The interesting thing about coming to Japan is to discover the different kinds of cosmetics that are sold in the pharmacies, or any other stores here.
SL told me to get for her Fancl eye mask...and so I started the search for Fancl products. But then, it seems that they are not to be found everywhere! Finally found a Fancl store! Alas, it was closed already. The stores here close at 8pm! So early!
So we ventured over to the store the next day, they only have a kind of mask, retailing at around 3,000yen which is about S$45. Didn't get that for her since I think it is still quite ex. Please sms me if u want me to get it for u, and I'll try to see whether I can find it here in Osaka. No guarantee though!
The train schedule to Nara via Kinetsu railway.
There are many train companies in Japan, each with their own routes, so if u r at say Kyoto Station on JR, it may not necessarily mean that u can connect to the Kinetsu railway's Kyoto Station.
In addition, there are many different kind of trains:
1. Local train - stops at all stations
2. Semi-express - stops at most big stations
3. Express - stops at selected stations
4. Limited Express - using fast trains
Based on my limitd knowledge of Japan, these are the differences in the different kinds of trains. Only train 4 is more expensive....train 1-3, it depends on the timing of the train u take.
We were ambitious on this day and visited the following places ON FOOT! No wonder GM was so exhausted and suffered from aching legs for the rest of the trip.
1. Nijojo
2. Kitano Tenman-gu market
3. Kinkakuji
4. Ryoanji
1. Nijojo
One stop away from our Hotel at Karasuma Oike on the Tozai line. We alighted at Nijojomae stationa nd walked to Nijojo.
2. Kitano Tenman-gu market
Having read about the flea markets of Kyoto in Lonely Planet, GM was adamant to visit at least one such market.
As we arrived on the 21st, we had to miss that one, so we went to the Tenmangu market on the 25th. The market was further away from Nijojo than we thoughted...after walking more than 30 min, we finally reached the market and quickly joined the queue for food...okonomiyaki (500yen), takoyaki (can't rem the price).
Next, I wanted to order a savoury crepe, but didn't know how to order and the young man misunderstood and gave me a banana crepe with lots of whipped cream (500yen), since GM does not like whipped cream, and I don't like banana desserts, we had to dispose of it!
Having dinner at a Vending machine place again. The seating in this place reminds one of a lecture hall...with everyone facing the kitchen and the seats behind higher than the seats in front!
I was looking forward to visiting Westen Japan, and was reading up on information on Himeji-jo. As it was touted to be the most important castle in Japan.
http://www.himeji-kanko.jp/en/spot/ss001.html
However, some weeks before our trip, I read that Himeji was under-restoration and would only be finished in year 2014. I was really disappointed. :( Luckily, I managed to find a consolation at Hikone-jo...which was about an hour's train ride from Kyoto. This castle at Biwako (largest lake in Japan) promises a scenic view. Hence, I knew I had to visit this castle. 
When J&J heard that we were going to Hikone on Saturday, they decided to join us too. It was quite fun to travel with another couple...and we enjoyed ourselves very much.
We saw sakura along the way...
J&J also brought us to the top of JR Kyoto Station where JR Isetan was..and we enjoyed the breathtaking view of the whole of Kyoto. Next, we went to JR Isetan Supermarket section and bought Japan grown strawberries, grapes and melon! Delicious!
J&J invited us to their place on the Western side of Kyoto on Friday, so we decided to go to Arashiyama since we can travel easily to their place.
We orginally wanted to take the Hozu-gawa River Trip...we followed the instructions on Lonely Planet and checked the train and boat timings so that we could catch the 10am boat.
From our nearest subway station at Karasuma Oike, we took the Tozai Line to Nijo. Then we changed to the JR line from Nijo Station on the Sagano line to Kameoka Station. Alas, things were not meant to be! After the heavy rain the day before, the water level was too high, hence the boat was not in operation.
So we had to retrack our steps and take the train back to Saga Arashiyama and started our walk from there. We went to Tenryu-ji, a beautiful temple with an attractive stroll garden. Entrace: 600 yen.
As the weather was still quite cold, we managed to catch sakura and a variety of different flowers...not to forget the peonies....
On our 1st day at Kyoto, the rain poured down on us, GM decided that the weather was not suitable for visiting the sights, hence gave me the chance to explore the area near our hotel and go shopping....
We just strolled around the hotel and found the Teramachi Covered Arcade and Nishiki Market...we bought many snacks and fruits to try. Burp!
We chanced upon Mr Young Men cafe, an okonomiyaki (pancake omelette), GM had the Young men set, which consisted of:-
1. Half okonomiyaki and half yakisoba on a hotplate
2. 2 rice balls
3. Miso soup
I ordered the takoyaki (octopus balls).
Our pictures don't seem so nice when compared to those at
http://www.camemberu.com/2007/10/mr-young-men-in-kyoto.html
Finally reached Kansai Airport after a long plane ride...was thirsty and tired. It's good that one is allowed to drink and eat on the trains in Japan...and they have vending machines everywhere. We bought a bottle of water from the vending machine while waiting for the Haruka train (airport express) at the platform. We were lucky that the train came very soon. After about 75 min, we reached Kyoto station. Train ride: 2,980 yen (but we bought JR west - one day rail pass for 2,000 yen: saved 980 yen per pax!)
When we finally reached the hotel, we were starving, hence we quickly found a vending machine eating place and went in. The food there was quite nice.
My dinner
GM's dinner
Anyway, I still managed to grab some things at the convenience store. Hee
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Thanks to AW for this nice picture of pink peonies...
The program today was to search Singapore in search of good food. We were given a list of food to find which include the following:
1. Chicken rice
2. Nasi lemak
3. Durian
4. Ice kachang
5. Hokkien Mee
6. Char Kway Tiao
7. Laksa
etc
But our feedback was...how come no Rojak?
First we zoomed off to Beach Road for Chicken Rice at Seah Street ($5.70 for drumstick), then we went to Alex Restaurant for 烧蜡 ($4 each plate). We completed the South part of Singapore. We parked at Shaw Towers $2 per entry on Saturday, after 1 pm.
Next we went to Katong for Katong Laksa and Nasi Lemak ($3.50 and $1.50, I think). We completed the East part of Singapore. We parked at this place that costs us $4.50 per entry!!!! The parking was actually for a cluster of restaurants which include Waraku etc.
Our next stop was North. We went to Balestier for durians (Beside Quality Hotel) as xb said there was a place that sells nice durians...alas that place was closed and we settled for the one next door. Price $26 for one small durian! Parked at Balestier Towers...and our cashcard ran out of cash, so we had to rush to nearby 7-11 to top up our card. Wasted us precious minutes...
We were hailed back as time was up! So we missed going to the West!
Although Geylang is well known for its 田鸡粥 which was in the list, and we could also do durians there...GM rejected the suggestion for parking reasons...
We wasted precious time on the jam on CTE going to Balestier Road and topping up of cashcard...so we were the last group to return.
As D day draws near, we start to tie up all the loose ends...make some last minute decisions...
Both GM and I wanted a small private affair, but alas, it was not to be...as the guestlist balloons from 200 to 300 to 370. We are amazed that there are so many friends out there who are cheering us on and wishing to be part of our joy. Thanks so much to everyone!
I am still deciding on how my hand bouquet should be and how the wedding car should be decorated when I chanced upon this website
http://100layercake.com
Looking at their real weddings page, I feel abit sad that my wedding can't be as sincere and touching as some of theirs...in Singapore, I guess most people like grand beautiful affairs instead of simple private affairs...
Reading Danielle & Steve's real wedding page, these words are also my thoughts to my dear friends:
"Thank you for filling the pages of our story with tall tales and characters we will never forget.”