Fav quote of the Day from Earth Cafe

No good ever comes from holding onto regret. Learn from your past, accept it & keep moving forward free of remorse or disappointments...

London Summer 2010

The London summer for 2010 felt surprisingly short as we seem to only have 2 full weeks of hot sunshine. My denial of insisting that it is still summer is slowly being diminish to be faced with reality when the sun no longer sets past 9pm and the winds and rain greets you like a long lost friend.

Am really happy that this year I got to spend and make the most of the summer instead of being away for work. Looking back and reminiscing, I have managed to packed my days with events and things of interests. I managed to do a lot and yet still miss out on a lot.

It is amazing how there are so many things happening around and it is just a matter of finding out what is there out there to do. Here are some of the random events that I have managed to enjoy during the summer….

BBC Big Band at canary wharf. Lazing on the grass, munching on delicious food and perhaps just people watching or reading while listening to big band music on a nice summer’s evening.

Tour of the Somerset House. This is a free tour and is available twice a week.

Kenwood Picnic Concert at Hampstead

Tanguera at Sadler’s Well

Was really looking forward to this and I think it is a good show but there were some sacrifices in the dancing to make way for the acting and storyline.

Cinderella by the English National Ballet.

Into the Woods at Regent’s Park

I really quite enjoyed this one. A different take on the classic stories by the Grimm brothers. Definitely try to catch one of these next time or next year.



Elephant Parade (photos to come)

Spartacus by the Bolshoi Ballet. Vasiliev is just amazing. What has been said is true, his leaps are higher and he seems to fly in the air much longer.


 

Ascot Racecourse

There were also many others such as:
Food related festivals such as Taste of London, Soho charity food festival which I will try to post soon on my food blog.

Picnics in the parks, weekend trips away, walks and trails…the list goes on. What I couldn’t fit in which is on my to do list for next year – berry picking, summer BBQ, more walks and trails such as Peak District.

The hole in my pocket has definitely expanded greatly in summer but some of the experiences are well worth it. There are still a few more places which I am trying to squeeze in before it is looking to the Summer of 2011.

And a hello to Autumn and Winter………

A summer's day in London

Aah...When I was in Sydney, I always wondered why my British friends were seemingly obsessed with the weather. Yes, I know that the sky in London tends to border on grey for most parts of the year and it rains all the time. I was not entirely convinced that grey clouds and rainy days have that big an impact on our attitudes and behaviour.

Things have changed, after being here for more than a year. I like to pick bright sunny clothes as a sunny pick me up against the grey skies and starting a conversation with the weather does not seem unusual anymore.

It is currently 18 degrees today and in Sydney, this will be known as cold! But the sun is out, I have been missing out on my summer days for days now so I refuse to give in. I still want to enjoy my summer. I refuse to wear my jacket today and to take it as summer as the sun is out.

Strange how the weather affects you doesn't it.

Cupcake mission accomplished!

FINALLY.....after three weeks of trying, I managed to get my cherry blossom cupcakes!

Walking back from Hummingbird, there were 2 little kids walking in front of me. The elder brother holding the hand of his little sister and walking along the pavement. Imagine being little kids on a busy pavement and having people walk by you from all directions as well as watching out for traffic.

What happen next brought a smile to my lips and touch my heart. The brother guided the little sister to the other side of him so that he is standing closest to the road and her to the pavement and shops. Protecting her more from the danger of the traffic (both human and vehicles). This is what I call pure selfless love and care.

I've always noticed that in a man if he does that, sign of being a true gentleman. To see that in a kid...little boy you rock!

Happy Brithday to....

ME!!

Another year has passed and it is another year older or should I say wiser? LOL!

Time to look forward and hopefully it will be a fantastic year....there are still tons of stuff and wishes and dreams that I have and want to fulfill.

And....got myself a nice little pressie...all thanks to the phone fund courtesy of my ex-colleagues and wonderful friends.....I am losing LOTS of sleep over this.

Dreams are made of....

Lately, I have been pretty stressed and my emotions feel like it has been on a non-stop rollercoaster ride. I can’t help but still feel a little anxiety that seems to like to linger just around the corner, unseen but its presence felt.

I have a dream, a dream that I am hoping will be materialised. Seeing others who have trodden down the path and been successful helps to make it seem, “It can be done!” I find that thinking about my dreams helps to take my mind off things.

 

Dreams are good, mine is made of hope, faith, determination, willpower yet it includes dashes of fear, worries, sweat and tears. I have a big dream and I will need to go through all that to make it work in the future, in the meantime, thinking about it brings joy to my face and bring me to a happy place.

What are your dreams and what are they made of?

Thank you, Decca Aitkenhead

While reading an article online, a sentence from the journalist really stood out to me. “I do, however, recognise that what I like to think of as my opinions are really emotional prejudices” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jul/05/clay-shirky-internet-television-newspapers). My mind immediately thought of a particular friend that I know.

While it is without a doubt that we are all humans and are governed and ruled by both our logic and emotions, it is really interesting how each and everyone one of us are ruled in different degrees by these two paradigms.

 

Being too logical can be interpreted as having no emotions and of almost being like a robot. Yet, being too emotional and losing the balance of logic plays havoc in a world where boundaries are set for the auto synchronisation of people for society to operate smoothly to a certain degree.

 

The two words ‘emotional prejudices’ got me thinking about how many of us are doing that without realising. Some are reasonably justified through personal experiences and unique events while are the rest just pluck out of thin air? I believe that all emotions have a trigger and it is just a process of understanding what that trigger is.

 

Reading all the books in the world, seeing the world or even attending millions of talks will not help if one does not have the ability to then extract and analyse, starting with the most important one of all; self – analyse and understanding yourself. I find it is incredibly wonderful that this journalist was able to self-analyse and admit that yes, some opinions are emotional prejudices. It takes more out of a man/woman to be able to do that and shows character.

 

Thank you, Decca Aitkenhead.

Desk decoration galore....

It is always a period of adjusting whenever you start a new job. Learning the ropes, getting to know the people and the culture. My new company is very different and I am slowly acquainting myself to the bits and bops.
I was so happy when I noticed that there is a break out area and a café but unfortunately my team loves to eat at their desk or out of the office. Have not found a lunch buddy yet.

I am loving the fact that I actually have a permanent desk instead of being immersed in the luck of the lottery to whichever hot desks are available for the past few years. It is nice to be able to experience and decorate your desk. Day by day, I try to make it more me! =)

Sow hat did I get up to? I have some recipe books on one side so that I can look at them when I need a break. Am thinking of maybe a cute figurine or two to brighten me up pr perhaps a tiny plant (although the office health and safety or gardeners might not be too impressed!) I have also been slowly bringing in snacks and shoes! LOL! Aahh…the wonders and fascination of it all.

Got me thinking, what else do people do whether intentionally or not with their work desk?

Have not succumbed to posting photos yet…..

New changes in a dynamic world

After a whirlwind three months away for work, things  have now changed!
I have resigned and this week is my first week at my new job. Good things to come hopefully for the future.

In the meantime, I somehow managed to sprain my wrist during dance class yesterday and I can't really put a lot of weight or do too much with my sprained wrist! =(

Post Delay

Apologies for the lack of post, can't access Blogger in China. Have to wait until I am out of the country.

台北 狂狂狂！

真不好意思！台北真得非常好玩， 每天回来都满累了，一碰床上那个轻软的枕头就没办法。。。睡觉了！

我会尽力的快点把全部post上来！

等我!

Taipei Day 1

Yippeeeee……after a long stint in China, I am forced to leave the country or I would become in illicit with the law. The destination that I have decided to head to is Taipei.

Have never been to that country but I have a lot of friends from there and watch heaps of Taiwanese shows. It was a long wait at the airport waiting to check in. I was so early that the check in counter wasn’t even open.

I chose to fly with EVA airways. The staff crew were really nice and friendly and I was pleasantly surprised with the food. It was delicious, I think it is definitely at the top of my list from all the airlines that I have been on. Check out the food review here.

Got to the airport and was out within half an hour, went to pick up my youth travel card which is actually a key chain! It was quite late by the time I was settled in the hotel. The hotel is really great, the staff was so helpful and was there at every step. It’s great when you get wireless internet access in the room as it means that I can seat anywhere within the room. It is a Japanese inspired styled room where you even have a section for 泡澡！

So excited to finally be here that I decided to walk around the streets and grab a bite to eat. By the time I head to bed, it was way past midnight! That is my first night in Taipei!

Toilet Manners

Have departed Shanghai and am now in a city called ‘Zhang Jia Gang’. It’s definitely a really small city. Requested for a non-smoking room of which they don’t have any more available unless I upgrade to a bigger room. For an extra 7 quid, am happy to pay that so that my lungs will be happy. It is a really nice room and the amount of space and amenities is much better. On my second night, I even received a little ducky key chain. So cute!

There is definitely more room and space in ZJG. Shanghai is just massive and the amount of people is just incredible. What puzzles me is that in a city with tons of people, everyone seems to walk really slowly. What is more annoying at times is groups of 3 or 4 people who link arms together and occupy the entire pedestrian walk area and because of their slow speed, they are seriously causing human traffic jam here. Yet, they are so oblivious to the jam that they are causing!

Another amusing incident was going to use the ladies in a hotel. Very posh décor and the door to the cubicles were made of glass. It’s not entirely see through as the glass was shaded in alternate stripes so there is still a bit of privacy. Imagine my surprise when I open the door to the ladies and there was another lady in a cubicle who didn’t even bother shutting her own cubicle door. I have no idea what was going through her mind when we glanced at each other for a few seconds while I walked to an empty cubicle.

I never thought that I would say that toilet manners need to be taught!

Time Out Shanghai

A few days into my trip here in shanghai, I chanced upon the Time Out Shanghai monthly magazine and got myself a copy. This was the March 2010 issue and the front article on the best markets was enticing!

Anyhow, there was a restaurant that was recommended in the magazine under the 'Off the Beaten Track' food section which is called 十味观. This restaurant was highlighted for its variety of coloured ‘xiao long pao 小笼包’. In a land where you can get 小笼包 at nearly everywhere you turn, coloured ones is something unique and it immediately piqued my curiosity to try it.

After a long day at work, we left later than expected for dinner and was worried that the restaurant might be close. The taxi did not even drop us at the location and we had to walk around to find it. Didn’t help that we were walking in the rain in the wrong direction before we realised that we had to double back.

Can you imagine the look on our faces when we got to the restaurant and what did we see? A truck parked at the front of the restaurant and workers lugging out the kitchen stove. Tables and chairs have been totally removed as well!

Seeing that scene before me, I think even in my food deprived brain, I'm pretty sure that the restaurant has closed its business. Not happy! How can Time Out recommend a restaurant in its latest monthly magazine which is the March 2010 version and have that restaurant shut down in just a few days into the month? It’s only been less than a week into March!

What is going on Time Out?

古筝的愿望

我从小就很喜欢从古筝出来的音乐。 这么多年来都很遗憾没那个机会学，也没向父母提过这个兴趣。


新的一年已开始了，我就下决心， 提起勇气去找个老师和古筝。在伦敦真的不容易找，而且堂堂课也不便宜，更加不用说买古筝的价钱了！老师说一定要每天在家练习，可是没有古筝的我，怎么练呢？ 上第二三堂课都没意思啦!

我对自己说，反正我会跑去亚洲一堂，就在那边买吧！
去了马来西亚和新加坡，找不到适合的。到了上海好幸运的找到几间,特别有一个的服务非常的好, 价钱也比别的店更真实.

本来打算上一堂课,然后买了古筝带回家. 时间就要等两个月因为我的工作不容需我在这几个月能回到家.

今天就上了第一堂课, 可是我好糊涂,忘了需要练习的时间 , 不然都不能上后堂的课. 真的好烦, 一次以一次的阻碍. 这几个月需要到处跑中国, 背着一个古筝也不会是一件容易的事情. 也不知道航空公司会不会接受古筝当行李. 我真的没办法了!

Shanghai days...

A slight drizzle and haze in the sky greeted me in the morning in Shanghai today. Weather has turned colder as well.

Was taken out for dinner last night again and we went to a restaurant that has amazing décor. Think ‘20s and ‘30s décor charms with high ceilings enhanced with oriental carvings and furniture. I had to pause and admire the architecture for a while before being led to the table. Food was good, as is the culture here. There was way more food than could have been eaten by our group.

After dinner, went for a massage at a spa that was recommended. At RMB108 for over an hour traditional massage, it was hard to say no compared to the prices that you will have to pay in London.

5 minutes into the massage and I had to stop myself from screaming, my muscles have become really tensed. I guess lugging a 10kg bag on one shoulder with all the travelling has created its toll. I could feel all the tender spots on my neck too! Somehow midway through, the muscles have relaxed and I actually fell asleep. I didn’t want it to end.

Can’t wait to make my next appointment even though my back is really sore.

Happy Chap Goh Mei!

Happy Chap Goh Mei!

I am fortunate to be able to celebrate the last day of Chinese New Year in a land where CNY is the biggest festival/event for the year, China!

I was even served the much missed 'Yee Sang' which is an annual thing that is done primarily in Singapore/Malaysia. Thanks Singapore Airlines!

 

Arrived the day before and red lanterns and banners are everywhere with festive wishes/sayings written on them. I went about looking for one of my favourite food, 汤圆！

I was taken by a recently became local for some home made Shanghainese food for lunch and my favourite restaurant for dinner. I am so stuffed I seriously need to squeeze some gym time in. The restaurants also gave complimentary 汤圆 when requested. Review here.

Managed to cover some local tourist highlights as well including getting some tailoring done. Think shirts, trousers, qi pao, cashmere coats. Review here.

It's back to work tomorrow now but hope everyone celebrated well.

Tokyo Day 6

Went to check out a flea market. Anyone interested in a fridge?

Did some shopping at the Apple store (apple fan) and Muji before heading off to our next scheduled iron chef restaurant located in Ginza, Rokusaburo Michiba!

Continued sightseeing around Ginza and went into 虎 which is quite a famous dessert shop. Unfortunately they were fully booked with queues, the same goes for the Shiseido Parlour!

Saw a wedding procession when we headed to the meiji shrine and a bride in traditional wedding costume having her photos taken. Beautiful!

Next up, a themed dinner which concludes the Tokyo trip!

Tokyo Day 5

Woke up and was greeted by really serene surroundings and scenery. This is the view that we get when we wake up. Had another fabulous breakfast and off we went exploring the place. The Gassho-style houses are just lovely and with the rays of sunshine on our backs and faces warming us up, we had a good time. Check out the pictures!

Left to head back to Tokyo but not without stopping at Echigo-Yuzawa for a round of onsen with a twist! The onsen is made of sake!

Tokyo Day 4

We checked out of our hotel in Shibuya and decided to try a different kind of novelty, capsule inns!

There are not that many that welcome females and this was one of the few close to central Tokyo that does. I was quite impressed with the capsule. It isn’t as tiny as expected.

Had a good night’s sleep and we are on our way to Sendai and Kanazawa to view the Kenroku-en gardens, castles and for our next food adventure!

Next up was to Nagamachi Bukeyashiki-ato. This residential area still lies the remnants of the traditional residences of middle- and low-class samurais.

Thereafter, we boarded a bus heading to Shirakawago. This is a world heritage site and we were going to stay the night in a Gassho style house which was the traditional dwellings in the old days. By the time we arrived, it was pitch black and it wasn’t easy trying to cross the bridge and finding our accommodation.

We finally found it and just love the place. Was told to freshen up and that dinner will be ready soon. Little did we know what a huge feast it was going to be!