Giant Don Quijote store in Nagoya

After visiting Oasis 21, we walked to the new Don Quijote store in Nagoya (it wasn't there on our first visit). It was a very windy night so we took shelter there.

You can always find some weird things to buy at Donki. Full body suits for men. I honestly don't know any guys that would wear these....even on Halloween!

All the junk in the world! Could be good as presents though.

Again with my rice cooker obsession. I always check out the different brands. Just in case I need a new one ;)

Takoyaki maker. Was contemplating getting this but too heavy and I don't think it's easy to make takoyaki :(

Pens anyone? All the different colours, brands, and types you could ever need. I always have pens inside my purse.

I need a bike basket!

My favourite section, SNACKS!!

I'm allergic to crabs but this looks like an interesting snack to take a picture of since I can't eat it.

Forgot what this was made of but it's edible! Eat money!!

mmm...cookies! I was so surprised that I had willpower and didn't buy cookies.

Sochu and sake section!

Sakura flavoured wine.

Oh yes!!!! Thank god I can buy pocky here in Toronto or else, I would have bought this.

Souvenir section. All kinds of things you can buy to take home.

What I Ate: Lunch in Obu

We stayed in Obu, Aichi for two nights before leaving for Taiwan. On our full day in Obu, A was not feeling well so we decided to stay in our hotel instead of going to downtown Nagoya. 

Obu is so small and there is barely anything to do there. After staying in our room the whole morning, we decided to walk around Obu. It was very windy but we still walked around. 

We just kept walking trying to find some of sort of life in Obu but it was mostly quiet. We found a post office and we took out some cash from the ATM but aside from that, it was deserted. We walked back to our hotel and I asked the receptionist if she could recommend a restaurant for lunch. We communicated in broken English and I half understood her instructions on where to go. It was a short walk from our hotel.

We hesitantly entered Mikado restaurant. It was actually lively there with senior people having their lunch. We sat on the mat and our server tried to communicate with us but she gave up and found another lady who spoke English. She helped us with the menu and ordered our food. 

Of course, I ordered a bento because that's what I do. I loved it!

And my boyfriend ordered this chirashi bowl.

I was surprised when they brought it out because there was a lot of dishes! I was in heaven! This is exactly what I wanted. So many different small dishes for me to taste..yaasss!!! I loved the custard and also the tamago (rolled egg). Everything was delicious. I didn't recognize a few ingredients but it was fine, I ate everything anyway! and it was also a very affordable lunch!

My legs were hurting after seating down on the floor for long time. I don't know how people can sit on the floor for hours. I need more practice.

Life Update 3.0

Omg it's March!!!! How did two months of 2017 be gone already?

 Are you having a great 2017 so far? 

My January was quite bleak. I had some setbacks in my goals but I am still pushing it through to make it happen. Crossing my fingers!

I spent a lot of time learning in January. I want to keep my mind active and my body too so I'm always looking for new activities/hobbies to try. I went to swim classes to finally face my fear of the deep end. It was horrible at first but now I am a bit better with not freaking out. My confidence level went up after that experience.

I went away on vacation again on my birthday. I decided to go back to Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba. I was planning to go to Tulum but after the recent violence there, I just didn't feel safe to go. I just didn't want to worry while I was on vacation. I wanted complete relaxation and I always get that in Cuba.

I didn't regret my choice because I had the best time! Had some good weather as well so I got to swim in the ocean and snorkel.

I'll be posting about my trip soon I hope. I'm so back logged with my posting :(

I'm already planning my next trip, haha.

What are your travel plans for this year?? 

Travel Tips Part I

I started writing down my tips while I travel and somehow accumulated a lot of it so here are my travel tips (in no particular order). Hope this list will help you smooth out your travels. 

1. Always bring comfortable shoes. I walk a lot when I travel so I have finally learned to pack my sneakers. It might not be the most stylish but it is very comfortable and I don't get blisters. 

2. Pack your crossbody bag with you. This is especially helpful when you are traveling to Europe. Pick pockets are everywhere so make sure you have your bag in front of you at all times. And also allows you to carry your hand luggage more easily.

3. Always watch your steps. Cobblestones and poop in Europe are dangerous! 

4. If you wear a backpack, make sure wear it in front when you are in crowded places. Or lock the zippers.

5. Or don't store any valuables in your backpack and keep a small crossbody bag for your valuables.

6. Always pack an emergency kit and medicine. I can't stress this enough since I always get sick. Make sure you have advil, band aids, pepto, strepsil, neocitran, etc on your kit.

7. Bring pens for those customs paperwork. And bring extra's for people who forget (i.e my boyfriend). Do not use ink pens as it will smudge.

8. I always pack chamomile tea to cure upset stomach.

9. Always pack socks, scarf, tissue's, hand sanitizer, eye mask, travel pillow, headphones, and disposable hand wipes on your carry on. 

10. Pack snacks. No one wants to go hangry! 

11.  Always bring bug spray when going to tropical destinations. And at least 2 bottles of sunscreen (it sucks running out and paying more $$).

12. Leave your expensive jewellery at home.

13. Have a sweater/hoodie handy when you board the plane. It's always chilly inside and it's better to have it with you by the time you sit down instead of fumbling around the overhead bins once you take off.

14. Always pack the chargers for the electronics that you will be using on your flight.

15. Keep a hard copy of your plane tickets, hotel reservations, etc. I usually copy it twice. One hard copy on my carry on purse and one inside my luggage. And I have it on my email as well.

16. Always keep small change of the local currency for tipping.