When Night Falls..

A DiNnEr GaTHeRiNg WiF Ex ColleagUes ThaT EnLiGhTen mE

2009-02-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

16 Feb 2009

My Colleagues Elaine and Eliz had arranged to meet at Suntec today for dinner. Initially, we were supposed to dine in Tony Roma's Restaurant. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was shocked that the when I saw the menu as most of the main courses they served were 20 and above (excluding gst and service charge).

In the end, we decided to dine at MOF My Izakaya...

What we had for main course

Desserts Time!!

Oven-baked Mochi in red bean paste = unique =)

After dinner, they were talking about their progress, savings and studies plans.

My Enlightenment from today gathering

Deep inside, I felt that I have been remaining stagnant for so long, not making much effort to get down seriously with anything. For that moment, I have realized I had lost my direction and was uncertain of where am I heading to. The next moment, I recalled my tuition teacher remarking that I am living in a sheltered life, not having to worry about anything my refusal to leave my comfort zone. I guessed what she had commented was partially right, I was not actively looking for jobs like before but was just trying to waste away my time. Feeling of guiltiness filled me which I have decided to make a strong resolution. From today onwards, I would wake up as early as possible to buy the Straits Times and apply for whatever jobs that are available to me. No more late nights staying up but only early nights. Guess I will have to forgo all sources of entertainment and make full use of my timing on more constructive purposes like working and brushing up on my English as I would be signing for the SAT paper and other software skills to enhance my employability when Singapore is having recession at this time.

ValenTinE's Day (PoOl shOp HuNTiNg)

2009-02-15T11:13:00.001-08:00

Met up with a group of friends at Cathay Cineleisure for movie (underworld-Rise of the Lycans).

After movie, 2 of my friends suggested to have a snooker session. We could have gone to the pool shop at Cineleisure but the charges was too high. Therefore, I suggested going to Concorde Hotel pool shop near dholby ghaut as I knew it would be cheaper and I had been there once with my friend. We walked down to Dholby Ghaut and coincidentally I saw bev with her bf. Initially, I did not notice her as I was looking out from the exterior building of Concorde Hotel to see the pool shop was at which level, I was only when she called up to me then I saw her.

When we reached there, the shop was packed and there were no available tables for us to play. Therefore, we decided to walk to Singapore Shopping Centre, we went up but could not find the shop and so we asked the security guard and he told us it has moved to Amk. With our last resort, we decided to try our luck at Parklane Shopping mall (the mall beside Paradiz Centre) and the shop was not so packed.

After 1 hour plus of pool session, we settled our dinner at the Kopitiam opposite Rendezvous Hotel and went home after dinner.

A dAy RouTiN RouNd RaFFles Boulevard

2009-02-08T13:34:00.001-08:00

12 Feb 2009

Met up with a friend for kbox at Marina. We enjoyed singing that we sang from 7pm till 1115pm non-stop. As it was 1115pm, all the shops had already closed, we got to exit from the back entrance of Marina (facing millenia walk shopping mall) that we ended up losing our way. Unknowingly, we passed by the Singapore Flyer and realised that we were on the wrong track and that we had went a big round along raffles boulevard. We had wasted alot of our time by routing around that my friend missed his last train.

Therefore, he walked with me to the bus stop to take my bus (the bus stop opposite Raffles City). However, I was not able to locate the bus stop so we decided to walk to dholby ghaut area to take the bus as I knew that are buses for us to take over there. While walking towards, I stopped at a bus stop where I could take the bus 14 but to find out that I had missed it. Therefore, I had decided to take the bus 65 from Paradiz Centre. Fortunately, I had managed to catch my last bus 65 and as for my friend he took the bus to Clementi and took a cab home from there.

My first time in club for this year

2009-02-07T00:34:00.001-08:00

11 Feb 2009

Met up with char at Far east plaza as she wanted to repair her heels buckle. We had a light dinner together as char is going back home for dinner.

At 7pm, met up with Jing Jing as she is going to Far East Plaza to exchange her dress from blossomz .. (her button came off)

Next, we went to a place which I had never stepped into for ages (due to some reasons). In this year, I would say it is my first time visiting a club. I would say I enjoyed going with her so I would not mind going with her in future. We went to Zouk to chill out and observe the people and the place. There is one thing I have noticed was that the attraction of clubs lies with their toilets. In the past, I had actually took a picture of myself in Momo's toilet (the golden toilet bowl) .. haha

At 1115pm, we left the place to catch the last bus no. 14.

In Zouk toilet

(after a few trials, we had finally
manage to take the
best of it infront
of the mirror, guess we need to
brush up on our cam skills)

Toilet with dog bone prints

Zouk Bar Area

Drinks we had (snowball)
1 for 1 on ladies nite

A cocktail which I had promised to concoct for my friends but I have not fulfilled my promise.
Guess after their exams are over, I would invite them to my house for mahjong and concoct the drink for them. =)

MOvies Marathon

2009-02-07T00:33:00.002-08:00

In Singapore, the places available for one to hang out are limited. Usually, I meet out with my friends for a specific purposes like watching movies, singing karaoke, having dinner or lunch and shopping (when we had specific intention to buy some things).

Nowadays, I have become more updated to different movies that are screening or are going to be screened. Thinking about the past, I would not have known what are the latest movies in the cinemas. Practically, now I would say that I have watched almost all the high rating movies in cinemas.

Movies in mind (waiting for it to be out)

Hotel for dogs

been wanting
to watch since last year

He's just not that into you

(something like mars vs venus)
Differences that man n women had when dealing with circumstances

harry potter and the half-blood prince

Marley and Me

Slumdog millionaire
(will be watching with Jing Jing)

mahjong addiction

2009-02-07T00:33:00.001-08:00

Ever since I started playing mahjong. I think I am kind of addicted to it. The day when my friends went back home after visiting my house, I went to play online mahjong and did some reading on it. (the rules and combinations)

I have been hoping to play with them after their exams are over.... Wee!!
Msg to them: Yoz ... Jia you for your papers... All the best!! Kan Ba Tei!!...

Ａ　ComPleTe DifferEnt nEw YeaR CeleBraTioN

2009-02-07T00:20:00.000-08:00

During new year eve, I went to my grandma's house for reunion dinner. Usually, it was held at Eunos but this year it was at Tampines. We had potluck. Each family were to contribute and bring a dish or more to my grandma's house. This year, we had Yu Sheng and everyone of our family joined in the fun of tossing the Yu Sheng and celebrated my cousin Maverick's birthday.

Cutting of bdae cake

Ending our reunion dinner with Yu Sheng

Actual day of new year

As usual, we went to our grandma's house for visiting. We had our lunch and dinner there. At the same time, I saw some of my other distant relatives at her house. Supposedly, I were to catch a movie with a friend (Red Cliff 2) but it was very late so we watched it the next day.

Subsequent days of my new year..

This year new year, was a totally different new year for me. I went to some of my friends' house.
First, was Jing Jing's house. She had invited me for a mahjong (playing without money), karaoke and steamboat session. In the morning, I accompanied her to her previous jc to visit her teachers. After visiting, her parents went to pick her up and I followed her to her house. It is very nice of her mum to cook Bee Hoon Soup for lunch. Only then, I realised that Jing Jing is one who is able to like spicy stuffs alot.

Next, we started with our karaoke session until her poly friends arrived at her place for mahjong. I was an amateur in mahjong as I only know the basic rules of playing and winning. With her uncle's and cousin's help, I was then able to win a few rounds in it. We had steamboat for dinner and after eating we went back to continue with our mahjong. Finally, we ended our day with some photo-taking.

In the living room

At her house garden

Flowers in her house... one word,plenty

Taking with the limelight of all props..
(the beautiful swan)

___________________________________

The next day, I invited Jing Jing, char, bev, chai min and lan li to my house for dinner.
I went to my house nearby Astons Stall to buy some food for dinner and bought my mahjong tiles as well. Though, it was kind of rush I did manage to buy the mahjong tiles but not the table so I bought the mahjong paper instead to prevent the tiles from being scratched.
We had mahjong session too.

At my house...

__________________________________

The day after, we went to Beverly's house for dinner. We had curry with french loaf and Bee Hoon. The curry and Bee Hoon were delicious. After dinner, we catch a movie (the wedding game). The movie was average as it does not really had a storyline but it was all about the wedding life of Fann and Chris. I had invited our student care friend Ai Ling to join us for movie as well.

5 Feb 2009

We went to our student care teacher's (Kok Guan Kor Kor) house for visiting and some of our student care friends would also be there. Surprisingly, everyone changed alot, in appearances and character wise. They are more mature in their thinking and actions. A girl called Rui Shan whom I knew, She changed so much that I were not able to recognise her. We had lunch over there and some games (twister, Zhong Ji Mi Ma). During lunch, feeling of nostalgia filled us. We were reminiscing every bits and pieces that were happening when we were in the student care. The food which KoK Guan Kor Kor ordered and prepared was more than enough. Therefore, one of them suggested to play Zhong Ji Mi Ma, the loser will have to eat the food (item by item) as punishment.

Taiwan Trip Day 10 and 11

2009-02-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

14 Dec 08

As we had slept late the previous night, we woke up around 1pm.

Coincidentally, Taiwan Star Luo Zhi Xiang and other stars were having some performance just directly outside of our hotel. The performance was overwhelmed with people that we had difficulty leaving the hotel as practically there were a large number of people outside the hotel entrance. As I am not one who is fan craze, my parents and I went out to had our lunch while my sis and her friend were busy tooking shots of Luo Zhi Xiang from the hotel inside. We had Ah Zhong Mee Sua (阿宗面线）. The best mee sua I had ever had!!

Up till now, I still missed the taste of it. How I which one day the stall could open a branch in Singapore. However, my parents do not like the taste so they decided to have beef noodles at a nearby cafe. The beef noodles were average compared to the one we had at the Flying Cow Ranch. Beef was much tender and noodles was much springy (Q).

Next, my parents and I went back to the hotel to wait for my sis and her friend to be done with all their photo-shooting of the Taiwan Stars and lunch. As soon as they were back from the hotel, I was kind of lazy to leave the hotel. However, after much delays in packing our necessary stuffs, we decided to go for a dip at any public hot springs at Xin bei Tou. When we arrived there, we were just about to pay the shop owner the money when we took a peak inside the hot spring and were shocked that it was crowded with people (men and women) that we decided not to go for it. Practically, there are no space for us to occupy in the hot spring and make me understood why people go for private hot spring where they can have the private space all to themselves though it was way much expensive.

Therefore, we took a train to Shi Pai Station to try the desserts at the shop 水龟伯古早味, specifically the shop famous ice cream pie (recommended by a tvb food delights program). Surprisingly, when we arrived at the shop, most the Taiwanese people are ordering hot desserts and not cold stuffs and we are the few ordered cold desserts. What a disappointment!! The shop do not sell it during the winter season except during the summer season. Even the mango milk ice which my sis friend wanted to order only available during summer time.
End up, we ordered the stall famous purple rice, strawberry milk ice and beancurd grass jelly.
Beside the dessert stall, there is a mini hotpot stall selling one with a bowl of rice for TWD 99=$4.60 (run by the dessert owner also) and my parents bought two different hot pots and we shared among the 4 of us. The mini hot pot was nice, cai liao feng fu and serving was quite big. Worth the money!!

the dessert shop

Mini Hot pot for 99 TWD!!

What we had for desserts...

My sis and her friend decided to go to Shi Lin Market (at Jian Tan mrt station) while I wanted to go to Tian Mu Road to buy those Nike or Addidas socks as my friend has asked me to get for her. (according to forumers, this is the place where we can get the cheapest nike and addidas sportswear as the factory of Nike and Addidas are located here) Therefore my sis and her friend went on their own way while my parents followed me. However, when I arrived there and walked the whole stretch of Tian Mu Road I could not find any addidas or Nike shop and so we asked around. The passerbys directed us and we were able to locate the shop but was disappointed to find that the pricing was same as Singapore. Not long after, Cherry called me and asked me where am I and so I told her my whereabouts and found out from her that this area is actually where the rich Taiwanese people hangouts. What a wasted trip but a big discovery!! We chanced upon a fusion restaurant (P.S. Bu Bu Fusion Food) having models of car as the theme. (people dine in the cars)

The Counter

Dining table

Many celebrities went
there before
like S.H.E etc

Next, we headed to Shi Lin Market to meet up with my sis and her friend. There are a wide range and variety of food being sold here.

Bbq sugar canes were sold (something unique)

I bought the korean rice cake (being curious to try it as in korean dramas the koreans will always eat it). It tastes horrible as though you are practically eating flour that were dipped in some hot sauce. Luckily, I bought the smallest size as the serving for TWD 30 was quite alot and I did not manage to finish it. Next we went across the road and went to kfc, I ordered the mochi egg tart (QQ and got kou gan). I was very delicious and unique. (something which we can never find it Singapore kfc) We shopped and shopped that we had forgotten the time that we almost missed our last train but we were still able to catch it.

However, we were busily talking on the train that we missed our stop and overshot by one stop so we thought we could wait for the next train but the train officer at the waiting bay told us there is no more train. We got to go down the other line to take back to Xi Men Ding. We were so anxious that we might missed the train from the other line (long way to the other line), we hurriedly ran to the station. The moment we saw a train arrived from the station and everyone were rushing into me, we boarded it without checking whether it is the correct direction. When the train had left the platform we realised that we were taking from the wrong direction but it was too late. (even further away from Xi Men Ding).

Knowing that there are no trains operating, we made the last resort - took a cab back to the hotel.

15 Dec 08

Home Sweet Home

I woke up early, had my breakfast and took a train to Zhi Shan station to buy the famous mango chessecake at the shop called Cheesemate (recommended by 完全娱乐 variety show) and took a back to Taipei Main Station 地下街 to walk around. The place was big but there were not much things to shop. Next, I received a call from my parents that we need to catch our flight so I hurriedly left the place and took a train back to the hotel. We did our last minute shopping at Xi Men Ding ( nearby to the Fei Gou Bus Pick up point to fetch us to the airpost), packeted the Ah Chung Mee Sua, finger food, curry fishballs and bubble tea (to use up our small domination coins as it would be of no value if we converted it to SGD when we are backed in Singapore)

Well, I missed Taiwan very much, the food and everything, hoping to go there on a holiday with my friends someday again. =)

Taiwan Trip Day 9

2009-02-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

13 dec 08

We slept throughout the journey and arrived at taipei main station at 5am the next morning. There were no mrt trains operating at that time to bring us to the hotel. We took a cab to our hotel. (2 in a cab due to the limited space of the cab) We slept the whole day and woke up at 2pm while my dad went for his church 10am church service. As he was tired, he decided to stay in the hotel and sleep while we went ahead with our plans.

Plans for the day: Taipei 101 (emphasized by Cherry that we should not missed going there), Dinner at Mr Jay Restaurant (Jay Chow The Secret themed restaurant) and Wu fen Pu (place where one can get alot of girls' apparels and accessories)

We took the mrt to Taipei City Hall Station, followed by the free shuttle bus that goes directly to Taipei 101. We went up the observatory floor of Taipei 101 (99flr) and took some pictures. The best view to see the whole of Taipei.

Night view of Taipei
taken from the top of Taipei 101

Height of Taipei 101

It was so cold that the people
working there
(wearing yellow suit)
had to cover
themselves from
head to toe

At the top of Taipei 101

On the clouds

Wind Damper that prevented Tapei 101
from collapsing during the Earthquake

Due to our rush for time, we took pictures of the necessary exhibits and took a bus to Mr Jay Restaurant. We ordered baked penne with sausage, pizza capricctosa, grapefruit juice, chocolate special and orange juice and shared among ourselves as the serving was big enough for four persons.

Chocolate Special

pizza capricctosa baked penne with sausage

orange juice

grapefruit
juice

It costs 900TWD = $42. I would say it is worth the price as the food quality, service, ambience was 5 star rated. In Singapore, dining in a normal restaurant would have cost more than that much more we are at Jay Chow restaurant.

At Mr Jay Restaurant

Taipei 101 taken from
Mr Jay Restaurant

Food menu front cover

Wine cellar

interior of the
restn
(restn is a circular
form results
in this outlook)

Props in the the restn

After dinner, we took a bus to Taipei Main Station and a train to Wu fen Pu (like sg bugis street but much bigger). We shopped around till 11pm and caught the last train to our hotel at Xi Men Ding. Due to time constraints, we had not enough time to shop the whole of Wu Fen Pu. We stayed up to watch the Taiwan drama (love or bread) and slept around 3-4am.

Taiwan Trip Day 8

2009-02-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

12 dec 08

To have an experience on sitting the High Speed Railway(HSR), we took a high speed railway train to Tainan for shopping. (due to the exorbitant price we took it just for a short distant)

Arriving at
Kaoshiung
HSR Station

Interior of the station

That is how
HSR train
tickets look
like

Our train had arrived

onboard the train

This day was an interesting day. We settled our lodging on the bus. As we were afraid that we would run short of money as my dad was afraid that we would be asked to pay for airport tax when we are departing Taiwan. However, that was not necessary in the end. The airplane tickets that we had paid has already include all the necessary charges.

At Tainan HSR station, there is a free shuttle bus to bring us to the Tainan Railway Station. (the heart of Tainan) On the bus, I exchanged a conversation with a guy as he were asking me for directions for he thought that I am a Tainan citizen. I told him I am a Singaporean so I could not help him much. Upon reaching our destination, we left our luggages with the officer at the train station as we would be walking around so it would inconvenient for us to walk around with our luggage. (each luggage to be taken care cost 13TWD) Afterwards, we went to purchase the Guo Guang Bus ticket to taipei at 1145pm. ( the latest timing so that we would reach the next day and saved on a day lodging)

Next, my dad went to shop for his mini SD memory card (cheaper than sg), sis and her friend bought a thumbdrive. (mickey mouse design) Quite cool!! To passed our time till 1145pm, my mum decided to have a haircut at a hair salon. Initially, my sis, me and her friend was hesitating whether if we should have a haircut. After my mum has done cutting her hair, we decided to cut and specifically asked the girl who has cut my mum hair to cut for me and my sister.

After finished cutting, we asked the hairdresser who cut our hair to recommend any nearby night market for us to walk around. (it was 2 or 3 streets away from the salon) We settled our dinner at the night market. We had Guan Cai Ban (speciality of Tainan), japanese chicken salad, curry rice and smelly tofu.

What we had for dinner...

Guan Cai Ban 棺材板

literally meaning coffin
weird name given by the shop owner

Japan
chix salad

Hao Jian
(Oyster egg omelette)
Diff frm sg

After eating, my mum went to buy the Grass Jelly Drink which do not taste like Ching Chow. ( weird drink) End up, we left the drink untouched after a few tryings.

We shopped around till 1120pm and head back to the Guo Guang Bus pickup point.

Taiwan Trip Day 7

2009-02-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

11 dec 08

Cherry arranged with the driver to pick us up at the hotel. The driver drove us to the Taiwan Underwater world and a place called feng chui sha (the wind was blowing strongly against the wind that sand will be blown onto us)

At the underwater world

Corals

Stingray

Us..
Background: Shoal of fishes
Photographer: Cherry

cute sea creature
haha .. dunno called what..

Dolphin giving birth..
baby dolphin's tail sticking out

StARfish

Octopus

Lobster

Jellyfishes
swimming...

Penguin
swimming
back to
shore

Penguins
n frenz

At feng Chui Sha...

Over there, we took a picture of the sunset to complete the photo-shooting as we had taken sunrise at Alishan. =)

Sunset taken at Feng Chui Sha

Next, we bought a tray of eggs as we will be going to cook it at a place where there is fire coming from the beneath. We used the aluminium foil to wrap the eggs and place it on the ground. While waiting for the eggs to be cooked, we lighted fireworks. What a great experience!! That is the end of the day tour arranged by Cherry's mum. I am so thankful for the tour which Cherry and her mum had arranged for us.

Natural gas
from the ground
that causes the fire...

Cooking eggs
on the ground...

On our way back, the driver dropped us at a place where the Dream Mall (the mall where the taiwan drama filmed the show 换换爱）. We took the Hello Kitty ferris wheel，shopped around bought something that were having sale and took a free shuttle bus to Kai Xuan (凯旋) staion. From there, we took a mrt back to our hotel.

On the ferris wheel

Ferris Wheel cabin ..
cute rite?

Taiwan Trip Day 6

2009-02-07T00:11:00.002-08:00

10 dec 08

In the morning at 5am, we gathered at the hotel lobby to wait for the driver to fetch us.The driver drove us to many interesting places and landmarks up the Alishan Mountain. Later, the driver dropped us at a place where it is the best place to take the sunrise.

Our hotel at Alishan

Flight of stair that we need to climb down to reach the foot of the tree.

The oldest tree in Alishan (the driver brought us to)

A picture with the oldest tree

Group photo... Photographer: driver

Driver photgraphy skills (effect done by the use of red and purple coloured glass filters)

Snow covering the peak of the Mountain

Sun initial rise

Sun fully risen

Done by placing
coloured glass filters
to take with the sun.

Next, we went back to our hotel and near the Alishan Visitors Area there are drivers that offered to bring you on a half day tour near Alishan. We took the package tour to Fencihu and other landmarks. We ate the Ai Yu Jelly at Ai Yu Bo House, the popiah ice cream and the Fencihu Railway lunch box.

Fencihu Railway Lunch Box

The place we
had our Ai Yu
Jelly..

The cultivation
process of Ai Yu

Ai Yu Jelly with
passion fruit and honey
(refreshing dessert!!)

The making of the
Popiah ice cream..
the man is shaving the block of nuts finely.
The lady placed three scoops of
different flavours ice cream and roll it.

Finally, it is ready to be eaten.. Yummy!!

The driver brought us to walk across the 天长地久 bridge and dropped us at Chia Yi Railway Station.

Mum n Dad
about to
cross the
天长 bridge.

Peculiar bird that had caught our eye while walking on the bridge.

地久 bridge.

Ripples of water
taken from the bottom of the bridge.

We took a train to Kaoshiung and mrt to the hotel. Upon reaching the hotel at 6pm, I gave cherry a call and she and her sister, Fiona brought us to Qi Jin for seafood feast. The seafood over there was fresh and alive when we place our orders. Finally, we went to a night market to shop around.

At about 11pm, we took the mrt back to the hotel.

Kaoshiung mrt single journey token
So unique!!

The ferry which we
took to
Qi Jin for
seafood feast..

Fried fish..
(reco
by Cherry)

Surprisingly, people can board the ferry
with their scooters...
so amazing!!

onboard the ferry...
Me and cherry

Me and Fiona

Display of bears we saw
at the night market (outside a dvd rental shop)

Taiwan Trip Day 5

2009-02-07T00:11:00.001-08:00

9 Dec 08

Finally, I have checked out the hotel. We took a train to Chia yi and took the Chiayi County bus to Alishan. The journey was quite long and we fell asleep on the bus. We arrived at 5pm and the people from the hotel went to pick us up when we arrived. We had steamboat for our dinner at a nearby restaurant. The food will be better if the shop keeper did not put the bamboo shoot into the steamboat as the bamboo shoot tastes weird and smells funny.

That how the train ticket looks like.

Bus tickets to Alishan

Arriving at Alishan.. Finally..

Alishan sunset taken from our hotel.

Thermometer showing 6 deg c.

At this time, the temperature was 6 degree Celsius and somehow the steamboat that we had for our dinner kept us warm. After dinner, we shopped around the shops for souvenirs and went back to the hotel as we had to wake up at 5am the next morning to catch the sunrise. The hotel has arranged for us a half day tour and we will be joining a family who were also from Singapore.

Taiwan Trip Day 4

2009-02-06T22:56:00.000-08:00

8 dec 08

We shopped around at the shopping mall near our hotel. I went to ask the shop assistant whether do they sell the cotton buds where you can bend into two and there is a liquid contained in it for removing makeup or for face whitening. (latest product in Taiwan and Japan) Then there was this girl working in the shop told me that I can buy from Watsons and she even gave me directions to the shop. I really loved the kind of service which they have provided. (friendly and helpful). To give them the ratings, I would give five stars out of five. After which, we started chatting and the shop assistant offered a chair for me to sit. They did not mind whether if I had the intention to buy anything from their shop. To say, they were very friendly and it was my pleasure to get the chance in knowing them. In future, if I happen to go Taiwan again, I would definitely go and look for them up and have a chat with them.

Next, we hurriedly took a cab down to Taichung Train station to catch the 130pm Fengyuan County Bus to San Zhong Lin as we have arranged with the driver to bring us to the Lavender Forest (薰衣草森林）As it is out of the way and it is not accessible by public transport so we get the driver to bring us around (sort of a half day tour). Charges : 250TWD per pax. It was worth the price as the driver not only bring us to the Lavender Forest, he also brought us to the Mushroom Village (香菇村) and a luxurious homestay to look around on our way back to San Zhong Lin. The driver is experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. He was able to answer every of our queries. Upon reaching there, we walked around the area as he introduced to us the various kind of flowers and trees. We took some photos, ate the popular flavour (lavender) ice creams, hanged our wishes on a tree and bought some souvenirs.

At around 7pm, my parents and I took a cab to Feng Jia Night Market. We walked around trying all sorts of food. The best food was the duck rolls. (something like popiah but very unique).At 11pm we left the place and took a cab back to our hotel.

Taiwan Trip Day 3

2009-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

7 dec 08
Early in the morning, woke up to buy the train tickets to 通宵 Station in Miaoli County. We went back to the hotel ,packed our stuffs and took the train to 通宵 Station. Upon reaching, we took a cab to the Flying Cow Ranch. We had a sumptious lunch at the Flying Cow Restaurant. Beef noodles and desserts were yummy!! Serving for the hot pot was generous that we could not finish. Next, we toured around the cow ranch. Took some pictures with the goats, rabbits and mare marez (sheeps), fed the gooses, babysit the mare mare and even milked the cow personally. What a great experience!! Didnt know milking a cow there are so many procedures to follow. We left the place around 7pm and took a cab back to 通宵 Station. From there, we took a train to 台中 station. Upon reaching the Twinstar hotel, the services provide by the staff were good but the room conditions were poor (cockroaches were seen). I could not wait to leave the place as soon as possible. Upon checking in, we took a cab to Yi Zhong Jie (a place where there are night markets). We shopped around 1130pm and went back to our hotel.

Map of Miaoli County

Map of 通宵 town

Taken at: Entrance of The Flying Cow Ranch

Chasing after horse carriage.

Finally able to take with the horse.

Nice Painting on the wall!! (Painting 1)

(Painting 2)

The Rabbit (my gd fren) House =)

Mare Mare Self Pose!!

Feeding time!!!

Goose feeding time

Mare mare feeding time

Tagged Flying Cows ..

Cow-milking session

Shooting star from the sky

Taiwan Trip Day 2

2008-12-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

6 Dec 08

Day 2
Early in the morning, my parents were supposed to wake up early to attend his church in Taiwan.
My dad called my hotel room and told me that he had decided to go for the 10am session as he was not able to make it for the 8am session.

I went to wash my face, had my breakfast and left the hotel. I lead them all the way to his church. As I did not know that it was a long walk (about half an hour) from the nearest mrt station（中正纪念堂） to his church, therefore he was late for his 10am session.

After which, i walked back to the station and took a train back to 西门町 to print my itineraries that I had planned before going to Taiwan. Next, I went to meet my sis and her friend. We did some shopping and took a train to 中正纪念堂 station to meet up with my parents. We took some pictures of the memorial hall and lake and visited the nearby book store and took a train to 北投 station.

Arriving at 北投 station at 3pm

We took the bus 小9 to Yang Ming Shan (竹子湖）. We boarded the 3.40pm bus.
It took about one and a half hr to reach there. Along the way up Yang Ming Shan, the bus past by a hot spring which has a high content of sulphur and the smell was unbearing. Initially, I did not know that the smell came from the sulphur, thinking it was the smell of the drain water.
小9 bus schedule

Upon reaching 竹子湖, the weather was even colder, the wind was blowing even more strong than in 西门町. It was so cold that smoke could be seen coming out from our mouth as we talked.
Along the way up the mountain, my sister bought her Calla Lilly flower (海芋） and we had our dinner at a restaurant. Most restaurants were almost selling the same food. We had sweet potato soup, 土鸡（the restaurant speciality) and some kind of fried yam pasteries. The yam pasteries looks nice but do not taste great. After which, we walked up and saw people selling all sorts of fruits. They gave us sample some of their fruits and we bought some. Next, I happened to chanced upon a house which have a sign saying: people were allowed to pluck those calla lillies at their own free will. We went into the backyard and were happily plucking them. Upon leaving the place, an old lady reprimanded us for entering the backyard without asking any permission. We did not know what to do and say and so we apologised to the old lady quickly and left the place as soon as possible and took the 小9 bus back to 北投 station.

On our way back, we met the waiter who had served us just now on the bus. We exchanged conversation and found out from him that we can plucked the calla lillies but we had to give an admission fee to the tender of the backyard in order to do so.

the white flower which my sis was holding is the Calla Lily.
That how Calla Lily looks like.

土鸡 looks ordinary but the meat is very tender.

the yam pasteries looks delicious but was not.
(fake yam fillings)

place taken: at the Calla Lilly farm backyard.

____________________________________________________________________
Upon reaching 北投 station, we alighted the bus and took a train to 淡水 Station.
We walked to 淡水老街 to buy the 铁蛋 and 鱼酥. Along the way, we caught a glimpse of he fireworks up in the air and we took a photo of it. Next we went to tried the speciality there called A-Gei (crystal noodles stuffed in fried bean curd, served with a mild hot sauce). It was so delicious that we ordered 5 bowls as my mum liked it very much. What to say, the sauce was a very special and delicious sauce that goes well with the crystal noodles and beancurd.

Those tiny colourful dots were the fireworks that we had snapped.

the lighted reindeers were the xmas deco at Dan Shui.

Delicious speciality in Dan Shui - A-Gei... Hmmm.. yummy!!

At first, we planned to visit the Fisherman wharf (渔人码头） at Dan Shui to watch the sunset at 7pm (the best place and time to see the sunset). However, we arrived at Dan Shui at 6.30 so it was too late. After eating, we took a train back to 西门町 and went to hunt for Xiao Zhu boutique shop (Stage) together with my neighbour Wei Qi, while my parents went back to the hotel and rest. We asked directions from the people over there and managed to find the shop. Unfortunately, it was too late and the shop has already closed so we shopped around awhile at other stores and head back to our hotel and rest.

Taken outside 西门町 mrt station.

Taiwan Trip Day 1

2008-12-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

5 Dec 08
Day 1
Before boarding the plane, we took a group photo.

From left to right:Ying Ying, Wei Qi, Mum , Dad, Me, Eunice, Pei Jun

I had been anticipated for that day to come and finally it came.

On board the plane, I took a picture of the wing of the plane with the morning sun.
Though I have taken a plane before, I felt as though it was my first time taking a plane. As the times when I had taken a plane was during my young time and so the memories were vague.

The flight was about 5 hrs plus from Singapore to Taipei.
I was not able to fall asleep on the plane as I was not tired except till the last 2 hours I tried to catch some sleep on the plane so that I would have the energy to shop once I had reached Taipei.

The plane touched down at Taipei around 5 plus in the evening. There is one thing that we regreted was that we should not have change our money in Singapore instead at Taiwan Airport where the money changer offered a even better rate 21.95. Next, we went to collect our luggages, sign up for the youth travels to entitle for some discounts to certain places or rides and bought a Taiwan sim card for the convenience of contacting each other.

Next, we bought the Freego (飞狗） bus ticket at the ticket counter. In 10 minutes the bus has arrived and we bought the bus. It was an hour ride to our hotel. Upon checking in at Rainbow Hotel at Xi Men Ding （西门町), we went down to any nearby stall to take our dinner. I would say that the hotel we had booked was situated in a good location. Once we stepped out of the hotel, the streets were vibrant and there are lots of shops for us patronise.

After our dinner, we went our separate ways to shop around the area. As the weather there was cold and wind was blowing strongly at my face, I got a scarf and hat for myself to prevent myself from having direct contact with the cold wind. Initially, I was on my own. However, I happened to met my neighbour Wei Qi and her sister while shopping, so I had decided to follow her. While strolling along the street, we came across this queer restaurant whereby it is a concept of people having their food served on a toilet bowl. Too bad, I did not get the chance to take a picture of it as I do not have a camera with me- with my dad.

Later, along the way, I met my parents and so I followed them. After which, I met my sis and her friend Pei Jun. They said that they had seen people eating ice cream and they wished to buy it but do not know where to get it. To save our time from finding the ice cream stall, I went to approached a couple who were eating the ice cream and they direct us to the stall. Therefore, we end our day with ice cream as our supper. At 11pm plus, we went back to hotel and rest as we had to wake up early for the next day.

After taking our shower, we watched our favourite Taiwanese Drama '我的一万面包' before going to bed at 3am.

Belated 21st BirThdAy ParTy (22 Nov 08)

2008-12-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

This was the best birthday party I had ever had. I would say that it is a good opportunity for my friends to know each other as well and I could finally get to see all my cousins and relatives and even some of my dad's church friends and receiving a lot of presents at the same time. Killing more than two birds with one stone .. haha

I realized that the world is small. One of my aunt was actually my friend's primary school dental nurse. Besides, the girl whom I had introduced to one of my friend was actually my friend sis's friend and one of my friends were actually my cousin senior..Well, what a complicated connection.. haha

I would say that day was the busiest and happiest time of my life. Initially, I was quite worried that some of my friends who came alone might feel awkward so I introduced some of my other friends to them, hoping that they could bond together. Luckily, things turn out well.

Subsequently, weird things do happen too. As a friend of mine has spotted a lizard and my three brave cousins (kolez, Maverick and Lothar) actually catch it with their bare hands. They were so mischievous that they through the lizard onto the wall of the chalet opposite mine. We had a great laugh.

Thanks to my friend who had brought their cameras, if not i would have a big blunder. That is, I would have been able to snap the moment of my 21st birthday as I had forgotten to bring my dad's camera.

My birthday cake.. choosen by me.
The reason I chose this cake was coz music is a part of my life =))

me,my parents and my father's side relatives.

My cousins and me.. =)

me,my parents and my mother's side relatives

my frenz and I

Finally, me cutting the cake.

Heartfelt words to those who have attend my birthday party:
Thanks for everyone who had taken their time and effort to make it for my birthday party.
Though the time spent was short but it was memorable and I will remember it forever. Even for those who were not able to stayed long, your presence for just a moment is already more than enough. For at least, you all did bothered to make your presence. Thanks a lot.. I appreciated everyone of you all company =) ..

I am not one who like to say all those mushy words to express my feelings, so i had decided to show my appreciation in a more discreet way (-_-) (blush)

a sUrPrIzE wAs mEanT FoR tHe Bd gAL .. EnDs uP BeIng OnE 2 EveRyOne

2008-09-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

today.. having a busy and fulfilled day... I woke up at 10am trying to help my friend to settle the dog between the new owner - my anoTheR Fren .. trying to be the middle person between them by helping to negotiate the price and the payment mode.. till 230pm i was still sitting infront of the computer negotiating when i were supposed to meet my friends - Charlene, Lan Li, Beverly and Chai Min at my previous student care..

Upon reaching there at 3pm, i noticed a big change with the interior design of the place that i had a hard time finding the place .. Luckily, i saw Aunty Kathleen - one of the in charge who had supervised me before during my mischievous days ... She directed the way to me. It was quite a rush at that time as we had to get started on making a birthday card for our childhood friend - Jia Rong .. We were really racking our brains as it was sort of a last minute plan.. Finally, Beverly and Charlene started drawing pictures and words .. and somehow inspirations seek them and we were able to get the card done within the constrained time that we were given..

After which, around 450pm, we walked out,hailed a cab and rushed down to Marina Square to meet the birthday girl Jia Rong and Cherry... We were so glad that we were able to make it for the dinner buffet at Yuki Yaki on time as it starts at 5pm.. We started taking a lot of food and condiments that were provided by the restaurant to prepare for our DIY ( Do-It-Yourself steamboat).. We cooked our own fried rice by frying the rice with the egg covering every bits of the rice, some teriyaki sauce and all sorts of ingredients that were available for our own creativity ..

Sneak shot of the buffet session.. haha

Nice?

Next, we proceed to our ice cream buffet and the staff made the arrangements for us to change our table... which I was looking forward to it- the most important part of the buffet.. The ice cream buffet was not like Ponderosa or Seoul Garden where you scoop your own ice cream and that's it.. It is something different and unique and you derives the joy from frying it.. Unbelievable right? Well, actually the ice cream provided by Yuki Yaki comes in a cup with milky syrups of different flavours - green tea, cupuccino, passion fruit, raspberry, chocolate, strawberry,yam, durian and peppermint.. Before cooking the syrup is in a liquid form and after cooking in their special pan where the temperature can be adjusted for freezing the liquid, it is in a solid form and it became an ice cream..

As we were in a big group, the table was not able to accomodate the seven of us so we were located to two tables.. I sat with Chai Min and Cherry at a table and the rest of the four at another table.. The good thing was that the tables were situated side by side.. so we were able to communicate and enjoy ourselves .. After getting the kick of frying the ice cream, Cherry suggested to see which table can make use of the creativity to make a artistic figured ice cream with the syrups ..

Later on, Cherry suggested to make a birthday cake out of these syrups.. so i told them to pour a layer of the syrup and leave it frozen before pouring the next layer.. Initially, we wanted to stack the layers very high till it looked like a birthday cake but when Cherry was pouring the first layer, Chai Min and I noticed that it forms a shape of a girl faced.. As Cherry was able to see the picture of the girl face, she decided to use some of her creativity to make the eyes , nose and mouth with the toppings that were provided to us.. Finally, that is how the final masterpiece of our creation has borned .. haha.. Cherry requested for a candle from the staff and we placed on top of the birthday cake.. In fact , we even sang birthday song to Jia Rong, so loudly that everyone was looking at us. Few rows across our table, the group of people somehow were influenced by our antics and started singing the birthday song. I think they were also joining in the fun .. haha.. It was so funny that we started laughing at ourselves...

That is how we end our day with - laughter, smiles, photo taking and antic.. =P

Looks like a girl face right?

eyes using raisins

nose and mouth using choco chips .. haha

( an unexpected surprise for the birthday girl Jia Rong and for us) ..

bbq session at grandma hse

2008-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

this morning i woke up slightly later than other days .. i guess i just feel like giving my body the required rest to mug for my a levels ..
something queer happen was that i was having an inexplicable experience.. while sleeping i heard that my mum was telling my dad that she is not able to go with us for the Taiwan trip as her company is holding an event in Dec. the next thing was i dreamt of the bbq sesssion that will be held up at my grandma's place this evening..

the next moment when i woke up.. I was asking my sister whether my mum was not able to go for the taiwan trip as I vaguely heard some background noises around me.. luckily she said that it was not true and i am dreaming ...

after having my breakfast, I sat on the sofa to watch the repeated series of my HK drama - Xue Jing Chu Geng.. after which, I went to my room to study for my Chemistry and unknowingly i fall fast asleep..

Late in the evening i was really to tired and lazy to get myself up to go for the bbq session.. however, i managed to get myself up, took a shower and get ready to go to my grandma house for the bbq session..

when i arrived at my grandma house, i was busy helping my uncle with the food and preparation and that goes without saying eating .. haha!! ..

mY DreAm iS ClosE 2 beCoMin TrUe

2008-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Today, I went for my basic theory driving test. Before the test, I was busy reading my driving theory book at home as I do not wish to retake again. I am grateful for those of my friends who have wished me good luck for my test.. Thanks Babes!! keke

Earlier in the afternoon at 3pm i went for my e-trial- a 45 mins trial test to test on how well you have studied on the highway code. However, I failed my e-trial on the first attempt but after which you review the questions that you have answered wrongly and the correct answer will be given to you. After which, you can try out for another different set of e-test again and this I have passed it

After 2 trials of the e trial tests, I went downstairs to take my actual test. When I took the test I was very happy as the test came out with the questions that I was tested during my e-trial test. Therefore, I am able to answer most of the questions with ease and yeah I have passed my basic driving test. A closer step to my dream - getting my driving license. By right, I could have taken my pdl which I can start learning to drive on the road with an instructor beside me. But the examiner in the room told me that the whole practical course will lasts about 6 months so I intended to take it together with my driving final theory next year in order to concentrate on my A levels. So happy.. that things are falling into the right place as I what I had wanted them to be. On the overall, my life is back into a complete piece =P .. Yeah.. knowing the right people of my life have made my life complete..

NiCe mEeTiNg oUt

2008-08-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

yesterday went to meet out with charlene n cheng xuan ... We had arranged to meet at 12pm but i was held up with my Hk drama ,Xue Jing Chu Geng and so I was late. Next, we went to cheng xuan house to see his dog - Sheltie breed.. well .. the dog is so so so cute except that he is so quiet. I guess it was his sleeping time. Somemore this dog is so high class used to eat a lot of food that he do not eat his own dog food unless you personally feed him with the food on your hand.

We stayed there for few hours to play with him and we head off to Ehub to watch the movie "Money No Enough 2"...Well it was a nice, funny and touching movie, at least i did not fell asleep in the theatre.

After the movie, we went to had our dinner at White Sands food court.. The food was quite average.. Well, food court what else to expect. After finishing our food, we were still sitting there chatting and chatting until it was 8 plus in the night, close to 9pm.

Finally, each of us headed our way home..

an expensive lesson learnt - first bad experience booking tour

2008-08-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

haiz .. went to the Natas Fair yesterday was given a great deal..
but today i have lost it .. thanks to the tour agent!! .. worse still she told me that any kind of citibank cards will have 50 off per couple..
the next thing come to my mind was that since there are 6 ppl going with me.. i can get 150 off from the total price of the package of 7.. at that moment i was half hearted in considering the package that she has offered to me.. so i told her i will walk around and compare the price before going to her.. next the tour agent say that if i put a 50 deposit with her i can safeguard my booking and i can pay the full lump sum the next day.. after which i went to a couple of booths to compare the price and found out that the price initial tour agent quote me is the best.. i admit it is partly my fault for making assumptions and not counterchecking with her as in what booking i am safeguarding that i gave her a chance to twist her words to say that the 50 deposit is only to safeguard the booking of the price of the hotel room but not the airfare..

sadly, today the air ticket fare increases, so the tour agent quote me an exorbitant price.. so we went to another tour agent and he gave me another price cheaper.. so we settled on it..

Well.. anyway now i have learnt that whenever i am dealing with anything related to money.. i must be very careful and not to make any assumptions .. ask for all the details from A to Z ..
to prevent them from twisting their words .. i will take a voice recorder with me as a prove of evidence in court .. now i have realised that the world is complicated .. full of cheats who r out dere to squeeze you dry..

above all.. i swear i will never book from any tour agencies except from airlines.. even to those places where it is inaccessible i will never book any tour packages and gave those agents the chance to pocket our money... I would rather go any have an international driving license and travel everywhere around by myself..

what a disappointment i had with these tour agents!!! with these kind of people around.. Singapore is a ugly place to live in.. thanks to them for giving Singapore such a "good" reputation!!!

CoUnTing DoWn ThE DaYz .. Yeah!! ..

2008-07-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

finally.. I have started my blog.. Phew!! .. well counting down from now till the 1 Aug ..
really anticipating going to the NATAS fair and getting everything done.. seriously hoping that i will be one of the early birds at the fair so that I can enjoy the promotional rates that is offered by the tour agents for my Taiwan Trip..
After which, I can have more time to study for my exams..

Ciao .. going to study for my Accounts .. haha =)