Namba Magic

Very recently, I vow to relive my first encounter of tasting Soba and Udon at the standing joint in Namba Walk. This time around, I have difficulties locating this little secret which is hidden shyly between the big fancy restaurants, represented by the best billboard advertisements ever. Nonetheless, with a little patience and a pair of observant eyes, we finally found it by the movement of people of this corner little hut. Nothing is more convincing than looking at the queue of people waiting to slurp their noodles in a bowl of hot steamy soup!

After a satisfying craving materialised, we headed for some shopping and desserts. How can we skip these treats when Japan is full of great-looking food that tastes just as tasty. Not all good-looking things are meant for deceiving. Truly, our café mochas, sundaes and cakes tasted almost too heavenly.

Not the Pink Little Mermaid

I visited Copenhagen when it is still fresh after a riot by the sub-culturists made up mostly by the leftists. The riot marks the demolition of a symbolic culture house building known as the Public House which has over the years became a place significant to the “alternative” cultural activities where concert by Bjork was once held. I was quite taken aback to know that such an enlightened society, prided much on their well-developed welfare system and competitive economy would have caused such a phenomenon. Or should I say, this made us question what true democracy actually is.

Based on the website reports, the riot has also resulted in some rioters threw pink paint on the most popular statue in Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid. I purposely wanted to see this, but to my little disappointment, I found the statue to be in its original state. A relief was felt at the same time too, as nothing beats seeing something at its truest form.

When I first set my eyes on this city, it reminded me immediately of Beijing. The similarities was felt where the sights of buildings, their colours and roads looks almost mirror-imaged. With the cool winter air still abound, I left Copenhagen knowing that I will visit this place very soon again, when Tivoli will be re-opened after its long winter break.

Journey-ing Towards Who We Are...

Lately, I notice that a very close friend and including myself feeling rather attached to the self-identity notion. Growing up together for many years now, we saw our various stages of transformation, sometimes, gradual but at times could be drastic, whether physically or ideologically. But we're assured that our core values remained strongly at heart.

We laughed about it, but the most important realisation is that, we've reached the age when self-identity begin to matter. We view ourselves more as unique individuals now. Who are we in today's rather universal and globalised world.

And that journey starts with knowing who we are, in thought and conscience, in religion, in family, in friends and most importantly, in roots. What is the meaning behind wearing our style and skin colour? What are some of the cultural traits and values which we've long forgotten simply because we're too absorbed into the Western way of thinking sometimes(thanks to the power of their media )? What is the significance of the cultural celebrations, rituals and ceremonies which we've inherited by default? And most of all, why am I in the position of worrying this and having this curiosity?

I conclude that, we're ever evolving creatures and the world around us, is even evolving faster than before. To have a meaningful life, we must have the pride and confidence of being who we are, where we stand as an individual in this process. Whether we're Westernised or Asianised or both blended harmoniously. And it's natural that some of us express it explicitly and some, implicitly.

Blending the complexities existing in our lives today is not easy, but we're thankful that we're certainly quite comfortable wearing ourselves now. Let the journey continues and gradually, we'll be more defined of who we are.It's a journey,remember and the destination is very enlightening, I'm sure towards self-understanding...