JaFUN..so far

​​I long wanted to see Japan even before I came here in the sandpit.  I find that the country offers so much from sightseeing, to food and never forget the shopping!  I got excited the first time I knew that we were flying to Narita again.  I patiently bid for the flight and of course, it paid off after so many attempts and wishful thinking.  😅

We fly to Narita (one of the two airports that serves the city of Tokyo).  It is farther though but Japan's extensive and effective train system will make your travel easy and stress free.  Let me share with you what I've done in Tokyo in those few times (so far) that I've been.

WORE A YUKATA

I went to Asakusa from Narita Airport via a direct train for the first time.  My goal was to experience wearing the Yukata (a lightweight kimono, cooler to wear during summer) and have my photo taken wearing it.  I booked in advance, online at Tokyo Kimono Rental Wargo's site. The price was around 120++ in dirhams and it included the photo. We were allowed to take photos through our personal cameras and phones too!  You can actually rent the Yukata and go sightseeing while wearing it.

 SENSOJI TEMPLE

Located in Asakusa, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple and also one of the most photographed.

MEETING THE FAMOUS AKITA DOG, HACHIKO

Hachiko, the loyal dog continued to wait for his owner for nine long years in Shibuya train station where they would normally meet after the latter's work.  I've never seen the film about Hachiko but knowing how he became popular was enough to melt my heart.  I love dogs. I grew up having dogs at home and I've seen how they protected and loved us. 

Hachiko's statue was erected at Shibuya Station.  

SHIBUYA CROSSING 

I could not afford to miss the world's busiest intersection on my first visit to the city of Tokyo.  I could not remember how many times I crossed the scramble intersection.  It was raining when I was there but it didn't stop me from having the Shibuya Crossing experience.

TOKYO TOWER AND ZOJOJI TEMPLE

I made my second trip to Narita last August 2017.  I came back to Tokyo to visit their version of the Eiffel Tower.  Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation tower in Japan, is also the second tallest structure in the country. 

I didn't go to the tower itself, I just wanted a view so I went to Shiba park which was built around the temple of Zojoji (a buddhist temple in the neighborhood of Minato).  

MEIJI SHRINE

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine was great for strolling as there were trees around that you do not really feel the heat of the sun.  A torii gate welcomes all the visitors upon entrance.  

SAKURA SEASON

Only during a short period, I was able to experience spring in Japan even only for a day by seeing the cherry blossom trees blooming at Ueno Park.  It was a sight to behold and really one of the must- see in Japan if you ever get the chance.  It was not only popular for tourists but also for all the Japanese too!  

DONKI

I did a little bit of shopping on the side while on a layover. I went to Don Quijote of course ( as also recommended by my friend).  Known as Japan's largest store of discounted goods, I drooled over every floor of their Shibuya branch. I have a list in hand but it was so hard to resist the items that were not on my list!!!! I think I could spend half a day inside! Donki was my all-in-one store whenever I go to Japan, they literally have everything! 

If you want to ask me how I always find my way to go from one place to another around Tokyo, I can tell you it was just knowing where to go and which train station I need to exit.  All of the places I've been and seen so far were very accessible to the train stops.  I still have a long list to tick for my Japan Bucketlist.  Hopefully, I get more Narita flights to operate soon! I long planned to see the Imperial Palace, experience Ichiran, visit the Narita area and so on.  I never thought of thinking twice about why Japan became one of the top tourist destinations.  You could never run out of things to do and see, not just in Tokyo but in the other cities as well.  

Hallo Amsterdam!

One of my favorite destinations to date is the capital of Netherlands - AMSTERDAM.  It is only a 7-hour flight (or even less most of the time) from my base and about 6-hour flight on the way back.  The proximity of Middle East to Europe allowed me to explore every city most of the time even with a short layover.  In this post,  I want to share with you why I always want to visit Amsterdam and what you can you see around even with a short layover or short stay.

Canal and the Canal houses

Dutch pancake

Train system and other public transportation is very easy. 

Schipol Airport has an extensive transport system. We stay at Schipol area and that makes it easy for me to just take a train to wherever I want to go.  Going to Amsterdam Central (which is the city center) is no sweat. You can either take a train or bus, depending on which area of the city you want to go.  If you want to go to Anne Frank House, Dam Square or walk around the shopping area, I suggest you take a train that will take you directly to AMSTERDAM CENTRAL STATION.  Taking a bus is a good option if you want to go to Rijksmuseum, IAMSTERDAM sign and Van Gogh Museum.


Vibrant City

Personally, I find Amsterdam as a city full of life. There are many museums that are worthy to visit and activities that are worth your time.  Walking around in the evening while looking at the lighted canal houses are already a sight of their own.  There are 165 canals in Amsterdam thus, the canal cruise is also a popular activity.  It is also one way of exploring different areas of the city.

Cycling is a very popular activity that you can do if you want to go around the city.  There are a lot of Bike tours offered in the city. Just choose what suites your needs and wants.

If you do not want to rent a bike of go on a canal cruise, you can just grab a map and walk around. In my experience, I didn't realize how much time I spent on walking around especially on my first time. It is very easy to find a spot for a photo op around the city.


Dutch Food is a must try!

I haven't tried all, but the dutch pancake (thin pancakes that can be sweet or savory) and stroopwafel (waffles) are just so good!!!! There are many restaurants in Amsterdam and finding some place to eat will never be a problem.  Cheese is famous in Amsterdam (or maybe in the whole Netherlands). One shop can offer you different types and even different flavors.  If you happen to spend some time in the Netherlands during the festive season, never miss the Oliebollen (oil balls that are dusted with powdered sugar) which can either be plain or can contain tiny fruit pieces.


Shopping

I can't consider shopping in Amsterdam as the cheapest in Europe but it's easy.  The shops that I normally go to are just along Damrak.  There is a huge Primark too! I normally buy my bedsheets and duvet covers in Primark, the quality is good without spending too much.  Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Mango and etc - all these shops are just around the city and are pretty close to one another. If you want luxury shopping, go to De Bijenkorf. The tax refund is available on the top floor after your splurge.


So what can I visit if I only have a day or two in Amsterdam?

There are a LOT, but I will list down some that I've already seen.

1. Anne Frank Huis -  this is the secret annex mentioned in the book of Anne Frank.  The house used to be their hiding place during the Nazi occupation.  Remember to book your ticket in advance!

2. Van Gogh Museum - you read it right, this is houses the works of the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh.

3&4. Rijksmuseum and IAMSTERDAM sign - I haven't been inside but I've heard good things from people who have been here.  This is the Dutch National museum that shows Dutch art and history.  Really close to this is the IAMSTERDAM SIGN/LETTERS which is a good photo opportunity to let people know you're in Amsterdam.

5.  Dam Square -  this is the central public square used for gathering since the 17th century

6. Royal Palace of Amsterdam - I've seen this from the outside.  This is one of the three palaces in Amsterdam.

7. Church of St. Nicholas - You can easily see this as soon as you exit the Amsterdam Central (train) station.  This is the major catholic church in the city.

8. De Wallen  - People flock here, some for curiosity.  Photo is not allowed in the area.



This post only says about my Amsterdam experience and this is actually just one part.  I've mentioned that I find the transportation system very effective and it is one of the reasons why I find it very possible to see not just Amsterdam but the nearby places too!  In relation to this, I will be posting some of the trips that you can possibly do out of Amsterdam even with a short time that you have to spend.  Stay tuned for it!