Showing posts with label travels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travels. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Taipei #ootd #wiwt

Followed my husband for his Taipei work trip a few weeks ago (16 Sept - 20 Sept). This was probably the shortest trip I have ever made. But it was enjoyable nontheless, because I got to spend time with the husband and also have some me-time to myself while he was out at work.

This trip was much needed (even though I just got back from a 1001 trips this year), because it was a respite for me. These days, I'm gradually starting to dread work, and feel so mentally and physically drained out because of work. Now that I am back, I'm not much better but.... I think its slightly better than before I went on this trip.

Despite having gone to Taipei for so many times, I find myself learning new things every time I go. This trip, I learnt ......

1. Beside Chia Te, there's other better pineapple tarts. Was staying at Le Meridien this time, and they offered 2 Chocoart pineapple tarts. They were chocolate pineapple tarts. Love it on my first bite! I love it so much that I had to buy a box of it back. They were pretty costly as compared to Chia Te, probably about SGD $20+ for a box of 8 (after the discounts).

2. Second thing I learnt, was Taiwan's bottled Panna Cotta. Panna Cotta is an italian dessert of sweetened cream thickened with gelatine. I've seen Panna Cotta around in Singapore, but I've never gotten down to trying it because it doesn't look really appetizing to me. This time in Taipei, I only got down to trying it because they were giving out free samples while I was walking around the supermarket. It was also love on my first bite. So milky..so creamy, but so smooth. And it was in a bottled form which made it very convenient to eat and walk around. They cost about TWD$60-$70. Not sure if the panna cotta is a new rage in Taipei because I don't remember seeing them previously. Now, they are all selling at those bakery, desserts counters. Can easily find them either in Supermarkets, dessert counters at Sogos.

This trip was a foodie trip to me, because everything I bought back was food! I bet I put on a few kilos after this trip.

Because this trip was a pretty rushed and short trip, we did not get to explore Taipei or outside of Taipei. But was really appreciative of the husband, who didn't mind going to night markets with me after his work. Big big kisses and hugs to him!

As we didn't go sightseeing, we did not manage to take many pictures/couple pictures. So here's my #ootd #wiwt pictures from my Taiwan trip.

Taipei City Hall MRT

Top: Ms Selfridge (years ago, but never got round to wearing it)
Shorts: factorie
Shoes: New balance (a present from the husband!)
Bag: Furla 


In front of Breeze Mall (at Taipei City Hall)

Dress: from taobao.com
Shoes: Charles & Keith
Bag: Furla 

In front of eslite mall (at Taipei City Hall)
Top: Fayth Label
Skirt: taobao.com
Shoes: New Balance
Bag: Furla

Xi Men Ding
Dress: Topshop (London)
Shoes: random shop at Xi Men Ding 

Tao Yuan Airport
Outer dress: mds 
Inner white top: Agneselle 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Travelogue: Hong Kong (6 Aug 2015-9 Aug 2015)

Been wanting to update this space, but recently I have been too caught up with watching my Kdrama. You see, every day, I only have about 2 hours of free time to myself. I reach home from work at about 730pm. After eating my dinner and bathing, it would probably be about 830pm on good days, and to bed by 1030pm. So time is really precious!

So anyways, was in Hong Kong on 6 Aug- 9 Aug, during the long long weekend. Bought the tickets when the government announced that it would be a public holiday on the 7th Aug, in view of the national celebration of our 50 Jubilee years. So I rushed to the website immediately and snapped up 2 tickets to Hong Kong, before any price hike! The husband and I were deciding whether to go Hong Kong or Taiwan, but we chose to go Hong Kong in the end, because it had been about 5 years since he went there. Biggest regret of 2015; too hot, and too crowded and too fast paced. I felt like I could suffocate to death anytime. 


We stayed in Standford Hotel which was "conveniently" located at Mong Kok, but it was not so convenient after all. It took us about 10-15 minutes to reach our hotel from the MTR station. Imagine us lugging our luggages and wrestled our ways to our hotel, fighting the crowd.

The hotel was pretty value for money. The only grouse I had with it was that it was too far away from the MTR. The room was decent, and it was not tiny-ly small like other hotels in Hong Kong. There was space for 2 medium size luggages, and still plenty of space to walk around for the both of us. If you are claustrophobic like me, you can consider Standford Hotel. 


After depositing our luggages, we wasted no time in finding food to fill up our tummies! But first, let me take a picture of myself! :) 




We initially wanted to eat at Tsui Wah, but we combed the streets of Mong Kok, but couldn't find any! (we later passed by so many branches in Mong Kok!) 
We couldnt stand the heat and the hunger anymore, so we settled for some Cha Chan Teng.

This was the husband's beef fried rice, which tasted pretty alright. Mine was Char Siew Rice, which was extremely disappointing. I did not even bother to take any pictures of it. 


After lunch, we chanced upon Yee Shun Milk Company which was supposedly famous for its milk pudding. We ordered one original one to share, but we both disliked it. Eews. 


Next up was 許留山 which I had almost every single day.Really is #fatdieme.
It was a must to have it everyday, to combat the heat in Hong Kong. 


We roamed around, combing the shopping malls in Mong Kok. There was no specific agenda during this trip. We just walked, eat, and shopped at whichever mall we could find. 

During my previous trip in 2013, I enjoyed shopping at Mong Kok Argyle Center. Bought many clothings for work and also casual so we decided to go there again.

Disappointing. Nothing much to buy. 

But I managed to find this popular must-go shop at Argyle Center, 百味食品 . It was like a packet of cold noodles, and you can choose your own toppings to add to the cold noodle. Think I chose quai eggs, corn, and I dont know what else. Not exactly cheap in my opinion. Taste-wise, it tasted weird as as all the ingredients were cold. I ate a few bites and threw the rest away. Don't understand what the rave was about. 


We ended the day taking my #ootd #wiwt for the day. 
Good shots by the husband! Totally captured the neonlights of Hong Kong and depicted the fast-paced of Hong Kong.



After a good rest, we went for a hearty, but stressful breakfast at Australia Diary Company. If you can't read chinese, I would advise you not to patronize this shop. The waiters here, were the most unfriendly, hostile and impatient lot. Probably because the business was soo good. Do not be deterred by the long queues, it probably only took us about 15 minutes to get a seat. 

We were pretty sure what we wanted to order, until the waiter came along and confused us. So we went along with what he wanted us to order. and here it was. 

Ham and macaroni, toast and fluffy scrambled eggs, french toast and 2 cups of milk tea (one of which we did not recieve, but paid anyhows, because we were too afraid to approach the waiters. haha). It was too much for us, but we tried our best to finish it. 

The scrambled eggs were the nicest, I think, according to the husband.







Next up, was tea-break at Harbourcity. Ever since we fell in love with IIao IIao, I have been on the search for yummy yogurt. Googled, and it was said that we have to try Smile Yoghurt. Can't remember what I chose, but I think it was some banana chocolate and I would say, it was quite nice, but the husband preferred IIao IIao. 


Next up, was Mak's noodle. We went to the causeway branch's but they have several branches around Hong Kong. There was one just next to Austrailian Dairy Company. In my opinion, Mak's noodle is a MUST TRY. I fell in love on the first bite! The broth was so flavourful and the noodles were so QQ. 

Although there is a branch in SG, I think they don't taste as nice as the one in Hong Kong. 




Took my #ootd #wiwt at several random places. The husband is getting good huh. 




I can't stand this Hong Kong Travelogue, it seems like everything is about food food and more food!

In 2013 when I came to Hong Kong with the bestie, we chanced upon this cafe( oops. I can't rmb the name now! Check my Hong Kong post in 2013)

In my opinion, I think they serve the nicest Char Siew. There was also a promotion for half a chicken, and of course we got that as well. Can't remember how much we spent in the cafe, but it was really affordable.



After dinner, we went to Tsim Tsa Tsui's Victoria Harbour to look at the night view.
Pardon the not-so-clear photo Took this using my iphone. 


On our third day, we woke up bright and early for breakfast at Lan Fong Yuen
They only open at 1030am, and when we arrived before 1030am, there was already a queue forming. Shows how popular the cafe is!

Reviews said that the Pork Bun was good and so we ordered it. Didn't disappoint but portion was pretty small though. I finished it in a few mouthfuls and was still craving for more!



Then it was shopping again and finding more spots for #ootd #wiwt. Because it was our country's Jubilee Birthday weekend, of course I had to pose with a book about Singapore. 




Because I was really really enjoyed my lunch at Mak's Noodle, we decided to have wanton noodle again for lunch, but this time at Ho Hung Kee at Causeway bay, Hsyan Place. This is a 1 Michelin star restaurant. 

We ordered the wanton noodles each, and some dim sum (which we regret), but the wanton noodles was still very very yums!


After lunch dessert was Oddie Foodies 鸡蛋仔 and ice-cream. Be warned that this shop is pretty far away from the MTR station. We walked for probably 15-20 minutes under the BIG HOT SUMMER sun before reaching. 

Love the 鸡蛋仔 in Hong Kong, because they are so crispy on the outside and so soft in the inside, totally unlike Singapore's. Looking at this picture now makes me want to go back to Hong Kong, for the 鸡蛋仔!


It was not uncommon for us to head back to the hotel in the afternoon for a good shower, because we kept perspiring under the hot sun. 

We rested in the hotel for a while, and then had a change of clothes to head to Lan Kwai Fong. Both of us have been to Hong Kong before, but we had never visited Lan Kwai Fong at night before. 

This was probably the only couple picture we had in Hong Kong. The rest were just food and my ootd pictures. Haha. 


#ootd #wiwt while trying to locate Honolulu Cafe for our dinner. 


We wanted to visit Honolulu Cafe for their egg tarts, but they were already all sold out when we reached. Such a mood-spoiler! 

But we stayed on for dinner because we were too tired to look for other cafes for dinner. Cash was also running out so we needed cheap meals to fill our stomach!

Can't remember what we ordered but it was nothing to be raved about, honestly. 




On our final day, we took it slow and tried to avoid the sun as much as possible, because I didn't want to be sticky and disgusting for our flight at night. 

Alright, this has been a pretty long post, and I shall end it here with my #ootd and some profile shots that the husband has taken. 





Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Pre-Honeymoon in Bali

Let me tell you how we had decided on the date of our special day. 
Many months ago, I had a $100 voucher from Jetstar because I had written in  complaint about their lousy internet booking interface and their lousy customer service! So they offered me the $100 voucher to compensate for the not so pleasant booking experience with them. 

And with the $100 voucher, we booked a trip for 2 to Bali to celebrate our 2 years anniversary. 

So, while deciding the date of our ROM, I cleverly suggested to have our ROM on 24th February 2014 as we were supposed to fly off to Bali on 25th February for the Bali trip that we had booked months earlier. Hence, this Bali trip felt like a pre-honeymoon for us (me at least).

The morning of our flight at 5am.

We arrived in Bali after a 3 hours flight and we were greeted with Balinese architectures. The airport was so..... Balinese.
So anyway, our airport transfer chauffeur came and brought us to the hotel! 
We were super looking forward to our hotel because it was the first time that we were going to stay in a villa, with a private pool to our own! (But the pool was really underused in the end) 

We reached Bali at about 10am so our room was not ready when we reach there, hence we went to the hotel restaurant for our breakfast! The hotel's restaurant menu was pretty limited, but we were pleasantly surprised that the food was pretty affordable, leaning towards the cheap side!








And so, this was the surrounding of the hotel. The main public pool which we spent most of our times here, not in our private pool. 


And our villa!

This villa was actually very special to us, because the villa number was 24! And it was the day of our special day! <3






And of course we couldn't wait to jump straight into the pool! This was probably the only time when we swam in our own private pool!



I swam...


 And he sun tanned! 


After the swim, we took a 2 hour nap because we were so tired from our morning flight. And we woke up, it was time for dinner!
I honestly love how relaxed and carefree we were, not needing to care about time at all. 


The husband did his research, and he suggested to go to Naughty Nuri's for dinner. Naughty Nuri's is famous for their pork ribs. 


A hungry man is a grouchy man. 



The husband's pork ribs. 


Being a selective pork eater, I chose chicken chop which was very delicious as well. 


And after dinner desserts; I ordered brownies and I was disappointed. It tasted more like a dry cake than brownie :( 


Nevertheless, happy with my dinner and the quality time we spent together. 


Outside Naughty Nuri's where we used our selfie pod to attempt to take some selfies!


After dinner, we retreated back to our villa to have more not-so-quality time (playing on our own ipads). 

The next day we woke up early to go for our breakfast!
Loving this picture of us, cos we looked so fresh and recharged (and pretty, teehee)!




Breakfast was at Seminyak Square which was about 5-10mins drive away from our villa. And we settled for our breakfast at a cafe (which I don't know the name). 



For some reason that day, I was craving for some Thai food, and I ordered Tom Yum Goong together with a class of lemonade. 

Very salty, but managed to satisfy my craving. 


The boring husband ordered his eggs benedict.

And how can I leave the cafe without ordering some desserts. I ordered my all time favourite, molten lava cake and it was nice!


A happy newly-wed enjoying their pre/unofficial honeymoon :) 


And no prize for guessing what we did after our breakfast! 

We went back to our villa to swim again! 


and then snuggle up in bed with each other after the swim!


In the evening, we asked our driver to come pick us up to bring us to around Bali.
And he brought us to Uluwatu to catch the beautiful sunset!



Can you spot the temple? (it looks like a little tree in the top right hand corner of the picture!)





More pictures of the beautiful place.














And more selfies using our selfie pod!
Amazing invention I must say!
The pictures looked really pretty!





Almost sunset!

And more selfies!
And it was also an upsetting experience cos I lost my beloved Rayban sunglasses there. I was feeling too uncomfortable with the heat when we were taking selfies so I took it out of my face and left it on either my lap or the floor. 
And we went on to catch the sunrise, I totally forgot to bring it along with me. Major sigh.




See see see, no more sunglasses!









Beautiful sight.
Even monkeys have emo moments!










After watching the partial sunset (the heat was getting too unbearable), we proceeded to Jimbaran Bay for seafood dinner. 

We were really lucky because the waitress gave us a VIP seating (sort of), she sat us down at the first row, directly facing the beautiful sea. And so, we managed to catch the full sunset after all. 







And we had a really crazy 1,000,000 Rupiah seafood dinner, which was only so-so. In my honest opinion, it wasn't worth 1,000,00Rup at all :( But for the experience, maybe yes.

The next day, which was also the most adventurous day of the bali trip, we went out to the sea, for some WATER SPORTS!
We went to Nusa Dua and paid about SGD$200+  for flying fish, snorkelling, jetski and para-sailing for 2 person. We spent about 3 hours there and were deadbeat by the time we ended all the water sports. But both of us LOVED it. 
Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures when we were doing the water sports.

After our water sports activity, our driver also took us around Ubud to tour around the artsy fartsy place. 
We went to look at wood sculpting, painting, and batik clothes making. We are not the kind who will appreciate art, but all for experience! 







For dinner, the husband brought me to the most amazing place I've ever been; Ultimo Italian Restaurant!
I had one of the best seafood pasta I've ever tasted. And what made it better was that it was so affordable. Definitely will not be able to find the same standard of food with that price in Singapore!

We had wanted to return the next day for lunch, but we were disappointed when we realised that they were only opened for dinner. 



Hehe, some things never change. My choice of dessert, anytime, anywhere!

The last day of our Bali trip, we did mostly nothing. Just to Seminyak Square to buy Haviannas slippers for our family because they were much cheaper. 

The last day of our Bali trip, was also the day of our 2nd anniversary.
And we had arranged for a private candlelit dinner in our villa. 
Also our first candlelit dinner.

That was how we spent the last night of our trip and our 2nd years anniversary. 
Simple, but sweet :) 


Selfie pod at work again! 













And this concludes our pre-honeymoon trip and now, its time to come back to face married life! :) 
And to many more great years with the husband  <3