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As I looked into her eyes — I saw a glimpse of what our past used to be. She used to either sit in front of me or next to me in class, eating, and lighting up the faces of everyone around her. I’d be sleeping and while everyone ignored me, she’d find some way to get me to talk. Little did she know, I was glad she did. She might’ve never known what was going on during that time but those little moments with her was all I looked forward to. Eventually, we came to realize that although we’re from two different worlds, we always had each other’s back. At that moment, I thought to myself: since when did we get so busy that we forgot how big of an impact our small actions can be? Some connections, outlast others. This is one of them. She brought me back to life when I needed someone to be there. I knew I owed her one. But, after her special day, I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing her a favor because she deserves it, always. Because I didn’t want to get all choked up before walking her down the aisle, all I could say was, you look beautiful today as you always do. And as she laid her head on my shoulder — I finally knew how much it took for her to ask me to step in for her father. She used to only rest her head when she was tired or she had asked me for help and that was her way of saying thank you. So when I placed her hand with the one she’ll hopefully be with for life, I told him one thing. For the amount of times I purposely did something whether big or small for her own benefit and found some excuse to cover it up so she didn’t know — he will do the same too. I never grew up in a healthy environment, and the only way I could express that I cared was to go to extents beyond my limit to accomplish something for her. As long as no one was hurt in the process and no crime was involved, nothing’s impossible — I want him to understand that. We all wish for the best for the ones we care about and she’s no exception. 「陪伴是什麼? 我想對我來說,大概就是妳看透了我這個人,還依然站在我身邊,陪我走過每次風雨。」 Though I was neither a best man or a maid of honour, walking her down that aisle, heads turned, people clapping, ring bearer and flower girls in front — nothing beats the smile she had on her face. And I hope that smile never fades. Like my trust in her at the end of every day. She’s my day one and if he’s the right one, he’ll treat her the same way too. Japan | May 21 - May 27, 2019 more or less six days in japan — not enough & more than enough time to see what 1/4 of the Kansai region has to offer. First stop, Nagoya! Flying into Chubu International Airport via AirAsia’s newest route for Taipei-Nagoya (and the only one), I fell in love with Japan’s landscape already. In the city, it’s oddly quiet and deserted looking even during rush hour which was a nice change of pace for the past few days. Felice was kind enough to let me stay at her house. After picking me up from Fujigaoka Station, her mother prepared the best misokatsu (special red miso paste used in Nagoya + tonkatsu) I’ve had. Homemade food is always the best :) I also got to experience what it’s like living in a Japanese household and funnily, they were showing a special on TV about Oahu. It gave me a chance to share a bit of aloha and remind myself there’s a couple things in Hawaii I’ve yet to do too. Woke up bright and early the next day to beat the crowds at Nagoya Castle. Since we bought the one-day metro pass (740¥), admission to the castle was 400¥. Next was to Sakae district to eat a special type of pasta called Nagoya’s Dera Shiro Meat Sauce Pasta. Having been in Asia all semester, I barely eat Western food so it was quite surprising to see Nagoya turn it into something unique to their prefecture. I definitely recommend anyone going to Nagoya to try it :) We took a detour to Shirotori Garden and again used the pass to get a discount. The inside of the garden would be the perfect place to relax after eating a huge lunch if it wasn’t so hot. Afterwards, we shopped around at Osu Kannon, had some takoyaki, and visited the shrine. Because I didn’t plan anything for Japan, we didn’t realize Nagoya Tower (at Sakae) was under construction or it’s usually lit up :( But, if you watch the sunset from Oasis 21 — it’s really pretty. We had abura soba from Kaijiken which is another Nagoya specialty for dinner, then it was back to Fujigaoka because I had to leave early the next morning. The next day, I departed on the earliest bus I could for Kyoto. Prior to arriving in Japan, I already booked the JR Tokai bus for $26 but I heard it’s actually cheaper if you book it in Japan. Although I was sad to leave Nagoya, I had to eventually make my way to Osaka. Without knowing, I booked a guesthouse close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple which is where I went first and then I roamed the streets packed with little shops along the way to Yasaka Shrine. Ended up grabbing a quick lunch/dinner around the Gion District before moving on to Fushimi-Inari Taisha. When it comes to these places, I really suggest getting there right at opening hours because as the tour groups come in, it spoils the fun :( On top of that, I somehow got really sick after Nagoya and I had a hard time enjoying the rest of the trip. But, when I had a few moments to each place for myself, I made sure to appreciate it. Despite feeling unwell, I decided to make a trip to Arashiyama the next day anyway. Living close to Kiyomizu-Gojo station on the Keihan Line, it was easier for me to transfer at Tofukuji for the JR line to Kyoto before transferring again onto another JR train towards Sago-Arashiyama. I did this route instead because it saved me money but you could also alight at Arashiyama Station which is not apart of JR. There’s a Kimono Forest at that station, though I wasn’t well enough to check it out unfortunately. Since I arrived around 10 am, I went to the bamboo grove first before it got too hot. Then, I hiked a bit along the river until you hit a shrine in order to avoid all the tourists. I spent a good 2-3 hours just sitting at the river bank watching the green, clear water crash onto shore. Found a hole in the wall okonomiyaki joint and ordered a modanyaki (okonomiyaki + yakisoba) right before they closed. Afterwards, it was back to Kyoto to visit Nishiki Market before they closed for the day. And to end my time in Kyoto, I watched the sunset along the Kamogawa river before grabbing some ramen for dinner. Onwards to Osaka! Since I stayed on the Keihan line, it’s a good 300¥ cheaper just to take the limited express (red train) to Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka. From there, I transferred onto the metro to get to Namba station. After dropping off my luggage, I explored Ktown (Koreatown) and had yakiniku at a joint my friends and I used to frequent in Osaka. Walking along the JR line and enjoying the quiet streets of Ktown was something I didn’t know I needed. There’s just something about watching the trains zoom by over you while you observe the daily lives of Japanese people. Ended back at Dontonburi and had some gyukatsu (fried beef cutlet) to wait for nightfall. The glico sign was lit up by the time I finished dinner which I’d say is a main attraction in Osaka. Called it a night afterwards so that I could fight off my fever which got worse as the trip went on :( The day before I left, I received a call from an old friend & next thing I knew, I was on the earliest train I could bound for Nara. Her father passed away not too long ago and I knew she had a wedding coming up. However, out of respect, I was never going to attend in the first place because we all parted on bad terms. Who knew I’d be the one to walk her down the aisle? But, no questions asked & I was on my way. I spent much of the morning exploring Nara since I was pretty excited to finally be able to see the wild deers. Aside from their pellets scattered all over the streets, they’re quite cute :) Just do take the be careful warnings to heart, if not you’ll be chased and headbutted for food. First stop was Kofuku-ji Temple where there’s a couple of national treasures for all to see. The most pictured part would be the three-story pagodas off to the side. Around this temple is where you’ll start to see the deers & if you’re lucky, some of them will be laying there for you to take a quick picture with. Next was Todai-ji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha. Although the entrance fee was only 600¥, there was way too many tourists & I still wasn’t feeling any better from my sickness so I had to skip it :( But, seeing the deers & feeding them made up for it. On my way out from the temple, I took a detour to Mount Wakakusa. A short 30 minute hike for you would be a good hour half for me but I suggest climbing past the first plateau until you get to the peak. You’ll see people picnicking & more deers too. Then, walk back down to the plateau to get a better view of Nara. For only 150¥, you could definitely spend a good 2 hours there just enjoying the view. The mountain/park closes at 5:30 pm but I’m pretty sure you can stay there past that time so if you do go during summer after the end of March (closed end of Dec-Mar), it’s a great place for the sunset. Feeling quite hungry, I found a nice little shop in the alleyway that sold Kitsune Udon (a must-try in Osaka). Then it was off to Kasuga-Taisha before I made my way to the wedding venue. Next morning was my last day and I made an extra effort to wake up at 4 am in the morning to go back to Kyoto. When I visited Fushimi-Inari Taisha the first time, I could barely get through the crowds. I wanted to catch those emojis in the wild one last time so after eating my last famichiki from Family Mart, I rushed to catch the 5:30 am metro to Yodoyabashi Station. Made it to Kyoto right at 6:45 am and besides a couple foreigners here and there, finally had the place to myself :) You don’t realize how nice it is to have some peace and quiet in these type of places until you’re there all by yourself. As you walk through all the torii’s, it becomes a hike up to the summit (sign said 25 mins but I didn’t believe it). The round trip should take you 2-3 hours though. Once I got all the shots I needed, it was time to say goodbye :( Honestly wished I could do the whole hike but I’ll save it for next time! All the snippets of my Japan adventures are under the “Candids” tab, just hover over it and click Nagoya, Kyoto, or Osaka :) I’m still feeling weak and nauseous so I’ve been trying to take it slow back in Taiwan. Family Mart’s famichiki is the best, but I missed Taiwanese breakfast just as much. Can’t go wrong with piping hot soy milk, some you tiao, and a side of egg pancakes for the weary soul. As much as I don’t want to think about it, however, Japan is officially my last trip during this semester abroad due to my current health conditions. My next flight will be on an airplane back to Hawaii homebound. Not now, but soon and it’s been a mix of emotions ever since the semester ended in Singapore. Still waiting for my grades to come out and that will be updated soon too.
For now, if you’re in Taiwan — hit me up! If not, I hope you continue to join me through this last month of random adventures I’ll have when I’m feeling better. Cheers to you & thank you for sticking around. — Irene Comments are closed.
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Apa Kabar, Ni Hao! My name is Irene Chen. I am currently a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa pursuing a BBA in Accounting & Finance. Join me on this journey through Singapore!
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