Nobu’s Weblog

2010 / 09 / 09

Actually some of my colleague kept me asking whether I am on drugs. Well, I have been indeed injected - by the greatest pleasure I have nearly forgot that it DOES exist!!! o(^o^o)o(^o^)o(o^o^)o

After being happily on cloud nine, my big day has come. I have already woke up at 3 o’clock in the morning and started to think （￣～￣；）？？about which make-up I should choose, which color of manicure suits most, which high heels I should wear, which bag looks great. Although I have decided everything already two days ago, I started to think over whether made decisions were all correct.

At office I have been surprised (O_O) by my colleague who prepared a gift for me: Camembert and pretzels. Recently I fell in love in this combination; it is so yummy to dip in the salty pretzels in a half melted mild camembert cheese. He even lighted up a candle for me! Now everyone knew that today is my birthday: While others started to look in their drawers what they can give, the others ran into the flower shop downstairs to buy a flower.

For lunch I have been invited for dim sum lunch at “Wedding Banquet Specialist 188” in Tsim Sha Tsui by my whole team. There my German colleague played piano for me. Since he could not play a birthday song, he played a Xmas song for me. What a great surprise! My team ordered a lot of dishes (as usual when we eat dim sum). I fell in love with one specific dish: Carrot & Egg Custard Bun. The custard is made of egg and lemon. Wow!! Dough of the bun is mixed with carrots (usually it is plain), which gave the custard an additional yummy taste! I recommend this dish to you!!! If you have the chance, please try it! (^__^)b

Herewith I would like to thank you all my colleagues and my team for a pleasant birthday during working hours!!! Thank you!!!

To be continued … I am still too excited. I need a break first before I can tell you what happened after work(o^-^o) ウヒッ.

PS Photos will be uploaded later.

2010 / 09 / 08

While I was living in Germany, I planned my gatherings well, always few weeks ahead. This way invited friends have enough time to plan and confirm their visit. The good thing is once they confirmed, they will seldom cancel.

When I came to Hong Kong, I was well organized as well. But I found out quickly: Even if I plan gatherings few weeks before, it will never happen according to my plan. That made me so crazy, disappointed and angry. I also did not understand how people can let me know suddenly 10 minutes before the gathering started that they could not make it any more and they would not join. This will never ever happen among my German friends in Germany…

However, during my stay in Hong Kong I have learnt to be flexible and spontaneous. It may happen that one evening I will receive a sms mentioned “We will go for KTV at 7pm! Please let me know asap!” or “Dinner in H.H. now?” I have already got to use to it, so I am not surprised any more at all. Usually I will go for those gatherings. Public transportation is really great here, so I can travel from A to B within 30 minutes.

Two weeks ago my friend enthused me about a great western buffet in THE KITCHEN of the W-hotel. We checked the website immediately. It looks so gorgeous! Just reading the menu, my mouth started watering! So I decided to celebrate my big day there with her! My friend advised me to book the table with sea view in advance(!). We have also agreed to wear nice dresses that night, so it would be a special night for both of us.ヾ（＞▽＜）ゞ ウレシイ♪

I was so extremely excited きゃっきゃo（＾-＾　）o（　＾-＾）oきゃっきゃthat I could not speak fluent English during the reservation call, I even forgot my birthday date! Once the reservation was confirmed, I bought a nice nice black dress for that night. The following week I was much more excited that I could not sleep at all. I was in very good mood: I was singing ♪♪♪during day-and night time, during working hours, yes, even during rowing training! I was laughing(^_^), smiling and giggling for nearly 24 hours! I was so happy.

Because of getting used to be spontaneous, I totally forgot this kind of feeling, this happiness, to look forward for something in the near future, o(^o^o)o(^o^)o(o^o^)o the greatest pleasure: Anticipation.

2010 / 08 / 10

I was enjoying my chamomile tea during a break from work in the pantry, when my colleague came in and discovered (°〇°;) おおっ？“Oh! You look like Miss Lipton!!! That would be a great photo! “ I was looking at him and I did not understand anything. He came back with a camera and explained “You are wearing yellow hair band and shirt, this is SO eye-catching. And SO matching!  It really fits to the tea? What are you drinking? I can see a yellow tea tag?! However, you are holding a yellow cup. A Lipton cup! Miss Lipton!” He was very excited and very happy.
Then I just realized that I was holding the Lipton promotion cup in my hand enjoying my tea (from TWININGS). Suddenly I felt like a promotion girl and started to pose. At the end we both had a lot of fun! o(^o^o)o(^o^)o(o^o^)o ウキョキョキョ

Well, this is my BEST shot:

(Now I feel like one of the candidates of the Germany’s Lipton’s next top model during judgement.)Mentioned slogan has been deduced from the original Lipton’s slogan “Direct from the tea garden to the tea cup.”

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 / 22

除了服装的比赛以外, 也有其它的, 一个游戏是喝啤酒的比赛, 另外一个游戏是猜画的比赛, 还有麻将的比赛.
Beside the costume competition, we also had beer drinking competition, guess-photo-competition, further on Mahjong competition.

很多同事参加了. 我们有二十五个组, 每个组里有三位.
A lot of colleagues took part. We are 25 groups in total. Each group has 3 people.

我的组败局了每个比赛但是我觉得没关系,  因为很好玩 !
Our group lost all games, but I think it does not matter, because it was great fun!

2010 / 04 / 16

下个月下班以后  , 在香港赛马会有我们公司的周年晚会.
Last month after work, we had annual dinner in the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

每年晚会的时候, 我们都应该穿特别的衣服.
Every year during annual dinner, we all should wear special clothes.
前年的主题是黑色  , 红色或者金的衣服.
Two years ago the topic was wearing black, red or golden coloured cloth.
去年的主题是绿色的衣服.
Topic of last year was the topic green coloured cloth.
我觉得今年的主题是特别的. 我们衣服应该是闪亮和耀眼的.
I think this year’s topic was special. We should wear shiny and blinking cloth.
我穿了黑色和绿色的越南和中国式的衣服.
I wore black and green coloured cloth in Vietnamese and Chinese style.
它闪闪发光.
It was shining.
而且戴了长长的假发和绿色闪亮的大眼镜.
Besides I wore a long-hair-wig and big green blinking glasses.
两年前我在越南买的这件衣服, 我没有机会穿它, 因为是很特别的.
I bought this dress two years ago in Vietnam, but I have not had the chance yet wearing it, because it is very special.
今年的晚会是第一次有机会穿, 所以我非常高兴.
This year’s annual dinner was the first chance to wear it, so I am very happy.

有的同事穿耀眼的衣服, 还有其他的同事戴面具.
Some of our colleagues wore shining clothes, others wore masks.
大部分的同事努力穿漂亮的服装, 因为有一个服装的比赛  .
Most of the colleagues made a lot of effort to wear beautiful clothes, because there was a costume competition.
 穿最好看服装的人能收到现金奖品.
The person with the great costume can win a cash prize.
我没赢, 但是我觉得没关系,  因为很好玩 !
I lost, but I think it does not matter, because it was great fun!

很多人觉得我的新发型是真的.
A lot of people thought that my new hair style is real.
他们问我在哪里加长的头发. 我回答  “这是我的秘密!”
They asked me where I did a hair extension. I answered “This is my secret.”
有的人问我 “加长头发多少钱?”
Some asked me “How much was the hair extension?”
我回答 “只七十九港币.” 的时候, 他们很惊奇 , 因为很便宜.
When I answered “Only 79 HKG dollar.”, they were surprised, because it is so cheap.
他们不知道我的长头发不是真的.
They did not know that my long hair is not real.
连我的老板和最大的老板都不能辨认我是谁.
Even my boss and company director could not recognize who I am.

我的朋友看了公司周年晚会的照片以后, 她告诉我, 我长得像卫兰. 你同意吗?
My friend, who took a look at the photos of the annual dinner, told me that I look like Wei Lan (Janice Vidal). Do you agree?

My friend from China called Tim was visiting Hong Kong last weekend, so I accompanied him to Ocean Park, which is a popular destination for tourists and a great amusement park combined a zoo and riding attractions.

Tim has already pre-booked tickets in China. I was very surprised (°o°;;) ナント！ that after discount tickets only costs 150 RMB (=175HKD), original entrance fee is 250 HKD in Hong Kong!! Thank you, Tim!

We always speak Chinglish, a mix of English and Chinese. It is a great exercise for both of us, he can improve his English and I can improve my Mandarin.

While Tim was trying to find the tour guide, who will issue us the tickets, I was waiting at the entrance. A lady with her daughter was sitting at the entrance. A small yellow and red sticker named with a travel agent in China was labeled on her shirt; she probably joined a tour to come to Ocean Park. Well, I assume the lady observed Tim and me for a while. After Tim left in order to find the tour guide, she talked to me “Ey, 朋友,你很漂亮! [Ey, friend, you are beautiful!]“ I was surprised and answered “我的朋友你很漂亮吗?  [Is my friend beautiful?]” When the lady rose up her voice and used her hands to express her feelings, I recognized that I misunderstood her. She said, it sounds a little bit angry, but she was not angry at all “不是! 他不漂亮!! 你是朋友!! 你很漂亮!!! [No, he is not beautiful! YOU are beautiful!]” First I thanked her （*＾.＾*）エヘッ
, but then I remembered and said with a big smile in my face “哪里哪里! [Not at all!]” The lady and the daughter were laughing. Tim rushed back and asked me “Any problems?” I could not answer clearly, I just smiled to Tim, to the lady and the daughter. (^ー^* ) フフフフ

We received tickets from the tour guide and explored Ocean Park, mainly the riding attractions. Later on we went to a German pub “Schnurrbart” in Lan Kwai Fong. In total it was nice day!.. and a beautiful day *ggg*

Tim, hopefully you have enjoyed your stay in Hong Kong! 

PS. In this context 朋友 is used as a greeting to an unknown person. It does not mean “friend” (orginal meaning).

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

After I felt unhappy for a while, I feel very excited! I am motivated and looking forward to my 3rd New Year Eve this year >__<

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!