ASOS

ASOS.com is my latest addiction.  I admit I'm a bit slow when it comes to online shopping.  I can do it for travel related bookings - air tickets, hotels, etc.  But when it comes to shopping for apparel, I've always been skeptical.  Having said that, my recent awareness of the ASOS website has been one of the best & worst things I've done... The site is GOOD... way too good.  The products on that site are quite my style and that means a lot to me because although I've been recommended online shopping sites like Gap, Armani Exchange, Jack Spade, Gilt, Reebonz, etc, nothing really appealed to me in both the style and price points.. So I'd say I highly recommend this site.  Even though I've placed 3 separate orders and they're still somewhere out there and I've not received anything yet.  I'm quite excited to receive these good and see how they turn out.  I think I will do a post for this just to show what I've bought.  Share the love right?  Hahaha... =)

Oh and by the way, ASOS has an offer now.  All international shipping charges have been waived for about a year or so.. so what are you waiting for?? Just make sure you don't buy the same stuff as me..

Great migrations & Bangkok here I come

Haven't been posting anything on this blog for a while because I've been busy with the office moving.  Moving office is kinda like our very own version of National Geographic's Great Migrations.  Hahaha.. I've to throw away a lot of stuff, but I think that's a good thing.  No point keeping nonsense.  I will post pictures of the new office before I mess it up again.  =p


Btw, this weekend will be spent in Bangkok.  Credit goes to my sister who's going there for work and offered to let me bunk in for free.  =) 

This will be a good break for me since the next trip I planned is only in July.  Too far away, imo.  I need some low hanging fruits to take the toll out of working.  So this is it.  Bangkok for 4 days and this will be a good treat for my birthday next week as well so I'm really looking forward to this...

Siem Reap trip in Feb 2010 (part 1)

I went on a short trip to Siem Reap in February 2010.

Here's the run down on the places to visit if you're on holiday at Siem Reap.  Almost all the famous sites are enclosed in the Angkor Archaeological Park, but its pretty big, so you will need a few days to cover all the places.

Map

Bayon - temple with many 4-faced reliefs
Built in the latter part of the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is one of the most widely recognised temples in Siem Reap because of the giant stone faces that adorn the towers of Bayon. There are 54 towers of four faces each, totaling 216 faces. 


The best to visit Bayon when there is plenty of light (i.e. from 10am - 4pm).

South gate of Bayon

This is the spot to see the most number of 4-faced carvings

Flowers contrasting against the b/w stone carvings

As I was walking, I saw an elephant approaching. I thought that it would make a good picture.  Fyi, elephant rides take you from the gate into Bayon and will set you back US$10 per person 

Elephant rides

Phimeanakas - a Hindu temple with a tower on top of a pyramid.  Legend has it that the king spent the first watch of every night with a woman thought to represent a Naga in the tower.  During that time, not even the queen was permitted to intrude.  The queen only gets to spend time with the king in his palace in the second watch.  If the naga did not show up for a night, the king's days would be numbered but if the king did not show up, calamity would strike his land.   

The stairs to mount Phimeanakas

The reverse - looking down

Showing how steep & treacherous it is

Phnom Bakheng - best place to see the sunset

Phnm Bakheng from mid hill

As the sun sets, a hot air balloon rises on the left

Angkor Wat - Star attraction since its the national icon, but also good for sunrise.

First of all, arm yourselves with a good torch.  We were unprepared and this is what you'll see (or rather, can't see) when you don't have a torch.  Yup, its pitch black.

After a while, you'll see the sky change colours as the sun rises bit by bit.

We then decided to venture into Angkor Wat for a while before heading back to the hotel for breakfast and then coming out again to sightsee.  The picture below shows you where we were and how many more people there were fighting for space and the best photo spot in the dark.  It definitely helps to be tall!

At around 7ish, after we were done touring Angkor Wat, we then realised that's the best time to take pictures because you can then see the reflection of Angkor Wat in the lotus pond.  Wahhhhh..... So depending on your preferences, you need not go to Angkor Wat at 5am just to wait for the sun to rise because that's not the best time to get your perfect pictures.  My personal recommendation is to arrive at 6.30am and stand by for the perfect timing at around 7am-7.30am when the sun is high enough to be reflected in the pond.

This is the reflection of Angkor Wat in the lotus pond.

More places I visited in the next Siem Reap post...

Clickability

I was on tv today. yeah... My 20 mins of fame.  Thanks to the people in the office who made it all happen.  To the marketing team and agency who not only came up with the idea of the race and flash mob but also  executed it.  You guys are amazing!  I'd also like to thank the corp comms team for deciding to front me for this interview. Its nice that even though I'm still new to the team, I'm given such opportunities.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my mum and my dad... hahaha.. okay, this is not a thank you speech.  I'll try to get footages, but here's what I captured while the programme on Channelnews Asia was airing tonight.  You might be able to catch the repeat telecasts.

Gosh my eyes look really big, though you can't see it in this pic.  And oh yes, I do agree that the screen adds 10kg.  I wonder why.  

Whining

There's just been a bit too much whining these days.  It bothers me not because I don't like to hear it, but I feel the incessant whining is taking a toll on other people and affecting their opinion as well.

In the past we had a horrible boss who was a total ass (still is).  We had to endure the unwarranted scoldings that actually even affected how we see ourselves.  Its that bad huh you might ask?  Yeap it was.  Each of us got it from him.  No matter where or what it was about, you just have to brace yourself when you're going to see him cuz you know your morale's gonna be extremely low after that session.  Worst part is - sometimes it gets personal.  But we survived it.

WE ARE SURVIVORS.  So how bad can things get right?  I wonder as well.

Now the boss is slightly different.  Not exactly an angel sent from the heavens, but nobody's perfect right?  Even us.  I think everyone has to realise the hard reality that every person is different.  Someone once taught me this: "Its not wrong, its just different."  How apt.

Oddly enough, people sometimes tend to be blinded in what they perceive as "fun".  I think making jokes at others can be fun at times and I'm equally guilty too but if everything this person does is a joke, then I think you've crossed the line.  Think - you keep saying that he whines, but you are also whining about that.  What then?  Do we all have to fit into the same mould and behave in the same way in which you deem is acceptable?  Everything he does is seen in the most negative way imaginable.  But why do you want to wallow in such self pity?  Is that gonna make you feel better?

From the way I see it, you're just so caught up on seeing things in the most negative light that you actually imagine things.  And you now think your life sucks.  Think again.  YOU made it suck.  Remember: we got through the toughest times and we bore the war scars.  We are survivors.  You can always accept and adapt.  Make things known rather than second guess in the way that's disadvantageous to you and think that's gonna be the outcome.  You've become biased when you do that and you will not see things objectively.

Use the same attitude to deal with the current situation.  Make the best of things and adapt.  If you think life is really so bad, no body is stopping you from making career changes.  If it bothers you so much, I'm sure the grass is greener anywhere outside.

I'm trying not to say it out in your face, but if I can't bear it anymore.  Be prepared to hear what I personally feel.  You know how honest I can be.  I spare no thought for any fragile heart.  That's life.

CNY 初四 at The Arte

Its the 4th day of CNY and I met up with the folks from poly for our annual CNY gathering, lo hei and gambling session.  This year, we met up at Paul and Caren's new home at The Arte which overlooks the PIE toward McRitchie Reservoir.  Pretty good view I must say...

Andy, Janice, Jade & Ryan came back to Singapore for CNY and will be flying back to Papua New Guinea on Monday, so its quite timely that we met up today.  Ryan was asleep when I arrived.  Saw him sleeping in a cute position so I took a picture of him hahaha...

We had Spizza for lunch, compliments of Paul before we did a customary LO HEI.. Its funny how year after year, we still only remember a few phrases to recite when preparing the dish.  Its always 黄金满地, 甜甜密密, 顺顺立立... and then we're stuck. hahaha..

Caren enjoying the preparation while Raymond overlooks

What would a CNY gathering be without gambling right?  Well, this isn't Marina Bay Sands or Resorts World.  We play small and I'm very sure everyone gets their usual kick out of seeing me lose money.. :p  Anyway, we started playing blackjack with Andy as banker.

Blackjack turned boring and we switched to in-between... You know how our parents always taught us not to be greedy?  Yeah, but we never learn right?  Even though we play this game every year, somehow we just never learn... I guess its human nature to place a large bet when you get an Ace and a King.  Trust me, you will get either an Ace or a King.  Yup, its proven.  Just ask anyone who has played this game and they'll tell you greed caused their loss... 

Jane, our volunteer bunny for In-Between

The pool money reached over $400 at some point

Halfway through, we craved for some coffee and Janice offered to drive out to buy for us.  Thanks Janice!! Andy wrote our orders on a paper plate and Janice actually gave this to the kopi-soh.. can you believe it? Hahahaha

In the meantime, the kiddos got bored and started entertaining themselves with the iPhone and iPod Touch... 

Jade & Ryan entertaining themselves

Somehow I was lucky enough to bet ALL and won the pool of cash to end that game. Phew... And since I won some money, the guys decided to have another few rounds of blackjack with MOI as banker!  Argh... Fortunately, I had a blackjack t-shirt from Gap which I bought from Las Vegas in 2010 and this t-shirt served me well.. at the last round, I actually got a blackjack!  Net result: I'm in the black this year.. No more loses like previous years.. Woohoo!!!!!  

Me and my Blackjack tshirt

 

Late lunch on 初三

Today I met up with my sis, Liyi, Fiona and Edwin for late lunch at Vivo City's Modestos.  How this happened was because Liyi and I won an insignificant amount of $$ at mahjong on 初一 and felt really bad about it.  So we decided to get everyone out for makan and we can buy them back and also use this as a bonding session since we probably meet only once a year.

We arrived real late cuz Fiona had to work and could only be done by 2pm so by the time we arrived at Vivocity, it was almost 3pm.  That's us... cousins from the Leong family.  =)

Fiona, Liyi, Edwin, me and Joanne having lunch at Modestos

Since we were starving (ok I admit it was more me who was starving).. For appetizers, we ordered 2 bowls of mushroom soup and had it split into 5 portions.  The soup was really good and full of mushroom flavour.  You know how sometimes you get some thick white creamy soup made from chicken stock and had nothing but a mere few slices of mushrooms?  Well, that's not what they serve at Modestos, thank goodness.  We also had the calamari and it was nice too.  After placing our orders, we kept ourselves busy by playing Monopoly Deals.  :p

Calamari

Mushroom soup

My order of a regular sized pizza.  Proven to be too big for me because I couldn't finish the last 3 slices even when Joanne ate 1 slice for me as well.  But it was nice and I couldn't finish it probably due to the bread and appetizer and soup I had earlier.

My pizza with mushrooms, ham & artichokes

Fiona ordered blank ink pasta and had her scallops replaced with clams (WHY???!!!!).  But when her order arrived, I tell you, they were generous.  Check out the picture below.  The size of the praaaawwwwnsssss... oh lala.. I felt happy just by seeing the size and number of prawns in that plate of pasta.  I believe it should taste as good as it looks too, cuz nothing was left on the plate by the time Fiona was done with lunch.

Fiona's black ink pasta with heaps of seafood

 The rest of the orders were pretty normal, so I didn't pay much attention to them.  See pics below.

Joanne's penne al funghi

Edwin's order - fettuccine with chicken breast

Liyi's order of ravioli with mushroom stuffing

By the time we finished our food, we were so full.  I was quite keen to go to the newly opened walkway linking Singapore to Sentosa, but the sky looked like it was going to rain, so we decided its better to stay indoors.  We continued playing 2 more rounds of Monopoly Deals and I won all 3 games that we played today.  YEAH!!!  I think I'm getting a lot better when I first played it on Thursday.  =)

After paying, we split ways as almost everyone had plans for dinner (yeah, even though we just finished eating a heavy meal).. I really think this was a good idea and since we're already making efforts to meet up with cousins from my mum's side of the family, its also time to do the same for dad's side of the family.  I'm sure we're gonna meet up more often from now on...

The definitive travel guide to Hong Kong (part 3)

What are my favourites?

Needless to say... OUTLETS are the first places you should target.  Get the best bargains and then look for the other things you want.  After that, then make a beeline for  your favourite brands.  It helps to do a little research so that you make the most out of your trips to various parts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The list below is my personal recommendation.  Depending on your taste, this may be useful...

• Elements mall (level 1, water wing) - usually less crowded and you may thus get a better haul than any other Zara shops.  
• Harbour City (level 2) - usually very crowded, so this may be challenging if you have to try out sizes.  But location is good since there's Playlord in the same building and H&M is opposite at Silvercord centre.
• Times Square (level 3) - There's nothing much in this building except Zara, so only make this trip here if you've other places to visit.  One benefit of coming here is that the cantonese roast goose place Tai Hing Roast is nearby.  Read my other post on food in Hong Kong. 
• Hong Kong Airport - Be spoilt.  Even when you're at the airport, don't think that you can keep your HKD for the next trip.  There's a Zara shop at the departure transit lounge, so check your airport directory and spend the last dollar on something you like to end your trip on a high note!

 - god's gift, especially if the're on sale!
There are 5 H&M shops in Hong Kong/Kowloon, but in my opinion you only need to target 3 (at least for the men's selection).

• Silvercord centre (the side facing Canton Road, on level 2) - worth visiting more than once.  You never know if you missed out anything right?  So it doesn't hurt t check back again and try on stuff you eyed yesterday and are still thinking about.  
• Queens Road in Hong Kong Island (basement level) - variety for menswear isn't that fantastic but the ladies selection here is reputed to be the biggest.  So if the lady decides Queens Road it is, then you better make the best out of it.  
• Elements mall (level 2, water wing) - this shop is generally less busy, so you get to choose your clothes in peace and won't have to wait long to try your clothes. Zara is also very nearby so if the lady isn't done with the shopping, hop over to Zara on level 1 and start "work". :p

i.t. : carries lower end brands and street wear which are not so expensive.

• Citygate (level 1) - make sure you scan the shop thoroughly to make sure you haven't missed anything out. 
• The ONE - this is a relatively new place as this shopping mall wasn't even open when I visited in July/August 2010.  

I.T. outlet: usually have very odd apparel from designers like Dolce & Gabbana & Jean Paul Gaultier which means they're super expensive and very thin (hahaha.. I mean it).

• Silvercord centre - Having said that, I managed to score a paid of Crumpler shoes at 70% discount.  My stars were definitely aligned that day cuz all I did was wander in, spied with my big eyes a pair of suede Camper shoes, tried the size and viola!  Happy feet!!

Playlord: has an interesting range of clothes that almost looks like its tailored to fit you only.

• Harbour City (level 2) - found this store by accident.  Their clothes are quite nice, but you must stay that size/shape to continue wearing their shirts.  :p

Well, that's my usual haul whenever I make a trip to Hong Kong in July.  In my opinion, these brands suit me quite well.  I may end up with an occasional purchase from Esprit, Giordano, etc.  But these brands are usually what I am most satisfied with.  Hope you get the same satisfaction too.  

Gong Xi Gong Xi

I'd like to wish everyone an abundant and prosperous year of the Rabbit. This is the period where you'll meet your rarely met relatives and gamble to your hearts' content.  Treasure the relationships and foster stronger bonds as most of you are glued to the internet and TV.   So don't forget there are these people in your lives and catch up more than once a year.  You'll be surprised how things can develop...

Nuff' said... I wish you success in your careers, a healthy life and a smooth sailing year!