Chilly Korea

On 28 Feb, our flight to Incheon Airport was delayed for more than an hour... & so our departure was on 29th, to be exact. Disappointingly, I didn't get to sleep much on board... just about 2 hours in total out of the 6 hours flight.

Upon arrival, we all changed into our long john & more layers of clothes. Then we set out for our 1st destination which would take about 3 hours on the road - Yongin Everland.

First contact with the cold winter in Korea. Everyone's so excited!

We're on the cable car.

Had fun at the snow slide!

In the afternoon, we made a short stop at Yeoju Premium Outlets. It's a place to shop for designers' goods but the prices weren't appealing at all. In fact we've the exact items in Singapore at lower prices.

Evening, we made our journey to Yongpyong, where we're going to ski the following morning. Before reaching the ski resort, we rented our ski suits (that's included in the package) & goggles. That was when the first round of snow welcomed us! Snow flakes were falling down... just like what we saw on TV! But it'd already stopped when we left the ski shop.

Then had dinner at a Korean restaurant which was just minutes away from the resort. It's past 8pm & all of our luggages were still in cold storage underneath the coach. Just when we're done with dinner, we're greeted by the 2nd round of snow. This time, it's heavier and lasted much longer. Every one of us behaved like kids... prancing in the snow & of course, busy snapping shots.

Our Korean tour guide said we're lucky to be seeing snow at this time of the year. Hee.



It's still snowing when we reached Yongpyong Ski Resort, one of the most popular ski resorts in Korea and was also one of the 3 finalists vying for 2010 Winter Olympics (ultimately missed out to Vancouver).

After settling in our room, hubby & I went out... wanting to take a walk in the snow & to get some items too at the supermarket on ground floor (in the same premise).

See how much snow hubby had collected after a 5-min walk?

Thought we're the only ones who sneaked out but wrong. Met many of his colleagues when we're back at the hotel lobby. And the hotel's back door led us to the beautiful sight of the snowy slopes as the resort was located right within the ski sites.

2 slopes behind us. It's -3°C! Brrrr!

Originally a walk together had turned into a snow fight! Haha.

Thawing frozen noses with heat pads.

The traditional Ondol living.

Just checked out... in our ski suits. Leaving for breakfast soon!

Getting ready for skiing!

Not everyone took part & not everyone enjoyed it. But hubby & I had a blast! I didn't expect myself to enjoy this sport:) Too bad the session was too short.. only about 3-4 hours. Hubby & I were starting to master the skill (of braking without falling) & I totally loved the feel of gliding on the snowy slope! It was a pity that I didn't get to enjoy for long as I was totally exhausted. The shoes were heavy, so were the ski. My limps couldn't summon any strength at all to even bring the gear back. My poor hubby, who's also drained, had to carry my as well as his skis back.

But it's a very good experience ;)

Leaving Yongpyong.

Having a toilet break at this place called 38th Parallel (三八线), a very significant part in Korean history. The ground we're stepping on previously belonged to North Korea. There used to be a border here separating North & South Korea. At the end of the Korean War which was 55 years ago, S.Korea possessed this part of land with help from the US but also lost partial territory in the Northwest to N.Korea.

Mount Sorak. 1,708m above sea level.
It's North Korea at the other side of Mount Sorak.

A long cable car ride of 1.2km to the top (black arrow).

A quick pic before the cable car took us up...

Magnificence of the snowy Mount Sorak behind me

We climbed to almost the peak! Not an easy journey as the way up was sandy & slippery. And boy, the wind could blow us away!

After dinner, our tour guides threw in an additional itinerary - Daepo Port, where there's a popular fish market at night.

Hubby enjoyed the local snacks from street side stalls with colleagues. I was too full to munch anymore.

Had a great time at Daepo Port

Much better accomodation on 2nd night. And the place was big... with 2 rooms.

We've reached Seoul finally!
@ Myung Dong... like Orchard Road in Singapore

The guys were getting a cuppa. Hubby & I like the Green Tea Latte. Nice!

Oh yes, it snowed again once we reached Seoul. :)

It's a day of shopping. After Myung Dong, we're driven to Dongdaemun. But things sold there were expensive from somewhere that looked like Far East Plaza. We would have to pay at least S$60 for a simple top. I only bought a necklace there.

Sinchon, another shopping venue.

Hubby bought 2 tops here:)

I began to feel unwell in the afternoon, while at Dongdaemun. Felt feverish. At night, we had Ginseng Chicken for dinner & I vomitted everything after that. Nearly couldn't make it to the room & I dirtied the whole vanity top. Took a rest after popping 2 panadol tabs... didn't even wash up & change. Poor hubby cleared the mess I created & took care of me. It could be a coincidence that I didn't wear thick enough that day & caught a cold. He washed our long john the night before & hanged them in the balcony instead of placing them indoor (heat from heater). It wasn't a wise choice as the morning dew had added on to the dampness. Hubby blamed himself for not listening to me but really it wasn't his fault. I am TOO weak. He didn't wear his too but he's alright. Thank God. After resting for an hour, I only had the energy to get up & wash my face. Hubby was so sweet to have gotten everything ready for me. My whole body was aching but I couldn't differentiate whether it's due to the fever or the after-effects from my ski session.

The next morning, I felt a lil better. But I think the fever made me lethargic as I kept dozing off on the coach & consequently, I didn't visit the Korean Ginseng shop while the rest did. But I was told I didn't miss out anything.

After some sleep, I was well enough to walk around Gyeongbok Palace, with an interesting past.

Around noon, those who extended had a free ride to the hotels we moved to (for our extension) while the other coach drove the rest to the airport. Majority of those who extended stayed in a small hotel conveniently located in Myung Dong. Whereas hubby & I chose an apartment, Fraser Place, near Namdaemun.

It's a very nice apartment with spacious living room & bedroom.

We felt we lived like the young & affluent Koreans whom we always see in the Korean dramas. Hee!

Interestingly, where we stayed for the first night was like a duplicate of a humble home. Second night's was better... newer & more spacious. Then, our luxurious home of 3 days.

In the afternoon, we walked to Namdaemun, the famous night market. Lotsa yummy local snacks along the street!

While trying to find our way back, we accidentally reached Myung Dong & realised it's actually not far away from our apartment!

The next day, I rested for most part of the day & hubby kept himself busy with the laundry. Thanks to him, we didn't need to do much washing when back. We only went out past 3pm.

It snowed again, for the 3rd time, during our stay in Korea. :)

Went back to Sinchon & then Myung Dong as I wanted to shop for cosmetics. No clothes for me, not at all, for this trip. Like to shop for my stuff leisurely.. which was why I couldn't get anything when we're there in a group previously. That's why I say hubby's my best shopping mate as he's always so patient.:P See, I still wanted to shop though I was quite ill... wouldn't want to waste our trip there. I would say the biggest attraction gotta be cosmetics & beauty products of certain brands. We paid less than half of the prices tagged here! Eg. my Skinfood B.B. cream.. I paid less than S$20 there.. & those from The Face Shop.. Missha.. Beauty Credit.... Also bought a range of B.B. cream from another Korean brand - Etude House.. too bad this chain store isn't available in Singapore.
So, I bought A LOT.

While I pampered myself with shopping, hubby gave himself more treats of the local snacks... hehe.

Having breakfast on the day of departure.
I looked sick right?

Besides offering a comfortable stay in their apartment equipped with very modern facilities, one big plus point of this serviced apartment is the convenience in airport transfer & it's cheap. We're told that normal taxi would cost us approx S$120 but this airport limo, which's less than a 3-min walk from where we stayed, only cost us a total of S$25. :)

I had my Wish fulfilled! :)

It snowed on the first night of our arrival!

See it now??

We returned last Wed night (about 10pm) & I only surface now because I am sick. We resumed work the next day (Thurs) and I was on medical leave on Fri. The medicine zonked me out so much that I couldn't bring myself to face computer for the past days. About my sickness, well that's another story to tell. Coming up soon.

Holiday mood

9 more hours... we'll be on a plane to Korea!

Started to get our stuff ready bit by bit since Mon but only packed last night around 12am.. & slept at 2.30am. Guess we could have a good sleep on board tonight. :)

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX12

We got a new digital camera for our Korea trip. Our 3.2MP Nikon Coolpix 3700 is about time to retire.

Bought it end of Jan & just nice for CNY pix too. If you notice nicer pix uploaded:) But of course some were still taken by my 3.2mp Cybershot phone cam out of convenience.

This is about a year old model, without too many features but suits us just right as it fits our budget ($280). And it's supposed to be the last (or few) model that's Made In Japan.

We don't know much about digital cameras. But based on the price & its features, we thought it's a value-for-money purchase. Even more convinced when everyone's impressed with the picture quality compared to the price.

Prepping for our Winter Holiday ~

Spent A LOT in preparations of our trip to S.Korea.

Got ourselves a feather+down coat each that can take up to -20°C. And accessories. We do have some but all are not suitable for any weather that's below 15°C. From our last experience in Paris (considering it wasn't that cold.. around 10°C then), it could cause lotsa inconvenience if we hadn't kept ourselves warm enough.

Initially we intended to take only 1 big luggage & a hand-carry for the both of us. But being a vain girl, I want to bring more inner pieces to mix & match, hee. Together with all the accessories which are bulky, don't think we can squeeze everything into 1 even by vacuum-packing.

We're still busy running errands & getting necessary items (been advised to even bring our own shower gel, toothbrush & paste... besides, also those that are necessary for travelling & for winter). Our schedule has become more challenging when many of my stuff are finishing just around this time - my shampoo & conditioner, cleansers, some skincare & makeup... & I gotta get them all at different places. It's my fault.. it simply didn't occur to me that I should have them replenished in advance.

Getting excited:) So far I've only experienced 2-3°C kinda weather, with no sight of snow. From the meteo report, there'll be slight snow in Seoul today. I hope to see snow falling from the sky when we're there!

Difference?

The left pic was taken on 1 Jan 08 & the right was taken on 9 Feb 08.

Notice any thing that's unusually different between these 2 pix?

Yep! My hair! It's grown 12cm long in 5 weeks.

Ok, I've actually gone for hair extension a week before CNY. :)

When it's first done up, my new hair was much longer... below my waist. The amazing part was I didn't redo my hair color... the extension just match mine perfectly. Not a single one discovered it's not my own hair.

The following day I went for a trim so my own hair could blend in better. I requested to shorten the length a lil but the stylist refused to do it as she thought it's a waste to cut too much of the extended hair. I didn't insist as I somewhat agreed. However, early next morning when I looked in the mirror (even before I brushed my teeth!), I was convinced I wanted it shorter... perhaps by 1 or 2 cm as the ends seemed a bit wispy.

The silly me decided to take it into my own hands since no one's willing to cut for me. And yes, I wasn't spared from the most typical disaster of cutting own's hair. I should have known it, right? First, the left was shorter than the right. Then the right was shorter than the left, & this went on several times. So you imagine what's happened to my hair :( The intended 2cm had become 5 - 6cm... As I was cutting my hair, I was also cutting my money... Sobz~ And the worse was, it didn't turn out right. I nearly couldn't leave home with this 'work' of mine. Hubby was so sweet to console me instead of chiding or laughing at me. Would have left lousy for the entire day if without his reassuring words.

During lunch that day, I went back to where I did my extension to seek help. The girl could only do simple trimming but it's useful enough. At least she managed to soften my blunt ends. So, I got myself busy with my hair for 2 days.

I wonder why I always make boo boos with the things I do. Bleah...

So this was my waist-length hair before the trims

Weak

Hubby & I went for the flu vaccination last Sat and only I get the adverse reactions. Doc called it a milder version of the real influenza. This shows how weak I am. :(

Feeling better today but the medicine just lulls me so much. Yawn~

Glad that I only agreed to help my boss at the airshow tomorrow onwards as I need time to recuperate.

Will be better

We've just recounted, so far every year we celebrated V Day differently...

- the 1st year, dinner @ JW Marriott in KL
- 2nd, dinner @ Oriental Hotel
- 3rd, dinner @ Swensen's (with mum)
- 4th, an extremely simple dinner @ Crystal Jade (I was sick)
- this year, Miss Clarity

By listing down, I can actually see an U-curve... hitting the lowest at the 3rd year.

And signifying a much deeper meaning than its original, we've both been through the highs & lows & sickness together on this day every year. But of course, I surely hope this will be an upward moving line from now on. Could be a lil too idealistic though.

My Valentine..

.. surprised me with a bouquet yesterday! :)

Early morning on V Day, a bouquet with a very cute bear was delivered to my colleague. We're all teasing her & like some of my colleagues, I thought gone were the days when I received flowers. Mainly because I've commented too many times that it's a waste of money & hubby somewhat agreed too.

Then around 10am, one of my colleagues told me there's a delivery for me & before he finished the sentence, I saw a man carrying a box with a bouquet of red roses walking behind him.

Much as I always say I don't need flowers on V Day as it would look more like a competition (comparing whose bouquet's nicer?) yet having to pay a hiked price for it, I was undeniably happy... felt so loved, so pampered.:) You know, there's always this dilemma of a lady... you don't want money spent unnecessarily, yet enjoy the sweetness of receiving flowers from your beloved.

But hubby knows that I don't need to receive flowers on every special occasion.

Bouquet was put in a box to prevent damages to the flowers. Thoughtful of the florist.

As we like almost anything (décors I mean) in burgundy, naturally red roses have been our latest fav.

We had a nice 4-course dinner @ Ms Clarity Cafe. Nothing fanciful but very affordable, we paid $60nett.. with a glass of wine/pax.

Another pic of my lovely flowers before we walked to the cafe. You'll see more of my flowers later as I so love my bouquet that I kept taking shots of it, haha.

Enjoying our candle light dinner.
We're given the best seats... tucked into a corner with optimum privacy ;) We didn't even request for that, thanks to the lady boss!

The 4-course dinner.
Nice food with excellent personalised service. When the lady boss knew the selection of main course wasn't to my liking, she asked the chef to specially prepare a chicken dish for me that's not found in their menu :)

Took some pix downstairs.

Honey, thank you for the wonderful day... muakz!

This CNY

Is the first year we're having proper celebrations as married couple, like mentioned previously.

初一:

Took a pic first before going to daddy's, then to AMK.
Had lunch @ in-laws'.

Relatives from both sides (FIL & MIL) were there... total about 50 people!
Amusing ourselves :)

Family photo

Planned to go for a movie together that evening. A few of us seconded CJ7 while the rest for Ah Long Pte Ltd. Eventually, we gave in. So in the late afternoon, after hours of snacking, bumming around & photo-taking, we walked to AMK Hub to get tickets for the 8pm show. Then some bites & chats again at Mac's.

Went home to take a shower before meeting again at the cinema lobby. Hubby, June & I were queuing for popcorns & drinks when I took a glance at our 8 tickets. And to my horror, I thought I saw 4.30pm on the tix. Took a 2nd & 3rd look in case my eyes were playing tricks. Still 4.30pm, date: 7 Feb. It was 7.50pm then. Told June & hubby & we all went blank for a moment. Went to the ticketing counter & spoke with the girl who issued us the tickets. She admitted it's her fault & re-booked us on the following evening's show as that night's slots were all taken up by then. We're very unhappy for having to make a wasted trip but frankly it's our mistake too for not checking. 6 of us went to get the tickets but none checked. Hmm...

Since we're already out, decided to go for ktv. Stayed till 12.30am & had fun.

初二:
Had lunch at home, like every year's 初二. Then went to 3rd aunt's (MIL's sis) place.

Aunt CT was lucky to have a big 'roof terrace' just outside her unit which is rarely used by neighbours who stay further.

Sent MIL home & met again in less than 2 hours for movie. Thereafter, we all drove to Sin Ming for supper at the famous prata place.

Reached home near 12am.


初三:

Lunch at 5th aunt's (mum's sis) place. Then to another aunt's (mum's brother's wife).


After the visitings, we sent mum & another aunt & her hubby (this one's 6th aunt) back to our home. We supposed to go for a movie but hubby didn't mind giving them a ride first :) Good also... I could claim my parcel from the guardhouse earlier. I made an online purchase & hoped to have it before CNY but it only arrived on Sat. We're all out when the UPS guy called. Told him to leave it at the guardhouse. Upon reaching home, I called the guardhouse so we wouldn't have to wait. But the guard said nothing for me! And there's no one by the name of Mustafa!

Just when we're wondering whether it's wrongly delivered to the development next to ours, the UPS guy called to confirm our suspicion.

On the way to next door to claim my parcel.

Yeah! Finally got my mis-delivered article :D

Hubby checking our mailbox

After solving the mystery, we headed to Causeway Point, intending to catch CJ7. But tickets were sold out for the 2 time slots that we wanted. So we went ahead to have an early dinner @ Crystal Jade.

Lion dance!

One of the lions who passed by our table posed for hubby... "It" was so near us that it couldn't fit into our camera hehe.

Returned home right after dinner... the earliest among the last 4 days (on CNY Eve we reached home also close to 12am & only slept at 3am+!). Watched [Lust, Caution], borrowed from hubby's colleague.

Sunday, besides the usual errands, we caught up with some rest.. but still not enough. And the thought of going back to work was just dampening.

迎春接福，万事如意！

Some thoughts

Caught up with a friend over lunch last Fri. A very nice lady in her mid 40s but unlucky in love. The husband has a mistress since 5 years ago & has already shifted out (to stay with the mistress) for 2 years. She didn't divorce the husband & has still been supportive of his career & activities. To their mutual friends, they're still a loving couple. She hopes that one day, he'd be moved by her love & come back. I was like "huh?".. how can this be possible? I mean, how can this woman be so magnanimous?? Any, or most, woman would have left saved the last bit of pride that's leftby leaving the heartless man.

In case you're thinking she's a needy housewife who heavily relies on her hubby financially... not at all. She's from a very wealthy family & has a good career herself. She has a group of close friends whom she hangs out with & she's almost a god daughter to the late President Dr Wee Kim Wee.

I'm the only outlet for her to pour her woes with no holding back, as she said it. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I don't know her husband & friends bah.

We talked about Chinese New Year and understandably, she's not looking forward to it.

In fact, we're so surrounded by couples with bad marriage & I'm pretty sure they are not looking forward to CNY too.

The number is a lil too overwhelming, particularly this year. Just how many am I talking about? I use both hands to count.

Most of them are in separation, including our neighbour whom we didn't expect as we heard no fights & always saw them together & looked loving. Another one, my ex-colleague, who's known to be a wife-doting husband. Just before Christmas, he called me at night wanting to meet. But I was already on my way home with hubby. I didn't sense anything amiss. Then about 2 weeks later, he rang me up at 5am+. Yep 5am+! He's so drunk that he's slurring... asked what I was doing then (!??) & wanted to meet me for another round of drinks. I asked him to go home instead. When I woke up, I called his buddy who didn't know his problems. Sensing he's issues related to his marriage, it'd be more appropriate for his buddy to help & he agreed to keep me in the loop. And I was right, his wife left him. I asked (myself) lotsa whys...

Others are keeping the family intact superficially for the children's sake. Which is why nowadays, when I see seemingly happy families out there, I tend to ask myself... is this merely a beautiful front? Are they actually living separate lives? Is the guy keeping a girlfriend outside? Or maybe the wife? I admit I've grayed things too much. Hubby thinks I have as well but he understands... Afterall, with so many around us heading towards this direction plus if you know what I've been through in the past, you'll understand too.

Oh well, it's CNY Eve. I shoudn't be talking about such unhappy things. You see, Vince & I are looking forward to the CNY celebrations. In comparison, those who're close to us are experiencing marriage breakdowns & we don't feel good about it.

Vince & I just feel grateful that we're able to enjoy the bliss & overflowing love for each other. What's happening just serve as a constant reminder to not take things for granted.

Let's cherish each other & be a blessing to those around. :)

Spring cleaning

We're busy packing & cleaning up at home since 3 weeks ago. Every weekend was tiring (except the last.. when it's more like a grooming weekend for us.. hee). I wasn't spared in the office too.

My desk was in a huge mess!

Zoomed in.
Mostly tidbits lying around the desk & in the cabinet. I'm guilty of munching while working.

Cleared! Like it more like this :)

Also threw away lots of papers that didn't need to be archived.

2 more hours ..................

I AM SO SLEEEEEPY.

And my hair & clothes exude food smell.