Transition.

I woke up on Thursday morning feeling completely disorientated. I thought I was still in my bed at home, and it took me a few minutes to realize that I wasn't. The surroundings were oddly familiar, which was why I thought I was at home. I was home. It was just a different home. It was the Brissie home.


I think that was the first time I ever felt homesick. Prior to Thursday, I've never felt homesick. Sure, I missed my family, my friends, but I never wished I was back home, living the KL life. And for the first time since I've come to Brisbane; for the first time in 5 months, I felt homesick. I suddenly wished I was back in my room at home, and then I would walk down 3 flights of stairs to the kitchen and my family would be at the dining table - dad and sis getting ready for work and mom pottering about the kitchen making us breakfast. Instead, I got up to make my own breakfast in an empty apartment. The homesickness hit me hard at that moment. It's better today though. I'm glad to be back here again as I walked through the streets of South Bank in the windy, winter air.


Prior to my departure back to Brisbane, my sister warned me that the transition was the hardest. And she was right. I needed a few days to adjust and adapt again to the vastly different lifestyles I led in Brisbane and KL. I think it was a whole lot harder coming back from this holiday than the first time I left because the first time round, KL felt like reality and Brisbane was like an escape from reality, like a holiday. But now, going back to KL felt like the holiday while Brisbane feels like reality. It probably has to do with my whole mindset of the different places. Today I wish I could merge the two - KL and Brisbane. And then I wouldn't feel like I'm giving anything up. But of course, that's not possible.


I was wondering if I should continue with my gastronomic adventures in KL. And I've come to the conclusion that I should. This is largely due to the demise of Scarlett (my trusty, beloved camera). I don't know how it happened, but sometime during my transit from Sydney to Brisbane, Scarlett got wet and won't function properly now. I suspect it might have been the Nestea I put in my bag for a little while when I was boarding the plane. It might have spilled but nothing else in my bag is wet!!! I was so upset, words probably won't even begin to describe it. First of all, Scarlett was a present from my sister. Second, I really really REALLY loved my camera to bits and pieces. I liked how I could adjust most of the settings (flash, ISO, exposure etc.) But most of all, it was something that helped me to record memories, the things I wanted to remember, the moments I treasured and cherished. It's been a trusty companion for the past 2 and a half years, a constant in my bag wherever I went and now it's gone.


When I found my camera wasn't working on Thursday, my sister said my expression looked like someone had died. And I was thinking, of course, my camera died!! It's like a trusty friend was gone. Ah, Thursday was really quite an emo-nemo day for me. Anyway, it wasn't working at all on Thursday, I blow dried it using a hair dryer and put it under my study lamp to er.. sunbathe in hopes that all the stuff inside will dry up. Yesterday I could take pictures again but only pictures with no flash. Today I managed to take 2 flash pictures before Scarlett died on me again. Even if the flash miraculously restores itself, it won't ever be the same again. There's water stains on the screen now and keeps asking me to reset the date and time. Sigh.


So yeah, might as well share the last few good pictures my trusty camera took.

This was at Italiannies, MV after watching Eclipse. Their grape shakes and spinach and artichoke formaggio are a must try over there. However, the rest of the food kinda CMI wan. So yeah. Just trust me and order those only larh if you're ever there.

At Zen, Pyramid after a relaxing massage. Wanted to go to Sushi Zanmai but the line was wayyy too long and besides, it's apparently owned by the same company anyway, just pricier.

Tried out this pastry place on Jalan Delima in KL one of the days. It's called LeVain Boulangerie Patisserie and I highly recommend it if you're a fan of pastries and bread (Adele Wong, are you reading this?!) because theirs is home made and freshly baked. It was quite a satisfying meal. Tried their mushroom soup too and it was goooood. Parking there is a bitch though as they only have limited spaces in front of the shop. But the food and atmosphere totally make up for it!

Had hawker food with the primary school mates at Dataran Sunway before going back to Tropicana for alcohol and karaoke. The usual.

The girls are all red-faced because they split us into boy-girl teams and we lost really badly during the drinking games. Oh and Mirinda soda tastes really REALLY bad when mixed with Vodka. I didn't think that Vodka could ever taste bad but boy, was I wrong.

Finally made it to Golden Dragonboat with the cousins in tow to have my pomfret. It's the dish on the right? Mmm, my all time favourite fish next to cod.

At TGIF, MV having my favourite Cajun Fried Chicken Salad after watching Inception which by the way is probably one of the must-watch movies of the year. Good storyline, great casting, intriguing plot and they had some beautiful shots too.And of course the director is awesome.

After Pepper Lunch in Pyramid. I went to visit them on their first day of classes. The day was really epic and happy and fun-filled. It would have been a perfect day if we hadn't received such horrible news at night - that Mr.Ben had passed away.


Mr.Ben was one of my favourite lecturers in Monash. He taught Film and Television studies and he was one of the reasons that made my first year in university so enjoyable. I think back at all the time we spent in his office discussing assignments, listening to his stories, asking for his opinions; all of his tutorials in which he would lace with sarcasm and humour; all the times he's helped us with our assignments, offered words of encouragement, and I really felt a sense of loss. Life is short, and death is an inevitable path that everyone must face but I couldn't help feeling sad and shocked at his sudden death. I wish he'd had more time, more time for future students to experience his awesomeness and passion for the arts and film. But I know he was well-loved by all his students and friends and will be remembered as someone who inspired many of us. And really, how many of us can say we've touched so many lives in our short time on this earth?

Anyway, that day was really and epic one filled with funny one-liners, jokes and incidents.

For example:

Ea: Oooh, your bracelet is so pretty! It's sparkly! *touches the charms on my bracelet and then the clasp*
Oooh, what's this? Is this a musical instrument? *while holding on to the clasp of my bracelet*
Me: Er... No Ea, that's the clasp of my bracelet.
Jowee: *bursts into laughter*
Ea: Ohh! I thought it was a trombone!

Waitress, after we asked her to help us take a picture: 1... 2... SMELL!!!
Us: *burst into laughter*


Ea: *talking about Jowee's love life*
Me: *looking at Ea and then realizing I can see her ear through her tudung which fascinated me so I interrupted her*
Hey, I can see your ear!!! *while pointing at her ear*
Jowee, Ea and Wei-Lin: *looks at each other then bursts into laughter*


I think there were quite a few more funny ones but I can't remember them now. Suffice to say it was a very entertaining day!


Coincidentally met Yng there too! It was good seeing her. And I saw Wai Yee on the escalator and waved to her as well. I guess it was a good day for meeting people. :)

After Pyramid we adjourned to Shook! in Starhill for tea since my sister had a RM50 voucher. However, they were having a promotion for tea - RM3.60 for everything on the tea time menu from 3pm - 6pm so we couldn't use the voucher but it was really worth it anyway since it usually costs a bomb to eat at Shook!. So don't say I didn't share and go and take advantage of the promotion before it ends! I say go for the German sausage with mash and the SzeChuan Kung Po Chicken.

The walkway between Marriott and Starhill. Some China tourist holding a DSLR was making a fuss about how he couldn't capture all the lights on his camera. Hello, mine is not even a DSLR and I had no problem okay?! You can adjust all your settings and take so much more cooler shots than mine and because he doesn't know how to use it, he was complaining! My goodness, I swear these people don't deserve DSLRs. If you wanna get one, learn how to use it properly la! Wasting money man. I don't understand people who get DSLRs and refuse to learn how to use it properly and leave it on auto mode. What's the point then?! Meh.

Went for Shangri-la buffet for dinner because they have a promotion for all American Express card customers on a Monday. You get 50% off when two people eat. We split the bill so basically between the four of us, two of us ate for free! So worth it! I stuffed myself to the brim with salmon and desserts!


Oh and that's us holding up my new Gorillapod. I walked all over Lowyat looking for a Gorillapod (it's the official name okay!? It's called a Gorillapod) but nobody knew what it was until I described it as a tripod with flexible legs. Finally found it at Foto Shangri-la on the Ground floor for RM25. And then I went to KL Sentral the next day to apply for an Enrich Grad card (so I could get excess 10kg baggage allowance) and I saw a nicer coloured (black and orange. Mine is boring black and white) Gorillapod going for only RM20!!! LOWYAT CHEAT PEOPLE'S FEELINGS WAN!! Sigh. So if you guys are looking for Gorillapods, go to KL Sentral and get them okay? It's the stall outside the Enrich office, behind the check in counters. Seriously, who would think of going to KL Sentral to buy Gorillapods?! Not that it's much use anyway, since Scarlett pretty much died already. Ah well. I'm still upset. Meh.


Currently listening to - Crown of Age by The Ettes

Motherland.

So it's been exactly 12 days since I touched down in KLIA into the hot, humid and sweltering heat of Malaysia. I must say this surprise visit was executed pretty perfectly with only Kit Mun and Ka-Yee being kept out of the dark as it was necessary to tell them in order to coordinate our schedules to meet up. I wish I could have filmed everyone's reactions when they realized I was home. I felt so loved seeing/hearing everyone's "OMG, are you freaking kidding me?" voices/expressions. The best one has still got to be Mel's though. The girl was so oblivious even though she was right outside my house and Kit Mun had already hinted at my homecoming so many times! Needless to say, her reaction was epic when she saw me.



The other thing that surprised me actually, was that - WHY la you people don't check which number I'm calling you all from? I called a whole bunch of people and nobody suspected I was back home. It was quite amusing really. I even called Adele's house when she didn't pick up her phone and she didn't even suspect anything.



It was a good idea surprising everyone though. I don't think I will ever forget Wai Yee's shocked face when she saw me; or Kai Jie's blur-ness over the phone trying to figure out whose voice it was; or Jean who practically stopped in her tracks when she caught a glimpse of me. I've missed everyone dearly. And it really feels so good to be back.


These 12 days have been maximized to the fullest I think. I've ate SO much I dread the day I have to step on the scales again. *shudders* I once read that people can apparently figure out what kind of person you are by looking at the food you eat. If that's the case, I think the only thing that people will be able to figure out about me is that I am a glutton.


So, a quick summary of my gastronomic adventures since I've been back. Here goes!


Day 1 - Straight to the OUG market for Pork noodles after I touched down
Pasta Zanmai @ Pyramid with the girls for Kit Mun's farewell

I think we spent close to 3 hours there gossiping and catching up on each other's lives.
And dinner at the Gardens food court where I had my favourite Japanese ramen.

Day 2 - Pan mee for lunch
Marmalade @ Bangsar Village 2 for tea with Jowee and Wei-Lin while we waited for
Vicky's surprise party to begin

This was Wee's wrap and honey latte.


Dinner was Vicky's surprise farewell party at Delicious, BV. Hello Duck Confit Spaghettini and Caesar Salad! Oh, how I've missed you!!

Day 3 - I think I had more hawker food for lunch. Can't quite remember.
Little Penang @ MV for dinner which has the best Char Kuey Teow ever! Trust me,
after you've had that, all the other Char Kuey Teow pales in comparison.


Day 4 - Dim sum brekkie @ Jing Xuan, Kuchai Lama with the primary school bunch
Alexis @ Bangsar for lunch. The usual Penne Carbonara, Caesar salad, Iced Coffe and
Tiramisu. Heaven!
Sushi Zanmai @ MV for dinner. Affordable yet scrumptious sushi. Probably our
favourite Japanese restaurant of all time. Next to Rakuzen, which is owned by the same
company anyway so it doesn't really make a difference.

Day 5 - Lunch @ Lot10 foodcourt

I've never been to the Lot10 foodcourt coz I think it only opened after I left. Overall, it's a nice place to have hawker food in a nice atmosphere with air-con. Apparently some of the hawkers are the original ones from Petaling Street so it was quite authentic. The oyster omelette in my opinion was pretty good but my parents didn't really like it. Of course no oyster omelette can ever compare to the ones in Pandamaran where the omelette is crispy but hey, you have to make do right? Besides it's quite a hassle going all the way to Klang for oyster omelettes.

Hokkien mee which was superb! In fact this is the only Hokkien mee I've ever eaten that can compare to Road 29's Hokkien mee, which has hands down, the best Hokkien mee ever!

Rojak! The sauce was quite good.

Mou mou and I with all the food on the table. Quite the scary actually. In addition to the food above we had Kajang satay, Ice kacang, Lam mee and a coconut.

Dinner was Baskin Robbins! Ice-cream dinners make me so happy!

Day 6 - McD's for brekkie @ Parkson. Sausage egg McMuffin and hash browns!
Chicken chop and nasi lemak for lunch in Damansara coz I teman-ed my dad to do his
passport
Dragon-I @ MV for dinner. They have the best SzeChuan Dan Dan mee and Xiao Long
Baos! Their ribs are pretty good as well.


Day 7 - Rojak for lunch
Mummy's homecooked food for dinner


Day 8 - Lunch with Adele @ the Taiwanese restaurant opposite sushi Zanmai which I can't for
life remember the name of in MV. They have the most awesome cold noodles for only
RM9.80! The only problem with that restaurant is that there's ALWAYS a line outside
waiting to go in. Same with Sushi Zanmai larh.
Road 29, Sun Kam Kee for dinner


Day 9 - Pork noodles again for lunch if I'm not mistaken
Din Tai Fung for dinner. They have awesome fried rice and Japanese cucumber

Their toufu with century egg was quite good as well.

Aforementioned Japanese cucumber which I loved!

Day 10 - Crystal Jade @ MV for lunch
Homecooked food by mou mou for dinner


Day 11 - Homecooked century egg and salted egg porridge for lunch
La Bodega @ Bangsar for tea. If you're ever there the Sauteed button mushrooms
tapas and calamari with aioli are a MUST TRY. Never disappoints, those two. We also
had their Waffles with butter and honey and it was goooood. The waffles were fluffy!!
Dinner was at Unique Seafood in PJ.

They are famous for seafood as the name suggests. Usually we'll have their Clam Ginger soup, Steamed prawns, Barbeque Fish, Salted egg crabs, Two style Kailan, Fried and steamed cod, Mayonnaise Chicken etc.

And of course their Toufu too!

Supper was Pringles, Pods, Super Rings and Kampai while watching the World Cup finals with Jowee. Kancheong maximum. I'm just glad they didn't go into penalty shootouts. And I have decided Casillas is the best goalkeeper ever!!

Day 12 - Woke up at 1pm coz of yesterday's World Cup and had heong pang and Sugar cane
water. I think I'll go have a snack now before dinner!!


So, that sums up my 12 days since I've come home. *pats fat, round tummy*

Now you guys understand why I've grown sideways eh?
So I've shared most of my favourite restaurants here already. But still to come (hopefully I'll manage to fit them all in before I go back) Daorae Korean BBQ, Steven's Corner Roti Telur Bawang Cheese & Ribena Special, Pepper Lunch, Golden Dragonboat's pomfret fish and a Ramly burger.


In between all these gastronomic adventures, I've met up with friends, watched 5 movies in the cinema, catched up on old Sex and the City episodes, re-read Eclipse again in preparation to watch the movie this coming Wednesday, shopped (Zara sale anyone?!), spent time with family, got a haircut, attended a booksale, got my results and finished The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.


Life is good. :)

La-La-Land.

I think one of the reasons why amusement parks are so popular with people of all ages is because they make you forget. For a few hours, a day even, the moment you step into an amusement park, you forget everything else except that you have to have fun. I think everyone becomes a kid again once they step into an amusement park.

It's a wonderful feeling really. All the things that are troubling, worrying or stressing you out fade away for a few hours. No thoughts about assignments or jobs, no worries about the problems and dramas of everyday life. Just pure, unadulterated joy of reliving childhood memories of fun, being captivated by all the attractions and rides, souvenirs and performances. Enjoying the adrenaline rush as you fly through the air upside down 5 times in a row. I wish we could feel that way everyday. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I wish feelings like those could be collected in bottles. And every time we're in need of a pick-me-up, we could open those bottles and unleash all those feelings again.

Escapism. I think everyone needs a healthy dose of it from time to time. Be it in the form of amusement parks, or television series or just going to the movies. Everyone needs it.


The moment we stepped out of Movie World, my sister made a joke saying: "Uh-oh, everyone just put on 5 years on their age" and Umbrella Man continued by saying: "Yeah, I can feel all my wrinkles coming back!"

It was a joke. But that was how it really felt like. Ominous as it sounds, I could literally feel the weariness settle in my heart as we left. The crazy life of assignments, house chores, group work. Being a student is probably the easiest part of life. But still...

And it's not just walking out of amusement parks. It's seeing the family come and go. Having lots of people in our tiny apartment bustling about, taking turns to use the bathroom, watching TV and YouTube videos (Ahmet the terrorist, Auntie's failed reversing, Russell Peters), waking up in the morning and seeing everyone gathered at the breakfast table - to just you. You and an empty apartment.


I think I've forgotten how good writing feels. Not writing for assignments. Just writing from the heart. Greg is right - it is a form of release.

I am a question to the world.

Just some random bits and pieces of my last few weeks in KL before I jetted over here. All of it seems to have happened such a long time ago. As if it was another lifetime, distant. In reality, it's only been a few months/weeks.

First up, a Gastronomic Adventure I didn't have time to blog about before I left.

It was a cousinly outing with Greg and Reena and we decided upon having WIP @ BSC for lunch. WIP used to stand for Work In Progress when the retaurant as under renovations, which was my first time there with my colleagues from Mindshare at the time. Now that the reno-s have finished, it stands for something else entirely which... I CANNOT REMEMBER WHAT IT IS NOW! Forgetful... sigh. This is why I need to blog fairly soon after..otherwise it just escapes me!

Anyway, I don't remember what we ordered anymore, the exact names and such so you guys can just enjoy the pictures. I'm pretty sure we ordered another Salmon pizza as well, but I don't have a picture of it which leads to believe that being the glutton I am, I forgot all about taking pictures halfway through the meal and just went for it. Whoops!

WIP is on the expensive side for restaurants (but really, what restaurant in BSC isn't?), but of course the atmosphere is really nice. Especially at night coz they have fairy lights all around the trees! I am a sucker for fairy lights. When I go back to Malaysia I intend to bring my flower fairy lights over to drape it around my bedpost. I couldn't do it since I've moved coz my new bed back home didn't allow it. Fairy lights make me happppyyy. As do disco balls. I'm still contemplating getting one, but I don't know where I want to hang it.

Moving on. That was one of those awesome days. After lunch we went to Austin Chase in Gardens for coffee and TABOO! Taboo is so fun larh. Everytime I play it with friends, we can play for hours and hours till the cards run out and not get sick or tired of it. But that was a fun afternoon, I remember laughing till my cheeks hurt. And that is always a good sign. I think we adjourned for a movie after that but I don't remember what movie anymore. Probably because the movie was not the focal point of that day for me, but rather the company and laughter.

Oh and Austin Chase serves pretty decent Chai lattes. Me and my sis frequent Austin Chase coz it usually has less people than Starbucks and Coffee Bean (which are especially crazy on the weekends). So we can chill there and play all the games they have there as well like Uno, Taboo, Monopoly etc. It's a very cool hangout place with less people around. Oh and they serve like 3 flavours of Baskin Robbins ice-cream too. So when Baskins is crazily packed, we go there for our fix as well. Strawberry cheesecake, anyone? Don't say I didn't share with you guys and enjoy it while it lasts people, I'm pretty sure once everyone discovers Austin Chase it will be jammed packed like sardines.



Another fun outing with the cousin was bowling. I personally haven't bowled in years! Like since Form 3 or something. Rusty, very rusty. I think we were all rusty. But in Greg's case, his Wii Bowling came in handy! Lol. XD


I did glow in the dark bowling with Mel and gang in Genting again shortly after that. And the scores were much better. But that was probably also because Mel's dad was coaching all of us. Thank you uncle!

I think I took this in Luna Bar. Was there for Ladies Night one of the weeks. Their free drinks for ladies sucked. I think I chose vodka and cranberry but it was pretty tasteless with the cranberry overpowering the vodka. Meh. I digress.

I took this picture because I really liked it. I thought the detail of the eyes was great.

I went up to Bukit Tinggi during one of the weekends. The last time I went to Bukit Tinggi was when I was still in primary school and since my mom wanted to bring an overseas friend of her there and asked me to tag along, I did. I must say it was quite a dissapointment. First of all, I don't remember the walls being purple or yellow or orange. I thought they were white?! Besides it's modelled after a real French village, and I highly doubt a French village would have their walls painted all kinds of funny colours. So not chic.

And as with everything in Malaysia, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. We have the awesomest of things and they're all fine and dandy when they're new. But after a few years, everything just looks like shit. It's like we can never follow up and keep everything in tip top condition. Such a waste. As always.

This is Mel - showing us her diary that she totally forgot she wrote back in 2005?

It was a blast from the past indeed. All the crushes we went through. Growing pains. I'm pretty sure everyone went though that phase. I know I did. And I would probably NEVER let anyone read what I wrote during that time. Except for Wee. Coz we used to exchange diaries every week anyway. I think it takes real courage you know? To let other people read the things that were closest to your heart at the time. The innermost workings of your brain. And the words said from the heart during that period. To let people judge the person that you were and compare it to the person you are now. I don't think I'm brave enough.

I know I seemed amused, Mel. But I admire you for doing that. And trust me, your taste in boys has improved greatly! Lol. =D Faster get a hot Aussie bf woman!

And this my friends, is a typical Mel and Ka-Yee fight. They fight ALL THE TIME. And I somehow usually get caught in the middle and get soup dumped on me. =(

Having said that, they provide live entertainment and are very amusing.

I've probably said this a MILLION times already, but I miss my girls!!

This was our big farewell outing before everyone scattered off again.

How Many Bear Bear Jumped Across The Wall?

None.

I FINALLY got it after playing it for a gazillion times with them. And the stupid thing is, I've actually played it before with the college guys and I distinctly remember Teik Chi telling me the secret to the answer but I couldn't for life recall what it was.

I figured it out in the end, after I stopped trying to remember. Just goes to show, some things you have to figure it out yourself for you to remember them!

I still do not wholly get the Bang! Who Died one though. Play with me when I get back again to see if my theory is right k?

And my pleasant surprise the night I left. You know my family really thought you guys were coincidentally sending someone else off instead and so happen I was just going off as well. It was quite funny really. But yes, when you guys turned around it took me quite a few moments to process that you were actually THERE before I became super touched.

Thank you for coming all the way just to see me off!

Aaaand that's it. That night was just a whirlwind of activity. Everything just happened so fast! One minute I was still at home in the morning gobbling down CNY goodies and throwing stuff into my luggage bag and the next, I was checking in at the airport already. Everything was just a blur. I remember boarding the plane feeling quite numb actually. I wasn't excited. I wasn't sad. I wasn't happy. I wasn't anything. It was just matter-of-fact. Was probably operating on auto-pilot.

Anyway, we bought tickets to go see Russell Peters LIVE in May! I am super excited! Russell Be-A-Man Peters in the flesh. Woot woot!

In the meantime, recommend me some good songs to listen to please? I think I'm getting bored of my playlist.

War Sweater

And so, a new year begins...

2009 was a pretty awesome year for me. My first year at Monash could not have gone any better I think. I feel so sad at the thought of leaving it next, I mean this year. This year. THIS year. It's finally here. There are times when I think of this coming year, and all the uncertainties that lie ahead and I feel a creeping hollow sensation in my gut.

Then there are other times, when I think of this year - 2010, and all the changes it will bring and that stream of excitement bubbles into a fountain inside my heart.

I have not made any New Year's Resolutions these past few years. I think I don't believe in them anymore. Why should it take a new year for people to change? If you were really serious about it, change can start at anytime, anywhere.

The last new year's resolution I made was a few years back, after a crazy shopping spree in Aussieland (Boxing Day salesssss!), I vowed not to buy any clothes for the next 3 months. And I lasted for 5. I was very proud of myself. ;)

Anyway, here's to a fun-filled 2010 brimming with love, joy, laughter, occasional tears, rewarding experiences and enriching journeys.

Bring on that first year in Aussieland! :D

******************************

The last few weeks of 2009 were awesome. I hope I always feel this contented and happy.

Many thanks to Huey Li for inviting us to Elysium's club opening.

They played good music and we had fun!

With our driver for the night. Thank you Max!


Free flow of beer. ;)



Theme of the night was supposed to be Grecian. I think all of us looked a little too funky to be considered really grecian but hey, we tried!

And I find the concept of Asian gladiators very amusing. :P

On to Maison after that!

While I was on my way to Sr2ScA gathering, the sun was setting and it was so beautiful. The palette of colours that melded together in the sky just took my breath away! Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to snap a picture since I was supposed to be following Adele's car as I didn't know the way to Plaza Pantai. As a result of this picture, I nearly lost sight of Dele's car since two other cars cut in front of me. =/

It was great seeing everyone again. It's been nearly a year since I last saw everyone? Wayyy to long.

This picture was epic. They were all still talking and laughing when I wanted to take the picture but as soon as Ying counted to "3" everyone turned to look at the camera and smile! Always camera ready indeed. :P



Christmas Eve dinner at Alexis, Gardens!

That's two years in a row we've been dining there at Christmas Eve. What can I say? They have good food.

My pretty sister with the table deco.

We ordered dishes from their special Christmas menu.

This was one of our starters- Scallops and peas!

The scallops were huge, succulent and juicy making it ultra yummylicious!

Another Christmas starter - Mango and Chicken Salad in Balsamic Vinegar

Christmas mains - Crabmeat and Seafood Pasta

I totally forgot to take a picture of the other main courses (I told you I'm an epic failure as a food blogger) but I'm pretty sure they included Roast Turkey (which had good stuffing) and Alexis' famed Sarawak laksa.

Christmas Day dinner was spent with the cousins at Unique Seafood before we adjourned to Bar TwentyOne at Bangsar Shopping Center to count down to Min's birthday.

Oh, and Greg is back from Melbourne! :D

The sisters!

Our dessert! Christmas pudding, bananna mango mousse and some melted chocolate thingy that sent me to chocolatey heaven!

The bowls they use are super cute too.



Happy clappy times!

When the clock struck 12, we sang the birthday song and attempted to let Minny blow out the match. It took quite a few attempts, but we managed in the end!

Toasting! Their Long Island Tea is super lethal coz it tastes like lemonade but actually has a lot of alcohol in it. My sister and I both K.O-ed when we reached home after that. But that might also be a result of the combination of super lethal long island tea in addition to all the other drinks we had earlier. =/

Reena's turn at blowing out the match since her birthday was only 3 days away!

With the revolving Christmas tree.

In Greg's words: This is what Santa would look like if he were a Chinese Starfish. Complete with the sepet eyes somemore!

Boxing Day or rather Min's birthday was spent in Pavilion looking for er... my belated birthday present. =S



We had a gastronomic adventure at Cafe Stelle run by Raffles.

Their placemats are cool but very sharp. You can't lean your hands on it otherwise you'll get imprints.

Bread served with yummlicious sides - butter, salsa sauce and pesto.

My sister's latte came with these little sticks of brown and white sugar. So adorable!

Banger and mash.

The sausages were really good. I don't know how to explain it but the meat tasted really er... fresh? Not the processed meat flavour that lousy sausages sometimes possess.

Plus, the mash was super smooth too!

The salad that came with my sister's Healthy Set (includes dessert, coffee/tea and a main course)

I thought it was so-so. Nothing to shout about.

Butternut Squash Soup that was superb! Just the right amount of flavour and creamy-ness.

Pesto Linguine. This dish was absolutely delightful coz it the pesto flavour really came through.

Raspberry sorbet with peaches.

Typical kind of dessert.

After we settled my birthday pressie, we had Godiva for tea!

Pistacchio macaroon with a layer of Godiva choclate in the middle is heaven! My sisters and I are a wee bit obsessed with macaroons lately. Blame Delicious Ingredients for that!

Macaroon being washed down by our super yummylicious chocolate drinks- Dark Chocolate Decadence and Chocolate Raspberry.

That's all for now folks! I leave thee with a picture of me wearing all the funky headgear courtesy of my sister. Happy New Year once again and since Christmas last for 12 days, Merry Christmas too!