I won!!

Well.. I can't hold my excitement longer!! I won a PSP 3000 series at my Company's D&D, and its the 11th prize.. I first thought that I may not stand a chance, since its like I did not won anything from the 16th to 100th prize.. so ya..

But never did I expect that I've won the 11th prize.. this prize though its not my most desirable prize, but I did mention that winning a PSP is also not too bad.. and man.. I didn't expect it to be so true.. haha..

But my boss won a $1200 travel voucher (3rd prize), and another close colleague of mine won the second prize, which is a 32" SAMSUNG LCD TV with home theatre system.. super cool lah..

But I'm not complaining lah.. at least I won something which I always wanted (which actually last time, I almost wanted to buy... haha).. Can't see myself as a gamer huh.. haha.. oh well.. I'm not really a gamer, but guess I'm starting to be more of a gadget person liaox.. so ya..

The moment I won, I msg a few ppl abt my win, and they were wondering whether I would know how to use it or whether I have any use for them.. haha.. I think the ppl who said that, were eyeing my PSP.. haha.. I wonder.. haha.. kidding...

Besides the D&D thingy, of course there was a lot of fun tonite as well!.. besides me being the youngest in the table, and kenna volunteered to play first game, I was also being dressed up (as part of a game) as a person whom you see, will sure lose your appetite one! so ya.. so I'm not going to show you =P.. Afterwhich, I was also made to go on stage to showcase my "capability" with the dressed outfit.. my goodness.. so embarrassing lah.. but fortunately, I was being sporting, so I said "ok" lah.. anyway, its all in the name of fun!!
The audience were laughing the whole time.. haha.. well.. I guess I do like making people laugh loh.. haha.. it could be my personality lah.. =)

Ok.. I gtg liaox.. need to sleep, and now as I'm blogging, I'm charging my PSP for use tomorrow.. oh man.. I can't wait!!

Gamer in the making?!?,
<<< abriel >>>

Eve of my company's annual D&D!

Yoz! Its me again!

Its the eve of my company's D&D, and today in my whole office, fellow colleagues were talking about how much they wanted the first prize (which is the Fujitsu Laptop) and also how previous years they have won the prizes and all..

It has seemed lotsa fun at the annual D&D, and in my 2 yrs of working life, believe it or not, this is my first D&D, so I hope that I could really enjoy myself.. so ya.. and see whether I'm fortunate enough to win something.. =)

Ok.. I got to go and sleep liaox.. super tired..

But whether I could sleep tonight is another issue.. I hope I do!

Dreaming of the laptop,
<<< abriel >>>

Camp "Transform!" - The Aftermath!

Yoz peepz! I know I have not been blogging, due to business in schedule.. so hope you all forgive me ya =)

Anyway, came back from Youth Camp 2008 yesterday, and being the chairman of this camp, I actually sacrifice a few stuff which is close to my heart, and that is the annual StanChart Marathon.. I have always wanted to join this marathon and now that I have the chance (its FREE somemore), I cldn't go due to me being the Chairman for the camp.. so ya..

** Photo on left: Youths @ Camp "Transform!"

But I'm glad that I did attend the camp.. its something different this year, being the youth camp being held at quite an ulu area, the MOE Adventure Centre @ Dairy Farm. Being only having 17 campers this year, its like a small close knitted family being together, spending time with each other, and more importantly, with God Himself!

Believe it or not.. after the camp, it was back to civilisation and I had quite a hard time to do so, due to the previous 3 days were being surrounded by greenery and tranquilness, so suddenly you see so many cars, people, I was taken aback!

** Photo on right: Campers posing for a photo @ Bukit Timah Hill Summit !!

Anyway, during the Camp, I led the group to hike the Bukit Timah Hill and I'm glad that the campers themselves drew Spiritual lessons from the hike.. One lesson which is still vivid in my memory is that, its very easy to go down the slippery road, but when we are to go up the hill, it is really difficult; and its the same with our spiritual life: going down the "bad" path is very easy, but clinging on to what is good and direct yourself in a Godly manner, is really difficult and you will face challenges, but ultimately, you will still get to the top if you do not give up.. so ya.. quite a lesson huh..

** Photo on left: Christopher Chan, the Camp Speaker !!

The speaker for the camp is also very good.. being an Ace student from ACJC and ultimately, a top student in NUS Engineering in Yr 1, but God called him into full time ministry and he obeyed, and he has not regretted till since.. and when I heard of this story, I was very inspired, and really was amazed of how God really took care of this guy (in terms of finances, family life, etc), so indeed God never short-changed us! Amen!!
Oh well.. different ppl have different experiences of how God works in them! so what is yours? *go figure*

Talent nite was also different this year.. it was actually a musical done up by some of my committee members.. cool huh!! Its really different.. and its been recorded on a digital camera, and of course, I will edit the video and then show it to church.. so this would mean becos I'm on leave today, I will spend most of today to finish up whatever that needs to be done! So ya..

So ya.. I'm charged up both spiritually and physically.. so its back to work tomorrow, but don't think I will have the mood because Saturday is my Company's annual dinner & dance!.. so ya.. lotsa prizes to be won.. and of course, I'm hoping for the top prize of a Fujitsu Laptop or at least a SAMSUNG 32" LCD TV with the home theatre system.. so let's see whether I'm able to do so loh.. haha..

Ok.. can't update further.. need to start editing liaox, or else tonight I really don't need to sleep liaox loh.. =)

Transform-ed,
<<< abriel >>>

So "malu"..

Well peepz.. today was the final straw!

During my monthly meeting today, I was asked to update about my project, and I did.. but my bosses kept saying this and that.. this cannot, that cannot, and becos I'm also very tired from the past few days, and also feeling very stressed and I really don't know how to go about doing it anymore.. I just sat there and hear them talk.. and man.. soon, you see that I was on the verge of tearing.. I don't know why.. my eyes just turn slightly watery..
I think during the meeting, my colleagues first time see me like that.. My bosses I think can see that I'm on the verge of tearing as well.. Then, they started to say comforting words..
Usually, I'm the bubbly type, but today, I was super quiet.. I only talk when I'm prompted to, other that that, I just keep quiet..

I actually wanted to go to the toilet to just cry it out, becos I know that if I do, I will feel much better (and probably preventing myself from slipping into depression as well).. but I didn't, for fear that people will call me crybaby.. so ya..

The tears will just flow down automatically whenever I think of it (even in the bus though its after work).. so better not talk anymore, or else, I really going to tear.. so ya.. I have not had a good cry yet.. let's just hope tomorrow would be better..

Stressed,
<<< abriel >>>

What more can I ask?

Well.. wat do you get when you put being stressed out, and feeling terribly exhausted and tired? *Go figure*

That's what I have been feeling these past weeks that I did not blog.. I just don't understand why some people can just talk, talk and talk, and worst still, expecting ppl to do just that, without even considering ppl's feelings or fatigue level!

Throw in some fickle-minded attitude, either shown when firm decisions are made or just when you thought you are done for the day, suddenly out of the blue, another decision pops out, and you are expected to carry out immediately, even though you had tons of more urgent paperwork to complete, and you have been told paperwork can wait, which actually, just a day later, ppl start hurrying you for your paperwork, and worst still, ask you to add stuff which is alien to you, or at least, you need time to digest before it is being carried out!

Worst still, blames you for something which was agreed earlier.. blaming my incompetancy, when in the first place, mentioned that help would be rendered!
Unreasonable or forgotten that some mention at some time, about help been rendered?

Been feeling very terrible till the point of being on the verge of sinking into depression!

A vague post for you? *go figure*
<<< abriel >>>

Economic woes..

Well.. globally, everything in the world is rising, except our salaries.. haix..

But then again, here's a little stuff to perk you up, and may sometimes bring some shock to ya..

1. Lee Hom is one of the new ambassadors for BRANDS'!


Well, I'm not telling you how I know this, but check the following Youtube video out!
Wang Lee Hom has become one of the ambassador for BRANDS'. Surprising? At least to me =)

2. The Taiwanese Government encouraging Taiwan citizens to spend!


Despite the Chen Shuibian's saga in Taiwan, the Taiwanese Government is doing this (read article above) to help the Taiwanese people to spend..
(Haix.. why don't the Singapore Government do this as well?)

3. COE (Cars <1,600 cc)drops to an all-time low of $2!



This is unbelivable!! $2 for a COE? (read article above).
As my colleagues had said, this is even cheaper than chicken rice.. haix..
(But then again, if I remembered correctly, my house neighbourhood sells chicken rice at $1.50/plate, but then again, portions are amazingly tiny and if I were to eat it, I don't know where to place it in my stomach =P).

This could only means people are tightening their pockets and not willing to spend.. If only these were good times.. haix..

4. Shell petrol drops another 5 cents!

Well.. Not too sure whether you readers realised yesterday, but I certainly did! Shell petrol dropped another 5 cents, and the charges are estimated to be as follows:

Formula 95: $1.55/litre after disc.(down from the previous of $1.60/litre after disc.)
Formula 98: $1.62/litre after disc.(down from the previous of $1.67/litre after disc.)

Not that I'm driving, but guess it must be good news for those who are driving.. but then again, food prices are going up, so it somewhat balances out!

5. Budget brought forward!

Now that the Government of Singapore is bringing forward the Budget from February 2009 to January 2009, and businesses would be the first one to be considered in their agenda, what would you like the Government to change in the lives of us, consumers, and typically Singaporeans?

** By the way, if you have not realise, electricity tariffs is coming down! Read the same article here lah (if you have not done so!)

Anyway, for me, I have a few requests, and let's see whether the "jeng hu" (Hokkien for Government) will buy this or not?

- Lower the GST from the current 7% to maybe 3% or 5%?
- More cash payouts.
- Govt. to support company, so no pay cuts and higher salary increments.

What do you wish to have the Government do for you? Discuss (in my tagboard that is!)..
(Wah! Machiam like 'A' Level General Paper hor! haha..) =P

I only need Vitamin M,
<<< abriel >>>

Blur..

Oh my goodness! I got a shock of my life this morning..

I was on NEL train, and as usual, I was hearing my phone's mp3 player.. and then, occasionally, I peeked at the signboard telling you which stop it was.. and guess what! The sign shows "Punggol" (which clearly shows that it is faulty), when the train actually was already at "Chinatown".

For a moment, I thought I was in the wrong direction, and was almost about to get out of the train..

Oh man.. this is scary.. I don't know why I was so blur today..

** Btw, I have spent 3 nites sleeping with my quilt.. I tell you.. it is so so comfortable! =).. I want to sleep again!!

I need sleep,
<<< abriel >>>

More "Mac" accessories to buy..

Well.. guess what! I've just found out that I need 2 more accessories/software for my Mac lappy..

- AppleCare Protection Plan ($446)
(This is a must-buy, because if happens that the lappy is spoiled and over warranty, repairing it would be super expensive.. This AppleCare Protection Plan comes with an additional 2 yrs warranty on top of the current 1 yr warranty.
So I have no choice but have to buy this loh!)

- Upgrade RAM memory from the current 1GB (2 pcs of 512mb each) to the future 2GB (2 pcs of 1GB each). The price ranges from $178-$198.
(Well.. this is very weird. I get a lot of quotations for this, and the lowest was $129. But not too sure whether they got wat I mean, because everytime I call, they tell me different prices.. haix.. but oh well.. I shall take it as $198, so if its cheaper, its a bonus..

I have did a rough calculation.. and the total I have spend is close to my current PC.. which is about $850.. so ya... let's see how long this worthy investment is going to last me, because I've high expectations of Mac doing my publicity stuff for church, etc..

Money woes,
<<< abriel >>>

Incoming "Mac" user!

This weekend is one of the enjoyable weekends I had.. read on to find out more..

Saturday (16/11/08)

Led worship in church.. and God was really amazing! I had an agenda of 2 praise songs, and 2 worship songs.. but because I overlooked the words for one of the songs.. but God was good.. He gave me a song, "I Surrender All", which I have been listening to it on my phone's mp3 player, since the day Tjow has lent me the album.
It is Michael W. Smith's latest album, "A New Hallelujah". It is very good.. You should get it someday.. Anyway, click here for a sample playlist of the album, "A New Hallelujah".
And while you are at it, you can hear the song, "I Surrender All". It is really beautiful, and everytime I listen to it, I'm very emotional over it.. The lyrics are really meaningful.. It is just a few lines, but it speak volumes.. so ya.. Here are the lyrics:

All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His Presence daily live

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour
I surrender all

So ya.. And this song really speaks to the congregation during worship (becos as I have mentioned earlier, it is only 2 worship songs throughout the worship! I didnt have any fast songs! God has prompted me to keep in a very prayerful mode, becos I have started the song, "I Surrender All", with the intention of teaching the congregation, but as time goes on, somehow I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to not go with the fast songs.. just stay in the prayerful mood!.. and whoa! I'm glad I did!), and I can feel that God was in our midst.. so ya.. To God be ALL glory! Amen! =)

After church, went to Seafood Paradise @ Defu Lane 10 for dinner; was recommended by Carlise (my church mate).. it was good I tell you.. click here to find out more!

If you want to find out the dishes we've ate for the night, here it is:

1 - Creamy Sri-Lanka Crab (Signature Dish 1)
2 - Sri-Lanka Crab with Glass Noodles (Signature Dish 2)
3 - Black Pepper Sri-Lanka Crab
4 - Crispy Fried Baby Squid
5 - Spinach with Egg Trio (Egg Trio = Chicken Egg, Salted Egg, Century Egg)
6 - Fried Tofu with Golden Mushroom
7 - Longevity Fried Noodles

It was a very good spread and all of us had a great time of fellowship! =).. and its quite cheap actually.. $26/pax.. so ya..
But what I like best is actually the "Sri-Lanka Crab with Glass Noodles".. oh man! It is so good! The gravy is like sharks' fin gravy (which actually I requested for my favourite black vinegar and pepper), and the glass noodles is like super smooth, with the gravy's flavour all seeped into the noodles, which gives a very good flavour! The whole dish deserves both my thumbs up!! =)
**Oh.. a word of caution! If you want to eat this dish, you have to be prepared to wait for 45 mins!! and pls pls.. ask them to serve this crab dish FIRST before other crab dishes.. if you can wait, make this "glass noodles crab" dish the first item to be served, and then you start to eat other food.. because once you "mix" the flavours of the crab dishes (eg: having black pepper or creamy crab first before the glass noodles crab), then you would feel that it is not nice already.. trust me.. it was tested and proven last nite at the dinner.. so ya.. =)

Sunday (17/11/08)

Upgraded my SingNet Broadband from a 8 mbps (after free auto-upgrade from 5 mbps) to 10mbps Unlimited Broadband for a mere $9.95 more on my monthly subscription, and for this upgrading effort, SingNet is rewarding me a 13' White MacBook FREE-OF-CHARGE.. and its their current promotion. So ya..

Here are the specifications:

SuperDrive
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor 2.1GHz
13.3-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
1GB Memory
120GB Hard Drive
Built-in iSight Camera
Mac OS X Leopard and iLife '08

And because of this, I was out and about at Challenger Superstore @ Funan, to get my Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, and this costs me $239 (non-member price is $249).. super expensive lah.. but then, without MS Office on my new Mac, is like really make my Mac useless..
I actually wanted to upgrade my Mac to an aluminium one (of course with slightly better specs) for an additional $499, but after doing my sums, not very feasible and also I'm not say a very heavy user on my new Mac, so no pt.. the most, I just upgrade my RAM (original is only 1GB.. Plan to upgrade till 2GB, and I'll be happy!.. but that would cost me some money... just wondering how much loh.. haix.. I think I would only koe the cost when on the same day of collection loh!!)..
I was actually on the verge of buying a Norton Antivirus for my Mac, but then, fortunately, a salesperson was serving me, and he tells me actually that no point buying Norton Antivirus for my Mac, because it doesn't protect my Mac directly.. So I heeded his advice and didn't buy it lah.. it was $89 if I have bought it ok!!

This is actually my last chance to grab hold of the opportunity (ie. SingNet giving away free laptops for upgrading), because my current Broadband plan is expiring in Feb 09, so before that, I have to renew contract, or else, I would be paying a much higher price of what I'm having now! so ya.. and IT shows are only every 3 mths, so if you do your sums, its not very possible..

Actually end of November, there is Sitex, so I'm just wondering why SingNet is doing its promo so early? Why don't wait till Sitex then give? So this maybe because they are not participating? I don't know.. so as to avoid disappointments, I rather take it now loh!
Moreover, I need a laptop for my business trips, as I plan to write reports in my hotel room after everyday, or else, I will die.. haha.. so ya.. thinking ahead lah.. moreover, if I'm ever required to do some designing work, at least I got a Mac to work with! So it is killing 2 birds with one stone!

I also got an Norton Internet Security 2009 software ($72; non-member price is $79) for my PC.. this one is a yearly thing.. cannot say don't get one, because my PC (aka. desktop) is still my main computer use!

After Challenger @ Funan, proceeded over with my parents to IKEA Alexandra to look look see see.. My parents just want to take a walk, since they didn't go down last week.. moreover, I'm IKEA member, so 2 coffees are on the house, so we went to the restaurant, and they sipped onto free flow of coffee! Woohoo~.. We also ate our dinner there.. so ya.. so its Meatballs with Lingoberry Jam, and chicken wings for dinner again.. haha..
Oh.. the almond cake is also very good.. but it was shared, so not so caloric on my tummy.. haha.. =P

I actually didnt want to buy anything, but then, I saw some essentials for my office (in particular, a water jug), and so I bought one! It was quite cool! It has a detachable freezing element in the middle of the jug (in the form of a plastic rod filled with distilled water!).. but I took out that.. just empty one to put in office for myself lah.. so ya..

Then I went to the bedlinen section, and bought myself a mattress protector ($12), a quilt ($25) and a quilt cover with 2 matching pillowcases ($59).. so ya.. it is to re-decorate my room.. need to inject some life into my room liaox.. its getting stagnant! ahhh.. need a room revamp!
Guess I have to pack and revamp my room someday then! =)

But I have spend quite a lot today, till the point that I don't wish to total the sum I spend.. haix.. I'm spending again, but then again, pumping money into Singapore's economy will lessen Singapore's risk of having a recession!.. So I'm helping the economy ok! =D

The things I have to achieve till early Jan 2009..

- Christmas presents
- CNY 2009 clothings
- Dye hair
- CNY reunion dinner
- CNY goodies

I certainly hope I'm getting my bonus at the end of this year, or else, I die liaox.. literally die..

I'm tightening my food belt these few days, so you don't see me spending on food as much before lah.. or at least, be more thrifty when it comes to food.. so ya.. =)

And it doesn't help that I'm also saving up for Taiwan 2009.. haix.. I need Vitamin M!! Anyone care to give me? =P

Okay lah.. need to sleep liaox.. super tired now.. have spend like 3 hrs on this blogpost liaox.. power rite? haha..
Going to sleep with my new quilt tonite.. Woohoo~~.. and its like quite cooling weather.. so ya.. I'm going to snuggle up on my bed now.. =)

Eagerly waiting for the arrival of my Macbook,
<<< abriel >>>

Weird women!

My goodness.. in the course of today, I met two weird women.. allow me to elaborate..

First, it was during lunch @ NUS Arts Canteen..
As usual, it was crowded, but becos my colleagues and me went for lunch (6 pax to be exact), we managed to find the table after quite a while..

I was the first to buy my food and was the first one to do so.. I sat down and then another colleague came back with her food.. then 4 seats were left empty.. and then, about 5 mins later, a gal came over and ask if the seats were taken.. I said "ya".. but I think she has mistaken that I said "ok.. can sit".. then she was about to sit and I told her that "the seats are mistaken".. and then this gal was like, "oh.. you mean the seats were taken?".. ahhhhh.. *screetches in high tones and walk away*.. my colleague, Kian Hong, also saw it and he also said "this gal wanna attract attention only..".. which is so true lah.. oh my goodness..

Then another one happened when I was on my way home in NEL train.. This gal machiam like don't care.. her arms brushed me like a thousand times lah.. then she open her front portion of the bag, also machiam action so big, and I was reading a magazine, when her forearm brush me again.. my goodness.. for a moment, I felt like this gal has outrage my modesty lah.. ok.. I'm exaggerating.. but well, it feels very uncomfortable for strangers to just keep brushing you.. one or two times nevermind.. I think during the trip, she has like brushed me close to 20 times! I mean it..

What's with gals nowadays? Or is it becos I'm too hot for them to handle? haha.. kidding.. oh well..

Women are weird!,
<<< abriel >>>

IKEA rox!

Shopping at IKEA has never been happier until today.. oh man.. the stuff there are so nice, and they are at bargain prices.. oh man.. bought some stuff..

I feel like going back there again someday.. Oh.. did I mention that everytime I go there, I would just keep smiling and smiling? My knees will just grow weak at the sight of the beautifully interior-designed showroom.. oh man.. haix..

I don't care! I'm going there for the meatballs with lingoberry jam someday again(and oh.. I bought both at the supermart! wahaha..), as well as also the furniture.. its the atmosphere in IKEA which makes me feel welcome everytime I visited the store! =)

I love IKEA,
<<< abriel >>>

Being longwinded..

Well.. today I have experienced what you can call, some long-winded ppl!

I have been on a project meeting today and it lasts from 0900 hrs - 1300 hrs!! 4 solid hours and guess what! There is still no conclusion, and these 4 hrs, the same ONE point was being discussed/argued/explained over, over, over and over again! Everyone was fed up..

The poor innocent me, I did NOT speak a word! I just hear one ear in, and out the other.. only minor information, I managed to zap into my head.. After that, its empty again.. haha..
And it doesn't help that I was hungry and cold.. machiam a begger like tat..

Its not a good feeling afterall ya koe...
Fortunately, lunch was good, becos I went with my 2 bosses to Maxwell Food Centre to eat... so ya..

Ok.. I'm super tired now.. Need to sleep!

Some ppl are born with more wind.. haha.. =P,
<<< abriel >>>

Hectic week!!! Tired & exhausted!

Fwah! I'm extremely tired.. After I was back at office since Tues (28/10), its working in office everyday from 0800 hrs to 2300 hrs.. and its work NON-STOP ok!.. This happened from Tues - Thurs..

I'm experiencing burnout now.. and thank God its the weekend, or else, I would just die of exhausion.. so ya..

This week is hectic becos I got a lot of trials to do for my current project.. according to my boss, it should not be so hectic from tomorrow.. oh man.. I wonder how true.. hmmm..

** I spend my weekends doing my office work.. In office, cannot finish, so must bring home during weekends to do.. haix.. sianx..

Ok.. I gtg and sleep liaox..

Tml is the start of another new work week,
<<< abriel >>>

My BKK trip!

Hey ppl! I'm back from my trip, and all I can say that its very tiring! I have reached home about 0000 hrs this morning, and after bathing and unpacking, I slept about 0115 hrs this morning..

Woke up like at about 0710 hrs, and then shortly after, went back to sleep again, until about 1010 hrs, which if you count, its about 8-9 hrs, which is quite normal for me..

Anyway, below is an account of what happened to me over at Bangkok.. so ya.. so if you are curious about what happened, then pls read on.. =)

DAY 1 : 18 October 2008 (Saturday)
I woke up at 0430 hrs, bathe and was ready to set off the house at 0525 hrs, because my friend, Boon Sen, are sharing cab, so he is picking me up and then we travelled to Changi International Airport, Singapore together..

** Photo on left: Day 1 of my trip!

Though there was an slight mishap in the beginning (the taxi that Kokwei got, the taxi-driver brought him to Terminal 1, though Kokwei specifically told the taxi-driver that it would be Terminal 2.. haha.. oh well..) but all 4 of us did still managed to check in at the stipulated time..
All 4 of us reached the airport with a sense of excitement, and knew that Bangkok is waiting for us.. Imagine all the shopping and eating.. and most important, spending quality time and catching up with one another (since we were NS bunk buddies).. so ya..

Ate MacDonald's for breakfast and then we were in the departure gate.. First stop, we went to check out the colognes that we want to buy (which we will only buy when we are landed in Singapore on 22/10), so that we won't spend so much time choosing..

After which, we were off to the Boarding Gate F60, and were cam-whoring..
We didn't care who was behind or in front of us.. We were all trigger happy.. haha.. we are on a trip that we have been waiting for 2 years!! =)

We boarded SQ 970 and then inside the plane, we experienced some really good service (because we were ON Singapore Airlines!), and we were cam-whoring again.. haha..

I remembered last time, someone told me that I could request for wines on SQ flights, no matter how short the flight is.. and being a wine lover, I had a glass of white wine with my on-flight breakfast! It was enjoyable I must say.. and the potatoes and sausages were fantastic!! =)

Once we have touched down and crossed customs in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand , we met our guide and then, we were wheezed off via private mini-bus to our hotel, Asia Hotel Bangkok.

After we have checked in, it is time for us to proceed to the Chatuchak Weekend Market via BTS. Our transport via BTS was really cheap; we each bought a day's unlimited pass, and it costs us only 120 baht/person (SGD$6), and its unlimited number of times/stations.. so ya.. quite worth it lah!

And did I mention that the passengers who plans to board the BTS train actually queue up? They really let ppl alight first before they board the BTS train!! The BTS train driver actually also came out of the driver seat and check that everyone is inside the train, before the doors are closed.. For this, the Thais has earned my respect!! So maybe Singaporeans should learn a thing or two from them? =)

We proceeded over to Mo Chit station and walked a little while to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.. I tell you.. whatever you can imagine, it is all sold there!
Believe it or not.. pets such as live puppies, rabbits, etc were all sold there!!

We had spent about 5 hours there, and we have not finish shopping the whole Chatuchak Weekend Market, but it was getting a little bit late and we had bought what we wanted (one of my must-buy items was the "Mime" T-shirts, which my brother, Sidney, has recommended, and it was so nice, that I've bought 5 pcs.. ha!.. and also, my dog clothings which costs only about 1060 baht (SGD$48) for 7 pieces, which I can safely say that with such an amount, you can only buy the most, 2 pieces of clothing, becos each pc is about SGD$30-40 in Singapore.. so its really cheap in Chatuchak Weekend Market lah!!)

Then we managed to come out of the "Chatuchak Weekend Market maze" (and we walked so much that our legs are starting to ache, and this is only the first day!!) and return to our hotel to wash up, before proceeding to dinner at a restaurant which is about 3 BTS stops away from our hotel, and it requires some searching (aka. walking) as well, as we don't know where exactly the place is. We refused to take cabs, because we don't find it a necessity (don't waste money mah!)..

After much walking, we finally found the restaurant, "Cabbages & Condoms". But before you all start to think "why on earth do they want to dine at this restaurant with such a name? Isn't it a bit obscene?", pls. read on for our explanation.
We have done some research on the internet; this restaurant is a theme restaurant and part of the proceeds goes to funding HIV-awareness programmes and helping out those ppl who have contracted Aids in Thailand.. so its for a good cause.. so why not?
Out of the items that we have ordered for our dinner, we love 2 items: The "Roasted Duck Salad" and the "Tom Yum Goong". They were fabulous!! You should try it, but a word of advice if you want to go to this restaurant.. The restaurant is situated like quite an ulu part of a street, so you are required to walk a street which is quite quiet and your surroundings resembles a mini red-light district, so I have to admit that it gives me a little of the crepes when walking towards the restaurant.. so ya..

After our dinner, we proceeded back to hotel and turn in for the nite.. =)

DAY 2 : 19 October 2008 (Sunday)
This day is shopping, shopping and shopping.. read on...

** Photo on right: Day 2 of my trip!

Waking up was as early as 0730 hrs (BKK time - which is 1 hr behind Singapore), and we had the breakfast (which was so so only..).. Then its rest a while, bathe and got ready to go out and start our shopping (as per itinerary which I had pre-planned before coming to this trip).
We went to the malls (Siam Center, Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Paragon, MahBoonKruong [MBK]) to shop and shop..

Went to Starbucks for morning tea (I was surprised because they had the limited edition drink, Dark Chocolate Frappucino, and it was VERY good, because I had tasted it in Singapore, but they don't sell it anymore, due to its exclusive time period!! So now I can find it in BKK, I see it and immediately went for it, and I went for the Venti size!)..

Then went to shop for a while at the malls, but my favourite was Siam Paragon's Gourmet Market (which is a supermarket).. it is so so good! Got what I wanted lah..
(It ranges from Tom Yum Goong paste, Tom Yum instant noodles, to some Brands' health drinks [namely Veta Prune Essence (concentrated prune juice - for gut health) & Veta Balance (concentrated apple essence with apple cider - [don't know for what! haha..)] which can't be found in Singapore)

Went also to the MacDonald's at Siam Paragon for lunch, where they had the pork burger (which its set meal is only 108 baht [SGD$5]!!).. It was not bad.. but the one at Burger King at Siam Paragon (which we had for dinner on Day 3) was better - this cost cheaper; only 89 baht/meal [SGD$4].. so ya.. a refreshing change lah..

Oh.. did I mentioned that there was a publicity effort to promote the Siam Ocean World @ Siam Paragon shopping centre? But we didnt go, as it was 850 baht/person (SGD$39).. A bit expensive.. so ya..
Of course, we did take pictures lah.. Call us "cheapo" but we don't care.. haha.. =P

Then we headed over to MBK for more shopping..
There, we shopped again, and I've bought something as well, and of course, bought foodstuff.. so ya... very typical of a foodie rite.. haha.. =P
In the end, we were very happy, becos' we all again got what we've wanted, and then, its taking the BTS train back to our hotel, because our parcels were getting quite heavy..

Then after depositing our stuff in our respective hotel rooms, we proceeded to the Memorial Bridge Night Market (the locals called it sa-phan-poot).. We cabbed there, and my bargaining skills were practiced here..
The taxi driver wanted 200 baht (SGD$9) to the place, but I bargained it down to 150 baht (SGD$7). The taxi driver refused, and then I said don't want.. Just immediately, you see a line of cabs begin to queue up.. the next one came, and then I asked the same question, and the cab driver initially said 200 baht, but then I bargained it down to 150 baht from the 170 baht (SGD$8) which he has counter-offered, and he agreed.. so we were on our way to the night market.
I didn't buy anything, but the rest of my friends went there to buy soccer jerseys which were selling at 300 baht/piece (SGD$14).
We've settled our dinner at the same place as well, and communicating with them is a little wee bit difficult, with only my basic Thai and knowledge of only a few Thai dishes.. haha.. everything was with hand-signals and thank goodness, they understand a little bit english, or else, we would just grow in hunger.. haha..

DAY 3 : 20 October 2008 (Monday)
Well.. what do you expect? This day is shopping and eating again! haha.. but this time, its slightly further away, and its walking, walking and more walking!!

** Photo on left: Day 3 of my trip!

We ventured further into the town centre today, and visited Pratunum Market and its nearby malls (one of which is Platinum Mall).. so ya..
Didn't buy much becos the places we've walked today sells ladies stuf.. so ya..

By this time of the trip, all of our bags (in our hotel rooms) were getting full, and we were searching for another bag to put the additional stuff we've bought (clothings, food, footware, etc).. and we looked and looked, and finally, we saw and conquered what we've wanted at Platinum Mall.. so ya..

Next, we proceeded over to the Platinum Mall foodcourt for lunch, and we ate the seafood pad thai (which I tell you is very nice), Tom Yum Goong and ka-pow.. But after eating the pad thai, it wasnt enough to go round, as it was very good!! So we ordered another one and eat away..
Then we ate 3 desserts, one of which was very interesting.. they call it creamy coconut and we were expecting that its either coconut ice-cream or something.. but what we didnt expect that its actually like big chunks of "yam-like" coconut.. I just wonder how they do it.. it taste not bad actually.. so ya..

After this, we went back to our hotel to put down our stuff... Then we proceeded for foot reflexology (30 mins) and a sub-standard full body massage (30 mins) in the hotel premises, which costs us 400 baht/hr (SGD$18).. It was an experience I must say.. quite pain, but effective!! Its a little bit expensive, but oh well.. sometimes, one must be pampered a little.. haha..

Then we explored round the hotel and the nearby shops, and we saw the A&W restaurant, and we settled our supper there! We had a chocolate waffle and strawberry waffle.. completed with 2 cups of root beer float with 2 scoops of vanilla ice-cream each.. I tell you.. It was simply heaven!! Each set only costs us 134 baht (SGD$6)!! Cheap rite? =)
(All 4 of us share the 2 sets of waffle.. so ya.. so this is called "sharing the calories".. haha.. =P)

And thereafter, we walked back to the hotel and rested for the day!!
During our walk back to the hotel, we saw how they transported big blocks of ice from the truck to the shop.. though its a bit dirty, but we were amazed at how innovative they are, and the best thing is that during its transportation (from truck to shop), the ice didnt stray off "the track" a single bit, and it was simply amazing lah!!

DAY 4 : 21 October 2008 (Tuesday)
This day, it was more of a relaxing day.. not too much of a shopping..

** Photo on right: Day 4 of my trip!

Morning breakfast is starting to get boring (except for the streaky bacon that was served this morning).. but nevertheless, still have to eat, becos I can't survive without breakfast..

However, we didn't eat a lot this morning, as we didn't want to throw up later when we are being massaged.. so ya.. As a matter of fact, we rested for about an hour plus before we left for our traditional Thai massage..
(Yes.. we went for massage again, as the massage yesterday was not shiok enough! Yesterday was just more of foot reflexology rather than full body massage.. so ya..)

We have checked out the price of one of the massage parlours, Asia Thai Traditional Massage, and this parlour was also recommended by Yizhou's friend.. so we've decided to go for the full body Thai massage, and it was so so good and relaxing.. so ya.. it costs just a mere 400 baht for 2 hrs (SGD$18).. very worth it..

After the massage, all of us went back to bathe, and got ready to go to Nam Sing Restaurant in Yaowarat Road, Chinatown, via cab (which needs no bargaining, because the cab driver auto-on the cab fare meter, and as a result, we tipped him because of his honesty!)..
Talks has it that Nam Sing Restaurant is famous for its sharks' fin & bird's nest! And man.. it didn't disappoint! We had our lunch at Nam Sing Restaurant, and we had things like fried venison meat (200 baht/plate = SGD$9), 2 claypots of sharks' fin (which cost 600 baht/pot = SGD$27), a big plate of salted fish fried rice (400 baht/plate = SGD$18) and a plate of fried squid (300 baht/plate = SGD$14). And we were feeling full already even without the bird's nest! We've settled the bill and went off to walk the rest of Chinatown..

When we first stepped into Chinatown, we were a bit shocked to see how similar it is to our Chinatown here in Singapore, except that it is dirtier and not so organised.. Other than that, everything look so similar..
They were selling everything from hardware to foodware (aka food lah.. haha.. my terms!).. And there were scooters, motorcycles and small trucks moving around the small streets even though its already so crowded with people and makeshift stalls! I'm like inhaling carbon monoxide every minute lah!

Shops were selling more or less the same thing everywhere.. And we actually got quite curious at some of the items they sell; one of which was coconut ice-cream, and I tell you.. it was fabulous!! Not too sweet and the best part, its icy-cold.. it costs us only a mere 35 baht/cup (SGD$2). Cheap and good! What's more, they top it up with chocolate sauce, which makes it even better.. haha.. but everywhere you go, you see them sell this.. So you should try when you got the chance!

Then its getting a little wee bit late, and therefore, we've decided to end off the Chinatown trip with a bowl of Bird's Nest each, and we went back to Nam Sing Restaurant again.. haha.. I think the shop owner must have recognised us, because we just left the place like about an hour or two ago.. haha..
There, I had a third grade Birds' Nest with Gingko Nuts @ 300 baht/bowl (SGD$14) whilst my other 3 friends (Boon Sen, Kokwei & Yizhou) had each a third grade Birds' Nest with Dried Longans @ 300 baht/bowl (SGD$14) as well. It was worth it I tell you.. not too sweet and yet, you can eat the bird's nest! =) Whether its fake or real, I don't know.. but I just eat only.. haha..

Then we hopped on the cab to the hotel, and without our bargaining, the cab driver has told us that it will cost us 100 baht (SGD$5), and we've agreed, because on the day of our arrival, I have asked the guide roughly how much would be the cab-fare to Chinatown, and she said that it would be 100 baht.. so its within the expected cost.. so ya..
A few minutes after we've hopped onto the cab, it started raining cats and dogs!! But oh well, we are in the cab!

Then its dinner time, and we were getting hungry, and as we were quite poor already (because according to the hotel staff, we may need to pay an airport tax of 700 baht/person [SGD$32] when coming back from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, but in the end, we do NOT need to pay as we are sitting SQ flights, and its already included in the air-ticket that we've purchased).. so because we didn't know whether we need to pay initially, and on the safe side, better set aside money, we ate some roadside hawker food for dinner and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise!
We each had one bowl of wanton noodles @ 35 baht/bowl (SGD$2), whose serving is a little bit small, but it was not bad.. with the chilli powder added in, everything from bad becomes good.. haha..

And because the wanton noodles were too little, just a stone's throw away, lies a pad thai roadside hawker stall, and judging from the looks of it, it has many customers, so being typical Singaporeans, we decided to try it, but there was no available seats, so we ordered it as take-aways and went back to the hotel to eat it.. Oh.. before I forget, this pad thai, we ordered the special version (which actually I don't know what is the difference between ordinary and special.. maybe the difference is only the portion size) which again, costs us 35 baht/packet (SGD$2)! Its cheap lah!
My verdict of this pad thai? This still cannot compare to the one I had at Platinum Mall (ie. the seafood pad thai), but at least, its better than the one I had on the first day at Cabbages & Condoms restaurant.. so ya..

After which, we cleaned up and proceeded back to our respective rooms to turn in for the nite, and do some packing of stuff, as time is running out already..

DAY 5 : 22 October 2008 (Wednesday)
The last day of the trip, and we were all indeed very sad, because its time to be back to reality.. haix.. =(

** Photo on left: Day 5 of my trip!

Woke up this morning and then had our breakfast..
We rested for a while, before we ventured to some of the nearby malls (namely, Zen & Centralworld).. but there was nothing, so ultimately, we were back at Siam Paragon Gourmet Market (ie. its supermarket) and did some last-minute grocery shopping..

Then, its time for us to check out at 1400 hrs (which I requested for late check-out, because original timing is 1200 hrs.. so ya)..

Because we didn't want to go anywhere (and also because there was no where for us to go), we have decided to just sit in the hotel lobby for 2 hours after we check-out.. A bit boring but what to do.. =)

We were then wheezed off (via a private mini-bus) to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, for my flight back to Singapore..
We've checked in our luggage (and thank God that our luggages didn't overweight!).. haha.. but I think mine did, because I think in total, I've checked in about 35kg of luggage (normal is 25kg maximum/person), but becos the rest of my travel-mates (Boon Sen, Yizhou & Kokwei) didn't buy as much as I did, so I think it somehow compensate!
Oh oh.. let me tell you this.. look at the following no. of baggages that each of us came back after the trip.. Don't be surprised!! So here goes..

Yizhou:
Before trip - 1 luggage, 1 Crumpler hand-carry bag (medium-size)
After trip - 1 luggage, 1 Crumpler hand-carry bag (medium-size), 1 hand-carry backpack (packed to the brim)

Boon Sen:
Before trip - 1 backpack
After trip - 1 backpack, 1 hand-carry backpack (packed to the brim)

Kokwei:
Before trip - 1 luggage, 1 normal school-children carrying bag
After trip - 1 luggage, 1 normal school-children carrying bag, 1 hand-carry plastic bag (to store foodstuff)

Myself:
Before trip - 1 luggage, 1 Crumpler hand-carry bag (large-size, but half-filled)
After trip - 1 luggage, 1 Crumpler hand-carry bag (large-size but FULL), 1 hand-carry backpack (packed to the brim)

And so after checking in our luggage, we felt a little hungry (but knowing that we would be served on-flight meals, we've decided to only eat a little to fill our stomach!)
And therefore, we went over to the Black Canyon Coffee cafe and had a bowl of wanton noodles with roasted duck, char-siew and roasted pork.. To top it all up, we each had a drink to go with it (Boon Sen, Yizhou and Kokwei each had an ice milk-tea, but I didn't want to because not very worth it, so I choose ice-chocolate, but its all the same price... so ya.. I go for value-for-money.. haha..)

After our dinner, we've paid up (approx. 250 baht/person = SGD$12) and proceeded to board our plane at its boarding gate. We were quite shocked actually, becos its only like 20 mins past the boarding time, and they are already telling us that its final call.. haha.. They are really efficient huh.. haha..
We then posed for our final photo at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, and that ends our 5D4N tour of Thailand.. Come to think of it, the holiday is real short.. haix..

And there we are.. on board SQ 981 (back to Singapore), and we were served dinner on board our flight.. I had the pork pasta set meal, and it was good.. but of course, it cannot be compared to what we had (ie, our on-flight breakfast on 18/10).. so ya..
And of course, what's a SQ flight without wine right? So I had 1 glass of white wine, and another glass of red wine, and the wines were fantastic! I love it! It certainly goes very well with my meal lah! =)

And during the flight, I've experienced some turbulence (due to raining weather in Singapore), but its still managable lah.. so ya..
Surprisingly, we have landed on the time of my pre-planned itinerary (ie. 2230 hrs), and everything seems to go clockwork.. oh man! I think I can be a part-time itinerary planner.. haha..

After which, we all went to the "Perfume & Cosmetics" section and got ourselves some fragrances (becos we do NOT need to pay GST!).. I consulted the salesperson, and got some really nice-smelling ones! =)
Didn't buy alcohol this time round, as I was out of cash and also my house has quite a few.. so ya..

At 2330 hrs in Changi International Airport, Singapore, we said goodbye to each other, and said that we will meet again on holiday next year.. and in fact, next year's destination would be Taiwan, but its again subject to confirmation, becos of our various commitments.. so ya.. so now can't wait for the next trip.. and man.. haix.. now its back to reality.. work and slog for 1 year.. haix..

Holiday mood has certainly not gotten over me yet and I've just checked out my company's email via my home internet, and there were so many emails for me to attend lah.. I also some urgent things to settle when I get back to office next Tuesday (28/10).. I actually wanted to go back tomorrow (24/10 - Fri), but then decided not too, because I wanted to have a good rest and also settle some of my personal things, because I know once I start work, I will have no time to do all these.. so ya.. haix..

Oh well.. All good things have to come to an end right? So ya.. no choice.. but I can be confident to say that this trip, has brought 4 of us (Boon Sen, Yizhou, Kokwei & myself) fostering even a more closer friendship.. so ya.. really looking forward to Taiwan 2009, and hope that it can be a reality! =)

Okay.. I've spent so much time on this blog (approx. 3 hours!), and I hope that you had a great time viewing the photos and reading this blog of mine.. it is really an unforgetable trip! Woohoo~

Goodbye "Sawadee-khrap" land and looking forward to Taiwan 2009,
<<< abriel >>>

Eve of my BKK trip

Well peepz.. guess wat! I should be excited right? But in fact, I'm not, becos' I have overworked at office today!

I woke up at 0545 hrs this morning, and by 0800 hrs, I was in office (instead of the normal 0830 hrs). And once I stepped into office, I began to work..
Didn't went out for lunch at Clementi, becos simply got too much work to clear!
I worked and worked, until 1920 hrs.. and then I've stopped working, pack up and get ready to go home..

Just yesterday and the day before, I also OT-ed for about an hour before going home..

I'm now at home totally shacked, and then I still got a bit of my luggage to pack.. Don't forget, I stayed up till almost 2320 hrs to pack my luggage.. so ya..

This morning, fortunately got my 2 favourite stimulants, coffee and Essence of Chicken.. when you combine 2 together, you get the "imba" feeling, and that's what I feel today! But like all stimulants, it will wear off, and I can say that as I'm blogging this post, it has starting to wear out, becos I'm yawning already! *yawns*

Tml morning still have to wake up like at 0430 hrs *gulpz*, becos my friend, Boon Sen, and myself are sharing cab, so he is picking me up at 0530 hrs.. becos we need to check in before 0645 hrs.. so meeting time is 0615 hrs.. so ya..

Ok.. I gtg liaox.. I still have to pack my luggage.. so ya.. I will be in the "hopefully" land of smiles, and I would probably be smiling my way through, becos of the tremendous shopping and eating loh!! haha..

So cya guys in 5 days time.. I hope I would be fit enough to blog by then! =)

Sawadee-khrap-ing in progress,
<<< abriel >>>

Joke of the week!

Hey peepz.. the following joke was taken from 8 Days Magazine, Issue 938 (Oct 9, 2008). I found it very funny... so ya.. hope it will make your weekend a little brighter! =).. so here goes..

======================================

WHAT ARE THE OTHER Fs?

F1
A race between single-seat, open cockpit cars powered by 2.4-litre V8 engines.

F2
A race between open wheel-chassis cars powered by 1.8-litre engines.

F3
A race between cars with a monocoque chassis powered by 2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated spec engines.

F4
A race between members of a former Taiwanese boy band who wanted to change their name to JVKV to see who can capture more meteors in their garden, or reduce teenage 'guniangs' to quivering blobs of jelly (or something like that).

F5
A race to see how fast you can refresh your web browser using a function key on your PC's keyboard.

F6
A race between Ah Bengs and their 'zhng'd' cars to see who can act more like a character from Initial D before the traffic police come and saman them.

F7
A race every day of the week between aunties at the market or shopping centre, powered by nothing more than sheer, naked kiasu-ism.

F8
A race between SIngaporeans to faster copy down the numbers on the license plates of cars involved in aq collision so they can later buy 4D.

F9
The grade you're going to get if you reply on this list for your school essay.

======================================

Told you its interesting rite.. haha..

Its 6 days to my BKK trip,
<<< abriel >>>

Problematic week..

Well peepz.. in fact, I just finished a 2 hr conversation with my brother, Tjow, regarding some of my personal problems..
I'm glad he has been always there to provide a listening ear and providing viable solutions to the problems!

Tjow: I will try to do it ok.. its hard.. but I'll try whenever possible.. Thanks bro!!

Actually, I thought within 30 mins - 45 mins can finish the conversation, but what I didn't know is that its actually dragged on till 2 hrs (and mind you, its ONLY 3 issues!!).. my goodness.. how time flies when you are engaged in a conversation..

Well ok.. gtg and sleep liaox.. a bit the late liaox.. eyes closing.. and man! I'm only 11 days away from my BKK trip! Woohooooooo~
Imagine all the shopping and eating.. oh man! I'm gonna have a whale of a time!

Ok.. I'm getting high already.. cannot.. must stop now, or else, tonite I can't sleep! haha..

The sad but excited one,
<<< abriel >>>

An eating weekend again...

** Photo on left: My dinner place with one of the best Chinese dumplings (aka shui jiao/ jiao zhi) in Singapore..

Guess what! The self-proclaimed food guru (or is it my nickname already? Ha.. don't care!) has found another place with good shui jiaos (aka Chinese dumplings), and it is found none other than in Neil Road itself..

The address is as follows:



Qun Zhong Eating House
21 Neil Road, Singapore 088814
(Tel: 6221 3060)
Business Hours: 11.30am-3.00pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm (Closed on every Wednesday).

Yesterday after church, Christina, Jaslyn & myself went to eat (we waited for about 20 mins for our turn to get into the restaurant to eat!!), and we've ordered 7 dishes:

- 2 bowls of Zha Jiang Mian
- 1 plate of jiao zhi (aka chinese dumplings) (7 pcs)
- 1 steamer of xiao long bao (8 pcs)
- 1 plate of chinese pizza (8 pcs)
- 1 bowl of osmanthus tangyuan (5 pcs)
- 1 plate of tao-sah fried glutinous pancake (10 pcs)
- 1 bowl of sweet & sour soup (serving enough for 1)

Total bill came up to $54, so each one of us paid $18.. so ya.. I feel this $18 is totally worth it lah! The food is good.. what more can I ask for? haha..

** Photo on left: Our desserts @ Ah Chew's Desserts, Liang Seah Street, Bugis

After which, Jaslyn went home and Christina & I went to Ah Chew Dessert @ Liang Seah Street, Bugis, to have dessert..

The dessert was a bit disappointing, despite its crowd.. I tried their Mango Pomelo dessert and I didn't like it, becos they use coconut milk.. but what I did like is the mango pieces.. they were really chunky and chewy.. but that's about it.. so ya..

Think I just gained a few kilograms again.. haix..

I just came back from Starbucks (which I had a Ice-Shaken Passion Lemonade.. very nice!).. so ya.. now blog a bit.. then hang around room for a while.. then go sleep.. actually wanted to pack my luggage for my BKK trip, but a bit lazy.. told you liaox loh.. getting lazy liaox.. maybe tml after my youth leaders' mtg, I will pack.. (MAYBE only woh!! haha)..

Turning in for the night,
<<< abriel >>>

Busy week..

Yes.. my work is starting to pile up.. and on one hand, I'm happy that my project is going.. but on the other hand, its very tiring and for my small puny brain to absorb everything (not forgetting that I also have super short-term memory) is very taxing..

** Photo on right: Brothers Rojak @ Clementi (Argubly comparable to Soon Heng Rojak @ HDB Hub, Toa Payoh)

Admist my busy schedule at work, I still manage to get some good food at Clementi today for lunch.. For such a long time, I wanted to taste and see whether the Clementi rojak (which I have see it time and again on food shows) can be comparable to the one I had at Toa Payoh.. and it sure didnt disappoint!

The prawn paste was thick, with the paste having a full taste of the lime/assam in the paste.
I added a pc of dried cuttlefish (which costs me $1.50 per piece!), and it was not too bad..
The only complaint I had was that its a bit pricy (becos the smallest portion is $3 and the serving of it were equivalent to that of a $2 rojak at Soon Heng), and if it has more peanuts (like Soon Heng!), it would have been better!
But the prawn paste (esp. with the assam juice) is superb! If only Soon Heng can learn from this Clementi brothers.. Oh well..
So becos' I added the cuttlefish, the packet of rojak I had was $4.50.. so ya.. a bit pricy, but not bad.. so tats why I say got standard, and can be compared to Soon Heng @ HDB Hub, Toa Payoh! =)

So ya.. that's about my work week this week.. hope next week wld be better! But oh well, I'm just 15 days away from my BKK trip, so at least that's something that I look forward for! =)

Ok.. gtg and turn in for the nite liaox.. I'm very tired..

A busy guy with only a holiday to look forward to,
<<< abriel >>>

Gastronomic session..

I know I'm not supposed to eat so much, but who can resist good food? Haha..

As you can see from the picture above, I had good food today with my family..
I had the grilled mushroom sandwich (which is MEATLESS by the way!) for my lunch @ Cedele.. this is the first time my lunch is actually so healthy!!

Then at nite for dinner, went with family to Shin Kushiya restaurant @ Vivocity and eat my usual beef curry don.

In the afternoon, went to also Yes! @ Suntec to buy my contact lens.. a 3 mth supply, becos my company sponsoring me 1 mth supply, and now they got promotion (buy 5 box, free 1 box.. and also got some free toiletries thingy).. so ya.. this costs me a total of $270 man (but company is sponsoring me $93)!

After the dinner at Vivocity, now back not long ago, and then blog this blogpost..

I'm getting tired already.. A public holiday is gone like that.. looks like I'll be busy from now on, as my project is back in swing again.. Have to embark on my business trips soon (Late Dec 08 or early Jan 09).. so ya.. looks like I'll be real busy soon!!

And I can't believe it! In like about 2 wks (17 days to be exact!), I'm going to Bangkok for my holiday already! That's super fast lah! And guess wat.. I'm starting to be lazy to pack my stuff into my luggage! haix.. I think b4 I get even more lazy, I would really need to pack soon.. so ya..

Ok lah.. gtg and sleep liaox.. very tired.. need to work tml.. haix..

The one with excited looks for BKK,
<<< abriel >>>