A Homeless Blog

Beer and Water Morning Glory

I'm not a beer person. If I can choose, I'd rather drink Single Malt. But I have become more acquainted to beer lately. Why? I guess it's the easiest thing for someone who live alone and doesn't drink that much, but still like to drink a little :P

(BTW, for those who knows, I found Glenmorengie 10 yrs, Ardbeg, Glenlivet 12 yrs, and some other unimportant ones)

Anyway...back to the story. I went to Jusco at Aeon (which is even further than Seiyu, my regular supermarket)...walked around and got Beard Papa's Cream Puff and a cone of Vanilla ice cream. Almost bought FF Advent Children, but broke lah :P

Then, on my way back, I stopped by Seiyu for some grocery. In the beer section, I saw something I couldn't believe. My surprise #1, a tini-tiny can of beer...almost like a shot. I couldn't help but thinking whether it'd sell because, as many people might already know, Japanese are very tolerant to beer (some said it's in their gene). They drink beer like water here. So, what a mini-me of the mini-me of Japanese beer is doing on the shelf. I eventually decided to buy many sizes of Asahi beer just because of that.


From the picture above, look at the furthest one (considering the 2nd one from the front is a regular 350-ml can). That's so tiny. Only 135ml. That's amost like a shot of Espresso. Maybe it's just for quitting drinking.

Later on, I also found an amazing surprise #2. Water Morning Glory or ผักบุ้ง. I was so happy I paid 138 Yen for it. I see boil rice. I see Water Morning Glory stir fried with oystersauce :9

At home, my surprise #3 is that my "left-over" fried rice actually taste pretty good :P

posted by Bikku @ 7:26 PM 5 comments

My Osaka Trip (Part 3: Osaka Aquarium)

Herr...eventually the last episode. I actually wanted to do this thing in one shot, but it's gonna be too damn long. Anyway, today's about the Osaka Aquarium.

After I woke up and got ready to go out from the Senrioka House, we went on motorcycles (sitting in the back, actually) going for the train station. Haven't ridden (in the back of) a motorcycle for a while...it kind reminded me of Thailand.

Well...anyway, I went separate way...away from the gang at the Shin-Osaka station...waving goodbye...and headed for the Osaka Aquarium.

I went early, about an hour early. But the line was already long, at least in my view. I stood there with all the people, mostly came with family...perhaps a couple of little cute kids. Hmm...I have always wonder why Japanese children are so cute and adorable.

I eventually got to pay a hefty 2,000 Yen and walked in the front door. People there greeted me with a friendly smile, just like elsewhere in Japan. After that, it's all like a photo shoot session. I took a photo of everything. Although the lighting was a big problem, and the creatures moved so fast, I managed to squeeze some photos to be shown here...


I spent good two hours at the aquarium and came out with satisfaction. After that, it was just a long long walk with nothing accomplished. I meant to go to Numba and to find good Okonomiyaki for lunch. But walking without an actual map turned out to be a very bad idea. I walked and walked anyway...because I still enjoyed everything around me. Only that there's no Okonomiyaki in sight anywhere. Just shopping.

I eventually settled down with a cheap beef on rice, thinking I better spend on good Okonomiyaki next time. Then, I tried to go to Tennoji Temple...which should be close to the Thai Food Fest. I thought...that's my last stop before saying goodbye. But, I walked and walked again and again for hours...couldn't find the temple!?!

I eventually (again) gave up and headed for the Thai Food Fest. Bought some Beard Papa's cream puff for the people at the festival. Said goodbye. And left for Okazaki.

Too bad it was a short trip...but I have a feeling I'll go back to Osaka again. Until then...

posted by Bikku @ 11:08 PM 3 comments

Ela E Carioca

It's been a while that I haven't put a song here. I meant to put it on for some time, but something else seems more important. So here it is... Ela E Carioca! (by Jobim & Morelenbaum, I believe)

posted by Bikku @ 1:30 AM 4 comments

My Osaka Trip (Part 2: The Osaka Castle)

Now let's continue. Actually I don't have much to say. During the Thai Food Fest, I asked a fellow Thai student where I should visit. The guy recommended "Namba" - an area of shopping (that I realized once I get there). So Numba I went. I was walking around the area for a little while...had no idea where I was. I saw many deliciously-looked restaurants, but I was too full from Thai food. So I didn't have a chance to try some Okonomiyaki or Takoyaki :(

After a little while, I decided to go to the Osaka Castle. Not knowing the way, I asked at an information counter...where I got a subway map (a lifesaver for my trip). It was quite a train ride and quite a walk to Osaka Castle. I spent about 2 hours outside and inside of the castle...took tons of pictures. Since I went alone, I don't have much story to tell except the pictures I took. Here they are...

posted by Bikku @ 8:50 PM 5 comments

There's Something About Curry

Originally I wanted to continue on the Osaka story, but something comes up. Yes...I made curry today. Since I don't want to make Tonkatsu in my little studio apartment, where I happened to sleep right next to the kitchen, I decided to make ground beef curry and throw in a boiled egg and some cabbage :9


So...I can't help but to talk about it a little, even just to show the picture. I don't know, but there's something about me and Japanese curry. I just love it!

P.S. I gotta study...so if I'm done with study not too late, I'll be back for the Osaka Sequel ;)

posted by Bikku @ 7:56 PM 5 comments

My Osaka Trip (Part 1: Thai Food Fest)

I used to say to myself that I would never do a sequel, but I guess I was wrong. As the name might give it away, there will be a sequel to this one. So many things happened in my two-day Osaka trip. I guess I'll talk about the most important thing first, the Thai Food Festival. So I caught my Shinkansen to Osaka...


Thai Food Fest was one of the reason, among many, that I went to Osaka yesterday. Of course, I want to eat some Thai food (very satisfied, indeed) and I had a chance to meet other Thai students. Plus, I could get the cellphone from Jill right away. Thanks na krab, N'Jill :)


So...I went straight from Okazaki to Nagoya to Shin-Osaka to Tennoji Station (well...that wasn't quite a straight route, is it?). Anyway, I saw so many people coming to the Thai Food Fest...and the festival was quite big. Almost 30 Thai restaurants joined. Since I only know Jill, and she had to work. So I just walked around and enjoyed the festival. Here are some of the pictures taken while I was strolling around...





While I was walking around, I met a bunch of Thai students promoting the Thai Student Association in Japan: Kansai. A very interesting website, indeed. I actually had a very long, enjoyable chat with many of the Thai (and also Japaneses who speak Thai). It always gives a good feeling to meet wonderful Thai people when you just arrived in a foreign country alone. I spent so much time talking Thai with the Thais...I almost forgot that I came here to learn Japanese :P

In the afternoon, I took off for Namba and Osaka Castle...which will be in the "Part 2" of this series. In all, I had a heck of a good time at the Thai Food Fest.


The festival ended around 8PM. Originally, I planned to try out one the capsule hotel in Osaka. But Jill's friends are kind enough to host me for the night. So...I was waiting for Jill and helped a restaurant clean up. I guess it's a Thai thing...couldn't just stand there and watch them (who already worked so hard all day) . Anyway, it was fun...reminds me a lot when I helped out at About Bangkok.

Towards the end of this one, I want to express many thanks to the Senrioka Gang: Ae, Ple, Palang, and Taweii ...(hope I'm spelling everything right). Especially, Taweii who let me sleep in his room before he knows it. Without them, I would end up in a small capsule...perhaps with a bunch of old and drunk businessmen...somewhere in downtown Osaka. I hope everybody enjoyed the Beard Papa's Creme Puff :9

posted by Bikku @ 10:21 PM 4 comments

Laundry Laundry (洗濯 - せんたく)

I really have nothing much to write...really. Maybe it is because I'm taking on Japanese. Have to study every day. But tomorrow will be a holiday...that means laundry day for me. I actually have been procrastinating my laundry for about a week now...for reasons that there's no dryer (I'll have to hand my clothes within my room) and that I still have more undies :P But that will run out sooner or later. Probably sooner, I think. So I guess I'll do laundry tomorrow.

Another reason I am afraid of laundry is that all the buttons are in Japanese. I'm just afraid that I'll push the wrong button and all my undies will become maroon. But well...I'll do it. And I'll come back to update this blog. [Saturday Night]


きょうしつから。。。　
わたしは　タイから　きました。　どうぞ　よろしく　おねがいします。



[Friday Morning] Ok...I put all the clothes in. Had no idea...so I just push several buttons. The only button I know is the "sataato" button. Here's how it looks. I've gotta figure it out some day ~~


[Friday Late Morning] ...pheeew... I finally finished hanging my clothes. The washing machine did a pretty good job in damping the clothes. It's not almost dry, but not soggy either. Better job than I expect (from a free laundry :P). One lesson I learned today though. Don't do two loads in one day...because you won't have enough place to hang it! My apartment now is officially the room of not-so-dry clothes. Can't hardly see sunlight coming in :P Hopefully they'll dry by tomorrow, in time for my Osaka trip.

In conclusion, I think laundry today was a successful mission. So I should treat myself by eating out :9

posted by Bikku @ 12:10 PM 4 comments

私は東京に行った (I went to Tokyo)

I went to Tokyo on Friday to see my cousin, who came to Japan on a business trip. We had dinner with his kind Japanese friend, who treated us with the Shabu-Shabu dinner. The dinner was quite fun with lots of suggestion for me on how to face the 'working world'. I do appreciate their valuable advice.

I stayed with my cousin on Friday night, so we had time to chat after a long time. I sent him off in the morning before I went to see my friend, Nuaa, at Shinjuku station.


Shinjuku station is a very busy station. Busy means tons and tons of people walking here and there. I was instructed to wait in front of a flower shop at the South exit. When I exit at the South exit, I immediately see the flower shop...but with a bit of (culture) shock. There were at least 20-25 people standing in front of the flower shop...looking toward the South exit. And, I was about to be one of them.


After Nuaa arrived, she brought me to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building...which let us see the view of Tokyo. It was something. Tokyo is really a mega-city. A very crowded one, indeed.

After some sightseeing and (a delicious and cheap) lunch, we went to Odaiba. There are many things at Odaiba, museums and shopping centers. But it was getting dark, and there was only one thing in our minds...a hot bath. Nuaa took me to Oedo Onsen Monogatari, an Edo-style decorations. Not only just the hot bath, but there are restaurants, foot massages, resting room, etc. We spent plenty of time there. If I have time, I'll come back and elaborate on the Onsen. Or maybe after I go back there again :P



After the Onsen, it was late...and Nuaa was kind enough to offer me a place to sleep. Well, that's because there is a guest room at the dorm (such a nice dorm!). In the morning, Nuaa was kind enough (again) to make a nice breakfast. Luckily I was quick enough to take the picture of my breakfast before gobbling in.


After the breakfast, I went on the mini tour of the International Christian University (ICU). I know this university for a long time since I worked at Thammasat, but this is my first time seeing it. Well...it's like locating in the forest. Lots of trees. A very green campus, indeed.


Before leaving, we had lunch. Ramen and Soba, to be specific. The Ramen shop was a very small one with a counter for 10-15 people to sit and eat. Behind the counter, there were 3 people cooking...quickly and smoothly. We had to be in a line and wait until some people finished their meal. Before we knew it, the line got so long. Well...the noodles were so delicious, I didn't say much through out the meal. I guess (because I didn't really see me) I had a very "satisfied" expression on my face when I walked out from that Ramen place.


But that's not all. We went for dessert. A French patisseries nearby. Oh...delicious cakes and chocolates. Rich and dense. Along with strong and beautiful coffee. It had made my day.

posted by Bikku @ 9:17 PM 8 comments

I will have 5 trash bins for my tiny studio apartment

Well...I'm so tired, but can't help but to write a little about 'trash' today. Although I know that Japan is a country with high environmental awareness, this is the first time I'm exposed to how they do it. It's simple and straightforward, separating your trash!

During the orientation today, I was given information about "separating trash." Many countries do separate their trash, re-use, and recycle. But I haven't seen anyone does it as vigorously as Japan. And that's good, I think.

I'm instructed (and given a thin book) about separating my trash. I had to read the book a couple of times to get some idea. And, here's what I understand (please correct me if you know I misunderstand)... I have to separate my trash into 5 groups: paper, plastic, PET bottle, burnable, and non-burnable trashes. And, specifically for the PET bottle (or regular juice bottle), the cap and label go under 'plastic', where the bottle belongs to 'PET bottle' category. This means we have to be careful in separating our trash as well. There's also a specific date for the pick up of each type of the trash, so I'll have to dump them at the site accordingly. So...I'll now have about 5 trash bins/bags for my tiny studio apartment.

Sincerely, I think this is a good thing although it means more work for me in trashing things. If we are used to it, separating trash into 5 categories is only another simple task (at least I believe so)...a simple task which will help the environment tremendously.

P.S. I guess there are many 'voluntary' activities like this in Japan. It could be a potential explanation why Japanese economy is not growing...which is because these 'voluntary' (or household's) activities are not recorded in the GDP measurement.

posted by Bikku @ 8:18 PM 6 comments

eigo ka wakarimasuka? nihongo ka wakarimasen.

That means, "understand English? (I) don't understand Japanese." And that's my day today. It is so energy consuming...being in a place where nobody around you understand what you are talking about, and vice versa. But that's only the beginning.

I haven't done that much today. Only exchange some US Dollars for Japanese Yen. Pay rent (which made my wallet fly). And, shopped for food and necessary household things. It's my first day in this little studio apartment, really.





There are many good things about this studio. Fridge, Rice Cooker, pots & pans, Air-conditioner, etc. are provided. I only had to buy some plates, bowls and silverware. But I didn't spend much time in the apartment. After reporting and paying rent at the Yamasa Institute, I stopped by the 100-yen store to buy some necessary stuffs: such as trash bin, toilet paper, silverware, plate, glass, bowl, etc. I happened to buy a couple of cup noodle, which saved my life for lunch. I realized I had to buy some fresh food. So, I started walking and looking at the map. It was a long 20-minute walk toward the supermarket/store, Feel News (I don't know how they come up with the name).


At Feel News, I walked around and bought things like...chicken, salt, pepper, cabbage, garlic, oil, eggs...things that are necessary for making my own food. There's no fishsauce or oyster sauce. I figured soy sauce should be ok. But, when I looked, I found the same-color sauce. All of them could be soy sauce, but then only some of them can be soy sauce. And, thanks to my Japanese illiteracy, I had no idea which one to pick. So...I just guessed. It turned out that the sauce I chose is kinda sweet. Don't know what it's called though, but I like its taste.

Anyway, after grocery shopping, I realized I bought a little too much. I had to pull all my strength to carry my grocery back home. It was a bit too good of an exercise, because I was almost out of breath when I got home...all sweaty and overheated.

But the most important thing about today is in two folds. One, I couldn't speak Japanese...so all I did was smiling to everybody who talked to me. Two, everybody who talked to me cannot speak (nor understand) English. So...they kept talking in (to me) a super-fast Japanese. I couldn't even follow the price of things they (cashiers) told me.

What impressed me is still the friendliness and the willingness to help. At the bank, a lady teller tried to help my and guided me in writing my name in Katakana.

Tomorrow will be the first day of class. Who knows what awaits me.

posted by Bikku @ 9:30 PM 3 comments

A (really) little thought on "Asymmetric Information"

(I want to talk so much about my arrival in Japan, but I'll wait a little longer for that)

While I was waiting to board the plane, I had so many thoughts...like always. Drifting through my seemingly-random thoughts, I came across one about economics (again) about "asymmetric information.

I'm no expert on the issues about economics regarding information. I have not even read that many articles or books about it. What I understand is that Asymmetric Information plays quite a role in promoting inequality or an unfair trade or other similar things. In short, it's just not a fair play when information is not distributed evenly. Now, this doesn't mean that everybody has to know everything about everyone. It only means if someone don't know something, nobody else shouldn't know it too.

Anyway, please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, we mostly concentrate on how to make asymmetric information more symmetric. That's under the assumption that, in short, "human-being is selfish." So, we accept the selfish nature of human to be the unchangeable fact, and we'll try to solve the problem by correcting the asymmetric information.

But I also think about it the other way around...since getting all information straight for everybody seems quite hard for me. Let alone the amount of information we have to absorb everyday. What if we accept the asymmetric information as a natural, unchangeable fact...and try to work something out about the selfishness. Would it be easier?

I'm not trying to conclude anything here. Just some thoughts. Maybe someone can enlighten us, fellow bloggers, with some thoughts of yours.

P.S. Lately, I learned that long blog is not fun to read...and it indeed takes more time. Hope this one is not too long na ;)

posted by Bikku @ 8:40 AM 0 comments

I'm leaving on a Jetplane

Still can't believe I'm 32,000 feet above some coldest part of Canada...going at about 800 Km/hour, further and further away from Ithaca. Still think that I'll get to play tennis in the evening and go home tonight. But I guess things are a bit different now. I will never go back to Ithaca the way I used to. The next time I'm back, I'll be visiting, and not hosting.

I start to miss many people and many things in Ithaca. I'll miss my housemates (Soe, Por, and Natt); I'll miss playing tennis; I'll miss all the crazy (and also peaceful) partying; I'll miss all the cooking (well, not by me) and good homemade food; I'll miss Magnus' dessert too; and, I'll miss all my friends in Ithaca (no matter how long we get to know each other).

During the last few days in Ithaca, I felt like I didn't want to leave...although I have to (or I chose to). I find myself extra-sensitive right now. Have you ever feel like there's a golf ball stuck in your throat and don't know whether you should try to swallow it or let it out? I had that a lot lately. Extra-sensitive, ya? :P

Of course, I'm excited and anxious about going to Japan. Still have no clue how my life will be though, but I'm keeping an open mind about it. Hope there'll be many new things for me to explore and I will learn something. Life goes on.

I still can't believe I already left Ithaca for good...
...only my heart remains.

posted by Bikku @ 7:34 AM 1 comments

The Last Day in Ithaca

Finally, my last day in Ithaca have come. So much has happened during the last few days, a short time. All kinds of feeling I've had. I don't even know how to describe them.

I held a big party yesterday, and it got really big...bigger than I imagined. Luckily, there's enough food for everybody. The party was a blast though. I had a hellova good time. And, I hope everybody did. I don't know when I will have such party again.

Today, I tried to spend time with my closest friends...it turned out I have so many good friends here. I went to a nice dining with 16 other people. Came home. And, found a pleasant surprise. A slideshow my housemates and closest friends had put together for me. It was very touching...making me feel like I don't wanna leave this place. I would've cried if not so many people around. I would've cried with friends who cried. But, I was just too stubborn :P I guess I'll have my chance of shedding tears when nobody is looking.

I am very touched and feel all the love and great friendship. Oh...I have so much feelings pouring out of my heart, but I'm just too lousy to put them into words. One thing is clear though. I am determined to come back next summer when many of my friends here will graduate. If that comes true (and I deeply hope so), today is not my last day in Ithaca :D

posted by Bikku @ 3:56 PM 2 comments

Theories & Techniques

I talked about "Education" in general before...and got very good feedbacks, opinions, and encouragements. This time, I'm going to concentrate on my field of study, Economics.

If we divide Economics (as a field of study) into two level, that would be (1) undergrad+master's and (2) doctoral. The main reason I put them this way is because of the way of the study. Undergrad and Master's degree in Economics are quite similar everywhere (or at least where I've seen). It's mostly about learning and understanding economic theories...how they work.

The doctoral study of Economics is mostly mathematical based (at least in the U.S.), which is almost totally different from the prior study. So, you don't really have to have studied economics before you take on studying Ph.D. in Economics, which is more theories in depth. In fact, it is considered an advantage to have a strong mathematical background, i.e. BS in Math or something.

I think...there are many good things about studying economics in any level. It helps with the 'vision' on the economy's well being and all. It helps improving the process of logical thinking and planning. I also believe that studying economics is useful for anyone in a society. But what I am going to say here is more about what I want to see in economic studies. And that's the techniques of conducting economic researches.

I've learned so many theories from formal economic education, but I had to learn the techniques (practical procedure of doing economic research) used in various researches by myself. Not only that, to find data or sources of data is also a self-exploration. Of course, these things are not exactly economics (at least they have nothing to do with the theories), but we have to learn "how to" in order to implement or to apply the theories we learned from classroom. And that "how to" is all the non-theory techniques I've been talking about. How to find exchange rate data? How to know which data source is reliable? How to tell the different among the three exchange rate from IMF's data? How to write SAS code for econometric modeling? How to...?

I'm not saying that learning all the math and theories is wrong or bad, but I think it'd be great if academic institutions can spend more resource on training of techniques. Afterall, these techniques are highly in demand in the job market. So, I guess my point aims at the curriculum. And I think, by now, you know I'm talking about the curriculum of Ph.D. programs in Economics.

The priority of most curriculum concentrates on passing the Micro and Macro qualifying exams, which is highly mathematical. I've seen people crying after these exams. No need to say, it's an extremely tough test...not only a test of knowledge, but also a test of endurance to the pressure...physically and mentally. Any Ph.D. student in Economics can confirm on that.

The way I see it (which is not necessary right) is that the aim of a Ph.D. Economics is to produce a person that can write "good" research papers. Which is good...depending on what "good" means. In other words, the current curriculum concentrates a lot on the theories. I believe good theories are good (a little bit redundant :P), but unimplementable good theories are useless.

Today's blog is not about saying that theorists are bad. I believe there are many good and implementable theories out there. There are those who work hard to really help improving the world. Only that I see less and less of these group of people. And I'm worried.

I guess what I want to see is more balance in the curriculum. Academics, who live in the ivory tower, should not forget that they are also human. It is absurd to keep improving your theories all day long without realizing that only a handful of people can understand it and noone has any idea how to use it. I want to see higher education that doesn't forget its root. Abstracts that come along with realities. Theories that walk hand-in-hand with techniques. Economics that is really about people.

posted by Bikku @ 7:04 AM 5 comments

Treman State Park, NY

I meant to write this tomorrow, but can't resist. I think I'm addicted to blogging already :P

Today, I went hiking at the Treman State Park with a big bunch of Thai students. It took us about 20 minutes by car, which is pretty close to Ithaca. We (those with a car) had to pick up people (those without a car) around campus. I think we got there and were ready to start hiking around 11am (which is not much off schedule, I think).


It was such a nice day with a cool breeze. Not too cold, not too hot. We all walked a long way (mostly) UP!!! Actually, there's nothing much to tell about the hike...except the fact that I was running up and down the line just to take pictures of people and plants.


Once we got to the top, we had lunch :9 It's a good thing that Ple from About Bangkok agreed to cook up some sticky rice and grilled chicken for the nong nong. The food was amazing, especially after an hour of hiking.


After lunch, a bunch of us played Ultimate Frisbee...which made me realized after running for a few minutes...that I'm old :P Can't really keep up with the nong nong. They are fast and never get tired :P And, eventually, we goes on our way home.

But that was not over for me. I played tennis with Natt in the late afternoon...say around 4:30pm. We had a long long game going for a couple of hours, and I got my butt kicked again and again. I hope one day (perhaps when Natt gets older) I'll beat him :P

So...it was a long day. I'm so tired and sore and out-of-energy. Yet I'm still writing this blog. Like I said...I think I'm addicted to blogging.

posted by Bikku @ 3:24 PM 2 comments