two weeks have gone by real quickly... sometimes i wonder what it is about time that makes it both elusive and abstractly concrete. i have lots to update... but all that will need to wait a while. my stopover in Japan was both excruciatingly stressful and hectic (thesis-related-wise) but enjoyable -- that's when i got to get away from the conference! Japan is a fascinating country and returning the 2nd time on my own made it special, particularly exploring the hotsprings area of Hakone on my own despite being linguistically challenged! and also digitally compromised -- my little digital Canon camera i got as a gift some 4 yrs ago died on me... sob.
i also thoroughly enjoyed my brother, wee, and wife, lianne's wedding celebration... (note to all you out there planning weddings etc.: KISS!!! otherwise also understood as "KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY!"). pity i am flying off before their casual party with close friends... i suspect it would be full of nonsense. they are such a fun couple and their friends are very cheeky, indeed. oh well, i hope they will send me the pictures... and videos... and anecdotes!
it's definitely good to see family... my little niece has grown so much!!! she's got big shiny black beady eyes! and is not quite so flopsy as she was when i first saw her last x'mas! utterly amazing. she's in the doting care of her grandparents and her mum and dad! sadly, i don't think she really remembers auntie mayee... perhaps i should record some lullabies for her... hmm.
being back here also gave me the opportunity to catch up with some old friends from school (e.g. monoceors and vantan with whom i went to indulge in some wizardy-fun; & michelle showed me her little doggies and i got to visit her granny too) and a university friend... all that means a lot to a nomad like me.
one other highlight of my visit in asia is no doubt the food... japanese, chinese, indonesian, malay, indian, singaporean etc. you name it, i eat it! =) you'll have to visit to appreciate what i really mean... all the bustling activities start from the marketing of ingredients, then into the kitchen, and finally to enjoying the food are quite fascinating experiences! there's a lot revolving around food in asia... which is without doubt an epicurian's paradise!
in any case, more to follow... but i better get on with packing!
posted by ~overacuppa~ on Thursday, 12 July, 2007 at 01:42 hrs*Note: in case you were thinking of leaving a comment and the option isn't here anymore... it is because the comment section of each entry is closed after sometime to prevent malicious comments... if you are looking for the actual entry, type in the keyword(s) in the little box on the main page http://overacuppa.com where it says "fossicking pebbles & seashells" and press *search*... thank you for popping by and happy browsing!