☆ESTHER.G

7 Wonders

2012-02-03T23:37:00.000+08:00

7 Wonders Reunion Dinner 2012

+ My 20th Birthday Surprise :)

Today's 初十二, which is the 12th day of the Lunar New Year.

For the first year, 7 Wonders have a reunion dinner during Chines New Year!

And we're gna make it a tradition to have reunion dinner every year at different people's place ^^

This year, reunion dinner was held at Huiwei's (kindly offered).

Limei and I before dinner :)

Tonight's spread!

Thanks to Huiwei's mom who prepared this table of awesome food!

I ate like, 2 plates of spaghetti and a bit of every dishes. Even ate like 3 Ikea meatball though I hate beef.

Oh yes! The 'Sharkin' Soup! :P

During dinner I asked them to give me a number because V.Stars buying System 8 for tonight's Toto. S$10m!!!

So they suddently remembered about the S$10m winnings and all of bought System 7 together.

Damn funny because after dinner we went to Huiwei's room and cued "1, 2, 3, HUAT AHHH!".

While taking the lift down to buy Toto, we also shouted "HUAT AH!" in the lift. Sb lame please.

Then while buying Toto, only Layhoe and I went in to buy because 2 of us wearing red underwear -.-"

We also kept talking about what we're gna do with the S$10m after we strike. All say quit school sua. Lolol.

Once we're back all of us flock into Huiwei's room again and the gambling table started.

I swear all my friends are gamblers. 赌鬼. While we're planning for this dinner, all of them kept wanting to gamble.

Majong, Black Jack, Poker, In-Between, you name it, they play it.

They played mostly Black Jack because there's quite a handful of people. Huiwei's cousin also joined us.

Jo and I were the only ones who didn't play because... I don't know about Jo but I quit gambling. Say real.

Halfway through playing, Huiwei suddenly brought in a birthday cake and everyone started singing birthday song.

I was shocked and didn't know what happened for a second. Then I was so touched I almost cried.

My Wonders never fail to surprise me. Last time was my farewell before I went Australia, and now.

*CHEERS!*

May 2012 be a huat huat year for all 7 of us! :D

After eating the cake and drinking the wine, back to serious business.

I'm so poor thing please. They all have fun and I'm there doing my MP Report.

But! The high point of this is, I get to use Huiwei's large screen! Its actually connected to a plasma TV la.

Omg, this is really good for me sia. My eyesight has been deteriorating since forever.

Huiwei's cousin. Both the small boy damn cute please!

And I think the older one won the most money that night :/

The biggest winner among us that night - Huijie and Limei.
I swear they're damn heng.

Thank you all SO much for the birthday surprise!
I love my Wonders!

Vasantham Stars

2012-01-29T03:25:00.000+08:00

Happy Advanced 22nd Birthday,

MARCUS TAN FUYUAN! :D

The night on my birthday, we all met at Changi Airport T2 for a birthday surprise for Marcus.

I know it may sound ridiculous, my birthday celebrating another person's birthday.

But the thing is, I don't mind at all. I already had my celebration before this, and I should share this special day!

Besides, V.Stars have already celebrated mine last week. So this week, its the next birthday chap! :)

Even though we're late, for like, 45mins, it doesn't matter.

Because Glor and Marcus were supposed to enter Swensens first to get a seat. And they only got in at 945pm+.

After they settled down, the surprise crew (the rest of us) went to collect the cake and surprise him!

All of us vote Nigel to be the cake-carrier. Haha.

生日快乐, Commando!

Swensens Cookies n' Cream ice-cream cake! :p

Stay loving! :)

Haha. Drew this with Nigel cos both of us reached early and had nothing to do while waiting for the rest.

*gasps* My favourite Cookies n' Cream!

Fml my eyes were DAMN red that night. Stupid contacts.

If you're wondering why there's a space there, that's for Weien.

He wasn't able to join us because he can't book out yet.

Swensens doesn't seem to be the place for us though we're supposed to have 'dinner' there.

The food is so limited and expensive. So we figured it'll be better if we go elsewhere.

We ended up in Kovan for porridge.

My sb unglam pigging-out face which I have no issues with because I love to eat and I admit I'm fat.

After our meal, we're undecisive of where to go next, so being living closest to Kovan (IN Kovan, in fact),

all of them came over to my house. Bro's friends were also at my house for visiting.

We played a few rounds of Black Jack and everything closed up at around 3+am.

What a night!

Happy 6years 5months, Dear! ♥

♡♥♡♥

2012-01-28T19:32:00.000+08:00

My 20th Birthday! :D

So about a few weeks ago, Jz said he has planned something for my 20th birthday.

I was really excited and curious as, he seldom plans stuff like this.

And also because nowadays I kept hiam say he's not those boyf who'll plan surprises for girlf. Haha.

Hence, he really put in the effort this time round, I can see it. I can feel it.

Sadly, a few days ago as I was flipping through his photo album on his iPhone, I saw something.

It was a screen shot of the Titanic tickets he purchased online, dated 28th Jan at 10am.

I knew this was it, the surprise.

But I acted blur.

I swear I can get Mediacorp Star Awards for Best Actress.

I kept pestering him to tell me but of course, he kept his lips sealed.

So I didn't wna 'make things difficult for him' and I asked questions like

"Where is it ah? Just tell me the place."

"Huh, what should I wear? Tell me a dress code, I need to think of what to wear to suit the occasion."

But actually, in my mind I've already planned of what to wear cos I already knew the surprise.

This morning as we're on our way to that place, I confessed to him and said actually I already knew.

He don't believe me and so we played a game.

I want him to know that I already knew the surprise, but didn't wna spoil it so I told him I'll tell him after it.

I use his phone to WhatsApp myself the 'surprise', then I delete the message off from his phone.

The funny thing is, right after we did so, Dan said in our group chat 'You all at Titanic already ah?"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

I laugh until I can't stand straight!

With this sentence he said, it doubled confirm my guess.

Soooooooooooo......

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

We also paid additional S$5each for 1 hour movie - Ghost of the Abyss.

Our passenger pass! Shows name of passenger who boarded the Titanic.

Both our passenger survived! :DDD

First we went to watch the movie which last about an hour.

It was an introduction of the exhibition and they show how they explore and extract those stuff from Titanic.

It was really quite amazing seeing something that's so real and happened so many years ago.

It made me put myself in the shoes of those passengers on Titanic. Their experience on board.

Secretly took this photo of Jz in the exhibition.

Their exhibition is so real please!

The end of the exhibition. We spent about 2 hours inside, with 1 hour of movie, total 3 hours. $23, worth it!

There is SO much to see. The exhibits were really quite a lot.

And honestly, I was a little impatient and can't wait to get out. Cause I was so tired walking and reading.

After entering every next phase of the exhibit, I will go "Walao, end already or not!???"

Finally after 2 hours, we're out of the exhibition. And starving. Cos we only had Breakfast Deluxe right before.

We lunched at Marina Bay Sands' food court and had Hokkien Mee which cost S$6.80 T_T

And while walking to take MRT home, we walked over to the Floating Platform which has some CNY thingy.

They have those Zodiac lanterns/decos and other CNY-related stuff.
And they also have a mini Food Fair, where Jz and I spam those food cos we're hungry.
And I also spam photos like I am a tourist.

The drink Jz holding is some Taiwan Honey Jelly drink which taste SUPER nice and refreshing!

I thought it'll be just another ordinary honey drink but the jelly inside was DA bomb!

I wanted to get another cup as we're leaving but, scared later Jz think I'm a monster.

With my Zodiac - Goat.

And check out my newly customized dress! Lovin' this dress I bought from Supre in Australia.

It was supposed to be damn short in the front, and long and flowy at the back.

But sadly, I'm too short despite getting the smallest size, its still too long for me and whenever I walk,
I'll somehow step on the back part. So I bring the side forward and tuck it into the waist belt ^^V

I swear this China girl is super talented.

Think she is younger than me but look! She can make these candies!

Free gift (souvenir) from the exhibition cause we went to watch the movie.

Home, sweet home.

Thank you so much for the 'surprise', Dear!
Even though it somehow failed, its the thought that count. I really appreciate every effort behind it.

Lots of love, ♥

♡♥♡♥

2012-01-27T23:03:00.000+08:00

Happy 22nd Birthday,

CHOO JINGZHONG! :D

27th Jan 1990: On this day, a superhero was born.

Lololol. No la. I bought him this shirt from Movie World, Australia.

My Ah-B is so old already! I feel so old turning 20 and he's already 22.

I think when I am 22, I'll cry and hide myself at home instead of celebrating it. Hahaha.

Ok, age is just a number, age is just a number *continue chanting*.

So on this very special day, poor us still have to report to school.

Actually its just me. And today is the last day of my internship!

T.G.I.F. - Thank God Internship Finish! #troll

As for CJz, he went back to school to do his project. Poor boy.

So in the evening after I clock-out from school, for the official last time, we proceed with our plans.

Plan was to have dinner somewhere near - NEX. I wanted to try The Ship Restaurant, but it was over-priced.

So we went to Ministry of Food (M.O.F.) instead. Since I also heard lots of reviews about it.

Also, Jonathan, Jz's classmate, my kindergarten and secondary school classmates, whom birthday also lies on 27th Jan, would be here celebrating his birthday with his family. Haha. So coincidental.

My cousin, Carline, whose birthday ALSO lies on 27th Jan, was here for a birthday treat from her bro. Haha.

Cookies & Cream Shake - S$6.80

It is super nice max! Ok I think Cookies and Cream are generally nice. Can't go wrong with it.

Salmon Hot-Stone Rice - S$9.80

I think its cos I was busy taking photos of it, that the rice got burnt at the bottom.

Imho, not THAT nice. A little salty. But Jz feels that its ok.

Oyako Bento - S$8.80

Not bad. Like normal bento lor. But the chicken taste weird. Like not fresh.

After our meals, we left and wanted to go Serangoon Gardens cos Shuxian &Co was at Chomps for dinner.

I wanted to pop-by to say hi and at the same time, have dessert at Dessert Bowl.

But to no avail, Dessert Bowl wasn't open! !@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*

So we went to Ice Cubes instead. In related news, Shuxian &Co also came here for desserts!

The lighting make me eye bag sb gao lat u_u

Waffle w Peppermint ice-cream!

Home, sweet home.

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE! ♥

Vasantham Stars

2012-01-22T02:46:00.000+08:00

Vasantham Stars

2012 Reunion Dinner

Hello guys, yes I am back in Singapore last Sunday.

It feels good to be home, and weird at the same time. I need to adapt to the environment all over again -.-

Anyhoo, I'm back.

And finally, we've arranged for a meet-up, which is our reunion dinner for 2012!
So I made reservations at Suan Thai, a Thai buffet restaurant in town and it WAS supposed to be $17.90+.
But when we're there and took a look at their menu, it was $28.90+, with free-flow drinks and Yu Sheng.
I was a little pissed they didn't state on the website and inform over the phone that there's CNY menu this period.
Nonetheless, since we're there, we just took it up.

The funny thing is, those waiter there are from Philippines and when they say out those blessings, it sounded weird.

Lololol. Can you imagine Filipinos speaking Mandarin? Weird right??

HUAT AH!

The food they served are mainly small dishes of fried fish, pan-fried fish with different sauces etc.

Mostly were fish and maybe chicken. I think the food is just... normal.

Very different from what we usually have for buffet and maybe we're not used to it.

Ta-glam max!!

After a few dishes, all of them started to say that they're very full already. I was surprised!

I thought they usually can eat A LOT. But today, they are full pretty fast. And we didn't eat much yet.

Our bill totaled to be $35/pax. From $17.90 to $35, double the price we expected.

And the food wasn't fantastic at all. However, its my first time having Thai buffet.

After our dinner, we decided to head to Dan's house as the night is still young.

But, their plan is to celebrate Jz and my birthday (I think)!

Glor, Marcus, Jz and I took public transport and the rest took the car. So we'd reach later.

And when we're at Dan's place, they didn't wna let Jz and I into the room as they're busy preparing.

When we enter, there's 2 cakes sitting there on the floor...

Weien preparing the cake.

Thank you so much for the cakes! :D

Thanks 大家!

After the birthday celebration for us, it was 'Prize Giving Ceremony'!

Almost everybody also got present today. Hahaha.

The gifts I got for Dan and Mel from Australia.

Dan's 22nd and 23rd birthday present from all of us - LV Belt.

NICE!

Up next, presenting the birthday present all of us got for CJz.

His dream finally came true - A set of PS3 with FIFA 12.

My turn! A pink box of beautiful things inside! :)

Victoria Secret perfume and a name necklace!

I have been considering getting a name necklace for myself for my 20th birthday.

But this OSIP trip to Australia has taken a toll on me. I am SO broke.

So I was thinking of getting for my 21st birthday instead. A gift for myself.

But now, my dream came true! A name necklace for 20th birthday from V.Stars! Thanks guys! :DDD

PMC Brothers.

'PMS Sisters'. Lololol.

Us with Shane.

Our classic pose with the CNY 'tree' in Dan's house. Lolol.

It says 'C'-'N'-'Y'! But I position my fingers too far away.

Mel kept forgetting how to position her fingers for 'N'. Haha!

Yay! We did it! :D

恭喜恭喜!

We then took the oranges as our camwhoring props. Lolol.

Say no evil, see no evil, hear no evil.

全家福!

The guys are so joke. They can go into the room to continue watching their soccer but they all stood outside.

After the soccer match, we all went home, sweet home :)

Today is one of the happiest day of my life! Happiest day in 2012 so far! Because...

In the morning when I went to meet CJz, he said he has a few surprises for me.

He made me play scissors-paper-stone with him. And if I win, he'll reveal 1 surprise for me.

There's a total of 4...

#1: A pink iPod USB cable! Mine was... rotting already.

I have been complaining to Jz on how Bro always borrow my USB and mistreat it until it looks rotten now.

And so Jz, with the help of Mel, went to buy this for me from online! Thank you! X

#2: An Adidas shoe-bag. Me: This one free one right!?? Jz: Haha! Yea, how you know? Hehe.

I knew this was a free gift lor! Because CJz don't use Adidas products AT ALL! He's a Nike freak.

#3: An Adidas bag. Needless to say, is another free gift. BUT, this bag is SO nice plzzz!

Actually I used to be a Nike-person but I grew to like Adidas because their products are so nice!

Ok... the aforementioned gifts are just appetizers. The next one is the MAIN course.

Wait for it...

#4: A CANON IXUS 230 HS CAMERA IN PURPLE!!! *sobs*

I swear when Jz present this to me, I cried out. Tears just flow uncontrollably down my cheeks.

WHY IS MY BOYFRIEND SO PERFECTLY GOOD I DON'T EVEN!??

If you know, the older camera was also given to me by Jz for our 4th year anniversary.

It died a few months ago when I was in Australia. It drowned. And couldn't be revived.

So Jz secretly bought this camera for me when I was in Australia! So touched max!

And guess what, he filmed a short clip of himself for me! It was a short little speech/message for me. Aww...

Jz kept urging me to use the camera during dinner later on that night. But I didn't want to.

I want the very first photo taken to be OUR photo. So I only took it out at Dan's house.

And guess what, the resolution was awesome max! The quality and shutter was super good omg.

Lovin' my purple camera! Hearts. X

This, concludes my happiest day in 2012 :)

7 Wonders

2012-01-19T03:46:00.000+08:00

Supper w 7 Wonders

@ Swee Choon

Initial plan was to meet up for reunion dinner and hit the club with 7 Wonders.

But everyone is falling sick, including me, so we decide to tone down a bit and meet for supper instead.

I thought Layhoe was coming to pick me up, but instead, Kerwin, Jo and their friend, Grace, came to pick me up.

We then went to pick up a few others and meet at Swee Choon. A total of 3 cars.

I only had a bowl of Century Egg porridge and 1 Custard Bun as my digestive system is not well.

Throughout the meal we just talk, laugh, eat, talk, laugh eat. And for me, add a few times going to toilet.

After we left Swee Choon, we wanted to have Rocher Beancurd, but it was closed.

Home, sweet home at 3am.

2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

新的一年, 新的开始, 新的希望!

***HUAT AHHH!***

2011 has ended and 2012 has started. youdon'tsay.jpeg

2011 has been an O-K year for me. Not a fantastically good year but its not that bad as well.

Here's a summary of my 2011...

January: -

♥ Joycelyn's 21st Birthday Chalet

@ Downtown East NTUC Chalet

It was a fun gathering and even though I feel extra because all of them are Jz's classmate, it was fun!
The people there are very friendly and even though I am not their batch, they're all very nice to me :)

♥ Ashley and Guanrui's Birthday

Celebrated advanced birthday for Ash and Gr because my birthday celebration would be with Jz. Hehehe.
It was a simple dinner at Buangkok Tze Char but the food is really da bomb! I'm missing the Mango Prawns now :p

♥ Driving License! :D

I FINALLY GOT MY DRIVING LICENSE!
Ok not really like finally as in I failed a lot of times.
In fact, for all my test - BTT, FTT and TP, I pass on the first try.
I know right, very sat sat right? ^^
You've no idea how nervous I was because I tell myself I must pass before Jz's 21st birthday to surprise him.
And I think God is on my side. In another 18 more days, I'd be removing my P-plate :)

♥ Jingzhong's 21st Birthday Chalet

(as well as my 19th Birthday surprise from Babies hehe)
@ Aloha Loyang Garden Terrace

I guess this is the most exciting part of the year. Because it was Jz's 21st birthday and I organized it (partly).

I am so glad that everything was a success and I have so many friends - Babies, V.Stars, all helping us out.

Thank you guys once again! Thanks for making it happen. Unforgettable 3D2N chalet.

Oh btw, this is also the first time I stayed overnight in a chalet. I swear to God. In my 19 years of life.

♥ Marcus's 21st Birthday Chalet

@ Downtown East NTUC Chalet

A surprise birthday chalet for Marcus by his sweet girlfriend, Gloria.
I was so excited because Jz and I was the main character in the surprise crew.
We've to crack our brain to think of a good story to trick that smart Marcus into coming into the chalet.
Overall, I am glad that the surprise has been successful and everyone had a great time :)

♥ Our Birthday Celebration
@ Keppel Bay

On Jz's actual 21st birthday itself, we went to Vivo City to have Sakae Sushi for dinner and chill at Keppel Bay.

On the next day, which is on my actual 19th birthday, we went to Keppel Bay again.
We wanted to go to Henderson Wave but somehow we can't get up there so... anyway its quite good.

♥ Universal Studio Singapore

w/ Ashley, Boohui, Guanrui, Jingzhong, Layhoe, Limei and Rachel

Babies bought Jz and I USS tickets for our birthday! I was so touched ttm please!
USS tickets leh! You know how expensive or not!??
So we went together with the people in the picture above and we had a great time though it rained the whole day -.-"

February: -

♥ Chinese New Year

w/ A9L03 @ Danny's

I think this is the first time A9L03 celebrated CNY together. The other time was Hari Raya I think.
But anyway, we went to Danny's house (kindly offered) and it was a great experience. We played games and all.

♥ Valentines' Day

@ Underwater World Singapore

It was *ahem* MY idea of going to UWS because... I haven't been there since a very long time.
And don't you think its very sweet? Like, Valentines Day and couples go there, watch dolphin perform etc. Lol.

March: -

♥ Gloria's 19th Birthday Chalet

@ Downtown East NTUC Chalet

Darling Glor organized a chalet for her 19th birthday and invited us and her friends over.
It was a great time for me catching-up with the rest of my secondary school friends from the same batch.
I am sure the rest of the people there had as much fun as I do.
Oh crap, suddenly remember the salad Marcus made. DAMN nice!

♥ Jolene and Layhoe's 19th Birthday

@ Brewbakers

Babies celebrated Jo and Lh's 19th birthday at Brewbakers. Jean recommended it.
Ambiance was good and the service was not bad. Still remember the manager who's so enthu to serve us. Lol.

♥ Cynthia's 21st Birthday

Sissy's 21st birthday at our house! Wah, suddenly feel like she's so old.
If she's old, means I'm also getting older. I'm hitting the digit 2x this year :(
I hope she had a great day that day with all her friends over at our house. It was a drink party.
I also hope she like the present that I got her. A necklace from SK Jewellery and a book I decorated.

♥ Pulau Ubin

w/ Vasantham Stars

This was quite a random idea because Mel and I suddenly thought of having some outdoor thingy with V.Stars.
And what's better than spending a day on another island riding bicycle and being our usual crappy self? :)

April: -

♥ Wild Wild Wet

w/ Daniel, Jingzhong, Melissa, Nigel, Shane and Weien

2nd time being at WWW because I-forgot-who got free tickets. So we all went together and it was fun!
First time was the start of this year right after Jz's 21st birthday chalet together with V.Stars.

♥ AFamosa Water World

w/ Family

Dad's company organized some company retreat thing and ALL of them went to AFamosa to 'party'.
Our whole family drove into KL to attend it and it was also a good time to spend quality family-time.

♥ A9L03 Sem 2.2 BBQ

@ Pasir Ris Park

Our frequent class BBQ usually during every semester break.
But over time, we invited our friends from other class to join us as well. The more the merrier :)

May: -

♥ Zunairah's 19th Birthday

@ Changi Airport Terminal 3

Ju sweetly planned a surprise birthday for Zu and asked us to help her.
I think the surprise was a success because Zu really looked surprised. Lolol.

♥ Sheue Lee's 21st Birthday

Once again, invited to another birthday party of Jz's classmate. Enjoy hanging out with these fun people.
And we somehow also have the same topic to talk about. Girls what, will run out of topic meh!

♥ RSAF Open House 2011

w/ Daniel, Jingzhong and Melissa

Jz and I planned to go to the RSAF Open House only to know that Dan wanted to go too.
So 4 of us went on a 'double-date' to RSAF Open House. Lolol.
But it was really interesting and also an eye-opener to me as well when I see those jet planes.
Though I know I'm a little annoying because throughout I kept asking Jz stupid questions about the planes etc.

♥ Nigel's 21st Birthday

@ Chinatown Yum Cha

Our dearest Nigel's 21st birthday! It was a simple dim sum breakfast in Chinatown.
All of us made the effort to wake up early that day to take public transport to Chinatown for breakfast.

June: -

♥ Joy and Limei's 19th Birthday

@ Arirang Korean Restaurant

Zomg, don't remind me about the food we had at Arirang. It was SUPERB! I ate like a cow.
With Jo beside me being a bimbo and everyone else was just chatting and laughing. I miss my girls...

♥ A9L03 Sem 2.2 Pool Party

@ Stanwin's Condo

Yet another class gathering and this time it was a Stanwin's house again.
BUT, this time round we own the BBQ pit at the private pool side! So awesome!
The whole night all of us were just sitting by the pool and even bringing our BBQ food into the pool to eat.

♥ Spotlight Youth Exchange Camp (SYE)

Yea, I joined the SYE in hopes of going to Philippines for FREE.
But my main objective is to be able to help those foreign students in Singapore to have a better life here.
I attended this 3 day workshop and I really learnt A LOT and made A LOT of friends. They're all nice people.
And even though I am not able to commit further due to my OSIP, they're all very supportive and encouraging.

♥ Car Accident :(

Unfortunately, met the first car accident of my life. Actually no, in 2011 I met 2 accidents.
One was when I was in the bus with Jz on the way home from school when a lorry hit our bus.
But this time was a car accident involving OUR car and MY parents and I. So scary please.
Thankfully it was just a minor accident and only I suffer from bruise.

♥ The Lion King Musical :)))
w/ Daniel, Fershila, Jingzhong, Melissa and Weien @ Marina Bay Sands

Thanks to Jz for bringing me to watch the musical.
I have been wanting to watch but he kept saying it was a waste of time and money.
But in the end, he bought tickets and surprised me. Others wanted to watch it too, so we went together :)
This musical was nice and it was very interactive. Animals will just walk down the aisle and you can touch them.

July: -

♥ Batu Layar
w/ Dad and Mom

I 'tagged' along with my parents to Batu Layar, Malaysia for a 2D1N stay in a chalet.
It was yet another function organized by Dad's company to allow the workers to relax and bond. Not bad not bad.
This place was BEAUTIFUL but the chalet we're accommodating is crap. What to expect.

♥ Marcus and Weien's Pre-Enlistment Farewell
@ Punggol Marina Sakura Charcoal Grilled and Shabu Shabu

So fast, the boys in our clique are enlisting into army one after the other.
It would be harder for us to meet up now and organize gatherings or birthday celebrations.
But I'm sure with the brotherhood bonds between the guys, they'd still stick with each other strongly.

August: -

♥ Mom's Birthday
@ Universal Studio Singapore Hard Rock Cafe

It was quite a last minute thing to celebrate Mom's birthday at Hard Rock Cafe.
But it was recommended by Bro and it was a great experience. The NDP ambiance is there too.

♥ Xinyi's 21st Birthday

Yes, another birthday party I was invited to and this time round, more familiar faces to me
because Xinyi was from TP BMS and there're seniors I known of during OLTC.

♥ 6th Year Anniversary w Jingzhong
@ Waraku and Marina Bay Sands

August is one of my favourite month because its when our anniversary lies!
We just wna keep this celebration short and sweet. So we had dinner at Waraku and stroll along MBS.

September: -

♥ PHS Chalet
@ Aloha Changi Halton

This would be our final gathering before our SIP kicks in. So we combined all 3 classes and booked a chalet.
It was at a very spooky spot, right behind Old Changi Hospital, but that's alright :)
We had a great time eating, playing games, drinking and chilling.
I'm glad to see that every class plays a part in helping out in something to make this a success.

♥ Hilarie's 19th Birthday

A simple birthday celebration for Hilarie. Steamboat at Limei's.

♥ Melissa's 21st Birthday
@ Downtown East NTUC Chalet

MEL'S 21st BIRTHDAY!
I was still a little worried that I'll be missing my darling girl's birthday if I fly off for my OSIP in Sept.
But well, maybe I should be thankful that our visa got delayed and hence I got the chance to attend the party.

October: -

♥ Cheryl and Jean's 19th Birthday
@ Marina Barrage

Picnic at Marina Barrage with the girls. That evening was oh-so-fun and we had a lot of bimbo moments.
Food was great too. Pot-luck and I made Mango Pudding, which everyone loves :)))

♥ Grandma's 92nd Birthday!

My Grandma's 92!
I feel so fortunate to be able to attend the birthday celebration right before I fly off to Australia.
Imagine how much I'd be missing if my OSIP starts on September 12th.

♥ Overseas Student Internship Program
@ Queensland, Brisbane

Finally I get to fly to Australia for my internship!
You've no idea how much I've gone through within these period of 3 months in order for it to be a success.
First was securing a position, then applying visa, then wait for visa to approve etc etc etc...
This gave me SO much stress that I almost give up. And when my visa wasn't approved in Sept, I lost hope.
Everyone already started their SIP yet I was left hanging in the air, with no where to go.
But thankfully, good news came just a few days before the deadine we set for ourselves.
Hence this trip was pretty last minute. No time for goodbyes, but I was prepared.

However, even if I wasn't able to fly to Brisbane for my internship,
Ms Chua has gotten a position for me at Glaxo Smith Kline.
One of the top manufacturing companies in the world! Not bad too!

I was quite fortunate to be able to be under a good supervisor and my project supervisor and team was great too!
Everyone was so friendly and patient in guiding me through and always taking good care of me.
I am also very glad that we're able to meet such nice people like Faith who kindly offered to bring us around.
Also, our Liaison Officer, Mr Nelson, who's very responsible and nice as well.
In other words, we're really a very fortunate bunch of interns, making our stay here so wonderful.

At King George Square in front of the Casino with Faith, our Singaporean friend who's so nice to us :)

Faith brought us to the weekend West End Market and we've already been there twice so far :)

Taken in front of the Art Museum/Gallery where we've been there on another day.

One of our very first places visited in Australia. Surfers's Paradise in Gold Coast.
The beach was BEAUTIFUL! I've never seen such wide coast and clear blue ocean before!

November: -

Farewell dinner for Faith at FunnyFunny.
Faith is going back to Singapore for her summer break and we'd probably meet up again when we're back :)

Australia Zoo!!! :DDD
Since young I've been dying to go to Australia Zoo and I can't believe I was SO close to my dream!
In fact, my dream came true! Imagine if Australia Zoo were to be in Perth or Sydney or Melbourne. No chance.

Suitcase Rummage and Finder's Keepers Flea Market
Faith brought us to these flea market where we got good deals at dirt cheap prices!
It was also an eye-opener for us as we see the variety of things Australians sell compared to Singapore's flea.

Sea World w/ Joanne, Rina, Shalom and Waikin! :)
It was a fun fun day! Definitely worth going!

Movie World w/ Joanne, Rina, Shalom and Waikin once again! :D
Yet another awesome theme park in Australia. I love their rides!

December: -

Celebrated Weien's 21st Birthday via Skype. Haha.

Spent our Christmas Eve in Wet 'n' Wild having fun with all the wet rides.

Made Gingerbread Train on Christmas day itself because we're 3 loners.
But in the night thanks to Mr Nelson who invited us over to his friends, we had steamboat for dinner :)

Traveled to North Stradbroke Island for sight-seeing and this place is even more beautiful than Surfer's Paradise!

Visited the Ginger Factory which is right opposite the Macadamia Nuts Factory and tried Gingerbread ice-cream :)

Mr Nelson drove us to the top of Montville. Beautiful scenery.

He also drove us to Mount Coot-tha which overlooks Brisbane.

Spent the last few moments of 2011 along Brisbane River watching the fireworks and welcoming the new year.

This just about sums up my 2011. And I am glad that my year is revolved around people I love.

This year, I am so glad that I have achieved a few of my goals;

I have been spending more time with my family members and over the weekends, I'll stay home just to spend time with them, have dinner together with my parents on Saturday nights and visit Grandma.
I have also been very thrifty and managed to saved $1000 (I think) in 2011. But I think after this trip, I'd be heavily debt :(
Studies wise, I have achieved the highest GPA in Sem 3.1 ever in my entire poly education. Even though it is still not good enough to enter NUS or any local Us, I guess I kind of expected it. Haha.

Even though the above are not the resolutions I set for myself for 2011, but I am glad that at least I achieved something. And I will continue to keep the effort up or at least try to maintain it.

2012 would be a year of great change for me. In April, I'd be graduating and bidding good-bye to tertiary level.

And I have not really decided what to do next. I have a few ideas, but I've not come to a conclusion yet.

It's so stressful thinking about the next step, and as we grow older, decisions made are tougher and at higher stake.

I set resolutions for myself every year ever since I was young. Its a habit cultivated by my Dad.

And as I grow older, I still have the habit, but we all know resolutions are hard to keep, unless with great discipline. Still, at the end of 2012, these are the things I hope to achieve...

1. Spiritually - Be a saint.

Avoid committing the 7 deadly sins - Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Sloth and Wrath.

2. Health and Beauty - Keep a healthy lifestyle.

Eat well, eat healthily and exercise often to stay healthy (not to lose weight).

3. Time - Good time management.

Prioritize. Spend quality time with my family, friends, boyfriend, as well as to keep aside time for myself
(me-time).

4. Finances - Be thrifty, and generous at the same time.

Do not splurge and spend money unnecessarily. Actually I don't have to worry about this because

I am quite a thrifty person and I am very kiam. I find it hard to part with my money.

Yep, that's like always the usual 4 main things that people will think of.

Actually, these are not really resolutions because I have been doing them all along. But still...

In another story, I counted-down to 2012 Brisbane time together with V.Stars via webcam.

And I counted-down to 2012 Singapore time together with my family via Skype.

Time really flies. Its another 2 more weeks and we'd be returning back to Singapore. Mixed feelings.

I hereby wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2012 be a better year for all of us.

Actually I'm not sure if I want 2012 to be end of the world or not but, let's just make every second count ok? :)

We should all look forward and embrace the brand new year ahead,

but once in a while, don't forget to look back and smile when we see where we've came from :)

OSIP

2011-12-28T22:29:00.000+08:00

Road Trip

w/ Mr Nelson

Just another day with no plans but thankfully Mr Nelson is kind enough to offer to bring us around.

It all started off with us wanting to buy Macadamia Nuts so he decided to bring us to the factory.

Along the way, we're hungry and he recommended us to a famous pie place just near-by.

He said one of the Australian food are Meat Pies. So we gave it a try :)

It was about 1hour+ car ride from our house to this place.

I had Steak, Bacon and Cheese pie. AU$5.10.

Not that bad. Its filled with steak and bits of bacon. Not much cheese though.

After our lunch, we continued our journey to the Macadamia Nut factory.

Another about 30mins car ride.

A lot of nice scenery for us to see along the way.

As the Macadamia Nuts Factory is right opposite a Ginger Factory, we walked over the the Ginger Factory first.

Entrance was free and we could walk around freely. Only the train ride or tour have to pay.

They have a variety of ice-creams of different flavour that contains ginger!

I tried the Gingerbread flavour. It was nice. Have ginger bits in it. AU$4.

We walked into a souvenir shop and I'm surprised they have A LOT of car-related stuff inside.

Its more like a car gallery, especially when they have all the vintage cars.

They have those toy-sized ones and also have the life-sized ones. Cool!

Not sure if this train is working (I guess not) but I heard its over a (few) hundred years.

So sad, have to pay to go in :(

Check this out! A sun-dial. Like, where else on earth can you find this sia. So rare!

We also walked into a Chocolate Factory and can see them making chocolates.

Life-size chocolate shoes for sale. Can I have a pair of size 8 please. Lol.

Mr Nelson bought a Chocolate coated Banana and we each took a bite.

From the photo it looks like normal size but when it was out... errrr... shrink ah??

Ok btw, I feel that the chocolate banana looks very wrong lor but I don't dare to say :x

Up next, Macadamia Nuts Factory...

They have a viewing gallery on the 2nd level and we went up to take a look at the production.

It was kinda cool to learn about the history of macadamia nuts and why its so popular in Australia.

Choosing and buying our nuts.

Oh btw, they have samples for you to try and *ahem* I kept going to take the samples.

I tried at least 3 macadamia nuts of each flavour. Think they have 10 different flavours :x

After that I totally regret because I was so damn bloated!

I spent AU$96 on 8 packets of 500g Macadamia Nuts each of different flavour :)

After we bought our Macadamia Nuts, Mr Nelson suggested to bring us to one of the near-by mountain.

I'm not sure what's the name of the mountain but I think its something called Montville.

The drive up was REALLY steep. Like rollercoaster.

It was just a short trip up but the view was spectacular.

After Montville, Mr Nelson drove us to another mountain in Brisbane called Mount Coot-tha.

It was another 1hour 30mins car ride from Montville to Mt. Coot-tha.

Mt. Coot-tha overlooks the entire Brisbane and the Brisbane River.

After we're done, we're all famished!

Mr Nelson wanted to bring us to the famous Fish n' Chip place but after driving there, it was closed. Sad.

So he have to crack his brain to think of where to bring us to eat.

In the end, we settled for this sushi buffet place where it cost AU$20/adult.

However, each of us only paid AU$10 and Mr Nelson paid the rest for us. SO GOOD!

I swear I've NEVER eaten so much before in my life! Actually have la. But I've never stuffed myself like this before.

I think its because we're all very deprived of food and food is always so expensive outside.

So since we only paid AU$10 and its BUFFET, I really stuffed myself with all the food I can.

I don't care if I choke to death or explode, I must make my money worth it. And pay back for my lost.

I went home like a puffer fish.

P/S; Photo credits to Rina and Shalom!

OSIP

2011-12-27T23:00:00.000+08:00

North Stradbroke Island

Point Lookout

We woke up early in the morning at 510am to prepare breakfast and stuff as we have to set off by 610am!
We took a bus to Roma Street and changed to a train to Cleveland. Train journey around 1hour.
Once at Cleveland, we have to walk another 1km to the ferry terminal to take a ferry.
Along the way, we met a few other foreigners who tagged along with us to the ferry terminal.

There were a few ferry agencies and after comparing prices, Big Red Cat is the cheapest. AU$11 for return.

While at the jetty waiting for our ferry. We're boarding the 9am ferry and it only came at around 920am.

Finally here!

The vehicles coming back from the island are being unloaded from the ferry first.

I'm the first to board the ferry! Happygirl1992! :D

We went straight to the upper deck to sit down. Can see more scenery and absorb more sunshine.

The vehicles loading onto the ferry. I find it very amazing please!

At first we're wondering how the cars reach the island. 原来是这样!

Taking touristy shots on the upper deck before the ferry sets off.

A lot of families like this own their own boat and they will just travel to North Stradbroke on their own. Coolshit!

#likeaboss

We're reaching the jetty at North Stradbroke Island - Dunwich.

Look at the number of cars the ferry can ferry (lolol).

Finally at Dunwich, the place to board the ferry on Straddie.

The length of Straddie is as long as the length of Singapore from East to West.

There are many parts on Straddie but the most popular and the most beautiful spot is Point Lookout,

where it overlooks the ocean and where the most beautiful beach is. Just stay tuned! :)

There are buses to bring us to the various parts of Straddie and the fare is AU$9 for return.

I was damn pissed because I kena shouted by the bus driver for nothing.

Ok, I was asking him lots of questions because I was a tourist what! I want to confirm stuff.

And he seems so impatient and he shouted at me. Walan eh.

After that we realized he's a little looney because he shouted at a bunch of people to get out of the way. Lolol.

Our ticket from Dunwich to Point Lookout and return.

It was about 20mins bus ride from Dunwich to Point Lookout. The bus stops at various stops along the way too.

While reaching Point Lookout, the bus drove past the cliff and everyone was like "WOW! WOW! WOW!".

Including me. I was seated at the back corner and I can't help squeezing my head towards the window. Haha.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, *POINT LOOKOUT*!

Isn't it beautiful?? I can't stop gasping and wow-ing! Look! Look at the waves!

I shall let the photos do the talking. A picture paints a thousand words.

The photos just wouldn't do justice.

Even though the photos are nice enough, what you're missing are the sea breeze, the sound of the waves...

Ahhh~~...!!

Rina took an artsy shot for me. Wah, Facebook profile picture liao.... Lolol.

So we spent the next 15-20mins sitting on the cliff and just absorbing the sun-rays, enjoy the sea breeze...

While waiting for Shalom to come out from the toilet. Hehehehe. Cos the rock looks 'nice'.

The weather was quite hot and they're selling ice-cream so we pampered ourselves.

My double-scoop Christmas Pudding and Nougat cone. AU$5.50.

Strolling and enjoying yummilicious ice-cream under the scotching sun. SHIOK!

We're heading towards the Whale Watching Platform.

Next stop, Centaur Plaque.

Haha. I am sitting there enjoying my Chinese Noodles and the scenery. LIFE!

Rina used her iPhone to take these effects.

I'm trying to give the 喜怒哀乐 face.

Btw, the beach we're over-looking is called the Deadmans Beach. Spooky~

Finally at the most beautiful beach of Straddie - Cylinder Beach.

The shore is so wide and long! Even wider than Surfer's Paradise!

Look at the waves! So nice!

Aww.. Look at this pair lovey dovey on the rocks. So sweet max!

Once again, with my Chinese Noodles. Hehehehe.

So we spent the next 30mins sitting on the rocks, looking at the boys surf-boarding,

absorbing the sun-rays, enjoying the sea breeze, listening to the sound of the waves.

This is also the time where we got our tan. I swear the sun in Australia is 10x worst than Singapore.

After we had enough of enjoyment, we decided to proceed on with the rest of our 'tour'.

As this is the holiday season and the island provides free shuttle service from certain point to certain point,

we hop onto the 'bus' (is van actually) and ask the driver to bring us back to the Point Lookout Surf Club.

At first we though the Surf Club is where we alighted this morning, but it wasn't. It was deeper in.

And it brought us to another beautiful beach.

This is the Main Beach.

We're only there for less than 5mins, took some photos and we caught this.

These scary dark clouds are approaching towards our direction and they're coming fast.

We checked the weather forecast yesterday and it did said that there'll be possible thunderstorm.

So we kind of expected this, but we didn't know it'll hit us so quickly!

We're still discussing on whether to take the bus to Amity (another point of the island),

or look for the Broad Walk that the driver recommended us to go.

But before we could decide, it started pouring really heavily. Thankfully we're near the bus stop.

Yep, so we're squeezing together with the rest of the visitors under this small bus stop for 30mins.

A bus came and most of them boarded the bus, but we stayed behind because we still have half of the day.

So we waited a little longer and when the rain subsided, we walked around the area and went to the toilet.

When we walked out of the toilet and went to the back, we caught this beautiful view!

Rainbow after the rain.

Who'd expect to see such a beautiful sight behind a toilet!?

This is the most beautiful rainbow I've seen! Its above the ocean! So beautiful!

Enough of the rainbows. We proceeded on to 'hunt' for the place that the driver recommended.

Because the rain made us miss the last bus to Amity T_T Anyway I heard there's nothing much there.

Finally, we found the tracks for the Broad Walk. The entire thing is called the Headland Park.

The main beach after the storm. Looks so different from the photo taken before the rain.

The 'mini-beach' at the corner is called South Gorge.

There is a lot of nicer and prettier scenery along the way. We can't stop snapping.

Also, the wind is getting stronger and stronger and once in a while, it'll drizzle a bit.

Whale Rock Blow Hole

Now I know why this is called a Blow Hole.

There's some rocks at the bottom and when the waves come and get into the gaps between the rocks,

it generates a sound that sounds like whales blowing air out from their blow holes. Really.

And the sound is REALLY loud. When I was standing there, the sound came and I got a shock. Almost fell.

There, these are the rocks that makes the whale blow hole sound.

Posing for an artsy shot. #fail.

We continued walking and came to a point where it splits. The rocks are not connected, but there's a bridge to cross.

You've to cross a bridge to get to the other side.

We did cross the bridge to get to the other side and then we realized we're only left with 20mins to get back to the bus stop to take the bus back to the ferry terminal to catch the last ferry back to Brisbane.
We haven't even complete the trail yet but we're almost done. Like another 300m but we dare not risk it.
We don't want to miss the last ferry and be stranded on this island overnight even though its beautiful!

So we faster brisked walk to complete as much as we can and U-turn back.
We literally ran, brisk-walk, sprint, all the way back to the bus stop. We're early for the bus.
However, the bus was slightly late. And we started to panic again. So worried that the ferry left.
In the end, the bus came 10-15mins later but we managed to reach the ferry terminal on time.
Instead, the ferry was delayed as well due to the rain. So we waited for another 15mins.

On the bus. So happy that it came. Praying that it'll chop-chop bring us back to ferry terminal before 6pm.

Finally, the ferry came! Thank God!

This time round, we decided to stay in the lower deck where it is enclosed and air-conditioned.

Since it was drizzling and its already dark, nothing much to see anyway.

Instead, we find the lower deck very interesting and amazing.

It was carpeted and the seats where all so nice and classy. You get to seat by the windows and watch the scenery.

There's even a bar where you can buy snacks and coffee etc.

I was amused by something Shalom said.

Good-bye, Straddie. I'll be back when I've earned enough moolah :)

P/S; Photo credits to Rina and Shalom!

OSIP

2011-12-26T02:32:00.000+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Not sure if you all know, but Christmas in Brisbane is boring as fuck.

Almost everyone has left Brisbane 1 week before Christmas to places like Sydney, Perth, Melbourne...

We too were planning to spend Christmas in Sydney but it was too late when we're planning. No accommodation.

So we stayed in boring Brisbane instead.

The saddest thing is, there is NO WHERE you can possibly go because EVERYWHERE is closed!

*EVERYWHERE*! Except for Chinatown but I heard the shops there charge 15% surcharge. Daylight robbery.

I really want my family to fly over here to spend Christmas or New Year here with me.
But Dad said they're putting the budget aside for the house's renovation.
FYI, this is the 4th consecutive year I'm spending Christmas in another country.
2008: Bangkok, 2009: Hong Kong, 2010: Malaysia, 2011: Australia.
What about 2012??

So, with no where to go and not much to do, we slept-in.

And after we had our beauty sleep and had lunch, we did this...

*GINGERBREAD TRAIN!*

I've always been wanting to buy 1 and try building it together with CJz. Cos I think its quite sweet.

Don't you think so?? :)

Inside the box is a tray, biscuits, 2 packets of read-made icing and the candies for decoration!

Step 1: Knead the icing to a soft texture (like toothpaste).

Step 2: Following the thick lines, break the biscuits apart.

I know my expression looks over-rated but its really a challenge ok! What is accidentally break wrong how!??

Step 3: Cut a small hole at the corner of the packet and trace the inner sides of the box.

Step 4: Using the icing, piece the biscuits together to form the structure of the train.

Know what? This is NOT easy at all. It was a HASSLE!

We keep facing problems in preventing the biscuits from toppling. They can't seem to stay still! Urggg!

Step 5: Decorate with candies and more icings! :DDD

*teng teng teng teng...*

WE'RE FINISHED! :DDD

*choo choo~~*

I swear I'm NEVER gna do this again. It was such a disaster! Its so hard to keep the train standing strong.

And the icing, its so hard to control it!!! I did a small part and gave up. So I did the decorating instead hehehe.

In the evening, Mr Nelson, our Liaison Officer from QUT, came to pick us up for steamboat dinner at his friend's.

So happy I finally got to eat steamboat. Steamboat is like my favourite!

Also very happy because we get to spend Christmas night with a group of friendly Singapore friends.

Their house is super nice, clean, cosy, heart-warming...

The steamboat is super nice please. Its not like what we usually eat for steamboat.

They use Miso soup as their base and the main food is fishballs, the tofu-thing, chicken and beef.

Omg don't get me started on the beef. I usually hate beef but when I tried this, I can't stop pinching!

The beef tastes SO sweet and tender and soft zomggg! I'm salivating again.

After the movie, we had champagne and watched DVD Overheard together.

The show seems so complicated throughout but at the end, everything started to make sense. Like puzzles.

Home, sweet home :)

P/S; Photo credits to Rina and Shalom!

OSIP

2011-12-24T20:14:00.000+08:00

Wet n' Wild

Today is the start of our 1 week Christmas holiday!

It feels so good to be in Australia (and maybe other Western countries) because Christmas is such a BIG thing.

To be honest, I think their Christmas is even more grand than New Year.

EVERYONE (except for government sector) has 1 week of Christmas holiday from 24th Dec to 02nd Jan inclusive!

Even on the 23rd Dec (Friday) my building allows workers to work until 12pm only. But I work full la T_T

Even though after checking the weather forecast and it says that Gold Coast would have possible thunderstorm,

we still proceeded on with going to Wet 'n' Wild because... I'm worried my period would be here anytime soon :x

Even though we have SO many days available for us to travel to places, today is like the 'best' day.

Thankfully the weather today is not that bad. It wasn't very sunny though.

And it did pour for about 15mins though. But it was only after we've bathed and leaving the water theme park.

Hehe. HENG ah!

This is the 'first' time we took a train with seats facing the sides.
Usually the train we took to Gold Coast has seats facing either frontwards or backwards.

Arrival at Wet 'n' Wild after about 1hour of train ride and 10mins of bus ride.
Wet 'n' Wild is right next to Movie World, which, we have been there thrice :x

Aqua Racer
Our very first ride. It looks easy, so we thought we could warm ourselves up first.
But I've no idea why when I'm on top, I feel scared. Haha. And my styrofoam board stuck for a bit :x
It was fun! Not too slow and in fact, quite fast and thrilling. No wonder the kids keep going.

Aqua Loop
All of us, even me the brave soul, did not dare to take this ride. Because...

LOOK AT THE VERTICAL DROP!
The vertical drop is not the worst please. Worst thing is there is it even goes upside down!
I am most afraid that if I take, what if my body stuck in the tube at the top?? :S

River Rapids
We tried both the open and enclosed tubes. Based on experiences, the open tubes are less scary so we took it first.
It was quite fast and upon reaching the end, its really scary and fast.
But this can't be compared to the enclosed tubes. It was fast ALL the way and I hit my back while exiting :(

There's another 2 bigger tubes on the right but it was closed.

The Kids Playground!

Giant Wave Pool
We jumped into the pool while the waves are here and the waves are REALLY strong.
We can't even stand still in the water, constantly being swept upwards by the waves.

SkyCoaster
Of course, we didn't take this la. It's so scary! Its even scarier than Bungy Jumping please.
But this ride definitely gives you the feel of being Superman. Haha.
Btw, to ride this it is a separate payment. AU$30 for 1, AU$50 for 2 and AU$60 for 3 person.

Deck chairs found along the Giant Wave Pool for people to relax.
On certain nights, the Giant Wave Pool will screen movies and people would just sit on the float and watch.

The even have 'private' pavilions for families.

Surf Rider
We didn't take this because firstly, I don't have the balls that day.
Secondly, we have to bathe and change into our dry clothes before taking.
Thirdly, after bathing, we ate our food and conclude that we're too full to take this ride :)))

Kamikaze
One of the first few scarier rides Rina and I took.
This is like the Samsung we had in Wild Wild Wet. But this is shorter.

Tornado
This ride is SO interesting. Its my first time seeing this kind of ride and I find it amusing.
Likewise, only Rina and I took it and even though there's a vertical drop, its the same as Kamikaze.

Buccaneer Bay
3 of us took this ride together because we only took the family tube. Just nice its a 3-seater ride.

Black Hole
Only Shalom and I took this and it was... boring. We can even chit-chat while in the tube...
"Eh boring sia. Not even dark at all. Okok, now dark already. Eh, got light again."

Calypso Beach
After playing all the rides we jumped into this river and grab a tube each. Have to take tube no matter what.
We just wanted to relax for maybe 1 round just to try but end up going 4 ot 5 rounds. Damn relaxing!

We saw them selling Churros so we gave it a try. 1 for AU$3.50, 2 for AU$6.
It is actually some flour thing but its coated with sugar and cinnamon. Nice! :)

Ok guess what, after Wet 'n' Wild, we went to Movie World again :x

This is like... the third time we're back including the first time we went with Joanne and Waikin.

Haha. Second time we're back because I wanted to buy some souvenirs. Likewise for this time.

The Green Lantern ride is already open and operating! Looks so fun! Was closed the other time :(

After grabbing the souvenirs, we took the bus back to Helensvale station and took the train back to Central.

Because it was Christmas, I reward myself with a cup of Venti Toffee Nut Frap from Starbucks :)

Settled our dinner there and took photos with the Christmas tree at King George Square.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

P/S; Photo credits to Rina and Shalom!

Vasantham Stars

2011-12-23T23:44:00.000+08:00

Happy Belated 21st Birthday,

LUA WEIEN! :DD

Don't emo Nemo already ok? Its a new phase of your life up ahead. Smile and embrace.

Here's wishing you a great future ahead of you and also all the best for your Officer course in NS :)

V.Stars celebrated Weien's belated 21st birthday at Xin Wang HK Cafe.

I know, a belated *TWENTY-FIRST* birthday doesn't sound nice but what to do when you're an army boy?? :(

Despite that, I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable birthday for him I guess :)

I know I am not in Singapore to physically be there for the celebration,
but thanks to technology nowadays, you don't even need a cell phone. Seriously.
But the internet, 3G, wireless, are ever so important in every aspect of our lives now.

Ok why am I saying this?? I am not even an IT student or from IITSC wtf.
Moving on...

It was a late dinner kind of thing and the time zone between Singapore and Brisbane is 2 hours apart.
They met at 9pm and it was 11pm here. Even though it was my bedtime (need to sleep early for work the next day),
I stayed up late (I actually took a half hour nap) just to Skpye with them while they gathered!
I keep bugging Jz to bring the TouchPad out so that I can Skype with everyone. Hehehe.

Weien's present from us! I hope he likes it :)

G-Shock watch from us girls and Burberry wallet from the boys.

Vasantham Stars! Epic group shot lolol.

With girlfriend Mel <3

With the babydolls...

I swear to God I have a bad feeling when taking these photos.

BECAUSE I WILL FREAKING LOOK LIKE THOSE DEAD PERSON ON PHOTO FRAMES!

Thankfully it turned out fine. And the resolution of myself on the TouchPad is not that bad afterall.

90% of our conversation was "Can you hear me??", "Is it very soft?" and "Yes I can hear you!"

The other 10% is taking the above shots. Hahaha.

Nonetheless, it feels good to be able to see all their faces again after so long. I miss US!

Even though I am not physically there with them, I can feel them around me just by Skyping.

The energy of this clique is so hyper, so happy. How I wish I can be with them at that moment.

Like I said, it was supposed to be my bedtime.

So after about 15-30mins of chat, I went offline and off to bed.

Good-night! X

OSIP

2011-12-18T18:48:00.001+08:00

2011 IVHL/MHCPG Christmas Lunch

@ Dr Peter Molenaar's

Hi there!

This is gonna be a short short (and I really mean it) entry because I do not have any photos!

Unless Dr Peter emails those he took today to me. Wahahahaa!

This afternoon I was invited to Dr Peter's (my OSIP supervisor) and Sue (wife) house for a group Christmas Party!

Its just a little gathering for our research group for the biggest season of the year.

And a little catch-up with one another because trust me, we really don't get to meet often judging by our workload.

In the morning, Kelly (my teammate/project supervisor) and her boyfriend kindly offered to pick me up at my place.

It was about 40mins drive to Dr Peter's place which is at Red Hill.

But with her boyf's, Demitri, driving skills, I think we got there within 30mins.

We're the first to arrive. Shortly after, Annalese, another teammate of mine, and her family arrived.

She brought along her 2 kids, Cloe (5yo) and Hermes (2yo).They're oh-so-cute. I want kids now.

Following, other colleagues working with Dr Peter in Prince Charles Hospital came too. That's when I met new people.

Even though there's only 10 of us (excluding the kids + Dr Peter's dog), we had a smashing good time.

Sue was such a great cook!

Our starters was cheese with crackers. Trust me, their cheese is those top-grade cheese.

Main dishes were Chicken w Raisins, Potatoes, Steamed Fish, Ham and Bread etc etc etc. Table was full!

Desserts was the cake that Kelly brought and Cheesecake that Sue made. I swear it was SO damn good!

After desserts, that's not the end yet, we had tea. A cup of tea/coffee to rinsed all the food down.

Even though it was just a 'mini' lunch gathering, I had such a fabulous time!

We talked to one another and shared a lot of personal experiences etc.

Dr Peter and Sue were such great hosts! I truly enjoyed the company.

Later in the afternoon, Kelly and Demi sent me home and yep, looks like its not really a short entry :/

MERRY CHRISTMAS, nonetheless.

OSIP

2011-12-16T19:51:00.001+08:00

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

END OF YEAR DRINKS PARTY

Alright. So we just got home from a party. Actually no. We reached home at around 7pm. Its 930pm now.

I just showered because I was too full to move and you know how bathing sucks when you're bloated? Yea.

The ironic thing is, when I finally dragged myself to the shower, I didn't wna get out because,

for the first time in a long time the temperature of the water is just nice! Not too hot and not too cold :)

This is not the point of this entry. The point of this entry, is I am going to flood this post with FOOD!

Pardon the quality of the photos. I took them with my BlackBerry.

And you know how photos taken via BB sucksballz? I love my BlackBerry btw.

The first thing I grabbed at the party. Yes its alcohol. Not too bitter. Just wna give it a try.

Sausage with Mini Tomatoes. The tomatoes are SO sweet zomggg!

Baked Potato with Pasta Sauce and Mozzarella.

I think I had 6 of this. Its super yummy! And filling. Carbo wtf. Guilty max..

I LOVE DIZZZ! Fried thingy with Melted Cheese zomggg!

I thought its stuffed with Potato fillings or something until I bite and warm cheese just spilled out.

Apparently this is Beef Pie. I totally didn't know what it is and everyone's eating it so I tried.

To my horror, its BEEF! You know how I hate beef? They're so smelly! Urgghhh!

To musk the beef taste in my mouth, I grabbed another pie. This time its filled with potato & curry(???)

Love the new Coke can concept. "Share a Coke with ___*insert name*___" I had Vixen.

Now I know, Vixen is actually the name of the Australian Netball team. According to Shuxian.

Fried Prawn Balls with some twirling thing around. I think is potato strips.

Their prawn is small like ikan bilis. But, prawn nonetheless. Its SO damn hard to get prawns here.

Baked Potato again! I think they ran out of Pasta Sauce so they replaced it with Mayo. EVEN NICER!!

Alright. So that's about all the food we had all evening.

I didn't take some of them because my hand are too messy. Either that or its too nice I got carried away.

So for the entire evening we just hang around, with the other 3000-or-so staff from QUT.

Thankfully we bumped into Mr Nelson, our L.O. in QUT who arranged our OSIP.

So we glued to him the entire evening as he introduce us to all the high-profile people of QUT. Wakakakaka.

Not bad not bad. Didn't know 'plankton' like us had the chance to meet all the big-shots and brush shoulders.

Oh yes, they also had some performance by the staff.

They even had they own QUT Twelve Days of Christmas song! The lyrics is hilarious.
*Click to enlarge.

Alright. That marks the end of the QUT End of Year Drinks.
Overall, what I enjoyed the most was the FOOD. Hehehehe. They're oh-so-yummy! :)

OSIP

2011-12-11T22:22:00.000+08:00

Queensland Art Gallery

Its a short day out to somewhere near - Queensland Art Gallery @ Cultural Centre.

Its about 15mins bus ride and the bus stops right outside the museum!

Too bad the Science Centre was closed for renovation until January. Which we'd have already flown back.

Nonetheless, Art Gallery is enough to occupy us for the whole day.

The museum was quite big and heaps of art work hanging on the wall,

people paying attention to every stroke on those canvases. Giving the painting life.

Here are some paintings in the museum...
Please feel free to click the photos to enlarge! :)

♪ A picture paints a thousand words, but why can't I paint you? ♬

OSIP

2011-11-19T23:00:00.000+08:00

Warner Bros.

MOVIE WORLD

Once again, its another day well-spent at one of the attractions in Gold Coast, Australia.

Our life here has been going from good to great to awesome! Every week is filled with activities!

This weekend we traveled to Gold Coast Movie World!

A fun and exiting day out with Joanne and Waikin once again. The more the merrier!

Movie World brought out the inner-child in all of us. All the childhood cartoons flashes back in our memory.

All the superheroes come to life...

BATWING Spaceshot

We didn't take this because it was too much for me. I love thrills, but my heart has a limit too :/

A souvenir shop in Movie World. I bought like, 8 Looney Tunes character charms at AU$1 each.

When I saw this, I was like 'This is so USS." I guess USS has all their ideas from here.

Harry Potter souvenir shop. Really looks like the Wand Shop in the 1st movie of Harry Potter.

I WANT TO EAT! Give me money...

I like their concept of a bank where all the ATM machine is.
But the place so big, only got 1 or 2 machine -.-"

Spot me queuing up for a photo with Batman!

Batman... teng teng teng teng... teng teng teng teng.. Batman...~ Lolol.

Austin Powers! Idk why I even wna take a photo with him. He looks so fat and ugly and disgusting.

I think he looks more like Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter :/

Us with Flash, Green Lantern and Hawk Girl.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth 4D Adventure

"This attraction involves strobes and sudden movements. The movement of the seats includes tilting and jarring actions stimulating dramatic action packed events. Restrictions for people with medical conditions do apply please check signage at entrance of attraction. A limited number of motionless seating is available please check with attendants at the attraction."

I think the entire 4D experience was awesome! Its even better than the Shrek 4D in USS!

But I gotta admit that I was a little paranoid throughout the movie after what I experienced in USS.

Like, a jet of air will just blow from the back of your neck, giving you this "Urg!" feeling. I hate it!

Sylvester!

Austin Powers performing at the Parade Route. Just jump here and there only...

Hollywood Stunt Driver
"The exciting world of Hollywood action film making is brought to life right before your very eyes. From the moment you enter the arena of Hollywood Stunt Driver you will be immersed in a real live-action 'working' movie set incorporating breathtaking stunts, precision driving from the acclaimed Hell Drivers and incredible scenes of exhilarating action."

I swear this was the BEST stunt show I've ever watched! Shalom took a video of it and I uploaded onto Facebook.

Also during the show, you can smell the smell of rubber and the sound of the engines. I just experienced F1.

Looney Tunes: What's up Rock?!

"Bugs Bunny and his friends join forces for a fun filled all musical, all Looney live show for the entire family!"

Nothing much actually. Its just the Looney Tunes characters dancing and performing.

I think the shows over here caters more to kids. Not teenagers/young adults like us :/

Yosemite Sam! I love watching this cartoon when I was young!

Welcome to the Scooby-Doo cemetry.

This totally reminds me of Nigel and look, the description suits him so well.
Just that he cooks better than he bake :/

Wild West Falls Adventure Ride (3/5)

Rina and Shalom didn't want to take this and Joe wasn't in very good 'condition' to ride this.

I was a little disappointed thinking that I would have to give this a miss because no one wants to play with me.

But in the end, Waikin built up his courage and took it with me! So honored!

The queue was quite long. We queued for about 15mins.

It looks about the same as the ride we have in Escape Theme Park, but this is more fun!

First they have a shorter slide where we went down backwards, then this is the longer one frontwards!

All drenched. This ride is not meant for people who put make-up.

My mascara was... poof!

Haha. So cute. They have this to dry your body after the wet ride.

Bumper Cars

All of us queued up and played this together. Guess its the only activity we could ALL do together.

Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster (2.5/5)
All of us had a go at this. We waited for 40mins though, because everyone just chiong in after the show.
All I can say is, its no kick. But still thrilling cause its in the dark.
We don't know where we're going and the turns are really fast and swift.
It is similar to the Mummy ride in USS. But Mummy ride is more fun than this.

BATMAN - Shadows of Gotham

"When Gotham City falls under the threat of the Scarecrow and his henchmen all hope seems lost! The evil plans of Gotham's great criminal mind can only be thwarted by one hero - BATMAN. Join us in Main Street for all the action."

Lethal Weapon (4.8/5)

Only Joe and I took this ride. The queue is quite fast because there's not much people.

Before going onto this ride I thought "Aiya, sure is another no-kick ride la."

But guess what, when I was on it, I screamed like mad! Plus my saliva kept flying all over my face lolol.

I swear this ride is not for the faint hearted. I thought it won't be much action-packed because your legs are hung loose. But there's lots of sharp bends and a few upside down parts! Scary!

Oh no, we're going up!

We're upside down in the air! WOO!

Jo and I were the last few I think. Not sure if you can spot us at the back trying to recover from shock. Lolol.

Everyone's thirsty so we dropped-by to get a bottle of ice-cold slushie!

Jo's enjoying it :)

Looney Tunes carousel

I *LOVE* carousel. They're so innocent, so child-like, so happy...

We were all so excited while waiting for our turn. We even chose our characters!

But while entering, the guy told us "You can only sit on the characters if you're <14yo."

-.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.-

Waikin said my bun was too high, blocked Rina's face in the last photo.

Us with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc.!

Did you notice that Velma looks more like Harry Potter instead :/

Our ticket to collect our photographs taken by the Movie World people.

It was close to lunch time, so we settled down at Gotham City's food court or something to have our meals.

Joe and Waikin bought food from the store but the 3 of us bought our leftover Subway last night. Hehe.

Me with Cat Woman. She is super dao please. Maybe that's her being professional but... like so guai lan.

SUPERMAN Escape (5/5)
Jo and I took this ride and I swear to God this is the BEST ride ever!
Yes indeed it was definitely scary and thrilling. But its really exciting. The force of the ride is so big and fast!

All Star Parade presented by Streets Ice Cream

"Come along and join our All Star Parade featuring all your favourite Warner Bros. Movie World characters, including Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang, Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes characters and our famous DC Superheroes and Villains. The Parade will start at the Big Screen travel down Main Street and return. For the safety of all guests, please remain at your Parade viewing point until the Parade passes you twice."

Waikin's Sno-Kone before we leave Movie World because the weather really cannot maintain.

We left movie world and took the train back to the city.

Did I mention that I faced lots of terrible problems with the transports today?

While on the way to Movie World, I accidentally tapped my go-card TWICE!

So they charge me extra AU$10 assuming I took the train ride from 1 end to the other end. AU$10 LEHHH!!

But thankfully when I got home I called TransLink and they are able to refund me back the AU$10+.

Since Joe and Waikin were here with us in the city tonight, we decided to have Pancakes together!

The 3 of us have been wanting to try. And since today we have more people, we can all try together!

This place used to be a church. And, according to Faith, it is *ahem!* haunted.

It was full-house when we entered. So they ask us to go downstairs to the pub to wait for our seats.

In our opinion, the ambiance downstairs is much better than upstairs lor. Check out the place...

This, is where we're supposed to have our pancakes. Ambiance not as good as downstairs :/

Rina - Macadamia Madness (AU$12.95)

"Two buttermilk pancakes with cream, vanilla ice cream and roasted macadamia nuts.

... try with a side of Blueberries for that little extra taste."

Waikin - Chocolate Jewels (AU$12.95)

"Two chocolate pancakes with chocolate ice cream, cream and our homemade chocolate sauce."

Mine - Bananarama (AU$12.95)

"Two buttermilk pancakes with grilled bananas, butterscotch sauce, cream and vanilla ice cream."

I was so happy when I saw something with banana. Because I have been facing some bowel problems recently :/

Shalom - Bavarian Apple (AU$12.95)

"Apples marinated with lemon, sultanas and cinnamon served with two buttermilk pancakes, cream and vanilla ice cream."

Joanne - Hot 'n' Troppa (AU$12.95)

"Twp buttermilk pancakes with roasted walnuts, grilled bananas, cream,chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce."

All of us were so full and bloated after maybe 1.5 pancakes.

Its either the buttermilk pancake, or the chocolate is too gerlat (sp?). It makes us wna puke.

I was the last one to finish my meal and even though I really cannot tank already, I force them into my mouth.

Thankfully after the meal, we intend to walk over to Story Bridge to explore.

It was a good 15-20mins walk but its cool because the weather at night is just right.

We thought we lost our way a few times, but managed to make it to the place...

What an awesome way to end the day...

P/S; Photo credits to Joanne, Rina & Shalom!

OSIP

2011-11-12T23:36:00.000+08:00

Sea World

Hello guys! Today was a great great day because we went to Sea World!

Not only that, but we met up with Joe & Waikin (likea finally) who's been here for 2months already!

I can't believe we've been planning so much before we even came, but when we're here, we hardly met.

Moreover, they are only left with 2 weeks before going back to Singapore! So we better go out more often ya? (:

We arrived at Sea World at around 945am when they open at 10am.

We bought the Local Pass at AU$89.90 for 3 places - Sea World, Movie World & Wet n' Wild!

We saved so much cause 1 ticket price for 1 place is around AU$60!!

Joe & Waikin joined us a little later because they have to go back to the lab in the morning to do something.

That's the thing about Science. Those experiments are so time-consuming!

The Pelicans are super humongous! They are like, half of my size. I swear to God.

I thought Seagulls were pretty in Surfers Paradise. But over here, they are like pest.

Stealing all the food from the Penguins, Sea Lion etc. Hate!

Dolphins! Pretty, tame animals in the sea. I love 'em!

The first show of the day - Fish Detective Sea Lion Show @ 10:30am.

"Join our cheeky sea lions 'Buddy' & 'Clawde' in an all new adventure.
'Big Al Baloney' rules the wharf & operates his fish store making big profits by depleting the harbour's fish supply.
'Detective Sam Sweetlip' & his dedicated team of crime fighting sea lions bring 'Baloney' to justice in his wonderful new adventure."

Push carts selling ice popsicles. They look so tempting in this hot weather!!!

Check out the Sea Lion sliding down from the slide!

I still can't believe the Sea Lion so fat, can jump down from 2nd level. How??

See! I told you the Sea Lion super big & fat right?? It is like twice the size of that in Singapore!

Sea Lion 'painting' a photo of the suspect. It turned out to be Mona Lisa.

Cheeky Sea Lion kissing the female 'volunteer'.

She's not really a volunteer cos the Sea Lion actually picked her out of the crowd of audience.

The police said "Follow my every move." & so did he. So cute!

The Sea Lion went into the "compressor", & a small little tiny Sea Lion came out. Aww...

Then change back again. Big fat Sea Lion!

Sea Lion giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Yucks! Must be real fishy!

'The End!'

Joe & Waikin met us after the Sea Lion show.

I want to sit in this carousel! Over-age ):

Look at its belly. SO FAT!

Imagine Dolphin Show @ 11:30am.

"Experience a unique & wondrous presentation starring the world's most popular & endearing marine mammals.
Learn all about the beautiful Sea World dolphins while witnessing their amazing agility & grace as they interact with their trainers at Dolphin Cove, the largest sandy bottom lagoon ever built for dolphins."

The trainer riding on the Dolphin. Likea cool only!!!

The dolphins threw the man up in the air!

Beautiful.

Here are some videos of the Dolphin Show taken by Shalom...

Look at the little Penguins! They're so cuteee! Cuteness overload!

The place where all the thrilling rides are.

Viking Revenge Flume Ride

We didn't get a chance to play this because the queue was super long like wtf!

We went to take the Sea Viper rollercoaster! Joanne, Waikin & me!

Us on the Sea Viper Rollercoaster.

I told Joe & Waikin to smile for the camera that Shalom was taking photo for us.

But in the end, I was the one not looking because the rollercoaster suddenly drop down very fast.

Spot us at the back! The rollercoaster was either flipping upside down, or going though one of the twirls.
Overall, this rollercoaster was indeed thrilling & even though there's the upside down turn & a very curvy twirl, it wasn't the best that I've ridden so far. Plus, I think its less than 1min. 7/10.

This is awwwesome!

Another one of the 'rides' they have.

I don't know if this is considered a ride cause apparently, you have to pull yourself up, then slide down :/

Sesame Street Beach!
The souvenir shop are selling stuff that are really cheap!
I bought a little Oscar key chain at AU$0.35. Also bought 2 T-shirt at AU$5 & AU$10.

COOKIE MONSTER!
I wanted to buy a pair home but I think Mom's gna kill me.

Sea Star! They felt just like stone. Super hard.

Guess what I'm touching?? SEA CUCUMBER!
I didn't know they look so disgusting. Actually I know la. Haha.
I suddenly miss eating those Sea Cucumber dishes that my Grandma always cook. Aww, miss them!

I thought they were some Oyster thing or something. But they're actually shark eggs!

Sting Ray. Used to love them, until one of them killed Steve Irwin D:

The sharks looks super humongous from the top! Like, about >2m long!

As Joe & Waikin missed the morning Fish Detective Sea Lion Show,
we watched the afternoon session with them since we have the time.

We also happen to past the 3D threatre when the show was about to start. So we just went in.
Happy Feet 3-D

Us in our funky 3D glasses!

Penguin Point - Penguin Feeding Session @ 3:00pm

SO CUTEEE!!

On the cable car with Joe & Waikin.
As 1 cable car can only accommodate 4 people, Rina & Shalom sat with another couple in another cabin.

Amazing Dolphin view from the top.

Look beyond, that's the place where people go for Whale Watching (I think).

Jet Stunt Extreme @ 4:00pm
The boys were all showing off on their motor & doing all sorts of stunts. Super cool only! Shuai!!

Check out their action here... ...

Notice the poor guy at the back has ugly feathers? That's because they are molting.
After their mating/breeding season, their feathers would be very dirty. & they will shed off the old feathers.

Good-bye, Sea World.
Good-bye Dolphins, Penguins, Sea Lion, Sea Star, Sharks, Sting Rays...

P/S; Photo credits to Joanne, Rina & Shalom!

Thank you guys for such an awesome day out! :DDD

OSIP

2011-11-06T20:43:00.000+08:00

Suitcase Rummage & The Finders Keepers

Every 1st Sunday of the month, the locals and/or foreigners would have a giant flea market in the city.

As compared to Singapore, the rate to set up a stall is so much cheaper!

In Singapore, it cost around S$50? But over here, just AU$10!

Also, the price set for apparels/bags/shoes can go up to as high as $50 or even more.

Unlike Singapore, if the clothe I want is >S$10, I would bargain until it's <$8. Haha.

The variety over here is much much bigger than Singapore's too. They even sell antique stuff!

Shorts dyed in many different colours.

So many vintage bagggs! I eyed one & considered it all the way until we combed the entire flea.
In the end, I didn't get it. Because its AU$25 & I feel that I could get it at better rate elsewhere.

Many people also hand-made stuff to sell. Like bags, pouches etc.

Oppsy, caught spending money on clothes :x

Hand-made little pouches that are so cute! I wanted to buy but its too expensive.

So cute! Some hand-made apparels for babies...

The sun is super hot today! I swear it gave me dizzy-spells.

After walking around & covered the entire flea market with all the little stalls, we had Jap Bento for lunch!

Also, nothing beats a cup of sweet drink after lunch! Did I mention that the bubbletea here is super nice??

After lunch, Faith brought us to another flea market happening close-by at The Old Museum.

It is called The Finders Keepers.

When we arrived, we thought we were late at its already 330pm when they close at 4pm.

The place looks so quite & deserted. Doesn't seem like there's a flea here.

From one look, you can see that this place is full of arty-fartsy stuff.

If you love art of you love hand-making stuff, you'd love this place.

I am not an art-lover, but I love scrap-booking. When I was there, I can't stop going ga-ga!

But the stuff they sell over here is VERY expensive. *VERY!*

The place is much quieter & smaller than Suitcase Rummage. This is 1 hall, there's total of 3 halls.

Even their name-card design is so nice! We don't dare to anyhow take cos scared need to pay money.

There's also stores along the corridor between the 3 halls.

Cute little soft human organs thingy.

Lots of different wrapping paper for you to choose from. It can be used for layering as well!

The owner of this store sells notebooks/diary/planner. It is super nice & sweet-looking! But too ex :/

Cute little shoes for babies. I swear the inside is super soft! Soft enough for baby skin.

Look how small it is on my palm!

Look at these, they are actually notebooks but their covers are ripped off from old books!
The owner just grab some old books, tore off the covers, add sheets of paper inside & bind them. How creative!

They also do have a few stores selling apparels, but they are all over-priced :x

That's all for Level 2. Over at Level 1, there are much more interesting stuff happening.

Lots of food, people lying on the deck-chairs absorbing the sun-rays & chatting with their family/friends...

I really love this concept, promoting family-orientation & enjoying LIFE!

Even if you are alone & would like some time on your own, you can just grab a deck-chair & chill.

Customers who bought their milk-shakes have to cycle on their own to blend the fruits/juices together.

So fun & cool!

We also realize that The Old Museum is a pretty good place to take sceneric shots! Hehehe.

Bon Voyage, Faith! ♥
Thank you so much for bringing us around to so many awesome places!

P/S; Photo credits to Faith, Rina & Shalom!

OSIP

2011-11-05T23:21:00.000+08:00

Australia Zoo

Home of the Crocodile Hunter

Ever since I was young, I have been watching Steve Irwin's Crocodile Hunter almost EVERYDAY!

I super love his shows & that's because I super love him!

The love & passion he has for not only crocodiles, but all sorts of animals.

He led a very good example as a father, as well as a hero in the animal kingdom.

That said, I was so stoked for today's trip to the Australia Zoo!

I can't believe that I am really actually going to the place that I've been wanting to come since I was so young!

Just like Gold Coast, its like I am living in a dream! I can't stop slapping & pinching myself.

*AM I DREAMING!??*

We woke up very early in the morning because we have lots of train & buses to catch.

Took the bus from our house to the Central subway to take a train out of Brisbane.

We were on time to catch the train, but it was delayed for 20mins due to faulty unit. What the...
I realize everytime we take train will have problem one leh. Last week track maintenance, now faulty unit.
!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*

Look at their interesting warning signs. Not like Singapore, so serious.

Our train arrived. We're taking to Nambour station.

It was about 1hour 20mins train ride before arriving at Nambour station.

There's lots of scenery along the way. It feels so good to just pluck-in your iPod & enjoying the scenery.

Upon arrival, we asked the station officer what time the Shuttle Bus will come as we thought there's a fixed time.

Who knows, he called the Australia Zoo & a bus came to pick us up. For FREE!

This service is really good. We felt like we're some VIP.

Not only did the bus come just to pick us up, we're the only ones in this BIG bus!

After about 5mins, we're finally here at the Australia Zoo, at Steve Irwin Way!

The bus actually alighted us at the main entrance, but we purposely walked out to the road to take tourist piccies.

Ahhh! My idol...!!!!

Even though it is mentioned on the website that Student Pass must be produced to buy Student tickets,

we just tried our luck & told the ticketing office that we're students from Singapore.

Guess what, they actually just sold us the ticket at Student price which is AUD$47 without any pass for prove!

I guess over here in Australia they are generally flexible. Not like Singapore, law-by-law.

With this, we actually saved AUD$12. Which is equivalent to S$15.60.

I'm trying to prey on the zebra because *ahem!* I am a leopard today.

Just as we entered, there's already a queue for the Elephant feeding.
As a very kia-su Singapore, I went to queue to feed the elephant.
But when it finally reached me, there is no more fruits to feed them already. Kans.

So sad, all the Koala sleeping one. Eeeyer. Wake up leh!

Idk why but I feel like this Koala is super ugly & grumpy-looking.
Like an excited kid just woke him/her up from his nap. Hahahaha. Looks like Stitch from Lilo & Stitch :x

We walked around a little & went to catch the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show!

Oh crap, an unglam shot of me munching away on the biscuit I bought that morning for my lunch :x

The birds in the show kept flying around & they flew super close to the audience!
A flock of those white birds flew across my head/face & I could feel the wind when they past.

I realize in every zoo in every country, confirm got 1 lame skit. This is it for Australia Zoo.

Lo & behold, for the most exciting part of the show...

Ok, show ended. Continued walking around.

Steve Irwin's poster EVERYWHERE in the zoo.
I was ecstatic to be able to come to the Australia Zoo because I've been loving his shows since young.
But every time I come across his posters, my heart sank. He's no longer around D':

I like how they had an open-concept for the visitors to have hands-on & close-contact with the Kangaroos.

We can even purchase the Kangaroo food from a vending machine at AUD$2/pack to feed them.

A small little hedgehog/porcupine walking round-and-round its nest. #foreveralone

Awww, a baby joey...

Disgusting-looking Turkey found everywhere in the Kangaroo park. Go away la, freak!

Let's proceed to Wet Lands. Basically its just birds la. Nothing much.

Koala Walk! Now we're talking.

In the Koala Park. The Koalas here are much more awake. Though a few is still sleeping.

This little one is so cute! He is eating.

Can't really see but I'm patting a sleeping Koala.

I don't know why there's a statue (in fact there's 2) here. I find it quite offensive to those Buddhist.

It drizzled a little & we're the only ones carrying an umbrella. Feel so retarded.

Elephants Show.

Elephant drinking water straight from the pipe. So cheeky.

The zoo keepers demonstrate to us how they do health-checks for the elephant everyday.
Here's one checking the toes to see if there's any stone or grimes stuck.

Here's to check the teeth. I bet the elephant's mouth is super smelly. Poor keeper.

While we're walking out to another place, we saw the keeper playing with the Wombats!

They look so cute & cuddly but their fur is really thick & rough.
Also, do not be fooled by its appearance, Wombats can actually kill dogs by crushing their skull.

The baby Wombat looks like a rabbit! Cuteness overloaddd!!

A random lizard on the pavement.

We walked past the Giant Croc again & I wanted to do a pose like this.
All the tourist waiting to take photo with it is like looking & laughing at me. Lolol.

Next we went to catch the Crocodile Show.
Nothing much la. Quite boring. We left halfway through the show :x The crocodile was humongous though :x

Aftermath, we also went to watch the Croc show before taking the tram to the Africa side.

In order to get to the Africa side, we can't walk over, so the only way to go is by tram. & it comes in every 20mins.

But there's not really much to see over there at that place.

The baby Rhino that is only 8months old.
Also, I realized the Rhinos are brown in colour. I always thought Rhinos are grey :X

The zoo closes at 5pm. There is a free shuttle bus from the zoo to the train station at 430pm.

November 15 - an international & annual event to celebrate the extraordinary life of the one & only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.
The day will represent the many things Steve was passionate about: FAMILY, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & FUN!

Steve Irwin Day is also a day where people around the world join together to raise money for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
to help continue Steve's conservation work & the preservation of wildlife & wild places.

P/S; Photo credits to Rina & Shalom!

OSIP

2011-11-04T23:27:00.000+08:00

Farewell Dinner for Faith

@ FunnyFunny☺

Faith would be flying back to Singapore next Thursday.

Hence, we met for dinner tonight & treat it as a farewell dinner for her.

The "bell" system to ask for service from the waiter/waitress.

I think this system is really good. Good for us, but not good for them. Haha. So busy.

Rice & side dishes.

We ordered a Hot Pot to share between the 4 of us. Its so super spicy but nice!

There's potato, chicken & even rice cakes inside! Yums!

We also ordered another side dish called Korean Pork Hock.

It taste pretty not bad, but its a little hard to eat cause I think its the pork knuckles. Super chewy.

Not forgetting, its super spicy as well! So overall, tonight's dinner is full of spice to spice up our life.

Faith, thank you so much for being with us these few weeks, bringing us around & giving us so much tips & advises over here. It was great pleasure to meet you & be friends with you. We felt so fortunate & its definitely a blessing to have you around with us throughout this period. Without you, we'd be like 3 lost sheeps in Brisbane. Thank you so much once again & may you have a safe & pleasant journey back to Singapore. See you back there! X

P/S; Photo credits to Faith, Rina & Shalom!