Happy 2013 to whoever is still reading this! My NYE's was a simple night spent with A, watching Skyfall and Big Bang Theory while waiting for the clock to strike 12. 2 minutes before midnight, we just stared at the clock on his laptop. Counting down this way, protected by four walls and in the comfort of our own room, is so much more better than squeezing with a sea of people.

I didn't make any new year's resolutions for 2013. In fact, it doesn't even feel like 2013 to me. Perhaps I have lost track of time while exploring the Kansai region with A. We took a night bus to Kobe and, of course, tried the famous Kobe beef. Our trip carried on in Nara where we were attacked by a bunch of hungry deers in Nara Park. Finally, we stayed at a Ryokan in Uji, and stumbled upon many local green tea delicacies. Our trip turned out to be more fruitful than I thought it'd be, partly cause we didn't expect to discover so many things. Japan's Kansai region is so beautiful, with so much more than meets the eye.

Looking back, 2012 has been a really enriching year. Going for an exchange to Japan has made me so much more independent. I'm glad that I was reckless and daring in 2011, and willfully decided on going for this exchange. And so, in 2012, I learnt to be more thankful for so many things I took for granted, I learnt that we need to take risks, and I learnt that we need to live in the moment. Despite many bumps along the way, 2012 has been kind and nurturing. So here's to another great year.

P.S. I've been obsessed over Alpacas and Llamas recently, thus the cute Alpaca emoticons. How cute are they!??

Now, let me continue on my long overdue trip to Osaka and Kyoto.

We had the モーダンヤキ(Modanyaki) that I've been dying to try in Osaka! The mix of mayo, sweet sauce, and bonito flakes = awesomeeeee.





Roaming the streets of Osaka... This was where I learnt how to read "止まれ" in Japanese.













The beautifully lit 大阪城天守閣 (Osaka Castle).

 
 Visited temples...










... and ate yummy crepes!



Love the bunny from Sentimental Circus!


We took the train from Osaka to Kyoto with our heavy luggages! (Okay, I'm guilty for bringing the big red luggage that made traveling so much more inconvenient)


K Y O T O







Our hotel that looked so much like an art gallery. It was really hipster.


Loved the design of the room






Ate super awesome tempura and soba!






Visited the Gion district...


Sunset in Kyoto's skies

We had pizza for dinner because the shops close really early






end of our days in Kyoto...


... and finally reaching Tokyo!