Don't want this to end...

Tomorrow is the last day do the vacation. Sigh,  I dint want to dace the long marathon term with all the changes.

Lemme look at his rather eventful holiday: things did

July 31 - ate a delicious meal at Royal Mail with Quet.

Aug 1 -  accompanied Geoky to "shuan Lin" temple and ate at Strove waffles, all the way in Toa Payoh

Aug 2 - Went for our first durian buffet at GoodWoodpark with Quet. Ate a bellyful of dessert for dinner.

Aug 3 - Resumed Krav Maga after a long absence due to feeling unwell, and work. Glad to try to be more active and regain my fitness.

Aug 3-10 - Massive spring cleaning do the room to move furniture and shelves about, to create a working space and also cleared up shelves so can store things more efficiently instead of letting mom'sthing encroach and end up more and more stacked boxes that eats up more and more of the space. The first three days, I bagged up my things and her things. My things were easy, can throw or put together, hers weren't and I had to repack them. And arrang them before I could work on my own. Took me longer than expected to pack and wipe and then sort and arrange. For my own stuff, I threw out a lot. Recycled those that were a pity so they get a second lease of life and a little bit goes to Salvation Army. Can be reused, resold. Still left with maybe 5% but those final ones, are seemingly the toughest to try to finish off. Let me see if I can clear a bit more.

Aug 12-16 - flew to Bangkok for my solo trip. It was a good one, I completely forgot about the things until I came back and the news of the explosion came about. The news did distract me. I didn't focus as much on things except tidy, go for KM and follow the news update.

Aug 20 - went to JB with parents for a long yet unproductive trip. That made me considered my plan to go into JB using the buses. Initially I was out off by this but I realized I had better go and see how it's done.

Aug 24-25 - DF flies off and I had a 'staycation' of sort at Tab's place. Used the oppt to go to New Ubin's seafood to try their Angus beef ribeye. A feast indeed. The foei gras with egg n truffle oil is delicious. The serve of the ribeye was good, with the beef oil drippings fired rice. Their choc lava cake with vanilla ice cream was good.  Did help myself to more vanilla ice cream and choc lux baileys. The next morning, I just stayed indoors until Tab returned from work. We ate a late lunch at a coffee place nearby. Then headed to Junction 8. That night I went to KM, catching a ride with Tabs bro. I didn't know there were so many stalls just behind the street from the KM venue. Learn something new. Time to explore if I reach there early next time.

Aug 26 - I went to JB  on my own p, without telling my parents, in case they would nag. I made up my plans on the go. But the first part, already went wrong. Saw and ended up on the wrong bus to JE, so I took bus 160. It went a scenic route. Down memory lane as it went past Bukit Batok, Teck  Whye. Cos it was mid-week, I cleared and arrived past noon. Did take my time, going to the loo at the immigration customs so I did not rush up the same bus at the immigration point.  Once I arrived, I headed to the RHB bank to settle banking things, set a current account, internet banking. Those took a while and I was very hungry after it was done. Went to look for lunch. Decided  to try the Sushi King which I had no chance to try if I go with Dad. The conveyor belt sushi for single diners didn't look fresh so I ordered ala carte. Their mix and match menu, I chose a don and a udon and miso chawamushi set. Free hot tea. Fresh and warm meal for S$8, worth it. I actually met two office aunties colleagues. They recommended me to buy the egg tart from Lavendar. I went to the bookshop, bought a few stationary and then dabao quite a bunch of breads home, charcoal loaf, azuki bread loaf, scones, three egg tarts, a horn, a caramel long bread, a plain pastry. And had a iced honey milk tea. Spent an equivalent of S$38, quite worth it. Coming back was easy cos this time I got off at Kranji mrt, so after that was mrt transfers and bus home. Came back and saw the exchange rate hit RM$3 and queued up in the long queue to change some.

Aug 28 - First time Cat Cafe and a violin performance, not free but quite worth it. Nice music and the use of loops. The fat flurry cat stole all of our hearts by being active and letting us stroke it. The rest were pretty shy.

Aug 30 - Helped out in the KM grading taking place, I reached around 10am. It wasn't compulsory for me to help but since the main instructor asked and he has been nice to me, I didn't mind helping out since I won't be working the following Mon. My final day of the holiday. I was tasked with mainly taking pics. No complaints, I was spared having to do heavier work of being the assailant etc but after hours of standing, my feet kinda tired. We all had a KM get-together, our main sponsored for helping out. Got a decent meal and after everything, left around 4.30pm. Like that one day is mainly over.

Final day, I have some minor errands that won't take long. There goes the plan to do work during thr holidays. I am refusing to do anything. Not that it's urgent or even necessary, things of my own initiative.

First Solo trip - Bangkok 12-16 Aug, marred by bombings

A bombing happened at Erawan shrine, and as more information comes in, the victim toll and number of injured rises and the placement of the bomb is now said to be inside the shrine. There were multiple bombs. With sadness, I feel for the innocent, both tourists and the local Thais, the people who work inside, the dancers, musicians, helpers, those peddling their wares just outside the shrine.

Was I scared? 

Was it a 'close shave'?

I don't think so. Cos I was there on Thurs, returned to Sg on Sunday, 10pm. The blast happened at 6.55pm, Monday. There were numerous flights out of the country on Sunday. How many of us who left on Sunday itself felt it was a 'close shave' and want to participate in this now 'how lucky u were', which I am sure my mom would start on it tomorrow once the news got printed on the newspapers.

There wasn't any near-death experience but it made me reflect on the fragility of the human life, how one thing beyond your control or prediction can impact you irregardless. In cruder terms, "when it's your turn, you can't run". 

Hope they will catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

I haven't finished this post yet but there's a second explosive on Tue, 1pm,  thrown from the bridge towards the walk walk in the pier at Sarthon, which I visited also on Friday, same day I visited Erawan shrine in the morning... If more tourist-packed areas are targeted, then those areas I had just visited could be potential areas. 

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The bombing did affect the sentiments cos I just came back from a great, solo trip which is like a trial run for my Japan solo trip. How can I do a 2 weeks one, if I had not tried any before? It was also like a sort of test of my independence and what issues, troubles I would have as a solo traveler, hiccups, points to note, things I haven't considered but which arose etc. I must say, I think I am okay as a solo traveler, just I prefer the city area to rural areas mainly for the accessibility. I still can't drive. Rural and Nature, while it holds great beauty and therapeutic properties, I rather leave that to non-solo travels. Travel insurance is a must in Japan trip.

This trip came about partly cos I had a great time eating the numerous food in Bangkok with Quet in the earlier trip in April. I asked my mom if she was keen, prepared to pay for her but she couldn't commit due to health reasons. So hence in my booking it was Queens bed and a solo ticket. In case she changed her mind, I can add a flight ticket. In the end, due to health reasons, she declined and I was going on my own. I had looked forward to it, with trepidation and a sense of adventure it help me get through the very tough term when a lot of times, I felt like giving up. Think the Japan solo trip is something to ground me and keep me focused on getting through till the end. (But in light with the blasts, these worries and unhappiness seem trival)

The flight and hotel came up to S$570, changed S$500 to baht and borrowed my sister's foldable bag, carried my backpack and sling. Didn't get check-in luggage cos I wasn't sure if would be buying that much but I did, for family and friends. If it was just my own, I wouldn't need the foldable bag. Learnt a few lessons about traveling as a solo traveler about bags, things to pack and buying alcohol in the airport before flying.

Chose a flight time that suits my style, I headed off. It was a relief cos for the past one week before, I had been doing massive spring cleaning. Down to the last 20%. I couldn't finish b4 I flew off.

Day 1 - 12th Aug (Wed) Arrival, MBK & Siam area

Reached Bkk without a hitch, first task was to get a sim data card then headed to the basement to catch the airport rail. I opted for the City line instead of the Express cos there is no need to change trains. It goes to Phraya Tai, where I took the BTS to Siam. Could have taken to National Stadium but I wanted to take a peep at how to walk from Siam. Using google map, as a reference but it was easy to located the hotel. Very straightforward. Check-in was easy except had to give a 2000 baht security deposit. So suddenly I am short cash for one day. I did change another $100 by Thurs, but at the end of the trip, I didn't use that extra, and had 202 baht left. I explored the room, like the design and large queen bed, extra space, a lot without sharing, felt spacious. Went to check out the gym, very small and minimal and the dining where complimentary breakfast is served from 6am-10am. Great for a person like me who wakes up erratically during travels. Saw the Macs just downstairs attached to the hotel and saw the Lek massage next door.

I was starving and headed to the nearest mall, MBK to find this Sukishi shabu buffet. Seated at the seat, you have a choice from 3 soups, I thought it was a half-half two soup, so with miscommunication,cos the Eng wasn't good, I 'chose' Tom Yam, there's miso and chicken. I told her two choices and she gave me my latter choice. No issue. So the shabu raw ingredients came about on the conveyor belt. I just had a terrible conveyor sushi meal in IMM last week and this seems too much like it but I chose carefully and dumped about 20 plates of pork, baby corn, salmon and the occasional beef in and ate. On top of eating 2-3 serves from the cooked food selection, their rice and pork, salad were good. Ate until super full and paid 350bht  ($14) Then walked around MBK,my first time there. They have one part that is Jap-run, saw a lot of Jap food including one that looked like a more attas Jap grill buffet with quality meat, at a similar price range. But not sure if it catered to a single diner. Anyway I was too full to even consider. There is a maids cafe on the same floor. A very modern arcade and a new cinema. Then when you walk to the other parts, it's like back to Thai style malls. stalls selling many products, no prices, have to bargain type. I just walked around and just
look. A game shop had old consoles like sega, Nintendo that played the old games, so very nostalgic
seeing them. The entire week of cleaning up my room and throwing away many things brought out troves of things that conjured up memories, many kinda forgotten until I saw something that triggered  a particular memory, an era, something personal, way of thinking and even personality of my younger self.

Then I walked over to Siam area. I noted and was super glad to see a Soontra juice stall at the Nat Stadium BTS station, bought one. And continued on. Aiming for Siam Square area, aiming to go to the Disney shop there first to check out if there was any cute Dale Disney stuff my sister would like. Took a few pics. After that I walked around, seeing the long queue for After You, I just walked until I covered most, then crossed over to Siam Center, never been there b4, which had the so much brands, though cheaper brands like forever 21, XXI, I think. They had a bunch of cafés inside including a Greyhound, Mr Jones, Sukishi, and a few unique ones, notably Petit Audrey. Unfortunately my stomach was filled, otherwise it's tempting to visit them all.

Then I walked over to Siam Paragon which is even more brands, especially the luxury brands. I headed to the basement to buy some water and run the errands my Mom wanted. To buy some. Offerings to bring home for GuanYin, ancestors and deity housed at home. So I looked around the Gourmet supermarket and they have wide and interesting selection of stuff. There is a Taling Pling restaurant, which meant I didn't have to go to the Central branch. It was on my list to eat as I had a superb Thai meal in April when I visited with a friend. Bought water, some candy, milk for my Bottega Nero 1 liter of choc liquor (no more buying alcohol b4 I recharge my destination, drank until Siam still couldn't finish the last bit) and butterscotch pudding I couldn't resist (didn't taste good) and walked inside Siam Paragon. I didn't cover everything, up on one wing until the floor with a departmental stall that sells toys, looking for my sister's request. Then walked back to hotel. Along the way, I bought a Mango Ice drink from Yellow Dellow and it was superb, a new love and it was almost 10pm. Drank it as I made my way to the hotel.

Decided to have a 2hr Thai massage at the Lek just beside. 500bht, gave a good tip cos the woman did press hard throughout. Think in part is I didn't doze off, so no chance to slack. I went back at midnight. Interesting thing was just b4 my massage started, there was a blackout which they managed to restore, just after I had changed and lay down on the mattress. Definitely memorable experience of holding onto a hand phone to shine the light on my feet which she washed it and later use it to reach the room and even change with that. Definitely out of the usual experience.

Went back, showered and drank a cup of "chocolate milk" adult version and watched Tv. Updated FB, made sure my sis told mom that I was safe. Read up about potential places and planned the itenary. I didn't switch off all the lights, left a few on and watched until I was super sleepy and then switch off the tv and a few more lights. Left two lights on and slept about 2am.
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Day 2 - 13th Aug, Thursday, Erawan with Touristy or Shopping Central & Platinum

I slept with 2 itenarary planned before, either Shopping one or Touristy one. I woke up early cos in the early morning, had to run to the toilet. Suspect over-eating and abit spicy. Pop a charcoal pill and in the morning, I headed for the complimentary breakfast. The spread is decent, though fewer items than the full Holiday Inn breakfast but same quality. Remembering how I mixed my own salad in Holiday Inn Chiangmai, I used the veg with generous amount of vinegarette and cream, threw in scrambled eggs and it was really tasty. Toasted bread with butter and honey was a sweet and delightful treat. Orange juice and black coffee. This was my same breakfast for the next 4 days. Made bigger and bigger bowls of my salad, throwing in generous amounts of eggs and chicken sausages. Happy breakfast time. A solid meal to start each day. I think I can eat this for consecutive days and
days.

Went back to room and ate more charcoal and poh chye pills. It was close to 9am then but I wasn't sure if Action Zone, the Muay Thai shop I wanted to go to, was open. A quick check of google showed it poems at 8.30am. So after making sure my stomach could tahan, I walked over with google map and gps. Just a short walk, 10mins of walking. Easy to locate cos many posted about it.

I went in and there were already other customers. There were 3 Africans, really tall and built, buying Muay Thai goods and large sport bags. I started asking the prices for the hand wraps. Got the cotton ones, Red, Blue, Green. Then a big bunch of French Muay Thai practitioners, 4 males and 2 females. Suddenly within the small shop, it's crowded and u had to squeeze to move about. I started looking through their catalogue for boxing gloves. In the end I went for Twins, 12 oz to replace my Everlast pair which ironically didn't last... One of the inner cushions near the wrist had a tear... Useable but if I am already there, no harm getting. There wasn't any red, blue or black though. I was down to either purple, green, pink, tiger stripes or some flame stripes... I chose the purple one. It's the most safe option, and I can't imagine myself going for training and wearing some striped gloves... training is not for showing off, I don't think it gives any credibility to my skill to be parading some funky gloves unless I am going for those type of classes. I didn't haggle much cos while I was paying, the French group started haggling. So I paid S$52 for my gloves and about S$6.80 per hand wrap.

I walked back to the hotel and had a chocolate Nero + butterscotch pudding. Stomach wasn't as stable yet, so I stayed in the room watching movies on Fox Movies channel until noon. Decided I will go for the "Shopping itinerary" as I wasn't sure if I needed to run to the toilet, so better to be safe than sorry, malls would be a better option. I ate one more charcoal pill and headed out. The plan was to walk 2 stops to the Erawan shrine, finish prayers then go to Central, walk to Platunum-Platinum, then go
Big-C, en on the way back, go to Siam square one area etc.

I got my daily dose of the beloved Soon Tra juice, carrot. Along Siam Square One area, I was at the crossroad. On one side is Hello Kitty, on the other is A&W. Both are in my extensive food lists, which I can't finish even In this trip... In the end, it was a no-fight. Went into A&W, ordered a root beer float with small curly fries. They don't have the corny dogs. After a savory bite, I continued walking over. Along the Skywalk, I noticed the skies turning darker. Just as I got to the traffic crossing just across the hospital from the Erawan shrine, felt drops of rain. Decided to come back before 8.30am tomorrow instead. Some believe one shouldn't pray during overcast, rainy days and no later than 6pm, as the "gods" are not around then.

Proceeded and made up plans along the way with regards to what I will do in the malls. Inside Central world, I headed to buy a movie ticket, cos I've never watch a movie before, it'll be something interesting. Paid 220bht for Inside Out, which has opened in Thailand, ahead of SG. Had an hour plus before my movie but it was about lunch hour and I already had something savory. An idea struck me, I shall go for desserts now then after the movie, look for an early dinner, so that as a single diner, it's easier to avoid the crowds and also made sure I could get seats. Alright, headed to After You and ordered the Baby Honey Shibuya weigh banana and a small Best Iced Choc drink. There were empty tables then so I got comfortable inside and waited for my dessert. Of course doing the Instagram and photo taking of the food. They were fantastic and totally enjoyed chewing down on the soft butter toasted bread with copious amount of honey poured by me, with the vanilla ice cream and banana. Absolute bliss. Sat and ate, then nursed my drink until it was time.

Going for a movie is really a different experience. Firstly, the movie ushers won't allow you entrance until the time print on the movie is up. Meaning, even 5mins earlier is a no-no. Quite a few movie goers found this out like me. I sat on the chairs and waited. Then after you go in, then the commercials start playing. Second element is you will have to sit through the commercials, very
few trailers though. As a first timer, the commercials were all interesting and amusing at times. The trailer for a Thai movie with a female lead and three Thai guys, reminds me of the Taiwanese plots. But pretty good looking; who to choose, the best friend who cooks and is creative and supportive, the rich corporate guy who is cool and a bit badass, or the boyish one who looks like Korean star, executive, sensitive? Ask any girl, a tough choice. Then after 20+mins! a msg appeared, 'Please stand for the Thai king', so you stand out of respect, nobody sat, just complied. And they played a clip that shows the Thai King in all his majesty and his virtues, maybe the song was composed by him, lots of photos and also his annual letter to the Thai people. After a few minutes, then it ended, we sat down and the movie began. Yes, so thirdly, you have to pay respect to the Thai King b4 a movie. Then SF cinema, is a new one. A good part is the seat can recline as you lean back and you get a nice view of the screen, without any heads blocking the view, how cool! There was a very cute clip done by Pixar about a volcano love story. The tune is still in my head, even a week after. Catchy and definitely sweet. I did feel Inside Out is not meant for young kids like Frozen was. It had lots of elements and jokes, adults, perhaps youth can catch. I did identify with the teacher counting down the days of the term until her holiday break.

After the movie, I headed to GreyHound. In my previous trip with a friend, she was raving about it but we didn't manage to squeeze it in. So it was relatively empty at 5pm, so getting a single table wasn't difficult. I had done my research and ordered their 'Complicated Noodles', Crispy Fried Chicken wings and the Granulated Thai Milk Tea. The Complicated Noodles involved taking the lettuce, putting in the noodle slices, cilantro, scoop the meat and the sauce, generously and balance this package carefully and take a bit bite, careful not to spill all over. Divine, is the word to describe. Very good balance of the taste. One could taste all the elements, yet they blend together very well. Then after comes a fiery kick on the tongue from the sauce. really worthwhile to eat it again. The Granulated Milk Tea was very sweet and thick. Just that it didn't melt fast enough to save my tongue from the fiery burn of the Complicated Noodles, as it was obviously frozen into slabs of ice and
scrapped and crushed to make it. The chicken wings were cut into two bones, so it's really easy to eat.
 Very well seasoned, salted and shrimp taste. Generous portion of 5.5 wings, yes I counted as I finished everything, not to waste food. After a couple of wings, I asked for ketchup. A personal quirk, I like ketchup on fried rice, eggs and fried chicken. Savored the meal and left a tip. Then I walked along the outside of Central. If I keep walking inside, might not know how to come out cos got many wings, sidetracked. Chose to walk outside. Saw a big white tent which turned out to be a bunch of food stalls, like a night market style. My attention was caught on these huge huge grilled prawns. 400bht for five big ones and 1000bht for five even bigger ones. Again, I have no stomach for these. Though I was reminded of seafood lovers. As I continued on, there were a bunch of Thai Zi Char stalls with its own made tents and tables at roadside pavement. They have a main stall or two per part that sold huge ass fried salted grilled fish. Looks delicious even as these huge fishes, pre salted and cooked once and placed on a big pile. again, I don't have enough stomach for even some no matter how tempting.

So I had my dinner earlier and was shopping while others were looking for dinner. I reached Platunum and it brought back a sense of nostalgia cos my friends and I came here once, way back in 2005/6. I still have the long double purse/wallet from Bag-kok from then. I was looking for something similar to put foreign currencies, that I have from travels to Taiwan, Thai, Yen and ringgit Not enough long, flat wallets for such long notes. I walked starting from the top, nothing really was a I-must-have. Still being in the midst of tidying up my room and limited hand luggage meant I can't go overboard. At Bag-kok, I looked and asked and touched many and in the end I bought 3 similar 'camera bag' style famine and cute bags for mom and two sisters, remembering how much they liked the one I bought from them in Taipei,though pirated. This one is original. Entire Platinum and Platunum, only one shop. The solid plain color, baggy, yet hugging funky Jap/fisher caught my attention but they were pricy, 650bht and with 3 pieces potentially 490bht, still I wasn't sure if I
wanted so many, nor was it a good deal and must-have. Then I walked along the linking bridge to the other Platinum building. The crowd was bigger here. Saw a lot of shirts, can't buy, I have too many.
Really cheap, like S$8 for the same I pay twice in sg. Oh well, too many stalls and bigger and many lanes. After just two floors, my legs felt really tired. I decided to walk back, go to Big-C.

Walked and saw how bad the jams was. Past the Thai Zi Char which were brimming with customers. Earlier nobody was eating here and I saw the big ass fish. Now I see people having their dinner eating the fish. Tempted but continued on. Crossed the overhead bridge and went into Big-C. First off to the supermarket to run errands, getting something nice, for Guan Ying, ancestors and deity. I walked and picked up different items, including two Sminoff alcoholic drinks, honey and melon. Surprisingly the honey didn't taste good,a bit bitter but the melon one had a very nice honeydew melon aftertaste fragrance lingering. These ready to drink cost 56bht, so a lesson for me is that I don't need to buy any more alcohol when I depart. Like how I have to drink a lot of milk + choc Nero, granted it tasted nice but everyday is another thing. These ready to drink will be pay answer next time and they won't burn a hole. Just they are mild, like drinking slightly alcoholic carbonated soda.

I carried the bags and continued back towards my hotel. Along the way, I watched the ever crowded Erawan shrine and the shrine dancers dance gently and gracefully as the incense swirled upwards, carrying wishes to the deities above. At Siam Square One area, I stopped by Yellow Dellow again to get a ice mango. Nice and drinking that, I walked along the back towards the hotel. It's nice to be powered by a nice drink as one walks around, for long distances. I chanced upon one of the few authentic Thai food, for beef noodles, but too full to eat, noted its position for reference. Reached the hotel and settled in. Watching action movies, drinking chocolate milk, Alcoholic soda, hot tea. A pretty decent second day. Was glad my stomach was normal the entire duration that I was outside. Looked through the internet about the next day's plans.

Day 3 - Tourist Itinerary

I woke up early, 6.30am and headed for breakfast, and there were early risers too. I ate the same,
except I made a bigger portion, adding lots of tamagotchi rolls and chicken sausage that my salad was more like the veg were side to the protein. Had a massive bowl. After that, rested and bathe and headed out. Got two bottles of Soontra juices, lychee passion fruit and butterfly pea. Drank one for the daily dose of vitamins. Delicious and walked over to Erawan shrine. I was determined to go there before the crowds, the heat. Surprisingly I was the first at the counter to ask for the shrine dancers. Got 4 for my family and 2 for myself. They danced together and so there were 6. I prayed for health especially, and more luck and fortune in light of my job situation. I had planned in my mind to go come back in Dec to give thanks but in light of the incident, my mom will worry incessantly so I will give thanks in Sg. Bought the incense set and light them. Not sure of the order, so I start and of one round, following the rest.

Then I walked to Siam and hopped onto the BTS to Saphran Thaksin station which is the link to the Sarthorn pier to take the ferries along the Chao Phraya river. But besides the tourist ferry which was well publicized, with its employees, moving about and helping u with tickets, I don't see much for the others, apparently there is the normal ferries, but I don't see the ticket booth, and couldn't tell which pier to board etc. so in the end I settled for a single trip tourist ferry, 40bht. It was a big ferry. Enough to have three rows. I sat down and took some photos and selfies. Got off at Tha Tian stop. Immediately I went to take the barge 3bht, to cross the river to Wat Arun. I intend to go there, then Wat Pho then Emerald Buddha, then that Soi Rambuttri. Unfortunately Wat Arun, 50bht, is partially under restoration, I took some pics here, finally took out the selfie stick and got a couple of pics. Went into the temple and put in a donation and got holy water sprinkled and the monk tied a white string to my left wrist. I kept it on until I reached SG safely. Took out my Butterfly pea drink and drank, glad to have a nice drink as the sun burned hotter. Nice weather though.

The. I took the barge across and went to Wat Pho. Got a free drink courtesy of some promotion? As soon as I walked out, put one in my hand, many tourists also have that. Grateful as by then it was noon. Getting hotter. Got the entry ticket, 100bht and headed in. Very titanic reclining Buddha.
Largest one, I've seen thus far. The temple has very high ceilings and with murals showing Buddha's life. There wasn't a lot of time to admire them cos the constant stream of visitors, I ambled along, taking a video and some pics, including a selfie at the feet, not the head. Then walk onto see the back of the statue, it's long u-turn. I saw a donation, for 20bht, they give you a small bowl filled with one cents and you walk along the interior wall and put the coins into the alms bowls lined against the wall. Then it's time to come out. Exchanged part of the ticket for a cold mineral water, small but welcomed as the heat intensified. The temple compound was huge, even with a map in the brochure, I couldn't see them all. But I went into at least 4 and paid my respects and put in a donation. Was getting lost and tired, saw an ice cream seller. For 20bht, rested under the shade eating the nostalgic old-fashion styled, simple but yet delicious coconut and a creamy one with cake bits. Went to the toilet, put on more sun block and went off to the final temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

It was housed in the palace and that meant I have to walk along the long long long white palace walls. At least I didn't encounter the scam. But I didn't take out my umbrella cos many tourists all walking about. I sauntered on with my cap and sunblock on my face. It was a very very long walk. The entrance is far far far away. My legs were pretty tired from Wat Arun and especially Wat Pho. I finally reached the entrance and there were throngs of tourists, especially China ones in their tour groups, tour buses. Had to walk and avoid the crowds and squeeze at times and as I got closer to the main ticket area, I was hesitant. First it was nearing 2pm, scorching hot, long long queue, armies of tourists, and the ticket price was 500bht. I wanted to see if there was a plain Emerald Buddha entrance cos I didn't want to visit the palace but there is only one type of admission. So I walked
along the small rows of shop to seek some relief, saw a small cafeteria one and was immediately glad cos there was air-con. They have instant food, ice cream and cold drinks. I got a milo bar, 10bht, unbelievable. Sat down at the table and ate it gratefully, resting my feet and cooling off. This cemented my decision, not to go to the Emerald Buddha, I didn't fancy the squeeze with the crowd. I stayed there until all my sweat dried off, got a kit kat green tea ice cream cone to walk out of the
compound. It's easier to walk under the sun with something cold to offset the heat.

I used the gps and walked to find Soi Rambuttri, the place reminiscent of old Bangkok before all the malls came in, at least according to online websites recommendation. It was a long walk, 1.6km on google map but longer than that due to detours I had to take at times. Got there finally, could feel the heat radiating off me from all the exposed arms and neck areas. Speaking the way you find the roadside stalls, some abandoned buildings left standing, some small shops, yet once you reached the place, suddenly the population of blond foreigners exploded. They are everywhere. Khao Shan street is full of stalls selling clothes, bags, accessories etc that lined both sides, so dense that you can't see the storefront. All the buildings are short, 3-4 stories shophouses. And lots of backpackers. Then I walked behind, think I got to Soi Rambuttri, no more stalls. Now can see the shop fronts. Then you see like backpackers hotels and dining that caters to expatriates or bagpackers. There are massage with chairs in open like how it was in Big-C but no longer, but despite my legs walking outside, I didn't feel compelled to have a massage, reason was I was hungry. The ice cream gave me enough to reach there. I walked up and down but wasn't enticed by what I saw. Instead I saw a phad Thai roadside stall that had no one. It had at least a table and chair out of the sun, the other along the same street was only takeaway. I ordered a phad Thai with egg and a small bottled mango juice, just costing 50bht! I was surprised at the price when I asked and paid for it. It was delicious. Ate it hungrily yet appreciatively. Washed it down with the mango juice and I was revived. I intend to walk til the end of the street, saw a stall selling iced drinks and I bought a Thai Milk Tea blended ice shake that was so thick and sweet and satisfying. Best Thai Milk Tea ever, phad Thai too. Surprisingly from just road side stalls, and nope I didn't get any tummy aches. I used google map to navigate back and
following it's path, I had to walk a narrow alley. I was scanning front and back, as I walked, encounter a man on two separate times and I did scan to see if anyone tried to surprise me. But it was during the day, 3.30pm-ish, and I landed up back at Khao Shan, I would never take the path at night though.

Retraced my steps then and headed back. A 1.8km back to the Emerald Buddha then another and another km plus of walking back to Tha tian pier but there were more and more tourists at the pier. I had initially planned to the smaller yellow or orange ferry, to experience a small ferry, more local but when I saw how many more pier stops they made compared to the most direct one, the tourist boat, I got on the tourist boat that also had greater frequencies. Oh well, not a great loss. The sweltering heat was reaching my unbearable point. Guzzling cold mineral water while waiting. Got back to the BTS and this time I took it all the way to Nat Stadium BTS, instead of walking from Siam. Changed trains and I got out at the further from hotel exit cos that's where the SoonTra stall is at. Bought 4 different bottles, coconut, lemon grass, lychee passion, beet root passion. Walked back to the hotel and decided I am done for the day, sunburnt feet hurt, got blisters and sweated enough, so I visited the Macs just below the hotel. I saw the Minions fries container, looks cute but couldn't understand how much more it cost on top of the meal, anyway I bought a samurai burger meal, up sized with the minions French fries container, think it just cost 10bht more. With my food and drinks, went back and put the juices in the mini fridge, ate a few fries. Relaxed and had a long shower to wash off all the fatigue. Ate hungrily and rediscovered how Macs fries do taste good. Downed two juices, a big coke. Later on more choc milk. It's nice to see the sun setting and the skies turning dark. The stadium opposite had morning jogger and in the evening, there were teams playing football and joggers too. I was contented to stay in. In my mind, I was mapping out tomorrow's plans, also some food to eat. But my feet were hurting, blisters, that I wasn't sure if I wanted to walk all the way to Thong Lor for Roast. I decided that the second outlet, being in a mall might be a better choice.

Day 4 (Sat) - Slowing down, Chatuchap & Phrom Pheng 

Things slowed down a bit for me, well cos I was having blisters on both feet from the 'touristy' walking about. My calves were ok but not my feet. But I travelled light so I had brought only one footwear. It wasn't meant for 15km of walking in a day.

I did the usual, eat up hearty breakfast. An even bigger serving of  my own mixed salad with more lettuce this time. Perfect balance. Only wished I could eat it more. After breakfast, I rested and then headed to Mo Chit, using BTS. This time I took from the Nat Stadium and did a changeover at Siam. And just sat until the end. I remembered how to go there from the previous trip with Quet. Being prepared, I wore shorts and a cotton top, cap, and brought along water. It was obvious how to go there. There were long lines of people, lots of different nationalities, heading in one direction. I hopped to the MRT to use the toilet, walked and headed there. It is not yet that hot but there were many people walking about. I kept my bag infront, on the shortest sling, hugging my front. So my valuables were safe. Also my bulk, extra cash and passport were in my money belt, just had more than enough in my wallet. I didn't have anything in mind, perhaps some fisher pants if the print wasn't too funky or too pricey.

I entered and almost all the shops were open and just started walking. I walked past lots of stalls. Nothing prompted much interest, partly cos I have limited luggage space. Already bought 3 bags and my gloves so I didn't have that much space left. Halfway through walking through half of the place, I would walk a lane then reach the end and go the next lane. At the middle, I came across the coconut ice cream. There were toe stalls so I just chose one and chose to eat the version in the coconut shell. It was very light and the nuts were aromatic and crunchy. Really very nice, with the coconut flesh. Wouldn't mind eating a whole bunch of it. But I refrained. I was planning to head to the second outlet of Roast, in Phrom Pheng for lunch and explore that area.

Walked and saw a wallet place. A flat wallet for 100bht and a bigger one is 120bht. Fitted what I had in mind. Bought two. Then I walked along and saw the funky fisher pants that reminded me of my Aladdin pants. Started asking for the price, went from 250bht ($10), straight to 220bht at another only if I buy 3... They were the plainer ones. Then I walked along and saw another shop that put up a sign 175bht, for the normal fisher pants. I saw the stall had more funky style Aladdin pants, at least 3 colors making up a pair. Asked the price, is 200bht ($8), already is cheaper than the earlier two stalls. I asked for a better price of I buy 2, she quoted me 350bht, which is just $7 per pair. I though, looked, touched some more then I settled and bought the baggy ones and not the plain fisher ones. Happy that I managed to buy something for myself. I was getting tired and decided to leave.

I went to the Mrt to use the toilet and then walked around the small underground mall that was like of otaku. Looking for my sister's request. But found nothing, though I saw a shop that offered a course on how to work leather and make bags and wallets. Then headed back and got off at Phrom Pheng BTS, went to the Helix to find Roast. I was looking forward to nice food but when I reached there, there was a really long queue of tourists. I was disappointed cos I was hungry then and as a single diner, it's kinda hard to get a seat. So I saw there's Greyhound but ti had a much shorter wait, one infront but I wasn't ready to wait. So I went walking about. Inside were all branded stuff so I headed outside to the streets. I saw from the BTS a bunch of Jap restaurants. I walked over, and most entered one but I wasn't sure if I felt like eating cold Jap food, after my mind was filled with thoughts of steak and all the meaty goodness. I took a pic or two and walked across the street cos there's another mall, Emporium. Also there were a bunch of street vendors for Thai food. I noticed the big contrast and irony... Surely present in every city. The posh branded malls, just beside it are the small older shops and Thai street vendors, the beggars. The tourists going to glitzy posh malls, the normal Thai people going to their norms, the Thai street food, the shops that caters and am most authentic amongst this shopping belt setting.

Inside the Emporium, it is more a dept stall style so a big area to walk through on the top floor. I headed to the top to look for food. And saw some. Was walking about thinking how it's very Jap. Cos there's is Jap supermarket. And I walked around and saw like a bunch of stalls. I walked into a food court like place except it's the Thai style where you get a card like Marchies and get your food charged to the card. Been in a couple with Quet in the previous trip. We had gone to the one in Central and Embassy. I didn't walk a full round. A quick glance. I saw more jap food compared to the other food court I had been. Wanted something light cos I might want to eat something else and quickly decided on pork Okonomiyaki.ordered one plus a set of salad and miso soup. 180bht + 50bht. The Okonomiyaki was very well-executed. Very crispy on the top, Lots of mayonnaise. Very very nicely done. I haven't tasted an authentic one but this is really a nice one except it was big and I was a bit ni by the 2/3 mark. Then I decided to head back to the hotel.

Took a train all the way to the Nat Stadium BTS and got out at the exit that had the Soontra stall. Bought 4 more and headed back. I did another dabao of the Macs. I got a fish fillet meal with upsize of the fries and Coke. Dropped everything and had a hot long shower. It's really a simple unadulterated joy to just exclaim a sigh of relief after downing a bottle of chilled juice. A delicious meal, and I am rediscovering the shiokness of eating Macs and Coke after a tiring day out. Then watched action movies and sipped coke.

It was nearing 8pm before I dragged myself out to Siam to look for dinner. Decided on Taling Pling cow had a delicious Thai meal last time with Quet in Central. In my first night of exploration, I noted that there is one branch in Siam. I got in and can see a surprised look when I say, table for one. But it was relatively empty then so no issue. I wanted a Phad Thai but they had no more... So sad but I ordered the prawn tom yam, and asked for recommendation. The waiter suggested the Fried chicken wings. So I had that. Plus ice milk tea.iwas glad I had eaten phad Thai from the street vendor in Soi Rambuttri then. And after tasting that very shiok Thai milk tea smoothie, theirs tasted a bit mild, but thrice the price, given its a restaurant. I would very much want to explore street food more in the future. The Prawn Tim yam always delicious but has a fiery after kick. I poured so much over my plate of rice, it was rice swimming in tom yam soup. Generous portion of fresh and large sized prawns. Bliss. And the fried chicken wings, was boneless, filled with a filling that consisted of pork, vermillion, cilantro, water chest nut and very nicely fried and moist. Delicious wings. My dinner was very satisfying and the priciest of my meals thus far, abt 550+ and tip ($25) but definitely worth it. Then I walked about Siam and headed back. Along the way I wanted to get a Mango ice blended but there was queue, so I didn't.  Drank more choc milk Nero.

Day 5 (Sun) - MBK, Siam, flight back

I had requested for late checkout, 1pm instead of 12pm. So after a heavy breakfast, I hung around until quite late then I headed out for lunch at MBK. Due to time cos I really slacked in the room too much, I opted for Jap. In a big but a bit empty Jap like canteen... I ordered a Salmon prawn like don. It has another name cos it came in a wooden container that looked like a bucket. The salmon slices were fresh. Fresher than what I would get in sg even at a higher price. Ate and went back to the hotel. I had already packed my bags earlier, so just enough time to double check, grab my bags, leave a small tip for the cleaners and check out. Left my bags there until 3pm. Got my Soontra juices, I walked to Siam. Still full but killing time. It was the last chance to go to Hello Kitty cafe but I didn't feel up to it. Plus it was the weekends so many tourists and locals up and about. More people so cafés harder. And I wasn't up for a cute dessert. Explored Siam Square part more and finally made it up to the top floor of Siam Paragon. Never went all the way up and there were many food places too. But I was tired and full. Had a seat and watched people passed and drank my final Soontra juice. Then went back to the hotel to pick up my bags.

Got on to the interchange to take the high speed rail with some hitch. The BTS was stuck for a while in two stations and it took more than ten mins to clear just that two cos of high usage? But it was not nice to be crammed and waiting for >10mins. Got to the platform and waited. I was a but concerned if I would be late. I reached the airport around 4.30pm and the flight was 5.45pm. The man at the flight counter told me to hurry cos immigration is a long passage away. Luckily he never weighed my two bags, bursting at the seams cos I squeezed everything in. Cos I weighed myself and it was 13+ kg, exceeding 10kg allowed for budget airline. The ride back was ok. And I arrived but was a bit nauseous so I opted to pay for a cab, after buying the alcohol. Got my Moms wine request and got Somerbys ciders for myself. Cambridge is expensive, $37... Luckily I save some taxi fare from my earlier rides using mrt, airport rail.

Thoughts:

This trip turned out very good. Did the shopping, the touristy sights, enjoyed every meal. Nothing was bad. Happy that I don't have to be a bodyguard to anybody except for myself. Of course I was very careful and vigilant (yet given the news of the bombing, just being careful would not prevent everything) and could assure my mom with Facebook and WhatsApp. A different sort of freedom that is refreshing but yet it invokes a different sort of loneliness. It is not always there but at the end of a day, after a hectic day out, back at the hotel. Just a brief moment, it does pop out. You are a stranger in a foreign land. Alone in a sea of thousands of people. The ones who care about you are in another country. Hope nothing bad happens cos you are alone in a foreign country. Luckily this feeling doesn't last long. Just comes as a random thought after a long day out. Another might be not too good to watch any scary ghost movies or trailers on TV while being alone in the room. I do hope to return to try out more of the delicious food, restaurants & street vendors, more massage (this entire trip I only did once, didn't feel sore to warrant more) and wear fisher pants, eat coconut ice cream, drink Thai milk tea and mango smoothies. I can definitely do solo in urban cities, not so much in the rural.

But with the sad and devastating bombing, it would be a while before can go back without worrying my family.

Crab buffet and lots of food weekend

After the previous crab dinner, at Punggol on grading day, guess crabs were still on my mind. Then when Chope sent a mail about crabs. What caught my eye was a crab buffet, with good variety and supposedly a good one in sg. An icing on the cake was an additional 25% discount if book through the app. Straight off, asked the rest if they were interested. Nailed a date for 4 pax. Something to look forward to.

I headed there after work. This year has been tough and I breathed a sigh of relief once I stepped out of the workplace and headed for dinner. I reached the starving and was soon joined by Tab. We were the first seated and could dig in.

The salmon sashimi was fresh and delicious. Had half a crab and alaska leg. It was cold and I was slightly worried if I ate more, it would trigger my cough. So I switched to a second counter. A small bowl of Tom yam with crab strips. A curry but I took the sauce cos the flower crab used was not worth the trouble to dig out the flesh. Ate with crisp and mantou. Also had 2 halves of the crab tempura with varoius sauces. The mango salsa was delicious. By then Quet joined us.

We continued eating. I went to take the Kway Pie Tee. Couldn't make a good one like what Tab did. Mine became a deconstructed pair. Didn't eat the laksa or the herbal one but Tab n Quet said they were good. I went for the chili crab and salted egg yolk. Ate them using hands and at times the crab flew out of my hands. The same for Quet. Luckily we were all wearing black and dark colors.

Halfway through, a lady staff appeared at our table with a bucket of potato wedges. I told her I didn't order that but she assured me it's complimentary. Coincidentally, Tab was just saying how all the savory dishes were making her crave for fries. Quet and Tab came back to the table and I told them, there's fries. They were surprised and I told them the story. Tab was very glad. Saying how God exists and works in miraculous ways. Indeed a very big coincidence. We dug in and I also mentioned that a male staff was asking if they could serve the complimentary Crab in a pan. I told him to wait until FH arrives. So at least he would have a warm dish.

FH arrived and dug in. Showing us how to eat Alasakan crab legs efficiently. I observed how he worked through the crab half. Very pro and efficient. I think I need more practice. The butter crabs were delicious. Light and moist. Quet went to look at the dessert and came back with durian penyat. We were all tempted except for Tab. We turned to dessert. I had a coffee latte then switched to breakfast tea to aid digestion. Ate more sashimi and a bit of the crab in the pan. I spotted Magnum mini in the chiller and told them excitedly. In the end, we all ate a mini bar each. I sipped more hot tea after every bite. Very fulfilling end except we were all super full.

Quet and I walked about to digest and later she dropped me at the train station. Tab and FH went off for foot massage. It was a nice way to start a long weekend.
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I ate a.... LOT during this long weekend. Put back the weight I lost. Oh well.

Ate a lot of leftovers from Sat to Sun. Stuff like using leftover rice to cook fried rice and tw the while thing. Later cooked instant noodles. Repeat. I cleared the fridge of the leftovers.
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After rejecting my Dad's offer to go to the food fair at the Expo. He asked if we wanted to go on Sat but my sis and I refused. My sis went out for volunteer work. I stayed home and dozed here and there. My dad went to the food expo by himself and later told us how nobody gave him a seat and how he had to stand for 2 hours and his legs felt weak. Kept raving about the thai shark fin soup, Or nee he bought. I kept dozing on and off. The fatigue and also the intense heat. My mom wanted me to take a cab and go fetch her friend from the KTM railway station but I declined. She wasn't feeling well. Later I felt bad and told her I will go. Fell asleep and when I woke, nobody was at home. It was supposedly take a taxi, fetch her friend and take a cab back. But it was not to be. I woke up and felt hungry. Made my own lunch from the leftovers. Fried rice. But by evening, 5pm nobody came back. Later my mom told me how how the train was delayed for over 2 hours. I declined the offer for dinner with mom and her friend and the friend's relatives. Ate dinner of instant noodles and bread with leftover meat.

Sunday, I headed out by late afternoon. Cooked fried rice leftovers for lunch. Had to go to Star hub to change the TV controller. I also checked out Marks & Spencer to look for work khaki pants but there was no sale. Not worth it to buy without. Very few of that style to buy too. So I went to the food section and bought $27 worth of cookies. Those with chocolate and toffee were heavenly. All sitting in the fridge. Ate one and very shiok. Had two dinners. One while in PS, the other is instant noodles again.

Monday, so bored and decided to be kinder to Dad. We offered to go with him to the food Expo. We lazed until 2.30pm. My dad drove there. We reached there and the crowd was quite thick. We headed to the dining part and managed to get a seat for dad rather quickly. Then I went to buy the food. We ate thai shark fin soup, satay, green mango salad, papaya salad, siew mai and tapioca. Later bought some food and headed home. The heat was bad but yesterday was worse.

As bored as I was, still better than work.

Thinking, planning and implementing

Things at work has made me seriously consider about leaving at the end of this contract. Granted I need to renew my PR-ship, hence the job is necessary. With stricter immigration rules, a jobless state would be too risky. With work just into 3 weeks and I was working almost non-stop till the end of the day, I was really glad to have a break, this long weekend to take a breather.

Until then, I shall also plan and implement certain ideas and plans. This year, I am actively managing my portfolio after reading up several books about being a trader, investment, Reits, portfolio mgt during my Spring break. I am trying to apply a few concepts and trying to increase my gains. The past few years, my portfolio has stagnated from being left alone,
generating little gains. As little as just $1k - $5k in the past 3 years. While it's still better than interest rates bit at my reduced pay, it meant it wasn't generating enough extra to cover. I had some oppts but being busy or letting greed or fear take over, common mistakes  made, hence the returns weren't as significant as my earlier years. Market was also moving sideways in this period.

I am glad that I started to apply some concepts and made better 'sell' decisions. My 'buy' decisions are still ok but my 'sell' decisions weren't. Greedy, hesitant and etc. So recently, with trepidation, I tried a punt (bet) and sold off some of my shares for profits. So far I have already got my 2nd investment target. Hope to hit even higher and more, remiscent of the $25k (5th target) in the year I left Moe. In current terms, $25k isn't a lot. Others have income way higher than this but as extra funds to tide me for the job change, definitely welcomed.

In my portfolio, I still have 3 Malaysian counters with big losses. Still holding onto them despite the convention of letting them go and restart afresh. That is something I still struggle to apply. Hope to clear them off when a chance arises. So active portfolio management is needed.

I seek to reinvest the gains when there's a good price. So relatively I am good do far. Identified a few new counters to monitor, 1-2 small punt counters, funds freed up from selling and still have stocks on hand. If market goes up, wait and sell. If market falls, wait and buy. If sideways, earn dividend and some reits distribution. Feels better that this aspect of my life is in my control.

Others would be managing my health, continuing KM (partly for health sake), save for and plan a trip to Japan, learning to drive again and possibly learn Malay if my money, time and energy permits.

Very bad back-to-work blues

Work resumed this week with the usual, one whole day of meeting, 1 day of opening ceremony and the works and one more which is a welcome ceremony for incoming sec 1... and I am having very very bad, extreme work blues.

The night before, I had trouble sleeping, until 3am. Then the first day of meetings after meetings was mentally draining. Some 'new' and 'not-so-new' stuff are leaving me eye-rolling and having to work with extreme short deadlines... Luckily I had KM and went there and felt better somewhat. That was Monday.

Still had disturbed sleep and slept late 1.30-2am and I woke up extremely zombie that the cup of coffee couldn't wake me. I was going cold turkey for the Coke zero and all the caffeine,  artificial sweetener. On top of that I was resuming my Chinese meds so that meant no tea. Urgh imagine being zombies and still had to sit through meetings and ceremony. And any spare time I could squeeze out, I was setting up the room. Bloody herculean task... I wondered as I was putting up the wall paper in setting up my classroom, if I would fall over anytime from the height I was in and whether there could be easier ways about it. Having the rock music playing from Spotify helped. I was spewing foul language as I stapled the backing paper up on the partition using just a regular stapler that had many mis-shots from the regular stapling. Bloody hell, can use stapler gun,  wth didn't pass to me and I was using regular stapler. Spew more expletives when I was back in the privacy of my own room which I continued doing up. It was very painful cos there wasn't time allocated for us to do it. Had to find own free time after all the periods of staying in the class, with the class and ceremony and so on. Really painful.

Gratefully I went for KM and learnt a new technique. It was rather fun as a senior female student and me partnered up. We were wary of doing with noobs cos of the potential injury from their lack of control and coordination. Thankfully we were fine. I did accidentally punch once but still not at full force which I profusedly apologise. At least I am aware when I hit someone. But I don't see this apology with the noobs. At times they aren't even aware they actually hit someone. So it was good to learn a new technique and we could kinda do it cos we listened and watched and observed. Unlike many of the noobs who kinda rushed into and do their own pattern. Use bull strength cos they are guys. Kinda ironic, which I remarked to my senior partner, how they don't know but just want to rush to do. Cos there were big numbers so we had do in turns and wait our turn. Some just rush to do immediately after the demo by the main instructor and we the more senior students don't get to do first though that was what my batch did and let the seniors do and get more chance to observe. But no... they want to rush to do. So both of us observe and learn more about the common mistakes and when it was our turn. We could do the technique. Well more rest time cos have to wait our turn. Then after class, there's a 30min extra time where those keen, can do more practice. So after the grading in March, where some noobs and most seniors stay back. Now grading is over, once class is over, suddenly all clear out and wow, free space to practice. Generally I have been staying most days that I go. Especially got a higher grade or same grade female training partner. So we refined the technique further and could do it better. Just need to do more practice cos it's muscle memory and practice. It felt good to learn and try something new, keeps things fresh. So that was Tuesday.

I slept earlier about 12am and woke up for the work ceremony. More things piled on. Have to eat lunch in class for 3 consecutive days. Walao. Then got supervise cleaning to do set up for the ceremony. Then got practice. After the actual ceremony where my mind was a complete blank, I still struggled to 'wake up' cos feel my mind is fatigued. The packed hours ain't helping. Then after all these, still had small group meeting that was at least 1.5 hrs until I reminded them I needed to go buy a resource book from Kino. I went home and saw the sinseh,  resuming my Chinese medication after a long break. My cough came back from too much iced drinks. So I stopped it. Got my med then I headed to Orchard. Bought the books, got it delivered. Need to claim back the money. I went home straight after despite being in Orchard. I was so sleepy on the journey there, though lesser by the time I went home cos I tried some resting. Went to bed before 11pm. That was Wed.

Today, I used my 'free' time to finished up that wall paper and borders. F&÷₩"ing pain in the ass. I just sucked it up and finished it off and swept the floor. Last bit which I couldn't do was to wipe the tables and chairs with detol water. Had to ride the bus and I took a bus back to thr mrt. Ate my early dinner then headed for training. That wiping will have to wait til tomorrow. Also bought new earphones so I can finally have music in my ears and drown out both language conversations. Sian, work has been sucking these few intensely busy and  hectic days. I wondered if it was the lack of music to drown out the noise that was taxing me. Will find out when I use my new earphones at work.

I found KM to be my 'happy' time instead. Had an ok class and a good extra practice with my usual partner. We worked on the full range of the techniques, cos class could only cover the basic simpler technique. Since no time in the usual class to revise and practice the full range we being regulars and have learnt, so we stayed back. Just both of us only. Another did punching the punching bags. It was good cos for unsure parts, the main instructor pointed out and demo key aspects we had missed, forgotten. It's nice to have a dependable training partner. Motivate each other to train. Will miss her when she takes a long half year break from June. In the meantime, I guess I will keep looking forward to KM, especially when there is no serious injury and can train with good partner. I will still keep going cos I am clearing my package which has been renewed again for another 6 months. Wow I have another 104 lessons. Hope to keep this up. Helps keep me in shape and mentally sane.

"Food is the most abused anxiety drug. Exercise is the most underutilised anti-depressant." Very true.

I at least am looking very forward to after work. Managed to skip one very pricey $70/$90 work party. Already made a prior appt with my friends to meet up. No way I am cancelling on them like that. I had about enough of the 'socialising' in these types of work party. My wallet will thank me. My stomach too, from that previous hangover from trying to drink the value in beer and cheap wine. My cough would too, cos I am officially off any cold drinks until further further notice. Don't want to waste my money spent on Chinese medication which is not cheap. But health is definitely worth a lot. I appreciate that even more than before. I hope to sleep before 1am. Will finish up all the outstanding irritating and painful stuff tomorrow. Today is still mine. I will dictate what to do with it.

Bangkok again, my 3rd trip after so many years

So the first week, I had the Penang trip and slowly my soul flew back. Then it was KM grading with LKY mourning in the second week. The third week was a trip to Bangkok with Quet and the final week was letting my soul fly back, going for more KM to condition, exercise and diet. WWork is starting next week *groans*

Bangkok 3rd trip, 1st - 4th April

Think the previous Bangkok trip was in 2008-2009, making 7-8 years ago. It's been a long while, it seemed kinda fresh yet somewhat stale. This trip was with Quet, Wed to Sat. I didn't have much in mind, save for Thai massage cos it was just 3 days after my KM grading. I wasn't that sore but felt like a long long time since my last massage. Just knead me like a dough for hours... Eat some nice food, especially the Thai food. Go Thailand, must eat Thai food, not like my previous 2 Chiang Mai which was Chinese food, duh...

Quet did ask me what I wanted to do, go, eat. For me, massage, buy mom's stuff - supermarket, eat at the Somboon suggested by my KM friend, After You honey Shibuya toast as per Muttons raving about it. Eat a good meal of Thai cuisine. Go Chaku chupt to look look see see cos I have never been there. The rest I am on with anything. Quet did quite a bit of food research buy we have limited stomach and meals too. So we just played it by ear.

So the flight was 10.45am so I had to be there 8.45am. I woke up at 6am to get ready. There wasn't much to do since I had packed the night before, so just bathed, changed and double checked all my passport and cash. Took the Mrt with my two backpacks. Loaned a transformable bag from Quet in view of my mom's shopping request. Quet was late due to her sister and while waiting, I had my sg egg kaya toast coffee breakfast. We went in and Quet had her breakfast eggs and coffee. We walked a bit but I decided against the alcohol, unsure if it would wake me in the middle of the night, despite Quet's snoring issue.

On the plane ride over, I was drawing on my own KM 武林秘籍 with stick figures and notes on new techniques. Quet was reading LKY's book on I-pad. We arrived without too much trouble. But the queue for the SIM card took a while. Some dunno why maybe cos is Xiaomi,  held up the queue. Got the SIM and went to the taxi queue. Going by meter seemed ok until the cab driver sneakily after Quet dozed off, drove off the highway into the jam. It was hot and stuffy and the jam took extra time. He pretended to have heard the wrong road and feigned until Quet woke and clarified. So it ended up slightly less than the flat rate of 500 baht, 475 but took over an hour. I didn't know the streets enough though I kept awake during the journey. It seemed whether meter or flat, they want to make that 500 bht so the return journey, we went for flat rate and had a smooth journey. Guess, just pay that next time.

Really stoned after that and checked-in. Only have two single bed if on smoking floor. There was a noticeable cigarette smell that after a while went into the background. Got the front desk to bring a pair of scissors and some air freshener. Then we relaxed a bit but hunger drove us cos it was already 4pm plus then. We headed to find Somboon the original one to try their signature Curry Crab. We walked along the sky bridge link from Holiday Inn which I roughly remembered from one of the earlier Thai trips. We walked for 2 stops and reached Siam Square where it gets confusing. Had problem navigating and resorted to turning on Google Map (Thankful for Google Map anytime) and we got to Siam Square One. It's a smaller mall but new and youthful obvious from the many Japanese food and some Korean food, also the retail mix. We asked for directions and went up to the 6th floor. We walked about and found it at a corner.

We sat down gratefully and ordered the medium Curry Crab, fried rice, prawns vermicelli and braised pork knuckles. The fried rice was superb, best one I ever had. Plus eat with the curry crab is very shiok. The Curry crab is not spicy but has an initial mild taste compared to the Punggol seafood chilli crab but as you continue eating, there's a very tasty and flavorful fragrance. I was happily eating. The vermicelli was good but had a spice I kinda disliked, fresh peppercorns or basil? I ate it still and the braised pork knuckle was delicious. Not porky and very soft and tender. Lip-smacking. It wasn't a cheap meal. Almost S$100 cos the crab wasn't as cheap but it was definitely worth it. A full belly.

We walked around Siam Square One and tried to get a massage slot but it was full. Then another didn't allow reservation, just walk in but we had just eaten. Told us to come back Iin 2 hours. Which we did but it was full then. We walked about and headed into one cafe White flower? which had a nice display of cakes but we were too full. So we had a lassi each and shared a coconut ice cream. Very refreshing. We also walked to the beauty clinics as Quet helped checked out the prices for Botox and Ulterea? which I learned about these cosmetic enhancements and their price tags. Ouchy. After our failed attempt at massage, we looked for a pharmacy cos my face had been scratched during the previous KM session on Tuesday. I wanted to get a cream cos it felt itchy and a plaster to cover it so I won't scratch it at night. We headed into Watson which had a pharmacist who looked at my face and suggested an anti inflammation cream. I had an anti scar one. Bought my waterproof plaster too. Then we looked for a other massage place,  Lek. It turned out that night we had a good 2 hours of Thai massage under two skilful ones. The subsequent visit wasn't as good. Not even standard. After the massage, my neck didn't creak at all. We walked about a bit along the night market. Stopped at the earrings stall. Then went back to the Watson, buywater and stuff. Walked back tto the hotel. I bathed first and laid in bed. I fell asleep after putting on the amulet.

Fell in a deep sleep but was woken by snores. Checked my watch, it was like 3am Bangkok time. So I was awake until the snoring abated around 4am and fell asleep again. But still woke about 6am. Couldn't sleep anymore so went to the bathroom, freshen up, take a dump, take a shower. Then hang around the room, quietly look at hp wifi and flick the tv channel. Waited for Quet whom woke and by 9am, we left to get a taxi to go to Thong Lor street 13, where Roast is at.

Roast is an all-day brunch place that serves good food. We reached there without the misadventures Quet and her brother had previously. It wasn't opened yet so we sat outside with other customers, at least 3 more tables, mostly in pairs, who were all waiting. Then it opened and we headed in. Famished cos we only ate breakfast in Changi and a later lunch/early dinner at Somboon the night before. I ordered the pan chorizo and a seafood soup. Both are in big portions. Quet ordered her grilled ham and cheese with egg and asked if we could share the french toast. I told her by all means. Super hungry, anything would do. Had their signature espresso cubes latte. It came with the espresso frozen as cubes with a bottle of milk and syrup so you can add to your preference. Food came, and it was the french toast with ice cream and maple syrup. We had our dessert first and just walked it down quickly after taking enough pics. Delicious, the vanilla ice cream had vanilla seeds. Then our mains arrived. Took pics and pics and I started eating. Working through a pan full of potatoes, chorizo,  2 eggs, cheese, bell pepper with crepes and the seafood soup full of 料 but there was a funky basil taste but I still finished it. Quet went to the toilet which was outside  and remarked it was very hot outside so we slowly ate and stoned around. After eating all the food, we had their signature tea, a strawberry and a lychee one. Really taste refreshing,  dunno how they roast their own tea to that standard. More pics and finally we left. Another S$100 meal but definitely enough to last hours. We walked around the area and there was an After You there and we went in but the thought of another bread was too much. I had hit my bread quota somewhat. Plus their drinks are the milky and heavy chocolate versions. We left without ordering.

Then caught a cab to Terminal 21. It was another mall which had an atas supermarket below. I wanted something light to drink like fruit juices but it was via card and there was a super long queue for the card. Forget it. Saw a bubble tea and had a nice light Osmanthus tea. Glad for the cold drink to cool down. We got a massage slot then walked around a bit. I bought 4 fruity soaps from a shop. Others didn't catch my attention. Just walked. We ended up at the basement and went to this small shop, Mama banana? Which sold fried banana fries and we bought a pandan lemongrass drink to share. It tasted different from the goring pisang expectation and was nice to chew on. The cheese was cold type not melt. Was a bit is good. The drink was refreshing. Then I went for a 30min back and shoulder one which was ok but not great. Mine ended earlier so I headed to the supermarket. Found most of my my mom's request except for dehydrated mangosteen. Looked and bought and later paid. Quet didn't turn up so I waited outside and saw her. I went in and couldn't find her. Then I went out again and saw her so I waved. She pointed me to another shop where I could buy the seaweed requested by a KM friend. Then put all in my bag pack and hold some in hand and we walked back to the hotel. Along the way, we went to the Embassy, a posh mall to go to the food court for dinner. Quet was saying it was pretty good. We headed into a bootes and I bought a facial wash. All the cream for my wound and the sun block on the face is kinda uncomfortable. We headed to the basement which had a cashless card system like Marchie. Walked one round and I got a tea and a Chiang Mai style curry noodle called Kao Soi. It tasted pretty good though it came with onion, pickled veg and a fried thing on the side with the noodles in a bowl. Not sure how to eat, I dumped everything in and ate it. No papaya salad surprisingly cos the food was predominantly northern thai. Quet had a pork knuckle with hard boiled egg. Still ended up in Central world though shops were closing but Quet managed to buy a pair of shoes. Then we walked back to our hotel.

I woke up even earlier than the first day... and lay awake until I really couldn't go back to sleep so I went to freshen up and shower. I decided to go eat breakfast and let Quet sleep more peacefully cos she's a light sleeper so I woke up, she also woke up. I bathed, she woke up. I got my stuff and headed over. The 24hour Macs was reminiscent cos we went there before years ago. It had customers sleeping inside. It was still early, 6-ish so I ordered a egg muffin meal with coffee. Tried to read one of the 3 books I brought along for this trip and the progress was slow. As slowly it reached 7.30am, they woke the sleeping customers up. Cos their biz is coming in, not proper to be sleeping. Interestingly those who were woken, soon bought a meal from Macs and ate it and left. That's why I don't want to do crazy flights timing. Anyway by 8.30am plus, I went back to the hotel. Quet slowly got ready and ate her meal at the Starbucks which wasn't open when I went to Macs. My turn to snooze in the hotel. On the way to taking the rail to Chakuchap, I was stoned and went to the fruut juice stall in the rail and bought one and chugged it down. The hit of vitamins and the cold woke me more. It was 9.30am but the sun was out in force. When we arrived, it seemed closed. Though it was meant as a weekend market but Quet mentioned she had gone with Aiwin at 10am on a Friday before. So we hid in the MRT station where they had some shops inside until it was  after 10am. We walked back, under the umbrella and some shops had opened. With many parallel lanes that ran parallel, not much signs, just walked down and see what was interesting. I didn't have anything in mind to buy, just to look and see what it's about. Saw many things which even if I buy, won't know what to do with it. Saw a puppy stall when we walked and heard yelping. Puppies were in cages for sale. It was getting hot even in the shelter of the zinc roof stalls. A particular husky puppy looked at me with its blue eyes while the rest just laid down. I gave it a stroke Billy the stall holder reminded me no touching. A pity and pitiful cos as Quet mentioned,  if nobody buys, after a certain age, killed. But how to bring a husky back to sg. My home also no air con and it's a bug dog. Later we stopped in a cups, plates shop and bought a Cat cup and a Cat plate for Tab. It's really cheap by sg standards some Korean tourists were buying entire sets of plates and bowls of a particular crab design. We walked on. Nothing much else caught the fancy and the heat made me just want to look for a cold drink which ironically the drinks stall inside weren't selling cos they haven't finished opening. We decided to leave and outside,  along the roadside stall, bought a chilled Coca Cola and had another "就是为了这个而活" moment downing gulps of ice cold cola. We headed back to drop the things in the hotel, bought more fruit juices to put in the hotel fridge and came out looking for lunch.

Lunch was a Thai restaurant called Taling Piling inside Central World. We ordered 6 dishes; Tom Yam, Green Curry,  Pad Thai, Pork belly slices, Pomelo salad and Pandan chicken and a plate of white rice and I ate them all up, to Quet's amazement. Had the Thai milk tea, super gao, too. After such a heavy lunch, went back to hotel to sleep. We rested and slept and came out about 6pm to look for food. Went to After You in Central World and got a seat quickly. With no qualms about bread, I ordered the Shibuya honey toast with added banana, their most delicious chocolate drink and Earl Grey squash with jelly for Quet. The chocolate drink was delicious. I agree with it being the best. Thick, tasty n not overtly sweet. Then the toast came and we demolished it. The toast was really fluffy and light and crispy and goes wonderfully with the honey and ice cream and bananas. It's like eating a waffle with ice cream and a banana sundae. Excellent. With that we went to look for Quet's Undress shoe shop near Siam Square One area. Using the Goggle Map, we got near there. Saw a Hello Kitty cafe prominently there. We found it without much difficulty and Quet bought 5 pairs ofshoes Iin half an hour. We went to look for another outlet inside Siam Square One too. Then we headed for a massage at Lek, which wasn't as good as the first one. After our 2hrs, we went back to the hotel. Along the way we went into Big C, where I bought some more pork floss love letters cos these were the cheaper brand. The ones I had bought were a pricier brand and I wasn't sure which ones my mom wanted so I bought extra from both. Also found the dehydrated mangosteen. Bought more water and we went back to the hotel.

I still woke up early but since Quet wanted to go pray at the 4faced Buddha, so after some delays where I fell asleep here and there. We headed for breakfast in Macs. Then Quet went to pray and I headed back to dabao more fruit juices and go back to the hotel but the lady was away. I waited almost 10mins but no one came so i went back to the hotel in case Quet came back. Messaged her and on her way back she bought the juices. Then the plan was to stone at the hotel and come out for lunch at the food court in Central World. We rested until noon then walked over. Had the pad thai, a different version from what I had the day before.  Finished that and had a papaya salad. And also mango with glutinous rice with coconut milk drizzled. I had hit all the Thai food I wanted to eat. We were too full for dessert so head back to hotel and bathed then check out late at 2pm.

Then walked back to Central World where I suggest going to the Mr Jones Orphanage which Quet mentioned she had seen but never gone in cos always end up too full. It was a teddy bear nautical theme cafe. I had a strawberry waffle with ice cream, syrup and lots of whipped cream inside. And a pink bubblegum flavored milk. Quet had a blue berry cheese cake and a tea. Had pics with the teddy bears and just whiled away the time.

Then it was time to go to the airport. Reached there without much hassle and checked in the luggage, 11th. I checked in both bags and hand carried a small bag of the pork floss and my bag pack. We ate at a restaurant which was pricier but better than the rest according to Quet. My special noodles reminded me of BaCuoMee, only it's a bit spicy and had luxurious 料 and with a drink, costing like S$15+. That was dinner and we boarded without any problems. Once the plane took off, I fell asleep and woke and we were almost there. Another 45mins more thing.

Arrived in Sg but getting the luggage took quite a while before they appeared. Bought a Lemon cello and a beer. Since it was 10.30pm, took the train back and then at 12am I took a cab from the mrt station. Just to help save a bit overall from buying the alcohol. Bathed and slept.

This Bangkok trip, I revisited some parts that we went to in the first trip. Things have changed a lot since then especially the retail mix, the malls and the cafes. Definitely ate a lot until it's like 3 pax. Did have a small few items for myself. Mainly the Herm soap and my few box of food. The rest are the photos and experiences.

Krav Maga P3 Grading

I didn't have any intention to go for grading when it was first announced that one would be coming. Then I was glad to have restarted KM after the whole migraine incident and sickly period of time. I had just gotten my P2 just about six months.  Including that 5-6 weeks absence, technically less than 6 months. Had no intention to go for any.

Then the main instructor asked me if I would be going for it. Huh? You mean I can go for it? I just got my P2. He said can try to train for it. Just before it, he'll tell if can or cannot. Hence began my more intensive KM sessions. The more senior students also wanted to try for the next level, P4 n P5. So we trained harder than before. Going for 4-5 sessions per week. Staying on an extra half hour after class to practice our level's requirement.

It was good for me that I had learned most of the syllabus with exception of 2 moves. First was high forward roll and second was side headlock on the ground with hands trapped. Those I learned and practiced and fumbled. Then for the high forward roll, I started jumping over and landing in a roll one pad at a time. The senior students gave advice and pointers. Gradually over time with many "aiyos" and backaches, I could jump and roll cleanly over 4 stacked pads. Finally on the Thursday before grading, I tried to do with one small pad extra and could clear it.

Grading coincidentally was on the same day as LKY's state funeral. But mere coincidence cos it was decided 2 plus months ago. I had to buy the gee pants and a black KM shirt as they are grading uniform. I had gotten the side KM legging to sew onto the sides of your own long exercise pants but I don't have one. It was too hot and i bought 3 quarters all these while. So for me, just pay and settle once and for all. So $140 grading fees, $20 t-shirt, $60 for gee pants. $220, a commitment to see it through. I had to buy new contacts, finished my supply, another $172. Pricey. Next time I want the normal ones. Bought 2 bottles of 3litres isotonic drink. Packed my gear and I was about done. Prepared.

I woke up before 6am. Close to 5.45am. Cooked a pack of my chicken breast meat with some cherry tomatoes, butterhead lettuce. Ate that and got ready. I reached the grading venue before 9.30am. There were a few who were earlier. I got ready and went in. In terms of the duration and pace, it was easier than before, except I felt uncomfortable and taxed due to the humidity. It started to rain. And my legs were still a bit sore from the day before and the 4hours sleep left me a bit zombie like as the time wore on. Made it through the rounds of Pl,  with 4 stations. Then continue on with the P2 rounds, not 4 stations but still running through. Then into the P3 rounds. I was feeling the effects and at every break, luckily more breaks than earlier gradings, so I guzzled the isotonic and went to the toilet. Especially once P3 was over except for the pressure drill. Then have to do the pressure drills and multiple assailant drills. Felt tired and lost track of time cos no watch nor clocks. Then it was over.

Or was it? We had to gather around and interlock our arms and we did 50 sit-ups, 50 squats and 20 dive bombers. New fitness requirements in the test. Then took a group photo beforetthe results were announced. Before that, there was a long talk about how if ya fail, have to try, didnt meet the requirements of the level. From P3 onwards it isnt an assured thing to pass. There had been cases of failure. But they only charge one grading fee. So the regrading is free. As the results were announced and it progressed from P1 to P2. The upper Ps were anxious. What if I fail? My light sparring wasn't there. Kinda screw up there. Our self confidence of passing was wavering. Then my name was called for P3. So happy, I lifted both my hands in a cheer. Went forward to get my certificate and a photo with the main instructor. My hands had the familiar trembling but no stitches this time.

Then it went on and in the end one didn't make it. He was my partner just for the P3 part. I had a different partner until P2. Both of us passed P2 and were partners. This time I was surprised he signed up for P3, cos didn't see him much. Even for the intensive revision and training period, he wasn't present as frequent. The other guy down for P3 passed. I had thought only 2 people were down for P3. But he wasn't happy with the result later on. The main instructor called him aside and spoke to him. It was the decisions of the 4 sub-insructors who graded us. Hence we didn't take any high P, group photo, kinda like rubbing in his face.

So we kept our stuff and headed back. Got a ride to the nearest MRT and I made my way to Tab's place. Planned to eat my foot long subway and bathed and watch the remaining part of the state funeral. Can't help tearing up at some parts, when the people cheered as the gun carriage drove past. Later the aches started. As I groaned and moaned as I got up the couch, Tab pitied my state and offered to order in pizza. But I rather go out. So with the idea of eating Chinese style zhi char, we settled on Punggol seafood. Quet drove over and got valet parking, luckily cos the traffic police were up in pairs and all those tio. Her pi-xiu worked again, make her get valet and so avoided the parking tickets.

We weren't intending to eat crab until we saw the picture on the menu. Then all three of us agreed on the crab. But we over ordered. The chilli crab was delicious, with all the roe, eggs,  sauce and eating them with the fried man tous and plain rice. I was mopping up the crab and really enjoying the rice. Mmmm... A kick as version of chilli crab, I wouldn't mind eating again. Then we walked around the pungent settlement area that was more developed with more dining options. Enjoyed the breeze and walked to the small pier. But as it was nearing 10.30pm and my aches had intensified even more, I asked Tab if I could spend the night over? I dread taking public transport home in my current state then. She kindly agreed after informing DF and I borrowed a tshirt for the night. Luckily she had the Counter pain muscle cream and loaned to me. I applied on every part that was hurting and fell asleep almost immediately after Tab retired for the night.

It was very peaceful and dark and I fell into a deep slumber. Woke up around 7 but turned and slept more. By the time I woke and got out, it was 10am plus. Magically my body didn't hurt so much, dull slight aches. Don't underestimate the power of analgesic cream. There was a set of spare keys which I could use to get out of the then empty house. I slowly got ready. Took down my gear which were hanging to dry and packed. I was getting hungry but it wasn't nice to impose too long especially raiding the kitchen etc. So I locked up and threw the keys in, then realised I had forgotten to change out of Tab's tshirt. I had left my own tshirt and bra behind. Quickly msg her. So I went home braless... luckily the third is large and dark colored, very comfy too. I reached the Kent Ridge link and bought 7 triangle onigiriwhich I munched 4 on my way home. Fell in a deep sleep and woke up that nobody ate the 3 remaining onigiri so I ate them as dinner. Think I would stave off that onigiri for a while. Delicious as they were.

Attending LKY's wake on the Sat

It was a somber week for the entire Singapore. As the news of LKY's death spreader on Monday morning. Just into the second week of the holidays, I was up until 3.40am on Sunday morning. When I opened FB on Monday just to see any updates, saw the news. I told my Mom and later my Dad about it. As we watched, Singapore went into national mourning.

I was still focusing and busy with getting ready for grading. Going for extra classes more intensively before my break began, and after the Penang trip, I resumed KM intensively. Later as LKY's wake became a public one, the question was whether I should go? As I am not a Singaporean. But as a PR, having studied and working here, it is undeniable that I had benefitted from the education here. So as I would continued to wonder, I checked with friends as the queues swelled and appeared on the news. My friends hadn't gone yet and were hesitating from the news of 8hours queue. My friends at KM, we also talked and asked each other if anyone had gone. Some went after training ended. But later on, found that they gave up due to the long queue hours and work commitments. I pondered if I could go down by myself but wondered if I would be intruding on Singaporeans.

My friends replied and wanted to brave the Friday queue but were deterred by the news of 8hours queue time. So the plan was to go down to Tanjong Pagar CC, to write and pay respects at the memorial set-up there. I didnt go for the usual KM training on Sat because the next day, Sunday was grading day. A mere coincidence that it was the same day as LKY state funeral. I had gotten my stuff ready and was resting up at home. Then I headed out to go to Tanjong Pagar. Before that my Mom heard the news that the queue was 4hours over the radio. I was early and the first one there. Friends were still at home when I messaged them I had reached. Over WhatsApp chat, they were contemplating going for the wake instead cos the queue time was manageable, 4hours over the news.

I went to City Hall first and waited for them. I wasn't sure if I was joining. Now I was reluctant cos I had mentally prepared for just going to Tanjong Pagar and not for a 4-5h hours queue. Obviously I didn't prepare drinks etc except what I had in my new Shark bag. While waiting for both to come from their homes, I went to check out the llao llao queue, too long and settled for the very short Koi queue. Bought myself a small sized drink and finished it,  then go to the toilet. In my mind, I was still thinking I won't join. Perhaps just meet up then I see them off as they proceed to the queue.

Things changed when they arrived. Kena psycho-ed to going with them. I walked and was still thinking, I'll see them off bit later realised in the Padang holding area, there wasn't anyway out. So liddat, I was in the queue. Huh? The queue started with a walk to the underpass, up the road and winded until the Padang. We were put into sectors and bottled water was provided. With the tented shelter and the fact that it was 5pm plus then and it had drizzled earlier. It felt cooler than what the previous few days had been. So we sat there, like a picnic of sort for an hour? Then we started moving. It went from the Padang, winded and before we know, we were heading along Merlion park, towards the Esplanade and did a big U-turn just before the floating platform and reminded back along the Merlion park, along Fullerton, the Asian Civilisation museum and the final stretch to the security checks and tents. And into the queue that moved into the Parliament House.

Along the way, we talked about many many things including his role in Singapore. To me, it's simple. Look at Singapore and my country Malaysia 50 years later. What had progressed, improved and continued? It was that clear and obvious. While I don't entirely like the way that Sg is becoming such an expensive place in terms of housing, costs, immigration policies etc, we cannot take away the pivotal roles he and his team had played. So whatever the shortcomings, they did it in that uncertain era. Look at where Malaysia is after all these years.  It's an undeniable fact of the matter.

So the mood saddened as the queue moved to the Parliament house. I chose not to take any pics or selfies either for remembrance or posting on Fb. It's supposed to be sad, pictures are not proper in my books, in a more traditional Chinese sense of mourning and attending a funeral wake. I was appalled when my KM friend showed me how some were posing in pics at the queue just to gather likes. Really OMFG to those. I did tear up inside bit luckily I didn't go into full tear-nonstop mode. It's uncontrollable if it had bit it didn't. I walked to the middle, where the coffin and pic was. Though there were people in front of me,  I didn't go up to the front to try to look inside the open casket like some did. I overheard some talking if they had seen the face. Huh, come on... I stood looking at the pic and did a deep bow and then left. Thanking him for my education and life here. Then we joined up and went out through another queue, out another entrance.

It was a somber mood and we headed to the Esplanade to eat our late dinner, about 10.30pm, after a 5.5hours queue. My calves were numbing up as we had our dinner. I was famished and had an entire pasta and a beer, shared a pizza and a tiramisu. Quet gave us aride home and I reached home and got ready for grading. My calves were numbing up and actually started to have sharp aches. I quickly massaged them, put on the analsalgic cream and lied down with a pillow holding up my legs. Later perhaps with too much stuff in my head, keeping me awake. I slept rather late, 2am-ish. I had to wake up at 5.50am to get ready for grading at 9.30am, held at the Silat federation at Bedok... It's due to having to eat a filling breakfast and the travelling, that I had to wake up so early.

Another story for another entry.

Penang trip

N Now I am at about the halfway mark of the Spring vacation. This has been a most fruitfulness and eventful break thus far. I will post separately the events thus far - Penang trip,  LKY paying respect and P3 grading.

PENANG TRIP: 17th Mar - 19th Mar

It was a short 3D2N trip to Penang. My travel companion is Tab,  during her March holidays which mine overlaps. With her husband's approval and assurance of her safety (cos now I know KM,  and her plan was to push me in front of harm's way and run off) I set about planning some aspects of the trip. It was also my first time so I had to rely on my Mom's and sister's input about what they did in their group tour,  online search for information and blogs, some trip advisor and Google map to scope out the location of the hotel and sights.

The hotel I chose was one of the list of Heritage hotels, 4 stars. Within walkable distance to the Unesco zone. Tab was ok with the price, S$185 per night (peak rate cos later I checked in April is only S $102) Reading the reviews, I requested a higher floor with a nice view. Our room had a balcony that looked inwards to the small garden/courtyard, a jacuzzi, a good shower with sprinklers, very nice Peranakan and vintage Chinese furniture; the cupboards, table, bed frame, TV shelf,  dividers, windows with stained glass & also modern aspects like 4 art pieces hanging on the walls, a funky sofa and a funky side chair. I liked the wooden stool placed just outside the shower. Also booked a day tour 7hours to visit some of the sights that were beyond walking distances from an online website. RM $180 per pax. Flight was S$185, a combination of Tiger Air going and JetStar coming back. To get the best possible timing. Arrive by 9am plus and return by 9pm. Still can have time to eat and go home by public transport. The only downside was I had to wake very early to get to the airport. About 5am timing. Never mind, I can do it if I must.

Day 1:
Tab offered to let me stay over so I could save on cabfare plus more insane hours of waking. So after my last day of work on Monday, I went home, changed and showered and brought my bags over to her place for the night. We met up and had a filling dinner of oyster omelette, and sambal stingray and later sotong. Then I followed them home and we did some research of cafes and restaurants near our hotel and within walking distance and map out a rough itenary. Then I slept with alarm clock set at 5am. Woke up before my alarm at 5am. Got up and bathed. Then Tab came out of her room. Apparently she woke up at 4am and couldn't sleep. We were ready by 5.30am and made our way downstairs to call for a cab. At the airport, we checked in and went into departure then looked for breakfast. Mine was typical sg breakfast which I rarely had a chance to eat; kaya toast, 2 soft-boiled eggs, kopi-o set. Lab's was surprisingly wanton noodles with tea. More like my usual style where I prefer savory over sweet stuff for breakfast.

We arrived after a quick flight, on paper is 1.5hours but was slightly shorter. Quite nice cos it can be a bit uncomfortable being in the aircraft due to pressure, the air etc. Woo... the Penang international airport was quite nice, looks new but still not to the scale of Sg and Bangkok. We got out and went to a counter where everyone was queuing. You pay a fixed price for taxis depending on the area. Ours was RM$44.20. Then joined a very fast moving taxi queue and hopped on. Reached the hotel way before noon. Check in was 3pm so dropped our luggage and walked across the road to this Nasi Kandar place that serves Indian Muslim style zharcaipeng and Roti canai. Tab had nasi kandar which had generous amount of food and they take a bit of every curry gravy and sprinkled over the rice, so it's a delicious plate of different curry flavors. I had roti canai which was chewy and doughy fluffy and has a nice flavor even plain. The curry was very flavorful and had bits of meat and beans/lentils. The Bru coffee ice was superb. (Bru is an Indian coffee, taste very smooth, yet strong especially made by Indian Muslim drinkstall is very good, rare in Sg)

With a refuelled stomach, we set out to find the Camera museum that Tab requested to go. Along the way, discovered a metal-grill "graffiti art" and we chose to use the graffiti art based map to navigate. It also helped to do the collect-them-all to try to find them and take photos. We walked past a clan house, it has some altar but I didn't go in. Just posed outside. Reason being if you don't know the procedures, later do wrong also not nice and since it's a clan house, not a full temple. Rather not. We walked past shop-houses; residential, shops, workshops and even B&B and more until we were greeted with a huge ass camera. First floor there were panels with information, places to take photos, a photographer shoot service, shop selling memorabilia and a cafe. The admission was RM$20 and we walked upstairs. There was no guide cos only at certain timing. We entertained ourselves as evident by our photos. By then Tab had suggested she'll take all the pics and I'll get get from her later. I agreed cos my note2 battery life is really very bad nowadays and the camera resolution also not there. There were interesting stuff and i learned about things I didn't know before - most expensive camera, first form of hand drawn'photos', spy cameras etc. We ended in the cafe to use the toilet and to use the discount coupon given with admission. It was there, where the start of my 黄金 luck. Bleah, llucky I wasn't eating. Reminded Tab to hydrate herself and drink Isotonic drinks regularly, cos of her earlier fainting the week before. So she had that while I drank hot tea and later an isotonic drink.

Our next stop was the Blue Mansion. We left the Camera museum and retraced our steps. Actually went into a cat cafe next door but nothing catches the eye. Tab chose not to go upstairs to the cat cafe. We made our way and saw another metal grill artwork which a pose stuck me and I asked Tab to help me take a pic. I think what Tab said about how the Japanese habit has rubbed off on me is true. I am doing more funny pics with different poses instead of just a v-sign. Hmm... Anyway the guided tour would only start at 1.45pm and we were early n it wasn't open so we had to shelter and stone somewhere.  Let Tab choose between a modern cafe or a local coffee shop.  She chose the latter and we settled in one which really reminds me and is typical of Malaysian Chinese coffee shop.  I ordered a lime juice ice due to the hot sweltering heat and sun. It was so nice and only RM$2.50. We saw the locals go about and buy and dabao food. The char siew and chicken rice stall caught both our attention. It had constant customers and keep hearing the chopping of meat oon the chopping board. So I asked Tab if she wanted some, just order a plate of mixed meat to share. She was agreeable. We ate the plate of meat (has a hardy feel to the meat, not the refined type in sg but more the traditional style in malaysia) Delicious, I would love to eat more. Had another apple juice RM$2 and soon it was time to make our way back to the Blue Mansion.

We paid and entered. The courtyard was impressive and I liked the greenery hence asked to have a few pics though I was under the umbrella all this while. The house looks very Peranakan, from the furniture. Reminded of Malacca. The female guide gave explanations in English to the group, unsurprisingly all foreigners. She drew attention to the wall finishes, ventilation shaft designs and the furniture. To me it was partly disappointing that the Peranakan and quite a bit of the stuff you find such as the bed, the rickshaws, the furniture were actually donated to the Blue House and had no significance to the place except so and so filmed something and donated this and that. So the Peranakan feel was not related to the original place. Still the story of the symmetrical design, back of the house taller than the front were interesting. The 剪粘 skill to restore the tiles on the roof restoration technique. It was hot and the air felt hot, some parts about the family wasn't interesting t9 me but then again, the man had 8 wives. How did he manage...? It was still disappointing to know that the reason why it's blue is arbitrary, cos they wanted it to stand out. Originally it was white. So for me, it had a very artificial feel. Still it was an experience.

We made our way back to the hotel, bought some water and checked-in to the room. Woah. I felt it was worth the money. Relaxed a while and I bathed before we headed out to look for dinner. Noticed some small red ants about near our facial towels but noted due to the garden, kinda inevitable. So I forewarned Tab about it cos she had her traumatic ant nest experience. I joked and told her not to use the napkin towels and check before using the bath towels in case "kena ants on your CB..." which luckily the ants were contented to be at just the facial towels. But this became a bad joke every time we go bathe. For dinner, based on earlier research, we would check out this place called Kebaya which had good reviews. I had enough of jeans and chose to wear my beach guystyle berms. We walked and down the street we were walking, there was nothing open. It seemed like a fashion, textile street based on the shop names. We decided if later we are walking back, would avoid this street cos most are closed and it would be dark then. We crossed to another parallel street which was alive with street hawkers and was tempting. But we persisted. Tab walked in front, navigate. I followed behind, so can keep an eye on her and also block and keep an eye for any motorcycles or vehicles. Grateful Penang is relatively safe in the end but kept this up the whole time. We reached Kenya after a slight mistake and found another grill-art. We walked in and the madame with silver hair and dressed in the proper kebaya, asked us if we had a reservation, nope. Then asked us to look at the set menu (with prices stated RM$110++) to see if we were okay with things. Tab turned around and asked me how. I saw the price but decided since we came all the way, try it out. Not like it's S$150, if it was that, I would have told Tab to find me after she's done at the street hawkers we walked past earlier. We were led to our seats and the place looked very classy. I thought about my berms but reminded that it's about what's in my wallet than my berms. It also helped that it was near empty then. Only another table with 3 Caucasians in berms too. So I did feel ok. But looking at the menu was another thing though. You choose a starter, a meat, a veg and a dessert. I had problems choosing partly cos reading slowly through the description of the dishes cos I felt the fatigue and mentally couldn't process. Partly cos the description and name of the dish tells me that it is a familiar food eg Tang Yuan, which I didn't want to even consider cos I did pay a premium so I would want something more unusual and unique. My selection was Miang Kham of Salmon roe, Hong Bak Lamb, Chau chye and Pana cotta based on reading the description. Tab chose Pai Tee,  Organic Roast pork, Nonya Tempura veg and Gula Melaka Mousse. I was telling Tab for the price we had to pay, those dishes mostly familiar food had better be F**king delicious. So when our starters came, very nicely presented in threes. I was to be the guinea pig and try first. I took one of Tab's pie tee and took a bite and chewed. It tasted good, besides the additional ingredients compared to a normal pie tee, there was extra crunch from the crispy skin, the ingredients. So it was an atas, upgraded version. Mine reminded me of nonya cooking cos of the roasted coconut and it had a lot of flavors and textures from the roasted mini shrimps, roasted peanuts, salmon roe, sweet plum sauce with the mild bitterness of the betal leaves. First time eating betal leaves. With those starters, we were assured that our food should taste good. Live music was played by a duo, one on the piano and the other girl on thr violin. Added to the ambience but the musoc was very pleasant and didnt hinder conversation. The restaurant started filling up with foreigners, mainly Caucasians, some dressed to the T. Then we got some rice scooped for us along with the vegetable. Tab's tempura veg was very crispy yet light. Had my first tempura baby corn and even tempura green peas. Imagine that. My 炒菜 was similar veg but stir-fried in a very savory sauce. It was a heavier flavor. Then Tab's roasted pork aka 烧肉 was a very crispy skin and you can taste the quality of the meat but not a big wow. My supposed 红烧 lamb came in thick dark brown sauce that upon first taste immediately reminded me of Chinese 粽子 immediately. I wondered if it was five spice, chestnut or nutmeg? But the meat was tender, no lamb smell at all and very sweet. Mindf**k. All challenged my idea of lamb shank. A lot of meat and ate more rice to help diffuse the sweetness. Lastly was our dessert. My pana cotta was so refined and so soft in the mouth and the two light flavors fused harmoniously.Every bbite is different as Tab would aptly put it. They had bit of candied roasted pischatoes and a center in the dessert that every bite is different as you eat with different things. Tab's gala melaka mousse was an intense fragrant but not overtly sweet one. After I tried one bit, I couldn't taste back my own cos mine was light but hers was intense. Had to drink more sips of water to clear my tongue before I continued eating my pana cotta. The best version of pana cotta in my life. Tab loved her dessert too. By the time we were done and paid RM$128.30, we talked about how to get back to our hotel and decided on asking Kebaya staff as they were part of a hotel - Seven Terraces to get us a cab. So the silver haired madame obliged and we waited near the entrance, piano and we sat at the chairs and listened to the music until the cab arrived. It costs RM$12 to go to our hotel which we gladly paid. On the way back, we saw that the street hawker street (Lebruh Chulia) was lit up and ran mostly until our hotel. A useful information to note.

Back in the hotel room, took a nice bath and decided to try out the jacuzzi. It took a while to fill the tub but I had a good 10-15mins soak before I got too bored. The bonus was one of the two pillows was super soft. The double pillows was of a good comfortable height to sleep. Tab fell asleep first and I left the toilet lights and one light on. Later on when I woke due to the cold air con,  turned up higher and switched off the lights.

Day 2
Slept until I woke up at 6am, so went to the toilet and brushed teeth etc. Checking out the map and wifi to use google map so we can avoid detours to head to the Unesco part, Khoo Konsi. Also hit that duck egg fried char kway tiao we had googled initially.The sun hadnt rose yet. Washed up and took my water and glass to sit at the balcony. Slowly the sun rose and could smell the fumes of cooking. Killed 3 mosquitoes while sitting outside. Tab woke up but later snoozed until 9am. Only when she woke then I switched on TV. We.had until 2pm to explore that, settle breakfast and lunch before our day tour, which would take us until evening. The good thing being up this early was we had more time to explore. First we fed our stomach at the Nasi Kandar coffee shop right opposite our hotel. This time both of us had egg roti canal and I had Bru coffee ice again. With that in the system, this time I put on my newly bought safari hat and lots of sun block on my nose. We walked along the path I plotted on the map towards Lebruh Kimberly, another long parallel street towards firstly the duck egg char kway tiao and Khoo Konsi, a clan house, a must-see sight. The street was more interesting with various retail mix. We had an initial mis-orientation but retraced our steps. Did see the real side of Penang. Very old school barbers,  newspaper stand, homes, shop lots etc. As like what Tab said, 4 stages of development in one pic.  First we reached a traffic junction with the police complex. We crossed over and saw on the opposite side, a sort of open air wet market and jay-walked over. Didn't occur to me then but jay-walking in front of a police complex wasn't the smartest thing to do. Anyway we saw an interesting shop. An old man was making popiah skin the traditional way; hot iron plates, holding a big ball of dough, he smashed and coat the surface with his dough in one movement and lifts the dough off in one move and a very thin layer is left on the plate which is cooked by the fire and his maid helper scrapes off the completed popiah skin with a spatula. All these happen within 20-30s. A crowd of tourists had formed about to watch, take photos and buy from them. I saw they sold the popiah skin, a soft traditional peanut candy in a box, you can pay to get it wrapped in the popiah skin, and another malted peanut candy that is hard. I bought a box of the soft one,  remembering how my dad like this soft peanut candy. Lined up and waited for my turn. Also bought one wrapped in popish skin RM$1.20,  plain is RM$1. And one of the hard peanut malt candy RM$1. Broke the popiah one into half and shared with Tab who was taking photos. She said it was nice cos the popiah skin had a slight saltiness against the sweet soft crumbly peanut candy. She bought a box too. With that, put into my bag pack,  we walked down the small lane to look at the rest of the wet market. Can see fresh fish and veg. Then we retraced our steps and walked a bit more to the Kimberly and walked a straight path. So really different things,  and noticeable were the street hawkers and more traditional coffee shops. Saw some interesting things and asked Tab to take a photo while I posed. Including a monkey king, coffee, tea or me. Found more grill-art. Like the street we walked had a hawker-street history. Then we reached the intersection and suddenly it became like joss sticks, 金纸 and even a shop with coffins. Another grill-art mentioned it had a paper, joss stick history. We found the traditional style coffee shop and shared one plate of the duck egg char kway tiao. I had another juice cos of the weather. The kway tiao was light in color and very fragrant. Got the 'wok hei' as my mom said before, which is they fry in wok at high heat enough that the kwaytiao has the fragrance from the heat. The duck egg was light and the bean sprouts crispy. If all kwaytiao were this light and non-oily, I would eat it everyday. Then I had to go to the loo cos of efficient plumbing. Luckily no 金 but the loo was dark. As long as it's clean.

Then we headed off and reached Canon street where according to the grill-art, a Canonhad been fired hence the name. We went into a cat theme shop and came out empty-handed. I bought a small key chain for myself. Just beside it was an Owl theme shop and inside had so much more interesting things. Bought stuff for my mom and sisters. Cost about RM$72 but I had bought 10 small items. Put into bag and by then Tab found Khoo Konsi. We walked over and had to pay admission RM$10. Saw a penny mint and Tab had to get one.  Then we went in and there were several buildings that made up the entire compound. The main being the clan shrine and the opera stage. The rest are like residential and administrative office. We headed to the loo where I saw a huge pile of 金 in a cubicle that I was completely disgusted cos earlier the day b4, in the Camera museum they had two toilet stall right next to each other. Thinking it was unisex, I went into one which turned out to be guys and saw a small piece of 金 that wouldn't flush and was appalled thinking that guys toilet cannot make it but now in the female toilet with a huge pile,  I changed my opinion and think instead females cannot make it. Walao, luckily I had already eaten earlier. Left and went inside the shrine which was nicely air conditioned and had many panels and displays to read up on, explaining the main clans, the various clan shrines and temples, as well as elements of Khoo Konsi itself. We then headed up to the main hall, and the two side halls. To me, it strongly reminds me of what I had experienced in mar ad a child. Elements of the altar with Dua Peh Gong, the whole 八仙 etc. So the two side halls honored the ancestors but with name boards of the name,  occupation and university education. The clan appeared to be well off, evident from the degrees from overseas and the type of occupation like lawyers, doctors. When we had finished, we walked back out and I bought a old-school syrup icicle and happily sucked on it to combat the heat. It was getting hot and we walked around a bit more. I saw a bubble tea and went straight for it while Tab was just beside taking pics of the painted graffiti. I had a passion fruit tea that was refreshing. I told Tab I was fueled by the cold drinks under this heat and sun. We walked along and found the bicycle graffiti. Then I spotted a chendol stall along the corridor. We got out of the heat and I ordered a chendol to share RM$3.30. To me, it felt light yet satisfying. Generous amount of 料 and the coconut milk and shaved ice were in good proportion. Enough gula melaka too. Damn happy to eat something cold. Too bad I couldn't try the ice kachang cos I had quite a bit of cold stuff and it seemed a lot. Found another grill-art made on the grills used to lock up that corridor. We headed back along the same way but on the opposite side of the street, my suggestion just so might see different things. We walked into another type of chinese coffee shop that is typical in Malaysia, higher ceilings type, 2 units. Like Malaysia version of a smaller hawker. I had Hobkirk style porridge with your own selection of dishes which all reminded me of home-cooking, especially my grandma's cooking. So reminiscent. So sorely missed until I ate the first mouthful. Yummy! So grateful we ate at there at the unassuming looking place. Walked on back and bought some local produce from one of the 饼店 we happened to see. Penang's local produce are nutmeg and 豆沙饼. I bought a small box, 2 box dried nutmeg, 1 box wet nutmeg and 1 pack 耳朵饼 for sister. Tab bought some and I stuffed into my bag which became full and resembled a turtle shell. The we returned to the hotel.

The concierge called and told us our guide had arrived. So we met the guy (I forgot his name 1 min after he said it) and according to itenary booked, go Khoo Konsi... erm which I said we just went. Ops! The Goddess of Mercy temple, huh is the small one close to Kebaya, how about the big one, huh different name. Thought there's only one. Erm no Burmese and Thai temples. Eh, this tour like all nearby leh. Never mind he said, can change.  So I told him about the plans to see the 3 temples and also the snake temple. So he was flexible, came up with a quick change and we zoom off. He did want us to try a sort of like Imagine museum but it had crowds that over split outside. So he drove us to near the Thai and Burmese temples, a pewter shop. I used the toilet after we watched a short demonstration on how the pewter is cast. Took a mere minute for it to cool and come out. But it was too overpriced. Just a key chain with an alphabet or a letter cost RM$68. My 'Y' key chain, exactly the same, bought from Redang those years ago was about RM$20. We left without buying. Nothing much. Arrived at the temples and we left the car to explore.

The Thai temple reminded me of Dol Step in Chiang Mai cos of similar features and style, such as the Naga and elements. Inside was a very big reclining Buddha. I just prayed and put in a donation, didn't intend to light any candles nor joss sticks. Did try out the fortune telling machine. You insert a 50cent coin and the light turns and once it stops, you take the number lot from a box on the right. Hmm I got to work... Walked one round looking at the various Buddhas. There was one for every zodiac, one for every wish like this one is for health, this one is for studies. I told Tab that the one that appealed to me was the one with mention of wealth, property and even afterlife but where got you just worship this one to get a free-entry to everything. So despite its definite appeal, I only put another donation in Goddess of Mercy cos she is my patron buddha. I found all these a bit too "commercial" for my liking. Outside the main temple, there was a 4-faced buddha but I didnt go. Instead asked Tab to help me take a Naga shot, then we walked over to the Burmese one.

The Burmese main temple has a standing Buddha. The unique aspect was the intricate wood carvings that adorned the pillars, lined and spanned the inner roof. Very burmese indeed. We used to have a Burmese family friend and when invited over to their place, could  see their burmese wood furniture's with similar style carvings. Nostalgic when I gazed upon the wood carvings. There were many parts to the Burmese temple compound but what struck me again was the "commercial" part where there were Buddha statues and others with name plates of donors placed either under or behind these. Like 'buy a spot' thingy. I do know that temples rely on donations but it is new to see so many parts, including an entire pagoda that housed donations... Still it was an eye-opener. A huge pond with gigantic, super big-ass fish living inside. I was reminded of fish sashimi, fish fillets. Not exactly the right thoughts to have while in a holy place hence I am not burning joss sticks. Sure kena burn for having such thoughts. Tab didnt go along the big ass water enclosute but I did and tio my socked feet burned as l ended on the other exit and had to scurry over hot burning concrete from the afternoon sun to where my shoes were at the initial exit. Then outside a pond with the revolving pots which I missed twice, aiming for the Prosperity pot. Guess it's a sign. Then the pagoda that had a lift inside. Wow, first time. Even the lift was donated. Went up to the top and it wasn't fully and completely furnished. But had a nice view of the surrounding. Tab and I had our socked feet burn from having to take off our shoes. So walking on the outside of the pagoda kinda burned. We were shuffling and kept saying "sio sio" until ewe saw a narrow shadow from a the ledge that was wide enough for our feet if we did a duck shuffle. Hence we side-waddled and even took a picture. Laughing, we made our way down the levels and realised the entire ccollection if things were like sponsored to fill up the pagoda. Not very religious feel. There was a side temple complex that had a burmese monk inside but I didn't want to go in. So with a toilet break in a no-金 toilet, we were on our way.

A side track to Coffee Tree, a famous Penang brand (plus definitely pay these guides) but it's ok. It sold Coffee,  Chocolate, Tea and Honey. I recognised the packaging when we wentinside. So here's where my sister bought me that Tiramisu coffee but it's expensive, RM$42 for a bag. I tried their numerous coffee but nothing appealed. Then walked to the chocolate section and their various Chocolate drinks. Some sounded promising like honey chocolate, caramel chocolate but the taste wasn't there. In the end, I bought the Mint chocolate which tasted the best of those I tried. Then we walked on to the Tea part, trying various tea to clear the palate and found the Pu-er tasted the best. Tab bought one. But the Honey was super expensive, RM$128 easily and above. With that we each got one item and hopped on the car. Next was a stained glass work company. Apparently they win design awards for doing interior decoration with their panels of modern stained glass and funky designer stuff made from glass bottles etc. Had a short explanation about their company but when we saw the prices, supremely overpriced. For example using a single glass bottle,melt it into a funky shape with some design painted on or plain is RM$50, a tray made from 3 melted bottles is RM$200. A small necklace with a small piece of stained glass which the person can write and paint to personalise is RM$22. There were nice stuff you don't see in sg, such as the designer stained glass clocks, gigantic stained glass panels for your shower or even showpiece and the life-like glass jellyfish. Extremely pricey and I don't have a house to decorate. So we looked some and left.

With that, we went on to 极乐寺 the temple with the tallest Goddess of Mercy statue. So we were dropped off with instructions for a missed call when we were done. We headed to the main where the Trinity were. As per what my mom and sister told me. I asked which one of the donation box is for this temple, prayed and drop the donation. Then we wondered how to get to the statue and after walking up a flight of 50+ stairs to a dead end, we walked down and headed to another inner side. Walking along this compound with more steps and wondered why we didn't walk the inclined slope on the other side. Then I noticed a sign that read the temple close strictly at 6pm. It was 5.10pm. So we rushed, following the signs, to take the inclined lift which apparently closes at 5.30pm. We reached the elevator and paid for a one-way ticket up. At 5.18pm, we were the only jokers still going up. Waited a while and the elevator came down filled with people. We were the only ones in the final ride up, like some private elevator. Had our 'enlightenment' photo shot and we arrived very shortly. The statue is under restorative work hence the shrine built below the statue was closed but can still take pictures from around. I went off to the loo, glad no more 金 thus far. Took photos then we had to make our own way down via the road that some cars drove up. Still saw people driving up cos by then the elevator closed. It was steeply inclined and we made it back to the main temple which was closed. Though there were other parts of the temple we didn't manage to go, at least saw the main and the statue without having to climb up the  hill.

Got the driver and we were off to dinner. Snake temple wasn't possible cos temples close by 6pm. He asked what we had in mind, I wanted to eat Penang Laksa so he drove us to the one he just ate. It's style is a bit different. It had a slice of whole fish fillet (small makeral) RM$4. Okay plus he said the night market was near to it. Ok. I enjoyed the assam laksa a lot. The fish fillet is soft and their own-made fishcake is soft not flavorful. Love the crunch of the vege and I finished the soup. If not for the night market, I wouldn't mind one more bowl. Carrot juice was good. Walked over with the guide to the open air local night market. Similar to the one Quetzal, Tab and I went to in Malacca. As the sun sets, we walked around. This one seemed bigger. It was on a large open field. When we first walked, many were setting up. As we walked from the bigger circle of food to the inner circle of goods and back, more stalls appear and more stuff. We walked around 4-5 times during which I devored a fried drum stick that was well marinated and battered. Reminded of something we had in the malacca night market. The 超大鸡扒 loses to its flavor. Tab bought a enoki tempura with mayo. Had a refreshing drink of passion fruit. Then   I bought a cheese potato ball with everything. Tab had 鸡扒. Ate until super full then Tab queued for sugarcane juice which despite being small, was very satisfying because they used shaved ice and the flavor was very intense. Tab still had room for Tau hway. I was at my limit. We got the driver after some initial miscom of the meeting place but got back quickly. Being too full, I asked Tab if we could forgo our initial plan of going to Mugshot cafe along Chulia street after the tour. We were too full for anymore food. She agreed so we were dropped off at the hotel. Have him a RM$10 tip cos he had allowed us the flexibility of changing the initial itenary and also when we asked questions, he answered. Plus I asked about the airport transfer with a short half hour stopover at the Snake Temple which he said was very close to the airport. He quoted RM$50, I asked him to confirm. He said he would message back after checking with his boss and if he couldn't take the job, he'll arrange another driver.

Bought some more drinks from the Nasi Kandar place, like my 7-11 stall for drinks. Bathed and climbed into bed after transferring photos from Tab. This time switched off all lights and fell in a deep sleep.

Day 3
I woke early still but chose to snooze a bit until there's light then got up. Tab woke shortly after and we just changed and headed out for breakfast. Tab wanted to try this Muslim street hawker she saw from the taxi land again when we made a wrong detour on Day 2. I didn't mind so we had roti canai with a chicken drumstick, a pricey RM$15.40 which we realised at least he charged the same for another Malay guy who ordered the same. Had a Koti Bakhar RM$6 which is buttered grilled toast with 80% cooked eggs on top. If they had hollandaise sauce, it'll be a winner. Then I had teh trail cos no Bru. Saw the pandan leaf wrapped nasi lemak and bought one and once again amazed Tab with my appetite.

Then we walked around and stumbled across another Camera museum. It wasn't open until  11am. We had 1.5 hours to kill which Tab said would be better we walked around then stone somewhere instead of going back to hotel to nuah then come out. Too short. Ok so walked about and came upon Komtar the mall but everything was closed. We did walk inside to peep. Then walked the streets and found ourselves in the Hawker street. So we went into another local coffee shop which was closing by the time we reached it yesterday. This one aactually had a name board inside,  "Eighty six degrees cafe". I ordered an ambla juice to satisfy my curiosity and it tasted exactly like star fruit, which Tab also agreed. Another mindf**k. Has another carrot juice while whiling away the time. Then it was time. 10.45am, we retraced our steps back to the Camera museum II. It was open, another RM$20 but with a young guide who gave us a very detailed explanation of their exhibits in Mandarin. Not much hands-on but more depth of knowledge and explanation. Learned more about camera history and revisited the most expensive cameras and spy cameras. The good was I could ask questions which were immediately answered and the explanation was a chronological order of the development of cameras. They had a photo studio recreation and that brought back memories,  plus photoshop with pencils. Also a detailed explanation of the dark room procedures, and the concept of 'positive' and 'negative', aspects of film and projectors. The final being a room with the canon camera compl er rely disassembled, framed up, the camera family tree. It was much more informative than the first Camera museum. Received an sms about ok with the airport transfer plus stopover at Snake Temple as agreed but different driver. Sms back, ok. By 11.40, we rushed back to the hotel. We reached close to 12pm. I confirmed with the concierge about the request for late check out at 1pm but the lady said hopefully we can check out by 12.30pm. I said ok but we needed a set of toiletries cos it ran out.  So we went back to the room, started packing. As I reached for the bag of 饼 which I had left on the writing table,  I saw ants and told Tab, I settle and brought it outside to the balcony table. Open up the 2 bags. Mine was affected, Tab's wasn't. I opened up most of the packaging. Most just threw away the box but the tau sa piah,  one of the 4 packs had ants inside. They didn't seal the sides completely for that one pack. So I took the other 3 and left that one behind. "My rent to the ants", I joked. Then packed up everything while the toiletries finally arrived and Tab showered. After that I had a quick shower and we were done. Checked out and dropped our luggage. Told the conciergewe had aranged an airport transfer so if he comes, we'll be next door at the Nasi Kandar eating lunch. The agreed timing was about 1.30pm. So I had nasi kinda, choosing fish that was absolutely delicious. Just a hardboiled egg and a cucumber salad. But the curry was so flavorful, I totally enjoyed eating the whole plate of rice. My last Bru coffee ice. Tab had Magee goreng which she said was too salty.

We crossed over with about 10 minutes to spare. The driver was seated at the lobby. We hopped on and headed to the Snake Temple. Along the way, I asked this guide about property prices as I had asked the first guide. The figures differed though. But learned about the higher interest rates, minimum RM$2 million for Singaporeans. Ranges from above RM$450k, easily into the RM$600K range is more normal... hmm something with my current salary, think can manage... KIV. Also asked more questions about like do Singaporeans come over to eat fruits, they do, for durians and mangosteen. Hmm... we arrived at the Snake Temple rather quickly with lots of my questions answered. My mom and sister told me how they went to the Snake temple but chose to stand outside while the rest entered cos my mom had a phobia of snakes. I went in with Tab behind. At the main hall, I just prayed and put in a donation, and a lady rang the bell for that. Same for Tab's donation. We were careful but no snakes yet. Walked to the side and saw a couple of cagesfor ppythons. The helper there is very smooth and fast talker. I wasn't sure about getting a python wrapped around me and before I knew, with only a moment to shiver, a python was draped around my neck and took a pic. Then added a de-venomed green snake over my head and flashed went the camera. Paid RM$20 for 2 pics. Okay, think of it as extra donation. But that was quick and then they were off. But I realised how soft the python's scales were to the touch. Contrary to popular belief of being slimy. It's soft, smooth and slightly warm. Wow, very pleasant to touch. Just that initial jolt of primal fear. Hmm... snakes are misunderstood creatures. Had to wait 5mins for the photos to develop so walked the inner garden. I asked the guy where were the snakes and he told us up in the trees and in the room we were in, some were curled up over the top displays where they had some artificial branches mounted. Those green ones weren't de-venomed. So with Tab sheltered under my umbrella, we walked through the garden, taking care not to go under any branches. There's a Guan Yin altar, did a quick prayer then move on. There were a cluster of trees that had a gate wall surrounding them and had some light water sprinklers so it's relatively cooler than the rest of the garden. We saw 2 green snakes coiled up on the branches. Think this is a precaution to ensure the snakes go to the cooler area instead of elsewhere. Then we reached a sheltered part where I had to walk in front, checking the ceiling for hanging snakes. None, then Tab walked... The guide appeared and told us there is a small snake breeding area. Paid RM$5 to go in. There were a number of different species of snakes in glass enclosure. Interestingly most were half submerged in their water bowl, guess due to the heat. In the centre was a big fenced zinc roofed enclosure. Inside were 3 huge pythons including the resident long time python that is 17 foot. According to the guide, the big python was caught elsewhere and the people wanted to kill it to eat but someone bought it over and brought it to this temple to rear. It became very big, very thick,  its width was thicker than my carrot thighs. It became the main attraction of the temple, 镇山法宝 and that day it moved about the enclosure nstead of just lying curled up still so we could see how long it was. Then we looked at the King cobra and rattle snakes, having seen numerous documentaries of venomous snakes, the guide was hitting the glass to entice them to flare up. I wouldn't do that. Partly cos they really aren't aggressive until threatened. Just the reputation and their venom are feared. They didn't respond. At the last few enclosures, where King snakes are kept, I saw one white one up and moving about instead of laying still. So instead of knocking the glass, I used my left hand to move about, like a snake *watched too much Snake fist kungfu* and after some moves, the albino snake followed and reared up. It didn't attack but moved. So cute!  I wanted  to bring it home as a pet. Later I researched about King snakes, they aren't poisonous and can be kept as a pet but not in Sg. As Tab had reminded, like how 小白 would disappear from its tank and went to the neighbour's, bringing sounds of scream from the aunties. Sigh... With a happy yet sad heart, left the Snake Temple. They also kept other animals like a car, goose, duck, iguana,  not as food for the snakes but for visitors to pay to feed them. So it's good. With that we left for the airport. Asked the guide How the Snake temple came about. According to him, in the hilly area where the temple was built, snakes lived and came over from the back mountains but didn't bite.  Then a sort of co-existence came about. But there are fewer snakes than before due to development. A pity but it's good the snakes have the temple area. But most of the snakes are reared. We arrived and paid the guide the negotiated price, plus a small tip of RM$5 for his time. Had an unexpected good time.

We were early and ate at KFC before we checked-in and went inside. At the airport, I managed to buy a I ♡ Penang shirt. Exactly what I wanted but didn't have time to grab one. Plus bought a Magnum ice cream for RM$4+ which I told Tab was a huge bargain. So seeing me eating happily, she was tempted and went to buy one too. So we were eating Magnums happily while waiting for our budget flight. It was a comfortable wait. Just look at pics taken and transfer via the wifi. Then boarding and soon we were back in Sg, to my dismay but good for my wallet, any travel into Malaysia is not entitled to duty-free. Duh but no worries, I'll try for Bangkok trip. DF came to fetch Tab and we ate a filling dinner at Saboten, which I realised Ma Maison does an even better cutlet after that one dinner with Cyn. Then I took the sky train to T3 to get to the mrt. Saw the Lotr display and just took a selfie with the hobbiton sign then went home. Reached home, unpacked and bathed and knocked out.

Really a very good trip. Saw many sights. Went many places. Ate a lot of different food. Loved the Bru coffee and cheap fruit juices. Later I found out our trip had more stuff than my mom and sisters' cos theirs was a road trip. Glad for how it turned out. I won't mind going again to cover lots more that we didn't see. Took until Sunday, then my soul flew back to Sg though bodily I was back on Thursday evening.

I ♡ Penang!