Learning to say NO.

I want to scream to the world. I want to scream to my bosses. I want to scream to my family. I want to scream to my friends. But among all, I want to scream to myself!!

Life is tough lately. I had ( and still have) so many on my plate, more than I could afford and I'm sinking each and every day. I am moody and gloomy at times, tired and frustrated most of the time.

It's hard enough for me to face the daily challenge of being alone in a foreign country with foreign language and religion. I had to suck it up no matter what. I'm trying to stay positive (until the end of my contract here) but why does people act so damn oblivious? Asking me to do this and that when I've already given out so many hint of HESITATIONS. I'm not here on a vacation, I here with a mission to accomplished, for God sake. If you can't help to make other people's life better, help by NOT making it worst.

Yes, that is the source of my problems. People can't understand hint. They want clear facts. So, I am learning to tell them clear facts. I am learning to say NO.

Read between the smile : NO.

Cherry Blossoms..

I did the unthinkable! Finally I made my first solo backpacking trip in Japan to see the magnificent Mount Fuji in Shizuoka! With just 2 days prior of planning, the journey took me 5 hours from Kyoto to Shizuoka by train, 4 times transit, and voila! やった！It was an early birthday gift (to my self) for 2014 , and I'm glad I did it! It now opens the door to many more new adventure!! (To be continue....)

Japan Life : West Kyoto : Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of my favourite place in Kyoto! I just LOVE how the trees and river transforms itself every season in Arashiyama. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, you won't get the same view! Personally, I think the best time to come here is of course in autumn/fall which is around Oct to Nov. The various colors of autumn foliage is just too magnificent! But a short boating trip across the Oi river in the middle of winter was also a great experience!

Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. (wiki)

From Kyoto  Station, you can take the JR Sagano Line train to Saga Arashiyama at platform 33.

 

Don't worry, they have gasoline heater inside the boat.

 

Aren't they pretty?



Wild ducks enjoying their winter bath



Bamboo Trail



It's a long walk, so you can also try the trishaw

Japan Life : North Kyoto : Amanohashidate

Since becoming a  会社員(company employee), I was able to enjoy my new life in Japan more! (Gone off the days of lack of sleep & stressing over 日本語quizzes and tests!!) I’m eager to travel to the different places in Japan every time there's a public holiday here. On weekends, I would try to discover Kyoto city as much as possible but there are so many interesting places to visit in Kyoto itself! Here are some of the places that I’ve visited so far (and more to go!!) Hopefully it can ignite some ideas for those of you who are planning to go to Japan!

Seikiro Ryokan & Gallery, Amanohashidate, North Kyoto.

Amanohashidate (天橋立) is one of Japan"s 3 scenic view  (Matsushima, Amanohashidate, Hiroshima). The sandbar is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It forms part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park. From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Limited Express train to Amanohashidate at platform 31.

  

My first Japanese Ryokan experience! And it ain't cheap..









Our room have so many sliding door opening it's just amazing!





We got the best room, both garden and Amanohashidate sea view!

Guest will be serve personally by the staff at the dining hall.

Our Dinner! We boiled everything raw and eat happily.

We even participated in the Obon Festival Dance with the local folks.

Time to say good bye..But see you again Amanohashidate!