tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59946925416036752632024-03-06T15:20:09.283+08:00~ The Sweetest Things In Life ~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-5436652615363203532015-09-16T20:54:00.001+08:002015-09-16T21:05:09.361+08:00My other obsession... KPOP music<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always wanted to write about this particular obsession of mine but I was a bit wary about what others might say. I feel a bit daring today so here goes...<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Why am I worried that people might find out my secret obsession?</span></div>
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Well firstly, I am not THAT young, but I'm young at heart. I am not the typical age group that would listen to Kpop musics. Generally, people would associate Kpop musics with crazy screaming teenagers with severe emotional attachments to one Kpop group or perhaps several, depending on their teenage mood swings. That's the general view, that is. I think music is universal. It is limitless and timeless. It transverse across culture, language and of course age. Well, that's what I believe and you might think differently.</div>
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Secondly, in Malaysia particularly, Kpop music/artists had gained unfair notoriety as moral destruction due to the infamous incident involving a scarf-clad lady. That one moment had marred Kpop fan's name, in general, forever. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Why do I like Kpop?</span><br />
Well, its pop music hence its catchy even when I don't understand a single word they are singing, at first. But now, I can understand some of it. Hence, it's a bonus as I'm acquiring new language skill.<br />
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I love to watch their complex and unique dance choreography. I love dancing. But I only do it at home as I have two left feet. Zero hand and feet coordination! Only hubby can see my weird dancing abilities :-)<br />
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Last but not least, all of them are so handsome and pretty. I would love to be one of the perfect looking girls. As for the boys, they are just as eye candy as no one can be more perfect for me than hubby (wink!). They are living proof that success will come if you work hard even when you are not gifted/blessed with talents or looks. Some do had help from plastic surgeries but they are talented in their own way. Some can dance, sing or simply just being silly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBUaMSXUkbwGrnfPah_8aminv2l3G6sIZ-XpTOlT-jZlHppWuVqQbihfVAFLWFmgC_lfYaOLHhyphenhyphenwfNwLUa4TlM7X6KPmPlnw3ofQ8uTuQhpRK_5yrFRHSkasGrTBGgtYPJphWnUVOzMip/s1600/Kpop+male_Fotor_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBUaMSXUkbwGrnfPah_8aminv2l3G6sIZ-XpTOlT-jZlHppWuVqQbihfVAFLWFmgC_lfYaOLHhyphenhyphenwfNwLUa4TlM7X6KPmPlnw3ofQ8uTuQhpRK_5yrFRHSkasGrTBGgtYPJphWnUVOzMip/s200/Kpop+male_Fotor_Collage.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkRtBhVmHCtLJa5Gbi-bJaMw_xHrqi0dgSnk68s-Dv0uQNZ-1j_kCBe8DvB3U0HYKReK_fVge0mjxh9cWxytp_nELsLtpM15zI29FQhtOjIlNNsArExYAjHF1HjtoFVRgyS5GncFR2c9r/s1600/TptqDpSOrzTXqJtBBdKnyIezHD_-QqJdD57y2sZU-zCfDW_YmXHboKovqOglBfD0EC-U-h310_Fotor_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkRtBhVmHCtLJa5Gbi-bJaMw_xHrqi0dgSnk68s-Dv0uQNZ-1j_kCBe8DvB3U0HYKReK_fVge0mjxh9cWxytp_nELsLtpM15zI29FQhtOjIlNNsArExYAjHF1HjtoFVRgyS5GncFR2c9r/s200/TptqDpSOrzTXqJtBBdKnyIezHD_-QqJdD57y2sZU-zCfDW_YmXHboKovqOglBfD0EC-U-h310_Fotor_Collage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">How much do I like Kpop?</span></div>
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I've went to countless Kpop concerts, both in Malaysia and overseas, and yes, I agree there were lots of screaming and crying involved. I did screamed but did not cry, mind you. You'd be lying if you didn't at least nod along to the song or screamed a little bit in a concert. It is one way of showing appreciation to the artist and their music. No one wants to go to a silent concert, don't they? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFYQPmC7K3lBJnW3ctCM0vrGTI4rZCBisB9uTdVGmvUU3jbnTevNPHPZtbQG7XyMp3O6pV5KD0cEGa0TIy_isQSr2kZEdQMNn_C5V_KUAehbPr92uHPKJyFhZQkUDVZ19M85tWH5YHwqe/s1600/Kpop+concert_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFYQPmC7K3lBJnW3ctCM0vrGTI4rZCBisB9uTdVGmvUU3jbnTevNPHPZtbQG7XyMp3O6pV5KD0cEGa0TIy_isQSr2kZEdQMNn_C5V_KUAehbPr92uHPKJyFhZQkUDVZ19M85tWH5YHwqe/s320/Kpop+concert_Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you've seen me listening to my iPod while working out, 99% it would be Kpop songs. If you seen me singing in my car, 98% it'd be a Kpop song. My ringtone is a snippet from a Kpop song. My twitter account is dedicated solely for Kpop fans. I've been there, waiting for the latest music video (MV) to be officially released and watched it over and over. The only music CD I bought were Kpop artists'. Well no one buy music CD anymore as you can buy any songs on iTune. But as a Kpop fan, you must have the physical copy of the album because the album is so unique which has to be part of the collection. Only a true Kpop music fan would understand what I was rambling above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJrzyjxYZybDvzbIw5RN-Zl7hmBUCpB1GXKVFD0fT8KXtg4RFyCM81N_FIfrqhk72os-ZOIHPjZRlIlKRjmu8Ste5DDDl2JEK8Zbecju3kvsi3tsmvPFkw8Sl2AZP8aTUFviJVMj_-0xt/s1600/tumblr_mnufiuPCRC1rdniz2o2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJrzyjxYZybDvzbIw5RN-Zl7hmBUCpB1GXKVFD0fT8KXtg4RFyCM81N_FIfrqhk72os-ZOIHPjZRlIlKRjmu8Ste5DDDl2JEK8Zbecju3kvsi3tsmvPFkw8Sl2AZP8aTUFviJVMj_-0xt/s1600/tumblr_mnufiuPCRC1rdniz2o2_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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But, I'm so lucky, I have a very understanding husband that tolerated my obsession with Kpop music. He even went to concerts with me and surprised me with the latest Kpop albums that he bought. The albums are not cheap and sometimes you need to pre-order it weeks before its being released. </div>
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So, there you go, the cat is finally out of the bag and I'm open to be judged by those who has strong opinion against Kpop music and Korean in general. I might lose some friends over this or their opinion will change about me. But who cares.. let's live freely! Love don't hate...<br />
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~XOXO~</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-3367639354414692242015-09-16T10:00:00.000+08:002015-09-16T10:00:01.139+08:00Happy Malaysia Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
It is 16 September 2015. It is Malaysia Day.</div>
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I am proud to be a Malaysian even with all the internal political turmoil and racial tensions that I'm reading every day in the news. I wish we will continue to have a prosperous and peaceful nation. </div>
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Happy Malaysia Day!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-76392762137103749232015-09-09T14:21:00.001+08:002015-09-09T22:39:02.330+08:00Surprising reasons why we overeat!<div style="text-align: center;">
I was cruising through the tv channels on my comfy sofa when I stumbled upon Dr Oz Show. I love watching Dr Oz on the Oprah Show but I have not had the chance to watch his own show. I know it has been around long but I can't find the time to watch it. He was talking about why people tends to overeat, which is always the case with me. He listed 3 surprising reasons why we do it. I had all the answers wrong so there you go why I'm so FAT right now :-)</div>
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<u>1. Confused on portion size</u></div>
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Dr Oz showed 2 sizes bag of chips, one was supersize bag and another was a snack size. Mostly, I would grab a snack size bag of chips, it's a no-brainer. The chip company had nicely packed a snack size so I don't have to think about the calories anymore. But, that's where we tend to overeat. The snack size bag is normally for 2-3 people and not for one. We would not feel guilty munching away the whole snack size bag as compared to the supersize bag. If I had a supersize bag, I would not open it until I know I could share with other people to finish it otherwise it'd go stale. I'd also looked closely at the label and measure the portion size accordingly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqRdUHu4yl_zF0PtJ2o2n4fzKUpJnBdFEjeLEsDssMUZwz1hYY_rDyyk1rq31u9gJBf32vOif-FrOcZR0KoG-tH1UbH-GTP0UnJCM42N_bfVgb8FuaHZx-V0nIXLfJHkwNH8lKpE5NXfK/s1600/portion-distortion-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqRdUHu4yl_zF0PtJ2o2n4fzKUpJnBdFEjeLEsDssMUZwz1hYY_rDyyk1rq31u9gJBf32vOif-FrOcZR0KoG-tH1UbH-GTP0UnJCM42N_bfVgb8FuaHZx-V0nIXLfJHkwNH8lKpE5NXfK/s640/portion-distortion-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>2. Group eating situation</u></div>
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We would normally think that we'd not eat that much when we go out with friends. But, it is normally THE situation where we tend to overeat. Why is that you might think? I had the same thought as well but Dr Oz explained that we normally would lose track of what we put in our mouth when we were excited or having fun. This is especially true when booze is involved. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_TqtXxFUKfGqSAnBzKxwinlOsrts0lfwFKISz__myKbrCSR3EdpHp_UngyGEYkO275WZ1aLjaHDg1bhzHQXUJevNK4f5Lu-k7TvmhkS_5XFCeKN7imx_AUZiS-uUx_MNVRy5mtglFNfV/s1600/Party-buffet-540x359-300x199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_TqtXxFUKfGqSAnBzKxwinlOsrts0lfwFKISz__myKbrCSR3EdpHp_UngyGEYkO275WZ1aLjaHDg1bhzHQXUJevNK4f5Lu-k7TvmhkS_5XFCeKN7imx_AUZiS-uUx_MNVRy5mtglFNfV/s1600/Party-buffet-540x359-300x199.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>3. The colour of your plate</u></div>
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There's a reason why restaurant serves their food in white or fair coloured plates as compared to dark-coloured plates. On a white plate, we can see clearly the food that we're eating and it looked more appetising. In this case, Dr Oz demonstrated with spaghetti carbonara served on a white plate and another on a blue plate. Yes, I do agree, it looked more appetising on a white plate. So, if you're on a diet, buy dark-coloured plates to stop you from overeat! But in my case, the colour of my plate will not be able to stop me from eating delicious food!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2v8FvXNrsAo5Q9isBY4i6M_-efE0ElQwZw5npayThmiflG6jAkXYuHb5pAcPnb3BbsMFaWSP4TPygWEBnQ0d4AxsIz1KpWgrjY_WJnawm4Fzrh_UVcnexzcTbp3WrqiVS-C_8rODA1ua/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2v8FvXNrsAo5Q9isBY4i6M_-efE0ElQwZw5npayThmiflG6jAkXYuHb5pAcPnb3BbsMFaWSP4TPygWEBnQ0d4AxsIz1KpWgrjY_WJnawm4Fzrh_UVcnexzcTbp3WrqiVS-C_8rODA1ua/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
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There you go some health tips I gathered from Dr Oz. I have not been able to update this blog as frequent as I want as I'm also maintaining another blog in Malay language. It is hard work maintaining 2 blog at once. Do visit my other blog, if you can understand Malay that is at <a href="http://contengan-rasa.blogspot.my/" target="_blank">Contengan Rasa</a>. Will try to update this blog as much as I can.<br />
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~XOXO~</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-88484843386983171292015-09-02T18:11:00.000+08:002015-09-02T18:14:05.828+08:00Travelog - Little India & Jonker Walk Melaka<div style="text-align: center;">
We were so bored during the long Merdeka weekend, so hubby and I decided to take a walk from our hotel to Jonker Walk. Yes, we are currently living in a hotel as we are yet to get the allocated accommodation for government servants. And why am I living in a hotel? So rich, meh? Noooo, we are not super-rich or '<i>mengada-ngada</i>'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4fTL7qD9UDS0P1jSNQTUe0nqBztbF3vxU8HV7jF-k1_HljyWhshYKkJmF2TG84VAcIWLz9lUaQkGiTiM9e6GqEhhxL9abMmUPniTfqHk0bR3wd3lwtV78MGeuV1rFX7xeAS1Y9g_yQj2/s1600/no-not-rich-i-am-a-poor-man-with-money-which-is-not-the-same-thing-quote-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="not rich poor man" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4fTL7qD9UDS0P1jSNQTUe0nqBztbF3vxU8HV7jF-k1_HljyWhshYKkJmF2TG84VAcIWLz9lUaQkGiTiM9e6GqEhhxL9abMmUPniTfqHk0bR3wd3lwtV78MGeuV1rFX7xeAS1Y9g_yQj2/s400/no-not-rich-i-am-a-poor-man-with-money-which-is-not-the-same-thing-quote-1.jpg" title="not rich poor man" width="302" /></a></div>
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The issue here is, in order to get the allocated accommodation, hubby needs to get approval from the Director of the {place he was working, sorry can't disclose it} in its monthly meeting. But, the meeting has been postponed twice and so here we are, stuck in this dingy hotel. Enough rambling, back to the original story. Ah, yes! Jonker Walk & Little India...</div>
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Melaka is so hot during the day so we can't ventured out anytime before 5 pm. But, all the pa & ma shop lots along Little India area closed at 5 pm, so there were less crowd when we were exploring the Little India street. You'll definitely know why it's called Little India cause' you won't miss the lovely flower shops and Indian clothing shops along the street. There is a one nice Indian restaurant there as well, that sells yummy rice dishes on banana leaves. Sorry, I forgot to jot down the name of the restaurant, though.</div>
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Saw this ancient looking building that houses CIMB ATM. I'm not sure whether it's a fully functional bank because I only saw the ATMs, but it is interesting idea to maintain and protect old buildings in Melaka. It is part of our heritage and history. </div>
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Moving along the narrow pavements of the shop lots, saw lots of interesting shops that you'd never see if you are travelling by car in Melaka. There's a Sikh Association, Chinese and Indian restaurants, <i>Tabib Cina</i> (Traditional Chinese Healer) and it all looked so ancient as if time had stop in 1950s. Sorry, being an urbanite makes me a bit <i>jakun</i> (how to translate in English?).<br />
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Melaka is proud of its Little India....</div>
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I even saw this building named Bangunan Madonna. I wondered what's inside the building. I can't any info about it on Google, though....hmm </div>
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One of the many bridges across Melaka River. I don't understand the signage in Chinese below, but it looked ancient. If you do know what it meant, do let me know in the comment ok!</div>
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This Discovery Cafe is famous among foreign tourists and received high ratings in TripAdvisor website. It looked kind of empty during the day but at night this cafe light up like Christmas tree. Maybe next time, I'll try to grab something to eat here.</div>
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There's a museum as well. I love reading about Admiral Cheng Ho and its related history with Melaka. I didn't get to enter the museum though as it's already close for the day. If you looked above to the left of the building, there are 3 stones statue overlooking above you. I was quite startled when I first saw it, I thought someone was looking at me from above. :-)</div>
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It was almost sunset when we reached Melaka river... I felt quite relaxed and happy to be able to enjoy this with hubby.<br />
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Walking along the tranquil Melaka River with lots of interesting looking building along the river. This picture captured my attention as you can see there's a guy that looked like Colonel Sanders (yes, the KFC guy) sitting there...<br />
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Awesome mural by Kiehls... Great place for your Instagram picture post! or wedding pictorial as well...<br />
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Finally, we reached Jonker Walk. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take lots of picture as there were TOO many people. It was hot and humid, I was sweating like crazy. Girl, bring along small fan along with you as that place was super HOT even late in the evening.<br />
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A bowl of cendol before heading home. It was super yummy!<br />
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Gothic looking Hard Rock Cafe. Yes, Melaka do have a Hard Rock Cafe...<br />
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I got to put in this scary looking building in my post. I don't know the name of the building but I had goose bumps when I was taking the picture.<br />
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Well, it had been fun, scary and sweaty kind of day but I enjoyed it so much. I never know I would enjoy that walk that much as I had been living in Melaka almost 4 years before we moved to the UK. There are still things left to be discovered and explore.<br />
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Till next time, XOXO</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com4Jonker Walk Melaka, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia2.198083 102.244858900000052.196627 102.24233740000005 2.199539 102.24738040000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-71560470560551267402015-08-27T16:24:00.001+08:002015-08-27T16:24:51.583+08:00Oldest siblings are likely to be FAT<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17auBRN2QFEQ22V46-P93WAu1nEfuSpcogGvHbpfmgDE8Wttve5zjLSSSaLe0U3ZfwB_IhyphenhyphenuZHTT6CulI8T3_ReBYVNn9cd4ocatyC-FRrP86-x7tKzrdGrLqRaquAdKb1kWQUAk7dZBd/s1600/fat_2260264b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="obese siblings" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17auBRN2QFEQ22V46-P93WAu1nEfuSpcogGvHbpfmgDE8Wttve5zjLSSSaLe0U3ZfwB_IhyphenhyphenuZHTT6CulI8T3_ReBYVNn9cd4ocatyC-FRrP86-x7tKzrdGrLqRaquAdKb1kWQUAk7dZBd/s640/fat_2260264b.jpg" title="obese siblings" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by ALAMY</td></tr>
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Found this funny and interesting article in The Daily Mail newspaper <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3212156/Why-firstborn-girls-likely-fat-Oldest-siblings-40-likely-obese-younger-siblings.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail - Oldest siblings likely to be FAT</a> about a research done by some UK researchers. It stated that first born has higher chances to be overweight and have chronic diseases such as heart problems, diabetes and high blood pressure. But, unfortunately the research didn't specifically said the cause of the concern. I guess there's some truth in it as I am the fattest one in the family beside my mom. My younger sister is tall and slim while I am short and overweight (my BMI is still borderline overweight). I have always struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. Being 5"1 does not help either. It'd show even when I'd put on 1 kg. My small frame just can't take the extra weight. I can feel layers of fats rolling underneath my baggy shirt. I am trying to lose weight now by consuming Herbalife. But, I was not that religious in consuming it so the effect might be slow. I do go to gym 3 times a week now. But again, it has only been 2 weeks so no dramatic result as yet. At least, I am doing something positive about it instead of slumming it on the sofa and watch Korean drama on the TV (which I love to do right now!) </div>
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So, instead of minding my diet, I am at a Starbucks with my Venti Vanilla Latte and Nutella Butter Cake. :-) Have a nice evening everyone!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWhey9SG653B2FVFdV0k2HrHi88qQ0bIH7ZCL-KWMFXqjAW1Qq6IXZqrA2voKE6bsXvZXEn-4eGF0pXCY5i_sXVtfzc42nAXAOxcsGXuLAEZEwdVpQ-xz-zeZP0ySHiXraVveTMOHrXVA/s1600/20150827_155552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chillax" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWhey9SG653B2FVFdV0k2HrHi88qQ0bIH7ZCL-KWMFXqjAW1Qq6IXZqrA2voKE6bsXvZXEn-4eGF0pXCY5i_sXVtfzc42nAXAOxcsGXuLAEZEwdVpQ-xz-zeZP0ySHiXraVveTMOHrXVA/s640/20150827_155552.jpg" title="chillax" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My perfect way of 'chillaxing'</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-20468439992752980522015-08-26T13:34:00.000+08:002015-08-26T13:34:16.695+08:00If you need to weigh yourself... #WeighThis<div style="text-align: center;">
This video really touches me and made me think about what's important in my life right now. I've not always concerned about money before. I've always had enough to live-by and afford some luxuries along the way. But, since I was unemployed recently, I understand the feeling of restlessness of whether I'll be able to pay next month's bills. My family used to be my money crutches but now no more. Everybody is feeling the pinch from the poor economy condition right now. My dad had too downsized the car and monthly expenses since his retirement. I used to be happy just because I just got a new handbag or shoes and I'd be miserable if my friend had things that I don't. My happiness were measured by how much money I have and whether I had the expensive handbag. But since I lost that power, I did feel a bit depressed. I was in emotional darkness but thankfully, I have God and my family to help me go through it. </div>
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This video from Lean Cuisine channel is supposed to be about food and weight issue but for me it does have a different dimension to it. I did put on some weight as well due to depression. So, watch the video and ask yourself how much does once happiness weigh. Is it based on your weight or other things that are more important?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-82798188035153432762015-08-19T11:42:00.002+08:002015-08-19T11:42:52.321+08:00What's in my bag?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb3d1DhbfYmW1Pjy8PMo2rm0Gs6r-PdNoNjrCgmgr0Co2T23TShIRAg4InY-KfBcSfS3PP9rC7SKbDIswWr5GHLggj8dpXr5d3KJFOJ-h8pQpOyVjSy7Nw2-SWFeU9I3_dJlpYzrvUJb6/s1600/11060170_10152947461436949_1501235828322406764_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb3d1DhbfYmW1Pjy8PMo2rm0Gs6r-PdNoNjrCgmgr0Co2T23TShIRAg4InY-KfBcSfS3PP9rC7SKbDIswWr5GHLggj8dpXr5d3KJFOJ-h8pQpOyVjSy7Nw2-SWFeU9I3_dJlpYzrvUJb6/s640/11060170_10152947461436949_1501235828322406764_n.png" width="476" /></a></div>
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Saw this FB post from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flyfm/photos/a.285366311948.153512.99686866948/10152947461436949/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">Hitz.FM</a> and I quickly have a look into my shopper-like handbag. It does looked a little bit a black hole, but it wasn't so bad. My husband used to complain to me that he can't find the keys or my mobile when I asked him to get it for me. He'd rummaged through the bag to find things which annoyed me as I have specific place for certain items. Haha, as if!</div>
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This is how my handbag looked like right now.....I don't have fancy purse organiser, just chucked everything in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXN4ry8_J5urmB9uheFtgbx9BIpPORPsDyXFcBNBjt_WhXqQPe77JSlfvje3gNT03BduiQRymH4FuhGM8s8TqHZ0xEXgVWj2H8-jjmyHg1T2YkHPUlPO-0t2LB3d75Ri57JB3FCvWnOfI/s1600/20150819_095637_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="handbag, burberry, purse, what's in it" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXN4ry8_J5urmB9uheFtgbx9BIpPORPsDyXFcBNBjt_WhXqQPe77JSlfvje3gNT03BduiQRymH4FuhGM8s8TqHZ0xEXgVWj2H8-jjmyHg1T2YkHPUlPO-0t2LB3d75Ri57JB3FCvWnOfI/s640/20150819_095637_Fotor.jpg" title="in my handbag" width="480" /></a></div>
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Things that I must have in my handbag:</div>
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1. Purse</div>
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2. Mobile phone</div>
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3. My Samsung camera</div>
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4. My small makeup bag </div>
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5. Tissue</div>
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6. Ladies things - panty liner, sanitary pad</div>
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7. MP3 player</div>
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8. Something to read (Kindle, iPad, or my trusted reader's digest)</div>
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My mobile phone has a short lifespan hence I couldn't use it to hear music or be on social media for a long time. Need to save some batteries for emergency calls or whatever. So I always need an MP3 player, camera and things to read to occupy my time. My bag would be a bit heavier but I like it that way. I just don't like having everything in one gadget, call me old-fashioned but it is more of a risk management for me. </div>
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See that Readers Digest there, I've been subscribing it for the longest time. I used to read it in school when I was in my primary school. It's where I learn and improved my writing skill. It has lots of short stories which are easy to read. I still kept my old copies of the digest, and the one in the picture is from 2013.</div>
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So, there you go, that's what I have in my 'black hole' bag right now. Sometimes, there's also protein shake bottle or water bottle hitching a ride :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-10390061895585147882015-08-18T15:08:00.001+08:002015-08-18T15:08:08.531+08:00Malaysians... where art thou manners? <div style="text-align: justify;">
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Today marked one month since I came back to Malaysia. I was quite happy to be back mostly because I missed the food and of course my mom's cooking. But there's one thing that irked me the most since day one. Malaysian drivers are more rude and impatient compared to last I drove here. Even up to the point of scolding me for following the road rules!!</div>
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Living in London where its public transportation is one of the best in the world, means I don't have to drive to anywhere. Just hop on the tube or bus to get to where I need to be. It was stress-free as the only thing that I have to do is to get off the right stop (which I did messed-up a few times). </div>
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But back in Malaysia, I need to drive myself to go to everywhere, even to the grocery store down the road. It is just not convenient to take public transport and it seems nobody is walking anywhere (perhaps hot weather is one of the reason). </div>
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<i>This happened to me today.</i></div>
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I was driving at 60 km/h as per the speed limit and was in the slowest lane. The fast lane was quite empty but the cars were moving more or less the same pace as mine. But all of a sudden, a car behind me keep honking at me for whatever reason that I don't understand. Well, I'm not going to go faster just because someone asked me to! I was going to turn to the left soon anyway so might as well not let that creep to pressure me to speed up. He then passed my car and suddenly slowed down his car in front of me. WTH? Luckily I was driving quite slow and able to avoid hitting his car. He then speed up and left the scene. I was quite spooked and quickly find a place to stop to calm myself down. Was I just being road-bullied just now? The only thing that I don't understand was I to be blame? Did I not follow the road rule? Was I wrong to drive at the speed limit indicated? </div>
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I do have a feeling that Malaysians in general are unhappy. With the current political and economy condition of our country, no wonder we are throwing manners out of the window. We have no respect to each other. We just abandoned reasons and lead emotions rule our heads. </div>
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~Being rude is just not cool~</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-71420587714967596222015-08-15T22:52:00.001+08:002015-08-15T22:52:48.192+08:00Song Minguk... Oh My God!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xupW7qv9ZBg" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-61589614388840357152015-08-15T22:22:00.001+08:002015-08-15T22:22:56.004+08:00Song Minguk Really..Really..Really "Daebak!!" | The return Of superman E...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u7e2gvlF-ps" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-3177149998098783952015-08-15T16:49:00.000+08:002015-08-15T21:53:08.825+08:00Herbalife Shake Diet<div style="text-align: justify;">
Syawal was a month of indulgence as almost every other day, I'd be invited to Raya gathering or open houses. No matter how big or small the Raya gathering, there would be plenty of food around. Me, a self-confessed foodie, could never say no for a bit of ketupat, rendang, sate and my all time favourite pineapple tarts. So, of course, I'd be putting on weight more than what I'd lose during Ramadhan. Wait, did I lose weight during Ramadhan though? I can't fit into my jeans anymore and all my fats fold are showing through my tight shirt. I really need to do something about it and fast!</div>
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So, I thought why not try Herbalife shake diet to kick start my weight loss. It worked for me before. I was on Herbalife diet 3 years back and managed to lose 10kg in the process. But as usual, I got sloppy and fell back into my old eating habit and piled on the pound again. But, this time it was different. I'd put on weight in weird places like in my chest area and hips compared to before. My doctor hubby told me it might be due to hormones and ageing. Wait, what? AGEING? Well, excuse me, I'm still young ok!</div>
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So back to my Herbalife shake diet, I picked up the starter pack where it have one bottle of F1 powder (vanilla flavoured), one bottle of F3 Protein powder and 100 gram green tea. It all costs me around RM4XX as I am eligible for member price (yeay!). I started taking Herbalife shake twice a day on Tuesday, and today is Friday so it has been only what, 4 days? I don't feel any differences and I haven't weigh myself yet. My starting weight was 62.5kg (yes, I am that heavy) and goal weight is 52kg. Let's hope I can achieve it.</div>
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I chose Vanilla flavoured F1 powder because you can add anything to it. You can add fruit juices in your shake to spice things up. But, I'd always use cold water with my vanilla powder as it tasted like vanilla ice cream (yumehh!) with no sinful calories (score!)</div>
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It's not all diet for me as I love food so exercise is a must. I joined a gym in Ayer Keroh to complement my Herbalife diet as well. Will update on this fantastic gym in my later post. Can't wait for weighing day tomorrow to see if I'd lose or gain (gasp!) weight this week.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbalife vanilla shake with grape juice</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-46744001007787793222015-08-14T15:26:00.002+08:002015-08-14T15:26:35.093+08:00Laundry Bar di Bukit Baru, Melaka <div style="text-align: justify;">
Dah nak dekat seminggu la akak duduk dekat hotel di Melaka ni nak menunggukan rumah kuarters yang belum <i>diapprovekan</i> lagi. Baju pon dah bertimbun sebab satu hari 2-3 kali tukar baju. Yelah, satu set baju buat lasak-lasak dekat rumah, satu set baju gym, satu set baju tidur and then baju gi jalan-jalan. Tu dah lebih 2-3 kali tukar bajukan. So akak pon pergi la survey-survey cari kot-kot ade tempat laundry layan diri di area hotel ni. Alhamdullilah, terjumpa satu tempat dobi layan diri like 5 minutes dari hotel akak ni. Kedai dobi layan diri ni dekat Bukit Baru, nama dia <b>Laundry Bar</b> (wow!) just opposite Hadramawt Palace. Nampak dari luar macam quite new juga so apa lagi terus <i>corner</i> baring masuk simpang. </div>
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Tengok jam baru pukul 9 pagi, awal lagi ni sebab tu macam lengang je tempat dobi ni. Dobi ni guna token instead of guna syiling 50 sen macam dekat KL nun. So kena tukar duit dekat mesin token tu. Mesin token tu boleh masuk duit RM1, RM5 and RM10, duit RM50 tak boleh masuk ok! Ada price list just above mesin token tu. So agak-agak la kan berapa nak tukarkan. Satu token = RM1. </div>
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Akak nak basuh 10kg guna air suam so total charge RM6 sekali basuh. Ok la kan tu daripada dobi di hotel yang mahal sangat. Macam biasa, load baju dalam washing machine and bila nak masuk sabun tetibe nampak sign kata tak payah masuk sabun & softener sebab sudah disediakan. What??? Sabun FREE? softener FREE? Terbeliak jugak la mata akak ni baca sign tu beberapa kali. Siapa yang tak suka benda free kan, akak suka! Masuk token lepas tu tekan start, mudah kan? </div>
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Display dekat washing machine tu kate kena tunggu 25 minit, so melepak la akak kat situ. Tapi tempat tu sangat open dan dekat dengan main road. So takde rasa takut sangat la, tapi tetap kena berhati-hati yer semua. Sambil-sambil tu kita tengok-tengok around kedai, snap-snap gambar hrmm kalau owner tu tgk dekat cctv mesti tertaya-tanya apa la budak ni tengah buat.</div>
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Kedai ni ada sijil halal for its sabun dan softener, wow! tak pernah jumpe dobi yang claim halal ni. Good job Melaka! Washing machine ada 3 jenis, yang 10kg, 14 kg dan 28kg pon ada. Tapi masa akak pergi tu gambar washing machine 28kg jer yang ada, machinenyer takde pulak nampak. Dryer machine ada 4 biji, cukup la tu kan nak guna, tak payah berebut-rebut.</div>
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Nah, akak belanja gambar tempat dobi ni ok.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0Bukit Baru, Melaka, Malaysia2.2282479 102.269098799999942.1965144 102.22875829999994 2.2599814 102.30943929999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-10537623786412354112015-08-12T08:00:00.000+08:002015-08-12T13:27:56.527+08:00Mini get away - Johor Bharu<div style="text-align: justify;">
My brother and his family were in town last week, so we decided to take a mini family get away to Johor. There were 7 of us so we need to rent an MPV. Yours truly was in charge of booking a suitable MPV. It was my first time trying to rent an MPV and I was overwhelmed with the choices online. I used mudah.com.my website to find a suitable rental firm. I decided on Exora as it can fit all of us comfortably plus luggage. I booked the car quite early, almost a week early. The rental rate is pretty reasonable of RM180/day for 2 days and their pick up point/office is quite near to my house which is a plus point. So I happily thought everything was settled but the night before the trip, I received a call saying that my car was not available due to engine failure. They offered a replacement car, Alza, which is a class lower than Exora and the rate remained the same. I was desperate so I had to agree. But in my heart I know that I've been duped. I guess it's a tactic they used on unsuspecting and desperate customers like me. I tried to be positive and believe that the original car was really not available. But I don't want the car drama to ruin our getaway so I put it behind me and tried to enjoy the rest of the trip. Apparently, the car was not that bad but poor hubby had to squished at the back with the luggage, sorry honey!</div>
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The day was nice, not too hot nor raining, so it was perfect for a road trip. We took our own sweet time, stopped at two rest areas along the way. We arrived in Johor Bharu at 4pm and headed straight to Plaza Angsana as my mom really wanted to eat the famous Mee Rebus at one its food court stall.</div>
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We had bowls of mee rebus, yong tau foo and rojak singapore and the prices were reasonable. But I don't get the hype for its mee rebus, though. I had better mee rebus here in KL and my mom's of course.</div>
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Then, we headed to our uncle's house who was paralysed from a stroke he suffered months ago. Looking at him lying there helpless made me sad as he was a bubbly person. At that moment, I was thankful to Allah that I still got to enjoy my mom's non-stop lectures and my dad moving purposely around the house, Alhamdullilah. You have to be thankful for those little moments as you'd never know when it will be taken away from you. </div>
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We stayed at Hotel Seri Malaysia Johor Bharu for a night. We checked-in into the hotel quite late, around 8pm. But the reception just fell short of my expectation. I know it was late and maybe the receptionist just had a long day but I was quite put-off with it. But I had a long day and the only thing I wanted was a hot shower and a bed. The room was clean and a reasonable size but there were water leaking from the room above in the shower room. I hope the water was clean and I don't want to imagine where it comes from.</div>
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Started the next day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast buffet spread was good with variety of options of food such as nasi lemak, fried noodle, curry noodle, noodle soup, porridge, & toast. Yes, there were a lot of food and they did re-filling it non-stop during the serving period which is from 7am to 10am.</div>
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We checked out from the hotel and the process was quite fast and fuss free. So, no complaint there. We planned to visit Legoland, Hello Kitty Town and Johor Premium Outlet, so off we go. </div>
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It was a 25 minutes ride from JB, perhaps it should be shorter but we did got lost a bit trying to find our way out of the city. The parking lot was a long walk from the entrance. Luckily, there was a covered walkway otherwise all of us would have fainted from the heat. It was so hot that I feel like my face was melting (my makeup did come off a little bit, time to buy new makeup I guess). We didn't go into the theme park as we have not time. But the entry price was quite steep, RM170 for both theme and water park for adult. By looking from outside the entrance door, there were not many attractions/games that would interest me as I don't have any kids yet. Perhaps its target market is more of family with kids. But the pricing is too steep for a normal Malaysian family. It was quite empty even though it was a weekend. Maybe it was an off-peak season :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz1LMES8iwSFzqj0R_dy3YPP8by5icYRXzCeBPrnydJDtWMIspkzKFqG_3zjdLf9Qz2ooM_FgD-ktLau6smVwRexdlIvS5XW1ycDyi6wvUikKrt0lXjwE21iHypEm6LMvjiGydeiZOrTh/s1600/SAM_6188_Fotor_Fotor_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz1LMES8iwSFzqj0R_dy3YPP8by5icYRXzCeBPrnydJDtWMIspkzKFqG_3zjdLf9Qz2ooM_FgD-ktLau6smVwRexdlIvS5XW1ycDyi6wvUikKrt0lXjwE21iHypEm6LMvjiGydeiZOrTh/s640/SAM_6188_Fotor_Fotor_Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, we went to Puteri Harbour where the Hello Kitty Town was. It was just a 10 minute drive from Legoland. Again, we did not enter the attraction as I guess it was for kids and the entrance price is RM80/adult. My nephew is too small to appreciate such thing so we ended up taking pictures and off we go.</div>
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We were supposed to stop at Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) next, but missed the turn and too late to turn back. So we head straight to Melaka to have an early dinner there. When we say Melaka for dinner, of course it must be Ikan Bakar! Our favourite ikan bakar place is at Alai, Melaka. The price was reasonable and only cost us less than RM200 for 7 people. My favourite dish are mussels cooked with chilies and grilled stingray. After all that delicious seafood, it's time to head home. I slept like a baby in the car and woken up when we reached home. Wow, what a day! But favourite part of the trip is the food we ate along the way. Oh oh, time to hit the gym!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-67658033483526563712015-08-10T15:47:00.004+08:002015-08-10T15:47:45.231+08:00Rambling of a jobless housewife with a Monday blues<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am back in Malaysia and I'm unemployed. Being unemployed here is really no fun at all. When I was in London, I really didn't mind being job-less as there were lots of things to do that interest me. I love history and museums and London has lots of it. I love to eat and the city has various kind of food from all over the world, you just name it.</div>
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I am struggling to find a job that I like with the pay that I used to enjoyed before. I am beginning to feel the economic downturn that everyone is talking about. It does make me sad and depressed a little bit, but I'm trying to boost my morale up by writing and taking care of myself (i.e. massage, working out, mani & pedi etc.)</div>
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Since, I had nothing better told do all day, I google up about being a successful blogger. I stumbled upon an article titled 'So you want to be a blogger?" It was so honest that it made me laugh. I did think about being a full time blogger/writer but that article made me think twice. I don't have any sort of reader fanbase now so the idea to be a full-time blogger just flew out of the window. I think writing should only be an outlet for my creative thinking and not as a profession.</div>
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So, what next I think? A baker perhaps? I am a decent baker. I could whipped up basic cakes like chocolate cakes, butter cakes, Victoria sponge cakes and muffins. But I do need to up my game in terms of cake decorations. I saw lots of talented cake decorators on Instagram and Pinterest. It does intimidate me a little bit but I think with a little bit of training I could be one of those talented bakers. Perhaps, I could give baking a try.</div>
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Next, the one that I'm trying to avoid, the Multi Level Marketing scheme. You know like Herbalife, Shaklee, Premium Beautiful and other companies. I hope I'm not offending anyone. I am amazed with people who are successful with these businesses as I am not good at it. I tried to do it once but I am just too shy. I am more of a writing kinda lady instead of talking. </div>
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So what should I do? I need to do something. I am just so restless when I'm not doing anything. I pray to Allah everyday to show me the right path and hoping for the best, Insya Allah.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-37179108955361169762015-06-20T18:33:00.001+08:002015-06-20T18:33:11.589+08:00Sample of Europe - Spain & ItalyTired and severely sun burnt, had no time to write an entry of our mini European tour adventure.<br />
We covered the Andalusian Spain and major cities in Italy. Here is the sneak peek of where we went!. <br />
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<u>Spain - Granada & Cordoba</u><br />
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<i>Granada - Alcazar</i><br />
This is where the Game of Thrones filmed for Dorne. It was a former Muslim fort hence the moorish architecture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJUn0EZmX8XOg7Qn9Xary4FiRq_n-p53nuaDN196op_Q5AL6o8Sc6-MCgvYMC88XumS6MKHYwZcWt52b-zN1GUD7DKr8ROCf1W-0BefaXEcFZF6t6OhyphenhyphentTPMEAk8nsWwGmJI45K-WL9iL/s1600/2724594D00000578-3017919-image-a-59_1427726767393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJUn0EZmX8XOg7Qn9Xary4FiRq_n-p53nuaDN196op_Q5AL6o8Sc6-MCgvYMC88XumS6MKHYwZcWt52b-zN1GUD7DKr8ROCf1W-0BefaXEcFZF6t6OhyphenhyphentTPMEAk8nsWwGmJI45K-WL9iL/s400/2724594D00000578-3017919-image-a-59_1427726767393.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">postcard picture - Alcazar</td></tr>
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<i>Cordoba - Alhmabra</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">Alhambra's Islamic palaces, were built for the last Muslim emirs</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"> in Spain and the court of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasrid_dynasty" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" title="Nasrid dynasty">N</a>asrid Dynasty.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">postcard picture - Alhambra</td></tr>
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<u>Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice</u><br />
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Rome - All major attractions and Vatican city<br />
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Florence - Actually the main attraction is the leaning tower of pisa in pisa which is 1.5 hours from florence.<br />
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Venice - Basically do all the touristy thing i.e. gondola ride and enjoying the city. It was a break from our rushed visits in Rome & florence.<br />
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I'll definitely will write an entry for each of the place that we went. But for now, need to sort out my pictures and notes!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-8566257006574085502015-06-18T04:53:00.001+08:002015-06-18T04:55:40.033+08:00Food hunting around London<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's going to be Ramadan month soon. For muslims, we can't eat and drink from sunrise till sunset. As now is summer, we have longer daylight hours, which means we have to fast for 17 hours everyday for 30 days. :-(</div>
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So, I thought why not go and search for interesting eats in central London while I can still eat during the day. I've always wanted to visit <a href="http://cerealkillercafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cereal Killer cafe</a> and have a look at the different kind of cereals there. It has two branches, one in Brick lane and another in Camden Stables. I decided to go to the Brick lane branch as its nearer to my place. Took the Overground towards Highbury and Islington and stopped at Shoreditch High Street station. It's my first time being in this area of London and was amazed with all the mural paintings around the area. There's also a line of shops just beside the station. It's really a 'hipster' place. So, I walked happily along the Bethnal street and taking pictures along the way. But then I felt like I'm being followed. It might be nothing but I got the hell out of there as fast as I can. Its better to be safe than sorry. Female travelling alone must always be vigilant and trust your instinct. A reminder to myself!<br />
<i>ps: I didn't even get to see the Cereal Killer cafe! </i><br />
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Now that I was relatively safe in the Overground, I was thinking where should I go next. I decided to go to where the tourists are, Oxford Circus! I walked along the Regent Street to find a nice cafe to have some coffee and cake. Stopped by a cafe on Regent Street and bought iced coffee to go, my it was boiling hot outside. I continued walking till I reached Piccadilly Circus junction. Now, I'm hungry!<br />
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I felt like having a lobster roll today, so I headed to Bond Street to the Smack Lobster Roll deli. I bought the Seven Samurai Lobster roll, which has tempura lobster, Japanese mayo, Japanese cabbage & pickles. It cost me 10 pounds. It was quite cheap considering its a lobster, duh!. But oh my god, the lobster roll was really good. The buttered brioche was to die for and the tempura lobster was nice as well. Done with my late lunch now off to do some window shopping.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laduree macaroons in Burlington Arcade!!</td></tr>
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Walked towards Bond station and saw this new shop in West One Shopping Centre - Simit Sarayi. It's a Turkish based franchise that sells various types of bagels, breads and desserts. The smell of warm bagels was so enticing that I bought one (to go) even though I was still full with lobster roll. I was on my way to the underground that I saw Wasabi - my favourite sushi place. Bought my favourite dish - pumpkin croquette for dinner. Wow! That's a lot of food to be eaten in a day. But no worries, I always have my husband to finish it all off at home.<br />
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I really wish that I had a chance to visit the Cereal Killer cafe, though. Maybe next time with my husband as a company. Not going to that place alone again anytime soon.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-72394263026319099742015-06-17T04:15:00.000+08:002015-06-17T04:15:02.468+08:00Bloody Snow... Game of Thrones finale <div style="text-align: justify;">
OH MY GOD! Why GoT? Why? Why must you kill Jon Snow? The only male Stark left in this world. I know sometimes his character was one dimensional but who can resist his charm and hipster look. In addition to him being betrayed by his Night watch brothers, his 'trusted' help was the one who finished him off, that little shit! </div>
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I'm not looking forward to season 6 next year as there's no more story line that I want to know the end. Oh, except for Sansa's story though. My favourite scene in the finale show was when Reek killed that bitch (don't know her name) and ran away with Sansa. Even though Reek/Theon was kinda cruel when he took over Winterfell but I think he's paid his due. He deserves good things now. But as GoT loves killing its main character, I think Theon will die next. I also wish Sansa will have good things happening for her in next season. Enough is enough. I just can't take it anymore, bad things always happens to good people. Not gonna waste another year of my life waiting for this story to end.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-69658586738132393212015-06-15T05:08:00.001+08:002015-06-20T18:48:33.811+08:00London Tube Challenge : Central Line<div style="text-align: justify;">
After I completed my Jubilee Line challenge yesterday, I thought it wasn't so bad. So, I decided to attempt the Central line challenge today because I have nothing else better to do anyway. Started from stations in Essex; i.e. Epping, Theydon Bois, Debden, Loughton & Buckhurst Hill. I wanted to stop at Theydon Bois station and have a look at the quaint village. Wikipedia stated that there's no street light along its street. But, I stopped at Loughton instead and was greeted by a large Sainsbury building just in front of the station. Where is the village and churches that I saw in the picture?? I realised my mistake when I got home and looked at my notes. When the train was travelling from Woodford to Epping, I felt like I was stepping into a different place. I'm no longer in a city. There's even cows and horses in the fields along the train tracks. :-)</div>
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Next, the train passed through Woodford, Snaresbrook & Leyton stations. There's a large TK Maxx outlet just opposite Leyton station. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to pop into the shop. I continued on till I reached Mile End station. Once I exited the station, there's the usual London map board in front. I walked towards Whitechapel area when I stumbled upon a strange street. I was suddenly surrounded by South Asian people and hearing different language being spoken. There's a market along the road up to the Whitechapel overground station. I saw a large East London mosque as well. </div>
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I kept on walking until I reached Old Spitalfields market. There's a lovely church opposite the market, Christ Church. The famous Ten Bell pub was just across the church. It was alleged to have been a rendezvous of some of the Jack the Ripper's prostitutes victims, before they were murdered. </div>
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Continued on until I reached Liverpool street station. Don't know how I ended up there but there I was trying to find my way back to a tube station.<br />
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From Liverpool street station, I headed towards Ealing Broadway station, the last station on the Central Line. Passed through Oxford Circus, Marble Arch, Queensway till I reached Ealing Broadway. Circled back on the same train back to Bank station and head home. </div>
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I wanted to stop at Oxford Circus but I changed my mind. I did stop briefly at Marble Arch station to take some pictures of the wall. There are artsy decoration on the wall and each are different.<br />
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I completed my semi-tube challenge (I missed some stations) of the Central line within 8 hours. I enjoyed the first part of the journey (from Epping to Stratford) the most. Once, I passed through Bank stations onwards, the train was too busy and full with people. It was warm in the train as well. I felt sleepy too due to lack of oxygen in the underground, I guess.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-62700691423139067032015-06-15T00:03:00.002+08:002015-06-20T18:48:43.082+08:00London Tube Challenge : Jubilee line<div style="text-align: justify;">
I read about this <b>Tube Challenge</b> in an article somewhere and I was intrigued. What is Tube Challenge? It is the accepted name for the Guinness World record attempt to visit all the stations on the London Underground network in the fastest time possible. The record for fastest completion is currently held for 16 hours, 14 minutes and 10 seconds.</div>
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Hmm why not? Let's do something crazy. I'm not going to break the record, of course. But, I'm going to try visit as much stations as I can. Bought a week travel card that covers from zone 1 to 3. I don't plan to tag out if there's nothing to see outside of the station. So, I guess the travel card is sufficient to cover my journey. It costs me 40 quids for a week. Better make the most of it.</div>
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I decided to start off with the Jubilee line as that's the one that I'm familiar with. The journey started from Canary Wharf station towards Stanmore. I got down at Bermondsey station just to have a look at the area. I was curious. Walked from Bermondsey to London Bridge station. I've put up a post on that part of the journey earlier (<a href="http://the-magic-of-red-spatula.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/a-day-in-bermondsey-southwark.html" target="_blank">see blog post here</a>)<br />
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Next, I got down at <b>Green Park</b> Station which took me straight to St. James' Park. There were a lot of people lying on the green grass, enjoying the warm weather. Snapped some pictures and continue on to my next destination.<br />
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The station looked like it had gone thorough refurbishment. The red tiles really brighten up the otherwise grubby looking station.<br />
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<b>St Johns Wood</b> - There's where the famous Abbey Road Studio and zebra crossing are. The walk from the station to the studio was very relaxing and hardly any passers by around. But then I saw a bunch of people standing beside a road. Oh my god, it was so funny looking at those people trying to get the 'Beatles shot' on the zebra crossing. And the poor drivers need to stop everytime someone tries to cross. I did not take any picture but I had fun watching, though.<br />
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<b>Swiss Cottage </b>- The district is named after an inn called the 'The Swiss tavern' that was built in 1804 and on the site of a former tollgate keeper's cottage. The inn's later named to Swiss Cottage. It is now becomes a pub. The station itself dated from 1939.<br />
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<b>Finchley Road</b> - I stopped by the station to find something to eat. There's a Mark & Spencer and Waitrose just outside the station. Then I saw a sign to Freud Museum. I decided to follow it just out of curiosity. Well, the route through the Trinity Walk was kind of challenging with a 60 degrees steep. Unfortunately, the museum was close that day. It only opens from Wednesday to Sunday. But at least I've seen his last house from outside.<br />
I saw this Victorian building which I guess a pub with 1850 plaque on it. I googled it and according to <a href="http://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/the-north-star" target="_blank">London Remember</a>, It was built in 1850 as one of first building to grace the new Finchley Road. It was purpose built as a pub.<br />
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I continue on the Jubilee line without stopping at any station till I reached the end of the line, Stanmore station.<br />
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It was a tiring feat to achieve and it took me 7 hours to complete the ride from Stratford to Stanmore and back. But I did take my own sweet time exploring the area nearby the station as well. Will I continue with other line? I don't know. :-)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-14262296297650465112015-06-13T08:02:00.003+08:002015-06-13T08:02:57.010+08:00A night with the dinosaurs - Jurassic World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well it's Friday and its a date night, yeah! We went to watch Jurassic World movie which opens in theatre today. I had high hopes for this movie because of Chris Pratt. I love watching him in the Guardians of the Galaxy and I expect the same humour-hero combo performance from him. We booked for a 3D version of the movie and our seats were 3 row from the front. It was really close to the screen.</div>
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The movie started off with a pair of baby dinosaurs clawing their way out from their shells. Ok. Nothing scary, just a couple of newborn dinosaurs. Then the side story, kids going to vacation and visit their aunt (the park manager) on their own in Isla Nublar, where the Jurassic World is. Ok.</div>
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I didn't see any dinosaurs for the next 20 minutes after the first introduction of the baby dinosaurs at the beginning. Ok, my focus started to wane, and I've started yawning. Bad sign. When will the big scary dinosaurs going to make an appearance??? The intro for the Claire, the leading lady was too long and something about her annoyed me. But I can't pinpoint the reason though. </div>
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Then the dinosaurs started appearing one by one. Ok, not that impressed but acceptable. It then progresses on to the 'asset out of containment' situation. The Indominus Rex, is the bad ass villain in this instalment of Jurassic movie franchise. It was enormous but look like a T-Rex which confuses me when a T-Rex was brought in to kill the new Indominus. Both looked the same on screen. The scene where both Rex's fighting each other reminds me of the movie Godzilla. </div>
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I just need to say something about the character Masrani, owner of the park. His character was so unnecessary and just add confusion to the story. He tried to be a hero to save his park but ended up killing himself in the process. S.T.U.P.I.D</div>
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Oh, don't let me start with Claire. She acted almighty in the beginning of the movie, total bimbo in the middle and totally mental at the end. The character is a mess. I just can't connect with her. Plus, I think Bryce Horward is wrong for the part and can't act to save her life. But that's just my opinion. </div>
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Hubby loves this movie because of all the special effects and dino fights. For me this movie is a B-, the only saving grace is Chris Pratt.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0Cineworld, West India Quay51.5076255 -0.02141619999997601651.504557000000005 -0.026458699999976014 51.510694 -0.016373699999976017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-8970557548673476942015-06-12T20:18:00.001+08:002015-06-12T20:18:52.449+08:00A day In Bermondsey / Southwark<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was on a crazy mission to visit as much tube station as I can when I alighted the train at Bermondsey station. I was curious what kind of place Bermondsey is. The name just sounds exotic :-)<br />
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Don't know which way to turn once I'm outside the station, left or right? Saw the Shard building on the left, so to the left it is. There were not many people around as it's just past the morning rush. The place was quiet and not much traffic either. So, just calmly walked along the road until I saw a sign to Thames path. So I followed it. It brought me through a street with wharves on both side of the it. It was so pretty. I think it's probably old wharves building turned into high end residential estate. The name of the wharves that interest me most, Java Wharf, St. Saviours, St' Georges, St' Andrews, New Concordia, Butlers wharf & Tea trade wharf. I wonder how the wharves got its name.<br />
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I reached the Design Museum and in front of it is a weird looking sculpture. It looks like a face of a man.<br />
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I walked straight on along the Shad Thames. The small alley is interesting due to its cobbled stone, very dangerous if one is wearing high heels. Swanky restaurants and delicious looking bakery lines the street now. But it used have largest complex of warehouses that stores tea, coffee and spices unloaded from river boats.<br />
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The converted warehouses retain their original features and named after the commodities which were originally stored in them - Vanilla & Sesame Court, Cayenne Court, Ginger Wall and others. I did smell a hint of vanilla when I was in Vanilla & Sesame Court, though. Then, there's a striking red structure that caught my eyes. It's the China Wharf, which is actually a new residential building. There were also boat houses docking in front of the New Concordia wharf.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Further along, I reached the Tower Bridge and walked along the Queen's walk on the riverside. As usual, the place is packed with tourist with selfie stick trying to get the best shots of the Tower Bridge as a background. Walked past the shell-shaped City Hall building and the Scoop, the open-air theatre that opens during the summer. There'll be a live telecast of Wimbledon games as well. Yeah! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">A riviera just popped up in London with view of the Thames. The colourful deck chairs were so cute with palm trees scattered around the area. </span></div>
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There's an exhibition going on near the Tower Bridge pier. It exhibits Thames tideway tunnel system, London sewerage system and hidden Thames gems.<br />
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Walked into Hay's Galleria, which now houses offices and restaurants where it used to be a warehouse. It was named after its original owner who acquired the property in 1651. In a fountain at the centre of the Galleria is a 60ft moving bronze sculpture of a ship unveiled in 1987 to commemorate its heritage. I thought the ship has been there since the 1700, I was wrong! </div>
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Walked past by the HMS Belfast ship/museum but I didn't go in. Its admission price is to steep for a poor Londoners like me. Plus I had visited a battleship before - back in August last year.<br />
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Straight on until I reached the London Bridge station where I hopped on a tube to continue on my silly Tube Challenge :-)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0Bermondsey, London SE16, UK51.498582100000007 -0.06912760000000162125.976547600000007 -41.3777216 77.020616600000011 41.2394664tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-9276628088641769962015-06-12T07:53:00.000+08:002015-06-12T07:55:57.764+08:00A day in Firepower - Royal Artillery Museum<span style="text-align: justify;">This visit is part of my crazy London tube challenge. The museum is in Woolwich Arsenal and the nearest tube is the DLR Woolwich Arsenal station. It's just 5 minutes walk from the station through the Woolwich Market. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolwich Market</td></tr>
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It was super hot day today, hotter than usual, so it was not too comfortable to be outside in the sun too long. I didn't explore much of the town but I did get to have a look at the market. It dated back to 1600. The market square is quite big but not many stalls around as it close at 1pm. There are few homeless people loitering around so I didn't linger too long. I was a little bit scared to take out my camera so I took some pictures of the market using my phone instead.<br />
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There's an interesting couple of statues on top of the arch which I wonder what it means though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink fountain & cattle trough</td></tr>
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There's a derelict looking stone that I saw in the market square with 'Metropolitan: Drink fountain & Cattle Trough' emblazoned on it. Did some 'googling' and it says that at one time cattle were brought in to go to the RACS (Royal Arsenal Cooperative Society) abattoir off Garland Road, part of their Woodlands Farm. There were even cattle pen on the station's platform.<br />
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Once through the entrance gate, I saw a blue cannon and a anti-aircraft tank in the middle of the square. The Wellington headquarter was on the left side of the square. It's not open to public. I also saw that the area will be developed into CrossRail and high-end residential area. I hope it won't damage the historical buildings around.</div>
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The admission price is 5.30 pounds for adult, which I considered cheap as the artilleries collections inside were priceless. The gallery starts with British army involvement in several high profile wars like Falklands, Balkan War, Iraq & Afghanistan. The highlight of the museum is, of course, the tanks and cannons from the 1700 up to modern times. </div>
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The artillery gallery is split into two level, the ground floor exhibit modern artillery and upper floor the historical artillery. There's huge difference in size and weight between the old cannons and new guns. Most of the guns are from the second world war.</div>
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I think modern artillery are less interesting than the historical ones as all are in boring green army colour and focus more on firepower compared to artistic part of the guns/cannons.</div>
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Now, the old guns are more interesting to look at. It even has red-coloured cannon! There's one 18th century bronze gun that was cast for Sultan of Mysore, Tippu Sultan who ruled in Southern India.It is thought that it;s one of a kind in existence. The most unique one is the dragon cannon that they found in India as well. It's ammunitions are even decorated with artistic carvings. Now that's my style of firepower :-)</div>
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There was a group of school children visiting at the same time that I was there. At first, they were quite noisy but then some of them were scolded (nicely, of course) by the staff, then it quite down. I don't mind the noise otherwise it'll be only me in the museum and that would be scary. There's a medal gallery room which was locked at first, but then it was open for visitor for 1/2 hour. Perhaps for me??</div>
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I guess the museum is maintained by the military as most of the staff I saw have the militaristic-type look. Ah, you know what I mean right!. Overall, it was an interesting visit. For tanks/guns enthusiast, this place is a treasure. </div>
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After looking at irons and metals, it is a breath of fresh air when you step outside the museum. Walk along the Thames Path and enjoy the riverside view before going home.</div>
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Note: There'll be a World War 2 gun firing event at the museum on 20 June 2015 at 11.30, 12.30 and 2.30pm. Their History team will be in uniform and fire the 2 pound anti tank gun. I'm definitely going to see this!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-29035000036975262962015-06-09T07:36:00.000+08:002015-06-09T07:36:53.202+08:00A day in Kenwood House<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really wanted to visit Kenwood House since I saw the Notting Hill movie back in early 2000. The house was in the background when Julia Robert was filming Henry James' movie. Actually I love old Victorian and Georgian houses. Sometimes. I wished that I was born in those period of time, in upper class society of course :-) Oh, the dresses, the afternoon tea, the parties and balls!</div>
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<u>How to get there?</u></div>
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I took the Northern line towards Edgware and stopped at Golden Greens station. Once there, I was supposed to take a bus No. 210 to Kenwood House. But, when I reached the station, I saw a bus station and not a bus stop. There were lots of bus stops and buses including National Express busses. I was quite loss and asked around for the correct bus stop to go to. The first was wrong and I waited 10 minutes but no 210 bus. I asked again and finally found the bus stop that is slightly outside the bus station, stop GK. Lucky, a bus was due to arrive in 1 minute, otherwise more waiting for me. Got on the bus and nervously watching the bus stop announcement/indicator. I got down at Kenwood House stop, like 5 stops away (20 minutes) from the tube station. But, I didn't see the entrance gate and I walked the wrong way (towards the direction of travel) instead the opposite. I walked till I reached another bus stop and another gate, the Compton Avenue/Kenwood House stop. Silly me.<br />
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<u>The House</u></div>
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There's no entrance fees to the house but donations are welcome. The staffs are welcoming compared to other houses I've been to. They are approachable and knowledgable as well, I guess its a pre-requisite skill to have anyway.<br />
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The highlight of the house is the Library room. It was painted in pastels colour scheme and the ceiling is magnificent. It's my favourite room of the whole house.<br />
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The rest of the house are filled with beautiful paintings and portraits. There's one portrait where a lady was posing in her bridesmaid dress and it was quite fashion forward for that period. I was told that a royal tailor made that particular dress.<br />
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<u>Dido Belle</u><br />
Dido Belle was born into slavery as the natural daughter of Maria Belle, an enslaved African woman and Captain John Lindsay, a naval officer stationed there. Lindsay took Belle with him when he returned to England and entrusting her to his uncle William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield to raise. The Murrays educated Belle, bringing her up as a free gentlewoman at Kenwood House, with their niece Lady Elizabeth Murray. Belle lived there for 30 years. It is a very interesting story as at time, normally coloured people were normally slaves. They must have helpers in the house who were coloured people as well. I wonder how Belle feels, did she felt guilty or lucky for being born in upper class English family. There's a movie on Dido story in 2014.<br />
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<u>The exterior</u><br />
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I love this side of the house as it reminds me of the Notting Hill movie. Will definitely watch this movie this weekend. :-)<br />
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There's a lake in front of the house with sweeping hilly garden. It's just beautiful. The woodland around the house is pretty ancient too. Plus they have a cute dairy farm as well.<br />
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I completed the tour of the house and garden in 2.5 hours. I enjoyed the cafe as well, the coffee and cakes are fabulous. They have afternoon tea on offer, 22.50 pounds per person.<br />
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I recommend this place if you love old mansions and its history.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-21731320150153202472015-06-09T05:16:00.001+08:002015-06-09T07:41:54.974+08:00A day in Kew Garden<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;">Another late entry. I visited Kew garden with my husband last Saturday (6/6/2015) and didn't get to write an entry due to extreme exhaustion :-) So here goes.........</span><br />
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It's finally Saturday and I'm so excited!!! We're going to Kew Garden today. Been planning this for weeks. </div>
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We went out approximately 11 am (late, I know). Took the DLR and got off at Bank station. But surprise, surprise, when we arrived, we saw a sign stating that the Monument station was close. So, we decided to catch a District line train from Tower Hill station. So, we took the DLR again back to Shadwell and change for Tower gateway train. But......the Tower Hill station was close too!!!! I felt so silly for not checking the tube status before we went out. Rookie mistake! Hence, onto the DLR again to Shadwell, to catch the Overground train to Kew Garden. Surprisingly, there were no closures on the Overground line. Normally, there'll be massive closures on the Overground line during weekends. There's no direct route from Shadwell to Kew, so we need to change at Cannonbury for train towards Richmond. </div>
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It's mid-day when we reached Kew station. There were a lot of people trying to get out from the small station. Once, we are out of the station, we followed the signage to Kew Garden. It took us up a crossing bridge to the other side of the station and walked for another good 10 minutes before we reached the front gate. </div>
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I saw lots of people queueing outside its gate. Lucky, I decided to buy the tickets online. If you buy the tickets online, you need to print it out and they'll just scan it at the gate. No more queuing! Oh, and the ticket cost 14 pounds if you buy it online compared to 16 pounds at the gate. Save time and money, what more do you need?</div>
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We were so rushed trying to get to Kew as fast as we can (the park/garden close at 6 pm), that when we passed the gate we were quite a loss on where to start. We only have like 5 hours to cover the vast park so hubby became the time keeper. We tried our best to visit all the attractions in the park.</div>
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<u>Palm House</u></div>
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It was built in 1844 and has been in the park for 160 years. Impressive! It houses palms & other tropical trees from around the world. I'm from tropical climate country and most of the plants in there were familiar to me. But it's still fascinating to see it. I saw a Durian tree but no durian fruit! I guess they alter the tree DNA or something so that it won't have fruit. Just imagine a thorny durian fall on visitors, that would be a disaster. I saw a person fascinated with a banana tree. I used to ignore the banana trees at my grandma's house but here people are fascinated by it. I should be grateful that I grew up knowing the things that I knew. I'll definitely teach my future children to be one with the nature. The glasshouse was so hot inside, that I felt like melting. Once, I stepped out of it, I felt so relieved. I wonder how it will be in the peak of summer heat. </div>
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There's another large glasshouse in the park, the Temperate House. It's the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world. Unfortunately, it's currently being restored and will only re-open in 2018. </div>
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<u>Waterlily House</u></div>
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Next to the Palm House, is the Waterlily House. It was built in 1852 to house the natural wonder, the giant waterlily, Victoria Ammonica. There were also other beautiful waterlilies in there as well. It was a joy to take pictures of the flowers.<br />
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<u>Pagoda </u><br />
In the middle of a Victorian park there it was a Pagoda stood 10-storey high. It was built in 1762 as a gift for Princess Augusta, the founder of Kew Garden (I think!). But you can't enter the pagoda, though. It's close to public. It was almost 3pm and we decided to stop for a quick lunch at the pagoda. Lucky we bought lunch with us, as the food in the cafe were so expensive. My time-keeper hubby told me that we only can sit for 10 minutes, oh boy how annoying. Well, the reason that we went out late this morning was because hubby woke up late and I had to wait for him to get ready. Plus, the back and forth in the DLR trying to find your way to Kew took away precious time. Ok, enough with the nagging :-)<br />
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There's a Japanese Gateway and garden near the Pagoda complete with a Chokushi-Mon, a replica of the gateway of the Imperial Messenger in Kyoto.<br />
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<u>Xstrata treetop walkway </u><br />
Next, is the treetop walk. The walkway is 18m above ground and 200m long. It was opened in 2008, quite recent. We took the stairs to top, what a mistake. I was out of breath when I reached the top. There's a lift if you're wondering, do take those. It was a windy day and the walkway do sway a little bit and you can see the bottom when you walked along the walkway. It's quite scary if you're afraid of heights like me. I ended up clutching my hubby's hand and walked really fast to the end. Hubby didn't get to enjoy the scenery that much 'cause I kept whining. Sorry love.<br />
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<u>Princess of Wales Conservatory </u><br />
The conservatory was opened in 1987 by Diana, Princess of Wales. It houses various plants especially cactuses. Lots of weird looking cactuses. If you love orchids, there are various species on display as well.<br />
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<u>Sackler crossing </u><br />
It was built in 2006. The bridge is quite unique because as you approach the crossing, you can see as if there's solid walls on both sides. But, if you see it on the side, the was is almost invisible. You need to see it to appreciate. My picture does not do it justice.<br />
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<u>Kew Palace </u><br />
The centrepiece of the park, the Kew Palace. It was built in 1631 as a country retreat for George III. He and Queen Charlotte spent their summer with their 15 children. It was also a refuge for George III during his infamous episodes of madness. Queen Charlotte died here in 1818, and since then the house was closed up. It was only re-opened 80 years later but it was in a really bad shape. It has been restored since. It was quite a small house, I wonder how noisy it was with 15 children inside.<br />
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<u>The Orangery (1761)</u><br />
There's an orangery next to the palace but there's a wedding happening, so we can't enter it. The building is very pretty and suitable for wedding and other events.<br />
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It was a pretty long day with lots of power walking involved. I suggest if you want to enjoy the park leisurely, do arrive early as the park opens at 9.30 am. I was quite exhausted at the end of the day that I spent the whole Sunday lying on the sofa.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994692541603675263.post-47328491366700143932015-06-06T04:55:00.003+08:002015-06-06T04:55:32.405+08:00A day in WestminsterDate of visit: 4 June 2015<br />
Place of visit: Westminster, London<br />
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It was a sunny and super HOT day today. The temperature reached 25C and my skin became tanner/browner as though I'm not dark enough before :(<br />
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Walked the suggested route 'Westminster Walk' (see Map below) that I got from WalkLondon.com. It covers the main tourist attractions in Westminster.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Attractions along the way:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1-House of Parliaments & Big Ben</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2-10, Downing Street</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3-Horse Guards</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4-Banqueting Hall, Whitehall</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5-Trafalgar Sq & Nelson Column</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6-National Gallery</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7-St James' Palace</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8-The Mall & Clarence House</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9-Buckingham Palace</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">10-Queen's Gallery & Royal Mew</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">11-Churchill War Rooms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">12-Westminster Abbey</span><br />
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Well, as usual I'm not good at following guides, I either got loss or strayed to other things that looked interesting to me at that time. I started from the mid-section i.e. from Trafalgar Square, which I've seen everyday since Monday. I think it has etched into my long term memory by now :) Next, to the National Gallery.<br />
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There were lots of awesome paintings the gallery. I saw Rafael's and Leonardo Da Vinci's awesome paintings. It looked so life-like. I just can't believe someone can paint so well. But unlucky for me, I was not able to view the very famous Van Gogh painting, the Sunflowers, as the room was closed for restoration work. The staff told me that the room will be open on Friday, but maybe some other time.</div>
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It took me like 1 hour to finish the whole museum. I'm not into the art so much but at least I've seen the famous paintings once in my lifetime.</div>
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I did not rent the audio guide so I was a bit lost. Didn't know what I was looking at except that it were beautiful. There was quite a crowd when I was there, but surprisingly quite.</div>
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Truthfully, I was quite bored in there!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiralty Arch</td></tr>
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Before I know it, it was lunch time and I did not have any breakfast yet. Bought cheap sarnie from Co-Op and coffee from Costa. I headed off to St James' Park through the Admiralty Arch.<br />
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Walked along The Mall and stopped by St James' Park where I sat under the shade having my lunch. Will never get to do this anymore in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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Continued on to Buckingham Palace. But it was too hot to take a decent picture so I just give up. This is the only good picture of the place that I have (after Photoshop treatment, of course). By this time, I feel it weak due to dehydration. I quickly passed through park to find St James Palace but alas I couldn't find it and I ended up at the end of the garden and I was on Piccadilly road. Hahahahaha... I'm lost again! But what the heck, keep on walking till I reached Piccadilly circus, turned right and walked downhill towards Parliament Square.<br />
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Now, the masterpiece of London, Westminster Abbey! Wanted to go in and have a look but the 20 quid price tag is just too steep for a budget traveller like me. I guess the exterior picture is enough and bought some postcards with the interior pictures on it. Job done!<br />
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There you go. I completed the Westminster walk in 3 hours, including visit to the National Gallery. Not bad! But I was sun burnt and dehydrated at the end of the walk. Really, if you're walking around London during heat waves/summer, do consume lots of liquids (not iced coffee like I did, it made me more dehydrated).<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399244270072862239noreply@blogger.com0