Visiting Japan 2 - Hokkaido

18 July 2010, leaving Sashi's house in Niigata at 8.30 am to the ferry terminal to board the ferry, Shin Nihonkai at 10.30am to Otaru, Hokkaido. Sashi bought tickets 2nd class berth return for Yen 14,250 but Sashi has to pay more because she took her car along. My suggestion to share cost was turned down. Cruising in the Shin Nihonkai was just like cruising Star Cruise to Penang, Langkawi and Phuket. The ship is well equipped and huge with quite a big crowd on the way to Hokkaido as the Japanese were enjoying a long weekend.










We were treated to a traditional Japanese dance from Sado Island at Niigata. Like most eastern countries the dancers were only men. Though the number of ship passengers were quite large, the sail was calm and quiet, thanks to the well disciplined culture of the Japanese.
We arrived at Otaru around 4.30am and the day was already bright. Weather forecast said it would rain in Hokkaido. Sashi and I prayed that the rain would stay away until we visited all the lavender farms as we planned - it did, in the morning! This would be a first visit to see lavender farms for Sashi too and we looked forward to the experience with much anticipation.

Sashi has planned the itinerary for this visit from 18 to 22 july 2010.

Visit 1 - Chow Ei Lavender Farm, Furano, Hokkaido.
I was fascinated by rows and rows of lavender shrubs. The air was fresh with scintillating lavender scent. This was my first sight of lavender planted in abundance and I was in awe. Our cameras clicked non-stop. Every angle looked superb. Sashi, though a Japanese, has not been here before. We were two excited senior 'teenagers'. The farm planted colourful flowers as well, in rows making it looked so gorgeous. I was informed that in winter when lavender lay dormant, the hillside is used for skiing, that explains the chair lifts found there.





As this was our first lavender farm, we spent quite some time there forgetting there were many more we were supposed to visit.



Lavender shrub.














Sashi taking photos of hilly lavender field.














Taken from downhill, Chow Ei Lavender farm, Furano, Hokkaido.















Lavender field decoratively planted with colourful flowers.













The public park next to Chow Ei Farm.












Visit 2 - Tomita Lavender Farm, Furano, Hokkaido.
The day was still clear. Tomita farm is reputed to be the biggest lavender farms in Japan and it is. We have to walk and walk on flat land as well as climbing the hills. Purple lavender colour spread in big expanse of land intermitten by colourful lilies, marygold, sunflowers and other flowers which I am ignorant of their names. Indeed, it was a sight to behold. By this time we were tired of walking and in need to rest our poor feet, so we weren't able to explore every field at Tomita.









At Tomita Farm with Sashi.

























Visit 3 - Tomita Farm East, Furano.





Welcoming entrance at Tomita Farm East, Furano.















Rows and rows of purplish-pink lavender decorated the landscape at Tomita Farm East with green-blue hills as the backdrop.













Scenery of Tomita Farm East from the lookout platform.









Visit 4. Kanno Lavender Farm, Furano.
Another gorgeous lavender farm with wild flowers grow in abundance on the hill is Kanno Lavender Farm. Unfortunately by the time we arrived there on 19 July, it was raining. So the visit was a swift one but the next day we returned to the Kanno again as the day was bright and hot.















Kanno Farm taken from downhill.











Wild flowers grow in abundance at Kanno. From the top of the hill, there is a breathtaking view of green farms across the road.
















Another fabulous scenery of Kanno Farm and its neighbours.









Visit 5. Saribu Hill Lavender Farm and and Otomu Lavender Farm, Biei.







Picturesque Saribu Hill Lavender Farm in Biei.











With Sashi.















Rows of white lavender at the car park.

















From Saribu Hill Lavender Farm overlooking Otomo Lavender farm as its neighbour.












Striking huge red lillies lined Saribu Hill Lavender Farm making the farm filled with riots of colours. It was sheer magic.















Otomo Lavender farm lookout house which we failed to visit. Our feet have given way and we needed much rest by flopping down on the clean fresh green grass.











Lavender, Otomo Farm.














Otomo Farm sun flowers aglore - huge and fresh all facing the same direction, the sun.















Another view of Otomo Farm.










Visit 6. Shikisai Hill Lavender Farm, Biei.
If we were speechless with the beauty of the lavender farms we have visited, Shikisai Hill really made us gape in awe - vast area full of colours. Our first visit was dampened by rain but the repeat visit the next day was most satisfying. Though we wanted to see every corner of the farm, it was not possible as the area is really vast.
We just let our eyes soaked in the breathtaking views there.



























Welcoming visitors.It was drizzling. We abandoned this first visit but we returned to this farm again the next day.










The ice-cream kiosk at the farm. Try lavender ice-cream - delicious!!















Amidst sunflowers the soothing view of the valley.

















Another gorgeous view from Shikisai Hill Farm.







Visit 7. Saiko no Sato at Nakafurano.

It was a hot scorching day. Even though I come from a hot country all year round, the dry summer of Hokkaido bit on my skin. I can feel my skin burn but thank God, being brown skin I don't get sunburn easily. Another long walk up the hill. I envy Sashi who is so fit, slim and young-looking. She climbed up the hill effortlessly and here I came way behind, panting. But I made it too as I did in all the hilly lavender farms we had visited.









Up the hill the view was superb.












Another part of Saiko farm.












In honesty, I really had marvellous time at all the lavender farms. Though they may look the same but every farm is unique with its own design and presentation. I didn't get bored of looking at the lavender farms, every one of them is so charming and attractive. I could stay all day just enjoying the colourful sight. What I appreciate most is none of the farms charger any entrance fee. Anybody could walk in and soak in the colourful views and the farms are so clean and well taken care of, not even a small litter in sight.
I am most grateful to Sashi for making an effort to go with me and arranged all the visits in Hokkaido. Thank God, we share a lot in common, though there was some language barrier we got by and able to communicate and laughed together -two beautiful senior ladies having a good time. Thank you many, many times over, Sashi!!! We had a great time, didn't we?

Visiting Japan 1 - arrival

Hiro, Sashi's son who teaches English at a local high school and his Korean wife, Chunja, a vetenarian.
















At the Sushi restaurant in Chiba with Sashi and Chunja.








16 July 2010, I flew to Narita airport by Malaysia airline, to be met by my Japanese friend, Sashi at the airport. Her son, Hiro and Korean daughter-in-law, Chunja were waiting there. It was nice meeting Sashi again after 8 years.
We had sushi at a restaurant in Chiba.
Communal bath in Japan is very common. Hiro suggested we went to a communal bath to clean ourselves before going back to his apartment. As his apartment is small it would be inconvenient to the neighbours to hear shower or bath by 4 people. I agreed. I have never done this before.
A small amount of fee was charged for using this facilities, we were allocated a locker and then we have to strip naked. If you're bashful of your body, you have a choice - go back with sweaty body. Of course there are separate sections for men and women.The procedure before taking the bath is as follows:
1. Bring a face towel for rubbing and soaping yourself.
2. Strip naked and store your belonging at a allocated locker.
3. With naked body, shower, soap and thoroughly clean yourself. Soap, shampoom conditioner and body wash are provided.
4. Go into one of the warm pools, together with other bathers soak yourself and relax.
5. You can choose different jacuzzi to massage your tired body and later dip yourself in cool water, if you want.
6. Stay as long as you like in the warm pool or go to sauna, if you prefer.
7. When you have enough, shower again to rinse yourself, dry your body and put your clothes on.
8. Use the hair dryer, facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer provided.
9. Finally, you will feel fresh and invigorating.
I can guarantee you that nobody is interested to look at your body!!

17 July 2010, Sashi and I took a train to Niigata city to Sashi's house, not knowing it was a long way away, about 4 hours ride and 5 hours bus ride. I felt guilty for putting her in such a troubling situation. Tokyo train station is bewildering, riddled with numerous lines. Not knowing Japanese can be intimidating. Thank God, I have Sashi with me.








Meeting new friend at the station, Keiko, at the train station. She is retired and can converse in English.










Toshi, Sashi's husband, welcomed me at Niigata City train station. As he doesn't speak English, we greeted each other by shaking hands and bowing politely.








Picture taken in front of their house.








They have beautiful home with small, well-taken care Japanese garden. I experienced a Japanese hospitality that delighted me and hope I can return it with Malay hospitality when they visit Malaysia one day.




















The corner of Sashi's Japanese garden at her house.








Thank you Sashi, Toshi, Hiro and Chunja for your kind hospitality. You accepted me as your guest gracefully and as a part of your family. I really felt honoured. May God Bless You all.

Broken heart

Mok guarding Rania. He is smaller in weight than usual. 28 July 2010.
















The King of the house, Mok during his glorious days. Isn't he a gem!
















My chubby Mok at his best.













Mok undergoing dialysis at UPM clinic in PJ.
















Heart is a fragile thing. It can be broken many times. I know I am going to be heart broken again. My fat, cuddly, adorable, gorgeous, placid, bushy, manja, beautiful and the best cat in the world, Mok, is sick with renal failure, just like Raisa. We have not got over the death of Raisa yet and now facing another threat of losing my wonderful Mok. I was in Japan when Ika emailed me saying Mok is losing weight more and not wanting to eat. My heart crushed and I worried that Mok would not make it as long as we want it. I hate to see him suffer and it's breaking my heart.
Mok has been my therapist, accepting me with no judgment, listening patiently when I grumbled or when I am in despair. He gave so much comfort when he snuggled closely to me with his head on my chest and purring contentedly. Ika and Izrin have been taking care of him faithfully and we all are so concerned about his deteriorating condition. He has gone to dilysis regularly but there is no weight gain. When I came back I was shocked to see him so small. Usually he will swagger when he walks with his round belly almost touching the floor, confident that he has a place in everyone's heart. He can do no wrong.
We are at a loss at what to do next to make him better and gain weight again. I have to forced-feed him. Believe it or not, I have to forced-feed him with fish. Mok has always been a one-track mind kind of guy - he eats only his biscuits. No amount of fish or other attractive, delicious food will entice him to eat. He just sniffed at it and with disdain, walked away.
Today 29 July 2010, Mok was hospitalised in animal hospital UPM. His left kidney is in bad condition and he lost more weight. I was devastated and couldn't help tearing while driving home. I felt so helpless and miss him already. Mok is supposed to be in hospital for 5 days but it could be longer.
Please Mok, eat and get well. I love you soooooooo very much.


Raisa died on 15 June 2010.