Hong Kong: The food edition

I have serious wanderlust.

Acting on a spur of the moment, my gal pals and I took off to enjoy the Hong Kong breeze. What was an informal proposal to shop our hearts out in Bangkok became a mini trip to Hong Kong. Within two weeks, everything was booked and off we went!

It feels so good to be on a jet plane.

Hong Kong is like Singapore in so many ways. Or some would say, Hong Kong is what Singapore would be, 10 years from now.

Once off the plane, we headed immediately to satisfy our hungry stomachs.

No matter which eatery you patronise, their roasted goose is superb. I’ve yet to eat a terrible roasted goose in Hong Kong!

Shortly after that, my Singaporean self kicked in again. Within 2 hours of taking our breakfast, we headed to eat lunch!

I received queer looks from my friend’s HK friend when I took this picture. Self-shots with food is definitely not taking flight here!

We took our lunch at this little noodle shop next to the famed Australia Dairy Company in Jordan. It’s supposedly very popular with the locals. There was never a moment when a table was empty.

Unlike Singapore, there lies a cultural norm of sharing tables with a total stranger. This ensures that business is maximised and customers’ hunger is satisfied. Also, be prepared to take your meal quickly, or embrace yourself to be chased by the shop attendants.

While I like the wanton - the crunch factor is spot-on - I did not like the bland noodles. Needless to say, I was also too full to finish the noodles.

But there is always a spare stomach to savour ice-cream! Especially if they are coming from a cute looking mobile ice-cream van!

Wearing: Zara printed tee, Balenciaga triple tour, Quartz necklace from River Island, Tulle skirt from Japan. Black pearl nail polish by Chanel. Leather bag is from Asos.

Over the years, I have learned that packing light is the way to go on any trips. There is always time and space for shopping! These days, my travel bag consists of separates that can be easily paired up - accessories included - and my travel palette steers towards neutral tones. I’m currently into maxi dresses. Great way to turn up the glam factor while keeping the bag light!

What a cute cone cover ain’t it? As usual I received stares. I got to remind myself that it ain’t cool to take pictures of food in Hong Kong.

But, Hong Kong is a food paradise! So for my readers’ sake, I am going to brace the stares, act like a dork and take more pictures of food!

Just like touring Taiwan, it is a must to enjoy a bowl of mango dessert. This is mango with pomelo. The mix of sweet and sour makes it real good.

The highlight of the day, however… has got to be this…

High up on my food list…

Fancy eating 蚝煎 for appetiser?

Do not belittle these two pieces of fried oyster omelette. Made from fresh duck eggs and a generous serving of baby oysters, this store’s omelette will turn haters into fans.

The batter is fried to perfection and the temperature is just right. And did I tell you that this is the ’small’ portion and costs SGD2?

And if you thought that looked really good, wait till you try their boiled vegetables. Do not be deceived by this simple fare. It is really really really good. The vegetables are sweet, soft with the right amount of texture to it.

Dinner was a bowl of claypot rice. I recommend that you try what I had, which was the smooth chicken claypot rice. Mixed in the right amount of black sweet soya sauce and dig in! The chicken portion is generous and you would definitely have a happy tummy at the end of the meal.

This eatery is not easy to find. But when you do find this little treasure hut somewhere along Arthur Road, you would thank me for it.

Nostalgia

Nostalgia is hitting me like bees swarming around flowers in spring.

As I wrapped up my extensive travel across Canada, I came across the photos of people I have met and made friends with.

A huge shout-out to everyone who made my stay in Canada memorable.

Thank you everyone!

#17

So I’ve been knocked out cold.

Recall #32?

It was #17’s turn.

To cheer myself up, I bought a Barbie kid’s toothbrush a day before the surgery.

Not that I really needed it much since I could barely eat after the op.

The moment of regret came when my dentist started to saw a part of my jaw just to pry #17. The sound of the saw in thy jaw was so sick, I probably said 20 prayers. My dentist made it worse by playing classical music - seriously, it reminded me of a horror movie.

My dentist sure knows how to make an impression.

The next time round I’ll opt for a GA.

The Hectic April

I’ve always been warned that April is a hectic month.

And it has been so busy that I’ve left my blog stuffed somewhere in the drawer! Even my repaired Chanel accessories have been sitting comfortably in the MBS oulet for *Gasp* two weeks!

Seriously, someone please take me for a shopping trip.

Ladies, I promise I’ll be back in action in no time at all.

Happy Good Friday!

Earrings Trove

Some collect antique, other collects cars.

I collect jewellery.

I’m a squishy jelly when it comes to accessories.

It all began when I was in secondary school. Being heavily influenced by rock music, I was kind of geared towards the bohemian mix with a pinch of punk - an odd mix you might say.

I loved anything with a touch of ethnic; it must be unique.

Over the years, I’ve collected many one-of-a-kind pieces.

Some treasures from my trove.

Way before Slumdog Millionaire hit the screen.

Indie inspired earrings.

Missing some glass findings make this piece quite a character. Purchased it in a shop along Haji Lane. The shop owner told me that it was made by a local designer. Unfortunately, the shop has since closed down. I’ll never find out who the designer is.

Juxtaposition.

Made by Woon Hung.

I’m not one who love simple beaded earrings. After all, unique is the word I go for. It’s either exquisite design or semi-precious stones. So I thought it odd that I was that attracted to this seemingly simple pair of earrings. Over the years I’ve cleared a lot of fashion accessories that I’ve outgrown, but this has stayed in my trinket box. The second bead is dark red more than black.

Would you be my sweetheart?

Handmade silver earrings in Korea with crystal beads.

Purchased on a whim at a cart in City Hall when I was still in University. Being a poor student, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to splurge on this $50 earrings. I’m glad I did. This has fast become my favourite pair for girly days - it goes with everything! It also compliments the shape of my face.

Lemon drop at the Flea.

Peridot on gold filled earrings.

I’ve always loved browsing at Flea markets. It’s a great way to meet new talented jewellery makers. Purchased this at one of the artsy flea market. It was on sale at $50.

Since these good old days, I’ve moved on to collecting designer jewellery - explains the growing CC collection! Blame it on the lack of time to shop, but I just don’t browse in Flea markets anymore. But, once in a while, I’ll catch myself drooling at new babies from promising designers.

So what is in your earrings trove? =)

Happy CNY

I know CNY is way over. But, it’s no secret that I’m bugged with work - my table is overflowing with paper!

So, here are snapshots of CNY.

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

Up North..

Would you believe me if I told you I had zero make-up on when I took this picture?

I had to. I don’t believe in sleeping with make-up on.

Oh I love the look of dawn. Very pretty.

And when it was bright and cheerful…

It’s time to celebrate!

I just realise, besides this photo, I didn’t take much during the day.

So let’s fast forward and enjoy the fireworks.

Huat ah!

Battlestar Galatica Fighto!

After almost a year long of being grounded, the Battlestar Galatica is set to battle once more today!

I had the privilege to attend the preview of the launch on Saturday. And boy was I extremely hyped up. I got to the Park at 18 00 even though the ride officially starts at 20 00.

Sitting at KT’s grill. Waiting for the ride to start.

If you hadn’t already know, Battlestar Galatica is one of the main attraction of Universal Studios Singapore, if not the most highly anticipated.

At a height of 42.7m, the dueling roller coasters are set to thrill you and drive you crazy with their non-stop turns, twists and drops for 90 seconds.

Choose to take either Cylon, a suspended roller coaster, or Human, a sit-down roller coaster.

Battlestar Galatica. Are you ready?!

Here’s my take on the two.

CYLON:

Pardon the flash. It’s almost impossible to take a good shot inside the waiting chambers. Spot the green tag? That’s my entry pass!

I gamely took on Cylon as the first roller coaster. After all, I do pretty well with anything that has me strapped in tightly with a across-the-chest harness… even if it means that my legs are hanging in mid-air and I go flying in my seat throughout the ride… I just secretly close my eyes during the first flight and scream like there is no tomorrow.

During the first launch, Cylon experienced technical difficulties. One of the safety harness did not unlock, nor did the gates that let riders get onto the platform.  After about 30 minutes of waiting, it was obvious that there was mixed feelings amidst the riders. I was nervous. After all, darn that seat was the row after mine! What if.. my harness opens in mid-air!!!

Finally, we all got buckled into our seats. The crowd went wild. Here we go!

After being propelled to the start point, Cylon took a drastic drop. I experienced weightlessness. Then it was a 360 degree turn. When is my butt going to feel the seat again! Several sharp turns thereafter, it was the second 360 degree turn through the mist. Now this is done crazily fast and not my favourite part of the ride - I was choking on the mist that was gushing through the train. But the worse is yet to come. The most uncomfortable part of the ride has got to be the 360 degree twist. You would be shuffled left and right in your seat. You’ll definitely feel extremely dizzy. But 10 more seconds worth of meanders and I’ve got my feet planted back onto the platform.

HUMAN:

This was the second ride that I took. Unlike Cylon, I really am a little scared. It’s a weird psychology, but I don’t feel as safe when strapped into a harness that only covers the lower part of my body! If it breaks, I’m flying straight into the Universal Studios pond!

The first drop of Human is the most exciting, crazy, and breath-taking part of the entire ride. Never have I experienced such weightlessness - except for New York New York in Las Vegas. It’s sheer craziness. At the pinnacle, you would be driven mad that all you see is the sky and your feet. When you drop, you don’t even see the front carriage! It’s also my favourite part - if I can prevent myself from blinking twice in fear - for the night landscape of Universal Studios Singapore is so gorgeous I was left wondering if I was playing out my own fairytale, flying on the magic carpet and exploring wonderland. I might have a different version of awe and level of woe if I were to take this ride during the day.

Having said that, if you can survive the first 5 seconds extended long dive, you can survive the entire ride. You have my word on that. The remaining part of the ride felt like enchanted airways. I was taking my time to admire the night landscape of Universal Studios.

CYLON VERSUS HUMAN:

Cylon.

Even though the ride score read 6 - 6 at the end of the 12 rides taken in 3 hours, Cylon wins for its heart-stopping turns and twists.

The queue was thrice as long at Cylon than Human. Thrill-seekers were digging into the ride even till the last moments of the Park closure. I know, because I was one of them. I sprinted from the exit to the entrance to make it for the second last ride.

I would, however, caution riders that Cylon really requires riders to be in good physical health. 6 rides on Cylon, my head was spinning and my ears were really painful due to the pressure. I was also pretty exhausted at the end of 12 rides, falling asleep in the seat while waiting for the ride to be launched.

So with that, choose your rides wisely and battle it out! Riders, you have been warned!

V for Conquering the dueling two!

#402

Onto #402. It’s surreal.

It has been almost 2 years since I started blogging on this website. 9 years since I started blogging altogether.

The world has changed so much. I’ve grown so much.

Many thanks for walking with me this far.

The case of the empty Ang Bao

Chinese New Year is the festive season that Chinese look forward to. It is a time when family members reunite and celebrate the good start of a new lunar year. We gather around a round table to take our dinner, play games and be merry.

Children love Chinese New Year because adults will give them red packets containing money.

Year in year out, I love calculating how much money I’ve received and I usually chart the takings as a measure of economic growth.

This year, I was horrified to receive an empty Ang Bao!

I’ve had my fair share of $2 Ang Baos over the years, but an empty Ang Bao is the first!

I’m so amused, that I don’t really know what to make out the meaning behind the empty Ang Bao.

Thanks for all the birthday greetings!

Thank you everyone for all the birthday greetings! It sure has been a great start to being a year old wiser. =)

I had a blast on my birthday. But it sure was a hectic start to being older one day after my birthday. And I’ve had little time to blog till now. I’ll respond to the comments over the weekend. Sorry to keep you waiting!

Meanwhile…

January is definitely my favourite month.

I really love it that it’s my birthday month. It’s the one excuse I can use to do things that I want without feeling much guilt.

Well not that much, till my bills come that is.

I’ve done tons of make-up Christmas shopping. Not only stores are having post-Christmas sales; I get to enjoy birthday discounts and privileges. I’ve done my fair share of monetary contribution to Paragon’s maintenance fund.

I’ve also pigged out at all my favourite food haunt. Hooray to sashimi overdose at Sushi Tei. More fried mushrooms from New York New York, pretty please. Need all the energy to shop till I drop.

This year’s birthday month was made special by all the special exhibits. Yes to Valentino’s retrospect exhibit and Pompeii’s. Oh and OpenHouse.

So cheers to a fantastic year ahead!