Taiwan (29th Oct 2010 – 5th Nov 2010)
14 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in food, Friends, holiday, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, Taiwan, Taiwan, whatever
The long awaited post is here. After so much editing, I think I deserve to blog one of the longest post in my entire life.
Anyways, here’s my whole Taiwan trip. Enjoy.
Day 1 – Touchdown.
Arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 1 at about 4:45am. Headed for breakfast alone at BK as the rest have not arrived. But then again, was made to rush and wait eventually when Zhencong was late. But still, we manage to board our plane safely.
Landed in Taoyuan International Airport at around 11:45am in Taiwan. The first look at the airport – not so convincingly an international airport that I would expect, but nonetheless, it still deserves to be recognised and discovered. But that is also not ruining my image of Taiwan. As I sat in the backseat in the cabby that was arranged to ferry us, I travel past the busy expressways of Taipei, with torn and tattered buildings that made Taiwan look like a city of yesteryears. And I always had that impression that Taiwan is still well-developed. But sadly it isn’t. That won’t spoil my image of Taiwan still, because ultimately, Japan also looks like that, just that they have cleaner air with nicer weather, though Taiwan’s raining and raining that whole period.
When we arrived at our accommodation area, I’m quite impressed at the type of room that I was given to live in. Though small, with 3 double-decked beds, 6 of us manage a cosier living style with everything everywhere in the room. With only 1 living room, there’s time for catchup sessions including Monopoly Deals before bath. A computer, with wireless, and also cable tv, it is priced at only SGD$125 for only 7 nights. Probably the best deal in the world. The hostel, TaiwanMex, is located about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the Taipei Main Train Station, which consist of their MRT as well as their Train Service.
The hostel is located at 66, ChangAn West St, at exit R4 of the underground shopping mall linking from Taipei Main Train Station to Zhongshan Station. Coming out from the entrance of the hostel on the right is Legend Bubble tea store, with a Tauhuay Drink eatery opposite the hostel. Good enough for breakfast, as I have ate there on the 3rd day. Good stuff.
We didn’t wait, so we moved off to sit the trains first. So we bought this concession card at $500NT ($400NT in train ride amounts, $100NT refundable after using up all the amount inside the card) and travelled throughout our whole Taiwan trip in Taipei. Nice eh. It’s like their EZLink Concession somehow. But it’s worth it. We went to shopping malls, Daiso, ate Mos Burger for lunch, which taste really good compared to Singapore. And we already contemplated at the purchase of a Porter pouch, but left it to the last day because it’s only the 1st day. LOL.
So after that we went to Sogo at Zhongshan Dunhua and Zhongshan Fuxing to have a look as well. They have 3 Sogos sanwiched between that area, and it’s not as small as you think it is. But it has a lot to offer. Brands like Nike and Adidas are presently there, G-shock, Puma, Porter International etc are all there too. It’s like our Takashimaya, less exquisite, because they are not offering big brand names like Chanel or at least Agnes B. After walking around, we decided to settle for Ding Tai Fung, since it’s around their area. Amazing thing is – the food is so much cheaper there than Singapore. We paid SGD$13 each to eat a portion that we usually eat individually at Singapore for about SGD$30 per pax. And the waitress are hell prettier than Singapore ones here. Totally amazing.
After that sumptuously cheap meal, we were wondering where should we go next. Then out of the blue, our random suggestion was to head to Shida Night Market since it was just around the corner. The next thing we knew, we were on the way there in the cab. Once there, it’s hell crowded but fantastically, it has so much to offer. Cheap clothes, cheap shoes, cheap food. What else can I say? There’s a MRT station along the green line, nearer than Zhongshan Fuxing. Take that one there. More accessible and faster.
Yup, and before you know it, we were heading back to the hostel to leave our stuff and get ready for clubbing at Luxy. The club, in all, is a great club with nice ambience and good people, just lacking one thing – atmosphere. It’s strange to know that the people in the club wanna head down to party but not knowing how to mingle, dance, or at least sing the damn song, which I’m not surprised to how they can’t actually sing it properly. But then again, it was a club that played probably underground music that I haven’t heard of. But the sad part is that I went one day earlier, because the next day was Benni Benassi and David Guetta. DOWN ON MY LUCK so to speak. Sigh.
Anyways, entrance fee is NT$600. But you can pay at like NT$5000 to get a table with drinks, if I’m not wrong. 1 or 2 bottles, I can’t remember, but definitely more worth it. The NT$600 is like SGD$25, cheaper than Butter factory.
Day 2 – Ximending. And only Ximending.
If you want me to elaborate on shopping at Ximending, then I will give you some tips on shopping smart in Taiwan.
Tip 1 – Check for shops that have Tax Refund.
Usually renowned departmental stores like Roots, Sogo etc do offer Tax Refund after spending more than NT$3000 in that departmental store itself. But as for smaller single shops like Adidas Originals, XLarge etc, they might not offer the Tax Refund, and the sales staff have no freaking clue that it CANNOT BE CLAIMED SIMPLY AT THE AIRPORT ALONE. Firstly, to identify if the company is registered as a tax refund merchant, please ask the staff. Secondly to confirm your doubts, check on the back on the receipt if there’s a blue chop with some chinese words in a rectangular box. That rectangular box is an indication that it is a company that is registered. So if you can, shop wisely to save some money back to buy Sun Biscuits at the airport.
Tip 2 – Don’t always Jiak, Pong, Gao (JPG)
Let me elaborate on the terms of JPG. Jiak = Eat, Pong = Coupled, Gao = Win. In the mahjong world, JPG is typically of those people that aren’t afraid to die in the game, but end up with a stroke of luck that could either steer them away from a big payout to their opponent or winning that round with big loads of shit ass money. In the shopping world, Jiak means you practically saw something you like. Pong means you decided to try it in the fitting room, or at least try the product out. Gao means you bought it without even thinking. In a nutshell, JPG is simply known as Impulsive Shopping.
Apparently in Taiwan, you can find many of the same things all over and over again, not usually pertaining to Ximending, but especially areas like Wufenpu and the other night markets, notably Shilin and Shida. So don’t just spend your money in a blind shade. You will never know what you can find in the next shop. But it’s also quite hard sometimes as the areas there are extensively messy. All importantly, just make sure you know when you are getting it, Singapore’s equivalent product has to be more expensive so that you feel that its worth it to purchase.
Tip 3 – Bring your cash, and credit card, to the right places.
You see, if you are shopping at the departmental store, if you don’t have the cash, the card is always the best friend. But if you end up shopping at smaller stores at Shilin Night Market, then you are in for deep shit if you don’t have the cash. Apparently, these smaller shops – not all of them – might not have a credit card machine for you to swipe happily. So please bring sufficient cash.
Tip 4 – Keep small change.
Importantly, because when you are hungry, you become a demon searching for food. But food is everywhere in the streets, just that you need to be mindful that giving such a big note wouldn’t guarantee you stomach satisfaction, because the auntie or uncle selling that sausage to you might not even have change to break it apart. And it’s good to get rid of coins at such places without touching your bigger notes like the NT$2000 note, which many Taiwanese haven’t really seen them till now, and they get all amazed by it.
Anyways, Ximending is one hell of an “Orchard Road”. Cool weather, very hip people, with Halloween in the fray, the mood is there. Young teenagers singing in the middle of the parade square a medley of Taiwanese Pop star hits that brought in an immense number of curious bystanders. Fun-goers displaying their costumes in all shapes and sizes. Friendly people with all due respect, were there to just bring up the mood in an already interesting place like this.
I bought a trenchcoat that is made in korea from this shop that has a wonderfully beautiful saleswoman. And yes, she was nice enough to entertain me. And boy she’s one hot lady as well. Don’t anyhow think, but she’s really very sexy indeed. But I love my trenchcoat more. LOL. I got myself an Adidas Fall/Winter 2010 collection Campus shoe that wasn’t out in Singapore yet. I was over the moon when I bought it, but when I went back to the place, they were actually selling it like NT$300 cheaper. I was cursing a bit, which explains Tip 2 in the shopping tips above.
Anyways, the food along the streets itself are already great. But wait till I enter Miaokou at Keelung, then I will know what is the real deal. The food and bubble tea there is really really very cheap, way cheaper than your food courts that you dine in Singapore.
After all that crazy shopping, we went to the BIGGEST Partyworld KTV I have ever seen. In Singapore, it’s like a large area inside a shopping centre. In Taiwan, Partyworld occupies ONE BUILDING. I think it reaches to 20 storey high. Imagine that amount of KTV rooms you have. You will never grow sick of singing because in one particular room for example, it has an LCD TV, a toilet for you, 2 microphones, and the best thing of all, their touch screen song selection monitor! Pathetically in Singapore, we are still pressing our remotes.
It was all good, even the food in Partyworld ain’t as bad as the one we had in Singapore. But it was great nonetheless! And yes, we took a cab home, because Ximending is actually only one MRT station away from our accommodation area. Not too bad though!
Some pictures of the day. =)
Day 3 – Wufenpu, Taipei City Hall, Rao He Night Market
At this day, we did a lot of shopping, and sight seeing for sure. But Wufenpu, rumoured to be like a mad shopping area for all, surfaced in many of our conversations. Apparently, it’s like Singapore’s Bugis Street – Just way bigger.
Shopping was crazy, but please note that if you have to go to Wufenpu, please take the MRT and alight at Houshanpi. It’s along the blue line heading towards the east. Once you alight, check out the map and you can make your way there. But do not forget to dine in at a eatery with a yellow signboard. They are famous for their braised pork rice, which is FANTASTIC by the way. I would recommend the Bittergourd Soup that the same eatery is selling. It’s not even bitter at all, and it was the right call because the other Ginseng chicken soup is bitterly nice. LOL
If you are going with friends, just split up and meet at the same point again because, like Bugis, it’s quite messy and all around is male and female stuff. Shopping there is amazingly cheaper than you think, just do not expect big brands to appear, but more of street fashion to be available at a cheap price. Bargaining is possible, so if you can, buy more and get cheaper prices!
After all that crazy shopping, we headed to Taipei City Hall, agreeing that we will chase the sunset. So we end up taking photos and walking a distance of at least 5 Ngee Ann City Civic Plazas before arriving at a carpark opposite Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world. It’s a sight to behold at night as well, though I was told that it was better to capture the day scenes. Then again, nightview was breathtakingly beautiful! Definitely higher than the Tokyo Tower for sure.
There’s shopping inside the Taipei 101 as well, but we aren’t exactly tourisy tourist, so we won’t go for those stuff there, because all of it are branded goods. But if you ever really wanna shop there, just don’t forget that they don’t accept Singapore Dollars at the foreign exchange counter. Apart from that, I wouldn’t recommend shopping there because the prices are more expensive than you can afford in Singapore.
After that breathtaking experience, we went back nearer to Houshanpi, where we were eager to try the famous mutton soup at Rao He Night Market, a night market full of FOOD. As for normal shopping like at every other night market, this is comparatively more incline to food than the other night markets. Sadly, the mutton soup was sold out once we arrived after such a long and deep walk into the night market. But of course, we didn’t give up. We end up buying many other food to try. Some of them are insanely overportioned till we somehow laughed it off and yet couldn’t finish. LOL
Day 4 – Hualien – The Gorges and The Gorging of Food.
And yes, we travelled down to the peaceful and serene east of Taiwan, where Hualien resides with all their mountainous gorges and valleys. So how do we get there? Actually the train tickets were bought earlier, but we needed to collect them the day before. Then again, please don’t go and buy the subway train tickets. It’s the other express train, but not the bullet train.
Anyways, we arrived after a 2 hour 45 minute train ride. The tour guide couldn’t make it on time, and hired a taxi driver instead, but we were really glad that it was him because he was really humble and nice to assist us in the whole tour, and it was really nice of him to dedicate his time even if he’s just a taxi driver.
Firstly, he brought us to this small eatery where he made us take-away set meals which he claimed that it’s one of their famous stalls, which I would recommend because it’s cheap and taste really good. So we reached the foot of Taroko National Park and we took many photos before reaching the museum area to have our packet lunch and a self-tour around that area to get to know the park better.
And we set off next to all the breathtaking and beautiful scenic gorges with bridges to walk, photos to take, and hills to climb. Such an experience away from urbanisation was greatly appreciated and I totally enjoyed myself hiking throughout with no hesitation and worries about the weather and work. Such a wonderful place to camp as well, as they have campsites provided with toilets and concrete areas!
After all that tiresome but fun times spent on the mountains, we head back to the city area, where food awaits us! We were told that this delicacy known as the “cong you bing” is so nice that it’s renown in the whole Taiwan! How good is that? Because it’s like prata, just that after it’s being fried, we had a sunny-side up egg placed between, folded with chilli flakes, and then there you go! One bite and the egg yolk comes flowing out. You know that kind of feeling? It’s STUPENDOUSLY YUMMILICIOUS! I couldn’t stand how nice this thing was that we all end up buying another after eating one of it!
But of course, the eating doesn’t stop here. We headed to their famously known wanton stall that was also popular, but when we were there, it’s quite empty, but at such a cheap price, we get like 10 wantons in a bowl for less than SGD$3? Totally worth it! After that nice wanton place, we head off to their well known stall that sells Xiao Long Bao, but apparently we were in for a shock. Why? Because we were expecting like DTF size of XLBs, so we thought we could just take 3 pieces per pax. But we were WRONG. Because the moment the woman opened the basket of dumplings, the XLBs are like…. Bs. BAOS I MEAN. The size of the XLB is like normal Baos. And it’s so nice, that like eating XLBs, there’s that sauce inside. WAH LAU, where got such thing one?! But it was out of this world. But we were really full to the brim.
Before heading back, I end up spending almost $40 on muahchees itself. LOL
Day 5 – Beitou, Danshui, Shilin Night Market
Amazingly, we decided to make our way to the hotspring city, Beitou. It was relatively far out, but we were in for that try out. While we kinda lost our way, we end up finding the place, and then we decided to go in even though it was only half an hour left, but it was too good not to try, and I was right because it is really too good not to try. It was sooooo warm, that every part of my skin feels tight and at the same time, small wounds started to heal.
The water is really from the hotspring because you can smell the strong smell of metal, or probably copper. And the hotspring itself varies from different temperatures at different pools. The best part? You pay only SGD$2. And you can soak for all you want. There’s bathing facilities, but note that the water you are bathing with is FREAKING COLD. Kinda like an after effect thing. But it’s so shiok, that I don’t feel cold when I got out of the hotspring pool.
After that half an hour of shiokness, we made our way on the train to Danshui, where it was famously known for their “Iron Eggs”. Iron eggs, basically, are like smaller and harder century eggs, in my opinion. But overall, I think if we can put those eggs into porridge, I’m sure it will taste as good. Heh.
But at Danshui, there’s so much food to offer along their “food street” as well. Like their famous sng muay, baked potato with cheese toppings etc. But most importantly, when you are at Danshui, you HAVE to try their seafood. There’s a seafood restaurant that is their most patronised for their popularity and it didn’t disappoint me at all because practically every dish taste damn good. The freshness, the abundance, and best of all, for a cheap price of SGD$80 plus for the whole table! And we have flower crabs, oysters, prawns, fish skin, vegetables, fried noodles, clam soup, fruit juices. How cheap can that go?!
Walking around the shops at Danshui makes my mind go back in time because of the things they sell. Reminiscing times in the shop wasn’t the way to go, but I had to because it’s too hard to resist things like spin tops, push pops, cola candies, flavoured ice sticks, glass bottles with marbles inside etc. I couldn’t list all, because there’s simply too many! How I wish I had a picture of the shop!
After all that walking, we decided to take a train to Shilin Night Market to have a “preview” of what it is like and yes, like every other market, it’s as hustling and bustling as the rest that we went, just that at Shilin Night Market, there’s such a big shop that sells mainly branded shoes ranging from Nike to Adidas to New Balance to Vans to Timberland to Puma to Keds to K Swiss to Asics etc. So many shoes. So many designs. So many colours. I wonder why I didn’t buy anything. But there’s a pair of Vans shoes that I almost bought just that the size is right but the comfort isn’t.
But Shilin’s shopping area is seperated from the eating area like a few metres away, although there are also street stalls that gather at their usual locations, providing ever tasty food and beverages for shoppers like us along the way. Ultimately, it’s such a wonderful shopping area that when I was walking on my way there, I saw Kim Swee! SUPER SMALL WORLD CAN. I didn’t expect to see a friend at like overseas and moreover, friends that I probably know at least for 4 years! Quite estatic actually. LOL.
Day 6 – Keelung, Shida Night Market
This is probably the place that you MUST visit. Firstly, Keelung, though at the northern part of taiwan, is raining excessively almost every time and day of the year, is like a wet city harbour with lots of stuff to offer. Especially food. They have a street, also known as the Temple’s Entrance (in direct translation) that hosts numerous stalls of splendidly sumptuous food that you can go eating the whole day non-stop. What’s more, it’s touted as the best food street in Taiwan. And I second that.
Apart from that, I manage to get my bubble tea as usual, and then I head for a haircut that was quite worth paying. Though at $13, the whole deal comes with a shoulder massage, a neck massage, hair wash, cut, wash, dry, style. Totally worth it. Love the hairdresser there, she’s cute. And she’s quite shocked that someone like me can speak chinese (okay after all I’m chinese, just not from China.)
I will probably let the pictures do the talking. It’s basically like Japan, looks really really gloomy because of the weather there. But the food made up for all the gloominess. =D
While at Miao Kou (Temple’s Entrance), we are trying to stuff ourselves with whatever we can. So we first tried the oysters, which is a MUST in fact. Secondly, you gotta try their Glutinous rice, Pig Liver’s Soup, Curry Noodles, Fishcakes, Meatballs in some Gooey paste, Pig Blood soup, Yam cakes etc. Simply, there’s too much food there for you to try. You can NEVER GET ENOUGH of it. Literally.
After the whole lovely ordeal there (I bought a gundam as well. Haha.), we decided that Shida was the way to go again, to finish up buying some stuff for people and ourselves, which is equivalent to more shopping. Hah.
Day 7 – Ximending, Shilin Night Market. AGAIN.
Ok, this was technically our last chance to do our last minute shopping, so we decided to patronise these 2 areas of Taiwan. Ximending being that we wanted to do some nice branded shopping, which we did. And to my amazement, I discovered a street full of camera equipments and shops. CHEAP. But without international warranty for Canon. Only Nikon has it. SAD.
Moving on, Shilin Night Market was the destination for steamboat sessions, which we had the intentions to go when we first arrived in Taiwan. And we manage to find one outlet after know asking the friendly people around. And boy, we were filled with satisfaction! At only close to $15, we had like steamboat plus a frying wok just beside it as well as frying ICE CREAM, for the first time. The food they serve were definitely more fresh and better than Singapore. Imagine them serving COD FISH instead of the normal fish we used to take in Singapore. It was totally an experience. And yes, we ate so much, we didn’t feel that full either. Heh.
Here’s a few photos for remembrance.
While at Shilin Night Market, we went to try this thing called Fried Milk. Yes, we are wondering in the first place how the shit do you fry…. milk?! But then again, it was all the essence of food over there as it made me swoon over the taste that till now I cannot forget. It’s such a wonderful masterpiece that I wonder how that woman actually did it. Totally out of this world. But I knew it will be the last time that I had that, or at least the last time for the trip that is.
Sadly, my trip came to an end and I’m back in humid Singapore. But nonetheless, I had one of the most enjoyable trip around and I couldn’t have asked for better company to be there. Spending wise, I think I hit the $2000 mark, but it’s just nice for me, because I saved A LOT on accommodation. It was a much needed trip, and I totally enjoyed my time there!
We all love how this trip is. I will be back there again before you know it. I just love Taiwan!
Seremban (15th – 17th Oct 2010)
22 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in family, food, history, holiday, inspiration, interest, Just Updates, life, mood, reflections, singapore, whatever
This is a trip I will probably never forget in years to come. And it’s such an eye-opener, I’m feeling fortunate enough to be living in a place like Singapore. And it has opened up to me that life there is a totally different meaning in all, and I feel different. I feel that I seriously need to change. What did I face, you must have asked. Well, this is 3 days of life in Seremban, where my late great-grandparents lived and when my dad used to grow up at a playground and falling almost everytime he runs around it.
Day 1 – 2145H
Technically, the playground is not there anymore, and it has become a carpark by day, but roadside eateries by night. And I had char kuay teow without kuay teow. Solid eh. Sitting on stoods that probably will break anytime, I had a lot of food on that particular night alone, with my uncle bringing us to eat some great beehoon with handmade fishballs and zhi char. After that was supper at the roadside eateries. Had a bowl of tauhuay, a cup of coconut drink and that plate of char kuay teow. You know, the one that sold the coconut drink to us is an old lady that has been cutting, peeling and selling that drink since my dad was young? And how old and frail she looks now but still able to wield a freaking parang right at you? That’s the amount of energy she still got left in that woman. Respect.
And we left for my grandaunt’s place, getting to know some of them, like my twin aunts and my uncle, and yes, I only realise that I have more relatives than I think I had. Discovery #1 – I have more aunts and uncles. Discovery #2 – my twin aunts used to be reporters in KL. Cool or what. But anyways, they are very friendly and humble people, and patient for sure. And I’m truly ashamed that many Singaporeans are of the opposite attitude. I guess we all live in different worlds, but it’s hard not to compare about attitude and persona. So I turned in early, because the first activity on the itinerary is to wake up at 4am and be at a cemetry at 5am. You don’t wanna know that freaking feeling I tell you.
Day 2 – 0502H
Upon reaching the cemetry, we were all cooped up, dark and cosy in the car, with no surrounding lights, and nothing but only the bleak orange horizon that stood beyond the hills that provide that very very soft shade of light. Technically, you can’t see shit. And this is not the end of it. My great-grandparents’ grave is somewhere in between, and when I get to their tomb, it’s already scary enough because surrounding you are actually tombstones till the hills that masked off all light. Imagine when you are on a platform in the middle of the ocean with sharks surrounding you. That’s the kind of feeling you get. I didn’t think that much, but it’s damn creepy, because everyone else around you is dead. Like, yea, seriously dead.
The shifu got into his robe and he started his chanting all the way. It feels like going through a funeral all over again, just that it’s only a few of us and it’s not fun doing it at 5am in the morning when all souls are resting. The purpose of this is that we need to cremate our great-grandparents and place them at a crematorium at Seremban. But this cemetery is somewhere north of Seremban. So while waiting for the gravediggers to be done with their job, we headed for breakfast, and I caught one of the most beautiful sunrise in my entire life. It’s like a stream of cloud underlining diagonally up with the sky dyed red and orange. That feeling is undeniably good because I have been trying to chase sunsets and sunrise everytime. And I get good ones there. =D
It’s even better when you are having breakfast, with a bowl of noodles and a cup of Ice tea. What a way to start the day.
Day 2 – 0930H
So we headed back to rest after that, before heading out again to the temple with a crematorium at the top of a hill. It’s was all serene there, with birds chirping and light breeze every other second. The place was clean and neat, a very pleasant turnout for the eyes indeed. It resembles only one word in my mind – Peace. And the ritual continued, with myself being the eldest great-grandson (makes me feel that old), carrying my great-grandma’s urn and placing into the slot that our relatives purchased. After making our offerings and burning the necessary papers, it was time to head back for lunch, when another aunt of mine whipped up a sumptuous meal that I will probably never forget.
The best dish was the Ginger Wine Chicken. The best dish I had that afternoon. Two thumbs up!
Day 2 – 1450H
We headed to Jusco to talk a walk around, which basically, we had nothing much to buy except venturing into a familiar shop called Popular Book Store. Bought some fengshui books because they were like cheaper than what Singapore could offer. Then we head back and got ready for dinner, which apparently my relatives there reserved for yet another round of great food. I dined in that restaurant like 4 years back, and it still serves great food with good service standards.
Then we had a surprise birthday celebration catered for my grandaunt! And it’s really heartwarming to know that because my aunts and uncle did this like how we are doing it for friends in a birthday party or celebration. Sweet eh. =)
Day 3 – 0920H
It didn’t had to be that early like the previous day, so we woke up a little later, and head down to the Big Market of Seremban to have breakfast that is so cheap and good. Even the coffee they made was so thick and nice. I had like a plate of Sotong Bee Hoon and a plate of Char Siew Wanton Mee. And we shopped for fruits and vegetables. Still the wet market I reminisce in Teban Gardens last time, the market itself is practically wet and a little dirty all around, but that’s what I have expected, and it feels like the old times all over again.
Day 3 – 1353H
Going home was a bit saddening, because I never wanted to leave this place. This is my take-away from this eye opening trip.
- My relatives are somehow humble, kind and heartwarming. It’s really nice to know that people like them still exist and it exist in Malaysia, of all places I expected. And it brings me to shame on how Singaporeans are so fortunate to be around. It also make me feel ashamed that we should all learn the proper ways of being human all over again.
- Going back in time, I learnt all over again to bathe in cold water with a pipe above my head, and I had to shit and pee in a toilet bowl that doesn’t flush. I had to tahan with fan and mosquitoes every night, and I had to dwell in the dark as sometimes there wasn’t light.
- It goes to show how important burial of the dead is to future generations down the road, because without a proper burial, there is no peace for the dead, and it goes to show how respectful you are to them.
- The time when my great-grandparents bones were dug out, my grandaunt saw and broke down and cry. A woman, so old in her age, still has tears and fond memories left to share and tear, and I feel quite pitiful because it’s her mother after all. But we had to console her a little, as it is so long ago since she passed away. It’s a sad sight, but a grief to remember.
- Though the food is cheap, it goes to show that even with the slightest amount of content they possess, it counts as a real blessing to them as it is not about how satisfying or worthy the food is but how full can the food make you feel. When we went to the restaurant, my relatives were like so well-dressed that it made it like we are attending a wedding. Contentment.
- It’s a sad day for us sometimes, but I also learn to put the past aside and face the future with open arms, and that we know we ultimately can’t run away from a problem, but more so that we could stick and fight to the very end. Determination is what we lack. And the right attitude to approach a situation lies so clearly drawn in the working world these days.
I’m glad that I’m back home though, but I’m glad that I bring home a valuable answer to unanswered questions back home. I guess it’s a very great eye-opening trip for me. =)
Carrots and Fishfood
02 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in colour, dad, family, food, Friends, history, hobbies, inspiration, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, pets, photography, reflections, singapore, whatever
Today while dumbing the remains of my meal into the dustbin, I came across a carrot head cut and thrown away, missing the bin somehow when it’s like only 30cm away from the sink (-_-”) and then I had to pick it up to throw. I bet it must be my mum. But then again, that’s not the point as when I picked the carrot head up, it brought me back to times when Aishita (our family pet rabbit) is still living and lazing around at it’s cage.
It loved carrots and french beans. And my mother will make it a point that whenever she is cooking carrots or french beans for the day, she will leave the head and probably some remaining french beans for that bunny to eat. And it was a joy because it knew whenever we will going near with a bowl of vegetables, she will jump up with excitement and then start demanding for it. Greedy, but that cute furball never fails to make us smile.
But well, it’s gone.
My dad used to keep fishes and still rearing some. Back then, I realised that he had like 7 to 8 blood parrot fishes. Then since, unfortunately the tanks that he came across to utilise were leaking and had no choice but to change them. But every time he changed one tank, one or two fishes will die. Up till today, only 2 survived, but looking pale and kinda bad in condition. But my dad still decides to keep them, apparently in a container. Sadly my dad’s been busy at work and stuff like that but there’s one good point about him and that he – no matter what living thing is that – will still make the effort even at his loss or sacrifice to keep it alive.
And I admire that character because it is pure sincerity. And it’s also the reason why I’m still walking on this earth healthy and fine. Without that amount of sacrifice, I won’t be here today. Then again, I would say that I pray for the fish to survive till my dad gets a better tank. Or at least find the time to release it to waters where it will be dangerous but much more freedom for it to enjoy.
Emotional pets aside, seems that tomorrow will be battlefront day as all of them were clearing off today. Tomorrow is meeting day and I’m sure gonna get buttered left right centre. Maybe additional kaya still. Then again, at this crucial point of time, they take away my monitor at my office for repairs when the annual audit check is coming in September. Fuck my life no?
This is bad counterproductive work behaviour. And I don’t like it.
Anyways, some photos that were taken from the past few months of late. Most can be found on Facebook. =)
Big Walk 2010 with family and Geokie and Zai! =)
Food Spree with Colin and Annice! There was more food. Just lesser pictures. Haha! =)
Marina Bay Sands and World Cup Finals! Epic Tiredness. Haha. =)
One day I decided to cook maggi mee when I was dead hungry.
Singapore International Jewellery Show 2010 at Marina Bay Sands with Xueli! Only Models Sadly. Haha. =)
Thanks for looking babe. Haha.
I heard that during the Singapore International Jewellery Show, 2 China nationals went there to rob and steal a pair of diamond earrings I think. And it’s of $10000 in value. One went to distract the salesperson after he took out the diamonds and the other just grabbed and go. And the security guard just felt that they were suspicious and gave chase. Haha. You think Singapore security guard dumb one ah. I think sometimes some security guards are respectable for their attitude at work. *Salutes*
Will blog more soon!
Oh, That Familiar Earphones.
16 May 2010 Leave a Comment
in death, family, food, Friends, hobbies, holiday, inspiration, interest, Just Updates, life, love, mood, reflections, singapore, whatever
Today, for the first time since I lost my earphones, I manage to put 2 soundwave-projecting studs into my ears and reserve the right to be anti-social for an hour, listening to some of my favourite tunes while dad drives towards the hospital to visit my grandma. Her condition is, well – bad – so to speak. Not only she forgets, now she sees dead people. And just not too long ago, she spoke about HER FUNERAL with my cousins who were visiting her. Sigh. Why Grandma, Why?
Then again, I really wished for the best for her. So my whole Sunday today was dedicated solely to assist my grandma in whatever aspects possible. After the visit, the whole of our family head down to my Grandma’s place to clear up whatever stuff that she has that she doesn’t need. You know, old people tend to have much more sentiments than we do, though we do appreciate those sentiments, but not on stuff that they do not need and still bear a some sentimental value to the elderly themselves. So we had to clear whatever we can. My grandpa could just sit there and watch. Though you can see the reluctance, but he still shrugs it off and laughs and some stuff that he doesn’t need.
So, cockroaches were basically dead and some still trying to live. So many things, it’s not even a livable condition for the cockroaches as well. Some antique stuff, many ricecookers, many tupperware containers and so much more food and beverages. I wonder what they have kept in there for so long. Probably because my grandma owns the kitchen even more, which explains the surmountable items that they have in the kitchen. It never stops growing though. But we had to act before it piles higher than Mount Fuji.
Yet again, there are many things I would like to do now. If I can, I will probably give my time for my grandma. Help to pack her house whenever I can. And today, we probably only did the kitchen. That explains how many things she has inside that small 2 room flat.
Next, I would like to clear my damn email in camp. I think by now I should have more than 200. Or maybe more. I can’t be bothered for now. Because the course is also not as easy as it seems. It’s stupid, but yet ironic, that I’m rejected by NTU but yet again I’m on a course that is held by a joint-venture thingy by the SAF and NTU. Whacked up university. Probably they are more interested in foreign talents. Never mind, I shall go and try and study for some direct honours somewhere.
Lastly, I will need to head down to Lot 1 or at least some travel agencies that can give me some offers on trips to Batam or something. Or at least a Taiwan, Japan, Bintan or Mauritius trip. The Maldives one…. I will save it for my wife – if I have one when the time comes. But at the meantime, seafood is the main concern. And Batam would probably be the place to go. Now it is the concern of the dates. Shucks. June holidays are always the pocket killers.
I need some distraction. Ohh, beautiful release.
Some photos during the clean up.
Will update soon! =)
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. Maybe not Spice.
01 May 2010 Leave a Comment
in desserts, Friends, hobbies, interest, Just Updates, life, love, mood, whatever
You know I have always had a sweet tooth, and that I have been going around for desserts of late almost everytime…. late. Haha. Then again, I just realised that all the ice cream I ate aren’t really getting into my head. Then I thought – hey, ice cream do have flavours don’t they. Then it sparked off a small interest in the research of ice cream flavours versus personality versus compatibility. And I thought it was a rather good topic to share. And that maybe we can put aside astrology of the usual english and lunar zodiac that we always follow. Haha.
And yes, after all the emo sessions accompanied with the various ice cream flavours that I ate, here’s some insights to what I have found on the net.
What are the most popular ice cream flavors?
- Vanilla, 29%
- Chocolate, 8.9%
- Butter Pecan, 5.3%
- Strawberry, 5.3%
- Neopolitan, 4.2%
- Chocolate Chip, 3.9%
- French Vanilla, 3.8%
- Cookies and Cream, 3.6%
- Vanilla Fudge Ripple, 2.6%
- Praline Pecan, 1.7%
- Cherry, 1.6%
- Chocloate Almond, 1.6%
- Coffee, 1.6%
- Rocky Road, 1.5%
- Chocolate Marshmallow, 1.3%
- All others, 23.7%
Yes, apparently the most commonly liked flavour is Vanilla. At first thought, I was thinking maybe chocolate will rule the world. Perhaps I was wrong maybe. But then, Vanilla tops the chart. And I like vanilla by the way. Wasn’t really a chocolate flavour boy from the start, though many people love chocolate somehow. I guess I must stick to the love of my tastebuds.
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Now, moving on, the next few stuff rather describes briefly on what kind of flavour resembles the person’s personality.
Vanilla
If you like the simpleness of vanilla, you are an impulsive, risk taker. You enjoy close family relationships, set high goals, and have high expectations for yourself.
Banana Cream Pie
If you bask in bananas, you are very easy-going. You are well-adjusted, generous, empathetic, and honest.
Strawberries n Cream
If you are a strawberry lover, you are shy yet emotionally robust. You can be skeptical, detail-oriented, opinionated, introverted, and self-critical.
Mint Chocolate Chip
If you indulge in Mint Chocolate Chip, you tend to be ambitious and confident yet skeptical about life. You prepare for the future, needing a plan to feel secure. While your stubbornness is a business asset, it can add challenges to your relationships. Even so, your loyalty. honesty and, dependability create lasting friendships and close family ties.
Rocky Road
If you opt for the rich, indulgent taste of Rocky Road, you have a balanced mixture of charm and practicality. While in social situations you are outgoing and engaging, in the business world you are more aggressive and goal-oriented. You appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy being catered to. You respond best to encouragement rather than criticism and can be very sensitive anout minor things.
Chocolate Chip
As a Chocolate Chip lover you are competitive and accomplished, no victory is sweet without a little hard work. Although you are generous with your money, you are competent and ambitious in love and work. You never take blessings for granted. You are a shining star in social situations with your captivating personality.
Butter Pecan
If you fave flave is Butter Pecan, you would be seen as the perfect worker. You are devoted, conscientious, respectful, and conservative. You hold high standards for right and wrong and show integrity in all of your actions. You are extremely sensitive to others’ feelings. You don’t wear your heart on your sleeve. It can take encouragement from close friends and family to get you to share your deepest thoughts.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
If you love your mix of cookie dough and ice cream you are a natural leader and you always aim high. You are a total go-getter and will not give up until you have achieved all that you wanted to do.
Chocolate
If you can’t live without classic chocolate, you are a total flirt. You love attention! At heart, though, you are a hopeless romantic waiting for your prince/princess to come and sweep you away.
Coffee
As a coffee lover, you are lively, dramatic, and flirtatious. You thrive on the passion of the moment. Because you throw yourself into all you do, you tend to be over-committed and start new projects before you finish old ones. You get bored with dull relationships and thrive on new exciting adventures.
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Please correct me if I’m wrong on the descriptions. But to me, I guess the vanilla seems right for me. Heh. So what’s your favourite flavour? It’s quite interesting to actually read such stuff. A guide to follow maybe. It always occur to me that ice creams do always bring people together no matter what. Though my tongue takes most flavours, I do have my own favourites.
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Anyway, since the descriptions are so brief, let me zoom into a little more specific on the type of flavours that are probably more favourable to most tongues and tastebuds. Oh, and not to forget the compatibility of the flavours.
Butter Pecan
If your favorite flavor is Butter Pecan, you might be characterized as the perfect worker. You are devoted, conscientious, respectful and fiscally conservative. You hold high standards for right and wrong and show integrity in all of your actions. This includes an extreme sensitivity for others’ feelings. You aren’t one to wear your heart on your sleeve; it takes a little encouragement from close friends and family to share your deepest thoughts.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer Mint Chocolate Chip.
Chocolate Chip
As a chocolate chip lover, you are competitive and accomplished; no victory is sweet without a little hard work. Although you are competent and ambitious in love and work, you are generous with your time and money, never taking your blessings for granted. Your captivating personality makes you a shining star in social situations.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer Butter Pecan or Double Chocolate Chunk
Coffee
As a coffee lover, you are lively, dramatic and flirtatious – thriving on the passion of the moment. Because you throw yourself into all that you do, you tend to be over-committed, starting new projects without finishing old ones. You tend to become bored by dull relationships and thrive on new and exciting ventures.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most compatible with those who prefer Strawberry.
Double Chocolate Chunk
If you love Double Chocolate Chunk, you tend to be lively, creative and dramatic. Always the life of the party, you charm everyone you meet with your enthusiasm and sense of style. You enjoy being in the spotlight and prefer to be in the company of friends rather than left alone to reflect on life. You prefer passion and excitement in your romantic relationships, and require a lot of attention from your mate.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer Butter Pecan or Chocolate Chip.
Mint Chocolate Chip
As a Mint Chocolate Chip lover, you tend to be ambitious and confident… yet a little skeptical about life. You are a realist who prepares for the future, needing a solid plan to feel secure. While your stubbornness is a business asset, it can add a challenging element to your relationships. Nonetheless, your loyalty, honesty and dependability create lasting friendships and close family ties.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most compatible with other Mint Chocolate Chip lovers.
Rocky Road
If you opt for the rich, indulgent taste of Rocky Road, you tend to be a balanced mixture of charm and practicality. While you are outgoing and engaging in social situations, in the business world you tend to be more aggressive and goal-oriented. You enjoy being catered to, and appreciate the finer things in life. You are very sensitive to minor slights and respond best to encouragement rather than criticism.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most compatible with other Rocky Road fans.
Strawberry
A love for strawberry reveals a thoughtful, logical person who carefully weighs each option before making decisions. More a follower than a leader, you are content and effective working behind the scenes and out of the limelight. In relationships, you are often characterized as shy and reserved. Although you don’t fall head-over-heels in love at first sight, once you commit to a relationship, you are loyal and supportive.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most compatible with those who prefer Strawberry, Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip and Vanilla.
Vanilla
There is nothing plain about Vanilla. In fact, if you love Vanilla, you are actually a colorful, dramatic risk taker who relies more on intuition than logic. Emotionally expressive and idealistic, you tend to set high goals for yourself, and push yourself to meet and exceed them. On the romantic front, you tend to rely on secure romantic relationships that fulfill your emotional needs while working toward future objectives.
Romantic Compatibility: You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer Rocky Road.
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As from how I see it, it’s no wonder I’m not compatible with anyone. Haven’t met one with a love for rocky road. Then again, sometimes we shouldn’t let such fun facts deter you from achieving what you want. Lol.
Anyways, hope the flavours that you like best suit the descriptions that were mentioned here. And that it is fun to know who you are actually compatible with, though usually the opposite attracts. Hope you enjoy reading all this stuff. It’s amazing sometimes that ice cream does really entice people to go for more.
Ben & Jerry’s anytime soon, anyone? =)
Credits to : http://www.squidoo.com/icecreampersonality & http://www.icecream.com/funfacts/index.asp?b=105
Food.. in General.
10 Feb 2010 Leave a Comment
in food, Friends, hobbies, interest, Just Updates, life, mood, rant, reflections, singapore, The Noble Nine
Ok I should be paranoid over food right now, apparently because I’m having many many celebrations coming up due to the Lunar New Year. I have not cleaned up my room, I have not bought my shoes. I’m so dead.
So…. with the Lunar New Year around the corner, has everyone done whatever they need to do? As in spring cleaning, paying up debts etc. Well, I have not done my first point though. Haha. But it’s quite taxing to actually stay up one whole day to finish all this. But apart from all the work and meet ups, I guess I will make resolutions for this one. Not that I don’t make them for the New Year’s New Year, I feel that the Lunar one seems more significant in my own perspective.
And on to my resolutions for this year.
- To STOP Procrastinating. Many at times when I hesitate over decisions to shop, decisions to tell people about how I feel, decisions to execute an action etc. I felt that I could probably do better than to start hem-ing and haw-ing around. I guess it will probably teach me to be a more precise and forthcoming person. I hope.
- To eat LESSER and start RUNNING. Recently due to the work load that I’m facing, I don’t have much time to really do sports or at least keep myself fit. Which is why probably the diet portion can do justice. Maybe eating lesser might just help. Though I know muscles are the ones that are pulling me down to earth. As part of excelling, I will try to start running more often than not running at all. Not only it helps in the benefits of health and fitness but it also keeps my mind occupied and not being able to think so much of all those hurtful memories and events.
- To STOP Complaining – Knowing that I can’t do no shit when I complain, I asked myself yet again why am I doing all this? If I knew that it would be a constant thorn to the flesh, then it’s time to plant that rose somewhere else. I guess I have to start prioritizing my jobscope. Or else I will sink in too much.
I took a little turn to be a little more cheerful than usual. But I got that damn feeling that someone hates me right now. Someone close. It’s an instinct that I probably can’t belittle but can’t overlook as well. Don’t tell me it’s you reading this? But if you have the power to hate me, don’t hate me behind my back. Just tell me the cold hard truth. Because I would like to work out things from there.
I don’t want to get angry anymore. I don’t want to be disappointed just because I expect so much. I had enough of expecting from everyone. I don’t want to think anymore. I don’t want this silence. I don’t know what’s going on.
Difficulties.
04 Jan 2010 2 Comments
in colour, cousins, family, food, Friends, gifts, hobbies, humour, inspiration, interest, Just Updates, life, love, mood, photography, reflections, singapore, The Noble Nine, town, whatever
You know, it’s really really hard to think positive. And I believe it’s the same as that saying that says that people won’t remember the goods that you do but the bads that you have done. Well, negativity is what clouds most of us, probably the same amount as what I have. Only the determined ones are those with the positive and “never-say-die” mindset.
Today, I put myself through a gruelling 12 hours or work at the office, clearing all the shit that I can clear. Manage to do many, with not much confidence because everything in my job as days go by becomes something new. But what can I do? Sometimes I wonder if the shit is ever mine to clear. Then again, if I don’t do, I will get into trouble. So what can I do? Probably my job now is to clear shit of the past. And if I clear it well and clean, then probably I will be recognised. But I doubt that is such the case in government jobs.
I surprisingly refrained myself so much more to log into facebook and twitter for today. I think I didn’t log on as many times I did in previous occasions. Quite impressed with that, but still, I’m trying so hard to segregate myself from the world because I feel that I should take a break from everything. The holiday did justice, but wasn’t enough. This ain’t humble greed. But I guess I could do with silence for awhile. So mind me but I probably will only blog and not Facebook talk for the moment. Will only be contactable if I’m contactable.
2010 has so far been quite shitty because of the first day of work. And that this first day seemed to be like any other day that is quite shitty at work. But still, reaching home is a blessing. I hope tomorrow will be a little earlier of sorts. But I doubt that is the case because I have tons of more shit to clear. Not mine though. But left behind by what I know as people who do not do their work well enough.
Now, pictures to sum up my 2009. Here goes.
Warning – a post that is too long to remember, but too long to forget.
CNY – this was taken when we always have this standard issue of visiting this granduncle of ours first. This is when we all really gather together for a photo taking session, EVERY YEAR, same area of phototaking. Totally brings back many fun memories. =)
Our home steamboat. Apparently we always eat healthy, but always full to the point that sometimes I wonder why I became fat. Pork, prawns, abalone, fish, chicken, quail eggs, vegetables, sausages etc. Totally love it!
This was taken when we did a night CNY visit to Bren and Bert’s “mansion” apparently we did many stupid things like playing blackjack with 5 cents? LOL. And we probably did some photoshoot and stuff like that. Oh well.
I became bad after that bad experience with her. So what happened is that I went sisha for the first time. Of course, I won’t post the photo here. But then, it was a fantastic experience. Not always a regular thing. Perhaps just for fun. Warning, it’s unhealthy as you all will know.
Then came girlgirl’s birthday. Memories unfold as we all did our crankiness well by playing… in the wardrobe. Of course, those were one of the best group photos taken. Totally fun. A great place with a great night stay indeed. P.S. Geoks, you say want to take photo with me on your birthday also never happened in the end. LOL.
Then came the green laterns. We headed to IKEA after a streak of boring days. Of course, we didn’t waste much time in dwelling, but wasted much time on the kids section. Like what we are above.
Then the picnic after the birthday. Muq made great tasty muffins for all. Fully chocolate, it’s really really rich in chocolate fudge. Totally dig that for sure. With almost full attendance, the picnic was a success, minus the rain, but positively, we picnicked for the first time as a huge group. Kudos to all!
And yes, my birthday. I still look rather weird that day. Oh well. But I loved the fisheye camera. Thanks Nobles! <3
Of course, how could we forget April without Qing Ming Festival? Another usual practise with my family members and relatives. Visited the big grave at Mt Pleasant in a Bus. Then phototaking as if we really have all the time in the world. The laughters. The ancestors. The rain. The fun. Totally fun.
A bad day for girlgirl ended up in smiles when 4 guys and a girl decided to head to T3 to become the most crazy group of people ever. I wonder why we even did ballerina and ninja poses.
After much effort almost into midnight, I fixed up my photos and this huge piece of A0 Photo at Liquids Cafe itself. Displaying there with such huge aura is that sunset picture taken many years back. Amazingly, it still stands out somehow. Of course, it’s for sale. Any takers?
It was Sentosa with WJ one day. And it really brings back so much memories of a child, where I felt that the moving belt around that tank was quite a fun experience. Of course, everyone grows up, and I realise Underwater world is a small peasy place. Can’t compare, but the reminisce of times like these does help bring back smiles in the heart.
We headed to the Henderson Ridges after the exploration session at the Railway itself. The boardwalk was definitely tiring, with Suban having cramps on both legs on the first slope of the walk. But still, he made it with the rest of us nonetheless. Great job brother!
Well, how could we have forgotten that RAWR-ing bread. I brought it along for a trip that probably is it’s first and it’s last. But fun nonetheless. =))
Got a free entry to the Aquarama exhibition at Suntec thanks to a guy who decided to give his tickets away to no one else but me. Totally amazed by the exotic fishes and beautiful aquariums in there. Nice.
Enough said. 5 folds. Enough money. Overkill.
Steamboat at David’s place. Had an impromptu dinner there with loads of food and a greatly done soup courtesy of Suban. Definitely, we had so much food that probably couldn’t make us sinfully sit down and watch tv all the while. Definitely a great time to catch up. and enjoy for sure!
The two rascals that can’t seem to stop bothering me for a minute. Then again, they are just adorable kids that disturb the peace in the house. The girl’s gone to AMK, leaving the boy alone…. to create more disturbance. Irritating. But just damn cute no?
One of the days of work when it was quite boring. My dad brought me over to learn how to overhaul not one but two car engines. It’s definitely a tiring job. But it was worth learning that damn experience.
Coffee Club’s Mudpie still owns sometimes. Had a night out a Clarke Quay with most of the guys from the Nobles. Fantastic catch up with David and Colin being disturbed time and time again. Amazing fun day indeed. Can’t stop laughing as well!
Another day out, with Eugene joining us. Definitely another day of phototaking for sure. =)
During the first week of August, my aunt celebrated her 60th birthday. And boy was it a big one. Check out the family members and relatives there and you see why. Even the last row had to stand on the chairs. Not enough space! Even I’m stuck at the back.,
Another impromptu outing again. I can’t remember much from this, but I’m pretty sure we sat down and Starbucks and McDonalds.
After a day out, we decided to crash KPO in the evening for some ice cream and sorbet. And boy were we happy people after that. The sorbet was quite way above my expectations. Though the place has total coolness in their interior designs, the sorbet was the one that rocked my socks off for sure.
Joyce’s birthday was one of the highlights because I covered her birthday party photos. But it was the food somehow that keeps me eating non-stop. Probably it’s the price that she pays that makes it so tasty. Overall a great party as well as great catch up. I hate the stayover part though.
An impromptu trip to Jurong Hill one night after Al Azhar was the time to really reflect so much in life. I guess the strong wind and the great company did help. =)
I loved the series of this edits because of it’s blurry effect but it was times like these that we decide to sit down and chill. Good old times my friends, good old times.
One boring night when we were bored and didn’t know where to explore, we ended up in the east. But still, this didn’t stop Colin from being funny as always. Never fail to entertain Mr Foo, keep it up! Haha.
Then came Gilbert’s birthday. Tell me, isn’t this picture lovely? Cafe Cappadocia was great, then we went Giraffe to slack, and Zainal and David left early, but still, it was a good night out for all. French Fries was key.
And how can I ever forget when the KOP came to Singapore? Sang my lungs out, lost my voice, did the Kallang Wave in so many years time, wave scarfs as if I was at Liverpool, it was an unforgettable evening. Totally love this match for sure. 5 – 0 thrashing yo. But then again, we gotta give credits to the Singapore team as well.
AYG. Media Boat. Photos on Straits Times and various newspapers and website. What more can I ask for?
Impromptu Sentosa outing with the cousins. It’s time like these that you realise how close can the family get. Sometimes I just gotta take time off and spend it with them.
The First exploration with a large group… to 15 minutes… to order $20 worth of fries… and get scared of it… That’s why Colin has a huge *ahem*. LOL.
Dad’s birthday at Astons. It was my treat. LOL. But I couldn’t help it because I got my first pay. And I felt it was right of me to do so. So I did what I had to do. At least everyone enjoyed their meal. =D
After Colin’s birthday celebration, Mount Faber was probably the only place that we can think of, so it was cam-whoring time as usual, with that ballerina pose surfacing from don’t know whose mind, and then having more fun shots like these. Friends are still the fun ones to be with somehow. Haha.
Right, Colin’s Birthday. I mean, this is the start of Coke’s revolutionarised birthday cards. I mean, Xueli did received one of her own recently for her birthday. I think Zai and Muq did received them too. LOL. But it’s the thought that counts. Great handicraft! Credits go to Coke. =P
Remember Suban’s atas birthday place? Who could have asked for more? I’m pretty sure that the place is still as pretty. Manage to meet up with Wayne that day as he was the lifeguard. Small world, but can’t find time to talk cock with him. Then again, Suban’s birthday was definitely all planned up. At least he enjoyed. And at least he had fun. And all of us being silly in that birthday hat and mask. LOL.
Another impromptu outing. This time with Annice. In fact, it was the first and the last in 2009. LOL. She’s too busy to meet up with the rest, as usual.
Then came my long awaited Australia trip. A trip that probably I will never forget because Qantas gave me the worst experience ever. TV on plane spoilt, baggage delay, missed flight, stuck at Brisbane for 9 hours, only to reach Adelaide after that, and then flight delay on the way back. Kills my mood somehow. But I still love Adelaide. The weather, the peace, the relaxing pace of life there. This year. One more time. If not, Europe.
My 2nd wedding photoshoot in my lifetime. The couple had a simple wedding but of course, for every wedding comes with memories in pictures, and I was quite eager to shoot with determination spurning me on most of the time. I hope I didn’t ruin anything for them. But after this experience, I know how a traditional wedding goes as well as learning points taken.
Yes, and full attendance came. Come on, we hardly have the chance to meet, and just at the right time, on Muqsit’s 24th, everyone appeared. Amazingly. A great group outing with lots of laughter and cheers. And paranormal activity.
The first discovery of One Rochester for us. Amazed by their interiors and ambience, we probably didn’t know that the place was that expensive. But still, we loved the dessert. Fine apple and frangipane tart is still my all time over there. Somehow. Haha.
The first time discovery of Silvery Moon at Pasir Ris Park. Topshells were the tastiest somehow. Of course, accompanied with great ambience, we did had a great time slacking there, apparently because the seats were damn comfortable for me. LOL. Well, nothing beats the company sometimes. =D
Then mum and Andrea’s birthday came. 1 day apart, both of them usually celebrate their birthday together, like how me and Nat celebrated together when we were young, but people can tell that it is 9 days apart. Zzzz. But still, that night we had great Hokkien cuisine with a tasty cake for dessert!
The first discovery of Moonstone. Then again, subsequent visits made it more memorable because of it’s Xmas lighting as well as a relatively worthy liveband to patronise in the future. Saturdays are great days there. And once they remove the canvas shelter above you, a clear sky greets you, and the stars are just within your vision. Fantastic eh.
My First Interior Shoot. Totally stitch it up. And it looks like this. Makes me wanna have a house.
One night when we were bored, Barrage seems like a place to go. And fun usually follows. I forgotten what the game was all about, but I know the both of them were laughing out loud most of the time. Haha!
Well, what’s fun without having fun with toys?
And what’s love without experimenting? Then again, this two shoots were done on a random note. But it was worth it. At least it represents something.
And on a night that was supposingly happy, I guess this picture did sum up most of our mood. Probably on the opposite end, I was quiet that day. Didn’t speak much. But that’s what’s happening to me these days. Probably I shouldn’t talk to much. Oh well.
And so the season to be jolly arrived, where all of us stayed so long to enjoy the little things in life. Though most of them left early, this party was one party never to forget. Great presents exchanged, great food, great music, great photos. Apparently it was totally awesome. =))
To sum up 2009, I guess it was company like these that makes life so much more fun and less-stressful. New year’s day was a one to remember as well, though we had much time to individual selves. But still, it was fun though.
Now let’s hope that the ushering of 2010 be a good, if not great one. Doesn’t sound right for me now, but hopefully things will fall in place.
Time to go. Time to let go.
Moonstone
25 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in colour, food, Friends, hobbies, inspiration, Just Updates, life, money, mood, moonlight, photography, Restaurant Reviews, The Noble Nine, western, whatever
Located at the top of Mount Faber stands a few small restaurants and chill out areas that probably not many people want to go. That’s because to go up to Mount Faber, either you have a mode of transportation, or you literally have to hike your way up there. Nonetheless, it’s up to Mr Muscle to go up.
So we had to dine there with some drinks and finger food. Sad to say, they do not have desserts, which I was so craving for that night. Eventually, we settled with a combo set of fries and chicken wings. The fries wasn’t too amazing though, but it wasn’t so bad either. The chicken wings are not bad. Fried to almost perfection, the wings are tender-fresh too.
Ordered the Ice Latte and I would say that it would be the best drink for the day for me. It’s refreshing yet not too sweet for a latte. Good drinks. But what intrigues me up there is the constant breeze accompanied with a breathtaking night view of the sea as well as the lights of Harbourfront and the horizon of ship lights. Turn around from my seat and 180 degrees of horizon greets me.
Ambience was dark and cool at the same time, with very low lighting and very cosy feel. At the same time, light changing fountains were making most of the noise but it’s still a very very nice place to chill nonetheless. Will try their food some day. =)
Some pictures. All are on Facebook though. =)
RATINGS (Out of 10 Stars)
Customer Service – 8
Ambience – 9
Food (Outlook) – 7
Food (Taste) – 8
Cost –8
Silvery Moon
19 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in food, Friends, fusion, hobbies, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, Restaurant Reviews, singapore, The Noble Nine, whatever
This was earlier before I end up at One Rochester, on a Friday night last week with less than 1/2 of the Nobles.
Situated at a quiet corner of Pasir Ris Park, this small chill out place proves to be a hidden gem in the serene nature of Pasir Ris Park. The beach, which is about approximately 3 minutes walk from this place, was rather near to my surprise. But we didn’t head there because of rather heavy downpour that night while heading there.
Anyways, grabbing our umbrellas, the four of us safely end up at the restaurant with a warm welcome by their staff. What ambience it was. With shadowy structures of their unique lamps with a overall blue and purplish background light, it’s no wonder it makes you feel calm and cool. Accompanied with their comfortable looking seats and sofa (which is really comfortable), it was no wonder there are people still patronising this place even on a wet and rainy day.
We took a look at their menu and they offer a extensive variety of main courses, finger food and drinks. Their wine list is not too bad as well, though I don’t drink, at least it offers quite a bundle of names there. Not too bad as their steaks are actually less than $20.
So we ordered Nuggets, Fries, Buffalo Wings and Topshells to top it off. My drink was just a Cranberry juice whereas the Muq and Colin had Ice Latte and Xueli with her Camomile Tea (I think.)
Fries were alright, commendable enough. Buffalo Wings were good as well. The sauce was rather thick, but it’s better than a thinly-nourished sauce right. Well done to the wings. Then came the Spicy Topshells. Frankly speaking, I don’t really know what Topshells are. The word shells spell seafood and prolly sluggish meat. But then I didn’t know what I was eating, but it felt like eating chewy abalone mushrooms. With the spiciness, one can’t help but wonder why is this so darn good. Haha.
Overall, ambience was fantastic, service was commendable, and finger food turn out alright still. Will be back to try their main course someday, when it isn’t raining. =)
RATINGS (Out of 10 Stars)
Customer Service – 9
Ambience – 9
Food (Outlook) – 7
Food (Taste) – 8
Cost – 7
One Rochester
18 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in food, Friends, hobbies, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, pastries, Restaurant Reviews, singapore, The Noble Nine, western, whatever
Went there last night with Muq and Colin. Though it was only the 3 of us, it’s always the usual 3 that things will go all fine except that the staff gave my umbrella up for other customers to take it away. But they gave me their house umbrella – like asking for a housepour but free. On a brighter note, they gave me an umbrella bigger than my previous one, so I ain’t complaining.
Decided to pop by that place under a thunderstorm night, knowing that even the rain won’t keep us away from conquering Singapore. There’s more to go, so if you are reading this, don’t be sad Geoks and Lili. We help to scout.
So we sat down at a comfy outdoor furniture style that resembles so much like a wedding shed, but we didn’t only come here for the ambience but also the desserts and drinks… and the usual fries.
We ordered the chunky fries, which was quite filling because it’s really chunky. Then both of them had ice latte while I decided on a Guava Soda. Hardly seen Guava Soda on menus, but was quite surprised that they have it. Exotic enough to make me wanna try. And of course, my choices and instinct haven’t failed me. =)
Then the thought of having desserts is just like a habitual fact. This time it didn’t fail us. The Fine Apple that we ordered was the finest pie till date. Let me describe it to you – the outside is made generally like a pie (something like a chicken pie texture on the outside) with sugar icing that makes it taste like Kellogg’s Frosties once you chew on it. Chewing on it is really the crunchy and beautifully tasting part.
Accompanied with the warm apple slices that are placed nicely in it, it melts so beautifully in your mouth that I felt that the 20 minutes wait was totally worth it. The vanilla ice cream that came as a side was gorgeously tasty as well. This is a dessert that you won’t wanna miss.
Alright, some pictures on the food, the ambience, the place, and us of course. =)
Ambience area from the outside.
Guava Soda.
Finishing the fries.
Onwards to the 2nd level.
That wicked dessert. =D
Anyways, the fries is $14 and same goes for this dessert you are seeing above. Things there are not cheap but it’s also one of the cheapest things compared to the other restaurants and chill out bars located along Rochester Park itself. But this is just a dessert try out, not really a review, but then again, it’s a good place to go – with a girl to say the least. In fact, I see many couples holding solemnization sessions over there. A wonderful place indeed.
RATINGS (Out of 10 Stars)
Customer Service – 9
Ambience – 9
Food (Outlook) – 9
Food (Taste) – 9
Cost – 9
Muq Turns 24! With Full Strength!
15 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in birthday, food, Friends, hobbies, humour, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, photography, singapore, The Noble Nine, whatever
First time out of dunno how long… that the Noble Nine got ALL together.. in Full Strength. And here we are!
More pictures on Facebook! =)
The world will forever still be unfair.
Adelaide Day 4 – 5 – 6 : Grocery and Sunset Shopping
01 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in Australia, colour, cousins, family, ferris wheel, food, holiday, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, photography, seafood, street, travel, western, whatever
Day 4 and 5 was spent mostly on grocery shopping at Central Market and Chinatown. Gift shopping, souvenir shopping, all done within that day itself. Though there were more eventually. Haha. The market itself is rather interesting because you get to see different things that you will hardly see in a normal wet market that they have here. And mind you, their market aren’t slippery and wet like ours here.
I will let the pictures do the talking. And yes, more sunsets too. =D
Oysters selling fresh in the market for consumption on the spot. =D
Kangaroo meat?
Rabbit meat.
Fresh fish everywhere.
Ventilation above in the market. Notice the Smelly Cheese Shop. Yes, they sell cheese only.
Chocolates and nuts all sold here. Nice
Chinatown.
Victoria Square, Adelaide.
Rundle. Pardon the line, must be Photobucket. zzz.
And we went Toys ‘R’ Us for a walk, and we saw toys that haven’t really been around in Singapore for years I guess. Haha.
Leaving Rundle after a walk there.
What did I told you. =P
Then Day 6 came.
So we had Nandos, some Portugese Eatery at Glenelg itself. I must say that their chicken dishes were really well done. Love the spiciness levels too. =) Then we booked our tour to Cleland Wildlife Park as well as a tour to Hahndorf too. More shopping was done at Rundle as well, this time, the Northen Terraces, where the museum, the university and the casino are situated at. But it was yet again, the sunset that took my breath away time after time after time.
More pictures to enjoy. =D
Seriously, seriously large.
Ooh, Spicy.
Some guy that has the attributes of Theodore Roosevelt.
Their normal street trees. Amazing eh.
South Australian Museum.
On the way back in the bus.
This is a brothel. Ok, I’m kidding, this is a shop that sells newspapers, magazines, gift cards, drinks etc. In short, a mamak stall. Haha.
Left one or 2 more days for updates. Stay tuned!
Australia Day 1 – 2
26 Oct 2009 Leave a Comment
in Australia, family, food, hobbies, holiday, inspiration, interest, Just Updates, life, money, photography, reflections, travel, western, whatever
Apparently, the first day was just being stuck at Brisbane. I will post up film photos of that day once I get it developed.
Day 1 (Night) – Reached Adelaide (finally) at 9:20pm there (which is about 6:50pm here). Alex, Louis, Meli and Aunt Alison were there to pick me up. And when I went out of the airport, yes, smoky breath. That’s how cold it is. Of course, I went home, then took a good stroll to the ultra cold jetty which has kinda slight blistering winds blowing in land. Of course, my hand and ears were numb. Totally.
Day 2 – They brought me to Harbourtown, a place where shopping is like on discounted prices all over, but not all prices after discount are that cheap either. Some are like normal pricing after discount (this show’s how expensive it is over there.) Of course, I didn’t really shop there, but what’s worth to buy would be their Levi’s jeans, which is apparently cheaper than I thought it would be.
Secondly was their Havaianas. The normal ones there are selling at like 2 pairs for $30, but mostly were either the girls ones or the same old normal type (black or white) which is rather boring. Then again, the fruits, the food, the shopping, was just splendid. Enough said.
Dinner was at this restaurant simply named Fish. Dining by the marina by the way. It isn’t cheap as well. Though we had the seafood platter, the meal itself was rather expensive alone. But it was so fresh that I felt the money we paid was well worth it. What more can I ask for? Then again, standard of living there is rather high, and eating at a normal eatery has pricing that is as good as eating Sakae Sushi here. That’s how expensive it is. Imagine if you start dining in a restaurant.
Some pictures of my time away. =)
Moseley Square town clock. =)
On the way to Harbourtown in the bus.
Harbourtown itself. It’s only like 1/15 of the whole place.
Me. At Harbourtown.
A Church at Glenelg itself.
Crossing the Road at Jetty Road, Glenelg. =)
One of the few Marinas at Glenelg.
At the breakwater before dinner at Fish.
The ultra Seafood Platter. Amazingly fresh. =D
Sunset. =)))))))
Moseley Square memorial.
Moseley Square and the evening sky. =DD
More pictures on my Facebook. Please go see. Haha.
Day 3 – 4 will be up prolly tomorrow I hope. =D
Weekends Are Weekends.
13 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in birthday, colour, food, Friends, humour, interest, Just Updates, life, money, mood, photography, seafood, singapore, street, The Noble Nine, whatever
And as fast as the wind goes, the weekends went by just like that as well. And it’s such a tiring week for me that sports are starting to scare me. I ran, I played basketball, I played soccer. My legs are feeling so sore now that it felt like I have “stepped on lemons”. And injuries are so great that I feel lame. Like lame.
Saturday was fruitful, as I went to Tommy’s house for his son’s 1 month thingy. And yes, I got hold of 7 of his Lord of The Rings toys and I’ve bought them all. Sitting prettily on the floor now, I got them for the cheap. But at least till now, I don’t know how much I’m paying. Haha. But still, I’m happy with what I’ve got. At least I need not go shopping around for more. Maybe those that I have not got. Oh well.
Then after the good meal and the baby-looking, I head down to town to meet up with Muq and Colin. Of course, picking up Geokie first because I was on the way. Then slacked around before Suban joined us. Then Zainal. Then David and Coke. Then Joyce and Estee. And yes, Colin did enjoy his meal as well his stand. On the chair that is. Haha.
Slacked around, photo whoring, left, slack more, photo whore more. And that summed up Saturday. Sunday was insane as I got kneed on the right calf, got elbowed on the back of the head, got 1 blister on each foot, and a niggling problem on my left knee. I’m so lame now that I can’t laugh. Fuck.
Then accompanied Jo to Comex and walked into the midst of people. Comex is forever insane la. Oh well.
Now…. for photos.
More photos on facebook. =)
And work starts again. zzzzzzzzzz………………….
Astons
06 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in beef, family, food, health, hobbies, interest, Just Updates, life, money, Restaurant Reviews, seafood, singapore, town, western, whatever
At last, I get to dine at Astons after some “not bad” comments from my family members. And this time round, we head to the real deal – which is the restaurant itself instead of the specialty outlets. And since it’s my dad’s birthday, we decided to make use of the occasion to go there and dine. Perhaps it was one of the best ideas that we could have. Haha.
The restaurant’s ambience at Centrepoint is rather warm, dark and cosy. At least the air con is moderately cold and not insanely freezing. Then again, most of us had warm water. Now the dishes that we had. For me, I ordered an Angus Ribeye X-Cut, which simply put, it’s heavier than the normal Angus Ribeye by 100g. Mum and Dad had the King Salmon Fillet, Andrea had the Chicken Provencal, Natalie had the Halibut, so did Jolene and Alex had the Chicken and Apple Sausage.
For every maincourse, you get to choose 2 different side dishes, which varies with many different types. Amongst all of the items that we ordered were baked potato, mashed potato, cheesy shell, cheesy potato, potato wedges, cream brocolli, hot buttered mushrooms and onion rings. Of all the items here, the baked potato, potato wedges, onion rings and the hot buttered mushrooms are commendable. Baked potato was finely done, with bacon bits. Adding a little more salt will do the trick as well.
Potato wedges were good, onion rings will filled with a good amount of – of course – onions, and fried to golden brown. Not too oily as well. The hot buttered mushrooms were my favourite though, it was what I ordered. The button mushrooms were so soft and cooked with butter, it’s no wonder I couldn’t get enough of the freshness of the mushroom as well as it’s great fungus taste. Haha.
The King Salmon fillet was quite good especially when it’s well done, with the fish being quite fresh, and cooked with a fine seasoning. Andrea’s Chicken Provencal as well as Alex’s Chicken and Apple Sausage was really good, with the chicken not being overdone, with the meat tasting as great as a chicken chop. The sauce that they use was quite fantastic too. And same goes for the sausage, which was really filling. Haha.
Above : King Salmon Fillet.
Above: Chicken Provencal
Above: Chicken and Apple Sausage.
The Halibut – or Flat fish – was also really fresh in taste. The texture of the fish meat was really soft and smooth. And the fish skin was great. Like totally grilled perfectly to suit taste buds. Haha. As for my Ribeye, I would say that the portion they give was rather huge. The meat was really thick but the medium rare was rather bloody, which was still fine with me given the fact that the beef was juicy and tender. They had this brown sauce which was really nice when it goes together with the beef though. Haha.
Above : Halibut (Flat Fish)
Above: Angus Ribeye X-Cut
In all, they have great service staff there that are willing to help you whenever you need, and of course, price wise are really quite worth to pay them for. And you get to fill your stomach like totally while you eat till your heart’s content. Be sure to visit there because I might just will once again. =)
RATINGS (Out of 10 Stars)
Customer Service – 8
Ambience – 8
Food (Outlook) – 9
Food (Taste) – 9
Cost – 8
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