As some of you may or may not know, I visited Osaka, Japan last year for the first time ever and was so in love with the country (read: acting on adrenaline from the trip), booked my next flight there once I got back.
And this time, I dragged along Sister, Friend and Cousin for a 9 days trip through Kobe, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Given that we were, most of the time, broke, the challenge of this trip was to travel on a budget of RM5000 and I dare say it is possible as you can read about it here.
From there, we took the FOC shuttle bus from bus stop 12 right outside the airport entrance to the ferry terminal just 10 minutes away where we board the spacious and comfortable high speed boat to Kobe. Given our lack of sleep on the flight, we knocked out immediately as soon as the boat set off and snoozed the whole 30 minutes. Best sleep ever!
Upon arrival at the Kobe ferry terminal, we took a 3 minutes bus ride (after some initial confusion) to Kobe airport station where we caught the Portliner train heading into the city using the Kansai Thru Pass.
As the train took us away from the terminal station, we marveled at our first sight of Kobe, a long and narrow city that stands between the sea and the mountains. Kobe is one of the few cities to open their doors to the westerners in 1850s, hence the heavy westernized influence in its landmarks and food. Most would know it as the origin of the world famous Kobe beef.
Speaking of Kobe beef, I could not visit Kobe without trying their beef and after much research, found a famous restaurant called Steakland in the main Kobe hub of Sannomiya that offered Kobe beef at reasonable prices during lunch time.
My plan was to leave our luggage at our guesthouse, Yume Nomad at Shinkaichi and head to Steakland for lunch. As the restaurant opens at 11am, we arrived at 1130am and found a line forming outside the restaurant already. We joined it and soon found that the line was actually much longer than we expected. In fact, the line was so long that the servers had to take us to an extended branch of the restaurant around the corner where we joined the crowd in a small narrow waiting area. We had to put our names down on a waiting list and already there were 20 names ahead of mine.
It being a Saturday explained the crowd and the endless groups of people that spilled in after us. Some were turned off by the crowd while others persevered and joined the waiting list. As for us, we waited 45 minutes before our grumbling tummies and growing sleep-deprived headaches prompted us to give up and head elsewhere for lunch.
We ended up eating at an Italian restaurant, Amataro facing the main Sannomiya station. The pasta was so-so but they had refillable UCC coffee which was delicious and also green tea. The price at this restaurant range from 500yen to 1000yen.
After lunch, we headed to the famous former westernized residential neighborhood, Kitano Ijinkan aka Kitana-cho aka Foreign Residences. This area was a nice walk through time as the houses were kept in their original conditions and the gardens were well care for. On the downside, each houses had an entrance fee and we opted to just explore the colourful neighborhood that was filled with tourists, local and foreign.
The houses were on a steep slope that had many narrow alleys to explore and cut across and by some luck, we found ourselves at the Weathercock house, the iconic red house with the weathercock on its red tiled roof. Right in front of it was the Kitano tourist information center and a nice courtyard overlooking Kobe.
The Kitano tourist information center was worth a stop by as the friendly uncle there gave my group a set of maps and coupons to help us around Kobe once he found out that we were tourists. He gave us some helpful directions to the famous Kitano Starbucks and also a deck of postcards for free.
It was also here I picked up my first bunch of Kobe souvenir in the form of limited edition Kobe pudding flavoured Kit Kat and well, Kobe pudding.
We headed to the Kitano Starbucks after, a 3 minutes downhill walk from the tourist center and again, I joined yet another queue to order my drink. This Starbucks store was so popular that every seat and table was taken and I sadly had no choice but to have my Vanilla Lemon Latte to go . I also purchased the limited edition Kobe tumbler and card which entitled me to a free drink with the tumbler.
The Kitano Starbucks was gorgeous as every room was kept in its original form, allowing customers to sit and enjoy their coffee while feeling right at home. I sat on the outside patio for a bit, just people-watching before the spring cold got to me and forced me to keep moving.
After all the walking, we adjourned back to our guesthouse/hostel to properly check-in and also to get some rest before heading out to Harbourland for dinner.
We got lost trying to get to Harbourland and ended up taking the longer train route to the place. When we arrived, we found out that Harbourland station wasn't exactly near Harbourland and walked for about 15 minutes, pure torture as it was freezing cold and breezy. But the sight that greeted us at Mosiac and Harbourland was worth it as we caught a glimpse of the massive ferris wheel and the Kobe Port Tower.
Dinner was at bit of a mess as my group could not make up their minds on what to eat despite Mosiac having an abundance of restaurants. In the end, we settled for a ramen shop, Mujinnzou - Minatokobeya on the first floor of Mosiac. I ordered their soy sauce ramen with pork bone (690yen) and it was delicious (either that or I was super hungry). The ramen was al dente and the soup was piping hot and flavourful. It was good meal on a cold night.
We headed back to Yume Nomad, thankfully without getting lost this time and after purchasing our breakfast (and some late night limited edition Haagen Dazs) from the mart next door, tucked in for a good night's sleep as the next day, we were heading up a mountain.
Continue read about Day 2 here.


Ambassadors of European Union member states agreed on Wednesday to impose an arms embargo on Venezuela. They also said there would be a ban on any equipment which could be used to repress opponents within Venezuela. The sanctions come after a UN report released in August accused Venezuela of human rights violations and using excessive force against the opposition. Venezuela dismissed the allegations as "lies" and said it was the victim of an "imperialist war". Canada and the United States have already imposed sanctions on Venezuela and frozen the assets of Venezuelan individuals they say are linked to human rights abuses.
Legislation focused on addressing cybersecurity concerns at United States ports was recently passed by the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee. The legislation came in the form of the reintroduction of a bill from Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), entitled H.R. 3101 the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act. The impetus for this bill stemmed from a global cyber-attack, a malware virus known as "notPetya," over the summer that led to a shutdown of the largest terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. The main objectives of the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act are to improve information sharing and cooperation in addressing cybersecurity risks at U.S. ports. One key objective is doing this is to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish voluntary guidelines for reporting of cybersecurity risks, to develop and implement a maritime cyber security risk model, and to make recommendations on enhancing the sharing of cyber information. And it also requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to direct Area Maritime Security Committees to ensure area maritime security and facility security plans address cybersecurity risks.
A team of government, industry and academic officials successfully demonstrated that a commercial aircraft could be remotely hacked in a non-laboratory setting last year, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said Wednesday at the 2017 CyberSat Summit in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The aircraft that DHS is using for its tests is a legacy Boeing 757 commercial plane purchased by the S&T branch. After his speech at the CyberSat Summit, Hickey told Avionics sister publication Defense Daily that the testing is with the aircraft on the ground at the airport in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The initial response from experts was, "'We've known that for years,'" and, "It's not a big deal," Hickey said. The cost to change one line of code on a piece of avionics equipment is $1 million, and it takes a year to implement. For Southwest Airlines, whose fleet is based on Boeing's 737, it would "bankrupt" them if a cyber vulnerability was specific to systems on board 737s, he said, adding that other airlines that fly 737s would also see their earnings hurt. Hickey said newer models of 737s and other aircraft, like Boeing's 787 and the Airbus Group A350, have been designed with security in mind, but that legacy aircraft, which make up more than 90% of the commercial planes in the sky, don't have these protections.


The last zipper factory in the West and one of only 4 remaining in the U.S., this "Made in America" family run business has been at it for over 25 years.
The ancient art of bookbinding survives at this 67-year-old family business in Pico Rivera.
Treating poo never looked so good.
Print may be going the way of the dinosaur but until then you can still take a tour of their massive Olympic Facility printing plant in DTLA.
Most likely the only hot thing in Irwindale, CA.
Comprised of two warehouses – Stumptown's 37,000 square feet of space has plenty of room for roasting, training, quality control, green storage, and offices.


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Kirby Yeats
Position: Owner/Operator
AKA: Kirb
Kirby started Kirby's Sports in 2000, and has been in the sporting goods business for over 35 years. He has been playing hockey and ball for 45+ years. These days he still plays once a week with Cowboys Hockey, and coach's both of his kids teams at JDF. Kirby's favorite teams are the Edmonton Oilers, and the Miami Dolphins. Fun Fact: Kirby was the Asst. Equipment Manager of the Edmonton Oilers in 1981/82.
Sean Tackaberry
AKA: Tack
Tack joined Kirby's Sports in 2004, and has been in the sporting goods business for over 18 years. He has been playing hockey and baseball for 30+ years. Tack played for and coached the Victoria Cougars Jr. B team over a period of 7 years, followed by 10 years for the Victoria Lions, in the VHL. His favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. Fun Fact: Tack is a shareholder in the Green Bay Packers. Go Pack Go!
Mark Walton
Position: Store Manager
AKA: Wally
Wally started working at Kirby's Sports in 2012, and has been part of the management team since 2014. Mark plays for the Victoria Lions of the VHL, after playing 4 seasons with the Victoria Cougars Jr. B Hockey Club. He also played lacrosse for 6 years, and is currently a member of the Jays softball team. Wally's favorite teams are the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Fun Fact: Wally has had over 100 stitches in his face due to hockey injuries…who could tell?!
Brian Sharuga
Position: Hockey Buyer/Old Man Knowledge
AKA: Brain
After managing United Cycle Source for Sports for over 20 years, Brian moved to Victoria to retire in 2003 and has been part of the Kirby's team ever since. Brian played hockey up until Jr, and coached hockey and football for 20+ years. Brian's favorite teams are the Edmonton Oilers, and the Oakland Raiders. Fun Fact: Brian enjoys Sooke traffic, and is an avid Fantasy Football participant.
Ron Morrison
Position: Repair Man
AKA: Ronny
Ronny joined the Kirby's Sports team in 2005, and has over 30 years' experience repairing sporting goods equipment. In his younger days Ron was an avid hockey, rugby, and soccer player. Ronny's favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, and the Chicago Bears. Fun Fact: Ronny is a retired heavy duty mechanic, and drives a beautiful '53 Chevy.
Brenda Robinson
Position: Sales Associate
AKA: Blender
Brenda started with Kirby's in 2005, and has worked in the sporting goods industry for over 15 years. She has played, coached, & refereed hockey for over 35 years, and is currently playing for the Bladerunners. Brenda also brings 20 years of experience playing fast-pitch, soccer, football and basketball. Blenders's favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco 49ers. Fun Fact: Brenda is quite the prankster, and loves her cats!
Jordyn Chelini Dheensaw
Position: Assistant Manager
AKA: JCD
Jordyn joined the Kirby's SFS team in February of 2013, after a brief stint at another Source for Sports store in BC. She has 18 years' experience playing both fast-pitch and soccer and is currently a member of the SV YoungGuns & the Lakehill Div. 1 Women's Soccer Club. JCD's favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Denver Broncos? Fun Fact: Jordyn was named after Michael Jordan, and is KSFS' resident band-aid. She has watched Mighty Ducks over 100 times!
Elliot Simons
Position: Service Center - Sales Associate
AKA: Elly
Elliot joined the KSFS team in 2012, and has been a consistent figure in our service center ever since. He has 19 years of experience playing hockey, and is currently a member of the Ice Giants in Island Hockey 101. Elly's favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, and the Chicago Bears. Da Bears! Fun Fact: Elliot once won an OREO Stacking competition & drives a 1990 Camaro IROC Z.
Greg Yeats
Position: Shipper/Receiver
AKA: Smokey
Greg joined the Kirby's team in 2014, and can be found in the warehouse shipping, receiving, and organizing. He has 50+ years of hockey playing experience, and is currently a member of the Red Wings, Cowboys, and Summerside Smokies hockey clubs. Greg's favorite team is the Edmonton Oilers. Fun Fact: Smokey plays hockey 3 times a week, 12 months a year and loves Lays potato chips!
Nathan Looysen
AKA: Splinter
Nathan started working at Kirby's Sports in the winter of 2014. He has 15+ years of hockey playing experience, and is set to play for Brock University in the Fall of 2017. Nate also played lacrosse for 9 years. Nathan's favorite team is the Dallas Stars. Fun Fact: Looys played a season for the Kamloops Blazers, and was briefly featured in EA Sports NHL15.
Nick Looysen
Position: Service Center / Sales Associate
AKA: The Better Looys
Nick joined the KSFS team in early 2017 following in his older brother Nate's footsteps. He has quickly become the favorite Looysen brother around the shop. Looys played 13 years of minor hockey with the PMHA Eagles, and some Jr. B with the Victoria Cougars. Nick's favorite NHL team is the Vegas Golden Knights. Fun Fact: Nick hit his hockey prime in Bantam with over 100pts.
Jenn Mathieson
Position: Cashier - Customer Service
AKA: JAM
Jenn has been working at Kirby's SFS since the Spring of 2016. She brings extensive playing experience in both Hockey, Baseball & Fastpitch. Jam has played 18 years of hockey with the SMHA Braves & Major Midget Impact as well as 18 years of both Baseball & Fastpitch with Layritz, Strawberry Vale and Cordova Bay. Jenn is a die hard Montreal Canadiens fan, & cheers for the Blue Jays & Seahawks. Fun Fact: Jam has been to Disneyland 10+ times and loves Pluto!
Gabe Crozier
Position: Sales Associate - Baseball Specialist
AKA: Gaber
Gabe has been a part of the KSFS team since July 2017. He has played 13 years of Baseball with Layritz as well as being a current member of the Victoria Jr Premier Mariners. Gaber has also played hockey for 10 years with SMHA Braves. His favorite team is the San Francisco Giants. Fun Fact: Gabe has been within 1 out of a No-Hitter twice in his baseball pitching career.
Jamie Dubois
AKA: JED
Jamie joined the KSFS crew in December 2017. She has 10+ years of hockey playing experience with VMHA, JDF & the Breakers/Royals. JED also played 4 years of fastpitch in Langford. The Montreal Canadiens, Seattle Seahawks, and Seattle Mariners are her favorite teams. Fun Fact: Jamie has an amazing talent for accents!
Grady Nursey
AKA: SLIM
Grady joined the KSFS team in March 2018. He has played 12+ years of hockey with JDF Grizzlies, PCHA Sea Devils, and is aiming to be playing Jr. B in the the 2018/19 season. His favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Seahawks, and Toronto Blue Jays. Fun Fact: Slim once ate 10 Jr. McChicken burgers in one sitting. #gross
Miranda Yeats
AKA: MIR
Miranda joined the KSFS Staff in April 2018. She has 9 years of hockey playing experience with the JDF Grizzlies, and South Island Royals. Mir's favorite team is the Edmonton Oilers. Fun Fact: Miranda is fluent in French, and once scored 6 goals in one hockey game!
Spencer Golden
Position: Sales Associate - Service Center
AKA: GOLDY
Spencer joined the KSFS Staff in July 2018. He's played hockey for 11 years with SMHA and is going into his rookie season with the Victoria Cougars Jr. B team. Goldy is really proud of his 1 year of baseball experience playing T-Ball. His favorite team is the Philadelphia Flyers. Fun Fact: Goldy plans on winning the VIJHL Rookie Scoring race this year. #nobigdeal
Kobe Chelini Dheensaw
AKA: KOB
Kobe joined the KSFS Team in July 2018. He's played 14 years of competitive Soccer, recently winning a U18 Provincial title. Kob also has experience playing Basketball, Football, and Lacrosse. His favorite teams are Arsenal, and the LA Lakers. Fun Fact: Kobe is the self proclaimed best athlete in the Chelini Dheensaw family?!
Ryan Strange
AKA: Stranger
Ryan started working at Kirby's SFS in July 2018. He has 14 years of hockey playing experience and is currently a member of the Saanich Braves Jr. B team. Ryan has also played lacrosse and football. Stranger's favorite team is the Vancouver Canucks. Fun Fact: TBD
AKA: KERSIE
Aidan started working at Kirby's in late July 2018. He has been playing hockey for 13 years, and just finished up with the Notre Dame Argos Midget AAA team. Aidan has now moved into the coaching ranks with the Racquet Club Kings PeeWee AAA team. Kersie also has 3 years of Lacrosse playing experience with the Saanich Tigers. He lists his favorite team as the Chicago Blackhawks. Fun Fact: tbd.
Priya Johal
AKA: PRI
Priya started working at Kirby's SFS in August 2018. She has played 10 years of fastpitch for the Victoria Devils, and now with Lakehill. Priya has also played Basketball and Soccer. Her favorite teams are the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Blue Jays. Fun Fact: Priya has won an Island Title in Baskeball.
Kahlil Fontana
AKA: FONZIE
Kahlil joined the KSFS team in September 2018. He has played hockey for 14 years, and is currently a member of the Westshore Wolves Jr. B team. Kahlil also played 8 years of soccer, and 4 years of lacrosse. Fonzie lists his favorite teams as the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Raptors. Fun Fact: The Fonz speaks fluent french!
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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