Showing posts with label saitama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saitama. Show all posts

18 February 2014

4年間の大学

随分長い間ブログを更新していなく、自分には申し訳ないな気持ちは多少あるけど、まあ言い訳はこれだけにしておこう。

日本語でブログ記事を書くのは初めてではないが、このブログは99%は英語でずっと書かれてきたので、今回は初めて全ては日本語で書きたい。

さて、本日のテーマは4年間の大学生活について正直な感想を述べたい。

2009年に来日、1年間日本語学校を通い、2010年に埼玉県川越市にある尚美学園大学に入学、2014年3月に卒業予定。と、簡単な日本にいる履歴である。

学園祭

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それでは、一番最近の出来事から書こう。

卒業決まりの制作

4年生は卒業できるかどうかは、卒業制作発表で指導教員の先生たちによって決定される。
既に2月上旬に終了したが、よくできたとは言えない。
他人を納得させたような作品にはならず、むしろ「一体何なんだこれ」と自分にも質疑を出した。

発表終了後、いつも丁寧に教えて下さった先生からかなり厳しいコメントを頂いたので、少し心配なんだ。
でも、そんなに下手な発表ではなかったので、一応合格できるであろう。
作曲でも良かったなと今更だけど、考えた時もう発表後なので、悔しくはなんて思っていない。

何を勉強したか?

大学で授業を取るのは当たり前だが、学生に聞いてみて、授業で何を勉強したかと。

自分の専攻は音響と言うんだけど、他に興味を持つ科目はいっぱいあった。音楽やら、情報やら、文化とかについてはもっと知りたい、学びたいという欲望は確かに強かった。
ただ単位数を取るのだけではなく、自分が本気で勉強したいからこそ履修科目に登録した。

で、科目を選択する時、科目シラバスを読んで授業内容を理解しておく。
けど、いくら面白そうな科目であっても教える側のやり方が下手なのであれば僕にとっては最悪だ。
教室の雰囲気が上手く保てない、学生に適切な指摘をしない、そういう先生がいたら、授業アンケートに厳しく評価した。首になるまでではないが、僕の学習環境には妥協はしない。
授業を取っている時に実は先生の行動も観察している。ある意味では日本人を学ぶということだね。

幸いなのは、大学でも素晴らしい先生と出会えた。
難しいこと、かつつまらなさそうなことを分かりやすいく説明できる先生には大尊敬。
今喋っている日本語もある部分そういう先生たちに影響されたかと考えられる。やはり口癖が付いてくるんだね。(笑)

3年間過ごしていた上福岡キャンパス。現在取り壊し作業中。今後住宅になるかも?
The plaza

生活費用と成績の関係とは?

私費留学生である僕にとっては奨学金が頂けたら日本での生活はもっと楽になるのだ!って考える訳である。
1ヶ月大抵10万円の奨学金は上手く利用すれば十分だと思う。
でも残念ながら僕はそう言った◯◯財団からの奨学金みたいなのは一切頂いておらない。

代わりに、僕は学業に頑張った(本当は果たすべき責任を果たしただけだ)

大学の学費全免が頂けるため、この4年間ちゃんとある程度を維持してきた。2年生の時からずっと頂いており、おかげ様で大学生活は楽になった。あとはバイトすれば生活費用はなんとなく乗り越えられた。

ところで、大学の成績はあまり気にしない。だって就職活動では成績を見る会社は少ない。優秀な人物とは、
良い成績が取れるとは限らない。自分の才能がよく発揮できる、自信を持つ人間でありたい。

「上福岡丼」という唐揚げ丼、学食の定番だった。吸い物付き、390円。
上福岡丼。 Fried chicken rice.

埼玉県って何があるの?

大学の4年間は川越市の近くに住んでいる。

埼玉って特にとても有名なものはすぐにピンと来なかった。春日部と言えば、クレヨンしんちゃんのことくらいは知っているけど、他に紹介できるものは何かと悩んでいたりしたんでね。(笑)

川越というのは古くから存在している町で、中にも17世紀に建てられた神社やお寺がある。でも一番有名なのは、小江戸町だ。川越の一番街によく来ているので、友達が遊びに来たら観光案内でもできるようになった。

関東地方でも有名な川越まつり、毎年も学園祭の期間と重ねている。
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川越は池袋から約30分の電車で、東京よりそんなに遠くない。
去年開通した東武東上線、東京メトロ副都心線、東急東横線の連携で、渋谷や横浜まで乗り換えなしで行けるようになって交通アクセスも便利。

ただ、自分の考えなんだけど、都市っ子の僕はやはりもうちょっと賑やかの方が良いなと思う。
また、東京にもよく行くので、もっと近くの志木市か朝霞市に住めば良いなも思うね。

埼玉って家族と一緒に暮らす良い場所だと考えている。
子育てに専念したければ埼玉は僕の一押しオススメだ。
自然に近いし、スペイスが広いし、大型のお店もある。
東京でないことのおかげで、物価もそんなに高くない。

狭山茶の畑。京都の宇治茶と静岡の緑茶と並び、日本三大茶と知られている。
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良い選択だったか?

この質問は偶に自分に問う。

音響専攻でなければ、たぶん国際関係学部にしたかもしれない。大学を選択する時に、確かに国際関係も考慮していたが、ちょっと普通しすぎると思ってもっと専門的な音響にしたのだ。

国際関係だと都内にたくさんの大学があるはずだよね。
ではなぜ、埼玉県にある尚美にしたのか?音響を学べる専門学校はあるが、大学は少ないということである。

たった1年間日本語を勉強したので、当時の能力ではおそらく早稲田か慶應に受験できなかったであろう。
学校の名声は非常に良いが、学費も高いと知られるんだね。

今振り返ってみると、尚美にして良かったと確信している。

卒業後はどうする?

これは今の課題である。答えは、就職する。

本来は大学院にしようとしたが、結局上手く行かず急に企画変更になってしまった。
そのため、本気に就職活動をスタートしたのは遅かった。
進学したいと考えたのも就職するという心理準備はまだできていなかったからだ。

現在自分が本当に入社したい会社を見つけた。履歴書を出したが、面接の連絡を待機中。

今度の面接は上手く行けば、ここの近くで働くことになるかも。それは強く望んでいる。
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できれば早く決定しておいて、一時的に帰国したい。
向こうで休みを取る訳ではなく、実際に大事な用があるから…それを済ませるために帰国するのだ。

以上、4年間の大学についての感想であった。ここまでお読みになって、ありがとうね。
(というか、読んでくれる相手はいるんだろう?いたらコメントを残しておいてね。(笑))

--------------------------------------

一晩で書き出した記事であった。

今回は英語にしなかった訳は、やはり日本の生活を語るのに日本語での表現が自然的に出てくるのだから。
もし英語にすると、頭の中に翻訳が必要なので時間がもっとかかるはずだ。

来日前に、自分が短期間に日本語を勉強できるのかと疑っていたが、今こういう文章があまり苦労なく書けて、あの時の疑いには応答したんだね。

このブログも今年11月になると、10周年ということで、もっと書いていくべきだと思っている。

これから数年の間、まだ日本に居たい。

06 June 2011

The Perfect Saturday

Near the end of May the weather wasn't that good as typhoon was looming near southern Japan, bringing  a lot of sky tears with it. It'll be very stupid to continue usual cycling routine under harsh rain and wind, unless I'm asking for trouble.

The most recent Saturday was definitely one of the better ones that is memorable enough to earn a post in this blog, which I'm writing now.

The day started slightly later around 12pm as I had slept for almost 12 hours, quite unusual for me but the exhaustion was accumulated from the weekdays. I'm glad that I still can enjoy lazy weekends to rest the mind a little.

Decided not going down to Tokyo but to spend a few hours sipping chilled Frappuccino at local Starbucks. Since I still have a few free drink coupons so why not? Besides while enjoying the beverage I can revise some notes for the next mid-term test on Tuesday. I've seen friends did revision quite often at Starbucks and personally haven't tried it before until that day.

First serving was the current seasonal menu, Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino. While preparing the beverage the staff noticed the tumbler and asked me "Kuala Lumpur, is it in Singapore?"
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Well not to be bothered by the question, but as a Malaysian I think we ought to explain to them that Malaysia is located in between Thailand and Singapore, and no we do not live on tree tops lol.

Second serving, Dark Mocha Chip Frappuccino Blended Coffee.
Heard some of my friends love this and tasted not too shabby. It's very thick though.
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Although atmosphere-wise it's quite good for studying/reading, perhaps it's weekend so it's noisier than usual with parents bringing kids into the cafe. Glad that brought the noise-cancelling earphone over so reduce the unwanted noises.

When I'm done at Starbucks it's only 430pm, still very early to head back to my room. Decided to cycle randomly at nearby neighbourhoods before decided to head to the main highway.
One good thing I like about Saitama is that at certain areas there're dedicated pedestrian road cum cycling track along the highway for those who joggers and cyclists. And because it's in Japan, one need not to worry bout air pollution eventhough beside the pedestrian track is a highway with many cars and lorries pass by.

Spotted these Modern, Classic and Vintage Mercedes Benz before hitting the main road.
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Great weather at a neighbourhood just beside the highway.
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Little did I realised but I've managed to cycled all the way to Kawagoe. Then my memory struck as I remembered there's a Lexus showroom nearby, so decided to check it out.

Stepping into the showroom, I actually wasn't expecting anything much, riding a battered bicycle, wearing very casual knee-length shortpants and T-shirt. No matter from what angle I do not look like a potential customer at all lol.
First I asked whether is it OK to take photos inside, and the staff prompted the general manager for permission.

Then, Mr Suzuki shows up, greeted me and explained that it's not encouraged to take photograph inside the showroom for discreet purpose and not to disturb other customers. However he agreed to let me to take a few shots on a single model.

Presenting, Lexus CT 200h.
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I've been keeping an eye on this model since it's concept car (then LF-Ch) and up until today's production car. You can see the significant difference between the concept and production car.

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Out of respect for Mr Suzuki's permission, I only took the pic of CT 200h. Other models shown in the showroom including HS, IS, GS (soon-to-be-replaced), RX and LS, almost every models available in Japan (except for IS-F and LFA).

We then proceeded to talk about Lexus cars. It's always nice to learn some facts from the car maker's representative eh. Mr Suzuki is passionate about the future of hybrid cars. He then cleverly and clearly explained on why Lexus only officially launched itself in Japan 6 years ago, and why certain models like GX and LX still being sold as a Toyota model (Prado and Land Cruiser) instead of a Lexus equivalent (eventhough there're customers requested for it). 

I was then briefly shown the car service facility where some of the cars are undergoing maintenance. Notable discovery would be a white CT 200h F Sports and surprisingly a Toyota Land Cruiser. I was being told that car owners can send their cars (even non-Lexus/Toyota) for basic car servicing at the Lexus facility and they do handle imported cars too (notably left-hand drive European cars).

And besides, I've heard that the new Lexus GS (currently previewed as LF-Gh concept) might be launched by end of this year, and Mr Suzuki asked me to come over again when the launch is near heh. Nifty info!

There you go, first-class Japanese service!!
I've spent like an hour inside the showroom and left as a very happy lad. Though I may not be getting a Lexus anytime soon, but it's quite certain that one day I'm gonna own one heh. To get to know a few pieces of info is certainly encouraging enough to ask for more..... a more convincing reason for me to apply international driving license, to test-drive a Lexus even before getting it lol.

The part of Kawagoe is densely concentrated with a few car showrooms, with BMW's just less than 200m away from Lexus'. Nothing much to shout at the BMW showroom as they only have up until 5 series shown, not as exciting as the one I visited at Aoyama, Tokyo.

Another gem of the day happened when passing-by the Mercedes Benz showroom. While in the main showroom only a puny B class is shown, there's a new beast parked just outside the showroom.

Mercedes Benz CLS 350 with AMG sports kit.
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First encounter with the 2nd generation CLS, absolutely love it's AMG kit! Another fine example of a car that looks much better in real life than in image.

I like to tell others that I'm keen on owning a Mercedes Benz in the future, but before that I'd love to have a Lexus first!

Sunset over Kawagoe reminds me that I better get back quickly before darkness falls.
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Ending the day's trip with a glass of Kirin beer. Perfect!
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It's rare to have such a perfect day, a timely boost for myself to keep on with the momentum, as there are still things to look forward to; things that makes me strive to work harder to achieve it.  :)

07 May 2011

Golden Week 2011 Part II

My Golden Week story doesn't just end from previous post, because the best was yet to come by that time!! ;)

Cycle to Saitama City
Ever since I've moved to Saitama prefecture, I've been to Saitama City (the prefecture's capital which shares the same name, 埼玉県さいたま市) a few times but so far all by train. Checking Google Maps, it isn't that close from my place but still reachable by bicycle. So I've decided that one day, I'm gonna cycle there! Glad that I've managed to achieved it during this Golden Week!! :D

First stop, full bloom dandelions waiting the wind to blow the seeds off.
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Before reaching the city centre, stop by a shrine/temple to check out this ancient place.

慈眼寺
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Zen Garden.
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The biking journey was pleasant one, and noted that Saitama City seems to be a cyclist-friendly city with dedicated cycling tracks by the riverside of Arakawa. I felt "under-dressed" compared to those cyclists on their "battle bikes" and "full boy armor" of skin-tight cycling suit and helmet.

Finally reached near the city centre!
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The menacing NTT Docomo Tower.
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UFO landed on this tower!
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Pretty amazing structure for this hotel.
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It's hard to believe that this is actually the regional postal service office! Looks more like hotel to me!
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The few towers of Saitama City that can be seen even from my place.
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The train station of Saitama Shin-toshin (さいたま新都心駅). Unusual station structure not found anywhere else.
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Eventually I've managed to clocked over 40km distance from the entire day! It's a new record for a day's ride as usually I only managed to made around 20km++.



--------------------------

Friend's visit
The day after the cycling adventure I had my good mate Cong Jie came down from Tochigi to kill some time in Kanto region. He stayed over my place for 3D2N and it's enjoying to have a company here heh.

Finally got the chance to visit this amusement + recreation center very near my place, with sports facilities and arcade machines. We played pingpong and football, which is great since it's been awhile I "blasted" a ball hah.
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Dinner of the night is slightly luxurious, having yakiniku (grill meat) which goes well with a jug of beer! :P
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--------------------------

Tsukiji and Ginza
Right after the sports day, the main agenda of the entire Golden Week would be the trip to downtown Tokyo, enjoying some fine sushi at Tsukiji (築地) and leisure walk around the shopping district of Ginza (銀座).

This time I had Cong Jie and Jian Shan tagging along for the sushi gourmet trip. Previous experience dining here was great and by that time I already decided that I'm gonna come here again soon!

This time dining at Sushi Sen (すし鮮). We chose it as it's not as crowded as other shops and the sushi set looks reasonable.
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Colourful illustrative menu. This however, might be a bit of problem for those who can't read Japanese.
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Jian Shan got his set served first, Tuna set (まぐろづくし).
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Cong Jie's nigiri set with a large eel (穴子).
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My nigiri set, at it's finest lol.
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Extra order, a piece of scallop (ホタテ) and salmon (鮭), my favourite sushi toppings.
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Cong Jie's fatty tuna (大トロ) and seared salmon (炙りサーモン).
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Passed-by this shop where I had my dose of sushi last time. The set is still pretty tempting as they include soup as well.
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People crowding the Ginza's famous landmark, the Wako shopping mall. Inside there stuffs are selling from 5 digits yen onwards.
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Matsuya Ginza, I haven't step into it before but surely, a simple item would cost a lot in there.
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Fancy a white poodle?
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Folks lining outside Ginza's Apple Store just to buy iPad 2. Unlikely to pick one up, unless the sky drops one for me lol.
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"Songs for Japan" charity album. Although it's pretty worth to get 2 CDs for just 2000 yen, but the tracks included are horrendous! Luckily I resisted to buy it and tried listening to the samples on iTunes.
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While passing-by a Starbucks Coffee the staff's handing out free sample of this Soy Strawberry and Cream Frappuccino. It tasted great and we didn't hesitate to get one lol. Smart marketing huh Starbucks.
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Revisiting the Imperial Palace again. Somehow I just love the surrounding, surreal comparison between the sky scrapers of Tokyo and the ancient castle so close to each other.
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Tokugawa must have been a very smart visionary as he was the one who claimed this large piece of land and build castle on top of it. Right now it's in the heart of Tokyo and I dare say, the land will cost way higher than Ginza's prime zone!
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Purple sunset near heart of Tokyo.
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--------------------------

Golden Week holiday ends today (Friday) as I resumed my usual lesson. But, that doesn't stop me from planning to enjoy the weekends heh.

Anyway, it's been a month since I came back to Japan from Malaysia. A month seem to passed quite fast eh, and yet I sensed that university is getting busier too. Well, 2nd year is definitely not as easy as the 1st year, so have to keep myself highly-motivated to work hard and work smart!

To give myself a head start, I've already confirm it will be a cooler summer for me this year, back in Malaysia!! :D

AA

See you again soon, Malaysia! 16 Aug - 20 Sept!!  ;)

01 May 2011

Golden Week 2011

Greetings on the 1st of May, Happy Labor Day for fellow workers and may you all out there enjoy this great weekend!! ;)

"Golden Week" refers to the series of public holidays in Japan near the end of April and early May. Obviously it's purposely set as such so that most people will have almost a week's worth of holiday, a great time to relax a little after starting the new annual term for school/career in April.

Thursday morning's class, Digital Music. Playing around with Garage Band.
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Holiday starts on Friday but Thursday's lessons are exhausting and yet interesting. To sort of commemorate the starting of holidays, asked a few fellow Malaysians in the university for a sushi meal.

The chef actually fillet the silver cod fish in front of us when I ordered it lol. Talk about freshness.
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A piece or art, or animal cruelty, you name it.
A type of snapper (鯛). Tasted quite nice though. It's already dead btw.
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So Friday, I had this spontaneous idea of hoping on the local train line and travel all the way to the last station, which is about an hour and half away from my station.

The train of Tobu Tojo line (東武東上線).
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Inside the train.
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The train track.
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First time encounter barrier-less PASMO/Suica gate at the train station!
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Welcome to the quiet town of Yorii (寄居町), a quiet township laying deep inside north-west Saitama prefecture.
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Arakawa river (荒川), which will eventually flows to the Tokyo Bay. I'm inclined to this river because when I first settled down in Japan, the area I stayed was Arakawa district in Tokyo (東京都荒川区).
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Arakawa with the roaring cloud.
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Playing with effects with the cloud is quite fun!
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Another peek of this quiet and peaceful town.
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Meal of the day was summer-edition chilled noodle (冷やし中華) at one of my favourite ramen spot, 花月ラーメン.
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During the weekend I went to Chiba to meet with some Malaysian friends there. A senior and fellow MSAJ member invited me to his place for a house-warming party. Given that I've a few friends in Chiba, so why not sneak there for a short stay?

The highly-addictive Jenga game, which the juniors mix their own cocktails with various liquids waiting for those who made the structure collapse.
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Communal hot pot for dinner! Thanks to the seniors for making such delicious dishes!
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I stayed there quite awhile chatting and playing with the guests there and pretty much fun as after all almost everyone are students here.
Eventually I left around 1am walking back to Calvin's place to stay for a night at his place.

Walking in the middle of the night while overhearing his conversation on the phone, can't help but noticing the similarity of the tone while speaking on the phone to the close ones, heh.

While on the way back to Saitama, stop by Ikebukuro to do a little book shopping and managed to get a glimpse of iPad 2, just released here few days ago.

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Frankly speaking, no drastic change from the previous model, and although it's said that performances have been improved, can't really feel anything significant out of it yet. Besides the model doesn't have Garage Band demo so I'm a bit turned down.

Anyway a piece of advice for Malaysians in Japan, iPad 2 is actually cheaper in Malaysia than in Japan, after converting JPY to MYR. So if you're considering getting an iPad, do check the currency rate first! ;)

That's all for my current Golden Week goes. There're still some upcoming plans ahead, like a friend will be staying over my place and we're planning to have a day for sports and another day exploring Tsukiji and Ginza. And if there's still enough time, I might wanna proceed with my plan cycle to Saitama City and perhaps visiting Tokyo National Museum at Ueno.

;)

P/S: Good luck for those who're fighting the final exams!