Another blog by Boh Tong the ex- SIA cabin crew

Friday, January 5, 2024

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Tour of Einomaru in Yahata Nishiku Fukuoka area, Japan 【北九州街歩き】永犬丸付近#ya...

This area is a 10 minute drive from my house.Come and join me for a tour of this area known as Yahatanishiku in Fukuoka Prefecture

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Japan govt subsidized rental apartments in Kitakyushu Fukuoka 【素敵な市営住宅】


These rental apartments are subsidized by the government for the lower income Japanese. They look like the HUDC and EA in Singapore. Unlike the HUDC and EA, these apartments are not for sale. Monthly rental is from JPY6,000 to JPY 60,000 (SG$55 to $550) depending on income etc. The apartments are quite huge (130 sq m).
Enjoy the video.

Sunday, November 19, 2023

It is getting colder in Fukuoka, Japan

 I love the cold weather but like it more if it is sunny and less windy. Today's max temp is 16c and in the night it may go down to 5c. I don't worry too much because I have the heater switched on throughout the cold season. I don't worry much about the humidity because I have a humidifier in my house. Overall, I feel comfortable living in Fukuoka. The things I am missing most are my friends and the Singapore hawker food.

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Chat with me on YouTube

 https://youtu.be/70FcrHTn_jI

My YouTube video is set to premier. You may chat with me if you like (live). It will start tonight Singapore time 8pm or Japan time 9pm.

See you soon.

Saturday, October 21, 2023

It's autumn in Japan

 Today is a sunny and cool day. Average day temperature is 17c with light breeze. It is a lovely day for an outing. I can't leave the house as I am nursing a sore on my belly. I have consulted a dermatologist and things are going right. I should be up and about in a week's time.

I am not a diabetic so don't have to worry too much. The sore started with a pimple-like growth. Thinking it was a small matter, I self-medicated and got infected. It was painful but after consulting the dermatologist the sore is getting better.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Last student gonna be a steward with SIA

 My last student (private coaching)for the SIA cc post finally passed his interview. He has gone for his medical and hopefully there is nothing wrong. 

I have stopped the coaching,talks and distributing the cc interview tips.

Wish all future applicants a great success!


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

The cost of living in Japan Pt.2 (medical )

 Medical care is excellent (including the medical staff). One does not have to see a GP first but can directly consult a specialist whose fee is not very expensive. The reason is because one is required by law to pay for the medical insurance. Over 75 years like myself pays 10% of the medical bill. The insurance coverage for me is slightly higher than those below 75. I don't know exactly how much but my wife takes care of the insurance thing. I think my insurance is about S$40 a month. Medical consultation is not expensive like in SG. Recently, I consulted an eye specialist for bloodshot eye and I only paid $10 for it. The waiting time was about 20 minutes and I did not have to make an appointment to see the eye specialist. It was a walk-in thing. Dental treatment is also not expensive. A general cleaning session of 1 hour at the dental clinic is about $10 (10% of the full bill).

Friday, September 1, 2023

The cost of living in Japan

The good thing about living in Japan is first and foremost the cost of living is low as compared to Singapore. I am talking about places like Fukuoka, Hiroshima etc. The bigger cities like Tokyo, Osaka etc. are more expensive to live in. However, Singapore is still more expensive to live in as compared to these big cities.
I will give you a few examples to back up my claim that it is cheaper in Fukuoka than in Singapore. A 1,200 sq ft detached house (bungalow as you may call it in SG) built on a 4,000 sq ft of freehold land cost about S$500,000. The district I am referring to, in my opinion, is the equivalent of Newton area in SG.
An average Japanese car like a 1600cc Toyota or Honda cost around 2.5 million Yen or S$25,000. In Singapore they would probably cost about S$120,000+ each.
A meal in an average restaurant cost S$6 to S$10. My breakfast of 2 eggs, sausage, bacon, toast and free flow of coffee, tea, cold drink and soup is about S$6. The breakfast of 2 eggs, toast and a cup of coffee or tea cost the same in Toast Box, Yakun Kaya etc. Besides, the restaurants here are quieter and are usually 70% empty. One may also stay and drink more coffee for the duration of the breakfast period of 3 hours with free wi-fi provided.
In my next post I will touch on medical care and others, so stay tune.


Thursday, August 31, 2023

Residing in Japan on a spouse visa

I am residing in Japan these last few years. My wife is Japanese and the Japanese government has kindly given me a spouse visa so I can live in Japan. I am indeed grateful to the Japanese government.
Living in Japan has its pros and cons and I will talk about it in a little while.
The question you may ask me is whether I am happy living in Japan? In short, yes I am happy.