A Moment to Remember : Japan (DAY I)

Travelling really opens up your perspective on Life and People. Sometimes, I felt blessed to have some money and travel to places without even start working. Some people who have leftover money uses it as future investment, saving every penny so that one day, they are able to fund their dream home or car. On the other hand, there are also people who spend whatever earnings they have without sparing a thought on their future.

I see you

I believe both ways are unreasonable. Of course saving money when you are young sounds great but this means you will not have spare money to travel. (It's just I felt that the feel of travelling when young is somehow different from travelling when you're old...) Meanwhile, spending all your money provides instant gratification but in the long run, you will run into debt.

Life is like reviewing journals, you'll never know when you'll finish reviewing...

It has now been exactly four years four months since I arrived in Korea, I felt great and everything is going on well. That feelings when I first arrived to Korea (nervousness and loneliness) were a stark contrast as of what I am feeling right now. It is good to make lots of friends when you are young. 

Personally, I felt university life is generally a time when you really grow up, not void of the responsibility as a young adult and more emotionally stable. Am I right? Of course there is always the outlier! That is another story. In university, we have more freedom and in my case, the decision to score well or not is totally in my hands. During high school, I was pressured to achieve successes sometimes... Sigh... 

(Get a 5 minutes break)

Osaka

Last month, just directly after my finals, I went to Japan. I figured out that since one of my university friends will be meeting my Japanese friends, I thought to myself, why not pay them a visit as well. We booked the flight three days before our departure and the return ticket was 440,700 Won (around 400 US dollar for a two hour trip)! This is almost similar to the plane ticket price for both Shanghai and Taipei (will write that soon). 

Bye Korea, Hello Japan :)

Like everyone, I am always excited to go to new places. After countless trips back to my hometown in Penang, Malaysia, this has became a ritual I am so accustomed to. Thus, I do not have any feeling of an adventure awaiting. However... This is my first trip to Japan... Before going to Japan, I did my visa (30,000 Won) at the Japanese consulate in Busan. (Malaysians do not need a travel visa to Japan from July 1st onward)

We departed from Busan to Kansai Airport in Osaka on 14th of June 2013. When we reached the airport, our adventure had begun. Not trying to be stereotypical or not, I felt Japanese are more orderly and less "noisy" than Korean and Chinese in that order. Sigh... Our plane arrived to Kansai with a majority of the lady passengers clutching Louise Vuitton handbags. I felt Koreans appreciate luxury goods much more than any other Asians I met which is sadly not a pleasant thing to see. Expensive handbags are great but if the purpose of having one is just to flaunt your wealth, then, it's a shame.   

Kansai is a modern, spacious and clean airport. The wide alleys and bright atmosphere invoked a sense of security that I had finally landed into a nice not-located-in-the-capital airport. Penang International Airport and Busan Airport are small in comparison with Kansai. After arriving at the airport, we hurriedly bought bus tickets to Umeda Station (automatic ticket vending machine located outside the airport). Osaka here we come!

"Watashi wa Jin Soon dez, Nihhon-goh Tanaka dez, Malaysia jin dez"

OSAKA!!!

Osaka is the third largest cities in Japan and is ranked as the world's second most expensive cities to live. Osaka is one of the key economic centers in Japan where it's GDP alone surpasses many countries. On the contrary, I felt Osaka is not that expensive when it comes to purchasing basic goods and foodstuffs. Transportation and housing rentals in Osaka are very expensive and that were the reasons why I felt it can sometimes be costly here.    

My 5000 yen per night room...

Our hostel (or the "luxurious inn") is called Chisun Inn located near Esaka Station (after transfering to Senri-chuo station). The room was clean and comfortable but was quite expensive (5000 Yen per night for single room) and rather small. Nevertheless, it was okay. The problem was the "hotel" management was very stringent with the check-in time, around after 2 pm if not mistaken. Most hotels/guesthouses I've been to do not have late check-in time. With no time to spare waiting for our rooms, we hand-in our bags for safekeeping. 

The receptionist was sooooo strong because she can carry both my travel backpack and my friend's hand luggage all by herself. I offered my help instead of her to carry our bags to the safe-keeping room but to no avail. Arming with passport, money, and camera, we began our travel to Osaka. The first thing we did was to find a place to eat! Walking around Osaka in June was surprisingly hot and humid. I observed that the people here dressed conservatively and unlike Korea, there were not many people wearing miniskirts or short pants. Ahem. Or maybe I'll have to wait until night time...

First meal in Japan

The first place we entered was an Udon restaurant. Generally, eating out at such restaurant cost around 450-500 Yen (5 US dollar). Unlike Korea, shops catering for people eating alone are everywhere. I mean everywhere!!! I have to admit that sometimes, I felt a little uncomfortable eating alone especially in McDonald's whenever I travel to Seoul by myself. Strangely, I do not have that feeling when I am in Daegu.

My Muslim friend had prepared a note on what to ask the waiter. It was whether the food contains pork or not in Japanese. Well, with no preparation in Japanese language prior to the trip, I tried to imagine what I will do if I were to ask the waiter. "Oink Oink No No (With a little pork-ish facial expression), Mooo Mooo Yes Yes!". It was funny to think about that sometimes.

Getting to Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

Entrance ticket, a very expensive "bookmark"...

Hi cannon!

After lunch, we went to Osaka Castle (Entry 600 Yen). In my opinion, unless you have a liking for Japanese castles, calligraphy and fluent in Japanese, you will not really enjoy it. Osaka castle was so-so. It was not as big as I had expected. The only highlight was us wearing Japanese Samurai costume (300 Yen). It was fun and hilarious. I saw many Indonesian Chinese, Taiwanese and Koreans. Spoke to the Taiwanese and Indonesian Chinese in the Hokkien dialect and was quite surprise to know that they can understand it. Hokkien dialect is indeed very similar to Taiwanese.

I smell blood...

As expected, I felt that Korean tourists (not those people under school trips) are generally fashionable even under hot weather... :P

Viewed from Umeda Sky Building

Nice!

From Osaka Castle, we continued our journey to the Umeda Sky Building (called "umeda sukai biru" in Japanese). This building to us was extremely difficult to get to from the subway station. After walking around the area located in the crowded city center and asking countless people, we finally made it. 

Because of the heat, I bought various unique ice cream sold at Family Mart (a convenience store). Initially, I had already decided to try out the so-called "Condom ice cream" (I was just curious!) after watching it on YouTube about the strange things you can find in Japan, but I couldn't find one either in Osaka. Sigh.  

Umeda Sky Building was located some distance away from the main city center. Admission is 700 Yen but you can get a discount if you show your international student ID card. Umeda Sky Building is Highly recommended to see the vast expanses of Osaka's concrete jungle. If only we had more time, we would sit, observe and wait for the sun to set, from the top of the building.

Dotonbori

After Umeda, we went to Dotonbori. Dotonbori is a must-visit for everyone coming to Osaka. One sentence to describe it - Crowded, colorful and memorable. To get to Dotonbori, we got off from the Namba station. While walking towards Dotonbori, we stopped by at a curry restaurant where I ordered curry rice. I wanted the beef curry rice but somehow, I accidentally chose pork curry rice (580 Yen). The curry was very delicious!!! I felt like I was back home in Malaysia eating Indian curry!

Love you curry

580 Yen Yummy Curry

I love you curry...

Osaka. It quickly became evident to me that I am now in the food capital of Japan (Tears of joy). If my hometown, Penang is the food capital of Malaysia, I am happy to be in Osaka. The food from both cities are equally great. After taking pictures at the Glico Man signboard landmark, we wandered around. A-must to buy in Osaka is the various Kit Kat chocolates. I regretted not buying most of the Kit Kat here because compared to Kyoto, it was cheaper here. I purchased packs of Green Tea Kit Kat and a pack of Dark chocolate Kit Kat.   

The famous crab...

Okonomiyaki - Osaka Pancake

Spreading the special sauce....

Okonomiyaki, the hardest Japanese food name to remember...

Then, we walked further up to a place where you can see the Kani Doraku Crab. Since we were able to eat some more, I ordered Okonomiyaki (500 Yen) but due to Okonomiyaki containing slices of pork, my friend had to settle for Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a pancake containing mainly shredded cabbage and topped with various sauces. It was so-so.

Don't be deceived... it's worth more than you think...

That's all for our first day in Osaka. I realized that because most of the meals in Japan are around 500 Yen and 500 Yen (around 5 US dollar) is in the form of a small coin. I had the tendency to overspend here... In Korea, the 500 Won coin, similar in size with the 500 Yen coin, can only buy you a small can drink. Here you can get reasonable meal!  

To be continued...

The Story Behind a Temple: Yongjusa (용주사)

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions arriving in South Korea circa 300 AD. During the Shila Dynasty, Buddhism became popular and it was the national religion of Shila in the 5th century. Yongjusa was a well-known temple located in Hwaseong City, just over an hour drive from the center of Seoul.

Getting there:    

Get down at Byeongjeom Station, 병점역 (use Seoul Subway Line 1), this journey will take approximately an hour plus from Seoul Station (서울역). This journey by subway will cost you around 1,850 Won (if paid by cash). Then, take Bus 34-1 to Yongjusa Temple (용주사).

Entrance fee is 1,500 Won for adult or 1,000 Won for youth. Group entry (if more than 30 people) discount is available here. Opens from 8 am to 7 pm. 

The Story:

Some distance from this temple, we can find the royal tombs of Crown Prince Sado and his son King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. According to history, Prince Sado was condemned to death by his own father, King Yeongjo.

He was locked in a rice chest during the hot summer day and after eight days, he died of suffocation. Prince Sado was wrongly prosecuted and died at 27 years old while his son, Jeongjo was still 11 years old.    

Once his son, Jeongjo became the king, he moved his father's grave site from Mt. Baebong in Yangju to Hwasan in Suwon. Hwasan was regarded as the most auspicious site at that time. This was because he was touched by a Dharma from a monk named Bok-yeong about how great parents' love and sacrifices were.

Entrance to the temple housing Buddha statues

The night before the celebration for the completion of temple in 1790 to protect his father's tomb. King Jeongjo dreamt of a dragon flying in the sky with a magic ball in his mouth. After his dream, he named the temple Yongjusa meaning "Temple of Dragon with a Magic Ball".

Based on old records, the temple housed the mortuary tablet of Prince Sado and Princess Gyeongui (Sado's wife) as well as his son, King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoeui. Religious services in commemoration of the four were offered six times a year until the services were forcibly stopped during the Japanese occupation of Korea. 

Our temple guide

Yongjusa is a temple widely equated with filial piety as well as to honor King Jeongjo's love for his father, which continued long after his passing. My trip there was quite interesting because we were fortunate to have a local guide explaining various "national treasure" around the site. Temples in Korea are generally the same but Yongjusa is different in that sense, because it is larger than most temples I've been.

The story of Buddha

Temple stay

I felt it would be much nicer to visit this place during the autumn when the foliage around the temple changes its color. Overall: An educational trip! On a side note, this temple also offers temple stay program for anyone interested in understanding the meaning of filial piety in Buddhism point of view.

"... the gentleman devotes his efforts to the roots, for once the roots are established, the way will grow therefrom. Being good as a son and obedient as a young man is, perhaps, the root of a man’s character..." Confucius.

Just.

KNU Times, after 4 years writing.

나는 한국에 방학 빼고 4년 동안 계속 있었다.

한국에선 오랫동안 살았죠?

나는 내 친구 만나고 난 내 한국어 실력이 항상 비교하고..

아직도 부족한다고 느꼈어

왜 한국사람처럼 한국어 잘할수없니?

난 빨리 잘하고

빨리 배우고

빨리 한국어로 원벽하게 얘기하고

이거저것 다 잘하고 싶어

언어, 생활, 생애, 등 등

원벽

원벽

행복

행복

꼭.

우선 내 한국어 많이 많이 늘려

이후에 중국어

그담은..? 나 충분했어.

언어 더 배우는 이유 없어... 

그때 내 꿈 하나 이루어졌어.

A Moment Back in Time: Gyeongju

Gyeongju (경주) is one of the most historical places in Korea. During the Shila Dynasty, Gyeongju is the capital city and this area encompasses almost two thirds of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, due to its cultural and archaeological importance in relation to the history of Korea, it has one of the most historical sites and is the most-visited place outside major cities. 

At Seokguram

I happen to visit this place a few months ago as Gyeongju is very near to Daegu (my city). Gyeongju resembles a small city, trying to balance its modern development while at the same time, preserving its heritage. Due to the distance of this city far from other major cities, it is not well connected by major railways or does it has an airport.

Map of Gyeongju

Nevertheless, the city's charm lies in its thousand-long years of Korean history and the relative ease of travel by bus. It is recommended to travel to Daegu (from Seoul or anywhere else) if planning to visit Gyeongju, as you can just take a bus (very frequent) from Daegu directly there. Although Gyeongju is also directly accessible by train (albeit taking only the slowest train) from Seoul, it can take almost 5 hours because of the numerous stops along the way. 

From Daegu to Gyeongju

From Daegu Station (if from Dongdaegu Station, 동대구역, the bus station is located outside the station), take a cab to Dongdaegu Express Bus Terminal (동대구 고속버스터미널), after alighting from the cab, walk across the road to the opposite direction to the other bus terminal. Buy your ticket (4,200 Won) and the journey begins.

Bulguksa Temple

In my case, I chose a morning trip (more time to explore this place). My destinations: Bulguksa Temple (불국사) and Seokguram (석굴암) Grotto (both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites). After getting off the bus at the Gyeongju bus terminal, I crossed the road (to the small bus stop) and took a city bus (either Bus no. 10 or 11) to Bulguksa Temple. Cost: 1500 Won.

Gyeongju city bus routes

The bus I took: Bus no. 10 also passes by Gyeongju World (a water park). After that, I took another bus to reach Bulguksa Temple. According to many websites, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most impressive temple in Korea and is the masterpiece of Buddhist art. In my opinion, it was just so-so. Seokguram was interesting. After alighting from the bus, I had to walk a distance to reach this temple. 

The entrance to Seokguram

Seokguram located at the top

Even though, then, the weather was quite hot and humid, the lush trees around the area provided a shady respite. One has to climb up the steps to get inside the temple housing the grotto (behind the panel of glass). Unfortunately, no photography is allowed there. 

Summary of my trip: 

Bus schedule for Bulguksa - Seokguram - Bulguksa

Gyeongju Bus Terminal (Bus no. 10 or 11) --> Bulguksa Temple (Entrance: 4,000 Won) --> Seokguram Grotto (take another bus outside the exit of the Bulguksa Temple). Trip back is the same.

On the way back by Bus no. 10, you can get off at the Anapji (a lotus pond) or the National Museum. Before leaving, don't miss out tasting the delicious 찰보리빵 (Glutinous barley bread, a red bean paste filled pancake and is a little chewier than the ubiquitous Gyeongju bread) and the 경주빵 (Gyeongju bread, a red bean paste bread). 

The Great Gatsby and my Malaysia's Election.

The Great Gatsby: An Unfair End

The Great Gatsby character of Jay Gatsby epitomizes the ideal goals (although partially) of what most guys dream living- successful, wealthy, famous, and so forth. With determination to prove his self worth and hard work, Gatsby focused relentlessly on his goal to achieve his dreams.

"No amount of fire can challenge the fairytale he had stored up in his heart..."

After having read the novel by Scott Fitzgerald many years ago, I am really looking forward for the upcoming movie starred by Leonardo DiCaprio (my favorite actor). Jay Gatsby, although very successful, like some people, he is still obsessed with his lover, Daisy, and this led to his downfall. He cannot let go of loving people, people of his past and get over with it.

My favorite song in this movie (below)... "Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul..."

I hate the ending. I always wonder why an innocent person like Jay will be killed at the end of the story but not the guilty ones - Daisy for killing Tom's mistress, and Tom for accusing Jay as the killer of his mistress to the real husband, Wilson. 

**

My mid term exams ended yesterday. I never really had the chance to enjoy what a normal university student back home would be doing: Hanging out with a group of Malaysians (There's only 2 Malaysians in my university), going home or vote for the first time in my country's general election.  

My exam preparation "sidekick": Prawn Roll!

All gone in less than two days...

Blueberries with yogurt, can add as much as I want. Heavenly...

Gooooodddddd.....

These days, we heard so much about "Changes" in the country. To change our government with big expectation for a better governance under the current opposition or to continue retaining a government who had done so much in terms of development after being in power for more than 50 years, it is a difficult decision.

Penang has developed so much. These days, traffic jams here are a menace and housing prices are skyrocketing without any means of halting them. During my parents time, if we can save enough, we can already afford a decent home. Nowadays, buying a landed property in Penang with earnings as a fresh graduate would be like a far-fetched dream.    

It is simply impossible for young people like us to afford a home. 

As an observer in this upcoming election, it's hard for me to judge both the opposition and the governing party. I am against the free education system proposed by the opposition. Education, I believe should not be free but it should be affordable for all people. If education is free, will we value what we learn? If university education is free, who's going to foot the bill? Borrowing money from the bank and letting our children pay for it one day? 

Next is the abolishment of government loans. Loans are agreement signed and agreed upon by both the borrower and the lender. Of course it is a very noble intention to scrap off the loans still owed by the borrower but what about the ones who had paid off the loans faithfully and on time. The defaulters and borrowers will get reprieve but the ones who had paid off their debt get nothing. Is it fair? The system will encourage more people to default their loans. Moreover, the government loans can be converted into scholarships if we meet a certain academic criteria. 

Next is the lowering of petrol price. It is a good news to some but again, who will be benefiting from it? Will they be the poor uncles and aunties riding motorbikes who use little fuel to make a living, or will it be the ones driving petrol guzzling expensive cars? If the fuel is overly subsidized, rampant smuggling of our resources (and it is still happening now) to other countries will definitely happen. 

Will the bakeries or all businesses reduce their price due to savings derived from fuel cost? It's just that I felt nobody will ever want to reduce their profits. Prices of goods rarely decrease. I felt it would be better if the money can be instead channeled towards improving public transportation like those in Korea or funneled directly to the people.  

The government is no less better. For over 50 years, we have allowed corruption and racial intolerance to be deeply entrenched in our society. Then, our ethnicity is a factor in university admissions, to certain schools (like MARA, Matriculation Colleges, etc) and that some ethnic group not benefiting from the special privileges given to them. I have to admit that I am sometimes envious of friends who scored lesser than me, from wealthy families and were given scholarships or admission to courses selected not based on capabilities but based on the color of the skin. I am just a mere human, not perfect at all. I do envy people, sometimes.

Government is selected by the people and they ought to be making fair and wise decisions: ones that will influence our long term interests. A government change will encourage better transparency because every party will soon realize that bad governance cannot be swept under the carpet anymore. 

At the same time, government change may lead to deadlocks and instability if not handled correctly. In the states, legislation cannot be passed because of disagreement between both the Republican and Democrats. In Egypt, we have the Muslim Brotherhood's government facing constant administrative problems, advisers resigning, and arrest.      

What have our government of the day been doing after over 50 years? We see more racial polarization day after day. Most people see each other based on ethnicity first than as a Malaysian first. What and how can the oppositions guarantee that they can be better than the present government? I do not know. What I knew was that being given the power to lead is sweet but sometimes, it can lead us astray. Even if the opposition is in power, can the coalitions with so much differences in ideology work together. Or can the present government with a track record of stability but with a tinge of corruption retains its seat at Putrajaya. This election coming Sunday (tomorrow) shall be a close and exciting one. 

God bless Malaysia.