Korea Trip (24th December 2017 – 5th January 2018)

I spent 13 days in Seoul and Cheonan. I took Scoot and upgraded to Business Class as I needed the 30kg check in baggage and the meals. The air ticket cost me S$840.16, I find it reasonable since it’s a super peak period.

I departed on 24^th Dec which is Christmas eve, the whole flight duration takes about 8 hours 10 minutes with transit at Taipei. My flight takes off at 12.30pm and reached Seoul Incheon International Airport at 9.40pm (Korea Time), Korea is 1 hour ahead of Singapore. As usual I booked the airport transfer from Klook, so that we can reach the hotel faster and easily. There is a late night charge of 20,000 Korean won.

Our accommodation at Seoul is The Grand Hotel Myeongdong, which is located near Myeongdong Station and the shopping street. I just love the location of the hotel, it’s so convenient to get around.

Day 2 (25 Dec 2017)

I had been waiting for this day to arrive, because it’s K.Will 10^th Anniversary Concert. The concert tickets start selling to the public on 31^st Oct 2017 7pm (Korea Time) and I remember at 5.30pm (Singapore Time) I was sitting in front of my laptop hoping to get good seats. It’s my second concert in my life, the first one was S.H.E.

In the morning we went Namsan Seoul Tower. We bought the tickets at S$14 per person through Klook and it includes the Observatory and Hello Kitty Island. We took the wrong route, instead going to the left of Pacific Hotel, we went to the right and had to walk a longer route. Ting is afraid of heights, so I gave her 2 choices, either she walk up or take the cable car which is faster. She is the lazy type so she took the cable car with her eye closed and kept pulling my bag.

We felt embarrassed at Hello Kitty Island as we were the only adults without children visiting, but we had a great time taking photos. The scenery at the observatory is so nice, we bought a cup of tea, sat there and enjoy the view.

Ting was very tired from the walking so we pack lunch back to the hotel. I let her rest for 1 hour before we departed to Jangchung Gymnasium for my K.Will concert. 

We took subway to Dongguk Univ, lucky it was easy to find. I should have go early as the merchandise were all sold out, I wanted the light stick. We entered at 5.20pm and the security was very strict, he doesn’t allow any photos or videos to be taken, but lucky Ting managed to snap the stage. I really enjoyed the whole performance and suffered from the after-effects.

Day 3 (26 Dec 2017)

Shopping day for me, Ting doesn’t like shopping she only loves to eat and sleep. We only went window shopping at Garosu-gil. We skipped lunch to eat the street foods at Myeongdong, it’s really delicious and cheap.

Myeongdong is one of the cosmetics heaven, but it’s very packed at every store, I prefer to go Hongdae as it’s less crowded and I can have the salesgirl to myself. As the hotel is just nearby I got everything from Myeongdong so that I need not carry the heavy shopping bags around. I love one of the Innisfree hand cream, I will make sure I stock up whenever I visit Korea. I also love buying the latest cosmetics or the latest trend.

We went back to the hotel to unload the shopping bags and rest. Our last stop of the day is shopping at Lotte Mart, which is Ting favourite. We went to the one located at Seoul Station, sadly the last operation date is on 31^stDec 2017.

Day 4 (27 Dec 2017)

Came across Teseum Teddy Bear Museum located near Dongmyo Station at Klook website, didn’t knew there is one in Seoul. The tickets is S$12 per person. Both of us almost die of exhaustion from climbing the stairs. Singaporean are really lucky as we have escalators and elevator at MRT, in Korea 90% are staircase and I always see the elderly struggling while climbing the staircase.

We were the only customers so we were able to roam around freely and no distraction when taking photos. We went to the DIY section to design carousel, the price is affordable. It’s simple and fun and most important I get to know how to design carousel.

Next stop, we went Dongdaemun Design Plaza. While strolling around and taking photos, we were approached by an elderly lady. I wanted to reject her help when she offered to help us take photos, but Ting accept it. I don’t feel comfortable and knew there must be a motive behind it. She asked where we are from, what kind of language we speak in Singapore. The whole conversation I was looking away and busy with my phone, Ting is the one who entertain her. Finally she show her true self, she introduced and gave us her church pamphlets, telling us how great it is. I had to end this conversation, so I told the old lady politely that I’m having stomach-ache and needed the toilet. We had to escape to one of the shopping plaza in Dongdaemun to avoid bumping into the old lady.

Day 5 (28 Dec 2017)

We woke up early to wash our clothes as we will be leaving Seoul to Cheonan in 2 day time. It’s a cultural trip today. We went Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong. I like buying Korea design souvenirs from Insadong. This time I found and bought Hello Kitty and Hello Daniel dressed in hanbok, it’s one of my best buy.

I think I’m not fated to visit Hello Kitty Café in Korea, as I’m sure to lose my way and can’t find the café. In the end I gave up and found myself shopping at Hongdae and Ewha Women’s University Shopping Street.

We ended the night early as we will be going on a 1 Day group trip to Jeonju.

Day 6 (29 Dec 2017)

We had to reach Myeongdong Station, Exit 2 at 7.50am, as the bus will pick us up at 8am sharp. As usual we bought the tickets via Klook and cost us S$62 per person. It’s a 3 hour bus journey, with a 15 minutes toilet break in between. We arrived at Jeonju Hanok Village at 11.40am and it’s our free time and sightseeing. We admired the Hanok architecture and tried the traditional food. We went to a café ordered drinks and chatted about the good old days before we departed at 3.40pm to Seoul.

Had dinner at Yoogane and last minute shopping as we will be leaving for Cheonan the next day. We tried to sleep early but we were too busy washing all our clothes and packing the luggage.

Day 7 (30 Dec 2017)

Another event I had been waiting for. Sun Young had been inviting me to go Cheonan and stay at her house. I bought her and Ji Young (sister) their favourite Singapore brand Charles and Keith bag, Singapore Sling, Hippo chocolates, chilli crab sauce, instant coffee, kaya, instant milk tea, TWG tea and Ji Hoon (son, 3 years old) toys.

We had to take KTX to Cheonan. I reserved the train that depart at 1.10pm, so that Sun Young had enough time to settle her son before coming to fetch us. It’s a short journey of 34 minutes.

We felt bad as she let us use the master bedroom while she and her husband slept with their son. She was so happy when she received the gifts, took photos and called her sister, mother, husband, best friend to brag about it. While the mother is busy bragging, the son is busy moving the gifts from point A to point B. After getting bored with the moving, he drag Ting to his play room. He is so happy that he had 2 new auntie to play with him.

Our first dinner at Cheonan is my favourite barbeque place, the marinated meat is really delicious and best is they used charcoal to grill the meat. It’s nice to see that the restaurant was passed down from many generations, allowing customers to go back and savour the food.

Ji Hoon is so excited about our visit to his house. It’s already 10pm and he does not want to sleep, keep staying by our side. Sun Young had no choice but to hide the both of us in the room, who knew both of us fell asleep first.

Day 8 – 12 (31 Dec 2017 – 4 Jan 2018)

Sun Young brought us to a snow sleigh to experience the ride. It’s my first and last time riding this, it’s so fast and my lane had a hump toward the end of the ride, therefore I flew a little.

We had a small celebration on New Year’s Eve. First we had to make Ji Hoon sleep before we can start the celebration, so again the both of us hide in the room till he slept. Had cakes, snacks and beers to welcome the New Year. Sun Young loves to drink beer and every night she will prepared snacks to go with the beer. Although we have language barriers but we managed to chat everything under the sun. 

We tour around Cheonan during our stay there, it’s my first time not planning any itinerary. We just follow Sun Young plan and it was great enjoying all the activities and foods she plan for us. It’s really tiring being a tour guide, she fell sick but lucky it’s not so serious.

During the trip, Ji Young invited us to her house as she wanted to treat us dinner. Initially she wanted to order delivery but we teased her to cook for us. With the stress given to her, she cooked Kimchi Fried Rice for us. She emphasised that she is not a good cook and not to have high expectation. Sun Young told us she love going to Ji Young house because she can push Ji Hoon to Ji Young while she relax.

Scoot was having promotion and with excitement I helped Sun Young and Ji Young booked their trip to Singapore. Yes, they are finally coming to Singapore again after 3 years.

Ji Hoon also had enjoyed our company. Sun Young and I were happy that he loves playing with Ting, as Sun Young can teach me how to cook some Korea dishes. Thanks to Ting, Sun Young also can had some time off to enjoy a cup of tea with me.

Day 13 (5 Jan 2018)

Our last day in Korea and it’s always sad to leave when all of us are getting closer. Ting and I went to the supermarket and florist shop to get Sun Young birthday cum farewell gifts. It really surprised me that Ting does not know there is a florist shop near the house, as we will pass by everyday when we entered the car park.

Sun Young was so touched when she saw the bouquet, the atmosphere was happy and sad and we found ourselves crying.

Sun Young and Ji Young husband will be sending us to the airport. It’s a more than 2 hour journey from her house to Incheon airport, in total they will be spending about 5 hours on the road. We left her house at 3pm as we were afraid there will be traffic jam.

Our flight is at 10.40pm (Korea Time), will be reaching Singapore next day at 6.15am.

To Sun Young, you are really a good host during our stay. I enjoyed every minutes and the memories created. Looking forward to your March holiday in Singapore and hoping to visit you again.

Japan Trip with Family on 22nd June – 1st July 2017

Another adventure await for us during this 10 Days 9 Nights Free & Easy Trip to Japan with the families. The group is quite big with total of 10 person including my 80+ years old grandmother. It was a big challenge for me, my brother, Angela and Florence, as we did not rent any car unlike the Taiwan trip. We had warned the elderly beforehand that the whole trip will be walking and taking subway.

Day 1 (22 June)

The flight was 6am, so we assemble and check in at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 3.30am. As usual, after check in we went McDonald to have breakfast. We took ANA and the ticket cost S$654.80 per person. We reached Japan Narita International Airport at Japan time 2.10pm, the flight duration takes 7 hours 10 minutes.

After clearing customs and collect our luggage. We found a sitting area for the elderly while the youngster go and exchange the Japan JR Pass. The exchange process was quite easy but as we had total of 10 persons we had to fill in 10 forms. We had problem connecting to the WIFI we rented from Changi Recommend, lucky the Japanese at the Roaming Centre was helpful.

Thanks to Klook, we were able to rent 2 airport transfer to reach our accommodation easily. Our accommodation is at City Hotel Lonestar and only booked 4 rooms (2 person per room) as we wanted to save money. We were being caught by the hotel staffs with 2 extra person with no rooms. No choice we had to book another room but they do not have empty room left, so we had to go to the nearby hotel to find. After settling everything, it was already 7.30pm and everyone was hungry, so we quickly went out to find dinner. Restaurants in Japan are small and we had to split up. Our first dinner in Japan is at Osaka Ohsho and lucky the elderly like the food.

Day 2 (23 June)

We headed to Tokyo Station to depart to Osaka. It’s a must to buy bento and eat on train. The bento are so nice and appetising. The duration from Tokyo to Osaka takes 2 hours 33 minutes. The train are really on the dot, thumbs up for the accuracy.

Our accommodation was booked through Airbnb as we wanted everyone to stay together. It’s a few minute walk from the train station to the accommodation. It’s has 3-4 convenient store nearby and McDonald. The disadvantage of the accommodation is that the elderly had to climb up and down the stairs and there is only 1 bathroom and 1 toilet to share among the 10 persons. The rest were fine and we had a great time at Osaka accommodation.

We rested for an hour and headed to Minami (Namba). The elderly had proper meal for dinner and the youngster went to eat all the famous snacks. There is Uniqlo over there and we went craze over the cheap prices and bought lots of apparel.

Day 3 & 4 (24-25 June)

Our accommodation is 15 minute walk to Osaka Castle. We spent half a day exploring over there and headed home after that. We rested for 1 hour and headed out for dinner and shopping at Shinsaibashi Shopping Street.

Day 4, we explore around Osaka, eating snacks and shopping. I can’t remember where we went as it was last minutes planning. We cooked our dinner as Japan food does not suit the elderly.

Day 5 (26 June)

Thanks to xiao yi zhang who so use to wake up at 5am, bought us McDonald for breakfast. It’s a day for my parents, small uncle and grandma to rest, while the rest went to Universal Studios Japan. My brother and I leave later as we can’t wake up so early in the morning and don’t play rides, we just wanted to stroll around USJ. The crews at USJ are really professional and great actors/actress. For example, at Jurassic theme, the photographer and assistant will make dinosaurs and scared sound to make the photo session interesting, even though we don’t understand their language. I love their turkey leg, it’s really delicious.

Day 6 (27 June)

We went 1 day trip to Kyoto. My plan was to go there for 2 days but the train rides is too long and tiring for the elderly so we try to squeeze everything in a day. We managed to go Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nishiki Market.

Day 7 (28 June)

Depart back to Tokyo. Our last accommodation is located at Ikebukuro. We had a hard time looking for the place, the map is not clear as provided by the host. We took almost 1 hour looking for it and along the way we noticed there are 2 shops selling/renting Rated video. The house is dusty and we hate the feeling. The toilet is run down and we don’t like showering over there. We can’t make noise over there as the neighbour are very calculative. My small uncle is a heavy smoker, he keep going out to smoke and the auntie came over and complain. On our last day, she specially came over and told us to keep quiet when moving the luggage to the car.

We went Ikebukuro area for dinner and shopping. Groceries shopping as the elderly wanted to cook their own meal.

Day 8 (29 June)

As we were complained by the neighbour because my uncle keep smoking outside, we had no choice but everyone had to go Tokyo Disneyland. We rented a wheelchair for my grandma, my small uncle is not happy with the arrangement but we do not have 2^nd choice, he can’t expect my grandma to walk till late at night as we plan to stay till the fireworks and last parade. My grandma had a fun time at Disneyland and an eye opener for her.

There is turkey leg selling at Disneyland, bought 1 for my parents to try but it does not taste as great at USJ.

Day 9 (30 June)

We had money left at the common fund, so we book 2 car (8 hours) to Yokohama. We only went to Ramen Museum and Cup Noodles Museum. We went shopping at Don Quijote Dotonbori before the end of the 8 hours car. Angela, Florence and I wanted more shopping so the 3 of us went Shibuya and Harajuku. 

Day 10 (1 July)

The last day of our tour. We had to check out at 10am sharp as requested by the host. So we re-arrange the airport transfer to 10am. We were still worried what we can do at the airport. It turns out that it’s more fun shopping at the airport. We bought many famous snacks, souvenirs and apparels at Uniqlo.

Our flight back to Singapore is Japan time 5pm, reach Singapore at 11.15pm. I miss my bed.

Angela 21st Birthday Celebration

My dearest cousin Angela celebrated her 21^stbirthday on 8^th April 2017 at Aranda Country Club. It was “Unicorn” theme and she requested all guests to wear white. Bought pastel colour macaroon and flowers for her dessert table, not forgetting my DIY vase for the decoration too.

The celebration starts at 7pm. She had 50 guests celebrating with her and the whole apartment was so pack. Group by group went up to the dessert table to take photos with the birthday girl. Family members went last because we were gambling and most important fact is the youngster takes a very long time to snap the perfect one.

It was quite an emo day for me because I seen her grow up and took care of her ever since she arrived in our family.

To Angela:

21 years ago, you came into our family giving us lots of laughter, ear pain and headaches. Don’t worry we still enjoyed it. You are very honoured to be the first baby to be bathe by me and this was when I became you and Florence slave.

想当年啊, lots of memories were created and I’m sure we will continue to create more memories.

Stay healthy and cheerful and once again Happy 21^st Birthday Angela!

 

Blind Dating Part 2

Roslin is my ex-colleague in URA, she always wanted to introduce her cousin to me. During her Chinese New Year family gathering, she and her mum ask him to meet me and he agree.

We set the date on 4^th March and suddenly it coincide with Zayden’s Full Month Celebration and Emilie’s 1^st Birthday Celebration, had no choice but to turn down both.

The café was reserved by her cousin, as the ladies do not know how to get there, met Roslin and her mum to search together. The café was situated at SMU, since it’s a weekend only the 4 of us were at the café. Sam did not know it was SMU House Open Day, he apologies as it was quite noisy. My first impression of Sam is he’s quite a humble person.

He took our order and went to the counter alone and paid for everything. He collected all the orders, utensils, napkins and plain water to ease our thirst. He scoop the foods for us before he start eating and said if it’s not enough we can order again.

Even though Roslin mum was with us, we chatted till the café closed and really enjoyed the session. 9.30pm the café was closing, so we made our way to the MRT station. Roslin mum told Sam to either send me home or find another café to continue with the conversation. Sam decided to send me home as he afraid it’s quite late. We chat in the train and found some similarity. I found him a nice guy and was waiting for him to ask for my hand phone number but he did not.

Roslin Whatsapp me the next day and ask what is my impression about him. I told her he’s a nice person and can continue to be friend. She asked whether we exchange number, told her no and she found it strange. So she send the number to both of us. After getting the number, there was no action from his side. So I took the courage to Whatsapp him and he took 3 days to response. His reply was “Who are you”? It really hurt me but I still reply him nicely who I am. He say he’s doing reservist now and will chat with me when it’s over, but no message from him at all. Therefore I decided to give up, even though he’s a nice person.

Roslin asked me 1 month later, how things was going between me and Sam. Told her nothing happen. She apologises for Sam behaviour. Told her it’s ok and we just not fated. She told me Sam was hurt twice by his ex-girlfriends and this cause him not to believe in love. Roslin told me Sam was a simple person. His last girlfriend broke up with him and got herself pregnant with another guy, but that guy does not want to take responsible. Sam took care of her until she gave birth and even help her with the confinement. The girl felt bad and told Sam to stop and carry on with his life. Roslin said she thought by introducing me to him will help him in trusting people. She told me he got a HDB flat under Single Scheme, that’s why she knew he totally shut himself.

To Sam: It’s nice meeting you Sam. Hope you can find someone whom you truly trust and love.

To Roslin: Thank you for introducing me to Sam and your mum. I had a great day.

Blind Dating Part 1

It’s so strange that 2 blind dating was awaiting for me after Chinese New Year. I was reluctant but after getting scolding from my mum I decided to give it a try.

I first met up with my aunt choice Kelvin, he is my aunt nephew Lawrence friend. It turns out to be a really bad experience for me. We met on 18 February 2018 at JP. The initial time was 3pm but at 2.15pm he told my aunt to change time to 4pm as Lawrence car broke down and was waiting for the tow car.  

Florence accompany me to meet him, she was instructed by my aunt to introduce us so that we don’t feel awkward. We went KFC to look for him and I had a big shock. He failed the first impression, he wore loose T-shirt, short pants and slippers. He does not respect this meeting at all. He said he needed coffee so we proceed to Starbucks. It’s so embarrassing at the Starbucks because he said out loudly, “Wow… look like library”, as they were many students studying over there and occupying the seats. Florence and I pretend not to hear and do not know him, we slowly walk out. We went to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, he headed outside as they were no empty seats, and complained about the hot weather. I ignore him and went to order my drink, lucky 1 family finished their drinks and left so I quickly ask Florence to sit there. Florence was so awkward and Whatsapp me hinting she will leave soon, partly she wanted to leave early because she was disgusted by him.

I can’t stop looking at his dirty fingernails while chatting, it damn gross. I really want to end this session but do not know how to tell him, all I can do is stare at my watch hoping time will pass faster. From his conversation, he does not want to get married at all, why does he agrees to meet and waste my time. Suddenly I pop this question to him, since he stay at Tampines, did he took train to come here. I knew Lawrence is the one who fetch him but he told me he took a taxi here. His answer reassurance me that this guy is all bullshit. I can’t stay with him any longer, after 5 minutes I told him I need to leave. He wanted to send me home, but I told him no need as it’s just a 15 minutes bus trip, his house is farther and should faster go take a cab home and rest. We did exchange hand phone number but did not contact at all.

I complained to my mum about him, she did not expect it to turn out this way and quite angry my aunt introduce me this kind of person. We dare not tell my aunt about the bad meeting, my mum just told her it’s not possible between us. Florence is the one who told my aunt that this guy does not respect the meeting at all and why introduce to me. I was given 2 days MC as I having high fever, serious sore throat, running nose and cough. This bad experience really traumatise me.    

Arrival of Little Zayden

On 31^st Jan 2017 my best friends Alan and Cindy received their bundle of joy. Little Zayden arrives about 2 months early. Thanks to his absent minded parents, as they miscalculate.

Initially Cindy and I had plan to go Kko Kko Nara for dinner before she pop, she was so looking forward to it. It was our favourite Korean restaurant, we love their army stew and both of us can ate 4 person potion.

In the afternoon I received Cindy Whatsapp.

Cindy: Ms Tay, remember we said want go Kko Kko Nara for dinner?

Me: Yes. Why? You want it today.

Cindy: No, cannot go liao.

Me: Why? What happen? Doctor say you cannot eat oily food huh?

Cindy: No lah. I gave birth liao.

Me: Huh? I thought your due date is March wor.

Cindy: Miscalculate lor and baby arrive last night.

Me: Kimi can’t wait to see the world so he came early. Haha… (At first, they wanted to call him Kimi but decided not to as they afraid he will be mock at in school)

Cindy: Ya lor, give me a big scared. Woke up in the middle of the night go toilet, after back on bed water bag burst. Lucky had my last steamboat before doing the 30 days confinement.

Me: Haha…. Pass me all your bak gwa and Chinese New Year goodies, you cannot eat anymore.

Cindy: No need to worry lah. My sister and brother has reserved and will finish them for me.

Me: Ok lor. By the way, your confinement lady how.

Cindy: Lucky she can come 1 week later. So for the time being, my mum and Alan will help me.

Me: You damn lucky.

Conversation continued……..

Cute little fellow, you have so many people to pamper you.

Welcoming Year 2017

Book an Executive Suite at Furama City Centre on 31^st Dec 2016 – 1^st Jan 2017 to welcome Year 2017. I reserved the room using Hotels.com as I wanted to utilise the free 1 night rewards of S$125.26 (accumulated from Taiwan trip) and after deduction it costs S$216.34.

We check in at 2pm and was assigned to 5^thfloor. I requested for higher floor to watch the fireworks, but the hotel staffs assure me that 5^thfloor has a better view. No regrets, indeed it has a better view.

Small aunt family came at 3pm and we start exploring the area together. The hotel is very near to Chinatown Point and thanks to the near location we were able to make a few trips down to get last minutes stuffs. Initially we wanted to make it a simple affairs, therefore we only prepared snacks to munch while watching the fireworks and Angela DIY the signage. The longer we stay in the big room, we realised the room is so dull and decided to get balloons to decorate, so we went to Chinatown Point NTUC to grab some. After getting the balloons we went back to the room, Angela suddenly mention why not we pop non-alcohol sparkling juice after the fireworks and toast together, it will be fun. Not saying anything further, we went down to NTUC again to get 2 bottles. While setting up the snacks, Angela and Florence double confirm we really need a cake. So we went to Chinatown Point again to buy a cake. We went to and from a few times, though it was tiring but the 4 of us (Angela, Florence, my brother and me) had so much fun and laughter during the process.

While waiting for the fireworks, the adults play blackjack while the youngster set up everything and take photos. 11.58pm, everyone gather at the windows, waiting for the fireworks to start. 12am sharp the fireworks beautifully decorate the dark sky. It’s my grandma first time watching the fireworks and she was so amazed by it.

After the fireworks we cut the cake, pop the non-alcohol sparkling juice and munch all the snacks. By the time we finish everything, it was already 1am. The youngster does not want to end the great feeling and decided to play all night instead of sleeping. We played games, chit chat, eating the leftover. We surrender at 4.30am and decided to sleep till 7am to get McDonalds as breakfast.

Another chapter added to our family story and memory.