Saturday, September 18, 2010

The not-so-pleasant Phuket trip

My friend and I went to Phuket at the end of August. This was my forth time to Phuket, and I could still remember the same beaches and markets I had visited previously. Not much have changed.
Me with Mr. Teddy at the airport
We decided to stay in Kata, about 15 minutes from Patong, and a much quieter area. We stayed at Metadee Resort, a fairly new resort which has only been opened for a year.

Here is the view of the main area of the pool that stretches all around the resort. There is also a pretty good gym, small but adequate. The restrooms by the restaurant/pool was also very impressive. Very clean, new and fully air-conditioned.
We were starving by the time we reached the resort! We had lunch in the resort's only restaurant,
called Himapan.
Try their cocktail banana smoothies!
Our villa!
Villa 4103 (the one I stayed in) is the BEST!!
Double sinks, separate shower and toilet, huge bathtub......
Note: The shower & toilet has only ONE door, so if someone is in the shower, the sliding door to the shower closes so someone can't use the toilet at the same time. Well, technically you can, I guess this type of concept is more suited for couples. Also, there is a very large hole (eye level) between the shower and the toilet. Definitely a lack of privacy here.
Our balcony
(if you ever stay at Metadee, only get the access pool villas!)
The access pool villas also has an outdoor shower by the side of the balcony.
Me
View of the pool....
The best times were spent by the pool. The weather was perfect. Blistering hot you can feel the heat
 penetrating your skin.
Patong
Patong Shopping Centre
(there is a huge Carrefour & Robinsons here)
Kata beach
Me at Kata beach. I have to stay, I was somewhat disappointed as the beach had garbage laying around and the beach at Patong was just nicer.
This little bus stop looking booth sits about 300m (or so) from our resort. Guests can actually pick up the phone and it'll automatically call the resort for a buggy to pick us up.
Not bad eh?
Free buggy service anyone?
The not-so-pleasant part of the trip was because I got a very bad (and by that, I mean REALLY BAD) case of food poisoning on the second day. One that had me on the loo several times a day and then crawling back to bed, crunching my stomach in extreme pain and forking out over 200 bucks (thank god for medical benefits at work!) for a doctor to come to the resort. Despite that, I was still not well when I returned to Singapore.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

How do you explain chemistry?

Guys, let me give you some advice here. There is no easy way to say this, but if you have a crush on a girl and have made it clear to her that you like her, and you find out her feelings for you is not mutual, please don't probe and push the issue further. There is nothing worse than this kind of confrontation. I've recently had *several* confrontations with a guy who kept asking me why I don't have feelings for him. My answer? "I'm sorry, but I'm just not attracted to you." Hey I may be a bitch here but at least I'm honest! His reply? "Why not?" Hmmmmm.........I was confused. How do you explain to someone you are just not attracted to them? How do you explain chemistry? Physical attraction? A spark? Why you get butterflies in your stomach? Whether your senses are aroused physically, emotionally, sexually.

Do you really want to know the answer.....? 
You just can't force chemistry.

Meet Alfred's new friend, Lily

I had accidently left Alfred at home in my rush to pack and get to the airport on time last month. Thank goodness I got Lily! She's bigger than Alfred, three weeks old and just as loveable!
Who doesn't love pokadots!
25 August 2010

(Alfred)

Singapore National Day 9th August 2010

On national day, Horse, Winnie and I headed out for our usual brunch, but this time we decided to try Halia, a small, but stylish restaurant in the middle of the Botantical Gardens.
We were late for their brunch menu which ended at 3pm but staff were very accommodating and agreed to let us have our selection from their brunch menu.
Delicious!
Rich and sinfully good!
After brunch we headed to town to do some shopping...and some mischief along the way...
Winnie & Horse
Horse
Horse & Me

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Aftershock

I watched Aftershock a couple of days ago. It is a new foreign movie released July/August 2010. It is the most brilliant and emotionally heartwarming movie ever. I really hope it wins an oscar as the Best Foreign film of the year. I don't think anyone can finish watching this movie without sheding a single tear. As for me, I sat in the cinema crying buckets and stiffling back more tears.



Synopsis
When a mother is informed by the rescue team that, as her 7-year old twins are buried under the debris close to each other, digging one out would result in further collapse of the wreckage on the other, she is forced to make the most difficult decision of her life. As the clock ticked away, she finally ended her struggle and chose to save the boy, and though heartbroken, she had no idea her decision was overheard by the daughter. Deemed as a dead person, the little girl miraculously survived and was rescued after being buried for days. Suffering from the emotional shock of the disaster and the painful memory of her mother's choice, she refused to reveal who she was. She was adopted by a young couple and later moved to the US, but shadowed by the traumatic experience from her childhood; she forever remained emotionally closed up.


When the Sichuan earthquake takes over 80,000 lives in 2008, she volunteers to join the rescue team and returns to her homeland, China. As she witnesses the tribulations people go through when a natural disaster takes place, she finally unlocks the pain she had felt all these years and finds forgiveness. She finally reunites with the mother and twin brother she had parted from after 32 years. A human drama about finding forgiveness, 'Aftershock' depicts not only the fatal tragedy that is brought on by natural disaster of great levels but also the strength and courage that is demonstrated when we are in face of extreme and devastating situations.

Tissues a must!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Long Weekend Trip to Kuala Lumpur

My friend and I headed to Kuala Lumpur, which is the capital city of Malaysia over the long weekend at the end of May. This was only my third trip to KL since I moved to Singapore seven years ago, despite its neighbourly location.
Pavilion is one of the newer shopping malls in KL, including a pretty big Forever 21 store. It's big, clean and spacious, a landmark for tourists.
Me outside Prada.
Ever so stylishly, Prada.
We stayed at The Legend Hotel, which claims it is'"5 stars" but it really isn't. The hotel is big, spacious and accomodating. But some things remain to be said, like their carpark is shockingly old and somewhat deserted. The rooms were indeed spacious but lacks warmth, and is starting to look worn out. Guests have to take two lifts, one to go to the lobby on the 9th floor to "transfer" to a different set of lifts to go to the guestrooms.
Jalan Imbi, which is actually very near to Pavilion, has some good local eating joints. I always think when you're in a different country, its good to eat where the locals eat. A word of warning though, this is not the sort of place if you're looking for air-conditioning and something that passes the health food inspector.
Surprisingly, I noticed that KL has quite a few Pancake eateries, which made my mouth water each time I walked past the sweet smelling shop, something one cannot find easily in Singapore. The Pancake place at Pavilion (basement) is hip with their bright orange interiors, however, food took ages to come and I reckon MacDonalds hotcakes beats their blueberry pancakes.
This place, known as The Curve (close to One Utama) is beautiful, with its romantic lights glistening from above. There is a starbucks here and several eateries, massage parlours, bars and even a small market.
Me at The Curve.
We headed to one of the bars called Laundry at The Curve. The place is quite happening with a dancefloor, rocking music and packed with tourists.
This is indeed, the BIGGEST margarita I ever had
I didn't take any pictures of the place, but there is a huge shopping mall located at One Utama, which is something different if you wanna explore the suburbs.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Minifesto 2010

My friend, who spins around in a stylish citrine-golden mini invited me along to this year's Minifesto that was held on 15-16 May at the F1 curcuit. I've never been to anything like this before, but lets just say after the event, I had a new profound love for mini coopers. I think the highlight for me was seeing all these minis lined up next to each other in the parking lot. From the classics to convertibles to the limited editions, it was definately something worth going there for. I've always thought minis were meant for girls, so to speak, but was actually quite surprised that most of the minis were in fact, driven by men!  

There were various games, even free candy floss and delicious popcorn for the taking. There were mini merchandise, a live band and celebrity DJs Glenn Ong and Vernetta Lopez live at the scene.
I'll take the red mini, thanks!

Flowers from DC & EJ

Before I forget, DC & EJ surprised me with this lovely flower box in April during Secretaries Week. I was very touched and have to say, the people (not only my bosses) but everyone at S&S are just the nicest people to work with.

Thanks boss!