Fukuoka - Day 4

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Tuesday, 22 March 2016.

Walking around Fukuoka & Sento

It’s the start of the working week today, so our friend’s wife went to work this morning; our friend was still on leave. The three of us started our exploration of Fukuoka City by walking down the nearby street with the row of shops. We then went to one of the main shrines in the area, Atago Shrine. It quite a walk uphill, reminded me a bit of Namsan. At the peak was the beautiful shrine and we got to see breathtaking views of Fukuoka and the sea.

Fukuoka - Day 3

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Monday, 21 March 2016.

Yanagawa, Canal Boat Ride, Ohana Villa & Rissoles

It was still public holiday in Japan. After breakfast, our friend's wife showed us how to wear a kimono, with my friend as the model. There were many materials and many steps involved but the end result was worth it. You can truly appreciate the beauty of the kimono once you see all the steps involved to put it on. I had only worn a yukata before so I really had no idea the amount of detail and care required to put on a kimono. We also had a chance to look at the various patterns and materials for kimonos of all occasions.

For today, the plan was to drive to Yanagawa, a city 77km away. On the way there, we stopped at a market that sold produce, food in an open air setting but also had an indoor shop that sold a lot of local delicacies suitable as a gift or souvenirs. My friend and I bought a few chocolates for friends and family back home.

We continued our trip to Yanagawa and rolling rice fields greeted my sight. The weather was lovely so the bright blue sky contrasted nicely with the green fields stretching towards the horizon. I also saw forests at the outskirts of the rice fields and saw trees I had never before seen. It made think of mythical places and legends.

Fukuoka - Day 2

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Sunday, 20 March 2016.

Sakura, Fukuoka Castle & Dazaifu

Today would be our first day in Fukuoka after a good night's sleep. After breakfast, we went to the park near our hosts's apartment for a picnic. Before going to the park, we walked past the street of shops and bought sushi and onigiri to eat at the potluck picnic. The weather was beautiful today, the sky was blue, the sun was shining and there was a breeze in the air. Fukuoka was cooler and windier than Seoul.

Seoul - Day 4, Fukuoka - Day 1

Recap of my trip to Seoul, Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, on Saturday, 19 March 2016.

We woke up bright and early today to catch the airport bus. We checked out of the hostel around 7am. As we exited the hostel, guess who greeted us? Pumpkin! He even wanted to enter the hostel but the staff didn't allow him to go in. I wondered if Pumpkin came to thank us for the can of tuna last night or if perhaps he came to see us off. We felt sad we had to leave him there in the cold but we quickly walked away because we didn't want him to follow us. Take good care of yourself, Pumpkin!

Kogatsu

Seoul - Day 3

Recap of my trip to Seoul Korea, on Friday, 18 March 2016.

Changdeok Palace, Insadong & Bukchon Hanok Village

Today is full of possibilities. Our itinerary for today was packed to the brim, so we got up early and had breakfast at Nescafe Cafe at Myeongdong. The food was good and my hot chocolate was nice but sweet. I notice that most of the sweet things we ate here were really sweet. There was a group of Japanese tourists eating at another table and I noticed that they cleared their table and brought their used cups and plates back to the counter. I assumed this was the Japanese being very polite. When we finished our breakfast we were about to walk out when we were called by the cafe staff. She asked us to bring our tray to the counter. I quickly did so with a little embarrassment. Back home, most people don't clear their table at restaurants/cafes and I'm afraid I've gotten to used to it.

From Myeongdong station we headed to Anguk station to reach Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace). I was so excited. The last time I went to Seoul, which was around the early 2000s, my family and I got sick and we didn't get to visit any of Seoul's palaces. We reached there by 9am and purchased our tickets. Since the tour would only start at 10am, we took a stroll at the outskirts of the palace. There was a small charming park at the right side of the main gate. We saw an energetic squirrel flying from one tree to the next, as if it was putting on a show for us.

Seoul - Day 2

Recap of my trip to Seoul, Korea, on Thursday, 17 March 2016.

Namsan, Hanbok-wearing Session, Itaewon & Pumpkin

Today may be my second day in Seoul but it would be the first day my friend starts her official sightseeing. For breakfast, we had pancake at a lovely cafe in Myeongdong. We then went to Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center at M-Plaza to book our slot for the free hanbok wearing session. We booked a slot at 2pm. We also reserved tickets for the Changdeok Palace Secret Garden tour the next day. We were planning to just buy the tickets at the palace when we go there but decided to reserve the tickets since the number of tickets for the English tour was limited. I then showed my friend all the free maps that were available in several languages at the centre. I was very thankful for the free maps; the subway map was particularly helpful.