i honestly think i should close down my blog.
i wonder whether anyone still visit this anyway.
taiwan part two. part three. was supposed to be up months ago.
i kept procrastinating i know.
i have an idea!
why not just visit my facebook instead?
all the pics are up, just w/o the lame descriptions and whatsoever…
it’s really easier to upload them up there instead of waiting for photobucket to load (and pray it doesn’t hang or appear ‘ERROR’)
i hope i can blog more often too, i really do.

headache.

argh.

i must stop spending on bags….

i must stop spending on bags…

i seriously must stop…

this cannot continue…

no more for 2009….

Although i always seemed to have much more time than most people around me, somehow i feel that time is never enough for me.

Seems like whenever i’m back from work, i have a whole long list of things to do before i leave again. ARGH.

Can’t imagine having to work in a 9-5 environment either.

Never satisfied huh, humans.

Anyway hor i really have NO ENOUGH TIME leh.

-Sending uniform to the dry cleaner’s

-Unpack luggage

-Go for Grade A Jap Lesson (5 FULL freaking days!!)

-Visit Grandma

-Buy necessities

-Meet up with friends

-Refill shampoo, etc in luggage

-Go out with BF

-Repack luggage

-Collect uniform from dry cleaner’s

-Watch Little Nonya & Bu Liang Xiao Hua

-Go to the Doc’s

etc etc etc

I sometimes wonder why i have enough time to sleep, or do i not??

And still…… i have a whole long list of things yet to do….

-Pass present to LAURIE!!!!!! who doesn’t seems interested in her bday present la

-Collect uniform from dry cleaner’s

-Repack luggage

-Upload photos from Taiwan trip

-Get X’mas presents for colleagues, friends and family members

-Watch last night’s Little Nonya & Bu Liang Xiao Hua

-Go to company doc, dentist

etc etc etc

At least BUNKA is finally over! One down!

FRIDAY- first aid & crm -_-”

Anyway, i actually collated some of the photos i took in taiwan a few days back

MORE TO COME IN THE NEAR FUTURE I HOPE

HAHA.

- – -

On the plane.

4hrs30mins.

Super sian. I actually pity passengers who travel to and fro to the states frequently.

Left our luggages in the hotel and immediately rushed out for food.

Great thing was that our hotel was located in the heart of Xi Men Ding area.

After bowls of AH ZHONG MEE SUA, FRIED OYSTER, LU ROU RICE, GONG WAN SOUP, ETC..

We decided to get some fruits, only to realize that eithers fruits are really expensive in TAIPEI or we were cheated of SGD$25 for a few slices of watermelon, rock melon and guava.

A few days later, we found out it was the latter.

We got fruits from other stalls at other areas so much cheaper..

So if you happen to visit Xi Men Ding area, please do not purchase any fruits from this particular stall.

Anyway we were shopping around the XMD area and saw this uncle with his pet squirrel which is extremely obedient and adorable! On it’s owner’s command, the squirrel poses with everyone!!

Damn cute!

DAY TWO

We set out early in the morning for DIM SUM @ KAOCHI RESTAURANT near YONGKANG ST

High recommended by people in the travel threads (forum)

Quite similar to Ding Tai Feng. Love the Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao & Siew Mai!

Next we headed to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall aka CKS Memorial Hall.

Chiang Kai Shek was the ‘godfather’ of Taiwan and they built the hall to commemorate him, his teachings and his beliefs.

Excellent workmanship i feel.

After which we took a train to the City Hall Station and headed for Taipei 101, one of the many tallest buildings in the world.

Of course, we also took the fastest lift to reach 99th or 98th floor (i forgot) which took less than 30seconds. Sorry i am seriously bad with remembering facts especially numeric ones.

Spectacular View.

This picture is hilarious lah.

I am nose-less. HAHA

Super cool right the centre pic. My mum took it for me.

This huge yellow ball also known as the damper baby is said to prevent the building from collapsing against typhoons, earthquakes, etc as it weighs 660tonnes and is built in the top of the building.

Miniature damper baby.

To be continued……

I’ll be leaving for taiwan in approximately 12hrs and 30 mins’ time!

With dear old BF and family!

Can’t wait!!

I have been planning the itinerary for the whole 7D6N of the trip for the past few days..

Hope it works, or rather hope it turns out well

HAHA!

Good news is i’ll be there for ONE WHOLE WEEK!

Bad news is i’ll have to leave for LAX on the 1st!

PICTURES WILL BE UP VERY SOON

this blog has been stagnant again for ages i know.

last month’s flight was extremely tight. i guess i was only in SG for about 5days??

therefore explains why i didnt have time for any blogging..

anyway i just came back from ditching! glad that i passed

(p.s. thanks to tips from my lovely class girls!!)

EMERGENCY DRILL WAS FUN, NOT AS STRESSING AS DRILL DURING TRAINING.

Pictures will be up soon!!

First, Pictures from SFO!

My team leader Agnes brought us to Union Square for Thai food and some serious shopping!!

Last 2 nights’ stay in SFO after all…

UNION SQUARE

GAP STORE

ETC….

The bus ride was only about 15minutes away from our hotel. Union Square is HUGE!!
To me, it’s way better than Manhatten in New York People are friendlier, there are more shops and more variety too! SFO again this month… can’t wait

After some serious splurging, we decided on Chinatown!
It was only a 5mins walk away from Union Square.

While the others were bargaining for American Ginseng:

I started snapping pictures of the roads in Chinatown..

It’s fascinating how they can build houses and shops on streets like that.

It’s extremely steep.

I wonder whether it has something to do with racism….

If i were a Chinese in SFO, i don’t think i will be driving a manual car. HAHA

Stretch of Chinese Restaurants

Really very Chinatown-ish.

- – - – -

After Chinatown, the rest of them were exhausted and wanted to return to the hotel.

But Jolyn and I were still craving for CRABS….. So……

Fishermen’s Wharf, here we come!!

At the pier, gorgeous!

Lots of horse carriages around..

The famous IN-N-OUT burger

Finally!!!! HUGE JUICY CRABS…

The Chinese guy preparing our order
- – - – -

Back at the Hotel:

OUR CRAB

Jolyn preparing our supper

Calamari and fries

CAN’T WAIT!!!

- – - – -
DAY TWO:

Jolyn and i decided on Fishermen’s Wharf instead of the pre-planned Golden Gate Bridge.
We were still exhausted after the previous day.. Haha

The one and only Cheeseburger at IN-N-OUT Burger.

Famous electric tram

morning view of the pier

THE FAMOUS FISHERMEN’S WHARF

While strolling on the streets of Fishermen’s Wharf, we saw this really cute limo!

it’s extremely long i think can sit up to 30pax?

Champagne and glasses, etc

Exterior.

The well known Alcatraz Prison.

PIER 39!!

Super cute sea lion

Facing the camera

hundreds of sea lions

- – - – -

AMAZING!

THE DOG

THE CAT

THE RAT

- – - – -

Next Jolyn and I decided on Union Square again…..

Headed for the 3 storeys F21!!

Old navy, etc etc

- – - – -

Settled for dinner @ Chinatown

Jolyn Wong

Mine! Kway Teow Soup and Hainanese Chicken.

Itadakimasu!

Some weeks back, we decided to embark on a journey to ZOUK/PHUTURE after putting it off again and again.

It was Miss Mandy, Jessica and myself. (again, where’s Sheron & Jerlyn?)

Though it was just the three of us, we had fun!

NO. 1 PICTURE OF THE NIGHT!
JESSICA WONG ACTING DRUNK + WEIRD GUY CHECKING HER OUT.
HAHA!

MISS MANDY AND ME
MANDY LOOKS LIKE SHE ISN’T WEARING ANYTHING AT ALL.

HAHA i just realised there are so many features in photobucket.
I know this is so weird. But looks like it’s a portrait right..

Bottoms up!

JESS (SQUINTING) & I, flash too strong.

SO HAPPY~~

- – -

Anyway, once again, i would like to wish my dear JESSICA-SAN, happy 21st!!!

F5 FOREVER!

- – -

Another night out with sisters- SHI LIN & ANDY

BLUR EFFECT!

POP ART

ANDY AND SL

ANDY AND ME

Happy 21st in advance, ANDY!!

May all your wishes come true!

Will meet up when i’m back!!

- – -

SOME TIME AGO..
HAD DIM SUM LUNCH WITH MEOW @ HEI SE HUI

Another outing again SOON

- – -

I’m gonna finish blogging ALL OF THE PHOTOS I HAVE ON HAND. So pardon me please!

* * *
Had ice cream with Yinxia, Jason and MR Pan at this place in the west area.
Forgot the name of this place.
But they really have interesting flavors! Homemade too, i heard!
For example, my fave is Soursop! Reminds me of my childhood

we were acting like we were busy…
turns out like an ad for toshiba instead.. haha

- – -

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I WANNA SHOW OFF MY NEW PEDICURE!!
DID IT WHILE I WAS IN KL.
CUTE RIGHT!!

- – -

ALright, guess i shall end here.
It has been a really long post……
Will be back real sooooon.

after months and months of strenous training under the hot sun, (sometimes thunderstorm or showers), going through lectures and scoldings from my driving instructor Mr Tan, i finally passed!

congratulations to myself, for passing my driving test on my first attempt!

woo hoo. (ya lah, i know some people now saying, “chey, auto car..so easy to pass,”)

Kindly choose the following options:

(a) “hello, you got license anot?”

(b) “manual so what, don’t tell me you driving a lorry or van now?”

(c) Okay lah, you win.

- – -

but but but.

i now know why ‘P’ plate drivers are always being horned at, or overtaken, or even bullied on the roads.

IT IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

AS IN, i never had to drive at a speed limit of above 60km/h, never had to park WITHOUT POLES, never had drive in other lanes except the inner left lane, never had to be SO AFRAID OF DRIVING.

I really hope that senior drivers can recall back the time where they just obtained their driving license, and put themselves in my shoes, or rather in the shoes of all ‘P’ plate drivers.

Give us a chance to learn.

We strive to be like you too.

- – -

it’s been a while since i really travelled.

i mean it has always been spending aimlessly, doing shopping favors for people or simply wasting my time away at AEON.

this time. i got to tour Amsterdam

- – -

Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schipol International Airport, the set of crew board the bus towards Hotel Okura.

On the way to our hotel:

It was a wonderful day, most of the people rode bicycles there (very environmental friendly, even had to purchase my own plastic bag while at the supermarket) and houses were mostly built in front of lakes/rivers so people could ‘park’ their boats in front of their houses. HOWLOVELY!

FINALLY! Arrived at hotel okura..

We CHIONG-ed out for some groceries shopping @ the nearby supermarket before heading for salad, pizza and spaghetti at this traditional Italian restaurant, PIZZA TAXI

The boss of PIZZA TAXI is incredibily cute and outgoing. He sings his italian songs at the top of his voice and literally swirls in the restaurant while serving people…very typical italian

Back in the hotel:

MY ROOM (extremely messy):

The bathroom (very interesting, with two basins i wonder for what?)

The gorgeous view outside my room:

DAY TWO:

We decided to take the tram down to the DAM to make enquiries on day tours.

The tram conductor:

At the DAM, we realised that most of the shops were not open for biz yet, so we hung around the area and took some photos:

River across the tour agency:

The tram and me, haha!

We decided to take up a full day tour to a windmill village with lots of windmills (of cos!) and learn how to make wooden clogs from a wooden shoemaker, visit a fishing village, Volendam and Marken where we will take a boat ride and stop at a cheese farm for cheese tasting! After that we will also be visiting the Delft Blue Pottery factory and Madurodam, known as ‘Holland in a nutshell’ or in our language, the Xiao Ren Guo.

THE TOUR BEGINS:

1) WINDMILL VILLAGE + WOODEN SHOEMAKER

Our tourguide for the day, can’t believe that i actually forgot her name! But i know she’s dutch and can speak English, Italian and Spanish..notice her extraordinary umbrella with tulips? that’s how she leads the tour group..

The different varieties of wooden clogs they have now, wooden clogs with straps, pointed ones, high-heeled, with wooden carvings(heard that the dutchmen have to handcarve them and present it to the women they wish to marry in order for the lady to agree), white ones with lace (for women to wear on their wedding day).

This extremely cute guy was the shoemaker of the day.

He taught us how they make wooden clogs in Holland:

We decided to try on the thousands of wooden shoes, i chose the red one with polka dots. VERY MODERN HOR…

The many usages of the wooden shoe in these days:

CAN BE WORN:

CAN BE DISPLAYED:

CAN BE USED AS A ‘POT’ FOR PLANTS:

VIVIEN AND I WITH THE WINDMILLS AND THE COWS IN THE BACKGROUND:

Next, we board the bus again towards the Cheese Farm in Voldendam, where cheese is still made the traditional way.

LOTS AND LOTS OF CHEESE:

A pretty dutch lady explaning to us about how they make cheese the traditional way:

FINALLY! cheese tasting:

Traditional house of a Dutch:

Their beds (i wonder how they sleep, seriously, i’ll die of stuffiness)

Windmill in the souvenir shop:

Real milk cans used for milking cows:

Another milk can, but used as a trash can:

NEXT we made our way to the fishing village, MARKEN.

Their houses, very neatly built, though small but looks extremely cosy.
(the guy in pink quite cute hor, in my tour group also)

Another house:

On the bridge to cross over to the fishing village:

LOVELY! Seemed like everyone owns at least a boat, a yatch or a freaking ship in Holland.

We had lunch at this restaurant facing the sea?river?

Very delicious fish & chips and ke kou ke le:

Next we took a boat ride back to the city which marks the end of the first part of our tour.

PART TWO OF TOUR: DELFT + MADURODAM

We arrived at the Delft Blue Pottery Factory where they taught us how the make the blue pottery plates, souvenirs and also taught us how to differentiate the imitations of Delft’s Blue Pottery. All the images on the pottery actually handpainted on by the only artist in Delft, see guy in the picture.

Some of the very nice finished products for sale:

Next, we proceeded for MADURODAM, or rather XIAO REN GUO!

On the way to Madurodam, we passed by some really nice windmills:

Arrived at Madurodam!

At the entrance, the hero who used his finger to stop a flood from happening in his village:

Lots and lots of miniature historical buildings in Holland:

TRY SPOTTING VAN NISTELROOY:

Airport and air traffic control tower:

Me with the minature windmill:

Damn cute this outdoor theme park:

Got flying aeroplanes, bumper cars, roller coaster:

alright, i guess that marks the end of the tour of The Netherlands (miniature).

Bought something on impulse during this trip:

i’m planning to let it go at a reasonable price…email me if anyone is interested ongsheena@gmail.com

thanks!!

jessica and i should fight for the record for ’see who can don’t update their blog for the longest period of time’

and i realised we were on par. ALMOST.

haha.

- – -

anyway life’s still hectic la. (though not really due to work)

although now i don’t get to fly as often, i’m enjoying life to the fullest!

just gimme two long flights per month and i’m as satisfied as a baby with its bottle.

i don’t mind having lots of standbys and holidays so i can stay home, shake leg, watch drama or simply have lunch with friends.

- – -

i just realised i have tonnes and tonnes of photos to upload.

1. my 21st birthday celebration (already up in friendster!)

2. bangkok trip with my pan, yinxia and jason

3. batam trip with family (where my beloved WHITE sony ericsson phone got stolen, or lost, i don’t know)

4. outings with friends

just the thought of having to upload them is causing me to have a serious migraine already…

- – -

so here goes…

some decoration did up by my beloved lovelies..

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN, THE TWO MISS ANGS, YX and SL

AND THE VERY NOISY MR ANDY AKA SISTER (ya hor when are we gonna meet up again arh??)

Birthday cake from shilin and andy.

Candles from japan. haha~!

the minature cake i ordered from the patissier and regretted full time.

yinxia and jason, who refused to look at the camera

Sister and yuan kai

poly friends…

actually wanted to name them and thank them individually but i realised i actually could only remembered TWO NAMES. really sorry

time for the birthday song.

i can’t believe i just turned 21st.

soon i will be holding my baby one month’s.

haha.

okay, joking.

my only JAL buddy who was able to turn up, THANK YOU MANDY!

I love MANDY MORE.

Mandy, Boy and Me.

okay, boy is yong seng.

with yinxia!

thank you so much my lurve. for the preparations and everything…

with irritating jason and lovely yinxia

with shid. eh its been really long since we met. how’s life??

haha, realised my eyes were totally covered by the mask. haha

Miss D’cruz Lauretta Sophia!!

With june, her future bf, andy and jin lu.

thanks for the lovely watch!!

With Meow and Emily.

You still owe me my freaking birthday present!!

Michael, Yi Peng and gang.

Poly Mates

Guys: Haresh, Chuan Jian, Jun Min (hiding somewhere), Andy, Yuan Kai

Girls: Shi Lin, Laurie, Shid

ah…now that’s better..

with the two nicest friends in the world, shi lin and edwin

Family picture, real messy.

With uncles, aunt, cousin, parents, brothers…

Seems like holding a one month anniversary for baby dylan hor.

Haha!

Last but not least, happy 21st to me )))

- – -

Thank you everyone for coming!

Pictures of BKK up soon!!

i know this post is like so super duper extremely LATE.

Alright, probably a month or two, but at least i finally decided to post it up.

Life’s pretty much the same, just that i just turned 21st and had a ‘chop-chop’ 21st celebration.

Thanks again to the people who took the effort to come down

Really very grateful!

Pictures will be UP very soon, i promise!

So i got to flew with MISS MANDY on my previous-previous-previous New York trip.

JESSSSSS! when is your turn? SOON PLEASE!

On our 2nd day in JFK, Mandy and I decided to do something memorable, something we wouldn’t be doing all alone in LONELY NEW YORK.

So we took a trip down to Empire State Building. We were hesistating between Statue of Liberty or Empire, but due to several reasons (i forgot why), we decided on Empire State Building.

Upon entering the building itself. There was still a long way to go. We literally had to queue for EVERYTHING.

ENTERING THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

THE LIFT.

PURCHASE OF TICKETS.

TO CLIMB THE STAIRS.

TAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS.

AND I MEAN EVERYTHING.

Therefore, like 2hours later, we arrived on the observatory floor, 86th storey.

So this is what we get for USD19.

Not too bad if you were present, but the queue was the one that disgust me.

As mentioned, breath-taking / bird’s eye view of 45893087xxx buildings in NYC.

Can actually see the Statue of Liberty.

One stone kill two birds right. HAHA.

(see: top right hand corner of pic)

the top part of Empire State where King Kong actually climbed in his movie.

‘I was there’.

With MISS MANDY. If i remembered correctly, we were STARVING.

So, we headed to this KOREAN RESTAURANT near 5th avenue for lunch!

Delicious side dishes.

Kimchi tofu soup. YUMMY.

Mandy is hungry. HAHA

- – -

Back in Japan.

We embarked on a journey to Ueno Park for the once in a year Sakura season.

OHH HOW LOVELY.

My favourite view.

Everything seemed to stop right there.

We got a passerby to mark our presence.

Probably will never visit there again.

The second time is not always as beautiful anymore right.

Wishing blocks outside a temple in Ueno Park.

The place where we had our grilled sotong.

- – -

Damn hungry now.

Going to source mall for breakfast

- – -

Be back soon i promise