Have any of you watched The Promise by Chen Kai Ge? The review was pretty good that I went to watch it yesterday. Moreover, Cecilia Cheung is the lead actress! I think she's really pretty and slim!
The story begins from a little girl who was granted a wish to have beauty, wealth and everything that the world has to offer, in exchange of love. She'd never be able to find someone who really loves her. Even if she did, they would never be together as the man will die. Her true love will never happen unless time turns backward, river runs uphill and the dead comes back to life. 20 years later, her beauty causes many men to draw sword against each other. However, she falls in love with a slave, who promises her to change her destiny by turning back the time.
The storyline is wonderful. It's telling us despite the realistic world and people, there are still rooms for fairytales and innocent believes. It's such a pity that the show was ended abruptly by the fast switching from climax to anti-climax. Extra few scenes in the ending would probably give the audience more lasting impression.
Overall rating was good though.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas in Shanghai
Christmas in Shanghai is COLDDDDDD!!!! *BrrRRrrr..
The festive mood can rarely be seen in Shanghai, I guess China doesn't really celebrate Christmas. Well, there are Christmas trees around though, like Xintiandi, The Bund, Pudong, etc. And of course, there are many Christmas Eve lunch, dinner, Christmas brunch, lunch, dinner set. That's all!
It wasn't snowing during Christmas. Surprisingly, the temperature was pretty warm, high 10deg and low 4deg. At night, it was hazy and wet. Went to Bar Rouge for the Bund View, and all that we could see was haze. I was looking forward to White Christmas, but Shanghai only offers Hazy Christmas this year. Oh well...
Nevertheless..
Merry Christmas everyone! :) Have an enjoyable Christmas!
The festive mood can rarely be seen in Shanghai, I guess China doesn't really celebrate Christmas. Well, there are Christmas trees around though, like Xintiandi, The Bund, Pudong, etc. And of course, there are many Christmas Eve lunch, dinner, Christmas brunch, lunch, dinner set. That's all!
It wasn't snowing during Christmas. Surprisingly, the temperature was pretty warm, high 10deg and low 4deg. At night, it was hazy and wet. Went to Bar Rouge for the Bund View, and all that we could see was haze. I was looking forward to White Christmas, but Shanghai only offers Hazy Christmas this year. Oh well...
Nevertheless..
Merry Christmas everyone! :) Have an enjoyable Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Christmas is Nearby
As Christmas is approaching, many are busy planning their events.
The most common practice is the well-known Christmas fine dining. Most couples succumb to the outrageous price offered by these restaurants due to the special occasion. Those who refuse to surrender have their simple dinner done at home, either homemade or takeaway. Knowing how hectic the world is now, and given the practicality and variety in options of takeaway items, the latter is more of a feasible option.
Travel industry, too, participates in making the season merrier. A getaway package is an attractive alternative to traditional Christmas fine dining. Popular destination includes Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Harbin, Europe etc.
Those who are single would probably head out to community event, club party, or gatherings. Whatever the plan is, the basic idea is to be OUT –dining, partying, matchmaking, traveling etc– and NOT to be IN –worst, ALONE– during this special event.
This makes me wonder, what’s with Christmas and all these events? Why do we feel a MUST in creating a wonderful Christmas? What’s the impact of spending Christmas at home, with no fine dining, no romantic getaway, and just take it as a regular day?
After all, Christmas is just another day right? *wink
The most common practice is the well-known Christmas fine dining. Most couples succumb to the outrageous price offered by these restaurants due to the special occasion. Those who refuse to surrender have their simple dinner done at home, either homemade or takeaway. Knowing how hectic the world is now, and given the practicality and variety in options of takeaway items, the latter is more of a feasible option.
Travel industry, too, participates in making the season merrier. A getaway package is an attractive alternative to traditional Christmas fine dining. Popular destination includes Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Harbin, Europe etc.
Those who are single would probably head out to community event, club party, or gatherings. Whatever the plan is, the basic idea is to be OUT –dining, partying, matchmaking, traveling etc– and NOT to be IN –worst, ALONE– during this special event.
This makes me wonder, what’s with Christmas and all these events? Why do we feel a MUST in creating a wonderful Christmas? What’s the impact of spending Christmas at home, with no fine dining, no romantic getaway, and just take it as a regular day?
After all, Christmas is just another day right? *wink
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice, a.k.a DongZhi in Chinese, is the time of the year when the day is the shortest and the night is the longest. It happens due to the sun position in the southern hemisphere, causing the temperature drop and short daytime in the northern hemisphere.
The Chinese believed that DongZhi is based on Yin and Yang Theory. On the day of DongZhi, the Yin (cold and dark) are at the greatest while Yang (fiery and positive) are at the weakest. As the day passes, Yin slowly weaken giving way to Yang until it prevails with the rebirth of the Spring.
DongZhi has been an important festival for millenia. Records from Eastern Han Dynasty stated this period as a holiday season for court officials and even the emperors. Qing Dynasty regarded it as a season of exchanging gifts and drinking into the long night. In fact, during the Jin Dynasty, shoes and socks were popular gift among the commoners and royalties - court officials would present embroidered shoes and socks for the emperors. Not sure how the custom evolved, but most probably it has to do with keeping the feet warm during winter season.
DongZhi has always been associated with number nine, which is also based on Yin and Yang Theory. Yin is associated with even numbers, while Yang with odds. Nine, the largest number in Yang, represents infinity and extremity. Thus, association of DongZhi and nine.
The day of DongZhi is the beginning of the first nine-day period. There are altogether 9 nine-day period, summing up to total of 81 days. The weather improves a bit every nine-day. At the end of the ninth period is the Spring.
I am not sure to be happy or sad for not being able to experience the whole 9 nine-day period. The first day of the first nine-day feels so unbearable that I'm not even sure how to spend the first nine-day period! I miss WARMTH!
The Chinese believed that DongZhi is based on Yin and Yang Theory. On the day of DongZhi, the Yin (cold and dark) are at the greatest while Yang (fiery and positive) are at the weakest. As the day passes, Yin slowly weaken giving way to Yang until it prevails with the rebirth of the Spring.
DongZhi has been an important festival for millenia. Records from Eastern Han Dynasty stated this period as a holiday season for court officials and even the emperors. Qing Dynasty regarded it as a season of exchanging gifts and drinking into the long night. In fact, during the Jin Dynasty, shoes and socks were popular gift among the commoners and royalties - court officials would present embroidered shoes and socks for the emperors. Not sure how the custom evolved, but most probably it has to do with keeping the feet warm during winter season.
DongZhi has always been associated with number nine, which is also based on Yin and Yang Theory. Yin is associated with even numbers, while Yang with odds. Nine, the largest number in Yang, represents infinity and extremity. Thus, association of DongZhi and nine.
The day of DongZhi is the beginning of the first nine-day period. There are altogether 9 nine-day period, summing up to total of 81 days. The weather improves a bit every nine-day. At the end of the ninth period is the Spring.
I am not sure to be happy or sad for not being able to experience the whole 9 nine-day period. The first day of the first nine-day feels so unbearable that I'm not even sure how to spend the first nine-day period! I miss WARMTH!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Shanghainese Food
Shanghainese food are well-known for its oily and sweetness, which probably explains why I hadn't been looking forward to it despite the good reviews on several famous Shanghai restaurants.
Many things happen unexpectedly this week. One of them was dinner at two famous Shanghai restaurants - 1221 and Shanghai Uncle. I was pretty skeptical initially, but the great reviews has turned on my adventurous mode.
Reviews on 1221 have never been disappointing. Almost all the online sites - frommers, smart shanghai, lonely planet, city weekend, shonline - has regarded 1221 as a must-visit restaurant. First step into the restaurant and all I could see was blond hairs! The restaurant was filled with expats and ONLY expats! I believe my table was the only Asian table.
The food turned out fine, not sweet though a little bit oily. The place is pretty cramped though, thus it was pretty noisy. I wouldn't recommend it for a nice dinner for 2, but it was a good experience though.
Shanghai Uncle, on the other hand, was fantastic. The food was great, not oily nor sweet at all! It comes with large portion too! Best to dine in group of 4, else there'd be plenty leftover. Service was fast and excellent. Great ambience as well. Price was pretty fine. Inexpensive fine dining experience! RECOMMENDED!
Many things happen unexpectedly this week. One of them was dinner at two famous Shanghai restaurants - 1221 and Shanghai Uncle. I was pretty skeptical initially, but the great reviews has turned on my adventurous mode.
Reviews on 1221 have never been disappointing. Almost all the online sites - frommers, smart shanghai, lonely planet, city weekend, shonline - has regarded 1221 as a must-visit restaurant. First step into the restaurant and all I could see was blond hairs! The restaurant was filled with expats and ONLY expats! I believe my table was the only Asian table.
The food turned out fine, not sweet though a little bit oily. The place is pretty cramped though, thus it was pretty noisy. I wouldn't recommend it for a nice dinner for 2, but it was a good experience though.
Shanghai Uncle, on the other hand, was fantastic. The food was great, not oily nor sweet at all! It comes with large portion too! Best to dine in group of 4, else there'd be plenty leftover. Service was fast and excellent. Great ambience as well. Price was pretty fine. Inexpensive fine dining experience! RECOMMENDED!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Fullname of Bangkok
Finally I stepped out of my house for school. Went out in full gear - wore two pieces of tops with sweater and wrapped in overcoat, covered my head and ear in cap, protected my fingers with gloves, wore sport shoes with double socks to warm my toes, not forgetting a shawl to protect my neck. Yup I was easily mistaken for a walking snowgirl -_-' Good thing that my overcoat was purple, not white!
Thought I was safe in those? Think again! The wind was real strong that it actually penetratead my thick jeans! My skin felt real painful being brushed by the strength of the wind -_-' I'm NOT going out EVER! of course it aint true... I really wonder how people could ever live in Alaska!
Recently, I discovered an amazing fact from my newly found Thai friend - the complete full name of Bangkok in Thai. We all know that Bangkok is commonly pronounced as Krung Thep in Thai, however, as matter of fact, it's only the abbreviation.
The ceremonial name of Bangkok is:
which translates as:
This is certified as the longest place name in the world in the Guinness book of records. My friend took 25secs to pronounce the damn thing!
Thought I was safe in those? Think again! The wind was real strong that it actually penetratead my thick jeans! My skin felt real painful being brushed by the strength of the wind -_-' I'm NOT going out EVER! of course it aint true... I really wonder how people could ever live in Alaska!
Recently, I discovered an amazing fact from my newly found Thai friend - the complete full name of Bangkok in Thai. We all know that Bangkok is commonly pronounced as Krung Thep in Thai, however, as matter of fact, it's only the abbreviation.
The ceremonial name of Bangkok is:
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
which translates as:
The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.
This is certified as the longest place name in the world in the Guinness book of records. My friend took 25secs to pronounce the damn thing!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Winter in Shanghai
The weather has been real cold for the past few days, makes one feel lazy to step out of the warm house. Today is officially winter in Shanghai - temp: 4C day, -3C night!
Well I've been staying home pretty much lately, due to the cold weather and my extreme diet regime. Lost 3kgs in 5days! I'm back to my normal weight! Yay!!! Perfect timing as James' coming next Thursday :)
Been eating cereals only for the past few days. It might sound crazy but seriously it actually tastes good! Try to mix few types of cereals and add raisins or banana. My recommendation is Banana Nut Crunch from Post! *slurrrppp nyummmm
Well I've been staying home pretty much lately, due to the cold weather and my extreme diet regime. Lost 3kgs in 5days! I'm back to my normal weight! Yay!!! Perfect timing as James' coming next Thursday :)
Been eating cereals only for the past few days. It might sound crazy but seriously it actually tastes good! Try to mix few types of cereals and add raisins or banana. My recommendation is Banana Nut Crunch from Post! *slurrrppp nyummmm
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Only Fall YET It's COLD!
Shanghai weather: 14deg in afternoon and 10deg in the evening!
Stayed at home the whole day in my thermal wear, wrapped myself in blanket and had the heater on, YET it was still freaking COLD!!! I can't imagine how would the winter be like! *shivering bRrrRRrrr...
Well good thing I had myself prepared with thermal wear, boots, shawls, caps, glove, overcoats. What I lack now is sweaters and more thermal wears!
Stayed at home the whole day in my thermal wear, wrapped myself in blanket and had the heater on, YET it was still freaking COLD!!! I can't imagine how would the winter be like! *shivering bRrrRRrrr...
Well good thing I had myself prepared with thermal wear, boots, shawls, caps, glove, overcoats. What I lack now is sweaters and more thermal wears!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
End of MidTerm Week
It's been awhile since my last exam.. I never thought that I'd be taking any more papers after receiving my bachelor certificate from NTU. Though I did study for my midterm, I felt less stress compared to last time when I was still in NTU. I guess I didn't really care about the results. After all, it's what I learnt that matters, not the certificate..
Graduated in EEE, I can tell you that I know nuts about my course! In fact, I feel ashamed to admit that I'm actually EEE graduate.. I can't even recall what I've learnt that time. Upon my graduation, my dad questioned me about what knowledge I have gained from my 4yrs EEE course in NTU; my answer was: I learnt that I'm not an enginner. Then he asked me what I've earned from this study; my answer was: a certificate and a framed picture of me in my convo gown.. *sweat -_-'
The midterm here is pretty much relaxing. The subjects being tested are conversational skill, listening skill, reading skill and writing skill. It's pretty doable actually, I won't say it's difficult though.. *haiz.. really feel I'm wasting my time here.. My only comfort is being able to learn caligraphy..
I celebrated the end of my midterm week by shopping at 七浦路! It resembles Mangga Dua in Jakarta or Far East in Singapore. Went to a Korean shop and got myself a nice yellow leather overcoat for RMB280! My earnings today included 6spaghettis, a nice unique white long sleeve and a pair of nice beige boots for RMB120.. The top costs only RMB20 each! Total damage was RMB520..
I'm sure going back for more! Dear, please come quick!!!! :p
Graduated in EEE, I can tell you that I know nuts about my course! In fact, I feel ashamed to admit that I'm actually EEE graduate.. I can't even recall what I've learnt that time. Upon my graduation, my dad questioned me about what knowledge I have gained from my 4yrs EEE course in NTU; my answer was: I learnt that I'm not an enginner. Then he asked me what I've earned from this study; my answer was: a certificate and a framed picture of me in my convo gown.. *sweat -_-'
The midterm here is pretty much relaxing. The subjects being tested are conversational skill, listening skill, reading skill and writing skill. It's pretty doable actually, I won't say it's difficult though.. *haiz.. really feel I'm wasting my time here.. My only comfort is being able to learn caligraphy..
I celebrated the end of my midterm week by shopping at 七浦路! It resembles Mangga Dua in Jakarta or Far East in Singapore. Went to a Korean shop and got myself a nice yellow leather overcoat for RMB280! My earnings today included 6spaghettis, a nice unique white long sleeve and a pair of nice beige boots for RMB120.. The top costs only RMB20 each! Total damage was RMB520..
I'm sure going back for more! Dear, please come quick!!!! :p
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Bali Laguna
Had dinner at Bali Laguna at 华山路, the popular Indonesian restaurant in Shanghai. The food was pretty much alright for those who had never tasted authentic Indonesian food. I personally feel that it's kinda sweet.. After all, it's made to cater to the local taste as it could only get good ratings when the local likes it..
The ambience was great though with fine dining-cum-bar concept. The view was no doubt wonderful- sitting in the middle of the park with a nice pool, you wouldn't even remember that you were actually in Shanghai! Okay I'm exxagerating :p But the view was real fantastic!
One drawback is that the price is ridiculously expensive. That explains the crowds of 95% being foreigners.. A glass of es teler, es cendol or coconut costs RMB40 (Rp 50,000!!), while meat dishes (chicken, lamb, beef) are around RMB 68 and seafood from RMB 98 onwards.. Dessert costs around RMB 40/plate.. The serving is pretty small, enough only for 2-4 people.
Wonderful eh ;)
The ambience was great though with fine dining-cum-bar concept. The view was no doubt wonderful- sitting in the middle of the park with a nice pool, you wouldn't even remember that you were actually in Shanghai! Okay I'm exxagerating :p But the view was real fantastic!
One drawback is that the price is ridiculously expensive. That explains the crowds of 95% being foreigners.. A glass of es teler, es cendol or coconut costs RMB40 (Rp 50,000!!), while meat dishes (chicken, lamb, beef) are around RMB 68 and seafood from RMB 98 onwards.. Dessert costs around RMB 40/plate.. The serving is pretty small, enough only for 2-4 people.
Wonderful eh ;)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Loneliness
Dear has finally returned to Singapore :( Feeling so down now.. Couldn't get myself to rest, thus tire myself out throughout the day, hoping that I'd fall asleep..
Caught flu and sore throat.. either it's the bad weather or post trip exhaustion.. Whichever it is, I know I need to rest! Took a flu pill last night and slept very peacefully.. It's been ages since the last time I had such good peaceful rest.. Hmm.. *thinking of taking the pill every night now :p
The weather here is pretty weird. When you see the sun shines so bright, it's chilling outside; yet when it's raining, it's hot and wet! -_-' I'm still trying to understand what's the mother nature actually doing...
For some reason, everyone around me is beginning to get attached one after another.. Is it the lonely syndrome or it's just spring? Funny that I'm the only one who's experiencing autumn here -_-' Argghhh!!! Adding more to my loneliness.. :(
Anyway for those celebrating Hari Raya: Minal Aidin Wal Faidin
Caught flu and sore throat.. either it's the bad weather or post trip exhaustion.. Whichever it is, I know I need to rest! Took a flu pill last night and slept very peacefully.. It's been ages since the last time I had such good peaceful rest.. Hmm.. *thinking of taking the pill every night now :p
The weather here is pretty weird. When you see the sun shines so bright, it's chilling outside; yet when it's raining, it's hot and wet! -_-' I'm still trying to understand what's the mother nature actually doing...
For some reason, everyone around me is beginning to get attached one after another.. Is it the lonely syndrome or it's just spring? Funny that I'm the only one who's experiencing autumn here -_-' Argghhh!!! Adding more to my loneliness.. :(
Anyway for those celebrating Hari Raya: Minal Aidin Wal Faidin
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
苏州 - 杭州 (3)
We spent the night at 西湖天地，a 新天地 of Hangzhou.. Along the corridor are the boutiques of Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Ferrari Club store etc.. Great architecture I must say..
西湖天地
The second day was spent visiting the infamous 断桥！The legend has it that when a couple walked along the bridge, their love would be blessed and everlasting.. Well there's no harm trying since I want my love with dear be blessed and everlasting ;)
Actually the real reason we walked along the bridge is because we were heading to 楼外楼 for our brunch.. It only took us 20mins to walk past the bridge but we managed to found the freaking restaurant only 45mins later -_-' I was starving to death then!
The infamous 断桥
I managed to fulfill my desire for Hangzhou's specialty during the trip - 叫化鸡 aka Beggar Chicken，西湖醋鱼 aka Water Lake Vinegar Fish，西湖汤 aka Water Lake Soup，东波肉。。 Amongst all, I love 叫化鸡 the most..
One must be wondering why the name beggar chicken? In the past, the chicken was covered in a mud and cooked underground as they couldn't afford a cooking pot; hence the name. Of course, now it's no more done that way..
One thing I noticed is that the Hangzhou-ians 很会吃 醋！I could taste vinegar in most of the dishes!
We headed back to Shanghai in the evening for whole body massage and foot reflexology.. The whole trip, though fulfilling and enjoyable, has drained us so much that we needed the special relaxing treatment!
Best picture of the year!
西湖天地
The second day was spent visiting the infamous 断桥！The legend has it that when a couple walked along the bridge, their love would be blessed and everlasting.. Well there's no harm trying since I want my love with dear be blessed and everlasting ;)
Actually the real reason we walked along the bridge is because we were heading to 楼外楼 for our brunch.. It only took us 20mins to walk past the bridge but we managed to found the freaking restaurant only 45mins later -_-' I was starving to death then!
The infamous 断桥
I managed to fulfill my desire for Hangzhou's specialty during the trip - 叫化鸡 aka Beggar Chicken，西湖醋鱼 aka Water Lake Vinegar Fish，西湖汤 aka Water Lake Soup，东波肉。。 Amongst all, I love 叫化鸡 the most..
One must be wondering why the name beggar chicken? In the past, the chicken was covered in a mud and cooked underground as they couldn't afford a cooking pot; hence the name. Of course, now it's no more done that way..
One thing I noticed is that the Hangzhou-ians 很会吃 醋！I could taste vinegar in most of the dishes!
We headed back to Shanghai in the evening for whole body massage and foot reflexology.. The whole trip, though fulfilling and enjoyable, has drained us so much that we needed the special relaxing treatment!
Best picture of the year!
苏州 - 杭州 (2)
We joined a one-day tour in Hangzhou and visited all of the scenic spots - 西湖，三潭印月，岳飞墓，灵隐寺，宋城，虎跑泉，龙井问茶。。 The tour begins from 7am all the way to 6pm nonstop! Imagine how tiring it was! But yeah that's how it is when you join one-day tour..
First itinerary was a visit to 西湖。 Only one word to describe: B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I was totally speechless being amazed by its beauty..
Beautiful scenery at 西湖
We then headed to 三潭印月 by boat.. It's a small island, and again, filled with beautiful scenery! There was a stone of 三潭印月 said to be written by the emperor. It was believed that touching the character 印 may bring fortune - male is supposed to touch it with his left hand; while female with her right hand..
*gasps! speechless..
All the superstitious stuff -_-' But oh well :p
At 三潭印月
Next visit was the famous 岳飞墓, a memorial place for 岳飞将军。
岳飞 Tomb
岳飞 Statue
The traitors that caused 岳飞 death - in the past, people spitted on them, thus there's a saying in the wall 'DO NOT SPIT'!
Afternoon was spent in 灵隐寺。 If you're not up into praying and burning incents, you can skip this place.. But well the place was pretty cool for picture taking.. The question is whether it worths the trouble..
at 灵隐寺
Hangzhou is famous for its 龙井茶 aka Long Jing Green Tea, thus trip 龙井问茶 is compulsory in any tour itenerary.. I bought myself two box of 西湖龙井茶 :) The culture in Hangzhou is not to DRINK tea, but to EAT tea - 吃茶. After drinking the tea, they either eat the tea leaves, or collect it for pillow as the effect is good for your rest.. I tried eating the tea leaves and it was surprisingly good :)
Buying 西湖龙井茶 - looked so happy then as yet to found out was being fraud -_-'
Spent a relaxing evening in 宋城 aka Soong Town. The place is built to resemble the ancient city of China where even the people there were still wearing the traditional costumes. It's specially created to bring you back to the dynasty era.. Interesting place..
Notice the costume they're wearing..
Posing with the guard :p
The last item on the itinerary was 虎跑泉 aka Tiger Spring Hill, the third famous spring China..tl However few days later, it was reported that the spring ran out of water! Apparently, two spring water companies get their drinking water from the back of the hill, which directly link to the Tiger Spring Hill -_-'
The famous 虎跑泉
Look at how the coin floats!
Our lovely patient tour guide
First itinerary was a visit to 西湖。 Only one word to describe: B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I was totally speechless being amazed by its beauty..
Beautiful scenery at 西湖
We then headed to 三潭印月 by boat.. It's a small island, and again, filled with beautiful scenery! There was a stone of 三潭印月 said to be written by the emperor. It was believed that touching the character 印 may bring fortune - male is supposed to touch it with his left hand; while female with her right hand..
*gasps! speechless..
All the superstitious stuff -_-' But oh well :p
At 三潭印月
Next visit was the famous 岳飞墓, a memorial place for 岳飞将军。
岳飞 Tomb
岳飞 Statue
The traitors that caused 岳飞 death - in the past, people spitted on them, thus there's a saying in the wall 'DO NOT SPIT'!
Afternoon was spent in 灵隐寺。 If you're not up into praying and burning incents, you can skip this place.. But well the place was pretty cool for picture taking.. The question is whether it worths the trouble..
at 灵隐寺
Hangzhou is famous for its 龙井茶 aka Long Jing Green Tea, thus trip 龙井问茶 is compulsory in any tour itenerary.. I bought myself two box of 西湖龙井茶 :) The culture in Hangzhou is not to DRINK tea, but to EAT tea - 吃茶. After drinking the tea, they either eat the tea leaves, or collect it for pillow as the effect is good for your rest.. I tried eating the tea leaves and it was surprisingly good :)
Buying 西湖龙井茶 - looked so happy then as yet to found out was being fraud -_-'
Spent a relaxing evening in 宋城 aka Soong Town. The place is built to resemble the ancient city of China where even the people there were still wearing the traditional costumes. It's specially created to bring you back to the dynasty era.. Interesting place..
Notice the costume they're wearing..
Posing with the guard :p
The last item on the itinerary was 虎跑泉 aka Tiger Spring Hill, the third famous spring China..tl However few days later, it was reported that the spring ran out of water! Apparently, two spring water companies get their drinking water from the back of the hill, which directly link to the Tiger Spring Hill -_-'
The famous 虎跑泉
Look at how the coin floats!
Our lovely patient tour guide
苏州 - 杭州 (1)
Last week has been real tiring yet fulfilling :) I went for 3D2N Suzhou/Hangzhou trip with James. We took early bus from Shanghai to Suzhou and spent half day there before moving to Hangzhou via boat. The bus ride only took 1hr 45min; while the boat ride was 14hrs, but it was pretty clean and nice too :)
Suzhou really holds up its reputation being a city famous for its gardens. There are numerous of beautiful gardens there, and each garden has its own characteristics. However ,due to time shortage, we shortlisted our visits to only 网师园 aka Master of Net Gardens, 狮子林 aka Lion's Grove and 寒山寺 temple. The first garden is rather small, but it's claimed to be the most beautiful garden in Suzhou; while the latter is famous for its stone - there are supposedly 99 lions to be found in the sculptured rocks, hence its name.
All these gardens are actually man made, however it is created in such a way to resembles the nature. Looking at these beatiful views and breathing the fresh air really give one the feeling of serenity calm and peaceful..
网师园 aka Master of Net Gardens
狮子林 aka Lion's Grove
Inside 寒山寺 temple
盘门 aka Ancient Pan Gate
I'd say that the boat ride was pretty fine, basically it's enough for one to rest and travel to Hangzhou. But it'd be much wiser to travel to Hangzhou by bus and spend a night there, as the cost would be much cheaper! However, it's nice for experience sake.. *comforting myself
A 2-bed cabin costs RMB168/pax; while the best cabin costs RMB 788/room! We booked the 2-bed cabin but it was disastrous - it's a double decker bed with a really small toilet, so in the end we changed to the nicer one and had to top up RMB250 (which actually go to the crew's pocket!) -_-"
Our cabin's :)
Beautiful view from the boat that lasts only for 5mins -_-''
Suzhou really holds up its reputation being a city famous for its gardens. There are numerous of beautiful gardens there, and each garden has its own characteristics. However ,due to time shortage, we shortlisted our visits to only 网师园 aka Master of Net Gardens, 狮子林 aka Lion's Grove and 寒山寺 temple. The first garden is rather small, but it's claimed to be the most beautiful garden in Suzhou; while the latter is famous for its stone - there are supposedly 99 lions to be found in the sculptured rocks, hence its name.
All these gardens are actually man made, however it is created in such a way to resembles the nature. Looking at these beatiful views and breathing the fresh air really give one the feeling of serenity calm and peaceful..
网师园 aka Master of Net Gardens
狮子林 aka Lion's Grove
Inside 寒山寺 temple
盘门 aka Ancient Pan Gate
I'd say that the boat ride was pretty fine, basically it's enough for one to rest and travel to Hangzhou. But it'd be much wiser to travel to Hangzhou by bus and spend a night there, as the cost would be much cheaper! However, it's nice for experience sake.. *comforting myself
A 2-bed cabin costs RMB168/pax; while the best cabin costs RMB 788/room! We booked the 2-bed cabin but it was disastrous - it's a double decker bed with a really small toilet, so in the end we changed to the nicer one and had to top up RMB250 (which actually go to the crew's pocket!) -_-"
Our cabin's :)
Beautiful view from the boat that lasts only for 5mins -_-''
Saturday, October 22, 2005
鼎泰丰
After the apple incident. I decided to award myself with nourishing delicious dinner at 鼎泰丰。
I was really skeptical of 鼎泰丰 initially as I didn't find them really fantastic back then in Singapore. Worse are the outlets in Jakarta, the dumplings were actually filled with chicken instead of pork due to the halal restricition! -_-" However, many convinced me that 鼎泰丰 here is a must-try for those who seek to enjoy the ultimate 小笼包。Thus, I decided to give it a shot.
True enough, the 小笼包 were fantastic! It comes with three varieties: 特色小笼包 (steamed pork buns) RMB38 for 10pcs，特色蟹肉小笼包 (steamed crab roe meat and pork buns) RMB58 for 10pcs，特色迷你肉汤包 (steamed mini pork buns with soup) RMB58 for 20pcs。The dumplings had beautifully thin skins and succulent fillings of either pork or crab meat. The 虾肉烧卖 (pork and shrimp shao-mai) was really good as well.
Well I had to admit that the price is pretty steep compared to Singapore's ones, even a pot of tea was but the quality is unquestionable! Well, as the saying goes: 一份钱一分货 ；）
I was really skeptical of 鼎泰丰 initially as I didn't find them really fantastic back then in Singapore. Worse are the outlets in Jakarta, the dumplings were actually filled with chicken instead of pork due to the halal restricition! -_-" However, many convinced me that 鼎泰丰 here is a must-try for those who seek to enjoy the ultimate 小笼包。Thus, I decided to give it a shot.
True enough, the 小笼包 were fantastic! It comes with three varieties: 特色小笼包 (steamed pork buns) RMB38 for 10pcs，特色蟹肉小笼包 (steamed crab roe meat and pork buns) RMB58 for 10pcs，特色迷你肉汤包 (steamed mini pork buns with soup) RMB58 for 20pcs。The dumplings had beautifully thin skins and succulent fillings of either pork or crab meat. The 虾肉烧卖 (pork and shrimp shao-mai) was really good as well.
Well I had to admit that the price is pretty steep compared to Singapore's ones, even a pot of tea was but the quality is unquestionable! Well, as the saying goes: 一份钱一分货 ；）
Friday, October 21, 2005
Rotten Apple
It was late at night and I was watching Sex and The City when my stomach suddenly hinted strongly that it needed to be fed. I walked to my fridge, decided to grab an apple to fulfill my stomach's desire, and went back to my computer screen to continue the episodes..
As I munched the apple, I tasted some funny weird taste; however, I was too engrossed in the Sex and The City to bother about such thing. So.. *munch munch munch and *ouch.. I got the seeds I thought, so I threw it out, but my intuition told me that it was more than seed..
I turned on the lights and *GASPS! The reality hits me hard! I was so shocked that I just threw the whole apple into the bin without seeing clearly what was inside!
The next thing I know, I was holding the toilet bowl vomitting the whole apple! As I vomitted, I saw black things coming out from my mouth together with the crush apple pieces.. I had mixed feelings of relieved and disgusted.. Relieved because I could get those out from my body, disgusted knowing that I actually ate it unknowingly!
It was so traumatizing that I ended up with sleepless night! I kept on having funny feelings inside every part of my body, stomach, brain, shoulder, legs, everywhere.. I know it's all this mental thingy, but you can't help it when you know that you just had a rotten apple!
I'd just spare the details and let you guys see for yourself - seeing is believing
As I munched the apple, I tasted some funny weird taste; however, I was too engrossed in the Sex and The City to bother about such thing. So.. *munch munch munch and *ouch.. I got the seeds I thought, so I threw it out, but my intuition told me that it was more than seed..
I turned on the lights and *GASPS! The reality hits me hard! I was so shocked that I just threw the whole apple into the bin without seeing clearly what was inside!
The next thing I know, I was holding the toilet bowl vomitting the whole apple! As I vomitted, I saw black things coming out from my mouth together with the crush apple pieces.. I had mixed feelings of relieved and disgusted.. Relieved because I could get those out from my body, disgusted knowing that I actually ate it unknowingly!
It was so traumatizing that I ended up with sleepless night! I kept on having funny feelings inside every part of my body, stomach, brain, shoulder, legs, everywhere.. I know it's all this mental thingy, but you can't help it when you know that you just had a rotten apple!
I'd just spare the details and let you guys see for yourself - seeing is believing
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Nothing is Impossible in China
Nothing is impossible in China as long as you know the 'right' person!
The previous weeks, I enrolled for both Biz Chinese and Calligraphy, however the class was already full so I was rejected. I went directly to the Head Department of the Student Affairs and managed to get my Biz Chinese class, but not the Calligraphy lesson. The nice lady told me about how strict the teacher is about the numbers of students, so I had to give it up.
I wasn't prepared to give up my Calligraphy lesson as this is my only chance to get it here. I have only one semester here and I'm determined to make it worthwhile. Yesterday, I went to find the Calligraphy teacher and asked him to get me into the class. And YEAH I GOT IT! Ha HA HA!!
Studying MERE Chinese can be real boring sometime. I have three hours core lessons everyday: speaking 口语，intensive reading 精读，listening 听力，reading 阅读，composition 写作.
Now, I have Biz Chinese 商务汉语 (一） and （二）, and Calligraphy 书法!
Bwahahhahaha..
The previous weeks, I enrolled for both Biz Chinese and Calligraphy, however the class was already full so I was rejected. I went directly to the Head Department of the Student Affairs and managed to get my Biz Chinese class, but not the Calligraphy lesson. The nice lady told me about how strict the teacher is about the numbers of students, so I had to give it up.
I wasn't prepared to give up my Calligraphy lesson as this is my only chance to get it here. I have only one semester here and I'm determined to make it worthwhile. Yesterday, I went to find the Calligraphy teacher and asked him to get me into the class. And YEAH I GOT IT! Ha HA HA!!
Studying MERE Chinese can be real boring sometime. I have three hours core lessons everyday: speaking 口语，intensive reading 精读，listening 听力，reading 阅读，composition 写作.
Now, I have Biz Chinese 商务汉语 (一） and （二）, and Calligraphy 书法!
Bwahahhahaha..
Friday, October 07, 2005
城隍庙-豫园
A day at 城隍庙, visiting 豫园 and trying out the famous 南翔小笼包. Look at the crowds!
Fyi, the whole stretch is selling 南翔小笼包, but the famous one is actually in the 南翔 restaurant itself. One can easily find the restaurant as there's always long queue outside. The restaurant consists of three levels: first level is for takeaway 小笼包 at RMB16/8pcs; second level is for 蟹肉小笼包; third level is for both buffet and a-la-carte. There's min. spending of RMB25/pax for a-la-carte while buffet is priced at RMB60/pax.
The 小笼包 is real superb. It's a must-try delicacy when you're visiting 上海! I'd recommend 招牌蟹黄小笼包, where crab egg is added into the pork dumplings :) The price ain't cheap for the locals, RMB40/6pieces, but it worths a try as a tourist. Another recommendation is the 鱼翅汤包, where the bun is filled with soup and straw is used to drink the soup inside the bun.
豫园 is surely a great tourist attraction. Well if you're up to beautiful scenery, old temples, picture takings, quiet peaceful evening, then this is the place for you. It's surely hard to find this kind of place in such busy metropolitan city like 上海. When I was inside, I felt as if I were in a totally different place. The air is clean and fresh, time seems to pass slowly. One can find a feeling of peace here..
Picture paints a thousand words, so I'd just upload the pictures for your viewing. Check out the link ;)
Beautiful scenery in 豫园
城隍庙 at night
Fortune tree
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Girls Outing
Terrible dining experience at Xin Wang restaurant.
First, the waitress was rude and impatient in taking our order. She torn the order paper in front of us, gave us a pissed look and spoke in a rude tone!
There's a gap between the arrival of each dishes. It totally ruined our appetite. Imagine having to wait for more than 15mins for each dishes to come!
Posing in front of Xin Wang restaurant
Spent the night at Barbarosa. Cool place! Great ambience, great service :)
Tac, Anstice, Julia, Nana, Me and James
First, the waitress was rude and impatient in taking our order. She torn the order paper in front of us, gave us a pissed look and spoke in a rude tone!
There's a gap between the arrival of each dishes. It totally ruined our appetite. Imagine having to wait for more than 15mins for each dishes to come!
Posing in front of Xin Wang restaurant
Spent the night at Barbarosa. Cool place! Great ambience, great service :)
Tac, Anstice, Julia, Nana, Me and James
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
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