OLIVIA SOH

2024 Ramadhan buffet dinner 'Sajian Tradisi Turun-Temurun' @ Lexis Suites Penang

By 靜涵 ♥ - March 24, 2024

0 Comments

Northeast Japan 2024 | Zao Fox Village | GET CLOSE WITH CUTE FOXES

By 靜涵 ♥ - March 17, 2024

Zao Fox Village | GET CLOSE WITH CUTE FOXES 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐

Zao Fox Village was in our list to visit for months. We had add this because we could be close with real fox (nearly) in the wild, in a lifetime (even we explored for 30 minutes only... we were late)

It was a real bliss to be in large field full of many wild fox surrounded that you can take photo closely (I still do not know their rule said to not allow to take a photo because everyone put their camera in their hands, and sometime the staff went in the field to prohibit, but later just went out and allow everyone again).

Anyway the village itself is basically a large enclosure where the foxes roam about doing whatever they please and you can walk around and explore inside the enclosure. The foxes seemed pretty used to having people around so many of them didn't care much if you walked right up to them.

I recommend buying treats from inside the shop before you go in the enclosure as once the foxes realize you have food for them they will come right up to you and follow you around (I didn't buy as we were super late and rushed in) There were plenty of signs up warning visitors that foxes can bite and such but I found that they were pretty tame as long as you kept your awareness about you.

They do have some foxes in smaller caged areas which I believe were younger foxes that weren't ready to go into the large enclosure yet (some of the foxes fight so this would be for their safety until they are older) and a few other caged areas that had foxes which needed better attention to look after.

ps...

If you are "against" zoo types of environments then this place will probably trigger you pretty hard, however. In my view all of the foxes there seemed well cared for and looked after (some were perhaps a little chubby even). It seemed to me like the staff cared about the well-being of the foxes too.

On your way out I recommend you spend a bit of time looking around the shop too as it has a bunch of pretty awesome gifts and fox related stuff that you can purchase. Defy the skeptics in here, the Fox Village is well worth the effort and expense in getting here.

Entry cost ¥1000 (RM32)

0 Comments

Northeast Japan 2024 | Accommodation | Tokyo - Fukushima - Ginzan Onsen - Sendai - Tokyo

By 靜涵 ♥ - February 22, 2024

OH MY GAWD FEBRUARY WAS GREAT.

2023 has been too good for me. Spent my year to travel to 6 countries (I manifested!) and this year, couldn't be more excited for 2024. and oh, how I missed Japan and felt good to be back again! To be honest, it's been SO long and I don't know where to start.

Well, I'll just go with the flow. Just completed 10 days trip to Northeast Japan and I an happy to say that I love Japan even more than before (BUT not Tokyo, tbh i did not like it and it is a bit hard to love it) I do not love the place that it is busy with people rushing frantically down every street, every day. Not really enjoy a place when people were knocking into me every other second. For the weather, during the period of my visit was extremely fickle with temperature ranging from -7 to 20 degree Celsius.

WHERE I STAYED IN JPN

Accommodation (price per night)

Fukushima : Hotel Ookawaso RM1356

Ginza Onsen: Hotel Takikmikan RM1331.05

Sendai : Westin Hotel RM1845.34

Tokyo : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku RM1287.90

All the hotels I stayed, I couldn't have loved it more! The hotel room had everything I needed after long day exploring. Not gonna lie, I just completely fell in love with all of the hotels and onsen, and would heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere cozy to stay in Northeast Japan.

Ookawaso Hotel, Fukushima

DEMON SLAYER INFINITY CASTLE IN REAL LIFE iykyk

The hotel two main features include the beautiful hotel lobby with the water flowing through and nightly Shamisen performance (IT WAS GRAND- OPEN). I hear the sound of rushing water all the time. So one of the really nice things about this onsen hotel is it has not only outdoor onsen, but it has outdoor onsen that we can book privately.

This is a deluxe Japanese hotel, where I can indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience by enjoying the outdoor baths overlooking the breathtaking Ookawa River from a cliff!! The serene setting is especially rewarding, it's well worth for frozen toes.

Upon entering my main Japanese-style room, I was immediately struck by its spaciousness and elegant furnishings. The room also boasted a bathroom attached, adding to the convenience and comfort of the stay. What truly sets this hotel apart is that ALL OF THE ROOMS offer stunning views of the canyon with the river flowing below.

Breakfast and dinner (nightly kaiseki) were included, and one of the best parts of staying in this onsen hotel was experiencing Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine (a truly amazing dining experience💗).

Traditional kaiseki meals come with numerous courses, and I wasn't disappointed. To start, I enjoyed a variety of appetizers, followed by a selection of soups infused with Chinese herbs. The highlight was the bowl of sashimi, featuring fresh tamarugo tuna and other delightful pieces.Moving on to the hot pot, first, butter sizzled on the hot plate. Local Fukushima wagyu sirloin, along with asparagus—a local delicacy—made for a delectable combination, perfectly complemented by sake. The aroma of the beef promised a flavorful experience, and it certainly delivered.

Accompanying the meat were mushrooms, pumpkin (hehe my favorite), bell pepper, wheat gluten, and sanche. The miso sauce with citrus juice added just the right amount of mild acidity, enhancing the tender meat.

The next course brought a delightful cup of chawanmushi, followed by a variety of fried and steamed delicacies, along with soba noodles and soup—a specialty of Aizu cuisine. The soba noodles were flawless, with an aroma and texture that were simply perfect. Various other dishes added to the culinary adventure, leading up to the final course: dessert.

But the most interesting thing was we savored our meal in a private dining room & with the sound of rushing water beneath us adding to the ambiance, what a vibe!

After a restful night's sleep on our futon mattress, the breakfast was equally delightful. Good mood good food. The menu offered Japanese, Western, and Chinese options, including one of my favorites: egg over rice, prepared by the chef right in front of me. The fluffy meringue with rich Aizu chicken yolk was a perfect way to start the day (I don't have photo for it, but videos are on my IG @oliviasoh_ )

My Rate 4.5/5!!

Hotel Takimikan

Enter the World of "Spirited Away"

Living my spirited away moment 💖 Wandering around the quiet onsen down of Ginzan Onsen aka Spirited Away irl.

Embarking on a snowy retreat to the charming town of Ginza Onsen, our first stop was the picturesque Hotel Takimikan. Though the hotel is not in the Ginza Onsen main street it is totally fine because the room has direct view to the waterfall n there is a 3 mins walkway down to the main street. And you know what, the hotel thoughtfully provided boots and jacket for us in the room.

Walking the town both during daylight and evening, the atmosphere was magical during both times (Preferably evening ops but morning is cool). The ryokans lining the main street seemed a bit cramped, so we were glad to have chosen Takimikan.

Our room was on the second floor of the main building, spacious, with a wonderful view of the mountains, woods and the waterfall downhill.

The food was delicious, invigorating breakfast.

The breakfast is not buffet style but like those fine dining few courses meal.

Overall, the room is comfortable especially the mattress n there is chair overseeing the waterfall from window. Highly rated because of our room had a good view of the waterfall, snow covered trees and slopes hehehehe!

The Westin, Sendai

Beyond expectations!

Had a lovely stay for nights in this hotel - the tallest building in Sendai.

The room itself was very spacious for a Japanese hotel with a large bathroom with full sized bath.

The executive lounge had a well stocked fridge of juices, sodas and milk. In the evening, the appetizers of crab canapés, salad, soup, and a full bar satisfied us enough that we didn’t need dinner. The skyscraper lights were a bonus. Overall, the room was excellent; the hotel was quiet, and the service was top-notched

Speaking of views, the sunsets from our room were nothing short of fabulous. ! Loved all the lights I could see at night too. Location-wise, the hotel couldn't have been better situated. Just a brisk 10-minute stroll from the JR Station, it offered convenience without sacrificing tranquility.

Without a doubt, we will be returning to this hotel on our next visit to Sendai (can we get an upgrade? @Thewestinsendai <3 )

coming up ⏫

part 2 - itinerary & my next destination

1 Comments

RANDOM

It's okay to not be okay | Inspired Podcast

By 靜涵 ♥ - November 23, 2021

Rough patch, a bad day, a major setback. Sometimes, it seems like one thing goes wrong after another. And another, and another.

Hello real-one beautifuls, I hope everyone is been doing well (i hope, 'everyone'). I haven't really been busy.. I mean I've been busy academically but in terms of real productive work. There has not been too much of that which I personally don't really mind because I know that once school started again gonna be like crazy and hectic so I'm trying to hold on and used the last second that turning my head off and my brain off and not doing much of anything. It is a little bit exhausting, to be honest, to kinda like force myself to not like not doing too much.

IDK WHAT IM SAYING but

Sometimes an unexpected challenge or an obstacle might come in my way, and I find myself stressing out, worrying and not knowing what to do. And, some days, I just have nothing. Zero motivation, no creativity. All of a sudden, I'm being plagued with self-doubt.

It's really hard for me to kinda differentiate actual balance in my routine and I mentioned this before

I always have such unhealthy lifestyle balance. Am I just a perpetually 'unbalance' person.
Deep topic here once again. Let me share a nice podcast I've listened just recently.

This really plays a big part in my life (well, at this moment)

Know that my feelings are temporary. Sometimes it does feel like I start to lose control over everything– this is why in my experience, sticking to my regular routine is crucial.

I honestly was so blown away by her talk. With the fact that I allowed those overwhelming feelings to take over. I didn’t meditate, I didn’t get my daily workouts in, I ate crappy food, I didn’t keep up with my gratitude journal- I didn’t do any of those things that help me stay sane, happy and motivated. I think that this is why keeping up with your regular routine as much as possible is very important during stressful times.

When I get in that funk, it’s very easy to start blaming myself, or others for my problems. It’s very important that despite whatever it is that I'm going through, I forgive both myself and anyone else I might be blaming. I think that we all tend to be way too hard on ourselves, overanalyzing every situation that might have played out differently if we made a different decision, etc.

I guess like the takeaway from that podcast episode is that perfectly fine to not be okay. You’re allowed to change your mind, to take a break or leave a situation you don’t feel comfortable in. There’s no need to blame yourself for any of those things just like there’s no need to feel bad about… feeling bad.

We should all be allowed to fall apart sometimes so that we can find ourselves all over again.

0 Comments

Book

Mini Book Review | The 5 Second Rule - Mel Robbins

By 靜涵 ♥ - November 22, 2021

Okay beautifuls. Just smashed some very strong coffee *issa great start to the day right!*

I am seriously overwhelmed with emotion as I am writing this because I loved [ The 5 second rule ] so much I had to share!

I've used the 5 Second Rule in my own life when I'm overthinking and just need to do the thing already.

I've recommended it as a tool for friends who are paralyzed by indecision and want to stop second-guessing themselves.

But high fiving myself in the mirror?

I was more than a little skeptical that such a simple action could have any profound impact on my life.

But then I heard Mel explain the neuroscience and research behind the High 5 Habit on Lacy Phillips' podcast, To Be Magnetic, and I decided to give it a try.

Fundamentally, the 5 second rule is a count down and then you physically move (5,4,3,2,1 and MOVE)

It's kinda like when you count backwards after 1 and there is no place to go

SO THAT IS YOUR CUE TO MOVE, TO BLAST OFF

If one habit could help me stop avoiding mirrors, or help me be kinder to my reflection when I'm getting ready in the mornings... If one habit could help me stop the automatic process of scrutinizing my face and cataloguing every perceived flaw even before I've had the chance to take a shower...

It was worth trying.

I am a visual person

So when I use the rule I like to really think I am like a rocket and blast off from where I am

One biggest takeaway is that don’t wait to say something or find the perfect time to say something. Sometimes we all, including myself wait for the “right” time to have a conversation or bring something up. In reality is there ever a right time?! Don’t wait, have those talks now.

So every morning for the past week I've leaned into the bathroom mirror, made myself look into my own eyes and high-fived my reflection.

When you've spent your entire life picking apart your appearance, it can feel emotional when your inner self senses relief may be on the way.

Also, Mel Robbins is right. The very act of doing things when I think of them, not when I feel like doing them. This is something I am constantly working on. It can be a hard one, but really makes a difference for me throughout the day.

Per Mel, it's using the science of neurobics to help break unhealthy, destructive patterns of behavior.

For me, the high five habit is like witnessing yourself coming to your own aid.

The effect has been so moving that I don't just do it in the mornings.

I find myself high-fiving my reflection several times a day.

You will find it hard AT FIRST no joke

Use the rule starting off small.

For instance, if you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, make a commitment that when your alarms goes off

5 4 3 2 1 GET OUT OF BED

Creating trust with yourself and building your personal integrity.

Holding yourself accountable and learning to trust yourself :)

Not out of self-absorption or vanity, but because there's something that softens and breaks open when you're no longer available for doing battle with yourself.

Try it. Do it with intention. See what happens for you.

I listed to the audio version of the book on Youtube and it is read by her. You really feel like you are in a one on one mentoring session with her. She can really relate and is fun to listen too.

But If you need a softcopy version, dm me on Twitter @jinghan_ljt

0 Comments