Deers - Messengers of Gods

If you have been thinking where I disappeared to during this holiday season, I was lucky enough to be strolling among the peace that Kyoto and Nara has to offer.

At Nara, groups of deers, apparently messengers of the Gods, roam freely around the temples and shrines. Although I walked NON STOP for four days, the last stop at Nara was definitely an enchanting & relaxing experience.

Many deers graze in the serenity of this park. Kids were thrilled, as visiting many many temples in Kyoto & Nara must have been overtaxing. Compared to the many other temples I have visited, Nara (which used to be the Capital of Japan in the 8th Century) is brought to life simply because of the free roaming deers everywhere. Irwin & I had to hide behind trees to eat our Mochi ice-cream, otherwise we know who would be asking for a taste of the vanilla favour.

Because they are scared, they are protected by law. We saw how cars have to give way to deers on the roads while turing into lanes. Irwin's sweater was pulled twice because they wanted the biscuit feeds faster. The deer even wanted to eat up our Mochi ice cream wrapper!

But I have to say, strolling in Kyoto & Nara brought about a lot of peace in me. No wonder people say Kyoto is a must-see. Indeed it really is!

Lumiere

Here's Lumiere, one of the grand projects held in Kobe during December period. Apparently an intended street party as a memorial to the spirits of those who died during the 1994 Kobe (Hanshin) earthquake.

It was definitely stunning to walk through an entire stretch (km) of beautiful lights with music in the background. It felt like...path to heaven...you know similar to what you would watch on TV.

Kimono for Real

Yes we went to try it.

I believe the Kimono is one of Japan's beautiful tradition treasures. We stood straight for at least an hour while someone complete the layering and "tying" of the kimono on us.

So yea how's life? What am I up to right? Always seem to be trying new things. Just got back from a fabulous Kobe trip too. Not sure why but today there was no excitment at work. Well, its December right, most people go on vacation and trading activities come to a holiday mood.

Not that I am complaining about my lifestyle.. but boredom is kicking in. Called my mum and of course she says "You should feel very happy and contented with your life!"

My book says "If you desire happiness, you should seek the causes that give rise to it, and if dont desire suffering, then what you should do is to ensure that the causes and conditions that would give rise to it no longer arise. An appreciation of this causal principle is very important." So, what do I really want? Relocation to another new exciting city again? or be someone well taken care of back in Singapore?...

Hello

Well I havent been writing, coz I have been busy withYear End, meeting new frens, trying to spend as much crazy time with Eva before she relocates to New York and planning for Kyoto trip.

This year-end was smooth fortunately. Because I have heard of the problems faced last year, I was kinda scared at whats gonna happen this year round, especially when I am new at it. Fortunately it was smooth sailing although there was still madness.

I guess having my optimistic eye with me helped. Hearing about last year's story made me more prepared for the hecticness; and everything seems to turn out better than expected. Can't complain.

My Update

This week was year end @ work. It was busy but less busy than I expected.

Weekends, I attended a Singaporean buffet lunch organised by the Embassy and met a new bunch of Singaporeans who are mainly working with Investment Banks here too. Seems like Japan's financial sector has a huge appetite for Singaporeans. There was Ba Ku Teh at the buffet. Friends who have relocated here for about 2 years said "Oh its terrible". However a lady who has been here for 8 years said "Oh its so delicious, you have to try it!". Of course she has forgotten how authentic Singapore food tastes.

Sunday, I headed to Harajuku for a cake feast. 5 of us had 6 slices of fruit cakes! Its extremely delicious. I have to say I have hardly tasted this standard in Singapore. In the above pic are some of the good gfs (not the chambermaid!) I have been hanging out with. Still, Phil is returning back to Sg in 2 weeks time; and Eva is relocated to New York end of the year. I am really happy to have met them as they filled up a lot of my happy gf memories at this age.

I feel like I live day by day; just like I analyse my daily PNL day-by-day. Currently I have a tentative date to return to Singapore, but no concrete timing. Sometimes it feels like it is hard to set long term goals. Or maybe I have none anyway.

As Winston just told me "I should treasure the remaining days here". Besides all my new found friends, I wonder how much I have changed or grew mentally.