Ep.17: Arriving Tokyo, Living in Shibuya, Online Scam, pre-loved electric bicycles, Ikebana.

Ep.17: Arriving Tokyo, Living in Shibuya, Online Scam, pre-loved electric bicycles, Ikebana.

Dates: 1st - 14th July, 2024

Location: Hong Kong to Tokyo

I'm getting ready to leave Hong Kong for a few months and stay in Tokyo for two months. Before I go, I've taken care of some important things like renewing our broadband and rental agreements in Hong Kong for another two years because we'll definitely be coming back.

I need to get some Japanese cash since some shops in Japan prefer cash over contactless credit cards. A friend recommended a currency exchange shop in Sheung Wan called "小女孩找換店" that offers good rates for Japanese Yen. When I was there a year ago, there weren't many people in line. But this June, I noticed a queue of people waiting to exchange Thai Baht, Japanese Yen, and RMB.

Before heading to Japan, I made sure to inform my friends that I'll miss them dearly. I had some wonderful moments with my dear friends, including yoga sessions, lunches, and dinners. I invited them to join me in exploring Tokyo.

As I was getting ready to board my flight, I checked Facebook for confirmation on the delivery of two pre-loved electric bicycles that I purchased from Nagoya. To my shock, the buyer had blocked me, and it became clear that they had no intention of delivering the bicycles. I immediately contacted my bank to see if I could retrieve the payment and reported the incident to the Hong Kong Police Department. The police informed me that the buyer's account was flagged as high-risk and explained that Mainland Chinese individuals can open bank accounts in Hong Kong without a Hong Kong ID card, which is beyond the control of the Hong Kong Police.

I felt helpless at that moment. It was disheartening to realize that online scammers could easily take my money and there was little I could do to stop it. It was a valuable lesson, reminding me to be more vigilant and recognize such scams.

I knew I needed an electric bicycle in Tokyo, so I promptly searched for a physical shop selling second-hand bicycles and found one. The other bicycle I found online, but this time it came recommended by a physical shop manager. I ordered it online and paid in cash at a convenience store.

One of my goals in Japan is to enhance my horticultural skills and delve into the world of ikebana. I connected with a Japanese ikebana expert who taught me different levels of ikebana and guided me to learn within a group setting. I've been focusing on understanding the texture, sculptural qualities, and symbolic meanings of each flower and leaf arrangement every week.

During the weekends, I enjoy strolling around the Shinjuku area, where I come across beautiful plants and well-designed gardens on different floors of commercial buildings, balconies and rooftops of residential buildings, as well as in front and behind coffee shops and tea houses. I take pleasure in discovering various Japanese plants and exploring their scents, textures, shapes, and roots.

While I can't say I'm missing Hong Kong just yet, I do indulge in some familiar treats, like having "芒果西米露" (Mango Sago with Coconut Milk) at a Hong Kong-style snack shop near Shibuya Crossing. I also visited a glasses store where friendly Hong Kong staff fixed my sunglasses free of charge.

That's enough for these two weeks, and I'll keep you updated on my life in Tokyo, Japan.

我準備離開香港幾個月，去東京生活兩個月。出發之前，處理在香港的家事，因為我地係會返港繼續生活，所以家居寬頻和租約都要再續簽兩年。

在日本生活要有日元現金，因為日本有些商店喜歡現金而不支援信用卡支持。一位朋友推薦在上環的一間貨幣兌換店叫「小女孩找換店」，果度的日元匯率唔錯。我上年去既時候，排隊既人唔多。但今個六月份去，我發現排隊既人都在等緊兌換泰銖、日元和人民幣。

我平時都同朋友去上瑜伽課、約食飯。臨去日本之前，我通知在港朋友，我會好掛住佢地，希望佢地可以來東京探望我，我地可以一齊去玩樂。

當我準備登機的時候，我查看Facebook 確認我從名古屋寄到東京既兩架二手電動單車之送貨情況。我突然發現，賣家已經封鎖我帳號，顯然佢哋根本無打算送貨。我馬上聯絡我銀行，睇下可唔可以追回付款，我亦向香港警察報案。警方話我知，賣家的帳戶被標記為高風險，並解釋，內地的個人可以在香港開設銀行帳戶，而有些情況係超出香港警察可控制的範圍。

那一刻既我感到非常無助，意識到網上騙子真係可以輕易地拎走我的錢財，而我幾乎無能為力去做任何的跟進事情，確實沮喪。今次係一個寶貴既教訓，提醒我要更加警惕，認識到這些詐騙手法層出不窮，要謹慎小心。

我始終希望有部單車，在東京搜尋一下賣二手單車的實體店，俾我搵到一家。雖然都係網上搜尋搵到，但今次係有實體店的經理推薦。我在線下訂購，並在便利店用現金付款作實。

我在日本生活目標之一係提升我的園藝技巧，深入了解插花藝術。我聯繫左一位在東京生活的日本花藝師，佢教我不同層次的插花藝術，並引導我在小組中學習。每星期我都專注於理解每朵花和每片葉子的質感、造型的特徵和其象徵的意義。

週末的時候，我喜歡在新宿一帶閒逛，拍攝紀錄各種漂亮的植物和設計精美的花園，這些花園位於商業大樓的不同樓層、住宅大樓的陽台和屋頂，還有些位於咖啡店和茶館的前後平台。我非常享受探索各種日本植物，感受它們的香氣、質感、形狀和根系。

雖然我仲未話好掛住香港，但我會在東京享受富家鄉特色既美食，比如在澀谷十字路口附近有間港式小食店賣「芒果西米露」。我經過一間眼鏡舖，友好的香港員工免費幫我修理好我一幅太陽眼鏡，好有親切感。

這兩星期的生活紀錄到此，我會繼續更新我在日本東京的生活日常。

Brands:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Woolou Green⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Horticultural Therapy for satisfaction, relaxation and self-improvement.

葫蘆 園藝 - 我係你園藝治療師，讓你知足常樂、解放壓力，從而自我提升。

Contact:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram - Woolou Green⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: woolou.green@gmail.com

Youtube: @woolou_green

⁠⁠⁠⁠In each episode, we'll embark on a lighthearted adventure, swapping stories, and commiserating over the absurdities and challenges of modern living. From navigating the ups and downs of relationships and family dynamics to tackling the daily grind of work life, we'll laugh, vent, and find solace in the shared experiences that make us human. Woolou Talk is a stress-free zone where we set aside the worries of the world and focus on creating a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. We'll delve into topics like travel, adventures, and discovering hidden gems that help us escape the daily grind. In the spirit of authenticity, we'll share our own self-doubts and uncertainties, reminding ourselves that it's okay to not have it all figured out. Together, we'll navigate the challenges that life throws our way, finding inspiration in stories of resilience and personal growth. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick off your shoes, and join our laid-back community. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Woolou Green⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and let's unwind, share a few laughs, and release the stress that weighs us down. Together, we'll create a space where authenticity and laughter reign supreme, helping us find joy and relaxation in the midst of our busy lives. Get ready to sit back, relax, and let go of the daily stressors. Woolou Talk is here to remind you that in the chaos of life, there's always room for a good laugh and a moment to unwind. 

每集我都會展開一段輕鬆的日常生活分享、冒險經歷故事，並對現代生活的荒謬與挑戰感同身受。從處理情感到家庭關係的起伏；到應對日常工作的煩悶；我地會一齊笑、發洩，並在這些共同的經歷中找到安慰。葫蘆 日常係一個無壓力既平台，我地暫時擱置世界既煩惱，專注於創造一個放鬆和重拾活力既空間。

有時會深入探討旅行、冒險，以及發現那些幫助我地逃離日常生活既小寶藏。在真實既精神狀態下，我也會分享自己既自我懷疑以及不確定性，提醒自己沒必要咩都要非黑即白。一齊來面對生活中既各種挑戰，從堅韌和個人成長既故事中找到靈感。

隨時拎起你最喜歡既飲品，除左對鞋，加入這個輕鬆既平台區域！訂閱 ⁠葫蘆園藝⁠，放鬆心情；分享幾個笑話；釋放壓力。一起創造一個真實和歡笑既空間，幫助我地在繁忙生活中找到快樂和放鬆。準備好就坐低，享受片刻既寧靜，讓日常壓力隨風而去。葫蘆日常 會提醒你，在生活既混亂中，總有個地方可以俾我地自我舒緩，開心見誠！