Palette Town - MEGA WEB

Odaiba - from Miraikan we took the monorail to Palette town MEGA WEB.  It's an entertainment center that also houses Toyota Universal Design Showcase, Toyota City Showcase and Toyota History Garage.

I only went to the Toyota History Garage. 

Old toyota car

Nostalgic Nine's Bar

Texaco petrol station

It was interesting to see people bringing their dogs on a leash to this shopping mall.    This is the first time I have seen anyone bring dogs to shopping mall - dog's are not allowed in any shopping mall in Singapore. 

While we go bar for drink - so do dogs

Odaiba - Tokyo man-made Island

Odaiba - We took the monorail to Odaiba - the monorail fare was expensive.   From a distance you will be able to see the Ferris Wheel, Fuji TV building

To know more about Odaiba - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html

We visited the National Museum of Emgering Science also known as Miraikan.   Admission price is 600 Yen for adults but we paid each 480 Yen as we had more than 8 people.  This is a science museum open to all to share the new wisdom of the 21st century.  There are the Permanent Exhibition in 4 separate fields, theaters, library plus special exhibitions.   You have to pay extra for the special exhibitions.    They also have a Dome Theater where you can enjoy panoramic films and a planetarium located on the 7th floor.  Unfortunately, you have to book prior and it was fully sold out.

Park and Lim

Futuristic interiror

Lunch - Okonomiyaki

Tokyo - Lunch was Okonomiyaki and it was fun seeing friends cooking their meals over a hot plate.  Some had tried this dish before many were first timers - nevertheless the food was good. 

An article I wrote before: http://countrytravel.blogspot.com/2007/09/okonomiyaki.html

Oshio Restuarnt entrance

Oshio menu

Korean friends cooking their lunch..lol

Kevin (half asleep waiting for his meal) with Armen

Park, Lim and Daiseke

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo - Yukiko and Daiseke brought the channel partners from Korea, Australia, Taiwan and myself (Singapore) around Tokyo.  She was the tour guide for the day. 

Yukiko

First stop, Tokyo Tower...

The Tokyo Tower has been the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower since its completion in 1958.  The 333-metre tower is modelled after Paris Eiffel Tower, ony it's 13m taller.  Today, it efficiently serves as a TV and radio broadcast antenna.

We just paid the tickets to bring us to the main observatory at 150m - it was breathtaking at such a height.  From a far, I could see Mt. Fuji in the distance and also visibily recognize some of the landmarks that I had visited before.    From the main observatory, you will get a 360-degree bird's eye view of Tokyo. 

Taken from across the street

I took this photo at the base of Tokyo Tower

Group photo taken by me

that's me in the centre

Here is a useful website on Tokyo Tower http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/

Asakusa

Asakusa -  Together with Korean, Malaysian and Taiwanese friends we hop onto the Metro bound for Asakusa.   This area is known for it old-town atmosphere and historic Buddhist temples.  Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most traditional neighbourhoods.  The finest part of Asakusa is centered upon several blocks around the centuries old Asakusa Kannon Temple also known as Sensoji, which itself is the main attraction of the area.

It would be good to stop by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information centre which is located very near to the Kaminarimon Gate.   The polite staff manning this Cultural office speaks good English and very helpful.  They were interested in where we come from.

Once you cross the road from the Cultural Office you will notice many foreigners gathering around this area. 

Kaminarimon

Kaminarimon, the main gate of the Sensoji, had been burned down many times, and the previous gate was destroyed by a massive fire in 1865.  Since then no gate had existed here for nearly 100 years.  The present one was reconstructed in 1960 by a donation from the founder of Panasonic, Konosuke Matsushita, whose name is engraved on the bottom plate of the lattern.

Once you pass the Big Gate with latern, you will be in an ancient shopping street.

Nakamise Shopping Street

The Nakamise shopping street dates to the early Edo Period, making it one of the oldest shopping centers in Japan.    Neighbours of Sensoji, who received and served visitors to the temple, were granted special permission to put up stalls along the approach in exchange for a promise to keep the grounds clean.

That's me with an ancient water pump

My korean friend making his wish

After this we hop on the Metro to Roppongi and went to Roppongi hills for dinner.  We went to a Soba restaurant and the Soba is so fresh and delicious. 

Restaurant name: Shian
Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/shops_restaurants/restaurants/en/japanese/201220005.html
Add: Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza B2

It was a beautiful night after a hearty dinner...

Trees lighted up along Roppongi hills

 

Dinner cruise along Tokyo Bay

Tokyo - At around 5:30pm, after the conference proper, the channel partners met @ Premier Toyocho Building to catch the Bus tranfer which brought us to the Boat Pier to board the boat.  The Tokyo bay tour is a daily tour by Yakatabune Harumiya. 

Some background on this company - The origin of HARUMIYA. 
Previous generations fished and cultivated lave seaweed at Haneda, then three generations ago the fishermen relocated to Tsukishima.  Currently, a member of the Tsukudashima Fishermen's Guild, Harumiya, which is a yakatabune company has a long and distinguished history stretching back to the Edo period that includes supplying white fish to the family of the Tokugawa Shogunate.


The company started its fishing boat business in the 1920s and was always a trend setter with the latest boats among those in Tokyo Bay.  Harumiya switched tot he yakatabune (Japanese roofed pleasure boats) business in the 1980s.  The fourth-generation owner continues to preserve the Edo 'chic' while remaining a pioneer in modern boat entertainment with fresh designs and ideas.

Partners at the dinning area

Our dinner platter plus much more...

The dinner was delicious  and we had Assorted sashimi, Tempura (the prawn was fresh and delicious), steamed rice, miso soup, seafood in individual hot pot and free flow of drinks.

 

Tony, Joe (singing) and Joe's wife

Daiseke and Yukiko (Japan), Lim and Park (Korea)

Joe (Taiwan), Hisyam and Ali (both from Malaysia)

Beautiful scenary from the upper deck 

The weather outside on the upper deck was very cold and so I stood outside for only a short while to gaze at the beautiful Tokyo skyline.

Me and Young Jin behind the Tokyo backdrop

Japanese friends enjoying Karaoke

That's me have a go at Karaoke

Dinner @ Italian Restaurant

Tokyo - It was a nice and cold stroll down our dinner location @ Trattoria Liana (just opposite Hotel East 21).    Our gathering took half the space of the restaurant.   The Italian food was really delicious especially the Pizza.   But I think for some, the food was all good after many rounds of the free flow of booze and sake.  Combined it is a lethal cocktail of intoxication.

It was also a day for a special lady - Terry Takenaka - her Birthday.   It was celebrated amongst channel partner, friends and colleaques.   I hope she was surprised...

Daiseke, Hiroyuki and Ushiyama toasting

James (Taiwan), Lim and Park (Korea) and Lesley

Ron and Harry

Young Jin gulping down his Sake

Panettone

Panettone is a type of sweet bread loaf originally from Milan (in Milanese it is called panaton),[1] usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in Italy. It is like a big fruit cake.

Me trying to take a big bite out of the Panettone

Joe, Yukiko and Jay and Ushiyama (behind)

Ushiyama and Me

Today is my 28th Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo - Arrived on SQ 634 at Haneda Airport and it was a smooth flight.  Upon arriving met up with Lesley, his wife, Hisyam and Ali (from Malaysia) and off we go to our Hotel for the duration of the conference.    Getting around Tokyo is easy because of their superb train networks.   From Haneda airport to our Hotel at Tokyocho was a bit tricky as the station @ Nihonbashi had many train service running on that single train track and even one line going to Yokohama.   We need to get the right train to reach Tokyocho.   Asking the friendly Japanese never failed me - they are always polite and will render help readily.

Hotel rates: USD 89 includes continental breakfast and free internet access
R&B Hotel - is unique in many ways.   I have never stayed at such a hotel before.   BUT it was very clean.

Pyjamas - At the Lobby, there are rows of pyjamas which are meant for Japanese workers who missed the last train back home so had to stay over night.   The 'jammies' are stripped in vertical green.  

Pillow - I took a number of this jammies to wrapped my pillow.  There was only one small pillow meant for the head but it was really uncomfortable for me as it was filled with platic beads.   Upon close investigation, these plastic beads were hollow.  Wrapping it around my pillow gave me some comfort.

Size of the room - Extremely small.

The Award Dinner @ Restaurant Litoral

Macau - Today's conference agenda was half a day. Immediately after lunch, at 1pm we had arranged for a city tour for the delegates. The tour includes the various sites:

The 1st tourist site was to view the Lotus flower in full bloom,The coach then drove to the 2nd location, drop us off a distance and we had to walk up to the Ruins of St Paul, Na Tchaa Temple, Section of the old city and Mt Fortress

From the famous Ruins of St Paul, we took a walking tour to Senado Square (this is the main city square), situated at one end is the Leal Senado Building, Sam Kai Vai Kun, Kuan Tai Temple, Holy House of Mercy Cathedral, Lou Kau Mansion (visited a typical Chinese courtyard house compound), St Dominic Church,

Then off to A-Ma Temple, many people had offerings, seek blessings and gifts to the gods....

The last location was on the island of Taipai, crossing the bridge from Macau to Taipai was great as it was a clear sky - we stop by Taipai House museum and then to the popular Chio Heong Yuen bakery (oldest bakery in Macau) - there were free cookie tasting for all visitors. For all delegates we had arrange a free gift of a box of Almond cakes, after which the coach drove pass by the Venetian Casino and back to the Hotel

In the evening, the Partners Award Dinner was held at Restaurant Litoral.

Visiting the two-storied Litoral was stepping back into olden Portugal. It occupies one of the districts typical old shop houses on the street that used to front what was once a bustling waterfront. Not far away is the spot where the first Portuguese landed on Macau’s shores. The restaurant’s proprietor, Macau-born Manuela Ferreira, opened Litoral in 1995 with her husband, carefully guards her recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations in her family. She says she uses the wok to cook many of the dishes served here, which contain both Portuguese and Chinese ingredients. In fact, Ms. Ferreira says even she eschews commercially prepared foods and makes many of those ingredients herself, like the traditional shrimp paste that is a time-honored tradition in these parts. Ms. Ferreira was awarded a Medal of Honor by the Macau SAR government for the contribution to tourism her efforts represent. Mouth-watering dishes like stuffed squid, clams in garlic sauce, Macanese style duck rice and creamy serradura, washed down, naturally, with Portuguese wine or pitchers of refreshing sangria, not only make Litoral a favorite among Macau’s local community, but keep alive a gastronomic tradition that is unique to Macau.

The set menu for 30 pax costing MOP$ 350 per person:
Garlic Shrimps
Roast Portuguese Sarsage
Cod Fish cakes
Chicken Rice Soup
Curry Crab
Mixed Salad
Macanese Saffron Pork
African Chicken
Grilled Short Ribs
Dessert
Coffee or Tea

Fat Sui Lau Restaurant

Macau - After a hearty breakfast, it was a pack full day of conference at Vitoria Room III on level 2 of the Hotel Royal.

After the conference was over, it was free and easy for the conference delegates. Some partners wanted to join us, so we went to Fat Siu Lau Restaurant @ Rua da Felicidade No.64. They currently have 2 restaurants, the other opposite of Kun Ian Statue. Since 1903, many celebrities and politicians have frequented this infamous Macau dining spot. The atmosphere of this European-style venue is appropriate for business gatherings. Fat Siu Lau restaurant is in the oldest restaurant in Macau. The food is good and delicious but pricy compared to similiar menus. We tried their famous grilled king prawns, curry crab (the crabs were so small compared to Singapore chilli crabs - furthermore they charged twice as much). They were able to charge a higher price due to the restaurant ambiance.

Good Portugese Food

Macau - For lunch, we went to Restaurante Platao, a nice Portuguese restaurant in Senado Square (Central). This restaurant is very quaint and located off the busy street of Senado Square walking towards St. Paul's Ruins. Today's weather was great around 15 degrees Celsius, so we decided to have lunch outside in the open-air. The food coupled with the ambiance was great. We had chicken, stewed lamb shank, baked rice and Sangria for drinks.

What is Sangria? Sangria, is a wine "punch" with its traditional heritage well rooted in Spain. Typically, Sangria is made with red wine, fresh, seasonal fruit and a bit of bubbly water or citrus flavored soda. While Spain is heralded as the creator of Sangria, countries all over the globe have adapted the recipe to make a fruit-filled wine beverage that is refreshing and easy to drink with a wide variety of foods.

The welcome dinner was held at Macau Tower, 180 Lounge & Grill restaurant - there were 25 people attended this function and the food was well prepared and delicious. This was a private function.  A set menu prepared for all and cost MOP$300 per person. The ambiance was great - we had the whole 59th floor booked and the view of Macau on that day was clear so we were able to see as far as the eye can see.

The dinner menu was:

• Bacon wrapped Prawn Salad
• Tomato Bisque with Basil
• Stuffed Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom
• Star Anise Cream Caramel
• Coffee and Tea

Start of the technical conference

Macau - After making sure that everything at the technical conference was 'clock work'. Tania, Donny and I went to settle the payment for the coach services. The tour agency was Grayline Tours and the office was just a walking distance from where we are staying. They are very professional and ensured us that there will be a English speaking guide since many from our conference do not speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

We were hankering for food and ask Grayline where to find good Macauese food and was told to go to Senado Square. We walked up and down the street but found no restaurant. I later realized that many of the good restaurants are in the lanes off the main street.

A lady was standing at a cross junction handing out flyers of her resturant, since we were hungry we took the flyer and followed her. The restaurant was downstairs and had to take a flight of stairs down and looking around there weren't many patrons on that day. Well, surprisingly the food was good and tasty too.

After lunch, we headed back to Royal Hotel to refresh for the evening activities.

After dinner, we went to a Karaoke Bar called 'Club Ruka'. The taxis plying Royal Hotel were few and we had to wait a long time to complete the group by packing 4 at a time into a taxi to Club Ruka. In spite of the directions to this Club Ruka, one taxi got lost along the way. Not many were singing and after a while it was getting a bit boring so we left. We discount with the manager since we left early and paid about MOP$900 for drinks and Karaoke room rental.

Go Go Cart...

Macau - Early in the morning Tania, Chee Chien and I set off to find the best Portuguese restaurant in Macau. We visited the 2 best restaurant and fortunately were located near by each other. Both restaurants are near the famous A-Ma Temple.

We were outside Litoral Restaurant contemplating which restaurant to choose and here in an instant a lion dance performance right in front of our eyes. Some Chinese would invite the lion dance troupe to officiate the opening of the restaurant or office just after Chinese New Year. Whilst we were looking earnestly at the performance - one of the troupe boys started to light the fire crackers and throw. While in a instance, we ran far away from the scene - it was a loud crackling and paper were sprewed everywhere. Fire crackers have been banned in Singapore for many many years, so seeing this was surreal.

Restaurant # 1 - Litoral Restaurant @ 853-2896-7878 - the grandeur of this stylist restaurant made us choose this for our awards dinner on 28 Feb.

Restaurant # 2 - Lorcha Restaurant, tel: 853-2839-1016 @ 289, Rua do Almirante Sergio. This is a much smaller restaurant, thus was not suitable. Instead we had lunch there. The food was really delicious. The only cons about this restaurant is that they are very impatient when you are almost finish with your meal - they keep asking you to settle the bill. I dislike this because we were considering deserts and then coffee but they want to 'turn' the tables quickly and was not professional about it.
As I have told friends coming to Macau to set customer service expectations low so that you will not be disappointed. You will enjoy good food and entertainment with mediocre service. The Macau economy is booming is so fast that the service staff are not thoroughly train in etiquette and customer service. Good customer service in Macau is a rarity and not a norm.
We also visited the A-Ma temple which was just walking distance away from Lorcha Restaurant. I will also be visiting this temple again during the day-tour on Thursday.

We went go-carting located at Estrada de Seac Pai Van, on the island of Coloane. You have to cross the bridge to get over to Coloane from Macau Peninsula. Macau is made up of 3 islands - Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.

Go carting was very fun despite just 10 minutes. I went about 5-6 rounds the track in the cold light drizzle. My hands were numb at the end of 10 minutes. It was exhilarating going round the bends at 40-50 km/hr.



After dinner, as we were walking around Golden Dragon Hotel - there was a sign that says "Bowling Centre". Chris immediately wanted us to play, so we walked down this dark alley into a deserted 'shopping centre' and down basement to this bowling centre. The bowling centre facilities takes you back to the 80's but nevertheless we had good fun.

Transit HK to Macau

Macau - I was considering flying directly to Macau International Airport or to HK International Airport and then having to take a jet foil to Macau. Taking the former is much easier with no hassle of a ferry across to Macau. The adventure 'streaker' chose to fly to HK International Airport. Since I am just passing through to Macau - the process was seamless and smooth. HK and Macau had work out the process perfectly.

Upon my exit from the plane at HK International Airport - there was sign for Fly/Sea transit passengers with no need to pass HK immigration at all. I had purchased the turbojet tickets on line - it took me a while to get the booking complete because the booking process was not very clear.

The jet foil to Macau was choppy and very foggy - so the captain had to slow down the jet foil twice. It was so foggy that you could not see pass 1 metre. Upon arrival at Macau Ferry Terminal - passed through Macau immigration (which was a breeze) -you had to pick up your luggage. I actually walk out of the immigration area but abruptly turn back in - the immigration officers understood and wave me to the luggage claim area. The luggage claim area was an obscure area on the far right hand side.

I waited outside the Ferry Terminal for Hotel Royal shuttle bus. There were so many shuttle bus from all hotels. I think a hotel shuttle bus terminal should be built as it was a mess outside the ferry terminal especially if you are staying in smaller hotels. Bigger and luxurious hotels had bell boys waiting just outside the Ferry Terminal to guide to their business like the Venetian, MGM, etc.

I have stayed at Hotel Royal in December 2007 - I did liked the front desk folks and the room was clean and modern. So, I chose to stay here again for the channel partners conference to be held from 25-28 Feb. By 24 Feb, all the channel partners will arrive.

Visited the Macau Tower to make welcome dinner reservation on 26 Feb @ 180 Lounge and Grill - I booked the entire floor.

Reflections of Macau Tower

After much discussion with the asst. manager on the arrangements - together with Chee Chien we visited the infamous Hotel Lisboa and also her twin Grand Hotel Lisboa. The casinos were packed with many people - mostly from Mainland Chinese with cash to spare. We were hungry and had lunch at Noodles & Congee Corner Restaurant of Grand Hotel Lisboa.
After losing money at the slots, we decide to watch the show on the centre stage. As the night was still young - we adjourned to a pub and disco at basement 2 of the Royal Hotel. After 2 rounds of drinks and it was not very happening, we decided to call it a day....

Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel

Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. The journey from Omni Saigon Hotel to the Cu Chi Tunnel location took more than an 1hr to reach. Along the way to the Cu Chi Tunnels, it was interesting to see the country side with acres and acres of padi plantation and people tending to their crops.

Map of Cu Chi Tunnel

Reaching Cu Chi was unmistakable - bus loads of tourists from every where were there to listening to their guide's introduction of this place. My adventure starts at a holding area to view a video tape of the Vietnam war and how the creative Vietnamese built their underground villages. Cu Chi was a key location because this location was just 75-km from Ho Chi Minh City (used to be called Saigon) and the Viet Congs build an intricate tunnel network of over 200-km - this is amazing.

That's me in the tunnel

The guide was showing us why the termines were great 'friends' with the Viet cong because the termines were natural air vent for the soldiers in the underground Cu Chi tunnels.

Vietcongs resting

The tunnels were dark and at times very scary, I had to 'duck-walk' through the tunnel.

Coming out of the narrow and dark tunnel

There was a firing range and I shot 10 rounds of live 'rounds' (bullets) from an AK-47 - costing about US$1.10/round. It brought back nostalgia from NS army days. Vietnamese in military uniform were there to guide and told me "No need ear plugs - be a hero!" He relented after my insistance that I know better than not to wear the ear-plugs. It was great to hear to shots being fired...

Phill having a good time....

Tania firing an AK47

Interesting places in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon - Visted the famous Ben Thanh market and it resembles a large, historical structure, orange in colour, with a distinct clock tower. This market is situated on District One.

Walking through this Ben Thanh market is amazing - they have all sort of things for sale. You need to bargain. Everything is for sale from a wide variety of shoes, tea-cup sets, fans, textiles, clothings, handicrafts, wicker goods, dried food stuffs. Their famous aromatic coffee beans - it is amazing that Vietnam in such a short time is one of the world's largest exporter of Coffee.

Did not manage to visit Binh Tay market - maybe next time.....

Dong Khoi Street - a good place for luxury shopping. Looking around you will find elegant gowns, fabrics of exellent quality, the Vietnamese Ao Dai. We purchased 50 sets for each conference partner a beautiful craft lacquer wine holder. The craftsmanship is very good - even deliver directly to the hotel doorstep.

Ho Chi Minh has many historical buildings with French influence that makes the charm of this city. The Notre Dame Cathedral (or Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica) is a Catholic Church which was constructed before 1890 by the French. Once you step inside, the feeling of being in France is there....the structures, statutes. The cathedral's giant twin bell towers, together with its imposing height, are what makes it an eye catching sight.

Saigon River Cruise

For tour agency, you need to beware of unscrupulous tour agency - I used Saigon Tourist company and a very reliable tour agent.

On 8th March, the Saigon Tourist coach arrive on time @ Omni Saigon Hotel for a sunset cruise on the Saigon River with fresh gentle breezes. The scenery was fantastic to see Saigon river with all the buzzing activities.

Building the bridge across the Saigon River

Old junk

We arrive at the Binh Quoi Tourist Village. Set on verdant grounds with coconut-shaded creeks and thatched cottages, the village offers a reminiscence of the Mekong Delta in bygone days. It was fascinating cultural show presenting a traditional wedding with a bridal procession on water, solemn rituals and vibrant dances.

We enjoyed an elaborately prepared Vietnamese dinner served indoors by the riverside before their return to downtown Ho Chi Minh City by car. Upon arriving Ho Chi Minh, the roads were clogged with so many motorcycles - it was amazing.