A Mind of My Own

This trip was a long one in the making. Originally, there was supposed to be 4 girls, NL, ES, HF and me. Unfortunately, the delay took more than a year to get to this trip. NL couldn’t take any leaves at all in August. We asked RK if she would be interested in a massage trip in Batam and she nodded her head immediately.

With 4 girls confirming the trip, we looked around for hotels that included the spa package with accommodation. Finally, we settled on Harris Resort Batam even though Holiday Inn had a package. It just didn’t feel worth the price for a 2D1N stay. RK’s beloved offered to help us book. Sweet!

After the calling back and forth with RK and the Five Stars Tour, we managed to get a spa slot at 11am, Batam time. It was freaking early as we had to take the 9.20am ferry. That meant meeting at 7.30am for breakfast before collecting our tickets.

I went with RK since she lived nearby and we were the first to reach followed by ES and her dear hubby who took the effort to wake up early to send her off. Aww. HF was the last to arrive as her alarm failed. We settled out ferry tickets and proceeded to the gate.

Although the crowd was choking the gate, we managed to find seats in the air conditioned portion and talked all the way until we reached Water Front City terminal. There, we queued up at the wrong counter as the Harris counter sign was hidden by the queue. They need a bigger sign board.

With our passports settled, we queued up for the free shuttle bus. When the bus arrived, the crowd moved and an auntie with 2 of her family members rushed from behind us to board the bus. They were obviously late for some appointment.

We took the small van as they only have a bus or a van. The ride was short as we didn’t realise that the resort is so near to the ferry terminal. Since our rooms weren’t ready, we went to our spa after requesting that we wanted 2 connecting rooms. With the request completed and our room numbers confirmed, we headed across the pools to the spa.

The spas were located on the rooftop and I liked the nature feel to it. It wasn’t a good idea to request for a room for 4 as it didn’t come with an attached shower. We ain’t gonna walk around wrapped in sarongs when there were so many guys having their spa and male workers too! We stuck with 2 per room.

Image via Wikipedia

The body scrub did smooth our skins. I was the only one who chose Hot Stones massage while the rest did the aromatherapy massages. During the scrubbing, I fell asleep. It was that comfortable. RK and I showered off the scrub and waited for the massage. My massage was good as the masseur did a lot of massaging my shoulder ache away. When the hot stones came, it was a little warm. By the 3rd time, my skin felt as if I was on fire. I thought my arm hair was being burned!

However, it was worth it as I would inform her that it was hot. After it was over, we proceeded to the bath tub for our milk bath but it didn’t look like milk bath. More like herbal bath as we saw some black leaves. The water spurts were at intervals and it didn’t feel like being in a jacuzzi at all. It was also horrifying to see the water level being drained away the longer we stay in the tub and it wasn’t even overflowing either!

Image via Wikipedia

When I finally stood up to shower off, the water level was less than half of the tub. My body felt oily all over but smooth despite my attempts to use the given shower foam. RK and I asked if ES and HF had the same experience with their milk bath but they didn’t have the water level being lowered.

We went to check in since we needed our lunch. The room was fantastic. It was spacious and we opened the connecting doors. There was also a balcony over looking the pool. After admiring the room, we went on to have our lunch at 3pm, Batam time.

Thinking that the pizza was big enough, that was from the way the waiter used his hands to mimic how huge it was, we ordered 2 pizzas using our entitled vouchers. When the pizzas arrived, the pan was huge but the pizzas weren’t that big. The dough base was think, and crispy almost to the point of biting down on a biscuit.

The waiter asked if the pizza was big enough when we were done, we replied, “Too small.” He was helpless as he couldn’t do much about it. We ordered drinks and felt the soft drinks were way over priced. There wasn’t any need as they provided iced water too!

Since there wasn’t much else to do, we decided to play in the pool with the free ball. It was fun using the ball to splash water onto each other using as much force as possible. It was like dodge ball only, using water. The game lasted about an hour before HF decided that she was hungry.

We proceeded to wash off and ordered room service as we felt that the BBQ and buffet dinner was too expensive since none of us eat much. Dinner arrived just as all of us had completed our baths. ES loved the Cabonara Spaghetti and the fish chilly sauce. The omelette was too salty but the salad that came with it was great. Thankfully, the carrot soup was bland enough to balance the salty omelette.

ES suggested Mahjong to spend the night but the set and table weren’t available, so we request for confirmation from the reception who never got back on the availability because the person renting it was happily using it through the night. There is only one Mahjong set and one Mahjong table for rental.

We tried again after breakfast while waiting to kill the time but only the set was available. The table wasn’t. We couldn’t even borrow the Mahjong paper because the person didn’t seem to understand. Ultimately, we didn’t get to play Mahjong to pass the time, we played Big 2, Dai Dee. The night before, it was more exciting as we had forfeits. RK was the one who suggested a change of the forfeit and she was the 1st one to do it. Evil, ES took photos as proof. And NO! None of you will get to see them!

After checking out, we had about an hour plus to kill the time. Thus, we used the vouchers for a free bowling game per person. The game was way cheaper than playing one game in Singapore. We played 2 games but kept having troubles with the bowling balls being stuck in the gears. The guy had to sort it out for us more than 5 times.

Finally, we changed lanes in the middle of the second game. The monitor for one of the lanes was spoilt while the lane’s TV screen had too much flickering. We continued our games while I didn’t score any strikes, I did get a couple of spares. We kept hitting the pins to display goal posts too. The bowling balls got stuck a few times in the new lanes too.

I think the bowling lanes were under utilised and hence, the problems. We didn’t even have to wait for anyone to complete their games either. The guy was kept busying with our cries for help with the stuck bowling balls and pins.

It was time to leave Batam for Singapore. We had a great time being crazy in Batam, especially in our rooms.

Usually, I prefer 3D2N trips as it allows me to have a goo rest on the 1st day of arrival. However, Batam isn’t really a place where you would like to stay for more than 2 days. It’s mostly known for its massage services, just like Thailand. Batam was hot and sexy.

We boarded the ferry at 10am and reached Batam at around 11am. It was still 10am, Batam time. It doesn’t matter how early we reached the place. The hotel rooms weren’t ready. We reached the hotel, Pacific Palace, at 12 noon but were told that the rooms weren’t ready. So, we had to walk around to entertain ourselves until 1pm. By a stroke of luck, one of the rooms was ready just before we decided our next course of action.

Thus, we dumped our bags into the room and went out. However, we realised that we had left out something during our haste for lunch. Thus, we went back to take it. On our way out, the receptionist or some manager looked for DD. Thankfully, we went back because the manager actually went to the room to look for us.

Since we had the keys, DD and I decided to check out the rooms. We chose the room on the left and scared the lights out of the guy who was attempting to do something with the lights. So sorry. Then we went to check out the other room. Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone to frighten.

Since I felt that the 2nd room was better, I chose that room and left with the other choice to the other couple. I was right in choosing that room. The overall displeasure about that hotel is that it had no bath tub. It’s a 4-star hotel but no bath tubs for deluxe, superior and executive rooms. What sort of designer decided it to be that way?

The toilet was large, larger than the ones in Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Ritz Carlton Bali. So I can’t get it out of my mind that it doesn’t have any bath tubs except for Junior and Classic suites.

We went for a massage at Miracle Aesthetic Clinic which had quite a professional decoration. However, I found it odd that their jacuzzi had this vacuum like object that had a pipe to emit the jets. It felt that the bath tub had shrunk due to that extra object. The staff was rather nice to switch off the aircon after discovering that I was cold.

While the massage was average, the jacuzzi was superb. 2 hours of Strawberry spa includes body massage, body scrub, steam, jacuzzi and some refreshments. The package cost Rp 300, 000 excluding tax. Sweet deal, right?

Thus, our 1st day in Batam ended with dinner at some food court. I can’t remember the place but I think it was in Nagoya, with more than 10 stalls selling seafood. Apparently, Bali and Batam are known for their seafood.

The next morning, which is this morning, the couple that got the 2nd room, reported that their bathroom had flooded. The pipe was clogged. The 1st couple joked about letting the water level rise so that they had a standing bath tub. However, in reality, the shower door had opening between the fixed glass and the door. It wouldn’t have really flooded that high.

Naturally, we went to the Mega Mall opposite the ferry terminal before departing for Singapore. I bought nothing except J. Co donuts that Kris had introduced. It does taste different from those bought in the cake shops. The donut was light and easily bitten into. However, my favourite snack still isn’t donut as I am not fond of sweet stuff.

I won’t be booking Pacific Palace but will book another hotel for my next trip to Batam. There’s another option, I can just go for a 1-day trip in Batam. Another lesson lesson learnt, any change in the package meant more money for the locals as they would state a charge of a certain amount per person before you take up their service. The utter horrors of holidays that I dislike very much.

Having had the privilege to travel a few times, I must say, my favourite trip is to Australia. I went there during the Chinese New Year. Of course I visited my relatives before that. It was a package tour but ended up half free and easy.

However, it wasn’t that bad because we had a guide who drove us around according to the itinerary. In fact, I still remember this couple, there were only 3 couples. This particular couple caught SH and my eyes because of their odd pairing.

They didn’t look married. They didn’t behaved married. They behaved as if they were brother and sister. We just couldn’t make out what sort of relationship they had. The guy wasn’t that great in English and there was this one time, it rained heavily on our way back. One of us wanted to buy something and the guide recommended 7-Eleven. And so, we went there to make some purchases.

Before we alighted, the guide was telling us a whole lot of information and we weren’t used to the accent yet. This guy (from the odd couple) kept nodding and agreeing. At the end, he asked, “Ee kong simi?” (What did she say?)

We couldn’t keep our laughter in. I guess face was the issue here. It’s one of my favourite trips as it was rather relaxed and we had someone to drive us around. The only thing was that I got sick of was seeing kangaroos and koala bears from day one to day six. I did like feeding them though.

[via Flickr]

With Chinese New Year falling on Thursday this year, 5-work-day week workers are happy to have a long weekend. For those working on shifts and unable to take any time off without sacrificing your allowance, I do hope your bosses will give you more time off subsequently.

It’s also time for me to meet up with my aunt who had gone through the trouble of flying back for this holiday. I’ve always been doted by her. This weekend is also the best time to travel but it’s expensive if you haven’t booked your trips early.

Besides the time of meeting up with relatives who are very concerned about your marital status, the next best thing is to get the ang baos from them since you are not married, yet. Eat, drink and be merry.

This is also a time to get fatter and I am no longer fitting my tops and pants. So sad. However, I shall comfort myself with the many ang baos that I will shamelesly collect and eat, drink and be merry.
[via Flickr]

I need a holiday. Taiwan or somewhere. The plans are still fuzzy but I’ll get round to them. Meanwhile, enjoy the holiday and don’t eat too much ba kwa, pineapple tarts, love letters, and play too much mahjong. If you still get ang baos, don’t waste them on mahjong la. Not worth it.

My dear readers, may this year of the rat or mouse be filled with prosperity, good health and joy for you.

It’s Christmas and this morning, I slept at 3am. That’s because I went to attend a Christmas party with DD at his friend’s place. The friend was so helpful. As the girlfriend, or as long as anyone is a woman, she is to buy the gifts for the gift exchange. Men and their ideas of what a woman should be doing. Them and their ideas of women doing the traditional role of housekeeping and looking after babies. Well, that’s if the men can bring home the bacon, ya?

Now, with 10 plus people attending this party, there has to be food. At 11pm. With fried chicken, wanton, salad and pizza. That’s a lot of food when there aren’t so many people attending. No wonder DD is getting, erm, more Buddha like. Now, what’s a party on Christmas Eve without a gift exchange? The drawing of the lots was simple, each gift had a number, you just pick one number from the box and the gift is yours, except not what you have bought.

DD had a cute photo frame with a bear holding a heart. I had Crabtree and Evelyn’s body and shower gel. I’m so tired. Waking up at 10.30am doesn’t help and I noticed that I’m having too many dark rings and wrinkles under my eyes. I’m old! And I am Legend doesn’t feel like a good movie to watch despite what DK claimed. I guess the only interesting and exciting parts are those shown in the trailer.

My parents love to take family portraits. However, every year, the only guy who would put a scowl on his face is the brother, not the youngest brother. The bland face would be my father. Kinda reminds me of this. Never smiling but yet the one who would initiate the photo taking sessions. Are all fathers like that?

Do guys really hate to take photos that much? I mean, can’t a nice smiley face do? It’s a family photo for crying out loud. You only get to keep that particular age in that time and year. You don’t get to be 15 or 16 always. Not physically anyway.

It’s a heartwarming way to keep such family portraits. You can flip back and look at them fondly, well, for my case. Reminisce about the good ol’ days. The days of yester years. Speaking of which, I have never kept the family portraits! Oh No!

Oh and Merry Christmas everyone!

I have finally received the Christmas card from Thiru. After I discovered that I have emailed the wrong street number. Must have been induced by poor sleep. As the card had been sent on the way, there was no choice but to wait. Thank god that there is no such street number here.
Now, here’s the card that will never be sold in Singapore.

[via Flickr]

[via Flickr]

Thank you Thiru! As an afterthought, I’ve been using too many e-cards. A card in its physical form used to be fun for me, be it sending or receiving. Now, where did I put my mailing list of my friends?

With Christmas coming, the blogsphere won’t be complete without a Christmas-y meme, would it? I’m here writing the meme because I’m stuck at home with medicine infested blood besides being tagged by Modobs. I was so looking forward to joining the girls at the Christmas gift exchange too!

1. What do you really want for Christmas but you know nobody will get it for you?

Something shiny but then again, that shiny thing would be more suitable for Valentine’s day.

2. What do you not want for Christmas but you know that somebody will get it for you?

The heavy rain on Christmas.

3. When do you open your gifts (Christmas eve or Christmas morning)?

Erm, immediately. Unless it’s during a gift exchange, it’s after everyone has collected theirs.

4. Do you prefer gifts wrapped or in gift bags?

Wrapped. I like to keep the wrapping papers but these days, there is too liberal use of the scotch tape.

5. Did you re-gift anything this year?

No. I do it only if I hate that gift.

6. What’s your favourite Christmas movie?

I have one? Wait! I like Alvin and The Chipmunks


7. What’s your favourite Christmas TV special?

I forgot what’s often broadcast on TV. Oh, wait, I don’t watch TV much these days. I have movie marathons.

8. Do you like egg nog?

I prefer half-boiled eggs. Or eggs that are salty instead of sweet.

9. Real tree or fake tree, which do you prefer?

Fake trees. I don’t have to hurt the environment just to make the season feel Christmas-y.

10. Would you actually use one of those fireplace DVDs if you don’t have a fireplace?

Why would I waste my money on those?

11. Are you sick of Christmas music yet?

Not yet, but I’m sick as in having flu.

12. Are you getting up early to wait in line to do some Boxing Day shopping (Canada’s equivalent to Black Friday)?

Not even when it’s sales. Why waste my energy when there’s always someone waiting to step on my poor toes?

13. When was the last time you sat on Santa’s lap?

No such luck. My parents don’t believe in making us believe in Santa Claus.

Since a tag must be passed, I shall now tag DK, Kriscell, Lucretius, Xinyun, Nicole, Miss Loi and Sentosa Girl.

Oh, Merry Christmas everyone!

[via Flickr]

I love holidays. December is the busiest time at the airport because almost everyone is traveling some where. Some for honeymoons, some for leisure and others for returning home for the holiday. Christmas and New Year are both hot periods for traveling.

With Chinese New Year following soon after, it’s always a time for holiday travels. One of my holiday destinations is to visit the Disneyland. Florida’s Disneyland is said to be one of the largest theme park. I like to visit Movie World, Sea World and other theme parks. With so many Worlds to visit, we can’t forget the tickets, can we? Sea World Tickets, Movie World Tickets and many other tickets to places we want to visit.

It’s always wiser to buy tickets at a cheaper rate than to buy at the counter itself. Besides Disneyland, there’s this theme park in Orlando that offers the fun that we want too. Not to forget, my favourite marine animal at the park, dolphins. Lovely and clever, they learn things fast and are fun-loving.

With Christmas in just a few weeks, a lot of people are buying gifts. However, Pope Benedict XVI is lamenting the consumerism of Christmas.

“The way of living out, and perceiving, Christmas unfortunately quite often suffers from a materialistic mentality,” Benedict said.

Ah, this reminds me of the time when Christmas meant giving a gift to someone and it was given with a thought instead of just buying and giving for the sake of giving. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a present for your closed ones. However, do we really need to buy for them?

Perhaps I should really think about picking up some scrapbooking skills for this Christmas.