(Friday, April 23, 2010/11:53 PM)
Whew... Just got back from a casual dinner party organized by the Koreans in my dorm. I finally got a taste of the hectic social life of a student living in a dorm. I was supposed to work on my research essay but got held back for socializing with my friends. Oh shucks... Well, at least I have 4-5 hours tomorrow just by myself so I'm gonna do as much work as I can.
The youths of Fukuoka Harvest Church!
The youths of Fukuoka Harvest Church!I don't know if I will ever develop a strong friendship with any one of them... Elaine, my Singaporean friend who attends church with me, told me that she took half a year to feel more comfortable with the people (and for the people to feel comfortable with her). I don't have the luxury of time. Just 3 more months to go and I'm back in boring ol' Singapore...
If I ever get a chance to develop friendships in the church, Katsu will be the first cos' he's such a terrific guy who's interested in the vast world outside of Japan (because Japanese can become so insular)
If I ever get a chance to develop friendships in the church, Katsu will be the first cos' he's such a terrific guy who's interested in the vast world outside of Japan (because Japanese can become so insular)In Kyushu University's school magazine, there's a pretty cute girl on the cover and I was remarking to my friends that's the type of girl whom I would go for. And guess what, just yesterday, I spotted her (of all people) in the lunch hour crowd and I just knew it was her although I couldn't confirm my guess.
But thankfully, I saw a mutual friend with her, and I asked her via email to validate my guess, and I was right! Never had this feeling for a long time... Where the crowds fade in the background and all I could see was her. Then, my world came crashing down when my friend told me that the girl already has a boyfriend. (=.=)
Sorry, I had to rant to restore peace to my emotions (lol). There are a few other cute Japanese girls in my social circle, but I'm just too picky. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing. On one hand, I'm glad to claim that I'm gonna make my first relationship the last as well i.e. serious about the relationship, consideration of marriage etc. On the other hand, I might never get a partner if my expectations are way too high.
Oh, what a dilemma. It's so hard to find a cute, demure Japanese girl who has a good character and heart, and is a Christian or at least, open to Christianity. I don't know... I may have to disappoint you guys who have been rooting for me to get a Japanese girlfriend... (>.<)
Just enjoying the friendships for now, I guess! (Can you spot me? Haha, it's like the "Where's Wally" game, yeah? :P)
Yeah, I'm having fun... :D
But thankfully, I saw a mutual friend with her, and I asked her via email to validate my guess, and I was right! Never had this feeling for a long time... Where the crowds fade in the background and all I could see was her. Then, my world came crashing down when my friend told me that the girl already has a boyfriend. (=.=)
Sorry, I had to rant to restore peace to my emotions (lol). There are a few other cute Japanese girls in my social circle, but I'm just too picky. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing. On one hand, I'm glad to claim that I'm gonna make my first relationship the last as well i.e. serious about the relationship, consideration of marriage etc. On the other hand, I might never get a partner if my expectations are way too high.
Oh, what a dilemma. It's so hard to find a cute, demure Japanese girl who has a good character and heart, and is a Christian or at least, open to Christianity. I don't know... I may have to disappoint you guys who have been rooting for me to get a Japanese girlfriend... (>.<)
Just enjoying the friendships for now, I guess! (Can you spot me? Haha, it's like the "Where's Wally" game, yeah? :P)
Yeah, I'm having fun... :DI was just told by my Romanian girl-friend that I'm hard to figure out. Is that a compliment? Haha, I guess in a way, it is. I look geeky in some aspects (the spectacles maybe?), but I prove that I keep up with fashion with my clothes and hairstyle. Sometimes, I feel and act a little bit awkward around girls, but at other times, I'm cool and gentlemanly.
And that's just the surface of who I really am inside. It might take a lifetime to understand how deeply intriguing I truly am. Because even I don't understand myself sometimes. God is moving in my life in ways which even I can't describe. I'm loving my gradual transformation. I love being who I am.
Plenty of unrelated random stuff all jumbled up in a single blog post. I apologize and I thank you if you manage to stay with me till the end. :P Can't wait for Sunday because I'll be going to Nagasaki for a day trip with my close friends!
And that's just the surface of who I really am inside. It might take a lifetime to understand how deeply intriguing I truly am. Because even I don't understand myself sometimes. God is moving in my life in ways which even I can't describe. I'm loving my gradual transformation. I love being who I am.
Plenty of unrelated random stuff all jumbled up in a single blog post. I apologize and I thank you if you manage to stay with me till the end. :P Can't wait for Sunday because I'll be going to Nagasaki for a day trip with my close friends!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
(Sunday, April 18, 2010/5:29 PM)
Celebrated my Korean buddy, Myungshin's birthday yesterday with a bunch of close-knit coursemates! Had a great time at a yakiniku restaurant with free flow food and drinks and we were attempting to eat as much as we could in the 90 minutes time limit. =P
Hiro, a sporty guy who will always take the initiative to organize outings for us. What a great guy he is! :)
Ryoko, a cute Japanese girl! :D So glad to have Japanese friends such as her around although school is getting busy.
Hiro, a sporty guy who will always take the initiative to organize outings for us. What a great guy he is! :)
Ryoko, a cute Japanese girl! :D So glad to have Japanese friends such as her around although school is getting busy.After dinner, we went to a bowling alley near our dorm to play 3 (!) games despite our weary bodies. When I thought I would be leaving after the games, we went over to the arcade section and we played batting (electronically controlled baseball) and ehhh, I spent 1400 Yen on prize-catchers cos' I couldn't resist Rilakuma. (>.<)
By the grace of God, I had the chance to meet a half-Korean, half-Japanese Russian who was interested to look for a church here in Fukuoka. I don't even know how we went into the topic of religion, but I believe it's God's divine appointment. :)
Beside Johnny is the girl which I've mentioned. Her name is Nastya and a second miracle happened cos' her friend (beside her), Katya, was willing to come to church service!
Some Japanese church members joined in!
Waaa... So pretty hor? :P
So handsome hor? Ops =X
Beside Johnny is the girl which I've mentioned. Her name is Nastya and a second miracle happened cos' her friend (beside her), Katya, was willing to come to church service!
Some Japanese church members joined in!
Waaa... So pretty hor? :P
So handsome hor? Ops =XThe group photos are taken with other people's cameras, so I gotta wait for them to upload to FB before I can share with you guys.
Somehow, I still feel kinda detached from the church. One might think that a small family church is cosy, but think of it another way, it's very hard to fit in if the family has been established.
Us foreigners are always left out of the fun activities which they usually engage within their own social circle. Which was why I decided to forgo the youth camp and go for a holiday with university friends who are actually interested in my life.
I thought I had my journey in Japan mapped out, but seems like it's inevitable for a diversion. I guess God is trying to keep me on my toes, eh?
Somehow, I still feel kinda detached from the church. One might think that a small family church is cosy, but think of it another way, it's very hard to fit in if the family has been established.
Us foreigners are always left out of the fun activities which they usually engage within their own social circle. Which was why I decided to forgo the youth camp and go for a holiday with university friends who are actually interested in my life.
I thought I had my journey in Japan mapped out, but seems like it's inevitable for a diversion. I guess God is trying to keep me on my toes, eh?
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Some thoughts spiralling in my mind thus far...
(Saturday, April 10, 2010/10:58 PM)
As you might notice by now, the interesting pictures are beginning to dwindle in numbers cos' things quieten down a little as school have started. As I've mentioned time and time again, I'm not in Japan just to have fun, but to challenge my thought life, as well as physical and mental capabilities to cope with living abroad independently.
So, ummm... I'll just bore you a little with my thoughts thus far for my stay in Japan...
It sounds kinda weird but observing people is the best pastime a person who is inclined to philosophy can have. I don't wish to evolve into a haughty know-it-all philosopher but I pursue intellect in this area so that I can properly shape my mind to the likeness of Christ and protect myself from negative external influences.
It's interesting to see the dynamism of social interaction in an international setting. How certain people form cliques due to the comfort, familiarity and similarity of cultures. How goody-two-shoes are influenced by negative traits portrayed by other people with greater sphere of influence, maybe cos' of peer pressure or simply, they just want to fit in the "in" group. How people of vastly different nationalities and complete opposite backgrounds become love couples in a matter of weeks or months probably due to the intrigue of the "mysterious" or loneliness away from home.
I thank God for City Harvest Church, despite all the negative criticisms. All my mentors in church have given my valuable advice on the ways to protect my mind in a worldly environment. Despite the sufferings, I'm grateful for NS and my chronic ailments, cos' the trials through the fire have unlocked the potential of my mind.
I've been tweeting alot about Korean girls praising various aspects of me, but my intention isn't to boast. I shall put my thoughts into concrete words cos' when I look back at my experiences in Japan, I might just forget what I was thinking back then.
#1: Maximize your unique traits
I've been told by 5 Korean girls (actually 2 told my Korean buddy who conveyed the message to me) that I have a nice deep voice, and it's refreshing cos' Japanese guys usually have high-pitched voices (1 girl actually said that they can't differentiate between a male Japanese voice and female Japanese voice GOSH).
Humans are attracted by characteristic uniqueness, strong unwavering beliefs, and an approachable personality. I knew that looks aren't everything, but people's assessment of us go beyond character and personality, and that's relatively new to me (I did have an inkling of it, but things became clearer when I came here). We have to find the X-factor within ourselves to appeal to people around us.
Fashion is a viable way to channel our appeal. I like glittery t-shirts with elaborate prints. Some people find it flashy but I don't care. I like plush toys and I have a cute seal key holder hanging out of my pocket and a Rilakuma keychain hanging from my bag. Some people find it childish for a big guy like me, but I seriously don't care.
Discover your unique traits today. Don't follow the crowd and just be a nobody in the sea of conformists. Be a somebody, and be brave to face societal rejections (from shallow people whom you shouldn't even be bothered to care about).
#2: Language is the entry ticket to a whole new world
Singapore is a boring place. It's a concrete jungle over-populated with artificially spruced up tourist attractions which locals don't give a rat's ass about and obscenely saturated with shopping malls (is it really that necessary to build Orchard Central and Somerset@313 when Ion Orchard could have covered all grounds?). Agree?
Thus, I'll be surprised to even find a single soul who's interested in Singapore in Japan. Heck, I'll be grateful if they know Singapore is not in China. But my Japanese buddy is planning a 1-year exchange to NUS, and my Korean friend is planning to visit Singapore in the upcoming long holidays we have in May!
And what exactly are they impressed with? Our bilingual ability. It's huge cos' most other Asians struggle with English. I told a Korean girl that cos' we're learning 2 (for people like me, 3) languages, we're good in neither cos' we divide our efforts. But she said something which gave me food for thought. Even if we're not good at the languages, as long as we have a comfortable level of proficiency to communicate, we can make friends from all around the world.
We're treat it like nothing cos' we've grew complacent and comfortable in a Singaporean environment. But really, we should use this unique trait of ours (remember #1 above?) as a tool to broaden our horizons. After coming here and experiencing life in a foreign environment, I realized how narrow-minded I am, despite my inclination to philosophy. There's so much out there in the world, and Singapore is too small to quench our thirst for knowledge.
I'm glad I am studying Japanese, despite the painful thousands of dollars investment in it. And I'm thankful my motivation to learn the language is properly steered. I'm not misguided or influenced by some trashy pop culture like some Singaporeans who pick up a 3rd language.
Fact #1: Anime and manga are over-exaggerations of the typical Japanese life. I find it disgusting to see people on the streets imitating language used in anime and manga and think they're so uber cool. Get a life, dawg!
Fact #2: All the actors and actresses in Korean pop culture are TOO good-looking. The common Korea people are plain-looking just like us Chinese. And no, they don't have elaborate palaces and extravagant mansions, which you see in dramas such as Princess Hours and Boys Over Flowers, all around the country.
Fact #3: Taiwanese stars are unbelievably pretty-faced as well. But in reality, the people are poor imitators of Japanese and Korean popular culture esp. fashion. It's not a bad place if you explore the authentic areas, but if you seek modernity, if I were you, I would rather go Korea or Japan.
I'd definitely encourage anyone who's interested to pick up a new language to go for it. Just a offering a word of caution here cos' I don't want any of my friends to regret their decisions after investing a substantial amount of money in language classes. Use it for a purpose, be it studies or work abroad, or actively seeking to broaden your social circle by including native speakers of the language you're learning. Wanting to understand anime, manga and TV dramas is mehhh fine by me, but in my opinion, that shouldn't be the sole reason for learning a language.
The typical Singaporean would go "traveling is secondary. I gotta save up for my marriage, car and house and my children's education". While that is fine by me, for me, I would live in basic comfort and spend the rest of my savings on traveling. You can learn so much just by seeing more of the world and experiencing different cultures.
Okay, I'm running a little overtime here. Jon Tan said I was lorh sorh, and here I am, writing a superbly long blog post. I'm afraid Kenneth will be the only guy who can sustain reading until the end. If he visits my blog, that is. :P Just for food for thought to chew on. I'll get back to more lighthearted posting tomorrow or the day after. Ciao!
So, ummm... I'll just bore you a little with my thoughts thus far for my stay in Japan...
It sounds kinda weird but observing people is the best pastime a person who is inclined to philosophy can have. I don't wish to evolve into a haughty know-it-all philosopher but I pursue intellect in this area so that I can properly shape my mind to the likeness of Christ and protect myself from negative external influences.
It's interesting to see the dynamism of social interaction in an international setting. How certain people form cliques due to the comfort, familiarity and similarity of cultures. How goody-two-shoes are influenced by negative traits portrayed by other people with greater sphere of influence, maybe cos' of peer pressure or simply, they just want to fit in the "in" group. How people of vastly different nationalities and complete opposite backgrounds become love couples in a matter of weeks or months probably due to the intrigue of the "mysterious" or loneliness away from home.
I thank God for City Harvest Church, despite all the negative criticisms. All my mentors in church have given my valuable advice on the ways to protect my mind in a worldly environment. Despite the sufferings, I'm grateful for NS and my chronic ailments, cos' the trials through the fire have unlocked the potential of my mind.
I've been tweeting alot about Korean girls praising various aspects of me, but my intention isn't to boast. I shall put my thoughts into concrete words cos' when I look back at my experiences in Japan, I might just forget what I was thinking back then.
#1: Maximize your unique traits
I've been told by 5 Korean girls (actually 2 told my Korean buddy who conveyed the message to me) that I have a nice deep voice, and it's refreshing cos' Japanese guys usually have high-pitched voices (1 girl actually said that they can't differentiate between a male Japanese voice and female Japanese voice GOSH).
Humans are attracted by characteristic uniqueness, strong unwavering beliefs, and an approachable personality. I knew that looks aren't everything, but people's assessment of us go beyond character and personality, and that's relatively new to me (I did have an inkling of it, but things became clearer when I came here). We have to find the X-factor within ourselves to appeal to people around us.
Fashion is a viable way to channel our appeal. I like glittery t-shirts with elaborate prints. Some people find it flashy but I don't care. I like plush toys and I have a cute seal key holder hanging out of my pocket and a Rilakuma keychain hanging from my bag. Some people find it childish for a big guy like me, but I seriously don't care.
Discover your unique traits today. Don't follow the crowd and just be a nobody in the sea of conformists. Be a somebody, and be brave to face societal rejections (from shallow people whom you shouldn't even be bothered to care about).
#2: Language is the entry ticket to a whole new world
Singapore is a boring place. It's a concrete jungle over-populated with artificially spruced up tourist attractions which locals don't give a rat's ass about and obscenely saturated with shopping malls (is it really that necessary to build Orchard Central and Somerset@313 when Ion Orchard could have covered all grounds?). Agree?
Thus, I'll be surprised to even find a single soul who's interested in Singapore in Japan. Heck, I'll be grateful if they know Singapore is not in China. But my Japanese buddy is planning a 1-year exchange to NUS, and my Korean friend is planning to visit Singapore in the upcoming long holidays we have in May!
And what exactly are they impressed with? Our bilingual ability. It's huge cos' most other Asians struggle with English. I told a Korean girl that cos' we're learning 2 (for people like me, 3) languages, we're good in neither cos' we divide our efforts. But she said something which gave me food for thought. Even if we're not good at the languages, as long as we have a comfortable level of proficiency to communicate, we can make friends from all around the world.
We're treat it like nothing cos' we've grew complacent and comfortable in a Singaporean environment. But really, we should use this unique trait of ours (remember #1 above?) as a tool to broaden our horizons. After coming here and experiencing life in a foreign environment, I realized how narrow-minded I am, despite my inclination to philosophy. There's so much out there in the world, and Singapore is too small to quench our thirst for knowledge.
I'm glad I am studying Japanese, despite the painful thousands of dollars investment in it. And I'm thankful my motivation to learn the language is properly steered. I'm not misguided or influenced by some trashy pop culture like some Singaporeans who pick up a 3rd language.
Fact #1: Anime and manga are over-exaggerations of the typical Japanese life. I find it disgusting to see people on the streets imitating language used in anime and manga and think they're so uber cool. Get a life, dawg!
Fact #2: All the actors and actresses in Korean pop culture are TOO good-looking. The common Korea people are plain-looking just like us Chinese. And no, they don't have elaborate palaces and extravagant mansions, which you see in dramas such as Princess Hours and Boys Over Flowers, all around the country.
Fact #3: Taiwanese stars are unbelievably pretty-faced as well. But in reality, the people are poor imitators of Japanese and Korean popular culture esp. fashion. It's not a bad place if you explore the authentic areas, but if you seek modernity, if I were you, I would rather go Korea or Japan.
I'd definitely encourage anyone who's interested to pick up a new language to go for it. Just a offering a word of caution here cos' I don't want any of my friends to regret their decisions after investing a substantial amount of money in language classes. Use it for a purpose, be it studies or work abroad, or actively seeking to broaden your social circle by including native speakers of the language you're learning. Wanting to understand anime, manga and TV dramas is mehhh fine by me, but in my opinion, that shouldn't be the sole reason for learning a language.
The typical Singaporean would go "traveling is secondary. I gotta save up for my marriage, car and house and my children's education". While that is fine by me, for me, I would live in basic comfort and spend the rest of my savings on traveling. You can learn so much just by seeing more of the world and experiencing different cultures.
Okay, I'm running a little overtime here. Jon Tan said I was lorh sorh, and here I am, writing a superbly long blog post. I'm afraid Kenneth will be the only guy who can sustain reading until the end. If he visits my blog, that is. :P Just for food for thought to chew on. I'll get back to more lighthearted posting tomorrow or the day after. Ciao!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Another unique experience!
(Wednesday, April 7, 2010/10:43 PM)
Usually when school starts, students all over the world moan in despair. But I had my first lesson today and I was intrigued from the start to finish. I have such a great professor who is a great thinker and teacher. So many philosophical concepts taught today, and Japan is the ideal society to take as a basis because it has so many facets and differences from other Asian societies. Kenneth would have been good friends with my professor if he were here. :P
Do you spot a cute Japanese girl? Thus far, from all the girls I've met so far, I kinda like her (looks), but don't really know her well enough to understand her character and personality. But anyway, I'm still keeping my options open. :P
Do you spot a cute Japanese girl? Thus far, from all the girls I've met so far, I kinda like her (looks), but don't really know her well enough to understand her character and personality. But anyway, I'm still keeping my options open. :PWhen I bought my phone, I was given free tickets to a baseball match in Fukuoka's famous Yahoo! Dome. Seemed like I had the better end of the deal cos' my other friends got some crappy folder and Macdonald's (not even Starbucks!) coffee vouchers.
Surprisingly, Vanessa (the American girl from the previous post) was eager to accompany me (cos' she thought I had more tickets). Was a little nervous, as I'd always be when I'm around cute girls esp. on a one-on-one scenario. But I guess I did fine. :P Besides having a brief hiccup of losing my way back to the dorm. (=.=)
I love cheerleaders! (^-^)
The staff had huge backpacks containing beer and they pour it out like how petrol is pumped into a car. And they have to make their rounds around a section of the stadium. Damn, this work is tough and I admire the Japanese for being so down-to-earth earning a humble living.
Surprisingly, Vanessa (the American girl from the previous post) was eager to accompany me (cos' she thought I had more tickets). Was a little nervous, as I'd always be when I'm around cute girls esp. on a one-on-one scenario. But I guess I did fine. :P Besides having a brief hiccup of losing my way back to the dorm. (=.=)
I love cheerleaders! (^-^)
The staff had huge backpacks containing beer and they pour it out like how petrol is pumped into a car. And they have to make their rounds around a section of the stadium. Damn, this work is tough and I admire the Japanese for being so down-to-earth earning a humble living.The girl in the picture is quite cute. If she were a Singaporean, she would probably have wild fantasies of becoming the next top model and probably end up getting scammed for sex by a phony model recruiter.
Not generalizing of cos'... Thankfully, none of my friends are that stupid, but we do see such cases occasionally in the papers... I guess in a way, we have so much to learn from other Asian cultures, in this case, Japan. Almost 70% of my Japanese friends thus far are working part-time to finance their university education and/or family.
Yeah, they have plenty of flaws, just like any normal human being would, and esp. in a rigid, constricted Japanese society, but I'll always be in awe and respect for them.
A batter preparing to give a good swing for hopefully, a home run
Seems like it's a ritual for fans to have these yellow balloons and they release it at a certain point of a match. It's quite an amazing sight to see all these balloons whizzing in the air, tho' it reminds me of a disturbing imagery. (=.=) Forget it if you don't get it. :P
I'm sorry, I just love cheerleaders... :D
And it's a sweet victory for the beloved hometown heroes!
Not generalizing of cos'... Thankfully, none of my friends are that stupid, but we do see such cases occasionally in the papers... I guess in a way, we have so much to learn from other Asian cultures, in this case, Japan. Almost 70% of my Japanese friends thus far are working part-time to finance their university education and/or family.
Yeah, they have plenty of flaws, just like any normal human being would, and esp. in a rigid, constricted Japanese society, but I'll always be in awe and respect for them.
A batter preparing to give a good swing for hopefully, a home run
Seems like it's a ritual for fans to have these yellow balloons and they release it at a certain point of a match. It's quite an amazing sight to see all these balloons whizzing in the air, tho' it reminds me of a disturbing imagery. (=.=) Forget it if you don't get it. :P
I'm sorry, I just love cheerleaders... :D
And it's a sweet victory for the beloved hometown heroes!Life is good! Went bowling with my Korean friend and his Japanese buddy, planning a trip to Okinawa during a 5 days holiday in May, and was complimented by a hot Korean girl regarding my looks and fashion sense while we were having dinner together. (^-^)
Around this time, alot of my friends are working doubly hard for project deadlines and final exams, and I feel a little guilty to ramble on and on about my exciting life in Japan. But if I have to worry about everybody's judgment, this blog will go nowhere. So, I thank you if you're still reading this, and I sincerely wish you all the best in all your endeavors.
Till then again, see you! :)
Till then again, see you! :)
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Welcome party just for us new students!
(Monday, April 5, 2010/10:17 PM)
Finally settled my phone, insurance, and housekeeping matters! Gosh, I'm beat as hell, but I'm still enjoying every single second. Just had Japanese placement test this morning and I fared atrociously. Apparently, my "advanced" qualification in Singapore is only on par with my university's "intermediate". (=.=)
Just some leftover photos from my welcome trip to Beppu...
Surrounded by Caucasian beauties! Annika, a German, on the left. And Vanessa, an American on the right.
Joined by Reina, my Singaporean friend, on the left. And Mengyao, a young student from China.
Surrounded by Caucasian beauties! Annika, a German, on the left. And Vanessa, an American on the right.
Joined by Reina, my Singaporean friend, on the left. And Mengyao, a young student from China.An extravagant welcome party awaited us the day after we returned back to our dormitories from Beppu! Chinese buffet with a little Western and Japanese, with free flow desserts and liquor. I'm becoming so fat. (=.=) Didn't eat much because I was socializing more than I was eating. I guess everyone did the same so the restaurant manager should be laughing all the way to the bank...
Kazu, my Japanese buddy, on the left. Park, an "ikemen" (handsome guy) Korean. And Zaf (not sure if that's the right spelling), he's superbly funny. :P
Now, joined by a Japanese "ikemen", Moricos (cos' he likes a volleyball player named Marcos and decided to adopt a nickname after him).
Niroch, the gorgeous Swedish girl whom I've mentioned before. (Ok, you guys might be wondering if I was drunk, but I'm NOT! Everyone knows how alcohol has a good effect on my cheeks... =.=)
More Japanese cuties... Yay! :) Carolina, a French girl, on the right.
A short SG reunion...
Kieran, a 193 cm (!) tall American. And Haley, a bubbly Vietnamese American.
Nooo... Why is my face so dark in the background in this picture? She's Nagisa, a final year student in Dentistry. Haven't got the chance to know her better yet, but we'll see.
Fumiko, a very dedicated and nice girl who took care of all our needs during the Beppu trip
Akemi, a good friend of my Japanese buddy Kazu!
Misaki, a Japanese buddy to one of my Singaporean friends, but she has already graduated and started working...
Kazu, my Japanese buddy, on the left. Park, an "ikemen" (handsome guy) Korean. And Zaf (not sure if that's the right spelling), he's superbly funny. :P
Now, joined by a Japanese "ikemen", Moricos (cos' he likes a volleyball player named Marcos and decided to adopt a nickname after him).
Niroch, the gorgeous Swedish girl whom I've mentioned before. (Ok, you guys might be wondering if I was drunk, but I'm NOT! Everyone knows how alcohol has a good effect on my cheeks... =.=)
More Japanese cuties... Yay! :) Carolina, a French girl, on the right.
A short SG reunion...
Kieran, a 193 cm (!) tall American. And Haley, a bubbly Vietnamese American.
Nooo... Why is my face so dark in the background in this picture? She's Nagisa, a final year student in Dentistry. Haven't got the chance to know her better yet, but we'll see.
Fumiko, a very dedicated and nice girl who took care of all our needs during the Beppu trip
Akemi, a good friend of my Japanese buddy Kazu!
Misaki, a Japanese buddy to one of my Singaporean friends, but she has already graduated and started working...I've always like observing people, esp. in an international setting such as this. Opening my eyes to see the dynamism and interaction among people from different nations and backgrounds truly made me a wiser man.
It's natural to lay back into the comfort of familiarity. Asians stick with Asians, esp. if they speak the same mother tongue e.g. Chinese from SG, China, HK, Taiwan etc. Caucasians stick with Caucasians. And esp. those who aren't confident in their Japanese, and people who just want to have a fun time without a serious interest in Japan or its culture.
Screw that. I came here to learn so much more. I just can't dip back into the rut which I was in for the past few years. I'm gonna embarrass myself unconsciously doing things which would be in conflict with other cultures, or speaking broken Japanese hoping people would understand.
But I just don't have the privilege to care about my pride. Carpe diem, this is the one and only opportunity for me to open up.
I'll be needing to practise my Japanese a little cos' tomorrow, there's an interview test to gauge our speaking capabilities. I'll sign off here. Ciao! :D
It's natural to lay back into the comfort of familiarity. Asians stick with Asians, esp. if they speak the same mother tongue e.g. Chinese from SG, China, HK, Taiwan etc. Caucasians stick with Caucasians. And esp. those who aren't confident in their Japanese, and people who just want to have a fun time without a serious interest in Japan or its culture.
Screw that. I came here to learn so much more. I just can't dip back into the rut which I was in for the past few years. I'm gonna embarrass myself unconsciously doing things which would be in conflict with other cultures, or speaking broken Japanese hoping people would understand.
But I just don't have the privilege to care about my pride. Carpe diem, this is the one and only opportunity for me to open up.
I'll be needing to practise my Japanese a little cos' tomorrow, there's an interview test to gauge our speaking capabilities. I'll sign off here. Ciao! :D
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Welcome trip to Beppu!
(Friday, April 2, 2010/10:58 PM)
Is there any university which offers a welcome trip with fully paid transport, meals and lodging? Hot dang, I'm so glad that I chose this SEP! :D
Every meal is superbly sumptuous!
My professor is the biggest guy in the photo :D
Reina, my NUS acquaintance who happened to be on the same program as I am, and we're getting to know each other better by the day :)
Oh yay! My first picture with a Japanese girl. :P The picture doesn't do her justice cos' she looks better in person...
A magnificent torii, gateway to the shrine
Finally, we reached the shrine!
Japanese people praying to their Shinto gods
One site of the famous "nine hells of Beppu" (Don't be afraid... It's nothing satanic about it... It's just a flavorful name to describe the place :P)
Hot sulfuric gases which smell terribly similar to farts
Ahhh... After watching big-scale communal dinners in dramas and documentaries, I finally had a chance to experience it myself!
Myungshin, a happy-go-lucky Korean guy whom I warmed up to naturally! We're rather good friends now after just 3 days of friendship :)
We went to a monkey park for today... Have you ever seen so MANY monkeys in your entire life!?
Be good malao and please don't scratch me (>.<) 
Errr... LOL!
An aquarium is right beside the monkey park. Nice 'fishy' effect here :P
Wooo... Colorful jellyfish...
Hey, Mr Walrus!
Bought this cute seal key holder as a momento! :D
Went to an SQ event downtown to support our Singaporean compatriots working for SIA!
Singaporean fellowship in Fukuoka!
Every meal is superbly sumptuous!
My professor is the biggest guy in the photo :D
Reina, my NUS acquaintance who happened to be on the same program as I am, and we're getting to know each other better by the day :)
Oh yay! My first picture with a Japanese girl. :P The picture doesn't do her justice cos' she looks better in person...
A magnificent torii, gateway to the shrine
Finally, we reached the shrine!
Japanese people praying to their Shinto gods
One site of the famous "nine hells of Beppu" (Don't be afraid... It's nothing satanic about it... It's just a flavorful name to describe the place :P)
Hot sulfuric gases which smell terribly similar to farts
Ahhh... After watching big-scale communal dinners in dramas and documentaries, I finally had a chance to experience it myself!
Myungshin, a happy-go-lucky Korean guy whom I warmed up to naturally! We're rather good friends now after just 3 days of friendship :)
We went to a monkey park for today... Have you ever seen so MANY monkeys in your entire life!?
Be good malao and please don't scratch me (>.<) 
Errr... LOL!
An aquarium is right beside the monkey park. Nice 'fishy' effect here :P
Wooo... Colorful jellyfish...
Hey, Mr Walrus!
Bought this cute seal key holder as a momento! :D
Went to an SQ event downtown to support our Singaporean compatriots working for SIA!
Singaporean fellowship in Fukuoka!I'm so glad I took the plunge and enrolled myself in this exchange program despite my worries and uncertainty. More than just the fun, I'm maturing as a person as I am exposed to so many different cultures all over the globe and I learn to see things through their perspectives.
I sat beside a gorgeous Swedish girl and we talked about dreams and ambitions from our respective point of view. I shared a hotel room with an American, Belgian and Hong Konger, and had a good chat with the Hong Konger regarding education and our future careers, and with the Belgian regarding Christianity.
I'll be having a welcome party at a Chinese buffet restaurant with free flow liquor tomorrow. Why do I have a bad feeling that I'll be pissed drunk for the 2nd time ever in my life? (>.<) Thanks for reading, guys! Do chat with me online if you have the time! :)
I sat beside a gorgeous Swedish girl and we talked about dreams and ambitions from our respective point of view. I shared a hotel room with an American, Belgian and Hong Konger, and had a good chat with the Hong Konger regarding education and our future careers, and with the Belgian regarding Christianity.
I'll be having a welcome party at a Chinese buffet restaurant with free flow liquor tomorrow. Why do I have a bad feeling that I'll be pissed drunk for the 2nd time ever in my life? (>.<) Thanks for reading, guys! Do chat with me online if you have the time! :)
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.