Arrived at SiemReap International Airport at about 8am their time, GMT +7 after staying awake the entire night at LCCT. It’s one of the passenger friendly airport I’ve been too. Not hectic and confusing like LCCT. Out from the plane, short walk to efficient immigration check. Then once you collected the luggage, it’s the pickup point. No one stopped me from doing this

We arranged for Quad Biking on the first day with SR Quad Bike, a new establishment G found online. They pick us up at our hotel on time, just that we were waiting at the lobby area, the guy was waiting at tour desk causing us to lose about 20mins -______-

We were given a straight-to-the-point briefing session before we go for a short run to test our skills out..

All of us passed the test but Teong ! haha ! Experienced bike rider had to ride with an instructor lo…

It was really easy to handle once you get the hang of it. Just accelerate and brake. Everything else are automated. We booked the 2 hours ride (USD25 per pax) which bring us through the local village trail, and vast paddy field, stopping for an amazing sunset. The photos does no justice to how beautiful the actual view was. Fits the definition of breathtaking.

Some of the kids from nearby villages that followed us. So friendly and cute. They are the children that I don’t see much in Malaysia anymore, the ones that Waves and greets without demanding for ipad or iphone to play afterwards.

Fascinated over the photos we took of them.

Throughout the 2 hours and for the following few days, we find ourselves waving to random kids and strangers ALOT! They are like the friendliest group of people ever. WY’s “kim jong ill” moment.

I think they spend their days waiting for tourist to go by their villages so they can wave and shout HIiiiiii !!!! at us. There’s one time, where we were drove past a house quite fast and the kids couldn’t run up to us in time, so they just screams Heellloooooo at us … -______-

Just a few tips for those who would like to try this.

1. Dont wear white as it will turn to orange or beige at the end of the trip. This is how the towel looks like after wiping our face. There’s practically no proper tar road, just dusty red earth all the way. So i think it’s really thoughtful that the bike company provided mask and helmet with eye shield for us

2. try to wear long pants to protect your calf  from the heat of the engine.

Truly enjoy the experience of quad biking through siem reap and will definitely do it again if opportunity arises!!  A photo with the owner.

http://www.srquadbikeadventure.com/index.html

If i were to sum up this year in one word, it would be changes.

Believe this year is where people around, including myself make drastic decision and big changes in their life. I believe and live by the motto, change is the only constant in life, so true especially for this year. Friends getting married, friends moving on with their life, career leap, relocation and much more.

As for myself, I decided to quit my job in KL and moved my base back to my dear hometown with has the worse traffic that I could have ever imagine. Probably one of my wisest decision this year. For now, I am enjoying my career. Very fresh, very new, very exciting, schedules are like a roller coaster ride with crazy work hours when nearing dateline but full of flexibility to be independent.

It was such a Fun year for me! For a start, i went to 4 concerts, which is once every quarter  Maroon 5, swooning over ever sexy Adam Levine. Eason Chen and Zee Avi was equally awesome with different feel. Cherry on top of it all was realizing my dream of watching Jacky Cheung!! Undeniably i grew up listening to his songs, naturally i become a fan. Sadly i couldn’t make it to any of his previous musical or concerts and was sooo happy that he made a stop in Malaysia again! He does not disappoint and will definitely be part of the audience for any of his future show in Malaysia. Biggest regret in terms of concerts was not able to attend Jason Mraz’s Asia stops :(((((

Then there was the Hot Air Balloon Festival and Orbing experiences.

Favorite past time for the 2nd half of the year. Red times with Kimmies ^_^

Addiction for 2011 was unmistakable Snowflakes and Chatime. Surely i am not the only one, the first one or the last here.

Earlier in the year, i ticked off another “want to/must do” in my life. Something inspired by this little cute guy here. never had regret

Now that I’ve passed a certain age in life, invitations to weddings are coming by the throngs. This year alone I’ve attended 8 weddings to be exact.. probably this trend will continue for a couple more years, then I’ll start attending baby showers and children’s birthday..haha. Not complaining though, i love to attending weddings, a celebration of love, a good excuse to doll up (^_^) and meeting up with friends and absolutely having some great fun!

From all the weddings, this was one of the most moving. Meeting up with so many of my old pals for the entire day, recreating the ending dance pose from our scout/guides days back in 2000. Most beautiful wedding overall still was Eunice’s wedding in Melbourne. Amazingly perfect!

What is a life journey for me without a splash of travelling involve? I got myself a new camera this year or rather MrSmallface got it for me ^^ Loving it till today, Sis even brought it to Nepal and Mt Everest. talk about journey.

Went to Hanoi, Vietnam for the first time with my family. A first after more than 1o years. Loving the beautiful place, would love to revisit someday!

Then it kinda seems like tradition for me and MrSmallface to go away for our anniversary. Last year in Sabah, this year in Taipei.

Revisited Bali again with some old and new folks, still the same old Bali. Would love to go again, well, I would love to go anywhere anytime again But come on, who can resist Bali ? Still so much left unexplored. I still want to go to the Rock Bar!! Unfortunately previous trip, i was just soo close but still failed :( Must GO!

Short weekend trips

- Hadyai

- Pusing, Perak. Kellis Castle

- Weekend getaway in a bungalow we rented in Taiping. Was suppose to sekeping serendah but they are so booked out, until next year!! Too much! Eventually decided Taiping was a great midpoint to meet for the folks from KL and Penang.

2011 has been good to me. Full of new start, new challenge, new experiences in life. Learn alot, laugh alot, weep alot – probably for movies -_- Grateful I had my family and friends around me for whatever reasons. Grateful I am still able to do what I want (well, most of it)

Come what may 2012. It may or may not be the end of the world, haha, life still goes on until its realized. For me, who live each day to the fullest, Mayan’s prophecy doesn’t matter. whatever happen, happens

My Resolution for the coming year is to stay grateful for what I have, and be more forgiving towards others.

Year 2010 

Year 2009 

Year 2008

Year 2007

Year 2006

Truth be told, this is just another one of my dumb blondes moment. Many a times, I wish I am not living in Malaysia. Due to many obvious facts but the urge are especially stronger when I’m browsing fashion blogs or sites like Asos. Certainly doesn’t really help in uplifting my mood when the thought of “I can’t freaking afford anything after conversion!!! “ creeps through my mind. Damn, i wish I’m still in UK so I can afford all those yummy stuff!!

Then it will make me think of the many dangerous “what IF”

What If I did stay on, will I still be working in the chinese takeaway getting fat and contented with such simple simple life ? Or I will be stuck at the chinese takeaway and sulking my life away?

What if I did stay on, and manage to land myself a decent job? Would my life be any different? I would be living in my own tiny flats, taking the tube/bus to work, hanging out in the many parks or nearby fountains munching on sandwiches and a beer on the other hand. Probably I would have more concert/music festival stubs pinned to my wall as well. Weekends away from the city, spend in another city. Summer vacation with big floppy hats and no judgmental looks. Bliss

OR

What if i did stay on, and got stab to death by the so many psycho in UK that we read about in dailymail? Tragic end for me.

To0 many “What If”  and it really doesn’t matter as I am here. In my room. in Malaysia. No more turning back except to ponder upon the happy times, and let my imagination have a run Can you imagine how cute my babies would be if my partner looks like Adam Levine, Ryan Gosling or Chris Evans? Just saying

So here’s to – places I will be in the future… that I will make sure its a good one 

Few weekends ago, on a nice sunny Saturday afternoon, me and Mr.Smallface decided to try out this new place which I’ve read about while blog hopping.

sOul Kitchen at the end of muntri street, nearing Cititel Hotel Penang Road.

I don’t think it’s hard to find as the place is to colorful to miss

For this post, i tried to edit all of the photos so less words maybe?  haha~ Don’t think it’s any nicer hmm.. The food pictures are unedited, just added in the frame and caption. Raw from LX3, rooarr

I ♥ this kind of small cafe.

Menus on the wall for all to see. No angry customer waiting for menus.

I bet Kimmie and Raye will love it too~! Yogurt Muesli served here for Kim!

Banana Orange Smoothie and Iced Cafe Latte, RM7 each. Size: ikea glass hahaha.. The place is filled with the nice aroma from the coffee machine that’s placed next to the counter.

They have the “open kitchen” concept here. No curtain or whatnots to block our view from watching chefs at work.

I had the Grilled Sandwich with Gammon Ham and sweet onion sauce. Very generous fillings and cheeseee! ♥ ♥ ♥

MrSmallFace’s Pasta which is the most expensive of the lot, RM19. Yet this dish would be highly recommended by me! Chickens bites are tender, pasta al dente, diced tomatoes with a zing of lemon taste overall. YUMS!

Salami Pizza to share, RM10. This is so-so. Had better.

To top off all the above which has been polished clean from the plates, we ordered the tiramisu cake, Rm10, which I read about as well.

True, it does not disappoint! For the soft type of Tiramisu, I think Ritz Bakery finally had a rival in Penang for the top placing.

Soul Kitchen; no harm giving it a try when you want to break the Penang Food Chain norm.. As for myself, I will be back for its Penne Pasta and definitely the tiramisu!

To end this post, I’ll just share a recent photo of myself This is the first and might very well be the last image you will see me with contact lenses. I’m so vain at times. Haiz.. -__-

I must be one of those few people that the opticians would had love to slap if they have the authority to do so Thank you aunties at Chan Kong Chan for your 1+ hr patience with me. I can’t help but blink :(  I still fail at wearing the lenses ever since ……

A summon after that does not blardy count!!  Anyway, it was really nice that flower-monster remembers my little hobby!

Postcard from Nepal. Different part of the world to add into my neat little collection. Appreciate it so much dear! Biarkan lambat, asalkan sampai

I had finally mustered enough courage to have my 2 other wisdom teeth removed, on the SAME DAY!

Before this, I’ve been ranting on and on how the teeth had been giving me hell every other day. The previous visit I had at the dentist, I already had one removed as the dentist was very honest and doesn’t cost as much as quoted back in penang. I am still holding grudges against Clinic Phoon at Terengganu Road. Worst receptionist ever.

Now, out of the 4 teeth, I already took 3 out, leaving a non impacted tooth growing in peace. Many would fear on the surgery, the trauma, the thought of a dentist slowly slicing your gums open, breaking the teeth into pieces and then pulling them out slowly… and of course, the healing process.

I just want to share my experience here so that those who are suffering now will at least have an idea what to expect.

Consultation with the dentist is of course crucial. The dentist will explain to you the process of removing the tooth and most probably the cost and difficulty level as well. Arrange for an appointment, eat whatever you will before the surgery to curb craving and go for it!

The dentist i choose is Dr.TK Yap in ss2 and he’s really good! Once my lips and tongue go numb, he started to slice my gums open and cut the bottom tooth into half and got them out. The top one was alittle painful when he was pulling them out as there’s some infection already.

Then i spend the next 2 days drooling like retard and can’t really eat anything at all, fearing food crumbs will fall into the open socket. So i opt to eat ice cream and milk and cold drinks. There is actually not alot of pain except for the sore feeling I had at most time.

Put towels over the pillow before you sleep as you WILL be drooling blood as the wound will not heal so fast.

Overall, the entire experience is not as horrifying as i’ve imagine! The dentist is seriously recommended to anyone in PJ area, KL.

The clinic is above Poh Kong – 03-7877 8476

I’m still contemplating on whether or not to post up the photos i took of the 2 little bugger. Yes, he put the 2 teeth into a small bottle and let me bring home.. hehe

Currently Im addicted to Train -Hey Soul Sisters song…

I just came back from mamak session with some friends and we started talking about things we must/want to do before we “settle down”. Loosely speaking that would be before we all reach our 30.

That is because when you are in your 20′s you are somehow still excusable to do crazy things but not as much as when you are 18. There’s a few things that I wished i had done before I am here today but we can’t turn back time.

The point of 20s is to reach 30s — and by then, people will really be expecting us to act like a grown-up.Like FINALLY

Thinking fondly of my experiences, I would have think twice at what I’ve did sometimes and I highly doubt I have the energy, time or guts to do it. Where had my enthusiasm and spirits went??

With so much instability in the world now, I can’t guarantee I will even live pass the age of 50. Seriously. So to those that think, a human only deserve to experience life after you finish paying off that car loan and this housing mortgage, I suggest you think again.

Do you live to pay off interest and make other people like better, getting tangible items  or would you rather live a life full of life where  you gain and forever own the intangible items ie experiences and knowledge to the grave and next life?

With all the monthly earthquake =__= and blood spilling happening, it hard not to think of what I will want to accomplished before I am 6 feet under.

HENCE!!!

Things I wish I have the time, the financial support T___T and courage to do.

Attend Full Moon Party – Koh Pangan
Have a luxurious weekend get away at HuaHin
Step on Coco Island – Maldives
Experience Amsterdam
Visit Disneyland!! Preferably Paris – Disneyland!!
Travel to Eastern Europe
Go travel somewhere alone
Skydive
Go Bali
Backpack around Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
Explore SouthAmerica
Have a house with gardens so that my white westie and cavalier spaniels can run freely.
Visit more wonders of the world.
Meet and greet Hugh Jackman ^__^
Published or just successfully log all my travel experiences.
Join Oktoberfest – in Germany.
Participate in Songkran IN Thailand – Can’t believe I have not done this. Such loser..

For now, this is the only that I can think off. Seems like most of it involve travelling and festivals -__- Although the list might look short but it will take years and for some, a lifetime, to complete.

Here’s to ticking some of it off …hopefully very soon Woohoo!

One of my best and memorable moments in life.. which i can revisit the feeling sometime in the future.

I was very sick on the first day of CNY. I think my body engine overheat due to the mad weather. Worse part of the whole ordeal is i had to miss the morning session of meeting the family and driving around Penang looking for clinic…!!

I still manage to get abit of extra income although I’m sick. Prettiest ang pow packet I’ve seen/received so far in my life. From DivaLisa.

Meeting up friends from high school has been a tradition for me and my group of friends since 2001 ? My goodness, it has been nearly 10 years i’m around these bunch of brats 0__0

Without needing to really inviting or arranging, people will just turn up at the fixed venue yearly.. And since its an all day event, people come and go…and come back again for more if they are in a winning streak

This year was especially fun as everyone was anticipating the first married friend to come over! hahaha.. Can’t wait to get our hands on the ang pow!

and this year was full of surprises as well. ALOT of long lost friends suddenly just turn up and had a really long, good and hearty conversation all night long. It is very rare to have such huge group of people who still comes together once a year without fail.

Although we are all approaching mid twenties, seems like we have not lost our youthfulness at all

I love chinese new year as its time where everyone will be back in Penang and making catching up on the year that past so much easier…

Fore seeing next year would be an even rowdier one as more friends will be back/graduating from oversea…

I’m jinx like that, fml…

I was at BSV with DivaLisa and JangHeng waiting for elevator. When the stupid elevator do not have a sensor to reopen the door, hence DivaLisa stumbled a few steps back …

……..

….

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Gory photo ahead..

Click below if you want to continue reading

on to my foot!!!!

which caused me intense pain! It was so painful I instantly can not stand and had to lean against the wall for support. According to Jangheng my whole face went red…

At first, we thought its just a “normal” step on the foot zZzZzzz but then start to see a line of red blood forming..and blood suddenly gushes out..  

Super tak sangka heels can caused such pain and injuries.. No wonder they are nicknamed KILLER HEELS!

It seems quite serious and swelling was noticeable. But it was 9pm and I had eaten nothing since lunch. I hobbled over to Mdm Kwan, polished off half of the fried rice and only start to look for clinic to get it cleaned.

Past experience with such cut and i skip visiting the doctor made me regret till today :( Left my knee with a huge scar.

The doctor jab me with a tetanus shot as precautionary too and left my arm numb..fml fml..! :(

Nah, not so horrible photo of bandaged foot..

Still Fml…

Well, they always say all clouds has a silver lining. Today is a very good day for my career. Hopefully it marks a good year!!

Having said that, when the management give you a chip of the chocolate bar, they expect you to give them a whole bucket of gold. Good luck to me!

Contrary to common belief, using 35mm films would be easier. It might so much easier to buy and develop but i face difficulty when advancing the film cos the indicators seems wrong or i just don’t know how to read it. Plus because its 36frames, there will be more films gathered at the spool, higher chance of getting stuck halfway too.

okay,time to criticize my films..

From my 36 frame roll of film, only 24 managed to be processed and more than half failed :(

#1 This is an example how a nice photo can be destroyed by a lab staff where they usually dont handle films anymore t.t  The below is incorrectly cut and then scanned. Hence the image is not cropped correctly to be center.

The frame that I used for this roll was  square over the sprockets but i failed to informed the shop and i guessed they just cut it all away  Although I can digitally crop it and make it nicer myself but then i’ll be missing the entire point of lo-fi photography.

The common noobie mistake when one uses a fully manual camera is forgetting to adjust the:-

1. Aperture

2. Focus

3. Taking into consideration the film ISO

#2 That’s why some of my photos are too up close, like the entire frame is filled with the focus object. Most of the focus for this roll was set at 4meter, meant to shoot something from afar -__-

#3 Mentioned above, when advancing to next frame, I do not know when to stop turning!! and therefore, overlapping frames…Mistake below are, not focus properly and overlapping.

#4 Double expose film. I think this is nice

#5 Double expose negative too. Wrong aperture setting.

Having said all the above, making all the “mistake” is how i learn to understand my Qinghua better ^_^ and the experience of handling a fully manual camera is fun! Never knowing the end product until you excitedly hand the roll of negative over the counter to get develop

Now i’m in the midst of going through my 2nd roll 120mm expired film. Will share when I have them develop.  Not sure what else was missed out but i think will be well covered in next post. hehe

Would you like to know how to insert the film? or how the 35mm back look like? Let me know..

Gurus out there are more than welcome to leave a comment!!