tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26958853418568380102024-03-07T13:51:57.829+08:00Take Me To La La LandUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-21175123301279996482014-09-02T15:17:00.000+08:002014-09-02T15:41:31.923+08:00Manly Ferry Ride<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of our most memorable things that we do in Sydney was our travel to Manly Island. To me, this is the highlight of the trip. We took the ferry to Manly island. There are a number of types of ferry to go to Manly Island. Among it is the Manly Fast Ferry (Circular Quay, No. 6 Wharf) which will take 20 minutes to reach Manly and the Sydney Ferry (Circular Quay, No. 3 Wharf) which will take 30 mins. Not much difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because we were using the My Multi Pass 3, we didnt know how much it costed to go to Manly Island. On a side note, it was not worth to buy the 61AUD MyMulti3 for us as we didnt really get to use the pass. The original plan was to go to Blue Mountain but we didn't get to go because it was raining the whole day on the day we were supposed to go there. We walked a lot as our hotel is very near to all attractions. We even walked from Circular Quay to the hotel! So, if your visit is confined to the city, you don't really need the MyMulti IMHO. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to the Manly Boat trip. As I have mentioned before, after the Langkawi boat ride incident last year, I'm really nervous about boat rides and try to avoid them as I possibly can. However, reading the reviews about the Manly Island boat trip on TripAdvisor, etc, Im compelled to try it. I was quicly relieved when I saw the ferry. It was big and sturdy and stable, so no worries there :) The journey to Manly was smooth and a little bit choppy nearing to Manly. The view is stunning especially the first few minutes leaving the dock as the view of the City and Sydney Opera House bid you farewell. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Ferry</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving at the Manly Wharf, you will be greeted with a candy stall, which immediately catched Q's attention. So first pitstop, the candy stall. There are also a number of restaurants and right outside is Nandos, which is Halal Certified. So we had an early lunch there. Then, we head to the beach. The walk to the beach was a pleasant one. I just love strolling the area.. The atmosphere is laid back and it feels very good to breathe in the air from the sea. The beach was not too crowded as its the winter season but we did saw people swimming in the sea. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First pit stop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manly Wharf</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manly Beach in Winter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manly Beach in Winter</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After we've had enough of the sea, we head back to the Wharf and visit the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary , since the admission is already included in the Sydney Attractions ticket that we bought. The admission ticket costed AUD63 and include admission fees to Madame Tussauds Sydney + Sydney Aquarium + WILD LIFE Sydney + Sydney Tower Eye + Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. And we are proud to say that we get to visit ALL the attractions, which is quite an achievement for us :D So, that was a purchase that was well worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's nothing muc in the Sealife Sanctuary. Its a small place compared to the Sydney Aquarium. The area around the Sea Life Sanctuary is VERY VERY windy and were almost blown away :P But weirdly, I liked it:) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manly Sea life Sanctuary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MX4UMcHGYbpoJgQ26b_0pESVwGk74jeaV3w0vYAKQuHFueU_o1gUg9xziwJHNEQjUsdITxbgUPKvLq48h5OWgdWOk2mwNOHgyuWYSDKMRuiyRFy8pPz7VwtMsKzoccip8i72XJlCEVC/s1600/SAM_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MX4UMcHGYbpoJgQ26b_0pESVwGk74jeaV3w0vYAKQuHFueU_o1gUg9xziwJHNEQjUsdITxbgUPKvLq48h5OWgdWOk2mwNOHgyuWYSDKMRuiyRFy8pPz7VwtMsKzoccip8i72XJlCEVC/s1600/SAM_3040.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was REALLY windy here</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We head back to CBD in the afternoon. The sun was setting and even though its kinda dreary, the sky is still beautiful with a golden horizon. Such a breathtaking view and perfect way to end the day.. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney CBD in the horizon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House at dusk</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-92171055293163303352014-05-20T16:09:00.002+08:002014-05-20T16:24:02.686+08:00KLIA 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just recently the brand spanking new Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 2 was opened to public. I did not know much about the new airport, just that it is supposed to replace the temporary Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) which hosted the low cost airlines; i.e. Air Asia, etc. Last couple of weeks, I went to check out the new terminal - my house is like a stones throw away from the airport and KLIA has always been our hangout place since we moved here a few years back. I went without any expectation but I was in for a big surprise. Little did I know that the airport comes with a shopping mall! I mean, if you stay in this neighbourhood, you'll know that this is HUGE ok. haha.. As far as i am concerned, it is the only decent mall in the district. Upon entering the building, the citygirl/shopaholic in me is jumping with joy and gleefulness (if there is such a word). Im glad that I have an alternative to spend my off days other than venturing into the city :D. Descent coffee place, loads of FNB choices and also my fav brands are here including UNIQLO! More information about the mall can be found <a href="http://gatewayklia2.com.my/default.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventhough I have been frequenting the LCCT countless of times, I certainly wont miss it - I have always had issues with LCCT but im not going to dwell on the past :D.. IMHO, this airport could easily one of the most exciting airport in the region. I will no longer embarassed when talking with friends from the region who are using AA :). Well, enough rambling here, check out the pics below.. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guardian</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaya Grocer? In the airport?? :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Fav</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly Bunny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byFo4br56-A/U3sFJQUJoxI/AAAAAAAADxw/fWdd-FXHq3I/s1600/20140513_152936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byFo4br56-A/U3sFJQUJoxI/AAAAAAAADxw/fWdd-FXHq3I/s1600/20140513_152936.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toys R Us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening Promo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeay!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-88789065587001993492014-02-23T16:59:00.001+08:002014-02-24T10:45:59.285+08:00HONG KONG HIGHLIGHTS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier this year we went on a short vacation to Hong Kong. This time we rented an apartment in Mongkok via airbnb as our parents is tagging along and we need a kitchen to do some simple cooking to feed the Family. The booking process was smooth and our host was very responsive. However, upon arriving to our apartment, we were very surprised to see that the apartment was REALLY REALLY small. It was not the hosts fault though as the pictures were already there on the website and with the description and everything. It was me who didnt expect that it would be THAT small. There is not even a space to properly store your luggage and any big size person will have a problem with the toilet as it is VERY compact. So, peeps, when u book an apartment in HK, do take note of the size beforehand ya. I think apartments in other areas are a bit bigger than the ones here. Thinking about it, am really thankful for living here where space is still something that we don't really have to worry about. However, in terms of location, its the best place to stay </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">if u love to be in the tick of action. The sneakers street is just in front of your doorsteps, the Ladies Market 3 mins away and the MTR 5 mins away. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1aEsFdvkx7Re8_Y1g9_83PNdQfzBzazRIMAsh5KwtYScvjHeMbddl4JgSlCP6ReDik0Rac2h6vQ7vRVuvUkzEYDBF_riNbYq1MpilI5zv36TUFSvOA787ikvsTEDBKnvk3xqUFlwDOxB/s1600/20140111_200820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1aEsFdvkx7Re8_Y1g9_83PNdQfzBzazRIMAsh5KwtYScvjHeMbddl4JgSlCP6ReDik0Rac2h6vQ7vRVuvUkzEYDBF_riNbYq1MpilI5zv36TUFSvOA787ikvsTEDBKnvk3xqUFlwDOxB/s1600/20140111_200820.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HKIA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTgl-gBNDrc/UwmsbIfuclI/AAAAAAAADb0/JTASnZ0IQos/s1600/20140111_225602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTgl-gBNDrc/UwmsbIfuclI/AAAAAAAADb0/JTASnZ0IQos/s1600/20140111_225602.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection heading towards our apartment and the Ladies Market</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To our pleasant surprise, we found a halal restaurant nearby - what more can u ask? :D Through my desktop research, I have not been able to locate any halal restaurant in Mongkok except for one kebab stall which I was not able to locate during our stay in the area. I will deliberate on this place later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just some tips here, upon arrival, u can opt to get a local sim card at the departure hall (level 7). Look for the 1010 booth. Also, u can buy ur attractions tickets in 1 go here at the China Travel Services (CTS) Booth at the arrival floor. We bought our the peak tram + sky terrace and Disneyland tickets here to avoid the que. TIckets for other attractions are also available. You can also buy Disneyland Tickets at the Avenue of Stars Disneyland shop. We took a taxi from the airport and it costs HKD240 from the airport to Mongkok. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Peak Tram + Sky Terrace</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went to the Peak on a Sunday and it was PACKED! It took us 1 hour ++ to board the peak tram but to me it was worth it. Maybe because that was my first time taking a tram.. The rail was very steep and to tell you the truth, I was a little scared at that time :P.. But the view was well worth it.... Up at the peak there was kind of a shopping mall and the viewing deck. The view was breathtaking albeit it was foggy that day. If you're scared of height, you might have a little bit of a problem standing on the deck :P There is a Hard Rock Cafe shop here and you can buy ur souvenirs here. And also, i noticed that fridge magnets are cheaper here compared to the ladies market. If im not mistaken, I saw the sign board 100HKD for 10 magnets. Whereas in Ladies Market, its 5 for HKD 100. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGhRqOY-lAc/Uwmsde262lI/AAAAAAAADcA/V9XjMOE8f-c/s1600/SAM_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGhRqOY-lAc/Uwmsde262lI/AAAAAAAADcA/V9XjMOE8f-c/s1600/SAM_4122.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odw to the Peak. Just follow the signboards from the metro station</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqNplYP0pHo/UwmseUtEsGI/AAAAAAAADcI/wqyAywcdvGw/s1600/SAM_4124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqNplYP0pHo/UwmseUtEsGI/AAAAAAAADcI/wqyAywcdvGw/s1600/SAM_4124.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDn9XTTmEOUeZj6aq3Qg28gK4GeZlJ7LC8Cyq99oWph31m58oGlYOMZGSIe-L5XOim9qcHegRI4kGPxbAeyukM4ZZ1iOfZaPaQK5z374uQgPZgtNql5ul8RDgOyeM44EqGO2pjce_eHkC/s1600/SAM_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDn9XTTmEOUeZj6aq3Qg28gK4GeZlJ7LC8Cyq99oWph31m58oGlYOMZGSIe-L5XOim9qcHegRI4kGPxbAeyukM4ZZ1iOfZaPaQK5z374uQgPZgtNql5ul8RDgOyeM44EqGO2pjce_eHkC/s1600/SAM_4126.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">odw to The Peak Tram Station</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RC_-8OwWKZo/Uwm0vRBqbHI/AAAAAAAADk4/3Z8PSbnNgF4/s1600/SAM_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RC_-8OwWKZo/Uwm0vRBqbHI/AAAAAAAADk4/3Z8PSbnNgF4/s1600/SAM_4132.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">odw to The Peak Tram Station</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbqDeVMW0NmhHq24D6X6eFqVRMfZDHNTCBFaMSIXGwR84WiGkyM6AdJKgzIsnHOFKhCy4nTkXdF9sXF-xSeX84iHB2ZcQXnGJ1YCS6Hfnd7bY3cvIMdgIvQoaqk0-t8KYC-G_Lk91TyJs/s1600/SAM_4129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbqDeVMW0NmhHq24D6X6eFqVRMfZDHNTCBFaMSIXGwR84WiGkyM6AdJKgzIsnHOFKhCy4nTkXdF9sXF-xSeX84iHB2ZcQXnGJ1YCS6Hfnd7bY3cvIMdgIvQoaqk0-t8KYC-G_Lk91TyJs/s1600/SAM_4129.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">odw to The Peak Tram Station</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DRsr5PqjQc/UwmsjbtIgpI/AAAAAAAADcw/cw5VoRrYoGo/s1600/SAM_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DRsr5PqjQc/UwmsjbtIgpI/AAAAAAAADcw/cw5VoRrYoGo/s1600/SAM_4140.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The queue to board The Peak Tram. Madness!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaZfzTzVLI8/Uwm0w6UEkrI/AAAAAAAADlA/0fx9m1crbC0/s1600/SAM_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaZfzTzVLI8/Uwm0w6UEkrI/AAAAAAAADlA/0fx9m1crbC0/s1600/SAM_4146.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside The Peak Tram</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uW6IBiixqYg/UwmslJuxj2I/AAAAAAAADdA/x-bJC1UXioY/s1600/SAM_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uW6IBiixqYg/UwmslJuxj2I/AAAAAAAADdA/x-bJC1UXioY/s1600/SAM_4148.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside The Peak Tram</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVDGlpK-M_o/Uwmsox6DNsI/AAAAAAAADdk/NXC1O9Zw5P8/s1600/SAM_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVDGlpK-M_o/Uwmsox6DNsI/AAAAAAAADdk/NXC1O9Zw5P8/s1600/SAM_4158.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Deck. Not for the acrophobics :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr1A0i_5zFY/UwmsoHMrK9I/AAAAAAAADdY/MNo8LQCxuBU/s1600/SAM_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr1A0i_5zFY/UwmsoHMrK9I/AAAAAAAADdY/MNo8LQCxuBU/s1600/SAM_4157.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWzxUOSoIl8/UwmsqlEHUnI/AAAAAAAADds/z8SBsaQqjSI/s1600/20140112_145250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWzxUOSoIl8/UwmsqlEHUnI/AAAAAAAADds/z8SBsaQqjSI/s1600/20140112_145250.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Sky Deck. HK on a hazy/foggy day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HaGWjUbIq7M/Uwm04Q4-XdI/AAAAAAAADmA/w09Ay4My3q8/s1600/SAM_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HaGWjUbIq7M/Uwm04Q4-XdI/AAAAAAAADmA/w09Ay4My3q8/s1600/SAM_4166.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard Rock Cafe merchandise shop</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Avenue of Stars</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The original plan was to come here at night.But as usual, there was a change of plan and we went to the place directly from the Peak to the Avenue of Stars. It was quite a walk from the Tsim Tsa Tsui station. I noticed upgrading works are being carried out at that moment and it made the place looked kinda dis-organized. I wish I could stay longer to enjoy the night scenery but it was freezing cold. So, from there we went back to our hotel.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLSeGL5uvtYl_BSAz_ivNbUrUtDP7DcFNSrT-npVyXOpOiA8dGZcAE_0lBXpevFZn4jlW8GQdKIpsz2Ed8wn2IF9r0itf6og_b84V_nFiwDKiu5hF8ynyq9Di7wSXIYnBbBimFkqKJb61/s1600/SAM_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLSeGL5uvtYl_BSAz_ivNbUrUtDP7DcFNSrT-npVyXOpOiA8dGZcAE_0lBXpevFZn4jlW8GQdKIpsz2Ed8wn2IF9r0itf6og_b84V_nFiwDKiu5hF8ynyq9Di7wSXIYnBbBimFkqKJb61/s1600/SAM_4174.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the crowd at the Avenu of Stars</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyZj5eKZxbQ/Uwm08OZ8H7I/AAAAAAAADms/wTamD75GzrE/s1600/20140112_180017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyZj5eKZxbQ/Uwm08OZ8H7I/AAAAAAAADms/wTamD75GzrE/s1600/20140112_180017.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">most famous</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59U1VSGcLo0/Uwm07Z0yRJI/AAAAAAAADmg/9SLp92rVjDQ/s1600/20140112_175922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59U1VSGcLo0/Uwm07Z0yRJI/AAAAAAAADmg/9SLp92rVjDQ/s1600/20140112_175922.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">buy Disneyland tickets here and get a free gifts :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRIpuu3IwF8/Uwm08yck6rI/AAAAAAAADmw/lUx_RNGrEkI/s1600/SAM_4195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRIpuu3IwF8/Uwm08yck6rI/AAAAAAAADmw/lUx_RNGrEkI/s1600/SAM_4195.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HK Skyline at dusk</td></tr>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ladies Market and Fa Yuen Street (Sneakers Street)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the only market that we get to go in Hong Kong. I know that there are a few other markets but we do not have the time to pay a visit to those places. Practice your haggling skills here cos the initial price which they offer is always high. Normally you can haggle to 50% of the price if not lower than that. But, make sure you really want the item before you haggle ya... I found it worth to buy branded sneakers/sport shoes here. Generally the price is about 20% lower than the retail price in Malaysia. And for crocs, they even have up to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">70% discount on their shoes! Sports shoes are sold everywhere you will be spoilt for choices. I noticed many HKites wears sports shoes, maybe that's the reason why.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV7OYsOO7HY/Uwm09qKKvYI/AAAAAAAADm4/KWZ0DLNx0mE/s1600/SAM_4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV7OYsOO7HY/Uwm09qKKvYI/AAAAAAAADm4/KWZ0DLNx0mE/s1600/SAM_4199.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kZyrz6u6aY/Uwm0-hnsuyI/AAAAAAAADnA/ib8i3A0IQqc/s1600/SAM_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kZyrz6u6aY/Uwm0-hnsuyI/AAAAAAAADnA/ib8i3A0IQqc/s1600/SAM_4201.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vk-f4jJXb38/Uwm1EsP-EdI/AAAAAAAADn4/n7IJ973v1q0/s1600/20140112_211013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vk-f4jJXb38/Uwm1EsP-EdI/AAAAAAAADn4/n7IJ973v1q0/s1600/20140112_211013.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwOl9IDRRSA/Uwm1bps2bDI/AAAAAAAADqo/zfTgCtb_a8E/s1600/SAM_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwOl9IDRRSA/Uwm1bps2bDI/AAAAAAAADqo/zfTgCtb_a8E/s1600/SAM_4306.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Disneyland</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To me, this is a MUST GO place in HK especially if you have kids 3/4 yo and above. They would enjoy the place to the max! Like, my daughter did :) One of the tips is to avoid weekends as the crowd is crazy.. We went there on a Monday, but the crowd is still there nonetheless. But i bet weekends are much worse.Waiting time for each ride can go up to 1.5 hours. Sad to say, we only get to enjoy a couple of rides as the lines were long and it was freezing cold that day. My daughter enjoyed meeting all the Disney characters though. She was more crazy about them than the rides.. haha... We also get to watch the Disney Parade.. loved it! I don't know if its me, but i went crasy shopping in their giftshops.. haha.. all those little things were soooooo cute its so irresistable. In fact, i shopped here more than the citygate factory outlet.. :D</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In Disneyland there is a Halal Tahitian Restaurant located in Adventureland. The food was decent, we were famished when we took a break at 3.30 pm.. For muslims, you can recite your prayers at the Town Hall. Disneyland staffs will provide you a room to pray. However, the room is very small and there are a lot of people queing , so you are given a time to go in there. I think it's high time that Disneyland provide a proper prayer room to cater to its muslim guests which is on the rise. We departed from Disneyland around 5ish to proceed to our next destination - Citygate Factory outlet. To me, I felt that i did not have enough of Disneyland and wish I could return one fine day in the future. I would return to HK just to go to Disneyland :D. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBl2EHeS2wg/Uwm1FrFDLdI/AAAAAAAADoA/sSuf3qbPVpI/s1600/SAM_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBl2EHeS2wg/Uwm1FrFDLdI/AAAAAAAADoA/sSuf3qbPVpI/s1600/SAM_4226.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt0Z4ox_CL4/Uwm1Icy8g8I/AAAAAAAADoM/cYX2B5IwftM/s1600/SAM_4233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt0Z4ox_CL4/Uwm1Icy8g8I/AAAAAAAADoM/cYX2B5IwftM/s1600/SAM_4233.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBs5uP-pUtU/Uwm1JLOQuZI/AAAAAAAADoc/tCsmoygZbzI/s1600/SAM_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBs5uP-pUtU/Uwm1JLOQuZI/AAAAAAAADoc/tCsmoygZbzI/s1600/SAM_4244.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUhUqElFUsQ/Uwm1KQIpsEI/AAAAAAAADog/xeqRzf3zNzQ/s1600/SAM_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUhUqElFUsQ/Uwm1KQIpsEI/AAAAAAAADog/xeqRzf3zNzQ/s1600/SAM_4248.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t1Q68hubyM/Uwm1Ml6U_II/AAAAAAAADo0/S2CeO4Ffh14/s1600/SAM_4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t1Q68hubyM/Uwm1Ml6U_II/AAAAAAAADo0/S2CeO4Ffh14/s1600/SAM_4253.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01uUtzpx-RY/Uwm1O4Mia5I/AAAAAAAADpI/DAQ-YCMr1-U/s1600/20140113_122009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01uUtzpx-RY/Uwm1O4Mia5I/AAAAAAAADpI/DAQ-YCMr1-U/s1600/20140113_122009.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCkioKtHKwodN-fXdSx7KsDvbUFY0rdv54vXk-4_Wy-Zh1p51VQhU79Y6rH2Ga92BtQKQE93kFJAxNZX2RVXFQqSPB9jeleLuA4mZozYlv2GpbV83lwJL8UhZfZN-utxQFVB_pv1KDIeb/s1600/SAM_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCkioKtHKwodN-fXdSx7KsDvbUFY0rdv54vXk-4_Wy-Zh1p51VQhU79Y6rH2Ga92BtQKQE93kFJAxNZX2RVXFQqSPB9jeleLuA4mZozYlv2GpbV83lwJL8UhZfZN-utxQFVB_pv1KDIeb/s1600/SAM_4269.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey Mouse's BIGGEST fan :D</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6-tFF6O5A/Uwm1LeV7nhI/AAAAAAAADoo/90UmHpS6Zpw/s1600/SAM_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6-tFF6O5A/Uwm1LeV7nhI/AAAAAAAADoo/90UmHpS6Zpw/s1600/SAM_4250.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToxoXgaS5J4/Uwm1Q3VKofI/AAAAAAAADpU/-4hFjtgp_98/s1600/20140113_154932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToxoXgaS5J4/Uwm1Q3VKofI/AAAAAAAADpU/-4hFjtgp_98/s1600/20140113_154932.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9i9Y_KXXJuZx5nJrVRDdnU9N7OaQb2-4fif3iRmQTpvKLKBq-h9ugRi8iH72QOgjnhRVWPZ3fw19wCL_8XDi5ZEHeEkSiBER5TxsGm1PAIzwPMCgtgODaUFDDl7SBmBG7bkt9lnToG2-/s1600/20140113_155651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9i9Y_KXXJuZx5nJrVRDdnU9N7OaQb2-4fif3iRmQTpvKLKBq-h9ugRi8iH72QOgjnhRVWPZ3fw19wCL_8XDi5ZEHeEkSiBER5TxsGm1PAIzwPMCgtgODaUFDDl7SBmBG7bkt9lnToG2-/s1600/20140113_155651.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYbLV4fMTN-Vhazi1jRGy1Eg58SEy4u7k8Q-KDH4qbvVwwbTqErIGmuJDR2EGGhAZX8sqC8bhRWSpq13VN7kLiG2mQq7soYo9vIWZ282AblVy205YUTJNm0wLPJk_1MSvwcTHEmxIHthi/s1600/20140113_155700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYbLV4fMTN-Vhazi1jRGy1Eg58SEy4u7k8Q-KDH4qbvVwwbTqErIGmuJDR2EGGhAZX8sqC8bhRWSpq13VN7kLiG2mQq7soYo9vIWZ282AblVy205YUTJNm0wLPJk_1MSvwcTHEmxIHthi/s1600/20140113_155700.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parade</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHpJ90nVR04/Uwm1VLi-F_I/AAAAAAAADp4/gkafEyFmbjM/s1600/20140113_164301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHpJ90nVR04/Uwm1VLi-F_I/AAAAAAAADp4/gkafEyFmbjM/s1600/20140113_164301.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Citygate Factory Outlet</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided to put this place in todays itinerary as this place is just one stop away from Disneyland. This place is huge and we were exhausted from Disneyland so we didn't shop much even though there were numerous big designer stores here. I just grabbed a Crocs shoes from the newly opened space on the 10th floor if im not mistaken and just that. We were supposed to have dinner here as from my research there is supposed to be 1 halal stall in the Food Republic food court.. But, to our dissapointment, we couldnt found any. We just had dessert at one of the stall which sells Malaysia dessert. We end up going back and had </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dinner at Miss India, again. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBvZkw1ZM30/Uwm1YEmejnI/AAAAAAAADqU/P8uQnCQpIrU/s1600/SAM_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBvZkw1ZM30/Uwm1YEmejnI/AAAAAAAADqU/P8uQnCQpIrU/s1600/SAM_4288.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3no1hdJ5PiI/Uwm1Y1lTm-I/AAAAAAAADqQ/yfMTEYwJD7c/s1600/SAM_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3no1hdJ5PiI/Uwm1Y1lTm-I/AAAAAAAADqQ/yfMTEYwJD7c/s1600/SAM_4289.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCTiktdOVLU/Uwm1d7nL1_I/AAAAAAAADqw/fN4VgxLOpxc/s1600/SAM_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCTiktdOVLU/Uwm1d7nL1_I/AAAAAAAADqw/fN4VgxLOpxc/s1600/SAM_4307.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Langham Place actually, not the Citygate FO.. haha</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Miss India</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I made a search on halal restaurants arround the area in the Foursquare apps, a number of restaurants turned up. But i was too lazy to go and look for the places so we ended up at Miss India during all mealtimes. The staffs were not that friendly, but i must say that the food is delish! Even the locals dine here and it is packed everytime. I fell in love with their Keema Nan. Awesome! Just 1 tip, If you want to dine here, come early as early as 6pm to avoid the queue during peak lunch and dinner time. Even if get in, youll have to squeeze in with strangers at their table as the place is VERY compact.They it not even have space to put ur shopping bags , u just have to squeeze it at any nook you can find. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0itUurAtHs/Uwm1DQjsoRI/AAAAAAAADnw/I4W5-Ec1tV0/s1600/SAM_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0itUurAtHs/Uwm1DQjsoRI/AAAAAAAADnw/I4W5-Ec1tV0/s1600/SAM_4211.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss India - halal food in Mongkok , Hong Kong</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpioDa_Xc1adAmM6K-p8qe309PTt5e8rTPb9ctHTekvzJmdWqXzfU5FJ2ROiAQKamQ05IRsVLxUFpH6OvhhckJzZQdJed95AEB7N10LxdZ7d0OXY1qAADi4IBJmnDTN_OwOXuCheXf3t9B/s1600/SAM_4203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpioDa_Xc1adAmM6K-p8qe309PTt5e8rTPb9ctHTekvzJmdWqXzfU5FJ2ROiAQKamQ05IRsVLxUFpH6OvhhckJzZQdJed95AEB7N10LxdZ7d0OXY1qAADi4IBJmnDTN_OwOXuCheXf3t9B/s1600/SAM_4203.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss India - halal food in Mongkok , Hong Kong</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAxqdg_Zjk0XJObgnsAJebmmSf5qb_IS0otGJg3hNFm841FP3JwB-xE12_Ifw-d7MYKbEzmBiNamcbo169dHNWuz-khqPfAex3wKGMG5InEgL_uwb5FVgnh2ChvDlekf7X1eDlppOzUbf/s1600/SAM_4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAxqdg_Zjk0XJObgnsAJebmmSf5qb_IS0otGJg3hNFm841FP3JwB-xE12_Ifw-d7MYKbEzmBiNamcbo169dHNWuz-khqPfAex3wKGMG5InEgL_uwb5FVgnh2ChvDlekf7X1eDlppOzUbf/s1600/SAM_4205.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss India - halal food in Mongkok , Hong Kong</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-la_n7i29A50/Uwm1AQmd4SI/AAAAAAAADnU/RTCuBsL5naA/s1600/SAM_4204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-la_n7i29A50/Uwm1AQmd4SI/AAAAAAAADnU/RTCuBsL5naA/s1600/SAM_4204.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss India</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVpxDcTJ968/Uwm1BmuNxnI/AAAAAAAADnc/iIf3o_eOPLI/s1600/SAM_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVpxDcTJ968/Uwm1BmuNxnI/AAAAAAAADnc/iIf3o_eOPLI/s1600/SAM_4209.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keema Naan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just one more insignificant observation, I cannot help but noticed the line in the ladies room in Hong Kong are ALWAYS long. There is not a time when the queue is less than 10 people at a time and I find this discovery kinda weird :O. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, i think that sums up our short trip to HK. Im sorry for the lack of pictures as I was not in the mood to take pics.. The crowd was just too overwhelming for me, huhu.. If you have any questions, just raise it in the comment box. Will try my best to answer them. On another note, our next adventure is just around the corNer.. :D till then, da..</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-2460695954110639932014-01-21T22:53:00.002+08:002014-01-22T09:31:56.559+08:00A Rainy Affair in Phuket <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prior to booking our tickets to Phuket, I remembered making a short research and concluded that the rainy season in Phuket ends in October and November is already considered as the peak season. However, the conclusion I made was totally wrong. We found out that the time that we were in Phuket at the end of November was the tail end of the rainy season which is the worst! We were there only for 3 days and it was raining all day from the minute we touched down at the airport until the morning we check out from our hotel on Sunday morning. Ok maybe not all day (i was exaggerating as usual, haha) but it did rain about 60% of the time and we didn't get any chance to swim in the sea without being chased by the sudden pour of heavy rain. If the weather is good, i really do think that the Patong Beach is perfect for a dip in the sea and also sunbathing. From what I heard, Patong is the safest beach whereas other beaches especially the ones in Kata/Karon is quite dangerous. Luckily, island hopping was not on our plan. We were still traumatised by our Langkawi boat experience in March last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We stayed at the Amata Resort Patong which is about 10-15 minutes walk from Patong Beach. I was torn between staying at a beachfront hotel or a bit further away from the beach , you know <i>why</i>. So I booked this hotel with that in mind. It has a balcony that overlooked the city and the swimming pool. The hotel has 2 swimming pools which is located at the ground floor and on the roof. However, because of the rain we did not get to swim in it. The rooftop pool was very basic and I was a bit in doubt about its cleanliness.The room itself is spacious as well as the bed. However, the floor was uncomfortable as it gets sticky and lack of mats / carpeting made it worse. What's best about the hotel is that its close proximity to where the action is which is the Jungceylon Mall and Bangla Road. Although it's quite close to Bangla Road, it's at a quiet end and you don't really hear the noise. For Muslims, this hotel is within close proximity to a few arab/indian halal restaurants. However, the popular Kusuma Restaurant is quite far from this place (25-30 mins walking distance). It's much nearer to Novotel. Take note that the arab/indian halal restaurant is quite pricey. Well, generally, everything in Phuket is expensive except for massages. It only cost 250baht for a foot massage and around 300baht for full body massage.. really really cheap compared to the prices here in Malaysia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We would love to go to see the Fantasea show, but we didnt have enough time to do so. On the last day we booked a car from Phuket_Easy_Tour for a half day city tour. It costs us THB3,200 which is quite pricey i think but its easy to deal with them. Their agent is very responsive to all your queries and you can settle the booking online. We got to visit Wat Chalong, Promthep Cape lookout point, a tour of the Phuket city as well as shopping for local snacks at Pornthip Phuket (you'll be spoilt for choices here and the snacks all looks delish and it's really had to resist buying them). The tour agent arranged lunch for us at Gaddafi restaurant which is located near to the Mosque and it was delish! Totally recommended! The city tour was supposed to end with a sunset tour but we skipped that as we had to go to the airport at 5.00 pm as we have to catch our flight. Well, that pretty much sums up our trip to Phuket last year. Hopefully the next time we come the weather will be kind to us... </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the hotel balcony</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fE3-oAFnimg/Ut6GHhCcxDI/AAAAAAAADV0/NjuoX9aSa3g/s1600/20131122_161518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fE3-oAFnimg/Ut6GHhCcxDI/AAAAAAAADV0/NjuoX9aSa3g/s1600/20131122_161518.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainy night in Patong</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPgv3JgKJ8g/Ut6GVFm5WyI/AAAAAAAADW4/Yo2wDp0413A/s1600/SAM_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPgv3JgKJ8g/Ut6GVFm5WyI/AAAAAAAADW4/Yo2wDp0413A/s1600/SAM_3852.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungceylon Mall</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g23KXdB-QDk/Ut6GXu40KnI/AAAAAAAADXA/Hi7GvjzOhtc/s1600/SAM_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g23KXdB-QDk/Ut6GXu40KnI/AAAAAAAADXA/Hi7GvjzOhtc/s1600/SAM_3854.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0hKW3xeUHd7EKkn-UnaXjL1jFfxqLgv1gpSB4CtoX910SmUmxjFs7WnWawPs-742hrJv9MYxq2LEiWQb99Afog0O6Kc-K_uQL-o4msd6aP4QxrYaGTdlbvci8AnVVqHZ-4lR_QfqHnxJ/s1600/SAM_3833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0hKW3xeUHd7EKkn-UnaXjL1jFfxqLgv1gpSB4CtoX910SmUmxjFs7WnWawPs-742hrJv9MYxq2LEiWQb99Afog0O6Kc-K_uQL-o4msd6aP4QxrYaGTdlbvci8AnVVqHZ-4lR_QfqHnxJ/s1600/SAM_3833.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NaRaYa on discount! Credit card accepted here at the Kanjana Shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hE-INXDkgt0/Ut6GMQy85hI/AAAAAAAADWQ/A9Mcv4mMdpc/s1600/SAM_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hE-INXDkgt0/Ut6GMQy85hI/AAAAAAAADWQ/A9Mcv4mMdpc/s1600/SAM_3803.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ever happening Bangla Road. This is very early in the night. We did not dare to go there late at night as we were with our daughter</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCTM0nA_eA/Ut6GKOQJfvI/AAAAAAAADWA/ZOAOnCD0HAU/s1600/20131122_182916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCTM0nA_eA/Ut6GKOQJfvI/AAAAAAAADWA/ZOAOnCD0HAU/s1600/20131122_182916.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvpHBdCio2k/Ut6GQsrQ8KI/AAAAAAAADWo/c53yR7h1U_M/s1600/20131123_105358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvpHBdCio2k/Ut6GQsrQ8KI/AAAAAAAADWo/c53yR7h1U_M/s1600/20131123_105358.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">massage place just 3 minutes walk from the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2JdKNp0xL4/Ut6GZRfDnmI/AAAAAAAADXI/Yqo7HS2dQtA/s1600/SAM_3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2JdKNp0xL4/Ut6GZRfDnmI/AAAAAAAADXI/Yqo7HS2dQtA/s1600/SAM_3860.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patong Beach - the rain is about to hit the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb-zoshyqBQ/Ut6GbJzmdwI/AAAAAAAADXQ/uWab74T2_0M/s1600/SAM_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb-zoshyqBQ/Ut6GbJzmdwI/AAAAAAAADXQ/uWab74T2_0M/s1600/SAM_3861.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patong Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3fbnSiuG6EEuo_yyDnU2YumXTsOiPMAFdar7IuhD2T7UCT_4cjLBpW2LMG21s7BQ7F-pez71yE3SzoKLOfr4q3o91NoUxDwOZC6pCX61Vnm-6CA1XQR6DXglFNJTm0Sb-Z2ic4hGVnt0/s1600/SAM_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3fbnSiuG6EEuo_yyDnU2YumXTsOiPMAFdar7IuhD2T7UCT_4cjLBpW2LMG21s7BQ7F-pez71yE3SzoKLOfr4q3o91NoUxDwOZC6pCX61Vnm-6CA1XQR6DXglFNJTm0Sb-Z2ic4hGVnt0/s1600/SAM_3903.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Chalong</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w8mXS_kdV4/Ut6GmGN0YFI/AAAAAAAADYo/FeyVd5VWpko/s1600/SAM_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w8mXS_kdV4/Ut6GmGN0YFI/AAAAAAAADYo/FeyVd5VWpko/s1600/SAM_3926.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:-D</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm9M3rudwfA/Ut6GnUVkf7I/AAAAAAAADYw/TMO1nM7AA3w/s1600/SAM_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm9M3rudwfA/Ut6GnUVkf7I/AAAAAAAADYw/TMO1nM7AA3w/s1600/SAM_3946.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Promthep Look out Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0uofqZAerBBWuysSaBQGiZq7t5ahxayheYH1RUsUMjtEbB7PBj8SL6lbTBTi0mV7BfsJRkGoEmwaW5fCZc6xojRBd_YTULY60pW1r2iaMnL-77LJG6nanD0nm5ZDf0jYYYf18p_omyzr/s1600/20131122_190848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0uofqZAerBBWuysSaBQGiZq7t5ahxayheYH1RUsUMjtEbB7PBj8SL6lbTBTi0mV7BfsJRkGoEmwaW5fCZc6xojRBd_YTULY60pW1r2iaMnL-77LJG6nanD0nm5ZDf0jYYYf18p_omyzr/s1600/20131122_190848.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kusuma Seafood</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZYCGUbMwyw/Ut6GOy53YJI/AAAAAAAADWc/L4rGFLH9-IQ/s1600/SAM_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZYCGUbMwyw/Ut6GOy53YJI/AAAAAAAADWc/L4rGFLH9-IQ/s1600/SAM_3813.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">food is so so only</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8-1yQof9l8/Ut6Ge2QEtDI/AAAAAAAADXs/QtWSywXGWzw/s1600/20131124_105312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8-1yQof9l8/Ut6Ge2QEtDI/AAAAAAAADXs/QtWSywXGWzw/s1600/20131124_105312.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Iced Tea- Must Try!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJY0rFOMCXI/Ut6GfqhAy-I/AAAAAAAADX0/lgSObRf4z88/s1600/20131124_110716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJY0rFOMCXI/Ut6GfqhAy-I/AAAAAAAADX0/lgSObRf4z88/s1600/20131124_110716.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Fritters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7T13Wx-mQ0/Ut6Gga9nohI/AAAAAAAADX8/9xxXIMMLS7Y/s1600/SAM_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7T13Wx-mQ0/Ut6Gga9nohI/AAAAAAAADX8/9xxXIMMLS7Y/s1600/SAM_3880.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango & Sticky Rice - Must Try!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCheCpbUQS2OJM9lh5JvnOshwE6mo0oHbnXPsNietZt08EbrkkdBwB5ARtyUZ3GC0zUb6XaxAqxIHwaIBSaItUdhXlDi2YXCjYEuO5CUVK5Xj3l-BM3XglI7ElnJ-bI82alHzIvQFZUKUh/s1600/20131124_130026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCheCpbUQS2OJM9lh5JvnOshwE6mo0oHbnXPsNietZt08EbrkkdBwB5ARtyUZ3GC0zUb6XaxAqxIHwaIBSaItUdhXlDi2YXCjYEuO5CUVK5Xj3l-BM3XglI7ElnJ-bI82alHzIvQFZUKUh/s1600/20131124_130026.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heavenly tomyam @ Gaddafi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQ3DdM2eG0/Ut6Ghp5j9YI/AAAAAAAADYM/jNTey0aEEfM/s1600/20131124_130646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQ3DdM2eG0/Ut6Ghp5j9YI/AAAAAAAADYM/jNTey0aEEfM/s1600/20131124_130646.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fressh fish @ Gaddafi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IcJ6ZJt-NQ/Ut6Gb4bd32I/AAAAAAAADXY/K4H6lzuOaYg/s1600/20131124_092115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IcJ6ZJt-NQ/Ut6Gb4bd32I/AAAAAAAADXY/K4H6lzuOaYg/s1600/20131124_092115.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought this at Family Mart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUZ1RfHSqiLgLqi4xsBB-9e6WyoKgcy0ifS22h9KD81ReKwG8hNmm0vo-NGEJ2AjV-DITg_yC2VGY-HxN4wVEik8pm1SPns4JMf4KEW3iKP3iXqoEWPPBIfKEMSCHuPdQrU9IB4smbshd/s1600/SAM_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUZ1RfHSqiLgLqi4xsBB-9e6WyoKgcy0ifS22h9KD81ReKwG8hNmm0vo-NGEJ2AjV-DITg_yC2VGY-HxN4wVEik8pm1SPns4JMf4KEW3iKP3iXqoEWPPBIfKEMSCHuPdQrU9IB4smbshd/s1600/SAM_3987.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pornthip Phuket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GI_aacG1wVA/Ut6Gp7cm7RI/AAAAAAAADZE/Cr7FJvhy248/s1600/SAM_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GI_aacG1wVA/Ut6Gp7cm7RI/AAAAAAAADZE/Cr7FJvhy248/s1600/SAM_3983.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qiOoSvxOgQM/Ut6Gr89-oVI/AAAAAAAADZY/FbakkjwoXGo/s1600/SAM_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qiOoSvxOgQM/Ut6Gr89-oVI/AAAAAAAADZY/FbakkjwoXGo/s1600/SAM_3990.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loot</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-12767080448756952412014-01-02T15:00:00.001+08:002014-01-02T15:01:59.326+08:00Jeju: The Island of Three Many (Random Stuffs)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Korean Air</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was my first time flying with Korean Air. The first flight that I took was the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">connecting flight to Jeju from Gimpo Airport. I was surprised to see that it was a huge </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">carrier and thought that the flight would be empty. Boy, I was wrong as the flight quickly </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">became full a short while after that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The short flight was pleasant and I have no complaints. But I noticed that the seats in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the aircraft serving the locals are a bit small - if you're a slightly large person you can </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">just barely fit in the seat. I also took Korean Air for my flight to return KL and it was </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">at par with MAS except that the halal food served is at best edible. But I don't really </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mind about that. What I do mind is that check in process at the Incheon Airport took so </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">long and I'm kinda surprised with that. So next time make sure you have spare ample time </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for the check in process if you intend to do some Duty Free shopping after that.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JU6l2ZXMbQ/Uq5Z9eUR4bI/AAAAAAAADRk/p9BCsh4q7cI/s1600/20131103_112828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JU6l2ZXMbQ/Uq5Z9eUR4bI/AAAAAAAADRk/p9BCsh4q7cI/s640/20131103_112828.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our flight to Jeju</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIf-36147ep8Cm6CZy4OOE_M_EpO8E_2QXONDnnVB_Tba3NKOQWC90GgcYJQ2C8O7rkf61Qaqr99AsGYxnlp4N5H_x0RtAODZnwFiSwTIpKu5ZNx0nUcJoHgpjsZcWNFDOyLt3DR5p-KO/s1600/20131108_162953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIf-36147ep8Cm6CZy4OOE_M_EpO8E_2QXONDnnVB_Tba3NKOQWC90GgcYJQ2C8O7rkf61Qaqr99AsGYxnlp4N5H_x0RtAODZnwFiSwTIpKu5ZNx0nUcJoHgpjsZcWNFDOyLt3DR5p-KO/s640/20131108_162953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtPUA1ieNdEKhjFAwyjcyk7mlXP2WI7O2pKlHVKqwtbilXqeD9mXsrSl-pbfEERjmYDHZZFtZX0BQfILE5ETVp6kJmHe9AmyZMveG-9eZvLp0xuAoaEQjEsi-k2FwBVYldPHBh3WQB4yi/s1600/20131103_090853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtPUA1ieNdEKhjFAwyjcyk7mlXP2WI7O2pKlHVKqwtbilXqeD9mXsrSl-pbfEERjmYDHZZFtZX0BQfILE5ETVp6kJmHe9AmyZMveG-9eZvLp0xuAoaEQjEsi-k2FwBVYldPHBh3WQB4yi/s640/20131103_090853.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gimpo Airport.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Renting Pocket Wifi</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These days Wifi is something that I cannot live without. ;-) I have had good experience in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sydney with the Yes Optus! Data Sim Card so i decided to rent a Pocket Wifi. There are a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">few options out there but at that point of time I decided that it most worth to go with </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.sroaming.com/eng/Product/Product_PocketWiFi.asp" target="_blank">SRoaming Pocket Wifi</a>. The </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">actual rental fee was KRW7,700 per day but when I picked up the pocket wifi at the airport, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the guy manning the booth mentioned that there was a further discount. So the fee was </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">KRW5,000 per day which is so worth it! Do take note that if you intend to travel to Jeju, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you have to inform the person manning the counter as it requires a different type of pocket </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wifi. It was fortunate for me that I asked that day as I was given the one which only works in Seoul! It was my </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mistake for not detailing it out when I make the reservation online. You can book the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pocket wifi in advance through their website, just to be safe, make sure you do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was having trouble at first to find their counter at the Incheon Airport. It have moved </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from the arrival floor to the departure Floor (5th Floor if Im not mistaken - be sure to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">double check.) The booth was towards the end of the airport and the booth was one of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">last booths behind. I went round and round the place so many times I almost gave up when I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">realized that they used a different name on their signage. Their booth is botth No. 35 but </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the name they used was SRT instead of SRoaming. Dang! When I came back to the place a few days later </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to return the pocket wifi, I noticed that it had changed the booth name to the correct one. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So make sure about the booth number to save you from hassle. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIRd9gytO84/Uq5Z7FhqJsI/AAAAAAAADRM/KNXwpMAuCz0/s1600/20131103_074859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIRd9gytO84/Uq5Z7FhqJsI/AAAAAAAADRM/KNXwpMAuCz0/s640/20131103_074859.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there are a lot of booths in this area. mostly travel agents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5pPO0OWCAU/Uq5Z7_t-xFI/AAAAAAAADRU/U3Aia-IILs8/s1600/20131103_074926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5pPO0OWCAU/Uq5Z7_t-xFI/AAAAAAAADRU/U3Aia-IILs8/s640/20131103_074926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SRoaming Counter - #35. It's the last booth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7QqOP3dcbTpD_xwU-tMeKjgfjL1KwSzAt1_OpdXPOajgvhz5sbLTEJCY7XigJxZ1rkM0MhsKc0l_MZi_Ay9TIiOR2xB-g30-tiQIaCdmeRa8ltBmEix6qfkDp3i2lGvlj9hEacAp_AFN/s1600/20131103_215907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7QqOP3dcbTpD_xwU-tMeKjgfjL1KwSzAt1_OpdXPOajgvhz5sbLTEJCY7XigJxZ1rkM0MhsKc0l_MZi_Ay9TIiOR2xB-g30-tiQIaCdmeRa8ltBmEix6qfkDp3i2lGvlj9hEacAp_AFN/s640/20131103_215907.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lifeline</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>(So called) Hidden Gem Shopping Place in Namdaemun</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I only had a few hours to spare on Friday morning before my flight back to KL . My original </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">plan was to head out to Namdaemun to buy some brooches and then to Dongdaemun to look for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">blankets (i have a knack for blankets). I went out as early as 9.30 am and reached </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Namdaemun around 10 or slightly before 10. It was just 1 stop away from where I stay. I was </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a little unsure as to wether the e-lengdang (the building which has a lot of stalls selling </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">brooches and accessories) was already opened at that time but I was relieved to see that </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">they were. If you're in Malaysia, most of the shops are still closed at this time of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">day. They only open at 11.00 am and some even at 12 pm! Most of the shopkeepers were having </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">breakfast and some are already at their stalls crafting jewelerries. It looked like I was </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the only shopper at that time but they minded their own business and it did not felt </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">awkward at all. I only bought a few brooches as they were quite expensive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After spending like half an hour at the place, I proceeded out the place and decided to just walk </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">around and do some ppl watching since it was still early. Some of the shops were open and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">some was just about to open but there were still not many shoppers and the roads were </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">clear. I totally love the ambience at that time. Not far from the e-lengdang, I stumbled </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">upon an alley where there was a shop selling Korean cookwares and cuttleries. At first I was </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">quite unsure if I wanter to walk into the alley but somehow i did. I explored a bit further </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">inside, and somehow went inside an entrance and bammm.. there it was a bazaar filled with </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">local stuffs like comforters, clothes, accessories, toys, handphone casings, souviniers and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">everything in between! there were a few floors and there were even floors dedicated to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wedding / bedding stuffs, souviners , cookwares etc. It was like i hit a jackpot! (yes, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">drama.. haha) It was like a wholsales centre or something. Im not sure if this place is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">actually popular but I did not know anything about it before this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And after that, my KRW was drained in no time. huhuhu.. one of my most prized acquisition </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was the jewellery box which costed me KRW 40 k (if im not mistaken) . That piece easily </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">costs KRW70k in Insadong. So I scrapped my plan to go to Dongdaemun and spent all the time </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that I had at that place. Half a day is certainly not enough to explore the maze of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">alleys in the bazaar *sigh*.. Boy, how I wished I had the whole day ! Just be sure to be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">prepared with cash money as some shops do not accept credit cards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On another note, I was surprised almost all shops in Jeju accept credit cards including </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">restaurants and small souvinier shops. You'll be surprised! and one thing that amazes me </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the most is how fast it takes to swipe ur cc South Korea. In Malaysia it takes ages to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">verify ur cc at the cashier at the wrath of people queing behind you....</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfs9Dy3Gnds/UsUI7ZNXtRI/AAAAAAAADVA/bO78EPEyrNY/s1600/20131107_233243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfs9Dy3Gnds/UsUI7ZNXtRI/AAAAAAAADVA/bO78EPEyrNY/s640/20131107_233243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrived Seoul quite late the day before. This is Myeongdong at 11 pm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vua8C7aSNaE/Uq5aFFrqk9I/AAAAAAAADSs/pRH7cLtrAAM/s1600/20131108_091953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vua8C7aSNaE/Uq5aFFrqk9I/AAAAAAAADSs/pRH7cLtrAAM/s640/20131108_091953.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alley I was talking about is near the yellow signage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r8ksmFNQvQ/Uq5aGe81_NI/AAAAAAAADS0/Qw6a0UoXpuw/s1600/20131108_092302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r8ksmFNQvQ/Uq5aGe81_NI/AAAAAAAADS0/Qw6a0UoXpuw/s640/20131108_092302.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dczITMeWnM/Uq5aHGKVTcI/AAAAAAAADS4/_YwycpJrlXg/s1600/20131108_092936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dczITMeWnM/Uq5aHGKVTcI/AAAAAAAADS4/_YwycpJrlXg/s640/20131108_092936.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZMm1zRYMR4/Uq5aIRiRoTI/AAAAAAAADTE/CO54p3R46_Y/s1600/20131108_094342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZMm1zRYMR4/Uq5aIRiRoTI/AAAAAAAADTE/CO54p3R46_Y/s640/20131108_094342.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundles of comforters. I did not buy any though as I have spent all my money on something else ;-)</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Buying Korean CDs in Myeongdong</u></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those who knew me will know that I'm a K-Drama junkie. I also listen to some Korean music as well. Mostly i listen to kdrama soundtracks and I dig Leessang. During my last trip to Myeongdong in 20011, I was not able to find any CDs store in the area. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I googled and found this guy's </span><a href="http://khanhinkorea.tumblr.com/post/5769136055/myeong-dong-kpop-stores-how-to" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> post about buying CDs in Myeongdong and I succeeded in finding the shop! I agree with him that shop #2 is the cheapest. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I tried to find Leessang old CD - Assura Balbata but it's really difficult to find :( . However, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm still contented with my loot of CDs during this trip :D </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WqBr4oDkH8/UsUOCHv-jlI/AAAAAAAADVU/I28_dEYlWbA/s1600/20131109_105458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WqBr4oDkH8/UsUOCHv-jlI/AAAAAAAADVU/I28_dEYlWbA/s640/20131109_105458.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loot :D. Stuffs bought in Jeju and Seoul. CDs on the bottom right.</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Sejong Hotel</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I picked Sejong Hotel as the place to put up the night due to its location. It's situated </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in Myeongdong - a shopping heaven and very very close to the metro station and the Airport </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Coach Bus Stop is right in front of its doorstep - what else do you need? :D </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will definitely come back to this hotel in the future if I return to Seoul (hopefully). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Definitely recommended! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH3ZZOy8r2J78pfR9aMNf9xU1kzWmD1TgcI0CN9jNuPoHqyO2oQAcqLLdYQ3tD0I5fgAGtBtWHYFHr47eya4hzJRWdesQZasN4NC9yzpg7zu4f8hO-bES3pDVji7uzIbf3cOhi5Dmh7ga/s1600/20131108_125221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH3ZZOy8r2J78pfR9aMNf9xU1kzWmD1TgcI0CN9jNuPoHqyO2oQAcqLLdYQ3tD0I5fgAGtBtWHYFHr47eya4hzJRWdesQZasN4NC9yzpg7zu4f8hO-bES3pDVji7uzIbf3cOhi5Dmh7ga/s640/20131108_125221.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sejong Hotel Entrance</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLZIv64ryg4/Uq5aJUBLzvI/AAAAAAAADTM/XEkv-tCs590/s1600/20131108_125216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLZIv64ryg4/Uq5aJUBLzvI/AAAAAAAADTM/XEkv-tCs590/s640/20131108_125216.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take bus 6015 to go directly to the airport. Super cheap.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Jeju Cuisines</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are some Korean Foods that I had in Jeju. I had one of the best bibimbap at one of the Korean Restaurant near the Lotte Duty Free area at the Jungmun Resort Complex. I think it's because of the sauce (gochujang if im not mistaken). The ahjumma seems pretty upset and refuse to give me a second helping of the sauce when I requested it.. me and my friends were perplexed but we guessed maybe the sauce is expensive or something.. But to tell you the truth, I may had to much bibimbap during this trip I've had enough of it after the 6th day. erk... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeoa0Jj0xdMYgpVgZXha4V_QG5qNoeaMVeOuFTdTjfKDbF87V292iDRS3yH96Q40xELrkOsUVBlbXVntDHASBTcF06-Hhjhn_heVG7Sr-KL_dPGfMZXdv0pIaMCI_BtybWSmNM2iPnp-X/s1600/20131104_184801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeoa0Jj0xdMYgpVgZXha4V_QG5qNoeaMVeOuFTdTjfKDbF87V292iDRS3yH96Q40xELrkOsUVBlbXVntDHASBTcF06-Hhjhn_heVG7Sr-KL_dPGfMZXdv0pIaMCI_BtybWSmNM2iPnp-X/s640/20131104_184801.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only can take the abalone porridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyrMqFlQRy0/Uq5aB6Pk31I/AAAAAAAADSM/3UC7S0P0XmI/s1600/20131104_190547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyrMqFlQRy0/Uq5aB6Pk31I/AAAAAAAADSM/3UC7S0P0XmI/s640/20131104_190547.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one is a no go for me. too adventorous</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99Re69QfgbU/Uq5aCoMuQII/AAAAAAAADSU/X5xFeymBAYg/s1600/20131104_192938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99Re69QfgbU/Uq5aCoMuQII/AAAAAAAADSU/X5xFeymBAYg/s640/20131104_192938.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one too. i wish they had salmon or tuna</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTwBvik9ZuA/Uq5aDcwxP2I/AAAAAAAADSc/zZnLUI2ejzs/s1600/20131105_190103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTwBvik9ZuA/Uq5aDcwxP2I/AAAAAAAADSc/zZnLUI2ejzs/s640/20131105_190103.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the yummiest bibimbap of all!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFdTzpvSU-3mf4FkDXIrMoq323WVvDmlgmXip9QXIAcXf_eB2Bq5EE5u3vBqUb-21FIbmwzV9xKA0H_-toVK7ztWjlJS8js6tvzm8Vy2rEYqH1rvkyHXXV_aoRlCamFUjFXr78S1aAxG0/s1600/20131105_190114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFdTzpvSU-3mf4FkDXIrMoq323WVvDmlgmXip9QXIAcXf_eB2Bq5EE5u3vBqUb-21FIbmwzV9xKA0H_-toVK7ztWjlJS8js6tvzm8Vy2rEYqH1rvkyHXXV_aoRlCamFUjFXr78S1aAxG0/s640/20131105_190114.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpX8bytDcG4/UsUI70YP3uI/AAAAAAAADVE/vodtyLRrLEQ/s1600/SAM_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpX8bytDcG4/UsUI70YP3uI/AAAAAAAADVE/vodtyLRrLEQ/s640/SAM_3757.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bibimbap (again) at the airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhMKHcyCuzw/UsUI6RpXRtI/AAAAAAAADU4/tQ_ql3ECIOc/s1600/20131108_111939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhMKHcyCuzw/UsUI6RpXRtI/AAAAAAAADU4/tQ_ql3ECIOc/s640/20131108_111939.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fell in deep love with pascucci hot choc</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>New Year Hotel Prices</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ok this is digressing from the whole topic, but i just have to share this amazing finding. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I found out very recently that hotel prices are very-very cheap this week (1st week of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2014). I'm not sure if this is the norm, but it's really cheap yo! (In Malaysia, that is) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even for 5 stars hotels the prices are really worth it.. So, I'm making a mental note to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">check this out early next year to see if my theory of hotel prices are really cheap during </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">early of the year is actually true. :D</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-76810995565065701292013-12-14T23:37:00.002+08:002013-12-14T23:44:08.887+08:00JEJU : THE ISLAND OF 3 MANY (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was in Jeju for a meeting in early November and I only had one day to spare for sightseeing. So I quickly did some research and I have narrowed down to 4 places that I had to at least visit while I'm there. Just to put things into perspective, Jeju Island can be divided into 4 areas. the city area which is located at the North (Jeju City) and South (Seogwipo CIty) and also the attractions area which is on the east course or the west course.<br /><br />The hotel that we stayed is the KAL Hotel Seogwipo which is located in the South. Please take note that there is also one KAL Hotel in Jeju City. From what I heard, KAL Hotel Seogwipo is the first tallest and most modern hotel during its time in the 80s if im not mistaken. However, today, you can see that the design is bit dated and in need of some updating. Location wise, its not advisable to stay here unless if you have your own transport as there is nothing whatsoever in the vicinity of the hotel. and also generally, if you prefer a more lively environment, it is advisable to stay in Jeju City itself. It's better in terms of shopping, food and also proximity to the airport. <br /><br />During my stay in Jeju, a few of the Koreans I met told me that Jeju is the island of 3 many which means that there 3 things in Jeju that is in abundance - rocks, women, and wind. This is because the Wind from the ocean blows steadily throughout the year and beautiful and unusually-shaped black rocks are all over the island due to its past volcanic activities. The island’s reputation of having an abundance of women dates back to the time when fishing was the primary means of income and many men were lost at sea leaving their widows behind. and also ive heard stories of how strong jeju women are in the past as they have to take care of themselves when their husbands goes to the sea.<br /><br />Coming back to what i was talking (writing) about before, IMHO, its more convenient for you to rent a car or hire a driver to get around jeju as it is a big island and the attractions are not that close to each other. especially if you have limited time, taking the public transportation i.e. bus, is not an option. I was lucky at that time as I've managed to get Mr Moon as our driver for the day. I got his contact from trip advisor and he has a good reputation. Mr Moon is a nice guy eventhough his english is quite limited he tried his best to communicate with us whenever we asked him about anything. he is also very knowledgable about jeju and very 'proactive' in taking your pictures ;-) he's contact can be referred to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297885-i10493-k6652476-Jeju_taxi_tour-Jeju_Jeju_do.html." target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />For my very short trip this time, I have picked out four places to go, which i think that I must not leave Jeju before setting foot at these places. But please bear in mind that this can be quite exhausting and not suitable if you are travelling with kids. Also, take note when you are in Jeju, do pack along your walking gear which includes comfy clothes and shoes and also disposable rain ponchos can be useful for certain seasons as most of Jeju's places of interests are nature attractions which involves a lot of walking and hiking. All of the places that I picked is located in the East Coast. We started the journey from Jeongbang Waterfall which is located very near to our hotel. It can be reached within foot from KAL Hotel via olle route 6, if im not mistaken.<br /><br /><br /><b>Jeongbang Waterfall</b>Jeongbang Waterfall is a waterfall that falls directly into the sea. Size wise it is small but it'a rare thing that you won't easily be able to see elsewhere. When we were there, there was not so many people and there was even a rainbow at that time. Please take note that there is a flight of stairs to climb on your way back - difficulty - moderate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br /><b>Sangumburi Crater</b><br /><br />After that, we went to the Sangumburi Crater which is about 45 mins drive from Jeongbang Waterfall. It is an extinct volcanic crater now filled with lush vegetation. Formed during Jeju’s fiery volcanic past, the crater withstood its violent eruption and is still perfectly shaped, making it unique. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />It takes 15 minutes light walk from the entrace to the crater - Do wear comfortable shoes. At the top there is an area which they put a few swings and I totally fell in love with that. The ambiance is really romantic with the wind blowing in your face, acres of silver grass swaying as the wind blows and piped in music (i was really impressed with this - they thought about everything , even to the finest details). That said, it's really nice to be there with your loved ones. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangumburi Crater entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the swing that i was raving about.. ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crater - cant really see it from here</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Seongsan Ilchubong</b><br /><br />Seongsan Ilchubong is a peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago which is a UNESCO World Heritage. It is said to be the best spot to view the sunrise. However one must be up very early in order to climb the peak in time for the sunrise. Our mistake is that we had lunch just before the visit to the peak and we only managed to climb half way to the peak. Hmm, maybe not even half way, i think its more like a third of the peak. (by the way, Mr Moon took us to a seafood restaurant which is so so delish. we really enjoyed our lunch there...) To me, the level of difficulty of climbing the peak (for a person as unfit as I am) is DIFFICULT because of its height. Im not really sure if its suitable for kids eventhough the path is lined with stairs, but i saw lots of kids climbing the peak on that day.<br /><br />There is also a hanyeo (women divers) show at in the area which you can watch after the climb. You can also take a boat ride around the place but im not sure how much it will cost you.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous sunrise peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women Diver Show</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lunch - best haemul paejeon evah!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">haemultang.. so delish....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grilled saba..</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><b>Manjanggul Cave</b><br /><br />The Manjanggul Lava Cave is also a UNESCO World Heritage and it is is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface and only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. If you haven't been to any lava cave before, you SHOULD visit the Manjanggul Cave. I was really in awe with the sights in the cave. It makes you feel small and that mother earth is larger than life and it's beyond your control.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manjanggul Cave entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the trace of the lava flows on the cave wall. awesome stuff!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />So that's basically sums up my take on the mut visit places if you only have 1 day in Jeju. Of course there are A LOT of other attractions in Jeju. Especially if its in summer you have to add a beach in your must visit places as the beaches in Jeju are stunning. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-29154546704084783892013-11-19T13:36:00.002+08:002013-11-19T13:36:12.536+08:00JEJU : THE ISLAND OF 3 MANY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know I've been giving empty promises to update about our trip to Sydney. I have a least 2 more posts about that, but this end of the year is super hectic.. crazayyy.. Will try to find the time to finish up those 2 posts. Or perhaps I might cram it into 1 post. We'll see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why "the island of 3 many" u might ask. When I was in Jeju, I heard about this phrase so many times it kinda stuck in my head. But I will update on that later. I will also write on places to go if you have only 1 day to explore Jeju.. Catcha latersss...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wViR9OcNmso/Uor3cfqRDtI/AAAAAAAADME/UNHtSite-I4/s1600/SAM_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wViR9OcNmso/Uor3cfqRDtI/AAAAAAAADME/UNHtSite-I4/s640/SAM_3611.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeongbang Waterfall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85hNzZ4K8SY/Uor3dlaSH6I/AAAAAAAADMQ/8MvAw-KHrKI/s1600/SAM_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85hNzZ4K8SY/Uor3dlaSH6I/AAAAAAAADMQ/8MvAw-KHrKI/s640/SAM_3658.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangumburi Crater</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEDxSAA0mtg/Uor3eZngQSI/AAAAAAAADMY/NL0l6sdCnBM/s1600/SAM_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEDxSAA0mtg/Uor3eZngQSI/AAAAAAAADMY/NL0l6sdCnBM/s640/SAM_3690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seongsan Ilchubong from afar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHAID1xuOUw/Uor3fAsUtXI/AAAAAAAADMc/apulFNvTQTI/s1600/SAM_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHAID1xuOUw/Uor3fAsUtXI/AAAAAAAADMc/apulFNvTQTI/s640/SAM_3739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manjanggul Lava Cave</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-49813616554662031702013-10-09T09:24:00.000+08:002013-10-11T11:15:07.267+08:00Sydney Stories : Day 1<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We arrived Sydney the day before. The 7 hr ++ flight was a bit bumpy at first but exceptionally smooth once we enter the Indian Ocean airspace.Q managed to find herself a new <strike>boy</strike>friend onboard and it saves us the headache from trying to keep her entertained during the journey :P. However, landing was quite scary as it was VERY VERY windy in Sydney that evening. The plain literally tilted side to side just before landing but managed to be stabilized seconds before touch down. I was literally holding my breath as from what I have read before, wind gust during landing can be very dangerous. Took the taxi (read my previous post on taxi rides from airport) and reached the hotel at around 10.00 pm however we were still not that tired as it was just only 8pm Malaysia time. So we went out to have dinner and stock up on groceries at the nearby supermarket. It was still windy outside but we put on the right gear and were ready to face the wind this time ;-) We were exhilarated when we saw Opporto and our dinner issue was solved. Went back to have dinner and turn down for the night. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7v8U9RZWko/UlPeAUHqlMI/AAAAAAAADGM/8xzGlx78T98/s1600/20130912_142910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7v8U9RZWko/UlPeAUHqlMI/AAAAAAAADGM/8xzGlx78T98/s640/20130912_142910.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Continent!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Jv7E3EXlmw/UlPeA7mBhYI/AAAAAAAADGQ/RylIjA1zWEA/s1600/20130912_164253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Jv7E3EXlmw/UlPeA7mBhYI/AAAAAAAADGQ/RylIjA1zWEA/s640/20130912_164253.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClSyGxV3vGJODYKlFMx8eLyMgzSaBcwiJFHxP7VcJWCdC-5qUc_ey7qut8HDZHx_x19ZxloroO2yrPU1iiUlIwp5QrlOJrJpT9V3GTLpoHAePCimoteFvVDwz8S43NPgPV9Hn89_l3pKz/s1600/SAM_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClSyGxV3vGJODYKlFMx8eLyMgzSaBcwiJFHxP7VcJWCdC-5qUc_ey7qut8HDZHx_x19ZxloroO2yrPU1iiUlIwp5QrlOJrJpT9V3GTLpoHAePCimoteFvVDwz8S43NPgPV9Hn89_l3pKz/s640/SAM_0704.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Night Aerial View</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3xf__vizh0/UlPd_gs7FEI/AAAAAAAADGE/FyCnOVVh2wg/s1600/20130912_141450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3xf__vizh0/UlPd_gs7FEI/AAAAAAAADGE/FyCnOVVh2wg/s640/20130912_141450.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Q and her new (boy)friend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wpFkFZbRk0Aj9qlFyvk10TqejAtmKP5wSJg9J5pPAnYFPW8VbhMaYBbZjd-XI80QIBvFBZcK-dswp1dRtw8NXN9QSO3GtH6m_x7dDmxJQPR46TWfQi2S5phV3kkSqoe_pz7TJ4LEoQmn/s1600/20130912_204356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wpFkFZbRk0Aj9qlFyvk10TqejAtmKP5wSJg9J5pPAnYFPW8VbhMaYBbZjd-XI80QIBvFBZcK-dswp1dRtw8NXN9QSO3GtH6m_x7dDmxJQPR46TWfQi2S5phV3kkSqoe_pz7TJ4LEoQmn/s640/20130912_204356.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival. Be prepared for one of the strictest customs in the world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GFcY7ddHrg/UlPeFNlzAtI/AAAAAAAADGw/gkhx3sWCLnY/s1600/20130912_223336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GFcY7ddHrg/UlPeFNlzAtI/AAAAAAAADGw/gkhx3sWCLnY/s640/20130912_223336.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well prepared to battle the wind!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next day I woke up very early (4.30 am Malaysian Time). Made breakfast in our room - toast and egg. yumss.. Totally love the fact that we can cook in our room and all the cooking gadgets are being provided by the hotel; i.e.: microwave, toaster, cuttleries, plates, kitchen towel and even liquid dishwasher. Location wise, the place is perfect. It's located on a quiet road but very close to all the attractions. It is within walking distance to Paddys Market, George Street, QVB as well as The Sydney Eye Tower and its surrounding area (major shopping area). It is also located </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">in front of the Hyde Park and you can enjoy strolling at the park in the afternoon, nice, isn't it?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYZC0h0NlOs/UlPelr1THeI/AAAAAAAADLY/GI_C8sNH0sw/s1600/20130917_073706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYZC0h0NlOs/UlPelr1THeI/AAAAAAAADLY/GI_C8sNH0sw/s640/20130917_073706.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z2SOGhD5Yk/UlPej2Cf-GI/AAAAAAAADLM/sJ_M-nfMpJM/s1600/20130917_073621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z2SOGhD5Yk/UlPej2Cf-GI/AAAAAAAADLM/sJ_M-nfMpJM/s640/20130917_073621.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small lobby but functional. Sliding doors will be locked at 6 pm. Use your keys to enter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exI5JcvAxWs/UlPejNHTwBI/AAAAAAAADLE/_VWnksECqCE/s1600/20130917_073615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exI5JcvAxWs/UlPejNHTwBI/AAAAAAAADLE/_VWnksECqCE/s640/20130917_073615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe. The smell of coffee in the morning, heavenly..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOV3TwgZxqt9OVpJHetdMgk1TZiaj_5jKqbXhk6i6mQxSJTcBNcsIuyEhslTA3-y05TK4mkdHzc52k09ccXD0uOyOcMLGhm_ldOms1QKLCetvTLb3ddPslhZR7Lu6cfFBrcTVXaAIIBr/s1600/20130912_221441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOV3TwgZxqt9OVpJHetdMgk1TZiaj_5jKqbXhk6i6mQxSJTcBNcsIuyEhslTA3-y05TK4mkdHzc52k09ccXD0uOyOcMLGhm_ldOms1QKLCetvTLb3ddPslhZR7Lu6cfFBrcTVXaAIIBr/s640/20130912_221441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkqFI7okNHY/UlPehj2owbI/AAAAAAAADK0/oecxmTyX6wc/s1600/SAM_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkqFI7okNHY/UlPehj2owbI/AAAAAAAADK0/oecxmTyX6wc/s640/SAM_3166.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchenette</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivR_SntWGpY/UlPeib_r1AI/AAAAAAAADK8/s7yOVyttTJI/s1600/20130915_094339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivR_SntWGpY/UlPeib_r1AI/AAAAAAAADK8/s7yOVyttTJI/s640/20130915_094339.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most important meal of the day! The red container is used to cook rice in the microwave. Can be bought from Woolworths for less than 10AUD. Very useful for travel. Long grain rice can also be bought at Woolworths for 3AUD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtmW_Gif6Xw/UlPeL2JbLJI/AAAAAAAADHk/AD9loO8AdA4/s1600/20130913_110856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtmW_Gif6Xw/UlPeL2JbLJI/AAAAAAAADHk/AD9loO8AdA4/s640/20130913_110856.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 OOTD ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk3bANwge4A/UlPeGujeIgI/AAAAAAAADG8/vqncVbrPQJ8/s1600/SAM_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk3bANwge4A/UlPeGujeIgI/AAAAAAAADG8/vqncVbrPQJ8/s640/SAM_0718.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyde Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our first destination of the day was to Paddys Market. It took us 20 mins walking from our hotel/apartment to Paddys Market and it was drizzling that morning. It was on a Friday and it was not crowded at all. One thing about this market is that the stuffs here are really cheap (do not convert to RM. Haha)! We went crazy buying t shirts, sweaters and souvenirs here. I also bought a sheepskin UGG for 88AUD which is oh so comfy.. At first I thought it was the original UGG brand boots (UGG is actually US based even though ugg originated from AUS), lest that I know that those boots are called ugg regardless of the brand. Nevertheless, It's totally worth it as u get the same quality at a fraction of the price ;-) I also went overboard by adding in the waterproof spray and ugg socks at that ;-p So, if u want to buy the original UGG boots, pls make sure you buy it at the right place as you will find so many shops in Sydney selling uggs claiming that they are selling original UGGs..</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9dLQd8yvA8/UlPeJshg4wI/AAAAAAAADHU/Ihg48oZRotM/s1600/SAM_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9dLQd8yvA8/UlPeJshg4wI/AAAAAAAADHU/Ihg48oZRotM/s640/SAM_0744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought my UGGs here ;-)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As
I have mentioned before, we have already bought our Sydney attractions
tickets in advance. So our next destination of the day was to Madamme
Tussauds. On the way, we had an early lunch at one Kebab joint we found
en route to the Museum Train Station. The name of the place is Yummies
Kebab Pizza Pide, it had delicous Pides and Pizzas! More information can
be found <a href="http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/yummies-kebab-pizza-pide-sydney" target="_blank">here</a>. The review
is not so good but for us the food is descent and most importantly
halal. However, i have to agree that the pizza is better than the Kebab.
<br /><br />We took the subway from Museum Station to Wynyard and walk
towards the Aquarium Wharf. However, there was no clear signage towards
the place. Apart from that, there's no detailed direction provided on
websites on how to get there i.e which exit to take at the subway
station. So that's when ur phone is really needed. Googlemap was
instrumental in helping us to locate the place (u have to have internet
connection for this). I just discovered that you can use Googlemap to
literally direct you to the place. However, you still have to use your
own instinct as its not always accurate. But it does help with getting a
good sense of the surrounding area. So I would recommend buying the
data package for ur phone as I have mentioned in my previous post. Or
otherwise you can install an offline map app on ur phone and download
the local map prior to your departure. It is about 20-30 mins walk (slow
pace) to Madamme Tussauds and do check the weather beforehand. You
might want to bring/buy an umbrella or raincoat with you. Sydney
Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney is situated at the same area. So its
recommended to cover all those in one go. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmSRDRIbVpU/UlPi5iBCmMI/AAAAAAAADLk/JtAxQUmjaqc/s1600/SAM_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmSRDRIbVpU/UlPi5iBCmMI/AAAAAAAADLk/JtAxQUmjaqc/s640/SAM_0754.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum Station - No escalator and no elevator here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF27N1sc0-8/UlPeNlNs0iI/AAAAAAAADHw/kxgKdfu54bM/s1600/SAM_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF27N1sc0-8/UlPeNlNs0iI/AAAAAAAADHw/kxgKdfu54bM/s640/SAM_0766.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">double decker train</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sZ5nP30a4U/UlPeOXSJkTI/AAAAAAAADH4/ESNxlCAJLHg/s1600/SAM_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sZ5nP30a4U/UlPeOXSJkTI/AAAAAAAADH4/ESNxlCAJLHg/s640/SAM_0774.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">odw to Aquarium Wharf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That
was my second visit to Madamme Tussauds so I'm not that excited. The
most interesting figure would be Obama but it costs a bomb to have your
picture taken with him. As usual, these kind of establishments have
their own photographers and will sell you pictures upon ur exit.
Pictures taken by them costs a minimum of RM90! So we'd rather not waste
our dollars and opt not to buy them.After that we went to the Aquarium.
It was just ok and could not compare to the one in Osaka. But Q enjoyed
it nevertheless.After we were done with the Aquarium it was already
4.30 pm and the Sydney Wildlife was already closed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin92XX-K6npdYPPmN_zMUs57zkKGCukoeRkEb4XXSrK0Qx8uWaes6__t11zCp2Pa_xyNrDsgginFqyYVDYCBDxTutmS3UoBSQN6AeBPFzaqDlMn7kEphMspgWh30zZ1QjpOw90Q8TLFf3o/s1600/SAM_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin92XX-K6npdYPPmN_zMUs57zkKGCukoeRkEb4XXSrK0Qx8uWaes6__t11zCp2Pa_xyNrDsgginFqyYVDYCBDxTutmS3UoBSQN6AeBPFzaqDlMn7kEphMspgWh30zZ1QjpOw90Q8TLFf3o/s640/SAM_0841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Q busy snapping away</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />So
we decided to go to Circular Quay (pronounced as Key) and take a walk
at the harbour towards the Sydney Opera House. Q was already acting out
by this time and the captain was exhausted. So we just made it brief and
quick and just took a few pictures of the Sydney Opera House from afar.
The place is crowded at night and we just watched from quite a
distance. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_ZYyJmSQZY/UlPebELk91I/AAAAAAAADJs/SVJPgV5Mna8/s1600/SAM_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_ZYyJmSQZY/UlPebELk91I/AAAAAAAADJs/SVJPgV5Mna8/s640/SAM_0915.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circular Quay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House from afar</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Went back to our hotel/apartment at 7pmish (it was already dark like its 9pmish) and made a trip to the supermarket, again. Love the place ! ;-)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgTGxkEhIeo/UlPeeWl9bjI/AAAAAAAADKU/L3axN0_Ld-4/s1600/SAM_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgTGxkEhIeo/UlPeeWl9bjI/AAAAAAAADKU/L3axN0_Ld-4/s640/SAM_0935.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">supermarket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jat-K-KNbU/UlPeg5YfR1I/AAAAAAAADKs/qbBNczWpcoY/s1600/20130913_185107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jat-K-KNbU/UlPeg5YfR1I/AAAAAAAADKs/qbBNczWpcoY/s640/20130913_185107.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Q is crazy bout this Kinder Surprise. Bought loads of this while we were there...</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-58027681132677146312013-10-04T10:39:00.001+08:002013-10-04T11:16:32.913+08:00Brunei, Again<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was on a business trip to Brunei prior to our departure to Sydney. It was my first time taking an airline other than our own MAS and AirAsia and I was pretty nervous. However, it turned out that BruneiAir was not bad at all. The interior looks new, clean and crisp and modern. The best thing was, before take off, they put on a video reciting doa (prayers) for a safe journey which managed to calm me down. I stayed at the Rizqun International Hotel where the location is one of the best in town as its near to shopping area and the night market. However, do take note that the internet connection at the place is hopeless. We went on a short tourism visit on one of the night and heard of stories about Brunei and made one conclusion - Bruneians are really blessed and each of them are literally born on a pot of gold. One can't help but envy about such a good life they have.. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I did not take much pictures during the trip as I was not in the mood for it and all of em are taken with my handphone, so bare with it ya... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0DSLIqSwg/Uk4uyUDGEJI/AAAAAAAADFQ/ffDDPZOYx7g/s1600/20130908_103754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0DSLIqSwg/Uk4uyUDGEJI/AAAAAAAADFQ/ffDDPZOYx7g/s640/20130908_103754.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Lounge KLIA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFQsZxv-6r4/Uk4vBDMPKeI/AAAAAAAADFY/6rezXBKjQeE/s1600/20130908_100947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFQsZxv-6r4/Uk4vBDMPKeI/AAAAAAAADFY/6rezXBKjQeE/s640/20130908_100947.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just discovered this place located at the KLIA satellite building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7MbQ_UfMq_n2qDBB65ecSUBZZZYPXoaoVzFbevdgFCpqXmPspsGHpsVEefuPzZNquCDi-GKlnPNEDL24RnWRQeQFpwQVs4a5-hJu3Sq9iz29cXercSf9tRQIz_ZiCh1I9lWd0feE0nj9/s1600/20130908_121510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7MbQ_UfMq_n2qDBB65ecSUBZZZYPXoaoVzFbevdgFCpqXmPspsGHpsVEefuPzZNquCDi-GKlnPNEDL24RnWRQeQFpwQVs4a5-hJu3Sq9iz29cXercSf9tRQIz_ZiCh1I9lWd0feE0nj9/s640/20130908_121510.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On board Royal Brunei Air</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rizqun International Hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise view from my hotel room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise and sunset is spectacular in Brunei</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New mosque and Prime Ministers Office</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar PV Farm Brunei</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power of the Sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shin Ramyun - cant find halal version back home in Malaysia</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-85771013775198709492013-09-23T23:26:00.001+08:002013-09-23T23:26:11.125+08:00Snap & Drive<p dir=ltr>I took this pic while I was driving back home from work this afternoon. Look how beautiful is that?? Yes, I'm indeed guilty of Snap Driving and I do that all the time :P. Kids, don't do this at home ya!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmQ1yagZfhk99dJJA-AjbpJJ3pgVMrGa7vkkyMx-olaL6grd9jtppcUILB91S9jtxeq1hHcXbt4zintjMAWd6dVu0ZhaP140fBZVrXUeyQsSLXlLkDZEGjDC_UXl0ck01Ag9SkeGImrae/s1600/20130923_185209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmQ1yagZfhk99dJJA-AjbpJJ3pgVMrGa7vkkyMx-olaL6grd9jtppcUILB91S9jtxeq1hHcXbt4zintjMAWd6dVu0ZhaP140fBZVrXUeyQsSLXlLkDZEGjDC_UXl0ck01Ag9SkeGImrae/s640/20130923_185209.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-74596562572747018042013-09-23T09:30:00.000+08:002013-09-23T09:38:43.477+08:00Sydney Synthesis<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. I think we have been conned by the taxi driver that evening when we arrived at the Kingsford Smith International Airport. We saw a programme on TV a few days before titled "24 hrs in Sydney". From that programme we know that the taxi fare to Sydney should be around 30-35 AUD. We hailed the taxi at the official airport taxi stand and upon entering the taxi we were told that it costs us 50AUD to get to CBD. The taxi driver said that he could turn on the meter but the meter will cost us more. We did not want to stand any longer in the cold so we just agreed. It was unusually windy that night, something that we did not expect. And the worst thing was, the taxi did not drop us right in front of the hotel, instead he was too lazy to make a turn into the road where our hotel is situated and drop us further in front where we have to walk to our hotel. Our hotel is located at the windiest junction on earth! We had to battle the strong wind to get to the entrance of the hotel - we could barely push the stroller and our heavy luggage makes it much more difficult. hmphh..<br /><br />2. Upon arrival at the Airport, just when you exit the customs, you will find a few cellular service provider booths. Vodaphone was already closed when we arrived at 9.00 pm. I walked further to the left and found Yes Optus. You can get a sim card with unlimited data for 1 week at AUD15! The guy at the counter was helpful and he will help you to replace the sim card and setup your phone. The reception was very good as well. Managed to get access to the internet 24/7 everywhere we go. Our daughter must have her daily dose of Oggy and Pingu so that really helps! (Apart from our daily dose of social media, ehem :P)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. We have booked the Combo Ticket online a few weeks prior to our departure to Sydney. The Combo Ticket will give you access to 5 attractions in Sydney which are the Maddame Tussauds, The Sydney Eye Tower, Wildlife Sydney, Sydney Sealife Aquarium and Manly Sealife Sanctuary. Amazingly we were able to visit all the attractions which was really worth it! According to the website total price for all the listed attractions are AUD164 per adult. They are having a promotion now where it costs only AUD63 per adult. Children below 3 do not have to pay any entrance fees. I'm not sure on the duration of the promotion though. For more information please access this link (http://www.madametussauds.com/Sydney/BuyTickets/Default.aspx#tabs-combitickets)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />4. Malaysians are required to apply for the ETA before entering Australia for tourism purposes. The price for obtaining an ETA from the official website is AUD20. However, you have an option to get travel agents to assist you in applying the ETA. I scouted around on the net and the cheapest rate that I got was RM20. Service was fast too. Do let me know if you want further information on this particular travel agent. <br /><br />5. As usual, to save ourselves from the hassle of buying tickets every single time, we bought the transportation card. In Sydney they have the MyMulti card which could be used on different types of transportation. There are a few types of MyMultis and we bought the MyMulti3 card which enables us to use any mode of transport to anywhere which includes trains, busses, LRT / MRT and ferries.MyMulti3 will set you back at AUD61. If you plan to go out of Sydney, i.e. Blue Mountain, it's worth to buy this ticket. Children below 3 yo are not required to buy tickets. More information can be referred here (http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/fares/all-fares#mymulti)<br /><br />6. On another note, I just realized that if you are traveling as a family, the best time to start to travel is when your children are between 1-3 years old. Flight tickets for children below 2 are minimal and children less than 3 years old normally do not have to pay for transportation tickets or entrance fees. They also do not require an extra bed in hotels as you can still sleep comfortably with them in the same bed.For those flying with AirAsia, you don't really have to book the Hot Seat. To save on budget, you can consider to book the seat just behind the Hot Seat row. It is normally located near to <br />the washroom which has a little bit of space where you can let your kids stretch out a bit should they get bored.<br /><br />7. Sydney is very convenient for parents with strollers as the pavements are design to accomodate strollers. Most of the train stations have lifts, but some of them don't such as the Museum train station. Lots of opportunities to exercise your muscles there ;-) If you plan to travel a lot, you might want to invest in a more lightweight stroller.<br /><br />8. Sydney's main attraction is concentrated in one area and if you choose the right place to stay, you can practically reach everywhere on foot. We were very happy with the the place we stayed in Sydney. It's in a quiet area but still in the center of the tourist attractions, except that as I have said before, it's located in the windiest junction of earth. To validate this, you can have a visit to the trash bin around the area and you will see a lot of umbrellas Resting In Peace there.... I Will blog more about our accomodation later.<br /><br />I will continue with our Sydney Stories when I have the time.. Till then, have a "fabulous" Monday!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-91019697312333876882013-09-18T18:28:00.002+08:002013-09-19T12:05:16.445+08:00Guilty As Charged<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know I'm guilty of not updating this space for the longest time. It's not that i'm busy, but it's because that I'm lazy. Woah, it rhymes! hahaha. Lame, I know. I'm just going to ramble on random things in this post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />1. Managed to complete 3 photobooks from scratch since I came back from the Eidulfitr holidays. See, I told you I have too much time on my hands.<br /><br />2. I'm supposed to blog about my last visit to JPO and Pulai Springs Resort during the holidays. But, procrastination took the best of me. Nevertheless, our daughter had a fabulous time in the pool. That was our second time there and we would definitely come back. The hotel is quite far from the city and tucked away in an isolated area, however its perfect for those who wanted to go to JPO or Legoland as it's very near to the hotel and they also provide tours to both places.<br /><br />3. Have be traveling abroad back to back in the past couple of weeks. was very busy preparing for both trips and had a hard time trying to pack for three destinations (dont ask me why). The first trip was actually a business trip and it was really nerve wrecking and its stressed me out big time. I was carrying the burden of the world on my shoulder, alone(drama!). I'm glad that its now over. <br /><br />4. The second was some sort of reward for all the hardships that I had gone through for the past couple of weeks (yeah, right).. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. When I was driving to work this morning, as weird as it seems, I realized that I missed my mundane daily routine.I actually felt that its really good to be back even though I was like really tired as I just landed in KL yesterday evening. I know, what's wrong with me right??? Its only almost 2 weeks that I was away and it felt like I have been away for ages! This is a new self - discovery thang for me, I always thought I would never, ever miss going to work.. hmm.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. Last but not least, I'll leave you with these pics to get some flavor of posts to come ;-)</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-50688191680105309162013-08-07T09:33:00.001+08:002013-08-08T00:48:07.410+08:00Eid Mubarak<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today is the last day of Ramadhan and here I am at my desk pretending that I'm actually doing my work. Who am I kidding? haha.. There's practically no one in the office. However, me being here today is not against my will, but it's my own choice as I have to save my precious annual leave (whatever I have left) for my future trips :) Besides, my hometown is just a stones throw away from my office :)<br /><br />For those who might not know, Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Muslim Calendar. During this month, faithful muslims will fast from dawn to dusk. And on the first day of the next month (Syawal), we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr which is also called the Feast of Breaking the Fast. For us (Malaysian Muslims) this is the main festive celebration and a major holiday season of the year. <br /><br />For those who happen to travel to Malaysia during Ramadhan and Syawal, it's the best time for you to get to know about our local traditions and celebrations. During Ramadhan, Food Bazaars will sprout all over the country and it is the best place to sample local Malay Cuisines. Some of them you wouldn't be able to easily find during the other months. And also, there will be sales everywhere - so it's one of the best time to shop. One of the best place to feel the excitement is at the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman / Jalan Masjid India. But do take note of the crowd ya. Best to go during working hours of the weekdays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Apart from that, our Prime Minister will be hosting the Eid al-Fitr open house at his residential in Putrajaya and you don't need an invitation to get in. So this could be your only chance to meet our PM in person and take a look at his residence. And this year, our Yang Dipertuan Agong (King) will be hosting an open house tomorrow as well at the National Palace.. So, this would be a golden opportunity to get into the brand spanking new palace.. Just remember to wear decent clothing or you won't be able to enter.<br /><br />During the first week of Syawal, you could expect that there will be less people in the city so you can enjoy the city minus the crazy crowd (to a certain extent). Do take note that quite a number of establishments including department stores will close on the 1st day of Eid al-Fitr but normally will resume business on the second or third day of Eid al-Fitr. However, a point to note is that the highways are jam packed. And the cities in the East Coast will be very busy as people return to their hometown. It's more advisable to travel by airplane - however be sure to book your tickets in advance (applies to all mode of transportation (and hotels)) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and expect a surge prices as well </span>as it's a peak season.<br /><br />So this year I'll be celebrating Eid al-Fitr here in KL and then to Malacca and from there we will make short trip south.. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and blessed Eid and be safe on the roads! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This might not be the best pic but it's the only one I have that's somewhat related to Eid :) taken during a short business trip to Brunei last year.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-38474503097239147802013-07-26T13:59:00.001+08:002013-07-31T09:47:35.499+08:00How's The Weather Today?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's 1.15pm and the rain just subsided. However, the weather felt different, and kinda bizarre. It's quite unusual for me to see the sky as gloomy this. As if it can read my mind, or my heart rather... (drama! :)) Anyways, it's really dark outside for this time of the day and the street lights are turning on automatically. Hmmmmm... Is it mists or fogs that im seeing outside my office window or is it the haze coming from our neighbors? Hmm, I wonder. All I know that it's making it hard for to me to focus on my work and not thinking of things that's not supposed to be thought of (confused much?)<br /><br />Speaking of weather, it's raining a lot these days. I love rain. Yes both "rains", I mean the rain rain and the kpop star, Bi Rain </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> :P </span>(he completed his mandatory military service just recently.. ehem..)..I can't remember it raining this much in July last year. Malaysia used to have only 2 seasons which is the hot and rainy season. Nevertheless, one can still enjoy traveling in the rainy season in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia as it does not flood much as compared to the East Coast (rainy season in the East Coast starts in November until March). However, since few years back we have an additional season which is the Haze Season - which is really not a good time to travel here as you can only see and smell smoke. The smoke is coming from our neighbor country which had hot spots that burns the forests / agriculture plantations. And there are also cases of open burning but I do not want to dwell on this. U can just simply google them and you'll know what's been happening. This year the schools have to shut down a few times as the air quality was really bad. (I guess school kids love the hazy season). So those who intend to come to Malaysia, do take note that the haze season is in June-July.. I'm not sure about August but usually it subsides when the heat cools down. I think the East Coast of Malaysia is less affected of the haze, but I could be wrong. Btw, June to Septmber is the perfect time to go to our islands - perhentian, redang, tioman - you wont regret going there :). Well, I think that's all about the senseless ramblings about the weather for today.<br /><br />Ahh... It's raining again.. I even saw a lightning in the horizon. I think I better lie down for a bit and enjoy the sound of the rain.. (it's the lunch break time btw) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">:P</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It does not look that dark in the picture isn't it. Pardon the quality of my phone cam.But in actual, it was really2 dark outside..</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-18523004495164500672013-07-24T05:02:00.000+08:002013-07-24T05:02:38.591+08:00Osaka Observations <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. For families with young children, stroller really helps. Not like in Seoul, young people here actually uses the elevator and people won't stare when you use them. I would say, Osaka is very stroller friendly (and i believe this is the case for other major cities in Japan as well). Almost all places are equipped with elevators - almost. However, certain parts of the subway doesn't have elevator and you would have to exercise your muscles and manually carry the stroller up the stairs.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">convenient to carry your bags / shopping bags</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Bring snacks that your kids like to avoid them going hungry as food here is quite difficult for Muslims. Bring your won ration - lots of them. However for sushi lovers - ur in heavennnn~. I myself LOVE sushi, however, remember to bring ur own soy sauce as the ones in Japan are non-halal as alcohol is normally used to produce them - including miso soup, shoyu, mirin and the likes.. I bought mine from Jusco the ones in small packets at the Sushi section which is very very convenient convenient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />3. For the captain who is not quite adventurous in the food department I brought along packs of rice and cook them with my trustee old portable cooker bought from Akihabara a couple of years ago. Top the rice with fried omelettes and were good to go :) (remember to bring some kicap kipas udang ya :P). Last time it was very difficult to find this portable cooker in the country but lately there is one local brand which i know of that produces them. However, it can only be bought online or directly at their suppliers. Its called the Musafir Travel Cooker. I dont know how it performs though. I'm using Sanyo brand and it's sturdy, compact and easy to clean. For lil Q, I bought those instant porridge which I packed to go for our trips as Q is really a picky eater and normally wouldn't want to try anything new especially if it looked gross. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cooking station :P - make sure you clean the space after you cook.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sardine fried rice and chicken porridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having lunch at Nara Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Cleanliness is like an obsession here. Yet, finding a trash can is a huge feat. I'm really puzzled how they maintain the cleanliness without any trash can in sight? The best bet is to find a washroom, chances are there will be a dustbin inside.<br /><br />5. In Osaka (i think this is the case in the whole of Japan), if u ever cast a stone in any direction, chances are it will hit at least one vending machine. haha. They are in abundance! I doubt that you will ever go thirsty in Japan. However, it's really difficult to find chocolate drinks in the vending machine as well as in the mini marts. And unlike in Seoul where the Banana Milk is very popular, you can hardly find them here. I only managed to find them in of the vending machines in the Osaka Castle compound. The vending machines would normally sell coffee, fruit juices and mineral water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />6. It is not as easy to find coffee shops in Osaka. I don't know how's the coffee culture in Japan, last I read it's quite the in thing there. But during our stay I hardly come across any, I don't even see any Starbucks even though I know there is one in the vicinity of our hotel but i just couldn't locate them.<br /><br />7. It's not easy to find souvenir shops in Osaka as compared to Kyoto. However, there are good ones in the Osaka Castle compound. They also specialise in samurai / ninja stuffs here. If you happen to go there, do shop for your souviniers as you might not easily find other shops. The one we found on the way to Kaiyukan only have Japan souvinier but did not have <br />anything spcecific related to Osaka itself. You can find lots of souvinier shops in Nara though. There was one shop that we found on our way to the Nara JR station which sells variety of good quality souvinier named Kamei, Narashi Sanjyodori (tel: 0742(22)7628). The obachan is friendly and speaks acceptable english. If you're on way to the station, the shop is on your left. The captain bought his replica of Samurai sword here for 5k yen ++ :P. Remember to ask for the declaration letter informing that the sword is not made of dangerous materials, they do provide them with your purchase (only if you ask). This is to be prepared just in case customs got interested with your sword. The captain had not had any problem with it :P</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Shop - can be found otw to Kaiyukan. A souvinier shop selling Japan souviniers but nothing specific on Osaka.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. Through my experience, I found that people who works in restaurants and railway stations spoke acceptable english. We can actually get around by asking people we met along the way. The railway officers especially helped a lot. However, as I said before, preparation, ie. some research on it's transportation system and general overview of the city and your hotel area is necessary to help get your bearings.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-62246716843454999912013-07-18T13:09:00.000+08:002013-07-18T13:11:35.625+08:00My First Photobook<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ok again, before anything I have no affiliation with Photobook Malaysia whatsoever and this is not a paid entry. This entry is based on my own experience which I would like to share with my readers.</span></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Actually I did my first Photobook using FotoBuk software which I bought at a bargain when I last bought my camera. I put a lot of effort into creating that book - I painstakingly gathered all my photos which are scattered around the place, arranging them according to date and ocassion and finally putting them together in the FotoBuk. The FotoBuk software is one that is really2x UN-user-friendly that it's really SO difficult to put it all together. And at last, all my efforts has gone to waste when the document that I worked on is corrupted. I actually redone the whole thing THREE<strike> freaking</strike> times and its still not working - mind you that I have to go back and forth to the shop to send the softcopy. I was so frustrated that I vouch that I will never go near photobook again. <br /><br />However, recently I was "influenced" by a friend about a deal pon Groupon on this photobook, I don't mind sharing - it's Photobook Malaysia. I browsed their website before actually buying the deal (bearing in mind the ordeal that I endured before with FotoBuk). I liked what I found, they actually have ReadyBooks which are templates where you can just drag and drop your pictures in the album. The designs are also great and decent unlike some other brands are offering. It is so easy and user friendly and the album can actually be sent in online. I couldn't be happier when all they take to process the album is ONE day. Can you believe that?? I sent in my Photobook on Thursday and on Friday afternoon I received a notification email saying the book has already been shipped out. WOW!!! Totally amazing, right. On Monday I received the book at my office and I really liked it. The quality is very good and in the future I won't be looking at any other brands.. :) So here's the final product- can't wait to share it with my friends and family.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-40701101691262933722013-07-12T17:20:00.001+08:002013-07-12T17:21:39.345+08:00Surviving Tsuyu-Osaka: Day 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We decided on heading towards the Osaka Castle this (not so) morning to take opportunity of the good weather. Do take note that the Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden is closed on Mondays. The nearest subway station to the Osaka Castle is the Tanimachi 4-chome Sta. of the Subway Tanimachi Line (Green Line). It actually takes around half and hour to 45 mins leisure walk (outdoor) to get to the castle. We enjoyed walking through the castle compound as the view is breathtaking and gives a sense of calmness. Perhaps because the garden is closed, the place is not that crowded - all the better for us to enjoy the place with minimal distractions :).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, if it rains, especially during a heavy rain, do consider to postpone your visit until the rain stops unless you're prepared to get soaked :P For me, the highlight of Osaka Castle is the perfectly kept compound and gardens. It must've taken a lot of effort to tend to such a huge area. However, I hardly see any worker during our visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Inside the castle itself there's not much things to see except for the history of the castle with a very interesting 3D animation. I have never seen such thing before. The plus point for parents with strollers is that you are allowed to use the elevator :) while others have to use the stairs. The castle has 9 exhibition floors if I'm not mistaken. <br /><br />Outside the castle there is an area with a souvinier shop - do buy your souviniers here as they have good varieties which you could not easily find at other places. This shop also claims to be the ninja / samurai specialist and for those who are interested, they do have wide range of ninja stuffs there. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">you will see this building after you exit the subway station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walk through all these landmarks to get to the castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soaking up the breathtaking view while sipping coffee from the vending machine :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quite a long walk to get to the castle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After visiting the castle, we decided to explore the Minami area - which is the downtown of Osaka. We got lost inside the underground shopping mall which was connected to the Namba station as we didn't know which exit to take. Starving, and with Q being less cooperative, we decided to take a break and have our lunch (at 4 pmish). We ate like we haven't eaten in years! (thus, no pictures.. haha..) Only after that we were able see clearly and decided to get out of the underground mall and asked around :P</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We almost lose hope of finding the Tombori River Cruise jetty when we bumped into the boat while resting at a deserted area by the river. We quickly head to the direction of the boat and tried to find the jetty and after a loong walk, we found it! At last.. We were happy to get to relax and enjoy looking at the buildings with the neon lights adding to the festivity mood. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By looking at the map I always knew that the Shinsaibashi St and Dotonburi is close but little that I know that it's so close that we could've covered the area in 1 go yesterday. We head back to our hotel via Shinsaibashi Station which is easier to us compared to the Namba Station where we got lost earlier.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we saw the boat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tombori River Cruise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the famous Glico Man - it's even in the map!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-End of Day 2-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-56565052597886611212013-07-07T13:44:00.000+08:002013-07-08T10:58:26.198+08:00Oh, the places I've gone.....<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is there such a thing as time machine? For foursquare users, the answer is yes! As an active foursquare user, I was psyched to come across this feature while blog-hopping and decided to give it a try. The time machine visualizes all your check-ins and will transport you back to the place where you checked in. Try it for yourself! </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-82143734919043118242013-07-05T08:30:00.000+08:002013-07-08T10:49:01.103+08:00Surviving Tsuyu: Osaka - Day 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have prepared a complete itinerary for Osaka. However, due to the weather, we played by ear </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">most of the time</span>. If it's raining, we will opt for indoor activities. It was drizzling when we got out of the hotel at 12 that day, so we decided to go to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan which is located at the Tempozan Harbour Village. We took the subway from Osaka Station to Hommachi (Midosuji Line) and exchange to Chuo Line to get to the Osakako Station. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is about 5-10 mins walking distance from the subway. U can also use JR Train but its quite far from the place. There is no signage once you get out from the subway station , neither you would see the Aquarium from the station. So I would say, just follow the crowd. People who get down at this station would normally go to the Aquarium.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection outside the Osakako Station. Walk the opposite direction.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempozan Market Place from afar. Kaiyukan is just nearby.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />We bought the <a href="http://www.f00-020.243.145.203.fs-user.net/language/eng/info/2013_kaiyu_ticket.pdf" target="_blank">Osaka Kaiyu Ticket </a>from Osaka Station which entitle us to enter Kaiyukan + unlimited Subway ride within Osaka City for 1 day at 2,550 yen. Admission to Kaiyukan itself costs 2,300 yen, so i think its worth to buy this ticket if you intend to explore the city further after visiting the aquarium. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Kaiyu Ticket can be bought at the Osaka Station Tourist Information Centre located on the 1st Floor (Refer to my <a href="http://feel100percent.blogspot.com/2013/06/osaka-orientation.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> for more info). The tickets can't be bought at Kaiyukan itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was SUPER packed on that weekend. I was surprised to see the crowd upon entering the Aquarium area - we can barely see anything as it is totally crowded. Luckily Q is small and she squeezed in between the crowd to get to the front and look at the animals / fishes. She was super excited and enjoyed very much looking at the huge fishies / penguins and sea creatures. The crowd was concentrated at the entrance of the aquarium - it got better further inside the aquarium as the crowd disperse. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the crowd - its much worse near to the entrance</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">From it's website, it said that Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquarium in the world. Indeed it was the largest i have ever seen in my life. It was divided into a few sections but what I remembered the most is the pacific ocean tank. The gigantic pacific ocean tank housed a HUGE whale shark called ‘Yu-chan’. It was really amazing seeing the sea creatures of the pacific ocean - which was something alien to us.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yu Chan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />We spent about 2++ hours inside the Aquarium and when we went outside there was a street performance. Although the performer spoke Japanese, Q enjoyed the show very much. It was 3.30 pm ++ and we were really hungry but Q won't budge until the performance end.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempozan Marketplace - which also houses a huge Ferris Wheel- I wonder if its the same Ferris Wheel depicted in the anime "Honey & Clover"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We had lunch at Bab Ul Hayat, a halal turkish buffet restaurant which is located inside the Tempozan Market Place (3F). It was quite pricey but the food was delish! Make sure that you are really2 hungry to get your money's worth. However, alternatively there is a small kebab joint on the way from the subway station to Osakako. A meal there costs less than 800 yen. We were really famished by then to walk to that place, so we had lunch at Bab Ul Hayat instead.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bab Ul Hayat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish fare- its very different from Malaysian cuisine, but delish! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After that, we went shopping at Shinsaibashi Suji- a major shopping area. It is located just 2 stations away from Umeda Station. However, from Osakako we have to go back to Hommachi to exchange to the Midosuji line which is a couple of stations away. Shinshaibashi Suji is a long stretch of covered street dedicated for shopping. It is a very busy street with a lot to see. I was really overwhelmed and wasn't able to concentrate on shopping - the thing i normally do best :P. It doesn't help that Q was really acting out and we were super exhausted. I just bought a straw hat at Uniqlo that night. Also went into Daiso - it's better to shop at Daiso here as yen has fallen and the price is cheaper from Malaysia by a few cents :) Also packed some Sushi to go for dinnah *yum!* </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">like like like</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinsaibashi Suji</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite three....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />-End of Day 1-</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-768113109241976622013-07-03T16:58:00.002+08:002013-07-10T09:15:59.126+08:00シクラメン「舞い桜」<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't ask me what the title means. It's the title of the song in the below video - which is one of the songs that I fell in love with while listening to the songs piped in through the room speaker during our stay at the Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda that I mentioned in my previous post. When I Google Translated the phrase it gave me <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">"Sakura</span> <span class="hps">Mai</span><span class="">"</span> by C<span class="hps">yclamen</span></span>. However a search on Cyclamen in youtube lead me to nowhere. Only managed to find this by using those Japanese wordings and everything else related in Youtube are in Japanese as well. Tried to find the roman lyrics of the songs but to no avail unlike translations for korean songs which can be found easily. I remember how JDrama and Jpop was doing really well in early 2000 - I was one of the fans but now it's being overwhelmed by the Kpop craze. It's a pity since there are quite a number of quality JDramas and songs, but remains to be undiscovered as </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hallyu Wave swept in and </span>dominates the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Btw, how I found this song you may ask? I used an app on my android phone which is called "Shazam" (It is also available in iTunes). I found this app really2 helpful for me as it can quickly find the title and singers of the songs within seconds! You'll be amazed! However, there's one more song that I tried to search but to no avail :( and that seldom happens. Till then, enjoy the song (I find the vid clip quite difficult to understand).</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Update:</span></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Romaji and translation of the chorus part courtesy of <a href="http://awordfromjapan.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://awordfromjapan.wordpress.com/</a> Many thanks! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Azayaka ni saku mankai no kirei na sakura no ki no shita de<br /><i>Under the beautiful vividly blooming cherry trees in full bloom</i><br /><br />"Mata ne" to namida nagashi bokura wa arukidashita<br /><i>"Good bye" and tears flowing we walked away</i><br /><br />Omoide wa kimi o sasaeru deai wa kiseki o motarasu yo <br /><i>I'm bringing a memory as a miracle to support you</i><br /><br />Itsu made mo kimirashiku are<br /><i>It will always be just like you</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-64572455058310801052013-06-30T22:46:00.001+08:002013-07-12T09:35:15.415+08:00Osaka Orientation<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.heartonhotel.com/nis/" target="_blank">Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda</a> during our stay in Osaka. The room is small as with everything else in Japan. Upon entering you almost get claustrophobic. However the room was super clean and everything worked well - it was sufficient for the three of us to stay and sleep in comfortably. From my research i found out that double bed room is much smaller than the twin bed room we took. We really enjoyed the fm radio stations and the high quality room speaker as it gives us a somewhat happy mood :) we also fell in love with some of the songs. Do bring your own coffee / tea mix as they dont provide them here - what they provide are green tea and a weird kinda soup (i guess?) in a sachet. A mug or a cup would also help as they don't provide coffee / tea cup.<br /><br />The Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda is strategically located near the Osaka Station - a gateway to all destinations in and out of Osaka. It is also conveniently located 3 mins walk from the Airport Limo Bus Station (Herbis Osaka) - walking directions from the bus station to the hotel are in the pics section (the last 8 pics-very helpful) in this <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hearton-nishi-umeda.en.html?aid=311984;label=hearton-nishi-umeda-2eW*LXuNt9yBtUxSbYYWCAS7365820753:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap1t1:neg;ws=&gclid=CPHwj6WBjLgCFUlV4godZnYAiA" target="_blank">page</a>. I would strongly recommend using the airport limo to get to the hotel as it is very near as opposed to using the train as you would have to walk quite a distance as well as facing a high risk of getting lost as you try to find your bearings inside the complicated Osaka Station for the first time. However, if you prefer to use the train, the Sakurabashi exit is the nearest exit to the hotel. You would have to walk through a small shopping mall to get to the hotel - i was made to understand that the mall will be closed at midnite and you would have to find your way round to the hotel. I would say that this hotel is the most affordable hotel with close proximity to the Osaka Station and airport limo and we will definitely stay here again if we were to return to Osaka.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take Platform 5 at the Kansai International Airport to get to Herbis Osaka. Ticket costs 1,500 yen per adult - 1 hour ride.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ōsaka Station (大阪駅 Ōsaka-eki?) is a major railway station in the Umeda district of Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It forms the city's main rail terminal in the north. Read about the station lay out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Csaka_Station#Station_layout" target="_blank">here</a>. It will really help you to understand the station which is crucial. We found ourselves really confused even after a few times being inside the building.The Osaka Station is so huge that we can barely cover the station even within our 3 days using the station. We also never got the chance to explore the department stores within the station as its so huge. We only get to explore Yodabashi Camera - an electronic dept store which also sells designer bags (gucci, coach and the likes as well as clothings) by chance. We stumbled upon Yodabashi Camera while looking for HEP Five which we never found that day. For us its better to walk outside the Osaka Station towards the HEP Five as you can actually see where youre going as opposed to walking inside the building and get confused along the way.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka Station at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yodabashi Camera Toys Section</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yodabashi Camera Computer / Electronics Section</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hankyu Dept Store</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HEP Five. There is a Ferris Wheel on top on the building. There is also an H&M nearby - not inside the building though. Tip: All malls and shops closes at 9 pm on weekdays :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Clock at the Daimaru entrance (if im not mistaken). Talk about precision, amazing!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, what's most important, try to locate the tourist information center which will be able to help you with planning your journey. The tourist info centre is also where you can buy the Osaka Pass, Kaiyu Ticket and other kinds of passes for your travelling purposes. There are quite a number of passes / tickets to consider when you travel in Japan. Among the few that I have come to know is the JR Pass, Kansai Pass and Osaka Pass. There also other such as the Kaiyu Ticket which is more specific. Which one to get depends on ur travel plans. JR Pass is really worth it if you intend to travel across Japan. For this trip, the place that I wanted to visit is concentrated in Osaka itself. So i bought the Osaka Pass - there 2 kinds of Osaka Pass which is the 1-day pass (2000 yen) and the 2-day pass (2700 yen). This tickets will provide you with unlimited rides on local subway trains and free or discounted entrance fees to various attractions. I would say that these passes are worth it if you intend to visit more than 3 attractions within a day. But for me, I bought it for our convenience of not having to look for the ticket prices. In Japan, you buy your train tickets based on how it costs, and not its destination. So, you would have to know how much it exactly cost to get from point A to point B. I'm not sure if they have something like the T-Money in Korea or Oyster in UK - if they have, it would be good for those who do not intend to go to so many places in a day. So, for a beginner, always always ask at the counter how much your ticket costs and how to buy it from the machines. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Information Centre (1st Floor). Quite near to Lucua</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka Pass + Coupons</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The subway we used a lot in this station is the Umeda Station (midosuji line) which will bring you to a number of famous tourist attractions. From Umeda, its just a couple of stations away from Shinsaibashi Suji - major shopping district. Always make sure which exit you are supposed to exit from as there are many exits at each station. We got lost trying to find our way towards Dotombori and end up walking off tangent towards another direction inside the underground mall. And yes, the underground mall.... Osaka is famous for its underground malls - so get a map or else..... We did not dare go to that place at the risk of getting lost.. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the subway during peak-hours</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So, I hope this entry can be of help to those wanting to get some rough idea about how to get around Osaka.. Good Luck!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-27475703879351302572013-06-27T15:58:00.004+08:002013-07-08T10:53:38.503+08:00Surviving Tsuyu - Osaka<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our destination that I mentioned about in my previous post to replace our China trip was Osaka. We were grateful that everything went smoothly except for the quite bumpy flight to Japan. Upon finalising the travelling arrangements, I was not aware that it is now Tsuyu (rainy season) in Japan. I was really really worried prior to the departure cos what i read from the internet about the rainy season was not good at all. One thing which got me confused was that Tsuyu, which lasts for 1 month starting in June coincides with the summer season which is supposed to be hot and muggy. But in fact, during my short stay of 5 days in Osaka, that was not the case at all. Well, at least in June - it was nothing that fellow Malaysians can't overcome - we've had worse :) During the past few days, clouds were hovering above the sky, making it pretty comfortable to walk outside (but bad for photos). However, i do understand that summer temp will peak in July / August, so.. Going to Japan during Tsuyu is a big gamble, really. But we were really really lucky that it only rained a little during the 3 solid days we were in Osaka which enables us to walk outdoors. It was raining quite heavily on the morning that we were to depart from Osaka. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One thing that I've learnt was that, the weather forecasts are not reliable at all. Different sources will give you different forecasts. So don't really depend on the as u pretty much will not know what will happen. So I would say, just seize the day! armed with an umbrella, of course :) Those disposable plastic raincoat are also good to have as the wind could blow ur umbrella upwards - happened to me, hahaha.. Just one thing to caution, from what I've read, after the rainy season comes the typhoon, so just be aware of it whenever u make any travel arrangements to Japan in August or September. You might want to google for more info just to prepare urselves ahead. <br /><br />To me, Osaka is an underestimated travel destination. Most ppl just regard Osaka as one of the pit stop in between Kyoto and Kobe. Of course Kyoto is much more exciting but I do think that Osaka do have a lot of things to offer. Our five days stay (with only 3 full days) to explore is too short for us to make the trip to Kyoto or Kobe. We've only managed to cover one destination out of Osaka this time - which is Nara, a 50 minutes train ride from Osaka Station. I need more time to rearrange my entries and also pics.. So till then, I'm posting some pics of our adventures in Osaka...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaiyukan Aquarium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinsaibashi Suji - Major shopping area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dotombori River Cruise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osaka's famous Glico Man</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-55576315880820889402013-06-06T21:22:00.001+08:002013-07-08T11:00:07.766+08:00Travel Tool<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Before anything, this is not a paid post and im not affiliated with Agoda whatsoever. This is based on my own opinion. I just wanted to share about the travel tools that i love to use. </span>I have been a loyal Agoda customer since 2011. My first booking was for our trip to Singapore. Since then, Agoda is my first choice to book for my accommodation. Ive tried using other websites, but i find Agoda's user interface suits me more. Its simple and its very eay to find things that i need such as accommodation pics (with an acceptable size) and user comments. <br />It also helps that they segregate the comments according to categories as i would be interested in the 'family with young children' category. <br /><br />Apart from that, the prices are very competitive. You just have to know when to make your booking. I find it that prices are higher when its the holiday / school holiday season. When its the low season, u can get cheap rooms, which is practically a steal. Agoda also has insider offers for members which makes u feel 'special' in a way.<br /><br />I also love its refund policy as it's quite efficient by my standard. I made my first cancellation not so long ago. Before that i was quite nervous as to will i really get my money bank. However, the payment was refunded within 2 weeks after cancellation made online (very convenient!). What's important that you have to carefully look at the booking terms before u proceed to book ur accomodation. If you're not sure, book a room with a refund policy. Most of the time, the cheapest room available comes with the no refund policy. Just double check that before you confirm your booking.<br /><br />One more tip is to remember to contact ur hotel to confirm your reservation at least before you travel and you can save urself any problems of no booking info at the hotel. Not that it has ever happend to me before, but better safe than sorry, no?<br /><br />Well, i hope this entry will become of help to anyone with a doubt on using Agoda, just do it already...! :) </span><br><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://feel100percent.blogspot.com/2013/06/travel-tool.html" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="true"></div></br></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-75884096376772586812013-05-31T09:25:00.001+08:002013-07-08T11:01:22.206+08:00At Random<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Watched The Perks of Being A Wallflower recently. Falling in love with it. A++. Totally recommended! It's been a while since I'm really excited about any movie.. This one even topped the latest Iron Man installation. Love the lead role, he really carried the character well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Alamanda is getting more happening these days. Many of my favorite stores and restaurants are opening their doors here. Earlier this year Uniqlo set its foot here and yesterday was Dorothy Perkins opening day. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> yeay! </span>I was one of their first customers! haha... this is posing a very dangerous threat towards the health of my wallet. owhhh... What i like about it is that being a new outlet it has every size - my size is sold out in most of the branches! Tips, sign up for the Fashion Forward membership and get a RM30 voucher as well as enjoy 10% discount on all normal merchandise at Dorothy Perkins, Topman, Topshop, Ms Selfridge and Diva. I didnt know that Ms Selfridge is already here? Gotta check that out soon. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothy Perkins Alamanda</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. I've recently found the secret to cook a delicious Kimchi Jjigae. Yesterday I made the Kimchi Jigae with </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beef Balls </span>and it was the best Kimchi Jjigae I've ever made so far. The key is the longer you simmer the soup the better it tastes - minimum 30-45 mins. Also, add some anchovy stock to enhance the flavour. I used the maggi cube anchovy stock. My Recipe:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b><u><b>Kimchi Jjigae with Beef Balls</b></u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> - saute 2 cloves of garlic in sesame oil for a while and add the beef balls (i cut the beef </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> balls in half), cook until somewhat brownish </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> - after that put in the kimchi, gochujang and add water<br /> - let it boil for a while and add the anchovy stock<br /> - simmer for at least half an hour<br /> - Put in some spring onions and enjoy it while its piping hot! <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add ramen/noodles/other vege as u like. I had mine with the udon i
bought a few days ago at Jusco. Made enough to save it for today. Cant
wait for dinner tonite! Btw, I'm using the bakso beef balls which can be bought from Carrefour / Aeon Big. I think it's just perfect to use these beef balls with any kind of soup.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iKThVvc2HU/UaiKS7nlI-I/AAAAAAAACuA/KvKiB7B8lWw/s1600/IMG_20130531_192820." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iKThVvc2HU/UaiKS7nlI-I/AAAAAAAACuA/KvKiB7B8lWw/s400/IMG_20130531_192820." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimchi Jjigae with Beef Balls and Vermicelli </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu8eL7q9GCo/UaiKRtRTP8I/AAAAAAAACt4/jNEnK1XySfA/s1600/20130531_191652" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu8eL7q9GCo/UaiKRtRTP8I/AAAAAAAACt4/jNEnK1XySfA/s400/20130531_191652" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baso Sapi Beef Balls</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. I really have to buck up and complete my research / itinerary for our next trip or otherwise we will end up being lost later which will lead to frustration. Taking a taxi is not an option as taxis there are super expensive! I know I'll be super busy starting next week until right up to the trip but i still can't find the spirit to seriously get into it. Fighting!</span><br>http://feel100percent.blogspot.com/2013/05/at-random.html</br></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2695885341856838010.post-35755656626558286572013-05-27T16:56:00.002+08:002013-07-08T10:56:11.512+08:00Pengkalan Balak Beach, Malacca<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ok, im having a really bad case of Monday Blues. So, today is not a productive day at work for me, like really. urgh. So I'd better do something else to occupy my time while waiting for the clock to strike 6. Ok, enuff of senseless ramblings. <br /><br />Last weekend was a long one as Friday was the Wesak Day which is a National Holiday. We took the opportunity to go back to the Captain's homewtown which is located in Malacca. The Captain's hometown is very near to the beach, so everytime we visit, we always took the opportunity to at least to go and "see the sea". The nearest beach area to his house is the Pengkalan Balak area. Of course there are many other beaches along the Straits of Malacca - Tanjung Bidara, Klebang and Puteri but those are a bit further up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pengkalan Balak is always busy on weekends with families taking their kids to play on the beach etc. Especially at the centre where all the stalls are, parking can be difficult to find. I find that Malacca beaches are more popular with the locals as it is located quite far from the city. PD is more accessible to tourists plus the beach facilities are somewhat more developed. Anyways, I would say Tanjung Bidara area is a bit more convenient as the place is a bit spacious. To save urselves from headache, just avoid that place. It's a long stretch of beach, and u can just choose which area u want to go and just park ur car on the road side. However, be mindful that there are no bathroom / changing facilities provided in these areas. So dont forget to bring water to take off the sand and sea water before u take off. A sarong might also help to cover urself. <br /><br />I myself am content to just hang out by the beach and watch the kids having fun. The water is not that clear, visibility is non existent. However, the kids would still have fun as the water is shallow and the waves are gentle as the beaches located in the Straits of Malacca are shielded by the Sumatera Island. It was a hot hot day and it's nice just to enjoy the afternoon sea breeze in your face while watching the sunset. When we were there, there were lots of seaweed brushed on to the shore. Am not sure whether it has to do with the season or anything.<br /><br />Last year i had the opportunity to go to a relative's holiday house located right in front of a beach. Like literally, the beach is just in front of the doorstep. That was the first time for me and i was kinda surprised that the area was packed with private homestays. These homestays are not that easy to find on the internet though. You kinda know these places through family / friends connections or come to the place urself - sign board is also non existent. Its nice to have those kind of vacation houses where you just escape from time to time.... i wish..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We also like to just hang around the beach front stalls / restaurants and enjoy the evening breeze. FOr seafood lovers, make ur way to the Kompleks Terapung Ikan Bakar Kuala Sg Baru (Kuala Sg Baru Floating Seafood Restaurant Complex). This complex houses several seafood restaurants quite similar to the Umbai Seafood Complex at much smaller scale . Food is quite good as well and price is reasonable. It is also a suitable place for family gathering. More pics of the complex <a href="https://plus.google.com/115973074541747822295/about?gl=my&hl=en" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeJKVD_-q_0/UaMc6-nkpWI/AAAAAAAACtM/fJWUqOWJ4xk/s1600/kompleks+terapung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeJKVD_-q_0/UaMc6-nkpWI/AAAAAAAACtM/fJWUqOWJ4xk/s640/kompleks+terapung.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I dont have much pictures of Pengkalan Balak though. My collection has been wiped out as i
recently reset my phone, it's been crashing on me. I will leave you with
this one that i took last Saturday. Till then, toodles!<br /> </span></div>
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