Moon's Prodigy

2011-01-01T12:58:00.002+08:00

I'm just too lazy to blog anything here. BTW, Happy New Year!
(noticed the big time-lag in this blog between May - Dec 10)

2010-09-12T12:59:00.001+08:00

觉得当“太太”好像让人们有说不完的话题，开始感到不自在, 甚至还感到非常倒胃口。其实当＂太太＂的“命＂也好不到哪里去，没有固定的薪金，每天要面对一样的家务事，想点子讨好老公，甚至还要看老公的脸色！不是每个太太都可以想受SPA，manicure and high-tea的wo！其实我们都是有理想，有憧憬的摩登女性，但好象被别人列入对社会没有贡献的一群。不了解这种感觉的人其实是在妒忌你的！

2010-09-06T01:16:00.004+08:00

I'm a desperate housewife now.

http://www.moonzakka.blogspot.com

2010-06-22T00:06:00.049+08:00

Spore to Taiwan/Japan (26 May - 6 Jun 2010)

I went Japan again! This time is from Taiwan to Japan then back to Taiwan~
Actually the intention is just to visit our relatives in Taiwan but my sister and auntie are "itching" to shop in Tokyo. Thus, we bought the flight tix from China Airlines which allowed us to fly to Narita(flight transfers at Taoyuan), then stop over at Taiwan for a few a few days before flying back to Singapore.

It may sound surprising; I've never been to Taiwan even my maternal grandparents were from there. The rests of my family members went there so many times.

We took off on 26 may at 10am - Spore to Taiwan/Japan. First time taking China Airlines. It was a morning flight at 10am and transit has to be done at Taoyuan Airport. Pretty pleasant flight from Spore Changi Airport where air crew was quite efficient. Lunch was on the plane. We carried very few clothes and luggage were intended to carry the stuff bought over from the 2
cities. My luggage was only 10kg when I board the plane.

Taking transit flight was tend to be less tiring as you were able to catch a cat nap within the 4 hours without being cramped in a direct flight for 6 hours. Watched 2 movies onboard, hilarious romantic comedy, "When in Rome" and childish flick such as "The Tooth Fairy".

Flight transfer from Taoyuan to Narita was really a hassle cos we have to move from Terminal 1 to 2, on that, we took the monorail rail. When we reached Terminal 2, we found out that our plane was slightly delayed at Taoyuan to Narita due to late transit. We thought it would be too late to catch the last express train to Ikebukuro. Luckily we managed to board on the last Narita Express to Ikebukuro at 9.45pm. After purchasing our Suica+Nex package each at JR East Station, we rushed off to board on our train.

We reached Ikebukuro at around 11.30pm. Our minshiyuku was located at West of Ikebukuro Station called "House of Ikebukuro". It was raining rather heavily by the time we reached Tokyo.

Due to overbooking, Mrs Chen the minshiyuku keeper informed that actually her staff was waiting for us at Ikebukuro station where we were supposed to check into an apartment at Ikebukuro north gate for the 2 nights. We hopped onto a taxi, where the muddle-headed taxi
uncle took us round and round that area.

Finally, we saw Miss Huang, the staff came running to us when we reached the North Annex house of Ikebukuro. After she paid the taxi fare, she told us that actually the taxi driver knew where he was going and but tried to cheat us on the mileage.

After settling down, we all had a good night's rest on the bunk beds. It was a very neat room to stay in. Unlike a hotel, it has a small dry kitchen with necessary equipment to whip up a small meal. The only inconvenience was the bathroom and toilet was a little too small. I can't wash my hair at ease inside, arm kept banging against the wall.

27 may - Ikebukuro, Akihabara

Rise and shine! We woke up pretty early and had breakfast (nice loaf of bread with jam) with compliments from House of Ikebukuro! It is definitely a rare thing to have cheap, clean accommodation with free breakfasts!

Then we went to shop before the shops were opened around 11am. The shopping district was just a walking distance from the place we stayed. It was plain madness! Within 3 hours, we had purchased 3 Burberry Blue/Black Label bags and Agnes B while shopping at Tobu Mall alone.

Staring at the shopping bags is enough to make you go "Gaga".

Then sis saw the very sweet watermelon at Tobu supermarket, bought it as it was the famous branded one called “红小玉 ” without much white flesh.

The very exquisite, expensive watermelon!

One can never get enough of Akihabara so we went there after our crazy shopping at Ikebukuro. Spotted a new cafe, GUNDAM Cafe as we peeped by. There was a long queue and we really wondered what was its selling point as it looked rather like a normal Starbucks with its barristas.

Gundam cafe at Akihabara

Jeans Mate branches are basically everywhere in Tokyo and hardly you can miss out any. The boutique offers relatively affordable unisex fashion retail brands like Edwin, Lee, Levis, etc. You can also find comic-related t-shirts in Akihabara too!

Tip 1: Always remember to take off your shoes when going into the changing rooms!

Tip 2: You can also find Maids as sales girls in Jeans Mate, Akihabara.

Lastly, we settled for curry rice for dinner in Akihabara. The boy (looking 'otaku') just bought a new IT gadget and was fiddling with it while eating his curry rice. But these Japanese really ate very fast and moved off after finished their meals.

28 may - Sendai, Naruko onsen (JR)

We were supposed to catch the relatively early shinkansen train to Sendai the next morning at Ueno so reached the train station pretty early.

Tip 3: And we visited Afternoon Tea's cafe at Ueno! A pleasant place where you sip your coffee and listen to Beatles's "Strawberry fields forever"....

Reached Sendai after 2 hours. After which, we took the Loople bus at bus terminal to tour around Sendai City. The bus brought us to several tourist's attractions in the city. We then visited the the feudal lord, Date Masamune's mausoleum (Zuihoden Mausoleum).

Tip 4 : Loople bus - 600 yen for 1 day trip. You can drop down to the various attractions and hop up again.

Tip 5: Not many seats on the Loople bus ~ Mostly have to stand all the way. Also give up your seats to elderly please!

To get into the tomb of the feudal lord, one has to climb the steep slope up. There were different types of graves over, even graveyard for children who have deceased.

We saw daffodils along the way as we climbed up the steep slope. Aunt was munching on the rice dumplings as we climbed.

With a serene atmosphere, very quaint setting which made you stop and ponder over what actually happened long time ago.

Harmonious-looking Buddha sculptures

Next, Sendai Castle.

Sendai Castle also known as Aoba Castle is just a few stops away from the mausoleum.
It is usually flooded with tourists. There was a souvenir shop selling rather expensive stuff related to the Fuedal Lord.

Sis bought a bbqed sweetcorn from the food stalls and it was simply delicious!

Gateway to Sendai Castle

Lord Date's sculpture. My aunt said that he looked like an "angmoh" cos he had a very broad face at a closer look. He was so commercialised that they even designed him in various ways!

For example, Date Masamune has a "bishonen" version in video games!

Of course the feudal lord isn't so "yandao" la.

Also a cute version made of onigiri (rice with seaweed) ~ the mascot of Sendai City!

Credits to An Illiterate English Major

On top of the Sendai Castle.

There you have a bird' eye view of Sendai City by standing here. Don't forget to bring along your binoculars!

You can also see the Sendai Daikonon from here.

At the base of Sendai Castle. The walls looked new and fake.

We have to check into the onsen hotel at Naruko by the evening. Thus, we took the 15 min shinkansen to Furukawa then change into JR East Rikku East Line to Naruko onsen(takes about 1 hr). There was actually a more exclusive train that brings you directly from Sendai to Naruko but no one seemed to know about it.

Naruko Onsen is located in the middle of the hills along countryside.

Naruko Station (JR)

Our hotel, located nearer to the hills.

Steam oozing out from the hotsprings Oh, you can soak your feet here (shown facilities) for free.

View from our hotel

Then we tried their outdoor onsen. I dun really like it as the water has strong sulphur smell. Naruko has a high sulphur count, as well as sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, thought to be a relief for the symptoms of high blood pressure and hardened arteries. So, we also happened to see a lot of elderly folks in this onsen district.

Dinner time! A young, lovely waitress served us.

We ordered Asahi beer too. They actually charge high tax on alcohol. So it's actually more expensive to order from inns and hotels.

Finished our dinner and went back our room to sleep. The mattresses were so comfy and within minutes, I managed to doze off into a deep slumber.

29 may , visit to Sendai Daikonon, - check in Sunroute hotel Sendai, Mitsui outlet shopping (JR)

Checking out from our onsen hotel, we left Naruko Onsen town and took the train to Furakawa then back to Sendai. We had to rush to check into our hotel(Sunroute) then to Mitsui Outlet cos it's meant to be a shopping trip! For your info, Sunroute is conveniently located near the train station, just across the more expensive Metropolitan.

Sendai Daikonon

Because it is too early to visit the shopping outlet, we decided to go for another tourist attraction around the area.

My aunt had wanted very much to visit Sendai Daikonon ever since during the last trip in Dec. Due to time-constraints, we were not able to make it. Given the whole morning to make up for this trip, we took bus from the Sendai bus terminal to the mentioned location which took us 30 mins.

It was a very tall Guanyin indeed!

There was an exhibition, featuring on the different types of Goddesses.

There were only a few tourists in the 12 storeys building thus we could hear our own echoes. Took the lift to the top floor then walk down.

12 storeys of explorations - not much of an exploration, actually.

Sendai Mitsui Outlet - I love this place and it's my 2nd time here. In fact, I love the countryside of Sendai, everything's so low-rise and peaceful. You can see a lot of hairdressing salons along the way to the outlet. Not forgetting to get the tickets (I've already memorized the steps to purchase them) to Ghibli Museum, we stopped by LAWSON to purchase from the Lippo machine. Warning: Tickets were sold out quite fast, so better purchase them 1 week before.

Anyway to recap, here's the link.

30 May - Sendai to Fukushima, Fukushima to Ueno, Ueno to Higashi Ikebukuro(Sunshine City)

Thirsty for fresh peaches, Aunt was saying we could actually get the best peaches at Fukushima(as known as Peach City as it produces the most peaches in Japan). Due to time-constraints, we ain't able to visit the farms as they were all out far away in the countryside, so we took our chance at the nearby supermarts instead.

We managed to find fresh Fukushima peaches at Ito Yamada's supermarket, 2690yen, containing 5 nos of peaches.

One word: BEST!
You just have to try it to experience for yourself.

Ueno

The grocery stores at Ueno Station is our favorite station with lots of cheap tidbits, snacks and dried goods. Usually we would purchase them there in bulk, put inside a box and bring back Singapore.

And I've managed to purchase a Samantha Thavasa key holder in Ueno as well. The salesgirl told me there will be a store opened in Singapore soon!!

Higashi Ikebukuro

From the Ikebukuro Station, we took the subway and reached Higashi Ikebukuro cos Aunt wanted to purchase some One Piece toy figurines for her son. Then we realised it was already closed. Most shops were already closing around this time thus Aunt suggested we shall visit the East side of Ikebukuro as she remembered it was a district that still opened. After asking a nice Japanese lady(she happened to be walking to there as well), she showed us the way.

Afternote: Actually to Sunshine City, it is just a walkable distance of 10 mins from Ikebukuro Station. Just to head towards to East Exit will do.

31 may - Ueno, Nippori, Harajuku, Mitaka (Ghibli Museum)

Our last 2 days in Tokyo were hectic as we have to visit more places within a short period of time. Firstly to Ueno to shop for our favourite tidbits, Nippori, the Textile Town for fabric, Harajuku, Aunt has to get some gothic stuff for her daughter then to Mitaka for the Ghibli Museum.

Nippori - Textile Town

Nippori has the cheapest textile according to a reliable source. If you are looking for scrap cloth for patchwork and handicraft, this the place! They also have cheap clothing (esp for children) in wholesale prices.

Mitaka, Ghibli Museum

Our next stop is to Mitaka, Ghibli Museum, horray! Access by train is via Mitaka Station on the JR Chūō Main Line, approximately 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station.

Transport to Ghibli museum, 200 yen for single-trip, 300 for round-trip.

Actually it is of walkable distance but because to save time, we chose the round-trip.

The queue was pretty long, but we waited patiently for our turn. Whenever the 1st bus is full, the next empty bus came in very fast so the visitors are not feeling grumpy.

* Phototaking is prohibited inside the museum but out-door is totally fine.*

The giant robot in Laputa.

Can spot some weeds growing inside the robot.

If you visit Tokyo and you love works from Miyazaki, this is the must-visit place!

Aunt bought a couple of Pullip dolls for myself and cousin. If you are a Pullip doll fan, they could be found in Ueno too.

1 Jun - Karuizawa, Prince Shopping Plaza

Our last day of shopping was at Karuizawa, just an hour's shinkansen ride from Ueno to Karuizawa's Prince Shopping Plaza. The place was splendid with beautiful golfcourses, countryside villas, suitable for retirement.

The shopping mall was large with garden-setting, all single-storey shops and a pond near the resting area. There are Agnes B and Samantha Thavasa outlets as well!

2 jun - Last day in Japan, and to Taiwan

Took the Narita Express back to Narita Airport and took the 4pm flight to Taoyuan airport. From there, a driver awaited and drove us to the hotel in Taipei, Shilin. After deposited our luggage, we had a walk along Shilin Market, hoping to settle down for some dinner. However, we ended up having our first meals in KFC.

3 jun (JR) - Jinmen visit

4-5 Jun in Taipei, visiting relatives, shopping, etc....

6 jun, Sun - 4.05pm flight, return Spore

2010-05-08T12:39:00.001+08:00

Was asked by a guy friend to explore Club Giorgio@Lavender - a club with male hosts serving lady customers. Sounds kinky and interesting.

2010-04-23T00:15:00.002+08:00

Busy preparing for the big day.

http://www.champagnerosewedding.blogspot.com

2010-03-28T19:17:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I feel he does not even care what I am thinking now. Or does he really loves me?

2010-03-07T11:30:00.005+08:00

So there it goes.....

The shipment is finally here. All in a bag.

My cutie, tiny panties!

I received the goods ordered over Chinese New Year! My 17 pairs of Victoria's Secret panties!
In fact I'm wearing one now. It took about 2 weeks to reach Spore. I still have 1 back-ordered to be delivered here.

Comes with magazine too! My favourite VS models were in!
Ok, I shall order some more. ;)

2010-02-20T00:33:00.002+08:00

I am crazy over Victoria's Secret's PINK. Bought 18 pairs of panties @ US$3.99 each!

2010-01-06T14:21:00.030+08:00

Day 12 - Higashi-Ikebukuro, Sunshine City

OK, enough of Shinjuku of its sleaziness. We left Lonestar hotel after breakfast and given an hour, we decided to explore Kabukicho in the daytime.

Moved on to Sunshine City by walking all the way from Ikebukuro, some how overshot a bit. You can't trust the map saying only 8 mins walk from the station, that's the Japanese speed of walking.

To reach Sunshine City at ease by metro, take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line from Ikebukuro station to Higashi-Ikebukuro(just a stop). When out of the station, walk about 10 mins straight where you pass by a 24hr Seiyu supermarket. Keep walking and cross the road to reach Sunshine City.

Side-note: As the weather was so freaking cold, we chose to take the metro. No need to bear with the harsh, cold, icy wind!

Chanced upon Namja Town, an amusement park based on cats.

Everything inside are cats, cats and more cats.

We bought the normal tickets without to play the games inside. So it's 300 yen each.
There are cool machines outside to purchase the tickets.

Warning: A place more for young children. You see the Japanese kids running around, carrying an electronic game device where they captured points inside.

Ok, we were hungry. It's easy to feel hungry in cold weathers like this, especially after a long walk from the station. So it's time for food.

The food we saw were of cat's theme also.

To play safe, I tried Japanese curry with rice. At least the curry was piping hot! (but egg was cold... duh...)

Kok Keng left a message in my facebook that the food dun look appetizing.
It actually tasted better than my cousins ordered(shown below).

This One Piece bento was TERRIBLE.... The drumstick was cold!

We also explored the other attractions in the park. From ice-cream city, haunted house to gyoza museum....... all in Japanese so we dun really understand their stories/concept that much. Not catered to tourists perhaps. One thing I can remember, they were all very expensive!

OK, here's a video clip on more details on Namjatown.

After loitering around in the amusement and nothing left to do, we moved on to a comic shop/building near Sunshine City.

The comic book store was 7-storey building containing comic books, magazines, toys, figurines, animation dvds, soundtracks....... and everything cute.

There was also an event on a video game debut on the top-floor which attracted a fair bit of young girls.

The attraction-seeking life-size standing cardboard characters. There is always one question in my mind, "Why do the young girls think they are hot?"

You even get to sit down comfortably to watch the "Opening" songs.

Comic shops in Japan were always about 7 storeys high. In every building we went, there will always a lift provided. However, waiting for the lift could take a very, very long time! So "bobian", we climbed all the way up!

I'm a little lazy to take pictures of the shop. But this place is a paradise for "otakus" and definitely a place for anyone who likes manga/anime related stuff. From books, magazines, figurines, dvds....... to even hentai! You can even purchase cosplay clothes here! (but no trying please)

After looking around so long, we settled down in a nearby family restaurant called "Ai Ai" for our dinner. They served delicious ramen and gyoza at reasonable costs.

Day 13 - Shimbashi, Odaiba

It was the New Year's eve. After checking online whether shops do open during this day, we decided to visit the "Marina Bay" of Tokyo, Odaiba, aka "New Tokyo". It was a group of man-made islands constructed during the end of Edo Period for defence against foreigners.

To get to Odaiba, we took JR from Ikebukuro to Shimbashi, then change to Yurikamone line to Odaiba Seaside Park.

JR to Shimbashi - You could see a lot of Japanese leaving the Tokyo city and returning back to their hometowns before New Year.

And the very long Shinkansen passed by almost every minute to cater to the large numbers of folks returning to their hometowns(outskirts) of Tokyo City.

Took this pic of the Rainbow Bridge while on Yurikanome monorail.

Finally we reached Odaiba Park. First stop, over to the Cats Lover's shop at Tokyo Decks.

Odaiba Cat Shop

You need to pay an entrance fee of 1,600 yen (which includes a drink) if you want to get close with the cats for 1 hour.

The cat figurines were cute too!

Need to treat the cat with respect!

OK, this one didn't seem to look well.

Catch me if you can!

Visitors could sit on these chairs and enjoy the "at-home" environment.

I wanted to buy this fat cat, but it cost almost 12,000 yen!(S$180)
When the 1 hour's up, we crossed over the bridge to the Venus Fort, a major shopping mall with the Venus theme.

The place was really beautiful. But it got too overcrowded and things there were expensive.
For lunch, we had chinese food.

Getting too bored with shopping, I took Xinyun(my cousin) to a trip on the Ferris Wheel. This 115 metres wheel is one of the world's largest and offers great views of the bay area.

The wind was pretty strong up there.

Fuji Television Station

After checking out shops at the Tokyo Decks, we went back a stop over to Shiodome to view the clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki (the famous Japanese Animator who did Spirited Away and Ponyo on the cliff by the sea)

The clock actually demonstrates a small performance 4 times a day according to mentioned stipulated hours.

And lastly I must say, Tokyo's dusk scene is really very romantic.

Day 14

Nakano

A hidden gem of old anime figurines/toys at special offers. Regretted not taken any photos there!

Day 15

Irumashi, Mitsui Outlet Park

After breakfast at Moriva coffee, we travelled to the Mitsui outlet at Irumashi. Took the Seibu Ikebukuro line (40 min) and Seibu bus (190 yen, 20 min) to get there. The outlet was one of the largest in Japan and seriously 3 hours of shopping was hardly enough.

Day 16

Going back to Singapore! Home sweet home!
I miss local food very much!
The first thing I want to eat is definitely Nasi Lemak and Laksa( with "hum" of course!

2010-01-06T14:19:00.017+08:00

Day 10 - Shinjuku, Harajuku

Had a hearty breakfast at MacDonald's after checking out from the Ikebukuro's minshukyu. I was looking forward to visit Shinjuku for its interesting streetscape, shopping and night-life.

Breakfasts at MacDonald's near the Ikebukuro Train Station (West Exit)

Shinjuku @ Yamanote Line

Shinjuku is only few stops away from its poorer cousin Ikebukuro. Actually there were pretty lots of train lines that served both stations. Yamanote line was one of the oldest and busiest train lines by JR using the contactless railway ticket called SUICA or PASMO (also can be used as electronic money). You are likely to find the ticket top-up machines in most stations.

We also tried on the Tokyo Metro lines. You can easily recognise them with a "blue butterfly" logo found in these busy train stations. They are the subways, complementary to those places far from the already established Yamanote train stations.

Streetscapes of Shinjuku

Headed for our hotel at Shinjuku, called Lonestar. At first, we faced some difficulties finding the hotel as it was quite a distance from the Yamanote Line. It was actually nearer than we thought as it was located near Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Sanchome.

The hotel provides breakfasts like bread with jam and coffee/tea in the morning at stipulated timing. Not much choices but certainly better than nothing.

Service was actually quite mediocre as some of the receptionists were pretty rude. As the saying goes, you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. As the hotel is cheap, you can't expect 5-star service from a 2-stars hotel.

After checking in, we moved on to our next stop, Harajuku where the most fashionable streetwear could be found.

Saw pretty lots of weirdos on the street wearing strange outfits on the Shengong bridge (神宫桥) (near Meiji Jinggu Shrine) as well as the shopping route (竹下通）towards Mingzhi Tong 明治通.

The busy Harajuku JR Station @ Yamanote Line

Avoid coming here during the weekends, please! It was too crazy a crowd!

You get to see plenty of these "pink things" around.

More sweet Lolitas

Meiji Shrine - No we din go in.

Nearby the shrine is a bridge which is also a place famous for cosplayers dying to let people take photographs with/of them.

We came too late and most of them had left! =(
So, we were only left with this guy standing on the Meiji Bridge.

Ang Moh+ Son Goku = ??

Honestly, his costume can be bought in places like Shinjuku and Akiba for 1000 yen (S$16). Truly nothing special and innovative.

Next destination, Uniqlo UT store! I was hoping to find those manga-themed T-shirts by famous comic artists.

The UT Uniqlo store at along Meiji Shrine Road

I bought these @ 1500 yen each - The T-shirts without the plastic bottle can also be found in most Uniqlo stores. But only this store is unique as they have the plastic bottles.

Realised it was late already, and most of us were already tired of walking so long. We went back to hotel, took a bath and went out for dinner (Taiwanese+Sichuan cuisine)nearby. My cousins went back to rest in hotel while auntie, uncle and I explored Kabukicho at night.

Credits to Flickr - Kabukicho at night

It was actually a seedy side of Shinjuku and definitely a pretty terrifying experience as that was a messy place with prostitutes, club hostesses, gigolos, yakuzas and love hotels. There were also pimps or touts on the streets doing their sales pitch and with funny, "bengish" spiky hair. Because of all these over-whelming sights, I actually forgot to take a picture of the night scenes!

After walking for some time, we walked out and went to this 24 hr operating shop near road (see the above pic, building at the right-hand side) bought nothing as the product quality sucked. Yah, you can find those cheap cosplay costumes (Dragon Ball) there too. They sold fake LV and Gucci bags too!

Before I digress, I must say something about Kabukicho. It was certainly an eye-opener.
We never visit the sleazy areas meant for ladies before. I did visit the discos and pubs in Pak Phom Bangkok before where those young girls and trannies did bar-top, dancing in white bikinis but never the areas for ladies.

Kabukicho in the day (hmm, sorry for the glare on the gateway)

And the hottest gigolo is the uncle in the middle!!!!!

Not all gigolos in Kabukicho offer sex service. According to the documentary in BBC, the gigolos actually create fantasies and escapes for these young/old lonely women. Lots of physical interactions involved (wrestling, teasing) but not sex yet.

I think my cousin Xinyun may go 'ga-ga' on these guys who look like gals.

Ladies club - Sorry, not opened in the day as these gigolos are still sleeping.

My aunt smiling while posing near the adverts.

Although we stayed in Shinjuku for 2 nights, we din explore much of this place. Saw Isetan everywhere, from ladies to mens and there was even an Isetan club house! Things were all over the place and honestly speaking, I prefered Harajuku over Shinjuku.

After some hours around, we declared that we were finally tired. Bought some drinks from Lawson and went back to our hotel.

Decided to explore other wards tommorrow.

Day 11

Harajuku, Akihabara

Back to Harajuku, shopped for H&M. Got myself some clothing and my bro a long-sleeved shirt. The largest size they have for guys is L so you can forget about getting bigger size. You hardly see fatties in Japan, except the Sumo Wrestlers.

Saw a lot of weirdos again at Harajuku. Cousin shopped for some weirdo clothes at a shop called Bodyline where they sell maid, students costumes too around 3,000 ~ 5,000 yen.

After some consideration, we took the Chuo-line to Akihabara again. I was trying to search for the @home maid cafe. Looking at the map is easy but once you are at the Akiba train station, you are totally surrounded by the majestic buildings and you simply have no idea where you are.

We prowled around the area for a while and saw a couple of these young sweet looking girls dressed in maid attires. It was so freaking cold and they were all wearing short skirts! As we cannot 'tahan' the cold weather anymore, we just picked on one of them as they brought us to their maid cafe.

The cute looking maid assured us that speaking English was perfectly "OK". We were brought up to the lift and when the door opened, we were brought forth to a warm and cosy atmosphere. No cameras are allowed in the cafe, if you want to take a picture, you will have to pay 500yen taken from Polaroid with the maid.

Some of the maids were dressed as french chamber maids.

The maid cafe is called Popopure

Popopure mentioned it was an pretty unusual one as it was an animation studio as well. They were also screening their amateurishly drawn animation. Guest could try out video dubbing with the maids.

I find this trip super not-worth-it as the not all maids were pretty and their maid uniforms can be found in those cosplay shop. Speaking of no problem in English, I think they find it difficult to communicate with us so din serve us much.

Moved on to the next location, The Tokyo anime centre located at 4th storey.

They were featuring the new anime movie called "The Eternal Diva".

Here are the voice actors/actresses

Nothing much could be found there as it was only just a miserable floor. Went to some otaku shops nearby. Again, the building were packed with youngsters, mostly otakus. My auntie and cousins scavenged for their favourite anime figurines.

....... to be continued in Day 12

2010-01-06T14:17:00.006+08:00

Day 9, 26 Dec 09 - Sendai

Took the 0905 train from Ueno to Sendai. Sendai is located at the Tohoku region which we thought it will be cold however it wasn't.

Senzansen showing us the different attractions of Sendai

Had our breakfast on the train, from sandwiches and bread bought from station. Reached Sendai at around 1100 and we headed to Mitsui Shopping Outlet. Took Senzansen from Sendai to Nakanosakae (where outlet was located) and a 15min walk away from the station.

15 mins walk from the Nakanosakae station

We lost our way initially until the Ferris wheel pointed us where the outlet was.

Glad to find Lesportsac bags for offer (50%, 70%) and got myself 2 bags. Spent about $160 on the 2 bags, where in Spore it was much more expensive.

While waiting for our train

We just couldn't find the time to look for the statue of famous Sendai feudal lord, Date Masamune (1567-1636)

After much shopping, we moved off back to Sendai station (taking subway to Koutoudai Kouen station) and went to the Sendai Pageant of Starlight (aka tree-lined boulevard with lighting) where they had Xmas decorations and a fun-fair at Jozenji-dori.

Shopping around Sendai Station

Subway to Koutoudaikouen - They are well-fenced up

Lights were lit up at 6pm, all at once. It was pretty phenomenal.

Giant Xmas tree. Sorry, the camera's shaky.

Finally..... food! I love to try out the snacks of Sendai!

Bananas coated with chocolate

A temporary ice-skating rink

Bought some snacks at the fair and headed back to station again.

Took the 2026 Shinkansen back to Ikebukro.

....... to be continued in Day 10

2010-01-06T14:16:00.005+08:00

Day 8, 25 dec 09

Nikko, Ikebukuro

Nikko

Rise and shine. I din realise it was Christmas! After checking out from Nikko Green Hotel, we headed towards Edo Wonderland. I wasn't very looking forward to this themepark as I've visited a similar one before in Hokkaido.

There's a free shuttle bus that brings you there. The journey takes about 30 minutes. The free shuttle bus from JR Nikko station comes at 1005, 1125 and 1350.

Even the bus uncle dresses up as samurai

Wasn't pinning too much hope on the themepark, Edo Wonderland in the first place. Found out that it was about the same as compared to the one in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. Tickets cost 4,500 yen for adults.

Edo era streetscape

Outdoor performances

Indoor performance - The water magician

The mascot for Edo Wonderland. This guy never talks but gestures us to nearby performances going on.

The whole family played dressing up! (except the baby)

Parade showing the Geisha's day-out or something (for shopping?) She was wearing 10 inches "high-heels", definitely not the norm. The guy beside her supported her as they walked down the street.

We love being in this house where everyone can't seem to walk straight.

Finally, we boarded on the 1005 bus and went back at 1400 to go back Ikebukuro.

From Nikko to Ikebukuro: Took train from Tobu Nikko station and did a transfer at Shimoimaichi to Ikebukuro.

Did our last minute shopping at Ueno for tidbits as sis and Bro-in-law needs to get back spore the next day. Surprised to see so many different kinds of tidbits, cakes sold there. After our dinner at Ueno, we shopped for some anime goods nearby before heading back Ikebukuro.

....... to be continued in Day 9

2010-01-06T14:15:00.003+08:00

Day 7, 24 dec 09

Nikko

Left Niigata city for Nikko early in the morning, took shinkansen from Niigata station to Omiya first then transfered to Utsunomiya, by shinkansen again. Lastly, took the Nikko line. Deposited our huge luggages inside the train station lockers.

Reached Nikko around 1120am and found the shuttle bus to Edo Wonderland had left.

Tobo Nikko line Station. Unfortunately, it was a distance away from the JR Nikko Station

Ended up buying the Nikko tour ticket at Tobo Nikko Station by taking a short tour to all the famous temples (aka world heritage) of Nikko.

Tired and cold while walking too much.

I like Nikko. But visiting the temples after a long train ride isn't that enjoyable.

It had been snowing a little last night.

A World Heritage Site

The 3 famous stupid monkeys of Nikko

Had a light lunch at place near bus station before going into hotel. Nikko Green hotel is found near to the bus-stop, need to climb up a slope. Checked into the hotel, quite pleased with the rooms and hospitality. Outdoor onsen was a little small as compared to previous one, however was quite good as well. Water was a little hot but still quite ok.

A lovely scene outside the hotel

Nothing much to do in the hotel, dinner was good as well but not as plentiful as compared to Toei Yuzawa (Echigoyuzawa).

I think this was the only night which I slept like a baby. I owed that to the temple touring which had really wiped me out.

....... to be continued in Day 8

2010-01-06T14:14:00.006+08:00

Day 6, 23 dec 09: Niigata (city)

A triple-decked Shinkansen from Echigoyuzawa to Niigata

Took Shinkansen again from Echigoyuzawa to Niigata. Took some time to familiarize with the place to find the way out of the station to get into our hotel.

Niigata was freezing! The roads were slippery and the folks walked on the ice as if they were olympic ice-skaters. After finding our Heimat hotel, we took the Inuyasha bus (500 yen) at the Bandai Bus Terminal round the city.

Inuyasha Bus

My aunt complained it was boring as there were no shopping but only museums and parks.

Inside the bus

Almost fell asleep on bus throughout the bus trip. Finally we stopped near Next 21 and had our lunch at one of the market places where they sell umbrellas and stuffs. Thought I could regain my shopping senses, unfortunately, I suddenly felt very cold and weak. My head was burning from the unrecovered flu I had while in Singapore. After convincing them for an early lunch in one of the shops, I gulped down the hot ramen soup then my flu tablets, hoping for an instant recovery.

Side note: It is a little strange that they still serve ice water during winter.

The Ramen chef and his wife were friendly and asked where we were from despite the communication barrier while my sis tried to salvage the situation with her "dropped-out" Japanese.

Back to shopping after recharging from a hearty lunch, we moved on to visit Next 21, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Niigata city. Actually, it wouldn't be considered as a skyscraper as it is only 21 storeys high. The other "skyscraper" is the Bandaijima Building which consists of 31 storeys.

Views from Next 21. Saw the graves below?

Compared to Tokyo, Niigata was a little backward and less commercialised. There were no people cutting through your lane when you were walking. People were more approachable, however it was boring.

Not much of shopping achievements, we headed back hotel and had our packed sushi from a supermart for dinner there.

Tried the washing machine and dryer (100 yen per hour) too. Finally got the chance to wash our dirty load! Hotel service was good as they supplied free massaging chairs and heater while waiting for your laundry to complete.

....... to be continued in Day 7

2010-01-06T14:13:00.006+08:00

Day 5, 22 dec 09: Echigoyuzawa

Shinkansen to Echigoyuzawa

Had a quick breakfast in our hotel as we took train from Sakuragicho to Tokyo then took Shinkansen from Tokyo to echigoyuzawa. Overheard that Echigoyuzawa was already covered with thick snow and most skiing centres have opened.

At Tokyo Train station's waiting room. Definitely more cozy than outside where it was freezing!

It took us about 2 hours from Tokyo to reach Echigoyuzawa. As the train was reaching nearer and nearer to the mountainous area, we can sense the temperature drop from the windows. The train then passed through a long deep tunnel as we fell asleep......

We were greeted by the white world as the train came out of the tunnel. The moutains were covered in snow~!!! Woohhoooo!!!!

Snow were thick and the roads were slippery with melting snow.

We had to drag our trolleys across the snow. As we walked up the slope to our hotel, we saw the town folks shoving snow out from their roof-tops and clearing the path for safe-walking. If snow accumulates too much, over a period of time it could form a slippery surface causing people to slip and fall.

Reached our hotel in about 15 min walk from station.

Picturesque view of Toei Yuzawa Hotel

Sashimi set lunch at a home-restaurant nearby~ The appetizers tasted great!

After checking into our Toei hotel, we had lunch at eatery nearby then headed for the cable-car up the snow hills (costs us 1,500 yen each) for sight-seeing.

Cable-car station is located near our hotel

Inside the car

Thrilled to see the whole town covered in white with the view on top.

Welcome to the White World!

Me in my funny hat!

Cool snowboarders!

We walked up the slope to see more things on top.

We hanged around the place for some time and Aunt took a nap in their hut (free resting). It was indeed very tiring to walk up the snow slope as the ground was steep and too deep for walking. Our boots tend to sink into the powdery snow.

Started building a snow rabbit

Snow rabbit in the making.

Hi~~~

After building the snow rabbit, we headed back to hotel. Saw a child playing with the small plastic raft and sliding down the slope with her mom.

Then we decided to rent one(500 yen) to play too!

Hotel room

Had our onsen, the outdoor one was huge and splendid. Dinner was so sumptuous that we almost puked with the oversupply of food.

....... to be continued in Day 6

2010-01-06T14:09:00.012+08:00

Day 3, 20 dec 09: Yokohama

Had some bread and coffee for breakfast in our rooms.

Then we caught the train from Ikebukuro Tokyo metro line to Shibuya then changed the line to Yokohama lastly from Yokohama to Sakuragicho where our hotel was.

Breezebay Hotel - Source from Internet

Breezebay hotel was quite strategically located near Sakuragicho station. At first we had difficulty finding it as it was blocked by few taller buildings. Rooms were quite spacious too.

View outside our hotel room.

To our surprise, Yokohama was pretty cold due to the chilling sea breezes.

We visited Mitsu shopping outlet at the Mitsui Outlet Park at Yokohama built next to the Asia's largest marina and my aunt and sis were glad to grab more discounted branded items there. I've got myself a Lacoste bag for S$80!

To get there, we took train from Sakuragicho to Shin-Sugita then transfered to Sea-Side line (had a quick lunch at a restaurant along the transfer as shops are located) to Torihama.

Sea-side line - Shin-Sugita station. ~ Unfortunately the toilet over there stinks!

When reached the station, still need to walk over a bridge across to the Outlet.
The place was lovely. And quite a lot of stuffs to buy too!

A pony for petting

A marina

Beautiful sunset at the marina

After our shopping, we went over to a place called Jonathans (western food) near Sakuragicho station and had our dinner there.

Day 4, 21 dec 09: Yokohama, Hakkeijima

Rise and shine!

Visited Sea Paradise, Hakkeijima in the morning after some breakfast in Mos Burger near our hotel. Took train to Shin-Sugita again and change over to sea- side line.

A nice park near the train station

A new way to 'murder' someone on a wheelchair. XD

We had to walk along this long bridge to each Hakkeijima Island.

There were lots of jellyfishes swimming underneath the waters.

Powerpuff girls!

Cost 100yen for this to take you to the entrance across the bridge

The tall pyramid structure is the Aqua Museum

Bought the aqua museum tickets along with the dolphin world and Fureal lagoon.
We went into the dolphin fantasy first.

The dolphins are beautiful......

Then we saw something big and white moving very fast in another tank.

The white whale in action. Quite difficult to capture it on photo.

Moved on to the Fureal Lagoon.

Really enjoyed touching dolphin (feels like an inflated balloon) for a first time and the white whale (toufu).

White whale saying "Bye!"

Browsed the souvenir shops. Interesting findings.

The stuff there were so cute lor!!!

Then saw this beautiful gown. Din manage to find out why is it there.
Maybe I can wear this for my wedding?

The Aqua museum was indeed fascinating as described by many others.

To view more photos, click on the picture.

Had lunch at the themepark's foodcourt before going to our next ad-hoc destination, the Yokohama Redbrick Warehouse

Nothing much to shop over there as the stuff were expensive.

As a matter of chance, we ended up in Landmark Tower as we thought we could visit the top floor and view the city sky line for free however it charged for a fee of 1000 yen each.

Managed to purchase items at 1000 yen each at H&M and had our last dinner in Yokohama.

....... to be continued in Day 5

2010-01-06T14:04:00.010+08:00

Day 2, 19 dec 09: Asakusa, Ginza and Ueno

Had quite a hearty breakfast at Moriva cafe near Chang Tee and surprised to see a makeup-less Ms Felicia Chin.

Streets of Ikebukuro

Can't recognise her in the first place until my aunt told me. She was with 2 other friends, one of them, an auntie was speaking in Taiwanese-accent Mandarin. Her gang nearly took our seats in the crowded cafe until I shove my bag to chop it.

Found seats somewhere else, Ms Chin started snapping herself (自拍）with the camera in hand. My cousins called her "Silky Girl".

Asakusa

Moved off to visit Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa and the market along boulevard. Extremely crowded, as it was Saturday, my aunt spotted a cute baby wearing a fur costume (resembled a bear) and wanted to buy something like that also as a gift for a relative.

Hey! Who left the shoe there?

After some pictures taken and snacks bought along the street, we decided to head towards Ginza as cousin needs her haircut. Aunt mentioned there was quite a reasonable shop around that was around 3,000 yen per cut.

Took the Ginza line

The main road of Ginza was converted into a pedestrian mall where we were actually walking in the middle of the road!

Quite "shiok" to walk in the middle of the road.

Visited Fancl and had our sabusabu lunch next to the building.

Our lunch costs about 1,050 yen each. It's owned by residing Taiwanese man in Japan. The Taiwanese boss chatted with us and showed us the name cards of the customers from Spore who came into his shop before.

The service was good and price was reasonable. Recommended to come again.

Walked on, trying to look for the salon again by asking the shoppers around.

A multi-storey toy shop around the corner

We asked around on the whereabouts of the hair salon again and later we found it had been closed.

Shop selling Baum Kuchen had a long queue too

Saw queues everywhere in Ginza including queuing up to enter into a new shop (abercrombie and fitch). Saw H&M having sales items for 1,000 yen , however almost fainted due to too many shoppers inside. Shouldn't had tried coming on a sat.

Ueno

After dinner at Ueno (salmon rice) we headed for shoes/boots suitable for winter. Bought the Meiji collagen powder and shiseido facial foam from drugstore nearby. The cashier asked, "You must be from Spore!" as she noticed lots of Sporeans bought those stuff.

Last stop was at Ikebukuro South where there were shops opened till midnight. Found the jeans mate shop that opened 24 hours.

....... to be continued in Day 3

2010-01-04T23:32:00.058+08:00

Day 1, 18 dec 09: Narita, Ikebukuro, Akihabara

We had purchased our air tickets earlier through http://www.airfares.com.sg/ at a relative good rate. It is important to check out every now and then to compare the air ticket prices and see which airline gives the best offer.

My itineary

However, it was still a sleepless 6.5 hours flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Tokyo Narita by ANA. For the 4th time, I still find it difficult to catch my beauty sleep during overnight flights.

Rental phone from ANA

Reached Narita in early morning, collected softbank rental phone from ANA counter and tested ok. It was an old phone but fully charged by the company before usage. Rental was free for 30 days (for ANA passengers) and less however charges 60 yen per 30 sec. International calls 70yen. Have not tried calling overseas, will try so much later.

Waited an hour for Sis and bro-in-law to purchase the Suica+NEX cards over at the JR Train counter. The staff were still courteous despite our relentless questionings over the train tickets.

Finally, got the tickets and we certainly need to rush for the train to Ikebukuro at 8.50am. Or else would have to wait for the next one which will come much later.

Platform for NEX (Narita Express)

NEX (Narita Express)

Waiting for our express train to Ikebukuro

Bought Suica and NEC (Narita Express) card for 3500 yen, took the 0850
NEX and left for Ikebukuro.

Yup, this is the one!

Designated comfortable seats

Food and drinks can be bought as the sales lady pushes her trolley along the aisle.

The train takes about 60min straight to Ikebukuro, Grandhouse Chang Tee without transferring any trains, which was so much convenient as we had a lot of luggages. Walking to our minshiyuku (民宿) takes about 10min. The lodging place is a little small which lies in a quiet and peaceful street. There were a few Japanese pubs, pachinko centres and hair dressing centres around too.

The minshiyuku lobby (not our luggage)

A narrow road leading to the neighbourhood.

Checked in and astonished by its very small rooms and toilets. I guess that the density is high staying in areas of central Tokyo.

You can't do without a JR East Pass if you are staying in Japan for more than 2 weeks, especially if you need to travel outside Tokyo on Shinkansen, as known as bullet train in Japan.

Exchanged JR East Pass much later at Ikebukuro

Had booked the JR Pass in Singapore before our arrival. Just to show your passport and verifications to exchange this pass in any JR East outlets. They are basically everywhere in the train stations serving shinkansen line.

Had buffet lunch, 690 yen each nearby. The meal was a little unpleasant as people can smoke in the restaurant. According to innkeeper, it is one of the cheapest buffet meals around. However we find the environment and food not towards our liking. After a short rest back at Chang Tee Grandhouse, we headed for Akihabara.

At 4pm, the sun had already set down and the sky was purplish dark.

At Akihabara, our first stop was to Yodobashi Camera (aka Challenger in Singapore), a 9-storey building next to Akihabara Station and shopped for few toy figurines. Basically, they have everything, from computers, household appliances to toys and figurines on the floors.

Spotted a promotion on Transformers 2 Blue-Ray DVD outside the building

So much to see, so little time to shop!

Gadgets were so much cheaper back in Singapore!

Had dinner (organic food) at one of the restaurant in Akiba(short-form for Akihabara).

Nice but expensive.

I love this meal, it only contains 596 calories.

Got myself 2 toy EVA figurines (400 yen each). Ended buying one of the hefty-priced 4gb USB buffalo brand thumbdrive of Ayanami Rei (costs me 3950 yen).

A sulking and a smiling Asuka Langley.

4 gb thumbdrive of Ayanami Rei

Went back hotel after dinner at 8pm. Turned in for the day.

....... to be continued in Day 2

2009-12-06T11:50:00.010+08:00

And so, we went for the KK Trip.

KK offered to fork out my share of the trip, cos he needed a companion. Or he simply dotes on me. I dunno....

We took the Silk Air package, as usual the service was good. The air stewardesses were so much more courteous than any of the budget airlines we had previously (Phuket, KL). Food on the plane was not bad either. The orange juice was nice however it was difficult to get a 2nd serving due to the short of manpower. I guess Silk Air cuts down on its staff crew due to recession as well.

We reached Kota Kinabalu in the late morning after flying across Sarawak, Brunei and din realize it was hotter than Singapore. The sun was already glaring strongly before noon. However, the sun sets down faster than in Singapore. And the orangery sunset looks romantically beautiful.

Sabah Foundation ~ Took taxi, 20 ringgit to go there,30 ringgit to come back.
Freakishly expensive.

Taken from the 18th storey of the Sabah Foundation Building

We chose the city hotel as it was located inside the hypermall called 1Borneo. The newly constructed mall was also linked to apartments (still under construction) and the shops were actually catered for its future residents. 1Borneo was more like a new town away from its old city centre and strategically located near the Sabah University.

Our hotel

Swimming pool in hotel : The water was cold ~ too cold for swimming.
I screamed at the sight of a rat running towards me while inside the toilet cubicle!

The hotel, was however disappointingly small. There wasn't a bathtub either. Bed was too soft however tv channels were quite interesting was it had Astro, a satellite television network station from Malaysia. So after our shopping, we could just relax on our bed and watch tv until we fall asleep.

Sapi Island was quite enjoyable as well. We joined a family of 4 for the trip who had 2 very young daughters. The 2 girls freaked out and cried during the speed boat ride from Jesselton Point to Sapi Island as it was their first experience on choppy waters. Overall, the Sapi Island trip was pretty pleasant except for the pesky houseflies and bees that attacked our lunch. Beach waters were quite clean and we saw fishes and corals while snorkeling.

Speed-boat ride to Sapi

There are alot of fishes near the jetty too.

No bikini-clad ladies though. This is a "clean" beach.

The next few days were shopping and eating. KK was thrilled over the discounted prices of sports merchandise which over in Singapore were much more expensive. At the end of the day, he was quite satisfied with his shopping trip. As for me, I din shop much except I've got my hair rebonded over at a hair saloon which took me almost 4 hours. Grabbed some Padini sales items and Sabah coffee from Giant as well.

Just heard that Jetstar had some Macau Challenge, should I try that out too?

2009-11-08T23:22:00.004+08:00

"SORRY" seems to be the hardest word.

I really dun like my partner to bear grudges like an immature kid.

He purposely pressed all the buttons and pissed me off every time. Why does he have to do all these? If he is not happy, he could say so in the first place, why does he have to keep things away from me and then trying to lecture me at the end of the day and wants me to say "SORRY".

Firstly, he embarrassed me in public, asking me all the weirdest and embarrassing questions (personal stuff) and statements, and loudly too.

Then he groped me in public, as if others were blind.

It would be wise that he could shut his mouth and be quiet so he would utter no nonsense. Before I blew my top.

I feel he doesn't love me and most of the time he is engrossed with his stocks. So what's the big deal if he gained a profit from there? He mentioned if he got some profit from there, the amount could actually cover our trip to Kota Kinabalu.

So what?

Money could only turned him greedier, more egoistic and chauvinistic.

2009-10-17T22:36:00.003+08:00

Attended Dreamweaver classes few days back. It was pretty fun but tiring.

However the trainer is kind of a "drama queen", very talkative, and likes to digress from the lessons. He also has little patience attending to slow participants who had problem in catching up with the lessons. He even threw up a temper when one of the participant asked for his help, realizing that she had done everything wrong.

At certain times he would "brag" to us on his knowledge of foreign languages, French German, even Egyptian. He also tries to impress us with his crazy sense of fashion, example pink all over with his Jason Mraz hat, saying that his friends comments he looks like Jason Mraz and he hates it, kind of thing. And he declares that he does not speak Mandarin as he is a Baba which I doubt as he seems to understand somehow, just detesting the language and feeling proud over his multi-lingustic capability and Peranakan heritage.

It is certainly not easy to forget this diva trainer, whom you either hate him and like him at the same time.

I spotted an old arcade machine at Aljunied! So retro!
Featuring "King of Fighters", one of the most popular games in NEOGEO.

The arcade booth is very small actually. You just need a 20 cent coin to play a game.
No stools/chairs around for you to sit down down and play though.

2009-10-16T23:54:00.003+08:00

I've tabulated the Ah Mei Comic Blog into Wordpress.

2009-09-02T21:55:00.006+08:00

LANEIGE makeover + $50 voucher

I went for "makeover" again.

Similar to last time, it was the makeover by a Korean makeup artist who spoke utterly no English. The makeup session was guided by a translator (a Korean girl who stayed in Australia since young) who helped to explain what the makeup artist was doing.

The experience was "terrifying". In the beginning, he sprayed the facial mist generously over my face. The droplets smarted my eyes as they seeped into accidentally while he kept saying "Relax... relax...". Should have also closed my lips more tightly when I tasted the funny liquid. The next moment, using a brush, he painted the foundation over my face. Tears flowed down when he was trying to draw my eyes with eyeliner ( I hated this part!!) The process was slow and long but ain't boring as both Koreans were chatting with me as they moved along. The only thing I wasn't too pleased about was the makeup artist had quite a smokey breath.

The results? It was pretty ok, except the makeup was a bit too thick. My face felt heavy. I can also see the fine lines under my eyes. Right after the makeup, was the hairdo, then finally the photo-shoot.

At the end of the day, I splurged on the products again. =(

2009-08-30T00:33:00.002+08:00

I'm planning for my 4th trip to Japan. Bought the tix at $670 by ANA.

This time, will be going for Niigata, Nikko, Yokohama and Tokyo. Have stored almost 10 days of leave for my next adventure.

Stay tuned!

2009-07-15T00:06:00.016+08:00

Bintan trip, Phuket trip and the Commencement

There were so much things to mention over the 2 months!

First, the Bintan trip with family from 6 Jun to 8 Jun that involved 12 people, Phuket trip with KK from 19 Jun to 22 Jun then finally the Commencement day on 13 July 09 which had indeed made a statement in my life.

Not much photos taken for the Bintan trip as I've been there before last year. It was just too bad that the Resort did not allow taxis to come in thus we had to take the bus out to Pasar Oleh Oleh like before. But I truly enjoyed the spa treatment at Aura Beauty Salon and Spa, Pasar Ole Ole, $83 for an entire 3 hours! (foot reflexology, massage, body scrub then finally herbal press). It was so relaxing that I slept like a baby during the process. We had our free ride home right after our spa. Not to mention, the villa's pool was fixed so a couple of us really enjoyed the morning swim.

My cousins playing a game of billiard with KK at the Game Centre

A view from the Resort Lobby where we see the large swimming pool

2 "problematic kids" (always asking "why??")

Phuket has always been one of my favourite trips other than Japan. But this time round was different as I managed to book the Phuket's travel agent online rather than through Singapore.
We took on a special package with JC Tour which consisted of 3 nights hotel stay, Phi-phi island and James Bond island trip, a 2 and half hour spa and a 6 hours city tour with guide.

Phi-phi wasn't as fantastic as before. Maya Bay turned out to be dirty as the inconsiderate tourists smoked on the beaches where they were actually advised not to by the locals.

Hated these people!! They are killing the beaches!

And the speedboat was crammed with smokers too!!! I had to use my bag to "chope" a seat. Poor KK had to squeeze his butt next to an Ang Moh lady who had a sun-burnt on her boobs.

He forgot to bring his cap and almost had a sun-stroke (with not much hair to protect his scalp)

Throughout the trip, we conversed in Mandarin as there were Caucasians on board. Some of the Caucasians were pretty rude. 4 of them "choping" the seats which it was meant to be for 6, speaking loudly and smoking on the speedboat. There were 2 Chinese ladies on board too. I was pretty amused by the fact that they wore bikinis but covered themselves with sarongs and wearing large beach hats.

We reached Khai island and were disappointed over the large amount of dead corals, lying everywhere and I had a tough time walking in the beaches without shoes. It wasn't like this few years back where I've first came. Did our snorkeling and horrified to see lots of sea urchins lurking under the rocks.

Sun-bathing at Khai Island

OK, enough for the Phuket trip because it was not at all fantastic. I suspect that I have some sort of sun allergy especially with using of sun-block products over my face. Nasty white bumps popped out ever since the first day I've applied sun-screen. That's why I'm not revealing much photos here, they looked pretty yucky....

Finally, the day was here. I graduated!

Commencement Day, 13 July 09

More pictures....

Some mentioned I looked too serious in the photo.... like not at all happy.
The things were:

I had a pretty "bad hair day".
My face looked fat.
It was hot wearing too many layers under the gown.
My heels were killing me.
I have to go back to office (doing stupid chores) once the commencement ends.

Not much celebrations here. Saw some ladies bought the graduate lion, however I thought the animal looked a little spastic. They just find it cute holding it when taking pictures.

Maybe I should rejoice and start thinking positively.

2009-07-11T00:18:00.003+08:00

Living in a pig-sty....

Why am I living with a bunch of people who dun do housework and can live in dirt????
Why am I the "Stupid" living under them who help to clean up the house all times?

I wish all my stupid brother's leg/armpit hair are caught in hot wax, stripped off, never grow back so they dun anyhow drop on the floor. The bedroom, the living room, the toilet........ Everywhere!!! Even on the kitchen sink!! Did he wash his leg at the sink?? Or masturbate on top of it?

I have to sweep, mop, pick all the time, I am so sick of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will this ever stop happening??

I am going bonkers!!! F**K!!!!!!!

2009-06-10T13:58:00.000+08:00

The Last Semster ~

No emplacement!!!

2009-05-13T13:07:00.001+08:00

Your blood type is B and it explain that you are ...

Basic behavior :
Cannot take orders easily
Make decisions fast
Can be flexible
Do not care about rules

Tolerance :
Maintain the longest interest in what they do
Seem impatient
Dislike repetitious work Seem impatient

How do you see your future and past ?
Hard to forget recent affairs, but able to forget past and memories

How do you express your emotions ?
Expressive
Cool and objective
Although joke a lot, could actually be very shy
Change moods like the weather
Cannot stop complaining when they are upset

2009-05-09T11:47:00.006+08:00

I just turned 30 last night!

It was quick, no slow moments and no warnings. I was standing at the bar counter with my old friend, Anna who celebrated the last day in my 20s with me at REBEL Clarke Quay. Both of us got pretty drunk as the bar tender poured a generous portion of hard liquor into our drinks.

"CHEERS!!!!" as we clicked our mugs in the air and tried bottoms up.

After a few sips, we sensed that the air got more smokey, the crowd started to get heavy, our ears could barely hear each others talking. The music of what we heard was just "BOOM...BOOM..BOOM..", vibrating inside our hearts. Then Anna and I started dancing in some way we had never done before. (There was hip-hop, sultry, sexy dance and more.....) It was quirky but pretty fun.

The "BOOM... BOOM.. BOOM..." effect did not cease even I reached home and lay on my bed. My head started spinning and I felt really nauseous. The next minute, I found myself dragging to the toilet, I knew I had to let go of something to feel better.

Some pictures to go along. =)

My closest family members celebrating this moment with me few days back.
It was my brother's gf, Shiyin's birthday as well. We are 2 days apart.

Melt - The World Cafe. ( I missed the seafood there!)
click photo to view more pictures!

2009-04-09T23:50:00.002+08:00

I've replaced my Nokia N78 with the LG Ice-cream phone!

Got mine for the blue/green pastel colour one.

It is just a basic phone with the necessary functions.
No wifi, no 3G.... just pure functions like camera, sms and calls.
Yep, with MP3 and radio as well.

So far so good, been loving it!

2009-04-05T10:09:00.006+08:00

ok, here's my new "baby"....

Solid, slim, compact, aluminum block of goodness.

The Macbook Pro!!

Even the box looks solid and compact enough to carry to anywhere!

Let me open the "window" to Aurora....

The default wallpaper Mac offers....

Just look at the sleek keyboard...... it comes with a free carrying bag as well (not Apple)
OK, time to start learning how to use the new OS (Leopard) from Mac.

The irony is: I'm still using my old DELL to do my homework.
I guess it takes time to get used to new things.

Side note: One of my fighting fishes died... I flushed it down to the toilet bowl and my bro told me it was cruel to do so.

2009-03-25T00:27:00.002+08:00

I am tired.

I think I've pushed myself too hard on the school work. So what the grades will drop eventually....? it is quite difficult to sustain that aggregate score in the end to aim for 2nd class honors. No one gets to appreciate it anyway.

I wished I could just sleep 10 hours for just 1 day. Fall into a deep one. No one to disturb and wake me up. I'll close the windows, switch off my handphone, put a sign outside my door which says "Pls do not Disturb" and fall into a deep slumber for just 1 day.

2009-03-16T11:33:00.006+08:00

No.... this is not the "baby" which I'm talking about.

KK bought a 32gb ipod touch in exchange for my 160gb ipod. He said 32gb was too delicate for him and he preferred something more hardy and solid.

As what I've promised you, I've tested the gadget and here's the functions.

Looks like an iphone but it's not~

The same functions like ipod 160gb, it plays MP4s.

downloaded these from youtube.com

There are people who uploaded lectures on regressions.

who says regressions are difficult??!!

And I've added in the recording accessory, the smarttalk from Griffin Technology.

Here's my singing. <--- loud and crystal clear version!

2009-03-16T11:21:00.000+08:00

My new "baby" is coming soon.
Stay tuned......

2009-02-12T11:37:00.000+08:00

Why give me such a "sucky" task where no one else want to do?

2009-01-18T13:10:00.003+08:00

Happy new year... pull your ear!

Chinese New Year's coming as well and I am so busy with my half-cooked dissertation and 3 more modules. As my results from the earlier semester was pretty good, I couldn't bear to let the rests score badly so I'm stressing myself to work even harder this semester! At least getting a 2nd class honours (lower) maybe? So less distractions from my bf and others pls!

Sadly, my supervisor was half-willing to comment on my draft, giving excuses not to meet me nor comment on my work, kept throwing my the Gujarati Econometrics textbook to find out myself. Extremely blur with regressions (finally hands-on to SPSS) and its derived values, I guess I have to find out more myself and with that extra stroke of luck to derive a better regression model... the low t-values are killing me cos they failed to prove my hypothesis is true... I felt like cheating the results.

KK got me an ipod Touch in exchange for my ipod classic. Guess it was pretty a good deal because not only it acts as an mp3, it has internet service as well. I've downloaded pretty loads of applications till now and I must admit this is quite a cool gadget!

My nokia n78 is giving problem again! This is the 3rd time when the loud speakers turned bonkers. Should i get an iphone instead, cause i'm so sick of sending in for repairs and seeing those sloppy nokia care centre staff.

2008-12-28T00:35:00.008+08:00

KK always complained that I din write the things about him... well, here's something we shared.

Visited the Peranakan Museum today~ Located near SMU and National Museum of Singapore, the entrance fee is $6 for adults, half price for students and NS men and totally free for NUS students. If you want to know more about the Peranakan Culture, you could make a trip there.

Sad to say, the building looked more impressive than the exhibits inside. Most of the electronic displays were not working, unfortunately.

KK surely looked surprised. In case you dunno, there were 4 fleets of staircases inside the building.

The musuem used to be the old Tao Nan School. In case you were not aware, Peranakans were not only created by cross-racial marriages between Chinese and Malays, there were also Indian Muslims, Indians..... There were also different types of Perenakans; Hokkien, Malaccan, Hindu and many more. The first floor exhibited some photos of famous people in Singapore whom belonged to the Peranakan heritage (Dick Lee was Hokkien Peranakan btw).

One of the most common traits of Peranakan was they do not speak Mandarin. I remembered when I was in Primary One, my tutor married a Peranakan whose mom always cook curry at home. They spoke English and were Catholics. And one of their daughter married an Ang Moh. You really can't blame them for not able to speak or understand Mandarin because their ancestors do not speak the language. Back in their days as traders, the Chinese spoke dialect and from the mixed-marriages, the language was infused with Melayu, similar to our Singlish. When they learned to trade with the British, the rich families sent their children to English schools, thus they spoke Good English.

Sometimes I would think the Peranakan Culture to be quite a "Rojak" (btw, the rojak dish was invented by Peranakans.) But as time goes by, when you mix everything up, you formed an unique identity. That's what Perankans are. Peranakans were certainly proud of their identity. One thing I have to admire for their culture are the dishes they've created, certainly the best in South-East Asia! From Sambal curry, Nyonya rice dumplings to kuehs, these mouth-watering dishes .... the time spent in the kitchens by the nyonyas had certainly paid off!

For more info, do visit
http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg

BTW, there is free entry for all on New Year's Day.

The "kuching" sculpture at the entrance.

Coincidentally, we spotted another "kuching" near Hill Street.

With quite similar pose somemore.... =)

2008-12-26T22:33:00.009+08:00

"ding dong bells.... ding dong bells... ding dong all the way...~" <--- wrong lyrics for the X'mas song

Was addicted to "Little Nyonya" liao la. Told myself not to watch the 1st episode already cos I thought it's going to be overrated by mediacorp but I've ended up watching every episode. My sister was even more kiasu. Bec she missed a few epis., she signed up for mob tv to watch a few epis ahead than was shown on tv.

Spent X'mas eve with the girls. Went to Phin's Steakhouse and one of my friends had a whole cup of lime juice poured over her.... by the waiter. Was a pretty awkward and unpleasant experience to enjoy your X'mas eve half-soaked in lime juice. In the end, after a series of apologies from the boss of the steakhouse, they waived off her meal from the bill and the 10% service charge. (but GST for service charge still counted in... duh...!!)

Went to watch "Bedtime Stories" after some gift unwrapping.

Sadly.. it was a movie for kids.

The teen with her parents, sitting beside me was laughing loudly when watching the guinea pig doing some stupid actions. I've only managed to chuckle a bit on this scene where Adam Sandler tested the fire-resistant spray on the salesman and ended up spraying into his own eyes as an apology. The rests of the scenes looked pretty lame. I was so sad that the hot Australian, Guy Pearce acted as the brainless villian in the show~ it was soooo... wasted!!!

After the movie, 5 sleepy and "sian" ladies went to the nearby pub for a mug of beer and countdown. The pub was noisy (had always been) with a gang of young chaps playing games, our next table a few uncles playing poker and not forgetting the young ladies with short skirts serving drinks.

Surely it was quiet for a X'mas eve like this, but it was really a peaceful night!!!

2008-12-23T15:11:00.002+08:00

4th Year, 1st Sem

Finally can see some upward trend in the result's graph...
Gambatte for the next sem and thesis!!

2008-12-17T22:37:00.004+08:00

Let it snow... let it snow... let it snow....

Hokkaido, a Winter Wonderland.

It has really lived up to its name. Snow-capped fields, harsh, cold weather, abundant seafood, expensive but certainly delicious white chocolates, we'd spent a lovely 7-days holiday over there.

Click on pic to see more photos*

Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7

2008-11-17T11:44:00.001+08:00

CTC hokkaido travel package~ $2565

2008-11-14T13:17:00.002+08:00

Why can't he a bit "zhi-dong" a bit, pick up his stupid pubic/leg/stomach/chest/ass/whatever hair found in the bathroom after using....

I really can't stand him anymore, he just pissed me off everyday.

2008-11-09T16:03:00.006+08:00

Bought a new gadget/accessory for my ipod classic.

It is called "iTalk", by Griffin Technology. Got it from ebay and spent about US$19.98 on item and delivery. Talk about the appreciation on US currency, certainly it wasn't a good time to purchase anything from there, but I needed the recording device desperately to record during lectures.

I was playing with it, recording my voice by reading out loud and did the play back. Noticed the sound was pretty clear then I started to "sing" to it.

Shall put up my singing online so you guys could listen to it~ It's phenomena.....

2008-11-02T19:01:00.001+08:00

I can't be your lovey dovey.... I'm so sorry...

2008-10-29T13:56:00.003+08:00

I think I've made a hurtful remarks about wasteful my Auntie(currently staying in my grandma place) has made over her baked pasteries and cakes to my Uncle. It wasn't intentional but it hit right at the spot.

Sis came over to stay with us over 1 week at our place. We woke up one morning and as usual my uncle would tell us to eat the cake my auntie baked or bring to office for breakfast.... he himself declared that he din like to eat cake and prefered to have fried beehoon for breakfast.

After hearing what I said on how wasteful it was over the baked pastries and no one's eating, he took it seriously and went over to eat the cake and even told my sister that he was not going to waste food.... showing some anger over the fact I spoke "bad" of my Auntie wasting food.

Feeling perplexed .. should I tell a lie or the truth to express what I felt over this?

2008-10-24T09:03:00.003+08:00

Finally, I could put up this presentation here~

Compiled
Uploaded by moonflyer00

Spent 1 day shooting, 2 days to edit~ Hope the hard work paid off eventually.

Ng
Uploaded by moonflyer00

There is an NG portion too~

2008-10-12T16:46:00.007+08:00

kiosks at shopping malls...

Have you ever encounter kiosks at shopping malls selling stuffs you don't really need? Despite that these kiosks have the most human traffic and charged the highest rents as compared to other shops, the products they sell sometimes are not really appealing to me. One of the reasons is they are almost selling the same stuff from the other kiosks and their products are simply overpriced. You also notice that they hardly has discounts at all, it's because, they can't afford to slash down their prices with the high upfront renting the kiosks. Thus, it is not surprising to see a high turn-over rate on these kiosks.

I recalled a funny encounter with an Israeli guy(who claimed that he was) at Habourfront Shopping Centre where he and his partner were selling some deadsea mineral nail buffers. These handsome scavengers were roaming about in their perimeters, looking for young, female clients with bad nail management. Coincidentally, one of the guys managed to pick on me when I was walking past their kisoks, showing no interests at all to see what they were selling in the first place.

Kiosk Salesman: Hi, could I just looked at your hands? (Trying the break the ice)
Me: Sure. (He held my hand and began to scrutinise my badly cut fingernails)
Kiosk Salesman: Great nails! I have something to turn them even better, pls come with me... (and he dragged me to his kiosk at a corner)

He began to psycho me, asking about my name, what my profession was, how old I was... stuffs that guys asked you during your first dates, while trying to buff my nail. He told me the importance of keeping healthy nails, and his products worked amazingly with the natural deadsea minerals from his country. After all these, he concluded.

Kiosk Salesman: Do you believe in magic?
Me: Huh?
Kiosk Salesman: Tadah! (Flashing my buffed fingernail which is shiny and gleaming til I can see myself from it.)
Me: ????
Kiosk Salesman: We're providing a special promotional price for you, (refering to the package that conists of deadsea mineral hand lotion, nail buffer) just today for a price of S$49.90..

Me: Wow... that's expensive!
Kiosk Salesman: Or maybe you would like to get the nail buffer for S$20....? It is made of silk that will smoothen your nail and make it shiny.
Me: Where does this silk comes from?
Kiosk salesman: ..... Erhhh.... I dunno, from China perhaps?

After trying to hard sell, he still couldn't get me to commit to the sale. I walked away apologetically as he shrugged his shoulders from the huge disappointment that he could not pitch the sale.

Wrong target this time round. =P

2008-09-26T12:18:00.005+08:00

Taking on a "roller-coaster ride" in my studies....

Am I expecting a decreasing trend for Yr 4?
... better work hard... =(

2008-09-20T01:35:00.003+08:00

Mr Elite threw the white towel~

His last day will be the end of 1st week of Oct. Got a better job offer in Qatar and he gets to eat plenty of sand over there.

Best of luck!

2008-09-08T14:53:00.004+08:00

Created some comics for my project ~ click above to the link

2008-08-31T13:39:00.006+08:00

Bowling for URA

Became an accidental representative for the MND Sports Event, Bowling Tournament on Friday. Perhaps the first time ever in a bowling competition. Took on this sport as a very waste money one because you are like throwing your money into the drain....

I have not bowled for years... can't even recall the last time I've touched a bowling ball. The other teams were all very strong, amateurs but played really really well with their custom-made balls, shoes and even hand-gears, made us in this event looking like calefares. It was even mentioned that they formed teams long time ago, took up training in the CSC club every Friday. To them, it was their passion and commitment, to us, it sounded like a chore. Guess we are less of the sporting type where work and family comes first.

Win or lose, we still have to put up a good show. Here's my team, consisting of 4 lovely ladies... all singles!!

The balls looked more like balloons than 10 lbs balls... but actually they are quite heavy when posing too long.

Yep, our team played pretty well, some strikes... hmm.. no "turkeys".. hopefully not last at least.

p.s: I still can't figure out which weight of the ball is more suitable for me, the 8 lbs or 9 lbs. One of my teammates mentioned that I tend to "skip" everytime I threw the ball.. which looked awkward. Hmm, bad habits die hard.. I din even realise it myself. =(

2008-08-27T13:29:00.002+08:00

I am imagining that I'll be having a free and easy trip to Japan this time round.

Here's what I've planned:

Japan North-east trip itinerary

Day 1 - 6 Dec 08

6am - Departure morning – 6am – reach Tokyo, 2pm

2pm - Tokyo Narita Airport– 东京-成田机场
Take express train to Tokyo Station
(About 1 hr)
3pm - Take Tohoku Shinkansen- 东北新干线 to reach Iwate Prefecture
(About 2 hrs)

Iwate Prefecture岩手县

5 pm - Morioka City Station盛冈駅 - 盛冈市
Shuttle Bus to Morinokaze Oshuku - 森之风莺宿
(40 min)
Check in Onsen hotel and dinner
It’s a beautiful hotel surrounded by mountains capped with snow and rivers below. Rest for the day~

Day 2 - 7 Dec 08

8am - Breakfast in hotel

10am- Kenji World
2pm - Lunch at Wai Wai – restaurant in Kenji World

3pm- Morioka Handi Works Square

5pm- Rest in onsen hotel/dinner

Day 3 - 8 Dec 08

Akita Prefecture - 秋田县
Niigata Prefecture 新泻县

8am - Breakfast in hotel

9am – Check out Hotel
Go to nearest station - Shizukuishi Station雫石町駅
Take Akita Shinkansen 秋田新干线

via Lake Tazawa- 田沢湖 (The deepest lake in Japan)

10am - Transfer at Amagari Station –大曲駅
12am- Akita Station - 秋田 - can visit museums, shrines and parks and have lunch at this area.

3pm- At Akita Station – Take Uetsu Main Line – 羽越本线
Travel along Sea of Japan coast

5pm- Reach Murakami Station – 村上駅
(About 15 min bus-ride to hotel near the sea)
Stop over Taikanso Senaminoyuononsen hotel濑波温泉- 大观庄
(onsen and dinner) Rest for the day~

Day 4- 9 Dec 08

Niigata Prefecture 新泻县
Tokyo

8am - Breakfast in hotel
9am - Check out

Take train to Niigata Terminal Station – 新泻駅from Murakami Station – 村上駅
Need to transfer at Shibata Station 新発田駅 to take Hakushin Line 白新线,

11am – Reach Niigata Terminal Station – take Joetsu Shinkansen – 上越新干线 to Ueno Station Terminal
Transfer to Yamanote Line -山手線,
3pm - Stop at Ikebukuro Station – 池袋
Check in Hotel (Sunshine City Prince Hotel)

Day 5- 7 10 -13 Dec 08 (Haven planned to go anywhere else in Tokyo yet, maybe to Shibuya and Akihabara)

Tokyo – Ikebukuro-Return Singapore

Ikebukuro Station – 池袋 to Narita
Take train from Ikebukuro to Nippori (日暮里)
Take Keisei Skyliner to reach Tokyo Narita

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Estimated Cost for Japan Trip

JR East Pass Cost
Flexi-4 day travel in JR EAST (Green)
¥28,000

Hotel Stay
Day 1
Morinokaze Oshuku
¥25,000 <-- info from website, could be higher or cheaper, I just took the average

Day 2
Morinokaze Oshuku
¥25,000

Day 3
Taikanso Senaminoyuononsen hotel
¥25,000

Day 4
Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikkebukuro
Day 5
Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikkebukuro
Day 6
Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikkebukuro

Day 7
Return
¥112,344 <-- Price given by New Shan Travel (Hotels and SIA flight)

Food
abt $15 per meal x 3 x 7 days
¥31,250 <--- can be lesser due to hotels already provided breakfasts and dinners

There after totalling above = ¥246,594

Contingencies
Accounted 10%
¥24,659

Grand Total
¥271,253

$3,472.04<-- Singapore dollars!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S: The air ticket, JR pass and hotel accommodation are the most important things you need to settle before anything else. In Japan, you have to plan your route very well so no time is wasted. Also make sure you rent a phone there because you may need to call your hotels to confirm room bookings if there is any delay.

I have yet to try this itinerary I've customarily brewed, but please feel free to copy or use it. Feedback me too if it works!

BTW the onsen ~) is compulsorily charged in those onsen hotels, even you do not get to enjoy it. So girls have to note when your menses are coming so it won't clash with the dates =)

2008-08-23T16:56:00.008+08:00

A bit vain recently...

I bought a yukata (japanese summer kimono) from ebay. The order was US$50++ but total delivery charges added to US$85. Freakingly expensive hor? Yup, slap me hard on the face when I know it is made in China.

The parcel came in 3 weeks later~~~ due to some address error by the seller. Luckily I paid for registered mail so it wasn't too bad can still trace. Once collected, I can't wait to try it on.

Neat box~

Neat note~

Items messed up by me. Consist of the yukata, sash, obi (larger cloth) and a readily-made butterfly obi.

Pretty huh? OK, time to try it on.

I had no idea on how to put it on, so I surfed the net for info. Here are the methods. Pretty impressive huh?

Me without make-up. Spent almost 30min figuring out how to put on the sash.

That's not all.

I signed up for a makeover at Laneige for its new launch of Snow Crystal Makeup series. They invited a makeup artist from South Korea to conduct the makeover. Delighted over the fact that you only need to purchase a voucher of $50 (can be fully redeemed from products purchase) I took on the challenge.

When my friends saw the makeup artist, they find him looking pretty unprofessional, don't really have the "seh" of makeup artist. Well, in the end, I got my face "painted" by him. He put on some skin refining lotion and moisturizer on my face despite I've already put on sunblock. So, it end up my face turning quite heavily done. The snow crystal makeup don't really bring out my face well, just shimmery shimmery and very highlighted.... perhaps I was more used to the matte look.

After my makeover ... at a Hong Kong cafe. I had this feeling that people giving me strange looks, must be wondering why my face was "so like this"....

I thought I could at least end up like her. XP

* btw Evonne's not joining me for the Hokkaido trip as she cannot stand the cold that well...

2008-08-09T13:38:00.003+08:00

The new term's starting next week!

It's going to be my 4th year and final year! How time flies, 3 years back, I was in the dilemma of whether to take up this part-time course in NUS Real Estate, considered the time to travel to and fro, assignments, projects, exams...... which probably "eat up" most of my youth. I truly felt time was not wasted, just that not enough time to exercise, go out with friends/family or even meeting new friends.... but a little bit of everything still was good enough.

During these years, I keep thinking, is it really true that we are so busy that we do not spend enough time with our love ones and enjoying the moments of being alone? Truly, we have time to eat and sleep and even surf the net and blog. It all goes with proper time management which I start to pick up and learn these few years.

Took up kick-boxing class (well, not really "kick" boxing.... it was more like a low impact aerobics) in the Bukit Merah CC on Fridays. The instructor was really a funny guy, a little sissy type but full of humour. He kept picking on me when I got all the coordination wrong during the workout then he exclaimed to all, "Never mind, even you can't keep up with the rests, as long as you all have a GREAT WORKOUT , it's fine!!!"... I've always had problems keeping up with the music and moving along with my hands and legs, when it's time to lift up the right leg, I moved my left, kind of thing. I don't really lose much weight after the exercise but I enjoyed myself doing the exercise at least a week, felt so much less guilty after some heavy meals. At least it was more fun than running on the treadmill.

My cousin broke his leg during his PE lesson, when training for his shuttle-run. His nasty friends kind of challenged him over the bean-bag run, instead of breaking the record, he broke his leg! Had an operation which involved inserting the plates inside his leg, he had to stay at home at least 1 month after leaving the hospital. It was such a pity as my aunt had wanted us to go for Northern Eastern Japan trip in December and due to this unexpected incident, she had to postpone it.

Thus this time round, I've planned to travel to Hokkaido with KK and Evonne. Booked the tour package with CTC, 7 days hokkaido winter special for $2565 pax. Due to overwhelming response, our tour was overbooked where the agency asked us to shift to an earlier date which most of us can't. After some persuasion and explanation, we managed to keep the the same date. Well, this time round, taking Northwest Airline instead of SIA or ANA/JAL because of the heavy taxes imposed due to fuel surcharges. Not compromising good flying experience, A330 from Northwest I've heard was not bad either.

After note: My sis found a cyst in her womb which she suspected her experience in eating too many chicken wings while staying in the States. Does eating too many chicken wings cause cysts?
BTW, she was dead worried and cried when telling my aunt that she will be going for operation next week.

2008-07-18T11:12:00.001+08:00

Bintan~ the sea, the sand and the villa.

(Click on picture to see more photos, warning: bikini photos)

2008-07-17T13:07:00.006+08:00

Stumbled upon Anna's message on this website where you get samples and just need to pay delivery charges. (Click picture to enter)

You guys/girls should check it out!

Referral Programme here~

2008-07-05T01:17:00.004+08:00

Been weeks since I've moved into this new place.

Still hasen overcame the fact that I'm walking a longer distance to the MRT now, I took bus to work instead. But still had to walk about 600 m to my workplace and pretty strange to know there isn't any direct buses. Had to cross over traffic lights or sometimes an overhead bridge, over a few small dirty streets. You can't help it but smelt certain strange stench (urine, spit...?) and rubbish from bin centres along some dark void decks of the HDB blocks nearby. Been trying out the best detour to avoid these stench.

On a Wednesday morning, I woke up tired as usual and put on my new lucky covered shoes bought from Sole Lovers. It originally costs $70++ but with a special discount, i managed to buy it for only $17.90! Well, it was one of the last pairs left and that's the reason for the good offer.

Putting on my new heels, I pranced into the bus-stop and happened to see a rather lanky-looking fellow waiting for the bus too. The bus-stop near my place was relatively less crowded as buses usually came frequently but this pretty handsome fellow was acting rather fidgety and stretching his neck consistently to spot whether his bus was coming. Wearing a trendy shirt and cute black hair, he looked a bit like Wong Lee Hom, I can say, in his Bausch and Lomb commercial.

Then this cute guy spitted on the floor....

Gross!!!

Hmm, so never judge a book by its cover.

I never had poor health since I've stayed in the old place, I got hit by a flu bug recently in office. I'm still having it and despite seeing the doctor, I felt worse. Hopefully to recover by next Fri.

And did I mention that I was going to Bintan next week? I won the bid for our company owned villa in Bintan. It is really a very big bungalow with a private swimming pool and buggy!! Qing mentioned she wanted very much to try out the buggy, wondered if you need a license to drive one? Anticipated but trying not to pin my hopes too high, the ferry tickets are sooo.... expensive!!!! $59 plus return. Blame the US for spoiling the oil market now everyone's affected....

I shall update more next time as I have to catch 5 seasons of Sex and the City and try to recover from my flu as soon as possible.

2008-07-02T17:56:00.001+08:00

Had compiled a report on my Shanghai trip, purely for academic purpose.

2008-06-22T17:15:00.002+08:00

Why are you acting like a child?
And with those immature thoughts?
You want me to commit and yet you don't?
This is not fair, have you ever thought of the things you did and you didn't?
I need some breathing space, please leave me alone for a while, thank you.

2008-06-21T11:05:00.008+08:00

kok keng been complaining that I've not been putting any attention on him so I shall put in something here for him.

Last look from the old place from here~

Just moved into my late grandma's house last Sat, handed over to the crazy landlord the other day, and got back my deposit. Just wondered if she had tried using my electricity and water to clean up the place as the cut-off date is supposed to be the next day~ Anyway, thanks to kok keng and his brothers' help in lending us the pick-up, and helping to move. Sis, bro-in-law and bro's gf helped out too.

The new place is a little small, as compared to the previous one.

new place kind of messy because just moved in

the previous flat

Breezy view from here with shade from the angsana tree in front of my bedroom. Tiong Bahru is a pretty mature estate, you get to see big trees such as angsana, rain trees that provides ample shade. One disadvantage is such trees tend to drop alot of leaves and choked the drains, causing mosquitoes breeding. Talking about drains, there is a big canal in front of my flat too.

I kind of missed the shouting from the regular satay man shouted "Weiii~~~" under the flats. Instead, there is an otah man selling quietly along the pedestrian pavement.

Got 2 free tickets for "Sex and the City" and Evonne and I watched it. Overall was pretty good, but I felt it was like a big-scaled fashion runway with glamorous clothes, killer high-heels, hairdo, makeup. Trust me, you will never see Sarah Jessica Parker wearing the same clothes the next minute, except for the wedding gown (by Vivienne Westwood). Acting wise, I sensed the acting was only from Miranda and her husband, Steve when he confessed he was cheating on her. And he really looked pathetic like a drug addict. The others... neh.... quite superficial and perhaps some comic relief from Samantha and Charlotte had made me chuckled a bit (making a sushi dinner and drinking water from Mexico had caused her sick stomach).

Some pretty nice quotes learnt.

Big: "Should I get you a diamond?"
Carrie: "No, just get me a really BIGGgg closet... "

and he did!!

Miranda: "She is 3 years old and she doesn't know about sex, I am 40 and I don't know about sex either."

Miranda: "The only 2 choices for women, witch and sexy kitten"

Samantha: "You know me, I don't believe in marriage.. except botox, it works everytime."

2008-06-16T14:11:00.003+08:00

I've moved house again~

This time round to my late grandma's place. My uncle and auntie will be occupying the Master bedroom while me and bro will be using the common rooms.

The place is fully furnished with wardrobes so we won't be getting anymore furniture. Moving house is always a headache especially if you could not get a right vehicle. Was lucky to get KK involved where he called his brothers for help. Sis and bro-in-law helped out too, Bro's gf also.

2008-06-03T10:20:00.004+08:00

Study Trip in Shanghai

Click on pic to see more pics!!!!

Or refer to these : Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 and 6.

2008-06-02T11:23:00.002+08:00

Should have worked harder...

2008-05-24T19:17:00.005+08:00

GSS

Saw "RED" everywhere!!! The GSS is back and with outrageous discounts. The more credit cards you have, the more undesirable credit card bills you get once you get the "slashing" going on.

I was amazed by the sales going on, really!!! And coincidentally, the announcement of the Pedra Branca ownership, launch of the Draft Master Plan 2008 and GSS hit on the same day, 23 May is indeed a popular day to start things going. Guoqing wants us to meet at Orchard Road that day after work and after dinner, the 3 hours of window-shopping is really not enough for you to browse around.

There has been one item which I want to purchase, that is the the Brazilian brand IPANEMA sandals by supermodel turned designer , Gisele Bundchen.

http://www.ipanemagiselebundchen.com.br/

Such sandals however were not on discounted prices, considering $33.90 for a pair of sandals was too pricey, I was waiting for the price to drop down in the GSS. However, it din happen!

Shall look out for these sandals in the wholesale market in Shanghai, yah? I pretty much liked the blue one with white base. =)

2008-05-18T14:23:00.002+08:00

yep, a 29th belated birthday at my place.
* click picture to see more photos!

2008-05-08T00:36:00.007+08:00

Finished my exams, dun really feel good about the papers, but heck it.. as long as they are over, I'm moving on to the the 4th Year! (hopefully). Guoqing will be back from his Taiwan training on 8 May (he has been away for almost 1 month) just in time to celebrate my birthday on 9th!

The revision weeks provided me ample rest and time for me to relax. I've never have the privileges to truly enjoy myself during the semester where it's just rushing for assignments, projects and presentations the whole time. I could even recall sleeping for just 4-5 hours a day! Truly glad that I took the revision week to catch more sleep, shopping, surfing the net and even to a spa.

I managed to finish 8 dvds of Korean drama, "The Legend" by heartthrob Bae Yong Jun aka "Yong Sama". What captivated me the most in the series were the music composed by Joe Hisaishi,久石譲, a well-renowned Japanese composer for "Princess Mononke" and "Spirited Away". The music sends chills down your spine as you watch the series.... especially the war scenes.

With flute version

Here's another...with a choir.

So far for the Korean drama fever, I've got myself a made-in-Korea phone too! (LG KS20) Not rich la, I've thought over it myself that I should get a new HP to avoid those calls from my crazy landlord who has been bugging me again to sign what stupid formal letter to show the plaintiff. Been trying to avoid her since.

Here's some of the photos taken so far from this hp. Embedded is a 2 mega-pixel camera.

NUS - School of Design and Environment

2008-04-28T22:40:00.001+08:00

OMG............. I'm turning 29 soon....

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-18T14:33:00.003+08:00

Evangelion fans definitely can't miss this movie..sit back and relax while enjoying this clip...

Heard there is a part 2, 3 and final coming out... and the ground breaking rumors of "Eva06", which we'd not even seen Eva04 and 05.

Watch the Evangelion 2.0 Preview here.

2008-02-29T23:28:00.005+08:00

break time~

Yah, 1 week no class. But still got to rush for projects.

Got a disturbing message from someone over msn... it just gave me a webby.
Anyway, you can't trust the internet nowadays, too many malicious softwares going around.
I keyed in the address and it directed me to this page.

click on it to enlarge

I believe it is another stupid trojan that makes you curious over who blocked you in msn.... I mean what's the big deal to find out whether who blocked you.

I din key in my msn account of course, I'm not stupid to fall into this trap.

Anyway, it'd been a busy week. Finished printing pamphlets for the improvement works and issued to the CCs to distribute to the residents. So if you are a Siglap resident, you'd be getting a copy of pamphlet soon. Ain't that easy to get these things done as you got to talk to a lot of different parties. Hope everything runs smoothly after the launch of the project.

I'll be glad to put up the pamphlet next time, it was designed by our in-house architect. Well, standard so-so la.
Here's the link anyway, it'd be up here temporary for 1 mth before it will be taken down.
http://www.ura.gov.sg/publications/eip_pamphlet.pdf

2008-02-11T12:57:00.000+08:00

Picture of the Day

Hope you are not expecting the unexpected... =)

We all knew Edison Chen is a bad boy and he is proud of being notorious. However, we are surprised that he had the habit of taking down his love-making scenes with his one-night affairs and ex-girlfriends. After looking at the first series of photos, I was not doubting that they are fakes however they (Gillian and Edison) had denied they were photo-shopped.

I thought it could be quite normal to take a few pictures or two, however this lucky bastard took a whole series, from fully clothed to none... and a few seductive poses and full frontal exposure. I had been wondering what had been his real intention of taking them down and storing inside his laptop.

1) Was it just pure fun and collection?
2) Or it was a malicious act to keep them so he could use them to sell to the media in future when he was no longer famous?

I have this feeling that Edison was a pimp... hmm .. not sure if you agree with me after seeing so many photos of those works from him, don't ask me where I've found them, just google for yourself. He was currently dating Albert Yeung's (head of EEG and manager of The Twins and Joey Yung among others) niece, Vincy Yueng.

Smelt a rat somewhere?

By the way, Happy Chinese New Year!!!

2008-02-03T23:08:00.000+08:00

Enough!

The old washing machine broke down and got replaced by even an older one.

Such thing can only be done by my landlady. To save cost in replacing a new one, she managed to get a better price by buying a 2nd-hand semi-auto one from the repairman recently. She even had the cheek to ask me and my bro to help carry for her up to 4th storey as she can't find any helpers. We rejected her of course to help carry and lastly she managed to find a relative's maid to help out.

She got us an older version of what we used in the old days. Semi-auto washing type where you fill up water in one side and you carry over the washed clothes the other side to tumble-dry. I thought such washing machines can only be found in Africa.

I feel she is going to carry all her money to her grave when she dies.

Well, that's not all. She passed us a detailed instruction manual in teaching us how to use the washing machine.

I think she really eat full full, no shit to pass out to type such manual.

Her lawyer just sent me a letter to document that I've submitted to her client my evidence of not in house and a statement that I did not pass the housekeys to anyway. She even told me that the plaintiff aren't giving up in the case, thus it may drag on. She even warned me not to talk to anyone who came to ask us questions.

Wished to get out of here and from this crazy woman as soon as possible. I hope some guys would go after her to make her busy enough to stop doing those bo liao stuff.

2008-01-10T23:33:00.000+08:00

Ohaiyo!!!!

Haven thought of any new year resolutions. Felt they are always so far away. Been a busy month... my Grandma passed away and we held the wake and the ceremony, Xmas eve dinner, new year celebrations... and catching crabs at Changi Boardwalk!! Lots of events happened in the Dec of 07.

Here's some photos to tell more stories...

Remembered that MC King passed away few days earlier where they found some strange structure on his cremated bones? Well they looked something like this:

They were on my Grandma's cremated bones too, right on the skull. In Sanskrit, it is called shariras. It was meant to be sacred and rare, usually found on the bones of the monks. Believe it or not, up to you. =)

Ok, less of the gossip...

Went to Changi Boardwalk again! This time round to catch crabs!!

Never knew such big ones existed there!!!

The unfortunate crab was being caught by my cousin and cooked in XO Bee hoon soup... we ate it all. It was simply delicious.

Me and KK joined a group of friends for Xmas eve dinner at Masala Art@Peninsula Plaza.
For a change, we tried Northern Indian food, the spread was not much, but it was a good try. Atmosphere and service were good also.

I'll be starting school next Monday, time to get busy again!

2007-12-27T12:59:00.000+08:00

Very Siong Semester.....

2007-12-11T14:47:00.001+08:00

Picture of the Day

My Grandma, 79 is now in SGH ICU. She has been unconscious since last night. I remembered I've last talked to her yesterday whether she had eaten and she asked what date it was on that day.

But NOW what I can see you is you are lying on the cold bed with machines around you and you are breathing in only the life-support.

Sorry Grandma, I've been naughty. Hasen been a good grand- daughter.
If I could turn back time,

1) I will come every weekend to visit you often
2) I will buy you lots of your favourite fruits which your failed teeth could bite on
3) I will talk to you, help you to pat on your back while you are trying hard to breathe better
4) I will help to massage your weak legs

2007-11-18T23:47:00.001+08:00

This is a HORROR movie.

It doesn't contain gore or bloody scenes, but the thought of it made you felt sick and feeling betrayed. A young Polish girl by the name of Mariola was cheated by her boyfriend and was sold to the Marfia in Berlin as prostitute. It was a very very depressed movie and it made you cringed at the beginning of the movie till the end hoping she would find a way out in a stranger country.

The horror part was when she was being raped by those bastards (well only gestures of it made you sick in the stomach), she was locked in the flat for almost 2 days. She tried escaping from the windows and screaming at the top of her lungs but there was no one to help her because it was a vacant building. She even tried jumping down from the high floors, thinking she could escape in that way, but the level was too high for her. Either she were to break her legs or die and never to see her grandma in Poland ever. There was no food in the fridge, only water from the miserable tap.... or there was a piece of moulded bread and yes, she ate it because she was so hungry and wanted to gain the energy to run away. There were chances where she could run away, but she felt kind of indebted to one of the mafia guys who took care of her when she was bullied/beaten/sick.

I find German films (well Poland was next to Germany, does it count?) pretty depressing.... Well, thanks to Hitler and his tortures on the Jews. Prostitutions and human trafficking not only happened in 3rd World Countries but even in rich European continents. This film was just one of the stories. Somehow, it was compared to an earlier Russian movie "Lilya 4-Ever" which portrayed child prostitution in the Soviet Union. These are films which made you watch what you do not want to really see and feeling unbearably painful indeed.

2007-11-08T11:46:00.000+08:00

Piece of Me

You want a piece of me? I'll give you two.

Haven been a smooth month. Firstly, the landlady had been secretly trying to sell her flat to some buyer and got caught in a law case. It's a long story anyway, she has been bothering me lately to help settle her issue. She wanted me to be witness in court that I did not receive any cheque and option to purchase from the buyer where the buyer sent over the very 2nd day we moved in. The recipient was my uncle who had been in th house helping out with the cleaning and both my brother and I were in office during the daytime. Blindly, he signed the receipt not understanding what the contents were and got us in pretty deep trouble. And when the parcel was passed back to the landlady, she found only a photocopy of the cheque inside, not a real cheque.

Anyway, that part was settled and I've explained to the landlady. And I gave her a piece of my mind that she was indeed unethical to be selling her flat considering we had just moved in. Her dishonestly had got herself into trouble, not us!!! However, the writ of summons (by the buyer) was against use, using us a the scapegoat of the deal to claim damages mentioned "Tenant" so she had consulted her lawyer that that proving us (tenant) was not around at the moment would help to close the issue.

It was pretty hard to believe in her again, I've seen the summons, and yes, it did mention abt us. The problem was she kept pestering us and reiterating the issue all over again over the phone when I was working... blar blar... and I just wished I had not rented the flat in the first place. In the begining, I did not think it was a good deal, the flat was old and some services were not in proper condition. And she kept mentioning that she trusted us we were good people, not any people who could bring "ah gao", "ah niao" into the house to party.... Come on, people need a life!!! We are good people, but we are not stupid people. I did not know what she meant in this sentence, probably she was just trying to play safe by warning us again not to sublet the flat to other people or have any visitors to come into the place which was in the agreement.

Just wish to get over this and start off again in another perspective.

Another thing is about a project group member who did nothing except to tell others of what to do. Getting so pissed off by his attitude and he was the type who kept things by himself, not wanting to discuss to bring out his ideas. Shall think twice when grouping with him next time.

Well, that's it.

My dear boy is in Australia now, missed him greatly. :-(

2007-10-06T01:04:00.000+08:00

this is very childish...and stupid, I can't believe I am still mad over it.

We were having supper along Tiong Bahru Road as I haven really had a proper dinner before class. GK parked his car along the road and thinking to avoid any cars from turning into the road and he switched on his blinking lights. I asked him if it is alright... cos I've heard if you left your lights too long, the battery will soon die off, he mentioned should be no problem.

After 20 mins we walked back to the car and started his car engine, he found that the starter doesn't work..... and his car could not start. The good thing is it was parked along the road so other cars can still pass through, the bad thing is he parked his car on the double yellow lines. So he started moving up and down, walking around, calling his brothers, friends... whatever numbers he can find over his phone, which I thought the easiest way to get help is to find the cars around us. So, I managed to stop a driver who was about to drive off and asked for his help.

GK stubbornly refused the offer and I apologized to the guy for taking up his time. I even called up my uncle and my uncle was pretty ascertained it could have been a problem with the starter as the car horn and lights were still working.

He told me to go back cos there was nothing I could help and he emphasized I was just making more problems for him.

I went back, disappointed, angry and feeling perplexed.

I came back to the same spot after putting my things and stuffs and his brothers managed to help jump-start his car. True enough the starter had failed but strangely they managed to jump start to get it going. Still feeling unapologetic and ungrateful, GK told me to go home.

So I went back, feeling disappointed, angry and feeling perplexed again and I'm typing all these down as that dumb ass is at least still looking and able to do some self-reflection.

Was it during a time like this, guys would think ladies are just useless bitches standing around? I was trying to help and yet treated like shit. Sometimes, I felt we were not even communicating, something must be very wrong.

Perhaps, I was being too cynical. It'd be better if I could just keep my mouth shut and walk off as told. But judging from my character, I was not so. I cared for him, that's why I've stayed, came back and offered advices. Some people are just not grateful with people around them I would say take things for granted.

So, would it be better I just go back home, not my business and hoped for a miracle to happen? Let me do something like this in future. Let me mind my own businesses, say "Oh, I'm just a girl and I can't offer much help, because I am just a dumb bitch..."

Did I hear any apology from you dear? Think about it.

2007-10-04T00:50:00.000+08:00

The worst performance ever....??

Suddenly I felt sad for Britney. In fact, the whole world has felt bad for her. Her dance moves are rusty and she looked stoned. She chose to come back to the show biz after having 2 kids and currently fighting over the divorce suit to get her kids. The single "Gimme More" is pretty good, catchy and very "Britney", of course.

She dun look sexy, I would rather call it a skimpy outfit worn for the wrong reason like an amateur striptease. Some says Britney can't be the next Madonna, who has been scorned looking like a fat cow after 2 child births too.

But Madonna worked hard to get back on how she looked like before. Has Britney been working hard in the gyms and having a proper diet to get her figure back? As a professional dancer before, she looked clumsy and people listed her as fat. She was not fat, but just not as agile and slim as before. Audiences would always remember her as the athletic, great performer and the image has cultivated into their heads.

It takes some time for her to be on the right track again, just give her another chance. By the way, she's getting all the attention now.

2007-09-30T20:59:00.000+08:00

Agent J the Copycat

You'd probably be raving over Jolin's new image currently. Her new image just made her a new copycat of Rihanna (her hairstyle).

I do not really listen to this album, but I must say her new image suits her. The tight suit seems to be pushing up her cup F boobs mercilessly and I doubt she can breathe normally for wearing that. Tried to search for her new MV in the Agent J outfit, but all were taken down due to copyrights by her record company.

Well, the "copycat" also reminded me of Aeon Flux.

I was thinking.. why can't Asians create their own style? Are we still following the footsteps of the Westerners?

2007-09-28T22:32:00.000+08:00

Sorrie!!! had been very very very busy!!!

I'm taking 5 modules this semester!! It wasn't my wish as it was planned by the school. According to the syllabus, I have to complete 5 this semester or else I'll not be able to graduate! Nah... kidding.

Well, it all began when the school has stopped taking in part-timers for the real estate course and they are rushing those still taking them to finish them. I had been rather pissed off by the Real Estate Law module which is supposed to be held online and the lecturer did not even put up a webcast! So how the hell are we supposed to study for this module when lectures are held during day time!! (Getting too much exclamation marks here already... getting too excited.... ) So eventually, we managed to talk it out with the lecturer to release his webcast to us only... (3 part-timers left only, Angeline, desmond and me.. sob sob...) We are struggling like mad to catch up with the rests.

Well, studies aside, had been too stressed and sick over it. :-(

Managed to breathe this week as it is school break. I attended a new launch Laneige product range in Isetan Orchard and managed to buy the product I've longed wanted!! The dual eye-cream! Finally in Singapore!! I was given the samples over in South Korea while shopping in Sinchun Trendy Street, tried them, and the results were good! At least my dark eye rings are gone.

Cocktail party launch at Isetan, I was being stopped to take any pictures. Well...

Yep, plus alot of freebies... and a BAG!! :-P

Too stressed, sometimes I really need to splurge in such items as part of retail therapy.
Oh, did I mentioned I spend only $19 on a dress from Chomel originally $79... ;-P

2007-09-05T17:42:00.000+08:00

SHOPPERS SURVEY

I need help for you to fill up a survey below for my project.

Click here to take our Online Survey

=)

2007-08-26T13:54:00.000+08:00

Hokkien songs

I wasn't grown up listening to Hokkien songs. However, I came to like some of the songs lyrics of them while watching the local production "881".

Was watching this show with Guoqing on Fri night, it was a pretty late timing at TBP. Yes, Royston Tan seemed to have glorified our GETAI, putting alot of special effects, fanciful costumes into the show. What I liked about the show is the really authentic hokkien songs sang by the PAPAYA Sisters, "12 Lian Huey" (12 Lotus Flower), "Ji Lang Ji Bua" (Each takes half) and the improvised version of the hokkien song sang by Chen Wei Lian. I guess the lyrics really touched me alot, when Small Papaya sang the song of the dying child, yearning to see her parents (dead) soon so she can be relieved from the illness she is suffering from.

Some of the songs could be quite kinky and "low-class" like "Dance Hostess" however "catchy", talks about the the Mamasan working in the lime-light industry and she sounds really happy about her job as there is lots of money rolling in.

Heard of the original hokkien song "Lu bian de Ye Hua ni bu yao cai"? (You shouldn't pick wild flowers along the road). Well, here it is.

2007-08-17T22:45:00.001+08:00

I'm going to let out Jay Chou's secret.... hehehe....

Watched the movie during National Day, actually Guoqing bought 2 tix to watch Hostel 2. Seeing it as gory, bloody, sick show and he bought the tix without consulting me, I went over to change into Jay Chou's "Secret".

Spoilers~~ Dun say I din warn you.

Well, Uncle Jay did tell us not to disclose the Secret after watching. However, I've already known what's going on when I saw the girl in the beginning. Well, it was pretty obvious, because no one seems to be talking or noticed her when she was in the classroom, only Jay, so I presumed that probably the girl was a ghost or something.

=) I'm very smart hor?

Well, the girl was actually from the past, 20 years earlier, at different zone, but same location. She happened to find a score under an old piano in the school's music room named "Secret" which has a whimsical poem written on it. And Jay Chou could see her because as stated in the poem, the first person she sees is able to see her and the rests dun. And if she wants to return back to her time, she has to play the score very fast...

well, here's the trailer.

An interesting piano contest...

....And a cute flirty way of playing piano together...

A must watch movie not only for its plot (well... not too bad from the first-time director, Jay), the music scores are also very well-composed. The soundtrack is greatly recommended. And everyone in the show can play musical instruments...hated the fact I can't play any. :-(

Need not say more, support my idol bah... his acting improved quite alot already lor.

2007-08-12T12:39:00.001+08:00

A review on Korean skincare and cosmetics

Korean wave has been stirring in Singapore since 2002 and still blowing strong currently. Thanks to korean dramas and most importantly its chain of beauty products that are pretty hot here.

Well, I felt all korean skincare and cosmetics are pretty similar, seemed to have come out from the same factory or manufacturer. The texture is pretty light, easily washable with gentle wipes/cleansing and the range of colours are kept to the korean skin tones. You can never find a colour that is suitable for dark skins because koreans are all very fair, thanks to their climate. Not to mention, you need 5 steps to maintain healthy skin, unlike the usual 3 steps, cleansing, toning and moisturizing, there are extra steps such as essence penetration and moisture locking.

From my korean trip and research done in Singapore, I would like to rant about a few popular beauty brands which I like, in some ways. (Note: all pics below are taken from Google Images)

MISSHA

This is one of the first korean brands that launched in Singapore. I personally like its range of mascaras, they aren't very expensive but work wonders for me. The iconic red and black flower on the label is very catchy however is a legalized copycat of UK brand MaryQuant.

The last visited shop over at Korea had a new look and it looked dashing!! Too bad I din take a picture of it.

SKINFOOD

You see them everywhere, it was well-known for its cute packaging. Stepping into the shop looks like entering into a fairy street and you are welcomed by the fairy dust (loose powder testers). They had this special liquid eyeshadow with glitters which is one of the unique features.

It has a pretty dazzling website, take a look here!

THE FACE SHOP

Yes, you definitely be screaming at the sight of your idol.

I was shopping along in Korea and was given free samples, even without buying anything. It shows how generous their marketing strategy is in luring people into their shops.

There are hundreds of products from The Face Shop, including Men's skincare. These shops are all over Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, in fact, all over the world, including in Japan where they also rave about this brand despite strong competition from the other Japanese products. To me, they are just like Bodyshop, boosting about natural ingredients and prices are ridiculously jagged up over here.

DODO CLUB

Has been trying to google for some shop frontages of Dodoclub, only managed to find this. (It wasn't closed, fortunately) . You can get to see dodoclub shops in those korean supermarkets (Cineleisure and Novena Square2). Dodoclub products could also be found in Sasa, Watsons.

The packaging looks mediocre, and some of the items looked like they are kept on the shelves for quite some time. However, I've heard the magical theatre powder is pretty effective in covering blemishes. You could jolly well take a look. The black butterfly mirrors (they are pretty!!!) looked splendid for a vain girl, however another legalized copycat of the dolly theme designer Anna Sui.

BEAUTY CREDIT

So what are the credits in beauty? This shop name makes no sense at all. It should sound, "Credits in Beauty". You get to see these shops in Vivocity and IMM (there was a counter). Products are more the less the same as the rests, however, it has a best seller called the coenzyme Q10 series which made their products special.

Plus, they managed to get handsome boy to be their spokesperson!!

Hyun Bin was in "My love Sam Sun" the drama really garnered alot of fans.

THE ETUDE HOUSE

Which girl will never stop to take a look inside? It looks like a HELLO KITTY house, having a "Princess" theme.

I enjoyed shopping inside, fiddling with the princess combs, mirrors, pink-themed dressing tables. To my disappointment, The Etude House was the only brand I mentioned here that doesn't have this cute shop in Spore... yet. I really hope there is one soon, cos it is too cute to be true.

LANEIGE

This is one of the Laneige dedicated shops in Korea which are not common some of the drugstores above are selling Laneige products too. Unlike in Singapore where counters are found in big departmental stores, Laneige products are pretty hard to find in full range. So if you are keen to purchase them in discounted prices, you really need to keep a look out for them. They are usually sold bits and pieces in random shops.

Being a loyal fan of Laneige, I wouldn't say it is the best brand so far, but it did work some wonders for me. They are usually water-based and they won't dry up your skin or clog your pores.

I like the whitening series as they are not really oily, but they really burn a big hole in the pocket. Laneige was one of the top-notch brands as marketed in Singapore, standing side by side with big players like Shiseido, Kose. However back in Korea, the product was not so of high-range which there are better and more expensive ones. I managed to get a couple of the whitening series while shopping in Korea which prices were about, 30% cheaper than in Spore. Most interesting of all, they gave out samples of the new products generously. I once tested on the day-night dual eye cream and it was pretty good. But have to wait for a few months or NEVER to see it launch in Singapore.

Well, I could be tapping on you guys if you are going to Korea.... :-) Anyone going so far?

2007-08-10T13:46:00.000+08:00

I had the same dream last Sunday

I dreamt I was on an adventurous vacation, somewhat like OBS camp or something, but it was by air. It wasn't on an airplane or anything, it was a ride high above the sky, like sitting on a hot air balloon. But the feeling was more like sitting in an airjet. What I've remembered was there were few other people with me, whom I dunno.

It was a journey taken place at night and looked something like this.

and slowly, the dawn drew in, like a new morning arrived.Publish Post

I felt amazing because it was rare that you would dream the same dream twice. And this time round, it felt so real that even I've woke up from it, I was still mesmerised by the beauty with the thought of it.

Guoqing was saying that we could try out the hot air balloon (the DHL logo one...) next to Parkview to fulfill my dream. Well, perhaps the more ideal one could be trying out the hotair balloon ride in Australia. =)

So some planning has to be done... well, not yet.

2007-08-02T00:12:00.000+08:00

My colleague Elaine left our organization to pursue her dreams in Shanghai.

I drew this for her after her new haircut.

It wasn't something new or unexpected cos she had this intention in the first place after staying 1 mth in govt body. It was the pace and the non-value added tasks she was asked to do. She was not quite a task-driven person but rather a person who was more motivated in seeing things built and done and results seen after meetings/discussions.

Not only a loyal lunch-mate, she was one of the best colleagues I've met during my 6 years working life. She offered advices when I was moving house that time, and generously offered me an electric iron and a hairdryer for my moving in, understanding the financial difficulties I was facing that time.

btw the above are the gifts we bought for her as farewell.

Will miss her terribly.... hope to visit her in Shanghai soon. I've told her to reserve a bed for for me there just in case I come to visit.

2007-07-29T22:59:00.000+08:00

I need a breather...

I felt I had done alot, I dunno whether he appreciates or not. He may seemed to, sometimes, but he kept asking for more. He wanted me to care more for others(strangers) and his family. I felt breathless for his endless comments. He wants more from me each day but he din give any. He seems to be taking things for granted.

Am I on the right track? Or am I wrong for not asking him for what I want. I am confused on what I am supposed to be doing. Lately, I was pretty agitated by the little comments he mentioned, perhaps unintentionally but it showed his true personality. He cared for others more than he cared for me and his family. Friends are always on top of his list. He reminded me of my father, I hated that feeling...

I am human too, why hasen he cared for wat I think. I felt helpless. Someone pls drag me out of this before i fall in deeper.

2007-07-17T00:26:00.000+08:00

Yep, the long awaited photo clips for Korea trip are here!

Day 1 -2 ~

Day 3 ~

Day 4- 5 ~

Day 6 ~

2007-07-14T23:19:00.001+08:00

I've made some pretty exciting clips for u guys about my Japan trip last year.

Take a look here.

Day 2 ~

Day 3 ~

Day 4~

Day 5~

Day 6 and 7 ~

2007-07-12T21:15:00.000+08:00

"I told you I will only sweep the floor once a week..."

Tat's the comment from my stupid brother, I really can't believe it. Imagine.. u shed dirt all week and you sweep the floor once, u think the floor will be still clean?

2007-07-09T06:44:00.000+08:00

I've never fall sick for quite some time. However, there are some indications now, stuffy nose, heavy head. I remembered my worst flu was back sometime back in March where I was fevering and managed to score an A for a quiz during lectures. You could say it was out from luck but I was sure that I had studied well enough for it.

It has been almost 1 yr, work in URA is currently quiet and pretty peaceful cos due to some interim handover to another section. Sad to say, I was quite reluctant to really pass on the project(s) to another person. I had spent so much effort in it. From nothing ... to something. One of my "baby" was an identity node! I remembered the times when I made site visits consistently few days in a week, even when the haze was strong. Took pictures, did some site measurements, explored the ground. And back to the office to put all these info into the plans. And I fell sick due to the haze....

I wished to blog about him however he mentioned he felt "naked"... thus I was thinking of having another blog somewhere. Dun worry, I'll touch a little here.. :-)

We had our breakfast at Tiong Bahru market on our 1st mth anniversary, exactly 1 mth after his birthday. Well, it was Live Earth day as well... 070707, what a day to remember, where 777 couples were married in Spore. A middle-aged man was playing harmonica and asking for donations in the market, just next to the table where we were sitting. KK gave the man some money and described to me that it was romantic as well, like sitting in a high class restaurant while the musicians were playing their instruments just beside your table.

Some random photos for the week... not many photos taken... sorrie.

Taken from some website of someone cosplaying "L"... really had some uncanny resemblance of the primate character.

Some transformers toy displays outside Cineleisure after watching the movie
It's really cool! Go watch it!

Mccafe's cappuccino, $2.50 at AMK with galfriends. We were having steamboat buffet last Fri. (Highly recommended buffet, shall introduce the place to u guys next time)

2007-07-02T23:51:00.000+08:00

I dunno wat I was doing, probably I just missed him too much. Sometimes I find he doesn't even care.

2007-06-30T22:46:00.000+08:00

Childhood Cartoons

Hollywood has been doing remakes on our childhood cartoons, like TMNT, Batman, Spiderman, Xmen and the most recent, Transformers. This show really brought back alot of our childhood memories where we got up early to watch the morning cartoon during Sundays.

The Transformers Movie, 1986

Not forgetting, the lyrics are pretty gripping too!

"Transformers
More than meets the eye
Transformers
Robots in Disguise"

Plus the transforming sound created!!!

My most unforgettable characters are basically, Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee, the car which can transform into a yellow Volkswagon. I still find it ridiculous to believe that Megatron can transform himself into a gun... and do u know when Optimus Prime transforms himself into a robot, the truck behind him was not actually attached??

Before u watched the new Transformers, why not spend some time watching the cartoon instead? Pretty nostalgic leh... There was a female Autobot too!!!

2007-06-29T12:28:00.000+08:00

I refer to the article on "Some chaos is good"

I totally agree to this article. If every city is perfect, with too much of proper planning, there will be no uniqueness in it. Every city will become the same with the same characteristics. Let the urban villages form its own style, let locals take charge of its surroundings. Sometimes a little chaos make a difference.

Chaos leads to creativity, dun it?

2007-06-28T11:06:00.000+08:00

Do you know...

Better migrate all yr photos to a safe place now, dun say i din warn u....

2007-06-26T00:51:00.001+08:00

JUMP - A Marital Arts Comedy

I always love comedies, in fact comedies are the best shows for dates. I've booked 2 tix to watch JUMP, a korean martial arts comedy this Sunday with my dear dear. Will be anticipating alot of jumping, rolling, kicking, flying... oops, haa, not really... haha... it's just a light-hearted action play abt 2 stupid thieves who broke into the home of marital arts family.

"JUMP" The Grand Finale

2007-06-24T11:40:00.000+08:00

At my new place.

The place is abit old, but after some major cleaning, it turned out to be slightly much better.

There isn't any much usable furniture around, scared that we might damage those from owner which are already in not so good condition. So, I went over to IKEA to get a bedframe and wardrobe. My brother told me that during that night after handing over of keys, the ex-tenant came back and managed to open the door. (with the fact that we are using the owner's padlock)He also complained to us that the owner threatened to forfeit their deposit for damaging her stuffs, which includes the window panel, the rattan chairs, the TV... blah blah blah.

We changed the padlock immediately.

I wasn't showing any pics cos they are nothing good to look at, except those defects we spotted and will be sending to owner for her rectifications.

Extremely glad my aunt, uncles and my dear Guoqing and his bro helped out in the moving and cleaning... :) must really thank them alot.

2007-06-23T02:24:00.000+08:00

Britain's Got Talent

Yes, another Idol Show. Be amazed by this person's voice.

thanks toh min for sharing this clip~

2007-06-22T10:04:00.000+08:00

ATTENTION!!!!

I'm moving house on Sat evening. Meantime, I'm giving out free comics. Some with full volumes. If u r interested, u can meet me at my place's mrt in the afternoon.