Okinawa, Japan & Taiwan Trip

Vacation to Okinawa, Japan and Taiwan.
10th to 17th June 2012


Sunday, 10th June 2012
Singapore to Okinawa via transit at Taiwan

Couldn't really sleep the night before as I was tossing and turing. Don't really know whether I was nervous or excited for the trip. HAHAHA.

Finally woke up at 5AM but waited till my sis finished showering before I went in to take a good shower and get ready to go out. Since there was no time to make breakfast all of us went out without it.

Called a taxi at 7AM and it came quite fast. Good service. ^_^ So on we went to Changi Airport where we went to get breakfast first. Hungry and wanting to wake myself up bought the porridge set with coffee from KFC. Ate it hot and all. After the good breakfast I was fully awake and spend time hanging around till it's time to check-in.

We checked-in our 2 big luggages at 8-plus in the morning and received our boarding passes. Hanged out a bit more since my elder bro, his wife and her parents came to see us off. Then we went into the boarding area. Cleared the custom and all. And by this time it's already 9AM.

We lifted off at about 11AM and 5 hours later landed at Taiwan for a transfer. During the flight there was nothing much just that I got a little sick. Really tried to sleep but couldn't get as much as I wanted since I was really feeling under the weather.

Once in Taiwan I am glad to be on level ground but the good feeling didn't last since we were late for our next plane. So rushed like crazy. Wasn't even too keen on going to the ladies until they announced that the flight was delayed so went to relief myself. Hee hee.

Took the flight. Thank GOD it was only for an hour so it wasn't too bad. Ate the food they gave and soo we arrived. Landed at about 7PM. The airport was the domestic one so we got down the plane via ladder and escorted to a bus where it took us to the terminal. We clear the custom easily. Helped an old couple with their cards since they couldn't understand what the officer was trying to tell them.

Once we cleared the customs, we were greeted warmly with a TV crew and all. We were like WOW!!! But for once it felt nice being given all the attention. HAHAHA.

And so were boarded the bus after loading our luggage. The tour agent/guide, Yuta-san was good looking that I couldn't stop looking at him. Hahaha. Naughty me. We reached the hotel without dinner but ate cup ramen after a good shower. But somehow felt so sick that I couldn't sleep until like in the early morning. The room felt so stuffy for some unknown reason. So you can guess how sleepy I was the next morning.




Monday, 11th June 2012
Okinawa

Woke up at 5.15AM Japan time, which mean an hour earlier than what I am used to in Singapore. But whether I want or not still need to wake up and get ready. Got ready by 6plus and went down for breakfast and 7AM. But since breakfast was not ready yet went out to take photos and all. And also slacked around while waiting.

Breakfast was served at 7.30AM. YEAH!!! It was nice. The spread was good (Grilled salmon with chicken karaage, salad, egg and also umeboshi and miso soup.) and amazingly they had imported halal chicken in. Yum Yum. At first they said there was no bread but amazingly half way through bread appeared. Like WOW!!! Amazingly good service. ^_^

Went up to our room for a bit before coming back down to board the bus to our first destination. The journey was quite long and I think I fell asleep in the bus. But managed to look around to see a lot of pacinko places. Oh well...

The first stop at around 10 plus in the morning was Cape Manza. We were there for quite a short time but took some selcas and sceneries since they were beautiful. As we breathe in the nice cool air we two drinks. HAHAHA.

The next stop was the Nago Pineapple Park. Went on the cart that brought us around the park. So nice to see pineapple growing all around. Reminds me of HArvest Moon. Once the ride was over, went into their product shop. But before that we bought a picture taken when we were on the cart. Not so glam but ok-lah. Bought some souvenirs and a few products like the dried pineapple and pineapple candy. NICE!!!

At 12 plus we had lunch. Teppanyaki style and I was the main cook. Yum Yum. A little under cook here and there and a bit tasteless here and there. But hey I am no expert cook. As long as can eat, ok what. After lunch went to relief myself before trying out some delicious confectionaries. Bought some too.

The rain fell but that didn't stop us from going to the next stop. The Ocean Expo Park. We went into the aquarium called the Churaumi Aquarium where there is this huge aquarium filled with large manta rays and whale shark. Like WOW!!! It was nice exploring the underwater lives. There were many creatures that I didn't know existed so it was a good study. Other than the aquarium we watched a dolphin show at the theater. Those dolphins were so amazing that I was touched by their performances.

On our way back to the bus we stopped at a relic of an old house in the Okinawan Village. We really looked at the old structure of the Okinawan houses but took a rest at the same time. HAHAHA. And every lady had their fans out by then. It was HOT out there without any wind blowing.

On the bus and went on to the ruins of Nakijin Castle. And it was really ruins. Only the low walls still stands. The castle itself has been destroyed in a war. So we went up uneven steps to the top where we believe the main castle was. It was quite a climb. Reached the top and felt so tired but the view is amazing. Took pictures and selcas as usual. The way down was scary. One mistake and down rolling you go.

The next stop is a bridge. Kouri bridge to be exact. It connects Okinawa main island to one of its surrounding island. The bridge is long and kinda nice to take a picture of. So there we slacked a bit taking in the nice cool breeze.

Then dinner was at a nice hotel restaurant where we ate green curry, grillled vegetables and chicken grilled with herbs. Nice but could have been better.

By request of others who were on the trip with us we went for a little shopping spree at a local supermart. Bought some food and drinks. Once we are done we went back to the hotel for a good shower and slack. Really relaxed out at the hotel eating ramen, biscuits and watch TV show. Once we are sleepy we went to sleep.




Tuesday, 12th June 2012
Okinawa

As usual woke up at 5.15AM to get ready for the day. After shower got ready and slacked watching TV. I like Jap TV. Got nice shows. ^_^ Breakfast as usual at 7.30AM. A little western for the day with pasta and croqutte. And bread is not left out too.

After a good meal and a trip to the ladies, we start off our journey at 8.30AM to Shuri castle which was just nearby. It was raining so we waited a while before going on the exploration to the castle. We had to take off our shoes for most part of the journey. But it wasn't a bad thing. It was a nice feeling to be walking around bare-footed. Hee hee. There were a lot of climbing up and down stairs so I think I got my exercise. By the time we reached the bottom back to the bus, my clothes were a little damp thanks to the rain but oh well...

The rain stopped a while and went on to the next stop, Salt Making Factory called Gala Aoiumi where we get to see how they extract salt from sea water. We also tried the salt ice-cream and bought a salt SENBEI.

After we had fun with salt we are off to have noon time lunch. This time it's a simple one with vegetable tempura and Okinawa Soba.

After lunch we went to Okinawa World to watch a traditional Okinawan performance. It was fun and interesting. After the performance we went exploring a cave, the Gyokusendo Cave. It was not a long cave but somehow the trip in the cave seems long. It was cool but a little wet. Really appreciate the caves and how it was developed. Really cool and amazing.

Once we are out of the cave our last stop was the Ashibina Outlet Mall. There were quite a number of branded items here but didn't them. Not so big on branded stuffs. So only bought the Sylvanian Families Set for my sis. It was cheaper than in Singapore so I guess it was a bargain.

Dinner was quite a spread with rice and curry and soba and dessert. But when it comes to food, I just gobble in down. HAHAHA. During dinner we get to have a performance too. Traditional dance. So we enjoyed ourselves fully.

Back to the hotel and had a good night rest.




Wednesday, 13th June 2012
Last full day in Okinawa

Again woke up at 5.15AM. Got ready after shower. But today had a little bit more time to watch TV before breakfast so slacked a bit longer.

Went down for breakfast at 8AM. The spread wasn't so appealing to me so didn't eat much. I gobble down bread and a little bit more bread since I can't take anything else.

By 9AM we are off to our first stop. The Kaneda Air Base. While we were at the observation tower no planes were taking off but when we were leaving the planes were all taking off. Like WHAT??? Just out luck.

Then we when to the American village to shop. We went into a shopping mall and went walking around the area. Bought some manga since my sis was harping on it. Then also did a purikura too.

Lunch was filled with a tuna cutting demostration. Can't eat that raw so settle for some other food instead which were nice to eat.

After lunch was more shopping at Kokusai Street. Bought souvenirs and more books.

Then it was the Gala Night Dinner with all the DJs. Dinner was fine but the entertainment was the best. There was also a Local News Coverage on our tour group. Like so excited. But there wasn't much pictures of me. So sad even though I know the cameraman took a lot of my footage. Oh well...

After that went back to the hotel to pack. Man it was tough trying to get everything to fit into the luggage even after opening another bag.

So once the packing was done it was sleep time. Hee hee...




Thursday, 14th June 2012
Okinawa to Taiwan

Usual time to wake up and showered and got ready. Slacked till it's time for breakfast. Left the hotel at 9AM with all our luggages and all towards the Airport.

Since it was the last time that I would see Yuta-san took the opportunity to take a family photo with him and the celebrity DJ before the bus ride to the airport.

At the airport, we arrive a bit early so had to wait for the gates to open. Once it opened we check-in our luggages and went to get our boarding passes. Then it's off to the customs. I was being stubborn and didn't visit the ladies before the flight and I had to go in the plane once it landed. Oh man so embarrasing. HAHAHA.

Lift off at about 11 plus AM (Japan Time) and reached Taiwan at 12 plus in the afternoon (Taiwan Time). We went through customs and got our luggages. Then off to meet the guide, Xiao Chou who was good looking by my standard. So he brought us to the bus and we loaded all our luggages. Don't know why mom went all the way to the back of the bus when there are seats in the front. Haiz... So we went to where mom was and sat there. But I am known to be bad with back seats so it was a pain. Thankfully dad managed to talk to the tour leader and we got our seats changed to be right in front.

But the seat change was only after we reached our first stop the mosque. Taipei Grand Mosque. We learnt a little bit about the Muslim in Taiwan, their community and culture.

Then since we are in Taipei and to reduce the load on the days to come, we went to Taipei 101 for picture taking. Hate the rain because due to the rain we couldn't really take a nice picture.

Then a long ride to Taichung for dinner, Indian style and night market shopping. The Fengjia Market was not so crowded considering the amount of rain falling on us. We didn't buy much on this rainy night except for a nice cooling red milk tea. We slacked at McD drinking latte since we can't buy anything else anyway. We waited till everyone came back before heading back to the hotel.

At the hotel, showered and packed since the next day we are checking out of the hotel. Watched a bit of TV while packing and drinking the red milk tea. Once we are done packing we went to sleep.




Friday, 15th June 2012
Taiwan

Woke up at 5.15AM Taiwan time. It was tiring. But no choice but to wake up and shower. Got ready and slacked before breakfast.

Got our luggage and board the bus at 8AM to the first stop, Formosan Aboriginal culture Village. The journey was quite a distance. Once there we took the shuttle bus to reach the top since the cable car wasn't operating yet. So once we reached the top took a group photo and once the cable car is open we went on it. And we are on our journey to the Sun Moon Lake. The scenery was splendid. Amazing. And the cool air was nice. Took pictures and bought our sourvenirs as fast as we could since we needed to take the cable care back to the top of the theme park. And since there was not much time left we took the cable car down to the bottom of the park. Took pictures along the way too.

Once we arrive at the bottom went to buy some goodies since wasn't in the mood to take any of the rides. There isn't much time anyway. And since the theme park was full of one-piece merchandise bought a few from there. The best one was the hello kitty doll wearing chopper's hat. So cute.

Then lunch near the Sun Moon Lake. I have to say it was only ok. Guess I am more of a meat person rather than vege. After lunch went for a little promotional show on royal jelly and some mushroom products.

From there we got onto a small boat and went on a cruise around the lake. And the boat captain reminds me so so much of a crush I had back in Sec Sch. Hahaha. What luck and resemblance.

Then we stopped awhile on an island where we took pictures and rest a while. Had to get on level ground after all that swaying on the boat. But like it or not we are back on the boat and went back to the harbour where our bus is. Along the way we bought a few souvenirs and stopped by a 7-eleven to buy drinks and bread.

Then dinner was at the hotel. It was better than lunch. After dinner had a little DIY session of making a key-chain with dried flowers and leaves. Like ok... Art & Crafts lesson in the night isn't a good thing. Everyone needed sleep so badly so we rushed through and went to our room to shower and sleep. But of course packing is important too.




Saturday, 16th June 2012
Taiwan

Second last day and it was spend by waking up really early in the morning to shower and get ready. Ate breakfast at 6.30AM in the morning and left the place by 7.30AM. The journey back to Taipei was long. Reached Taipei for lunch at 11plus in the morning. This lunch was nice.

After lunch we went on a shopping spree. First was the Wufenpu Fashion Street. A bit wet but managed to get a bag and clothes for a lower price than the one they offered.

Then we were led to a place where they sell pearls. Like pearls that you can eat? I'll skip that. But it was nice to look at them.

Later we were at Tamshui Old Street and Fisherman's Wharf. We bought food here mainly. A few souvenirs and pictures too but the best part is drinking starbucks. HAHAHA. Once in a while indulge in expensive drinks.

Dinner came after that with a spread of Thai cuisine. Not bad. Then went to Shilin night market and bought bling bling keychains. Dad bought T-shirts.

Once we are done we check-in to the hotel, showered and packed for we are leaving Taiwan the next day. It was a tough trying to fit all of the items into the luggage bag. Dad even bought another bag for us to put in all our stuffs.

Once we are done packing we went to sleep.




Sunday, 17th June 2012
Taiwan to Singapore

Last day in Taiwan so last looking around the town. Woke up at 5.15AM again with breakfast at 6.30AM. Ate bread since there was not much to eat anyway.

Then at 8AM with all our luggages we boarded the bus. And off we went to the Marytr's Shrine. Took a picture there with a professional photographer. Bought the picture after that. We saw the guard change process. After which we went to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. Took in the sights, went to the ladies and back on the bus. We also saw on the way the presidential state area.

Off next is the Taiwan Confectionery Store where dad bought pineapple cakes, milk sun cakes and many more.

Then we went to a branded watch and jewellery store. Even though it is Duty-Free, it was expensive. And like what am I to do with such expensive stuffs. If I wear it and scratch it I will cry so better not.

Lunch was again Thai sytle. Ok for the last lunch. Then it's off to the airport where we check-in and took one last picture with Xioa Chou. ;p

Once we are past the custom, that's it no turning back.

And so for the next 5 hours of flight I totally fell asleep. A really deep sleep. Woke up feeling tired and groggy. Once we land in Singapore ate dinner and went home in a cab.

Once home showered and sleep.


Ah... Overall a good trip. A big thanks to the people who made it all happen. Tina, the manager who was with us during the check-ins and meals. Kelly, the guy who was with us throughout the whole trip, enduring us and helping us with all that he can. Yuta-san for being a good guide/agent. Hiromi-san for all the history lesson on Okinawa. And Xiao Chou for all the talks on Taiwan history and some jokes that I can do without. But just because he is good looking I forgive him. HAHAHA.

Looking forward to another vacation. Hee hee... When I have money to spend.