Post peak event

Finally, the peak was over!!! Woohoo~~~ 

Been working very very late during the last 2 weeks of November.. Working more than 12 hours everyday including sat and sun.. Just so glad the ordeal was over.. Our boss knew that we worked very hard for the past 3 months. As such, on 1 December, he brought the team to Carlton hotel for Dim sum for lunch. As usual, ordered the most expensive food to recover all my loss sleep and energy for the past 2 months..lol

On 4 December, the company organized an outing to NS country club for cooking class.. We were divided into 2 teams..Spanish and Vietnamese cuisine..Within 1.5hrs, each team will need to prepare 3 course meals, 14 shares for each course. I was assigned to viet cuisine and with the account manager, both of us were assigned to do the viet dessert, lemon grass pastry..

The whole process was fun, flatten the dough, using templates to cut the heart shape, prepare the ingredients, grind the lemon grass and put them to the oven..

Not only that, the team also need to come out with a marketing plan to sell the food to the facilitor! So the garnish, the setting and the taste, all will be taken into consideration.. There was a sense of achievement when we finished our pastry Becoz to friends that know me, you guys know that I can't really cook or bake..lol

And of course, we beat the Spanish team and emerge as the winner as well :) 

After the cooking class, my boss presented his speech and share with us the result of the company for the year.."it's been a tough year" he said.

To me, this year has been really challenging. Not only just doing compliance, I was involved in due diligence work, tax advisory and tax investigation..I have been busy whole year round and I hope I will get what I deserves. *finger cross*

Anyway, the last segment was the lucky draw and won myself $50 vouchers (everyone get at least $50 vouchers).. The top prize was $300 and a tablet..

In a nutshell, the whole day was fun and filled with laughter. To me, it's a nice chance to catch up with our accounting team as we r in different office and we seldom get a chance to chat due to high volume of workload...the event met it's objective to bring the team closer :)

         Don't ask me to be naked chef

                       The viet team 

               The loser spanish team 

                The whole company 

                                        Very serious

                   My "achievement"

                  The 3 course meal

On 9 December, I went to marina bay sands to watch the musical show "mamma mia". No doubt it was expensive but the two hour plus show was amazing..simply worth the price...ok..Abba songs reappear in my mind now..mamma Mia, dancing queen, I have a dream, etc..

Day trip to Pulau Ubin

Woke up early on Sunday and head towards Changi ferry terminal to begin the journey to explore the only nature reserve in Singapore, Pulau Ubin.

Arrived at Pulau Ubin around 10.30am. It's a perfect weather.. Sunny day! Rented the bicycle for $10 and begin to explore the island by bicycle.. Maybe I'm old or lack of exercise, really panting and paddle really hard and finally arrived at Chek Jawa after 35mins..really amazing view and fresh air while paddling..it's always nice to have nature reserve and soaked in the natural environment...however, it's a shame that it is still high tide when we arrived at Chek Jawa and couldn't see a lot of sea creatures in the mangrove..only managed to see crabs..had a walk over the bridge before riding back to the jetty..along the way, saw wild boats in the forest and monkeys too!! Pretty excited! Lol..

Ended the day with fresh coconut juice and head back to changi village around 1.30pm!! We were really lucky Becoz we managed to explore the island before the thunderstorm..what a nice Sunday morning to spend :)

Now it's time to recover from muscle ache..lol

                     Wild boars 

                      Chek Jawa

              Chinese opera stage

Halloween night at Universal Studio Singapore

This year, I have decided to purchase the Halloween ticket from Universal Studio Singapore as they gotten pretty good reviews for the event..

Thus, I purchased the ticket and decided to give it a try on 17/10 Friday night as I am thinking that it might get crowded as the date draws nearer to end of the month. So, gotten 4 tickets at S$204. The event starts from 7.30pm and end around 1.30am.. I went there after my work on Friday and the crowd was magnificent! 

Reached around 8pm.. No problem getting in..Slow moving but smooth. Decided to try Sherk roller coaster..waited around 5mins..well..quite ok as it was meant for kids (I'm scared of heights) ..then walk around the theme park and saw this Alien ground.. So we went in..at first, the quene was smooth..and it stops. We were in the quene for an hour before I get to go into the alien ground..really disappointed as it was so crowded and hot! It really tests our patients there..

Had a quick bite at the cafe before continuing the rest of the night roaming around.. 

Went to Sci-fi section and decided to try the transformer ride..I never been on that before! Waited another 40mins before we managed to catch the ride. The 10mins ride was amazing.. I never tried something like this before.. 4D show with simulated ride.. Worth waiting definitely!!

Time flies pretty fast Becoz we spent so much time waiting..lol.. Waited for the show at 12.15am where all the saturns capture the zombies..we ended the night after the show as it was really late and exhausted waiting..

                          Chaotic 

No doubt, I can feel that USS had invested a lot in the event..circus, shows, rides and zombies..but it was way too crowded and packed.. Average waiting is between 40mins to 70mins.. Pretty disappointed but I have fun! That's matters :)

Another 48hrs in KL

It's been a hectic week..it's Oct and the start of peak period!! Had been busy since Sept after my reservist but can really feel the stress and composure now..Been working from 8/8.30am to 7.30/8pm and even Sunday have to work half a day to catch up with the loss time when I attending meetings...6 more weeks to go..

Anyway, finished work at 6pm on Friday 3/10 and drove up to KL..it's a long weekend in Singapore and Malaysia and I do expect a jam at the custom but I was wrong.. Custom was so smooth and took less than 30mins to clear both immigrations.. After 4 hours of driving, finally arrived in KL at 10.30pm.. Check in and went for supper..subsequently, went for drinking and end the day at 2am..

Day 2 - I'm quite lucky as I managed to get free upgrade and gotten the twin towers view from my room.. Went to Chinatown and central market in the afternoon and pretty lucky that I managed to escape from the heavy downpour at 3pm.. Went to pavilion and KLCC for somemore shopping and of course, my favorite madam Kwan nasi lemak and hui lau Shan mango dessert..yummy! End the night early in my bed around 10pm Becoz I was really exhausted from walking the whole day! 

Day 3, check out and went to Desa park for a walk.  Nothing much there..but good place if u have dog to walk them, or cycling, or jogging.. 

                       Desa park

Head back to Singapore around 6pm.. Had dinner in KL and another 4 hours drive..the night didn't just end there! Went for drinking again after arriving in Singapore as Monday is a holiday..this is kind of a relaxing and laid back trip which I really needed it to get away from work for a while..I'm now recharge and ready to face the peak period! Awwww...

Bangkok again

Been busy in September with work ever since I came back from my reservist. Sigh~

On 12 September, took half day leave and fly to Bangkok to meet Jack and his gang..Arrived in bkk at 5pm and took the train to Siam..as usual, due to the poor sense of direction, took the wrong side of the train when I'm at Phayathai to change to BTS. Lol..not only that, I can't find the hotel and wasted 30mins just looking and searching.. And in the end, called up jack to pick me up from the train station..haha

After checking in, immediately went for foot massage..then head to Chinatown for seafood dinner. Jack mentioned that he has "finished" (meaning that he has vowed to stop eating shark fin soup) but he ended up ordering a bowl of shark fins with us..lol..I know it's bad but I can't help Becoz it's only 300bahts (S$12) for a bowl! And it's pretty tasty..yummy~

After the dinner, went to Khoa San to shop around the night market and have a chillied beer in the hot climate before heading back to hotel and rest! 

 

                        Chinatown 

                     Khoa San 

Day 2 - Woke up pretty early and headed to Chatuchak market.. I finally gotten my shorts and shirt there :) while the others also get pretty much stuffs over there..returned to the hotel around 4pm. The rest went for body massage while I decided to take my time going around.. Went to Siam paragon, platinum mall and central world to shop and also pray..

Went back to the hotel around 6pm, initially was told to have dinner at 6 plus, ended up having late dinner at almost 9pm.. I was fumed and furious and luckily  the Thai style dinner did not disapoint me.. After the dinner, went to RCA for clubbing.. What can I say...it's much better as compared to Singapore and the drinks and cover charge is nothing compared to Singapore. Good live band, dance floor, music.just abit too crowded..overall was good.. At least we get to dance while the rest of the girls decided to sit there and play with their iPhone and Facebook in the club (Yes! They did that!)

                           RCA 

              Clement, Jack and myself

     Me with a bucket of lychee vodka 

Day 3 - checked out and we split our way after breakfast since their flight was at 4pm while mine at 8.30pm. I went to shop alone for the next 6 hours before taking a cab to the airport and catch my flight.. Returned to Singapore at 12midnight and struggle to go to work on Monday..haha..

August

Very soon, we are approaching the third quarter for the year..it's just amazing how time flies without us realizing.

Nothing much happened during July and Aug beside been really busy at work Becoz of my reservist in Aug.. I only work 5 days in the whole of Aug and I'm really panicking when I go back to work on 29/8..lol

Been working 8am to 7pm lately Becoz of high volume of workload. Really unhappy about that.. 

On 9 Aug, meet up with Karen, hui and Mei to Avalon. We paid $42 cover charge with one free drink. Anyway, it turns out to be Bollywood night where 99% of the crowds are either Indians or Sikh.. The DJ was playing Hindi songs too..We were totally out of place and left after an hour.. Avalon did not allow us to refund...was really disappointed.

Besides that, I'm back for reservist on 11/8.. Something different compared to last year is I am a staff sgt now..haha..nothing much and trying to save up for my upcoming trip :)

Roaming KL in 40hours

It was an unplanned trip at all..we just booked the ticket to KL on thurs and fly on sat..lol

Sat morning (5/7), we met up at the airport and took the 9.45am flight to KL..arrived at new airport in KL..the KLIA2 which replaced the old LCCT..the new airport is really convenience..we arrived at 11am and took the express train (RM35) and straight to KL Sentral within 30mins..it used to be 1 hour by bus in the past.. Afterwhich, we took cab to ampang park and check into the hotel.

After checking in, we head to KLCC for lunch first at mdm Kwan before going to central market for bargain goods...finished at 5pm, we returned to our hotel before heading to Putrajaya..there's the new KL convention centre there with all the minster offices over there too..it's my first time feeling in Europe in KL..the bridges and towers were just so "Victorian days".. Do visit there and I think it's really beautiful..ended the nice at night clubs..lol

The next day, I woke up at 10am and struggled to leave the hotel..check out at 11am and headed to Pavilion for lunch..do some window shopping and strolled along Bukit Bintang too..then cross the joint bridge to KLCC and spent another 5 hours there..as our flight was 11.20pm..we have so much time..did a lot of funny stuffs together and headed to the airport for home..

This trip was so unplanned..no agenda, no plan, no clue..lol..but turn up to be a good recharge for both of us.. ;D

Video from Women of Times

Finally found the video i have been looking for..enjoy ~~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9keGiab4-4

Australia trip 2014

Finally, the dream was fulfilled...Since 2010, i have been looking forward to visit this city and i finally did it!

Day 1 - After my flight was delayed for 4.5hrs in Singapore, i finally arrived in Sydney at 1.30pm. Took the city train , got lost for an hour (couldnt find my hotel!!) and finally check-in into my hotel at Darling Harbour. Took a shower and head to Circular Quay. The weather was nice. Around 16 degree and need my windbreaker and shawl and lots of body lotions!!!

Went to Circular Quay alone..and witness the Opera House...I nearly cried when im there becoz i cant believe i have made it...no doubt, i would love to go with someone than being alone, but the joy had overcome everything! Strolled along the river, looking around Opera house, look at the Harbour bridge and the enjoying the whole view..it was amazing! 

As i had lost alot of precious time in locating the place and hotel, the sky turns dark at 4.30pm and i have find my way back to my hotel. Went to Darling Harbour for a while before settling dinner at Oxford street and spend the night there..reached hotel at almost 2am! drunk~

Opera House

Day 2 - Woke up at 10am and head opposite to Darling Harbour.. had an inexpensive English breakfast for AUD9.90 and start my excursion trip! First stop, Marinetime Museum. I was introduced into the submarine and battleship. Found dinosaurs there and understand the marine life. Then, bought the 3 in 1 tickets for Wildlife, Aquarium and Sydney Tower at AUD75. Went to the Aquarium and wildlife first! Finally saw Koala in the Wildlife. Head back to hotel to freshen up before heading to Sydney Tower for the panoramic view of the whole city in the evening..

To my amaze, there is fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday night and im really glad i was there to catch the fireworks! It was much much much more beautiful to see it person than on TV. Get drunk again subsequently..lol  

Day 3 - Woke up late and missed my train to Blue mountain. Change my plan to go to Targona Zoo instead! The sky was dark and have been raining. Took the train to Circular Quay and went to the wharf to catch my ferry to the Zoo at 12.45pm. Arrived at Targona Zoo, i was lucky to have a chance to be upclose with Koala and even took a picture with "Daryl". So glad i made it that close but its a shame he was still sleeping...lol..I also managed to catch the Kangaroo, Wombat, Emu and many others..but i did not eat them up..just in case u r wondering :P

Took the ferry back and continue my tour at Circular Quay before heading back. Had an early night because i wan to catch my train to blue mountain! lol

Day 4 - Woke up very early, rushed to Queen Victoria to catch my train to Central station. Then took the train to Katoomba Station. After 2 hours journey, i finally arrived at Katoomba. Bought the Blue Mountain bus tour and head off to see blue mountain! The weather was perfect! Bright blue sky. I am able to hop on and off the bus to different points.. The best place to witness the fantastic view were Echo point and Scenic world...the view was breath-taking..I remember i watch the chinese show called Women of Times (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBX5VdRJbQA) This show exactly reflects what had happened to me in real life..She went to Sydney to start afresh after some many things happened back home. i was so touched when i recalled the scene where she came to Blue mountain...

Im just glad im here to complete my dream...love the scenery...Able to see the three sister and the waterfall..took the sky train, tram at scenic world. This place is amazing!! Took the train back to Sydney and had an early rest again as i have morning flight to catch on the next day!

                                                                      Blue mountain

Day 5 -Woke up early again, head off to the airport and bid good bye to Sydney. My flight was 10am in the morning to Gold Coast and arrived around 11.20am. Took the shuttle bus to the hotel, check-in and went to the beach at Surfer Paradise...the beach was pretty empty and water sports like jet boat was not operating..i guess its because of winter...so, just shop around the vicinity before calling the day.

Day 6 - Woke up yet another early morning and took the bus TX3 from my hotel to the Dreamworld! Well, as usual, arrived at 9am and realised they open at 10am..just dazed there for an hour before im allowed to buy the ticket and get in. Took the most scary rides in my life.. i wasnt even open my eyes the whole time..So i dont really know what happened in that 10 seconds. Just know that i went up to a high up tower and came down really fast because it was so windy...haha... Spent the whole day there playing other rides and catching the show at Madagascar! All-time favourite Sherk was there too!!! nad Kungfu Panda..Im just a big kid! There even have a small animal corner too!! It;s really worth going!

Day 7 - I am done with Gold Coast and took the train from Nerang to Central Station.. It was about an hour ride before arriving at Central. Check in again and head out to take the ferry to have a full river view of Brisbane..The city was beautiful! Didnt do much here as i was just recovering from my tiredness for travelling for a week already! haha

Day 8 - Visit the museum, stroll along the North quay and South Bank Quay and do some shopping here..The weather was slightly warmer than Sydney but beautiful weather to shop and sight-seeing. Getting damn drunk and pissed at night..oh ya!! found dinosaur in Queenlands Museum too!! lol

Day 9, last day in Australia.. I was lucky as that was the first day of whale watching season started! Spent AUD 150 to book the tour. The Brisbane Whale watching tour includes bus pick up at 8.10am, whale-watching, 2 tea sessions and buffet lunch. Its really a bargain! lol

So, bus pick up at 8.10am, went to Redcliffe to take the cruise there..Spent an hour cruising along Moreton Bay before witnessing the whales swimming along the cruise ship!!!!! Wow!!!! So close and definitely my first time witnessing whales...the whole 2 hours spotting the whales were just speechless...see it for yourself!!
pictures tell a thousand words..went to the Berth around 2.30pm, went back to the hotel, do last min shopping before ending dinner at this restaurant called "The Survey Company" along George St and Queen Street. Highly recommended restaurant to visit when in Brisbane...

Day 10 - catch my flight home at 10am. The whole trip was amazing..No doubt, it was not the best trip ever, but it is a good recharge for me to move on in life...I felt happier when i know there are so many frens around me showing their concerns...This trip was amazing as i have fulfilled one of my dreams..looking forward for more upcoming trips with different friends...