Saturday, June 30, 2012

Phuket Funtastique!

Dear strangers!!

Whatsuppppp???????

It was another unplanned and yet turned to be funtastique trip ever, it was really beyond my expectation! I was in dilemma last week to decide between going to Phuket or JB to extend my visa, of course the cost is one of my concern. Going JB is cheaper and it is almost free, I only need to pay my transport but I know I wont be enjoy there instead will make me feel worst. Phuket is an excellent choice but yeah I need to fork out a little bit money for everything, it really worth spent tho! There are a lot of flights to Phuket I chose to fly with Jetstar, I am such a loyal customer,  I got the tickets with good price since it is low season in Phuket - the monsoon season, it supposed to be raining and gloomy but the sun is on my side. 5days 4 nights there the weather is perfect seems like they were welcoming me!

My flight was the connecting flight from Australia to Phuket, it was fully booked with all the Australian, most of them traveling with family. Like usual I was on my own, it didn't bother me much tho, my mind was wondering miles away, excited and nervous, I had no idea how this trip going to be. The flight was on time, I got the nice seat at 5C, I like to seat in the front rows either aisle or window seat, I dont like the middle seat. Next to me was a Thai lady who is going Phuket for working. I sat down, buckle my seat belt and try to read my book. I brought Twitchhiker with me I didn't manage to read a lot of pages during the flight right after the steward gave the announcement for the safety procedure I dozed off and awaken when I almost reach Phuket. Flying with Jetstar was fun, the steward who gave the announcement made the journey filled with laughter, he always throw the jokes through out the flights. Finally after one and half hour journey we touched down at Phuket International Airport and P Giff picked me up.

I haven't seen her for two years since the last time in Newcastle, nothing much have changed she looks the same, she still have the flawless skin with blonde hair. She gave me warm hug. We chatted a bit and then had dinner at local restaurant. After that we went to Old town Phuket. Old Town Phuket is a small area part of the Phuket city where the local and expats who are living in Phuket loves to hang out. There are a lot of old buildings with bat windows and lanterns hanging in front of the house. It is similar to the buildings at Keong Saik rd or Duxton area in Singapore. We stroll around and explore a little bit, nothing much to see since it is quite late already. About midnight we went to P Giff's house and relax. Her place is compact and comfortable with big tv screen. She has a lot of DVDs to watch, I chose to spent the night to watch 'In Time', it was quite entertaining movie. 







I woke up at 10am the next day and ready to hit the beach, we went to Karon beach, I have to admit it, it is one of beautiful beach in Phuket. I can feel the white velvety sands and crystal clear water as I walked on the shore. I didnt apply my sunscreen after I walked for an hour, I got burnt. I like my skin colour tho but it irritates me when the burnt is unevenly. Karon is not as popular as Pathong beach but it is nicer than Pathong with less crowd. 





After roaming around under the hot sun, I decided to grabbed some lunch at Centara Grand, one of the resort located along the beach. I went to Maze, an Italian restaurant. I chose to sit down under a big umbrella at one corner of the plaza. The waiter greeted me with warm smile and 'Sawadikaa'. I love how they say it, i feel the sincerity every time I hear it. I took the menu and ordered a seafood pizza and coconut milkshake. I know I should eat some Thai's food instead of some Pizza, I traveled miles away and found myself sitting on the sofa reading book and eating pizza! unbelievable but with that kind of hot weather I refuse to sit by the beach and there is no Thai restaurant around. Soon after, my coconut milkshake came to save me from the hot summer day and pizza with homemade bread! Its all delicious! In the afternoon we headed to the hotel to check in, we stayed at Tony Resort Patong. It was a reasonable hotel with every rooms facing the swimming pool. The room is spacious with very good price.





In the evening I went for fabulous dinner with P Giff at Summer Wind, a Thai restaurant near Juncyelon - Pathong area. We ordered poppiah, pad thai, and grilled fish. The food was delicious and I had screaming orgasm. 





After dinner, we had walk to Bangla Rd. On the day time I passed by the road on the way to our hotel, it was filled with shops and street vendors but at night it totally a different things going on, the whole stretch road turn to clubs, bars and all the exotic shows starts. I was busy checking out the place, I was excited to see the crowds, bunch of drunk lads, the hookers who prying for fresh meats, the well groomed lady boys with their big fake boobs, bars with loud music and pole dancers showing their best moves, I was not sure if they are ladies or ladies look alike, tourists are everywhere busy taking pictures and recording the shows, some of them browsing the exotic shows called 'ping pong' show, the street filled with all the people who are seeking for a little bit wild adventure and fun. None of cute guys I saw along the street at least none of them close to Adam Levine. Phuket is the right place to have fun to the max, have a little break from hectic life, get wasted, party till drop and then back to reality. Once a while it is a good therapy. We stopped at one of the convenient store and bought some Smirnoff it cost us 60B per bottle, which is super cheap, cheap as water. P Giff show me one of the famous club on the street called Tiger club, it was super crowded with lot of girls or girls look alike stood in front of the entrance offering drinks and all kind of service they have there. After roaming around a little bit we stopped by at Red Hot Club. As we stepped in, I heard the band who performing sang 'Zombie', they were pretty good. We got the table in front of the stage, I really enjoyed the show. We had few drinks Margarita Phuket, Shisha and few shoots called Quick Sex. I drank a lot but yet I still sober. We dance - drink - sing along with the drunk crowds. I love the band, they can sing very good. Amazing voice.

The next day in the afternoon we went for a little bit adventure, Flying Hanuman, it is something like Flying Fox or Flying Gibbon in Chiang Mai where you have to slide from one tree to another tree 40m above the ground level with the longest track about 400m. When we reach the tour almost started, they show us some video while we enjoyed our welcome drink, a lemongrass drink, it was refreshing. We need to signed some papers before we proceed with safety brief and equipped with the gears and all of us was sprayed with mosquito sprays. Other than us there is one group of family from New Delhi. We had to hike about 200 m up to the hill to the first station. I can see all of us look curious and filled with enthusiasm. The mother who I called madame is pretty scared to do the first slide. After we reached the top of the first station, I was waiting for my turn to slide to the next station, I got the third turn. I didn't feel scared at all but I didn't do good for the first slide because I was twisted - it supposed to be slide straight and we have to break on the wood landing in front of every station to avoid any injury (like if we are too fast we might hit the tree or we might hit our guides who are trying to catch every one of us). Our guides are two guys who are very funny and professional, they were taking a very good care of us and show us some of the tricks. We called them P Tom and P Taxi, it was a funny nick name. After the slides, climbing, walking on the wood bridge, some wood ledge, finally we reached the 18 stations and I start to do better - well I didn't twist anymore, the station 18 is the longest 400m which we all have been waiting for. I was one of the lucky one because P Tom gave me the most fun tricks among all, superman where they hang me from the back and slide like superman (the normal slide you have to hold on the slider). I got all the special tricks where other just try the normal one. I think it such a waste if you didnt try the most fun one, we live only once rite!

We got pretty knackered when we back to our starting point. The staff were helping us to take off our equipments, gave us cold towel, complementary fruits and asked us how was the Flying Hanuman. While we were busy expressing our joy, fear and laughter about the ride, P Giff introduced us to the owner who are pretty generous to give us the free funtastic ride. He is good looking Thai gentleman not like most common guys I saw in Thailand. I did show my gratitude and shook his hands. We left soon after and back to hotel for quick shower before our dinner at Ratri, an Italian Bar and Grill on the top of hill. We can't park close to the restaurant because it was to stiff, so before our dinner we had to do some exercise by hiked up the stiff hill and climbed the stairs to the top of the hill. Well the restaurant is nicely decorated with the view of Karon beach at night. I run out my breathe and had a glass of ice water before I start to order the food. I picked up Risotto - mushroom saffron risotto, P Giff chose some spaghetti and pork chop with mushroom. We had one bottle of wine. After chat and nice dinner with spectacular view we back to the hotel and I straight fell asleep after long tiring day.








The next day I woke up almost noon and went for quick swimming and did my nails. I decided to checked out the surrounding area before the massage in the afternoon at Let's Relax which is located just opposite the hotel. The facade of the spa is like an old house, you can't really see the inside. I walked through the double wooden doors and stepped inside. I felt peace and calm inside, I can hear the water streaming from the pond, the floor was made from wooden strips and white decoration pebbles scattered all around with bali style wooden furniture. I flipped through the menu and chose the Thai Massage which is always be my fave. The price is a little bit more expensive than the normal Thai massage along the street, which the normal price usually around 300B at Let's Relax is 500B. The lady escort me to was my feet with some soap and put the rose petals on the sink. For a second I felt like a princess. The massage was about one hour, I had some super nice biscuits for complementary and tea before I left the spa. I know what is the difference to pay more, it is worth every cents. The luxury, the service, the quality of the massage and they even gave you the warm herbal towel while doing the massage which gave you a shooting reliving feeling, the normal cheap massage never provide such a luxury experience. I feel light after the massage and sleepy.




I had my last super dinner at Rum Jungle cafe. The cafe owned by an Italian guy who cooked super nice food. The cafe was crowded with the people, when we reached, there was one lady from Singapore with her son Harry, we had a little bit chat, and also there were another two little girls - the chef's children - they are super adorable. We had home made Italian bread, marinated seafood salad, fish fillet and pork fillet with mushroom, for dessert we had the best chocolate pannacotta with orange slices!












My flight was early in the morning, I felt sad to leave Phuket. It is always fun to visit a place for sort time and having fun. There is thousands reasons for me to go back to Thailand. The people are so friendly, having adventure to the max, the massages are good, cheap drinks and delicious food. What else you need to ask for? It is a place that good for a break - have fun - go wild and then back to the reality. It is a sin island. I definitely will come back to Phuket - Phi phi Island - Maya bay and Phang Na Bay! Whatever happened in Phuket stays in Phuket!


Laters people!!! 
xxx



Sunday, June 24, 2012

10 Must Bring Items on My Trips

Dear strangers,

What are the 10 essential things you have to bring on your trips? For me I can list it down less than 10. I am pretty sure about it.

1. Camera
Holidays are not legit without pictures. Either picture of the vehicle on the street or random people passed by in front, whatever you snaps as long it is a prove you are on holidays! My Canon 40D is my best friend to seize the moment! It has been travelling with me through out UK to Paris, invaded Perth, Chiang Mai and going with me to more places!

2. Iphone 4S
Who said I can't live without my Iphone. Yes I can but it is a must for me to bring it everywhere as I see it more practical and saving my time to find destinations or any other informations needed during my trips. It is all in one. Phone, mini computer, Ipod and camera. I can easily find anything I want here!

3. Cloths
It always fun to plan what are you going to wear on the trips. I hate bring too many cloths so I always try to mix and match my cloths. It depends where am I heading. If I am going to tropical country with sun I'd prefer to bring shorts, more tops and few dresses. I always prepare for any occasion that I might attend and dress is always the best! I hate wearing jeans it is hot and make you feel sticky! but for those autumn/winter season I wont mind to wear jeans. Two pairs of jeans, boots and lot of tops for layering are the best way to look stylist on cold season. If you dont want to get arrested by fashion police please don't wear thermal underwear. It won't keep you warm it make you look so outdated.

4. Slippers
Whenever I go my slippers will always be with me! I can't live without it. Most of my holidays are in tropical country, slippers are the best for all the places. I can go to beaches, hang out in malls or if there is flood in the city. I am prepared!

5. Girl's stuff
Girls usually have a lot of things to pack in their make up pouch but for me it is not much. My Dior skin care, a blusher, a lipstick, mascara n eyeliner is a must items to bring whether I am going to use it or not.

6. Moleskin/journal
Planning trips and write down all the infos about the restaurants/ places to go are one of my faves thing to do. I always make the list on my journal and fill it with the story along the trips. I always dream to be a writer who knows one day I can publish my books about my journey around the world.

7. Books
Caught in the middle of boredomeness or sitting next to a boring strangers that keep talking about their dogs, daughters or stupid things that is not in your area interest? Book is one of best weapon to safe you from those situation. Like to read or not just open the book and flip the pages.

8. Earphone
If the person next to you still continue blabbering or didnt get your hit. This is the ultimate weapon! Plug it to your ears and listen to Maroon 5 songs. Oh yeah!

9. Passport, ticket, money and UOB Card
I wont make it anywhere without those stuff.

What's yours?

xxx

How to Travel Light

Dear strangers,

My friend told me that she has an article to write about how to travel light in general. It is kinda interesting for me because I always love to write but it is also kinda difficult topic. So I think I will write it on my own version.

1. The backpack or luggage.
Chose the right bag. If you are going for business trips it is better to pack all your stuff in cabin size luggage with wheel it is practical and also to keep your shirts/suits neatly. If you are going for holidays, it is depends what kind of holidays are you going. You wouldn't wanna to bring a luggage with wheel for your backpacking trips or camping trips, backpack is your best friend for those kind of trips. There are a lot of backpacks out there but try not to buy backpacks with zippers to avoid the zippers broken because of overloaded stuff.


2. The weather.
Always check the weather of the place you are going to visit. Weather is important for you to plan your outfit. You wouldn't want to look like a eskimo on the beach or wearing something that makes you look like a fool.


3. The Right Gear aka outfit
Definitely clothing will fill half of your bag. Chose and plan carefully the clothing based on the weather and occasion you are attending - is it a seminar trips or mountain holidays or beach holidays. Try not to bring too many dresses, because dresses can only been worn once (if you take pictures you dont want to see yourself in the same dresses the whole trips right?), try to bring more tops and a few bottoms. If you are going in winter season bring one coat and one scarf is enough. You always have rooms for bikinis on the beach holidays! Pack and fold it nicely to maximized the space.

4. Underwear
Bring enough clean underwear if you are comfortable you can always get the disposable underwear.

5. Shoes
Slippers are the must bring item. Weather you are going to mountain trips or business trips. It always more comfortable to give your feet rest in the plan especially if it is long haul and it is more practical to wear slippers to the neighbour hood area (example if you are in the hotel it always easier to wear slippers to swimming pool or buying cigaret at near by shops). It wouldn't hurt to bring another pair of shoes, try to chose the shoes that matching with the cloths and can be wear in most of occasion (formal - in formal dinner, going to pubs or attending meeting).

6. Pouches
It is good to put your toiletries or make up in small pouches so it will look neat and organized. 


7. Toiletries
If you are staying at hotel you can always use the toiletries from hotel unless you have special needs. Pack neatly all the toiletries in smaller bottle that can last till the trip ends.

8. Make ups and others bric brac
Sometimes it is hard to chose what to bring, usually women have too many lipsticks, eyeshadows,  blusher in different colours. It is not necessary to get all in one blusher-lipstick-eyeshadow but it is better if you have it to save some space. Do not bring too many of them you are going on holidays not moving house. Bring moisturizer and sunblock if necessary.

9. Passports/tickets/ID
The last thing you don't want to forget is the passport and tickets. Keep all of them at the place that easy to access so you don't have to dig the whole bag just to find those items.


Does it help?

xxx

Flea Market and Weekend!

Dear stranger,

Whats up?!

Last Thursday I went to my aunt's house for a little bit catching up it has been awhile, my uncle was in town for few days before he flew off to Hongkong. I met my younger cousin. He is doing his National Service, he is so funny and sweet as always, when I was there he told me that he had one plastic bag of oranges that he brought back from office, it was about 50 oranges and we made it into orange juices. We had talk about his national service in air force and what's next after that. It is kinda funny to see how they already a grown up now. I had dinner with my aunt and uncles - and then we ate durians. I was so full but tempted to eat more durians!


Oranges! 

Friday - I laze around the house and read 1Q84 and in the evening I picked up my sister at airport, her flight delayed from Melbourne. She reached Singapore almost midnight and had to fly back to Palembang on the next morning. I slept about 3 am, finished my book. I felt sad really, it is kinda hard to let go something you have attached to for the past week. I like the characters in the book, they are like my friends and I hate to find another good book to read - to make me feel belong somewhere and attached to it. I woke up at 6 am get ready to airport. We met my uncle and aunt who coincidently flying off the same date about the same hour. After that I had breakfast with the girls who also flying on the same flight with my sister and another is flying to Bali. Seems like everyone is going for holidays. We had breakfast at KFC and then I went home preparing for flea market.



Have you done a flea market before? On Saturday, me, my roomate - Mori and Desiree did the flea market at Queenstown shopping centre. Most of the time I will go flea market as the buyer but this time we tried to sell our pre loved clothing - bags - accessories. It is not an easy job really, I was knackered after the whole day event. The weather is sunny, it is good of course I dont want it to be rain because no one will go out and shop on raining day. I reached the place at 11 am and balloting for the booth. Me and Mori set up all the things we brought and Desiree joined us in the afternoon, the flea market starts at 1pm while we set up our stuff, there were two ladies approaching our booth and bought off $75 dollars worth of stuff. It is not bad for the starting and I was hoping that more people coming to buy from our booth. After 1pm not much crowds came to our booth maybe because of the weather was extremely hot. I could feel my skins burnt. After the sun went down and the wind breeze, the crowds started to come around 5pm. It is quite competitive price that we offered with our neighbour's stall. They offered cloths 1 for $1, 2 for $3 while our price is more expensive. 








I was thinking to do the Flea market again next time either at Queenstown on Sunday or Tanglin but there are a few things I have to consider. Flea market at Tanglin only happens every Saturday twice a month with ballot system - they only have about 20 lots per weekend and the rent is expensive, $85 per lot, and the selling price is cheap. I am not selling a lot of stuff so I don't think it is worth my time to sit down there and sell my cloths for $1 or $2. Queenstown is better because Sunday there are a lot of maids around who are having days off (according to the family who selling stuff next to our stall, they did it 4 times at Queenstown). Maybe not much people will buy our stuff but at least we can sell it bit more expensive because the rent is only $50 and we still can earn more. The next thing that I have to consider is, how to display the stuff. The place of the booth also playing the important thing. Well I hope the next one the luck is at our side.


Today I woke up quite late 11.30am - after 13 hours of sleeping and I feel knackered. Elis called me for lunch. I haven't met her for two weeks, she was back in Indonesia for long holidays. I took shower and made a move around 1 pm. I chose to walk to Lucky Plaza where we decided to have ayam penyet for lunch. I like to walk around when I have a lot of things on my mind. While walking to Lucky Plaza, my mind was wondering a lot of stuff. There were a lot of people on the street, couple, family, all sorts of people you could find. I saw a lady with tattoo walking in front of me, I was planning to make a tattoo soon, I examine carefully her tattoos on her right and left arms, the design was not nice and the colour has faded. It is kinda of dilemma to have and not to have a tattoo. I saw a mother who carrying the child on the back passed by in front of me and distract me about the tattoo. I always have question in mind when I see a little baby and mother- is it hard to be a mother and what kind of person the baby going to be when they have grown up?. I looked at the other side an extremely in love couple walking. I love to do people watch and wandering what kind of job are they doing, where are they possibly going that day, or if I saw a guy I am asking myself a question do gentlemen exists or is there anyone like Adam Levine out there. There are a lot of things in my mind and sometimes made me didn't notice what is happening around, I am literally drawn to my world. That's the reason why I love to be alone. 


I met Elis at ayam penyet, she already there when I reached we had quick lunch and stroll around. We went to Orchard central and pass by Dean & Deluca! I am definitely will arrange a coffee or lunch here! After that we had coffee at Raindrop Cafe - Scape. The coffee was to sweet, I'd prefer Starbucks! We had talks about what is happening now and what is our plan ahead. I always know what I want and I am waiting for the right opportunity. I hope next year or soon is the right time but at the other side, there are a few things hard for me to let go. Sometimes it is not about the place but it is the people that make you feel want to stay, but for the long run, when the people are no longer here, what make you want to stay?



Now I am preparing for my trip tomorrow and getting ready to have pizza and watch movie at Nyuk's.I hope everyone had a great weekend! 
Laters 
xxx

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tuesday Stroll!







Dear strangers,

It was kinda hot and bright today. Few months ago when my cousin was in town, I remembered I saw one magazine at Intercontinental Hotel talking about the new refurbish shop houses at Tiong Bahru area, I kept that in mind and today I decided to check it out. The place is not that far from my house, a few bus stops away. I had to do a little bit of walking to this small street call Yong Saik Road. The road is short, about 300 m, surrounded by 5 storey old apartments. It doesnt take much of my time to stroll around there. The first cafe I notice was Potato, I took a little peek inside, the interior is nice, industrial theme with bricks wall - black frames - minimalist. It is newly open judging from the flowers and congratulations notes on the main entrance. Next to it there is a small cafe, fully packed, call 40 handscofee. I wanted to go in and try a cup of coffee somehow I didnt make a move to get in there, I don't really like crowded place. I looked at the shop opposite of the cafe, Books Actually, the independent book shop - the main highlight of the magazine I read at the hotel. The shop is not that small filled with books from vintage books to the new releases. The price is far too expensive comparing to Kinokuniya. I really had no idea why they put the price so high, if they sell vintage and maybe a few rare books I can accept that but those books are common books that I can get it everywhere else and cheaper. I didnt spent too much time there after I checked the back of the house which filled with a lot of vintage table ware and some history books I left.





I walked down to the main street and looked at the time, it still 4pm. After considering a few possible places to go I took bus to Chinatown. I was thinking to go to Ann Siang Road, had a cup of coffee and read my book but my feet brought me to different place. I get off from the bus and walked to different direction from my destination. I made a call on the way and viola I ended up going to Keong Saik Rd - where the French restaurant is. When I reached there, Alex was in front of the door. I am so glad to see him, it was quite sometimes from the last time I saw him. I had a little chat with him before he left for his hair cut. I spent a couple hours there chat with Manuel and helping him with the teas. There are soooo many teas there and really made me confuse before I made a move, Manuel gave me a few tea bags from France to try at home. I chose my fave Earl Grey and some weird tea. Meri beacoup! x












It almost 6 when I left the restaurant, leave them to prepare for their dinner service at 7pm. I completely forgot about Ann Siang Road and walked towards Duxton Hill. I passed by the small dodgy road Desiree showed me the other day and made my to Tanjong Pagar to take bus home. I did some of my groceries before I head home. Deciding to eat in or out. I had a little bit food at home and I went out for dinner with Nyuk at Botak Jones, finally after few weeks I havent seen him :D. After had chat I went to Fair Price finest to get Sunkist drinks that I have been craving for the past few days.

Sometimes you really miss those friends who can just accept you the way you are and don't think too much.

Laters!
xxx