Walkabout Hong Kong

I have been to Hong Kong a couple of times for work but never really a holiday. This time, bought the tickets scheduled for end April. Weather was pretty erratic, the rain clouds were here and gone the next instant. By the time you got your umbrella out of the bag, the rain has stopped. So, I didn't bother about the umbrella. But of course, I didn't have one in the first place. Apart  from the rain, it was mostly cloudy.a

Hong Kong has very good public transport. For this trip, I basically rode on everything ie the MTR, the bus and the tram (minus the cab). Apart from that, there were lots of walking too. That would be the best way to see Hong Kong. I tried to capture the beautiful colours of Hong Kong. And I couldn't resist the yummy food as well.

Sapporo Ramen at North Point. Simple and comfortable restaurant. Food was not too bad. Pricing was reasonable.

Breakfast at Empire Ocean. I absolutely love it and went there for two days! They have outlets at other areas such as Mongkok, Causeway Bay, etc...
The egg tarts were from Honolulu Coffee Shop. The best I have ever tasted! The sweetness was just perfect for me, not too milky as well and the pastry was soft... We managed to buy them right out from the oven. Ummm.... the warm tarts... so fine....

We travelled all the way to Sheung Wan for this dim sum at Lin Heung Kui. The review was good and Hong Kong is famous for its dim sum after all. It must be good as the place was packed and we had to share a table with other patrons. Overall, ok...

Hong Kong is also famous for its Japanese food, apparently very authentic. Gave it a try at Chikayaki. Thumbs and thumbs up! Just be prepared for the bill. Oh, do remember to make reservation too.

That's the food story. Coming up the walking experience. I spotted some interesting art work and things, at least I thought they were.

Trying to make things more fun, I guess... This was at Stanley.

This was at the MTR station again. I was impressed that there were quite a number of children art work that has been featured in public places.

This were the recycle bins that I saw at a shopping mall. Something interesting from our usual bin.

The ad was at the MTR station. If you know how to read, it sounded really cute. Otherwise, it's to ask people to hold tight to the hand rail. Look at the little extra hands!

A peep into the restaurant. I really love the blue!

You could be in Mexico! Again, the colours were vibrant, I can't help but to take a pix of it!

I REALLY love this piece of art! Found this at Central. It just gave me the cheerful, happy feeling...
I find that you really see different things when you walk around instead of being on a tour bus. :)

Mother's Day

I have to remember this - Mother's Day falls on the 2nd week of May. And I would like to pay tribute to Mummy. When we were growing up, she was the disciplinarian at home. As we grew older, she became our friend and confidant. No doubt, there is still an air of "I am the boss" at times, but we learnt how to work around it. Training from the corporate world. He! I always think how best to repay her sacrifices and love. It's not the money, the holidays, the gifts but spending quality time with her and be there for her. One day, she may have walking difficulties, hearing deteriorates, fear of death, or any of the old age problems (both physically or mentally). I promised myself that I will be kind and gentle and give her all the love that I can. Mummy, Happy Mother's Day! May you have good health and be happy always.

Card for Mummy. Suppose to have the vintage feel. But maybe not...

Craft work for the children. Oh.. and would like to applause Mothers out there with special needs children. I personally knew two mothers who have worked hard to give their children education and medical care. Hats off!

Dreaming of Cards

It was one weekend when I felt so stressed out and didn't feel like doing anything. Then I thought I should distract myself by doing something different. The card making magazine caught my eye. With whatever available tools and coloured papers that I had, I made a simple card. And was I pleased with my "work of art"! And the best thing was - it chased away my blues! Yay!

I got hooked.... and for one year, I happily "supplied" cards for birthdays and other occasions. Most of my cards were simple. I have seen really beautiful ones on other websites. My problem - reluctant to invest in those lovely card making tools. So, I just have to make do with my budget. Here are some cards to share. And I had lots of fun making 'em!



p/s: special thanks to EL for taking the photos

Breakfast at Levain's

I first heard about this place last year. Took me a year to finally arrived at Levain. Decided on breakfast, hoping for some quiet moments of bread and tea with the morning papers in hand. It's set in a bungalow (cosy ambience), surrounded by high rise buildings with valet parking right in the heart of KL. They opened at 7.30am, we arrived about an hour later. Not so many people dining in yet but a number of customers walked in and out with their takeaways. The sky was kind of gloomy and feeling of laziness loomed. Just the right mood for a quiet breakfast.

Was spoilt for choice. There were just so many yummylicious breads, buns, croissants, sandwiches, etc. As I didn't have the capacity to wallop so much, I had to choose only 3. Sigh.... It was tough! Got what I wanted and found a nice table to savour my breakfast. I took the first bite and sighed with contentment...

If you plan to dine in, better to be early. Even as the clock ticked, the place got more crowded. Oh, they also served lunch and dinner. Pick your choice!

Vintage looking signage

Salivating...

Bakers at work

This looked good too!

Jams!

The interior of the restaurant

A peep

This was my yummy breakfast

My favourite tea

Other choices of tea available too

Coaster

For some fresh air..



One happy customer, more to come..



Bring home some sweet memories

Getaway to Tanjung Sepat

An additional public holiday out of the blue... So good... Someone decided on a food and photo outing, and I tagged along. Took us about 1.5 hours drive from Seri Kembangan. It was a leisurely drive, passed by palm oil plantations on both sides of the road, clusters of small villages and occasional sightings of Airbus/Boeing above.

Tanjung Sepat is a quaint little town by the sea. City folks flock to this place for seafood and pau (chinese buns). And of course, for some photography as well (hands up by yours truly). How's the food? Well, the vegetables were not too bad. Seafood and pau? Please ask the guy in the next seat. *wink*



Welcome to Lovers' Bridge!



But it's for anyone who is curious to see what's at the end of the bridge

And for people who loves walking as well...

For those who prefer not to walk, just relax and watch people walk.



Sweet..




A faster way than walking



You can hunt for cockles too (or crabs?)

Wooden planks nearing the end of the bridge

The end of the bridge



The famous pau of Tanjung Sepat @ Hai Yew Heng



Fillings

All ready to be steamed

Waiting for orders

The trademark logo



Calming sea



Another bridge that brings you out to the sea

Gentle waves lapping the beach

For a change - vibrant!

Setting sun (slowly but surely)



Footprints to the horizon



Rays of sunlight bouncing off the skeletal trees



Dark Shadows




Dusk



A spectacular display of rays in the sky!

Mount Kinabalu - Reflections

I have been thinking.... Climbing Mt KK was just one year apart but the experience was so different! But am proud to say that I have both the B&W cert as well as the coloured one. :)

What went wrong last year? One major reason was altitude sickness. Didn't know I had it till I was back. Breathlessness, no appetite, sleepnessness. I had a real difficult time throughout the climb. However, when 3 out of 4 person reached the peak, there was a sense of envious, regret, disatisfaction, you name it. Haha! Instead of waiting for 2 years, I decided to do it again the following year. Hence, Mount KK 2012.

Some considerations, tips, etc..:

1. Training - Like last year, continued with gym and hike Gasing Hill. The difference - a bit of stairs at Batu Caves and CL's condo. Plus the Gasing hike was with weight. Loaded my backpack to almost 4 kgs and just hiked up and down the super steep part.

2. Altitude sickness remedies - CL got this medicine from one of the local clinic. It wasn't Diamox, but doc said it was something similar. Won't take chances, took it before every climb (only 2). AL's friend also suggested oxygenated water. Used that during climb from Laban Rata to the peak.

3. General health - Gotta be in tip top condition! If possible, that is.... Took vit C 2 months before the climb. Just keep healthy throughout.

4. Backpack - Brought a DSLR last year and I didn't even have the energy to unzip my bag. And I had a bag of medication (too cautious!). This year, I kept my bag light. Brought only a compact camera, necessary food and necessary medication.

5. The climb - A tip we got from observing the porters, take small steps. No doubt we can save time by taking bigger steps but, small steps helped conserve energy to last till our destination. Also, the breathing technique. Regulate the breath. For me, I found that breathing through my mouth helped. Maybe I was born with a blocked nose (?). Oh, go at your own pace. Don't force to keep up with the faster group. You will end of "half dead".

6. Rest - Take short rests, maybe a minute or two along the way. Try not to take long breaks unless really, really tired or not feeling well. Keep the momentum going. Else, it will be like starting the engine all over again.

7. The mind - be determined to reach the peak, do not give up easily, enjoy the climb, give yourself a pat at every marker, just do it!

After failing the first time and getting it done the second time, somehow felt that everyone can make it to the top, of course with the right attitude and right condition.

To those who will be climbing Mount Kinabalu, way to go! You can do it!!