Waking up in Berlin

I woke up in Berlin this morning. It's quite a surreal feeling especially since only less than 24 hours ago I was packing furiously as the San Diego Chargers were getting hopelessly murdered by the Atlanta Falcons (thanks for nothing on those fantasy points, Rivers). Apparently, packing furiously doesn't mean you will bring everything that you need; it was only in the airplane that I realized I had forgotten my power plug for my laptop. Commence face palm.

I'm used to plane rides so it was somewhat hard to get into the mind set that I was going to Europe. That changed when I landed in Frankfurt instead of Asia-Pacific and all of the ads were in German. Once I hopped on the bus from Tegel airport to a U-Bahn station, then it really hit me-"oh shit, I'm in Berin...hell yeah".

The weather at night reminds me somewhat of San Francisco sans the fog that engulfs anything and everything. The first night rained sporadically. Luckily, bars here don't have to close at 2am so you can take refuge as long as you want. So far I'm loving the atmosphere, though I probably need to get out of this neighborhood to hear less of American.

I'm writing this from the hostel lounge while the stereo is pumping house music. It was either that or my room of 8, full of snorers singing whale noises in chorus. I'm on a strange mix of jet lag and caffeine from this coffee: energized and cracked out at the same time.

Now it's time to explore this city of history and wonder...Until 8PM when the hostel begins happy hours (€1 a beer).

Tokyo Bay Bridge

The Tokyo Bay Bridge. Pretty up close and intimidating looking. Almost looks like a spaceship.

Tokyo Tower and Cherry Blossoms

Warm night in Tokyo; so I decided to take a walk.

Perfect hanami kind night...so naturally drunk Japanese people very everywhere (mind you, new employees are just starting so welcome party is part of it).

Anyhoo, nice scenery with the cherry blossoms and the Tokyo Tower together.

Spring time

Still a bit windy in Japan and a but chilly at times. But cherry trees are blossoming in full force.

In Japan, April is the both the graduation and school start season. It's also the time when new graduates begin their new job. Needless to say a busy and eventful time of the year. So cheery blossoms help mark that time of the season.

What small really means

Suitable for shot gun beginners.

Relaunch of Kentapalooza

Following a hiatus, I've decided to restart Kentapalooza. I'll be posting pictures from around the world I've been meaning to blog.

On that note, I present to you Japanese wine cartons. Available at your local Japanese supermarkets.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a popular hangout spot in Singapore built around Singapore River. As you can see it's a pretty awesome spot to walk around at night hammered with all them lights.

What we'd consider cheap beer in America can be otherwise in Singapore. For example Corona is more expensive than Heineken. So while in Singapore, I suggest drinking Tiger Beer. Lager is definitely the way to go in this humid country (plus the weather is always the same, hello equator).

Apparently Mexican restaurants in Singapore don't know what tacos are. I don't know how you can be a Mexican restaurant and NOT serve tacos. McDonald without burgers? No way.