tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17016891972129193552024-02-22T21:33:07.132+08:00Travel, Shopping, KidsTravel Stories, Shopping Around The World, Holiday With ChildrenNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-85239457416563122972009-10-15T19:32:00.001+08:002021-06-14T20:04:12.070+08:0012 Ways To Be HappySo, what is Happiness and how do we be happy most of the time?<div><br /></div><div>Firstly, we must remember we are the main character of our own story, so we are in-charge or the main architect of our emotions. It is an inside job, of what we tell ourselves daily.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvXZAmLxTxlvtwpmgH3wR3vseJhFLgnr6g0jaHAGT1JOCr2tr4otfbroeaye0v5L1d7VgdDbtBDVbDpwOEu_kQBf2pobHF2zA4XUTWc3dLNWIC0stei2KfZPprj3rDKVAqtRPfP1xSCge/s1500/Be+Happy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvXZAmLxTxlvtwpmgH3wR3vseJhFLgnr6g0jaHAGT1JOCr2tr4otfbroeaye0v5L1d7VgdDbtBDVbDpwOEu_kQBf2pobHF2zA4XUTWc3dLNWIC0stei2KfZPprj3rDKVAqtRPfP1xSCge/w316-h379/Be+Happy.png" width="316" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Here are <span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">12 </span></span>ways to be <span style="color: #ff00fe;">H</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">A</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">P</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">P</span><span style="color: red;">Y</span>:</b></h3><div>1) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Be intentional- train your mind to search out </span></b><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Positivity.</span></b></div><div>You are responsible for your own happiness and thoughts. Train your mind to think positively. </div><div><br /></div><div>2) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Count your Blessings, however small it may be. </span></b></div><div>Is it your messy child or partner whom you have and others are wishing for and could not? Is it the small house but cosy home that some refugees are hoping for? Be grateful for what you have.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Start each morning with a Smile.</span></b></div><div>Wake up everyday with a smile and tell yourself that today is going to be a beautiful day. Have a positive mindset, feed your ears with upbeat tune, mind with good resources and wear that smile that gives off good vibes to people around you, spreading joy. That joy will radiate and bounce back to you ultimately, and draw people to you.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Physical Exercising or Dancing. </span></b></div><div>As exercising release endorphin, try some light- weight exercising. It keeps you healthy physically too.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Surround yourself with your Favorite People. </span></b></div><div>Bond with great company of friends and whom you love. Sharing laughter is always fun. Spend more time like these. </div><div><br /></div><div>6) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Don't let Small things upset you</span></b></div><div>Learn to let go of things you simply can't control, go; be it a traffic jam or bad weather. Think positively. My uncle who did not make it to the Empire State Building for a meeting during the fateful day of September 11 attack survived today because he was late.</div><div><br /></div><div>7) <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>For</b><b>give. </b></span></div><div>Everyone makes mistake. No one is perfect or sin- less. Whether the person is sorry for his or her mistake, we cannot erase the past. Do not let his or her wrong- doings control or take a hold of your entire life not to be happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>8)<b> <span style="color: #ff00fe;">If you recognize you are starting to feel sluggish or moody- Shift thoughts. </span></b></div><div>Take control of the feeling by re-generating your energy to some activities. Drink some calming tea, do some gardening, chat with a good friend, go for a run or listen to some upbeat music and do some funny dance moves when no one is looking. don't dwell on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>9) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Seek joy in everyday living and do things that makes you enjoy and celebrate life. </span></b></div><div>Soak in the sun, embrace nature, volunteer. Do you love cooking, watching a movie, reading or travelling? Do what you love that gives you joy. Keep yourself busy as a busy person has no time to be feeling blue.</div><div><br /></div><div>10) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Don't be overly bothered or worried by what others think of you. </span></b></div><div>If they are talking behind you and gossiping, they are already behind you. Your over- thinking or concern might weight you down. Whatever it is, just kill them with a smile and move on. Your life do not depend on them nor should be empowered by trivial gossip which might be temporary or non- existent. Do not give it any power to harm your well being. </div><div><br /></div><div>11) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Don't wait for things to get better by itself. </span></b></div><div>Take charge. Life will always be complicated. Recognize you can't please everyone. But try to learn to live with peace with everybody. Otherwise, you'll run out of time.</div><div><br /></div><div>12) <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Comparison is a thief of joy. </span></b></div><div>Stop comparing with your peers and neighbours. Be happy for them and be kind. Celebrate joy together and win the race well together in this life journey. It's more fun that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">CTRL + ALT + DEL</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The above key combination in Windows that enables a computer user to terminate an unresponsive application. When all three keys are pressed at the same time, the Task Manager utility, which displays all open apps, can be selected from a menu. The Task Manager enables the user to shut down the computer properly and you can restart. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Control Yourself </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Alter Your Thinking</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Delete Negativity</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Start living your life happy today. </div><div>You can and You will. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3633quSGNb7Dp_fSp1O-b-8pLWdEG6YCduIqk8xfq5sHr9_HwpYTsN_JMka0dUOTrvx2WLnOOcVhAiY_y-Fd_lNqTg1iiQijjCxk7l-MLGYcc75NkZfwglXHfFKUYM9nNCaNoajt9HrEH/s1500/Blessed+%25282%2529+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3633quSGNb7Dp_fSp1O-b-8pLWdEG6YCduIqk8xfq5sHr9_HwpYTsN_JMka0dUOTrvx2WLnOOcVhAiY_y-Fd_lNqTg1iiQijjCxk7l-MLGYcc75NkZfwglXHfFKUYM9nNCaNoajt9HrEH/w251-h377/Blessed+%25282%2529+.png" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-69705912054790021822009-06-04T12:20:00.008+08:002009-09-19T23:44:54.531+08:00Protect your children from paedophile<h1><strong>Protect our Children from Paedophile</strong></h1><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->As parents, we need to protect our children, regardless of their gender.<!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->There is an increasing trend of "disturbed" people these days , who lure children to secluded places like toilets or staircases to assault them. We read about a lot of such cases in our local papers. They can come in many "forms". They posed as <strong>cops</strong> and pretend to check for hidden cigarettes in the girls' bodies, hide in male toilets and wait for the same gender prey or even pretend to be the same age as our children, chat with them on- line and then asked them out to get to befriend them. Even 1 <strong>teacher </strong>has been caught to be molesting his pupil after she confided in him and he brought her to the staff wash room and started to hug and kiss her. My neighbour told me there was an Indonesian <strong>maid</strong> who "played" with her boss's 5 or 6 year old son's genitals every night. She only found out when her maid went back and her son asked her mother to "play" with it. These are all very disturbing to parents who try to ensure that their children grow up in a right environment. You can't seem to trust anyone as you can see all the roles I mentioned seem to be in the roles where they are supposed to be in a upright position to care for our next generation.<!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Internet games- Beware of the sites they surf!!</span></strong><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->To cite more real life examples, my daughter has been playing internet games and there were a few occasions whereby the male characters in the game, asked if she would like to meet up. 1 of them even asked if she had sex before. My daughter is only 8 years old. It is fortunate she told me about it and I have since then explained to her to be careful with these people and banned her from such sites. It is important for us to educate and explain things to them before forbidding them to go to such sites. The less you educate and explain will only arouse their curiousity and make them want to find out more. 1 of my daughter's friends has also been asked to meet one of the gamers but we have since informed her mother about it. I think it is important that we watch out for each other's children's safety. <!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >In the lift</span></strong><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->The potential danger that our children face nowadays ar more complicated than our days when we were younger. I remembered vividly how a 20 year old man touched me when I was 9 years old when I was in a lift with my sister. Fortunately, he left halfway through after my sister, then 7 year old, stared at him fiercely. <!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >In the crowded bus</span></strong><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->There was another occasion when I was travelling on a packed bus to school and there was a man who seem to keep brushing his hands against my body when the bus came to a halt. I could not quite confirm and deliberately move to the rear and watch him from there. Sure enough, he was using every opportunity when the bus came to a stop, to brush his hands against another female student. I told my friend about it and she suggests that I take my name tag to poke him if I ever caught him to doing it to anyone. I changed school shortly after, did not take the same bus number and did not manage to do it to him after that.<!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->As parents, we need to speak to our children about the lurking danger of some perverse adults preying on them. There are paedophile who prefer boys. Hence, we cannot let our guards down even if they are boys. There is also a trait that some of these boys who are molested, grow up to prefer males after such sexual encounter or assault. So, all the more, we have to protect them to ensure that their paths to adulthood is not fraught with all these dangers and affect their sexual orientation.</p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->Do not wait, talk to your kids and educate them when they are young. They have to know that it is wrong for anyone to touch their body, especially places where it is covered by clothes. Encourage them to talk and tell you if there are people who do so. <!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->Though we cannot protect our children 24/7, we can impart them the values of loving their body and not let anyone touch them unneccessarily. Bond with them closely and be alert if they suddenly seem withdrawn or troubled. Do not allow them to surf any sites with on-line chat (if possible), monitor their on-line history and chat with them about their friends so that you are aware of their circle of friends and peers.<!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->Raising our children and protecting them every second is never easy. But as long as we take careful measures to prevent it and pay attention to the minute details, we can do it right and make sure that we have perform our paternal roles well.<!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset--></p><br /><br /><br /><!-- www.sitemaps.org schemas sitemap 0.9:urlset-->Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-42944638726517095602009-06-01T15:43:00.001+08:002009-09-19T22:25:42.096+08:00June School Holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjXWnBL9EoLh-ATaQ4pKhsEWG_GctSn_VBjzNJ3hjOjq3nxrNLock6Jor6EwiX6lMMNfUEBKpmxPWDvNoyzGpWl44tyxfFMedgnUycjN__hLmkrTLE_HTvKubiZ4eezg9uupvkcR3kqUD/s1600-h/Lori+hugs+horse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; float: right; height: 200px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342266393651682226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjXWnBL9EoLh-ATaQ4pKhsEWG_GctSn_VBjzNJ3hjOjq3nxrNLock6Jor6EwiX6lMMNfUEBKpmxPWDvNoyzGpWl44tyxfFMedgnUycjN__hLmkrTLE_HTvKubiZ4eezg9uupvkcR3kqUD/s200/Lori+hugs+horse.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9"><br /><br /><h1>June School Holidays</h1><br /><br />It's June Holidays~!</urlset><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org-->Hurray shout the kids.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br />But with all the H1N1virus, some parents are postponing their holidays abroad.<br /><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org-->What do we get our kids to do? </div><div>Well, we can make pretend that we are new entrants to Singapore and bring our kids to different part of our country and re- discover Singapore.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org-->Here are some suggestions for those who are at a loss:<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1)</span></strong> Plan wisely their daily schedule. This is the best time to catch up on those falling grades.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">2)</span></strong> Set aside time for learning (half an hour for each subject and break it up by an hour each so it does not get toostifling for the kid).<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">3)</span></strong> There is a need to be a balance- time for play- be it a short trip to the playground downstairs, out have door activities or just playing with sibling at home.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><strong>4)</strong></span> You can allow them to play the internet or learn to write some e-mails (7 years and above) with your supervision (especially since internet is dangerous playground with paedophile lurking around).<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><strong>5)</strong></span> Take some time off to bond with your kids- take them to the following places on different days:</div><div><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><em><strong>A)</strong></em></span> zoo</div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">B)</span> </strong></em>science centre</div><div><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">C)</span></em></strong> swimming</div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><em><strong>D)</strong></em></span> picnic at the beach (East Coast, West Coast, Pasir Ris Park or Changi)</div><div><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><strong>F)</strong></span></em> ice- skate</div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">G)</span></strong></em> catch a show </div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">H)</span></strong></em> sentosa </div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">I)</span></strong></em> visit a Museum</div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);">J)</span></strong></em> borrow books from the library</div><div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">K)</span></strong></em> learn a new skill- eg. cycling, roller blading, painting, cooking, play the violin etc.</div><div>There are actually lots of things to do in Singapore if you would give it some time to think through.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><div><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">6)</span></strong> Teach them a new game- be it chess, monopoly, scrabble or any board games. there may be old games but it boast some work to those brains and encourage them to think and strategize.<!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div><br /><p><!-- xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></p>Well, hope this helps you to enjoy your June month with your little broods~! :) <div><br /></div><!-- 0.9:urlset sitemap schemas www.sitemaps.org--></div></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-4175072202707370442009-05-20T13:53:00.000+08:002009-05-20T15:34:05.272+08:00H1N1 Virus<h1> H1N1 Virus</h1><br />Everyone is talking about it and those who are traveling have to exercise extra caution to prevent it at all cost. It is also known as the swine flu as it is a respiratory disease of pigs, caused by influenza type A virus and it has common outbreaks in pigs. The first outbreak was recorded in 1930s. Over the years, 4 main influenza types have been discovered and they are H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1.<br /><br />What are the early signs of A (H1N1) virus?<br /><br />1) Flu- like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">symptoms</span>, like running nose<br />2) Fever<br />3) Cough<br />4) Sore throat<br />5) Headache<br />6) Muscle and joint pain<br />7) Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea<br /><br />As can be seen, they have very common and similar symptoms to flu. Hence it is better not to take things lightly and delay appointments to the doctors if you are sick during this period. Anti viral drugs called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®) are prescribed to those who are identified of contracting it at the moment.<br /><br />How do we minimize our chances of contracting it that if we really need to travel and meet people? People can be infected by merely breathing in contaminated air. There are plans to develop a vaccine but it would probably take 5- 6 months for that. Meanwhile, a lot f times, it boils down to maintaining high standards of personal hygiene. Below are my recommendations:<br /><br />1) Wear a mask so contact are minimized<br />2) Wash your hands with soap after landing and after coming home<br />3) Best to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer<br />4) Try not to touch hand rails, press buttons or public objects unless necessary<br />5) Try not to rub eyes or nose with unclean hands or fingers<br /><br /><br />The scientist and health authority of this era have a lot of new strands of viruses to combat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 19 May, GMT 6:00, 40 countries have officially reported 9,830 cases of A (H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths. America, being the number 1 infected country with 5,123 (5 deaths), followed by Mexico of 3,648 (72 dead) and Canada being the third, with 496 cases (1 death). Japan, is the most effected Asian country with 159 cases.<br />For more details, check out the link below:<br /><br />World Health Organization-<br /><a href="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_19/en/index.html">http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_19/en/index.html</a><br /><br />Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention-<br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm</a><br /><br />Warning signs of children contracting the virus-<br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm</a><br /><br />You tube, CDC, more information on swine flu-<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85sD83aRUIQ&feature=channel">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85sD83aRUIQ&feature=channel</a><br /><br />Ministry of Health (Singapore)<urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9"><url><priority></priority></url>-<br /><a href="http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/pressreleases.aspx?id=21780">http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/pressreleases.aspx?id=21780</a><br /><br />Last of all, everyone has to strive to be socially responsible to our fellow human beings.<br />When we sneeze, cover our nose and mouth with a tissue. Minimize going out if we are ill and maintain high level of personal hygiene everyday. Only if we care enough and make personal efforts, can the virus be stopped and not spread worldwide to become an epidemic.<br /><br /></urlset>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-90252682997459856732009-03-20T22:15:00.001+08:002009-09-19T22:51:08.846+08:00Life is a Journey itselfWell, Life is a Journey by itself.<br /><br />I have a fridge magnet. It says "The World is not my home. I'm just passing through".<br />It's true, isn't it? Life is an experience. We are all travellers, in this life, at this century, this space, this country, with our co- travellers- families, relatives, friends, colleagues sharing this time. How we will evaluate our journey when it ends?<br /><br />Life or this journey is how we make it to be.<br />We are living in borrowed time.<br />Before you know, it will be gone.<br />Treasure every second.<br /><br />My sis's journey ended alittle early. None of her co- travellers expected it.<br />There are alot of things not done. I have alot of words not said to her.<br />There were lots of regret.<br /><br />I had just opted out of a hectic "tour package".<br />I am going for a more "expensive" one. Not that I am going to live on a high life, but rather it will cost me since I mean I am not working and taking a break now. I am taking time to smell the roses and bond with my the 2 travellers I cloned. The price tag maybe alittle dear but I think it is worth it, cos life is short. I have want to make the best use of my journey and share my time with the people I love and treasure. Take a back seat and re-align my priorities in life.<br /><br />I am thankful I have a tour- guide for this trip. He has many names, from Emmanuel, Hosannah, Jesus to God. He makes sure my journey is well taken care of. He is the captain of this journey and I am glad that I have Him to share the rest of my journey, so that I will not be lost.<br /><br />How's your tour on earth so far? ;)Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-28145380970208477982009-03-16T23:20:00.040+08:002009-09-20T00:40:57.240+08:002 days in Vietnam<img style="cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4-ASwxW1cncrDBapxTP-n_edN-Emik_PqKdNaU6yK5utXg9me9OUTvjD87kvuTgvrh-LvA7NCUbr-jypOY2y6q6CMmMZa-89rK6aynYV1sjtR6BUrLgBNbrh6BN2GXQKg-elpsPMiLni/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367116542382034402" border="0" /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IjFYZdJPU3l1HyXm76KH20pwnyJy9mT_84eAL6d_Us1tJsl-ZeR79wXu3d-5y6ItiZjAV4DEST_CH6lvUgmfK8X7nztWHuoTGI5YyjZRrIsrpwM30TUmEOB23u8spa_sW3UxYTHjl0Lt/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IjFYZdJPU3l1HyXm76KH20pwnyJy9mT_84eAL6d_Us1tJsl-ZeR79wXu3d-5y6ItiZjAV4DEST_CH6lvUgmfK8X7nztWHuoTGI5YyjZRrIsrpwM30TUmEOB23u8spa_sW3UxYTHjl0Lt/s200/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367116775347241506" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNkoL89JkMbj7BLRFGJ22s8CYyF9Xyu5mW08QuhfcsmHrnkk7-ga-wA2tuphyphenhyphenkvIKMpND1Rgb6frkVZsffF6-qrq1zN4nb0ORjbYM-S2-ODJAc9gNVtZO8nIs57p3fiaz0NUMPZA-lGI_/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNkoL89JkMbj7BLRFGJ22s8CYyF9Xyu5mW08QuhfcsmHrnkk7-ga-wA2tuphyphenhyphenkvIKMpND1Rgb6frkVZsffF6-qrq1zN4nb0ORjbYM-S2-ODJAc9gNVtZO8nIs57p3fiaz0NUMPZA-lGI_/s200/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367116992342285042" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccMOt8J3g6P2r9EzKbG_EyW3CESM7AJQvr1ESlMDhmDjjFSqmarDILf2nJmCVcEtdtMfHuzZwUHcVtW5XQ-UrZhQznoD3_MQ6e8_ncr5ZWLgXDKeoBKQsUs7Wf20_mOIKzpUGs6LutScc/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccMOt8J3g6P2r9EzKbG_EyW3CESM7AJQvr1ESlMDhmDjjFSqmarDILf2nJmCVcEtdtMfHuzZwUHcVtW5XQ-UrZhQznoD3_MQ6e8_ncr5ZWLgXDKeoBKQsUs7Wf20_mOIKzpUGs6LutScc/s200/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367117468312066306" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaulp63QkHYbtrVtjGht-1Y-BvKX8YPKOwNWgWNSE-ZHqTEtfQ__prL3hZi4N0ZFjw6XXbOoJHv4F1AdmNCTSFfteL3w1gZ14I0yRKrVl91eI3AxDYzOcufY_ejIJnI3cqtCBKQbyclZy/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaulp63QkHYbtrVtjGht-1Y-BvKX8YPKOwNWgWNSE-ZHqTEtfQ__prL3hZi4N0ZFjw6XXbOoJHv4F1AdmNCTSFfteL3w1gZ14I0yRKrVl91eI3AxDYzOcufY_ejIJnI3cqtCBKQbyclZy/s200/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367117859133229842" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5J-z6u_sSlxrf4AqrNiZ-JlYEcbASA6fYb3PZRjjjdyIZhHsP3H27sew9-fYbToRuNNJi77S-D1FDlNgSdFKhPTzhrrAeuDdRNjZAxYgSw2LQihQudYAnY6YeOzGZXSBvj-5GNssmyfv/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5J-z6u_sSlxrf4AqrNiZ-JlYEcbASA6fYb3PZRjjjdyIZhHsP3H27sew9-fYbToRuNNJi77S-D1FDlNgSdFKhPTzhrrAeuDdRNjZAxYgSw2LQihQudYAnY6YeOzGZXSBvj-5GNssmyfv/s200/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367120377328800850" border="0" /></a><br />My company sent me to Vietnam for a business trip last year.<br />It was my 1st time to visit this country and I was looking forward to it.<br /><br />My 1st impression- A little bare, not too many high rise buildings at all, but it sure looks very clean to me.<br /><br />The road was filled with mostly motorcycles and that seems to be the main mode of transport. And goodness, they were wearing PLASTIC helmets??? How is that going to protect that 5- 6 year old child who was riding with her dad? And people were riding with even like 3 big bottles of mineral water- those that were used in offices (see picture above) without any safety precaution. When I asked the local host who picked us from the airport, she said the law does not restrict you on what kind of helmets you wear, so long as you wear one on your head. Some ladies even chose pretty ones for cosmetic reasons more than for safety reasons. They actually have shops that sell these plastic helmets for riders, which I saw, but really, do feel it will not save the lives of these riders. This is a bit of a "culture" shock to me.<br /><br />The local host also told me, if you want to cross the street, just be confident, look ahead and cross in the midst of all the motorcycles. They will avoid you. You just cannot afford to be hesitant or you will never be able to cross the road, when there is no traffic lights to help you. Ok, hmm...<br /><br />Not too many international fashion labels were in Ho Chi Minh City. I could only spot a big Louis Vuitton and Gucci shops. The host told me candidly that it is rumored that some of the Vietnamese kept- mistresses would go there by day to check out the products and get their men to buy the products at night. but whether it is true, is anyone's guesses.<br /><br />The lady to my right wear a traditional Vietnamese costume. I spotted her in Ho Chi Minh City and asked to take a picture with her. She was very obliging. She was <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJkJfFEp6tD0OW3r_9HJHXLKfZwnwpopZj1FeLgiSeWsQoPVKFhyhWyTWtxAmZCP4dcsyrEOh1WChvrPbhBB6ByVjmAumQM1uWHAX400MDeKp5EH11moB54AZK2fG8Rk1PdKagiLUbzJZ/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJkJfFEp6tD0OW3r_9HJHXLKfZwnwpopZj1FeLgiSeWsQoPVKFhyhWyTWtxAmZCP4dcsyrEOh1WChvrPbhBB6ByVjmAumQM1uWHAX400MDeKp5EH11moB54AZK2fG8Rk1PdKagiLUbzJZ/s200/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367124215940878690" border="0" /></a><br />actually giving brochures and promoting their company's array of beauty services from manicure, pedicure, make- up services to massages etc. The Vietnamese young ladies here are generally very friendly, polite and mostly quite soft- spoken.<br /><br />However, if you go to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Than</span>, one of their local market, not all would be gentle. I have encountered them being a little pushy, urging me to make a purchase from them, by surrounding me and not letting me go. I had to make an excuse saying that I have to find my friend who has gone the other lane, to seek her opinion, before she and her colleague "released" me.<br /><br />If you like handicrafts, beaded bags, lanterns, pillowcases, kitchen wares or food, you can find these at<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Ben Than.</span> It's always advisable to bargain as some of them knowing that you are tourist, can mark up the prices by quite a fair bit. Money changer is also within reach within the vicinity. I could not find any nice clothes as the quality was way below my expectation. But some of the pillowcases and beaded bags are fairly reasonable and would have cost at least 100% or more in Singapore. I bought a gorgeous beaded bag for only S$20 and a lovely pouch for S$5. What a steal!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EkZ54cK6scAtxVe0wkIZhfcdEJGMWYhIGfmNIpDsfdiNxgd97DNB0agsj6PGUv6CvJHh4fNA7AmMTm6H_X1sy1TMSK-cHR_Dd_ruydqH2UJGLnkjI8DSba0U7909h-l-GUOgi0b-oo1A/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EkZ54cK6scAtxVe0wkIZhfcdEJGMWYhIGfmNIpDsfdiNxgd97DNB0agsj6PGUv6CvJHh4fNA7AmMTm6H_X1sy1TMSK-cHR_Dd_ruydqH2UJGLnkjI8DSba0U7909h-l-GUOgi0b-oo1A/s200/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367123094747077346" border="0" /></a>This is the traditional Vietnam coffee cup. Their coffee is known to be very "potent" and strong. They use some kind of dripping method to drain the coffee from the crushed coffee beans. My colleague drank 1 cup and did not sleep well for 3 days. She claimed it gave her headaches. But I was fine though and quite enjoyed the aroma.<br /><br />There is a lot of coffee joint springing up in Vietnam and they are popular and mainly patronized by young people.<br /><br />I have been looking forward to the food in Vietnam, especially the Vietnamese rolls. It is crunchy with the vegetables in it and with that mint leaf in it, it always leave a fresh, grassy after- taste. Yum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw-o6PS9Uoj9N8zzvgsmOof79jFJamn3K3VJmmkPsoFlc-75wJAp7sBXvunHIPoJ_waZpYOIdpYCt-QFNYT_R4BNLPoPptm35cYgSX_iYytYVjRGes4338c_UDlXUs_ip0_0u3ERRTqK5/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw-o6PS9Uoj9N8zzvgsmOof79jFJamn3K3VJmmkPsoFlc-75wJAp7sBXvunHIPoJ_waZpYOIdpYCt-QFNYT_R4BNLPoPptm35cYgSX_iYytYVjRGes4338c_UDlXUs_ip0_0u3ERRTqK5/s200/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367131396964858722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu2tNlPfgLGgwZ1-XGTJsmhOkDrJ_shYnNVtEpQmDlirL0O08_VUZbSkJiX7D7lAbbAO2tiY3qEU9T6OL8l2ujBShSNDQoIEeE8PLngohASzAAyMiob3IY03bTS_efLQp0kPVKCVNBi03/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu2tNlPfgLGgwZ1-XGTJsmhOkDrJ_shYnNVtEpQmDlirL0O08_VUZbSkJiX7D7lAbbAO2tiY3qEU9T6OL8l2ujBShSNDQoIEeE8PLngohASzAAyMiob3IY03bTS_efLQp0kPVKCVNBi03/s200/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367132086950626162" border="0" /></a>I have also tried their beef noodles with soup (pronounced as "Fur" in Vietnam) but still prefer our own Singapore's version. Guess there are certain food that my taste buds have been accustomed to. Or maybe, I still prefer mine to have lots of beansprouts with parsley and some tendons dipped in my chilli sauce mixed with garlic.<br /><br />Well, it was a short business trip (just 2 days), so my colleague and I did not get to go to any museums or any interesting places. A big departmental store opposite the airport has just opened recently and we went there to take a look. It did not make me part much of my money except for a OPI nail polish which cost S$10, half price of what would cost you in Singapore.<br /><br />On the whole, I still managed to bag a good trip with the help of my hospitable host. And there will always be the interesting memories and pictures of Vietnam to boot. ;)<br /><br /><div></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-84282224341321827182008-12-13T06:34:00.000+08:002009-06-01T16:32:04.405+08:00Save Planet Earth- Global WarmingFriends,<br /><br />We have to save Planet Earth!<br /><br />Though we are not super heroes, each of us can contribute our little fair share to mininimize the effect of global warming.<br /><br />Remember the star fish story of how a boy keeps throwing back the star fish back to the sea to save each one? Someone challenged him and told him that he can't save every star fish from drying up, so there is no point of throwing them back. But he replied that, at least, it makes a difference to that particular starfish he saves and prolong the lives of them disappearing from the face of the earth. It was well said and replied. What are you doing today to save the dwelling place which you live in?<br /><br />I know some of you mentioned that you don't care, as you do not intend to have any off- springs. But it may be too late to care only when natural diaster fall upon our very lives and loved ones, to experience suffering then to adopt a change in attitude.<br /><br />Time is passing by fast. We have to act fast too. There are reports of polar bears in the artic have been found drowning as some of them cannot find thick ice to stand on. They can't fish through the think ice as fishes senses danger through the thin ice and is dying of hunger. Temperature has been rising steadily as has been tracked according to Al Gore's lecturer, a strong believer and advocate for the green movement. Log to the link below find out more:<br /><a href="http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/al_gore_s_new_thinking_on_the_climate_crisis.html">http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/al_gore_s_new_thinking_on_the_climate_crisis.html</a><br /><br />If humans do not react readily to change the ways we live, there may be more disasters like flood and famine around the world. This is due to the cause of temperature rising in the north and bringing the ice berg to melt and hence, the whole cycle of ecological temperature is messed up. It has thus caused some part of the earth to have flood while it's neighbouring country is having a drought. Maldives is predicted to drown in a few years time due to this reason as well and they are looking around for other island to purchase so that they can have another place to live in. Is that not a sad that the reputed island should disappear in our times? It does seems like we have reaped what we sow by not heeding its warning signs.<br /><br />I urge all my fellow earthings, citizens (we are living so near the equator), friends and all parents to do our part to save our earth. Let's do our part to recycle, conserve energy, find new ways to reduce ways etc. We may not be heroes, but we are the custordians of our next generation's lives. Let's set a good example for them to follow and be proud of.Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-24877102832347351242008-07-09T21:45:00.001+08:002009-09-19T22:57:20.411+08:00Counting My Blessings<strong>Counting My Blessings</strong>... for the things I take delight in<br /><br />1) Knowing that my Living God loves and cares for me<br />2) Having God-sent friends who truly care and help you in times of trouble<br />3) Being a Singaporean and lives in a safe country with different races<br />4) Doing absolutely nothing while enjoying the sea breeze and the awesome sea<br />view with sun- rays hitting the waves and the trees swaying as if dancing by the sea<br />5) Watching my 2 kids blow bubbles in the wind and chasing them around<br />6) The simple pleasure of enjoying ice cream with my kids and seeing their face<br />beaming with joy<br />7) Knowing my family will always support me in whatever I do<br />8) Having a decent home to live in and a car to drive me wherever I want to go<br />10) Having a job that puts bread/ rice on the table<br />11) Eating shell fish with my spouse and watching comedy Korean drama <br />12) Tickling my kids and hear them roar with laughter<br />13) Having the luxury to travel and shop overseas<br />14) Never forgetting to thank God for a healthy body to skate in and shop non- stop when opportunities arisesNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-7471085347803229112008-06-28T19:01:00.000+08:002009-03-25T17:15:42.725+08:00All set? What do you pack for travel?What do you pack for a trip?<br />You will amazed that women in general pack an enormous pile of stuff for their trip versus their "MARS" partner.<br /><br /><br /><p>Women's Toiletries: </p><ol><li><span style="font-family:arial;">toothpaste + toothbrush</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">facial wash</span></li><li>serum, moisturiser, toner</li><li>paper panties</li><li>tissue + wet tissues</li><li>cleanser+ eye make- up remover</li><li>cotton wool</li><li>sanitary pad</li><li>tooth floss</li><li>lingerie</li><li>a set of clean clothes for each new day</li><li>snacks for kids if any tagging along</li><li>cameras</li><li>make- up </li><li>vials or fragrance</li><li>pen and notebook</li><li>sun glasses or shades or caps or hats</li><li>extra slippers for easy walking</li><li>hair spray, gel, clay + comb</li><li>calculator for some women who can't convert currency fast enough</li><li><div align="justify">mobile phone </div></li><li><div align="justify">A book or magazine to read during the flight or journey</div></li></ol><p>I am sure there is so much more. Now you know why women's luggage is almost always heavier than men's...</p><p>We just have to well- prepare for the road. </p><p>Well, that also account for why women have nicer things, cos more demand means more supply and that explains why there is more women's boutiques and skincare than that catered for men.</p><p>Now, I wonder if Venus is heavier than Mars??</p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-15799931711355832682008-06-26T21:52:00.000+08:002008-07-09T22:43:29.309+08:00The Flight of Time- Lesson from Penny Parrot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQghm3LnJCYGtHz9vg0sTZA-geMtA9GR6n5_w0-CjprlIvbUdRXRkPnPlsAnp2kmhjiFH6n9gkX0smFIMfGLwtidhSFC20CUktPkdRl4Q8rYFRxpaubihUHa6DFoAIwVZmaM7OmhWhql90/s1600-h/Picture+076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216210462224779874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQghm3LnJCYGtHz9vg0sTZA-geMtA9GR6n5_w0-CjprlIvbUdRXRkPnPlsAnp2kmhjiFH6n9gkX0smFIMfGLwtidhSFC20CUktPkdRl4Q8rYFRxpaubihUHa6DFoAIwVZmaM7OmhWhql90/s320/Picture+076.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My daughter's dream came through when a little visitor flew in to visit our HDB room on the evening of 22 June 08 Well, she has asked me for a pet, be it a puppy or a parrot but I had said no. Her school has asked her to do a power point on "Groom a Pet" for the June holidays and I have given her play dole to mould a pet parrot as her project. So, imagine her delight when she spotted the beautiful creature visiting our home!<br /><br />I must admit, I was both scared and thrilled though. Wondering how I should deal with the uninvited guest. It was very pretty, with green feathers and a red face and blue tail. It chirped and stood on my coffee table while my daughter and I were both having dinner. First instinct, I gave her some cooked rice but she does not seemed satisfied and flew onto my dining table and perched on my dish of sardine. My daughter rushed to tell her dad in the bedroom while I tried shoo it away. The next thing you know, it flew on and hung on to the back of my clothes and I was terrified, running around in the hall. My husband opened the door and asked me to get out so that it can fly off. We did not want to keep the bird becasue of our 1 year old toddler. We were concerned about the hygiene and the receent bird flu case. He opened the door and the bird flew but did not went far away. Then it perched onto the latch on the parapet of the building and stopped there. We kept saying to it, fly bird, go free. But it would not go. I went back to the house and gave it a slice of apple and it looked like it enjoyed and nibbled and ultimately finished the whole slice.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216210812967196370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMu6PsYR7D0EnUNUYs6ObNlzQ0TXgqGL8evWTc1yutUr8aNKMp2nqsQqmieseZjl2rXWX-Ol6Ehj-N7lmUL1xCJX1M35V2BaQAEM62HE1SCJ8X0Bvgx65bciEYyYXCk0kZ5AlkkJ7vLK3/s200/Picture+082.jpg" border="0" /> My neighbour, an old lady came and commented on the beauty of the bird. Then, another neighbour from another unit came back. I asked the young girl if she has any cage since she has a hamster before as the bird refused to leave and I was afraid that other people or a cat would catch the bird. She came back with the cage and we managed to put the bird into the cage.<br /><br />After bringing back to the house, we admire the pretty birdie and seem to have some emotional connection with it. It looked so cute and friendly. Then, I looked at my son and was instantly worried about the hygiene again I told my daugther to give it to the school aviary where there is alot of birds, but she wanted to keep it. I told her the bird would be lonely but looking at the beauty of the bird told her alright, maybe we can find its owner (maybe staying nearby and lost the bird) or keep it for maximum 1 week.<br /><br />The next day was school re- opening day and my daughter brought the bird to school. The children liked it very much and they decided that she is a female and named her Penny the Parrot. Unfortunately, the form teacher was sick for a week and a relief teacher took over for the few days. So, we decided to keep the bird till she was well and present it to her then.<br /><br />Everyday, we looked at the Penny (well, if it is male, then we decided that it would be Peter) and talked to it. It even "played" with us, swaying form 1 side to the other, as if playing hide & seek with us. It was simply adorable and playful. My domestic helper would clean the cage at night (after my son slept) with gloves and we would feed it with rice, apple, water and even pumpkin.<br /><br />Late last night, which was the fourth night, however, it seemed weak and tired. I thought it was sleepy and told my daughter to go to bed and let' s not disturb the birdie. I did not know it would be our last time to see it alive.<br /><br />The next day, it was dead. I was devastated. I wondered why. Was it lonely? Under- fed? I asked if my maid fed it well. Was it sick? I was depressed. If only I had given it to the aviary and it would be well- taken care of. Did it flew in and court death? I mourned for her. True, it is only a bird, but it is still a life. A beautiful creature wasted away in my hands...I felt remorseful at not giving it away earlier and guilt consumed me for the whole day. I should have let it go but looking at its beauty, I thought maybe I can keep it for alittle while. It felt it was my fault. If I had truly love it and meant it well, I would not have kept it and unwittingly caused it to die? It also started to set me thinking that life is short and fragile and every moment is fleeting.<br /><br />It's death taught me to take a close look at my own life. How would I want to spend in my limited time on earth? I have been so busy, I did not even had time to give it a decent burial. I must take a deeper examination of what I am doing to life currently. The flight of time was scaringly short with the little pretty bird. It maybe pretty, but it's span on planet earth, short.<br /><br />I prayed that it's soul rest peacefully in heaven.<br />Rest well, little Penny, hope to meet you in heaven someday.<br />We truly missed you, rest In Peace, our feathered friend.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-79917255639252785242008-06-21T14:46:00.000+08:002009-05-01T11:13:44.522+08:00<strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >Funny Cabin Crew Stories</span></strong><br /><br />I was a cabin crew 15 years back. I had a great time going to wonderful foreign places and getting to know all sort of people from all over the world.<br /><br />There were funny things which happened on board the plane all the time and I still smile when I thought of those funny moments.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >1)</span></strong> When asked whether she would like to have beef or fish, an old woman with no teeth, could not pronounce properly and kept saying "Bish". After much struggle, we decided that fish is probably better for her as she may have no teeth to chew and encouraged her to take that.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >2)</span></strong> "Treasure" Hunt- An old woman has completed her meal and returned her tray told us much later during the flight that she must have misplaced her prized posession (dentures) in her tray. We have to search and comb through all the carts to find her lost treasure.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>3)</strong></span> A man must have thought that the airplane was a fantastic invention with superb gadgets. He must have thought that the air vents were microphone and kept standing up to shout near it that he would like to have 2 glasses of coke. The cabin crew who walked by, controlled her laughter and handed him the drinks he requested. To her dismay much later, he did it again, requesting for another glass of drink. Maybe some one can look into inventing a "drive through" order concept near the seats?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>4)</strong></span> 15 years back when passengers were allowed to smoke in the aft rows, there was a man who did not noticed that there was air vents on the top of his seats. He tried to ignite the cigarette several times but the strong gush of air from the vents detered him from lighting it up. After many attempts, he lowered the shades from the window and put his hand over the cigarette and it was successful. The crew who saw the whole thing was at first speechless but laughed secretly afterwards as she thought it was quite amusing.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>5)</strong></span> An inexperienced traveller reported to the crew that the "washing machine" took too long and she wanted to have her clothes back. My colleague was dumb- founded and had to explain that it was a toilet bowl and not a washing machine!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>6)</strong></span> We had a flight training and during emergency landing, we are supposed to shout "Run, jump, Help at the bottom!" But I remembered one of our colleagues from another base/ country shouted "Run, jump, HELL at the bottom!". Alot of Singapore based, roared with laughter as she mis- pronounced it. Think no one would jump if HELL is at the bottom!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>7)</strong></span> Check out some of the crazy things flight attendants do- http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/4743429/12668935<br /><br />Well, I must say that all the laughter made us enjoyed our jobs more.Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-33901760559216914552008-06-18T23:18:00.000+08:002008-06-25T00:17:01.812+08:00Important Telephone Numbers for Travellers<strong>Important Telephone Numbers for Busy People:</strong><br /><br /><br />1) Singapore Automated Flight Information 542 4422 (toll free- key 1800 infront)<br />2) Singapore Airline 6233 8888<br />3) Taxi to Airport (Citicab) 6553 8888<br />4) Insurance (DBS Traveller Shield) 222 3333 (toll free- key 1800 infront)<br />5) Banks (UOB) 24 hours 22 22 121 (toll free- key in 1800 infront)<br />(DBS) 111 1111 (toll free- key in 1800 infront)/ 65- 6327 2265 (from overseas)<br />(Citibank) 24 hours 6225 5225<br />6) Singtel Mobile 1626<br />7) Your Travel Agent - Please fill<br />8) Your Hotel - Please fill<br />9) Who you are meeting upon arrival - Please fillNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-87904713255122164112008-06-16T23:23:00.000+08:002008-06-21T14:46:01.914+08:00Travelling with KIDS<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213225259680299746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkUOH9k6yE9mkVzMqLMkxtxN7iVE56Pse48BYUCAi4bMIW22h5Hl_uXmbK9t64x93aO6WvV2bqofFyf06RV06UIH6oFemiafN6uwOq-vep5FRCehMvAWkebzPUb89xMDSZBQNlR32xAf-/s320/pix+2007+008.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">M</span><span style="color:#993399;">y</span> <span style="color:#ff99ff;">K</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">i</span><span style="color:#cc33cc;">d</span><span style="color:#ffcc33;">o</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">s</span><span style="color:#33ccff;">!</span></strong><br /></span><br /><div>I took up the challenge of bringing my 2 kids on a vacation last Christmas.<br />Some of my friends applauded me and some told me to brace myself cos it won't be easy.<br /><br />Well, it was kindda fun bonding with my kids but I must say, it would have been better if I had been better prepared. Well, now that I am equiped with what to prepare for my next, I trust that future trips should be mor enjoyable. Meantime, I will share some of what I learnt, with you.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">T</span><span style="color:#cc33cc;">i</span>p<span style="color:#66cccc;"><span style="color:#6633ff;">s</span> </span>o<span style="color:#cc33cc;">n</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">a</span> t<span style="color:#009900;">r</span><span style="color:#00cccc;">i</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">p</span> <span style="color:#ff6600;">w</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">i</span><span style="color:#3366ff;">t</span>h <span style="color:#009900;">y</span><span style="color:#339999;">o</span><span style="color:#33ff33;">u</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">r</span><span style="color:#6633ff;"> k</span><span style="color:#ff9966;">i</span><span style="color:#33ccff;">d</span><span style="color:#3366ff;">s</span> :</span></span><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">1)</span></strong> On the plane: if your kids cry due to pressure, stand by little biscuits or bite size munchies for them to be distracted and chew so that their ear passage way will not be blocked. I heard some celebrity mum actually drug their children, by adminstering cough drops for them to drink so that they will sleep through out the flight, but honestly, I am not for that idea at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;"><strong>2)</strong></span> Always bring a stroller. If your child is 3 years and below, don't think of ever lightening your travel and hence not bring extra weight. If there is extensive shopping and walking, it will tire both parents and child. I made this mistake and had to buy one at the country due to tiredness towards the end of the trip, which cost a bomb.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>3)</strong></span> Bring enough supplies of milk powder, wipes, diapers and baby shampoo and soap in a small container. Equip your trip with some plaster, sunscreen, axe- oil, sketch book for doodling for the older kid. I always carry a bottle of hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes and some candies in my handbag. Sterilise the milk bottles with hot water if your hotel room is equiped with electrical flask.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66ff99;">4)</span></strong> Cameras to capture those special moments. </div><br /><div>Make sure you charge your batteries before the trip!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcc33;"><strong>5)</strong></span> Funny as it sounds, I got a whistle for my daughter when she was younger as she loves to wander off by herself. I told her if she ever got lost, she has to blow it so that I can tarck her down. But that's in Singapore. In foreign countries, I NEVER, EVER, let her leave my sight or daddy's. But we reminded her that IF we ever get lost, to go back to the place she last seen us. If she does not know where, to approach ONLY aunty in UNIFORMS, like the sales girl to get them to do announcement so that we can look for her. Not any stranger on the street.<br /><br />Vacation can be enjoyed together as a family if given the chance to. Just be more well- prepared and have a positive mindset. It's a time to bond, share the love and do things together in a foreign land. It all depends on how you want it to be like. I had fun. I am sure my next one would be even better. Cheers.</div><br /></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701689197212919355.post-52202969356112442562008-05-13T22:55:00.027+08:002016-03-04T16:09:56.750+08:00Korea, Korea, Korea- Shop till you drop!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOBN7MeTGvVnxH3OBUM_Y6STbKy7-gPj3FkR-Xm4Xoe14SxLXvnHaEOMtG8AErLHkCK9ikezEzg9m_9wV0pbUda0C4Hz1IOw-hzgX6gZtEBg8YhY7CR-ybvYbGsRE7O8CdQxJlcYyxQr4/s1600-h/001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367074291524926818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOBN7MeTGvVnxH3OBUM_Y6STbKy7-gPj3FkR-Xm4Xoe14SxLXvnHaEOMtG8AErLHkCK9ikezEzg9m_9wV0pbUda0C4Hz1IOw-hzgX6gZtEBg8YhY7CR-ybvYbGsRE7O8CdQxJlcYyxQr4/s200/001.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 101px; width: 135px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXQN_CcY4aTJ0_zthXnGRISk2ngYKZpm64ukS4gZ-8uQhNCVRTdURvEke7K6vc_tnovs8A14a0RBYLWGcNuHA1pQxM_oMmV8yn7S5Jugx4NbISB4nIAhpLsKk_M7Jo7IW2XoaN79O0vCa/s1600-h/001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367076962243703954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXQN_CcY4aTJ0_zthXnGRISk2ngYKZpm64ukS4gZ-8uQhNCVRTdURvEke7K6vc_tnovs8A14a0RBYLWGcNuHA1pQxM_oMmV8yn7S5Jugx4NbISB4nIAhpLsKk_M7Jo7IW2XoaN79O0vCa/s200/001.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 101px; width: 135px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08Chbkzl9p0ZpE2o_2-NCYOzeWkx7eORn5AA11qTsR7pAvtqULzHwQDMhd5JeQr7sgifUXNvFZC0ejEyhZXFfJRuhl5EDVd5lXDAIcK9IgIFNIFYs0Uv1QIPOBdPkvrjjLZe82saEAsCH/s1600-h/013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367076329476111682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08Chbkzl9p0ZpE2o_2-NCYOzeWkx7eORn5AA11qTsR7pAvtqULzHwQDMhd5JeQr7sgifUXNvFZC0ejEyhZXFfJRuhl5EDVd5lXDAIcK9IgIFNIFYs0Uv1QIPOBdPkvrjjLZe82saEAsCH/s200/013.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 112px; width: 97px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLF9k2M5ZmH1JLbknXAklWHXOOBbIhCN-fADFpk1M_YC7MtHawozaFT5zMWXsiJy84LiClcANDiOzGBQm7hfFbDWs83b5QsXZ_Ei3wc4AXXU6oDH997e2-lQAVKFkcFhY76wqbz1tE0mD/s1600-h/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367078005645334562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLF9k2M5ZmH1JLbknXAklWHXOOBbIhCN-fADFpk1M_YC7MtHawozaFT5zMWXsiJy84LiClcANDiOzGBQm7hfFbDWs83b5QsXZ_Ei3wc4AXXU6oDH997e2-lQAVKFkcFhY76wqbz1tE0mD/s200/003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 101px; width: 136px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7HwwD940St0qbSrpViafKSPelXSv0wtzXyWan_E3f4n8qsgRBj363icQDe2kCHVCfIiZMIJrL2qrKkZfyIcmq8JHwHAjxBrGDRqbr0klke-AnlBS9Wkj9OhyhZERbX-RbTeOHSjJaZLA/s1600-h/007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367075403867836754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7HwwD940St0qbSrpViafKSPelXSv0wtzXyWan_E3f4n8qsgRBj363icQDe2kCHVCfIiZMIJrL2qrKkZfyIcmq8JHwHAjxBrGDRqbr0klke-AnlBS9Wkj9OhyhZERbX-RbTeOHSjJaZLA/s200/007.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 97px; width: 130px;" /></a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MGcy9wrbhAPNpXEy8JkVq79MYVHh8L5JgTypmI80TGDpUgOQNnuAkIHXbE2XexrbJe3r6fDQVFcehaOwtepdaHpiyb0NPLwpXot61l22ALAAWGwmHPbZnl37fJEHtx3uuUuqg8OSXdDH/s1600-h/008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367081630254721218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MGcy9wrbhAPNpXEy8JkVq79MYVHh8L5JgTypmI80TGDpUgOQNnuAkIHXbE2XexrbJe3r6fDQVFcehaOwtepdaHpiyb0NPLwpXot61l22ALAAWGwmHPbZnl37fJEHtx3uuUuqg8OSXdDH/s200/008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 116px; width: 92px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<u><b style="background-color: magenta;">"SEOUL" GOOD TO SHOP</b></u><br />
<u><b style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></b></u>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFubUfDxoTeVRsk9_5ePQhoKIlg-vmYRTih2b-xMbyv2hxP1-egH75xf-VnB5g2minFbVy_YQ8zVQMT-kHfwMIE1NgYem56ta6CrD5MezK0sY1KGnxL4zwFMlWk4_Yuxk0O1ny9yzz6HGG/s1600-h/014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367072162111208706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFubUfDxoTeVRsk9_5ePQhoKIlg-vmYRTih2b-xMbyv2hxP1-egH75xf-VnB5g2minFbVy_YQ8zVQMT-kHfwMIE1NgYem56ta6CrD5MezK0sY1KGnxL4zwFMlWk4_Yuxk0O1ny9yzz6HGG/s200/014.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 142px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 190px;" /></a><br />
Worldwide, the word "shopping" sends different sensation to different people. Usually the women screams in delight while the men (probably being programmed in a different make- up genetically) clamps up. Well, unless he is a retailer or businessmen in the trade.<br />
Of course, the credit- card folks will encourage and cheer us on, that's why "the men never gets it' (whoever came up with that interesting tag-line for the ladies' card?) 'cos they are not economy boasters in that sense.<br />
<br />
It is amazing that shopping creates jobs, retail sales, warehousing, shipping, marketers etc.<br />
Without shopping, life is mundane and stale in every aspect. Just like balancing the ecological system is essential, shopping helps to balance the job cycle and taking that away will hurt the industry.<br />
<br />
I am planning for a trip to Seoul. Yes, for shopping. There is so much to shop for in Fascinating Korea. I am going to change some won now that the exchange rate is not bad given the strong Singapore Dollar...I know, I am helping their economy. Hey, but what goes around, comes around...<br />
<br />
Annio Haseyo! There are apparels, bags, shoes, boots, accessories and beauty products from skincare to make- up. It's like a woman's paradise in Korea. There is so many things which you covet that look so good that you want to own.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vz6IBwvO4ZVM9NmPGU6uMaclvZ8g1N2zWJtvX-N5B8PjHqrfy0hppPeFeukmHG5FqWQH6cuipZW9tXne7umNpIC5y0FE0ngWPc5hvVFb92yRnCRsLljjIeyf490MkzQgLrMtuKxlWbTQ/s1600-h/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367073617584240626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vz6IBwvO4ZVM9NmPGU6uMaclvZ8g1N2zWJtvX-N5B8PjHqrfy0hppPeFeukmHG5FqWQH6cuipZW9tXne7umNpIC5y0FE0ngWPc5hvVFb92yRnCRsLljjIeyf490MkzQgLrMtuKxlWbTQ/s200/003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 181px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 136px;" /></a><br />
Amethyst, those purplish semi- stones are also ample in Korea and they have so many designs to choose from. Hip clothes and wonderful accessories, down to stationeries (everything just look so cute), tempt me to spend my hard- earned money away. Oh, there are also very adorable dolls with beady eyes and laces and gorgeous children's clothes that you will want to lay your hands on if you have kids. You just tell yourself, you came all the way here, might as well buy something back and it's oh-so-cute! And those Korea Dramas VCDs too....<br />
<br />
<u><b style="background-color: magenta;">MUST GO SHOPPING PLACES</b></u><br />
<u><b style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></b></u>
Check out Women's Paradise in Korea- <span style="color: rgb(255 , 0 , 0); font-weight: bold;">Myeung Dong</span><span style="color: rgb(255 , 0 , 0);"> </span>(like a street for women's shopping), <span style="color: rgb(51 , 204 , 0); font-weight: bold;">Dong Daemun</span>, <span style="color: rgb(204 , 51 , 204); font-weight: bold;">Ee Hwa University</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255 , 204 , 51);">Nam Daemun</span>. </span>They each have their own unique selling points.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: rgb(255 , 0 , 0); font-weight: bold;">Myeung Dong</span><span style="color: rgb(255 , 0 , 0);"> </span>has everything a modern young woman will covet, from clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories to make- up etc. If you are tired, you can also take a rest as there are many donuts shops, fast food chains or eateries around. The make- up or toiletries shop like Etude and Face Shop also pile up goodies (from cotton wool, tissue papers to sample trial size products and pencil case, pouches and waste paper basket) for you whenever you shop in their outlets, thanking you and encouraging you to purchase more from them.<br />
<br />
In <span style="color: rgb(51 , 204 , 0); font-weight: bold;">Dong Daemun </span>(meaning Eastern Great Gate) area, there are many buildings, usually made of around 7 storey, with shops catering to women's interests. These are the few which you should check out: Doosan Tower, Migliore, Freya Town and Hello apM. Let me tell you, you can spend the whole day there and have not comb through all the buildings. These building usually have resturants or cafe, like our food court on their highest level so you can take a rest there if you are tired or need to take a break.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: rgb(204 , 51 , 204); font-weight: bold;">Ee Hwa University</span>- one of my personal favourite. The shops were meant for the university female students. But of course, because of its gorgeous stuff and rows of interesting shops, they have become popular with alot of young Korean women too. They even have very cool make- up services and manicure shops within this area too. Yakun, our home grown brand is also found here.<br />
<br />
You can walk to <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255 , 204 , 51);">Nam Daemun</span> </span>as it is situated near to Myeung Dong. You get all sorts of people and products at Nam Daemun.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>In Korean, it means South Gate. there is alot of buzz here, with sellers shouting "Sale, Sale" and throngs of buyers or tourists squeezing their way through. There are shops selling seaweed, ginseng, kitchenware, accessories, books, children's clothes and all kind of miscellaneous goods and even money changer within this buzzling market place. If you are daring, you can try eating in some of the food they sell, from red-bean mochi to pancakes. But I will not recommend you trying the raw seafood they sell at their stalls. My friend tried with gusto and got food contamination with a bad tummy ache and I had to resort to buying her medication from the pharmacy.<br />
<br />
Back to shopping- Though you can bargain in Nam Daemun, do not ever insult the sellers by slashing the price by half or more as the seller may feel insulted and not want to sell you anything after that.<br />
<br />
I know a few key phrases and that help me quite a fair bit. It's not difficult, try it. It may help you in your bargaining.<br />
<br />
<b><u style="background-color: magenta;">KEY KOREAN PHRASES</u></b><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>How much:</strong> E-ru Ma-e Yo?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVcTSjwKjel_wrW6AVei0q0_1fg2NvYZGf1Q6yXzNZN6rL03-rogZzENpgWFpXZlVy9BJ7Ti0a5_1Nwa56H6FA1vwMj0PX_MC0yMknj1ZAsNmMav14cPH5Jc7q3bEt1ODDVchSsB4RBmL/s1600-h/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367072881999144546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVcTSjwKjel_wrW6AVei0q0_1fg2NvYZGf1Q6yXzNZN6rL03-rogZzENpgWFpXZlVy9BJ7Ti0a5_1Nwa56H6FA1vwMj0PX_MC0yMknj1ZAsNmMav14cPH5Jc7q3bEt1ODDVchSsB4RBmL/s200/003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 182px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 137px;" /></a><br />
<strong>Discount Please:</strong> Ka-ka Tsu-seyo!<br />
<strong>Thank You:</strong> Kam-sa Haminda<br />
<strong>You are a nice person:</strong> Im-nida!<br />
<strong>You are so pretty, miss:</strong> Ippoi yo, agashi! <br />
<br />
Got it? Have key phrase, will shop. Don't leave home without these- ha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u style="background-color: magenta;">CHECK OUT THOSE FOOD</u></b><br />
<b><u style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></u></b>
Food- wise, as all Singaporeans are alike, we love food and are quite adventurous to explore.<br />
<br />
Recommended list: Ginseng Chicken, Fried Silk worm (IF YOU DARE- Heard it's like fried peanuts and good for the men- boast up vitality, nope, I have not tried it), chewy rice cake with chilli, Bi Ping Pak, Ren Mien (Must try- Yummy cold noodle, especially for their Summer), raw octopus etc. There are all sorts of preserved vegetables a.k.a. kimchi too. And the fried seaweed is very tasty with sesame seeds. I highly recommend it. Yum!<br />
<br />
Check out those ginseng and coffee flavored chewing gum too. It is quite interesting.<br />
Guess you only get them in Korea!? Wonder if they have kimchi ones!??<br />
<br />
I always come with an almost empty luggage. Then, usually end up having to sit on my luggage to squeeze all my "treasures" the night before I leave Korea. Maybe I am a shopaholic at heart. It's hard to resist shopping in Korea.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="background-color: magenta; color: #666666;">ACCOMODATION/ HOTEL STAY</span></u></b><br />
I have some girl friends who asked where is best for lodging or rather which hotel to stay in?<br />
Well, I would recommend them based on your budget per night and where you want to go everyday.<br />
<br />
If budget is not a consideration- LOTTE Hotel Seoul is my favorite.<br />
Choose Myeongdon Hotel which is conveniently located the shopping belt for quick access to shopping, food, entertainment and the subway. Always check if there are FREE WIFI or transportation to the airport. These can save you a lot of money and hassle.<br />
Staying near Dongdaemun could be another alternative for the shopping queens too.<br />
Just google, there are so many options from service apartments to even airbnb these days.<br />
<br />
<br />
The latest craze is to go to Korea for plastic surgery.. Don't think I would need that for now. But hmm....who will know 10 years down the road, when I need a little lift? But for the time being, I'll stick to shopping for those BB cream, cosmetics and the facial masks.<br />
<br />
Well, you have fun and tell me about your experience of Korea.<br />
Who knows? We can exchange notes on where to shop next!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVUoLP-HpnntZ2q_kDtSXtYyEpfwaY-LT-walv9DzDU2AnC8FRe10mTBxmscm2eZoOQ5-buIJeLJnHTsSeZNWWV31RrPSeGVOdWejfX4ENJugMUbdBuszKUoiJlGkZPn_U4KHnGMf_Bt8/s1600-h/007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6aAm_GpcPJj2G33S3emVozU_bLr6ZFMOWmmLn0bYr1pAHWVcoNe1LpHcJMVG78EUzH6Mjc6SExvuDGdIksvfDbRCMfAC5QrZh9KIhgX1rwx3GRTFl5sguFsHDkXzd5FUkJkl2qxVJGDF/s1600-h/011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367082168355134610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6aAm_GpcPJj2G33S3emVozU_bLr6ZFMOWmmLn0bYr1pAHWVcoNe1LpHcJMVG78EUzH6Mjc6SExvuDGdIksvfDbRCMfAC5QrZh9KIhgX1rwx3GRTFl5sguFsHDkXzd5FUkJkl2qxVJGDF/s200/011.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 151px; width: 132px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7uOhlXAQ45uimlhdwqTjCd3ZfJ_5mIuFUwyE51DWqaLnRRiFdYnBss0yjRh3tWbQFOhZUdm4AOr3JRJfhehwL0VDCJKGD9mHdnp6jf-1tTsGLYgEm7jweb7UD4Xa_oHt1ke0EEYoJvP8/s1600-h/008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367085353139444082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7uOhlXAQ45uimlhdwqTjCd3ZfJ_5mIuFUwyE51DWqaLnRRiFdYnBss0yjRh3tWbQFOhZUdm4AOr3JRJfhehwL0VDCJKGD9mHdnp6jf-1tTsGLYgEm7jweb7UD4Xa_oHt1ke0EEYoJvP8/s200/008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y1SIm7cECe1fzG_siiUe-8hYRwqXcG__JOlS9_dwNMEv4jvuB4wnGOwdmCZUoqd3MoDrzv7WaXZddmmLj4y73SXqTC7a_BEg6e_OlFpoz46U8zWtBYTzVmO3XbCd_EWjDCUjfIRT-BcE/s1600-h/020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367085710099999730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y1SIm7cECe1fzG_siiUe-8hYRwqXcG__JOlS9_dwNMEv4jvuB4wnGOwdmCZUoqd3MoDrzv7WaXZddmmLj4y73SXqTC7a_BEg6e_OlFpoz46U8zWtBYTzVmO3XbCd_EWjDCUjfIRT-BcE/s200/020.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 152px; width: 204px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8FjfnlAvZbU/Snotes%20on%20where%20to%20shop%20next%21%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20onblur=" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" paren="" try=""></a>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04146101145487015422noreply@blogger.com