start writing or my ink won't flow.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
well, i've got an academic writing exemption test coming up in less than 2 weeks time, so I thought I will make myself write something everyday, before I find myself getting stuck while doing the test. Like what my HOD of english used to say, if you don't write, your ink won't flow.

I just finished marking the 2 sets of papers that I'm supposed to mark, so I'm just left with collating the marker's comments. Pretty efficient I must say. I guess it's because it's something that I have motivation to work on, the next task at hand...is a different story.

Ok, to make myself feel better, I shall talk about my Hokkaido trip. It's an awesome place, and I think everyone who makes a trip to Japan should spend some time there. The scenery there is beautiful, think it will be even better when all the flowers blossom in july, or when everything is tinted white by the snow in winter. The next time I visit will be winter...I promise.

Well, the Japanese are really the most polite group of people I've ever met. Their service, and how they will bow upon you leaving the shop even if the item you bought is as insignificant as a pencil...just impresses me so much.


Language and communication proved to be a problem there at certain occasions, but we were lucky we met people who could speak chinese. In fact, we met this Taiwanese who was on exchange in the minsu that we were staying in. Awesome chap, and we exchanged many views on life in our own countries. On the point of how Japanese are always so polite, he brought up a valid problem. Because they are brought up to be polite, they will show no signs of displeasure, even if they are displeased or unhappy with your actions. This may seem polite at first sight, but if it drags on, not being candid and frank with one another may seem to be a kind of hypocrisy. Okay, hypocrisy may be too serious a word, but you get my point.


I guess what we can learn from this is that there probably won't be something that is perfectly good, nor perfectly bad. There are always 2 sides to everything. Learning to accept things the way they are is key to understanding how the way the world functions as a whole.

okay, enough for tonight.
Hokkaido - Day 1
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Note: I usually keep a journal when I'm overseas. Since I loaned a laptop, I thought I might as well do today's entry on my blog.

So, here goes.

Japan has always been a country I wanted to visit. I briefly transited in the country many years back, and that was the only time I landed my feet in the land of the rising sun. I have heard stories, wonderful stories about the Japanese, and finally I get my chance to see for myself how wonderful the Japanese are.


I must say, I didn't have an excellent impression of the Japanese, because of what I studied in my history lessons. However, that was a prejudice that I learnt to do without. I was glad that I realised we shouldn't allow history to determine how we feel about something; things change, so can perception.


I must say the Japanese are the most courteous people I have seen. They take pride in their work, and serve others with so much humility (in the positive sense) and respect that I don't see how someone can fail to feel their sincerity.


It has to do with upbringing. And it shows, not only in everyday life, but in major events, such as the recent nuclear crisis. We have so much to learn from them, really.


Unfortunately, I think Sapporo is a rather boring place. One day here and I'm feeling a little bored already. I guess it has to do with me and my dislike for cities. The food here is awesome though. And I sure am looking forward to the days I am going to spend in the countryside.


Till then. =)