Frannywanny

I'm backkkkk!!! I've been very delinquent in blogging lately but I have a good reason why. It's because Paul and I went on a much-awaited trip to Tokyo, Japan with a brief stopover in Manila . We've been planning this trip since last year and despite that, I still had to cram our itinerary a week before we flew off since I had to deal with moving flats sometime in between! Oh dear life.  Anyway, all's good and I'm so happy we made the most of our first-ever visit to Tokyo and believe me, this is definitely the first of many returns! We took the red-eye flight to Tokyo via Singapore Airlines  because Paul has work on Saturdays. Since we're flying out Singapore at 11:55PM, this gave us ample of time to do all our household chores, run last minute errands, do last minute packing, shower and slowly made our way to Changi Airport . We even had time to grab a bite at the lounge too! On-board SQ 638 , the first thing I noticed was that the aircraft seems t...

This is a continuation of my sister Pan's 10 must-visit places in Tokyo, Japan. In case you missed the first part, please click here . “Sugoi Japan!” Exploring the Rising Sun’s Capital: Tokyo Prefecture #6 Meiji Shrine Stepping out of busy Harajuku station , it surprised me to find the tranquil Meiji Shrine a stone’s throw away from a highly populated shopping district. The shrine is nestled in a forested area in this bustling location and can be accessed through a massive Torii Gate , a usual symbol of a traditional Japanese gate for Shinto shrines. Beyond these gates is like entering straight into nature and away from the city. The shrine itself is found after several minutes a leisure stroll along a graveled path surrounded by trees. During my visit, I chanced upon a Shinto wedding ceremony taking place in the Meiji shrine with the couple and their entourage in elaborate wedding garments, it was like something out of a Discovery Channel episode. Tokyo has two well-...

For the past 5 and a half years, you have been reading my stories predominantly from just one voice -- MINE. Once in a while, Paul would pop in with his own stories but that's about it. I've never had any other guest blogger simply because I keep this blog close to my heart the same way I probably would with a hard-bound diary. It would definitely take a special person to be able to drop in here and to share his/her thoughts as well. Aside from Paul, there's one person who means the world to me. She has been my food/shopping/pamper-me/movie buddy for the past 28 years (and still counting). People may come and go, friends may drop in and out of our lives but one thing is for sure, I know this person will stick to me like glue simply because we love each other unconditionally despite all the imperfections we both may have.  Dear readers, I'd like to introduce you to my little sister Pan . A big travel bug and an adventurous foodie too! She has been traveling to Japan at...

Today is the 1st of February and it's my dear friend and fellow blogger Jane of Between Bites' birthday!!! Since it's her special day, let me tell you about the night when Jane and I went out for a ramen date. Just us girls for a couple of hours of bonding and happy eating. I met Jane over the Internet as I have been an avid reader of her blog since way back. One time, we agreed to meet up for dinner with two other girl friends (hello Sab and Didi !) back in 2007. I still remembered that she brought a container of pasta for all of us to try. That's how sweet and thoughtful Jane has always been. She would really take time out to do things for her friends and loved ones despite her super jam-packed schedule and never-ending things to do. I really enjoy being able to spend time with her as she's one of the most sincere and loving friend that I've ever known. She's a keeper, guys and girls, and I'm so lucky to have a friend like her! Truly someone who g...