Grids Sapporo Hotel and Hostel review

Hokkaido was the first stop of my two months in Japan and after three weeks of WWOOF-ing in Hidaka, I headed to Sapporo for the 69th Sapporo Snow Festival. The last time I was in the city, I stayed at the Khaosan Sapporo hostel about a ten minutes walk from Susukino station and five minutes from Tanukikoji shopping arcade. However this time, I couldn't get a last minute booking at Khaosan hostel which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I ended up booking at Grids Sapporo Hotel and Hostel.

Shinyokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohoma

I super love ramen and everytime I go to Japan, one of my must visit places for ramen was of course Ichiran Ramen, found in many cities in Japan except Hokkaido and Okinawa (whyyyyy?).

Anyhow, this post isn't about Ichiran Ramen but rather an unique place that all ramen lovers should visit at least once when in Tokyo and that is the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum (spelled Raumen on their site)

Nagoya Women's Marathon training: Running Circles around the Emperor

I ran circles around the Emperor.

Not literally of course. Because I would be arrested and thrown into a Japanese prison where I would probably treated quite well. Anyway, back to the story at point. What I meant was, I finally dragged my lazy ass out of bed and took to the well-known running route of the Imperial Palace right in the middle of Tokyo.

A PB I think

The Tokyo Imperial Palace was iconic, being the place of residence for the Emperor and the heart of Tokyo itself. But to runners, the landmark was something else entirely. The finishing line of the one of the World Major Marathon series - the Tokyo Marathon. It was also a popular running circuit for runners as it was one of the few major parks with a traffic-light less route ie not having to stop every 500 meters for a traffic light or people to cross. Uninterrupted, it was a 5km route of flat road with 230 meter ascent. In other words, it was just the place I needed to get some training in for the Nagoya Women's Marathon next month.

WWOOFing in Hokkaido on a Horse Ranch

Before embarking on a two months trip across Japan, I never realised how many things I have taken for granted. Warm water readily available, easy access to shops and even the simple phone connection. Because all of these were unavailable at the horse ranch in Hokkaido where I spent three weeks working as part of the WWOOF programme.

Flying into Hokkaido

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm where travellers help out a farm, cafe, restaurant or in my case, a horse ranch in exchange for accommodation and food. Big shoutout to my friend Chee Ching who gave me the idea of participating in this programme. On top of that, before signing up for WWOOF, I also found out I had gotten into the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2018 so my two months adventure was planned out with some running training in mind.

Watchu looking at? 

The 69th Sapporo Snow Festival 2018 Highlights

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's biggest festival with international and locals flocking to the northern island of Japan to experience this one week event. When I went to Hokkaido to WWOOF in Hidaka for three weeks, it just so happened that my trip coincided with the festival and I simply could not miss this opportunity.

Starbucks Malaysia Celebrates VD with Limited Time Specials

Is it just me or is the seasonal drinks at Starbucks Malaysia becoming boring? While Starbucks Japan has also introduced an interesting version of the mocha for the chocoholics for Valentine's Day, Starbucks Malaysia has instead brought back a "returning favourite" - Chocolate Black Tea with Earl Grey Jelly Frappuccino.

Source: coffee.yowazzup.com

Starbucks Japan - Valentine’s Day Chocoholic Special

Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than chocolate. That and drinkware with heaps of hearts in pink and white. It’s easy to mistaken Starbuck Japan’s latest limited edition collection for the ever popular Sakura collection due to the colours but make no mistake. The range introduced on 24 January is made available right up to Valentine’s Day.

Starbucks® Designer Collection Merchandise – Alice + Olivia

Much like Starbucks Japan, Starbacks Malaysia too has released its own exclusive merchandise for the season of love through a collaboration with acclaimed fashion designer, Stacey Bendet.

Designed exclusively for Starbucks, this year’s collection features Alice + Olivia’s signature “Staceface” with a pink makeover and ruby red hearts to complement Stace’s bold lips and big, round glasses, echoing the expressive and fun design philosophy of Alice + Olivia. These limited-edition pieces – designed exclusively for Starbucks by founder Stacey Bendet – will be available starting on 17 January at selected Starbucks stores in Malaysia, while stocks last.

Wine and Dine at Lafite. Shangri-La KL

February is approaching and we all know what that means - Chinese New Year! And also Valentine's Day. 

For those looking for a way to splurge away all your hard-earned ang pow money on your special someone, Lafite, Shangri-La Hotel KL is offered an evening of fine French cuisine, canapes and wines to go with at 'Wine and Dine' every last Friday of the month starting 26 January 2018 from 7pm to 10.30pm at RM 320 nett per person. 

Turret Coffee, Tsukiji

Here's a fun fact. Turret is the name of the trucks driven about by the workers at Tsukiji market. So it  seems about right that there was a little coffee place located within walking distance of Tsukiji station and market called Turret Coffee.

It was so hidden that I walked past the alley in which it was located but quickly backtracked to the Starbucks at the corner where I spotted the little cafe. For the first time in a long time, I walked past a Starbucks in favour of a local cafe. Initial reviews online were promising and boy do I love my salted caramel latte. Which was exactly what I ordered at Turret.