Learning Japanese + cafe-hopping

September 18, 2019

Learning a foreign language is one of my main interests, and more than a decade ago, I started to pick up my first foreign language at Lingo Language School, whereby I completed a 3-month basic course in German. I might be a little rusty but I can still write basic German and do very simple communication in German too! In 2015, I was rather lucky as well as delighted to be selected to attend a 3-month elementary course for Korean, which was sponsored by the Korean company I work for. I still have a hard time understanding what the Koreans are talking about within the company, but I can make small simple talk with them!

Both Baby and I love to visit Japan, and we have been to several prefectures. Our most recent trip was to Tokyo this year, as we used Tokyo as our transit point for my birthday holiday to Hawaii. The most memorable trip to Japan was our Kyushu Holiday in 2018. We flew to Fukuoka, and apart from Hakata, we also visited Kokura (KitaKyushu) Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu and Kumamoto. We love everything about Japan from the culture to food and shopping too! Recently Baby suggested using our skill-future credits to sign up Japanese language speaking lessons, and I quickly said 'YES'!

Our lesson is conducted once every week at Bunka Language School. I'm quite glad that the materials for the course, such as the textbooks, exercise book and other studying materials for each lesson were provided by the school. What's more each student was given a tote bag to keep our course materials, which I feel that Bunka Language School was very thoughtful to provide for their students.

During my first lesson, we started to learn on how to read and pronounce Hiragana and Katakana (the Japanese alphabet) properly.

Our Sensei (teacher) is a nice Japanese lady and she is very patient with us. She speaks only Japanese during class, and English is only used when explaining the meaning of the Japanese words. She always ensures to give us 10-15mins break time during our 3-hr lessons. During our break time, she will teach us some simple origami artworks, and we recently learnt how to fold a Neko (cat). Which one is cuter?

So far, I have been attending about 3 lessons, and I will miss one lesson due to my upcoming holiday. Fortunately, there is a make-up lesson for us, and we are happy to hear that. With every lesson completed, It become harder the next round. Homework is also given to us after each lesson ends, and I spend my free time trying to revise back on what I have learnt each week.

Learning Japanese, or any other foreign language for that matter, is never easy, but it doesn't stop my interest in learning! I am hoping for a day when I can write and speak Japanese fluently, and now I know I am one step closer to my goal!

It has been a long hiatus since RKM went cafe-hopping, so Baby decided to do it on a random weekend. Both Baby and I are food lovers and we usually scout around for any locations to find good/interesting food. Baby brought me to Atlas Coffeehouse which is located at Duke's Road, off Bukit Timah Road. They are famous for their coffee and waffles which we will be trying out during our visit!

During our visit, Baby had Chicken Stew, while I had the Aglio Olio Pasta. The pasta was cooked Al dente, with a coat of aromatic olive oil and fragrant garlic! Our damage was about SGD40+ for 2 main courses and a tea by the pot.

Baby and I brought my parents for a Saturday's Dim Sim brunch at Dim Sum Haus, which is located along Jalan Besar Road, and I am glad that my folks enjoyed their meal.

I love to meet up with friends, and to catch up with them over a meal. Recently, CK, Jane I met up for a meal gathering at Bonchon, Boat Quay.

We indulged ourselves with their world-famous fried chicken, and it was a truly authentic, yet healthy Korean dining experience at Bonchon. The Korean fried chicken is less oily as compared to American fast-food fried chicken. I love the crunchy skin very much, and our meal was ultimately served to satisfy our fried chicken cravings! I look forward to our next meal gathering