I have to interrupt my holiday blog posts, and blog about this item I read on the Guardian.
The excerpt below particularly caught my attention…
Visa problems
Goa’s British residents also feel that getting or renewing an Indian visa has become much more difficult since the UK government reversed its visa policy towards highly skilled migrants from India two years ago. New Delhi, they believe, is playing tit for tat. “They’ve got us like a puppet on a string,” said Tracy. “My whole life depends on my visa. But if you have a British passport, at best you get a one-year visa. And to get it renewed you’ve to keep flying back to London, and beg on bended knees. Even then they make you feel you’ve done something wrong.”
They don’t know shhhh about Visa problems! No idea what the rest of the world has to go through!
So day two of my trip started with me waking up to a room smelling like I had a smoker for a roommate. I wasn’t happy about that specially because I specified that I wanted a double bed, which I didn’t get (let that slide) and I specified a non-smoking room/floor, didn’t get that either. I was determined not to let things get to me and just enjoy what I could.
I went to have my first swim. At 7 am it was deserted. I was quite happy that I had the place to myself, only there were no life guards, no hotel staff in the area — nothing! It kind of freaked me out (28 Days Later-esque). I wandered around the area, looking where I could change and get a towel. I found the changing rooms eventually, but still no towels. I manage to spot some towels in the gym (that too was deserted), but when I unfolded the towel it was slightly bigger than a hand towel. I guess that’ll do, better than nothing, I thought. After a few laps (widthwise and not lengthwise — the pool beautiful as it may be, freaked me out), I towelled myself off and rested on the lounge chairs. I then saw a fellow guest pull out a proper sized towels in a glassed cabinet at the pool-side bar. I eventually got up, took my stuff and my bruised ego back to my room and got ready for breakfast.
After having a great breakfast, on my way up to my room, the concierge greeted me and asked me how everything was. I said everything was going great (and it was) but told him about the problem regarding the smell of the room. He asked me if I would like to be moved. I told him I would be very pleased if he could manage it. He returns to me to me and says “I can give you a new room Madame, how long will you need to pack?”. Fantastic! Within 15 minutes I was packed and moved to a new room. With no stench of smoke, a better view, but still — twin beds.
I decided that for day two I would go back to Orchard Road and spend the morning shopping. Only, I got out of the Orchard Rd Station, walked a few blocks and then it started to piss down with rain.
It went from this:
To this within minutes!
Not a good day to be wearing a skirt and sandals, the puddles of water make it hard for me to walk! Anyhoo, I managed to back track and seek shelter first in Massimo Dutti. I wanted to check it out anyway. I eventually had to leave that store because I was dripping all over the place! The only next place for me to seek shelter was a bleeding Starbucks! I was stuck in there for about an hour, waiting for the rain to calm down. I sat in there thinking, off all the bloody places to be stuck on a holiday! When the heavy rain turned into drizzles, I went back to Wheelock Place (from the day before). I wanted to have a better look at what shops were there and found that they had quite a few unique shops. Roaming the very cool conical building I went up the escalator, which was going up in a curving fashion. Way cool! I saw this shop called Snails, I was very tempted to get my nails done. It was different from going to your usual salon. Everything about it yelled - PAMPER! But my wallet yelled back - 75 SG DOLLARS?!?!!! Maybe next time…
The rain had stopped so I moved on to the next mall — Wisma Atria. Shops and more shops! Most of them were shops from London, enough to make you go insane! But I wasn’t winning in the shopping front, and I realized that it was time for lunch. I had heard about Food Republic, again from blogs. It’s basically a food court, only much nicer in my opinion. I couldn’t decide where to eat and what to eat. The queues were rather long, so I ended up having Unagi Maki… Not a Singaporean meal… but when you are tired and hungry, anything will do.
After a going in and out a few shopping centers, I ended up at Paragon. This became my favorite place in SG to shop and but mostly window shop. Most of the brands are high-end, but you do have a few non high-end brands. The best part is that it has one of my favorite shops in London — MUJI!!
Exploring Paragon, I ended up at the basement food court, which is where I was re-united with my childhood. There used to be a stall called Orange Julius in one of the supermarkets. And they had the best orange juice shake and hotdogs in town. There would always be queues. I decided to give it ago, wondering if it tasted like it did when I was a child. I hate to say it, but it did!
I left Paragon, and wondered off to another mall which I later found out was called The Heeren. There was a crowd gathered around a stage. I am not one to check these things out, but I saw this ‘woman‘ dancing to Madonna’s music. I realized that she was a guy. This sight made me laugh and amused for reasons I don’t know why. But I left and went into HMV, but then was drawn back out and realized it was a dance off.
There was something about the vibe of this event, that didn’t make me roll my eyes it like normally would. It was making everyone smile, it made me smile that’s for sure. Check out this young Indian guy’s feet! He dances like Michael Jackson!
I had left the Heeren and decided that today, apart from a few Muji purchases, was not a shopping day. Shopping for clothes in SG was hard, unless you are skeletal, clothes just don’t fit right. I had to throw in the towel (yes the one from this morning’s swim), and slowly call it a day. I was tired. But a happy tired. There was something about the vibe that afternoon that was just so lively but relaxed. I literally had a smile plastered on my face. Walking like a mad woman smiling for no reason. While walking, something else that I saw was was making me laugh.
There was a media crew walking a few paces ahead of me trying to get men to take off their shirts. For what reason or what they were promoting, I don’t have a clue. A few young men were quite willing to do so, and some walked away in embarrassment. But there was a middle age Turkish man who was approach and was only but willing to take his shirt off! It is only in London that I used to see this crazy and funny things on the street. I didn’t bother to wait to see him take his shirt off and I wasn’t planning to photograph it as well! So I entered one of the funkiest buildings on Orchard Rd…
It’s a place dedicated for tourist who wants any information about tourism in Singapore. What to do in the evenings, how to plan your holiday, booking for things, wall to wall of brochures and maps in different languages! Really smart.
I was really tired at this point, my feet were really killing me and I decided that I would take the taxi home. A new experience. I got a taxi within minutes. There is a part in Orchard Rd where taxi’s queue up to take passengers. I got in and told the driver where I was staying. I got a really nice taxi driver, he asked me if I was on holiday and asked me if I had been on the Singapore Flyer. I said, no but that I was planning to. And he replied by saying “What’s wrong with you! You are a very slow tourist!” hahahaha!!!! I responded by saying that I was a woman and that I did the shopping bit first. He gave me the most brilliant tip about going on the Singapore Flyer. He said, “Go at around 7 - 7:15 in the evening. It will still be daylight but by the time you reach the top you will have the reached the night view, so you get to see both day and night views”. That was really smart! He then whipped out his mobile phone and handed it to me and said “Here watch…” and it was a clip of when he was on the flyer!
While he drove he was gave me a bit of background about the area I was staying in, and I decided, that the rest of the evening, I would go around Tanjong Pagar and the Chinatown area. He dropped me off at the hotel, and earnestly wished me a great holiday.
I have been back for over a week now, and the holiday ‘hangover’ is sadly over. Gone are my mornings, waking up and having a dip in the pool, eating buffet breakfasts, and the concierge helping me plan my day and constantly being referring to as - Madame. Such decadence is so easy to get used to! This is why, I think I must begin blogging about my trip. Apart from sharing my experience, it will be a good way for me to relive the experiences all over again… sigh. Cue in daydream music.
Before I start reminiscing about my trip. I can’t stress enough how fantastic this holiday was. Thinking about it now, I wondered if I made it all up in my head or was it really that great? I don’t know if it was my granddad looking out for me or what… but everyday was perfect and nothing ever went wrong. I seriously wasn’t used to it. Even the weather was on my side! I seriously think it was Daddy. Ok now you can cue in daydream music.
The plane ride to Singapore was really annoying I must say. I got duped by these Fil women with regards to my seat. I sat through the first hour of the plane ride utterly crossed and had visions of beating the woman beside me with my book. But I managed to calm down and thought, yes Karma will take care of this — and Karma did instantly. My name is Monica. Thankfully, arriving in S’pore changed whatever bad taste I had at the start of my journey.
I arrive at Changi Airport and it feels like a cross between Hong Kong airport and Heathrow. Only, not as chaotic and crowded. You can’t help but feel really welcome in their country. There are information desks for you turn to, there are maps, and a ton of brochure for you to pick up to help you find your way around the city as well as what you can do in their city. Queueing at immigration, which is what I hate most about airports because they always make you feel like you are a criminal even if you aren’t one and then you start thinking of excuses of the imaginary crime you didn’t commit. However in this case, it wasn’t that way at all. It was extremely relaxed and no aggro, obviously they were firm but more on being professional rather than — “I know you have spent over a thousand dollars and have travelled 18 hours, but why should I let you in to my country!”. In this case, they even have a small bowl of mint for you at the immigration officer’s booth, should you need to freshen you breath when meeting the person waiting for you. Have I died and gone to heaven? Sensibility and Logic, is that you?! Civilization I have arrived!
After 5 minutes, I had collected my luggage and spotted the duty free perfume shop. My plane landed early, so I decided to have a look around. When I looked at a few items, the sales assistant approached me and asked me if I needed any help. I said that I was fine, and that I was just trying to compute how much it costs back home. She instantly whipped out a calculator which was connected to her somehow along with a kind smile. It was my first interaction with a Singaporean and already I was loving the place. After I had made my purchases (which was such a steal!), I asked her where the money changers were and where the MRT was located. She happily pointed it out to me and told me to enjoy my stay in Singapore.
There were only two money changer banks in the airport and they are side by side, just like my family friend advised me. I had a peep and both rates, and couldn’t suss out which was a better deal. I went with the one which had the most people. They changed my money and then I asked them, where I could buy a pre-paid mobile sim card (the hi card). They said that they sold them as well. So the next thing I know, I am handing over my phone to her, so that she can pop the sim in and she did all the activating for me. On top of all that, I got a very tasteful present from Singtel for loading my phone with them.
I walk out the airport and immediately I hear my friend call out my name. I didn’t expect her to be there, but it was kind of her to make the effort. First thing I did was get myself an EZ link card. It is pretty much like an Oyster card, only you don’t buy it weekly or monthly. You just load it with however much you want. And at the end of your trip, should you wish to give up your EZ link card, you get reimbursed SG$3 for it. We got on the MRT and it was over-ground for the first 15 mins of it. And I could see how different everything was from when I last there (many many years ago).
Tanjong Pagar Station, I have arrived! Coming out of the station it was a 5 min walk to my hotel. Check-in was straight forward. The hotel was what I had hoped for. The only disappointment was that, I really had hoped for a double bed instead of a twin. Bloody twin beds will be the bane of my life!! After I had settled down, it was time to go to Toa Payoh to get my laptop repaired. Getting to Toa Payoh by MRT was not a problem, however, getting to the shop was another story. We had to buy a bus guide because we didn’t know which bus stop to get off at. Even with a bus guide, it wasn’t easy. So we told the bus driver if he could please stop where we needed to be. Unfortunately, the bus driver completely forgot that he had to stop for us, and he had passed the bus station. He was laughing but said we should have reminded him! haha! What a silly goose! Anyway, we got off and walked back one bus stop and asked for directions. The place wasn’t scary, although it was at the back of beyond! They took in my laptop and it was time to get lunch or dinner.
We headed to Orchard Rd. It was nothing like I remembered it to be. Not really knowing where I wanted to go, I was really just taking everything in. We were both wilting from hunger and needing something to keep us going. So we stopped and had some ice cream. Only, it was not what I expected. It wasn’t on a cone, or a cup. But you could either have it in between white bread or in between wafers. Needless to say, I picked the latter one, and was adventurous enough to go with Durian flavour. It was my first taste of S’pore. Deee-lish!
Fantastic thing about Orchard Rd, is that along the whole stretch there are benches for you to sit on. So you can always rest in between mad shopping sprees. Or in my case, enjoy an ice cream.
Before leaving for S’pore, I had read pretty much the whole guide book, geekily studied the map of the city and had it pre-mapped in my head, made a list (sadly on excel) of the places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do and shops I wanted to go to. So I was pretty much oriented where things were. While walking we passed malls/shops that were on my list, I knew I’d have to go back on my own. I also knew we were close to Wheelock Place. I had wanted to check Borders and eat at the restaurant called Cedele. I had heard of Cedele from a Singaporean blogger.
I had a Lentil Spinach Burger with Chutney sauce. What I had was good, but not to die for. I perhaps didn’t order the right thing. At any rate, it was very interesting and perhaps I will go back soon and try something else.
After the whole adventure of the day, going around shops and having a lovely meal with my friend. It was time to call it a night (Btw, it was only starting to go dark at 7pm over there). It wasn’t too late, but I was starting to feel tired and I wanted to be rested for the next day.
On that note, I end this post. Until the next day, that I SIN…
If I am going to have my ‘Project Run Away’, I may as well do it in style. Though these are not the most comfortable shoes to run away in, they are dead sexy! The moment I tried these shoes on, I felt extremely powerful, my legs looked half their size and my posture changed. No wonder these shoes are a hit with women! It’s not only a height boost but also it’s an instant confidence boost. That is, until you start walking in them and fall, then you only get your ego bruised. But seriously, I would recommend them to any woman. Only, you have to find the right pair. I have tried quite a few of these, and I was put off by how distorted your feet get just to get them in, and then to find out you can’t even walk in them. But once you find the right pair, it is normal to feel a little pinch in the toe area, that should loosen. I haven’t worn mine yet, and they will need to be broken-in in time for P.R.A.
I have taken a break on food blogging, and started concentrating on getting my act together. So there will probably be a lot of existentialism going on instead. Step one is to take a much needed holiday in S’pore, as well as an opportunity to do some job hunting over there. I am quite excited to see Singapore again since I haven’t been back since I was 12. I am sure a lot has changed. But I do remember loving it, and being upset to be back.
Spent hours on Trip Advisor looking for a hotel but they didn’t give me much advise on my trip. It just confused me even more! I am trying to stick to a budget but when I checked the reviews on budget hotels, the feedback were really off putting. I know one hardly spends time in the hotel when on a holiday, but for me part of being on holiday is enjoying the experience of being in a nice hotel room as well. Not a dorm type. Also, it would be nice if your hotel had a pool for you to have a dip before you start your day and a safe in the room to leave your valuables.
I was pleased to not have to deal with visa matters for once, however, this searching for a decent hotel that meets my budget is becoming rather tedious now. I am going to have to check with travel agencies incase they can come up with a nice package rate for me. If not, I will have to increase the budget. Frick!
‘Project Run Away’ is on it’s way and I am looking forward to having some me time and of course the adventure of travelling alone again.
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Have you heard these songs… I can’t seem to get them out of my head. one — I love the vibe of this video. two
Homemade pizza made with much amoré, was this evening’s dinner made by yours truly. The best thing about making your own pizza is that you can put everything you want in it. I made the sauce with chopped tinned tomatoes, oregano and chopped fresh basil. The pizza itself had salami, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, green and red pepper, onions, black olives and fresh basil. It turned out really good, except the crust (store bought) didn’t cook very well and I will have to improve on that. But definitely not a bad start and quite fun to do!
So I went on Trip Advisor to look up something, but I got side tracked. I remembered the episode in The Office when they mentioned ‘Schrute Farm’ being on Trip Advisor. Out of curiosity, (and perhaps sheer boredom) I did a search on it. And it’s really on there!
Met a friend for coffee and cake yesterday for her birthday. We had quite a difficult time choosing which cheesecake to have. I finally decided on a pistachio one.
after my friend had given him her order…
ME: …Do you have the Pistachio Cheesecake?
HIM: Yes Maam
ME: Ok, I’ll have that one please
comes back with my friends cake and says
HIM: I’m sorry Maam, the Pistachio Cheesecake is out of order…
ME: smirking …ah I see it’s out of stock, right I will have the… berry cheesecake.
He leaves and my friend and I burst out laughing.
Have I mentioned that my sister makes the best cheesecake I’ve tried?
Champorado is a typical Filipino dish that can be eaten at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It is basically chocolate rice porridge that is made from glutinous rice, sugar, cocoa and milk. Growing up, we normally would buy the champorado mix at the supermarket. But I learned from my sister that it was dead easy to make and decided to give it a go.
I have come to the conclusion that Champorado originates from Mexico (Galleon Trade connection, I assume). Champurrado in Mexico is a warm thick chocolate drink which they drink for breakfast. It is made from masa harina, piloncillo (small blocks or bricks of unrefined solid cane sugar), water or milk. Just like the Philippine version, their Champurrado is also available as a mix in the supermarket. (Must ask Paula to send me some!)
The best way to have the Philippine Champorado is chilled the next day, which is exactly how I will have it tomorrow. Yum!
If anyone tells you they loooove Indian food and follows that statement with either phrases such as “chicken tikka masala” or “I’m having a curry tonight, innit”, chances are, it is going to be far removed from Indian food as it can get. Chicken Tikka Masala is a westernized Indian dish, which apparently is Britain’s National Dish. …And they wont give me rights to live there…bastards! I’m not bitter, really.
Anyhoo, if you want a glimpse of what Indian food is really about, here are just two examples of what to expect.
Dahi vada, or Dahivara is an example of what you might get as, one of the many, appetizers in your meal. It’s mung beans, that have been soaked, dried and pureed to a paste, seasoned, shaped and fried. It’s almost like a potato pattie. I am guessing it is chilled, and thick yogurt is added on top and also some tamarind sauce. It’s very tasty and cooling. Indian food, doesn’t necessarily have to be spicy like a vindaloo.
FYI: Vindaloo actually came from the Portuguese (vinho de alho or Vindalho) when they brought it to Goa. Ahlo or Aloo in Indian (one of the few words I know btw) means potato, apparently traditional Vindaloo doesn’t even contain potato. Hmmm…
Did I digress? I think so! Moving on…
Dahl Paratha, two separate items but works quite well together. Dahl is basically skinless chickpeas which has been stewed in flavorful spices until thick. Paratha, is a crispy flat-bread made from white flour, herbs and other things I am not sure of. There are many variations to this, it can be soft and flakey, or it can be stuffed with aloo (remember, it means potato). It can be eaten with a savory dish as shown in the photo, or it can be dipped in chai. In Singapore it is called farata (I don’t think this has to do with p-f syndrome), and in Burma it is called palata, just incase you find yourself in these countries and fancy some Paratha, you now know what it’s called.
I apologize to family memebers who are living abroad and find these pictures torturous. If it is any consolations I could use some Janssons’s Temptation, Chevap Chi Chi, or Treacle Pudd’n', right now.
These were the very same doors which the tanks rammed down during the JanuaryNovember 2007 stand-off. It’s back to normal as if nothing ever happened. Sitting here at the lobby, enjoying the jazz music, just had dinner, enjoying free wifi, wondering if I should have dessert.
