Beijing Baby!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

GUESS WHAT?!

NEW BLOG IS HAPPENING !!!

http://www.melanieandamanda.blogspot.com

xoxo Mel

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Last Post

I have spent almost three years writing in this blog and I've enjoyed every moment of it. However for the past few months I have really felt the lack of motivation that I once had while blogging (I think it shows through my writing and my infrequent updates). So, on Christmas day of 2008 I've decided to move on and focus on other hobbies (maybe Age of the Empires II, I've been playing that game way too much recently haha *nerd*).

This is going to be my last post on Beijing Baby! and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read my blog for the past three years, and to those who have commented, emailed and supported me throughout this entire time. Thank you so much! I would not have had this fun if it wasn't for all of you.

I started this blog just a little before my first exchange to Japan, and now that I'm nearing the end of my second exchange I think it's a good time to finish. Coincidentally this is also going to be the last semester I study Japanese. Having stayed in Japan for almost 1.5 years (all up) I've realized two things, I never want to work in Japan and I never want to live in Japan for good (don't get me wrong I <3>

I absolutely love this current exchange, I love my new friends, I love Tokyo and I love Keio. It's been one of the best things I've done in my life. I think 2008 has treated me really well after a rather crappy 2007. I spent the first two months of 2008 in China, the next five months at home in Sydney, two weeks in Taiwan and Thailand, another month in China then finally the last four months in Japan. It's been a blast. I've had a great year and a great run on this blog.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year^^

Chu ♥ Mel

PS. I am also discontinuing the new fashion blog I've posted up on Sina. I just need a rest from blogging for a while. I might feel the urge to blog again sometime in the future, when that time comes I hope to see you all again ^o^

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The past month...

I know it's been a long time since I last blogged and I do apologize, but I've had a few computer problems. Ever since I bought my laptop (in late 2006), it has never had an anti-virus program. I know it's stupid to not install one but I've always been too lazy. Anyway, for 2 years nothing has entered my computer but as I was downloading the new series "90210" (I'm so embarrassed), a virus attacked my poor computer (it was a stupid show anyway, I didn't even watch more than two episodes). So I had to re-installed windows... and I do have an anti-virus program now.

I also bought myself a 650GB hardrive in Akihabara the other day. I have to find enough things to fill it with.

Besides that I have made myself a new blog. Yes, that's why I haven't been blogging lately ~~it wasn't because I was lazy at all~~. It's mostly a fashion blog that is written both in Chinese and English (I have to practice my Chinese), so please visit and bookmark Girl in a Scarlet Dress, I think I will update there more than I will here. I will continue to blog on Beijing Baby! but it may be infrequent. Here's the URL:

I've been stressing myself lately because of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). I'm taking Level 2 because I completed Level 3 the last time I was in Japan. Level 3 was easy (I learnt Japanese for 10 months and passed it), but Level 2 is quite a jump from Level 3. It would be all fine if I study... but I have yet to study!!! And the test is on the 7th of December. I'm slightly freaking out. Wish me luck!

So what have I been doing for the past month? Photo time.

Halloween of course! I dressed up as a Vampire Maid. I'm in Japan, I have to at least dress up once as a maid. The Vampire bit is inspired by Edward Cullen. Haha.

We went to a scary mental hospital inspired restaurant called Alcatraz in Shibuya.

Hanul and me.

Ai and me with one of the doctors. He was really funny.

Shota who only dressed up his nails -_-;;

I also went to watch the infamous Waseda vs. Keio Baseball match. I had a lot of fun for about 4 innings then I became a little bored. Baseball isn't my thing I guess.
Oh, Keio kicked Waseda's ass that game... but unforutnately Waseda won the previous day and the day after =(

The cheerleaders and the cheerboys! They were so awesome. I wanted all my guy friend to become cheer boys.

Also went to see the winning film of the Tokyo International Film Festival.
It was a Kazakhstan film called Tulpan and I think most people fell asleep, myself included =(

I've also done a lot of shopping. Shopping updates will be on Girl in a Scarlet Dress later.

The Royal Family came to Keio University and I was invited (along with other exchange students from Commonwealth countries) to meet them. I shook Prince Charles and Camilia's hand. It was fun.

Koda Kumi also came to perform for Keio students for our Mitasai (the Keio Mita Campus festival). Tickets were only 3500yen for Keio students so I went to see her.

It was Koda Kumi in all her skankiness. Fun concert.

I also went to eat Mongolian food with my girlfriends.

We're meant to be fierce... -_-;;

Also went clubbing at Daikanyama at a Drum and Bass event.

Sunny and me with DJ Fresh, the highlight of the night. Although I like Drum and Bass, it's really not something I can dance to, so I think I'll just listen to it from now on.

Also just walking around Shibuya!

Chu ♥ Mel

Labels: Clubbing, Japan Exchange 2008, Parties, Tokyo

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Tokyu Hands

I been going for jogs in the middle of the night with my friends who live in the same apartment as I do. We go jogging along the Yagami River but when it's one in the morning it can be very very scary. Now Japan is a country that has one of highest suicide rates in the world, and jumping off a bridge isn't an uncommon way to commit suicide. So as we were running along the river, we had to cross many bridges and two of them had flowers tired around the poles. One of my friends also mentioned someone committed suicide on one particular bridge we happened to run across. Now this wasn't exactly the happiest thing to be talking about when it's the middle of the night, dead quiet (except for the sound of the river) and extremely dark! I was certainly freaked out! However the run was worth it though, I felt so much better afterwards (I had burgers that evening -_-;;).

I know I talked about burgers in my last post (as well) but I have been making home cooked meals as well.

1. Cooking pasta in my kettle.
2. Tomato based pasta sauce with mushrooms, carrot and onions.
I still felt hungry afterwards because there was no meat. I can never go vegetarian.
3. Udon noodles with onions, ham, mushrooms, carrot, soy sauce and chili sauce.
One of my original recipes. Didn't taste too bad though.

See? Edible food! I'm so proud of myself. I went grocery shopping today, looking for good bargains and such since I'm trying to limit myself to 30,000yen a week (excluding rent and mobile phone bills), then I went home to cook a pork, onion and bok choy stir fry with soba noodles. Another one of my original recipe haha. The stir fry tasted quite good but it really didn't go well with soba. But I don't have a rice cooker (or a pot for that matter) and I don't think I can use my kettle, so I think I have to live on noodles, pasta and bread. Cooking takes up so much time though, I should be watching a youtube video or something instead.

I went to Tokyu Hands in Shibuya with my friend Jon and Ben. Tokyu Hands is a general goods store that sells absolutely everything. It's similar to Target only with 8 floors.

Jon trying on an afro at the wig section.
Guess what I bought? I bought a fringe!!! I've been saying that this is the last chance for me to cut my hair into a bob with a straight fringe and dye my hair blonde. Japan is the only place I can do such a thing without looking too out of place. But I've always looked bad with a fringe so instead I thought I'll just buy a removable one. The problem is the colour I bought ended up slightly lighter than my natural hair so now I have to dye my hair to match my fringe!!! So much trouble! I'll post up a fringe photo after I dye my hair LoL.

Halloween items were everywhere. Tokyu Hands had a lot of costumes (many from Leg Avenue) and I really wanted to buy a maid costume because I have a big thing for aprons (ironic isn't it?) View here, here and here. I did however buy a set of Vampire Teeth... yes I have finally gotten a hold of Breaking Dawn.

My best Gogo Yubari impersonation. I need to straighten my hair and wear that fringe! haha.

I REALLY REALLY wanted one of these. It's a money box boyfriend, apparently (I read the description very quickly) you put money into this heart shaped box (500yen coins) and the monitor shows your boyfriend and he has a relationship with you. The more money you put in the better the relationship is. Excellent way to make you save! You can choose from five different types of boys, the older boy, the younger boy, the happy-go-lucky boy, the cool boy and the nice boy. If I bought one I probably wouldn't be able to choose between the happy-go-lucky boy, the nice boy and the younger boy. Muwahaha. The money box cost around 4500yen so in the end I decided that I would rather save for this beautiful but very expensive coat I saw the other day and get a real boyfriend haha.

Jon bought some Spiderweb Cotton Candy that was Sour Apple flavored. Really weird, but addictive.

A few days ago when Ben was TOO busy to go out with us, Jon and I went to Harajuku where we spent most of the time down Takeshita Dori and in Laforet (excellent shopping center). Now, the Japanese are a big fan of crepes. You will find a crepe stall every few meters especially in teeny bopper areas like Takeshita Dori. Crepe stalls usually sell savory and sweet crepes with the most extraordinary mixes, such as strawberries with custard, milk creme, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, vanilla icecream and cheesecake. Yes, actual CHEESECAKE! So in our attempt to assimilate with contemporary Japanese culture, we ate some crepes.

I went for the safer option and just got a strawberry with whipped cream and icecream crepe.

However I think Jon went for the cheesecake option.

A board full of fake crepes. They all look delicious though (except maybe the cheesecake one).

Chu ♥ Mel

Labels: Going Out, Japan Exchange 2008, Scary, Tokyo

Monday, September 29, 2008

Tokyo Welcomes You

Despite my whines about not being in Beijing anymore, I am absolutely high on Tokyo. I have this little apartment that is so completely tiny yet very cozy. Honestly I think that's all the space I need anyway. I'm usually not home half the time and when I am, I just sit on my bed watching movies and Gossip Girl Season 2 (YEAH!).

My room looks a bit messy in the photo because it was taken on the second day I moved in so I was still attempting to unpack. Don't judge my neatness by this photo -_-;;

The little kitchen and laundry.

The front door and hallway.

The size of my apartment is probably only the size of my room at home (plus the bathroom maybe) but I love it. It's the first time I really feel independent. What's more is that I have actually bought a pan and kettle and I'm cooking for myself. My friends definitely should be proud of me, I'm turning into a domestic goddess! (Although I do cook noodles and pasta in my kettle... just don't tell anyone).

Classes started last Thursday and I managed to create an awesome timetable that lets me have class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only... all starting at 1pm (which means no peak hour train rides!!!). All my classes are in the Mita campus, which is rather small but considering it's smack in the middle of Tokyo (you can see Tokyo Tower from the campus), it's pretty lucky to even be that big. The Hiyoshi and Yagami campus are a few times larger but the Hiyoshi campus is only for the 1st years and the Yagami campus are for science students (haha, they get sent to Kanagawa).

The East gate of Keio University, Mita Campus. This gate is a lot prettier than the South gate.

The Keio and Waseda war is on! My Japanese friends at Keio always go on about how much Waseda sucks LoL.
That's right Waseda and UNSW suck!

I've always had a love/hate relationship with the food in Japan. The memory of gaining 8 kilograms the last time I was here sends my body into nervous convulsions. I have definitely been eating a lot healthier this time around and I've concluded it's because a) No culture shock, b) It's not the first time leaving home for so long and c) I'm not staying at someone else's house. Therefore there is no more need to comfort eat because I'm very comfortable as I am. I can't promise what would happen when exams come along though and the stress builds up...

There is this burger restaurant I always pass by every time I'm in Shibuya (which is a lot, I don't know why I always end up there). I took a photo of it the first time I saw it because I found the name funny, it's called:

One evening before an unexpected night out in Roppongi, I worked up the courage to try this "Freshness Burger", and...

IT WAS THE MOST DELICIOUS BURGER I HAVE EVER HAD lh QB{Q O ;yt-39uiwdokszhc02 y3r!!!!

It wasn't even really fast food because they made it on the spot (although the patty was frozen). It was cheap too, only cost 480yen (AUD$5.50). You can only get burgers that good at select cafe's in Sydney for at least AUD$7.50. I should know... I've had my fair share of burgers.

That's the end of my Tokyo story for today, but I've just bought a new camera in Akihabara so I'll be even more snap happy from now on.

Chu ♥ Mel

Labels: Fatness, Japan Exchange 2008, University

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I miss Beijing!

I know this post has arrived weeks overdue, but you have to understand the pain of setting up bank accounts, buying a new mobile phone, getting your alien registration sorted and going to various orientations.

The first week I arrived in Japan I went to Numazu, Shizuoka to visit my old host family. It felt like I had never left. All the feelings of being thankful and slightly uncomfortable at the same time came rushing back at me. It was great to be able to see everyone again, but also knowing I would be out on my own in weeks time really kept me energetic and happy.

So now I'm alone in Tokyo (besides the new friends I made in my apartment) and I really love it. I love being able to do what I want, whenever I want without really needing to consider anyone else besides my own selfish needs.

I've been to Keio University several times for orientations and an exam. It's a small campus (compared to my USYD) but it's a beautiful place (especially the East gate) . The past few days I've been exploring Roppongi, Harajuku (many times), Shibuya (many times), Ginza, Ueno and Shinjuku. Tokyo is exactly the way I remember it, busy, noisy and efficient. I'm so happy that I'll be part of this crazy city for the next six months.

It's not hard to see I'm really enjoying my time in Tokyo but I cannot avoid the enormous pain of missing Beijing. Of course I miss my family and friends in Sydney very much, but I know I will always go back to them, because that is where my home is. My second home Beijing is a place where I don't know when I'll go back to. Next year? The year after that? I miss the city in general, I miss my cousins (especially Stacy and Oli), I miss my grandparents, I miss BLCU, I miss Noody, Arnaud and Han, hell I even miss Xidan. My mother says I love Beijing because whenever I'm there I'm always relaxing, eating, partying and shopping, but now I know I really truly love Beijing since I had to wake up at 5:45am every morning in order to get to Uni and travel for 3 hours to and back on the annoying subway.

Whenever I hear my friends who are still in Beijing talk about what they are doing there or when I read about the adventures of my friend Gracie who has been going to many of the places I went to as well I feel incredibly sad. So here are a stack of photos to remind me of one of the best months I've ever had, Beijing Summer 2008.

Arnaud after class writes: "China Add Oil" aka "Go China!"

Me after class about to write: "I love Beijing".

I'm going to miss my class in BLCU.

This was my favorite place on the BLCU campus.

In one of the restaurants in BLCU, on the last day with my teacher. She was so nice.

In the BLCU campus, right outside the building my class studied in.

Going to watch a Kung-fu show organized by BLCU. I'm with Julian, Arnaud and Noody.

The Kung-fu show was at the Red Theatre.

We weren't allowed to take photos during the show but were able to take photos with the cast once it was finished. It was a good show, part Kung-fu, part aerobatics and part dance.

Outside the Great Hall of the People with Arnaud about to watch an Opera performance.

Outside the Great Hall of the People with Noody.

Inside the Great Hall of the People.

The ceiling inside the theater of the Great Hall of the People

The stage and orchestra. The show was being broadcast by CCTV music channel.

Taken from the steps of the Great Hall of the People. It shows the Monument to the People's Heroes at the center of the Tiananmen Square.

When we got outside we realized there was many people and paparazzi surrounding someone. I thought it was an athlete at first but then realized that Pierre Cardin also went to see the same opera performance as we did. I wanted Arnaud and Noody to ask him if he'll give me free clothes but there were too many people haha.

In the Audi shop at Wangfujing. This is the car my cousin Stacy wants. I'm personally not a fan of Audi.

In the Oriental Plaza in Wangfujing. There were Olympic uniform displays (by Nike) of various countries.

With the Chinese basketball team. Haha. Unfortunately Sun Yue doesn't isn't sponsored by Nike so he wasn't there =(

My cousin Stacy waiting for our Ramen at Aijisen Ramen.

Stacy and I. I'm going to miss her so much.

Having dinner with my aunties on the last day I was in Suzhou.

Beijing Train Station.

Chu ♥ Mel

Labels: Beijing, Japan Exchange 2008, Tokyo

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Olympics

Okay, I wrote this post about two weeks ago before I left to go to Suzhou and Shanghai, so it may seem a little old, especially now that I'm back in Beijing.

Studying Chinese in Beijing during the 2008 Beijing Olympics is probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. The atmosphere is great. I love the Olympics, it's the only time I can spend all day watching sport without anyone nagging me. I love watching the Men's Basketball, Women's Volleyball and the Men's Tennis. I also enjoy watching the Diving, Gymnastics and Track & Field but I've developed a new liking to Fencing.

A few day ago my friend Han and I went shopping at the Dongwuyuan Fuzhuan Pifa Shichang (the Zoo Fashion Markets). Although there was a large selection of clothes and everything was super cheap (20, 30RMB anyone? = AUD$3.5, $4.70), the clothes were so horrendously ugly that I wouldn't wear any of it even if they paid me. I went to a slightly nicer market shopping centre called 3.3 in Sanlitun and I found the clothes there relatively okay. The designs weren't too bad but they priced everything fairly high for market standards (around 780RMB but I heard you can bargain it down to at least 300RMB). Han's cousin told me that a lot of the same things at 3.3 can be found in the Zoo Fashion Markets but the problem is when everything is dumped together nothing really looks nice anymore. The main problem is the quality, I'm a true believer in quality, so I would rather buy a high quality item than buy five low quality items. Because the Zoo Fashion Markets are so cheaply priced the quality of the items aren't that great either. When shopping at the markets you really have to be wary of the quality and the choice of material. The second problem is Chinese fashion is very much influenced by it's neighbors, Korea and Japan. Korean and Japanese style (日韩风格) is extremely unique. If you pull it off well it can look amazing, but if you don't suit it (like me) or if you go too overboard you can end up looking amazingly clown-like. I personally really don't like this "Fob style" (as some people call it), because it does not go well with my body shape and having grown up in Sydney I've become more influenced by European style. So being surrounded by low quality, Fob style clothing was shopping hell for me. Han and I were so disappointed when we left empty handed, we decided to go to Wangfujing and shop there. I bought a dress and added another shirt to my budding white shirt collection. I bought the shirt from a shop called Seven Days which stores the designs of various Chinese designers. There were a few avant garde pieces that I loved but due to the changing of seasons a lot of the stock was on sale which also meant a limited number of sizes. I tried on a few skirts and I liked a structured one which stuck out on the sides, but it was a size too small and although I could just squeeze into it, it did make it hard to breathe haha.

That same night we ended up in Mcdonalds because the Women's Volleyball China vs. USA preliminary match was on. We shopped while the match was on and only came to watch the last few points of each set on the big screen inside the shopping centre. But by the 5th set the shopping centre closed so we all went into the Mcdonalds to watch. It was so much fun, everyone was cheering when China scored a point. It was like that Mcdonalds ad shown on Australian TV in which a bunch of strangers came together and were cheering on the same team. Although China lost the match, the experience was unforgettable.

I went to Happy Valley (欢乐谷) an Amusement Park in Beijing with my oldest cousin and two friends. My favorite ride was the Superman ride. I don't know the proper name but it's a roller coaster in which you begin sitting down in the seat, then it flips you on your stomach and goes on a roller coast track. Absolute adrenaline rush!

With my oldest cousin. She looks younger than me ;_;

The view behind us of Happy Valley.

Dinner after water gunning each other at Happy Valley.

The next few photos I took during Chinese class at BLCU. I did really well for my exams so I'm happy!!! The most important thing I've achieved attending this 4-week course is that I am no longer afraid to read Chinese newspapers and magazines. Before I would be frightened of all those Chinese characters and basically not even attempt to read anything, but now I try to read whatever I get my hands on. Although the newspaper is still slightly hard a) since it's boring, and b) the professional language used, I happily read Vogue China and Cosmopolitan Shishang (时尚).