When you get to see a rainbow after a tired day at work staring at music scores and all the frustrations, you will realise that the world is still beautiful.
That's the beauty of Mother Nature.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
OCBC Cycle Singapore
It is no wonder they called it 'The Challenge'. Cycling 40km non-stop is definitely no mean feat.
OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009 is the first mass cycling event on public roads in areas such as Shenton Way, Nicoll Highway, East Coast Park and Kallang. The roads have been blocked the whole morning, and it was kinda funny to see traffic jams because they have to make way for cyclists like us. haha..
I never expect myself to finish the whole journey without resting. Half of the time I was cursing, why was the mid-point so far away, and how long more I need to cycle so that the torture could end. And although I think I'm one of the last few cyclists to reach the finishing line for the 'Challenge' category, I'm proud to say that I managed to pull it off, in 3 hours (just nice before they start opening the roads for normal traffic).
It was also a surprise to see old schoolmates joining the event as well. They never thought that I'm that 'sporty'. haha.. But good to have some catching up. :)
Now my knees are aching like hell. Till next time, no more 40km ride until I get proper trainings.
OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009 is the first mass cycling event on public roads in areas such as Shenton Way, Nicoll Highway, East Coast Park and Kallang. The roads have been blocked the whole morning, and it was kinda funny to see traffic jams because they have to make way for cyclists like us. haha..
I never expect myself to finish the whole journey without resting. Half of the time I was cursing, why was the mid-point so far away, and how long more I need to cycle so that the torture could end. And although I think I'm one of the last few cyclists to reach the finishing line for the 'Challenge' category, I'm proud to say that I managed to pull it off, in 3 hours (just nice before they start opening the roads for normal traffic).
It was also a surprise to see old schoolmates joining the event as well. They never thought that I'm that 'sporty'. haha.. But good to have some catching up. :)
Now my knees are aching like hell. Till next time, no more 40km ride until I get proper trainings.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Philippines schools
I like visiting schools in Bago City.
I enjoy the long and sometimes rocky journeys. The journeys will always be a place for laughter, for moments of reflections. Sometimes I will sleep through the journeys, sometimes I marvel at the scenery that comes across.
I enjoy bringing smiles to the children, I enjoy seeing huge plantations of rice and sugarcane surrounding the schools, and I enjoy standing under the sun staring at the clear blue sky.
And there's always something we can all learn from, be it the optimistic and carefree minds of the innocent children, or the I-will-survive-against-all-adversities attitude.
And I love the words of wisdom on the walls and around the schools. :)
Mission of the school. Most schools would have this painted on the walls near the main gate. A reminder to all: the principal, the teachers, the students and the community.
Children learn what they live.
Well done is better than well said.
Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.
Knowledge is silent, ignorance is talkative.
A good idea is like a match. It's useless unless you strike it into a flame.
I enjoy the long and sometimes rocky journeys. The journeys will always be a place for laughter, for moments of reflections. Sometimes I will sleep through the journeys, sometimes I marvel at the scenery that comes across.
I enjoy bringing smiles to the children, I enjoy seeing huge plantations of rice and sugarcane surrounding the schools, and I enjoy standing under the sun staring at the clear blue sky.
And there's always something we can all learn from, be it the optimistic and carefree minds of the innocent children, or the I-will-survive-against-all-adversities attitude.
And I love the words of wisdom on the walls and around the schools. :)
Mission of the school. Most schools would have this painted on the walls near the main gate. A reminder to all: the principal, the teachers, the students and the community.
Children learn what they live.
Well done is better than well said.
Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.
Knowledge is silent, ignorance is talkative.
A good idea is like a match. It's useless unless you strike it into a flame.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Nina - Collide
I came across this very beautiful song while blasting music at work (I need to curb myself from blabbering vulgarities).
This is not a new song, apparently it was released some time in 2007, and it was a soundtrack for a Filipino movie (which I have no idea what is it about).
It's sung by Nina, another brilliant Filipino singer. Dubbed as the Philippines' Soul Siren, the pretty and sexy Nina has somehow managed to bring out the beauty of the song. I always enjoy listening and watching her perform on Filipino TV. I also love her renditions of other songs, and she has released albums featuring hits of Barry Manilow and Diane Warren.
Yes, I'm going to get these 2 albums. :)
Monday, February 09, 2009
Piolo Pascual - Don't Want You To Go
What a beautiful song.. haha
And of course, sung by none other than my Piolo. :)
Don't Want You to Go is the theme song for Love Me Again (Land Down Under), the latest movie of Piolo, together with Angel Locsin. Shot in Bukidnon, Philippines and Darwin, Australia, this movie follows the story of Arah (Angel), who goes to the Land Down Under for the sake of her family and dreams, and Migo (Piolo), the man who would go to the ends of the earth to follow her.
And needless to say, I've watched this movie when I was in Bago City, on the next day after I'd arrived there. :D
Love Me Again is different from the other Filipino movies I've watched, because it's a story about cowboys, and the scenes of the ranches, large rolling hills and lush pasture lands are just magnificent. And oh yes, the horses.. roaming!!
It's a nice movie worth watching, really. I'm waiting for the DVD to be released.. :)
Friday, February 06, 2009
Allure - NUSCO annual concert 2009
Allure - NUSCO annual concert, part of NUS Arts Festival 2009
This year's repertoire is much better than previous years, I must say. With a piano concerto Huang He (The Yellow River) and a Pipa concerto Hua Mu Lan, it will definitely be worth listening (and watching).
The pieces are challenging, something I look forward to. I'm sure all musicians would like to perform pieces that will give them a sense of satisfaction at the end of the performance. haha..
And this concert is not going to be the normal usual orchestral concert. We are going to incorporate something new. :)
Concert will be on 7 March 09 (Sat), 8.00pm, at the UCC Concert Hall.
Tickets are at $20, $16 and $12 (excluding $1 Sistic charge). If you buy from me, you are entitled to 20% discount! Isn't that good? hehe..
Do not hesitate to contact me for purchase of tickets! Support the local arts scene, support the young talents! :D
Monday, February 02, 2009
Photos of Bago City
Photos from my paradise have been uploaded, and you can now check them out at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yuhui-loves/
Stories coming up, when I have the inspiration. :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yuhui-loves/
Stories coming up, when I have the inspiration. :)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Back from paradise
It was with great reluctance leaving my paradise, my hometown.
It was just like a very short dream. Dreams are beautiful, dreams will bring you smiles. That is what my paradise is, what my paradise can do.
I do not remember feeling any bit of sadness during the 5 days there, except for a brief moment when I just thought of Ah Gong when I was at the wake of a friend's father. In fact I was happy, to see many familiar faces, and it was pleasant distributing stationery to more than a thousand of students.
I even got to enjoy moments of peace. Every morning I would sit with Papa Momoy in the front of the house, sometimes we don't talk, but I could find a sense of assurance. Even travelling on bumpy roads give me a different kind of peace. Many of such journeys actually set me thinking on a lot of things, particularly my grand dream.
But the moment I returned to work, problems start to resurface again. At some points of time I felt I couldn't handle it anymore, I wanted to just break down and cry.
Now my paradise seems so far away again.
It was just like a very short dream. Dreams are beautiful, dreams will bring you smiles. That is what my paradise is, what my paradise can do.
I do not remember feeling any bit of sadness during the 5 days there, except for a brief moment when I just thought of Ah Gong when I was at the wake of a friend's father. In fact I was happy, to see many familiar faces, and it was pleasant distributing stationery to more than a thousand of students.
I even got to enjoy moments of peace. Every morning I would sit with Papa Momoy in the front of the house, sometimes we don't talk, but I could find a sense of assurance. Even travelling on bumpy roads give me a different kind of peace. Many of such journeys actually set me thinking on a lot of things, particularly my grand dream.
But the moment I returned to work, problems start to resurface again. At some points of time I felt I couldn't handle it anymore, I wanted to just break down and cry.
Now my paradise seems so far away again.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Adventure
I think my life is like an adventure.
I just booked my air tickets this afternoon, and tomorrow I'll be off to my paradise. :)
To be honest, I'm still a little taken aback by my impulsive actions. I do things my way, much like a loner, or rather, a free-spirit person. I guess people around me will have to deal with it. haha..
And I will never stop roaming. Like what Huiyan said, I'm a compulsive traveller. I'll jump at any chance of going overseas.
Just like this coming Chinese New Year. It just so happens that it's going to be a long weekend, and it's not like the New Year is a big affair, to me at least. For the past few years, I've been spending my 2nd day of New Year alone at home ordering McDonalds delivery. How exciting is that.
Besides, it's going to be different because Ah Gong is not here to make his teh anymore. Perhaps I may get to have my quiet moment with him when I'm in my paradise. :)
Looking forward to it, and I'll be back on the 28th.
Happy New Year in advance! and Gong Xi Fa Cai! Let's just hope this new year would be a good one. :)
I just booked my air tickets this afternoon, and tomorrow I'll be off to my paradise. :)
To be honest, I'm still a little taken aback by my impulsive actions. I do things my way, much like a loner, or rather, a free-spirit person. I guess people around me will have to deal with it. haha..
And I will never stop roaming. Like what Huiyan said, I'm a compulsive traveller. I'll jump at any chance of going overseas.
Just like this coming Chinese New Year. It just so happens that it's going to be a long weekend, and it's not like the New Year is a big affair, to me at least. For the past few years, I've been spending my 2nd day of New Year alone at home ordering McDonalds delivery. How exciting is that.
Besides, it's going to be different because Ah Gong is not here to make his teh anymore. Perhaps I may get to have my quiet moment with him when I'm in my paradise. :)
Looking forward to it, and I'll be back on the 28th.
Happy New Year in advance! and Gong Xi Fa Cai! Let's just hope this new year would be a good one. :)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Emo
I'm supposed to feel elated because I've received my bonus, and that would probably ensure that my tentative 6-mth plan would be a feasible one.
But I'm not.
Too preoccupied with all the troubles at work, that I've lost my appetite. Too frustrated to work, that I was blasting rock music and orchestral music into my ears. Too disappointed with what I'm experiencing, that I could only sigh.
I think I need a break, but I wasn't allowed one. I somehow question my own capabilities and my level of confidence.
And I remain stubborn enough to put up a strong front before my family, because I never confide anything in them, and I'm going to continue doing so.
I want to run away to Bago, but why is it so far away?
But I'm not.
Too preoccupied with all the troubles at work, that I've lost my appetite. Too frustrated to work, that I was blasting rock music and orchestral music into my ears. Too disappointed with what I'm experiencing, that I could only sigh.
I think I need a break, but I wasn't allowed one. I somehow question my own capabilities and my level of confidence.
And I remain stubborn enough to put up a strong front before my family, because I never confide anything in them, and I'm going to continue doing so.
I want to run away to Bago, but why is it so far away?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Toys
Just when everything is not turning too well, I know there's something that will at least allow me to have my sanity back. :)
It's tiring actually, packing all the donated items into the super up-sized box, because the box is just too big for me to start packing from the bottom. But after so many times of doing it, I have developed my own method. :)
And sometimes I'll marvel at the things that are being donated, the toys especially. When I was young, I never really had many toys to play with, and toys in those days were the simple soft toys and board games.
Today, I had fun with the guns and the mini-car (the graphics vary its moving speed with the changing of gears! and it comes with sounds too!), and some intellectual games (I like!).
I'm still young at heart. :D
It's tiring actually, packing all the donated items into the super up-sized box, because the box is just too big for me to start packing from the bottom. But after so many times of doing it, I have developed my own method. :)
And sometimes I'll marvel at the things that are being donated, the toys especially. When I was young, I never really had many toys to play with, and toys in those days were the simple soft toys and board games.
Today, I had fun with the guns and the mini-car (the graphics vary its moving speed with the changing of gears! and it comes with sounds too!), and some intellectual games (I like!).
I'm still young at heart. :D
Monday, January 05, 2009
Fireworks in Bago City
On the night of the New Year, Bago City had a 15-minute long of musical fireworks display, blasting off to the rhythm of Sarah Brightman, George Frideric Handel and Eloy (I have no idea who the two latters are).
One of the highlights of the show was the 50-metre 'waterfall' fireworks at the centre of the football field of the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Centre near TDLC, where I've stayed for 24 days on my first visit to Bago City. *aww.. memories..*
And why am I missing out all these??? I could have easily gotten a VIP seat and happily snapping at the fireworks with my toy!! ARGHHH!!
For the full news, it's here.
One of the highlights of the show was the 50-metre 'waterfall' fireworks at the centre of the football field of the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Centre near TDLC, where I've stayed for 24 days on my first visit to Bago City. *aww.. memories..*
And why am I missing out all these??? I could have easily gotten a VIP seat and happily snapping at the fireworks with my toy!! ARGHHH!!
For the full news, it's here.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Playlist for January
My apologies, I've neglected my playlist for quite some time. It's time for a change.
So here's the playlist for January - new songs for the new year.
Nothing much unique, just that they are songs that I've downloaded and listened recently. :) Songs from different genres.
Happy listening!
So here's the playlist for January - new songs for the new year.
Nothing much unique, just that they are songs that I've downloaded and listened recently. :) Songs from different genres.
Happy listening!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy 2009
Another milestone for my toy - taking photos of fireworks.
Damn the cranes and the coconut trees, but anyway, Happy 2009!
And damn, why am I not in the Philippines??
Damn the cranes and the coconut trees, but anyway, Happy 2009!
And damn, why am I not in the Philippines??
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of 2008
In 2008,
I travelled to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the unknown lands. It was fun, and I have my Thai and Vietnamese friends to be thankful for.
I travelled to Bago City (again). Familiar place, familiar faces. I attended my first ever TRY summer camp. The trip was short, but nevertheless, memorable. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, mga kaibigan. Miss na miss kita.
I took up the challenge to be part of the NUSCO's concert committee. Challenging it was, many long hours spent into producing the poster and the programme booklet. Without the help from Helen, it wouldn't be possible. And I'm proud of the final product. :)
I got head over heels with Papa Piolo. Go Papa Piolo! :D
I got a new toy, and am still excited over it. :) I should start reading up books again.
I found another new love: killer sudoku. Hail the Sudoku queen! whee~!
The BHBH1 finally got together again, after almost 4 years. The legacy shall continue.
My primary school classmates finally came together for a gathering, after a long 11 years.
I continued to hone my skills as a 'all-rounded worker'. Work has been going downhill, to be honest. I'm beginning to feel drained, am just holding on to whatever that is keeping me sane.
I didn't get to spend my Christmas in Bago City. I'm sorry to disappoint my friends.
I lost Ah Gong. He has gone to somewhere with no worries. I miss him.
Po-po left. So did Mrs Torres.
One year has passed, just like a snap of the fingers. Achievements, satisfaction, happiness, sadness, disappointments, regrets. This is just part of life. Cherish the beautiful moments, discard the bad feelings, learn from mistakes, and look forward to the future.
2009, is coming fast. VERY SOON, VERY FAST.
I travelled to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the unknown lands. It was fun, and I have my Thai and Vietnamese friends to be thankful for.
I travelled to Bago City (again). Familiar place, familiar faces. I attended my first ever TRY summer camp. The trip was short, but nevertheless, memorable. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, mga kaibigan. Miss na miss kita.
I took up the challenge to be part of the NUSCO's concert committee. Challenging it was, many long hours spent into producing the poster and the programme booklet. Without the help from Helen, it wouldn't be possible. And I'm proud of the final product. :)
I got head over heels with Papa Piolo. Go Papa Piolo! :D
I got a new toy, and am still excited over it. :) I should start reading up books again.
I found another new love: killer sudoku. Hail the Sudoku queen! whee~!
The BHBH1 finally got together again, after almost 4 years. The legacy shall continue.
My primary school classmates finally came together for a gathering, after a long 11 years.
I continued to hone my skills as a 'all-rounded worker'. Work has been going downhill, to be honest. I'm beginning to feel drained, am just holding on to whatever that is keeping me sane.
I didn't get to spend my Christmas in Bago City. I'm sorry to disappoint my friends.
I lost Ah Gong. He has gone to somewhere with no worries. I miss him.
Po-po left. So did Mrs Torres.
One year has passed, just like a snap of the fingers. Achievements, satisfaction, happiness, sadness, disappointments, regrets. This is just part of life. Cherish the beautiful moments, discard the bad feelings, learn from mistakes, and look forward to the future.
2009, is coming fast. VERY SOON, VERY FAST.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Filipino-less Christmas
Christmas is just 3 days away, but I'm forever lamenting, why am I still here, why am I not in Philippines right now???
When I was young, Christmas was just like any other holiday, only slightly different because there were the Christmas lightings to look forward to, and if my parents were in good mood, we got to choose the "toys" we wanted.
As we grow older, as the Christmas lightings along Orchard Road become boring, Christmas was just a day to spend watching Christmas movies on TV at home.
It was until I got to spend my first Christmas in Philippines, then it got a special meaning to it.
The angel made of coconuts and bamboo. The Filipino way.
The Philippines is a Catholic country, and Christmas is a very much celebrated affair there. It is not like any other Christmas, because there's a distinct Filipino culture to it. The Filipino Christmas songs are enough to make it different.
Most of the Filipinos are not rich. You will be amazed at how creative they are, and how festive they can get, despite having limited money and resources to spend on. Yup, no turkeys there.
Simple spagetti and buns for the Christmas parties for children
The very first time I attended a Christmas mass in Bago City, I was just overwhelmed. The whole coliseum was filled with people, and the music were echoing across the whole coliseum. I've never seen so many people gathering for a mass before.
The whole city celebrates Christmas together
But of course, Christmas is the season for giving. For the past few Christmas, I've been going to schools to join in the Christmas parties organised for them, and giving out presents to them. It is very heartening to see the children smile because their Christmas had just got better. :)
And I miss the times when all my dearest friends were with me spreading the joy. We all had so much fun together. Unforgettable memories indeed.
JP with his black "Santa's bag"
Sad to say, I can't be there this Christmas. I'm disappointed, and my friends are disappointed too. It has been a norm, for them to see me around during December, but this year round, it would be an exception. :(
I could only watch more Filipino Christmas programmes (papa Piolo!) to make myself feel as if I'm back there.
I miss you guys!! I really really miss you guys a lot!! I want to go to the Philippines!!
When I was young, Christmas was just like any other holiday, only slightly different because there were the Christmas lightings to look forward to, and if my parents were in good mood, we got to choose the "toys" we wanted.
As we grow older, as the Christmas lightings along Orchard Road become boring, Christmas was just a day to spend watching Christmas movies on TV at home.
It was until I got to spend my first Christmas in Philippines, then it got a special meaning to it.
The angel made of coconuts and bamboo. The Filipino way.
The Philippines is a Catholic country, and Christmas is a very much celebrated affair there. It is not like any other Christmas, because there's a distinct Filipino culture to it. The Filipino Christmas songs are enough to make it different.
Most of the Filipinos are not rich. You will be amazed at how creative they are, and how festive they can get, despite having limited money and resources to spend on. Yup, no turkeys there.
Simple spagetti and buns for the Christmas parties for children
The very first time I attended a Christmas mass in Bago City, I was just overwhelmed. The whole coliseum was filled with people, and the music were echoing across the whole coliseum. I've never seen so many people gathering for a mass before.
The whole city celebrates Christmas together
But of course, Christmas is the season for giving. For the past few Christmas, I've been going to schools to join in the Christmas parties organised for them, and giving out presents to them. It is very heartening to see the children smile because their Christmas had just got better. :)
And I miss the times when all my dearest friends were with me spreading the joy. We all had so much fun together. Unforgettable memories indeed.
JP with his black "Santa's bag"
Sad to say, I can't be there this Christmas. I'm disappointed, and my friends are disappointed too. It has been a norm, for them to see me around during December, but this year round, it would be an exception. :(
I could only watch more Filipino Christmas programmes (papa Piolo!) to make myself feel as if I'm back there.
I miss you guys!! I really really miss you guys a lot!! I want to go to the Philippines!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City
On the 3rd morning in Ho Chi Minh City, we woke up with painful butts. It was another early morning, because again, we were going to travel to another place 2 hours away from the city.
Then you would ask, did I tour around the city? haha.. well, not exactly. A lot of places or significant buildings were just merely a glimpse away from the motorcycle. I did not even get to go to the Reunification Palace (which I've asterisked in my travel log cum itinerary planner).
That may be a reason valid enough to make me go back to Ho Chi Minh City again.
Anyway, yar, breakfast was slightly more filling, as we had noodles.
Don't they look nice together? =D
I hardly eat such a heavy meal for breakfast, so I couldn't finish the noodles, even though it came in the smallest bowl. I couldn't remember what it was called, but it was nice. A refreshing way to start the day. :)
So again, another 2 hours on the bike, sun-tanning and butt-hurting.
Until we finally reached Vuon Xoai (pronounced as Vuon Suai) Resort Park. With another kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe. Ouch.
No, they are not selling Wacoal there. It just so happened that the company was having their family day there. What's happening to my company's staff welfare??
Highly recommended by Hai, it is a resort park that has all sorts of activities there. They even have a mini-zoo and horse wagon rides.
You can even ride an ostrich. :)
Too bad we didn't have enough time for that.
After deciding what to do, we rented bicycles and cycled around the park, and came to a large patch of grassland.
What were we going to do?
Look at the excited monkey!
Grass ski-ing!
It was fun, minus the pain factor. It was like learning how to roller-skate or ice-skate, and falling down is inevitable. I have forgotten how many times I had fallen down, and landed on my butts and knees. I just remembered that it was super painful after that, and the pain lasted for days.
It was kinda scary too, because once you lift the sticks off the ground, you would just start rolling until you reach the end of the slope, or you fall down, whichever comes first.
On average, I would fall at least once or twice before I could finally get to the end of the slope. Not bad for a beginner. =D
Monkey climbing back up the slope in the transformers' bulky shoes
I think we spent slightly more than an hour there, with half the time trying to catch our breaths when we got to rest.
After that, we decided to make our way back to the city, to have our lunch and to do some shopping. But I guessed all of us were just too exhausted, because we all kept yawning. hahah..
Well, there wasn't anything much to shop for in Vietnam. When it comes to fashion, either they are not of my taste, or the nice ones are expensive. The prices of branded items are around 1.5 times that in Singapore, I might as well have my own shopping spree back here.
Saigon Square, that looks like a mini-Chatuchak in Bangkok
Food wise, nothing in particular that I miss. I still miss more of Filipino food (Bongbong's! Chicken inasal!). Huiyan, however, went on a spree buying Vietnamese coffee and instant noodles.
The highlight of the day came when we were dining in a Japanese restaurant in Zen Plaza. It was supposed to be a nice treat for our two friends who had been bringing us around Ho Chi Minh City, but it turned out to be an unpleasant experience. Imagine, I had to call for the restaurant's manager to complain how unhappy we all were, and how bad the services were provided. Our two dear friends were just amazed at how we lashed out on the manager. haha..
Old grandma, the caretaker of the hotel
Back to the hotel, we waited for a massage session nearby. Also another once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enough said.
Caught on camera!
After the massage session, Hai, Huiyan and I went back to the hotel, and Hai wanted to have a discussion so as to work on his project on improving the school's system. I'm terribly sorry, that I fell asleep while discussing, although I said I could stay awake the whole night. haha.. getting old.
The next day, we left early for breakfast (bread-and-egg again) and then to the airport. It was indeed a very short trip (considering that my recent trips range from 5 days to a month), but every journey has its own adventure, and I must say that this trip is rewarding, in terms of experience rather than materially.
If given another opportunity, I would like to explore Vietnam again. But for now, my next destination will still be the Philippines! Mabuhay!
Then you would ask, did I tour around the city? haha.. well, not exactly. A lot of places or significant buildings were just merely a glimpse away from the motorcycle. I did not even get to go to the Reunification Palace (which I've asterisked in my travel log cum itinerary planner).
That may be a reason valid enough to make me go back to Ho Chi Minh City again.
Anyway, yar, breakfast was slightly more filling, as we had noodles.
Don't they look nice together? =D
I hardly eat such a heavy meal for breakfast, so I couldn't finish the noodles, even though it came in the smallest bowl. I couldn't remember what it was called, but it was nice. A refreshing way to start the day. :)
So again, another 2 hours on the bike, sun-tanning and butt-hurting.
Until we finally reached Vuon Xoai (pronounced as Vuon Suai) Resort Park. With another kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe. Ouch.
No, they are not selling Wacoal there. It just so happened that the company was having their family day there. What's happening to my company's staff welfare??
Highly recommended by Hai, it is a resort park that has all sorts of activities there. They even have a mini-zoo and horse wagon rides.
You can even ride an ostrich. :)
Too bad we didn't have enough time for that.
After deciding what to do, we rented bicycles and cycled around the park, and came to a large patch of grassland.
What were we going to do?
Look at the excited monkey!
Grass ski-ing!
It was fun, minus the pain factor. It was like learning how to roller-skate or ice-skate, and falling down is inevitable. I have forgotten how many times I had fallen down, and landed on my butts and knees. I just remembered that it was super painful after that, and the pain lasted for days.
It was kinda scary too, because once you lift the sticks off the ground, you would just start rolling until you reach the end of the slope, or you fall down, whichever comes first.
On average, I would fall at least once or twice before I could finally get to the end of the slope. Not bad for a beginner. =D
Monkey climbing back up the slope in the transformers' bulky shoes
I think we spent slightly more than an hour there, with half the time trying to catch our breaths when we got to rest.
After that, we decided to make our way back to the city, to have our lunch and to do some shopping. But I guessed all of us were just too exhausted, because we all kept yawning. hahah..
Well, there wasn't anything much to shop for in Vietnam. When it comes to fashion, either they are not of my taste, or the nice ones are expensive. The prices of branded items are around 1.5 times that in Singapore, I might as well have my own shopping spree back here.
Saigon Square, that looks like a mini-Chatuchak in Bangkok
Food wise, nothing in particular that I miss. I still miss more of Filipino food (Bongbong's! Chicken inasal!). Huiyan, however, went on a spree buying Vietnamese coffee and instant noodles.
The highlight of the day came when we were dining in a Japanese restaurant in Zen Plaza. It was supposed to be a nice treat for our two friends who had been bringing us around Ho Chi Minh City, but it turned out to be an unpleasant experience. Imagine, I had to call for the restaurant's manager to complain how unhappy we all were, and how bad the services were provided. Our two dear friends were just amazed at how we lashed out on the manager. haha..
Old grandma, the caretaker of the hotel
Back to the hotel, we waited for a massage session nearby. Also another once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enough said.
Caught on camera!
After the massage session, Hai, Huiyan and I went back to the hotel, and Hai wanted to have a discussion so as to work on his project on improving the school's system. I'm terribly sorry, that I fell asleep while discussing, although I said I could stay awake the whole night. haha.. getting old.
The next day, we left early for breakfast (bread-and-egg again) and then to the airport. It was indeed a very short trip (considering that my recent trips range from 5 days to a month), but every journey has its own adventure, and I must say that this trip is rewarding, in terms of experience rather than materially.
If given another opportunity, I would like to explore Vietnam again. But for now, my next destination will still be the Philippines! Mabuhay!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City was slightly more adventurous. We woke up at 6am (7am in Singapore) to get ready for our adventure out to the Cu Chi tunnels. Waking up at 6am makes no difference from waking up to get ready for work, although I usually wake up later than that. haha..
The budget hotel we stayed in
It was a pleasant and quiet morning, and the weather was rather good. The old caretaker in the hotel greeted us, although I couldn't understand a single word.
A small lane with budget hotels on both sides
Seeing ladies outside the hotel with baskets of fruits for sale reminded me of Philippines. :)
We walked out to the main road to have our breakfast - the popular bread and egg meal. Vietnam was once under the French colonial rule, hence explains the choice of baguettes for breakfast.
Small stools and tables for big kids
World peace?
Yes, the bread and egg
It was rather interesting to have breakfast on the roadside, because you will see many interesting things that you won't be able to see when you are enclosed within four walls. That's what travelling should be, to experience the differences in cultures. :)
After breakfast, we went back to the General Post Office to send some postcards back to Singapore. And of course, to take some day shots of the building as well. Talking about the postcard, I have received it yesterday! :D
The General Post Office
And since the Notre Dame Cathedral is just right beside the Post Office, of course we had to take some photos as well. Somehow the sky looks very blue, a very pleasing sight. :)
Beautiful, isn't it? :)
Then we ventured on a 2-hour ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Along the way, we had a lot of experiences with 'han sup' guys and flying helmets. And again, I miss riding the bike back in Bago City, and I don't have the problem of flying helmets (because you don't need to wear a helmet there). :)
Giao, my driver cum tour-guide
I decided to be a dare devil, by taking out my toy and start shooting while the bike went on high speed. Risky, but I like that kind of feeling. woohoo~!
When we reached the Cu Chi tunnels' site, I got a souvenir from Vietnam. A kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe, which slowly puffed up into a huge blister. Painful~
The Cu Chi (pronounced as Ku Chi) tunnels' site has been turned into a war memorial park, which is divided into two parts, one being the representation of the rural village back in those days, and the other being the actual site of the underground tunnels.
We first toured the village area, that welcomed us with various bamboo traps, bomb craters and firing range.
The tour guide in the army uniform back during war days brought us around the place. We were like exploring a museum, just that everything were outdoors. Everything was a representation of the lifestyles the Vietnamese led in the past.
The Vietnamese rice paper
We even got to try making the rice paper used to wrap the Vietnamese rolls.
My rice paper got a hole!
Hai wanted to join the Vietnamese army
And milling the rice is no easy task. I swear.
The Cu Chi tunnels remain site was something that will amaze you, by its immense network of connecting underground tunnels. These tunnels were dug by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, and were used as hiding spots as well as living quarters during the war.
Before venturing into the tunnels, we were being shown a black-white film introducing the tunnels and the lives of the Vietnamese during the war. We were not so interested into the film, but more of the weird music that was being played.
A model of the underground tunnels
The tour guide then led us into various tunnels. All the tunnels have different uses, some being the living quarters, military conference rooms, health bunkers and many others.
The entrance of one of the tunnels
Crawling through the tunnels was tiring. Seriously exhausting. The tunnels are rather narrow and low, it's impossible to walk through them standing up straight. The tunnels are not well-lit too, so it can get completely dark at some parts of the tunnels.
At some points we had to waddle like a duck in order to get through. At one point inside the tunnels, the tour guide asked if we wanted to get out, or to continue crawling for another 50 metres or so. We chose to give up. We were so much relieved when we could get out of the tunnels.
We even got to try eating tapioca in one of the tunnels. Though I don't think it was nice. oops.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.
Giao, Huiyan, Hai
I was so exhausted that I only drank my coke for lunch. I just needed my coke.
Beside the Cu Chi tunnels' site, there's the Ben Douc Temple that was built in memory of the war matyrs who died during the war.
The interior of the temple was quite grand, with a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh and many huge structures of gold storks standing on gold turtles. Names of the war matyrs are on the walls, and go a few metres high. A pity that no photography was allowed within the temple.
It was time to travel back to the city. Another 2 hours on the bike. Ouch.
Before I got back to the hotel, it started raining. Giao had to stop the bike somewhere so that both of us could put on the poncho for 'couples'. My toy cannot afford to get wet!
This clearly indicates the main mode of transport in Vietnam
We had dinner with many of Huiyan's friends from the cultural forum she attended months ago. It was a get-together for them, while I just enjoyed wrapping my own Vietnamese rolls, and adding lots of fried onions and shallots to it. :)
Huiyan and her friends
After dinner, it was a karaoke session. I was wondering initially, why would they invite us to a karaoke session, when I suppose the songs should be in Vietnamese. Then I was told that they have Mandarin songs in there as well.
Only to find out the songs are all from the 80's and 90's. -_-""
But I guess Huiyan was the happiest person that night. Not only she got to meet up with her Vietnamese friends, she got a present from them. A personalised tee with messages on it.
At the end of the karaoke session, I did another daring decision, by requesting to roam around the city myself. I asked Hai to just drop me off somewhere near the hotel, and I would walk around myself.
I'm glad I did. :)
Wanna buy fruits?
Not only because I got to see many interesting things, it was also because that was the only time throughout my whole trip that I got to do some shopping for souvenirs. haha..
Thirsty? Take your pick!
Stories of Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue in the next post.
The budget hotel we stayed in
It was a pleasant and quiet morning, and the weather was rather good. The old caretaker in the hotel greeted us, although I couldn't understand a single word.
A small lane with budget hotels on both sides
Seeing ladies outside the hotel with baskets of fruits for sale reminded me of Philippines. :)
We walked out to the main road to have our breakfast - the popular bread and egg meal. Vietnam was once under the French colonial rule, hence explains the choice of baguettes for breakfast.
Small stools and tables for big kids
World peace?
Yes, the bread and egg
It was rather interesting to have breakfast on the roadside, because you will see many interesting things that you won't be able to see when you are enclosed within four walls. That's what travelling should be, to experience the differences in cultures. :)
After breakfast, we went back to the General Post Office to send some postcards back to Singapore. And of course, to take some day shots of the building as well. Talking about the postcard, I have received it yesterday! :D
The General Post Office
And since the Notre Dame Cathedral is just right beside the Post Office, of course we had to take some photos as well. Somehow the sky looks very blue, a very pleasing sight. :)
Beautiful, isn't it? :)
Then we ventured on a 2-hour ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Along the way, we had a lot of experiences with 'han sup' guys and flying helmets. And again, I miss riding the bike back in Bago City, and I don't have the problem of flying helmets (because you don't need to wear a helmet there). :)
Giao, my driver cum tour-guide
I decided to be a dare devil, by taking out my toy and start shooting while the bike went on high speed. Risky, but I like that kind of feeling. woohoo~!
When we reached the Cu Chi tunnels' site, I got a souvenir from Vietnam. A kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe, which slowly puffed up into a huge blister. Painful~
The Cu Chi (pronounced as Ku Chi) tunnels' site has been turned into a war memorial park, which is divided into two parts, one being the representation of the rural village back in those days, and the other being the actual site of the underground tunnels.
We first toured the village area, that welcomed us with various bamboo traps, bomb craters and firing range.
The tour guide in the army uniform back during war days brought us around the place. We were like exploring a museum, just that everything were outdoors. Everything was a representation of the lifestyles the Vietnamese led in the past.
The Vietnamese rice paper
We even got to try making the rice paper used to wrap the Vietnamese rolls.
My rice paper got a hole!
Hai wanted to join the Vietnamese army
And milling the rice is no easy task. I swear.
The Cu Chi tunnels remain site was something that will amaze you, by its immense network of connecting underground tunnels. These tunnels were dug by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, and were used as hiding spots as well as living quarters during the war.
Before venturing into the tunnels, we were being shown a black-white film introducing the tunnels and the lives of the Vietnamese during the war. We were not so interested into the film, but more of the weird music that was being played.
A model of the underground tunnels
The tour guide then led us into various tunnels. All the tunnels have different uses, some being the living quarters, military conference rooms, health bunkers and many others.
The entrance of one of the tunnels
Crawling through the tunnels was tiring. Seriously exhausting. The tunnels are rather narrow and low, it's impossible to walk through them standing up straight. The tunnels are not well-lit too, so it can get completely dark at some parts of the tunnels.
At some points we had to waddle like a duck in order to get through. At one point inside the tunnels, the tour guide asked if we wanted to get out, or to continue crawling for another 50 metres or so. We chose to give up. We were so much relieved when we could get out of the tunnels.
We even got to try eating tapioca in one of the tunnels. Though I don't think it was nice. oops.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.
Giao, Huiyan, Hai
I was so exhausted that I only drank my coke for lunch. I just needed my coke.
Beside the Cu Chi tunnels' site, there's the Ben Douc Temple that was built in memory of the war matyrs who died during the war.
The interior of the temple was quite grand, with a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh and many huge structures of gold storks standing on gold turtles. Names of the war matyrs are on the walls, and go a few metres high. A pity that no photography was allowed within the temple.
It was time to travel back to the city. Another 2 hours on the bike. Ouch.
Before I got back to the hotel, it started raining. Giao had to stop the bike somewhere so that both of us could put on the poncho for 'couples'. My toy cannot afford to get wet!
This clearly indicates the main mode of transport in Vietnam
We had dinner with many of Huiyan's friends from the cultural forum she attended months ago. It was a get-together for them, while I just enjoyed wrapping my own Vietnamese rolls, and adding lots of fried onions and shallots to it. :)
Huiyan and her friends
After dinner, it was a karaoke session. I was wondering initially, why would they invite us to a karaoke session, when I suppose the songs should be in Vietnamese. Then I was told that they have Mandarin songs in there as well.
Only to find out the songs are all from the 80's and 90's. -_-""
But I guess Huiyan was the happiest person that night. Not only she got to meet up with her Vietnamese friends, she got a present from them. A personalised tee with messages on it.
At the end of the karaoke session, I did another daring decision, by requesting to roam around the city myself. I asked Hai to just drop me off somewhere near the hotel, and I would walk around myself.
I'm glad I did. :)
Wanna buy fruits?
Not only because I got to see many interesting things, it was also because that was the only time throughout my whole trip that I got to do some shopping for souvenirs. haha..
Thirsty? Take your pick!
Stories of Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue in the next post.
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