Cool Genting

Hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on November 15 with a memorable vacation to Genting Highland. And it wasn't just the two of us. Our little angel went along too. It's our first family holiday together since our girl came into our life.



Although it was rather tough lugging two luggages and a toddler along on a flight-and-drive trip, we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We stayed at the Theme Park Hotel which is just a stone's throw away from the outdoor amusement park. The indoor amusement park is slightly further, but within walking distance at the First World Hotel.




We celebrated our anniversary dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant at the indoor amusement park. Hubby and I ordered minced prawn on sugar cane, Vietnamese fried rice wrapped in lotus leaves and grilled chicken lime leaves with fried sticky rice. Though it wasn't a candle-lit dinner, the ambience was quite romantic as we were seated by the man-made canal and watched people ride past in the gondola, just like the ones in Venice. Hmm...I could actually imagine myself in Venice.

But the best part of the vacation, apart from the cool weather, must be at the amusement parks where our girl has had a whale of a time trying out the kiddie rides like the Ribena Teacup, Flying Elephant, Carousel, Ferris Wheel and of course, the canal ride in the gondola.

Watching our angel shrieked in delight while having fun is such a blessing that no words can describe and no money can buy. Although the afternoon downpour somewhat dampened our joy as we could not continue the fun at the outdoor park, the experience of having fun as a family is priceless.



Although the weather at Genting was cool and even cold in the night, our hearts were warm and fuzzy as this is our first family vacation and it bonds us even closer.

Taipei Charms

After almost two years of not going for a vacation overseas, we finally managed to book the air tickets to Taipei for a five-day free and easy trip in October 2008.


I tried not to set too high an expectation of Taipei so that I will enjoy my long-deserved holiday without any pressure or pre-conceived expectations. So on the first night when we touched down in Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport, we headed straight for the hotel we have pre-booked on the Internet - the Wonstar Hotel at Songshan Road. After we have checked in and washed up, the night is still young and our stomach is growling. We decided to visit the Raohe Street Night Market, which is a 10-min walking distance from the hotel and situated near the Songshan railway station. Though it is not as famous or huge as the Shihlin Night Market, it is still an interesting and eye-opening experience as you can find all kinds of cheap buys, and exotic local snacks and delicacies in the night market, not to mention the thrills of jostling with the crowds and bargaining with the locals. In fact, this night market actually whets my appetite for more.

Shoppers' Haven
If you are thinking of revamping your wardrobe, a must-visit is the Wufenpu Fashion District, which sells all kinds of adult and kids' clothings at relatively cheap wholesale prices. We were fortunate in that our hotel was just in the vicinity of Wufenpu, so we could just walk around the area till late into the night as most of the shops there closed past midnight. As the Wufenpu area is rather large with probably over 100 shops, we have had the convenience of coming back more than once since our hotel is just around the corner. However, don't expect high quality design and material as most of these clothings are mass produced for wholesale or retail. It's a good place to stock up on your kids' clothes as you will be spoilt for choice. If you have an exclusive taste for more quality clothes, then look beyond Wufenpu to the very posh Taipei 101 Mall, Breeze Centre, SOGO and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department stores for an entirely different and upscale shopping experience.


Ximenting is to Taipei, what Myeongdong is to Seoul and Orchard Road is to Singapore. This hip and fashionable district in Taipei will appeal not only to the young and trendy but also the fashion-conscious yuppies and those who just want to soak in the hippy culture. If you are there, make sure you have at least one meal at this 2-storey eatery called (Lao Pu) Mei Guan Yuan located at 36 Ermei street. We had a simple but satisfying dinner of Omelette Rice and Pork Rib rice (with free flow of Chinese tea). The food tastes good and price is reasonable. After dinner, you can stroll around Ximenting, which has plenty of niche shops selling the latest gadgets, fashion clothes and accessories.


Another must-see when in Taipei is the much acclaimed Taipei 101 Mall. Standing at an impressive 508 metres tall, it is touted as the world's tallest building and lauded for its unique architectural design. The place is so posh that no slippers or slipshod attire are allowed in. For an admission fee of NT$400, you can take the elevator to the 89th floor observation level in just 37 seconds for a spectacular view from the top of the observatory tower. Between the 88th and 92nd floors is the world's largest tuned mass damper, designed to reduce earthquake and wind sway. An upscale mall, bookstore and restaurants occupy the lower level of the tower. Come New Year's eve every year, the building turns into a dazzling colors of fireworks display.


Old World Charm
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Taipei city is a tranquil and beautiful place called Danshui Old Streets. It is easily accessible via the MRT line from Taipei Main Station to Danshui Station. The former busy seaport is now a laidback little town where you can capture a flavour of the past. It's best to Visit in the evening when you can catch a glimpse of the breathtakingly beautiful sunset as the whole area is fronting the river with the mountains in the backdrop. We were there one evening and relaxed at a Dunkin' Donuts alfresco cafe, people-watching with a steaming cup of cappucino and a lip-smacking doughnut. There is also free entertainment from a street busker. We took a leisurely stroll along the river, watched the sun set and breathed in the fresh sea breeze. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby Lover's Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.


Like Danshui, Jiufen Hill City is another simple town with an old soul. But unlike Danshui which is easily accessible by MRT from Taipei city, Jiufen is much further up in the mountains. This former gold-mining town was built on a steep mountain slope, thus the whole area is very misty and cooling, and is said to rain almost 250 out of 365 days there. Hence Jiufen is also named as the "City of Sadness", which derived from the same name as the award-winning movie directed by famous Taiwanese movie director Hou Hsiao-Hsien, who used Jiufen as the backdrop for the movie which won two Venice awards in 1991. This quaint little town has a spectacular mountain and sea views at the top. You can spend at least half a day here visiting the many interesting shops selling antiques, traditional local delicacies like taro balls, snacks, tidbits and sweets, and specially hand-made souvenirs and handicrafts like the wooden clogs for both adults and kids. For a taste of authentic Taiwanese snacks and tidbits, you can also head down to this specialty shop named Vigor Kobo which sells popular sweets like the pineapple mini cakes, pork floss and all flavours of mochi, to name a few.

Eye-opening Day Tour
To explore further outside Taipei city, we booked a day trip to the Martyrs' Shrine, Jiufen, Yehliu Geological Park and Shihlin Night Market for NT$700 per person. It was quite value for money as it saved us a lot of travelling time and we were able to relax and just enjoy our tour instead of worrying about how to travel from one destination to another.


A trip to the Martyrs' Shrine was like taking a mini history lesson. The shrine was built to remember and honour the soldiers who had fought and sacrificed their lives in the war against the Japanese and the Communists. Look out for the changing of the guards ceremony which comprises the army, navy and air force soldiers. It was quite an eye-opening performance.


If you love nature and wants a taste of the outdoors, then you must not miss the Yehliu Geological Park. This ocean-front scenic area is similar to the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne. The oddly shaped stone and rock structures were formed as a result of years of eco-nature change of the sun, sea and wind. On closer look and using a little imagination, you may even see some rocks resemble the shape of animals. One, in particular, looks very much like a woman's head with a crown on top, hence the name "The Queen's Head".

Therapeutic Hotsprings
Besides food and shopping, Taiwan is also well-known for its hot springs. One of the more popular ones - Beitou Hot Spring - is a mere 30-min MRT ride from Taipei Main Station. When you are there, do drop by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum which reveals the 400-year history of the Beitou Hot Spring. The museum contains artifacts and photographs explaining the original public bathouses and the development of hot springs in Taiwan. Beitou used to be inhabited by the aborigine Ketagalan tribe, who called the fuming, sulfurous place "patauw" which means "witch" as they believed it to be the dwelling place of sorceresses. It's from this word that the name "Beitou" is derived. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum used to be the Beitou Public Bathhouse built by the Japanese colonial government in 1913. It was later transformed into a museum and historical site in 1997. Xinbeitou, an extension of Beitou, has mushroomed many hotspring houses and motels in recent years. The sulphurous spring water, ranging at temperatures of 52 to 75 degree Celsius, is said to be good for treating skin ailments, sore muscles and arthritis. However, those who are pregnant or have high blood pressure or heart problems are not recommended for hot springs. And do remember to bring along your swimsuit as most of the public hotsprings require customers to wear them.

All in all, Taipei is a unique city of old rural charm and hip urban chic. It's a place one should visit at least once to experience its contrasting beauty of the old and the new. But due to time constraints, this five-day vacation (28 October - 1 November) did not allow us to explore other parts of Taiwan. Perhaps if we return one day, we may take the express train to visit Taichung, Tainan and Kaoshiung.


Footnote: The motel we stayed in - Wonstar Hotel at Songshan Road - is value for money. For about S$100 per night, the room is small but fully furnished with a 32" LCD TV to boot. The room is also cosy and very clean. The best part of this hotel is that Wufenpu is just a stone's throw away from the hotel. The only gripe is the complimentary breakfast, which is the same every day and there is not much variety. But you can always choose to forgo the hotel's breakfast and opt for the many eateries around the hotel.

Mesmerising Mornington

Having been to Melbourne twice – the first time as a backpacker and another time on my honeymoon, both experiences were vastly different – I decided to venture out of the city when I was in Melbourne last month. So I booked a full-day tour to the Mornington Peninsula, which includes a visit to Nedlands Lavender Farm, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens.

Originally known as Anchor Point, the Mornington Peninsula is situated between the scenic Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. Just an hour’s drive from the city, I soon realized why this beautiful place is such a popular holiday escapade among the locals and tourists alike. The spectacular coastal scenery of the Peninsula region is almost breathtaking, not to mention the lush green hills, picturesque vineyards and the long stretch of white, sandy beaches dotted with colourful beach cottages and swaying palm trees. It’s truly a beautiful sight to behold, like a piece of Mediterranean paradise outside Melbourne. And the best way to appreciate such splendour beauty is to take the Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift which gives a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Peninsula region and Port Phillip Bay.

There is no lack of activity to do at the Mornington Peninsula. If you are a wine connoisseur, you must visit at least one of its 170 vineyards and taste the Peninsula’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But if you’re no wine lover, there is the Nedlands Lavender Farm where you can learn a thing or two about how lavender is grown, harvested and processed into essential oils, skincare products and even lavender biscuits, tea and chocolates. To me, wandering through the scented lavender fields and sniffing at the different varieties of lavender plants is the highlight of the Mornington trip.


Another must-visit farm is the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm – said to be Australia’s largest strawberry producer. It’s a sure delight for both adults and children as you get to pick your own strawberries fresh from the fields. Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will have to squat down frequently and walk on the slightly uneven strawberry fields. Besides strawberries, they also grow cherries and raspberries. After a rather backbreaking but satisfying experience filling up my tub with big ripe strawberries, I was really glad to take a rest at the café that serves homemade strawberry ice-cream, berries food products and their award-winning fruit liqueurs. The best time to visit the strawberry farm is during the harvest season between November and April.

If you love gardens and have never navigated a maze garden, a trip to the Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens, Australia’s oldest hedge maze with the world’s first circular rose maze, will leave you a refreshingly memorable experience. If you are not too keen in navigating the maze, there is the enchanting water garden with gushing fountains and colourful flower beds that is so pretty it looks like it comes straight from a fairy tale storybook. And don’t leave the place without trying their homemade chicken pie at The Maze Café. It’s absolutely delicious and I must say the best chicken pie I’ve ever tasted!

Those who have a penchant for art and heritage will be glad to know there are hidden treasures to be discovered at the many art galleries and antique shops on the Mornington Peninsula. Or if you prefer the great outdoors, you are definitely spoilt for choice as there are several options to select from: horseback beach rides; swim with the dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay; bushwalking in one of their bush lands and national parks; take an eco-tour to French Island to cuddle up close with the koalas, wombats and other wildlife; or simply take a leisure cruise for some dolphin watch.

And if you want to have some self-pampering after all the outdoor activities, there is no better place than the Peninsula Hot Springs, said to be the only natural hot springs in Victoria, Australia. Soaking in their therapeutic hot mineral springs baths and complete with a rejuvenating massage or beauty treatment must be every woman’s dream indulgence, and what better way to round up this mesmerising Mornington trip!

Freewheeling Perth

Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, I find the pace of city life in Perth a lot more relaxed on a recent trip there. This metropolitan city in Western Australia, with its population of about 1.3 million, still retains much of its old world charms in many of its historic buildings, a must-visit is Fremantle – touted to be the world’s best preserved 19th century seaport.

Located on the mouth of the Swan River, this beautiful port city, also affectionately known as ‘Freo’ to the locals, boasts an artistic ambience and colonial heritage architecture with its many alfresco cafes, restaurants, art galleries and of course, the popular Fremantle Markets. Make sure you arrange your vacation to include the weekends as the colourful markets bustle with activities from Fridays to Sundays. It will definitely satisfy the shopping bug in you with its many interesting stalls and quirky finds. When you’re tired from the shopping, just stop by a café and order a cup of freshly brewed coffee or an ice-cream, and catch some street performances. I recommend you try the fish and chips here too. It’s very fresh and absolutely one of the best I’ve tasted! A great way to admire the beautiful Fremantle port is to take the scenic Captain Cook Cruise from Fremantle back to the Perth city. You can watch the lovely sunset as you sip a glass of the Australian fine wine on the cruise.

For the shopaholics who are also food-lovers, Subiaco is one hip place you do not want to miss. It’s known for its designer boutiques, fine art galleries, and many alfresco cafes and restaurants selling fusion food and other international cuisines. If you like weekend markets, the Station Street Markets which is just a stone’s throw from the Subiaco train station, and the nearby Subiaco Pavilion Markets are just up your alley.

Even if you don’t drive, getting around in Perth city is relatively easy as you can take the TransPerth train from the suburbs to the city. Within Perth city, you can catch free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses to some of the tourists spots.

One of the main shopping hubs in Perth city is London Court. Built in 1937 as a residential and commercial premises for wealthy gold miners, the place is now a unique, Victorian-style retail walkway lined with many specialty boutiques and some cafes. I was pleasantly surprised to discover some rare finds in this shop named Proost, which sells all sorts of jams, dips, sauces, olive oils and some lavender skincare products from the Margaret River. Some of you may be thrilled to find collectible dolls and handmade designer bears in assorted clothing in this shop Meem’s. You will have lots of varieties to choose from. For those with a penchant for hats and accessories, do drop by the shop Passchendales; or if you are a die-hard chocolate lover, John Walker Chocolatier has plenty to offer.

When you’re in Perth city, you may want to visit the Hay Street and Murray Street Malls, where you can find the bigger departmental stores like David Jones and Myers. Prices there are not cheap, though. And if you prefer bargain finds and some quirky buys, try the smaller shops at nearby Piccadilly and Plaza Arcades.

Some people swear by designer brands and are always on the lookout for big sale and discounts on their favourite brands. I’m not a fan of designer brands, but I do find Harbour Town Outlets, a 2-storey shopping hub where you can get designer brands at up to 60 percent discount, very alluring indeed. You can find diversified brands like Ed Harry and Roger David for men’s wear; Country Road and Olga Berg for ladies’ bags; Fila, Nike and Esprit outlets for sports wear; Valley Girl Factory Outlet and Table Nine for ladies’ fashion; Sheridan Factory Outlet for bedlinen and homeware, just to name a few. Spend at least half a day here and go through all the outlets leisurely, you will definitely find some great buys to add to your designer collections.

Ok, enough of shopping. Let’s do some sightseeing.

If it’s your first time in Perth, the best way to get a quick tour of the laidback but beautiful city is to hop onto the City Explorer tram, and it will bring you around some of the interesting historic sites like Kings Park, the Swan Bells Tower, Perth Mint, and Perth’s signature Burswood Entertainment Complex and Casino.

If you have more time in Perth, you can rent a car or book a day tour to renowned attractions like the spectacular Pinnacles – a unique desert created out of rare geological formation. The 11-hour drive up to the Pinnacles may be a bit exhausting, but the breathtaking scenery of nature’s beauty is surely worth the trip.

For the wine connoisseurs, you wouldn’t want to leave Perth without visiting the Swan Valley – just 20 minutes away from Perth and well-known for its award-winning wines. The wine tour will enable you to visit some of the beautiful vineyards and wineries, where you get to taste different varieties of Australia’s finest wines, and even buy back some liqueur chocolates from the chocolate factory there.

If you are a nature-lover, another great getaway is the Rottnest Island, named after the native marsupials called ‘Quokkas’ which look like the cute version of rats and are commonly found on the island. Here, you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, hike or cycle around the island. Or simply laze by the pristine beaches and watch the world go by.

The best time to holiday in Perth is during spring from September to November, or autumn from March to May. Summertime is too hot as the temperature can rise up to 40 degree Celsius!

Looking back on this Perth vacation, I must say the memories that still linger on are not so much the shopping sprees that my aunt brought me on the few days I was there. It was the lovely smell of the lavender and rose plants in the back garden of my aunt’s little cottage house, the companionship with my aunt watching back-to-back CSI TV shows till late at night and of course, the most unforgettable fish and chips I’ve ever tasted in my life!

Beijing Beckons

Some people say Beijing is not as exciting as Shanghai or as picturesque as Suchou, but this Chinese capital has its unique attractions too. The Tiananmen Square, which occupies a 44-hectare area, marked several historical events in particular the tragic 1989 Cultural Revolution that killed thousands of students who protested against the ruling communist party. Though it’s more than a decade when I stepped on the ground of the Square, there were some sentiments for the innocent blood shed there.

Then there is the Forbidden City – undergoing renovation works (when I was there last April)for the upcoming Olympics in 2008. It’s beneficial to pay for a guided tour to these attractions as the tour guide would explain the historical background and share other interesting gossips of the places you visit. For example, did you know that there are 9,999 rooms inside the Forbidden City because the number ‘9’ symbolizes power? Or, the colours purple, yellow and red predominate in the Forbidden City because purple symbolizes royalty, yellow for power, and red a symbol of happiness and luck?

Of course, you must not miss a trip to The Great Wall. This world-famous landmark, also hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a true test of one’s fitness and endurance as not everyone could make that tedious climb to the top. But the breathtaking view at the top is well-worth the effort. The best time to visit The Great Wall is spring when it’s not too hot as in summer, too chilling in winter, or too windy in autumn. Still, the wind can get pretty strong up there (your hat may get blown off!). The air also gets very dry the higher you climb. While you are having a great time at these tourist attractions, be alert and look out for pickpockets and pushy touts – which are quite rampant in the tourist areas.

Beijing is also a great place for shopping if you know where to go. If you are looking for silk clothing or souvenirs, Silk Street has almost every silk item for anyone. Located not too far from the China World Hotel, the shopping centre sells mainly silk dresses, cloths, accessories and even pearl costume jewellery. But make sure you bargain as the prices are usually marked up.

For those who have a penchant for jades, the Beijing Long Di Jade Carving Factory is one place you might want to drop by. Here, you would get to see how jade is being molded into exquisite jewellery, accessories and antiques. You would also learn how to differentiate between authentic jades from the fakes. Though prices here are fixed, you can try bargaining if you are genuinely interested to buy.

The ultimate shopping haven is really at Wangfujing Street, where you can grab interesting souvenirs for just S$2. The long stretch of shopping street is fanned by rows of retail shops selling all kinds of assorted souvenirs, clothing, watches, jewellery and food products. Around the corner is the Wangfujing Food Street with many small eateries and restaurants, including McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken that span two storeys. The Food Street is also where you can try unusual exotic fare like the ‘live’ wriggly bugs I saw in one eatery.

For those who want to shop in style, there are the bigger departmental stores like the Sun Dong An Plaza and Dong An Department Store, where you can find familiar brands like BreakTalk, StarBucks and Haagen Dazs. The Malls at Oriental Plaza is another huge shopping mall at Wangfujing Street. It houses international brands like Paul Smith, Valentino, Givenchy and Dunhill, for the well-heeled shoppers. It’s no wonder Wangfujing Street is the favourite shopping haunt for both the locals and tourists in Beijing.

Seductive Seoul

If you’re holidaying on a budget, splurging on a luxurious hotel may not be a wise choice. Do your homework before you set off. The Internet offers a myriad of hotels and accommodations of varying standards and budgets. I managed to find the Uljiro CO-OP Residence – a no-frills apartment that comes equipped with a tiny kitchen with basic utensils for cooking and boiling water; a bed, wardrobe, table with TV and an attached bathroom. But don’t expect any bathroom luxuries, bring your own toiletries.

The good thing about this apartment is its reasonable price at S$110 per night, for its prime location near the Dongdaemun Stadium station and major shopping malls that open till five in the morning. The famous Dongdaemun night markets are just a stone’s throw away, so I actually saved on transport fare. Right across the street from the Uljiro are also many small eateries and family-run restaurants. You can’t ask for a better located accommodation at this price.

Tips: Make sure you go to a reputable website to book your accommodation online. The Korea National Tourism Organisation’s official website also provides online hotel bookings amongst other useful information of touring in Korea. Armed yourself with as much information as possible, since travelling free and easy in a country that speaks mainly Korean can be quite a challenge.


Shopping Haven
Shopping in Korea is said to be the next best alternative to shopping in Japan, as you can find the trendiest fashion for the season at much lower prices than in Japan. Korean brand skincare products are one of the best buys as they cost much lower than those you find off the shelves in Watson. Imitation branded goods like bags and wallets are aplenty, so you can now get that Prada or Gucci bag without splurging a fortune. But the best part about shopping in Korea is that some of the malls are open till five the next morning!

Dongdaemun
Just about 10 minutes’ walk from my hotel, I came upon the swanky Doota Mall (at Doosan Tower) – an upscale shopping mall with a revolving door and nine storeys of the latest fashion craze in Korea. I was especially fascinated with the unique names associated with each level, such as Cherry Zone, where you can find sexy lingerie, nail bar and even tarot reading service; Character Zone, which highlights individualistic fashion wear for young women; and Dandy Club, where you can get a pair of local designer jeans for about 68,000 won (approx. S$108).



If you’re a shoe or bag lady, head straight to the Shoes & Bags Plaza on the fourth floor. Here, you can find a galore of the latest and hippest shoes and bags that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Go for brands like ‘Salt’ if you like boots and high-platform shoes; or ‘La Lori’ which sells hand-stitched sequined bags and hand-painted bags of various colours and creative designs; for trendy belts with quirky buckles, look out for the brand name ‘Arnaldobassini’. If you love brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Dior but are not willing to burn a hole in your pocket for them, check out the fake branded bags that look and smell like the real thing! But there are no price tags, so you might want to bargain. My only grouse was the sales assistants here don’t speak English, so communication was a major problem. You may have to use hand gestures or better yet, bring a pen and notebook to facilitate your bargains. Tired from the shopping spree? Take a rest and sip a cuppa at the Café Festina Lente. A cup of latte here costs 2,800 won (slightly over S$4), though. If you want to save your moolah for your shopping, bring your own bottle of water.

The other modern shopping malls in the vicinity include Hello A/PM (don’t ask me why it’s named that way), Migliore and Freya Town, which boasts over 3,000 stores selling men and women’s fashion, leather goods, gadgets, as well as a floor devoted to children’s goods and toys. Prices are not cheap in these malls, but you may get some 20 per cent discount if you shop in the wee hours as most of the shopping malls here are opened till five in the morning.

If you’re still bouncing like an Energiser Bunny after all the mall-hopping, you might want to drop by the famous Dongdaemum night market just around the corner for some good bargains. This mega-sized, open-air market boasts an enormous number of shops and stalls selling everything under the sun at wholesale prices: from clothes and accessories, Korean souvenirs and artifacts, to food and skincare products. You might even come across the occasional stall selling pungent fried bugs. Try it if you dare.

Myeong-Dong
My fave shopping experience was at Myeong-Dong, which reminds me of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road. Just take the subway and alight at Myeong-Dong station. Lined with hip fashion boutiques, upscale shopping malls and numerous eateries, it’s the most fashionable shopping district in Seoul and very popular amongst the young Koreans. Be adventurous to search out the smaller eateries for authentic Korean food that won’t set you back by more than S$10. In the evening, street stalls start appearing outside the swanky malls selling Korean souvenirs and knick-knacks. You can get some good finds like T-shirts and socks with branded logos such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and D&C, as well as fake branded handbags like Gucci and Prada that cost around 45,000 won (S$72) onwards. However, bargaining can be a challenge as most of these Koreans don’t speak English. Over at the UTOO Zone shopping mall, prices are on the high side, so if you’re on a shoestring budget, you may skip it and shop at the smaller retail outlets in Myeong Dong where prices are cheaper. My best buys here include some Korean brand facial masks at less than S$3 per piece, and this gem of a pair of Louis Vuitton sandals (imitation ones that include other brands like Gucci, Prada and Fendi) for just 10,000 won (about S$16).

Itaewon
Of all the places in Korea, this is where you would find the most foreigners because the U.S. army base is located here. Communication is also easier as most of the shop assistants here could speak some English. But personally, I found shopping in this area quite a letdown compared to the other areas in Myeong-Dong and Dongdaemun. There isn’t much to see at Itaewon, except for a long stretch of streets with shops on both sides. There are several western eateries here like Outback Steakhouse, Subway and KFC, so if you are not big on Korean food, you would be grateful for some western fare and finger-licking fried chicken.

Tips: Most of the fashion wear at large shopping malls are a little pricey. If you’re budget conscious, go on a shopping spree after midnight at those malls that open till five in the morning and you might be lucky to get some discounts. If fashion is not a criterion, the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun night markets which boast a wide variety of goods at wholesale prices are better bets to satisfy your shopping lusts. Bring a mini calculator to bargain since English is not a common language in Korea.

Must-Try Korean Foods
There is no lack of eateries and restaurants in Korea. In every lane and alley, you will likely find a small family-run eatery offering authentic Korean food at reasonable prices. I tried one that is just across the street from the Uljiro CO-OP Residence apartment where I stayed. For just 4,500 won (S$7), you can have a big bowl of udon noodles garnished with lots of ingredients like shellfish, vegetables, mushrooms, fish cakes and steamed rice cake in a rich, tasty broth – a great meal to kick off on a cold freezing day.

Tips: Eat with caution as the spoon and chopsticks used are made of metal and can be scorching when dipped in a bowl of piping hot soup. Expect some communication hiccups when ordering your food as these family eateries are usually run by Koreans who do not speak English. Take a chance, look at the pictures on the menu, point at your orders, and pray for the best.

There are some Korean foods you absolutely have to try at least once. The bulgogi, or Korean beef marinated in a savory sauce and cooked over charcoal on a stone or metal plate till soft and succulent is usually served with rice and side dishes like kimchi and pickles.

The other well-known Korean food is the ginseng chicken soup whereby a whole young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, chestnuts and other herbs, then boiled in a rich thick broth for many hours.

One of my favourite Korean foods is the bibimbap, a common and colourful Korean dish which comprises rice mixed with different kinds of vegetables, beef strips, eggs with a dose of sesame oil and a pinch of chilli and pepper thrown in for extra flavour. It’s a healthy meal with lots of fibre and is very filling.

Korean foods are easily accessible at the Korean eateries and restaurants, even food courts that are inside every shopping malls, but the best way to experience authentic Korean foods at cheap prices is really at those small family eateries or make-shift roadside stalls. A substantial meal for two would cost not more than S$20. My only grouse is the communication barrier, so make sure you know what you are ordering; or just be game enough to try anything even if it turns out not what you have ordered.


Useful Tips
When I was there in late March, the weather was freezing cold though it’s end of winter and beginning of spring. Temperature can go down as low as minus 9 degree Celsius, and only as high as 12 degree Celsius. Bring appropriate clothing.

Try not to take the subway to and from the airport. The numerous stairways will be a hindrance for those carrying a lot of luggage. The efficient public transport system here makes travelling relatively easy. But make sure you are armed with a local map in case you get lost. And don’t bother to ask for directions as you are likely to get replies in Korean.

Sunny Hawaii

If you like spending a vacation at a sunny, tropical paradise with the wide blue sea, pristine white beaches and swaying palm trees as the picturesque backdrop, Hawaii is the perfect holiday destination you have to go at least once in your lifetime.

I visited this tropical paradise with my beloved husband and we had the privilege to stay at his aunt’s house overlooking the beautiful lake. It was very mesmerizing sitting in the living room in the evening, looking out at the peaceful lake and watching the beautiful sunset with your loved one.

Hawaii is the perfect dream vacation for those who do not want too adrenaline-pumping adventure or hectic sightseeing from places to places. Here, you can just cast your cares away and relax by the beach, do a bit of sightseeing or a spot of retail therapy at some of its shopping malls. Time is at your leisure and there is no tour guide to rush you from one place of interest to another.

A must-try, though, is Hawaii’s signature dish – a yummy plate lunch comprising the Japanese-style sticky rice, BBQ chicken or teriyaki pork and my favourite macaroni salad. You can get this popular meal at the Loco Moco Drive Inn for just US$3 for a mini plate, or US$5 for a regular plate fit for two. To my utmost delight, my father-in-law can whip up a mean good macaroni salad that is as good as the ones I tried in Hawaii. His macaroni salad is so good (seriously!) that I have been encouraging him to make it for sale when he retires. Perhaps then, he could set up a small eatery and I shall name it 'Papa’s Kitchen'.

Of course, when you are in Hawaii, you must make a trip to its beautiful Waimanalo Beach. The sand is so pristine white and the sea so deep blue that they form a breathtaking picture against the clear blue sky and white fluffy clouds. A visit to the Pali Lookout, located at the Nuuanu Pali State Park, is also a must. Here, you can get a scenic bird’s eye view of Kailua and the north shore of Oahu.

For those who must have their retail therapy on their vacations, Hawaii will not disappoint. Visit the Aloha Tower Marketplace which comprises mostly boutique shops selling Hawaiian handmade crafts and souvenirs, restaurants and a food court named Food Lanai, where you can dine overlooking the sea. The chocolate-lovers must drop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory here, which sells an assortment of chocolates including the sugar-free ones. Good for those who are diabetic or who are watching their calories.

Ala Moana Shopping Centre is another major mall that includes an outdoor shopping area with numerous well-known brands like The Body Shop, and Crabtree & Evelyn. It also has a huge food court where you can find international food from Vietnamese, Thai, to Western and even Singaporean delicacies.

For a different retail experience, try the Ward Centers and Waikele Premium Outlets – both of which are like a shopping village on its own with clusters of small but unique shops. And don’t leave Hawaii without visiting the popular weekend Aloha Flea Markets. Here, you can find some really good bargains and quirky buys if you dip deep enough through all the hundreds of stalls. Be sure to go early in the morning when the market opens at 6am, before the hot noon sun comes out. As the market is located at the open stadium, it can get scorching hot shopping in the open-air under the afternoon sun.

For all the memories Hawaii has brought me, the most indelible one must be the people and pace of living there. The Hawaiians really know how to stop and smell the roses in life. Their unhurried lifestyle and sunny disposition are something that cannot be replicated back home in Singapore. And much as I love my birth country, I also miss the relaxed pace and sunny smiles in Hawaii.