Finally...

Yes, been missing from here for a while... Not surprising since most people are now moving onwards to social networks like Facebook. Heck, most of them also started to post their photos there instead of having it hosted somewhere and link it here...

But I think the reason for me to be missing from blogging is that... Well, I have nothing much to blog about. Pretty much because I have been grounded since my last travel, and after retaining my silver in Krisflyer. As far as I can tell, I have a trip to Korea end Nov and a short trip to US in Dec, just before Christmas.

I have also not been taking any photos, except once, just to try my hand at event photography, and I have to say, I don't think I am cut out for it... This was for the YOG flame journey which my company has taken part in, and they were asking for volunteers to go and line the road to cheer the company representatives running that 100m stretch (in total 400m since there were 4 reps). Oh, had another event, also for the company - a training done at a local hotel, the marketing person wanted some shots which there was no budget to get someone to do it...

Which inevitably leads to this observation that people tend to have this perception that if any of your photos turn out nice/very nice, means you can take anything... So when they see my travel photos, which I had to point out that it does not usually include people and events, they naturally think that you can take any photo and will turn out good!

Tried my hand at events such as the golf tournament... not really that good, tried my hand at weddings... I'll leave it to the pros, although I did get some $$ out of it once, but that was like the most stressful time of my life! Did also a few trips of photography in Cambodia which was passable but I think not a lot of wow shots.

Anyway, the next big trip is finally firming up... Yes, Alaska here I come... Ok, sorry, not that soon, I have to wait till end May 2011 for it. However, I am counting down the days, looking for ways to improve my chances of getting a higher VCP, so that it can pay for the trip.

The other would be the soon to be released D7000 camera body. After the recent issues faced with the D70, I think it's time to move to a new cam body and well, what do you know, D7000 is coming out, and looks like the cam body to go for as the replacement.

Had actually looked at D300s, but since the announcement of D7000, been looking at the specs, and the previews... Seems to be a good alternative to D300s. Of course there is still some difference between them, since one is a semi-pro (I think) but flagship of the DX cam body, while D7000 is still considered a mid class but consumer (I think) cam body.

Compared to the D70, D7000 looks good!!! 39 AF points, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, with ability to do some video, almost 100% viewfinder, 2 new custom user settings, ability to support GPS for geotagging, etc, etc, etc.

Need I to say more?!?!

Oh well... Will be heading to the D7000 launch on 29 Oct, where will finally get the chance to lay my hands on it to play with (I hope, but then there are like 120 people in the same event...). Need to find out when it hits the retail stores, which rumours has it that it will be on 28 Oct. Have a feeling it would be snap up fairly quickly, wonder should I just grab it or wait for the review to come...

Definitely need to get it by Hari Raya... My Korea trip will be the following week, want to get it to test it out in the field during this trip... Then there is the US trip... Hopefully by the time Alaska trip, I would be familiar with this cam body... That would save me a lot of issues to hassle with during the trip.

Bejing & Hokkaido Photos

Yes, it's finally out (well, out for a few week anyway). I also have my May's Hokkaido trip in there as well. It was a good trip, although I have never been to so many shopping centres before, and it's in Japan. I did not even know that they have outlets like those Prime outlets in US!

I did not have much time in Beijing to go around, only had Sat afternoon and entire Sunday before the training starts on Monday. So, I spent that afternoon walking around Beijing, went to the shopping area and then to TianAnMen and then took a taxi back to Hotel. During dinner, we were arranging for some way to get to the Great Wall, and thankfully our China colleague was kind enough to pick us up and drove us to MuTianYu.

This is almost the entire stretch of the Wall that I have walked (back and forth)!!

Did I mention that Japan trip was one of the most relax tour group I have been on???

Day 1 - Imagine, arrive at Chitose in the evening, not much to do, so we head straight for dinner which was at the hotel which we were staying for the night. Wanted to walk around, so went to the electronic store (yes, never seems to run away from these stores) next to the hotel with mother in tow.

Day 2 - Immediately after breakfast, we were brought to the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera - first of many shopping expedition. As usual, did not get anything but mother bought a COACH bag. Walking around it before the shops were open (yes, we were that early!!), it does reminds me a lot like those that I have been to in US.

Lunch was at some restaurant which has a shop downstairs, somewhere near the outskirts of Chitose, along the way to our next destination - where I had the most expensive, yet unsatisfying, Hokkaido crab. Nom don't get me wrong, it's not that it's no good. While the taste was very fresh, the crab meat was not filling its shell - like it has just shed its own shell - so the meat was pretty lean and slightly flabby. That translate to it being unsatisfying, as specially eating it as sashimi!

Next was on the bus for at least an hour to hit near Shiraoi town where there is this Poroto Kotan, where we visited this museum depicting a traditional Ainu village, nestled on the shores of Lake Poroto.

Panoramic View

Spent more than an hour there, where we had a short show to give us some idea of the life spent in such villages long time ago. They actually hang whole salmon near to their roof, something like the process of smoking the meat. They looked pretty eerie when the lights are down... Imagine looking up, seeing multiple "eyes" looking down at you or some angle of that. Had my first taste of Hokkaido ice cream at the shop here.

Next on the itinerary was Noboribetsu where you find their version of Hell's pit. Yup, sulphur pits which somewhat reminds me of Rotorua, except that at least here, the area does not have a monotonous colour; which is great for photography (which reminds me, I never did post anything on my 2009 Sept trip to NZ North Island... Hmm...)

By the end of that, it was pretty late, and we were not more than 1 km away from our stop for the night - Noboribetsu Manseikaku where it's the first night where there is an Onsen in the hotel. We also do get to try their traditional style room where you sleep on a futon laid on the tatami-matted floor instead of a bed - You get to wear a Yukata as well! The dinner was so much better than the 1st night.

Day 3 started with a long drive back from Noboribetsu, tracing most of the route we took yesterday, back to Chitose, pass it and even beyond Sapporo, to arrive at Otaru where we spent quite some time there, taking some photos of the canal, then spent time walking along the streets where there were some glass or musical box area which we were brought to, which we were not very interested in. Instead we spent time walking along the streets, going into shops to buy some specialty bsicuits or something which was recommended by the guide. We actually went into some wine shops, and bought a bottle of wine. The biscuits were nice, but I realised Japanese have very, very sweet tooth. Their biscuits are usually very sweet - very nice, great taste, but very sweet.

Lunch saw us at some Grand Park Royal hotel (if I recall correctly) in Otaru which again was not very satisfying for me as it was an International buffet lunch, and the deserts looked better than their mains - but was not very into their deserts due to the sweetness. So I took enough to ensure my stomach does not growl quickly but not much - no, there wasn't any sashimi or sushi that could help to fill my stomach. As the hotel was next to a shopping mall, yup you guess it.. more shopping time spent there.

We then head back to Sapporo where more shopping, again, was done - Headed to this shop somewhere in Sapporo town where the entire group bought a lot of the famous chocolate factory's products and also where mother bought this horse oil cream which the tour leader was waxing about - yes, horse oil, and was supposed to be very good for your hair and leaving it soft and manageable, and also to keep your hair black! Mother bought stuff almost enough to fill a box which was provided free by the shop and they did quite a good job of sealing it.

By then, it was dinner time. This time dinner was a somewhat tepanyaki meat (lamb and chicken) with crab in steamboat. Similar crab to what we had before, but this time meat was better! However, no sashimi for that...

After dinner, headed out to the hotel - Apa Hotel & Resort Sapporo for the night.

Day 4. Left the hotel immediately after breakfast, headed to Odori Park, which you can get to see the Sapporo tower (pity did not go up the tower for a bird's eye view of the Park and the surrounding area.

I never knew they were that big on dogs, but this is one of the dogs that I have seen while in Japan.

When we saw somewhat of Sakura in the Odori Park, it was a "let-down" as it was not as awesome as it was described by people who has seen it.

Between the 2, I still prefer the 2nd one, as it gives a better "feel" to me.

After an hour or so, it was then onwards to Mt Showa (passing Noboribetsu), where we had lunch (seafood tepanyaki type), and also taking pictures of the active volcano - You can see steam coming out of some areas on the mountain (does not look like mountain to me), and this is one of the most recent and still active volcano in Hokkaido. After lunch we were given some time to walk around (to the foot edge of the volcano, if you want, or the shops near the restaurant), and take photos.

Next was a very short (and I do mean short - you can actually walk there from the restaurant) bus ride, it was the Bear Ranch. Now, if I am not wrong, they tell us that these bears are still wild, but they have also been able to do some human actions such as putting their paws together downwards, making like they are "begging". So that you can throw apples or nuts at them as a "reward". Apparently, a few months back there were 7 cubs that were born in this ranch. I have to say the cubs are pretty cute.

More shopping to do, bought more horse oil, this time for the face - with collegen as well (don't play play ok!) Went into this glass shop which was pretty nice and mother bought some (small) glass pieces there. There was a cuttlefish store just outside this glass shop and they actually roast the cuttlefish at the store and it was pretty nice. No, did not buy as I think it was a bit on the expensive side, but did buy myself a 300Y ice cream.

Then it was time to head to Lake Toya. Where we had anticipated a nice evening as there were supposed to be fireworks!

Panoramic View

There was still time before dinner, so a group of us headed down to the side lake (which is just less than 100m from the Kanko hotel where we were staying) and managed to get on a small powerboat which took us to the island at the centre of the lake.

I believe dinner here was the best dinner we had and I believe this is a Keiseki dinner. We had entertainment as well - the tour leader surprising had a pretty goof voice for singing, some of the tour members did gamely joined in, while the rest were to shy (or just not willing to embarrass themselves in front of others). Time for the fireworks! Rush up to the room which gave a very good view of the lake and the fireworks.

Bottom 2 are collage of the different fireworks.

I have borrowed my cousin's netbook and was happily download (and watching tv at an angle) till I felt a neck strain, and it was pretty bad - bad enough for me not to have a very good sleep. Mind you, I think it's compounded with the fact that we were again sleeping on tatami-matted room (and yes, this is another hotel with onsen). I can only say that at least because of this, I was able to wake up and take photos of the only sunrise which I was able to view. I guess something good came out of it!

Day 5 see that we move from Lake Toya to Hakodate. Finally at Goryokaku Park, we get to really see what Sakura is all about - why Japanese could take a day off just to enjoy a day spent in the gardens among the blossoms. Most of us in the tour would say this viewing is worth the price we paid for the trip!

Panoview of a part of the Park.

Another dog, this time Husky! He looked magnificent among those flowers in the park.

Another panoview of another park of the Park.

Walking in the park and came across this kid and her friends and parents. Standing a little far from her, and with the parent trying to take her photo, had to do something to remove some of the distraction around her. But her happiness really shines through. (The extra length in 18-200mm finally paid its due! :P)

Final panoview of the Park.

Then had lunch somewhere, if I am not wrong, this is the other buffet, on this trip but this time, the buffet was great! Got to eat quire a fair bit as this place is a all Japanese food buffet, so you get to eat yakitori, tepanyaki, soba, ramen (no I did not take it), sashimi, sushi, and a lot more. Much better!

After lunch, what's the next thing to do? Shopping, or in this case, more walking! They brought us to this place near the habour, where they have a lot of small shops in these old warehouses. Pretty nice, but did not buy much - only ice cream again. :P

Another day gone, back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6 was the day which we would leave Hokkaido and headed to Tokyo. Before we do that we would first head for the fish market in Hakodate. No, we did not head out early, so it would mean that we are actually moving around the shops near the fish market, not so much of the early morning activities in the fish market itself. More shopping to do as mother bought quite a lot of dried scallops for boiling soups, as well as some seaweed thingy which the tour leader say is very good - but damn smelly. Was looking out for Uni to eat, but all we see is sea urchin being grilled on open BBQ grillers. Not the sashimi type that I was looking for. Damn disappointing!!!

Next was the flight to Hanada airport in Tokyo. We then had a bus tour of the areas in Tokyo - went pass Ueno park (no cannot see it, we seems to be somewhere below it?), went pass Ginza area, went pass the area which the Imperial family lives. This is where there is this famous bridge which is the most photographed bridge in Japan, because you can only walk across this bridge to ensure the place twice a year.

No, we did not stop, this is taken from the tour bus, which happens to stop at a traffic light near it. Another 200mm shot.

Then was to this oldest temple in Tokyo - Sensō-ji in Asakusa. Spent an hour or so there where you get to walk through Nakamise-dori to get to the temple, and they were full of people.

Owner of this doggie was at the temple, so she left the doggie on the bike.

Finally, dinner and a drive to Narita (which we did pass by Disneyland), where the hotel we are staying for the night is at. Since it was early, we then head to the nearest shopping area (suprisingly it's Aeon, which I have seen some in Malaysia. Not sure if there are links) for final shopping. In my case, more like more walking after a filling dinner - a Chinese style dinner!

Day 7 was time to say goodbye to Japan. We basically headed for the airport after breakfast.

It was pretty short in my travel book, and by far the most relax tour (as compared to Spain), and as for food. Well, I won't say that I was very impressed with the food. It was fresh, nice, but it did not have that "wow" impact which everyone else had. Hmm.. Maybe I was expecting more sashimi and sushi! :P

Ha!

Time flies... It's now Q2! Checking back, well, as usual - not much movement in blog. Not sure what to write anyway.

Life at home is the same as usual, been flying to a few places including a week in Beijing, where I spent Sunday climbing a section of the Great Wall. Suffer the aches and pain for almost entire week, where I had difficulty even in walking the day after the climb. My colleague happen to have bought some ointment during the Sat after "shopping" walk, where we were told of this street area, which happens to be 500m away from TianAnMen Square. So, she passed me a bottle and I had to rub them for 3 days onto my thigh and calf muscles. I guess the price to pay for not being actively exercise for a while.

Yes, and immediate after the Beijing trip, had to make a trip to Hong Kong. Next weekend I will have to head toward Bangalore. Funny that I only had the training in Beijing, and now I have train people on the same product in Bangalore. So, now I am frenetically coming up with my training materials just for this trip. No, I can't use the ones I got from the training because it did not contain much stuff at all!!! So I have to create my own, hopefully I got most of the guise of the training in there...

As someone with issues with Indian spices, so I am a bit apprehensive of the trip. Yes, I don't know why but if I have roti prata or biryani at the food centre, I don't have issues, but if I were to head to Little India or any Indian restaurant, and ate food there, I tend to have to visit the restroom 2 hours after the meal. I also noticed that if I take non-spicy stuff, like tandoori or tekka, and skip their sauce/curry made of beans, etc. I might avoid the trip. So, it has to be some spices and also the chilli spice that is in the other food that is causing the issue. Just that I don't want to experiment further, so I tend to stay away from Indian restaurants and food.

I am also getting advice such as watch out for what water I am drinking, which means I may have to skip ice. When I buy bottled water, I have make sure the cap is new, as if it is not new, the bottled water could have been refilled, and not sure of what water they would have used, etc, etc. I am also told to avoid cut fruits, salads, or anything that is not cooked (I think, since salads are usually veges that is not cooked). Not something that boost your confidence of making through the trip without issues, eh?

Still figuring out the flight details as well as where is the embassy so that I can get a business visa while trying to get materials done. Adding onto the load, I had to get another demo server ready for a Proof of Concept due next week.

Meantime, it seems either my SCV boxset is having issue or my TV is the culprit. One night last week, mother was complaining about the TV not having any sound thus making it hard for her to watch her TV series. Since it was weekend, I wrote an email to the TV service centre asking for advice. They contacted me on Monday and ask if I had test it by directly plugging the antenna to the TV to see if it is working fine. Of course, I did not, so now I have to test and see (which basically means I have to wait till the issue happens again) if this scenario works out. I do hope it's the SCV boxset, as it's cheaper or even free to replace, but the TV replacement will cost. Heck even to get their technician to come over to check and confirm that the TV is having issue already cost 100plus!

Oh well.. till the next time... Oh yes, I need to get my Beijing/Great Wall photos done... "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away"...

Not a good start for the year....

It's not exactly a good start of the year if you were to check and found 2 of CDs in your collection seems to be missing - with no idea of who's taken it, or borrow it, or misplaced after playing. Previously was a missing DVD (which is still missing), and now 2 CDs, of very old days guitar music by Los Indios Tabajaras (Always in My Heart and Maria Elana Vol 1.)

Chances of misplacing seems a little wide as it's 2 of the same group's CD missing, not 1, so... But to ensure it's not that, and CNY is round the corner, might have to do a little clean up to check and ensure it's not lying anywhere in the house.. Then again, there are not many places it could be placed...

But, sigh, I will be flying again this weekend, looks like I will have to do this after I am back... Time to clear some rubbish from the house for CNY, and start searching for those CDs...

P.S. Mean time, if anyone who don't recall buying this particular group's CDs and yet found them in their house... Could you let me know - perhaps it could be mine??!??! :P