Exchange In Dong-A University ( Korea ) 동아대학교

Day 119 - Day 120 ( Final Days in Korea )

2008-12-18T23:49:00.002+08:00

Finally.. this is my last days in Korea.. Feeling a little sad and not willing to part with this beautiful country! Looking at my school's vicinity again:

Met up with my NTU pals in a coffee shop!

Had a last dinner with Peter and his China friend!

Ginseng chicken!

This is our luggage!! We have exceeded our luggage allowance of 30kg, and the Thai staff is so kind to let us off!! Thanks so much!

The christmas tree in Gimhae International Airport:

Transit in Bangkok!

In the Thai Airway back to Singapore!! We're so excited!!

Sunrise above the clouds!!

Yes.. and this end my exchange blog in Korea to Dong-A University. Thank you everyone for those who help me in every way! Thank you for all you have done for me.. thanks papa and mama for supporting me financially and spiritually.. thanks Li Shi for being with me always.. thanks Hui lin, Karen and June for the company and fun.. thanks Ms Jane from Dong-A International relations for helping me in everyway to make this exchange trip a successful one.. thanks Hye won and Eun Kyung for being my buddy! thanks Ms Jennie from NTU IRO for the alising job.. thanks professor Kristen for your help in writing my testimonal.. thanks professor from Dong-A Uni for your wonderful guidence.. i learned a lot.. thanks all my friends in my class for being nice to me... thanks Cho Seong and Min Kyu for helping me in everything.. thanks for willing to be my best friend.. thanks the staff in Citibank near Hadan station for the help.. thanks Thomas, Fandi, Sajjad, huang qiang and all my friends in Hanlim dormitory for being very nice friends.. thanks everyone for making this exchange trip a pleasant one for me!!
I love Korea.. I love Singapore.. I love my parents.. I love my girlfriend Li Shi.. I enjoyed Huilin, Karen and June's company.. I love all my Korean friends.. Thanks once again.. the memories are wonderful and i pray that God bless all of you in your future endeavours..
All the best!

Day 115 to Day 118 ( 2 days left )

2008-12-16T23:48:00.002+08:00

Time flies! 2 more days and i'll be back in Singapore!! Let's take a look at what i've done for the past 4 days after the exams!!

Went Nampo dong for a shopping spree with my NTU friends!! Here we are taking a rest after a long and cold shopping walk.. :)
Delicious coffee drink!

Oh ya.. took a photo with Professor Jang.. haha.. he is the professor in Dong-A Uni who taught me Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation! Appreciate all your effort in teaching me. He'll be leaving to Seoul for a conference during my departure from Korea.. haha.. anyway, all the best to your future endeavours! Nice to meet you..

And the NTU team has decided to go Haeundae Beach the last time.. Beautiful sunset..

Me collecting sand for Huiting!This bottle is so blessed.. can take a photo in Haeundae beach sia.. with the essence in it.. haha..

And we took a lot of photos.. haha.. enjoy our lovely pose!

Looking at the beautiful sunset!

Act cute shot!

Cosy!

Our next destination is the Gwangalli beach! Our last time in Gwangalli beach too.. *sad*

and this bottle has been to Gwangalli beach.. haha!!

Beautiful picture..

NTU was here in Gwangalli beach on 16th Dec 2008! June, Huilin, Karen, Li Shi and Joseph!

These are my best pal in Korea.. been through everything together! Thanks so much for all the company, fun and joy!!

Taking a picture with the Gwangan Daegyo bridge! The longest bridge in Korea!

Caught Li Shi trying to take a twinkle star in the sky!

Had chicken and beer for our dinner!

This is our last supper with Alvin in Korea! We'll meet again in Singapore.. haha!

That's all!! All of us will be returning to Singapore on Thurs 18th Dec 2008... 2 more days.. and i learn to cherish every moment here.. kinda miss Korea.. but it's time for me to go back.. :) I enjoy every single minute here.. the company and fun.. if only time stops...

Day 104 - Day 114 ( Exam Period )

2008-12-12T23:53:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!! Sorry for missing-in-action for exactly 11 days!! I have been busy preparing for exams.. now that all my exams are over, i can start to blog again! Thinking about it, i still have 6 more days before flying back to Singapore. I feel kinda sad and not willing to part with my Korean friends..

During this period of time, i seldom get to see my dear!! Only a few times.. since we all need to study.. kinda miss her when i'm all alone in the dormitory.. Took this when we get to go out finally! Happy 1 year anniversary dear!Just before my last exam Plant Bacterial Diseases, i requested Professor Lee to take a class photo, and he kindly did! He was so good to me.. lend me the only English textbook he got.. translated all the exam questions for me from Korean language, speak English in class despite the class becoming blur ( because they are not very good in English )... guide me through all the experiments.. thanks so much for your guidence Professor Lee! This is a small, yet absolutely friendly group of Korean friends.. everyone of them.. :)

And not forgetting my cytogenetic class korean friends!! All of them are very friendly to me.. This Dong-A University is like a family-kind of university.. really happy, friendly, kind and hardworking..

Manage to take a picture with my best Korean friend Cho Seong after the exams!! She did a lot for me.. helping me to ask for lab report photos.. being bothered so much by me from the lab report photos.. bring me to Busan Art Museum.. help me translate whenever teacher suddenly speaks Korean in class.. help me translate lots of fuits name from the textbook in Korean.. tried to help me translate exam questions.. tell me the time/place/date of the exams.. even telling me the last minute changes in the venus by emailing me.. really a very nice to me.. i appreciate everything you have done for me! Hope you will have an enjoyable time when u're going for exchange to China next sem!!!I also went to the Office of External and International Affairs to find Ms Jane! Was telling her that i'll be flying back Singapore next week.. and we took a few photos!

Ms Jane is a very comical person.. haha.. pretty, smart, hardworking ( always the last to leave the office ), happy, helpful and always busy... but no matter how busy she is, she always make time for me whenever i go and find her ( for fun ).. I think she's going to receive some awards from the Ministry of Education of Korea soon.. haha.. Thanks so much Ms Jane! You really helped me a lot.. I still remember the first time i came here in Gimhae Airport, you fetched me personally although u're sick.. flag a taxi and immediately bring me to dormitory.. treat me a funny drink some more.. haha.. I appreciate all that you have done for me..

Right now i'm just waiting to go back to Singapore.. with 5 more days, i don't know what to do with it.. i hope i can make full use of this 5 days holiday before going back Singapore for the busy FYP in Health Science Authority.. I kinda miss the friends here.. but i guess life have to move on..

Day 103 ( A surprise email )

2008-12-01T21:43:00.004+08:00

Remember we went Seoul for the DMZ trip? After the DMZ on 22nd Nov 2008 ( sat ), we went to the vicinity of Ewha Womens University for a walk.. i wanted to buy a moisture gel ( a must have for the dry weather.. my skin is peeling.. ) Surprisingly our expenses exceed 10 000 won. The faceshop manager decided to give us a professional shot as a souvenir!!

This picture was taken so that they can sent us the picture via email!! ( took them 10 days.. lol.. i think i have too many 0 in my email.. )

This is a very nice picture!!

They gave us a choice which picture to be printed.. and we chose this!

Haha.. it was a pleasant surprise for today.. Despite exams is nearing and i'm rushing my report ( i finish already.. HEHE!! ), i'm glad to receive this photo.. NTU ROCKS!!! :P

Day 96 - Day 102 ( Tommy left Korea )

2008-11-30T14:49:00.007+08:00

Time flies.. a week has passed since i came back from Seoul.. Many things happened..
Anyway on 25th Nov 2008 Tue , professor Lee Jai Heon asked me to present an answer about nullisomic chromosome to the class.. Min Kyu secretly took a photo of me!

And i presented the wrong answer.. haha!! What's more.. i think my answer is correct and presented with confidence sia..

-________________- "

Then on wednesday, after my Plant Bacteria class at 6pm, i ran all the way to Ms Jane office. The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology from Biopolis scheduled a phone interview with me ( expect me to buy a calling card myself ), but luckily Ms Jane allow me to use her office phone to call back Singapore! Thanks so much Ms Jane! :)

After Ms Wanying and Ms Joy interviewed me, they failed me the next day, leaving me no chance to have my FYP in biopolis. Was so disappointed because Dr Zhilian was saying i will not fail the interview because she have never seen a final year student failing the interview.. Yes.. so i'm the first final year student to fail the interview.. I guess Ms Wanying and Ms Joy don't think i deserve a place in the Youth Research Program.. Kristen was informed and told me my 4th choice in Health Science Authority was available.. Gladly, i wanted this project because it seems relatively easier to cope for me and it's nearer to my house.. but still, i'm a little disappointed..

On Fri, we had a farewell dinner for Thomas! His korean classmates + teachers + Sajjad + Fandi + me join in for the dinner.. Full or pork!

He's leaving for Seoul before flying back to Germany on Sunday.. everyone was kinda like miss him.. haha..

On sat morning, he packed everything and was ready to leave.. haiz.. took a final photo with him!He gave me a packed of ginseng tea while i gave him a box of Jeju chocolate.. hope u'll have a safe journey back to Germany!! Taking a group photo with the dormitory guys!!

Haha.. he manage to spot me taking photos!

Joshua, his buddy, volunteered to drive him to Busan station for the KTX:

And this is the last time we saw him..

Time truly flies.. counting from now, i have exactly 18 days left in Korea.. haha.. starting to countdown already! I hope everything will be fine by the time i'm in Singapore.. Exam is approaching.. i'll be having exams on the following dates:

10th Dec : Plant Tissue Culture & Genetic Transformation
11th Dec : Cytogenetics
12th Dec : Bacterial Plant Diseases

I will be studying for it this week.. wish me all the best for the final exams! I have high expectation of myself.. i want all A+.. and i believe i can do it.. :)

Day 94 - Day 95 ( Seoul Trip for DMZ / Day 3 & 4 )

2008-11-23T23:45:00.029+08:00

On the 22nd Nov 2008 ( which is also Huilin's birthday ), we get a chance to go to the Demilitarized zone ( DMZ )!! Went to Lotte hotel at about 8.30am and confirm our tour with our passport~

Boarded the bus without eating breakfast! Hungry..

On the way to the DMZ!

Finally i've reached around the vicinity of DMZ.. :)

The Dorasan Station.

The northernmost station in South Korea, waiting and longing for reunification.

This is the station that drew world attention when U.S. President Bush visited this place in Feb 20, 2002. Located at Gunnaemyeon, Paju City and 30m from the Southern Boundary Line within the Civilian Passage Restriction Zone, it is the northernmost station in South Korea. In future, it will play an important tole in realizing the Iron Silk Road that will connect through to the main continent via Gaeseong, Pyeongyang anf Sinuiju.

Restricted photo: ( we cannot take a single picture on the bus ) Can u see 2 soldiers carefully guarding the place?

Don't be deceive by the barren trees.. the land is filled with landmines.. only the road is safe to be travelled on!

Finally we've reached the Dora Observatory.

The northernmost observatory where North can be seen through the naked eyes.

Located within the DMZ and as the northernmost observatory of the South, visitors can oversee civilian life of the North through naked eyes such as North Korea's farm lands and the Propaganda Village. The streets of Gaeseong-si and Kim Ilseong's Bronze Stature can also be observed through the telescopes.

They only allowed us to take photos behind the yellow lines.. and we have to zoom our camara and stretched our hands up the sky to capture a few images!

Dora Observatory: NTU exchange students!

Singapore Exchange students from NTU and SMU!

Our next destination is the third tunnel.

The largest among all tunnel, the vivid scene of the cold war.

Discovered in June 10, 1978 at Jeomwon-ri, Gunnae-myeon, Paju City, the 3rd tunnel was dug by the North Koreans for invading the South. The tunnel is 2m in width, 2m in height, and 1635m in length, only 435m away from the southern demarcation lines of the DMZ. Fully armed soldiers can cross the tunnel within an hour. It is located only 12km from Munsan and 52km from Seoul.

Once again, i cannot take photos! and the following 2 photos are taken secretly:

Entrance to the tunnel ( by walking )

Memorial Alter:

Even as Koreans were still rejoicing over the country's liberation from the oppressive Japanese rule of 36 years on Auguest 15, 1845, another tragedy befell them when Korea, a country that had been unified for thousands of years, was divided, much against their will, into two by an arbitrary decision of the super powers. Fleeing from the oppression and brutality of the North Korean Cummunists and the occupation army of the U.S.S.R., 5 million North Koreans soon left their beloved ancestral homes to seek freedom in the South.

Every Chusok Day these northerners used to set up a temporary alter at Imjingak to hold memorial services for their parents and ancestors left behind or buried in the North. Understanding their fervent desire for a permanent alter, ROK government authorities arranged for this altar to be built here at Imjingak to overlook the land to the north.

The construction, which cost a total of 500 million won ( US $568000 ), was completes on Sep 26, 1985 by the country government of Paju-gun, Kyonggi-do Province under the supervision of the Office of the Five Northern Provinces.

Built at the center of a 400 meter square area, the memorial alter has an incense burner and a monument symbolizing the ardent wish of the northerners for the unification of the fatherland and a prayer for the souls of their ancestors buried in the North. The seven granite screens behind the monument and the altar represent the 5 northern provinces and the parts of Kyonggi-do and Kangwon-do provinces that lie in North Korea. Historic and scenic sites and produce of the provinces are carved on each of the screens.

Jayuuidari

Monument of Gyeonggi-do No. 162

This bridge is called Bridge of Freedom since this is the bridge through which 12773 captives returned home on the first occasion of exchange of war prisoners upon the truce of the Korean War in 1953. Although it does not possess architectural value, but it is a valuable remains of the Korean War since it is symbolically significant.

This is the Imjingak Tourist Resort

A place engraved witih pain from the Korean War and national conflict.

They're having Bean Festival.. haha..

John and me!

The place where we had our lunch before proceeding to the Panmunjeom!

After we finished our lunch, we entered the DMZ and had briefing before proceeding to the Panmunjeom. We are told not to point at anything, and were asked to sign a form of indemnity because the visit to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjeom will entail entry into a hostile area and possibility of injury or death as a direct result of enemy action.

The kind US military personnel taking a photo with the pretty girls!

The Joint Security Area is a neutral but divided area guarded by United Nations Command millitary personnel on the one side ( South ), and Korean People's Army personnel on the other ( North ).

A scene of pain and hope where conflict and dialogues between South and North coexist

Panmunjeom lies 50 km north of Seoul along the Tongilro. It is the place where the Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953. Presently, Panmunjeom is the location where South and North dialogues take place. Visitors can feel the tragedy of the divided land and the unhealed scar of internecine war.

A North Korean soldier

Trying to take a 360 degree shot! ( from Right to Left )

Can u see the microphone line? Yes.. this is the exact line that separates the North and the South.

Standing at the exact center:

Standing at the North Korean land and taking pictures with the South Korean soldiers! Soldiers in the Joint Security Area need to have at least a black belt in Teakwondo!

We find him handsome.. :P

We as guest of the UN command are not permitted to cross the Military Demarcation Line into the portion of the Joint Security area under control of the Korean People's Army.. other than this blue box we're in now.. See! I'm taking this picture in North Korean land!

The Military Demarcation Line ( MDL ) is an invisible line formed at the conclusion of the Korean War with the ceasefire Agreement on July 27, 1953. The DMZ is a buffer zone ceasing all military and hostile actions.

Throughout the world, attention is drawn to the symbol of the DMZ. Especially since this area has been "out-of-the-way" for the last 50 years, it has also become known as a practical Ecosystem.This is a video right smack in front of the Military Demarcation Line of the DMZ guarded by the South Korean soldiers. They are really in alert position:

Tactical guarding position by the South Korean soldiers:

Finally we've reached the next checkpoint to see the Bridge of No Return

North Korean flag. The largest flag in the world. A 300-pound ( 136 kg ) North Korean National flag flies from the world's largest flagpole, which is located at Kijong-dong, on the North Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line within the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The flag-pole is 160m tall.

Taking a photo with the handsome soldier driver.. haha!

This is the monument dedicated to the victims of the axe murder incident. Seriously, i think you should read up more about this.. very sad and interesting. I think if i did not come to DMZ, i'm like a frog in the well.. not knowing about the Koreans..

Taking a closer look at the Bridge of No Return:

And this is the South Korean flag in the Freedom Village ( Daeseong-dong )! Btw, the freedom village is the northernmost village in South Korea, and is situated 400m from the military demarcation line and 1km from Panmunjeom. The village residents are under strict control by the UN. At present 250 people of 45 families reside in the area. They are not obligated to pay taxes or serve in the military.As the night falls, we've reached back Lotte Hotel! Saw these beautiful christmas decorations!!

Blur photo??? HUILIN!!!!!

Haha.. our next destination for our last night in Seoul is to Ewha Womens University vicinity for a walk!

A Baskin Robbin treat for Huilin for her 22nd Birthday.. :)

I'm lovin' it..

The North and the South looking at one another:

The next day, we've decided to go Itaewon before going back Busan in the evening! Transfer the train at a funny place named "medicinal water" in chinese.. :P

There's Subway in Itaewon! It shall be our lunch!

When we've reached Insa-dong, we asked an old man to help us take a picture.. this is how he took it.. with his finger visible.. -____________- "

Seoul Station!

All in all, this trip was truly enjoyable.. especially our experience in the DMZ. Although it cost us 110 000 won for the DMZ tour, it's definitely worth it. I truly experience a lot and learned a lot about the Korean's history. I would recommend all of you to go for the DMZ tour if u're in South Korea.. :) I love and enjoy every moment here in Seoul..

Day 92 - Day 93 ( Seoul Trip for DMZ / Day 1 & 2 )

2008-11-21T23:35:00.004+08:00

On the 20th Nov 2008, we've decided to go Seoul again! This time we're going for the DMZ tour on sat.. :P Look at the numerous fallen leaves in the vicinity of my school's compound!

Sat the 7pm KTX for Seoul!

Once we reached the guesthouse, we immediately waste no time and proceed to Dongdaemum for shopping spree!!

Our maggie mee + dumpling supper??

Beautiful christmas decorations!

Haha.. we observe smoke coming out from our mouth and nose, so we decided to take a photo of it! Paisay.. badly taken.. hehe..

At this point of time, i've manage to capture some unsightly stuff.. haha.. so i put up a happy face instead for Huilin!! Hope u like it Huilin!

A group photo of NTU students in shopping complex of Dongdaemum in Seoul!

In the end, we slept at 5am in the morning.. We can really chiong sia! YAWN!! woke up at 11am and decided to proceed our plan: Nami Island! Got a train transfer at Cheongnyangni station:

This is the first time we sat the Korail!

Can you see that the seats are "turnable"?? :P

Finally reached Gapyeong after a long ride.. haha..

Took a photo while standing on the railway track!

Isn't it beautiful?

From the Gapyeong station, we have to take a taxi to the ferry terminal~

The entrance where we're going to take a ferry to Nami island, which is the filming location of Winter Sonata!

Beautiful sunrays!

Situated 63km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River, the island looks like a leaf floating gracefully on top of Cheongpyeong lake~

Finally we've reached Nami Island!

Penguin?

The island has an area of 460,000 meter square and a circumference of 5km. Formed with pebbles and sand, there are no mountains in the island. There are trees tall enough to touch the sky, along with big grass gardens where deers, ostriches, rabbits, squirrels, ducks and countless types of birds live together!

We are free!! And we are part of nature!!!

Nami Island was named after General Nami, a brave name from Korean history who courageouly fought in battles and died at the age of 26. In 1965, thousands of trees were planted by Mr. Pyong-Do Minn.

And i'm here.. admiring the trees.. barren autumn trees?

Joseph and Li Shi..

Welcome to Nami Island!

Err..

Tada! Beautiful place!! ( is my head fractured? )

Tada!! ( but is Huilin's hand fractured as well? )

Indeed.. i can see a barren tree.. and.. we started taking photos with it:

It's also the filming location for Winter Sonata!

Nami Island today provides a warm place to rest, where peple can relax. Human beings, animals and trees share peace, love and harmony far away from crowds and civilization~

Li Shi poking its mouth..

Interesting stuff~

Nice picture!

This uncle sweeper is so creative..

He swept the shape of a heart!

Finally we've reached the parallel tall trees!! I think it's a romantic place.. :)

Love is in the air.. :)

Some funny pose i have! This is the ultimate nTu formation!

"Vitamin" position! ( crap )

Are u standing on thin ice??

Fell in love in the Nami Island..

Calafare? I can see Huilin trying to do obscene stuff.. and Li Shi's hand on Huilin's waist.. ahem..

Autumn!

Finally as night falls, we took the 7.45pm Korail back to Seoul and hurried to the guesthouse.. Suppose to rest early and prepare for the DMZ tour tomorrow! Hope tomorrow will be a safe trip for us!

Day 89 - Day 91 ( Cold autumn )

2008-11-19T21:15:00.006+08:00

Good day everyone! Today is 19th Nov 2008 and temperature is falling real fast.. guess what.. the temperature for Busan is -1°C!! OMG!! Are u thinking what i'm thinking? YES... i'm thinking of urinating in the pubic and see if it turn into ice!!

But i guess i don't even have the courage to expose myself the the urinating process..And i'm shivering so much just now while waiting for the bus. I've never shiver like this before.. my ears started to feel pain, my nose and cheeks are numbed.. my hands are very cold even in my pocket.. and i feel cold even when i wear 3 clothings.. but.. Autumn is coming! Take a look at my beautiful campus now!

Beautiful!!

Don't be deceive my the sunny weather.. it is extremely cold for warm-blooded creatures like me..

And surprisingly, my professor Lee Jai Heon wanted to take a picture!! Haha.. He's is so proactive sia! Volunteered took a picture of the whole class during the cytogenetic lessons!

And this picture is taken by my korean friend named "flower".. muahha!!

And yup! This is Professor Lee Jai Heon who teaches us cytogenetics! Actually he wanted to bring the class out for a mountain climbing trip ( we have a mountain here in Dong-A university ), but the weather is too cold!!!

And he ordered lunch boxes for us out of his salary!! What a nice professor! Water and seaweed provided too! And we had lunch in the classroom during his lessons.. haha!!!

After the cytogenetic class today, talked to Min Kyung before helping my korean friends with their final year exam: in the format of the interview!! Tada!!

3 pretty Korean girls with me!! Muahahaaa!! Li Shi, don't be jealous k.. i only love you.. :)

I think they are pretty.. haha.. guess what! After the interview, they treat me these sweet pastries!! Isn't it beautiful? around 500 won per piece.. :PAnd they say when u eat it before final exam, u have good luck. After we eat, we headed to classroom at around 4pm and.. well.. slept during the class.. really "good luck".. lol.. cos the interview is a little tiring.. :P

Haha! It was really enjoyable being with my friends. I have lots of respect, fun and lots of help from them! They are friendly people.. :) And the professors here are very caring too! They scheduled the exam dates earlier when they knew i'm leaving Korea during the mid exam period.. Thank you so much!! Anyway tomorrow after the Genetic Engineering class, i'm heading for Seoul for the DMZ tour.. Pray that i'll be safe!! JIA YOU EVERYONE!

Day 87 - Day 88 ( Japan Trip Day 3 & 4 )

2008-11-16T23:43:00.002+08:00

Time flies! Today is already the 3rd day of my Japan trip.. haha.. and here we are, going towards the Ueno Zoo! Took a train to Shinjuku ( 160 yen ) and then transfer to Ueno ( 190 yen ).

This is the Ueno Park~
Ueno Park is home to Japan's first zoological garden, which dates back to 1882. In 1972, it became the home of panda bears, gifts from China on the occasion of normalization of diplomatic relations. However, the zoo's last panda bear died in 2008, leaving the zoo without its most popular attraction.

Ueno Zoological Gardens is the oldest zoo in Japan. Founded in 1882, it has grown over the years, expanded its area to 14.3 ha (35.2 acres) and been the flagship of the Japanese zoo world. Now it's home to over 2600 animals from 464 different species and provides visitors with learning experience about the diversity of animals as well as fun and enjoyment.

In its long history, Ueno Zoo has received numerous animals from abroad. In 1972, the first giant pandas arrived from China to Ueno Zoo. We have been cooperating with Beijing Zoo (China), San Diego Zoo (US), and Chapultepec Zoo (Mexico) for conservation and breeding of wild giant pandas.

camouflage ape!

Our tickets to the zoo!

The panda is so cute!

Pheasant

Victoria Crowned Pigeon ( Goura victoria )

Iijima's Copper Pheasant ( Syrmaticus soemmerringi ijimae )

Green Peafowl ( Pavo muticus ) Sleeping?

Haha.. this is cute.. the Styan's Red Panda ( Ailurus fulgens styani )

This Thai Pavilion ( Saln Thai ) is a gift from the Royal Thai Government to mark the 120th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Japan on the 26th September 2007, and to serve as a symbol of the close ties of friendship between the two countries.

Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus )!!

And this is the Japanese Macaque ( Macaca fuscata )! Err.. this picture is a little obscence..

drinking water..

playing around..

White-mentled Black Colobus ( Colobus guereza )

Black-handed Spider Monkey ( ateles geoffroyi )

This cute creature is the Ruffed Lemur ( Varecia variegatus variegatus )

De Braza's Guenon ( Cercopithecus neglectus )

Black-handed Spider Monkey ( Ateles geoffroyi )

White-mantled Black Colobus ( Colobus guereza )

American Bison ( Bison bison )!!

Baby bison.. haha!

Turkey?

Elegant swan..

sleeping..

Azure-winged Magpie ( Cyanopica cyana )!

Collard Turtle Dove ( Streptopelia roseogrisea )

i think this is the Brown-eared Bulbul ( Hypsipetes amaurotis )

I can see 2 birds! But i only know the one on the right! It's the Eastern Turtle Dove!

And this is the bored Ezo Sika Deer ( Cervus nippon yesoensis )..

Red-crown crane~

Snowy Owl ( Nyctea scandiaca ) !!

Brown Wood Owl ( Strix leptogrammica )

Northern Goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis albidus )

Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus )

Steller's Sea Eagle ( Haliaeetus pelagicus pelagicus )

King Vulture ( sarcorhamphus papa )

Bateleur ( Terathopius ecaudatus )

Crested Hawk Eagle ( Spizaetus cirrhatus )

Lions!

Lion King!

Sumatran Tiger ( panthera tigris sumatrae )

Green Peafowl ( Pavo muticus )

And this western lowland gorilla is sleeping.. with a pink blanket?

This gorilla is cute.. first he lick a pile of shit-like stuff.. then he puke it out.. then he lick back the shit-like stuff again.. muahhahaaa!!!

Hut-like toilet~

Ruddy Kingfisher ( Halcyon coromanda )!

Bearded Barbed ( Lybius dubius )

Fischer's Lovebird.. haha.. i like this colourful bird!! and i like the expression of the two love birds in the picture.. :)

Dhole ( Cuon alpinus ) is always moving.. humph.. cannot capture a nice image of u!

My lovely Jackass Penguin ( Spheniscus demersus )!

And Li Shi's fav polar bear ( Thalarctos maritimus )

Hokkaido Brown Bear ( Ursus arctos yesoensis )

Japanese Black Bear ( Selenarctos thibetanus japonicus )

Beautiful autumn trees in Tokyo Ueno Zoo!!!

and we're out of the zoo, proceeding to check out the price for the Tokyo National Museum~

Welcome to the Tokyo National Museum!

Didn't go in because it's expensive.. haha..

Next is lunch time! We went to a Japanese eatery and have this!

After which, we shopped the "100 yen shop".. bought some stuff.. and guess what, we chanced upon a shop selling things definitely illegal in Singapore! These are the stunner:

Can u see the bullet-shaped lighter?

On our way to Tokyo Tower! haha.. oh ya! we also observed these Braille system used in the subway trains for buying of tickets!

Taking a train to Hamamatsucho station on the Yamanote line for Tokyo Tower! Cost us about 190 yen..

And we saw this figurine peeing..

Tokyo tower! Here we come!

Height of tower is 333m. Since its opening in 1958, the Tokyo Tower has been the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. ( The Eiffel Tower in Paris is 320m high ). It weighs about 4000 wons, which is much lighter than the Eiffel Tower, which weights 7000 tons, a result of remarkable advances in steel manufacturing and construction technology. paint used for the Tower was 28000 liters, equal to 140 drums. The Tower is painted orange and white according to the Civil Aeronautic Law. Tokyo Tower is transmitting 24 broadcast waves, which show that most broadcast stations in Tokyo are transmitting their waves from the Tower. 176 floodlights installed in various parts light up the Tower. The Tower is illuminated with an orange light in winder and white incandescent light in summer, delighting vistors and passers-by.

Karen, Huilin and Li Shi with the Tokyo Tower!

Joseph and Li Shi with the Tokyo Tower on 14th Nov 2008!

On our way back to the station, we saw this cute taxi!

Our next destination is Shibuya~!! The name "Shibuya" is also used to refer to the central business district of Shibuya Ward, which surrounds Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo's busiest railway stations. Shibuya is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people, and as a major nightlife area.

Christmas Caroling!

One whole row of vending machines.. oh ya! Japan have vending machines for cigarettes too!

Busy and crowded streets of Shibuya!

Can u see the massive amount of people walking from all over the place when the "green man" was lit up? Welcome to Tokyo!

Beautiful Hello Kitty stuff!! Very intricate and shiny!

Real piano studded with glitter crystals!!

Absolutely adorable.. just like me..Bought a cake and chicken sticks on the way back to our apartment!

On the 4th day, it was busy for us.. packing our luggage and heading back to Harajuku to buy souvenirs! Took a few napshots of the Tokyo streets again..

It's christmas time!

Once again, the busy Takeshita Street!

Took the Keisei line and rush back to Narita Airport just in time! Got a little lost in the station, but it was settled fast by friendly Japanese people around us! Reached the airport and manage to shop a few more food stuff before we hurried to the departure gate!! Everything was a little chaotic.. until we settle down in the plane to Busan.. :)

Entertainment time!

And these are some things i bought.. haha! Food stuff and souvenirs from Tokyo!

All in all, i truly enjoyed my stay in Tokyo Japan. This is a very civilised country.. clean.. friendly Japanese.. Everyone has manners.. polite and courteous.. no pushing about although it's crowded.. line up while waiting for the subway trains and allowing people to alight first ( i mean it ).. food is really good, but a little expensive.. the only thing that is not to my liking is it's complicated subway train lines.. and the cost of the transportation. Once again, i want to say: I LOVE TOKYO! It's a nice place and i hope to go back to Japan for holiday again.. :) Positive experience!

Day 86 ( Japan Trip Day 2 )

2008-11-14T23:32:00.032+08:00

Today 14th November, we're heading towards Tokyo Disneyland! Took a bus from Shinjuku to Disneyland.. and it cost us 800 yen for a one-way trip~ This bus is luxurious! double deck and with comfortable seats.. you really get what u pay for.. muhaha!!

Snapping a few shots at Tokyo city~

This amazes us.. can u see the whole bunch of Japanese working guys wearing suits, crossing the road?

It's very normal to see a Japanese guy wear suit.. :) And i must comment something about Japanese.. they are very civilized, follow law and order, polite, well-dressed and pretty. The only bad thing in Japan is the transportation.. complicated and expensive..

Finally we've reached the entrance of Disneyland!!

Let the pictures do the talking!! Anyway the Disney is having Christmas theme already~

Beautiful and gigantic Christmas tree!

Ducks all over the places.. cute.. real one k! not fake ducks.. :P

Magnificent castle!!

In a souvenir shop:

Nice crystals!

Live demonstration of crystal-making!

Parade show!! Gingerbread man! and Gingerbread woman?? LOL..

Cute pots!!

The NTU team in Tokyo Disneyland on 14th Nov 2008 Friday!!

My lovely girlfriend.. :)

A big story book!

I love pooh..

Musical band playing on top of the castle!!

Our lunch..

Souvenir coins!

A young girl interested in the vibrating mickey mouse toy.. LOL..

BTW, this is chip! Dale is busy with other groups of people.. haha!!

Another Show!

Take a look at the last few portion of the show.. hehe.. camara not good sia.. the initial part all not good.. :P

On our way back!

Beautiful christmas tree..

Some food stuff i bought from Disneyland! Cost me around 3400 yen.. haha!!

Sorry for didn't typing much.. cos this entry is mostly beautiful pictures! I enjoyed myself in Tokyo disneyland a lot.. saw lots of beautiful babies and girls.. they are really beautiful and polite!! I definitely miss it.. I LOVE TOKYO DISNEYLAND!!

Day 85 ( Japan Trip Day 1 )

2008-11-13T23:35:00.002+08:00

Today is a special day! haha.. cos the NTU team has decided to go for Japan on the 13th Nov 2008!! Btw, we skipped a day's lesson for this trip.. LOL!! In wee hours, we arrived at the Gimhae International Airport depature hall.. at around 6am? Woke up at 4.30am, and it cost me 10500 won for a taxi ride..

Haha.. look at how happy the girls are!Our boarding pass:

Entertainment available!! and i watch Hancock!

Li Shi and i

Admiring at the beautiful scenery on top of the world!!

Look at the layer of clouds!!

Can you see a mountain capped with snow? I have a feeling that it's Mount Fuji.. haha!!

Finally arrived at Japan!!

While on a shuttle, we saw the plane that we just took~

Welcome to Narita Airport in Japan!

First we took the Keisei Express train to Nippori, then to Shinjuku using the JR East railway Yamanote line, before going to Shin-nakano using the Marunouchi subway ( towards Ogikubo ).. Seriously, the transportation here is not only complicated, it's expensive as well.. spent about 1350 yen just to travel from Narita Airport to Shin-nakano..

Waiting at Nippori for the Yamanote line towards Shinjuku:

After unpacking our luggage, we proceed to the Meiji Shrine at Harajuku! Spent about 290 Yen on transportation..

The entrance of the Meiji Shrine!

During the Meiji Era ( 1868 - 1912 ) Japan flourished under the benign rule of Emperor Meiji, who promulgated the Meiji Consittution, promoted friendship with foreign country, and developed the nation in every cultural fields. It was one of the most glorious and prosperous period of all the Japanese history of more than 2000 years. It was the period when the bases of modern Japan were built up.

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful, dense forest.

It was Emperor Meiji who, as the leader of this colourful early modern period of Japanese history, devoted himself wholeheartedly to increase the prosperity and peace of the nation and those of the world, Consequently, Emperor Meiji was regarded as a truly great Emperor not only by Japanese but also foreigners.

Empress Shoken assisted the Emperor behind the scences during this eventful and difficult Mieji Period, and was lauded as the model of the Modern Japanese Woman. The demise of the Emperor was on 30th July in 1912, and that of the Empress on 11th April in 1914. The wish of the Japanese nation to commemorate their illustrious lives generated a movement to create a shrine. The building was completed in 1920, but was lost by the fires during the World War II. The reconstruction of the present shrine building was completed in October 1958, being supported by all loyal Japanese both in Japan and aborad.

The shrine grounds, located in the center of Tokyo, have wide area of about 175 acres. Within this area since pre-foundation of the shrine, here had been a garden where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken visited some times.

Almost al of the 100000 and more shrubs and trees in the precint were donated generously by the people from all parts of Japan. Therefore they include all the species of trees found in this country.

The shrine building, built in a peaceful and holy site surrounded by trees deep within the shrine precint, is a representative example of unique Japanese shrine architecture. Its style is called Nagarezukuri, and madeby Japanese cypress wood from Kiso, the best lumber produced in Japan, is solely used.

Joseph, Li Shi, Karen and Hui Lin taking a photo just outside the Shrine building!

Leaving the Meiji Shrine..

Selling some amulet and souvenirs..

Next, we visited the Harajuku!!

Harajuku refers to the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station, one station north of Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for grown-ups and some historic sights.
The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.

Takeshita Dori

The symbol of Harajuku and birthplace of many of Japan's fashion trends, Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) is a narrow, roughly 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets targeting Tokyo's teenagers.

Cosplay dresses! ( the staff don't allow me to take any more pictures.. lol.. )

Window shopping time!A beautiful and clean road..

Kiddy Land

This is one of Tokyo's most famous and popular toy stores. Located along the Omotesando, it offers six floors filled with all kinds of toys from electronic games to stuffed animals. Many major toy brands, including Disney, Barbie and Hello Kitty are present.

Isn't this place beautiful?

Had Wendy's burger for dinner! Cost us around 630 yen for a set meal.

Back to the cosy train ride back to Shin-nakano!

All in all, the first day was well spent i think, considering the fact that the plane + train + checking in took up at least 2/3 of our day. Long travelling time! Haha!! Anyway i hope tomorrow will be a better day! I LOVE TOKYO!!

Day 75 - Day 84 ( Sajjad's Birthday + Baseball )

2008-11-12T23:10:00.003+08:00

Hey guys! Sorry for disappearing for so long.. haha.. i've been busy these days going out.. anyway just giving a few snapshots from Day 75 to Day 84!!

Sajjad's birthday! Look at the beautiful "heart-shaped" cake that Thomas has bought for him!
Thomas lighting up the long long candles~

Happy belated birthday Sajjad!And he is 18 years old.. haha.. still a young boy! Currently holding a scholarship from the Korean government to study in Korea.. haha..

Sajjad and Fandi~Me, Huilin and Li Shi on our journey to play the baseball!

Took a video of our "baseball" experience! One try cost us 500 won~

Seriously it is not easy sia.. we keep missing the fast-moving ball~ but when i tried the 3rd time, i'm getting better at it!! Huilin manage to hit some balls too.. haha.. and Li Shi is still novice.. :P

Oh ya.. we noticed Singapore MRT pictures in the Seoymeon subway!! This is really amazing.. they don't have pictures of their own subway? or is it our trains are more beautiful?? :PAnd we guessed.. this is the Jurong East station.. muahahaha!!!!!!Oh ya! On 9th Nov 2008, we went to 7 Luck Casino in Seomyeon! Haha.. but cannot take pictures inside.. well, i took a photo from the Korea Sparkling website! Eh.. i did lose 20000 won on blackjack.. haha!! We ordered Mocha in Krispy Kreme!!And ate it with the free and absolutely delicious doughnuts!!!!I kinda like this "bomberman" hat that huilin has..The mysterious and sneaky Joseph.. haha..And the tired students sleeping in Mr Lee's class! haha.. can u see the professor from here? Anyway this is the time when we're having a break.. lol.. and i guess the students are really tired.. more and more students KOed as the semester goes by.. haha!!!

That's all for this entry! Well.. expect another entry soon! Cos.. i'm going Japan tomorrow.. from 13th to 16th November!! haha!! All the best for my trip!