Just one of those "admiring" the skies days.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
First attempt at Fried Calamari
Had a go at making salt & chilli fried calamari. Think it went okie except I need to get fresher produce next time. Considered success for first attempt I supposed since I didnt over fry it. Didnt realise herbs can taste so good even fried! lol! The recipe will have to wait till I perfect it:)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Singapore Taxi price hike again with ridiculous claim to PEAK HOURS definition
Oh grreat! Singapore Taxi - Comfort has decided to have a fare hike as well.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1169537/1/.html
What REALLY ticks me off when I read the article was this sentence was the urging of National taxi Association urging other operators to adjust their fares as soon as possible. What happen to demand and supply? What happen to so call market forces? What happen to consumer protectionism against Mafia-like Oligopoly? What is the point of having 6 taxi companies when they are ALL ACTING AS ONE? Is this the so call competitiveness in Singapore? Is this so call the way to "bring about efficiency and price fairness" in Singapore? I dont know about you but this sure stinks of price collusion not unlike trade monopoly, with price hike led by the BIG BROTHER with the biggest voice, muscles and fleets.
I almost laughed at the blatant fleecing veiled by their weak attempt of justification.
Peak hour in the morning is now 6am-9.30am while evening starts from 6pm - midnight.
Firstly, do these so call NTA and shareholders understand the true definition of PEAK HOUR??? Peak hour is defined loosely by common understanding as the "BUSIEST" time in a range of 24hours. From 6am - midnite, How can 9.5hours out of the supposed waking 18hours be peak hours?
You are telling me in Singapore between 6-7am and after 9pm there are ALOT OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD? If that is so, something is either seriously wrong with our lifestyle, or something is seriously wrong with the govt approach to balanced family life, and govt road planning. So who wants to own up for their failure? What family life is there to talk about if peak hour on the roads are inclusive 9pm -12am? I mean, peak hour means everyone is out and about right? That's why it's peak. So who's home to enjoy so call family life? Oh yes, not the poor hardworking lot of Singaporean residents. Where would all these so call busy traffic comes from? Peak hour to who? Peak hour to where? Peak hour based on what??? So does that mean that when the calls increase, the peak hour range gets broader and broader? Then you must as well add a non peak hour cash back incentive and reward me for not taxing your drivers too much.
To me, the night peak hour is ridiculous and liken to a slap in the face because we consumers have no rights or say in anything about this false and weak justification of price hike.
Moreover, why do we have to pay city surcharges when we are already compensating by paying ERP. In the first place, taxi drivers wont even want to come to city unless they already have an existing customers heading that way or on call. So why the hell are we being penalised twice just to get a cab service? If this is the way to so call "curb" traffic then how does slapping a surcharge helps in reducing the fine if people still pay for it? Plus how do you expect people not to opt for a cab when your stinking public transport such as bus and train are bursting at its seam and UNABLE TO COPE with the demand in the first place due to poor foresight and bad planning on the public transportation people, with NO REPERCUSSION ON THEIR part might I add? You want less traffic on the road but you are not providing adequate public tpt solutions except to constantly penalise the people who are supporting and financing this country. Everything that has been said sounds like bullshit after bullshit to me.
Advance booking is to encourage taxi drivers to take the booking. WHY SHOULD consumers be PENALISE to PAY more to your unprofessional fleet of taxi drivers? Why should we dangle carrots to irresponsible people who became taxi drivers with both eyes open, and yet get to be choosy and picky about the sort of service they want to provide????
My friend said some argued that Singapore taxi are cheaper than other developed countries. Personally, cheap my arse. And even the so call "pricer" cabs have better service and access to one compared to the case in Singapore. Also, who are you comparing to? Comparing to Australia where the even the minimum wages are many times higher than ours, not to mention normal wages and where almost every family owns a car? Comparing to Japan where they have the most efficient train system even in the REAL Peak hour, and their bus more efficient than ours? Comparing to HK where actually the price is not much more expensive considering the more complex narrow single lanes, and busy traffic and also another country with Their EXCELLENT efficient TRAIN, BUS and MINI BUS network, light years ahead of Singapore?? So what exactly are we comparing? Comparing that other nations actually have a REAL VIABLE alternates for public transport and taxis are really "luxury" while in Singapore, taxis are not luxury alternatives but a necessity because during the REAL PEAK hour, your freaking trains or buses are either too slow, overly jam packed, smelly and wasting my time waiting at the bus stop and station?
Taxi drivers in Singapore, no offence but over the years have grown to be a bunch of whiners and complainers who half the time do not know from one street to street. If you want to be that expensive, then at least have the decency to be professional and knowledgeable. Dont try to price yourself as if you are premium service and then provide half arse service. Everytime I board a cab, the drivers try to justify their ignorance with "Singapore road names are so confusing" excuse. I feel like shutting them up by telling them "Then obviously HK taxi drivers are better, smarter and more efficiency than you bloody lot since HK roads are more complex, narrower, more similar road names, more one way streets and MORE frequent road conditions but THEY never once gave me any grieve and always try to get me out of "jam" conditions from point A to B via the major roads to the small road alleys, some in jolly good mood too." I would most certainly tip a HK taxi driver most days but Singapore drivers, not many have left memorable service in my head in recent years. In terms of living quality, you think HK drivers have it any better? You think their houses are bigger? You think their cost of living is cheaper? So Singapore taxi drivers really dont know how lucky they are.
Initially I had my sympathies but over time I am getting fedup. If you are so pissed about the lack of income, then you taxi drivers SHOULD be banding together against the so call expensive rentals or whatever is preventing you from having a share of the profit. Or if you are so pissed about the long hours, then dont be a taxi driver, You dont enter a known profession with your both eyes wide open, and then complain about the benefits, hours and income. If you want a stable income, then go be a bus driver, truck driver, school bus driver or whatever that will match up to your expectation of a stable income. You do not enter a profession such as taxi drivers and then complain you dont earn enough money. It is not the first time we consumers keep hearing taxi drivers complaining not enough earnings, so for those who enter or continue to stay in this trade, suck it up and do your best instead of fleecing your consumers over and over again over the same old "fuel price has risen" excuse. When the fuel price fall, do you reduce your price? No. Says it all doesnt it?
It's not like ALL taxi passengers are rich just because they can hail a cab. Different people take cabs for different reasons. The people who are RICH will be driving and not taking your damn cab. It's exactly people who tries to be economical but needs to rush hence flagging for a cab. Taxi drivers and companies alike should stop treating and thinking that "just because you are taking a cab over a train or a bus means you must be rich enough or richer than me" attitude. Even if you dont think that way, you should are fleecing me enough to make me feel that way.
I understand price have to increase, but no one increases their pocket earning using so many form of excuses as in Singapore Taxi companies do. Do they think we are stupid or that HK dont incur fuel cost increase? But hello, they only increase from HK$18 to HK$20 flag down rate recently. No stupid ERP, NO stupid city surcharging. No stupid peak hour charges. $2HK dollar translate to about 35cents in Singapore currency. So can someone explain to me how is it that in HK, facing similar fuel increase and economical climate and standard of living, taxi drivers seem to cope better and whine less about the need to defray costs?
I really love to see what so call CASE can do about this ridiculous slap to the helpless consumers.
Oh, not that I expect anything positive for consumers to actually happen to prevent such callous price hike. If it does, its the same day I believe in the existence of tooth fairy and santa.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1169537/1/.html
What REALLY ticks me off when I read the article was this sentence was the urging of National taxi Association urging other operators to adjust their fares as soon as possible. What happen to demand and supply? What happen to so call market forces? What happen to consumer protectionism against Mafia-like Oligopoly? What is the point of having 6 taxi companies when they are ALL ACTING AS ONE? Is this the so call competitiveness in Singapore? Is this so call the way to "bring about efficiency and price fairness" in Singapore? I dont know about you but this sure stinks of price collusion not unlike trade monopoly, with price hike led by the BIG BROTHER with the biggest voice, muscles and fleets.
I almost laughed at the blatant fleecing veiled by their weak attempt of justification.
Peak hour in the morning is now 6am-9.30am while evening starts from 6pm - midnight.
Firstly, do these so call NTA and shareholders understand the true definition of PEAK HOUR??? Peak hour is defined loosely by common understanding as the "BUSIEST" time in a range of 24hours. From 6am - midnite, How can 9.5hours out of the supposed waking 18hours be peak hours?
You are telling me in Singapore between 6-7am and after 9pm there are ALOT OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD? If that is so, something is either seriously wrong with our lifestyle, or something is seriously wrong with the govt approach to balanced family life, and govt road planning. So who wants to own up for their failure? What family life is there to talk about if peak hour on the roads are inclusive 9pm -12am? I mean, peak hour means everyone is out and about right? That's why it's peak. So who's home to enjoy so call family life? Oh yes, not the poor hardworking lot of Singaporean residents. Where would all these so call busy traffic comes from? Peak hour to who? Peak hour to where? Peak hour based on what??? So does that mean that when the calls increase, the peak hour range gets broader and broader? Then you must as well add a non peak hour cash back incentive and reward me for not taxing your drivers too much.
To me, the night peak hour is ridiculous and liken to a slap in the face because we consumers have no rights or say in anything about this false and weak justification of price hike.
Moreover, why do we have to pay city surcharges when we are already compensating by paying ERP. In the first place, taxi drivers wont even want to come to city unless they already have an existing customers heading that way or on call. So why the hell are we being penalised twice just to get a cab service? If this is the way to so call "curb" traffic then how does slapping a surcharge helps in reducing the fine if people still pay for it? Plus how do you expect people not to opt for a cab when your stinking public transport such as bus and train are bursting at its seam and UNABLE TO COPE with the demand in the first place due to poor foresight and bad planning on the public transportation people, with NO REPERCUSSION ON THEIR part might I add? You want less traffic on the road but you are not providing adequate public tpt solutions except to constantly penalise the people who are supporting and financing this country. Everything that has been said sounds like bullshit after bullshit to me.
Advance booking is to encourage taxi drivers to take the booking. WHY SHOULD consumers be PENALISE to PAY more to your unprofessional fleet of taxi drivers? Why should we dangle carrots to irresponsible people who became taxi drivers with both eyes open, and yet get to be choosy and picky about the sort of service they want to provide????
My friend said some argued that Singapore taxi are cheaper than other developed countries. Personally, cheap my arse. And even the so call "pricer" cabs have better service and access to one compared to the case in Singapore. Also, who are you comparing to? Comparing to Australia where the even the minimum wages are many times higher than ours, not to mention normal wages and where almost every family owns a car? Comparing to Japan where they have the most efficient train system even in the REAL Peak hour, and their bus more efficient than ours? Comparing to HK where actually the price is not much more expensive considering the more complex narrow single lanes, and busy traffic and also another country with Their EXCELLENT efficient TRAIN, BUS and MINI BUS network, light years ahead of Singapore?? So what exactly are we comparing? Comparing that other nations actually have a REAL VIABLE alternates for public transport and taxis are really "luxury" while in Singapore, taxis are not luxury alternatives but a necessity because during the REAL PEAK hour, your freaking trains or buses are either too slow, overly jam packed, smelly and wasting my time waiting at the bus stop and station?
Taxi drivers in Singapore, no offence but over the years have grown to be a bunch of whiners and complainers who half the time do not know from one street to street. If you want to be that expensive, then at least have the decency to be professional and knowledgeable. Dont try to price yourself as if you are premium service and then provide half arse service. Everytime I board a cab, the drivers try to justify their ignorance with "Singapore road names are so confusing" excuse. I feel like shutting them up by telling them "Then obviously HK taxi drivers are better, smarter and more efficiency than you bloody lot since HK roads are more complex, narrower, more similar road names, more one way streets and MORE frequent road conditions but THEY never once gave me any grieve and always try to get me out of "jam" conditions from point A to B via the major roads to the small road alleys, some in jolly good mood too." I would most certainly tip a HK taxi driver most days but Singapore drivers, not many have left memorable service in my head in recent years. In terms of living quality, you think HK drivers have it any better? You think their houses are bigger? You think their cost of living is cheaper? So Singapore taxi drivers really dont know how lucky they are.
Initially I had my sympathies but over time I am getting fedup. If you are so pissed about the lack of income, then you taxi drivers SHOULD be banding together against the so call expensive rentals or whatever is preventing you from having a share of the profit. Or if you are so pissed about the long hours, then dont be a taxi driver, You dont enter a known profession with your both eyes wide open, and then complain about the benefits, hours and income. If you want a stable income, then go be a bus driver, truck driver, school bus driver or whatever that will match up to your expectation of a stable income. You do not enter a profession such as taxi drivers and then complain you dont earn enough money. It is not the first time we consumers keep hearing taxi drivers complaining not enough earnings, so for those who enter or continue to stay in this trade, suck it up and do your best instead of fleecing your consumers over and over again over the same old "fuel price has risen" excuse. When the fuel price fall, do you reduce your price? No. Says it all doesnt it?
It's not like ALL taxi passengers are rich just because they can hail a cab. Different people take cabs for different reasons. The people who are RICH will be driving and not taking your damn cab. It's exactly people who tries to be economical but needs to rush hence flagging for a cab. Taxi drivers and companies alike should stop treating and thinking that "just because you are taking a cab over a train or a bus means you must be rich enough or richer than me" attitude. Even if you dont think that way, you should are fleecing me enough to make me feel that way.
I understand price have to increase, but no one increases their pocket earning using so many form of excuses as in Singapore Taxi companies do. Do they think we are stupid or that HK dont incur fuel cost increase? But hello, they only increase from HK$18 to HK$20 flag down rate recently. No stupid ERP, NO stupid city surcharging. No stupid peak hour charges. $2HK dollar translate to about 35cents in Singapore currency. So can someone explain to me how is it that in HK, facing similar fuel increase and economical climate and standard of living, taxi drivers seem to cope better and whine less about the need to defray costs?
I really love to see what so call CASE can do about this ridiculous slap to the helpless consumers.
Oh, not that I expect anything positive for consumers to actually happen to prevent such callous price hike. If it does, its the same day I believe in the existence of tooth fairy and santa.
RSVP-ing???
Received an E-Invite today.
It reads "RSVP-ing with your attendance...blab blah"
Is there even such a word as RSVP-ing????? RSVP translates from French to mean Please reply in plain English. So how can "Please reply-ing" be anything but super WRONG??
I dont know if it was the Singapore wedding organisors or my frends who wrote that message but it really ticks me when I read it. I dont know why but it did. Just felt that people really should try to understand what they write before they write it, or stick to a language you understand or in this case, just write in good old plain English. Dont try to over think. Dont try to be smart. Dont try to be different. Why in the first place must you use RSVP if you are not sure if u need to add "-ing"? What is wrong with "please reply?" I m not living in France nor am I French, dont need to use RSVP with me if you dont want to. It is not demanded that RSVP must be used.
So my indirect reply to my friends were, I would be happy "to reply" but having "to replying" seems so wrong at all count.
Yes. I am a bitch when it comes to bad use of language. I am not perfect in the medium but at least I try to be as much as I can.
It reads "RSVP-ing with your attendance...blab blah"
Is there even such a word as RSVP-ing????? RSVP translates from French to mean Please reply in plain English. So how can "Please reply-ing" be anything but super WRONG??
I dont know if it was the Singapore wedding organisors or my frends who wrote that message but it really ticks me when I read it. I dont know why but it did. Just felt that people really should try to understand what they write before they write it, or stick to a language you understand or in this case, just write in good old plain English. Dont try to over think. Dont try to be smart. Dont try to be different. Why in the first place must you use RSVP if you are not sure if u need to add "-ing"? What is wrong with "please reply?" I m not living in France nor am I French, dont need to use RSVP with me if you dont want to. It is not demanded that RSVP must be used.
So my indirect reply to my friends were, I would be happy "to reply" but having "to replying" seems so wrong at all count.
Yes. I am a bitch when it comes to bad use of language. I am not perfect in the medium but at least I try to be as much as I can.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Conversations in the Kitchen
Was busy cooking dinner when my husband got back. He popped into the kitchen and asked if I needed help.
"Could you help stir the rice before scooping?" I said to him.
So my man took the rice scooper and said this as he opened the lid.
"My wife told me to stir you up. I shall stir you up.
SO.. You think you are sooooo Fluffy Mr Rice?"
It had me laughing for a good 5mins starting from there.
These are one of those moments that I thank god for a witty partner.
"Could you help stir the rice before scooping?" I said to him.
So my man took the rice scooper and said this as he opened the lid.
"My wife told me to stir you up. I shall stir you up.
SO.. You think you are sooooo Fluffy Mr Rice?"
It had me laughing for a good 5mins starting from there.
These are one of those moments that I thank god for a witty partner.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Travel Log: Eating at Sushi Dai@ Tsukiji Fish Market
The last time I was here in Tsukiji was many years ago, before the ban of visitors in the auction site. I didnt bother then, I didnt bother now. I came here the last time but I missed out on the 2 famous sushi joints. This time round, going with my galfrens, we decided to brave the 3 hours long wait in line. You should have seen the shocked expression of my Japanese hotel's concierge when I said 3hours. He thought it was madness! hahaha!
We arrived at 8.30am and the line was already crazy long!!! So it was chatting and playing i-phone to pass time, as well as the eagle eyes of counting how many patrons are going in and out of the tiny place!
Finally after almost 3 hours, we finally reached the "entrance". While waiting from the outside, we peeked into the tiny establishment and started to "grumble" about how slow some people are eating inside. Collectively, we were urging them on from outside to hurry up and eat, stop talking! stop taking pictures! Stop laughing! Just stuff it into your mouth and GO!
What was worse was the old granny in this picture, and the single women. The granny has got to be the world's slowest eater. She probably only chew on one sushi while people next to her had gone on to theor 3rd and 4th!!! It was frustrating to see her eating soooo slowly, and talking, and sipping her tea in ultra slow motion. Ok...after 3 hours, the wait was really killing my feet..and so patience and a growling tummy was not making me the nicest lady on earth.
What was even pissing us lot out here waiting in the cold was this crazy specky woman who brought along her stupid Paddington bear with her. I simply could not believe a grown up woman like her to be taking out her bear and putting it under the sushi serving table, and as she ate, she WAS PATTING and TALKING to her bear! I nearly fainted!!!! Seriously! How old are you again woman?
The meal at Sushi Dai is not Ala-Carte. You get to choose between the Omakase (~3950yen) or the cheaper meal (~2780yen). However, the cheaper option does not give you the Uni (sea urchin) and the Otoro. Which idiot will pass up on fresh Otoro and Uni here in the home ground of fresh seafood?
Ever since I watched the documentary of the increasing pace of possible "extinction" of Blue fin Tuna. I kind of stopped eating Otoro （おトロ）for a year now. However, being in japan, remembering the taste of the soft buttery melting fish, I told myself I would restrict to one piece only. This singular piece made my abstinence from Otoro on other days totally worth while! Just look at the darn marbling!
Sweet tamago. I dont usually eat eggs in Sushi joints. This is an exception. It was warm and not sickly sick!
I have to declare that before this, I had only eaten uni once in my entire life. After which, I always shudder at the thought because the last one I had was terrible. So this time, I confronted my usual disdain and popped this straight into my mouth. I had the greatest shock in my life.
The damn Uni （ウニ）was sooooo freaking sweet! It was almost like it was raised in syrup water or something. I have never ever expected or tasted any seafood so sweet! It was OH MY GOD goodness! If my eyes could grow any wider, it would be popping out of its socket! I am officially a converted fan of Uni in Japan!!! It's orangey, its not even the weak plastic yellow sick looking shit you see in some stores outside Japan. This is the real deal!
Marinated tuna. Its fresh but doesnt have that wow factor for me.
Before I left, I waved for a happy shot for all the chefs I am thankful for the good meal today! Thanks guys for your hard work.
こころから、感謝しました！ごちそうさまでした！（お腹がいっぱいですよ！）
We arrived at 8.30am and the line was already crazy long!!! So it was chatting and playing i-phone to pass time, as well as the eagle eyes of counting how many patrons are going in and out of the tiny place!
By this time, most of the other stalls are empty except for sushi dai which still has a long long long line waiting to enter their premises just for a taste of their infamous fresh sushi. So like the many others before and after us, we stood in line patiently waiting..and waiting..and waiting....
Finally after almost 3 hours, we finally reached the "entrance". While waiting from the outside, we peeked into the tiny establishment and started to "grumble" about how slow some people are eating inside. Collectively, we were urging them on from outside to hurry up and eat, stop talking! stop taking pictures! Stop laughing! Just stuff it into your mouth and GO!
What was worse was the old granny in this picture, and the single women. The granny has got to be the world's slowest eater. She probably only chew on one sushi while people next to her had gone on to theor 3rd and 4th!!! It was frustrating to see her eating soooo slowly, and talking, and sipping her tea in ultra slow motion. Ok...after 3 hours, the wait was really killing my feet..and so patience and a growling tummy was not making me the nicest lady on earth.
What was even pissing us lot out here waiting in the cold was this crazy specky woman who brought along her stupid Paddington bear with her. I simply could not believe a grown up woman like her to be taking out her bear and putting it under the sushi serving table, and as she ate, she WAS PATTING and TALKING to her bear! I nearly fainted!!!! Seriously! How old are you again woman?
Probably hearing our curses from outside, the old granny and the crazy paddington bear woman stood up and left. Clearing out seats so that the next 7 of us could get in and have our turn. The chefs were still so damn chirpy after 7 hours since they opened shop, excluding the buying fish hours. How the hell do they do it? Smiling away, working away... RESPECT!
The meal at Sushi Dai is not Ala-Carte. You get to choose between the Omakase (~3950yen) or the cheaper meal (~2780yen). However, the cheaper option does not give you the Uni (sea urchin) and the Otoro. Which idiot will pass up on fresh Otoro and Uni here in the home ground of fresh seafood?
Ever since I watched the documentary of the increasing pace of possible "extinction" of Blue fin Tuna. I kind of stopped eating Otoro （おトロ）for a year now. However, being in japan, remembering the taste of the soft buttery melting fish, I told myself I would restrict to one piece only. This singular piece made my abstinence from Otoro on other days totally worth while! Just look at the darn marbling!
I have to declare that before this, I had only eaten uni once in my entire life. After which, I always shudder at the thought because the last one I had was terrible. So this time, I confronted my usual disdain and popped this straight into my mouth. I had the greatest shock in my life.
The damn Uni （ウニ）was sooooo freaking sweet! It was almost like it was raised in syrup water or something. I have never ever expected or tasted any seafood so sweet! It was OH MY GOD goodness! If my eyes could grow any wider, it would be popping out of its socket! I am officially a converted fan of Uni in Japan!!! It's orangey, its not even the weak plastic yellow sick looking shit you see in some stores outside Japan. This is the real deal!
This fellow arrived on my table still wriggling and moving. I was all ready to pop it into my mouth when my galfren grabbed my arm and asked "Will it stick to my tongue?" I started laughing. Of course not! This is not octopus! It's shellfish! The taste was unbelievably fresh!
I typically hate to eat fish that you can see pieces of skin on it. They tend to be very fishy. Frying them seemed to be the only way to eat them without the repulsive stench in Asia cooking. However, when my gf and I pop this into our mouth, we were completely stunned by the fact that it was sweet and not a single smelly fishy taste! This is what freshness is about!!!!!
いくらもおいしいですよ！
At the end of the Omakase meal. You get to choose the last sushi of your choice. I was undecided between Otoro and Uni. Otoro was obviously more expensive but since I dont typically eat Uni elsewhere, I went for my second uni...no regrets there! My gf picked chu-toro (semi fatty toro) and she said it was equally good!
Before I left, I waved for a happy shot for all the chefs I am thankful for the good meal today! Thanks guys for your hard work.
こころから、感謝しました！ごちそうさまでした！（お腹がいっぱいですよ！）
Travel Log: Hiking at Mitake San, Greater Tokyo Japan
About time to catch up on my posts after hidden away to mug for my papers.
During the trip to Tokyo this time, I decided to go on a lovely hike. I couldnt decide Mount Takao or Mount Mitake. Since my partner had initially wanted to go hiking, I thought I would leave the Takao for him while I checked out Mitake. In the end with all the shopping, we didnt end up going to Mount Takao...partially also being that my toes were covered with blisters from all the walking...wrong socks for my boots...
I did have a lovely time at Mitake though it was a pretty long train travel ride from Roppongi to get there, about close to 2 hours. I set off pretty late so I kinda reached my destination about 1pm instead of the insteaded 11am.
The cable car up wasnt very cheap either but I definitely did enjoy my 4-5hours there alone by myself. The peace and quiet nestled amongst nature...it's really quite liberating. Of course my Japanese friends after I got back were pretty surprised that I went hiking alone. They thought I was brave and I was like huh? If I cannot go hiking alone in Japan, where else on this planet can I do it? Right?!! Would never entertain the thought in any western countries, now that's for sure!
This was the welcoming view at the top after you get off the cable car. Since I was only afforded one sunny day during the week there, this was pretty precious moment for me. To see the mountains, the colours was quite a "wow" moment.
The best was seeing the autumn foliage (紅葉）this trip. There werent as much as I hoped for but I had a kick seeing the tall trees and green moss rocks etc too
The photo is deceiving... it doesnt capture how freaking steep the slope was! If I must judge, it probably looked like 80degrees gradient...even the Japanese gals next to me were screaming "ええ！！”in disbelief! No one ever said general Japanese gals were athletic for sure... I had to admire those Japanese old grannies and fathers...hobbling along on their walking stick despite their legs not being 100%....Respect!!! Makes one want to slap those whiny brats these days...
One of the attraction is the Mitake Temple. It's nice but not spectacular or anything.
This was like some shrine for the fox? There was some meaning to it but I have forgotten it now. Some of the Japanese old mothers seemed to be rather cautious around this particular shrine, whatever it is, I aint sticking around long to risk offending the "deities".
As one descend down the slope from the temple which is located at the very top, one will be rewarded with a lovely view on the left. I was lucky to catch one lovely Japanese lady to take a picture for me, and she actually knows how to use a camera properly. Lucky!
The start of my hiking journey...the whole trip started really on a very very vague note. There was no map...no trails or explanation or pointing signage except one inconspicuous "To the Rock Garden"sign.
It doesnt tell you how far or how long. It was like embarking on an unknown adventure. Works well for me. I love a good challenge anytime. I love long walks anyway. So as I made my way along this path that seemed to stretch forever, I finally came to a "resting" spot after like 20mins. The first group of people I had encountered, and little did I know that they would be one of the last few groups too. Lol
It was really a lovely scenic spot for families. Friends and family chatting away. Pets roaming freely and happily. It's like those fairy tale lifestyle one tells you about. Everyone is polite and friendly, and civic minded.
As I moved along, my scenery started to change. On my right is high steep slopes upwards, and on my right are steep downward slopes, filled with tall lean trees. I couldnt even see where they start or end at some point. Once again I travelled down the unmarked hiking path with no idea where I will end up. Just 5mins into my journey, I met an approaching pair of Japanese folks who was probably like me, had no idea how far the journey will take.
Obasan asked me "Are we near the temple yet?" I laughed and told her not too far, another 20mins or so. She looked like she was about to faint before she thanked me and went along. On hindsight, perhaps I should have asked her how long it took them to get here! I didnt...and so unknowingly, for the next 3hours on from here I didnt meet anyone else and still didnt know where my destination was...I was utterly, completely alone in the woods.
Fear wasnt in my head.
"How cool is this? Dont get this in Hk and Sg for sure!" was more on my mind. At this point, i was bubbling with excitement at the notion of what I will see next.
As i continued my journey onwards, I was thinking...did these trails developed over time or was it actually "man made?" Almost tripped over some roots and I was like woahh!!! I definitely dont want to try rolling down those slopes on my left!
I finally saw some signs at a cross junction...to Mitake san or to the rock garden..still no detailed information..so forward march I go!
Just when I was starting to wonder about my "hiking choice", I finally spotted this Tengou sign. At least now I have a vague idea of how far away I am from the cable car.
It was a tricky navigation down those rocky path. Sneakers are not the best hiking shoes for such damn conditions...the rocks were definitely not as "harmless" as they appear. For someone who hates going downhill, I had to watch my footing with additional help from my fingers....
Finally, after all the rocks and trees, I was rewarded with a small stream with mossy rocks. It was quite lovely and serene really. The birds and all.
I was totally in love here. Blissful. Lucky. Happy. All the feeling of joy and happiness runs through me as I stand in the middle of this spectacular nature. The long forgotten peace of just soaking in nature.
It was at this point that I encountered 3 other male hikers. I actually felt safer when I was alone....but they took some shots and moved on...without me realising, I was alone all over again. The weirdest part was I didnt know where they went?! I thought this was the dead end but apparently it wasnt! Further down along the stream, there were 3 boulders and if you look carefully and ignore the water running under, you could actually step on them to cross over to the other narrow walking path! Boy! This is really an adventure! Not long, I finally saw some more signs.
Apparently, if you are a serious hiker, one could walk from Mount Mitake to the connecting mountains Mount Kami-Takaiwa via the connecting wooden planks "bridge". I didnt, I went straight on for the Ayahiro waterfall because it said it would take 20mins. It was already 4pm. The last cable car leaves at 6pm. I didnt have much time and considering it took me over 3hours to reach this point, I had to run like mad to get back or I will be stuck in the woods in the cold! All I had was water.
So it was more upward climb for me....I kept looking at my watch now. Much that I would love to see the waterfall, I really dont want to miss the cable car. Afterall, no one else knew I was here.
After 20mins, I saw this board. I realise then I didnt have enough time to make it to the top and back in time. It was with great disappointment that I knew I had to turn back and give the water rapids a miss. It was quite an anti climax end to my adventure really....still, the cable car is calling and I ran as fast as my legs could carry me... UPHILL back.
What surprised me actually was how fast it took me to come back to the starting point at the temple! It only took me 1hour! I suppose it took me longer the first time because i didnt know where I was heading and plus all the photo taking took up time. While catching my breathe, I saw these lovely budding flowers...it was a treat.
As I half ran and walk to the final destination, the japanese mothers behind me was commenting how brave I had hiked alone. Seriously, is it that rare? While waiting for my 5.20pm cable, I took one last view from the top of what I was leaving behind. I had a great day.
After arriving at the bottom of the hill, we still had to wait for the bus to take us back to the train station. It was a 10mins wait in the cold. By the time I reached the station, it was about close to 6pm. How quickly darkness fell.
The transfer was as efficient as Japan trains are known for and the crowd while aplenty, wasnt as bad as I feared. Perhaps the efficiency of the train took the edge off. At the end of the day, my feet were sore because sneakers are not ideal walking shoes and my big toes are bruised. Still, after a good hot bath soak, and a plentiful fresh sushi dinner. I felt nothing but absolute contentment.
Life is truly beautiful when one stopped to smell the "roses".
During the trip to Tokyo this time, I decided to go on a lovely hike. I couldnt decide Mount Takao or Mount Mitake. Since my partner had initially wanted to go hiking, I thought I would leave the Takao for him while I checked out Mitake. In the end with all the shopping, we didnt end up going to Mount Takao...partially also being that my toes were covered with blisters from all the walking...wrong socks for my boots...
I did have a lovely time at Mitake though it was a pretty long train travel ride from Roppongi to get there, about close to 2 hours. I set off pretty late so I kinda reached my destination about 1pm instead of the insteaded 11am.
The cable car up wasnt very cheap either but I definitely did enjoy my 4-5hours there alone by myself. The peace and quiet nestled amongst nature...it's really quite liberating. Of course my Japanese friends after I got back were pretty surprised that I went hiking alone. They thought I was brave and I was like huh? If I cannot go hiking alone in Japan, where else on this planet can I do it? Right?!! Would never entertain the thought in any western countries, now that's for sure!
This was like some shrine for the fox? There was some meaning to it but I have forgotten it now. Some of the Japanese old mothers seemed to be rather cautious around this particular shrine, whatever it is, I aint sticking around long to risk offending the "deities".
The start of my hiking journey...the whole trip started really on a very very vague note. There was no map...no trails or explanation or pointing signage except one inconspicuous "To the Rock Garden"sign.
It doesnt tell you how far or how long. It was like embarking on an unknown adventure. Works well for me. I love a good challenge anytime. I love long walks anyway. So as I made my way along this path that seemed to stretch forever, I finally came to a "resting" spot after like 20mins. The first group of people I had encountered, and little did I know that they would be one of the last few groups too. Lol
It was really a lovely scenic spot for families. Friends and family chatting away. Pets roaming freely and happily. It's like those fairy tale lifestyle one tells you about. Everyone is polite and friendly, and civic minded.
As I moved along, my scenery started to change. On my right is high steep slopes upwards, and on my right are steep downward slopes, filled with tall lean trees. I couldnt even see where they start or end at some point. Once again I travelled down the unmarked hiking path with no idea where I will end up. Just 5mins into my journey, I met an approaching pair of Japanese folks who was probably like me, had no idea how far the journey will take.
Obasan asked me "Are we near the temple yet?" I laughed and told her not too far, another 20mins or so. She looked like she was about to faint before she thanked me and went along. On hindsight, perhaps I should have asked her how long it took them to get here! I didnt...and so unknowingly, for the next 3hours on from here I didnt meet anyone else and still didnt know where my destination was...I was utterly, completely alone in the woods.
Fear wasnt in my head.
"How cool is this? Dont get this in Hk and Sg for sure!" was more on my mind. At this point, i was bubbling with excitement at the notion of what I will see next.
Just when I was starting to wonder about my "hiking choice", I finally spotted this Tengou sign. At least now I have a vague idea of how far away I am from the cable car.
I was totally in love here. Blissful. Lucky. Happy. All the feeling of joy and happiness runs through me as I stand in the middle of this spectacular nature. The long forgotten peace of just soaking in nature.
It was at this point that I encountered 3 other male hikers. I actually felt safer when I was alone....but they took some shots and moved on...without me realising, I was alone all over again. The weirdest part was I didnt know where they went?! I thought this was the dead end but apparently it wasnt! Further down along the stream, there were 3 boulders and if you look carefully and ignore the water running under, you could actually step on them to cross over to the other narrow walking path! Boy! This is really an adventure! Not long, I finally saw some more signs.
Apparently, if you are a serious hiker, one could walk from Mount Mitake to the connecting mountains Mount Kami-Takaiwa via the connecting wooden planks "bridge". I didnt, I went straight on for the Ayahiro waterfall because it said it would take 20mins. It was already 4pm. The last cable car leaves at 6pm. I didnt have much time and considering it took me over 3hours to reach this point, I had to run like mad to get back or I will be stuck in the woods in the cold! All I had was water.
After 20mins, I saw this board. I realise then I didnt have enough time to make it to the top and back in time. It was with great disappointment that I knew I had to turn back and give the water rapids a miss. It was quite an anti climax end to my adventure really....still, the cable car is calling and I ran as fast as my legs could carry me... UPHILL back.
What surprised me actually was how fast it took me to come back to the starting point at the temple! It only took me 1hour! I suppose it took me longer the first time because i didnt know where I was heading and plus all the photo taking took up time. While catching my breathe, I saw these lovely budding flowers...it was a treat.
As I half ran and walk to the final destination, the japanese mothers behind me was commenting how brave I had hiked alone. Seriously, is it that rare? While waiting for my 5.20pm cable, I took one last view from the top of what I was leaving behind. I had a great day.
After arriving at the bottom of the hill, we still had to wait for the bus to take us back to the train station. It was a 10mins wait in the cold. By the time I reached the station, it was about close to 6pm. How quickly darkness fell.
The transfer was as efficient as Japan trains are known for and the crowd while aplenty, wasnt as bad as I feared. Perhaps the efficiency of the train took the edge off. At the end of the day, my feet were sore because sneakers are not ideal walking shoes and my big toes are bruised. Still, after a good hot bath soak, and a plentiful fresh sushi dinner. I felt nothing but absolute contentment.
Life is truly beautiful when one stopped to smell the "roses".
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