We spent the day at customer site before leaving for airport.
Our flight was at 1815hrs, and our team lead says leave at 4pm.
OK. Fine by me, as long as we fly back on time ...
So after wrapping up at just before 4pm, we leave pretty much on time.
According to the local colleague there, it's about an hour drive to the airport.
So we were discussing what to take for dinner when reaching the airport.
How exciting!
Then we hit on the road.
Pretty much ok, until there was some slight traffic jam along the way.
Well, the traffic is a little erratic, slight jam here and there.
As we look at the watch, it's already 5.15pm, and we're still quite some kilometres away!
In the end, we reach the airport about 5.40pm!
Rush to the check-in counter. She said counter closed for our flight!
Duh!
Then very quickly, she checked with her colleague, and decided to let us go through.
To prevent any possible delay in getting my luggage, we decided not to check-in our bags. Only one of us did.
Then walk walk walk to the entrance. Right at the other end of the airport.
@!#!@%$#^#@WE$@#^&*&$#%@%^$%&^%
Went in, then kena stunned!
Quite a fair bit of queue. So I thick-skinned, and told the people in front of me to let me go first as I was very late for my flight.
Once pass through immigration, walk damn fast towards the gate.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh. At the other end again!
@!#@$#@%$#^@#%$&$^*U&#%$#^&%^*&^$%^
Then hit the security check.
Quite strict checking man. One lady in front of me was asked to remove her shoes somemore.
As for guys, belts have to take out too.
Then I was called to open my luggage. Got liquid inside.
It's my shampoo and liquid soap, and my Dove liquid soap is more than 100ml, so it was detained.
Just throw, me in a hurry! :D
Then rush to the bus, which take us to the plane for boarding.
Damn siong!
At least, it's back home now. :D
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Bangkok II
The hotel accommodation comes with breakfast, so took the breakfast in the morning, then wait for the transport to bring us to customer site, which is about an hour drive from hotel.
Once reached there, it was working with the users to gather information for the things that they wanted to do.
They largely wanted to add a new plant for their production, and would like to be sure that the inclusion will not create any problem for their system, and that their BW system will still be able to report data correctly.
Of course, the production planning part is not my issue, as I know nuts about it. I can only add my 2 cents worth for the BW area.
Rightfully, there won't be much for my part, if the configuration in their R/3 system remains the same with the inclusion of new plant.
Logically, it should not have major impact as well.
Anyway, it's just checking and checking, with the users and the system, and then gave them a rundown of the findings, and the next course of actions and estimation of efforts required.
By then, it was already like 6pm, and it is time to go home ...
On the way back, we stopped by at some warehouse place, where they sell lots of fruits, and dried foods etc.
I didn't want to buy too many things, not my style. :P
In the end, I only bought some cuttlefish.
Here's the pictures taken at that place.
When we reached back hotel, dropped our laptop in the room, and we went for our late dinner.
This time, we ate at the roadside stalls. How interesting!
Ate won ton mee, very small portion, but I not so hungry, so ok for me.
Then I went to walk around the place for a while. Yesterday didn't walk much as I wasn't feeling well with my running nose.
In the end, not much of place to walk around too, as the shops were starting to close by then, and the shopping mall at this location is smaller than the one I went yesterday.
One of the streets I walked into, I think it's like a red light district. No red lights are found literally here though.
On both sides of the road, there were lots of 'pimps' standing there, trying to get people to visit their girls. I think their target is the Japanese, as the street is full of Japanese food place, and the names of the shops are largely Japanese-oriented as well.
In the picture, you can see a bunch of people wearing green, I think they were from one of the clubs there.
So it's the last night here, and will be back to Singapore tomorrow.
From our findings today, it is likely that there will be a need to come back here.
By then, may not be me though ... ... :)
Once reached there, it was working with the users to gather information for the things that they wanted to do.
They largely wanted to add a new plant for their production, and would like to be sure that the inclusion will not create any problem for their system, and that their BW system will still be able to report data correctly.
Of course, the production planning part is not my issue, as I know nuts about it. I can only add my 2 cents worth for the BW area.
Rightfully, there won't be much for my part, if the configuration in their R/3 system remains the same with the inclusion of new plant.
Logically, it should not have major impact as well.
Anyway, it's just checking and checking, with the users and the system, and then gave them a rundown of the findings, and the next course of actions and estimation of efforts required.
By then, it was already like 6pm, and it is time to go home ...
On the way back, we stopped by at some warehouse place, where they sell lots of fruits, and dried foods etc.
I didn't want to buy too many things, not my style. :P
In the end, I only bought some cuttlefish.
Here's the pictures taken at that place.
When we reached back hotel, dropped our laptop in the room, and we went for our late dinner.
This time, we ate at the roadside stalls. How interesting!
Ate won ton mee, very small portion, but I not so hungry, so ok for me.
Then I went to walk around the place for a while. Yesterday didn't walk much as I wasn't feeling well with my running nose.
In the end, not much of place to walk around too, as the shops were starting to close by then, and the shopping mall at this location is smaller than the one I went yesterday.
One of the streets I walked into, I think it's like a red light district. No red lights are found literally here though.
On both sides of the road, there were lots of 'pimps' standing there, trying to get people to visit their girls. I think their target is the Japanese, as the street is full of Japanese food place, and the names of the shops are largely Japanese-oriented as well.
In the picture, you can see a bunch of people wearing green, I think they were from one of the clubs there.
So it's the last night here, and will be back to Singapore tomorrow.
From our findings today, it is likely that there will be a need to come back here.
By then, may not be me though ... ... :)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Bangkok
I am in Bangkok right now. Here for some problem resolution for a client with one of our partners.
Staying at this place called Swiss Lodge, which is within the centre of Bangkok City.
We reached here around 5+pm, checked in and took some pictures of the room.
Well, the room is pretty nice, seems cosy enough, and has free wireless internet for use. Brilliant!
Then I called up my friend Wey Chuan, who has been posted to work in Bangkok few months back.
It's been more than 10 years since I last met him, and it is the wonders of internet, and more specifically, facebook, that I linked up with him again.
I took the train (called BTS here) from Sala Daeng to Chidlom. Took me a while to orientate myself with the train system.
We went for dinner, and it's on him. Free dinner! I like. hehehe.
The place is like Marche, take a ticket, then scan the ticket after ordering your food, and enjoy your dinner.
Rightfully cannot take picture there, but I snapped my dessert photo. :D
Brownie with Rum & Raisin ice cream.
Actually, during the check-in at hotel, my nose started to play a bit. It ran for a bit. During dinner, seems like the nose keeps salivating. Not severe, but enough to irritate me.
So we had a pretty short time catching up, and decided to go back.
Anyway, he had some big bulky purchase done, so it won't be convenient to move around as well.
But it's good to meet up with old friends, and what's more, in a foreign land!
At the train station, we got someone to take a picture for us. Somehow, the lady doesn't understand when we tried to tell her to take 'half-body' picture.
So here's the result:
When I reached back Sala Daeng, I took a picture of the night lights around there. Just for the fun of it.
Of course, with my little intelligence, I am able to find my way back to my hotel pretty fast.
Went to 7-Eleven to buy some drinks and tidbits, and some food for tomorrow lunch, just in case ... ...
Staying at this place called Swiss Lodge, which is within the centre of Bangkok City.
We reached here around 5+pm, checked in and took some pictures of the room.
Well, the room is pretty nice, seems cosy enough, and has free wireless internet for use. Brilliant!
Then I called up my friend Wey Chuan, who has been posted to work in Bangkok few months back.
It's been more than 10 years since I last met him, and it is the wonders of internet, and more specifically, facebook, that I linked up with him again.
I took the train (called BTS here) from Sala Daeng to Chidlom. Took me a while to orientate myself with the train system.
We went for dinner, and it's on him. Free dinner! I like. hehehe.
The place is like Marche, take a ticket, then scan the ticket after ordering your food, and enjoy your dinner.
Rightfully cannot take picture there, but I snapped my dessert photo. :D
Brownie with Rum & Raisin ice cream.
Actually, during the check-in at hotel, my nose started to play a bit. It ran for a bit. During dinner, seems like the nose keeps salivating. Not severe, but enough to irritate me.
So we had a pretty short time catching up, and decided to go back.
Anyway, he had some big bulky purchase done, so it won't be convenient to move around as well.
But it's good to meet up with old friends, and what's more, in a foreign land!
At the train station, we got someone to take a picture for us. Somehow, the lady doesn't understand when we tried to tell her to take 'half-body' picture.
So here's the result:
When I reached back Sala Daeng, I took a picture of the night lights around there. Just for the fun of it.
Of course, with my little intelligence, I am able to find my way back to my hotel pretty fast.
Went to 7-Eleven to buy some drinks and tidbits, and some food for tomorrow lunch, just in case ... ...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Katy Perry - Hot N Cold
When we were driving in Perth Australia, sometimes it is hard to get radio reception clearly in the car.
At times when it is clearer, sometimes the songs played were quite weird to our ears.
However, I remember hearing a song there, which I thought was quite catchy, but I never knew who the singer or the song is.
Then when back in Singapore, while watching TV, I heard that song again. It was played on the S-Factor trailer (stupid show anyway), and it got me excited to hear more of the song.
And cluelessly. I searched.
Voila! It's "Hot N Cold", by Katy Perry. Dunno who also. :D
You change your mind,
Like a girl changes clothes,
Yeah you, PMS,
Like a bitch
I would know.
And you, I would think,
Always speak,
Crypticly.
I should know,
That you're no good for me.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up,
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
We used to be,
Just like twins,
So in sync,
The same energy,
Now's a dead battery.
Used to laugh bout nothing,
Now your plain boring.
I should know that,
You're not gonna change.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up.
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
Someone call the doctor,
Got a case of a love bi-polar,
Stuck on a roller coaster,
Can't get off this ride,
You change your mind,
Like a girl changes clothes.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up.(x2)
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
At times when it is clearer, sometimes the songs played were quite weird to our ears.
However, I remember hearing a song there, which I thought was quite catchy, but I never knew who the singer or the song is.
Then when back in Singapore, while watching TV, I heard that song again. It was played on the S-Factor trailer (stupid show anyway), and it got me excited to hear more of the song.
And cluelessly. I searched.
Voila! It's "Hot N Cold", by Katy Perry. Dunno who also. :D
You change your mind,
Like a girl changes clothes,
Yeah you, PMS,
Like a bitch
I would know.
And you, I would think,
Always speak,
Crypticly.
I should know,
That you're no good for me.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up,
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
We used to be,
Just like twins,
So in sync,
The same energy,
Now's a dead battery.
Used to laugh bout nothing,
Now your plain boring.
I should know that,
You're not gonna change.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up.
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
Someone call the doctor,
Got a case of a love bi-polar,
Stuck on a roller coaster,
Can't get off this ride,
You change your mind,
Like a girl changes clothes.
{CHORUS}
Cause you're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in then you're out,
You're up then you're down,
You're wrong when it's right,
It's black and it's white,
We fight, we break up,
We kiss, we make up.(x2)
(you)You don't really want to stay, no.
(but you)But you don't really want to go-o.
You're hot then you're cold,
You're yes then you're no,
You're in and you're out,
You're up and you're down,
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Heavy Head
Not sure why, I feel that my head has been quite heavy these few days.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, heavy head until I went to sleep early.
Today was not so bad. I don't feel it as heavy as past few days.
Yeah, but don't say my head is big ok. :P
Maybe using my brain too much these few days.
Troubleshooting and problem solving can be fun, but can be drainy too.
It's late. Time to sleep.
Need to make it lighter, and lighter, and lighter ...
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, heavy head until I went to sleep early.
Today was not so bad. I don't feel it as heavy as past few days.
Yeah, but don't say my head is big ok. :P
Maybe using my brain too much these few days.
Troubleshooting and problem solving can be fun, but can be drainy too.
It's late. Time to sleep.
Need to make it lighter, and lighter, and lighter ...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Australia Day10
Now we're back at home at Tampines, Singapore.
This morning, we checked out and left our luggage at the hotel, then headed to Perth Mint to catch the gold pouring demonstration.
We took a 40minutes walk from our hotel, because the free CAT bus doesn't start until 10am.
We decided to go for the 0930hrs guided tour, so we walked there. Morning exercise is good for you. :D
The tour was interesting. Seeing them taking the crucible out of the furnace, and pouring the scorching hot liquid gold into the mould, and that condensing it to make it a hard solid gold.
Impressive!
Too bad cannot take pictures there, else could be able to capture some of the amazing moments.
After that, we went towards the main city centre again, walked around a little at the shops there, then went for lunch before heading back to our hotel.
Our taxi was booked to be there at 1.30pm, which would give us ample time for our 1555hrs flight.
Anyway, we were very early, just checked in an make sure everything is in order, and back in Singapore just past 9pm.
On the plane, I watched 2 shows. Seven Pounds and Marley & Me.
Karinna watched Marley & Me, and at times like crazy like that, laugh quite loud beside me. Then when Marley died, she sobbed sobbed sobbed, until as if I bully her like that. :P
Then I told her in my show (she watched Marley first, and I watched Seven Pounds first), the man died.
How corny.
Oh well, the plane trip was ok, except a few of the turbulences make me feel like puking.
In the end, still safe and sound, and no pukes!
As usual, once home, the 2 dogs showed so much affection for us, wagging their tails like mad.
At least they know who is the master ... ... ...
Pictures taken today, not many:
This morning, we checked out and left our luggage at the hotel, then headed to Perth Mint to catch the gold pouring demonstration.
We took a 40minutes walk from our hotel, because the free CAT bus doesn't start until 10am.
We decided to go for the 0930hrs guided tour, so we walked there. Morning exercise is good for you. :D
The tour was interesting. Seeing them taking the crucible out of the furnace, and pouring the scorching hot liquid gold into the mould, and that condensing it to make it a hard solid gold.
Impressive!
Too bad cannot take pictures there, else could be able to capture some of the amazing moments.
After that, we went towards the main city centre again, walked around a little at the shops there, then went for lunch before heading back to our hotel.
Our taxi was booked to be there at 1.30pm, which would give us ample time for our 1555hrs flight.
Anyway, we were very early, just checked in an make sure everything is in order, and back in Singapore just past 9pm.
On the plane, I watched 2 shows. Seven Pounds and Marley & Me.
Karinna watched Marley & Me, and at times like crazy like that, laugh quite loud beside me. Then when Marley died, she sobbed sobbed sobbed, until as if I bully her like that. :P
Then I told her in my show (she watched Marley first, and I watched Seven Pounds first), the man died.
How corny.
Oh well, the plane trip was ok, except a few of the turbulences make me feel like puking.
In the end, still safe and sound, and no pukes!
As usual, once home, the 2 dogs showed so much affection for us, wagging their tails like mad.
At least they know who is the master ... ... ...
Pictures taken today, not many:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Australia Day9
Now we're back in hotel.
Yeah, I know it is pretty early, but the free CAT bus will stop around 6pm, so might as well come back and rest.
In the morning, we walked to King's Park, which is about 10mins walk from our hotel.
The thing with King's Park is that it is damn huge, and we won't be able to walk all of it today at all.
So we only walked a smaller section of it, and walked towards the Federation Walk, which is like a Tree Top Walk as well. However, it is well constructed, and it won't swing a little bit while you walked on it. So much less exciting than the one in Valley of the Giants near Walpole. Still, it is a pleasant walk there.
In fact, we happened to stand around the visitor centre, when a Botanic Garden Guide approached us, and volunteered to walk us around part of the area. You see, there is supposed to be a guided walk at 10am, but in the end, no one turned up for it. And because we were looking around the place, we obliged to let her be our guide.
She is very knowledgeable with all her information downloaded to us on the plants and flowers and such, just that my small brain cannot contain them well at all. :P
Karinna would fare better than me.
So today we learnt things about Jarrah, Marri, Banksia blahblahblah.
Don't ask me more.
After the long long walk, we took the free bus to the city centre, and made our way to Perth Mint.
We missed the gold pouring tour, so we will likely to come back here tomorrow before we leave for home.
We then just looked around for a while before leaving to Barrack Square for the Bell Tower.
Just as the same, we missed the timing of the tour with them ringing the bell blahblahblah.
ka na sai right? Everything also miss one. The only thing we do not miss seems to be miss itself. hahaha
Then the arty-farty genes appear. We went to the Museum.
So stylo-mylo eh?
But some of the displays there are really interesting. I like those old old typewriters. How cool.
I can only type well on keyboards. Typewriter-typing would probably set me back by 50% of my usual speed.
Next, we took the bus to Harbour Town, which is a place where lots of factory outlet stores are found, and supposedly can get value for money goods.
Guess what?!?!!
My Karinna didn't managed to buy a single thing this time!
How weird!?!?!?!?!!
Then the shops started to pack up, so we also left the place just before 5pm. In the end, just came back hotel and rest.
The walk in King's Park in the morning did have impact to our leg muscles.
Right now, my wife is snoring in bed.
Can you believe it? I can.
Pictures taken today:
Yeah, I know it is pretty early, but the free CAT bus will stop around 6pm, so might as well come back and rest.
In the morning, we walked to King's Park, which is about 10mins walk from our hotel.
The thing with King's Park is that it is damn huge, and we won't be able to walk all of it today at all.
So we only walked a smaller section of it, and walked towards the Federation Walk, which is like a Tree Top Walk as well. However, it is well constructed, and it won't swing a little bit while you walked on it. So much less exciting than the one in Valley of the Giants near Walpole. Still, it is a pleasant walk there.
In fact, we happened to stand around the visitor centre, when a Botanic Garden Guide approached us, and volunteered to walk us around part of the area. You see, there is supposed to be a guided walk at 10am, but in the end, no one turned up for it. And because we were looking around the place, we obliged to let her be our guide.
She is very knowledgeable with all her information downloaded to us on the plants and flowers and such, just that my small brain cannot contain them well at all. :P
Karinna would fare better than me.
So today we learnt things about Jarrah, Marri, Banksia blahblahblah.
Don't ask me more.
After the long long walk, we took the free bus to the city centre, and made our way to Perth Mint.
We missed the gold pouring tour, so we will likely to come back here tomorrow before we leave for home.
We then just looked around for a while before leaving to Barrack Square for the Bell Tower.
Just as the same, we missed the timing of the tour with them ringing the bell blahblahblah.
ka na sai right? Everything also miss one. The only thing we do not miss seems to be miss itself. hahaha
Then the arty-farty genes appear. We went to the Museum.
So stylo-mylo eh?
But some of the displays there are really interesting. I like those old old typewriters. How cool.
I can only type well on keyboards. Typewriter-typing would probably set me back by 50% of my usual speed.
Next, we took the bus to Harbour Town, which is a place where lots of factory outlet stores are found, and supposedly can get value for money goods.
Guess what?!?!!
My Karinna didn't managed to buy a single thing this time!
How weird!?!?!?!?!!
Then the shops started to pack up, so we also left the place just before 5pm. In the end, just came back hotel and rest.
The walk in King's Park in the morning did have impact to our leg muscles.
Right now, my wife is snoring in bed.
Can you believe it? I can.
Pictures taken today:
Friday, April 17, 2009
Australia Day8
We went to Fremantle today.
Initially, I thought of only spending half a day there, but in the end, we spent almost the whole day there.
We went to the nearest train station from our hotel. It's just a small station, and guess what, the ticket machine only accept coins and the EFTPOS card!
We even missed one train due to not having the coins available.
We had to ask the people there for change, and in the end, managed to change for $5 coins, plus a samaritanian lady gave us $3 coins as she doesn't have $5 coins for us.
Really paiseh siah, but we took it lah. :P
The train ride to Fremantle is about 30 minutes.
Once we reached there, we took the free CAT bus within Fremantle, and went to Fremantle Prison, our first destination.
As the guided tour only starts at specific time, and will take 1.25hrs, we decided just browse around the place, and then moved on.
Actually, some of the guided tours do sound very exciting, just that to do all that in 1/2 or 1 day is definitely not enough.
Then we took the free CAT bus again to the restaurants place for lunch.
We went to Cicerello's for its Fish&Chips. It's touted to be one of the best within Fremantle, the other restaurant being Kailis'.
Well, the fish is very fresh, and very fresh, and very fresh. Just swam out of water you know?!??! :P
We only bought one to share, as we are not exactly hungry, and thought of eating at Kailis' later as well, but that never happened. :)
After the lunch, we walked around the town area, went to this Round House, took some pictures, then moved on to walk towards the Cappucino Strip and Fremantle Market.
Well, the Fremantle Market is only opened on Fri/Sat/Sun, and is bigger than the weekend market in Albany. Still, it is relatively small place, but has more variety of things to be sold in the market.
Karinna bought quite a few things there.
Then it's time to go back to Perth. Walked towards the train station, and Karinna wanted to go to the shopping centre just outside the train station.
So I told her to go there herself, as I felt that my back wasn't feeling good. Better rest a bit more before we walk more in Perth.
Anyway, we reached our hotel around 5pm, dumped the things that we bought, and headed out to Perth City Centre again.
This time, we walked around the infamous Hay & Murray Street shopping belt.
Nothing special to me, *yawn*.
Then we walked to Northbridge again, went back to the same Chinese food place that we stumbled upon two days ago. Filled our tummies, then hop onto the bus and then train to come back our hotel.
When it comes to holiday, time really flies.
Tomorrow will be the last full day we have for our trip. Sunday itself would be just the morning and a short part of the afternoon before we hit for the airport.
Pictures taken today:
Initially, I thought of only spending half a day there, but in the end, we spent almost the whole day there.
We went to the nearest train station from our hotel. It's just a small station, and guess what, the ticket machine only accept coins and the EFTPOS card!
We even missed one train due to not having the coins available.
We had to ask the people there for change, and in the end, managed to change for $5 coins, plus a samaritanian lady gave us $3 coins as she doesn't have $5 coins for us.
Really paiseh siah, but we took it lah. :P
The train ride to Fremantle is about 30 minutes.
Once we reached there, we took the free CAT bus within Fremantle, and went to Fremantle Prison, our first destination.
As the guided tour only starts at specific time, and will take 1.25hrs, we decided just browse around the place, and then moved on.
Actually, some of the guided tours do sound very exciting, just that to do all that in 1/2 or 1 day is definitely not enough.
Then we took the free CAT bus again to the restaurants place for lunch.
We went to Cicerello's for its Fish&Chips. It's touted to be one of the best within Fremantle, the other restaurant being Kailis'.
Well, the fish is very fresh, and very fresh, and very fresh. Just swam out of water you know?!??! :P
We only bought one to share, as we are not exactly hungry, and thought of eating at Kailis' later as well, but that never happened. :)
After the lunch, we walked around the town area, went to this Round House, took some pictures, then moved on to walk towards the Cappucino Strip and Fremantle Market.
Well, the Fremantle Market is only opened on Fri/Sat/Sun, and is bigger than the weekend market in Albany. Still, it is relatively small place, but has more variety of things to be sold in the market.
Karinna bought quite a few things there.
Then it's time to go back to Perth. Walked towards the train station, and Karinna wanted to go to the shopping centre just outside the train station.
So I told her to go there herself, as I felt that my back wasn't feeling good. Better rest a bit more before we walk more in Perth.
Anyway, we reached our hotel around 5pm, dumped the things that we bought, and headed out to Perth City Centre again.
This time, we walked around the infamous Hay & Murray Street shopping belt.
Nothing special to me, *yawn*.
Then we walked to Northbridge again, went back to the same Chinese food place that we stumbled upon two days ago. Filled our tummies, then hop onto the bus and then train to come back our hotel.
When it comes to holiday, time really flies.
Tomorrow will be the last full day we have for our trip. Sunday itself would be just the morning and a short part of the afternoon before we hit for the airport.
Pictures taken today:
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Australia Day7
Today was a long day. The day trip to Pinnacles is about 3hrs to and fro each. In between, there were some other destinations for visit, so overall still ok.
First stop was Caversham Wildlife Park. it was just a short quick stop, and introduction to the place. We were only shown 3 animals within the park. The Koalas, Kangaroos and Wombat.
After that, it's a long drive to the Pinnacles, stopping over at Cervantes for the buffet lunch. The place was damn ulu, and the lunch was pretty pathetic.
After lunch, then the driver drove us to the Pinnacles entrance.
It's quite a large place, and if you were to anyhow walk within there, there can be a chance for you to be lost, as the place look about the same everywhere.
The place is indeed very interesting. Sometimes you wonder how nature works, and have this kind of places around.
You can even drive through the Pinnacles for a drive within the desert.
Our guide took us on a 1.2km walk within the desert, and we took quite a lot of pictures there along the way.
Once the Pinnacles walk is done, it's another long drive down to Lancelin, for a Sand-Dune 4-wheel drive, and sand-boarding!
We had done sand-dune before, but this time the car is a much bigger one. It's more like a bus, and can accommodate 27 persons on board!
However, due to the size of the car, it's not as exciting as our previous sand-dune experience. OK for this time round.
Then we switch to the sand-boarding part.
It was quite fun to see Karinna skated down, and tumbled a little. ha ha ha.
I even took a video of her skating in action.
At the end of it, it was time to travel back to Perth. Another long way back, about 2hrs actually.
The travelling route started getting dark, and then goes into darkness, except for the car lights, and the reflections from the road.
It's pretty hard to drive in this kind of darkness really.
The driver even stopped somewhere along the wilderness, and showed us some stars in the sky, and explained the Australia's flag stars in relation to the stars in the sky. Kinda cool.
By the time we reach our hotel, it was already 8pm.
We tried walking to the Chinese restaurant nearby (20-30mins walk!), but couldn't find it. In the end, we took Indian food around the area.
It's just a long day, and I believe tomorrow and Saturday should be relatively relaxing ... :)
Pictures taken today:
First stop was Caversham Wildlife Park. it was just a short quick stop, and introduction to the place. We were only shown 3 animals within the park. The Koalas, Kangaroos and Wombat.
After that, it's a long drive to the Pinnacles, stopping over at Cervantes for the buffet lunch. The place was damn ulu, and the lunch was pretty pathetic.
After lunch, then the driver drove us to the Pinnacles entrance.
It's quite a large place, and if you were to anyhow walk within there, there can be a chance for you to be lost, as the place look about the same everywhere.
The place is indeed very interesting. Sometimes you wonder how nature works, and have this kind of places around.
You can even drive through the Pinnacles for a drive within the desert.
Our guide took us on a 1.2km walk within the desert, and we took quite a lot of pictures there along the way.
Once the Pinnacles walk is done, it's another long drive down to Lancelin, for a Sand-Dune 4-wheel drive, and sand-boarding!
We had done sand-dune before, but this time the car is a much bigger one. It's more like a bus, and can accommodate 27 persons on board!
However, due to the size of the car, it's not as exciting as our previous sand-dune experience. OK for this time round.
Then we switch to the sand-boarding part.
It was quite fun to see Karinna skated down, and tumbled a little. ha ha ha.
I even took a video of her skating in action.
At the end of it, it was time to travel back to Perth. Another long way back, about 2hrs actually.
The travelling route started getting dark, and then goes into darkness, except for the car lights, and the reflections from the road.
It's pretty hard to drive in this kind of darkness really.
The driver even stopped somewhere along the wilderness, and showed us some stars in the sky, and explained the Australia's flag stars in relation to the stars in the sky. Kinda cool.
By the time we reach our hotel, it was already 8pm.
We tried walking to the Chinese restaurant nearby (20-30mins walk!), but couldn't find it. In the end, we took Indian food around the area.
It's just a long day, and I believe tomorrow and Saturday should be relatively relaxing ... :)
Pictures taken today:
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Australia Day6
After our sumptuous breakfast at Baudins, we had to bid the wonderful place farewell in order to continue our trip to Perth.
We left around 1000hrs, and drove up to Bunbury. Bunbury has a Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can have a chance to be up close and personal to some dolphins whom may swim near the beaches, depending on their mood. :P
So we reached there before 11am. Paid and went to the beach area, and waited together with a bunch of other people.
At about 1115hrs, there was ONE sole dolphin that swam past the interactive area slowly, and caused a little commotion among the people there. Kinda fun, but it was pretty short-lived.
Then we waited again, for about an hour or so, before 2 more dolphins start appearing close to the beach again. Again, they just swam happily past the gazers from the beach.
At about 1225hrs, there was some announcement from the volunteer that says a dolphin is at the beach. "AT" at this moment means very near! :D
So we rushed back to the beach, and catch many glimpses of the dolphin enjoying its swim close to the beach. It was pretty close to us, just about 2 metres away I supposed. And it frolicked around for a good 10 minutes before making its way towards the deeper sea again.
Managed to take a few pictures of it when it was near us. Kinda cool!
Then we made our way to Perth, and it took a little longer than I expected. Had a little hard time to find our accommodation as well, and boy, it is pretty far away from the city centre.
Then we had to return our rental car. Again, had some trouble finding the place, and only managed to get to the place just 10 minutes before 5pm. In the end, the place closes at 5.30pm, so we are still considered lucky to be able to return the car on time.
After that, went back to our hotel, arranged for tomorrow's Pinnacles Tour, and took the free CAT bus to the city centre for food.
We went towards Northbridge, where the Perth Chinatown is supposed to be at. We took some wrong road, and walked a little extra distance, before getting to places where they sell Chinese food.
It's been many days since we last ate Chinese food, so we dropped into a Chinese restaurant and ordered some.
Still cheaper than the marron food we ate previously, and filling too! :)
By the time we finished, the free CAT bus no longer operates. It only operates until around 6pm.
We then took a LONG leisure walk back to our hotel. It is about 30-40 minutes walk from our dinner place. Wow!
Today have to rest early, as tomorrow will start early for us. Pinnacales is quite a distance from Perth, and the tour departs about 8am, and is estimated to arrive back in Perth around 7.30pm!
Long day ahead!
Small set of pictures taken today:
We left around 1000hrs, and drove up to Bunbury. Bunbury has a Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can have a chance to be up close and personal to some dolphins whom may swim near the beaches, depending on their mood. :P
So we reached there before 11am. Paid and went to the beach area, and waited together with a bunch of other people.
At about 1115hrs, there was ONE sole dolphin that swam past the interactive area slowly, and caused a little commotion among the people there. Kinda fun, but it was pretty short-lived.
Then we waited again, for about an hour or so, before 2 more dolphins start appearing close to the beach again. Again, they just swam happily past the gazers from the beach.
At about 1225hrs, there was some announcement from the volunteer that says a dolphin is at the beach. "AT" at this moment means very near! :D
So we rushed back to the beach, and catch many glimpses of the dolphin enjoying its swim close to the beach. It was pretty close to us, just about 2 metres away I supposed. And it frolicked around for a good 10 minutes before making its way towards the deeper sea again.
Managed to take a few pictures of it when it was near us. Kinda cool!
Then we made our way to Perth, and it took a little longer than I expected. Had a little hard time to find our accommodation as well, and boy, it is pretty far away from the city centre.
Then we had to return our rental car. Again, had some trouble finding the place, and only managed to get to the place just 10 minutes before 5pm. In the end, the place closes at 5.30pm, so we are still considered lucky to be able to return the car on time.
After that, went back to our hotel, arranged for tomorrow's Pinnacles Tour, and took the free CAT bus to the city centre for food.
We went towards Northbridge, where the Perth Chinatown is supposed to be at. We took some wrong road, and walked a little extra distance, before getting to places where they sell Chinese food.
It's been many days since we last ate Chinese food, so we dropped into a Chinese restaurant and ordered some.
Still cheaper than the marron food we ate previously, and filling too! :)
By the time we finished, the free CAT bus no longer operates. It only operates until around 6pm.
We then took a LONG leisure walk back to our hotel. It is about 30-40 minutes walk from our dinner place. Wow!
Today have to rest early, as tomorrow will start early for us. Pinnacales is quite a distance from Perth, and the tour departs about 8am, and is estimated to arrive back in Perth around 7.30pm!
Long day ahead!
Small set of pictures taken today:
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Australia Day5
The breakfast provided was simply splendid. Our hosts John and Annie have been very helpful in suggesting itinerary for our day.
We took most of their recommendations, which also partially included in our original plan.
First, we drove up to Dunsborough, and further up to Castle Rock and Eagles Bay. This is more for scenic view along the Geographe Bay. Cape Naturaliste was supposedly our destination, but too bad, most of the walk trails are closed due to a bush fire that happened in February 2009. Only the guided lighthouse tour is open to public for now.
Didn't want to waste time to wait for next round of guided tour, we left the place after checking out the aftermath of the bush fire.
Then we drove to Simmo's IceCreamery, to eat the wonderful ice cream there. Then we went to Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory, where Karinna was interested to get some room diffuser fragrance, which was 'introduced' during our stay in Baudins.
Then again, the smell is really quite nice.
After that, we went to visit Laurence Wines. Gosh, the place is gorgeous! Very beautiful place for a winery. However, the wine tasting here costs money, which is quite different in Australia.
We drove to Olio Belio after that, which incidentally, has a lot of products produced from Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory to be sold solely by Olie Belio. Interesting. Didn't buy things from there, would have bought from the producer if needed. :P
Then it was time for lunch. We went to this vineyard called Watershed, which is slightly further down Margaret River. The place looks good too, and the food here is priced relateively affordable.
I had Wagyu beef burger, and Karinna had some venison pasta.
By end of lunch, it was like already already past 2pm. We still had a few places to visit!
We decided to drop 2 wineries visit, and the Margaret River Choc Fudge Shop.
We drove up towards Margaret River Chocolate Factory. They had these 3 trays of chocolates which they let people have a taste.
I kept taking a few times, and eat and eat and eat. hehehe
Diet? Forget it. Go back Singapore then say. :P
Then we drove to Cape Lavender, another vineyard with lavender as the theme. It's also a pretty nice place, too bad the lavender has not blossomed yet, otherwise, the place would be even nicer!
We bought a dessert wine there. Quite nice taste.
The last place we visited was Yahava, a coffee place near Cape Lavender. It's good to have some coffee within the massive wineries within Margaret River.
There was a small lake where there's crocodile there! Dangerous man! :D
Since most of the places there close at 5pm, we left and went back to Busselton. Ordered some noodle for take away dinner, and went back to spend the last night in Busselton.
Pictures taken today:
We took most of their recommendations, which also partially included in our original plan.
First, we drove up to Dunsborough, and further up to Castle Rock and Eagles Bay. This is more for scenic view along the Geographe Bay. Cape Naturaliste was supposedly our destination, but too bad, most of the walk trails are closed due to a bush fire that happened in February 2009. Only the guided lighthouse tour is open to public for now.
Didn't want to waste time to wait for next round of guided tour, we left the place after checking out the aftermath of the bush fire.
Then we drove to Simmo's IceCreamery, to eat the wonderful ice cream there. Then we went to Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory, where Karinna was interested to get some room diffuser fragrance, which was 'introduced' during our stay in Baudins.
Then again, the smell is really quite nice.
After that, we went to visit Laurence Wines. Gosh, the place is gorgeous! Very beautiful place for a winery. However, the wine tasting here costs money, which is quite different in Australia.
We drove to Olio Belio after that, which incidentally, has a lot of products produced from Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory to be sold solely by Olie Belio. Interesting. Didn't buy things from there, would have bought from the producer if needed. :P
Then it was time for lunch. We went to this vineyard called Watershed, which is slightly further down Margaret River. The place looks good too, and the food here is priced relateively affordable.
I had Wagyu beef burger, and Karinna had some venison pasta.
By end of lunch, it was like already already past 2pm. We still had a few places to visit!
We decided to drop 2 wineries visit, and the Margaret River Choc Fudge Shop.
We drove up towards Margaret River Chocolate Factory. They had these 3 trays of chocolates which they let people have a taste.
I kept taking a few times, and eat and eat and eat. hehehe
Diet? Forget it. Go back Singapore then say. :P
Then we drove to Cape Lavender, another vineyard with lavender as the theme. It's also a pretty nice place, too bad the lavender has not blossomed yet, otherwise, the place would be even nicer!
We bought a dessert wine there. Quite nice taste.
The last place we visited was Yahava, a coffee place near Cape Lavender. It's good to have some coffee within the massive wineries within Margaret River.
There was a small lake where there's crocodile there! Dangerous man! :D
Since most of the places there close at 5pm, we left and went back to Busselton. Ordered some noodle for take away dinner, and went back to spend the last night in Busselton.
Pictures taken today:
Monday, April 13, 2009
Australia Day4
Today is basically a driving day. We have to drive from Albany all the way to Busselton, which is about 4.5hrs away!
We stopped by quite a number of places. Passed by Denmark again, since we're going on initial similar path as yesterday.
From there, we moved on to Walpole, then up towards Northcliffe. Both are pretty small town. We stopped by and walked around Walpole for a while though.
Then we drove to Pemberton, the place which I originally wanted to plan for a night stay. It's not a big town, but more fairly occupied then Walpole or Northcliffe, at least it appears that way to us.
Took our quick lunch at Pemberton, then hit the road again to Busselton.
On the way, we went to this place called Beedleup Falls. To consider it a fall at the lookout place, is quite disappointing. Still, it adds a little joy to detour here and there. :P
We reached Busselton around 4pm. In fact, we were early by 2 minutes before the Visitor Centre at Busselton closes! Very close shave.
With the help of the map, and instructions from the friendly people of the Visitor Centre, we found our next 2 days of accomodation. Baudins of Busselton.
When we were introduced to the room by our hosts John and Annie, we were in awe of the place. The place is simply perfect, gorgeous and fabulous, and whatever adjectives you like to put in!
Karinna even tells me to make a separate blog entry for this place.
Maybe.
We were told by John that Busselton Jetty (the main attraction here) is under repair for the next 18 months or so.
What a pity!
Nevertheless, we still took a long walk to the beach. then walked down to the Busselton Jetty, and continued the few hundred metres that were still accessible to the public.
It's still pretty nice there, and lots of locals were there fishing. Kinda interesting.
After that, we walked back to our B&B. Need to do some washings else got nothing more to wear how? hehehe
Meanwhile, we're enjoying the luxury and comfort of this place.
Pictures taken from today:
We stopped by quite a number of places. Passed by Denmark again, since we're going on initial similar path as yesterday.
From there, we moved on to Walpole, then up towards Northcliffe. Both are pretty small town. We stopped by and walked around Walpole for a while though.
Then we drove to Pemberton, the place which I originally wanted to plan for a night stay. It's not a big town, but more fairly occupied then Walpole or Northcliffe, at least it appears that way to us.
Took our quick lunch at Pemberton, then hit the road again to Busselton.
On the way, we went to this place called Beedleup Falls. To consider it a fall at the lookout place, is quite disappointing. Still, it adds a little joy to detour here and there. :P
We reached Busselton around 4pm. In fact, we were early by 2 minutes before the Visitor Centre at Busselton closes! Very close shave.
With the help of the map, and instructions from the friendly people of the Visitor Centre, we found our next 2 days of accomodation. Baudins of Busselton.
When we were introduced to the room by our hosts John and Annie, we were in awe of the place. The place is simply perfect, gorgeous and fabulous, and whatever adjectives you like to put in!
Karinna even tells me to make a separate blog entry for this place.
Maybe.
We were told by John that Busselton Jetty (the main attraction here) is under repair for the next 18 months or so.
What a pity!
Nevertheless, we still took a long walk to the beach. then walked down to the Busselton Jetty, and continued the few hundred metres that were still accessible to the public.
It's still pretty nice there, and lots of locals were there fishing. Kinda interesting.
After that, we walked back to our B&B. Need to do some washings else got nothing more to wear how? hehehe
Meanwhile, we're enjoying the luxury and comfort of this place.
Pictures taken from today:
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Australia Day3
Today is the third day in Albany. Essentially, most of the places we wanted to visit here, had been done. :D
We went to Mount Clarence, because yesterday we couldn't drive up due to some road blockage. This time, it went well, and the weather was pretty cooling, although not really bright skies.
The view from there is indeed spectacular.
After that, we went to Brig Amity, which is a replica of a ship. Not much there, just took some pictures and such.
Then we took a long ride to Denmark, then further up to visit the Valley of the Giants, which is where The Tree Top Walk is. On the way, we detoured to Green Pools, checked out the Elephant Rocks, also dropped by at a honey wine shop and toffee confectionary.
We reached Tree Top Walk around 2pm. Then proceeded to walk within the trees and in the air. :P
In fact, we walked 2 rounds of the tree top walk! Value for money right? haha
This was originally planned to be part of the route on the way to Margaret River. Due to the Easter Holiday which forced us to stay additional night in Albany, we changed the plan to make the tree top walk while we are in Albany.
It's about an hour drive ok! And we have to sort of pass by the place again tomorrow!
By the time we finished the tree top walk, we drove to the Albany Wind Farm again.
I like the wind farm. It's really very nice, and superbly scenic.
Using a word they like to use: Majestic!
Took a lot more pictures of the wind farm today.
Then it was more or less time for dinner. Drove to Middleton Beach area again to take dinner at a place called "Calamari".
Well, the calamari is indeed interesting and pretty nice, the food is equally delicious.
I had salmon, and Karinna took snapper. The fishes seem very fresh. Nice.
Guess we ate too much, too darn full! hehehe
And then it is time to go back and rest, and perhaps play Spot The Difference again later. :P
Everyday can play, because all our accommodations have wireless internet access available for us to use! hehehe
Pictures taken from today:
We went to Mount Clarence, because yesterday we couldn't drive up due to some road blockage. This time, it went well, and the weather was pretty cooling, although not really bright skies.
The view from there is indeed spectacular.
After that, we went to Brig Amity, which is a replica of a ship. Not much there, just took some pictures and such.
Then we took a long ride to Denmark, then further up to visit the Valley of the Giants, which is where The Tree Top Walk is. On the way, we detoured to Green Pools, checked out the Elephant Rocks, also dropped by at a honey wine shop and toffee confectionary.
We reached Tree Top Walk around 2pm. Then proceeded to walk within the trees and in the air. :P
In fact, we walked 2 rounds of the tree top walk! Value for money right? haha
This was originally planned to be part of the route on the way to Margaret River. Due to the Easter Holiday which forced us to stay additional night in Albany, we changed the plan to make the tree top walk while we are in Albany.
It's about an hour drive ok! And we have to sort of pass by the place again tomorrow!
By the time we finished the tree top walk, we drove to the Albany Wind Farm again.
I like the wind farm. It's really very nice, and superbly scenic.
Using a word they like to use: Majestic!
Took a lot more pictures of the wind farm today.
Then it was more or less time for dinner. Drove to Middleton Beach area again to take dinner at a place called "Calamari".
Well, the calamari is indeed interesting and pretty nice, the food is equally delicious.
I had salmon, and Karinna took snapper. The fishes seem very fresh. Nice.
Guess we ate too much, too darn full! hehehe
And then it is time to go back and rest, and perhaps play Spot The Difference again later. :P
Everyday can play, because all our accommodations have wireless internet access available for us to use! hehehe
Pictures taken from today:
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Australia Day2
This morning, we managed to talk to the hosts of My Place Colonial, and got some touristy information from here. No doubt, it is very similar to what we were told from the Visitor Information Center yesterday.
More importantly also, to check with her for the WEP code to access their wireless internet!
In the morning, we went to the weekly Farmers' Market that happen only on Saturdays at Albany. Of course they sell Farmers' products. Bought a couple of fruits, and jams. Need to eat fruits, else pang sai go problem how? hehehe
Then we went to see the Dog Rock. As the name says, it is a rock, that looks like the head of a labrador. It does look like one.
After that, we decided to put the fruits back at the hotel. There's a fridge there, so it's better to be left there than to bring around with us all over the place.
We then headed to Old Farm Hill, which was supposedly the place where the first strawberry farm was situated in Albany. Now, it's more of commercial use, and mainly for tea. We took some tea and scones there before leaving for Mount Clarence.
However, we couldn't go up Mount Clarence. Somehow, the road to go further up there was blocked. There was some go-kart activities going on there. We then moved on to Princess Fortress, where you can see those war memorials stuff blahblahblah.
Quite a nice place.
As we go back down, stopped by at Middleton Beach. Stayed there only for a while, then drove to Marron Farm for late lunch. It is about 20-30 mins from Albany.
Marron is like a lobster, much smaller. Maybe that's why the moronic name Marron.
:P
We had yabbies too, again, another much smaller size that looks like lobster and marron.
Well, the sizes of yabbies and marrons are small, so if you expect to have a feast from them, somehow, the effort to break the shells blahblahblah just to eat that tiny piece of meat, I feel it's kinda troublesome.
Before going back to the hotel, we drove to Emu Point, which is a spot where people likes to go fishing.
We even went to this place called SquickShak for fish and chips, when we were still not hungry at that point of time! hehehe
We decided to end the day early. The sunset timing is around 6.15pm, and it gets pretty dark by 7pm.
After showers, we played Spot The Difference from our facebook accounts.
Now, Karinna's score is higher than mine already. hahahaha
Kinda fun!
Pictures taken from today:
More importantly also, to check with her for the WEP code to access their wireless internet!
In the morning, we went to the weekly Farmers' Market that happen only on Saturdays at Albany. Of course they sell Farmers' products. Bought a couple of fruits, and jams. Need to eat fruits, else pang sai go problem how? hehehe
Then we went to see the Dog Rock. As the name says, it is a rock, that looks like the head of a labrador. It does look like one.
After that, we decided to put the fruits back at the hotel. There's a fridge there, so it's better to be left there than to bring around with us all over the place.
We then headed to Old Farm Hill, which was supposedly the place where the first strawberry farm was situated in Albany. Now, it's more of commercial use, and mainly for tea. We took some tea and scones there before leaving for Mount Clarence.
However, we couldn't go up Mount Clarence. Somehow, the road to go further up there was blocked. There was some go-kart activities going on there. We then moved on to Princess Fortress, where you can see those war memorials stuff blahblahblah.
Quite a nice place.
As we go back down, stopped by at Middleton Beach. Stayed there only for a while, then drove to Marron Farm for late lunch. It is about 20-30 mins from Albany.
Marron is like a lobster, much smaller. Maybe that's why the moronic name Marron.
:P
We had yabbies too, again, another much smaller size that looks like lobster and marron.
Well, the sizes of yabbies and marrons are small, so if you expect to have a feast from them, somehow, the effort to break the shells blahblahblah just to eat that tiny piece of meat, I feel it's kinda troublesome.
Before going back to the hotel, we drove to Emu Point, which is a spot where people likes to go fishing.
We even went to this place called SquickShak for fish and chips, when we were still not hungry at that point of time! hehehe
We decided to end the day early. The sunset timing is around 6.15pm, and it gets pretty dark by 7pm.
After showers, we played Spot The Difference from our facebook accounts.
Now, Karinna's score is higher than mine already. hahahaha
Kinda fun!
Pictures taken from today:
Australia Day1
We arrived at Perth airport yesterday morning around 6.15am. Managed to get our car around 7+, then loitered at airport for a while before leaving for Albany.
We got a Ford Falcon.
The drive is pretty long, more than 400km from Perth airport. I drove from the initial part of the journey, then we stopped at a place called Williams. Had a little snack, then continued on.
When we reached this place called Mt Barker, we took a detour into the town, just for the fun of it.
Not very fun. It's very quiet on Good Friday. All the shops are closed, except for one. :P Anyway, main thing is to visit the toilet.
The rest of the trip to Albany is pretty good too. Went to the Visitor Center to check out maps and find out from them where to go etc.
They told us the weather for Sat/Sun is going to be showery, then we decided to change our itinerary a little to accommodate such weather change.
Went to our accommodation, My Place Colonial, dumped our things, then we drove towards the National Park. Visited the Natural Bridge and The Gap, then drove further to check out the Blow Holes.
For the Blow Holes, need to walk about 800m and 78 steps from the parking place. Actually, the way to go down just to check it out is quite tiring. Then have to see your luck if the waves are strong enough to make the hole there make noise. Thus blow holes. heehee
On the way back, routed to the Wind Farm. This is the place which I wanted to see. The rest, not so important to me. This Wind Farm place is indeed very interesting. :)
One stupid thing. We wanted to pump petrol. At the station, I was looking high and low for the swtich to open the pump cover. Tried looking all over the car for like 20mins, even asked the people there to help.
In the end, somebody came, and pressed the cover itself.
@!#@$#@$%$#!@$@$%%@$
It's manual. ka na sai
Well, after the Wind Farm place, it's already getting dark, and we went back to rest.
Very tired after the flight and long drive, and with the driving around, slept quite fast. :P
Pictures taken from yesterday:
We got a Ford Falcon.
The drive is pretty long, more than 400km from Perth airport. I drove from the initial part of the journey, then we stopped at a place called Williams. Had a little snack, then continued on.
When we reached this place called Mt Barker, we took a detour into the town, just for the fun of it.
Not very fun. It's very quiet on Good Friday. All the shops are closed, except for one. :P Anyway, main thing is to visit the toilet.
The rest of the trip to Albany is pretty good too. Went to the Visitor Center to check out maps and find out from them where to go etc.
They told us the weather for Sat/Sun is going to be showery, then we decided to change our itinerary a little to accommodate such weather change.
Went to our accommodation, My Place Colonial, dumped our things, then we drove towards the National Park. Visited the Natural Bridge and The Gap, then drove further to check out the Blow Holes.
For the Blow Holes, need to walk about 800m and 78 steps from the parking place. Actually, the way to go down just to check it out is quite tiring. Then have to see your luck if the waves are strong enough to make the hole there make noise. Thus blow holes. heehee
On the way back, routed to the Wind Farm. This is the place which I wanted to see. The rest, not so important to me. This Wind Farm place is indeed very interesting. :)
One stupid thing. We wanted to pump petrol. At the station, I was looking high and low for the swtich to open the pump cover. Tried looking all over the car for like 20mins, even asked the people there to help.
In the end, somebody came, and pressed the cover itself.
@!#@$#@$%$#!@$@$%%@$
It's manual. ka na sai
Well, after the Wind Farm place, it's already getting dark, and we went back to rest.
Very tired after the flight and long drive, and with the driving around, slept quite fast. :P
Pictures taken from yesterday:
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Hello TampinesOne
Today is the opening day of the new shopping in Tampines.
It's called Tampines1.
Karinna's uncle came from KL to visit us, so he has been staying at our place since Sunday. He'll be going back tomorrow.
So we brought him out for dinner just now. Went to Tampines1.
MISTAKE.
So damn crowded!
Walk anywhere also kena blocked. Whole Singapore coming to Tampines1 is it?
@!#%^%&#$@%^$^&$%#%^%&$
In the end, decided not to wait in the queue for food. Most likely it's could take up to close to an hour before it reaches our turn.
So we left, and headed for Simei.
Ahhhhh. Peaceful environment. :)
Anyway, we came back after dinner, didn't really shop around. Also good, need to double check our luggage in case any item go missing for our trip.
Last minute packing is necessary. :P
Our flight is about 1am. So it's another 2 hours before we leave home.
Perth!
Here we come!
It's called Tampines1.
Karinna's uncle came from KL to visit us, so he has been staying at our place since Sunday. He'll be going back tomorrow.
So we brought him out for dinner just now. Went to Tampines1.
MISTAKE.
So damn crowded!
Walk anywhere also kena blocked. Whole Singapore coming to Tampines1 is it?
@!#%^%&#$@%^$^&$%#%^%&$
In the end, decided not to wait in the queue for food. Most likely it's could take up to close to an hour before it reaches our turn.
So we left, and headed for Simei.
Ahhhhh. Peaceful environment. :)
Anyway, we came back after dinner, didn't really shop around. Also good, need to double check our luggage in case any item go missing for our trip.
Last minute packing is necessary. :P
Our flight is about 1am. So it's another 2 hours before we leave home.
Perth!
Here we come!
ByeBye MobileOne
I have been M1 mobile phone customer since 1997 or 1998, can't remember also.
Today, I just went to Singtel and did a number-porting from previous service provider.
I'm not a heavy user of mobile phone. Typically, my bill is around $40 per month, as the total bill. Once in a while, it may cost more, but it's ok.
Now, I switched to this no-contract plan, SuperSIM, which gives me 200mins talktime and 1000 SMS. Not interested in SMS, too lazy to type using mobile.
Next, when the time is right, I will switch to Mio plan to enjoy more savings.
Maybe in December, when the contract for the broadband mobile reaches the day eligible for making changes.
We'll see.
See ya M1!
Today, I just went to Singtel and did a number-porting from previous service provider.
I'm not a heavy user of mobile phone. Typically, my bill is around $40 per month, as the total bill. Once in a while, it may cost more, but it's ok.
Now, I switched to this no-contract plan, SuperSIM, which gives me 200mins talktime and 1000 SMS. Not interested in SMS, too lazy to type using mobile.
Next, when the time is right, I will switch to Mio plan to enjoy more savings.
Maybe in December, when the contract for the broadband mobile reaches the day eligible for making changes.
We'll see.
See ya M1!
阿桑 - 寂寞在唱歌
Another singer has died.
Somehow, she's not really very very popular, but the first time I heard this song, I fell in love with it.
Breast cancer, the illness that took her life.
Hmmmm. Incidentally, the last few entries I have here are somehow, in a way, connected to death.
Rest in peace.
寂寞在唱歌
曲：Dylan W Cross/Michael Cretu
詞：施人試
編：屠穎
Le ciel obscure la solitude qui nous rends trop de poline
Le ceour qui brise a cause qu'il y a veul seul
L'amour est partie il ya longtemps que je t'ai vu
C'est incroyable que je peut vivre comme ca
中文譯:
天 黑了 孤獨又 慢慢割著 有 人的心又開始疼了
愛 很遠了 很久 沒再見了 就 這樣竟然也能活著
你聽寂寞在唱歌 輕輕的 狠狠的
歌聲是這麼殘忍 讓人忍不住泪流成河
誰 說的 人非要 快樂不可 好像快樂 由得人選擇
找不到的 那個人 來不來呢 我 会是誰的誰是我的
你聽寂寞在唱歌 輕輕的 狠狠的
歌聲是這麼殘忍 讓人忍不住泪流成河
你聽寂寞在唱歌 溫柔的 瘋狂的
悲傷越來越深刻 怎樣才能夠讓它停呢
(誰能幫個忙讓它停呢)
天 黑得 像不 再天亮了 明 不明天 也無所謂了
就靜靜的 看青春 難依難捨 泪 還是熱的 泪痕冷了
Somehow, she's not really very very popular, but the first time I heard this song, I fell in love with it.
Breast cancer, the illness that took her life.
Hmmmm. Incidentally, the last few entries I have here are somehow, in a way, connected to death.
Rest in peace.
寂寞在唱歌
曲：Dylan W Cross/Michael Cretu
詞：施人試
編：屠穎
Le ciel obscure la solitude qui nous rends trop de poline
Le ceour qui brise a cause qu'il y a veul seul
L'amour est partie il ya longtemps que je t'ai vu
C'est incroyable que je peut vivre comme ca
中文譯:
天 黑了 孤獨又 慢慢割著 有 人的心又開始疼了
愛 很遠了 很久 沒再見了 就 這樣竟然也能活著
你聽寂寞在唱歌 輕輕的 狠狠的
歌聲是這麼殘忍 讓人忍不住泪流成河
誰 說的 人非要 快樂不可 好像快樂 由得人選擇
找不到的 那個人 來不來呢 我 会是誰的誰是我的
你聽寂寞在唱歌 輕輕的 狠狠的
歌聲是這麼殘忍 讓人忍不住泪流成河
你聽寂寞在唱歌 溫柔的 瘋狂的
悲傷越來越深刻 怎樣才能夠讓它停呢
(誰能幫個忙讓它停呢)
天 黑得 像不 再天亮了 明 不明天 也無所謂了
就靜靜的 看青春 難依難捨 泪 還是熱的 泪痕冷了
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Rojak
It's really astonishing to know that diarrhoea can kill.
It's really weird to hear that rojak took the life of a woman.
It's really sad to read that rojak can cause miscarriage.
Rojak ah Rojak
Why in the world you make people fragile
When what they all want is just a bite
And you make them rise a misery hike
While the economy continues in its bleak ride
Rojak ah Rojak
Have you ever wondered how you survive
It has to be because everybody likes
Although the incident will remain in our mind
Hope your future can still look as bright
A lesson learnt that diarrhoea can be serious enough to take a life
Do we still want to eat rojak?
I probably do.
It's really weird to hear that rojak took the life of a woman.
It's really sad to read that rojak can cause miscarriage.
Rojak ah Rojak
Why in the world you make people fragile
When what they all want is just a bite
And you make them rise a misery hike
While the economy continues in its bleak ride
Rojak ah Rojak
Have you ever wondered how you survive
It has to be because everybody likes
Although the incident will remain in our mind
Hope your future can still look as bright
A lesson learnt that diarrhoea can be serious enough to take a life
Do we still want to eat rojak?
I probably do.
黃譓禎 / 巫啟賢 - 邂逅
The other day, I was browsing through the internet for fun, and saw from some YouTube links of 新谣 songs from the 80s.
Well, the ultimate song which most people will be aware, and in my opinion, it's also the song which kick-started the song-writing atmosphere at that point of time, is none other than 邂逅.
It's probably very very hard to find any video of the original singers singing the song together. Of course, I don't think there's a MTV for this song too. hehehe
The one available in YouTube, is just the song with background pictures done by somebody.
Very simple yet nice tune, and the lyrics, mind boggling to me.
歌曲 邂逅（新谣）
作词 黃譓赬
作曲 巫启贤
原唱 巫启贤/黃譓赬
入暮的山途独有我彳亍，落红铿然显凄情
低吟起那幽阴的歌，歌声抖出了萧索。
歌韵隐隐飘荡入我波心，牵引我山游觅觅寻。
邂逅你炯莹的星眸，颤动我翩翩入梦。
亘古隽永美丽的神话，莫非已降临此刹那。
默望长空我深深祈祷，愿刹那化永恒典雅。
Well, the ultimate song which most people will be aware, and in my opinion, it's also the song which kick-started the song-writing atmosphere at that point of time, is none other than 邂逅.
It's probably very very hard to find any video of the original singers singing the song together. Of course, I don't think there's a MTV for this song too. hehehe
The one available in YouTube, is just the song with background pictures done by somebody.
Very simple yet nice tune, and the lyrics, mind boggling to me.
歌曲 邂逅（新谣）
作词 黃譓赬
作曲 巫启贤
原唱 巫启贤/黃譓赬
入暮的山途独有我彳亍，落红铿然显凄情
低吟起那幽阴的歌，歌声抖出了萧索。
歌韵隐隐飘荡入我波心，牵引我山游觅觅寻。
邂逅你炯莹的星眸，颤动我翩翩入梦。
亘古隽永美丽的神话，莫非已降临此刹那。
默望长空我深深祈祷，愿刹那化永恒典雅。
Sunday, April 5, 2009
扫墓
If you feel morbid about life and death, please close your browser tab. :P
Today woke up early at 6.30am, then went to pick my father. After that, drove all the way to Woodlands to pick up my uncle and cousin.
Well, it's 清明 period right now. Actual day for it this year is 4th April, and the period for traditional cleaning up of tombs will last for 20 days (10 days before, and 10 days after). So the last day this year is roughly around 15 April.
After picking up my passengers, drove through the scenic Kranji Road, the rural area of Singapore.
Driving past the farms, went through the now defunct Neo Tiew Estate, and slipped into Lim Chu Kang Road, and voila, our destination, Choa Chu Kang Cemetry.
Today's crowded is not so bad. At least this time, we finished much faster than previous years.
Maybe one of the reasons is that some of the burials there have been exhumed, thus reducing a certain number of the crowds.
My paternal grandfather's tomb is right at the end of it. It's at Blk 5A, unit number 554.
My father, uncle and cousin checking out the tomb area.
My uncle playing fire, and my cousin playing his camera. :D
This below picture was taken at the end of our session there.
I also used a stick to shift the ash fire area a little here and there. On and off, there's a small explosion from within the burning, not sure due to what also.
And there was once the explosion was a little louder, and the fire ashes flew out, and hit onto my legs!
*OUCH!*
@!#%#$&^*^%@#%^$^%*(^&)(^%$$#E%&^(*)&^%$#^%*&^
Of course, I am still alive.
My grandfather's tomb area is also scheduled to go through exhumation from June next year. So maybe next year would be the last time to visit CCK Cemetry for the Qing Ming period.
As for my paternal grandmother, they had went to pray pray few days ago. And for my maternal grandparents, think this year could be skipped. :P
Next year. Again?
Today woke up early at 6.30am, then went to pick my father. After that, drove all the way to Woodlands to pick up my uncle and cousin.
Well, it's 清明 period right now. Actual day for it this year is 4th April, and the period for traditional cleaning up of tombs will last for 20 days (10 days before, and 10 days after). So the last day this year is roughly around 15 April.
After picking up my passengers, drove through the scenic Kranji Road, the rural area of Singapore.
Driving past the farms, went through the now defunct Neo Tiew Estate, and slipped into Lim Chu Kang Road, and voila, our destination, Choa Chu Kang Cemetry.
Today's crowded is not so bad. At least this time, we finished much faster than previous years.
Maybe one of the reasons is that some of the burials there have been exhumed, thus reducing a certain number of the crowds.
My paternal grandfather's tomb is right at the end of it. It's at Blk 5A, unit number 554.
My father, uncle and cousin checking out the tomb area.
My uncle playing fire, and my cousin playing his camera. :D
This below picture was taken at the end of our session there.
I also used a stick to shift the ash fire area a little here and there. On and off, there's a small explosion from within the burning, not sure due to what also.
And there was once the explosion was a little louder, and the fire ashes flew out, and hit onto my legs!
*OUCH!*
@!#%#$&^*^%@#%^$^%*(^&)(^%$$#E%&^(*)&^%$#^%*&^
Of course, I am still alive.
My grandfather's tomb area is also scheduled to go through exhumation from June next year. So maybe next year would be the last time to visit CCK Cemetry for the Qing Ming period.
As for my paternal grandmother, they had went to pray pray few days ago. And for my maternal grandparents, think this year could be skipped. :P
Next year. Again?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Crab
一只螃蟹子八只脚
两只螃蟹十六只脚
两只眼睛大夹夹呀
夹住了螺丝角
Went to Ang Mo Kio Street 22 there to eat Bee Hoon Crab.
Why?
Don't tell you.
We didn't go to the crowded coffee shop. We went to the other coffee shop, which supposedly sells pretty good crap (pun intended) stuff as the crowded one.
Parking was definitely not an interesting experience, and in the end, I drove to a quieter car park. More romantic mah.
We ordered a vegetable, and THE BEE HOON CRAB.
See!
The vegetable with 3 types of eggs:
And the main star! Crap! *giap giap*
Yum yum.
Ehhh. Eat until I wanna lao sai ok!
Actually, I did!
Damn full. Two persons eating these, really too much.
*buuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp*
两只螃蟹十六只脚
两只眼睛大夹夹呀
夹住了螺丝角
Went to Ang Mo Kio Street 22 there to eat Bee Hoon Crab.
Why?
Don't tell you.
We didn't go to the crowded coffee shop. We went to the other coffee shop, which supposedly sells pretty good crap (pun intended) stuff as the crowded one.
Parking was definitely not an interesting experience, and in the end, I drove to a quieter car park. More romantic mah.
We ordered a vegetable, and THE BEE HOON CRAB.
See!
The vegetable with 3 types of eggs:
And the main star! Crap! *giap giap*
Yum yum.
Ehhh. Eat until I wanna lao sai ok!
Actually, I did!
Damn full. Two persons eating these, really too much.
*buuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp*
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mobile Data
Recently, I saw a new line of information in my mobile bill.
It says "Mobile Data (After Free Bundled Discounts)".
Then I thought, I've never subscribed to any mobile data kind of services, and I have never used any GPRS or 3G data services from the telco, how come there's charges for this mobile data?!?!
So I called the service hotline, and asked them about it.
True enough, many donkey years ago, I was subscribed to a free service that supposedly allow you to use MMS, and comes with service to use GPRS blahblahblah.
What to do, now my mobile phone has some shortcut or icon that with some accidental touch, it triggers access to internet.
WHATEVER FOR?!?!?!
So small see until my eyes a bit cock-eye.
Then I told the customer service girl to cancel all services related to getting data from internet.
It's a dangerous thing to have if you do not have proper service plan to use it. The charges can be very exhorbitant.
Better be safe than sorry.
It says "Mobile Data (After Free Bundled Discounts)".
Then I thought, I've never subscribed to any mobile data kind of services, and I have never used any GPRS or 3G data services from the telco, how come there's charges for this mobile data?!?!
So I called the service hotline, and asked them about it.
True enough, many donkey years ago, I was subscribed to a free service that supposedly allow you to use MMS, and comes with service to use GPRS blahblahblah.
What to do, now my mobile phone has some shortcut or icon that with some accidental touch, it triggers access to internet.
WHATEVER FOR?!?!?!
So small see until my eyes a bit cock-eye.
Then I told the customer service girl to cancel all services related to getting data from internet.
It's a dangerous thing to have if you do not have proper service plan to use it. The charges can be very exhorbitant.
Better be safe than sorry.
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