K his Armani cologne. We were forced to trash (or drink) liquids at 2ndary security. In Manila, there are 3 airports, and rather confusing for us ...
Will add photos.
I was in the Philippines with Kwun last week. That country still needs wires, and K's got some. We stayed with his uncle in Manila's Chinatown, a grey market currency trader/broker. That Chinatown doesn't smell too good, but people there are friendly enough. The Chinese community speaks Hokkien (a Fujian dialect, also known as Min-nan dialect, and Taiwanese -- plz correct me if I'm not on track), almost the same language spoken in Taiwan. There are at least three generations of 'Fujiannese' there, and no cultural revolution of the likes, so perhaps wealth carried on.
My first 4 days consisted of following K's Uncle arounds. With sharp timing and strong purpose, he avoided being mugged, at same time took us currency trading the old fashioned way, traversing through Manila's alleys and warehouses, via bikes, buses, Honda 4-wheelers, and horse carriages, making every effort to avoid taxis... I felt like mafia/bodyguard, waiting with K for K's uncle while he does his business in local houses such as Equitable PCI Bank. Well... I was missing a big rifle, like the one Mr. Bank Security was carrying.
We ate 4-5 meals a day, which is also apparetnly consistent with Cantonese/HK culture. (As an anecdote, I learnt a long time ago that the optimal number of meals per day is 17, from a health perspective.)
Last 2 days were spent in Cebu, a renowned vacation spot. There were many Koreans in Cebu, dunno why... Rainly, first night was spent 'uptown'; nextday back to Mactan Island (were the airport was). The beach was was divided, each piece is virtually a private back yard of the hotel in closest proximity. I stayed at Tambuli Beach Club, where the beach was lined with seaweed and rocks. A working lifeguard told me be best beach is this one, as it's the 'most natural' -- others like "White Sands" are artificial.
K and I were more fans of Chinese food, rather than Philippino, to be honest. For us, the local taste seemed to be on the salty and sour side -- far side. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our meals, drinks, singers, and the pool. It was at least a vacation from Manila.
Airport security was super tight. I surrendered my newly purchased duct tape, and K his Armani cologne. We were forced to trash (or drink) liquids at 2ndary security. In Manila, there are 3 airports, and rather confusing for us ...
Will add photos.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Thanks.
Thanks for all your kind support. It should not be too long before setting foot again. There are some new photos.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
回顾一下。
周游有三个多月。有些朋友问我达到了什么目的？还是仅仅欲玩地愉快？还要继续多久?其实我也说不清楚，愉快一定要的，其他就随缘。
这次出游由台湾开始，渡过新加坡，回到老家上海，去南京陪出差的女友住了一阵，游玩苏浙皖三省，后来因一系列的变数去到中国的西北和东北，之后经过中原回到香港。我并没有刻意地去仔细感受他乡风土文化，而是以个别景点为目标，东走西跑，不意中也交识了一些朋友，略有了解他们的生活，同时也被其之热情而感染。如果有缘第二次拜访或经过，和朋友们再饮一宿就算是目的。
不论目的，论结果。计划中两年的旅游才刚刚开始，我却受益非浅。路走多了，选择也会多吧。以前认准的那条大道，在新识的地图上，不然显得不那么粗大了。
还是说一些客观的东西。发现3个月用的盘缠比我预计的要多些。可能有时抱着好奇的心态去尝试，手会松一些，外加夏季旅游多方面都比较贵。以后我少买门票，多吃多喝多走路。这也算是我此季度的 resolution 吧。
在这里点评一下：
最美：黄山（身在其中方可知）
最好玩感觉最爽：台湾台东县绿岛（乱开电动车），和黄山（爬山的兴奋和壮观的风景）
印象最深刻的经历：呼伦贝尔草原上放羊（早上睁开眼睛一开门，看到一望无际的大草原，然后找一片自己的绿地尽情工作，然后骑马统领一大群山羊绵羊）
印象最深刻的城市：呼和浩特（友好热情的人），延吉（这里真的是中国吗？）
最好吃：很难评但是我依旧坚持台湾的芋圆和地瓜圆，爱玉仙草豆花冰（想想还是觉得只有这个东西对我来说百吃不厌）。其他好吃难忘的东西有台南的鳝鱼意面和周氏虾卷，花莲的麻署，新加坡的那个螃蟹，西北的手抓羊肉，无锡排骨，等等等等。
最险：华山（自古华山一条路，其之险居五岳之首，相信不虚传。）一年后应该会有把其取代的选手。
最穷：目前为止应该是在宁夏。银川至中卫途中的乡下土房。
住过最豪华的地方：北京的东方凯德华洗浴餐饮有限公司（堕落的幸福生活过了一天半）
最“想去而没去成”：九寨沟（夏季太贵，暂时无缘），台湾屏东县垦丁（发大水）
最想去还没去：新疆，西藏，青海，四川，广西，云南，少林寺，武当山，峨嵋山，泰山。因不了解所以不知道哪个最想去。
下一个目标是广西，然后贵州，云南，和四川。在九月底之前这些地方走多少算多少，也不勉强。之后经山西至山东，由客轮去韩国看看。
在此之前，在香港悠哉游哉，打算这几天写一篇正对内地朋友们的“香港攻略”，介绍一些既省精力又省钱的到港好玩法。
这次出游由台湾开始，渡过新加坡，回到老家上海，去南京陪出差的女友住了一阵，游玩苏浙皖三省，后来因一系列的变数去到中国的西北和东北，之后经过中原回到香港。我并没有刻意地去仔细感受他乡风土文化，而是以个别景点为目标，东走西跑，不意中也交识了一些朋友，略有了解他们的生活，同时也被其之热情而感染。如果有缘第二次拜访或经过，和朋友们再饮一宿就算是目的。
不论目的，论结果。计划中两年的旅游才刚刚开始，我却受益非浅。路走多了，选择也会多吧。以前认准的那条大道，在新识的地图上，不然显得不那么粗大了。
还是说一些客观的东西。发现3个月用的盘缠比我预计的要多些。可能有时抱着好奇的心态去尝试，手会松一些，外加夏季旅游多方面都比较贵。以后我少买门票，多吃多喝多走路。这也算是我此季度的 resolution 吧。
在这里点评一下：
最美：黄山（身在其中方可知）
最好玩感觉最爽：台湾台东县绿岛（乱开电动车），和黄山（爬山的兴奋和壮观的风景）
印象最深刻的经历：呼伦贝尔草原上放羊（早上睁开眼睛一开门，看到一望无际的大草原，然后找一片自己的绿地尽情工作，然后骑马统领一大群山羊绵羊）
印象最深刻的城市：呼和浩特（友好热情的人），延吉（这里真的是中国吗？）
最好吃：很难评但是我依旧坚持台湾的芋圆和地瓜圆，爱玉仙草豆花冰（想想还是觉得只有这个东西对我来说百吃不厌）。其他好吃难忘的东西有台南的鳝鱼意面和周氏虾卷，花莲的麻署，新加坡的那个螃蟹，西北的手抓羊肉，无锡排骨，等等等等。
最险：华山（自古华山一条路，其之险居五岳之首，相信不虚传。）一年后应该会有把其取代的选手。
最穷：目前为止应该是在宁夏。银川至中卫途中的乡下土房。
住过最豪华的地方：北京的东方凯德华洗浴餐饮有限公司（堕落的幸福生活过了一天半）
最“想去而没去成”：九寨沟（夏季太贵，暂时无缘），台湾屏东县垦丁（发大水）
最想去还没去：新疆，西藏，青海，四川，广西，云南，少林寺，武当山，峨嵋山，泰山。因不了解所以不知道哪个最想去。
下一个目标是广西，然后贵州，云南，和四川。在九月底之前这些地方走多少算多少，也不勉强。之后经山西至山东，由客轮去韩国看看。
在此之前，在香港悠哉游哉，打算这几天写一篇正对内地朋友们的“香港攻略”，介绍一些既省精力又省钱的到港好玩法。
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