I Ching, you're so spot on today! Thanks for enlightening me!
20.7.13
19.7.13
Imperfection
I have cold feet. I almost felt like I'm having an anxiety attack, I don't know why but I haven't been feeling at ease since the return from Bali. Bali always brings out one's deepest fear. I'm not sure why but go there and feel it. It has that effect. Feeling nauseous and stuffed at the same time can be a really shitty feeling. I don't know if I should be thankful but I probably should. Life has given me what I have asked for, granted me simple pleasures in life and there are only things to be learnt from. Embrace it! Learn to embrace the changes that come. I seem to able to cope better than I thought. Thanks to wisdom that gives me strength! For now, let me continue to enjoy what life has given me... :)
If there's no imperfection, how can you tell it apart when you meet the perfect one?
If there's no imperfection, how can you tell it apart when you meet the perfect one?
Memoirs of Nippon (3)
That morning, I already had a full day plan. I'm still amazed I survived it. It was my first time in a public bus in Kyoto and it shocked me that the driver was so polite and had to "talk" or "thank" passegers when they alighted.
My first stop was the largest handicraft market held once a month at Chion-ji temple, it was a fascinating trip. I am so glad I went. It was past ten when I arrived and by eleven, I almost couldn't make it out due to the crowds and many delicately handmade things were sold out. It was filled with stalls selling handmade pastries, accessories, earrings and necklaces, bags, dolls... almost anything you could imagine. I didn't think I manage to see them all, it was huge and a big maze. After one and a half hour in there, I called it quits. I could no longer stand being sandwiched between people. I found a few good buys and left happy. Then I continued my journey to Ginkakuji temple. Along the way, I spotted some leftover cherry blossom trees and got over excited.
The weather was perfect, cooling and I was glad I could wear a lot of clothes I normally couldn't back home. At some point, I found it even too warm for me, I should be living in freezing weather! I was also fascinated by the all sorts of vending machines, selling a huge variety of drinks and even ice cream. I had my eyes on so many of the drinks everytime, and soon it became obvious which were my favourites. Orangina & bitter lemon!
I personally adore Ginkakuji temple, I find it more charming than Kinkakuji temple. It was a very short visit, easily within an hour, so I decided to make some sketches while I was in some of these temples. Most of them have a zen garden where you could sit down and appreciate them but I didn't have the patience for it :P
After then, it was a long walk down Path of Philosophy where I was told I would get glimpses of cherry blossom trees. And indeed, all the camwhoring was a little embarrassing. It was a long walk, much longer than I anticipated. But luckily, I picked up a drink and some pastries from the handicraft market earlier and did my own picnic under a tree. There were also some cool cafes along the way, spotted a maple tree, cute mini temples and lots of kitties.
After lots of walking, I finally found my next destination - Nanzenji temple. It was very peaceful on a Monday, I didn't pay to go to any of the garden or buildings but instead took a stroll and did a sketch. This is what I called relaxing. There were many precincts within the temple, very scenic too. I skipped a few temples I intended to visit as they seemed to look the same after a while and more truthfully my legs were breaking!
It took me a long while to locate a bus-stop that could take me somewhere. Even with a bus pass, it was a chore to find a bus in Kyoto. It is really big and lots of walking are inevitable. I took a bus to Shijo, a shopping district area. I found a cool lane like Bugis Village (Singapore) or Carnaby (London) but less funky and selling a lot of food, clothings and lined up with convenience stores. I bought a crepe from a stall for dinner and communication was horrible as the young girl serving me did not speak much English at all!
There were also mini temples tucked neatly in an alley along the shopping lane if you noticed. I saw one and went in, apparently it was praying for safe delivery or pregnancy so I did a little prayer for my friend.
As the night fell, the streets lit up and it was a lovely sight. But I grew tired of walking and getting lost, and so wandered about finding the bus-stop meant to take me back. I chanced upon a cats' cafe where you can go in and play with the kitties when you dined. I like cats but I had no more energy left. I was seriously just dying to go back and rest my legs. The bus dropped me off near Kyoto station but it was still a 15 minutes walk back, and I was almost limping!!! I was just dreading repeating the same the following day...
My first stop was the largest handicraft market held once a month at Chion-ji temple, it was a fascinating trip. I am so glad I went. It was past ten when I arrived and by eleven, I almost couldn't make it out due to the crowds and many delicately handmade things were sold out. It was filled with stalls selling handmade pastries, accessories, earrings and necklaces, bags, dolls... almost anything you could imagine. I didn't think I manage to see them all, it was huge and a big maze. After one and a half hour in there, I called it quits. I could no longer stand being sandwiched between people. I found a few good buys and left happy. Then I continued my journey to Ginkakuji temple. Along the way, I spotted some leftover cherry blossom trees and got over excited. The weather was perfect, cooling and I was glad I could wear a lot of clothes I normally couldn't back home. At some point, I found it even too warm for me, I should be living in freezing weather! I was also fascinated by the all sorts of vending machines, selling a huge variety of drinks and even ice cream. I had my eyes on so many of the drinks everytime, and soon it became obvious which were my favourites. Orangina & bitter lemon! I personally adore Ginkakuji temple, I find it more charming than Kinkakuji temple. It was a very short visit, easily within an hour, so I decided to make some sketches while I was in some of these temples. Most of them have a zen garden where you could sit down and appreciate them but I didn't have the patience for it :P
After then, it was a long walk down Path of Philosophy where I was told I would get glimpses of cherry blossom trees. And indeed, all the camwhoring was a little embarrassing. It was a long walk, much longer than I anticipated. But luckily, I picked up a drink and some pastries from the handicraft market earlier and did my own picnic under a tree. There were also some cool cafes along the way, spotted a maple tree, cute mini temples and lots of kitties.
After lots of walking, I finally found my next destination - Nanzenji temple. It was very peaceful on a Monday, I didn't pay to go to any of the garden or buildings but instead took a stroll and did a sketch. This is what I called relaxing. There were many precincts within the temple, very scenic too. I skipped a few temples I intended to visit as they seemed to look the same after a while and more truthfully my legs were breaking!
It took me a long while to locate a bus-stop that could take me somewhere. Even with a bus pass, it was a chore to find a bus in Kyoto. It is really big and lots of walking are inevitable. I took a bus to Shijo, a shopping district area. I found a cool lane like Bugis Village (Singapore) or Carnaby (London) but less funky and selling a lot of food, clothings and lined up with convenience stores. I bought a crepe from a stall for dinner and communication was horrible as the young girl serving me did not speak much English at all!There were also mini temples tucked neatly in an alley along the shopping lane if you noticed. I saw one and went in, apparently it was praying for safe delivery or pregnancy so I did a little prayer for my friend.
As the night fell, the streets lit up and it was a lovely sight. But I grew tired of walking and getting lost, and so wandered about finding the bus-stop meant to take me back. I chanced upon a cats' cafe where you can go in and play with the kitties when you dined. I like cats but I had no more energy left. I was seriously just dying to go back and rest my legs. The bus dropped me off near Kyoto station but it was still a 15 minutes walk back, and I was almost limping!!! I was just dreading repeating the same the following day...
Memoirs of Nippon (2)
After arriving in Kyoto, I had my first big embarrasssing incident. I was trapped in the handicapped toilet, not knowing how the flush worked. At that moment, I was frantically searching for a help phrase from my companion (phrasebook) but unfortunately they didn't have this "emergency for toilet scenarios". Come on, Lonely Planet, you need to work on it! I don't recall how long I was in there, but fortunately through some trial and error, I finally resolved it myself.
I took a walk around the station, it was massive and I got lost. Thereafter I began the search of my hostel, and yes it took me a while. The Japanese I asked along the way seemed to be tourists in Kyoto too, so nobody seemed to be able to help but they always tried. Finally I found it - Tour Club!!! But unfortunately, the hostels in Japan have this strict rule of checking in at 3pm, thus I was left stranded. It was also the first day of the time of the month, how lucky, I was not feeling the best and thus did want to overwork myself the first day I arrived.
I went back to Kyoto train station to grab a bite, my first meal at Mister Donut. Wow. Chewy. Best donut ever. Then I went to the tourist information (Please go to them if you don't have a plan, they are super helpful, they just made my life so much easier)! I decided upon two temples I shall conquer that day.
I took a few stops on the JR line to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The rare few shrines that do free admission, and it is my favourite so far in Kyoto. Its beautiful, the path up the mountain is lined up with thousands of torii. A torii is the red gate-pillar structure in my photo. I didn't do the trek up which would have took 2 hours (I probably would the next time if I'm back!) as I was feeling crappy that afternoon. But it was a joy even talking a stroll through the torii. Each of the torii is donated by a Japanese business (quoted from Wiki) and has engraving stating the date and also the donor. At Inari shrines, they worship the foxes.
I walked to the train station and took a stop to visit the next temple named Tōfuku-ji. I also read Tōfuku-ji temple is a popular spot to see maple leaves from the Tsūten-kyō bridge, even though there was no cherry blossom, neither was it autumn, it was still a pretty sight. The precincts of Tōfuku-ji house several gardens, I was in a dilemma which to visit as each visit would cost 500 yen (not very tourist friendly, isn't it). So I picked the one with admission to walk on Tsūten-kyō bridge, you could also visit a small zen garden. In fact, I think the main attraction would have been the main garden.
After a few hours at these two temples, I just wanted to chill back in the hostel. I took a walk back to the train station, just opposite the station, I was attracted to this shop plastered with photos of their delicious desserts. Unable to resist, I bought one box of some brown sugar mochi-looking dessert.
I like it in Japan that they have a priority cabins for elderly and women, I also realised they prohibit usage of mobile in cabin (how is it possible?).
Back in Kyoto train station, it was another challenge to find my hostel again. LOL. But it got easier every time. When I got back, I was so relieved to check in, got myself settled before planning what to do the following day. Tour Club has a very nice lounge area where you can relax and mingle with others, also a cute mini zen garden. I chatted with a French guy whom was cycling around Japan alone (mind you, he's not taking any train, or well as I was told). Impressive. I had a lazy evening that day, went out to get a drink and Takoyaki balls for dinner. Then I shared my desserts with people in the hostel, only the French took it. It felt a bit rubbery but the brown sugar in it was delicious.
It was also this trip I decided to be more daring with my fashion sense since it's Japan! I brought neon colored leggings which seemed to be a bit too much for the locals!!
I was staying in the female dorm and there was a German girl (pretty quiet) and two Taiwanese. The Taiwanese girls had been there a couple of days and they gave really good tips where to check out the cherry blossom! The next morning, I decided to go for breakfast with them at this Japanese fastfood chain. I had a bowl of udon despite not liking a full breakfast usually, I also didnt't like the food. They were kind enough to show me where to get the daily bus pass before we parted our ways.
I took a walk around the station, it was massive and I got lost. Thereafter I began the search of my hostel, and yes it took me a while. The Japanese I asked along the way seemed to be tourists in Kyoto too, so nobody seemed to be able to help but they always tried. Finally I found it - Tour Club!!! But unfortunately, the hostels in Japan have this strict rule of checking in at 3pm, thus I was left stranded. It was also the first day of the time of the month, how lucky, I was not feeling the best and thus did want to overwork myself the first day I arrived.
I went back to Kyoto train station to grab a bite, my first meal at Mister Donut. Wow. Chewy. Best donut ever. Then I went to the tourist information (Please go to them if you don't have a plan, they are super helpful, they just made my life so much easier)! I decided upon two temples I shall conquer that day.I took a few stops on the JR line to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The rare few shrines that do free admission, and it is my favourite so far in Kyoto. Its beautiful, the path up the mountain is lined up with thousands of torii. A torii is the red gate-pillar structure in my photo. I didn't do the trek up which would have took 2 hours (I probably would the next time if I'm back!) as I was feeling crappy that afternoon. But it was a joy even talking a stroll through the torii. Each of the torii is donated by a Japanese business (quoted from Wiki) and has engraving stating the date and also the donor. At Inari shrines, they worship the foxes.
I walked to the train station and took a stop to visit the next temple named Tōfuku-ji. I also read Tōfuku-ji temple is a popular spot to see maple leaves from the Tsūten-kyō bridge, even though there was no cherry blossom, neither was it autumn, it was still a pretty sight. The precincts of Tōfuku-ji house several gardens, I was in a dilemma which to visit as each visit would cost 500 yen (not very tourist friendly, isn't it). So I picked the one with admission to walk on Tsūten-kyō bridge, you could also visit a small zen garden. In fact, I think the main attraction would have been the main garden.
I like it in Japan that they have a priority cabins for elderly and women, I also realised they prohibit usage of mobile in cabin (how is it possible?).
Back in Kyoto train station, it was another challenge to find my hostel again. LOL. But it got easier every time. When I got back, I was so relieved to check in, got myself settled before planning what to do the following day. Tour Club has a very nice lounge area where you can relax and mingle with others, also a cute mini zen garden. I chatted with a French guy whom was cycling around Japan alone (mind you, he's not taking any train, or well as I was told). Impressive. I had a lazy evening that day, went out to get a drink and Takoyaki balls for dinner. Then I shared my desserts with people in the hostel, only the French took it. It felt a bit rubbery but the brown sugar in it was delicious.
It was also this trip I decided to be more daring with my fashion sense since it's Japan! I brought neon colored leggings which seemed to be a bit too much for the locals!!
I was staying in the female dorm and there was a German girl (pretty quiet) and two Taiwanese. The Taiwanese girls had been there a couple of days and they gave really good tips where to check out the cherry blossom! The next morning, I decided to go for breakfast with them at this Japanese fastfood chain. I had a bowl of udon despite not liking a full breakfast usually, I also didnt't like the food. They were kind enough to show me where to get the daily bus pass before we parted our ways.
17.7.13
Memoirs of Nippon (1)
Last year, I conquered a new continent, America. And this year, I am determined to see a new country. It finally came true a few weeks before my contract ended, I booked my flight to Osaka. So many destinations came to my mind, even Australia, but somehow with a twist of fate, destiny decided for me it was Japan.
It was about a month before the big trip and it being near the cherry blossom season, it was a frenzy time trying to look up for accomodation. Thanks to some friends who had been to Japan, they definitely helped me in many ways during my planning and eased a lot of my worries. Work was madness when it was finishing. So the real planning kicked in right after work ended.
It has become a habit for me to come up with a personalised scrapbook for any big trip of the year and so here's the one for Japan. I think I went a little overboard with planning and decided to "hack it", I listed those places I would like to see and play by the ear when time comes.
Destinations: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Japan)
Dates: 13 - 24 April 2013
The night finally arrived, I would have an overnight flight via Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airline. Mum and the sister came to send me off, which was not the usual! I guess they were excited about my solo trip to a completely new country! I was really nervous the night before, I guess it had been a while since the last solo trip but I was sure everything was going to be fine. Japan is really safe and the people are so polite, nothing can really go wrong (and yea it's true!). At the Changi airport, I picked up a Japanese phrasebook to be my travelling companion :)
It was rainy that night and my flight to KL got delayed, as it was a pretty tight connection (maybe an hour), I was in a panic I wouldn't be in time for my connecting flight as we were over 30 minutes late. Thankfully, the connecting flight was also delayed or probably waited for me! On the way to Osaka, I sat in the middle row at the aisle, I guess I'm over the "I have to have the window seat" phase. It was only 2 of us among the 4 seats, a quiet pleasant Japanese sat in the same middle row. He didn't make any noise, was reading his book and I couldn't help admiring their tidy, organized and eating behaviour.
The flight was okay, I managed to get some sleep during the 6 hours flight. The food was alright, the nasi lemak I had came with spicy shrimps (ermmm...). I took Malaysia Airline before, many years back to London, and the service was really attentive. But this time, a clumsy young steward actually spilled water on me. I guess it was just my luck because on my flight back, it was really good.
We arrived very early in the morning and my bag had to go through a strict custom check just because I was travelling alone. Argh, they broke one of my zipper handles, not sure if its the airline or the custom (arrgghh!). Despite being tired and slightly irritated, I was all excited... anything easily caught my interest. Japanese vending machine. Thoughtful trolley bags on sale at the airport. Japanese people.
Thanks to my research, I knew where to go when I landed... I headed straight to the ticket office and bought myself a pass to Kyoto with the next fastest train. In the train, I started a conversation with this Malaysian Chinese couple whom were heading to Kyoto as well. They were really surprised I was on my own. I was quite happy at how sociable I became once I got out of Singapore!
It was about a month before the big trip and it being near the cherry blossom season, it was a frenzy time trying to look up for accomodation. Thanks to some friends who had been to Japan, they definitely helped me in many ways during my planning and eased a lot of my worries. Work was madness when it was finishing. So the real planning kicked in right after work ended.
It has become a habit for me to come up with a personalised scrapbook for any big trip of the year and so here's the one for Japan. I think I went a little overboard with planning and decided to "hack it", I listed those places I would like to see and play by the ear when time comes.
Destinations: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Japan)
Dates: 13 - 24 April 2013
The night finally arrived, I would have an overnight flight via Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airline. Mum and the sister came to send me off, which was not the usual! I guess they were excited about my solo trip to a completely new country! I was really nervous the night before, I guess it had been a while since the last solo trip but I was sure everything was going to be fine. Japan is really safe and the people are so polite, nothing can really go wrong (and yea it's true!). At the Changi airport, I picked up a Japanese phrasebook to be my travelling companion :)
It was rainy that night and my flight to KL got delayed, as it was a pretty tight connection (maybe an hour), I was in a panic I wouldn't be in time for my connecting flight as we were over 30 minutes late. Thankfully, the connecting flight was also delayed or probably waited for me! On the way to Osaka, I sat in the middle row at the aisle, I guess I'm over the "I have to have the window seat" phase. It was only 2 of us among the 4 seats, a quiet pleasant Japanese sat in the same middle row. He didn't make any noise, was reading his book and I couldn't help admiring their tidy, organized and eating behaviour.
The flight was okay, I managed to get some sleep during the 6 hours flight. The food was alright, the nasi lemak I had came with spicy shrimps (ermmm...). I took Malaysia Airline before, many years back to London, and the service was really attentive. But this time, a clumsy young steward actually spilled water on me. I guess it was just my luck because on my flight back, it was really good.
We arrived very early in the morning and my bag had to go through a strict custom check just because I was travelling alone. Argh, they broke one of my zipper handles, not sure if its the airline or the custom (arrgghh!). Despite being tired and slightly irritated, I was all excited... anything easily caught my interest. Japanese vending machine. Thoughtful trolley bags on sale at the airport. Japanese people.
Thanks to my research, I knew where to go when I landed... I headed straight to the ticket office and bought myself a pass to Kyoto with the next fastest train. In the train, I started a conversation with this Malaysian Chinese couple whom were heading to Kyoto as well. They were really surprised I was on my own. I was quite happy at how sociable I became once I got out of Singapore!
16.7.13
Minions off to Bali
Yes, yes, my Despicable Me 2 inspired nail! Another last minute trip on the weekend with my monkey to Bali. This time, I did the homework - flights and accomodation.
We stayed at Poppies Cottages, a beautiful and peaceful place in Kuta. They offered free airport transfer, so that saved us lots of hassle. Kuta is still as horrible as 5 years ago, you just can't sit on the peace without being disturbed by people constantly trying to sell you things. Things definitely have changed, a few malls popped up, there are more restaurants and sky bars. Prices also shot up with food and souvenirs.
It was monkey's first time in Bali and he fancied the idea of surfing on Kuta. But after seeing Kuta, he changed his mind. So we had a stroll around Kuta streets, had our first meal at Five Monkeys for burger and hot dog. We got lost for a while, then went back to chill before heading out for shisha and beers. After that, we chanced upon Kopi Pot which had a very relaxed atmosphere for a bite. The bite turned out to be chicken satay, piece of blackforest cake, Bali apple cider and garlic bread.
The following morning, we also randomly walked into a place named Jokers Bar & Grill for breakfast. After that, monkey did a bit of shopping, he was thrilled he managed to get some good buys! Having aborted his surfing plan, we were lost deciding what to do, so I suggested a trip to Ubud on the bus. The journey was long (longer than the time we spent in Ubud!!) but it was worthwhile. At least he got to see the monkey forest, the artistic chilled Ubud and had the best cakes in Bali! I revisited Kakiang Bakery, my old favourite, just to have their strawberry cake... Little did I know, they have more cakes now, I was so spoilt for choices and had to order another mille crepe. No regrets, it was SO delicious!!! Even monkey was full of praises for them. That was my first treat for monkey, and in turn he bought me the souvenirs I wanted to get from the bakery. I also got mini scones as takeaway, I liked my raisin one. Monkey is addicted to shisha, so we had another... No babi guling this time as we were running out of time. Nearly got lost, thanks to my good memory, I found our way back to bus station just in time. The journey back to Kuta was a nightmare, two hours, and we were exhausted by the time we got back. So instead of going for more shisha, we ended up having a quick dinner at Un's Restaurant - lovely ambience and service!
The second night, we were woken up by croaking of frogs. I bet one was in our cottage, it seemed so near, it disturbed us every couple of hours but we never saw it. Monkey disturbed one that evening so I reckoned it must be on revenge! It was a horrible night, monkey couldn't sleep due to his allergy to mosquito bites so it kept me awake half the time. In the morning, he went for a run in the rain while I sat in watching TV. Then we had breakfast before heading to the airport at one.
We had a beer at the airport and chilled. The queue to check in was horrendous, I guess we were lucky we went a bit earlier. Also please remember to save 150,000 rupiahs for departure tax. It's a ridiculous amount of money but I think I recall paying the last time round too. Yes, money grabbing touristy destination :p
All in all, it was a rush but pleasant trip. It was nice to be able to re-visit Bali and have the chance to go back to my favourite bakery, this time with someone MUCH nicer.
4.7.13
Gaga over Japanese sweets
It's Hokkaido Fair again! The last time I wrote about it was back in 2007!! Yea, after being back from Japan, I can't help but get addicted to anything Japanese again easily.
That day I read about the fair, I immediately made my way down just to purchase the mille crepe. But sadly, I did buy more than just the cake (a box of 4 for S$18). I got myself Sakura Mochi ice cream (S$5.50) which was mildly sweet, with a grainy texture and quite to my liking. I also got a few skewers of dango (something I missed out in Japan), each costs S$2.70, not the cheapest. I like the sesame one best, so rich and flavorful. The colorful ones were just pretty. The green tea with red beans were alright, very "Japanese" themed but otherwise nothing special. For the mille crepe, as no sample was available, I decided to go for the original flavour. It was so good, my family loved it. So I made another trip down for more.
I got the rare cheese flavour as well as the green tea (that comes sandwiched with two layers of red beans). I quite like the cheese, though the sister did not, it's a bit salty and cheese-y. The green tea is refreshing, something different and those red beans added some sweetness to it. If you get two boxes, it's at S$34 (S$2 cheaper, which I didn't know the first time!) and comes with a cooler bag. I feel like getting more, but I might be going to Malacca for freshly made mille crepe... So I should refrain from buying more!
That day I read about the fair, I immediately made my way down just to purchase the mille crepe. But sadly, I did buy more than just the cake (a box of 4 for S$18). I got myself Sakura Mochi ice cream (S$5.50) which was mildly sweet, with a grainy texture and quite to my liking. I also got a few skewers of dango (something I missed out in Japan), each costs S$2.70, not the cheapest. I like the sesame one best, so rich and flavorful. The colorful ones were just pretty. The green tea with red beans were alright, very "Japanese" themed but otherwise nothing special. For the mille crepe, as no sample was available, I decided to go for the original flavour. It was so good, my family loved it. So I made another trip down for more.
I got the rare cheese flavour as well as the green tea (that comes sandwiched with two layers of red beans). I quite like the cheese, though the sister did not, it's a bit salty and cheese-y. The green tea is refreshing, something different and those red beans added some sweetness to it. If you get two boxes, it's at S$34 (S$2 cheaper, which I didn't know the first time!) and comes with a cooler bag. I feel like getting more, but I might be going to Malacca for freshly made mille crepe... So I should refrain from buying more!
You're never far away
Grandma passed away on the 6th June 2013, she will always remain in our fond memories. Goodbye and love you!
Monkey Funky in Phuket
A pampered holiday. I almost couldn't believe it happened. It happened so quick.
Look, I even did my nails for it!
And here's a peek of some of my beach essentials.
Well, yes, I went to Phuket with a mysterious person almost 2 weeks ago. The first time I was there was back in 2004, right before I left for London with my then boyfriend. This time, I overrode the history. Both to be honest are happy times.
I didn't do any planning at all, I was asked to come along. Extra leg room, plane food catered and an awesome companion... I couldn't ask for more. We arrived at the airport and fortunately without much haggling, we managed to get a taxi to our resort - Andaman White Beach Resort. It was secluded and nothing was really nearby. We walked about 15 minutes to get to a public beach with some shops, closed bars and eateries, and we only did that once because it was too much of a hassle.
The rest of the time were spent in the resort, chilling by the beach or pool... swimming, eating, drinking and playing pool. The currents were so strong most of the time, I didn't muster enough courage to go into the sea... except for times when I could cling to my companion! The deluxe room we had was spacious, with a cool balcony (we were on the top floor, so it was all good). All the rooms had good privacy and it was very romantic listening to the waves at night. The breakfast offered many good choices, I enjoyed the freshly cooked eggs and waffles!
The whole trip was relaxing and lovely... I really wish I have more of these impromptu romantic weekend getaways :) I lost my hat (shown in the pic - it was my first time wearing it!!!), shame on the dishonest person who picked it up. I am glad I wasn't too bitter about it as the holiday was almost perfect.
Special thanks to my little monkey!
p.s: It was a coincidence we happened to escape the haze when it got really bad (thanks to Indonesia!)...!
Look, I even did my nails for it!
And here's a peek of some of my beach essentials.
Well, yes, I went to Phuket with a mysterious person almost 2 weeks ago. The first time I was there was back in 2004, right before I left for London with my then boyfriend. This time, I overrode the history. Both to be honest are happy times.
I didn't do any planning at all, I was asked to come along. Extra leg room, plane food catered and an awesome companion... I couldn't ask for more. We arrived at the airport and fortunately without much haggling, we managed to get a taxi to our resort - Andaman White Beach Resort. It was secluded and nothing was really nearby. We walked about 15 minutes to get to a public beach with some shops, closed bars and eateries, and we only did that once because it was too much of a hassle.
The rest of the time were spent in the resort, chilling by the beach or pool... swimming, eating, drinking and playing pool. The currents were so strong most of the time, I didn't muster enough courage to go into the sea... except for times when I could cling to my companion! The deluxe room we had was spacious, with a cool balcony (we were on the top floor, so it was all good). All the rooms had good privacy and it was very romantic listening to the waves at night. The breakfast offered many good choices, I enjoyed the freshly cooked eggs and waffles!
The whole trip was relaxing and lovely... I really wish I have more of these impromptu romantic weekend getaways :) I lost my hat (shown in the pic - it was my first time wearing it!!!), shame on the dishonest person who picked it up. I am glad I wasn't too bitter about it as the holiday was almost perfect.
Special thanks to my little monkey!
p.s: It was a coincidence we happened to escape the haze when it got really bad (thanks to Indonesia!)...!
3.7.13
New toys for home
After a couple of years, it's time to say bye to our old Samsung washing machine. It had been giving us countless power trips, the Dad never wanted to give up trying (oh dad, please!). Things do wear and tear. It still worked at the time we dumped it, but once it started the spinning, it just cut off the electricity. Then it got worse, sometimes before even it started to rinse or wash. So after a few weeks of fruitless tries and shopping, we finally found our new LG washer at the Harvey Norman Expo Sale. It was a fantastic deal because we bought the display set, it was further discounted. The only thing is the mum did not fancy the idea of a front loader (neither did she when we had the top loader). She got used to it only in the last year or so and started doing the washing (normally the old man does). So I know she just needs time to adapt, and this one is not any harder to learn - turn that knob and press play! Finally another thing off the list.
I also bought myself a mini fan. I wonder how I managed to survive the 32°C nights, sometimes I had to crawl onto the marble floor to fall sleep. That fan in the room shared with my sister just isn't enough anymore. Fortunately the last nights had been more cooling and I didn't even need to use it. Oh, but I have always wanted to get a mini fan like this, just wish that it's gold in color!
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