Work
More and more people resign for some reason each week. Project work wise we still carry on and hope to meet our goals. A few of my projects were positively received than others. Still no all gendered toilet or maternity fitted toilets. Accessible toilets in staff areas.
PoGo
By far the most successful aspect in my life. With the increased lucky friends I was able to trigger lucky with many of my friends. One player and I traded a shiny Rayquaza and it went HUNDO! Ah! OMG! Me of all people got it. This was unbelievable, especially when so many players were concerned that I will milk them for a hundo legendary. Well, well, there are players out there who are not afraid of me getting a successful outcome from the trade. Besides it just one pokemon.
Then I was able to catch a Galarian Zapdos with an ultra ball and golden raspberry. OMG! Followed by a rare hatch of a Larvesta. Oh yeah!
Then a normal trade turned into a lucky hundo Drampa. The most newest pokemon to date.
Dating
Fake people still. One insists on talking about Bitcoin, ugh! Another boast about how he can beat others in sports. Yawn. These are not even AI. They lack conversation skills.
And another one asked if I would be keen to move to another chat app just to waste my time and sell me Bitcoin, ugh. The person never message back within the dating app since.
===================
Osaka 2025
6 February 2025
After Sis came back from picking her online purchase, bro drove us to the airport, and we beat the lunch time traffic. It was 31 degrees today. Too hot to wear a jacket outside.
Once inside people were hovering around the monitors for their flights. Sis and I went into a cafe for lunch. There were only bench seats. I had a salmon soba noodle with orange juice. Sis had a salmon bagel with apple juice.
At security check Sis was held up for bringing an inappropriate item. I’m like what? Uh. All purpose tool. Ugh. Once that was over and done with we went to smell perfume and pose with displays.
I completed two T5 battles and 1 Dyna max Moltres. Done for the day.
Watched movies on the aeroplane
Boston Stranglers
Fly me to the moon
Lee (Miller)
Conclave
7 February 2025
Day 1: our arrival was smooth. For @sngo1982 and I it was a bit of learning g process to work out where to claim all our 3 passes. Luca and Lunk mall has mod itself, Tennoji MIO mall has several sweet shops. The sauce makes takoyaki sing in Namba.
Sis didn’t bring winter clothing again.
She got a sore throat and didn’t take medicine on first itch.
Day 2: (8 Feb 2025) unexpected snow fall in Demachi-Yamato area. Sis didn’t bring her jacket. The locals looked shocked by it too. The park nearby the Demachi-Yanagi station has large rock pebbles to walk on with snow on it. snap away! We lined up for fresh mochi!
Day 2: (8 Feb 2025) let it snow, let it snow. @sgo1982 and I saw fresh snow fall in the north. Then ate match curry with matcha noodles for lunch in the south. Followed by an evening of playing a tapping game with a maiko. I lost and drank sake. #Kyoto exp
The snow was fresh! Coming down at a rapid pace. Quite magical. It hurts when the snow flakes jab you in the eye. Nothing has changed there. Where the two river meets up in the fork are walking plank large rocks. Covered in snow. Even the large turtle shaped rocks.
A family by the park brought their own sleigh ride for kids and some couples were having a picnic under the trees. The tree offered slim shelter from the snow fall.
Sis and I proceed to line up at the fresh mochi stall. The matcha and yuzu mochi were a bit rubbery. The original black bean one was super soft. The rice and beans was not overly sweet.
Day 3: (9 Feb 2025) @sngo1982 and I rode the longest cable car in Japan (see Sakamoto). Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple in fresh snow! Picture perfect views of Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa Prince Hotel has views on 36th floor (food ok lah). The ground floor had light illumination from Xmas. Hee hee#LakeBiwa
Day 3: (9 Feb 2025).
叡山延曆寺
Hieizan
Enryaku-ji
Temple
Biwako-Hamaotsu is a main transfer station.
Snowy cold. Slush and ice was a trip hazard. The buildings had poor insulation against snow.
There was no warm waiting or resting room.
Several walking and hiking trails up the mountain. Sadly, the cable only operates until 4pm. So, we had to leave early.
Day 4: (10 Feb 2025). I hoped on a special rapid instead of local train. Oops! Kobe Kuma Sea World was amazing! I got to see orcas in-person! Plus dolphins ofc. @sngo1982 and I fed sea turtles calamari. Tough jaws! Fun part was getting splash at show time. Hee hee. #Kobe
During the turtle feeding session Sis and I were given a tong and a bucket of sliced squid meat. Sis side of the pool a bigger turtle bit the smaller turtle fins. Someone was super hungry. Everyone was shocked by the experience. It supposed to be a simple experience. Not. lol. These turtle sure have a strong jaw. They clamp down real hard on the tongs. Some couples were scared and just drop meat into the water. I watched the turtles looking left and right, more or less feeling lost. lol.
We went back for the last orca performance session. You got it. We got splashed one last time. Then we shopped a storm in the gift store, before leaving for some takoyaki snack, just opposite of the sea world.
Day 5: (11 Feb 2025). Kani brunch with @sngo1982 in Dotonburi. Shopped up a storm in Don Quijote in Shinsaibashi. The tax free queue was super long. Snack-u in Kyoto. We saw the new electronic rsv system. Punch n wait for number. Suss out valentine choc paradise in Isetan. Posh! #Namba #Kyoto
Day 6: (12 Feb 2025). Once off the train @sngo1982 & I went straight to Temple of Jorenji (via Tobu Tojo line). Narimasu is a relaxing for walks (white sakura). Sunshine city had Pikachu Sweets - huge take away store. Cheese and rice dori was delicious for dinner. #Tokyo
Day 7: (13 Feb 2025). Boom! Hello Kitty 50th anniversary exhibition at Tokyo National Museum. @sngo1982 loved it. So much collaboration over the years. Lunch @ Saizeriya (ah. melon soda). TeamLab Planets was excellent (unexpected foot bath x2). BYO shorts and flat shoes. #Tokyo
Day 8: (14 Feb 2025). Spent #ValentinesDay in #Tokyo with @sngo1982 and hundred of others at TeamLab Borderless: Mori building. A few interactive art works. Afternoon high tea at Peter Rabbit Garden cafe (Jiyugaoka branch). Nakano (grilled food mecca) for din din. Enjoyed some illumination in Shinjuku.
I did 1 special trade with Maki (62, f, retiree). Dialga origin. No luck.
Day 9: (15 Feb 2025). Off to Chiba. part rural, part urban. 3 transfers later. Nokogirriyama-sanroku (cable car) to the peak and to see Nihon-ji Temple daibutsu on a mountain. The path way was filled with rocks and stairs. The carving was impressive though. #Chiba
There is a machine that lets you reserve your own seats on shinksnsen now and in English. Whoa. Super cool. Now I can book seats for Sis with ease.
Day 10: (16 Feb 2025). Chiba Zoological garden has some red panda magic. @sngo1982 was in awe. Chiba port area is wide w small gems. Sapporo Chiba Beer Garden (BBQ) was far. Tuck away in an industrial area (Shin-Narashino JR stn). #Chiba
Day 11: (17 Feb 2025).
The triple transfer from hell. In the early morning check out you can hear Sis huffing and puffing as she deals with the lack of space in her suitcase had originally. As always she brings too much make up, accessories, and of all things thick jumpers. Then she stuffs her suitcase with fluffy toys and socks. Whereas mine is full of food. Not to boast or anything. I plan to polish the food within days!, as I ain’t carrying them home, only to be confiscated by custom.
Sis would stand in the middle of the corridor trying to put away her JR Pass. I told her to stand aside and not get knocked by a rush of people. She growls at me. Oh well. Then go ahead get hit by prams, suitcases, bags, and get kick by boots. I can only advise once. Saving my voice for the remainder of my trip. I ain’t gonna mother a bloody forty years old woman.
I managed to get a good snooze on the first Shinkansen.
The Shin-Osaka station has the most delicious foods on offer. The smell brings comfort. Sis dashed to get her fave waffles (not available in Tokyo in fresh format).
There was even staff driving traffic and allocating toilet stalls for you in the female toilet. Talk about being busy.
The weather is sunny and 16°C today.
I managed to sneak in a light lunch box in the second Shinkansen. A ginger pork eki ben.
Sis and I both got aisle seat. Many individuals did not like to sit with a complete stranger. Not much choice now. They will have to put up with our medium thick suitcases now. lol.
Note: you cannot use Personal Hot Spot on any of Klook eSIM. Moreover, their data chews up pretty quickly than Airaloe eSIM. I’ll stick with Airalo for better consistency.
Day 11: (17 Feb 2025). A day of Shinkansen transfers (x3). So many salary man booked window seats for two stops. We sat in aisle seats and constantly having to get up. Ugh. Shin-Osaka had good food, Kokura has some good local produce, Beppu has lots of hotels. #Beppu
Day 12: (18 Feb 2025). Jigoku Meguri (aka Hells of Beppu) was totally FUN! Ask for Common ticket! Foot bath x3. Drank 80°C mineral water. Steamed my face n throat. Drank hot Kabosu. Watched ppl eat steamed eggs. Use Kamenoi 1 day bus pass. Danced in Beppu Tower. Korean BBQ dinner.
Day 13: (19 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I took bus no. 36 to #Beppu Ropeway up Mount Tsurumi. -5°C it was and it had ice snow. Tallest view yet. Sadly, Kijima Kogen Park was closed. Lucky, Beppu Park had Sakura trees already flowering. Pretty!
Day 14: (20 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I took a local train from Oita to #Yufuin. So much street vendor food! Many tourist focused stores plus a few local stores. We got to pet owls and cats (paid exp)! I love cardboard cut outs and roof top views. The foot hot spring (spa) cafe was lovely. The lake was okay. Good day out.
Day 15: (21 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I went in search of stone carved Buddha(s) in #Oita and they were interesting, many of them were damaged. IC card were accepted on buses here. 1 under cover passage shopping mall. Murals. BBQ meat for dinner w private room.
Day 16: (22 Feb 2025). x2 successful transfer. Third was cancelled due to flying object obstruct Haruka Ltd Exp train. Ugh. @sngo1982 and I took the limousine bus to hotel. Food, food, food kept us entertained. #Osaka
The hotel may have been on a flat surface. The little hill to the train station was somewhat a challenge to push a 20 kg suitcase full of lollies. Luckily, I repaired my leg and arm last night with onsen session followed by ointment.
The Sonic 8 train leaving Beppu had more leg room than the Sonic 28 train coming into Beppu. How odd! Anyways, this one had wooden floor boards. How posh. We get to see the sun rise brightly above us as the train sweeps by the towns in between stops.
Here comes the x3 transfers. Last leg of the trip. Then it is back home.
Day 17: (23 Feb 2025). It’s the last day for retail, food, and art in Japan. Plus it’s our last TeamLab session too. In Botanical Garden #Osaka(Nagai subway stn). Best viewed at right after sunset. We saw repeat themes from previous TeamLabs’ Planet (Shin-Toyosu via Shimsaibashi) and digital art in Mori building.
Sis thought adding another 1000 yen would fix her IC card. When the machine states she has forgotten to tap off at a subway station gate during the day. She didn’t check for lights and walked through the gates and didn’t check if the gate registered her card. It usually displays your remaining credit when you have officially tapped off. She was too lazy to look and was too focused on her social media posts yet again. Idiot.
We did a rally from Namba to Nara to Tennoji using mix of JR Pass and IC Card.
Day 18: (24 Feb 2025)
Watched movies on aeroplane
Kraven
Substance
Here
Oh. The movie Substance was intense, crazy, and wild. Beauty can be intoxicating. One can be too carried away with it. Trying to remain beautiful forever and appeal to people’s eyes is an exhausting routine. Also, not respecting the balance of a system will result in failure.
Heretic
Twisted games. Host likes to talk a lot.
Somehow host doesn’t seem to make sense. Why keep so many ladies in cages. Feels sexist.
The Apprentice
Poor Roy Cohn. Died without getting paid.
Overall, this trip we learnt many of our favourite shops have permanently closed. Especially in the major cities. All them pop up themed cafes now require telephone reservation. Plus restaurants and cafes we used to frequent as well. Only a handful was kind enough to allow us in without reservation.
Also, we should book to major activities in one day or second last day of our trip.
Note: 7GB from Airalo eSIM will suffice our trip. Plus it allows you to turn on hot spot for Arthur. Meanwhile, Klook eSIM does not. Also, Klook data is quickly consumed by Google map app.
Sis was annoyed by a crying baby behind us from Singapore in our transfer flight.
6 February 2025
After Sis came back from picking her online purchase, bro drove us to the airport, and we beat the lunch time traffic. It was 31 degrees today. Too hot to wear a jacket outside.
Once inside people were hovering around the monitors for their flights. Sis and I went into a cafe for lunch. There were only bench seats. I had a salmon soba noodle with orange juice. Sis had a salmon bagel with apple juice.
At security check Sis was held up for bringing an inappropriate item. I’m like what? Uh. All purpose tool. Ugh. Once that was over and done with we went to smell perfume and pose with displays.
I completed two T5 battles and 1 Dyna max Moltres. Done for the day.
Watched movies on the aeroplane
Boston Stranglers
Fly me to the moon
Lee (Miller)
Conclave
7 February 2025
Day 1: our arrival was smooth. For @sngo1982 and I it was a bit of learning g process to work out where to claim all our 3 passes. Luca and Lunk mall has mod itself, Tennoji MIO mall has several sweet shops. The sauce makes takoyaki sing in Namba.
Sis didn’t bring winter clothing again.
She got a sore throat and didn’t take medicine on first itch.
Day 2: (8 Feb 2025) unexpected snow fall in Demachi-Yamato area. Sis didn’t bring her jacket. The locals looked shocked by it too. The park nearby the Demachi-Yanagi station has large rock pebbles to walk on with snow on it. snap away! We lined up for fresh mochi!
Day 2: (8 Feb 2025) let it snow, let it snow. @sgo1982 and I saw fresh snow fall in the north. Then ate match curry with matcha noodles for lunch in the south. Followed by an evening of playing a tapping game with a maiko. I lost and drank sake. #Kyoto exp
The snow was fresh! Coming down at a rapid pace. Quite magical. It hurts when the snow flakes jab you in the eye. Nothing has changed there. Where the two river meets up in the fork are walking plank large rocks. Covered in snow. Even the large turtle shaped rocks.
A family by the park brought their own sleigh ride for kids and some couples were having a picnic under the trees. The tree offered slim shelter from the snow fall.
Sis and I proceed to line up at the fresh mochi stall. The matcha and yuzu mochi were a bit rubbery. The original black bean one was super soft. The rice and beans was not overly sweet.
Day 3: (9 Feb 2025) @sngo1982 and I rode the longest cable car in Japan (see Sakamoto). Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple in fresh snow! Picture perfect views of Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa Prince Hotel has views on 36th floor (food ok lah). The ground floor had light illumination from Xmas. Hee hee#LakeBiwa
Day 3: (9 Feb 2025).
叡山延曆寺
Hieizan
Enryaku-ji
Temple
Biwako-Hamaotsu is a main transfer station.
Snowy cold. Slush and ice was a trip hazard. The buildings had poor insulation against snow.
There was no warm waiting or resting room.
Several walking and hiking trails up the mountain. Sadly, the cable only operates until 4pm. So, we had to leave early.
Day 4: (10 Feb 2025). I hoped on a special rapid instead of local train. Oops! Kobe Kuma Sea World was amazing! I got to see orcas in-person! Plus dolphins ofc. @sngo1982 and I fed sea turtles calamari. Tough jaws! Fun part was getting splash at show time. Hee hee. #Kobe
During the turtle feeding session Sis and I were given a tong and a bucket of sliced squid meat. Sis side of the pool a bigger turtle bit the smaller turtle fins. Someone was super hungry. Everyone was shocked by the experience. It supposed to be a simple experience. Not. lol. These turtle sure have a strong jaw. They clamp down real hard on the tongs. Some couples were scared and just drop meat into the water. I watched the turtles looking left and right, more or less feeling lost. lol.
We went back for the last orca performance session. You got it. We got splashed one last time. Then we shopped a storm in the gift store, before leaving for some takoyaki snack, just opposite of the sea world.
Day 5: (11 Feb 2025). Kani brunch with @sngo1982 in Dotonburi. Shopped up a storm in Don Quijote in Shinsaibashi. The tax free queue was super long. Snack-u in Kyoto. We saw the new electronic rsv system. Punch n wait for number. Suss out valentine choc paradise in Isetan. Posh! #Namba #Kyoto
Day 6: (12 Feb 2025). Once off the train @sngo1982 & I went straight to Temple of Jorenji (via Tobu Tojo line). Narimasu is a relaxing for walks (white sakura). Sunshine city had Pikachu Sweets - huge take away store. Cheese and rice dori was delicious for dinner. #Tokyo
Day 7: (13 Feb 2025). Boom! Hello Kitty 50th anniversary exhibition at Tokyo National Museum. @sngo1982 loved it. So much collaboration over the years. Lunch @ Saizeriya (ah. melon soda). TeamLab Planets was excellent (unexpected foot bath x2). BYO shorts and flat shoes. #Tokyo
Day 8: (14 Feb 2025). Spent #ValentinesDay in #Tokyo with @sngo1982 and hundred of others at TeamLab Borderless: Mori building. A few interactive art works. Afternoon high tea at Peter Rabbit Garden cafe (Jiyugaoka branch). Nakano (grilled food mecca) for din din. Enjoyed some illumination in Shinjuku.
I did 1 special trade with Maki (62, f, retiree). Dialga origin. No luck.
Day 9: (15 Feb 2025). Off to Chiba. part rural, part urban. 3 transfers later. Nokogirriyama-sanroku (cable car) to the peak and to see Nihon-ji Temple daibutsu on a mountain. The path way was filled with rocks and stairs. The carving was impressive though. #Chiba
There is a machine that lets you reserve your own seats on shinksnsen now and in English. Whoa. Super cool. Now I can book seats for Sis with ease.
Day 10: (16 Feb 2025). Chiba Zoological garden has some red panda magic. @sngo1982 was in awe. Chiba port area is wide w small gems. Sapporo Chiba Beer Garden (BBQ) was far. Tuck away in an industrial area (Shin-Narashino JR stn). #Chiba
Day 11: (17 Feb 2025).
The triple transfer from hell. In the early morning check out you can hear Sis huffing and puffing as she deals with the lack of space in her suitcase had originally. As always she brings too much make up, accessories, and of all things thick jumpers. Then she stuffs her suitcase with fluffy toys and socks. Whereas mine is full of food. Not to boast or anything. I plan to polish the food within days!, as I ain’t carrying them home, only to be confiscated by custom.
Sis would stand in the middle of the corridor trying to put away her JR Pass. I told her to stand aside and not get knocked by a rush of people. She growls at me. Oh well. Then go ahead get hit by prams, suitcases, bags, and get kick by boots. I can only advise once. Saving my voice for the remainder of my trip. I ain’t gonna mother a bloody forty years old woman.
I managed to get a good snooze on the first Shinkansen.
The Shin-Osaka station has the most delicious foods on offer. The smell brings comfort. Sis dashed to get her fave waffles (not available in Tokyo in fresh format).
There was even staff driving traffic and allocating toilet stalls for you in the female toilet. Talk about being busy.
The weather is sunny and 16°C today.
I managed to sneak in a light lunch box in the second Shinkansen. A ginger pork eki ben.
Sis and I both got aisle seat. Many individuals did not like to sit with a complete stranger. Not much choice now. They will have to put up with our medium thick suitcases now. lol.
Note: you cannot use Personal Hot Spot on any of Klook eSIM. Moreover, their data chews up pretty quickly than Airaloe eSIM. I’ll stick with Airalo for better consistency.
Day 11: (17 Feb 2025). A day of Shinkansen transfers (x3). So many salary man booked window seats for two stops. We sat in aisle seats and constantly having to get up. Ugh. Shin-Osaka had good food, Kokura has some good local produce, Beppu has lots of hotels. #Beppu
Day 12: (18 Feb 2025). Jigoku Meguri (aka Hells of Beppu) was totally FUN! Ask for Common ticket! Foot bath x3. Drank 80°C mineral water. Steamed my face n throat. Drank hot Kabosu. Watched ppl eat steamed eggs. Use Kamenoi 1 day bus pass. Danced in Beppu Tower. Korean BBQ dinner.
Day 13: (19 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I took bus no. 36 to #Beppu Ropeway up Mount Tsurumi. -5°C it was and it had ice snow. Tallest view yet. Sadly, Kijima Kogen Park was closed. Lucky, Beppu Park had Sakura trees already flowering. Pretty!
Day 14: (20 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I took a local train from Oita to #Yufuin. So much street vendor food! Many tourist focused stores plus a few local stores. We got to pet owls and cats (paid exp)! I love cardboard cut outs and roof top views. The foot hot spring (spa) cafe was lovely. The lake was okay. Good day out.
Day 15: (21 Feb 2025). @sngo1982 and I went in search of stone carved Buddha(s) in #Oita and they were interesting, many of them were damaged. IC card were accepted on buses here. 1 under cover passage shopping mall. Murals. BBQ meat for dinner w private room.
Day 16: (22 Feb 2025). x2 successful transfer. Third was cancelled due to flying object obstruct Haruka Ltd Exp train. Ugh. @sngo1982 and I took the limousine bus to hotel. Food, food, food kept us entertained. #Osaka
The hotel may have been on a flat surface. The little hill to the train station was somewhat a challenge to push a 20 kg suitcase full of lollies. Luckily, I repaired my leg and arm last night with onsen session followed by ointment.
The Sonic 8 train leaving Beppu had more leg room than the Sonic 28 train coming into Beppu. How odd! Anyways, this one had wooden floor boards. How posh. We get to see the sun rise brightly above us as the train sweeps by the towns in between stops.
Here comes the x3 transfers. Last leg of the trip. Then it is back home.
Day 17: (23 Feb 2025). It’s the last day for retail, food, and art in Japan. Plus it’s our last TeamLab session too. In Botanical Garden #Osaka(Nagai subway stn). Best viewed at right after sunset. We saw repeat themes from previous TeamLabs’ Planet (Shin-Toyosu via Shimsaibashi) and digital art in Mori building.
Sis thought adding another 1000 yen would fix her IC card. When the machine states she has forgotten to tap off at a subway station gate during the day. She didn’t check for lights and walked through the gates and didn’t check if the gate registered her card. It usually displays your remaining credit when you have officially tapped off. She was too lazy to look and was too focused on her social media posts yet again. Idiot.
We did a rally from Namba to Nara to Tennoji using mix of JR Pass and IC Card.
Day 18: (24 Feb 2025)
Watched movies on aeroplane
Kraven
Substance
Here
Oh. The movie Substance was intense, crazy, and wild. Beauty can be intoxicating. One can be too carried away with it. Trying to remain beautiful forever and appeal to people’s eyes is an exhausting routine. Also, not respecting the balance of a system will result in failure.
Heretic
Twisted games. Host likes to talk a lot.
Somehow host doesn’t seem to make sense. Why keep so many ladies in cages. Feels sexist.
The Apprentice
Poor Roy Cohn. Died without getting paid.
Overall, this trip we learnt many of our favourite shops have permanently closed. Especially in the major cities. All them pop up themed cafes now require telephone reservation. Plus restaurants and cafes we used to frequent as well. Only a handful was kind enough to allow us in without reservation.
Also, we should book to major activities in one day or second last day of our trip.
Note: 7GB from Airalo eSIM will suffice our trip. Plus it allows you to turn on hot spot for Arthur. Meanwhile, Klook eSIM does not. Also, Klook data is quickly consumed by Google map app.
Sis was annoyed by a crying baby behind us from Singapore in our transfer flight.
