Reflections, quarter one, two oh one nine

Last December, I wondered why I only did reflections end of the year. If it felt fulfilling to rewind the moments (of course the good was better but the bad also made the good better), why did I not just do more of it? So, I set monthly reminders - last Saturday of each month, recurring reminders from January to December.


Have I succeeded? Well, the below was a draft I started in January 2019. I did not get around to really sitting down my ass to truly think, and my feeble attempt was to jot down the loose thoughts I had.


January 2019.


1. I shall spend money on experiences, not material things.
2. I shall spend more time with my family - collectively as awesome-foursome; but also individually (alone with the husband and daughter and son) to have quality time together.
3. Read books
4. Continue with consistent exercise - HIIT / yoga / running
5. Take up a course - I'm considering a yoga-certification, or a personal trainer certification course
6. Save money


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I remember thinking that it was just not good enough. I did not have enough real thoughts, that it felt lame to just toss those out as they were just a list of my resolutions.


Today is the last day of March. I realise that perfect can be over-rated. What is a perfect composition/post? Also, so much happens that the point of me reminding myself to reflect regularly is to just capture all that had happened; so it is not necessary for drama. I also think I did not bother enough to reflect. So, here goes... I'll start with my list.


Spending on experiences, not material things.
I think I did fine on this. Truth be told, I did spend on some things. I got some new underwear, and skincare for myself, I also bought clothes for the children. I also have purchased groceries relentlessly - woe be to (too much) convenience of online shopping. I have browsed, ala 'window shopping' online, but never tempted to add to cart or check out. So good job, well done to me.


The husband and I also went for a concert together. It was a pretty understated singer, known to the xin yao folks in the 1990s; and it was enjoyable enough. We then had a bonus night of supper, which has also led us to more adventures of new supper spots in our hood. I hope we continue to do this - again, experience plus time together, win!


Time with family.
I never stopped doing this, but can I do more? Of course.
Our family rolled into a new routine for Saturdays as the husband and I split duties per child to take on activities with them - rugby (new thing) for the boy, homework revision (constant old) with the girl. We paid to watch our first rugby match as a family due to this new interest of the son's, and we will be going for more.
We continue our family meals when we can and Friday evenings with the family is truly the best way to launch into the weekend.
The relationship with the girl can be better, as we seem to spend (too much) time discussing and fighting over work. The boy is adapting well into primary school and is pretty much a breeze to handle around academics.
The husband and I have a pretty clockwork system of taking a child to school each on most days and it is working out well.


I have not done time alone too much with the children, and the movie tickets are still in the house somewhere, unused. Gotta use them soon!


Reading and exercising
The former is going a bit slow, the latter is going well. I have read some books, but lost the reading zest as I couldn't find more palatable books to consume. I'm currently re-reading a book from Jodi Picoult which I have read before; but because it is kinda moody and super touching to the core; it suits my pensive mood and so I am on it. May I constantly find good reads and have the luck to get sucked into the world of whatever it is.


Just took my stats at the gym 2 days back and it read pretty much 95% the same as end Jan, so I guess I'm doing well. I still get my cravings (which usually results in cravings 1 - self-discipline 0). The husband lamented that I was very skinny, and so I guess it is mostly my mind playing tricks than actually how much I look, so I shall not complain and be thankful that I have a healthy and fit body to keep active.


Take up a course / saving
I was considering a Personal Trainer course - I went as far as to write in to enquire about a course; spoke to a girlfriend about it but it has come to nothing. I cannot commit to it.
I also considered a yoga certification, and went as far as to a yoga clinic which talked me through the course, schedule... my take-away was that I think that school is not bad and I quite liked the yoga teacher, but again, I cannot commit.


A part of it all was money (which I wanted to save) but truth is I think it is just not a priority enough for me. It all takes time away from my family and I think I am ok to drop this thought this year. My want to be with the family is greater than the need for my certification; so I will park this guilt-free. I shall continue to keep active so that I can still find my happiness in sweating out on my own, or with the trustworthy apps/sites that has been keeping me in good company.


Saving up - I am trying, and I am also spending. We are parking aside good money for our travel plans this year, so I am willingly putting it aside. One clear area of improvement is in the grocery department, so I'll see how I manage that better.


There. Nothing too hard, nothing too exciting, and I've done a quick check against how I am achieving and it has been not too bad at all.


Now, for the hard, gritty part.


Three weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday. It started with meals with colleagues & family, a much-desired massage that helped with my stiff neck & shoulders, flowers, beach time and dinner with my closest, day with the kids and I collected pictures which I wanted to post and commemorate me turning 39. That day turned out to be truly memorable, in a very unexpected way.
I believe 18 March will always hold a different for me hereon.


The days that followed were dark and sad, and I was in a space that I had nearly forgotten of. Years ago, the macabre and dramatic June dwelled in that space pretty often (unhealthily so) and I was thrown back into those days of darkness. My sense of self-worth was very low, and I only managed to get through the days because I much preferred to pretend that all was well, and because the kids were priority. Having to support and take them through their days like clockwork made it helpful to move along; but I was in a very bad space.


The husband and I had a hard talk some days later and it has now been 3 weeks. Things are better, way better but I definitely learnt some good lessons.

• I learnt that my priorities are my husband and children and there is no need to test this in any form.
• I learnt that I can be such an idiot because I am so dumb sometimes and that hurt. It hurts a lot but I am willing to suck it up because my top priorities are important enough for me to face my ugly.
• I learnt that when I say that I am 'sad', it is probably real in some form but in the real deal when I was truly sad for those long-short-painful days, facing possible loss was the real deal; something that I am glad I have fleetingly experienced but not needed to dwell more on.
• I learnt that respect is under-rated and I can show it more to those who I truly respect.
• I learnt that love can be enough sometimes, just enough to get by.

I am in a good space today and I am so thankful for so much.

I am loved.

Reminder that I am loved.

Pre-run jitters

The children are on a short cruise with their beloved grandparents and the past few days have been peaceful and busy. On Thursday, the one night that the husband and I were free, we met to pick up the race packs.

One for posterity

After which, we had dinner and stopped by a bar for 1 beer (his) and 1 dessert (ours). I have been taking carbo loading very seriously (cannot make my sister un-proud of me!) and after a week of eating full; I am quite tired of it already (hah).

View from the bar

That evening, we talked about our home renovations, our upcoming holiday plans and the run. The husband asked, "what's your strategy?" I stared at him, clueless. I hadn't thought about it at all; I am doing this to complete and tick off the bucket list. I want to enjoy running it to some degree, with little pressure or pain. He told me that he will run it with me and that is one of the most romantic and sweetest thing honestly; I truly appreciate it (inside joke, though one person will appreciate this more than the other).


As part of the training, which is actually as hard as the run, I have some reflections:

• Sickness sucks. There were a few weeks I was on total form, killing kilometres by the bulk and while my body ached, my mind was so happy and determined to keep on track. Then came the flu bug and it just made me all slothy and unwell.
• Running can take place anywhere: having a partner who takes exercise as part of life is great, as we just run on-the-go; like on our trip to Japan within training period. As part of our upcoming holiday planning, I am talking trekking, walking, lots of nature and fresh air. Woot!
• Doing only one thing is boring. I quite like running - it is efficient, it gives me fulfilment to see distance clocked (I'm not being on speed/time; accomplishment and finish is more for me) and my kilos on the Nike app go up steadily. However, when training, I have to run to train and over time, that makes it slightly dreary. Some days, I wish to do other forms of exercise so that's a bit of a strain.
• The body is amazing - many have said that I should run at least 30km to get myself ready but I have not done so. I only did 2 runs that are longish, at 21km and 23km. These runs were a week apart and with the testing of gels on these runs, I felt pretty good from the 1st to 2nd run. It's been 2 weeks since and I hope that my 3rd and final long run will be as ok as can be!
• Diet: I have always been pretty ok in my diet, eating whenever and whatever. The past week has been fun in carbo-loading (eat eat eat away!) and I have intentionally watched my alcohol intake the past month. I can actually count what I have had - no more than 4 glasses of wine and no beer. It was my company's D&D last night and I had 3 sips of beer. Proud of myself!
• My toes: lessons picked up are that Vaseline works better than tape for my toes. I have also given up having normal toe nails (or any at all). I have also learnt how to manage and treat my own blisters. It's a good skill to know!
• The husband is my rock. I deem my husband to be a fit man. He is an ironman, he is fit for work and besides being a great partner in sport, he is my rock. For him to be by my side will be so reassuring for me. Thank you, babe.

On the eve of the run, I still cannot imagine how my run will be, especially past the 20km mark; and I hope to remember these:

• Try to enjoy it. On my YOLO run, I walked and did not beat myself up about it. It is ok to walk. It is still making distance (no matter how slowly - ever hear the story of the tortoise and the hare?)
• Don't stress. I think I a quite a serious runner. My face is kinda frowny and I seem worried. I will try to remember to not worry about anything!
• Look around - I will try to take in the sights, the people around me, the weather, the everything. It's all part of the experience.
• I will be ok. Having no expectations can only be a good thing!

1-2-3-4.

First up, the children are doing the run this evening and I am going to have some fun with them - hoorah! Counting down... 13 more hours!

23km - my last long-run

After my first long run during this practice period, I asked the husband to go for another with me. We set off on a Sunday morning, not too early; and I felt tired.... I wasn't sure how far I could go but I had an idea that I wanted to hit at least a 21km.


What made this run more challenging (and shady, a good thing) is that we ran the MacRitchie trails, which added challenge of trail and undulations; the run a week before did me good as I persevered and did not stop the entire trail; I felt proud of myself! The husband was in good form, despite not training at all (though to be fair, he'd been swimming/running for his biathlon so... still some training). Our route was sorta planned; estimated at about 20km.


We started off from the Polo Club, then through MacRitchie, past the trail forest to emerge at Thomson Road... past Upper Pierce Reservoir to Seletar Reservoir (I don't know if it's the right name, but it's past the Casurina Road roti prata). We only had 1 water point which we stopped at both to-and-fro directions. I also prepared to consume my gel (1 pack) and I learnt how to feel it course through my body and provide me with energy.


We stopped at about 19km, as we rounded back to MacRitchie and chanced into V2.

23km at final stop

At 19km, we were both tired and the chance encounter was a good break for us to chat and stretch. After bidding goodbye, the husband and I slowly walked our way back to the start point to end off our last long run before the run.

Beautiful end

We have never ventured to this end of the club and it was a peaceful end to our morning. That afternoon, we refueled with a ton of popiah and kueh pie tees and my body was not in as much pain as the week before. A much needed training slot indeed!

Date night

Good food. Good company. Good life.

Sundate - a different kinda show

So on this cloudy Sunday, the husband and I got help from the grandparents and after depositing the children with them, we headed off for a brunch of a different kinda show (after our family TGIF movie night).


It's the much-anticipated, debated / talked-about Mayweather vs McGregor fight #thehypeisreal


The husband arranged for a viewing at his friend's and it was a nice hang about and chill out with food and drinks kinda morning. It was a nice coupla hours to spend with each other.

Breakfast, chips, bread, sausages, egg, bread, beer...

I think the husband was disappointed with the way it turned out, but I felt like it was a nice fanfare regardless. There is so much training and hard work that athletes put in and respect is warranted for sure (regardless of how a**holic some of their behavior may be); MMA or boxing or anything violent is not my choice of sport to spectate, but it's admirable the dedication and effort put into each sport/craft. This is especially brought to light in the recent spate of SEA Games 2017, the husband's accomplishment of the Ironman 70.3... all hard work comes to fruition.


My parting words for this, is that all who put in hard work will walk away with their heads high. Though McGregor did not win the fight, he is still in a decent place, the loss not tarnishing his name in any way. This is possible through the hard work and good show he put on. As for Mayweather, it's definitely a feat to remain undefeated for 50 matches!


And finally, finally, 90 million or 300million - seriously, what do you do with that much money?! How obscene! Yes, I am admittedly very very jealous! 

Dinner date

Sometimes, life throws you random lemons and people get grumpy. I am totally grumpy Queen, but let's just say that we all learn to be adults and move on with it. So on this night, the husband and I randomly found a spot to eat a very hearty meal.

Meat.

Happy that we managed to end the night nicely.

My man, on a beautiful night

Next time, we eat buffet ok?

Last Friday, just because I was on leave

It was the eve of the husband going off, and we both took leave to accomplish important adult matters. Because, however, of my late night, the husband stepped in to do school run with the girl, and I managed to wake up in time to drop this boy at school.

Botak 1 and botak 2

After the morning of adulting, the husband and I managed a quick lunch; then it was still early for child pick-up, so we did a supermarket run together. Nothing sexier than supermarketing in broad daylight!

And they say romance is dead. Heh.

The afternoon snooze button really hit and after picking the girl, both she and I dozed off on the drive home where the husband braved snooze to pick the boy up.


After washing up and resting some, we headed out. I had major plans of a picnic, or scootering with the kids... but decided that simple was best.

FRIYAY!

We strolled along the river, while the husband had his dinner nearby. We saw beautiful skies, a colourful bridge, lovely trees, the river... and we decided on our dinner spot because it housed a temporary jumping castle. Ha! Important factors in making critical decisions! While the children jumped the castle, I ordered our dinner. They also explored the area; quite extensively, I say.

Girls can climb trees too!

And boys can sit still to draw too.

The boy did a lovely drawing of this scenery, with his interpretation of the trees, buildings, people on hoverboards, tiny boats... it was adorable. We had a fancy dinner and I wish to say the night ended well, but it did not. I was hit by 'convection current ala- the-worst-tummyache-ever-where-I-broke-out-in-cold-sweat-feel-faint-type-of-pain' - and thankfully, the husband was close enough to pick all of us up safely. There came a point my head was spinning so badly I thought I was going to faint. (On this note, I have actually fainted from this tummy hit before, so my worry was legit.)


Thankfully, the husband rescued us all and while he continued packing into the night for his flight out the next morning; I crashed into bed, nursing my sore tummy.


The end.

He did it again!

The husband is now in the Philippines. For the second year, he has signed up to participate in the Ironman 70.3. No pics, because no one is there with the husband.


But, it has to be recorded that he went, and he conquered.


I was worrying about him because (1) everything seemed so rushed (2) he didn't seem to have trained consistently (3) no one is there with him at all (no fellow friends racing alongside, no cheerleaders).


However, it all worked out very well. Two days before he left, he said to me, "I feel good. I didn't train as much, I know, but I feel strong." Perhaps, it really is all a mind game.


So proud of his amazing efforts, nearly inhuman to be able to keep the body moving non-stop for 7 hours straight; and even prouder that he fared better than last year.

Good job baby, we are so proud of you.


Flashback to Ironman 70.3 in 2016

Day 8: Goodbye Seoul, goodbye holiday

After sleeping pretty late as we were packing, the husband and I woke up as scheduled. We had worked out the time we needed to take the bus to get to the airport in time for check-in and our flights.


Breakfast was coffee around the corner, and a simple restaurant two doors down from the hotel.

I had to re-order the dumplings. Yum.

There was some last minute things to get (vitamins for my dad), so the husband and I split up. I headed to get what I needed, and I decided to make a pit-stop for Bake tarts.

Yummy.

We packed up all our stuff, and made it to the bus-stop to wait for our ride.

His and hers.

We were on different flights, so the husband checked in first, while I hung around and waited for him to head in.

Saying goodbye in Seoul

After he went in, I passed time by going to the toilet, walking about slowly, and finally, the check-in counters were open for my flight. I tried to head in to meet the husband at his gate before he flew off, but I did not make it in time.


When I eventually walked to his gate, I only saw his plane on tarmac. I decided to walk about more, given that I'd be confined on flight for the next few hours. But first, lunch.

When in KR, must eat kimchi stew. YUM.

Though I was nearly at the end of my threshold for Korean food, I still made it a point to finish off my last meal with it. After all, I wouldn't have this 'authentic' food anymore after this day. So I did.
I ate alone slowly, soaking in the busy buzz at the airport. I walked up and down the airport from gate to gate, and got some loose change after re-claiming back some tax money. As a final treat (omg, so greedy!), I had a soft serve.


Finally, it was time to board and I did. SQ FTW!


I arrived back in Singapore on schedule and to my delight, the husband and waited for me at the airport so we could go home together. That touched me as I'd expected to be going home alone. Hooray.


When we got home, the kids were up and we managed to give cuddles before we sent them to bed and continued unpacking.


It had truly been an eventful week and I felt so thankful to have had this opportunity to spend this time with the husband. It's been a while since we did a non-beach-holiday; and despite the initial horrors of this holiday happening out of the blue, it definitely worked out in the end.


Thank you, dear husband for the amazing week together. I think it's always good for us to reconnect one-to-one; essentially really, for our self-sanity and to strengthen our partnership. I am reminded that I still love you very much and will always love to travel and do anything/something/nothing with you, always.

Day 7: our last full day in Seoul

After flying yesterday, it felt good to lay in this morning and know that we were not in a rush to go anywhere. The husband and I had planned to try the hotel breakfast (ambition since day 2), but it didn't happen because we woke up at 8ish am. By the time we rolled out of bed and made it to the restaurant, it was 9am. 45minutes was not enough time for a long, leisurely breakfast; so we opted not to eat it.


Instead, we ventured out. First stop, Mammoth Coffee which was just around the corner of the hotel's entrance to wake me up; then we strolled towards Myeongdong. The street felt so quiet and clean in daylight, very different from the bustling night scene.


After strolling about, we found a congee house that was open and was pretty crowded too. In we went.

1x porridge, 1x dumpling soup, 1x a-lot-of-serve-of-side-dishes

I had read about the Korean-type-dumplings but it was our first time trying it this morning, and I was sold! It was just how I like it - plenty of stuffing! Yum. We also bought the seaweed, and kimchi from this restaurant. Sounds auntie, I know; but it was so worth it. Yes, I say so even after lugging them back because we got to share them with our family, plus continue the taste of Korea even after coming home. The kimchi was the bomb - it was spicy, just the way we liked it. At breakfast, we discussed what we could do the rest of the day and there were several possibilities that involved a hair appointment, a meal at Michelin-star restaurant (Jungsik), trek at Bhukhansan National Park....


Our morning kinda got tense after, because reality is that while on holidays, people do fight too. Between picking time/when to eat and making arrangements with the restaurant, layered with miscommunication and assumptions, let's just say that the husband and I had a squabble. I'm just putting it out there, to prove that it's normal to be grumpy no matter where you are, but the process of talking it out, being patient and having the common desire to let things be ok again - it's part and parcel of life.


After being grumpy and upset and becoming better again, we moved on with our day.

First time on a public bus in Korea. Bus to Bhukhansan.

It was about 1pm by the time we arrived at the Bhukhansan estate, which is about an hour's drive from the city. We strolled the streets and went into one random restaurant to have our lunch. It was empty besides for the owners and we spent the next hour in there (1) using the loo (2) eating our lunch (3) experiencing catfish in its full glory and knowing that I don't like it much (4) having a laugh as we struggled to communicate with the earnest ahjumma serving us.

Google translate, a menu in Korean only, a lady who speaks no English = lunch surprise!

Pot of soup

Upclose and personal with catfish

Tiny prawn!

Lunch was edible (truth: I had more kimchi than rice or soup), and we moved on to trek. By this time, it was 2pm and our first stop - getting our bearings around the place.

I'm quite sure this says national park or something.

Here's one that we can read

The next 2 hours was surprisingly lovely. We started off at the foot and upon learning that it'd take us 4-6 hours for the short route, we were slightly taken aback. (Or maybe it was just me.) The initial 20 minutes were funny, as the husband lamented "let's turn back now, this will be how it'd be for the next 2 hours... exactly like this!"

30 minutes in, we found an opening that held wooden tents. They looked like triangular huts that looked like this.

I was grossed out and did not want to go in. So he did.

Tick off the bucket list - a headstand at Korea's national park!

It felt good to sweat it out after pigging out the past week, and being in nature brings out this joy that I cannot explain. The husband and I both enjoyed ourselves, which is why I was surprised at how good it felt (zero expectations helped) - but I think we both do enjoy being in the outdoors and it was a nice, zen feeling to be with nature and feel this happy innately. It is also a great reminder of how small I am. I am only but a tiny being in the whole, wide world and all the problems and fights that we face daily seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of things in the world.


How humbling.


I'm also reminded that the husband and I are good and mature enough to not let squabbles affect us; cos if we had not let go of our ill feelings from that morning, we wouldn't have this chance to continue having fun, discovering new things and being happy in this current moment this afternoon.

I am humbled.

Happiness :)

He was braver than me!

He made me do this.

More happiness.

There was passing showers at some point and we decided to go on. It felt really, really nice. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on this short hike (we did not make it very far at all!) and if we have the chance, I'll love to go conquer more of this trail.

We turned around at about 4pm, and made our way downhill. Some parts were pretty tricky and it felt good to get our bodies moving. We retraced our steps and took the bus back to the city. It was peak hour traffic at this point so the ride back was way longer than our ride to Bhukhansan.

Upon arrival, we headed straight for dinner. The husband had some inkling of what he wanted and we ended up at this little, local Korean joint. We ordered everything on the menu! OK, we did not but it sure felt like it. Hah.

Meal for two. By our gluttony standards.

Mmmmm something new! Pork thingy. Yum!

I swear we were judged by the tables next to us, as our table was overflowing with food. The best part? WE FINISHED IT ALL.

After this super filling meal, we split up. I had scheduled a hair appointment to pamper myself and the husband decided to chill and figure out his evening.

I have steam coming out from my head

Did I say I was full? But cannot resist snack.

The treatment was so pampering and it was the first time I did a hair treatment ever, and though it was very pricey, it was a session I chose to pamper myself. I spent 2 hours there being cleaned up - super worth it because I had grit from the national park to rid of! Gross but true.


The husband decided to go for some play and he headed to the Casino. When I was done at the salom, I strolled around Myeongdong, taking in the vibes as it was our last night. I did some last minute shopping and headed back to the hotel. I spent the next hour+ continuing to pamper myself by soaking in the bath tub, and relaxing.


I had to pack but made poor progress, and then there was a surprise delivery!

Two two chicken for supper!

Fried chicken was something I wanted to eat but never got around to... so on this last night, I felt truly loved as the husband went out of his way to tapau it for us.

We ended the night packing and packing... making plans for our commute to the airport the next day... and I went to sleep with my tummy and heart full again.

It was the perfect end to this day, full of love and promises. What a week it had been!

Recap: Day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6.

Goodbye Osaka, hello again Seoul

On our 6th day of holiday, we woke up early and retraced our steps from our apartment, to the Osaka station, to catch the train that goes to the Kansai Airport, to catch our flight back to Seoul. After sleeping so late the night before, we were worried about oversleeping and missing our flight. Thankfully, it went according to plan.


I don't seem to have pictures from our whole morning, but it was one that was tense and perhaps unnecessarily so. The whole hour train ride from Osaka city to the airport was sad, for me anyway, because I was (perhaps unnecessarily) emotional. Thinking back, it probably was due to nothing much at all, but at that time, I was really (1) ticked off by the husband's tone more than anything (2) irritated perhaps due to being tired anyway (3) sad as I dwelled on my own 70% of the train ride. In that time, I tried to meditate by taking deep breaths and trying to let go.


At the end of the ride, we made up and I understood that the ups and downs - even on holiday - is normal because of tension/ stress/tiredness/etc. I guess it holds true that it's always the same no matter where you are and it's always up to us to best manage it.


Our flight was slightly delayed and as we were rushing, we had to make do with airport kiosk food (I had a pau and the husband did not even finish his). This time back, I did not manage to sleep unlike our flight to Japan, and was happy to be back on ground again. We checked ourselves out from the flight and had a speedy meal at the Seoul Airport, before catching the airport limousine back to our hotel in Seoul.


After settling in, it was already late afternoon but because we had 'lunch' at such an awkward time, we were not hungry. We decided to hit the gym.

Clocked 9km (Jurassic Park for company) and some floor exercises

We washed up, and got ready to hit the streets of Myeongdong again! The nights that I was shopping at Myeongdong previously was more to browse only, because I knew that we were coming back. This was my last opportunity to swipe the shops and make my purchases.

Ready to go

I heard of Maple Tree House from some sources and we decided to try it out. Took us a while to find it (basement location, address not clear!) and on this night, we also did not have beer. I had my first soju on this trip.

We found it!

BBQ. BBQ. BBQ.

Honestly, the food wasn't bad, but we thought our BBQ at Itaewon was better. After this meal, I hit the streets and started to make my purchases. The husband got a waffle ice-cream... and we just strolled about. He helped carry some of the shopping load to the hotel as I continued walking about on my own. Window shopping rocks, the area was safe, and I needed to digest the food in my tummy.


That night, we slept quite early, I think and we decided that it was a good call that we opted to spend another night than need to head to the airport already/again the very next day!


Good night, world.

Day 5 - our last full day in Osaka, shopping and having ramen at midnight

It was Sunday, 18 Jun and Father's Day! On the home-front, the children were well taken care of at a staycation planned by their Godpa, so it was nice that they spent it with him on this timely weekend.


The husband and I woke up with no agenda, except of course to eat, so we washed up and headed to fill our tummies. We headed towards Uniqlo - when in Japan, one must! - so we headed to the major mall a short stroll away from our apartment.


By this day, we finally were more familiar with the route from the train station to our apartment. To say that it's complicated is not true, but to say it's a breeze isn't either. The underground tunnels all look the same and as we didn't know Japanese or all directions, it did get slightly confusing. It was a lot easier on ground as we could identify big buildings and major landmarks. I guess it took us 4 days to be more aware of the directions.


Ferris wheel was one of a major landmark that we used to orientate ourselves

We headed to the basement of the major Osaka Mall (right above the underground Osaka Train Station) where as expected, there were major food stalls and options. We settled on this particular one called Top Chefs as it looked popular.

In the queue

They served fusion type of noodles in big, white shallow bowls that made the food look extra pretty. We had one serve of noodles each, plus a salad that I liked but the husband didn't (there was runny egg within - what not to love!). I had a standard tempura udon noodle and the husband opted for their signature dish, a mentaiko based one that was swimming in rich broth.

Our counter seats with lunch served

The pretty and tasty salad

Post lunch, we strolled through the mall browsing then attacked Uniqlo. It was sale period so we topped up on basics at a steal! The husband and I split up for a bit after and in that time, I went to get a strawberry shortcake. All the cakes and pastries on display always looked so good, I could not leave Japan without having one.
 



Yay

It was about 5pm at this time, and we'd given up the idea of an evening run. So why not have ramen and beer then?
 

Why not, indeed.

We had extra char siu and gyoza with the meal, finished off with dessert (my cake). BURP.

Back to our apartment with the tiny door... for a nap.

It was such a lazy time where we rested the next two hours. Without hunger to motivate us, we just lazed in the apartment. The husband took a short nap while I packed - we were due to leave the next day and I needed to sort out our shopping into our one luggage.


It was about 8ish when we were ready to head out and as it was our last night in Osaka, we made the decision to go to where it would be bustly with activity - back at Dotonburi. This time, we took a train there.


There were so many restaurants that we were truly spoilt for choice. Besides not knowing what we wanted to eat, the bigger challenge was if the food would be good. Every place pretty much looked authentic that it was really hard sometimes. I remember walking up and down a stretch and tossing options before we finally picked one that said "niao" on the outside. That literally means 'bird' but we figured it'd be fowl.. and we were spot on. In fact, everything on the menu was chicken and every possible part of the chicken!
 

You'd be surprised how much one can order just based on a
purely chicken menu!

Happy faces, post dinner

We strolled along Dotonburi, and just soaked in the sights, sounds and atmosphere. It was still so crowded despite it being late and a Sunday night. Truly, everyone must/loves to eat and I guess everyone also thought like us, to want to be in the thick of things.

Giant gyozas

Stopped for a snack - beers and ebi tempura

Giant dragon (popular ramen, no we did not try)

At this point, we'd walked by this particular ramen shop several times and it always, always had a queue. Since we were not hungry, and we had time, we decided to join the queue for this gotta-be-amazing ramen.

Cannot believe we're queueing for ramen! This was the start of
our queue which was outside the building

Forty minutes in, we had made it into the building and this was the queue behind us

Finally, after an hour, we made it! By this time, it was already just past midnight and I was close to being sleepy. Everything was actually running pretty quickly by clockwork, so it's really just the large number of people that caused the wait. We were led to a long bar table that was segmented into little booths. It felt strange! You filled in the details of your noodles into the card and passed it to the faceless staff moving around behind the wall. It was queer because they served everything through the hole, so we could see bodies but not any faces.

Waiting for our noodles

Verdict? The noodles tasted pretty amazing. Considering we were so tired, it was so late, we were not super hungry (not been for days), the taste of the noodles was still pretty awesome! The husband and I shared a bowl though, so perhaps that made it even better. I reckon it would have been overkill to have one bowl each. While I cannot believe we queued, I think it was not a bad wait after all to have such yummy noodles. Belatedly, we learnt that the place was called Ichiran, and they had branches in other states within Japan; so that means it increases the chances of us having this ramen again if we ever visit Japan, not necessarily Osaka only! Hooray.


Post ramen, we strolled about - being the tourist centre, some shops were still open and yes, there were also people still shopping. The husband and I called it quits as we had nothing left to buy and so we took a cab back.


That night, we attempted to pack more before crashing. We'd worked out a time to retrace our route back to Kansai Airport, to make our way out of Osaka.


Good night, Osaka. Ichiran FTW!


Read about days 1, 2, 3 and 4 here.