2018年最長的旅程，是十二月的韓國。終於去了。說也奇怪，好像許多人說影像中我常去韓國，所以都是說我‘又’要去韓國了。不過，實際情況就是，這是我第二次到韓國而已。畢竟台灣比較像我 ‘家鄉’。呵呵
一共去了17天，還蠻驚人的吧。因為我們三個人從來沒有一起出國，是第一次，就是這麼長的一次。還好我們還是朋友。哈哈！不過說真的，幸好有她們兩位，讓我不需要做什麼功課，也因此沒有對時間分配做任何的考慮。也就是說，I'm the freeloader for this trip! 還好她們沒有嫌棄我。呵呵。就這樣，在首爾晃了6天，到釜山5天，再到濟州島5天，再回去首爾1晚，然後我自己搭了飛機回來。
在首爾的日子，好像沒做什麼。有些想去的地方/想做的事好像也沒做。但也真的是以休閒的度假為日了。而且，有了遺憾以後才可能會再去。哈哈。可能就首爾吧，上次去韓國（12年前的2006年）好像對首爾也沒有什麼印象了，除了去了首爾塔，然後天氣不太好什麼都沒有看到。哈哈！
這次真的比較多都是吃到很好吃的東西，想念了啊！
細說這次的旅程是不太可能了，就說一說一些記憶點吧。撇開最讓人記得的許小姐需要到醫院一事，然後必須裹腳，可還是堅持後面的她們自己留下的十多天，還是有很多事能說的。
1. 在首爾第二天早上起來第一眼看到的是窗外的雪! 開心! 下的雪有點大, 我們等到了中午才出了門. 但其實出去的時間不太長. 去了宗廟 (Jongmyo)，由於沒有別的華族旅客，所以我們有專屬的導遊帶我們走完當時沒什麼人的宗廟。
2. 去採草莓。哈哈哈！許小姐完全不吃草莓，但不介意跟我們一起體驗，當天也下了雪，有些冷，但採草莓的地方很美。還有隻shiba inu，沒有什麼其他人所以蠻享受的。做了草莓麻薯，很好吃但是真的很醜。哈哈哈 結果我們帶回住家過了一兩天沒吃就硬掉了。:/
3. 逛了好些超夯的地方 - 我們住在弘大附近，自然有好些天都在那裡活動到。Sinsa-dong (Garosugil Street), Common Ground, 明洞 (myeong-dong), Seoul Station, 等等。
4. 去感受一下 Runningman 的感覺。我真的太爛了。沒有達標... 只拿到一個小小的禮物沒有證書。 哈哈！不過蠻好玩，蠻刺激的。
5. 唱K! (노래방) 新的體驗很好玩。完全是你要怎樣就怎樣。真的非常有限的唱這一些比較熟悉的歌，也有一些中文的啦。系統還可以改變歌曲的真個風格，有一些真的蠻好笑的。是因為打發時間臨時找的活動，還是好玩。
6. 雖然覺得在首爾好像沒做些什麼，但釜山和濟州島都是滿滿的行程。Gamcheon Cultural Village (감천 문화 마을) 是一定要去的啦，我們在那裡的時候天有些陰，有些顏色不太好看，如果天氣再好一點就好了。Haedong Yunggung Temple, 在沿海的一座廟 - 海東龍宮廟。很大的一個地方，只是除了那個就沒別的了。在 Haeundae Beach 看日落。Busan Oryukdo Skywalk 也很漂亮，從岩邊伸展出去的透明走道 - 想起了RM在那裡受懲罰的三位臭手。真的沒有那麼可怕。
7. 在Busan的其中一天租了車出去另外一個地方，要開4小時的車才會到。安排和Oryukdo同一天，因為開車比較方便。途中看到什麼就吃一吃。哈哈。去的是Pohang 的Hand of Harmony, Homigot Sunrise Square (호미곶 해맞이광장)。日出時會陽光會打在從海裡伸出來的手掌，就像用手捧著太陽一樣。但我們到的時候太陽是快要下山的了。所以另一面的陸地上也有一個相似的手掌。
8. 在濟州島的過聖誕。去了市場買了非常多食物回房裡吃。真的是聖誕大餐！結果就是吃不完。哈哈哈！
9. 去了好幾個景點。Jeongbang Waterfall 超美的，還映出了彩虹🌈。在Songaksan等日落，非常非常的冷，因為在海邊的關係。而且風很大。不知道我們哪來的勇氣和堅持，在完全沒有任何遮蓋的情況下在那裡等了至少一小時。冷死了我們三個人。下山的時候我們都非買熱飲不可。Seongsan Ilchulbong 也蠻美的，然後有海女示範她們潛水捕魚的程序。佩服她們，都是年紀不輕但是很健康的阿姨們。
10. Jusangjeolli Cliff... 是我們那一天唯一的行程... 因為有人出事了。嚇死人。還好那個地方不大，需要帶走的路不多。
11. 不知道我哪來的自信和勇氣，和鄭小姐一起去爬 Hallasan. 只能說，沒有鍛鍊真的不行啊。想要攻山頂也不是我能力能負荷的事。不過我真的盡力了。並且肌肉繼續疼了好幾天。幸好或是不幸，到了攻頂前的最後休息站時，上山頂的路已經封了，不讓人再上了。雖然還沒到截止的時間。緣分吧。哈哈哈，還有，在下山的時候滑倒了兩次，早知道就不逞強，穿上釘鞋。還好有蠻厚又長的外套，畢竟連這樣尾椎都疼了好幾天。累死寶寶。
12. 最後在很早的時候自己搭了一小時又多一點點的地鐵到機場。拉著一路上沒什麼變重但是最後一晚在COEX狂賣的食物而變重的行李... 地鐵的位子因為導熱越坐越熱。哈哈哈！畢竟坐了那麼遠的車程。結果有些遲了，幸運的被放到比較好的位子（因為一個人的關係）。要過海關的人真的很多，導致我真的有些不夠時間。還硬要到星巴克買個杯，並把固本用掉，領了一杯聖誕飲料，有點連走帶跑的步伐到登機口。呃.... 沒有人了。哈哈哈在關鍵時刻上了飛機 😅空少是帥的，而且聲音是好聽的，只是...他應該... 呵呵你明白的。
剩下的記憶都是食物了。好到我現在還想念著。
1. 弘大那條街的Hotteok應該是我最想念的。真的好好吃。
2. 也是弘大那裡 - 一家雪濃湯... 冬天吃這個真的有溫暖的感覺。而且他們家的kimchi真的好。
3. 去了幾個海鮮市場，東西不便宜，但都很新鮮，吃了生的(?)小章魚，花蟹，還有花蟹膏煮的飯真的超級棒。還有那些生魚片... 想念啊...
4. 人參雞湯。怎麼會這麼好？哈哈，已經無法形容了
5. 怎麼可能少了韓國燒烤呢！去了Jongkook和Haha的店，還有幾家別的，怎麼都好吃。當然，其中一家是我們在Hallasan之後去的一家。真的不是因為我們爬山累了才覺得好吃的。哈哈！
6. 韓國炸雞。也是最棒的。尤其BBQ Chicken的。（是，賣的是炸雞沒錯）雖然多數的時候都是叫的外賣，但真的還是很好吃！
7. 炸醬麵，終於有感覺runningman吃炸醬麵的感覺 🤣
8. 鮑魚粥。真的很好吃。這個好像是在濟州島第一家酒店附近，老奶奶用了蠻久的時間準備，但是真心好吃。真的吃到一滴不剩。
9. 咖啡... 和各種糕點。最想念的咖啡是在釜山的FM COFFEE。本以為關了，結果google還是有用的。走了一些路終究有找到。也是唯一我們想盡辦法寧願繞路再回去買來喝的咖啡。
這樣說來，韓國好像還有蠻多值得我留戀的地方。哈哈哈
不過，跟其它地方一樣，暫時不會再去。雖然我自己認為留了遺憾，但也留了很多回憶。
Showing posts with label Travel travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel travel. Show all posts
Friday, March 01, 2019
Thursday, February 28, 2019
2018旅 · 二 · 游
在2019年的第一趟旅行前，先把2018年的弄掉吧。
2018年的第二趟旅行，跟家人一起在高雄、台南和台北过了7天。我真的觉得，每一次和家人一起出去，真的又会学到些什么。
原本觉得自由行能让大家有比较多空间安排行程，不会那么累，可以依照自己的时间和空间安排，没有拘束。结果，好像不是我们想象的那样。也是我们做子女的不够细心，父母又是非常的迁就。第一天到的时候就让大家累的。
因為不知道高雄車站那裡在施工，有些路沒了，酒店當然也沒有說明，結果近在眼前的酒店得走天橋才可以到達。有行李啊! 幸好有位好心人有幫忙行李提上橋。真的感激! 所以到達飯店check-in的時候，我已經快瘋了。還是先沖個涼才可以出門。聰明了，先問好櫃檯怎麼到車站比較好，原來有別的路能走，月台上的天橋也在這段時間讓人過橋到對面。在附近找了一家餃子館，好好吃，價錢也公道。
到駁二去，拍照，在禮品書店逛了一陣子，吃甜品（天氣太熱了），在商場裡逛了逛，在食閣吃了有些偏貴的關東煮。哈哈。然後到美麗島站看看燈，然後到了六合夜市吃吃走走。耶！
第二天，把行李寄放在車站，吃好早餐後也差不多了。然後又到美麗島看燈. 特別時段有燈光秀... 但結論就是... 看原本的燈就可以了，不必等到特定的燈光秀... 或者，業者可以試著把燈光秀弄得更好，更有看頭。搭了火車到台南。印象中的第一次！哈哈, 一切順利! 台南住宿的飯店真的很不錯. 離台南車站很近，而且旁邊就是公車站. 當然, 天氣還是很熱! 先到孔廟去, 算是台南的名勝之一. 先在路口看到台南膨餅, 買了幾個試看看. 跟想像中得不太一樣, 但還是蠻好吃的.
之後就到了附近的莉莉水果店吃冰. 超爽的! 然後去了林百貨，還逛了蠻久的。雖然是個80多年的公司了，但裡面除了賣一些比較傳統的美食、茶葉外，還有很多他們本地設計師的物品。然後到了蝸牛巷，走一走，拍一拍照。具體很多細節不太記得了啦！😅😅😅不過，晚上是到了大東夜市。還好朋友早說了台南的夜市不同的營業日，所以那天是非到大東不可的。人很多餒！具體都吃了些什麼其實有點忘了哈哈，但是！有吃到很脆很好吃的蔥油餅！
第三天，走走玩玩安平區。安平樹屋、安平古堡、博物館還有億載金城。門票一起買是有優惠的，加上赤崁樓。吃了飯店的西式早餐就出門了。天氣實在蠻熱的。全程拿著雨傘遮陽 哈哈哈。安平樹屋裡面沒什麼東西，但有好些地方都可以拍拍照，還蠻有感覺的。安平古堡更簡單了。就是有個觀望塔，但是大家有些累，沒人想要爬樓梯，所以我自己上去了。果然是能居高臨下的看一看周圍。吃完飯後在旁邊的一家小店吃面和滷肉飯，和好吃的海鮮卷，然後走安平老街。看到有賣棺材板的攤販就非吃不可。哈哈！走完後剛好到車站搭公車到億載金城、看一看大砲。感覺就像我們的 Fort Canning。接著吃晚餐 - 在舞鶴小炒。
第四天，去了還幾個地方 -- 正興街、赫赫有名的赤崁樓、神農街、國立台灣文學館、巨大扭蛋機和花園夜市。我們記憶裡的赤崁樓是因為以前的遊戲節目 - 少年兵團之你要去哪裡。少年看電視的回憶，所以去一下還是必要的。哈哈。一早在勝利早餐店吃好後去了正興街，可能太早了，街道有些安靜，買了杯奶茶走一走一些已經開門的店家，有幾家店還蠻有特色的。然後就去了赤崁樓，反正已經有票了。之後就在旁邊的小月擔仔麵吃午餐。之後去了神農街感受一些些文藝氣息。😂走累了當然是找個地方喝咖啡吃甜品 - 選了一家非常復古的太古101咖啡。所有的擺設都非常非常復古，後面竟然還有一枚旋轉木馬的木馬，而且在室內真的就拜託了外面的大太陽。之後還有一些時間，所以去了原本沒安排的國立台灣文學館。其實真的蠻不錯的。況且老爸本來就喜歡文學，正好。有一部分也介紹了台灣的原族民文化。晚餐不記得吃什麼了，但後來就去了花園夜市 - 有吃到好吃的牛肉湯！哇哇哇！
第五天，在台南的最後完整的一天。去吃了台南特色早餐 - 阿堂鹹粥。是不錯，二姐喜歡的口味。我只喜歡某一種，另外一個有個我本身不太想接受的味道。呵呵 煎魚肚是好吃的。過後就到了奇美博物館。很有歐洲特色的博物館，真的有讓我不禁想到前一年的法國之旅。白色的建築物，取用羅馬和希臘的古典元素，圓形頂蓋、高圓柱(Columns)，還有館外以希臘神話雕像組成的橋，在走進本館之前就花了一些時間拍照啊，也真的美啊！館裡的展覽也真的很多。走完了出來已經是午餐時間，去吃了溫體牛肉鍋，在一個不怎麼方便也不怎麼起眼的地方，但的確好吃。之後去了十鼓文化村...... 這個就除了有幾個值得拍照的點之外呢，真的可以不用去。哈哈哈 裡面有個文化表演，就...... 如此而已。把園區逛完後，回到市區內，還有一些時間就去了藍曬圖文創園區。又是個文青的地方。可以裝一裝也不錯。呵呵 結果晚餐就在對面的商場裡解決了，回到飯店在周圍的店家買一買東西就差不多了。
第六天，要離開台南，然後以為時間還早，就在飯店附近又走一走，有個早市，還蠻熱鬧的，有得吃有得買。然後我們回到飯店取行李的時候驚然發現記錯了我們高鐵的時間，已經來不及了。結果就還是去了台南車站，得搭火車到高鐵站。對號入座的票無法使用了，只能在普通區搭下一趟車。幸好台南是尾部，所以我們都有位子，不然真的QQ。
終於到了台北！在台北車站吃鬍鬚張滷肉飯豬排飯。然後二姐去剪頭髮，我則帶了其他人到西門町逛，吃雞排。之後跟二姐會合，逛了誠品，到了師大夜市，吃我想念的燈籠滷味。還是一樣好。上次去竟然沒開！
第七天，一早去了依然還是最愛的阜杭豆漿吃早餐。是我排隊最長的一次。暈。真的很長。之後去了四四南村，有週末市場！上次去的時候什麼都沒有。哈哈！然後又去了一次台北101的星巴克。:) 然後去了幾米車站/巴士，以月亮忘記了為主題的巴士。美美噠! 然後去吃了快炒 - 炒豬肝超級好吃! 每一趟真的都會認識到新的東西。
第八天，也是最最最後一天了。一早去了佳德，因為一整個星期他們因為中秋節放假了，第一天開門。雖然有很多產品也來不及做，只有鳳梨酥類的，也好。還有曾拌面! 我們也真的蠻厲害買的。哈哈哈。回到飯店check-out，最後去了永康牛肉麵！和Smoothie King... 真的超級想念永康牛肉麵的。嗚嗚嗚......
多數時候還是好玩的，畢竟和最親的人在一起。對不起的是多數都沒有專車，都是自己搭車，自己走，拿著行李搭火車，其實他們應該有些吃不消的。真的還是要多為他們想一想。所以，又學到了一課。
還想帶著他們嗎？想，但要想好行程，要安排周到。最好可能還是旅行團吧。但是呢... 爸爸現在好像哪裡都不敢去... 那該怎麼辦呢？🤷🏻♀️😔
2019年跟家人哪裡都沒有去。。。
2018年的第二趟旅行，跟家人一起在高雄、台南和台北过了7天。我真的觉得，每一次和家人一起出去，真的又会学到些什么。
原本觉得自由行能让大家有比较多空间安排行程，不会那么累，可以依照自己的时间和空间安排，没有拘束。结果，好像不是我们想象的那样。也是我们做子女的不够细心，父母又是非常的迁就。第一天到的时候就让大家累的。
因為不知道高雄車站那裡在施工，有些路沒了，酒店當然也沒有說明，結果近在眼前的酒店得走天橋才可以到達。有行李啊! 幸好有位好心人有幫忙行李提上橋。真的感激! 所以到達飯店check-in的時候，我已經快瘋了。還是先沖個涼才可以出門。聰明了，先問好櫃檯怎麼到車站比較好，原來有別的路能走，月台上的天橋也在這段時間讓人過橋到對面。在附近找了一家餃子館，好好吃，價錢也公道。
到駁二去，拍照，在禮品書店逛了一陣子，吃甜品（天氣太熱了），在商場裡逛了逛，在食閣吃了有些偏貴的關東煮。哈哈。然後到美麗島站看看燈，然後到了六合夜市吃吃走走。耶！
第二天，把行李寄放在車站，吃好早餐後也差不多了。然後又到美麗島看燈. 特別時段有燈光秀... 但結論就是... 看原本的燈就可以了，不必等到特定的燈光秀... 或者，業者可以試著把燈光秀弄得更好，更有看頭。搭了火車到台南。印象中的第一次！哈哈, 一切順利! 台南住宿的飯店真的很不錯. 離台南車站很近，而且旁邊就是公車站. 當然, 天氣還是很熱! 先到孔廟去, 算是台南的名勝之一. 先在路口看到台南膨餅, 買了幾個試看看. 跟想像中得不太一樣, 但還是蠻好吃的.
之後就到了附近的莉莉水果店吃冰. 超爽的! 然後去了林百貨，還逛了蠻久的。雖然是個80多年的公司了，但裡面除了賣一些比較傳統的美食、茶葉外，還有很多他們本地設計師的物品。然後到了蝸牛巷，走一走，拍一拍照。具體很多細節不太記得了啦！😅😅😅不過，晚上是到了大東夜市。還好朋友早說了台南的夜市不同的營業日，所以那天是非到大東不可的。人很多餒！具體都吃了些什麼其實有點忘了哈哈，但是！有吃到很脆很好吃的蔥油餅！
第三天，走走玩玩安平區。安平樹屋、安平古堡、博物館還有億載金城。門票一起買是有優惠的，加上赤崁樓。吃了飯店的西式早餐就出門了。天氣實在蠻熱的。全程拿著雨傘遮陽 哈哈哈。安平樹屋裡面沒什麼東西，但有好些地方都可以拍拍照，還蠻有感覺的。安平古堡更簡單了。就是有個觀望塔，但是大家有些累，沒人想要爬樓梯，所以我自己上去了。果然是能居高臨下的看一看周圍。吃完飯後在旁邊的一家小店吃面和滷肉飯，和好吃的海鮮卷，然後走安平老街。看到有賣棺材板的攤販就非吃不可。哈哈！走完後剛好到車站搭公車到億載金城、看一看大砲。感覺就像我們的 Fort Canning。接著吃晚餐 - 在舞鶴小炒。
第四天，去了還幾個地方 -- 正興街、赫赫有名的赤崁樓、神農街、國立台灣文學館、巨大扭蛋機和花園夜市。我們記憶裡的赤崁樓是因為以前的遊戲節目 - 少年兵團之你要去哪裡。少年看電視的回憶，所以去一下還是必要的。哈哈。一早在勝利早餐店吃好後去了正興街，可能太早了，街道有些安靜，買了杯奶茶走一走一些已經開門的店家，有幾家店還蠻有特色的。然後就去了赤崁樓，反正已經有票了。之後就在旁邊的小月擔仔麵吃午餐。之後去了神農街感受一些些文藝氣息。😂走累了當然是找個地方喝咖啡吃甜品 - 選了一家非常復古的太古101咖啡。所有的擺設都非常非常復古，後面竟然還有一枚旋轉木馬的木馬，而且在室內真的就拜託了外面的大太陽。之後還有一些時間，所以去了原本沒安排的國立台灣文學館。其實真的蠻不錯的。況且老爸本來就喜歡文學，正好。有一部分也介紹了台灣的原族民文化。晚餐不記得吃什麼了，但後來就去了花園夜市 - 有吃到好吃的牛肉湯！哇哇哇！
第五天，在台南的最後完整的一天。去吃了台南特色早餐 - 阿堂鹹粥。是不錯，二姐喜歡的口味。我只喜歡某一種，另外一個有個我本身不太想接受的味道。呵呵 煎魚肚是好吃的。過後就到了奇美博物館。很有歐洲特色的博物館，真的有讓我不禁想到前一年的法國之旅。白色的建築物，取用羅馬和希臘的古典元素，圓形頂蓋、高圓柱(Columns)，還有館外以希臘神話雕像組成的橋，在走進本館之前就花了一些時間拍照啊，也真的美啊！館裡的展覽也真的很多。走完了出來已經是午餐時間，去吃了溫體牛肉鍋，在一個不怎麼方便也不怎麼起眼的地方，但的確好吃。之後去了十鼓文化村...... 這個就除了有幾個值得拍照的點之外呢，真的可以不用去。哈哈哈 裡面有個文化表演，就...... 如此而已。把園區逛完後，回到市區內，還有一些時間就去了藍曬圖文創園區。又是個文青的地方。可以裝一裝也不錯。呵呵 結果晚餐就在對面的商場裡解決了，回到飯店在周圍的店家買一買東西就差不多了。
第六天，要離開台南，然後以為時間還早，就在飯店附近又走一走，有個早市，還蠻熱鬧的，有得吃有得買。然後我們回到飯店取行李的時候驚然發現記錯了我們高鐵的時間，已經來不及了。結果就還是去了台南車站，得搭火車到高鐵站。對號入座的票無法使用了，只能在普通區搭下一趟車。幸好台南是尾部，所以我們都有位子，不然真的QQ。
終於到了台北！在台北車站吃鬍鬚張滷肉飯豬排飯。然後二姐去剪頭髮，我則帶了其他人到西門町逛，吃雞排。之後跟二姐會合，逛了誠品，到了師大夜市，吃我想念的燈籠滷味。還是一樣好。上次去竟然沒開！
第七天，一早去了依然還是最愛的阜杭豆漿吃早餐。是我排隊最長的一次。暈。真的很長。之後去了四四南村，有週末市場！上次去的時候什麼都沒有。哈哈！然後又去了一次台北101的星巴克。:) 然後去了幾米車站/巴士，以月亮忘記了為主題的巴士。美美噠! 然後去吃了快炒 - 炒豬肝超級好吃! 每一趟真的都會認識到新的東西。
第八天，也是最最最後一天了。一早去了佳德，因為一整個星期他們因為中秋節放假了，第一天開門。雖然有很多產品也來不及做，只有鳳梨酥類的，也好。還有曾拌面! 我們也真的蠻厲害買的。哈哈哈。回到飯店check-out，最後去了永康牛肉麵！和Smoothie King... 真的超級想念永康牛肉麵的。嗚嗚嗚......
多數時候還是好玩的，畢竟和最親的人在一起。對不起的是多數都沒有專車，都是自己搭車，自己走，拿著行李搭火車，其實他們應該有些吃不消的。真的還是要多為他們想一想。所以，又學到了一課。
還想帶著他們嗎？想，但要想好行程，要安排周到。最好可能還是旅行團吧。但是呢... 爸爸現在好像哪裡都不敢去... 那該怎麼辦呢？🤷🏻♀️😔
2019年跟家人哪裡都沒有去。。。
Thursday, January 17, 2019
2018 旅 · 一 · 走
短短的5天很快就過了。對整間事情的不平衡還是有的。哈哈。好像有點小氣。But I don't care, I'm just gonna feel that way. Because people like him won't feel apologetic at all. 反正已經回來了。
很短，但很多歡笑的旅程。Haven't traveled with this bunch for some time, and they are really easy people to travel with, not to mention that we have known each other for 18 years now. Still, if you compare them to other groups of friends I have traveled with, it just feels different. I guess there's really nothing we cannot talk about. (except for maybe not able to tell me about my cake and all) LOL!
Day 1: Singapore - Yangon
(Bogyoke Market, Shwedagon Pagoda)
So it happened on the first day when we got to Novotel Yangon Max Hotel. I total didn't suspect any of this entire thing, as I really thought it was normal to be waiting at the hotel lobby for the room to be 'ready' because we reached quite early. And then we were accompanied by the manager, which I thought was okay also because she's showing hospitality to fellow colleagues. And then.. I was welcomed by an army outside the room, with a cake, and candles, and rose petals in the room, and birthday card, and balloons. LOL! And a handmade guide for Bagan! That was totally effort plus! And so, I was totally surprised. Happy as I was, I also felt awkward after the song and the candle blowout. There was really an awkward silence. Lol! And afterwards I was thinking about the fact that I was wearing my specs rather than contacts. :/
Went for our first meal at Junction Square just 5min walk away, turned out to be pleasantly good too! (And probably the cheapest we had too) It's a local eatery with noodles, and dim sum. I had one of the best wheat noodle with garlic oil. And I kept on saying their iced milk tea tastes like one of those in our coffee shops, albeit a little milky.
Original plan for the day was to travel up to Golden Rock, but it was canceled due to wet weather conditions a few days before the trip and the tour says it's unsafe to travel over. And I suggested we be more chill so the trip is not so packed. So we were left to explore the city (which was supposed to be 2nd and last day's activity). haha.
Went to Bogyoke Market (a.k.a Scotts Market) and Shwedagon Pagoda. Bogyoke Market is like... I don't even know how to say it. Haha! Anyway, stalls were mostly closed by 4.30pm even though the opening hours were till 5.30pm. The hall was completely, if not almost, dark. Almost because there were only 1 or 2 stalls selling jewelry still opened. The lanes outside was quite a scene though, where many uncles and aunties sat at the alley with short tables and stools drinking tea and eating their hightea I supposed. And maybe doing something else I don't know what. I can't even tell where is the stall because they were just sitting along the wall. But it was really really crowded. So I was amazed, but well, we didn't even attempt to join them to soak in the local culture feel because it looks too scary already. haha
So we got to Shwedagon Pagoda before sunset. The start of our pagoda journey (i.e taking off shoes at each of them) The place is really huge and pretty. The floor is totally tiled, so it doesn't feel hot at all, and although a little wet due to the unpredictable rain throughout the day, the rest were fine. The structure was so beautiful I guess I really took a lot of pictures there (though at the end of the day, you will say, these pagodas they look the same) LOL.
And then... we got to the chinatown area for dinner -- grilled/bbq sticks and a little zichar. (which is also the start of our zichar journey) We had ours at Shwe Mingalar Restaurant, recommended by a blog, we were too lazy to look around and we called a grab by inputting the address directly, so we couldn't really choose after stopping right outside their place. Haha! But the entire street is filled with shops and stalls selling these sticks. The meal was rather satisfying. :) And Day 1 was gone, decided to go back to rest even though we fell asleep after lunch before heading to the market, we really had an early flight and I barely slept the night before.
Day 2: Yangon - Bagan
Circular Train, St. Mary's Cathedral, City Hall & Pagoda, Night Bus
Wanted to go out early but it was literally pouring. And it got heavier over time! So we decided to prepare and go out a little later. Thanks to the hotel staff, we didn't have to go all the way to the Yangon Central Station to take the circular train and we heed their advices to not go to the market because it will be muddy due to the weather. They suggested we travel towards the city instead. And so we did. The circular train ride was a little eye opener from the ticket to taking the train. Tickets were 2000kyat (about 20cents SGD) flat rate. The entire (circular) train ride will take about 3hours to complete. We took to the city which was probably quarter circle. Stood throughout as the seats were wet from the rain before. Commuters (or not) were doing all sorts of things in the train. Selling stuff like fruits, vegetables, breakfast, telephone simcard, and monk asking for blessings, 2 women beside us were doing work scraping some coconut, and then proceed to eat her lunch in the train.
Lunch was at Lotteria because we don't know what to look for and after the rain, the weather became really warm and humid so we seek air-conditioned shelter. Haha! But it rained and stopped multiple times that day it was so unpredictable.
Venture out again after some satisfying cheese sticks and chicken at Lotteria and bubble milk tea from Koi! Walked all the way to St. Mary's Cathedral, which was at the end of the entire street. A pity that we can't go in to the church itself; there was practically no one there. Went back to the City Hall area with Sule Pagoda right in the middle of the round about.
And soon it was time for some drinks and tea time - (read: shelter and air-con) again. Walked again.. to Cafe Paradise. Had some pancakes and crepe. It was so good because the crepe actually taste so homely. Hehe. Because of that, I was so full, I didn't have any motivation to buy food for the night bus so I skipped dinner. Got back to hotel to bathe and freshen up because we really needed to, before leaving for the bus terminal.
Check-in for the bus is really easy and fast. We traveled by JJ Express (Joyous Journey), seats were actually very comfortable, until I really feel like going to the toilet. LOL. We stopped twice for toilet, food and drinks (no I didn't have any) and eventually reached the bus terminal at 5am, and was swamped with many many people asking if we needed transport. Oh well, because we didn't arrange for any from the hotel, we got 'chopped' by them lor. But well, we were too tired to think of anything else and that's why we also paid more for the entrance fee with 25000kyats than 10USD each. It was only till lunch that we talked about it. lol
Day 3: Bagan
Checked-in to Bagan View Hotel, it was easy and fast, we got to our room immediately and we just crashed for a (long) while because we were tired. I really concussed quite fast and woke up a little late also. HAHA. Thankful that we got to check-in so early. I guess it was because of all these bus and flight schedules that made the check-in and check-out timings so flexible, and because they are nice.
Anyway... it was a day of Pagodas. We went to so many, we could hardly remember any of their names. HAHA. But.. just let me put down what I remembered (though half of the time I was a little distracted catching pokemons at the pagodas). So there a few kinds of pagodas (similar to what we call a temple), a worship place. So pagodas are temples that you can go in, and stupa are those you can't. It was a pity that all pagodas were closed for safety reasons due to the recent earthquake. And they will only reopen in July. What a timing.
Currently, there are a total of 3,122 pagodas in Bagan and they are built in the 11th and 12th Century. 11th century's pagodas generally only have 1 entrance, and 12th century ones have 4 or more entrances. Also, because it's not quite possible to visit all of them, we went to a few important ones, and see the others from afar. So there's the prettiest, the tallest, the biggest and the best architecture.
And so we met this guide, Khant (read: cant), who was quite good. BUT. He kept on telling us things in a straight face and many times turn out to be his jokes. It was till the point we can't differentiate whether he was lying about going to Russia for the world cup or not. HAHA! The chats were so funny I really khant-not.
The trip was booked via Klook. So apparently we can't book him separately for another day to tour somewhere else he suggested - Mount Popa. So we went back to hotel to ask the concierge for a driver, which is about the price of the Klook one - which we thought was not too bad.
Day 4: Bagan - Yangon
So we booked a half day tour to Mount Popa because we were told it will be enough anyway. Driver was ok, and also tried to explain some places to us, help to take some photos. Didn't exactly know what we were in for at the place actually. HAHAHA! And today we all wore slippers. Only to know that shoes are only allowed for a certain distance. The rest of the time no shoes at all, and we continue to climb steps, whether clean or not, whether outdoor or indoor.
So half a day was gone after up and down, watching monkeys and also avoiding them. There were really hell lots of monkeys on the entire mountain. And the trip ended with us looking at this man trying to retrieve his cap from a monkey from the top of his lorry. 😂
And then back to hotel area for lunch and check out to go the airport. We were soooo early and there was nothing to do. And everything was manual! Wow. Hardcopy handwritten boarding pass, manual labour to bring our check in luggage to the plane, manual custom also. It's also bring-your-kid-to-work day cos the custom officer had a kid at his side drawing on other paper while he tick off our names off the passengers' list.
And yup, it has to be propeller plane. Good thing it was a really short ride. So we are back to Yangon City. Didn't do much cos big sister is also down with some gastric problem.
Dinner at a recommended cafe nearby. Food is not bad, but some of the food are better out in the streets. The ambience of the place was good though, with world cup on the screen (albeit some wordings on the wall). And big sister wasn't feeling well, so we sort of just chill back at hotel at night because there was nothing much to do too. HAHA!
Oh! And we really seen what's call 免(缅)电(甸)... The 3 of us walked out from the restaurant and in a second the street went FULL BLACK. Good experience? Great. But quite scary too, there was no one else on the street except for this person sitting along the sidewalk.
Despite all the discomfort of the sister, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YIH at our own timing! A bit early but we did! And so... eat cake again! HAHAHA
Day 5: Yangon - Singapore
Last day! Googled for noodles and Supermarket around us so that can go and shop. Breakfast at 999 Shan Noodle, not bad leh! But still the first day one really imprinted some memories in us. Then walked to the supermarket, which is actually quite far away. Bought quite a bit. LOL. And managed to try the roadside stalls for tea. Just for the experience lah. Cabbed back and went to eat Sharky - Italian food. It was nice! And then it was time to check out and fly back :(
Review:
Was it fun? Yes, and interesting.
Will I go back to Myanmar? Maybe, but will definitely not go back to bagan, because they have quite a number of cities we can explore.
Was it worth? Yup. I think so. Because it changed my perception of Myanmar a little. (Not as bad as I thought) And thought that maybe we should have planned a longer trip. (But actually I can't because I had to be back :/ )
很短，但很多歡笑的旅程。Haven't traveled with this bunch for some time, and they are really easy people to travel with, not to mention that we have known each other for 18 years now. Still, if you compare them to other groups of friends I have traveled with, it just feels different. I guess there's really nothing we cannot talk about. (except for maybe not able to tell me about my cake and all) LOL!
Day 1: Singapore - Yangon
(Bogyoke Market, Shwedagon Pagoda)
So it happened on the first day when we got to Novotel Yangon Max Hotel. I total didn't suspect any of this entire thing, as I really thought it was normal to be waiting at the hotel lobby for the room to be 'ready' because we reached quite early. And then we were accompanied by the manager, which I thought was okay also because she's showing hospitality to fellow colleagues. And then.. I was welcomed by an army outside the room, with a cake, and candles, and rose petals in the room, and birthday card, and balloons. LOL! And a handmade guide for Bagan! That was totally effort plus! And so, I was totally surprised. Happy as I was, I also felt awkward after the song and the candle blowout. There was really an awkward silence. Lol! And afterwards I was thinking about the fact that I was wearing my specs rather than contacts. :/
Went for our first meal at Junction Square just 5min walk away, turned out to be pleasantly good too! (And probably the cheapest we had too) It's a local eatery with noodles, and dim sum. I had one of the best wheat noodle with garlic oil. And I kept on saying their iced milk tea tastes like one of those in our coffee shops, albeit a little milky.
Original plan for the day was to travel up to Golden Rock, but it was canceled due to wet weather conditions a few days before the trip and the tour says it's unsafe to travel over. And I suggested we be more chill so the trip is not so packed. So we were left to explore the city (which was supposed to be 2nd and last day's activity). haha.
Went to Bogyoke Market (a.k.a Scotts Market) and Shwedagon Pagoda. Bogyoke Market is like... I don't even know how to say it. Haha! Anyway, stalls were mostly closed by 4.30pm even though the opening hours were till 5.30pm. The hall was completely, if not almost, dark. Almost because there were only 1 or 2 stalls selling jewelry still opened. The lanes outside was quite a scene though, where many uncles and aunties sat at the alley with short tables and stools drinking tea and eating their hightea I supposed. And maybe doing something else I don't know what. I can't even tell where is the stall because they were just sitting along the wall. But it was really really crowded. So I was amazed, but well, we didn't even attempt to join them to soak in the local culture feel because it looks too scary already. haha
So we got to Shwedagon Pagoda before sunset. The start of our pagoda journey (i.e taking off shoes at each of them) The place is really huge and pretty. The floor is totally tiled, so it doesn't feel hot at all, and although a little wet due to the unpredictable rain throughout the day, the rest were fine. The structure was so beautiful I guess I really took a lot of pictures there (though at the end of the day, you will say, these pagodas they look the same) LOL.
And then... we got to the chinatown area for dinner -- grilled/bbq sticks and a little zichar. (which is also the start of our zichar journey) We had ours at Shwe Mingalar Restaurant, recommended by a blog, we were too lazy to look around and we called a grab by inputting the address directly, so we couldn't really choose after stopping right outside their place. Haha! But the entire street is filled with shops and stalls selling these sticks. The meal was rather satisfying. :) And Day 1 was gone, decided to go back to rest even though we fell asleep after lunch before heading to the market, we really had an early flight and I barely slept the night before.
Day 2: Yangon - Bagan
Circular Train, St. Mary's Cathedral, City Hall & Pagoda, Night Bus
Wanted to go out early but it was literally pouring. And it got heavier over time! So we decided to prepare and go out a little later. Thanks to the hotel staff, we didn't have to go all the way to the Yangon Central Station to take the circular train and we heed their advices to not go to the market because it will be muddy due to the weather. They suggested we travel towards the city instead. And so we did. The circular train ride was a little eye opener from the ticket to taking the train. Tickets were 2000kyat (about 20cents SGD) flat rate. The entire (circular) train ride will take about 3hours to complete. We took to the city which was probably quarter circle. Stood throughout as the seats were wet from the rain before. Commuters (or not) were doing all sorts of things in the train. Selling stuff like fruits, vegetables, breakfast, telephone simcard, and monk asking for blessings, 2 women beside us were doing work scraping some coconut, and then proceed to eat her lunch in the train.
Lunch was at Lotteria because we don't know what to look for and after the rain, the weather became really warm and humid so we seek air-conditioned shelter. Haha! But it rained and stopped multiple times that day it was so unpredictable.
Venture out again after some satisfying cheese sticks and chicken at Lotteria and bubble milk tea from Koi! Walked all the way to St. Mary's Cathedral, which was at the end of the entire street. A pity that we can't go in to the church itself; there was practically no one there. Went back to the City Hall area with Sule Pagoda right in the middle of the round about.
And soon it was time for some drinks and tea time - (read: shelter and air-con) again. Walked again.. to Cafe Paradise. Had some pancakes and crepe. It was so good because the crepe actually taste so homely. Hehe. Because of that, I was so full, I didn't have any motivation to buy food for the night bus so I skipped dinner. Got back to hotel to bathe and freshen up because we really needed to, before leaving for the bus terminal.
Check-in for the bus is really easy and fast. We traveled by JJ Express (Joyous Journey), seats were actually very comfortable, until I really feel like going to the toilet. LOL. We stopped twice for toilet, food and drinks (no I didn't have any) and eventually reached the bus terminal at 5am, and was swamped with many many people asking if we needed transport. Oh well, because we didn't arrange for any from the hotel, we got 'chopped' by them lor. But well, we were too tired to think of anything else and that's why we also paid more for the entrance fee with 25000kyats than 10USD each. It was only till lunch that we talked about it. lol
Day 3: Bagan
Checked-in to Bagan View Hotel, it was easy and fast, we got to our room immediately and we just crashed for a (long) while because we were tired. I really concussed quite fast and woke up a little late also. HAHA. Thankful that we got to check-in so early. I guess it was because of all these bus and flight schedules that made the check-in and check-out timings so flexible, and because they are nice.
Anyway... it was a day of Pagodas. We went to so many, we could hardly remember any of their names. HAHA. But.. just let me put down what I remembered (though half of the time I was a little distracted catching pokemons at the pagodas). So there a few kinds of pagodas (similar to what we call a temple), a worship place. So pagodas are temples that you can go in, and stupa are those you can't. It was a pity that all pagodas were closed for safety reasons due to the recent earthquake. And they will only reopen in July. What a timing.
Currently, there are a total of 3,122 pagodas in Bagan and they are built in the 11th and 12th Century. 11th century's pagodas generally only have 1 entrance, and 12th century ones have 4 or more entrances. Also, because it's not quite possible to visit all of them, we went to a few important ones, and see the others from afar. So there's the prettiest, the tallest, the biggest and the best architecture.
And so we met this guide, Khant (read: cant), who was quite good. BUT. He kept on telling us things in a straight face and many times turn out to be his jokes. It was till the point we can't differentiate whether he was lying about going to Russia for the world cup or not. HAHA! The chats were so funny I really khant-not.
The trip was booked via Klook. So apparently we can't book him separately for another day to tour somewhere else he suggested - Mount Popa. So we went back to hotel to ask the concierge for a driver, which is about the price of the Klook one - which we thought was not too bad.
Day 4: Bagan - Yangon
So we booked a half day tour to Mount Popa because we were told it will be enough anyway. Driver was ok, and also tried to explain some places to us, help to take some photos. Didn't exactly know what we were in for at the place actually. HAHAHA! And today we all wore slippers. Only to know that shoes are only allowed for a certain distance. The rest of the time no shoes at all, and we continue to climb steps, whether clean or not, whether outdoor or indoor.
So half a day was gone after up and down, watching monkeys and also avoiding them. There were really hell lots of monkeys on the entire mountain. And the trip ended with us looking at this man trying to retrieve his cap from a monkey from the top of his lorry. 😂
And then back to hotel area for lunch and check out to go the airport. We were soooo early and there was nothing to do. And everything was manual! Wow. Hardcopy handwritten boarding pass, manual labour to bring our check in luggage to the plane, manual custom also. It's also bring-your-kid-to-work day cos the custom officer had a kid at his side drawing on other paper while he tick off our names off the passengers' list.
And yup, it has to be propeller plane. Good thing it was a really short ride. So we are back to Yangon City. Didn't do much cos big sister is also down with some gastric problem.
Dinner at a recommended cafe nearby. Food is not bad, but some of the food are better out in the streets. The ambience of the place was good though, with world cup on the screen (albeit some wordings on the wall). And big sister wasn't feeling well, so we sort of just chill back at hotel at night because there was nothing much to do too. HAHA!
Oh! And we really seen what's call 免(缅)电(甸)... The 3 of us walked out from the restaurant and in a second the street went FULL BLACK. Good experience? Great. But quite scary too, there was no one else on the street except for this person sitting along the sidewalk.
Despite all the discomfort of the sister, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YIH at our own timing! A bit early but we did! And so... eat cake again! HAHAHA
Day 5: Yangon - Singapore
Last day! Googled for noodles and Supermarket around us so that can go and shop. Breakfast at 999 Shan Noodle, not bad leh! But still the first day one really imprinted some memories in us. Then walked to the supermarket, which is actually quite far away. Bought quite a bit. LOL. And managed to try the roadside stalls for tea. Just for the experience lah. Cabbed back and went to eat Sharky - Italian food. It was nice! And then it was time to check out and fly back :(
Review:
Was it fun? Yes, and interesting.
Will I go back to Myanmar? Maybe, but will definitely not go back to bagan, because they have quite a number of cities we can explore.
Was it worth? Yup. I think so. Because it changed my perception of Myanmar a little. (Not as bad as I thought) And thought that maybe we should have planned a longer trip. (But actually I can't because I had to be back :/ )
Monday, June 11, 2018
2018 旅 · 一
觉不觉得现在的都市人的生活就是工作、旅游，然后就没有了? 每个旅程完了之后就会想象下一趟的旅程。我也不例外。
去年去了两个我非常向往的旅程，也因此今年感到有些不知所措，不知道要从哪里找起。我甚至直接让网站显示所有能到的机场的价钱，再筛选地方。最后选了缅甸! 我也不知道要去哪里做什么。哈哈
飞机票买了。就看着办吧! 不算是有万全准备就买了机票。除了等一个人确定工作上的事情拖延了几天以外，有点像说走就走的感觉。但是在一个月前先说。哈哈，庆幸朋友也没多说什么，可以去哪里就好得感觉。因为大家都没去过 :) 还蛮期待的。
结果呢，朋友们都比我用功的把行程安排好。真心觉得有这些朋友，我是幸福的。尤其我这种忽冷忽热的个性，朋友不应该有这么多的。哈哈... 多一天的工作日！
度假的心情已经填满我的心了！虽然不知道会做什么，会遇到怎样的人和事，但还是好期待。
去年去了两个我非常向往的旅程，也因此今年感到有些不知所措，不知道要从哪里找起。我甚至直接让网站显示所有能到的机场的价钱，再筛选地方。最后选了缅甸! 我也不知道要去哪里做什么。哈哈
飞机票买了。就看着办吧! 不算是有万全准备就买了机票。除了等一个人确定工作上的事情拖延了几天以外，有点像说走就走的感觉。但是在一个月前先说。哈哈，庆幸朋友也没多说什么，可以去哪里就好得感觉。因为大家都没去过 :) 还蛮期待的。
结果呢，朋友们都比我用功的把行程安排好。真心觉得有这些朋友，我是幸福的。尤其我这种忽冷忽热的个性，朋友不应该有这么多的。哈哈... 多一天的工作日！
度假的心情已经填满我的心了！虽然不知道会做什么，会遇到怎样的人和事，但还是好期待。
Sunday, April 15, 2018
30th Birthday Trip - London Part
Don't really want to share any negative stuff here, especially about this trip, supposedly so dear to me. So I'll just share the happy stuff and the experiences. (Just that... I don't know where to start)
Though I may not say it's a fun trip, it is still a great trip for me. This is my dream, my first time going to the UK and Europe (part of). It was an eye-opener for me, it's kind of like what I expected, but better. I think I love it more than I thought I would. :)
Let's do the London part:
And so Day 1 (9 June, Fri)... we reached there at 7am, got to our airbnb apartment at Peckham Rye area around 9am and well, there was not much time for any jetlag. haha! So we were out and going after settling and resting for a while. Honestly need some resting from the stairs! At the train stations, and the apartment itself. Narrow stairs in the apartment doesn't help. HAHA! The apartment was okay, it was a little dark on the living room side though. And a little far away from the city. Took us some time and much more pounds to travel out. But at the same time, a little closer to some places we had to go, and it was extremely cheap compared to the hotels in town. I guess there's a give and take factor in everything we do. But no, not this apartment the next time round. Haha!
So... we went to the Natural History Museum after a well, not-so-nice McDonald's meal. HAHA! The museum was cool...... despite some of the exhibits looking worn and weathered by human beings. It was so huge we were a little confused if we have finished all the exhibits. And then to Victoria and Albert Museum... Statues are massive. Day 1 was rather short because we were still quite tired. Turns out places around our area really closes very early. Managed to buy some groceries from the supermarket nearby though and that was lucky enough. haha.
Day 2 (10 June, Sat): Went to see the Colonel's preview of the Queen's Birthday parade. Quite cool with horse guards, marching bands, soldiers with hairy top hat. So cute. But the weather was really hot. Sun has no mercy on us the entire morning. Shake Shack burger for lunch, the burger was really good! Everything else is not included. Lol. But fries was nice too.
Walked around the area, take photo outside the Westminster Abbey. The queue was super long, we didn't buy any pass, anyway we didn't really intend to enter so we just took photos outside. =x And walked along the streets to take more photos, saw some parade for USA stuff going on, which gave us a little shock. Walked across Trafalgar Square, where the parade party eventually made their way there. Proceeded to Piccadilly Circus to look at how the ticketing systems for theatres work there. So anyway, Lobster roll for dinner at Burger & Lobster! Omg I must say I really miss the lobster roll!!! And got ourselves some tickets for the following days as well. :D
Day 3 (11 June, Sun):
Old Spitalfields Market in the morning... we were not exactly early actually but it took us some time to get there as well. There were a lot of stalls, quite a huge area outside the actual market to explore. Donuts are irresistible so we each had 1 for breakfast (?) quite a late one haha. Actual target there was the Poppies Fish and Chips. Sister recommended because it's really nice, and yih was really determined to eat some fish and chips. Just that oh gawd the portion was super huge. We should have shared but we didn't. Lol! In the end none of us finished the chips, i think yih didn't even finished the fish. Lol! We had some other random things also lah.
Then back to regent street and oxford street for shopping. Yay! But all shops close at 6pm latest for Sundays. 😅 Bo bian... Chiong ah! Managed to go a few shops, Primark was amazing but it will flooded with people and clothes were really everywhere, so I grabbed just 2 or so, and went to pay while the other 2 waited outside -- it was chaotic. Shoes shopping for the new nmd designs. Apparently it was rather hard to find suitable ones -- either no size or no nice colour. HAHA Managed 1 for friend and the other 2 also bought a pair each.
Day 4 (12 June, Mon):
Harry Potter Studios Day! Dropped at the wrong stop (oops), but managed to still get there in time. Haha! Seeing details in books and movie images in real live is definitely amazing. Houses, creatures, all the items, and scenes like the grand hall, the rooms just makes you want to re-watch the entire series again. Like seriously. And I must say the butter beer is delicious. But everything else was sold at a price on the high side so I think we all didn't buy anything. Actually, it was funny how we scrimped and saved at the start of the trip (i.e. didn't really enter any payable premises and buy a lot of fanciful things), and later just spend without even thinking in the later part. And I also had so much pounds and euros left after the trip. HAHA
After spending half a day there (which is enough to cover everything if you not so hardcore into seeing every detail like a inspector), we went to Wembley Stadium which was along to way back to London city. It wasn't opened and well, the outer rim is so big we didn't bother going around to look for entrance or whatsoever, so we went to shop at the outlet stores beside. Bought a pair of superstar in my shade of blue, an adidas t-shirt, and some superdry t-shirt. Went back to the city by late evening for a show at the Savoy Theatre -- Dreamgirls! First show of the trip. It's one of my favourite musical movie, and this musical haven't toured before, so I wanted to go. My friends were nice to go along with whatever I wanted to watch, and were also ok to be squeezed dry of their time. HAHA. (Because most of the time in London, we had takeaways or cafe or sandwiches to keep the wallet fat and to keep meal time short).
Oh ya, Happy Birthday to myself, but pretty much nothing for this trip due to all the complicated matters. Oh wells... at that moment I really thought to myself that I'm better on my own, or back at home. Like what's the point honestly.
Day 5 (13 June, Tue):
Day-trip with the English Bus Company to Stonehenge and Bath (topped with a secret place). Totally loved it. Impressed with the weather, the sky, the structure and the stones. HAHA! No, we didn't go for any roman bath, but it was fun walking around, the guide was really good. Had some good bread and scones at Bath for lunch too!! We got to Bath first, (after the secret place, but secret, so you have got to find out yourself, I heard there are a few different ones depending on any specific wishes from the group).
And then we got to Stonehenge around 4pm or so, sun was omg strong. HAHA! Took slow walk around the place while trying to listen to the audioguide. And the formation just looked so nice from every single angle. Really love the place. And the sky helped to make the photos look super nice too. Lucky! :)
And back to the city... and it was still bright even though it was late already. lol! Fish and Chips (from a random shop?) or maybe I searched for one around the area on the spot I can't remember already. It was nice!! It was a brilliant to share 1 portion from that previous experience and we all ready wondered how the table nearby is going to finish their food -- each of them ordered a main and they had something to share.
Day 6 (14 June, Wed):
It was going to be a day we will watch 2 shows because they have matinee shows on this day. So we stayed in the city area and did some other tourist thing. hahaha. But first, we had to visit Borough Market. Excited to know that it reopened after the recent attack. We were not even sure if we would be able to visit it before we leave. Not all stalls were opened but good enough, we had some good food, Yay!
Also went to St. Paul's Cathedral, probably one of the only places we paid to enter in London (lol), because it was highly recommended and we had time. It was really beautiful and big, but no photos inside. Now, the audioguide was really useful, there's virtual tour, and explanations equipped with some graphics also. Helped us to understand the structure and all. Eventually we went up to the whispering gallery through the narrow and spiral stairs, it was quite a tough climb actually (many many steps) and we decided to stop there. To go up to the next level is another 300+ steps. And the whispering gallery was already amazing enough. They were so strict they had staff at each of the half around the circle to catch people taking photo. All right.... And whispering really works, staff spoke to kid who was standing on the bench and repeatedly ask his mother if she could hear, but actually it will only be possible if the person is further away so apparently the mum didn't hear it. And staff don't even need to walk around to tell people no climbing and no photos allowed, they just had to speak into the wall. Great design, for great purposes.
After the Borough Market, got ourselves to London Bridge (just to see it), there were still a lot of notes and flowers for the attack previously. But of course, London Bridge was nothing much so we went along to Tower Bridge. Haha! It was lunch hour and it really puzzles me how could I ever eat my lunch in the sun. Walked through the Tower Bridge (without going up because need to pay) and passed by Tower of London as well. HAHA!
And then we were back to the Leicester Square for our show - The Book of Mormon at 2.30pm. Coincidentally, yuhui's brother and friend turned up and sat beside us. Haha! It's quite a good show and it was quite funny, putting some humanity and humour to faith.
We then finally had the time to go to the Theatre Cafe to utilise the voucher they gave us for each of the ticket we bought. So we could each get a drink and a piece of food. (all names are related to musicals of the time)
And then Mamma Mia at night, okay, this show wasn't requested by me so I'm not dominating the entire trip, just in case you think so. It was good! I love the set, the music and everything! :) We were sitting so high up that we could actually see some scene change preparation. Haha extra views for lower price, not too bad actually!
Day 7 (15 June, Thu):
Went to Tate Modern after a good breakfast around the vicinity.
Tate Modern is really big! We didn't expect to spend so much time there. But was happy to see really nice exhibits. And able to recognise some works I've learnt in my studies. HAHA! And we were really tired from walking through the entire place.
Then went to the British Library to take a look too. It was so nice, though no very big and it looks more modern then classic Victorian style shelves. And i guess people were really staring at us somehow I do not know why.
We finally decided that we will have time for some high tea on that day before we catch our show in the evening. So after much choosing, we settled with Bea's of Bloomsbury. The scones were nice! some of the other bakes were a little dry. Overall, still a chillax afternoon after many days of going here and there (but the worse is yet to come hahaha)
And so it was Les Miserables at night! It was soooo good! And interestingly they have standing tickets (limited to 10 people, and of course it was super cheap), so you got to stand for like 3 hours or so, at the highest point of the theatre!
Day 8 (16 June, Fri):
Our last day in London!!! :( Anyhows, we decided to go back to Buckingham for the change of guards but turns out it's really not fantastic because you can hardly see a thing from outside the gates. HAHA! But we went to the St. James Park right beside and was surprised to see quite a crowd and pretty nice sights of ducks, swans and pretty flowers.
And then we left for outlet shopping at the Bicester Village. Please note that train tickets have to be bought separately for this trip. We sort of didn't know and had to pay when the trainmaster came by. But kindly helped us to issue the tickets. Bought a few stuff there! :D Hightea cum Dinner at the farmshop there and it's actually quite nice! By saying this, we really ordered a set of hightea. haha!
And that's all for the London part. We had to drop Oxford because we had no more time already. But the fact is we should have dropped Buckingham on the last day and went to Oxford instead. And probably we could have gone into a few other buildings/museums/palace, looking at the amount of pounds we had left we do have some time to spare. HAHA! Oh wells... regrets bring reasons for subsequent trips. HAHA!
All in all for the London part, good time spent I feel. Not too busy most of the time (we only returned late because of the shows and right, we didn't leave too early everyday if I didn't remember wrongly) But we did for a few days, lah. Haha. Moreover, because we had the entire apartment, we could do some cooking some days, be it breakfast, dinner or supper. The tiring part of the trip was mostly in Europe. Lol!
About the accommodation:
But at the end we were still faced with some problem with the airbnb. To save that kind of money, we had to travel quite far to the city (though the journey is not too long, it's extra spending also and we got to learn about their train system a little through this place haha). And after we left, the owner accused us of leaving uncleared stuff in the fridge and made us pay for her cleaner's extra hours. It was totally weird because we had to pay for 2 hours of extra work which I really thought was unreasonable. And we also encounter lock out for one of the days as the owner set the lock to the wrong date and it took us some calls (international) and time to get the owner's friend to help us solve this. And we thought we were nice to not make her refund us for the mistake. In the end we were backfired. We didn't even make a huge mess and we washed every single thing we used in the house. The only thing we did wrongly was to not note the initial stage and to throw our shopping bags away. I thought of many ways to steer ourselves out, however, friend was also not willing to continue arguing. Oh wells, and btw this airbnb thing I was a little displeased about it as well because it was just suddenly booked by travel mate without further discussion and it was paid immediately. After that travel mate was also not willing to ask for any cancellation when we realised that it is actually quite far away from the city. I booked the rest of the accommodation and I'm sure I made better and safer choices. But to respect the decision, we went ahead with it of course. Only to let the aftermath happen, so if I had made the booking, I wouldn't have let this pass. The listing is not even available on airbnb anymore. So anyway, if you come across a host called Amarlie and the apartment is at Peckham Rye area Bellenden Road, better be careful!
I'll come back with the Brussels and Paris part. (Hopefully) LOL
Though I may not say it's a fun trip, it is still a great trip for me. This is my dream, my first time going to the UK and Europe (part of). It was an eye-opener for me, it's kind of like what I expected, but better. I think I love it more than I thought I would. :)
Let's do the London part:
And so Day 1 (9 June, Fri)... we reached there at 7am, got to our airbnb apartment at Peckham Rye area around 9am and well, there was not much time for any jetlag. haha! So we were out and going after settling and resting for a while. Honestly need some resting from the stairs! At the train stations, and the apartment itself. Narrow stairs in the apartment doesn't help. HAHA! The apartment was okay, it was a little dark on the living room side though. And a little far away from the city. Took us some time and much more pounds to travel out. But at the same time, a little closer to some places we had to go, and it was extremely cheap compared to the hotels in town. I guess there's a give and take factor in everything we do. But no, not this apartment the next time round. Haha!
So... we went to the Natural History Museum after a well, not-so-nice McDonald's meal. HAHA! The museum was cool...... despite some of the exhibits looking worn and weathered by human beings. It was so huge we were a little confused if we have finished all the exhibits. And then to Victoria and Albert Museum... Statues are massive. Day 1 was rather short because we were still quite tired. Turns out places around our area really closes very early. Managed to buy some groceries from the supermarket nearby though and that was lucky enough. haha.
Day 2 (10 June, Sat): Went to see the Colonel's preview of the Queen's Birthday parade. Quite cool with horse guards, marching bands, soldiers with hairy top hat. So cute. But the weather was really hot. Sun has no mercy on us the entire morning. Shake Shack burger for lunch, the burger was really good! Everything else is not included. Lol. But fries was nice too.
Walked around the area, take photo outside the Westminster Abbey. The queue was super long, we didn't buy any pass, anyway we didn't really intend to enter so we just took photos outside. =x And walked along the streets to take more photos, saw some parade for USA stuff going on, which gave us a little shock. Walked across Trafalgar Square, where the parade party eventually made their way there. Proceeded to Piccadilly Circus to look at how the ticketing systems for theatres work there. So anyway, Lobster roll for dinner at Burger & Lobster! Omg I must say I really miss the lobster roll!!! And got ourselves some tickets for the following days as well. :D
Day 3 (11 June, Sun):
Old Spitalfields Market in the morning... we were not exactly early actually but it took us some time to get there as well. There were a lot of stalls, quite a huge area outside the actual market to explore. Donuts are irresistible so we each had 1 for breakfast (?) quite a late one haha. Actual target there was the Poppies Fish and Chips. Sister recommended because it's really nice, and yih was really determined to eat some fish and chips. Just that oh gawd the portion was super huge. We should have shared but we didn't. Lol! In the end none of us finished the chips, i think yih didn't even finished the fish. Lol! We had some other random things also lah.
Then back to regent street and oxford street for shopping. Yay! But all shops close at 6pm latest for Sundays. 😅 Bo bian... Chiong ah! Managed to go a few shops, Primark was amazing but it will flooded with people and clothes were really everywhere, so I grabbed just 2 or so, and went to pay while the other 2 waited outside -- it was chaotic. Shoes shopping for the new nmd designs. Apparently it was rather hard to find suitable ones -- either no size or no nice colour. HAHA Managed 1 for friend and the other 2 also bought a pair each.
Day 4 (12 June, Mon):
Harry Potter Studios Day! Dropped at the wrong stop (oops), but managed to still get there in time. Haha! Seeing details in books and movie images in real live is definitely amazing. Houses, creatures, all the items, and scenes like the grand hall, the rooms just makes you want to re-watch the entire series again. Like seriously. And I must say the butter beer is delicious. But everything else was sold at a price on the high side so I think we all didn't buy anything. Actually, it was funny how we scrimped and saved at the start of the trip (i.e. didn't really enter any payable premises and buy a lot of fanciful things), and later just spend without even thinking in the later part. And I also had so much pounds and euros left after the trip. HAHA
After spending half a day there (which is enough to cover everything if you not so hardcore into seeing every detail like a inspector), we went to Wembley Stadium which was along to way back to London city. It wasn't opened and well, the outer rim is so big we didn't bother going around to look for entrance or whatsoever, so we went to shop at the outlet stores beside. Bought a pair of superstar in my shade of blue, an adidas t-shirt, and some superdry t-shirt. Went back to the city by late evening for a show at the Savoy Theatre -- Dreamgirls! First show of the trip. It's one of my favourite musical movie, and this musical haven't toured before, so I wanted to go. My friends were nice to go along with whatever I wanted to watch, and were also ok to be squeezed dry of their time. HAHA. (Because most of the time in London, we had takeaways or cafe or sandwiches to keep the wallet fat and to keep meal time short).
Oh ya, Happy Birthday to myself, but pretty much nothing for this trip due to all the complicated matters. Oh wells... at that moment I really thought to myself that I'm better on my own, or back at home. Like what's the point honestly.
Day 5 (13 June, Tue):
Day-trip with the English Bus Company to Stonehenge and Bath (topped with a secret place). Totally loved it. Impressed with the weather, the sky, the structure and the stones. HAHA! No, we didn't go for any roman bath, but it was fun walking around, the guide was really good. Had some good bread and scones at Bath for lunch too!! We got to Bath first, (after the secret place, but secret, so you have got to find out yourself, I heard there are a few different ones depending on any specific wishes from the group).
And then we got to Stonehenge around 4pm or so, sun was omg strong. HAHA! Took slow walk around the place while trying to listen to the audioguide. And the formation just looked so nice from every single angle. Really love the place. And the sky helped to make the photos look super nice too. Lucky! :)
And back to the city... and it was still bright even though it was late already. lol! Fish and Chips (from a random shop?) or maybe I searched for one around the area on the spot I can't remember already. It was nice!! It was a brilliant to share 1 portion from that previous experience and we all ready wondered how the table nearby is going to finish their food -- each of them ordered a main and they had something to share.
Day 6 (14 June, Wed):
It was going to be a day we will watch 2 shows because they have matinee shows on this day. So we stayed in the city area and did some other tourist thing. hahaha. But first, we had to visit Borough Market. Excited to know that it reopened after the recent attack. We were not even sure if we would be able to visit it before we leave. Not all stalls were opened but good enough, we had some good food, Yay!
Also went to St. Paul's Cathedral, probably one of the only places we paid to enter in London (lol), because it was highly recommended and we had time. It was really beautiful and big, but no photos inside. Now, the audioguide was really useful, there's virtual tour, and explanations equipped with some graphics also. Helped us to understand the structure and all. Eventually we went up to the whispering gallery through the narrow and spiral stairs, it was quite a tough climb actually (many many steps) and we decided to stop there. To go up to the next level is another 300+ steps. And the whispering gallery was already amazing enough. They were so strict they had staff at each of the half around the circle to catch people taking photo. All right.... And whispering really works, staff spoke to kid who was standing on the bench and repeatedly ask his mother if she could hear, but actually it will only be possible if the person is further away so apparently the mum didn't hear it. And staff don't even need to walk around to tell people no climbing and no photos allowed, they just had to speak into the wall. Great design, for great purposes.
After the Borough Market, got ourselves to London Bridge (just to see it), there were still a lot of notes and flowers for the attack previously. But of course, London Bridge was nothing much so we went along to Tower Bridge. Haha! It was lunch hour and it really puzzles me how could I ever eat my lunch in the sun. Walked through the Tower Bridge (without going up because need to pay) and passed by Tower of London as well. HAHA!
And then we were back to the Leicester Square for our show - The Book of Mormon at 2.30pm. Coincidentally, yuhui's brother and friend turned up and sat beside us. Haha! It's quite a good show and it was quite funny, putting some humanity and humour to faith.
We then finally had the time to go to the Theatre Cafe to utilise the voucher they gave us for each of the ticket we bought. So we could each get a drink and a piece of food. (all names are related to musicals of the time)
And then Mamma Mia at night, okay, this show wasn't requested by me so I'm not dominating the entire trip, just in case you think so. It was good! I love the set, the music and everything! :) We were sitting so high up that we could actually see some scene change preparation. Haha extra views for lower price, not too bad actually!
Day 7 (15 June, Thu):
Went to Tate Modern after a good breakfast around the vicinity.
Tate Modern is really big! We didn't expect to spend so much time there. But was happy to see really nice exhibits. And able to recognise some works I've learnt in my studies. HAHA! And we were really tired from walking through the entire place.
Then went to the British Library to take a look too. It was so nice, though no very big and it looks more modern then classic Victorian style shelves. And i guess people were really staring at us somehow I do not know why.
We finally decided that we will have time for some high tea on that day before we catch our show in the evening. So after much choosing, we settled with Bea's of Bloomsbury. The scones were nice! some of the other bakes were a little dry. Overall, still a chillax afternoon after many days of going here and there (but the worse is yet to come hahaha)
And so it was Les Miserables at night! It was soooo good! And interestingly they have standing tickets (limited to 10 people, and of course it was super cheap), so you got to stand for like 3 hours or so, at the highest point of the theatre!
Day 8 (16 June, Fri):
Our last day in London!!! :( Anyhows, we decided to go back to Buckingham for the change of guards but turns out it's really not fantastic because you can hardly see a thing from outside the gates. HAHA! But we went to the St. James Park right beside and was surprised to see quite a crowd and pretty nice sights of ducks, swans and pretty flowers.
And then we left for outlet shopping at the Bicester Village. Please note that train tickets have to be bought separately for this trip. We sort of didn't know and had to pay when the trainmaster came by. But kindly helped us to issue the tickets. Bought a few stuff there! :D Hightea cum Dinner at the farmshop there and it's actually quite nice! By saying this, we really ordered a set of hightea. haha!
And that's all for the London part. We had to drop Oxford because we had no more time already. But the fact is we should have dropped Buckingham on the last day and went to Oxford instead. And probably we could have gone into a few other buildings/museums/palace, looking at the amount of pounds we had left we do have some time to spare. HAHA! Oh wells... regrets bring reasons for subsequent trips. HAHA!
All in all for the London part, good time spent I feel. Not too busy most of the time (we only returned late because of the shows and right, we didn't leave too early everyday if I didn't remember wrongly) But we did for a few days, lah. Haha. Moreover, because we had the entire apartment, we could do some cooking some days, be it breakfast, dinner or supper. The tiring part of the trip was mostly in Europe. Lol!
About the accommodation:
But at the end we were still faced with some problem with the airbnb. To save that kind of money, we had to travel quite far to the city (though the journey is not too long, it's extra spending also and we got to learn about their train system a little through this place haha). And after we left, the owner accused us of leaving uncleared stuff in the fridge and made us pay for her cleaner's extra hours. It was totally weird because we had to pay for 2 hours of extra work which I really thought was unreasonable. And we also encounter lock out for one of the days as the owner set the lock to the wrong date and it took us some calls (international) and time to get the owner's friend to help us solve this. And we thought we were nice to not make her refund us for the mistake. In the end we were backfired. We didn't even make a huge mess and we washed every single thing we used in the house. The only thing we did wrongly was to not note the initial stage and to throw our shopping bags away. I thought of many ways to steer ourselves out, however, friend was also not willing to continue arguing. Oh wells, and btw this airbnb thing I was a little displeased about it as well because it was just suddenly booked by travel mate without further discussion and it was paid immediately. After that travel mate was also not willing to ask for any cancellation when we realised that it is actually quite far away from the city. I booked the rest of the accommodation and I'm sure I made better and safer choices. But to respect the decision, we went ahead with it of course. Only to let the aftermath happen, so if I had made the booking, I wouldn't have let this pass. The listing is not even available on airbnb anymore. So anyway, if you come across a host called Amarlie and the apartment is at Peckham Rye area Bellenden Road, better be careful!
I'll come back with the Brussels and Paris part. (Hopefully) LOL
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
17 going 18
Read from my fav artist's private blog post about the new year wishes, looking back into the year and looking forward. You know, I never do New Year resolution since the longest time ever because I feel that most of the things you want to do in life, if you really want to do it, you don't have to wait till new year to decide to do it. And sometimes people list it just to make a list, and these are very short-lived. (or maybe I was just lazy to do it, nonetheless, doesn't mean I do not have any goals in life anyway)
So... roughly this is what he meant, I don't want to quote the entire thing because it's against the rules of the fanclub. He mentioned that we reflect the year, cherish and remember times that are good, forgive but not forget the moments that are unpleasant to us (sounds like preaching but yea, his faith I shall respect). So he said that we can come up with these lists: * Best 3 moments of 2017 * Worst 3 moments of 2017 * Top 3 goals for 2018
I will start with the worst. Honestly, I have come to terms that I don't really want to document bad things that happen to me so I also don't really remember. Haha. That's being positive. Things that are unpleasant usually comes from thoughts and might not have really happened.
The only incident that triggered me this year... that I will not forget, was the musician insisted that his instrument be left on stage just because our crew didn't instruct them to keep their instruments after the rehearsal. And his intention was to allow the crew to spoil it. But the entire thing doesn't make sense. I don't really wish to elaborate further because the incident is so prominent that I will remember it without noting it. (but actually I have because I had to write a report for it)
The only other thing would be that I'm still single. HAHA. Which, to this, I must say that every coin has 2 sides. So while it sounds sad... I am also quite blessed to be happily single (at the moment). Because this allowed me to achieve other things which I will go into later.
Maybe there were other unpleasant things that made me unhappy at that moment, but if I have forgotten about it, it couldn't be too bad then. :)
Now for the best 3 moments:
1. Made a step to travel on my own. Somehow it seems like a big deal at the end of it, having many people tell me that I was brave to do that. But hey, I'm not even going anywhere or doing anything dangerous. It was just a relaxing (not really? looking at my itinerary lol) trip to a place I'm confident that I can do on my own and really be on my own most of the time. In fact, I feel a little uneasy meeting people there than be on my own. Because I was so free most of the time, it tied me down a little when being with someone else, not being able to leave as and when I liked. Haha! To speak the truth, anything that has got to do with 'travel' is always the best thing that happened to me. Other than all the time I had to myself for this trip, I met people with plans or unexpectedly, pushing myself and forcing myself to make decisions and to be disciplined is one of an achievement. I even pushed through all the times I was struggling with then archilles tendon problem. This trip was the best decision I have made the entire year. I loved the other 2 trips all the same - going to UK and Europe for the first time and spending time with my family at my favourite malaysia spot, but this has to be my favourite, in my favouritest country. :)
2. Going to live shows and concerts that I've longed to go. Yup, like I always say, music is so much a huge part of my life I can't live without it anywhere. Again, took a step and attended a pop concert alone, but never regretted the decision even I looked stupid smiling to myself more than half the time during the concert. Lol. Also gave myself more space and exploration going to different productions throughout the year, and also seeing some of my favourite artists. The 4 musicals I saw in UK were one of the best I have ever seen... they are shows I would have gone even if the travel companions didn't want to go with me. Haha. I was really glad we spent that kind of time there. Recounting shows: Pop - Yoga Lin, CNBLUE, MusicBank, Weibird Wei Li An, Shilla Duty Free Special Concert (really special because it holds some memories in the heart now). Theatre/Musical - Chicago, Detention Katong, 仲夏夜之梦 from Huayi, ITSY, Mamma Mia, Dreamgirls, The Book of Mormon, Les Miserbles, Forbidden City, Mama White Snake. Orchestra - Gustav Dudamel with SSO, Con Brio IV, and worked through many many fantastic concerts with SCO.
3. I got recognised for the work I have done - the bonus on top of the bonus. Haha. That says it. Thankful for all the chances and trust I have had for the 2.5years into the job. Entrusting me with a project so big 2 months into the job was not what I expected. And I sort of started everything else from scratch before the person before just didn't do it. So I started out clueless and there was a very tight deadline. But of course, also with a lot of help and advice from colleagues/conductors. Glad that I changed some of the things the 2nd time doing it, Just need to make it better every time. There was a lack of space, not so conducive environment, but somehow we did it, with many many praises from the participants and lots of rapport made. I'm only going to make it better. But actually, there's only a change in name, and all the other works remains the same. Haha! Honestly, other than some nitty gritty and decision making, I still very much do things on my own. Haha!
Goals for 2018:
Yup, I do not usually set goals for a new year, as the same for the past many many years because I feel that when you have a resolution, you don't have to wait till the new year to start it. It's just an excuse right? But in this year of work, less errors, more space in terms of timeline for things to happen (i hope), and maintain the grade in work (so I get more bonus lah of course).
Be more open to accept people, be less on my own. It's a little hard but I need to get away from this to move on. Ironically, I'm off on my own a few afternoons this month. Oh wells...
For anything else, refer to 三十岁的目标 2013年改版
(Reading that, I actually achieved some of them, and it's time to update it a little).. I will, the next time I'm here. :)
So... roughly this is what he meant, I don't want to quote the entire thing because it's against the rules of the fanclub. He mentioned that we reflect the year, cherish and remember times that are good, forgive but not forget the moments that are unpleasant to us (sounds like preaching but yea, his faith I shall respect). So he said that we can come up with these lists: * Best 3 moments of 2017 * Worst 3 moments of 2017 * Top 3 goals for 2018
I will start with the worst. Honestly, I have come to terms that I don't really want to document bad things that happen to me so I also don't really remember. Haha. That's being positive. Things that are unpleasant usually comes from thoughts and might not have really happened.
The only incident that triggered me this year... that I will not forget, was the musician insisted that his instrument be left on stage just because our crew didn't instruct them to keep their instruments after the rehearsal. And his intention was to allow the crew to spoil it. But the entire thing doesn't make sense. I don't really wish to elaborate further because the incident is so prominent that I will remember it without noting it. (but actually I have because I had to write a report for it)
The only other thing would be that I'm still single. HAHA. Which, to this, I must say that every coin has 2 sides. So while it sounds sad... I am also quite blessed to be happily single (at the moment). Because this allowed me to achieve other things which I will go into later.
Maybe there were other unpleasant things that made me unhappy at that moment, but if I have forgotten about it, it couldn't be too bad then. :)
Now for the best 3 moments:
1. Made a step to travel on my own. Somehow it seems like a big deal at the end of it, having many people tell me that I was brave to do that. But hey, I'm not even going anywhere or doing anything dangerous. It was just a relaxing (not really? looking at my itinerary lol) trip to a place I'm confident that I can do on my own and really be on my own most of the time. In fact, I feel a little uneasy meeting people there than be on my own. Because I was so free most of the time, it tied me down a little when being with someone else, not being able to leave as and when I liked. Haha! To speak the truth, anything that has got to do with 'travel' is always the best thing that happened to me. Other than all the time I had to myself for this trip, I met people with plans or unexpectedly, pushing myself and forcing myself to make decisions and to be disciplined is one of an achievement. I even pushed through all the times I was struggling with then archilles tendon problem. This trip was the best decision I have made the entire year. I loved the other 2 trips all the same - going to UK and Europe for the first time and spending time with my family at my favourite malaysia spot, but this has to be my favourite, in my favouritest country. :)
2. Going to live shows and concerts that I've longed to go. Yup, like I always say, music is so much a huge part of my life I can't live without it anywhere. Again, took a step and attended a pop concert alone, but never regretted the decision even I looked stupid smiling to myself more than half the time during the concert. Lol. Also gave myself more space and exploration going to different productions throughout the year, and also seeing some of my favourite artists. The 4 musicals I saw in UK were one of the best I have ever seen... they are shows I would have gone even if the travel companions didn't want to go with me. Haha. I was really glad we spent that kind of time there. Recounting shows: Pop - Yoga Lin, CNBLUE, MusicBank, Weibird Wei Li An, Shilla Duty Free Special Concert (really special because it holds some memories in the heart now). Theatre/Musical - Chicago, Detention Katong, 仲夏夜之梦 from Huayi, ITSY, Mamma Mia, Dreamgirls, The Book of Mormon, Les Miserbles, Forbidden City, Mama White Snake. Orchestra - Gustav Dudamel with SSO, Con Brio IV, and worked through many many fantastic concerts with SCO.
3. I got recognised for the work I have done - the bonus on top of the bonus. Haha. That says it. Thankful for all the chances and trust I have had for the 2.5years into the job. Entrusting me with a project so big 2 months into the job was not what I expected. And I sort of started everything else from scratch before the person before just didn't do it. So I started out clueless and there was a very tight deadline. But of course, also with a lot of help and advice from colleagues/conductors. Glad that I changed some of the things the 2nd time doing it, Just need to make it better every time. There was a lack of space, not so conducive environment, but somehow we did it, with many many praises from the participants and lots of rapport made. I'm only going to make it better. But actually, there's only a change in name, and all the other works remains the same. Haha! Honestly, other than some nitty gritty and decision making, I still very much do things on my own. Haha!
Goals for 2018:
Yup, I do not usually set goals for a new year, as the same for the past many many years because I feel that when you have a resolution, you don't have to wait till the new year to start it. It's just an excuse right? But in this year of work, less errors, more space in terms of timeline for things to happen (i hope), and maintain the grade in work (so I get more bonus lah of course).
Be more open to accept people, be less on my own. It's a little hard but I need to get away from this to move on. Ironically, I'm off on my own a few afternoons this month. Oh wells...
For anything else, refer to 三十岁的目标 2013年改版
(Reading that, I actually achieved some of them, and it's time to update it a little).. I will, the next time I'm here. :)
Monday, February 20, 2017
Plans plans.
Finally, a little step towards my old 三十岁的目标 revised. Honestly, I am still very far from most of the goals, and it seems like everything is difficult other that this one: travel to a dream country (USA, UK - England and Europe).
I have always wanted to visit UK, especially London. Somehow I am drawn to that place even though I may not know the most of it. Lol. Probably because many of my favourite musicals come from there. So anyways, I'm going to LONDON and PARIS! :D I am SO EXCITED. (PS: this is also my first time getting out of the whole big Asia, so I'm also a little nervous. HAHA) And glad to be away during my bday again! At least it's confirmed that I will be doing something more than just working or wasting the day away. And that I will have friends with me. HAHA. Previously I had wanted to do a solo trip for this year's bday. It's a dilemma all over again though. :x
We have so far confirmed our flight, our stay in London, our train to Brussels, our stay in Brussels, and a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. More to go but we will get there. :)
And so... the planning goes! London, Brussels and Paris: See you soon!
I have never ever wished the birthday to come so soon hehe.
I have always wanted to visit UK, especially London. Somehow I am drawn to that place even though I may not know the most of it. Lol. Probably because many of my favourite musicals come from there. So anyways, I'm going to LONDON and PARIS! :D I am SO EXCITED. (PS: this is also my first time getting out of the whole big Asia, so I'm also a little nervous. HAHA) And glad to be away during my bday again! At least it's confirmed that I will be doing something more than just working or wasting the day away. And that I will have friends with me. HAHA. Previously I had wanted to do a solo trip for this year's bday. It's a dilemma all over again though. :x
We have so far confirmed our flight, our stay in London, our train to Brussels, our stay in Brussels, and a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. More to go but we will get there. :)
And so... the planning goes! London, Brussels and Paris: See you soon!
I have never ever wished the birthday to come so soon hehe.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Cebu*Bohol 2016
Not to make up numbers... but this has to be one of my most memorable trip till date. To be honest, I was quite skeptical and nervous about the trip because I really do not know what to expect from the trip. And indeed, there were too many surprises to me.
Flight and accommodation booked and I still don't believe that I'm going. Haha. But of course we did.
Took us almost the whole day to get to our first night stay and also the place for the next 4 nights.
Flight to Cebu -> Taxi to Cebu Port (Take the white taxi only - by meter) -> Fast ferry to Tagbilaran Port (about 2h30min) -> Taxi/Tricycle to resort (depends on how people, we had 6 and were offered 600P to get us to the resort in one 9-seater. Somehow we managed to get another cheaper one at 500P).
The owner/staff of the resort was waiting at the door for us, and once I showed him the email, no other questions asked and we were brought to our rooms. Not the most fantastic place but it was cheap and acceptable. Thinking that we spent about 60+ per pax for the 5 nights there, I guess we can't complain too much. Moreover, they were friendly and helped us in our requests in many ways.
Because we were rushing for the ferry, didn't really have a good lunch, all we had were biscuits, water and my brilliant idea to bring a packet of honey butter cashew nuts. haha. Even though we were already super hungry, we walked all the way to have a atas dinner at another resort about 15min away. Saffron Restaurant at Amorita Resort - yup, as the name suggests, the most expensive. HAHA. And that's it for the first day after eating honey ice-cream that tastes a little salty but the koropok-liked cone is really nice!
Flight and accommodation booked and I still don't believe that I'm going. Haha. But of course we did.
Took us almost the whole day to get to our first night stay and also the place for the next 4 nights.
Flight to Cebu -> Taxi to Cebu Port (Take the white taxi only - by meter) -> Fast ferry to Tagbilaran Port (about 2h30min) -> Taxi/Tricycle to resort (depends on how people, we had 6 and were offered 600P to get us to the resort in one 9-seater. Somehow we managed to get another cheaper one at 500P).
The owner/staff of the resort was waiting at the door for us, and once I showed him the email, no other questions asked and we were brought to our rooms. Not the most fantastic place but it was cheap and acceptable. Thinking that we spent about 60+ per pax for the 5 nights there, I guess we can't complain too much. Moreover, they were friendly and helped us in our requests in many ways.
Because we were rushing for the ferry, didn't really have a good lunch, all we had were biscuits, water and my brilliant idea to bring a packet of honey butter cashew nuts. haha. Even though we were already super hungry, we walked all the way to have a atas dinner at another resort about 15min away. Saffron Restaurant at Amorita Resort - yup, as the name suggests, the most expensive. HAHA. And that's it for the first day after eating honey ice-cream that tastes a little salty but the koropok-liked cone is really nice!
Sunday, December 25, 2016
The trip to Ipoh...
My second and rather impromptu trip of the year. But also an unforgettable one in terms of a series of events that lead to this already short getaway. My first ever time I double booked myself, to a trip and to a performance. -_-''' I really facepalmed myself. And... it was shocking because I found out when I was on my way to the rehearsal. And I suddenly remembered why I was more insistent on the other date at the start of the planning. The booking of air ticket was too sudden and rush that I didn't give the date another 2nd thought. And it was too late.
Then came the part on the decision. If I really had to choose 1 only, I had to give up the trip, it's sad but that's what I thought at that moment. But anyway I didn't tell anyone at that point, not laoshi, not any other performers, only the travel buddies, because they should know anyway. Of course, some told me to just say no to the performance, but if I had really done that then I'm no different from other people who just find many excuses to not be involved. But to me, I still love playing, still love music, and there aren't a lot of chances to perform anymore. So I really wanted to perform. I won't blame her for saying that so quickly, and thankful for others who understood. Afterall, I found my own solution and all, I don't really have to answer to anyone right?
Just that it wasn't so easy. The only other flight in to Ipoh goes off before the performance ends, so no hope. No flights early next day as well, not even the same timing they took. Didn't know frequency was that low. So alternatively, I had to take a bus lor, night bus to be specific. Luckily it isn't too much top-up to begin with. And with the car we rented in Ipoh and their willingness to pick me up early in the morning, we are more or less settled, only I had to miss the first day with them. So my getaway was shorten to 2D1N, with the traveling time increasing from 3h (incl. check in all that) to at least 7h.
And then, I don't know what I was expecting, but maybe if I haven't said it then I won't feel the way I felt after that. And so at this point of time, I still didn't tell anyone, until much later, I only told Hongqing I think. Anyway I didn't have the courage to tell laoshi lah all along.
But at the end of the performance, while wanting to let him know that I will come home on my own, I suddenly blurted out that I had to rush for a night bus that day. But, dang!, he said nothing, other than a short laugh. No words of appreciation. I thought about this whole saga about people not coming, that the orchestra is just difficult to sustain and that people are not appreciative of what he has done all these years. Rather than seeing it as a whole group effort, he chose to think that he put in the most. Yes, it could be true and none of us could exactly say that we put in our live to do it, but well, he got paid. right? And if he expects the appreciation to be only one-sided: he expects to be appreciated but doesn't expect himself to be appreciative of others, then this will not work as well, which is exactly what is happening to this orchestra. Praises should come from others, not always from yourself. 你伟大, 也没有那么伟大. 有一点小失望.... If you think that you have done the most and others haven't put in as much as you did, as time goes by, no one will want to work for you.
Yes, it was my own fault, but you could have better handled it, or at least allow me to feel more appreciated. So after all, I have no more guilt towards this thing anymore because there is only so much he care about.
So it's my first time going out on my own, I was a little nervous actually. But things like that only makes people stronger, isn't it? But I really did something stupid, at the sg custom, even I don't believe it. HAHAHA! I alighted the bus with all the others and went into the hall and just followed blindly behind the crowd past the automated machines and joined one of the lines to the counted. For the longest time ever, I was thinking how come the queue is so slow, after like 10min, I saw another group of people coming into the hall and most of them went to the machines, that was when I really took a good look and thought the logo really looks familiar. 😅😅😅 That was when I realised that people around me are all holding msia passport and I should have gone to the automated machines. But it was too late, the queue was too narrow for me to head out again and I'm one person away from the counter. But I felt slightly embarrassed at that moment. LOL! I went to the counter and immediately I apologised, and at the same time he looked at my passport and laughed at me, asking if I knew I could have use the automated machines instead of waiting so long for the queue. (the waiting time was really long) I must have looked really sheepish at the counter, both of us laughing at myself. :x He is quite good looking I must say.
Then I nearly went to the counter that says 'malaysia passport' at the msia custom afterwards, because all the other passengers on my bus were malaysians and I really followed blindly. :x
And so... now to the trip.
A relaxing trip, I want it to be. Thankful for friend who can drive. :) For food, scenery, fun and laughter. Went to the railway station, had to find out how does the parking system works. Did a few very expensive parkings at other places as well. HAHA! Went to 2 intended caves but only really managed one because we also don't know what exactly happened to the other one. And just eat a lot. Lol! Chicken rice, gui lin gao, hor fan, desserts, cafes and all.
I just feel that I didn't do much lor. And dang! we were back. Hahaha.
The only consolation is that I still manage to not waste the return air ticket. HAHA! :)
I just feel that I didn't do much lor. And dang! we were back. Hahaha.
The only consolation is that I still manage to not waste the return air ticket. HAHA! :)
Saturday, October 01, 2016
SydneYing with Family - Aug 2016
The trip had me thinking quite a bit, esp. about the parents. Not sure if we were too adventurous about this trip, that we haven't think a lot in their shoes. Yup, they'd enjoyed during the trip. But maybe we didn't prep them enough information before the trip because, we were all too occupied with other stuff. And it all started with the packing. Oh wells, I have to admit that I didn't handle it the best way I could. I was being authoritative. And I guess also because it is somewhere unfamiliar to them, they were slightly more worried as compared to, say, the HK trip we did years back. It's hard to convince them, isn't it?
小时候都是爸妈带我们出国，东西都是他们为我们准备的。现在长大了，出国有时也由我们决定，但好像不是准备得很好。这次的经验让我知道下次要带父母的时候得要再准备的好一些。虽然我们也没有让旅程太困难，也没有太无所事事。轻轻松松，尽量不让他们需要走太远，毕竟他们通常都跟着旅行团，都不需要走太多的。
But then again, it seems like they have enjoyed the trip. It's quite a mixed feeling ya.
Traveling in large number is not easy, esp. with a few folks. Of course, with my parents being the eldest. They are also game enough for most of the things we planned.
Anyhows, let's recount the trip:
Day 0 - 1: Thankfully the flight was okay. Because we booked separately because of the price, our seats are also split into 2 groups. I was seated with 2 aunts, but it was fun. Fortunately I have interesting aunts. haha
We got there early in the morning, while waiting for our rooms at the Meriton Service Apartment to be ready (we went there at 7am, of course it is still occupied), we got around for breakfast and met very nice servers already. Thankful for the good weather throughout the trip because it has been basically raining for days before we got there.
After the hearty breakfast, we got to Circular Quay to the Rocks market and then to the Whale Watching cruise. It seems to be a little heavy for the folks; even I felt nauseous on the return trip and just had to sleep through it. Nonetheless, it was quite breathtaking to watch the whales. 3 of them! (Book online for a discounted rate). By then we were quite jaded so we got back to the apartment and had some rest before meeting our cousin and cousin-in-law for dinner. Dinner at Bondi Beach Hurricane's Grill OMG I really miss their ribs. :D It was delicious. No wonder for the crowd right. :) And Ben 'n' Jerry's after that. A great first day ended with a visit to the Coles supermarket at the mall right beside our stay. (we actually went there every day hahaha)
Day 2: Started off with Sydney Fish Market. Oh yes, I loved the food there as well. All the fresh seafood, just too awesome. HAHA Had some really good oysters, lobsters, fish, crab leg. Just yummy.
Then went around to the Darling Harbour to look see look see because da-jie's boots fell apart. Went to The Star to just take a look at their casino. Apparently there's some texas poker competition going on. Went to the Sydney Wildlife Park because well, the zoo is too far isn't it? The aunts didn't go in, so well, we stayed but not too long... and I don't remember seeing the huge crocodile. Wonder where it went. Hmm...
Had a rather early dinner at Pancake on the Rocks (the branch at darling harbour), there was no queue. Desserts for the day includes Churros from San Churros at Darling Harbour Mall, Cakes and Macarons from Adriano Zumbo Patisserie and ice-cream. HAHA
The day ended quite early so the folks decided to make our own fruit salad for the night! :D
Day 3: Back to Circular Quay again, visiting somewhere I didn't go to the last time round - Royal Botanical Gardens. And yeap, passing by the Sydney Opera House means taking lotsa photos with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
It was a sunny day and we had some trouble finishing the walk to the MacQuarie Chair, which is at the far end of the garden and suppose to have to best view of the opera house and the bridge. We gave up in the middle of the garden. hahaha. So we decided to proceed to the St. Mary's Cathedral.
Coincidentally we walked into a local food court in the heart of the CBD, of course, with the food prices twice of our food courts. 😅 Had some donburi, thai-style rice and dishes (our mixed veg rice), salad, Udon, Chicken strips. To be honest, they are rather tasty.
And despite the lunch, we went to Queen Victoria Building for high tea after that. Haha. Didn't go to The Tea Room but The Palace Tea Room instead. Well, it's just good to have a nice afternoon tea and cakes and scones in one of the oldest building around. 😁
After that we shopped for while waiting for cousin to knock off so that we can meet and go to his friend's place for a national day gathering. Honestly, we are a little out of place but nonetheless, thankful for the great host.
Day 4: K Mart in the morning, just behind our place actually, while sister and bro-in-law pick up the car from airport. Had a coffee from a what seems like a joint from Toby's Estate - great start to the morning. :) Head to Dim Sum at Marigold when the duo are back with the car. Seems like there are more variety since the last time I went there (I can't rmb) but the food isn't really fantastic. :( Slightly disappointed, but we didn't have chance to visit another dimsum place during the rest of the trip anymore.
And then something touristy - visiting the Paddy's Market, and all we did was get some touristy souvenirs. hahaha
While on the way to get the car, realising that we are near the I-Creamy that sells ice-cream cones with the ice-cream presented as a rose, we just had to go. Because we love ice-cream and we tamjiak and it looks cool and pretty. Turns out it's a company opened by Thai, it really takes someone with skills to make that rose. (Yup, we have seen and witnessed that not all the staff are able to form that rose). So it was worth the wait and definitely instagram worthy. 😍
Then proceed to May Street, recommended by Aunt, turns out the street art is really commendable, judging from the scale of each of them. Not an extremely busy street but still there are cars coming through now and then, how do the artist then even did it? Some are at least 5m tall. Took all the photos we could before the sun goes down anyway.
Dinner was this Japanese joint near the K Mart. So we had rice! haha Grill meat (chicken/pork) and onsen egg! It was delicious I must say. The salmon was good too. It was quite early when we got back but the folks said they were tired already, so the 4 of us secretly went to get Max Brenner for ourselves even though we were also full. And all the other shops have closed. :/
Day 5: Blue Mountain - Revisited places I have been and a few I haven't. We drove so we could take more stops leisurely. It was a long drive though... Staff at the Glenbrook is really helpful, gave us a map and suggested route and what we could look out for through the route. But poor judgement and memory (mine) for the first stop and hence missed a better viewing point for the waterfall, and we guess the folks are not very keen also. Oh wells.
So revisited Echopoint, then time really 3 sisters! 2 sets of 3 sisters, in fact! HAHA The wind was seriously, damn cold. Went to the Scenic World as well. Took what I took the last time - only with an extra trip on the cableway. They upgraded the carriages for the Railway. Looks more atas and safe now. Hahaha. Oh oh, lunch was at the Eats270 cafe with a view. The food was nice though there was a waiting time for the food and there weren't many stalls to choose from.
We don't want to drive too late into the dark and was also afraid that traffic will get heavy on the way back so we left late afternoon (3+pm) and got back to city around 5pm. And went to shop for our dinner at Coles. Bought roast chicken and got some salad and veggies and some wrap (that was a tat too thick to be a wrap in the end) to make our own chicken wrap dinner. We were fed with fruits. A truly healthier dinner. :)
Day 6: Spent half the day at DFO for some shopping, I think everyone got something, at least. Lunch was at the food court. (Yup!) Had some really good sandwich which Aunt shared with me and some nice pasta salad and what not, while the rest had their dose of the thai mixed rice again. Apparently, it costs 12AUD for a plate of rice with 3 dishes, regardless meat or veggies. HAHA That's like almost triple our mixed veg rice here. But it was truly nice also lah.
I had myself a superdry t-shirt, a pair of new balance, 2 tops from Esprit, some gift for a friend's baby, super nice lindt's chocolates (OMG we got about 1kg mixed flavours each, so it was super duper heavy) haha! Actually I didn't go overboard with my shopping right...
Visited the olympic stadium thereafter, which we aren't exactly sure which is the specific site we must go, so we just stopped outside the stadium itself and took photos. It was near DFO anyways.
And to the long-awaited University of Sydney. To do the grass shots. I mean seriously, the grass is just so nice you could sit there all day long. Okay, that applies to all the grass all around Sydney but the university one had a view behind which makes the place looks so nice. So anyway that's at the University Square, which is a highly sought after photo spot by many many other tourists (groups) as well. Jump shot is mandatory, and we even did some funny group photo outside. Lol. Weather and view was so nice you would just want to stay there longer.
It was still early to meet cousin for dinner so we went to San Churros instead. And funny things happened when we drove to town hall and park, just to walk all the way back to where San churros was, and right where we parked. Things that happen when you are new to a place and have no idea where your friend is going to bring you. But food was good! Had my fav salmon, which comes with some starch thing which I can't rmb its name. :x Mum order chicken with quinoa and salad without knowing what it was and didn't really enjoy until sister exchanged food with her. Had a great time at the restaurant korkor recommended.
And we were back to prepare to leave the next day :(
But before that, it means shopping at Coles again for snacks and all to bring back :D Turns out we still bought too much to be consume. I just realised a few snacks already expired. A bit heart pain, but also shows how little of such I eat nowadays. A reminder to myself to give them all away if I buy next time. I'm really not going to eat them.
Day 7 - LAST DAY!: Finally managed to convince everyone and squeezed enough time to get us all to Bondi Beach again, this time for Trio cafe because it was highly recommended. Indeed, the place was full and we were told the waiting time is 1h, which then will not be able to fit into our schedule anymore. But somehow the sister managed to get us all seats while some of us walked down the street to search for other options. We were seated separately but better than nothing! Food was great. And it's my first time seeing Bondi Beach for real and in the day. No chance to do the walks though. Next time if I decide to go again. haha
And then off to the airport we went.
小时候都是爸妈带我们出国，东西都是他们为我们准备的。现在长大了，出国有时也由我们决定，但好像不是准备得很好。这次的经验让我知道下次要带父母的时候得要再准备的好一些。虽然我们也没有让旅程太困难，也没有太无所事事。轻轻松松，尽量不让他们需要走太远，毕竟他们通常都跟着旅行团，都不需要走太多的。
But then again, it seems like they have enjoyed the trip. It's quite a mixed feeling ya.
Traveling in large number is not easy, esp. with a few folks. Of course, with my parents being the eldest. They are also game enough for most of the things we planned.
Anyhows, let's recount the trip:
Day 0 - 1: Thankfully the flight was okay. Because we booked separately because of the price, our seats are also split into 2 groups. I was seated with 2 aunts, but it was fun. Fortunately I have interesting aunts. haha
We got there early in the morning, while waiting for our rooms at the Meriton Service Apartment to be ready (we went there at 7am, of course it is still occupied), we got around for breakfast and met very nice servers already. Thankful for the good weather throughout the trip because it has been basically raining for days before we got there.
After the hearty breakfast, we got to Circular Quay to the Rocks market and then to the Whale Watching cruise. It seems to be a little heavy for the folks; even I felt nauseous on the return trip and just had to sleep through it. Nonetheless, it was quite breathtaking to watch the whales. 3 of them! (Book online for a discounted rate). By then we were quite jaded so we got back to the apartment and had some rest before meeting our cousin and cousin-in-law for dinner. Dinner at Bondi Beach Hurricane's Grill OMG I really miss their ribs. :D It was delicious. No wonder for the crowd right. :) And Ben 'n' Jerry's after that. A great first day ended with a visit to the Coles supermarket at the mall right beside our stay. (we actually went there every day hahaha)
Day 2: Started off with Sydney Fish Market. Oh yes, I loved the food there as well. All the fresh seafood, just too awesome. HAHA Had some really good oysters, lobsters, fish, crab leg. Just yummy.
Then went around to the Darling Harbour to look see look see because da-jie's boots fell apart. Went to The Star to just take a look at their casino. Apparently there's some texas poker competition going on. Went to the Sydney Wildlife Park because well, the zoo is too far isn't it? The aunts didn't go in, so well, we stayed but not too long... and I don't remember seeing the huge crocodile. Wonder where it went. Hmm...
Had a rather early dinner at Pancake on the Rocks (the branch at darling harbour), there was no queue. Desserts for the day includes Churros from San Churros at Darling Harbour Mall, Cakes and Macarons from Adriano Zumbo Patisserie and ice-cream. HAHA
The day ended quite early so the folks decided to make our own fruit salad for the night! :D
Day 3: Back to Circular Quay again, visiting somewhere I didn't go to the last time round - Royal Botanical Gardens. And yeap, passing by the Sydney Opera House means taking lotsa photos with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
It was a sunny day and we had some trouble finishing the walk to the MacQuarie Chair, which is at the far end of the garden and suppose to have to best view of the opera house and the bridge. We gave up in the middle of the garden. hahaha. So we decided to proceed to the St. Mary's Cathedral.
Coincidentally we walked into a local food court in the heart of the CBD, of course, with the food prices twice of our food courts. 😅 Had some donburi, thai-style rice and dishes (our mixed veg rice), salad, Udon, Chicken strips. To be honest, they are rather tasty.
And despite the lunch, we went to Queen Victoria Building for high tea after that. Haha. Didn't go to The Tea Room but The Palace Tea Room instead. Well, it's just good to have a nice afternoon tea and cakes and scones in one of the oldest building around. 😁
After that we shopped for while waiting for cousin to knock off so that we can meet and go to his friend's place for a national day gathering. Honestly, we are a little out of place but nonetheless, thankful for the great host.
Day 4: K Mart in the morning, just behind our place actually, while sister and bro-in-law pick up the car from airport. Had a coffee from a what seems like a joint from Toby's Estate - great start to the morning. :) Head to Dim Sum at Marigold when the duo are back with the car. Seems like there are more variety since the last time I went there (I can't rmb) but the food isn't really fantastic. :( Slightly disappointed, but we didn't have chance to visit another dimsum place during the rest of the trip anymore.
And then something touristy - visiting the Paddy's Market, and all we did was get some touristy souvenirs. hahaha
While on the way to get the car, realising that we are near the I-Creamy that sells ice-cream cones with the ice-cream presented as a rose, we just had to go. Because we love ice-cream and we tamjiak and it looks cool and pretty. Turns out it's a company opened by Thai, it really takes someone with skills to make that rose. (Yup, we have seen and witnessed that not all the staff are able to form that rose). So it was worth the wait and definitely instagram worthy. 😍
Then proceed to May Street, recommended by Aunt, turns out the street art is really commendable, judging from the scale of each of them. Not an extremely busy street but still there are cars coming through now and then, how do the artist then even did it? Some are at least 5m tall. Took all the photos we could before the sun goes down anyway.
Dinner was this Japanese joint near the K Mart. So we had rice! haha Grill meat (chicken/pork) and onsen egg! It was delicious I must say. The salmon was good too. It was quite early when we got back but the folks said they were tired already, so the 4 of us secretly went to get Max Brenner for ourselves even though we were also full. And all the other shops have closed. :/
Day 5: Blue Mountain - Revisited places I have been and a few I haven't. We drove so we could take more stops leisurely. It was a long drive though... Staff at the Glenbrook is really helpful, gave us a map and suggested route and what we could look out for through the route. But poor judgement and memory (mine) for the first stop and hence missed a better viewing point for the waterfall, and we guess the folks are not very keen also. Oh wells.
So revisited Echopoint, then time really 3 sisters! 2 sets of 3 sisters, in fact! HAHA The wind was seriously, damn cold. Went to the Scenic World as well. Took what I took the last time - only with an extra trip on the cableway. They upgraded the carriages for the Railway. Looks more atas and safe now. Hahaha. Oh oh, lunch was at the Eats270 cafe with a view. The food was nice though there was a waiting time for the food and there weren't many stalls to choose from.
We don't want to drive too late into the dark and was also afraid that traffic will get heavy on the way back so we left late afternoon (3+pm) and got back to city around 5pm. And went to shop for our dinner at Coles. Bought roast chicken and got some salad and veggies and some wrap (that was a tat too thick to be a wrap in the end) to make our own chicken wrap dinner. We were fed with fruits. A truly healthier dinner. :)
Day 6: Spent half the day at DFO for some shopping, I think everyone got something, at least. Lunch was at the food court. (Yup!) Had some really good sandwich which Aunt shared with me and some nice pasta salad and what not, while the rest had their dose of the thai mixed rice again. Apparently, it costs 12AUD for a plate of rice with 3 dishes, regardless meat or veggies. HAHA That's like almost triple our mixed veg rice here. But it was truly nice also lah.
I had myself a superdry t-shirt, a pair of new balance, 2 tops from Esprit, some gift for a friend's baby, super nice lindt's chocolates (OMG we got about 1kg mixed flavours each, so it was super duper heavy) haha! Actually I didn't go overboard with my shopping right...
Visited the olympic stadium thereafter, which we aren't exactly sure which is the specific site we must go, so we just stopped outside the stadium itself and took photos. It was near DFO anyways.
And to the long-awaited University of Sydney. To do the grass shots. I mean seriously, the grass is just so nice you could sit there all day long. Okay, that applies to all the grass all around Sydney but the university one had a view behind which makes the place looks so nice. So anyway that's at the University Square, which is a highly sought after photo spot by many many other tourists (groups) as well. Jump shot is mandatory, and we even did some funny group photo outside. Lol. Weather and view was so nice you would just want to stay there longer.
It was still early to meet cousin for dinner so we went to San Churros instead. And funny things happened when we drove to town hall and park, just to walk all the way back to where San churros was, and right where we parked. Things that happen when you are new to a place and have no idea where your friend is going to bring you. But food was good! Had my fav salmon, which comes with some starch thing which I can't rmb its name. :x Mum order chicken with quinoa and salad without knowing what it was and didn't really enjoy until sister exchanged food with her. Had a great time at the restaurant korkor recommended.
And we were back to prepare to leave the next day :(
But before that, it means shopping at Coles again for snacks and all to bring back :D Turns out we still bought too much to be consume. I just realised a few snacks already expired. A bit heart pain, but also shows how little of such I eat nowadays. A reminder to myself to give them all away if I buy next time. I'm really not going to eat them.
Day 7 - LAST DAY!: Finally managed to convince everyone and squeezed enough time to get us all to Bondi Beach again, this time for Trio cafe because it was highly recommended. Indeed, the place was full and we were told the waiting time is 1h, which then will not be able to fit into our schedule anymore. But somehow the sister managed to get us all seats while some of us walked down the street to search for other options. We were seated separately but better than nothing! Food was great. And it's my first time seeing Bondi Beach for real and in the day. No chance to do the walks though. Next time if I decide to go again. haha
And then off to the airport we went.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
All the food for June
You know, sometimes I read my old blog posts, fb posts and twitter and wonder to myself: what the hack was I writing about? The emotions were so strong in the posts but I just can't recall what they were about. I mean.. to think about it... Sometimes I know that when I look at it in future, it will be something I will remember, plus it's about someone I can't name so openly. So if it's something I can't remember, it most probably means that it wasn't necessary for me to even have that post. haha! It's so lame. But even so, that's okay because these are public domain and one just can't be too sure that any thing like that wouldn't go viral or known to that person eventually cos the world is just so small. BUT THEN... my written diary (yes, I still keep one).. No one is going to read it, except for myself, and I write like someone is. -.- I looked back and there are some things I cannot recall at all. And there's no way to check against either cos then it should have been the fall back part right. HAHA! What was I thinking, seriously. Anyway, so... I should share some positive stuff. :)
OH WELL... just when I thought birthday was over.
I have been meeting people and eating non-stop 2 weeks following the birthday (Birthday started on 11 Jun). And I'm almost dying from the food though I'm happy every single time with friends.
OH WELL... just when I thought birthday was over.
I have been meeting people and eating non-stop 2 weeks following the birthday (Birthday started on 11 Jun). And I'm almost dying from the food though I'm happy every single time with friends.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
做決定的時刻
Don't know if I should take this trip. Either way they are places I have been... many times. HAHA.
But I've also been wanting to do a solo trip during my birthday period. And these 2 are my only choices, because I also happen to have friends in these 2 places. And I have just decided in my head that it will be Taiwan. HAHAHA =x Provided leave approved and parents not upset over me going alone without them. Cos mum had to say it that day that we should go taiwan next year. Right. It was supposed to be this year, but somehow plans changed.
[26/5/16] Okkkk.... I didn't post the above when I was trying to make a decision that day. And so, now I will do so. Decided not to go during the birthday period and put it off to next year instead. Well, 1 reason being the air ticket price has gone up over the past few days... to a price that I don't think I want to spend that kind of money. Another reason is when at least 2 people told me not to go. Because true friends will tell you the truth even though you are the only paying for it. As much as I don't want to be shaken by other people's decision. But I asked.... right? hahaha. Next year lah... I have a better plan for that :)
Gonna try to persuade mama to go taiwan in Dec first.... So it will be guilt-free when I decide to go next year. HAHAHA :D
All right.... 現在先透露到這裡，其他的下次再說。:)
But I've also been wanting to do a solo trip during my birthday period. And these 2 are my only choices, because I also happen to have friends in these 2 places. And I have just decided in my head that it will be Taiwan. HAHAHA =x Provided leave approved and parents not upset over me going alone without them. Cos mum had to say it that day that we should go taiwan next year. Right. It was supposed to be this year, but somehow plans changed.
[26/5/16] Okkkk.... I didn't post the above when I was trying to make a decision that day. And so, now I will do so. Decided not to go during the birthday period and put it off to next year instead. Well, 1 reason being the air ticket price has gone up over the past few days... to a price that I don't think I want to spend that kind of money. Another reason is when at least 2 people told me not to go. Because true friends will tell you the truth even though you are the only paying for it. As much as I don't want to be shaken by other people's decision. But I asked.... right? hahaha. Next year lah... I have a better plan for that :)
Gonna try to persuade mama to go taiwan in Dec first.... So it will be guilt-free when I decide to go next year. HAHAHA :D
All right.... 現在先透露到這裡，其他的下次再說。:)
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
我愛台灣 (2015跨年版)
如果要說說我現在過得如何，還不如說一些快樂的事。
至少我做了一件瘋狂的事；跟一群朋友一起瘋狂。這也算一件我夢寐以求的事：到台灣跨年去。朋友總是說等她換工作，不然跨年的時候她都得工作。2014年，她換工作了。我們招攬了親近的朋友，一起早早的訂下這趟旅行。而且，2014年，他們都陸續去了台灣，但還是答應了一起去，真的非常感謝生命中有這些朋友。我，有他們，是幸運的。
我只能說這是一趟超乎想像的旅途。（哈哈！）我們能坐的交通工具大概都坐了：飛機，船，火車(台鐵)，高鐵，捷運，客運，9人座車，7人座車，最扯的是腳踏車。哈哈！Ok, 也許就差了纜車，沒時間去乘搭。因為呢，本來單純的只想去幾天的跨年之旅，最後因為飛機票比較便宜，然後用了反正去了就不要浪費的精神，就把它變成了台北->花蓮->清境(+合歡山)->日月潭->台北的8天之旅。:D
雖然整趟沒有想像的順利，但因為跟對的人一起出國，沒有什麼挑剔的。還沒去之前就出現了小狀況：
「溫馨小貼士：一般買火車票是12天前在網上開賣，但佳節期間還是天天到網站查看最新信息較好。還有真的要提醒負責買票的人要在午夜12時就上網去買。」
因為呢，我就是這樣，失去了一次高鐵的優惠價票，還有一次台鐵的座位票。這次跨年在台灣是連假，他們1月1日至5日都是公定假。所以台鐵的票早一天就開始賣了，而且是1-5日的票都賣，方便他們本地人買來回票。所以結果就是，我一張票都買不到。但，當然的，我們也因為這樣，有了不同的體驗。哈哈。這個，先賣個關子。
第一天，無異議，大家很早就到機場，早到我有一點嚇到，因為他們到的時候我還在家裡。最好笑是，我真的很早就起身了，但沖涼到一半的時候，不知道什麼事電箱跳閘了。=.= 全身都是肥皂，又冷到半死，又這麼早沒有人可以救我... 反正最後我就當作是為了台灣的天氣練習了。
一切順利到住的地方後，就開始找東西吃！哈哈。先來一點水餃／鍋貼。然後到師大夜市。吃了許記生煎包，李阿姨水煎包，蛋餅，滷味，藍家刈包 (My fav!!!!)，然後飽到不行，沒機會吃師大鹽酥雞。:( 然後最好笑的，我們又繼續去附近的兩家咖啡廳(café)，但其實大家都大概不行了！HAHA! 就到了Aranzi Café, 很可愛的地方！吃了熊貓蛋糕(Fruit)和貓貓蛋糕(Yuzi Cheese)和壞東西waffle or something like that. 都很的好可愛，也蠻好吃的。然後又到一家立裴米緹咖啡館官網 (L'apre's midi Cafe')吃有麻糬的waffle. 只能說，雖然很飽了，但還是覺得很好吃。第一天就吃吃喝喝就過完了。很好啊！haha! 因為知道第二天會是非常長的一天，所以就早一點回家休息咯。
第二天，早餐去了我去台北這麼多次都沒有去過的‘永和豆漿’，不知道為什麼，我知道西門町有一家，但就是沒有去過。也許是因為比較常住台北車站附近吧。好喜歡他們的早餐店！(Tip: 要選好了才排隊，不然會被‘酸’）選擇真的好多，而且每樣都好好吃喔！我吃的是饅頭雞蛋豬排堡，還有熱的甜豆漿，鹹豆漿is just not my type. Haha. 然後呢，就去了‘等一個人咖啡’(Café.Waiting.Love)朝聖。哈哈！真的。咖啡店老闆非常的聰明（也真的是‘等一個人咖啡’迷），知道這間店原本只是電影的場景，拍完了就會拆掉，就出了錢把地方買下，讓這間店可以延續下去。然後我們這些都看過電影的人到台北就會想去看一看，喝喝咖啡。說真的，食物並不是最佳的，但氛圍就很好啊！何況我們在等位子的當兒就在門外瘋狂的拍起照來，各式各樣的。:) 宣傳效果非常佳！哈哈！
然後呢，你就會以為我們吃夠了。結果，又跑去吃鼎泰豐。哈哈！小籠包，炒飯，豬排，酸辣湯和肉粽，都有！然後呢，離到跨年現場的時間還蠻多的，就到處逛逛，找一找明星的店，本來想在Zoom In買一點什麼，但什麼都沒買，因爲冬裝真的不行。本來也想看看有沒有吃的，但是不太了解店的規格？所以最後放棄了。也看到了其他的藝人的店，但冬季的，真的沒什麼好買。走到差不多了，慢悠悠的到台北101前的廣場。7點左右，人群已經非常多了。我們到的時候節目剛開始，結果看了一陣子，我們就決定走會101吃點東西再回來，反正還要很久。101的人潮是多到...... 只好分頭買了食物到戶外找位子坐著吃，也花了不少時間。回到舞台哪裡的時候剛好羅志祥就唱完了。我們就繼續找位子看咯。其實大家都還蠻守次序的，只是到了快散場（尤其哪個大咖唱完）的時候，不知從哪裡來的人一定要大家一起擠出來，場面頓時有一點失控。有一度還跟朋友差點失散了，而且真的得站穩腳步，不然大家早就散一地了。:/ All being said, it was still quite exhilarating when we were doing countdown. Oh wait, we were at a little lost at the start, because the host were talking and talking, we turned around to look at Taipei 101 and suddenly we are starting to countdown the last 10sec. Haha! 看完了煙火很多人都逐漸離開了，因為林俊傑（本場的最大咖）已經唱完了。但，我們留下看蕭敬騰。基本上，大家還是蠻有次序的散場，漫步到比較遠一點的捷運，在等待入站的時候還有工作人員“娛樂”我們、還腦筋急轉彎。最後還是因為太多人，分開坐捷運回西門町。
然後呢，休息的時間也沒多少了。迅速整理好東西，就睡了，因為隔天趕早班火車。雖然我們到了以後就到台北車站買票，幸好能預先買票，但也只能買到站票。沒辦法啊！只是，上火車時也不知道我們是怎麼做到的，就上了第一車廂，然後發現它是一節沒有座位的車廂，大家就找了位子放行李，做了下來。太幸運了！（好像這本來是讓乘客趴自行車的地方）而且，我們搭的那班車是不怎麼停站的，所以旅程就相對的變短了。So, it was not too bad after all. So we got to rest a little and sleep a little and eat some breakfast we bought in a rush at the taipei station earlier, until I find my butt super cold cos temperature has dropped a little.
第二次到花蓮，美還是美。重遊了一些地方；有些地方卻已經換了／變了。而且有些步道還是有一些危險。第一次沒走完的步道，同樣的還是沒走完。哈哈！真的太累了。Anyway, 晚上高興到了花蓮的市中心, 至少是上次沒去到的. 沒去夜市, 還是吃到好吃的東西! :D 来成排骨面， 豆花，还有曾记Muachi!!!! 新鮮的麻糬真的太好吃了! 然後真的很累, 就想要回去休息了. 連民宿屋主介紹我們去的跨年晚會有蕭敬騰也根本沒有想去的念頭. 最後他出來接我們到住的地方, 洗澡後還是可以看電視, 現場連接跨年晚會的現場. 也不錯啊! HAHA!
隔天一早就離開了花蓮, 好可惜沒有機會到民宿附近看看. 司機載著先去买阿美麻糬，然后我們一路玩一路到清境. 開始覺得冷了. 很慶幸在一些地方看到非常美麗的景色, 而且在沒有太多的霧的情況下有雲海! 可說是運氣好吧, 因為天氣好的關係. 午饭的地方司机让我们选，所以我们在靠近碧绿神木的地方用餐，吃到蛮好吃的饭餐，外加好喝的加了蜜桃蜂蜜的热茶。还有非常好吃但真的蛮贵的急速冷冻日本菇。虽然一路也蛮赶的，原因是说到清境的路上会经过合欢山，那合欢山在冬天的时候是有时间限制的，过了某时间就不能上下山了。主要是害怕下雪路上湿滑，天暗，会危险。反正到清境的時候天還是亮的. 是唯一一次我們兩兩一房的地方. 哈! 看還有時間就到了小瑞士去走走. 那晚吃火锅！冷天吃点热的食物还是蛮爽的。然后又去吃雪糕。哈哈！
第五天了! 因為是冬天, 所以早上不能上合歡山看日出, 所以只能是觀景. 如果是想看日出的行程，就避开冬天吧。結果, 沒有下雪, 然後也去了一些我們前一天已經路過的地方, 算是沒幹到什麼. 那个司机也不怎么样。最後呢, 司機就把我們放在清境農場. 反正就是relax mah. 時間好早, 綿羊們又不知道為甚麼都不在外面跑來跑去. 我們還是要自我娛樂一下. 有幸摸到了一隻踢了毛的小綿羊, 真的是油油的! 有一點異味, 但還是蠻可愛的啦. 哈哈! 又吃了一堆食物, 等著綿羊秀開始. 只是太陽也很賣力. Lol! 看完秀就又到处拍照咯！Jump shot 不能少! haha! 跳到累到........ 最惨的是，接下来还要走那长长的楼梯下山，499步听起来不多，走起来却是...... 到底的时候，不夸张，真的脚软。幸好，我出国最好的朋友就是安美露(Yoko-yoko). Haha! 在紙箱王(Carton King)吃晚餐後, 又是自由時間啦!
隔天一早吃饱后就出发到日月潭啦。超期待的说...... 景色还是挺宜人的。Ok... that's a understatement. It's a beautiful place! 有一点点长途跋涉，为了一睹整个日月潭的美。但，我觉得值得。谢谢民宿主人热情地分享，也是希望我们不把时间浪费掉了。所以时间过得倒真的充实了。景也看了：到玄奘寺和慈恩塔的距离真不是盖的。斜坡和楼梯统统都来，好不容易才到玄奘寺。休息后又是一系列的楼梯，还要爬上7楼高的慈恩塔，才看得到那整个日月潭的景色。真的就是无限大的感觉。(还有无限远) 而且要原路返回。T.T 然后终于到了大吃大喝的时候，在伊达邵是买了不少食物啊！杰记山猪肉大刈包、烧麻糬、不同口味的烤香肠、阿萨姆奶茶、烤小米麻糬、等等。还有阿萨姆奶茶冰淇淋！就是吃！哈哈！然后赶在最后一班船之前回原来的码头。看到太阳下山！真的好美，但好快！一下子整颗咸蛋黄就在山后不见了。晚餐也在一家蛮不错的餐厅吃：虾子、蛋卷、烧肉...... 在等座位的时候还买了炸香菇 －好吃！哈哈什么都好吃。晚餐后就逛街啦，买了小饰品什么的，反正就是那些游客的精品店。:)
民宿主人也住在同一栋的。他们的房间是真的漂亮，宽阔。也非常的舒服。但只住一晚。他们也建议我们早上可以跟着他们到私房的地方看日出，说是最好的地方，是他们老家的.. (something like that). 我们考虑了以后还是决定了不去，因为很早就要出门，然后要走蛮长的一段路。我们还是想看日出，但决定在码头附近的地方看咯。而且想骑脚踏车，所以不能太晚。结果，由于当天的日出晚了一点，只看到了山后的晨光，没机会等到太阳完全的升起，不过还是觉得蛮美的喔！看时间剩的不多，就出发骑车去了。还以为能骑完整个路线，但我们大概只骑到了一半吧，其实路程是蛮累的。虽然路不颠簸，但斜坡不少，加上早上的太阳也卖力的照在我们身上，只到了游客中心，听了一会儿就返回了。但不得不说，风景真的美。Definitely live up to its name for being one of the most beautiful cycling trails. 各位，最后第二天了，体力透支了也不过分吧。
然后就得赶巴士出日月潭到台中高铁，搭高铁回台北咯。还好有时间买食物，只是我知道自己已经有一点要感冒的迹象了，就买了最方便吃的食物＝寿司，想换来多一点的休息时间；放弃了看起来非常好吃的高铁便当。幸好，我做的选择没有错，10分钟内吃完，然后睡觉。隔壁都还没吃到一半，我就已经不省人事了。哈哈
回到台北又是一系列的血拼：去了诚品，挣扎了很久，然后买了五本非常重的书。:x 还有大吃大喝（对，又大吃大喝）到我最喜欢的饶河夜市啦！好吃的食物还是那里最多；我们真的吃非常多。上次吃过的，加上新发现的。然后去了佳德糕饼，现在有新的捷运线到饶河还有佳德门口（还有小巨蛋），真的超棒的！不需要再走那么多路了，也是因为这样，我们才回去了原本没有在计划内的饶河。:D 回宿舍放下买的东西后，还早，所以又到了比较靠近我们的宁夏夜市。我头一次去喔！没什么大不同的东西，但炸芋圆还是好吃的，还有50岚，此旅行第一次喝。然后就是收拾行李的时候啦...... 这次住的宿舍 - Star Hostel, 我还蛮喜欢的。干净：因为进去房间的范围前，就得把鞋子换成他们提供的拖鞋。只是需要上楼：行李也要搬上去。应该多数住的都是背包客吧。而且观察到多数都是韩国人哦。
最后一天!!!! :( 一早去找早餐店，才发现上次那间已经扩大了，结果就去了隔几间的老式早餐店，非常的好吃! 吃了蛋饼和豆浆，非常不想回来。然后就去了动物园看小圆仔（但其实它的体型已经不小了）！<3 熊猫！:D 然后再回到西门町，大家各自做最后的冲刺。在最后一天吃了豪大大鸡排，也许上两次都没有吃，这次吃还觉得蛮好吃的！大家都大包小包后，时间就差不多了。Woowoowoo...... 回到宿舍，把行李整理好就走了。对！还买了楼下的甜甜圈，后来排长龙咯。结果飞机晚点，迟了约一小时才到新加坡，凌晨1点多、快2点才到！早买的飞机票不算太贵，就不计较了。@.@
All in all... I love Taiwan.
如果要跨年，现在可以安排了哦！
第二天，早餐去了我去台北這麼多次都沒有去過的‘永和豆漿’，不知道為什麼，我知道西門町有一家，但就是沒有去過。也許是因為比較常住台北車站附近吧。好喜歡他們的早餐店！(Tip: 要選好了才排隊，不然會被‘酸’）選擇真的好多，而且每樣都好好吃喔！我吃的是饅頭雞蛋豬排堡，還有熱的甜豆漿，鹹豆漿is just not my type. Haha. 然後呢，就去了‘等一個人咖啡’(Café.Waiting.Love)朝聖。哈哈！真的。咖啡店老闆非常的聰明（也真的是‘等一個人咖啡’迷），知道這間店原本只是電影的場景，拍完了就會拆掉，就出了錢把地方買下，讓這間店可以延續下去。然後我們這些都看過電影的人到台北就會想去看一看，喝喝咖啡。說真的，食物並不是最佳的，但氛圍就很好啊！何況我們在等位子的當兒就在門外瘋狂的拍起照來，各式各樣的。:) 宣傳效果非常佳！哈哈！
然後呢，你就會以為我們吃夠了。結果，又跑去吃鼎泰豐。哈哈！小籠包，炒飯，豬排，酸辣湯和肉粽，都有！然後呢，離到跨年現場的時間還蠻多的，就到處逛逛，找一找明星的店，本來想在Zoom In買一點什麼，但什麼都沒買，因爲冬裝真的不行。本來也想看看有沒有吃的，但是不太了解店的規格？所以最後放棄了。也看到了其他的藝人的店，但冬季的，真的沒什麼好買。走到差不多了，慢悠悠的到台北101前的廣場。7點左右，人群已經非常多了。我們到的時候節目剛開始，結果看了一陣子，我們就決定走會101吃點東西再回來，反正還要很久。101的人潮是多到...... 只好分頭買了食物到戶外找位子坐著吃，也花了不少時間。回到舞台哪裡的時候剛好羅志祥就唱完了。我們就繼續找位子看咯。其實大家都還蠻守次序的，只是到了快散場（尤其哪個大咖唱完）的時候，不知從哪裡來的人一定要大家一起擠出來，場面頓時有一點失控。有一度還跟朋友差點失散了，而且真的得站穩腳步，不然大家早就散一地了。:/ All being said, it was still quite exhilarating when we were doing countdown. Oh wait, we were at a little lost at the start, because the host were talking and talking, we turned around to look at Taipei 101 and suddenly we are starting to countdown the last 10sec. Haha! 看完了煙火很多人都逐漸離開了，因為林俊傑（本場的最大咖）已經唱完了。但，我們留下看蕭敬騰。基本上，大家還是蠻有次序的散場，漫步到比較遠一點的捷運，在等待入站的時候還有工作人員“娛樂”我們、還腦筋急轉彎。最後還是因為太多人，分開坐捷運回西門町。
然後呢，休息的時間也沒多少了。迅速整理好東西，就睡了，因為隔天趕早班火車。雖然我們到了以後就到台北車站買票，幸好能預先買票，但也只能買到站票。沒辦法啊！只是，上火車時也不知道我們是怎麼做到的，就上了第一車廂，然後發現它是一節沒有座位的車廂，大家就找了位子放行李，做了下來。太幸運了！（好像這本來是讓乘客趴自行車的地方）而且，我們搭的那班車是不怎麼停站的，所以旅程就相對的變短了。So, it was not too bad after all. So we got to rest a little and sleep a little and eat some breakfast we bought in a rush at the taipei station earlier, until I find my butt super cold cos temperature has dropped a little.
第二次到花蓮，美還是美。重遊了一些地方；有些地方卻已經換了／變了。而且有些步道還是有一些危險。第一次沒走完的步道，同樣的還是沒走完。哈哈！真的太累了。Anyway, 晚上高興到了花蓮的市中心, 至少是上次沒去到的. 沒去夜市, 還是吃到好吃的東西! :D 来成排骨面， 豆花，还有曾记Muachi!!!! 新鮮的麻糬真的太好吃了! 然後真的很累, 就想要回去休息了. 連民宿屋主介紹我們去的跨年晚會有蕭敬騰也根本沒有想去的念頭. 最後他出來接我們到住的地方, 洗澡後還是可以看電視, 現場連接跨年晚會的現場. 也不錯啊! HAHA!
隔天一早就離開了花蓮, 好可惜沒有機會到民宿附近看看. 司機載著先去买阿美麻糬，然后我們一路玩一路到清境. 開始覺得冷了. 很慶幸在一些地方看到非常美麗的景色, 而且在沒有太多的霧的情況下有雲海! 可說是運氣好吧, 因為天氣好的關係. 午饭的地方司机让我们选，所以我们在靠近碧绿神木的地方用餐，吃到蛮好吃的饭餐，外加好喝的加了蜜桃蜂蜜的热茶。还有非常好吃但真的蛮贵的急速冷冻日本菇。虽然一路也蛮赶的，原因是说到清境的路上会经过合欢山，那合欢山在冬天的时候是有时间限制的，过了某时间就不能上下山了。主要是害怕下雪路上湿滑，天暗，会危险。反正到清境的時候天還是亮的. 是唯一一次我們兩兩一房的地方. 哈! 看還有時間就到了小瑞士去走走. 那晚吃火锅！冷天吃点热的食物还是蛮爽的。然后又去吃雪糕。哈哈！
第五天了! 因為是冬天, 所以早上不能上合歡山看日出, 所以只能是觀景. 如果是想看日出的行程，就避开冬天吧。結果, 沒有下雪, 然後也去了一些我們前一天已經路過的地方, 算是沒幹到什麼. 那个司机也不怎么样。最後呢, 司機就把我們放在清境農場. 反正就是relax mah. 時間好早, 綿羊們又不知道為甚麼都不在外面跑來跑去. 我們還是要自我娛樂一下. 有幸摸到了一隻踢了毛的小綿羊, 真的是油油的! 有一點異味, 但還是蠻可愛的啦. 哈哈! 又吃了一堆食物, 等著綿羊秀開始. 只是太陽也很賣力. Lol! 看完秀就又到处拍照咯！Jump shot 不能少! haha! 跳到累到........ 最惨的是，接下来还要走那长长的楼梯下山，499步听起来不多，走起来却是...... 到底的时候，不夸张，真的脚软。幸好，我出国最好的朋友就是安美露(Yoko-yoko). Haha! 在紙箱王(Carton King)吃晚餐後, 又是自由時間啦!
隔天一早吃饱后就出发到日月潭啦。超期待的说...... 景色还是挺宜人的。Ok... that's a understatement. It's a beautiful place! 有一点点长途跋涉，为了一睹整个日月潭的美。但，我觉得值得。谢谢民宿主人热情地分享，也是希望我们不把时间浪费掉了。所以时间过得倒真的充实了。景也看了：到玄奘寺和慈恩塔的距离真不是盖的。斜坡和楼梯统统都来，好不容易才到玄奘寺。休息后又是一系列的楼梯，还要爬上7楼高的慈恩塔，才看得到那整个日月潭的景色。真的就是无限大的感觉。(还有无限远) 而且要原路返回。T.T 然后终于到了大吃大喝的时候，在伊达邵是买了不少食物啊！杰记山猪肉大刈包、烧麻糬、不同口味的烤香肠、阿萨姆奶茶、烤小米麻糬、等等。还有阿萨姆奶茶冰淇淋！就是吃！哈哈！然后赶在最后一班船之前回原来的码头。看到太阳下山！真的好美，但好快！一下子整颗咸蛋黄就在山后不见了。晚餐也在一家蛮不错的餐厅吃：虾子、蛋卷、烧肉...... 在等座位的时候还买了炸香菇 －好吃！哈哈什么都好吃。晚餐后就逛街啦，买了小饰品什么的，反正就是那些游客的精品店。:)
民宿主人也住在同一栋的。他们的房间是真的漂亮，宽阔。也非常的舒服。但只住一晚。他们也建议我们早上可以跟着他们到私房的地方看日出，说是最好的地方，是他们老家的.. (something like that). 我们考虑了以后还是决定了不去，因为很早就要出门，然后要走蛮长的一段路。我们还是想看日出，但决定在码头附近的地方看咯。而且想骑脚踏车，所以不能太晚。结果，由于当天的日出晚了一点，只看到了山后的晨光，没机会等到太阳完全的升起，不过还是觉得蛮美的喔！看时间剩的不多，就出发骑车去了。还以为能骑完整个路线，但我们大概只骑到了一半吧，其实路程是蛮累的。虽然路不颠簸，但斜坡不少，加上早上的太阳也卖力的照在我们身上，只到了游客中心，听了一会儿就返回了。但不得不说，风景真的美。Definitely live up to its name for being one of the most beautiful cycling trails. 各位，最后第二天了，体力透支了也不过分吧。
然后就得赶巴士出日月潭到台中高铁，搭高铁回台北咯。还好有时间买食物，只是我知道自己已经有一点要感冒的迹象了，就买了最方便吃的食物＝寿司，想换来多一点的休息时间；放弃了看起来非常好吃的高铁便当。幸好，我做的选择没有错，10分钟内吃完，然后睡觉。隔壁都还没吃到一半，我就已经不省人事了。哈哈
回到台北又是一系列的血拼：去了诚品，挣扎了很久，然后买了五本非常重的书。:x 还有大吃大喝（对，又大吃大喝）到我最喜欢的饶河夜市啦！好吃的食物还是那里最多；我们真的吃非常多。上次吃过的，加上新发现的。然后去了佳德糕饼，现在有新的捷运线到饶河还有佳德门口（还有小巨蛋），真的超棒的！不需要再走那么多路了，也是因为这样，我们才回去了原本没有在计划内的饶河。:D 回宿舍放下买的东西后，还早，所以又到了比较靠近我们的宁夏夜市。我头一次去喔！没什么大不同的东西，但炸芋圆还是好吃的，还有50岚，此旅行第一次喝。然后就是收拾行李的时候啦...... 这次住的宿舍 - Star Hostel, 我还蛮喜欢的。干净：因为进去房间的范围前，就得把鞋子换成他们提供的拖鞋。只是需要上楼：行李也要搬上去。应该多数住的都是背包客吧。而且观察到多数都是韩国人哦。
最后一天!!!! :( 一早去找早餐店，才发现上次那间已经扩大了，结果就去了隔几间的老式早餐店，非常的好吃! 吃了蛋饼和豆浆，非常不想回来。然后就去了动物园看小圆仔（但其实它的体型已经不小了）！<3 熊猫！:D 然后再回到西门町，大家各自做最后的冲刺。在最后一天吃了豪大大鸡排，也许上两次都没有吃，这次吃还觉得蛮好吃的！大家都大包小包后，时间就差不多了。Woowoowoo...... 回到宿舍，把行李整理好就走了。对！还买了楼下的甜甜圈，后来排长龙咯。结果飞机晚点，迟了约一小时才到新加坡，凌晨1点多、快2点才到！早买的飞机票不算太贵，就不计较了。@.@
All in all... I love Taiwan.
如果要跨年，现在可以安排了哦！
Saturday, October 26, 2013
And then I had a BKK trip in Sept
I say I'm kind of lucky. To have the luxury of all these. Again, it's kind of an impulse decision to go along with the friends. But it was a happy one. :) Went to Bangkok with some of the Beloveds. First time 6 of us plus 3 went overseas together.
It's very hard to have so many close friends going out at the same time. And we are all glad of each other's company (I'm sure). Haha! It's a bit impromptu, and I had so many choices I chose this over the rest. But excitedly we had all the flight and accommodation settled. :)
It's a crazy trip of eating and shopping.
We reached there early afternoon, so soon after we dropped our bags at the hotel, we went out for lunch at Platinum mall, it was an impromptu decision for the fuji restaurant lunch and shopping indoors because it was raining after we finished our lunch. So we decided to shop where we were.
To be honest, BKK is like HK, 買東西、吃東西，買東西、吃東西。With an extra option of massage. It's like the best place to go get new clothes blah blah blah.
Went to do Pedi and mani too, but I don't think I will do it again next time, because they really took toooooo long. HAHA! I only did cutting for both hands and feet and drawing for toes only and it took me 3 hours. I was so going to die sitting there (almost).
Massage was awesome as ever! Every night without fail :) Shiokness. Even met a friend/ex-colleague there. We don't even meet in SG because we stay in different parts of SG. haha!
Weather was a bit crazy. It's either too hot and it's raining. LOL! We had to stay indoors on one of the days because it rained when we were about to go out. The other times we had some difficulty getting back to the hotel dry, even though we had ponchos. And luckily we had the ponchos.
Despite that, surprisingly we had enough chances of roadside stalls food. Glad that we always have a street of food right below the hotel. Though they don't sell till late like 1, 2am, but I have to say we had a lot of good food here and there. Some of which I didn't even know or tried the last time round. :)
Spent most of my money, buying things only for myself. HAHA! Okay, a few items for other people, but seriously, not much. I don't know how I really am able to buy so many things, just for myself. Oh wells....
It was really a good trip with the closed ones and I really look forward to going somewhere else with them again! :D
It's very hard to have so many close friends going out at the same time. And we are all glad of each other's company (I'm sure). Haha! It's a bit impromptu, and I had so many choices I chose this over the rest. But excitedly we had all the flight and accommodation settled. :)
It's a crazy trip of eating and shopping.
We reached there early afternoon, so soon after we dropped our bags at the hotel, we went out for lunch at Platinum mall, it was an impromptu decision for the fuji restaurant lunch and shopping indoors because it was raining after we finished our lunch. So we decided to shop where we were.
To be honest, BKK is like HK, 買東西、吃東西，買東西、吃東西。With an extra option of massage. It's like the best place to go get new clothes blah blah blah.
Went to do Pedi and mani too, but I don't think I will do it again next time, because they really took toooooo long. HAHA! I only did cutting for both hands and feet and drawing for toes only and it took me 3 hours. I was so going to die sitting there (almost).
Massage was awesome as ever! Every night without fail :) Shiokness. Even met a friend/ex-colleague there. We don't even meet in SG because we stay in different parts of SG. haha!
Weather was a bit crazy. It's either too hot and it's raining. LOL! We had to stay indoors on one of the days because it rained when we were about to go out. The other times we had some difficulty getting back to the hotel dry, even though we had ponchos. And luckily we had the ponchos.
Despite that, surprisingly we had enough chances of roadside stalls food. Glad that we always have a street of food right below the hotel. Though they don't sell till late like 1, 2am, but I have to say we had a lot of good food here and there. Some of which I didn't even know or tried the last time round. :)
Spent most of my money, buying things only for myself. HAHA! Okay, a few items for other people, but seriously, not much. I don't know how I really am able to buy so many things, just for myself. Oh wells....
It was really a good trip with the closed ones and I really look forward to going somewhere else with them again! :D
Sunday, October 06, 2013
我愛台灣 (2013年版, 第二篇)
Yup, the anticipated trip since the friends started become closer in SYCO few years ago. It's a pity that those people have already left the orchestra for various reason. But still, I was still looking forward to it, because there's won't be anymore chance. HAHA!
It's not an easy trip to come by for this one. And I appreciate every effort. I would love to ask if this trip had happened last year or the year before, would it have been very different from what I have experienced? Answer is most probably! Why? The people, maybe the repertoire, the end result.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
我愛台灣 (2013年版, 第一篇)
I have to admit that every trip has something memorable, each one has its own value.
I have gone to Taiwan (Taipei) twice in the past 2 month, i.e. one month once in June and July, for different purposes: Play and then SYCO.
第一篇
台北: 木柵台北市動物園, 台大商圈, 師大夜市, 十分瀑布, 十分風景區, 九份老街, 士林夜市, 台五分埔, 饒河夜市, 北車站地下街, 西門町, 台北小巨蛋.
I have gone to Taiwan (Taipei) twice in the past 2 month, i.e. one month once in June and July, for different purposes: Play and then SYCO.
第一篇
台北: 木柵台北市動物園, 台大商圈, 師大夜市, 十分瀑布, 十分風景區, 九份老街, 士林夜市, 台五分埔, 饒河夜市, 北車站地下街, 西門町, 台北小巨蛋.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Zhuhai & Macau (Typhoon) Trip
(My long owed post: I started long ago but just didn't set down to complete it) Hope this helps!
Kind of a short getaway for the sisters from 23 Jul to 27 Jul. We went on our own because the parents already went at the start of the year without us, and the friends all couldn't make it to the dates in the end. And the funny thing is, in the end the friends are also going, all at different timings. Haha!
Another reason was to kind of clear some of our leave. So we didn't cover any weekend. HAHA!
Let's start then!
Kind of a short getaway for the sisters from 23 Jul to 27 Jul. We went on our own because the parents already went at the start of the year without us, and the friends all couldn't make it to the dates in the end. And the funny thing is, in the end the friends are also going, all at different timings. Haha!
Another reason was to kind of clear some of our leave. So we didn't cover any weekend. HAHA!
Let's start then!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Hong Kong - Revised.
Feel like talking about the Hong Kong trip and the camp.
Been to HK so many times and I haven't felt sick and tired of the place. Every time there is something new, every time there is something for me to look forward to and enjoy. And I think I will continue to go to HK. I even ever secretly hoped that I will be able to work there, even though my Cantonese is really cui. Haha!
Anyway, we took a midnight flight to HK because it's cheaper (we are trying to go all budget). But we still took a Cathay Pacific so as not to sacrifice our instruments for the strict rules of budget airlines, moreover, Jetstar wasn't any cheaper.
A-Inn Hostel
We got ourselves very cheap hostel, 4 in a room with private bathroom, and allowed check-in at any time of the day. Perfect for us since we are reaching that early and it's quite impossible for normal hotel to allow to check in at 8am, no? It's the first time I actually took a public bus out of the airport - something new for me. Haha. In the end we still got to the hostel so early that nobody was there yet. Had to call the number at the door to get someone to come. Nevermind about that, at least we weren't left there unattended for hours.
I realise I have quite good memory on what's here and there. I could recall the cafes, restaurants I've been to, pretty much. Heh.
Dim Sumsssss
Dim sum is essential. So we went to 好彩海鲜酒家, 莲香楼 on first day and second day morning respectively. Both of them looked the same from the last time I went. 好彩 back in 2007, and the other in 2009. LOL! 莲香楼 is really good for experiencing traditional local dim sum practice. We practically shared the table with 2 other group of people. Although they were quite nice, we didn't manage to get any desired food at first try. They guys were shocked at the speed the food was taken off the trolleys that just came out from the kitchen. But in the end we still managed to eat quite a number of different dim sum, after they got the hang of getting the food from the trolleys. Haha!
Other Foodsss
Okay, it's kind of unfair to list the rest just under 'others', because they are very nice food and very important in the trip too! haha!
Wanton Mee
I'm not exactly a fan of Wanton Mee, but knowing it's quite famous in HK, we went to try the one Von went before. Not bad actually. The portion is kind of big and there was a lot of people by the time we ordered.
Mido Cafe
I swore to go to the cafe again ever since I saw it being featured on 刑警. hahaha! But seriously, the food aren't really cheap at all the 茶餐厅s. But the milk tea is really good. :) and the 菠萝油! Love.
Porridge
Generally, I loved the 海皇粥店 there. We went to a shopping mall too late to meet the closing time of a eating place so we just stopped at a random porridge shop on our way back to our hotel, and it's actually just opposite the place. Randomly, the food is nice everywhere around there!
Fast Food(s)
Actually we had quite Mac quite a few times, KFC once. And there's more variety in KFC than Sg, and more drinks selection in Mac. They have the HK milk tea in mac. haha! Quite cool. Nuggets are nice too.
Bubble Tea(s)
It's a blessing to drink the 贡茶 there. It's the large cup at a price cheaper than Sg's smaller cup. And it's nicer! And we have one just around our hotel! :) Oh and we have a 歇脚亭 right outside our door. So we tried too. Not bad lah. Haha! Basically, usually the milk teas there are nice. :)
Dessert(s)
Tried 高记甜品 and 满记甜品. Can't remember the rest. Mango desserts are love. :)
Ok, I got to confess now that I can't remember anymore details. =x Blame it on the procrastination.
Other than shopping, we only went to visit The Victoria Peak, Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and Ocean Park. The last time was really the wrong company to go to Ocean Park. Had so much more fun this time. Esp. at the Marine World, we were there for such a long time looking at all the fishes and such. Still didn't see the panda this time round. But played more rides, took the cable car up to the theme park area, and the express train down at the end. And we were so 'lucky' that the typhoon came halfway through our cable car ride. How coincidental is that?! So of course we had no choice and had to tahan till the end of the ride and still got stuck at the station. Luckily we had poncho and we ran out with it on when the rain got lighter. And luckily the weather became better afterwards, if not we wouldn't get to play those rides and wouldn't be able to watch the animal show as well.
Ya. There's just so much I could remember about the shopping part. =P
Been to HK so many times and I haven't felt sick and tired of the place. Every time there is something new, every time there is something for me to look forward to and enjoy. And I think I will continue to go to HK. I even ever secretly hoped that I will be able to work there, even though my Cantonese is really cui. Haha!
Anyway, we took a midnight flight to HK because it's cheaper (we are trying to go all budget). But we still took a Cathay Pacific so as not to sacrifice our instruments for the strict rules of budget airlines, moreover, Jetstar wasn't any cheaper.
A-Inn Hostel
We got ourselves very cheap hostel, 4 in a room with private bathroom, and allowed check-in at any time of the day. Perfect for us since we are reaching that early and it's quite impossible for normal hotel to allow to check in at 8am, no? It's the first time I actually took a public bus out of the airport - something new for me. Haha. In the end we still got to the hostel so early that nobody was there yet. Had to call the number at the door to get someone to come. Nevermind about that, at least we weren't left there unattended for hours.
I realise I have quite good memory on what's here and there. I could recall the cafes, restaurants I've been to, pretty much. Heh.
Dim Sumsssss
Dim sum is essential. So we went to 好彩海鲜酒家, 莲香楼 on first day and second day morning respectively. Both of them looked the same from the last time I went. 好彩 back in 2007, and the other in 2009. LOL! 莲香楼 is really good for experiencing traditional local dim sum practice. We practically shared the table with 2 other group of people. Although they were quite nice, we didn't manage to get any desired food at first try. They guys were shocked at the speed the food was taken off the trolleys that just came out from the kitchen. But in the end we still managed to eat quite a number of different dim sum, after they got the hang of getting the food from the trolleys. Haha!
Other Foodsss
Okay, it's kind of unfair to list the rest just under 'others', because they are very nice food and very important in the trip too! haha!
Wanton Mee
I'm not exactly a fan of Wanton Mee, but knowing it's quite famous in HK, we went to try the one Von went before. Not bad actually. The portion is kind of big and there was a lot of people by the time we ordered.
Mido Cafe
I swore to go to the cafe again ever since I saw it being featured on 刑警. hahaha! But seriously, the food aren't really cheap at all the 茶餐厅s. But the milk tea is really good. :) and the 菠萝油! Love.
Porridge
Generally, I loved the 海皇粥店 there. We went to a shopping mall too late to meet the closing time of a eating place so we just stopped at a random porridge shop on our way back to our hotel, and it's actually just opposite the place. Randomly, the food is nice everywhere around there!
Fast Food(s)
Actually we had quite Mac quite a few times, KFC once. And there's more variety in KFC than Sg, and more drinks selection in Mac. They have the HK milk tea in mac. haha! Quite cool. Nuggets are nice too.
Bubble Tea(s)
It's a blessing to drink the 贡茶 there. It's the large cup at a price cheaper than Sg's smaller cup. And it's nicer! And we have one just around our hotel! :) Oh and we have a 歇脚亭 right outside our door. So we tried too. Not bad lah. Haha! Basically, usually the milk teas there are nice. :)
Dessert(s)
Tried 高记甜品 and 满记甜品. Can't remember the rest. Mango desserts are love. :)
Ok, I got to confess now that I can't remember anymore details. =x Blame it on the procrastination.
Other than shopping, we only went to visit The Victoria Peak, Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and Ocean Park. The last time was really the wrong company to go to Ocean Park. Had so much more fun this time. Esp. at the Marine World, we were there for such a long time looking at all the fishes and such. Still didn't see the panda this time round. But played more rides, took the cable car up to the theme park area, and the express train down at the end. And we were so 'lucky' that the typhoon came halfway through our cable car ride. How coincidental is that?! So of course we had no choice and had to tahan till the end of the ride and still got stuck at the station. Luckily we had poncho and we ran out with it on when the rain got lighter. And luckily the weather became better afterwards, if not we wouldn't get to play those rides and wouldn't be able to watch the animal show as well.
Ya. There's just so much I could remember about the shopping part. =P
Batam Stayover - Done! :)
Had a getaway to Batam last weekend with some beloveds. (Note: I didn't use 'trip' because it's not long enough to be considered a 'trip' for me. Haha!)
Been long since I last went to Batam. And I've never been there on my own without any family member before. And never ever done free and easy on my own with friends before also. Everything I go there, my cousins will be driving us the moment we reached till we leave. Ok, for a tour like that, it's the same lah. We got coach to bring us around (to places I've never been to I think) and to and fro the pier.
It was quite ok, one of us couldn't make it last minute, but it was good that we can cancel out the name easily. Of course the package money is paid, but at least we saved the fuel charge and all that. And it was fun because of the company! :)
Apparently we went to this seafood restaurant for lunch and everything is so familiar, like the one we've always gone to in the past. The settings and environment are all the same, but I couldn't be sure if that was the one. Next time I go again must ask them. Lunch was ok if we weren't in such a rush. And I'm still harping over the fact that I only had 1 pathetic piece of calamari out of the whole big plate because some auntie whom we shared a table with scooped all the remaining pieces onto her plate without even asking or noticing other ppl. Totally sian-ed after that. The aunties are seriously in their own world and totally in the spirits of Singaporean aunties.
Seriously, how coincidentally one of the auntie approach yih to ask a stupid question on mer's tattoo, and then secretly cut the queue to clear customs. And then happened to be on the same coach as us for the whole holiday, and share the same table for lunch. Gawds. Luckily that was the ONLY meal we had to eat together. Thankful for that.
But at the end of the day, we saw something which we couldn't understand. Seriously don't know what the aunties are trying to play with. Disappearance? My friends only do that when we were in sec school. And at this kind of time. Not very funny. Ok, so the auntie who approached us actually told her 2 friends to wait at the departure area while she went on to eat and shop. She might be kind of wrong in this but I reckoned the 2 friends didn't want to walk because at the shopping mall the previous day I saw the 2 aunties resting at the stage area (with chairs) for quite some time. So the auntie came back nearing the boarding time to look for her friends and couldn't find them. So she asked if we've seen her friends, well, of course we didn't lah. So she was quite anxious and worried - her stuff are with them I think, and obviously if you can't find your friends you panic lah, moreover in a foreign land right. So the auntie couldn't decide if the friends have already gone in, so she queued to clear the customs (she cut the queue btw), while she was doing that, we saw the 2 friends actually inside a waiting area and didn't want to let her know, keep asking us to keep mouthed about it. Hello, we are not interested in your game. And please, how old already still play this kind?! Eventually, they entered the departure area at different time and cleared the customs with some interval in between each other, a bit weird I say. And they still sat together in the ferry. Weird kind of friendship I say, or if you even consider that friendship.
The worst part of the trip was on the return trip, trying to get out of the building to go on the ferry. We were all squeezing actually. Initially, we queued up because everyone was queuing. But towards the boarding time, everyone just crowd themselves around the gate, and so the queue dissolved once they announced for us to board the ferry. It was crazy and aunties are really good in all these, they encouraged younger people in front of them to squeeze and not give way. Typical. At least in the end we still managed to sit together. Credits to daijing who was able to squeeze out the fastest with the help of an aunties pushing the 2 girls behind daijing. haha!
Best part of the trip is at least we get to eat some good food, get some cheap clothes and buy cheap tidbits! :D Though didn't buy a lot, but we had our fair share of fun, esp. when we were playing saboteur in our room at night. It was kind of crazy and fun.
And I had a big bed to myself!! Woohooooo! :D
I'm actually looking forward to the next time I go back there to find my cousins again. But probably it wouldn't be so soon, and I wouldn't be able to get on such trips again easily, because I'm trying to get more students to earn more money. It's hard to give up some things (fun and rest) for such, but it's the age to do so and I'm going to heed the advice from my teacher to make it a break before I don't have the energy to do so. :) And so, I want to save up more for future better trips. :)))
It was quite ok, one of us couldn't make it last minute, but it was good that we can cancel out the name easily. Of course the package money is paid, but at least we saved the fuel charge and all that. And it was fun because of the company! :)
Apparently we went to this seafood restaurant for lunch and everything is so familiar, like the one we've always gone to in the past. The settings and environment are all the same, but I couldn't be sure if that was the one. Next time I go again must ask them. Lunch was ok if we weren't in such a rush. And I'm still harping over the fact that I only had 1 pathetic piece of calamari out of the whole big plate because some auntie whom we shared a table with scooped all the remaining pieces onto her plate without even asking or noticing other ppl. Totally sian-ed after that. The aunties are seriously in their own world and totally in the spirits of Singaporean aunties.
Seriously, how coincidentally one of the auntie approach yih to ask a stupid question on mer's tattoo, and then secretly cut the queue to clear customs. And then happened to be on the same coach as us for the whole holiday, and share the same table for lunch. Gawds. Luckily that was the ONLY meal we had to eat together. Thankful for that.
But at the end of the day, we saw something which we couldn't understand. Seriously don't know what the aunties are trying to play with. Disappearance? My friends only do that when we were in sec school. And at this kind of time. Not very funny. Ok, so the auntie who approached us actually told her 2 friends to wait at the departure area while she went on to eat and shop. She might be kind of wrong in this but I reckoned the 2 friends didn't want to walk because at the shopping mall the previous day I saw the 2 aunties resting at the stage area (with chairs) for quite some time. So the auntie came back nearing the boarding time to look for her friends and couldn't find them. So she asked if we've seen her friends, well, of course we didn't lah. So she was quite anxious and worried - her stuff are with them I think, and obviously if you can't find your friends you panic lah, moreover in a foreign land right. So the auntie couldn't decide if the friends have already gone in, so she queued to clear the customs (she cut the queue btw), while she was doing that, we saw the 2 friends actually inside a waiting area and didn't want to let her know, keep asking us to keep mouthed about it. Hello, we are not interested in your game. And please, how old already still play this kind?! Eventually, they entered the departure area at different time and cleared the customs with some interval in between each other, a bit weird I say. And they still sat together in the ferry. Weird kind of friendship I say, or if you even consider that friendship.
The worst part of the trip was on the return trip, trying to get out of the building to go on the ferry. We were all squeezing actually. Initially, we queued up because everyone was queuing. But towards the boarding time, everyone just crowd themselves around the gate, and so the queue dissolved once they announced for us to board the ferry. It was crazy and aunties are really good in all these, they encouraged younger people in front of them to squeeze and not give way. Typical. At least in the end we still managed to sit together. Credits to daijing who was able to squeeze out the fastest with the help of an aunties pushing the 2 girls behind daijing. haha!
Best part of the trip is at least we get to eat some good food, get some cheap clothes and buy cheap tidbits! :D Though didn't buy a lot, but we had our fair share of fun, esp. when we were playing saboteur in our room at night. It was kind of crazy and fun.
And I had a big bed to myself!! Woohooooo! :D
I'm actually looking forward to the next time I go back there to find my cousins again. But probably it wouldn't be so soon, and I wouldn't be able to get on such trips again easily, because I'm trying to get more students to earn more money. It's hard to give up some things (fun and rest) for such, but it's the age to do so and I'm going to heed the advice from my teacher to make it a break before I don't have the energy to do so. :) And so, I want to save up more for future better trips. :)))
Monday, October 03, 2011
The next trip?
Last week one of my friends asked me, if I could only go to one place, where is the first I want to go. And you know what, I can't even answer this question. In the end I still had an option answer. i.e. Shorter period (1week) - Japan, Longer period (2weeks) - US. So it depends on how much time I can afford. Oh, and probably how much money I can afford too. Plus, if I can afford, I would really want to go to London. One of my dreams to watch some musicals there! Omg. I can't wait for myself to go already.
The thing is, there are so many places I'd want to go!
So now I've got to start saving. =.=
They say if I stop going to all the short trips to HK, I will have the money to go to these places. But but but... I <3 HK! And I seriously don't mind going again. Esp. for the camp or just shopping. Okay, maybe not the camp anymore because I believe that those memories are the best to keep. :) But shopping, yes!
You see, I haven't been to HK that often. The last time was 2 years ago. HAHA! And I haven't only gone to HK mah. And I visited other places before. So it isn't fair to say that.
Ok. Got to plan for next year soon. So that I can save up well. :)))
The thing is, there are so many places I'd want to go!
So now I've got to start saving. =.=
They say if I stop going to all the short trips to HK, I will have the money to go to these places. But but but... I <3 HK! And I seriously don't mind going again. Esp. for the camp or just shopping. Okay, maybe not the camp anymore because I believe that those memories are the best to keep. :) But shopping, yes!
You see, I haven't been to HK that often. The last time was 2 years ago. HAHA! And I haven't only gone to HK mah. And I visited other places before. So it isn't fair to say that.
Ok. Got to plan for next year soon. So that I can save up well. :)))
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