2 Nov
Being a work day, unable to meet Stephen at the airport. Sms him to meet at Vivocity instead for dinner.
At Vivocity, met up with Raymond, Tim, Alan and this Taiwanese friends. Decided to have dinner at Dian Xiao Er (famous for Duck). Overall the meal was ok. Desserts was at Fruit Paradise.
The evening wrapped up pretty well.
3 Nov
A early morning start to Kranji to catch the bus to JB. Managed to get in without much delay at both immigration.
Taxi a cab to KSL Hotel. Too early to check in....went for a stroll at the mall and then back for high tea at the Hotel. The chicken Char Siew was delicious! Tasted like real Char Siew!
The room was nice & cosy - still relatively new!
In the late evening, went over to Pelangi for foot reflexology and followed by dinner at the delicious Bak Kut Teh place!
Ended the night watching SKYFALL at the mall's cinema.
4 Nov
Getting back to Singapore was a breeze and then went over to Novotel Clarke Quay to check in.
The room was ok....only no wifi.......
Went back to office to finish off some work before catching up with Raymond, Gerald and Jay for dinner at the Thai restaurant opposite my office.
After dinner, went over to Chinatown to get some foodstuff to bring back to Hong Kong.
5 Nov
Managed to get the stuff that Ah Pai wanted......after going to a few places searching for it.
Accompanied Stephen to airport to catch his flight back home.
I am glad that he has taken the time and effort to come to Singapore to spend time with me. Much appreciated.
----------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Hello Taiwan 9 - 13 Nov
After 20+ years.....finally booked my flight to Taiwan!
9 Nov
Early morning flight on Scoot to Taipei, arriving before 6am. Immigration was swift but waiting for luggage was a drag......
Came out to the arrival hall and Eddy was already there waiting. Its been years since we last met! Went over to the coach counter to get ticket to Taichung.
2 hours journey and we arrived into Taichung. Michael and family came over to pick me up from the railway station.
Allen drove me to the new house where I would be staying', to drop off my luggage before going over to his parents' place. It has been years since I last met up with the family!
Sightseeing started after the home visit .....first stop we visited the Taichung Park regarding the 921 earthquake. ...cannot remember much as I was too tired, from the overnight flight.
Lunch was arranged at a local restaurant....international buffet - Taichung Steak House. There was lots to eat......something similar to Sakura in Singapore...cheap as well. did not really have the appetite, though.
Dropped by at a shopping mall but I was really too tired and requested to go back to rest.
In the evening, Allen drove us to the night market - 逢甲夜市. This night market was situated next to the university. There were so many things to see, buy and eat! It was really great walking through the stalls!
10 Nov
Michael came over and we went to a nearby shop for breakfast. It was interesting to see the locals having breakfast.
This morning, we were heading to Sun Moon Lake. Along the way, we stopped at a rest stop - LAMUNGAN which was quite busy with lots of people. When we got to the Lake, the place was extremely crowded and we decided to move on.
We stop at Puli Shaoxing Brewery and tried the wine egg and sausage....interesting! We also stop at 中台禅寺........magnificent! Last stop at 东东芋圆 for desserts before heading home.
Dinner was home cooked food by Michael's mum. The spread was great! She spent the afternoon cooking the dinner for me!So touching! It was a good meal!
As there was a local night market on Saturday, we walked over to take a look. It was a much smaller scale but interesting.
A supper stop at 大卤桶........before we called it a night.
11 Nov
A visit to a nearby park to see the famous tree - 五福临门神木 before we went for early lunch at 石头 . The BBQ buffet was delicious, especially the Hokkaido ice cream!
After lunch, went back to get my luggage and headed to the station to catch the train 快铁 to Taipei. The fast train took only 50mins to get into Taipei. From Taipei station, I changed to the MRT and only 1 stop to Ximen station. From the 3rd Exit, the Hotel was just a min's walk.
The room's design was interesting but no window. Managed to get laundry done (self laundry FOC by hotel) before meeting up with Jack and Joseph.
Jack drove you to 宁夏 night market. We started with 卤肉饭 and ate, ate ate all the way......I had to call for time out!
After alighting me back at the hotel, I went over to the famous Ximen shopping zone.....lots to shops to browse......simply not enough time!
12 Nov
Joseph came to bring me out for the day. The trip was to 阳明山 . I have never been to 阳明山 and was surprised with the beautiful scenery. It reminded me of New Zealand! We stopped at a few key scenic spots and I totally loved the place!
Lunch was at a lovely french themed restaurant with stunning views. Food was average, though.
We stopped at the famous hot spring zone.皇池...for some relaxation......
Dinner was at the hotel's buffet. The food was rather good! Managed to have a brief stop at 101 and bought some goodies from the supermarket.
Bought some snack again at the Ximen shopping zone to eat in the room - 阿宗面线，萝卜糕，茶叶蛋奶油布蕾........ So much eating!
13 Nov
Joseph was kind enough to bring me out for breakfast. It was a famous breakfast place...very crowded! 阜杭豆浆。The 咸豆浆 was not to my liking, but the 厚烧饼 with egg was delicious!
Got the hotel to arrange for airport transfer. The driver took a different route - via the coast... Managed to catch a meal and some shopping at the airport before flying back to Singapore.
The trip to Taiwan was rather rush but I managed to catch up with Michael and family and also Jack and Joseph. It was a good trip and certainly I look forward to going back there again....hopefully with my SomeOne Special!
---------------- Sawbear Travel -----------------
9 Nov
Early morning flight on Scoot to Taipei, arriving before 6am. Immigration was swift but waiting for luggage was a drag......
Came out to the arrival hall and Eddy was already there waiting. Its been years since we last met! Went over to the coach counter to get ticket to Taichung.
2 hours journey and we arrived into Taichung. Michael and family came over to pick me up from the railway station.
Allen drove me to the new house where I would be staying', to drop off my luggage before going over to his parents' place. It has been years since I last met up with the family!
Sightseeing started after the home visit .....first stop we visited the Taichung Park regarding the 921 earthquake. ...cannot remember much as I was too tired, from the overnight flight.Lunch was arranged at a local restaurant....international buffet - Taichung Steak House. There was lots to eat......something similar to Sakura in Singapore...cheap as well. did not really have the appetite, though.
Dropped by at a shopping mall but I was really too tired and requested to go back to rest.
In the evening, Allen drove us to the night market - 逢甲夜市. This night market was situated next to the university. There were so many things to see, buy and eat! It was really great walking through the stalls!
10 Nov
Michael came over and we went to a nearby shop for breakfast. It was interesting to see the locals having breakfast.
This morning, we were heading to Sun Moon Lake. Along the way, we stopped at a rest stop - LAMUNGAN which was quite busy with lots of people. When we got to the Lake, the place was extremely crowded and we decided to move on.
We stop at Puli Shaoxing Brewery and tried the wine egg and sausage....interesting! We also stop at 中台禅寺........magnificent! Last stop at 东东芋圆 for desserts before heading home.
Dinner was home cooked food by Michael's mum. The spread was great! She spent the afternoon cooking the dinner for me!So touching! It was a good meal!
As there was a local night market on Saturday, we walked over to take a look. It was a much smaller scale but interesting.
A supper stop at 大卤桶........before we called it a night.
11 Nov
A visit to a nearby park to see the famous tree - 五福临门神木 before we went for early lunch at 石头 . The BBQ buffet was delicious, especially the Hokkaido ice cream!
After lunch, went back to get my luggage and headed to the station to catch the train 快铁 to Taipei. The fast train took only 50mins to get into Taipei. From Taipei station, I changed to the MRT and only 1 stop to Ximen station. From the 3rd Exit, the Hotel was just a min's walk.
The room's design was interesting but no window. Managed to get laundry done (self laundry FOC by hotel) before meeting up with Jack and Joseph.
Jack drove you to 宁夏 night market. We started with 卤肉饭 and ate, ate ate all the way......I had to call for time out!
After alighting me back at the hotel, I went over to the famous Ximen shopping zone.....lots to shops to browse......simply not enough time!
12 Nov
Joseph came to bring me out for the day. The trip was to 阳明山 . I have never been to 阳明山 and was surprised with the beautiful scenery. It reminded me of New Zealand! We stopped at a few key scenic spots and I totally loved the place!
We stopped at the famous hot spring zone.皇池...for some relaxation......
Bought some snack again at the Ximen shopping zone to eat in the room - 阿宗面线，萝卜糕，茶叶蛋奶油布蕾........ So much eating!
13 Nov
Joseph was kind enough to bring me out for breakfast. It was a famous breakfast place...very crowded! 阜杭豆浆。The 咸豆浆 was not to my liking, but the 厚烧饼 with egg was delicious!
Got the hotel to arrange for airport transfer. The driver took a different route - via the coast... Managed to catch a meal and some shopping at the airport before flying back to Singapore.
---------------- Sawbear Travel -----------------
Monday, 15 October 2012
Meet@Bangkok
12 Oct
2 hour's flight on Scoot and we arrived into Bangkok International airport.
The flight was rather crowded but we took Scootbiz and we did not have to queue. The seat was rather spacious....well. that's about it! We got a bottle of Evian mineral water when we sat down and then the pre-ordered meal came with a drink. There was no entertainment on board.....
Bangkok's immigration was rather busy but we managed to clear quickly and luggage was already waiting for us.
Decided to take the City Line (train) from airport to Phaya Thai station (about 30 mins) and then by BTS (the stations are connected), 2 stations to Siam station. It was rather convenient, though.
Novotel Siam Square is just 2 - 3min's walk from the station to the Hotel. After checked in, we went over to Siam Paragon to meet up with Jack & Joseph. It has been a while since we last met and its was great seeing them again!
Went to the Food Court for something to eat. Raymond order the pig throttle rice and it was simply delicious! Melt in the mouth!
From Siam Paragon, we went over to Sala Daeng to meet up with Frankie and Wallace at a drink joint. It was very crowded.
Raymond, Stephen and Timothy had supper at the road side (Chicken rice/noodle) before we went back to the hotel.
13 Oct
Did not sleep well.... bloody-shot eyes.......not sure why......
Went down for breakfast. Expected Raymond and Timothy to be late and so we did not wait for them. Breakfast spread was not too bad.
Met up at the lobby and decided to go over to MBK to shop. Bought some shirts n a pair of shorts, before going over to Siam Discovery Centre to place reservation at Oishi Grand. The Restaurant was full but we managed to get a table when we were there. Called the rest to come over quickly.
Meal at Oishi Grand was delicious! The amount of steamed fish we ordered was enough to make the money worth! We had a lot of fun chatting away!
Decided to go back to hotel to rest for the afternoon but realised missing camera when arrived into the room. After some search, managed to find it at the Drug Store that we stopped on the way back. The shop lady was waiting for me to come and claim it!
Went over to Sala Daeng for Stephen to buy some local snacks to bring home. Dinner was at BUA, the same restaurant we were at Feb 2011!
Daddy & Win came, followed by Frankie n Wallace, Raymond & Timothy, Albert & Jerry, Ben & Tong and Jack & Joseph. It was a big crowd! It was good to see everyone again! This time, we had more people joining us! Daddy treated us to dinner, followed by Albert treated us to ice cream at Swensen's!
It was a good evening!
14 Oct
Went over to Siam Station to see Stephen off who has an early afternoon flight to catch.
Met up with Raymond & Timothy and we went over to Asoke Station to take a look at Terminal 21. It was a rather interesting mall with different country themes. Timothy & Raymond were rather amused with the toilet designs on each floor!
Drop by Big C before going over to MBK for BBQ lunch. Lunch was average, though.
Back to the hotel to rest before catching a taxi to the airport. The ride to the airport was like a roller coaster ride for Raymond! The cab driver drove very fast and he meandered through the traffic like a F1 driver!
The flight touched done at Changi Airport around 11:30pm and by the time I got my luggage and into a cab, it was already midnight! The traffic to Queenstown was so incredibly smooth.....green light all the way!
This BKK trip was a very short trip. The purpose of the trip was to catch up with the group, as it was a rare opportunity for everyone to be a the same country at the same time! I am thankful that everyone is doing well and I am truly thankful for my Special Someone who made this trip just for me! I love you!
------------------ Sawbear Travel ----------------
2 hour's flight on Scoot and we arrived into Bangkok International airport.
The flight was rather crowded but we took Scootbiz and we did not have to queue. The seat was rather spacious....well. that's about it! We got a bottle of Evian mineral water when we sat down and then the pre-ordered meal came with a drink. There was no entertainment on board.....
Bangkok's immigration was rather busy but we managed to clear quickly and luggage was already waiting for us.
Decided to take the City Line (train) from airport to Phaya Thai station (about 30 mins) and then by BTS (the stations are connected), 2 stations to Siam station. It was rather convenient, though.
Novotel Siam Square is just 2 - 3min's walk from the station to the Hotel. After checked in, we went over to Siam Paragon to meet up with Jack & Joseph. It has been a while since we last met and its was great seeing them again!
Went to the Food Court for something to eat. Raymond order the pig throttle rice and it was simply delicious! Melt in the mouth!
From Siam Paragon, we went over to Sala Daeng to meet up with Frankie and Wallace at a drink joint. It was very crowded.
Raymond, Stephen and Timothy had supper at the road side (Chicken rice/noodle) before we went back to the hotel.
13 Oct
Did not sleep well.... bloody-shot eyes.......not sure why......
Went down for breakfast. Expected Raymond and Timothy to be late and so we did not wait for them. Breakfast spread was not too bad.
Met up at the lobby and decided to go over to MBK to shop. Bought some shirts n a pair of shorts, before going over to Siam Discovery Centre to place reservation at Oishi Grand. The Restaurant was full but we managed to get a table when we were there. Called the rest to come over quickly.
Meal at Oishi Grand was delicious! The amount of steamed fish we ordered was enough to make the money worth! We had a lot of fun chatting away!Decided to go back to hotel to rest for the afternoon but realised missing camera when arrived into the room. After some search, managed to find it at the Drug Store that we stopped on the way back. The shop lady was waiting for me to come and claim it!
Went over to Sala Daeng for Stephen to buy some local snacks to bring home. Dinner was at BUA, the same restaurant we were at Feb 2011!
Daddy & Win came, followed by Frankie n Wallace, Raymond & Timothy, Albert & Jerry, Ben & Tong and Jack & Joseph. It was a big crowd! It was good to see everyone again! This time, we had more people joining us! Daddy treated us to dinner, followed by Albert treated us to ice cream at Swensen's!It was a good evening!
14 Oct
Went over to Siam Station to see Stephen off who has an early afternoon flight to catch.
Met up with Raymond & Timothy and we went over to Asoke Station to take a look at Terminal 21. It was a rather interesting mall with different country themes. Timothy & Raymond were rather amused with the toilet designs on each floor!Drop by Big C before going over to MBK for BBQ lunch. Lunch was average, though.
The flight touched done at Changi Airport around 11:30pm and by the time I got my luggage and into a cab, it was already midnight! The traffic to Queenstown was so incredibly smooth.....green light all the way!
This BKK trip was a very short trip. The purpose of the trip was to catch up with the group, as it was a rare opportunity for everyone to be a the same country at the same time! I am thankful that everyone is doing well and I am truly thankful for my Special Someone who made this trip just for me! I love you!
------------------ Sawbear Travel ----------------
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Weekend Getaway to Kuala Lumpur
28 Sep
A 40mins flight and I arrived into KL's LCCT. Managed to clear through rather fast and was out into the arrival hall. For a moment, I was 'lost'....trying to make out where I was.....I forgot I did not fly into KLIA!
Soon Nelson came to pick me up and we were on our way to Putrajaya. Following the road signs, it was rather easy to get into Putrajaya. I have to say that I was surprised with the pleasant view of the ''city''... it was really beautiful!
Nelson managed to locate the hotel - Pullman Lakeside Putrajaya (the signboards get a little misleading) and the hotel was more of a resort-style. Check in was swift and I was upgraded to Executive Suite...wow!
The suite was rather comfortable and
spacious. There were both shower and bathtub! No complaint!
Nelson decided to give me a short drive around Putrajaya and I really love the place.... beautiful houses, interesting building designs, wide road, lots of parks, beautiful man-made lake, etc...
Went to Nelson place to wait for Alwin. Nelson has turned 1 of the rooms to become a Karaoke room and even invested in the sound system! It was fun!
We went over to a Thai restaurant nearby (in Puchong) and the food was not too bad! After dinner, Nelson gave me a lift back to Pullman. Getting back in the night was rather challenging but we managed to finally arrived back at the hotel.
Found out that there was only cabled Internet...no wifi in the room. looked at the breakfast menu and found the Continental breakfast cost M$40!~Hmm...... can do without breakfast...
29 Sep
Arranged a transfer from Pullman to Novotel KL (M$100) in the morning. After checking in, went over to Pavilion for breakfast - half boiled eggs, Toast and Coffee!
Barry came over and we went to Suki-ya for lunch. It was great catching up as we have not seen each other for over 4 years! So much to catch up!
Ben came over in the late afternoon and we went to the lounge for evening drinks. I always enjoy the evening drinks provided, when you stay on the executive floor.
Soon, it was dinner time and I have to meet up with Jackson over at Pavilion. Tonkatsu dinner at the Tonkatsu restaurant was very good!
Must be an age-thing.....after dinner, its back to hotel to rest...no night party.... just enjoying the free wifi in the room (finally) on my ipad....
30 Sep.
Decided to try the new bridge walkway leading to KLCC. The walkway next to the hotel connects to Pavilion and also to the Convention Centre (about 10 mins walk) and then a few mins to KLCC Mall. Its great! So convenient!
Joi and SP came by for lunch and we ate at the hotel's coffeehouse. The meal did not cost much as I had a M$50 meal voucher.
With the benefits I received for this one night stay at Novotel, it was well worth paying the money for the Executive room!
The trip was good, with new surprises! Putraya was new and interesting place for me. The only problem is - cannot move around without a car. Pullman was nice but nothing interesting around the hotel. Novotel was, as usual, a pleasant experience and the bridge walkway to KLCC was a good discovery!
Most of all, catching up with so many old friends makes the whole trip worthwhile!
----------- Sawbear Travel -------------
A 40mins flight and I arrived into KL's LCCT. Managed to clear through rather fast and was out into the arrival hall. For a moment, I was 'lost'....trying to make out where I was.....I forgot I did not fly into KLIA!
Soon Nelson came to pick me up and we were on our way to Putrajaya. Following the road signs, it was rather easy to get into Putrajaya. I have to say that I was surprised with the pleasant view of the ''city''... it was really beautiful!
Nelson managed to locate the hotel - Pullman Lakeside Putrajaya (the signboards get a little misleading) and the hotel was more of a resort-style. Check in was swift and I was upgraded to Executive Suite...wow!
The suite was rather comfortable and
spacious. There were both shower and bathtub! No complaint!
Nelson decided to give me a short drive around Putrajaya and I really love the place.... beautiful houses, interesting building designs, wide road, lots of parks, beautiful man-made lake, etc...
Went to Nelson place to wait for Alwin. Nelson has turned 1 of the rooms to become a Karaoke room and even invested in the sound system! It was fun!
We went over to a Thai restaurant nearby (in Puchong) and the food was not too bad! After dinner, Nelson gave me a lift back to Pullman. Getting back in the night was rather challenging but we managed to finally arrived back at the hotel.
Found out that there was only cabled Internet...no wifi in the room. looked at the breakfast menu and found the Continental breakfast cost M$40!~Hmm...... can do without breakfast...
Arranged a transfer from Pullman to Novotel KL (M$100) in the morning. After checking in, went over to Pavilion for breakfast - half boiled eggs, Toast and Coffee!
Barry came over and we went to Suki-ya for lunch. It was great catching up as we have not seen each other for over 4 years! So much to catch up!
Ben came over in the late afternoon and we went to the lounge for evening drinks. I always enjoy the evening drinks provided, when you stay on the executive floor.
Soon, it was dinner time and I have to meet up with Jackson over at Pavilion. Tonkatsu dinner at the Tonkatsu restaurant was very good!
30 Sep.
Decided to try the new bridge walkway leading to KLCC. The walkway next to the hotel connects to Pavilion and also to the Convention Centre (about 10 mins walk) and then a few mins to KLCC Mall. Its great! So convenient!
With the benefits I received for this one night stay at Novotel, it was well worth paying the money for the Executive room!
The trip was good, with new surprises! Putraya was new and interesting place for me. The only problem is - cannot move around without a car. Pullman was nice but nothing interesting around the hotel. Novotel was, as usual, a pleasant experience and the bridge walkway to KLCC was a good discovery!
Most of all, catching up with so many old friends makes the whole trip worthwhile!
----------- Sawbear Travel -------------
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Birthday Celebration in Hong Kong
16 Aug
Early morning flight on CX to Hong Kong. Arrived around noon. Took the airport bus A21 to Tsimshatsui.
Spent the afternoon, window shopping before meeting up with Stephen and going across to Central for dinner.
Dinner was at Kumatei - Japanese restaurant. 3rd Uncle, Wallace and Frankie came for dinner. It was great catching up with them again!
17 Aug
A lazy day...... went over to Shatin for a look-see.....nothing much.....and then to the shopping centre at Kowloon City.
Went back to the hotel to rest.
Steamboat dinner with Derrick, Herman and Stanley. Stanley's treat!
18 Aug
Quick lunch at my favourite Wanton shop (portion is smaller and more expensive) before going over to catch the bus up to Victoria Peak - Wax Museum.
The Wax Museum was interesting - worth going to take a look!
High Tea at Novotel Hotel ....cheap but very limited.....
Decided to have another round of steamboat for late dinner. The food was average.
19 Aug
An early checkin at the airport before going over to Citigate for shopping and makan.
This trip to HKG was mainly to spend time with my special someone and also with my friends. Other than the hot bearable weather, everything else went rather smoothly. There were presents! Glad to have been able to catch up!
--------------- Sawbear Travel -------------------
Early morning flight on CX to Hong Kong. Arrived around noon. Took the airport bus A21 to Tsimshatsui.
Spent the afternoon, window shopping before meeting up with Stephen and going across to Central for dinner.
Dinner was at Kumatei - Japanese restaurant. 3rd Uncle, Wallace and Frankie came for dinner. It was great catching up with them again!
17 Aug
A lazy day...... went over to Shatin for a look-see.....nothing much.....and then to the shopping centre at Kowloon City.
Went back to the hotel to rest.
Steamboat dinner with Derrick, Herman and Stanley. Stanley's treat!
18 Aug
Quick lunch at my favourite Wanton shop (portion is smaller and more expensive) before going over to catch the bus up to Victoria Peak - Wax Museum.
The Wax Museum was interesting - worth going to take a look!
High Tea at Novotel Hotel ....cheap but very limited.....
19 Aug
An early checkin at the airport before going over to Citigate for shopping and makan.
This trip to HKG was mainly to spend time with my special someone and also with my friends. Other than the hot bearable weather, everything else went rather smoothly. There were presents! Glad to have been able to catch up!
--------------- Sawbear Travel -------------------
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