tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18944369261346940932024-03-13T13:41:08.663+09:00Edhikaapop's BlogThis blog is mainly made so that I could write about my experiences, thoughts, hobbies, etc in English! Why in English? Because I think practice makes perfect. I hope by writing here would help on improving my English :)Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-3700602066637515942023-12-31T15:58:00.002+09:002023-12-31T16:07:35.597+09:002023: Hajj and Free Palestine<p style="text-align: justify;">Here comes again, the last day of a year. In general, not many extra ordinary personal events happened in 2023. However, I'd like to keep the only personal highlight of 2023 in this blog. I cannot remember and too lazy to check on past posts so I'm not sure if I ever mentioned it in this blog, but I had been thinking about going for Hajj since around 2018. If I were living in Indonesia, maybe I'd have to wait for years. Actually according to a news article, the waiting period per July 2023 for my city is 23 years for regular program. No kidding! For readers who don't know what Hajj is, please check <a href="https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/five-pillars-of-islam/hajj/what-is-hajj/" target="_blank">this link</a> for your information. The reason why people from Indonesia and many other muslim majority countries have to wait so long to go for Hajj, mainly because there is cap for the number of pilgrims each year. Hajj can only be performed during a specific period of time in each year with rites and rituals in specific places. Therefore, this cap is meant to control and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Well, considering I have lived in Japan for years now, going for Hajj from Japan is actually an option. Muslim population in Japan is still small, thus the yearly quota for Hajj from Japan is not huge but just enough for most people who intent to go in the same year they apply. At least for now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2019, I started looking for information on how to go for Hajj from Japan. In Indonesia, Hajj is managed under the Ministry of Religious Affairs but not in Japan. There are several travel agencies approved by Saudi Arabia in Japan that can accommodate Hajj travel. It is especially important for me to find out which travel can accommodate a non-married woman without any male family member to travel with. So I managed to confirm one agency that would be able to accommodate me and had a slot available for 2020. Then I requested them to put my name on their list so I could secure a seat. Well, God had different plan! With the Covid19, obviously the whole world was put to a stop, and Hajj was not an exception. In 2020, only 1000 pilgrims from within Saudi could perform Hajj. In 2021, there were less than 60000 pilgrims still only from within Saudi could perform Hajj. In 2022, Saudi welcomed pilgrims from worldwide but still limited the number to less than one million and sadly Japan was not included. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As we entered 2023, I started to feel nervous as I hadn't heard anything from the travel agency whether they would have the 2023 Hajj Tour or not. I emailed the PIC on March 2 asking if they had updates, but he said they're still waiting for official announcement from Saudi. Mid March the PIC sent an email to hopeful pilgrims to be, mentioning that they were still waiting for announcement but providing us the estimated departure and arrival dates. They also mentioned the estimated fees which was a very huge increase from the price announced back in early 2020. They finally contacted us on April 18, almost at the end of Ramadan, that they would accommodate Hajj Tour this year. Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar! I remember discussing with my travel mates which Hajj tour plan should we choose on the last day of Ramadan, because the agency we chose offered 4 plans and we had to give them quick confirmation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Alhamdulillah Allah blessed us with ease during the preparation for visa application etc. Our group departed on June 19 and arrived back in Japan on July 9, with 1 day stop in Qatar on the way back. I pray that my Hajj was accepted and I can return to the holy land again and again in the future. I wish I could write more details about my Hajj experience but maybe I'll do that in another post, but let me share few photos here though.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYGgYmX38P-_qJfIQPzz3O30yKC7nTnbPgexh7nMBO9c82CEuxA4nwQdHWibVjfFdyCpCou87M6-vmqR3emsqDFJ1SzaRwSRAi7KllJlRDUD1UcTDAF-SxdOE36J7ZulFfneXEgrFDi_3U4ZC3OYt7vsRUEjMXcvdRHmnv3BKe8OC7UYpkRE6b-ZpoIif/s3655/Hajj01_Mekkah.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3655" data-original-width="2193" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYGgYmX38P-_qJfIQPzz3O30yKC7nTnbPgexh7nMBO9c82CEuxA4nwQdHWibVjfFdyCpCou87M6-vmqR3emsqDFJ1SzaRwSRAi7KllJlRDUD1UcTDAF-SxdOE36J7ZulFfneXEgrFDi_3U4ZC3OYt7vsRUEjMXcvdRHmnv3BKe8OC7UYpkRE6b-ZpoIif/w240-h400/Hajj01_Mekkah.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Mecca</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7CVH2wS3kmQRxVsEXeUHqrzEMkaH4TIxz5Bny6fS5nBtK1OLqYZj8hF1tEkbjP8PnBhxSsFau1sGF1_IP5tL1gHfV6VLO1XxHz-OXjguw6E989moRQNUPYYYjU3PhAs8SPEc3QsX3TRE8C1dZ3XiT2rBHMcDTwO6HQMJSRJXGx2c_gTi-bSSsUUm3Hm/s2048/Hajj02_Madinah.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7CVH2wS3kmQRxVsEXeUHqrzEMkaH4TIxz5Bny6fS5nBtK1OLqYZj8hF1tEkbjP8PnBhxSsFau1sGF1_IP5tL1gHfV6VLO1XxHz-OXjguw6E989moRQNUPYYYjU3PhAs8SPEc3QsX3TRE8C1dZ3XiT2rBHMcDTwO6HQMJSRJXGx2c_gTi-bSSsUUm3Hm/w300-h400/Hajj02_Madinah.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Dome of Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, the other highlight that isn't applicable only for me personally but for many people with a right sense of humanity across the world is the ongoing atrocities on Palestinians especially in Gaza imposed by Israel and its allies. Israel is committing g-e-n-o-c-i-d-e as deemed by many human rights organizations. It has to stop! Palestinians have the right to be free, they have the rights for liberation, and they have the rights to stay on their land and have their homes returned! Free Palestine!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I cannot believe we are still witnessing such cruel and unlawful attacks after 3 months since things were escalated. Important to note, Israel attacks on Palestinians did not start on October 7 this year but since many many many years ago, such as since 1948 known as the Nakba which caused millions displaced Palestinians. However, as a Muslim, I should stay strong to my faith that God have promised the victory for Palestinians in the holy land. Free Palestine!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK2uEimsnU08hCb__BIHsXSYKBFux_92PWDoHDmmjefE43T-GFtDsxuAhuE7c1sA7JqX3HMYvdzi7QjwcFnxkSsW4YsGhhuCMiGZWkW1aoE5hm_QgjRvTTkA9GI94VEipBcea2CnT1B-OoT6SKOw_tA-Yj7UzKNQWLKUqwMjt2TB-MFuOkIoSwgsDqSCG/s1067/IMG_1219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK2uEimsnU08hCb__BIHsXSYKBFux_92PWDoHDmmjefE43T-GFtDsxuAhuE7c1sA7JqX3HMYvdzi7QjwcFnxkSsW4YsGhhuCMiGZWkW1aoE5hm_QgjRvTTkA9GI94VEipBcea2CnT1B-OoT6SKOw_tA-Yj7UzKNQWLKUqwMjt2TB-MFuOkIoSwgsDqSCG/w310-h400/IMG_1219.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me with my two arms up, joining the crowd protesting in Tokyo last October</td></tr></tbody></table>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-20960827578404877862022-12-30T16:46:00.008+09:002022-12-30T16:50:40.783+09:00Musical, Straight Play, and Concert!<p style="text-align: justify;">Year 2022, covid 19 is still here, but most countries have decided to lift up restrictions, either completely or little by little. That includes Japan. This gives me a little sense of ease to go to places with crowds.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Surprisingly 2022 is actually the year where I went to expose myself with shows the most in my life. So, I would like to note them all here for memories.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">1. Musical "Ryusei no Neiro" (Timbre of the Shooting Star)</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">An original musical show produced by Shochiku and Johnnys. The musical starring Taiga Kyomoto, my current celebrity crush 😉, built up the story based on Japanese Tanabata Festival. Besides playing the main role, Taiga also composed some of the musical numbers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was simply excited that I could finally see and listened to Taiga singing live in person. His performance was great but I definitely looking forward to seeing him play in broadway musical someday with more challenging numbers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1F-gYTNFJdabT32DMw4RpABXFE7gmuuZrpymD6Lur3s0YAY4O6PedCHuyJ6h0K3h10Z3a1wzX7T0EpEVZtvfwSunYOBRIYHbfAw2eea2G09T7HTMJnNjA75CQwpBgzPokVE_jqGUx8p02t2r3M3VQd035HyzDlDhShlI29Aa1aiFhbvlkDspGrKZsg/s720/blog_ryuseinoneiro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="720" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1F-gYTNFJdabT32DMw4RpABXFE7gmuuZrpymD6Lur3s0YAY4O6PedCHuyJ6h0K3h10Z3a1wzX7T0EpEVZtvfwSunYOBRIYHbfAw2eea2G09T7HTMJnNjA75CQwpBgzPokVE_jqGUx8p02t2r3M3VQd035HyzDlDhShlI29Aa1aiFhbvlkDspGrKZsg/w640-h533/blog_ryuseinoneiro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">2. Musical Miss Saigon</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I got the ticket of the show where Mitsuki Takahata played the main role. She is Japanese actress whom I knew first through TV drama, but actually her debut was in musical show.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As many of you may have knew, the story is kinda sad, but the stage was really extravagant as expected from a West End and Broadway Musical. Especially that I just saw Japanese original musical few weeks before, I could really tell the difference of the scale. The only thing I was not satisfied about it was the seat at the Imperial Theatre which was not comfortable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxzBDiqgf2MbM2I-AcZ7HXYGnF3zSdcyHT7UInHps5Rf3ZV-gcS8jf4QRlSnATRXzbTGiU8ja1omc2nOrwnMg7C4eG4KM0nk9j8DUq-OIo9zIm7ZHRl-OjxmV8koCWP77GXsAy9DgfOYvvLQ2TnhEedml-uBfsxO5ltvUXVOmFXgMIMMISD3UWI4alQ/s1280/blog_misssaigon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxzBDiqgf2MbM2I-AcZ7HXYGnF3zSdcyHT7UInHps5Rf3ZV-gcS8jf4QRlSnATRXzbTGiU8ja1omc2nOrwnMg7C4eG4KM0nk9j8DUq-OIo9zIm7ZHRl-OjxmV8koCWP77GXsAy9DgfOYvvLQ2TnhEedml-uBfsxO5ltvUXVOmFXgMIMMISD3UWI4alQ/w640-h480/blog_misssaigon.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">3. Straight Play Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I did not know what to expect. I was afraid it was going to be difficult to understand considering it's based on Shakespeare's work and all dialogues would be in Japanese. But, it was totally fine. I was very entertained with the comedy presented. I was excited to see Yugo Kochi, Taiga's mate member of SixTONES, who was recently recovered from covid. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although the main story line still kept Shakespeare's work, it also adapted some Japanese cultures into the show which was interesting. Despite getting the balcony seat (2nd floor) and the seat space was a bit tight, but I could sit comfortably which is a plus point!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNPZ_IViWDtpgMDmdiVb0mRBTIf3UVv1JDb0uHt8Stj2YvukNGH1dgAl3sXabazGqbbwN0-pmSxzTNhfXPDgEvtV5mm1YbJ2_oRLd1jLjM7Etne9i4GElpX8NcFjJNPT381wvau8hhdPztb4jlswkNkS8Deck0G8M3cVI27ZolZGccZdDgokPKonQpA/s800/blog_midsummernightdream.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNPZ_IViWDtpgMDmdiVb0mRBTIf3UVv1JDb0uHt8Stj2YvukNGH1dgAl3sXabazGqbbwN0-pmSxzTNhfXPDgEvtV5mm1YbJ2_oRLd1jLjM7Etne9i4GElpX8NcFjJNPT381wvau8hhdPztb4jlswkNkS8Deck0G8M3cVI27ZolZGccZdDgokPKonQpA/w640-h640/blog_midsummernightdream.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">4. Bruno Mars Concert</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Went with Anin and Jojo to the concert in Tokyo Dome. This was my first western artist's concert after a while, after Celine Dion's concert back in 2018. Fun! However, I was not too happy with the sound system. I wasn't sure if it was due to seat location or the sound system was just not as good as it should be.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As usual I knew some of of the songs such as Billionaire, Grenade, and Mary You, but figured that I forgot many of the lyrics 😁. What's different between Japanese artist and Foreign artist concerts since the pandemic is that the foreign artist does not care. They would make you sing with them. While, for most Japanese artist concerts, they stick to the rule of 'silent' crowds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBX0H5K6LjNeH0LJda8A069X4THFsDDPP-amw4xQh-h-CGZ_XZ8j3PpSAvekxzZTF-T9t4W9eqxyW18LrSLxjAEWN7dJfqE5vEjPhj2dcOIFyMAN_f7fyoXXHjwNZeqVyOSN-54vZwAa-g_wy9rgKlOrh6_tqI6fhZQHSaog_Ho0YVreVaVD7PGaFTw/s1044/blog_bruno.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBX0H5K6LjNeH0LJda8A069X4THFsDDPP-amw4xQh-h-CGZ_XZ8j3PpSAvekxzZTF-T9t4W9eqxyW18LrSLxjAEWN7dJfqE5vEjPhj2dcOIFyMAN_f7fyoXXHjwNZeqVyOSN-54vZwAa-g_wy9rgKlOrh6_tqI6fhZQHSaog_Ho0YVreVaVD7PGaFTw/w480-h640/blog_bruno.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">5. Calum Scott Concert</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Honestly I did not know who he was until Joice asked me to join her. So, I listened to some of his songs in Youtube to give me an idea of what kind of songs he normally sings. It was my first time seeing live performance at the Ex Theatre Roppongi. Overall I enjoyed the show.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc0zKc0ZnAuFZPOKXYhn1IHXM7KJVkTGwMdwKhPeVjI8lJve6NdmmGivJpEoXL16Zdwd3_YuizhWDAR2SWtn9dw5guZKwKeA3ZfHhHqdlJdh-xxuIv2gWUn2_8IZ8EvIzSuoNHRbxbWBO4Sm10W38DEfiokDamiTo8GcD9nlKrYi2dM5_akzIVhHDgQ/s1044/blog_calum.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc0zKc0ZnAuFZPOKXYhn1IHXM7KJVkTGwMdwKhPeVjI8lJve6NdmmGivJpEoXL16Zdwd3_YuizhWDAR2SWtn9dw5guZKwKeA3ZfHhHqdlJdh-xxuIv2gWUn2_8IZ8EvIzSuoNHRbxbWBO4Sm10W38DEfiokDamiTo8GcD9nlKrYi2dM5_akzIVhHDgQ/w480-h640/blog_calum.png" width="480" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;">6. Maroon 5 Concert</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, Maroon 5 in Tokyo Dome. I did not get the ticket through ticket ballot at first but Joice who initially planned to go with her senpai had to go for business trip so I took her ticket! Luckily Joice's senpai were nice so I could still have fun 😁. The sound system this time was a lot better than Bruno's.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wuPb_nTMox_tKM2f3YapdEymrOFfadluQYKeVWAlaSrnAvvjNJwuQbLYIs-f3lw1AdSggdpx1sZGp_nAbFO9VW6gXlFlsV1aqq0pA2KBerrBp3wnXSM4laC303k56f3_j6vwRIqL7nU1tOE6medie4JbnCa_EQB4jmV-lXAB8lI5btnc9WqK5_yGig/s900/blog_maroon5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wuPb_nTMox_tKM2f3YapdEymrOFfadluQYKeVWAlaSrnAvvjNJwuQbLYIs-f3lw1AdSggdpx1sZGp_nAbFO9VW6gXlFlsV1aqq0pA2KBerrBp3wnXSM4laC303k56f3_j6vwRIqL7nU1tOE6medie4JbnCa_EQB4jmV-lXAB8lI5btnc9WqK5_yGig/w480-h640/blog_maroon5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have some concerts to go to next year but a bit sad that I could not get SixTONES's arena tour ticket early next year. Honestly, I try not to listen to music too much, but in the past year, when I listen, mostly it's been SixTONES's. That's why I am sad 😢.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For you who do not know who SixTONES are and their musics, please have a look at their <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqiG_x2P16OvbXZrmS6P6gD8JVNvTpGnX" target="_blank">Youtube's playlist</a> ♪. Do not judge them because they are Johnnys' idol group because their musics are good! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-72472052164497691662022-12-30T15:01:00.002+09:002022-12-30T15:09:07.181+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 6 - Bavarian Village of the Royal Castles)<p>Continuing the series of Euro trip back in 2015 😂 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><b style="background-color: #fce8b2;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2016/05/an-overdue-post-part-1-amsterdam.html">An Overdue Post (Part 1- Amsterdam)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #f4c7c3;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2017/09/an-overdue-post-part-2-brussels.html">An Overdue Post (Part 2 - Brussels)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2019/05/an-overdue-post-part-3-ghent-and-bruges.html" style="background-color: #b7e1cd;"><b>An Overdue Post (Part 3 - Ghent and Bruges)</b></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2020/06/an-overdue-post-part-4-wageningen.html" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">An Overdue Post (Part 4 - Wageningen)</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2021/05/an-overdue-post-part-5-munich.html" style="background-color: #d9d2e9;" target="_blank">An Overdue Post (Part 5 - Munich)</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The highlight of this trip is obviously Neuschwanstein Castle, which became an inspiration for Disney fairy-tale such as Sleeping Beauty. I remember it was so fun especially when we were trying to reach Marienbrücke or also known as Mary's bridge, one of the most popular viewing point. At winter peak time, route to the bridge is closed as it is too dangerous to pass by especially for tourists who are not familiar with the nature. When I visited the castle, the route might have just been opened but it was not an easy walk with snows was still heavily piled up. I even got help from other tourist to climb one of huge stepping stones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Besides Neuschwanstein, there is another castle located nearby within walking distance which is Hohenschwangau. I remember Nadia taught me how to pronounce Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau correctly but honestly I have forgotten now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I wish I could go back to this area again sometime in the future in different season for different kind of view and to actually enter the castle. During our trip this time, considering time and money (students!) we did not enter the castle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Looking at my own photos from the trip, definitely I was a lot slimmer back then, or maybe, I have gained too many weights now is more accurate to express the situation. 😂</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am expecting to have 2 more posts from this series before I can say it is complete. But, let's see if I ever manage to do so. In the meantime, please enjoy the photos below! See ya!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-4Iq7Iuos4/YJ-NUuUpcjI/AAAAAAAABhA/HGOHLDMfgCMn1tpNJrkAVAmuYQDz1a1GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-4Iq7Iuos4/YJ-NUuUpcjI/AAAAAAAABhA/HGOHLDMfgCMn1tpNJrkAVAmuYQDz1a1GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/Bayern01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l37OKs_0uWc/YJ-NZBKBqII/AAAAAAAABhE/tnUXUotkL3sdb4h_SKHGE6SBgTQYK0-7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l37OKs_0uWc/YJ-NZBKBqII/AAAAAAAABhE/tnUXUotkL3sdb4h_SKHGE6SBgTQYK0-7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Bayern02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XxYvn4-NuM/YJ-NgwVBATI/AAAAAAAABhI/TXQQWTUQZzQBjIIK8ct1LgzMXPdeMYC_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern03.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XxYvn4-NuM/YJ-NgwVBATI/AAAAAAAABhI/TXQQWTUQZzQBjIIK8ct1LgzMXPdeMYC_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Bayern03.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOmd9oM_ZUs/YJ-NpEywtvI/AAAAAAAABhQ/9XcUf3u7sUcyvTGw7BUmgi8n5w6G6NV3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern04.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOmd9oM_ZUs/YJ-NpEywtvI/AAAAAAAABhQ/9XcUf3u7sUcyvTGw7BUmgi8n5w6G6NV3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/Bayern04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uVshzVTC2w/YJ-ODUjgNVI/AAAAAAAABho/YcU3vyUJPEUIY89YyWyS-C5pNJ6F4z84gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern06.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uVshzVTC2w/YJ-ODUjgNVI/AAAAAAAABho/YcU3vyUJPEUIY89YyWyS-C5pNJ6F4z84gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/Bayern06.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tSW1BQZNHQ/YJ-OKaauqBI/AAAAAAAABhw/5SkRgIZVOxwMjeaUsVtsSQJWCXFHL6h1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tSW1BQZNHQ/YJ-OKaauqBI/AAAAAAAABhw/5SkRgIZVOxwMjeaUsVtsSQJWCXFHL6h1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Bayern05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-VFvcoTto/YJ-OP6Fw-CI/AAAAAAAABh0/f9gEcMLlckkHyHkwLwGdAKDr0SHd924gACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern07.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-VFvcoTto/YJ-OP6Fw-CI/AAAAAAAABh0/f9gEcMLlckkHyHkwLwGdAKDr0SHd924gACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/Bayern07.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Neuschwanstein v</span>iew from Marienbrücke</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itzqqbAZ5GA/YJ-OWTOUu0I/AAAAAAAABh8/Xh6TScUAd4gnJOoG_PJCMNJRht8xD1haQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bayern08.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itzqqbAZ5GA/YJ-OWTOUu0I/AAAAAAAABh8/Xh6TScUAd4gnJOoG_PJCMNJRht8xD1haQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/Bayern08.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-46581549369873190142021-07-04T00:07:00.001+09:002021-07-04T00:07:30.438+09:00Playing Golf - Beginner<p style="text-align: justify;">It was all started back in 2019 when I joined some other colleagues to have dinner with the big bosses, the keyword golf came up in our conversation. Turned out the big bosses like to play golf. Not long after, one of my senior planned a golf event for beginners. Although I only had two practices before playing my first round, I found myself enjoying it. Of course I wasn't good at all but playing in a wide open space was refreshing. Unfortunately, none of my friends play golf so I haven't been able to play as much as I wish. Plus, I think it is widely known that it is not cheap. So I only play whenever there is golf event for beginners in my company. But, I finally bought my own club set - half set for beginner so I can be more motivated to go practicing at driving range.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdKKf383JTE/YOB0Hv9646I/AAAAAAAABio/8eGi3x3ClwI9c7_8hSzhh36aS8pyvP9HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Golf_edhikaapop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1024" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdKKf383JTE/YOB0Hv9646I/AAAAAAAABio/8eGi3x3ClwI9c7_8hSzhh36aS8pyvP9HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h492/Golf_edhikaapop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of backswing position in September 2020 (top) and in June 2021 (bottom) are quite different!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Long before I tried playing, I often watched golf matches in TV but I didn't understand the rules and all. Although I haven't been able to improve my skill as I cannot play more frequent, now I could understand when I watch golf match, at least the basic things like birdie or par, that the players actually use different club at different situations! LOL. I really didn't know that player could have as many as 14 clubs for one round.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, this might not be a hobby I can do frequently, but I'd be happy to go whenever there is a chance!</p>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-46392808240822816392021-05-15T17:13:00.002+09:002021-05-15T18:04:11.498+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 5 - Munich)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Continuing my graduation trip series which was done back in 2015. If you are interested to see where else I went to, please go to links below :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><b style="background-color: #fce8b2;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2016/05/an-overdue-post-part-1-amsterdam.html"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />An Overdue Post (Part 1- Amsterdam)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #f4c7c3;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2017/09/an-overdue-post-part-2-brussels.html">An Overdue Post (Part 2 - Brussels)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2019/05/an-overdue-post-part-3-ghent-and-bruges.html" style="background-color: #b7e1cd;"><b>An Overdue Post (Part 3 - Ghent and Bruges)</b></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2020/06/an-overdue-post-part-4-wageningen.html" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">An Overdue Post (Part 4 - Wageningen)</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Honestly I no longer remember the details of everything. But before getting straight to Munich, scenes from the long journey by an overnight train from Ede-Wageningen to Munich alone are kinda intact in my memory. I still remember few hours before I left, Mita's husband prepped me about the overnight train, which was known for not being the safest way of traveling as robbery would happen from time to time. So I started my journey feeling terrified, took a local train from Ede-Wageningen to Arnhem, then transferred to City Night Line (CNL) 419 to continue the journey towards Munich. I bought the couchette 4 berth compartment type ticket, hoping I could still lay down and sleep with cheaper cost than the sleeper compartment type. Because by the time I got onto the train it was already dark, I couldn't tell if there was anyone else in the compartment. I didn't even know where was the switch to turn on the light, so I just went straight to my berth and tried to relax. Actually this overnight train journey was the center of how I decided to pack my luggage. I only brought 1 cabin size luggage and a small shoulder bag for this Euro trip to keep everything light and manageable even if I happen to be disoriented going to new places. Along the way, I figured that there were already two men in the compartment, and a lady got into the compartment few stations after me and hopped onto the berth above mine. It is still clear in my head when I was quite shocked when in few station later, I could hear some drunken men got onto the train, and one of them opened the door of my compartment. I spontaneously screamed "Noo!! Noo!!" and he walked away 😥. Despite being super anxious, I think I managed to sleep even I kept wearing my jacket and shoulder bag😅. It was a great relief when I finally saw Nadia in Munchen Hbf. Stayed in Munich for 3 days and 3 nights with side trips to Neuschwanstein and Salzburg.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We enjoyed walking around Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, English Garden (which was one of the shooting location of Indonesia movie "Habibie & Ainun"), and Olympiapark. We also went to BMW Welt and people watching of those who seemed to be about buying new cars. We also went to Hofbrauhaus on one night when Bayern Munich won a match. What I was happy about during my stays in Germany was that most days were sunny compared to when I was in the Netherlands and in Belgium.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-wjVfsEgA/YJ9kSRdUyvI/AAAAAAAABgA/qmz3SFXJxowiG4Wcdx8WmFOuUJozPjwCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-wjVfsEgA/YJ9kSRdUyvI/AAAAAAAABgA/qmz3SFXJxowiG4Wcdx8WmFOuUJozPjwCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neus Rathaus in Marienplatz</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNTfhOElPW4/YJ9kd10bdFI/AAAAAAAABgE/8Vug_FdweBI_wh5eC8dtaY1MdkOgX2zrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNTfhOElPW4/YJ9kd10bdFI/AAAAAAAABgE/8Vug_FdweBI_wh5eC8dtaY1MdkOgX2zrACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Munich02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odeonsplatz</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCHoH0OwMS4/YJ9ki_xNAhI/AAAAAAAABgM/0bLbocoHKvw10EwyCyAP8bo0_3VgQd2BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich03.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCHoH0OwMS4/YJ9ki_xNAhI/AAAAAAAABgM/0bLbocoHKvw10EwyCyAP8bo0_3VgQd2BwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich03.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Englischer Garten</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zNJZkmGcw/YJ9krCKyZ0I/AAAAAAAABgQ/tsniXKybe0EMZboSisP6WBAwOc7ACkVBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich04.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zNJZkmGcw/YJ9krCKyZ0I/AAAAAAAABgQ/tsniXKybe0EMZboSisP6WBAwOc7ACkVBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds in Olympiapark</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9xYbP0APIU/YJ9kvx2u05I/AAAAAAAABgY/GynHgFiyN6AytV78oFvykp3YXsLn9ydVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich05.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9xYbP0APIU/YJ9kvx2u05I/AAAAAAAABgY/GynHgFiyN6AytV78oFvykp3YXsLn9ydVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich05.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympic Tower in Olympiapark</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MX6auk_7-w/YJ9k1LcmpxI/AAAAAAAABgg/xfcSp48kPuE0jjfhFoZbnjykWeyRkDTbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich06.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MX6auk_7-w/YJ9k1LcmpxI/AAAAAAAABgg/xfcSp48kPuE0jjfhFoZbnjykWeyRkDTbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich06.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the U-Bahn station</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BedJDSx24o/YJ-A9br8Q_I/AAAAAAAABg4/-243g72tG4AkwoAbELAoXKsORwsp88pugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BedJDSx24o/YJ-A9br8Q_I/AAAAAAAABg4/-243g72tG4AkwoAbELAoXKsORwsp88pugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Munich08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Hofbrauhaus, they are not beers! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not that I was a fan of this soccer club, but we went to Allianz Arena after our trip to Neuschwanstein. We were surprised when we met two Korean guys who we also met when we were in Neuschwanstein. Since we remembered each other, we took a picture together in front of fog covered Allianz Arena 😁Not posting the picture here though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgrdwF03QR4/YJ9k6wHRMmI/AAAAAAAABgo/-VBuDoHmyw4jU9yLCSouQ1oQsl436kywwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Munich07.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgrdwF03QR4/YJ9k6wHRMmI/AAAAAAAABgo/-VBuDoHmyw4jU9yLCSouQ1oQsl436kywwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/Munich07.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allianz Arena covered in fog</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Will post about <span style="text-align: justify;">Neuschwanstein and Salzburg in separate posts hopefully not in so long! Ciao!</span></div>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-19533009214570733802020-10-23T20:01:00.014+09:002020-10-30T10:50:09.187+09:00(Bye) Haruma Miura<p style="text-align: justify;">I can't remember how was the weather that day, because just like any other day, I was in my room didn't really bother about the outside world. Just like most of the days, too, I let my TV on the whole day although I wasn't paying attention to it. Then, I heard the sound of breaking news, which I assumed would be about the new covid positive numbers in Tokyo. However, when I briefly looked at the text on the tv, it wasn't about covid. It mentioned that someone was found dead. Then I tried to read the kanji to find out that it was Haruma Miura. I remember I was initially laying on my bed then quickly jumped closer to my TV as I was trying to grasp the news. Then the text continued saying it was a suspected suicide.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I never thought I would be as shocked as that time hearing him died in such a way. I have never considered myself as Haruma's fans, actually I have not been any artist's hardcore fans these recent years. I still casually follow news about Arashi, but I have stopped buying stuff like CDs etc. I did watch some of Haruma's TV dramas or movies. I am not sure how long ago before the day, I was watching TV and suddenly I felt I had only seen the same young actors for a while and wondered why I hadn't seen Haruma at all. Just after he was gone that I realized Haruma was still actively acting both on screen and off screen (for musical or stage play).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In this post, I would like to write things about Haruma that I didn't know before and about my top 3 favorite TV dramas/movies starring Haruma.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">What I didn't know about Haruma</h3><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>That he can sing and it was good!</li></ul></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">I knew he was doing musical Kinky Boots, but I had not heard him singing so I had no idea. But then 三浦春馬(read: Miura Haruma) tag in Instagram and Twitter has led me to some clips of him singing. Apparently, he used to sing in an annual year end event held by his agency called Super Handsome Live until 2012 together with other young actors. Prior to the 2012 live event, they recorded an original album. One of the songs recorded was a duet number of Haruma and Kento Kaku, White Serenade. I was so surprised at how good his voice was singing the ballad number. He was also given many solo parts in other group songs in the album. Then, I found out that he actually made a solo debut in 2019 with a single titled ‘Fight for your heart’ and was about to release second album, ‘Night Diver’ in summer this year. Thankfully the second single was released as planned despite his passing, because one of the three songs was composed and written by Haruma himself. The song ‘You&I’ is actually my favorite from the single.</p><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>That he was an MC of a TV show</li></ul></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">I remember a while ago when I turned on the TV late at night, I randomly stumbled upon a TV show in NHK. I kinda regret I didn't check more info about the TV show so I wasn't aware of the regular airing schedule, because it is actually a good TV show. It is called 世界はほしいモノにあふれてる or known in short as Sekahoshi. Haruma was actually the host, together with JUJU. Then I recalled the show I randomly watched that night, it was about a buyer’s journey in France looking for interesting glasses/sunglasses. Haruma was kinda goofy that night. Apparently, Haruma in the show was the most natural version of himself we could see as viewers, not as an actor playing certain roles.</p><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>That he wrote a regular column which eventually got published as a book</li></ul></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">He went to all 47 prefectures in Japan, learning about the craftmanship of each prefecture, in about 4 years. The column which then being published as a book is titled ‘日本製’or ‘Made in Japan’. I finally got my copy few weeks ago and yet to read it. As it is written in Kanji, I am sure it’s gonna take time for me! Lol.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">My top 3 favorites TV dramas/movies starring Haruma </h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. 僕のいた時間 (Boku no ita jikan)</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A TV drama series, in which Haruma starred as a lead role who suffers from ALS. I think it was the first time I knew of ALS. The story plots successfully made me cry in almost all episodes, even when I re-watched it this year. I personally think Haruma acted exceptionally well in portraying an ALS patient, at least to give an insight to people like me who didn't know about the disease before. I considered this TV series as my most favorite because it is the one which left the strongest impression in my memory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y25zI1DvxwY/X5K3jJc1aSI/AAAAAAAABdQ/qSCjyGNf4MINblsz1z39xghNS180hAygACLcBGAsYHQ/s954/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-10-23%2Bat%2B19.46.38.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="726" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y25zI1DvxwY/X5K3jJc1aSI/AAAAAAAABdQ/qSCjyGNf4MINblsz1z39xghNS180hAygACLcBGAsYHQ/w153-h200/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-10-23%2Bat%2B19.46.38.png" width="153" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. 14才の母 (14 sai no haha)</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I watched this drama back in the days when I was still learning Japanese when I had just arrived in Japan. So, I purely watched it for the story and to learn Japanese but didn't really pay attention to the actors/actresses. After Haruma died, I figured that he was playing as the teenage father of the baby. I decided to watch the drama again few weeks ago. There he was, a very young Haruma. Although he wasn’t the lead role, but his role still played a significant part in the story and at such a young age, I think he did his role really well. This TV series also made me cry a lot!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. 永遠の0 (Eien no zero/ The Eternal Zero)</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Honestly it was a bit hard to decide number 3. I was torn between focusing solely on Haruma or to also consider the series/movie as a whole. I decided to give a broader perspective taking into account at how much the series/movie left a strong impression on me. So, it goes to the movie. Although Haruma was not the lead role, he was one of the main casts. I remember this movie quickly became my most favorite one the moment the end credit was rolling in the theater. I almost had no complaints except one, about one actor whom I thought didn’t really fit in the time period of the story. I have always enjoyed movie about WWII, both Japanese movies and Hollywood movies. The Eternal Zero is about a young man (Haruma) who wants to know more about his grandad who was a kamikaze pilot during WWII. As many of the story plots were about those days during the WWII, I would say Haruma as an individual in the movie might not be as a standout as he was in other movies such as Gintama 2 or The Confidence Man JP: Romance, but still I love his role and I love the movie in a complete package.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is quite surprising that the top 3 were released in 2014 or earlier. I personally think, although Haruma continued to be actively acting, he wasn’t really blessed with any on screen blockbuster production after 2015 where he starred as a lead role. For few years most movies he played were not for the lead role. Even so, I really love his actings such as in mini-series ‘Tourists’ and The Confidence Man JP: Romance. His final acting work, カネ恋, was also heartwarming to watch. Unfortunately, I never see his musical or stage play. Through some articles or interviews, I have an impression that Haruma had been enjoying more or feeling more passion in the off screen/on stage acting, rather than in the on screen one. I think he found joy and felt challenged by the on stage productions, because those were where he could be seen as a real actor, with his acting skill, rather than for being a good looking actor. He was actually planned to play a lead role in musical 'The Illusionist' in Dec this year. While my wish to go and watch his musical play will never come true, there are still 3 upcoming movie releases this Dec through next year, including 天外者 (read: Ten-garamon) in which he played the lead role. Looking forward to watching them all!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, although it isn’t like the grief I have after losing my dad, Haruma’s passing is surprisingly super shocking for me, maybe because Haruma and I are the same age. He was only 30! But, I think the fact that he decided to end his own life is really hard to understand. It is sad to imagine why would someone who seemed fine is suddenly gone that way. No one knows why, though. You were gone too soon, man..</p>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-85835651500333255242020-08-10T01:36:00.003+09:002020-08-10T10:47:27.131+09:00Solo Travel - Matsuyama<p style="text-align: justify;">A while back I posted about <a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2016/11/solo-travel-hiroshima.html" target="_blank">my first solo travel experience to Hiroshima</a>. Now I'd like to make another post of my other solo travel story. Back in summer 2015, I made a trip to Matsuyama in Ehime prefecture, Japan. If you wonder where it is, please take a look at the map below. To be honest I can't remember what was the exact reason I decided to go there, but I think it was because I had not been there, and since I was going to go during the silver week that summer, I thought somewhere that wasn't too major would be nicer to avoid huge crowd. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-htTfhZ_A4/XzADieJjfYI/AAAAAAAABZs/MPzCjG6gWGwVoz0HIWyCEYRnfQLGDbgCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/shikoku_areamap.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-htTfhZ_A4/XzADieJjfYI/AAAAAAAABZs/MPzCjG6gWGwVoz0HIWyCEYRnfQLGDbgCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h274/shikoku_areamap.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">map from www.visitehimejapan.com</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Took an airplane from Tokyo right to Matsuyama airport for a two days one night trip. I will try to write what I can remember from the three main places I visited.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Matsuyama Castle</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;">While it wasn't the first castle I visited in Japan, the visit to Matsuyama castle was kind of an eye opener, a game changer for me in enjoying and finding interesting stories behind a castle. I remember I tried not to skip any explanation board right from the start even before I could see the castle. Because the castle is located on top of a hill, there were two options to help us get closer to the castle, ropeway or lift chair. I decided to take the lift chair so I bought a ticket which included an admission to the castle tower and roundtrip fee of the lift chair for 510 yen. Even after riding the lift chair, we still needed to walked up the hilly landscape but it was where the interesting part started. We got to see how the areas around the castle were well designed with different kind of traps or defense techniques to stop enemies from getting closer to the castle. The castle itself has many defense tactical designs such as the loophole and stone drop. As it's located at the center of the city, we could enjoy a great view of the city from the castle tower. The castle also has parks around it, very enjoyable for a stroll.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Duaui65FD74/XzARgSXLFOI/AAAAAAAABZ8/GPK_ggk_lNAoBsHPZ9UHWUEx5nLQup2kACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/MatsuyamaJo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staffs dressing as Botchan and Madonna (left); View from one of the windows in the castle (right)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YKxXouVntc/XzAlb1kms5I/AAAAAAAABb4/geVcG3zdR1QHOs_R3ZMvT9Wk06QgUU8pACLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Castle-others.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YKxXouVntc/XzAlb1kms5I/AAAAAAAABb4/geVcG3zdR1QHOs_R3ZMvT9Wk06QgUU8pACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Castle-others.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loophole and stone drop in the castle building (left); Interesting ride on the way to the castle (right)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><u><br /></u><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Dogo Onsen</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tram is one of the easy access transportation within Matsuyama city. But, there is a special tram which is Botchan Train or Botchan Ressha, which was made famous through a novel by Soseki Natsume. Although I haven't read the novel, but I got to watch the story from a TV movie not long after this trip. So I rode Botchan Ressha from Matsuyama city center to Dogo Onsen. Looks like Dogo Onsen is a must visit when people travel to Matsuyama. It is said that Dogo Onsen could be the oldest hot spring in Japan and the Honkan (main building) is preserved as Important Cultural Property. Besides mentioned in the Soseki's novel, it is said the Honkan was one of the inspiration for one Ghibli popular anime "Spirited Away". Honestly, I haven't watched it so I couldn't really tell and felt wow 😅. I did not enter the Honkan to enjoy the hot spring though. While I did enjoy a little taste of the feet hot spring, I decided to enjoy the area by riding the jinrikisha.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFe1MsTZR4k/XzCmV3HhyoI/AAAAAAAABcE/BfOvgDg2zIguL0ASnxoyYoBgrrpdqldAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kereta01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botchan Ressha while changing direction<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTyeowTiMgE/XzAXq_6zSzI/AAAAAAAABaM/rLP4BxE9g30VbX-MB0roGRSXmmj715NxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/DojoOnsen.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTyeowTiMgE/XzAXq_6zSzI/AAAAAAAABaM/rLP4BxE9g30VbX-MB0roGRSXmmj715NxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/DojoOnsen.jpg" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTyeowTiMgE/XzAXq_6zSzI/AAAAAAAABaM/rLP4BxE9g30VbX-MB0roGRSXmmj715NxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/DojoOnsen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogo Onsen Honkan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da_Tg2lJYD8/XzAXr6rMZ9I/AAAAAAAABaQ/nnuXCagzGJg1wU2Uj_-AooMjLeFTgnIOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Jinrikisha.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da_Tg2lJYD8/XzAXr6rMZ9I/AAAAAAAABaQ/nnuXCagzGJg1wU2Uj_-AooMjLeFTgnIOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Jinrikisha.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, on the jinrikisha<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>JR Shimonada Station</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Station? Yes, a station! hahaha. JR Shimonada Station is not exactly in Matsuyama City, it took almost 1 hour by local train from Matsuyama station. Arriving at the Matsuyama station, I already knew that I wouldn't be able to see the view that I'd like to see with so many other people waited for the local train. But I was still looking forward to go! So, what's with the station? JR Shimonada Station was once the closest station to the sea in Japan. It became famous for appearing in the JR Seishun 18 Kippu poster, not only once but three times! Looks like the station is the only place that has been pictured in the poster for three times. It was a small unmanned station. Besides famous for the posters, the station also became the location of some Japanese drama including Kimura Takuya's famous series "HERO". What can we do there? Well, nothing other than just enjoying the ocean view. I took pictures, sat on the platform while waiting for the sunset. I actually went to Shimonada station on my first day and purposely took the train which would allow me enjoy the view with sunset too. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_rMQXXUtvE/XzAcFI08JtI/AAAAAAAABag/DQKtUgfO2BsCIcuObKrSMQwzMGCIiwZwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1435/18seishunkippu.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1009" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_rMQXXUtvE/XzAcFI08JtI/AAAAAAAABag/DQKtUgfO2BsCIcuObKrSMQwzMGCIiwZwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/18seishunkippu.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The posters were the top two and bottom left, from www.facebook.com/shimonada/</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoWxTOV0eVc/XzAcrpqg9RI/AAAAAAAABaw/AHZ43lIHP_8erXWOd6g6nSasDYNdVk9xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Shimonada.jpeg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7djXz4oI8/XzAe7CDO7MI/AAAAAAAABbI/87Zvhc8OY5AGIxHc8pr67Pj-v5DLY-xggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Shimonada.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7djXz4oI8/XzAe7CDO7MI/AAAAAAAABbI/87Zvhc8OY5AGIxHc8pr67Pj-v5DLY-xggCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Shimonada.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frwkoJnJ_pg/XzAcq7cfLhI/AAAAAAAABao/3bcScx7yoQEwnfrlDAPRhBL6hXDx8BNwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Shimonada_bench.JPG" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frwkoJnJ_pg/XzAcq7cfLhI/AAAAAAAABao/3bcScx7yoQEwnfrlDAPRhBL6hXDx8BNwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Shimonada_bench.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frwkoJnJ_pg/XzAcq7cfLhI/AAAAAAAABao/3bcScx7yoQEwnfrlDAPRhBL6hXDx8BNwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Shimonada_bench.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gv9xOeB0vYk/XzAcrahXMDI/AAAAAAAABas/pY-I3HXfMxQ0706NwTgsswcly2SMbXargCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kereta03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other than local train, the sightseeing train Iyonada Monogatari also makes a brief stop at the station</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jl0tjKlu0U/XzAcsfSESDI/AAAAAAAABa0/mLvQqNKE-3wLmit2ZXv-rPrz_QYOtFJbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Shimonada_enthusiast.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jl0tjKlu0U/XzAcsfSESDI/AAAAAAAABa0/mLvQqNKE-3wLmit2ZXv-rPrz_QYOtFJbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Shimonada_enthusiast.jpeg" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jl0tjKlu0U/XzAcsfSESDI/AAAAAAAABa0/mLvQqNKE-3wLmit2ZXv-rPrz_QYOtFJbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Shimonada_enthusiast.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train enthusiasts?</td></tr></tbody></table></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkqnGkQulsQ/XzAhIwklv4I/AAAAAAAABbc/OQJvAD1V89MMJJ71Z9-iy_1CbGLY2XwVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/shimonada_sunset.JPG" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkqnGkQulsQ/XzAhIwklv4I/AAAAAAAABbc/OQJvAD1V89MMJJ71Z9-iy_1CbGLY2XwVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/shimonada_sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ubzkZkP9s/XzAhQQq7nmI/AAAAAAAABbo/o0ni4rFMemo9S85aDicpXEy73SFP65sZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/JendelaKereta.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ubzkZkP9s/XzAhQQq7nmI/AAAAAAAABbo/o0ni4rFMemo9S85aDicpXEy73SFP65sZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/JendelaKereta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Other than the three main places mentioned above, I also went to few other places near Matsuyama Castle, such as the Birthplace of Akiyama Brothers, who happened to have important roles in Japan history. I also visited Imabari Towel shop. Been loving the towel since then! Too bad the shop in Tokyo does not have as many varieties as the one in Matsuyama.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-20335811620020765582020-07-18T15:04:00.003+09:002020-07-21T10:44:11.901+09:00Yakiniku at Home<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been more than half a year of Covid-19 being around our lives now. While there are few countries where appropriate and effective measures are implemented and have been doing great controlling the spread, and even brought the active cases down to zero (wow - Standing applause for NZ!), there are more countries which are still struggling so bad in controlling the spread of the virus. Some countries have not even peaked out the first wave of the virus! Hey, Indonesian government! Yes, you! I am pointing right at you! 😠</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Japan where I live, things were improving around mid May to mid June before the cases gradually increased and now we are at the point of what likely to be the beginning of the second wave, well at least in Tokyo. Even Tokyo has just been excluded from the Go To Campaign, which will be launched by the Japan government to promote economic restoration next weekend. People in Tokyo are discouraged from traveling to other prefectures in the fear of bringing the virus there, yet traveling within Tokyo seems daunting to me because it is a very much densely populated city, man! So, home it is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I told you in one of my previous posts, I began working from home in the beginning of March, I still am, and I still will be until who knows when. I've been staying home like literally everyday! I do online shopping as much as possible, so I only go grocery shopping once in about two weeks to get fresh milk, fruits and veggies. In these past months, I only went far (to office) maybe 5 time max to do errands that needed to be done at the office.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what did I do this whole time of staying home? I started 'new hobby', painting digitally or with watercolor, I studied and took an online proctored exam for a certification, I joined many webinars, and of course just relaxed and enjoyed the moment. And one thing that I want to mention specifically in this post is that I even started doing <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">yakiniku</span> at home! Before Covid-19, I would just go to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1066461-d3851825-Reviews-Halal_Wagyu_Yakiniku_PANGA-Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html?m=19905" target="_blank">Panga</a> (halal!) when I want to have yakiniku. So, after having an encouragement from a senior, I bought a yakiniku grill plate! As for the halal wagyu yakiniku meat, I purchased them online from either <a href="https://yakinikupanga.stores.jp/" target="_blank">Panga Online Shop</a> or <a href="http://shop.ajinatori-halal.jp/" target="_blank">Ajinatori Online Shop</a>. Yummy 😋, Alhamdulillah! You can have a little bit more variations of beef parts from Panga, but my favorite, which thankfully is available both in Panga and Ajinatori, is the Short rib or カルビ (read: karubi). It will melt right after you first chew it. Love 💜!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSwuqodm7pw/XxKM-lkDWRI/AAAAAAAABZU/Ku7L6Zg2S-se9U946aVmCcgnb72rhxkPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Yakiniku%2Bat%2BHome.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSwuqodm7pw/XxKM-lkDWRI/AAAAAAAABZU/Ku7L6Zg2S-se9U946aVmCcgnb72rhxkPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/Yakiniku%2Bat%2BHome.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are Halal Wagyu Marbled Short Rib from Ajinatori</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Talking about meat, don't forget to arrange your Qurban, guys! It is definitely much more needed this year, as more people face difficulties economically to get foods with virus and natural disasters happening across the world.</div>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-57823833438798850242020-06-16T22:45:00.003+09:002021-05-15T17:51:00.297+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 4 - Wageningen)<div style="text-align: justify;">Hey it's me again returning with the series because absolutely I will finally forget if I don't get whats left in my memory into somewhere in this blog soon enough. Looking from the map below and the posts I've made, I think I am halfway of my trip.</div><br /><div><b style="background-color: #fce8b2;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2016/05/an-overdue-post-part-1-amsterdam.html" style="background-color: #fce8b2;">An Overdue Post (Part 1- Amsterdam)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #f4c7c3;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2017/09/an-overdue-post-part-2-brussels.html" style="background-color: #f4c7c3;">An Overdue Post (Part 2 - Brussels)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2019/05/an-overdue-post-part-3-ghent-and-bruges.html" style="background-color: #b7e1cd;"><b>An Overdue Post (Part 3 - Ghent and Bruges)</b></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfDIth1l4r0/Xui3sWZO8AI/AAAAAAAABVY/DCjYbZ5Y-HsmaAqlmo0mxOQhFRyQs_54ACK4BGAsYHg/s1548/EuropeTravelMap.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1548" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfDIth1l4r0/Xui3sWZO8AI/AAAAAAAABVY/DCjYbZ5Y-HsmaAqlmo0mxOQhFRyQs_54ACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h450/EuropeTravelMap.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cities I went to on my very first trip to Europe back in 2015<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mita, my friend who has been the buddy for the first half of the trip, was living in Wageningen back then. So, obviously Wageningen should be in the list of my stops. I was excited to see place that wasn't a tourism object. Mita took me to bike around the <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en/wageningen-university.htm">WUR</a> campus and we stopped by at the library which was cool, which made me wonder maybe I would go to the library regularly if I was studying there. I got to meet Kak Titis, one of the senior back in Bogor Agricultural University.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2C82hsgG4U/Xui-urK2tWI/AAAAAAAABWM/6lduBlpGBz0_mMo5OL8HBgM-kJOYkQAgQCK4BGAsYHg/s860/wageningen1.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="860" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2C82hsgG4U/Xui-urK2tWI/AAAAAAAABWM/6lduBlpGBz0_mMo5OL8HBgM-kJOYkQAgQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h480/wageningen1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WUR Library</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />Then we went around the town, again by bike. I should definitely write this here, about the bike 🚲. So, I don't know about you, but the bikes I ever ridden before had hand brakes, but the one I borrowed from one of Mita's friend didn't have hand brake! I needed to pedal backwards to brake. Unfortunately I wasn't so used to the backwards pedal brake thing. I almost made myself hit by a car because I couldn't pull the brake, so the only thing I had in mind was to fall from the bike to avoid any crash. Thankfully nothing serious, successfully avoiding any unwanted accident. Falling from the bike wasn't hurting either. Interesting though that this bike incident is what becoming the most memory I had from my visit to Wageningen 😆. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45szNh9qv2E/Xui-vFr85HI/AAAAAAAABWQ/rD0qG2Cl_C4BisYmsE-f6sqcf9O5miIYACK4BGAsYHg/s860/wageningen2.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="860" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45szNh9qv2E/Xui-vFr85HI/AAAAAAAABWQ/rD0qG2Cl_C4BisYmsE-f6sqcf9O5miIYACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h480/wageningen2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDIN9YDUwvA/Xui-vsM7oWI/AAAAAAAABWU/xl5i2TcgsxIpuhToNUU2YzCZ0hQNMsOPACK4BGAsYHg/s860/wageningen3.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="860" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDIN9YDUwvA/Xui-vsM7oWI/AAAAAAAABWU/xl5i2TcgsxIpuhToNUU2YzCZ0hQNMsOPACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h429/wageningen3.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more nature view of the town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLwNsQP1hpI/Xui-v4F2q5I/AAAAAAAABWY/I4hP_AcnOrYS7qBW6bastezFlc4mZaAbgCK4BGAsYHg/s860/wageningen4.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="860" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLwNsQP1hpI/Xui-v4F2q5I/AAAAAAAABWY/I4hP_AcnOrYS7qBW6bastezFlc4mZaAbgCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h429/wageningen4.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mita and her hubby</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-23529345607897402222020-06-03T22:03:00.002+09:002020-06-03T22:03:09.741+09:00New Blog Header!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Decided to change blog's header and blog title to simply use my social media handle instead of naming it in other phrases. Illustration of myself was created by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/takeshi_no_e/" target="_blank">@takeshi_no_e</a> by request.</div>
Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-1921803334783797072020-05-05T15:55:00.001+09:002020-05-05T15:55:09.235+09:00Covid-19, Ramadhan, and Golden Week<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi people!</div>
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I hope everyone is healthy and safe despite the pandemic happening around the globe. So, how have you been coping with the situation?</div>
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I am trying to recall when I first became fully aware of the virus, I am not certain, but maybe back in January soon after I arrived back in Tokyo after spending the new year holiday in Indonesia. A colleague at work also came back from China, so after some chats with him, considering we were sitting next to each other we agreed to put on mask for two weeks. Thankfully we were fine.</div>
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But then the number of Covid-19 patients started to increase in Japan, including Tokyo. We started to wonder if our company would consider enabling work from home policy. Thankfully the group where I was working with was quite proactive in negotiating with HR to make this happen. Then I began working from home on March 2nd, so it's been approximately two months of working from home now.</div>
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I would say I have been enjoying the WFH so far. Although it is not as comfortable as in the office because I only have low desk, which would cause worse stiff shoulder and back pain if not followed by enough stretching. I am happy that I don't have to spend 40 mins train ride each, I am happy that it is so much more comfortable to do my daily prayers at home, I am happy that I have the energy and time to cook properly. Most of all, I am thankful to Allah s.w.t that work has not been affected by the pandemic. I have been blessed that I only have to refrain from going outside unless necessary to try protecting my own health.</div>
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Hopefully those badly affected by the pandemic, financially, will have more ease to overcome this difficult time.</div>
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Now, Covid-19 has also made Ramadhan this year so different than any other Ramadhan we observed before. Ramadhan 1441 H started on May 24th, in the midst of nationwide state of emergency in Japan, or even lockdown in other countries. Normally, for Indonesian Muslims in Tokyo, we would gather every Sunday to attend Tabligh Akbar, where Islamic Scholar would have been invited from Indonesia, followed by the break-fasting. However, due to Covid-19, we are now doing it online. Normally many Muslims would prefer to go the masjids/mosques to do the Tarawih prayer, but now we are encouraged to do the prayer at home as most masjid in Japan are closed to prevent the virus from spreading. If we looked back to the days of the Prophet, he also practiced Tarawih prayer at home to show to the other believers that Tarawih prayer is a sunnah.</div>
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Nevertheless, this situation doesn't stop us from having a break-the-fast together with friends. With technology, I just did an online break fasting for the first time ever yesterday 😄</div>
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Besides Ramadhan, it is now the Golden Week, the long awaited long holiday. In the past two years I spent Golden Week by going for a solo driving trip. In 2018, I went to Aomori prefecture then rent a car to drive around Aomori. Last year in 2019, I went to Okinawa, drive around island, and observed the era changed from Heisei to Reiwa. This year, as I knew Golden Week would be during Ramadhan, I didn't really plan to go for a driving trip. But, not going anywhere at all throughout Golden Week, would be my first experience after 11 years in Japan.</div>
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Anyway, hopefully the virus can be controlled soon, and we can be free again to go out and see family and friends. Aamiinn..</div>
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Have a blessed Ramadhan all 💕</div>
Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-48380505931255917892019-12-21T22:53:00.001+09:002020-03-08T23:24:55.679+09:00Coping with Loss<div style="text-align: justify;">
Half year ago today, I hurriedly listing down my works after telling my manager that I just got a call from mom asking me to come home because my dad's health condition had dropped. I tried to find flight ticket and managed to get a seat for the next day.</div>
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When my flight was taking off, I wished I could see him and that by seeing me he would get better. I landed in Jakarta around 5 p.m. My uncle came to pick me up at the airport then we just hopped on to the car. He did not say anything, acted as anything was normal. But then when I turned my phone on, I received a message from my cousin, telling me to be patience. I started to think why would she sent me such message. But, I did not have the courage to ask my uncle. Then, a call came in from Dhilla, asking me where I was. Then she started to cry. That moment, I knew I was late. Though I realised I did not make it to see my dad, it hadn't hit me just yet. So, I just spent the rest of the ride home as normal as possible, talking about random stuff with my uncle.</div>
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As we got closer to the housing complex, I could see the yellow flag, the sign that someone in the neighbourhood passed away. As we reached home, so many people, relatives, neighbours, parents friends were there. I learned that my mom and brother were still on the way back from the hospital with my dad.</div>
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Then my dad arrived. I never thought I would see him with no more warmth from his body that soon. I had been excited waiting to come home on August so we could finally spend Eid together. But, Allah decided my dad would not be there by then.</div>
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I was trying hard to process the situations, I was trying to imagine how it was gonna be when a father figure suddenly gone. I was sad that I couldn't go home sooner to at least see him alive for the last time.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"> إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">To Allah (Almighty God) we belong, and to Him is our return</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">.” (</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Qur'an 2:156)</span></span></div>
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Reminding myself that everyone would eventually die, and recalling the past years where I had been witnessing my dad turning his way of life more and more into what Allah loves, I believed my dad went away as a believer and that he would return to the best place where Allah had prepared for him. With these thoughts, I did not whine. People told me that I seemed so strong, but really, what else could I do?</div>
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Been half year since he's gone, many times this fact hit me and left me in tears. It's still hard to imagine living without him to go to when I need to hear his words, for his advises. It's weird coming home and not seeing him, while he had been the person who asked me the most where I'd like to go whenever I was home for holiday. It's not easy but life goes on. I miss you every day, Papa ♥<br />
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-36965962485934222572019-11-04T21:50:00.003+09:002020-03-08T23:25:41.147+09:00Few Days Until 30<div style="text-align: justify;">
What did you imagine about being 30? Did you ever think turning 30 as a milestone of your life? As women, I assume many of us had certain thoughts about turning 30.</div>
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Back when I was in high school, I had always thought that I would be married and gifted at least 1 child before 30. It is natural that most ladies have similar dreams about their lives, because most of us are conscious about our biological clocks, that we were taught it would be harder to have child after 30. At actual, I am not married, and of course I don't have any kid yet. I wonder what would the 17-yo me think if she finds out about this fact. Would she be disappointed? We will never find the answer anyway. So, what do I feel?</div>
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One thing that I am certain is that no, I am not disappointed. There were chances where things might have been different but decisions were made and I don't regret a thing.</div>
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Honestly, sometimes I feel left behind because most of my friends are now married and blessed with cute children. It just hits me sometimes that whenever planning on something, my friends would need to ensure certain arrangements with husband or children first before we can actually make a decision. I can't deny that sometimes I feel anxious about life, about the future. Especially now that may dad is no longer around, the pressure on my chest due to uncertainties have felt bigger than ever. </div>
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But, I have learned along the way we are walking on our own paths at our own paces. So, it's normal that we are not always necessarily at the same stage of lives.</div>
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Whenever I become anxious about the future, I quickly remind my myself that a muslim, it is my obligation to always trust The Best Planner, The Most Knowledgable, The Almighty God, Allah.</div>
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Indeed, mankind was created anxious (70:19) </blockquote>
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Be it personal life or career, I gotta put some efforts to lead them to the way I want them to be, but first thing first, to put trust in Allah. What kind of life would I have after turning 30? Of course, not that I am saying it will immediately change. I have been thinking on some plans, on things that I have control to change (if Allah wills). I just wish I can always be optimistic and positive!</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-58034531642388968522019-09-01T21:07:00.001+09:002020-03-08T23:25:56.427+09:00Most Recent Favorite Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello! I'll be sharing about something that maybe I have never shared in this blog before. It's about book! There's a reason why I've never written anything related to book. It simply because I hadn't read any book other than those required due to school or uni since senior high school until last year. I bought some books whenever I went to a bookstore, but I rarely managed to read them through the last page. Even some of the books I bought are still neatly wrapped in plastic now. However, I had been wishing I can start reading again. If the reason it's been so hard for me to try to read was because I was always lazy to hold and bring the physical book, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started to wonder if having an e-book reader</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> would make any difference. So around end of 2017, when Amazon was having a huge sale, I checked the price of kindle paperwhite and it was nearly half-priced! So i decided to get one :) And I was quite hyped knowing that kindle version books were cheaper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For someone who barely read before, in 2018, I managed to finished 2 books (Guys, don't roll your eyes! lol) and also studied from a book to prepare for an examination. Now, within 8 months in 2019, I have finished 4 books and I think I might read few more before end of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this post, I would like to mention the most recent book I read. The title is 'The Truth About Gemma Grey'. Honestly, I was progressing really slow at the beginning, but then gradually enjoying more as the story goes. I used to love reading chick lit back in junior high school days, and I found that I am still enjoying it now. I am not sure if people of my age would still read chick lit or not, who cares, right? It's a romantic comedy, but that's not the only thing offered. Through the book, we could get a hint of Youtuber's life which was interesting to know. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the romantic aspect, there were 3 men appeared in Gemma's life, but I was mostly cheering for a guy named Charlie because they were so cute together. Honestly I was a bit sad when I reached the last page because I still wanted to follow more of Gemma's stories.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3JvcFd2oQE/XWsonMwg68I/AAAAAAAABOE/4TePevWrMKEcjQj2a2H_EjsvjkVa6ql4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3JvcFd2oQE/XWsonMwg68I/AAAAAAAABOE/4TePevWrMKEcjQj2a2H_EjsvjkVa6ql4wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4307.JPG" width="400" /></a><img alt="The Truth About Gemma Grey: A feel-good, romantic comedy you won't be able to put down by [Ranald, Sophie]" height="200" src="https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-DNZKrCRL.jpg" width="130" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Post Gemma, I've bought two books and will start reading the one by the same author as 'The Truth About Gemma Grey'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let me know if you have any recommendation so I can check it out for my next reading list :)</span>Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-73936888666018129852019-05-20T00:15:00.002+09:002020-03-08T23:26:45.019+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 3 - Ghent and Bruges)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey all, it's been a while (well, been 2 years)!</div>
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Someone mentioned about my blog which reminded me that I haven't been updating my blog at all. There were few times I tried to update it, I even wrote a draft! but decided not to post it.</div>
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Now, since I have some edited pictures ready to post, I will continue the overdue Europe trip post series. Went to Europe in February 2015, right after I completed my master thesis defence and before officially starting my full-time job. Kindly read the first two post of this series from links below.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-size: small;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2016/05/an-overdue-post-part-1-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">An Overdue Post (Part 1 - Amsterdam)</a></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: black;"><a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.com/2017/09/an-overdue-post-part-2-brussels.html" target="_blank">An Overdue Post (Part 2 - Brussels)</a></span></div>
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In part 3, I will try my best to write what still remains in my memory from the trip to two Flanders cities in Belgium; Ghent and Bruges.</div>
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After some googling we did the night before, we figured that it would be cheap for us who were under 26yo back then to buy train ticket Go Pass 1. First stop of the day was Ghent or Gent. First impression after I saw the view outside the main train station Gent-Sint-Pieters was I liked the view better than Brussels. While you may want to take the tram ride from the station to touristic area, tourism spots in Ghent were close to each other and within walking distances. So I would recommend going around on foot if you have plenty of time. That way, you can enjoy the view of the city that is sooo beautiful. Climbing the Ghent Belfry, a UNESCO world heritage, would allow you to enjoy city view of Ghent from above. I also visited the Castle of the Counts, which amazed me as it was different than castles in Japan. We can also see the tools used to torture people back then. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GO PASS 1 Ticket recommended for young traveler (under 26 yo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNvDKqJpShE/XOFVZgI5j0I/AAAAAAAABLk/lL3sWVDWNrM439g1n9-UCm-eFozaU2K_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Gent01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1366" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNvDKqJpShE/XOFVZgI5j0I/AAAAAAAABLk/lL3sWVDWNrM439g1n9-UCm-eFozaU2K_wCLcBGAs/s640/Gent01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ghent Belfry "Het Belfort van Gent" and the Castle of the Counts "Gravensteen"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXZSnr4gos8/XOFZGLJVdaI/AAAAAAAABMA/57hvc7jEKlkxDdC2C3g0jECHBmYC6JBEACLcBGAs/s1600/Gent03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1366" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXZSnr4gos8/XOFZGLJVdaI/AAAAAAAABMA/57hvc7jEKlkxDdC2C3g0jECHBmYC6JBEACLcBGAs/s640/Gent03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Nicholas Church seen from the Ghent Belfry</td></tr>
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After spending few hours in Ghent, we continued our journey to the next Flanders city, Bruges or Brugge. The city has different atmosphere to the one in Ghent. I would say the view and the atmosphere of Bruges was fantasy-like but kinda gloomy (well maybe because it was cloudy the whole day). After being greeted by the swans in the Lake of Love "Minnewater", we had a quick look of Begijnhof (Beguinage), a world heritage, then decided to walked out. It was sooo quiet and we were not sure how to look around there as the 'religious' feels was strong even in silence. We didn't want to be impolite. Many famous places to visit in Bruges are churches.</div>
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Most recommended thing to do which you shouldn't miss is to take a boat trip around Bruges canals. Look for Rozenhoedkaai for the boat pier. From this point, you can enjoy an iconic view of the city which is said to be the most photographed location in Bruges.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One corner of the Market Square, with the Provincial Court and the Belfry of Bruges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXrDPdcIJ1s/XOFVYqx5OhI/AAAAAAAABLc/sy39CF2AYcA5upFQForEIqNfufkr-epgACLcBGAs/s1600/Bruges01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXrDPdcIJ1s/XOFVYqx5OhI/AAAAAAAABLc/sy39CF2AYcA5upFQForEIqNfufkr-epgACLcBGAs/s640/Bruges01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous picturesque canal view in Bruges from Rozenhoedkaai</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the city view both from the canal boat ride and on foot</td></tr>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-45210281054648594842017-09-03T23:44:00.002+09:002021-05-15T17:52:43.780+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 2 - Brussels)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following the "<a href="https://edhikasaja.blogspot.jp/2016/05/an-overdue-post-part-1-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">An Overdue Post (Part 1 - Amsterdam)</a>," here it is finally the second part of what I can share from my trip to Europe in 2015. I must admit I am way not too diligent if I want to consider myself as a travel blogger, so.. no, I am not a travel blogger :) My travel posts are for the sake of my own travel diary. However, as I normally write about the trip so long after the trip itself (it took 2.5 years till I actually post this one!), obviously I'd have forgotten most of the details. LOL.</div>
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After spending about 1 day, 1 night in Amsterdam, Mita and I continued our trip taking a Eurolines bus to Brussels, Belgium. My first impression upon arriving in Brussels was the people were not as warm and friendly of those in Amsterdam. The station staff were not too helpful when we asked for information about the city bus. We ended up trusting the screenshot of the route shown by google map to go to the hostel we had reserved, taken few hours ago while Mita still had an internet connection in Amsterdam. We got on the bus, but after a while I started to feel suspicious that we might have taken the wrong bus as the trip shouldn't be too long. I asked a man who turned to be the first nice and friendly person we met in Brussels. He helped us confirm with the bus driver and we found out that due to a train strike on the day, most bus routes were altered. The man and the bus driver told us which bus number we should take. Fortunately, we arrived safely at the hostel. As it was dark already, not long after a quick rest, we went out to see the Grand Place. After that we decided to spend the rest of the day in the hostel and browse for all the information we need for the next day.</div>
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The next day, we traveled to Ghent and Bruges which will be part of another post :). We finally had a proper sightseeing around the city of Brussels on the third day of our stay in Belgium. We joined a free half-day guided-tour offered by the hostel. The tour was worth it, as it was free (although we gave him a tip at the end of the tour), and the key to be able to see as many as possible in a half-day tour was to walk very very quickly. hahaha. It was a bit hard for Mita and me to keep the pace of everyone else and we got left behind few times so we had to run to catch up sometimes. But it was fun, the guide was super expressive and nice. Please have a look at the pictures below for some of the spots that we got to see.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-724ehIWDzn4/WawKueY7x6I/AAAAAAAABJE/hzck49fqMIsabg9A4aet0wm4cDW30ikgACLcBGAs/s1600/bruxelles-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-724ehIWDzn4/WawKueY7x6I/AAAAAAAABJE/hzck49fqMIsabg9A4aet0wm4cDW30ikgACLcBGAs/w426-h640/bruxelles-01.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Town Hall of Bruxelles in the Grand Place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bM2qKRllJ-0/WawKuW8XgEI/AAAAAAAABJI/Aq2wWv9vuWUtIaBq4QjjS5laFAyRJ6fhgCLcBGAs/s1600/bruxelles-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1366" height="472" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bM2qKRllJ-0/WawKuW8XgEI/AAAAAAAABJI/Aq2wWv9vuWUtIaBq4QjjS5laFAyRJ6fhgCLcBGAs/w640-h472/bruxelles-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Karl Marx used to stay and where he wrote the "Communist Party Manifesto"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2tr6ZrM5s/WawKugs1ZUI/AAAAAAAABJM/C0JCMtm2J88233QR3-8oA2rIo8IoHPYbACLcBGAs/s1600/bruxelles-03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2tr6ZrM5s/WawKugs1ZUI/AAAAAAAABJM/C0JCMtm2J88233QR3-8oA2rIo8IoHPYbACLcBGAs/w640-h320/bruxelles-03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(left) The 'petite' Manneken Pis, (middle) Zoomed in Manneken Pis, (right) Jeanneke Pis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue des Bouchers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DB0cypZ-fcQ/WawKwaeG-PI/AAAAAAAABJY/21YOSUKjRWsLejHuc__Gejb3GNidqkW5QCLcBGAs/s1600/bruxelles-05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DB0cypZ-fcQ/WawKwaeG-PI/AAAAAAAABJY/21YOSUKjRWsLejHuc__Gejb3GNidqkW5QCLcBGAs/w426-h640/bruxelles-05.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyr3yhvIjvk/WawKwmk0yjI/AAAAAAAABJc/PbLHlMvQgaIVT4cldK3g2dm-BpKmEHqzwCLcBGAs/s1600/bruxelles-07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyr3yhvIjvk/WawKwmk0yjI/AAAAAAAABJc/PbLHlMvQgaIVT4cldK3g2dm-BpKmEHqzwCLcBGAs/w640-h426/bruxelles-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monument of King Albert I far away</td></tr>
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<br />Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-401883444441789632017-05-05T23:53:00.001+09:002020-03-08T23:30:43.477+09:00Koinobori and Tokyo SkytreeLast year on the same day, May 5th, I posted pictures of <a href="http://edhikasaja.blogspot.jp/2016/05/childrens-day-and-koinobori.html" target="_blank">Koinobori at the feet of the Tokyo Tower</a>. This year, today, I went to another tower in Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree.<br />
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<br />Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-80400111911605644382017-03-12T12:33:00.000+09:002020-03-08T23:28:43.994+09:00「見たこともない景色」菅田将暉<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think I mentioned in my earlier post that I've got a new celebrity crush. He is Suda Masaki, a Japanese actor who acted in many Japanese movies or dramas I have watched but did not really get my attention until I watched one of his movies titled "Oboreru Knife (溺れるナイフ), or Drowning Love" in November last year. Oboreru knife is a shojo manga based movie. Normally, I don't get easily attached to such movies because obviously they are just waaaay too cheesy. However, I was surprised with the impression I had when I watched Oboreru knife, and I literally went to watch it again. Suda's portrayal of Ko in the movie left a very strong impression on me.</div>
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Anyway, not limited to movies and dramas, he also appears in many Japanese tv ads and this year, his singing performances were announced, ones for a movie about a Japanese band - GReeeeN and one for a Japanese ads, which I am sharing on this post. It is an ad made by one of Japanese mobile service, famous with its Japanese folklore "Santaro" ads. Suda also appears in some of the ads series as Oni-chan, or the evil. This ad is part of the series as well, made specially to support Japan national soccer team in the Asian qualification for the world cup. What do you think? Don't you think he sings quite well considering he is not a singer?</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-38353305188739495682017-01-31T23:51:00.003+09:002020-03-08T23:28:59.184+09:00Wait, What?!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Only 10 mins left before January 2017 ends. Wait, has it been that long since new year and yet I still haven't upload the post I had promised in the previous post. Anyway, I have picked up some photos that I would post so I guess I can only hope I am not too lazy to finally get going because definitely there are still many traveling stories on the waiting list to be posted.</div>
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Been busy, both at work and private life (which partly due to new fangirl-ing activities to my new celebrity crush :p). Been hoping to gain enough motivation to exercise since I have lost control of my weight. The numbers have piled up for many more than enough. LOL.</div>
Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-41274202275859962482016-11-12T23:08:00.004+09:002020-03-08T23:29:22.493+09:00A Year Older<div style="text-align: justify;">
Normally I would make a post on my birthday. But, this year, I decided I don't wanna put such pressure on myself. So, here it is one day late post :D</div>
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Well, actually I don't plan to write anything special. I will only post a picture, which is related to my upcoming post (hopefully soon), about my solo trip to a city in Ehime Prefecture last year. Ciao!</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-75530502950001646702016-11-03T20:54:00.001+09:002021-05-15T18:05:02.787+09:00Solo Travel - Hiroshima<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello, All! I am thinking that I will start posting about my solo trips once in a while. Solo trip, or you can say as hitori-tabi in Japanese. I had been visiting places within Tokyo or nearby prefectures in Kanto area by myself ever since I came to Japan in 2009. However, never had I been to other prefectures far from Tokyo, solo, until 2013. I went for a solo trip for the first time in Summer 2013. The destination that I chose was Hiroshima, the largest city in Chugoku region, western Honshu island, Japan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why Hiroshima?</span></div>
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I had always wanted to go to Hiroshima. This city experienced one of the most significant events in modern history as it was the first ever city to witness how cruel and inhuman atomic bomb can do to humanity. I am sure most of us learned that an atomic bomb was dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. I wanted to see the city after years had passed.</div>
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Actually, I did not specifically plan to go alone to Hiroshima. But, after waiting for so long, trying to adjust schedule and everything else with some friends, it never went beyond planning. So I decided to go by myself since it would be much easier to plan everything, from schedule, budget, itinerary, etc.</div>
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I went for a 2-nights-3-days trip, by airplane and stayed at a hotel in the city. I found the tour package on the internet, which was relatively cheap. Although it was a 'tour-package', it did not mean that you'd have to go with a group of people. It only referred to a package of airplane and hotel.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What To See?</span></div>
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Well, I don't think I need to write about it here in my blog because you can all go to Google and you will find so much information with lots of details.</div>
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So, I will just write few impressions and post few photos of some places I went to.</div>
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<b><u>Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park</u></b></div>
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I will say that this should be the main destination of a trip to Hiroshima. You can see the A-Bomb Dome, the cenotaph, the ground zero, etc. If you have plenty of time, I would recommend a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. You can rent an audio guide tool to help you get around the museum with more insights and stories. I was surprised that it was also offered in Bahasa Indonesia, beside Japanese, English, and some other languages. The audio guide was worth it, my eyes got teary as I looked at some of the exhibitions. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cenotaph Memorial and the A-Bomb Dome</td></tr>
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<b><u>Hiroshima Castle</u></b><br />
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As far as I can remember, Hiroshima Castle was the first Japanese castle that I visited. Actually I went near to Odawara Castle in 2009 but did not enter the complex itself so I don't count it as a visit lol.</div>
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The original Hiroshima Castle was destroyed in the atomic bombing, so the one that we can see now is a rebuilt. This castle is considered unique in term of location where it was built, which is on a plain in the city, not on top of hills as most other Japanese castles. I can recall that I met a fellow solo traveler from Australia at the entrance and we ended up looking around within the main keep of the castle together. I figured this could be an experience that we would have especially when we travel solo, having more interactions with strangers and enjoying the moments with people we meet along the way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiroshima Castle</td></tr>
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<b><u>A Side Trip to Miyajima</u></b><br />
I would totally recommend a side trip to Miyajima, which can be reached from Hiroshima by ferry. The main attractions include Itsukushima Shrine and its giant torii gate, Mount Misen. Although I did not hike to the summit of the mountain, I went up to the Shishi-Iwa observatory where I had nice views of Seto Inland Sea.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Itsukushima Shrine and Its Torii Gate</td></tr>
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<b><u>A Side Trip to Onomichi</u></b><br />
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I normally book a trip (transportation and accommodation) at least a month (or preferably more) before my departure but I don't really start planning my itinerary until about 1 or 2 weeks before the trip. So, realised that 3 days were so much more than enough for a trip to Hiroshima. After doing some googling, I decided that I would go for a side trip to Onomichi.</div>
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Apparently Onomichi is famous for its Temple Walk and cycling route along the Shimanami Kaido. As I did not plan to do a cycling activity, I decided to go to Senkoji Park. I did a lot of walks here in Onomichi. I went through a Cat Trail, Senkoji Temple which used to be a shooting location of a Korean drama, etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63kKn5s0Hqg/WBsRHvLzRtI/AAAAAAAABHs/Y0lUD_mbCTckQkV3HajcG7hx_VPuBqyFQCLcB/s1600/Hiroshima05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63kKn5s0Hqg/WBsRHvLzRtI/AAAAAAAABHs/Y0lUD_mbCTckQkV3HajcG7hx_VPuBqyFQCLcB/w640-h426/Hiroshima05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from Senkoji Park Observation Deck</td></tr>
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If you are going for a two days trip around Hiroshima, I recommend the 2 days trip card as it covers tram ride within Hiroshima city, round trip ferry ride to Miyajima, and ropeway ticket in Miyajima. </div>
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Overall, I was satisfied with my trip. I found Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Onomichi were relaxing, so it was a nice getaway from busy and crowded Tokyo.</div>
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If you are a woman solo traveler, I would say traveling in summer is a better option as you can have longer daylight. I personally refrain from going out later than 9 pm when I travel alone because cities outside Tokyo can be really quiet at night. So, for the sake of my own safety I'd rather rest at the hotel. Maybe you can consider my tips as well!</div>
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Wait for more posts! See you!</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-25588136779995028242016-06-06T23:40:00.001+09:002020-03-08T23:30:00.284+09:00Ashikaga Flower Park<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early May, Japan has three consecutive national holiday (plus a separate national date still within the same week). So, normally many Japanese people who are known for their long working hours will take some days off from work to make it as a long holiday for about 10 consecutive days. This long holiday is famously referred as Golden Week in Japan.</div>
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Entering my second year as a salary(<i>wo)</i>man in Japan, I also decided to take extra days off to enjoy a long holiday this year. In one of those days, I went to Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture, about almost 2 hours long drive from Tokyo (with about 15 mins stop in rest area).</div>
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This flower park is especially packed with people around early May as the park observes the full bloom of its main attraction, Wisteria. There are four main colors of Wisteria that we can enjoy there; Purple, light pink, white, and yellow. However, the yellow one normally has its peak about a week later than the other colors. When I went there, a tunnel of yellow wisteria was still about to start blooming.</div>
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You can definitely enjoy the pretty flowers across the park although there are sooooooo many people. But for me, the highlight was the very nice scent from the flowers in every corner of the park. It simply made my day. So, I bought wisteria scent room spray for myself LOL. Btw, the scent is similar to the scent of jasmine.</div>
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I hope next year I can go to a bigger wisteria tunnel in Fukui, preferably during the weekdays where I hope I can expect fewer people!</div>
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Anyway, enjoy few photos from the park :)</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-53537583040197824442016-05-05T23:51:00.002+09:002020-03-08T23:31:03.582+09:00Children's Day and Koinobori<div style="text-align: justify;">
Children's day in Japan is celebrated every year on May 5th. As part of the celebration, normally a Koinobori set will be flown at families with kid houses.</div>
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What is Koinobori? Koinobori means carp-streamer, or carp-shaped wind socks. Is it hard to imagine? Don't worry, I have prepared few pictures that I took today at the foot of Tokyo Tower. This year, 333 carp-shaped wind socks are flown in Tokyo Tower.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot Luffy from One Piece?</td></tr>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-79392782105611261722016-05-05T01:22:00.004+09:002021-05-15T17:55:06.745+09:00An Overdue Post (Part 1 - Amsterdam)<div style="text-align: justify;">
About a year ago, I posted a brief story on my trip to Europe. I just realize that I didn't post any single picture from the trip!</div>
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So, I will start by posting some pictures from the first two days of the starting point of my trip: Amsterdam!</div>
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I guess I made a good decision by starting the trip from Amsterdam for few reasons. First, getting a visa through The Netherlands Embassy was easy and quick, and second, which I realized after I arrived there, was that people there didn't mind to speak in English and they were really friendly and warm so it made me feel relaxed and not worrying too much. The only one time I had a frightening moment was when my friends and I were heading to the city library, a weird man followed us and he kept following us until we told him we're gonna call the police. Phew!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arvo"; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Zaanse Schans</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess what?! Towards the Red Light District!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Rijksmuseum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come early if you want to avoid other tourists packing the area</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7dv9bfqF6k/VyogUIYX5hI/AAAAAAAABGA/D9cld-BKl3Al0lamWHRTQiXrM-q9ACqcQCLcB/s1600/Ams05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7dv9bfqF6k/VyogUIYX5hI/AAAAAAAABGA/D9cld-BKl3Al0lamWHRTQiXrM-q9ACqcQCLcB/w640-h426/Ams05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycles and the canal</td></tr>
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I will post more pictures from different cities in separate posts. I hope it won't take too long :D Ciao!</div>
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Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894436926134694093.post-51998542405959705102016-03-09T22:24:00.001+09:002020-03-08T23:33:18.209+09:00Hello world!Hello world!<br />
Maybe from some of you who ever learn programming, this would be the first codes you write :)<br />
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Anyway, it's been almost half year since last update on blog. Many things happened but mostly were around work life. As for private life, not much has changed but I'm glad I had a chance to go home, to see family and friend around new year. My family and l had an adventure driving around east Borneo, but too bad my sister couldn't join us.<br />
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Just a quick update so I can look back after few times :) Ciao!Edhikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00458498111554476968noreply@blogger.com0