Ogasawara: snorkeling (again)

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

The snorkeling was so amazing at Ogasawara that on my last day there I decided to do the snorkeling tour again. I booked with a different company that took us to the same spot. Photos from the first time here. On my last day at the Ogasawara islands, before boarding the afternoon boat back to Tokyo, I went on the snorkeling tour. Couldn’t get enough of this place. The bluest of waters and so many fish. Truly unbelievable.

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

Out on the water:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

This is out on the water in front of Miyanohara beach (the beach I visited here):

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

It was like I was plonked into an aquarium:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

An interesting-looking flat fish:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

This fish was feeling blue:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

Fifty shades of blue:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

 

Ogasawara Islands: Miyanohara beach

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

One from the archives – return to Ogasawara Islands. One of the most amazing trips I did last year was to the Ogasawara islands. Here are some pics from one of the many beaches I went to – Miyanohara beach. Chichijima island was amazing – so many amazing beaches and very few people. Practically had almost every beach to myself. I walked to Miyanohara beach in time for a sunset swim.

From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach

My own private beach:

From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach

Coral not so colourful but there were some fish:

From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach

A giant fish right here:

From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach
From Ogasawara day 3 – sunset beach

 

Ogasawara: snorkeling (again)

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

The snorkeling was so amazing at Ogasawara that on my last day there I decided to do the snorkeling tour again. I booked with a different company that took us to the same spot. Photos from the first time here.

On my last day at the Ogasawara islands, before boarding the afternoon boat back to Tokyo, I went on the snorkeling tour.
Couldn’t get enough of this place.
The bluest of waters and so many fish. Truly unbelievable.

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

Out on the water:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

This is out on the water in front of Miyanohara beach (the beach I visited here):

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

It was like I was plonked into an aquarium:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

An interesting-looking flat fish:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

This fish was feeling blue:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day
From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

Fifty shades of blue:

From Snorkeling Ogasawara – last day

Dumpling central – Din Tai Fun, Taiwan

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

One can’t go to Taiwan and not go to Din Tai Fung – the dumpling mecca of Taiwan. I’ve actually been to Din Tai Fung in China and Japan, but Taiwan is home to the original Din Tai Fung : award-winning dumplings. The lines at all the Din Tai Fung outlets are crazy. I went to the Taipei 101 Tower outlet.

From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung

Be prepared to wait:

From Din Tai Fung

Take a number, they said:

From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung

The dumplings are prepared with surgical precision in the operating theatre:

From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung

I ordered the shorompo (soup dumplings):

From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung

And a wonton soup:

From Din Tai Fung

I was thinking that the dumplings would be overrated, but they REALLY were that good. Even the broth for the soup was just so clean. So pure. So tasty. The perfect meal:

From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung
From Din Tai Fung

But dem shorompo need to be eaten with safety warning. You’ve gotta watch out for when the soup inside the dumpling squirts on your face. I’m sure it’s happened to us all. I have since learnt to pierce the dumpling and let the soup run into the spoon first. Ate at Din Tai Fung. Taiwan done. Next stop airport. Just kidding. Plenty more stuff was seen and eaten in Taiwan.

Taiwan Day trip: Journey through Jiufen

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Whilst in Taiwan, I did a day trip to Jiufen. More like a half day trip given the wet weather conditions. I couldn’t bear to spend any more time walking around in the rain.

My attempt to get a bus there failed so after searching for a relocated bus stop, not finding it, I decided to go by train. Even then, after taking the train, I still had to get a bus.

Here are some pics of trying to get out of the city:

The Taipei 101 Tower:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Stairs to the Subway:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Arrival at Jiufen:

From Day 2 – Jiufen

Jiufen is basically a village up in the mountains with lots of little narrow alleyways famous for teahouses, food and market stalls.

The little alleyways are crammed with people.

From Day 2 – Jiufen

You should go there with an empty stomach. So many local yummy foods to try. Taiwan is a country of cheap culinary eats.

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Peanut ice cream rolls:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Giant mushrooms:

From Day 2 – Jiufen

Various seafoods:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Some ugly looking fruit:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

A lively bustling place. But too many people for my liking. And the rain made it worse as everyone had umbrellas.

When you get through the maze of alleys to the end lookout point, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views over the valley below and the ocean beyond.

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

I ate lunch at this really cool wooden cliffside teahouse:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

I loved eating my way through Taiwan – home to tea and dumplings – a few of my favourite things.

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

A shame it wasn’t a clear sunny day.

From Day 2 – Jiufen

But I do love me some yum cha:
The food was divine. I really think I should move to Taiwan.

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

A really cool teahouse:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

A sea of umbrellas:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

A maze of stairs and alleyways:

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

And you can’t go to Taiwan and not escape the stinky tofu!

From Day 2 – Jiufen

The stuff really reeks. It’s quite nasty. Luckily, it tastes better than it smells.

From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen
From Day 2 – Jiufen

Jiufen can be done as an easy half day trip from Taipei. I probably could have spent a day there had the weather been nicer. Ended up going back to Taipei in the afternoon and did some sightseeing in the main city instead.

From Day 2 – Jiufen

Taking flight

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Lots of blog posts to catch up on. It’s all a bit overwhelming. Way too many photos to sort through, I don’t even know where to start. Really slacked off on the blogging last year. Will make an effort to blog more this year. Still have stuff from last year that I need to get on here as well.

Christmas week was spent in Taiwan.
I’ll start off with some in-flight entertainment of clouds.

From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan
From Flight to Taiwan

Dubai: Poolside by the seaside

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Just came back from a 2-week holiday over Christmas and New Years. Spent a week in Taiwan and a week in Dubai.
Last day in Dubai was spent relaxing. Poolside by the seaside – coz that’s how I roll in 2015.

From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai

Dubai city skyline:

From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai

Lazing by the pool:

From Last day Dubai

Enjoying the view:

From Last day Dubai

With cocktail in hand:

From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai
From Last day Dubai

Not a bad way to start off the year.
But it was soooo hard to go back to work today!

2015: New year, new word

memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

2014 was a good year. A welcome change from the crappy year of 2013.
2014 was such a good year, that I fear 2015 will be a bit of a mixed year.

As you know, I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions. Instead, every year, I chose a word at the beginning of the year to embrace for the new year.
Last year’s word was Focus.
Did pretty well on achieving a few goals.
Recap of last year can be summarised as:
– changed jobs during the year;
– lots of travel (4 more countries ticked off the list);
– lots of ticking off stuff on the Japan bucketlist. I think I’ve now done about 40 of the 47 prefectures.
– Also did some PB swim distances. Much of last year was spent in the pool. Did an 8km open water swim race. And got 2nd place medal in age group. Missed out on completing a 10km open water swim. Started it, but was unfortunately pulled. So the elusive 10km marathon swim remains on the bucketlist.
– Was also lucky enough to have both my brothers visit me throughout the year (both at separate times). I also did not go back home last year, which is a rarity for me. But have two trips on the agenda for this year for weddings – both best friends getting married this year.

So for 2015, my word is “Minimal”.
Because less is more.

This year will be about cutting back, decluttering (time to discard all the stuff I have a tendency to hoard), minimising all the necessary crap, consuming less, perhaps eating less (I’ve packed on the festive 5 kilos that ensue with Christmas, New Years holidays.) Will try and spend less this year, lose some weight, work smarter and be more efficient with my lifestyle.

Here’s to another year. Make it count.

Andaz afternoon tea, Tokyo

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It’s been ages since I last partook in afternoon tea in Tokyo.
On Sunday, I did a final one for the year – in Tokyo that is.
Although I’ve got a few international high teas on the itinerary.

I got around to checking out the newly-opened Andaz Hotel (part of the Hyatt group of hotels). The hotel is within the new Toranomon Hills building that only opened in June this year.

From Andaz afternoon tea

Andaz Hotel surpasses the Ritz Carlton Tokyo as the highest venue in Tokyo (and Japan for that matter) for high tea.
The Andaz Lounge is on level 51. It was a little tricky to get up there but finally did.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Once your eventually find the elevators for the hotel, the express lifts go from level 1 directly to level 51.

Window seats command excellent views over northern Tokyo including the Tokyo Skytree. Although I had requested window seats upon booking, priority is given to large groups (minimum of 4 people, although 6 is ideal). As a party of two, we were bumped out and seated at a regular table. The place was pretty busy with lots of afternoon tea-goers so reservations are recommended.

Afternoon tea is available at the Andaz Tavern from 2-6pm

From Andaz afternoon tea

The afternoon tea includes unlimited tea, although their range isn’t that big.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

You can get through quite a few teas, because a lot of teas are actually served by the cup and not by the pot.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Everything is very new and the decor quite nice – but typical of a skyrise hotel lobby lounge.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

First tea I had was puerh tea and my favourite of the day. Ended up ordering this about 3 times.

From Andaz afternoon tea

Tea is served by the cup and not by the pot.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Here are the afternoon tea stands:

From Andaz afternoon tea

Presentation was nice. But only two tiers, you say.
Fear not, the scones were served on a separate plate.

From Andaz afternoon tea

I like to go overboard on the photos. This will be no exception:

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Yummy deletable goodness:

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

The savoury goods are always my favourite.
And I’m always a sucker for quiche.

From Andaz afternoon tea

I do think the menu is a little bit lazy.
Using the same pastry pieces for the savoury and the sweet, granted that the dessert version has custard and creme inside them, but still. They just made lots of those eclair pastries – which weren’t even that great.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

I also ordered houji cha and that came served in a pot.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

And also ordered English breakfast tea which was rather disappointing – not served in a pot. Was brewed on the weaker side. Milk was served warm which was nice.

As for the scones – typical Japanese/American scones. More like dry biscuits. Oh how I miss Aussie scones.

From Andaz afternoon tea

Notice anything remiss about the scones?….

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

A distinct lack of strawberry jam is what is missing.
Blasphemous.

I had to ask for jam – specifcally, strawberry jam.
And they came back saying that they had no strawberry jam.
A hotel that does not stock jam is not a hotel in my book.

Instead they gave as an assortment of jams – none of which included strawberry. We got honey, orange jam, cherry jam and raspberry jam.

A little disappointing to say the least.

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Here is my scone with not strawberry jam:

From Andaz afternoon tea
From Andaz afternoon tea

Here is also a glimpse of the view not from our window seat:

From Andaz afternoon tea

The tavern/lounge by night, which by the way would make a very nice venue for cocktails.

From Andaz afternoon tea

A little on the pricer side at just under 5000yen (by the time you include the tax and service charge).
Wouldn’t say it was a value for money.
Pros – unlimited tea. Con – limited range of tea.
Great views, but only if you’re lucky to get a window seat (only bigger groups allowed window seats).
Food was ok. The menu was uninspired and no strawberry jam.
Still an overall pleasant experience, but money better spent elsewhere.
It’s a recommended venue if you want to say you’ve been the highest high tea in Japan.

The outside sculpture:

From Andaz afternoon tea

Aokigahara Hiking

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Autumn always feels so short. Never enough time to get more hikes in to see the autumn leaves.

Was lucky and scored a perfect autumn day – clear skies, dry and views of Mount Fuji.

Got to finally see the Aokigahara woodlands, also known as the Sea of Trees (Jukai), so called, because when viewed from the sky, it looks like a sea of trees. Also, incidentally known as the suicide forest. Unfortunately, it is the site where many Japanese people go and never come back. The government has tried to prevent as many suicides as possible from happening there. And upon arriving there, there were signs and surveillance cameras warning those who enter to reconsider their options. The woodlands were formed by the trees that grew on the lava flow from volcanic eruptions.

Despite it’s grim history, the woodlands actually features a beautiful easy walking trail to some great lookout points.

The day requires an early start as it takes about 3 hours from Tokyo to get to Kawaguchiko station.

Riding the Fuji kyuko train:

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

Got to see Mount Fuji along the train trip.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

From Kawaguchiko station, you’ll need to take a 45min bus trip over towards Lake Saiko – which is a crazy name for a lake, am I right? (you get it don’t you?).

At the starting point from the Fuketsu lava caves, there’s a surveillance camera as you enter the woodlands. They basically keep an eye out for suspicious entering the trail (ie someone wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase).

You’ll also come across this sign, very early into the trail:

From Aokigahara hiking

Translation:
Your life is a precious gift from your parents. Please think of about your parents, sibings and children. You are not alone. Talk to someone.

And the phone number of the suicide prevention team of the local Fuji district police dept. phone name is given.

The woodlands is a sea of twisted trees and roots around the base of the Mount Fuji area and five lakes district. Surprisingly very green.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

There is a clearly marked trail which you should stick to. Wandering off the path is tantamount to getting lost. Those who go to end their life there do so by getting lost in the forest and then committing suicide by hanging.

From Aokigahara hiking

Along the route, is an ice cave which is pretty lame. And yes, entry is going to cost you.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

The highlight of the trail was going out to Sankodai lookout point (which means View of 3 Lakes). A view of Lake Saiko, Lake Motoso and LakeShojiko and also Mount Fuji. Simply stunning.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

And the autumn leaves were in their prime.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

A most interesting looking plant specimen:

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

Lake Saiko:

From Aokigahara hiking

The plains below:

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking

There’s also a bat cave:

From Aokigahara hiking

Although me thinks they don’t actually have any bats there. They just tell you that “they’re sleeping”. “Sleeping”, my left foot. They are making a racket, charging 300yen entry for bats that aren’t even there.

Inside the bat cave:

From Aokigahara hiking

Be warned, the tunnels are insanely low. Not for the old folks or those with bad backs and knees.

From Aokigahara hiking

A really awesome hike. Well, not so much a hike as a nice trail walk with a few hills. Various lookout points with stunning views and various caves along the way. Highly recommend going in Autumn.

From Aokigahara hiking

Doable as a day trip, provided you make an early start and aim to get to Kawaguchiko station at about 9am. And buses only run about one an hour from the station to Lake Saiko area. Quite a fascinating area. I will admit I was super curious about visiting this forest. Had heard it was a little bit scary given its reputation. Definitely worth visiting. There are plenty of attractions at Lake Kawaguchi. Here’s a post where I was there 3 years ago.

From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking
From Aokigahara hiking