The Christmas

The day started off pretty late. Actually they day was spent in LaLa Land. Haha. I did not wake up till afternoon. First thing that I could think about is eating more food. Alanis and I kinda worked our brain pretty hard trying to figure out what to eat for lunch. We headed off to Jordan at Kowlooon. Get to see the side of HK that I watch in the drama serials when I was young.

Finally decided on a 'Cha Chan Tieng'. (Means coffee shop) It was certainly and eye opener. The pace was so so fast. If I were to work at that pace in my restaurant, guess I would have spilled drinks at my customers. Haha. And yes, they do soak their hand into the tea they serve.

The food there was pretty cheap and tasty. At HKD 26, I get spagetthi with 'Char siew', toasted bread (tell call it toast c), egg with ham and a cup of tea; fragrant and unsweetened. I always hate how those ppl at the drink stalls making my drinks too sweet. This tea was pretty good. Reminds me of those that I have from my favourite 'Ah Pak' back home. Apparently, the HK ppl are kinda friendly. We got to chat with those sharing table with us. Such a pleasant thing to do.

Next, a visit to Kowloon Park mad me realise that there is indeed a huge number of Philliphino maids in HK. They practically colonised the parks. Haha. Checked out the heritage museum too. Nothing really marvellous but it is a good spot to check out models of architechure that we want to see in real. Took a note on a few that I plan to visit in the next couple of days.

Kit joined us at Tsim Tsa Chui East later that night. The lightings around there is really impressive. The Christmas feel is all over. I was told that this year it is really nice due to the strong economy. People are more willing to spend ont he deco as compare to last year.

We headed off to my first not so tasty dinner in HK. Some baked rice thing. Dun wanna mention bout it anyway. We headed off to the Avenue of Stars for the light show. The laser show was just alright. A pretty good analogy is like shinning a tocrch around those lego building that u built while u were young. Haha. The walk out towards the shopping center was nuts. I was really pushed all over. Its really a sardined packed experience. And we actually waited for around 15 minutes before walking there to so called try to 'avoid the crowd'. Madness!


Tried out the famous 'Hui Lau Shan' dessert shop. Mango dessert is just marvellous. Mango ice-cream, pudding, cubes and juice all in one. How could one ever resist this. But I kinda fallen in love with the Carrot Cake. Haha. Ended the night around Kunsford pubbing it away. It was so great meeting all old friends. Merry Christmas once again folks
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The Great Expectations

Friends whu have been here keep tellin' me about how nice the food and place in HK is. Hence, I really have high expectations on it. The day started off with a visit to the 55 floor of the IFC building with Alanis. And its free. But its photos quality are kinda bad due to the glass. Guess I will head up to The Peak another day to compensate for this.

Next up we did a little walk around the town. The uneven stairs are Pottinger Street are such a beauty. Checked out some buildings around central such as the police station and arts center. I couldn't help but appreciate those huge number of escalators that they built. Making it so effortless to go uphill to the mid-level. San Fran needs these instead of the trams. We also went searchin all over for some gas lamps. which I tot we got it wrong but took photos anyway. (Later the night, I went to check the site and found out that it was actually the right one. Haha. Blur me.)

Alanis left later that day as she left me in Ray's care. A switch of tour guide. Wahaha. Went on to check out those high-rise building and more architechure before heading off to the harbour. At 2.2HKD, the ferry ride is a must do. Furthermore, the nice scenery while crossing to the other side is a bonus. Chritsmas deco at thre harbour mall is quite good too.

Seeing HK Island from Tsim Tsa Chui is simply magnificent! My friend keep metionin about how the HK skyline look much better at night then in the mornin. I couldn't help but support his notion 100%. We did not stay for the light symphony as we wanted to go elsewhere to grab a bite.

To further complete our usage of the not so common public transportation, we took the tram which they call the 'ding ding' due to the sound it makes. Causeway Bay is kinda crowded and is a stark difference from the businees district. I kinda like it better there. The crowd and the atmosphere is kinda cool. Tried out the cart noodle. So called a lower end food. I totally like it. Maybe I am lower end after all. Shit.

Winter joined us around 10 after studyin for her test. All the best ya! Did more walkin as we waited for the countdown. Apparently, this is the most disastrous countdown that I ever had. Basically, there wasn't even a 10, 9, 8 .......... blah blah. Worse still at 12, the light decorations at time square went off. We were like totally wtf.......

To overcome our disappointment, we went off to Lan Kwai Fong to cacth the vibrant christmas atmosphere. That's the end to this first official day of sightseeing in HK. Minus the countdown, it has certainly live up to my expectation.

Merry Christmas folks!

The Trip Begins

Touched down HK round night on Jetstar. I couldn't help but luved the flight so much. Seats are more comfortable than AirAsia. Most importantly, it is on time. So sick and tired of those delays, retiming and flight cancelations that AirAsia did all the time. I somehow hope those ppl there will learn to improve their management skill.

Back to my HK trip. I cannot help but luv the mild weather that greeted my once i got off the plane. They say its a little cold. Well, after a whole 3 months of hot rainy weather in SG, cold is great!


A little preview of my friends apartment. This is the view out of the window. She complained about the lack of privacy. I sort of agree. But hey, on a boring day you could always make use of this to entertain yourself. Haha. I get to sleep on cinderella the night before (its a bedsheet, not ppl :p)


The next mornin, her mom took me to a classic HK breakfast. Dim Sum here is certainly the best I ever had. Sorry never took any photos, was too busy enjoying the food. Haha. There is even queue on monday mornin. No wonder all those drama serials keep sayin go early to get queue number. Haha.


Have yet to go downtown till now. Will update more as I go out tonight. Hope i do not get squashed or stepped on tonight. Heard that the crowd is madness.

The Christmas Greetings

A semester has pass. This is really madness. Time really just flew by when you are too busy. Christmas will be here in two days. Leavin for another trip. Haha. All from the hard earned money. :)

The pass two weeks was so great! Met up with so many ppl. Been postponing this since like dunno when. Thanks pals for the great companies. You know whu you guys are.

Back to the important topic. Speakin about christmas, I'm wishin' all you guys out there a blessed and wonderful christmas. Whether you are alone or with family or friends I sincerely wish you joy and love. Merry Christmas!

The Filler Post

Well, this post is just to fill up the Nov slot. Did not want to leave it empty. Hehe.

Life's been a routine lately. Was busy with school, part-time job, and final year project. Up till today I had 3 papers. All seemed good to me. One more on Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed for a shot at the best SAP ever in my Uni education.

Meanwhile, I finally finished my summary video on my participation in the International Summer School Program with UOS back in July. I know its been 4 months. I was busy. :p Enjoy this.



December will be hectic with FYP and work till Christmas week. That's when you'll see a lot of post from me again. Yup I'm goin' travellin' again. Yeeeharrrrrr. Where to? Well, check this space in a month's time.

Bye!

The Hectic Life

Its been almost 2 months since I Blog. Why? Well, first of all I am busy and second of all there is nothing interesting happenin in my life lately. All that I have been doing is study study, work work and FYP FYP. (FYP = final year project)

Well in case u guys are curious about what I am up to for the FYP, well here it is to just keep u guys updated. This is probably the most interesting thing that happened over the past 2 months. Argh........ Define ' interesting'

Basically, this is my workplace. With a little cosy corner to do other things when i am tired from pressing on the samples, or technically called embossing.


This are the materials, a heat place, paper weight, aluminium foil and a lot of ENERGY. That's why i need my lappie with me. To rest and relax after using up my energy. I call it my charging station. Haha.


And tada, these horrible looking things are what i am supposed to make. Haha.


What will I use it for? Well hopefully to get something like this.

Ok that's all folks. Hope i did not bore you with the stuff. I have omitted a lot of technical terms btw. Here is to another long absence before my life gets interesting again. Ciao!

The Wish

Here's to the two of you whu heard this live with me back in Febuary. Miss those time, miss you guys.


I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.
Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,

My wish, for you,
is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big,
and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you,
and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

The Time Is Up

Final stop in this UOS-ISS experience is a homestay at Suz's place. Her mom is such a wonderful cook. The dishes are all so delicious. And this is really those traditional Korean meal where they have like more than ten dishes on the table. I'm impressed.


After the wonderful dinner, we went off to the World Cup Stadium and the park around it. Said goodbye to Teresa that night. Another person to miss. See u in NYC gal.


The next day, went to watch The Simpsons with Suz before heading off to the airport. This feeling sucks. Missin this missin that. Missing everyone. Argh. Anyway, I must really thank Suz's family for being such a great host. Feel totally at ease at their home. Hehe.


Seoul has been wonderful. But the fun time is up. Heading back to SG for the real harsh life. Give me strength to get through this.

The Brother Bear

3 more days before I leave Korea. Sigh I really dun wanna leave man. Today is also the last outing of this holiday that I will have with my brother YJ. Went to Dongdaemun for another round of shopping. Hehe. Think I am really spending too much man.


We were lucky to see some rehersal ofa huge show for later the night. Haha. Seen some famous artists for free. Woohooo. But poor brother never get to see famous gals. Haha. Only famous guys appeared.

Headed off to our normal gym routine before going Han River for the final time in this trip. Thanks to his pretty gf for coming. I get a free ride back. Haha. Gonna miss seeing those beautiful lightups on the bridges ans most of all will miss my dear brother. I wanna stay in Seoul. Argh.

The Dreamin Forest

Was so excited today to be going to a vacation house. Koreans call it a pension house. Still remember how beautiful the house was in the movie 'Save the last dance for me'. We started set off late that day, thanks to the gals for waking up late. But its ok la get to have lunch with YJ.

Here is acouple of photos of my first train ride in Korea. The train looks new like the ones in VIA rail. Till now my worst train experience is with the Italian train. We tried out this breakin the egg with like the head. It hurts man. But well it worked. Hehe.

After about an hour train ride, we arrived at the small town. The owner was there to pick us up. But sigh the owner is not a beautiful gal Eugene, he is a retired guy. Checked in our room and went outside immediately to take photos.

Here is photos with the very cute dog. She seemed to followed us everywhere we go. Haha. Like a tour guide.

Here is the spot where Changho made the promise to Eunsoo. The whole place is full of weeds and ants. So different from the feel in the movie. I wonder whether the got bitten by bugs when filming that time.

Finally here are some photos of the room. I get the bad all to myself as the gals slept in the living room. Why? Cos they are scared of ghost. Wahaha.

Overall, the vacation house looked much smaller then expected. It was still nice. And we certainly had a great great time there. Managed to eat Suz's cooking again. Yummy. But weeds are everywhere, thanks to the summer sun and rain. Just an advice here, come in autumn or spring.

The Recap

Remember I promise to upload photos from my birthday a month ago? Gotten the photos finally. I am doing a recap on the events that happened that night. Certainly one of the most happening Birthday of my life. Gonna miss those crazy time man.

First up a group photo.


Happy to receive a wonderful gift from Suz and YJ.

Just as I thought everything will be normal after all this years, someone slammed the whole cake at me.

Forced me to drink the potent 'Brithday Drink'. Ingredients includes chewing gums, cake, sweat, fruits, beer, soju, confetti, etc.

Doing the love shot. I cannot remember what number it is.

But dancing on the table was a fun thing to do. Many thanks to Helen for being such a sport.

Ok end of story. Time to puke away the alcohol................

The Farewell

The last day of the program. Cannot believe one month passed to fast. Really hate the thought of this coming to an end. But its life, Cest la vie.

Had a pretty easy exam today for my classes. Here is a photo of how my Korean tutors looked like. Both very kind ladies. I'm gonna miss going to Korean class so much with all of the poeple here.


Had a farewell party in the school hall. It was such a pity that they never thought of having a ball at the place. The hall is certainly large enough for such purpose. I'll let the photo do the talking from this point as I am at lost for words.




Finally a photo of my nice buddy who has been very kind and nice. Its never easy sharing a room with another person. Thanks for being a wonderful roomate.

The Long Long Queue

Bing xuan arrived yesterday for a short stopover. Its like a small reunion for us here. Miss those days In Calagry so much. Need the UofC life once again. Anyway, I joined them pretty late as I have lessons to attend.

Went to COEX, a huge shopping mall in Seoul. After that, we headed off to Lotte World Amusement Park. Which turns out to be disastrous. We do not know why there is so damn many people here on a weekday. Irritating. We queue for more than 60 minutes for each ride. Ended up only taking 2 rides. Pathatic isn't it. The ride 'Atlantis' was fun though. Neverhteless, the queue is such a turnoff. I doubt that I would ever go back there again.

Anyway, the reunion was good. Hope that we can meet up like thise again every now and then. Meanwhile, Alanis where are you? *crosses fingers*.

P/S: Good photos are in bx's camera. Bear with photos from my sucky camera first ok.

The Boring Field Trip

Went to the National Museum of Korea. It is the 6th biggest int he world. I dreaded going there as I am still suffering from the history overdose from the previous field trips.

The only thing that really impressed me was the technology they used. It is like a PDA which works by sensor. Everytime you walk in a room or near an exhibit, the PDA automatically comes on to give you info about the exhibit. Save time and energy of reading the thingy. Good way to prevent congestion too as the number of ppl there on a weekend is crazy. Think everywhere in Seoul is so crowded on a weekend.


After the museum, we decided to play board game. We had no Korean buddy with us. Scary. After much walking, we settled for a cafe that serves bitter kiwi. Damn it. The games however, was fun though. Coyote....Rounded up the day by buying some books to learn more Korean. Haha.

The Too Much History Day

Day 4

Final day of the trip. Gonna miss those nice hotel breakfasts. DO you know that itis not a common practice to have breakfast here in Seoul? I always had a hard time finding a full meal before goin to class. Learnt to survive on Kimbab and sandwiches for breakfast. So having a buffet breakfast in hotel is such a luxury.

We were told that they will take us to Museum and another tomb today. I was not excited at all about it as I think we had enough history the day before. Argh. The museum was huge and new. But to me, all museums are still boring.

I dreaded to go to another tomb as the day was hot and we were tired. Again from the partying at the hotel the night before. Playing the guessing game was fun. We saw a few models of the ancient tomb. The governemnt closed the originals to protect them from damage. Feels like we are in Indiana Jones or something. Shot of Day 4.


After that we took another long bus ride back to Seoul. Although the trip gave me an overdose of historical places, it did served well to enrich my knowledge on olden days Korea and gave me a good break from the city life back in Seoul. What's best is I get to know a few people better (Helen, Long, JH, HS, JY). Looking forward to spending the final week with the rest of the participants. Ciao.