Located 22km south of Chinese Border in North Vietnam. 250km from Hanoi. 8 Hrs by train. This is Sapa. And i'm loving it. :)

These are the pictures of the family that accomodate me during my stay. You will see the Black H'mong Tribe's children later in the pictures. I love the little girls so much! they are so cute and sensible. I miss them. :)

I finally understood that God is serious abt the way we live.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.29 My father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.30 I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)

We can fall into the hands of God for judgment if we are not careful. It is the same hands that speak of hope and comfort also speak of terror and punishment. We are warned " It is fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God"(Hebrews10:31)

The hands that are today outstretched, inviting us to receive mercy, are the hands that will throw the unrepentant into pit of loneliness, despair and boredom of eternal suffering.:(

Typically, murderers and evil people are commonly expected to be condemned in hell, but it would be a mistake to think that only such criminals will be in eternal punishment. Hell will be filled with many who paid their taxes and were never charged in a crime. In short, all those who do not come under the protection of Christ's righteousness will eventually be separated from Him in conscious torment. That explains why Jesus said that the way to life was narrow and "those who find it are few" (Matt 7:14)

So living as one pleases and then at the last minute repent is no exception, you will die as you have lived!
We are prepared for heaven when we embrace Christ as our sin bearer, accepting what He did on the cross for ourselves.
So...Don't be wrong about whether or not you are in God's protective hands.

The Transformation

Just finish packing for enlistment later at 1330hrs on sept 9. I do not feel tired at all, perhaps I'm excited and sad at the same time. Excited in going into a new environment which I heard of alot. Sad, that its so soon and now I feel that I should cherish every moment.

Met up with the Jonathans, Josh, Alina and Evan. For some dim sum and durian. heh.
Appreciate them to be so excited over today's outing and we had alot of fun, thanks for being here.

Soon, I'll be going to the Island.To some it may sound like a dreaded, lonely journey. However to me, it's not such. I'm actually looking forward to this new season of my life. Nothing odd or perculiar. Just looking ahead of this time of intensive moulding, and seeing something good coming out of it.

So its time for me to go through this crucial transformation. I know it will be interesting as it comes with the fear of disconnection and a different environment.
God is my only form of security in this everchanging society. The creator, like the sun, as the planets revolve around. He stay the same.

To all my friends, Jon.L, Jon Chan, Josh, Sameer, Alina and Val.
I love u all, take care. See you soon.

International Monetary Fund World Bank Group

The IMF is an organization of 184 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty.

During this period of time, estimated 16000 delegates from all over the world will be arriving from 10 Sept to attend a meeting till 20th of Sept.
This important event is known to contribute to national income, increase revenues in hotel businesses and promoting the nation's tourism industry. This will be a good opporunity to showcase Singapore to the world.

Hotels in Singapore, will be having high occupancy as the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) has already blocked rooms for the arriving delegates.

Ironically, travel agents in Singapore will not be making good profits during this period because there are not many rooms left for leisure travellers. Even if there are rooms avaliable, the rates will not be appealing to those leisure travellers. Hotel rates will be on rack rates, a simple deluxe room can cost up to SGD$450 to SGD700. Not including government taxes(+++). haha.

Similarly, Tour and transportation agency will lose out in this period too. Government has already made decision to give the business to government bodies, such as, NTUC, MaxiCabs and catered buses to transport the delegates. BMW will also sponser about 400 new series cars to cater the VIPs etc. Wow!

Well. The Tourism and Hotel Industry is blooming. I'm glad that its improving.

Ok guys! Pictures are up. Feel free to browse.

Website - http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tomosupremo/my_photos


Enjoy!

In Tokyo *Day 1*

Finally I`ve reached my destination Tokyo Japan at 0730...upon reaching got to take a skyline train to Ueno, Asakusa road in Tokyo. Took me quite awhile to locate the backpackers inn aka Oak Hotel. Reached abt 11am, rested for awhile cos i cannot check in until 3pm. So i waited with nigel...loitering ard the streets to check out the area and lunch.

At 3pm, managed to get a room...its quite comfy and cosy...i really mean cosy..its like 2 steps from the bed i can reach everything...and the toliet is not huge either, but im nt complaining..its an experience and theres own bathroom..not commual ones..so its good.

We travel around by trains, our prinary transport...tokyo trains are moderately expensive.abt...360 Yen, but accessible and convienant. Just like Singapore, it can take us to anywhere we wanted to and it is also crowded with people during peak hours.

First Stop, Shinbuya! Its an eye-opener for me. A fashion and entertainment street where teenagers hang out *just like orchard road* There are too many shopping buildings for ladies..that u wouldnt know where to being with!! We entered this popular shopping building called 109. I've learnt that <109> is a termed used on Japanese Ladies who are tanned and fashionable and there is another grp of Japanese Ladies who were fairer and classy...I saw so many...and miniskirts also are popular. Another common sight is also ladies on motocycles with miniskirts...wow!
Oh..there is also japanese schoolgirls, hanging out the area after school..with their kawaii looks and...the common sight- high black socks with very short skirt.

Next Stop, Shinjuku! Shinjuku is a new core of city, a tokyo metropolis where people work in the offices located in this area. It is also a place where hotels, show rooms and numerous restaurants can be found. Easily be known as the "city hall" in Tokyo, Japan. Around Shinjuku station is a few major departmental stores like the takashimaya. Also, The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the oasis of Tokyo with beautiful flowers where beautiful trees and flowers grow throughout the seasons.
In Shinjuku, the entertainment area is Kabukicho. It is walking distance frm the Shinjuku station and this place offers alot of authentic food outlets, cinemas, games rooms and "authentic services"- the Red Light District. Happening huh...It was quite an experience for me, for a first timer in Japan..well its only the first day! Im sure there will be more to write within the next few days!

I've also learnt something today . Japanese are different. They greet they and are so sincere in whatever they may be doing! They are so humble that put me as a Singaporean to shame!!. Even a simple job such as giving out flyers, they give out the flyers with greetings and if one do not want to accept it, they will say "its ok, have a nice day" with a smile! "not like orchard road". This did not happen just once..in fact..its everywhere!
When i was purchasing some stuff, the promoter was also very sincere in providing me infomation i need and also kept thanking me for patronizing the shop.!
My point is that we don't see such services or sincerity in Singapore! not any more...and why? its because of the Singaporean's Pride! Singaporeans must learn to be sincere and learn some manners if they still want to be the best in the service industry.

Japanese Girls have nice features..and pretty girls are everywhere...that what i thought was pretty was common..well...perhaps..it may be a new environment for me.
well more to come..til then...