The lesson in life, never speak too soon...sigh.
I was so looking forward to my girlfriend visiting and staying with me this coming weekend. I was just cheekily telling her last night that at least the swine flu victims isnt near us. Then WHAM BANG, my friend told me that someone in my complex is infected!!! I hurriedly went to read the website and indeed, the 2 new victims back from New York on 23may are living smacked right in my complex. At least they aint in my block.
While its not exactly as malicious and potent as SARS, still, it's still rather worrying since its contagious. There's nothing much we can do except to ride out the "scare".
I was just wondering today, why was the already diligent cleaning stuff suddenly even disinfecting more regularly, and all the guards have a mask on and the disinfectant gel station placed at the counter. It just didnt occur to me that "danger" has struck nearby.... ?
My friends are joking on facebook that I probably shouldnt return home. Yeah right... just when I was planning a flight back to Singapore too. Guess I should just wait a few more weeks till the coast is clear to be sure I aint infected and carrying the virus further.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
R.I.P
I finally am forced to say "Farewell" to my long time companion - Nokia 7260... after years and years of faithful service, it finally has died on me despite my best of care.
I love this phone. It works beautifully, visually appealing to me and has never once thrown a tantrum on me. Now that it has "retired", I'm feeling kind of lost. Not because I am "mobile-less" but rather, I am overwhelmed by the idea of having to find its next replacement.
Buying a phone is an absolute chore. U would think its easy to find a sturdy phone, looks clean in design, works well and last long. Well, maybe not too long since they will become obsolete (software) in time to come like mine. I thought my "phone research" would be done in a flash but No...... i went to check various models and 45mins down the road, my eyes are blurry, head swirling, bombarded by so much love/hate reviews and I still have yet any decent idea of what phone to buy next.
So when I mourn the loss of my "best friend", no matter I must move on. It still look so pristine new despite after 4 years+. I hate to think its really dead.
Anycase, I have narrowed down to Nokia E51 or Nokia Classic 6120. Only because they are non slide, non clam, one solid candybar phone model and 3G. Hong Kong Nokia doesnt carry E51 for some reason. So I guess I have to wait till my next trip back to Singapore to get it if I do eventually decide on it. Otherwise, any other recommendations, anyone? Sigh
Meanwhile, bye-bye darling.
R.I.P
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Beauty Product Favorites!
Always wanted to compile this 10 must have beauty products list but never got round to it.
Girlfriends, if you still havent found the product that suit you, here's my top favorites which really worked for me at least! And if u are shopping for your wife, gf, consider this your options :)
1. Creme de La Mer Moisturing Cream (FACE Cream).
An ever skeptic to cosmetic products, I swear by this "miracle" cream. I dont use this everday but it really delivers when my skin is overexpose to sun/winter elements. Any dry or peeling areas showed obvious improvement even upon first application. The redness is soothe, and it hydrates your skin stopping any potential peel. (We did patch test) Another test it cleared for me was sensitivity test. While other leading brand products stung my face when it was feeling ultra sensitive, La Mer had no such effect.
2. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (HAND Cream).
This one is a keeper. Tried so many other brands and this absolutely maintained the moisture well and kept my hands supple despite constant contact to water due to washing and chores. Many other brands including organic ones simply disappoint and didnt live up to "Hydrating" expectations, or didnt have lasting effect.
3. Facial Cleanser ( and pre cleanser)
Menard (The purple and LS series). Hands down winner. Face never felt cleaner and brighter.
Black heads have disappeared.
4. Facial Mask/ Masque
Dermalogica Multivitamin Concentrate Masque. Good for those days u wanted to booast the hydration level or skin feeling drier than usual.
5. SHISEIDO Shampoo and Conditioner
Shiseido Tsubaki (white bottle) for normal/ dry hair type.
Tried the red Tsubaki version, doesnt work as well as for me. However if you have over-oily scalp, you might not like it. Then try Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo. (but its conditioner doesnt work well for me)
6. Body Moisturiser
Sadly, havent found any I liked.
Alternate choice was The Natural Source - Tropical Sugar Cane Moisturising Body Whip
7. CRABTREE Body Scrub
Crabtree La Source Shower Scrub. This is the BEST and only body scrub worth its salt!
8. Lip Balm
Dr Hauschka Lip Balm. It's non addictive and definitely no weird taste!
9. MAYALTHA Lip Treatment
The other winner which I consider more as lip (spa) treatment than balm wear is the TNS product. : MAYALTHA Naturopathic - "Better Fuller Lips".
It used to be under Daintree series when I first bought it and comes in the same tube except it was green colour. Now they changed the name but works the same. It has FANTASTIC Instant gratification if u have peeling and dry lips! Any one esp brides-to-be who wants fuller and luscious lips on her photoshoot day/ actual should apply this, leave it thick for 10mins, then wipe off before any lipstick. I call it my lips miracle cream.
10. Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel (Zit/ Pimple)
The only one that delivers and keep zits at bay. Works best when u first spot the zit (on the first day it appears) before it becomes full blown or red. If you catch it early, the zit disappears by the next day without a trace. However, I am not sure if it works for chronic acne skintype. Only tried it when I have those occasional zits. Recommended to 6 girl/ guy friends and they all swear by it.
Girlfriends, if you still havent found the product that suit you, here's my top favorites which really worked for me at least! And if u are shopping for your wife, gf, consider this your options :)
1. Creme de La Mer Moisturing Cream (FACE Cream).
An ever skeptic to cosmetic products, I swear by this "miracle" cream. I dont use this everday but it really delivers when my skin is overexpose to sun/winter elements. Any dry or peeling areas showed obvious improvement even upon first application. The redness is soothe, and it hydrates your skin stopping any potential peel. (We did patch test) Another test it cleared for me was sensitivity test. While other leading brand products stung my face when it was feeling ultra sensitive, La Mer had no such effect.
2. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (HAND Cream).
This one is a keeper. Tried so many other brands and this absolutely maintained the moisture well and kept my hands supple despite constant contact to water due to washing and chores. Many other brands including organic ones simply disappoint and didnt live up to "Hydrating" expectations, or didnt have lasting effect.
3. Facial Cleanser ( and pre cleanser)
Menard (The purple and LS series). Hands down winner. Face never felt cleaner and brighter.
Black heads have disappeared.
4. Facial Mask/ Masque
Dermalogica Multivitamin Concentrate Masque. Good for those days u wanted to booast the hydration level or skin feeling drier than usual.
5. SHISEIDO Shampoo and Conditioner
Shiseido Tsubaki (white bottle) for normal/ dry hair type.
Tried the red Tsubaki version, doesnt work as well as for me. However if you have over-oily scalp, you might not like it. Then try Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo. (but its conditioner doesnt work well for me)
6. Body Moisturiser
Sadly, havent found any I liked.
Alternate choice was The Natural Source - Tropical Sugar Cane Moisturising Body Whip
7. CRABTREE Body Scrub
Crabtree La Source Shower Scrub. This is the BEST and only body scrub worth its salt!
8. Lip Balm
Dr Hauschka Lip Balm. It's non addictive and definitely no weird taste!
9. MAYALTHA Lip Treatment
The other winner which I consider more as lip (spa) treatment than balm wear is the TNS product. : MAYALTHA Naturopathic - "Better Fuller Lips".
It used to be under Daintree series when I first bought it and comes in the same tube except it was green colour. Now they changed the name but works the same. It has FANTASTIC Instant gratification if u have peeling and dry lips! Any one esp brides-to-be who wants fuller and luscious lips on her photoshoot day/ actual should apply this, leave it thick for 10mins, then wipe off before any lipstick. I call it my lips miracle cream.
10. Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel (Zit/ Pimple)
The only one that delivers and keep zits at bay. Works best when u first spot the zit (on the first day it appears) before it becomes full blown or red. If you catch it early, the zit disappears by the next day without a trace. However, I am not sure if it works for chronic acne skintype. Only tried it when I have those occasional zits. Recommended to 6 girl/ guy friends and they all swear by it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Phuket aftermath
TWO indulging, self-deprecating adults sat back to review their sunny Phuket hols pixs...
5 mins of silence.
A loud simultaneous sigh......
Man: I have big guts.
Woman: I have big guts and fat arms.
Man: It's depressing. How did it get there.
Woman: My arms look disgusting. Look!
Man: Your arms look ok.
Woman: There is nothing wrong with your gut. It's not fat.
Man: It used to be so flat. Looks fat on every photo.
Woman: It's fine! No one can see them under clothes. My arms, disgusting arms. Gross.
Man: (*scrutinse pix further*)
Woman: My tummy is fatter than yours.
Man: (pause) You are still beautiful! I still love you.
Woman: yeah..still fat. (*depressed*)
................... 1 min passed.
Man: I'm going running. (walks out still rubbing his tummy)
Woman walks to kitchen, opens the fridge and helped herself to Choc Tim Tam and glass of full cream milk.
Such is life.
5 mins of silence.
A loud simultaneous sigh......
Man: I have big guts.
Woman: I have big guts and fat arms.
Man: It's depressing. How did it get there.
Woman: My arms look disgusting. Look!
Man: Your arms look ok.
Woman: There is nothing wrong with your gut. It's not fat.
Man: It used to be so flat. Looks fat on every photo.
Woman: It's fine! No one can see them under clothes. My arms, disgusting arms. Gross.
Man: (*scrutinse pix further*)
Woman: My tummy is fatter than yours.
Man: (pause) You are still beautiful! I still love you.
Woman: yeah..still fat. (*depressed*)
................... 1 min passed.
Man: I'm going running. (walks out still rubbing his tummy)
Woman walks to kitchen, opens the fridge and helped herself to Choc Tim Tam and glass of full cream milk.
Such is life.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Travel Log: Settling in Sala Phuket
After 4 beautiful days at Pearl Indigo Resort, we moved on to Sala Phuket Resort. http://www.salaresorts.com/phuket/
It was about 20mins drive away from where we were originally. Sala is actually nearer to the JW Marriott compound really, about 5mins drive away but I personally think its MUCH nicer than JWM.
One is welcomed by the wide water pond like feature, with the sleek black reception counter overlooking it, with several cages enclosed with glittering tearshaped crystal hangin from within
I like how the whole reception area opens up to a long stretch of open air and greens, straight through all the way to the beach front. It's pretty, zen like, and reeks of nothing but tranquilty and peacefulness.
I like how the whole reception area opens up to a long stretch of open air and greens, straight through all the way to the beach front. It's pretty, zen like, and reeks of nothing but tranquilty and peacefulness.
We arrived about 1.30pm and we got upgraded from a pool villa to a one-bedroom pool villa - for free. Fantastic!
The first villa we had was Villa 67 but we decided to swop for another similar villa the next day. Reason being we had a huge tree at the former villa and the birds were freaking noisy early in the morning -chirping away like at 5am. So much for being close to nature, not a great idea when u want to sleep in. The next villa 76 was MUCH better. Everything else was status quo, minus the birds and dropping leaves into the pool from tree.
I fell in love with the villa. The pool was nice and lengthy.
The rooms comes with french doors that opens out from the master and the living room. 
The 2 rooms are divided by a solid swing door. Each room is equipped with its own TV and DVD/CD player and minibar. The rain-shower and toilet were all outdoor. 
I thought it was really quaint. I like showering outdoors but it was abit odd and inconvenient having to leave the comfort of the room to take a leak outside. Especially so when you rose from the middle of your sleep in the middle of the night and you have to stumble out, wrestling the blackout curtains, and unlatching the door, and then ambling out to the loo. I wish they had provided some candles so that I can keep the are lit instead of being forced to leave a night lit on wasting electricity.
I thought it was really quaint. I like showering outdoors but it was abit odd and inconvenient having to leave the comfort of the room to take a leak outside. Especially so when you rose from the middle of your sleep in the middle of the night and you have to stumble out, wrestling the blackout curtains, and unlatching the door, and then ambling out to the loo. I wish they had provided some candles so that I can keep the are lit instead of being forced to leave a night lit on wasting electricity. 
Truth be said, there actually wasnt alot of insects but I (was) am paranoid. I grew up being a bitie-magnet so I tend to overimagine their existence, and one track mind to eliminate them. Esp in tropical where bities and mozzies are common. However, thank to my personal vendatta against all bitie things and vigilance in keeping the mozzie coil burning continously at the door and loo area, we were safe without a singular attack. Other than that, everything else was perfect.
Venturing out of the villa, we have 2 lovely adult pool. One being a straight deep lap pool. Lovely! 
The other side was also a long pool but mixed in with shallow bits for the kiddies. There were mattress laid out all comfy for one to doze in esp with the continous beach front wind blowing inwards. It was absolute paradise! In between, while hanging by the pool, they serve free longan tea drink, and around late noon, staff go around dishing out free fruit popsicles.
The other side was also a long pool but mixed in with shallow bits for the kiddies. There were mattress laid out all comfy for one to doze in esp with the continous beach front wind blowing inwards. It was absolute paradise! In between, while hanging by the pool, they serve free longan tea drink, and around late noon, staff go around dishing out free fruit popsicles.
There was only one restaurant here but they do ok though not fantastic.
The spa and massage was ok. They had the usual steam and sauna room which I didnt use. The rooms were nice but the therapists were average. I thought those at Indigo were much better skilled. I didnt try the private ones out at the beach that is a fraction of the cost (400baht/ hr). 
It was another lovely 4 days at Sala. As most of the guest would have their own pool withing their villa, most people didnt hang out by the pool. There werent much americans again, and most of the crowds were from Europe and Korea, mixed with couple of Thai locals.
It was only towards the last night when we head to JWM for dinner did we realise why we hardly saw any Americans. All of them were holed up in JWM. The place was swarming with them of all shapes and sizes. The minute we entered the lobby till we finished our dinner, voices, laughters came crashing at us from all angles at all times. The booming scene here was drastically and contrastingly different from our serene accomodation, where the birds alone made more noise than the human occupants.
The crowd at Sala were mostly couples. All nice quiet folks, without any tantalising scandalous story to spill.
I had a Mr Muscle-man Adonis lying next to me one day. I thought he looked really weird and out of proportion when he stripped down except his trunks. He was all beefed up on the upper torso, but with his teeny weeny tight white-trunk, the proportions was all wrong. He prob thought he looked marvellous, but personally, he looked gross to me. He looked ok with his boardshorts on but in that underwear thingie, it looked like he was being squeezed from waist downwards. Not a cool look. Perhaps beefy guys are just not my cup of tea. I like mine with a small inch of love handle to hang on to....
I didnt do much except hanging out some day at the pool, beating my husband at most card games. At one point, I couldnt resist yelling "VICTORY" while doing my victory dance and suddenly I heard a lady clapping, cheering me on. I turned around and this girl around my age was shouting from the end of the pool "Yeah way to go girl!!" I laughed while my poor partner suffer in "public defeat". Later before the girl and her bf left, she walked over explaining she had never won her boyfriend in any card games and thus, it was absolute delight when she saw me thrashing my husband. Finally, she find some comfort and taking delight in my husband's misery. Haaa haaaa. Her bf gloated and proudly declare he would never be beaten of course. It was funny.
There was another family, a Singapore woman with her Indian husband. While it was a common sight for anyone growing up in Sg, it must be a relatively unique and unheard marriage combination in Korea. The 3 korea couples had walked up to the family and asked to take their pictures. I guess they are gonna go home and tell their friends about this "rare" sighting.
Speaking of the Koreans, the men there must be the only race who didnt mind being seen with paper mask plastered all over their face in public places. I was so amused I had to take a shot at the guy with the mask on while he was busy with her camera.
I thought it was really funny when I see the Korean girls going "Oppa Oppa" and fussing over their boyfriends with sprays, cosmetic products, big shades, lip balm, lotion and all. It wasnt sissy or anything but still, it was kinda strange to see a man so comfortable laying there and be "pampered" with all the products as their gf get to work. My husband would personally never be caught with anything on his face apart from lip balm and sun screen. As a typical outdoor auzzie bloke, he would rather lob his head off than be caught dead with a mask on, ever. "Metrosexual" terminology is lost on him.
Much that I wish my face could be spared, unfortunately it turned brown after the week despite my best efforts with large flapping hat, sunscreen and staying half in shade. I lost the natural shine on my face, to be replaced by oily skin now. I forgot how tropical weather isnt exactly my best friend. I hate the heat drawing my zits back on. Brown is not a good look for me. Drats....more new freckles too. Sigh. Well, at least I had a heavenly week!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Travel Log: Experiences to share from Indigo
Greetings from the Ms slightly charred-face, back from the lovely blistering scorching hot Phuket.
The last time we were in Phuket was prob 5 years back and we had opted for JW Marriott. It was nice but as with any typical international hotel, it was safe in design and everything is at double the premium. So this time round, we tried 2 new luxury resorts instead - the Indigo Pearl Resort and Sala Phuket Resort for a change.
We had a lovely time.
Actually that would be an incorrect.
Truth was, we had a fking glorious freaking time there!
Two main reasons why the hol was such a great getaway. Firstly, there were hardly any loud American nor China-chinese in plain sight. Sure there was one or two there. Yet fortunately they belong to the gratifying civilised, cultured and considerate soft spoken ones. (No offence to people from there but we all know many people from these 2 ctries love to talk 24x7hr and has no concept of sparing other people from their loud booming conversation or nasal twang.)
The 2nd reason for the great hol was that there were NO noisy toddlers, babies, children within miles of my room as well as the pool we laze around in. In Indigo Pearl, there were 3 large pools. One was a dedicated adult and children pool, while the other 2 were strictly off limits to kids and children below 16yr (as one pool serve alco within). It was by far the best fking miracle for any holidays I have been to date. I mean what are the chances of that? A truly quiet tranquil getaway.
We stayed 4 day 3 nights in Indigo and another 4 day 3 night at Sala.
I first heard about Indigo resort when I was travelling to Bangkok for work and I got acquainted with this Brazil guy, whose friend was the designer for the hotel. He was telling me all about the resort and I had been pretty intrigued then. Throw in rave reviews from Trip advisor, I just couldnt resist.
Sala was a recommendation from my husband's colleague who also happen to be there within the same week. I didnt check out the place online before heading there so I had no expectation but I was truly completely blown away with its sleek contemporary feel, and the sense of space. Do u know what a great change in scenery it is from cram HK? The infinite green, long lap pools to indulge the swimmer in me, the beautiful SPICY food. Christ I forgot how much I miss those spicy hot cuisine.
We move one room type up from Kelly Quarters at Indigo because many reviews had said the room was small. So we had the suite with the outdoor bath tub and balcony and we had a really great room at 3237. The size was just right! It was smacked right between the 2 adult pools with a garden view between but relatively far away so you dont hear much noise. To the left was the infinity pool and to our right, the adult pool with mini bar.
We had the corner room on the 2nd level so we are position to catch the cross blowing breeze. The room had a separate and more than sufficient changing area, with a rod across to hang clothes rather than a cabinet. (Our corner room directly behind me from the infinity photo below)
The weather during the whole week was lovely. Heaven couldnt be kinder. It was mildly overcast the first 2 days and I had thought it was gonna be a drabby trip but hell was I wrong. The remaining week was bright, sunny and windy throughout the day, only raining in the middle of the night during our sleep, having it all cleared up again when we woke. Perfect!
The food at Indigo was pretty good. In fact we were spoilt for choice. There were so many restaurants to choose from - starting with Siamese food from Black Ginger, Western from Grill Rivet, and the Tin Mine buffet cafe. We had like 2-3 other cafes/ bars to choose from and honestly, everyday I was stuff beyond imagination. Breakfast was a great and delicious spread of asian and Continental breakie. I stuck to asia breakfast the whole hol of course. Why would I, brought up in Singapore, be eating only boring cereal and bread in the morning when I can a range of solid good minced pork porridge, noodles, dimsum and soup to pick from? The fruits was amazing. No, the MANGOES were amazingly sweet. People were fighting for it. I swear it's true.
A side story to Mango at breakie buffet.
Everyone was making a beeline for it. So u can imagine it was always gone in a flash. Yet, all the Caucasian men were just standing there. Not very bright to me considering there was a Thai woman standing just behind the counter peeling other fruits, but her line of vision to the fruit platter was blocked by the ornaments. So this is when I came into the picture. Rather than just hovering around and waiting for something to happen, I politely informed the lady that the mango ran out. She smiled and quickly get to work and started on peeling new mangoes. Now this is the part where I found it a little rich and distasteful for my liking. Those men who were earlier just surrounding the empty plates like vultures, forcefully stood before the mix fruit plates. I stepped back to make way for OTHER people to grab other fruits. Guess what?
When the thai lady barely place the mango down by the counter top next to her, all those waiting men simply rush in, reached over and stab at the mangoes to their plates like it was the last they will ever have. They just push off everyone else who happen to be there. Greedy guts. Over a mango to say the least. I got really fed up so I snuck in between them and grab the mango plate from them and placed it firmly back to the original fruit area. One of the man had the audacity to glare at me, when his plate was already full with 4-5 slices, and he wasnt even the first ones there. Arsehole. I ignore him of course and when I was done, politely relinquish the fruit picker to another lady who was Q'ing up behind me. I got my revenge seeing his red face and empty mango plate.
Anycase, they were only a small handful of people who didnt display much social grace.
There was another contrasting story that I really wanted to highlight.
They were the PERFECT example of how parents should behave with small kids in tow. They are truly one of a kind. The sort you want to hold their head, kiss their forehead and say "bless ur heart".
The story goes like this. We were having dinner at Black Ginger restaurant. It's the sort where more refined manners are expected though unspoken. Quiet conversation in the nice quiet ambiance. So stroll in this french speaking couple with their daughter about 6yrs and son about over 1yrs old. When I realise they were gonna be seated next to me, I wanted to sigh. Generally I hate gettin stuck at dinner next to children because you cannot control their behaviour or noises they make. If I could, I would avoid families like plague. To prove my point, the boy was restless and started whining away. I was almost resigned to my fate when 5 minutes into the seating and some serious low-toned discussion in french between the parents, the father stood up with the boy in his arms and told the waitress.
"I'm sorry but I have to cancel my dinner tonight. My son is making noise and I dont want to disturb other diners in the restaurant and spoil their lovely eve." The wife then stood up, apologised again and left together with the daughter. I was stunned. That was the MOST considerate and lovely thing the family did. How many parents esp on hols would do that? To sacrifice their dining experience because they didnt want to ruin the dinner for others? Most would stick to their diner and hope for the best. They are the first couple I know who are so sensitive to their surroundings. I was truly stunned and held much admiration for the parents. They are one hell of a living example to folks out there who had no qualms to leave their human products running amok in public, making a monkey nuisance out of themselves.
It's amazing how we live in the same world, but it produces such contrasting different behaviours. The desirable are often overshadowed by bad behavior but it is days like this that makes me optimistic that perhaps there is hope afterall, that not all parents out there, are blatantly selfish and oblivious to the "pain" they inflict on others with their kids...
The last time we were in Phuket was prob 5 years back and we had opted for JW Marriott. It was nice but as with any typical international hotel, it was safe in design and everything is at double the premium. So this time round, we tried 2 new luxury resorts instead - the Indigo Pearl Resort and Sala Phuket Resort for a change.
We had a lovely time.
Actually that would be an incorrect.
Truth was, we had a fking glorious freaking time there!
Two main reasons why the hol was such a great getaway. Firstly, there were hardly any loud American nor China-chinese in plain sight. Sure there was one or two there. Yet fortunately they belong to the gratifying civilised, cultured and considerate soft spoken ones. (No offence to people from there but we all know many people from these 2 ctries love to talk 24x7hr and has no concept of sparing other people from their loud booming conversation or nasal twang.)
The 2nd reason for the great hol was that there were NO noisy toddlers, babies, children within miles of my room as well as the pool we laze around in. In Indigo Pearl, there were 3 large pools. One was a dedicated adult and children pool, while the other 2 were strictly off limits to kids and children below 16yr (as one pool serve alco within). It was by far the best fking miracle for any holidays I have been to date. I mean what are the chances of that? A truly quiet tranquil getaway.
We stayed 4 day 3 nights in Indigo and another 4 day 3 night at Sala.
I first heard about Indigo resort when I was travelling to Bangkok for work and I got acquainted with this Brazil guy, whose friend was the designer for the hotel. He was telling me all about the resort and I had been pretty intrigued then. Throw in rave reviews from Trip advisor, I just couldnt resist.
Sala was a recommendation from my husband's colleague who also happen to be there within the same week. I didnt check out the place online before heading there so I had no expectation but I was truly completely blown away with its sleek contemporary feel, and the sense of space. Do u know what a great change in scenery it is from cram HK? The infinite green, long lap pools to indulge the swimmer in me, the beautiful SPICY food. Christ I forgot how much I miss those spicy hot cuisine.
We move one room type up from Kelly Quarters at Indigo because many reviews had said the room was small. So we had the suite with the outdoor bath tub and balcony and we had a really great room at 3237. The size was just right! It was smacked right between the 2 adult pools with a garden view between but relatively far away so you dont hear much noise. To the left was the infinity pool and to our right, the adult pool with mini bar.
We had the corner room on the 2nd level so we are position to catch the cross blowing breeze. The room had a separate and more than sufficient changing area, with a rod across to hang clothes rather than a cabinet. (Our corner room directly behind me from the infinity photo below)
Both the bathroom and the bedroom open up to the balcony.
The only thing that I thought could be improved was adding a shower curtain at the showering area. They forgot the cold draft can get in...I suppose its one trick to make one conserves water with shorter shower time :) I love the overhead fan but it creaks so much in motion that I didnt have the option of leaving it on.
The weather during the whole week was lovely. Heaven couldnt be kinder. It was mildly overcast the first 2 days and I had thought it was gonna be a drabby trip but hell was I wrong. The remaining week was bright, sunny and windy throughout the day, only raining in the middle of the night during our sleep, having it all cleared up again when we woke. Perfect!
The food at Indigo was pretty good. In fact we were spoilt for choice. There were so many restaurants to choose from - starting with Siamese food from Black Ginger, Western from Grill Rivet, and the Tin Mine buffet cafe. We had like 2-3 other cafes/ bars to choose from and honestly, everyday I was stuff beyond imagination. Breakfast was a great and delicious spread of asian and Continental breakie. I stuck to asia breakfast the whole hol of course. Why would I, brought up in Singapore, be eating only boring cereal and bread in the morning when I can a range of solid good minced pork porridge, noodles, dimsum and soup to pick from? The fruits was amazing. No, the MANGOES were amazingly sweet. People were fighting for it. I swear it's true.
A side story to Mango at breakie buffet.
Everyone was making a beeline for it. So u can imagine it was always gone in a flash. Yet, all the Caucasian men were just standing there. Not very bright to me considering there was a Thai woman standing just behind the counter peeling other fruits, but her line of vision to the fruit platter was blocked by the ornaments. So this is when I came into the picture. Rather than just hovering around and waiting for something to happen, I politely informed the lady that the mango ran out. She smiled and quickly get to work and started on peeling new mangoes. Now this is the part where I found it a little rich and distasteful for my liking. Those men who were earlier just surrounding the empty plates like vultures, forcefully stood before the mix fruit plates. I stepped back to make way for OTHER people to grab other fruits. Guess what?
When the thai lady barely place the mango down by the counter top next to her, all those waiting men simply rush in, reached over and stab at the mangoes to their plates like it was the last they will ever have. They just push off everyone else who happen to be there. Greedy guts. Over a mango to say the least. I got really fed up so I snuck in between them and grab the mango plate from them and placed it firmly back to the original fruit area. One of the man had the audacity to glare at me, when his plate was already full with 4-5 slices, and he wasnt even the first ones there. Arsehole. I ignore him of course and when I was done, politely relinquish the fruit picker to another lady who was Q'ing up behind me. I got my revenge seeing his red face and empty mango plate.
Anycase, they were only a small handful of people who didnt display much social grace.
There was another contrasting story that I really wanted to highlight.
They were the PERFECT example of how parents should behave with small kids in tow. They are truly one of a kind. The sort you want to hold their head, kiss their forehead and say "bless ur heart".
The story goes like this. We were having dinner at Black Ginger restaurant. It's the sort where more refined manners are expected though unspoken. Quiet conversation in the nice quiet ambiance. So stroll in this french speaking couple with their daughter about 6yrs and son about over 1yrs old. When I realise they were gonna be seated next to me, I wanted to sigh. Generally I hate gettin stuck at dinner next to children because you cannot control their behaviour or noises they make. If I could, I would avoid families like plague. To prove my point, the boy was restless and started whining away. I was almost resigned to my fate when 5 minutes into the seating and some serious low-toned discussion in french between the parents, the father stood up with the boy in his arms and told the waitress.
"I'm sorry but I have to cancel my dinner tonight. My son is making noise and I dont want to disturb other diners in the restaurant and spoil their lovely eve." The wife then stood up, apologised again and left together with the daughter. I was stunned. That was the MOST considerate and lovely thing the family did. How many parents esp on hols would do that? To sacrifice their dining experience because they didnt want to ruin the dinner for others? Most would stick to their diner and hope for the best. They are the first couple I know who are so sensitive to their surroundings. I was truly stunned and held much admiration for the parents. They are one hell of a living example to folks out there who had no qualms to leave their human products running amok in public, making a monkey nuisance out of themselves.
It's amazing how we live in the same world, but it produces such contrasting different behaviours. The desirable are often overshadowed by bad behavior but it is days like this that makes me optimistic that perhaps there is hope afterall, that not all parents out there, are blatantly selfish and oblivious to the "pain" they inflict on others with their kids...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Phuket Phuket here I come!
Yeah!!! Off to Phuket for one week from tomorrow! Finally, some sun and sea after so long.
Been looking kinda freakishly pale of late and some browning will really do me some good. On the flip side, being indoors for so long has also reduce the onslaught of freckles on my face. Then again, weather forecast thunderstorm for the whole week! Cross fingers that heaven will be kind to me for at least couple of days.
Going to try Hotel Indigo Pearl and another resort for the week. Have heard so much about Indigo that I figure its high time I go check it out. Would have return to Lombok if there were direct flights but not from HK apparently. Pity.
Well, hopefully the swine flu wont reach where I will be heading! Then again, its prob not much more riskier than staying in HK where it is densely populated anyway should the flu comes on with full frontal attack at Asia region.
Did anyone hear the joke on Paris Hilton when paparazzi asked her if she was concerned about the swine flu. The blondie never failed to shock one with her intelligence. She replied "I dont eat that."
Been looking kinda freakishly pale of late and some browning will really do me some good. On the flip side, being indoors for so long has also reduce the onslaught of freckles on my face. Then again, weather forecast thunderstorm for the whole week! Cross fingers that heaven will be kind to me for at least couple of days.
Going to try Hotel Indigo Pearl and another resort for the week. Have heard so much about Indigo that I figure its high time I go check it out. Would have return to Lombok if there were direct flights but not from HK apparently. Pity.
Well, hopefully the swine flu wont reach where I will be heading! Then again, its prob not much more riskier than staying in HK where it is densely populated anyway should the flu comes on with full frontal attack at Asia region.
Did anyone hear the joke on Paris Hilton when paparazzi asked her if she was concerned about the swine flu. The blondie never failed to shock one with her intelligence. She replied "I dont eat that."