Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Travel’

[India] Day 8 – Delhi to Singapore

November 10th, 2011 1 comment

Time to say goodbye to India. It wasn’t bittersweet, just bitter. Life is so much simpler and basic in India, I wasn’t looking forward to going back to the 9-5 worker bee life in the concrete jungle. It was only 9 days, but we really packed a lot of things into those 9 days.

 

Top experiences in no particular order:

Delhi

Flying home on Jet Airways.

And so this was it. En route – Singapore.

Jet Airways

Tobs and Sas fly West back to the UK, Me and Elz East to Singapore. Roh... stays in Delhi.

Flight

Goodbye India, till next time!

With the amount of commentary, photos, videos and information about India, it sounds like I’m an ambassador for Incredible India! or Jet Airways! I should have been. Otherwise a host for a travel documentary?! For now, my few loyal readers are my audience. Thanks for sticking around. More travel journals coming up on Bali, Sikkim, Laos and Bintan.

[India] Day 7 – Shimla to Delhi

November 10th, 2011 No comments

Roh wanted to treat us for a good lunch on the last day, but because we weren’t dressed appropriately, we got turned away from the Oberoi in Shimla. Plan B was the Radisson Hotel, where I saw all the Royal Enfields.

Shimla

Belly full from buffet lunch at the Radisson.

Himachal

Looks like we are getting closer to the city.

 

India Lorry

Love looking at the back of these lorries and the colourful artwork on them...or the interesting load they are carrying.

We reached Delhi in the evening. We returned the rented car, bid farewell and tipped Sooki our driver, travelled to our homestay to drop off our bags and then headed to a nearby arcade for dinner.

Last meal before we were on the plane back to Singapore, we all decided to go to a nice Indian restaurant. By India’s standard, this place was considered posh! Our meal only came up to about S$25 per person and we still had A LOT leftover, which we then packed and fed the hungry stray dogs outside

Delhi

Last supper :(

We reflected on the amazing time we shared, the highs and the lows. Can’t believe me and Elz were flying off the next morning already!

Delhi

Elz, Roh and me, night before our flight back home to Singapore.

Delhi

The mandatory rickshaw ride.

 

[India] Day 7 – This is what happens when…

November 6th, 2011 No comments

…you have friends like us! Lesson learnt Roh, never leave your camera unattended ;)

Funny Faces

Your beautiful friends :)

[India] Day 7 – Cabin Fever

November 6th, 2011 No comments

This is what happens when you spend too long in the car.

Cabin Fever

Nipple pinch!

Categories: Travel Tags: ,

[India] Day 7 – Nako Valley

November 4th, 2011 No comments

*UPDATE – Embedded a new video at the bottom of this post.

After the morning trek and some well-deserved breakfast, we walked down the road to get the tourism tent. A few plastic chairs, a table and some brochures make up the village “tourism office”. For a small fee, we can get a guide to take us around to the important monuments and sites in Nako.

Nako Valley

In the Nako tourist tent getting additional information and taking refuge from the strong UV rays and hot sun outside.

 

Nako is really like how described it “a green oasis in Spiti’s high altitude desert”. Here’s some nice-to-know facts:

  • The potato fields of the village sustains the local population.
  • Tourism is becoming their new means of livelihood
  • the lone school has plenty of kids but seems to have problems finding teachers willing to work there.

source: India Travel Blog

 

We were in Nako at a good time, during their short summer season from June-September. Time for cultivation of food grains, livestock for the long winters ahead. Cultivation is difficult due to its harsh conditions, but people have found a way to make it work. Summer is the best time to visit Nako, and the villagers have catered to the influx of tourism by opening up homestays as part of its community-based eco tourism.

Nako Valley

View of Nako village

 

Our first stop was Nako Lake, a small but beautiful milky green holy lake. The water was still, mirroring the granduer of the mountains behind the village houses. It freezes in winter and ice skating is enjoyed on this lake. With what sort of skates? I have no idea. Nako Lake is a pilgrim destination for Buddhists.

Stillness of the holy Nako Lake

Nako Valley

Walking the circumference of Nako Lake, which is surrounded by willow and polar trees.

Nako Valley

Reflections of the heavens on Nako Lake

 

Our guided walk took us to noted sacred sites in the village including little nooks and caves which have been visited by known lamas and saints. Near the lake there is a footprint-like impression ascribed to the saint Padmasambhava. Apparently there is a waterfall nearby which has snow water falling like a river of milk. Legend says that it is a heavenly realm of fairies.

Nako Valley

Cave

 

Nako Valley

Our guide shows us how the large prayer wheels are turned using the rope. Least amount of effort when you get the momentum going.

 

Nako Valley

Sacred statues

 

It was incredibly peaceful walking through the small village. Life was simple and traditional. Gompa’s, donkeys, people working fields. Housing architecture are mostly made out of stone, and some pathways are lined with prayer stones.

 

Nako Valley

Housing materials. Lots of stones and branches. Only thing you can find naturally around here.

Nako Valley

Village life.

 

The Nako Monastery, situated in the village was allegedly founded by Ringchen Zangpo in 996 AD. But in recent years, a new temple was built. Entry is free, donations are appreciated.

Travel Tip: Respect

Always walk clock-wise around temples and chortens, and keep your right side facing them. Don’t touch them with your left hand. Nako doesn’t see much tourist traffic so tread lightly and be discreet and polite.

Source: Wikitravel

Nako Valley

Prayer wheels outside the monastery. Always use your right hand and go clockwise around.

Nako Valley

Beautiful paintwork in the walls of the monastery but due to its sacredness, age and unfortunately vanadalism, place is now guarded with secrecy. No photos allowed.

Nako Valley

The new monastery has been constructed at the edge of the village, easily seen on the way in from the roads.

Nako Valley

scriptures/blessings carved on slates/rocks which line the paths.

Nako Valley

Zoomed in.

Nako Valley

Sky, mountains, village life, in one frame.

Nako Valley

Village kids playing on monastery grounds.

Nako Valley

Say "Momos!"

 

It almost didn’t feel like a guided tour, until we were taken to a souvenir shop. But we were fine with it. They don’t get much traffic up here, and it’s their source of livelihood. We had a long chat with the owner pictured below.

Nako Valley

Friendly souvenir shop owner who liked his photo taken :)

Time was then running short. I bought some prayer flags and beads for Mike who I thought would appreciate the gift and its origins. Can’t believe our trip was coming to an end so quickly.

 

[India] Day 7 – Morning trek in Nako

November 3rd, 2011 No comments

*Update – I’ve added a video at the end of this post. No music. Just raw sound from the footage.

Hello world! Where have I been? I almost forgot my login to the blog! Business resumes, next day in India.

It’s Day 7 and we had long journey back to Delhi. We needed to do massive mileage if we wanted to catch our flight the next morning. We decided not to sleep in for too long and ventured around camp for a morning trek up the mountain/hill.

Nako Valley

Start of our morning trek

Right outside our guesthouse/tents were several rocky paths that led upwards towards the peak. Not knowing where it would lead us, we just kept walking with the goal in mind to reach some Chortens (Stupas) we saw from afar.

Roh had woken up way before us and was already at the top waiting for us. Elz wanted to sleep in a bit longer and enjoy the view from the tents. Tobs went solo so that leaves me and Sas to find our way up there. We laced up our boots, packed some water, and started climbing.

Nako Valley

No filters here.

It looked a lot easier than it seemed. The first 30mins seemed OK. There was definitely a shortness of breath due to the altitude and thiness of the air. And because the incline was steep, it was not long before we felt a bit giddy. We took a couple of breaks just to make sure we were hydrated and we were OK to carry on. Those breaks gave us a great opportunity to stop and look around and breathe in the crisp morning air.

You will not get anything as clean as this. Unpolluted, fresh Himalayan air.

Nako Valley

It is what it is.

 

Nako Valley

Glad my trekking boots were waterproof

 

Steps of pea shoot fields. Organic at its best.

Nako Valley

Pea fields

 

Nako Valley

Water from the snow peak Himalayas. Met locals on the way who were harvesting summer crop.

 

Finally we reached the Chortens. We swivelled around to look at the view and Oh my gawd, it absolutely took my breath away.

Nako Valley

Chortens being restored by locals.

 

It was one of the most beautiful views I have EVER seen in my life. The pictures below are not filtered at all, and even then, it’s not doing justice to the real thing. If it’s anything, THIS view has made every hurdle, obstacle and setbacks on this trip worth it. I could have shed a tear.

Nako Valley

No filters. This is how it feels to be on top of the world. Nearly.

Nature is so so beautiful. Why did it take me so long to reconnect with you! I had a moment then. You can call it spiritual or perhaps a high altitude delirium, but I felt at peace and one with the universe.

Till today, I would sometimes close my eyes and imagine that spot again. It brings me so much peace.

Nako Valley

Tobs the natural model.

 

We stayed there for awhile, in silence. Watched the clouds roll across the range.

Nako Valley

Nako Village, a green oasis nestled between the arid Himalayan range.

 

Nako Valley

Plenty of time to reflect. You just don't feel like leaving!

 

I’ve been going through bouts of depression for the past few years, and it was only that moment that I realised the healing quality of nature, and how it was able to lift all that burden and negative energy away.

The mandatory jump shot!

 

Nako Valley

Great photo. It almost looks professional!

 

Casualties during the trek. The sole of my boot came off. Thank goodness this happened on the last day of the trip and I still had a pair of chucks for the last leg of the journey. Got these boots about 10yrs ago for a trek to Nepal, holidaying in the UK and now through adventures in India.

Nako Valley

Goodbye my friend. You have served me well.

 

Nature, our place in the universe and the circle of life:

Yea, I am one with all I see,

With wind and wave, with pine and palm;

Their very elements in me

Are fused to make me what I am.

Through me their common life-stream flows,

And when I yield this human breath,

In leaf and blossom, bud and rose,

Live on I will….

There is no Death.

~ Robert Service

 

[India] Day 5 – Jalori Pass to Reckong Peo

August 16th, 2011 No comments

The next leg was the long drive from Jalori Pass to Reckong Peo and Kalpa. We spent so much time in the car, I’m glad we had moments to get out and stretch and take photos.

One might say it’s silly to be stuck in the car all day, but unfortunately to get to the beautiful places, it’s always a bit more difficult to get to. Today, what we thought would be a scenic day of driving on fairly good roads turned into a dusty, disheartening affair.

Reckong Peo

The first part of the journey was fine, lots of trees, hills, and friendly villagers. Then after awhile past the Jalori Pass, the rivers were now a murky grey or light brown in colour? It was only after a few km upstream we realised it was coming from the giant hydro-dam construction. The construction went on for kilometres, roads were in terrible conditions; pot-holed, rocky and dusty. You can’t open your windows because you would have hotdust-boxed your car.
Reckong Peo
It’s quite sad that huge companies are destroying the landscape with the construction of dams. There are arguments for and against such developments; social, economic and environmental, but what we saw today was just a sad process to see kilometres of countryside swept away by eroded banks. What it will look like in a couple of years? I don’t know.
Reckong Peo
We reached Reckong Peo in the late afternoon, checking in at the Tourist Information centre to find out situation about hill passes for our next leg. Reckong Peo, also simply known as Peo by the locals, is the capital of Kinnaur district at a height of 2,290 metres from sea level.

Next on our list, is finding somewhere to stay. We drove up some more to a little town called Kalpa and settle on a hotel called Hotel Royal Voyages. It was basic, but clean enough for a nights sleep. It had fantastic views of the snow clad Kinaur Kailesh peaks, and was quiet, away from the bustle of the town below.

Before we turned in for the night, we all took a late night stroll in pitch black up the path. We found a nice spot where we sat on a ledge, laid down, one hand behind our heads, the other holding a bottle of local beer. We laid there chatting, and watched the shooting stars.

By the end of the day, I was absolutely spent. The picture below says it all.

Reckong Peo

[India] Day 5 – Banjar to Jalori Pass

July 27th, 2011 No comments

After a good nights rest, we packed up our bags and loaded the car for another long day of driving. It was only in daylight were we able to see where we stopped for the night. Apple orchards surrounded us, and in the distance you could hear the morning chatter of men while they packed boxes of Himachal Apples.
Banjar to Jalori Pass
Our next leg of the journey was from Banjar to the Jalori Pass. En route, we stopped at the top of one of the mountains to take some amazing photographs of the valley. This is the beauty of travelling in your own group, we get to stop wherever and whenever we pleased.

Banjar to Jalori Pass
When we made it to the pass, we decided to stop there for a parathas lunch at a local tea shop.

While we waited, we threw the rugby ball around, with some near misses where we would have had to climb down some really dramatic drop-offs on a side of the cliff. Also in the area was the Shringa Rishi temple at Bagi, most visited for it is considered the patron deity of the Banjar Valley. The deity is made of brass and stone and is seen riding a chariot.

Banjar to Jalori Pass

We were getting increasingly excited. Every day this land brings about a new level of awe inspiring beauty. Every time you think this is the best the country has to offer, she surprises you again and again. Have a look at the photos to see the beautiful landscape!

Banjar to Jalori Pass

Doesn’t Roh look like a Bollywood star in the photo below?
Banjar to Jalori Pass

Bottom left photo below were these 2 guys on their Royal Enfields, a very popular tour option by Europeans and locals. I would have loved to do that! Cross country on your bike and what you could fit on it.
Banjar to Jalori Pass

Categories: Travel Tags: , , , ,

New Online Resource for the wanderlust

December 5th, 2010 Comments off

Was invited to a blogger’s event this week by BBC.com for the launch of their new travel site in partnership with its sister company Lonely Planet.

BBC Event

It was an intimate dinner with just 5 bloggers, Dunbar Jones and the BBC folks at South bridge Jazz@7ATENINE. A great sharing session on technology, website user experience and behaviour, travel stories and us locals throwing a slew of recommendations to David on things to do in Singapore.

BBC.com today launched its new travel site in partnership with its sister company Lonely Planet.

BBC.com/travel is led by Editorial Director, David G. Allan, formerly NYTimes.com Travel & Styles Editor. BBC.com, already attracting blue chip advertisers and 16m unique users, has secured Emirates as the key sponsor of the travel section.

At launch, the site has a range of stories from top destinations including Italy, the Caribbean and New York City. Coming soon are a series of specially commissioned stories from BBC contributors and Lonely Planet authors such as the Edinburgh Festival, Japan’s twist on Fall foliage and life above the Arctic Circle.

David G. Allan says: “Our audience already loves the smart, sophisticated and well researched stories from the BBC. BBC Travel builds on our news and documentary heritage with outstanding travel journalism, and key insights from Lonely Planet’s authors, to inspire you to leave your desk and have an adventure whatever the destination.”

BBC Travel is going to be huge! I had no idea they owned a big stake in Lonely Planet. I’d recommend bookmarking this site and watch it grow and evolve into the monster its going to become. If you have any recommendations or feedback about the site, let me know and I’ll be sure to pass on the note to them.

Website: www.bbc.com/travel
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bbc_travel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BBCTravel

[Shanghai] The Bund (外滩)

November 21st, 2010 2 comments

What a strange name. I wasn’t sure if people were saying Bund, Band or Bun!

The Bund is a stretch of buildings on a road which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River. It sits between Baidu Bridge and JinLin East Road. The embankment has a 771-metre long wall built for flood control. It’s also probably the most famous skyline in Shanghai with mentions in famous movies, books and songs.

After googling a bit, it was said that grown all around that area are Chinese wisterias, gingko trees and azalea. I wish I took notice of the trees, would have loved to see how gingko trees look like!

Pictured below is the Shanghai city skyline seen from The Bund side.

The Bund

The Bund is a beautiful stretch to walk at dusk on a cool day, but there is nothing much to do there besides that. Take a few city skyline shots and appreciate the architectural styles of the buildings and that is an hour walk about done.

The word “bund” means an embankment or an embanked quay, and comes from the Urdu word band, meaning an embankment, levee or dam (a cognate of English terms “bind,” “bond” and “band,” the German term “bund,” etc.). “Bund” is pronounced to rhyme with “fund”. The term was brought to Shanghai by the family of Victor Sassoon, a Baghdadi-Nepali Jew. There are many “bands” to be found in Baghdad, even today. There are numerous sites in India, China, and Japan which are called “bunds” (e.g. the Yokohama Bund). However, “The Bund” as a proper noun almost invariably refers to this stretch of embanked riverfront in Shanghai.
Source: Wikipedia

Pictured below is the newly refurbished Waldorf Shanghai Hotel on The Bund side, and also where the HSBC Welcome reception was held. Beautiful.

The Bund

The biggest shocker for me is the architectural styles of the building. They just seemed so European it almost felt like you weren’t in China. Romanesque, Renaissance, Neo-Classical and Art Deco… and building heights are restricted in this area. Good town planning unlike places like Malaysia where the city’s “flavour” is lost by towering skyscrapers and horribly designed buildings. By the way, did you know that Shanghai as one of the richest collections of Art Deco architectures in the world.

[Japan] Tokyo (東京)

October 15th, 2010 Comments off

Konichiwa Friends, Family and Lurkers! Know there’s a lot of you because my stats still show traffic, but y’all have nothing to say in the comments :)

LONG overdue post about my amazing Japan trip earlier this year. It was a fairly last minute decision to go, but the stars aligned, and soon we were booked and on our way to the land of fresh sushi and whack vending machines!

I travelled with Chris, Kimmy and her 9-year old son Andre for the first 2 days. Phil and Michelle joined us at Niseko after. I did feel a bit like the baby sitter, but luckily Andre was easy to manage at 9 :) minus the moment when he asked a “birds and the bees”-type question on the plane.

*turns and looks through the gap of the plane chairs*http://www.facebook.com/angelaleowgray
“Urrr… Kimmy, I think your son has a question for you!”

Once we arrived a Tokyo Narita Airport, we took the express train to our hotel’s nearest station.

Japan Day 1

Based on the map, distance to our hotel looked walk-able. So we tried asking locals for directions. EVERYONE we asked either shrugged their shoulders, gave us a blank stare, or went off in Japanese, choreographed with the hand direction dance  and appreciatibe attempts to draw the route in the air or on their palms.

We obviously didn’t understand a thing.

Finally, Chris whipped out his blackberry and we succumbed to data roaming charges and used the GPS map application instead.

And to dramatize it a bit more ( you can’t have too much drama right), it was drizzling but not to the point we’d get drenched. So with luggage in tow, we walked and walked and walked and walked.

After a good half an hour or so, we reached our hotel. We quickly got washed up and got ready to hit Rapponggi for dinner.

Next blog post on dinner coming right up!

My Favourite photo of the day is of me and Kimmy jumping in front of the “Welcome to Japan” sign at the airport!

Categories: Travel Tags: , ,

Bali Night 2 – Pool Gymnastics

January 2nd, 2010 Comments off

Because the boys has too much energy to blow off, they decided to fling each other in the air. The girls succumbed soon after and decided to partake in a bit of Pool gymnastics.

Rounds consisted of the flying (Silver)Fox, Face plant, bromance flings, gf flinging and canon bombs.

Some of these pre-impact pictures really look like they were going to hurt!

Bali Night 2 – Ku De Ta

December 31st, 2009 Comments off

After dinner at BREEZE, we headed over to Ku De Ta for some cocktails before heading back to the Villa to continue our party.

Ku De Ta is one of the more popular bars in Bali, attracting loads of tourists to this watering hole. Cocktail prices are a bit expensive for Bali standards, so it’s probably best to go there just for sunset drinks. They are well known for their yearly White Parties, but I’m not too sure what all the hype is about. Unless it’s some stellar line-up of DJs, it’s basically a beach party where everyone dresses in white?
Kudeta
The last picture is of us girls playing 5/10 thumbs.. READYYyyyyy!!

Ku De Ta
Address: Jalan Laksmana 9 Seminyak, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Tel: 62 361 736969
Fax: 62 361 73 6767

Categories: Travel Tags: , , , ,

Bali Night 2 – Breeze at The Samaya

December 31st, 2009 Comments off

On our second night in Bali, we decided to eat out at a nice restaurant by the beach, and the first place that came to mind was BREEZE at The Samaya which overlooks Seminyak Beach. It’s not my first time there, but it was my first time there at night.

Here’s a little write-up from their website:

The menus that Chef Michael Shaheen showcases is an interpretation of Euro-American and blends the best of the environment with his own vision of contemporary American and global cuisine. Using the many indigenous ingredients Chef Michael’s menus are dictated by the local harvest and giving them as he defines a “Simple, Seasonal and Uncomplicated approach with a connotation of modern plated presentations, with very light full flavoured reduced sauces, and an air of freshness which appear in his dishes.

The food was good, prices reasonable, but what really did it for me was the venue and ambience. Eating with the sounds of waves continuously crashing on the beach was incredibly therapeutic for me. As someone said, the experience can be summed up as “comfortably casual in an elegant way”.

On my plate that evening was Local Wild Snapper with Truffle Scented Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Asparagus, Fennel, Oven Cured Tomato Reduction – 235 Rp

Breeze at The Samaya
Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak Beach,
Seminyak, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm
Telephone: (62 361) 731 149
Capacity 100 seats

Categories: Food, Travel Tags: , , , ,

Bali Day 2 – Downtime at the Villa

December 30th, 2009 1 comment

What I love about the Villa is the amount of space we had. It’s unlike other holidays where you spend very little time in your hotel room. Here, there’s just no reason or need to leave the compound. If a ‘rest & relax’ holiday is what you’re after, there couldn’t be a better arrangement than this.

Afternoons were spent reading by the pool, swimming, sleeping, chatting and getting massages.

And you wonder why people stay here for months on end?

Categories: Travel Tags: , , ,

Bali Day 2 – Surf School

December 30th, 2009 Comments off

Waking up the next morning for surf school was a challenge. We dragged our sluggish selves out of bed and fed our bellies with some breakfast before packing ourselves into the van.

One of Amanda’s old friend Dedik has a surf school on Kuta beach called Double D surf school Bali. So Tony, Duncan, Chris, Marisa, Bella and I decided to give it a go!
Surf School 1
It’s definitely not as easy as it looks, be prepared to fall off the board 100000 times before you finally ride a wave.

Look at us! We’re surfin :) I reckon we did pretty well for first-timers.
Surf School 2

This is what they offer with their courses:
1. Free pick up & drop off
2. Quality surfboards & equipment
3. Sun protecting rashguards
4. Drinks
5. Showers, clean towels, & lockers
6. Insurance

For more info & bookings
website: www.surfschoolbali.com
e-mail: info@surfschoolbali.com
Phone: +62 81 7067 0046 or +62 361 780 6124

Bali – Villa Azaya

December 29th, 2009 7 comments

In Bali, we all stayed at a Villa in Seminyak called Villa Azaya. It was ridick!?! Beautiful place. Amazing interiors. Gorgeous landscaping. Great service. There was just too much for us to take in all at once when we arrived. Best to explain in pictures!

Also managed to find a website describing the Villa below.

# of Bedrooms : 5
Total Living Area : 1000m2
Total Grounds : 2200m2

Villa Azaya is a contemporary-styled, five-bedroom, Bali rental villa, located just 50 metres from the beach in the Petitenget/Seminyak neighbourhood on Bali’s southwest coast. Covering 2000 square metres, the property comprises a large two-storey building complemented by a fully independent two-bedroom guesthouse, stand-alone gym, poolside gazebo and 20-metre swimming pool, well integrated within an expansive, flat-lawned garden.

The five air-conditioned bedrooms each feature ensuite bathrooms, there is also a living room, dining room, feature kitchen, and guest office/library, while the guest house incorporates its own living & dining room complete with small kitchen.

Ipods have been installed in every living area, and a Bose 321 home entertainment system provides sound in the living room, dining room and pool bar. WiFi internet access is available throughout the property.

Master bedrooms
The two, sizeable, master bedrooms are located on the upper floor of the main building. Each is air-conditioned and each features a teakwood floor, a dressing area and an ensuite bathroom; each is complemented by a rooftop terrace with a lovely view of the garden, the neighbouring fields and a glimpse of the ocean. Each spacious master bathroom is fitted with a bathtub with handheld shower, a double vanity unit with a large wall mirror and twin washbasins, and a toilet.

Guest House
The self-contained guest house offers independence and privacy; it is quite separate from the main building and accessed by a wooden bridge over an ornamental pond. This single-storey building incorporates two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a centrally positioned, open-sided, living & dining area complete with a small kitchen. The living space is furnished with segmented sofas and a glass-topped coffee table, and equipped with a satellite TV/DVD player, Nintendo Wii game system and an iPod dock.

Each bedroom is complemented by an ensuite bathroom with an open-air shower, a bathtub, a vanity unit with washbasin and mirror, and a toilet.

There is large open-sided ‘bale’ pavilion in the garden, with a raised wooden floor and a high roof, rattan sofas and a dining table for eight. It is cooled by natural breezes and two ceiling fans.

Gym
The air-conditioned Gym is a single-storey stand-alone building, located close to the swimming pool. It has a mirrored wall, sliding glass doors and is fully equipped with a treadmill, upright exercise bike, Concept2 Indoor Rower, multigym, free weights, adjustable bench, stretching and yoga mats, and an exercise ball. There is also an iPod dock.

Staff at the villa
The villa is staffed with one full-time Villa manager, Two cooks, Four maids, Four security guards, Two gardeners and One pool attendant.

Courtesy of Villa Azaya

More posts of Bali coming up where you can see pictures of the villa in the day.

Categories: Friends, Travel Tags: , ,

Bali – Day 1

December 25th, 2009 Comments off

I’m starting to enjoy these spur of the moment trips I make with friends. And I’m so glad I’m in a job now that allows me to travel more this year.

2 months ago, I get Kimmy msn-ing me in a frenzy about cheap flights to Bali on Air Asia.

www.airasia.com >> Select date & destination>> Personal particular>> Submit>> DONE!

In no time at all, about 10 of us were booked on a flight to Bali at the beginning of November. It was just a couple a months back I was in Bali with 2 other friends for some ‘me time’, but this time round it was the complete opposite. This was a time to socialise, have fun, party and emerge back into society with a more confident, happy and steady head on my shoulders.

Bali Day 1
We all met up at the airport in the arvo to catch our 7pm flight to Bali, and while buying duty free, someone brought up the idea of having a free shot at the Absolut bar. Oh well why not!

so Zileena, Kim, Marisa and me had a shot to kick start one of the best holidays I’ve had all year.

If you were wondering why we were pouting in the bottom few pictures, Kim swore by this lip gloss she got from Boots UK called ‘Mother Pucker’ which makes your lips tingle and plump up!

Bali Night 1
First evening there and we decided to head out to some beach club. Wasn’t that great so we ended up coming back to the villa to continue the party. More blog posts to follow on our Bali holiday.

Categories: Food, Friends, Travel Tags: , , ,

Penang Jamboree 2009

December 23rd, 2009 12 comments

It’s that time of the year where we make our yearly pilgrimage up Penang Hill for the Kayuh Lasak Penang Jamboree. Last year, the organisers took a break. So we were all pretty psyched when we heard it’d be back this year.

Day 1 was spent doing the necessary such as race registration, breakfast shopping and preparing for the big ride on Sunday. It was Jo & Grace’s first time to Penang, so we made sure to cover the famous makan spots around town on Saturday too. That is a separate blog post all together.

Race Day
Day 2 – Race Day!
5:45am: Wake up, shower, wiggle into cycling shorts, get water bag out of freezer, breakfast, pump tyres, check bike, spray lube, check I have all supplies in bag: spare tubes, tool kit, hand pump, energy gels, happy food.

And we’re all set to go!

We stayed quite close to race central, so it was a 15min warm up cycle to the start point. Met up with the rest of the crew and before you knew it, start horn begun our several hours of torture.
Race Day
This is the first year I was doing the Penang Jamboree without Wayne, and I did feel anxious knowing there was no one but myself to rely on. For the past couple of Jamborees, it was always comforting to know that he was just a phone call away. This year, I spent most of the ride solo.

It was Me Vs Penang Hill.
Race Map
As usual, if you don’t manage to get in the front pack, you quickly get bottle-necked at the climbs. What you will see are hundreds of people pushing their bike up 30 degree tarmac climbs with the hope that every hairpin turn would reveal a flatter gradient or downhill section.

Here’s an elevation map from Ming’s bike computer.
Elevation

At every checkpoint, marshals will give you a little sticker on your race plate to indicate completion of that section. And only if you complete the whole route do you get to be entitled for the grand lucky draw.
Picturesque
A few picturesque highlights of the ride would be at the top of Tiger Hill. There was one point of the ride I just stopped and watched the fog roll in between the hill peaks, nature’s air-con at work.
Finish Line
I finished the race broken and humbled. Clearly my inactivity was showing at my poor performance especially on the climbs. As usual, the hill claimed many victims; riders with cramped legs were sprawled in pools of mud, scattered on the side of the trails like litter. And every now and then, you can hear screams of pain and agony in the distance. Ah, another cramper!
Damage
For me, I went home with chaffed inner thighs – friction from my cycling shorts. It’s not pretty and definitely not comfortable especially in the shower when water touches the raw skin.

Again, as I say every year, I’ll be back Penang!

Penang Jamboree 2007

December 16th, 2009 3 comments

I’m about to post a Penang Jamboree 2009 entry, and realised….. I HAVEN’T POSTED THE ONE I WROTE IN 2007!!!!

Here it goes…please remember this was written in 2007
It’s been one year since the last Penang Jamboree, and I don’t know what possessed me to do it again!
Read more…

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...