Soooooo, I just got back from our trip to Fukuoka, Japan, and daaaaamn! I seriously want to go back to Japan as soon as possible! Like the moment our plane landed in NAIA 3, I swear I want to dash back to departure, and sneak into a plane going back to any place in Japan! Just like from my previous travel to Bangkok, I am definitely suffering from Post-Travel depression! But luckily, I still have some upcoming trips to look forward to, which means it's not yet time to store away my luggage ♥

Yes, you've read it right, I've been to Japan! It is pretty much a huge deal, because I have always dreamed of going there! What usually hinders me from trying to start planning for a Japan trip was the notion that Japan is an expensive country, and you have to have A LOT of money to be able to go there. Also there is another notion that the language barrier will be a big burden to go to places!

How I envisioned myself in Japan

But lo and behold, those notions aren't that spot-on! You don't have to have a lot to go there, you just have to learn how to budget, and research a lot in order to get deals and save money. As for the language problem? Not really, there are a lot of English translations in signs and instructions, and if there's none, you could converse with Japanese people using simple English words, and eventually they'll understand what you mean.

Anyway, let me show you how our first day in Fukuoka was like...


We arrived in NAIA 3 at around 9 am for our 2 pm flight. Why so early, you asked? The traffic going to the airport is usually horrendous, and with that we can't afford to go to the airport in a much later time. While waiting for our flight, we had our breakfast in the airport, and spent our time downloading videos from Netflix for our in-flight entertainment- because Cebu Pacific has none, and the flight going to Fukuoka from Manila is up to 3 hours!

Hisamitsuuuuuuu

We arrived in Fukuoka at around 7 pm Japan time. Oh, take note, Japan is 1 hour advance from the Philippines, so you better adjust your watch or your phone's time so you won't have any mishaps ☺ Upon arriving the Fukuoka international airport, there is a free shuttle transport going to the Fukuoka domestic airport, where you can take either a bus or subway going to Hakata Station.

Here's Imman trying to make sense of Japanese ads in the train.

From the domestic airport, you can easily spot the stairs going to the subway station. If ever you are lugging around a lot of luggage, don't fret because there are escalators, so you don't have to carry them all the time. The fare going from Fukuokakuko subway station (the airport) going to Hakata Station is 230 Yen per person, or approximately Php 115. In order to buy the ticket, you will have to use their ticketing 'vendo' machines that has english translation. Also, if you're kinda problematic about having full 10,000 yen bills with you, I think the subway is indeed the best choice for you, because if you take the bus you are expected to give the exact fare amount, but unlike in the subway, the ticketing machine can give you change for your big bills.

At a glance, you might think it is kind of expensive, however if you are going to compare it to other forms of transpo coming from airport to city in other countries, this is actually waaay cheaper. In Hongkong you get to spend as much as around 20-50 HKD when you take the bus going from their airport to Mongkok, while if you take the express train it will be around 100+ HKD.

Another positive thing about the airport transfer from Fukuoka airport to their main city is the fact that the city proper is very near. It only took us around 5-10 minutes to reach Hakata Station! So when we arrived, it's still quite early despite the fact that we landed in the evening already...


and with that, even after we have put our luggages in our Airbnb, we still got time for...


Yep, the best tonkotsu ramen in the world! Despite it being readily available all-over Japan, Ichiran Ramen actually started in Fukuoka. Since our Airbnb is somewhat near Hakata station, we head over to their branch in Sunplaza, which is conveniently across Hakata Station. If there's one thing I recommend people to bring with them in heading over to Ichiran, it has to be patience. Ichiran is usually packed with people, so you could expect that there's a loooong line of hungry people wanting to have their ramen in their bellies.

But you can't blame these people, because Ichiran ramen is the best ramen I've ever had in my whole life! No exaggerations, it is indeed the best.

So what can you expect upon entering this wonderland? Well, for you to order, you will first see a vendo machine where you get to choose what you would like to have. They of course have their ramen, which costs 890 yen, then you could also order some extras like extra Chashu, eggs, or even some gyoza. One thing to note is, their base ramen doesn't have an egg, so if you got used to the servings here in The Philippines, you better buy a 130 yen soft boiled salted egg to go along with your delicious ramen. Upon ordering, you then insert your money, then the machine will give you a stub indicating your orders.

Hungry face

After ordering, you will proceed to a room where they will serve you the ramen. Once seated, they will give you a 'questionnaire'-like paper where you have to choose how you would like your ramen- For example, do you like the broth to be extra rich, how firm you like your noodles to be, and etc. Then after filling it up, you tap a button in front of you, where they'll get the paper and the stub you get from the vendo machine earlier, and by then you anticipate having the best ramen of your life!

photo c/o Imman

Once they have already served you your order, the window in front of you will be closed, then you will proceed in enjoying the best ramen you will have in this lifetime.

Aaaaand there you have it, our first night in Fukuoka ☺ Will blog about the other days soon *Wink* *Hopefully within this month hahaha*

Love, Always

Nicole ♥

P.S.
Huhuhu Craving for Ichiran Ramen now :(

What is Class Act, you ask? Let me tell you a short story...

Listen up!

For Christmas of 2016, I remember my boyfriend asking me what gift do I want to receive. He gave me options such as shoes, bags, and books, however I felt that those options felt meh- though I really don't mind whether he decided to give me a cactus or a happy meal, I'll still be happy with whatever it is (hopefully he isn't reading this). After stumbling upon a Youtube video of a polymer clay tutorial, I got so fond of it that I insist that he take me to this magical place called, Deovir.

Yes gurl!

Why magical, you ask? Well, it is a craft store that sells soooo many cool art goodies, and yeah they sell polymer clays. So after an hour of looking at different clays and tools, I ended up with a basic set.


And from then on, I am able to do these bad guys:








After posting these in my social media profiles, a couple of friends became really interested in getting their hands on these little bibis, so that's when I decided to make it into a bonafide small business.

With that, if you ever feel like splurging your money on little knick knacks, or if you are genuinely unsure what to give as a giveaway for a certain event or celebration, why not check out Class Act here ♥  or if you are lazy to click the link, here you go:



Love Always,
Nicole ♥

P.S.
I told yah it's just a short story *wink*

When I was younger and much foolish I always consider having a cat-eye a staple look for me. Back then, bibi Nicole always has blunt bangs, so the need for eyebrows on-fleek isn't that high. Back then, my go-to eyeliner product was Etude House's Oh m'Eye Line Eyeliner where I would have my upper lids in jet black, while my waterline in its glittery silver version.

My life-saver

Me, now.

But with all the upcoming shindigs and travels on my way, I figured I have to get back and embrace my make-up junkie-ness (lol), and with that I decided to do baby steps. In doing so, I figured I should probably start with something very affordable before dabbling with MACs and Bobbi Browns. With that, I ended up in Miniso.

Carry On, Move Along

WERQ IT

Initially, the only agenda I have set for that day was to apply for our (Me and Imman's) Japan visa, which we have planned a couple of weeks ago. We really don't have any plans later that day, except to take turns in playing Overwatch or stuffing ourselves with chicken. Well, things turned a bit interesting when...
One of the things to consider when going to the museums in Manila, especially when you have a car, is parking. You see, there aren't much parking slots near the museums, and no matter how enticing it seems to just park your car anywhere near the vicinity of the museums, please don't, unless you don't mind losing your side mirrors- or worse, your car. With that dilemma, we decided to park our car in SM Manila, which is a stone's throw away from the Museums. By the way, just so you know the three museums namely: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and the newest one, National Museum of Natural History are all close to each other, so you wouldn't need to take a pedicab or a grab to go from one place to another.

Once we arrived in SM Manila, we decided to eat some lunch first, since there aren't any good place to eat near the area of the museum.

Yes, we only ate mayo, mustard and some garnishings; that's how committed we are with Keto ☺

From SM Manila, we walked going to National Museum of Natural History, since it is near and it's not yet raining that time. On our way to the museum, we passed by National History of Anthropology, and Rizal Park.


The facade of the museum is majestic. However what we saw next is not so majestic...


Yup, there's a loooong queue going to the main entrance of the museum. If you are with younglings, PWDs or Senior Citizens, you can bypass this line by entering another door that can give you a fast pass to the museum- lol, ginawang Disneyland ride. After around 15 minutes of being in line, we have finally reached the door! Just when we thought we are finally getting inside the museum proper...


There are more lines inside the foyer!!!!!! Hahaha. KALURKS! Rather than getting annoyed by the fact that there are sooooo many people, especially teenagers and students, I actually felt happy and glad that kids these days are actually going to museums to learn and be as cultured-as-a-yakult as well!

*Side story: When we were in line, we saw this kid with a Yakult-shaped backpack! I'm not shit-brixing here, there really is a kid lugging around a Yakult bag! Such Culture indeed (I should have taken a photo of the kid, she is #goals!)*


The first notable thing you'll see is the "Tree of life" which is basically a beautiful elevator that you won't be allowed to ride. Another thing that will welcome you is this guy:

A same sized replica of Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity.

There are still some parts of the museum that aren't open or completed, particularly the upper floors- but hey, everyone should go and see the museum! Oh, haven't I mentioned that admission is free... FOREVER? Yep, I think this is our government's way of encouraging its citizens to learn more about our history, our culture, and the arts that our country has. So, if you're thinking of going, but you only have money for transpo and a Paotsin meal, don't worry, the admission to the 3 museums I have mentioned are free forever.

Here are some 'reminders' when it comes to museum-hopping:
1. The 3 mentioned museums have no admission fees! But they are closed during Mondays- just like most of the museums all over the world.
2. It is best to wear your comfiest shoes! You'll be walking a lot, however there are a lot of stools and seats to cool down when you feel your feet is about to give up on you.
3. Don't bring to much stuff! If you bring a backpack or any big bag, they'll ask you to leave it in the baggage counter, which has a looooong line.
4. Don't bring pens, art materials, and weapons- I mean, c'mon you won't need those things.
5. Bring a small nifty umbrella. In order to go to the 3 museums, you'll be walking in paths that don't have any sheds, and with the weather these days, you're a fool if you don't have on hand.


Anyway, I won't explain much about the museum, since I really encourage everyone to go and visit the 3 museums! Instead, here are some photos I have taken during our excursion

Masaya sya guys, di lang sobrang halata

Anlaking balakid

No exaggeration here