Kaori from Osaka visits South East Asia with her friend, Kuni. Though They have went around Borneo, M'sia and Thailand. I'm glad she made S'pore her last stop before she flies back to Japan.

Met them for dinner yesterday. Luckily language is not a barrier. They could speak minimal english, though most conversations ended with laughter. Another friend, Sayaka was in New Zealand then, alone. She is adventureous. really.


Trying out Ice Kachang and Chendol.

Anyway, they have not much time in s'pore so we have to make the most out of everything. Had dinner at Scotts Shopping Centre. Dickson and I were quite surprised that Kuni actually likes Korean food. They like Ice Kachang and Chendol, much thanks to the air-con-less foodcourt.

It's been a while since i last felt that my weekend is so fulfiling and well-spent. Maybe i am getting old. Maybe the monotonous weekly, clubbing and alcohol don't work for me anymore. Maybe i should go and find new hobby... like mosaic art

Little by little, he take the miniscule coloured fragments and makes them his own, allocating them their place in the picture. As he advances he comes across new challenges. Each tessera, however small, represents a new decision.

I was dazing on the monday morning train,( ya lah, monday blues) and a flash thought about this girl whom i saw quite a couple times near my work places and at zouk came to my mind. You know sometimes, you will wonder if you will see this person again. Rocking and squeezy down the beloved Raffles Place, market by day and ghost town by night. I probably got a awaking- shock of my life( did i say i was dream-walking?) when i climbed the staircase. This lady just brushed my arm and walked up next to me. It's her!!! * lost of speech*. what do you call this? Intuition?

Those who have channel 56 on SCV Cable will probably know about this Japanese drama, "Train Man". I have once again fallen into the drama-whore pit. Have been constantly catching up with this drama. yes i am working late again...*sobs*. Thank god it only shows at 11pm at night on Mon and Tues. I've attached a synopsis below for your better understanding.


The story seems to be typical romance and the ending is predictable though. Even though Yamada and Aoyama are a pretty sweet couple, it's the forum members that give this show so much charm and personality. Ranging from normal types(typical singles, otaku and married men giving advice) to just plain weirdos("the army guy", "the train conductor", "the Hanshin Tigers otaku(they are the Japanese equivalent to Red Sox fans)"), they all keep the show interesting as they help Yamada improve himself.

But looking at it. This will never happen in Singapore. No drunkards will take the MRT. Well, not that i've seen one or know of. Our girls here probably will not buy a hermes Teacup to return a favour. Or if honesty really fits the bills. I was reading about some articles in magazines. Some of it does survey goes saying, if a lady is not financial stable, they will look for a guy who's more stable in terms of managing and finance. However, if she's holding a decent high-ranking post( management level) in the company with high income; it's his six pack that counts. All those single guys out there... this is probably another good reason for you to go to the gym. And please work out in the gym, not drool at others... please.


- Synopsis of the Drama -

Adapted from the best selling book "Train Man," this is the true life story of a geeky young man's romance with a beautiful young lady. The book is based on actual messages posted on a huge internet discussion board in Japan. A million internet users followed the Train Man's romance, giving him advices on how to impress the girl and take her out on dates. Train Man belongs in the so-called "Akiba-kei" category: a term that describes nerdy looking men who hang out at Akihabara (the famous electronics area in Tokyo) all day, who are obsessed with video games and computers. Please log on to their official website at http://www.fujitv.co.jp/denshaotoko/story/index.html

Hermes

Saori Aoyama is a 25-year old woman who works at a foreign company in Tokyo. She has lived overseas for a long time and is fluent in English. She has an aura of sophistication and a beautiful face that turns men's heads.

One Sunday, Saori had to attend a party at work. Her female colleagues are busy searching for good-looking guys while Saori attends foreign guests, flashing warm smiles at them. After a long day working, Saori rides the train home only to be involved in an incident that would change her life.


Inside the train, Saori is harassed by a heavily drunken man. When the drunk reaches to touch her face, a young man stands up and says, "S... stop that!" She turns to see a very weak looking young man. The young man's action sparks up a quarrel in the train. He feebly says, "I'm sorry for getting you all involved. This is my fault." Some of the other passengers have annoyed look on their faces, but some praise the young man for his courage. Saori also seems impressed at what the man did for her.


Train Man

The young man is 23-year old Tsuyoshi Yamada. He is the typical nerd obsessed with anime and computer games. He always hangs out in Akihabara, the electronics center in Tokyo. Tsuyoshi has no interest in fashion and other trends, and his age equals the number of years he hasn't had a girlfriend. He works as a salesman at an employment agency but is always scolded by his boss.

Tsuyoshi just happened to be on his way home from an event in Akihabara when he met Saori. He has never been in a fight before, but the sight of the drunk harassing Saori made him furious as he stood up to protect her.

The only things Tsuyoshi is usually interested in are anime and video games. But something about Saori's beauty lit a fire in his heart, giving him courage. When he's looking for words to apologize, Saori hands him her date planner. "I want to return a favor, so can you write down your address?" Tsuyoshi is taken back. He has been humiliated a thousand times by women, but never appreciated, especially from a beautiful woman like Saori. Saori has a sweet smile on her face as she watches Tsuyoshi write down his address with shaking hands.


Hermes and Train Man

If it wasn't for the drunk man in the train, Tsuyoshi and Saori would never have become acquainted. A few days after the train incident, Tsuyoshi really receives a package from Saori. Inside was a Hermes tea cup. Tsuyoshi held the bright orange cup with his shaking hands. Unfortunately, he has never had a girlfriend in the past and is at a loss about what to do. That is when he visits a huge internet discussion board for some help.

Tsuyoshi immediately becomes the center of attention. Other computer freaks reply one after another. "Call her and say thanks!" "No, it's better to keep it a memory." Reading the heated discussion, Tsuyoshi is touched that so many people are supporting him even though they don't know each other at all.

Since then, Tsuyoshi has been referred to as "Train Man" and without her knowledge, Saori was being called "Hermes."

Ever since Tsuyoshi received the Hermes cup, his everyday life is filled with new experiences: calling a girl, mobile phone messages, buying clothes, going on a date, holding her hand, walking her home, visiting her room... Everything that happens between him and Saori is a big event and miracle for Tsuyoshi. He does his best to hide his geek-ness. Tsuyoshi's mind is occupied with just one wish. "I want Saori to like me."


On the other hand, Saori is starting to be moved by Tsuyoshi's efforts. "Maybe I can trust Tsuyoshi" she thinks. What Saori looks for in a guy is not his money, nor his looks or brains, but "honesty." In the past, Saori was betrayed and deeply hurt by her longtime boyfriend. She found out that he had a wife and kids. Since then, Saori could not stand a man that lies.