The hermitage of Shinsedo 詩仙堂

25th December 2008, 10C, Cloudy with occasional rain

In the afternoon we visited Shinsendo, located at the foot of northern Higashimaya. The simple rustic gate welcomed us with a slightly ascending stone path shaded with bamboo groves at both sides. The mansion is established by Jozan Ishikawa, a scholar of Chinese classics but also a landscape architect. The sky just breaks out with late afternoon sun shine after a short rain shower, the after rain myth makes the scenery from the viewing platform even more surreal, beautiful and incomprehensible. There is hardly any visitor when we arrived and thus we have the entire viewing platform and complete for ourselves.

Despite of the fact that all the maple leaves are already fallen, the early winter garden scenes are still very eye capturing and soothing to the soul.
Shinsendo, my best place in Kyoto so far.

Silent Night

Tonight we attended Christmas light service at the Assembly of God Kyoto, International or rather English service.
We happened to sit next to a Malaysian lady who married to an Australian. It was good to be at the church again and have some fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from other part of the world.
Once again, have a blessed Christmas.

Meri Kurisumasu

Meri Kurisumasu - Merry Christmas the Japanese way. It is almost 24th December 2008 now in Japan, I bring you greetings from Kyoto and wishing every one a very blessed Christmas and may the light of Jesus shining in you and through you.

photo: Christmas lighting in Okura hotel, Kyoto.

Pontocho

19th December 2009, downtown Kyoto area

As soon as we turned in to this street, the modern Kyoto disappeared in front of us and the old Kyoto re-live in front of our eyes. It is a restaurants and eateries lane with all lots of Japanese lanterns and some restaurants also display the ingredients of the day. It was quite entertaining to even just walk along this pebbled lane, admiring the menu and the curtains.

Japanese Rock Garden

19^th December 2008, Sunny 13C

Ryoanji

Imagine a garden without plants and flowers, imagine a garden with just white, black, grey and may be just a little unintended green due to the moss? That is the famous Rock Garden of Ryoanji – very plain but yet contemplation. The entire garden is decorated with just 15 rocks and white gravel. Although I am not into Japanese garden but the garden gives an appeal of serenity, it is surreal especially it was very quiet when we were there. One could feel the awesomeness of the nature and the harmonious atmosphere is rather dominant.

Ryoanji located just about 20 minutes walk from the Golden Pavilion - Kinkakuji. It makes a perfect walk along the two sights.

The Golden Pavilion

Jet lag is still in effect, we woke up early at 4pm but then slept again till 1.30pm, so pretty much half a day gone, but hey itś holiday, so we just go with the flow. We visited Kinkakuj-ji, one of the famous scenes for Japan.
Kinkaku glittery shining in gold with the afternoon sun ray shinning on it, its reflection on the pond is equally eye catching. What an impressive scene especially contrasted by the green hill back drop and the carefully cultured garden.
This made a perfect afternoon stroll and discoveries of northwestern Kyoto today.

Downtown Kyoto

Last night after settled in, we checked out the down town Kyoto. We took the subway to Shijo station at the cross junction of Karasuma street. There are endless of shops, shopping malls and eateries. Not the kind of Kyoto I would expected to see on day one but at least we have a quick orientation of the modern side of Kyoto.This is the sort of games arcade that you could find almost on everywhere in Japan.

Finally I saw something typically Japanese, the lanterns at one of the eateries.

Kyoto Transportation

Kyoto subway and train network sign-boardAt Kyoto Station

18th December 2008

The weather was perfect when we arrived, 15C is definitely on the high side compared to where we came from. The trip from airport to Kyoto takes about 75 min, it was rather hard to figure out the public transportation system here. Anyway, we got lost but an old Japanese man was so kind to bring walked us to our rented apartment at Gosho west(west of imperial palace).

In-flight japanese Kaiseki Culinary

During the 12 hours flight (with an hour delay in Amsterdam) we were delighted to be served with kind of Japanese Kaiseki specially prepared by Yamazato Restaurant of Okura Hotel.

Japanese tofu with a bit of okra (lady finger) and a bit of Hokkaido crab meat.

Juicy Japanese omelet and smoked mackerel accompanied by gingers
At first I thought this is the usual white reddish (white) and red pepper (red) but they turns out to be scallop (white) and tuna (red) not sashimi (raw) but smoked or cooked.

Main course is the salmon in terayaki source, a bit too sweet though.

The dessert is excellence light chocolate crust with shredded coconut and coconut cream. It taste really light and even better with a sip of sweet dessert wine.

All in all, it was a delicious meal, a Japanese culinary even before we actually arriving in Japan.

Destination: Japan

All my bags are packed, I am ready to go....

In one and a half hour time, we are leaving for the airport and will then embark on a journey to Japan. The flight will land at Osaka Kansai Airport. After that we will start our adventure journey to Kyoto, pick up the apartment key and move in to our apartment.

I am very excited now, hopefully there will be still some Autumn Maple left over for us in Kyoto. The weather forecast is rather positive, although it is also winter in Japan, but the temperature in Kyoto is always above 10C, that itself is a bonus compare to here.

The plan is to stay at Kyoto for a week and then hop over to Tokyo for a few days, but this plan may change, if we like it so much in Kansai area, we will just stay there. There are some flexibility this time.

Kyoto, here I come.... and stay tune for more!!!

Eindelijk Geslaagd --> Finally Graduated

As of 11th December 2008, I completed and passed the Groene boek or rather Green book Dutch course offered by TU Delft. Learning Dutch was never my priority but lately it seems to be the right thing to do. The course rather intensive, demanding 2 evenings a week plus preparation at home and computer exercises.

After all the hard work

(1) I know at least 2358 Dutch words.

(2) I am able to speak confidently with my co-workers and to Johannes

(3) I am able to write in Dutch with less time and better syntax

I am thinking of doing an advance course. Will decide when I return from my holiday.

My Daddy

This is one of the photos that I still find my dad in his gracious charm. The photo is taken in Rome, Italy. I was glad that he made it to Europe in spring this year at least his desire of seeing Europe is fulfilled.

Two days ago I received an email from my 2nd sister informing me that dad has admitted to the ICU ward in the hospital. Today I called my sister and was relief to hear that dad is now in the normal ward.

I also called my dad to find out more about his situation, he was able to talk but was weak from his voice. I hope that he will be able to discharge soon.

Dad, get well soon! Look at Jesus as your healer.

Curry Fish Head

Mum bought us the fish head for awhile already but we just couldn't find the time and mood to cook it. Last night, despite of the fact that I am still having flu, we decided to cook curry fish head with fresh ingredients. For this recipe, we used various spices such as mustard seed, cumin seed, ginger, turmeric, garlic and shallots according to the cookbook and it turned out really nice and delicious, at least it resemble what I used to eat in Malaysia. The fish head taste so fresh and the spices have covered the fishiness . We both enjoyed our dinner on a cold Saturday evening.

My Namagashi (生菓子)

This is a compilation of Namagashi that I found in the internet search. This is something that I want to try when I am in Kyoto next week. The Japanese name is Namagashi (生菓子) and it is typically wrapped with either green tea paste or red bean paste. The shapes are usually vary according to the four season and thus I would not expect to see the spring and summer themed namagashi. However, I am expecting to catch the autumn and winter especially Christmas and New year shape namagashi. Frankly speaking I am not sure I will like it as it often very sweet and the skin is made of mochi (rice flour). But I am very excited when I see these beautiful treats that I would consider for the eyes only than actually putting them in your mouth and eat them. In Japanese culture, one piece of Namagashi is often accompanied with Matcha 抹茶(powdered Green tea), the tea is usually bitter and strong and thus the sweetness of Namagashi neutralize and smooth the taste bud.

Well... let me check that out and let you know. I either like it or hate it I think. But I will try at least once.

The Land of the Rising Sun

So many things have happened in the last few weeks, and it is hard to recollect my emotions and conclusion, but to summarize it has been a roller coaster ride. To end the ride, I am now down with flu....

I just want to get out of the current environment, go to a place and country that is foreign to me and soak up new cultures and things. Now I am counting down for my trip and hopefully will be able to let go the past and return afresh for year 2009.

After reading so much of my next destination, here is my first impression of the country that I attempted with water color.

Next stop: the land of the rising sun...

If Only...

If only…

If only I know the plan of God,

If only He reveals

If only He gives

If only…

On my mark, get set, GO!!!

Today is a special day to remember!

Sky is My Limit

Last sunday (9th Nov 2008), our church celebrated the 13th Anniversary, the guest speaker Pastor Samuel Lee preached a very refreshing sermon based on 'The Beginning' from Genesis 1.

The revelation of only sky is my limit came back rather strongly the last few days reminding me that nothing is impossible especially when God has created the sky. So look beyond the flowers, look to the sky and see NO LIMIT.

New Lease Car - BMW 318i

My lease car quotation received, approved by the fleet manager, order placed.

Now I am waiting for its arrival in January 2009 .

My Piece of Art

I pick up water color painting recently and attempting to paint something. (1) Beach in Valencia (2) Art Jam (3) Wet painting of sky and woods (4) Sun set

Still very primitive , plenty of rooms for improvement.

The Joy of Baking

Today something is on at the church, but I was mentally so tired that I needed to rest, be alone to de-stress. It has been a busy week, with recruitment, a Gallia project and also my Dutch lesson in the evenings.

My best way to relax is actually baking cakes or cooking. While Johannes is at the church, I looked up the internet and found this rather tempting and delicious Maple cake recipe. With some light background music playing, I mixed all ingredients and Ta…Da… 40 minutes later, here is the result. The dark brown consists of dark chocolate and Nutella spread while the lighter side consists of peanut butter.

!!What a Joy of Baking!!

A Walk to Remember

Yesterday (25th October 2008) we enjoyed the beautiful color of the forest in Spa, splendid colors of tangerine, red, maroon, brown, yellow, orange and many others form the marvelous scenery of autumn . It is a beautiful and gracious stroll from Thermes de Spa down to the city center of Spa. The walk is full of colors and it is indeed a feast to our eyes. 6^th years, not too long but certainly not short either. It is the journey that we chose to walk together since 2002, the stroll down the hill also represent our wonderful journey together that filled with many amazing colors and phases that we been through together. I could only count the blessings since the day we started this journey together. May the Lord bless our marriage more and more!

SPA for SPA

We will depart for Spa, Belgium shortly.

To celebrate our 6th Wedding Anniversary today (25th October 2008), we are going to Spa for a Spa weekend.

Creative Ballet

To celebrate the evening before our 6th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow, we started with watching a Ballet performance, Strawinski Swingt by Introdans at Den Haag. This is a rather creative and innovative ballet performance with fashion to emphasise the beauty of the male body, not to disguise it. Tonight is indeed a rather special evening.

Dutch Integration Fuss Part I

I just came back from the (in)famous Dutch integration practical exam. What the fuss? Even the examiners wondered why I have to do it. I don't even know why myself apart from summoned by the Dutch government to do it. But I have the first part today, I have to do 6 practical exam (1) Naturalization (2) applying a driving license (3)Looking for a job in CWI (4) In a work meeting, taking minutes (5) help a client in a shop (6) help a client to order an item

In reality, I will do none of these. (1) I will not take up Dutch citizenship (2) I applied my driving license via the 30 percent ruling i.e. expatriate way (3) Even the examiner told me the type of job that I am looking (eventually) for will not come from CWI (4) It was perhaps 10 years ago I last taken a meeting minutes (5) and (6) I don't think I will ended up as a sales assistant in a shop ever.

My conclusion: Dutch practical exam is NOT practical after all. Waste of my time and energy.

Breakfast with Acropolis

This is how I enjoyed my breakfast for the past 2 days, at the club lounge of the hotel, sitting at the balcony with a marvelous view of Acropolis from a distance. What can I ask for more???