There are multiple option to go to Osaka from Tokyo:

1. By Shinkansen. It is a well known that bullet train in Japan is superfast and comfortable. By Shinkansen it takes only 2.5-3 hours with no transit from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The cost for one way is about 11.000-14.920 yen but sure you will save a lot of time. In our calculation, for 8 days we would need transportation cost about 15.000 yen excluding from Tokyo to Osaka covers Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. The 7days JR Pass would cost about 30.000 yen. Thus it is not a big saver I guess.  There are local train also but I am not pretty sure how to ride this.

2. By Bus. It is the cheapest way to go to Osaka. It takes 7 hours for us to reach Osaka-Namba but the ticket is only  3.650 yen and depart in midnight means would save us another money for accommodation. The bus is pretty comfortable to sleep. I was not really sleeping though. Hehehe

Osaka Castle

After heading straight to our hostel near Dobutsuen mae station, we ate and wash first. Then went to Osaka Castle. Osaka has very different vibes than Tokyo. It is not so crowded. Everyone is not in a rush. More classics and not many skyscrapers. I found more peace there. Osaka castle has a huge and beautiful garden. There are Japan Museum of History just besides the castle. 

From Osaka Castle we were heading to Shitennoji Temple, walked along the way of Tennoji Park and then found Shinsekai, a conventional shopping district. Actually at that time, we were confused. The path is unusually quiet. So we were unsure if we were in the right way. In Shinsekai, there many colossal shop but I don’t find any which not selling pork. The district is pretty interesting though. After that, just by walking ten more minutes we arrived again at our hostel. So we took a rest.

Park before Osaka Castle

At night we went to Dotonburi to sightseeing, shopping and eating. It is so crowded. The most crowded place in Osaka maybe. There is the biggest Don Quixote in Osaka which has Ferris wheel in front. The shop was pretty complete, you can find anything at affordable prices. We bought most of our souvenirs there. Don Quixote deployed many  discount coupon. You could get it easily at your hostel, restaurants or even in front of their store. It helps you when you are in a tight budget.

Next day we went to Universal Studio of Japan. The queue line is amazing, especially for Harry Potter ride. You'll need to be patient and focus on what you want to ride. It is almost impossible to try all the rides. In a day we only got to rides five kinds. For me, Osaka version is better than Singapore. In USJ you could ask the customer service to provide you a room to pray. They would allow it for 10 minutes only (IT IS ENOUGH! #happy). You would have to take ablution in the toilet nearby.

Hogwarts at noon

Hogwarts at night

At the third day, we went to Kyoto which famous for Japanese traditional temple. From Osaka, it took about one hours by train. We supposed to go to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, but we were too tired to do more walking. So we decided to delete it and head straight to Fushimi Inari. In Fushimi, we only walked halfway to save more energy then went to Kiyomizudera. From the Kiyomizugojo station we walked about half an hour, then walked again along way to Gion and then Nishiki Market.

Kiyomizudera

It is tiresome. Hahaha. I am not complaining, it is real! In Nishiki we bought shoes and snacks. Then went to Dotonburi again. To shop ! :')

Temple just before Fushimi Inari

Gion

Kiyomizudera

Ah yeah. We buy Kansai Through Pass which covers most of the train lines in Kansai except JR. FYI there are Hanshin lines, Hankyu lines, Keihan lines, Kintetsu, Metro etc. We thought it would save the budget buuuut not really the saver if you dont go to faraway place like Himeji. Lesson learned; Just buy Suica/Pasmo card:)

The fourth day, we reconsidered our plan to go to Nara. Why? Because from what we search in Nara there only Nara Park which interesting to us. So cancelled it and head to Sawanotsuru Sake Museum in Nada Ward Kobe. We departed around 9a.m by using Hanshin Line and hop off in Oishi station. From there we walk for about 15 minutes. At 10am, Kobe is still quiet. We rarely pass anyone in the street and it amazed me. The museum is pretty interesting. It told us about how to make sake in Japanese old tradition. There was no entrance fee, love it. Hahaha. They provided us with free samples and my friend tried all the taste. She said it is tasty and bought the sake ice cream. I didn’t try because I don’t drink.

a display in Sawanotsuru Sake Museum

 From the museum we went to central Kobe. Walk to Kitano-cho district, but didn’t find any interesting spot. So we back to the station and eat Steak Land which is another restaurant that has a very long queue line. The restaurant located just right in front of Kobe Station. The steak is delicious but I prefer Gyukatsu Motomura. :)

Kobe from a temple in Kitano-cho

After that I parted ways with my friend, she said she would back to Dotonburi while I had no interest in shopping. Dotonburi sure is the shopping heaven in Osaka. I continued my journey to Himeji, the farthest city you could go with Kansai Through Pass. My battery was so low, I don’t know what get through my mind, but I still go. The journey took about 1 hour and half to Sanyo Himeji Station. I need to transfer to Motomachi station and that’s when my phone died. In that confusion I still managed to arrive at Sanyo Himeji Station by hop on any train to Himeji. Hahaha. What you need to know the Hanshin line has many types of train. There are direct limited express, rapid express and express. It depends on the station you want to take off. Direct limited express only stops in big station, while rapid express in semi big station. The express type would stop on every station. Whatever, I didn’t even know what types of train I take. Hahaha. I arrived at Himeji Station at 5p.m.

Himeji Castle

Himeji castle is bigger than Osaka Castle and full of white color. At that time, there was lampion festival for 500 yen, so I went in. The festival allowed us to take tour inside the palace which is full with light illumination. The tour last about half an hour and then I went back to Osaka. Lesson learned from previous journey so I took the direct limited train and arrived in Dobutsuen Mae at 9p.m. aaaaannndd my friend havent finished her shopping yet. Waw.

Next day we continue our journey to Minoo Waterfall. It was an exercise indeed. We need to walk for about 6km from the Minoo station, 12 kilos in totals for about 4 hours. But it was one of the best autumn spot in Japan. You can see autumn foliage along the way. I bought fried maple in the way. It was tasty, but I prefer Taiyaki next time. :)

Then shopping time in Dotonburi again. And the day after, the only thing we do is catching the flight.

Minoh Waterfall

 From those experienced, there are some lesson learned ahahha:

1. If your destination in Japan is only those 5 cities I guess we don’t need to buy any pass. Using Suica and Pasmo would be enough and flexible.
2. For Muslim, you could easily find prayer room in many famous tourist place, like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and so on using halal trip or other application. But halal food is something very rare. Most halal restaurant is hard to find . I spend my day eating onigiri from convenience store. Sushi is not sold in many convenience store. I only find it in at Family Mart Shinjuku Bus Terminal and my friend said it is not halal.
3. Again, don’t be greedy about places. Many ambitious itinerary just wouldn’t work. Or dont do jastip if you are being ambitious. 

Travel

8:41 AM

Hii~ in the previous travelling story (Hong Kong), I've suggested not to be ambitious about the journey. But in this page I would tell you about the most ambitious journey I've ever had. I grew up with manga and cartoon from Japan, that’s why I was so excited about this journey and start being greedy. But it was (of course) not done pretty well. The deviation from the original itinerary is too high. This journey covers Tokyo and Kansai area thus it requires a lot of money. Besides, Japan's subway and bus fare is not cheap.

FYI, I hate flying and rarely sleep during flight though it is done in the middle night. The flight from Indonesia to Japan takes about 5 hours and departed in the middle of the night. I could not get some rest because we arrived early in the morning and the check in time is at noon. I was restless in the first day. Because we was in tight budget we choose hostel and sharing room (female dormitory). Japan accommodation is pretty expensive comparing with Korea especially in the spring and fall. But surprisingly even the hostel is comfortable and clean. The host is kind and helpful. I wouldn’t mind to stay in Japanese hostel again.

This story is about Tokyo and Kawaguchi-ko. The Kansai part comes later. :)

Preparing for transportation pass you use is important. The subway in Tokyo is rather complicated. You would need to google every time you go. That’s why preparing for internet and additional battery is a must. There are two major lines in Tokyo Subway; the JR and Metro. Their station mostly near each other. But JR line has more lines than Metro. You should know how many cities you would go during your stay. If you go long way to Saipporo or other far away city, then JR pass could save your budget. But if you only strolling between Tokyo and Kansai, Suica/Pasmo card is sufficient enough and more flexible because you can use both on Metro and JR. I've been bought Tokyo Metro Pass but the cost is around the same yet it is not flexible.

The plan for day 1 was going to Harajuku, Shinjuku and Shibuya. But you know it got messed up so we only went to Gyukatsu Motomura to eat, back to Hostel to wash and rest, Shibuya, Shinjuku. Gyukatsu Motomura is a famous restaurant in Japan. It has some chain in Kansai too and only serve beef. That’s why many muslim comes although it doesn’t have halal certification. It was the best menu I've had during the journey. Hehe. The outlet I went is a 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Station EXIT GATE. You will need to wait about half an hour before get in. The place is small relatively to the famine it has (only has 8 seat).

We went to Shibuya after maghrib. Right after the exit gate of Shibuya Metro Station, there are super famouse Hachiko statue. Right after the statue, there another famous spot, Shibuya Crossing Street. It is so crowded waw. Filled with people. Even in Jakarta I've never see such massive crowd walking. The best spot to enjoy the famous spot is in the Starbuck Shibuya Tsutaya just after crossing the street. We didn’t really enjoy taking photos in the crowd thus shortly after we were heading to Shinjuku to eat.

Hachiko park. So crowded yeah!

In Shinjuku, I parted ways with my friend because she would eat pork while I would like to try the authentic Coco Ichibanya Halal Version. I did my research so I confidently walked alone and was so surprised when I was walked through the red light district in Shinjuku (Kabukicho). At that time I was afraid since I passed some people dressed like yakuza or gokusen with some drunk women. That street was dark and quiet. Oh my god~ After ten minutes finally I found crowd and better light. Phew~  The halal Coco Curry is located in the basement and the lift is rather secluded. I need to walk around and around the building again. Alhamdulillah I could find it and eat another gourmet. The taste is rather different with what I have in Indonesia, but still good. :)

My friend come to pick me. She had to go through the same street and feel afraid too. Hahaha.

The Day 2. It was to to fulfill my dream. See the view of Mount Fuji.

From my research there are some place to see mount Fuji. The closest place to Tokyo are Gotemba and Kawaguchiko Lake. If you want to shop some branded item at more affordable price you should come to Gotemba. But if you are more nature lover you could come to Kawaguchi Lake. Especially in autumn, Kawaguchi Lake is one of the best spot to enjoy autumn in Japan.  So we went there. The transportation cost is pretty expensive yet you still need to pay additional entrance fee to most of the spot. 

There are two options to go to there from Tokyo.

• First is by train. There are two option take a Limited Express to Otsuki from Shinjuku Station and then hop on the Fujikyu railway to Kawaguchiko. This journey just over two hours and costs ¥3,910. If you want to save some cash, you can catch a local train to Otsuki (cost ¥1490) instead, which adds half an hour to your travel time but can save you nearly ¥1,500. Then ride fujikyuko line (add cost about ¥1140).
• Second is by highway bus . Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus operate one to two direct buses per hour between Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) and Kawaguchiko Station. The one way trip takes about two hours and costs 1800 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer, Japan Bus Online and kosokubus.com. It was cheaper option but you need to expect delay. When back to Tokyo, the traffic was sucks and it needed 4 hours or so to reach Tokyo.

Kawaguchiko Station

After arrived in Kawaguchiko Station, you need to buy another bus to going around Kawaguchiko for ¥1500 all day. There are three kind of sightseeing bus. First, Red line covers the shortest track but famous spot. Green line covers middle track and Blue line covers the furthest. The bus ticket could be used to ride all kind of bus. The red line is the most crowded. The stop is near one another. For more detailed information about the routes and stop you could find it here http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/

The place we visited are Maple Corridor, Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center (Red line) and Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba (green line).

The maple corridor is a 150m corridor filled with maple tree. It is so beautiful in autumn with red vibrant all over the corridor. After the corridor you would find a small market which sells tradisional japanese souvenirs and some snacks.

Maple Corridor

View after Maple Corridor. Beautiful right?

The Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is in the end of red line bus just besides the lakes. From here we can see Mount Fuji with lake background. But, at that time, the sky is so cloudy so we could not capture the Fuji. Here you could also make blueberry jam by paying additional Y850.

Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba is another spot to see mount Fuji. There also a folks village there but you need extra cost to enter. Actually I visit this place randomly. But I feel so happy because I found prayer room there. Actually I already gave up to look for prayer room in Kawaguchiko. I did some googling but not find any clue about halal food nor prayer room. I would just pray in the bus I said. Buuuuuuttt~ Alhamdulillah, I randomly come to this site and found it. Syalalaaaa~

Mount Fuji in Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba

Walking path to folk village in Saiko

After back to Tokyo we went to Asakusa to look for food. But because we arrived late, many shops already closed. I only managed to get taiyaki. It is so sweet.

Asakusa Temple

Day 3. Strolling around Tokyo National Palace, Rikugien garden and Shopping

We supposed to go to Odaiba in the third day, but yeah, ended up in Tokyo station.

Despite the large are of Tokyo National Palace, there only small part of the palace that is open to public. Yeah it is so so lah. The effort is spent more in Tokyo Station. It is so confusing. There are many lines and many exit. From the train I guess it took about 30 minutes to head out. Besides, it is sooo crowded and made it more confusing. I ever got lost for a while.

Tokyo Palace

Rikugien garden is one of the most beautiful garden in Tokyo. Unfortunately we arrived there when the sky was dark so we couldn’t enjoy the visit. It is located just near Komagome station (Metro).

Rikkugien Garden

Then because we were heading to Osaka by bus from Shinjuku Terminal, we spent another time strolling around the shopping district.

If you want to see our itinerary  here it is https://www.4shared.com/office/Aeubn0oXea/Osaka.html 

The journey is not as beautiful as we plan. :')

Travel

7:46 AM

Well. It was my travel experience two years ago. But I think it is a waste if I dont share it to anyone. It was a memorable experience. :)

Why choosing Hong Kong? Because the flight cost is almost the same with Bangkok yet we found more interesting places there. Our target was Ngong Ping, Macau and The Peak.

After doing some research, we choose Airbnb as our accommodation and choose to stay in Wan Chai. Normally, accommodation in Kowloon or Tsim Tsa Tsui is less expensive than in Wan Chai, but we didnt find the comfortable one. Eventually we think our choice was a better one because it is so close with Islamic Canteen (5 minutes walk) and Times Square (15 minutes walk). It becomes convenience because looking for Halal food but delicious food is rare in Hong Kong.  

We didnt force ourselves too much or greedy about itinerary. It was only one or two places a day. But it was superb holiday. Hahaha.

Here is our itinerary :

Day 1 : Macau

We arrived at 7 in the morning. Took a bus from airport to Wanchai. It took about one hour to arrive. After thattt we slept!!! and went to Macau at 1 p.m. Hahaha. There are two recommended ferry port in Hong Kong,

1. Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Shun Tak Center, if you stay in Hong Kong Mainland
2. China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Tsa Tsui of you stay in Kowlood/Tsim Tsa Tsui area.

St Paul Church Ruin

One thing you should aware at Ferry terminal is there are many illegal ticket agent. Second advice is know how long you will stay in Macau and get return ticket beforehand. It would be hard to buy ticket in weekend. I dont know if we are lucky or not but our ticket is exchanged by a person who we thought a official guard (but not) so we have to depart 1 hour earlier in a very short time. Because we didnt buy online we had return ticket at 11 p.m so close to the last train schedule. The journey took about 1 hour. From what I read, the bridge between Macau and Hong Kong is already built so we can take bus and only take 40 minutes. It is a better option I guess.

Walking Path to Senado Square

In Macau you need to know where the free bus shelter is. And in weekend it has a very long line especially to The Venetian. The free bus is provided by the casinos and hotel there so mostly it would stop in front of hotels/casinos, thus it was so awkward for me.

In Macau we only visit Senado Square/St Paul Cathedral and The Venetian. The bus is not having clear direction about the route it take and it was hard getting direction online thus we was afraid getting lost. So we just back to the terminal at 8 p.m.

For muslim, you need to know that it was harder looking for halal restaurant in Macau than Hong Kong. Besides not many people speak English or if they speak somehow their accent make it hard to understand. And you should prepare for your foot too. I've only been to two places but my foot feel extraordinary weary.  

Day 2 : Kowloon, Ngong Ping
The second day we choose Ngong Ping and their cable car. Again we went after 10 p.m after sleep for so long. Hahaha.

The ticket price is rather expensive. But the scenery was beautiful and the cable car was a very pleasant experience. After riding cable car you would find a kind of folk village and of course a huge statue of Budha. The stair is longer than in Borobudur but the effort was worth it. If you save your budget just buy one round cable car and ride bus afterward.

Folk Village in Ngong Ping

FYI, Ngong Ping is where the IP Man film taking place.

After Ngong Ping, we went to Kowloon mosque to pray. The mosque is huge and has an easy access since it is near the subway station. Near Kowloon, there are many tourist spot you can go such as: Avenue of Stars, Mongkok, Kowloon Walled City Park, Nan Lian Garden and some musseum. Unfortunately we only visited Hong Kong Museum of History and strolling around Chunking Mansion to eat. Then went home. Hahaha. 

If you like wandering around museum, you should go to Museum in Hong Kong. They are sophisticated and has complex story telling. In the same area likely there are more than one museum. Like Hong Kong Cultural Center is near Hong Kong Space Museum while Hong Kong Museum of History is just besides Hong Kong Science Museum.  I choose this museum because it has highest rating (in google). Can not go to Science Museum, because strolling around history museum is already took a lot of time. One plus things is the entrance ticket is so cheap. 

Day 3 : The Peak, Times Square

This time before going, we have late breakfast first and Osman Ramju Islamic Center where only 5 minutes walks from our Airbnb. A regret come at that moment, why we dont eat to this place at very first. Their menu is so delicious. Seriously! Especially the dimsum. And the prices are surprisingly cheap. Waw. I was so happy at that moment.  

This dimsum is just amazing

They would offer the dimsum at 9 a.m till 3 p.m. They also offer Cantonese food from 6 pm till 9 p.m.

Then we start to depart for The Peak. We chose to ride the bus since it is easier (well, going up and down subway station is tiresome). You need to be prepared to visit the peak in the afternoon especially when you want to try the tram. It has a very long queue line. At that time we need to wait for about half and an hour to ride the famous tram. From The Peak, you can see the landscape view of Hong Kong mainland. It was a pleasant experience except waiting for the tram. Hahaha   

View from the Peak

Day 4 : Times Square, Flight

I guess no more story I could tell you. The rest of the itinerary was shopping. :)

Ah yeah, I want to give some suggestion to enjoy travelling :

1. Dont get too ambitious with your itinerary. Hong Kong is the most enjoyable experience until now and I find it why. I got enough sleep, enough time to rest my body. It would decrease the tension among your travel-mate because you has relax body and brain. When traveling, we most likely argue with our travel mate, though they are the one who we feel most comfortable with. You just need to visit two or three places at maximum and enjoy the rest of time. Dont make excuse like, we would never visit this place again so we must try our best. For an office worker like me holiday should feel like holiday so we could be back to work with more refreshed mind.   
2. Choose person who you are comfortable with and if you can choose the one who share the same interest with you. It is what everyone knows actually. I would just add sharing interest could also means sharing the same faith. Because I am moslem, I need to pray 3 times a day (because we did jama') at least and need to find halal food. I've been travelling with person who doesnt share the same faith as me. And it made the journey rather not enjoyable. I dont say it not enjoyable at all, it was fun. Just it would be better if we have a friend to pray and eat together. :')
3. Find a good food and a comfortable place to sleep. A good food could become our strength booster and kind of reward after walk for a day. While comfortable place is important to get enough sleep and rest. 

Kkeut~

Travel

6:03 AM

This is one of my favorite drama this year (up to April 2020. Wkwkwk). The conflict is not too intense but the story is beautifully made. I adore most of the characters. They are not superhuman who is good in anything (how come a prisoner is good in anything? haha) or villain that is so cruel. They are only ordinary human. How they perceive and enjoy life as a prisoner and the background who made them get into jail is so humane and realistic. I think it is that make this drama receive high  rating in Korea. I would rate this drama is 9.5 out of 10.0.

The drama itself categorized as black comedy. It is about life in prison which is place for criminals yet this drama try to portray that the criminals also has "kind heart" and there are some people who get jailed unfairly. Though there are also some real bad people there.

The director is Shim Won Ho who is famous for the Reply series. Actually I couldnt finish any Reply series because I got bored with the early episodes.  This drama is also boring in the beginning but become more interesting after 4th episodes. The final impression is "Waw, I should continue watching Reply". Hahaha. Let see how is my review for that famous Reply.

This drama is filled with many musical actors. Thus, no wonder the acting was too good to be criticized. One of the impressive actor is Lee Kyu Hyung as Yoo Han Yang, a druggie. I already watched him in Life and Stranger (or Forest of Secret). He played serious supporting role on those two drama but here he played an insane, childish, cute and smart person. BUT Wait! he played the GAY role guys!! The conclusion is he played the totally different character and it amazed me. :')

Okay.

Let the synopsis begin. Spoiler alert.

The story is about a very famous baseball player named Kim Je Hyuk, who got in jail because he attacked a person who rape his sister. Later the rapist died in hospital make Kim Je Hyuk have to spend 1 year in prison. There is saying that the big Kim Je Hyuk may look calm and innocent outside but he is the real crazy (and I agree). In prison, Kim Je Hyuk meet with the horrible roommate, Gundal (a gangster), Prof Myung (famous swindler), Ddolmani (Gundal follower), Beobja (person who in and out jail so often) and an Oldie (I forgot his name, a servant to Gundal). In prison also he meet with his childhood friend, Lee Joon Ho, who is a prison officer there. Shortly, because he could not stand Gundal action, he framed Gundal by cooperating with other prisoner and then got tranferred to other prison. This is when the more interesting story begin.

Let me review about Kim Je Hyuk character. First, he is super famous pitcher and I think he is like an idol in Korea. I dont really understand how famous he is because in my country baseball is not popular. Second, he loves others too much. He is too kind to be true. Not think too much about money and give a big portion to the one he cares about. That's why there are many good people around him, like his lawyer, his childhood friend, his girlfriend, his family (of course) etc. Because of his kindness he even able to change Ddolmani and Bbeobja into good people. The negative is he is kinda dumb. I really like his expression when he is dozing off when some trouble happened. I couldnt understand what he is thinking. Hahaha. Despite of his looks, Kim Je Hyuk  did some brilliant job in prison so people would wonder if he is really dumb or not. The other negative side is his super kindness. Sometimes it is illogical and sacrifice himself. But yeah, that makes him unique. 

In new prison, Kim Je Hyuk meet the some character as his roommates. Here they are :

1. Kim Min Cheol - an ex gangster who jailed because of killing another gangster. Kim Min Cheol is like the leader in the room and many people in jail have some respect for him. He is a big guy who loves flower too much. Kind of ironic. hahaha
2. Kang Chul Doo - Kaist  : a scammer and gambler but has a very good hand that’s why he called Kaist. He is married many times and has one son from his first wife. A nosy person and often has argument with Han Yang. His accent and pronunciation is funny because he has problem with his tongue. He got transferred somehow and it makes me sad. :(
3. Dr Go : a straight, very diligent and serious human being. I hate that type of person in the real life. Wkwkwk. But his life is a misery. He is imprisoned as sacrifice for his company and in return he got increasing in salary so he can take care of his sick daughter. He got courage to oppose the idea for second sacrifaction but did not end very well I think. Dr Go is also transferred in the middle of the story.
4. Lee Joon Young - Jean Valjean : Played by  Kang Seung Yoon of Winner. I hope he is a good person (I like Winner song and ever seen him in concert). He is imprisoned because of stealing a truck of bread. He always saying father to Kim Min Cheol but ended up stabbing him in order to get parole.
5. Yoo Han Yang : is a druggie who always think that his mother hates him. His character is very comical and funny. Always pick a fight either with Kaist or Capt Yoo. He has strong determination to live without drugs or flu pills but . . . (plot twist).
6. Yoo DaeWi (Capt Yoo) : a very handsome guy (Jung Hae In) come at last. Imprisoned because framed by his subordinate who has good connection, Capt Yoo is so cold to his roommate at first. But after adjusting, he becomes warmer and friendly. Thanks to Offcer Paeng.
7. Ddolmani : An antagonist character who always want to hurt Je Hyuk but Je Hyuk could handle him and became devoted to Je Hyuk.
8. Bbeobja : is another person who is impressed with Je Hyuk kindness. That’s why he get imprisoned again to meet Je hyuk. I don’t understand how come. Bbeobja is very chatty person but his information help Je Hyuk in many ways. 
   
   
   
   
   

Then there are also some prison guard who are important character to the story :

1. Lee Joon Ho; a childhood friend. Lee Joon Ho and Kim Je Hyuk is baseball friend. Even Joon Ho is better than him. But they got accident and Joon Ho give up the baseball. He enter the university and study to become civil servant. He had good grades and ever established the joint company with his friends but quit afterward. After he left the company has a good profit and become a big deal. I think, Joon Ho is rather sad about himself. Always quit in the middle. But, what Je Hee said soothe him. She said his fate is like that is because Joon Ho is good to everything. Thats why he has many option. Not like his brother who only good in baseball and has no choice except work hard in baseball no matter what happens. Uchaaa~ I like this advice you know. 

2. Officer Paeng; responsible officer for Je Hyuk block. He always says harsh and mean things to his prisoners. Though he always eager to help them. I dont really like his character because he always says no but does the opposite. He likes to argue with officer Na to get more flexible with his prisoners. Despite of his kindness,  Officer Paeng and Lee Joon Ho dislikes each other and I guess I am in Joon Ho side. Wkwkwk.

3. Prison Officer Na; a deputy governor; super straight and diligent human being. He has no room for flexibility. He hates Kim Je Hyuk who gets special treatment offering by Prison Governor or other officer. He is smart but kinda sly. I think his motto is no pain no gain because every time Je Hyuk ask something he would ask in return. His strict treatment sometimes useful but sometimes hurtful. But he is still a good person in this story.

4. Prison Governor; a person who care a lot about his prison publication. He is so happy when Kim Je Hyuk transferred there. He even offer Kim Je Hyuk some special treatment though Je Hyuk mostly refuses. He does not think much about daily problem in prison and always follow Officer Na decision. But one day he opposes Officer Na idea. (a plot twist again) :)

This drama is filled with moral message, warm friendship and funny scenes. Yet this drama has some important plot twist which enough to make my mood down. There are some love story here, between Je Hyuk and his girlfriend, Joon Ho and Je Hyuk sister and Yoo Han Yang with his lover. The love story is not too complicated like usual drama thus I like it. There are some time-jump in this story but I still found it nice. Overall this drama deserves its rating. :)

Review

4:39 AM

This COVID-19 tragedy is bringing me back to writing. I am bored to the max! Besides I don’t really write nowadays. Currently, I do accounting which is not really need writing. Just do routine and calculating.

This is a spoiler FYI. Because I'd like to tell you about the character and how the conflict built up.

At first, this is my favorite medical drama. I put aside my fear about blood because the story is gewd. You would not be disappointed. Well. The story mainly talk about the very skillful doctor named Boo Young Joo who has triple board surgeon ( cardio, general and neurosurgery). It is said to be very rare in medical area.

Dr. Boo Young Joo is very idealist. His dream is to build a trauma center in Joseon regency, initiated in Doldam Hospital, an abandoned branch of Geosan University Hospital, a reputable hospital in Seoul. He say not to reject any patient and would save the patient no matter what. Not really care about how deficit the hospital be and not really care about his reputation and career. His idea is supported by Yeo Woon Yeong, the president of Doldam Hospital. Later, there are some problematic doctors who transferred to Doldam from Geosan and learn how to be good surgeon from Dr Boo Young Joo. This series right now has 2 series with different main characters. I would tell that the 1st series has more interesting story than 2nd series. Hahaha.

The main characters are :

1. Boo Young Joo (played by Han Suk Gyu)

Boo Young Joo is a very straight and hardworking person. Previously he worked at Geosan University Hospital but he was disappointed by his colleagues there who are willing to betray their moral because of career and money, especially after the death of his junior in operating table. Dr Boo Young Joo leave Geosan Hospital and work at Doldam Hospital without everyone knowing. There, he change his name by Kim Sabu (Master Kim) and none call him Boo Young Joo. At first series, his character is more fierce. He didn’t let any mistakes comes in the operation room. He didn’t let any distraction comes in operation. But in second series, I don’t know why, but the character is more soft hearted. Yeah maybe because the doctors he face is different that’s why need different approach. But I don’t like the soft Dr Kim Sabu >.<

Han Suk Gyu is veteran actor indeed. His acting is cool. I never see his work before but his acting portraying Boo Young Joo impressed me.

2. Kang Dong Joo (played by Yoo Yeon Seok) - 1st series

Kang Dong Joo is a smart and talented doctor. He has an unforgettable past when his father died because the doctor change his father's operation dates. Later he found that there are VIP patient who need operation is the same date and conclude that the doctor left his father because of that VIP patient, then he enraged and destroyed the emergency room. It is when he meet Dr Boo Young Joo and impressed by his statement that the best revenge is being the doctor whose skill exceeded them. Kang Dong Joo then became General Surgeon. Though has motivation that he would not differ patient VIP or not, Kang Dong Joo is still looking for recognition. He hates Do In Beom who recognized by everyone just because he is the Geosan president's son though his skill is exceed him. Later he asked by the higher up to operate on VIP patient who is has small chance of living. The patient is dead in operating table and Kang Dong Joo is sent to Doldam Hospital.

3. Yoon Seo Jung (played by Seo Hyun Jin) - 1st series

Yoon Seo Jung is a legend in Geosan University Hospital because of her skill and brave attitude. Her nickname is crazy whale. Kang Dong Joo is impressed by her heroic action to save the patient and later confessed that he is fall in love with her makes Yoon Seo Jung hesitant because she has a boyfriend, a senior doctor in Geosan. The boyfriend then died in an accident when they are going home. Yoon Seo Jung feel guilty about the accident and left Geosan. After the accident, Yoon Seo Jung has PTSD syndrome and treated by Master Kim. She idolized Master Kim and tried hard to work and learn from him. Thus she worked at Doldam Hospital without everybody knowing.

4. Do In Beom (played by Yang Se Jeong)

Do In Beom is the Geosan Hospital president's son. He receives a special treatment in Geosan but still make Kang Dong Joo his rival because he never exceed him in the university. He really wants to be acknowledged by his father that’s why he voluntarily transfer to Doldam to be Kang Dong Joo's rival and spy for his father. Later he enjoys cooperation with Kang Dong Joo in operation room and become a good doctor. In second series, he is back to Geosan to be an inspector.

5. Seo Woo Jin (played by Ahn Yeo Seop) -2nd series

Seo Woo Jin is a talented general surgeon who has a good heart but has money problem. He is known for whistle blowing his senior fraud, make his senior lost his job which led to divorce. Because of it, his colleagues stay distant to him. Seo Woo Jin is fired from Geosan Hospital by Park Min Guk, his department head because of false rumor about his part time job. At that time he is offered by Master Kim to work at Doldam Hospital.

Seo Woo Jin is the only survivor from family suicide. His father is bankrupt and makes Seo Woo Jin pay his debt for his lifetime. Seo Woo Jin is always working hard but never enough to pay the debt (loan shark debt with bubbling interest) makes him sarcastic and pessimistic about life and he hardly talking about his true thought.

6. Cha Eun Jae (played by Lee Sung Kyung) - 2nd series

Cha Eun Jae is hardworking cardiothoracic surgeon but cant stand being in operation room. When she sees blood she would be fainted due to nauseas. Thus she consumed sleeping pill which led her to fall asleep in operation room. Cha Eun Jae comes from a good background. Her father and her two siblings are famous doctors. She becomes a doctor because she doesn’t like to disappoint her mother. Cha Eun Jae is sent to Doldam Hospital after sleep in operation room again and given choices to be suspended or transfer to Doldam. Cha Eun Jae character is rather innocent I thought. She has typical romantic relationship with Seo Woo Jin which I don’t like. Hahaha.

7. Doo Yun Hwan (played by Choi Jin Ho)

Doo Yun Hwan is antagonist character in all series. His ambition is to defeat Dr Boo Young Joo especially after Chairman Shin (the chairman of Doldam and Geosan foundation) want to do artificial heart surgery only with Master Kim. A typical person who would do anything to overpower his enemy. Doo Yun Hwan strategy is to point any mistakes made by Master Kim or acknowledged Master Kim doing as his output. In the end, he is defeated and leave Geosan hospital but make comeback as chairman of the foundation after Chairman Shin death in 2nd series.

This stories evolves in Doldam hospital in a suburb but has casino near it. That’s why weekday in Doldam is very quiet but in weekend patients flooded in. There are many problematic doctor in Doldam. The anesthetist is still in lawsuit, PTSD doctor, not so educated nurses and so on. But they have one spirit not leave any patient and will do anything to save patient. In first series the doctor is only Master Kim, Yoon Seo Jung and anesthetist, Nam Dong Ill. They said many doctor come but go easily because of Master Kim or overloaded patient in Doldam especially weekend. They also only has two operation room with old tools. The problem comes after Kang Dong Joo arrives and Master Kim get financial support from Chairman Shin only after he agreed doing artificial heart surgery on him. Doo Yun Hwan can not accept that Chairman Shin prefer Doldam that is a small and old fashioned hospital than Geosan Hospital which has everything; capable doctors and high tech facilities. So he plants some of his underlings to spy on Master Kim plan wish could point anything that makes him failed operating Chairman Shin. Master Kim happily accept his help not care whatever his intention is. Hahaha. It makes his enemy angrier of course. 

I'd love seeing how Master Kim teach Kang Dong Joo and his other juniors to only focus on saving patient life. Not get distracted to problem which could be solved later. He would always say, "Focus! Focus!" when Dong Joo, In Beom or Seo Jung start get distracted. Dong Joo who is arrogant and at first doesn’t trust Master Kim by the time become respect and try to walk on the same path. Besides he also learn about truth in the past. In Beom who is always under his father shadow finally find what he really want to be. Seo Jung after trying so hard finally able to gain Master Kim trust to do surgery. In the beginning only Seo Jung who work longer with Master Kim understand his true intention.

The first series conflict is well build and it never failed to impressed us about the Doldam doctors and nurses skill. And I would say that only small romantic conflict there (which I like it). Dong Joo finally won Seo Jung heart. Hahaha. One thing that I don’t understand is Dong Joo's relationship with her mom. He should love and protect his mom with all his heart. But he always ignoring her calls and after her mom come to town there is no warm scene afterward. I then made my own conclusion that he maybe feel ashamed after transferred to Doldam. That’s why he cant face her mother.

Dong Joo and Seo Jung left Doldam to pursue their other interest.  Then come Seo Woo Jin, Cha Eun Jae and Yoon A Reum (an intern). When they come there are already Jung In Suk as ER doctor, Bae Mun Jung as Orthopedist and Nam Doo Il as anesthetist. Doo Yun Wan makes comeback as chairman and fired president Yeo and replaced by Park Min Guk, a dept head in Geosan Hospital. The initial staff at first disappointed with the decision but Park Min Guk comes with certain increase of salary makes them happy. Doo Yun Wan ultimate plan is to replace Doldam into sophisticated hospital which only accept VIP patient.

I'd rather disappointed with the story. Because the operation skill is not impressive anymore and more focused on conflict between two parties or if I could say conflict between two morale. There too many characters that has side stories makes me couldn’t enjoy the main conflict. Besides, Master Kim character is weakened. He doesn’t do harsh training anymore instead always being the helper of the other two main characters. Then, I don’t like Park Min Guk character which always hesitant about being good or not. I understand if this character is between trapped by the past and he wants to overcome Master Kim's skill. But his hesitation is too frequent. Last, I don’t like the romantic conflict on this series. It is too complicated and common. Oh whyyyy~~~ why not straightforward love story like the first one.

Other review is I don’t really like how Park Eun Tak (played by Kim Min Jae) developed. Park Eun Tak is a handsome nurse who has crush on two intern doctors (in different series of course). I like his character which always be gentleman, responsive but still assertive. A quiet person who only talk when needed. But oh whyyy~ in second series, he got girlfriend but their love story seems forceful not smooth. :( 

I got news that there will be season 3 next year. I really hope Kim Sabu-nim character would rise again with more interesting story. Kim Sabu fighting~!!

image credit to asianwiki.com

Review

12:37 AM

Lama tidak membaca novel dengan genre romantis, Saya tidak berekspektasi akan menikmati trilogi ini. Terutama ketika tipe karakter yang saya benci ada disitu. FYI, I hate a girl character who is unexpectedly lucky to got a perfect guy. Well. Di novel tersebut diceritakan bahwa Rachel Chu, seorang gadis dari kalangan biasa, dididik oleh single mother meskipun cantik dan luar biasa jenius (professor di NYU gaes) menjalin hubungan dengan super perfect guy, Nicky Young, pewaris utama Tyersall Park, sebuah rumah layaknya istana di Singapura. Masih membenci Rachel meskipun memiliki segudang kelebihan (dibanding saya), tapi ternyata plot yang disajikan oleh Kevin Kwan lumayan seru. Tidak melulu berkisar tentang sulitnya Rachel menghadapi keluarga Nick, Kevin Kwan menceritakan konflik yang diderita karakter lain, terutama Astrid Leong, Kitty Pong dan Oliver Tsien. Tiga karakter itu lah yang menurut saya lebih menarik dibanding Rachel dan Nick. Hahaha. 

Di buku pertama (Crazy Rich Asian) bercerita mengenai Rachel yang pergi berlibur ke Singapura bersama Nick untuk menghadiri pernikahan teman dekatnya, Colin Khoo dan Araminta Lee. Saat itu Rachel tidak mengetahui sama sekali latar belakang Nick yang dilahirkan di keluarga super rich dan pernikahan Colin dan Araminta yang dikatakan pernikahan paling glamour di Asia. Konflik datang dari keluarga Nick yang tidak menyetujui hubungan mereka sehingga Rachel harus menginap di hotel bukan di rumah keluarga Nick. Dari situ lah penulis mulai menekankan permasalahan stereotipe yang keras di kalangan Crazy Rich Asian (Crazy Rich Chinese I said) mulai dari asal usul apakah American Born Chinese, mainlander, atau Singaporean. Riwayat pendidikan, apakah SMAnya di ACS (Anglo-Chinese School)? Kuliah di London? Tempat tinggal. Apakah di mansion, apartemen, estate pribadi? Pakaian yang dipakai merek mana? Apakah punya jet pribadi? Daan seterusnya. Sementara saya berpikir, ngapain ada orang serempong itu, review berbagai orang mengatakan,'It is truuuuuee!'

Oh well. Fine. It is not part of my world. Saya hanya remah remah kehidupan. Hahahaha.

Sementara diceritakan bagaimana Rachel menghadapi permasalahan stereotype tersebut dan membaur dengan kalangan jetset Singaporean Chinese, penulis mengungkap karakter lain yaitu Astrid Leong, yang super perfect. Terlahir di salah satu keluarga super kaya Malaysia-Singapura, Astrid yang diceritakan super modis dan cantik ini merupakan tokoh yang baik hati. Nah. Perfect kan? Udah super kaya, super cantik dan super baik. Satu hal yang menjadi masalahnya adalah dia menikah dengan orang biasa, Michael Teo, mantan tentara founder Cloud 9, perusahaan IT kecil di Singapura. Nah, Astrid ini mencium gelagat bahwa Michael berselingkuh. Meskipun sudah merasakan bahwa Michael selingkuh, Astrid tetap menahan diri dan bertingkah sewajarnya sambil mengumpulkan bukti bukti.

Kemudian di buku pertama ini, diceritakan pula sosok Eddie Cheng, bankir ternama, sepupu Nicky Young yang super duper arrogant dan melakukan apapun demi berada di spotlight. Agak freak, dengki dan ambisius sih tokoh ini.   

Eddie memiliki adik bernama Alistair, seorang sutradara baik hati. Alistair memiliki pacar bernama Kitty Pong, aktris opera vulgar dan serba terbuka pakaiannya. Kitty Pong dihasut oleh Oliver Tsien untuk meninggalkan Alistair dan menggaet Bernard Tai atas suruhan Shang Su Yi, Nenek Nicky.

Dua tokoh terakhir hanya diceritakan secara gamplang di buku pertama, namun kedua tokoh tersebut menjadi dominan di buku kedua dan ketiga.

Di buku kedua, China Rich Girlfriend, Rachel Chu, atas bantuan Eleanor Young (ibu Nicky) berhasil bertemu kembali dengan ayahnya, yang ternyata merupakan businessman dan politikus berpengaruh di China. Di buku ini, Rachel akhirnya menikah dengan Nick dan mendapat restu kedua orang tua Nick, meskipun nenek Nick masih belum setuju. Untuk lebih mengenal ayahnya, Rachel dan Nick pergi ke Shanghai. Namun, ternyata istri ayahnya tidak menerima kehadiran Rachel, sehingga Rachel lebih sering bersama Carlton, adik tirinya dan Colette Bing, pacar Carlton. Drama pun berlanjut hingga klimaksnya adalah ketika Rachel diracun.

Astrid Leong, setelah mengatasi fase kritis di kehidupan pernikahannya menjadi intens dengan Charles Wu, mantan tunangan Astrid. Hal ini diperburuk dengan perubahan sikap Michael yang berubah arogan setelah perusahaan miliknya berkembang pesat.

Kitty Pong, setelah menikah dengan Bernard Tai dan menjadi super rich, berusaha untuk masuk dalam pergaulan jetset. Meskipun demikian, karena tingkahnya yang norak, Kitty kesulitan untuk membaur. Akhirnya Kitty meminta bantuan konsultan bernama Corinna Ko-Tung ( ipar dari Eddie Cheng). Pada akhirnya, Kitty lebih mendengarkan Oliver Tsien dibanding Corinna.

Di buku ketiga, Rich People Problem, Nicky Young kembali ke Singapura untuk mengunjungi neneknya yang sedang sakit jantung. Eddie yang dengki dan takut warisannya jatuh ke tangan Nick berusaha menghalangi Nick untuk bertemu dengan sang nenek. Setelah neneknya meninggal, Nick berusaha agar usaha penjualan rumah sang Nenek gagal.

Astrid Leong, akhirnya bercerai dengan Michael Teo dan kembali berpacaran dengan Charles Wu. Hubungan Astrid dengan Charles diwarnai dengan skandal yang memalukan keluarga.

Kitty Pong bercerai dengan Bernard Tai dan menikah dengan Jack Bing, ayah Colette sekaligus pengusaha super kaya di China. Pada masa ini Kitty sangat cemburu kepada Colette dimana dia berusaha untuk selalu mendapatkan lebih dibanding Colette. Kitty dibantu oleh Oliver Tsien.


Well. I am a slump in this real world. Begitu yang saya pikir setelah selesai membaca trilogi buku tersebut. Dunia yang diceritakan oleh Kevin Kwan benar benar jauh dari cerita kehidupan saya sehari hari. Terlalu fairy tale menurut saya. Tetapi setelah membaca beberapa review terutama dari Singaporean, they said it is real! Waw!

Kevin Kwan menceritakan dengan sangat detail mengenai desain baju, tas, interior rumah dan pesawat yang saya skip baca karena ga kebayang dan biar ga terlalu berhalusinasi juga sih. Hehehe. Satu lagi yang tidak bisa saya bayangkan dari novel ini adalah karakter Eddie Cheng. Bagaimana dia tidak mendapat masalah dengan karakter dia yang super arrogant seperti itu.

Konflik dalam cerita diatur dengan apik dan tidak membosankan meskipun ringan. Konfkik sebagian besar bersumber pada masalah stereotype dan warisan. That is rich people problem. Meskipun bukan masalah yang terasa riil bagi saya, at least, saya menjadi tahu permasalahan yang terjadi di kalangan jet set Chinese.

Buku ini worth untuk dibaca di waktu senggang. Terutama saat sedang malas membaca buku berat. My score is 7/10 :)

Pics credit to amazon.com

Review

11:03 PM