Tokyo Conference Trip 2018: Day 2

Spent the morning looking through my slides before meeting with Yoshi-san for lunch at 12pm. I knew Yoshi-san through a friend. He is a retiree in his 70s and he has earned my greatest respect with his love of learning. Yoshi-san has been travelling around the world learning English and the culture in each place he studied at such as Australia, UK, USA. I only hope that I have the same energy and love of learning when I am at that age! 
Yoshi-san took me to a traditional Japanese restaurant in an office building (near where he used to work) and it's close to my hotel. This is the first time I tried Kaiseki meal in Japan! Each dish was artistically presented and the taste was really delicious. We proceeded to have tea and coffee in another office building nearby. We had a great chat and we parted ways just after 4pm. 

I went to Harujuku to visit my favourite shop, b-side label. Bought a couple of stickers - summer limited and local limited editions. :) Had a quick look at Kiddy Land too and bought cutesy stuff. Since I am already in Harajuku, I had the famous crepe before buying dinner back to my hotel room.

Harajuku crepe!

Simple dinner from the convenience store

Hello from France!

I came home to find a postcard from France waiting for me. It's from a dear friend whom I meet once a year! A real wonderful surprise. :)

Farewell/Thank You Gift

I received a thank you gift from my RA and friend, Cheryl who is leaving my project. There was no need for her to do so but it is a wonderfully practical gift! In my favourite colour too, green! It is a office table desk organiser with mouse pad. I put it to use immediately. :) Thank you, Cheryl! 

Lunch Catch-up

I had lunch with a former NIE colleague and friend who is now working at MOE. It was a great catch-up session. Thanks for lunch, Han Jing!

Kimmidoll Souvenir

Got a lovely purple kimmidoll bag from a colleague/ friend who came back from her holidays in Hokkaido, Japan. Thank you! Always welcome another bag lol. :)

Farewell, Sabina!

I bade farewell to a colleague and friend, Sabina as today is her last day of service. 
Thank you so much, Sabina for your friendship and the life lesson about zen-ness. I shall work towards being more zen I wish you all the best in life and may you find all the happiness you deserve so much! 

 Lovely farewell gift from Sabina

San Francisco Cable Car

I finally saw a San Francisco cable car up close! 

HAHAHA. A SF cable car souvenir bought for me by my colleague/friend who went to SF for a conference! :) Thank you. 

Words of Wisdom

I accidentally found these words written by a colleague/ friend on her whiteboard when she left a few years ago. She has since returned last year to rejoin our workplace.  
Words of wisdom. 

Politeness

A Thank you gift from a new friend because I hosted him for dinner. So polite! :) 

Teachers' Day Surprise II

I received another Teachers' Day surprise from another friend and colleague. Really surprised! 
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the lovely gifts. :)

Teachers' Day Surprise!

I had a wonderful Teachers' Day surprise from my friend and colleague. It was totally unexpected! 
Thank you for the lovely green mug (my favourite colour) and the really touching note. :) Thank you for teaching me lots too and for putting up with my crazy ways haha. :D

Farewell, Maria

My friend and colleague, Maria is leaving Singapore to work in Hong Kong. As chair of Staff Wellbeing Committee, I helped to organise a farewell gathering for Maria.

A farewell collage for Maria

Take care, Maria. You have been a wonderful friend and colleague! See you soon in Hong Kong! 

Green Surprise

A green surprise on my work desk when I returned after a meeting. 

Thanks, Liyana. It's delicious too!

School Visit

My colleague/friend and I visited the school to brief the participant teachers about our research and the data collection process. Being in school and being able to interact with teachers (and students soon) give me a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. :) 
Maybe that is also why I could never stop my counselling in school. 

Tourist at Home

My mother hardly visits attractions in Singapore, except for the Botanic Gardens for her daily walks. However when her friend is in Singapore, she would become a "tourist" and accompany her friend. It is good that she gets out and enjoy herself. Today, they went to S.E.A. Aquarium at Sentosa. 

Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome

My mother's friend, Aunty Pang arrived from Taiwan this afternoon and she will be staying with us until Tuesday. It is her first visit to Singapore. My mother and I took her to visit Gardens by the Bay. It is also our first visit! :)

We decided to visit the Flower Dome where Tulipmania is on display now. I am surprised to learn that tulips originated in the ancient Ottoman Empire (which is present-day Turkey). Always wonderful to learn something new. :)

We are really lucky to catch the last of the cherry blossoms from the last display. This is the first time I see cherry blossoms. They are so pretty. 

We had dinner before walking along the bay towards Marina Bay Sands. It was a nice walk after dinner. We managed to show Aunty Pang Marina Bay Sands, Art Science Museum, the Fullerton Hotel and the Financial Centre on the opposite bank.

Singapore does have some beautiful night scenes.