My BIG run: 4 Dec 2005
In 3 days time, I will be facing my greatest physical challenge ever – a half marathon of 21 km.
As you may know, I have been training for this run for 2 and a half months. In fact, up to last week, I ran at least 3 times a week, each run I will clock at least 10 km.
And guess what… … I am now down with a slight flu!!! Not the full blown flu with running nose, fever and cough, but the itchy sore throat, the half-blocked nose and slight body ache.
I have never been more frustrated!!! All these months of training and my stupid body has to fall ill at this time of the year!!??!! A-R-G-H… ….
Nonetheless, I have decided to participate in the run. I may not be in my top form, but I believe I can still make it. Well… at least I hope that only one part of my body will be running, and that’s my legs. (NOT nose!)
Mind over body. Mind over body. Mind over body. *chant*
With this half marathon, I am looking forward to train for the next year for the full marathon in December 2006. Hrm… that’s if I am still alive after this Sunday!
Ok, my dear friends please wish me all the luck and may I complete the run in less than 3 hours! For those who are in Singapore, you are more than welcome to wait for me at the finishing line with a bottle of champagne!
My run will start at 6.30 am and hopefully, I should be done between 9 am to 9.30 am.
For those who cannot make it, there’s always next year!
p/s: don't worry... at any time during the run if I feel unwell, I will stop. As I've mentioned earlier, there's always next year.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Last Stop: Hanoi
Finally, we have reached the “last episode” of my Vietnam Travel Tales where the last pit stop: Hanoi ended it all.
Hanoi is the 2nd largest city in Vietnam and some said it has more charm than Saigon. Hmmm, I kinda agree with that because Hanoi’s main tourist attraction, “The Old Quarters” is definitely a colorful and fun area to visit. In fact, our hotel is situated right in the heart of the Old Quarters.
As for our hotel, Hoa Linh Hotel is a family-run enterprise and so, it gives a homely kind of feel. Everyone in the family helps out in the hotel, be it cleaning, cooking or basically lazing around in the reception area.
I only paid 30 USD for 2 nights’ stay for a moderately size room, huge toilet but unfortunately, with a view to a garbage site! Nonetheless, I still found it to be good value for money ALTHOUGH I encountered 2 blackouts in 2 days??!! The 1st blackout only lasted for about 30 minutes in the evening, so that wasn’t so bad. However, the 2nd blacked out happened at 2 am while I was still watching TV, and suddenly ZAP! No TV, No lights and NO AIR-CON!
Thinking that the black-out would only last for 30 minutes or so, I decided to just join my snoring Boyfriend… … and sleep. But I woke up again at around 4.30 am to a stuffy room and electricity was yet restored. Feeling irritated from both the heat and having my sleep disturbed, I woke my boyfriend up and was getting dressed to stomp down to the reception area and scream at whoever was on duty.
And guess what, after spending 10 minutes dressing up and combing my hair and was just about to open the door, ZAP! Electricity was up and running again! (Did they have a hidden camera or what??!) ARGH!!!!!!!! PISSED… … so, I woke up for nothing. Boyfriend gave me a goofy grin and hopped right back to sleep and began snoring in less than 2 seconds!
Besides the Big Black-Out, which happened while I was in New York, this twilight black-out episode in Vietnam was the next most eventful. An experience worth describing because in Singapore, black-outs seldom happen!
Another enjoyable experience in Hanoi: eating out. And I mean that literally where you will go to road-side stalls and sit along the roads (while the motor-bikes are honking away), on those little stools and tables (stolen from the near-by kindergartens?) and order wanton mee or Vietnamese pancakes (called Banh Xiao). Never mind that the food did not look very clean but they were absolutely delicious!
The next day, we joined a day tour to visit Halong Bay, a beautiful bay with many little islands. It was like the Guilin in China, but of course, of a smaller scale. You can even choose to stay overnight on one of those Junk boats for a “complete” Halong Bay experience.
That concluded my trip to Vietnam. It was fun and extremely cheap, especially with such cheap fares from Tiger Airlines.
Guess what…? I will be going to Taiwan for 6 days during the last week of December! Yoo Woo! More travel tales to update!
Finally, we have reached the “last episode” of my Vietnam Travel Tales where the last pit stop: Hanoi ended it all.
Hanoi is the 2nd largest city in Vietnam and some said it has more charm than Saigon. Hmmm, I kinda agree with that because Hanoi’s main tourist attraction, “The Old Quarters” is definitely a colorful and fun area to visit. In fact, our hotel is situated right in the heart of the Old Quarters.
As for our hotel, Hoa Linh Hotel is a family-run enterprise and so, it gives a homely kind of feel. Everyone in the family helps out in the hotel, be it cleaning, cooking or basically lazing around in the reception area.
I only paid 30 USD for 2 nights’ stay for a moderately size room, huge toilet but unfortunately, with a view to a garbage site! Nonetheless, I still found it to be good value for money ALTHOUGH I encountered 2 blackouts in 2 days??!! The 1st blackout only lasted for about 30 minutes in the evening, so that wasn’t so bad. However, the 2nd blacked out happened at 2 am while I was still watching TV, and suddenly ZAP! No TV, No lights and NO AIR-CON!
Thinking that the black-out would only last for 30 minutes or so, I decided to just join my snoring Boyfriend… … and sleep. But I woke up again at around 4.30 am to a stuffy room and electricity was yet restored. Feeling irritated from both the heat and having my sleep disturbed, I woke my boyfriend up and was getting dressed to stomp down to the reception area and scream at whoever was on duty.
And guess what, after spending 10 minutes dressing up and combing my hair and was just about to open the door, ZAP! Electricity was up and running again! (Did they have a hidden camera or what??!) ARGH!!!!!!!! PISSED… … so, I woke up for nothing. Boyfriend gave me a goofy grin and hopped right back to sleep and began snoring in less than 2 seconds!
Besides the Big Black-Out, which happened while I was in New York, this twilight black-out episode in Vietnam was the next most eventful. An experience worth describing because in Singapore, black-outs seldom happen!
Another enjoyable experience in Hanoi: eating out. And I mean that literally where you will go to road-side stalls and sit along the roads (while the motor-bikes are honking away), on those little stools and tables (stolen from the near-by kindergartens?) and order wanton mee or Vietnamese pancakes (called Banh Xiao). Never mind that the food did not look very clean but they were absolutely delicious!
The next day, we joined a day tour to visit Halong Bay, a beautiful bay with many little islands. It was like the Guilin in China, but of course, of a smaller scale. You can even choose to stay overnight on one of those Junk boats for a “complete” Halong Bay experience.
That concluded my trip to Vietnam. It was fun and extremely cheap, especially with such cheap fares from Tiger Airlines.
Guess what…? I will be going to Taiwan for 6 days during the last week of December! Yoo Woo! More travel tales to update!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
3rd Stop: Hue
Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam, and it is at Hue where you will see the “mini” version of the Forbidden City. I have not been to the one in Beijing, so I cannot draw any comparison. However, I believe the palace in Beijing must definitely be grander and better preserved. It is sad to say that the government of Vietnam did not put in much funds or effort to preserve Hue’s Forbidden City nor its ancient tombs of the dead emperors.
The highlight of Hue was the Motorcycle tour that we took. Each of us hopped on the backseat of the motorcycle where our guides zipped us through the city and into the villages in the near-by countryside. Along with the villages, we also visited the ancient tombs, as well as some war bunks.
It was a lot of fun! Although during the 1st few minutes on the bike, I was wondering whether I would make it back alive. Our guides were driving like Michael Schumacher in a F1 race… Haha, what an experience!
I definitely highly recommend the motorcycle tours instead of the boat tours along the Perfume River. (You will need a strong heart though!)
Hue was not as charming as Hoi An, in fact, the city had nothing much to offer. So, after two nights in Hue, we packed our bags and flew to Hanoi, our last destination of our trip.
Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam, and it is at Hue where you will see the “mini” version of the Forbidden City. I have not been to the one in Beijing, so I cannot draw any comparison. However, I believe the palace in Beijing must definitely be grander and better preserved. It is sad to say that the government of Vietnam did not put in much funds or effort to preserve Hue’s Forbidden City nor its ancient tombs of the dead emperors.
The highlight of Hue was the Motorcycle tour that we took. Each of us hopped on the backseat of the motorcycle where our guides zipped us through the city and into the villages in the near-by countryside. Along with the villages, we also visited the ancient tombs, as well as some war bunks.
It was a lot of fun! Although during the 1st few minutes on the bike, I was wondering whether I would make it back alive. Our guides were driving like Michael Schumacher in a F1 race… Haha, what an experience!
I definitely highly recommend the motorcycle tours instead of the boat tours along the Perfume River. (You will need a strong heart though!)
Hue was not as charming as Hoi An, in fact, the city had nothing much to offer. So, after two nights in Hue, we packed our bags and flew to Hanoi, our last destination of our trip.
Monday, October 24, 2005
2nd stop: Hoi An
Today I am on MC… with the usual signs of being overworked: sore throat, running nose and headache. Time to take a break and rest at home…
(Yeah right… I will be working from home. Attending a con-call with India in 15 mins time and another con-call with Australia at 2 pm later.)
Anyway, back to my original intention of blogging about my Vietnam trip. I’ll like to share with you, my favourite town of Vietnam: Hoi An.
Hoi An is a sleepy, little town yet full of charm. There isn’t much traffic and it is full of quaint little houses. I enjoyed its idleness and felt like I can finally relax after the hustle and bustle in Saigon.
So, if you are intending to visit Vietnam, please do not miss Hoi An. Although it is situated in the middle of Vietnam, it is certainly a stop you wouldn’t want to miss if you are travelling northbound or southbound.
Boyfriend and I only stayed for 2 nights in Hoi An, and we easily covered the whole town in half a day. However, one can walk through the old town again and again, and marvelled at each new discovery, be it a new shop, a charming café or noisy children by the side of the road.
During our stay in Hoi An, we also made a half day trip to My Son, a historical site in Vietnam where it is also known as “mini Ang Kor Wat”. Sad to say, most of the ruins were not well preserved and some were heavily bombed during the war. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable trip and I feel it serves as a “preview” to Ang Kor Wat.
Hoi An is also the place to tailor-make suits, dresses or even the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai for ladies. You can get high quality silk at a fraction of the price in Singapore. But please, bargain! Or else, you will join the long list of tourists who were being ripped off. Personally, I did not buy any garments or tailor make anything as I was simply too lazy to shop!
After 2 lazy days in Hoi An, we packed our bags again and made our way to another city, Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Today I am on MC… with the usual signs of being overworked: sore throat, running nose and headache. Time to take a break and rest at home…
(Yeah right… I will be working from home. Attending a con-call with India in 15 mins time and another con-call with Australia at 2 pm later.)
Anyway, back to my original intention of blogging about my Vietnam trip. I’ll like to share with you, my favourite town of Vietnam: Hoi An.
Hoi An is a sleepy, little town yet full of charm. There isn’t much traffic and it is full of quaint little houses. I enjoyed its idleness and felt like I can finally relax after the hustle and bustle in Saigon.
So, if you are intending to visit Vietnam, please do not miss Hoi An. Although it is situated in the middle of Vietnam, it is certainly a stop you wouldn’t want to miss if you are travelling northbound or southbound.
Boyfriend and I only stayed for 2 nights in Hoi An, and we easily covered the whole town in half a day. However, one can walk through the old town again and again, and marvelled at each new discovery, be it a new shop, a charming café or noisy children by the side of the road.
During our stay in Hoi An, we also made a half day trip to My Son, a historical site in Vietnam where it is also known as “mini Ang Kor Wat”. Sad to say, most of the ruins were not well preserved and some were heavily bombed during the war. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable trip and I feel it serves as a “preview” to Ang Kor Wat.
Hoi An is also the place to tailor-make suits, dresses or even the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai for ladies. You can get high quality silk at a fraction of the price in Singapore. But please, bargain! Or else, you will join the long list of tourists who were being ripped off. Personally, I did not buy any garments or tailor make anything as I was simply too lazy to shop!
After 2 lazy days in Hoi An, we packed our bags again and made our way to another city, Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Why Stinky, Itchy Feet?
Someone asked me why did I change the name of my blog from “Pink is the new black!” to “Stinky, Itchy Feet!”?
Well… firstly, it’s time that I revamp my blog… especially since pink is no longer the new black. Purple is more “in” nowadays. ;) So, gotta get those fashion police off my back!
Secondly, I feel that I should always update and reflect my true self via my blog. So, currently, I am going through a phase: having stinky and itchy feet!
Itchy feet since I have a constant urge to travel… and stinky because… my feet really stink anyway! ;P
Someone asked me why did I change the name of my blog from “Pink is the new black!” to “Stinky, Itchy Feet!”?
Well… firstly, it’s time that I revamp my blog… especially since pink is no longer the new black. Purple is more “in” nowadays. ;) So, gotta get those fashion police off my back!
Secondly, I feel that I should always update and reflect my true self via my blog. So, currently, I am going through a phase: having stinky and itchy feet!
Itchy feet since I have a constant urge to travel… and stinky because… my feet really stink anyway! ;P
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
1st stop: Ho chin Minh city a.k.a Saigon
What ever you want to know about Vietnam, you can get that easily from the internet or from any decent guidebook. Personally, I recommend LonelyPlanet as the number 1 guidebook for budget travel to anywhere in the world.
Therefore, I am not going to drill too much about travel tips or places of interest in Vietnam, but I will share my travel hiccups and adventures instead!
Saigon, reminds me of how Singapore would have been during the 1960s to 1970s. Everything had a very retro feel. The shopping malls, shop houses and residential houses looked very much like the old photos of Singapore! That was the 1st impression that I had as I cruised along the highway, from the airport to the heart of Saigon, where our hotel was.
The next thing that hit me: the traffic. Specifically, the honking of the drivers and motor cyclists. These drivers did not seem to use their side mirrors at all?! Everyone horned and bonked every 2 mins on the road because they were either hitting a bend or just wanted to warn the pedestrians who were crossing the roads as if they were strolling in a garden.
After checking in into our tiny room, which we paid 15 USD per night, we set off exploring our neighbourhood. F.Y.I, we stayed in Le Le Hotel, the location was great, service and the staff were warm, however, our room was really, really tiny! For the same price or a little bit more, I believe you can something more value for money.
We had a wonderful dinner at a pricey French restaurant, which I have forgotten the name, but it was recommended in the LonelyPlanet. The food was really good and I had one of the very best foie gras and steak (done in the French style, of course). The restaurant had a colonial setting and everywhere was lighted by candles. Very romantic, indeed.
After the sumptuous (but very expensive) dinner, we decided to walk back to our hotel, which was a good 25 mins away. So, there we were, enjoying our romantic walk when suddenly, a woman, most probably in her 30s, ran towards the wall of the walk way, took off her pants, peed noisily and bared her bottom for the whole world (actually, just the two of us) to see!
I was shocked and disgusted. How could any girl pee in public?! Guys, I can understand since they can get away by peeing standing up. Girls…??!! Hello??!! So, there she was, peeing happily and noisily (she must had a lot to drink).
That is Saigon for you.
The next day, we visited Cu Chi tunnels, the area that was a stronghold for the North Vietnamese, the communists during the Vietnam War. This area was heavily bombed and countless of people died, both Vietnamese and Americans.
Crawling through the tunnels was rather creepy because I knew that just only 30 years ago, young girls and guys crawled through the very same tunnels, with their AK47s and grenades. Some were killed, while some killed others to stay alive.
Our very own guide, a man in his 60s, was a co-pilot during the war! He was fighting against the communists, together with the Americans and had lived and seen the horror of war. Having a war veteran and survivor to guide us through the tunnels, was indeed an experience of a lifetime.
Cu Chi tunnels, the place where thousands of Vietnamese died to fight for their country. It is the symbol of South Vietnam; so do NOT miss it when you visit Saigon!
After exploring Saigon for 2 and a half days, we took a domestic plane to our next destination: Hoi An, my favourite town in Vietnam.
What ever you want to know about Vietnam, you can get that easily from the internet or from any decent guidebook. Personally, I recommend LonelyPlanet as the number 1 guidebook for budget travel to anywhere in the world.
Therefore, I am not going to drill too much about travel tips or places of interest in Vietnam, but I will share my travel hiccups and adventures instead!
Saigon, reminds me of how Singapore would have been during the 1960s to 1970s. Everything had a very retro feel. The shopping malls, shop houses and residential houses looked very much like the old photos of Singapore! That was the 1st impression that I had as I cruised along the highway, from the airport to the heart of Saigon, where our hotel was.
The next thing that hit me: the traffic. Specifically, the honking of the drivers and motor cyclists. These drivers did not seem to use their side mirrors at all?! Everyone horned and bonked every 2 mins on the road because they were either hitting a bend or just wanted to warn the pedestrians who were crossing the roads as if they were strolling in a garden.
After checking in into our tiny room, which we paid 15 USD per night, we set off exploring our neighbourhood. F.Y.I, we stayed in Le Le Hotel, the location was great, service and the staff were warm, however, our room was really, really tiny! For the same price or a little bit more, I believe you can something more value for money.
We had a wonderful dinner at a pricey French restaurant, which I have forgotten the name, but it was recommended in the LonelyPlanet. The food was really good and I had one of the very best foie gras and steak (done in the French style, of course). The restaurant had a colonial setting and everywhere was lighted by candles. Very romantic, indeed.
After the sumptuous (but very expensive) dinner, we decided to walk back to our hotel, which was a good 25 mins away. So, there we were, enjoying our romantic walk when suddenly, a woman, most probably in her 30s, ran towards the wall of the walk way, took off her pants, peed noisily and bared her bottom for the whole world (actually, just the two of us) to see!
I was shocked and disgusted. How could any girl pee in public?! Guys, I can understand since they can get away by peeing standing up. Girls…??!! Hello??!! So, there she was, peeing happily and noisily (she must had a lot to drink).
That is Saigon for you.
The next day, we visited Cu Chi tunnels, the area that was a stronghold for the North Vietnamese, the communists during the Vietnam War. This area was heavily bombed and countless of people died, both Vietnamese and Americans.
Crawling through the tunnels was rather creepy because I knew that just only 30 years ago, young girls and guys crawled through the very same tunnels, with their AK47s and grenades. Some were killed, while some killed others to stay alive.
Our very own guide, a man in his 60s, was a co-pilot during the war! He was fighting against the communists, together with the Americans and had lived and seen the horror of war. Having a war veteran and survivor to guide us through the tunnels, was indeed an experience of a lifetime.
Cu Chi tunnels, the place where thousands of Vietnamese died to fight for their country. It is the symbol of South Vietnam; so do NOT miss it when you visit Saigon!
After exploring Saigon for 2 and a half days, we took a domestic plane to our next destination: Hoi An, my favourite town in Vietnam.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Back from Vietnam
Yup… It has been 13 days since I am back from Vietnam and things have been busy, busy and busy. So swamped with work that I do not have time to blog at all.
Now that I have a breather, I can share with you the 9-days trip in Vietnam. My boyfriend and I traveled from the south of Vietnam, to the north. The order of the cities:
1) Ho Chin Minh City (Saigon)
2) Hoi An
3) Hue
4) Hanoi
5) Ha Long Bay
Haha… if you realized, all the cities start with the letter, H. I will pay tribute to each city in time to come because each city definitely deserves a post of its own.
As an overview, I did enjoy my trip tremendously. It was a backpacking trip, so no luxury hotels, spas or much shopping. The only aspect we did splurge on was FOOD. Yummy Vietnamese and French cuisine! From the roadside stalls to high end restaurants, we tried every local delight we could, and boy, were we delighted!
The Vietnamese are so warm and take so much pride in their country. For instance, one of our local guides sang a song for us during the bus trip, and it was a song about their love for their country, their hero: Mr Ho Chin Minh and about their road to independence. How many Singaporeans would want to sing “Count on me, Singapore” when you have foreign friends around? I’ll reckon not even one, even on our National Day!
Vietnam was once a country torn by war but now, it’s an up-and-coming economic power house. Buildings are budding everywhere and traffic is getting crazy, yet the people are just so friendly… and strong.
Hmmm, will tell you guys more about each city and my trip in details. So, till next time then. ;P
Yup… It has been 13 days since I am back from Vietnam and things have been busy, busy and busy. So swamped with work that I do not have time to blog at all.
Now that I have a breather, I can share with you the 9-days trip in Vietnam. My boyfriend and I traveled from the south of Vietnam, to the north. The order of the cities:
1) Ho Chin Minh City (Saigon)
2) Hoi An
3) Hue
4) Hanoi
5) Ha Long Bay
Haha… if you realized, all the cities start with the letter, H. I will pay tribute to each city in time to come because each city definitely deserves a post of its own.
As an overview, I did enjoy my trip tremendously. It was a backpacking trip, so no luxury hotels, spas or much shopping. The only aspect we did splurge on was FOOD. Yummy Vietnamese and French cuisine! From the roadside stalls to high end restaurants, we tried every local delight we could, and boy, were we delighted!
The Vietnamese are so warm and take so much pride in their country. For instance, one of our local guides sang a song for us during the bus trip, and it was a song about their love for their country, their hero: Mr Ho Chin Minh and about their road to independence. How many Singaporeans would want to sing “Count on me, Singapore” when you have foreign friends around? I’ll reckon not even one, even on our National Day!
Vietnam was once a country torn by war but now, it’s an up-and-coming economic power house. Buildings are budding everywhere and traffic is getting crazy, yet the people are just so friendly… and strong.
Hmmm, will tell you guys more about each city and my trip in details. So, till next time then. ;P
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Just back from Vietnam
I was on a 9-day trip to Vietnam from 23 September 2005 to 1 October 2005, and had a blast!
So many travel tales to tell, but I do not have the time to blog! Currently, I am in the midst of the financial close (argh!!!), and at the same time, I am still clearing some of the accumulated paperwork while I was away.
Nonetheless, just want to drop a note that I am still well and kicking and will continue to blog and share what ever I have to offer. ;P
I got to know that quite a number of my friends are also visiting Vietnam in November… a better time to visit as the weather will be much cooler!
Will definitely blog more about my Vietnam trip and post some photos once I get the chance!
I was on a 9-day trip to Vietnam from 23 September 2005 to 1 October 2005, and had a blast!
So many travel tales to tell, but I do not have the time to blog! Currently, I am in the midst of the financial close (argh!!!), and at the same time, I am still clearing some of the accumulated paperwork while I was away.
Nonetheless, just want to drop a note that I am still well and kicking and will continue to blog and share what ever I have to offer. ;P
I got to know that quite a number of my friends are also visiting Vietnam in November… a better time to visit as the weather will be much cooler!
Will definitely blog more about my Vietnam trip and post some photos once I get the chance!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Vietnam! Here I come!
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I will be spending 9 days in Vietnam in TWO days time! Woohoo!
Simply cannot wait… Been working too hard, so I am really looking forward to this trip. It has been a while since I last visited a developing country. It had been 7 years since I last backpacked Thailand, which I covered north and central Thailand in two weeks.
This time round, I will be backpacking Vietnam from south to north in only 9 days. Yup… I know it sounds kinda tight but 9 days are all I can afford to take. Nonetheless, I will make the best out of it. ;)
Have you ever watched the movie, The Lover? It was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, with Tony Leong and Jane March as the lead actor and actress respectively. It was set in Vietnam, in the late 1950s, about a 15 year-old french girl having a scandalous affair with a wealthy 30-something businessman. The relationship was tragic, yet romantic. Erotic, yet ugly. Manipulative, yet heart-breaking. Innocent yet complicated.
And that was my impression of Vietnam too…
But I think that is about to change.
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I will be spending 9 days in Vietnam in TWO days time! Woohoo!
Simply cannot wait… Been working too hard, so I am really looking forward to this trip. It has been a while since I last visited a developing country. It had been 7 years since I last backpacked Thailand, which I covered north and central Thailand in two weeks.
This time round, I will be backpacking Vietnam from south to north in only 9 days. Yup… I know it sounds kinda tight but 9 days are all I can afford to take. Nonetheless, I will make the best out of it. ;)
Have you ever watched the movie, The Lover? It was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, with Tony Leong and Jane March as the lead actor and actress respectively. It was set in Vietnam, in the late 1950s, about a 15 year-old french girl having a scandalous affair with a wealthy 30-something businessman. The relationship was tragic, yet romantic. Erotic, yet ugly. Manipulative, yet heart-breaking. Innocent yet complicated.
And that was my impression of Vietnam too…
But I think that is about to change.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Spiritual versus Material
Met up with 3 friends for dinner yesterday since one of them is leaving for further studies in a few days’ time. As usual, I had fun chatting with them as the 3 of them are very different from my usual circle of friends.
Firstly, they are musicians. And very fine ones. No other friends of mine are as into music as the 3 of them. They can go on and on about guitars, B-flats and Gs…
Secondly, they read books. Fictions. Some of my other friends do not even read the papers!
Thirdly, they think and reflect about life. Although sometimes a bit too much! ;p
All in all, I always feel that I learn quite a lot from these 3 guys. Be it about music, politics or philosophy.
Our conversations differ from the usual bitching of unreasonable colleagues or bosses, comparing of year-end bonus or bragging of one’s long working hours.
I feel that I always see another aspect of life whenever I spend some time with those 3 guys. And it hits me again that life is not always about money, money and more money.
Yup… will miss our coffee sessions. Although one will be away for a while, I will always still look forward to meeting up again! But this time, there will only be 3 of us! (with me included!)
Met up with 3 friends for dinner yesterday since one of them is leaving for further studies in a few days’ time. As usual, I had fun chatting with them as the 3 of them are very different from my usual circle of friends.
Firstly, they are musicians. And very fine ones. No other friends of mine are as into music as the 3 of them. They can go on and on about guitars, B-flats and Gs…
Secondly, they read books. Fictions. Some of my other friends do not even read the papers!
Thirdly, they think and reflect about life. Although sometimes a bit too much! ;p
All in all, I always feel that I learn quite a lot from these 3 guys. Be it about music, politics or philosophy.
Our conversations differ from the usual bitching of unreasonable colleagues or bosses, comparing of year-end bonus or bragging of one’s long working hours.
I feel that I always see another aspect of life whenever I spend some time with those 3 guys. And it hits me again that life is not always about money, money and more money.
Yup… will miss our coffee sessions. Although one will be away for a while, I will always still look forward to meeting up again! But this time, there will only be 3 of us! (with me included!)
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Monkeying around…
I went down to Union last night for my weekly dosage of salsa action and had a good time catching up with some friends, as well as some bootie shaking.
The best thing about hanging out at Union is, of course dancing salsa (duh…) and to people watch. Well, you may say that you can people watch everywhere. Be it shopping centers, on the streets, bars, pubs and even the ah peks at coffee shops can be rather interesting to watch at times.
However, the crème de la crème of all people-watching venues must be a salsa bar. This is because you will get to see all kinds of actions and expressions on the dance floor.
You will get the beautiful and hot dancers who sizzle the dance floor with their hot, hot, hot moves.
You will get the beginners who are really clumsy yet oh-so-eager to get their moves right that your heart just go out to them.
But the most amusing of all, are the dancers who think they are doing all the right moves, swaying their bodies here and there, with a I-am-such-a-hot-dancer-and-everyone-is-watching-me look plastered all over their faces.
Well, they are right on one thing… everyone is indeed looking at them, not because they look great when they dance. But it’s because they look so damn funny!
Last night, I saw this girl dancing in a really weird fashion. Her dance steps are technically correct but her weight transfer is a little out of rhythm and best of all… she was flicking her hair and moving her hands on her hip in a oh-im-so-sexy gesture, but it turned out all so wrong.
She reminded me of a monkey.
Somehow, it just looked really bad on the dance floor. Not the kind of bad where the beginners usually display – stepping on toes, unsure of what to do, stressed and constipated look on their face.
It was the kind of bad where intermediate dancers who thought they are experts… and I was just so amused with that.
Yup… I am being a bitch here again… laughing at the way others dance. However, I do want to stress a point:
PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MIRROR WHEN YOU DANCE.
You may think that you are dancing like Shakira but in reality, you are looking more like Shaggy.
Everyone wants to look good on the dance floor. So the “looking at mirror” rule applies to all who are really into dancing. Be it salsa, tango, ballet or jazz. To be AWARE of how you look when you are executing your moves is the most fundamental thing.
I am no dancing expert but I am sharing a tip here. I just want girls to look glamorous and good on the dance floor. Guys can look like gorillas for all I care. But GIRLS… please. We have to look good at all times. Walking, standing, sitting and most importantly, dancing.
I went down to Union last night for my weekly dosage of salsa action and had a good time catching up with some friends, as well as some bootie shaking.
The best thing about hanging out at Union is, of course dancing salsa (duh…) and to people watch. Well, you may say that you can people watch everywhere. Be it shopping centers, on the streets, bars, pubs and even the ah peks at coffee shops can be rather interesting to watch at times.
However, the crème de la crème of all people-watching venues must be a salsa bar. This is because you will get to see all kinds of actions and expressions on the dance floor.
You will get the beautiful and hot dancers who sizzle the dance floor with their hot, hot, hot moves.
You will get the beginners who are really clumsy yet oh-so-eager to get their moves right that your heart just go out to them.
But the most amusing of all, are the dancers who think they are doing all the right moves, swaying their bodies here and there, with a I-am-such-a-hot-dancer-and-everyone-is-watching-me look plastered all over their faces.
Well, they are right on one thing… everyone is indeed looking at them, not because they look great when they dance. But it’s because they look so damn funny!
Last night, I saw this girl dancing in a really weird fashion. Her dance steps are technically correct but her weight transfer is a little out of rhythm and best of all… she was flicking her hair and moving her hands on her hip in a oh-im-so-sexy gesture, but it turned out all so wrong.
She reminded me of a monkey.
Somehow, it just looked really bad on the dance floor. Not the kind of bad where the beginners usually display – stepping on toes, unsure of what to do, stressed and constipated look on their face.
It was the kind of bad where intermediate dancers who thought they are experts… and I was just so amused with that.
Yup… I am being a bitch here again… laughing at the way others dance. However, I do want to stress a point:
PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MIRROR WHEN YOU DANCE.
You may think that you are dancing like Shakira but in reality, you are looking more like Shaggy.
Everyone wants to look good on the dance floor. So the “looking at mirror” rule applies to all who are really into dancing. Be it salsa, tango, ballet or jazz. To be AWARE of how you look when you are executing your moves is the most fundamental thing.
I am no dancing expert but I am sharing a tip here. I just want girls to look glamorous and good on the dance floor. Guys can look like gorillas for all I care. But GIRLS… please. We have to look good at all times. Walking, standing, sitting and most importantly, dancing.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Too Tight!
OK… for the next few months, my blog will be dedicated to my current love-hate obsession, running.
Yup… I have started on my training and have been running about 6 km per training. Although my last run at MacRitchie nearly killed me because I could not breathe.
At the beginning of the run, I was just wondering why was I feeling breathless when I barely ran more than 200 meters? However, I ignored my discomfort and continued my run.
Mistake.
By the time, I hit 4 km, I was feeling dizzy and began to see stars… and it was then I realized something was really wrong with me since I was jogging at a very comfortable pace. WHY COULDN’T I BREATHE???
Then it hit me.
My bra.
It was too damn tight! I was wearing a new sports bra, which I just bought recently in a sale. It was a size too small but I bought it anyway, thinking that sports bra is meant to be tight right?
Wrong. Tight clothing will definitely affect one’s ability to breathe. Especially when one is exercising! No wonder women in the Victorian Era were fainting like nobody’s business! How can anyone breathe wearing those corsets ???
Anyway, I had to walk the remaining 2 km or so till I reached the toilet to change out of my “corset”.
Served me right for being a cheapskate. Now… what am I supposed to do with that small sports bra of mine?
Guess I will donate to any fellow runner who’s able to squeeze into it! Guys are welcome!
~94 days to marathon!
OK… for the next few months, my blog will be dedicated to my current love-hate obsession, running.
Yup… I have started on my training and have been running about 6 km per training. Although my last run at MacRitchie nearly killed me because I could not breathe.
At the beginning of the run, I was just wondering why was I feeling breathless when I barely ran more than 200 meters? However, I ignored my discomfort and continued my run.
Mistake.
By the time, I hit 4 km, I was feeling dizzy and began to see stars… and it was then I realized something was really wrong with me since I was jogging at a very comfortable pace. WHY COULDN’T I BREATHE???
Then it hit me.
My bra.
It was too damn tight! I was wearing a new sports bra, which I just bought recently in a sale. It was a size too small but I bought it anyway, thinking that sports bra is meant to be tight right?
Wrong. Tight clothing will definitely affect one’s ability to breathe. Especially when one is exercising! No wonder women in the Victorian Era were fainting like nobody’s business! How can anyone breathe wearing those corsets ???
Anyway, I had to walk the remaining 2 km or so till I reached the toilet to change out of my “corset”.
Served me right for being a cheapskate. Now… what am I supposed to do with that small sports bra of mine?
Guess I will donate to any fellow runner who’s able to squeeze into it! Guys are welcome!
~94 days to marathon!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Greatest Personal Challenge: Half – Marathon 2005
I have been running recently.
Huffing, puffing and sweating… … not very glamorous.
And boy! To my astonishment (or horror!) I have discovered that I actually enjoy running!
It all started around a few months ago when I wanted to lose some weight, and so, I started a regime: run twice a week and each session to cover 2.4 km. The first few weeks were hard and a lot of will power was needed to push myself just to put on the running shoes.
But after a while, my body became accustomed to the huffing and puffing that, I actually stopped huffing and puffing whenever I run. And so, I started to increase my distance from 2.4 km to 3.6 km and eventually 5 km. The physical and mental strength to push myself to accomplish the designated distance can be extremely addictive.
And to push myself even more, I have accepted the ultimate challenge: Half – Marathon of 21 km.
I have signed up for the Standchart Marathon in Singapore, taking place on 4 December 2005. I have never taken part in any marathon in my life and this time, I will be training for a 21 km run. Kinda excited but also a little apprehensive, because I have never pushed my body so hard before…
Nonetheless, I am looking very forward to this run and have decided to train hard for it. My goal is to complete the run within 2 and 1/2 hours, with no walking breaks in between.
Anybody wana join me? Here is the link:
Monday, August 15, 2005
Bintan Trip 2005
Went to Bintan last weekend for a short get-away with a bunch of crazy friends. The company was good but I can’t say the same for the resort we were staying…
Although we had a villa with a private pool, the pool was breaking apart. Tiles were falling off, the filter broke down on Day 2 and a big, bad cockroach was found swimming in one of the bathtubs. Bintan Lagoon Resort is certainly not a resort I would wish to return.
Nonetheless, it was great to hang out with my college friends again. Some are as crazy as ever, some are as irritating as ever and some are as fat as ever… seems that nobody changed. We were reduced to a bunch of kids again, played stupid games in the pool, played with our food and had tons and tons of alcohol.
But I did realized that I have changed… Yes, it was fun but I thought we were so… …frivolous. I thought that with the same amount of time and money spent, we could have done something more meaningful? I was not that self-indulgent anymore… seeing the amount of food wasted and the amount of alcohol and cigarettes bought and consumed, made me a little sick.
I knew that there were many kids in other parts of Indonesia, who are starving… but there, we were… living in excess.
I am neither a saint nor a Mother Theresa wannabe. I don’t think I can go to India or Africa for missionary trips but I do believe in saving resources and using only what we need.
I guess I’ve been watching too much National Geographic and Discovery Channel.
Went to Bintan last weekend for a short get-away with a bunch of crazy friends. The company was good but I can’t say the same for the resort we were staying…
Although we had a villa with a private pool, the pool was breaking apart. Tiles were falling off, the filter broke down on Day 2 and a big, bad cockroach was found swimming in one of the bathtubs. Bintan Lagoon Resort is certainly not a resort I would wish to return.
Nonetheless, it was great to hang out with my college friends again. Some are as crazy as ever, some are as irritating as ever and some are as fat as ever… seems that nobody changed. We were reduced to a bunch of kids again, played stupid games in the pool, played with our food and had tons and tons of alcohol.
But I did realized that I have changed… Yes, it was fun but I thought we were so… …frivolous. I thought that with the same amount of time and money spent, we could have done something more meaningful? I was not that self-indulgent anymore… seeing the amount of food wasted and the amount of alcohol and cigarettes bought and consumed, made me a little sick.
I knew that there were many kids in other parts of Indonesia, who are starving… but there, we were… living in excess.
I am neither a saint nor a Mother Theresa wannabe. I don’t think I can go to India or Africa for missionary trips but I do believe in saving resources and using only what we need.
I guess I’ve been watching too much National Geographic and Discovery Channel.
Monday, August 08, 2005
I am learning driving!
I am finally learning how to drive! Yeah!
In fact, I am already in my 3rd lesson (only!) and currently taking classes from Singapore Safety Driving Centre at Yio Chu Kang. Looking around, I think I am one of the oldest hags learning how to drive… sigh. Even my instructor is as old as I am! We are both 25 but he is my INSTRUCTOR and bossing me around… …
Nonetheless, I am having quite a lot of fun zipping around in the little white Honda (the classic car from Singapore driving schools). Finally, I have a powerful engine within my control to unleash the “Michelle Schumacher” in me! My instructor (poor guy) is always screaming at me “slower! SLOWER! Why are you in fifth gear? Go down to the 3rd!”
Well… if you were in his shoes, you most probably would have insisted to take over the wheels and drive instead! That’s because I have “eyes-hands-and-feet” coordination problem. Yet, I was still zooming around in 5th gear! (3rd lesson… 5th gear… wahahaha)
But not to worry, I am a very kia-see (afraid to die) driver and will never compromise on my safety or any road users’ safety. This is especially so after my near-death accident in California last year… … Even just thinking about it, gives me the shudder and the urge to pray and give my thanks to whatever god or fairy godmother who had to work OT just to keep me alive.
Now, I have a new resolution:
1) Pass my practical driving test within the first attempt!
Wish me luck!!! ;p
O yah, Happy 40th Birthday, Singapore!
Tomorrow, 9 Aug will be our National Day. Time to wear red and white and sing “We’r Singapore, We’r Singapore, We’ll stand together and hear the lion roar…”
Singapore, although you are a real prude, with no sense of adventure or what ever humor… I still love you nonetheless!
I am finally learning how to drive! Yeah!
In fact, I am already in my 3rd lesson (only!) and currently taking classes from Singapore Safety Driving Centre at Yio Chu Kang. Looking around, I think I am one of the oldest hags learning how to drive… sigh. Even my instructor is as old as I am! We are both 25 but he is my INSTRUCTOR and bossing me around… …
Nonetheless, I am having quite a lot of fun zipping around in the little white Honda (the classic car from Singapore driving schools). Finally, I have a powerful engine within my control to unleash the “Michelle Schumacher” in me! My instructor (poor guy) is always screaming at me “slower! SLOWER! Why are you in fifth gear? Go down to the 3rd!”
Well… if you were in his shoes, you most probably would have insisted to take over the wheels and drive instead! That’s because I have “eyes-hands-and-feet” coordination problem. Yet, I was still zooming around in 5th gear! (3rd lesson… 5th gear… wahahaha)
But not to worry, I am a very kia-see (afraid to die) driver and will never compromise on my safety or any road users’ safety. This is especially so after my near-death accident in California last year… … Even just thinking about it, gives me the shudder and the urge to pray and give my thanks to whatever god or fairy godmother who had to work OT just to keep me alive.
Now, I have a new resolution:
1) Pass my practical driving test within the first attempt!
Wish me luck!!! ;p
O yah, Happy 40th Birthday, Singapore!
Tomorrow, 9 Aug will be our National Day. Time to wear red and white and sing “We’r Singapore, We’r Singapore, We’ll stand together and hear the lion roar…”
Singapore, although you are a real prude, with no sense of adventure or what ever humor… I still love you nonetheless!
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