Merry Xmas 2007 - Presents and more

Christmas, it is a season I love most. The atmosphere and the yearly family gathering. Even as I grow older, the presents no longer being of importance; I still treasure this time as it is almost like a family tradition. A time where I meet with my family and we eat, talk and just hang out.

Well, being away always brings the inside me out. I guess I will really like to thank my family for everything. They have made me who I am today (minus the bad side - not so many right?). They have always been there for me in their own way. Thanks....

I think is my 2nd time I spent it away from home, the first time being on the plane from USA back home. This time I am in Japan where they don't have a Xmas holiday but they have all the decorations and cake. More retail then anything. And since it is Japan, it is common to see this...

I have quite a number of presents this year. The book and stickers are from my Japanese Teacher and a scarf from a good pal which I thought really look good, love the colours. I bought another scarf for myself just to increase the present count. I also got a nice package of socks and underwear (weirdly, the packaging had Jap words) back from home (not in pictures as already put into use).
I webcammed with my family on Xmas day, coinciding with the party. It was really good to see everyone's face. I chatted and updated in person. I guess I did feel a little home sick then. (Though the worst was the webcam some time ago when Anastasia said 'I miss u', I could have dropped everything and flew home') And being the 'evil' family, they knew I was craving for some home cooked food and local delights. The actually brought it to the webcam to show it to me. My granny's curry, ngo hiang, chicken wings, my neighbour's pineapple tarts etc. Not necessary, but good to have don't you think?


As usual, some food I tried recently. This is a gift from Nagoya which I thought was pretty good as the biscuit melts immediately.

Sendai's treats from my friend. This taste different from what I expected. The rice was soft and the ocha in the middle oozes out. Very nice!

My sensei passed us a box of colourful sweets from Kyoto. Looks good, taste ok. But the best ones were the sugar coated ones on the bottom left. It has some form of jelly in the middle. Interesting texture and taste.

Well, I guess this sums up this year's Xmas. If you ask me what do I really want, I would say 2-in-1 strong coffee from Singapore. I miss my Sugarless, thick coffee. Japan's coffee is really mild, no matter what versions I tried. I also miss the 3-in-1 milk tea, same reason too. Sad to say, I never mastered how to make a good cup of milo, those you get from the Milo trucks during Sports day. Thus, I miss my instant milo too. It is really the little things which makes the difference. Oh well...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE