Best ingredient in life is…
March 31, 2008 at 9:05 am (click, love, philosophy)
Perfection amongst all the imperfections
March 31, 2008 at 8:49 am (fun, life story, love, memory, travel)
Simple, unique, friendly. That’s the Harris style. They had me at just the first word – simple.
When we first reached the Harris resort, we were greeted warmly by the ’smiley sunpeeps’ (a term which I denoted for the Harris staff). They are casually dressed in their orange colour code. What I like most about the sunpeeps is that they smile genuinely at their guests. It’s like happy lala-land. Think it would be really fun to work there.
So far, so good. So, where’s the imperfections, you might wonder. Well, there were quite a number of imperfections during our stay there. For instance, the room had a couple of black spots in the room. Part of the mirror was rusted with black spots, the room just wasn’t as clean as I hoped it to be. The 3 hour spa was also cut short into just 2 and a half hours. The food there was quite expensive, and the live band wasn’t that fantastic either.
However, despite all these imperfections, I still found it to be a perfect trip for me. The room was comfortable. The spa was reinvigorating, especially doing it together with Mr Poto. He even slept through the spa! Food was expensive, but they provided great fun and atmosphere for the guests. The themes were rather unique and creative. I love being a onlooker where other guests get saboed to play games. The sunpeeps will come and offer their handy hands to help you take pictures, and they were really quite pro at it! Live band may not be orchestra-material, but their music make you want to sing together with them. More importantly, every second was magic when it is spent with the person you love.
Entertainment wise, it was much better than Holiday Inn. Bowling practically filled Mr Poto with soooo much joy. I almost won him, if not for that stupid shoelace! Swimming was great, except that I was practically causing a tsunami with my turbo kicking legs.
Shopping was fantastic! (clear throats) I meant supermarket shopping. Everything was sooooo cheap, especially the pads! I shan’t disclose how many packets did I bring back, but I’m good for a few months at least. Hee. At their Batam town, we had our fill of the ever-so-delicious-and-i-oh-so-missed-it ROOTBEER FLOAT!!! In addition, our stomachs express their gratitude for introducing to them the yummilious J.CO doughnuts!
We were shopping at one of the bookstores in Nagoya Hill, and I came upon something very interesting. I just happened to flip through some of their greeting cards, and guess what. There are really some very intriguing cards in Batam. They have break-up cards! There are also cards made for chasing after the opposite gender, as well as cards for rejecting them. It was simply hilarious! I would have loved to buy back all their cards for keepsake. Hee, here is a sample!
There was one funny incident. As I was trying to take a picture of the Harris resort logo, an angmoh looking guy saw us and offered to help take a photo of us with the Harris logo. I was pleasantly surprised at how other fellow guests are sooooo friendly. Have we all been influenced by the Harris gene? Well, we agreed to his offer. Mr angmoh started walking further and further away, until Mr Poto was worried that he would take the camera and run. Then, mr angmoh asked us to step further back too, in order for him to capture the logo. I was already picturing in my mind how the picture will turn out. Haha, here it is.
And guess what, Mr angmoh turns out to be the general manager of Harris resort! He even passed us his namecard when we were checking out. I have never seen a more amiable GM at any other hotels or resorts. This goes to show that when your management is good and proactive, you get motivated staff!
Lastly, never leave a beach without your imprints!
Nature
March 31, 2008 at 7:16 am (click, mood, philosophy)
Wonders of the nature make everything else seem so insignificant.
Tick tock goes the clock
March 27, 2008 at 4:07 pm (fun, mood, travel)
Tick tock.
Sun
Beach
Fresh weekend air
Holding hands by the beach
Spa
Tick tock.
Batam, here I come!
Hong Kong (mai dong xi, chi dong xi)
March 25, 2008 at 8:53 am (life story, memory, travel)
I know it’s been a term since my hong kong trip, but I just haven’t gotten down to really blog about it. So here it is! (Warning: lots of photos coming up!)
Day 1:
Mr Poto and I reached the airport around 4am, full of excitement in our hearts! We always look forward to taking the aeroplane. Can you imagine, his first air experience was with me…hee.
In no time, we arrived at the land of dim sum. The weather was lovely, it was rather cooling. I have heard so much raves about the wanton mee from wm that it was my first food tasted in Hong Kong! And boy, it was quite nice! The wanton mee is different from Singapore’s version. Their wanton mee only came with soup and there isn’t any char siew.
After that, we just roamed around the various shopping centres and night markets around the Mong Kok area. Hong Kong feels just like Singapore. We felt right at home. However, the streets were a little confusing for us, as they have a zillion street signs. The crowd crossing at each road junction was equivalent to the twice the passerbys at our Orchard Road.
When you are at Hong Kong, it’s as though you are re-living the commercial. Shop and dine, shop and dine, rest……then shop and dine again! We had at least 5 meals in a day. Haha. Supper was great! We found this amazing claypot rice shop at the night market near our hotel. The oyster omelette was phenomenal! I love the sauce!!! We had that for supper for at least 3 nights there!
As we were walking to our favourite supper place, we came upon a couple of aunties and uncles performing by the street. They were having their own mini karaoke sessions, in public! How cool is that? Here’s a picture of them.
Day 2:
Our 2nd day at Hong Kong was spent exploring Causeway Bay. This is like Orchard Road of Singapore, where all the branded goods and upclass shopping are. Uh-hmmm, this is also where I bought my first GUCCI bag!!!
Look what I found…..Krispy Creme Doughnuts!!!! They are soooo soft and yummy!
We also did some shopping at H&M before heading for the peak. We walked for quite a while to get to the Peak Tram station. On our way there, we saw a lot of reporters gathered in front of an art gallery. I thought that we were going to see some big shot Hong Kong superstars, maybe Andy Lau! Gasp! But, in the end, all we saw were some female models. Chey!
Here we are at the Peak Tram Station. Mr Poto and I had a blast there! We took a lot of funny photos at the Madame Tussle musuem. Some of the wax figurines looked really real. Gradually, we learnt the technique of taking good pictures with these ‘big shots’. It’s all about the eye! My favourite is Andy Lau!!!! I wish I could bring him home.
After LOADS of pictures taking, we went out to the peak. Oh my, it was REALLY COLD! I was practically freezing in my pathetic cardigan. I thought that this was the best time where the female lead can cuddle up to the male lead for warmth, like in any good old movies. Guess what? Mr Poto became more like Frosty the snowman! Who ask him to act so ‘garang’ in the morning and refused to bring out his jacket.
Day 3:
One word to sum it up…DISNEYLAND!!! I’ve always loved Disneyland. This is my 2nd time at this magical land (first time was in Japan). But, it has always been my dream to go to Disneyland with my prince charming. And there I was, with him. I felt right in my element there, as I know that I’m an eternal child. And I’ve finally managed to take the Winnie the Pooh ride, which I have missed in Japan’s Disneyland. The Disney parade was fantastic! There is something about these familiar and fuzzy characters, that can always bring a smile to your face. The Magical Christmas fireworks display at night was SPECTACULAR!
Day 4:
We had the most amazing dim sum this morning at this Hakka restaurant. We were there before it actually open as their dim sum is 50% off in the morning. The service was really fantastic! The waitresses were so friendly, that even their own people were amazed at their politeness. (Yeah, don’t expect the people there to treat you nicely. It’s their culture.)
We did some SERIOUS shopping at the Espirit warehouse, where everything just seemed so cheap. I could see little birds flying around my head. Hee. We had dinner at this famous Macua restaurant. You should see how they eat over there. Their dinner order was like breakfast, lunch and dinner combined! No kidding! I really wonder how the ladies there stay soooo slim. Do they all have tape worms inside their stomachs. Envious! And they should really have quite high salaries, in order to feed themselves to a feast for every meal.
We went past Peninsula Hotel, and it was simply amazing! The lightings were so beautiful!
Our next stop was to ‘The Arena of Stars’. Feels weird stepping on the handprints of those celebrities. Why would they want to be stepped on? Funny. The symphony of lights was quite nice. It really showcased the skyline of Hong Kong.
Day 5:
Breakfast was at our favourite dairy restaurant. We saw this really funny guy at the airport. He was dressed in this cute white bunny suit and singing Christmas jingles on the airport shuttle bus. If only everyone was more spontaneous and happy like him! I would love to wear a bear suit, with a cute furry bob tail at the back. Here he is! (Only managed to capture the backview.)
And now, for the finale to this long long blog, here is my favourite photo to close it off. I took this photo while on the bus to the airport.
Till the next vacation!
Good Friday? Great Friday!
March 21, 2008 at 9:47 am (family, fun, life story, moments)
Woke up this morning with zero expectations. Even thought that I will just stay at home and play mahjong. My dearest mummy woke me up and told me her big plans for the day, and I was ready to spend my good Friday.
We had lunch together at Shang Palace (Shangri-la Hotel). The dim sum was fabulous and relatively inexpensive. I love the papaya pastry! It’s soooo soft and crispy, that it practically just melts in your mouth. And lucky us, we got that dish for free! The bill came up to about $70 plus for the 3 of us. I even met my ex-parent and child at the restaurant.
Words from the Heart
March 18, 2008 at 8:49 am (love, mood, philosophy, question, wedding)
Been surfing around, and decided to look for meaningful quotes. Here are some of those that I would like to share with you…
At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.
– Barbara Bush
Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.
– Groucho Marx
The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.
– Allan K. Chalmers
We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
– Fredrick Koeing
When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don’t blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding.
– Thich Nhat Hahn
You may notice that there is a link with all these quotes. Yes, they are more emotive and mainly about happiness and life. Whenever someone asks me what is the most important thing in my life, my answer will always be ‘Happiness’.
Happiness has many meanings. It represents different things for different people. It is subjective. That’s what I like about it. I can twist and turn my present life, my current situation into happiness. Hence, I will always be able to have the most important thing that I value in my life. Is this sort of cheating? Haa..
There are some emotions that are hidden soooo deeply within me, that sometimes, I feel that a part of me is missing. Everyone has a sad story. As I am typing this second, I try to recall of my hidden sad story. Somehow, it’s beyond my reach. There is a hole in my heart, one which no one knows. Behind the happy face and spontaneous laughter, who would ever think of the sad story? Who would really care.
As the saying goes, argument is the worst sort of conversation. Well, that’s the sort of conversation that I have been having with Mr Poto lately. Quite a few combo hits within 2 weeks. It’s quite draining, but somehow certain things are best to be said out. Sometimes, I think that I am like a volcano. I will take in the negative emotions first, at least for 2 consecutive similar incidents. During the 3rd time, I will just erupt. After which, I guess I have to feel fine. I have to feel okay. I don’t know about that. Sometimes, the wound just doesn’t seem to heal. Sometimes, my heart still ache. Sometimes, I simply don’t know how I feel anymore.
2 different persons, embarking on a life journey together. There are many challenges. Things are no longer so simple. No longer like the name of my blog – simplicity. You need to accept another’s faults. What if you find it hard to accept. Do you give up?
The wedding preparation has taken a toil in our relationship. It seemed as though as we are on different paths and different chapters of our lives. Are we still on the same page? Are we still in it together? Or is it just me, myself and I?
Here’s a song to end this entry.
Just remember, In the winter,
Far beneath, The bitter snow,
Lies a seed, That with the suns love,
In the spring, Becomes a rose
(I still believe spring will come…)
Zzzz
March 17, 2008 at 3:04 pm (Blabber, mood)
In a few months’ time, my age will increase by one number. Don’t know whether it has got anything to do with this, but I have been feeling more tired recently. For instance, last weekend Saturday, I fell asleep at 9 plus whilst reading a book. I know how my work on the weekends put a toil on my energy level, but I used to be able to tahan till around 12am to fall asleep. Somehow, I am getting sleepy at a much earlier time than usual.
Or perhaps, it’s the increase in workload that has got to me. Last week, my table was filled with sooooooooooooo much work that I felt a little lost. I had a the vision to clear some of my work on Wednesday, and somehow things will just accumulate till the end of Friday. I just closed my door, and wanted to scream at the top of lungs. (which I did to Mr Poto) I think I really need to improve in my multi-tasking skill. I know I can handle it. I can do better.
Or maybe it’s my recent intensive reading habit that stimulate my mind so much. Finishing 2 books within a few days. Hmm…or maybe I am really just getting older huh?
On a happy note, I went running with Mr Poto today. It felt rather good, tired, but in an alive way. Feeling the wind brush against your skin. Seeing the beautiful scenary. Feeling your heart pumping faster. What a great feeling!
After watching tonight’s episode of My Perfect Child, it didn’t really get to me. Well, comments shall remain in my heart. It could have been a lot better. Looking forward to G’s episode.
Finally, term break is around the corner. Can’t wait to take a short break. I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed that class sorting will be a smoother process. Hopefully I will be able to rejuvenate to a younger soul with the upcoming Batam trip.
Land of the R & R, here I come!!!
Let it be
March 13, 2008 at 2:02 pm (music)
A piano, sincere voice and heartfelt lyrics…
That’s my kind of song.
My first taste as a bride
March 12, 2008 at 4:38 pm (love, wedding)
On monday, Mr Poto and I went together to the bridal studio to browse through the gowns. Actually, we wanted to check if the bridal studio really exist, since we signed up at a road show.
The assistant seemed to think that we are a kiasu couple, coming to check out the gowns when there is still ample time in her opinion. Well, at least I managed to try on 2 gowns – a ball gown and a halter neck gown. After trying on the gowns, a surreal feeling arouse within me. In that second, I was transformed into a bride, with just a grand piece of white cloth. Mr Poto’s look was memorable!
I always had this notion of a typical bride in my mind:
1) Fair skin
2) Non-spectacled
3) Great body
4) Perfect teeth and hair
5) Able to wear killer heels
Well, ever since marriage came into the books, I always thought that I will never be able to carry off the ‘bride-look’. But the moment I put on my ball gown, I know that everything will eventually fall into place. Yes, I may not be able to fulfill the ‘bride-look’ perfectly, but I will definitely be the luckiest girl on world to be your bride.
Let’s look forward to 5th May!
