{ Underneath the Stars.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Macau-Hongkong Trip 2011

6/28/2011 10:26:00 PM

Hello my friends, I am back from Hong Kong!

It has been few days already actually, but I am just got so lazy and busy after touching down in Singapore!
For this trip, I have spent about 1.5k Singapore dollars, but it is really worth it.
We all had fun!
First day when we reached Hongkong International Airport, we had our lunch before heading to take the TurboJet ($220 HKD per person per trip) to Macau.
Then we stayed in Macau for 3 nights and had one day shopping in Zhuhai, China.
Then from 17th June to 22nd June we spent our days in Hong Kong.

Next I will do a short review according to the places we went.
Hope I can remember most of the details, names etc.

ZHUHAI, CHINA - Current rate: $1 SGD = $5 RMB

Zhuhai Underground Square, 珠海地下广场
The square is just besides the boarder from Macau to Zhuhai, called 拱北广场
Thus it attracted lots of Singaporeans and foreigners who go to Zhuhai from Macau.
The location is definitely ideal for us to shop there, but most importantly, the foods there are delicious!
There are lots of cheap appeals, snacks, street food, fruits etc for the ladies.

In China, the unit for weight is called jin, which is equivalent to about 500g.
There is this small plums (brown/dark green/red in colour), its about the size of a lychee, it is especially recommended for people who like sour fruits like me.
Later on, I am confirmed by a friend that it is called li zi 李子.
The one I am holding:

This little fruit can be really nice if you can take the sourness.
We bought about 10 jin in total for the ten days in Zhuhai, Macau and Hong Kong.
One jin is about $7 - $10, that is about $1.50 SGD.
For appeals, please do some bargaining, do not take the price as stated UNLESS it is FIXED price items.
However, not to over bargain also otherwise they will not sell you and yet give you attitude.
Just as a guide, we bought one bag that costs about $150, then we managed to ask for $120.
A top that sells $80 we asked for $70.
Not too much, but still acceptable for the seller and we buyers.
However, for goods that are already cheap, on sale or fixed price, do not ask for discount.
There was this jacket, only $50RMB, but usual price is $350RMB, so we didn't ask for discount.
One belt, $30, already is a cheap item we also didn't ask for further discount either.
So if you want to bargain, make sure you bargain for the right thing, not for every single item you want to buy!
And yes, it is best not to bring guys along, they will complain non-stop as 80% of the goods there are female products.

Next will be small watermelon.
It costs about $10 per piece, that is around $2 SGD.
It is very different from what we have tried here, the giant watermelon.
It is best serve chilled, and follow how they eat: use a soup spoon and scoop the fruit meat.
Try their way of eating it, quite fun!

Macau - Current rate: $1 SGD = $6MOP Pataca
Check in at Royal Macau Hotel - 5 stars
On the doorstep of the hotel are: The Ruins of St Paul's - a Christian church dating from 1607 and the prized monument, Vasco da Gama, whose influence can be admired in the Portuguese mosaics of the prominent Macau landmark of Senado Square and its surrounding architecture.

In Macau, there are casinos everywhere, night scenery is really nice.
The whole Macau city is brightened by all the lights at night, like a sparkling castle.

The minimum age to enter the casino is 18, as such you can see many students hanging around there after school.
I was also once stopped by the security guide, he requested for my passport as he thought I am under 18.
That time just nice I left my passport with my sister, and they were ahead of us.
My brother and I stayed at the foot of the escalator and told the guide that I am already above 20.
Then my brother showed him his passport.
Then he allowed us to enter but asked me to just go to the restaurant to eat but don't go and play.
Hahhahaa.

Macau Tower - Fee: $90MOP
One of the main tourist attraction there.
It has about 65 storeys, tourists can choose to go up to level 58 or/and 65 and stand on glass floor to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
It is recommended to go at night when the city comes alive.
Quite similar to Singapore flyer and MBS's Skypark garden.
At the ground floor, various art pieces are displayed for potential artists.

Hong Kong - Current rate: $1 SGD = $6.2 HKD
Check in at City View Hotel - 4 stars
This hotel is small compared to the one in Macau.
However the location is definitely ideal.
It is just 2 minutes away from Yau Ma Tei MTR Station.
Opposite the hotel are few convenient stores and eateries.

In Hong Kong, there are three colours of taxi to indicate their areas of service, but all serve the airport:
• Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island.
• Green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories.
• Blue taxis operate only on Lantau Island.

Apart from Taxis, to travel in Hong Kong, we can get an Octopus card:
• Purchase from any public transportation company's customer service centre, such as MTR's or KCR's.
• Deposit $50 (refundable) + Stored Value $170 = Price HK$220
With this card, you can enjoy unlimited rides on MTR (like Singapore's MRT) for 3 days and one free express ride to the airport.

Mongkok Shopping (Ladies Street/ Fa Yuen Street/ Argule Centre/Avenue of Stars/ Symphony of lights)
One MTR station away from our hotel.
We usually walk from our hotel down to Mongkok, it takes around 5 minutes.
Along the way there are many shop houses and night markets.
Mongkok is well known for its shopping and foods, the must-invite place for ladies.
Argule Centre is also called Mongkok centre, is the mall gathered with more than 100 small shop houses selling all sorts of appeals.
The prices are relatively cheap, an indoor bazaar style.
This is the place where I have bought most of my clothes and 7 sets of bra!
Bargains are needed whenever necessary.

Ocean Park
The most worthy theme park I have ever gone to.
It costs only $250 HKD and we can enjoy one full day in the theme park.
Train rides, cable car are free of charge when you get from one place to another in the park.
Basically you pay $40SGD you get to enjoy everything except the food and gifts.
The theme park promises you more than just screaming from rides, suntan and sweat, along with, we have a splendid time taking photos and trying various finger foods there!
And yes, we saw giant pandas and they are really the cutest creatures on earth.
Tips: try to go to the theme park as early as 10am so that you can enjoy the whole day long.

Giant Buddha - Lantau Island
Admission: HKD$36/pax (Coach) HKD$138 per pax – Cable car ride ONLY (25 minutes ride)

The world's tallest outdoor, seated bronze Giant Buddha - open daily 10am-6pm
Personally I don't really like since I am not a Buddhist.
The cable car was out of order on the day we visited, thus we can only chose to go by coach.
The visit takes an hour ride on coach up to the mountain and we need to climb steep stairs.
Tiring yet nothing much to enjoy.
But definitely the place for devoted Buddhists as there are few temples and eating houses that serve real vegetarian food.

The Peak Market
By train - HKD$90/pax
I took half day leave and slept in the hotel while the rest visited the peak.
Heard that it was an eye-opening experience to be there, at the highest building, enjoying the cool and fresh air.
It is being described as the only place to get the direct fresh air from all the green plants beneath.
I gave it a miss as I was really too tired to join them that morning.

Hope this gives a brief introduction to people who are interested in going to the above mentioned places.
One thing to take note, in Hongkong, Macau and Zhuhai, the main language spoken is Cantonese and Chinese for written.
Also, the people there are generally loud as the places are constantly teemed with people, so they have the habit to speak loud to make sure their listeners capture what they are trying to convey.
This somehow explains why the PRCs in Singapore are always so loud.
Hahaha.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Which hairstyle suits me best?

6/13/2011 02:32:00 AM

I keep dreaming of a head of princess curls, something elegant.
The best would be to have thick and long hair, then do big princess curls like these:

Are they elegant in this style?

Two years back, When I was having holiday in Xiamen, China around this time, I decided to have a perm at a local popular salon.
Then the boss there suggested that I rebond it instead as he claimed that I have a student-look, not suitable for curls!
Yes, I listened to him and had a rebonding instead!
I must say, their skills were really good, it was the best result I ever had.
My hair was left shiny and smooth even after weeks of rebonding.

Remember I did one survey on Facebook some times back, the result is I suit this hairstyle:

Comparatively I prefer the style below than the above two - BOB.

However the end result may not be the same as the one here.
If it turns out bad, I may even look like an ah-lian.
Don't wish to let jing and yang have the chance to laugh at me!
Hahahha.
Furthermore, guess my hair is not thick enough to do this style also, so shall give it a miss!

Perhaps, just cut short and curl inwards at the end. so it wouldn't be as boring as normal short hairstyles?

But maybe slightly longer, so that by end of this year, I can do some hairstyle for Sis's wedding (:

Well, no matter what, it all depends on the skill of the hair stylist in Hong Kong.
God bless!

Which style do you prefer, my dear friends ?

I am flying off tomorrow, will be back on 22nd June, Wednesday!

See you guys after my HongKong-Macau-Zhuhai-Shen Zheng trip (:

Misses.. <3

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Nightmares - Pregnant!

6/09/2011 05:19:00 PM

These few nights kept having nightmares.
From having GPA 5.3 (upon 50 in my dream) to yesterday's pregnancy!

This dream goes like this:

I had my first sex experience with my boyfriend, and for just one night, the baby was out!
However in the dream, none of us felt weird about that.
And worse still, when the baby was delivered, she (or he?) was actually Dardar's 6-month old niece, the pair of big bright eyes kept staring at us.
Then upon receiving the toddle, I cried non-stop.
Reason being I didn't want to have baby with boyfriend!
Then I blamed my boyfriend for having sex with me and kept scolding him!
Then I asked this guy who I didn't know him in real life but was my friend in the dream, why did I get pregnant so easily since we only had one try.
Then I also couldn't remember what the guy answered me!
Then I told my boyfriend that I need to abandon the toddle with whoever can take care of her, as I was going to study another 2 more years in university!
Then that guy again, said he don't mind help us take care of her so I left her with him.
That guy kissed me on my lips, and offered to take care of me too!
I told my boyfriend that I would divorce with him for having sex with me!
Then I kept crying till morning, overslept for my work.
LOLX.

This morning, on the train I told Dardar this and he asked who's baby is that?
I said, of course his if not who else?
Then he asked then why I cried, instead should be happy!?
I said cause in the dream I don't wanna have baby with him, plus I need to study hahaha!
Then now finally I remember, that guy looks like 'Mr M', perhaps cause I was on the phone with him before I went to bed yesterday night!
hahhaa.

Ridiculous dream!

With this I believe more in not having premarital sex.
Dear friends, prevention is better than regret! Be safe (:

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

HSBC Telemarketer Job

6/08/2011 04:21:00 PM

Went to Raffles Place with my boyfriend yesterday and approached someone for direction.
That person handed us a name card, saying the company HSBC is recruiting.
We called them about one hour later thinking that they work in the bank HSBC.
Then again we ran into them on the way back to the train station so we were invited us to their office for interview.
In the end I got the job, HSBC telemarketer.
The job is to call up potential candidates for a career briefing session with the manager reagrding the position Fiancial Planner.
The working hours are short, 10am to 2pm and it's rather flexible.

I started my first day this morning.
When it was 11.20am, I have not even arranged for one interview.
I almost felt like leaving and forget about the pay!
But of course in the end I didn't.
And I texted my friends asking them to see if any of their friends are looking for full time jobs.
But none of them have any friend who can come for the interview.
Meanwhile I continued to call and got my first client at around 11.30am and second at 11.45am.
So felt a bit better, not as demoralised.
The girl on my left works from 10am to 6pm, with a lesser pay than mine (I don't know why?!) told me not to be too stressed and asked me to take a break.
She is very nice, still wanted to share with me her lunch but I have no break cuz I am only working 4 hours a day!
She told me today was her 4th day but she is already getting sick of this job.
She made 1, 8, and 3 appointments for the past 3 days.
Her supervisor said it is already very good for a beginner, but she has no target to meet, unlike me.
So by 2pm, I have successfully managed to make 4 appointments, meet the target!
Feeling quite proud of myself at squeezing out the 4 clients!
Guess I will still go to work tmr (: