tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92104222024-03-16T09:12:22.612+08:00Overcome lifeLife is full of sorrow and happiness, ups and downs. I create it as some kind of day-to-day life into words. Just to release what I feel.. although not completely what I really feel :)Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.comBlogger1517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-81492051684175300742024-02-22T11:48:00.004+08:002024-02-22T12:28:36.182+08:00Dream To Fulfill This Dragon Year :)<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbs8k3Mj_JKa-wJ587sxfmTgUJMkv9HfSnYbxzNAmJwi2DKoYmfbuHutxhV1J0d9NkGqa8dZCBlShufoNmdihPWSRaHovdkmmCk6R3mAkOMau6M3LqZyZsJQv-14DWtL_rblWBPc8nfImQMLGK6QjNYINXQeWzhxQDMwwpqdRQYizMsW59pjb/s2064/20240222_113828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2064" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbs8k3Mj_JKa-wJ587sxfmTgUJMkv9HfSnYbxzNAmJwi2DKoYmfbuHutxhV1J0d9NkGqa8dZCBlShufoNmdihPWSRaHovdkmmCk6R3mAkOMau6M3LqZyZsJQv-14DWtL_rblWBPc8nfImQMLGK6QjNYINXQeWzhxQDMwwpqdRQYizMsW59pjb/w400-h400/20240222_113828.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dreamer is back!!! :) (IG: Rimareyka.writes)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It required fate to form friendship. I felt very grateful that in my life journey, I had met many wonderful people with whom I could learn many life lessons from, especially from the older ones. It just happened that I had befriended many as older as my mom's age. One of them was my current boss.</p><p></p><p>It was fate that we worked together again after 20 years. In this small office, it was just two of us. I, the introvert, the quiet one, and she, usually she was the one who started the conversation - about her life, her family, her life experience, and so on. I had learned many things from her for the past few months - her calm encounter when facing challenges in life, her appearance (it inspired me to dress better even though no one saw me), her cheerful demeanor when telling the happy story, her generosity, etc. It just inspired me to be a better human being. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4XygQFEOFKEOL-mT0Qiuu_RFMnwNdtjW4rS2Rk9rmA4N-zmZNA016-8l8fnhn6bxN-Y0jtHMyGZ6qetG9rq0CKiGDZRU9dkEOUGIayjl2jr9P89klxllRLLSMYoyC2VAc2wubjG76MAY-VMFGa16K3wh75AHn4CeD3_ydZy56MSmTKmwwMKM/s1080/Screenshot_20240220_084758_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1080" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4XygQFEOFKEOL-mT0Qiuu_RFMnwNdtjW4rS2Rk9rmA4N-zmZNA016-8l8fnhn6bxN-Y0jtHMyGZ6qetG9rq0CKiGDZRU9dkEOUGIayjl2jr9P89klxllRLLSMYoyC2VAc2wubjG76MAY-VMFGa16K3wh75AHn4CeD3_ydZy56MSmTKmwwMKM/w400-h385/Screenshot_20240220_084758_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To all my supportive friends and family, thank you :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I met a group of friends recently for dinner. We did not realize that ten years had passed since we traveled together to Russia in a group tour. After the tour had over, we had met sometimes and usually for a meal. But for the past few years, I met them less often as I was busy travelling (before Covid), and after I started working (during Covid and after). </p><p>So recently, one day when one of them invited me for the gathering and I happened to be free, I agreed to it immediately. I did not realize that it had really been many years since I attended the dinner gathering with them. And in between, things happened. I mean, all of us were getting older each year. Those much elder than me would obviously faced a physical change, such as: not being able to walk or hike as much as they were ten years ago when travelling and one faced greater challenge, like sickness. Luckily her positive attitudes towards life and the will to fight it had made her recovered.</p><p>There, they kept reminding me, to travel while I still young and could walk far. Time waited for no man. Health was the main issue for keep going in life. Taking care of health the best we could, if we wanted to walk longer in this life journey. </p><p>From there, they too, ignited the sparks of hope in me, to travel again, to the destinations of my dream. even after I started working. I did not have many leave days in a year, so it was kind of constraining my travel lately and many priorities in life might limit my travel destination and dream places to go.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tZnZ5t0OTD3s8zhjwHmOsfDZ7_EXvA03F20ePqm1HjPUg_bVQHSdwd34XXGAwfcpM5Nq06C4YUHzIICznMJ6Hn7a5t9ktKKR2oKxOjzQtfSz2ivDyxcxHETREiwc25DB_AKwzC7jQYqoSQhmOhVsrk2y2e8Up7s8tDRX_tG7QjVJgYoQgWej/s850/20240222_111928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="850" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tZnZ5t0OTD3s8zhjwHmOsfDZ7_EXvA03F20ePqm1HjPUg_bVQHSdwd34XXGAwfcpM5Nq06C4YUHzIICznMJ6Hn7a5t9ktKKR2oKxOjzQtfSz2ivDyxcxHETREiwc25DB_AKwzC7jQYqoSQhmOhVsrk2y2e8Up7s8tDRX_tG7QjVJgYoQgWej/w400-h253/20240222_111928.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalai Lama quote - My all time inspiration :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The word from young boy - to follow my dream - had also motivated me to be right on a track - of my dream - to travel to new places, place I had never been before. Actually I had this thought before but since I just started working, I thought I should not focus much on travel first, but to focus on my job, as I had not familiarized myself with the busy and less busy period throughout the year. I mean, I had to find out which period I could and could not travel since every job had different period of busy-ness. </p><p>I was still in the cycle and few more months to go, but I could already see where I wanted myself to be this year. That group of travel khaki had already had places in their mind of where they wanted to go this year and hopefully, I could join them this year. Finger cross, let's hope that I could join them and fulfill my dream, at least for this current year :)</p><p>May all of you find what you want and fulfill it this year too - at least for now :)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-21371719629819743972024-02-19T12:06:00.005+08:002024-02-19T12:06:59.117+08:00Happy Dragon Year ahead, to all of us<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53B8ams9ABMOfQB6DfHU5WZQZXyWZXxnwrwhdfQ3eTq2uCjJheXUR4qhWBb95yH0DyvBnhWrduF3KPOMB8Dc7wzWXU-CRUcXzDGucTw1bo-zH5biF6ClkahGNppDCPghCY83R0-hZeHpcBK__YbiClJb5cSQlcmIqYUTZ9e0i-GUDcLJUk6IU/s966/hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="820" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53B8ams9ABMOfQB6DfHU5WZQZXyWZXxnwrwhdfQ3eTq2uCjJheXUR4qhWBb95yH0DyvBnhWrduF3KPOMB8Dc7wzWXU-CRUcXzDGucTw1bo-zH5biF6ClkahGNppDCPghCY83R0-hZeHpcBK__YbiClJb5cSQlcmIqYUTZ9e0i-GUDcLJUk6IU/w340-h400/hug.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish you all be happy</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Just like how important every morning is (the mood), it applies the same with the beginning of the new year. One bad mood in the morning can spoil the whole day. And one bad starting day in the new year can spoil the whole month or even year ahead. </p><p>It sounds negative, doesn't it? </p><p>But it is life. It does not always have to be good, bright, and happy. Sometimes we too have to encounter sadness, gloomy, and moody kinds.</p><p>We can easily blame it to others, like people, things, surroundings, but never to our own self. Maybe we will, but it takes time. </p><p>What we dream of, imagine, or visualize, may be different from reality. Because it always takes two hands to clap. And we are all created differently. We have different passions, likes, interests, and so on. So it is unavoidable when things go haywire. </p><p>What we expect and what actually happens. The responses differ too from one to another. Some will choose to voice up, and some will choose to keep quiet, and let the day goes by. And some will swallow it until it becomes full and unbearable. </p><p>At this point of time one cannot help but to think negative and think too much. The hormone changes does not help either. One may want to isolate and be in itself own company. </p><p>Buddha teaches us to let go the past and to treasure present moments. To live and to love. To have a peace of mind, eventually to be happy. </p><p>That will be the calm reminder. To be humble too. To lower our own ego. To loose that strong-headed wire in the brain. To give in. And to forget. Perhaps, a hug will be great. </p><p>When things get hard, think about the good ones. Find anything that you can feel grateful about. I am sure there are lots of it. You just have to find it harder.</p><p>I wish all of you to have a more loving, peaceful, and happy Dragon year ahead. It may not start beautifully. But with a little determination to change for the better, I am sure you can make it better. Because nothing stays permanent, the good, and the bad. Just do our best, to make it better and happier. Take care and all the best.</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-5577070127276856172024-02-02T12:19:00.004+08:002024-02-02T12:26:58.243+08:00Coldplay Concert - Thought and Experience<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnSOAdr73jXYe4i3psWOOSUbTQ3qZedUB4QaHIrB23fNVM0pEljq2reJDQ_FCuKnFYziMAtTWdpnLs2Fhl6LAwbz3dfTe3AXeFZMZj0JbsgXUufdtK1kM6tBLzgPGKNUNxK9sUoxHB5DQA64snU04UpeZRNAdJRhxeCsRjDugMSHWV3N28H11/s504/yorkfyeytvhd58whd7yc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnSOAdr73jXYe4i3psWOOSUbTQ3qZedUB4QaHIrB23fNVM0pEljq2reJDQ_FCuKnFYziMAtTWdpnLs2Fhl6LAwbz3dfTe3AXeFZMZj0JbsgXUufdtK1kM6tBLzgPGKNUNxK9sUoxHB5DQA64snU04UpeZRNAdJRhxeCsRjDugMSHWV3N28H11/w458-h640/yorkfyeytvhd58whd7yc.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldplay 'Music of the Spheres' (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Just 2 days ago I had a chance to attend the Coldplay 'Music of the Spheres" world tour. There were 6 concerts held in Singapore (23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31st January 2024). It was a big hoo haa when the tickets were being sold in more than 7 months ago. People was trying very hard using multiple gadgets, some even took leave from work (some took MC or sick leave) in order to get the ticket.</p><p>I heard about this band group long time. I love listening to music (and their songs) but I did not really put attention on who sang it, just like I watched many movies and dramas, but I did not know who starred it. I just listened, watched, and got entertained. Did not really give more attention on who played it. </p><p>Other than being entertained, I listened to music for various reasons, such as: to lift my mood up (especially in the morning as I got myself ready to start my day - usually inside the toilet while poo or taking a bath), to calm my mind (especially when studying, preparing exam, getting ready to work or starting my day activity), to heal (from the broken hearts - mostly, from separation from loved ones), to motivate myself (from bad mood, bad occasions, or to get ready for something - new job, new class, etc.), to accompany my journey (I spent lots of time in the public transport and flights, so it was a really good accompany), also perfect companion when exercising alone (while running, walking, cycling, etc.), to express what I feel (many lyrics suited my mood - it could affect both ways - feeling more emo or stronger), to bring happiness (how many of you would suddenly smile when listening to song lyrics? heart thumping? suddenly knocking fingers following the beats? or shaking legs following the rhythm?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Bf5iet4XYzkqSU9OBT_Piam0uNVV0iAiKYvprHFS0ZxCYjfALa6aa1k2v8AIzIWAHo0TUT2ps4Csev8mFVucjSnc_1WoUnaxkXwDYtRZvfMQvu4bdmqa9tPuxiyLfB7G3V8ZrW5VZJUeRrKQI9qFKUHAgcNBPvCk4FRvB-l74-X-xA9ZZTF/s2751/20240131_212514.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Bf5iet4XYzkqSU9OBT_Piam0uNVV0iAiKYvprHFS0ZxCYjfALa6aa1k2v8AIzIWAHo0TUT2ps4Csev8mFVucjSnc_1WoUnaxkXwDYtRZvfMQvu4bdmqa9tPuxiyLfB7G3V8ZrW5VZJUeRrKQI9qFKUHAgcNBPvCk4FRvB-l74-X-xA9ZZTF/w294-h400/20240131_212514.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Martin - Coldplay Singapore 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><p>From this concert, I found out more benefits from the music. First, it brought people together. 52,000 people was there in the stadium. We all came from different countries, nationalities, religions, race, languages, background, and many more. But we all went there for one reason - to listen to music that Coldplay played!!! Wasn't it wonderful???</p><p>The concert was also one way to express what you felt (by singing along, dancing and moving your body with the music, by shouting out loud - really a way to release your stress too and forget about anything else that happened in your daily life - the job that you hate, the never-ending assignments and exams in school, family problem, relationship problem, etc. </p><p>At mid forties, having been living in Singapore for more than two decades, I had only attended one concert before this, one of my favorite duo singers - Air Supply - which was held a long time ago, in an indoor old Kallang stadium (before renovation). That too, I attended because my husband and I got free tickets.</p><p>Despite living in a country with endless lists of world bands and musician performances and concerts, I used to tell myself that there was no need to spend substantial amount of money just to go and listen the 1-2 hours of music. I mean, I could just turn on the music in my mobile phone if I wanted to hear their songs. Why should I fight the battle to get the ticket so many months earlier, pay an exorbitant amount of money to get a good seat, and the enjoyment was only last shortly? I had to face a mass crowd upon entering and leaving the premises too. So, that was why I had never attended a paid concert before.</p><p>But this time it was different .I just felt that the Universe conspired to make me to attend this concert. To begin with, I met up with an old friend from the school in beginning of January this year. We had not met for over two decades (since we graduated and parted our ways). He currently worked organizing the food and beverage stalls whenever there was event in Jakarta. So he was familiar with concerts. He too had a pair of teenager twins and a younger boy. Despite their ages, the twins often requested him and his wife to attend the Korean bands' concert. </p><p>I, who only attended one concert before, was having no experience or whatsoever with these days concerts and its related matters. As we chatted, we was talking about the light stick, that people bought to attend their favorite bands' concert. At that point of time, I could only imagine what light stick would look like and I thought it was just a stick with some photo label and name of the band and could produce some lights. Little did I know that the stick that produced lights was synchronized with the songs played during the concert and why people would buy it even if the cost was very expensive!!! One light stick, he mentioned, cost him one million rupiah (S$85) in Indonesia. In Korea, it might cost around S$50. So some people tried to get the cheaper one from online shopping stores, and they might get the fake or counterfeit ones. And how did he know if it was fake, was when that light stick would produce different light color from what was synchronized with the real ones. Lol!!! So when it supposed to be red or blue or green, that fake light stick might produce yellow or white. So, it would be obvious for people to find out that it was actually fake. Lol!</p><p>We continued our conversation. He mentioned that in one concert where various bands came and performed, the audience who sat not far from his wife, brought various light sticks (one light stick for each band). Wow!!! That audience must be a damn rich die-hard fans!!! Hahaha... </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_Z1vq05KSGnqCVKwaorBba-IiWtx40o5PeQVX6EVZTGt6b6gRBWww0636gYUXxXkovfuzYlfM1ZXeX_GlLy6lIQmTrO5M0j6xp-49YYqZFEZYcTlmfPH7PILvtLDml6HsQ-DNKt3debMYa-BtER-XxEGaeXIaBAoUxunsYvqUxeoGtsJDMZI/s1371/Screenshot_20240116_212615_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1054" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_Z1vq05KSGnqCVKwaorBba-IiWtx40o5PeQVX6EVZTGt6b6gRBWww0636gYUXxXkovfuzYlfM1ZXeX_GlLy6lIQmTrO5M0j6xp-49YYqZFEZYcTlmfPH7PILvtLDml6HsQ-DNKt3debMYa-BtER-XxEGaeXIaBAoUxunsYvqUxeoGtsJDMZI/w308-h400/Screenshot_20240116_212615_Chrome.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat location - Coldplay Concert Singapore Stadium (Pic source: Singapore Sport Hub)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Little did I know that in less than a week later, my sister-in-law said that she had an extra ticket of Coldplay concert to sell, but it was a single seat, which mean that if I was to purchase it, I would be sitting alone during the concert (She bought 6 tickets that was located in one area, sitting side-by-side, and 1 ticket that was located in another area, and only 1 seat. She bought it initially as she thought my nephew in Hong Kong would want to come to Singapore to attend it, but at the end he could not).<p></p><p>I heard about how good the Coldplay concert was. I mean, they came to Singapore before and I had close friend who loved attending it, as I saw his Instagram posts. I too knew how lovely their songs were. So, when she offered that extra ticket, I immediately said yes to the ticket, even before she showed me the location of my seat. It was S$134/ticket (still within my budget - I mean, I never put any budget for concert at all, but I felt that S$100 plus ticket was in fine range for me. Her was S$200+/ticket. She already said that my seat was a bit far for that price range, which was fine for me because I did not even have the intention to watch at the first place and did not have much expectation on it. Just want to go there, be there, enjoy the show, experience it myself, get myself happy, have fun with the rest of the audience, and yes, I paid her immediately on the same day.</p><p>The concert was only two-week away and I felt that I had to get myself ready. Hahaha... 'Get ready' here means to get myself familiar with the Coldplay songs. Like I said earlier, I heard many of their songs before without knowing it was them who sang it :D So I downloaded their popular songs (20 of them) and put them into my mobile phone. I listened to eat on my way to and from work, whenever I was in toilet, and so on.</p><p>I felt that was not enough. I needed to get their lyrics too! Because I wanted to know the song in more depth and also I wanted to sing along during the concert :D So, I copied it from google and pasted it into my Samsung notes one song by one song so whenever I needed it, I could open it faster and easily. It proved to be very useful!!! :) I used them during the concert and sang along confidently hahahaha.... even my brother was surprised that I knew the song lyrics of particular song that he was not aware about.</p><p>On the day of the concert, again the Universe heard me. I was tired and did not have enough sleep the night before as I had to attend the night class. That day, my Boss came to office to have her quick lunch. At 2.30pm, before she left the office while opening the office door to leave, she told me this out of the blue, "Rim, today if you have nothing, you can go back early. It is a festive mood (Chinese new year is coming soon and she was busy preparing it - shopping here and there, and therefore, she was in good mood too that particular day)." I could not believe my ear when she said that. I just needed it!!! Time off early so that I could go home and rest (because the concert would only start at 8.30pm and I usually finished my work at 5pm. The gate opened at 6.30pm. So if I had to finish work at 5pm, it would be impossible for me to go home first and go to the concert place as to reach home itself, I would require at least 45 mins and to go to concert place would be another 45 minutes. Stayed idle in between would be tiring). <i>Wahhh..</i>.... thank to the Universe for hearing my wish... I went home at 3pm. I managed to sleep for an hour, had quick dinner at home before leaving to the concert place. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF86c7sb8xT2XH-LQwbWYTej9q8g5r4PZCUdqk0tP6DlekP5Mqb-hetb8IEJ75NxlEaJQYrW6k73mgesE2VCRwDiKn11KZqpSupRoRamFY_hSCO8aGN7ZGxB-zARCGlphlkepOz0c_yZr3xAXx42HJ4ZxINZCX7vcOmVWh9dHEeNauI1iLBAF/s3584/20240131_212039.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1913" data-original-width="3584" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF86c7sb8xT2XH-LQwbWYTej9q8g5r4PZCUdqk0tP6DlekP5Mqb-hetb8IEJ75NxlEaJQYrW6k73mgesE2VCRwDiKn11KZqpSupRoRamFY_hSCO8aGN7ZGxB-zARCGlphlkepOz0c_yZr3xAXx42HJ4ZxINZCX7vcOmVWh9dHEeNauI1iLBAF/w640-h342/20240131_212039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldplay Concert - View from my seat :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I reached there in time with my brother and his families. We entered together and took some photos before we parted to our gates (we sat facing each other). To my surprise, my seat was actually good. Yes it was far from the stage and located at higher level, but I could have greater view (more complete view) of the stadium. I mean, with the light that synchronized in the bracelet that we were lent during the concert (we could actually bring it home, but they would appreciate if we returned it back to them so that they could recycle and use it for their next concert), I would be able to see more colorful lighting effect from my seat.</p><p>The person who sat on my left and right was also seated single seat, just like me. One came with her friend who was seated at the other side. Hahaha... I was not alone :D</p><p>Cut it short, the concert was awesome!!!! I loved it very much!!! Maybe it was my first time to attend world class concert, so I had nothing to compare (and as you all knew, comparison was a thief of joy!!!). And I was awed with the performance, the lightings, the music equipment, the arrangements (to control crowds and people to their seats, offer help with directions, facilities, etc.), and even the audience, everything was great!!! I was glad I was there, very lucky indeed, and million memories - although seating alone - would remain at the back of my head. </p><p>In the future, I would love to attend again, not just Coldplay, but maybe some other amazing singers and or bands, with world class standard :D </p></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-47889152898924729322024-01-04T10:19:00.007+08:002024-01-04T10:38:35.309+08:00Welcome New Year :)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZsgLX-Fe9wYAx1Vpo_FIBZ4qZTtWj32pG4Q65N-0kJIaSTCPqr_ycvmVydj8ppIhO8c1lsYLauTxsyUKLK2eegZEQQt9OzOJSYwj_5Pvqzu43d0gyq0Gmi8N5gwLse9Ztya_BkNFJlypfpjT8kfSNxx1pt889eyY4N7zqwkj5lq4HorI4TdZ/s959/rain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="959" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZsgLX-Fe9wYAx1Vpo_FIBZ4qZTtWj32pG4Q65N-0kJIaSTCPqr_ycvmVydj8ppIhO8c1lsYLauTxsyUKLK2eegZEQQt9OzOJSYwj_5Pvqzu43d0gyq0Gmi8N5gwLse9Ztya_BkNFJlypfpjT8kfSNxx1pt889eyY4N7zqwkj5lq4HorI4TdZ/w400-h393/rain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember, the choice of happiness is in your hands :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Today is the fourth day since the fireworks blasting all over the world. Half sleeping from my bathroom window, I could hear the raining sound seeped through the window pane. I thought I heard it wrongly. I kept quiet, winced my eye, and tried to hear it again because I might misheard it of something else. Hm.. I was right. It was raining. Not heavy, but not light too.</p><p>I slipped myself back under the blanket despite my waking up time was only left with five minutes time. I turned my alarm off, and closed my eyes again, rejoicing the cold air surrounded me. It was only about ten minutes later, my hubby opened the door and asked me to have breakfast with him. Then the whole morning started all over again just like any other day.</p><p>The MRT started getting crowded again. School holiday had over. Students went back to school. Parents went back to work. Gone were the peaceful, half empty and quiet carriages. Now it was back to cramp, stuffy, and noisy one. Lucky I still got my seat since my station was located at the end of the MRT line.</p><p>It was still raining as I came out from the MRT station. Familiar feeling. And many people were waiting for the lift. Despite having five lifts, this hour was kind of weirdly crowded. I mean, since when most office here started at 9am? I felt that it was lesser crowded at this timing before. Whatever.</p><p>As I went up, I stopped by toilet before walking to my office cubicle. From the corridor, I could see thick clouds hovering the famous three towers at afar, or perhaps fogs? </p><p>From outside, darkness swallowed the office. I turned my key and opened the office door. I pressed the light switch and smiled, "Do not worry. I am here to bring a light into you."</p><p>The optimism, the energy, and the positivity suddenly brighten up the whole cubicle, despite the darkness that was still there from the clouds and rain outside. </p><p>I put down my bag and settled down. I opened the umbrella up to dry next to me, headed to fridge, took a bottle of water and pour it into the kettle. Click! It was turned on. The whirring sound added the life. I turned the radio on from my office mobile, and this song filled the whole office up and made it alive all over again...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOetpImNHgNmiuJPUdAp2V0TzL0rViPcGH-p4hPnaWBKBQUJmGP_6_ww9Gkd2Nf4_cZERH-ILA4UG7MI3bT-GTeymT6rBuO6cVuYwjMAkXK1xFVH_TZRnvdrXrqi6Q7YcK6k4ThGFmHvAhiRd2zSnyYy-QEgvT4UnkZsHR1hOleFaj_lE1NWiy/s700/young%20folks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOetpImNHgNmiuJPUdAp2V0TzL0rViPcGH-p4hPnaWBKBQUJmGP_6_ww9Gkd2Nf4_cZERH-ILA4UG7MI3bT-GTeymT6rBuO6cVuYwjMAkXK1xFVH_TZRnvdrXrqi6Q7YcK6k4ThGFmHvAhiRd2zSnyYy-QEgvT4UnkZsHR1hOleFaj_lE1NWiy/w400-h400/young%20folks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John (Pics source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">If I told you things I did before, told you how I used to be</p><p style="text-align: center;">Would you go along with someone like me? </p><p style="text-align: center;">If you knew my story word for word, had all of my history</p><p style="text-align: center;">Would you go along with someone like me?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Heard it before and had my share, it didn't lead nowhere</p><p style="text-align: center;">I would go along with someone like you</p><p style="text-align: center;">It doesn't matter what you did, who you were hanging with</p><p style="text-align: center;">We could stick around and see this night through</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">And we don't care about the young folks</p><p style="text-align: center;">Talking 'bout the young style</p><p style="text-align: center;">And we don't care about the old folks</p><p style="text-align: center;">Talking 'bout the old style too</p><p style="text-align: center;">And we don't care about our own folks</p><p style="text-align: center;">Talking 'bout our own stuff</p><p style="text-align: center;">All we care about is talking</p><p style="text-align: center;">Talking only me and you</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Usually when things has gone this far, people tend to disappear</p><p style="text-align: center;">No one will surprise me unless you do</p><p style="text-align: center;">I can tell there's something going on, hours seems to disappear</p><p style="text-align: center;">Everyone is leaving, I'm still with you</p><p style="text-align: center;">It doesn't matter what we do, where we are going to</p><p style="text-align: center;">We can stick around and see this night through</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipURnxElA13kRorOUePGm4N0nN01lSexfnT-ruDW-BnPIVIQg23OaU57bCNqR0jMm40P0Y7-OI3063pZ1-9l01RGSr5R98jdfrGP_DQ8F4tbuT_Tzbu0tABrhseUsD7fG27UQWp-gEB1T3EO6ykTGRtWGgwSsh58DPfNy5v0tb9Q5huYhLaKS3/s800/positive-quote-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipURnxElA13kRorOUePGm4N0nN01lSexfnT-ruDW-BnPIVIQg23OaU57bCNqR0jMm40P0Y7-OI3063pZ1-9l01RGSr5R98jdfrGP_DQ8F4tbuT_Tzbu0tABrhseUsD7fG27UQWp-gEB1T3EO6ykTGRtWGgwSsh58DPfNy5v0tb9Q5huYhLaKS3/w400-h400/positive-quote-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Positive quote for the day :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The whistling and the rhythms made me moving my leg and head. Did it move yours too?</p><p>The moral of the story of this post is do not let the environment and situation around you make you feeling down, and your past too. </p><p>Bad weather, crowded transport and road, it is all temporary. Keep your cool down.</p><p>As for our past, we are just a human being who could simply make mistakes in our life journey. No one is perfect. Somehow, it just happened. Most important is that we learn from our mistakes and do our best not to do the same mistake. If people leave you because of your past, let them be. </p><p>It is better to show our true color with our true feelings and feeling remorseful rather than be a devil covering up as an angel face, those who just wanna look good in everyone's eyes.</p><p>An opening post for the new year. Wish everyone have a beautiful and wonderful year ahead. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy every second of it, be it good or bad. Treasure your loved ones around you, and spread love and kindness to others. Have fun!</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-4010366120261609042023-12-31T10:19:00.004+08:002023-12-31T10:19:26.041+08:00Wrap Up the 2023 and Welcome the 2024<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy0gAgDEHWu3zvPjX0VX-UYHs7gpPoKdby_qVubuvOcKVPK_4gL83zq9AVaqbdEJFYonAjYGcf_iI3YAOgPK6lyYK-Chd6TzmlIIWktUH5EEkMhIq-CHxvAz23XiaSo27bLR1DiSSddAp_zpPv78P-vjMKDgN57Rx9hTIvP8v7fs3rrk0zimo/s1080/Screenshot_20231231_083543_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1080" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy0gAgDEHWu3zvPjX0VX-UYHs7gpPoKdby_qVubuvOcKVPK_4gL83zq9AVaqbdEJFYonAjYGcf_iI3YAOgPK6lyYK-Chd6TzmlIIWktUH5EEkMhIq-CHxvAz23XiaSo27bLR1DiSSddAp_zpPv78P-vjMKDgN57Rx9hTIvP8v7fs3rrk0zimo/w400-h391/Screenshot_20231231_083543_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:) (Pic source: wonder_doodles)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Today is the last day of the year 2023. It has been a great year for me. A year filled with time enjoyed with my dear families and friends. A year filled with so many travel and to many new places. A year filled with so many beautiful moments, especially it marks a transformation of my dear son entering the adulthood. I could see how people surrounded me changed too, many for the better and some for the worse. </p><p>This is a year when I join the work life back. Not just any work, but relates to what I have learned and experienced before. Fate plays a big part of it because I work back with my Boss from my first job here in Singapore.</p><p>The job and environment are still felt like a dream for me. Not many people are having this kind of job. Back to office hours and five-days a week. Strategic and good location. With one very good and understanding Boss to report to. </p><p>Somehow, it changes me. With most of the time working alone, it has transformed me to enjoy my own accompany more. It gives me room to learn and do what I love doing. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5KXBi4xBoxA6lIn9q-fAv6vTUOEY_iLBHENIQUTVCTqiF4HrMr0BUOZKtEb_gCQBri1FxE6ZOciv9LNfglSk1t6lc37bFHWakWo1qhuxsdVQJ5DrWaZ4AjNDYs2AgRgpxhCsR-9sPMV3RnYNlfLYXUIStTRfXkozWQMX9GKdFE-oacwRLtIz/s1079/Screenshot_20231231_083527_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1079" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5KXBi4xBoxA6lIn9q-fAv6vTUOEY_iLBHENIQUTVCTqiF4HrMr0BUOZKtEb_gCQBri1FxE6ZOciv9LNfglSk1t6lc37bFHWakWo1qhuxsdVQJ5DrWaZ4AjNDYs2AgRgpxhCsR-9sPMV3RnYNlfLYXUIStTRfXkozWQMX9GKdFE-oacwRLtIz/w400-h399/Screenshot_20231231_083527_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never stop being grateful :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In less than 24 hours, we will embrace to another year. There are so many things I feel thankful and grateful for - all the time that has transformed me to where I am now. </p><p>I want to thank everyone who ever been part of my life journey, for their love, friendships, time spent, and things to learn from them.</p><p>I want to thank those who choose to leave too, because from them, I also learn many things in life - impermanence, human nature, and so on. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXiKzzBIoewX4wwAGDRPLHwcoo7X6G7rBfcJuY549DlGfNTzh6lp4pRu9QYix2IIQe2hXToFW7NCJGJYFRJOXlwLsrcq8WZ73NMnncYHp9J7ddCNqoJBXE-HM3DY_JngwD1bwqAk1alGtPlDTwQRDH9-tyBpWjFuNaVTchC9NXYXIf5lpDIdz/s1080/Screenshot_20231231_084453_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1080" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXiKzzBIoewX4wwAGDRPLHwcoo7X6G7rBfcJuY549DlGfNTzh6lp4pRu9QYix2IIQe2hXToFW7NCJGJYFRJOXlwLsrcq8WZ73NMnncYHp9J7ddCNqoJBXE-HM3DY_JngwD1bwqAk1alGtPlDTwQRDH9-tyBpWjFuNaVTchC9NXYXIf5lpDIdz/w400-h391/Screenshot_20231231_084453_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On friendships (Pic source: innergrowthreset)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>With the experience, it teaches me that not everyone is treating friendship the same way I do. For those who knows me well or long enough, I was the type who try my best to maintain friendship by keeping in touch often (no matter where my friends are - near or far), because I feel grateful for their presence in my life. </p><p>I am no longer treating it the same way now. I take this matter easily now. If people do not wish to part of my life, I will be happily let them go. Why make life difficult? I will treasure those who stay and who treasure the friendship back.</p><p>Earlier on, I planned to travel only to new places and less to those I often travel to. However, my priority changes now. Time keeps going. We are getting older every seconds every minutes. My parents and siblings are getting older each day. I myself am getting older too. I just think that I want to spend more time with them, especially we live in different countries and my time to travel is limited. I hope we will spend good time together.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrh_h91ErROKtuAuhmQuIkvrXHbDjrQF5UuOHMIMEISJWhomy93EVM-gFdkUTeELJwbdOioeL8MvCqQyy7Q4I0AdMERTqhfTcaM7_egf31BxDQU42vPiqZGNdVB17zYcEPi6zxjqEvzlLEpvuwvgwFAh02nmwAZxjn3ntNhS0Xq5Hpj57a4vmM/s1078/Screenshot_20231231_084213_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrh_h91ErROKtuAuhmQuIkvrXHbDjrQF5UuOHMIMEISJWhomy93EVM-gFdkUTeELJwbdOioeL8MvCqQyy7Q4I0AdMERTqhfTcaM7_egf31BxDQU42vPiqZGNdVB17zYcEPi6zxjqEvzlLEpvuwvgwFAh02nmwAZxjn3ntNhS0Xq5Hpj57a4vmM/w400-h400/Screenshot_20231231_084213_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Law of attraction - money affirmation for 2024<br />(Pic source: financial_wanderlust)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I know it seems a bit late for me to start thinking about retirement. Many of my friends had started it much earlier. But I believe that everyone has their own time for what they do. And I have positive thought about this. At least it gives me motivation and short-term goals at least for the next 5 years :D Hope the above money affirmations, will help me to achieve my goals, and yours too :)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxDHGS9CGidnTwvOlM-R400mifg32U9wHQwtEKPfAT0DhoFV5k7j7Xy45qfOQ3pEaN8k2Zxk1BkJBncyh857AtnHtLW_t5V8gRSdu2NwPQ8lGDJl3vn_42a1OpNTmDX8Blrga1k8KX5oIp7ia9x-M9Tw7QZnakprxP9QCpV0TCpaWFWJhlda2/s1080/Screenshot_20231231_084605_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1080" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxDHGS9CGidnTwvOlM-R400mifg32U9wHQwtEKPfAT0DhoFV5k7j7Xy45qfOQ3pEaN8k2Zxk1BkJBncyh857AtnHtLW_t5V8gRSdu2NwPQ8lGDJl3vn_42a1OpNTmDX8Blrga1k8KX5oIp7ia9x-M9Tw7QZnakprxP9QCpV0TCpaWFWJhlda2/w400-h388/Screenshot_20231231_084605_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2024 Resolutions</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My goals in life is still the same: to be healthy and happy, in peace, and blessed with loving people throughout my life. </p><p>Life, no matter how rich you are, how you are able to travel to many new and wonderful places, but if you do not take care of your health, you will lose the joy. As I get older, I learn more from people surrounded me. And I learn from myself too.</p><p>When I was sick, even just a mere fever, flu and cough - not a life threatening disease - it made my life miserable enough. Everything felt cold. I had to wear winter sweater in such a tropical country like Singapore. </p><p>Non-stop cough disturbed my sleep all through the night. Packets of tissues were used to clear my mucus and made my nose red and dry. Tasteless bud and not being able to smell ruined even the most delicious dishes in front of you. </p><p>Weigh loss that in the beginning seemed to be a happy thing, became something that I got worried of. </p><p>With more variants of Covid and lung infections spreading, I pray that everyone will be free from it.</p><p>I wish for more exercises and eat a balance and healthy food intake in order to maintain a good healthy. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXZrTKIUJK3dA3EaiM5TZdd-ksMuQojoU2hXx0G7VUA4vQWBuI8CusI3HWiik65zw-usKM1bD9V3ERcA4LvVbwYTOaKscJGTt7mz_RVdLW1Ka7YXEj5wf3I9w3m73JcEsyDIhinrs06EH-CSoRrGI4L9OAjkF5-_zhm9j-5BQqJXwN1VJTV0Q/s1078/Screenshot_20231231_084130_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1078" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXZrTKIUJK3dA3EaiM5TZdd-ksMuQojoU2hXx0G7VUA4vQWBuI8CusI3HWiik65zw-usKM1bD9V3ERcA4LvVbwYTOaKscJGTt7mz_RVdLW1Ka7YXEj5wf3I9w3m73JcEsyDIhinrs06EH-CSoRrGI4L9OAjkF5-_zhm9j-5BQqJXwN1VJTV0Q/w400-h395/Screenshot_20231231_084130_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, be happy :)<br />(Pic source: doodlesndreams)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And as I grow older, I realised that mental health is very important too!!! I truly wish and hope that everyone could be free themselves from such suffering and rest their mind in peace, so that they can focus on their life goals - mainly for their happiness and health being. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCghmFK8idRRehbphwFzhx3QmvL2BmUOHQBPNqt8Fg6RGdoaV8uxcARrVKsV5F-sOg18tuVgHwO65uhOEArIKI0LrNq3-JI_POZi-4NSSXc33lBVdD-Cn0Y1bLnH2xacah7y8qy37y3ATfIbFBQSB-lI89sdEhb_oiwbDT5zEwoHFBF0Ksdxb/s1079/Screenshot_20231231_083855_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1079" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCghmFK8idRRehbphwFzhx3QmvL2BmUOHQBPNqt8Fg6RGdoaV8uxcARrVKsV5F-sOg18tuVgHwO65uhOEArIKI0LrNq3-JI_POZi-4NSSXc33lBVdD-Cn0Y1bLnH2xacah7y8qy37y3ATfIbFBQSB-lI89sdEhb_oiwbDT5zEwoHFBF0Ksdxb/w400-h399/Screenshot_20231231_083855_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find your happy place :)<br />(Pic source: doodlesndreams)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I always see my life like a book. I imagine my past as the chapters that has been written and flipped. And I keep writing with a new fresh of paper, the empty and blank one, with the ongoing life that I will live through. </div><div><br /></div><div>It consists of good and bad memories. Some chapters are worth to read through again, while some, I never wish to remember. Always remember: we are the author of our own book. Write the way we want it to be. Live from your own heart, not by the expectation of others. Keep it in balance: not too extreme at each side. Most important, fill it with happy memory that one day, you may want to look back and smile reading it. And never give up, when life gives you a hardship to overcome. You are not alone. Share your sadness with anyone near you. Do not keep it to yourself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I wish everyone for a wonderful year ahead. For your new beginning in life, and for the continuation of it. All the very best!!! :)</div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-77070116748581882162023-12-10T10:00:00.003+08:002023-12-10T10:00:43.508+08:00Realisations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WyjdFPD1WcPDraXZfNSMEyrcQO1kUbpVxZZWBH6FeJ3tJ1nl4a_FrMePKL-OttGbTHHSTU2sOECeTpxkJmRxGDhn2yTwTWj98h8Hec-tqBnVNTyM8CgoiJiWwUPZCfUX5n6DInJufWIoIDIlTNe0pW-YfLSAtVxLHGq16w5__tAS8WQJnBnN/s1079/Screenshot_20231210_085558_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1079" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WyjdFPD1WcPDraXZfNSMEyrcQO1kUbpVxZZWBH6FeJ3tJ1nl4a_FrMePKL-OttGbTHHSTU2sOECeTpxkJmRxGDhn2yTwTWj98h8Hec-tqBnVNTyM8CgoiJiWwUPZCfUX5n6DInJufWIoIDIlTNe0pW-YfLSAtVxLHGq16w5__tAS8WQJnBnN/w400-h398/Screenshot_20231210_085558_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daydreaming</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Realisation #1</p><p>Long before mobile phone existed, I believed that everyone's most favorite pass time was daydreaming. That was when many poets, writers giving birth to many creations that mostly based on their imaginations ratherthan their experiences in life. Well, at least for me. Daydreaming was my favourite one!!! </p><p>We could daydream just about anything!!! About our singer idols / movie stars, about boy or girl that we secretly had a crush with, about our perfect date that never realised (because it was just too beautiful and perfect to imagine), about having lots of money that never finished, about having perfect figures, beautiful face, long silky hair, and so on. Well, I was too young to daydream something more serious like becoming millionaires, directors, but would not mind of daydreaming about having a dream house / castle-like with maids and butlers ready by our side at any time. Lol!</p><p>The beauty of the daydream was that, there was no limit of what we wanted to imagine. As long as we had spare time to waste (like being stuck in the traffic jam, no school next day, even when we pooed inside toilet), we could take our time as much as we wanted. </p><p>We did not need any device for daydreaming, just a head full of imagination, with blank eyes that could stare at anything around. Any place would do too, no need to be in certain place or special ones. Be it at the side of the bus window or car (my favorite ones), at the school's desk, on the bed, and so on.</p><p>And the best thing about daydreaming was that, it was free of charge. No monthly subscription to pay (Internet, electricity, mobile plan), no expensive mobile phone required, no computer or desktop required, simply nothing!!!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZM8in1i12KZ73yQWcOzAVfxFH5vwlWCpJdJEdMMbAW-Hi7kfzWQoOdfrLdq6u4w2su_WnwnQntgmN1787cuZUdokg6B_e2CAcKiXsWCDLmNyOun-gB6rCNVFBR1_P2cytYnOHt0MQoiw_r9xO2zainf0y748_HKhoLru5aS5qPdXzIa2ELm/s1080/Screenshot_20231210_095853_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1080" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZM8in1i12KZ73yQWcOzAVfxFH5vwlWCpJdJEdMMbAW-Hi7kfzWQoOdfrLdq6u4w2su_WnwnQntgmN1787cuZUdokg6B_e2CAcKiXsWCDLmNyOun-gB6rCNVFBR1_P2cytYnOHt0MQoiw_r9xO2zainf0y748_HKhoLru5aS5qPdXzIa2ELm/w400-h256/Screenshot_20231210_095853_Chrome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you agree???</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Realisation #2</p><p>Last time, I used to wonder. In such a small country like Singapore with a population of only around 5 millions people, how come it was very difficult, or hard, or rare, the chance to bump with anyone that I know whenever I was inside the public transports, in MRT or bus station, inside shopping malls and other entertainment complex, as if the number of people that I know over the two decades of living here in Singapore was really small or even non-exist. It couldn't be, right?</p><p>We were not living in country like Indonesia that consisted of 18,000 islands (big and small), and over 270 million population. Therefore, the chance to meet someone we know was definitely much lower.</p><p>But as I grow old, I realised one thing. Even when we bumped in somewhere, first, the person might not be able to recognise the other party (although most of the time, I could recognise them, even after not meeting for many years). It might be due to the weight gains or losses, aging, make up, plastic surgery (although lesser cases), and so on. </p><p>And even when we might recognise each other, the other party might be in deep thought about anything that happened to them that day (maybe unhappy encounters at work, feeling tired, family problems, money problems, etc.) Therefore, they might be unaware of my presence. </p><p>Second, even when we looked at each other and talked, many times we forgot the name of that person as we might have attended many schools, courses, training places throughout our lives, we might have worked in many establishments over a period of time, and so on. </p><p>Even gathering with so called relatives were usually limited to only once per year during Chinese New year (provided you attend it yearly and not find any excuses to purposely save the angpao distributions), or unless there was any wedding and baby one-month celebration.</p><p>You might not be able to keep up with the children growing up faces too, unless you stalk them over Facebook or Instagram accounts. </p><p>And lately, I actually felt very grateful with the rare chance of bumping, because not everyone wanted to meet and greet everyone they knew and bumped into. That was why sometimes, even they knew each other, they would act as if they were stranger. They purposely walked into the opposite direction, stuck their eyes and attention deeply into their mobile phone, closed their eyes when they sat down in the mrt as if they were sleeping, stuck their ears with their ear piece or headphone, acted busy with their laptop, and faster walked as if the loan shark was chasing into them, and so on. </p><p>Many reasons could rise from it. They might not friend anymore due to any misunderstanding, clashes in opinions; they might be facing life difficulties that they were unwilling to share with others (getting retrenched, unemployed, divorce, breaking up, having major sickness, and so on); or people just simply did not like to have such superficial friendship. Well, if you think about it, many friends in our Facebook were people we did not know, had not met before, strangers. But why we keep such friends?</p><p>Well, perhaps one day I would come up with realisation #3 regarding that. Hahaha....</p><p>Anyway, it was a lovely morning. As I breathe in fresh air from my balcony, all sorts of thought appeared. Wish everyone a wonderful Sunday!!! Please take good care of yourself wherever you are. Flu, cough, lung infection happened everywhere around the world. I am still fighting it and wishing myself to recover soon. Hope all of you are in good health!!!</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-60541515247004229012023-10-18T16:29:00.013+08:002023-10-21T13:18:44.652+08:00What and where to eat local food in Singapore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-Rhc_cmnfVO5FLakhEALG62udvgxdEr6OQSYuCIwDh0ayi9ZaJOkkQeh0FR8y6TisNYrHfLDkaodfNBqe7KRHlyLuwMwb7wLmMgRkeYihStzqjDQBzZQeVTeKlMunyEVTqa8yHkUDbyIfKbfPqimrFowImXJDKZ7p6xeiA-cSawooh9hYM7i/s1078/Screenshot_20231018_144651_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1078" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-Rhc_cmnfVO5FLakhEALG62udvgxdEr6OQSYuCIwDh0ayi9ZaJOkkQeh0FR8y6TisNYrHfLDkaodfNBqe7KRHlyLuwMwb7wLmMgRkeYihStzqjDQBzZQeVTeKlMunyEVTqa8yHkUDbyIfKbfPqimrFowImXJDKZ7p6xeiA-cSawooh9hYM7i/w400-h306/Screenshot_20231018_144651_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memories of hawker center and its good food</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Many of my friends come to Singapore and they often ask me this question, "What should we eat (local food) in Singapore? And where?", especially for the first timer.</p><p>I have been living here for more that twenty years now but it does not mean that I have tried every nice local food here because of many concerns. First, the location. Yes, Singapore is a small country and you can go almost everywhere using the public transport such as MRT and bus. But for me, I do not eat out every day. Even if I do, I just go to the places nearby where I live or work. Otherwise, when I eat out while meeting friends or family members.</p><p>Second, the queue. Many eating places in Singapore are famous for its food. But famous often relates to long queue. I would not waste my time queueing too long to eat nice food.</p><p>Third, the price. The more famous the place, also the more it nears to city center, shopping belt and other touristic places, the higher the food price would be. For tourist who comes to Singapore once in a while, they would be ready to spend more money for the delicious famous local food. P.S. For eating in restaurant, you have to fork out additional 10% for service charge and 8% (9% in 2024) of GST - Goods and Service Tax, apart from your bill.</p><p>But still, I will give some suggestions of what to eat and where. Whether they want to go ahead with it or not, it will be up to them.</p><p>First, you might want to experience to eat at the local <i>hawker center</i>. </p><p><i>"A hawker center or cooked food center is an open-air complex commonly found in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. They were built to provide a more sanitary alternative to mobile hawker carts and contain many stalls that sell different varieties of affordable meals. Dedicated tables and chairs are usually provided for diners."</i> - Source: wikipedia.org</p><p>As mentioned above, it is usually slightly more affordable, no air-conditioning, no service provided (mostly self-service - queue, order, and collect your food), using plastic (not easily break) bowls, plates, cutleries with plastic trays as well, clean the table yourself after finish eating (otherwise you will get fine - <i>Starting 1 September 2021, enforcement officers will continue to advise diners to properly clear their dirty tray, crockery and litter and enforcement will apply to diners who do not heed the officers’ advice. First-time offenders will be issued with a written warning. Subsequent offenders may face composition or court fines of S$300 </i>- Source: NEA.gov.sg), more varieties of food sold, more local ambience or feel - especially with the sight of those uncles occupying table with bucket beers, groups of uncles aunties occupying table, each with glass of kopi or teh on the table, some playing Pokemon, some with shopping trolleys below the tables - usually during breakfast time, and so on.</p><p>There are many hawker centers you can experience in Singapore. I will list those nearer to the city center (as more tourists living there).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn5GTbZCWCLXLWlDPFv-r02BA1eE1HRFHKhaybP12Ee4KgDbxqH62EPidNxAwjM3lEFDf5Qkvq6KhaMjF73Lw3C9Slq7BrJuE1chaKriT2nE2q6CYPZSowPhsOheKnM1zBYIBjrKhyphenhyphenN_0HCUjI98v3zX8TQO_eqjoa0iWz93u1YPtN3ljiC6D/s1800/Collage_2023-10-21_12_50_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn5GTbZCWCLXLWlDPFv-r02BA1eE1HRFHKhaybP12Ee4KgDbxqH62EPidNxAwjM3lEFDf5Qkvq6KhaMjF73Lw3C9Slq7BrJuE1chaKriT2nE2q6CYPZSowPhsOheKnM1zBYIBjrKhyphenhyphenN_0HCUjI98v3zX8TQO_eqjoa0iWz93u1YPtN3ljiC6D/w480-h640/Collage_2023-10-21_12_50_08.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maxwell Food Center</td></tr></tbody></table><p>1.<b> Maxwell Food Center</b> - nearest MRT: <i>Maxwell/ Chinatown</i>. This place is famous for <i>Fu Shun Shao La Mian Jia</i> (selling roasted meat, char siew, wanton noodle, etc), <i>Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice </i>(long queue but price has increased a lot and tastes so so for me), <i>Fried Kway Teow • Fried Prawn Mee • Fried Oyster • Carrot Cake stall (01-53)</i>, <i>Rojak · Popiah & Cockle </i>(which you can share with your group - the mixed fruit rojak with peanut crunchy sauce), ( <i>China Street Hum Jin Pang</i> (selling local fried dough - either filled with red bean or made with five spice powder - with a cup of black coffee, <i>Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake</i> (one of my favorite local snacks - must eat with the provided chili sauce), <i>Heng Heng Ondeh-Ondeh & Tapioca Cake</i> (if you want to try the sweet stuff/ local dessert - freshly made every day).</p><p>The middle picture - <i>Baguette Huong Viet </i>(Vietnam food) and <i>Bold x Braised</i> (Taiwanese food) - that are located side by side, are recommended by local in case you do not feel like eating local food. Portion, price, and taste are all good.</p><div>2. <b>Old Airport Road Food Center </b>- nearest MRT: <i>Dakota</i>. This place is famous for <i>To-Ricos Kway Chap Old Airport Road</i> (delicious pork organs dishes with silky, smooth and chewy white flat noodle - must eat for pork lover!!!), <i>Roast Paradise</i> (roasted pork and char siew with rice), <i>Xiang Ji Lor Mee</i> (thick noodle with dark brown thick broth and fillings), sweet icy desserts at <i>Nyonya Chendol</i>,small little dessert (<i>m</i>i<i>n jiang kueh </i>or traditional pancake with peanut, red bean, coconut fillings, etc.) at <i>Munchi Pancake</i>, locally craft beer at <i>Hello Ren Min, </i>etc. <p>3. <b>Chinatown Complex Food Center</b> - nearest MRT: <i>Chinatown. </i>It is located at the second floor. There are many delicious local food that you can eat and drink. Try the local coffee or tea at the <i>1950's Coffee “五十年代”</i>. You have not eaten local food in Singapore if you have not tried the breakfast set that contains the traditional <i>kaya </i>toast, half-boiled egg, and tea/coffee. Not all coffee stall gives you a nice cup of coffee though as different stall sources different type of coffee beans. Fret not, if you do not have time to visit hawker center, you can just go to <i>Yakun Kaya Toast</i> to have a taste of this local breakfast set. You can find it especially near shopping area. </p><p>I recommend you to visit this hawker center in the morning time as with empty stomach, you can eat more and they have so much variety of food here. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxea5f2dT4THfMFe-mmZP8-77GECtCQ9LjTeNiXeGPheAnpUwXwyTXmFIEE5CMZV9k7Z0K69fAUmW6DnEXRITdmHfq0NSOXPWVkICXIMDhGKbT7biProoWT8Cy7eMs6HQZtuHMB9cQzjmNvqy1dGfY8qOLoPAsjMWCoIIhPu4u5QdHLb2fmLih/s1800/Collage_2023-10-18_12_00_51.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1800" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxea5f2dT4THfMFe-mmZP8-77GECtCQ9LjTeNiXeGPheAnpUwXwyTXmFIEE5CMZV9k7Z0K69fAUmW6DnEXRITdmHfq0NSOXPWVkICXIMDhGKbT7biProoWT8Cy7eMs6HQZtuHMB9cQzjmNvqy1dGfY8qOLoPAsjMWCoIIhPu4u5QdHLb2fmLih/w640-h456/Collage_2023-10-18_12_00_51.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Chin Popiah from Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><i>Jia Ji Mei Shi </i>offers local breakfast food such as: <i>chee cheong fan</i>, yam cake, triangle rice dumpling, <i>soon kueh</i>, taro cake, peanut porridge, fried bee hoon, etc. You can buy one each and share it with your accompanies. <i>Ann Chin Popiah </i>offers delicious wrapped cooked turnip, veg, bean sprout, grated peanut, crispy bits, and boiled egg. Personally, I love this very much! You can also try their <i>kueh pie tee</i> (with crispy made cup instead of wrapped with <i>popiah</i> skin). </p><p>You can try <i>chwee kueh</i> as breakfast too at the <i>Bedok chwee kueh 水粿.</i> <i>Chwee kueh</i> is a steamed water with rice flour and combination of other gluten-free flour served with cooked preserved turnip/<i> chai poh</i> and chili - originated from <i>Teo Chew</i>. The chili is a bit oily but taste better with it than without.</p><p>If you like fried <i>kway teow</i>, you can try <i>Hill Street Fried Kway Teow</i>. They still cook it with cockles, prawns, preserved sausage, and crispy pork bits. When your body needs some nourishment after so much walk, you may want to try the herbal soup from <i>Herbal Soup 瓦罐煨汤</i>. The soups are cooked using the clay pot burnt with charcoal. If you not sure what to eat, you can ask the seller which soup is suitable to your needs. </p><p>For lunch, you can have the soya chicken, roasted pork, and/ or <i>char siew </i>rice or noodle at the famous<i> Hawker Chan 香港油鸡饭面2/F</i>, the origin store. You may need to queue though.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e5N03GQFuVpn9ms46UjonyDtIYHV1rK8ik0r8OA72awuWbm3kVApE_VEFmvWWaybMIo6TKbsfPlKbezmpEdy1X5KUqqvD33v49UMk6A43UBjPfi65kXMZftyyg3uWZni1nN2B4b4NYvpLYKaf_n97bDViSkkkFIssvgHWxkRq_vXzYSxreZv/s1800/Collage_2023-10-18_12_11_50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e5N03GQFuVpn9ms46UjonyDtIYHV1rK8ik0r8OA72awuWbm3kVApE_VEFmvWWaybMIo6TKbsfPlKbezmpEdy1X5KUqqvD33v49UMk6A43UBjPfi65kXMZftyyg3uWZni1nN2B4b4NYvpLYKaf_n97bDViSkkkFIssvgHWxkRq_vXzYSxreZv/w400-h400/Collage_2023-10-18_12_11_50.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div>If you have time to spare for dinner (open from 4.30 to 10.30pm), you may want to order the clay pot rice at <i>Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice</i>. It may take at least half an hour for the food to be ready but it is prepared fresh and from scratch upon ordering and cooked on top of the charcoal, which gives it a fragrant rice as a result. Inside the mixed rice, they put the chicken chunks, mushroom, preserved sausage, salted fish, and vegetable. Before serving, they will pour dark soy sauce and shallot oil. This shop has more than 40 years history and recognized as one of the Michelin-Bib Gourmand stalls. <p>When you go Chinatown, you sure want to taste some Chinese food. <i>Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中国拉面小笼包</i> is famous for their <i>xiao long bao</i> (steamed juicy pork dumpling made with thin skin), pan fried or steamed dumplings, beef noodle,<i> zha jiang mian </i>(fried bean sauce noodle), and so on. You have to queue and wait for your food though because they prepare it fresh upon ordering.</p><p>For dessert, you may want to try the peanut/sesame/red bean ball soup (ginger or peanut soup) at the <i>75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup</i>. You can try other local dessert at<i> 一 一五糖水 115 Tang Shui. </i>They sell sesame paste, peanut paste, combination of both,<i> bobo chacha</i>, walnut paste, almond paste, and so on. For cold dessert, you can taste delicious <i>Chendol </i>at <i>Old Amoy Chendol</i>.</p><p>4. <b>Hong Lim Market and Food Center</b> - nearest MRT: <i>Chinatown. Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist </i>is famous for local. Long queue is expected during peak hours (lunch and dinner). Take note on the opening time as the stall close in between. If you crave for laksa, you can try it at the <i>Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa.</i> They also sell <i>mee siam</i>, which is also my favorite! This hawker is famous for curry chicken noodle from <i>Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee</i>. So, if you are fans of curry noodle, join the queue and try it! The <i>Tai Wah bak chor mee</i> (minced pork meat noodle) is famous too but usually at a long queue. So does with<i> Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee.</i> If you have enough time, join the queue!!! If you like the combination of chicken cutlet curry noodle, you can try it at the <i>Cantonese Delights - 廣東小吃.</i> Try to avoid peak hour though! </p><p>5. <b>Tekka Market and Food Center </b>- nearest MRT: <i>Little India. </i>It is just finished being renovated and now has opened for business starting beginning of October 2023. Indian food lover, you can head here and eat some delicious Indian such as <i>nasi Briyani </i>at the <i>Allauddin's Briyani, Yakader Muslim Food</i>,<i> roti prata</i> at the <i>Prata Saga Sambal Berlada, Ar Rahman Royal Prata</i>, various Indian Muslim food including <i>roti prata, briyani,</i> rice with meat or fish curry at <i>Zham Zham Muslim Food</i>, etc. </p><p>You can also find non-Indian local food here, such as prawn noodle from <i>545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles</i>, duck rice from <i>Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice</i>, <i>mee siam </i>and <i>Chinese rojak </i>- not the fruit rojak by the way - from <i>Grandma Mee Siam 燻鲨鱼五香虾饼</i>, and so on. Talking about <i>rojak</i>, you can taste the Indian<i> rojak</i> at the <i>Temasek Indian Rojak</i>. You can not even find it in India :D if you know what I mean. So, fulfil your craving of various Indian food at this hawker center!!!</p><p>6. <b>Golden Mile Food Centre </b>- nearest MRT: <i>Nicole Highway. </i>I have eaten the<i> chili mee </i>(noodle) from<i> Chung Cheng Chilli Mee/崇正辣椒面</i> since many many years ago, and still love it!!! The <i>mee </i>is topped with prawns, pork ribs, fish cakes, <i>taupok</i>, slices of boiled egg, bean sprouts, and of course, chili, accompanied with a bowl of soup. If you can bear spicy food, you can try it!!!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHhJf-QhXfrXPF6lnVGM9VCfg-cw4fdgRzQ1jCByIEUvinkQrCWaZp8zDBDwLiSx1vP4C7K1NkmViAZToUbN2DERqY5ftmhC7sEThXBWbQ3ADkCw8i8ODddhCPkKBSdNgamvYbfpAiNuAPMhQ3juHAYpQvyjNtaF0LJ2O7_14FtE2DhN-rCyG/s1080/Screenshot_20231018_114337_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1080" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHhJf-QhXfrXPF6lnVGM9VCfg-cw4fdgRzQ1jCByIEUvinkQrCWaZp8zDBDwLiSx1vP4C7K1NkmViAZToUbN2DERqY5ftmhC7sEThXBWbQ3ADkCw8i8ODddhCPkKBSdNgamvYbfpAiNuAPMhQ3juHAYpQvyjNtaF0LJ2O7_14FtE2DhN-rCyG/w400-h398/Screenshot_20231018_114337_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chung Cheng Chilli Mee - Golden Mile Food Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div>If you love the fried <i>Hokkien prawn mee</i>, you may want to try <i>You Fu</i>'s. Just by looking at the photos from Google map, it makes me drooling and craving for it :D For prawn mee soup, you can try it at <i>Liang Seah Street Prawn Noodle</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chinese beef noodle and Singapore style beef noodle are different. Have you tried one? If you are a fans of it, or curious how it tastes like, you can try one at the <i>Bugis (Longhouse) Lim Kee Beef Noodles</i>. You can choose soup type or the thick gravy type. Try both if you cannot decide, but personally if I am alone, I would choose the dry (thick gravy) one. It uses white round noodle poured with gravy and topped with salted vegetable, and a small bowl of soup at the side.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Keng Heng Whampoa Teochew Lor Mee</i> serves good lor mee. Apart from the usual fish cake, pork belly, fried fish, and <i>ngoh hiang</i>, the seller put in fried fish skin and wanton as well. The gravy is thick and nice. Do not forget to put some garlic and chili, plus drizzle some black vinegar on it. Guarantee, you will love it!!! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For duck rice lover, you may want to join the queue at the <i>Ah Xiao Teochew Duck Rice (亞笑潮洲卤鸭)</i>. Many people recommend this place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever tried the<i> peranakan</i> dish Singapore style?<i> “Peranakan”</i> generally refers to a person of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage. The <i>peranakan</i> food is the result of blending Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by them. The taste is somehow heavy depending on various spices they use. I never try the food here myself, but one day I would love to bring my friend who loves eating <i>peranakan</i> food to eat at <i>Charlie's Peranakan Food</i>. The price is not very cheap but I think it is worth it as it really needs right spices both in quantity and types in order to make a delicious ones and the portion is quite a lot. They sell varieties of it, such as: <i>babi ponteh, itek sio, sambal lengkong (spicy fish floss), ayam buah keluak</i>, etc. The names itself are exotic and make you wonder how the taste would like. Go down and try it if you are curious! :) The dishes are supposed to be eaten with rice, so do not forget to order plain rice with it.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Tulang</i> (bones) lover must have known <i>Deen Tulang Specialist </i>very well!!! The stall has been there since more than 2 decades ago. Expect for a queue!!! Must try - <i>sup tulang merah</i> (red mutton bone marrow soup - originated in Singapore). Use your hand to pick, eat, and suck the bones. Use the other end of the spoon or even straw to take the filling out from the bones - just be creative with it! Be careful not to dirty your clothes or people's clothes surrounding you hehehe... And better not wearing white shirt here! :D Can try the <i>mee goreng </i>too! </div><div><br /></div><div>For dessert, a bowl of icy grass jelly would be perfect for such a hot Singapore weather!!! You can get it at the <i>Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly</i>. You can add toppings like<i> nata de coco,</i> palm seeds,<i> longan</i>, and sea coconuts. Or head down to <i>Thong Sum Hot & Cold Desserts 糖心糖水</i> for a more variety desserts!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>7. <b>People's Park Food Centre</b> - nearest MRT: <i>Chinatown. </i>Back to Chinatown area. I think this place is a favorite place for Chinese people who come from China to work in Singapore since many food stalls here are selling the Chinese food that suit their taste buds. Chinese noodle and dumpling, Mala hotpot, grilled fish, cold dishes, etc. Sunday will be the worst day for you to visit as this place will sure be very crowded. There are two sides of seating area though. So when one side is crowded, try to sit at the other side. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXTCIx5Wb8Q9FZuG9QDXrwyoGBORNIP_oK7Gw3z8NG_IiKc2sdtp0Icn5frmBgXn40LbinyRtQHGqBYfgARFR8_WHmr2Yt4_gT4tzfTuuiArVbnXu-L3cQ5E0qEpfu_DJrk-Y-997ri822T-HjVHX08Uujt7qPwyLhSg-X8UVGLfJ-m5bnRkI/s1800/Collage_2023-10-18_11_55_31.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1012" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXTCIx5Wb8Q9FZuG9QDXrwyoGBORNIP_oK7Gw3z8NG_IiKc2sdtp0Icn5frmBgXn40LbinyRtQHGqBYfgARFR8_WHmr2Yt4_gT4tzfTuuiArVbnXu-L3cQ5E0qEpfu_DJrk-Y-997ri822T-HjVHX08Uujt7qPwyLhSg-X8UVGLfJ-m5bnRkI/w360-h640/Collage_2023-10-18_11_55_31.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo - People's Park Food Center, Chinatown</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i>Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo 日日紅麻辣香鍋</i> used to serve the best Mala hotpot. I brought so many friends to eat their food. But after the recent renovation, I personally feel that the standard has dropped. It has become dried and less tasty (perhaps they cut down on their spices when cooking the ingredients. They have two stalls. One in front, and another one at the back. I have tried them both recently and do not reach my expectation. But you may want to give it a try because you may like them. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao</i> is my most favorite shop in this hawker center. I have purchased from them since long time ago, since before they moved their shop from the other side. They serve the best <i>Zha Jiang Mian</i> or fried bean paste noodle and <i>kuo tie</i> or fried dumpling, in my opinion. Their <i>xiao long bao </i>and hot sour and spicy soup are delicious too! They make the dumpling fresh almost every day. In the past, he even pulled the noodle in front of you upon ordering, but now he uses machine as the quantity ordered increased and only few of them work. Try it and see if you agree with me :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a fans of braised duck, but this stall - <i>Lek Kee Authentic Teochew Braised Duck </i>- are liked by many. People say the stall serves a very good Teochew braised duck dishes. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu 永祥興豆腐</i> always draws long queue. Fyi this shop sells clear soup with variety of tofu (beancurd) with fish cake products and fish ball. Most customers are elderly but they keep coming back. It must be one of the comfort food for them and their ingredients are freshly made.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to try homemade local delicacies, you can head to <i>Fatt Soon Kueh</i>. They sell <i>soon kueh</i> (Teochew style steamed crystal skin dumpling filled with jicama, bamboo shoot, black fungus and carrot), <i>ku chye kueh</i> (made of chive), and<i> png kueh </i>or rice kueh (<i>Teochew</i> glutinous peach-shape kueh).</div><div><br /></div><div>8.<b> Seah Im Food Centre</b> - nearest MRT: <i>Harbour Front. </i>Usually I will have breakfast here before starting my morning walk to <i>Mt Faber</i> and <i>Henderson Waves</i>. But after renovation, I have not gone there yet, maybe soon. This hawker center has lots of Indian and Muslim food. I will usually order<i> teh tarik</i> or<i> teh halia </i>here as they will usually pull the tea in the making. With the tea, <i>epok epok </i>(curry puff) from <i>Makan Boleh</i> and some other fried stuff would be the perfect companion, like sardine puff, <i>jemput jemput</i> (sweet fried banana balls), bakwan (vegetable fritters), and <i>goreng pisang </i>(fried banana).</div><div><br /></div><div>I love having <i>roti prata</i> (Indian flatbread dish served with curry) for breakfast too, also perfect with my <i>teh tarik</i> and <i>teh halia</i>. You can get it from <i>Mohamad Arafat Muslim Food.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>If you crave for Malay food like<i> mee rebus, mee soto, soto ayam, lontong, gado gado, </i>satay, etc. you can try the <i>Daliman's Corner</i>. If you love chicken rice, you can have it from the <i>Aspirasi Food Galore</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>At <i>Shi Ji Noodle Stall</i>, you can order prawn soup noodle and braised duck<i> lor mie</i>. If you crave for fried kway teow, you can have it from <i>Seah Im Fried Kway Teow Mee</i>. Fish ball and minced meat noodle from <i>Lucky Fishball Noodle Stall 好運魚圓麵攤</i> is nice and coffee and tea from <i>Coffee Queen</i> stall is recommended too!</div><div><br /></div><div>9. <b>Changi Village Hawker Centre</b> - nearest bus terminal: <i>Changi Village. </i>There is no MRT nearby and more accessible by taking the public bus. Located at the eastern side of Singapore, it offers varieties of delicious food that sometimes people come all the way just to eat. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love <i>nasi lemak, </i>the fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, eaten with fried egg, ikan bilis (small fried salted fish), fried peanut, cucumber, and sambal chili. It is best eaten with additional fried chicken wing and otah (grilled fish paste wrapped in banana leaf). I used to go to this hawker center just to eat the nasi lemak here from <i>Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak</i>. It was my favourite! However, there is also another stall - <i>International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak </i>- where you can buy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmAd6PSIl-a-qeK1Y_1LADqAubvLVOpejG_sfQ5wDRIbZgC4Gggdr8hAJ2IMHGCzE_sTruJZbbu6a80QyXi904KmgrzvWwEcHc27d8HgLPvwp9a0rQZflb7WJYAt7QH7osEoDa7Nx5cQfN9VPck8XuvSSdJj8zru1Vydq5CuFoRPU-_gToamN/s1800/Collage_2023-10-18_11_56_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmAd6PSIl-a-qeK1Y_1LADqAubvLVOpejG_sfQ5wDRIbZgC4Gggdr8hAJ2IMHGCzE_sTruJZbbu6a80QyXi904KmgrzvWwEcHc27d8HgLPvwp9a0rQZflb7WJYAt7QH7osEoDa7Nx5cQfN9VPck8XuvSSdJj8zru1Vydq5CuFoRPU-_gToamN/w400-h400/Collage_2023-10-18_11_56_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite faraway hawker center - Changi Village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Later on, other food is proven to be good there too, apart from<i> nasi lemak</i>. <i>Weng Kee Original Taste Ipoh Hor Fun</i> serves a delicious<i> Ipoh Horfun</i>, added with chicken chop. Do not forget to add the sour green chilli! You will crave for another bowl! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you like <i>satay bee hoon</i>, you can try <i>Ho Guan Satay Bee Hoon</i>. There is lesser people selling this local food nowadays, hard to find, especially good one. <i>Satay bee hoon</i> is rice vermicelli with<i> kang kong</i> (morning glory), cuttlefish, pork slices, bean sprout, prawn, with lots of chili-based peanut sauce. I eat them once in a while. Really good!! If you have not tried it yet, order one and share.</div><div><br /></div><div>On your way home, do not bring empty hand. You have traveled far to this place. <i>Dabao</i> (takeaway) some fried stuff snacks from the <i>Million Star Fried Banana </i>and <i>Mei Xiang Goreng Pisang (美香炸香蕉,</i>as<i> </i>it would be prefect with a cup of coffee or tea for the evening tea time. They have various snacks to choose from. I always<i> dabao goreng pisang</i> or fried banana from <i>Warung Nenek</i>. Their bananas are always sweet, its outer layer is crunchy, coated with sesame seeds. It is cheap too. You can always air-fry them at home before eating. Or you can eat them at the nearby Changi beach park :)</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Wahh..</i>. so many food to eat and all at different places!!! So you know now why I never ever slim down in my life? <i>Hahahaha..</i>.. ^^" Singapore is really heaven for food, as many people would eat outside rather than cooking at home. For singles and married couple or even small family with only 1 or 2 children, the cost of eating outside would be more or less or even cheaper than buying food ingredients and cook at home. Not yet count the amount of time and energy required to buy the ingredients, carrying it all the way to home, washing, cutting, preparing, cooking, and again, washing the dishes after eating. When you go to hawker center, you just have to spend time to queue and order your food (sometimes to find seat during peak hours), and money to buy the food you required. At least you do not have to wash the plates afterwards.</div><div><br /></div><div>But of course, eating out every day would not be a good choice to maintain good health and diet. Exercise is needed and balance meal is important as well (perhaps includes the oatmeal / other healthier options on your daily food intake, choose more vegetable dishes or even salad, and not forgetting to take fruits or dairy like milk, yoghurt) to fulfill the required nutrition for your body. </div><div><br /></div><div>As and when I am free, I will update more on the hawker center and food list onto this post.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>P.S.</i> I do not do any advertisement or receive any benefit from posting this here. I just want to help my fellow friends who come and visit Singapore and want to know where and what to eat here, especially local Singaporean food, which will add their eating experience from this part of the world. Hope it helps! :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Almost forgot!!! Please check the location, opening time and day, directions, from Google Map. Thank you!</div></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-10011219853018097162023-09-19T12:36:00.014+08:002023-10-05T07:33:47.288+08:00As I Grow Older<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXUfrbtvLEYlkhs7gTKmpjPhDdmgV0W_HoZ2JmLsZ82sHrYYx7_d6s_U6pLuX1ltTVIkSiVKtyL8dQ32QUainqjnj7r3DLfP285uYTEq3OFz2iDE6gG_Op8LrCcfzDjqexx1XUMwbYBT-8R50w81lO1GBxX6CU-ULXC3c6xFz1ZpROuXmO24-/s640/growing%20old.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="640" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXUfrbtvLEYlkhs7gTKmpjPhDdmgV0W_HoZ2JmLsZ82sHrYYx7_d6s_U6pLuX1ltTVIkSiVKtyL8dQ32QUainqjnj7r3DLfP285uYTEq3OFz2iDE6gG_Op8LrCcfzDjqexx1XUMwbYBT-8R50w81lO1GBxX6CU-ULXC3c6xFz1ZpROuXmO24-/w640-h558/growing%20old.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lol... :D (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>I have seen and experienced many things in life - good and bad - mostly from people surrounding me. I can not say that I have become better or wiser, but I have definitely learned a lot and am still learning from it. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>my perceptions towards certain things in life have changed. What is important, what is good, what is true, what is wrong, what is nice, and what is not.</p><p>Is money important? Is health even more important? </p><p>Is being truthful good for you? Or is telling a white lie better?</p><p>What determined good quality friendship? Is friendship valued merely friends with benefits? </p><p>What does love mean to you? Attachment? Afraid of feeling losing? Distrust? Is it even healthy at the first place? Relationship with no trust, who to blame?</p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>what used to be important, no longer is. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>losing friend is part and parcel of life. There are things in our lives that are not meant to stay.</p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>I put more importance on quality than quantity. Books I read, food and beverage I consume, things I wear, friendship, relationship, and so on.</p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>"love" in relationship can not be build in a day, a week, a month, or a year. It is over time. Someone who choose to stand right by my side no matter what my situation is, who speak up for me while the rest are mocking me, who protect me from any physical and mental harm, and love me the way who I am with its strengths and weaknesses. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>I begin to realize, of what I need, and of what I need to leave behind.</p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>being naïve is no longer possible. People is just easily taking advantage. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>the less I have, the better it is.</p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>it is ok not to be ok. You are not alone. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>my priority in life changes, so with everything else. </p><p>As I grow older...</p><p>I realize the importance of being surrounded by good people, people that are good for you, good to you, and good for your soul. </p><p>Therefore, for now, I will cherish what I have and let go what not supposed to be. </p><p>Somehow, it is just necessary. Plus, the changes we do not want, are the changes we need, in order for us to grow.</p><p>And sometimes, walking away is necessary, a step forward from those, who do not want to be part of our lives. </p><p>You happy, I happy. </p><p>Let us be happy :)</p><p>P.S. I just heard it from someone, "You cannot change the people around you, but you can change the people around you," and that is my new favourite quote :)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-2795802084764245392023-09-15T12:10:00.009+08:002023-09-15T15:56:23.975+08:00Current Purpose of Life :)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLnc_SoKr1T8-ylODSyTsRNAbKvt_sKrG_lDqwf6IBszAXfqatfz924qKLUOZwBM3usm8TckCTfvoR1p5RtQdDZIZzkQx289G_6m0ivR-P_c8AIlkpZj_jDqoptKGyWCsFK1GskAg_zMYaxXxpeTSGIIUXIb7v4II7sDavpJe1ya-s5sOanWD/s3691/20230901_184425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1937" data-original-width="3691" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLnc_SoKr1T8-ylODSyTsRNAbKvt_sKrG_lDqwf6IBszAXfqatfz924qKLUOZwBM3usm8TckCTfvoR1p5RtQdDZIZzkQx289G_6m0ivR-P_c8AIlkpZj_jDqoptKGyWCsFK1GskAg_zMYaxXxpeTSGIIUXIb7v4II7sDavpJe1ya-s5sOanWD/w640-h336/20230901_184425.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenic view of MBS and CBD area of Singapore</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As some of you had already known, I was no longer a full-time traveler now. The job was kinda tying me down to remain staying in Singapore city. I had no problem of staying here at the country as I had traveled enough for the past two years after the pandemic had eased down.</p><p>Starting this month, however, I had another kind of life, a life that I used to lead. Out of nowhere, I received messages from many of my good friends who were staying overseas. They informed me that their friend, or their cousin, or their spouse, or their family, or themselves were coming down here for a short trip of many different purposes. Some was for holiday, some for working, some for other foreign country Visa appointment, some for attending religious purposes, and so on.</p><p>I was very grateful that they all still remembered me, despite we had not met each other again for quite a long time (since before pandemic, or and many years before that). As long someone went over here, they would think of me. I was very happy with their remembrance of my presence here. Many would even ask and offer if I had anything that I wished to have from their home country. Such a sincere heart touched my heart.</p><p>Since last year, many of my Bhutanese friends flew to Australia for studying and or working. There were lots of them. I felt like 80% of them were there to experience a different kind of lives. But the rest of 20% was still remaining in Bhutan and led their lives like usual, and some with changes happening through their lives due to some circumstances. And those whom contacted me of the arrival of their acquaintance, mostly were residing still in Bhutan.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH2PS_VNgsL2TT99IhvO9W3c342OiRHq2Mx2HMnjVuOoV6Z__1v2MwKs4ShySdRnobpJdMXfSzkCe0ueNTSbfFVgsUwQlRoi9nrfiSoo5216AnAIDRws0dQpSqZHGMk1Xa7gKWAXAP0DKsKc5tPPxqLgidVaJ_FyH9_UmwFkaUHJym-FBAVe8/s3854/20230901_210028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3854" data-original-width="1943" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH2PS_VNgsL2TT99IhvO9W3c342OiRHq2Mx2HMnjVuOoV6Z__1v2MwKs4ShySdRnobpJdMXfSzkCe0ueNTSbfFVgsUwQlRoi9nrfiSoo5216AnAIDRws0dQpSqZHGMk1Xa7gKWAXAP0DKsKc5tPPxqLgidVaJ_FyH9_UmwFkaUHJym-FBAVe8/w322-h640/20230901_210028.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lao Pa Sat - It's Tiger time!!! Cheers...</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So, once in a while, with their visits, I would have a chance to meet up with them. If they stayed longer, we would have more chances to meet and if I was free, I would be able to accompany them to visit some of the Singapore tourist attractions. However, they would usually follow my plans (which usually traveling in budget) by visiting places that required no admission tickets to purchase. It would both save our pockets while we still could enjoy the beautiful scenery of Singapore city.</p><p>Personally I felt that the prices of the tickets to those tourist attractions had increased a lot and very expensive. E.g. visit to Singapore zoo would cost S$48 per pax, while visit to both zoo and River Wonder or Bird Paradise would cost S$88 per pax. There might some % of discount offer, but it was still expensive for me. SEA aquarium would cost S$32 per pax. If you were coming alone, it was fine and especially if you had never experienced going such place. But if you came with family (spouse and children), that would cost quite a lot!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomWrYzJSk4Vg2S5yPjRzx8qRnZlgRMJInzdrbJngZ03s0MWQLqYsh_9ZkN5JE_XQT6W9BzQ8__I89MdQBeX0fk--z1-h8GpPmeRZqYzZqe34vwjISN6iYtYxFUUb_WOE6U8pvr784_8E7B-t689acb6G7zd1-KCNMC3ZfF6sGADzEp5mDUrDv/s4000/20230913_185748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomWrYzJSk4Vg2S5yPjRzx8qRnZlgRMJInzdrbJngZ03s0MWQLqYsh_9ZkN5JE_XQT6W9BzQ8__I89MdQBeX0fk--z1-h8GpPmeRZqYzZqe34vwjISN6iYtYxFUUb_WOE6U8pvr784_8E7B-t689acb6G7zd1-KCNMC3ZfF6sGADzEp5mDUrDv/w360-h640/20230913_185748.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple - Little India</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So usually, I would not bring them there. They could visit on their free time. But under my guide, I would bring them to see Singapore beautiful city scenery like to see the famous <i>Merlion</i> statue sprouting water from its mouth, the view of <i>Marina Bay Sands</i>, <i>CBD </i>(Central Business District) area, <i>Boat Quay, Clarke Quay,</i> to specialty areas like <i>Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street</i>, and so on.</p><p>Apart from guiding them on how to go around Singapore by themselves, I could also advise where to buy things they wanted to buy, where and what to eat (different categories of food providers here, such as: hawker center, food court, and restaurant), and even took beautiful pictures for them (as I was blessed with quite good quality of camera phone). Compared with usual Singaporean citizen, I was sure that I was good enough to provide such hospitality to my dear overseas friends. <i>Hahahahaha.....</i> In a way, I was still travelling, but domestically and within the country ^^</p><p>This post was not written for me to show off, but to share with you my activities lately as I had to remain staying in Singapore and no longer became the full-time traveler. And I never asked them for money nor tips of my service <i>hahahaha</i>... but they usually showed their gratitude and appreciation by giving me gifts from their home country. So, thank you very much for your kind thought and gesture lah :)</p><p>I had a chance to browse the country as a guide and tourist, exercised my legs, challenged my brains on what to do, where to go, how to go, and so on, like took it as some form of exercising both physical and mind, becoming an active individual rather than just staying at home, doing nothing or just watching some dramas.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNchUEVRTO7ppoBa0eC0-tbVq56f70BAtTqHCCkrIvFMOusBDKk4M3-UQ8ib9S21Yr11VQTD6LXD7ByXCL9go_-ZA065ovCtentxe0_evLldchjq7vZTYii91UdebrsA6ZyS6NYZ4nBZS-7ewzh59kz5pqnrpWY_zNTFCFZv1fhtM4CWEEm1JO/s4000/20230901_200937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNchUEVRTO7ppoBa0eC0-tbVq56f70BAtTqHCCkrIvFMOusBDKk4M3-UQ8ib9S21Yr11VQTD6LXD7ByXCL9go_-ZA065ovCtentxe0_evLldchjq7vZTYii91UdebrsA6ZyS6NYZ4nBZS-7ewzh59kz5pqnrpWY_zNTFCFZv1fhtM4CWEEm1JO/w640-h360/20230901_200937.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful scenery of the Garden by the Bay at night</td></tr></tbody></table><p>That was also why I chose to settle down here in Singapore - for their geographical situation, for their safety to go around day and night, for their convenient public transports and accesses, for the free shows offered to both local and tourists in some places, for the government and political stability situation, and so on. The only downsize was that it all came with a price (the increasing cost of everything here - food, transport, utility, services, tax, etc.)</p><p>Still, I felt grateful and thankful. Well, that was the post for the day! Hope you all found your purpose in life too apart from living a mundane everyday life. Wish you all a great weekend and F1 weekend is here!!! Those who came to Singapore for this special event, have a great time ahead!!! Ciao!!!</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-47588496739308149362023-08-21T15:42:00.002+08:002023-08-21T15:42:08.869+08:00Most favorite time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wsgINghIBxqabmzcbZ7Lngb3_6fs36ROI0FdRRnxv4zOpZ1FB2mDBwr9K-3aEGr4ooGdpWT9f9DME0z5wg_WOV86r5EpnkFSyvQ5I6aY2yaCxCZCtVFKDbqzYD1N1sg0mVEKuWXDk3Vsa_UMQ6JCLa6VY215Z8rqIr0f1YKBapbiDS10-hTK/s1688/Screenshot_20230821_141136_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wsgINghIBxqabmzcbZ7Lngb3_6fs36ROI0FdRRnxv4zOpZ1FB2mDBwr9K-3aEGr4ooGdpWT9f9DME0z5wg_WOV86r5EpnkFSyvQ5I6aY2yaCxCZCtVFKDbqzYD1N1sg0mVEKuWXDk3Vsa_UMQ6JCLa6VY215Z8rqIr0f1YKBapbiDS10-hTK/w410-h640/Screenshot_20230821_141136_Gallery.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loot of the day :P</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One day, upon looking at the handwritten weekly school schedule, a man asked a young kid, <i>"What is your favorite subject in school?"</i></p><p>The kid was innocently answered loudly with so much proud, <i>"Recess is my favorite!!!"</i>, and<i> 'Recess'</i> was really written there in between <i>English</i> and <i>Math </i>between 12 to 12.45pm from Monday to Friday.</p><p><i>Hahahaha..... </i>^^"</p><p>And if you asked me what is my most favorite time of the day during work, that would be <i>'lunch break.'</i> <i>Lol!!!</i></p><p>I think I mentioned before the location of my office in previous blog post. If you could not remember, it was located at the <i>Singapore's famous shopping belt area.</i> Apart from <i>Uniqlo, Zara, Iora, </i>and so on, there was my most favorite place to browse during my lunch break. </p><p>Guess what???</p><p><i>Jeng jreng jeng jreng..</i>...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDwwdHf38Zgw7LkITVCzqnU0wz09D8mQb5GkqQnwERVrbGrIYaYJsq6lT9IFe9bhM4Upk6LsNESyMqlkPPCn_gg-DUaKpeh5YyHYz1LwzqmSKnUw3BxI9tO-EMoBNZftmpIVtI08XbxsALhaxihVcr2D2sxty0QmP7r9SvJToAqgLXcsqWehr/s3662/20230821_134648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3662" data-original-width="2214" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDwwdHf38Zgw7LkITVCzqnU0wz09D8mQb5GkqQnwERVrbGrIYaYJsq6lT9IFe9bhM4Upk6LsNESyMqlkPPCn_gg-DUaKpeh5YyHYz1LwzqmSKnUw3BxI9tO-EMoBNZftmpIVtI08XbxsALhaxihVcr2D2sxty0QmP7r9SvJToAqgLXcsqWehr/w386-h640/20230821_134648.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the boutique library in Singapore :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i>Yessssshhhhh!!! </i>It was library!!!</p><p>It was such a beautiful one!!! I wrote about it last time <i><a href="https://reeverking.blogspot.com/2014/11/libraryorchard.html" target="_blank">here</a>, </i>just less than a month after it was opened. It was still clean, beautiful, quiet, with many book collections, and many seats available too!!!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrsOj6X5xO5R9Q07-oKZvsIpFfUx75SWy9eFkCrgZ2MsXXQlsj8RDkOZr2nrJRyf5HOx1SO50TZ62ZXTTg_1JobqW_SegIzd6WuFumk4xxsj9ijZrswyNVgVvcLp2EH-t_zN5RPtF1RyA7dh5Q9UcB8aZqPaB5ZOIV3wV8Pf3hjeIKRuG_zTY/s3877/20230819_181114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3877" data-original-width="2183" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrsOj6X5xO5R9Q07-oKZvsIpFfUx75SWy9eFkCrgZ2MsXXQlsj8RDkOZr2nrJRyf5HOx1SO50TZ62ZXTTg_1JobqW_SegIzd6WuFumk4xxsj9ijZrswyNVgVvcLp2EH-t_zN5RPtF1RyA7dh5Q9UcB8aZqPaB5ZOIV3wV8Pf3hjeIKRuG_zTY/w360-h640/20230819_181114.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book browsing at local bookstore :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Sometimes when I browsed bookstore on weekends, I would check books on shelves, flipped those that were gaining my attention and checked if it was according to my taste or not. I would take photo, browse its title in the <i>Library </i>apps, and checked if such book were available (both <i>e-book</i> or physical one).</p><p>So when I had time, I would first check the availability of the book in advance. If it was there, I would walk there, get it, scanned, and brought back home.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6YLSmAF6uU5LDG82esT5I2kEibVosxUeaF7Ptb02C2-ZH_Vlq_Tqbd3t5Ny_jHJJLIrrtvxbsoSngEYvf0BB7y38GYq8HTSqgISEZ__Xb1TLLSebbK00hzIse2oud7Jcp7RNgB0pfzZG5ihp7iqLNWNSsud9c3LvO_L4fXK4D7FuEWvqSvVM/s3693/20230821_134949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3693" data-original-width="2079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6YLSmAF6uU5LDG82esT5I2kEibVosxUeaF7Ptb02C2-ZH_Vlq_Tqbd3t5Ny_jHJJLIrrtvxbsoSngEYvf0BB7y38GYq8HTSqgISEZ__Xb1TLLSebbK00hzIse2oud7Jcp7RNgB0pfzZG5ihp7iqLNWNSsud9c3LvO_L4fXK4D7FuEWvqSvVM/w360-h640/20230821_134949.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browsing healthy recipes :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I had too much time, I would sometime browse and read the book until my lunch break was over. Especially when the book was too thick and only few pointed things I would like to know, then I would capture its content in my camera phone and I could browse it again when I needed it without having to borrow.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBUIHR7RyZqOourIEd_htSVLLePXLReySkL8STMFI0RCAEdvuRN3V5U0-3hFCigrwALZVYyHExPEMLlFqyoA2aAz9fIUtCIYhxdwj-V1bMJ8sgC59A9MXVxKRYO-5HG8I-pE5GGLbJSiXI6-tsLmNmH1Ddbmo5nYAO0RGAAPrukOXm0MhOrRA/s3388/20230821_135354.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3388" data-original-width="1904" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBUIHR7RyZqOourIEd_htSVLLePXLReySkL8STMFI0RCAEdvuRN3V5U0-3hFCigrwALZVYyHExPEMLlFqyoA2aAz9fIUtCIYhxdwj-V1bMJ8sgC59A9MXVxKRYO-5HG8I-pE5GGLbJSiXI6-tsLmNmH1Ddbmo5nYAO0RGAAPrukOXm0MhOrRA/w360-h640/20230821_135354.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capture the beauty of knowledge :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There was just too many things to learn from the books, the beauty of the knowledge that the authors shared with us :)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjIxNykLGNk8gZUZLX2sbujc5ukw16WmX1weL7m1U2log2bC3arP54x4qf_pbRyM7QN3IxcQB9y46VN-Tq1SDoKb-qzIiz7mRImM5EJXusHxYt9FxehOMLKSMnuW_llB2DjYV9BK_uIuB_nc3KR7ddMjmW3Xg7OIK4gG4DEl4vM1tJMt42Crq/s1080/Screenshot_20230821_154007_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1080" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjIxNykLGNk8gZUZLX2sbujc5ukw16WmX1weL7m1U2log2bC3arP54x4qf_pbRyM7QN3IxcQB9y46VN-Tq1SDoKb-qzIiz7mRImM5EJXusHxYt9FxehOMLKSMnuW_llB2DjYV9BK_uIuB_nc3KR7ddMjmW3Xg7OIK4gG4DEl4vM1tJMt42Crq/w400-h395/Screenshot_20230821_154007_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Singapore 🇸🇬 ☺️ </td></tr></tbody></table><p>So, I am truly grateful for everything that happens :) For the easy access for such beauty in life, and everything else. I hope you all enjoy your most favorite time of the day too, just like me :)</p><p>As of now, I wish you all a wonderful week ahead as I had to get back to work :) See you again!!! </p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-50030840123249145092023-08-18T11:07:00.004+08:002023-08-18T11:07:20.840+08:00Weekend notes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VRvYble7z3y_ROKwF5-bpN8jRXFnjSKKHkITzMy-WCJHq1R55DevAboQmDa2YUyPFWcKStUmn2oAetjivtqTTJrLZXAZl3ou5Ie-3xMrA5bPTSIbdMYs487J0ZiqgTtuGbRJLWg5GZQJfM_2rx04DdtOOxTa58Gl2wUePw0wg0HPc7tbFgp5/s2776/20230818_110542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VRvYble7z3y_ROKwF5-bpN8jRXFnjSKKHkITzMy-WCJHq1R55DevAboQmDa2YUyPFWcKStUmn2oAetjivtqTTJrLZXAZl3ou5Ie-3xMrA5bPTSIbdMYs487J0ZiqgTtuGbRJLWg5GZQJfM_2rx04DdtOOxTa58Gl2wUePw0wg0HPc7tbFgp5/w325-h400/20230818_110542.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy weekend!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Was it just me? Or did it apply to anyone who were employed? This month - August - went extremely slow. <i>Hahaha....</i> We were only going to finish the third week of the month and two more weeks to go!!!</p><p>With monthly pay, the pay would be the same no matter how many days it existed in a month - be it 28 or 31. Well, maybe just me! <i>Hahaha....</i></p><p>This week the weather was with many raining days, even this upcoming weekends. Unlike the weeks before, with more sunny days around. This week we had also started the <i>ghost month</i> or known more as the<i> seventh month</i> (in Chinese calendar).</p><p>The air was smoky, which came from the burned incense sticks that were put all along the roadside, plus the money with other accessories / belongings (like car complete with its driver, house with servants, series of latest mobile phones and tablets, branded clothes and shoes, latest design jewelries, and so on). So the rain, perhaps helped in washing out the heat and smell.</p><p>We were lucky enough to live in a country that was blessed with good geographic location with lesser natural disasters and extreme unpredictable weather, like what happened in the other countries surrounding us.</p><p>The typhoon had hit Japan and Korea recently. The severe flood had also hit many countries in the world recently, affecting many lives and the daily lives encounters. So again, I was grateful for being here, living in this country.</p><p>Well, reading too much news during past time was really not good for the brain. <i>Lol!</i> I think I should have browsed less on the news and read more on positive kind of news or books. I had returned to my reading habit recently though, on my journey from and to work, and before sleep (it really helped in getting sleep fast) <i>Hahahahaha....</i>. :D</p><p>Since tomorrow was predicted to rain, I would finally have an excuse not to go for the once-a-week morning walk exercise. Then I guess I would just sleep late tonight and wake up late tomorrow. The weather was really cooling here during nighttime that we did not even have to turn on the air conditioner. </p><p>Just jotted down my thought here as the blog update today and wish everyone had a great weekend ahead wherever you were!!! Hope you were all in good health, live in peace and harmony, surrounding by people you loved. Take care and have a lovely time!!!</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-1032528413405632512023-08-14T14:34:00.004+08:002023-08-14T14:34:31.775+08:00Just another day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE3D2023QNnZx9HwRWEZjLpor6s-qY7Xj79GN_u12LLf5t9bPviNYeWAQUEOzsZGC7tOWbsQ1Tnv26QDOumzJSgbqn_JtgcmjjCMRdOyodGdqxTM8Jynrh_fy4LJj4YpwgzoYhCO7OlW18P3sm7n5a-IoubB03Yx1TKTLMgefaosqA7A_yDup/s4000/20230814_142527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE3D2023QNnZx9HwRWEZjLpor6s-qY7Xj79GN_u12LLf5t9bPviNYeWAQUEOzsZGC7tOWbsQ1Tnv26QDOumzJSgbqn_JtgcmjjCMRdOyodGdqxTM8Jynrh_fy4LJj4YpwgzoYhCO7OlW18P3sm7n5a-IoubB03Yx1TKTLMgefaosqA7A_yDup/w225-h400/20230814_142527.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark clouds</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was just like another weekday afternoon. The weather was hot outside, and yet, dark clouds were seen from afar. Melancholy feeling came and overwhelmed me once again.</p><p><i>Kiss 92</i> played one of my historical favourite songs by <i>Boyzone</i>, oh really historic, indeed!!! Some of the good memories was suddenly playing at the back of my mind. </p><p>I decided to make myself a cup of coffee using the <i>atas Starbucks origami </i>coffee<i> </i>bag. As I poured the hot water into it, <i>hmmmm</i>..... the smell was awaking me up, reminding me a little bit that I was sitting at the office working table, and not on vacation at the bar on top of five-star hotel with amazing view! <i>Ha!</i></p><p>I took out <i>Cannolo Cioccolato</i> from my shopping bag (as usual, I grabbed something during my after lunch walk that would be a perfect company of my coffee or tea), and <i>hmmmm...... perfecto!!! </i>Just ignored the calories that it contained in that piece of sweet pastry, and as I bit the top part, the <i>Cioccolato</i> burst inside my mouth, I closed my both eyes and focused more on the intense flavour that filled my whole mouth!!! <i>Yum!!!</i></p><p>Next song was sung by <i>Firehouse</i>. What a nostalgia feeling they tried to lead us into! </p><p>Outside the leaves were moving along with the wind. And the rain seemed like coming in soon. I turned the radio volume up after both coffee and cannoli filled my belly.</p><p>It was time to work again!!! Focus, and concentrate!!! Read and reread! Understand and remember! <i>Yeah</i>... three more hours to go. Let the time fly and enjoy the ride before it was over!!!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>With every kiss, our love is like brand-new<br />And every star up in the sky was made for me and you<br />Still we both know that the road is long<br />We know that we will be together<br />Because our love is strong</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />I finally found the love of a lifetime<br />A love to last my whole life through<br />I finally found the love of a lifetime<br />Forever in my heart<br />I finally found the love of a lifetime</i></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-2618943914523830332023-08-06T13:36:00.004+08:002023-08-06T13:36:33.064+08:00Lunch pack<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZUEW-3HXAAMcUNBdipz2YB9RWbLBVJIiclINUxkY-GA2wVZ9Iur2BgFm-gV_ipGscrsBV6jbTYm42rCcsMir2yTtoOovjJ35aF5Ysex7_dyVXy42o5UyCsaEgx6YS0qg3zkIaDpma0-e5AXmisNe1iSr6pjYsFGKALXqhHyKxr43MbYRjlRb/s626/set-school-lunch-boxes-lunchbox-collection-childish-design-with-food-fruits-vegetables-boxed-kid-container_87771-14949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="626" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZUEW-3HXAAMcUNBdipz2YB9RWbLBVJIiclINUxkY-GA2wVZ9Iur2BgFm-gV_ipGscrsBV6jbTYm42rCcsMir2yTtoOovjJ35aF5Ysex7_dyVXy42o5UyCsaEgx6YS0qg3zkIaDpma0-e5AXmisNe1iSr6pjYsFGKALXqhHyKxr43MbYRjlRb/w400-h255/set-school-lunch-boxes-lunchbox-collection-childish-design-with-food-fruits-vegetables-boxed-kid-container_87771-14949.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch pack (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I went to Australia, I always saw people bringing lunch pack to school and/ or to work as it was not only healthier, but also most importantly, more affordable. The price of buying lunch outside was pretty expensive, especially in city area. It was wiser to save the money by bringing the leftover food from the day before and reheated it at the office pantry upon consumption. </p><p>In Bhutan, it was a normal thing for people to bring lunch pack from home. They even exchanged their food so that they could taste different dishes every day. These days, the cost of living in city area had increased tremendously too, and it was only wiser to bring the homecooked food from home. They had the taste of love of their spouse, siblings, and parents too.</p><p>I really loved the idea of bringing lunch pack to work and/ or to school.</p><p>So this time, as I went back to workforce, I decided to prepare my lunch pack too! I was quite exciting with the idea actually! </p><p>There was a fridge, kettle, and a toaster in my office. However, there was no microwave. So, if I brought food to work, I would have to eat it in cold condition (heated food was better for the stomach and the taste).</p><p>At my first week to work, I made a-week portion of potato salad (so I could keep it inside the fridge before consumption). I had it for four days in a row, but later on, I realised that it was not a good choice to bring salad to work because the air-coonditioner in my office was super cold!!! I even had to wear a thick sweater every day hahaha...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRscf62qXnh9QdvucgB3VcMRZAMy6A2syRTiIkQDzmFCoMevFNUg9HqScvpgKvTiyqI0L1uODpoj0-47lhOdo8IIWeiQzMNTMLthGJZJAulO90Q0j24i89YCnxvdJGbIENNGVNx92o9DQ3Ybg_Udg8szo6SP8k6GCRIBK1cO17r_sSiB1g4xV/s1092/Screenshot_20230806_132307_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRscf62qXnh9QdvucgB3VcMRZAMy6A2syRTiIkQDzmFCoMevFNUg9HqScvpgKvTiyqI0L1uODpoj0-47lhOdo8IIWeiQzMNTMLthGJZJAulO90Q0j24i89YCnxvdJGbIENNGVNx92o9DQ3Ybg_Udg8szo6SP8k6GCRIBK1cO17r_sSiB1g4xV/w395-h400/Screenshot_20230806_132307_Gallery.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin soup :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My brain thought hard and later on, I got a better idea. The next weeks onwards, I made soup to bring to work :) because I had the thermal pot that could keep my soup hot upon consumption time. I could eat it with bread too in case it was a thin soup. </p><p>I loved soup, especially when eaten in cold environment. And I loved making and eating the Western soup, not the Chinese style. </p><p>So I made different soup each week and got the recipes from Google. So far, I have made and brought the potato soup, tomato soup, pumpkin soup, mushroom soup, white bean plus vegetable and tomato soup. It really suited my taste bud hahahaha.... Sometimes I even wondered how good I was in making soup, although there was no experience in making one before :P</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw9hBvw7LCvWqcJ7NP4_tnExD8jS4l7o6WeKAmL-j61rINAac2MSg2_Daea1nxpXhFteSCprproj_9wHH-Rk8-MsDYuHHz74C4z3tq1nFijgChb9LBVxcxb22YbgTBpjj8Tz61Ve2_Ms2W0ZkhtYlGBxnLYP4p8MgGbHf5-KyyhQl7vsoWVzu/s1120/Screenshot_20230729_150807_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw9hBvw7LCvWqcJ7NP4_tnExD8jS4l7o6WeKAmL-j61rINAac2MSg2_Daea1nxpXhFteSCprproj_9wHH-Rk8-MsDYuHHz74C4z3tq1nFijgChb9LBVxcxb22YbgTBpjj8Tz61Ve2_Ms2W0ZkhtYlGBxnLYP4p8MgGbHf5-KyyhQl7vsoWVzu/w385-h400/Screenshot_20230729_150807_Instagram.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only buy fresh ingredients :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Every Saturday after finishing my walk, I would stop by at the supermarkets in the area and bought the ingredients. Either at the same day or the day before, I would prepare a week portion soup, divided it into 5 containers, and freezed it so that it could last longer. </p><p>I moved the container out from freezer to normal fridge the day before and reheated it the next morning and kept it inside the thermal pot. I had it during lunch time at my desk, sometimes with bread, sometimes with fried rice, then had walk afterwards.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-47Ayq2jhLyZ_2Ph-kJ0DW5m-5Y_xR7PnFLQgfmQhUqjy2b4dWbPdOTEJ5LhtHFdALj2-1I21CX6cjDoySFWBp2_pBAV3FmP8HDjNkvLLLM3u0Xv4pkp2PL2J3cBrjcfk65q5kBSX37pwFpusSYbCt49WLF7jpUyKMbZV6lHLh0DzT5QqqFYJ/s1800/Collage_2023-08-06_13_16_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-47Ayq2jhLyZ_2Ph-kJ0DW5m-5Y_xR7PnFLQgfmQhUqjy2b4dWbPdOTEJ5LhtHFdALj2-1I21CX6cjDoySFWBp2_pBAV3FmP8HDjNkvLLLM3u0Xv4pkp2PL2J3cBrjcfk65q5kBSX37pwFpusSYbCt49WLF7jpUyKMbZV6lHLh0DzT5QqqFYJ/w400-h400/Collage_2023-08-06_13_16_09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato soup with bread or fried rice :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once a week I would buy the food from outside, so I would not get bored from eating the same food every day. So far, I chose vegetable soup over meat. But next time I might try making soup with seafood or chicken :)</p><p>It kept my body warm, full, and happy :) I felt grateful and happy with the arrangement. I was not sure about the health impact from it, but I always used natural ingredients and never used any MSG into it. So I would not feel thirsty after having it. </p><p>I did not know how this habit would last but I hoped this could continue for a long long time :)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-5391652256463479162023-08-04T10:41:00.004+08:002023-08-04T12:20:47.732+08:00Gratitude beyond measure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB68usZBw8B2DGVPdW4fN5oouRwFenokgp1eabRwErLAiCCHCYBofdrXbgbTZBxc8RT66DU-NPC98_Vb3SdJKpYNzmkQNHle8To46BchDBOdwiui-UV9QXyKC5qcwf0sSyynKVklSYQK1UCUWpdIJgO-NGfv5Nc3jNzOw04PP3cXmfctqpwIp/s863/gratitude-quotes-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="863" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB68usZBw8B2DGVPdW4fN5oouRwFenokgp1eabRwErLAiCCHCYBofdrXbgbTZBxc8RT66DU-NPC98_Vb3SdJKpYNzmkQNHle8To46BchDBOdwiui-UV9QXyKC5qcwf0sSyynKVklSYQK1UCUWpdIJgO-NGfv5Nc3jNzOw04PP3cXmfctqpwIp/w640-h328/gratitude-quotes-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratitude Quote (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Good morning!!! It is Friday!!! <i>Yayyy!!!</i> </p><p>First week of August is here and four more to go! August is such a very long month (with 31 days in it), just like July! But if I can survive this, I am sure I can survive the rest of the year! :)</p><p>Many people asked me,<i> "How is your work so far?" </i></p><p>I said, <i>"It is so far so good. I feel comfortable."</i></p><p>I mean, I feel like I am building my nest here, feeling secure and comfortable. This feeling is just like when I met my hubby for the first time. Like I knew that he was going to be the anchor of my life - someone who was able to provide me with emotional support, guidance, stability, and hope of my life; someone who was going to be a good father for my child.</p><p>This job, my Boss, and the office environment, are exactly the same thing. I feel that this is going to be something for the rest of my life.</p><p>So I am going to learn slowly, read more, know more about how it works, what the company dealing with, and slowly master it.</p><p>To be frank, I have never been so passionate about a job like this before. This is my first time when I could hug and embrace my job as if it is my lover. I could say that I love what I am doing here. </p><p>I used to wonder a lot of how my other friends loved their job so much, by dedicating their time (many even sacrificing their family time), to embrace themselves with their jobs. Some, even after taking a break from it, were missing to go back and be part of it again. </p><p>I kind of understand their feelings now. </p><p>I even can put all the travel desires on hold, until I know what I am supposed to be doing with my role here, know well when is the best time to be away or when is the busiest time of the months or year, before I start planning on the next vacation.</p><p>I do not mind missing many aspects or things or even moments, temporarily in life (of traveling) - and as long as I still put a priority to spend time with my family at home and life here in Singapore - because I always believe that everything happens only for good reasons. That some day, when the time comes (for me to travel), if I have to be there, I would be there. And if the time would not come (for me to travel), it is ok, and I will be fine because I know what I am doing, enjoying it, and would never regret it.</p><p>It is mostly happy feeling and mood. As promised, no work during weekends; not much phone calls to receive and to make; not much stress at work; and not much emails - compared to other companies I had worked before; and those things means a lot for me.</p><p>Inside the lift at our office building, I often hear people gossiping around their bosses and colleagues. I felt truly grateful that I did not have to experience it since it is only two of us in the office. Instead, my jolly boss often talk about her Zumba, Pilate, and her passion in catching Pokemon with her fellow friends, also about how she spent her time with her children and grandchildren back home.</p><p>And yes, I am grateful, and will forever grateful for everything that happened to me in my life.</p><p>Thank you, thank you, and thank you SB!!! May all beings be happy and health, free from suffering and the cause of suffering, life full of peace and joy! <i>Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu</i></p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-33038983751345712252023-08-03T10:25:00.003+08:002023-08-03T10:25:25.446+08:00Pluviophile<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKM0svyb4A8iuCnTu18Rx4nCYX_W_nR-WCZ-8iNMLvotMTDA2CbmGpbTvrRgjGU8eAUrh2vHAO_KrgS1jDhe4jrgTfaDqjoOWzqnpdRIGEbaYmAZMpcZY6sIF5Tm7ixt6lyVKE5A9bWNoIMb7ihWJaXaTKPLPDzzLcO_xiZbq6gk0zSn2KB0q/s4000/20230803_102258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKM0svyb4A8iuCnTu18Rx4nCYX_W_nR-WCZ-8iNMLvotMTDA2CbmGpbTvrRgjGU8eAUrh2vHAO_KrgS1jDhe4jrgTfaDqjoOWzqnpdRIGEbaYmAZMpcZY6sIF5Tm7ixt6lyVKE5A9bWNoIMb7ihWJaXaTKPLPDzzLcO_xiZbq6gk0zSn2KB0q/w400-h225/20230803_102258.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pluviophile</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I reached the station ten minutes before 9am. As I ascended the escalator from the underground MRT station, I could see the sky had turned dark and the wind blew chillingly touching my skin. </div><div><i>"Wow!!! Looks like rain is coming!!!"</i> I talked to myself.<i> "Lucky both ways to the office building had the underpass so that I would not get wet in the event of rain,"</i> my mind was speaking again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Upon reaching the office door, I could see the office had turned dark, unlike many other mornings when the sun rays pierced through the both side windows, illuminating my working table and chair. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Wow!!! I like this!!!"</i> exclaimed my own self. It was dark but feeling cozy instead of depressing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I turned on the office light and walked towards my seat. I put down my bags, turned on the PC and office mobile, and set myself down into the chair. </div><div><br /></div><div>The morning would not be complete without coffee. I was supposed to cut the caffeine down, but the office would not be complete without coffee smell, especially in a weather like this!!!<i> Hahaha...</i> *my usual excuse :P</div><div><br /></div><div>I opened the fridge and took the bottle of water out. I filled the kettle half and turned it on. As I looked up, rain had started heavily. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Wah, lucky I have reached here without getting wet!!!"</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The sound of water boiling soothed me. I turned the Youtube on from the computer. I loved quietness when working, but sometimes, I would love to listen to some music too, especially on raining day like this. </div><div><br /></div><div>I typed <i>'raining day song'</i> and many choices appeared. I clicked on a playlist and let it run themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cut the top part of the coffee sachet, filled it inside my rooster cup and poured the hot boiling water inside. I stirred it and brought it to my desk. <i>Hmmmmm....</i>. just loved the smell :) The taste was good too. I sipped it slowly and checked out my office email.</div><div><br /></div><div>I opened the yesterday<i> 'to do list'</i> note and completed it one by one.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Raining day... </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Loved it because of the mood it brought, the ambience, the cozy dark feelings, the chill, the coffee smell, the me-alone time, but mostly because my Boss would usually come late, sometimes did not even come to office.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, that was why.... I am pluviophile, one who loves rain; one who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days and everything else I mentioned above :D</div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-48231769319573409562023-07-28T20:48:00.005+08:002023-07-28T20:48:48.468+08:00Fleeting moment<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7KOL9eCDcbnWRpSTeS7zEAk5Vm6rxUadnjtbDFZuTNPYYwq_sIS5nYp9Yv9_PKcesBhCgRMMurFSFZmdgJN_iMNYULjoR4zHuIrybkrcumeOM-1jj4DDpm9bT0yFBXdzKXUdw4QSgfhzMeyKsYtcfrd3PD1_Adx71xafCRPt7Tgx_pN9ctUl/s845/main-qimg-03c628ac30cf18c553beb79ac1896820-lq.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7KOL9eCDcbnWRpSTeS7zEAk5Vm6rxUadnjtbDFZuTNPYYwq_sIS5nYp9Yv9_PKcesBhCgRMMurFSFZmdgJN_iMNYULjoR4zHuIrybkrcumeOM-1jj4DDpm9bT0yFBXdzKXUdw4QSgfhzMeyKsYtcfrd3PD1_Adx71xafCRPt7Tgx_pN9ctUl/w429-h640/main-qimg-03c628ac30cf18c553beb79ac1896820-lq.jpeg" width="429" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Your life is fleeting" by Justin Young</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Life is but a fleeting moment.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For every step we take,</p><p style="text-align: center;">every choice we make,</p><p style="text-align: center;">every place we go, </p><p style="text-align: center;">everyone we meet. </p><p style="text-align: center;">For accepting changes,</p><p style="text-align: center;">all circumstances we face.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Be it for better or worse,</p><p style="text-align: center;">it is all fleeting all away.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why we take it too hard???</p><p style="text-align: center;">Take it easy, take it easy...</p><p style="text-align: center;">With this realisation, </p><p style="text-align: center;">that nothing stays put, </p><p style="text-align: center;">that things change all the time,</p><p style="text-align: center;">things going up and down,</p><p style="text-align: center;">just take it easy, </p><p style="text-align: center;">and let your heart be at ease.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Soon or later,</p><p style="text-align: center;">everything vanishes,</p><p style="text-align: center;">be forgotten,</p><p style="text-align: center;">and will not matter anymore. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Just treasure what you have,</p><p style="text-align: center;">love everyone closest to you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">and be happy in simple way,</p><p style="text-align: center;">for whatever things that make you feel grateful, </p><p style="text-align: center;">for being able to be alive,</p><p style="text-align: center;">now, </p><p style="text-align: center;">at present moment.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Life is but a fleeting moment.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Take it easy and enjoy the ride."</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>- Rimareyka.writes </i></p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-38696694574496940572023-07-18T10:41:00.004+08:002023-07-18T10:41:51.782+08:00We are on our own time<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDVcHoJosM2Qd2e6YJgYPo9uGrlsFIyeQBcZO7zF8cClsh4NP_OTqQIa5ZigVkNDR9LhIpv1RcmT07txkThHXb1yZ-BHPMkOoKK8Avs5ICkWgaGRAVf_gxVydqyryhBC3t20E_GBFZQKBEbhhKTSRo_PtL41jQGe-uiHzmtNrXXdN5oR45QkN/s1079/Screenshot_20230712_181156_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1079" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDVcHoJosM2Qd2e6YJgYPo9uGrlsFIyeQBcZO7zF8cClsh4NP_OTqQIa5ZigVkNDR9LhIpv1RcmT07txkThHXb1yZ-BHPMkOoKK8Avs5ICkWgaGRAVf_gxVydqyryhBC3t20E_GBFZQKBEbhhKTSRo_PtL41jQGe-uiHzmtNrXXdN5oR45QkN/s320/Screenshot_20230712_181156_Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Que sera sera...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><i><div><i><br /></i></div>"Someone graduated at the age of 22, but waited five years before securing a good job.</i><div><i>Someone became a CEO at 25, and died at 50, while another became a CEO at 50, and lived to 90 years.</i></div><div><i>Someone is still single while someone from his school group has become grandfather.</i></div><div><i>Obama retired at 55, and Trump started at 70.</i><div><i>Everyone in this world works based on their time zone.</i></div><div><i>People around you might seem ahead of you and some might seem to be behind you. But everyone is running their own race in their own time. </i></div><div><i>Do not envy them. </i></div><div><i>They are in their time zone, and you are in yours. </i></div><div><i>So relax. </i></div><div><i>You are not late. </i></div><div><i>You are not early.</i></div><div><i>You are very much on time."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>You might have seen or heard the above before. And this is what exactly I feel too! As age increases, I have seen more of what is going on at people surrounded me - some whom I know, and some whom I do not know in person. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be it about school, work, career, marriage, having a child, and even when it relates to travel, retire, and so on. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thought myself that I retired early in my late 30s, spent years of travelling and spending more time meeting my family members and friends every where around the world, while I still could, had the energy and blessed with good health.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I had given up all my accounting knowledge and administrative skills that I acquired from my working experience and study before. I had even thrown most of the study material related to it because I had no intention of going back, and thought that who would even interested to hire me, who had so called <i>'retire'</i> for many years. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did work during Covid time, that was because travel was impossible at that point of time and the job that I did was related to kitchen and F&B service operation, which both were not related to admin and account at all, and just to pass time. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, who ever thought, that one day, someone I knew from two decades ago, contacted me and asked me to work with her again, just because she found me reliable and could be trusted?</div><div><br /></div><div>I trusted my gut feeling inside me that this was what I had been looking for since long time ago. My hubby said to his friend that I was kinda find my dream job. And he was right!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the sense that I could work in a small office with one Boss to work with (and few others that were at the other part of the world); the location of the place was superb - in the shopping's belt of Singapore, nearby library, etc.; work in a peaceful environment (most days my Boss came at later hours); and many more, but most importantly, I was lucky to find a nice and understanding Boss. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Oh</i>, I could wear casual attires to work too!!! Jeans and sport shoes, hoodie for cold AC room, no problem!!! That was important for me! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>What about travelling? Well, it can wait. As the above saying, <i>"We are on our own time." </i>And I always believed in<i> "What is yours is yours. What is not yours, forget it." </i></div><div><br /></div><div>And I believed in fate very much when it comes to traveling - such as the destinations, people whom I travel with, seasons, weather, and so on. I know we all get older each day, but many things will come naturally when it is time. Just believe that everything will come at the right time :) </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Que sera sera....</i></div><div><i>Whatever will be, will be....</i></div></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-49609065179523314542023-05-06T17:11:00.006+08:002023-05-06T20:49:45.223+08:00Live Your Beautiful Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogVAdKGe6kBAH3zoDRFXYPgIrOpuxKs3GrfQ9H6TWvoHwCpPT3zgDgUqJfRo9b-ubAjH42aoF3SQ7bMDkYVJ9CGhIwOTMKpMFEogI8NVwKkRAjhCdvVNqfezsAf4akA8XXxKVzGFNwZyGb1jIroyBy7ViJQN3gefZlH6BU-KqBG2EVEIziA/s970/Screenshot_20230506_170913_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="970" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogVAdKGe6kBAH3zoDRFXYPgIrOpuxKs3GrfQ9H6TWvoHwCpPT3zgDgUqJfRo9b-ubAjH42aoF3SQ7bMDkYVJ9CGhIwOTMKpMFEogI8NVwKkRAjhCdvVNqfezsAf4akA8XXxKVzGFNwZyGb1jIroyBy7ViJQN3gefZlH6BU-KqBG2EVEIziA/w400-h348/Screenshot_20230506_170913_Gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep going - Find your happiness in you :) (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Readers, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How are you? Hope you are doing good, both physically and mentally!!! The weather has been so cruel lately - damn hot during day time, rain in evening time with so much humidity in the air - make people falling sick so easily, plus Covid that is still rampant in the community. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It has been a while since the last time I wrote here. I just lost interest in writing and shared what I felt. 4 months has gone like a snip of finger. Could not say that I was too busy with life (apart from travelling and visitations) because many times I was busy doing nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes I feel I was not productive enough living this precious life. But deep inside I feel very grateful for the opportunity of many days doing nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is the quotes I took from someone's post:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"You work 8 hours to live 4.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You work 6 days to enjoy 1.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You work 8 hours to eat in 15 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You work 8 hours to sleep 5.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You work all year just to take a week or two vacation. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You work all your life to retire in old age. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And contemplate only in your last breaths</div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually you realise that life is nothing but a parody of yourself</div><div style="text-align: left;">practicing for your own oblivion.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We have become so accustomed to material and social slavery</div><div style="text-align: left;">that we no longer see the chains.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life is a short journey. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Live it!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Collect memories, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Not material things!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is never too late to realise the truth from the above words and sentences. You can always stop what you always do, and prioritise yourself to do something you love doing for the rest of your life. There is never be enough money and material possession that you would acquire. Instead, collect memories with your loved ones because on the day you die, you can never bring all your material possessions with you into your grave, nor burn it so it could exist in your next life. But instead, what people deeply feel about you, of what you have done to them or changed their lives and thought, will be the precious gifts for them and yourself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5S22_ZbM-Vo5qi_DAlOanzPKugW6dbrvuP2KEd77IrhgXT5Y0SQbueMIGi_Z3IEmCGfC8LA5yh8doiajGKIbppZ0zNPEBCe1Cfy70lMXEXIDl7mYknRqLpLLmc5RPWEmfAoHf40RR09QlANqBHRuyJKuYluzlh7QpI2Yuix5FqXaSxBGqQ/s1079/Screenshot_20230506_170411_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1079" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5S22_ZbM-Vo5qi_DAlOanzPKugW6dbrvuP2KEd77IrhgXT5Y0SQbueMIGi_Z3IEmCGfC8LA5yh8doiajGKIbppZ0zNPEBCe1Cfy70lMXEXIDl7mYknRqLpLLmc5RPWEmfAoHf40RR09QlANqBHRuyJKuYluzlh7QpI2Yuix5FqXaSxBGqQ/w400-h399/Screenshot_20230506_170411_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Script by Robin Sharma (From the book - The Everyday Hero Manifesto)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As Robin Sharma wrote, you yourself are more than enough. Be happy with whatever you have, in simple way of life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I heard a nice song recently that I want to share the lyrics with you (you can search in Google the song and listen to it).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Live Your Beautiful Life<br />Song by Lights Follow</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Tell me what it takes to get you feeling alive<br />Tell me how to show you it's a beautiful life<br />I'll do anything to pull you into the light<br />Cause everything will change when you open your eyes<br />Yeah<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So don't you let the sunlight go by without you<br />Don't you realize how lucky we are<br />Open up your heart, baby, let it all go tonight<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Live your life like it was running out<br />Be alive<br />We gotta scream it out<br />Be it then<br />And feel the rush again<br />You're not lost<br />No matter where you've been<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You've been trying hard just to make it along<br />But I can help you baby let me carry it along<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll do anything to make you see what it's like<br />Cause everything is different when you open your eyes<br />Yeah<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So don't you let the sunlight go by without you<br />Don't you realize how lucky we are<br />Open up your heart, baby, let it all go, tonight<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Live your life like it was running out<br />Be alive<br />We gotta scream it out<br />Be it then<br />And feel the rush again<br />You're not lost<br />No matter where you've been</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />*All your life you've been chasing a ghost<br />You gotta change your mind if you're gonna let go<br />No matter how you feel nothing's holding you up<br />Nobody's holding you back <br />Find a light that you are</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Repeat *</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Live your life like it was running out<br />Be alive<br />We gotta scream it out<br />Be it then<br />And feel the rush again<br />You're not lost<br />No matter where you've been<br /></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-19945920447257128232022-12-18T16:56:00.005+08:002023-04-19T11:07:10.704+08:0010-Day Silent Vipassana Meditation Retreat in Bali<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVJY6ot3lRY7240abXfdAS2DDBWvp_Kks3fMJussOG_d5sjesM19wGttPJHb-E-UhmcBBcukVYMettux2lFh40yAs7jJadmCR6mD-GJv8uxNTDSr0q1kEJismN5DgvsMXoi_K9YyYra63lRWf_xfW9_a2FQAKdqvZDi5_i_Ze8mjX1PiTJw/s720/Screenshot_20221203_153153.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="720" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVJY6ot3lRY7240abXfdAS2DDBWvp_Kks3fMJussOG_d5sjesM19wGttPJHb-E-UhmcBBcukVYMettux2lFh40yAs7jJadmCR6mD-GJv8uxNTDSr0q1kEJismN5DgvsMXoi_K9YyYra63lRWf_xfW9_a2FQAKdqvZDi5_i_Ze8mjX1PiTJw/s320/Screenshot_20221203_153153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vipassana</i> introduction (Source: dhamma.org)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Few months ago I stumbled upon a <i><a href="https://www.dhamma.org/id/schedules/schid" target="_blank">website</a></i> for the 10-day silent <i>Vipassana</i> meditation retreat registration. It had been 5 years since my first time attendance in such <a href="https://reeverking.blogspot.com/2017/09/?m=0" target="_blank"><i>meditation</i></a> program.</p><p>I thought, maybe it was time to go for it again. And this time, the place was in Bali. It would be great since it had been 7 years since the last time I went there and I would have no problem and difficulties in the language. Therefore, without much thinking, I pressed the '<i>registration</i>' button and applied for it. </p><p>A day after I received the acceptance email from the registration team, and I started to look around for the flight ticket, think of how many days I need to go for the overall trip, where else to go, and so on. I decided to reach Bali 1 day before the meditation started and stay 3 more days after the meditation over. </p><p>I had no idea what the meditation was about, who the teacher was, what the teaching would be like, and so on. Basically, I did not read in detail regarding it and let my self just went there to find it out myself what it would be like. That was why, I often felt lost when the teaching had begun. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRQLX7JGdCfbkcKxS8m-rkAITyOK90pujsIeqzZaq5QplfTSq-4nOFGOKIQUe-Vo8Dh4XaCbRxHW85HcXScbQRupwm9iPqqnJX4F8vKlthxn908VMOcp0lp1P1BE5w9NNT_2qMPrWyev8tin9ONwypG2vmLKQ-BRVWhfdk0fyM9uzj5TU-w/s720/Screenshot_20221203_153329.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="720" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRQLX7JGdCfbkcKxS8m-rkAITyOK90pujsIeqzZaq5QplfTSq-4nOFGOKIQUe-Vo8Dh4XaCbRxHW85HcXScbQRupwm9iPqqnJX4F8vKlthxn908VMOcp0lp1P1BE5w9NNT_2qMPrWyev8tin9ONwypG2vmLKQ-BRVWhfdk0fyM9uzj5TU-w/s320/Screenshot_20221203_153329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vipassana</i> introduction (Source: dhamma.org)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In this post, let me share some basic info regarding the place and the program. </p><p>The building was called <i><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/SZQuDrXhtJAHpAvSA" target="_blank">Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali</a></i>, located at Jalan Aspal, Penglumbaran Susut, Bangli Regency, Bali.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OgbVOxa8ei-GNLi-Gp4_0cPQz9zQ8cvMMCWPLbWYTaFZN-2QYjS3mwrr3WO96hZ48mftjlKaA-m2nkda8f02fzKR-O0c1H5jfcCBaHXnZgo8D0AephVnw2XywN_jYpECeli3a_ljYHL-n99v3HIimUGd5CJlPWFY6wSKW9kqQJSJSO4cOw/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OgbVOxa8ei-GNLi-Gp4_0cPQz9zQ8cvMMCWPLbWYTaFZN-2QYjS3mwrr3WO96hZ48mftjlKaA-m2nkda8f02fzKR-O0c1H5jfcCBaHXnZgo8D0AephVnw2XywN_jYpECeli3a_ljYHL-n99v3HIimUGd5CJlPWFY6wSKW9kqQJSJSO4cOw/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining hall building (women left, men right) - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Upon email acceptance, you would receive important and necessary information regarding the retreat such as what you need (valid passport and visa, local contact number in case of emergency), that your cell phone would be handed in to the management for safe keeping during your 10 days there, when to arrive, when course ending, course finance (it was run solely on donation basis and only submit after the course ended), what to bring (loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees, no tight and revealing clothes, jumper/ shawl/ socks for cold weather, towel, toiletteries, laundry soap/ detergent, water bottle, mosquitoes repellant - thank God mosquitoes did not attack inside the meditation hall!), no laundry service provided - could only hand wash, what not to bring (books, religious objects, writing materials, mp3 players and other electronic devices, food), and so on. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QtpFIcT1sxU536sU399ZPo8gHABGwl6m4MaryhTpQUIzdby3567Kh5J_6KJd09AK5L61qgwf09015FKLnJkWdkHlrkAoanJ0xgHWsj3LmvCMufF2WNjI60J9h5cg2Ufd5OrZjqX7xJzLTlprtJTApFTtNUrfVnN75alasMmbM7dsm19ytA/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_357.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QtpFIcT1sxU536sU399ZPo8gHABGwl6m4MaryhTpQUIzdby3567Kh5J_6KJd09AK5L61qgwf09015FKLnJkWdkHlrkAoanJ0xgHWsj3LmvCMufF2WNjI60J9h5cg2Ufd5OrZjqX7xJzLTlprtJTApFTtNUrfVnN75alasMmbM7dsm19ytA/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_357.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One umbrella per room per person - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali </td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was raining season when I was there. However, umbrella was available, hung outside our room (one for each person), which you could use during your stay there. Flashlight was also provided - hung next to the umbrella so you did not have to bring. </p><p>Towel rack/ dryer was given one outside the room for each person. There were 2 big clothes hanger available for women to share to dry their clothes. Or otherwise, just hung it at that towel rack.</p><p>Fyi, the weather there was quite humid with so many rain. Also the weather changed really fast. Like when you saw it sunny, just a while later, suddenly heavy rain poured down. So be alert when you hung your clothes to dry in open space!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33k647m2jC_DCPWlZKgntwKtOKX0Hi0otqIiO7DJGFqL4xwY_9DcQDV1wC7Dju-Y9lAKcErV6OTvzRw7jO7tMka0Amss0v9b0D8Sy2ab1me1cH-rB6tXrj2Yl25YMs4LjwGjbHpOKU6GXVT8mrs4OPBzgeEjB9iFDPHNfGlXZ2RkJS2Xnzg/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_281.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33k647m2jC_DCPWlZKgntwKtOKX0Hi0otqIiO7DJGFqL4xwY_9DcQDV1wC7Dju-Y9lAKcErV6OTvzRw7jO7tMka0Amss0v9b0D8Sy2ab1me1cH-rB6tXrj2Yl25YMs4LjwGjbHpOKU6GXVT8mrs4OPBzgeEjB9iFDPHNfGlXZ2RkJS2Xnzg/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_281.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Meditation Hall - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali </td></tr></tbody></table><p>There would be transport arrangement available from and to airport, <i>Ubud</i> and <i>Canggu</i> at a fee. There was ride share info as well but it did not work out when I tried to get it. The transport from <i>Ngurah Rai</i> international airport would cost IDR400,000, while from <i>Ubud</i> was IDR100,000. </p><p>I decided to spend a night before and after meditation retreat in <i>Ubud</i> since the transport facility was available. Plus, I never stayed there before (I passed by the area last time and felt that it was such a nice place to stay). </p><p>It was not big - reachable on foot to nearby area, <i>Grab</i>/ local taxi/ <i>Grab</i> motor service available, you could also rent bike and bicycle to go around; many good and affordable massage service available in the area; Cafe/ pub/ restaurant were everywhere; shops selling local products and daily necessities like <i>Guardian</i>, <i>Alfamart</i>, etc. were accessible easily as well. </p><p>Me and other 4 passengers took the transport from <i>Ubud</i>. Our meeting place was at <i>Delta Dewata Supermarket</i> at 3pm. It reached the Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali in around 45 minutes to one hour.</p><p>We went in to the dining room hall for registration and after that we would hand in our mobile phone, wallet/ money, books, journal, religious objects etc. to the management.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5krdFvpaur1GIe5aJGV8u9Cplr405GXR8qCNkhaV4nHYxDAh7OOwzntPXrACxlsyuoj6jluG5VCOxO15hqctGPRiQ8SfIS0jflJoNhVvMjd1rcYwgDsK_ahKPIv9I-Zvu1_cVviagPyZBlIh7A_DjydsTQyq6RI529lUbRXsggZH92NUOg/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1440" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5krdFvpaur1GIe5aJGV8u9Cplr405GXR8qCNkhaV4nHYxDAh7OOwzntPXrACxlsyuoj6jluG5VCOxO15hqctGPRiQ8SfIS0jflJoNhVvMjd1rcYwgDsK_ahKPIv9I-Zvu1_cVviagPyZBlIh7A_DjydsTQyq6RI529lUbRXsggZH92NUOg/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small, simple, yet clean :) - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali room</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Soonafter, we were given our room number and could start going there to put our luggage in and unpacking stuffs. We could take bath too to refresh ourselves before the long journey began :)</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7vkZGBdMOvKu5P4XyPDcXQ3kJaY8D06zMhBMzat_u_YiOdtBUcQR6Hn63ZOaPZTIywInWxb-eAWU9iGR24F3RrMCIKjKEc_r1zHd6kaZfYChhgTZLB4f3kl9FCB323ChmbMr9_D6HepcjTBljzT7UMzEbI_QYcsw43NEspqo6ltaJeLqxw/s1564/IMG_20221218_163407.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7vkZGBdMOvKu5P4XyPDcXQ3kJaY8D06zMhBMzat_u_YiOdtBUcQR6Hn63ZOaPZTIywInWxb-eAWU9iGR24F3RrMCIKjKEc_r1zHd6kaZfYChhgTZLB4f3kl9FCB323ChmbMr9_D6HepcjTBljzT7UMzEbI_QYcsw43NEspqo6ltaJeLqxw/s320/IMG_20221218_163407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;">Bathroom cum toilet on the separate building - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali</span></td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>There were 5 bathroom cum toilet for 22 of us to share (22 rooms available for each women and men - made a total of 44 pax allowed in each retreat).</p><p>It was enough as not everyone would take a bath at the same time. We could take bath at any of our rest time (morning, afternoon, and evening) and usually everyone had their own preference time to take bath. So, you did not have to worry about queuing and stuff. </p><p>At 5pm we were gathered inside the dining hall for the introduction, and then had dinner.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonk3cwAbIo1VEECneyOmemQY8gOgY_ktUpHMGVWp4i9LN6h3tB5L2C-HqXc2x9Zf-LtK2hp6VcMSDJpiBbunT8MMtn2bIaXgtx5H7JFfaJoZ-eFZpVD8wm_1MO9ww56oL2vMS8Bl8u6tnz-6It6VaJvvZ1D6uC9fWBVjmjzUgCxWovnxnug/s1808/20221127_064345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="1806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonk3cwAbIo1VEECneyOmemQY8gOgY_ktUpHMGVWp4i9LN6h3tB5L2C-HqXc2x9Zf-LtK2hp6VcMSDJpiBbunT8MMtn2bIaXgtx5H7JFfaJoZ-eFZpVD8wm_1MO9ww56oL2vMS8Bl8u6tnz-6It6VaJvvZ1D6uC9fWBVjmjzUgCxWovnxnug/s320/20221127_064345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating utensils</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were given one set of eating utensils with label of our name on the table - where our seat was located.</p><p>We used the same utensils until the rest of our stay. We washed it right after using it each and every time. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGSZe8buRrbfbHauLQP9oQgLTBDIgiuej52NYERymYETz_Ri7APE8Bp82hBC_k_Tv6aqPPzYDMMwheKShFqgWs3sHZEsks3mRh_stcy3kZUDb2VtZeEAy7F8th4Th2CsZpK22Q_efhqxduPvlZQbcYEBBQmwO9hLqv3Jtl31PMgJ2jHFULA/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_525.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGSZe8buRrbfbHauLQP9oQgLTBDIgiuej52NYERymYETz_Ri7APE8Bp82hBC_k_Tv6aqPPzYDMMwheKShFqgWs3sHZEsks3mRh_stcy3kZUDb2VtZeEAy7F8th4Th2CsZpK22Q_efhqxduPvlZQbcYEBBQmwO9hLqv3Jtl31PMgJ2jHFULA/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_525.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View inside the dining hall (men side) - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The food was buffet style. You could take a many as you wanted, but make sure you could finish them (and not waste it). But as you took your food, please be considerate of people who were queuing behind because they were hungry and not all food was available for topping up. </p><p>They served vegetarian food throughout our stay. The menu was changed every day and they ensured we had enough nutrition for our half-day meal (we took only breakfast and lunch). At 5pm, for new students, we were given 2 types of fruits (banana/ salak/ orange), one piece each. For old students, they were given liquid drink.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I98dN9A_NzzZ3VwkhbQO-kjZRO9Nv8kWscho8XRClDUg8n9IXjphLY7ZJTkkO-jnDUMvmjsANktMi0mWjgDWJNm9p-B2fChBXI4l75YOQ1y0KeZVn2Z0ptX-4rwMFED_T7kkrJN3bqkUYVRzNAmnOUtwebzFjpm21gssRupJ1pBYuRd0SA/s1440/IMG_20221128_161134_304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I98dN9A_NzzZ3VwkhbQO-kjZRO9Nv8kWscho8XRClDUg8n9IXjphLY7ZJTkkO-jnDUMvmjsANktMi0mWjgDWJNm9p-B2fChBXI4l75YOQ1y0KeZVn2Z0ptX-4rwMFED_T7kkrJN3bqkUYVRzNAmnOUtwebzFjpm21gssRupJ1pBYuRd0SA/s320/IMG_20221128_161134_304.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra cushions and other stuffs available - Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Basically they did not really allow us to bring our own personal cushion inside the meditation hall. You did not have to worry though because many extra cushions (medium and small sizes), wooden chairs, wooden leaning chairs, and shawls were available inside the meditation hall for us to use. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Soon after our first introduction and briefing, the silent mode was started. We had to keep silent (no gestures towards each other and no body language) throughout the 10 days there as to ensure not to break the sila and not to affect our meditation process.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you had any enquiry regarding the meditation, there were interview session with teacher available after lunch (11.45am to 1 pm), and also from 9 to 9.30pm at the meditation hall. Make sure you make full use of this session when you felt in doubt regarding your meditation learning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following was the schedule that more or less we had for the 10 days there. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5mJYlm0phMdHWNNhDB0aoMLicgFo1MMeOz9k4owLabCdHVcqTKYbs6_S1ULPayiFhIBNU620xjTUgG5gd8TUYtR4Cw01T9KxWjmycYvz4swfylrRo6BGLioB_L9X_6rvx5lzApMaRaSUHIsMRFMSKiCOgjc4ncbXIjOglBBLJGF0XPSOmg/s786/IMG-20221128-WA0026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="786" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5mJYlm0phMdHWNNhDB0aoMLicgFo1MMeOz9k4owLabCdHVcqTKYbs6_S1ULPayiFhIBNU620xjTUgG5gd8TUYtR4Cw01T9KxWjmycYvz4swfylrRo6BGLioB_L9X_6rvx5lzApMaRaSUHIsMRFMSKiCOgjc4ncbXIjOglBBLJGF0XPSOmg/s320/IMG-20221128-WA0026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhamma Geha Vipassana Bali Daily Schedule</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There would be 1 teacher who would guide our meditation session. There would be audio guide recording by <i>S.N. Goenka</i> in English, followed with Russia translation (as majority of attendance were Russian). </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of us were lent the personal ipod with many different language translations based on each person's native language. Like for example, even though I was fluent in English, my native language was Indonesian. Therefore, I was given the Indonesian translation in case I wanted to understand it better in my own language. It was indeed helpful for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were about 45 language translations so far, so you would not have to worry if you were not fluent or good in understanding English.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not worry. As long you made your mind into it, you would be able to go through it all. It was a step-by-step learning approach. </div><div><br /></div><div>We definitely had to work hard and treasure the opportunities of having such conditions and environment, because in real world, we were not given such privileges - quiet place, provision of healthy meal, teacher's guidance, fresh air, natural environment, and so on. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>After 10 days, we could talk again on the tenth day, and leave the place on the eleventh morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were advised to practise the meditation into our daily life (recommended twice a day - one in the morning and one in the evening), so that you could feel the benefits of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>You would find out its benefits after you experienced it yourself. Definitely, it gave you good benefits into your life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fyi, there were many meditation centers all over the world that organised such 10-day meditation courses. You could check it out <a href="https://www.dhamma.org/en/locations/directory" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a>. They gave us the apps as well (<i>dhamma.org</i>) and log in access once we became the old student. We could use it for our meditation practise beach home. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I hope this post would help you and give you a picture what you would encounter if you decided you go for it, and if you had any question, you could leave your comment below :)</div></div></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-3680632452734482212022-11-07T17:58:00.005+08:002022-11-07T17:58:57.476+08:00Hairdresser chit chat<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws756HkOaSqe_GkPYA_z8T-_S_MUqt9xHjNr5yAMT_-g5HWSEcxVe1BeMRQzMEzmFX59yC2A_GgfKsfWsnmthIr6j1ea__98TwbXV2BsMh0Nr3NZWu3cRD8qzH382OGRarhYGcxA69fWwFWQPmbDpjt5x15ii8p6GF-1Wrs8B9evGh1IMdQ/s1150/good-bad-days-to-cut-hair-nov2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws756HkOaSqe_GkPYA_z8T-_S_MUqt9xHjNr5yAMT_-g5HWSEcxVe1BeMRQzMEzmFX59yC2A_GgfKsfWsnmthIr6j1ea__98TwbXV2BsMh0Nr3NZWu3cRD8qzH382OGRarhYGcxA69fWwFWQPmbDpjt5x15ii8p6GF-1Wrs8B9evGh1IMdQ/w376-h400/good-bad-days-to-cut-hair-nov2022.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good and bad day to cut hair (Source: wofs.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>According to Tibetan almanac, today was a good day to cut your hair. Actually I wanted to cut my hair three days ago. It was also a good day to cut hair. But I spent my whole day making Momo, and by the time I finished, the sky had turned dark and the salon had closed down. </p><p>So today, I decided to go cutting my hair after having my lunch at home. There were few places I usually went. Either the one near my house (within walking distance) or the ones at <i>Hougang</i> (few stops MRT away). For today, I went to the one nearby my house. </p><p>I went in the afternoon because there was usually lesser people as many people were working, schooling, or mostly busy with their own business. I was not working anyway, so I had plenty of time to choose. </p><p>As I guessed correctly, it was only one customer before me and there was 1 available so I could start cutting hair as soon as I entered the salon. </p><p>My hairdresser was a <i>Malaysian</i> lady in her early to mid 20s. She was from <i>KL</i> and had just come here for 5 months. Before that, she worked the same job in <i>PJ</i> for 4 years.</p><p>How did I know? She told me all these as we were chatting incessantly as soon my butt hit the chair. Perhaps she was bored and I might be her first customer in the day. So when she saw me, she was happy to finally find someone to talk. </p><p>She asked lots of questions to me. Usually I preferred staying quiet through the whole process but today, I decided chatting with her back. </p><p>The questions she asked were as per below:</p><p>- Had I come here before? When was it?</p><p>- When we the last time I cut my hair?</p><p>- Where did I usually cut my hair? Was it the only place or I went to many different places?</p><p>- What hairstyle I wanted to have today? (This was a very generic question as she wanted to know which direction she needed to go as she cut my hair) She would tell me what hair style suited me better and easier to maintain. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV1mlm4SUiusSF5Y6vPu-obf03ZjAU1zTQaPBoltwzHX_a17UzNNjsu4fBBSENkAoLn5f6wpRS9DEcyc8AyfsvKnvk5EQ33OYZU_vMimax9Kwim6iaRWJkcCTqGB2wdPxpaL6VmKNwNfITChIrp_5Hlqp1kRwtEGLft3KoTJsMhz83ba4TQ/s637/Screenshot_20221107_175702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="633" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV1mlm4SUiusSF5Y6vPu-obf03ZjAU1zTQaPBoltwzHX_a17UzNNjsu4fBBSENkAoLn5f6wpRS9DEcyc8AyfsvKnvk5EQ33OYZU_vMimax9Kwim6iaRWJkcCTqGB2wdPxpaL6VmKNwNfITChIrp_5Hlqp1kRwtEGLft3KoTJsMhz83ba4TQ/w398-h400/Screenshot_20221107_175702.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason I cut my hair (Pic source: buzzfeed.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>- Had I eaten lunch?</p><p>- Did I stay nearby here?</p><p>- She noticed about my hair colour I applied about a year ago. She asked if I applied it myself? She commented that I had very less white hair, although I told her it started growing more and more lately, because some people would show bunches if it at the root</p><p>- Did I eat black sesame often? (She believed that by eating it often, it would help the black hair to keep growing - instead of white ones)</p><p>- She also noticed I had many baby hair, so I told her after hair dropped, the baby hair would automatically grow. She said, not everyone would grow it. So it might because I was having healthy hair. Or maybe because I was still young</p><p>- Did I usually curl my hair? She mentioned that she did it sometimes. I told her I liked keeping my hair simple (actually I also had no idea on how to do it and never had interest of doing it)</p><p>- Had I tried cutting my fringe short before? I told her not for a long time. When was the last time? I said, I could not remember. I just did not like it. And she agreed, because I would have to cut it short for every few weeks (she herself had short fringe though, so I bet she knew how it felt)</p><p>- How old was I? She guessed I was in my 30s. Oh before that she was asking me if I wanted to remove my mask, and I did. So she could see my overall face. I just smiled upon her guess and did not reply. </p><p>- Not satisfied, she was asking if I had children. I asked her back, what would she think? She said, yes. Again, I did not say whether I had or not but I told her that women did not usually reveal her age to anyone and she was no longer pestering me on this matter</p><p>- Didn't I have to work today?</p><p>- How many day or days my day or days off was or were? Saturday Sunday? (In Singapore, this question was indirectly asking if I worked office job or operation kind of work)</p><p>- Was I having plan for early retirement? Because she said many people were dreaming of it. I was thinking, she was in her early 20s, so it was normal for her to have this kind of thinking, or even dream about it</p><p>- She also mentioned that many people did not work as they wanted to travel. It led to her next question whether I had any plan to travel soon, and where to? </p><p>- What would I do after cutting hair? Would I go out? When I told her I would go home, she asked why I did not go out? Not boring? (It seemed to me that she was the one who was bored)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zSByfar7JlUwgNM_cvK6lNCmVe4Ts79xGQdaU9Bg--b74J5FqkfmaJysRPVF9OoXVGHfSi79lqRHE_EAT7jMAagFRF31hyNIkYsIb2Lsde0pqO1fwuOlGJJc799P_XhQhdApN3vm7kqNtups9M8SuowJ3pix2q-MXS4ZK_N-lQkr45wkKg/s1500/sub-buzz-15151-1496427085-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zSByfar7JlUwgNM_cvK6lNCmVe4Ts79xGQdaU9Bg--b74J5FqkfmaJysRPVF9OoXVGHfSi79lqRHE_EAT7jMAagFRF31hyNIkYsIb2Lsde0pqO1fwuOlGJJc799P_XhQhdApN3vm7kqNtups9M8SuowJ3pix2q-MXS4ZK_N-lQkr45wkKg/w400-h400/sub-buzz-15151-1496427085-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened to me earlier too <i>lol</i> (Pic source: buzzfeed.com) </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our chat was stopped when she washed my hair, but after that she would continued until whole process was over. </p><p><i>Lol</i>... she was so young yet she was so energetic with those incessant questions and chatting. I think she could think of changing her job to become reporter or detective instead of hairstylist. She was the youngest among other staffs though, so maybe she was just too happy when she met young customers like me :P At least she got her job done well and I had my hair cut as I wanted.</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-69520558418171353122022-11-05T18:18:00.004+08:002022-11-05T18:18:29.182+08:00Traveling alone?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsI8-VObXcdkNwqpbYdePftbZapW8dd9GpXG1P17haN7_dVgBqhpf6vfREjIxPFlYgbBTFUdx74dbkVXaE_84hLt2Pm-pCS5avUF99jPELmHrbFpPb7qG4nL1FVvdhS7UbcYEX03fvz8veXyS350abGQwGz0WSFIXrDNa8Jm2NqttBn4Khw/s715/Screenshot_20221105_181143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="715" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsI8-VObXcdkNwqpbYdePftbZapW8dd9GpXG1P17haN7_dVgBqhpf6vfREjIxPFlYgbBTFUdx74dbkVXaE_84hLt2Pm-pCS5avUF99jPELmHrbFpPb7qG4nL1FVvdhS7UbcYEX03fvz8veXyS350abGQwGz0WSFIXrDNa8Jm2NqttBn4Khw/w400-h400/Screenshot_20221105_181143.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yourself can be a great accompany too!!! (IG: Rimareyka.writes)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>People always asked me how could I manage to travel alone? Alone here, did not always mean alone physically, but it was more in a sense of traveling alone without spouse, parents, friend, and so on. </p><p>Looking back, I had done so many times in my life. Sometimes, I could not even believe myself, how did I do it, traveling alone, as far as to US, Europe, Japan, and so on. </p><p>It was a bless that my spouse gave me the trust and permission for all my traveling trips. Not many spouse would understand that dream of yours to visit the world, to experience life outside your comfort zone, to realise your dreams, and to enjoy your own time. I was indeed blessed in that matter and I always felt grateful for him. </p><p>Many of us, especially women, would love to travel and see the world. But due to circumstances (could not take time off together with your loved ones, did not have enough budget for two or more, partner might not be interested in traveling or the destination, just could not find anyone to travel with, and so on), we ended going alone, that too, if you had courage to do so. </p><p>Yes, many of us had been travelling. They could sign travel package from travel agent as it was the easiest thing to go with no worry and you would find many others who were at the same boat traveling with you that way. They had their spouse, family, and friends to travel with them. </p><p>But what if you were really alone and just wanted to be alone? I just realised, traveling alone was not just for everyone.</p><p>When my hubby had to travel alone to meet me in Penang few months ago, he was filled with anxiety. It had been long time (due to Covid-19) since the last time he went abroad. That too, mostly with my accompany. He was worried so much about the trip, especially the procedures that he had to go through during the check-in. He could not sleep the night before, and kept messaging me how to do it. And he told me too, when he was successing with the check-in procedures and everything, when he reached Penang airport feeling proud of himself, and when he came out to the arrival area, he then realised that he forgot to collect his luggage at the conveyer belt. <i>Lol</i>..... :P He had to ask the security officer's permission to enter the collection luggage area to take his luggage. <i>Hahahaha</i>..... this might give him a good lesson for his next travelling trip and memories to laugh with in the future time. </p><p>Anyway, I just thought about it and come out with few things to suggest when you felt like traveling and happened you gotta be alone. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_aYI04jNVtUdmPNcl9ezwQmBBeIyeqTbAfNwyADbqDYg_M8k7eh_3yYy-u8k3BqgLpmbD-F0IduF2_7LrgAAELhJnmJNokXGLZqq7Y67oypXXQxqnM97KZCOvuHKyN7aIPi0kt0MYsuSw1-ex09cu5d9FbujhvIPK_NPE3mazk3zcefeDA/s717/Screenshot_20221105_181418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="717" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_aYI04jNVtUdmPNcl9ezwQmBBeIyeqTbAfNwyADbqDYg_M8k7eh_3yYy-u8k3BqgLpmbD-F0IduF2_7LrgAAELhJnmJNokXGLZqq7Y67oypXXQxqnM97KZCOvuHKyN7aIPi0kt0MYsuSw1-ex09cu5d9FbujhvIPK_NPE3mazk3zcefeDA/w400-h399/Screenshot_20221105_181418.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One life with many choices ahead (IG: Rimareyka.writes)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i>First</i>, ask yourself, what you want to reach from this trip. The goal, the dream, the purpose. Let me get example from one of my trips - <i>10-day silent meditation trip in Thailand</i>. You could read the post <i><a href="http://reeverking.blogspot.com/2017/09/10-day-silent-meditation-retreat-at.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a></i>. </p><p><i>"Been wanting to experience living in Ashram or undergo the silence meditation retreat, being away from outer world (no phone, email, Facebook, selfie, etc.) over certain period of time, at least once in my lifetime."</i> - that was my goal and purpose. </p><p><i>Second</i>, find someone who were interested to join you for the trip. </p><p>In my case, not everyone wanted to go through the <i>10-day silent meditation trip</i>, as I mentioned in that post, and I ended up having to go through the meditation trip alone, by myself, to somewhere I had never been to. </p><p>However, my ex-classmate was interested with meeting me in <i>Bangkok</i> and later on <i>Chiang Mai</i>. With that, I aligned with her intention and set how many days should I arrange the whole trip. </p><p><i>Third</i>, find any friends who happened staying at the city or country. If you read <i><a href="http://reeverking.blogspot.com/2017/09/10-day-silent-meditation-retreat-at.html?m=1" target="_blank">the post</a></i>, I arranged meeting up with my Bhutanese friend who was studying there. And he brought 2 of his friends together, which I ended up knowing more friends from this trip. I was really nervous since it had been 10 years since the last time I visited Bangkok and since I was on budget, it was my first time travelling using Bangkok's train from the airport, and to <i>Chaiya</i> (southern of Thailand - the nearest train station from the meditation's place). </p><p>When meeting him, I felt it boosted my confident to be in the area, felt safer (because they too lived there comfortably - I no more had to scared of getting kidnapped and got my organ stolen - effect of watching movie the day before <i>lol!)</i>, and adjusted with the place much faster. So, it was kind of getting moral support, even the meeting was only a brief. </p><p><i>Fourth</i>, when feeling unsure about anything, or feeling lost, do not hesitate to ask anyone surrounding you. </p><p>In this <i><a href="http://reeverking.blogspot.com/2017/09/10-day-silent-meditation-retreat-at_19.html?m=1" target="_blank">post</a></i>, you could read about my day 2 trip. I had no idea how to get to the meditation place and ended up asking a Thai woman who knew only limited English. I did not know any Thai language as well so I tried using simple English mentioning the place I wanted to reach, plus body language. I ended up getting free ride to the destination and until now, it was still feeling like a dream. I still felt that Buddha was blessing me all the way, sending me all those kind people I met all along my way to help and guide me.</p><p><i>Fifth</i>, make friends along the way. Well, since it was 10-day silent meditation trip, we had to be silent, meaning no talk was allowed during the 10 day we were there. But we (girls) stayed at the same compound, we met every time especially those who slept at the room near your room. So eye contact was there and after the meditation over, we made friends to each other. Some of them were still in my Instagram or Facebook contacts. I even met one of them once when I travelled to her hometown in Russia!</p><p><i>Sixth</i>, when travel alone, find a safe location to stay. If you are on budget, stay at homestay would be good as you have a chance to meet many other travellers like you, and can travel and do many things together, but most importantly, paying less on accommodation. Keep your belonging safe is a must do by putting it at safe place (safe deposit box if available, if not, inside belt or pouch and put them beneath your clothes), plus, try to be sober as much as you can (you will never know what others do when you are in drunk mode and having blackout).</p><p>When I had more budget, I would usually look for a place not far from train station. I felt that the place was generally crowded (especially at night time). It would safer when more people were still walking around than the quiet place. </p><p>I would read the review before deciding where to stay too, because I believe good or bad experience was the best teacher in life.</p><p><i>Seventh</i>, find activity even when you are alone. In <i>Chiang Mai</i>, when my friend had to attend her massage class, I had to roam the city alone. </p><p>I could find so many activities available from the hotel, website, and so on. I attended cooking class (made friends there as well), signed up daily tour to nearby place, tried many different massages available - from aroma therapy oil body massage, traditional Thai massage with lots of stretching, foot reflexology to <i>Tok Sen</i> hammering massage, browsed the old and new city, tried many different local Thai dishes, and so on. </p><p>When doing all that, you would forget about your loneliness, and focused more on each moments. In other words, find activities that keeps you busy. </p><p><i>Eight</i>, always inform your whereabout to your loved one. Internet is available at many places, so make good use of it. I had to inform my spouse when I had the 10- day silent meditation trip and gave the staff my emergency contact in case something happened to me during the ten days because I had to keep my mobile phone with the staff (we were not allowed to use it). Not wanted to make others worry, was my priority. So as and when, I would update my whereabout to message them feeling safe as well. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhKKEiBijWzvbNgDiGch4cWMJ1QuRWISSNpwwHeH4YSfPCbG7v2iqIU_qEEI7R3deeQk-yjbk168im0uVVk-9_NRCebMF9Et2iiIMT0mQoIMiOKixdTcKGN9HVD3zhzOGA1K5CZFWt-UwUKcxx_TwqJ-AgExegrVfSAPQalzKEmT4v9Ff4A/s714/Screenshot_20221105_181558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhKKEiBijWzvbNgDiGch4cWMJ1QuRWISSNpwwHeH4YSfPCbG7v2iqIU_qEEI7R3deeQk-yjbk168im0uVVk-9_NRCebMF9Et2iiIMT0mQoIMiOKixdTcKGN9HVD3zhzOGA1K5CZFWt-UwUKcxx_TwqJ-AgExegrVfSAPQalzKEmT4v9Ff4A/w400-h400/Screenshot_20221105_181558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traits for solo traveller (IG: Rimareyka.writes)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So, who said you would be lonely when travelling alone??? As long you had good intentions, the path would be there and shown to you. And always believed, that everything happened only for good reasons. </p><p>After reading this, hope you would kill your doubt of traveling alone, and you would benefit even more as you would find out more about yourself (in various situations), like how you would handle problems and uncertainty, and many many more!!! It would shape yourself to be even more brave and more courage to travel many new places in the world. Hope this post will motivate you and give you strength too to follow your dreams, hopes and destiny in life!!! :)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-27102235750820943682022-11-04T18:35:00.000+08:002022-11-04T18:35:11.249+08:00First attempt making the Bhutanese Momo on my own<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbeBLf5wvLEEcwV6Vwrt14IVrCXj-MnV3GC6l2NusNbporElXiwq8ylMbTxVid_6RIXxmdQd1uhWFveWGzF0iVE_dDJaEj_Wuswoi1XUqWlU03sxomLZBgPhPO_Pr_s42dT6Kz2pfg0zb81XI7E8z-ZktgG1-2ugAstYk3dtF_RALwaWC_A/s3561/20221024_131639.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3561" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbeBLf5wvLEEcwV6Vwrt14IVrCXj-MnV3GC6l2NusNbporElXiwq8ylMbTxVid_6RIXxmdQd1uhWFveWGzF0iVE_dDJaEj_Wuswoi1XUqWlU03sxomLZBgPhPO_Pr_s42dT6Kz2pfg0zb81XI7E8z-ZktgG1-2ugAstYk3dtF_RALwaWC_A/w255-h400/20221024_131639.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious Bhutanese Momo and chilli made by KD :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was visiting my Bhutanese friend almost two weeks ago. When I reached, she and her husband had prepared the Bhutanese Momo (dumpling) for my arrival. </p><p>It had been 5 years since my last visit to Bhutan, but on and off, I tasted the Bhutanese momo once in a while - during my travel to Sri Lanka and Kolkata. But after Covid-19, it had already been more than 3 years I did not taste it. </p><p>I was seated and they served mountains of Momo right in front of me. I took a piece and ate it with the chilli she made. After the first bite, I was awed by it!!! It tasted like Bhutan only, and no where else. </p><p>I had eaten various Chinese dumplings throughout my life, but none tasted like this, especially this was vegetarian. The chilli too, was special. <i>Waaaahhhhhh</i>..... you could not imagine how happy I was!!!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaaJ80Ct1mhp6VOVE4pEOJLQR5maCxUIHvaHM3Ageg-HpPUExsgzIzjlZLF1ARz3CvMABVR3aKlStlcumtfoU7ytk8ZXB2vy-m6cGBcbR5Moo6XpFCS-UT7mFDIKYhuyhWqf-zRNZoAtuENd5ByC8FeWZeZk91WSs0SvA7_56O5h9hDLxzA/s2374/20221024_140537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2374" data-original-width="2232" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaaJ80Ct1mhp6VOVE4pEOJLQR5maCxUIHvaHM3Ageg-HpPUExsgzIzjlZLF1ARz3CvMABVR3aKlStlcumtfoU7ytk8ZXB2vy-m6cGBcbR5Moo6XpFCS-UT7mFDIKYhuyhWqf-zRNZoAtuENd5ByC8FeWZeZk91WSs0SvA7_56O5h9hDLxzA/w376-h400/20221024_140537.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my two hosts :)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I asked her what ingredients she used inside the Momo and the chilli. She explained to me. But after more than one bottle of wine, my memory was just more or less. <i>Hahahaha</i>....<p>There was one special ingredient inside the chilli she made, which was Szechuan pepper. I saw it at Chinese supermarket 2 days ago and it intrigued me of buying it, as I really wanted to try to make the chilli like she made. So I bought it.</p><p>As I went to supermarket looking for red chilli powder, I thought, why not made the Momo as well??? So I picked ingredients for making Momo as well. But before that, I consulted her again regarding the ingredients, to ensure I did not miss anything. </p><p>And today, I spent my whole afternoon making it, all by myself. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-lIAQF-1tt2AdZjQPTcmXKgu8Lm6aZ9mMSifnB9EQEWjr2HozFNJ6bbI7YqG-oP5Yu5OyoAgr4DCej_H-_jErxxpREunSzmnJUluESM7Vblwhz4s8k8oGOVmA3XEvKMNpRdoMSwHHXHNYacBlrI3xUZoJAWaK3Z0YfVnZR_0mn7P1PT97g/s1564/IMG_20221104_174646.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-lIAQF-1tt2AdZjQPTcmXKgu8Lm6aZ9mMSifnB9EQEWjr2HozFNJ6bbI7YqG-oP5Yu5OyoAgr4DCej_H-_jErxxpREunSzmnJUluESM7Vblwhz4s8k8oGOVmA3XEvKMNpRdoMSwHHXHNYacBlrI3xUZoJAWaK3Z0YfVnZR_0mn7P1PT97g/w400-h400/IMG_20221104_174646.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutanese chilli for Momo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Chilli ingredients:</p><p>- 1.5 pcs red onion</p><p>- 2 pcs tomato</p><p>- Oil</p><p>- Salt</p><p>- Szechuan pepper (or tinge)</p><p>- Red chilli powder</p><p>How to make:</p><p>- Cut both red onion and tomato into pieces</p><p>- Put oil into the pan</p><p>- Put both ingredients in it and stir</p><p>- Add salt</p><p>- Add pepper, and fry for a while</p><p>- Grind it using machine the above mixture and pour the red chilli powder as much as you want (you can add chilli padi if you want it spicier)</p><p>- Then it is ready</p><p>Momo skin:</p><p>- Maida or all purpose flour (I bought 1kg but I only used around 700g and the rest was to shape the skin)</p><p>- Water (no idea the quantity, as long until the skin was moisture enough)</p><p>How to make:</p><p>1- Mix both flour and water into mixing bowl</p><p>- Mix it using hands, knead it until it mixes well and moisture enough (not too dry)</p><p>- Cover with wet napkin so it will not dry </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zrp2jsD134eG3I35i53UhyNQBbI1iD6vZ21B0nk-BSuhESZNgRZSJ1NRwvhsE4X_sMBGdELlCCYAwcWlgbiS3hDI47g-McFMmmAEabkF97sZv_-ilC-_P2tYejpgA5Fu13_du7B_4Yfe9Pe2XsuHR6iQQgJZyyFKDQQ02ObeNtPS-3AfwQ/s1564/IMG_20221104_175729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zrp2jsD134eG3I35i53UhyNQBbI1iD6vZ21B0nk-BSuhESZNgRZSJ1NRwvhsE4X_sMBGdELlCCYAwcWlgbiS3hDI47g-McFMmmAEabkF97sZv_-ilC-_P2tYejpgA5Fu13_du7B_4Yfe9Pe2XsuHR6iQQgJZyyFKDQQ02ObeNtPS-3AfwQ/w400-h400/IMG_20221104_175729.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian Bhutanese Momo Ingredients</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Momo ingredients:</p><p>- Cabbage (I used around 3/4 piece)</p><p>- 3 big red onions </p><p>- 1 bunch of coriander</p><p>- 8 pcs of cheese slices (I put more since I like it :D)</p><p>How to make:</p><p>- Peel and cut red onion into small pieces</p><p>- Wash and cut the Cabbage into small pieces</p><p>- Wash and cut the Coriander into small pieces</p><p>- Cut the slice cheese into small piece</p><p>- Add all ingredients together into the bowl</p><p>- Add oil and salt into it and mix all together</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBxvuqEPD-0RkeSS37rVrbJWMSuiKjZ1H2P9rJZ6xPF6d3tPBlazQm_hSKZXkkyMLIJto_9JGgop4YLqsXF8E5TXzCvQJ7acUBP3EUr0cNsYP8G6KnTcC-Z6mIsXN_TV23hwGSsVSxB_5nC22OBulohYE5xBVulQhzQJz_QhfGftVqDm7UQ/s3024/20221104_142259.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBxvuqEPD-0RkeSS37rVrbJWMSuiKjZ1H2P9rJZ6xPF6d3tPBlazQm_hSKZXkkyMLIJto_9JGgop4YLqsXF8E5TXzCvQJ7acUBP3EUr0cNsYP8G6KnTcC-Z6mIsXN_TV23hwGSsVSxB_5nC22OBulohYE5xBVulQhzQJz_QhfGftVqDm7UQ/w400-h400/20221104_142259.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparation of Momo ingredients</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once the above ready, now it was time to shape the skin and wrap. I spread the flour on the table. I removed the dough from the bowl, cut into half. Put another half portion back to the bowl and cover.</p><p>Cut the dough and made it into small balls. With the help of roller, flatten the ball into round piece, put the ingredients inside, and shaped it one by one. </p><p>Tbh, I was really bad at shaping the skin. As I did not often make it, in beginning part I made such a giant piece. <i>Hahaha</i>..... It took me some time until I made it smaller pieces. That too, I made ugly shapes ^^"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-JUFLhS59PU0fyXSkex4rpgI6_C3ve3rzv0wzxnJGKCpZ1z12_ULXjP22Dmr6x-BYzpVJSnYvi9fK0fX4FqEJv1HDdpMbqF2p2MjkUb-oBdb1yPCGHYX_n4jcs1ihfVhmicwEsk87pmVFkGGKXEc39M6WDTBJEHMr3WPrTnoU8ySUIJUSA/s3024/20221104_181231.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="1855" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-JUFLhS59PU0fyXSkex4rpgI6_C3ve3rzv0wzxnJGKCpZ1z12_ULXjP22Dmr6x-BYzpVJSnYvi9fK0fX4FqEJv1HDdpMbqF2p2MjkUb-oBdb1yPCGHYX_n4jcs1ihfVhmicwEsk87pmVFkGGKXEc39M6WDTBJEHMr3WPrTnoU8ySUIJUSA/w245-h400/20221104_181231.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap the Momo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Remember to put some flour on the tray before putting the Momo, otherwise it would stick and break the Momo skin. Keep repeating the process until both skin and fillings finished. </p><p>I started making at 1pm and finished preparing at 4.30pm. It was quite slow as I had to prepare it alone. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpU8ChLk81omXig-ryy9BkygkJoTlvAG5ma3qyrR9qOkHz79GIM368T-4HhNHdxFaqGMnKruDrE_zDabGc1pJU74o8NI7rEoFJD6ntiErn342xUACfFn-QeFAsmXDIlDOneC0z-9DTrn6Gsk_guhGMtwqFcf3AoI7v4CwURTlvgF0mPBKZQ/s3295/20221104_163211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpU8ChLk81omXig-ryy9BkygkJoTlvAG5ma3qyrR9qOkHz79GIM368T-4HhNHdxFaqGMnKruDrE_zDabGc1pJU74o8NI7rEoFJD6ntiErn342xUACfFn-QeFAsmXDIlDOneC0z-9DTrn6Gsk_guhGMtwqFcf3AoI7v4CwURTlvgF0mPBKZQ/w275-h400/20221104_163211.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to steam the Momo!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I used the electrical steamer to steam the Momo. It was easy and fast. Just plugged the cable, filled water at bottom part, put Momo in each tray, stacked them all, covered and let it steam around 25 minutes. </p><p>Once ready, took it out and transferred it to plates or bowls and continued the steam process as required. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnB80dL44P3wSyGkP-fswdugGcXXCpCzWM3gLXtH6sjQCwcyUk2LgfQ0-M5GMYW_hEZHz8bifElqYnBXUbclLmCP-T5YGvAUTExVPL19gH2p8tH08G0_0rMk3uN8plTzLHRhZST3gAYlSl2X17OAuoUW5RTC4k5bStrtiMelnIdTHN4QzZpg/s3024/20221104_170139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnB80dL44P3wSyGkP-fswdugGcXXCpCzWM3gLXtH6sjQCwcyUk2LgfQ0-M5GMYW_hEZHz8bifElqYnBXUbclLmCP-T5YGvAUTExVPL19gH2p8tH08G0_0rMk3uN8plTzLHRhZST3gAYlSl2X17OAuoUW5RTC4k5bStrtiMelnIdTHN4QzZpg/w400-h400/20221104_170139.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Bhutanese Momo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And <i>tadaaaaa</i>....... that was the result!!! </p><p>As first timer, let me rate the taste and overall making process. <i>Hahaha</i>.... </p><p>First the chilli. I felt I put too much tomatoes (3 small pcs) as the tomato taste was quite strong. The pepper that I bought did not smell strong and too powdery. Next time, will try not powder type, so can get better and stronger flavour. The red chilli powder was not spicy. I just anyhow picked any brand from supermarket, so that was why the taste was different from the one I had at KD place. But overall, it was still good and still fit the Momo very well :)</p><p>Second the dough for Momo skin. I am not the expert in making and shaping dumpling dough. Just do whatever I can, so I did not expect very good result as well. Since I made it for own (family) consumption, it did not matter <i>hahahaha</i>.... but definitely not confident enough to make it for guests. </p><p>Third, the fillings. It was good but I think I should have put more oil. It was a little bit dry. I thought salt would produce water into my vegetable ingredients, but it did not. So KD mentioned to put little bit more so it would not dry. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM9Kkwr3EjaLwb-aE8LDm2-fG_W6VZ7t61zsBTUfsZG84q5MFiO_zmt53oE_aJFM33kL99aL-yZL194CvEu7bVYmP0EdbDgPTgp-I82BdXObxZNhyH8M1sGXdBFRSYjCuGcAWdIbyLLEaMNHfoiiRmyVlb6m4zQue1TAO6Hh5X3tr4ZIOsw/s4032/20221104_173712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM9Kkwr3EjaLwb-aE8LDm2-fG_W6VZ7t61zsBTUfsZG84q5MFiO_zmt53oE_aJFM33kL99aL-yZL194CvEu7bVYmP0EdbDgPTgp-I82BdXObxZNhyH8M1sGXdBFRSYjCuGcAWdIbyLLEaMNHfoiiRmyVlb6m4zQue1TAO6Hh5X3tr4ZIOsw/w225-h400/20221104_173712.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Eater :D</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And so far, my hubby and son had tasted it. With hungry stomach, of course it was good for my hubby, while my son preferred dumpling with meat ingredients ^^"</p><p>Will I make it again next time? <i>Hmm</i>.... perhaps, but not so soon. The time and effort spent was too much but it still made me happy. I posted my experience here so I would not forget it and make the better one next time :)</p><p>Have you yourself tried making it on your own? If yes, I guess you are quite pro with it and if you have better suggestion, please do not hesitate to comment or pm me. Thank you for reading and have a lovely day! :)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-19015333168030410062022-11-03T13:18:00.002+08:002022-11-03T13:18:32.657+08:00One Punggol<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqJp01-TkLyEvyNjUkkdjBZPne6OIjKJRC6OT1w6gGUWryuEqShC-iqdGpDhOSHTHNGMH98bATuDn46oc---T59VO3TvnR3jMfOv4n2EJSdLLnHlkpKrqFRYMWS8vRIzpG_4GJW7MxreLQw8gVM3GuGsPU0GnpdbPmvxZO76NSNmicAsemQ/s1564/IMG_20221103_121812.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqJp01-TkLyEvyNjUkkdjBZPne6OIjKJRC6OT1w6gGUWryuEqShC-iqdGpDhOSHTHNGMH98bATuDn46oc---T59VO3TvnR3jMfOv4n2EJSdLLnHlkpKrqFRYMWS8vRIzpG_4GJW7MxreLQw8gVM3GuGsPU0GnpdbPmvxZO76NSNmicAsemQ/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121812.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Punggol - Singapore</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It still feels like a dream. </p><p>We moved to this area ten years ago and that time there was nothing surrounding our housing block. Our block was kind of pioneer buildings in the area. I still remembered how we could see sunset from inside the <i>Punggol MRT </i>station. But now, we saw only buildings around. </p><p>The building above was what we were hoping for since we moved and finally, after a decade of waiting, it started to operate slowly, starting first from the hawker center. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiWCQfWl0s-Ge6p3Ip9DqQcNGFx9L-ZllDGtpNYsPjVQgW1hg4NiN2TOOUTARBnrUoQrSAMZ9HgaCLR0kUGZ2A8y9_7DxDUbhuP4LSsQFZzpV1R6D9-KoB4WGZEqi-xzlf1Wc61GPWSM7qzXYA-4cPKE5IhWivpojQKjp6JLngsSaoduizw/s1564/IMG_20221103_121541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiWCQfWl0s-Ge6p3Ip9DqQcNGFx9L-ZllDGtpNYsPjVQgW1hg4NiN2TOOUTARBnrUoQrSAMZ9HgaCLR0kUGZ2A8y9_7DxDUbhuP4LSsQFZzpV1R6D9-KoB4WGZEqi-xzlf1Wc61GPWSM7qzXYA-4cPKE5IhWivpojQKjp6JLngsSaoduizw/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121541.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Punggol Hawker Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was finally here!!! We had only one food shop at bus interchange when we first moved in. Around 1 to 2 years later, there was another alternative nearby our house and few years later, another one or two. We had very limited choices of food to buy but we had to live with it. And then the <i>Waterway Point </i>(shopping mall) was opened in January 2016.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still remembered that almost everyone who stayed nearby were walking to the shopping mall first few days and weeks of its opening day. The feeling was like we were all exciting that finally something like this came to our neighbourhood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this time, <i>One Punggol</i> too. As I came today, I saw many people like me were curious about this new building. We all walked around, level by level, tried finding out what were available now, and what would open in the near future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just like me, they too clicked photos here and there, and perhaps, shared it to social media. The hawker center has been opened days ago. It was crowded this afternoon. </div><p><i>"A total of 34 stalls will be available when the hawker centre is fully functioning, with more than 700 seats," </i>as written by mothership.sg </p><p>I might buy something later but earlier, I was just walking and looking around. I saw some familiar shops, but many were new brands. Eating area on the side was airy. Perhaps because today was such a cloudy and rainy day. If weather was hot, the big celling fan would be very useful. </p><p>Blood donation center would also available at this floor. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEvTcVihu4tXaVpSkhzbQZsbDVd2grM03IBc8qjOJ7eF4HS7SbfCuJ_oRAOYxelfXpbt3pw0oO8C5fFIE3MwFqQhi9aTlYYPmXXWjaUUGzKWpR5NXLIJh3bJhsPaIrvb6NJldT0pb1MqjgwzFY_UQP3nBO36XxMSJhPYOBY2T5U-t8hj91w/s1564/IMG_20221103_121752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEvTcVihu4tXaVpSkhzbQZsbDVd2grM03IBc8qjOJ7eF4HS7SbfCuJ_oRAOYxelfXpbt3pw0oO8C5fFIE3MwFqQhi9aTlYYPmXXWjaUUGzKWpR5NXLIJh3bJhsPaIrvb6NJldT0pb1MqjgwzFY_UQP3nBO36XxMSJhPYOBY2T5U-t8hj91w/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121752.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Punggol Directory</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The building had 5 levels with car park area at the basement. You could check the detail in the photo above. </p><p>For now, we could only visit up to fourth storey. They blocked the access to fifth level. It took some time ba!</p><p>The content looked exciting though!!! Karaoke! BBQ pits! Community garden! Sun deck? Sky deck? I was looking forward into it!!!</p><p>I heard it would have four badminton courts at the multi purpose hall. I was not a badminton fans and not a player either, but I was happy for them. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPFZc6H6EBf-3HDkSAl_pYf5zKIJIxeBowR-BtlgDz84YjglK1IXCXMpSym3XDrt3wH-e9yBdFuhPzxwxg4cN9gmEORl-Zw8tJcW19LVY6C1Y5OAVCzArqxDTTb3OXQfmOFIwAgfzvyPK-bEVWq3ova2VXdcE_3e_einKUtWBqsBBnFpozA/s1564/IMG_20221103_121251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPFZc6H6EBf-3HDkSAl_pYf5zKIJIxeBowR-BtlgDz84YjglK1IXCXMpSym3XDrt3wH-e9yBdFuhPzxwxg4cN9gmEORl-Zw8tJcW19LVY6C1Y5OAVCzArqxDTTb3OXQfmOFIwAgfzvyPK-bEVWq3ova2VXdcE_3e_einKUtWBqsBBnFpozA/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121251.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance Studio - One Punggol</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Dance studio at level 3 had already functioned. I saw people bringing yoga mat earlier. And now they used the room for dancing. Wah, one day, I would be able to join them as well. Would check the <a href="https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-network/one-punggol" target="_blank"><i>One Punggol</i></a> website soon!!! :)</p><p>At fourth floor, there would be dialysis center, <i>KKH</i> department of child development, culinary studio, music studio, Senior care center and so on. It would be useful for everyone who needed it. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtKm30PlOVeuGi9t7B2WeqZafi_9LmTmDzNn09r_3wCHYiovdWcx3AHnRVclLo3tzcW_pDBa0dqcmpGeM2TrQjDRZ0ElLZF7W4bURUCi_NRs61YPuWuelMzosDIPN1rgf42CQ-yTAdoaqto8GzNrqPb51dbefxDeaICML8oNu_j0KIYG88Q/s1564/IMG_20221103_121618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtKm30PlOVeuGi9t7B2WeqZafi_9LmTmDzNn09r_3wCHYiovdWcx3AHnRVclLo3tzcW_pDBa0dqcmpGeM2TrQjDRZ0ElLZF7W4bURUCi_NRs61YPuWuelMzosDIPN1rgf42CQ-yTAdoaqto8GzNrqPb51dbefxDeaICML8oNu_j0KIYG88Q/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121618.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punggol Regional Library coming soon in 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><p>For those who knew me, would have guessed correctly of what I was waiting for!!! Yes, the <i>Punggol Regional Library</i>!!! <i>Waaaaa</i>..... I was really looking forward!!! But it would not be ready that soon. It was expected to open in early 2023. Now they were still under construction. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlY3jtmkrmQ8tx3E4e-Ph-ox_xKsg3HpnD1eakVMCokpyWMTj_7lofhd33bnWA9zK9ztBp6bolh86lOvv-Jz9gNSWb5Oxm-3ka5Tkd6hZWmPuF390Hg_fHb2_mTu7_u63XgrFddB1ILOi-ddE1xavr53sZRpBTpuQ4BaGvrhTPivl09C_dQ/s1564/IMG_20221103_121640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlY3jtmkrmQ8tx3E4e-Ph-ox_xKsg3HpnD1eakVMCokpyWMTj_7lofhd33bnWA9zK9ztBp6bolh86lOvv-Jz9gNSWb5Oxm-3ka5Tkd6hZWmPuF390Hg_fHb2_mTu7_u63XgrFddB1ILOi-ddE1xavr53sZRpBTpuQ4BaGvrhTPivl09C_dQ/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punggol Library under construction</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One Punggol was only 8-minute away from <i>Waterway Point</i> and it took around 10 minutes from my house to <i>Waterway Point</i>. A brief walk would be fine as a form of exercise. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7vv5caIRFqGxTjzPHnX897ogmPgwK-OUB8QFilo4KTQZSKFDClQh3ISSj1UAXgWeF_hWFZcamU7tlieYYdFShV4RClLKJRzoiIk47tKFRn8rI49dr_6imH7GG21vfxJzKOdQxjjiJnxszItFPJPwq1iXieC2T4KJM63LLinJ1UdoQS9X9g/s1564/IMG_20221103_121934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7vv5caIRFqGxTjzPHnX897ogmPgwK-OUB8QFilo4KTQZSKFDClQh3ISSj1UAXgWeF_hWFZcamU7tlieYYdFShV4RClLKJRzoiIk47tKFRn8rI49dr_6imH7GG21vfxJzKOdQxjjiJnxszItFPJPwq1iXieC2T4KJM63LLinJ1UdoQS9X9g/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121934.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playgrounds between Waterway Point to One Punggol</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Covered walkway was available from <i>Waterway Point</i> to <i>One Punggol</i> with many seats, playgrounds, and exercise grounds built along the way. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnJHWstVbi40tLzjXneCMkN2lNEfT31qdJwujo1yMM8-GhyFvVhQwLxMjSdxiq_630XhskIyhrt1urG55Cxg74RR9LWmELe4aJDrzBDPp5ezmioyb5UmE1mKMXWsBk2yWLfD1UtJ46GJV_T02jRGWdTzKoqUho5QPTZayKek867Ymz-1Tsw/s1564/IMG_20221103_121900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnJHWstVbi40tLzjXneCMkN2lNEfT31qdJwujo1yMM8-GhyFvVhQwLxMjSdxiq_630XhskIyhrt1urG55Cxg74RR9LWmELe4aJDrzBDPp5ezmioyb5UmE1mKMXWsBk2yWLfD1UtJ46GJV_T02jRGWdTzKoqUho5QPTZayKek867Ymz-1Tsw/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket ball ground and other facilities</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Basket ball grounds and many other facilities were also available near <i>One Punggol</i>. Students could use it during their school holiday. It could benefit any ages from the very young to the senior range. </p><p>Even just to sit and relax, enjoy their break or lunch, these places would be beneficial for everyone. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzilVy2LI_jUJxKmc6TGbNRgPWaKk_84QJpvXth7-z8Wc9bfU-XEHl-E8iJ8E2BF7i27IaFj4q4L7vrXGkaVdd0Xl6gh4tiWHWUYvmqBxRHqRHKIfg8b_ATiRuswdXVYAuCpSYfBTS5ZWL36I5WYuy92IQ-Rv6gdOmP5hu2n6Y6EzXPgKRpA/s1564/IMG_20221103_121104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzilVy2LI_jUJxKmc6TGbNRgPWaKk_84QJpvXth7-z8Wc9bfU-XEHl-E8iJ8E2BF7i27IaFj4q4L7vrXGkaVdd0Xl6gh4tiWHWUYvmqBxRHqRHKIfg8b_ATiRuswdXVYAuCpSYfBTS5ZWL36I5WYuy92IQ-Rv6gdOmP5hu2n6Y6EzXPgKRpA/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_121104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The miniature of One Punggol</td></tr></tbody></table><p>For now the space looked so big. Seats were everywhere. As I wrote this post, I was sitting at one of the benches provided. With the cloudy weather and giant ceiling fan above me, I could sitting and writing this post comfortably :)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzqdPk-m6TrtUsI_tBm_owksvynX4bIsY57wki_8h-9_LLHnYeVRFnMrath-mymBvfRCa12ENsniE9gbl_zIS3yIpjBIjFWfhxvMYLZiCF8pJ_ffwK1hYxqrR2392msizQ3sYVAW5KqRXeZDqwXGYvbirOpL1apRCckxTlKMHeh4817-Rsw/s1564/IMG_20221103_131319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzqdPk-m6TrtUsI_tBm_owksvynX4bIsY57wki_8h-9_LLHnYeVRFnMrath-mymBvfRCa12ENsniE9gbl_zIS3yIpjBIjFWfhxvMYLZiCF8pJ_ffwK1hYxqrR2392msizQ3sYVAW5KqRXeZDqwXGYvbirOpL1apRCckxTlKMHeh4817-Rsw/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_131319.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just realised even my shirt was matching with building colour ^^"</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i>Hahahaha</i>.... After this, I would go up to the hawker and have a bowl of <i>ah balling peanut soup</i>. So convenient. I did not have to go faraway place to have it :)</p><p>So, free free, go and visit this place ok? Even as foreigner who comes to Singapore. Wish everyone a good day ahead!!! ;)</p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-3623732052558496482022-11-03T08:24:00.002+08:002022-11-03T08:24:15.270+08:00We all deserve it, even if takes time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-R5EvOAGQSenVUQnyCaRiQFe5v0wR_Co1q58KzOJZ2XOY6FacrSgwhLGJqenKdsNpU_OH50OmTwMmvNiJxCjsg3UW7A3RWT9Dw4GdldGzlMT2CwYHZzwGIX7--0zd3-ZFlU9f5ig0ys-8bgwMGTohoSaRue5TJCtmbYls3EtDON6FWY0Dg/s3024/IMG_20221103_074336_996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-R5EvOAGQSenVUQnyCaRiQFe5v0wR_Co1q58KzOJZ2XOY6FacrSgwhLGJqenKdsNpU_OH50OmTwMmvNiJxCjsg3UW7A3RWT9Dw4GdldGzlMT2CwYHZzwGIX7--0zd3-ZFlU9f5ig0ys-8bgwMGTohoSaRue5TJCtmbYls3EtDON6FWY0Dg/w400-h400/IMG_20221103_074336_996.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try and never give up (Instagram: rimareyka.writes)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As we all grow up, we would have encountered and experienced many things in life. The rollercoaster ride of life makes us feeling happy, and sad. We cannot just ignore it. It is part of our growing process. </p><p>At one time, we reach certain age, when we look back of where we were. Then we would realise, somehow, one way to another, each of us carries our luggage - emotional luggage - in our hearts.</p><p>We may or may not want to remember. But most of the time, we may want to ignore it. But somehow, some event would trigger it to come back. No matter how positive you are, somehow, it hurts you. </p><p>The hormone makes it worse. It makes you to undergo emotional rollercoaster once again. Alas!!! How could it be? You wonder. And you will start wonder about everything, from the past to the present moment. </p><p>You are who you are. You have your own thinking, principle, and behave that way. But others have their own too, which you cannot deny its existence. </p><p>It is just sometimes, you begin questioning yourself, "Am I not doing it right? Isn't it what I supposed doing?" All thought again comes at once. I wonder, and wonder. </p><p>It takes time. It is indeed taking time. The urge to stabilise my thinking is there. Not just thinking, in my mind, but also, the healing, it takes part too. I feel, I need to heal too...</p><p>The mindfulness, does not mean meditation, of what is going on in my heart and mind, keeps me thinking, over and over again. </p><p>To be the person who I am not, is hurting me. "I do not have to be like that." But I just keep wondering, are many being like that??? Am I not normal??? That is not what I want to be at the first place though, although the feeling stirs inside. It may give wrong signals to people I know, and I do not want them to misunderstand. It is just I am thinking and examining my thought.</p><p>It takes time, to slowly bounce back. Even now, I am still in the journey, not yet reaching the destination. </p><p>"Give myself time."</p><p>"Today is a good day to start."</p><p>"This book may help me."</p><p>"Alone time is what I need now."</p><p>"Journaling helps."</p><p>"Keep being mindful with my thought."</p><p>"You are not alone."</p><p>"Always look at the bright side of life."</p><p>"Count my gratitude every single day."</p><p>"Be loving, especially to myself."</p><p>"I need it the most right now."</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxoiD2ByVdkPGkdewC6--BTmGyOKEVzeqKnm9_0nztOiAsHtMKzyRfGAJkVBy-XlJ5rS5ZhFmJXzjRy-SlINV_RDhEILYoQx0Y_9sa1JSlGmRme8wiDSfc1VBxMyVdGaT00kLt4QxRuDwEjdlm2uBd1gDLE4qHYr4_wIE71UmsUrGgEQLhg/s420/dalai-lama-quotes-do-not-let-the-behavior-of-others-destroy-your-inner-peace-wisdom-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxoiD2ByVdkPGkdewC6--BTmGyOKEVzeqKnm9_0nztOiAsHtMKzyRfGAJkVBy-XlJ5rS5ZhFmJXzjRy-SlINV_RDhEILYoQx0Y_9sa1JSlGmRme8wiDSfc1VBxMyVdGaT00kLt4QxRuDwEjdlm2uBd1gDLE4qHYr4_wIE71UmsUrGgEQLhg/w400-h400/dalai-lama-quotes-do-not-let-the-behavior-of-others-destroy-your-inner-peace-wisdom-quotes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalai Lama Quote (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And to help me being positive, I recall the Dalai Lama's quotes as per follow:</p><p>"Every day, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it."</p><p>"The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self."</p><p>"An open heart is an open mind."</p><p>"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."</p><p>"Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace."</p><p>"Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck."</p><p>"A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering."</p><p>"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."</p><p>"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they are not on your road does not mean they have gotten lost."</p><p>"We don't need more money, we don't need greater success or fame, we don't need the perfect body or even the perfect mate. Right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness."</p><p>"Happiness is the highest form of health."</p><p>Hope this post inspires you today, motivate you, lead you to the life you want it to be. Even if takes time, as long as we want, one day we will reach there. One step at a time. </p>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210422.post-46589689826460771412022-11-01T19:56:00.006+08:002022-11-01T19:56:34.576+08:00Another Memorable Journey From Sapa :D<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZM_FX8GRVEfnXPshhaLOIERId7cVCfQRVyZ30_bUVxBorHcaajNLg27nN2KOxZb7p8Ck8vP60n7jTXRCViGyJeVVH1KiH9AWVaE7PVeIc_1VQTm2aiOCIQdWYm6QwvDhqqvpHDX8LuAYNmF3mhQh6lBdl9UIjKYbhjOSLnAR6tJIL0P1kw/s518/57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZM_FX8GRVEfnXPshhaLOIERId7cVCfQRVyZ30_bUVxBorHcaajNLg27nN2KOxZb7p8Ck8vP60n7jTXRCViGyJeVVH1KiH9AWVaE7PVeIc_1VQTm2aiOCIQdWYm6QwvDhqqvpHDX8LuAYNmF3mhQh6lBdl9UIjKYbhjOSLnAR6tJIL0P1kw/s320/57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh oo.... (Pic source: Google.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I felt like that day was really not my day, like lots of things were just wrong. It started as early as 2.30am when I woke up for my toilet break. The room was dark and I found out that there was not electricity inside our room. I used the torch apps from my mobile to go to toilet and back to my bed right after.</p><p>I finally woke up again at 6.30am and the electricity was still not there. I wanted to take bath and wash my hair but suddenly I was worrying that the heater might not there since the electricity was not available. I sent message to Jacky and informed him about my situation. He checked with the hotel and soon he got back to me, saying that the staff was trying to resolve the issue and I still could use the water heater since the hotel had the generator back-up. I thanked him for checking it out and immediately went to bathroom. And just nice when I finished bathing, the electricity returned, so I could blow my hair dry right after.</p><p>My body had gotten better comparing with the night before. The fever had gone and I was strong and well to face another new day in Sapa. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB-EWwGIZg6aeD344abSQ3YF3Yn5ikLph-RiaOFVpI_RknZzYDZzj-GjWrDj7wf3tcMbaLM6u1WFAzYbT6OGdeUjqctT4PZox_YX7RBwWSufx54JiwopPEXEpSIpbwqjvQHTDPITqcaemS6fSaIq9I5ccDSy8plhogMoLxP_tYoxzZCpNoA/s2888/56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2023" data-original-width="2888" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB-EWwGIZg6aeD344abSQ3YF3Yn5ikLph-RiaOFVpI_RknZzYDZzj-GjWrDj7wf3tcMbaLM6u1WFAzYbT6OGdeUjqctT4PZox_YX7RBwWSufx54JiwopPEXEpSIpbwqjvQHTDPITqcaemS6fSaIq9I5ccDSy8plhogMoLxP_tYoxzZCpNoA/w400-h280/56.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade sling bag by Dinh - Sapa, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had our breakfast in the hotel and later on <i>Dinh</i> came bringing her handcraft souvenirs like bags, wallets, hanging decoration, and showed those to us, as per promised the day before. It was not all handmade though. She brought the machine made stuffs as well. I bought sling bag, wallet, and hanging decoration thing and bargained reasonable price from her (not too low as I thought of 4 young children that she had to feed back home).</p><p>The car that picked us up was coming late due to the marathon event that was going on in the area. We were brought to the <i>Sun World Fansipan cable car station</i> as we wanted to reach the <i>Mount Fansipan</i>. The mountain's height was 3147 meter's height, the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula, hence called <i>"The Rooftop of Indochina."</i></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFtWV2s0465OACQstALHLhcSTh8r64nyl3KZ8EkOjqFIGXuON9X-rUzUCQIkqcdPyIcVIi19edwa5ZiDgmnMtk43VoWHoxNOpZbyn6UPwqRm-3JO4XrZphlB08zM7GKNUQiC8DiHCq5mhdecZ5_i_tSJsID45rCxzBX1X-X5tibCjMMM61A/s1564/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFtWV2s0465OACQstALHLhcSTh8r64nyl3KZ8EkOjqFIGXuON9X-rUzUCQIkqcdPyIcVIi19edwa5ZiDgmnMtk43VoWHoxNOpZbyn6UPwqRm-3JO4XrZphlB08zM7GKNUQiC8DiHCq5mhdecZ5_i_tSJsID45rCxzBX1X-X5tibCjMMM61A/w400-h400/51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun World Fansipan Cable Car - Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><i>Dinh</i> did not follow us, so it was only two of us. She only handed us the online ticket to enter the cable car for return trip and waited us there at the station until we came back. When weather was good, the view from the cable car supposed to be beautiful. But as I said earlier, it seemed like it was not really my day. It rained a little on our way up and when we reached the temple on top, we were surrounded mostly by fogs. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh5CKBHejeiWbpEwk0gcLYnpw8nc0zp57-1njkWcoU4derZWy7hIJYoDvLLsdlYNH2YBQB4YOvPbF-8U0Xf0gBZQccngq7r9ijhdaBSxTJ6wO_TycoRWtdyfdkmAs0oa5I9ULBaQ8ygUn6rnRivpMCl7pJU91wHe6voIaOC43XdFibyWILQ/s1564/52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh5CKBHejeiWbpEwk0gcLYnpw8nc0zp57-1njkWcoU4derZWy7hIJYoDvLLsdlYNH2YBQB4YOvPbF-8U0Xf0gBZQccngq7r9ijhdaBSxTJ6wO_TycoRWtdyfdkmAs0oa5I9ULBaQ8ygUn6rnRivpMCl7pJU91wHe6voIaOC43XdFibyWILQ/w400-h400/52.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun World Fansipan Cable Car</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One cable car could fit up to 35 people inside. Ours was quite full, mostly filled by Vietnamese visitors. They came as a big group and were talking loudly with each other, as if only them occupied the cable car. Aileen and I were just sitting down, trying to enjoy the scenery and hoping that they could lower down their voice or just stop talking, but to no avail :D So we endured lo until reached the station.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEhMN6Zi9l9pf4Q7hhbdI_jk02g8kLU1Ms7zFJuXEiIfyI93jDvIC75dnpcXJvmbEIQkFrKSylwrOovQ7uvfYtSTYBU6xGluitj0puKN0nRW9VJqv3rRb6_LKXBAoSkGWJe_WQBBn1vMIkQfC8NvVfvAUEQNJ-nA0nK_dkPYNI4j4-i_0g/s1564/50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEhMN6Zi9l9pf4Q7hhbdI_jk02g8kLU1Ms7zFJuXEiIfyI93jDvIC75dnpcXJvmbEIQkFrKSylwrOovQ7uvfYtSTYBU6xGluitj0puKN0nRW9VJqv3rRb6_LKXBAoSkGWJe_WQBBn1vMIkQfC8NvVfvAUEQNJ-nA0nK_dkPYNI4j4-i_0g/w400-h400/50.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim Sơn Bảo Thắng Tự Buddhist Temple - Fansipan, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Good thing that the rain did not last long. It stopped after a while. I went inside the <i>Kim Sơn Bảo Thắng Tự temple </i>and offered my prayer there before continuing our journey up. There were so many succulent plants around there, decorating the temple and area beautifully. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">f<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCddy4L4YH7v1RF5eD06c3WHidvlGVFo19uWJoqLXuQgNhqvXfv1JgRpo7myClyqMe4oxEvVsGeqLabW9YW7yGU2fP5lzLQbx0PTfhipCkT2G0xSHs4vMoLFfJO-k1DT5OeZ-ppOenCsCnec3V69MmdcK_FnhuJYukueBy7G0NWMLR-Z_7w/s1564/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCddy4L4YH7v1RF5eD06c3WHidvlGVFo19uWJoqLXuQgNhqvXfv1JgRpo7myClyqMe4oxEvVsGeqLabW9YW7yGU2fP5lzLQbx0PTfhipCkT2G0xSHs4vMoLFfJO-k1DT5OeZ-ppOenCsCnec3V69MmdcK_FnhuJYukueBy7G0NWMLR-Z_7w/w400-h400/49.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fogs everywhere - not our day :D</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From there, we could choose to go up either by staircases or by funicular. Aileen's ankles were not well, and I was not in my tip top condition as well, so we both chose taking funicular. The cable car ticket was included in our tour package, but not the funicular, so we had to pay on our own. Ticket for going up was VND99,000 and for return trip would be VND178,000 per pax.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3TanrW0L5ixSde6qGH9Lq8fP3nfoEcepmWclBGfNcs7glXyZM3-TQ5xB83ANg2wrfpNQR8VVV6e9uh9VZewh2E4D0M7l8cyJBWGTM89KoUp1tT-B4XFnwgDbQNYgQrc6hE_Zc33NkDNId3bhyJ1k2BmsFChxE3B8B9_Izl4apvwBWc-Hmg/s1351/59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1351" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3TanrW0L5ixSde6qGH9Lq8fP3nfoEcepmWclBGfNcs7glXyZM3-TQ5xB83ANg2wrfpNQR8VVV6e9uh9VZewh2E4D0M7l8cyJBWGTM89KoUp1tT-B4XFnwgDbQNYgQrc6hE_Zc33NkDNId3bhyJ1k2BmsFChxE3B8B9_Izl4apvwBWc-Hmg/w640-h498/59.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the view should like on a clear day (Expectation) Pic source: Google map</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i>Hahahahaha...</i> If you saw the photos I posted earlier (the reality), was really different from the expectation right? Nevertheless, I still felt grateful for being able to be there and enjoyed my stay as much as I could.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug-wB37ePNkJNjo0occh5V_UV10JKEIPalpIjhh1ZhiWmiNwYMbYJ9KawNPfykpt6casP6VUjbu1X5wfiU_vSN3iNsw2L6ukdwiTv3GN4dviJ2kVlc29ekvBas0tzcMluiKJ7FhujRlPSQThZQo6_XZDcG7YW5WSEi6m4JnYxus1FLZmt2w/s1564/53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug-wB37ePNkJNjo0occh5V_UV10JKEIPalpIjhh1ZhiWmiNwYMbYJ9KawNPfykpt6casP6VUjbu1X5wfiU_vSN3iNsw2L6ukdwiTv3GN4dviJ2kVlc29ekvBas0tzcMluiKJ7FhujRlPSQThZQo6_XZDcG7YW5WSEi6m4JnYxus1FLZmt2w/w400-h400/53.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our funicular ride to the peak of Mount Fansipan, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We purchased the hot cinnamon apple drink once we reached the top. It was sweet, so we asked the seller to add hot water into it. I really loved it!!! We brought it and had it later at the summit.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZnjaQ8iSl10S7AgrIpqoU95VDcVAHX4xGKBoT1VCf_cO-G7ydhbDpIjcuLsMuUxpLv16qjUxCpQOc-tBgdR0DSmvAreAx3dNA8gDh2QCCVkZIa6OChok2GA9FUGKvDgSdfO663t8cjG_FRlbMKAWI7cXGE-2Q3GwPgF2Z-MJTiN3tBzawQ/s1564/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZnjaQ8iSl10S7AgrIpqoU95VDcVAHX4xGKBoT1VCf_cO-G7ydhbDpIjcuLsMuUxpLv16qjUxCpQOc-tBgdR0DSmvAreAx3dNA8gDh2QCCVkZIa6OChok2GA9FUGKvDgSdfO663t8cjG_FRlbMKAWI7cXGE-2Q3GwPgF2Z-MJTiN3tBzawQ/w400-h400/54.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posed with Vietnam flag at the Mount Fansipan Summit :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We took a rest there. Just nice a group of people came and one of them brought a guitar. They sang Vietnam songs which I did not understand. But I enjoyed the melody and the joy they brought for us. It made our trip special. Despite the foggy weather, we were given something extra, that made us happy :)<br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_fGEEmK43iSq45UcRGfhc08RA_FzZEsBmdfSRwmC0DklkMmTbFWUHWVB3gLxz9xCPxVxbiGba-5Up3MfxwaPuG1OqQNw7SbDz2E1Nf77In0USYWC9XfESdYhBapWupOvZrnR_pEcJzoG91cgDceuAtb7KBHvc078U0vsmpmo7r4rNd6qOQ/s1564/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_fGEEmK43iSq45UcRGfhc08RA_FzZEsBmdfSRwmC0DklkMmTbFWUHWVB3gLxz9xCPxVxbiGba-5Up3MfxwaPuG1OqQNw7SbDz2E1Nf77In0USYWC9XfESdYhBapWupOvZrnR_pEcJzoG91cgDceuAtb7KBHvc078U0vsmpmo7r4rNd6qOQ/w400-h400/60.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made the trip enjoyable to the fullest :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I thought they might be some famous Vietnamese singers, so I took photo with them. <i>Hahahahaha</i>.... But when I showed it to Jacky, he had no clue of who they were :D</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cTcxanCyPxBbFYgJlYmYVoq2rgxDlapVf60whFpJNiRhqQWA7coernRV4mmSZ9lltWZXvdzIoV1E7CRUPEFUqUYck-M52I9oE0H9QJTCpSkm0CCwssEPaoJB_6nhqaJzgjjACdRsKz4pM7-sE-EJZS8wc2XsnEdb261gzfbv392hp8dyLw/s1564/62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cTcxanCyPxBbFYgJlYmYVoq2rgxDlapVf60whFpJNiRhqQWA7coernRV4mmSZ9lltWZXvdzIoV1E7CRUPEFUqUYck-M52I9oE0H9QJTCpSkm0CCwssEPaoJB_6nhqaJzgjjACdRsKz4pM7-sE-EJZS8wc2XsnEdb261gzfbv392hp8dyLw/w400-h400/62.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapa view from the cable car - Fansipan, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>After some time we went down by funicular and the walked towards the cable car station. We took the cable car back and took more photos as the rain had stopped and weather had somehow become clearer.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHPEPHnnWXgKTZ1XqCo89YErsXC_rjgR-W25BpLnw0yiV5Rhni76afjy7L3blyjjVp2XoLfnbixOAaQFc3dD40jdDrXmB2fgxV3rPNmbmC-vYyUcAps-fHwJzC-7hNE1-QZwNX_nifKBzAXQcOqHsvn__O_9NXm9rafN5rO3GwAfUQjgDnA/s1564/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHPEPHnnWXgKTZ1XqCo89YErsXC_rjgR-W25BpLnw0yiV5Rhni76afjy7L3blyjjVp2XoLfnbixOAaQFc3dD40jdDrXmB2fgxV3rPNmbmC-vYyUcAps-fHwJzC-7hNE1-QZwNX_nifKBzAXQcOqHsvn__O_9NXm9rafN5rO3GwAfUQjgDnA/w400-h400/61.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapa rice terraces</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And as we got nearer to the station, we could see the beautiful rice terraces from the above. Overall, we had a good time there and enjoyed as much as we could.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSagA-8QJobwbFiO9LjwAC35cWFp6bsXiq52QTRoRxAt-a463NxfinqYa8KvvlWfw4wdo5Fy3U50c7ch7gpW6yS6hGL6VP0HbujqcAQPcCpxDsl1HU2SCbIOovsxX9nuELKO3kQ1aM8lKuDjAybBUnnFG34-cj70IGPVnd16OyK39qdH8-w/s1564/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSagA-8QJobwbFiO9LjwAC35cWFp6bsXiq52QTRoRxAt-a463NxfinqYa8KvvlWfw4wdo5Fy3U50c7ch7gpW6yS6hGL6VP0HbujqcAQPcCpxDsl1HU2SCbIOovsxX9nuELKO3kQ1aM8lKuDjAybBUnnFG34-cj70IGPVnd16OyK39qdH8-w/w400-h400/63.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chợ Sapa Market - Lao Cai, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><i>Dinh</i> came to pick us and we went to <i>Le Gecko Cafe </i>for lunch. After that we went to the<i> Chợ Sapa Market</i>, located not very far from the restaurant. We walked there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA1EDFMuNMHV66eE9nSOc_qKOEAL-kq2Z-2qXIQKNRwgXoaQ5qBOJ11FPvmIIf13gs7U5XpwPwd6CgIuV9msPXLbOXhaemnmL0z9NX4eZwI8JF3JOh25nLVO-8ZGxTp9TkXGYwf3sjXgnZANufb1ulvBM3RRS8F18oVxLYDGBAj_x5pXKLA/s1564/64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA1EDFMuNMHV66eE9nSOc_qKOEAL-kq2Z-2qXIQKNRwgXoaQ5qBOJ11FPvmIIf13gs7U5XpwPwd6CgIuV9msPXLbOXhaemnmL0z9NX4eZwI8JF3JOh25nLVO-8ZGxTp9TkXGYwf3sjXgnZANufb1ulvBM3RRS8F18oVxLYDGBAj_x5pXKLA/w400-h400/64.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Chợ Sapa Market</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We browsed around the market throughout the whole places. They were selling local produces there, such as: nuts, flower tea, herbal medicines, dried fruits, grains, spices, and so on.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl4vRQkYF7X_DghYZKTk5iuZC631Nbzpkl_HcL6HuezhOo8RuMQycRHBZquJ70NXbAIyQgtb8pD2LFdWyd3eaKtr2zuy-Lx82XHBkC7TTATVj-C_tXBMvNlZxLqCQrytmqbs59omzM_kOLb8pY6mDWyeTtvUVSwBEfwWNfX7BDSC5bVB5Ww/s1564/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl4vRQkYF7X_DghYZKTk5iuZC631Nbzpkl_HcL6HuezhOo8RuMQycRHBZquJ70NXbAIyQgtb8pD2LFdWyd3eaKtr2zuy-Lx82XHBkC7TTATVj-C_tXBMvNlZxLqCQrytmqbs59omzM_kOLb8pY6mDWyeTtvUVSwBEfwWNfX7BDSC5bVB5Ww/w400-h400/65.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet market at the building behind - Chợ Sapa market, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At the building behind, there were food stalls selling cooked food. Behind that, they were selling meat, vegetables, snacks, drinks, and so on.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRHv_W6lfJUH6YOtOSqtFpaAKjH2DfU7Eb6R2cMH5NDxVdNl07o7qbT-jpxetkufyOs4UyI_umh8jdRtssOCqad33hDMNhY_aXUb6aBcVfSaQ-sKvvAms3e8EJR1tO1_sAc8fPZfC878PUtVeVGd0Hzv5b7aU13FxSzGl650ZTaXLWsgEjA/s1564/66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRHv_W6lfJUH6YOtOSqtFpaAKjH2DfU7Eb6R2cMH5NDxVdNl07o7qbT-jpxetkufyOs4UyI_umh8jdRtssOCqad33hDMNhY_aXUb6aBcVfSaQ-sKvvAms3e8EJR1tO1_sAc8fPZfC878PUtVeVGd0Hzv5b7aU13FxSzGl650ZTaXLWsgEjA/w400-h400/66.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chợ Sapa Market - Vietnam<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We had a chance for last minute shopping before going back to Hanoi. You could purchase the macadamia nut and cashew nut (still with its shell) there as gifts back home. Their herbal tea was special too. You could try before buying them. At some shop, the seller gave sample for people to try. They were also selling fake brand trekking clothes. Local handicrafts and souvenirs could also be found.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkWuG6Ducb2mj4wxuHCbCA0phDXOCsbuPnVruSeLooNm_YhDg4ux0DJAyEvX3LLhJfLkZl3iOffGPOkfIMB9Z7N3vDBdxtanFpGme9SD4S1wJo0qYzqr6Md1wkr-RAA-u39ALA0cZZ8GSFA774nCjWxUrhvnZchsr_SaTNciL_FajaAqRQ/s1564/69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkWuG6Ducb2mj4wxuHCbCA0phDXOCsbuPnVruSeLooNm_YhDg4ux0DJAyEvX3LLhJfLkZl3iOffGPOkfIMB9Z7N3vDBdxtanFpGme9SD4S1wJo0qYzqr6Md1wkr-RAA-u39ALA0cZZ8GSFA774nCjWxUrhvnZchsr_SaTNciL_FajaAqRQ/w400-h400/69.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing by Sapa town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i>Dinh </i>sent us back to our hotel at 2pm. On the way there, we passed by the beautiful Sapa lake (which was beautiful at night time too - as they put lighting decorations), and view of Sapa town. I did not know that Sapa town could be quite big. Many hotels, shops, and restaurants there. I felt like I only browsed less than 50% of it (due to limited time and not a very healthy body). But it was fine lah.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7wS3GSz4IzpWOFu9XKfPR1O-Agg2EvHWowivxbEIzSob9R4Qova2CiRYw32lxs-XQJAPF0tKMK9qpFoUVapfuSdRXHm9XMyQhFf3PfsWcQ1t6a5MabIwcZ3NKAt721fbcFEBOovjW419-F-gmiYyL0jIBt3xkxyezC2fPDp0w-1ozbpXJA/s1564/68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7wS3GSz4IzpWOFu9XKfPR1O-Agg2EvHWowivxbEIzSob9R4Qova2CiRYw32lxs-XQJAPF0tKMK9qpFoUVapfuSdRXHm9XMyQhFf3PfsWcQ1t6a5MabIwcZ3NKAt721fbcFEBOovjW419-F-gmiYyL0jIBt3xkxyezC2fPDp0w-1ozbpXJA/w400-h400/68.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing by the beautiful Sapa Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We had a final packing and took some rest at the hotel lobby before continuing our journey back to Hanoi. The van came at 3.30pm, much later than expected. We were the first passengers he picked, and the driver lost ways while picking up the rest of the passengers. Perhaps he was new and was not familiar with hotels and places in the area. It took more than half an hour until we left Sapa town.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO3tIOvuZGAosfFDjhKkcmW491xyApVkCG0nMj9kkVhA0g-wkMtWYTsf1PJNW0L5y-Vrz-hN-dEXo4jBGng5c38AepQy5M1-Gj4txGLk27ws6v5cKuGPOanzCMrmtsSOtyCmjJfA1YSiB7nS30SRuurE16610BI8Xppn1-CZeUMFxQG4ocw/s1564/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO3tIOvuZGAosfFDjhKkcmW491xyApVkCG0nMj9kkVhA0g-wkMtWYTsf1PJNW0L5y-Vrz-hN-dEXo4jBGng5c38AepQy5M1-Gj4txGLk27ws6v5cKuGPOanzCMrmtsSOtyCmjJfA1YSiB7nS30SRuurE16610BI8Xppn1-CZeUMFxQG4ocw/w400-h400/67.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Sapa rice terrace on our way back to Hanoi</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The rice terrace view was beautiful. But too bad we could not stop and take good photos. So I could only took photos from inside the van, and many wires could be shown, some resulted in blurry pictures. <i>Hehehe</i>.. better than nothing. We had three break stops before reaching Hanoi. The driver sent us the last, that too, to the wrong hotel.</p><p><i>Hahahaha..</i>. what a day, really!!! I think we reached hotel around 10.40pm. I was very tired and hungry too. Jacky was in the hotel waiting for us. The hotel staffs who knew our condition, welcomed us back with friendly smile. We checked in and put our luggage and went out for supper with Jacky.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NRuhthucZgesHw1HV2va2N7XsZhd4W9hGWCdyWVnW3zXyXNLL2CNYJ1C0QQwByW0aRlWz0xI-0rD-_-o7pS4duQiSFNQJ2pKUetkyFCWt4I-4yVh1jjqelrN099zvlme_8FDFFV3nT_KpQLUzzHBbdIFCMm9o2FshQPOHSSfr4sU12fclg/s1564/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NRuhthucZgesHw1HV2va2N7XsZhd4W9hGWCdyWVnW3zXyXNLL2CNYJ1C0QQwByW0aRlWz0xI-0rD-_-o7pS4duQiSFNQJ2pKUetkyFCWt4I-4yVh1jjqelrN099zvlme_8FDFFV3nT_KpQLUzzHBbdIFCMm9o2FshQPOHSSfr4sU12fclg/w400-h400/70.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese chicken noodle - Hanoi, Vietnam</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I wanted to eat something soupy and he brought us to the stall above by Grab. It was not very far from where we stayed but it was quite late already (around 11pm) and he knew we both were tired and hungry from our journey, that was why we took Grab there.</p><p>Aileen and I had chicken noodle soup while Jacky had the dried one (he said dried one nicer). While eating, Jacky asked us how our trip was. He asked all kind of feedback from both of us so that he could improve what not and take note what had already good.</p><p>After finished, we walked back to our hotel. Before saying goodbye, he handed each of us souvenir from Hanoi (now hung on my house's wall). He also passed a bottle of water for each of us and gave me herbal candy when he knew my throat was unwell.</p><p>I was very lucky being able to know him not only as our tour guide and emergency contact, but we had also become friend now. At any time, I could message him asking something about Vietnam and he always replied it as soon as he could. He was reliable, helpful, and friendly. Based on our feedback, he made the follow up the day after with the company that he engaged with, to ensure he could offer better service for the next following customers.</p><p>That was why I would not hesitant to give his contact to anyone who had interest to visit Hanoi, and if you too wanted to use his travel service, please do not hesitate to contact him <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JackyVietnamTravel" target="_blank">here</a> or you could message me for his contact number too :)</p><p>Thank you Jacky for your service, help, guide, hospitality, and friendship that you offered for both of us. Stay in touch and wish you all the best for your travel business :)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2LiP0LTUp8viPKEm4lRAu3rVKV7Vt98uX4xy7BQ7EFaJR9G4h4uVw5CMgsJHlfgUCm250alSS_PRJe9zjR0ttFsc6OBV23iZTPHqr4Yh3XGk8uqQpHDKzOcaWdziozknnTT5Zfwvu04jRCMzxLahQC8hVE_asxuH_dxR1K8tRJOwExy8nQ/s1564/71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2LiP0LTUp8viPKEm4lRAu3rVKV7Vt98uX4xy7BQ7EFaJR9G4h4uVw5CMgsJHlfgUCm250alSS_PRJe9zjR0ttFsc6OBV23iZTPHqr4Yh3XGk8uqQpHDKzOcaWdziozknnTT5Zfwvu04jRCMzxLahQC8hVE_asxuH_dxR1K8tRJOwExy8nQ/w400-h400/71.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local souvenirs - Hanoi Airport</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We flew back home the day after and was provided with transfer service from our hotel to the Hanoi Airport. You could have last minute shopping inside the airport too, as there were so many shops selling souvenirs, as well as snacks and Vietnam liquor. You could pay both in Vietnamese Dong and USD.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFs9nwh52Xzp8PuoMz7CcYlX43EnQ8hcY7QioZ5sUnyA-V33eNl54GRjf-a0TZNxfeixj32HqObEA7eoLpzXa1-njMQazal2po2Fc635OIK-U6WGySqXhfjh6edwgvoAZ_ecfeeG-gLctH59feGqwYj1xZI2T_Mq5cNSyHEc0883TPW2iOQ/s1564/72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFs9nwh52Xzp8PuoMz7CcYlX43EnQ8hcY7QioZ5sUnyA-V33eNl54GRjf-a0TZNxfeixj32HqObEA7eoLpzXa1-njMQazal2po2Fc635OIK-U6WGySqXhfjh6edwgvoAZ_ecfeeG-gLctH59feGqwYj1xZI2T_Mq5cNSyHEc0883TPW2iOQ/w400-h400/72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess what I bought??? Hahahahha....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p></div>Overcome Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14531551198423072319noreply@blogger.com0