MIA for the time being

For the past 4 month, I was so busy with office work that I don't want to on the laptop after work.
So many things happen in the past 4 month, that I don't have the mood to write too.

Jan - My direct boss and senior got into a car accident, the passing of my direct boss and senior in the hospital. CNY celebration and direct boss wake's to attend.

Feb - Trip to BKK with family relatives

Mar - Trip to BKK with friends, planning for June trip with Sun

Apr - Korean boss getting marry, dinner with vendor, the passing of colleague's father and looking for new colleague's (although none of my business, but it will help us since we had been shorted handed for the last 3months).

I think I have no choice but to stop writing for the time being.
BUT I WILL COME BACK

Yahoo - Your Guide to Long Weekends in 2017 !

Till now, I can't believe that year 2016 is ending in 2 weeks time.
It feels like I didn't do much and this year is going to end soon
Although I was happy that I had the chance to travel to a few places, really do think that the year has past too fast.
Since I can't change the fact that year 2016 is ending, I should just go ahead and plan for year 2017
There are some guides where it can give some tips
Pls see more on website - http://travelinspirations.yahoo.com/post/154198020776/your-guide-to-long-weekends-in-2017  - or else can just scroll down to read on


Your Guide to Long Weekends in 2017 ! 
We love holidays and long weekends, because that means we have more time rest and recharge! 2017 is just around the corner and there are a total of 11 long weekends to look forward to!

Check out our guide to maximize your long weekends in 2017 - these are the places that should be your to-go list for next year, if they aren't already. Travel in style and convenience with Changi Recommends. Whether you are on business or vacation, you deserve a fuss free experience. No matter if you're travelling alone, with a partner or in a group, get overseas airport transfers to save time and trouble.

Don't forget your ChangiWIFI too! With affordable daily rental rate starting from just S$5, you can stay connected to your loved ones, post envy-inducing photos online, find haunts off the beaten track and enjoy your trip worry-free.

Happy New Year - Jakarta 

Ring in the New Year in style in Jakarta, with its incredible party scene and nightlife. If you like a more laid-back drinking scene, nestle yourself in one of the many bars along Jalan Jaska, the backpacker area known for its chill vibes. Those who like to see and be seen should check out legendary clubs such as X2, Immigrant and Dragonfly.

For couples or families who prefer some quite time, a weekend at the Thousand Islands will do the trick. The marine conservation area is home to countless species of fishes, turtles and birds, and makes for romantic countdown with your significant other, or a family-friendly retreat. Jakarta is just a short flight away, so you don't have to start the New Year jet lagged from all the travelling.

Chines New Year - Hanoi

Did you know the Vietnamese celebrate the Lunar New Year too? Be prepared to feast on traditional Vietnamese traditional dishes such as Banh Chung, the Vietnamese take on sticky rice, and Thit Bo Kho Que, a cinnamon braised beef dish. These traditional foods are homely, comforting and both familiar and exotic to the Asian Palette. Also, check out the Hanoi Old Quarter for an authentic taste of Vietnam-beautiful colonial buildings, street vendors peddling snacks and ware plus narrow shop houses selling everything from intricate silk items to foodstuff.

Good Friday (Happy Easter) - Penang

Easter is a time for hunting down treats, and you can bet tasty treats are plentiful in Penang. With its sunny skies, cultural sights and cheap yet and delicious meals at every turn, Penang is perfect for those who are feeling a little stifled in Singapore and are in the mood for some adventures.

For those who love cafe-hopping, spend a whole day doing just this. On our list: Huey and Wah, famed for their homemade marshmallows; The Alley, located near the famous Goddess of Mercy temple, and for must-try churros; Pik Nik, housed in a shophouse full of antiques and hipster find, with delicious waffle-burgers.        

Labour Day - Taipei

Just a five-houe flight away from Singapore, delcious Taiwanese snacks, amazing shopping and tranquil nature awaits. A three-day trip is just about enough to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Taipei.

Families will enjoy Leofoo Village, the first fantasy theme park in Asia, which has more than 30 exciting rides and a safari xoo, so everyone will have something fun to do.

If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy delicious outings, head on over to World's Chocolate Wonderland. Every Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fan will have an amazing time here, tasting chocolates, learning how to make their own and looking at the chocolate displays of Sci-Fi characters, couture dresses and iconic buildings.

Can't decide on what to do, with so little time and so much to experience? A private on what to do, with so little time and so much to experience? A private chartered tour is your answer. The curated, flexible itinerary will allow you to see Taiwan just the way you like, for an unforgettable and fuss-free experience.

Selamat Hari Raya Puasa - Hong Kong 

Shopping and eating never gets old, and definitely not in Hong Kong. With its vibrant night markets to high-end malls, and traditional restaurants and bakeries at every turn, there's never a dull moment. You can plan a whole trip simply around what to eat. Here's a basic checklist: beef brisket noodles, dim sum, egg tarts, congee, milk pudding, macaroni soup, French toast, milk tea ... Fashionistas should approach the Argyle Centre ready with cash since most shops accept cash only and be prepared to leave with lots of shopping bags. Other must-see areas include the Goldfish Market and Woman's Street.

When in Hong Kong, never miss a trip up to the Ngong Ping (above) for its panoramic views and cable car ride. Families and friends would also want to head to Ocean Park, where everyone is bound to have blast. Pre-book your tickets to these attractions and more for guaranteed access and lower prices!

Get on the ride of your life at Ocean Park.

Selamat Hari Raya Haji - Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a shopping haven for those in the know. With its endless streets of shops that sell anything from fluffy socks to smart blazers, shopaholics will rejoice on a trip here. Pedestrian Street is particularly known for trendy, affordable buys that rival those in cheap shopping mecca Bangkok. Dumplings, soupy noodles and congee are popular items in Guangzhou, so you never have to worry about unfulfilled cravings for Asian food during your time here. Those who like to be in nature should take a cable ride to the top of BaiYun mountain and make an easy hike down. At the base of the mountain, you will find a market popular with locals, which sells everything from dried crickets to fresh fruits and home-made honey.

Merry Christmas - Bangkok 

White Christmases may be the 'dream', but sometimes we just don't have the time or dough to fly across the world for a short break. Instead, we love Bangkok for the locals' welcoming smiles, the fantastic shopping offers available all year round, and the spicy, palette-cleansing dishes such as tom yum soup, and spicy papaya salad, which are a welcome change from roast meats, log cakes and other festive Christmas dishes. The fact that you can re-haul your whole wardrobe for a fraction of the price in Singapore is also a major draw. After all, it's Christmas and you deserve to treat yourself.

Kickstart your 2017 holiday planning today !!      

As tour guide

I like to give my salute to all the tour guide.
To bring people around, keep people entertain while settling issue and fix problems of the tour.
I never know that the job of a tour guide is so tiring (both mentally and physically)

Last month, I was in Bangkok on my company trip as an organiser.
Before the trip, I had arranged the air ticket and the accommodation, making sure that all booking are fix and just wait to depart. I wasn't sure what to expect as it was my first time organising for a big group (for 24 people).

I was lucky as there was someone else to help me with the booking of the transportation and the local tour on the second day (including the meals for second day). Meals is also a painful issue as there are muslin in the group and understand that is quite difficult to find muslin restaurant as normally Thai mainly eat pork.

First day due to my Chinese colleagues need to do visa on arrival, the rest of 22 people has to wait 2 hrs for them to clear custom. While waiting, have to entertain them, figure out where is the transportation waiting for us.

Because was free and easy for the first day, I don't have to plan anything for them after helping them to do check in.

On the second day as there's a local guide to lead us to all our destination, thought will be as tiring as yesterday. However, I was still the in charge of the group therefore need to do headcount every time we head to a new location. It was happy that we were able to finish the whole trip by 8pm. Thought finally able to get some rest but kept wanting to vomiting, wasn't able to rest as much as I wanted. Think gotten food poisoning and the worse part is, I wasn't the only one. There were a few other people too like gotten food poisoning.

Because I'm already like that, the third day I wasn't able to do much. But luckily the third day was free and easy, we only need to make sure all of them get to the airport and board that plane back to Singapore.

Even though I had to go to work the next day, I wasn't able to get out of the bed (because of the food poisoning), Most of them was able to go to work on time, I really need to salute them too. If there is a next time, I don't want to do it again.
 




  

Work Hard, Play Hard

Earlier this year, I had placed my booking for this trip
Actually last minute I was asked to go once in July, I thought of canceling this trip.
When I called up the airline, they feedback that there is a need to pay for a cancellation fee,
so instead of cancelling the whole trip, I choose to shorten the trip.

However as month past, stress level receive at work gotten larger and larger,
I know that I need to 'get away' for a while or else I don't know when will I break down.
So I change my air ticket again, change back to the original.

The main point of this trip was to "find myself back" to the correct mind toward my work.
There is this phase that I love - work hard, play hard. 
If you only know how to work but don''t know how to relax yourself,
you won't be able to push yourself as far as you think.

For the whole week, I was alone most of the time but I don't feel bored at all.
I wake up as I like.
I eat when I feel like.
I go back to rest when I want to.
I don't need to explain to people where are we.
I feel more free and relax.

So I did not do any itinerary at all.
I only think of it the day before, what should I do the next day.
Only went to 2 -3 places per day and the rest of the day will just relax at a nice cafe
Seeing the people walking around and think about my own future.

I don't feel that spending the day like that is a waste,
I need this to relax my brain and empty everything out,
So I can throw all the stress that are blocking my view,
To have a better view of which route could take me to a better future.

Now that I'm back,
It's time for me to face the route that I chose.
Although I don't want to regret choosing the route I choose,
But even if I regret, it's a route that I choose and I believe it will give me good experience

Thought for month of Oct

I'm currently in Korea
Reflecting the work I had done in the current company for the past year and also the near future.

For the past one year in the current company,
I have not been careful enough with my work and sometime there is mistake to my work
With my lack of knowledge on logistics, I really do think I won't be of a help to the department.

Therefore when my boss asked me if I'm interested to take up the sale support role,
I do think that I need to sit down and really think if it should change or continue what I'm doing now since my boss is giving me a chance.

They let me try out the sale support job for the past few month and I do think I have no problem doing this job, just that senior sale manager is a very careful person. As long as i'm careful and able to submit the report on time (the deadline for the reports are super shorts).

Which also means that I have been doing both logistics and sale support job for the past few month. It also push the stress level up to a max. Almost every night, I had to do overtime to finish today job. I even had to bring work back home.

At first to said I only need to give an answer which one I want to do but now they already asked me to get ready and give them an answer soon as they want to do budget planning for next years. Although is abit shock that they want me to give an answer so much sooner but maybw is a good thing, like that I can have some thing to be remove from my mind.

Because I was unable to be firm with my answer, I went asking around what should I choose better. Friends will ask to choose something that I will like more, which is the problem as I quite like both just that I don't have background knowledge. Family else they all prefer that I choose sale support role.

Since now I'm heading back soon, I have to fix my mind and go ahead with what I had decided to do.
Need to manger my timing better. And be more careful with the things I do.

Article - 12 Singaporean cafes $12 below

Quite sad I noticed this article abit too late, hope these cafe are still around for me to try out !!!

Article taken from - http://sethlui.com/12-singaporean-cafes-below-12/



Cafe hopping can be a very expensive hobby - but it doesn't always have to be that way. Enjoy the genuine cafe experience with authentic cafe food for only a fraction of the cost.

To meet the budget, I can only recommend at most one or two dishes at each place. However, be rest assured that each and every dish here has been careful chosen to be worth your trip down. In the words of Bruno Mars, don't believe me just watch. I dare say you will not regret cafe-hopping with this list.

1. Hatter Street

What I especially like is the batter they use, and how perfectly crisp they make it. When you cut into the waffle, the buttery aroma fills the air and you can taste the butter subtly melting it in your mouth.

The Whoa-ffles! ($8.90) here come with 3 different types of ice cream; Vanilla bean with Salted Caramel Sauce, Pandan with Gula Melaka and Homemade Chocolate ice cream with Chocolate sauce. The serving of each waffle is just nice for one person. Students get 10% off here when they show their card, so come down with friends after school to check this place out.

Address : 212 Hougang street 2, Singapore 530212 | www.hatterstreet.com | Opening hours : Tues - Sun : 1-10pm

2. Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

It is very hard to find decent cheap churros in Singapore. The only one that really comes close is Churrosity @ Holland and there was so much outcry when Spanish Donuts @ OC was closed. Well now, you can get Churros ($10) right here in the east at Caftsmen!

They present it rather differently here, cut up and served in an ice cold dip of vanilla ice cream, dusted with sugar in a light chocolate drizzle. That way, the dessert does not get too jelak with ice cream between churro bites. The place has not caught as much traction yet and is mostly frequented by residents, so make your way here before it becomes too popular.

Address : #01-01, Siglap V, 2 First Street, Singapore 458278 | Opening hours : Mon- Thurs, Sun : 8.30am - 8.30pm and Fri & Sat : 8.30am - 9.30pm

3. Drury Lane

Eggs poached soft and runny in the middle, served on top of candied bacon with a hint rocket for only $12. I get goosebumps thinking about how the honey glaze from the bacon melts with the hollandaise sauce to give that sweet and savoury after taste.

The bacon is what elevates the eggs benedict to a whole new level. Do try to avoid driving here though, parking is really hard to find in the Tanjong pagar district.


Address : 94 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088515 | Tel: 6222 6698 | Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Fri: 9am - 10pm & Sat,Sun : 10am - 6pm

4. Oblong

Oblong is located in Serangoon Gardens, just behind myvillage@Serangoon Gardens. It is rather remote so if you might prefer driving in when coming. I always like to come here after a meal at Chomp Chomp.

The waffles come in three variants; Matcha, rED Velvet and Charcoal. Enjoy the set meal of one waffle + ice cream + gourmet coffee (includes lattes like green tea) for only $10.

You can choose to have your waffle served with either cream cheese or their butterscotch / chocolate sauce. Be sure to come here with friends for desserts on weekdays or even supper on weekends. They close at 12pm on weekdays and 2am on weekends. It is an awesome supper place.

Address : #B1-07, Balmoral Plaza, 10 Maju Avenue, Singapore 259708 | Opening hours : Mon-Thrus: 12pm to 12am and Fri,Sat : 12pm - 2.30am

5. Saveur 

Source: equinox.com

I love saveur because it brings you exposure to authentic French cuisine for only a mere fraction of the price. Bored of having your carbs as bread/pasta/rice? Try the Pork Belly ($10.90). It dines't say much but the presentation is superb. A slow cooked piece of three layered pork atop a sea of baked green beans topped off with a few egg to bring the real European experience across.

The Duck Confiti ($12.90, sadly above the budget), Chicken Roulade ($10.90) are as good and while the servings may not look like much, rest assured you will be full and happy leaving this place.

Address: 5 Purvis Street #01-04, 188584 (Bugis) and 14 Scotts Road, #01-07B Far Eat Plaza, 228213 (Orchard Outlet) | http://www.saveur.sg | Opening Hours : Mon-Sat : 12am-2.30am and 6pm-9.30pm
6. Togather cafe
While the menu at this place can be rather limited, they offer a lot of decent western food for mostly below ten dollars. Together does not skimp on their portions too so this one of the few cafes I would not mind having lunch at.

However, the real steal here are their lava cakes - which go at only 4.90 per piece!! (6.90 with a scoop of vanilla gelato) I like their matcha lava best, it has a rich and intense kick which sends you straight to matcha heaven but that's not to say the chocolate lava isn't as good either.

Address: 84 Bedok North street 4 #01-25/27 Singapore 460084 | http://www.togethercafe.com.sg | Opening hours: Tues- Thurs, Sun : 11am - 10pm and Fri,Sat : 11am - 11pm

7. Knuckles

Source: Suchafatty.com

Before I visited Knuckles, I never knew pork knuckles actually had German origin. Try the difference from the regular Chinese three-layer pork. The authentic German pork knuckles ($10) are served with sauerkraut )fermented shredded cabbage) for contrast and tonality to flavour. In fact, most of their menu is well below $12 and they do not charge any GST/service-charge.

If you are here with a friend, share a basket of truffle fries ($6) between the two of you. Skinny fries with truffle oil topped off with a nice serving of parmesan cheese, just the way I like it.

Address : Blk 212 Hougang street 21, #01-34, Singapore 530212

8. 49 Seats

I normally scoff at people who order pastas at cafes cause i find them ridiculously overpriced. 49 seats is worth this special pardon because it is so damn good and value-for-money.

The cream based pasts is light yet thick, it beats Pastamania's creamy chicken by a long shot. What normally goes wrong is that chefs use too much sour cream/pasta sauce, causing the dish to be super je-lak and unappetising. This is definitely not the case here.

There is literally a promotion for everyone for lunch at their OC outlet, the Seafood Marinara/ Fish & Chips is going at only $10. From 3-5pm, students get a free upgrade of soup + drink with every main course.

And the best deal is for all the night owls out there; From 10p, all pastas are $10, 11pm chicken order become $11 and at 12am elfish dishes are $12. To be honest, Cannot even figure how is this place still even earning a profit. Endlessly better than mainstream pasta brands, please do pay them a visit the next time you are in town.

Address : 49 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089007 (Outram/Chinatown outlet) | Opening hours: Mon-Thurs : 6pm to 2am and Fri,Sat : 6pm - 4.30am | #08-08, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road (OC Outlet)

9. Chockfull of beans

This place is also very famous for its latte art. On weekdays, when the chef is not as busy, you can even request what you get. Maybe a teddy bear, Hello kitty, Hamtaro? I recommend the eggs benedict here at $12. A very safe, standard version - poached eggs served on a thick slice of bread with salad tossed to the side.

Chockfull has a very relaxed vibe for you to chill your afternoons away. A great place for sates with the latte-art as a good conversational starter, and its not too taxing on your wallet too-everything here is nett price.

Address : Blk 4 Changi Village Road #01-2090, Singapore 500004 | Tel: 62148839 | http://www.chockfullofbeans.com.sg | Opening hours : Tues - Fri: 11am - 10pm and Sat, Sun : 9am - 11pm
10. Penny University

Source: weekendcheoks.wordpress.com

One of the rare places that actually offer an Eggs Atlantic for only $12 (which means smoked salmon instead of ham!!). The Salmon + Poached eggs + hollandaise sauce go beautifully together as they melt in your mouth.

They have a small seating capacity so I try to come here earlier in the day. Although the kitchen closes at 5pm, Penny University is one of the few cafes that open very early at 8.30/8AM for you to enjoy a good hearty breakfast here to start off your day.

Address : 402 East Coast Road, Singapore 428997 | http://www.pennyuni.com | tel: 6345 9055 | Opening hours : Mon- Thurs: 8am - 6pm, Fri &Sat : 8.30am - 12am and Sun : 8.30am - 9pm

11. On the Table
I stumbled upon this place at Pasir Panjang while I here was for an interview and was pleasantly surprised to find a weekday lunch crowd. It means a few things, that the place had to be quick, cheap and affordable too - if it managed to attract the working crowd to dine.

Started by the same people from Lola's cafe, this is their West franchise following their success in Kovan. You should get a plate of their Bangers&Mash ($9). The mash is perfectly done, the right mix of milk and butter with little potato bits in the middle. That way you know its made from scratch. Try their honey glazed wings ($10) if you're here with a friend. These are a few of the signatures they carried over from Lola's

Address : 118 Pasir Panjang Road | Opening hours : Tues - Fri: 11am - 10pm and Sat & Sun : 10am - 10pm

12. Food for thought
One of the few cafes that are actually quite family oriented. There is a playgroup and large spaces for kids to run around  (at the Botanic Gardens outlet) so why not suggest this place the next time you are out with family ?

Most of the menu is well below $12 so you are very free to take your pick here. I recommend the pulled pork burger ($10). Not as atypical as the regular chicken burger, and the pulled pork is excellent; tender to the best degree as the different juices melt into the burger.

And if you do have the chance, try their garlic mushrooms (+$3 to any meal) The mushrooms are soaked in olive oil as the garlic taste explodes in your mouth. Its definitely not for the calorie conscious.

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, Singapore 259569 (Botanic Gardens Outlet) | 8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535 (SAM Outlet) | 93 Stamford Road #01-04/05, Singapore 178897 (Tanglin Outlet) | http://www.foodforthought.com.sg 

Holiday brought forward!!!

Actually planned to go back to Korea in October , bought my ticket, booked my accommodation and suddenly my Brother told me he wants to go in July !!

The last time I got to go on a holiday with them is 2 years ago when they came to Korea to look for me. My Sister in law last minute cancel the trip because she found out she was pregnant. So in the end, she didn't come. Only my mum, Brother and grandma.

So I cancel my accommodation and bring one more ticket to go with them. I still can't decide if I want to delay my air ticket or to cancel it. Cancelling it mean I will need to pay $150 for it. But if go 2 time in sure a short time, I don't know if I will bored me. I will need to really think properly how should I do this.  

I can't wait !!