Friday 24 January 2014

Hokkaido 2013 13-20 Dec (Day 2)

We checked out in the morning after staying 1 night at the ryokan (hot spring hotel). We were to head to the ski resort and en route, we'll be visiting a few places. 

It was snowing heavily. One thing I forgot to mention was when we arrived in Hokkaido, it wasn't snowing. There was snow everywhere because it snowed heavily the previous night. Today, it was snowing heavily again. My 1st heavy snowfall :)


View from hotel lobby
Our 1st stop for the day, Jigoku Valley or Hell Valley, a volcanic crater near the hotel. There was sulphur smell in the air as we approached the crater. As it was snowing heavily, the whole crater was white and couldn't really make out what it was.



Facts: 
The onsen in the Noboribetsu area is one of Hokkaido's best-known hot springs. It has over 10 different kinds of water containing minerals such as hydorgen sulfide, salt and iron. The quality of these minerals results in the spa being ranked among the world's most exceptional hot springs. The valley is a 450m diameter mouth of a volcano, which produces 3,000 litres of hot water a day.


The crater
Everyone was just looking at the crater and went back to their vehicles due to the heavy snowfall. But we kiasu Singaporeans must make the best use of the time and decided to venture further in as our guide told us that it is more beautiful further upslope. We were rewarded for our "hard work". It was beautiful with fresh snow covering the grounds and nobody was there to wreck the sight.

Steps all covered with snow

Beautiful sight.
 After a quick round of photo taking we returned to our vehicle as the snow was getting heavier. Going downhill was slippery, so it was a good thing that we invested in our Timberlands


See the heavy snowfall. Captured this scene of the souvenir shop at Hell's Valley
 Next stop is Mt Usu Ropeway.

Fact:
This is a volcano which has erupted 4 times in the past 100 years. Its most recent eruption occured in 2000. The Usuzan ropeway brings you closer to the volcano's summit. The upper station's observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighbouring Showa Shinzan. From a 2nd observation deck a short walk away, there are views of the ocean and Mt Usu's largest crater, which was formed in an eruption in 1977.


 Sadly, we were unable to take the cable car due to the heavy snowfall and gusty winds. We then changed the itinerary to go to a bear zoo.



You can buy biscuits from dispensers to feed the bears. When the bears see human beings, they will beg for food and wait in anticipation for you to throw them biscuits. They will bring both their front paws together and wave at you, so cute.


See the bear on the left standing up and begging for food

After a short visit there, we proceeded to Lake Hill Farm for lunch and... ice cream.



Lake Hill Farm is a dairy farm. The picture below shows a vast field of white snow. In non-winter months, it will be lush green fields with cows grazing


Field of white snow
Inside the restaurant it was nice and warm. We had simple lunch, Jap curry with rice, Jap stew with rice. Followed by dessert of an ice cream cone.

The children meanwhile enjoyed themselves with the guide bringing them a sled and pulling them around. Such a nice winter sight.



Our minibus
After lunch, we proceeded on to our ski resort, Rusutsu Resort


This is a huge resort with 3 wings, North, South and Tower. You even have to take a monorail to get to Rusutsu Tower. 

Where do I even begin to describe Rusutsu Resort. In that its huge, with shopping mall, a few ski slopes, indoor amusement park, many restaurants offering Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese cuisines, local fast food chains, pubs, onsen, ski school, indoor wave pool, function halls, gymnasium hall, musical fountain, etc.

See the beautiful view from my room.

Breakfast and dinner were provided and we were given vouchers to dine at the restaurants. We could have our choice of which restaurants and the food would be set meals, which were very filling.

Before dinner, we went for a fitting and got all our ski gears. Goggles, beanie, waterproof jacket and pants, ski boots, skis, sticks (is that what you call it?). Everything was placed in the locker having the same number as your room. Cool.

After that, we proceeded for dinner. On this 1st night, we tried the Japanese restaurant.
Children's set meal
Next few pics would be the adult set meal: 
Appetizer

Sashimi

Salad

Some paste thingy to be cooked in the stew below

Seafood stew

Rice with sashimi

Baked crab

Finale: where they add rice and egg into your unfinished stew and make rice porridge.

We were bursting after our meal.

Initially wanted to go try the onsen but I think the pressure exerted on my tummy in the water would probably force all the wonderful food "Merlion-ing" out. Pass

Better to take a walk around the resort and take pictures.


Outside the resort by the ski slopes
Indoor carousel

A carriage

Had an early night as we are having ski lessons tomorrow. Yippee.


(Note: all photos taken by HTC One X. Tried to use a camera but the effects weren't as nice as my mobile phone)

Thursday 23 January 2014

Hokkaido 2013 Dec 13-20 (Day 1)

Woo hoo. Was looking forward to this trip for 2 reasons:

1) Finally going back to Japan after 18 years (I lost count, could be longer)
2) Will be seeing, touching and playing with snow for the 1st time in my life (that's why I'm Mountain Tortoise)

Now for the facts:
1) 8 day/6 nights trip. Flight on 13th although is at night but considered as 1 day :p
2) total cost approx S$4800 for adults, inclusive of most meals
3) 4 adult and 2 children with our own minibus, guide and driver
4) cost include 3 nights stay at ski resort + 1 day ski lessons
5) no direct flight. Flying to Haneda airport in Tokyo, then another flight to Chitose, Sapporo.
6) booked through Prime Travels at Hong Leong Building. 

Review of my ANA flight:
My flight was on ANA at 9.55pm, overnight flight. Didn't enjoy the flight. For someone tall like me, my knees were already touching the seat in front, and the backrest couldn't recline. The seat can slide in and out, but with my knees already touching the front, why would I want to slide it out. So the whole night was spent sitting pretty upright trying to sleep. When I couldn't, I would be watching movies. 

Touchdown at Haneda airport in Tokyo and clearance at immigration, although there was a queue, was a breeze. We had to collect our luggage and take a feeder bus to the domestic terminal  for our flight to Chitose airport. Short ride, no hassle. 


Haneda airport was nicely decorated and had many shops selling stuff but we resisted as this was only the beginning of the trip.

Flight to Chitose was only about an hour, not too bad. But we were already quite tired from the lack of sleep on the flight.

Upon arrival at Chitose, we were greeted by our ever courteous guide and driver. Upon us stepping out of the airport to get to the minibus, the kids... All right, ME... went ooh-ing and ah-ing... Why? See the picture below



... My 1st experience with snow. I had to leave the luggage behind and take a picture for posterity... My very 1st picture of snow :D

Throughout the journey, I couldn't help clicking away on my camera.


The journey took quite long as the driver was driving slowly due to the road conditions. But what greeted us at the destination for lunch made us forget our fatigue and hunger.


The restaurant

See why? The children... Ok, ME... Went berserk with the snow and couldn't wait to feel it and make a snow ball to throw.

Tip 1: make sure you do not make a snow ball with your bare hands, unless you don't mind cold and wet hands
Tip 2: make sure you wear WATERPROOF gloves when making a snow ball, unless you don't mind cold and wet hands
Tip 3: make sure you invest in a good pair of ANTI-SLIP, WATERPROOF walking shoes, unless you don't mind slipping and falling and you don't mind cold and wet feet
Tip 4: make sure you have high cut shoes with your pants covering snugly over your shoes as snow can get into shoes and wet your socks, unless you don't mind cold and wet feet
Tip 5: when making snow angels, make sure you are wearing WATERPROOF clothing too, unless you don't mind feeling cold and wet.

Ooh, it's really such a pretty sight. We were stuck outside in the gardens of the restaurant for 10 minutes, while the ever patient guide was waiting patiently, at the entrance freezing his butt off, for us.

Once we had enough, ok it's never enough, we went into the restaurant and was greeted by a comfortable gush of warm air. A nice respite from the negative temperature outside. Lunch was BBQ, specialty being wagyu. Name of restaurant, Wagyu Loghouse BIBI.

Inside the restaurant


Their beef was yummy. We ordered extra portions of beef which was happily gobbled down.



At the back of the restaurant there was a stream where geese and ducks were frolicking with their offsprings. Such a beautiful sight. Ooh, I'm so loving Hokkaido. Couldn't get out there as the snow was fresh and thick and didn't want to risk being buried.



After a sumptuous lunch (the 1st of many), we were supposed to proceed to our hotel in Noboribetsu, but of course, the snow, the darned snow, had to distract us and we ended up spending a good 10-15 minutes playing again.

The grounds of the restaurant

The grounds of the restaurant

Well... After the post lunch play, en route to Noboribetsu, we stopped at Lake Shikotsu to take in the sights. However, it seemed more like we were engulfed by the strong and cold winds that only the guide and myself made a dash to the lakeside, took a quick picture and went back briskly to the bus. The others, especially the kids were stuck halfway playing with snow in the chilling wind, and since it was so cold, we went back into the bus and off to our next destination.

Road leading to Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu

Next stop, Shiraoi Ainu Museum, also called Porotokotan. It is one of Hokkaido's better Ainu Museums. Ainu (the indigenous people in Hokkaido) culture and lifestyle is shown to visitors in an outdoor reproduction of a small Ainu village and inside a conventional museum building. Several performances, such as traditional Ainu dances, are held fairly regularly throughout the day. 

Ainu houses on the right side

A lake at the Ainu Village


We were here for a short while to look at one of the traditional houses and off we went as fatigue was setting in. We finally arrived at the Noboribetsu Mahoroba hotel. A hotel with their own hot springs.


We stayed in the Japanese styled tatami room with a beautiful view of the mountain slope and it was snowing heavily. 



We settled quickly and dinner was sumptuous. The dishes in the picture are just a part of the whole set meal.


I had more than a set. Helped the kids finish their leftovers too haha.

After dinner, when we returned to the room, it was transformed. The beddings were laid out for us.



Took a short rest before going to soak in the onsen (hot spring). As I was a newbie at this, did some research on etiquette at the onsen. Here's Onsen101:
1) normally the men and women go to their own separate area
2) you go into the pools stark naked, no swim wear, underwear or shorts
3) you place your slippers and clothes into the basket provided in the change area.
4) the small towel provided may be used to cover your privates when walking around. They are supposed to be used to clean off your perspiration when you are in the pool
5) shower clean before you enter the pools. You shower sitting down on the stools and be careful that your neighbour does not get your recycled water
6) after showering, you can go soak in the mineral pools. They are normally in different temperatures, the norm is to soak the lower temperture 1st and progressing to higher temperatures
7) do not wash or soak your little towel in the pool, place it on your head or by the side
8) relax and enjoy

As I've been once to a Korean bath, I thought it would be the same, but they had slight differences. Firstly, instead of a male tending the changing room in Korea, it's an obasan (elderly lady) here. I was pulling down my undies when suddenly an obasan walked across me sweeping the floor, I immediately pulled it back up. In Rome, do what the Romans do, so I looked around to see what the other Japanese males were doing, but they were nonchalantly flaunting their family jewels. Sigh, I waited for the obasan to be gone before I stripped haha.

The moment I entered the shower and pool area, it was all misty due to the steam. I could hardly see and I just followed behind an elderly Japanese man who had entered together with me. Went to shower and after washing clean, I followed another Japanese to see where he would start his soaking. We meandered through various pools and suddenly, I was hit by the cold winter air. I was wet and obviously freezing and realised I'm out at the outdoor pool. I spied a pool and immediately stepped in. Mistake. It was hot with a capital H, at least to me. I endured and after awhile, it felt good... shiok... shiokadoo.

It felt so different, but nice to be soaking outdoors with the cold winter air on your face. It was very very misty and I couldn't make out who was around, what pool was where, etc. after about 10 minutes, I decided to move indoors. Ooh, standing up was the difficult part, so reluctant to leave the nice warm watery environment like a baby in the womb, haha. But moving indoors was nice too. There were various pools with different minerals. Didn't know what was what, as the signs were written in a combination of Chinese and Japanese characters. Nevertheless, I went from pool to pool to absorb as much minerals as possible. 

After spending about an hour in the onsen, I decided to return to the room. Although I was a little sleepy, I decided to go and take a walk around the neighbourhood.

Small stretch of road with shops and restaurants

One of the shops
The night air was chilly and was snowing lightly. The night air was a nice contrast to the hot springs. A really good experience. Got melancholic and was thoughtful about a few things:
1) 1st night of stay in this beautiful place of Hokkaido
2) 1st time in a Japanese onsen
3) 1st time seeing and playing with snow in my whole life
4) 1st walk alone in Japan... haha I'm so boliao

After about 10 minutes I returned to the room to enjoy the comforts of Japanese sleeping culture.

Good night everyone, good night Noboribetsu.


(Note: I have friends asking me what camera I've been using to take such beautiful pictures of my travels. For the record, they were taken by my trusty HTC One X)

Sunday 19 January 2014

Fountain of Youth

这世界没有丑女人,只有懒女人, meaning there is no ugly woman in the world, except a lazy woman. This means that to look better, you need to put in extra effort. This applies to both MEN and WOMEN.

Besides skincare products, we can ingest products to help turn back the ravages of time. 2 products that I take are Enjuvenate and Collagen Plus. Just add to water, shake and drink. These are my fountain of youth.






What is Collagen Plus (Unicity)? 

Collagen Plus is a powder drink with Raspberry Lime flavor. 

What are the ingredients inside Collagen Plus?
It consists of: -
*Collagen Peptide 2,500ml-
*Lutine 120ml -
*CoQ10 75ml. 


Benefits of collagen
Reduction of skin wrinkles
Reduction of joint paint and stiffness
Faster wound healing

Benefits of Lutein
Promotes skin health
Protect the skin by filtering out harmful UV light
Increases skin hydration, lipid content for smooth skin & elasticity
Essential for eyes health
Helps prevent age related damage such as cataracts & age related macular degeneration
Filters out blue light which has the highest potential for damaging the eyes and tissues

Benefits of CoQ10
Act as a powerful anti-oxidant
CoQ10 is found mostly in the body’s large organs such as the heart & liver
The body’s need for Co!0 increases with age
Protects the body against DNA damage and cell death



EnJuvenate™ is a drink with unique Pina Colada flavour - just like a tropical fruit punch and the anti-aging properties that promotes cellular growth and activity, supports lean muscle mass, and enhances your feelings of vitality and well-being.*

EnJuvenate™ utilizes unique anti-aging properties with its proprietary formulation that includes the following:

• Super Protein Complex supports lean muscle mass with a complete source of protein and enhances protein absorption.*
• Pituitary Complex provides targeted nourishment that promotes cognitive function and youthfulness.*
• Regenerative Complex contains antioxidants that help protect against free-radical damage promote skin health.*
• Lepidium meyenii is traditionally used for enhanced energy and sexual well-being.*

Recommended Use: For adult use only. Use EnJuvenate™ three (3) times per week. For best results, do not consume any food within one hour before or after consuming EnJuvenate™.

Research Brief
Certain compounds are produced by the pituitary gland at different times throughout a person's life. These are essential for growth and regeneration of cells and tissues. Some specialists in anti-aging medicine believe that regaining the ability to create these compounds or even introducing these compounds to a person deficient in them may have the effect of a "Fountain of Youth!"

The body's production of some of these molecules is very high during childhood and adolescence. Unfortunately, after age 20 the release of these products by the pituitary gland falls at a rate of approximately 14 percent every 10 years. By age 60, a loss of 75 percent or more of these compounds is not uncommon. The physical symptoms such as wrinkles, increased body fat, loss of muscle mass, loss of energy and other signs that normally accompanies aging can be linked directly to this decrease in the production of these important biomolecules.

Secretagogues are supplements that work with your body to regulate the natural production of these important molecules. As the body creates more of these products, research has shown that many of the symptoms of aging may be reversed.

Warning: Do not take if you are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition, taking any medications, under a physician's care, or allergic to soy protein, egg white, rice protein, or whey protein. Use only as directed.

Clearstart Detox

One of the flagship products of Unicity is Clearstart, a 30-day detoxing program for healthy insides. The Chinese have a saying, 祸从口出,病从口入, meaning we get into trouble with the words that come out of our mouth, but our sickness is caused by what goes into our  mouth (the food we eat). Which is also consistent with the age-old saying of, "we are what we eat".

Studies have shown that most diseases start because we do not have a healthy digestive system. Can you imagine the drainage pipe of a 10-20 year old apartment? Although we don't see the inside of the pipe, we know that there is a high chance of dust, hair, dirt, and whatever muck getting stuck to the interior walls. What more our digestive system? How can there be effective absorption of nutrients when things are blocking the walls of our digestive tracts?

The pictures below shows the colon before and after undergoing Unicity's Clearstart program. I have personally tried it and omg, the smell and the amount that came out in the first few days... shan't elaborate much, haha.


Why we need to detox our body?
The answer is a simple, detoxing is absolutely necessary for your best health – balanced energy, glowing skin, healthy sex drive, good sleep, weight loss and more. Now more than ever, we are exposed to toxins from the lotions we put on our skin every day, the toothpaste we brush with, the air that we breathe, additives and preservatives in our food supply, pesticides, plastics, and negative thoughts – yes, stress promotes a toxic and acidic body. Source: Joyous Health.

Clearstart 30-Day Cleansing Program is a revolutionary system to rid your body of wastes, unwanted organisms and to keep your gastrointestinal system running smoothly. Clearstart contains LiFiber, Nature’s Tea and Paraway Plus. Used together as instructed, these three products provide an intensive 30-day digestive cleansing program.


ClearStart30 contains a carefully chosen combination of natural ingredients that neutralizes and dislodges toxins, waste, and parasites and removes them from your body. We recommend using ClearStart on a quarterly basis — perhaps with each change of season. Think of it as spring-cleaning your body from the inside. ClearStart should be your first step in any health, weight management, or beauty regimen.




Add on Super Chlorophyll and you'll get even better results.