by Glittering Angel @ 11:05 pm || 0 Comments

Sunday, November 27, 2005

IKEA & Queensway Adventure

• Roast Beef with Fries
• 2 Chicken Wings
• 1 Cup of Tea

IKEA has so many interesting things but I really refrained from buying. Anyway, got a holder for my stationary at work.

Red Holder.
Looks like mug but is actually bigger.

Mummy and me went to Queensway Shopping Centre next. Mummy wanted to get a sling bag and also a pair of denim bermudas for Godbrother and well, mission accomplished in less than an hour. I got myself a gym bag too. Now, I am ready for gym soon. No more excuse!

Grey Kappa Gym Bag.

Now, I can finally dispose my FILA bag for this new Kappa one. Time to start looking for Gym plus Swim kaki!

Oh, before I forgot, I bought a sling too. For my 512MB Trek Mini which Willy got for me on Friday. I have to meet a potential account tomorrow and need to do a presentation. Since I switched department, can't use my former Flash Drive so got to get one for myself. Willy is so sweet to buy and bring specially to my workplace.

Grey Sling. Look kinda cool eh?

512MB Trek Mini. In Grey.

Sling & Trek Mini put together.
Matching ya?

Haha. And at least I have a nice gadget with a sling to match with for my presentation tomorrow. Alright, think I am being a little nutty today. That's what happen when one didn't do much over the weekend except slept a lot and googling on the blog. Oh well, hope I will not have Monday Blues tomorrow!

Labels: Shopping

by Glittering Angel @ 11:16 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 8

Saturday, 12 November 2005

Woke up, had breakfast and left for Chatuchak Market but the TuTu driver persuaded us to go to a gem shop along the way. Was asking us to help him cos if we go (even if never buy), he will get some coupon from the gem shop for his fuel. Well, early morning so we did not mind doing a good deed though we knew we had to rush back to hotel to check out before 12pm.

The visit to Pan-Siamese Gems was a worthwhile one. We were their first customers. Though we had no intention to get anything but they had a big range and the prices were all very reasonable. Eventually Mummy bought a ring and I bought a pendant.

Amethyst Pendant. Love it!

Pan-Siamese Gems.

Next stop will be Chatuchak Market. There were so many things but we really did not have time to shop as we needed to rush back to our hotel to check out. Eventually bought some bags and belts. Here's another favourite LeSportSac bag.

Printed Blank LeSportSac bag.
Love the prints!

Rushed back to check out of hotel before window shopping around again. Had lunch at a local eatery near our hotel. And soon, we were ready to leave Bangkok. Flight is 7.15pm Bangkok time. Goodbye Bangkok.

Airport Tax of 500 Baht paid.

Boarding Pass from Bangkok to Singapore.

I had the window seat once again and when touched down Singapore at 11pm, the view was lovely. But hmm, our baggages were heavy and lotsa unpacking to do next day!

Labels: Bangkok, Travel, Vacation

by Glittering Angel @ 10:22 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 7

Friday, 11 November 2005

Woke up late about 10am but it was free and easy so no rush for us. After breakfast at the hotel, we decided to explore around our vicinity. There were some roadside stalls and I bought a bag.

Sling Bag. Suitable for clubbing! =P

Just before reaching Pratunam Market, we took a cab to the Four-Faced Buddha to pray. After which, we headed to Central World Plaza building to shop and chatted with the manager there. He mentioned that Bangkok has a Lucky Buddha temple which only opens twice a month and it happens to be open today. He said perhaps we can go there to pray and even helped got a TuTu for us. We went ahead and prayed there then came back to Central World Plaza.
We purchased lotsa from the NaRaYa Shop there and had lunch there. We then decided to walk back to our hotel which would take probably half an hour. Unfortunately, it rained half way. We were drenched when we got back to our hotel but it was fun racing in the rain.

Rested in hotel before heading for more shopping at Pratunam Market. Bought office skirts there. Really liked it there. Much better than MBK Centre or Suan Lum Market. It was like a clothes wholesale centre. There were great bargains in young ready-to-wear fashion, jewelry and leather goods. It was packed with numerous stalls and vendors!

When we finally got back to hotel room, we had problem packing. There was just so much things and we were leaving the next day. But we still wanna go to the weekend Chatuchak Market tomorrow!

Labels: Bangkok, Travel, Vacation

by Glittering Angel @ 9:55 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 6

Thursday, 10 November 2005

The half day City Tour was boring. The tour guide was introducing some landmarks to us on the van with 4 other passengers. We then went for some cruise on the boat. Stopped by Temple of Dawn and took a look inside. Did not pray though.

Temple of Dawn.
Picture taken when on the boat. Nice ya?

After the cruise, the tour guide brought us to the Gem Gallery but we did not get anything there. We were then dropped off at MBK Centre where we had lunch at Zen, a japanese restaurant. Their sets are very reasonably-priced. Had the Tempura Set for like 150 Baht (about SG$7). Took Octopus Sashimi too at 190 Baht (about SG$8). Nice ambience too.

Here is Zen's namecard with the different locations.

We then started our shopping spree. Bought some bags and skirts. Here's one favourite.

Big blue LeSportSac Tote Bag @ 199 Baht (about SG$9).

Finally Mumym and me rested at the MBK Food Centre on the highest level after about 3 hours. So tired.

Having iced-coffee after shopping.
Yes, that's the new LeSportSac bag I just bought!

Finally it's dinner time. Went to this restaurant known as Nam Sing to have Shark's Fin soup and also Pineapple Rice. Yummy!

Here is Nam Sing's namecard.

And then it was time to go home. Yipeee. Lotsa good bargains!

Labels: Bangkok, Travel, Vacation

by Glittering Angel @ 9:30 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 5

Wednesday, 9 November 2005

Ready to leave Kunming today at noon. As usual, had breakfast buffet at the hotel then headed for the Kunming 花市 (Flower Market). There were so many flowers there, including orchids, camellias, lilies, roses and tulips all blooming in profusion.

Bought a few of these little pouches with dry flowers inside.
Really fragrant and you can pick your animal sign.
Yes, I am born in the year of Rooster.

Bought a few boxes of 豆末糖 too.
It's a local Yunnan product.

After 花市 (Flower Market), we decided not to have lunch and went straight to airport. Our flight was 3.20pm but we reached about 12pm. Unfortunately, flight was delayed for about an hour. Sighz. While waiting to board the plane, we decided to have some food at the Boarding Hall's lounge. Very hungry and could not wait till we board the plane.

Mummy having her 50 Yuan (about SG$11) coffee.
Damn expensive, just cos we were at the Waiting Hall.

Shared this 75 Yuan (about SG$16) pizza.
Very nice. Lotsa filling!
Sorry, we took a slice each then took this pic.
Too hungry!

Mummy and me were so full when we boarded the plane. I slept throughout the 1.5 hour and did not touch any of the food in TG613.

Boarding Pass from Kunming to Bangkok.

Finally reached Bangkok and checked in First World Bangkok. 3-star only but I know I'll not be in hotel room most of the time anyway.

Took this so that I can tell taxi driver how to head back.

After resting for about 2 hours, went for dinner then headed for Suan Lum Night Market to start our shopping. There were lotsa things there but quite pricey. Think it's because Suan Lum has already been branded as a tourist spot so naturally expensive. And really MUST BARGAIN. I do wonder if we tourists look like carrots to them. The prices they quoted were like exobitant. Was there shopping till 1am and by the time we get back to hotel, slept like logs. Both Mummy and me were exhausted! Got to go for the half day city tour next day.

Labels: Travel, Vacation, Yunnan

by Glittering Angel @ 8:46 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 4

Tuesday, 8 November 2005

It was a wet and rainy morning and we were heading for Dragon Gate at the Western Hill. Known as 西山龙门 in Chinese, Dragon Gate is the steepest spot in Western Hills and well worth climbing up the winding old and super narrow (not sure how plump/fat people can squeeze through) stone stairs as the view is really spectacular.

While going to Dragon Gate, we had to pass 滇池 (Dianchi Lake) located at the foot of 西山 (Western Hills). It is south-west of Kunming and being the largest lake in Kunming and 6th largest fresh water in China, it is also known as "Pearl of the Plateau" (云南高原上的一颗明珠).

The ride to Western Hills was quite bumpy as it was raining and the terrain was quite rocky. On our way up the hills, we actually saw many natives walking up, and in the rain. Jiaxing was telling us that the natives staying at the bottom of Western Hills will go up the hills daily to fetch water as they believe that the water above is much fresher and has healing power.

When we reached Western Hills, we have to take a Tram up to Dragon Gate. This is because the Tram runs on electricity and will not harm the natural Dragon Gate environment, like motor vehicles do.

This is the Tram ticket.
3 YUAN (about SG$0.70) per trip.

Terms & Conditions at back of ticket.

It was still raining when we reached 西山龙门 (Dragon Gate) so we got to buy an umbrella. The stairway was realyl slippery due to the rain and so narrow that one could trip quite easily. The view was not so spectacular as it was pretty misty from the rain. After climbing a while up the winding stairway, we finally reached the top.

Got this precious 西山龙门 (Dragon Gate) picture amidst the rain.

After 西山龙门 (Dragon Gate), we headed for lunch at a local place highly recommended by Jiaxing. It was at 过桥园 (Guo Qiao Yuan) where they served their popularly known 过桥面线 (i.e. some noodles with oil-ladened soup).

Everyone is given this tissue pack upon reaching 过桥园 (Guo Qiao Yuan).
Good branding!

The spread at 过桥园 (Guo Qiao Yuan).
And did I mention this is for Mummy & me only?

Apparently the soup was really hot beneath as the layer of oil above prevent heat loss and ensure the soup remained hot. Well, the story goes like this.

Sometime, somewhere in ancient China, there was a scholar who was preparing for his provincial exam and in order to get peace from his studies, he decided to go up the mountains for his study session. The wife would stay home though. However, his wife would have to bring food for him everyday up the mountains and by the time food reached the scholar, will turn cold. Hence, she came up with this dish of 过桥面线 so that by the time her husband wanted to have the noodles, it would still be hot as the soup warmth is protected by the layer of oil.

And so we started to tuck in.
Yah, must cook them inside the soup.

Well, I hate to say this but it's really horrible. Too freaking oily. Mummy and me only ate like 2 mouthfuls of the noodles, with its ingredients inside.

But there was this small bowl of mushroom soup which was good.

And I mean really GOOD.
Considering I am someone who does not take mushrooms.

Not exactly a very filling lunch but well, at least we tried their local specialty. After lunch, we headed to the Yunnan Agricultural University which specialises/studies their local Yunnan 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea).

In a nutshell, 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) is supposed to reduce one's chloestrol level and also high blood pressure. It has also been proven in some japanese research on weight loss. And I was truly surprised to learn that 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) actually comes in a big biscuit for. Mummy and myself were taught by the graduates there that 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) can never be concealed in a bottle or tea bag. Well, from what I remember, tea leaves I bought were all in tea bags or in bottles of tea leaves. Anyway 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) is a Dark Tea and quite different from the Green Tea we normally take. Green tea can only be kept for not more than 3 years or the effects will wear off. However, for 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea), the longer it is, the more benefits it has and taste nicer. Sweeter too. Not sugar sweet kind but more from the brew of the tea.

Two sweet ladies explaining to us on 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea).

Mummy with 2 biscuits of 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea).

After tasting, we concluded:
5 Year Old 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) tastes really bitter.
12 Year Old 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) tastes milder and soothing. 180 YUAN (SG$38) per box.
20 Year Old 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) tastes very soothing and sweet. 250 YUAN (SG$54) per box.
One biscuit of 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) can averagely last 1 month for 1 person's consumption. Anyway, we bought a lot of boxes. Not just 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) but also another tea herbs. Need not elaborate much though.

Am holding 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea).
What you thinking? =P

After 普洱茶 (Pu Er Tea) shopping, we happily headed for 圆通寺 (Yuan Tong Temple), the grandest Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom built the temple during the late eighth century as a continuation of Putuoluo Temple, and the restorations to the temple performed from the Qing Dynasty onward had not changed 圆通寺 (Yuan Tong Temple)'s unique mixed architectural style of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.

圆通寺 (Yuan Tong Temple)

圆通宝殿 (Yuan Tong Grand Hall)

Dinner was good. Jiaxing and our driver, 张师父 (Mr Zhang) treated us to have some local dishes at a restaurant. Food was nice. 谢谢家鑫和张师父!

Labels: Travel, Vacation, Yunnan

by Glittering Angel @ 6:58 pm || 0 Comments

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 3

Monday, 7 November 2005

Our breakfast buffet at the restaurant in Jiuxiang sucks. I did not eat anything. Yucks. Instead, outside the hotel, there is a stall (set up by the hotel) selling Soy Bean Milk and Doughsticks. Had one big bowl of Soy Bean Milk and one Doughstick. Really yummy.

See how big the bowl is?

While waiting for my DoughSticks.

After the sumptuous breakfast, we head for 石林 (Stone Forests), known as the "First Wonder if the World" for its natural landscape. One will be surrounded by high-rising stone peaks and layer after layer of green hills at 石林 (Stone Forests).

石林 (Stone Forests) Ticket Booth.

Entrance of 石林 (Stone Forests).

Inside 石林 (Stone Forests).
In the minority tribe costume and looking FAT!

With the natives from the Yunnan minority tribe.

Saw this sign at 石林 (Stone Forests).
See the 梁祝相会 (Seeing Off for Eighteen Miles)?
Guess here is where the Butterfly Lovers (from the Chinese folk tale) meet.

After 石林 (Stone Forests), we had a simple lunch. On the drive back to Kunming, passed by this Tourist Shopping Spot known as 七彩云南 (Qi Cai Yunnan)which sells all types of Yunnan products but all very pricey. Jiaxing mentioned that she would bring us somewhere else to get local products but because 七彩云南 (Qi Cai Yunnan) was part of our iternary, she had to bring us there then.

Looking so radiant at 七彩云南 (Qi Cai Yunnan).

After getting back at Kunming, we went shopping at 螺丝湾商品批发市场 (Luo Si Wan Wholesale Market) where there were tons of clothes. But it's perpetually cool climate over there, hence the clothes sold, though cheap, were not very appropriate for tropical Singapore.

After dinner, we went to the night bazaar again. This time round, I bought lotsa bags. Here are just a few.

Pink Shoulder Bag.
Has a longer strap for sling purpose too.

Hand Carry Bags. In Blue, Pink & White.
Bought other colors too but gave away to friends/relatives.

Big Yellow Tote Bag.
Thinking of using when I go beach.

When we got back to King World International hotel that night, we were so tired. Had a good sleep but not before I found something interesting.

Found these Vibrators in my hotel room.

Perhaps many women come to King World International hotel are all in "need" kind. But still find it really weird to see these, especially since we didn't find them earlier when we stayed over two days ago before going to Jiuxiang! They are quite cheap though. 10 Yuan per pack. That will be about SG$2.20. But err, no, I did not get. :P

Labels: Travel, Vacation, Yunnan

by Glittering Angel @ 1:21 am || 0 Comments

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Kunming & Bangkok (5-12 Nov 2005): Day 2

Sunday, 6 November 2005

Woke up early in the morning and headed for 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave), a national scenic zone in Yiliang County, 90km away from Kunming. It is famous for its 100 or so limestone caves of transcendent proportions. The jouney took about 2.5 hour and it's nearly lunch when we reached Jiuxiang. Decided to have lunch first before going to 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave).

Had lunch at this restaurant near 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave) and this is the spread. Not bad ya?

We then proceeded to 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave) after the meal.

Finally reached Jiuxiang scenic spot.

Engraved Rock at entrance of Jiuxiang scenic spot.

Now, we are ready to walk the many steps down to the cave!

Lovely Flowers while heading for the cave beneath.

Mummy & Tour Guide, Jiaxing inside Jiuxiang.
Not inside cave yet.

View inside 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave).

Me inside 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave) with waterfalls.
So surreal.

Exhibits displayed inside 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave).

The journey out of the cave is really bad. More than 300 steps to climb up. Mummy was not used to the altitude at Yunnan and vomitted whilst climbing up the stairs. There were sedans carrying people up but she insisted on climbing up herself cos wanna it be an experience for her. Well, I must say that, it is quite an experience! Anyway, after the tormenting 300 steps, we are finally out of the cave. As we were at the other end on top of the cave, got to take the gondola cable car back to where we came in.

Cable Car ride out of 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave).

View from Cable Car ride.

Was really tiring after visiting 九乡洞 (Jiuxiang Cave) and because we were supposed to go to 石林 (Stone Forests) the next day, we decided not to go back to Kunming. Instead, we stayed over at the Jiuxiang town. Was lodged at their best hotel but the standard really quite bad. The restaurant service also quite lousy but heard from Jiaxing that at Jiuxiang itself, that is the best hotel already.

No activity there at night. Slept early so as to be ready to go Stone Forests tomorrow morning...

Labels: Travel, Vacation, Yunnan

by Glittering Angel @ 11:42 pm || 0 Comments