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Japan Transportation – The Needed Basics

November 21, 2014

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Japan Transportation – The Needed Basics for Tourists

Exploring any country requires a travel guide, either in the form of a book, a person, or a blog to point out the places that are a must-see. And when traveling here, Japan transportation are the best ways for getting around the cities and country.

Another requirement is of a basic understanding of the language that the locals speak, so you can at least order food without stumbling and ending up with something completely un-edible.
But I admit, it sure is fun trying!

One more essential requisite for travelling to and exploring a country, especially one as diverse as Japan, is having knowledge of the available transport options at your destination.

Without this knowledge, you will be lost the minute you step off the plane.

If you are lucky enough to have a private car coming to pick you up from the airport, kudos, but if not, then you have come to the right place where I will guide you through the many Japan transportation options that are available to a tourist in Japan.

Japan Transportation – An Extensive System Mapping Throughout The Country

Japan is well-known and famous for its highly extensive options of transport, that are found everywhere in the country – even the small cities. Other than the vast and efficient train systems that run in the country, there are also various other transportation options which are just as attractive choices as the bullet train if you are a tourist.

Within metropolitan areas and between large cities, the public transportation system of the country is efficient and organized. The local population favors the system not only for the convenience it offers but also because of the qualities that are characteristic of the nation i.e. its punctuality and the awesome service.

Japan Transportation – Traveling by Train

The four major islands of Japan are connected by a vast and reliable network of trains. For visitors, nothing is more convenient than travelling around Japan by train. Following are the types of trains you should know about before embarking on the journey.

Local Train: stops at every station.
Rapid Train: skips some stations.
Express Train: stops at even fewer stations. Japan Railways charge a separate fee, in addition.
Limited Express Train: stops at major stations. The fee is between 500 and 4000 yen, in addition the base fare.
Super Express Train: is only operated by Japan Railways, and runs on separate tracks. The fee is between 800 to 8000 yen, in addition to the base fare.

Japan Transportation – By Boat

The nation is connected with ferry services scattered throughout the island. There are two benefits of using ferries for transport:

1) You can easily get from one place to another

2) You can discover new places

The schedule of this service varies in the price of the ticket – from travelling and arriving between adjacent islands in two hours, to making 1½ day trip for the same route.

Most ferries carry cars, bikes, and motorcycles too.

Japan Transportation – By Bus

In almost every Japanese city there is bus service; however, it is usually not a good option for foreign travelers. However, in many of the tourist towns, buses especially for tourists often run from the main railway station. Cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto even run tours in English, for its foreign visitors.

Travelling in Japan is not so difficult once you understand all the various options at your disposal. Travel safe!

My absolute favorite method of Japan transportation travel is by train.

It is very easy once you get the system down (be sure to check out my article on riding the bullet train in Japan). In major cities, the subway lines are owned and operated by multiple companies making switching difficult as each company only produces a map for their lines!

This means walking up to 4 maps possibly and writing down which stations to change on.

But, it’s part of the excitement and the adventure! Bus’s are great, too, but it is best to do your homework before you go. There isn’t much English posted around so best to try planning your route before hand. When I went skiing in Nagano several years ago, I had to take 2 trains and 2 bus’s. But a little planing beforehand, everything was super fun!

Enjoy!

Hawkers Market in Singapore – a Food Paradise

November 19, 2014

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SINGAPORE - Locals eat at a popular food hall. Inexpensive food stalls are numerous in the city so most Singaporeans dine out at least once a day.

Hawkers Market in Singapore – a Food Paradise

In Singapore; friends and colleagues don’t start conversations with a ‘hello’, but with ‘have you eaten?’ which says so much about the hospitability of Singaporeans itself.

There are many places where traditional Singaporean cuisine is available, but the quickest and cheapest way to get your ‘makan’, is at one of the many hawker centers scattered throughout the island.

Visitors to Singapore are aware of such markets where they can find good quality food, and at cheap rates. For those who don’t know, a hawker center or market is a building that houses rows and rows of stalls that serve a wide range of food, drink and dessert, made to order.

First Impression

During a visit to the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, I was stunned at the size of the place. Two rows, with over a 100 food stalls serving various specialty foods, with a cramped sitting area. I briefly wonder how one could eat at such a place with so much gusto as the place was packed with people, locals, and tourists alike.

After getting a taste of their famous Hainanese chicken rice, I finally understood what the whole fuss was about and was again in line for a second helping.

The sheer size and outward disorganization can be a little disconcerting for the first time visitor to a Hawkers Market in Singapore, but it’s not so hard to understand the basics of hawker market etiquette.

Following are basic guidelines that the newbie food lover can take help from, to get the most amazing hawkers market experience ever. I should know, as they are all tried and tested.

Find the Right Hawkers Market in Singapore

Decide on what you want to eat first. Each center boasts just a few noteworthy dishes by food cultures dominant in Singapore such as Malay, Chinese, Thai, and Indian among others.

You can also view Singapore’s excellent guide book of food, ‘Makansutra’, or visit hungrygowhere.com which will help narrow down your choices.

Find the Right Flavor for your Taste-buds:-

Singapore's famous chicken rice at hawkers food court — Singapore’s famous chicken rice at hawkers food court

Food in Singapore can be a little hard to swallow for tourists who have delicate palates; therefore, I recommend Lau Pa Sat in Chinatown, and Newton Circus near Orchard Road.

The first visit to any Hawkers Market in Singapore is bound to be confusing, but don’t worry.

There will always be someone who’ll help you out. One tip to remember, when deciding on the food to eat is look for a stall with the longest queue. There’s got to be a reason, or dish why so many people have lined up in front of that stall.

Seating Arrangements

When it comes to seating, hawker centers generally go by the rule of first come, first serve. You can even reserve the seat which you choose by placing colorful packet of tissues on the seat, which will inform others that the seat is taken.

Delivery, Take-away and Clean-up

Most stalls will deliver the food at your table, while others will require you to wait in line for your food. Stalls will provide you with eating utensils, and plastic packaging for take away.

I was extremely surprised when at the end of our meal; an attendant came to our table and started clearing up.

I sincerely hope this will help the first time visitor, to Singapore and/or its famous Hawkers Market in Singapore. You can ask questions or share experiences through my blog!

Enjoy!

Cuisine of Vietnam – Global Influence Keeping It All Local

November 19, 2014

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Cuisine of Vietnam – Global Influence Keeping It All Local

The quest for experiencing local and authentic cuisine of Vietnam took me to various markets, family kitchens, restaurants, coffee-houses and sidewalk vendors, where each different landscape provided the one aspect that is an essential part of traditional Vietnamese cooking, i.e. that impeccable balance of sweet and sour.

Cuisine of Vietnam – Yin and Yang

The cuisine of Vietnam is all about balancing different flavors in one complete dish using the local ingredients and herbs that are available according to the season.

As is the case with other Southeast Asian cuisines, preparation of food includes elements that complement the different flavors present in a dish of any particular region.

However, the two dominant themes that the avid traveler will find in Vietnamese cuisine is the staple of the country, rice and the all power-full fish sauce.

Incorporation of Rice and Fish-Sauce

Vietnam is the second largest exporter of rice in the world, and therefore has an abundance of the staple to support the primary diet of its citizens.

You will find at least a few rice dishes that are specialties of a particular region, in the traditional way it is made as well as in the form of rice noodles, porridge, sticky rice with fruit, rice paper rolls, fried rice, puffed rice snacks and of course the famous rice wine.

I have had rice in all of the forms that it can possibly be made into for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert!

Of course fish sauce is also a very important element in Vietnamese cooking, and is an ingredient that makes a regular meat and vegetables broth, a dish fit to be eaten by a king (or you).

Influence in local cuisine

In regards to what they eat and how they cook, the cuisine of Vietnam has been largely influenced by their neighbors and the effects of colonization.

Beef was first introduced into the Vietnamese diet and cuisine with the arrival of Mongol invaders, who feasted primarily on meat. Common beef dishes are pho bo, which is a noodle soup with beef and can be found in every region of the country each dish different yet the same.

Pho bo , Vietnamese rice noodle soup with sliced rare beef

Cooking techniques such as stir and deep frying, and the use of chopsticks for eating were adopted from the Chinese who ruled over Vietnam for a thousand years. Stir fried vegetables and meat; along with noodle based soups are dishes are a product of the influence, which can be found mainly in the north.

For the south of Vietnam, neighboring countries particularly Cambodia and Thailand introduced flat Cambodian egg noodles, various spices, and coconut milk which are ingredients more commonly used in that region due to its ability to locally grow them.

The dish that is accredited to French influence is the banh mi, which is a crusty, French baguette filled with meat paste and a combination of grilled pork fillings, fish patties, and sardines with cilantro, daikon and pickled carrots.

Chased down with a glass of lime soda or rice wine, any meal will leave your mouth watering just by a thought of a next excursion.

And that is what always was amazing for me, personally. One may think that such a small country would have very local and traditional foods. While this is true and every home town has a staple food, the cuisine of Vietnam is rich and diverse in what someone may eat. I was shocked when my friends told me that they were eating a traditional Vietnam breakfast in the morning and a French dinner. Yet, all the meals are considered Vietnamese.

Oh yeah, and when you’re out enjoying all the great food, check out these awesome places to visit, too!

Enjoy!

South Korea Festivals You Would Not Want to Miss

November 18, 2014

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South Korea Festivals You Would Not Want to Miss

South Korea has a rich culture, acquired from a long history and mix of religions, heritage, cultures, and languages, which makes up different festivals throughout the year. South Korea festivals are lively and have unique characteristics that highlight the vibrance and meanings of customs. Here is what you can experience at different times of the year if you are visiting South Korea.

South Korea Festival: Buddha’s Birthday

A canopy of lotus lanterns on Buddha's birthday. — A canopy of lotus lanterns on Buddha’s birthday.

Buddha’s birthday or Bucheonim osin nal meaning “the day when Buddha came” falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the Korean lunar calendar. It is the biggest celebration in South Korea when the streets and cities are decorated with lanterns for week long celebrations while special lantern parades are held across the country.

On this South Korea Festival, temples are adorned with lotus lanterns while free meals and tea is served to visitors.

South Korea Festival – Jeongwol Daeboreum

Jeongwol Daeboreum is an important traditional festival that celebrates the first full moon of the new year of the Korean lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated in the Jeju-do Island where people climb the mountain to catch the first glimpse of the full moon. It is believed that the first person to catch the sight will have good luck throughout the year.

In addition, children fly kites and play traditional game geuybulnori the night before daeboreum, which is said to bring good fortune for the coming year. On this day, special five grain meal and wine are served that are believed to bring good news for one year.

South Korea Festival – Hi Seoul

Hi Seoul is a seasonal cultural festival held four times a year. The festival features exhibition of national clothes, traditional foods, different forms of art and activities highlighting the different aspects of the life in Seoul. Through this festival, you can experience and see the true fusion of the modern and traditional elements of the country.

Here is the official website for this colorful festival.

Baekje Cultural Festival

Baekje Cultural Festival is a tribute to Baekje dynasty that ruled the country for nearly 700 years. The festival features a colorful parade as well as more than 100 traditional performances and events to highlight the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom.

South Korea Festival – The Andong Mask Dance

The Andong Mask Dance festival is a major cultural attraction of the Androng region which offers visitors a chance to enjoy Korea’s traditional mask dances. These dances have great traditional significance and are considered as important intangible assets of Korea.

In addition to mask dance performances, the festival features more than 50 events and hand-on experience programs including, mask dance competitions, world mask exhibition, mask making, and mask dance lessons allowing visitors to participate and get the real feel of this imperative element of South Korean culture.

Busan Film Festival

Busan Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The festival is meant to honor young and celebrated talent of the world as well as promote every aspect of the film industry in the region. This festival is the celebration of modern South Korea and its novel trends and cultural themes.

South Korea Festivals have powerful characteristics that connect you with the many aspects of the culture.

If you are visiting South Korea, you should witness and become part of the vibrant celebrations.

My favorite festival had to have been Hi Seoul Festival. The feeling is joyous, great tasting food, the most realistic costumes ever, and performances all throughout the city and on every block!

South Korea is so filled with amazing culture and history that the country has 5 locations on the UNESCO. Check out my article here to learn about them!

Enjoy!

Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

November 17, 2014

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Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

Spectacular Lake Ashi

I LOVE coming to Lake Ashi. So much so that I wrote this article Cruising along Lake Ashi, worth checking out!

If you are like me, and wish to enjoy the views and scenery of Japan’s tallest mountain without having to climb it then no destination is more perfect than Lake Ashi, and the small, sleepy town it’s nestled in. Although Mt. Fuji is situated only 80 miles from the center of Tokyo, it is still almost impossible to get a view from the city, not unless the day is perfectly clear.

Tokyo city view and tokyo skytree with Mt Fuji

I arrived to the tourist town from Tokyo, after the official climbing season had ended but that wasn’t going to stop me from enjoying other sights that Hakone has to offer. The picturesque town of Hakone is just a little over an hour outside of Tokyo, and offers every activity that you cannot have imagined from a small town.

The average visitor can spend a day shopping in the many quaint stores scattered throughout, explore museums, and relax after a busy day at one of the many hot spring resorts the town is famous for. I did all three, and enjoyed myself immensely. Especially, relaxing in the hot springs and sampling the local delicacies.

From Tokyo, with Love

I am sure most of you agree that getting to and around a place is half the fun of the whole trip. Finding your own way, in a place where very few people even understand the universal language is a great experience, and one that makes the trip twice as memorable.

I was pressed for time, and therefore could only spare a day to visit the sights of Hakone. Usually, locals who reside in Tokyo often visit Hakone during the weekend, and spend a night there as the distance between is not more than a few hours from the bullet trains.

So, it was on a clear and fine day that I arrived at Shinjuku Station with the intention of boarding a direct train to Hakone, with minimum stopovers.

Hakone, by Romance Express

The most convenient of networks consisting of trains, buses, cable cars, trams, and boats that run to and around the town of Hakone come under the jurisdiction of Odayku Railways. To the first time traveler to Japan, I would highly recommend the Hakone Free Pass that can be easily purchased from the tourism center of Shinjuku station.

I was able to purchase my Free Pass at the last minute, but those who are visiting the town during the peak climbing season should purchase it at least a week before. My pass included a round trip on the Romance express train from Shinjuku Station, to Hakone Yumoto Station from which I boarded a bus and arrived at the town.

Although economical and hassle free, the visit seemed incomplete without a stopover at the town of Odawara. Next time, definitely.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

November 15, 2014

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Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

Ever since I had moved to Hong Kong back in 2003, one of my best friends was from Singapore. Without fail, every story of life, food, language, culture, fascinated me to the point that I needed to go. Go to simply experience the city – country of Singapore. It was great that my friend offered some incredible insights for cultural etiquettes in Singapore.

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with 76 percent Chinese, 15 percent Malay, and 6 percent Indian inhabitants. These ethnic groups enjoy racial harmony and national unity. The younger generation of Singapore considers themselves as Singaporean first and believes in building a common national culture that is beyond individual ethnic differences. Here is a look at some common etiquettes and norms of Singapore.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Meeting

Greetings usually follow a strict protocol. If you are meeting people with Chinese ethnic background, you may offer a hand shake with a slight bow. Malay men and women do not offer a hand shake to each other due to Islamic traditions while two men and two women can shake hands. Similarly, ethnic Indians shake hands with members of same sex only. Upon meeting the person of opposite sex, nodding with a smile is usually appreciated.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Non Verbal Cues

Singaporeans pay close attention to non-verbal cues including tone of voice, posture, and facial expression. They tend to be subtle and implicit in their communication to maintain the respect of the other person. Silence is a significant part of their communication as it indicates that you are giving enough consideration before speaking.

The head is considered sacred; therefore, touching someone’s head is impolite and offensive while foot is thought to be the lowest and unclean part and showing the bottom of the feet may offend your Singaporean host.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Food and Dining

Food and dining is the most common way of interaction among people that gives the best chance to build relationship with your Singaporean host. In Singapore, food is the basis of entertainment. Food is usually served on the table in dishes to be shared by all.

Appetizers and drinks are uncommon and the dinner is usually served immediately without entrée upon arrival of the guests. You are expected to wash your hands before the meal in both Indian and Malay homes. They use the right hand to eat, and some dishes are consumed directly in hand without the involvement of a fork or a spoon. After a meal with an Indian host, you are expected to stay for an hour for conversation.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Gift Giving Etiquettes

Gift giving etiquettes vary across ethnic groups of Singapore. If you are giving gifts to ethnic Chinese, make sure to wrap it in colorful wrapping papers like red, pink, and yellow. Giving scissors, knives or any cutting object should be avoided as it indicates that you are severing your relation with the receiver.

Your gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This is done to show that the receiver is not greedy. The gift of flower is not taken well as they are associated with sickness and funerals.

When you are giving gifts to ethnic Malays, avoid giving alcohol, toy dogs, or anything made of pigskin. Wrap the gift in red or green paper while white should be avoided as it is a sign of death or mourning.

If you are presenting something to ethnic Indians, offer the gift with your right hand. Avoid black and white wrapping papers; rather use bright colors as these are thought to bring good fortune.

Due to the ethnic diversity in Singapore, it is important for you to know the ethnic background of your host to follow the protocols properly. The people of Singapore are generally warm and welcoming and would show great hospitality if you respect their customs well.

However, for all cultural etiquettes in Singapore, I always make the recommendation to ask your host or friend for some advice.

Most of the time, people from Singapore are a real pleasure, very kind, and more than willing to share.

Enjoy!

Vietnam Outdoor Adventures – The Place for Amazing Fun

November 15, 2014

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Vietnam Outdoor Adventures – The Place for Amazing Fun

If you’re looking for a place that has opened its doors to tourism fairly recently, Vietnam Outdoor Adventures is the place to see. Slightly different from the laid-back tourist paradise of Thailand, the facilities and structure of the country’s tourism sector is developing rapidly.

It is now in the same category as the other popular travel destinations for the holidays, offering a wide array of experiences that gives visitors a taste of the great flavors of Vietnam in terms of history, culture, and cookery alike.

Vietnam Outdoor Adventures

Vietnam is a country rich in varying degrees of nature, animal, and plant life. Recently, there has been an influx of outdoor sports and adventure activities that have added a more exciting element to the tourism sector, and has given people such as me another reason to visit the island country.

Tourists to Vietnam, raring for an adventure of a lifetime, can now trek the mountains in the north. They can choose rock climbing, go for a canoe ride, or sea kayaking and kits-surfing in the choppy waters of the south of Vietnam.

The visitor can become one in tune with the abundant nature, by walks, cycling, and mountain biking through the numerous and dense forest pathways in the country.

Vietnam Outdoor Adventures – Bird Watching and Other Activities

Vietnam is the place to go to, if you are an avid bird-watcher. All the national parks in the country, especially in Cuc Phuong, Bach Ma, and Cat Tien are ideal places for some serious bird-watching activity. Vietnam has over 850 species of birds alone, which makes the country a paradise for bird watchers.

In the past few years, a dozen of excellent golf courses have sprouted up in Vietnam, particularly around Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet, Hanoi and Da Lat, all of which offer their services to patrons for a cheaper fee than in the west.

Vietnam Outdoor Adventures – Trekking, Hiking, and Mountain Biking

Visitors may have to make arrangements in advance if they want to experience a day of hiking, or they can go off on their own. You can schedule for a hiking and trekking tour package either through a local tours agent, or even before your trip to Vietnam.

Such tailor-made packages offer organized tours by a local guide in English, and are an ideal way to understand and view the sights Vietnam has to offer. Other than this, you can also arrange a night’s day at any of the villages littering the hiking path, but in most cases, the tour packages will also include this feature.

Mountain biking and cycling has also become increasingly popular, with centers for engaging in both the activities throughout the country. Tours offer half day excursions to multi day; the outings include nightly stays in villages. Other good areas to explore the off beaten paths include Mai Chau, Da Lat, and the great Mekong Delta.

Vietnam Outdoor Adventures – Water-Sports – Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Canoe Rides

Due to a number of reasons, Vietnam doesn’t offer many options in terms of water sports despite having a coastline which stretches throughout much of the country. Be sure to check out my article about the amazing 2000 miles of coasting line.

The island of Phu Quoc situated off the southern coast is popular not only for its amazing beaches but also as the number one provider for activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you want to combine rock climbing and sightseeing, the place to go is the beautiful Ha Long Bay, on Cat Ba Island.

Go and explore and enjoy the amazing Vietnam Outdoor Adventures and you will soon find out that there is something for everyone there.

Enjoy!

South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

November 14, 2014

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South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

I was fortunate to have a very good friend, he’s American but teaching in Korea, give me some pointers on things to consider when visiting South Korea.

If you are planning a visit to South Korea, it is best to learn a few things about the culture and norms of the country not just to strengthen your relationship with your South Korean host but to win new friends as well.

Besides, there are numerous ways in which you can enjoy your trip and make it memorable for yourself as well as your host. Here is what you should do and what is expected of you to avoid when traveling to South Korea.

South Korea Basic Tips – Food and Dining

When traveling to South Korea, do try the local food. Though it may be argued that South Koreans are not as food driven as say, Italians, the street food on food stalls, makeshift restaurants or wagons, and carts can be commonly found by the side of many streets. These can be very tasty. And if you like Kimchi, I would definitely check out my article on the Kimchi Museum.

However, the formal food is usually served in dishes for guests to pick from each. It is impolite to turn down the offer of food or drink. You are expected to accept everything you are offered at the table especially by the elderly.

Koreans like to serve their guests well and would never leave your rice bowl or glass empty. If you are full or don’t want to eat or drink something, take a small bite or sip and leave the rest in your glass or bowl. Sometimes even a tiny bite means more than finishing everything on your plate.

South Korea Basic Tips – Meet New People

South Korea is a classic mixture of thoughts and beliefs. They reflect a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern ideals and values.

In addition, you would find Koreans quite kindhearted and friendly. They find pleasure in helping people learn about their food and customs. On the other hand, some may not like communicating in English, therefore learning a few basic sentences might help you get through.

South Koreans like discussing their economic conditions, international achievements, personal hobbies, health issues, and sports, while national matters like socialism, Korean War, and communism are not the right things to discuss when socializing.

However, from my own experience, if you feel that the situation is relaxed, ask if it is okay to talk about these matters. You may be pleasantly surprised that your host wants to talk about these topics as well.

South Korea Basic Tips – Visiting a Korean Friend

Being on time is considered a polite gesture among Koreans. It is good to present flowers, fruits, or chocolate to your host.

If you bring a gift, make sure that it is not too expensive, especially if your host cannot reciprocate it, as returning the favor is part of their culture. You should avoid gifts in the multiple of four as they are considered unlucky.

Additionally, your gift should be wrapped nicely in red, pink, or yellow paper. While green, black, and white make the worst choice when exchanging gifts. Conversely, if you are offered a gift by your Korean friend, you are expected to accept the gift. It’s nice to give something in return later.

Moreover, it is customary to bid farewell to everyone individually with a bow when leaving. It is good to send a thank you note to your host the following day.

These are just a few but South Korea basic tips, but they’re important. But feel free to ask your host what is okay to talk about. If you really can not eat something, let your host know. They are equally concerned about dishonoring you as well.

Enjoy!

New Year in Japan – Experiencing Oshogatsu in Style

November 13, 2014

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New Year in Japan – Experiencing Oshogatsu in Style

New Year is that time of the year when you want to indulge in excitement and thrill to begin your year with a blast. Until this year, my New Year celebrations usually revolve around getting to some cool place to watch the countdown and celebrate the New Year with fireworks and friends.

However, this year was very different. Indeed, Japan is the place to be if you want to celebrate your New Year’s Day in the most unusual and exciting way. It was one of the most memorable experiences I had in Japan.

I would never forget the exquisite style of celebrating the New Year (oshogatsu) the Japanese way. I got to witness the Japanese New Year traditions at my warmhearted Japanese friend’s home – meaningful, relaxing and surrounded with an air of kindness and love.

I learnt that oshogatsu is a very important holiday in all of Japan, in honor of new year celebrations, most business shut down for around two days, and families typically get together to celebrate it in union. My friend Mizuki told me that, in Japan, ‘bonenkai’ parties are held before the oshogatsu to bid farewell to last year’s troubles, which really fascinated me.

Celebrated with the same jubilance and fervor as Christmas, the New Year celebrations start a few days before the year ends and continue for almost a week. On the peaceful New Year Eve, me and my friend’s family ate ‘toshikoshi’ soba noodles, that symbolize long life and health, to welcome the New Year and cheered with Japanese sake.

As I witnessed the celebrations throughout the week, I realized that Japanese culture is full of rich traditions. Delicious and mouthwatering Oshogatsu meals are perhaps the most outstanding aspect of New Year festivities, as I got to eat various tantalizing dishes that were especially prepared for the occasion, and instilled with special and overwhelming meanings to bring fortune in the year ahead.

I learned that eating the ‘O-sechi ryori’ which is considered to bring good luck and was made of shrimp, chestnut, seaweed, pork, and eggs. The ‘O-zoni’ was another fantastic dish, made of sticky rice cake served in a yummy fish broth. I will definitely remember these meals forever.

Oshogatsu is also characterized by the extravagant decorations that enliven the localities with a mix of sparkling colors and meaningful undertones of prosperity. The Oshogatsu motif was an important part of the decorations that enlivened homes and storefronts.

I saw the ‘kadomatsu’, another New Year decoration, which was an arrangement of flowers, pine, and bamboo, placed outside many houses and Mizuki told me this was a sign of welcoming the gods for the New Year.

Mizuki also gifted me a calligraphy scroll wishing good fortune, which overwhelmed me, and in return I bought the Oshogatsu motif to gift to her.

Mizuki’s parents gave otoshidama to all their children and I was excited to get one as well; these were envelopes printed with Japanese characters containing money, I was greatly warmed by Mizuki’s family’s generosity.

Mizuki, also took me to the year’s first shrine visit to pray for good fortune for the year. The shrine was full of hundreds of people, and a sacred white horse was being given a lot of attention by them. After praying, we visited the myriad food stalls and ate broiled fish cakes, and salad picked in sweet vinegar, which were the more traditional Japanese New Year foods, and also saw a fireworks display nearby the shrine.

Every New Year brings back profound memories of the Japanese New Year Celebrations. The delectable dishes, the generosity, and the meaning imbued traditions, render so much charm to the Japanese celebrations that I miss them a lot.

One should definitely celebrate Oshogatsu with the Japanese once in their life – it’s a memorable and delightful experience.

Singapore Botanical Gardens – A Visit of Wondrous Nature

November 11, 2014

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Singapore Botanical Gardens – A Visit of Wondrous Nature

Singapore is famous for the many shopping venues and plazas it offers, as well as the numerous food places and hawker markets that are known for serving traditional and authentic Singaporean dishes. One other attraction that visitors flock to see there, are the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the only one in the world that opens from 5 am and closes at 12 midnight each and every day for visitors.

I was certainly happy to discover this, upon visiting the Gardens on a spur of the moment.

Originally established in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, the gardens were re-located by the Horticultural Society in 1859. This incredibly green 74 hectare national park has still kept a subtle feeling of Victorian times and gentility about it, with its dazzling swan lake, symphony stage, and beautifully themed gardens which only enhances the entire experience. In 2012, the Botanical Gardens were listed under World Heritage sites by the UNESCO.

Beautiful statues are scattered around the gardens, the most notable being of Frederick Chopin and his wife near the Symphony Lake. There is a large, white building in the middle of the artificial lake which looks like a mushroom, but is really shaped like a turtle. This is the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, which on most events becomes the venue for concerts for which locals and tourists alike come in huge numbers.

Singapore Botanical Gardens: The Highlights

Apart from the National Orchid Garden which requires a small fee to see, entry to the Botanical gardens is absolutely free and a popular venue for practicing early morning tai chi, families out for a picnic, joggers and nature enthusiasts.

Admission to the Orchid Garden is free for children 12 years of age and below. For senior citizens and students, entry ticket is $1. However, students may need to show their student’s pass. For adults, the admission ticket is $5.

There are numerous other themed gardens, although the main attraction is the Orchid Garden which houses nearly 60,000 orchid plants, out of which there are more than 2000 hybrids and consisting of 400 different species found throughout the world.,

The other themed gardens within the Singapore Botanical Gardens include the Ginger Garden with different species of the ginger family, the Healing Garden, the Fragrant Garden, The Foliage Garden, and the Evolution Garden.

Singapore Botanical Gardens: The Halia Restaurant

One other attraction in the Ginger Garden is the restaurant which is named after it. The Halia Restaurant, due to its incredibly gorgeous setting is one of Singapore’s get-away places for a relaxing brunch or dinner surrounded by lush nature, and abundant birdlife.

The restaurant offers a selection of dishes, appetizers, and drinks that are sure to blow the mind away with the infusion of classic and traditional Singaporean flavors, in a modern touch.

Singapore has so much more to offer, other than the shopping and food. Just take a stroll in one of the many pathways of the Garden, and see for yourself. Here’s the official website for the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy!

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