aces go places

pi's japan travel intelligence

2007-12-22T12:23:00.000+08:00

Japan is expensive but when the powers of LYu, XY and Pi combine, the costs look quite manageable now :)

I must say that I'm really pleased with the little 'truimphs' we score at keeping our essential expenses on air tix ($697) and accomodation to a total of under $1,300for our 10-day Japan Fantasy trip. Resourceful heh?

Let me share a few tips to help you budding Japan-Fantasy tripsters do your sums and planning.

Accommodation in Tokyo

Room rates - the room rates usually go by per head count, instead of per room per night. For those on budget, it's good to look out for guesthouses or even apartments. The guesthouses look really decent, clean and cosy I tell ya. And some are very near to the subway, which makes travelling around easy.

The Yamanote line - the train and subway lines in Tokyo are so plentiful that mere looking at the map gives me severe giddiness. BUT ~~~ there's one line you need to know for convenient getting around in the city and its name is YAMANOTE. Narita Express (the train from airport to town) stops along the circular line and staying near one of the stops on the Yamanote guarantees you easy access in and out of Tokyo.

Budget - It's good to be prepared to pay an average cost of $80.00 (per person per nite) in Tokyo's budget-style lodging. We got ours at a rate of about $55/person/nite. Yoohoo!

The Traditional Japanese Inn

Ryokan - what's a Japan trip without a taste of the traditional Japanese style of lodging? Try a night at the Ryokan though it's more expensive than your budget hotels. Prices range from $100/person/nite to $600/person/nite (or even more)! But a lot of the ryokans are really nice and some rooms come with private hotspring bath. This is luxurious living. And that's why we're 'doing' it only for a nite, at a price of under $150/person, amid the beautiful Hakone with Lake Ashi and the magnificent Mount Fuji as our backdrop.

Links to Japan Research

There are tonnes and tonnes of information available on Japan travel. The challenge is sieving through them, making the connections between pieces of inputs on the same thing and then deciding what's applicable for you.

I like using a country's official travel/tourism bureau websites (especially tourist-friendly nations like Taiwan, Thailand and Japan) to jumpstart my research. For Japan, you can visit:

Visit Japan Campaign http://www.visitjapan.jp/
Japan National Tourist Organisation http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/
Japan National Tourist Organisation (Singapore) http://www.jnto.org.sg/

Next up: Accommodation in Osaka and Kyoto, itinerary planning, more links to good info resource, reviews and photos (when we are back!).

Yokoso! Japan

2007-12-09T00:32:00.000+08:00

i'm g o i n g J a p a n ! ! !

This is not a show-off statement ok! I am so happy that I'm going Japan, like, FINALLY! The air tix been booked - non-refundable type so there's no backing-off whatsoever. @ $697 with all taxes included, I think I got a good deal on Northwest Airlines. And I'll be off for freaking 10 days to Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto/Nara-Osaka, what more during cherry blossom period! Woot! Ok, I think there are too many exclamation marks in just a single paragraph but I don't know a better way to express just how excited I am. This is a dream comes true and I can't wait to share my itinerary + amazing photos + experience + every gawd damn thing I can tell you about my trip :D

Away from Runway: 1 Year in Retrospect

2007-09-30T20:02:00.000+08:00

300906. I packed up and left the attic with the help of friends. Changing paths is not easy though not a big deal and it's necessary. I'm glad I have the lucidity of mind to do it then despite I'm still not getting anywhere one year on.

Life over the last year is at best enlightening but ironically entrapping. The long vacation gave me enough time and space to think through what I need to do next to reach where I want to be later. It's great to have dreams; not very nice when the mysterious hands at work are not cooperating. I've to admit I'm running out of patience, sinking into angst and possibly disillusion. Ok, maybe not this bad since knowing myself, it only takes one big positive thing to send me to cloud nine again.

While this cycle of ups and downs is expected to last a lifetime for hot-blooded folks like me, I couldn't verbalise my thoughts better than Mayday's "我". One of my favourites among my many other favourite Mayday numbers that I cried listening to it sometimes. I'm such a sap.

And how could I end this entry without well-wishes on such a significant day? May the folks at home and friends around me be safe and healthy always - your well-being really means a lot to me. May I realise what I want to do, step-by-step and not missing one. May the career option I so desire happen very soon.

我 / 词+曲:阿信

还记得　小时候　作文簿上的志愿
那天真　的幻想　如今都到哪裡躲藏?
走出网咖凌晨的三点鐘　飆过天堂世纪帝国直达战慄时空
看不见的世界裡　我是英雄　
然后回到没有目标的活著　在现实中
oh my god, oh my god who am I ? 我的外号是　嘴上乔丹
oh my god, oh my god who am I ? 座右铭是　我混故我在
也曾开心的耶耶耶　也有失落的我我我
蝴蝶飞出了潜水鐘　我却还在原地停留
留不住时间耶耶耶　总是后悔的我我我
我不要一生就这样　到最后一生就这样　这样的我
这样的　勇敢的我　单纯的我　复杂的我　冷的我　热的我
无聊的我　懒惰的我　总是怀疑的我
讲了不听　听了不做　做又做不好的我
买一个梦　五十块钱的梦　期待五百万分之一的奇蹟降落
从此以后　想要什麼　喜欢什麼　就有什麼
但是我的人生还可以　努力　追求　什麼
Have you ever wanna be a spaceman?
Have you ever wanna be a president?
Or you're still a daydreaming maker?
Have you ever wanna be wanna be wanna be wanna be

*For an excellent English translation of this song, click here. I like the lyrics for the cultural references.

Pi a Tour Guide?

2007-03-13T22:17:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking about this for some time now - to go through a 5-month course for a tour guide license after I'm done with driving. This will cost me $2,500.00, license valid for 3 years, renewable on the basis that I complete 21 hours of training every 3 years.

The only reason why I want this license is my love for exploration and travel and how well I interact with groups. Pi's everyone's darling, remember? :p

The license is not going to serve me much purpose since I don't intend to venture full-time into the travel industry. Just want to use it to do freelance tour-guiding when I feel like it.

What do you folks think - shall I part with the money?

Babe(s) in Jakarta

2007-02-25T15:09:00.000+08:00

Greetings!!!

It's been some time since I post a "decent" entry on this blog. Anyway, hope you like my new self-portrait - taken outside my cousie's house in Jakarta. Ok... I know... I know... I'm such a cam-whore :p

Jakarta's more or less the same after 5 years. My trip there wasn't too affected by the flood but I've heard stories of distant relatives whose houses were plundered of all furniture and many things precious by the sweeps of waves. The tradition of 送旧迎新 couldn't have been more painfully embraced than this Chinese New Year...

I wonder how the locals survive. The average guy earns about S$200 per month and the cost of living isn't exactly low. One fish soup meal (1 bowl of soup + 1 bowl of rice) can cost $5 per person; a pair of shoes ala Charles & Keith standard costs an average of $35!

My uncle, aunty + cousies stay in the suburban Serpong/Tangerang area which is less affected by natural calamities. The sleepy town could bore me to tears if not for my cutie 表-niece, the occasional shopping at the uninteresting malls, the sub-standard food that's supposed to be great by the locals' definition and the old folks who have really aged over the last 5 years.

I ended up not buying anything much except for discounted pieces of sewn cloth to cover my twin peaks. With so much left-over rupiah, I ended up buying my Indo folks a meal at Coca and it costs me only $50 for 7 of us!

I'm this bored.

The houses at Alam Sutera, Serpong

Old babe + cutie babe 表-niece Ling: she's got really beautiful eyelashes and very pinchable cheeks just like a walking doll!

Cutie 表-niece with one of her many boyfriends Ben

Can't get enough of my cutie 表-niece! She's very sensitive to the camera and is ever-ready to pose. I so love kids :D

The locals of middle-class and above fuss damn a lot over their lil' ones. For those families who can afford, there'll be one baby-sitter (donning nurse uniform) to every kid. I hope my 表-niece grow up to be an independent, lovable gal, not bratty and pampered. She's very clever for her age with lotsa potential if groomed rightly.

And here's a photo of my closest uncle, aunty and their family. Ling is the result of my cousie Mega + her hubby's (on extreme left) union. I've a feeling my offsprings' gonna be good-lookers too, given my cutie pie looks. Besides, according to my hunch, my husband's gonna be cute too!!! :D

Another off-the-plane-window shot added to my collection:

Check out what lulls me to sleep every nite in Jakarta:

Never like this song as much as I like it recently.

Till the next trip.

I'm Going Jakarta

2007-02-17T22:54:00.000+08:00

What could be more exciting than visiting a place I used to visit nearly on an annual basis until recent years, when my last stopover was in 2002? *droops head*

It's been nearly 5 years and I can almost smell the polluted air of Jakarta in my imagination now. Obliged by duty and a genuine sincerity to pop by and say hi to my beloved uncle, aunty and cousies, I had to give in to my ma's powerful 'coercion'.

Hope the flood has subsided. And I'm crossing my fingers that its aftermath won't spell D.I.S.E.A.S.E.S. I'm coming back to start new job one leh.

Special invitation to PALS (read PALS only - if you're unsure of your friendship status with me, please consult me.): Drop me a msg if you want me to get you anything from DFS. I'm flying off T1. We'll settle payment when I'm back ;)

Around the World in 80 Lines (the first 20 lines)

2007-01-14T14:43:00.000+08:00

Take me on London's Eye,
Round and round like life and lies.
We'll go up Taipei's One-O-One,
Now the world's creations look small and fun.
Let the glitter of Hong Kong lights,
Dazzle our eyes and spice the nights.
Or slurp ramen on Tokyo's streets,
Warm our tummies in winter's breeze.
Conquer the bunds like Shanghai knights,
And feel the rush with the rising tides.
Shop like a tai-tai at Champ-Elysees,
Dine al-fresco and eat souffle.
Go party-hop in Madrid's pubs,
Till the wee hours when the sun comes up.
Dig in kimchi with the Korean folks,
Ogle for cute dudes while drinking coke.
Pick some flowers from the Netherlands,
Beware when you roam round their red light bends.
Return to basics on Tibet's grounds,
Life can be rich with greens abound!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2006-12-22T15:59:00.000+08:00

Pipi poses 3 cheers to:

1) Me for flunking my driving test! Sorry my fellow very outstanding DWPers, it was my mistake. I deserve it. I mocked at the short-tongued man. I denied the uncle of his chance at me. I sang the christmas carols with too much SHHsss. No roadtrips for now, but I'll get there, soon.

2) Me for having a 2nd go at my driving test in March 2007! I promise I'll be a good gal, a more astute driver and less short-circuit when I'm in the test circuit.

3) You, for a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year! May dreams take flight and I promise all my pals that next will be great year for us. Whatever good things the horoscope says will come true. Pls tear out all those pages that mention the bad stuff. We'll be fine.

Have a great journey in 2007 :)

I'm So Not Going Anywhere

2006-12-10T22:32:00.000+08:00

I apologise for the lack of updates on this blog. In the midst of pulling through some life's battles now, so please summon all the luck you can and lend me some force! :)

Hopefully things will be for the better very very soon. Want to have a new year with some bright outlook. And thanx everyone, for being with me.

Marry me under the starry skies

2006-11-30T11:49:00.000+08:00

Following our recent discussions on wedding receptions (and after attending yet another boring wedding dinner), I set out to name you my very own preferred venues for wedding receptions, right here in Sing-a-pore! My dearest sistas, in case my future husband-to-be ever secretly consults you for suggestions, please refer him here. Thanks.

(1) Greens in the gardens
If you love the lush soft grass and the rustle of the leaves when the breeze blows by, consider these:

a) Botanic Gardens - just be careful not to scare Vanda Miss Joaquim with the crowd

b) Fort Canning - throw in a spooky ghost tales trail for your guests. Woohoo! Alternative! I like!

c) Shangri-la Hotel's garden - I heard it's nice, haven't been there though.

d) Your house garden - why not, if you stay in a big big landed property?

The cons: watch out for the occasional mozzies, factor in bad weather contingency + be prepared for budget bust though I'm not too concerned over this. My husband and I gonna be rich :p

(2) A dash of architectural elegance
If indoors still sound best and you don't wish for the same old hotel or restaurant options, how about:

a) Singapore Arts Museum - free entrance for your guests to see the galleries too. Oooh, how cultured!

b) Giraffe @ Istana Park - I'm afraid you won't be greeted by the president, tho it says the "Istana Park".

c) Asian Civilisations Museum - infuse the peranakan style to your wedding and tie your knots with your better half as bibik and baba.

d) Red Dot Design Museum - An all-red building facade for a red letter day. How appropriate!

e) National Museum of Singapore - I think you can even request for the screening of "The Singapore Story" and feel truly patriotic at your wedding.

g) The Fullerton Waterboat House - great place for the sea-sick; get on the boat without getting rocked off.

h) Chijmes - what better place to sound the wedding chimes than at chijmes?

The cons: limited capacity not ideal for those with lots of guests.

Oh goodness, as I write on, I realise there are really a lot more alternative locations. Engage me as your wedding planner! I've got loads of ideas up my head. ;)

For those who are regrettably to be left on the shelves, don't despair! You've got friends who can go those places with you! And for those without friends...aren't you one sorry ass?

Love is an affair in beautiful Bali

2006-11-21T21:48:00.001+08:00

Can't believe how busy I was over the last few days...Check out some shots I took in Bali (click on flickr link on right side bar). I was there for a holiday in 2003. Bali was recovering from its bombing aftermath so travel packages were cheap then!

Haven't seen a nude beach? You can see just that in Bali's Kuta Beach ;)

For those who love beauty in rawer and less touristy form, do pop by Lombok, an island near Bali.

Heads-up on Taiwan-Okinawa Tour

2006-11-16T10:44:00.000+08:00

Beautiful Okinawa

Looks like it's gonna cost me a bomb to travel from Taiwan to Okinawa but it's still cheaper than flying straight to Okinawa from Singapore. Here are some findings after a whole morning of googling:

1) Okinawa is accessible via Taipei by air. Seems like China Airlines is the only carrier to Naha, Okinawa. A round trip (about 1.5 hour flight) will set me back around S$500. Lodging isn't exactly cheap in Okinawa but there are always decent hostels at lower prices.

2) A cheaper alternative to Okinawa is via Kaohsiung or Keelung by ferry. Considering the time wasted (about 16 - 19 hours), it might not be worth it. However, being in the middle of the sea overnight is an experience I welcome!

The Arimura Sangyo Company is the only ferry line that operates between Keelung Port and Naha Port. The ferry departs from Keelung at 10pm and arrives next day at Naha, 3pm. Usually departs from Taiwan on Mon / Tue; departs from Naha on Thu / Fri. Fare costs approximately S$250 from Naha to Keelung. I haven't gotten my hands on info if this is a round-trip fare or just one way.

Arimura can be contacted via email adachi_arimuraline@nifty.com. Think I'll drop them a note soon. They apparently has rep offices in Taipei and Kaohsiung (Tel. + 886 (0)7 330 9811).

3) If travelling out of Taiwan looks too expensive, we can also consider Xiao Liuqiu*, a Taiwanese island off the southwestern coast of Taiwan.

*Xiao Liuqiu = 小琉球, literally translates to Mini Okinawa; Okinawa was an independent kingdom and was known as RyuKyu before it was annexed by Japan during the Meiji Restoration period in 1879.

For more information on Okinawa, visit:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Okinawa
http://www.okinawa.com/

For more information on Taiwan, visit: http://www.taiwan.net.tw/lan/cht/index/index.asp

My fellow PTCs, according to my estimation, we need to set aside $1,500/person for transport + lodging alone to realise our Taiwan-Okinawa tour. More updates soon!

Christmas arrives at Orchard Road!

2006-11-12T01:17:00.000+08:00

It was pouring the whole day. So nice to be at home, reading and lazing around, till it was time to go out for my dinner date :)

We headed to Crystal Jade La-Mian-Xiao-Long-Bao @ Great World City and I had my all time favouritest (+ cheapest noodle on the menu) Sichuan Dandan noodle. Very satisfying!!! Shan't bore you with details on food you can only imagine but can't taste.

Now the gist of this post. Dinner was so full, we decided to walk from River Valley to Orchard Road and I was happy to know it's lights up tonight! If you haven't had a trip downtown, here are snapshots to share:

I thought Tangs has one of the loveliest displays tho I recall liking last year's even more.

I love the marketing folks at Jetstar. They put up posters of their 2nd anniversary promo at all the ice-cream men's carts in Orchard Road. Genius!

Experimented a little with my kamera and got this brilliant effects on the lights...heh..

This is a nice tree I tell ya but just can't steady my hands to take a focused shot :(

The red tree's cousin donning white.

Check out what Centrepoint is up to...

No ra-ra display or the same-old christmas tree routine. But the colourful lights exude an understated elegance.

How about Plaza Singapura?

Lights-entwined twigs and 5 cubic trees...not too impressive huh?

Tata Orchard Road, I'm hopping on the home-bound bus.

So...what do you want for Christmas this year?

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

2006-11-11T14:18:00.000+08:00

Where am I?

Changi Airport!!!

Where am I flying to?

Taipei!! On my fave budget airline - Jetstar!

Yea...dreaming on. I'm just here to send mama off. Anyway Jetstar's having their 2nd birday sale. Fly to Bangkok or Phuket from S$2; Taipei, Hong Kong and Bali from S$22!

%*$#@(**!! Dun care, I'm going Taipei-Penghu-Okinawa + Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto next year. Someone remind me I dun have enuff moolah again...

Glimpses of Chinatown

2006-11-08T16:40:00.000+08:00

My new travel buddy Fuji F30 has not been put to real test but I'm really pleased with it so far :)

Some shots that Shazz took during lunch today:

Shall We Go Macau?

2006-11-03T09:48:00.000+08:00

I have a little time before work starts. Shall I go Macau? Shall I? Should I? And then lament over a small hole in the pocket and suffer from cognitive dissonance over spending on a trip I don't exactly need and had plans for initially. Argh...dilemma dilemma...

But...
Macau is the gateway to Hong Kong (dessert! shopping @ Mong Kok! CDs!) + China (incredibly cheap buys!)

I can spend 2 days in Macau, 1 in Hong Kong and 1 in Zhu Hai!

Macau is one of Asia's most European-looking cities

And Tiger Airway's tix to Macau is cheap - just $250 to fly there and back!

However...
Why not save the money for Japan next year? No matter how cheap, Macau's still gonna cost me around $800 for tix, hotel and expenses.

I've just been to China, and I don't exactly need anything from Hong Kong.

I can spend time at home, doing a lot more things.

I dunno. The devil is still arguing with the angel :S

My Perfect Travel Companion Is Someone Who...

2006-11-02T09:20:00.000+08:00

shares more or less the same agenda on the trip,

watches out for and takes care of me while I do the same for him/her,

may not know how to read the maps well but take things in good stride even if we lose our way,

puts up with and does not mock at my idiosyncrasy,

does not complain incessantly,

gets fun out of everything – sight-seeing, shopping, eating, people-watching, exploring, anything!

is not fussy and does not expect to be waited on like a prissy princess,

shares the load – I bring the shampoo, you bring the soap,

is generous and not miserly over sharing some cost,

can walk miles and miles without having the need to constantly adhere to a fixed itinerary,

adapts to changes and makes the best out of the situation,

does not need to sleep really early,

loves the noise and also appreciates the quietude (like what XY and Minty mentioned!),

does not take photos of me from a low angle thus making my face look swollen with double chin :p

likes me enough not to get freaked out by my "just out of bed look".

Add on to my list of the PTC. Keep the voxpops coming :)

My PTCs! We miss Taipei :(

The Perfect Travel Companion

2006-11-01T12:39:00.000+08:00

I want to post an entry on what/who makes the grade of a (near) perfect travel companion. You tell me your idea of a perfect travel companion. Post a voxpop today! Sorry, no prize tho. This is not a sponsored blog.

The Night is Still Young

2006-10-30T08:58:00.000+08:00

Neon lights
Dancing at night
Litted signs
Tempting in sight

FAQs + Answers to Pi's Quest to be a Lecturer

2006-10-26T17:00:00.000+08:00

I've been answering these questions from everyone who has just heard of me winding up Runway. So given my tiny celebrity status, I think it's time to put up this FAQ with OFFICIAL answers from the horse's mouth. Whatever you've heard from my secondary circle are prolly just half-truths.

1. Why did you decide to dissolve Runway?
Excuse me ah, firstly please note that the question has been carefully phrased to use the word "dissolve". The company didn't "toh-teon" mind you.

I decide this is the way to go because I'm not interested anymore. No, kidding - how can I sound so willful and frivolous?! Honestly, I lost sight from where I first started. Much as I realised my strengths along the way, it has also been a humbling experience of realising that achieving ideals can be challenging.

2. Why did you decide to become a lecturer? Is it just a temporary getaway?
Because I like young boys. Nah....I'M KIDDING TOO. I've always wanted teaching / training as a career in the later part of my life. It's not a sudden thought. It's my natural progression. Afterall, I've got innate nurturing traits mah..even so-and-so thought I remind him of his mum. Ultimately, it's to fulfill my very vain aspiration to make an impact in some people's lives.

3. Why are you going to teach at XP?
Because other polys dun want me, as yet lar! Else why you think I'll be crazy enough to travel so far (which is gawd knows how many thousand metres away from my house) and have XYZ near me? The good thing is at least I get to teach and this makes my decision stated in (1) worthwhile.

4. Who is XYZ and why does the prospect of working near her irks you?
She's a witch. She used to suck up to me cos I'm Miss Popular and she wasn't. See lar, how the wheel of fortunes turned its table on me. but XYZ dun take offence if you read this ok?! I'm learning to appreciate you lar...give me time please... :p

5. So will you go back to business in the future?
Of course!!! The entrepreneur in me never dies! But I wun dabble with agency business again, unless it's an agency that creates for itself at its own pace and whims and fancies. I dream of owning my own cosy cafe one day. Partners, anyone?

So, this woman is going to be a lecturer:

Give her your blessings.

p.s: I'm sorry, my faithful readers (chey! as if there are a lot!), if my 2 blogs have caused confusion as to which is about what. To answer the question as posted by Bren today, I attempt to once and for all set the guidelines for the content positioning of these 2 blogs:

AcesGoPlaces
1) Will continue to fulfill its vision as a travel blog.
2) Will also post contents on the bimbotic leisure activities, great haunts and good food we get to enjoy in our small town.
3) The above entry will be my last post on my life away from RUNWAY here. Thereafter I'll be posting contents on activities (see point 2) when I'm literally not travelling via the airport runway, which is most of the time anyway.

That Gibberish Blog
For humble writings on "oh-so-exciting" happenings around me, please continue to support my newly revamped gibberish blog.

But come back here often. I'll keep u entertained on my travel adventures in and out of Singapore.

Away from Runway

2006-10-19T17:57:00.000+08:00

Now you can worship at my blog!!!

Presenting the creation of aspiring inventor, quack doctor and horse-master Mr Chee *gulp* *drum roll*......

My pa brought home a wooden piece, started decorating it with $$$ signs and proclaimed it the 大发财神 (The Great Fortune God) tablet! No wonder he was looking for multi-colours markers over the last few days! He told me he's not quite done with it yet - wanna accessorise further with images of gold bars and jewellery *HAHAHAHAHHA*

If you're wondering why the Chinese words look so scrawny that's becos my dad can't write Chinese for nuts' sake. This latest project of his sent me laffing till i get stitches. Oh man! Tell me if my family's as dysfunctional as the Hoovers' in Miss Little Sunshine?!

Other than hilarious happenings at home, the 19 days away from Runway had been all about:
1) finishing the incomplete projects
2) lunches with various folks at raffles place
3) debt collecting at Kreta Ayer
4) watching vcds
5) listening to music by 强辩 (I so love the tunes of 雨下个不停，甜蜜的愿望，1234，彩虹的另一端), 克群 and 静茹
6) got concert tix to Eason!!!
7) hoping very hard someone could sponsor me ABC stout crowns / ringpulls to the gig featuring our favouritest Mayday, stylo Chen Sheng and lame-beh Pin Guan
8) reading the Dangerous Book for Boys
9) cooking up a storm with my toasties and meatballs. YUMMILICIOUS I TELL YA! I'm a genius cook!
10) negotiating with my future employer
11) wanting to climb Mount Faber everyday but dammit! the haze forbids!
12) paying old colleagues an "incidental" visit then claiming free lunch and basking in praises of how i look younger and prettier...hehehe
13) renewing ties with frens who had been a part of my life, then not so much of my life, then part of my life again!
14) celebrating my birthday many times over...this year's celebration started earliest and is going to end latest. I can't believe this.
15) unpacking, unpacking and unpacking. I'm down to 2 cartons now from the initial 13! And there's a basketful of miscellaneous which i really dunno where to hide.
16) catching a few good movies - the departed (ok, typical hollywood all men's show), little red flower (sounds like a soft porn but not) and the very funny, simple, nice Little Miss Sunshine
17) tearing up newspapers with buddy at the NUS libby and saw her ~~cutie~~ not-too-bad-looking classmate who alas, is married and is not really cute by XY's standard cos he has centre-parting
18) reworking this blog and the other old and dowdy one
19) learning my driving and forgetting all the parking steps AGAIN and irritated the hell outta my instructor.

Kreta Ayer still looks the same after 2 weeks. How different can it be anyway?

p/s: my pa's gonna place the tablet at Telok Blangah Hill. He welcomes all worshippers and wish everyone the best of luck. May the GREAT GOD OF FORTUNE report at your home.

I so love Taiwan :D

2006-10-09T16:58:00.000+08:00

10 things I like about Taiwan:

1. The "cutified" Mandarin - it's hair-raising just hearing the gals speak!

2. The tall cute guys - I suspect the rice they eat is good for growth.

3. The freedom of speech - Taiwanese speak as they like, act as they wish, fight as they please.

4. The countless night markets - You sure won't be bored at nite.

5. Mayday - the country that gives us Mandopop and the unbeatable, rockifying 五月天.

6. The variety shows - Gogo Jacky Wu!

7. The "Big5" Chinese - traditional Chinese characters that would soon be unrecognisable by younger generations.

8. The friendly service - pseudo or not, I still like the warm greetings and ready smiles.

9. The Taiwanese snacks - good food is everywhere!

10. The winter that doesn't snow - walking in air-conditioned outdoor is such a breeze.

And here are some lovely shots I rediscovered from my albums:

In autumn, the leaves of the trees in Taroko Gorge were gone with the wind.

Dawn breaks at the horizon of Pacific Ocean in Hualien.

Jiufen has a way of greeting you with its old charm.

Signboards and neon lights shine bright in Taipei Ximending.

Rock with the crowd at outdoor gig.

Eat till you burst at steamboat buffet [吃到饱(爆)] of all sorts.

Runway Parting Shots: The Journey Ends Here

2006-10-01T00:22:00.000+08:00

I present the final moments as we say tata to the Attic.

The Final Episode

The door leading to the 4 storeys of staircase

Runway neighbourhood - left wing. See the backview of Mr Postman in the distant? He's my fave friendly postman who'll flash his best smile and chit chat whenever he sees me. See, I'm the unanimous people's choice of Miss Popular...hahaha

Runway neighbourhood - right wing. Kreta Ayer is a blessed area. We've got church, mosque, Chinese temple and Hindu temple just round the corners!

My appointed Moving Director of the day climbing up the mean staircase

And me journeying up...by the way it's bullshit that climbing stairs can help lose weight. It didn't show on me lor.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially if it's parting with something that has become part of your life. My "Moving Director" was once a member of the Attic.

I left a love note for the next tenant! But most likely the landlord will take it out before they get to see it. Jeff, leave it on will ya?

See lar, I'm so considerate, even left notices like that for likely situations that might inconvenience the next tenant.

Me and Geok posed victorious as we gave our final touch to the packing. We're ready to move!

Tata again! I've said it so many times and it's now for real.

The two rooms reinstated to when I saw them for the first time. (except for the carpet and empty cartons which I've so charitably left behind)

No more flights from 1st Oct. Email and business license will still be live for keepsake.

I'm starting my 28th year afresh, with new career in anticipation and new shoes to fill.

Good luck all, on your lives' many journeys.

Runway Parting Shots (I)

2006-09-29T14:19:00.000+08:00

More pictures over the last few days of my packing. Couldn't thank each and everyone enough for all the help. Must also thank those who paid lip service (haha! you know who you are) :p

I'll be freer starting next week, so all you people working in town ask me out for lunch ok?? Else, i might be based at some ulu place soon :(

大頭 aka 小胖 (where got fat?), me and 饭盒aka (Super) Vainpot squeezing in one pathetic corner when there is more space to stand.

So many shots with 大頭 cos himbotic Vainpot didn’t know if the cam had captured the pictures or not lor.

I don't know what's with this shot with my air freshener.

Handan Chewyan or 咸蛋超人 with the very few boxes he has helped pack.

Cute boys! Where? In the poster lar, a-ber-then?

And TADANG! I finally understand why I haven’t been able to give away the laptop bag...

Because the bag is destined to serve Brader Tua-jiak! And thanx to him, my dustbin, vase, stool, side table etc found new owner! See how safe they feel in his arms...wahahaha!

And my messy workstation one last time before I pack up the mess...

The Traveller's Checklist

2006-09-28T00:19:00.000+08:00

While travelling excites me greatly, the packing sure doesn't. But here's a checklist to the rescue! Doesn't take away the painful chore but it's easier when you are organised.

Click to see bigger image.

The Runway Journey

2006-09-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Strictly speaking, this entry won't quite fall into any travel-related category. But it's about one of my life's most significant journeys. Take it away with Runway :)

The FINALE Party: Sat, 23 Sep 2006, 11am to 3pm

Episode 4, also the final chapter, will see Runway vacating the attic on 30 Sep :( More on this later. Now, the fun moments first!

Pi boasting about her S$6 Number 5 tee (sorry, tee's not available for sale in Singapore..wahaha) while Bren and LYu looked on.

The FIVEsters posed. If you still dunno our thing for 5, you haven't heard enuff about Mayday from us.

Oh my gawd! All my frens are so pretty! What do they say about birds of the same kind flock together? :p

Me shouting lelong for all my barangs in "koyok" selling style. Dammit, I know I got flair for sales but my aspiration says otherwise.

Gotcha! Jo and Minty caught in their act of secret operation for my surprise birday celebration.

Presenting the lovely cake to me!

Thanx for the "moving on" prezzies. I'll be getting birday prezzies hor?

Angel and Shazz stole a shot with my cake.

Soon, there'll be at least 3 candles on my cake :S

Sparkling wine for the occasion, courtesy of Minty!

Pink! to kick in some kink...heh

Yum seng time.

And Daffy said, "here's to more bb for everyone!" I was shocked! My ma will kill me if a baby arrived before my wedding!

After some clarifications, I realised she said VB - variable bonus lar...chey... Now we can continue happily with our yum seng :D

The ATTIC in Memory

Office layout when we first started - messy wires all around and less space for moving around.

The stairway leading to the attic. I'll miss going up that 4 storeys of stairs, really.

The best thing about being your own boss? I can wear flip-flops and look lok kok ;)

The BIG Orange Studio...now let's take a look inside >>>

Not that big huh? :p

Now let's check out the BIG Cookie Studio...>>>

Has anyone ever noticed the postcards and decor near the brown door upon entering?

Our tiny office. It may look a little messy but I make it a point to housekeep at least once a month ok!

The Runway House Rules are a reflection of my work culture. I love noise, laughter and an environment that puts people at home the very instant you set foot.

The one and only Runway window view! When we were looking for an office, having a window was one of the criteria. We got our way except the view's not quite what we initially expected.

The Runway Journey: 26 Aug 2006

2006-09-24T23:59:00.000+08:00

PACKING Up 2 Years 8 Months Worth of Asset

Didn’t know my packing up at Runway’s humble set up could take whole day. Thank goodness for XY, Minty and LYu in making the chore as fun as it can get!

Scheming XY declaring herself the official “paster” cum “rubbish” supervisor to save herself from the headache of deciding what to throw and what not.

And then there’s the official human shredder who refused any one of us to take over her role.

LYu “buay kam guan” we caught her eating snake.

One of our first few projects when we started way back in 2001.

Me looking at the stickers that LYu pasted on me.

Finally, the stuff at Orange studio packed after a day of hard work. But..but.. there’s still the Cookie studio…

And I Won't Forget...

The pow-wow Christmas parties we threw at the Attic…

...the High-5 celebration (too bad I dun have the pictures with me now)...
the countless moments of joy and toil that we’ve been through together.

Frenz, family, (ex)colleagues, landlords and clients:
Thank you for making this journey possible.
We are all aces going places.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Imperial Gourmet 蜻蜓点水Tour: The greens, scenes and dreams

2006-09-10T03:45:00.000+08:00

Cities / Towns / Villages Visited:
Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Nanjing & Wuxi

Patience required if you wanna follow me through my adventure in China - 10 parts in all but easy-reading I promise.

1. Greens and Water, Legends and Myths
I had enough of gardens and parks over the few days in Suzhou and Hangzhou. And there’s a story behind every one of those gardens with lakes and hills. But they all look the same to me! Willows by the lake, tall lalangs amid the grass, pine trees with some acorns, colourful flowers dotting the landscape, bamboos shooting out of everywhere…They all look the same to me :

Some have interesting stories and background though: This is Leifeng Ta (雷峰塔), where Nezha(讷吒) was trapped and at a certain bridge of this lake, Madam White Snake met Xu Xian.

Lei Feng Ta at the famous Xi Hu in Suzhou

This is the tea plantation of Mei Jia Zhuang (梅家荘) in Suzhou – almost all folks who work at the plantation are Meis. This is also where TVB epic Cha Shi Gu Xiang Nong (茶是故乡浓) filmed 2/3 of the drama location shots.

Young Mr Mei (promising new generation boss) introduced us to their famous Longjing tea and tickled me with his cutie looks and lame jokes. Too bad I was too shy to take a photo of him, not to say with him.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 2

2006-09-10T03:43:00.000+08:00

2. Aunties, Amahs and My Fave Aunty Ah Zhu
About 85% of my tour group mates are aunties and uncles, including my ma of cos! And 1 distinct pattern of the aunties – they carry brolly with them everywhere, rain or shine.

And me being the rare none-aunty in the group got concerned aunties asking me if I need a brolly. No Way unless it rains!!! Anyway, I'm very pleased with this bunch of amahs cos they all were very very surprised to learn that I'm turning 28 when they thought I was only 21 or 22. Heh!

And here's presenting you my favouritest aunty of the trip:

Quick snap while Aunty Ah Zhu's not looking

She talks non-stop, is kind at heart and very forward-thinking too. Very cheery woman considering she fought cancer just 2 - 3 years back. We took the same cab back one evening and she bombarded me with soooo much comments that I burst out laffing non-stop, in awe of her talkaholism. This pix's for her (she told me how she loves this display found at 万松书院 in Hangzhou:

Display at Wansong Shuyuan, where that kayu Liang Shanbo studied with Zhu Yingtai

Aunty Ah Zhu got us really worried once when we were in Shanghai's Tong Ren Tang (同仁堂, the famous Chinese medical hall that's really out to ~~ketok money~~ promote Chinese medicine). We were treated to a free foot massage at the hall. All of us ended our session within 1 hour but hers took exceptionally long. We waited 45 minutes for her in the coach and when she finally came up, everybody cheered. Her husband got an earful from her though. I attempt to do a transcript of what she complained to us -

Ah Zhu (in distinct Ipoh accent): 啊哟!真不容易才摆脱那个医生! 他们一直按摸我的脚,不肯放我走! 说我很多问题,需要买药进补. 我跟他们讲我没钱了,又没工作,没儿女养很残的,他们还是不放过我!这个死老的(refering to her hubby)又不合作,笨到要命, 我讲到这样辛苦说我没钱,他竟然插嘴说我们有新币!

She managed to get off only after buying S$50 worth of tonic. And she sent me rolling in laughter so pain that my tears flowed.

By the way, I can do a re-enactment, complete with the fantastic accent + expression of what she said upon request.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 3

2006-09-10T03:42:00.000+08:00

3. Children of Our Times
The Chinese love taking their children out and treat them like prince and princess. (No) thanks to China's one-child policy, the Chinese parents need only to focus all their love on a single kid.

These 2 kids kept turning away when I wanted to snap them having fun with the bubbles.

Proud mummy lifted her baby's 肚兜to reveal her gender when she caught me clicking on the cam across the lake.

Dad and Mum paddles with their princess across the lake. These parents are so free - they don't have to work!

Lucky boys from Singapore's St Michael Primary having an Study Exchange Trip in Shanghai. By the way, their Chinese sux big time.

Shanghai Jiangnan Tour: Part 4

2006-09-10T03:41:00.000+08:00

4. Venices in Asia
I haven't been to Venice so I don't know just how beautiful they are. Meanwhile, the water towns of Wuzhen and Suzhou prove mersmerizing enough for now:

Excuse me, please don't read Niaozhen.

Wuzhen used to house a population close to 10,000 people. Now it dwindles to only 600, mainly old folks who feel more at home washing clothes, bathing, peeing, shitting all in the river right behind their house.

Peek-a-boo inside one of the villagers' house.

My ma enjoying the breeze by the river.

In the past, most houses in Suzhou are built with the back door opening up to a river. Lesser land nowadays is making this less possible. One thing remains - the white / cream coloured walls with black roof. Somehow the government in Suzhou decided that houses look more appropriate this way. On the other hand, the houses here look boring with its cookie-cutter pattern especially when you view them from their front doors.

It was said that Emperor Qian Long once dined at this restaurant called Songhe Lou during one of his trips to Suzhou. The restaurant had run out of dishes when he arrived in the late evening. With some creativity, they presented him with rice crust dug from the chow-ta claypot stir-fried with leftover of prawns, meat and vegies. Qian Long liked the dish very much and asked for its name. Off the cuff, the innkeeper named it "tian xia di yi cai" (天下第一菜). Songhe Lou gained fame from then.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 5

2006-09-10T03:39:00.000+08:00

5. Communism Rules
The legacy of Uncle Mao is evident all around the country. Exhortation slogans are splashed across big walls. The Chinese tong zhis (同志) are urged to work hard, innovate, practise road courtesy, aim for common good and many other reforms that could make them better people and a stronger nation.

Lao Mao says hi

Still, they speak loudly as though in brawls, are really pushy - and I mean this literally. Crowded or not, they just like to push. And god knows how many rude sales people I came across. I guess being the world's most populated nation puts everyone on tenterhooks to outshine in order to outlast. But one thing I really can't stand is the Shanghainese habit of honking whether or not the road is jammed, even on a road like this:

I think the sloppy gong-an (公安) should do something instead of standing around, imposing a pathetic fine of S$1.00 for drivers who beat the red light.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 6

2006-09-10T03:33:00.000+08:00

6. Pride of a Nation
I'm sure you've heard about the Nanjing massacre. Pls google it if you haven't. For a city that has been through so much, the Nanjing-ers take a lot of pride in the difficulties they've managed to overcome.

The great Yangtze Bridge - built with bare hands, tears, sweat and blood. 35 people sacrificed their lives to dive in the fierce Yangtze River to measure its depth. China built this bridge when they underwent their most difficult times, refusing the aid of Russia which had better equipment and resources at that time. One Chinese engineer was even buried alive in cement when he accidentally fell into one of the columns and refused help so as not to slow down the building progress. The bridge took 10 years to complete. It allows road transportation on top with a railway on the lower deck.

Now, Nanjing is one of the most flourishing Chinese cities.

As consumerism mounts, the Chinese found themselves caught in the reality competitions fervour with Chaoji Nusheng 超级女声 being the most popular competition:

There are at least 4 Li Yuchun (last year's champ) lookalikes in the competition. And these judges' comments for all 4 are "you've got a unique personality, very special character". Unique my foot! How unique can u get when you look like the other 3? I'm quite impressed by the fanatical fans though. They even set fireworks ablaze in the studio! My gawd, I can't imagine some folks' hair getting burnt.

Other than their very own superstar, the Chinese also produce their own brands of cigarettes:

Guess which is the most popular brand?
Hint: the one with the orh bak kak animal lor

The economy miracle in the country extends beyond Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing. Even the city that is famous for its pork ribs is now attracting loads of FDIs.

Wuxi doesn't rank as my preferred city during this trip but it's quite happening here too. By the way, Wuxi's pork ribs is nothing compared to our Paigu Wang (排骨王) lor.

Stadiums are sprouting out everywhere as the world turns to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 7/8

2006-09-10T03:30:00.000+08:00

7. Chinese Love to Gamble
Cards or tiles, rich or poor, indoor or out. Anytime, anywhere.

8. Back to Basics
I thought cassettes are extinct until I see them again in China. And despite having more cars on the road, the Chinese still love their bicycle aka 自行车.

If you think Chinese kungfu is bullshit, you might reconsider after watching this performance at Wuxi's TV City (where classics like Water Margin and Sanguo Yanyi 三国演义were filmed). I was genuinely impressed by the fighting scene they put up! Real blows were exchanged as they rode on horseback. Eeeeha!

And to create more job opportunities for the booming population, the KFC in Shanghai even had a post as basic as this:

Colonel Sanders must be eating snake somewhere.

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 9

2006-09-10T03:25:00.000+08:00

9. Pulsating Shanghai
I love this city. So full of energy and vibrancy. So packed with people. So filled with magnificent night sights. And there's the summer sale galore...ooh...so crazy, so little time, so much to do!

What's the fastest train today? Bullet train? Boohoo...you're outdated. It's the Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation) train. It hits 700 to 800km/hour when it's at its fastest. My journey hits 450km/hour at its top speed.

I caught acrobatic show in Shanghai. Not something I fancy. The show was decent though I prefer the Ah-Kua show in Thailand...hahaha...

Shanghai is a city of contrast. "Cheena" architecture coexists with grand colonial British and French buildings. High-climbing skyscrapers harmonise with nostalgic houses lining against the alleys.

Chenghuangmiao Street. I say skip it - too touristy for good shopping.

Nanjinglu. Unleash the shoppaholic demon in you here.

As more lofty apartments sprout out, the old folks lament over the rapid loss of traditional Chinese homes that are poor in sanitation but rich in native flavour.

Expressways that go round and round connect this chaotic city. Too bad I don't have a snapshot of it at nite. Totally awesome.

Qipu Lu. Shanghai's equivalence of Taipei's Wufenpu. Cheap clothes, accesories, and imitations. Watch out for the traffic; it's super crazy.

Now I present you the oh-so-famous THE BUND! Too bad the sky's gloomy and misty the day I visited :(

See that building with the magenta round structure? That's the Oriental Pearl Tower. One of the world's tallest. These stubborn communists refuse to change their script that says this is Asia's tallest. Please lar, world's tallest for now is Taipei 101 lor.

Aerial views of The Bund from Oriental Pearl Tower 60th Floor. The Bund separates Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong. Puxi is more developed but Pudong's catching up fast.

Shanghai gets even more glam as sky gets darker. But dammit, my cam can't make it to do enough justice to the panorama. It's so beautiful that I couldn't bear to blink my eyes for fear of missing out anything.

Take a cruise round The Bund (Huangpu Jiang) if you can. The splendour had me intoxicated.

I left Shanghai with 2 regrets - 1, not being able to take a shot of a street; 2, not being able to shoot 和平饭店 Peace Hotel. I'll be back with a better cam the next time and I'm gonna buy myself this new cam as my birthday prezzie upon receiving my first pay cheque at my new job :)

Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 10 (Finale + Bonus!)

2006-09-10T03:15:00.000+08:00

10. It's Me-me Time!
You must have noticed I haven't put up any pix featuring me. It's all my ma's fault lar. Taught her so many times still dunno how to snap properly. Guess she's shutterphobic. But here are some shots of cute me, taken by moi. Please enjoy.

p/s: I'm not narcissistic mind you.

6 cities in 8 days. Tired leh!

My fave orh pee sai shot...kekeke

And as fate would decide, I met Linlin in Wuxi! We didn't even plan to meet!

I'm Staying Away from Guided Tours
Guided tour with big groups is not for me lar. Makes me feel like headless chicken following the crowd. The food sux. Everyday is the same as yesterday - lotsa meat soaked in oil, eggs cooked in same boring way, vegies stir-fried in a sea of salt and soup so bland you thought it's water. I came back with a sore, thick tongue. Not only that, I'm also porkphobic now. The pig must have fed on stinky food there - the meat simply causes nausea. Yeeks....!

Then, as part of tour agency's SOP, they brought us to so many tourist retail outlets that are total waste of time. Worse still, tour guide coerced us into taking an optional tour which costs S$100 and it consists only of a cultural Chinese dance performance, 1 free ride to a shopping belt in Nanjing and 1 dinner. Why call it optional when she made it soooo compulsory?

BUT...I simply refused to take it up and got the guide absolutely pissed. 5 other aunties followed suit after seeing how insistent I was. You should have seen how her smiley face turned all black INSTANTLY. Classic.

By the way, be careful of fake RMB notes. Quite a bit are floating in the market. I got 1 fake RMB$50 (S$10) from change. The big shops are usually quite ok cos they check notes they receive and pay out. Beware when in small shops that look like they would make人肉包 (human flesh bun) out of you.

Hair-Raising Massage
Got a free massage as part of my package. But it's all a scam to get our foot in the door to spend more lar. Anyway, my masseur is this 22-year-old boy from Shanxi. He must have found me irresistible - just couldn't stop talking to me.

As he applied finger pressure on my very well-endowed feet, he started harping on how fair and smooth my skin is. My hair stood immediately. He had to end the massage with a flirty wink. I nearly flipped.

淫贼!!!

BONUS!
I'm sorry if my pictures bore you lar. Here are few parting shots and I be off to zzzz....can't believe this travelog took me whole day :S

Some pagoda in Suzhou. Can't remember name liao lar.

Some plant in some garden. Let's just call it big lalang.

More greens. Good for your eyes ah!

Dusk at Wuxi's TV City. Didn't realise it's a wee bit romantic until I look at my photos today.

Sofitel Hyland Hotel smacked right in the middle of Nanjing Lu. Next time I wanna stay here, not at the lok kok Shangfu Holiday Hotel.

FINALLY, my prized harvest in Shanghai! Not including another 10+ tees I got for bro, ma and friends. Books and CDs/VCDs/DVDs are cheap in Shanghai Shucheng 上海书城 at Fu Zhou Lu, near Nanjing Lu. And I like shops such as Uniqlo and Huso with sections selling tees designed by design students from other parts of the world, and Meter Bonwe - the Chinese's version of Fox / Topshop and the like.

I need another holiday already.

Places of Worship

2006-08-13T18:19:00.000+08:00

Shanghai / Jiangnan Imperial Gourmet Tour

2006-08-13T15:56:00.000+08:00

Much as I don't fancy guided tour, this 8-day
Shanghai/Jiangnan package proves too economical to resist. At $708 per person (inclusive of air tix + taxes, accommodation and meals - imperial style, no less!), it's all that I could afford this holiday.

I'll be setting off on 31 Aug, and returning on 7 Sep. The journey covers Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Nanjing, Wuxi and Shanghai. There'll be 2 free-&-easy days in Shanghai and I'm gonna meet Liyan there - thanx to LYu...YAY!

If scenic Jiangnan and cosmopolitan Shanghai sounds beckoning to you, then book your trip with SA Tours (cool service) @ t 6532 4111 / #04-62 People's Park Complex. OCBC Titanium card holders are entitled to additional savings.

Viva Holidays :D

Aces Go Places

2006-08-13T14:37:00.000+08:00

Aspiring jet-setter whose dream job is a travel-writer on sponsored trips to anywhere in the world and meeting obscenely rich romance prospects in SIA Raffles Class.

Meet Pi. And read about her globe-trotting experiences, on budget and perhaps, in style.