Thursday, August 14, 2003
Not in the mood for talking about the city today. I still love it to bits. But I hate computers. I HATE them all. They all bloody suck. Billy Gates sucks. There has to be divine repercussions on people who cause misery and suffering for so many millions.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
So had Penang chow keuh teow for lunch yesterday in Chinatown. Check. (I think kebab is next on the list.) Then strolled towards Darling Harbour. There were heaps of families around just enjoying the beautiful day. Might come back later in the month for a movie at the IMAX and a meal at Cockle Bay Wharf.
Then there was this street performer juggling his chainsaw and flamers outside the Rugby World Cup store. Funny bloke, reminded me of Wazza. Really admire people who perform like that, in front of complete strangers and without inhibitions, or shame.
It was still early so I decided to check out this somewhat new Kinokuniya bookstore across from QVB. Even though it claims to be the biggest bookstore in Australia, what actually impressed me was the size of its Chinese and Japanese sections. When I wandered into the J-Section, it was like I hadn't left Japan at all. On closer inspection, everything in this section was twice the cover price. And you wonder why merchants are always so rich.
And rich is what I need to be (or marry). It's not so much fun shopping when you don't have an income.
Then there was this street performer juggling his chainsaw and flamers outside the Rugby World Cup store. Funny bloke, reminded me of Wazza. Really admire people who perform like that, in front of complete strangers and without inhibitions, or shame.
It was still early so I decided to check out this somewhat new Kinokuniya bookstore across from QVB. Even though it claims to be the biggest bookstore in Australia, what actually impressed me was the size of its Chinese and Japanese sections. When I wandered into the J-Section, it was like I hadn't left Japan at all. On closer inspection, everything in this section was twice the cover price. And you wonder why merchants are always so rich.
And rich is what I need to be (or marry). It's not so much fun shopping when you don't have an income.
Monday, August 11, 2003
My students from Hidaka (Wakayama) had just done a 2-week homestay in Adelaide. They were in town yesterday and today so I tagged along. It wasn't the best tour and they really didn't get to see much here. Honma ni, I could've done a better job. Lunch yesterday was at the some Peking restaurant at The Rocks. The view was fantastic with the Opera House across the waters, but the food and service were definitely below average. It is now on my black list. We did a brief bus tour of the city but I think the students really enjoyed their 2-hour shopping spree.
Now some students had commented that it will be samishii after they leave Sydney because they won't get to see me again, but when I suggested that we could keep in touch via email, their responses were like they couldn't be bothered to do so. I remember the Japanese high school students I met while I was in high school weren't great at keeping in touch either. Is it like that elsewhere?
And speaking of email, many young Japanese have email addresses that are made up of letters and symbols to represent a picture as opposed to letters that make up a name or word. Like (^o^) is a happy face and >_< is a squinting face. Cultural difference? Maybe just too much wasabi in their sushi.
It was really good seeing the students and the teachers, and to know that they had a great time.
More thoughts on the city tomorrow.
Now some students had commented that it will be samishii after they leave Sydney because they won't get to see me again, but when I suggested that we could keep in touch via email, their responses were like they couldn't be bothered to do so. I remember the Japanese high school students I met while I was in high school weren't great at keeping in touch either. Is it like that elsewhere?
And speaking of email, many young Japanese have email addresses that are made up of letters and symbols to represent a picture as opposed to letters that make up a name or word. Like (^o^) is a happy face and >_< is a squinting face. Cultural difference? Maybe just too much wasabi in their sushi.
It was really good seeing the students and the teachers, and to know that they had a great time.
More thoughts on the city tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Have started running again a few days ago, though not at those ungodly hours of 5 or 6 am of Gobo days. Was never great at cross country in high school but have really come to like it in the last year or so. Nothing long-distance of course, but just that "one more step...one more step" rhythm taking me through my town and somehow at the end, drenched in sweat , face redder than a lai see, possibly a little out of breath, I still feel like the top of world. Also started back on the situps/pushups yesterday and have been quite sore the whole day today. Want to buy some equipment but not sure how Mum will react or where she'll let me put them. Maybe will just get some dumbells for the time being. If that doesn't work, will have to join a gym. Hmmm...
Had yum cha at Noble Court in Chatswood for lunch and meat pies for dinner. That's two more things off the things-to-eat list! I'm really not a pig, really! It's just my mouth has been missing all these pleasures of life. Get into my belly! Did get some healthier foods at Woolworths. It sure is nice to be able to buy cereals that last for more than one meal. Oh, and I got some Haagen Dazs Baileys Irish Cream!! Yum-my!
I can't believe it's almost been a week since I've come home. I think my grace period will be over soon and I'll have to start getting my arse in gear and figure out what to do with the rest of my life. Any suggestions?
Had yum cha at Noble Court in Chatswood for lunch and meat pies for dinner. That's two more things off the things-to-eat list! I'm really not a pig, really! It's just my mouth has been missing all these pleasures of life. Get into my belly! Did get some healthier foods at Woolworths. It sure is nice to be able to buy cereals that last for more than one meal. Oh, and I got some Haagen Dazs Baileys Irish Cream!! Yum-my!
I can't believe it's almost been a week since I've come home. I think my grace period will be over soon and I'll have to start getting my arse in gear and figure out what to do with the rest of my life. Any suggestions?
