PIC OF THE DAY - 28/06/2008

This one is for my number one fan who is not in NZ at the moment. So, here's something to remind you of home! Our usual Friday night gatherings at Dorothy's Sister, Ponsonby :)

P/s: Please excuse the ashtray full of cigarette butts behind... don't know where that came from... hahaha.

PIC OF THE DAY 26/06/2008

Snapped this with my new Canon IXUS 80 which I just got yesterday! Was on my way to the bus stop after work when I saw this "bubbles & flame" fountain just outside Downtown Shopping Centre.

HAS IT BEEN THAT LONG?

Wow, looking at the date of my last post, I started asking myself, "Has it been that long, since September last year?"

Anyway, just a little update here and there to keep my blog alive. Hmm... what have I been up to for the last 9 months or so?? Well, there was the Xmas & New Year holidays, I have completed all my examinations (YAY!!!), completed all my practical objectives sign offs (for my qualification YAY!), went on a holiday to Malaysia and Singapore, ate heaps (obviously, and not just on the holiday), started swimming, doing some weights at home, a lot of coffee sessions, movie nights, tvb series nights, gain & loss heaps of weight, reading other people's blogs and of course, work.

Yup, that sort of sums up what I have been up to since my last post :)

BANGKOK - THE FOOD

Ah... this shall be the last part of the Bangkok series. The Food! My taste buds have had such a wonderful treat! Let's have a look what was devoured.

I was really craving for durian and mango with sticky rice. So naturally we had this less than 2 hours after we touched down. YUMMY!!!!!! Look at the yummilicious durian. Isn't it sinful???

At the local coffee shop, we also ordered chicken rice (boneless and so so smooth chicken meat), satay, fried eggs with oyster, rice noodles soup.

At chatuchak weekend market, we had fried quail eggs, fragrant fish cakes, fried pineapple rice, interesting looking fried thai rice noodles and juicy chicken pieces in yam basket, fleshy coconut juice and miniature cute looking burgers.

In the Silom area, Alex brought us to this really nice cafe called Bug & Bee. Didn't know they are so famous until all the reviews from my web search of this cafe. This is a small sample what we ordered as I too busy digging in to take more pics. Hahaha..

Fish cakes with wasabi mayo

Chicken Salad

Hong Kong Fried Rice & Prawns with Crepe Noodles

Crispy Prawns

Chicken with mango

While waiting for our cabaret show to start at the Asia Hotel, of all things, we had mooncakes! hehe.. why not since it's not too long to go before Mooncake Festival. We had a durian flavoured and lotus seed mooncake. Can't say it's the best mooncakes I've had but still a good experience nonetheless, eating mooncake in the hotel bistro with full cutlery! How luxurious!

On the last day, after all $$$ has dried up, we ate at a fast food kinda place at MBK mall called Santa's. Very good value as all the meals are 39 to 49 bahts (approx NZ$2!). Here's one with fried chicken strips, eggs and fried rice. See what I mean?

So this concludes this series of my Bangkok trip:) Of course there are still loads of food which we tried over there but if I were to post all of them, I think Blogger will be overloaded! Hehehe. Look forward to more travels in the near future!!!

BANGKOK - THE PLACES

It was such a whirlwind 4 days, hopefully I could recall the places that we've been to. Here are some highlights:-

1. Boat trip around the Chao Phraya river

The 4 of us had the boat in the picture all to ourselves for 1 and half hours, 400 baht each. Basically it went along the river and we could stop at a few places if we wanted to, such as the crocodile farm. You can actually see how some of the locals live while travelling along the river, passing through the backs of people's homes. You along go pass a few temple along the way, the one which I really wanted to go to was Wat Arun. Somehow we must have missed that stop. The tour ended by the Grand Palace which was our next destination. Though on that day, it was only openning at 2pm and we were suppose to meet the others at 2.30pm. Since we have 2 hours originally planned for the Grand Palace, we opted for tours on tuk tuks around the different temples around that area.

Beware of the very cheap tuk tuk drivers hanging around there as they will take you to souvenir shops and tailors before actually taking you to your destination. Nice experience on the tuk tuks, I guess when you're on one, you just have to trust the driver to be careful of your safety! haha.. Anyway, the guy took us to a few shops and it was quite frustrating since you get wanna get to your destination straight away instead of all these unnecessary stops. They'd get petrol vouchers it seem, if they bring tourists to the shops. Anyway, we told the driver NO MORE SHOPS after the last one, so he brought us to the temple we wanted to go to. Guess what? When we came out, he was gone! Yes, no where to be seen and we haven't even paid him yet! He was supposed to bring us Siam Paragon to meet our friends! Probably made enough from our stops along the way. hahahaha... Here are some pics from a few temples which we went to:

2. The Malls

I am especially impressed with the interior design and the exterior landscaping of the malls. So beautiful!

3. Chatuchak Weekend Market

This place is amazing, so many things to buy, to see, to eat & to experience! You can get anything there, clothes, shoes, homeware, food, etc. My favourite part of the market has to be the pets sections, especially the puppy, kitten & rabbit section. I couldn't believe that so many adorable animals were to put out on display for shoppers to touch and play with. Unlike the ones here, there are no glass panels to separate you and the small animal. You can actually TOUCH them! If not for my eyes, I would have hugged all of them!

4. Calypso Cabaret Show

This show is at Asia Hotel. Really didn't expect such a stylish and elaborate show! 1000 baht well spent for the show (1 1/2 hours) which includes a drink as well. I think this is a must-see show when in Bangkok. I'm sure you will be as impressed as I was!

5. Massage

Of course must go for massage when in Bangkok. I went to Health Land Spa & Massage. The main entrance looks as if it a resort that you're arriving at, very luxurious. I had the aroma therapy massage (850 baht), 1 and a half hours ( I just realised a lot of activities are 1 and a half hours in BKK) and it was so relaxing with private room and shower. Total relaxation with soothing music and oil massage.

Since we're on the topic of relaxation, here's a pic of pool in our hotel, Indra Regent Hotel.

So there you go, the highlights of some of the places which I visited while in Bangkok. Trying to pack so many things into the short 4-5 days is so hard. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful trip and fully enjoyed myself, every minute of it :)

BANGKOK - THE PEOPLE

What a fantastic holiday! One minute chatting with friends over coffee of my desire to go away for a short break, the next thing I knew, I was giving out my passport name to book a holiday to Bangkok, Thailand. Thanks Ivy for organising the trip! You see, Nothing is Impossible!

Now, who went on the trip?

Charles, Anthony,Ivy

Peter, Me, Ivy, Anthony at Bangkok airport

There we met up with,

Rongo, Alex & Samuel

As you can see, it was a BIG gathering for all of us. I haven't travelled abroad with such a big group of friends before. How fun!

This is one of the very few pics of me without sunnies on. Why? My eyes (yes, notice the plural, BOTH eyes got eye infection!) started to swell on the way to the airport from Auckland! Hahaha... Great, what a nice way to start the holiday. Hehehe... I am determined not to let this eye infection business ruin my catch up time with great friends, my eating adventures and, shopping!

Just to let you see what I mean about my poor eyes, feast your eyes on this! As you can see the swelling is on the upper lid on the right eye and lower lid on the left. Believe me, this picture is already toned down for sensitive readers. Hahaha. Yikes!

Not to worry, just put on my stylish sunnies, problem solved!

Now, isn't this much better? hahaha... tricky bit is how to conceal this during night time??? Being in a shopping paradise has its advantages, just buy a lighter shade sunglass! As you shall see in the coming up posts!

RANDOM FOOD PICS

Here's some random food pics for you foodies out there. Been eating out so much lately, but unfortunately I don't have my reliable cam with me at all times, so here's just a snippet of went into my mouth. Hahaha.

Steamboat at Ivy & Anthony's

Nothing beats a hot and steamy steamboat on a chilly winter's night. Should be able to fit in another few sessions before this winter is over.

Recently went to the Newmarket Cock & Bull for dinner. Had always wanted to try it out since the food looked quite yum from the window when I was walking pass. My verdict: Good, simple yet comfort style food. Value for money as the serving was quite large. Not one of those fansy mansy big-plate-fucking-tiny-portion nonsense. Here's a peek at my Steak & Stout Hotpot ($16.95).

Steak & Stout Hotpot

After dinner, we walked over to nearby Safran Cafe & Bar. The food & service here is excellent. Chocolate + coffee = bliss! We were all craving for their very famous Steamed Chocolate Pudding. Look at all the desserts!

Steamed Chocolate Pudding

Ahhh, weekend is almost here. Will start it off with our company function in the city tomorrow night. Taxi chits all ready for the trip home, so will bus to work in the morning. Nite nite!

SUSHI TRAIN, AUCKLAND

It is through this foodie couple that I have come to know of this relatively new Japanese restaurant called Sushi Train. Thanks Mr & Mrs T!

What can I say, the food there is of the freshest ingredients, beautifully prepared right in front of you and service is fast and efficient. Because of the prime train seatings, be prepared to wait around dinner time.

I'm sure everyone is familiar with the concept which is basically just choose whatever you want from the "train" and start eating! That would make up for the waiting time for your seats :)
Here's a peek of what we ordered that night.






This is the sushi which is the most impressive that night. The chef stacks about 4 sushis together, places a saladdy kind of mixture on top and blow-torches it! Hence, I shall call this the "blow-torch sushi"! The taste was amazing but be warned it is very rich in taste.


If you don't see the stuff that you want going pass you, no worries, just point to the items on the menu and the chefs will make it for you!

The prices are quite reasonable, from memory ranging from $3.50 to $7.00. However, most of the items are around the $4.50 range. Four of us went that night and the bill came to $25 per person. I think it's quite a good deal considering we were very full. To those who know me, you know it takes a lot to fill Lengx2's tummy! Hahahahaha! Enjoy!

SECRET THAI GARDEN, OTAHUHU

After reading about this place in Canvas, we decided to try it out. And am glad we did!

We ordered the set dinner menu which is $35 per person. It includes entrees, tom yum soup, 4 main dishes (incl a noodle), rice and fruit platter. Totally yummy food and remember to tell your waiter if you want your dishes to be spicy as they have moderated the spicyness level.

I am most impressed with the garden setting hence the name Secret Thai Garden. Tables are set in lush beautiful garden setting and you totally can't tell that it is so beautiful from walking along the main road. The atmosphere is 8/10, just like you are on your Thai holiday!

The service is superb which makes the whole dining experience even better. Friendly & efficient.

BED, PENANG

Thanks for visitng www.lengx2.blogspot.com, I am now updating my blog from Bed Cafe in Pulau Tikus, Penang, Malaysia!

This is the first time actually updating my blog from somewhere apart from home. One of the things which I really like in Malaysia is that you can get FREE wifi from any cafes here. However, it's not my lappy which I am using now, this belongs to one of my very dear friends :)

How I hope Auckland cafes can have such great facilities FREE for their patrons. From my limited amount of IT knowledge, I don't think this is so difficult to do with a limited expenditure. Why isn't it happening in Auckland??? Can someone please tell me?

AKL TO PEN FLIGHT MH0130

Hooray, finally made it to Penang! I have to say my flight from Auckland to KL this time must be one of the most comfortable flights I have been on. The back part of the plane was only half full this time hence those who are seated at the back had the choice of choosing where we wanna sit! There was so much choice to choose from. There were window seats or the ones by the aisle with four seats to yourself. You can lift up all the hand rests and make a bed also! I chose a window seat with no one next to me. Best seats in the house. We were all so comfy at the back.

There was a sign at the check in counter in the Auckland Airport that says MAS is having a special offer now, economy passengers can pay $NZ700 when checking in to upgrade to Business Class.I think the space I had was so much better than Business Class. Suckers! Like that also call a special offer ah??? Offer $200 or $250 for the upgrade la, I doubt that they have a single person that day that took up the offer. Would be interesting to find out how they did on that offer, don't you think?


Anyway, I didn't sleep at all during the 10 hr 50 mins flight. How come? Well, they have Movies, Music & TV on Demand for all economy seats now! It was great, can choose from a long list of movies on offer whenever you want to start watching. You can play, pause, fast forwar & rewind the movies. So convenient! I watched Marie Antoinette, Phone Number 601, Men Suddenly In Black II & My Name is Fame. So time passed fairly quickly.

When I got to the domestic terminal, found out my flight to Penang was delayed. A bit disappointed but no worries, I've travelled 11 hours already, what's another 45 mins, right?