Japanese Curry

I was browsing through the Asian aisle at Coles Supermarket on my usual grocery shopping Thursday nights, and spotted Japanese Curry Paste.

I've always been a firm believer of cooking curry from scratch. Yes. I'm talking about the pain staking task of making the paste from blanding the different curry powder and spices, using herbs as flavoring and chilli for color and punch. In short. The jazz.

I blame this ridiculars obession (despite the knowledge of great packed paste I know I could get from the supermarkets these days) on my mum who views anything remotely canned or in sachets as evil and cheats in the world of culinary skills.

Anyhow. I thought it was time to throw away this urban myth and give this harmless looking paste a go.

We had seconds that night.

There is no going back baby!!!

End of the month

It is the end of June.

Half way into 2005.

6 more months till 2006.

6 more months till the big “30”!

Put on another 0.5kg!

It is time for big measures.

I am going to clean every inch of my house this weekend!!

There is just something about Men and cars.

There is just something about Men and cars.

I suppose it is like us with our designer clothing, make-up, shoes and bags. But only at a fraction of the price.

Today. I am suddenly a co-owner of a black MX5.

Not at all impressed!

GGGRrrrr!!!!

Rainy days and Mondays always makes me sad

It has been pouring for the past 2 weeks.

Winter is always quite miserable. Rain, overcast sky, cold, short days….

The news tells us that we are in the worst drought since the 70’s. We need as much rain as we can get. Sunday services have been ending with prayers for rain. Rain is everywhere around me!

Sigh…

Well, at least I get to snuggle in with my hot chocolate and write in my blog.

Robo Dog

There was a robotic dog on TV today.

It is programmed to do everything. From asking for affection, to listening to commands, to even needing discipline from time to time.

It’s amazing!

To get one of these cool state of the art pet. You will need a cooler AU$3590.

Shopping Haven

We always have a ball in Melbourne. So when a couple of our friends suggested we took advantage of the long weekend to fly to Melbourne. We jumped at it.

Shopping in Melbourne is great. It is just something about the grided city, the proximity of the shops, the accessibility, the style in which boutiques are fashioned, and the friendly sales assistance that makes shopping in Melbourne so rewarding and enjoyable.

I always make an effort to eye out things I could not find in Sydney.

Here are a few I love:

Hannii – Her pieces have a good fusion of orient with provocative modernism. I bought myself a lovely over- the- need-length skirt and a couple of tops from her Melbourne Central boutique. The fabrics used are tweed and beautiful china silk. The same team flowed through with her tops and coats. Very chic.

Metalicus – They have stockist in Sydney. However, the boutique is the only one that carries the full range. Perfect for layering and under jacket camisole.

GPO Melbourne – Be prepared to do some serious shopping. This mall house high end fashion labels like Belinda, Fat, Karen Miller, Harrolds, Akira, Zimmermann, Lisa Ho and the likes. Very very pricy.

Cactus Jam – Located in the heart of the QV mall has collections from designers like Willow, Karen Miller, Indigo and _____. Beautiful fabrics, soft drapes, luxurious and timeless pieces.

Snag – You will find very independent and unique pieces in here. The buyer goes round the world collecting buys that fancies her and it really gives the shop a sense of individuality. Perfect for little finds. It’s located in the heart of the city.

My first ticket

Tamworth, the capital of country music of NSW.

We were there for an Energy Safety Solution trade show hosted by one of our largest customer, Country Energy.

On the last day, we decided to take our chances with the kangaroos and hit the road after the closing ceremony.

I tore down the highway eager to get as much mileage as I can before sun set. We did well for about an hour before I got pulled over by a police patrol.

My heart was racing. My colleague just couldn’t stop swearing!

The officer was really polite. He pre-warned me that everything we say will be caught on video. I hope I fail the cut for “Crime Stoppers”.

In that instant, I lost over $200. Grrrr

The passing trays

We attended a friend’s 30th Birthday party bash. It was held at the Harbour View Hotel down at The Rocks.

I am a fan of cocktail food. I love to bland food of different flavours and texture in my mouth. The contrast of sweet and savoury, crisp and chewy, hot and sour. Just thinking about me makes me salivate!

There were waitresses walking around with trays of noodles in little take away chinese boxes, kebab sticks, tiny drumsticks, oysters, spring rolls, cocktail sausages. You know. Party food.

The trick is in finding a strategic spot in a heart of the passing trays route. Once planted in, stand steadfast and do not budge till you have had your fill. Very tricky…

Visitors from home

Marian and Will [my sister and brother-in-law] have been making frequent trips to Sydney. It is always great to have the family come round, even if it’s for a short visit.

They have flown in for a 4 days holiday and the whole family met up for dinner to catch up. Indian [Planet Bollywood @ Double Bay] was the cusine of the night and we ordered their famous "banquet meal".

Boy was it a real banquet. The food just kept coming and coming. It was great as you get to sample everything on the menu! But by the 5th entrée, I was absolutely stuffed to the brim!

Of the lot, the extra hot beef vindaloo was the best. I was quite impressed at Will's (who's a Brit by birth) chilli tolerance. And quite embarrassed at myself for being the only one that kept reaching out for the jug of water.

Marian is a great person to get shopping tips from. She is always out there discovering new designers and has a really good eye for fashion. Nelson Molloy was the latest discovery. I cannot wait to get my hands on one of those Obi belts!

Goodbye to wisdom

9:00am : Woke up.

10:30am : Took a shower and got ready to go to the dentist.

11:00am : Laid down on the reclined chair. There was an over-head TV screen attached to it.

11:30am : Completely numb face!

12:15pm : Wisdom tooth on metal tray. They are huge!

12:17pm : Wondered into the shops to get Cleo, Shop till you drop and Cosmopolitan. Oh and a DVD, “How to lose a guy in 10 days”. Thought I needed some mindless pampering.

12:20pm : Gave Mel a call to pick me up

01:00pm : Changed gauze

01:30pm : Had my “MEL-MADE” vegetable soup. Yummy….

02:00pm : Popped on the DVD. Boy was it a silly moive... I love it.. hehe..

03:00pm : Whimper a sympathy whinge

03:30pm : Changed gauze

04:00pm : Slept

06:00pm : Anaesthetic faded. Panicked!

07:00pm : Changed gauze.

08:00pm : Another bowl of hot piping vege soup…yummm…

09:00pm : Let out another whimper

10:30pm : Read my mags and fell asleep.

Crushes

It is a well known fact that no matter now old we are. We gals are still impervious to that occasional cloud 9, juvenile, mind-dazzling, and quite embarrassing frenzy world of shameless crushes.

For me, it is the one and only bashful, dashing, and delicious new heart trope of Korea, Kim Jae Won.

It all started after [out of sear curiosity] watching a love drama series called My Love Patzzi. To set the record straight. I am not into the lovely dovely idealistic fairytale of boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy gets girl dream world. However, for some unexplainable paradox. I am completely and utterly head over heels over JW!

It is soooo embarrassing. Suddenly all those years of training those silly speechlessness of “oug oug gar gar”, sudden need to bot out of sight, and those uncontrollable flashes of red all washed spectacularly down the drain, together with whatever conviction I have as a smart & independent new age woman.

And the really sad thing is, my new found sweet heart is not even real!!! Well, at least in flesh he isn’t. Which in a way, is a real relief. Who knows what sort of irreversible damage I could have done to myself, and worse, my dignity!

Sigh… I guess I will have to resolve to distant admiration and foolish secret daze at my TV screen for now….. "sigh"….

Dental care

I am not a person that is squeamish about going to the dentist. However, it has been years since I have been to one.

Feeling guilty. I finally have myself booked in for a routine check up and cleaning.

The consultation went well. The doctor was pretty impressed at how clean I have kept my pride and joys. However, it was time to remove my wisdom tooth.

AHHH!!!!!!!!

Home sweet home

One of the things I truly miss about Singapore is the smell and sounds of home cooking piping through the kitchens at sunset.

Walking through the neighbourhood block just brings back memories of grandma’s savoury pork dumpling, grandpa’s roast Peking duck, mama’s sweet and sour pork, and mum’s chicken and potato curry. Even dad’s charred pan-fried snapper.

Suddenly, I am 7 again, running around the kitchen with grandma squatting in front of a charcoal stove fanning away, mum yelling at me to stay out of the adults way, and dad’s Cliff Richards’s record playing in the background.

Nothing like a dose of the past to remember my roots, what I am and have grown to be. You tend to forget the important stuff when you are away from home. I am grateful that images of my past are still fresh and real in my mind.

In time to come, when I have children of my own. It would be my dream to impart part of those little treasures onto them. What they have been born into. The heritage so rich, which should never be forgotten.

Day fourteen continues

While making our way to the entrance of the temple. We stopped to admire and be intrigued by a group of Japanese having a dance and enjoying their picnic. Popped into a few shops to check out famous sake bottles artistic masterpieces and looked at more plastic displays outside teahouses.









Kiyomizudera – Admission fee 400Yen

Built in 1633. This huge temple on stilts was founded by Iemitsu and is now one of the most reputable Buddhist school of Kyoto.

The main hall has a huge veranda which juts out over the hillside, supported by 139 15m high wooden pillars. Under her flows the Otowa-no-taki waterfall, where visitors will drink from the scared water with promises of a new life and therapeutic qualities.

South of the main hall is Koyasu0no0to. A 3-storey pagoda housing a statue of the goddess responsible for safe deliveries of newborns. And north of the main hall. A pair of love stones lurking. Apparently if you miss walking in-between the stones, your desire for love will not come true!

Every other couple of minutes you hear a gong go off. Another prayer said to which every God their desire lies.

The view from the temple grounds of the city is magnificent. You could see all the way to the Kyoto Towers!

And the lighted towers and halls of the temple gave me an eerie yet dazzled sensation.

We stood amongst the crowd quietly for a moment. Taking in as much as we can, our last night in Kyoto. Thankful for all the enriching experience and stunning sights we have felt and seen. And grateful that God has kept us safe all these times.

Tomorrow afternoon. We will be flying back to Singapore. And in a week, back to sunny Sydney.

I was sad and secretly wished that Kansai airport will suddenly declare a state of emergency and shut down for a week or two. Sigh…

Nevertheless, I am very happy for experience. And glad that I have shared it with my lifetime partner and friend, Melvin.

Till our next adventure. Goodbye and see you soon Japan.

Sayonara.

Day fourteen

10th of April. Our second last day in Kyoto. I tried not to think about my sad depart tomorrow and concentrated on enjoying today to its maximum.

I strongly believe that the best way to experience a country is to explore it by foot. It is great how centralised Kemmy’s house is. We could always start our day with destinations within walking distance.

This morning. We are going to visit the Imperial Palace – Free Admission

Like the many temples and shrines we visited. The Imperial Palace has been struck down with a series of fire destructions. The one standing now was built in 1855. Though similar to its re-successors, this Palace is much smaller than the original. And the grandeur had perhaps been somewhat lost in the move.

Opened only twice yearly during Spring and Autumn. This Palace is adorned with priceless sliding screens, Ko Cosho [small palace], Tsune Cosho [regular palace] and Shinshin-den [ceremonial halls].

Surrounding the Palace are spacious parks with a welcoming landscape of Plum and Cherry Blossom trees. A wonderful place to take a stroll and have a picnic.

We walked through the hall ways and chambers of the Palace with the stream of patriotic Japanese. In awe of the lifestyle the Emperors of past used to live.

After browsing through the mini market camped outside the palace. We made our way through Gion District to Heian-jingu – free admission.

Passed though lots of old alleyways.

The sight of the Path of Philosophy was breathtaking. Lining the sidewalk to a huge canal river was a parade of weeping cherry blossom trees. No wonder it was given such a peculiar name. I wonder if Confucius has ever walked down that path before…

Heian-jingu - Thought the grounds of this red shrine is free. Entry to the renown garden will set you back 600Yen.

Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Koto. This temple is a replica of the [2/3 scale] Imperial Palace.

I took a picture of Mel standing under a HUGE bright red Torii. Seemingly a separate architect to Heian-jingu [as it is distance a far way from the temple], it is actually the entrance to the temple.

We had visited dozens of temples and shrines in the past couple of weeks. And I have to admit. We were reaching a point where we could almost say enough is enough.

However, there was just one last one we have got to see. Kiyomizudera – Beautifully located by the mountainside. With narrow winding streets filled with traditional stores leading up to it. This is definitely a must see.

On the way up. I spotted a pretty pink bunny in the window of a stuff toy store and took a picture of it. Bought ourselves a stuffed toy cat with golden trimmings. It is now sitting proudly on our lounge, much to the dislike of Salem

If you truly want to experience how Old Japan feels like. I strongly recommend coming here.

Before reaching the temple at the top of the hill. You will get the see old traditional Japanese teahouses. Stores selling wooden art and craft. Sake bottles stores with millions of little cups and jars stacked into old wooden shelves. Appealing to unsuspecting curious tourist of its exorbitant prices. Udon noodle stores, and sweet cakes makers. Wooden Japanese clog slippers and kimono boutiques. It will be a feast to the eye and a feast to your tastebuds for sure.

You may even ran into a Geisha or two rushing off after her afternoon window shopping.
A group of young men dressed in samurai costumes getting ready for a performance.

The experience is priceless.

We were hoping to visit the temple after night falls. So we huge around the narrow street and waited over a large bowl of hot piping Udon.

Day thirteen

It feels good to be back in Kyoto. I miss the culture and “old Japan” vibe of this ancient city. And also miss the familiarities we have grown accustom to.



We were to join Kemmy’s family for a Sakura picnic. Thousands flock to botanical gardens, shrines, and the Imperial Palace to celebrate this festival. They would throw elaborate picnics, dance and sing the day away. These delicate flowers when in full bloom only last for a couple of days. So the Japanese do not waste anytime with their celebrations.

Just a 10minutes ride on the train and we were there.

What a sight it was. Tens and tens dozens of these beautiful cherry blossom trees with their distinctive array of pastel pink and cloud white colours. A triumphant message to the world that Spring has arrived. Under them, thousands of admirers camped enjoying her shade and beauty. It was truly breathtaking.

We walked around a bit searching for a nice spot to have our lunch.

After settling comfortably under a large Sakura tree. We unpacked our picnic basket of raw beef, sushi, salmon sashimi, teriyaki chicken on sticks, citrus salads, and pretty Sakura sweet rice cakes. Not forgetting our selection of light beer – Kirin, Sapporo and Asahi. And Sake.
What a treat!

It was nice to have a relaxing afternoon after a week of walking and sight seeing.

I laid there. Under those large branches. In awe of its beauty and splendour.

That night. We brought Kemmy and Anchan out for dinner to thank them for their hospitality.

We went to a Yaki Tori restaurant. It is very similar to Korean barbeque but instead of hot plates. We were to cook our food in a grill embedded into our dinning table. I love the mushrooms and the spicy Ramen noodles. Yum


After dinner. We played a game of pool [and arcade Okdeo drums] and left the boys to their own device.

They returned home that night. Half drunk. What a hilarious sight!

Day twelve

Our last day in Tokyo.

We were meant have an early start to visit Tsujiki Fish Market. However, by the time we managed to drag our sorry buds out of bed. It was already almost 9.30am.

I was happy that the market [though obviously has quieted down a far bit from the morning bidding and buttering] was still trading.

The selection of seafood for sale is staggering. You could buy literally anything that swims in the ocean. And buy them ALIVE!

I saw life fish of all types, octopus in little water filled bags, eels, prawns, crabs and sea crustaceans of all sorts. GIANT TUNA!

To get a clearer picture of the scale this market operates in. 2500 tonnes of fish worth approximately US$23million are sold here DAILY. That’s 670,000 tonnes of fish, worth over US$6million sold in a year! Wow!

With all these fresh fish so easily available. The market will no doubt be swamped with lots of sashimi & sushi restaurants.

There were more than a dozen of these tiny footstalls with their sushi chiefs behind counters, and cram dinning areas. And in the far distance, little stores selling Ramen noodles tucked unassumingly away into corner streets and narrow alleyways.

Mel was not up to the challenge of squeezing into little seats and rubbing elbows with a complete stranger while frantically trying to slurp up a large bowl of noodles. So we said our goodbyes to the market and searched for a more civilised dinning facility.

After lunch. We took a train to Shibuya. And made a quick stop at a nearby Starbucks to get our daily doze of caffeine.

I find the “small” chats over counters very amusing. Let me explain.

Every time we buy something. We have to firstly:
1) Get our doze of IRASHIMASE shouted in our face.
2) Than sit through a looong string of greetings.
3) Place our order. [And sometimes with some difficulty.]
4) Than wait for another loooong string of thank you’s before…
5) Paying our money.
6) Than sitting through yet another long string of well wishes!

And the really funny thing is. They know that we don’t speak a single word of Japanese!! How hilarious!!!

After a good wounder around Shibuya. We made our way to Tokyo station to catch the Shinkansen back to Kyoto.

Tokyo has been great!

I was a little sad when I left. However I was looking forward to getting back to rustic Kyoto.

We will say our goodbyes for now.

Day eleven

Harajuku – Clearly marked by an archway decorated by a motif that looks like a meld of flowers and fried eggs. Harajuku is perhaps the most eclectic and exciting place in Tokyo to wander through shops.

I was a little overwhelmed at first. Peering out into the streets from a little side café. I saw teens dressed in the funniest, loudest and most gothic outfits imaginable. Almost every other person had some parts of his or her body pierced. Noise chains, huge pierced ear loops, lip rings, belly rings.

Chills down my spin…

The shops carried very interesting buys. Lots of glorious gold and silver bags, belts, and shoes. Cute little tops with the funkiest Japanese cartoon designs.

I bought myself a little tote bag made up of double picture reflective film of Astro Boy. Has to be one of my best buy ever. I get asked about it everywhere I go! I love it.

Tokyo is a lot warmer than Kyoto. By noon, I had striped down to just my sleeveless top and folded up jeans. It felt good to feel the warmth again.

We managed to cover quite a lot of grounds. Starting from Harajuku. We made our way on foot to Shinjuku, Shibuya and back. Our feet were killing us, but our eyes still hunger for more.

We stumbled into a park with several [white] Cherry Blossom trees! In full bloom! Beauty!

We took the train back to our hotel for a much needed afternoon nap. After 2 hours. We were replenished and back on the streets again.

The neon lights of Kabukicho are really illuminating. You could hardly see the buildings, as they are all hidden behind millions after millions of bright signboards. I don’t think anyone actually pays any attention to what they are advertising. How could they? There are so many!

The streets are jammed packed with people. People in black suits, dolled up partygoers, teenagers with their baggy pants and skateboards, and vendors shouting to passing crowds. All seemingly rushing around with a purpose, and a destination. You almost feel lost not knowing what your next move would be!

One cannot walk along a street without getting a pamphlet waved at your face. Browsing along Kabukicho is quite a task. We got invitations into restaurants, bars, doggy clubs. Young men coming up to me asking if I needed a companion for the night! You could walk along a street for less than 300m and collect at least 5 packets of tissue paper! Fantastic!

We found ourselves a restaurant [with the best looking plastic food displays] and had Shabu Shabu dinner. [Shabu Shabu - a selection of tofu, mushroom, beef or chicken, udon and veges cooked in a big steamboat. Delicious.]

After dinner. We made our way to West Shinjuku. Park Hyatt Tokyo - The New York Bar, made famous by the movie Lost in translation starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, directed by Sofia Coppola.

The view of Tokyo is incredible. The night-light stretches over the horizon showing the scale of this magnificent city. And the softly lit cool piano bar atmosphere made me feel like I was hovering over one of the most talked about cities in the world.

I stood for a minute by the huge glass walls that encase this bar and starred into the night-lights. It is truly stunning.

We were seated right next to the jazz band. With the skylights beneath our feet and the soft music by our side. We sipped our expensive cocktails and puffed on a Rey Del Mundo cigar.

What a beautiful way to remember Tokyo by.

Day ten continues

We had to change train to get to Tokyo Disneyland. The excitement started to build when we caught sight of the signature Disney castle approaching in the distance.

It was so exhilarating! Disney tunes blaring through the rails. Kids [AND adults] wearing Mickey-mouse plastic ears. Merchandise of all sorts, from star-studded Disney characters T-shirts to Donald duck biscuits. Big candyfloss! We were suddenly 5 all over again!!

10.00am: Armed with parades timetable, maps and show times schedule. We planned our day’s adventure.

I was dying to run into Mickey. One cannot fully experience Disneyland without meeting THE star! I scanned through the crowd of fake plastic ears in search of my mouse.

Found GOOFY!! YAY!!

Like all theme parks. There are thrill rides. Melvin was OBESSED with them! He wanted to be on the meanest, scariest, wildest rides. I had to remind him several times that we have kids in line with us. How scary could the rides be!? Come on…!!

I did not scream that loudly in Splash Drop!…. Did I?? “Ahem”

Unfortunately for me. Evidence of my cowardly outburst was caught on camera. A picture of our trunk like boat splashing down the waterfall was taken. All 6 of us screaming our heads off! It was so funny. We had to buy the picture.

The highlight of Disneyland had to be the parades. Neatly seated on opposite sides of the road. The crowd was greeted by dancing fairies, twirling flowers, cute little drafts, Disney cartoon characters, Fairy Godmothers. And of course, the all famous Mini and Mickey Mouse.

I was completely dazzled! I waved. I pointed. I laughed. I was delusional! Damn those sugar coated donuts!!!

Disneyland has 7 themes park. There are World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. I liked Tomorrowland the best. Probably because they had the best ride. And star wars!

Trust the Japanese to be utterly organised. Every ride was so well managed. And the attendants, always so cheerful and perky. There were heaps of people. Yet most rides were made accessible to all. The magic formula - Fast Passes.

Every ride has a fast pass machine. It allocates time slots for your next ride. With it, one could bypass the long line of people, and be on the next available ride. It really helped distribute the crowd around. The catch is. You are only allowed one fast pass at a time. Geniuses!

A day is never enough to explore Disneyland properly. We were rushing around like headless chucks. Desperate not to miss out on anything. By nightfall, we were utterly exhausted.

Perfect time to sit, relax and enjoy a Broadway production of mini-mouse limelight show!

We were entertained by singers [in both languages - English and Japanese], dozen of dancers in bright Brazilian costumes, Disney characters, drums, flags and lots of acrobats jumping around!

I am absolutely impressed at mini mouse’s mobility in those huge red high heels clogs!!! Wow!

Straight after that. We rushed off to watch the night parade [Electric Dreams]. Streams after streams of colourful-lighted floats drove by. It was really a treat to the eyes.

I thought we should buy a souvenir to remember Disney by. Mel bought me this huge winnie the pooh bucket with popcorn in it. I hung it around my neck and helped myself to the hot crispy and fluffy snack. What a pig!

Tried but contented. We departed Disney at 9.00pm.

What a fulfilled day it was.

Tomorrow. We hit the notorious grounds of Harajuku, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, Shibuya and Roppongi. hhaaaiii!