Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Open Tip bus
Recently the radio station 97.2 had organised 3 of open tip buses trips around Singapore. The 1st was on 14 Sep 08 which conincides with the moon cake festival.
On board was Mediacorp celebrity 715 - Qi Yu Wu. We were the lucky batch with him on the road with us.
The trip covered the Northern part of the island basically Toa Payoh, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and ended at Woodlands. There were 2 groups of passengers. First group set off from Mediacorp and stopped at AMK. Then the second group will hop on and head Yishun and Woodlands.
On the way, mooncake, some snacks and drinks were served. There were games and quiz during the journey.
We had an enjoyabe time.
The 2nd trip took off on 5th Oct 08.
This time is the East of Spore. Generally were Marine Parade, Bedok, Simei and Tampines.
The last one was just couple days ago, on the 19th Oct 08.
It was initially planned to move around the city - Orchard and then to head Clementi as the end point.
But too bad, a last minute change of route.
So the route this time was West area covering Holland, Clementi, Jurong.
It was pouring during the afternoon even when we set off. So during the early part of the journey, we can only take the seats on the lower part of the bus. But when the rain stops, the group went above the open top.
The cooling wind after the rain was great. I was 'slapped' by the leaves a few times while standing on board.
When the bus passed by some places which I travelled almost everyday. Each other day, I did not stopped to look at them. This day I managed to get a better glimpse of the surrounding.
Does this mean we are too busy to notice or just cant be bothered?
After about over an hour of journey, the bus stopped at Jurong East MRT.
We took a group photo onboard the open tip for remembrance.
It had been a fantastic and wonderful trip.
On board was Mediacorp celebrity 715 - Qi Yu Wu. We were the lucky batch with him on the road with us.
The trip covered the Northern part of the island basically Toa Payoh, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and ended at Woodlands. There were 2 groups of passengers. First group set off from Mediacorp and stopped at AMK. Then the second group will hop on and head Yishun and Woodlands.
On the way, mooncake, some snacks and drinks were served. There were games and quiz during the journey.
We had an enjoyabe time.
The 2nd trip took off on 5th Oct 08.
This time is the East of Spore. Generally were Marine Parade, Bedok, Simei and Tampines.
The last one was just couple days ago, on the 19th Oct 08.
It was initially planned to move around the city - Orchard and then to head Clementi as the end point.
But too bad, a last minute change of route.
So the route this time was West area covering Holland, Clementi, Jurong.
It was pouring during the afternoon even when we set off. So during the early part of the journey, we can only take the seats on the lower part of the bus. But when the rain stops, the group went above the open top.
The cooling wind after the rain was great. I was 'slapped' by the leaves a few times while standing on board.
When the bus passed by some places which I travelled almost everyday. Each other day, I did not stopped to look at them. This day I managed to get a better glimpse of the surrounding.
Does this mean we are too busy to notice or just cant be bothered?
After about over an hour of journey, the bus stopped at Jurong East MRT.
We took a group photo onboard the open tip for remembrance.
It had been a fantastic and wonderful trip.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Trip to Gold Coast
Finally we are planning to go Gold Coast, Brisbane this year.
I have planned to go during 2001. During Aug 01, I booked a 7-day trip during NATAS fair then to travel during Nov. A deposit of $2,000 was placed.
But the 9-11 disaster happened. So, our head of the family felt that it was not safe to travel at that point of time. I called to cancel and need to pay for the admin charges of $600. So I am left with $1,400 travel vouchers.
Never did I realised that the voucher was only valid till Oct 02. The kids were not able to go for holiday during the school term. Thanks to my sister's Hongkong fren who got married during that time. The voucher was then used for her air tickets and accomodation when they attend the wedding there.
This year, when Jane wanted to go with her husband. Our family have the same intention. So Jane booked the trip for October when we have yet confirmed the date yet.
Unfortunately, due to low season, their trip was not materialised. Then we decide to go together in Nov. But checking out some dates and ideal travel schedules, we eventually settled to travel on 21st Nov to 27th Nov 08.
The deposit had been placed. Pray hard nothing is going and should not happen, we are now counting down the days to the trip.
Happil to say GoldCoast here we come!
I have planned to go during 2001. During Aug 01, I booked a 7-day trip during NATAS fair then to travel during Nov. A deposit of $2,000 was placed.
But the 9-11 disaster happened. So, our head of the family felt that it was not safe to travel at that point of time. I called to cancel and need to pay for the admin charges of $600. So I am left with $1,400 travel vouchers.
Never did I realised that the voucher was only valid till Oct 02. The kids were not able to go for holiday during the school term. Thanks to my sister's Hongkong fren who got married during that time. The voucher was then used for her air tickets and accomodation when they attend the wedding there.
This year, when Jane wanted to go with her husband. Our family have the same intention. So Jane booked the trip for October when we have yet confirmed the date yet.
Unfortunately, due to low season, their trip was not materialised. Then we decide to go together in Nov. But checking out some dates and ideal travel schedules, we eventually settled to travel on 21st Nov to 27th Nov 08.
The deposit had been placed. Pray hard nothing is going and should not happen, we are now counting down the days to the trip.
Happil to say GoldCoast here we come!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Vietnam trip 18 -21 Sep (Part 2)
Day 3 - 20 Sep 08
On the previous night, our tour leader and tour guide told us that the trip to Hanoi Bay needs 3 hours. So we had a earlier morning call at 6, then set off at 7.30 am.
The day's line up is to have a seafood lunch on the boat ride along Hanoi bay.
Followed a walk through the cave with beautiful rock formations.
Then check n a hotel for rest.
The night is the 972 birthday celebration at a hotel's ballroom.
On the previous night, our tour leader and tour guide told us that the trip to Hanoi Bay needs 3 hours. So we had a earlier morning call at 6, then set off at 7.30 am.
The day's line up is to have a seafood lunch on the boat ride along Hanoi bay.
Followed a walk through the cave with beautiful rock formations.
Then check n a hotel for rest.
The night is the 972 birthday celebration at a hotel's ballroom.
There was stop-over for restroom and to get some local goodies. The agency also arrange deejays to come onboard the coaches and meet us for a short while.
After more than 3 hours on the road, we finally reached the jetty. There were full of boats lining up. We went on board and start off the boat ride. On the cool and quiet riverbay , there were nice and beautiful scenaries. The cameras were busy taking the best shots around - water, rocks and even the skies.
Then stopped by some fishermans' hut. You may buy the fresh seafood from them and cooked on the
spot for our lunch. But we were advised by our local tour le
ader not to do so.
Back onto and settled in tbe ferry, lunch was served shortly. It was just some simple dishes of vegetables and about 2 seafood items.
Understand from Nicole, my new fren on this trip, she says that the 2 pieces of rock formation, is an icon of Hanoi Bay. Basically they shaped like 2 chicken facing each other. When we are near the rocks, the tour guide pre-advised us. We stopped our chopsticks and out the camera again to snap it.
After a good ride and nice lunch, reached the jetty where the cave is. The cave was being discovered in 1993 by a fisherman and thereafter the government took over and developed further and today it had became a tourist spot. Generally inside the cave there are many beautiful rock formations. The lights were to enhance the beauty.
Again as told by Nicole, one of the rock looks like a nipple. From far, it does looks so. It took us more than an hour to complete the exploration of the cave. Both os us stopped by to buy some soveniors and end up the last 2 to go onboard the ferry. The tour guide was worried that we might went up to another cave which we are not aware there is one.
Now is time to ferry us to the hotel and get prepare for the night - 972 birthday party.
We were checked-in Dream Hotel. A better one to the previous La Thanh Guest House. As I took a single room, my room was a few levels above our other group members. Managed to get a bit of the sea view from the hotel room.
As we have about 2 hours to spare, we went out of the hotel to have a look. Opposite the hotel, there was a shopping area - similiar to that of our pasar malam. That was a stretch of stalls selling some small items - handbags, soverniors, handicraft stuff etc... I managed to get some fridge magnets and a handbag. Thanks to super barginner Nicole, the handbag is a good buy which costs S$4 from the origin of S$10. That is a 60% discount.
Around 6 pm, we went back to the hotel and washed up. By 6.50 we are to meet at the lobby and take the coach to another hotel. As there were be 15 buses heading the same place, the tour guide briefed us the whats to do, whats not to. So that everything will run smooth and not to cause any unpleasant situations.
And u know what - my nightmare started. The batteries for the camera went flat. I did not bring the charger. Neither dat I can get any nearby at all. My initial plan to snap a lot of pictures on the show performed by the 972 djs, but now sigh...
Though Nicole and Sandy told me to use their cameras. But I just feel not too good and keep disturbing them.
The hotel was just a short ride from our Dream hotel. Upon reaching, we see the crowds from other buses. An estimate is about 400+.
The event kicked off around 8 pm. The dj crew started their performance and so is the food. With the weak batteries, I managed to get some shots.
Towards the end of the show, there was a cake on stage for the radio station.
Then gradually, the guests started to leave by group. We were among one of them who leave later. Thanks to dat, we managed to go on stage and get more shots with the deejays. Also not forgetting Elsie our tour leader, she took a lot of shots for me using her camera. Of course to mention Sandy too for being my camera lady for the night.
We were back to the hotel around 10.30pm. Some of our members are still not too tired. So we brought them to the same marketing place in the afternoon. With the professional bargaining power, Nicole helps some of the group to get cheap stuff and a handbag for herself. Everyone was happy and we left around an hour after.
We had an morning flight at 10.30am next day and Hanoi Bay is further from airport, we need to leave very early.
Day 4 - 21 Sep 08
A morning call at 4.15, breakfast at 5am and to set off 5.30.
We took the coach and reached the airport around 8.40 after a 3 hours ride. The check in took quite a while but we still have a little time to shop around at the duty free shops. Finally is time to board the plane. As a few groups of us flying back to Singapore, Elise arranged the seats by group though our boarding passes indicated otherwise. This is just for us to enjoy the companionship on the last few hours.
There were some annoying noises on the plane as I believed the leaders of the other groups were not briefed before going on board.
Reaching Singapore about 3 pm in the afternoon, we collect our luggage and leave for home.
It had been a wonderful trip. Though travelling alone, I have met nice frens Nicole, Sandy, Su Ling and her boyfren which eventually I am not alone at all.
Not forgetting our good tour guide - ah Du and also motherly tour leader Elsie.
If given opportunities, I will like to travel with them again.
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