Near Disaster

I've been put to taste the awful, terrible and near unbearable feeling yet again. The last time i had this feeling, was 4 years plus ago. Nothing filled my heart except for ultimate disbelief as well as utter disappointment. Anguish disguised me.

Lots of moments came into my mind. On how i went through so much, yet when it boils down to the very last one, it just breaks it all - my heart, my wish, my expectation....

Been through the worst at last night, where seconds feels like hours. I suppose in life, everything comes to an end, when you hit the climax, you just have to fall, vice versa, when you hit rock bottom and the worst, things can only get better...

Since i'm given one last shot, i should heed the advice of the girl, and just give it my best, within my possible means. Wish me goodluck seriously, i desperately need it....

You Are What You Think

What happens if it's a challenge you see
Go head on or instead try to flee
It does matter cos eventually
The path is only yours to proceed

It's all in the mind...

Enjoy what you can, Endure what you must

Life is pretty much the same ever since I'm done with school. It's all work and work and still work, still glad that ultimately I can squeeze time out of that bizzzeee work schedule to have personal time on my own, and of course, while waiting for my results to be out.

Have been contemplating about the 'life after graduation' but i reckon staying in that comfort seems a pretty good but definitely not a long term idea / goal. It doesn't help when work starts to take a turn and all i can expect in coming weeks are nothing but loads of work coming my way. I will have to 'heartlessly' abandon the girl while i slog my guts out over at the NATAS fair.

Poor her will still have to work like a cow as well over her side. It's definitely going to be a tough period, so tough i can't wish 10 September come fast. That will definitely be the only time i'm going to have some real fun after this crazy week / period is over.

Probably that's one of the many sources of motivation I have. It kind of pushes me through that tough period, admist the support and understanding the girl had given me. Weekends are really way too short, that how i wish every weekend is a long weekend.

Probably it's never easy in life, that's why the saying goes: work hard and play hard too. Therefore, whenever it's time to enjoy, it should just let my hair out and enjoy / indulge whenever i can and when it's time to work, i'll just have to hang in there and slog it all out.

Enjoy what you can, Endure what you must.......

Karoshi?

Perhaps not many has heard of this word 'karoshi'. It's a Japanese word which spells what could be surfacing in Singapore nowadays or even in future. The definition is a simple three word : Death By Overwork.

Common word in Japan, there is no wonder why it is common in the first place. At times, it makes me ponder that we Singaporean working adults, do we work to live or do we live to work? I once remember when i was in Japan, I was in a coach with my tour group, on our way back to our hotel in Tokyo. There we drove passed the main city passing by roads and highway. Office buildings were all around at this particular juncture. I look at those buildings, it's brightly lit up as though it's in a day, inside those windows, I see nothing but workers still working their ass off. Time check on my watch: 9.05pm. Look around you in Shenton Way or Raffles or even any office building, are those sights starting to appear, or even perhaps, they had even appeared.

In the objective to be tip top in the global economy, the government constantly strive its agencies as well as private companies to push forward, even until now. So much so, companies started to realise its consequences. The realization of futility of not having a private life came to minds.

Work-Life balance came to light in Year 2000. Companies are said to answer to the government's call and implement the policy gradually. But guess what, behind the surface, all I see was dirty employers, un-sympathetic nor unempathetic superiors all around. Pathetic as it is, I'm totally disgusted by this fact. I hate how work is consuming in the lives of locals. Imagine this: You wake up early for work, by the time you end work, it's so late you decided to skip dinner, and the moment you reach home, you hit the bed as soon as you're done with your washing up. Until the next day arrives, the routine starts all over again. Come weekend, you have to be mindful of what's going to happen next week and perhaps even do whatever you need to do in order to prepare for the next new working week. Holy crap.

I always though public service was a much better environment when it comes to welfare and work-life harmony, but it seems like everywhere is the same. Perhaps, it's high time i think twice about it. I treasure my private life as much as i do treasure my own life/health. Work is endless, but i don't want to end my life because of work tooo...

Onward or Remain?

It's a phase of life I've been looking forward and fear it coming at the same time. Now, I'm standing at this familiar crossroad after I'm finally done with my Academic life seemingly so.

Studying and working at the same time for the past 3-4 years hasn't been easy. More so that it can literally squeeze every single part of myself dry. This span of long period is indeed tough and never easy, yet I'm glad I went through it and at last, it paved its path for me somehow. It uncover interests I never knew exist, it gained me knowledge I've always believe it equipped me with even the most basic I'm glad I've learnt.

As I finally ended my last exam paper, possibly the very last one in my life, and exactly the longest I've ever been throughout this Degree programme, i let out a huge sigh which seems so silent yet doing the loudest shout of my inner feelings. This sigh spells all the efforts, sleepless, worries and desperate moments I had all these while. Of course, this wonderful ending which I interestingly relates it to that of a movie couldn't have been possible without the support of many, particularly my mother and the girl. My mother, a pillar of it, supported me throughout my education ever since after my poly days. Never once gave up on me, but thank god i finally grew up being sensible enough to be the boy she had always wanted to see, therefore, that trust existed. I'm glad she had one of the greatest birthday of her life. It dawned on me on how happy my mum was, so happy she even put on her prettiest as well as new shoes. So touched that i felt bad as her son. Nevertheless, an occasion i'll never forget, particularly of the food, atmosphere and company. The girl on the otherhand, accompanied the toughest and final lap of it, and made everything seem possible and easier through her unconditional motivation and effortless support.

It still seems far that, that cert is within reach but i hold high confidence I would have supposed to witness my very own proudest moment of my life, having proudly attended the Girl's. Never once had I feel so proud before as she took her step up and receive that and gave a warmly smile towards the camera. Though metres away, that moment, it felt like it's zoomed right it front and i could pause that moment in exchange for any others.

Work hasn't been smooth sailing, in particularly since the arrival of someone special. Not worth mentioning who, but definitely someone who's significant enough to piss me off, making me feel work is starting to be dreadful and exactly my goal two years back to leave the moment I am done with my degree programme. It's time once again to embark on this near impossible task to set my career right, this time round, even more so serious that before, considering the last milestone before i encounter my very next milestone of my lifelong wish.

Meanwhile, work shall feel like a 'one step at a time' feeling while i look forward to every weekend with the Girl...just like how i spent it over the weekend with a steamboat which seriously hit expectation negatively. Saturday was a bang with Tea cosy and all that Starhub drama before that. Sleepover was the highlight and the 6 of us had the time of our lives. It's all fun, play, eat and sleep throughout and I'm already missing it as soon as it ends.

Till next time....

From Within

If an egg is broken by an outside force, a life ends. If an egg breaks from within, a life begins. Great things always begin from within.

They say it's better to lose your ego (within) to someone you love, than to lose the one you love, because of ego.

One may ask even, so what if air is everywhere? Ultimately, we still need a fan to feel it When you trust someone, trust that person completely without any doubt, at the end, you'll only get either a lesson for your life or a very good person

It's not so much about the people who act true to your face, but more about the people who remain true behind your back

Happiness Is A Choice You Make

Chanced this upon my friend's blog and decided to share this little piece of meaningful story.

When this boy was a little boy, his mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And there’s this one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, his mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage,and extremely burned toast in front of his dad.I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

Yet all his dad did was reach for his toast, smile at his mom, and ask him how his day was at school.

He clearly do remember watching his dad smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite! When he got up from the table that evening, he remember hearing his mom apologize to his dad for burning the toast. And he'll never forget what he said. 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, he went to kiss Daddy good night, and he asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped hime in his arms and said, 'Little Buddy, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired.And besides - a little burnt toast never hurt anyone! You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people.I personally am not the best at some things either.'

Learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!!"

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - but into your own. No one else can MAKE you happy, Your happiness is a choice you make.People will always forget what you do, and they will always forget what you say, but they will never, ever forget the way you make them feel.

雨后的太阳

Sometimes there's nothing to gain
Even after going through much pain
Perhaps it's only a temporary stain
Just like sunshine always comes after the rain

Simple is Best

How many of you actually can agree with me on the very title? One gets sick and tired too often over the simplest things. Often than not, many would equate simple to being boring or mundane. Could this be a mistake? All of us want a fanciful and fulfilling life, seriously, who wouldn’t want? But what’s the price to pay for that consequential wishing thinking? Humans are born with nothing, possibly, we ended up with nothing when we’re on our way to never ever land. It’s forever so hard to find contentment with simple little details in life.

A simple example: A young couple had a bright future ahead of them. They were the sweetest couple ever, seen from most eyes. The girl has a dream. She yearns to get married, and jolly well locked and knows her future other half will be none other than her current boyfriend. Her boyfriend fortunately, shares the same sentiments. Throughout their days of courtship, the girl always mentioned how wonderful is it that her proposal was one of the sweetest things that could happen to her, more so after she heard of stories on how her friends were being proposed in all sorts of romantic and sweet methods. Her boyfriend knows her wish and is determined to fulfill that for her, secretively.

Finally, it’s time for them to hit the right age. The guy had something up his sleeves. All that was on his mind, he wants a proposal that could possibly set to make ‘yes’ the only answer. He’s determined to touch her through everything he has planned, just to get her feeling touched and said yes. Lots of efforts have been made. The girl remained being kept in the dark. The day came, the boy was all ready. Never mind what he did. To him, he’s willing to go miles just to see her smile. For that fact, he did one of the most dangerous act to make a sincere proposal to her, and for that, a moment of accident, it cost him his life. He left this world in an instant, leaving the girl he loves behind, the girl whom he has intended to spend his life with.

The girl had her heart sunken. She went into depression. A lot was on her mind before that. She thought to herself, had she known, all she wanted for her proposal, was nothing, merely he himself, his pure only existence. She pondered and pondered, coming into learning the deeper meaning. All she wanted was him. Something as simple as just kneeling down with a bouquet of flowers and ring would conveniently do the job, but. Why? She doesn’t want any fanciful plans, decorations, or anything, she just wants him. But all was too late, it seems like no one was at fault but she chose to blame herself for that.

They say simple is the best. No point being filthy rich, having luxurious car and houses where you can’t enjoy even the simplest thing in life such as having a heartwarming dinner with your family. Simple things are more often than not, the most intangible events/things we can find and not what seems to be so superficial and materialistic. It’s however, hard to keep up with that because everyone wants sparks to their life. Life is only deemed fulfilling when you have a lot of events lined up, you spent everyday outside playing and enjoying, so much so that you left out on what could have been even more important. It’s hard to be contented but it’s important not to be. No?

Happy 24th Birthday To You!

Sweetness filled the air, covering the unnecessary scare the girl had encounter over at her work. So stressful that i am more than determined to make that very weekend a memorable and wonderful one for her, and put a great pause to the very moment i wished her Happy Birthday, welcoming her to the '24' club. Woo, she's the same age as me! Just as OLD. Hehs!

It was a game of frantic trying to make surprise with the flowers. Daisies with special meaning popped in front of her unexpectedly and she accepted it with grace of shyness, before she treated me to a wholesome meal of yummy food over at DOME @ Paragon. Especially loving the combi platter which totally satisfy my cravings for those yummy fried stuff. Earl grey lychee drink was another item which i give bonus points to.

Bens & Jerry was on the next agenda before we hit the theater for Inception. Chose that over Predators and Blood Pledge. Glad she loved it, not so much for me as i remained insistent that Predator would have been nicer, stubbornly not believing in reviews. As the clock strikes 12, blissful wishes by whisper to her ears and it was a perfect end to the day as i continue to wonder the amazement of how Inception managed to capture the eyes of many.

On her actual birthday, the rain almost ruined the day, but thank god, it managed to wake up its idea and we made our way to the ZOO after having our long awaited Delifrance buffet breakfast. Not a very wide spread but it's good enough to satisfy the dollar spent.

Our first time together to the zoo and off we went behaving like children/tourists, flipping on the map and checking out feeding times and showtimes. Drizzles coolrf the place down, however, our walking around, snapping here and there makes us kind of hot. Definitely, it's feel like a child to learn all the things that we had all lost touch, at the same time, the feeding never fails to be an eye opener each time.

I'm glad the girl suggested the tram and boat ride ticket where we had a wonderful ride on both to end this perfect outing to the zoo. Onward to island creamery, where we spent most of our bus trip in lala land. Blame it on the hectic weekday work then. Not as fantastic and the girl was already crazily laughing away at her paparazzi shots taken back at island creamery.

Brought me to this wonderful Ma Maison, my first time there and the cottage feel restaurant won my heart over. Paella with cheese was nice initially but had a hard time swallowing thereafter, until the girl offered a pat on me. How funny for the birthday girl. Not long before she got her complimentary cheese cake and off she went, blowing her very first birthday candle on her 24th, STILL, never fail to get me to taste every cheese item ever since. Ewww, i still hate cheese. Period.

Next up, a secret surprise planned for her over at my house. Highlight was the blindfolding, followed by a guitar song sang by me, topped with a heart shaped strawberry cake to end her wonderful 24th birthday as she venture into another year into her life.

It's barely 3 months we shared the same age before i hit possibly 1/3 of my life. How good is that? No?

End of the Fever

Victories on 4 occasions definitely made them look like a champions. But who knows, tables were turned around just when they were super hot favourites.

Finally, the world cup ended with dismay and disappointment. I thought the loss at that stage (quarter-finals) was acceptable, but come to think of it, the thorough humilitation by the Germans led me feel otherwise. I've been watching Argentina played in World Cup since i was only a schoolboy, each time, the world cup ended with disappointment, although by far, this is the furthest I've seen them in this World Cup.

The ball is round, that makes it no different from the fact that just because of its shape, anything can happen. Odds were stacked lowly against hot favourites, Spain right before the compeition, so low i didn't see them as a threat. Possibly because there are so many hype on them, I got turned off.

Before the compeition fever even started, i locked my sights on teams that has the potential to create impact in this compeition, less for Australia aside of course. Holland and Argentina seems to be the real potential threat in this competition and turned out to be very true.

Drama follows the moment the compeition starts and it seems like draw is a common result, i can't help but felt that it's one of the most boring World Cup i've ever watched. So boring, i lost my money (damn).

Did a calculations and turned out quite amazingly, i bet a total of 45 matches out of 64 matches, of course, recording only a win out of every 4 matches. All in all, i'm still glad my loss did not hit 3 digits. It's even more fun that me and the girl spent lots of night chat talking about World Cup, and even came up with our very own game of predictions, there's even a prize for it, but somehow, this game of prediction just stopped (there goes my prize). Haa.

Back to my beloved Argentina. 4 straight wins and i was high on hopes on having watched them in their best since years ago and determined to laugh loudly at that bloody octopus. And that turns out to be a greatest humulitation by the Germans. I was not angry nor upset, but more of a utter disappointment i felt deep within myself. Gone are the dreams of watching them lift the trophy.

Just when i thought Holland could possibly live my next best dream, they got dumped out at the very last few minutes of the compeition. Cruel and left my speechless. It's a mixture of good and bed i feel toward this World Cup. Good on the fact that me and the girl both went crazy and started downloading world cup related apps, browsing through apps and web to search for the places we can possibly watch soccer, so crazy we had our impromptu moments. Never before, seriously, had i been so crazy over the desire to catch a soccer match, thanks to bloody Starhub and Singtel i guess. I guess, i won't have to mention anything about the bad..

Manage it (emotions), not control it

Things are always and usually easier said than done. Even i myself became the sinful criminal of commiting the wrong way of handling my own emotions sometimes. Being a scorpio, i'm condemned to being emotional, and if look at two different perspective, it can be a good thing, or it can possibly be a terrible bad thing as well.

It's is important to realise that managing it would seriously be much better than trying to control them. More often that not, we encounter things, both within and not within our control. But how much are we letting the impact of it affect us, is entirely up to us. I must say, to manage emotions is to handle or direct it with a degree of skills, which comes alot of proper mindset such as positivity.

Of course until now, at times, i'm still guilty of 'controlling' my emotions now. They sometimes said it boils down to your emotional intelligence. Having said that, i generally feel that whatever we feel or do, we should not be trying to suppress our own emotions, if not, it's like fighting against yourself. Total struggle ultimately.

Let's see it this way: what is someone dropped something, and you leaned over to help them pick it up, but however, you didn't notice that he or she was also leaning over and all of the sudden - BAM!, both of you bump heads. Would you be mad at that person? Would he be mad at you? Maybe yes to both question, but think on another perspective, you were only trying to help, both you and that person know it. More often that not, it's the intention that most overlooked rather than the consequence.

It all ultimate boils down to the positive intent. Keep whatever you can control and hit your best and whatever is not within your control aside. Probably, it will makes you feel much better

Journey

In life, nothing is smooth-sailing. It’s like a journey on a boat. Sometimes, you have the sun, smooth sea for you to sail around with the shore just within sight, on the other hand, at times, you hit the unwanted thunderstorm, waves (be it huge or small) and everything seems to be going against the direction you are heading. There are moments in life when it is easy but there are also difficult times where you have to reach deep inside to see if it’s worthy.

At times, one might ask, what in this world is beautiful actually? Is there even anything worth living for? What on earth are we working towards or for? Ultimately, is it even down to the word 'love'? Life may at times seem to be filling your heart with anger, grief, pain and sadness; so much as that we would think it’s the end of the world. At times, all those negative emotions are triggered by people, but not because people you hate but simply because it’s just someone you love or loves you. They say that love is not an action, but it’s an attitude instead – giving, not receiving; sharing, not hoarding; believing, not doubting; feeling, not thinking; forgiving, not grieving.

Even in smooth sailing journey, we tend to be forced to make changes to our course of journey too, either we are forced or we simply have to. Either way, we either accept it or reject it. Spreading out all the pros and cons, definitely, it's not hard to see which one weighs out over the other. When uncertainty looms right ahead, time seems to be your only best friend. Likewise, rushing into things can only cause things to backfire.

Even for myself, being accepting towards changes aren't easy, not when i already had a mindset or perception instill in my mind long before. But i guess it's all part and parcel of life. Even now, there are changes that i didn't believe i would accept be it in any aspect - family, work, studies, relationship, all because i never believe, but i'm glad the first move was made and most importantly, it's all about making do and out of the best of whatever we have right now.

In life, not everything we do or say is right, but mainly only based on what we think they are. I guess we just have to find and strike the balance between that thin fine line. Easy or not, it's seriously only a matter of CHOICE

You'll Be Ok!

The fact that we are only mortals
We tend to build life with principles
But life is just too unpredictable
Making us realise what's also vunerable

A Fruitful Trip To Taipei [22 May - 28 May] - Day 3

Day 3 started of brightly! As brightly as the sun shines upon us the moment we get ourselves all dressed well for some very 'nature' itinerary that day. Thankfully and luckily, weather is on our side when we most desperately needed it.

It's a casual and relaxing day we foresee and off we walk around in slippers to our very first stop which is Beitou. One of the many places in Taiwan well known for their hot spring, much research was done pre-tour, which really comes in handy.

One thing good about Taipei, or even the whole of Taiwan is that, they are very well connect and easily accessible. Either by train or bus. Especially for their train network, i just got to praise it. It's very clearly and informative. Even at stations itself, clear signs in both Traditional Chinese and English are both available, even maps of the surrounds of the station can be found on board and stands located at various part of the station, therefore, in no time, we reached Xin-BeiTou station.

Decided on Beauty Age Hotel and starting our brisk walking there. On our way, it's nature and landscape. Upon reaching, we started changing and off we went into the hot spring. All 6 of us with one room exclusively to us, with three differents pool of different minerals and temperature. It's funny how Peng tried to endure the heat in the water and how MY enjoyed in the exact same water as well. The hot spring reminds me of the ones in Hokkaido and definitely for sure, hot springs never failed to make me feel so calm, relaxed and energized.

Home cooked food it seems, was our lunch. I could still remember the fish served to me by one nice lady, preparing the food single-handedly by herself, somehow, it has the taste of home, which kind of reminds me how our mum would cooked all 3 meals a day for us. I'm glad i managed to taste different food with different taste so far in Taipei and i'm loving it, and of course, with lots of anticipation of more to come!

One regret i felt though was the geothermal hell valley. I felt bad for not planning it properly. In the end, the girl was rather disappointed not being able to visit, even though after that, attempts was made to go back there, but decided to call of because it's just so out of the way. =(

Sunglasses was my best friend that day as the sun continues to shines brightly upon us. Surprisingly, the weather wasn't hot. It's a very kind weather that we all love. From there, we took a bus journey to YangMingShan. This long bus trip took a toll from Peng, who ended feeling quitr groggy through the rest of the day. Somehow, i feel that when you are in foreign land, at times, you just close and follow through. We landed ourself into confused state before eventually, some cab driver offered to drive up up the hill for a nominal fee. We did, eventually, anyway.

Up there, it's a totally different feeling. It's that kind of super relaxed and beautiful scene and atmosphere. Nothing like that you can find back in Singapore. We were simply wowed. The flowers blooms nicely, together with the beauty of the nature, even the windy, cooling weather up there. Everyone started camwhoring and taking photos of all sorts and kinds.

Nearing the end, popped a little surprise for the girl with the flower. Somehow, it was a nervus one. Anyway, it put that beautiful smile on her and off everyone went, yet again, camwhoring. This is probably one of the best place we've ever visited throughout the entire trip and it's seriously not difficult to see why.

It's a long way at the bus which was rather my first time waiting for a bus at such a bus stop, some sort like those makeshift ones. We proceeded to DanShui and again, it's another place altogether. Famous for their Iron Eggs, we went wee wow over them and started shopping for local products the moment we popped into the first shop. After some shopping, we started our feasting.

It's so fun feasting among the 6 of us. I wished it's even more fun like 食字路口. Nevertheless, we had our own fun. One of us would buy any food that we like, and we'll just start sharing. One after one, we tasted all of them and it's obvious that very evening, the Wild Boar Sausage was the reigning champion! Oh, i could still drool over it. I was still talking about it with the girl yesterday, how we can and would just buy one air ticket to fly there and eat all the food that we loved...and miss.

Went to the lover bridge and turned out it's was rather disappointing. But true enough, all around it, are mostly just lovers and couples. We didn't stayed long there and not along after, by then, Peng already had his life half gone and decided to go back first after having his puke and flaunting it around on the street.

ShiLin Night Market, the market we heard so much of. We went goo-goo-gah-gah over it. Clothes however was the primary focus as we scan through shops after shops, stall after stalls. Time was our foe. So much so that i didn't even buy a single food from there! ANGRY!!! I swear the next time i am back in Taipei, i'll flip and scan the entire market and find that food street which i missed! Awww......regrets....=(

要有...

要有度量容忍不可以改变的事、要有勇气改变可以改变的事、要有智慧去区分这两件事

A Fruitful Trip To Taipei [22 May - 28 May] - Day 2

Day 2 arrived with much anticipation and er...surprise. Rain welcomed us early in the morning. It doesn't trouble us much as we thought, all because we were armed with umbrella. But it proved to be uselss because the rained not only poured, it dampen our excited mood. Nevertheless, both me and the girl were good to make good out of the bad. I put on my cap, whereas she finally 'equipped' herself with the straw hat which travelled miles together with her.
Breakfast was nice with toasted bread on the menu. Everyone got up early and met up, and so, we had our very first breakfast in Taipei. Nicest in the house goes to the toast the girl was having - peanut toast. Peanut so thick and rich, it makes me drool while typing this very sentence.

We brought out MRT cards along which we managed to get it free back Singapore where me and the girl scout for the Visitor Association of Taiwan located in Shenton Way area. Back in XiMenDing station, we dished out our cards, topping it up and off we go for our first train ride in Taipei.

I must praise the manners of the locals as well as the proper systematic way of operating. Something Singaporeans should learn, especially for SMRT Operators. Not only are the locals courteous, they queues for train even. I must say all of us were very impressed. They even have seats on train specially for needy people and trust me, no one will take those seat even if there aren't any needy people around. Such a contrary with the locals, totally changed my impression of them. Thumb ups as i started to feel ashamed being a typical Singaporean. No wonder MY mentioned '情人味', oops, i mean '人情味' to describe such environment in Taipei.

'Cats and Dogs' continued to haunt us as we had difficult moving around. Slowly, we made our way to SOGO. Nothing interesting, it's just like another Takashimaya to us basically.

Lunch's at Hello Kitty Sweets. Something which the girls were looking forward. Interestingly, the concept was very 'Hello Kitty'. Pinkish wallpaper, decor fill the restaurant, making it very princessy. The girls felt like princesses, the guys felt like er...guys. Food on the other hand, was only so-so, apart from the appearance of the food which wow-ed us. Cute little creative designs on the food simply and that's about it.

Hello Kitty Sweets
Address: Taipei, Da An District, Da An Road Street 1, No 90

Tel: (02) 2711-1132

Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10pm

Rain comes and goes and we continued our day to the much awaited WuFenPu commercial district they called it, where it's supposed to be paradise for the ladies. Turned out, i became the one with more loots while the poor girl suffering from her tummy upset had little to enjoy. Much thanks to the rain, we didn't enjoyed the whole process of shopping @ WuFenPu and we went on the grumble on the weather and mentioned how we can squeeze one more day to pay a visit to this supposedly wonderful shopping paradise again. Indeed, there are tons of clothes being sold here, much more even repeated. Therefore, should you bought something already and if you chanced it at the other shop again, DO NOT ask the price, if not, high chance is you might be disappointed. Oh well, this happens. I'm glad i bought my coat there at a price so cheap i couldn't resist. Probably one of the best buy out of the entire Taipei trip i had.

That's something about life. Shit (the entire day of pouring day) doesn't last forever, and when shit happens, things can only get better. It couldn't be more true - we had our dinner at 胡须张卤肉饭. Definitely the best food we had ever eaten out of the entire Taipei Trip. Sadly, it's such a pity that we only had it once. It's not even something very expensive. Imagine, 50 cents for a bowl of rice, toppled with nice braised gravy with streaks of thinly fine fats. One word - awesome to describe that heavenly taste. So nice, i nearly ate 3 bowls of it. I wished i could have more, but my tummy had to be spared just in case i spotted some even nicer food later on, which ultimately in the end, never came.

It's onward to RaoHe Night Market. The rain that has be hindering our movement whole day decided to turn voilent and pour harder than ever. So heavy that Raohe Night Market seems so dull with lots of stalls closed. Plus the tireness we gathered from the entire day, we decided to reside back into our hotel rooms early and cab back!

Back in XiMenDing, we scouted supper to satisfy our 'always hungry' tummies. Our most visited stall was the roadside stall where they had nice oyster omelette, so nice i ate at least once a day. Plus the yummy carrot cake and soup, which ended our day 2, just like that.

A Fruitful Trip To Taipei [22 May - 28 May] - Day 1

Finally, i get to post another blog and probably one of the most detailed i've ever done. It was such an enjoyable trip and i could not bear not to do so. It shall served as a reference as well as a wonderful memorable experience to me and i shared with everyone why. I shall blog it in 7 parts, one for each day, so keep checking back guys.

The day i've been waiting for since months ago, finally arrived. It was a hectic rush that very day as i struggled to get myself a taxi to Choa Chu Kang. Oh well, shit happens. This always happens. Some things just doesn't go your way when you most needed it. Anyway, LRT does the job, under huge reluctance on my side.

My first time travelling from Home to Airport carrying such a huge luggage. The girl and i went gaga over our luggage and apparantly, our luggage seems to be the biggest among our nice travel companions. 2nd hectic rush came when we realise we have less then 10 mins to rush to the departure gate which ultimately, turned out to be a scare actually.

We were smart enough to 'try' to satisfy our hunger before the flight, although the food turned out to be so not yummy (maybe because we were already thinking of the yummy food in Taipei already) that our hunger persist. Nevertheless, our resistence serve us well on board the flight after watching some nice drama by the coconut (a name i give to some kuku). As childish as one can be, he almost ruin our trip by almost causing our flight to be re-route back to Singapore, all of two stupid reasons. First was the emergency exit seat which cost just $30 and he was making a huge fuss over it, second was wanting the air stewardess to apologise to him for being rude. Talking about being rude, i can still remember how he was shouting out so loudly as though he was crying. One word, pathetic. Anyway, he chose to be obedient eventually and guess he expected just as much, he was escorted by the police as soon as we reach TaoYuan International Airport.

Our transfer from the Airport to FutureStar Hotel (@ XiMenDing) was awesome. Never once have i tried such service. All along, taxi or hotel transfer seems to be the only mode of transport i would like between the airport and hotel. Mr Chen changed my perception totally. He was so good in his service that i would strongly recommend for people who travel to Taipei. Simply drop him your hotel, your dates and number of passengers and oh boy, he will welcome you warmheartedly (holding your signboard with your name and flight number until you appear, so don't pang seh him)

Taipei Transfer Service
Name: Mr Ian Chen
Contact no (Taipei): 0958-396-838
Email: jazzlife838@yahoo.com.tw

The moment the van drives us pass the city lights of Taipei, we can already feel the fun we are going to have for the upcoming days. The flashing of the neon lighted signboards, the changing colour of the walking man on the traffic lights, the so unfamiliar commoners on the street etc further affirms my conscious self that i've arrived into a country thousands kilometres away from Singapore.

We arrived into XiMenDing rather fast, thanks to Mr Chen and we checked into FutureStar Hotel. Sourced by Choon Peng. Our impression was not good of it initially, all because of the things i had to put up with through experience with the receptionist. I gave them names 'affectionately' - Victoria and Secrets (after learning they both work on two different shifts). Should they both work on the same shift, you'll probably know what is going to happen.

The hotels rooms are generally clean and nice. Although it's more of a budget hotel, their room aren't lacking in any other aspect. Double sized bed, Television, Bathtub, Flask, Tea bags etc. Moreover, it cost us a cheap NT$1480 per room per night, with several days in discount even. It's definitely worth the money, and oh boy, the location of this hotel, simply superb. Right outside within minutes of walk, you could see yourself land in Exit 6 of XiMenDing MRT Station. I like this hotel and definitely i'll go back to them should i re-visit Taipei in future.

Future Star Hotel
Tel: (02) 2375-5500 / (02) 2375-5229
Website: http://www.futurestarhotel.com.tw/

And so, it was our 'first hand' in Taipei. We visitied XiMenDing in search for Modern Toilet Restaurant. Heard so much about it back in Singapore and finally, we are searching it ourselves, abit unbelievable. But, the roads in Taipei are kind of confusing given our first day there and we had a hard time finding it. Thanks sweetness for the girl to concern my tummy, and that was where i found my favourite 鸡扒 in Taipei. Probably, the nicest I've eaten in Taipei.

Not long after, our temporary reservation @ the restaurant was ready and there we hit, camwhoring with the toilet bowls and gigantic ice cream cone before hitting the menu at the 2nd floor. Food was only a so-so, disappointing quite a few of us. Probably, it's more of paying for the concept of the restaurant which was rather cool - sitting on covered toilet bowls, dining in 'toilet bowls' as well as drinking from 'urinals'. Best of all, we ate 'dung' and mine was served in a large toilet bowl where the girl managed to catch a torturous shot of that moment. However, i love that dessert.

Modern Toilet Restaurant
Address: 2F, No 7, Lane 50, XiNing South Road, Taipei City
Tel: (02) 2311-8822
Website: www.moderntoilet.com.tw
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11.30am to 10pm / Weekends 11am to 10pm

After dinner, it was just a casual walk around XiMenDing, trying to get ourselves into the mood as well as preparing for our next 6 days in Taipei. Rain came but wasn't enought o dampen our mood as we hit high anticipation to welcome the upcoming days. That night, was probably a sweet nice as i managed to sprinkle some surprise for the girl. It was a long awaited feeling as i close my eyes and fell asleep for the very first time in Taipei.

Smile, Strength, Brave

The days are already beginning
Pressure and stress will slowly be seen
Moving on seems like the only mean
Gotta find one's motivation to keep on going

The recent weather can really rearrange
A moment it's sunny next it's pouring rain
Ironically that's how humans can change
A minute of joy can just turn into pain

It takes time to learn and absorb
Especially when it's not an easy new job
Its never me to let the white towel drop
Brighter days ahead are awaiting to pop

Just Take Care Of My Eyes Please.....