On 16 Nov, we visited the Kobe Earthquake museum - Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution.



This museum wad set up in memorial of The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
measured 7.3 on the Richter magnitude scale and 6.8 on the Moment magnitude scale. It occurred on January 17, 1995 at 5:46:46 a.m.Approximately 6,434 people , mainly in Kobe, lost their lives and this earthquake is the worst ever in Japan.
In the museum, we are brought to this huge theater. It was truly an enriching experience, being up close to see the action that occurred during and after effects of the earthquake , was truly mind blowing. The special effects of the theater was fantastic- the sounds and the crumbling of buildings and accidents occurring was totally realistic. We followed by witnessing the streets after the earthquake- the smoldering buildings, survivors. We then watched a video of a personal account of the earthquake, conveying the states of the towns and people in the recovery and reconstruction process after the earthquake.

We could also acquire knowledge about the earthquake and prevention through interesting games; where one could see how the distance from the magnitude would affect people and also what would happen at a certain magnitude. There were also videos of people sharing out their experience.

Miyajima…..beautiful place….well, that was our very first stop of our humanities trip to japan. Miyajima also known as Shrine Island is celebrated as a sacred island to the Japanese and is also known to be one of the three most scenic views in japan. To get to the beautiful island, we had to take a 10 minute trip down on a ferry ……..and once there all of us were WOWED by the magnificent view and scenery !

This here is the torri gate of the Itsukushima Shrine…The Itsukushima shrine is a Shinto shrine and is also the cause of Miyajima's fame and name. The shrine, which is partially constructed over water and features the famous floating torii gate, was first constructed in the 6th century.

Well ,we took a tour of this scenic island and even took a video ! WELL,JUST WATCH AND ENJOY!

It was a really great trip....all of us had lots of fun (including mr leo).......well besides fun and games , i am sure many of us took something home from this meaningful trip....our friendships and relations with our friends and teachers also deepened! All in all i believe it was money well spent and i trust the rest of us think so too! :{)

On 16 Nov, we went to visit Nara Park in Kyoto. Over here, deers roam around the park freely, doing whatever they want.

The Entrance to the Temple

The temple was damaged before by earthquakes and fires. It originally featured two pagodas but after it was destroyed by an earthquake it was not rebuilt. The statues also received damage before, with various parts such as the heads and hands collapsing. It was only rebuilt many years later.

The Massive Statue of Buddha

When I entered the temple, I was stunned by the size of the statue. It took immense effort to build something of such scale. The tiny little picture may make what I just stated seem like exageration but you have to see the statue yourself to know. For a better understanding of how big it is, the hand of the statue is large enough to hold 11 people. The temple also featured a pillar with a hole carved from it. ( Refer to Mr Leo's Squeezie look in APetGuppy's post) The hole is believed to be the same size as the nose on the Buddha Statue and those who are able to go through the hole will be granted good fortune. A long queue of children were waiting for their chance at good luck over there. The temple also had a shop selling various charms, for "A painless childbirth", "Your True Love" or "Doing well for Exams"

Either way this trip to Nara Park has taught me that the two religions, Shintoism and Budhhism, not just tolerate each other but instead coexist with one another. Nara Park being just beside a Buddhist temple. Singapore should be like Japan, going beyond the level of "tolerance" and moving on to "co-existence". The visit has also taught me about being resilient, the temple was destroyed many times, however the Japanese, instead of mourning their loss, chose to rebuild the temple, we should apply this to our daily life, we should always strive to be better.

Dedicated to our lovely teachers and guide! Think of them fondly as we end our wonderful trip, I shall leave you to think about your own personal experiences with them. Therefore without further ado I wanna thank

Mz Sharma (Devious look)


Mr Khoo (Enlightened Look)



Philip-san (Cool Look)


Mr Leo (Squeezy Look)



YAY!!!!! *Clappp*

All other nice Japan photos can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/12886893@N02/
All other nice Japan photos can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/12886893@N02/
All other nice Japan photos can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/12886893@N02/
However these picutures include few Victorians...

Btw...This is APetGuppy. Lol...

Wops, This photo is gone!

Ya, Osaka castle got postponed to tmmrw. Anyway we went to the aquarium and saw lots of marine life from various parts of the world. Isnt quite interesting that all the marine life is like located around the pacific ring of fire? Cool huh? I like the design 0f the aquarium, they designed the place in a way that a tank can be like viewed from 2 or more different places, its like making the most out of the view. It also makes it seem that they got like 100,000,000 tanks.

Ok then we went to the tower thing. I kinda forgot the name so ya...The view from the tower is very nice, but it could have been better if we were allowed to go to like the edge of the building. Then they could fence it up but we still could look down and get a fright of our lives! So fun right! But, has anyone noticed that most of the tourists are Japanese themselves? Perhaps they want to know more and experience more of their country. Thats national pride ya? But it was like so full of people. Imagine Singapore had their kind of squeezyness since　PAP wants to up the nations population alot. Imagine MRTs being full all the time, Orchard road as squeezy as the long shopping street we went to. Foreigners will also be among us, can we accept them?? Well, we are going to have to if we are going to improve ourselves as an international city. If we treat them with an attitude of rejection, we might as well seal off Singapore from the world, like Japan in the past. Only to be forced open for survival in the future. But that is not what we want. If foreigners want to come to Singapore it shows that they already considered this place as a potential area for them to work and that they are ready to accept the people. It is more difficult for them to adjust than for us. We should be gracious and treat them as we would like to be treated.


I upload pictures when we reach Singapore. Computer here is too slow.






DAY 6

Ok this is our last day. So sad right... I wanna stay in Japan longer... Anyway we went to Osaka Castle today.It's pretty small (as in the castle itself) But on the inside it's like a museum...There was so much warring for power in Japan in that time. We would have thought of those days to be long gone, but power struggles are still as prevalent as in those times. The only difference is that these days, we don't fight with men and swords, but we fight with policies, words, unfair economic policies and discrimination. In our effort to appear less barbaric, we assimilate power from individuals or groups by using these "humane" methods. But still, that does not change the fact that our intentions are just as barbaric as people from those times. E.g To control a country, a leader purges the "problem". This was once done by opening killing everyone, now, leaders come up with fancy accusations and complex plots to wrong these people. But things are getting better, as humans mature we learn from our mistakes and correct ourselves. This is the cause for our success as the human race. We have the potential to be unstoppable and the only thing which will destroy human kind is God's hand or Our own.


Wah...So emo...

Ok then we went to Kozu Senior High School. And yes I still remember the names of the people during the class exchange...Dai, Sayaka, Ayaka, Kousuke. I find their reception very open. Why is this so? They wave to you from everywhere as we walk around the school. We don't see this in Singapore. Maybe we're just scared of getting scolded by someone. Their outward discipline is not shown, but inside, they are focused and matured. Why does Singapore choose to be different, using a system which is ineffective. Binding and suppressing the outward appearance to a state of normalcy, but yet there is unhappiness inside. This would be the main cause of any school rebel. But, Singapore does not dare try. It would be straying too far from the "modern city". But these things take time, maybe Singapore will put into use this system of "letting go". Perhaps not in my student lifetime, but change has to take place step by step. They can say, this system in not broken! But I reply, "Those who don't fix what's no broken never improve". Omg! I sound so anti government! Haha

Arashiyama was a very nice place. But it was so crowded. Which was good, because people are good. Unfortunately the constant going in and out of the sun gave my back prickly itchiness... Took al0t of nice people photos.

More interesting was the temple. Ｉｔ　ｗａｓ seriously crowded... Somehow I did not take Ｉｔ　ｗａｓ seriously crowded... Somehow I did not take any pictures of the temple or statues or the rock things...Dunno why... statues or the rock things... Was too engrossed in photographing people... I kinda wish having good love/luck/life was as good as drinking some water or doing some activities with a rock. But, I think these activities give the people doing them the motivation and confidence to do the best they can! Unlike in the atheist world, where everything has a definite answer, and where your performance can always be measured through science. People should begin to believe in themselves and stop listening to the limitations. Opinions and views are often provided for us in this science obsessed world. Well, its no wonder people struggle with mid life crisises and having problems find their true self, the rudiments of discovering yourself is to believe in yourself. Following what others think will not do. See, going to the temples and all made me smarter =P

Gion corner was like not open yet???

Somehow I cant upload pictures...　Ｗｅｉｒｄ．．．　Ｉ"ll try tomorrow

WELCOME BACK TO THE 3RD INSTALLMENT OF Stuff YOU Should Know, brought to you by APetGuppy...Today we will address more important issues which deal with our own desires.

!!!!!STUFF TO BUY!!!!!

We are going for shopping in Japan no doubt, but what do we buy? How much should we spend?!!

Well, since most of us are gonna think about clothes first, i'll start with that.

!!!!!CLOTHES!!!!!

Alot of clothes in Japan are expensive. But there is a chain of shops, called Uniqlo, which sells high quality nice looking clothes for very very cheap prices. Plus, its has a large chain of shops, so we'll most probably chance upon one. Also when shopping for clothes don't make decisions too fast. Take your time and look around, you may be able to find good deals hiding here and there! This is like free advertising for Uniqlo. They should pay me. Anyway there are also other cheap clothing lines, you just gotta explore. Don't stick to the brands you're familiar with. When shopping never rush, because if you rush you will always make the wrong choices. Think carefully when you buy stuff coz there's 5 days of Japan, we can't spurlge $150 on 1 shirt just because you have $500 on the first day. Unfamiliar shopping grounds are very good for developing your taste in clothing. Unfortunately I don't think you men like clothes that much...


WELL, LETS MOVE ON

!!!!!FOOD!!!!!

It is not recommended you buy food back from Japan to Singapore. Coz most stuff you see in Japan you can find at your local Ichiban Store. Well, if your really that curious you can buy local food like "wanton flavoured potato chips" for a mid night snack. =P It's a good place to explore with your taste buds and stomachs.

!!!!!!SOUVENIRS!!!!!!

Well, if you're looking for souvenirs, it's pretty simple. You can buy stuff like Green Tea, Kimonos, expensive cut glass pieces, chopsticks(those really pretty kind), UMAI-BO(literally "delicious bars" there are many flavours available and these things are devastatingly cheap.) Mizu-yokan (Soft azuki-bean jelly), which are confectionaries which come in many many flavours and are also devastatingly cheap. Try not to go for those fancy expensive stuff coz it's like, so common. The best souvenirs are always local things which no one back home as experienced before. Thats a real souvenirs, because its bringing back a part of the host country back home.


!!!!!!SO, HOW MUCH TO BRING!!!!!!

I would recommend bringing SGD$400 - SGD$500
This amount would be optimal in order for you to make yourself the happiest! However, please don't feel pressured by me to bring more =). Take what you need. Don't spend just because money is at hand. Anyway, I won't talk about the itinerary anymore because Mr Khoo told me that you guys already did it for a project. So, I'm glad you're finding out more about our destinations by yourselves =D.

Wah...So exciting...I want to board the plane nowwwwww...

Miyajima ,one of japan's three most scenic views, was a town located on the island of itsukushima in saeki district, hiroshima. It has been considered a holy place for most of Japanese history. Since ancient times the island itself has been worshipped as a god. In fact, the island's real name is Itsukushima, and Miyajima is just a popular nickname meaning "Shrine Island" It is famous for the floating trii (or gate), Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku (which means "1000 Mat Pavilion"),. And Daisho-in (a major Buddhist temple a short distance above Itsukushima Shrine).

As the island is one of the most scenic place in japan, we are going to film the beauty in the shrine and its one and only torii that stands in the ocean. If possible, we are going to film from the angle of a local deer or monkey…… or else it will be from the tour guide.

Most of us had been to a shrine before; this is a chance for us to understand the Japanese culture, tradition and religion. The most amazing thing is Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines have maintained a close relationship on the island!!! (like the indian temple in chinatown). As the island is described as a place where people and god live togother, I think we can teach a lot from the visit (our presentation).

This place is about the Disaster Reduction Museum, a part of the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, was opened in 2002 to commemorate the tragic event and to educate visitors about earthquakes and disaster prevention.

We will video about the effects of the earthquakes that ravage the country so serverly. We will also video the damages and effects of the worst earthquake that ever hit japan, the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake.

The interesting part of the museum is that it has a large screen theater with realistic images of the earthquake's destructiveness, a documentary film about the recovery process, lots of information about the earthquake and various interactive games about disaster prevention.

We are going to visit Nara Park which is 4km east to west and 2km north to south. We are going to do a feature on the 1,200 dears roaming the area. Which are regarded as messengers of God in the Shinto religion. Killing these deers are considered an offense and punishable by death until 1647.

James Wong/ Keith Ong

This place is about the other side of Japan, while urbanisation has been so popular, we must take some time to look at the flora of Japan. Arashiyama is a very nature oriented district, it is about the natural beauty of Japan's landscape, it is about peace and serenity, it is about getting away, it is about the delicacy & grace of Japan.

We will video from the perspective of the people in Arashiyama. We will see how they are affected by the mood and atmosphere of Arashiyama. The video will be done using a digital camera.

What's so interesting? Rarely are we able to capture nature working on people, but more often do we see people working on nature. This will be a new insight into the way we view nature, we will learn to view it as in entity with a spirit and soul, not just a soulless pretty picture.

Gion's Corner

A unique theatre in Kyoto which presents one hour shows of the seven traditional performing arts in Kyoto.

It is also a comprehensive introduction of Japanese performing arts. The one hour show combines with music, dancesand ancient comic plays.

Welcome back!!! Theres still more stuff YOU should know about Japan and our trip. Brought to you by APetGuppy, NOT Mr Leo hahahah. Victorians should visit blogs more....Anyway theres gonna be lotsa bus rides so PLEASE BRING ENTERTAINMENT.

CHOPSTICKS!!!!

It's not like in Singapore where you can use anything anyway you want lol.

Some of the most important chopstick rules are:

• Hold your chopsticks towards their end, and not in the middle or the front third.
• When you are not using your chopsticks and when you are finished eating, lay them down in front of you with the tip to left.
• Do not stick chopsticks into your food, especially not into rice. Only at funerals are chopsticks stuck into the rice that is put onto the altar.
• Do not pass food with your chopsticks directly to somebody else's chopsticks. Only at funerals are the bones of the cremated body given in that way from person to person.
• Do not spear food with your chopsticks.
• Do not point with your chopsticks to something or somebody.
• Do not move your chopsticks around in the air too much, nor play with them.
• Do not move around plates or bowls with chopsticks.
• To separate a piece of food into two pieces, exert controlled pressure on the chopsticks while moving them apart from each other. This needs much exercise.
• If you have already used your chopsticks, use the opposite end of your chopsticks in order to move food from a shared plate to your own plate.

Some Table Rules

SO CUTE



DOTONBORI STREET

Its pretty much a night place. Alot of neon lights. As in alot...Just lots of cool signs...
Its a very tourist place. Shopping, entertainment, food, yaa...

OUR NIGHT WILL BE SPENT AT BEST WESTERN JOYTEL

This hotel has LAN access...Yippee for our laptop users. Also, extra beds are not available...

17TH NOV

ARASHIYAMA



Its a fantastic place... Really great for photography. Scenery is spectacular especially this time of the year. The only shame is that we won't see cherry blossoms...I'm not sure if we'll see the bamboo groves, but they are certainly very pretty! Haha ok lah I don't spoil the excitement...May be quite packed around this time...This place is really old, and is almost totally made of wood! But you can see traces of concrete here and there these days.


GION CORNER

Thats were we will be in the night. Eh, hopefully we won't be doing the tea ceremony.. Coz that would take like a billion hours to complete... The itinerary says its "the" entertainment district, but Gion Corner is actually a preforming arts theater lol, song, dance, tea, yea...

Sleeping will be done at Best Western...

ok thats all for today!!!! MORE TOMORROW