trip

Kuala Lumpur Photo Diary

February 16, 2016 By Chie

Following my last post about the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur, here are the rest of the photos from my trip. It was a short three day trip, but it was the perfect length to get a sense of the city. Had I stayed longer, I would have explored the outskirts, maybe a place like Malacca. We found an airbnb place in towntown for $50 per night. The location was fantastic; walking distant to all the shopping malls and restaurants in Bukit Bingtang. As much as I enjoy staying in a hotel, airbnb helps me stay slim since I can prepare my own food without the temptation of breakfast buffet. The place was great and came with pool and gym. We intended to use the gym everyday but never did. But, we walked a lot! Hopefully that counts.

There is something mind renewing about a trip like this even if it was short. We walked aimlessly for hours on end. When do you have a chance to walk around for the sake of walking around in your daily life? I am too busy getting from A to B when I’m in Tokyo. The thought of going for a walk does not even occur to me. So mindlessly walking around, talking, stopping for coffee cleared my mind and by the end of the trip, I was ready to dive into the regular work again. We went right before the Chinese New Year. Bright red decorations were everywhere.

Coconut ice cream! Love how easy it is to get all kinds of cheap fruit there. That’s something Japan is lacking….the country famous for $100 melons. Found some Japanese books in the condo’s laundry room. The eclectic architecture was stunning. Unique tiles in the mosque (above) and on the street (below). Sephora is in KL, but still not in Tokyo.

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NYC Trip | Mood Fabric, Chelsea Market & Painting Class

September 30, 2015 By Chie

Why do fun things go by so quick? I took a two-week break in early September and it already feels like it was ages ago. Ｍy family and I stayed in Philadelphia (and attended a Bra making class!) for the most of our time, but got to visit NYC briefly. Here are some photos of what I did there.

First up, visiting Mood Fabrics. I thought I was spoiled living relatively near to a fabric district in Tokyo, but oh boy how wrong I was. Mood Fabrics is on a different level. I only had time for the third floor, where they had various printed silks, high end bridal fabrics and laces, but I really envy whoever has easy access to this store. Nippori is great, but in terms of high end fabrics, they are not the best. At Mood Fabrics, I found delicate embroidered French lace – something I have trouble finding in Japan. Also the varieties of silk they have! It is truly amazing. I would be there all day if I had the chance.

Next spot of my visit was Chelsea Market. I’ve never been to the Brooklyn Flea, but I am imagining this is something similar. I love the booth by various handmade artists, flower shops, and treats you can buy there.

Last place was Painting Lounge Class. My friend and I went to one since she was a big fan of it from the few times she’s been there. Painting + BYOB + chatting with friends sounds like a happy equation. I’ve never heard of this activity in Japan, and it would be fun to plan it here. The main figures of the painting was traced with tracing paper and it makes it easier to paint. There was a group of girls who came to celebrate their friend’s birthday, and they shared champagne with us!

The last stop was Hoboken. It’s such a pretty little town with nice NY view. I really enjoyed the walk there.

See you NY until maybe next year!

９月頭にNYCに旅行してきました。
１日しか滞在出来なかったのですが、ファッション街のMood Fabricsで布を見たり、チェルシーマーケットをぶらぶらしたり、締めにはペインティングラウンジに行ってきました。
ペインティングラウンジは、自分で飲み物（ワインとか）を持って行って、ペインティングを楽しむクラスです。
画材は、クラスで全て用意してもらえるので、自分は手ぶらで行ってOKです。
２時間で仕上げは結構あわただしかったけど、楽しかった！

そのあとは、ホーボーケンに寄ってＮＹの眺めを一望。

あっという間でした。

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Summer Gataway to Ajiro, Shizuoka

August 13, 2015 By Chie

I think Airbnb is the greatest invention – traveling and finding a place to stay on a budget was a pain before, when you had only two options: staying in a hotel or staying with friends or family. Back in June, I was going through Airbnb and found this amazing Spanish style house in a place called Ajiro in Shizuoka prefecture. It is little over an hour away from Tokyo and the beach is nearby. I booked a room immediately and we just went there last weekend.

Ajiro is a quiet fisherman’s town. It is one stop away from the big beach and hot spring resort, Atami. When you go outside the metropolitan area in Japan, you get a very different feel – it is quiet and people are very friendly. We asked directions to the super market from an elderly lady on the street. Not only did she give us the directions, but she also offered her friend to take us to the super market! We decided to walk since it was relatively close but it makes me smile to bump into people who offer kindness to strangers.

The place we were staying was about 1.5km away from the nearest station. The host said to take a cab but Andy and I decided to walk, since we walk and bike daily. We thought why not?! We get to see things on the way. Little did I know there was a reason for cab comment. It was 45 degrees uphill all the way to the house. It took us close to an hour. I felt horrible for Kiko but by the time we realized it was a bad idea, we could not find cab anywhere and it would have been dangerous to climb down the hill. I’m still amazed Kiko made it to the top without much whining.

The host, Yoshiko’s house was lovely and she provided the experience that was more than a regular trip. It was kind of like a home stay experience. She was an amazing chief and we hung out, chatted and drank wine together. Wine tasted so good after all the walking!

Airbnbを使って、１泊だけの小旅行に行ってきました。
泊まったのはこちら。
プール付き、２４時間かけ流し温泉付きのスペイン風のお家です。
レビューを見て、評価が高かったので即決しました。
素敵なおうちも素晴らしかったですが、ホストのYoshikoさんも素敵で、いつもとは違った旅が楽しめました！
すごくおすすめです。

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