7 Eleven

What is it about 7-11? It is a date to watch out for! You will know when you launch the video...

Haha, by now, you all are most probably laughing your heads off and thinking, it's MQ at work once again. Yeah man folks! Haha set the date down! ;p

NZ Adenture - New Plymouth

I was coaxed by Mr Low into driving to New Plymouth from Rotorua on the promise of snowy scenic mountain views. After 5 hours drive, a movie at an old school cinema and a night's sleep at a pub with freaky bathroom (green tiles and shower curtains that reminds you of a potential murder scene in a typical movie) and springy bed, I woke up in great anticipation of a snowy mountain view that boasts of beauty like Mt Fuji.

Guess what I saw?

Where is the mountain?!?! This looks more like a tropical garden! What the!?!?

Being the glass half full kind of person, the only great takeaway from New Plymouth is....

SUSHI NINJA! Seriously, who would have thought ulu New Plymouth would have a great Japanese eatery?! Apparently, this eatery is set up by a Japanese couple who loved surfing and migrated to New Plymouth a few years ago.


Check out the yummy bento sets! We had dinner at Sushi Ninja the night before and I requested to eat this before we set off! Totally mouth watering! But seriously, to drive 5 hours to eat Jap food is RIDICULOUS!

Point to note: Never believe Mr Low when he tells you that there is snowy scenic view. Tsk tsk.

NZ Adventure - Taupo

New Zealand is a country greatly blessed by God. The spectrum of varying landscapes found here is amazing - subterrenean caves, rolling green hills, boiling thermal land, thick forests, snow-capped mountains, lakes and rivers. Geographical features which one would expect to find across lands of different climates can all be located here. It is as if New Zealand is God's creation palette or portfolio.

Given the land's diversity, lots of towns are situated around natural wonders in order to thrive on tourism. While Rotorau is famous for spas and thermal wonderlands, Taupo is known for Waikato River and Lake Taupo. Arriving at Taupo in mid-day, Mich and I decided to take a drive down to Huka Falls. There the sheer volume of Waikato River is squeezed through a narrow gorge and over a short drop. Inevitably, the huge amount of water gushing through the gorge shoots out over a distance to form a beautiful sapphire-emerald pool. Walking on the riverside walk, I paused several times to stare dumbfounded at the ever-swirling and ever-foaming water.

A little distance away from Huka Falls is the Huka Falls Prawn Park. Compared to the over-crowded, production-line-like prawning avenues in Singapore, this place is way better. Here families sit on the grass by strips of water and enjoy an outdoor prawning experience. One can fish for as long as one likes and the park will cook the catch for free. There is also an alfresco restaurant specialising in prawn menus. Mich and I didn't participate in the prawning though as we were on a tight schedule this trip. On our way back to our hostel, we stopped by a small hill to take in the scenary and caught the below sight. Here's my amateur attempt at a haiku (3-line Japanese poem):

The autumn breeze brings
a veil of soft rain

and an drop of coloured sunlight

Compared to prawning, Mich and I were more eager to try out the famed trout fishing at Lake Taupo. On our second day of stay here, we rented a small boat and rode the waves to the centre of the lake. According to our captain, Lake Taupo is larger than Singapore and has a trout population of 3 million. Although locals and tourists are free to fish the trouts, there is a law which requires trouts below a certain length to be released. Additionally, each person is only allowed a certain number of catches per day. New Zealanders really live harmoniously with nature, something which we have no opportunity to appreciate back home.

Within a few minutes, our captain taught us how trout fishing aboard a boat works. Basically much of the activity is automated, you let the fishing line into the water and place your rod in a holder. Then you wait for the anticipated twitching of the fishing rod. When that happens, you reel in the line and struggle a bit with the trout. Frankly speaking, I'm more of a process-focused person than a results-oriented person. Though this method of trout fishing is without fuss and effective, I find it too automated. It is enjoyble still but I would have preferred if there is more hands-on and technique involved. It just wasn't challenging enough for me to feel extremely proud of my catch. Mich, on the other hand, finds automated trout fishing very comfortable and thus, very enjoyable. Guess she's the kind of person who prefers taking in a beautiful sunset from the inside of a air-conditioned beach cafe.

Nonetheless, trout fishing - highly recommended to-do activity in New Zealand. The feeling of a fat catch in your hand is amazing. After we got off our boat, the captain helped to arranged for our trouts to be smoked and sealed. We then obtained an insulator bag from a supermarket and stored the trouts in it. For the remainder of the holiday, we carried the trouts from town to town in our car and transfer them to fridges at hostels whenever we can. Much later, when I returned to Singapore, I made trout cream out of the smoked trout and served them with crackers. Really excellant tasting. Best cream crackers I've ever eaten.

NZ Adventure - Rotorua

How else but to end off the night with a hot spring bath? Especially when it is 1 for 1! ;) This is Mr Low's virgin attempt on soaking hot spring. The apprehensive look on his face when he first heard that we are going for this activity sent chills down his spine!

At the mud pool, it was smelly as hell. For a moment, I felt we were acting out Shrek in real life, applying mud on each other's faces and bodies as if we are ogres enjoying mud like kids enjoy candies. Haha but for the love of smooth complexion, we generously slapped layers of mud after layers to our faces and bodies.

After 30 mins of soaking in hot mud, we were told to rinse our brownie bodies with ice cold water before we hop into the mineral water spring to chill under the starry night.

This is our humble hostel. Cheap and clean! Friendly people, nice environment. I would recommend it to anyone who is going to Rotorua!

Now, how can we not visit the thermal village in Rotorua which is famous! The pictures speaks a thousand words! Check them out!

Looks like your lime juice, eh? Tsk tsk...

Haha, this picture has Mr Low in a very weird posture. How come he has to put his hand so funnily, like he's flying? But then again, I guess everyone who is busking in my company will feel as though they are on cloud nine? Haha.

More cheesy shots to remember our NZ holiday!

Ain't this just majestic? Mind you, these are piping hot pools which can kill you the moment you fall into them. In some of the commentaries of some pools, there are actually myths of women who are actually killed in these pools due to some crappy soap opera content which I cannot remember anymore. Haha.

Now now, what's with that act cute pose?

Woohoo! Check out all that smoke! Perfect shot!

Check out my stylo pink hat and red berms, each for under AUD$5! Bargain man! Haha.

More holidays to come! Woohoo! Say Cheese everyone! ;p

Do you see me fuming? Haha!

Check out the limestone that has resided in the caves.

What's with that serious look on Mr Low's face? I think he still looks like a joker.

After checking out the thermal village, we decided to make full use of the discount coupons and check out the Rainbow trout park. The park boasts rainbow trouts (seems like something unique in NZ) and some other funny animals.

Did you see that disgusting gecko? One look at it and my goosebumps appears!


Ohh nice blue skies and green pastures. Throughout the entire drive which we have driven so far, NZ is surrounded by splendid nature pictures which any mediocre camera can capture and yet turn out to be a wonderful shot. That's how beautiful NZ is.

For now, we hit the road again, bringing along with us nice memories of our NZ adventures thus far, and looking forward to more action!

NZ Adventure - Waitomo Glow-Worm Cave

After a restful night at Auckland, it was finally time for us to embark on our adventure. Driving southwards, our destination was the famous Waitomo Glow-worm Cave - almost certain to be the first destination of any visitor coming to North Island due to its proximity to Auckland. The drive in New Zealand's countryside was a program in itself as there was never a boring sight in the immerse and beautiful landscape of rolling hills and green plains.

Upon reaching the cave, we signed up for a guided group tour. Our expert tour guide was an atheletic lady who seemed to be native to the land. She provided us with informative commentary on the cave's historical and geological significance as we walked slowly down into the bowels of the earth. Majestic and ornate limestone formations lined the cave's ceilings - sculpted by Nature's own patient hands. As I admired the otherworldly beauty of the Waitomo Cave, I marvelled at how distant I am from the office life back home.

Soon, we came to a night-black underground river known as the Waitomo River. We carefully got onto a paddle boat and ventured deeper into the cave on water. The gentle rocking motion of the boat and the pitch darkness made me restful and only sheer curiosity kept me from closing my eyes.

Suddenly, an explosion of starry sky greeted us. There were thousands of tiny glow-worms on the top of the cave creating a myriad of living blue lights. These "stars" don't actually twinkle, but as we sail down the river, the shifting curves of the dome above us made them seem like they do. The entire experience was a vision of us floating through Milky Way.

The Waitomo Caves mark the first of many wonders which we will visit in New Zealand but it's ethereal beauty was unlike any other. One day, I hope to return to this place again.

NZ Adventure - Auckland

Finally, after what seemed like a long endless wait, my NZ trip was finally taking place! The night before was occupied with packing and ensuring that I had all the documents I required and that I would not miss my flight! Somehow, it felt funny that I was gonna meet Mr Low after nearly half a year. But what can I say except that I'm looking forward to it? :D

The plan was for him to meet me at the Melb airport before we head on the same flight to Auckland! Being cheapo, I decided to walk to the train station to take the shuttle bus to the airport. Dragged my baggage and walked for 30mins! Wahlau eh! Was sweating like a pig man! On the way to the airport, I was getting more and more excited. It's as though this isn't a dream no more! NZ here I come!

When I eventually reached the airport, I was eagerly looking out for Mr Shiny Head coming out of the arrival gates. Batches and batches of people emerged from the gate, except the very one that I was looking out for. :(

Tick tock tick tock...Time was running out! It was time to check in for our Auckland flight but Mr Low was still nowhere in sight and he isn't picking up his phone! Oh man oh man!

Just as I was giving some China couple directions, viola! Mr Low called! Suddenly, I felt immense tension and excitement as I walked to meet him. Hee! A polite handshake later, we were reunited once again! :D

Our adventure was finally taking off! A cuppa kopi and 2.5 hours later, we found ourselves in Auckland! Woohoo! Our first task was to collect our car and head off to our accommodation! Hee, exploring the element of the unknown with Mr Low is something I enjoy cause it's fun and interesting!

Initially, I was quite apprehensive about the car rental company that we rented our car from. But when we collected the vehicle, it was a relatively new Toyota Corolla! Woohoo! It's party time! ;p

As usual, Mr Low was the navigator while I was the ahmad. I booked us this economical accommodation for the night! Hee, hopefully it is good!

Tadah! It wasn't too bad, eh? Though it wasn't as fantastic as I wanted it to be. But oh well, you can't have it all in life right? ;p

All was well, until.......

Oh man! All was well until I entered the toilet and looked at the floor! Oh man oh man! How to bath like that?!?! -_-

So how did I bath? Haha, with my slippers on! Keke! So glad that it's just for a night man! If not, I scared all those fungus will grow on my body instead sia! Haha.

I'm sure you all must be wondering why are there so little pictures! Well, that's cause:

1. Auckland is a boring place and has nothing much to show
2. We were too busy watching TV and eating!

Hee, next up will be Rotorua and the Waitomo Caves! Stay tuned! ;)

Close shave with death

Today is one of the days where I feel very thankful for being alive.

I encountered a close shave with death due to reckless driving from an irresponsible driver. In Melbourne city, there is a unique traffic rule called the 'hook turn'. Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_turn for more details.

So when the traffic light went red, I got ready to perform my hook turn, when a car from behind who was going straight (the driver was supposed to stop given the red light) zoomed past me at top speed. If I had not double checked that there was no more cars, if I had just turned, the car which was whizzing past would have crashed full impact on my side of the car. At the speed he was travelling, I am pretty sure I would be seriously injured.

Yishan was so pissed that she kept cursing and swearing. It was only moments later when I was alone and had the time to think straight that I realised how lucky I am. What a close shave I had, and I thank God for keeping me safe.

Mardi gras

Yet another spontaneous chatting session resulted in us heading to Sydney to attend the Mardi Gras event! Basically it is this gay parade that happens annually and Hot Babe has been wanting to attend it ever since last year. So here we are, striking one more off our to do list for our secondment!

Due to our cheapo-ness, we decided to take the first flight to Sydney which sets off at 6+ in the morning. Yes, guess what? SHIT HAPPENED! Both Yishan and I didn't manage to wake up in time! I woke up 10 minutes before our flight. Yishan? She didn't even wake up! And Lionel who was supposed to wake me up forgot to call! Oh man oh man!

The only thing I could think of was what our Sydney friends are going to say to us when they see us once again. :'(

Unwillingly, we have made ourselves legends once again! Boohoo...Off we head to Avalon airport to see what we can do to get ourselves on the next flight to Sydney!

1 hour later and $140 poorer, Sydney here we come!

Oh man! Our cheapo-ness cost us big time! :'(

Look at this kuku sleepy head! She's still in the mood to sleep!

After endless mocking by our friends over lunch at Sydney fish market, we headed to my first Wii session at Eugene's place! Oh man! Imagine my excitment when we played Beijing Olympics and tennis! I liki!

Us at Mardi Gras! Honestly, it was like a chingay parade! Maybe that's where the name Chingay came about. Chinese gay parade! Haha.

What can I do at night after all our activities? Wii time! Haha, I spent my entire weekend playing Wii with Horng Yuh and Hazel into the wee hours of the night, sweating and running around the house.

Oh man, I love Wii! But life is not without repurcussions. Being a Wii fanatic has its consequences! I spent the entire weekend aching over my over exertion of muscles. But it was hell load of fun! ;P

Sharing Some Cheese...

Our Song

Go and catch a falling star,
Or lie under a jeweled sky,
Tell me, where you are,
And I will journey till I find,
That I hold you in my arms,
That I'm lost again in your charms.

If you have to fly away from me,
For ten thousand days and nights,
To a continent beyond the sea,
Where you will see strange sights,
Promise, that when you return,
You will tell me all in turn.

Most of all, tell me that you reminisce,
Despite the thrills and the land's beauty,
Tell me that you deeply miss,
The love that awaits you across the sea,
And it's me your every thought will be,
Whenever you count to one, two, three.

Happy anniversary, Deario. This poem is written for you, the true love of my life. May time speed us till the day you're back for good again. Till then, know that my heart is with you in Aussie.

A sense of yearning...

As I sit on the sofa couch in my apartment, awaiting dawn to break, I can't help but feel a sense of yearning.

It has been a series of early nights, waking up in the wee hours of the night when the whole world is asleep.

During times like this, I like the peace and tranquility. Yet at the same time, I feel a deep sense of loneliness. As I see the mist mesmerising the skyscrapers from the window view of my room, Coldplay's song appears in my mind. Home, home, is where I wanted to go.

Entrance into the mid 20s club...

I spent my birthday working and attending CA focus session after work. It was only till 9pm did I have dinner with some friends at a Italian restaurant I chose which served disappointing food. Talk about being wise with each passing year and you know it apparently doesn't apply to me.

However, a couple of things happened that touched me a great deal.

• I received a card from a friend that was totally unexpected.
• I also received a cake from a friend all the way from Singapore. This was really a surprise.
  
• I got smses from friends back home
• I received a call from a friend just to wish me happy birthday
• I got an e-card from a friend
  
• My parents called just to wish me happy birthday
  

As I sat down and thought about all these people who made the effort to make my day, I can't help but feel blessed. And I got to admit that I am lacking in this aspect.

Despite feeling lonely, I thank God for the little things that truly matters.

THANK YOU ALL, FOR REMEMBERING :)

Daylesford getaway!

Now that we have sort of settled down into our apartment and life was getting a tad bit boring with studying and our mundane life in general, Hot babe and I decided to venture down to Daylesford, the county famous for its mineral springs and spa in Victoria.

A couple of hours of driving and we found ourselves in spa land, hungry and tired. So we do what we do best. FEAST! Haha! But before that, we gotta check out some places and take some stylo pics of course! ;D

Hee, some duckies and me. Quack quack...

More duckies and goose!

Us by the lakefront! It was a serene place with a couple of lakefront houses. But somehow, don't you think the background makes you feel as though a water monster is gonna pop out anytime?

Ha, now our stomachs were really making funny noises, so it's time to head to the restaurant! Yay!

Me eagerly awaiting the arrival of our set lunch! But of course, some wine to start off!

Cheers people!

Now now, this was the antipastio platter. It is like the western version of the cold dish plate which we serve in a Chinese wedding banquet. On the contrary, the taste sucked big time! :(

Finally, the food has arrived! Now, it only has to taste good!

Haha finally she smiles and you wonder why! Look at the plate! ;)

After filling our stomachs, we decided to check into our stylo hostel and rest for abit due to the rain. Our accommodation for the night - YHA hostel! Haha, 1 of my fav recommendations due to my shoestring budget and economical nature.

But this hostel looks pretty bad on the outside. Ha, we can't even recognise it when we were driving! We drove and drove, but our hostel was nowhere in sight! So we stopped by and inquired, only to realise that our hostel looked like a dilapidated house from the outside! -jaw drops- The look of worry on Yishan's face was hilarious and all she did was niam niam niam on how cheapo I was in a bid to save $. But LOOK!

Heng sia, inside actually looks decent. If not, I can so imagine being bashed up by Yishan. Haha see who that is in my hand? Now, how can a trip be without xiaobai? ;)

So we rested, and decided to head to town to chill and have an early dinner so we can catch a show later!

Stumbled into a vintage retro store while browsing the town centre. I really ain't a shopping gal man. Haha, I need a sofa every now and then, definitely!

We heard that this chocolate cafe was quite famous in Daylesford, so of course we must give it a go! Haha.

I tell you, shopping really makes people tired. So what do you do when you are exhausted? You go for a cuppa kopi! Haha, at one of the famous chocolate cafes in Daylesford! Woohoo!

What can I say? It was a blessing in disguise that we greedy kias decided to have an early dinner. Just after we took away our fish and chips pack, the entire town blacked out due to the continuous rain and floods! What can I say man? Sibeh heng ah!

The smirk on Yishan's face is enough to reveal how thankful we are, being able to enjoy ourselves whilst the others sitting in cafes and restaurants are left there waiting and waiting with the empty promises of food. Tsk tsk.

We thought that the blackout was only gonna last for a couple of hours. Little did we know that it might last for the entire night! So what did we do? We showered in candlelight, chatted with some elderly in the kitchen and slept early! What a way to end the night!

It is finally daylight! Look at our faces when we realised that it was time to get home to civilised Melbourne city where floods and blackouts rarely take place! But before that, we gotta go check out some of the attractions and feast again before we leave!

This place is called 'The Nunnery'! Haha. Looks like a church on the outside but is actually a restaurant cum tourist attraction!

Next up! Farmer's Restaurant! Recommended by the locals!

Hot babe's selection of erm, let's see, duck? Haha. That's the downside of blogging when it's too late, you can't remember a thing!

Some wine to start off the fine dining experience! Hee, what's new right? We are always either feasting or drinking! ;p

The greedy gal and her food. What more do we need to say? Haha.

Oh man! Look at all those moo moos! They must be eaten! NOW!

Not wanting to allow last night's rain and blackout to dampen our weekend getaway, we decided to hike down Daylesford's amazing waterfall and have a look for ourselves on how great it actually is! There you go!

This is the waterfall that we drove about 30mins from the town centre to. Ha, and that was about one of the few attractions in Daylesford. Oh man...What can I say? Haha.

Overall, it was a relaxing weekend with lots of unexpected happenings! But what can I say? SHIT HAPPENS! ;P