Sunday, May 11, 2008
New York
May 6 - Tue
Left home at 6.30 am for NY together with Sam's parents! We drove via the Kingston way. Was held up briefly at custom and had too pay US$6 to get the special card. Stopped along the way for meals. Glad that we went in an MPV as we have lots of space for our bags and to get comfortable. Arrived in New Jersey at around 5.30 pm but took us some time to find accommodation as we did not plan for it. Ended up in Best Western at Fort Lee on Route 4 after 2 hrs. Rates are really expensive in NY and NJ area. Had to share a room.
SGaw came by to pick us up and went for dinner at Soft Tofu Rstnt in Fort Lee, NJ. Fort Lee's a little Korean town. After dinner, he took us for a night view of Manhattan at Hamilton Park. The view was awesome.
May 7 - Wed
Had a good breakfast at the hotel. Left for NYC at 9am+. We took a cab to the bus-stop at Fort Lee, took a bus across George Washington Bridge and a subway downtown. The day pass cost us US$7 each. There is a toll of $8 to drive into NYC via the GWB, and parking is a headache. Our first destination was the Financial district at Wall St. Then it was to the harbour to view the liberty statue. Afterwhich we had 'Subway' for lunch and then walked to ground zero. Visited Century 21 mall as well.
Later, we took a bus to see the Empire State Bldg and did a little shopping at 5th Ave. There are no taxes on clothings in NYC. We then walked to Times Square which has transformed alot since our last visit. We went to the big Toys R Us, M&Ms and Hershey stores. After that it was to the Rockefella centre before we met up with SGaw at the Apple store on 5th Ave & 59th St neighbouring Central Park.
Had dinner at a Mexican chain restnt. Then took a subway to SGaw's place at Bronx. Nice cosy apt. Then it was back to NJ and our farewell to SGaw.
May 8 - Thu
Checked out of the hotel at 9+am. Went to view Manhattan again at the park for some daytime shots. We later headed for Woodbury Outlet Mall at Central Valley. Huge factory outlet with many stores and spent hours there purchasing lots of stuff. Unfortunately due to time constraint, we only managed to check out a few stores. Then we drove north to Binghampton at 6+pm and checked into a EconoLodge at 9+pm.
May 9 -Fri
Checked out early and headed for Corning. Visited the Corning Glass Centre before going north along Senecca Lake at Finger Lakes. Stopped over for wine tasting. Droved to Ontario and arrived at Niagara at 7+ pm. Had dinner at Niagara. Arrived home at midnight.
Thank God for a safe trip.
Left home at 6.30 am for NY together with Sam's parents! We drove via the Kingston way. Was held up briefly at custom and had too pay US$6 to get the special card. Stopped along the way for meals. Glad that we went in an MPV as we have lots of space for our bags and to get comfortable. Arrived in New Jersey at around 5.30 pm but took us some time to find accommodation as we did not plan for it. Ended up in Best Western at Fort Lee on Route 4 after 2 hrs. Rates are really expensive in NY and NJ area. Had to share a room.
SGaw came by to pick us up and went for dinner at Soft Tofu Rstnt in Fort Lee, NJ. Fort Lee's a little Korean town. After dinner, he took us for a night view of Manhattan at Hamilton Park. The view was awesome.
May 7 - Wed
Had a good breakfast at the hotel. Left for NYC at 9am+. We took a cab to the bus-stop at Fort Lee, took a bus across George Washington Bridge and a subway downtown. The day pass cost us US$7 each. There is a toll of $8 to drive into NYC via the GWB, and parking is a headache. Our first destination was the Financial district at Wall St. Then it was to the harbour to view the liberty statue. Afterwhich we had 'Subway' for lunch and then walked to ground zero. Visited Century 21 mall as well.
Later, we took a bus to see the Empire State Bldg and did a little shopping at 5th Ave. There are no taxes on clothings in NYC. We then walked to Times Square which has transformed alot since our last visit. We went to the big Toys R Us, M&Ms and Hershey stores. After that it was to the Rockefella centre before we met up with SGaw at the Apple store on 5th Ave & 59th St neighbouring Central Park.
Had dinner at a Mexican chain restnt. Then took a subway to SGaw's place at Bronx. Nice cosy apt. Then it was back to NJ and our farewell to SGaw.
May 8 - Thu
Checked out of the hotel at 9+am. Went to view Manhattan again at the park for some daytime shots. We later headed for Woodbury Outlet Mall at Central Valley. Huge factory outlet with many stores and spent hours there purchasing lots of stuff. Unfortunately due to time constraint, we only managed to check out a few stores. Then we drove north to Binghampton at 6+pm and checked into a EconoLodge at 9+pm.
May 9 -Fri
Checked out early and headed for Corning. Visited the Corning Glass Centre before going north along Senecca Lake at Finger Lakes. Stopped over for wine tasting. Droved to Ontario and arrived at Niagara at 7+ pm. Had dinner at Niagara. Arrived home at midnight.
Thank God for a safe trip.
Labels: New York
Penseur 11:51 AM
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
Toronto
Finally, our long awaited holiday...
Day 1 - 30 Apr
We flew on Emirates and had to transit at Dubai. As usual, watched a couple of movies on the plane: P S I Love You, Enchanted, Juno, Nanny Diaries, Death at the funeral, Rush Hour3. Unfortunately, the service was not as good as publicised. It took the stewards a long time to get to me when I buzzed them. Actually, they practically ignored me and not sure where they were hiding. Also, the seats were narrow and we were always elbowing our neighbour. And of course, not very appetising airplane food. Only good thing was that it has a wide selection of in-flight entertainment and it uses a touch screen technology.
Arrived in YYZ on Wed 30 Apr at 2 pm and Esa was eagerly waiting at the arrival hall while FIL was at the wheels. Headed home, had our dinner at 6 pm and couldn't help but to hit the sack at 7 pm. Yes, jetlagged and woked up at 2 am though did try to catch some sleep after that...
Day 2 - 1 May
Had a super early breakfast. Then both of us headed for First Markham Place at Woodbine/Hwy 7 after dropping Esa off at the library. Gulped down a tall mocha to keep ourselves awake. As usual, made some purchases at Roots. Later in the afternoon, we went for Dim Sum with parents at Times Square Hwy 16. Thereafter went to check out open houses/model homes around RH. Had dinner at home. Still too tired and went to bed early
Day 3 - 2 May
Went out for lunch at the infamous 'Delicious Restnt' at Hwy 16. Had to wait in line for an hour. The food tastes just as good as before. They are known for their huge rice dumpling, and the foochow fishball soup.
After lunch, we took Esa out to Vaughan Mills for a shopping spree. Huge mall and only covered part of it. Wish to visit again. Had to rush home for dinner as Esa need to study. Watched '27 Dresses' on dvd.
Day 4 - 3 May
Warm but rainy day. Had salad for lunch at home. Then we had Phil and family over. The kids are all grown up! All the kids, Ruth and myself went to check out Mitchell. Reuben is quite a handful and we had to keep up with his antics. Then the whole clan went for dinner at the Noodle Shop, a chinese restaurant. Reuben's so chubby, adorable and has superb vocabulary for a 3 yr old. Clydan is much better behaved now and is able to play the piano well which he has only picked up in a year. Zech is all quiet and tall. The kids are heading for a youth outreach event tonight. Good for them. Watched 'Just My Luck' on dvd that night.
Day 5 - 4 May
Went to church at RHCCC close to home. The church has grown tremendously. They have built a new auditorium. We had to park our car at a big parking lot near by and take a shuttle bus to the church.
We had lunch at home and then went to check out model homes. After that, we visited Phil at Port Union, went for a stroll on the new board walk by their place before heading to their new home at Beechgrove. The new home is still under construction, but features Phil's own modern design.
That night, R & R treated us to Japanese buffet dinner at Hachitarou at McCowan. It was delicious and great time with the family. We then visited Mike & Lil at their home at Major Mac & Kennedy. They are still the same! Back at home, we spent the night with Esa playing Wii :)
Day 6 - 5 May
Played Wii in the morning, and later, a 9-hole golf at Bloomington Golf Course. Had lunch and dinner at home. Went to Wall Mart for an evening walk.
Labels: Toronto
Penseur 9:59 AM
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Monday, April 14, 2008
Visiting our neighbour
On 29 Mar, we decided to check out Kukup as we had to organise a retreat for the choir.
We had our lunch at one of the Chinese restaurant before checking out the 'Kelongs'. There's a lane where we could walk through and past the rows of bungalows that faces the sea, no boat ride required. Some houses are built on stilts while others are rebuilt into huge modern brick house with many rooms compartmentalised to stretch their dollars.
So we decided to check out Austin H on recommendation from one of uncle J's friend. After
getting lost and going around the world, we managed to find our way to the resort. And of course, it's a world of difference! I had done some research and requested for a quote prior to our trip, so we know that they are reasonably priced. But we were surprised to find the rooms were rather huge. And so we were swayed.
We started the day with some miscom. After picking Mrs H up from her home, we were supposed to meet Uncle J at NUS. Well, as usual, hubby assumed that there's only one building #13 in the entire school, when there are actually many of that building around. And so we waited at the Physics Faculty instead of the Social Work Faculty. And after a 10-15 mins wait, we suggested to hubby to drive around the school as we don't see why Uncle J would be parking his car at the Physics Dept. Also, we failed to contact Uncle J, only to realise later that he had left his mobile at home. Anyway, we managed to navigate to the other section of the school where LT13 is, and where we found Uncle J wandering around :p
Well, fortunately the ride through the 2nd link was rather smooth despite the tighten security checks.
This is the 'short-cut' way to Kukup from the link:
- Past toll (RM10.80), there's only 1 rest area along the way (after exit 313) if there's a need
- Exit 312D to Gelang Patah
- At t-junction where you see a 'Globe', turn right towards Pontian
- Head to Pontian at immediate first left turn. You'll see some apt on the left
- Turn right towards Pontian at the next t-junction. There's the Setia Eco Gdn devmt
- Turn right towards Pontian at the next t-junction. There's the Setia Eco Gdn devmt
- Turn left to Pontian Kechil at the next t-junction. This is where you can purchase Pekan Nanas (pineapple) at good price.
- Turn left to Kukup, and viola, you have arrived!
We had our lunch at one of the Chinese restaurant before checking out the 'Kelongs'. There's a lane where we could walk through and past the rows of bungalows that faces the sea, no boat ride required. Some houses are built on stilts while others are rebuilt into huge modern brick house with many rooms compartmentalised to stretch their dollars. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have bunk beds. The common toilets are mostly located outside the rooms. We visited 2 houses and pondered hard. Are the folks really open to communal living? Would having the meeting outdoor mean humidity and inattentiveness despite the sea breeze? I think we all had doubts.
So we decided to check out Austin H on recommendation from one of uncle J's friend. After
getting lost and going around the world, we managed to find our way to the resort. And of course, it's a world of difference! I had done some research and requested for a quote prior to our trip, so we know that they are reasonably priced. But we were surprised to find the rooms were rather huge. And so we were swayed.Austin H is much nearer to the Causeway. And on the way back, we stopped by a nice chinese restaurant and had a sumptuous dinner courtesy of Uncle J. And guess where we decided to hold our retreat?
Labels: Johor
Penseur 11:37 PM
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Sunday, January 6, 2008
Malacca Trip
Visited Malacca city on 29-30 Dec together with my colleagues. The trip was sponsored by the company and spouses were invited. It was the first time we ever had a dept trip together with the spouses. The response was pretty good.
I had to organise the trip and the tour agency helped with a great itinerary. The office was our meeting point as we could park our cars there overnight. We started the journey joining a long queue at the 2nd link immigration as the automated checkin' system was down. Then we stopped over for restroom break along the way before heading to Ayer Keroh town for lunch.
After lunch we headed to Malacca city and were introduced to the sights and sounds of the historical town of portugese influence. Then we checked-in to Renaissance Hotel and it was R&R time. The hotel was lovely and we had a big room. For some of us, our rooms were not ready then and we took the opportunity to walk over to TKH for chendol.
We met later and headed for a nice peranakan dinner before visiting Jonker St for the night bazaar. I introduced them to the delicious traditional 'precious' chendol at one of my favourite stalls, the one with lots of peanuts, nutmegs and gula melaka! Everyone had a great time shopping and feasting.
On the 2nd day, the tour guide brought us to a traditional Malay village where we got to visit
their traditional homes. After the tour we went to Mahkota and Dataran Pahlawan for a shopping spree! Lunch was in Malacca before we headed back south.
We played games on the coach which some of us have planned the day before. It was good fun before everyone snuggled into their catnap position. Half way through the journey, we stopped over at Yong Peng for some local products. Everyone bought lots of goodies from there thanks to our tour guide. Then we headed to JB for seafood (disappointing menu) before arriving in SG according to schedule (9 pm).
It was a great trip and I'm glad it all went smoothly except for some minor hiccups. Thank God for a great end to the year!
I had to organise the trip and the tour agency helped with a great itinerary. The office was our meeting point as we could park our cars there overnight. We started the journey joining a long queue at the 2nd link immigration as the automated checkin' system was down. Then we stopped over for restroom break along the way before heading to Ayer Keroh town for lunch.After lunch we headed to Malacca city and were introduced to the sights and sounds of the historical town of portugese influence. Then we checked-in to Renaissance Hotel and it was R&R time. The hotel was lovely and we had a big room. For some of us, our rooms were not ready then and we took the opportunity to walk over to TKH for chendol.
We met later and headed for a nice peranakan dinner before visiting Jonker St for the night bazaar. I introduced them to the delicious traditional 'precious' chendol at one of my favourite stalls, the one with lots of peanuts, nutmegs and gula melaka! Everyone had a great time shopping and feasting.
On the 2nd day, the tour guide brought us to a traditional Malay village where we got to visit
their traditional homes. After the tour we went to Mahkota and Dataran Pahlawan for a shopping spree! Lunch was in Malacca before we headed back south.We played games on the coach which some of us have planned the day before. It was good fun before everyone snuggled into their catnap position. Half way through the journey, we stopped over at Yong Peng for some local products. Everyone bought lots of goodies from there thanks to our tour guide. Then we headed to JB for seafood (disappointing menu) before arriving in SG according to schedule (9 pm).
It was a great trip and I'm glad it all went smoothly except for some minor hiccups. Thank God for a great end to the year!
Labels: Malacca
Penseur 9:06 PM
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Saturday, September 1, 2007
Pictures
Here are some pictures from the Lombok trip
Penseur 3:50 PM
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Monday, August 13, 2007
Day 3 – Mon 6 August 07 (Lombok)
After a good breakfast, we visited the Pool Villa at the corner of 
the hotel. The Pool Villa has a collection of 16 private modern villas and the area is noticeably better maintained than the hotel. Each villa is 2-storey high, has a living room, dining room, master bedroom (on the upper level), foldout sofa beds and shower facilities on each level, private balcony, private whirlpool, and direct access to the lagoon pool. It is really luxurious living with the lagoon pool at its doorstep.
We could not get our check-out time extended, and had to leave our bags with the concierge. Our mission for the rest of the afternoon was to look for nice white stone-carvings. We embarked on our journey tracking southwards as we remembered seeing some of the shops selling batu paras in that direction.
Well let’s just say that the scorching heat got the better of us, and we decided to take their local mode of transport quarter way through our tracking. We hailed the first vehicle we saw, boarded the empty bemo (passenger-carrying minivans) without negotiating for a lower fare. I think we probably paid 10x the local price for the short ride. Nevertheless we were reminded to spare a thought for the less fortunate.
We arrived at the factory furthest south, but decided to check out the rest of the batu paras store up the street before deciding on our purchase. After some 2 hours of walking, we ended up with a white stone tea light holder shaped like a lamp for just RP35K. The quality is not as intricate and refined as Balinese stone carvings, but it is a nice souvenir piece from the island of Lombok.
We stopped for lunch at a seafood restaurant by the beach and
ordered their local BBQ ikan and some vegetable. The garlic and onion sauce mix were delicious. We returned to the hotel by bemo although there are many alternative transportation like the cidomos and cabs. At the hotel, we were appalled to find that our luggage were still at where we left them at the lobby. Urgh... what poor service.
Our return flight departed at 1840 hr, and we arrived home at around 10 pm. Thank God for a safe and eventful journey.
the hotel. The Pool Villa has a collection of 16 private modern villas and the area is noticeably better maintained than the hotel. Each villa is 2-storey high, has a living room, dining room, master bedroom (on the upper level), foldout sofa beds and shower facilities on each level, private balcony, private whirlpool, and direct access to the lagoon pool. It is really luxurious living with the lagoon pool at its doorstep.
We could not get our check-out time extended, and had to leave our bags with the concierge. Our mission for the rest of the afternoon was to look for nice white stone-carvings. We embarked on our journey tracking southwards as we remembered seeing some of the shops selling batu paras in that direction.
Well let’s just say that the scorching heat got the better of us, and we decided to take their local mode of transport quarter way through our tracking. We hailed the first vehicle we saw, boarded the empty bemo (passenger-carrying minivans) without negotiating for a lower fare. I think we probably paid 10x the local price for the short ride. Nevertheless we were reminded to spare a thought for the less fortunate.
We arrived at the factory furthest south, but decided to check out the rest of the batu paras store up the street before deciding on our purchase. After some 2 hours of walking, we ended up with a white stone tea light holder shaped like a lamp for just RP35K. The quality is not as intricate and refined as Balinese stone carvings, but it is a nice souvenir piece from the island of Lombok.We stopped for lunch at a seafood restaurant by the beach and
ordered their local BBQ ikan and some vegetable. The garlic and onion sauce mix were delicious. We returned to the hotel by bemo although there are many alternative transportation like the cidomos and cabs. At the hotel, we were appalled to find that our luggage were still at where we left them at the lobby. Urgh... what poor service.Our return flight departed at 1840 hr, and we arrived home at around 10 pm. Thank God for a safe and eventful journey.
Labels: Lombok
Penseur 6:09 PM
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Day 2 – Sun 5 August 07 (Lombok)
The van arrived at 8 am and after picking up more divers from the Sheraton down the street, we were headed for Bangsal Harbour, near Pamenang. From there we boarded an outrigger boat to Gili Air, the nearest island off the northwest coast of Lombok. The boat ride took about 15 mins.
Gili, in Sasak means ‘Island’. There are three cluster of islands, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno (middle) and Gili Trawangan (in the west, more touristy and pricey). We chose to visit Gili Air due to its proximity and ‘unspoilt’ nature. To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos (horse drawn carriages).
Upon arrival at Gili Air, we were taken to the Dream Divers hut by the beach. While most were back on the boat heading to the deep sea for their dive, we were provided with snorkel, fins and mask to swim along the shore by the white sandy beaches. At sea, we saw many of God’s wonderful creation of colorful fishes and corals, though felt very clumsy initially flapping into the sea with the big fins.
While admiring the marine life, I was unknowingly stung by a jellyfish on my right arm. I stood up and held my hand up as a stinging sensation shot through my veins. Thinking that it was just a sting, I continued my exploration while struggling not to drink any seawater as I breathe through the apparatus. I have obviously yet to master the proper way to snorkel though it was not my first trial!
It was when I got out of the beach for lunch that I noticed my arms have erupted into red spots resembling mosquito bites. We informed the diving instructor back at the hut, and were taught how to treat jellyfish stings. We need to apply vinegar to the wound, then soak the wound in warm salt water. Fresh water should not be used if the sting occurred in salt water, as a change in pH could cause release of additional venom. Rubbing the wound, or using alcohol will also encourage the release of venom.
We had our lunch at a restaurant serving wooden oven pizza and other local snacks. We got to sit/lie under one of those bamboo/straw huts along the beach while enjoying the warm food and lovely sea breeze. It’s really alfresco dining at its best with ballads playing in the background.
As it is not a private beach, there were a few hawkers hovering around selling fruits, necklaces, bangles, bookmarks, woodware etc. Still, we were relishing the moment and wished that it would last. After persistent touting by the hawkers and also tempted by the colorful fruit basket balanced on the top of their heads, we ordered a whole pineapple for dessert at RP10K. The hawker skillfully sliced and carved the pineapple into what looked like a candy cone.
In the afternoon, we got to go out to the ocean with the divers. The color of the water turned
from light clear blue to a darker blue as we venture further out to the sea. It was interesting to observe how the divers prepare their equipments for their dive, and how they together did a backward somersault flip into the water. Sam also very bravely jumped into the sea with his snorkeling gear, to check out the reefs and creatures of the deep sea. Regrettably, the spot was more suitable for diving and there was nothing much to see from the surface. The divers later told us that they spotted sea turtles at the bottom of the sea.
Needless to say, it was an enjoyable experience and we got sun burnt despite applying much protection. We were back at our hotel in time for the sunset at 6+pm . It was a pretty sight with the sun setting behind the mountain on Bali island opposite us. Unfortunately as it got darker, we were attacked by sand flies. We had thought that they were harmless, till the rashes appeared a week later back in SG. Sigh...
That evening, we returned to the same restaurant but ordered Thai food instead for a fiery feast. After dinner, we walked down the streets towards Sheraton, before heading back to the hotel.
Gili, in Sasak means ‘Island’. There are three cluster of islands, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno (middle) and Gili Trawangan (in the west, more touristy and pricey). We chose to visit Gili Air due to its proximity and ‘unspoilt’ nature. To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos (horse drawn carriages).
Upon arrival at Gili Air, we were taken to the Dream Divers hut by the beach. While most were back on the boat heading to the deep sea for their dive, we were provided with snorkel, fins and mask to swim along the shore by the white sandy beaches. At sea, we saw many of God’s wonderful creation of colorful fishes and corals, though felt very clumsy initially flapping into the sea with the big fins.While admiring the marine life, I was unknowingly stung by a jellyfish on my right arm. I stood up and held my hand up as a stinging sensation shot through my veins. Thinking that it was just a sting, I continued my exploration while struggling not to drink any seawater as I breathe through the apparatus. I have obviously yet to master the proper way to snorkel though it was not my first trial!
It was when I got out of the beach for lunch that I noticed my arms have erupted into red spots resembling mosquito bites. We informed the diving instructor back at the hut, and were taught how to treat jellyfish stings. We need to apply vinegar to the wound, then soak the wound in warm salt water. Fresh water should not be used if the sting occurred in salt water, as a change in pH could cause release of additional venom. Rubbing the wound, or using alcohol will also encourage the release of venom.
We had our lunch at a restaurant serving wooden oven pizza and other local snacks. We got to sit/lie under one of those bamboo/straw huts along the beach while enjoying the warm food and lovely sea breeze. It’s really alfresco dining at its best with ballads playing in the background.
As it is not a private beach, there were a few hawkers hovering around selling fruits, necklaces, bangles, bookmarks, woodware etc. Still, we were relishing the moment and wished that it would last. After persistent touting by the hawkers and also tempted by the colorful fruit basket balanced on the top of their heads, we ordered a whole pineapple for dessert at RP10K. The hawker skillfully sliced and carved the pineapple into what looked like a candy cone.
In the afternoon, we got to go out to the ocean with the divers. The color of the water turned
from light clear blue to a darker blue as we venture further out to the sea. It was interesting to observe how the divers prepare their equipments for their dive, and how they together did a backward somersault flip into the water. Sam also very bravely jumped into the sea with his snorkeling gear, to check out the reefs and creatures of the deep sea. Regrettably, the spot was more suitable for diving and there was nothing much to see from the surface. The divers later told us that they spotted sea turtles at the bottom of the sea.
Needless to say, it was an enjoyable experience and we got sun burnt despite applying much protection. We were back at our hotel in time for the sunset at 6+pm . It was a pretty sight with the sun setting behind the mountain on Bali island opposite us. Unfortunately as it got darker, we were attacked by sand flies. We had thought that they were harmless, till the rashes appeared a week later back in SG. Sigh...That evening, we returned to the same restaurant but ordered Thai food instead for a fiery feast. After dinner, we walked down the streets towards Sheraton, before heading back to the hotel.
Labels: Lombok
Penseur 6:09 PM
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