winnie's blog

2008-10-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

The "Connected" Movie Premiere

Date: Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Time: 9pm
Venue: Shaw Lido

Got to catch the movie premiere ahead of actual release date (1 October), thanks to my sweet crew junior CY^^

Kinda my first time attending a movie premiere, highlight being able to meet the stars up-close & personal hee^-^

Interview w Louis Koo & 大S just before the movie screening.. can really see that 大S has such good complexion in person..

This is a funny pic, Louis Koo didn't know whose mike to take, 大S's or the reporter's..

Louis Koo! hmm somehow felt he got himself a too dark tan, masking his good looks a bit... but still 帅 la definitely ^-^..

The movie was not too bad.. there's some suspense in the story where the bad guys' identities can get you a bit confused for a moment.. (er..aren't they cops?)

Am heading to Hong Kong end Oct for my first 'real' break from almost 10 months of flying.. sure hope got the chance to meet more stars there.. & i also wonder what other 'surprise encounters' are in store for me..

Can hardly wait^^

2008-08-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

Say hi to Baby Gabriel ♥ ^-^

Ah finally~ the arrival of baby Gabriel, to Johnson & Lindee (my cell group leader). He's born on 26 Aug 2008, 6pm at Mt Alvenia Hospital, weighing in at 3.2kg. These proud parents also have a 2-year-old daughter, Gracia.

Went to visit baby & mummy this afternoon being my free day (Mt Alvenia happens to be like 10mins away from my house^^). Really glad to be able to 'catch' his arrival before my flight to San Francisco tomorrow hee~

Baby Gabriel sound asleep after feed ... aww super cute~ ♥ See the cute Eeyore softtoy i got for him?

Didn't manage to catch him in his awake moments yet, heard he has got really sweet dimples, wah handsome boy in the making haha~

Me, Lindee & Baby Gabriel ♥

Was very heartened to hear it was another 'supernatural' child-birth experience for mummy Lindee - almost pain-free, smooth delivery... Praise be to God indeed !

Can't wait to spend more time playing w Baby Gabriel when i'm back on my trips ♥ ^-^

2008-07-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

My Tokyo Tales

Am starting a photo sharing of the places i've explored in Tokyo so far for the past 10 months on my job..

Indeed, one of the greatest perks of my job is the frequent (n privileged as most ppl wld say) access to Tokyo.. so often that i'm truly blessed to be able to call it 'my 2nd home'^^

Alright.. one place at a time~

Shall start w Harajuku, my all-time fav shopping paradise^-^

Most of my layover days are spent here, esp shopping along the famous Takeshita Street..

Takeshita Street is a pretty long shopping street where yes it's not really possible to finish exploring in a day...

Wld usu visit the 300yen-a-piece accessories shop here, as well as this nice socks speciality shop where i stock up on my kawaii socks collection^^ They also have a very huge Daiso here, but i seldom find anything to buy there..

More than a shopping paradise, i also love the food offers here. Just to share 2 of my favourites:

Ootoya

Mainly bento & set meals offers. Seasonal dishes from other parts of Japan are sometimes available, like the Kyushu oyster & tofu set meal i had..

One of their nice Japanese parfaits for dessert..

Curry & Beef Don Speciality Restaurant (forgot the name of the restaurant ha..^^)

This place is kind of hidden in the basement level of Takeshita Street..

Famous for either their Curry or Beef Don set, which comes w half-boiled onsen egg (my fav!) udon..

*Yummy*

Oh ya.. there are also some very good crepe dessert kiosks in the middle of Takeshita Street, always long queue... will take pics of their yummy crepes next time i visit to show u ppl^^

Dun really have many photos to share as most of my time r spent shopping~*haha*

A couple more night-time shots of the pretty happening Harajuku district

Harajuku is actually very big...N there are so many nearby places i've yet explored like the famous Meiji Shrine, Omotesando area etc... will find a time to cover them on my future trips^^

Watch this space for my next sharing ^-^

2008-07-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

Gathering at Sweet Indulgence

Went to Sweet Indulgence Cafe last night with my dearest RG buddies for my belated birthday dinner gathering. Had originally planned to check out Basil Alcove at Middle Road but it's closed on Mondays~

Turned out we had a wonderful time at this petite cafe tucked away in a corner along Stanley Street^^

Front view of cafe

Love the bar counter's pretty black & red roses mosaic art~

Pretty empty on a Monday night...

Like the colourful art pieces deco along the wall^^

Early-birds - Me & Wan..

The rest of the gang came pretty soon too after work, except dear Von (& hub-to-be Bin) who's comin after their (wah..) appointment w Ted Wu..

From left: Ling, Wan & Lynn

Joanne, Me & Joan

Having read many good online reviews on this place, we are all set to try their signature dishes... whatwith the 25% discount off dinner menu for Citibank/OCBC card^^

Our starters~

Salmon Salad - not too bad, salmon is nice & fresh~

Sauteed Seafood Platter - scallops, prawns, mussels soaked in white wine~ *yummy*

Time for our main courses^^ We ordered most of the recommended must-tries - Braised Lamb Shank, Pacific Dory with Mashed Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms Spaghetti, Spicy Prawn Aglio Olio, Meat Penne in Tomato Sauce & Spaghetti Salmon & Mushroom. All reasonably priced (price range of $13.90 to $23.90) and really quite good i must say^-^

Our main course spread~

And Von finally came.. Group picture time^^

Dessert Time!

Poor thing for Von & Bin though, cos they didn't have dinner yet but by the time, dinner kitchen was closed.. Hence they shared dessert w us first~

Our sweet-ending choices^^

Warm Choco Lava Indulgence ($8.90) - really a must-try, super good^^

Tiramisu ($7.90) - being a tiramisu-lover, one of the best i've tried so far really..

Overall, really love the cosy ambience & food in this place.. N everyone had a good time catching up since the last gathering for Joan's birthday last month~

One of my recommended places for friends gatherings.. will definitely come back again ^-^

2008-07-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Visit to Little Part 1 Cafe

Went to Little Part 1 Cafe today with my sis - one of my favourite cosy cafe haunts near my house.. Am really loving where i stay for these lovely chill out places^-^

Front view of cafe - a hidden find to me, tucked away in the private housing estates near Thomson Plaza..

Good reviews aplenty~

Some pictures of their interior deco.. tiny space but really nicely done up^^ Real cosy ambience~

View of entrance from inside - nice quiet surroundings...

Interesting n delicious looking homemade gelato cart out front^^

Ice-cream galore~ *Yums*

Love how they beautify one side of the cafe w a lovely storyland-feel wall painting (doesn't the lamp-post remind you of the iconic one from the movie Narnia)..

Makes a really sweet backdrop for picture-taking hee^^

Back to our main agenda - food~ am bit *starved* after our sunday church service..

Like how they serve their ice water in this pretty water jug~

Their menu..

This being my 3rd visit, had tried most stuff on their menu.. my favourites include starters like cold tofu salad, signature buffalo wings, light meals like organic udon soup, & main courses in the like of fish n chips, beef stew etc.. They are also good for their fruit Sorbetto Soda, lovely organic floral n fruit tea concoctions (served in plungers), & original desserts like Pumpkin Yam n Citron Tea Yogurt.

Our drink choice - Ice mocha w vanilla ice-cream ($5.50).. all-time favourite~

My order this time - Little's Chicken Schnitzel ($13.90).. Love its parmesan cheesy taste n the homemade mashed potato that comes w it^^

My sis' wakame udon ($8.90) - she loves it too~

For some of you who haven't meet my sis, here's a pict of her.. (in one of my attempted artistic shots against the sun shining through the cafe's front entrance)

N yes the common question is how come we dun look alike.. well, she looks like my mum, n i look like my dad, so guess u can mayb figure how our parents look like..^0^

Am thankful for my sis, being one of my best pals in checking out my food places wish list.. Had good time sister bonding before a mere 5min walk home (love it when its near our house hee)^^

Backdoor view of Little Part 1 Cafe

More info on Little Part 1 Cafe~

2008-06-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

My Birthday Weekend 14~15 June 2008

Just to share some pretty pictures taken over this special weekend, where my dearest friends came together to celebrate for me ^-^

Part 1~ Dinner at TCC @ Keppel Island

Beautiful view of Keppel Bay

Birthday belles - combined celebration for me & my dear SQ buddy Jie Wei^^ Jie Wei's birthday falls on 8th June...

Group pic^^ From left: Yvonne, Me, Amalia & Jie Wei...

Our food spread~*Yummy*

Enjoying our feast ^-^

And Michelle finally came... chance for a bigger group pic^^

After dinner, we walked out to further explore this up&coming hangout place in southern Sg...

The scenery is really beautiful^-^ Just like how the online review describes - an "out-of-Singapore feel"...

Tried to capture some scenic photos below, but pity too dark... (shall pay another visit when sun is almost setting, shld be able to get prettier shots^^)

Interesting sail-like architecture~

Tried my best to capture w/o flash - posh yachts against the beautiful Caribbean condominum & the lovely illuminated Bridge...

Wanted to try out the Prive outdoor bar for drinks but it was so packed that we would have to wait for 30mins without reservation...

Decided to head to Vivocity and chose Baker's Inn for my birthday cake treat^-^ their strawberry shortcake is really delicious^^ (my lovely Baker's Inn photos will be posted soon...)

Part 2~ Had a sweet mini cell group celebration at Tampines IKEA the next day too^^

Loved the yummy mini Tiramisu birthday cake from Copthorne Orchid Hotel~

Just want to say a BIG 'thank you' to all my family in Christ below for praying for n blessing me on this special day...

Love u guys...^-^

2008-06-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Part 3 - Last pit-stop: Kuala Lumpur

JL660 (CAN-NRT) 04Jun (one-night stay at Tokyo)
JL723 (NRT-KUL) 05Jun

Had been looking forward to this 1 night stay in KL, being last pit-stop of my first-time, super tiring '8 legs within 7 days' pattern..

Reached KL about 9pm, was dead tired upon arrival at my 4/5-star suite at the Seri Pacific Hotel (Jalan Putra, KL):

View of the hotel lobby

My lovely suite, really comfy~

View of the Mall opposite my hotel which i wld usually go w other crew for our favourite Malaysian Kenny Rogers, Secret Recipe treats etc. Not much to shop there though...

Day 2, woke up bright & early. My senior wanted to stay in again so i went ahead for my day trip out to explore KLCC mall & the Petronas Twin Towers...

Breakfast at Mall's Chicken Hut before KLCC. i really love Malaysian's ayam (chicken) whenever i visit Malaysia. Ayam outlets are everywhere, yummy~

My Butter Chicken Rice set, super delicious~ (RM7=SG3plus)

Tried Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll for dessert (RM4.50=SG2plus). Saw the outlet in New York but first-time try in KL. Very nice^^

Street scene outside my hotel

Back to hotel. Hotel provides free shuttle bus to KLCC (but so sad one-way only so i wld have to find my way back myself).. Shots of the Petronas Twin Towers & KL Tower while on the shuttle bus...

Inside SURIA KLCC - a huge 6 storey mega shopping mall, that i don't believe can finish exploring in a day man..

Quite easy to lose your way so i find it quite useful to keep their so-called 'essential guide booklet' at hand..

Inside views of SURIA KLCC:

Shot of their interesting ceiling architecture

Me happy shopping around the mega mall ^-^

Quite sian after walking around a bit, nothing to buy..

Guess it's not Malaysian sale season afterall, or i'm just quite tired already after exploring different parts of Asia for the past 6 days ^^

Decided to catch a movie since i got quite some time before evening flight. Been wanting to watch the Narnia sequel: Prince Caspian...

The cinema theatres on Level 3

Quite crowded on a Friday afternoon

Thrilled to discover that its so much more affordable to catch movies in Malaysia!

Each ticket is only RM10=SG5plus (daily)~^^ if only everyday movie-going can be this cheap in Sg...

My ticket to Narnia~

Even their popcorn set is only like RM5.50=SG2plus. Bought it to enjoy with the movie hee

The movie was awesome! ^^

Next on to view the Petronas Twin Towers upclose in all its splendour:

Got to chat with a nice Malaysian lady who is working in Singapore but currently on vacation to visit her parents in KL..

She was so nice even treated me to the 'already-extinct-in-Sg' A&W's rootbeer float...

Our yummy rootbeer floats - so nostalgic~

Parted with her to get back to hotel & get ready for my flight show up at 7pm. Took a taxi back alone...

OK, my advice to my dear girl friends out there reading this is NEVER to take a taxi alone in Malaysia, it is supposedly VERY DANGEROUS. Heard many horror stories that cld have happened><

For my experience, the hindu driver was quite friendly. Even gave me advice on some should-visit places in KL, such as Batu Caves, cheap shopping at the SOGO, Pertama & Campbell Complex around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, and even cheap seafood at a place called Paradise Seafood along Jalan Conlay...

Think i was a little over-friendly chatting w the driver though. He actually offered to be my 'personal tour adviser' and ask me to leave him my contact number. Thankfully that was when i had reached my hotel & i quickly got off the cab..

Phew~

Actually, the true horror was more of the cab fare - came up to (my gosh) RM34.40= SG16plus for quite a short distance! Either it's to do w some new meter they installed (so i believe) or as the driver explained, the recent fuel price hike..

Food-stop at the Mall before night flight back home (JL722 KUL-SIN 06Jun)~

My favourite Kenny Rogers 1/4 chicken meal (only Malaysia's version comes in black pepper sauce, with a selection of 3 muffin flavours - vanilla, chocolate or banana). Costs RM18.90=SG9plus, actually not much cheaper than Sg's...

But very satisfying^^

2008-06-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Part 2 - First taste of Guangzhou

JL661 (NRT-CAN) 03Jun

My 2nd time to China, 1st time was like almost 9 years ago during Secondary 4 school trip to Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou...

Flight reaches Guangzhou about 1pm. Only 1 night stay, had to rush out for my day trip in all my attendant makeup & hairdo (so yup no photos of me hehe)^-^

My Guangzhou Hotel - China A Marriott Hotel

Seniors recommended taking a cab to town (about RMB20=SG4). But i discovered that the metro station is actually just outside the hotel. Super cheap~(RMB2=SG0.40)

Inside the train station (Yue Xiu Gong Yuan)

The metro ticket - an interesting round plastic token for scanning (not for keeps)

Waiting for the metro train to my destination 2 stops away (Gong Yuan Qian station)

Fellow crew's advice is to visit a famous shoppin stretch there called Beijing Lu...

At Gong Yuan Qian underground station, mega 3 storey shopping mall (Dong Man Xing Cheng). Very Far East Plaza like.

Quite tempted to go in but decided to visit Beijing Lu first...

Exit to Beijing Lu and MayFlower Plaza

Beijing Summer Olympics 2008 billboards/posters all around the station

Reach MayFlower Plaza, quite a typical multi-storey shopping mall, everything quite pricey so nothing much to see or buy...

There is a movie theatre on the top storey, so went to check out how much a movie ticket costs in China. Wah.. super expensive~ (about SG10plus)

Maybe that explains why the theatre is deserted...

Fellow crew mentioned one of Guangzhou's must-try - Xu Liu Shan's Mango Ball Cream Sago Dessert..

Was afraid i might not find it until... it just APPEARED right before my eyes as i stepped out of MayFlower Plaza towards Beijing Lu... heh so fated...

Desserts Galore... *Yummy*

My delicious Mango & Cream Sago with Grapefruit & Mango Juice Ball (RMB22=SG4.40)..

Really heavens~^-^

Went on to Beijing Lu...It's basically a very long, bustling shopping street, with some 2 level shops concealed into lanes on both sides of the main thoroughfare.

Some street scenes...

Passed by a (yes Coca-Cola sponsored) showcase of footpath relics dating back to ancient dynasties...

Open Plaza w Big Advert Screen - saw a touching advert to seek people's support for the Sichuan Earthquake victims. Didn't manage to catch it on film though..

Talking crows fascinating some passer-bys

Hungry, i started to look for an interesting place for lunch, wanted to try like Guangzhou roast or some sort (since i'm in Guangzhou afterall) but surprisingly not v easy to find (saw in some rundown backlane eateries, didn't dare to try)...

Finally chanced upon this lovely, very comfy-looking cafe/restaurant - Xian Zhong Lin:

And i went in without further thought after i saw they got 'swing' benches!

Super comfortable & soo much fun ^-^

Inside view of restaurant

Their menu:

Really love their drinks menu especially, soo many choices for tea concoctions, my favourite~ ^^ felt like trying everything...

Decided to try the small Rose Milk Tea (RMB22=SG4.40). Some very fragrant dried rose petals are used, so it tasted really nice ^-^

And its pink hee~

My main course - Teriyaki Chicken in Japanese paper pot set (RMB35=SG7plus). Looks quite good but taste ok only..

Dessert time - Frozen cheese balls in bread crumbs (RMB18=SG3plus). Interesting taste...

Really a very comfortable cafe/restaurant, great place to relax & 'swing' away, watching the world goes by Beijing Lu beneath ... will come back again ^-^

Felt quite sleepy after food, planned to go back to hotel early if i don't find any interesting thing to do...

Shops' stuff along Beijing Lu are rather expensive to me... Seemed like Guangzhou has nothing much to do/buy also, mainly eating i guess...

But the neon lightings are really pretty~

Seriously wanted to give up on my shopping ambition & head back to hotel, until i chanced upon this place called 'Ginza Fashion Plaza':

My gosh, the clothes are going like RMB50 to RMB100 (SG10 to 20)! Got some really Jap-kawaii designs too, happy~ Bought like 2 dresses here, less than SG30 hee..

So glad i didn't give up hope on shopping in Guangzhou^-^

Back to Yue Xiu Gong Yuan via Gong Yuan Qian Station, popped by the earlier-mentioned Dong Man Xing Cheng. Stuff like not v cheap too, until i chanced upon this one shop at the exit where they got some really pretty tops going for only RMB50 to RMB80! So i wld say there are good shops here but must hunt a bit..

Went back hotel to get ready for next morning's flight. Didn't sleep v early also hee, cos Guangzhou got so many fabulous chinese TV channels to watch! Watched a couple episodes of some (undubbed) Hong Kong drama serials ^^

Heard Guangzhou is also famous for cheap massages, but i didn't have time to try.. Maybe next time~

2008-06-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Finally... my revamped blog to share my travel stories & happenings ^-^

Enjoy...

My First Nagoya-Guangzhou-Kuala Lumpur Flight Pattern (May 30 ~ Jun 6)

Part 1 - First taste of Nagoya

JL603 (NRT-CAN) 01Jun
JL662 (CAN-NGO) 01Jun

2 nights stay at Nagoya. My first-ever Nagoya exploration began on the 2nd day...

View from my hotel - Comfort Hotel Nagoya

At the Chubu Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) Train Station

Hee, have to mention that the Centrair mascot is soo cute~ say hi to Foo Chan ^^

Taking the limited express train to my first stop - Nagoya's famous Atsuta-Jingu Shrine at Jingu-Mae Station via the Meitetsu Line (730yen, 28mins)

Outside Jingu-Mae Station

Entrance to Atsuta-Jingu Shrine - was raining quite heavily that day, not many tourists around. .

Took some photos around the sprawling compound which i didn't get to finish exploring:

One of Nagoya's famous local delicacies is grilled whole unagi (eel) in a box. This restaurant outside the shrine is recommended by my Japanese crew friend- wanted to try but pity was closed for dinner hours preparation, next time maybe...

After Atsuta-Jingu Shrine, went to explore the other parts of Nagoya via subway - Nagoya town and Osu Kannon temple/shopping arcade. Real sad that my camera battery died, can't take anymore photos liao.. T_T

At Nagoya town - ate lunch at the foodstreet along the ESCA (Shopping Ave) at basement of Nagoya JR Station:

Yoshida's yummy kishimen (flat Japanese wheat noodles)(600yen)

Murayama Osuuiro Cafe's Ogura tosuto (toast with red bean filling)(480yen) for dessert

Nagoya's other famous local delicacies include miso katsu (pork cutlet), miso udon, tenmusu (tempura rice ball), kashiwa dishes, which I will definitely try on my next trip^^

Went on to Osu Kannon temple/shopping arcade via subway - Wonderful discovery!

The Osu Kannon Temple is quite interesting...

Osu Shopping Arcade comprises of parallel streets of interesting shops, reminds me of Osaka's Shinsaibashi area...

There's a 2nd-hand clothes shop that sells clothes like 1~3yen/gram, a 2-level small dept selling a wide selection/price range of yukata (summer kimono), etc... shopping paradise ^-^

Shall go to Fushimi & Sakae, the 2 other main places in Nagoya I've yet visit (supposedly popular for shopping & night-life), plus the famous Nagoya Castle on my next trip...

-Sidenote-

Really sad that i left my dear Eeyore plushtoy at the Nagoya hotel lor...
*sob*
Hope i can find it back one day, like maybe the hotel staff kept it for me til my next flight there...