With the end of 2008, it will also be the end of my blog. I have enjoyed writing this blog and I thank you for reading it!
Many of you would be surprised but I am not stopping here. There would be matters that I would want to pen them down but the 'viewership' would be limited.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Goodbye and All the best to you in 2009!
------------- Sawbear Travel -------------
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Year End Festivities
Every Christmas season, the family will come together and this year we celebrated earlier due to Steve not being around on Christmas.
Pot luck dinner on 21 Dec. I prepared my usual Japanese jelly and potato salad. We had teochew cold crab (which I did not enjoy), curry chicken, fried bee hoon and vegetable, pork ribs and prawn-paste chicken! There's was lots to eat (my friend from Shanghai will complain again if he reads this)
After dinner, it was giving presents to the children and then the usual gift exchange. This year, I finally got the 'ang pow'! Hooray!
Christmas is the most expensive time of the year for me. So many gifts to buy. Usually I spend a lot on Christmas. This year, I also spent a lot but not as much as the last few years. Why? Bad economy!
Christmas Eve was a quite time for me. Was at home. Everywhere would be jam-packed and I certainly did not want to squeeze with everyone!
Christmas morning was an early morning for me. Planned to go to JB with Jeffrey. He came to pick me up and we went in to JB around 9+ in the morning. The traffic was smooth under we crossed the old immigration gates. Went from 4/5 lanes to 2 lanes. The road meandered for a distance and with the slow traffic, we finally arrived at the new JB checkpoint.
1st stop was breakfast and we went to near Holiday Plaza.... a coffee shop. After breakfast, went to Leisure Mall and then to foot reflex at my usual shop. We visited Tesco and then late lunch at Taman Gardens before heading back to Singapore. The coming back was smooth. I guess everyone was afraid of the jam at the new custom and avoided going in.
Met up with Derrick for some drinks on Christmas night.
Had dinner with Derrick on Saturday night. Went to a Korean restaurant in Chinatown. The food as not as good as I thought. Well, I would not be going there again! After dinner, we went to a nearby pub for some wine. it was a good night out. Thanks, Derrick!
This afternoon, attended Andrew& Fiona wedding lunch at Novotel. Glad to meet up with the ex-colleagues from UOB. Congrats to you both!
Few more days to go before I say goodbye to 2008!
---------- Sawbear Travel -------------
Pot luck dinner on 21 Dec. I prepared my usual Japanese jelly and potato salad. We had teochew cold crab (which I did not enjoy), curry chicken, fried bee hoon and vegetable, pork ribs and prawn-paste chicken! There's was lots to eat (my friend from Shanghai will complain again if he reads this)
After dinner, it was giving presents to the children and then the usual gift exchange. This year, I finally got the 'ang pow'! Hooray!
Christmas is the most expensive time of the year for me. So many gifts to buy. Usually I spend a lot on Christmas. This year, I also spent a lot but not as much as the last few years. Why? Bad economy!
Christmas Eve was a quite time for me. Was at home. Everywhere would be jam-packed and I certainly did not want to squeeze with everyone!
Christmas morning was an early morning for me. Planned to go to JB with Jeffrey. He came to pick me up and we went in to JB around 9+ in the morning. The traffic was smooth under we crossed the old immigration gates. Went from 4/5 lanes to 2 lanes. The road meandered for a distance and with the slow traffic, we finally arrived at the new JB checkpoint.
1st stop was breakfast and we went to near Holiday Plaza.... a coffee shop. After breakfast, went to Leisure Mall and then to foot reflex at my usual shop. We visited Tesco and then late lunch at Taman Gardens before heading back to Singapore. The coming back was smooth. I guess everyone was afraid of the jam at the new custom and avoided going in.
Met up with Derrick for some drinks on Christmas night.
Had dinner with Derrick on Saturday night. Went to a Korean restaurant in Chinatown. The food as not as good as I thought. Well, I would not be going there again! After dinner, we went to a nearby pub for some wine. it was a good night out. Thanks, Derrick!
This afternoon, attended Andrew& Fiona wedding lunch at Novotel. Glad to meet up with the ex-colleagues from UOB. Congrats to you both!
Few more days to go before I say goodbye to 2008!
---------- Sawbear Travel -------------
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Daddy Was Here
Daddy flew in on Friday afternoon. Managed to get off to meet up at the hotel - Golden Landmark. Got upgraded! Thks, Kay!
Brought Daddy for Bak Kut Teh at beach road. After lunch, walked him to Sim Lim for him to shop and then meet up with him again for dinner. Being steamboat lovers, we went to the steamboat restaurant at Shaw Tower
Then, an early night for Daddy.
Saturday morning was usual for me.... back in office to clear any outstanding. Then, met up with Daddy again and brought him to Maxwell for Chicken rice. The queue was very long. Was it worth the wait.... Daddy found it average.
Then Daddy wanted to go for foot reflex and so brought him to a friend's shop and left him there for the rest of the afternoon. Had to go to Godfrey's place for the baby's full month party. Stayed for a while and then had to leave to meet up with Daddy for dinner.
Gerald drove and picked us up from the hotel . Went to a Teochew Zhi Char store further up from Little India. The waiting time was rather long.... we had steamed fish, pork chop, vegetable & fried rice. The dishes were Delicious and the price was very reasonable! Worth going back there again!
Them, we went to Marina Barrage. This is Singapore's 1st Dam. The night view from there of the Flyer was great! I did not realise about this new interesting attraction! Worth bringing my friends there! Only problem - transport to get there.
Dessert at Lau Pa Sat before sending Daddy back to the hotel. Daddy enjoyed the night out.....
This morning's flight back to Bangkok. Safe Trip and take care till we meet again!
-------- Sawbear Travel ---------
Brought Daddy for Bak Kut Teh at beach road. After lunch, walked him to Sim Lim for him to shop and then meet up with him again for dinner. Being steamboat lovers, we went to the steamboat restaurant at Shaw Tower
Then, an early night for Daddy.
Saturday morning was usual for me.... back in office to clear any outstanding. Then, met up with Daddy again and brought him to Maxwell for Chicken rice. The queue was very long. Was it worth the wait.... Daddy found it average.
Then Daddy wanted to go for foot reflex and so brought him to a friend's shop and left him there for the rest of the afternoon. Had to go to Godfrey's place for the baby's full month party. Stayed for a while and then had to leave to meet up with Daddy for dinner.
Gerald drove and picked us up from the hotel . Went to a Teochew Zhi Char store further up from Little India. The waiting time was rather long.... we had steamed fish, pork chop, vegetable & fried rice. The dishes were Delicious and the price was very reasonable! Worth going back there again!
Them, we went to Marina Barrage. This is Singapore's 1st Dam. The night view from there of the Flyer was great! I did not realise about this new interesting attraction! Worth bringing my friends there! Only problem - transport to get there.
Dessert at Lau Pa Sat before sending Daddy back to the hotel. Daddy enjoyed the night out.....
This morning's flight back to Bangkok. Safe Trip and take care till we meet again!
-------- Sawbear Travel ---------
Monday, 8 December 2008
Long Weekend
3 Days off - Saturday to Monday!
Went in to JB on Saturday. Took the MRT to Kranji to catch the smiley bus. AT the bus stop, it was very crowded! I have never seen such queue! There were a lot of trucks as well. Waited a short while and found that many have been waiting for quite a while and so I decided to catch the MRT to Marsiling and followed by a short cab ride to the checkpoint.
The immigration/custom was not very crowded. Cleared through quickly and decided to walk across the causeway when I saw 'hundreds' of people waiting for the bus! The walk was not too bad. The sea breeze helped to cool down the warm sun.....
At Johore immigration/custom, it was jam packed. The queues were outside the building! Queueing to clear would take easily 30mins to 1 hour and with so many people, its sauna! Decided to pay S$10 and share a car going in. The car had to join the car queue but at least, I got to sit and enjoy the aircon. Finally went through the custom and made my way to Mutiara Hotel. Checked in and got upgraded to Club Floor. Not bad!
Caught up with Jason & James. Went to the new Carrefour near their place. It was not very big though..... saw some people selling bamboo glutinous rice ...tempted to try but had to go for dinner..
Dinner was at the 'famous' restaurant where the owner dictates the dishes. Ho and his friend were already there waiting for us. Dinner was good and the company was great! We had so much fun chatting and laughing! After dinner, we went to Jason's place for some wine and karaoke. Jason and Ho were belting out oldies.....really oldies!
So, it was time to go to the Airport. Jason has been kind to fetch me there to meet Sam, arriving from Penang. The flight arrived on time and I was eagerly looking out. Someone passed me by and I wondered if he could be Sam. However, he has no glasses......waited again and then, he appeared. He looked so small! Totally different from what I have perceived!
On the way back to Hotel, Jason stopped at a stall for us to try the Roti Pool...a very thick bread with a special dip. He said it's very local but most locals have not heard of it! It was rather ordinary for me, though. By the time we got to the hotel, it was past midnight.
Sunday was sleeping in late. Then, off to breakfast. We went to a nearby coffeeshop where everyone was having Wanton noodle and otah. Crowded must be good and so we joined the queue. The noodle came after about 20 - 30 mins. Was it worth the wait? Not really! The noodle was ok..the char siew were very thinly sliced and the wanton tasted ordinary.
After breakfast, took a cab ride to Jusco, Tebrau City. This is the biggest Mall in Johore Bahru. Found that Tesco opened next to it and visited both! Back to the hotel and had lunch at the famous Duck restaurant nearby. The dishes were rather delicious. Jason came by and passed me my camera (accidentally left in his car).
Jason gave us a lift to City Square. Had a looked around before we went over to Pelangi Plaza to have something to drink. We bought the bamboo charcoal bread! I love it!
We walked from Pelangi to Taman Gardens and decided to have dinner at the little backyard open air restaurant. We had Kampong chicken, Bak Kut Teh, Chye Poh Egg and vege! The food was not bad! So full!
Walked back to the hotel...needed to shed off those kilos!
Monday morning was rather early morning Sam had to leave for the airport to catch his flight back to Penang. I stayed on for a while before leaving for the causeway - back to Singapore!
Have been trying to catch up and am glad that we finally met up!
2 weekends ago I had friend from Hong Kong; last weekend from Penang.......hmm.......who's coming this weekend????!!!!!!! So busy!
------------ Sawbear Travel -------------
Went in to JB on Saturday. Took the MRT to Kranji to catch the smiley bus. AT the bus stop, it was very crowded! I have never seen such queue! There were a lot of trucks as well. Waited a short while and found that many have been waiting for quite a while and so I decided to catch the MRT to Marsiling and followed by a short cab ride to the checkpoint.
The immigration/custom was not very crowded. Cleared through quickly and decided to walk across the causeway when I saw 'hundreds' of people waiting for the bus! The walk was not too bad. The sea breeze helped to cool down the warm sun.....
At Johore immigration/custom, it was jam packed. The queues were outside the building! Queueing to clear would take easily 30mins to 1 hour and with so many people, its sauna! Decided to pay S$10 and share a car going in. The car had to join the car queue but at least, I got to sit and enjoy the aircon. Finally went through the custom and made my way to Mutiara Hotel. Checked in and got upgraded to Club Floor. Not bad!
Caught up with Jason & James. Went to the new Carrefour near their place. It was not very big though..... saw some people selling bamboo glutinous rice ...tempted to try but had to go for dinner..
Dinner was at the 'famous' restaurant where the owner dictates the dishes. Ho and his friend were already there waiting for us. Dinner was good and the company was great! We had so much fun chatting and laughing! After dinner, we went to Jason's place for some wine and karaoke. Jason and Ho were belting out oldies.....really oldies!
So, it was time to go to the Airport. Jason has been kind to fetch me there to meet Sam, arriving from Penang. The flight arrived on time and I was eagerly looking out. Someone passed me by and I wondered if he could be Sam. However, he has no glasses......waited again and then, he appeared. He looked so small! Totally different from what I have perceived!
On the way back to Hotel, Jason stopped at a stall for us to try the Roti Pool...a very thick bread with a special dip. He said it's very local but most locals have not heard of it! It was rather ordinary for me, though. By the time we got to the hotel, it was past midnight.
Sunday was sleeping in late. Then, off to breakfast. We went to a nearby coffeeshop where everyone was having Wanton noodle and otah. Crowded must be good and so we joined the queue. The noodle came after about 20 - 30 mins. Was it worth the wait? Not really! The noodle was ok..the char siew were very thinly sliced and the wanton tasted ordinary.
After breakfast, took a cab ride to Jusco, Tebrau City. This is the biggest Mall in Johore Bahru. Found that Tesco opened next to it and visited both! Back to the hotel and had lunch at the famous Duck restaurant nearby. The dishes were rather delicious. Jason came by and passed me my camera (accidentally left in his car).
Jason gave us a lift to City Square. Had a looked around before we went over to Pelangi Plaza to have something to drink. We bought the bamboo charcoal bread! I love it!
We walked from Pelangi to Taman Gardens and decided to have dinner at the little backyard open air restaurant. We had Kampong chicken, Bak Kut Teh, Chye Poh Egg and vege! The food was not bad! So full!
Walked back to the hotel...needed to shed off those kilos!
Monday morning was rather early morning Sam had to leave for the airport to catch his flight back to Penang. I stayed on for a while before leaving for the causeway - back to Singapore!
Have been trying to catch up and am glad that we finally met up!
2 weekends ago I had friend from Hong Kong; last weekend from Penang.......hmm.......who's coming this weekend????!!!!!!! So busy!
------------ Sawbear Travel -------------
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Birthdays
01 Dec 08
Happy Birthday to that special someone. We have known each other for a long time and though we hardly meet and chat, you know very well that all these years, you have remained very special in my heart! Happy Birthday!
It's also Franco's Birthday! He was a friend of Gerald Chia and I was introduced to him in Hong Kong. We caught up in Singapore and also Hong Kong but it has been a few years since we last met up! Heard he put on heaps! Hahaha! Still, I have not forgotten your Birthday..... Happy Birthday, Franco!
03 Dec 08
It's Tanaka's Birthday! Tanaka and I met many years ago, in Singapore when he was here on a Rotaract exchange program. Then, he came on his own and I hosted him at my brother's place. We met again when I went to Japan. Visited him at his hometown of Kyoto and also his place in Tokyo. That's many years ago! Such memories!
Somehow we lost touch for years and I finally found him...but recently lost him again.... I am sure I will be able to locate him again... Happy Birthday, Tanaka!
---------------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------------
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Enjoyable Weekend
28th Nov (Friday)
On leave today but had to go back office to ensure some urgent matters were settled.
Left for the airport and reached about 12:40pm. CX717 finally arrived........ hmm....most people are out but I still have not seen him.. did he get on the flight? Then, he appeared and straightaway, we recognised each other.
Went a cab ride to Hotel - Golden Landmark. After checking in, brough him out for lunch at Bugis. Walked around the shops and also the Kuan Yin Temple. Had Mee siam at QiJi. Then, off to Orchard Road to see the place, stopping over at Takashimaya and also Centrepoint.
Met up wth Gerald for dinner at Race Course Road. Had Samy's Curry Fishhead! Guess what, Ming does not eat Fish! Well, we had chicken and mutton as well.
Went to Clarke Quay to take a look at the place and then to Chinatown for dessert. So much for the day!
29 Nov (Saturday)
A busy day.......
Started with Merlion Park, showing him the Merlion, Ferris Wheel and also the Esplanade. Then, walked through Fullerton Hotel to Raffles Place MRT. Visit Far East Square before going over to Katong. Caught up with Wong & Tony and had laksa together. After lunch, stop over at Suntec, walked the underground shopping mall, brief stop at Raffles City Shopping Centre, before heading out to Toa Payoh.
Gerald has a road show at Toa Payoh. Showed him around the place (and he bought a stone bowl at Cash Converter!) before Gerald drove us (Terence joined us) for some sightseeing. Went to Guang Ming Shan to see the biggest temple in Singapore.
Dinner is the favourite steamboat at Katong. Albert, Alan and Tony came to join us. Dinner was great (as usual) and the company was fun! We wanted to have durian for desserts but when we got to Chinatown, they finished selling. What a pity! We then decided to stop at a pub for a drink.
Before turing in for the night, Gerald drove into Orchard Road to see the Christmas lights. The traffic jam was terrible, even after 11pm!
30 Nov (Sunday)
Bak Kut Teh breakfast to start the day! Too heavy, he said! Stopped over at Ya Kun for coffee/tea and kaya toast as well. Then, visited the flea market at China square and Ming (after considering over and over again) decided to buy a small antique electri fan. For S$30, not testing; for S$40 they owner will test for us. Well, he paid S$30.
One final stop before going back to hotel to pack. Visited Vivocity and showed him Sentosa. We stopped over at Daiso, the S$2 shop and he bought something interesting!
Back to the hotel, check out and went for lunch nearby. Had Hainanese chicken rice, chwee kueh and also fried carrot cake! So much for lunch!
Guess what? The electric fan does work! Hahahahahaha
Safe trip, Ming! Thanks for visiting Singapore!
----------- Sawbear Travel -----------
On leave today but had to go back office to ensure some urgent matters were settled.
Left for the airport and reached about 12:40pm. CX717 finally arrived........ hmm....most people are out but I still have not seen him.. did he get on the flight? Then, he appeared and straightaway, we recognised each other.
Went a cab ride to Hotel - Golden Landmark. After checking in, brough him out for lunch at Bugis. Walked around the shops and also the Kuan Yin Temple. Had Mee siam at QiJi. Then, off to Orchard Road to see the place, stopping over at Takashimaya and also Centrepoint.
Met up wth Gerald for dinner at Race Course Road. Had Samy's Curry Fishhead! Guess what, Ming does not eat Fish! Well, we had chicken and mutton as well.
Went to Clarke Quay to take a look at the place and then to Chinatown for dessert. So much for the day!
29 Nov (Saturday)
A busy day.......
Started with Merlion Park, showing him the Merlion, Ferris Wheel and also the Esplanade. Then, walked through Fullerton Hotel to Raffles Place MRT. Visit Far East Square before going over to Katong. Caught up with Wong & Tony and had laksa together. After lunch, stop over at Suntec, walked the underground shopping mall, brief stop at Raffles City Shopping Centre, before heading out to Toa Payoh.
Gerald has a road show at Toa Payoh. Showed him around the place (and he bought a stone bowl at Cash Converter!) before Gerald drove us (Terence joined us) for some sightseeing. Went to Guang Ming Shan to see the biggest temple in Singapore.
Dinner is the favourite steamboat at Katong. Albert, Alan and Tony came to join us. Dinner was great (as usual) and the company was fun! We wanted to have durian for desserts but when we got to Chinatown, they finished selling. What a pity! We then decided to stop at a pub for a drink.
Before turing in for the night, Gerald drove into Orchard Road to see the Christmas lights. The traffic jam was terrible, even after 11pm!
30 Nov (Sunday)
Bak Kut Teh breakfast to start the day! Too heavy, he said! Stopped over at Ya Kun for coffee/tea and kaya toast as well. Then, visited the flea market at China square and Ming (after considering over and over again) decided to buy a small antique electri fan. For S$30, not testing; for S$40 they owner will test for us. Well, he paid S$30.
One final stop before going back to hotel to pack. Visited Vivocity and showed him Sentosa. We stopped over at Daiso, the S$2 shop and he bought something interesting!
Back to the hotel, check out and went for lunch nearby. Had Hainanese chicken rice, chwee kueh and also fried carrot cake! So much for lunch!
Guess what? The electric fan does work! Hahahahahaha
Safe trip, Ming! Thanks for visiting Singapore!
----------- Sawbear Travel -----------
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
My Amazing Race
Tuesday (25 Nov)
Waiting ..........6pm....quickly tidy the table, off the computer and off I went!
What's the hurry? Had to meet the group at Lakeside MRT and it's a distance from Somerset to Lakeside. Finally arrived at Lakeside...still early....
Simon drove and picked me up at the MRT, Gerald was already in the car. Went to pick up Albert. Wong and Tony were also coming along!
Mission - to go across the 2nd Link to a small town, Gelang Patah for dinner and back!
We arrived at the restaurant - different from the one that most of them went to. Never mind....just the food...... we ordered steamed fish, snails, vege, noodle, chicken wings, fried omelette and crabs! Verdict - so so...... not very tasty.
Then, we decided to go over to the restaurant that served very delicious Hor Fun. And....it was delicious! We could not eat much as we ate a lot earlier! We reckoned we would be back!
On the way to the restaurant, saw pasar malam...looked interesting. Must come and see the next time...
By the time we cleared and back in Singapore, I reached home just after 10:30pm. Tony was kind enough to give me a lift.
It was rather tiring getting in and out within 1 night......but I will do it again!
----------- Sawbear Travel --------------
Waiting ..........6pm....quickly tidy the table, off the computer and off I went!
What's the hurry? Had to meet the group at Lakeside MRT and it's a distance from Somerset to Lakeside. Finally arrived at Lakeside...still early....
Simon drove and picked me up at the MRT, Gerald was already in the car. Went to pick up Albert. Wong and Tony were also coming along!
Mission - to go across the 2nd Link to a small town, Gelang Patah for dinner and back!
We arrived at the restaurant - different from the one that most of them went to. Never mind....just the food...... we ordered steamed fish, snails, vege, noodle, chicken wings, fried omelette and crabs! Verdict - so so...... not very tasty.
Then, we decided to go over to the restaurant that served very delicious Hor Fun. And....it was delicious! We could not eat much as we ate a lot earlier! We reckoned we would be back!
On the way to the restaurant, saw pasar malam...looked interesting. Must come and see the next time...
By the time we cleared and back in Singapore, I reached home just after 10:30pm. Tony was kind enough to give me a lift.
It was rather tiring getting in and out within 1 night......but I will do it again!
----------- Sawbear Travel --------------
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