The conference itself was overflowing with information on the second day with the varieties of workshops it offered, of which I was torn between deciding which ones to go to (I shan't comment too much on the first or third days, eheh). I hadn't done a thing in terms of researching into my next job, so although I am now carrying buckets of resources which reassures me, I am also beginning to panic. I seriously need to knuckle down into looking into what offers are available, and when I can start applying.
There was a job fair there as well, with a few stalls. I casually sauntered through and took a glance, quite naturally, at the sign 'British Hills', which I'd heard of, and was immediately stopped by a grinning, but rather charming Manchester lad who told me, in wonderful British fashion, "Go on, take another look." (And though I write "lad" I meant it more from my dad's perspective. He was probably a little older than I am). What can I say, being away from the UK for almost 4 years, not once going home, and now accustomed to the mostly expressionless, shy Japanese boys it was refreshing to have such an approach again. Not that I'm accusing the guy of flirting with me, but I couldn't help but notice a twinkle in his eye as he chatted away. I was flattered, nonetheless.
'British Hills' is a "Little Britain" (not to be confused with the wretched TV series) in Japan, which includes a Manor House, a Craft House, and a guesthouse, which have been reconstructed based on the British architectural styles between the Twelfth and Eighteenth Centuries...as told in the exact words of the website. Being proud of my British roots and culture, as well as a fan of history, it did sound rather appealing. Alas, I worried that I wouldn't be "British enough", mostly because of my strong Asian looks but also the fact that I probably haven't been exposed to enough Britishisims due to my double-cultured background. The location is also in Fukushima, which I have nothing against, but I would like to stay in Hokkaido if I can. I am still going to keep all my options open regardless, and will keep it filed along with the other dozens of options that have been laid out for me...though mostly out of Hokkaido. Hmm. Will begin to worry about that slight problem as I continue research.
I made to sure to enjoy myself in Yokohama too, as you can also see from my photo blog. Yokohama, for those of you who don't know, is famous for its Chinatown, which I visited when I was probably still in Junior school, hence my visit on Tuesday evening felt more like my first.I happily joined my American friend, who's family background is mostly Taiwanese, so she was able to show me the ropes in authentic Chinese food and being able to speak the language somewhat. She also happened to share my love for food; I pigged out in front of her quite shamelessly and vacuumed up most of the leftover food...
We went to an all-you-can-eat place, and I'm pretty sure we got a close deal for our money's worth. This was just the first few dishes. I was too busy stuffing my face to take pictures of anything else!
We were so deep in our conversation (and food), that we stayed for quite a few hours in the restaurant. It meant that by the time we left, shops were closing up. It was fun to walk down the streets at night, though. We managed to catch the decorations put up for the Chinese New Year too.
I came back to Motomachi/Chinatown for the third day before catching the plane back, as you will see when I update my photo blog.
In beloved Sapporo today for eyelash perming, laser hair removal and re-touch of colouring to my hair. Pampering girly day :)
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All-you-can-eat Chinese food is the best! Although American-Chinese food has a special place in my heart, I love the chahan and gyoza in Japan. I always wonder how close it is to authentic Chinese food.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, is laser hair removal here expensive? Every now and then I think about it, since I have both a high tolerance for pain and a tendency to be lazy.
I went to Chinatown and ate with my American friend of Taiwanese background, and she says that American Chinese food is much better. However, she did say that she'd been to the Chinatown in Nagasaki before, and said that it was much more touristy and the Yokohama Chinatown was better in finding more authentic food. Saying that, you have to sniff around - there are still a lot of Japanese-aimed un-authentic Chinese food floating around there, too!
DeleteI find that the laser hair removal is much cheaper and much more widely available, at least compared to the U.K. Probably the most well-known and cheapeast is Musee Platinum http://musee-pla.com/ They have salons throughout the country, and I find them extremely efficient and have had no problems with them. The only problem I do find though, is that due to high demand and popularity, you can only get an appointment probably every 2 months. Therefore, you have to book your next appointment 2 months prior, which can be difficult when your schedule book is probably still blank for that month! And, because it's popular, although you can cancel your appointment it's difficult to reappoint it - you'll probably end up having to have it another 2 months ahead, giving you a a 4 month gap. In saying that, other people cancel too, so if you keep calling there are times when you're lucky and get an early appointment. And of course, there are tons of other laser hair removal salons out there, which are not as fully booked, but perhaps more expensive. It depends on your situation and what your priorities are!
Also, it doesn't hurt at all! I also have a high tolerance to pain, but really, laser hair removal is nothing. At times, depending on the area you have it, you can feel a small prick, but that's about it. I've been doing my armpits for almost 2 years now and the hair has pretty much stop growing - it is so much easier and looks much nicer!
Ooops, sorry for the long blab...but anyway, I highly recommend it :)
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in liking American-Chinese food. I've been meaning to go to Yokohama for some time now to visit Chinatown, but just haven't gotten around to it.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the info on the laser hair removal! Your reply was probably the push I needed to think about it seriously. Also, I'm pretty sure that it is cheaper here too than in the US, especially with the exchange rate leveling out again. I think I'll check out Musee Platinum in the next month or so. Thanks!