I'm back, really

I'm back and I find myself at the entrance via exit. Following this one and a half week Japan/China trip would be Yf camp! There is a sense of excitement but yet it is very (sadly) engulfed by fatigue. It's 1AM in the morning (few hours to camp), I've not unpacked my luggages from overseas, let alone pack for camp! and I'm sitting here, typing this. Ayy, packing is in the mind, after all.

I did enjoy myself in this trip. I bought a myriad of stuff. Namely, pseudo branded goods. Pseudo is a good word for this situation because I got stuff like some LV wallet (don't know what it stands for, but I heard it's some insanely day light robbery material) for a relatively cheap price. Fake? Perhaps not because these goods are illegal "real" products whereby factories smuggle their excess in order to earn black market profit. Thus, pseudo comes into handy usage. A surfeit of stuff I bought, everything from head to toe. Japanese's latest gel/wax to Adidas shoes from Japan's Factory outlet (not cheap, but still, I NEVER shop so it's now or never kind of situation). I bought a lot of stuff ( in my opinion ). Really.

But I have to admit it feels better. Somewhat.

The gelid floor and the winter wind really made life tough. The temperature fell to below the zero degree mark (not kelvin, mind you!) more often than not. Three layers, gloves, beanies, scarfs were all essentials over their ornamental value. Most food in Japan were steamboat based and since we visited Hokkaido we were treated every meal to somewhat of seafood or it's variant. Salmon became something so common that I hate it now. Kobe Beef, Crabs were optional delights which were served in buffet style with a hefty cost. but still, I don't like buffet because I feel obliged to eat more.

Hotels come in two kinds. The classic western style, a valley system comprised of two beds. Two luggages on the floor and one would be forced to hop around the room (no wonder Japan is so famous for Ninjas). It is surprising how good a hotel would be depends on how competent it's bathroom is. Yes, especially in winter time. Hot baths are definitely something I look forward to.
The other kind, is called the Tatami style or the mattress style. Which I myself have no personal preference. I still think ultimately it depends on the bathroom.

Japanese vending machines should be the 9th wonder of the world. The first day I was caught paralyzed in front a row of vending machines with myriads and myriads of bottled drinks. The variety scares. Intimidated, I settle (usually) for the ones I find in Singapore (or find somewhat familiar), and that is a sad irony. Japanese goods are not cheap, they don't have price tags as lofty as the common goods in Europe but still, they are relatively very expensive. But some stuff are certainly on par, cheaper than their Singaporean counterparts. (rarely though).

The service in Japan is really superb. Impressive I would say. It does take more than words to describe. Furthermore, we made a short transit at China before coming back home and that made the contrast very obvious. China is notorious for Melamine, bad service and bad manners. Somewhat, I agree that Chinese are selfish more than gracious. It's a competitive world where everything is done in haste. Suddenly, we, as tourist, find ourselves looking out for our stuff more than in Japan. Thefts are probably more rampant, pirated goods are more in abundance, and every is just...just...so China. But of course, it does have it's impressive side. It's rapid advancement is one of them, but other than that, I prefer not to go there again.

I don't have much time, and this post is merely meant to be a summary. (yes it actually IS a summary). Time is ticking! The first few days the snow pilled the grounds and all of us engaged in frequent snowball fights. (not exactly balls, but rather, snow flake fight I would say). Snow is good. (good is a word plain enough for snow).

The food...etc...the company...the experience...the bus rides were all one of a kind. I enjoyed myself, but the best was still the touchdown at Changi Airport. the rest will come in the next installment for now I have to pack my stuff and settle myself in bed.