My 100th Entry: Happy Bull Year!!!

My 100th blog entry!!! and i've becoming lazier and lazier in updating my blog these days. haiz...

Since x'mas 2008, i've been on holiday mood, taking (and clearing) my leave. The super long weekend for CNY helped to uppe the holiday mood as well. Took 2 days off to make it a 6 days break!

Rented a Ford Lazer 1.6L car for 5 days... and practically drove all over SG!! Upon collection, I drove my parents to the Salvation Army, BT Timah, Seng Siong and Woodlands to buy cheap and good seafood. The day ended at Holland V with XO Bee Hoon. Damage done by my parents' wallet? over $300. They couldn't stop buying especially at the seafood warehouse!! There alone burnt up $200!!

Day 2 saw me driving to Bedok for lunch. That was followed by a durian treat and dessert at Red Hill hawker. With not much time to spare resting at home, we headed for ABC market for dinner and then to Alexandra Food Centre for a cuppa nice and rich avocado drink.

Day 3 was another packed day. Driving to Bugis to pick my sis up from gym class, then followed immediately by lunch at Seng Siong Jln Bahar. Nex up, a nice and scenic drive to my granny's place in JB via the 2nd link. The drive was better and smoother than I've expected, and we reached there in just under 35 mins. 2 hours of shopping at nearby Giant before we went to my granny's place for the reunion dinner. The day ended with sparks of fireworks at the stroke of mid-night. nice..

Day 4 was a lazy day, with relatives visitng my granny... we left for SG in the mid afternoon and arrived home just in time for a quick shower. ANd then we were off to our 1st ever reunion dinner outside!! We dined at a steamboat rest at Bugis... the food was not really fantastic, but it was an experience nonetheless. After a very full dinner, we had to walk off the calories. A visit to Mt Faber the Henderson Waves did the trick. The more than 1km walk was sufficient to make all of us sleep a soundful sleep.

Day 5 was a late day. Breakfast was at Jurong Point as it was the 2nd day of CNY.. and most shops were closed. This was followed by some more grocery shopping.. Lunch was a Casurina Drive for the nice pratas. Filled to the brim, we went for a walk at Lower Pierce Reservoir. This was followed by a scenic walk at the Marina Barrage where we witness tonnes of water being released into the sea. DInner was at Subway at Downtown east before we embarked on our tree walk from Alexandrea Arc.

Day 6 was the most relaxing day. Drove out for breakfast at Jurong West old market before the car was finally returned.

Total car rental cost? $450. I think the total petrol cost came up to $ 120. So it was around $114 per day for the car, and it sure did save lots of trouble and brought everyone closer together during this period.

A new Year, hopefully a better year ahead for everyone!! Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

my 2008 blockbuster holiday... ...

my annual blockbuster holiday saw me flying off to the neighbouring country of Thailand. The land of a thousand smiles was warm in inviting me, and i've not felt such great for a long time. Days seem to whizz past and there was no boring moments. I reckon I've spent around $1200 with all the shopping and makan and massages.  With so many activities going on, this trip, however, will truly be known as the Great Thailand Makan Trip!!

First on my plan when i reach bangkok was to tailor some shirts and a pair of trousers. Then it's makan and makan and makan!!! Time jus flew and then it's time for my domestic flight to Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai, the 2nd largest city in Thailand, is a pleasant place. The December cool weather made the stay even more accomodating. My room with Holiday Inn was upgraded (I supposed due to the recent riots, the holiday must be quite empty) and I've got a pleasant view of the city outskirt.

Staying in Chiang Mai for 4 nights, I've been to a flea market every evening!  It was just plain walking down the streets of crowded people (just doesnt feel recession at all).  The cummulative effects of these 4 walks?  Countless bottles of deliciously refreshing mandrain orange juices, 1 t-shirt, 2 bags, and lotsa road side local delicacies!!  And oh yea, I managed to chomp down a couple of bugs in one of the nite markets. hehe.. and they dont taste as disgusting as they look!

This is truely a relaxing and free and easy trip in Chiang Mai.  Joining 2 day trips to Doi Ithanon and Chiang Dao Mountains were basically the main highlights of my Chiang Mai stop.  Di Ithanon is Thailand's highest peak, over 2500m high.  We were lucky enuff to have clear blue skies when we arrive there, but nonetheless, it was still brrr brrr cold!!!  Due to the cool temperature, the flora there were jus amazing.  the lush greens and waterfalls made the entire nature reserve look like a post card picture!

Chiang Dao caves are limestone caves where we get to see the various formations.  nothing much except the surprisingly hot temperature!!  It was just sweaty, slippery and humid in the cave.   Not exactly pleasing walk..   A visit to the 5 minority tribes followed where the locals would rushed forward to sell their crafts. 

Returning to Bangkok, the weather seemed to cool down somewhat.  The count down party preparations can be seen everywhere in the city.  Being lazy, i was back in the room by 11pm... However, i did not miss out any sparks of the new year... at the stroke of midnight, fireworks began spilling the dark skies with dazzling colors from the view and comfort of my room!! what a way to enjoy the spectacular view!!

Time truly whizzed by extremely fast for this trip.. so relaxed and so in control....  the 9 days of fun will definitely etch a wonderful memory for me.  Chiang Mai is definitely worth revisiting... anyone interested? :P

Photos can be viewed at www.deroldee.shutterfly.com