Over a cuppa, she confided.

Had it all planned.

Step one: Stop interaction altogether

Step two: Sever all forms of communication

Step three: Keep the mind fully occupied

It worked for 7 weeks then..... a chance meeting, fate or will all the weeks of sheer hard perseverance came crumbling tumbling down.

He works sooo....hard

Girlfriend: wished I could go on a holiday on my own. Take a break from all the hustle and bustle. But you know, he will never agree. He worked soooo......hard. Hardly home. He travels so much only back on weekend. He expects us, the children and I to work just as hard. He never takes more than 5 days of his annual leave for the family. It's work above all. He will never approves of us, the children and I taking a break without him.

He has provided sooo....much. A home with a maid. A car. What more can we ask for. How could we think of taking a holiday while he works?

School

It's that time of the year, primary school registration. The choice of school. For some, the decision have been made way before the child comes along. The choice of school affects the locality of the family home, the language spoken at home, the child's enrichment classes, in some cases the churches and profession. Some parents even have their volunteer programmes all planned out. Dads up at 6.30am to direct the morning school traffic. Taking time off to coach or give talks. Mums, with maid and baby in tow, reading to the students, volunteering their service in the library.

In my opnion a good school, is one with a very strong sense of discipline. The students must have all time have strong respect for the teachers while the teachers must at all time have the strong sense of duty and conduct to warrant such respect.

Good deeds by the students should be aknowledged publicly while misbehaviour should be swifly dealt with in the most appropriate manner. Nib the problem in the bud.

To know the law

All the hype. All the front page coverages. And no wrong could be found except just one slipped up. All for a 'friend'

Insatiable

Contentment is one of living humble and appreciative of life. Affording the little luxuries in life. For at the end of the day we cannot but leave all behind.

squash

While in Japan, I realised how delicious kabocha tempura is. Skin and all. Hmm... the texture is rich and smooth. Simply melts in your mouth. I love kabocha.

Wrong turn

It's profit in however and whatever form over morals, conscientious and principles. It's just an encouragement, a suggestion, an alternative, it's up to each to make that final decision. At 18, are most of them responsible enough in their intoxicated mind? To be responsible to society? To be sober on the road at 3 am? Recent statistic screams volumes. Taking positive action is most commendable. Most pressing issue is definately not going smoke free .

Note

Resist curiosity to pick unfamiliar brands off the shelves to try.

Make a habit to check the origin of the produce.

Never buy on impulse just because it's cheaper, has a nicer packaging than the original.

It could be fake, poisonous or deadly.

Field trips

Best time to visit Japan mid-April through to May. Bright and sunny with dry cool breeze, just the right weather for rambling through the many many gardens and temples. May is also the time of the year where most schools in Japan organise field trips to historical monuments in Japan. Attired in their school uniforms, from little toddlers in their colourful sunhats to dark formal jackets of 15 year old they were seen at most of the tourist spots busy chatting and buying omamori(amulets) at temples.

Tucked away in the countryside is a 100 year old shop that is now a restaurant serving very traditional japanese cuisine.

A homecooked dinner most nutrious colourful and healthy consists of tofu, somen and salad accompanied by a healthy glass of mugi cha(chilled toasted barley drink)

Amazing arrays of souvenirs.

My adventure

Cool breezy walk along the small streets leading to the Nara Deer park.

I wanted a different experience, and I had. Spent 10 days learning and experiencing another family's daily life in another country. Wakes up 5.30am in the morning to see how busy okasan preparing bento for the musuko and shujin. Go grocery shopping at 10.30am at the neighbour supermarket with the most amazing array of produces. During my stay, was amazed on how polite and courteous the residences are to one another. Where I stayed was in a countryside of Nara. A small community linked to the rest of Japan by the the trusty railway at Oji Station.

Afternoons were spend visiting the famous temples amongst them is the biggest buddha statue at Todaiji temple around Nara park.

Evenings were spent with the family at the dinner table enjoying simple japanese fare. Was a great chance for me to practise in my smattering nihongo.