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Showing posts with label Travelogue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travelogue. Show all posts
Sunshine State - Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Australia's Queensland state, also affectionately known as the Sunshine State! Yes, as the name suggests, it is almost sunshiney all year round. That was the main reason why I was so happy everyday while I pursued my undergrad study from 2005-2006. I even extended my stay for 3 months after my examinations ended!
In this series of travelogue of my favourite city in Australia, I will be covering the places to eat, shop and play for the following parts of Brisbane:
And no, Sydney is not the capital of Australia although it holds the largest population of Australians there. Canberra is the capital of Australia, and probably the least number of Australians there. Haha.
Brisbane is on the most eastern part of Down Under and it takes about 6-7 hours to fly to Perth, which is the other side of the country. So there, a gauge of how big Down Under is.
Btw, Down Under is a colloquialism of Australia and New Zealand. The term comes from the fact that they are located in the southern hemisphere and below many other countries on the globe.
Now that you are more familiar with Australia, lets get down to the details on the next post! Stay tuned..
In this series of travelogue of my favourite city in Australia, I will be covering the places to eat, shop and play for the following parts of Brisbane:
- Brisbane city
- Sunshine Coast / Noosa
- Gold Coast / Surfers Paradise
And no, Sydney is not the capital of Australia although it holds the largest population of Australians there. Canberra is the capital of Australia, and probably the least number of Australians there. Haha.
Brisbane is on the most eastern part of Down Under and it takes about 6-7 hours to fly to Perth, which is the other side of the country. So there, a gauge of how big Down Under is.
Btw, Down Under is a colloquialism of Australia and New Zealand. The term comes from the fact that they are located in the southern hemisphere and below many other countries on the globe.
Now that you are more familiar with Australia, lets get down to the details on the next post! Stay tuned..
{source}
7 Ways that Taipei Beats Singapore...by MrBrown
Singapore likes to think of itself as a modern and high-end Asian city. We are cleaner, greener and leaner than our Asian neighbors, we are constantly reminded by our media and our government.
In subtle ways, our media draws attention to the flaws of our neighboring countries. Look at Malaysia and their church burning religious zealots! Look at Thailand and the instability caused by the Red Shirts versus the Yellows Shirts! Look at Taiwan and their politicians who constantly fight in Parliament!
"Aren't you glad you live in Singapore, where things are better?" seems to be the message.
It was the mental image of chair-wielding politicians that I carried with me when went to Taiwan recently. The wife and I and some friends flew to Taipei (on Singapore Airlines, of course, because it is better than any Asian airline) and spent a week there on holiday.
I was surprised by what I found. Let me share some ways Taipei kicks Singapore's behind.
Quick Tips
I've learnt that when you are in Taiwan . . .
- If you still something you fancy (whenever its food or apparels), just get it right at the moment. Because more often than not, the police comes and poof! are all the unwarranted hawkers.
- Do not eat the brekkie provided by the hotel - street hawker soyabean milk is tastier when you are having the chills by the road.
- You watch TW variety shows in the morning because shops only open at 11pm - great reason to wake up late
- First meal there is always meant to be wrong.
- If you see those super tall icecreams on a cone, just eat them.
- Smelly tofu smells & tastes awesome
- Never go up Taipei 101 on a rainy day
- Taiwan girls are just made-up (pun-intended)
- Club Primo is overhyped
- Hello Kitty is less 'ah-lian' in Taiwan and its cooler to like it there than in Singapore.
Lavender Cottage & Hot Spring
If you are ever in Taichung (about 1hr High Speed Rail away from TP), the must go places are:
We wanted grapes, we got grapes. We wanted mushrooms, we got mushrooms. The driver we got was simply fabulous. Lavender Forest was smacked in the middle of the forest and had to drive great distance (45mins) to into. Thank goodness for the purple markings on each lamp post that led us there seamlessly.
We were greeted by the sweet scent of lavender floating around us like butterflies. As we strolled on, we found the field of lavenders. Snap, snap, snap we went and pressed on uphill and found the wishing tree. All I can say is, May my wishes come true...including my mom & aunt's.
Redeemed our entrance coupons with their home-made lavender ice-cream after and went frenzy in their souvenir shop. I swear the scent of lavender was a spell they concocted to make us spend about near $200 (?!) in there.
On the other side of the mountain (another 45 mins), we arrived at Guguan where the mother of all hot springs were concentrated at. On the way there, we learned that they was a flood a few years back that washed off most of the living residents there. What is left now is just a huge valley.
Did you know that one of the hot springs there has earned itself a reputation as the Meiji Hot spring? These hot springs were developed during the Japanese occupations (1895-1945), and it was known that the Japanese Emperor had impregnated his wife with a son after a soak in the hot spring there. Thus in Taiwan, it is also known as the 'Male Child Springs'.
So anyway, we had difficulty deciding on one from the twenty over choices there till we saw Bali Nature Spa. It was very. . . erm Bali. Very Singaporean indeed, go to where you find most familiar.
Well at least with 400NT(~$16) we had a decent changing room (that has a powder room too, whee!) and 2 hot spring pools to choose from. There were barely 10 people around, including us. So it feel pretty private and the weather was very giving as well. Overall, we had a nice soak but the elders just couldn't comprehend the meaning of soaking for not more than 15 mins (BECAUSE YOU MIGHT MAKE YOU DIZZY AND YOU MAY FAINT FROM IT-like told them 98374823978923 times over). Oh well...
Btw, I don't understand the presence of the super hot spring (like 45 degrees) and the super cold ones. Why do people dip in these extreme pools for?
Anyway, before we could faint from over-soaking, we were starving as we had totally skipped lunch. Thanks to Driver He, we were speeding our way to Mei Nung Hakka Restaurant and had the most divine cuisine of the trip.
This dish was awesome, because I do not like salted eggs at all. So when Aunt Chris ordered it, I would try it anyhow... and I did not regret my choice! It was such a perfect combination - who would expect? It does help with the succulent prawns and my love for veggies :)
Its a pity I din get a shot of another veggie dish we ordered. It was done almost like Japanese style - cold, with fish roes, and sesame seeds. Kinda made me wonder if it was authentic, but what the heck, its was delish.
After the meal, I was so satisfied that I turned to my aunt and said, "Ok, I can marry A now, I love Hakka food."
:D
- Lavender Cottage
- Guguan for Hot Spring
- Mei Nung Hakka Restaurant for food
- Call Mr He @ 0921-767461 to taxi you around that day
We wanted grapes, we got grapes. We wanted mushrooms, we got mushrooms. The driver we got was simply fabulous. Lavender Forest was smacked in the middle of the forest and had to drive great distance (45mins) to into. Thank goodness for the purple markings on each lamp post that led us there seamlessly.
We were greeted by the sweet scent of lavender floating around us like butterflies. As we strolled on, we found the field of lavenders. Snap, snap, snap we went and pressed on uphill and found the wishing tree. All I can say is, May my wishes come true...including my mom & aunt's.
Redeemed our entrance coupons with their home-made lavender ice-cream after and went frenzy in their souvenir shop. I swear the scent of lavender was a spell they concocted to make us spend about near $200 (?!) in there.
On the other side of the mountain (another 45 mins), we arrived at Guguan where the mother of all hot springs were concentrated at. On the way there, we learned that they was a flood a few years back that washed off most of the living residents there. What is left now is just a huge valley.
Did you know that one of the hot springs there has earned itself a reputation as the Meiji Hot spring? These hot springs were developed during the Japanese occupations (1895-1945), and it was known that the Japanese Emperor had impregnated his wife with a son after a soak in the hot spring there. Thus in Taiwan, it is also known as the 'Male Child Springs'.
So anyway, we had difficulty deciding on one from the twenty over choices there till we saw Bali Nature Spa. It was very. . . erm Bali. Very Singaporean indeed, go to where you find most familiar.
Well at least with 400NT(~$16) we had a decent changing room (that has a powder room too, whee!) and 2 hot spring pools to choose from. There were barely 10 people around, including us. So it feel pretty private and the weather was very giving as well. Overall, we had a nice soak but the elders just couldn't comprehend the meaning of soaking for not more than 15 mins (BECAUSE YOU MIGHT MAKE YOU DIZZY AND YOU MAY FAINT FROM IT-like told them 98374823978923 times over). Oh well...
Btw, I don't understand the presence of the super hot spring (like 45 degrees) and the super cold ones. Why do people dip in these extreme pools for?
Anyway, before we could faint from over-soaking, we were starving as we had totally skipped lunch. Thanks to Driver He, we were speeding our way to Mei Nung Hakka Restaurant and had the most divine cuisine of the trip.
This dish was awesome, because I do not like salted eggs at all. So when Aunt Chris ordered it, I would try it anyhow... and I did not regret my choice! It was such a perfect combination - who would expect? It does help with the succulent prawns and my love for veggies :)
Its a pity I din get a shot of another veggie dish we ordered. It was done almost like Japanese style - cold, with fish roes, and sesame seeds. Kinda made me wonder if it was authentic, but what the heck, its was delish.
After the meal, I was so satisfied that I turned to my aunt and said, "Ok, I can marry A now, I love Hakka food."
:D
Lavender Cottage, Taichung: 20, Jong Xing (Jung Shing) St., Jonghe Village, Xinshe Township
Operating Hours: 10:30-6:30(Mon-Fri); 10-7(Sat); 9:30-6:30(Sun)
How to get there: Hire Driver He or check their site
Note: there are about 4 branches in Taiwan
Bali Nature Spa:No. 10, Wenquan Lane, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd., Heping Township, Taichung County
Contact: 04-25951998
Web: www.villa-spa.com.tw (Chinese site)
How to get there: Cab!!
Mei Nung Hakka Restaurant: No. 137 Dadun 12th St. Nantun District
Contact: 04-23105131
How to get there: Cab (still)
Shida Night Market vs. Shihlin Night Market
Those who have been to Taipei would come back and rave about Shihlin night market. How come no one told me about Shida?
If you ask me, I highly recommend Shida over Shihlin. Here's why:
Shihlin:
As you can tell, I am into nude apparels nowadays, just pray I don't head out nude one day. Haha. Btw, those ballet flats are the best buy from the whole trip. It also took me around the 7 days without any discomfort! Its so amazing, I believe it is the rubbery soles that keep it so light and comfortable. I ended up buying 2 more pairs of them. :D
If you ask me, I highly recommend Shida over Shihlin. Here's why:
{Shida Night Market Photo source: Flickr}
Shida:- Better tasting food but lesser variety
- No/not many illegal hawkers
- Trendier choice of fashion apparels
- Good quality of goods (mostly from Korea/Japan)
- Prettier & younger sales assistants!! As they usually students from the University nearby
- My loot: Calf leather work bag from Korea that I use for work now as it fits all my cables, wallet, cardholder, sunglasses & netbook all-in-one - NT3980 (~S$180), Nude work jacket with lace trimmings from Korea - gift from Aunt (think was about S$80), thermal stockings - NT90 (~S$8), Paul Smith (authentic) shirt for bro - NT410 (~S$19) and my mom & aunt also bought a whole lot of other stuff
{Shihlin Night Market Photo source: Flickr}
Shihlin:
- Huge variety of sweet fruits, nicely chopped up too ;)
- Wide range of local food like Stinky tofu, beef steak, bubble tea, oyster vermicelli, oyster omelet, etc
- Too many illegal hawkers running at the sight of the policemen (block my shopping flow)
- Not too fantastic range of fashion wear to choose from
- Too damn crowded especially on SATs!
- My loot: Red stockings - NT180 (~S$8), Nude with pink sole heels - NT600 (~S$27), nude ballet flats - NT200 (~S$9) and thats all!
As you can tell, I am into nude apparels nowadays, just pray I don't head out nude one day. Haha. Btw, those ballet flats are the best buy from the whole trip. It also took me around the 7 days without any discomfort! Its so amazing, I believe it is the rubbery soles that keep it so light and comfortable. I ended up buying 2 more pairs of them. :D
Shida Night Market
Address: Longquan Road, Da-an district
How to get there: Cab or stop at Guting MRT station and take a long 15mins walk
Operating Hours: 6pm (I believe) till 12 midnight
Shihlin Night Market
Address: Shihlin district
How to get there: Stop at Jian Tan MRT station and its just across the street
Operating Hours: 4pm till 1am
Hello Kitty Sweets Cafe
This is a post that can cause extreme reactions - WHOA!! I LIKE, or SHIT, wots wrong with Eun?
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 was recorded the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010, preceding Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers. It is also known as Taipei's Financial Centre. However Burj Khalifa surpassed this record on its official opening day - 4 January 2010.
Although it is 101 storey high, the observatory deck is on its 89th floor. And if you are unlucky like me, you happened to be there on a gloomy wet day, just proceed to the 86th floor of scenic restaurants for food!
The misty view from the 86th storey, everything else looks like ants running amok beneath our feet. Inside this restaurant, it is tastefully decorated with elements of oriental and modern finishing. Other than the menu being printed in Mandarin, the rest is all good.
We each ordered a set lunch, I think was about 6 course including dessert. The chef was very kind to allow me to swap my steamed promfret to cod fish instead. I just dont quite fancy the Chinese method of steamed fish, especially those served in weddings and reunion dinners! I am always forced to swallow them down. *gags.
I love the fact that Taiwanese Chinese food comes with appetizers akin to those in Korean restaurants, they call them 'xiao cai'. Simple dish of black beans will make me jump to the waitress and ask how they prepared it, it was sweet yet not overly done. My favourite was the 'Granny Soup' and mango pudding. Again, the sweetness was subtle and perfect.
More about Taipei 101 architecture- If you notice, it is designed in duplicated segments stacked above each other. They resemble pagodas with a bamboo sticking out, and bamboo symbolises learning and growth.
Why 101? - Other than it has 101 floors, 101 represents a notch better than perfection, noting that 100 is the tradition benchmark a perfect mark.
An interesting fact - Remember how the pre-historic people read time? In the afternoon, the shadow of the building adjoins with the bottom and acts as the face of a sundial.
Overall, Taipei 101 is a tourist site that you should at least take a look when you are there. If you prefer to enjoy the view while sipping your hot soup, and avoid the tour groups, do try the 86th scenic restaurants (min. NT 800). Else, your entry to the observatory deck will cost you NT 400.
Btw, if you are a Miu Miu (3F of Taipei 101) fan, you will be pleased to know that its about S$200-300 cheaper than in Singapore, before claiming the 5% tax! Tax claim is also absolutely a breeze. ;)
^ Aunt Chris who is elated about her new buy
Located on No. 7 Hsin Yin Road Sec 5, Taipei 110
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Entrance Fee: NT400 (adult); NT370(childen under 12); NT350 (group concession)
How to get there: MRT - alight at Cityhall MRT station and take a 10mins stroll or a 5mins shuttle bus located outside the station
More: here
SIN-Penang-Phuket-SIN
Part of my 'Je Ne Veux Travailler' (I don't wanna work) plan, I set off to my long awaited cruise trip with Uncle J, Aunt B, Dad, & A on the SuperStar Virgo!
As far as I can recall, the last cruise I went on was during my primary school days, and Penang was the FIRST flight I ever took to as well. This cruise sure brought back many memories of my younger days.
I am so fortunate to have my Uncle & Aunt to sponsor us on this cruise. From wot I know, it will cost about at least $500 each to go for this huge luxurious ship. Whee! Let's have a tour inside this coveted ship.
This ship was completed in 1999, so today it is already 10 year-old. The interior sure doesn't look like it. It comes complete with ALL KINDA FACILITIES. Mini golf, rotating rock climbing walls, swimming pool, cinema, arcade, shopping, shows, KTV, bars, disco, gym, spa, aquaswim, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, basketball court, about 10 kinds of cuisine, tanning deck, relaxation room, library, even a childcare centre.... not forgetting the casino and a $500k WATER SLIDE! Don't believe me? See it for yourself.
The activities are endless, so is the FOOD! You can have brekkie (8-10am), brunch (1030-1130am), lunch (12:30-2pm), tea (3:30-4:30pm), dinner (6:30-9pm) and still have supper (12-1am), ALL FOR FREE. So when food is abundant, exercise is necessary. A & I spent most of our night time gyming & swimming our 'fats' away, too sinful. Urg.
And also, roulette-ing our time away! This game is so awesome, I loved it. Well, it was my virgin try on it although I knew how the game works back many years ago. Never really thought myself as a gambling one. But haha, yea. Winning is nice! :) What are the odds that you hit on the number you bet on outta the other 35 numbers? 35! (pun intended) :P Yea, I won $XX x 35 quite a number of times. Wooohoo.. Now I know why people are addicted to gambling.
However, we both took home one lesson, that is to recognise your peak and bail ;) (ok, not like you din know already).
Oh, can you believe I went to Penang and Phuket and came back with near zilch buys?! And A bought like say 7 tees, and 5 pairs of berms? Who's the woman here? (he just blasted cash on 3 pairs of shoes over last weekend too!)
Nevertheless, the company was great, so was the Thai massage! Cheap, cheap! Thereafter, I had seasick for a good 3 days :S
If you haven't been on SuperStar Virgo, its time for you to.
Adnice went to Vietnam & visited Phu Quoc
Due to the break down of my lappie and internet, I will spare you the details on My Tho-Ben Tre & Can Tho. Swimming straight to the largest island in Vietnam - Phu Quoc. This was the place that we had the longest stay, best rest and the cheapest massage (SGD5 by the beach!!)
For a change, a video of our adventure.
And this is the end of Adnice Adventures (for now)...
For a change, a video of our adventure.
And this is the end of Adnice Adventures (for now)...
Adnice went to Vietnam & visited Sai Gon
Sai Gon: 09 – 11.04.09
Route: Seater bus from Nha Trang> Sai Gon (8 hours)
Good morning Sai Gon! Who actually wakes Sai Gon up? As the night passes by with clanging beer mugs served at bars, the hawkers wake up preparing for their day at 3am. Sai Gon has a good mix of both old and vibrant streets. A stroll down District 1 leaves you in awe of their departmental stores and brands they carry. The cafes sit a melting pot of people & culture watching the young working adults go by. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh (HCM) or fondly known as Sai Gon.
Route: Seater bus from Nha Trang> Sai Gon (8 hours)
Good morning Sai Gon! Who actually wakes Sai Gon up? As the night passes by with clanging beer mugs served at bars, the hawkers wake up preparing for their day at 3am. Sai Gon has a good mix of both old and vibrant streets. A stroll down District 1 leaves you in awe of their departmental stores and brands they carry. The cafes sit a melting pot of people & culture watching the young working adults go by. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh (HCM) or fondly known as Sai Gon.
I leave you to experience Sai Gon from a special guest narration - my boy, Adrian (top pic, 2nd row, right).
“BEEEEEEP!!" Blaring horns. Bright shining lights. Zooming bikes here, & there & everywhere. Mocha swirling dust is churned up like candyfloss & floats gently down to coat people, fruit, merchandise, food in a layer of powder. The clanging of pots & pans. The chatter of Vietnamese sounding like someone who has had 10 too many shots of snake wine. This is Cho Ben Thanh, this is how Sai Gon comes to life when the sun goes down. Beng-like shopkeepers hustling tourists into their little crammed filthy makeshift night shelters for food. We push through the six or so food stalls by the roadside & dodge the ever persistent Viet-bengs with our newfound favourite phrase, ‘Maybe later’. Finally after much comparison, we decide that they are all actually selling the same things at very similar prices, might as well all merge into a full sized restaurant. So we settle on the young teen beng’s shop since my baby has some kinda fancy for him. He shows us in & his grouchy looking mum yells something sounding vulgar to the back where 2-3 other younger Viet girls are scrambling about frying, chopping, rinsing everything possible. We get the menu & scan through it unable to make a case for buying seafood at rip off prices so we agree on Pho Bo & extra chicken rice for me! The bottomless pit! A big black hairy rat scampers amongst the food scraps & puddles of who-knows-what on the floor. Small groups of ang mos come strolling in for beer & coconuts. The friendly old gramma bbqs chicken parts for my chicken rice on a small charcoal stove shielded with a rusty zinc sheet placed on the ground. Im hoping that I dun get some kinda weird unpronounceable disease from this meal. We get our food & ask for Ngoc Mam (our daily dose of this magic juice is strictly adhered to, if not we don’t get our satisfaction), slurping & swallowing the steaming hot pho soup & noodles all together. That’s an out of body experience that will stay with you always. Lovely way to start, pass & end your day. Pho, pho & more pho!!!”Next stop: My Tho-Ben Tre-Cantho
Adnice went to Vietnam & visited Nha Trang
Nha Trang: 08 - 09.04.09
Route: Sleeper Bus from Hoi An> Nha Trang (12 hours)
Honestly, we never had thought to make it back to Singapore. It affected us so much that A wanted to warn and advise all travelers to AVOID SLEEPER BUSes. Our advice to all: NEVER TAKE SLEEPER BUS if you are travelling in Vietnam UNLESS you have seen the bus condition BEFORE booking your Open-Tour ticket. Even so, you can never be sure of the driver.
The bus we took was involved in a severe car accident en route to Nha Trang, we were 2 hours into our journey along the highway. At 10pm, it crashed into a white Daewoo and a lady was stuck in the vehicle for nearly 20 minutes before she was carried out. Prior to this, the driver nearly killed a motor biker until he successfully swerved away in time with all of us swaying around in the tiny bus fully loaded with 30 people. Somehow, all of us expected this to happen.
At the instant I heard the loud bang, I was hoping it was just a tyre puncture. Little did I climb out with a half crashed car in front of the headlights and an altar beside the scene. Yes, an altar at the very spot not further or nearer. Needless to say, I was trembling with fear, worry and sympathy. Unrest still lies inside me as I type and narrate this incident. Sobbing teens, keen helpers, calm officers, wondering speculators, and terrified passengers were spotted as the time passes by. Seconds by seconds, the congestion built up with a long stream of cars, buses and trucks waiting impatiently in their vehicles. As the intensity conjures, I hear the siren of the ambulance. Hope had arrived and prayers were heard. With 3 joss sticks placed in the altar, the traffic continues and the night past. Then, I spotted a casket in transit.
Although we were transferred to a seater bus and the driver was swapped, I gave prayers and said thanks to every truck, bus, car or motorbike we overtook while we continued our journey that night. Meanwhile, A & I were awake and worrying about the pregnant French lady, giggling at the dude seated in front who sat upright each time the driver horned, and also lest we get killed without knowing why.
Next 12 hours, we had the most marvelous and relaxing time (at least for me) trotting the town of Nha Trang. It is known for its pristine beaches therefore reminded me greatly of Gold Coast, Australia. Main attractions were the 4 Island tour and the Thap Ba Hot Spring, due to the lack of time, and thankfully right, we opted for the hot spring.
Pictures will speak for me..
Next stop: Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Route: Sleeper Bus from Hoi An> Nha Trang (12 hours)
Honestly, we never had thought to make it back to Singapore. It affected us so much that A wanted to warn and advise all travelers to AVOID SLEEPER BUSes. Our advice to all: NEVER TAKE SLEEPER BUS if you are travelling in Vietnam UNLESS you have seen the bus condition BEFORE booking your Open-Tour ticket. Even so, you can never be sure of the driver.
The bus we took was involved in a severe car accident en route to Nha Trang, we were 2 hours into our journey along the highway. At 10pm, it crashed into a white Daewoo and a lady was stuck in the vehicle for nearly 20 minutes before she was carried out. Prior to this, the driver nearly killed a motor biker until he successfully swerved away in time with all of us swaying around in the tiny bus fully loaded with 30 people. Somehow, all of us expected this to happen.
At the instant I heard the loud bang, I was hoping it was just a tyre puncture. Little did I climb out with a half crashed car in front of the headlights and an altar beside the scene. Yes, an altar at the very spot not further or nearer. Needless to say, I was trembling with fear, worry and sympathy. Unrest still lies inside me as I type and narrate this incident. Sobbing teens, keen helpers, calm officers, wondering speculators, and terrified passengers were spotted as the time passes by. Seconds by seconds, the congestion built up with a long stream of cars, buses and trucks waiting impatiently in their vehicles. As the intensity conjures, I hear the siren of the ambulance. Hope had arrived and prayers were heard. With 3 joss sticks placed in the altar, the traffic continues and the night past. Then, I spotted a casket in transit.
Although we were transferred to a seater bus and the driver was swapped, I gave prayers and said thanks to every truck, bus, car or motorbike we overtook while we continued our journey that night. Meanwhile, A & I were awake and worrying about the pregnant French lady, giggling at the dude seated in front who sat upright each time the driver horned, and also lest we get killed without knowing why.
Next 12 hours, we had the most marvelous and relaxing time (at least for me) trotting the town of Nha Trang. It is known for its pristine beaches therefore reminded me greatly of Gold Coast, Australia. Main attractions were the 4 Island tour and the Thap Ba Hot Spring, due to the lack of time, and thankfully right, we opted for the hot spring.
Pictures will speak for me..
Next stop: Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Adnice went to Vietnam
Good morning Vietnam!
Hoi An: 05 - 07.04.09
Route: Flight from Singapore>Sai Gon> Da Nang (Hoi An)
Hoi An: 05 - 07.04.09
Route: Flight from Singapore>Sai Gon> Da Nang (Hoi An)
My day started at 9am having my parents saying goodbye and hello to my 2 weeks long coveted trip!! A backpack and a ticket, off we went! We flew straight to Da Nang with a transit at Sai Gon as 2 weeks were insufficient to cover the whole of Vietnam! The traveling time alone took 30 hours (yes, I calculated) for this Southern Vietnam trip we planned.
Arriving at 5pm that Sunday evening, the bus service was not available to send us to Hoi An, therefore we struggled and hassled with the taxi driver who doesn’t understand English before we reached our hotel. It seems like we were playing Charade in the vehicle, actually we were doing that throughout the trip. This was the first time I experienced the typical driving style in Vietnam. TERROR!
With the influence of the French Colony, it is a left-hand drive country; therefore they overtake on the left. Either Vietnamese are highly efficient or highly impatience, they horn at the sight of any xe (motorbikes) who hinders their high traveling speed. If the xe refuses to budge, they will press their horn continuously till they ‘siam’ aside. The icing is they speed past the front vehicle on the left with HEAD ON ONCOMING TRAFFIC on the other to overtake too!! *cold sweat.
Hoi An is an old, small but beautiful town with an ancient touch to it. It is home to about 88,000 inhabitants. It does reminds me of Melaka, Malaysia whilst I was there. The streets laid hundreds of skilful tailors and fronts of delicious Hoi An specialties such as White Rose (dumplings), Cao Lao (Noodles with pork), Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf (the sauce was fabulous), Baguette stuffed with Chicken & Cheese (my daily brekie), etc. I dare say Hoi An has the nicest and widest variety for food throughout Vietnam.
Besides food and tailors, the weather was too perfect. We had constant breeze although the sun was shining high up in the sky. We hardly dropped a sweat. This town is suited for a motorbike ride around with lots to see, eat and make. I left with 5 pairs of shoes (1 sandals, 1 heels & 3 flats), and 3 dresses and 1 shirt tailored. A had 3 pairs of suave working shoes customised as well! With just 2 days ahead, we had to open our extra duffle bag to fit these purchases already. Haha.
Next stop: Nha Trang
Arriving at 5pm that Sunday evening, the bus service was not available to send us to Hoi An, therefore we struggled and hassled with the taxi driver who doesn’t understand English before we reached our hotel. It seems like we were playing Charade in the vehicle, actually we were doing that throughout the trip. This was the first time I experienced the typical driving style in Vietnam. TERROR!
With the influence of the French Colony, it is a left-hand drive country; therefore they overtake on the left. Either Vietnamese are highly efficient or highly impatience, they horn at the sight of any xe (motorbikes) who hinders their high traveling speed. If the xe refuses to budge, they will press their horn continuously till they ‘siam’ aside. The icing is they speed past the front vehicle on the left with HEAD ON ONCOMING TRAFFIC on the other to overtake too!! *cold sweat.
Hoi An is an old, small but beautiful town with an ancient touch to it. It is home to about 88,000 inhabitants. It does reminds me of Melaka, Malaysia whilst I was there. The streets laid hundreds of skilful tailors and fronts of delicious Hoi An specialties such as White Rose (dumplings), Cao Lao (Noodles with pork), Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf (the sauce was fabulous), Baguette stuffed with Chicken & Cheese (my daily brekie), etc. I dare say Hoi An has the nicest and widest variety for food throughout Vietnam.
Besides food and tailors, the weather was too perfect. We had constant breeze although the sun was shining high up in the sky. We hardly dropped a sweat. This town is suited for a motorbike ride around with lots to see, eat and make. I left with 5 pairs of shoes (1 sandals, 1 heels & 3 flats), and 3 dresses and 1 shirt tailored. A had 3 pairs of suave working shoes customised as well! With just 2 days ahead, we had to open our extra duffle bag to fit these purchases already. Haha.
Next stop: Nha Trang
Blessed Newly Weds
Congratulations to Terrence & Esther Lum ;)p/s: Vietnam here we come!! Updating blog whenever possible, else, cya 18th!
My Most-boyly Purchase
I confess. Yesterday, I skipped gym and went shopping @ Beach Road instead. Look wot I got myself for the upcoming trip!!
And I am ready to roll ;)
And I am ready to roll ;)
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