That one cartoon character whom you loved as a child, do you still love them now? I still do. Pokemon plays a huge part in my childhood, even now. I’ll say it once— I am a sucker for anything Pokemon.

My love for them blooms from my childhood memories of getting my first Pikachu plush, receiving my dvds of Pokemon Season 1 cartoon as a Christmas present, getting my very first booster pack from Australia, etc.

Tracing back to 1998, I was introduced to Pokemon by my older uncle who was watching the very first Pokemon Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. It was a moment I will always remember. He called for me and I, being 4 at that time ran to him but stopped when I saw a cute yellow creature on his computer screen.

“Look a this. Isn’t it cute?”

That’s how I met Pikachu. He introduced me to Pokemon.

Pokemon Center Osaka

If I had to pick a place on Earth that I would think is heaven, it would have been the Pokemon Centers in Japan. Being surrounded by my childhood friends, Pokemon. Just the thought makes me happy and this year, I was able to fulfill one of my lifetime wishes of visiting the Pokemon Center Osaka!

Pokemon Center Osaka is located at Daimaru Umeda (13th Floor). The Pokemon Center is almost an entire floor, an open floor concept. Racks of Pokemon plushies, limited edition merchandise, cutest Pokemon stationeries fill up the space. It was just exciting.

Self-control has never been this important

“Go crazy” I told myself before entering— and guess what, I did. Grabbed a shopping basket and ran around the place, tossing anything I like into the basket but being a reasonable shopper, I did put back most of the items I don’t need.

Not all material things are important but when in Pokemon Center Osaka, everything seems important to me. I need to have this, I need to have that. This is when self-control plays a huge part— to manage my wild shopping spree.

Bring out your inner child at Pokemon Center Osaka.

Starry-eyed, staring around the room and ready to dig into any cute Pokemon. My inner child told me she would have been so happy. When we’re adults, we tend to get stressed over many things. We face problems each day, thus leaving us tired and weary of our daily lives. We deal with people we dislike and build walls to protect ourselves.

Being in touch with your inner child is refreshing. You relive the best memories of your childhood and just for that moment, you’re feeling 5 again. Being at Pokemon Center Osaka does the same to me.

Getting there

From Midosuji Line - Umeda Station (Exit 8) - Follow directions to Daimaru Umeda - 13th floor.
Osaka Info has other alternatives to get to Pokemon Center Osaka: Here

7D6N Osaka + Kyoto Travel

Do you ever have a place or country that you’ve really wanted to visit? Osaka was always on the top of my list. When I think of a place I have always wanted to go, it was Osaka. Putting it in my bucket list every year, I have finally manifested my dreams of visiting Osaka this year.

Osaka

Beautiful, clean and quaint yet lively and convivial, Osaka is a place like no other— largest metropolitan in the Kansai region. Delicious food, ample shopping districts, modern architecture, to quaint Japanese shrines and historical buildings, Osaka offers an abundance of everything you need to see, explore and taste in Japan.

Kyoto

Macau, Vegas of China

Huge splendid casinos and Western infused heritage, Macau is the center of all the glitz and glam. Alluring lights filled the night skies, music can be heard from the streets, hotels built around influences of the riches, Macau is truly a sight to see.




My 4D3N vacation in Macau spurred all of a sudden from a talk with my older aunts one night.

“How about we visit Macau this year? Spend a little more for a lavish stay in a hotel and we can roam the city? Food looks pretty good and we can go everywhere with the hotel free shuttle service.”

And that was all it took to make a vacation of 5 to happen. We decided to go on November as we’re trying to avoid the hot, blazing summer sun— perhaps a little sun is good but not too much, we’re done with Malaysia’s warm weather all year round.



Sheraton Grand Macau, Cotai Cental.

Our accommodation was remarkable. Sheraton Grand. I got to know of this property while on my previous job, every little thing they provide and every little service they offer. Price-wise, it was decent for a 5-star establishment with first-class service.Let’s not forget the amazing pool they have! Take a swim at night and you’ll be enjoying the beautiful night lights.

The room was spacious and almost too comfortable, I almost wanted to trash the itinerary and stay in for the entire trip.





Food was a dime a dozen. Meh.

Nothing fantastic that blew my taste buds— just ordinary Hong Kong food, even the Macanese food tastes basic for the amount of money we’re paying. Meals in Macau are shockingly overpriced! We end up eating in the hotel’s restaurant as it is cheaper than in food courts/outside. Oh, their McDonalds breakfast is amazing though, Crayfish Panini for breakfast? Um, yes please.



Dim sum and lots of Dim Sum.




Convenience at your fingertips with Macau's free shuttle bus.

What I enjoyed the most was the free shuttle service provided. We can go anywhere as long as we know which bus to take. Sightseeing was enjoyable, although some places were thronged with tourists. The places were so well-maintained and clean, no wonder people felt comfortable here.

Relaxation + Sightseeing in Macau

A short weekend getaway is all we need sometimes. Away from the bustling city life, monotonous office job and humdrum daily routines. That is the time when we let go and get in tune to our true selves.

“A vacation helps to relieve stress and boredom, gives us a change of scenery, provides us with adventure, and helps to bring us closer to the people in our lives.” – E. S. Woods

When you realize who you are, but not who you want to be.

Just a small twinkle in the universe, our existence is almost superfluous in this vast creation. A vacation tells you so much about yourself. We take vacations for so many reasons— to explore more lands, to find our lost selves, to unwind our burdened heart and minds, etc. All very valid reasons.

Vacation is a luxury that everyone can and should afford. No matter how inexpensive or close to home, a vacation can happen.

Last weekend, I took a trip down to Langkawi. Usually, I am the kind of person to have every minute detail planned for a trip but this time, I felt like I was winging it. The sense of security to have an itinerary planned out comforts me yet in the spur-of-the-moment, without thorough planning for the trip, it just happened.

Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah.