Friday, November 21, 2008
Ho Chi Minh City!
Raine and I decided to go on a trip to HCM as Tiger Airways was having a 4 cents promotion. Our ticket costed just $177 per person! Overall, we liked HCM better than Hanoi.
The view upon landing was already promising. The new airport, completed just last year,resembled Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, albeit much less crowded and not much shops and eateries within.
The roads in HCM were wider than those in Hanoi. And, although there were more vehicles, especially motorcycles, there, somehow it was not as chaotic. Still, crossing the roads were hazardous operations and we always held hands in fear! Hahaha.
The food was cheap and great! I actually took pictures of ALL the food we ate and still drool whenever I see them. While in Hanoi, we got all the Chinese-like food, HCM has all the 'authentic' (ok, as a historian, I know this is a really subjective phrase, but for the lack of a better word!) food like rice paper spring rolls and pho (rice noodles). Vietnamese uses a lot of vegetables in their cuisine and I like it! Developed a liking for basil leaves, which they provide with every dish. We also tried banh xeo (pancake with pork and shrimp inside) and other stuff. On recommendation, we went to Santa Lucia, an Italian restaurant with lovely ambience and lovelier food. The restaurant reminded me of wanting a boudoir-style deco in black and purple for my room next time hmmm. For anyone interested in trying many Vietnamese food from all the regions at one go, Guan An Ngon is a good place to visit.
Most of HCM's tourist attractions did not interest us that much, unfortunately. I liked the colonial French buildings such as the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral (the statue of the Virgin Mary was alleged to shed tears of blood last year), Opera House and the Post Office. HCM is definitely much more cosmopolitan and still retains some of that colonial buildings and charm.
The Cao Dai Temple, which I have heard so much about in Prof Lockhart's lectures, was pretty interesting as well. However, the journey there was really long, about more than 1 and a half hour. And the ceremony was rather boring to watch. I guess I was really eager to see the syncretism part, which was the defining feature of the faith. But you could be forgiven for thinking that nothing beyond Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism were part of the syncretism. I could hardly observe the Christian element, although a plaque told us that Victor Hugo was supposed to the spiritual chief of missions of the faith! And the triangle sign with an eye inside on every window bore striking resemblance to the Freemason's symbol.
Chu Chi Tunnel reminded me of a place in Australia, where you go through open park showing how the early settlements lived. Chu Chi showed you the forests where the Vietcongs fought in, complete with wax statues of Vietcong soldiers. Eery when coupled with dark skies and drizzle. They have an exhibition showing the various ingenious traps that the Vietcongs fashioned out of simple things like armchairs and doors. You don't wanna mess with these people. But the highlight had got to be the infamous tunnels. We were told that we were allowed to try walking inside for 30 metres, 60 metres, and if you are strong enough, 100 metres. So in I went, to the scariest experience in HCM. The tunnel was illuminated by some well-placed lights, but it was still dark enough to make you think about being buried alive. And it has this smell that added to the effect. The air was also thin, making breathing difficult. I was stupid enough to walk frog-legged in the beginning, rapidly exhausting myself. We missed the 30 metre mark and did not realise it until we emerged at the 60 metre place. My arms were trembling and legs were feeling jelly. I breathed the fresh air in hard. Our guide told us that 2 men never survived in there, but for some reason, if it had been a woman and a man, they were able to survive. Now that's a mystery. Because I am pretty sure that I will die even if I am alone inside. The claustrophobia alone is enough to snatch that will to live in you. So I cannot do but admire the Vietcongs for their spirit and determination.
My biggest peeve was that many people in HCM seemed bent on treating us tourists as cash cows. People in HCM are generally friendlier than those in the North. Many a times, Raine and I got free instructions on the streets and we did not even ask for them! People are just willing to go the mile to help, like our friendly contact there, Jennifer Tranh. But taxi drivers and shop keepers are another bunch altogether!
Almost all of the taxi drivers would pretend not to owe you any change. This happened even though we took care to use the reputable Vinasun taxi. In fact, our worst experience was with Vinasun, with a lady driver. Upon stopping us near our hotel, she turned behind, her face transforming from a demure Viet lady to a witch-like face (Lorraine and I swore there was an aura of black magic inside the cab!), demanding 20,000 dong (our ride only costed 16,200 dong). Unlike our previous experience in Hanoi, we kept cool and asked her why. She told us in Vietnamese. And she kept trying to reach out to our wallets. I told her we don't undertstand Vietnamese. Raine saw a security guard nearby and wanted his help. The driver then appeared visibly frightened. But she still threw the 200 dong onto the floor when we gave her exact. So I just gave her 2000 dong more and we left, memorizing the taxi license plate number. We told our hotel receptionist about the issue and she then reported the case to the Vinasun company. Our cab back to the airport tried to fleece us USD 2 for the gantry payment out of the airport. Oh well.
The silk shops near Ben Thanh market should be avoided unless you are a die-hard spendthrift like myself. I still feel a bit sore paying about USD 34 (after hard bargaining) for a ready-made ao dai, gorgeous as it is. The shops inside Ben Thanh are not much better either, or we are not good bargainers. I guess the influx of tourists into HCM has altered the standard of living and mentality of the people somewhat. Anyway, if you are into the bag brand Ipanima (sold at Singapore's Mandarin Hotel for $300-$500!), you can probably find similar-looking bags at these silk shops for far cheaper price. I had though of purchasing some Ipanima bags for selling, but changed my mind. Anyway, some of the silk embroidered bags, purses and shawls are really lovely, which I guess cannot be found in Singapore, and that makes good souvenirs.
The view upon landing was already promising. The new airport, completed just last year,resembled Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, albeit much less crowded and not much shops and eateries within.
The roads in HCM were wider than those in Hanoi. And, although there were more vehicles, especially motorcycles, there, somehow it was not as chaotic. Still, crossing the roads were hazardous operations and we always held hands in fear! Hahaha.
The food was cheap and great! I actually took pictures of ALL the food we ate and still drool whenever I see them. While in Hanoi, we got all the Chinese-like food, HCM has all the 'authentic' (ok, as a historian, I know this is a really subjective phrase, but for the lack of a better word!) food like rice paper spring rolls and pho (rice noodles). Vietnamese uses a lot of vegetables in their cuisine and I like it! Developed a liking for basil leaves, which they provide with every dish. We also tried banh xeo (pancake with pork and shrimp inside) and other stuff. On recommendation, we went to Santa Lucia, an Italian restaurant with lovely ambience and lovelier food. The restaurant reminded me of wanting a boudoir-style deco in black and purple for my room next time hmmm. For anyone interested in trying many Vietnamese food from all the regions at one go, Guan An Ngon is a good place to visit.
Most of HCM's tourist attractions did not interest us that much, unfortunately. I liked the colonial French buildings such as the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral (the statue of the Virgin Mary was alleged to shed tears of blood last year), Opera House and the Post Office. HCM is definitely much more cosmopolitan and still retains some of that colonial buildings and charm.
The Cao Dai Temple, which I have heard so much about in Prof Lockhart's lectures, was pretty interesting as well. However, the journey there was really long, about more than 1 and a half hour. And the ceremony was rather boring to watch. I guess I was really eager to see the syncretism part, which was the defining feature of the faith. But you could be forgiven for thinking that nothing beyond Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism were part of the syncretism. I could hardly observe the Christian element, although a plaque told us that Victor Hugo was supposed to the spiritual chief of missions of the faith! And the triangle sign with an eye inside on every window bore striking resemblance to the Freemason's symbol.
Chu Chi Tunnel reminded me of a place in Australia, where you go through open park showing how the early settlements lived. Chu Chi showed you the forests where the Vietcongs fought in, complete with wax statues of Vietcong soldiers. Eery when coupled with dark skies and drizzle. They have an exhibition showing the various ingenious traps that the Vietcongs fashioned out of simple things like armchairs and doors. You don't wanna mess with these people. But the highlight had got to be the infamous tunnels. We were told that we were allowed to try walking inside for 30 metres, 60 metres, and if you are strong enough, 100 metres. So in I went, to the scariest experience in HCM. The tunnel was illuminated by some well-placed lights, but it was still dark enough to make you think about being buried alive. And it has this smell that added to the effect. The air was also thin, making breathing difficult. I was stupid enough to walk frog-legged in the beginning, rapidly exhausting myself. We missed the 30 metre mark and did not realise it until we emerged at the 60 metre place. My arms were trembling and legs were feeling jelly. I breathed the fresh air in hard. Our guide told us that 2 men never survived in there, but for some reason, if it had been a woman and a man, they were able to survive. Now that's a mystery. Because I am pretty sure that I will die even if I am alone inside. The claustrophobia alone is enough to snatch that will to live in you. So I cannot do but admire the Vietcongs for their spirit and determination.
My biggest peeve was that many people in HCM seemed bent on treating us tourists as cash cows. People in HCM are generally friendlier than those in the North. Many a times, Raine and I got free instructions on the streets and we did not even ask for them! People are just willing to go the mile to help, like our friendly contact there, Jennifer Tranh. But taxi drivers and shop keepers are another bunch altogether!
Almost all of the taxi drivers would pretend not to owe you any change. This happened even though we took care to use the reputable Vinasun taxi. In fact, our worst experience was with Vinasun, with a lady driver. Upon stopping us near our hotel, she turned behind, her face transforming from a demure Viet lady to a witch-like face (Lorraine and I swore there was an aura of black magic inside the cab!), demanding 20,000 dong (our ride only costed 16,200 dong). Unlike our previous experience in Hanoi, we kept cool and asked her why. She told us in Vietnamese. And she kept trying to reach out to our wallets. I told her we don't undertstand Vietnamese. Raine saw a security guard nearby and wanted his help. The driver then appeared visibly frightened. But she still threw the 200 dong onto the floor when we gave her exact. So I just gave her 2000 dong more and we left, memorizing the taxi license plate number. We told our hotel receptionist about the issue and she then reported the case to the Vinasun company. Our cab back to the airport tried to fleece us USD 2 for the gantry payment out of the airport. Oh well.
The silk shops near Ben Thanh market should be avoided unless you are a die-hard spendthrift like myself. I still feel a bit sore paying about USD 34 (after hard bargaining) for a ready-made ao dai, gorgeous as it is. The shops inside Ben Thanh are not much better either, or we are not good bargainers. I guess the influx of tourists into HCM has altered the standard of living and mentality of the people somewhat. Anyway, if you are into the bag brand Ipanima (sold at Singapore's Mandarin Hotel for $300-$500!), you can probably find similar-looking bags at these silk shops for far cheaper price. I had though of purchasing some Ipanima bags for selling, but changed my mind. Anyway, some of the silk embroidered bags, purses and shawls are really lovely, which I guess cannot be found in Singapore, and that makes good souvenirs.
Labels: Saya Affairs, Travel Diary
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sianz
I haven't been completely happy for the past month or so. A huge issue had arose, forcing me to rethink my priorities, dreams and ambition. In the light of the development, I also wonder if I ought to pursue further studies. As a result, my health has deteriorated, with the thyroid condition falling back to what it was in 2005, when I first discovered it. Catching up with some friends like Audrey and Uncle made me happy, but with my character, any feeling of joy seldom last. It is also difficult for me to see that some unsavoury characters I left behind the old workplace have been gaining new friends. I guess she is smart at getting people to do what she wants, but the fact that people are responding to her probably stems more from her inner desperation and subsequent efforts to be favoured rather than any charm she may have. I have never attempted to create any "opposition" to her, but she had been simply incorrigible and people had rallied to me then. But looks like all is forgotten now. Same goes for another issue. I guess I am not that good at keeping people's favour.
He is away for military service and that means that I have lost a listening ear for more than a week. I guess absence does make the heart fonder.
Perhaps sometimes being with those who really cares are all that matter. And I am glad that I still have some of those peeps.
The lady at the KFC counter at JP let out an impatient," Why din you tell me earlier??" in Chinese when her actions were too quick for me to let her know that I wanted Mountain Dew to go with my meal instead of the standard Pepsi. I just glared at her and told her that I was just going to tell her. She waved dismissively and said,"never mind! Never Mind! There are other customers behind!" I have really grown impatient and intolerant, or perhaps the thyroid makes me so. This may hit me back in the face but I do not really like most of the Cantonese women I met.
While at JP today, I was browsing a nail decoration shop. This little Indian girl suddenly walked to my side and stood beside me, beaming. She said, "Hello." I was amused and greeted her as well. Asked her for her name and chatted a little before my mother came and asked her back. The little girl said that she liked "this auntie", to which the mother nodded her assent, saying that "this aunty" was nice. She was my little sunshine for the day.
Leaving for Ho Chi Minh on Sat...
He is away for military service and that means that I have lost a listening ear for more than a week. I guess absence does make the heart fonder.
Perhaps sometimes being with those who really cares are all that matter. And I am glad that I still have some of those peeps.
The lady at the KFC counter at JP let out an impatient," Why din you tell me earlier??" in Chinese when her actions were too quick for me to let her know that I wanted Mountain Dew to go with my meal instead of the standard Pepsi. I just glared at her and told her that I was just going to tell her. She waved dismissively and said,"never mind! Never Mind! There are other customers behind!" I have really grown impatient and intolerant, or perhaps the thyroid makes me so. This may hit me back in the face but I do not really like most of the Cantonese women I met.
While at JP today, I was browsing a nail decoration shop. This little Indian girl suddenly walked to my side and stood beside me, beaming. She said, "Hello." I was amused and greeted her as well. Asked her for her name and chatted a little before my mother came and asked her back. The little girl said that she liked "this auntie", to which the mother nodded her assent, saying that "this aunty" was nice. She was my little sunshine for the day.
Leaving for Ho Chi Minh on Sat...
Labels: Saya Affairs
Monday, November 10, 2008
Kosher Kebab
I love Persian-style kebab. But I haven't gotten to try a lot of it here in Singapore. Banoo, which is located near Clarke Quay, has been closed down. The last experience there was a favourable one, although, contrary to what some food blogs said, I did not get a raw egg yolk on my basmati butter rice! It was pretty affordable, though. And I guess the service was not too bad. I heard that service at its rival, Shiraz, is pretty dismal and the price steep, but I have yet to try it. The only time I passed by Shiraz, there was a belly dancer gyrating away to the crowd, but considering that she is Chinese, the exotism was lost on me. I like the Turkish version of the kebab served at Anatolia in Far East Plaza. The basmati butter rice has a richer taste (yumm!) and they provide more accompanying dishes like baked tomatoes and this lovely green chili that goes oh-so-well with the kebab and rice!
Had a kosher version of it last week at the Jewish Welfare Board at Waterloo Street. That was my first experience meeting the Jewish community in Singapore and also of trying out kosher food. Do you know that there is only 1 kosher mini mart in the entire of Singapore? Of course the community is not very large and according to the person showing us around, it is apparently sufficient in supplying for the community.
I guess I do like doing PR, but to some extent. It does gets tiring to be running about all day. But on another side note, I get extremely disturbed when people I consider to be friends use PR terms to reply my offer for help. I guess this is what happens when people grow apart and I am definitely not one who is good in keeping in contact. Oh well.
Had a kosher version of it last week at the Jewish Welfare Board at Waterloo Street. That was my first experience meeting the Jewish community in Singapore and also of trying out kosher food. Do you know that there is only 1 kosher mini mart in the entire of Singapore? Of course the community is not very large and according to the person showing us around, it is apparently sufficient in supplying for the community.
I guess I do like doing PR, but to some extent. It does gets tiring to be running about all day. But on another side note, I get extremely disturbed when people I consider to be friends use PR terms to reply my offer for help. I guess this is what happens when people grow apart and I am definitely not one who is good in keeping in contact. Oh well.
Labels: Saya Affairs, Se-lat-por Affairs
On the ST!!!
Highlight of my career :)
Had a hectic, hectic week. But I sure saw a lot and learnt a lot, something which would not have been given to me in my previous position. And I am immensely grateful that God provided a Christian as my boss.
Thyroid relapsed again. Going back to TCM to see if it helps.
Did soft bonding for my hair. Miss my old hair, but Mister said it is very sexy! Going to the salon is therapeutic.
Tried belly dancing and I actually liked it! Helps you be more comfortable with your body and learn new moves. Quite a workout too!
Broke from all the weddings attended...
Bumped into Weijin while on errand! Such nice day! Miss the honours gang.
I am currently bag crazy.
Okay, enough of random rants ;)
Had a hectic, hectic week. But I sure saw a lot and learnt a lot, something which would not have been given to me in my previous position. And I am immensely grateful that God provided a Christian as my boss.
Thyroid relapsed again. Going back to TCM to see if it helps.
Did soft bonding for my hair. Miss my old hair, but Mister said it is very sexy! Going to the salon is therapeutic.
Tried belly dancing and I actually liked it! Helps you be more comfortable with your body and learn new moves. Quite a workout too!
Broke from all the weddings attended...
Bumped into Weijin while on errand! Such nice day! Miss the honours gang.
I am currently bag crazy.
Okay, enough of random rants ;)
Labels: Saya Affairs
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