KL

Since the project in Japan ended early, there was time before my next posting somewhere else. Hence, I was in KL to do a smaller project in Jan and Feb 13.

KL had changed much since I had last visited, which was at least 8 years ago. The streets looked different as there were many new buildings and malls, such as Pavilion. Gave myself much credit that I had rented an office here...


Twin towers, Chinatown clan house, monorail

My favourite residence at Royal Chulan (which Nic is looking at) has ceilings so high that one will not be able to touch when jumping from the bed...

First Post in 2013

I had forgotten that I have blog!

And I have Japan to thank for. It was a frentic and hectic period of my life. Work was stressful and environment stifling. I was glad the project had ended earlier. Many nights, I had woken up in cold sweat, wondering what I was doing there..

Still, photos captured only good memories, fortunately.

Some parks and areas around Tokyo and Takao.


Shrines and Parks in Tokyo


Shopping and food, Fugu (pufferfish) grilled. Memorable texture, forgetable taste.


Last few days and sushi treat from team mates at Tsujiki Fish Market.


Osaka working trip. Billboards and giant crabs. Osaka aquarium with impressive exhibits.


Disney and some parks. So many that I don't remember the names


Nagoya market visit, shrines and dinner treat from customer (wow! first time, usually the other way round)


Kawagoe with ancient shophouses


Kamukura - shrines, temples, beaches, parks.

Hello Tokyo!

Tokyo gave us a warm welcome - 34 to 36 degree celsius daily for the last 3 weeks! It's hard to avoid the sun here. Such a drastic difference from Hamburg. Luckily, we had a one week in Singapore to "acclimatize".

City is vibrant and well connected. Didn't seem to have changed much from the last time we had visited eight years ago. But people seemed to have. There were less thick make up (maybe the look is now "nude") and weird dressings.

Brothers sleep the same way in cab to apartment; apartment interiors; food grilled with "fish griller"; parks, shrines, areas of interest around apartment.

Foods here are expensive but extremely tasty. Corn is sweet like sugar cane, grapes taste like jelly with bubble gum grape flavour......list goes on!

We were informed that our location is highly desirable (Azabu Juban). Heard that it's sought after by celebrities (tv station nearby?) due to accessibility, green, foods, etc....Nothing to complain about the location and apartment though - it's serviced, comfortable and safe. Think there are also many Singaporeans here since the embassy is across the road.

Fireworks are a regular weekly affair. Here is Samba Festival at Asakusa (the famous temple) area and the annual Azabu Juban Summer Festival. It was extremely crowded outside the apartment.

Final week in Hamburg

After one and a half years, we are leaving Hamburg - fond memories, friends, food, travels and the beautiful city.

Went fishing with Martin and Paul in the villages. Caught nothing. This form of fishing is called "ground fishing". We try to catch pikes/perches by using a ball of "scent" to attract fishes to our lure.

Pictures of fun in Hamburg.

With Juergen and Steffen at the best fish and chips in town (no, out of town); Neighbours playing together; Greg and Nic in taxi leaving hamburg (sad expressions - it was heartwarming to see our neighbours gather and bid us farewell); Greg crying at the airport departing Sin (to Tokyo). Notice their hair disappeared in Sin (not my doing).

Nicholas eats anything

Nicholas is my idol. Unlike Gregory, he eats any thing that you give to him, enjoys variety, and as much as possible, feeds himself. Until last month, Gregory was still being fed by us. And Nicholas was already eating on his own since! With hands and sometimes a spoon.

I have tried lemon, curry, wasabi...with him...he tries, face changes, then comes back to me for more....
Here, he tries grapefruit.

Helsinki Jul 12

Probably the last European trip this year before moving off from Hamburg, on a two day stopover in Helsinki from Tokyo.

I think its a small city. Spent one day in the city and day-trip to Suomenlinna island. Overall, very pleasant (great weather), lots of nature and nicely designed interiors (shopping malls).

Observation no.1: whenever there's an outdoor space, there's people enjoying the sun.

Observation no.2: whenever there's a statue, there's a bird standing on the head.

London Jun 12

Decided on a last minute trip to London with family. Managed to redeem their tickets with frequent flier miles.

Overall, was a great weekend. Not too much walking (but carrying Nicholas in his stroller up and down the Underground was good exercise); had authentic and tasty Thai, Japanese and Chinese foods.

Random photos:

"Spidey" at Tower Bridge.

London Eye

Big Ben

Nic running on grass patch outside Westminister Abbey.

Not your typical Brits.

Portebello market on Saturday.

Damn bird sure know how to choose where to make droppings - on a 300 million year old fossilized wood exhibit outside Natural History Museum.

Gregory's favourite site in London - The Natural History Museum with fascinating exhibits. One of my favourites too (plus it's free!)

Exhibits in the museum. I think the monster outside the glass is scarier...what do you think?

Nicholas outside St Paul's Cathedral.