Nobu’s Weblog

5th of May was magic day for me, and an incredible day for my close friends. On that day something happens, my friends hardly believe me until they saw me online skying at my home!
Ever since I have lived here, I never had my own internet at home. I used go to internet café nearby (very cheap 8HKD/60 minutes) in order to Skype, mail, chat, blog, face book or watch movies. Whenever I got some virus or PC problems, working staff fixed them immediately. Actually it is quite convenient and also reasonable. Most of the users in those cafes are playing war games (?). While everyone were shooting and killing each other, I used to sit in the small corner laughing very loud （-＾O＾-）アハハハ, just because some happy things happened or sometimes I was crying (o >_< o) えーん because I was so emotionally touched by a movie or dorama! It must be quite funny scene for every new user and … also a bit annoying for the shop owner.

Well, the reasons I have not had internet for such long time were
1. I suppose to be here only for 6 months. I did not want to sign a two-year-contract. Certainly HKG also have some short-term contract, but it is too expensive!
2. My notebook bought in Germany did not work well in HKG, although my very good friend repaired several times for me. *thank you echizen!*
3. All my flats I was and am living have not any telephone line. My landlords did not agree to drill holes in the flat for the cable.
4. Because of 3. my choice for internet providers was limited. Every district has one provider (monopoly). In my district it is Hutchison only.
5. I was afraid I am getting addicted to internet. This is very scary!

How come Nobu has internet @home now?
1. I suppose to be here for 6 months, I am already here for 4 years. I probably stay here for further (un)certain time.
2. My friend Prototype came to HKG in March and helped me to buy a notebook in HKG.
3. I still do not have a telephone line, but a lot of power sockets! So no need to bother the land lord!
4. Since because of 3. I was able to consider Vodafone as my in-future-provider.
5. My schedule is tied; I have not any time to get addicted to internet. So no need to be scary!

Actually I was considering to buy mobile internet from an “USB”stick (Vodafone,around 188HKD+tunnel fee/month) although I have heardt sometimes their reception is not nice, interruption might happen (T__T). But then my colleague told me that her husband has just signed an internet contract via power socket. The line is stable and safe AND it is reasonable. On the same day I went to Vodafone in my district and sign a contract. After one hour signing the contract I was able to use the internet!!! So easy, simple and uncomplicated- No installation by qualified person is necessary! My friend D. accompanied me to buy internet dated me for skype immediately for the same night.  I was extremely excited, so my friend. “Nobu, it is SO amazing, that YOU have internet! We should Skype!” ♪♪♪ （　＾＾）人（＾＾　） ♪♪♪ We both rushed homes in order to skype asap rather than talk now in real life…

5th of May is also a magic day for Mohamed! Happy Birthday!!

EDIT: I am sorry for such a delay. My right fracturd hand wrisk has still not recovered yet.

2010 / 04 / 29

Probably whole Hong Kong was in Nodame Cantabile fever in March: we had classic concerts playing soundtrack of this j-doroma including piano pieces played by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) and also western pianists. Those pieces had been played by Chiaki or Nodame in the dorama before. There were a lot of advertisements on buses, in local newspapers, big posters at bus stations - just in order to promote Nodame Cantabile.
Honestly I did not know that Nodame Cantabile is SO popular in Hong Kong as well.
However, I was happy meeting Nodame and Chiaki, no matter where I was in Hong Kong. I really love this dorama, it makes me so happy, smiling and laughing! Really, I can recommend this dorama to you!

Beside the airport-event, there was another big event: Nodame Cantabile (original tone with subtitels) Movie in Hong Kong Cinema. ＼（＾O＾）／ YEAH! I did not think that long, I bought ticket immediately and went by myself to the cinema in Whampoa Garden. I felt happy and my heart was jumping as I had been fault in love o（＾＾o）　（o＾＾o）　（o＾＾）o . WOW ! I could meet Nodame and Chiaki at the BIG screen! Somehow I was so happy and so excited that I missed out one detail, so after the movie my mood turned 180 degrees and I got disappointed. I was expecting a great great end (a happy end for Nodame) but I found out that the movie has been splitted up into two parts!!! (T__T)Ah!!!!!!!! I have to wait until part 2 will be released in HKG!!!!!!!! I even did not realize that there is second part, when I was watching at the trailer …. 。・°°・(;>_<;)・°°・。

Yes, yes, yes, YES!! I need to confess my love to Nodame Cantabile! I love the whole drama-it’s hillearious! ρ( ^ｏ^)b It is like a cocktail made love, friendship, realizing dreams, music, spiced with a lot of fun,  unique camera taking and at the top nice actors and actress! All characters are nice!  When I finished this glass full of joy, I will pour new Nodame-Cantabile-cocktail in! Although I saw this drama already more than 6 times in a row, I am still thirsty! I can highly recommend this dorama to you! For review, please refer to here.

Nodame and Chiaki is my favorite pairing ever since Hachi and Nobu (from NANA)!ρ( ^ｏ^)b

So, you can imagine how fast my heart was beating o(≧∇≦o)(o≧∇≦)o, when I saw girls and boys holding signs written  Nodame alias Ueno Juli and Chiaki alias Tamaki Hiroshi  on them randomly on the 27th of Feb 2010 at HKIA. 

“Are they coming to HKG TODAY? Really? It is not true? Or, or? “ It cannot be true! But yes, yes, yes, YES!. It is true. I DID know that Tamaki san is coming to HKG since he will have a concert end of March, but I did not know that he has been accompanied by Juli san. They are really coming!♪☆＼(^０^＼) ♪(／^-^)／☆♪
 I was at the airport picking up a friend, Proto. Fortunately his flight has delayed, so I decided to wait for Juli san and Tamaki sam while I was holding my camera. I felt exciting I can meet them in reality. And then THE moment came, ＼(^o＾))／…＼((＾0^)／ Juli san and Takami san came out, wearing casual clothes:
Right after they have been surrounded by many many fans soon.

After they left, I went back to the terminal (my heart was still beating), where my friend suppose to come out. After a while, young girls around me started to cry, scream and run towards to a young man covered by a mask and wearing sun glass and hat. They asked him to sign and took a lot of pictures of him. Well, I found out that he is a famous person in HKG, but I cannot regnize him at all, and you?

I am wondering why he has hidden hisself that much. He looks so unnatural. Compared to Juli san and Tamaki san…

Finally Proto came out! Welcome to HKG! And also thank you, because of you I had nice experience at HKIA!

Related article: Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi Arrives in Hong Kong Causing Chaos at the Airport

07 / 12 / 2009

This morning I read a happy news in THE STANDARD: “The Princess and the Frog”. No, this is not the story about my frog and me. This is the new Disney Movie, which will be released in HKG by mid of Feb. I am really really looking forward to it! (^o^) I will definitely watch this movie. If you want to join me, please let me know!

03 / 12 / 2009

My friend Gloria recommended me  Mayday for learning and singing songs in Chinese after my request. (and I recommend to you, if you like Rock Music!) We bought together a CD last October. I do not understand all their songs, but some of them.

Mayday is a group of 5 men; they are friends from the beginning. They are singing, because they like it. This one I can feel when I am watching and listening them during their concert. They have their own style in singing and performing. I have found out that a lot of performers/singers in Hong Kong always wear extraordinary costumes. I am sometimes wondering whether the costume or their singing is the performance. I really do not like that style. But Mayday is different: Casual “costume”, simple songs, clear voice and a lot of fun.

When I am listening to their songs, I am remembering their live concert.

 “五*月*天! 五*月*天! 五*月*天!“ Girls are shouting in the Concert Hall in Hung Hom. I am one of the girls. Yes, I like the Taiwanese Rock Band 五月天 (Mayday). I have decided to go to their concert on 22nd May 2009. Since I bough the ticket 2 days before THAT day, there was no wonder, that I could only get the expensive ticket for 680HKD. When I was buying the ticket, I did not realize the real value of the ticket: My seat was REALLY close to the stage- close to Mayday. (At my first Maydays’ concert I could see Mayday only as an “ant’-size”.) This time I could even see their face and movements of the mouth! Wow! Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ イエイ！！
During the concert I was standing, jumping, singing  ♪~♪ d(⌒o⌒)b ♪~♪and clapping in my hands, shouting together with the other girls “回*来*了[Come back]!” and  “五*月*天!” after they finished one song.
I am able to sing few songs of them unless I have the song text. Luckily the song text had been shown on the huge screen display. But unfortunately I was sitting too close to the stage, so I could not see the screen very well . T_T, however  I think I could master it well.
Ashin was asking: “谁是从香港来的! [Who is coming from Hong Kong?] “ All fans (incl. me) stood up and shouted. It was amazingly great atmosphere!

In February of this year I went to (my first) Mayday’s concert in Macau. Also there Ashin was asking “谁是从香港来的! [Who is coming from Hong Kong?]  “ “我~[Me~]!” I shouted. I was looking around and had to recognize that I was the only one from Hong Kong in my row and also in my block…

I behave like every fan. I did not stick out … until I speak English “Excuse me, could you please help me to take a picture for me? Thanks.” The girls started to giggle and got suddenly very shy. They step one step backwards and tried to hide each other. Hey common, I am not an alien. Don’t be afraid of me! Some of them asked me to take picture with me together ….

At around midnight after the concert I walked (!) home, since the concert hall is so close to my home. Just 8 Minutes away! o(^o^o)o(^o^)o(o^o^)o I am so happy to be such close with MadDay!

“AllLookSame?” gives you the chance to find it out! (You may knew this site, since it was popular two years ago.)They have different categories such face, architecture, food and so on.

I really like travelling Asia and enjoying their food, so this was a great help for me to solve the questions.
But even you are beginner, it is great fun to get to know these these countries!
It was also exciting! The correct result will be shown later on.
You may also try it!

These days Dragon Boat Racing is a kind of traditional “activity” with a historical background. I am interested in such kind of sports and festivals!(｡◕∀◕｡)

The boat is called Dragon Boat, because its shape and its movements (sliding/flying over the sea) look like a dragon. Every boat has a tail, as well as a dragon head, the body has dragon pattern!

When the season is off, dragons  start the hibernation (ー_ー)…zzzZZZZZ and they will be buried into the ground. When the season is coming, they will be alive and wake up ＼(＞◇＜)／ ファァァ from the ground. They are ready for the competitions as well as the riders (=paddlers). Most of the paddlers start to train in early spring.

Starting from May to October there will be a lot of competitions, but I guess the biggest highlight and magnet for tourist is the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival) on the Fifth moon of each year according to the Chinese Moon Calendar.

It seems there a lot of stories about the origin. I do not know which one is true, but I will tell you what I have heart. Over thousand years ago there was a very loyal servant “Qu Yuan” and an emperor, who trusted and relied totally on him. The other servants got jealous, so they spread out a rumor and told the emperor that this servant had imposed on him. Unfortunately this emperor believed in these rumors, the servant got very disappointed and committed suicide by jumping into the Mi Lo river. Towns’ people DID know that he was a very good and loyal servant and did not believe in the rumors. They beat drums to scare the fishes, threw dumplings into the water and drove the dragon-shaped-boats in order to keep away the fish from Qu Yuan’s dead body.

During the Tuen Ng Festival these dumplings Zongzi  粽子(sticky rice with meat and egg wrapped in bamboo leaves, soooooo yummy~) will be eaten! You should also try it!

The Dragon Boat Festival in 2009 will be on the 28th of May! Mark this in your calender! See you guys there! For details, please have a look at official page of DiscoverHongKong.

Last weekend Quyen has asked me “Nobu, we are going to go to the Modern Toilet! Would you like to join us?” I answered “Yes!” and ｏ（＾－＾）ｏワクワク felt very excited.
Since I red an article in a magazine about the Modern Toilet, I was very interested in to check this place out.

Are you wondering what Modern Toilet is? Well, this is a location, where you should go with friends and bring a lot of time with you!
Modern Toilet is a restaurant, which interior looks like a big bathroom with toilet seats instead of chairs. (」゜ロ゜)」 ナント Food, dessert and drinks will be served in small shaped toilet bowls (western/asian style), urinal bowl, bathroom tubs or sinks. The idea and the ordinary concept of Modern Toilet combine 2 things together, what we need in our every day life: Food and Toilet. But since we know food we are eating will be digested and finally ends up in the toilet, it may be a strange combination to sit and gather with your friends in/on Modern Toilet. [I was quite surprised that the waitress gave me real tissue paper, instead of toilet paper, although in HKG is so common to use toilet paper as tissue paper.]

I have ordered the Korean Food, which has been served in the small shaped western style toilet bowl. The bowl looks only big, but the amount of the food is small. The bowl on the table was nearly in front of my mouth. If I need to, I was able to throw up in the bowl… well, this feeling does not make me happy at all to eat. But I eat it… actually it is not tasty at all.

Modern Toilet is not only famous for the extra ordinary interior, but also for their Taiwanese dessert, which will be severed additionally in turd (=shit) shape, which I have not tried this time, but may be next time.

If you want to experience an extra ordinary dinner/lunch/tea time, you and your friends should go >> Modern Toilet << at least once. You cannot share your toilet secrets with your friend every day! (^～^;)ゞ イヤァ～ It is recommendable to bring a lot of time, since so many people are waiting for a table (esp. Sat night), enjoy the atmosphere, talk about bullshit, try the dessert, take a lot of pictures!

This Sunday is sunny. We have not had such a good weather for long time in HKG. Spring is coming. It’s H~I~K~I~N~G~T~I~M~E. ＼（ｏ⌒∇⌒ｏ）／　ワァイ♪♪♪

Frankly speaking I am not a good or fast hiker and I am also direction stupid, which may be dangerous. The only reason why I am hiking is because I like joining nature, breathing fresh air, getting touched with natural wind and joining the great view – after I do my best to climb up a mountain. Therefore- in my opinion- it does not make sense to take e.g. a taxi or bus to go up. I need to effort and sweat as much as possible, not till then I am able to join the view.

This time a local friend, Sea, has chosen a simple track in Saikung/TaiTam/HoiHa for us, suitable for children and elderly. So easy going? No, not all. It was quite tough for us. It goes up and down, sometimes it was a rocky or sandy way.  I am sure we have not chosen always the usual way, but more like an adventure. We walk through bushes, rocks, shrubberies. Twigs swings into our face, some rocks have been already loosening, jump over small rivers – yeah, you can compare with Indiana Jones’ adventures.

After hiking I was so exhausted and I have some muscle aches, but I have enjoyed it very much. View was so nice! Thank you for organization, Sea! (^○^)／ ヤッホー PHOTOS

20-02-2008 Why not have lunches together in office by eating Sushi? It’s so yummy and fun! ヽ(^◇^*)/　ワーイ Photos and recipe available~

23-02-2008 Revival of Lisa’s Home Gathering - Dinner// (●⌒ ⌒●)  Let’s do a Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza)Party @my home! Most of my friends I have not seen for long time, so I have invited quite a lot of friends. Maybe too much, but it was great to see you them! Thank you for your great help, esp Mit-chan & Jiroh-san! Photos and recipe available~