Here Comes The Cow...

HK and Macau Oct 2010

2011-01-29T23:33:00.001+08:00

CNY 2010 - Lunch with Mr Lee

2010-02-20T11:14:00.002+08:00

Old Hong Kong Kitchen @ Square 2 Novena

SIL ROM @ Shangrila Hotel

2010-01-24T21:02:00.001+08:00

SuperBand! 2010

2010-01-24T20:17:00.003+08:00

Wasn't really what I had in mind... quiet disappointed initially until later when the four of them started singing together and more of their well know for hits.

Good thing we did not purchased the tickets at its original price. Got 50% off through one of their sponsors.

Quality of videos and some of the image deteriorated after uploading to Webshots.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-27T18:49:00.002+08:00

New Role...New Office...New Start. A week on my new role in the new office... so far so good.

Goodies From Narita Airport - Japan

2009-12-27T18:42:00.002+08:00

Expensive and not so fantastic goodies from Narita Airport... except for See's Candies & the Gummy bears are from US.

Dim Sum @ Hua Nam Restaurant 华南菜馆

2009-12-27T18:37:00.000+08:00

244F Upper Thomson RoadThomson Garden Estate
Opening Daily 7am – 11.30pm

Satay @ Malay Village

2009-12-27T18:36:00.001+08:00

Twins had lunch with Godma

2009-12-27T18:27:00.003+08:00

Huimin brought the twins and her mum to Tampines 1 to meet me for lunch @ Dian Xiao Er.

Scissor-Cut Curry Rice & Ice Monster

2009-12-27T18:24:00.001+08:00

The Seafood - Farewell Lunch

2009-12-27T18:16:00.003+08:00

My first farewell lunch with Ms Lim & Ms Giam @ The Seafood - Ala Carte Buffet Lunch.

It's Magic!

2009-11-05T14:49:00.003+08:00

Disneyland is simply Amazing!

Even until 2 days ago, I was still skeptical about this theme park... I mean isn't it going to be just another amusement park? Only difference is the century old little mouse that I grow up with?

Well... Disnelyland is definitely different and unique. They took care of every little detail and it was certainly a wonderful experience. If wish do come true... I wish I can visit every disney park in the world!

We did almost all the rides in Disneyland within 1 & half days and half day at California Adventure park.

Guess who have I taken photo with... Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Tigger, Winnie, Eeyore and Flik, the ant.

Hello USA!

2009-11-01T13:00:00.001+08:00

How to survive 18 hours of flight!!!

Sally Hansen Nail Workshop

2009-11-01T12:26:00.001+08:00

Sally Hansen Nail Workshop organised by U Familiy @ Aranda Country Club

Shin Kushiya

2009-11-01T12:21:00.002+08:00

I tagged along to a colleague's farewell lunch at Shin Kushiya @ far east square. Food was fantastic...

I need a word with Walt...

2009-10-27T23:34:00.005+08:00

Dear Mickey will be seeing me next Tuesday!

Damn it... it's a small world is closed for holiday install... No!!!!!

Double damn it... The Skies above Disneyland Park i.e fireworks will not be available on both days!!!! No Boomz!!

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tung Lok Signatures (The Central)

2009-09-27T13:13:00.000+08:00

Countdown to Mickey Land!

2009-09-27T12:53:00.003+08:00

37 Days to go...

Everest Kitchen

2009-08-16T21:48:00.000+08:00

They have painted 2 beautiful 2 Nepal Wall Murals.

Jap Food @ Home

2009-08-16T21:40:00.001+08:00

Lava Rock Grill House

2009-08-16T21:24:00.003+08:00

Guan Soon Cherng Coffeeshop
Blk 681 Hougang Avenue 8
#01-853

Fortunate Restaurant & Everest Kitchen

2009-05-24T12:08:00.002+08:00

The setting at Fortunate Restaurant (幸福饮茶) is very much like Red Star except that it’s more spacious. Loved the carrot cake and char siew bao, the rest are actually so so only. Never order the peking duck, instead of the thin, crispy skin, it’s a thick slice of meat with a tiny weeny piece of skin attached. $33 after 10% off with UOB card.

Dinner at our favorite restaurant… Everest Kitchen.

My first visit to the new Turf Club

2009-05-24T11:58:00.001+08:00

I followed James to see his customer (not the horses) at the Turf Club on a Sunday afternoon. The race had just ended and I saw a bunch of loses walking out leaving behind loads of rubbish.

He Ji Noodle & Jane's Cake @ Jalan Kayu

2009-05-24T11:37:00.002+08:00

It's a no brainer when ordering at He Ji noodle... we got a man’s and lady’s set.

Drop by Jane’s Cake Station just few shops down the road to get an 8" durian cake at $30 to celebrate mother's day.

Jane’s Cake Station
265 Jalan Kayu
Tel: 6481 1322
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-6.00pm,
Sun & Public Holidays 12pm-4pm
Closed on Wednesday

Chicken a la Carte

2009-05-03T15:29:00.000+08:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Shanghai Noodle @ Queenstown Food Centre

2009-05-03T15:19:00.002+08:00

$4 for a plate of noodles for 2, $4 for 8 pieces of dumplings.... cheap or not?!

Max Sandwich Grill and Creamery (Tampines 1)

2009-05-03T14:58:00.002+08:00

We chanced upon this sandwich bar at the basement. Interesting variety and we decided to give it a try. It was the worst sandwich experience ever. They made us wait for ages before our miserable sandwich was being served. And guess what, James had a piece of large thick clear plastic in his sandwich! The ang moh boss which I think was Max apologized and delivered another sandwich.

It’s a total rip off. $9.90 for a crab meat sandwich and $7.90 for ham and cant remember what sandwich. Drinks not included! For the same price, I can get a much larger portion and healthier meal at Subway.

Fei Fei Wanton Noodles

2009-05-03T14:48:00.003+08:00

62 Joo Chiat Place

The "thicker than normal" noodle and home made chili is all that Fei Fei wanton noodle is about. A large bowl of dry wanton noodle cost $4 with few pieces of char siew, veg and wanton. Remember to bring your empty bowl to ask aunty for soup.

Mad Jack @ Jalan Kayu

2009-05-03T14:32:00.002+08:00

Mad Jack @ Jalan Kayu

Everest Kitchen

2009-05-03T14:15:00.004+08:00

Everest Kitchen... Simply the best!

你很忙吗?

2009-05-03T14:06:00.002+08:00

其實有時候想想自己這麼忙，到底為了什麼呢？
這世上的工作，沒有什麼是不能被代替的。
人走光了，還是會有人補進，只是資深員工會辛苦一點。
這是我之前在一篇文章上讀到的，說的一點都沒錯.......
這麼忙到底為自己賺到了什麼或得到了什麼呢？

其實，這麼忙不值得 ......
如果你很忙，忙到沒時間看到這篇文章時，代表你真的很忙，而且是忙昏忙過頭了。
最近幾個月一直在趕工作進度，但是忙歸忙，我還是給自己設定管制點：
晚上七點一定放下工作，晚上固定有一個小時的運動時間，
如果還有時間的話，一定再看一些雜誌與專業書籍。

"老天爺在時間方面是非常公平的"，
總統一天有24 小時，大公司老闆的一天也是 24小時，
不論用不用功的大學生的一天也是 1440分鐘，
躺在媽媽懷裡的小寶貝也是分配到86400秒鐘的一天。

如果您是 RD 的工程師，到了晚上10點還在加班的話，
應該好好考慮一下，這樣的工作模式是否符合您自己的人生規劃。
許多人忙到身體受不了，到醫院檢查才發現身體肝腎臟都出問題，想要回頭可能都來不及了。

最近在網路上看到一篇文章，一個女生寫到她的男朋友在半導體廠上班，
每天都要穿袋鼠裝在無塵室工作，由於換下與穿上要花一些時間，
所以大家都儘量少喝水或是不喝水，下班後第一件事情就是上廁所，
可是大部份人的發現自己的尿液都是深褐色的。

引述一段最近才看到的醫學常識：
尿液長時間滯留在膀胱裡，
就如同下水道阻塞後容易繁殖細菌一樣，細菌將會經由輸尿管感染你的腎臟。

有些人忙到老婆吵著要離婚時，這才發現陪家人的時間太少了。
家對忙碌一族的人而言只是休息的場所，
如果一整天忙到晚上十點才下班，扣掉睡覺的時間，您會有多少時間留給老婆與小孩呢？

你聽過 "小孩橫著長大 "這句話嗎？
許多所謂的科技新貴其實是很可憐的，每天很早就出門，這時可能小孩還在睡覺，
回到家時也已經很晚了，小孩老早就被哄上床睡覺了。
在這些科技新貴父親的眼中與印象中，真的，他們的小孩是 " 橫著長大的"。
如此的親子關係讓我們一直有個疑問：這樣做值得嗎？

新竹某個科技公司的大會議室裡，大家都在談論何時才能趕上進度，順利將代工的產品交給客戶。
可是公司的一位重要幹部卻私下向處長要求請三天假，想帶太太與小孩去鄉下玩，
他認為：對小孩而言，童年只有一次，錯過這次的機會可能以後就沒了。
可是處長的回答是這樣的：帶小孩還需要你操心嗎? 媽媽生下 Baby 後給褓姆帶，
大一點後送安親班給小老師帶，上小學後交給老師帶，
國中當然也是給老師負責了。帶小孩有這麼難嗎？

難道在養兒育女方面，父母親就只扮演付錢的角色嗎？
開完會後，這位幹部做了一個重大的決定：當月底就離職。
不管公司開出什麼條件都不管用，因為他認為家比公司重要，
縱使一年賺上數百萬，可是沒有一個完整的家庭，錢賺得再多值得嗎？

產業大量西進之後，許多根留台灣的產業也是很辛苦的，
他們最大的問題不在於找不到訂單，而是找不到人才。
因為大多數的理工人才都習以為常地到竹科或南科工作，
而主要工作的內容卻是照顧機台，維持生產的良率。
公司配發的手機必須24小時開機，生產機台一有問題就必須回廠處理。
每天忙到沒有時間思考與閱讀，這樣值得嗎？

有一位傳統產業的主事者這樣說：
十年後這些人就會後悔，
很多人不知道純代工產業是沒根的產業，那裡勞力最便宜就往那裡走。
我們可以斷定十年後這些純代工的產業必定移出台灣，
如果你沒有跟著轉進的話，台灣恐怕再也沒有你容身之地了。
十年可以做很多有意義的事情，但是一個人的一生當中，可能只有 2-3個十年是真的有效的。

每天被進度追趕的人，整個思路都是如何追上進度，當然就沒有空餘的時間來思考或閱讀。
深度的思考需要在頭腦完全沒有任何負荷的情況下，進行獨立與不受拘束的考量。
閱讀也是達成創新的重要一環，
每天多看一本書，您就多一份心得，每多翻閱一本書就會多一種新想法。
如果您已被忙碌壓住了，可以預見的是沒有時間思考與閱讀，自己無法提升，別人也無法提升您，
蠟燭兩頭燒的最後結果就是對自己的完全放棄。
明天的力氣今天就要準備妥當，
如果您想把握明天的機運，唯有拋棄現在的忙與碌，好好的充實自己才是。

Kowloon Hong Kong Dim Sum 九龙香港点心

2009-05-03T13:52:00.002+08:00

At 89 Short Street, Golden Wall Centre KOPITIAM is near Rochor Centre, Sim Lim Square and beside LASELLA. This dim sum is from the previous Macpherson kopitiam jackson centre.

We had char siew bao, siew mai, har gao, chee chiong fun (with prawn, char siew and mushroom), paper wrap chicken and century egg n pork porridge.

The porridge was tasty; the rest of the dim sum was so so. Total about $15.

Manpuku @ Tampines 1

2009-04-19T12:32:00.002+08:00

Manpuku is a 500-seater food hall and has 10 of Japan's established brands.

OSIM SONA Pillow - Stop Snoring!

2009-04-16T23:41:00.003+08:00

This odd shaped normal latex pillow is one of the most wonderful creation ever. Totally worth $99 (original price at $199).

Tandoori Restaurant

2009-04-11T11:46:00.002+08:00

Nothing much to shout about this Indian restaurant @ Serangoon Plaza. The food was ok but not worth the $$. Everest Kitchen is way much better.

Hill St Bak Chor Mee & Marina Barrage

2009-04-11T11:26:00.003+08:00

Hill St Bak Chor Mee
We were there around 1+ and it was raining quite heavily but there was already a queue of 20 - 30 people there waiting to get their bak chor mee fix. Took us 45 mins to finally smell vinegar and taste the bak chor. It's really good, better than the Bestway one, noodles are chewier and the vinegar taste is stronger or more obvious, according to James.

2 stalls away is a western food stall and couldn't resist the temptation and ordered a Pork Roll with Bleu Cheese to share... yummy.

After the sinful and sumptuous meal, we head down to the Marina Barrage . The weather was perfect for kite flying.

OldTown White Coffee @ Playground

2009-04-11T11:19:00.003+08:00

OldTown White Coffee @ Playground

The Playground is a rather boring place, far from being a 'playground'. I think its only good for business functions.

The Curry Mee is so so only, not worth the $5.90. Nasi Rendang Chicken was better, pretty good.

Hans @ The Chevrons

2009-04-11T11:15:00.002+08:00

Love the space and environment of this Hans Restaurant @ The Chevrons except its ridiculously far from my place.

My Parent's Plantation

2009-04-11T11:07:00.001+08:00

Chuan Bee Lor Mee

2009-04-11T10:39:00.001+08:00

My favourite Lor Mee in town...

Bangkok Thailand

2009-02-24T21:13:00.001+08:00

7小事让皮肤变好

2009-02-18T00:16:00.001+08:00

1.早晚两杯白开水：至少早晚各一杯白开水。早上的一杯可清洁肠道。补充夜间失去的水分，晚上的一杯则能保证一夜之间血液不至于因缺水而过于黏稠。血液黏稠会加快大脑的缺氧、色素的沉积，使衰老提前来临。

2.一个蕃茄：在水果和蔬菜中，蕃茄是维生素C含量最高的一种，所以每天至少保证一个蕃茄，可以满足一天所需的维生素C。

3.一杯醋：每日三餐中食用醋可以延缓血管硬化的发生，已经是重复多次的保健常识。如果你住的地方自来水水质较硬，可以在每天的洗脸水中稍微放一点醋，就能起到养顏的作用。

4.一杯酸奶：从补钙角度看，女人是最容易缺钙的群体，而牛奶的补钙效果优于任何一种食物，特別是酸奶，更容易被人体吸收，所以女人应每天饮用一杯酸奶。

5.一瓶矿泉水：矿泉水含有的微量元素和矿物质是皮肤最需要的。清洗脸部后仰臥，用矿泉水浸湿纱布，然后敷在脸上，待纱布变干后再次浸湿，如此反覆，就等于给面部做了一次微量元素的营养补充。

6.一袋茶叶：女人一定要喝茶，如果胃没有毛病，绿茶和乌龙茶最好。特別是想要减肥的女性，茶是最天然、最有效的减肥剂，再没有什么比茶叶更能消除肠道脂肪了。

7.一个简单的面膜：每晚临睡前做个简单面膜，其作用是將沉积在面部的脏东西除去，並使皮肤作一次“紧绷运动”，然后涂上护肤品，这样，晚间的皮肤才能得到最科学的修復。

2009 quick update

2009-02-17T23:42:00.002+08:00

Have not been in the mood to blog for months… other than the fact that I have too many distractions like playing with psp, still learning to blade, slouching on the sofa watching TV programmes and movies with our new 42” plasma TV and getting my hair perm again…

2008 is history and 2009 is left with 10 months. Time flies.

I’m heading to BKK again tomorrow for the next 5 days. Hope I will find some good buys.

Happy New Year... Happy 牛 Year !!!

2009-02-01T12:40:00.001+08:00

Blogging using iPhone.. No keyboard at the free text box!!!???

2008-12-14T16:26:00.003+08:00

PSP!!!

2008-12-11T12:52:00.003+08:00

Yeah! James got me a PSP and I'm spending any possible free time playing with it.

I finally met the ultimate game fanatic… he has xbox, playstation, Wii, PSP… you name it, he has it… at home.

What I have been occupied with lately?

2008-11-16T10:53:00.001+08:00

1. Company annual charity festival.
Finally it has come to an end. For the past couple of weeks, I have been lunching in and staying late to help pack, consolidate the pre-sales orders of cakes, achar, curry puffs, muffins, jewellery…, pluck 6 kg of dao ge (yes… bean sprouts) and cracking my head on our stall decor cos I’m the designated creative director.

We came in top again, bringing in $16K++. Somehow I feel that everyone have their own personal agenda, it’s a competition to outshine each other, to show off what you can do, to satisfy one’s ego and to save face. These are carefully and beautifully camouflaged under 2 powerful words – Teamwork & Charity.

Of cos there will always be some background helpers who do not mind chipping in but more importantly; have no choice. Through this event, I got to know some people better and also see the true colours of others.

2. Roller Blading
Yes! I’ve finally gotten my own pair of blades & protective gears, put them on and made that first step.

I thought it would be difficult and ending up with bruises all over, but thanks to my “blade nanny”, I am able to stand, walk and slowly glide under an hour.

It was fun but not when SGNs half your age, with much less protective gear, fly past you with laughter. Kids….don’t know how to protect themselves. Tsk tsk….

Taiwan - Day 7 (20 Sep 08)

2008-10-23T23:48:00.003+08:00

To be updated...

Taroko Gorge

Part 1:

Taiwan - Day 6 (19 Sep 08)

2008-10-22T22:21:00.005+08:00

To be updated...

To Su Ao - Cold Spring & Hualien

Part 1:

Part 2:

Taiwan - Day 5 (18 Sep 08)

2008-10-22T22:17:00.004+08:00

To be updated...

To Taipei Zoo, Mao Kong & Shilin Night Market

Part 1:

Part 2:

Taiwan - Day 4 (17 Sep 08)

2008-10-21T23:33:00.004+08:00

To be updated...

To Taipei, Wu Fen Pu & Raohe St Night Market

Taiwan - Day 3 (16 Sep 08)

2008-10-05T15:25:00.005+08:00

To be updated...

To Cijin Coastline Park
- Cross the TRA platform (TWD 6)

Part 1:

Part 2:

Event of the day:
Lehman Brothers bankrupt and Merrill Lynch bought over by BOA

Taiwan - Day 2 (15 Sep 08)

2008-10-05T14:14:00.014+08:00

To Fo Guang Shan (Light of Buddha Mountain)
- Cross the TRA platform (TWD 6)
- Walk towards the Kaohsiung old Station (museum) to the Kaohsiung Bus station
- Purchase bus ticket to Fo Guang Shan (TWD 77)

The driver was very patient with the elderly and local folks carrying bulky items but he was not as tolerant with us, tourist. He got impatient when we took about 1 min to search for the tickets that we were supposed to hand over to him upon alighting. We really didn’t know cos someone has already checked our tickets when we boarded the bus at the station. But he was quick to divert his attention to a very young and sexy mother with her son.

Foguangshan is one of the world's most important Buddhist centers. The 40m high golden Buddha is surrounded by 480 smaller Buddha, all replicas of the Great Buddha.

The huge Buddha can be seen from afar and it’s also an indication to alight. The bus stop is at a shop house in a little village at the foot of Foguangshan.

Foguangshan monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. We manage to cover most of the sites under the ridiculous hot water except for the Buddha Tooth Relic Shrine cos it’s closed to the public on Monday!

One of the must visit site is definitely the Pure Land Cave. This tacky place is like our Haw Par Villa except instead of the eighteen hells, they built the excellence and beauty of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss which is a Cave of great Bodhisattvas of the Land of Ultimate Bliss, as well as the great Arhats, the Buddha’s ten great disciples, and others. Whether it’s the eighteen hells or the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, it has the same effect of frightening people so that we will not dare to do evil deeds.

On our way out of Foguangshan, we stopped by a convenient store to buy drinks. James took out a 100 dollar note which was refused by the cashier. It took us a while to realize that we have given a 100 dollar Thai baht! Haha… other than the picture of country’s president, both 100 dollar currency notes looked identical.

We had initially wanted to proceed to Cishan of sweet treats and Old Street but the next bus is scheduled to come an hour later. Having nothing much to do at the quiet little village, we decided to head back to Kaohsiung main station but the next bus to arrive was also an hour later. We were stranded. Lesson learnt: check the bus schedule!

After some wasted hours, we were back at Kaohsiung bus station. Our next stop is Dream Mall, a landmark in Taiwan and the first mega-shopping center in Asia.

Took MRT to Kaisyuan station (TWD 25) and catch the shutter bus to Dream Mall.

We had the most satisfying Jap meal (just TWD 550) and took the Hello Kitty Ferris wheel.

MRT to Famosa Boulevard station

Liuho night market

More Pictures - Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Event of the day:
Nantou Lushan Kirei Hot Spring Hotel (綺麗大飯店) collapsed.

Taiwan - Day 1 (14 Sep 08)

2008-09-27T13:03:00.038+08:00

SATS called us last night to inform that our delayed flight has been scheduled to 10am but when we arrived at 8am, they were not ready for check-in. We have to continue waiting…

It was in the news that Taoyuan International Airport announces all domestic flights canceled, as well as most of the scheduled international flights until 12 noon. All other airlines to Taipei have also been ‘delayed’ indefinitely.

We went over to T3, Wang Jiao for breakfast while waiting… waiting for SATS or Jetstar to call us.

Aiyo, the coffee & tea at Wang Jiao was so diluted. So disappointing. Next to us was Pan Ying, one of the Xinyao pioneers who sang Rang Ye Qing Qing Luo Xia (Let Night Fall Gently) having breakfast with her family.

About 10am, James suddenly decided to check the flight information display board and to our horror, it’s boarding!!!

We rushed to take the skytrain to T1 and ran to the check in counter. A couple of pple are stilling checking in. We than rushed to the gate which is right at the extreme end (you got to walk being cheapo… I mean budget). Most of the pple are already there. How the hell they knew the boarding time.

Granted that poor service is expected from the budget carrier but this is too much, it is their obligation to inform passengers of the “unconfirmed’ flight status. We were this close to miss our flight.

About 11am, we took off for Taiwan. The 4 hr flight was rather bumpy with plenty of clouds and rain near landing.

We decided to head south to Kaohsiung straightaway, staying away from Sinlaku.

Ubus to HSR Taoyuan Station
- Coming out terminal 1, turn left and walk to the end
- Buy bus ticket (TWD 30) at the counter
- Locate the bus at the bus platform
- Journey about 30 mins
HSR to Zuoying Station
- Purchase standard class tickets (TWD 1330) at the counter
- Journey about 2 hours

7-11 at the HSR Taoyuan Station is a must visit. They have such a wide range of yummy healthy products. The burgers are so much nicer than MacDonalds. We bought some snacks from 7-11 although food and drinks can be purchased on board the HSR.

From HSR Zuoying station, take Kaohsiung MRT to Kaohsiung Main Station. It was raining and it took us a while to find out where is King’s Hotel. Apparently it’s at the opposite side of the railway track and we have to pay TRA (TWD 6) to cross the platform.

After settling down, we went to the nearby night market. It was miserable. Probably due to the rain, there were only a few stalls opened and few pple loitering at the short street.

I glued my eyes on the TV and hands on the remote for the rest of the night. 100 channels of program to watch… madness!

More pictures...

Event of the day:
Hou-feng Bridge collapsed

Complain to Delifrance – Follow-up

2008-09-27T13:01:00.000+08:00

The manager of Delifrance called up the next day after I complained; to find out more about the incident. I asked him to call me again after I’m back to the country i.e. 1 week later… and he did!

He investigated and the staff admitted to her poor attitude and lack of customer service. She however tendered resignation. It was never my intention to make her out of job. I felt bad but what’s done is done. Wish her all the best.

Delifrance could have transferred her to another branch, provided training, give her another chance and not just let her go unless of cos she insisted.

Anyway, to encourage my continuous support and patronize Delifrance, they are giving me vouchers!

News from Taiwan

2008-09-21T02:13:00.005+08:00

2am at Taipei Ximenting internet cafe...

This trip has been full of unexpected happenings. All our planning was twisted by the typhoon but we still manage to cover all the sites we wanted to go.

Today - Hot spring at Beitou!!!

Complain to Delifrance

2008-09-13T17:11:00.002+08:00

I just made a complain to Delifrance...

13 Sep 2008, 12pm.
The ONLY staff at Delifrance Terminal 1 Transit Mall West, Level 3 (near Cactus Garden) was horribly rude. She was on her mobile phone talking non stop throughout the process of serving me.

When I approached the counter to order, she looked at me while continue talking on her mobile. I ordered an egg mayonnaise croissant set when she looked at me and gave me that “Ya?” look. She than proceed to the other side of the counter (not sure for what) and came back. She prepared the croissant, put in the veg and asked me “what filling you wan?”, with the mobile phone clamped between the neck and shoulder.

The only consolation, she had gloves on one of the hand.

I keep staring at her. When she got my set ready, she didn’t ask if I wanted pepper on my sandwich, didn’t give me serviette, didn’t give me a receipt and didn’t thank me for patronizing. She was all the while busy talking on her mobile phone.

This happened to another tourist that followed.

I tried to take a picture of her but she was quick to turn and hide.

Such service standard at the World Class Airport is a disgrace to Singapore and Delifrance.

Panic Panic!!! Typhoon Sinlaku!

2008-09-13T16:31:00.010+08:00

This is better than striking 4D. Our flight to Taiwan was cancelled due to bad weather (thanks to Sinlaku)... and the announcement was made when it was OUR turn to clear for boarding after security checks.

Taiwan has been really nice to us... when we visited her last year; she treated us with the hottest summer in decades and now with typhoon.

Actually, we were kind of prepared for it. We were laughing at each other when the cancellation was announced at our face. This has been James's favourite site since yesterday.

Everyone paniced esp foreigners who have no where to go.

The flight is scheduled to fly tomorrow morning. The staff of Jetstar made arrangements for the passengers to claim our luggage and gave us the Jetstar hotline to enquire or rather confirm the flight schedule.

The tricky part was... their call centre is not 24x7 (closes at 8pm) and we are expected to arrive at the airport for check in at 7am. We dun wan to waste another trip down to the airport and than later informed that flight is not confirmed... which is very likely cos Sinlaku is expected to move away only after Sun or Mon.

SATS & Jetstar promised to give us a call to update... let's see if they really do.

Lucky we bought insurance.

At the immigration, the officers were definitely not ready for our immediate arrival. It was rather chaotic much to my surprise. I was pretty confident that they have SOP for such situations but...

The officers let us out from a well hidden side glass door. I can only hope that my status is back in Singapore and not currently out of country.

Dilemma... it is not ideal to be going up mountains. Are we to skip Taroko and venture other areas or postpone the trip or go Hong Kong instead?

Sleep first and think later...

Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3

Welcome 2 Taiwan!

2008-09-12T13:49:00.003+08:00

Yes! We are going to Taiwan again.

We were supposed to be heading for US but had to be postponed cos I dun have sufficient annual leave!

Anyhow, Taiwan is still as exciting. The highlight of the trip will be Taroko Gorge, Cingjing Farm, Yeliou Scenic Area at Keelung, hot spring in Beitou ... hanging out at Hualien, Kaohsiung,Tai Chung, Taipei...

This month is really shiok, barely worked for a week after extensive mc due to wisdom tooth surgery and long vacation... haha...

Collected our Taiwan Gift Coupon... check out their website

Xing Chen Pork Ribs Soup @ VivoCity Food Republic

2008-09-10T17:27:00.002+08:00

I make sure I had a sumptous lunch before going for my wisdom tooth surgery.
Went down to Vivo to meet JT for lunch at Food Republic. The bak kut teh is actually not bad if soup can be slightly more peppery.

Pork Rib Soup @ $6 (Premium @ $7.50)
Tau Pok/egg @ $2.50
Braised Peanut @ $1.50
Rice @ $0.70
They forgot to charge us for yu tiao... hee...

328 Katong Laksa & Mary's Corner Tau Kwa Pau

2008-09-10T17:03:00.002+08:00

I have been dying to try the famous katong laksa but turns out to be such a disappointment. The gravy is so so only, not aromatic at all and the piece of cockles shell almost broke my tooth.

I still prefer Sungei Road Laksa @ 27 Jalan Berseh #01-100. They are closed on first Wednesday of the month.

Togi Korean Restaurant again

2008-09-10T16:59:00.001+08:00

Went to Togi Korean Restaurant again, this time with piggy.

I had Bi Bim Bab & piggy had seafood ramen. Total $24.

泳兒 - 花無雪

2008-09-03T15:13:00.000+08:00

Hand In Hand Beijin Restaurant

2008-09-03T14:52:00.002+08:00

141 - 143 Jalan Besar Singapore 208859
Open Daily11:00am - 11:30pm

River South (Hoe Nam) Prawn Noodles

2008-09-03T13:52:00.002+08:00

River South prawn noodles stall is at Siang Kuang Ave, a small lane along the previous Jackson Centre and opp Siemens Centre. Haven't had such decent prawn noodles for a long time.

Do note that stall will be closed for a day once a month. You will know which day on the sign board.

Togi Korean Restaurant @ Mosque Street

2008-08-17T23:18:00.004+08:00

This Korean Restaurant is always packed with people whenever I happen to walk pass Mosque St. Feeling Korean today, we pop in to have some BBQ and spicy kimchi.

While we were browsing through the menu, this tiny eye Korean guy came over and asked if we wanted drinks. Korean Plum Juice and Korean Pear Juice sound interesting and so we ordered even though they cost $4 each... thinking it must be something authentic, something Korean.

Nah... what a great disappointment, they tasted like syrup water and the very least they can do to justify for $4 is to give me a bigger cup.

It was only later that we realised that they serve tea... that 咪咪眼 should have told us.

Overall the food was good. A little too ex... a bowl of white rice @ $1.50, brown rice @ $2.

Shall go back for pork belly and squid BBQ... yum yum.

Note: Credit card payment for spending of $50 and above.

2008 National Day Decor @ Hougang

2008-08-11T00:10:00.003+08:00

揾到食 @ Sims Ave

2008-08-10T23:54:00.003+08:00

After the NDP'08 preview, we head down to Sims Ave for dim sum @ 揾到食.

Everest Kitchen @ Macpherson

2008-08-10T23:39:00.002+08:00

Went back to Everest Kitchen for more yummy food.

Bosses Restaurant "黑社會" @ VivoCity

2008-08-10T22:56:00.003+08:00

08.08.08 - To commemorate such a special day, we went to Bosses for dinner.

NDP'08 Preview

2008-08-05T21:29:00.006+08:00

More pictures...NDP’08 Preview

Singapore Flyer... A great way to "Fly"

2008-07-13T15:35:00.007+08:00

It has been more than 3 months since I bought the tickets to the Singapore Flyer and finally we were there. We have some time after BIL's ROM to spare before James has to rush off to catch his flight to BKK.

Shuttle bus to Singapore Flyer. Schedule.

We need to validate our "open" tickets at the ticketing counter

First check point.

Second check point - wanna take a photo?

Our capsule

Plenty of time for you to hop on to the capsule

And off we go...

The next 30 mins was actually rather boring. You get to listen to some music throughout the ride and be "interrupted" only 3 times - to welcome u when u first step into the capsule, when u are at the top of the island and when u are about to disembark.

Born and raised in Singapore, I had problem identifying some of the buildings and places, I wonder how the tourists are enjoying it.

I think it is best to ride the Singapore Flyer during sunset.

Benjamin Sheares Bridge

Portion of the Singapore Formula 1 track

Esplanade Waterfront

Capsule behind us

Marina Bay Sands under construction

Empty capsule. Behind is the Art Park.

Marina Barrage

Floating Stadium at the Esplanade Waterfront

Reaching the top

One of Singapore's most expensive golf course

Descending

F1 pit stop

The "soon to be demolished" National Stadium and Oasis

F1 pit stop

Singapore Flyer Gifts

Short break in BKK

2008-07-13T12:42:00.009+08:00

James came to pick me up at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and we had dinner at Eat-tion

Spicy, sweet n sour noodles @ 140 baht

Beef noodle @ 140 baht

Took Airport Express (AE3) @ 150 baht each to Chit Lom BTS

Bought Samurai Pork Burger set @ 93 baht from McThai

Back at Holiday Inn, Ploenchit

Room service - American breakfast @ 500 baht!

Went to Big C and bought whole lot of stuff amounting to SGD100.
Tapao lunch from little stalls outside Big C.

Fried maggi goreng at only 10 baht.

Fried maggi goreng @ 10 baht
Spring roll with fish filling @ 25 baht
Fresh calamansi drink @ $ 30 baht

Earth from above exhibition at Central World

Imax - Kung Fu Panda

Fuji Japanese restaurant, Siam Center.
Total bill 545 baht.

Hot and cold green tea.

Sushi set

Fried salmon set

Boots is having sales we spent 1,852 baht.

Some of the value buys...
Woodward's Eucalyptus air freshener @ 180 baht
Bynature Soapberry n Aloe Vera Shampoo @ 85 baht each
Essentials baby powder with honeydew flavor @ 30 baht each, buy 2 get 1 free

Heineken can beer @ 49.50 baht each and drinking water @ 36 baht at Paragon Gourmet market

Dried Tangerines @ 100 baht

ete homemade young coconut ice cream @ 40 baht

Some of the stuff bought from Big C...

Comfy anti-slip socks @ 99 baht each

Baby shoes for Huimin's twin boys

T-shirt @ 159 baht

Instant noodles @ 49 baht

Crispy fish @ 34 baht

Shabushi by Oishi group

All you can eat buffet @ 229 baht but you have 1 hr 15 mins afterwhich you will be charged 20 baht for every extra 10 mins

S&P restaurant

Cookies & Cream ice cream cake @ 78 baht

Provence hot tea @ 55 baht

Coconut freeze @ 55 baht

The Fifth food avenue at MBK.

Similar concept to Marche and V’ilage, we were given a card which will be used when ordering food. After eating, it will be used to calculate the bill at the exit.

Roastd pork @ 90 baht
Phai Thai with fresh water prawns @ 130 baht
Tom yum and green curry rice set @ 230 baht

Phai Thai with fresh water prawns

Tom yum and green curry rice set

Roasted pork

Performance by live band

Detox drink - Beetroot, carrot & passion fruit

Blueberry yogurt cake

Room service - American breakfast @ 500 baht!

Tote Bag from NaRaYa @ 360 baht

BIL's ROM @ Les Amis

2008-07-13T00:25:00.005+08:00

BIL’s ROM took place at Les Amis, Shaw Centre on July 8, 2008, 11.15am.

This fine dining restaurant is rather classy and food tastes great.

Chandelier

And more chandelier

Elegant setting of fine dining

Label on the napkin - Made in Italy for LES AMIS

Solemnization took place here specially set up at the other end of the function room.

Nice wall picture along the corridor.

Wine Cellar

Chilled butter for the bread of your choice...

Sourdough bread

Walnut bread

Raisin bread and many more...

Champagne

Specially customized menu.

First appetizer - Anchovies with vegetable Ratatouille

Second appetizer - Seared Tuna loin, artichoke & cherry tomatoes

Main Course - Choice of Pan-seared Mulloway, ratatouille with Chorizo or

Braised veal cheek, seasonal vegetables and mashed potato

with rice (taste like chicken rice)

First dessert - Lychee-orange flower medley

Second dessert - Baked beaten egg white with pistachios, green tea chocolate and something that is hard on the outside but soft inside.

Vanity top at the ladies

Gourmet tea

Back view of my BIL's newly wedded wife.

Hand Bouquet

Joe’s Corner Cafe & Bar @ Simon Road

2008-07-06T16:30:00.003+08:00

I can’t remember where and how I get to know this well hidden café that is ran by an amiable couple.

The food was average but the semi modern café was comfortable and relaxing.

Total bill: $27.70.

Cream of mushroom

Calamari Rings with Washabi & Mayo mix

Some napolean pizza... can't recall the name

Hidden at the end of Simon Road

Mustafa Air Travel Pte Ltd

2008-07-06T15:48:00.002+08:00

We went back to Syed Alwi Road near the junction of Jalan Besar road for wanton noodle and satay. Shopped at our favorite shopping centre - Mustafa and dropped by the 24 hours Mustafa Air Travel P L to check out the air fare to USA.

Majority of the customers were there to apply or collect Visas. Although the two of us seems to be very out of place, no one actually find us peculiar, everyone was minding their own business.

Surprisingly, their service was good and prompt.

It's all about service

2008-07-06T15:34:00.004+08:00

We have been shopping for the ideal solitaire ring for weeks and finally narrowed down to a few particular specifications and setting that fit our or rather James’s budget from Goldheart.

If I’m paying for a big ticket item from any outlet of the same Company, I rather go to the one that provides me with the best service.

Thanks to the crappy service at Tampines Mall outlet, we went back to Anna at Clarke Quay who continues to serve us with passion.

In short, we were very pleased with the service provided by Anna from Goldheart @ Clarke Quay.

Anna adjusting the angle to show us the laser inscribed serial numbers on the girdle of the diamond.

J.Co Donuts & Coffee @ Raffles City

2008-07-06T15:24:00.004+08:00

Uncle James, the favorite uncle of my 3 little nephews bought them 1 dozen donuts from J.Co.

Wide range of variety and their “factory line” service is rather efficient if not for the bottle neck at the cashier.

I forgot to take pictures of the donuts we bought but they were yummy.

1 dozen assortment of donuts cost $11.50.

Swensens @ Tampines Mall

2008-07-06T15:01:00.002+08:00

I had lunch with LLH & Kat at the new Swensens outlet @ Tampines Mall to “celebrate” the end of my 6 months contract; and the beginning of my permanent job with this same Company where I had already wasted 7 years of youth.

The food and Swensens was rather disappointing and service was poor.

Cream of mushroom & Coffee

BBQ Half Chicken

Single scoop of ice-cream

Where The Hell Is Matt

2008-06-29T23:01:00.004+08:00

An interesting dance video by Matt who travels around the world.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

National Flag fly pass

2008-06-23T00:21:00.009+08:00

The Southern Ridges Part 3 - HortPark

2008-06-23T00:03:00.007+08:00

Our final leg of our hike... Flora Walk --> HortPark

The Southern Ridges Part 2 - Alexandra Arch

2008-06-22T22:57:00.006+08:00

Continuing our hike... Forest Walk --> Alexandra Arch

Our shadow pic...

Durian tree

The Southern Ridges Part 1 - Henderson Waves

2008-06-22T22:40:00.005+08:00

Our Starting Point - Marang Trail --> Faber Walk --> Henderson Waves

Secret Recipe @ VivoCity

2008-06-22T22:17:00.002+08:00

After hiking at The Southern Ridges and HortPark, we had our dinner at Secret Recipe after failing to locate Bosses 黑社會... our legs were breaking.

The food was nice but the service is worst than what you will get at hawker centre. In less than an hour, we witness at least 3 incidents of the servers dropping things either on the floor or on customers... yes, customers. Definitely will not visit this outlet again.

Frosty orange @ $4.90 and bottled distilled water @ $0.50

Chicken Cordon Bleu @ $ 11.90

Carribbean style catch of the day

My Birthday

2008-06-22T21:43:00.004+08:00

Although it's my birthday, I treated pig to a session of the free 1 month unlimited FIR that I won during the detox camp.

The girls at Lucy Belle knew it was my birthday and gave me a surprise. They sang the birthday song and prepared a slice of black forest cake for me. So sweet of them.

Pig bought me lunch at Waraku, the Central.

We ordered the Half & Half set that comes with corn soup, mini salad and 2 mini pasta of choice.

Clam chowders

Scallop and prawn regular pan pizza

1 of the half - Bacon & Potato with Wafu cream sauce

The other half - Bacon & Cabbage with Wafu tomato cream sauce

View from the restaurant.

We shopped at the Central and later at Raffles City before parting and I went to Marina Square with JT. We had Sakae Sushi for dinner. Place was too dark to take nice picture of the food.

After dinner, we stroll down to Singapore Flyers. I can't wait to take my ride in July.

Mouth Restaurant @ Chinatown Point

2008-06-22T21:30:00.005+08:00

We were deciding whether to have dim sum or subway for lunch and dim sum emerged as the winner. It's been a while since I had dim sum at Mouth Restaurant and they still taste the same, even better.

The dim sum menu

Century egg congee

Steamed Peking Dumpling and 虾饺

蜜汁叉烧包，烧卖，腊味蒸萝卜糕

松发肉骨茶 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

2008-06-22T21:12:00.004+08:00

The man can't live without meat. The yummy healthy lunch prepared by Kendy of Lucy Belle failed to satisfy this carnivores. On our way to The Central from the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, we decided to try out Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.

This place was packed full of people around 6pm and they serve chinese tea in the traditional tea set.

The pork ribs were tender and soup spicy hot... yum yum. The groundnuts was disappointing.

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

2008-06-22T18:55:00.004+08:00

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

揾到食 126 Sims Ave

2008-06-22T18:53:00.005+08:00

Heard & read so much about this dim sum place and finally we are here... 揾到食 or 126 @ Sims Ave.

Homemade barley & winter melon drink

炸虾卷

虾饺, 烧卖, 叉烧肠粉, 小笼包

I love menu that comes with pictures

I have a 叉烧包 fetish. so die die must them home to savour... especially when I'm going to the detox camp the 2 next days and fasting starts at 10pm.

香港叉烧包, 荷叶饭

The 7 Days Secret

2008-06-22T18:51:00.006+08:00

2 days detox camp at RELC hotel.

My "Gems"

24 hour Magical Gallbladder & Liver Cleansing Techniques

Remove toxic substances from body effectively. Restore body vitality immediately. Eliminates tiredness/ Release tension/Improve health/ Prevents Diseases of the Modern Living /Say goodbye to Problem skin

Generally, for a complete treatment, gallstones disease is treated using medication, litholopaxy and surgical options.

But, recently in Europe, it has become popular to use a safe and natural method to cleanse the body environment, remove stone like toxic substances in the blood stream, causing bigger sized stones to disintegrate into smaller pieces, melt, and detoxify from the body.

After being cleansed, the risk of recurrence of getting gallstone is greatly reduced. It is a simple, economical, quick and powerful cleansing technique with no side effects.It has been proven that in order to remove recurrence of gallstones & kidney stones, a natural method is the only way to go!

Although the Western medical world will use surgery, anti-inflammation, anti-infection method, it has limited benefits. Side effects are significant and cost is quite prohibitive,treating the symptoms, not the causes.

In naturology treatment, it makes use of natural fruits and vegetables, coupled with bio-technology, totally devoid of toxins, painless. After a nap, the toxins and stones are discharged out. It is totally safe, quick, direct, painless, no harmful side-effects, solely targeted at the problem area, softens the stones, helps to disperse the heat in the body, helps in treatment of stones present in the kidney, digestive systems, urinary systems. This is not only a treatment but also prevention for everyone.

Miraculous Fasting Therapy

Fasting -------No injection, No medication, No eating of food, Ancient wonder medical science

Fasting has inconceivable power, it gives astonishing results! Just do a major cleansing to your body; it replenishes your life energy. It also cures strange illness that doctors are hapless, causing various health miracles to happen.

A life style of abundance just resulted in a weaker immune system, easily tired, lackadaisical, indulgence in food and drink, intestine and stomach filled with rubbish and residual waste, germs to grow, creating ideal conditions for all sorts of diseases to strike.

Melt Residual Waste---- Dispose Toxin -----Cleanse Body ----Restoring Health

Improve liver function : Hepatitis, acne, freckles, measles, corn, lipoma, cornea illness, skin diseases, Hong Kong Foot, etc
Strengthen your respiratory system : heart disease, cough, bronchitis, asthma
Healthy digestive system : gastric, bloating stomach, bad breath, tongue infection, indigestion, no appetite, constipation.
Full drainage system : burp, vomit, headache, dizziness, insomnia, lethargy, kidney infection, bladder inflammation and diabetes
Purify blood vessel: artery rigidification atherosclerosis stagnate, high and low blood pressure, stroke, nerve disorder, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, high urine acid.
Improve varieties of lifestyle diseases : leukemia, various types of tumor, cancer.
The Fastest way to loose weight: Weight loss from 3-7 kg in 7 days, also cleanses the body system (skinny people may gain weight)
Magical inner beauty: After fasting, the whole old skin will be replaced by a new skin quickly, the skin tone becomes healthy, soft, glowing and shine.

Remarks : Depending on individual healthy status, please consult professional before fasting.

BBQ Chicken @ E!Hub

2008-06-14T09:38:00.008+08:00

Yesterday, I arrived at E!Hub for lunch in style… with hot mama and her voom voom….

We settled in at BBQ Chicken cos the place is spacious, bright and welcoming.

We thought BBQ Chicken literally means every thing Barbeque Chicken but NO… BBQ Chicken actually stands for Best Of The Best Quality!

BBQ CHICKEN is Korean’s No 1 Chicken Restaurant and it’s HALAL.

We ordered the Jerk BBQ which is a high quality chicken whole leg cooked over charcoal fire with no additional oil used then spread with authentic Korean style barbeque sauce made of more than 20 flavorful natural seasonings and red pepper grain giving it a little tinge of spiciness.

The sweet manager allowed us to change our soup to cream of mushroom instead of the default corn soup.

Jerk BBQ! Ok lah... chicken leg is tender and juicy or was it oily??

Coffee seems brewed but tasted like MacDonald's coffee.... yucks!

Vanilla ice-cream was nice.

Ah... Downtown East

Jap @ Golden Shoe

2008-05-31T12:43:00.003+08:00

Reached HQ before 8am on Thur for the monthly management meeting. Thanks to ah nia who brought yummy char siew pao, ta pao n siew mai from Redhill market for my breakfast else my stomach will be protesting in the long dreadful meeting.

Lunch, I joined the queue to tapao Katsu Don from this rather popular Jap stall at Golden Shoe. For $4.20, the portion is generous and taste quite good.

Strawberry n peach smoothies from Eelingo Coffee, surprisingly at Golden Shoe.

Singapore Food Expo 2008

2008-05-31T12:23:00.005+08:00

Popped over to the Singapore Food Expo on Tue (27 May 08) which was the last day of the event that started on 23rd May 08.

The hall was fully packed with people but it was not as chaotic as I had imagined.

Nothing exciting. We managed to have a fried boneless chicken wing with prawn, otah wrapped in prata (pic below) and sausage fried rice. Almost everyone have something on their hands, many carrying bags of products.

We only bought 2 packs of Korean instant noodles for $7.50.

Exhibitors busy clearing their stuff out of the event hall.

Hill Top @ Tampines North CC

2008-05-31T12:02:00.002+08:00

Kat, LLH & I wanted to have a good lunch and headed for Hill Top.

Free dessert... its very chewy like marshmallow (but not sweet) and filled with red bean paste. Very nice and original.

鼓椒肉片双面黄 Crispy noodle with fried pork n veg in black bean paste @ $5

法兰西炒饭 France fried rice @ $4.80

海鲜河粉 Seafood hor fun @ $4.50

Simply THAI

2008-05-26T00:28:00.003+08:00

Some of the goodies from Thailand.

Cubes made of Egg floss and sugar from Thailand by S&P Food

Dried mango and pineapple @ about $6 per 100g.

Hans @ GE Building

2008-05-26T00:19:00.004+08:00

Met ah nia at Hans, GE Building for breakfast before we proceed to have our 4 in 1 massage & facial which lasted for 4 hours.

Scrambled egg breakfast set @ $5:
- with ham n ice lemon tea
- with sausage n coffee

This place is so huge and spacious. Picutre below is only one-third of the restaurant.
The pastry n bread looks so delicious.

Dinner

2008-05-26T00:14:00.002+08:00

My cough is back thanks to the following...

Siew Mai & Har Kaw tim sum

Black pepper chicken hot plate @ $7.50

Sizzling hot!

Curry bee hoon @ $3.50

Beauty Renaissance

2008-05-23T12:18:00.001+08:00

Catalog

All Natural Cosmetics

2008-05-22T23:15:00.004+08:00