From 2009 to 2010
In a few more hours, we'll be entering a new decade. A new decade with newfound friendships and new perspectives. A decade which will hopefully, bring us closer to self actualisation. In a few more hours, we'll start the countdown to 2010. We'll usher in the new year, and at the same time, celebrate Oshogatsu - the Japanese new year - not in Japan but Singapore. Since our 1-year experience in Japan, life seems to be never quite the same again. Now, there are 2 meanings to the 1st of Jan - 1) the new year that we've always known and celebrated, the new year eve that says Auld Lang Syne, countdown etc and 2) the Japanese new year with its own meaning and traditions. Last year, at this time, we were still enjoying ourselves at a bonenkai, organised by Wada-san. We had a scrumptious spread of Japanese Oshogatsu must-eats (including the most delicious oden), indulged in bottles of sake, shochu and cans of beer, and when the clock struck 12 we tucked into Toshikoshi Soba, a s