Sometimes you need to be a little implusive

有时，我们是需要一些冲动的决定，不然考虑久了，可能久错过了。

我身上的冲动让我去了好多旅行。我又做了冲动去旅行的决定。从来都不会计划在年底旺季去旅行。这次上网看到JETSTAR去越南Ho Chi Minh 的机票便宜，就和 J 分享了一下，马上就丁机票了！

很期待，2 星期后的旅程，第一个国外跨年 （其实我都没什么庆祝跨年啦） ＝D


Sometimes, you need to be a little impulsive or you might never do it!

Looking forward to exploring a new country/city at Vietnam 2 weeks later and my first countdown overseas =)

再次相聚

和离开的亲人，也只有偶尔在梦中相聚。

虽是梦，但它可以那么的真实，让你长挂在心。

Destination..... 终点

虽然出发时，天空下者请彭大雨，路上雨大到视线有限。

可是，到大终点时，天空正蓝！一片晴朗！

朋友们就不要应为出发时的挫折而沮丧，你没出发又真么会看到另一段的好天气呢？ ＝D

"Don't be afraid to step out on your journey just because there is a storm, you will be surprise the end of the journey will bring a wonderful weather!"

Blue Blue sky

Nice weather at ECP!

很多事往往只要踏出那一步 - Just that one step

只要那一小步，你就可能获得很多很多。体验了buggy jump 跟能让我体会其中的道理。大家都问我“你不怕吗？” “我当然怕，超恐怖的！” 我说。可是我还是做到了，我觉得这是一项精神挑战。

那种从高处望外跨一小步，然后迅速随着地心吸力往下冲。对很多人来说，是他们打死都不会做的事。但相反的，尝试过的人却会爱上它！

跨出了那既简单又难的一步，体验那从高处坠落的快感，然后之后的兴奋！ 要是你没踏出那第一步，你又真么能体会其中的刺激和兴奋，还有那完成后的轻松于快乐呢？

在现实生活中，很多时候我们都很好吧踏出自己的“comfort zone" 想说现在一切都很好啊，如果改变，不知道会不会失去现在原有的。可是，你不试一试，又真么知道是好是坏呢？

“If you do not take the courage to step out the first step, you will never know what will happen, it might turn out to be another great thing in life!"

Preparing

Courage building up

Free like bird?

Part of the Record!

Hong Kong to Macau

I understand there is very frequent ferry between Hong Kong and Macau, that's why I did not worry about not getting any tickets or check out the timing. After a nice pork chee cheong fan at the shop downstairs, i left for the Hong Kong - Macau terminal at Shun Tak Centre, Sheung Wan MTR station.

When i reached the Turbojet ticketing counter, it was about 10:20am. The screen about shows that the tickets purchased now is for 11:30am ferry. Wow, so many people is going Macau today! HKD$163 for a economy one way ticket from Hong Kong to Macau. I decided to went in to the boarding area to wait. The whole terminal was crowded, checked the schedule and noted boarding for my ferry is at Gate 5. Found a nice corner and sit down. Good thing, they have WIFI! Short while later, a staff approached me for a tourist survey, questions like, "where are you from", "How long do you stay", "what do you do", etc. After that got a small chinese opera mask collar pin as souvenir. Just nice to keep as a memory, from this trip =)

As the time ticks closer to the departure time, i start to look for Q to join for boarding. Just than i realized something is wrong, i approaches the information and was told i have to go to Gate 1 and not Gate 5. at Gate 1, i saw people q-ing and so i just joined the q. After awhile, i began to suspect if i joined the wrong q again. The Q is not moving and there are people moving straight to the counter infront. So, I came out of the Q and go straight to the counter.

It proofed i was wrong again, the Q was for the next ferry after mine, and so i presented my tickets at the counter, the guy at the counter stick a sticker with nos. and alphabet on my ticket. Not knowing what it was, i just leave it.

Later when i finally board the ferry, found a nice seat on the first row. Just as i put down my bag, i realized people are looking for seats nos. Then i realized the sticker on the ticket is the seat no. allocated. I picked up my bag and we to look for my seat on the upper deck. The ferry seems to be full. The journey took about 1 hour.

I was so shock by the crowd when I reached the Macau ferry terminal custom. The whole immigration hall was packed! I do not think there is even a 30cam x 30cm space empty. I can only squeeze my way in and joined the shortest q i thought. with my 10kg backpack, 1 q for another hour or more before i get that chop on my passport. I had called the hostel earlier to say i will be late to check in as i was suppose to check in by 2pm.

By the time I get to the hostel, it was almost 3:30pm! I was super hungry and dashed out to the nearby McDonals i saw on my way. the upsize meal is so cheap, MOP$23.90, less then SGD$4. =)

Hong Kong - Temple Street

My hotel in Hong Kong is just right beside You Ma Tei MTR Station. Exit the station at Exit C, turn right and within 5 mins will see the big "C" logo of the hotel. - CASA Hotel

The street behind the Hotel is Temple street. The whole temple street runs from Jordan MTR station to You Ma Tei MTR station.

It is very much like the night market in Taiwan. The difference i find is that taiwan will have a lot of food stalls but un HK, they are usually small restaurants. I saw mainly 3 types of food, 1 row sell clay pot rice, another row selling fresh seafood, the rest sell roast meat, chicken. duck and some other small snacks like my favourite curry fish ball "鱼蛋“ and chicken wings! =)

There are al sorts of stalls around, from selling clothing's, to watches, caps, sunglasses, hardware items, antiques, etc. Nearer to Jordan MTR station, there is even a long stretch of fortune teller and tarots reading. At least 20 - 30 stalls line up all the way on both sides of the road from Jordan MTR.  

I would think everyone who visit Hong Kong should take a walk at temple street to experience the different culture they have there.

"自己"的一天 ---- Me time

下雨的星期六, 难得的清静.

一个人在家,看书,流览旅游BLOG,吃怀念的食物,享受着独自一任的时间, 也是人生一大享乐!

有些人,省直是以前的我,都不喜欢一个人,觉得很寂寞.

不过,随着年龄和心灵上的成长,漫漫的也很享受和自己独处的时间. 就象我一个人去旅行也很开心, 享受. 当然,我还是很喜欢跟好朋友聚在一起的时候,没有变孤僻. =D

我觉得一个人的时候,可以做你想要做的是,吃你想要吃的东西. 你就自己决定你要什么,而不管后果如和,都是自己的决定. 就想你掌空自己的人生一样.

我第一本背包旅游书,很喜欢. 谢谢Grace!

想念妈妈煮的醉鸡,味道插远了

Hong Kong - Tai O

To many people, going to Hong Kong means mainly Shopping, Eating, Shopping Eating...

This time I wanted to move away from those 2, and really walk Hong Kong as much as I can in the 2 nights there. Not long but i just want to make do with it as I'm running out of leaves =)

I wanted a trip to recharge, but don't want to spend too much and not travel too far and I wanted to visit somewhere different rather than Taiwan, although I still love Taiwan so much.

Singapore airlines promotion to Hong Kong set my mind on it. Since the last 2 times when I was there, mainly doing shopping and visiting those famous landmark. This time round I wanna try walking into the street and also see the other side of Hong Kong. So I choose Tai - O to be the must go place in this trip and in recent TV shows and blogs I came across gave me the idea to walk the streets in Central. I wanted to visit a new place and so Macau is included.

Right after a fast check in at hotel, I took the MTR to Central. Right out of the station are the branded boutiques... LV, Gucci, etc... As you walk further up slope into the little streets, you can see streets stalls setup in the lane, really a huge contrast from the beautiful shinny boutiques outside.

I remember seeing this sight in HK dramas

Looking at this remind me Christmas is coming.

The sloppy streets

This time round also wanted to see for myself the Symphony of Lights which has is list under the Guinness World Record. In simple words, is laser and light show. The buildings in the "CBD" area of HK will light up and put up a lighting show.

Arena of Stars was recommended to be the best place to watch the show. I got myself a space when i arrive at around 7:30pm. The wait was a little bored. The show starts at 8pm every night. On Saturday they have commendation in English.

The show seems normal, not really fantastic but i would say this city night view is by the the best i've seen.

The next day plan was to visit Tai O. Initially wanted to take the ferry to Lantau Island and talk the bus, but later according to information online, it cost HKD$100+. I realized take the MTR to Tung Chung and change to bus 11 to Tai O is a faster and cheaper (HKD$11.90) way. The  bus terminal is just behind the Citygate Mall at Tung Chung. Citygate is where the Factory outlets of the branded items are located. I did not shop lor..

The bus journey is about an hour. The bus pull over at the carpark and you will see this Pillar that says "Welcome to Tai O"

Tai O is the largest village in Lantau island. Although the industry of fisheries has declined, Tai O still reminans its unique character of a fishing village such as stilt-houses, traditional customs and celebration of special festival which attract numerous visitors from both Hong Kong and oversea. It also has the name of "Venice of the Orient" look at the picture below.

Walking along the streets, the smell of dried preserved seafood fills the whole atmophere. Lucky for me, these smell are still bearable for me, but i believe for some others, this can be very unpleasent.

Other than dried preserved seafood, there are also fresh seafood which you can buy and get them to cook in the restraunts.

Almost every household I walked passed is drying salted fish. Something interesting is that, the head of the fishes are all covered up. Later on I found out that is because the eyes of the fishes attracts flies. By covering them up, the flies will not swamp around the fishes.

As I walked further into the local neighbourhood, this view right infront of my eyes was so "WOW" I can hardly discribe, partially I'm no good with words and partially it is just so nice and peaceful.

There are 2 benches facing this wonderful view. I took the chance to rest while enjoying the wonderful view. Although it is hot but there is nice breeze and it just makes you so relax. Few visitors pass by also being attracted by this view and stopped by for few photo shots.

They actually has a pavilion on the hill, the other end of the island which they claim that pink dolphines can be spoted.

Solo Balcony (Solo, 86 Kat Hing St, G/F, Tai O, Lantau Island, +852 9153 7453) is a nice cafe in the streets, there are seats by the streams. They serve freshing brew coffee with really nice aroma, but i don't fancy coffee. Order a salted lime drink and a cheesecake (wanted tiramisu but not available). Nice place to sit around for some personal time or catch up with friends.

The little cafe is tastfully decorated. The young gentlemen seems to be the owner is rather young and there are some young helpers around too. One of the really few places in Tai O that I see young people.

As i was relaxing on the balcony enjoying my drink and cake, i heard people singing cantonese opera next door, really interesting.. haha..

They have books about the history and people of Tai O which i quicky flip though otherwise I would not be able to finish the whole book. Mainly focusing on the beautiful and interesting photos inside.

I read on another blog that the 100+ years old police station in Tai O had been preserved and will be converted into nice boutique hotel. Should have a chance to visit it next time.

Never get to try the fresh seafood as I'm not that hungry and I won't be able to finish so much alone. Then i tell myself, since i came so far must try some seafood! BBQ cuttlefish =D. This stall at the corner just before you turn into the main street from the carpark when the bus stop is so crowded. Alot of student are buying from them. I also join in the crowd. =)

Tai O is really a place that Hong Kong should preserve and remain its slow and laid back life. Hong Kong like Singapore is too fast pace, once awhile we need such contrasting places to bring some peace.

Back from a short trip with great accomplishment!

I'm back from my short 4 days 3 night Hong Kong  Macau trip with great accomplishment by doing the bungy at Macau Tower! 233m!!!

The thought of jumping again and how to make the posture looks better had been in my mind since the jump yesterday! lol....

Will blog bout the trip soon but for now, wash up and enjoy the night! =)


Sneak preview.....

Wwwoooooowwwwww

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall 晚晴院

Last Sunday went to visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Is is the last weekend the Hall is open to all for free.

The memorial hall underwent a revamp in 2010 and had recent just reopened.

晚晴院 was the local headquarters of Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Nationalist Parties. During World War 2, the Japanese used the building as a communication centre and office for their Military Police.

It is a very beautiful black and white villa, with nice garden. I can imagine how nice it is to stay in there, without the crowd around.

In the 2 storey memorial hall display lots of articles that has to do with Dr Sun's work. I particularly find this piece of wall with overlay of newspapers article interesting.

As usual, since it's a Sunday and is free, the place is very crowded.

We took bus 145 from Toa Payoh MRT, alight at the 3rd stop. So near yet so far. Heard you can walk from Novena MRT also. About 15 mins walk.

It is located at 12 Tai Gin Road (http://wanqingyuan.org.sg). I would think it is nearer to Balestier.

After that we decided to walk around to do some streets. Since there is a "Balestier Heritage Trail" somewhat like the Katong Heritage Walk i went previously. However, i think Katong seems nicer.

There is this particular stall we pass by at the corner of Boon Teck Road, offering water and tea to any thirsty passer-by at no charge. This service had been here since the old times, it is really a luxury back than when clean water is hard to come by. It was a act of charity for poor labourers such as drivers of horse carriages or bullock carts, rickshaw pullers and other workers toiling in the area.

Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sin Sian, a religious charitable organisation along Boon Teck Road continue to provide such service till today.  It was said that in the past, there were 2 other such water point along River Valley Road by the present Liang Court and near Hoover Theatre along Balestier Road.

There are 2 container, suppose to be 1 for plain water and the other for tea. Comes with a small red cute cup.   I believe there are still people around in this buzzling city who need this free supply of clean water more than us. I find this to be a very kind gesture of them to provide such for the poor working in the past, it shows the human touch around the community back than. I do not think we can find anymore such around this city.

Maybe I would visit the memorial hall again when it is less crowded so i can slowly look around the exhibition hall.

Morning at Changi Broadwalk

查点睡不醒就看不到这些了。。。。

没有那种想像中可以看到圆圆的太阳，不过很喜欢那天空。还有眼前那棵树 ＝）

Changi Broadway 的入口在 Changi Beach Club 隔壁。一不小心就会错过。

有空，早起一点，去走走看日出吧！

(http://www.myonlinetour.com/poi/changiboardwalk/index.htm)

过后开车到Changi village, 到了以前常搭bumboat去Pulau Ubin 的码头。我仿佛可以看到以前和同伴们一起在那拍照的模样。是有点怀念。。那么多年了，偶尔想起那段时光，脸上还是会有笑容。 ＝D

Kusu Pilgrimage 龟屿进香 2011

Last Sunday i went to this familiar place 15 mins ferry ride away from Singapore mainland. That place is part of my growing up. - KUSU ISLAND


Every lunar 9th month, taoist will pay their respect at the famous "Tua Pek Kong" temple on one of Singapore's offshore islands, Kusu Island. There is also the Datok temple 152 steps uphill. I remember i used to follow mum to pray at the temple and up the 152 steps. I will usually return with yellow string cloth tie around my wrist. 

Tua Pek Kong Temple

The island is very quiet most of the time. When it is not the 'season' few tourist visit the island by ferry which also stops at St John island and Sisters island. There will also be campers over the weekend. 

During this special month of the year, on the 9th lunar month. To cater to the devoters crowd, there will be food stalls and souveniours stall setup outside the temple. Traditional style food stall that sells coal delicacies include Char Kuay Teow, Fried Oyster omelet, Laska, Mee Siam, Mee Robus, and many more.. 

The above all are part of my growing up. Since young, my parents had been working on the island during this special month of the year. My father start doing business on the island the year i was born, wow, 20 over years. 


During my younger days, i will run around the island, play by the seaside and occasionally help up. I still remember back than, it was very very crowded, 4 to 5 times of what it is like now. I think mainly the people who still does the pilgrimage are from the older generation and also since the closure of Clifford Pier (Ang Teng), the ferry to Kusu island moved to Marina ferry terminal where public is not as accessible compared to the previous. 


Some of the workers had been with us for the past 10, 20 years. Many knew my mum too. =)

Fried Oyster Omelet

Fried Kuey Teow

Mua Chi

Mee Siam / Mee Robus

Fried items

Anyhow, almost every year i will visit the island to help up or look around. There is a period of time i did not visit due to work and NPCC back. Recent years as i get older, i appreciate and look forward to this yearly visit to the island, other than have to wake up super early. Even so, each time when i'm on the ferry, looking out to the early morning sky on the ferry, i will think it is worth it. I will usually choose the outside deck to enjoy the morning sun, breeze and nice weather. 

The season for this year 2011 is ending very soon, today, 261011. Business had been bad due to the reasons i mentioned, Papa is considering retiring from this business. The amount of work and effort might not be worth it.



Still, i look forward to next year's season. You can visit then too =)