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 ----------------

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 -------------

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 -------------------

August 16

Today I celebrate my 48th birthday.

Kunming 10 - 13 May

Finally! A break from work!

10 May

8:20am departure from Changi Airport to Kunming on Silkair. After within 4 hours of flying, we arrived at Kunming Airport...... within the city...reminded me of the old Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport. Immigration was swift as we were the only flight. Luggage claim took a while though......

Coming out of the arrival hall, Xiao Bei was already waiting for me. Took about 20mins taxi ride from Airport to the Hotel - New Era Hotel.

Hotel is located right in the city centre. Check in was smooth and was given room 823. After leaving the luggage in the room,l went out to buy some stuff - shampoo, shower cream, etc. Lots of shoppings and eateries surrounding the hotel. Very convenient. Had steamed dumplings of  many flavours at a nearby eatery. Not too bad.

Waited for Stephen to wait and then passed him the stuff to bring to his Cousin's place.

Spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the city before getting ready for dinner. Dinner with Stephen's relatives. 30mins'walk from the hotel and finally reached the restaurant.

Lots of dishes to eat.....though not many suited my palate.....still it was an experience.

Found the room stuffy.....aircon not cold enough. went out for a walk and when back the aircon still not cold..... managed to change room to 816.....much cooler!~

11 May

Breakfast spread was fantastic! So much to eat! Its like lunch! My favourite!

Got ready to meet Xiao Bei and the Cousin who was bringing us to Stone Forest. The journey was rather smooth and we managed to get into Stone Forest FOC - thanks to the Cousin's connection! Stone Forest is a famous attraction and it's a must visit place! well, we did the tourist stuff and spent some time walking through the reserve...so tiring!

On the way back, we stopped at Yiliang for the famous roast duck...it was..........DELICIOUS! Must try!

Spent the rest of the afternoon, walking through the alleys, streets of shops nearby the hotel. So much to see.......so much to eat! Went to a place for foot reflex. The deal included the arms and the neck.

Decided to have steamboat for dinner. Went to a restaurant nearby. Managed to find a table when the cooler was blowing towards. Most restaurants in Kunming have not aircon. The default steamboat looked impressive with many port bones and stuff. The extra ingredients were, however, a disappointment. Did not enjoy the meal.

12 May

A relaxed day... decided to explore the city further, instead of going to some other attraction further out. Stopped at a old temple and spent some time at the garden at 翠湖 , soaking in the lifestyles of the local. It was very interesting!

Spent the afternoon exploring further and visited the food street but did not managed to get anything! Tasted the local steamed corn and found it delicious.

Visited a few supermarkets along the way too!

Dinner at a local restaurant - we had  过桥米线...it was tasty, nothing fantastic, though. Then, decide to visit the night market 昆都 which turned out to be their local bar / night clubs scene...d

13May

A relaxed morning before catching my flight back to Singapore.


The trip has been an eye opener for me. Looking at the locals living their lives, makes me realise how fortunate I am.


-------------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------

Thank You, My Valentine

Your gesture surprised me beyond words.

You took the trouble to fly in to spend Valentine's night with me, even though it was for that few hours. You made me feel I was the most important person in your life! I felt it!

It was not just a dinner, it was our 1st Valentine's dinner!

I would do the same for you, too! Why? My Dear, you are the most important person in my life, too!




----------- Sawbear Travel -------------

Hong Kong Trip : 03 - 06 Feb 2012

Another rush from office to airport adventure.........catching the flight to Hong Kong! Always, without fail, a shower before going onboard!

The meal on board SQ was rather delicious....and inflight entertainment was good!

Must be still Chinese New Year period....the immigration was EXTREMELY CROWDED! Thank goodness to e-Channel...scan the back of my passport and a finger print and I was through! Hope this privilege last a lifetime!

Stephen was at the airport and we decided to catch the airport bus to the hotel. From the bus stop , it was a short walk up the steep slope to The Bauhinia Hotel. The Hotel was kind enough to upgrade me from Superior to Deluxe, without additional charge!

Decided to go and get a gift for Wallace... Walked through a few places and could not find anything I wanted. Wanted to have dinner but mist -places were closed or closing. Finally....... Good old American Embassy - MacDonald's!

Saturday was a sleep-in day but I had a lunch appointment over at Wanchai area and I needed to get there earlier to look for gift wrapper. Managed to get a gift box and also a card, before meeting up with Wallace. Tim Sum lunch with Frankie and Wallace, my Dear family members!

Then, it was back to the Hotel to meet up with Stephen and to The Panorama Hotel for high tea semi-buffet with Eddie and Simon. The bill came up to less than HK$100 per person (after credit card discount)....value for money!

Wanted to scout for ipad cover in Tsimshatsui but gave up and went over to Mongkok to join in the mad crowd.... this place is simply conjested with people....especially during weekends!
Managed to get a bargain for the ipad cover and then back to the hotel.

A stroll to the waterfront to catch the laser show before going over to Food Republic for dinner. The teppanyaki was rather tasty.

Sunday was supposed to be a sleep in day but decided to go to Stanley market to get some shirts. Thought that the bus from  Tsimshatsui East was the best option but did not realise that it took more than 1 hour to get to the destination!

Shopping was brisk and soon we were on the small van back to Causeway Bay. Managed to walk around before going back to Kowloon side.

Met up with Wei Jian and had a good chat with him in my room. Everywhere was crowded and so I bought some desserts back to hotel instead.

Then, had to meet up with Stephen for dinner - Cafe Too at Island Shangri-La. Read a lot about this restaurant and decided to give it a try.

Started with Boston Lobster, some sushi and salads, before moving on to main dishes, such meats, fish, etc...there's also soup, and a huge selection of desserts! There's really a lot to eat! By the time we finished, Stephen was too full to move! A word of caution.....it's not cheap..... For the food, its not really value for money; for the Company, its money well spent!

Went from a walk near Jordan before heading back to hotel.

Monday came by quickly and by noon , I was already at the Kowloon station checking in.  2.5 hours flight delay but manageable...thks to ipad!

The trip was enjoyable and I was glad to be able to spend time with the special someone....its has been 2 years..its anniverary!


--------------- Sawbear Travel ----------------