YOLO

The fears of the first world country I seem to have experienced all of them in the last year and a half.

1. Losing someone in the family
2. Falling ill
3. Dating a jerk
4. Laptop crashed
5. Losing the photos on my phone
6. Finding a job I like
7. Losing a steady income to join a circus

Speaking of all the losses, I seem to have gained much more than before.

1. I can be me, myself and I
2. Death is a part of life, so are illnesses
3. Choosing to be fit is a choice, skip the nonsense excuses e.g. no time
4. Photos are never as important and valuable than the experiences and memories
5. You need to meet a jerk to know what kind of guy you do not want
6. It's now or never, money or fun
7. Try, try, try till you find it
8. No one said life has to be fair or a fairytale, create your own luck and destiny
9. Trust your guts

Little Mia is 1

Happy Birthday Mia!

My little friend turned 1 the last days. Mia is the daughter of a really close friend. She is so chubby, too adorable and always naughty. But she is also the gem of my dear friend, Cyn. I have seen her grown from a wee little thing (during her confinement) to one pretty girl that is always up to some mischief! She also doesn't seem to like soft toys (I suspect she is taking after her dad then!!!).

Cyn lost her daughter to cancer a few years back and we all knew she always wanted another child, especially a girl. She got her wish indeed about a year back. It just happened too quickly, one point she was single, a few months later she got pregnant. And then 9 months later, a baby girl popped out. Now she has just turned 1. Amazing. Life is a crazy bitch!

I joined a circus

"Don't run away and join the rat race. Run away and join a circus full of people who are living their dreams."

How whimsical!

I just collected my first paycheck from the "circus".

An amount merely a small fraction of my last salary (in the rat race). Yet I felt so grateful for the money, for the learning experience in the circus and the ability to entertain those audience whom we performed for.

I never once thought I would be able to give up a fatter paycheck for a miserable pay till I decided to let go. Every single day that I went to work, I got up with a smile and excitement, creative ideas kept coming! Those dreadful 630am mornings aren't as bad as those days I had to drag my feet to the office with a frown. I am not sure how long I would be performing in this circus but I know for as long as I am there, I will be making full use of the time to enjoy and do as much as I can. It is always difficult to work with friends in many circumstances, but helping a friend whose living her dream is entirely different, and I know when I live my dream, she won't be too faraway.

I don't think everyone will be able to do this. While some think it's silly, some think it's an adventure and others look with envy... I can only say, follow your heart. Money can only take you that far.

A special present for myself

The thing with getting older, you started to gift yourself really odd things! I used to buy myself a bag, a nice meal or a facial last year... but this year, it is a very practical gift. I visited the dentist, not once but twice!!! A really expensive gift that costed me over 200 bucks. But one that has to be done.

A few years back, a bad experience with a dentist stopped me from going back again. But I had a bad tooth. It had been going on for quite a while but I just didn't want to see a dentist, the last one was quite a nightmare. Then somehow, it just hit me, I thought it was just the right time to go. Perhaps a bit too late! The tooth is almost dead (as quoted by the dentist), she tried to save it with pulp capping, or I would have to opt for root canal (Nooooooo!!! To be honest, I would rather extract it but it will be quite hideous having a missing canine tooth!). She told me the pulp capping might not work and there is a high chance I have to extract it or do a root canal in future. But right now, the poor tooth is temporarily fixed and I do hope that the slim chance of it recovering does exist! Please heal. I know miracles rarely happen, but I still believe in it!

Thanks to my friend whom recommended me her dentist. Even though her clinic offers really limited dental services, I felt really comfortable talking to her and she is really quite gentle and attentive. She gave me the most practical and money-saving advices and didn't try to milk me for money. Even though I spent over 200 there for filling 3 caries and polishing, it is still reasonable compared to others where polishing easily costs me near a hundred bucks! I was really glad when she said I can go back in 6 months time (I will probably go annually now).

But this is not the end. I still have to extract a wisdom tooth (fortunately not surgery)... She didn't seem to be keen to do the extraction for me as she said if it breaks, she won't be able to do surgery at hers. So I need to find another dentist (ahhhhh nightmare). I wish I can extract it myself haha, like how we used to do it when we were younger... pulling with a string! Those days...

Anyway, enough of my scary dentist stories! Birthday is actually not here yet... I am so not looking forward to adding another digit to my age, so much so, I am trying not to announce my age unless necessary. LOL! Especially when I travel, people do seem to think I am still in my 20s, and sometimes I know I am the oldest in the group... awww!

I hate you Dad and I love you

Every household has its own problem. I have friends whom totally love their parents, friends whom also detest their parents and many like me, a love-hate relationship. It seems to be normal. Can anyone tell me? Have I already said these before? 

I envy the western cultures where kids move out at eighteen or for college, I think somehow the living apart helps to better the relationship. Because parents will always be parents, they want to mother you no matter how old you get. They always assume those responsibilities that tend to make them overprotective, controlling and in fact they seem to want you to live the life they would like you to have (not having it your way!).

For over 30 years, they never seem to ask me what is it in life that I want? They never seem to want to know but always reckon that we should act like the way they were children to their parents (my grandparents). Back then, they had to earn to support the expanding family and to ensure the younger ones could attend school. Dear mother, those centuries are over!

Is it just my parents, or are yours the same?

10 years ago, my dad got retrenched and has since been sitting at home. He was only 55, 10 years shy of the retirement age (and now 12 with the new regulations). He just never thought of working or supporting the family again. It was a huge blow that never seems to have recovered. My elder sister was then 24 and the youngest was still in school. I was stranded in UK on my working visa, trying to find that independence that I never had back in Singapore. My mum has always been a housewife, and she struggled to find work despite her poor health. That old man never stood up again, not for us, and not even for himself. He lost not only himself, but his authority and all of our respect for him. It is difficult to look at a father figure whom was once your role model but now succumbed to someone whom has practically nothing. That quote "I started off with nothing, and I still have most of it", it describes him quite perfectly.

Emotionally he's a cripple, he has almost no friends, no social life and his self esteem seems to have abandoned him as well. I don't remember how all of us survived the 10 years without a fatherly figure, but we did. If you ask me if I hate him, yes I do. If you ask if I love him, the answer is the same too.

Bears' Wedding in London (4)

Day 6 & 7.

These 2 days were entirely reserved for my bestie so I could help her do up her wedding props and other preparation. We checked into the hotel a day before the big day, but there were still things not done. Poor Angela was so worried. But I assured her everything would be okay and we would work through the night to get them all ready. Her cousin, Joy and brother were a big help!

The night before the wedding, we also had a pre-wedding dinner at a Spanish restaurant. All of us forked out a small amount of money and the rest was taken care of by the bride & groom's families. We had suckling pig, sangria and really fantastic tapas! It was a fun evening, also I got to meet Alex (Laura's son), this cutie got stuck to me most of that evening. He was so adorable everyone was dying to get a piece of him.

That night, we really worked through the night (with a few hours of sleep!!!) with the company of Paul's cakes!

The next morning, Angela, Joy and me had breakfast at a nearby restaurant and ran through the checklist for the wedding. We had to set up at the venue, basically to lay out her photo albums, photo frames, her wedding favours, the decors on every dining table, do up the table she was going to sign her wedding certificate (I was the witness!!) and get all the beautiful ribbons to be tied to the chairs. They also engaged a photo booth which the guests would be able to take home with them a memorable shot or two for that evening. The dinner was buffet style but the wedding party and family table would get served instead! The cupcakes Angela catered were super addictive, also that candy bar she set up was a magnet for kids (and big kids!).

Both Joy and I had to give a speech, but we didn't get to rehearse at all. LOL. But I was glad it somehow flowed smoothly and I didn't cry this time! I think Angela almost did! The wedding was lovely, very romantic and almost perfect. The only bad thing was I didn't get to take as many photos of them as I would love to as I was the maid of honour and was running around all the time! We danced and drank a lot that night and smuggled a lot of candies back too!

I gifted them a self-compiled photobook depicting the story of FAB4 and of the recent memories we had together, and was so proud when they displayed it together with their wedding album.

Not forgetting we took lots of silly photos at the booth, I can't wait to see their whole compilation when I visit them next.

May you both live happily ever after, Mr & Mrs Green!

Bears' Wedding in London (3)

Day 5. Friday.

I hanged out with Joy & Aaron whom just got back from Paris as well as Angela's family members. We went to Borough Market, my favourite food market. The good thing about going with so many people was that we got to try much more things! So much more than the last time I went with Glyn.

Not to mention, there were also many eye candies around. Some selling cheese. LOL.

After lunch, I took Angela's family to walk across London Bridge which we then parted. They wanted to go shopping in Oxford or Knightsbridge while I headed towards Tower of London hoping to catch up with Joy & Aaron to see the poppies exhibition. But we were too early, they were still installing them, and I didn't see both of them too. They underestimated the time they needed to get there so I left after waiting for 30mins.

I wanted to take a selfie of me and the poppies but it was so tough with the crowd so I gave up! LOL. Maybe a selfie stick would have helped!

I managed to get to Petticoat lane and Spitalfields market just before they closed! I bought a handmade necklace by an Italian lady, really pricey but I just thought I should splurge on myself a bit. Also I found a really pretty wrap dress. After a happy time shopping and indulging myself with a banana milkshake, I got to get back to Covent Garden to meet the gang for dinner. I was lost. LOL. I couldn't find a bus to Covent Garden. So I took one to somewhere nearby and walked over.

We settled at this English restaurant called Porters. The food was awesome, ten times better than Jamie Oliver's Italian for sure. The portion for the pies was also huge. I had the Guinness Steak Mushroom. It was DELICIOUS! It was a great night with Angela's family. After that, we decided to do a brief hen's night for Angela - just me, Joy, Michelle and the bride-to-be.

We went to a stretch of bars, picked one and had some drinks as Angela wasn't feeling spontaneous that night to do crazy things. The poor bride-to-be was so stressed out she broke down that night... We were shocked but we managed to calm her down and brought her back to smiles! Fortunately. Of course, we didn't forget our colourful wigs and made lots of silly photos with it.

Bears' Wedding in London (2)

The following day, I lazed. Not really. LOL. I needed to finish booking the accommodation for my Europe trip which was a week away! As everything was planned very last minute (unlike the me in my 20s!!!), things were a bit chaotic. But somehow the plan seemed to fall into place nicely.

So I asked my hosts if there was anything I could do around the area (without going to town). They suggested a nearby farm. A great idea I thought! Glyn took me to the first British farm about 6 years back and this time I could go to one again. With the best guide I have (London A-Z), I found my way to Deen City Farm. There were a bunch of kids and I felt like one of them, I fed the sheeps and cows! There was also owls and gigantic bunnies.

After the free farm tour, I headed to Marks & Spencer for a late lunch and got some grocery. I almost wanted to buy half the supermarket! LOL.

Day 3.

I had planned a trip to Harrods Food Hall, this seemed to be a must. LOL. I couldn't resist good food and I wish I had a bigger stomach and a more efficient digestive system! Haha. I got almost £10 worth of food for my picnic at Hyde Park. It was a pity no one could join me but it was a great sunny day to sit out there and people watch. After my picnic, I went to HSBC to run some errands before making my way to Oxford Circus. Yes, you can walk from Hyde Park to Oxford Circus, thanks to the non-humid weather!

On the way, I chanced upon St Christopher's Place where I sat down for a smoothie and witnessed a middle aged woman begging for food and money from someone sitting besides me. The kind lady really bought her food! Bless the kind lady!

Finally I made my way to Oxford Circus where I caught up with Johnathon, a guy I met during my tour in California which was about 2 years back. John took me to a really cool pub for pies, said to be one of the best ones in town! It was called The Windmill. I had the seasonal pie - spicy chicken and chorizo pie, houmous & tzatziki; it was thin and crispy on the outside and very juicy and hot on the inside. I really loved it, it wasn't like the traditional beef and kidney pie with hard crusty exterior. It was still bright at 9pm that evening... amazing. I bid farewell to John after the lovely catch up and went home and continued to have big cherries for supper! LOL.

Day 4.

After my breakfast, I went on to find a money changer to get my European currencies. There were so many different ones it was a bit confusing, fortunately I could order them online and head down to collect it. Then I was supposed to meet Selwyn, a bloke I met in Japan a year back. LOL. All these travelling have gotten me quite a few friends.

I nearly couldn't recognise him already! LOL. But I remembered that smile. He was also very sweet and made me a lemon pound cake he promised me on Facebook some time ago! It was really yummy and my friends loved it too. So we went to a Japanese restaurant for lunch, as usual the quality always seemed to be much better than the one I had in Singapore for that price. It was called Sticks 'n' Sushi by Covent Garden.

When we stepped out, we saw this food market by Covent Garden and there was this amazing pulled pork burger that I could die for. We promised to be back for them for dinner, but it was sold out by then. DEVASTATED. :((( I must have it on my next trip to London!!! Look at them!!

So after late lunch, we went to British Museum. As usual, I could never get bored there but it was closing really early (by 5pm I think!!!) so we had to find elsewhere to go. Selwyn suggested bowling, I was a bit intimidated as he bowls for competition but I still went ahead! It was at an underground bowling alley and it all looked a bit dodgy from the outside. Haha.

We went back to Covent and were disappointed about the burgers. So we just got something else for dinner. I couldn't remember what because it was so insignificant compared to that burger!! But I did remember I got home with a big pretzel! :P

Bears' Wedding in London (1)

Back in London again! This time it was for a greater cause, my best friend's wedding, it was about 3 years since I last visited. But Angela was back couple of months ago when she brought her in-laws to Singapore for a tour and meet her parents session.

It always felt good to be back. It was as if I never left, just grown older! LOL. Anyway, my plan was to spend a week in London before embarking on the European tour which I should have done years ago, then back for 2 days and back home to Singapore.

I was supposed to be flying with Jan (Angela's good friend) on Malaysia Airlines to Heathrow, but the MH17 crash on 17 July freaked us out. Just days before our departure and on that identical route we were supposed to be taking, we decided to cancel the booking (we lost the booking fee as we bought it through CheapTickets). With an earlier missing plane MH370 incident on 8 March, there was a rumour there would be a third incident. I have to say the customer service on CheapTickets had been exceptional with this Malay girl keeping me updated all the time about the refund process and status! Everything got sorted out promptly, it also brought a huge relief not only to us but our family and friends.

That was about 2 weeks away from the wedding day, Jan and I both had no flights. I quickly scanned through all the airline sites for promotions, even emailed or tweeted to some of them, but not many were compassionate enough about MAS incident. But Lady Luck was smiling on our side, I chanced upon British Airways for a really good deal (direct, no transit and awesome timing, it was a night flight!). Just a few hundred bucks more, and almost a week before departure, that fare was unbelievable!

I can't believe when everyone else is jerking up prices for last minute flights, the European airlines are the ones letting them go cheap. Thank God for BA, I will fly with you again!

Booked.
British Airways.
27 July - 22 August 2014.

The flight there was about 12 hours, I didn't manage to sit with Jan as it was almost full by the time we booked and most seats were taken up when we checked in online. I was sitting with a mother with two cute toddlers but my entertainment sound system was faulty, so I got shifted to another aisle seat further back with no one besides me! I ate, watched some drama, and fell asleep.

When we arrived in London, Jan and I got on the tube but went on our separate ways. He was going to his airBnB while I was bunking at Angela's. I knew the way (good memory) so someone was waiting for me back in the house that morning. It was going to be very laid back as I didn't have much plans except to help Angela with her wedding preparation and see some old friends.

The first day in London.

So I met Glyn again, we had tacos at Wahaca in Covent Garden. I wasn't sure if I would recognise him after another 3 years but apparently we did. After the late lunch, we had a bit of a stroll down the Thames River and Millennium bridge. We had a good time talking about the past and how things have evolved. But sadly, I don't think I will see him again, I have to stop there and then.

It was a bright sunny day but still a little chilly. Little did I know that the weather just decided to go cranky that afternoon, and I had to shop for a sweater to keep myself warm! Ha. British summer.

Then I went off to meet Daniel (Angela's hubby-to-be) whom kindly took a few hours off work earlier so he could show me Shoreditch, one cool place in London I have missed out. I didn't manage to buy anything though I was really tempted but Daniel found a few things he liked. We had a quick beer before we went to meet the rest of the gang at Jamie's Italian for dinner.

Our first Jamie Oliver's experience and maybe also our last. We weren't that impressed, and we decided to switch the other dinner venue from Jamie Oliver's to a traditional English pub. But we did get a complimentary bottle of Prosecco that night because of some mishandling of one of our orders.

I also didn't forget to get my favourite Paul's flourless chocolate cake (almost) every time I saw it. It made all breakfast perfect.

Man & wife

My good friend, Yusman's wedding (which is today!) is one of my must-go-to wedding list of year 2014. I am very glad for him that his effort and persistence paid off, he married a beautiful Chinese girl whose parents were initially against the relationship! Way to go MAN! I can't wait to see a cute mixed baby in the coming future!

And a candid shot to go along with this post ;)

Ted goes to KL

23-25 May 2014.

It was my second visit to Kuala Lumpur and the first for Ted! I first went there years ago with the FAB4 girls via the overnight train. I can't recall much except that we really just partied and ate. This time round, my sister was heading up for a conference and asked me to tag along.

We took the Aeroline coach which was really like a premium coach service. There was a service crew, hot meal, drink, blanket and also entertainment. Wow. Such a cosy ride that I would do this again anytime!

We stayed at Corus Hotel which was also the arriving and departing point for Aeroline coaches, what great convenience! The hotel is also in a very central location, within walking distance to the Petronas Towers and KLCC malls. Read more about my stay here on Tripadvisor.

It was a 3 days 2 nights trip so we didn't have much plans except for some shopping, attending the conference (just one evening for me) and then seeing the Batu Caves (I missed it the last time round!). We also enjoyed Nandos on the first night which was half the price than having them in Singapore before heading out for the conference!

The next morning, we set off for Batu Caves. As usual, Ted was up to his usual mischief again!

But we managed to keep him in check and arrived at Batu Cave after about 30mins of train ride. It was a glorious day, and a long climb up! We survived it and saw cheeky monkeys playing around in the caves. It's a quick and easy getaway you can do on your own and I suggest doing it as there isn't much to see in KL. After Batu Cave, the sister left to attend her seminar while I was left on my own to explore.

I went to the malls of course (the safest bet) and came across a small designer Pop-up event inside Bukit Bintang's Lot 10. There were lots of pretty things on sale but as I was on a short trip I didn't have much cash on me, so I could only admire them! Then I headed over to Berjaya Times Square which is a gigantic mall (over 10 storeys!!) and one can easily get lost in there. I only bought one thing there, I was pretty amazed at my self-control! LOL.

Then I went back to the hotel with my dinner as by then I was exhausted from all that walking. The following morning, the sister was busy with her seminar as usual. So I was tasked to go get some souvenirs (food) home! I also got lucky and found my Chocolate Banana cake from Secret Recipe, just as I was almost giving up I saw the restaurant right across the road! Haha! Bliss!

The journey back was another comfortable ride on the coach and we got into Singapore late that Sunday night.

3 more life lessons I've learned from swimming (2)

This is a continuation of my previous post. These things just came to be randomly and I finally have the time to pen them down ;)

Embrace changes (in temperature).

These days, everyone is so used to having heater and hot showers. No one remembers the days we were still using cold water or having to boil them for a hot one. Swimming brought me back to basics, there is no hot shower at the swimming complex. After a swim under the hot sun, I have began to appreciate having a cold shower. Recently, there was a power failure at home and inevitably it has affected our heater, on certain days, it doesn't work and I have to endure a cold shower (fortunately swimming has prepared me for them)!

Be flexible and adapt to circumstances.

Things do not go how we want all the time, in fact, maybe even half the time! I have had a few occasions since school started, 80 students suddenly came plunging into the pool! I haven't got any space left, yet I had to finish my self-assigned laps. Being flexible doesn't mean cutting down the laps but instead work around it, instead of swimming the length, I need to do the width. Instead of swimming at my pace, I have to work around everyone's pace. That brings up the next lesson...

Be informed, go seeking to be informed.

So inorder to avoid another 80 students having their swimming lessons at the same time with me, I needed to know when they are not there! So I seeked for more information. Ask. Ask and you will get. Indeed, I have found the answer. So sometimes we can't just assume or presume or guess... if the factual information is available, go get them.

That's all for now, I will continue to note down more lessons when they come to me naturally!

Rules that are meant to be broken (once in a while)

One record-breaking week. Bad records. LOL.

Unfortunately the time of the month does make one crave for the sinful things. A bag of chips, one cup of bubble tea, two Mc Donalds' meals, one piece of cake, one cup of ice blended coffee and a Mac 'n' cheese with ice cream sundae in the last week. Oh dear, I have broken all the rules I had set for myself.

It has been a few months since the bag of chips, but my usual treat is something nice once a week. This week, I had it all in one go. I can almost feel that I have put on some weight back, hah, that's bad!

After all those swimming in the past year and 5kg weight loss, I feel almost perfect. That occasional stomach rumbling at 2am did work up my appetite a bit these weeks. But I also hope that that metabolism rate I have built up with all the swimming is burning the calories away faster these days.

Okay, time to get back on track! Once a week treat. Only.

我的朋友在香港(vi)

Time flies when you are enjoying~

My second last day in Hong Kong was the only day I had time to go shopping! I dedicated the whole of Monday to be on Hong Kong island, so I could be on the trams (locally known as "ting ting") as much as possible.

That morning, I made it a point to get into Hong Kong island early enough to sit in a cafe and had a drink. I had been reading up on cafes even though I am not a fan of coffee and had shortlisted a few of them. As I was meeting some friends for lunch, I settled for one in Central named Simplylife Cafe, having my favourite - hot chocolate! I wished I could dine there but I couldn't with all the things already scheduled for the day!

Hong Kong island, especially Central, is packed all the time, I guess it is because it is the CBD (Central Business District) of Hong Kong but people seem to be everywhere at anytime. Even at 10am on the streets, you see all the people around. I wonder if the working hours are that flexible?

After a drink to start the day, I began my walk to Sheung Wan to meet an ex-colleague whom returned to Hong Kong for lunch. Coincidentally, another ex-colleague was in town with her husband, so all of us got together for a Dim Sum lunch date! It is very comforting when you meet familiar faces abroad! It was a really sumptuous lunch at Dim Sum Square, many thanks to Rebecca whom insisted on footing the bill. Look at the amount of food we had to finish!!! I even got the leftover as takeout.

After a very heavy lunch, I just had to burn them off by walking. Haha. I went to Cat Street to have a peek at the antiques market but it was surprisingly small. So I moved on to Causeway Bay's Jardine Crescent on the ting ting but along the way, something caught my attention. I spotted a market along Tai Yuen Street and immediately alighted. I was loving the fact that I was alone and I could do WHATEVER I wanted, at my own time! It was one of the best markets, competitively priced and with a lot more variety of stuff, from clothes, babies goods, food, accessories, mobile cases to stickers and toys. I would have stayed longer if I had more time.

Then I moved on to Causeway Bay to see Jardine Crescent and got a few more stuff (many bags and clothes here mainly) and also checked out a few shops that my sister and friend had requested me to see. I dislike running errands for others on a holiday but since I was almost done with what I wanted to see, I gladly ran along. It ended up they didn't want to buy anymore and I bought myself my most expensive shoes from Melissa! Damn, those shoes still bite me, whoever said Melissa doesn't hurt??

Thanks and no thanks to the free data plan, my phone was almost dead before the evening. My last run in Causeway Bay was to get Hang Heung wife cakes for people back home, arrghhh, I hate this but just gotta do it.

Then it was a mad rush getting back to Soho where I met an old friend for Tapas and drinks. It was also my first time in Soho and being on those mid-level escalators, not as exciting as I anticipated! After a couple of hours, we aparted our ways at our respective ferry terminals. I was overloaded with shopping bags by then and I wondered how I managed to get back at midnight after all those hours of non-stop walking. Then it was last hours of crazy packing and I resigned to bed at about 3am!

The following day, I decided to do in town check-in at Hong Kong station instead of getting a taxi across. So in that way, I still had a bit of time on the island, perhaps getting a decent lunch before I boarded the plane. The in town check-in was a breeze, almost effortless, and I was luggage-free to wander around! If you have a late flight, this is highly recommended!

My last mission for the trip was to get myself a magazine! It seems like a must for me to get a fashion magazine from Hong Kong whenever I visit; I had been eyeing at them since the first hour I stepped into the airport but could only leave them to the last. So heavy! I got the Cosmopolitan (HK version) which came with a super cute Tsumori Chisato water bottle.

Syn came along that morning and we had Tim Ho Wan, it was amazingly affordable but very limited variety for a Dim Sum place. But it definitely wasn't Syn's day, I didn't know how but she splattered soy sauce all over herself and in the end she lost her appetite, so I made her brought home the leftover. Awww, poor girl!

Then I boarded the Airport Express to the airport where I met Adam who was also departing the same afternoon. We went into the lounge for ice cream :) Haha. I was fed again (fortunately a different flavour) on the flight back. Sadly, Sex and The City wasn't showing and the food on the way back was worse than the flight's before. I wasn't excited to go home, but somehow I was ready to leave Hong Kong and say bye bye to the ferries.

Hong Kong, till we meet again!

我的朋友在香港(v)

The following day, I just wanted to laze in bed! Gimme a lazy Sunday anytime!

The night before, I attempted to ride on Syn's bike which was overloaded with bags and fell right within a minute of getting on it! Haha. It must be about 6 years since I last gotten on one, gosh.

Syndy suggested all the daytrips I could do to Tai-O fishing village or Citygate Outlet but I just didn't fancy a long bus ride out to anywhere. I wanted to stay still for once. I would have loved to do a morning trek but that muscle pulling in my calf wasn't encouraging me to do so. So I stayed in, did some laundry, watched the neighbour's dog and then attempted the second time on the bike to get lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. Haha. As expected, I nearly knocked a tourist in her bum when she accidently walked right onto my path. I had the cold noodle with lemongrass pork chop recommended by Syn who said it's a hot favourite among her visitors and John. Indeed it did not disappoint!

 

After lunch, we embarked on a walk around the Mui Wo villages and visited a small waterfall. Apparently, there are quite a few villages in Mui Wo, when you do go around, you get to see all sorts of houses and very innovative scarecrows. They brought a smile to my face, seeing how creative one can get! On the way to the waterfall, Syndy adopted a stray dog which looked like it was half blind (I wonder if it was where the fleas came from. Or perhaps from the fleece jacket I accidentally dropped, a kind soul picked it up and left it on the bridge when we came from, so I found it!) This must be one of the rare trips I kept losing stuff.

After all the drama, we met John at the beach for a picnic and beach badminton. The Sunday Mui Wo beach was packed with families, dogs and people whom came over from other parts of Hong Kong. The ferry fares are also almost double on Sunday! It definitely wasn't easy playing badminton on a windy beach! But it was a good exercise. We didn't stay long enough but just about the time we finished a pack of nachos and a drink.

We went back for a rest before Syn and me headed out for a so-so claypot dinner and grocery shopping. I had a better grasp of the bike now with lesser people on the road. I love supermarkets, but I didn't get as much as I wanted with the limited luggage space I had! I gotta leave some space for all those shopping the following day which was my last full day in Hong Kong.

That night, we painted our nails and also google hung out with the girls in London and Vancouver. It was a few months since the last one. A good good night.

我们去澳门(iv)

The following Monday, I bade Adam goodbye after a good lounge breakfast and headed to the ferry terminal. The Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal was harder to get to than I thought; things didn't get easier with the unfriendly morning Hong Kong residents. It just irked me being in another big city where everybody were all about themselves.

I finally found the ferry terminal just in time to join the queue and when it was my turn, I was told I was at the wrong queue! What a day, what a start! Then I was finally queueing at the right one, and when I was about to enter, someone tapped on my shoulder and said I dropped my "Octopus Card", naturally I followed her and got out of my queue to realise that my card was indeed gone and was it stolen or picked up by someone I really don't have a clue till today. Then yes, I had to re-join the line all over again. It was really just my luck!!! Poor Octopus Card, and I hoped that dishonest person would lose all his money at the casino!

I was so occupied about my loss that the one hour ferry seemed like a breeze. I wasn't bothered about the smelly uncle sitting besides me or the noisy kids and the loud Mainlanders surrounding me. (I was onboard  Cotai Jet to Taipa). I finally surrendered and accepted that "Shit does happen during holidays!". When I arrived, I saw Syn and John waiting for me right at the exit. It just lit up my day after all the unfortunate events! I did not plan a single thing for Macau as both of them seemed to have already scheduled the day for me.

So we headed to our first stop for lunch at A Lorcha, a restaurant for Portuguese food. It was packed and we reckoned it was mentioned on some guidebooks and thus all the tourists knew about it. The food was really great though, we had seafood mixed rice, risotto style! After lunch, we went to the temple next to it, then onto the bus again to the infamous Senado Square which was done up with overdue Chinese New Year decor. It was a Saturday afternoon and needless to say, it was just so crowded. I roamed around and bought myself a cheap checkered hat from a really really old lady.

We then had a short tour inside St. Dominic's Church with a really pretty yellow facade. John left for work and so Syn and I pretty much had the rest of the day to ourselves. We headed to the Ruins of St. Paul after passing by so many touristy shops along the way, many selling almond biscuits and ginger candies. Then we sat down for a rest at the garden adjacent to it and had an aerial view of the city at Monte Fort.

After that, we were supposed to look for the bus-stop to head back down to Taipa Village where we would have dinner. But before that, we had a little walk around admiring the lovely architecture of Macau, enjoying the space and the slower pace of life compared to Hong Kong.

We finally found Rua do Regedor and began my little tour of Taipa Village. It was a cool stretch of street filled with food places, souvenirs and the usual shops for almond biscuits and ginger candies! I had a rose milk tea at the cafe Syn took me to, and she ended up watching me drink.

Then for dinner, she decided on Corto, apparently another place for portuguese food. After a long wait, we finally were ushered in, I settled on veal while the missy had duck stew. The food was alright I thought, the servers weren't the friendliest and the place was cramped. But people continued to flock in. Then it was time for a casino tour.

 

These are some of the casinos we passed by along the way to The Venetian. I would love to visit the Grand Lisboa the next time I am there, it looked just so magnificent! I had my first 100HKD gamble (sponsored by Adam) at The Venetian and alas I lost it. I wished I was more decisive in picking a table, that indecisiveness really dampened my gambling mood and luck. LOL. Not that I am a gambler, this is my second time placing a bet after my first jackpot try in Las Vegas. Then I was told I must have the Portuguese egg tart at the Lord Stow's in The Venetian. That was my last supper before we headed back to Hong Kong!

That ferry ride back to Hong Kong, without distraction, was really bad. I almost thought I needed to use a bag. Then we had to take the 1am ferry back to Mui Wo... and I was so glad when I was finally in bed!

Amazzone Monday

I don't know why the word "Amazzone" but it came natural to me... ;)

Anyhow, what a good Monday it was! Even though I was awakened by a few phone calls, not the best way to wake up, things sort of fell into places. The email reply I was waiting for came in. A friend forwarded an opportunity or two... I got out of the house, bought myself something nice to eat for dinner!

Also I attended a focus group survey at this company where the staff were mostly Japanese, how cool! I really enjoyed it especially when I was asked to give my thoughts. I adore this guy who was showing us the images, I don't know why but he made me feel at ease :)

Ideally

In an ideal world, things never end. The lovers will always have an exciting life together, the kids will never grow up, the loved ones will never die. The food will always be good. Conversations are always fruitful. Friends are plenty, the enemies will die, people you hate are cursed with eternal bad luck and people you love prosper and share it with you. Wow. This is my ideal world but it comes in the form of a non lucid world. Dream.

Closure who?

Q: Are you looking for one?
A: I am afraid he's not here all the time.

That is life. Sometimes there just isn't any closure. He's out having fun. Who said life is fair, not many. Recently, watching "The Lovely Bones" taught me this. Life has to move on, everything around you will not wait for you... Stop pressing that "pause" button on your life! Like a merry-go-round, keep going and one day you will get out of that spiral movement...

我的朋友在香港(iii)

The following morning, I think I pulled a muscle. For the next couple of days, I was having a problem climbing down stairs. Fortunately, it didn't spoil the holiday!

I headed over to Sheung Wan to get my Macau ferry tickets (about 375HKD). It was a breeze. I also found an awesome bakery (Arome Bakery) along the way, they were selling the most beautiful cakes I saw while I was there. Wooooaa!!

Then I went over to Holiday Inn Golden Mile to meet Adam who was fashionably late, fortunately I didn't have big plans that day, so I just waited and waited in the lobby. When he finally arrived, we checked in, the room was actually quite spacious for a Hong Kong hotel, despite accomodating two beds and a working desk. After settling down, we went on a "markets exploring" trip... I suggested them as I knew he wasn't a big fan of shopping, so we could probably take some pictures.

First stop was Apliu Street market in Sham Shui Po, it's famous for electronics and gadgets. It was great place to find handphone accessories though the prices weren't really that cheap (but same as what I had seen elsewhere) but with a great variety! It was an interesting walk that barely took an hour, and not at all touristy!

 

Then we headed to the best smelling market in Hong Kong, the flower market in Mongkok. I wish I could buy them. So fresh, cheap and too beautiful! It was a refreshing walk and definitely a place for colorful photos. Around the corner, we found Yuen Po Bird Garden where many old men were standing there sharing tales and showcasing their birds (as above).

After the markets, we went back to the hotel to enjoy the lounge for the evening before venturing out for cakes. It took us a while to find the well hidden cafe in Harbour City, C'est La B; it was recommended by a friend and I have read about it as well. Pricey little cakes, but they did 'wow' me! The citrus twist (if I recalled correctly) I had was lemon meringue in a tiny pot - as sour as I like it.

It was half past ten after dessert and I wasn't just ready to head back. So Adam retired to the hotel while I kept my feet going... to the Temple Street night market. I think it wasn't accurately indicated on the map because it was a deserted area I found, then I followed some people whom were also looking for the market and found the right direction. At the start of the market nearer to Jordan, things were much cheaper but when it got towards the Austin stretch, somehow prices were more touristy. There were plenty to see, from cute cartoon thumbdrives, souvenirs, sex toys and lingeries, fortune-telling stalls, clothes, handphone accessorises to plenty more. From the sound of it, I think you can do a little bargaining.

I also chanced upon Australian Dairy Co. which is famous for their steamed milk and breakfast, unfortunately I didn't get the chance to have it this time round. There were also plenty of street dining options available along Temple street. I had a honeydew sago takeaway to go with cider for late supper (what a weird combination I know!). Later back in the hotel, Adam showed me some documentaries on Temple Street and tourist scams (women using sex as emotional blackmail), it was then I realised there was something going on in that area.

我的朋友在香港(ii)

I love grocery shopping anywhere! And so my first one in Hong Kong, I already bought these (things that I don't get to see in Singapore)... That's a Somersby PEAR cider, not the apple one!

I also bought some chips. But my "mother-in-law" Syn wasn't happy about my soda and chip diet. But hey it's my holiday!!! So I just gotta bear with her constant nagging...

The following day, I ventured out on my own to check out Li Yuen street (shopping lanes) in Central before meeting Dan for lunch. Since I couldn't stay with her, it was good to catch up too! In fact, she's a friend of Angela and we actually didn't hang out before. But it was all cool, it didn't feel awkward and she even introduced me this industrial building with good shopping right by Lai Chi Kok MTR! I also brought over pineapple tarts for Dan and Syn, it seemed like Hong Kong didn't have them for their Chinese New Year (how weird)! Bengawan Solo or Prima Deli should open up there ;)

Uh..oh! Visa was running this promotion in Hong Kong till end February, visitors could go to PCCW and get a free tourist 5 days SIM card (unlimited SMS/calls/data). I was lucky I read this in the forums before the trip ;) Otherwise, you can buy it at 69HKD.

After bursting my wallet, I met Syn for dinner and more shopping at Tsim Sha Tsui. Syn brought me to some place filled with small boutiques, they practically don't have fitting rooms and you can't even try the stuff. The prices weren't cheap as well. I didn't get any as I already got quite a few things earlier in the day, so Syn does her own shopping but ended up with a 100HKD jacket. Ha. I guess she just didn't like to spend on clothings. Somehow she has became super thrifty (maybe under the influence of John). Then we roamed about and somehow got lost but at least I found myself a nice fruit tart (from Pie & Tart).

We settled for a chinese restaurant in K11, having 小笼包 and 拉面。 After dinner, we went to 1881 Heritage, formerly Marine Police Headquarters, it was beautifully lit up (as shown). Like a classy version of Chijmes.

After the walk, Syn had a dessert at 许留山, the prices have since went up (a lot) and the standard significantly dropped. I would rather look for more authentic dessert places. 

Then I had my virgin Star Ferry ride. A cheap and easy 5 minutes ride with the most scenic nightview, I was so glad I tried it. I highly recommend it for travelling to Central from Tsim Sha Tsui or vice versa. It's so much more fun than riding the MTR! We were on the upper deck, and I read it was cheaper to be at the lower bunk where it would be more noisy and smelly (but probably an even better view!).

Afterwhich, we headed back to Mui Wo. The following day, Syn and John left for Macau (for John's work trip), I would join them on Saturday for a daytrip. I also got a last-minute notice that a friend, Adam would be in Hong Kong too, so I would crash at his hotel than enduring more ferry rides! Thank God! It was nice to be staying in the city too as I could go out really late and just WALKED back to my bed!

我的朋友在香港(i)

Destination: Hong Kong
Dates: 19 - 25 February 2014
Airline: Singapore Airlines (A380)

 My 3rd visit to Hong Kong!

And so... since this trip is all about seeing friends in Hong Kong, thus the title above :)

Initially I was planning to stay with two different friends, Dan and Syn (in short), but my dear Syn kept screwing up my plans with the dates she would be leaving for Macau and in the end I just settled to be at hers the whole time. Dan was happily awaiting for my arrival but as she lives with her husband and daughter in a tiny apartment, I thought it would be more convenient to be at Syn's since she has a spare room. Syn lives on Mui Wo (Lantau Island), being someone prone for seasickness, my only concern was having to take ferries daily! I guess it was the time to face my fears then! The next terror was Syn being a mother-in-law alike, hahaha, she is famous amongst us (FAB 4) for being overly protective, naggish and bossy. I should have gotten used to it during the USA trip but it was a nightmare having to relive it all over again, so I went hoping for the worst and everything would turn out better!

Our dearest friend, Syn, has been living in Hong Kong for a couple of years now. Her complaints about the Hong Kongers or life there never seem to stop for some reason. I believe her husband finally decided to move to Mui Wo so the dear wife would be much happier. It did seem to work but somehow that negativity seed had been integrated into her life. I wonder if that complaining nature is that of a Singaporean or she just really adopted that in Hong Kong. Anyhow, she has been inviting her friends to come over for the longest time... and with my expiring KrisFlyer miles, I just thought,"Why not?"

I arrived about 5pm. The flight with SIA was good. I was initially sitting with a mum with her two toddlers, but somehow my entertainment system failed to work and I was moved to the back, with 2 empty seats besides me. I was watching Sex and the City (Season 5 Collection) the whole time and couldn't stop laughing. I had 3 more episodes to complete on my return journey but guess what, SIA literally changed the programmes just after one week! Damn.

Where's the Blue taxi?

 The chilling weather welcomed me, and I was glad to be travelling again. It kept me sane. After a long wait for the Blue taxi, I finally got one and that 30 minutes ride which was rumoured to have made many puked, didn't get me sick fortunately. Syn arrived on her bicycle just in time when I got off, we walked to her place (maybe 20 mins) and got settled before heading out for dinner again. I wonder why she did not attempt to cook the whole time whilst I was there, and John (the husband) was bragging about her cooking, I wanted to try! So Syn's first complaint when I got there was it was too cold, but I simply loved it.

A trip different from the others

And so it has been over a week that I have been back from Hong Kong. I haven't found the time to write about it nor rest especially with a bunch of unwelcome visitors all the way from Hong Kong. Fleas! Oh my gosh, I never knew they are so terrifying!

My trip this time to Hong Kong was mainly to catch up with some friends and see places I hadn't been to. It was supposed to be relaxing, in fact it was but somehow one week seemed to be over too fast. Let me share with you on the next posts.

I just wanted to let you know I'm still alive after battling with the fleas for over a week. Cleaned my stuff. Changed the sheets. Threw the mattress. Scattered the salt. Set up traps. Treating my swollen bites. Bearing with bad itching. Smoked the room twice. Sprayed myself with lemongrass mist. Ionizer with lemongrass every night. Please leave me alone, fleas. Go back to Hong Kong!

This Valentine's

I have something to share - a quote that we have always seen it around. Always said easier than done, isn't it? 

I didn't know that someone 6 years back could actually make me realise this. (All the other blokes between now and then didn't seem to come any close.) Seeing him happy now made my day. Those years apart, like a quote says,"Absence makes the heart grow fonder"... I thought of him from time to time, wondered how he was getting on.

When we finally reconnected this year, a day before Valentine's Day, I feared. I feared of those feelings he would stir up in me. I asked questions which I dreaded to know the answers. His answers didn't make me tear or give me a shock, he still listens and cares. Like 6 years ago. Perhaps he just wasn't meant to be part of my life, but I thank God for him coming into my life and the fond memories we once shared.

I know I have let him go. I am proud of the strength You gave me. I hope we have renewed it this time with a friendship that will last, speaking again to someone I once cared so much about is a huge consolation in my life.

Here's a page I found, tremendously useful to help you let go of someone. I also realised I have done all the suggestions on the part 2 of the article! Also a tip of caution I have quoted from the page I fully agree with -
"Don't make someone a priority only to find out you are an option to them."

A different CNY

This is the first Chinese New Year in years I can remember that I didn't visit my "grandma's house". She passed away last June. So technically, it's not "grandma's house" anymore but my uncle's. Things just do not feel the same anymore.

I often wonder what's the most important value in kinship, most people around me place their emphasis on money over love. So many families break up because of money, inheritance and greed. It became the same at home, money is a sign of filial piety. Without them, there is no love.

When grandma was still around, my uncle's wife made everyone else contributed money to pay for the maids in her house, because she said she hired them for grandma. But they never took care of her well, she fell a couple of times and became bedridden. Still she only cared about money and the expenses grandma incurred. She is obviously way wealthier than everyone else in the family but like the rich, the wealthier they are, the tighter their wallets become.

This Chinese New Year I spent it chilling at home, while the rest of the family went over to uncle's place. Many others skipped because according to some traditions, the "sons in the family" weren't allowed to celebrate the festival. So the uncles could not give out "ang pao" but the aunties (like my mum) could. Due to this, I didn't get to see everyone this time unlike the past years. But we had open house twice over the two weekends where aunties, uncles and cousins popped over. I think it will be the same the coming years.

Despite the quiet celebrations, I welcome the year of Horse and may the new year starts with good wealth and propserity come galloping through. On the side note, the little sister finally found her ideal job after two years. There is hope as long as you persevere, I say! I am happy for her and am hoping the same for me soon!

Innovative search

Finding a new job is now more complicated than the past. There used to be just newspaper advertisements or you could walk in a store when you see them advertising or possibly through word of mouth or a job agency.

But these days, with the internet, job postings on paper significantly decreased. I wonder what companies still use them, and are they still traditional in some ways? Then there are companies who used agencies, job portals and also direct advertising on their own website or through social media platforms. Sounds like they have a big budget for recruiting talents, don't they? Then there are some whom prefer to get referrals from their employees or on their intranet or quietly post on career section of their website. So secretive...

With these advancements, it is not easy to find a job anymore using the traditional ways. Besides putting myself on LinkedIn, other social media platforms (companies even created Twitter and Facebook for recruitment these days), job portals, sending in to job agencies, looking up companies website and check for vacancies (often unreliable with not up-to-date information)... I found an link article on how to locate the hidden jobs in the market. A clever google search really. It works but unfortunately I didn't find many jobs located in Singapore.

I have this new found method but it requires more effort and initiative, go to an area where you like to work and look up those directory of the companies in that building. It's often not difficult to find them, but getting the insider information if they are hiring is more tricky. Then you might need to look up their website, find connections (people you know or via LinkedIn or go to some upcoming events) or even initiate an email to the Human Resource department or the boss (this might not work most of the time, but you never know when you might get lucky!).

I am trying everything out at the moment... Haha. So you see job search can be really tedious and boring or it can be fun.

What the...

What the heck? I just spent the last 2-3 hours figuring out why my blog redirected to some random site up for sale (wtf is http://www.twit.org), and it got resolved miraculously! Are you playing a trick on me, blogger/google? I was almost going to write a feedback to blogger when I tested it again and now it works just fine! I even followed some tech guy's tutorial on resolving "Google redirecting virus", tried to look into others' cases, removed a widget or two to test it out, looked through the whole HTML code in the template coding and almost deleted some essential files from my Windows/System32. Man, what a joke you're trying on me tonight ;) But anyway thanks for fixing itself!

p.s: By the way, this annoying thing only happens on firefox (works fine in Chrome or IE). I even found out there was this firefox's blogger hack issue going around.

Update: It is happening again now I just published this post. What's going on?!???

First post in 2014

Happy New Year!

No new year resolution this year. But there is always a rule I live by and it will still not change.

My rule: Live outta your comfort zone.

So... go on. Make new friends, make some enemies. Travel to a new place, or revisit one and see something new. Travel alone or travel with someone new. If you have always been saying "yes", learn to say "no" and vice versa. Embrace change. Lend a helping hand to someone. Start a new hobby or pick up an old one you haven't had time for. Love yourself. Dump the assh*le if you're seeing one. Be happy but accept sadness as part of life, find strength for renewal. Spend more time with people whom you have been taking for granted (i.e. family). Don't forget your old friends, say Hello sometimes. Write a card. Start a journal or even something like #100happydays on Instagram. Don't follow the trends, start one. Do something you love instead for monetary gain (if we can!).