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| Saturday, 28-Jul-2007 10:30 |
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HK Island - my last few days in HK...
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A chance to live within the vicinity in HK city, blended into the cultures and life of the regular folks for a while. Thumbs up or not, I was mistaken not once, but 3 times as a local HK gal, who
fortunately speaks ENGLISH, but unfortunately does not know the directions around.
It's true! Many people approached me asking me whether I speak English, and when they found out I do...they were overjoyed...brief happiness alas as I am a tourist as they are! (not knowing directions around this densely populated busy city. We were lost ourselves too among the buses and trams for a while).
A big thankful I wanted to say to Woei King and to her family in HK for making my short stay in HK island really an eye-opener as well as making me feel so at home and welcome
I wouldn't have had a chance to experience living in small HK apartment, enjoying local BEST recommended delicacies, including the famous oh-must-have mango pudding.
During the weekend (Sat-Sun), we visited Stanley Market for a quick breeze shopping and more photo-taking. Night time was more interesting visiting Lan Kwai Fong in Causeway Bay, a must-visit place for hardcore drinkers and partygoers...as I have come to know only upon being a part of the crowd for the night. Hmm...we met these 2 nice European guys, who were friendly and invited us for a beer.
Did we accept? Ask us to find out
Lots of eating good food - there's always an advantage to have local folks taking you around and knowing where the BEST food is! I enjoyed the mango pudding so much....yum yum..still thinking about it.
This concludes my HK trip. It was lovely, and definitely well-worth it! We both had a superbly great time shopping, eating, visiting and well....enjoying!
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| Friday, 27-Jul-2007 12:00 |
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Disneyland!
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No one ever feels old in Disneyland – it is the land for both the young and old. The moment one walks by the paths leading on the magical castle of Disneyland, nothing but youthfulness and cheerfulness ensue watching little kids holding hands with their parents smiling with joy, wearing Mickey/Minnie mouse caps and carrying cute umbrellas, endless magical photo-taking…a land where sorrow disappears, replaced by happiness spread all around.
I really enjoyed the Disney parade – managed to get a shady place early before the parade started to get up-closed photos. Other than that, we spent most of our time queuing up for Disney character photos. Unfortunately, the day is too short – taking pictures and shopping for gifts would mean giving up most shows. Nevertheless, Woei King and I had a lovely time – as depicted in our photos
One thing’s for sure – we felt like little kids again ! Hehe
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| Thursday, 26-Jul-2007 12:00 |
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Travel Macau
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I had no prior knowledge of this place except that Macau was a place of old Portuguese settlements. I had forgotten that this place was set to be a hub of Casinos...not just 10 casinos, but at present there are 27 casinos on this island! (seriously).
That’s not all, and the casinos are growing - another 10 more should be up in a few years to come. A bridge will be constructed linking Macau – HK – China by 2011. Wow wow!
Lots of happenings predicted for this quiet city…
The tour to Macau was good, though it was rather rushed. Our tour guide, Mario (Portuguese) was really friendly and he was really passionate about his life in Macau.
There are only 10,000 Portuguese people left on the island now… Macau was handed back to China in 1999, however they still maintain their traditions since then.
The main place of visit is the Ruins of St Paul’s Church (located on top of a hill), which was the remains after a fire had taken place and burnt down most parts of the Church. Not visiting the ruins would consider not even stepping foot in Macau. Well, I guess that’s aside from the point that 75% of their revenue would come from the casinos, hence the good thing is that the folks in Macau do not have to pay any taxes (not even income taxes). Let the RICH take care of the welfare of the people. No complaints.
The famous and one of the most beautiful casino belongs to Steve Wynn...as indicated by his signature mark on the building...
There are others coming up - more magestic - large ones...
Everyone laughed when I said that I visited Macau, but not even one opportunity to step into their casino . "Not enough time!", I replied with a grin. So, to people who wish to explore more casinos - pls allocate more than a day in Macau
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| Tuesday, 24-Jul-2007 15:31 |
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My HK trip! :)
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It is difficult to select the good pictures from 500+ pictures that I took during the whole HK trip, seriously!
In a nutshell, my trip to HK was wonderful! Tiffany (Woei King) and I had initially made plans to go to Korea – we even bought our trip through Matta Fair in March 2007, but alas came the bombshell that the trip was put off, just as we were in anticipation to make a trip overseas since we have already planned the annual leave for ages…and this was a plan that both of us made 2 years ago saying that when we would go for a trip together when both of us complete our CPA examinations. Living up to this promise, yes… no more delays…Korea or not, both of us got our quick plans together – made calls up to travel agencies, me running around to Reliance Travel to make last minute bookings just one week prior to departure – wham, we were both on our way to Hong Kong (shopping haven especially during this summer season)
Our trip was from Tuesday, 23rd July 2007 till Sunday, 29th July 2007. It was supposed to be a 4 day 3 night trip Free & Easy, but we extended the 2 extra days to spend time with Woei King’s relatives in HK island. Hehe, even said, we still did not have enough time to complete our shopping. Woei King will know what I mean – especially talking about my shopping for G2000 blu
Our trip was Free & Easy, with plans for a full-day city day tour around HK (Wed), Macau (Thurs) and Disneyland (Fri), HK Island (Sat- Sun).
It is impossible to summarise the list of events that have taken place to allow readers experience the fun Woei King and myself had in HK…but pictures somehow do paint a thousand words. Sharing happiness through my photos is something I truly believed in, and for my own personal interest, having a chance to look at them again months down the road will never cease to paste a smile back on my face
Learnt quite a fair bit about HK this trip around ... did you know that no one owns their own property in HK? Basically, people rent small little cramped up apartments (yes, it's true - I had an opportunity to live in one). Property is so expensive on this densely populated island.
Only the Rich .. like Mr Stanley Ho (rumours is that he has 4 wives!) lives in high class property on top of hills of Repulse Bay, HK.
It is worth mentioning that we actually stayed in New Territory, HK during the early days of our stay, resulting in the fact that we needed to travel 40 mins each day out of the suburb to reach the city of Kowloon (where Tsim Sha Tsui is). A bit convenient, nevertheless, I enjoyed the "unpredictableness" living and doing something different on my holiday. To think about it further, during the 1 week trip, I had a chance to travel to most major Islands in HK - Lantau Island (where airport and Disneyland is), New Territories + Kowloon and HK Island (where Causeway bay is).
HK is a vibrant city. I am amazed by the daily laser shows that they have every night at 8pm
in front of the Avenue of Stars. Quite a sight
Enjoy the pix
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| Saturday, 14-Jul-2007 15:30 |
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Genting trip again! This time for the MLTR concert - MLTR ROCkS!
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MLTR RockS! I still remember the time Sze Huey asked me to open up The Sun newspapers about 2 months back, asking me to look out for a surprise. Wham - MLTR was making waves in Malaysia!? I was excited, though a bit uncertain whether to go for it - as I was tentatively making plans for an overseas trip during the July season.
Like people would conclude, opportunities don't knock on your door once too often, and if you're single and no strings attached - better go all out and do what you wish to do at this young age. So YES! I typed a quick email to Sze Huey - and next, made all the necessary online bookings
11am Saturday, 14th July 2007 - trip uphill on Genting bus to First World Hotel was exciting, and we were full of chatter. Kekeke..the funniest thing is that this time around, Sze Huey and I wanted a more relaxing holiday. We'd rather spend more time walking around, enjoying the cool air, savouring yummy food than hop on rides in the theme park.I think it was wonderful.
And, the other goal was to watch
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, which was great!!! At least we didn't have to fight with the KL crowd to watch the most anticipated movie
Besides that, it was an experience to watch a movie at 1.15am in the morning and only to arrive in bed about 3.30a.m. ish! We girls really enjoyed ourselves...hehe
After MLTR concert on Sat night itself (which was from 8-10pm - and was truly superb, brilliant! The fans encored and asked for more - and I found myself screaminig away and clapping to the music!!!)
we settled for a cool Starbucks ice-blended drink....yummy...
I had a wonderful time, and I bet Sze Huey too Friends forever and hope we can do this again!! Looking forward to it
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| Friday, 13-Jul-2007 00:03 |
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KSP Nite 2007 - Friday, the 13th...
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The theme seemed a little creepy - with thoughts of ghostly appearances, people dressed as frankenstines and white witches. Fortunately I decided not to go with the 'crazy' dressing (many people didn't anyway), yet kept to theme dressed in black. It's quite hard to go wrong with Black during an evening dinner. Besides, the colour theme to wear was actually Red, White or Black.
Hmm... looks like some people were not following the theme closely tonight [no wonder can easily blend in among the ones who DID follow the theme *hint * *hint*]
Must have been a target which everyone worked towards - meeting the 5.30p.m. deadline for subsmission of conso packs nearly killed us all, but we did it!
To just laugh back at my experience a few days ago...when my car was stuck in the basement for missing out the apprx 5 minute time to remove the car. Scary, yet funny experience. Luckily there's dad to the rescue
KSP was wonderful. We were a bit late...though not as late as last time.
Felt a bit sorry for Steven (because HH and I kept him waiting outside the hall). They were pretty strict this time for not allowing people without physical tickets. Perhaps for security purposes.
Performances were much less, though I enjoyed the 2nd sketch very much, which depicts the "Life of an Associate". Everyone burst into laugher upon seeing characters such as Darth Vader, some angels, aqua (from Chow Kit)...kekekekeke...lolz
I enjoyed my night ride home...chatting...just relaxing... we all need that sometimes.
Professional Photos below: Courtesy from Thum Chein Wei (thanx! )
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| Wednesday, 11-Apr-2007 12:00 |
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Feeling weak and disabled...
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Ever felt that the things you never thought would happen to you eventually striked you one day at your most crutial moment? Ever felt that the world suddenly came crumbling down at your feet when your dreams of pursuing for the stars were just riding high?
Too many questions of WHY keep popping up, but answers are suppressed and silenced.
Contentment is said to be the greatest wealth, but a fact it is indeed that it seems easier saying and believing in the saying than actually living it.
Should Kamma be a cause of the sad happenings in life? After all, it is Samsara - a world of suffering over and over again until we get out of this wheel of life.
Perhaps the sad news about my condition shouldn't be looked and frown upon, but rather, a motivation and encouragement to take extra care of myself. Things will never feel the same again...
but...being positive about it CAN and WILL make things look better in the coming future.
Additional excerpt...following progress in life...Thursday, 19 Apr 2007:
I'm back on track! Can't say how happy it feels to be able to get up and out of bed with no more backaches and pains Today's review with manager went fortunately WELL too...I must be thankful for the kind stars that shine in my direction to make today a happy day Enjoy and savour the moment ....
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| Thursday, 5-Apr-2007 15:22 |
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What is it that keeps us going?
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Picked this up from a website..anything pink is cute!
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What is it that keeps us going? What is the ingredient in life that charges up and makes us feel good about ourselves? What is it that makes me smile on a regular day at work?
Is it the sight of a handsome guy across the street? Is it the act of kindness of an ordinary person on the bus or LRT? Is it the happy rejuvenated feeling after returning from a wonderful vacation? What about the sweet coincidences which gets one feeling that the world is really small? All partly true.
Or...maybe it is just that simple smile, that kind gaze from a familiar face - lightens up the day and makes the day happier. Maybe it was a cheeky remark, a light warming joke that charmed, yet sparked some laughter in my life.
Where little things in life make all the difference, these are the times when I go home feeling what I did today was appreciated, and I had a truly good day.
Being optimistic and positive about life isn't an easy task (for someone like myself), but knowing that people care...makes ALL that difference and brings a specal feeling to heart
Self happiness is wonderful , but sharing happiness with others is more fulfilling and rewarding!
Picked up some random pictures while surfing the net...no relevance..just pictures that made me happy
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| Monday, 2-Apr-2007 12:00 |
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Final bits of the holiday...
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Yes, I was 'reminded' that my holiday was ending...
This doesn't stop me from enjoying the last bits of my holiday doing some exploration.
Monday morning - when everyone is at work, I hopped from place-to-place, starting from Tanjong Pagar to Holland Village to shopping malls back along Orchard Road.
Kick started with a visit to the URA Centre to see an impressive models of Singapore island,
done with details and labels. Interesting interesting.
Holland village was a bit disappointing, but I think the interesting part was meeting a nice Singaporean guy who brought me through short-cuts and we chatted a lot along the way.
Rare chances you meet people who are willing to share for a chat on the street.
Not everyone's nice as we know - there was one guy who completely ignored my "Excuse me, sir" and deliberately walked faster! Some people...mm...
I did another thing I had never done before! Watched a movie alone at Cathay cinema. A sad life? Not exactly...it was a hot afternoon and my legs were aching from endless walks..the best place would be to relax with a good movie. Selected a Jude Law film called "Breaking and Entering". Jude Law is actually quite handsome..mm... The movie was not spectacular or bravo - but good enough.
Last few pictures were random ones at the coach stop at Harbourfront (my bus departed home on Tuesday, 3rd April 2007 at 11am). Sad to leave, but I had a fantastic time during my vacation and that mattered the most when it was time to say goodbye.
It was back to KL - home
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| Sunday, 1-Apr-2007 12:00 |
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Sentosa Island - complete visit!
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Sunday morning - hopes were slightly dampened with the morning shower. Nevertheless, it didn't stop Chui Yee and I for making it to Chinatown for our promised morning dim sum. I was looking forward to the recommended "Yum Cha" restaurant that I heard was yummy...
We spotted it it finally, and made our way into the warm, steamy restaurant - filled with the aromas of dim sum and laughter of happy families and friends.
One thing to notice - everything comes in THREE! But the portions are much bigger - larger "siew mai" to begin with...and everything else is good as well. Reasonably priced considering everything was served in baskets. No regrets.
As soon as breakfast was over, the weather was kinder so off to Sentosa we went.
Took the MRT back to Harbourfront..to VivoCity (Singapore's new large shopping mall) to catch the connecting Sentosa Express to Sentosa island. It was non-stop fun from then on...
non-stop pictures...
Bought the tickets at MATTA fair this year, so we both had admissions to most rides - 4D experience, skytower, merlion, butterfly farm and luge ride...even a free mocktail at the bar (yup, check out the Green drink!).
Experience gained can't be expressed in words, but if you haven't been down to Singapore in a way long time, you definitely should! To be honest, my last trip to Singapore was more than 15 years ago - no wonder everything looks different!
Wanna cherish the good times and happy moments in Sentosa - Singapore
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