Life's a handful

Life always has her pinky finger twirling us round and round. Sometimes when she likes you, she gives you a thumb. And when she doesn't, she makes sure f*** you upside-down with her middle finger. The rest of the time, we just try navigating our lives with index finger pointing for us. And the luckier ones just get a big diamond crown on their heads, yea, you ring finger b...., the rest of us, green with envy!

Hanoi: Hostelling

Gray and gloomy, the trees swaying... I sat on my bed on the upper bunk, lazy to move an inch.

I would be checking out today to leave for Sapa that night. The weather wasn't the least encouraging for me to head out, so I took my time for breakfast, packed and talked to a Peru lady, Ruth from my female dorm. She has been on the road for months and she has no destination. Suddenly travelling solo seems like the least courageous thing compared to a lot of the people I met out there. They do it for weeks, for months, on a backpack. They don't plan, they have no itinerary, they come and leave when they like. Isn't that brave? I spoke to various people on this trip, but Ruth makes an impression.

The day before, Max, the Dutch-German guy I canoed with told me the name of the hostel he was staying. He was leaving that day, but I decided to check it out. This place (Hanoi Hostel) was great, more personable, has its own character, interesting people but the only thing that bothers me, the bathroom. So I walked right into the Old Quarter, checked out a few places with terrible customer service before I found it, May De Ville Backpackers Hostel. It was tucked in a cosy little corner. It looked posh, too nice for a backpacker hostel. For almost the same price as the previous two places, they included buffet breakfast, movie and billard room and more importantly a better bathroom. I felt like I had hit the nail on the spot, that was so going to be the place for the last two nights.

The Old Quarter area is really nice, there are always places to eat and drink, even late at night. I really like Ta Hien street too, there I found the stamp shop where I could custom make some wooden stamps. I made my orders to be collected when I return. It was about lunch time and I headed to this place named Cha Ca La Vong recommended by the Singaporean family, the prices gave me a shock - 190,000 VND for a meal. That is ridiculous, I felt conned again. I walked out and then settled for a 30,000 VND chicken pho on the street. "This is what I am in Vietnam for!", I thought. Then I went to the bakery next door, bought some cakes for my train journey tonight.

It was about 1pm, I was on my way to the Women's Museum when I bumped into Shaun (the sheep). I knew I had to get him because the last time I didn't, I had been thinking of it eversince. With Shaun, I entered Fanny, a fanciful ice cream parlour and bought myself a treat. The Women's Museum is an inspiring place that brought many insights about the lives and cultures of Vietnamese, especially the women. If you didn't know:

• They practise polygamy in their earlier days
• Men stayed at the wife's after first wedding ceremony
• Women as young as 17 fought the war some 30-40 years ago

Women's Museum

After almost 2 hours in the museum, it was time to head back to the hostel to get some rest. The constant honkings on the road drove me nuts, crossing the roads was always a challenge. Along the way, I decided to drop by St Joseph for a little sightseeing. Intrigued by the locals all sitting down on the stools drinking lemon tea and having finger food right besides the cathedral, I joined them.

Back in the hostel, I chilled at the rooftop where we had breakfast. Then it was about 6 when many others joined me, it was time for free beer. An hour of free beer. But the staff seemed to have forgotten, the rest of us made conversations while the boy went to seek for help. It was here I met a Belgian couple living in Singapore, two canadians, beat the Australian in the "Four in a line" game and outwitted the Irish that Asians are not stupid. Interesting evening. Bus was really late. I almost thought I was left out. Apparently I was the last few to be picked up, and I had no train ticket. I probably need to worry less as things always worked out at the end :)

Halong Bay: In a junk

Of course, the following morning, I couldn't wait to get out of the first hostel. I am so glad I did not pay or book in advance for the rest of the trip. This way, I have the freedom to choose and leave if the place didn't live up to its name. I checked into Hanoi Hostel at Hang Ma, it was good to meet Mike, the owner, whom got me my Sapa tour. His staff has arranged for me the night before, with a short call to Mike, he managed to get it sorted for me; they are all young and genuine people, none of them tried to sell me anything.

I was picked up at the first hostel for the Halong Bay tour. A very pretty boy guide named Duc went around to fetch everyone. He, like the "con man" was very good with words, he sure could sell. Both of them didn't give me any good vibes. Anyway he entertained us with lots of stories during the 3 hours journey there; it was a good mix of crowd we had - Japanese-American, Dutch-German, Iranians, English, Singaporean, Vietnamese and French.

We arrived past 1pm and soon after we got onto our junk named Halong 10. We were joined by another 20+ people, I was told the junk could hold over 48 people. It was white, with a proud Vietnam Flag flying on the deck. Lunch was soon served while we set off further into the bay. I sat with the Singaporean family whom invited me, and a Vietnamese uncle.

Halong Bay

At our first stop, we got down on a floating platform, we could either go for a floating boat ride or kayaking. There was only 3 of us kayaking, as the Japanese-American dude set off alone, the Dutch-German bloke offered to share one with me. I haven't done it for years, so it needed a bit of warming up ;) But at the end, we had fun and of course I took a lot of nice photos for him. After that, we went back up on the junk and continued to the second destinatinon, Động Thiên Cung Cave. It was a  long climb up to the entrance, the interior of the cave was lit up with various colours, and streaming with tourists. I wouldn't say I wasn't impressed but with the number of tourists in it and the fake lighting, it wasn't as pleasant as I would imagine. I wish there was less people and we could have the time and space to really appreciate it :)

Động Thiên Cung Cave

Back on the boat, there were souvenirs on every table for you to buy, then we headed back to the harbour. No sea sick! Phew! It was another 3 hours journey on the bus.

I finally got back past 8pm, very hungry. I went around the corner, found a stall still open, raised my index finger and sat now. Food was served, great, without me speaking a word. It was Bánh cuốn (Quoted from Wiki: Rice flour rolls stuffed with ground pork, prawns, and wood ear mushroom.). After the tummy is filled, I decided to continue my venture to the Dong Xuan weekend market, as it was the only day I would be in Hanoi over the weekend. It was an eye-opener; mostly patronised by the locals, shoes and clothes were really cheap but still things I could find in Singapore. It was a long stretch with a small alley for food, the rest mostly sold stuff, but by 11pm some were already winding up. Then it was time to get some rest!

p.s: Halong Bay is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hanoi: Con man vs Salesman

And so... I am back. Alive and kicking to tell you a few more stories!

After my previous trip to Saigon, Vietnam, my perception of Vietnam has somehow changed. My sister calls it "the country with con men", and it is true in many cases. Travelling in less developed countries like these, one often has to possess more than wit. In this trip, I have encountered friendly and helpful Vietnameses, also the rude and mean ones. For example, while I was eating my takeaway before my flight, I had a packet of tissue next to my lunch. One Vietnamese guy just came forward, took a piece without asking to wipe his glasses. Hey hello, do you think I am blind?? Then in another occasion, my travel mates booked a massage in their room, to their horror, the Vietnamese masseuses were in their room eating their chips and chocolate (without asking!!). Geez, they are SO BLOODY RUDE. I am so turned off by such behaviour.

Anyhow, I shall start telling you my little journey to Hanoi. Jetstar got me there timely and safe, only to have me finding my way to the city centre by a mini van which only departed when packed to the brim! I can't complain for a USD2 fare compared to USD15 for a taxi. After being dropped off, then I had to find my way to my hostel. The bargaining started right after, fortunately, a kind old man finally agreed to my price and so I hopped on for my first motorbike ride in Hanoi. He dropped me off but at the wrong street, I managed to find my way, greeted by an extremely friendly guy in Little Hanoi Hostel. Despite that I didn't feel at ease with his friendliness, I enquired with him the tours I wanted to go on. He gave me the quotes which were what I would get at a Sinh Cafe travel agency or even more, not attractive to be exact. After so much negotation, he only gave a USD2 discount for 2 tour packages, with no guarantee of a 4 sleeping berth ticket on return. He also seemed to change his mind about the price every minute, not getting lower but getting higher! I got on WiFi and asked a friend who had done it recently and realised he might be just another con man in disguise. A very good salesman can be a con man, and a con man is certainly a very good salesman - no doubt about that. There goes those good reviews about the hostel, they are going to get a special one from me.

After settling down in a triple room with two other girls, the dormitory which would a much better room was full, I ventured out to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword). Along the way, I came across the Water Puppet Theatre which was human congested. As it was only 60,000 VND (under S$4) for a ticket, I just went along and queued. Then a Vietnamese tour guide who was bringing a Malaysian couple around started chatting to me. The 50 minutes show ended near 730pm, with me starving. I sat on the cyclo for the first time after another successful bargain, and dined at a restaurant named Highway 4 recommended by that "con man" but wasn't impressed.

Just as things were a bit rough on the first day, I received a piece of bad news from home about the old man being sick. Things would get better, I believed. I began a frantic search on the other hostel I shortlisted, lady luck was on my side, it was only 5 minutes away. So at 1030pm, I put on my jacket, walked over and decided to go with the other place where they quoted me almost 30% less for the Sapa tour, with better train tickets (which turned out to be overbooked but glad it all worked out). I returned, wanting to check out but they refused as I was supposed to go with their Halong Bay tour and I had the bed for the day. So I reluctantly agreed to check out first thing tomorrow and would go on the Halong Bay tour as promised. For sure, things got better. I never met that "con man" again as the reception was manned by another guy whom was definitely much more genuine, I almost felt guilty for leaving.

A typical street in Hanoi

Some people ought to eat their own poop

And so... tomorrow, Hanoi, here I come! Work-free, stress-free!!!

Work has been so hectic that I have been getting headache. It has become increasingly difficult to work with people who like to shove unwanted shit in my direction. I think it has come to a point my efficiency is being taken for granted while some people like to take their own sweet time doing the easiest things and then pushed the tedious ones to others, i.e. me. I really do not mind giving a hand but when I am overwhelmed, their help comes far in between and reluctant. Is it just the culture there?  

Too laid back = Tai chi???

I almost had enough that I could throw the letter right in their face. Sometimes I feel people are always stretching my limit, they really do want to see what I am capable of, isn't it!

I believe they are picking up their own shit back right now. HA!

Loving it dark

Orly Androgynie

Zoya Gem

Hello koala

Fly to Australia for CHEAP! Another budget airline launched in Singapore, I might try it someday, just no more budget for Australia this year!! Welcome Scoot.

S$88 was a real steal. Unfortunately they are sold out, but now they are doing S$321 one way on business class.

So guess whose Scoot's mama is? Singapore Airlines!

Wheat Baumkuchen Pastry & Noodle Bar

I patronised this place twice, Wheat Baumkuchen Pastry & Noodle Bar, and will highly recommend it :) It's way too crowded at lunch but I'm sure they will need to expand soon, business is surely good. Besides doing noodle (in the form of salad), they also sell Baumkuchen, more information on Baumkuchen is here.

Its german name surely got my attention! So I began to do a little googling on it. So it originated from Germany, from what I read from their site. Wikipedia also has some information. Here's some excerpts I quoted from Wikipedia.

"Baumkuchen is a kind of layered cake. It is a traditional dessert in many countries throughout Europe and is also a popular snack and dessert in Japan. The characteristic rings that appear when sliced resemble tree rings, and give the cake its German name, Baumkuchen, which literally translates to "tree cake" or "log cake".

Baumkuchen is one of the most popular pastries in Japan, where it is called baumukūhen (バウムクーヘン?), or often erroneously, bāmukūhen (バームクーヘン?)[citation needed]. It is a popular return present in Japan for wedding guests because of its ring shape."

It resembles a lot like our Kueh Lapis in Singapore. Look here if you want a picture, actually that blog even gives you the recipe! Or get them from Bengawan Solo, they invented the prune version, see picture here. Kueh Lapis, like Baumkuchen has a complication background, they originated from somewhere and then got improvised and adapted in different places. Quoted this from the blog, "The cake which evolved from the Dutch Butter cake in Indonesia during the Dutch colonisation days."

You know what, I want to buy it as a birthday cake next time, perhaps for my mummy as she can't take the normal cakes which are too sweet.

I bought the Matcha (green tea flavour) one the day I went for lunch, it's mildly flavoured, not the bitter green tea I imagine. I could still taste the original Baumkuchen taste (I imagined!), and it's a lot like our Kueh Lapis!! It costs S$2.50 for one, and S$4.20 for a decorated one which resembles a mini cake! Of course, they also have the big version which will work as a birthday cake.

Anyway, I actually went to this place for the noodles. They have this interesting method of making noodle as salad, yes it's cold but its invigorated by the seasoning sauce they added to it. I tried the Lava set which comes with warm curry, also the Reindeer set with grey soba noodles. Both I totally enjoyed, very refreshing taste, very appetising, and very fulfilling. If your stomach can hold more, try the Ice Cube, which is a tender tofu sliced very neatly. The sets are currently S$7.80 with a drink, and I hope the prices will stay the same for as long as it can :)))

p.s: I'm not sure where it originated from, but with Baumkuchen, I would label it under german and japanese.

Stick on

My nail foil experiment.All my friends love it. It's pretty easy to apply, less time needed than the normal painting. The owner of the shop where I got it from advised me to file the edges off, but for the side and top it was incredibly hard to do so. Also I watched a tutorial online before I started on it. It works better if you have something to brush it gently to get it all flattened, in this case I used a cotton bud. But still I got a little crease and bubble on some. They didn't last long too, I got the tips already scrapped off the following day. It's fun, but not lasting and looks pretty fake still. I still love painting because it's more theraupetic!

Hola March

Spring is nearly here! Singapore is still going crazy with the weather, rainy and drizzling.

Less than a month to Hanoi, nothing booked except flight. 2 months to Los Angeles, nothing booked.

Good luck to myself ;)

Damnit, I'm hating the planning now, I just want to go... and whack it. But not very possible for USA trip. My life is getting more exciting with the age! :D