A short getaway October 4, 2009

This week was a great week.. hmm.. do you think it’s because work related? haha. unfortunately no.. its because this week we have additional 2 days of off.. as last thursday we have a public holiday due to its China National day but I went back to work for a couple hours.. so its 3/4 day off for me.. then today and tomorrow we are off as well.. isn’t it great? today is our off day then tomorrow is our public holiday celebrating the mid-autumn festival. This is the festival where we hang lantern and eat moon cakes. Over here, this festival is one of the big event comparing to Singapore or Malaysia. Sometimes we even forget the dates of the event when we were in Singapore. We only know it when we realize that there are a lot lantern hanged and the supermarket, bakery and even Haagen Daaz are selling moon cakes! Here its so grand that we even have a public holiday because of it!

So my initial plan for these 2 days was to go to Hong Kong since its one of the destination that I was planning to visit for the longest time! But due to this festival, the accommodation is quite ex..so I decided to cut it short to just a day trip. The exciting day start at 9 am. I met up with one of my colleague, M and her bf at the McDonald below my apartment and then we took a cab to the ferry terminal. On the way I realised that I forgot to take the shopping list that my housemate gave me to help her to buy at Hong Kong. Even though I tried to texted her several times but no response as she off her phone when she is on duty. I have some vivid idea what brand that she uses and the color. So just hope for the best. We managed to take the 0930am ferry over. It was 1 hour ride and reached at Hong Kong at 1030 hours. As this was my first time in Hong Kong, M helped to plot a few interesting places on the map and then we go on our own way.

I contacted one of my friend, A who worked in HK for a few years. Actually ever since he came to Hong Kong I have always say that I want to go to Hong Kong and after so many years.. I finally made my way here! So we met up for lunch at one of the Hong Kong “cha chan teng” (tea cafe – direct translation). As he had some problem with his leg, he did not company me but gave me instruction as in how to get around and where to go. It was good to catch up with him after all these time.

After lunch I took the electric tram which cost bout HK2 per adult regardless which the length of the journey. It’s pretty fun.. since its my first time taking such transport. When you get up the bus you need to go thru a rotating gate then you pay when you alight. It’s very fun when you just alight which ever station you want then get up again. Of course whenever you go up you need to pay another HK2. I took it to the Causeway Bay(Wan Chai Station). After taking some pictures and walk around, I made my way to the lady’s street which is over at Kowloon area. The nearest MTLR station is Mong Kok, where I have to change at Aljunied station. Its so cute that their station name is almost the same with Singapore.

The ladies street is where the entire street was block for pedestrian or rather shoppers. Its quite nice where u go browse along the shops and stalls. There was a street where its full of stalls and here you can bargain.. haha which I hate to do so.. But funny part is when you ask how much is it and you ask again.. they will reduce the price automatically.. haha.. lucky me.. but I only bought 2 pair of shoes from there and a coin purse… This street is like Petaling Street in KL where they sells imitation bags and watches. But for all the shops, I realize that there are a lot of shops selling electronic goods, computers and mobile phone. Iphone the latest one is selling at HK6000 plus for 16 G and 32 G.. sorry forgot the exact price already..Here also I notice that they are a couple of hotels that goes by hourly basis.. wow.. does it really works? Is this the new era of hotels.. they don’t go by nightly basis but hourly… hmm. interesting rite?

After scouting a few cosmetic shops trying to look for the products that my housemate wanted, just when I nearly gave up, something caught my eye.. Its been calling me all along!The yellow brick shophouse with the shop name “Food Skin” was just at the entrance of the exit and I totally miss it! I went to the shop and all their products are all made from food stuff.. really amazing.. after getting the products and I got influence by the sales person to buy one more product to get more free gifts.. haha.. yes i know i am sucker for this.. and I get a free membership as well.. So I got myself a black sugar mask… so it exfoliate and its a mask also.. so 2 in 1 and it smells great too! But they only shops in Hong Kong but we are able to purchase thru internet… Go to www.skinfood.com.hk… Since I have been walking almost 3/4 day so I was thinking of going back home already.. so I took the train to Tsim Sha Tsui Station where I can go there to catch the ferry back to Macau.

But as usual being ladies, we tend to side track.. I saw a group of tourist taking picture of the Peninsular Hotel so I also take la.. don’t want to left out.. haha.. so kiasu.. then I went to another jetty where there is an observation area where we able to enjoy the view of Hong Kong from Kowloon  and I can see the local ferry. It’s like in the movies! Then on the right I am able to see Star Cruise dock at the cruise centre and waiting for passenger to alight… after taking some photos at the area, I decided to make my way to the ferry terminal. Somehow I ended up in another shopping mall.. But by then my legs is letting me know that I need to rest already. But even so I still manage to buy thing. I pick up a birthday present for A… Once all the chores been done, I find my way to the ferry and managed to take the 630pm ferry back to Macau.

Just like that, my day trip to Hong Kong ends.. Pics below.. The next trip to Hong Kong, I want to go to the Peak and Disneyland!!!..

Before I go..  I have also attached an odd pics.. thats my new bedsheet and quilt cover that I bought this morning so that I can wash the previous ones. But I like this one at least it gives my room some color and it make my room cozier!

Its not from HK but just from the local supermarket.. nice?

Home Sweet Home… August 19, 2009

After 6 months away from home, eventhough when I left with the thought I will only be back after 1 year, it feels good to be back to familiar grounds again.

When I came back last week, I am able to satisfy my food craving for some of my favourite food – Bak kut teh, mee rebus, thosai, laksa, satay, roti plata, fried carrot cake, rojak, fried kuey teow with crockles, fish ball noodles.. yum… but I over do it at the beginning and also due to the visits to the general hospital for my medical check up, I am down by the normal flu.. Let me stress again.. normal flu.. and not the ever spreading virus H1N1!…

Sigh.. even though I am recovering already with doctor prescription of anti biotics, but I have to obstain from many food. So there are still many food I have not eaten this trip – grill ray fish, Ah see won ton mee, chicken rice,  indian rojak, mee goreng, mee siam, nasi lemak .. oh well.. at least there are still food that I can look forward for the next visit home.

During the short period of time home, I also able to make a short trip back to Singapore to catch up with friends and ex-colleague. Eventhough its a very short period back and also my flu, its a great to be back home, able to recover under my parents concern and my mum cook my favourite dishes.. yummy.. so I am not deprive of my favourite foods even though I am sick!

Now that I will be going to Singapore later this afternoon and will be flying to Macau tomorrow another start of my life journey and challenge. There goes my short holiday..Oh well..at least there are  always things for me to look forward to when I come back next time round.

Another holiday.. yea!! October 17, 2008

Wow.. finally, I finished this blog after nearly a week of writing about this trip! Sorry for the delay.. Was busy catching up with work and everything… Happy reading!

Once in a while, in the hectic world today, there comes a time we takes a few days off to recharge our batteries. Most people thinks that travel is a luxury. Mostly they are… However depending where is your destination is. There are some places that is quite affordable to go if you do not mind the condition of the hotels or the mode of transportation or the standard of food and no shopping, then it can be slightly more affordable for the travellers.

Travelling is one of my motivation in life. I love to travel to see other places, to see their way of life, their culture, to experience their climate, their local dishes, local transportations and many more. In a year, I have 19 days leave and mostly are being utilize to visit other places. Yes Yes.. I hear you mum.. will try to come back more often.. But whenever the thought of having a chance to visit another place.. the temptation is too great to resist!

Recently, I just had a chance to go for a holiday with my boss… Yes.. with my boss and it is not a business trip. I think not many people goes for holiday with own bosses, do they? Hei.. it is not that I am her favourite ok.. I am still stuck with this position for 2 years already… But its not just 2 of us, our GM secretary, Mei also came along with us. She always goes for holiday with my boss, so she knows all my boss travelling habits and vice versa.

Last Friday we took a flight to Shanghai and stayed a 5-star hotel – Le Royal Meridien for 06 nights. My boss ex-colleague, Daniel met up with us at the airport and brought us to the hotel. The room was very spacious even with the extra bed and they have a open concept bathroom (pic below) and even their ashtray they have wordings! (as shown).  The first night we had our dinner at one of the restaurants – Comely Restaurant which is just next to the hotel. We had pastas and pizza and of course Heineken! Food was not bad. After that we walked around the Nanjing Road (Pedestrian Road) where this is where all the shops located (something like Orchard Road) and it is packed with people as that is the Golden week in China. So many people from other province comes to the city to celebrate the occasion.

The next morning, we explored more of the Nanjing Road and Me and Mei bought some jackets from MetersBowne and we had a quick lunch at Ajisen Ramen before rushing back to the hotel to meet up with Daniel, who brought us around. He brought us to the opposite side of The Bund, where there are some cafe and you are able to see the opposite view of the entire stretch of banks! (Pic. below). There is also a huge Chinese Restaurant and we can see they are all setting up for a grand wedding, with the flowers decorations. At the Bund, we can see the old Bangkok bank which is still surviving, the AIA building and also the peace building which was the one of the oldest building there.  Of course while we were walking along the river, there are the local people trying to sell their souvenirs, food – rotten tohu, which is a delicacy for some people.. for me.. nah.. not a fan for it..

After the long walk, we went into the convention centre where normally government meetings are being held there. It was a shape of a globe in glass. We went exploring by ourselves to see their function room and got to admit they are HUGE! When we were there, there are 4 weddings being held at the same place, at the same time.. and of course different room! We had some drinks and cakes for tea. After some chit chatting, we decided to visit my boss ex-hotel – ex Westin which is now the Sofitel. A nice cozy hotel in the downtown.. and met up with another ex-Japanese Staff whom they call Tatt. He is a very cute and comical guy. They sat down for another cup of coffee and drinks while catching up with their stories. They have a very nice cool bar – Chelsea bar (really wonder if only Chelsea fans are allowed.. hmm) and they have a corner decorated like a country study area. Pics below.

At night Daniel brought us for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant called – South Beauty. Food was very good but their food presentation are really supurb! Since Daniel is the local, we leave the food ordering in his good hand and it really was. However, we do not know the name of the dish. We had a pork roll presented in a rattan basket (see pic), a spicy beancurd which they shown us how they make the dish, vegetables and many more. We went back to the hotel with our belly full.

The second day, Daniel picked us up at around 11am and brought us to visit his resort – Le Meridien Resort which is about 1.5 hours away from the city. The place is huge, if you walk from one end of the building to the other end. They have a huge lilly pond with a man-made beach for the kids to play. They also have a small chapel for any weddings (for any religion), conference center and huge auditorium that can take up to 350 persons. They also have a outdoor and a indoor swimming pool, spa and gym for their guest to work out. After the tour, we had a Sunday Brunch and their spread are quite huge – from Western to Asian cuisine. Of course knowing me, I had some eggs, some porridge, tom yam soup, some main course and then.. dessert. here I come.. I had a plateful of cakes and pastries. Not only that, I had something that I had not eaten for a long long long time… guess.. cotton candy! Just imagine, i cannot even remember how we used to eat it – instead of just biting on it, i tore it to pieces. haha.. really getting more and more like a mountain tortoise. Oh..not forgeting, we had the sparkling wine or rather champagne, which was included in the package!

After all the sumptious meal, we were looking forward for an activities for us to burn off all the calories, which Daniel brought us to the perfect place for 3 ladies – FACTORY OUTLETS!!! Before the trip, I told my colleagues, family and friends that I will not be buying anything – don’t think there is anything to buy.. how wrong I was! It was a really like a shopping spree.. There are so many brands there and due to the golden week, they are still having some sale going on that makes the clothes there even cheaper. Most of the shops that we went in, we ended up coming out with paper bags. We spend at least 3 – 4 hours there. I ended up with 2 pairs of Nike shoes (casual wear & running), 2 pair of jeans (one from espirit and one from pierre cardin), 2 khaki pants (one from nike and one from espirit), 1 vest from ashwood and one sling bag from nike. All these are less than 30 Singapore Dollars each. Pretty cool, eh? It was a great accomplishment for someone who seldom go shopping and the thought when the credit card bill comes next month.. burr.. shall not think bout that, shall we?

After the fruitful session, after meeting up with Daniel we ended up having our dinner at the chinese restaurant at the factory outlet. We had “siao long bao”, some vegetables, wan ton noodles and desserts. Even when the day grew late, after Daniel drop us back to our hotel, we went to the nearby shopping centre and I bought another bikini so that we are able to enjoy the hotel swimming pool the next day. After the busy shopping day, we end the day with a cool heineken.

After enjoying a short swim and relaxing in the jacuzzi, we went exploring on our own by their local metro. Due to the fog we decided to go the The Oriental Pearl Tower instead of the Yu Garden. Mei and I decided to go up the tower to the peak while my boss goes shopping at a nearby shopping centre. It was quite fun going up to look down from 350 ft above. We even went for a roller coaster ride which is in the middle of the tower. After the tour we went to join my boss at the shopping centre and I managed to find a vest that I was looking for at H&M.

We ended up at the opposite site of the Bund again and decided to go back to our hotel. We went to the Raffles City which is a shopping centre (probably a franchise from Singapore as it is similar to the one we have in Singapore) nearby our hotel for look see and decided to try out their food court. The food really sucks! Most of us did not even put a dent in our food and we left the place. Ended up at the hotel Chinese restaurant.. however, I managed to try the hairy crab, which was suppose to be the delicacy in Shanghai! As usual, on the way back to the hotel, we strayed and went into the Espirit shop. Ended up buying somemore stuff. So added to my damage, I got myself a trendy cap and a black formal belt. That’s it… I am done with my shopping!

The next morning, we took a taxi to the Yu Yuan Garden which is a chinese garde in the old town of Shanghai. Before reaching the garden, along the pathways are all the shops selling souvenirs and teas and while walking along the walkway over lilly ponds was quite a nice scene. There are some chinese restaurants as well. Apparently there is a restaurant that serve “Xiao Long Bao” is very nice and quite popular, but we did not know which one and ended up in another restaurant but food was wasn’t what we expected. There are also starbucks in the oriental buildings was quite a trilling change.. to see a western establishment in a chinese architectual building.

The garden was full with bridges, stones, lilly ponds and green trees which was quite refreshing especially when you comes from the city where its all concrite buildings and it was quite amazing that they have a garden in the middle of the city. Shanghai being the financial centre has becoming very cosmopoliton and much more advance from other cities in China and some even better than other countries. One thing for sure, they are really into recycling which the program does not seem to work in Singapore!

After the relaxing walk in the garden, we met up with Daniel at the hotel lobby in the afternoon. We were so touch that he purposely took a day off to bring us around. We went to their flea market and had a walk around. Since there isn’t anything that catch our eye, we decided to go to the bund again! But he brought us to the Bund side this time which we had not been. So we  have another view of the Bund.

After some photo taking session, we left the Bund and Daniel brought Mei and myself back to the hotel as we decided not to join the reunion session, instead both of us took the opportunity to experience their karaoke there. Mei was very impressed with their room and their system. Well for me, I still prefer Singapore, maybe due that Singapore system has english instruction! It was so increadible cheap as we just paid RMB 75 for 3 hours for minimum of 3 persons which is SGD$15! That is just for the room only. They will then show you to a grocery session where you can buy their water and snacks from the shop before proceeding to the karaoke room. They do not have karaoke fees or any compulsory snacks that you need to purchase as what was charge in Singapore. Overall both of us enjoyed themselves…After the full 3 hours of vocal exercise, we went to Raffles City again for dinner (NOT the food court). We tried another restaurant which serve something like a steamboat but with porridge based. Then we ordered some vegetables, meat, fishballs and a few other dishes and we just poured into the pot and wait for it to boil. However the broth was just the water from the porridge and there is no taste. It was really quite a dissappointment.

The next day I and Mei joined a day tour to Suzhou. My boss is meeting up with another of her friend in Shanghai. Suzhou is just around 1.5 hours drive away from Shanghai and we have a good tour guide, Cornie that brought us around. In our tour there are 05 of us including us. 01 from US who is a fat vegetarian guy who married an Italian lady, 01 Aussie guy and 01 Malaysian guy who just came to Shanghai for holiday. We went to Tiger Hill where there is pagoda and with some stones and pond with stories which Cornie explained to us. As we climb up the hill with about 100 over steps towards the pagoda that was on top of the hill, Cornie was explaining that the China emperor went there a couple of times and wrote poems on the stab of rock that was being preserved near to the pagoda. The Pagoda was a special one as it is slanting. Maybe this is going to be the oriental leaning tower of China!

During the journey down, Cornie showed us some other meaningful ponds and rocks with names being printed and tell us the story on a couple of these stones. After the hill, we visited another garden. This garden was actually the garden of a rich family in the olden days and was being preserved and became the tourist attraction. Here you see the beautiful halls of their residence, stones that was planted in their garden – apparently the stones represent their wealth. To determine how rich the family is, it is to count how many such big stones in their garden, the more it is, represent the more money they have and these big stones are not those that are smoothly faced but are with holes! Just imagine, last time the people have such a huge garden! wow… and was being maintained till today.

After the garden, we went to the temple. After praying the buddha, we went up the pagoda to have a look on the scenery up there (a different one from the Tiger hill). However, we made a mistake in going into the shop, as the girl there just talk non stop! About the buddha la, then ask us to bring back the buddha pendent la.. you got fortunate that you are able to bring back the buddha.. and on and on.. Unfortunately i departed with a buddha pendent and a hole in my pocket..But I take it as a part of a donation and hope that Buddha will give me his blessing and my wishes will come true!

With our tummy growling, calling for food, we were brought to a hotel restaurant for our lunch. We had quite a sumptous lunch.. with beef, pork, vegetables, chickens and soup. Not bad for tours.. Normally they bring you to a not so good restaurants, but this one was not bad. After the lunch they brought us to the silk factory where we see them how they process the caccoon and how they extract the silk from the caccooon, how they make the quilt (I even have a hands on on how they spread the silk layer by layer till its thick enought to make into quilt), see how they weave the threat into a silk cloth to be made into clothings. As usual, at the end of the silk factory tour, they bought us to their shop hoping we will purchase some souvenirs there. Which we did. Mei bought some silk fan while I myself bought some chopsticks for souvenir. Before we head back to Shanghai, we did a stopover at the Grand Canyon for some photo taking. This is how they brought their goods from Suzhou up to Beijing in the olden days. But now the canyon is not in use.

Once we reached Shanghai we met up with my boss and planned to have dinner followed by drinks with Amanda, who is the previous Spa Manager (my ex-boss) However somehow we skipped dinner and went straight into drinks at one of the wine bar with a couple of Amanda’s friend. After consumed about 3 bottles of white: I had 3-4 glasses, Mei had 1/3 glass while my boss had about 5 – 6 glass and she started to get tipsy, luckily with Mei we manage to get her back to the hotel safely without much damages. However once we were back to hotel, we decided to order some room service since we had skipped our dinner. Unknowing on the serving and the thought of french fries and club sandwich sounds good, I ordered it. However, to my horror, the portion was so huge! I was a little high myself but only managed to eat half of the sandwich and the french fries.

The next morning, Mei and I went for a last swim at the indoor pool and enjoyed the steam and sauna room before we start to pack for our departure. We went to the brunch of the chinese restaurant that we had our dinner at the Outlet factory for lunch. However, to our dismay, their service sucks! The face that they gave us is like we owe them 1million dollars .. well.. right after we finished we left the place.. thank goodness.. But knowing us, on the way back to the hotel, Mei and my boss saw some nice oriental blouse and jackets. Imagine that, just going for lunch and walking back, we still go back to the room with paper bags!. After finishing our last packing, we settled our bill and checked out. Daniel being a kind soul took a half day leave to send us to the airport.. how sweet of him.. however before departure we went for a round of beer and with the remaining RMB, I bought some small souvenirs.

At least the 5 hours flight home is much better than the our arrival flight as we have more channel to watch. Just imagine how bored we were on our arrival until we resort to playing “Chor Dai Di” in the plane – just the two of us! Anyhow the entire trip is quite a relaxing one since there are some morning we need not wake up so early that we are able to sleep till 9-10am! This is the first time I am able to do so in of my trips.. But do I want to go back there again.. hmm.. there still have many other areas in China I have not visited, which I don’t mind going.. but Shanghai..I don’t think so.. But if got the opportunity, might want to go there to work for a couple of years.. that should be quite interesting!

See those building opposites.. those are the banks

A fruitful trip home.. September 18, 2008

Last weekend I took a couple of days leave to go home to my hometown in Malaysia. But this trip is quite eventful as I get to experence a couple of event where we seldom have such occasions to experience.

One of the event was I get a chance to attend a high court hearing. Wow.. it was something like in a movie where you spectator sit behind and when you enter the court you have to bow to the judge. After the spectator areas, there is a box where the accused/prisoner sat. This box can be locked by the police. From there will be an area where all the lawyers sat and then followed by court assistants. Last of all, the high judge sat slightly much higher than the rest. There was also a witness stand as well.

This is the first time where I see how they actually interrogate the witness and how they cross examine the statement of a witness in real life! Wow! It was a really eye-opener. But I will not want to be in the witness stand or even worse in the accused box! brr… so scarry.. They will ask you for something that has happened 4-5 years ago and it is so detail that they have to say what they are doing and with who at that hour! geez.. I think most of us already will have problem trying to recall what we were doing just last year at certain time not saying 5 years ago!

Other than that, last sunday was my eldest brother’s solemnization. Normally, couples will register their marriage at the ROM (Registrar of Marriage) however, my brother went throught a private officer who has the licence to solemnize marriage. It was held at the registrar residential house. Basically couple turn out with their family members and their witness. The entire process started with the signing of the certs and he just explain the importance of the marriage cert, explain briefly what marriage is all about followed by exchange of rings. After some phototaking sessions directed by the registrar also, and that was it - The entire process what done just like that! No vow of “I take thee so and so to be my lawful wife/husband crap.. ” Simple and straightforward.. wow.. talk bout fast forward.. and just like that in the eyes of law you are husband and wife and there is no turning back! and you wonder how come the divorce rates are raising eh? er.. not saying that all marriage will leads to divorce la.. This is a constitution where it takes hard work from both parties to stay together for the rest of their life. Compromising, understanding each other needs, being faithful to each other and yes communications are the most important elements in marriage (I think. erm… not like I been there before so shall not be here and sound like I know everything.. haha..better don’t say too much) Anyway wish the new couple all the best and may they have a happy, blessful marriage!

Of course not forgeting the main purpose of going back is to celebrate my mum’s birthday on Friday. We went to an restaurant in one the corner of a residential place for dinner. Somehow they know all the hooks and corners of the town to find good food.. me being the “visitor” just go with the flow..as long the Birthday girl is happy. My mum invited 3 of her friends to join us as well. Being in Malaysia the entire dinner bill wasn’t even reach Singapore Dollars fifty bucks! wow.. how cheap can it be to eat there! We had curry fish, sotong, nyonya tahu, vegetables, noodles and fried rice.

I also get to drive for 20 minutes this trip! what an accomplishment! haha.. shhh.. with my dad sitting next to me of course (really wonder while my dad sitting next to me, did he break into cold sweat..) if not my bro will never lend me his precious car.. sigh… how sad.. when am I able to get my own car!!!! oh man.. well.. lets hope and shall start working hard to get a car from now!!.. well.. Gambatte Kelly!

Vietnam Trip – Tour 2 May 25, 2008

That evening we started on our 2nd tour with an overnight train. The berth that we were assigned is the top bed opposite each other.  We were expecting to be top and bottom. After about 08 hours journey we reach a town called Sa Pa. It is located at the northern part of Vietnam and is located on a hill. So the weather there is quite cooling and was quite a relieve after the first 3 days under the sun!

After checking into the hotel, we hunted up a cafe to have our breakfast before proceeding us to our first day of hiking. It was a 3 hours hike through the paddy field, the hill, river and some of their villages. From the start of the hike, there were 2 of their village children that followed us all the way till their village as they are hoping we will purchase some souvenirs from them. We have another 2 more younger guide with us. They are quite helpful when we reach slippery or wet areas. However, there is also one 4-year old boy, very cute, he can’t even form a word, but apparently their parents have taught him to follow the tourist and not to come back until we buy something from him or give him some money. It so sad to see him following us, walking on his bare feet until at the end our guide gave him some money then only he return back to his village.

After that short hike we return back to the little town where we still have several hours before dinner. We had another pampering session at the spa then we went out to explore the city. As we had use up some of our energy during the hike we went into a small cafe for some light snacks and stroll down their evening market.

They arranged our dinner a quite a nice restaurant and we kind of have a 3-course meal. After dinner we went back to our resort and checked our emails. Over here, all the hotels are very internet savvy, they include free internet usage for all their guests even the backpacker hotel that we stayed as well! pretty cool huh… Hopefully other hotels will do so as well..

After that SP & I played a game of pool before calling it a night to rest for another day of hiking tomorrow. The next day we have to check out from the hotel as we will be taking the overnight train back to Hanoi

 They bought us to their morning market where all their local people meet up to sell their harvest. After a short introduction, we were brought to another venue where we will start the hike. The hike was joined with another 2 ladies and a guy from their Hanoi Sales office. It was a FAM trip for them. The hike was even more tedious than the previous day. It has a lot of ascending up the hills and way down was quite steep in some areas. The scenery is very scenic with the corn fields that cover the mountains, but the journey was quite tiring. I told SP, my year quota of exercise is done. After about 3.5 hours of hike when our legs starting to cry for help.. we reached to a place where we take a motocycle taxi to the next destination for our lunch. Whew! finally it was over.. But the short ride in the motocycle is a really trilling experience. This is the first time I took a motocycle with a stranger and mind you.. not wearing a Helmut! We have to go through 2 small streams and twice when a lorry pass us, all the dust just cover your vision! I can’t see the road in front of us.. geez.. which during that time i just closed my eyes and hold my breath!

After a simple home-stay lunch we took a boat back to the main road which they will transport us to the train station. Prior before that they stop at the border of Vietnam and China. So cool, that the 2 countries are just separated by a river. There is a chinese temple over at the Vietnamese side which we went in to see and we guess that it will be the same temple that we have back in BP - ”Ma Zhor Keng”

We get to take a quick shower in another backpacker motel which is very near to the train station, just to use the facilities coz bout US$2 per person. After the much needed refreshment, we went hunting again for food, especially an establishment with aircon!

 When the time comes, we boarded our train that will bring us back to the noisy city. All the train rides were being shared with other 2 local persons, since we have a slight language barrier we did not really chat with them and after the long day, we slept quite soundly on the train.

Back to the city, we had 2 days for us to explore the attraction, first we went to the lake where we see the turtle island and the temple there, after taking some time there we took one of the trishaw that cost us US$10 for 1 and half hours which suppose to cover a few places, but he can’t make it that far.. Boasting that he is young with energy and able to cycle very fast. It doesn’t seems that way! He brought us to buy the water puppet show for that night, temple of literature – where they worship Confusious then lastly to a pagoda near the West lake.

From then on, we went on foot to the rest of the attraction but due to the lateness of time, we did not manage to see the moussoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and his resident place, which we went again the next day. But the trip was not so bad, we get to eat some cakes at an Italian cafe and lunch at KFC! (After so much of vietnamese food, we started craving for the normal western fast food)

 The next day after breakfast we made our way to the attraction, to our horror, we found there is a very long queue. Thinking that it is to the museum, we decided to join the queue. Thinking that we might be able to do some picnic somewhere, I brought along my chocolates and snacks. But, not knowing that the queue is to the mousseluem where they kept Ho Chi Minh body being preserved in the structure, we have to go through x-ray check and my chocolates were being confiscated. There goes our lunch. After about 1 hour we are finally out from the queue and just to view the body only takes less than 1 minute! After that somehow we were being led to his old residence place. These are the 2 attractions that we were thinking to skip. When we finally went to the museum, to our dissappointment, it was close for lunch and will only reopen at 2pm. While waiting, we had our lunch and just enjoying their aircon. But the museum wasn’t what I expected. I would have though that the museum will tells you about the history of Vietnam, but the museum really live up to its name.. It is all about President Ho Chi Minh!.. Oh boy.. Yes I know he is a remarkable guy.. but the entire museum? .. Hmm.. just wondering how come Malaysia don’t do one for our 1st PM – Tengku Abdul Rahman..

After viewing all these, we had decided to head back to the motel to take a shower and to get ready for check out. Since we still have some time, we decided to try some of the french pasty that we found selling near to our motel. In the evening, we catch the 2115 hours plane back to Singapore! There ends our trip.. 

The Impromtu Models for tourists!

Vietnam Trip! ~ pt 1 May 25, 2008

Hi .. I am back.. So sorry.. was suppose to write about my trip the next day.. unfortunately, i caught the remaining flu virus when I got back to office… seems it is still going around..

Our trip is a 07 days and 07 nights. We flew a budget airline to Hanoi straight from Singapore. Due to a change of dates we have to pay a much higher tickets with no food provided. We reach there at night, and as the motel that we reserved, Classic 2) was overbooked, they transfered us to their sister hotel, Classic 1. They have the basic amenities. (Refer to the pic below) But the bed is so hard, even though we know that firm mattress is good for the back but this is really stiff! But then what you aspect from a US$28 per night. Normally passport will be given to them upon arrival for them to fill up their form.. but no.. not in Hanoi, they kept our passport overnight!.. to do what.. to key it into their system.. is that slow or what! Geez..

The next morning, we check out from our backpacker motel and made our way to the travel agent to start our exciting tour. The first tour that we took was the Halong Bay Tour with a night at a cruise and one night in a 4-star resort. In our group we have a couple from UK and a family from Australia. In total including us, there are 07 persons. It is a small quiet group.

We started of in the coach with many people but only 07 of us are taking the same tour. Well, the condition of our cabin in the cruise surprised us. Not expecting star cruise standard of course! Therefore was expecting a more back to basic type of room but it turn out to be alright. The room was clean and the thing that gave us the surprise was the shower! It has the jets and we were really impressed.. WOW! See the pics below.

Once the cruise kicks off, we had a lot of time to rest and relax. We are able to go up to the deck where they have 08 deck chairs.. just nice for the group of us! We took our book and we changed to shorts and T-shirt of course, not forgeting our camera. After applying our sunblock we made our way up to the deck. After taking some photos of the surrounding scenery and find the sun is too strong, we decided to relax in the dining room instead and took a short nap.

After a short journey, we were to embark and visit the Amazing Cave. The cave was brightly lit and was cooling eventhough we have to climb a lot of stairs to reach the top.

When we reach back to the cruise, they brought us to a place where we can go down for a swim in the sea! Eventhough the idea was too trilling.. I began to worried as I do not know how to thread water! Before coming down to a depression for not able to go into the nice cooling water.. an idea strike me!… LIFE JACKET and I manage to borrow a life jacket from the boat.. and YIPPEE!! Cold green salty sea water.. here I come!

After a satisfying dip and feeling refresh, we took turn taking a shower and got ready for dinner. As the lunch and dinner on the day is being covered in the boat, we have not much choice in that matter.. each meals on the boat will have fried prawn (Ok.. i broke my rule, I took 1 or 2 prawn in this trip), cucumber with garlic and ginger – which is very yummy .. oh.. they love to serve cucumber, sotong ball, a couple of vegetable dishes – kangkung, bean sprout, cabbages. These are some simple dishes that they cooked for us in the boat.

Since we have a more or less a free and easy schedule, most of us, went up to the deck and just lazed around.. looking up the sky with a few stars, surrounding us with water and other nearby cruises. Me and SP chatted, catching up with each other.. when the night turns dark and after the entire day of activities, we went back to our cabin to rest.

The next morning started with a relaxing breakfast and we were transfered to another boat where they will bring us for our kayak excursion. The kayak was slightly different than those that we used to do back in Malaysia or Batam. They have pedals! for navigating the kayak.. how cool can it be!

We spend the half day kayak to a hidden lagoon.. which by then.. my both arms have no more strength and started to ache. The water at the lagoon was so clear that you are able to see the base. After returning back to the boat for lunch, our guide told her we have another session of kayak in the afternoon!! Oh boy! .. How am I going to survive! Somehow.. I did! The afternoon we stop at one of the deserted beach for our kayak excursion. By the time we finish, my both arms are paining.. crying for help!

After such a tedious exercise, we rested for a while and we reached our 4-star resort! Staying in a backpacker, staying in a cabin and staying in a 4-star resort is a great change of experience! The resort that we stayed is called the Cat Pa Sunrise Resort, they have a nice swimming pool with 2 jacuzzi pools and their own private beach! That night we have a sumptious dinner at the restaurant and after that we had 2 hours of body massage.. that was an absolute heaven!

Unfortunately we only get to stay at the lovely resort for 1 night, the next day, after breakfast, we relax a little at the beach we started to get ready for check out. From a tranquil atmosphere of the sea and being drop back to the hussle and bussle of the Hanoi city.. is not something I look forward to.

The whole population of Hanoi city is about 4 million people and they have 2.5 million motocycles on the road! You can hardly imagine the air and noise pollution they generated! Just that couple of hours on the road, makes my head spin and I was so irritated by the noice the worse.. as for them, whether there is a reason or no reason, they use the horn very freely.. can just imagine how annoying they are.. and something is just next to you. When you are walking along the street, looking at the shops, there will surely people ask you whether you want to take the trishow or the motocycle taxi or even the taxi!

We will continue the 2nd tour another day.. before I bore you guys further.

Impromtu Holiday.. May 19, 2008

Normally, when I go for holiday, i will plan much in advance. But last week, me and my friend plan at a last minute to Vietnam. We only took 1 week to plan for this trip but mostly my friend did the job.. It is the most impromtu trip

The entire trip is about 7 days, we took 2 short local tours from there even though we arrange it from Singapore thru internet. We touch down early this morning around 1am. Will write more about the trip tomorrow.. Basically today is unpacking, washing all the dirty laundries and to rest before starting of work tomorrow..

Labour Day… May 1, 2008

There are so many occasion to celebrate all types of people – secretaries week, boss day, woman’s day, children’s day, mother’s day, father’s day and of course Labour day! But out of all these celebration, only Labour day – May 1 is being classified as a public holidays in certain countries. This is suppose to be one day for all employees do not require to work. Of course they do come to such situation or certain industries that require to work on this day. Industries like Travel, Hotels, Retails, Transportation and also Food & Beverages, therefore for those that have to give their services on this day, they are normally are either being paid double or will be compensated with another off day in another day.

Normally, my office do not work on public holidays however, since now everyone is trying upgrade all their system, my management decided to do the same. Therefore, today is the day when they transfer all the old datas to the new systems. So all of us are to go back to clear up all the “rubbish” in the new system.

I tell you, it is really rubbish.. and it is so tedious.. Earlier we thought that today we only work a few hours but ended up we work from 10am – 6pm! It is nearly the entire working day.. In our normal days, we go out to meet client and travel but today, we were desk bout for all 07 hours.. By the time we call off the day, our eyes are all crossed with  company names,  and we might even get nightmare tonight!! (Hope not!) and the best part… IT IS NOT FINISH YET!!! It is even more tedious than our normal work.. geez.. Well looks like we have to do it gradually and have to do it on daily basis.. Wish us luck!

Cheng Ming.. March 31, 2008

Every year, there is an occasion where families visit their lost love ones’ tomb to clean and tidy up their tomb and to pay respect. Normally this day falls on early of April. During the 2 weeks, many people will flock into Malaysia to pay visit to their lost relatives or ancestors tombs.

Last weekend me and a few of my relatives went back to our hometown for the same reason and so happen it coincide with my birthday. Was a very good trip as we get to eat many good sinful stuff: ice kacang, U-mee, fried carrot cake – BP style, kangkung with cuttlefish, fried oyster from a hawker centre, we had home cook food as well which is the best meal of all. We celebrated my birthday last night in one of the restaurant where we had fish curry, vegs, toufu and frog leg. yum..

Of course before coming back to Singapore today, we had my favourite food for branch.. Bak Kut Teh.. yummy.. Everytime when we go back to my hometown is everytime eat non stop.. coz there are so much yummy food to eat!

Lou Hei February 15, 2008

Every year during Chinese New Year, families will go either go to restaurant or they will make their own Lou Hei – a chinese salad with fresh fish meat. It is to bring luck to the family/company/department.

Every year, I will have at least 3 sessions of lou hei, one with my family members on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, second time will just be the sales managers and the third time will be with my boss the entire sales department.

This year, we went to sakae sushi for the lou hei for the sales manager – small group, less budget, cheaper. Then for the entire department, we went to a chinese restaurant – Dragon Gate Restaurant at Harbourfront where they also have dim sum as well even though my boss is a muslim, but lucky she is not a stounch muslim.

By the end of the meal, all of us are so full, ordered to many dishes – ha kau, siew mai, chee chung fun (HK style), a plate of veg, noodles, century egg porridge, steamed carrot cake, BBQ pork bun, fried prawn and prawn roll. Some of them we even order a couple more serving.

The best part is my boss foot the entire bill.. yippee.. and we also accummulated some money to try our luck in the Ang Pow draw.. aiming for the $10million. If we won, then each of us get to take back $1.6mil! Wish us luck! Condo here I come!