Verdict by Edmund Sim:
Appearance:
Taste :
Overall :
By the way, each of us had 8 egg tarts yesterday.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Would you like a homemade egg tart?
Had a very strong craving for egg tarts one night that I could not sleep. So the next day, I googled for the recipe. After spending two and a half hours in the kitchen yesterday morning, I made my very own egg tarts.
Verdict by Edmund Sim:
Appearance:
Taste :
Overall :
By the way, each of us had 8 egg tarts yesterday.
Verdict by Edmund Sim:
Appearance:
Taste :
Overall :
By the way, each of us had 8 egg tarts yesterday.
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
A waiting game
I go to sleep every night thinking whether tomorrow will be D-Day. I wake up every morning wondering whether it will happen today. The bag which I am going to carry to the hospital is packed. The clothes, towels and bedsheets for my baby are washed and ironed. The baby pram is cleaned. The baby cot, well, unfortunately is still in the box but Edmund said he could assemble it in two hours. (Point is, if I could do it myself, I would have done it already)
Every now and then, I can feel my baby wriggling. There's not much kicking nowadays because he's also running out of space to make big movements. However, I just have an intuition that he is enjoying the warm and nice environment in my womb and is not ready to give that up yet.
So darling take your time but mummy is definitely looking forward to meet you.
Every now and then, I can feel my baby wriggling. There's not much kicking nowadays because he's also running out of space to make big movements. However, I just have an intuition that he is enjoying the warm and nice environment in my womb and is not ready to give that up yet.
So darling take your time but mummy is definitely looking forward to meet you.
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Father Of The Year
One of the advantages of being pregnant is, you get to call the shots in 99% of all situations.
After I have incessantly threatened to have the leftover prawn crackers for dinner, Edmund finally gave up. He has braved the cold to get me KFC. Although KFC is hardly considered as healthy food, there is at least more protein than prawn crackers.
Opps, someone is at the door, my dinner is back. I'm so happy!
After I have incessantly threatened to have the leftover prawn crackers for dinner, Edmund finally gave up. He has braved the cold to get me KFC. Although KFC is hardly considered as healthy food, there is at least more protein than prawn crackers.
Opps, someone is at the door, my dinner is back. I'm so happy!
Monday, 5 November 2007
I want to dance, I want my Martini!
Was switching between channels on a half asleep mode last night when I stumbled upon Beyonce's live concert in Japan and she was performing this song. I was immediately capitvated by its melody.
Friday, 2 November 2007
A Love Hate Relationship
Just when I thought I could live in Denmark, what happened this afternoon made me feel otherwise.
Everytime after my visit at the hospital for the monthly checkup, I always develop a disorder, (temporary) binge eating, because my midwife will tell me that my baby is a little small in comparison to the average weight of other babies of the same age. Hence, almost as soon as I leave the hospital, my brain starts to signal to me that I need food. Different times give me different cravings. Sometimes I crave for apple pies, sometimes I crave for a milk shake and sometimes chocolates. This afternoon, my craving was CHEESECAKE.
Hence I decided to set out to look for a cheesecake. Images of cheesecakes that come in all shapes, sizes and flavours from Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, NYDC and Bakerzin filled up my brain. Even though the throbbing pain in my head was very annoying (for unknown reason, I'm tortured by a headache everyday), the desire to sink my teeth into a cheesecake was so strong, that I bore the pain and took a bus to the city to get one.
There were times when I felt like eating cheesecakes in the past but it seemed like not many cafes in Copenhagen served them. Therefore when I was sitting in the bus, I had a premonition that I would be in for a big disappointment. (At this point, the intensity of my headache shot up the scale from 3 to 7.5)
After I got off the bus, I wanted to minimise the walking, so I went straight to a shopping mall that has both a cafe and a supermarket. I reasoned that if I could not get it from the cafe, I should be able to get one of those prepacked one from the supermarket.
At the cafe, I was really happy when I saw a range of delicious looking cakes (a couple of them looked like cheesecakes to me) in the glass display. I thought, "yes! one of them has to be a cheesecake!" I happily stood in line and waited for my turn and it did not take long before my big bubble was burst by the young lady behind the counter. She told me none of the cakes was a cheesecake. Thank you very much!
By this time, my headache level shot to almost 9. I knew all my blood vessels need was one more blow before they burst. Thus I dashed to the supermarket's ice cream section and within seconds, I found my pain reliever!
Ok, so it was a prepacked frozen cheesecake which unfortunately, came with lemon jelly on top. Although it was still somewhat a disappointment as I still had the bloody big cheesecake they sell in Coffee Bean and Bakerzin in my head, this was better than nothing.
Finally, my headache level dropped to 6 and I think I am going to formulate a business plan to get Bakerzin to start a franchise here.
Everytime after my visit at the hospital for the monthly checkup, I always develop a disorder, (temporary) binge eating, because my midwife will tell me that my baby is a little small in comparison to the average weight of other babies of the same age. Hence, almost as soon as I leave the hospital, my brain starts to signal to me that I need food. Different times give me different cravings. Sometimes I crave for apple pies, sometimes I crave for a milk shake and sometimes chocolates. This afternoon, my craving was CHEESECAKE.
Hence I decided to set out to look for a cheesecake. Images of cheesecakes that come in all shapes, sizes and flavours from Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, NYDC and Bakerzin filled up my brain. Even though the throbbing pain in my head was very annoying (for unknown reason, I'm tortured by a headache everyday), the desire to sink my teeth into a cheesecake was so strong, that I bore the pain and took a bus to the city to get one.
There were times when I felt like eating cheesecakes in the past but it seemed like not many cafes in Copenhagen served them. Therefore when I was sitting in the bus, I had a premonition that I would be in for a big disappointment. (At this point, the intensity of my headache shot up the scale from 3 to 7.5)
After I got off the bus, I wanted to minimise the walking, so I went straight to a shopping mall that has both a cafe and a supermarket. I reasoned that if I could not get it from the cafe, I should be able to get one of those prepacked one from the supermarket.
At the cafe, I was really happy when I saw a range of delicious looking cakes (a couple of them looked like cheesecakes to me) in the glass display. I thought, "yes! one of them has to be a cheesecake!" I happily stood in line and waited for my turn and it did not take long before my big bubble was burst by the young lady behind the counter. She told me none of the cakes was a cheesecake. Thank you very much!
By this time, my headache level shot to almost 9. I knew all my blood vessels need was one more blow before they burst. Thus I dashed to the supermarket's ice cream section and within seconds, I found my pain reliever!
Ok, so it was a prepacked frozen cheesecake which unfortunately, came with lemon jelly on top. Although it was still somewhat a disappointment as I still had the bloody big cheesecake they sell in Coffee Bean and Bakerzin in my head, this was better than nothing.
Finally, my headache level dropped to 6 and I think I am going to formulate a business plan to get Bakerzin to start a franchise here.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Santa Is Really Coming To Town
After my danish class today, I went to the mall to get a present for my friend. Although there are still 55 days more to go, the mall and some shops have already started putting up their christmas decor. A group of "angels" gathered outside the mall and a makeshift hi-fi system beside them was playing Pachelbel's Canon followed by the more common christmas jingles.
Just then, I realised that this will be the first time I am spending Christmas in Europe. While there is a rumour that this winter is going to be unbearably cold, I am actually looking forward to it, maybe partly also because around that time, I shall be expecting my little darling to arrive into this world...
Just then, I realised that this will be the first time I am spending Christmas in Europe. While there is a rumour that this winter is going to be unbearably cold, I am actually looking forward to it, maybe partly also because around that time, I shall be expecting my little darling to arrive into this world...
Sunday, 28 October 2007
A trip to remember
For the benefit of my friends who don't have an account in Facebook, here are some of the photos we took during our recent trip to Berlin, Dresden and Paris.
The protestant Gedächtniskirche (otherwise known locally as "The Hollow Tooth" and "The Lipstick") in Berlin, consists of an ensemble of church ruins and the modern buildings which surround it.
On May 10, 1933, "burning of the books" by the Nazis took place at the Bebelplatz Square. Since 1995, this event has been commemorated by the above monument, which consists of an underground library with empty shelves and which can be seen through a transparent plastic window set into the ground. Isn't it cool?
This is the last bit of the infamous Berlin wall which did not collapse.
We left Berlin the next day and drove to Dresden which was about 200km south of Berlin. Dresden remains a major cultural centre of historical memory for Germans, owing to the city's destruction in World War II.
After Germany, we finally arrived in Paris - the highlight of the whole trip. I really like the parisien feeling for its impressive architecture, romantic ambience and delicious french food.
The Eiffel Tower looked really magnificent at night when it was all lit up. We had a good view of Paris from the highest level.
We took this picture in front of the Notra Dame de Paris. The cathedral is considered as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
The Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa painting.
Was a bit disppointed when I saw the Moulin Rouge. Other than the oversized windmill, the building was really smaller and much lifeless than I had imagined. Maybe the real show-stopper happened behind the tainted glass door, which unfortunately, we didn't manage to discover because the prices of the shows were pretty steep.
We joined a day tour to Reims, the capital of Champagne, and visited two wine champagne houses. Ed even bought a bottle of vintage champagne to celebrate the birth of our little piggy. I'm really looking forward to filling up my wine glasses again.
In Paris, we concluded our holiday plans for 2007. My next milestone will be the birth of my little baby, whom I believe will bring me more joy and fulfilment. Just wait for my good news!
The protestant Gedächtniskirche (otherwise known locally as "The Hollow Tooth" and "The Lipstick") in Berlin, consists of an ensemble of church ruins and the modern buildings which surround it.
On May 10, 1933, "burning of the books" by the Nazis took place at the Bebelplatz Square. Since 1995, this event has been commemorated by the above monument, which consists of an underground library with empty shelves and which can be seen through a transparent plastic window set into the ground. Isn't it cool?
This is the last bit of the infamous Berlin wall which did not collapse.
We left Berlin the next day and drove to Dresden which was about 200km south of Berlin. Dresden remains a major cultural centre of historical memory for Germans, owing to the city's destruction in World War II.
After Germany, we finally arrived in Paris - the highlight of the whole trip. I really like the parisien feeling for its impressive architecture, romantic ambience and delicious french food.
The Eiffel Tower looked really magnificent at night when it was all lit up. We had a good view of Paris from the highest level.
We took this picture in front of the Notra Dame de Paris. The cathedral is considered as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
The Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa painting.
Was a bit disppointed when I saw the Moulin Rouge. Other than the oversized windmill, the building was really smaller and much lifeless than I had imagined. Maybe the real show-stopper happened behind the tainted glass door, which unfortunately, we didn't manage to discover because the prices of the shows were pretty steep.
We joined a day tour to Reims, the capital of Champagne, and visited two wine champagne houses. Ed even bought a bottle of vintage champagne to celebrate the birth of our little piggy. I'm really looking forward to filling up my wine glasses again.
In Paris, we concluded our holiday plans for 2007. My next milestone will be the birth of my little baby, whom I believe will bring me more joy and fulfilment. Just wait for my good news!
Friday, 19 October 2007
I Am Back
After bidding the beautiful Paris farewell with teary eyes last night, I am now back in Denmark. The flight was delayed for an hour, so by the time we reached home, it was already 2330. It was a happy but tiring trip for me as I wanted to explore Paris as much as I could, because I kept thinking this could be my last chance to travel with freedom before my baby came. Hence, I decided to leave the unpacking till the next day or the next or the next.
Woken up by a phone call this morning from a good friend from Singapore asking me to go shopping with her later, I pulled myself out of the bed only to realise how much colder Copenhagen has become. Fortunately, it looks sunny today and this has a positive effect on my mood.
With the luggages still lying on the floor and partially unpacked, I called my mum to let her know I was back in Copenhagen. It was a bad move because I suddenly laid eyes on a thick layer of dust on my study table, hinting that I have not done much housekeeping for the past couple of weeks. This is not good for now I have to unpack the luggages AND clean the house. Life as a housewife is tough, isn't it?
Woken up by a phone call this morning from a good friend from Singapore asking me to go shopping with her later, I pulled myself out of the bed only to realise how much colder Copenhagen has become. Fortunately, it looks sunny today and this has a positive effect on my mood.
With the luggages still lying on the floor and partially unpacked, I called my mum to let her know I was back in Copenhagen. It was a bad move because I suddenly laid eyes on a thick layer of dust on my study table, hinting that I have not done much housekeeping for the past couple of weeks. This is not good for now I have to unpack the luggages AND clean the house. Life as a housewife is tough, isn't it?
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Hiatus
I am taking a one week hiatus as I am having my last babymoon. I will be back soon and you will be promised with more stories and photographs.
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Prata Crazy
No prize for making a correct guess of what I had for breakfast today. Yup, I had roti prata and homemade teh tarik again! This time, instead of two plain pratas, I replaced one with a plaster prata.
MH, this is for you:
The main difference between a plaster prata and an egg prata is where you find the egg.
In the traditional egg prata, the egg is cracked onto a big piece of prata and the prata man will then fold the prata like an envelope to keep the egg inside.
For a plaster prata, the prata man will put the egg on the prata and he does not fold the prata to encase the egg. Therefore, the egg looks like it has been plastered onto the prata.
I made the plaster prata just to satisfy my curiosity of whether it can be done. As an amateur housewife, eggs appear pretty often on my dinner table. Hence, I really don't need anymore eggs on my pratas. "Less is more" and in this instance, I totally agree.
MH, this is for you:
The main difference between a plaster prata and an egg prata is where you find the egg.
In the traditional egg prata, the egg is cracked onto a big piece of prata and the prata man will then fold the prata like an envelope to keep the egg inside.
For a plaster prata, the prata man will put the egg on the prata and he does not fold the prata to encase the egg. Therefore, the egg looks like it has been plastered onto the prata.
I made the plaster prata just to satisfy my curiosity of whether it can be done. As an amateur housewife, eggs appear pretty often on my dinner table. Hence, I really don't need anymore eggs on my pratas. "Less is more" and in this instance, I totally agree.
Friday, 5 October 2007
Something About Cannan
If you had attended my wedding, you'd probably remember my little nephew, Cannan. This morning, my sister sent me a little joke about him and I thought I should share it with everyone who loves kids because I found it really cute.
Quote
I was asking Cannan if he knows where he had come from. First he said, "Texas"?. I said no.
Then he said, "Hawaii"? And I said no, try again.
Lastly, he said, "Pearl Harbor"! So, I said no.....but how did you know all that?
And Cannan said "Daddy told me".
Anyway, I then said, "Did you remember that mommy's tummy used to be very very big?"
Cannan then replied, "Yeah, that's because you ate too much and caused your tummy to be so big!"
I said to Cannan, "No, silly, my tummy was big because you were in my tummy when you were a tiny baby and I had to give birth to you!"
Then Cannan innocently said," NOOOOOO! Mommy, you ate me?"
Unquote.
Cannan just turned 5 last month and this was taken at his birthday party. Look at how much he has grown!
Quote
I was asking Cannan if he knows where he had come from. First he said, "Texas"?. I said no.
Then he said, "Hawaii"? And I said no, try again.
Lastly, he said, "Pearl Harbor"! So, I said no.....but how did you know all that?
And Cannan said "Daddy told me".
Anyway, I then said, "Did you remember that mommy's tummy used to be very very big?"
Cannan then replied, "Yeah, that's because you ate too much and caused your tummy to be so big!"
I said to Cannan, "No, silly, my tummy was big because you were in my tummy when you were a tiny baby and I had to give birth to you!"
Then Cannan innocently said," NOOOOOO! Mommy, you ate me?"
Unquote.
Cannan just turned 5 last month and this was taken at his birthday party. Look at how much he has grown!
Monday, 1 October 2007
I can finally relate to Denmark!
Flu aside, I had a good start this morning. Well two things happened and they made me feel good.
First, I decided to call my doctor to get an appointment because my nose was so stuffed out last night that I almost couldn't breathe. When the line got through, I realised that it was my doctor's voice alright but the "speech" was different. Still in bed and feeling groggy, I had no idea what he was talking about because it was in danish. I panicked for a few seconds and before I could react, the call ended. This time, I sat up and contemplated if I should call Edmund and ask him to get his colleague to interpret what the doctor said or I should just call again and see if I could pick up any familiar words. I decided on the latter.
After two attempts, I got it. The doctor said I had reached the automated answering machine. The clinic would be closed from Friday 28 September to Monday 15 October. If we need to seek treatment between this period, we could go to Doctor Jorgen Hansen at Osterbrogade 53. His telephone numbers, 35380043. He would be back.... (the line went dead before he could finish the sentence. Guess he had exceeded the time limit for the voice recording)
Feeling a little nervous, I dialled the numbers and bingo, the line got through and I was actually talking to Doctor Hansen! In that instance, I felt a great sense of triumph. Suddenly, this country did not feel so alien to me anymore and I thought, hey, I could certainly stay here because slowly but surely, I have managed to intergrate into the culture.
So after I got over the jubilation, I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Yesterday, I found a shop in the Asia Market that sells frozen plain roti prathas. It was an exciting finding for me and I bought a packet. The verdict: Not as good as the real ones but definitely a close substitute. Anyway, in a place when such food is scarce, two pieces of prathas even if you had to eat them with sugar and a cup of hot teh on a cold morning will guarantee to make you high. I think I am going to experiment putting a layer of egg on top of the pratha to make it a plaster pratha sometime this week.
Hmm, what a nice way to start the week!
First, I decided to call my doctor to get an appointment because my nose was so stuffed out last night that I almost couldn't breathe. When the line got through, I realised that it was my doctor's voice alright but the "speech" was different. Still in bed and feeling groggy, I had no idea what he was talking about because it was in danish. I panicked for a few seconds and before I could react, the call ended. This time, I sat up and contemplated if I should call Edmund and ask him to get his colleague to interpret what the doctor said or I should just call again and see if I could pick up any familiar words. I decided on the latter.
After two attempts, I got it. The doctor said I had reached the automated answering machine. The clinic would be closed from Friday 28 September to Monday 15 October. If we need to seek treatment between this period, we could go to Doctor Jorgen Hansen at Osterbrogade 53. His telephone numbers, 35380043. He would be back.... (the line went dead before he could finish the sentence. Guess he had exceeded the time limit for the voice recording)
Feeling a little nervous, I dialled the numbers and bingo, the line got through and I was actually talking to Doctor Hansen! In that instance, I felt a great sense of triumph. Suddenly, this country did not feel so alien to me anymore and I thought, hey, I could certainly stay here because slowly but surely, I have managed to intergrate into the culture.
So after I got over the jubilation, I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Yesterday, I found a shop in the Asia Market that sells frozen plain roti prathas. It was an exciting finding for me and I bought a packet. The verdict: Not as good as the real ones but definitely a close substitute. Anyway, in a place when such food is scarce, two pieces of prathas even if you had to eat them with sugar and a cup of hot teh on a cold morning will guarantee to make you high. I think I am going to experiment putting a layer of egg on top of the pratha to make it a plaster pratha sometime this week.
Hmm, what a nice way to start the week!
Sunday, 30 September 2007
I Am Sick
For the past few days, I have been getting an itchy throat, a running nose and pain in the ribs (from too much coughing). I am sick, thanks to the flu bug. As much as I know water is good for me, I just can't bring myself to down 8 glasses of water everyday. So if you have any good idea on how to make someone drink 8 glasses of water everyday, please let me know, I really need it badly......
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Winter is coming....
For the past week, the first thing I felt when I woke up was the cold wind in the air. Every morning, this feeling made me dread getting out of bed and away from my quilt.
Hence, I guess it's time to push my sundresses and short sleeves blouses to the back of the closet and replace them with the long sleeves ones. Actually, I had already taken my boots out from its box last week. After wiping off the dust, they made their "grand" appearance onto the streets on Friday, joining many others that were worn by the danish girls.
I remember when I was in Hong Kong, winter was a season which I enjoyed a lot. However, I don't think I can speak the same for the winter in Copenhagen because grey sky will replace the blue and we get wind that will pierce through the bones.
Hence, I guess it's time to push my sundresses and short sleeves blouses to the back of the closet and replace them with the long sleeves ones. Actually, I had already taken my boots out from its box last week. After wiping off the dust, they made their "grand" appearance onto the streets on Friday, joining many others that were worn by the danish girls.
I remember when I was in Hong Kong, winter was a season which I enjoyed a lot. However, I don't think I can speak the same for the winter in Copenhagen because grey sky will replace the blue and we get wind that will pierce through the bones.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
We are having a baby boy!
I had an ultrasound scan last Wednesday. After the midwife did several tests, the result showed the baby was doing well and it also revealed that he was a boy! It was a very emotional moment for us when we saw the little one stretched his legs and then used his hand to touch his toes. From then on, I told myself I will do my best to love, protect and nurture him.
Edmund was so happy that he bought a bottle of wine to celebrate after we left the hospital. Before we knew the gender of the baby, I could already see the desire in him to have a son whenever we went to the park; he would look and admire those guys playing soccer and wearing the same jerseys with their young sons. I still remember we had so many tiffs in the past few weeks whenever he referred our baby as "he" and I referred baby as "she" in the name of fairness.
Well, the game is over. Now, it is shopping time. As soon we know we should be buying clothes in baby pink or blue, we are starting to stock up his clothes, towels, nappies, milk bottles, etc. The bigger items will come next since they are going to take up space in the house.
It is amazing how lifestyle has changed after my maternal instinct kicked in. Nowadays I will do things like: before buying a packet of potato chips or sweets, I will ponder if the extra salt or sugar will affect my baby; before drinking a cup of coffee or cola, I will ask myself if I have been having too much caffeine recently; talking to my son and ask for his opinion when buying his clothes even though it looks silly; when I am unhappy, I quickly put my favourite CD on and focus on other things so that the bad vibes will not stress my baby out. All these sound very strange but I actually like the way they are.
Everyday, I look forward to feeling my baby moving inside my tummy and I treasure every moment of it.
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Santa is gone..... but memories remain
My Santa has gone back to the ever sunny Singapore on last Thursday. During her stay in Copenhagen, we went to many places, many of which were actually my first time.
Probably the best beer in the world". Find this slogan familiar? Yes, we were at the Carlsberg Visitors Centre.
I still can't believe that I managed to climb all the way to the top of this church with my current state. In addition to the winding staircase inside the tower, the external staircase already consists of 400 steps. It was so windy that day that athough the view from the top is spectacular, I think my heart can only take the stress of being blown off the tower once.
The Vigeland sculpture park (Vigelandsparken) is a very unique park. Every piece of sculpture is the life work of Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) and inspired by naked human beings.
Probably the best beer in the world". Find this slogan familiar? Yes, we were at the Carlsberg Visitors Centre.
I still can't believe that I managed to climb all the way to the top of this church with my current state. In addition to the winding staircase inside the tower, the external staircase already consists of 400 steps. It was so windy that day that athough the view from the top is spectacular, I think my heart can only take the stress of being blown off the tower once.
Coming to Denmark will not be complete without going for a castle tour. We just had to join a day tour and it took care of everything.
The drive through the magnificent Danish countryside in the northern part of Denmark and coastline was very refreshing.
We went to a few castles but the one that captivated me was the Frederiksborg Castle (the pic on the top). I was completely memerised by the stories told by the guide.
This is a really short bed. Reason is because the kings used to sleep sitting up!
On a separate day, we also went to Malmo which is merely a 40 minutes train ride away from Copenhagen. To me, Malmo feels like a peaceful and quiet little town and that is probably because it is not the capital for Sweden.
One of the must see is the tallest building called the "Turning Torso". The building consists of nine cubes with a total of 54 stories, with a 90° twist from base to top. I found it quite impressive but a lack of professional photographic skill failed to make it look good on picture.
The last highlight of the whole holiday was an overnight weekend cruise to Oslo, capital of Norway. The cruise was terrible as the sea was very rough but Oslo was awesome; lots of space, greenery and culture.
The Vigeland sculpture park (Vigelandsparken) is a very unique park. Every piece of sculpture is the life work of Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) and inspired by naked human beings.
As if we were not seasick enough after we had disembarked from the cruise, we went for a boat ride on the Oslo Fjord. Well, this is our only chance but the mountainous view was simply breathtaking. (no picture on the mountains to show because Lily was dozing off and Edmund was still suffering from the earlier seasick so the pictures he took are not clear)
Lily, thanks for your companionship. Those were one of my happiest days in Denmark. Cheers to our friendship!
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
My Early Christmas
This is my "Santa". As there isn't a fireplace in our apartment (and there is no lift either!), "Santa" has to carry all her presents up 6 flights of stairs. No wonder she is so trim. Hee hee.....
Ta da! These are the presents she brought and I am eternally grateful to her for all the goodies she got me. I will not be able to survive without them (well, some of them at least) if I don't make another home trip by end of this year.
To be continued.......
Ta da! These are the presents she brought and I am eternally grateful to her for all the goodies she got me. I will not be able to survive without them (well, some of them at least) if I don't make another home trip by end of this year.
To be continued.......
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Sunday, 15 July 2007
The last time I was so crazy about a celebrity was when I was 14 years old. Internet was not very advanced and virtually unheard of for me at that time. So I tried to save my pocket money in order to buy his cassette tapes and any magazines that had him on the coverpage. I knew all his songs by heart and my drawer was filled with his merchandises like bookmarks, keychains, some glossy cards and newspaper cuttings. I still like him now until recently.
Two weeks ago, his status in my heart has been overthrown. Yes, OVERTHROWN by another person. I discovered this guy by chance when I was so bored one afternoon and decided to watch some VCDs which my aunt passed to me when I was back in Singapore. After that, completely smitten by his good looks, I literally cannot survive a day without watching his music videos. Edmund was not very pleased (most probably jealous, I think) in the beginning but has surrendered now.......... For the first time in Copenhagen, I feel so lucky that I am not stucked in an office replying to emails, typing proposals and doing other mundane matters. (if you think I am just being sour grapes, then so be it.)
Anyway, since I am currently a lady of leisure, I better make use of this opportunity to do all the things that i like. So, for the past two weeks, I caught up with all his music videos and entertainment news on youtube. For him, I'm in front of the computer from 9.30am to 6pm, watching and rewatching his music videos, researching for his latest news, reading his blog and only leaving my seat when nature calls or during meal times. Any other matters that require my attention have inevitably become secondary. This is one of my favourite music video because he looks extremely hot!
Thursday, 5 July 2007
We are going to have a "Golden Pig"!
For some of you who have been wondering whether I am or I am not, this will confirm your speculations. Yes, I am pregnant (3 months) and my estimated delivery date is 1 Jan 2008! The baby came as a pleasant surprise when I discovered my pregnancy on an early morning of May 3. (We like to think he/she is a "gift" from Italy) When you are celebrating the New Year, we will be celebrating the arrival of a new family member. :-)
(Hmm.... I wonder if companies in Denmark have the practice of giving newborns on 1 Jan any sponsorships).
Although the earlier periods of pregnancy did bring about some horrible mood swings and occasional morning sickness, I am glad that I have overcome that and I can only say everything feels great now. Going back to Singapore for two weeks to "reconnect" with the 3 Fs (ie. family, friends and food) seemed to help a lot. Having friends who are also mommy-to-be makes it easier as I have someone to talk and share my experiences with.
I used to think we are not ready to start a family as bringing up a child seems to involve so much time, efforts and sacrifices. Even til now, I still have some doubts about our abilities every once in a while. However, they will disappear whenever I look at the photos from the ultrasound scans because the affection for the little human being growing inside me is so strong that nothing else seems to matter.
Right now, priorities for us have changed and the main focus is for me to have a healthy pregnancy so that in six months' time, we can look forward to meeting our happy and chubby baby!
(Hmm.... I wonder if companies in Denmark have the practice of giving newborns on 1 Jan any sponsorships).
Although the earlier periods of pregnancy did bring about some horrible mood swings and occasional morning sickness, I am glad that I have overcome that and I can only say everything feels great now. Going back to Singapore for two weeks to "reconnect" with the 3 Fs (ie. family, friends and food) seemed to help a lot. Having friends who are also mommy-to-be makes it easier as I have someone to talk and share my experiences with.
I used to think we are not ready to start a family as bringing up a child seems to involve so much time, efforts and sacrifices. Even til now, I still have some doubts about our abilities every once in a while. However, they will disappear whenever I look at the photos from the ultrasound scans because the affection for the little human being growing inside me is so strong that nothing else seems to matter.
Right now, priorities for us have changed and the main focus is for me to have a healthy pregnancy so that in six months' time, we can look forward to meeting our happy and chubby baby!
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Enrique Iglesias - Do You Know (The Ping Pong Song)
Just came back from a two weeks break in Singapore. It was a fantastic, fantastic holiday. We managed to catch up with a lot of friends, do a lot of shoppings, eat all the food that I'd missed so much, play some mahjongs and even go to Bangkok for a weekend of seafood and shopping.
Armed with two luggages full of goodies, DVDs and memories of the fun times we had in Singapore, I should be able to survive another winter in Denmark before we return home again.
Lastly, would like to dedicate this MTV (Not the Babes :-)) to my husband. He heard this song on the plane and told me about it. I think it's the best from Enrique.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
I Will Survive
Woke up at 5.30am this morning and this song kept playing in my head while I'm still lying in bed counting down to the day to fly home.
It is my favourite song from Cake. In fact, it's my all time favourite. It's damn cool, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C68Gzd5GM
At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you'd done me wrong
And I grew strong
I learned how to get along
So now you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
Without the look upon your face
I should have changed my fucking lock
I would have made you leave your key
If I'd have known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me
Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah
It took all the strength I had
Just not to fall apart
I'm trying hard to mend the pieces
Of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me
With somebody new
I'm not that stupid little person still in love with you
And so you thought you'd just drop by
And you expect me to be free
But now I'm saving all my loving
For someone who's loving me
Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah.................
Now, I have to upload it to my MP3.
It is my favourite song from Cake. In fact, it's my all time favourite. It's damn cool, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C68Gzd5GM
At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you'd done me wrong
And I grew strong
I learned how to get along
So now you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
Without the look upon your face
I should have changed my fucking lock
I would have made you leave your key
If I'd have known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me
Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah
It took all the strength I had
Just not to fall apart
I'm trying hard to mend the pieces
Of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me
With somebody new
I'm not that stupid little person still in love with you
And so you thought you'd just drop by
And you expect me to be free
But now I'm saving all my loving
For someone who's loving me
Oh now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with desire
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah.................
Now, I have to upload it to my MP3.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Happy Happy Happy
Thanks to a friend, I was shown a super cool shop at the Asia Market where it has a lot of chinese goodies. The shop not only has the vegetables that we can find in our wet market, it even has things like Gingko nuts, Beancurd Skin, Rock Sugar, seasoning for Ma Po Tofu, Jellyfish, Century Eggs, and some of the canned food that we eat in Singapore. I'm so happy with the purchases I made today.
In addition, Royana is going to teach me her mum's signature dish this Saturday. She called it "Ayam Masak Merah". Don't know what it means but I'm sure it's going to be delicious. We really need some yummy malay curry to spice up our lives.
Finally, I see some hope in Copenhagen and this should last me for the next two weeks till I get to taste the real stuff back home.
In addition, Royana is going to teach me her mum's signature dish this Saturday. She called it "Ayam Masak Merah". Don't know what it means but I'm sure it's going to be delicious. We really need some yummy malay curry to spice up our lives.
Finally, I see some hope in Copenhagen and this should last me for the next two weeks till I get to taste the real stuff back home.
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
We Are Going Home!!
Yeahhh! We Are Going Home!
The air tickets are booked and the confirmation slips received. We shall arrive in Singapore on 9 June and stay for two weeks. I'm going to :
- have gatherings with my friends
- hang out with my mum
- go for a haircut
- go to the dentist
- go to church
- go shopping
- go for a facial
- eat all my favourite food
Oh man, I really can't wait for the day when I touch down at Changi Airport. I'm dying to go home...........
The air tickets are booked and the confirmation slips received. We shall arrive in Singapore on 9 June and stay for two weeks. I'm going to :
- have gatherings with my friends
- hang out with my mum
- go for a haircut
- go to the dentist
- go to church
- go shopping
- go for a facial
- eat all my favourite food
Oh man, I really can't wait for the day when I touch down at Changi Airport. I'm dying to go home...........
Monday, 14 May 2007
No More Kentucky Fried Chicken For Me
This morning, my craving for a 2 piece meal in KFC was so strong that I decided to take a 20 minute walk to the bus stop and then another 15 minute of bus ride to the city centre to settle my lunch. Since my appetite has not been very good lately and I have already skipped many lunches, I decided not to curb this urge even though I know they are actually tasteless chicken meat with oily but delicious crispy skin.
At the counter, I quickly ordered the usual 2 piece meal which is the same stuff as what we get in Singapore except that in Denmark, they only have the original version, french fries instead of whipped potatoes, the drink is not refillable and we pay for the chilli sauce. But what actually horrified me was, the same old 2 piece meal cost Kr 52.25 which is approximately S$15! It is definitely the most expensive KFC meal I've ever had!
Back home, I regret spending so much money on some food that made me feel so greasy and sick now.
:-(
At the counter, I quickly ordered the usual 2 piece meal which is the same stuff as what we get in Singapore except that in Denmark, they only have the original version, french fries instead of whipped potatoes, the drink is not refillable and we pay for the chilli sauce. But what actually horrified me was, the same old 2 piece meal cost Kr 52.25 which is approximately S$15! It is definitely the most expensive KFC meal I've ever had!
Back home, I regret spending so much money on some food that made me feel so greasy and sick now.
:-(
Friday, 11 May 2007
A Terrible Week
I feel terribly lousy this week:
1. Restless
2. Lethargic
3. Bored
4. Cold
5. Loss of Appetite athough I have a lot of cravings for Pork and Century Egg Congee (Chomp Chomp), Fried Carrot Cake (Chomp Chomp), Fried Prawn Mee (Basement of Vivocity and Ang Mo Kio Hawker Centre), Bak Chok Mee (Circular Road), Barbecued Stingray and Squid (Anywhere that serve them with decent Balachan), Seafood Horfun (Alexandra Village Hawker Centre), Duck Rice (Whampoa Hawker Centre), Rojak (Whampoa Hawker Centre), Nasi Lemak (Sembawang), Roti Prata (Upper Thomson or Jalan Kayu) and Fried Kway Teow (Marine Parade Hawker Centre).
It's lunch time now and I have no interest in any other kinds of food except for the above. Seems like I have to go hungry today again. :-(
PS: To my non-Singaporean friends: in case you are lost in translation, I'm craving for all the local food and that thought is driving me crazy.
1. Restless
2. Lethargic
3. Bored
4. Cold
5. Loss of Appetite athough I have a lot of cravings for Pork and Century Egg Congee (Chomp Chomp), Fried Carrot Cake (Chomp Chomp), Fried Prawn Mee (Basement of Vivocity and Ang Mo Kio Hawker Centre), Bak Chok Mee (Circular Road), Barbecued Stingray and Squid (Anywhere that serve them with decent Balachan), Seafood Horfun (Alexandra Village Hawker Centre), Duck Rice (Whampoa Hawker Centre), Rojak (Whampoa Hawker Centre), Nasi Lemak (Sembawang), Roti Prata (Upper Thomson or Jalan Kayu) and Fried Kway Teow (Marine Parade Hawker Centre).
It's lunch time now and I have no interest in any other kinds of food except for the above. Seems like I have to go hungry today again. :-(
PS: To my non-Singaporean friends: in case you are lost in translation, I'm craving for all the local food and that thought is driving me crazy.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Please Give Me The Sun, I Am So Cold!
Forecast for Copenhagen, issued Wednesday May 9 at 11:30 hoursWednesday
A little rain with some sunny spells. Maximum day temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius. Up to strong wind.
Thursday
Cloudy with some rain. Maximum day temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius. Up to strong wind.
Friday
Cloudy and dry. Maximum day temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius. Up to fresh wind.
Saturday
Cloudy with some rain. Maximum day temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 9 degrees Celsius. Up to fresh wind.
Sunday
Cloudy with some rain. Maximum day temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius. Up to fresh wind.
Monday
Cloudy with a little rain. Maximum day temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius, minimum night temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius. Up to strong wind.
Saturday, 5 May 2007
Spiderman Cannot Save His Own Day
Just came back from watching Spiderman3. Instead of leaving the cinema full of admiration for my favourite superhero like the first two serials, it failed to touch me this time.
Just to name a few of the flaws as well as embarrasing moments for a diehard Spidey fan like me, there is just so much cheesy and cliché romance with Mary Jane and a new character called "Gwen Stacy". I really cannot stand the part when Spiderman in his famous pose ie. the upside down hang, encouraged Gwen to kiss him in front of the public . I was thinking, was that scene necessary? Come on, what was the director thinking?
Then, there was a segment when the "new" Peter Parker emerged as the guy who was charged with energy and cheesy dance moves waving his hands and thrusting his groins. The director was probably thinking of injecting some humour but he failed to understand that audiences don't like to see their superhero becoming a joke himself. This is so sad and I feel that the director should be sent back to drama school for a refresher course in directing. And for the record, the hairstyle for the new and supposedly cool-looking Peter Parker looked anything but cool.
In this movie, Spiderman was seen fighting his own inner demon, which was a lump of black gluey substance that dropped down from the sky and creeped out from a meteorite while he and MJ were making out. At this point in time, I'm sure many audiences were thinking, where the hell was the spider sense? And what about the regular human sense of hearing??? Anyway, after its ridiculous debut, that thing followed spiderman home and subsequently turned him into an aggressive and revengeful person. As dumb as the way it appeared, it could be destroyed in an equally dumb way -the loud clanking sound from a church bell or from hitting the steel poles.
Last but not least because I just cannot bear to point out more flaws and trust me I can list so many, Harry's housekeeper appeared out of nowhere and finally told him that he was the one who cleaned his father's wound and that his dad was actually killed by the blades from his own mobile device. The truth was, Spiderman did not kill his father. Don't you think this is so stupid!! Why did the housekeeper wait 2 movies to tell his young master this??? For this important fact, the housekeeper just appeared suddenly and said a two liner dialogue in an attempt to link up the whole story. Tsk tsk tsk.....
Perhaps, the only thing I can compliment is Spiderman's new black suit. It definitely looks better than Batman's but this is only superficial. We love the original spidey suit just as much if not more.
In conclusion, if you really have to watch Spiderman 3 because you love the previous two movies to death, my advice to you is, forget about the cinema, wait for the DVD. Instead of spending $9.50 per pax, spend $20 and the movie can be watched by the whole family or the next gathering at your place. It's more worth it.
Just to name a few of the flaws as well as embarrasing moments for a diehard Spidey fan like me, there is just so much cheesy and cliché romance with Mary Jane and a new character called "Gwen Stacy". I really cannot stand the part when Spiderman in his famous pose ie. the upside down hang, encouraged Gwen to kiss him in front of the public . I was thinking, was that scene necessary? Come on, what was the director thinking?
Then, there was a segment when the "new" Peter Parker emerged as the guy who was charged with energy and cheesy dance moves waving his hands and thrusting his groins. The director was probably thinking of injecting some humour but he failed to understand that audiences don't like to see their superhero becoming a joke himself. This is so sad and I feel that the director should be sent back to drama school for a refresher course in directing. And for the record, the hairstyle for the new and supposedly cool-looking Peter Parker looked anything but cool.
In this movie, Spiderman was seen fighting his own inner demon, which was a lump of black gluey substance that dropped down from the sky and creeped out from a meteorite while he and MJ were making out. At this point in time, I'm sure many audiences were thinking, where the hell was the spider sense? And what about the regular human sense of hearing??? Anyway, after its ridiculous debut, that thing followed spiderman home and subsequently turned him into an aggressive and revengeful person. As dumb as the way it appeared, it could be destroyed in an equally dumb way -the loud clanking sound from a church bell or from hitting the steel poles.
Last but not least because I just cannot bear to point out more flaws and trust me I can list so many, Harry's housekeeper appeared out of nowhere and finally told him that he was the one who cleaned his father's wound and that his dad was actually killed by the blades from his own mobile device. The truth was, Spiderman did not kill his father. Don't you think this is so stupid!! Why did the housekeeper wait 2 movies to tell his young master this??? For this important fact, the housekeeper just appeared suddenly and said a two liner dialogue in an attempt to link up the whole story. Tsk tsk tsk.....
Perhaps, the only thing I can compliment is Spiderman's new black suit. It definitely looks better than Batman's but this is only superficial. We love the original spidey suit just as much if not more.
In conclusion, if you really have to watch Spiderman 3 because you love the previous two movies to death, my advice to you is, forget about the cinema, wait for the DVD. Instead of spending $9.50 per pax, spend $20 and the movie can be watched by the whole family or the next gathering at your place. It's more worth it.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
I Just Blog To Say I Love U
After my last outburst of frustration, peace resumed and time just passed by so quickly. As summer approaches, the day lengthens and the sky does not turn completely dark until 9 plus every night, and I think somehow this has a positive effect on me.
I caught a film a couple of days ago. It's called "The Holiday" starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. It's a romance comedy with a happy ending, obviously. I recommend it because:
1) Jude Law is super handsome;
2) Cameron Diaz's outfits are very nice and sexy;
3) it has a happy ending and the light-hearted humour may be what you need after a stressful week.
It should be out on DVD now. If you have not watched it, please do me a favour and go and buy/rent/download it to watch for the weekend.
We have a public holiday tomorrow and Spiderman 3 has its premier today! I am so looking forward to watching my favourite superhero going into action again.
In conclusion, I want to thank all my friends, who after read my blog, called or emailed to comfort me. You guys are really wonderful. However I'm okay now and I may have a piece of good news to share in a couple of weeks time. Look out for it!
I love you all!!!
I caught a film a couple of days ago. It's called "The Holiday" starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. It's a romance comedy with a happy ending, obviously. I recommend it because:
1) Jude Law is super handsome;
2) Cameron Diaz's outfits are very nice and sexy;
3) it has a happy ending and the light-hearted humour may be what you need after a stressful week.
It should be out on DVD now. If you have not watched it, please do me a favour and go and buy/rent/download it to watch for the weekend.
We have a public holiday tomorrow and Spiderman 3 has its premier today! I am so looking forward to watching my favourite superhero going into action again.
In conclusion, I want to thank all my friends, who after read my blog, called or emailed to comfort me. You guys are really wonderful. However I'm okay now and I may have a piece of good news to share in a couple of weeks time. Look out for it!
I love you all!!!
Friday, 20 April 2007
Moody Talk
The weekdays are finally over and tomorrow is weekend again. Times flies and today is my two months anniversary in Copenhagen.
For some reasons, I feel extremely moody and restless today. I even took out my old "The Da Vinci Code" to read. The thing is, I never like to watch any movie or read any storybook a second time. I find that there is no more excitement because I already know the plots. So you can imagine I was really goddamn bored.
I thought summer was coming but it suddenly became very chilly in the past few days. The view from my window shows the outside is sunny but what I actually feel in the house is a completely different story. The coldness must have somehow frozen part of my brain for I no longer can think of what can entertain me. However, I am not moody just because I can't think of anything to do.
Everytime I call the old folks back home, they always tell me the same old stuff:
"Better find a job, it's good to earn some pocket money",
"Don't be too dependent on your husband, you should earn your own pocket money",
"Don't waste your time, do something!",
"If you don't want to work, then you better have a baby",
"What do you do everyday, aren't you bored?" etc etc.
Honestly speaking, I am very tired of listening to those craps and everytime the topic starts, they make me cringe. Anything motivation words? Nothing, ZERO.
I mean, have they ever considered my feelings?
Do they know what I actually do at home everyday?
Do they think I have become a burden to my husband because we have only one income now?
Do they think I feel good that I may have probably lost my competitive mind because I no longer have deadlines to meet and clients to please?
Do they think making baby is as easy as making a cup of tea?
Anyway just to prove that I am not a freeloader, I had a meeting with someone yesterday, who might possibly help me get a job. However after the meeting, I felt more confused than before. When I think about it now, that meeting must have had an influence on how I felt today, moody and restless.
Actually, as much as I yearn for the financial independence that a job brings me, I also enjoy the space and freedom I am having now. For 5 years, I did not touch the electric mixer that my mum saved to buy for me because I loved to bake back then. But now, the electric mixer is able to see daylight again because I bake cakes, cookies or muffins every week. And to my mahjong kakis, I will take you on anytime when I go back because my skills have improved (I think).
(sigh) Why am I always standing at a crossroads? (sigh, again) I need some encouragement, even if it is just a bit........
For some reasons, I feel extremely moody and restless today. I even took out my old "The Da Vinci Code" to read. The thing is, I never like to watch any movie or read any storybook a second time. I find that there is no more excitement because I already know the plots. So you can imagine I was really goddamn bored.
I thought summer was coming but it suddenly became very chilly in the past few days. The view from my window shows the outside is sunny but what I actually feel in the house is a completely different story. The coldness must have somehow frozen part of my brain for I no longer can think of what can entertain me. However, I am not moody just because I can't think of anything to do.
Everytime I call the old folks back home, they always tell me the same old stuff:
"Better find a job, it's good to earn some pocket money",
"Don't be too dependent on your husband, you should earn your own pocket money",
"Don't waste your time, do something!",
"If you don't want to work, then you better have a baby",
"What do you do everyday, aren't you bored?" etc etc.
Honestly speaking, I am very tired of listening to those craps and everytime the topic starts, they make me cringe. Anything motivation words? Nothing, ZERO.
I mean, have they ever considered my feelings?
Do they know what I actually do at home everyday?
Do they think I have become a burden to my husband because we have only one income now?
Do they think I feel good that I may have probably lost my competitive mind because I no longer have deadlines to meet and clients to please?
Do they think making baby is as easy as making a cup of tea?
Anyway just to prove that I am not a freeloader, I had a meeting with someone yesterday, who might possibly help me get a job. However after the meeting, I felt more confused than before. When I think about it now, that meeting must have had an influence on how I felt today, moody and restless.
Actually, as much as I yearn for the financial independence that a job brings me, I also enjoy the space and freedom I am having now. For 5 years, I did not touch the electric mixer that my mum saved to buy for me because I loved to bake back then. But now, the electric mixer is able to see daylight again because I bake cakes, cookies or muffins every week. And to my mahjong kakis, I will take you on anytime when I go back because my skills have improved (I think).
(sigh) Why am I always standing at a crossroads? (sigh, again) I need some encouragement, even if it is just a bit........
My Italy Trip Part 3 - Rome
The last stop of my Italy trip - Rome. Hmm.... what can I say about Rome.... Romantic? Not really. Ancient? Yes, very. My initial impression of Rome was not good because firstly, people told me there were a lot of pickpockets. (Thank god our wallets were not stolen but when we were having breakfast one morning, the girl next to me lost her mobile phone the day before).
Secondly, the streets were filthy and smelled of urine. (yaks, i feel like puking whenever I think about it).
Thirdly, people working in the service industry like train station, newspaper stand or information counters are rude.
Lastly, shopping is horribly expensive. (ok, i'm exaggerating a bit here because I could not afford to buy the pretty dresses and shoes which unfortunately I still can't get them out of my mind)
Nevertheless, we spent our 3 days in Rome quite meaningfully visiting the ancient sites and monuments. Fortunately, we joined two local tours so that the tour guides could explain the history of the monuments to us. Otherwise, they were just ruins and it would be difficult for us to appreciate their significances. For someone who came from a country that is barely half a century old, the glory history of the roman empire is something that I have never thought of nor imagined before. Hence for the 3 days in Rome, despite of the not so favourable living condition, I did enjoy looking at and understanding the magnificent roman empire. Well, they say "pictures speak a thousand words". So check them out (with the link) and this time I included some explanations.
Ciao!
Secondly, the streets were filthy and smelled of urine. (yaks, i feel like puking whenever I think about it).
Thirdly, people working in the service industry like train station, newspaper stand or information counters are rude.
Lastly, shopping is horribly expensive. (ok, i'm exaggerating a bit here because I could not afford to buy the pretty dresses and shoes which unfortunately I still can't get them out of my mind)
Nevertheless, we spent our 3 days in Rome quite meaningfully visiting the ancient sites and monuments. Fortunately, we joined two local tours so that the tour guides could explain the history of the monuments to us. Otherwise, they were just ruins and it would be difficult for us to appreciate their significances. For someone who came from a country that is barely half a century old, the glory history of the roman empire is something that I have never thought of nor imagined before. Hence for the 3 days in Rome, despite of the not so favourable living condition, I did enjoy looking at and understanding the magnificent roman empire. Well, they say "pictures speak a thousand words". So check them out (with the link) and this time I included some explanations.
Ciao!
http://sg.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/vanacchong/album?.dir=c649re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//sg.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
India vs Copenhagen or shall I say, vs Singapore?
I was reading a friend's blog, who is currently staying in New Dehli because her husband was posted there by his company. In one hour and 15 minutes, I finished reading all her 47 diaries posted in 2007 plus some posted in December 2006. Well, I'm free mah and they were actually very interesting.
India, a place that I have never thought of going there for holiday, let alone stay there. I know I am horrible for discriminating this country but you can't blame me because all I see and hear are mostly things like the streets are very dirty, people are living in poverty, high crime rate, systems inefficient, bad traffic etc. You can imagine living condition there is a complete opposite to Copenhagen and I kinda pity my friend (Not in a condescending way but as a girl friend)
However, I do admire her greatly for the move to New Dehli in order to be with her husband. For love, she gave up her comfortable life in Singapore.
You may think that life is not that bad as an expatriate in India but from what I read, I will never have that view again because a lot of things are just beyond their controls. They may have a maid, two cars, a driver, big house but think of the inconvenience and frustration they have experienced when a cable channel suddenly disappeared while they were watching a program, traffic condition so bad that it took 4 hours to travel to the office and my friend's head was rocking to and fro because the road was so bumpy, they never knew whether the lighting or cable guy would turn up even though they have made an appointment.... tsk tsk tsk... if those are not bad, then what are? Oh one more thing, my friend said there is only 1 acceptable shopping mall in the whole of N.D. OMG!
While I was reading her blog, I did feel a lot in common between us. We are both very, extremely, super homesick. We miss our families, friends, food and a familiar environment.
Now, does this mean Singapore girls are not cosmopolitan enough to accustom to new countries? Of course not, we are just more sentimental ...... ;-)
I'm meeting Royana for dinner today and we are going to have Thai food. I shall have tom yum goong and fried rice later. Yippee!!
India, a place that I have never thought of going there for holiday, let alone stay there. I know I am horrible for discriminating this country but you can't blame me because all I see and hear are mostly things like the streets are very dirty, people are living in poverty, high crime rate, systems inefficient, bad traffic etc. You can imagine living condition there is a complete opposite to Copenhagen and I kinda pity my friend (Not in a condescending way but as a girl friend)
However, I do admire her greatly for the move to New Dehli in order to be with her husband. For love, she gave up her comfortable life in Singapore.
You may think that life is not that bad as an expatriate in India but from what I read, I will never have that view again because a lot of things are just beyond their controls. They may have a maid, two cars, a driver, big house but think of the inconvenience and frustration they have experienced when a cable channel suddenly disappeared while they were watching a program, traffic condition so bad that it took 4 hours to travel to the office and my friend's head was rocking to and fro because the road was so bumpy, they never knew whether the lighting or cable guy would turn up even though they have made an appointment.... tsk tsk tsk... if those are not bad, then what are? Oh one more thing, my friend said there is only 1 acceptable shopping mall in the whole of N.D. OMG!
While I was reading her blog, I did feel a lot in common between us. We are both very, extremely, super homesick. We miss our families, friends, food and a familiar environment.
Now, does this mean Singapore girls are not cosmopolitan enough to accustom to new countries? Of course not, we are just more sentimental ...... ;-)
I'm meeting Royana for dinner today and we are going to have Thai food. I shall have tom yum goong and fried rice later. Yippee!!
Monday, 16 April 2007
My Italy Trip Part 2 - Genoa
From Venice, we took a train to Genoa, a city and seaport in northern Italy. The ride was about 4 hours but it was all worth it as we could look at the sceneries along the way compared to taking the plane.
As Genoa is still quite undiscovered by the tourism industry except for the italians coming from other parts of Italy, the ambience is still very authentic in its own way. Although it lacks the hustle and bustle of Venice, it has its own charming qualities. For a start, things are generally cheaper than the major cities. Then I also felt that the locals are friendlier. Lastly, there is just simply a good blend of nature and civilisation.
In Genoa, we received the warm hospitality of Maurizio and his girlfriend, Paola. Maurizio is Edmund's colleague and also Edmund's roommate when they were working in Dubai. Since the second largest emirate is just lots of sand and modern shopping malls that offer mostly high-end shopping, the two men kinda clicked together as they both have the same liking - Italian Cuisine.
Therefore, when we arrived in Genoa on Saturday evening, Maurizio and Paola picked us up from the railway station and brought us to a very fine restaurant by the harbour called "Porto Antico". We had a wonderful dinner of foccaccia and cheese, tortelli in walnut sauce and of course italian white wine.
After that, Maurizio took us to our hotel which was situated near a promenade. The hotel is very lovely and our window actually opened out to a luscious landscape. Being close to the promenade also meant that we could stroll along the promenade to enjoy the cool seabreeze and the picturesque scenery anytime.
The next day, Maurizio took us to visit his parents for an Easter tea. We were treated to a traditional Easter sweet eggbread topped with candied orange peels and almonds, a humungous and decadent chocolate egg and a 1997 year old Ferrari Brut Champagne.
As Genoa is still quite undiscovered by the tourism industry except for the italians coming from other parts of Italy, the ambience is still very authentic in its own way. Although it lacks the hustle and bustle of Venice, it has its own charming qualities. For a start, things are generally cheaper than the major cities. Then I also felt that the locals are friendlier. Lastly, there is just simply a good blend of nature and civilisation.
In Genoa, we received the warm hospitality of Maurizio and his girlfriend, Paola. Maurizio is Edmund's colleague and also Edmund's roommate when they were working in Dubai. Since the second largest emirate is just lots of sand and modern shopping malls that offer mostly high-end shopping, the two men kinda clicked together as they both have the same liking - Italian Cuisine.
Therefore, when we arrived in Genoa on Saturday evening, Maurizio and Paola picked us up from the railway station and brought us to a very fine restaurant by the harbour called "Porto Antico". We had a wonderful dinner of foccaccia and cheese, tortelli in walnut sauce and of course italian white wine.
After that, Maurizio took us to our hotel which was situated near a promenade. The hotel is very lovely and our window actually opened out to a luscious landscape. Being close to the promenade also meant that we could stroll along the promenade to enjoy the cool seabreeze and the picturesque scenery anytime.
The next day, Maurizio took us to visit his parents for an Easter tea. We were treated to a traditional Easter sweet eggbread topped with candied orange peels and almonds, a humungous and decadent chocolate egg and a 1997 year old Ferrari Brut Champagne.
When we had satisfied the sweet tooth, we met up with Paola at downtown for sightseeing. Although there are not as many big churches and museums in Genoa as in Italy, the old city oozes charm nonetheless. When we were there, there was a temporary market (something like "pasar malam") and there was a wide selection of cheeses, salami and other types of cured meat. Ingredients for making delicious italian food like fresh porcini mushrooms and local vegetables/fruits were also in abundance. I was very tempted to buy some of the fresh food back but I knew I couldn't because I still have a next stop, which was Rome.
Subsequently, dinner was at a cosy restaurant by the seaside. I wished I had taken a picture of the restaurant because it was a very cool place with glass walls and we were basically sitting above the sea. Contrary to popular belief, Copenhagen is not exactly a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood because the only thing fresh and easily available in the supermarket is probably only salmon and some fish fillets (no mussels or squids or prawns or crabs). So on that night, we had delicious Trofie with Pesto Sauce and a big fish baked with olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
After dinner, we had dessert in one of the cafes at Portofino, which was a small fishing village and tourist resort on the Italian Riveria. It stretched like an arch of the moon around a quiet basin and at a corner, it provided many sailboats a place to moor.
After dessert, we ended our holiday in Genoa as we had to head out to Rome early next morning. It was a short but certainly memorable visit.
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