My first overseas trip for the year (and no plans for another one).
Our trip started early. We woke up at 4am as our flight was at 7.10am on 1 May 2015. We had breakfast at the SATS Premier Lounge @ T3. I believe this is one of the most basic lounges at Changi. Although the food was nothing special, it was nice to know that breakfast was taken care of as we took Jetstar and did not intend to get food onboard. I am happy to see that shower facilities are provided for even though we did not utilise them.
Flight was (more or less) on time. It was a full flight so they checked in our bag for free when we were at the boarding gate. Thankfully, we had no issue with lost luggages.
Reaching Tan Son Nhat International Airport, my first thought was "this reminds me of Changi!". The airport appears rather new and clean. Immigration took awhile so be patient.
After getting our bag, we walked out to see a few money changers and some stalls selling sim cards. Only one (mobifone) was open so thats what we got. I think it cost us 290,000VND (S$20) thereabouts for unlimited data.
To get a feel of the place, I have decided we should take the bus to town (we were staying near Ben Thanh market). No. 152 was the bus to take. Just walk out of the terminal and look to your right (2 o'clock). Once the bus starts running (ie. warming up), the driver doesnt wait long before he starts the journey. It was cheap too. just 5,000VND (S$0.33) per person. The difficulty with taking the bus is that you might not know where to alight. We asked the bus driver to let us know but we werent sure if he understood us. In the end we managed by checking google maps on our phone and recognising the major landmarks (Ben Thanh market, in our case).
First thing we did was to head to our hotel. We were very early (I think around 10,30am HCM time - HCM is 1 hour behind Sg) but luckily we only had to wait 20mins or so for our room to be ready. We stayed at Sanouva Hotel. The room was simple but had everything we needed - large TV, comfortable bed, toiletries, even a weighing machine. We would have been grateful for a kettle too as we had to keep buying bottles of water during our stay there.
Side bar - as we werent sure about how clean tap water was, we bought a bottle with a filter cap.
After checking in and taking a quick rest. We went out to roam the area to the west of our hotel (Pham Ngu Lao etc).
I wanted to get Banh Mi from a famous place but we were too early (11.30am) as they are open at 2.30pm onwards. In the end, we got Pho from a chain store. It must be noted that although we were at a touristy area (Pham Ngu Lao being just 2 streets away), the wait staff did not appear to understand English well. We also walked along Pham Ngu Lao - sooo many japanese food places and Bui Vien. We walked passed a market (think it was Thai Binh) along the way and got what we thought was Cendol for less than S$1. Long story short however, the "Cendol" was not sweetened and we pretty much threw it away.
We also dropped by ABC Bakery which was reviewed rather favourably online. It reminded me of local bakeries in Singapore. Just that they had a made-to-order sandwich corner and vegetable chips. Prices are similar to Singapore too. Got a large packet of vegetable chips here (80,000VND).
On our way back to the hotel, we dropped by Satra Foods for snacks and water.
After resting, we ventured out of the hotel to check out the area to the east of our hotel. I had initially wanted to check out the major landmarks but it was too close to closing time so we didn't manage to do so.
We first dropped by Ben Thanh market. We walked in from the rear (where the food markets are) and was hounded by people asking us to get food from their stall. It was overwhelming. We were glad to get out of the market.
After some walking we found ourselves around some malls. We checked out Parkson and Union Square. Both (imho) house rather high-end items. At Union Square, we had our first taste of Vietnamese Coffee in Vietnam - at Trung Nguyen. As I love eggs and bread, I also ordered a Banh Mi Op La. This is a simple dish, baguette with two (2) eggs and some soy sauce. The boy ordered a green tea with coffee jelly drink. The green tea is jasmine flavoured, which surprised us. This meal cost us less than SGD 15.
We then dropped by Fanny for ice-cream. It took us forever to find the place as Google Maps got the wrong address. The ice-cream was interesting but beware of mosquitoes.
Along the way, we went into Parkson and passed by a place and seemed like a place for locals to gather. On google maps, this area has no name and just seemed empty. When we were there, it was crowded, with performances, music and people taking photos.
After Fanny, we headed back to the hotel. We also went to the Ben Thanh night market. It was much less scary than the day market. I got loose (for sleeping) pants for 50,000VND (or RM 8) each and he got T-shirts (the I love Vietnam sort) for 50,000VND (or RM 7). The stalls here take RM.
After that we got some noodles from street carts and went back to our hotel for dinner. After the long day, and knowing we had to wake up early for our Mekong Tour the day after, we barely watched any TV before drifting to sleep.
What we noted on our first day:
- HCMC is flooded with bikes and cars
- In Ben Thanh/Pham Ngu Lao area, 90% of the traffic is bikes and taxis
- Most Vietnamese (even in high tourist traffic areas) don't really speak English
[Pictures to come later]
Monday, 4 May 2015
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Hair Color - INOA
Just a background, I have sensitive skin (ezcema) and as an extension of that, a very sensitive scalp. I was previously diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and would sometimes use medicated shampoo when my scalp condition worsened. My dermatologist also once advised me to not dye my hair as it will affect my scalp. As a result, I have been sporting flat, black, long hair for a few years now. The last time I did anything other than cut my hair was in 2008.
I was bored.
A few weeks ago, I visited Picasso Hair Studio and met with Alan Chia. After some discussion (I did not want anything crazy but craved change), he suggested that I (i) dye my hair to soften my look; and (ii) perm my hair. Because of my sensitive scalp, he suggested I use their non-ammonia hair dye. I agreed. As for the perm, I made an appointment to see him again on 8 March 2015.
During the dye process, I did not get any stinging from the chemicals and I do not think dyeing my hair affected my hair or scalp much. Although the flaking is back, I cannot be sure that it is not because of the stress I have been experiencing at work so I am not attributing that to the dye job. However, I would say that I did not like the shampoo and conditioner samples I was provided with. It was the Redken Color Extend Magnetic Shampoo and the accompanying Conditioner. They had a nice scent, reminded me of pudding, but I felt that they left my hair rather oily. I was given 3 sets of the samples and still have 1.5 sets left. I have now purchased my own shampoo and conditioner and am planning to only use these when I am travelling.
As for the result of the dye job, it is a very dark brown color, such that it is not easy to discern that I dyed my hair. Some might say it is a waste of money but in my view, the color is easy to maintain and gives my hair more dimension under bright light or sunlight so I am happy. Maybe sometime in the future, when I get bored again I can do something more drastic. We shall see.
Haircut + colour + treatment after colouring cost me S$159.
I was bored.
A few weeks ago, I visited Picasso Hair Studio and met with Alan Chia. After some discussion (I did not want anything crazy but craved change), he suggested that I (i) dye my hair to soften my look; and (ii) perm my hair. Because of my sensitive scalp, he suggested I use their non-ammonia hair dye. I agreed. As for the perm, I made an appointment to see him again on 8 March 2015.
During the dye process, I did not get any stinging from the chemicals and I do not think dyeing my hair affected my hair or scalp much. Although the flaking is back, I cannot be sure that it is not because of the stress I have been experiencing at work so I am not attributing that to the dye job. However, I would say that I did not like the shampoo and conditioner samples I was provided with. It was the Redken Color Extend Magnetic Shampoo and the accompanying Conditioner. They had a nice scent, reminded me of pudding, but I felt that they left my hair rather oily. I was given 3 sets of the samples and still have 1.5 sets left. I have now purchased my own shampoo and conditioner and am planning to only use these when I am travelling.
As for the result of the dye job, it is a very dark brown color, such that it is not easy to discern that I dyed my hair. Some might say it is a waste of money but in my view, the color is easy to maintain and gives my hair more dimension under bright light or sunlight so I am happy. Maybe sometime in the future, when I get bored again I can do something more drastic. We shall see.
Haircut + colour + treatment after colouring cost me S$159.
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Skin Condition and Current Routine (September 2014)
My skin has generally been quite clear. However, these past few years, especially after leaving home, I dealt with spots that take forever to clear.
Earlier this year, I had two weddings to help out and attend in one month and tried desperately to work on getting my skin to calm down. That is when I started doing 2 (hydrating) masks a day, at night. Now, I still do that, but much less regularly (perhaps once a week) but I still mask about 4 - 5 times a week. Here's my current routine:
AM:
1. wash with sulwahsoo (a deluxe sample size I got and started using in August)
2. apply Sulwahsoo first care serum
3. apply Nuxe hydrating serum
4. sulwahsoo cream (very very lightly and only occasionally.
If I were going to apply makeup, I doing usually skip step 4. I dislike the feeling of having too many creams/lotions on my face.
PM: This is where it gets interesting
1. waterproof eyemakeup remover (if I used waterproof makeup in the day)
2. makeup remover water
3. clay wash/mask
4. (occassionally) mask during shower
5. first care sulwahsoo
6. nuxe serum
7. sulwahsoo cream
8. (couple of times a week) mask
Step 8 varies, it could be a sleeping mask, like Laneige or Sulwahsoo or it could be a cream mask, like Avene or Nuxe or it could be a sheet mask, like My Beauty Diary (my go-to). My focus is on hydration.
I should explain step 3: this is a mixture I make myself from different types of clay and liquids. My options are:
I change it up in accordance to what I think I need. If I am extra spotty, I use tea tree oil. If my skin is calm, I use the rose water. Its troublesome but I think rather useful. It also provides some physical exfoliation, which I think my skin prefers, compared to chemical exfoliation.
As to step 4: this started when I purchased a fresh face mask from Lush (I tried the Oats and Blue berry ones). As they get messy, I apply them during my shower and wash off when I step out of the bathroom. Nowadays, until I get another fresh face mask, I do this with Dr GL's gel mask. This is a bit difficult to get off by just wiping so its easier to just wash off in the shower.
The night time routine extended my bathing routine from 15mins to 25 - 30 mins. But it is also a time for me to wind down as I will usually read a book or magazine while I let the masks dry/work their magic, so unless its really late at night or Im rushing, I dont mind.
The result of this routine is not perfect. I still get spots and have to deal with them. But my skin did calm down quite abit. Hydration is key I found.
Things will continue to change but I just want to put this down so that I have something to return to at a later time.
Earlier this year, I had two weddings to help out and attend in one month and tried desperately to work on getting my skin to calm down. That is when I started doing 2 (hydrating) masks a day, at night. Now, I still do that, but much less regularly (perhaps once a week) but I still mask about 4 - 5 times a week. Here's my current routine:
AM:
1. wash with sulwahsoo (a deluxe sample size I got and started using in August)
2. apply Sulwahsoo first care serum
3. apply Nuxe hydrating serum
4. sulwahsoo cream (very very lightly and only occasionally.
If I were going to apply makeup, I doing usually skip step 4. I dislike the feeling of having too many creams/lotions on my face.
PM: This is where it gets interesting
1. waterproof eyemakeup remover (if I used waterproof makeup in the day)
2. makeup remover water
3. clay wash/mask
4. (occassionally) mask during shower
5. first care sulwahsoo
6. nuxe serum
7. sulwahsoo cream
8. (couple of times a week) mask
Step 8 varies, it could be a sleeping mask, like Laneige or Sulwahsoo or it could be a cream mask, like Avene or Nuxe or it could be a sheet mask, like My Beauty Diary (my go-to). My focus is on hydration.
I should explain step 3: this is a mixture I make myself from different types of clay and liquids. My options are:
I change it up in accordance to what I think I need. If I am extra spotty, I use tea tree oil. If my skin is calm, I use the rose water. Its troublesome but I think rather useful. It also provides some physical exfoliation, which I think my skin prefers, compared to chemical exfoliation.
As to step 4: this started when I purchased a fresh face mask from Lush (I tried the Oats and Blue berry ones). As they get messy, I apply them during my shower and wash off when I step out of the bathroom. Nowadays, until I get another fresh face mask, I do this with Dr GL's gel mask. This is a bit difficult to get off by just wiping so its easier to just wash off in the shower.
The night time routine extended my bathing routine from 15mins to 25 - 30 mins. But it is also a time for me to wind down as I will usually read a book or magazine while I let the masks dry/work their magic, so unless its really late at night or Im rushing, I dont mind.
The result of this routine is not perfect. I still get spots and have to deal with them. But my skin did calm down quite abit. Hydration is key I found.
Things will continue to change but I just want to put this down so that I have something to return to at a later time.
Bali 2014
I went to Bali last week with a friend. Just using this space to pen my thoughts.
1. Seminyak shopping is expensive.
2. Be prepared to attract attention, guys asking you, want a car? good morning? hello~? As far as I could tell, they won't do anything but be careful.
3. Things are relatively cheaper. Simply because of the exchange rate. SGD : IDR was 1:9,350 last week.
4. The exchange rate is NOT better over there. Only less than 5 money changers were offering rates above 9.350 and from I have read online. It is risky to change at these changers.
5. Be ready for the humidity. We went during the rainy season, so it was quite bad. Sweat is good, keep repeating that.
6. Seminyak is teeming with tourists. Shops are meant for tourists.
7. Suluban Beach has surfer dudes, Fin's Beach Club has rich Indonesians and Chinese, Padawan Beach reminded me of Tanjong Aru (in Sabah, Malaysia) in that it was crowded and not pretty.
8. Seminyak beach is not worth going for the beach but perhaps the sunset will be nice (we didnt get to see it, on account of the clouds).
9. More expensive places (think Potato Head, Samara Resort where Fin's Beach Club was located) check your bags and/or car. For Fin's as we went by car, they had something like a metal detector. Probably increased security after the bombing many years back.
10. People are generally rather friendly, whether the locals or the tourists.
11. Uluwatu is pretty, but again, tourists.
All in all, it was a good experience. We stayed a little far from Seminyak town, at Jalan Bumbak. What I realised walkin around town is that there are MANY hotels/villas/resorts just an alleyway away from the center of town. I might try those if I ever go back to Seminyak.
It appears South Kuta is where the nice beaches are. I would go there just to lounge a few days, if i get the chance.
But if I do return to Bali in the near future, the plan would be to try (1) the Bali Safari Resort - google it; and (2) stay at Ubud and do some yoga, eat, pray, love people~
1. Seminyak shopping is expensive.
2. Be prepared to attract attention, guys asking you, want a car? good morning? hello~? As far as I could tell, they won't do anything but be careful.
3. Things are relatively cheaper. Simply because of the exchange rate. SGD : IDR was 1:9,350 last week.
4. The exchange rate is NOT better over there. Only less than 5 money changers were offering rates above 9.350 and from I have read online. It is risky to change at these changers.
5. Be ready for the humidity. We went during the rainy season, so it was quite bad. Sweat is good, keep repeating that.
6. Seminyak is teeming with tourists. Shops are meant for tourists.
7. Suluban Beach has surfer dudes, Fin's Beach Club has rich Indonesians and Chinese, Padawan Beach reminded me of Tanjong Aru (in Sabah, Malaysia) in that it was crowded and not pretty.
8. Seminyak beach is not worth going for the beach but perhaps the sunset will be nice (we didnt get to see it, on account of the clouds).
9. More expensive places (think Potato Head, Samara Resort where Fin's Beach Club was located) check your bags and/or car. For Fin's as we went by car, they had something like a metal detector. Probably increased security after the bombing many years back.
10. People are generally rather friendly, whether the locals or the tourists.
11. Uluwatu is pretty, but again, tourists.
All in all, it was a good experience. We stayed a little far from Seminyak town, at Jalan Bumbak. What I realised walkin around town is that there are MANY hotels/villas/resorts just an alleyway away from the center of town. I might try those if I ever go back to Seminyak.
It appears South Kuta is where the nice beaches are. I would go there just to lounge a few days, if i get the chance.
But if I do return to Bali in the near future, the plan would be to try (1) the Bali Safari Resort - google it; and (2) stay at Ubud and do some yoga, eat, pray, love people~
Monday, 10 November 2014
Everything with Fries
I first tried EwF when I was an undergraduate, that was many years ago but in the past 2 months, I've been there three times. Twice the Somerset branch and once to the Bugis branch.
I noticed that the two branches had different menus. The Bugis branch had western-fusion dishes, think asian flavour pork chops while the Somerset branch essentially sold burgers with fries.
I will be talking about my food experience at Somerset.
We tried the pork satay burger and the slider. Handsdown, I prefer the pork satay burger. The meat used were tender (albeit slightly fatty but really, if its not fatty it might get too dry) and the dish very appetizing. There was even a slice of canned pineapple. I would totally get this if we head back.
I had the slider, the dish was rather one-dimensional. Just salty, nothing much else. Too boring.
Can't say much about the fries other than they are really nothing special. The seasoning doesnt taste great either. But if you, like us, just simply enjoy fries, these will be enough.
Dessert wise, their mille crepe is really odd. Thick layers, more batter-y than crepe. Their banana cake with ice cream and butterscotch sauce fared better. We had this twice already, at both Bugis and Somerset. The ice-cream is store-bought and depending on your luck, you may or may not get icicles in it.
I noticed that the two branches had different menus. The Bugis branch had western-fusion dishes, think asian flavour pork chops while the Somerset branch essentially sold burgers with fries.
I will be talking about my food experience at Somerset.
We tried the pork satay burger and the slider. Handsdown, I prefer the pork satay burger. The meat used were tender (albeit slightly fatty but really, if its not fatty it might get too dry) and the dish very appetizing. There was even a slice of canned pineapple. I would totally get this if we head back.
I had the slider, the dish was rather one-dimensional. Just salty, nothing much else. Too boring.
Can't say much about the fries other than they are really nothing special. The seasoning doesnt taste great either. But if you, like us, just simply enjoy fries, these will be enough.
Dessert wise, their mille crepe is really odd. Thick layers, more batter-y than crepe. Their banana cake with ice cream and butterscotch sauce fared better. We had this twice already, at both Bugis and Somerset. The ice-cream is store-bought and depending on your luck, you may or may not get icicles in it.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Selfish Gene Cafe
I had facial one Sunday and the bf decided to wait for me nearby. When researching where he could go, I realise there are MANY cafes at the outram park - tanjong pagar area. We decided on SGC.
I got there around 11.40am. There was a short queue outside but there was at least 1 table vacant. I believe these people required more than 1 table (ie, party of more than 2) so they had to wait.
Food wise, we ordered the Valerie (for me), the Breakfast Plate (for the bf) and the banana cake (dessert).
The dressing used for the side salad for Valerie was awesome. Sweet and sour, very appetizing. This dish is sweet, rather than savory although scrambled eggs was included as the main item was a brioche with (I think) cream cheese and berry compote. Good if you like something sweet and sour-ish.
The Breakfast Plate included scrambled eggs, mushrooms, sausage and 2 slices of bread (or maybe it was brioche). Also provided were packaged strawberry jam and butter. I believe it was sufficiently filling. The mushrooms were pretty nice, chewy, tender.
The bf ordered iced cappucino while waiting for me and I ordered an orange juice to share when I reached.
The orange juice tasted a tad too sweet, as if sugar was added.
Last but not least, the banana cake, topped with a few slices of banana and peanut butter drizzle. This was highly recommended in online reviews and we can see why. Extremely soft and fragrant (though I wish no artificial flavouring was used), the addition of peanut butter drizzle made the dish rather interesting.
Would I go back? Maybe but unlikely, because there are too many places to explore in the vicinity.
I got there around 11.40am. There was a short queue outside but there was at least 1 table vacant. I believe these people required more than 1 table (ie, party of more than 2) so they had to wait.
Food wise, we ordered the Valerie (for me), the Breakfast Plate (for the bf) and the banana cake (dessert).
The dressing used for the side salad for Valerie was awesome. Sweet and sour, very appetizing. This dish is sweet, rather than savory although scrambled eggs was included as the main item was a brioche with (I think) cream cheese and berry compote. Good if you like something sweet and sour-ish.
The Breakfast Plate included scrambled eggs, mushrooms, sausage and 2 slices of bread (or maybe it was brioche). Also provided were packaged strawberry jam and butter. I believe it was sufficiently filling. The mushrooms were pretty nice, chewy, tender.
The bf ordered iced cappucino while waiting for me and I ordered an orange juice to share when I reached.
The orange juice tasted a tad too sweet, as if sugar was added.
Last but not least, the banana cake, topped with a few slices of banana and peanut butter drizzle. This was highly recommended in online reviews and we can see why. Extremely soft and fragrant (though I wish no artificial flavouring was used), the addition of peanut butter drizzle made the dish rather interesting.
Would I go back? Maybe but unlikely, because there are too many places to explore in the vicinity.
Bread & Hearth
I was walking around Outram Park area with the bf and we came across B&H. Knowing how much of a bread fanatic I am, the bf insisted we check out the place. We bought 3 buns: white chocolate bun, honey & chocolate bun and the walnut bread.
I have tried all three and have this to say. They are decent bread. I give 4 out of 5 stars. I couldn't give a higher rating because the bread is somewhat "crumbly" and not sufficiently chewy for my liking. Also, the location is pretty out of the way.
Price wise, it is slightly cheaper than my favourite, maison kayser, though still much higher than your neighborhood bakeries. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area!
I have tried all three and have this to say. They are decent bread. I give 4 out of 5 stars. I couldn't give a higher rating because the bread is somewhat "crumbly" and not sufficiently chewy for my liking. Also, the location is pretty out of the way.
Price wise, it is slightly cheaper than my favourite, maison kayser, though still much higher than your neighborhood bakeries. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area!
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