A Recap Of Our 2009 Japan Trip Posts

It's been four months since the day we went on our 2009 vacation to Japan. I wrote earlier that I'm going to drag our trip posts for six months and so far, I think I'll be able to do that. Wahaha!

Six months to write about one single trip and the other six months to be filled up with posts of upcoming Japan trip. That'll be nice. Well, for me at least! Would it surprise you if we decide to go to Japan again this year? Zaini told me not to be too optimistic, but hey! I can dream (and plan), right?

Anyways, a recap of what we did last September, for our sixth visit to Japan. Our 2009 trip didn't see us zipping across the country like our previous years' trip which saw us taking the bullet & express trains and even the midnight train from Kagoshima-chuo to Hakata to Nagasaki, from Hakata to Hiroshima, then off to Osaka, to Kanazawa before hitting Tokyo.

Day 1,

After a delayed plane ride from KLIA to Narita which saw us sitting for 3 hours in the plane before it even took off, our first day was spent in Ginza, and staying a night at Nikko Ginza Hotel. It was still during fasting month when we were there and to think that we are away from our home and family during the Hari Raya (Eid)!

Day 2

A walk around Asakusa and spending time browsing for kitchenwares in Kappabashi. I can easily spend a whole day here!

Day 3

We boarded a shinkansen (bullet train) and headed to Nyuto Onsen. Had a blast sightseeing around Tazawako Station, Tazawa Lake before checking in at Taenoyu Onsen. We had a great time soaking in the various onsens there and also enjoyed our Japanese dinner and breakfast at the ryokan. It'll be great to return there during winter. I've watched the Korean Drama; Iris on KBS World and there were episodes shot in Tazawako and I'd like to return to Tazawako to enjoy the same scenery someday!

Day 4

Another train trip, this time to Aizu Wakamatsu. From Aizu Wakamatsu, we boarded a steam locomotive and went on a nostalgic ride on a special train; SL Banetsu Monogatari-go and enjoying the train's ekiben while the train sped away to Niigata.

Day 5

Day 5 falls on Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid) which is a big day for all Muslims. We went to Malaysian Embassy in Shibuya clad in traditional wear (Zaini and Raimie in Baju Melayu and I in Baju Kurung) before being drawn into the crowd in Omotesando. It was during the Silver week, and man...felt like the whole Tokyo residents went out for a walk there! It was sooooo crowded!

Day 6

The next day, we went to the Railway Museum (Tetsudō Hakubutsukan) in Onari. After our visit to the Museum, we went to Kasukabe; the home of Crayon Shin-chan. The Railway Museum is highly recommended for any train enthusiasts.

Day 7

Was spent hiking on Mount Mitake, taking a cable car ride and going on what seems endless amount of stairs. I really enjoyed walking past the Rock Garden on Mount Mitake.

Day 8

Was retail therapy time in Karuizawa. Zaini bought a Hummer foldable bicycle there to bring back to Malaysia!

Day 9

Was spent at the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland! Although the park was teeming with people, we still had fun on rides and watching the day and night parades.

Day 10

We went to Kawasaki, and spent some time at  Bandai's Namco Wonderpark Hero's Base and staying at Nikko Kawasaki Hotel.

So, as you can see, I have just reached Day 10 of our 13 days 2009 Japan vacation. A few more posts on Ultraman and Ultraman Club; with Raimie meeting Ultraman Mebius and Zoffy. Then it's back to Tokyo for us. A night outing for oden, a walkabout in Asakusa, Shibuya and delicious, melt in your mouth sushi experience coming soon. Do visit often!

Am I Glad I Was Dismissed from JURY DUTY?

Heck yes.

The questioning of the potential jurors started with the assistant district attorney Jeff Harwood. I think this must have been his 1^st trial since the analogy to get things started was almost funny.

He was trying to get us to understand that what the judge says is law is law and we are to abide by that no matter what we think. So he said – this table (and tapped the table) – if the judge says it is a chair you have to treat it as a chair. – HUH!!!??? He even apologized it was a stretch but it was so poor we couldn’t even laugh at it.

Mr. Harwood also apologized for not memorizing the seating chart and calling us by our names. He made several excuses including a long holiday break and not enough coffee. And this dude is a professional? Hardly.

He stumbled around for a while and then it was the defense attorney’s turn – Josh Toloni. Now thinking about it, it was like we were on trial with the way he was firing questions at us and the route he took, to make his evaluations.

At the beginning Judge Kelly told us that either attorney or he could dismiss any of us without giving a reason. This guy said he was going to ask us questions to help him and the other attorney decide which one of us to “THROW OFF”. Wow that is classy talk but I guess to be expected from a public defender. .

One good thing he took the time and effort to memorize the chart, which gives him positive points but not enough to overcome what was coming.

1^st was did we know that CO spends more on prisons than on education. Why did we think that? He got all sorts of answers. Then he went on to the death penalty, even tho’ this was not a death penalty case.

Mr. Pepper is African American and so the next fact was - did we know that 20% of the prisoners in CO are of the same race with only 4% of the population being the same. Why did we think that was? There were all sorts of answers like racial profiling, lack of education etc., But then one woman nailed it – she asked him “Why is this an issue? I though we are all people and what does race matter? It seems that in the last year that is all we have heard.” If we could have stood an applauded her, we would have.

Some of the things he asked me were to tell him about the 2 Crimestopper programs I help to start in NM. Next - why there were so many prisoners in this country as compared to other countries? My answer was “lack of respect for the law. There is nothing to deter them from going to jail when prisons are like country clubs. I like the sheriff that makes his prisoners wear pink and that all prisoners should help to grow their food and if they don’t grow it or raise it, they don’t eat it.” When I got done he said, “ You scare me Mrs. Sanchez”. Oh yippeee.!!!!!!!

He was questioning other people too but he came back to me again and asked about the % of African Americans in jail. My reply was WHY and he said that is what I am asking you. SO I said I have no idea, since I have not walked in those shoes.

When his time was up, they had an off the record, whispering meeting with Judge Kelly. Everyone around me kept hearing Mrs. Sanchez; Mrs. Sanchez – so we knew I was going. The man next to me told me not to be jumping up and down as I left. LOL

This was the first time I have been called as a juror. I believe in the system, but no wonder lawyers are regarded like they are. Sleazy manipulators.

But when all is said and done, he had every right to be scared of me, because after reading the article I would not have even needed to get out of the chair to find him guilty.

The question that haunts me tho’ is – if he was on parole – he had been found guilty of something else. Then he murdered 2 people and put on trail found guilty, sentenced and now they are trying him for the escape. Huh?? Why? What a waste? Guess it boosts the district attorneys numbers and wins. And they wonder why the state is poor.

Will I be anxious to be called again? Ahhh NO

The Trial I was Dimissed from details in next blog

Convicted killer facing more prison time for escape
January 06, 2010 1:09 PM
JOHN C. ENSSLIN
THE GAZETTE
A jury this week found Darneau V. Pepper guilty of escape for fleeing Colorado Springs while on parole shortly after he killed two men and wounded two others.

The jurors returned their verdict Tuesday after deliberating for less than an hour.
Pepper faces a potential punishment of up to 48 years in prison, on top of the two life sentences plus 908 years he is serving for his role in the Feb. 9, 2008, shootings at the Whitney Young Manor apartments in the 2100 block of Delta Drive. The shootings were triggered by a dispute over rap music.

Jurors in this most recent trial were not told of the double homicide. Instead they listened to about six prosecution witnesses who described how Pepper had been on parole and wearing an ankle monitor to ensure he was home each night at curfew.

After the murders though, he fled to Hopkinsville, Ky., where police arrested him six days later.
During his two-day trial, Pepper refused to answer routine questions put to him by 4th Judicial District Judge Patrick Kelly.

Before the trial, Pepper’s defense attorney, Josh Tolini, criticized prosecutors for seeking to pile more jail time on his client who already is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. Tolini called the trial “a gigantic waste of the taxpayers’ money.”

Deputy District Attorney Jeff Harwood declined comment until after Pepper is sentenced.

A habitual criminal and sentencing hearing have not been scheduled yet.

Weekend Posts - Books, Souvenirs And A Giveaway

I got two new books for my reading last week. Two cookbooks to be exact. I love these two books because not only it contains recipes but also information on Japanese and Korean cuisine too. A good insight for me towards understanding the two countries and their food culture.

 

And I can't wait to try out the recipes soon! Wish me luck though.  I'm not a good cook, with or without recipes to refer to. :D

 

A friend who came back from her holiday (cum belated honeymoon) in Japan got me a souvenir. A pack of daifuku. Daifuku is a Japanese confection, a glutinous rice cake filled with sweet filling. This one that I got had cream filling. Raimie was so happy eating, he ate three in matter of minutes! Yumm!

Yesterday, I went to MPH again and got myself a Malay novel. This novel is pretty special because it was written by Kak Lela or Hajah Halela of Awan Okinawa Berlalu of whom I had been reading her blog for quite a while now. I bought an extra book which I plan to give away to one reader.

Open to anyone, anywhere but you do have to understand Malay language to try. Just answer one simple question and the first person to answer correctly will have this book sent over to him/her. E-mail me the answer (just click on my profile for my e-mail address).

The question is : In what month and year did the writer of Pulut Sakura, Serunding Kasih climbed Mount Fuji? A hint: shimmy over Hajah Halela's blog and go to posts under Travel. I'll announce the winner in two weeks' time.

Nikko Hotel Kawasaki For A Night

For our trip to Kawasaki, we booked a night at Kawasaki Nikko Hotel. Now, this might sound like a splurge for us, but we got our room for just 10,000yen per night. That was the rate offered for a double room for JMB (JAL Mileage Bank) members. Furthermore, as I paid the room with my JAL coupons that I redeemed with my mileage points, the room was literally free.

The Kawasaki Nikko Hotel. A convenient hotel to get to from Kawasaki station as it was just a short walk away and we didn't even need to cross any roads to get there.

We got there early at 11.00 am, with the intention of leaving our bags first before returning to the hotel later because check-in time is at 2.00pm. The reception desk staff was nice enough to check whether our room was available for our immediate check-in. Unfortunately it wasn't but we were informed that we can check-in half an hour later. Now, that's nice right? So we decided to walk around a bit at the mall adjacent to the hotel before returning to the hotel later.

After spending a night in a small room at Nikko Ginza Hotel, we were pleasantly surprised with our really, really nice and comfortable room in Kawasaki. We had an double room with 32" LCD TV - there was an option for the TV room or a bigger desk space room for businessmen needing to finish their work in their room. The best feature of this room was the really, really comfy sofa. Because the double bed was somewhat small especially when sleeping with a rather "lasak" boy and not wanting to have his feet up in my face, I slept on the sofa and I slept well.

The array of glassware in the bar was impressive and I lost no time brewing coffee. Wardrobe size was bigger than the Nikko Hotel in Ginza. And the pajamas provided was pretty comfy.

But what impressed me the most was the toiletries made available. We don't get to stay at luxurious hotels much outside of Malaysia, so what we got here was enough to make us happy. They were generous with the toiletries too! We actually used only the  facial foam that was provided in a big bottle for our shower & bath because we wanted to bring back all those nice, little toiletries back. LOL

I think that the bathroom and sleeping area used to separated by a see through glass (open concept room) but it was covered or plastered over. A pity because I would love to have a view of Kawasaki clear blue sky from my bathroom doing whatever I need/want to do in the bathroom. *wink wink*

Apart from the bedsheet with a hole right smack in the middle of the bed (shouldn't housekeeping notice that? Or didn't they think a particularly observant (read fussy) guest would notice a holey bedsheet?), our stay at Kawasaki Nikko was a great one. I love being able to sit on the sofa enjoying the great view outside while sipping my coffee and clad in just my bathrobe. After spending nights after nights in small rooms at Toyoko-Inn (not that there's anything wrong with Toyoko-Inn), being able to spend a night in a big, comfortable room with big LCD TV with plenty of channels to watch from, was really awesome. But I do miss the big hearty (and free!) breakfast at Toyoko Inn.

M78 Shop For All Your Ultraman Stuff

M78 shop is a place that sells everything about Ultraman. The name M78 stands for planet Ultra Heroes originate from. It is after all an Ultraman merchandise shop. For a list of other M78 shop, check it here. I do have to warn any die hard older Ultraman fans and collectors though. You'd be better off finding stuff at Tokyu Hands in Ikebukuro because M78 shops caters for children.

A happy boy surrounded with all things Ultraman. It's easy to go crazy and make a mad dash to buy everything here for any Ultraman fans, but do note that you can find toys sold at a cheaper price elsewhere.

Everything you need for a child; from CDs, DVDs, toys, playing cards, snacks & sweets, stationeries, clothes, bags, bento stuff even toilet seat covers! Your pick.

Whenever we visited any Ultraman site (be it M78 shops, Ultramanland, Ultraman Stadium or Tsuburaya Jungle), it is a must for Raimie to buy these SD figures which is Ultraman figures in a small size - about 4 cm in size. This toys are not sold outside M78 shops (OK, I found them elsewhere but they were sold at a much higher price and usually doesn't have much stock to choose from anyway). If I'm not mistaken, Raimie already has more than 30 of those little Ultra Heroes, Kaijus (monsters) and Seijin (aliens) to stage a grand battle. Here, Raimie was choosing his latest Ultraman SD toys.

A happy boy with his purchase. He didn't ask for much and he only bought the few latest figures that was on sale. With his purchase, he even got an Ultraman poster. Cool!

Namco Wonderpark Hero's Base in Kawasaki

After checking-in and resting a bit in our hotel room at Kawasaki Nikko Hotel, we went venturing out to the nearby shopping malls and made our way to Bandai's Namco Wonderpark, which is located within LAZONA Kawasaki Plaza. The amusement centre features 5 zones; Namcoland Kawasaki store, Heros' stage for live shows, C2 Factory Kawasaki capsule toy & character shop, MAGmani Kawasaki shop selling books, CDs, DVDs & games and most important, for us at least; Ultraman Club.

Arcade games galore here to suit all ages and taste. We saw little children and old ladies alike being engrossed with their games of choice. A haven for those who just want to sit and stare at screens. See the big Ultraman head? That's where we were going.

We were there on a Friday (Sep 25th to be exact) and saw a group rehearsing for their show over the weekend so we got to see a free performance (sort of).

Next up, M78 shop and Ultraman Club!