Dear diary,

17 captioned photos to summarize my journey to the south:

Arrived in Singapore during the evening. Stopped by East Coast Park to cycle. Rented an electric blue bike to match my blue shirt.

Pretty bell on the bike.

Mom chilling at the rest area.

I was a very happy person getting to cycle, it has been more than 5 years I have not rode a bike.
Rental is $6 for 3 hours. It started drizzling after a while, but it did not bother us.
The basket in front of the bike was great, so that I could carry my DSLR while cycling, in case there’s something worth snapping.

Spotted Birdy. Was wondering what happened to its head. why is it featherless?

Nostalgic seaside, before it started drizzling.

Waiting for something, have nothing better to do. Guess how I got this effect!

Optical Illusion. A building that looks like a piece of paper.

During the night, we took a stroll along Marina Bay Sands, a stone’s throw from Youth Olympics’ venue. Breathtaking view!

3 cheerful people in the foreground, Olympic Torch in the background.

View was superb! The Singapore Eye can be seen from the bridge.

Have not been into Casino in my life, decided this’ll be the first time.

Marina Sands Bay, the interior. Impressive architecture!

Entering the city – Monochrome Signage.

Orchard Road during the day.
One thing I love about Singapore is the bustling city and the trendy well-dressed people on the streets.

Bought a pair of discounted Charles & Keith.

Tried to be friends with Choco!

Had lotsa fun, especially having sis around.

Dear diary,

Maybe it’s because of the late nights and tension, i’m feeling very worn-out and demotivated.

It has been a week, or more.

No sense of fulfillment.

Being negative like this certainly won’t help.

Cannot lose my drive.

Maybe a break is all I need. I would like to think so.

The fun that your pet brings you.

Dear diary,

Discovered a very cute iPhone app today, must share!

Name: MARRONmini

Kawaiified a photo of my shelves! ☆〜（ゝ。∂）

Dear diary,

The theme was Monster.

I went as ‘a dead woman’s soul’, not quite monster.

Gorgeous Vernice.

Nicholas, very into character.

Spotted 2 domokuns!

And a cookie monster.

Lovelies

Dearies.

We were all at the LG Cookie Monster Party. Wish I’ve taken more photos!

Since we’re talking about hip things here…

Just found out about the Munchy “Mimic to the Muzic” contest!

Basically you’ll just have to get a pack of Muzic Wafer Pack and shoot a 30 seconds (or less) video of you doing the Muzic Wafer Jingle in the most creative way! Goto the Gallery for some inspiration. Only a few submissions so far…high chances to win! They’re giving away iPad, iPod Touch and Munchy’s hampers!

Submit your video here by 5 August! One more weekend to work on it.

Dear diary,

Picked up Nihongo (にほんご), not only for the fun of learning an extra language, but also with the intention to learn a new culture. With that in mind,  of course the annual Japanese Cultural Festival – Bon Odori not to be missed.

Consistent paper lanterns in the stadium.

Vibrant Japanese food stall’s Signage.

Against the backdrop.

Parked the car 2 km away, had a Lemon Sorbet at Sakae Sushi’s booth. Downed an Australian imported Beer called VB, snapped a few pictures and brought home a fan which somebody left on a bench.

Next Monday, I shall initiate a conversation with Nakao Sense:

わたしわどようびぼんおどりへいきました。

Dear diary,

I received a blue Babushka doll five years ago.

It was my first Russian gift from da-jie. Every year she would carefully select something for me from that side of the world.

Soon it’ll be the sixth year and I’m more than excited for your homecoming.

Few days ago, dad & mom brought home a few Babushka dolls. As they unwrapped them, they were telling me about their shopping adventures, of their glorious successful bargains. I enjoyed their stories.

I picked one doll with the best paintwork.

The typical Russian one.

Dear diary,

I have a new favourite picture, and a quote to go with it:

“A smile is a curve that sets everything right.” -Phyllis Diller

(Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Lens)

ありがとう for the lovely photo.

Dear diary,

Bali, a destination overwhelmingly popular with local bloggers and Facebook users.

#1 Ngurah Rai Airport

“At least once to see how it’s like”, that was what I thought. Plus, have got free air tickets in exchange of daddy’s Enrich points. And after Japan currency exchange & winter’s jolt, Indonesian currency exchange & tropical weather does feel much more admissible.

5 days 4 nights and it was great, memorable and adventurous. Yet another self-planned vacation.

#2 MAS food was alright. Service wasn’t that great though, maybe cos it wasn’t long haul.

Being paranoid about the bombing tragedy, which was quite unnecessary, I was pretty focused hunting for a less popular hotel yet at the same time, eliminating seemingly dodgy & lousy ones. Super particular about accommodation but stingy at the same time.

Shortlisted a few. One of it called Puri Bambu at RM210 per night (with extra bed), has got very good reviews, was slightly doubtful though. But eventually, I made a 4 nights booking through asiarooms.com – been using them a lot. Apparently chatted with this Singaporean couple during breakfast and they decided on this hotel because of the reviews too. The power of internet.

#3 Welcome drink

#4 Simple yet elegant room

Turns out I was quite doomed the first night because it was out-of-town, very isolated, very quiet, I can hear insects buzzing. Breakfast variety wasn’t that great. But on second thought, it was kinda peaceful. I learned to appreciate its tranquility and peaceful surroundings. With a lot of Balinese carvings, trees, pathways. Good photo-opt!

#5 Our room opened to a small private courtyard.

The hotel is walking distant from Jimbaran Bay, a famous seaside spot for romantic seafood dinner & sunset viewing. We spent our first evening at the bay. It was slightly cloudy along with calm restful sea breeze. Took our time, strolled along the beach, visited the fishing troops, carefully selected which restaurant to dine-in.

The breathtaking scenery, through my lens:

#6 Dramatic sky

#7 Fisherman at dusk

#8 Lonesome

#9 Corn for sale

#10 An old lady passing

#11 Dusk

Which of the above is your favourite shot?

There is one long stretch of restaurants along the beach, we were spoiled by choices. Or in fact, the wide selection made us fickle and indecisive.

Anyway we randomly picked one and ordered a variety of seafood.

#12 Feast! Tiger prawns, Fish, Squids, all things seafood, chilli grilled. Extremely delectable.

#13 Even better with Bintang Beer. Here everybody drinks Bintang.

#14 with my seafood and beer companion

- To be continued -

Dear diary,

It was january.

I was able to spontaneously make a trip down south, to Lion City for a drink at Brewerkz, overlooking river view of Clarke Quay.

Adore the city for its innovation. Sit on giant eggs or

beware of lights.