Got Our JAL Coupon

Look what came to our doorstep on Friday. Our JAL coupons that I redeemed my JAL mileage for. We had initially thought of using these coupons to pay for our stay at Nikko Hotel in Japan, but the room rates were higher on the dates that we wanted to go (as opposed to the dates we initially chosen in December); what with Sept 21 - 23 being a public holiday and a long weekend in Japan and all. We don't really want to spend all that much for a hotel stay because we might as well to use the money for souvenir shopping! ^-^

So, we'll probably use this coupon to purchase something. We'll see...

Redeeming them was relatively painless. I did it online and less than a week later, I got our coupons! Talk about speedy delivery;
all the way from Japan via DHL.

Keeping Tab Of Expenses While On Vacation

When you are vacationing, do you keep tab of all your expenses? For expenses with receipts, it is easier because we do keep all our receipts. But how about non-receipted (is there such a word?) expenses. Easy! Just take a photo of them like this one below:We take photos of our train tickets purchase, bus tickets, drinks from vending machines, gachapons bought, everything. Our expenses was always accounted for, right down to the last yen. Old habits die hard, because that's how we keep track of our daily expenses. And we don't charge anything that is not budgeted. We are quite frugal in spending money overseas.

And at the end of each day, Zaini will collate everything, jot them down in a notebook and balance them (just like when we used to work in Operations department in a bank. LOL)

We still have receipts from our previous trips kept nicely in a drawer. They are to us, souvenirs from all our trips.

If I Can't Go To Japan, Let Me Fly To Switzerland Instead

One thing I love about vacationing in Japan is the level of service there. Now, if you are like me and been used to scowling and grumpy hotel staff (I see this a lot here, unfortunately) good service is a breath of fresh air and something that I sought for. The coming trip will be our 6th trip (5th for Raimie) to Japan. A colleague asked me whether I have no interest in visiting other countries and I think if I can't go to Japan, I'd like to visit Switzerland.

Going to a Swiss Hotel would be a great experience for me and my family. I'll look forward to experiencing what it means for a "Typically Swiss" experience. From what I gather it meant Service that is a touch more personal, an atmosphere that is authentic, food that is surprisingly down to earth - Typically Swiss is no empty promise, but rather the badge of honour for a hotel experience to be had only in Switzerland.

For a romantic getaway for me and Zaini, I'd love to go country inns or somewhere in the countryside or the mountains and enjoy the breathtaking view Switzerland can offer like the one below. Imagine waking up to such view.

I wouldn't say no to staying in this hotel. A stylish hotel, right down to the smallest detail. Sounds like the Hotel for me! If you are planning for a vacation, why don't you check out Switzerland and enjoy a Swiss Hotels experience! I know I will.

Vacationing During The Fasting Month

Almost everyone who knows me know that we'll be vacationing in Japan during the Ramadhan month and we'll be fasting for last few days of Ramadhan there. A few had shown concerns over the fact that they think we might not fast while in Japan. For non-Muslims to ask, I will gladly tell them in detail that wherever we are in this world, we'll still fast if we are well and in good health. But for fellow Muslims to show concern shows of a low opinion of me and my faith, don't you think?

Anyway, fasting while vacationing should pretty much be like any day except that both Zaini and I don't need to go to work! But we do need to keep our activities in check to avoid dehydration. I for one do not believe that one should slow down on everyday activities just because one is fasting! Of course, I won't plan on running a marathon when I'm fasting! Heck, I already suspended my gym membership for a month.

We will arrive Tokyo on Sep 16 which is 5 days before the end of Ramadhan and the start of Syawal on which we Muslims will celebrate Aidilfitri (Eid-ul-fitr). Unlike in Kuala Lumpur where the imsak is around 5.40am and the iftar (breaking fast) around 7.20pm; it is at 3.30am and 6.30am respectively in Tokyo.

I jokingly tell my friends that it's good to travel while fasting. We get to save a few $$$ by not eating lunch!

To Yuzu Japanese Restaurant For Lunch

Another lunch out for me, after eating at The Boulevard Hotel on Friday and at Tony Roma's on Monday. Today, I had the good fortune of meeting up with Foongpc of My Very First Blog and our meeting place was at Yuzu Japanese Restaurant in The Gardens Mall. Any guess on who suggested the venue? :D

Sorry guys, no photo of the man himself, but you can look at what he chose for lunch. :) He went for the Yuzu Gozen set priced at RM48.00

I went for a cheaper meal and chose from the set lunch option. There are two options; the other one was Unagi & Sushi set (forgot the correct name). I went for the Sake Kabuto set priced at RM15.95.

If you want more photos, I guess you have to shimmy over to Foong's blog; when (and if) he posts about this lunch because I only took a couple. I totally forgot to bring my camera! Old age must be creeping fast on me. LOL

It was really fun meeting Foong. We had a two hour lunch there! Sorry Foong if I talk too much. Don't know whether all my jabbering bore him to death. ^-^

And he kindly brought me a souvenir from Guilin:

Hopefully we'll meet again after my trip to Japan. Deal?

Guide To Japan

A brief introduction to Japan, for anyone wanting to know a little bit of Japan.

Can't wait to get there! ;D

Common Sense Went Down The Drain

H1N1, earthquake, economic slowdown... rational people would stay home and be safe but then, we have never been all that rational anyway.

Want to guess how long we'll be in Japan this time? The answer is...

jeng...



jeng...



jeng...
We are celebrating the Hari Raya in Tokyo this year!

A New Haircut

Well, not really new because I had my hair cut last month. Seems like my hairstyle is all the rage now.

My hairstylist told me that she's cutting my hair in honour of my obsession towards Japan, so she'll go for a Japanese doll look. LOL

My hair now is shorter than what I'm used to, and I'm loving it. Foong, you know how I look and to find me when (or if) we meet up next week. :-)

Visa To Enter Japan

Just something to refresh us about visa application to Japan, if we need to go and apply someday. (For some strange reason, the Japan Embassy website is blocked at my office). Weird...

Read about the experience of me getting a visa last year here.

For Malaysian applicants applying for a holiday/transit visa, the documents required are:

1. Original passport
2. One (1) visa application form (downloadable)
3. One (1) photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm) with white background which is taken within 6 months from the visa application and must be pasted on the application form
4. Itinerary in Japan (downloadable) and for transit purpose, copy of visa to the main destination (USA, CANADA, etc)
5. Employment certificate stating your position, department in the company and length of service(using the company letterhead)
   
   *If you are a sole proprietor/partner/owner of the company, you need to submit a copy of your business registration
   
   *For those who are not working: a self explanatory letter stating how expenses will be borne, name and relationship of person(s) accompanying (if any)
6. Personal savings, latest current account statement, fixed deposit, Tabung Haji or Amanah Saham Berhad (ASB) (original certified true copy by the bank) (need to show the applicant’s name as the account owner, account number and current balance)
7. Copy of marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children) to show proof of relationship between the main applicant and the person(s) accompanying

Applicants are no longer required to submit confirmed flight itinerary issued by travel agent. Instead of that, applicants must submit tentative itinerary in Japan where they do not have to book for ticket. Please take note that tourist/business travelers who hold a short stay visa are required to show return ticket at the entry point.

Although it wasn't mentioned above, we are required to show that we have at least RM6,000.00 per person in our accounts. The three of us should show at least RM18,000.00 to ensure our visa will be approved.

Remembering Hiroshima

64 years ago today, the atomic bombs detonated over Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. on Aug 6, 1945 and three days later over Nagasaki at 11:02 a.m.

Do read JahRera's (Kak Lela) post too here and ponder over our need and race for power.

I Uttered My First Korean Word Today!

Nothing much to write but nonsense today. LOL

I'm just being proud of myself for uttering my first Korean word to the nice Korean lady at the Food Gardens food court. I said "Kam-sa-ham-ni-da" to her instead of merely mouthing "thank you". Kinda felt guilty because she made the effort to say a few Malay words to us (she wrote them down in a piece of paper), apart from the extra food she gave us when we were there. This time she gave a bowl of iced watermelon to Raimie.

Next, I need to learn to confidently say "delicious" to her in Korean.