Occasional gathering of friends that have known one another for more than thirty years. Schoolmates of De La Salle (Primary) School eons ago. I joined them while I was in Primary Four and although we went on our separate ways from Secondary One onwards, we managed to get back in touch about a decade ago, so whenever it was possible we try to meet up and catch up for a meal. 

Alfred just returned to Singapore from Boston - I hope he will settle in well in Singapore! 

Video walkthrough of Himeji Castle from the main gate all the way through the castle grounds and then to the highest level. Was accompanied by hordes of school kids in blue as you could tell.

Himeji Castle (姫路城 Himeji-jō) is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō ("White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.

Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and it was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.nThe area within the middle moat of the castle complex is a designated Special Historic Site and five structures of the castle are also designated National Treasures.

My first time visiting Himeji Castle was before the year 2000, so this second visit was truly way overdue!

​​Made my second quick trip and visit to Nara, Japan to feed the deers. They were as friendly and hungry as always!

Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

As I arrived at Nara late, it was merely a quick visit to the deers, and then I was back on my way to Osaka. 

​Starting the first day of the pig year at Fushimi Inari ⛩️ Taisha to pray for a good business year ahead. Good health and happiness for everyone that I know.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794.

I didn't venture too far up the mountain though - it was just too packed. Eventually backtracked and decided to detour to Uji instead.

My cute niece Adele. Taking over family dinner last evening. 

Today is a hectic (i.e. rather busy) day of lecturers and trainings. There are three courses to attend: 

First one: 10am to 1pm 
Second one: 2pm to 5pm
Last one: 7pm to 10pm 

I have just finished my first two courses and my brain cells are numb for a while. Going to catch a light dinner and then back to the last course! 
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Sunday is the usual. I woke up earlier than usual today (body clock?)... after perusing the news channels on Flipboard, I decided to get myself up to feed the cats, then I got changed to head to Penhas. For once, I was earlier than A and waited downstairs for him. 

Today marks the last weekend for April. Weekends are always important as we get a large bulk of customers over the weekends. If there are new customers, we will need to take time explain the processes and procedures to them. Also, there are also other areas to focus on, such as planning for the marketing activities for the month of May. May, being Mother's Day, would be our key focus area. 

Work ended at 6pm, and we headed over to Ritz Carlton's The Colony for a sumptuous buffet dinner - also to celebrate Marcus' Birthday. In my opinion, The Colony has one of the best buffets in Singapore, so I was happy with the decision, and I skipped lunch for it! 

All in all, it was a great dinner outing. We had great food, great company, and ended up spending almost four hours at the restaurant! 

Sunday is the usual. I woke up earlier than usual today (body clock?)... after perusing the news channels on Flipboard, I decided to get myself up to feed the cats, then I got changed to head to Penhas. For once, I was earlier than A and waited downstairs for him. ​

All in all, it was a great dinner outing. We had great food, great company, and ended up spending almost four hours at the restaurant! 
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