HONKY KONK

#Bimbloves #hkescapade
14th – 17th March 2014

Easily the hardest I’ll laugh in 2014.

How did it all come about?

Received an email titled [FW: Tigerair – Confirmation of booking N43Z3S] on the 21^st February with just a one-liner. “TWIN! Go HK!” *sweat* (Edit: Click here for Twin’s acknowledgement)

I mean, this was a subject that was brought up by the girls while I was back in Singapore earlier in Jan/Feb and my response was a “Let me check ticket prices first k?”.  

However, with these girls I’ve learnt to expect the unexpected, so…. from “I’ll check” to a “What the heck, I’m going to go” to “Why you cannot approved my leave (to my boss)?! *weeps*” to “I love my boss!!! (for approving my leave)” to #twineffects to malay dogs and so many other hilarity (most of it proof that my bimbs are truly bimbs!… and most importantly… birds of a feather really do flock together. :p).

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We also had #smilefromtheheart 

vs #tiredfromtheheart

We had guest appearance of pink beanie, tonnes of selfies (what’s new right?), countless trips to H&M (>4 for Sumi), wrong exits (Central Exit A (my fault my fault), “this is not the Continental hotel that is next to our hotel!!!!” (also my fault my fault) … etc) and as always, loads of fun+laughter+food+snacks (lamb+chx, Lamb, Chx… “huh?! So expensive?! Let’s all eat now!” saga). 

Not forgetting the constant “Ewey!!!!….”

their advice to me!

I want to grow old with you girls. #truestory. ❤ 

of visiting friends, grasslands and home trips…

Couple of days ago… My mom commented about my lack of updates on my blog.

So I came to have a look and found that my last entry was …. erm, in August 2013. And it’s now nearing the end of Oct. *sheepish look*

So, just going to do a quick executive summary of what happened since…

Sept:
KX’s long overdue visit. From 18th Sept to 25th Sept 2013 which overlapped with a little getaway in China – Bashang Grassland with the Beijing Kakis from 19th – 20th Sept 2013.

We were supposed to leave on the morning of 19th Sept but the group decided at the last hour of 18th Sept that we shall attempt to drive through the night in order to avoid the public holiday traffic jam and get there early in the morning of 19th Sept and that would reduce our time on the road + give us more time to have fun. Quad rides, horse rides, BBQ lamb, fireworks, beer, merry making… in all, a great getaway!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And of cos, some pictures here with KX….

Great Wall of China (3rd time for ewey!)

Oct:
Ewey went home to Singapore from 28th Sept to 11th Oct. It was only supposed to be from 28th Sept to 7th Oct, but due to some unfortunate (depends on how u look at it) circumstances, I extended my trip for about 5 days.

In between running to the docs, I managed steamboat with the girls, went cable ski-ing, spent precious time with the Bff and my darling ernest + his mostest adorable sister, meeting the lovely bimbsy folks, visiting nic to see her number 4, brunch with sis, brunch with the kids, spending time with the family…. etc etc.

Hectic but fulfilling.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So, it’s been crazy since I came back to work!!

BUT I am looking forward to this Friday… because the family’s coming over! Yippeeeeeee!

Joyrides & Picnics

Before I got distracted by the poop post, I was actually planning to post about the recent drive trip out to 门头沟…

It was just one of those random things that came up… someone asked if we could go for day trip out over the weekend, and it happened.

Really have to thank big bro Lionel for organising the whole trip!

Talk about ask and it shalt be given! haha!

Anyhows, we ended up with 11 cars and over 40 pax. Made up of both Singaporeans and Malaysians….

Loads of food and good fellowship… Let the pictures do the rest of the talking!~

Gathering at 7am

Briefing before we get on the journey

stopping for brekkie!

of scenery and gangsters…

We have arrived!!

drama king + the surroundings…

eat and drink and sing along!

Till the next trip……… *wheeeeeeeeeeee*

“Cloud Peak Mountain” – 云峰山 on 10th June 2013

The thing I like the most about China is the public holidays. Especially since I do not get affected by the 7-8 days work week in replacement of the additional days “given” by the government.

Before I start off with the key point, let me first explain how does that “holiday” concept work?

Say for example, Dumpling Festival falls on Wednesday 12th June 2013 and the government usually will declare 10-11th June a holiday as well.

But there is a catch!

– The weekend prior (ie, 8-9th will be working days in replacement of the additional days “given”.

In other words, a lot of people work from 3rd June through to 9th June. That’s a full 7 days work week.

This actually affects a lot of people and includes many of my sgrean friends here in Beijing. I was just lucky enough to be in a company that doesn’t work on the same calendar (Read: weekends is off. no matter.)

So anyhow… I had a pretty restful weekend and waited for the friends to be officially off and headed off for a day trip to the countryside!

To Yunfeng Mountain (云峰山) to see lavender (and erm… climb the mountain)! http://www.yunfengshan.com/en/lavender.asp

Thought I’ll look for some form of introduction for you and here’s a great summarized version!

http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/sightseeing/n214675084.shtml

Background: Yunfeng Mountain Scenic Area is located on the northern bank of the Miyun Reservoir in Bulaotun Township in Miyun County of Beijing. It is approximately 150Km to the northeast of Beijing and takes about 2hrs+ to drive there. 

“The mountain’s unusual elevation features a large variety of oddly shaped stones. Lush grass and trees cover Yunfeng Mountain during virtually the entire year. Its peak is steep and wondrous, jutting directly upwards into the sky. At the top of the mountain, you can easily see Miyun Reservoir, shining like a bright pearl.

Other compelling sights in the scenic area include Chaosheng Temple, the Moya Stone Inscriptions, and the Cave of Guanyin (also Kwan-yin, the East Asian bodhisattva). The ancient temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is situated in the midst of a forest and creates a harmonious spot – a rarity in bustling Beijing. Behind the temple lies the oldest and largest Moya Stone Inscriptions in Beijing, the text of which refer to the characters carved on the natural rocks. The imposing inscriptions are well preserved, reflecting the great value of the art of calligraphy and the appreciation of cultural relics. Guanyin Cave is a natural granite cave, 12 meters deep, six meters wide, and seven meters high. In the middle of the cave sits the Guanyin statue, accompanied by two smaller statues of fairies. Guanyin is an infinitely merciful Bodhisattva in Chinese culture and is believed to help people escape the sufferings of this world.”

Lavender was not fully in season yet but it was still not bad… at the minimum, it’s a different experience compared to the usual city smog and buzz. 

Entrance

towards the lavender..

pretty sights..

the girls

the boys (men)

almost there….

the view…

panoramic view

And so, Ewey conquers yet another mountain in China!! (and marks off another “I’ve been to…” location on her little travelogue)

Till the next adventure!!! *beams*

misery loves company

Actually one should not blog when they are feeling miserable. Because you will only be talking about the same things over and over again.

First things first, for those who cared to drop me notes of encouragement. THANK YOU!

Appreciated! *muacks muacks*

In an attempt to break out of the rut, I’ve decided to talk about some happy things.

So, let’s talk about my virgin trip to Korea from 1st Jun – 4th Jun! The lead ins and lead outs of the whole thing.

In my line of work, there’s usually a yearly company incentive trip…. with special thanks to this particular practice, I’ve traveled to Japan (twice), Taiwan, Shanghai, Dubai, and Hongkong. Note that it is NOT with this company thou.

Upon moving to Beijing last year, I was given a choice of *drum roll*…

Singapore.

B…b…b…bb…but, I just came from Singapore! *bleah*

I gave my mum a call and ask, “you think I should take that and come back?”

Her response was “What for?!”

*Ewey looks dejected*

So anyway, I took the 2 days leave that was given and opted out of the incentive trip altogether. And to be honest…. works out just fine! (considering I have a grand total of 12 days annual leave per year.)

This year we were given a choice of several locations and had to vote. 5 locations were eventually shortlisted and I actually chose France/Switzerland/Italy (had to top up a fair bit of $) but eventually backed out because 10 days to cover 3 countries just didn’t make sense. I wanted to go Europe but I did not want to rush through it….

In replacement, I decided to choose Korea (never been there before either)… only to realise it’s a 1+1 package (just have to top up RMB1K and you can bring another friend.). As luck would have it, NONE of my friends here were available to travel with me and I refused to ask just anyone to make up the number.

I basically was going to give up on the trip (History repeats itself!!!) and was just grumbling to Ginny about it one day.

Out of a whim, I asked her what she thinks about coming over from Singapore to Beijing and join me for a short holiday to Korea and back to Beijing for a couple more days before she head back.

AND… she actually okay-ed it.

In fact, she booked her air tickets 2 hours later. *shocked face* (it is a ridiculous suggestion but apparently I have an equally mad friend).

So it was all set… 🙂

It was a very short trip…. Did not manage to do any touristy thing. Just shopped and eat and sleep.

I mean, I’ve bought mask for everything! Neck masks, face masks, eye masks, hand paraffin masks, cuticle cream, face cream, ampule. shampoo,… and everything that i need or think i need, or to be completely honest… do not need.

our spoils!

And did I mention clothes too? Like 7 tops? Not much really…

But food! OMG… I stuffed my face with food.

Food galore

And actually managed to meet up with an old schoolmate who happened to be there in Korea at the same time!

20 years

Plans moving forward?

I wanna go back to Korea for the full experience. More Shopping, more eating and actually… I do wanna sightsee!!! *grins*

Xi’An. Checked!

Note: VERY OVERDUE entry

My dad has always said that the Terra-Cotta Army exhibitions around the world are fake. Nothing but duplicates of the real thing….

I’ve never really thought about wanting to see the real thing… at least, I wouldn’t have traveled from Singapore just to go and see clay.

But since I was already in China, might as well do some domestic travel and go see what China has to offer.

Date of travel: 27th Apr 2013 – 2nd May 2013

And it was great. In fact, it was amazing just thinking about the scale of things. How it was all put together back then… the great mind of a crazy emperor. And oh, I didn’t know the actual terra-cottas are coloured!!! I’ve always thought they are brown. Hahahaha! *bimbo face*

That aside, I think I’ve shortened my life by a couple of years by consuming much lamb skewers (羊肉串) over the period of time I was in Xi’An. Food was great (I heart lamb), some great sightseeing, and most importantly… spending some great times with a good friend Ming.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After 4 days in Xi’an… Head off to SH for 2 days, for food and more food!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And that concludes my domestic travelogue part 2…..

Now to plan for part 3!!! :p

Qingdao. Checked!

Whoosh!! Back in Beijing after freezing my ass off in qingdao!

(Blaming no one but myself for being underdressed! Hahaha!)

Anyway, in case u are wondering…. There was an earlier post about plans from Xi’an changing to Qingdao. Which was changed back to Xi’an a few days later (I hadn’t mention that).

But it is really funny how things work out eventually…

In yet another impromptu ‘let’s go somewhere during the qingming break’ conversation… Qingdao came into the picture!!! So instead of waiting till 27th April… I actually managed to go from 4-6 Apr instead!

Overall, an immensely awesome trip!

Hotel was awesome too (stayed in shangri-la)!

But what was most awesome was really the company (thanks Jo and Clara for being such great company)!

Beautiful sunset at xiaoqingdao + Zhan bridge, loads of climbing at mt laoshan (with sore calves to prove…), quick run through of wine museum (felt totally cheated!!!!!), a lot (and I mean… A LOT) of seafood… And of cos, Beer (them. Not me..).

Laughter. 自拍s (read: narcissistic incessant need to take self portraits). Scenery shots (even when panting from exertion..). More 自拍s. More scenery shots.

And oh… KTV! *hog mic*

*beams*

Ahhhhh… Such is life! 🙂

And so.. This marks the end of my first domestic travel within China…
Bye bye Qingdao…

We may never meet again… I need time for others u know? :p

The beginning of the plan

Since I came back to Beijing, I’ve been thinking… it’s time to start to plan! Domestic travel!!

Yunnan!!

Tibet!!!

Ha’erbin!!

…. ANYWHERE!!!

Afterall, there’s really so many places to go to in China. I can’t possibly be staying in Beijing all the time… might as well start thinking about where I can go to.

The only problem is… I don’t think I wanna travel alone! It’s just not something I want to do…. I mean, I can go explore the city (ie, Beijing) by myself on weekends or whatever. But to actually do a full trip by myself… nah… Can.. but rather not.

So, it all started with a discussion on “where should I go during the labour day break?”….

And Xi’an came up… Terra-cotta Warriors!!! Followed by a “Can you research?”

….. I’d love to! :p

So the plan was formulated!!!

Saturday 27th Apr – Depart in the afternoon for Xi’An. Dinner + explore city.

Sunday 28th Apr – Depart in the morning via bus (or cab) to Huaqing Palace (east of Xian). Places to cover include – Huaqing Hot Spring, Lintong Museum, and Mt Lishan. Stay over 1 night.

Monday 29th Apr – Morning head to Emperor Ch’in ShiHuang’s Mausoleum followed by Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses Museum. Transfer back to city in the afternoon. Option to check out city wall/Tang Paradise (supposedly very nice scenery and water curtain movie? Followed by dinner/drinks etc (food can be researched…)

Tuesday 30th Apr – Morning depart Xi’an.

8 hours later, the plan has changed from Xi’an to Qingdao. *sweat*

You know, I’ve heard that “adventures are just a case of bad planning!”… Maybe I really should not plan??? *wahahahahaha*

So for now the plan for Qingdao is less complicated…

Qingdao 27th Apr – 30th Apr:
Mt Laoshan (崂山风景区)
Badaguan Scenic Resort (八大关风景区)
Beach (石老人/第二海水浴场)

Reason 274 why I love Shanghai

Went to Shanghai for a training over Mon-Wed this week and came back feeling rather refreshed and inspired.

I seriously think that staying in gorgeous hotels always helps!

So… Let me introduce you to… Le Sun Chine. A gorgeous boutique hotel that I resided in for the 3 days I was there. Training was also within the hotel as well so it was really wow… I remember waking up on Tuesday thinking, “Dear God, I want to wake up here every day. Can?”. I was miserable when I had to check out on Wednesday…. and I’m still thinking about it on Friday. :o)

For more information: http://www.lesunchine.com/

superbly gorgeous!

Of cos, the training was really inspiring as well… and the people I met were great & smart & possibly fluffy… :p

 

All in all… great time for work.

 

And then there was a short but lovely catch up with Ming on Monday night… complete with a gongcha surprise (she even got the flavour right!!!! And i only bought it once when I was there with her the last time…)!!

Hello “Shanghai” friend… Part deux.

Sometimes, it’s really the little things that people do that makes life so much more beautiful. Not the big stuff mind you… little things…

Note to self: Never ever take my friends for granted. 

Autumn in Beijing

Went for a little walk after lunch with one of the new friends on Sunday…

日坛公园 – http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/sightseeing/n214674258.shtml

Nothing much I can really say… just wanna share some pictures.

Activities within the park… quite fun to just watch. 🙂

And of cos… I’m loving autumn. Much.

It’s about 3.5km from where I stayed… and I actually had a very enjoyable walk back home after. I think if I was back in SG, I’ll never be able to walk that way!

I should try right? :p