Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tessalar Tulip Festival
Melbourne is also home to the yearly Tessalar Tulip Festival - a vivid display of various blooms. It's such a beautiful festival, just the perfect way to welcome spring! We went during the first week where it was the Turkish weekend and there was Turkish entertainment (belly dancing, music etc) and Turkish food. Of course, with Tulips you would think Dutch and the gardens were speckled with lil' Dutch stalls selling Dutch pancakes and clogs. The whole experience was a really fun one (especially for the camera fanatics) and highly recommended for everyone!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Girlies Down Under!! 21 to 27 July 2008
It all seemed like a dream when Jem and Gie went to pick Jean and Trace from the airport! A wonderful dream come true and the beginning of their tour in Melbourne! They had gone to Sydney the week before during the World Youth Day and saw Sydney in a very different light from what it normally is.. Sydney is a beautiful city but we were determined to show off the best of Melbourne!
Reunited in Melbourne!!!
The Great Ocean Road Tour
We started their Victorian holiday with a bang! Wasting no time at all (especially with the nice big car we rented) and hitting the roads the every next morning. Lots of pictures were taken along the way and to be honest, we might have focused too much on taking photos of ourselves rather than enjoying the wonderful views of this famous road!
It was a really windy day..
Jumpin' for joy
The sights, smells and sounds of the GOR drive never fails to impress and truly, our breaths were taken away at the sight of the once 12 apostles. Even more so at sunset, even though I've been a couple of times, I was in awe.. "much better than the Blue Mountains" proclaimed Jean and we were beaming with pride! heh heh.. score one for Melbourne!
Big smiles for the camera
Aww.. the few apostles left =(
Towards the end of the day, (we spent too much time taking photos and had to rush back to the city!) the only place available for dinner is (Gie's dreaded) La Porchetta! Sigh.. guess we didn't have much of a choice when it comes to late night dining in Australia.
Dinner at La Porchetta... AGAIN!
MT DANDENONG RANGES & THE YARRA VALLEY!
This has got to be Gie's favourite place in Melbourne - Mt Dandenong! The entire place is just so dreamy and magical... and Gie was really happy to get to share this place with Jean and Trace! We found our way there (with some difficulty since the GPS kept showing us the way home!!) and started our day rather late with a late brunch at Miss Marples'! We had an early Xmas lunch and a nice catch up over Turkey slices on toast with cheese, English scones (that looked to us like buttercake), the yummiest cottage pie and tea!
Xmas in July at Miss Marples Cafe
Then it was off to the peak of Mt Dandenong for the views.. who am I kidding, the day turned gloomy in the arvo so we amused ourselves on the Giant's chair!
Playing on the Giant's chair at Sky High
It was too much fun on Mt Dandenong and we were late for Yarra Valley! We left around 3.30pm and it really didn't help us that the GPS was directing us back home to the city again and we only realised it 30 minutes into the drive! Sheesh!! We had to rush back towards Lilydale and almost got lost in the Yarra Valley. Relying on our (really Gie's) shaky sense of direction, we found our way to Chandon Estate only barely making it in the cellar shop and had to beg to buy a bottle by cash!
Too late for the cellars at Yarra Valley.. sobb
Making the most of our visit... more photo taking!
The rest of the days, Jean and Trace spent mostly contributing to Melbourne's economy - shopping! They bought out the streets of Melbourne city and 2 Direct Factory Outlets (DFOs)! I'm so proud of them! heh.. too bad Gie didn't have enough leave to join them on their shopping sprees, perhaps a good thing since she would've been inclined to bring more stuff home and pack into the already full wardrobe!
FOOD glorious food!! Of course to Asians food is central in our society (which isn't?!) and since we couldn't spend 24/7 with the ladies, dinners together were essential as the photos below evidence!
Lil' Creatures Brewery
Big meals at Moskito
Super duck at Pacific House
Cosy, comfy steamboat dinner at home.. twice!
Giant pastas at Sofia
Fish n Chips - the Aussie way!
I dun wanna grow up at PHILLIP ISLAND
Finally their tour closed on a highly anticipated trip to Phillip Island. It was a beautiful drive and after filling up on fish n chips, we headed to the chocolate mill for dessert!
Yummy chocolate at Phillip Island's chocolate mill!
We did the touristy things and brought them to see koalas in the santuary before heading to Amaze n Things! We thoroughly enjoyed the fun things and experiments and activities this weird science place had to offer!
A'maze and Things! Family fun for everyone! hee
Getting lost in the mirror maze
There's something strange about this house...
World's biggest slide! (to Gie at least! Look at her terrified face)
The tour at Phillip Island ended with the penguin march. Unfortunately, most of the penguins were still out at sea at that time so we only saw a few swim up from the sea. We spied quite a few of them hiding in the cracks of the surrounds but unfortunately did not see the entire army of them marching up like Trace promised! We recommend to go around October - November when it is breeding season and that's guaranteed for more penguin sighting!
Watch out for penguins!
Well, it was a real pleasure having you, Trace and Jean, and you're both sorely missed already! It was very difficult to say goodbye and time flew by so quickly it seemed like just a dream.. You've been the sweetest guests and we look forward to coming back in December and to the next holiday soon!!!
Reunited in Melbourne!!!
The Great Ocean Road Tour
We started their Victorian holiday with a bang! Wasting no time at all (especially with the nice big car we rented) and hitting the roads the every next morning. Lots of pictures were taken along the way and to be honest, we might have focused too much on taking photos of ourselves rather than enjoying the wonderful views of this famous road!
It was a really windy day..
Jumpin' for joy
The sights, smells and sounds of the GOR drive never fails to impress and truly, our breaths were taken away at the sight of the once 12 apostles. Even more so at sunset, even though I've been a couple of times, I was in awe.. "much better than the Blue Mountains" proclaimed Jean and we were beaming with pride! heh heh.. score one for Melbourne!
Big smiles for the camera
Aww.. the few apostles left =(
Towards the end of the day, (we spent too much time taking photos and had to rush back to the city!) the only place available for dinner is (Gie's dreaded) La Porchetta! Sigh.. guess we didn't have much of a choice when it comes to late night dining in Australia.
Dinner at La Porchetta... AGAIN!
MT DANDENONG RANGES & THE YARRA VALLEY!
This has got to be Gie's favourite place in Melbourne - Mt Dandenong! The entire place is just so dreamy and magical... and Gie was really happy to get to share this place with Jean and Trace! We found our way there (with some difficulty since the GPS kept showing us the way home!!) and started our day rather late with a late brunch at Miss Marples'! We had an early Xmas lunch and a nice catch up over Turkey slices on toast with cheese, English scones (that looked to us like buttercake), the yummiest cottage pie and tea!
Xmas in July at Miss Marples Cafe
Then it was off to the peak of Mt Dandenong for the views.. who am I kidding, the day turned gloomy in the arvo so we amused ourselves on the Giant's chair!
Playing on the Giant's chair at Sky High
It was too much fun on Mt Dandenong and we were late for Yarra Valley! We left around 3.30pm and it really didn't help us that the GPS was directing us back home to the city again and we only realised it 30 minutes into the drive! Sheesh!! We had to rush back towards Lilydale and almost got lost in the Yarra Valley. Relying on our (really Gie's) shaky sense of direction, we found our way to Chandon Estate only barely making it in the cellar shop and had to beg to buy a bottle by cash!
Too late for the cellars at Yarra Valley.. sobb
Making the most of our visit... more photo taking!
The rest of the days, Jean and Trace spent mostly contributing to Melbourne's economy - shopping! They bought out the streets of Melbourne city and 2 Direct Factory Outlets (DFOs)! I'm so proud of them! heh.. too bad Gie didn't have enough leave to join them on their shopping sprees, perhaps a good thing since she would've been inclined to bring more stuff home and pack into the already full wardrobe!
FOOD glorious food!! Of course to Asians food is central in our society (which isn't?!) and since we couldn't spend 24/7 with the ladies, dinners together were essential as the photos below evidence!
Lil' Creatures Brewery
Big meals at Moskito
Super duck at Pacific House
Cosy, comfy steamboat dinner at home.. twice!
Giant pastas at Sofia
Fish n Chips - the Aussie way!
I dun wanna grow up at PHILLIP ISLAND
Finally their tour closed on a highly anticipated trip to Phillip Island. It was a beautiful drive and after filling up on fish n chips, we headed to the chocolate mill for dessert!
Yummy chocolate at Phillip Island's chocolate mill!
We did the touristy things and brought them to see koalas in the santuary before heading to Amaze n Things! We thoroughly enjoyed the fun things and experiments and activities this weird science place had to offer!
A'maze and Things! Family fun for everyone! hee
Getting lost in the mirror maze
There's something strange about this house...
World's biggest slide! (to Gie at least! Look at her terrified face)
The tour at Phillip Island ended with the penguin march. Unfortunately, most of the penguins were still out at sea at that time so we only saw a few swim up from the sea. We spied quite a few of them hiding in the cracks of the surrounds but unfortunately did not see the entire army of them marching up like Trace promised! We recommend to go around October - November when it is breeding season and that's guaranteed for more penguin sighting!
Watch out for penguins!
Well, it was a real pleasure having you, Trace and Jean, and you're both sorely missed already! It was very difficult to say goodbye and time flew by so quickly it seemed like just a dream.. You've been the sweetest guests and we look forward to coming back in December and to the next holiday soon!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Gie at IAS Bootcamp - Bond University, Gold Coast!
One milestone we had to go through for new joiners in PwC International Assignment Solutions (IAS) is Bootcamp! An intensive 2 week long training session where we are expected to be fairly competent by the end of it! The training sure was intensive but we would look back on fond memories of morning/afternoon teas, games (including Who wants to be a Millionnaire Tax Advisor - my group won by the way.. heh) and parties!! Everyone had a wonderful time at Bond University (wow campus) and fast friends were made. 2nd time in Gold Coast this year for Gie but already, she's raring to go again (if her pockets allow)!! Here are some visual aids capturing special Bootcamp moments:
Bootcamp buds!
What our typical day looks like... I'm kidding!
All dressed up for fun!
After school party time! Yagabombers!!!
Group hug!
Bootcamp buds!
What our typical day looks like... I'm kidding!
All dressed up for fun!
After school party time! Yagabombers!!!
Group hug!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Celebrating June birthdays in Singapore
Thanks to Jetstar once again for letting us go back to Singapore at 370dollars. It was a real good time spent back in Singapore catching up with family and friends. Special mention goes out to dearest Gie for planning the surprise party for me, it was a really pleasant surprise and a good time to gather friends together. Thanks to all those who came to the party, I really enjoyed myself and had a good time. I must say it is great to celebrate 27years in such a style. Not failing to mention that it was also my grandmother's birthday and father's birthday as well, so best wishes going out to them too. Here are snapshots from the week's happenings.. enjoy!
~ Jem
After XO fish slice noodles, Gie and her galpals at Holland Village doing their best persona of Bubble, Linda's alter ego
Many "bubbles!"
Grandmother's 89th big bash!
Gie hanging out with Jem's cuz
Posing with ma, grandma, great grand ma (for Jerrald & Rayner at least!)
Surprise 27th birthday party organised by Gie - well, surprise until we saw the sparklers from outside the house.... haha
2 celebrations in a day!
Reliving the Army Daze
Girlfriends and Boyfriends!
College friends
Soccer mania from 7th Manna online cake shop - cake cutting for all!
Present presentation from the girls & partners!
Nice gift from Gie
It was a nice Monday afternoon spent at Jalan Kayu with Gie and her mum & grannies feasting on Nasi Bryani (yellow rice with curried chicken), Roti Prata & Fish Head curry... yummm... and then it was mushroom hunting along the farmways nearby. We never knew that you could grow mushrooms in Singapore!
Mushroom farm at Jalan Kayu
And we had oyster omelette & carrot cake for tea at Ang Mo Kio hub - home to the largest NTUC in Singapore! To those reading in Aussie, that would be the Kmart & Safeway combined equivalent here.
Jem n Gie at AMK hub!
Gie managed to meet up with Lynn for lunch at Tangs cafe! It was great catching up!
All too soon, it was time again to go back to the cold in Melbourne... boohoo... missing everyone already!!!! We will see you all again soon and even sooner if Jetstar has that wonderful promotion again!
Sending off at the airport - seeya all later!
~ Jem
After XO fish slice noodles, Gie and her galpals at Holland Village doing their best persona of Bubble, Linda's alter ego
Many "bubbles!"
Grandmother's 89th big bash!
Gie hanging out with Jem's cuz
Posing with ma, grandma, great grand ma (for Jerrald & Rayner at least!)
Surprise 27th birthday party organised by Gie - well, surprise until we saw the sparklers from outside the house.... haha
2 celebrations in a day!
Reliving the Army Daze
Girlfriends and Boyfriends!
College friends
Soccer mania from 7th Manna online cake shop - cake cutting for all!
Present presentation from the girls & partners!
Nice gift from Gie
It was a nice Monday afternoon spent at Jalan Kayu with Gie and her mum & grannies feasting on Nasi Bryani (yellow rice with curried chicken), Roti Prata & Fish Head curry... yummm... and then it was mushroom hunting along the farmways nearby. We never knew that you could grow mushrooms in Singapore!
Mushroom farm at Jalan Kayu
And we had oyster omelette & carrot cake for tea at Ang Mo Kio hub - home to the largest NTUC in Singapore! To those reading in Aussie, that would be the Kmart & Safeway combined equivalent here.
Jem n Gie at AMK hub!
Gie managed to meet up with Lynn for lunch at Tangs cafe! It was great catching up!
All too soon, it was time again to go back to the cold in Melbourne... boohoo... missing everyone already!!!! We will see you all again soon and even sooner if Jetstar has that wonderful promotion again!
Sending off at the airport - seeya all later!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Rocky hampton
It was our second trip in 2 weeks on the 40dollar return fare thanks to Jetstar and Tiger airways! This time its Rockhampton, proudly advertised by Jem because of his military training there. What was supposed to be clear white beaches and blue sky turned out to be a HORROR! Poor and severe weather warnings spoiled the weekend away. We actually planned to go to the Great Keppel Island (situated near the great barrier reef) which boast its prestine white sand and crystal clear waters, some say you could even see dolphins. BUT! the poor weather ruined any chances of even getting to the island!
Word of warning for those who are considering Rockhampton as a holiday destination. Apparently, the Great Keppel Island would make your trip worthwhile but for now, the resort at the island has closed down indefinitely so, we're not sure if it is still worth your time visiting. There is a nice couple providing B&B accommodation on Great Keppel but we're sure that's pretty much it.
Transportation is lacking at Rockhampton. We didn't find much information online either so half the time we were lost.. We followed the Rydges shuttle to the resort and ended up staying at the Rydges for one night. Not wanting to just eat resort food for the whole trip, we ventured out on the 2nd day to Yeppoon, the nearest town. There, we ended up staying at Bayview hotel, which wasn't bad especially since the rooms come with sea views and breaky! Upon leaving the hotel for the airport, we were appalled to find out that the Young buses do not go to the airport on Sundays! Freaks! We were dropped at Rockhampton and left stranded with no taxis in sight either... Luckily, we met this nice couple who offered us a lift to the airport! Otherwise, we might have missed our flight!
Oh well, at least we had a good time touring the small towns around, which were not very exciting and getting lots of sleep.. hence the unexciting pictures we will leave you to view.
At Rydges Resort
Man made beach
At the private beach near the resort
The weather was just too cold to do any swimming
Reaching Yeppoon and looking for a place to stay
Finally settling at Bayview
The view from Bayview - see how wonderful the weather was?
Word of warning for those who are considering Rockhampton as a holiday destination. Apparently, the Great Keppel Island would make your trip worthwhile but for now, the resort at the island has closed down indefinitely so, we're not sure if it is still worth your time visiting. There is a nice couple providing B&B accommodation on Great Keppel but we're sure that's pretty much it.
Transportation is lacking at Rockhampton. We didn't find much information online either so half the time we were lost.. We followed the Rydges shuttle to the resort and ended up staying at the Rydges for one night. Not wanting to just eat resort food for the whole trip, we ventured out on the 2nd day to Yeppoon, the nearest town. There, we ended up staying at Bayview hotel, which wasn't bad especially since the rooms come with sea views and breaky! Upon leaving the hotel for the airport, we were appalled to find out that the Young buses do not go to the airport on Sundays! Freaks! We were dropped at Rockhampton and left stranded with no taxis in sight either... Luckily, we met this nice couple who offered us a lift to the airport! Otherwise, we might have missed our flight!
Oh well, at least we had a good time touring the small towns around, which were not very exciting and getting lots of sleep.. hence the unexciting pictures we will leave you to view.
At Rydges Resort
Man made beach
At the private beach near the resort
The weather was just too cold to do any swimming
Reaching Yeppoon and looking for a place to stay
Finally settling at Bayview
The view from Bayview - see how wonderful the weather was?
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