END 2015 musing

Probably the last post of 2015 - hard to type with 1-2 fingers despite being a lefty.

It had been a wild and scary 4 days from Christmas..I was pretty excited going for my first Rapha Festive500 ride and also meeting E once again. Things happened so quickly that the next moment I was in TTSH and now, I'm out. To be honest, it was really a 3 painful days that seemed rather surreal, till now, I can't really recall the moments in the hospital and also during the crash. Surprisingly, I don't recall any pain, shouts or screams - would that be what happen when one dies? I think I just blacked out. But I really thank God for His Angels that had protected me, that my life was preserved.

The things that happened after, the visits from my beloved friends and even E, was hard to recall. I could only capture some words said to me. But as much as I'm thankful, I'm rather scared what the future holds. Looks-wise, would I still be fit? What about further violent objections from the parents? :((( Dad may be ok but Mum is a definite no-no.

Really want to thank all the visits and get well gifts from the Running Dept Crew-Terry, Nic, Roy, Steven, Ruimei,Tracy,Eve; Declan, Lance, Jiahui, Eugene, Jem, Ken; CA team aunties-Hanniebun, , Jasmine, Candice, Mel, Ivy Wee and Liu, ChuHua, Gillian, Renee, Patrick, May and family; RWG people-Debbie and Jack, Coach Ghana, Jerome, Kevin, Jiarui, Uncle Lim; church friends, Marianne, Aunty Lee Luang, CG friends; Rui Yong, Sweehong, Adriel, Chloe, Yenbin, NUS Aquathlon people (Joshie, JJ, Pam, Sher, YW, Naz, Debs)..and not forgetting E.. Love you guys even though I can't recall much.

Next year 2016 would be a tough one for me..really want to continue to pray for strength.. :((

Relationships: Coincidence or God's Plan?

This year, as I included in my previous blog post, was an emotional roller coaster for me, more so than any other years. I'm not sure if it's good for my sanity but things do knock on your door when you least expect it. And in a whift, it might just disappear..

I'm pissed with myself, as I am writing this. For being impatient, for being too inquisitive for my own good. I shouldn't have opened my big mouth and said all the things I shouldn't have. But I think it might be too late now :(

A couple of weeks back, I met this guy who was too-good-to-be-true. I can still pinch myself now and ask, is this only a dream? If so, I hope I will never wake up of it. But now, I may have shattered that beautiful memory. Really praying hard to God to restore it.

I hate feeling vulnerable. I hate feeling uncertain about my future. While I know, and have faith that God uses vulnerability and uncertainty in His Will to do things, I still can't help but feel lost, that I'm not in control of things. 

We met on an unplanned bike ride. In fact, I went for that ride for another reason, which I shall not really mentioned. This guy was really sweet (and definitely cute) as he chatted and pulled me along parts where I got dropped. I thought he was pretty special, unlike most Singaporean guys, he was direct. And then, my itchy fingers added him on FB. I thought it was much more than a coincidence - it was God's plan.

We started talking, and he asked me out. I found out he was an excellent conversationist, someone who can talk about anything under the sun. His ideas challenged me to think harder, his actions challenged me to change myself. I've never met someone who could actually influence me like this. Because of him, I got to sit down at random areas, to just talk, admire the scenery, and watch people go by. Something I would never do, on my own free time because time is too precious. But this guy actually stopped the world for me,

Three dates had passed so far. I made the fatal mistake of asking him about his commitment level even though I know, both of us did, that things were progressing a bit too fast. But this was something I didn't want to let go because I know I will regret. But well, either way would have backfired. And I'm just sitting here, feeling like a mess.

Lord, please give me strong faith.

Year-end Thoughts 2015

A quarter of a century old, interestingly this year has been one of the most memorable one as well. Perhaps not as exciting as my university days but definitely a special year for me. I'll just try to list down as many things I am thankful to God for blessing me at the top of my head that occurred in 2015.

1. Countless of overseas trips - burnt quite a large hole in my pocket but it's the experience that counts.
-Dubai (3 times), Sydney, Hong Kong, Koh Samui, Malaysia

2. Plenty of new guys/friends - I do enjoy getting to know people a lot better

3. Two pacing opportunities - Great Eastern Women's Run 21K and a part of the StanChart Marathon 15K which ended today

4. My longest races - 14K City2Surf, Port Dickson Duathlon (10-60-8), Dubai International Triathlon

5. Supportive friends and coaches who provide countless of encouragement and help - as small as Coach Ghana sending me to AMK to pick up my bike, David coming over to my house to help pack my stuff...etc.

Sabai Sabai - First time in Thailand (3-6 Sept 2015)

Just thankful I managed another trip out of Singapore and this time it is ENTIRELY FREE (blessing from God). Travelled to Koh Samui with Rachel, my sister, for a short holiday amidst the busyness of work.

We took Bangkok Airways on Thursday night, first time not on SQ in a while. It was quite an interesting experience and the service/food (I ordered SFML) was not too bad. It was a blessing in disguise that there wasn't any TV as it would have cut my rest time anyway. We arrived there at night and it was raining. An airport transfer provided took us to SALA Samui Resort and spa, on Choeng Mon beach, about 10-15min's drive away. Boy, the roads were dark..

When we arrived, the receptionist helped to check us in and he was really so helpful. While I'm not sure if this is the standard of hotels in Thailand, I was blown away by their courtesy and service. We even had welcome food! We decided to walk to the nearby convenient store to stock up on food before going to bed.

The next morning, I woke up early to do at 7km run. It brought me to the Wat Plai Leam temple and back. Then we had breakfast (which was awesome) and went for our body scrub and massage. After that, we headed to Chaweng - Central Festival Shopping Centre, which I believe is the biggest in Samui and the surrounding beach and shopping street. It took up almost the whole afternoon. After that we headed to Fisherman's Wharf at Mae Naem beach area.

Following day, I went for a 15KM run to Chaweng beach and back. Then breakfast followed by massage. We had some time so I did some kayaking and swimming, as well as tanning before we took our 4h round-island tour.

Last day passed real quickly. Did nothing much except joined a sunrise yoga class, kayaked and swam. Of course we had another massage and facial.

To the Middle East (2-8 Apr 15) - Cheapskate's Guide in UAE

I had actually 2 agendas while in UAE (United Arab Emirates), to participate in the Nissan Triathlon Festival in Dubai and also to attend Tanya, my cousin's wedding in Abu Dhabi. Well, unfortunately for me, the race got postponed due to a sandstorm :( My cousin's wedding still went on smoothly, thank God for that. Unlike other posts, I think I shall attempt a different format, considering I'm pretty lazy to post nowadays - let me offer you some tips and guide to where to go in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Things are pretty expensive in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so hopefully this would help in you saving some money!

1. TRANSPORTATION 

• Cheapest way from the airport to Dubai city centre is via Dubai metro (AED3-7, depending on which areas you stay - although it might continue to increase again). 
• From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the cheapest form is to take a bus (Al Ghubaiba/Ibn Battuta Bus Station), takes about an hour and half, depending on traffic. Current cost is AED25, pretty worth it considering the seats are comfortable and free WIFI onboard.
• Getting around in Dubai is mostly via metro/tram/bus (not sure) and if it is too out-of-the-way; cab. Walking is possible but unadvisable. As for Abu Dhabi, I used the cab most of the time as there is no metro and the bus system is ??
• The abra, a traditional water boat (now operated by motor) cost AED1 and it's the most fun and cheapest way to get from one side of the Creek to the other

2. SHOPPING

• In my opinion, Dubai/Abu Dhabi is like a HUGE mall with both international and local brands - but not cheap; even with sales :/
• Things native to the UAE that are WORTH buying are; dates, coffee (with cardamon), fruits (pomegranates, grapefruit...etc), flat bread, tahina (sesame paste) and hummus spreads, honey, figs, nuts, spices
• Supermarkets offer pretty reasonable prices for takeaway salads/meals
• The annual Global Village is like a mini-World Expo with lots of interesting things to buy

3. ATTRACTIONS in Dubai

• New Dubai Area: Ibn Battuta Mall (a huge mall divided into 5 continents which Ibn Battuta the explorer travelled to. They even have a mini exhibition with artefacts for curious visitors!), The Walk at JBR ( a short area of beach and filled with many al fresco dining areas, been there in the day but not at night, which I understand that it would be more happening), The Palm Jumeirah - yes, I've been onto the world's largest man-made island! (you have to CAB or take the monorail which costs AED22 for 2 ways in! An exclusive place which I had mistakenly tried to run in but was stuck near the entrance and had to look for a cab :( Nothing much unless you want to dine in some atas restaurant or look at the Arabian Gulf..hurhur). Dubai Marina merely offers a good background for profile pictures but don't spend time walking along the area.

• The Burj al Arab Area (Malls of the Emirates metro): I didn't get to go there because you need a reservation at the restaurant/bars but it would be the global icon of Dubai. Walking down Umm Suqeim Road also leads to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a place I would consider visiting the next round - modelled after an Arabian town.
• Old Deira: Al Fahidi Historical District (one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai) and Bastakiya Quarters (see the old restored wind towers, look through the small shops, visit the Coffee Museum to try the various coffees and see how they are prepared, go for the Jumeirah Mosque visit - AED10, 945am daily except Fridays)

• Bur Dubai: Heritage and Diving Village (walked past but didn't look around much, except stopped to have a coffee by the road by one of the camel owners), traditional spice, gold and grand souks (a mix-mash of Little India?), Dubai Museum (AED3 but one of the best maintained museums around)
• Inner Suburbs of the Creek: Wildlife Sanctuary on Oud Metha Road
• Deira City Centre: Perfume Souk (didn't spot it), Fish and Vegetables Market (they have pretty good buys there! Iran dates going for AED5/kg), Naif Museum (old police station), Al-Ahmadiya School museum, Heritage House (all free, worth a short visit because they are very small and not very well-retored)
• Downtown Dubai: Dubai Mall, Souk al Bahar, The Palace and Fountain (pretty impressive fountain shows daily. The Dubai Mall is a really HUGE place, also links to the Burj Khalifa and houses the Underwater Aquarium)

4. ATTRACTIONS in Abu Dhabi

• Malls (again)  -We visited Marina Mall, World Trade Centre (with a pricey Shake Shack), Al Wadha Mall - got pretty sick of these extravagant huge places, although it provided a respite from the heat
• Emirates Palace - It is actually a hotel but looks so grand like a palace. Note that it only opens to visitors from 10am onwards and in order to get through the security to the outdoor area, walk all the way to the end and look for a resident's entrance. You will be amazed by the immense extravagance of the place - long pristine (man-made) beaches, green lawns, even camels available for rides!
• Abu Dhabi Heritage Village - only "cultural" place in the Washington-like administrative state. Gives you a glimpse of traditional crafts like pottery, carving...etc and of course, camels are available for photos!
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque - the most opulent mosque you've ever seen. Vistors can borrow an abaya to enter as you are required to cover up. The mosque is a functioning mosque so I think at certain times, they don't open for visits. There are free daily tours conducted with a guide (we were late so we didn't have) so we walked around on our own. The architecture and details of the carvings and interior are breathtaking. Somewhat equivalent to a Chinese palace or European church. 
• Other attractions include Yas Island and Ferrari World...etc but are really pricey so we didn't bother

5. ACCOMODATION

• Stayed in an AirBNB apartment in Jumeirah Lake Towers (SGD50/night), the cheapest form of accomodation in Dubai. Hotels are pricy
• In Abu Dhabi, because my cousin paid for my hotel, it was a way to save costs for me. Centro Al Manhal located beside the bus station and Al Wadha mall

 THE WEDDING

Was held on Nurai Island, a private island that required us to take a speedboat across. It was really fun and was my first wedding by the beach! There was first the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, followed by the exchange of vows, then dinner (which was AWESOME) and dance.

My cousin also brought us around her place - St Regis Serviced Apartments on Saaiyat Island, a rather chill environment with many high-end apartments and hotels.

The next trip to Dubai is in October. Overall, it was a little disappointing because it wasn't as good as I expected - not a lot of cultural places and mostly seems like a money-making artificial city..Hopefully I will be able to visit the deserts in Dubai and Al Ain!

HK Trip - 24 to 27 Jan 2015 : Back to Nature

Haven't had the time to blog for so long but I just had to share about my trip to HK (the second one in 2 years) but this time, I went with Dwayne, Darren and Ken and we visited Chen Peng and Ying Hao there.

This was a much shorter trip but I spent quite a bit, because of the accommodation. We stayed at BP International Hotel, which is a pretty good hotel, conveniently located beside Kowloon Park. While it was four times the cost of my bed at Chungking Mansions, it was so much more comfy (and definitely private) - spent SGD216 for 3 nights (approx $70 a night).

I arrived in HK in the evening at 5:30pm and for some reason, the place feels super familiar to me (probably because the previous trip was too recent). Took the bus down to Mongkok (cost HKD14.70) and it was a nice trip, watching sunset around HK. However, due to the jam around the city centre, the bus ride took about 1.5h. Thereafter, it took about 20min to walk down to the hotel.

We went over to The Sweet Dynasty (Tang Chao) at Hankow Street for dinner with Ying Hao and CP. Honestly, despite all the raves online about the restaurant, I felt it was too overpriced and the place does seem a little dodgy due to the dim lighting. Also, they stopped serving quite a bit of dim sum after 8pm so we didn't get much choices :( If I'm not wrong, it is famous for its beancurd, which was interestingly served in a bucket.

After dinner, we went to walk around - down the Victoria Harbour along the Avenue of Stars where we tried to capture some of the night lights. I was pretty glad to meet up with CP after so long! We wanted to head down to OZONE bar at Ritz Carlton (Austin Road) but it started raining (and my feet were killing me), so I convinced the guys to head back - maybe we should have gone that day because we never did get another chance :(

Change of design of 1881 Heritage - the prettiest mall

Cityscape of HK

The next day, we had to abort our plan initially because Dwayne fell ill - food poisoning. Ken and I decided to go look for medication for him and we did a short run to look for the earliest opened Mannings. Interestingly, we managed to catch Ying Hao and CP at the start point at 0930am. Just that we didn't manage to catch them again at the finishing point because we decided to trek the Dragon's Back in the day and come back for Dwayne to go up Victoria Peak in the evening.

The Dragon's Back is an urban trail located on HK Island and it is simply a must-go trail in HK (if you only have time for one). It is rather manageable but do wear shoes that are comfortable and have good gripe so you won't have any danger of slipping. The view for the start is pretty breath-taking but towards the end, it got really boring, that we had to resort to music. It took us about 2.5h to finish the trail, plus all the photographs and we ended up on the Tai Long Wan beach at the bottom. 

How to get there: It can be easily accessed via MTR to Shau Kei Wan and bus 9 from the terminal.

Difficulty Level: 5/10 for the average person (for fitter people it should be much lower), approx 8.5km

Towards the end of the trail

Tai Long Wan

Surfboards!

We had a late lunch at one of the shops on the beach and headed back to Shau Kei Wan. Apparently, this is one of the surfer's paradise in HK where they loan surfboards and offer lessons. We headed back to Shau Kei Wan where I wandered around the market and the guys went back to pick Dwayne up. I kind of like wandering around on my own, to soak up the local atmosphere. I bought some oranges and almonds (HKD55 for about 600g), as well as some HK dessert and pao. Headed over to Central MTR to meet the 3 guys for our Victoria Peak outing. Initially we wanted to go to the Bank of China to view but it was closed :( So we headed directly to the Victoria Peak Tram Station. We waited for ages just to board the tram. Well, there is a way to walk/run up but I guess the guys were too tired (and sick) to do that. The cost of the two way ticket was about HKD80 (minus the viewing gallery cost) but the waiting time was crazy.

It was an experience itself to board the tram as it was packed.The ride was pretty scary because the tram was moving 45 degrees upwards. The view was so-so because of the packed tram and that it was getting dark. It took about 10min to reach the Peak. It's been ages since I've been here, I don't even recall the Mall at the top. Well, the view was good.

View from the Peak

Dinner was at Lin Heung Tea House 蓮香樓, a traditional old-school teahouse on Lan Kwai Fong area where the waiters were wearing white shirts and pants but they went all the way to provide good service. Heard the dim sum there is good too but too bad they don't have it at dinner. The food was not bad, big portion and affordable but be prepared for a long queue (we waited 1.5h without a reservation).

Typical sight on HK Island

So traditional right?

By the time we got back, it was too late to do anything else so we turned in.

I started day 3 with an hour of easy run and some dynamic workout along Victoria Harbour. Really pretty and windy.

hehs..not much of a view

Thankfully, Dwayne was feeling slightly better so we headed to Sai Kung to do another trek - MacLeHose Trails. We took the MTR to Hang Hau (where HKSTU was) and took a mini bus to Sai Kung town. I took quite a bit of time to research about Sai Kung but it turned out pretty accessible. Sai Kung is a pretty seaside port and is along the east coast of HK, near the many tiny islands, famous for its fresh seafood and also geological formations. There are many sections of the MacLehose trail but we took an easier but longer one (about 12km). It was...interesting. Took us up the mountains and down all the way to the sandy coasts and mangroves. The trails are well-guided, and surprisingly paved. So danger scale is like near zero, unless you do something that the signs warn you against. I'll let the pictures tell the story. Oh, do bring food and water because there isn't along the way. Except for a small seaside store which we stopped by somewhere 3-4km on the trail.

Cute red bean pie from Macs - reward after the hike!

Fishing port

 Dinner was back at the hotel and I finally tried a HK traditional dessert :)

Last day was pretty hectic too..Couldn't wake up for any run (legs were aching from the hikes) so I decided to head down to HK Island to do some last minute shopping. Finally took the tram, which was super cheap (HKD2.50), and efficient. Bought some wife biscuits, took some photos and went to the airport to catch my flight. Till another time, HK!

Took the boat out  - HKD4.50

The tram