日子

日子，
你我都有，
不同的是，
你怎麼過那些日子？

俗語說，
開開心心也一天，
傷傷心心也一天，
不如就開心的過每一天？！

即然要活，
開開心心也一生，
傷傷心心也一生，
不如就開心的生活吧！

哈！談何容易．

如果真的可以，
就像程波在短文 「人生的祕訣」 中所寫：
“人生的祕訣只有六個字 ～～～ 不要怕，不要悔“
對未知的將來不愄俱，對已做過的事不后悔．

放開膽子過日子，
凡事盡力而為，
无論結局如何，
一切隨遇而安，
一生永不言悔，
就是不妄此生．

p/s

別讓生命有遺感，珍惜眼前人．

浮生若夢

真快，
一年已過了 三份之二，
想想這些日子，
就像一場無止盡的夢．

認識你，
完全是在意料之外．
因為一直以來 感覺總是排迴在情感世界的邊沿，
對自己的定位 也始終很模糊．

沒想過自己，
拘速的外表下 有顆叛逆 渴求自由的心．
對飽經風霜的你，充滿好奇，
很想要了解你的情感世界．

雖然愛你不容易，
是需要很大的勇气，
無盡的寬容 ，
和付出很大的代价．

旦我抗拒不了你．
總覺得有你的日子，
就像身處在夢幻中，
每一分 每一秒 都是甜密溫馨．

希望一切就像大家所說的，
每一個生命都獨特，
每一段相遇都幸福，
与你的相遇 是幸福的開始．

橙子

冰箱裡的八粒橙子，
不知幾時放進去的，
看起來還很新鮮，
是剛買不久的吧．

記的你之前有說過，
放了幾粒橙子在冰箱裡，
因為希望我會多吃些水果，
在你不在身邊的這幾天．

幾天了，才吃了一粒．
那都是為了要供奉祖先 而切開的．
橙子雖然不很甜，
旦因有你的心，
吃在口裡也是甜的．

p/s

別因為這樣而天天逼我吃橙子啊！

隨遇而安

三個星期漂泊異鄉，
活在一個語言和標示不再有溝通作用的新環境，
感覺就像是初生嬰兒，
在還不懂言語和標示，
盡量使用所有的基本感覺器官 觀查与思索 ，
試著理解周圍的人文与環境．

只是 与一般初生嬰兒不同，
我得是 隨遇而安的那一個．

無題

回家的第五天了，
這幾天都不知怎麼了，
感覺總是懶散散的，
什麼也不想做，誰也懶的見，
頭腦像停頓了，整個人就像是漂浮在真空間的個體，
完全不与周圍環境互動．

天啊，我是怎麼啦？！
是習慣了獨處，還是變了更自閉呢？

離家的第一天

還好，
最初的４天，
都是馬不停蹄的往南下 ‘流動‘，
趕路的人，
通常顧不了什麼心情．
就算是有些緊張，
或是優慮，
都將被逼拋到腦後．

又或著是，
在離家的第一天，
就遇見了一位守護天使 ．
在天使的祝福下，
一路上不再感到害怕，
因為那天使，
雖然並不能時時刻刻陪著我，
但他的靈魂 永遠住在我心裡．

親愛的天使，
謝謝你，一路上有你，
讓我的旅途更增添色彩，
更俱有意義．

我的天使，
殘酷的時空，
旦願我門 能有再相會的一天．

出走的最後一天

終於熬到出走的最後一天了．
雖然昨晚是心情有點興奮 而遲遲難以入睡，
並且今早也是特別早起 為最後一天而緊張．

但今天一整天 心情卻很疏暢,
走在繁忙的東京街道 卻一點都不感覺緊張，
甚致走起路來 還帶有風．

回想起當初剛低達東京時，
心情總是很沉重，很迷惘，
不知未來的３個星期該怎麼過．
在這人生地不熟的國家，
就像把自己与世界隔離，
讓那２１天的孤單日子 自己慢慢熬

之前 從不覺得３個星期是一回事．
２１天罷了，平時是還來不及計劃，
就一結束啦．

但這一次 算是最慢長的３個星期，
不是時間過的特別慢，
而是一個人走的路，步划比較慢．

所謂的出遠門旅行，
不就是離家出走嘛！
要是有個伴同行就不同了，
一路上可以互相照應，
分享喜怒哀樂，
互相討論是非，
快樂將是雙倍，
收獲一定更大．

唉，再怎麼說也不能補救了，
明天就要回家啦！

a day in Shirakawa

It was not planned earlier. Though I did thought of visiting Shirakawa before, but I have never done much 'homework' nor seriously planned the trip before coming to Takayama. I realized I was too ignorance or taking things too easy when I talked to the Chinese couple (from Penang, Malaysia). They told me they have done all the necessary research before they come to Japan. (Most probably because I did not have the luxury of time as they had, and I did not want to stress myself with a fix and close itinerary. Well, they are two of them, and I am just myself, and my itinerary, if a detailed one, would be pages and pages, as mine would be a 3 weeks itinerary).

Maybe it was destined, mean for me to visit Shirakawa on the 13th August - in view of my indecisive attitude. I was not very determine of visiting Shirakawa, as my priority has always be Takayama, and even Takayama I couldn't effort to see much in just few days, what more going to Shirakawa?

Occasionally, I did thought of visiting Shirakawa, but I was thinking maybe going there on the 14th August, after check-in at Alfa-1. Somehow, shifting room really put me off. I could not imagine to leave my baggage in an unattended locker room for almost a day, and travel about 100 kilometer away from it.

Now I see the reasons God put me at 2 different hotels at Takayama. I was very upset when I found out that I need to change hotel because all rooms in Washington Plaza Hotel was fully booked from 13th August onwards (OBON Festival in Japan) that I had to get another room at Alfa-1 Hotel for the 13th and 14th nights, which no more room on 15th August onwards too (or I would stay for 15th August too).

I checked-out from Washington Hotel Plaza 5 minutes before 10am. I had no specific plan of where to go or what to do while waiting for 3pm check-in at Alfa-1. All this while I was thinking of just walking around Takayama. Of course I need to get my big baggage locked at the coin locker - it's a burden to walk around with. When I walked out from the locker room, suddenly I thought of getting some information on bus trip to Shirakawa, maybe I could have a day trip to Shirakawa tomorrow, or who knows- today, while waiting here.

I thougth it was as simple as taking any bus to any place nearby - just hop in the bus and drop at in the intended destination, and hop in again for the return trip. May never mention anything about bus reservation seat too. The officer at Takayama Tourist Information Center was very friendly, he handed me a copy of the bus schedule and a map of Shirakawa-go. After a glance at the bus schedule, I headed for the bus ticketing counter to purchase a return ticket. Is is 4,300 YEN just for 2 x 50 minutes ride! After obtaining tickets, I kept the bus schedule in my beg. 

The bus arrived few minutes before 10.50am. The Chinese couple from Penang said the bus is the type of none reservation seat. I listened and took it for granted. I should have read in detail the bus schedule given to me - I was careless and though all buses are of 'none reservation' type, as in Malaysia. Our bus set off sharp at 10.50am. It was a smooth ride, Japan has really good roads and the bus ride was like gliding in the air. There are so many tunnels along the way of this 50 minutes ride - there are about 13 tunnels and the longest is about 11 kilometer. I don't mean to overly exaggerate, but I would conclude the 50 minutes ride as 'the experience of in and out a series of tunnels' - as the bus ride under tunnels was about 35 minutes of the total 50 minutes riding time on road.

I was quite shocked to find out that Shirakawa is actually a very tiny village nestles on a small plain next to Shokawa River. There were so many tourist walking around and taking pictures at almost every direction. I was one of them. As usual, I snapped at anything attracted me, besides countless pictures on the Ogi-machi gassho style villege houses. 

I had to end my photography session at about 1.30pm when my camera battery started to get weak. In view that there was not much I could do at Shirakawa besides taking pictures, I decided to return to Takayama taking the same bus as the Chinese couple intended to (before which I was thinking of taking the last bus back to Takayama).

It was shocking when I first saw the schedule displayed at the bus parking lot - at about 1.45pm, that the 3.20pm express bus is 'all reservation seats'. Upon inquiry, I was told to do make reservation at the adjacent Information Center. Nevertheless, too late to find out, that all seats were already fully booked (except for the 6pm one - meaning I didn't even realized that I should make reservation for it too). There is one bus at 4.20 pm and another one at 5.20pm respectively but they are the 'none reservation' type, but I have become skeptical of taking these kind of buses now (in view that I don't know which are the buses, where to wait, where to queue and if I could get a seat - so many people, and it's on a first come first serve basis).

So I have no other choice but to play safe, I booked for the last bas (6pm one) which is the only one left and it's the last bus of the day.

in search of an adjuster

I must get it, sooner or later, so make it today. Since May has given me a spare key, I shall be able to get in and out of the house conveniently.

After 3 days hibernating in the room, I got myself ready for the hunt, about an hour before noon. Though the weather outside wasn't pleasant for walking around, I was feeling great, full of hope and looking forward to a fruitful and relaxing outing around the neighborhood.

My first target was the electrical shop opposites the access junction to May's house. After brief inquiries, I wasn't too disappointed to know it was unavailable there though, maybe I thought the day was still young, and I have plenty other electrical shops to visit later.

May said moving up after left turn from the access junction, there are many electrical shops along the main road. So I walked along the road, full of hope.

After some hundreds of meters, I was delighted when I saw signs of an electrical shop by the roadside from the junction at the right. I could feel my pace was lighter and faster. This shop appeared much more well equipped compared to the 1st one. The attendance was really friendly and supportive, I could see he wanted to help, he even pulled out the products catalog for me to check. Though we were talking the chicken and duck language, but he finally told me that they didn't have it.

I was very much disappointed this time, not just that I was walking further and further away from the neighborhood, but my mind was starting to doubt if I would ever find another bigger shop as the 2nd one within the neighborhood. I was skeptical and worry of the worst case scenario ~ that I had to get it at Gifu City, which was not in my plan.

Hesitated but no other choice than to proceed walking and looking, I walked as if I was dragging some kilos heavy feet. Guess my desperate mind has overruled my logical thinking, I walked into any shops or stores of possible association with electrical appliances i.e. audio shops and even JASCO !? Only God knows what I was thinking or how desperate I was.

For I have been avoiding sun exposure all this while, it was really an extreme tough job to walk under the hot sun, with outside temperature of about 34 degree. Though I was not hoping high, but my feet continued walking in desperate pace (guess my mind has already given up thinking and my feet has taken over the job).

Rows and rows of shop houses has passed, Gifu City was within visible distance ~ I was approaching towards Gifu City! Tired and exhausted mentally and physically, I stopped by the road side where I saw 2 other passengers were waiting for bus. It didn't take too long that the JR Station bus arrived to our rescue.

My hope revived when I arrived at Gifu City. It was almost 3.45pm, without much ado, I headed straight to the Tourist Information Counter at JR Station. I was hoping high (and confident) Yamada Denki is located somewhere nearby. However, to my great disappointment, I was told that the only nearby denki store is the Eiden Denki at Orchard Park, about 15 minutes walking distance, and it is just a one floor denki store. After obtained a road map and worked out on the direction, I proceeded my search to Eiden Denki.

15 minutes walk was never too far for someone in desperate need. I was delighted to see a huge hall of electrical appliances, much similar to the setting as in a Yamada Denki. Hoping high and feeling encouraged, I checked through all the possible displays, I was delighted to see some 'adjusters' for use at oversea traveling, but again, despaired to know the truth~ it is unavailable at Eiden Denki! My heart dropped and I was starting to get panic.

The only store left for me now would be Yamada Denki. But the lady at the Tourist Information Counter said it is too far to walk to. I would need to take a cab ~ the most expensive mean of public transport in Japan, and a mode of transport I has been trying to avoid. I remember I passed by some cabs on my way to Eiden Denki earlier (there were some cabs waiting in front of a hospital building on my way to Orchid Park).

Without thinking much, I headed towards the cabs and got myself on a cab to Yamada Denki. It was an expensive ride (a return trip cost 3,160￥). For once before I bound on the cab, I had doubt whether I should proceed to Gifu Yamada Denki ~ for if it is unavailable there, I would have wasted the money). Nevertheless, I guessed it is still better then trying to get it in Nagoya, so I hopped in the cab, I was getting impatient to end the long search.

We arrived at Gifu Yamada Denki within minutes. Though there were still some worry on uncertainties playing in my mind, I ignored the negative thinking and was feeling hopeful again. Hesitated to make the cab driver waited long, I ran fast up the escalator to the 2nd floor, heading for sections where the adjuster could be on displayed.

I think God must be making fun of me. It was unavailable at the Gifu Yamada Denki. I almost disbelieved, nearly collapse on the floor and got burst out in tears. How frustrating! The time was almost 5pm! I have been walking since noon, without rest nor peace of mind. I could not bear any longer this kind of mental and physical torture, and it was not fun at all having repeating hopes and disappointment. I should end this search as soon, today, or I would not be able to sleep well tonight (or maybe I could as I have had excessive physical exercise ).

I arrived at Nagoya Station at about 5.30pm ~ busiest time in any major train stations in Japan. People were walking fast in all direction. The lady at the Tourist Information Counter gave me a map to refer for the route to the nearest Yamada Denki. Holding the map in my hand, I headed to the subway station and bounded on Higashiyama Subway Line. I had to get to Sakae Station first, in order to get transfer on Meijo Subway Line to Yaba-Cho Station.

Yamada Denki is about 10 minutes walk from Yaba-Cho Station, towards the west side. At first I was skeptical if I could really find the denki store, but when I saw the roofs of some kind of temple and shrine, I was much relieved, it was the Shomanji Temple and Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, as told by the lady at the Tourist Information Counter, for my easy recognition.

This Yamada Denki is not as big as the one I visited on last Sunday morning. This scared me as I was worry that maybe this store too does not have the adjuster I was looking for. Nevertheless, I rushed up to the second floor, and started searching all the possible sections. After brief inquires, to my great surprised, I found it at the corner near the staircase. The price tag shows 780￥, it was same as the one told by Seiji-san, which I should have bought it on last Sunday.

guardian angels from the East II

After a long hustle, I eventually got myself in a nice room, with an attached private bathroom! I checked in to Toyoko Inn in Oimachi Tokyo at about 11pm. It is a cozy hotel just about 5 minutes from Oimachi Station, with complementary breakfast and free internet access provided in the room.

Kind Mr. Ken suggested we have a brief 'supper' after my check-in. Guess it is not nice to declined such a friendly invitation, and in view that I intend to purchase a public phone card and make a call to May in Gifu and Seiji at Nagoya, I agreed with him and it was not long that we were sitting in the MacD nearby the hotel. Back in hometown, MacD is never my favorite, but here, I was delighted to discover that there are many choices of burgers and drinks offered. I took a set of shrimp burger with side salad and ice tea~ the burger and salad gravy were unexpectedly nice and I like them so much (which thereafter has been my favorite meal for days in Nagoya).

What a caring Mr. Ken, upon seated in MacD, he asked me to call up my parents at hometown to inform them of my safe arrival at Tokyo ~ he even offered his international call card and his hand phone. Mr. Ken later told me he is working as a sales manager with the Toshiba company in Tokyo, and has been traveling abroad often on behalf of the company. Though he is now living and working in Tokyo, he was born in Kyushu at the South and has his retired parents living there now. Mr. Ken said he learned his English from overseas since he was young ~ as he was brought up abroad at many foreign countries especially at the America continent, due to his father's occupation with the foreign ministry before.

After showing me around Oimachi Station and ways to purchase a train ticket at the ticketing machine, I greeted appreciation and good night to Mr. Ken and headed for hotel for my good rest.

guardian angels from the East I

How embarrassed, I heard my name being announced just few seconds before I entered the boarding gate (Gate 5) :p, I should have just take lunch at the airport.

A mixture of slight nervous and excitement overwhelmed me. After weeks' struggle, I had eventually set foot 'entering the uncertainties'. Slightly disappointed as I approached the air bridge, I could see from the boarding chamber - it was not the glamorous B747 - it was the B777 -200.

I had requested a 'nice' seat at the check-in counter earlier. It is a window seat, namely 11K, second row from front. As I approached my seat, I was quite surprised to see a graceful looking gentlemen sitting next to it. Nevertheless, I was hesitated to bother him to stand up just for me to sit on my seat ~ as there were plenty of empty seats around us, so I took the seat a row behind, at the opposite side.

Not long before I got my seatbelt fastened, some kind of inner urge persuaded me to greet that graceful looking gentlemen ~ to find out if I could join him on the way to Tokyo later (guess I was desperate to get assistance upon landing at Narita Airport). I was hoping he would go to Tokyo, and taking the Narita Express as I have planned to.

He introduced himself as Naeki, but to my disappointment, he is not taking the Narita Expess, instead he is taking the Skyliner. I think my complexion must have shown some great frustration that Mr. Naeki eventually said he would like to help to arrange something out. How sweet of him, knowing him must have been a blessing from God. So we chatted for a while, across the aisle.... 

Soft spoken Mr. Naeki speaks good English, he said he was on his way backed from a 5 days outstation meeting at Kuala Lumpur. While I was enjoying talking to him, my attention was suddenly drown out of the window ~ the view outside was superb, it was the legendary Mt. Kinabalu ~ with the most classic elevation (longitudinal profile) . As I was trying hard to look out at the window besides him, Mr. Naeki kindly offered me the vacant seat next to him. So I was eventually sitting on my designated seat.

Five hours is not too long to spend with a nice chat mate, our flight arrived at Narita Airport as scheduled~ 7.20pm. As many other Japanese executives, Mr. Naeki put on his jacket before leaving the aircraft cabin. It was a creamy white jacket ~ he looked so much like an angel, a very tall guardian angel sent by God to guide me out from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station that late evening.

Like a little girl afraid of losing way home, I followed mr. guardian angle all the way from Terminal 2 Satellite Building to Main Building on the shutter train. I was quite surprise that clearance at the immigration checking counter didn't take too long or I would feel uncomfortable to cause Mr. Naeki waiting for me. After collecting baggage and brief clearance at the custom check point, we then proceeded for trains ticketing counter and the designated platform at the basement. 

Our train to Tokyo Station arrived at 8.10pm sharp (we missed the 7.45pm's Narita Express, so we took the next train (common train) ~ which according to Mr. Naeki, would have earlier arrival then the next (last) Narita Express ~ as this train takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to arrive at Tokyo Station, while the last Narita Express arrives at Tokyo Station at 9.45pm (we could reach Tokyo Station about 10 minutes earlier then the arrival of the last Narita Express, ideally sufficient time for me to catch the last Shinkansen to Nagoya).

While waiting for the train to come, I asked Mr. Naeki if I could use his hand phone to contact an internet friend at Tokyo because I had requested his assistance (via internet) in getting me a hotel room somewhere nearby the train station for that evening (I was advised to stay a night at Tokyo upon arrival as it is said too 'risky' for a new comer to catch the last trains within minutes at each stations ~ apart from the possibility of flight delay). In view that I could make time to catch the Shinkansen to Nagoya straight, I would need to inform my internet friend not to wait for me at Tokyo Station. Without much ado, Mr. Naeki kindly connected me to this internet friend, whom later introduced his name as Mr. Ken Iki.

Mr. Naeki was quite shocked when I told him I have never met Mr. Ken before. He was shaking his head and almost disbelieve of my 'kamikaze' spirit~ and commented me 'joAnn the Challenger'. 

In the train on the way to Tokyo Station, however, Mr. Ken called up and asked about my whereabout ~ I told him I was on my way to Tokyo Station. At the same time, I noticed Mr. Naeki often reading and sending short messages. I wasn't sure whom he was contacting, but he did mention something like 'he is looking for a hotel room now' ~ whom I assumed he was referring to Mr. Ken, so I was feeling much relieve because Mr. Naeki too later had advised me to stay over night in Tokyo (for it would not be safe for a single lady to walk around searching for hotel room in Nagoya City late midnight). From time to time, Mr. Naeki shown me list of hotel names and room rates via his 3G hand phone. I thought he got those information from Mr. Ken.

Tokyo Station is really a huge train station, I could have lost my way if I had not closely following Mr. Naeki. Thank God with his guidance, I have finally arrived at Tokyo Station safe and sound. Guess it is just typical of a metropolis, though it is almost 10pm, there are still so many people rushing around at the station. In Tokyo Station, I saw Mr. Naeki busy calling up hotels as he was trying to help me to get a room with an attached bathroom. How sweet of him, he insisted lady should have a private bathroom, and should not be walking around alone the city late night.

After some calling and inquires to several hotels, Mr. Naeki told me he has found a nice hotel room with an attached bathroom nearby a train station. I was relieved that I did not have to trouble Mr. Ken. However, while we were waiting for the train to the hotel, Mr. Ken called up again, informing us that he was at the Shinkansen side of Tokyo Station and looking for me. I told him I was not taking Shinkansen anymore and was at the platform waiting for the train to my hotel. Nevertheless, he insisted to come to meet me. I realized of my negligence and that I might be too careless ~ when I was asked by Mr. Naeki how is Mr. Ken looks like ~ which I had no idea of. I just know he is 41 year old, and that was all I told Mr. Naeki.

I feel so sorry to see Mr. Ken as he was sweating on his forehead and face, guessed he was running from the Shinkansen side to our platform. He told me he has found a hotel somewhere near Shinagawa ~ a place most convenient for me to catch a Shinkansen to Nagoya the next day. Without much ado, I told Mr. Naeki I would better take that hotel room (besides I was hesitate to decline Mr. Ken's kindness). After some appreciations greeting, I said bye bye to my guardian angle, and follow Mr. Ken to take another train to Shinagawa.

let it be

After 3 days journey and many hustle bustle of changing countless platforms and trains, eventually I have arrived at Gifu, safe and sound. I met May an hour earlier then we have expected ~ to my surprise. May is still the sweet and energetic girl as always, just that she seems slightly thiner and slimmer ~ I think she looks fine, maybe her busy life for years here really 'squeezed' her down.

I was trying to keep my visit as quiet as possible, not just that I was not confident if I could make it to come, but also my preference for an 'open travel itinerary' (apart from avoiding busy schedule of entertainment or social visit), I told May not to mention of my visit to her da-jie...

The time was about 8.30pm when we left Gifu Station via Gifu University bus. The ride took about 45 minutes before we arrived at Gifu University to get May's Nissan Moco (as it was not the 'direct' one, it was the 'long way' bus - sort of going 'anti clock wise before terminated at Gifu University). On our way home, May suggested we get some dinner stuffs at the popular supermarket next to da-jie's appartment ~ assuming da-jie shall be sleeping early (usual for a mother)...

Shopping in supermarket is always my hobby, while we were happily talking and shopping, a young lady with a shopping basket approached us ~ she looks so familiar :D ... of course she looks familiar, she is our beloved da-jie !! :D :D :D

How cynical, the first person (May is exceptional) on the first evening upon my arrival at Gifu... I met da-jie !!!