Vietnam - Da Lat

Sinh Giao (hmms - is that how you spell it?! haha) from Vietnam - Da Lat!

This week has been absolutely AMAZING! I am having the best time ever. I still can't believe that I'm here in South Vietnam. I wish there was more time to blog everything that I've seen, smelt, tasted and heard - but there's just no time at all!

Our seven day tour comes to an end tomorrow and I'll be in Soc Trang hanging out with the relos! It'll be the first time ever I'll see my Grandparents and all the many "15 or so" aunties and uncles and the many many "30 or so" cousins. Will definitely be an experience I won't forget.

I'm blogging at the moment in the Da Lat Post Office - which is so conveniently located opposite the 4-Star Novotel Da Lat Hotel! =) It's soooo slow - they still use dial up here, but I shouldn't complain cos I should be lucky that they even HAVE internet access here. And it's so cheap - only costs 2,000 dong/hour (which is equivalent to about $0.17/hr AU)!

The unforgettable differences that I've encountered while here in Vietnam include:

• Crazy traffic - seriously there are NO RULES here! Everyone just drives anywhere and only gives way to people if they think they're about to be hit. I was in total shock when I got into my first vehicle
• Ooo - crossing the roads are also EXTREMELY difficult. I almost nearly got ran over numerous times!
• Everything is SUPER CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP - no joke! I've bought soo much crap this week and it's only cost me so far $100AU!
• There are soo many beggars here and we're constantly being told to look after our belongings and be aware of pick-pocketers =P
• The lifestyle living here is simple and it makes you appreciate what you have back in Syd
• You have to BARGAIN ur ass off here. We look different (ie. tourists and not one of the locals) so when you ask them for the price of something - they always DOUBLE the real price. So you HAVE to BARGAIN or you'll get majorly ripped off!!!! Even if it is already super cheap! haha
• The food here is soo yummy - I've been eating like a pig! No joke - I reckon I will have gained an extra 2Kgs when I come back. I'll definitely miss the food here *pouts*
• The Craft & Arts are to envy - the things the people here actually make from hand is absolutely gorgeous!

Everywhere has been absolutely beautiful! I'm seriously considering the possibility of living here. If I had to choose between the places we've visited (Saigon, Nha Trang and Da Lat) - I would choose Da Lat. Da Lat = Mountains! The houses here are "French" developed and are really beautiful. The weather here is also very cool and not humid at all compared to the other places.

I can't wait to show you all the beautiful photos that I've taken - the places I've been too have been breath-taking, especially for a country that has suffered so much from the war.

Ok my itinerary today was:

• First stop to the top of a mountain (I seriously can't remember the name cos it's in complex Viet haha - will have to get back to you on the names of these places) where we got to see an AMAZING view of the little villages below in Da Lat. We were really high up, with a plane-like view below and it looked like we could touch the clouds!
• We then visited a Silk Embroidery Factory and actually see the talent and hand embroidering of the Vietnamese people. The work was absolutely beautiful - I can't stress the time, quality and effort that they put into their work (and once agan, super cheap!) A silk embroidered painting that takes 6months to embroider, everyday for 8 hours, costs only $100AU - and it's sooo gorgeous!
• We also visted the Love Valley - where back in the past, this valley separated two different villages and was the point of exchange of goods as well as "ahem" - men/women?! hehe it was THE place to find your true love!
• We had lunch at this really fancy restaurant and the food once again was absolutely amazing!
• The "Sighing" Lake was next - story goes that a man and a woman loved each other deeply but was not allowed to be together and hence, together they drowned themselves in the lake so that they could be together forever. Today when there is a lot of wind - you can hear a sighing sound. Quite sad actually. =)

I'm tired - so much blogging and it's 7pm here now. Time to go night shopping and eat yummy food. Will try and blog later. Til then - hope everyone is safe and happy in Sydney!

Lotsa *Hugs*

Jenn

P.S. Hi to all who commented on my last blog - I care!! =)

BIG Hello from Singapore!

Good Afternoon all!

I'm currently at Changi Airport in Singapore, waiting for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. I'm so bloody excited! I'm currently at this free, yes FREE Internet Kiosk writing out my blog. Soo cool! I only have 15min - so this blog has to be quick! So much too say, soo little time - arggh!!

We arrived in Singapore on Sat - after a long 8hr flight. I TOTALLY LOVE LOVE LOVE Singpore Airlines. We got to eat sooo much on the plane and because the row in front of us was free, mum got to sleep most of the way.

We stayed at the Riverview Hotel - on first arrival appearance was like "Wow - POShY!" - but appearances are DEFINITELY deceiving! It has got to be the WORST hotel I've stayed in - bathroom was dirtier than usual and the whole place stunk of moss. Haha! Thnk gawd we didn't stay there for too long.

After we checked-in, Mum, sis and I went out to explore the city - caught a taxi to Orchard Road. Ooo before I continue I'll just note down the obvious differences we've encountered when we arrived! Singapore is unique to:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Super CHEAP taxis (seriously, they were charging like 10cents/min haha!)
• Shopping closes only when there's no one left - ie, closes SUPER late - Yay!
• Food is super cheap too! and fresh and yum
• There are couples EVERYWHERE
• Lots and lots and lots of yummy boys - need to find myself a Singapore Husband! haha

Anyways, so we went along Orchard Rd (main shopping street) - made a few purchases from this Myer-like department store. Their clothes are really different - I bought a "Turn me on" black Tee (really funny - u have to see), sis bought a Mickey Mouse T-Shirt & Mum bought an over priced belt. Ooh, also Mum went NUTS with food - she bought EVERYTHING that we walked by that looked yummy - lots and lots of snacks. We had to throw some of the cakes we bought at "Bread Talk" - sheesh!

OMG - just realised I only have 3 min left to continue blogging - need to save this.

We then headed off to Chinatown and did lots of souvenier shopping (Note to the girls: YES I bought you all gay keyrings hahaha). Dinner was on one of the alley roads - really good atmosphere - with lighted lanterns down the alley. We ordered: SingRay (my first time ever - quite nice actually), Massive King Prawns, Stir fry vege, "La-La" ie, Pippies! and coconut juices. Everything looked really nice - however, they all turned out to be SUPER SUPER SPICY - HOT & BLooDY ChiLLI!!!!! Hehehe - taste was different, but I don't know if it was because of the spicey-ness.

We then headed out to Clarke Quay (Darling Harbour equivalent) and went on this River Cruise Boat - which took us on a scenic ride of Singapore at night.

Sunday we woke early. Our first night together in a hotel room went better than I expected. Mum did her usual "I Can't Sleep" rantings and kept bugging Jess and I all night "Where are the sleeping tablets?!" But we all ended up getting at least 6 hrs of sleep each. We had yummy Buffet Breakfast downstairs in the hotel, and because we were Singapore Stopovers, we get 50% off! Only cost us S$10 ech person for all you CAN EAT! And did we eat! haha!

Sentosa Island - here we come! Caught a taxi to Harbourfront Tower for our cable car ride into Sentosa. Mum was so funny cos she's afraid of heights and held on to the handrail and refused to look down.

Sentosa was THE BEST ever. Activities we went on included:

• Luge (mum totally LOVED IT! I was surprised she actually gave it a go - way to go mum! Needless to say, we raced and I won, then mum and Jess came last. What the..?! Can't believe mum beat you babes! hehe)
• Cinemania (rocking 3D chair thing)
• Dolphin Show
• Underwater world ( they had the BIGGEST fish ever, and the coolest display of big spider-like crabs

I can't think of anymore with the limited time that I have - will add more later =) We then did more shopping at the Harbour Front shopping complex. Mum bought shoes, me another top. Ooo we had noodles for dinner! It was soo sooo sooo yummy! They made the noodles fresh in front of you and it was De-LI-Cious! SO funny cos mum loved it so much she dreamt about it that night. hehehe we took a little vid of the noodle-stretching making dude - so oblivios to it.

Woke up this morning for more yummy buffet brekkie and am now waiting for the plane. I'm sooo tired from standing here and blogging. Will blog more once I get the chance. I know I know - there's no photos. Will put them up when I get the chance.

Lots of Hugs and Having a Blast here!

Jenn

Spooked OUT!!

Good Spooky Morning to all!

This week in Auckland has been quite mild compared to last week when Shane was over. Honestly, I think we only go late nights and “wild” when someone visits us here in NZ (thank gawd, else I’d be Panda-Eyed and walking “Zombie-like” all day at work. Hehe =)

The Brave: Jacques, Adrian, Lawrence, Mark, JL, Yazhi, Josh, Munik, Chrisitian, Me

Last night we went to Spookers, which was located in the former Nurses Hostel in the Kingseat Hospital grounds, Karaka. If you guys are really interested on what it’s all about, check it out at: http://www.spookers.co.nz/

Josh in his MINI JOSH MOBILE

Josh drove us in his “Mini Josh Mobile!!” Hahaha – love the name, had to blog it in =) Ooo also a big thanks for driving us dude!!

Mark - poor thing!

I was scared SHITLESS! No joke – the whole place was so realistic it took my mind a bit to focus on the fact that it was fake. Our first stop was in the house itself (well, I really wouldn’t call it a house – more like a haunted mansion =P). We arrived a bit early – so we decided to hang out in the cafeteria waiting for darkness to approach. We though we were safe – but oh no, there were “THEM” in the there too. They had a good time stroking our necks and backs, whispering scarey shit. The fat lady even screamed out at JL! Gawd – it was scary! =P

Me & "Semi-Cute" Monster

We could only walk together as a group of 5 each, and each room was dark and creepy – some were even really gross. Hehe I was with Jacques, Adrian, JL and Munik. Munik and I sacrificed the boys to go first each time we entered a new room. There were actor popping out of everywhere from the ground to the top – and they jump out and stroke you, whisper to you – sometimes even corner you for a bit to speak to you how they were going to “eat you alive, suck my eyes out..” and all that jazz.

Mark kept abusing them

Josh with the "I'm not scared" look!

We then went into the “Forest of Fear” – yes it really was outside in a forest with rain spitting down on us. There were people from all places jumping out at you – and also faking to be a prop – but then jumping at you screaming like mad. Gawd – soooo freaky! Had to carry my flashlight close to me – cos I was sooo scared. Munik, Mark, Christian

Overall, it was lots of Fun and A definite must visit if you’re ever here in Auckland ;)

A big THANKS to Yazhi for organising such an awesome event! You’re THE BEST!!!

I’m really excited about the Girly Weekend trip that starts tomorrow – will tell all when I return. Til then, have an awesome weekend and get yourself ScArEd. In Josh’s own words – “I like being scared – gives me an adrenaline rush”.

“Spooked Out”,
Jenn

Happy Bday Pumi!!!

Hi All!

Weekend home in Sydney was great!

Started off Sat night with another MLC High School reunion with the girls – 11 of us turned up which was super good. So I got to meet up with most of the girls – haven’t seen them in sooooo long! We had dinner at Wagamama’s@Cockal Bay Wharf. Let me just tell you that they DO NOT serve authentic Jap food (I’m now an ‘expert’ on Jap food as it’s now one my most FAV asian eat-outs). Mel, Jenny, Lily (my cuz) and I ended up arriving ON TIME and had to wait – no joke, 45MIN!!! for everyone else to get there. We tried to pass time by ordering two entrees and fresh fruity drinks.

Lily & Me @ Wagamama

Sarah, Mel @ Wagamamas

Jenny, Loretta, Renee, Sena @Wagamamas

When the other girls arrived - we kinda felt bad for even having ordered the entrées, that we hid all the empty plates and bowls underneath the table. Quite funny actually cos when the waiter walked by, I told him about our secret hide-away cutlery stash and tried to have him clear it secretly without the others noticing. Steph wasn’t really impressed cos she saw the whole ordeal (having had to sit right next to it). Haha!

Gastronomic Rainbow 12 Scoop bowl of Ice-Creamery

We then headed out to have Ice-Cream at French Riveria (they’ve moved from Double Bay to the City) and we ordered 2 Gastronomic Rainbow size (12 Scoops) bowls of ice cream! No joke – it was MASSIVE, check photo!! There were 9 of us left (Michelle and Sena ditched us for an early train ride home) - we decided to have an ice-cream eating competition. The team who lost (or who couldn’t finish their bowl of ice-cream) would settle the bill. We split the teams as so:

Ready, Set...DIG!

Team 1: Loretta, Lily, Sarah, Steph
Team 2: Jenn, Mel, Jenny, Renee, Mark (we had to get two extra scoops from the other team cos of our extra member)

Mel & I: "Who needs a spoon?!"

The other team got their ice cream bowl first so they happily dug into the mountain of coldness! We got ours a bit later and it looked HEAPS bigger than theirs. They managed to finish their mountain and slurped away the melted crap that was left on the bottom of the bowl. Our team on the otherhand have toooo much “Class”, so we decided against the idea of disgustingly “slurPing’ our remains of the melted ice cream and came to an agreement to forfeit from the bet…..hmms OK OK! so we couldn’t finish our bowl of ice-cream. We were too full and bloated to exhaustion! We lost and had to pay up for our lack of “ice cream lovery” – ironic since we called the bet in the first place. Haha!

Our mushy crap leftover

Sunday was Pumi’s B’day. A big HUmUNGA HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PUMI!!! We met up for pre-drinks and lunch at the Clock Hotel pub@Surry Hills. Service was quite slow but the food was a bit better than normal pub food. Pumi bought a bottle of champagne – and it wasn’t even 1pm yet! *cough*Alcoholic*cough* =)

Brunch @Clock Hotel Surry Hills

Lots & lots & lots and LOTS of PEOPLE!

We then headed off to watch the cricket at the SCG – Australia Vs South Africa. It was my first time ever watching the cricket live…actually first time I’ve watched more than 5min of cricket in my life! I was really intrigued and got into the game after a few first initial bats. Thanks to Milan, I learnt the rules of the game in about 10min! =) It would have been better if we weren’t directly exposed to the sun the entire time. I’m actually burnt and brown *pouts*. But the day was perfect and it couldn’t have been better for cricket!

Saloni & Pumi

Pumi had invited quite a few people too – I believe she bought 30 tickets all up and most of us were dressed in a red t-shirt and all wearing these “rice picking” hats. So as a group – we looked awesome! I also believe we were on TV a couple of times during the game. Wooohoo my 5min of fame - I’m famous! Who wants my autograph? ;)

Me, Nadine, Adrian, Milan, Pumi

I’m really excited about this weekend! We have our first SurPrise Weekend getaway with the girls!! Nat and I are organising this one – so it’s a big joint one. We’ve decided that every 6 weeks (if financials and time permit), we’ll organise a surprise trip for everyone. This weekend is the first and I’m ABSOLUTELY TOTALLY HYPED up about it. Will blog about it when I return and let you guys in on what we’ve planned ;)

The other really big thing that’s happening for me right now is my long awaited trip to VIETNAM! Everything is booked and we’re off on the 18th Feb for two weeks! I’m soooo bloody excited about this trip too – my first time there and meeting my Grandparents. Took me a lot of stress, time and sweat to plan this altogether, so my mum, sis and I are off next Sat! Will definitely blog about that once I return.

Ok that’s way too much blogging from me – til later!

*Hugs*

Jenn

Much to Blog...

Hi Guys!
This is my blog from Saturday - weekend blog is coming up. Oh, and photos will be added shortly ;)

Bobby is so funny at times – look at this:

Bobby Li it is because I DO know how much shane loves, so much so that I had to leave the project, it was affecting my work performance.

Heheha and that was quoted on Sametime. It’ll be weird not having Bobby and Mel leaving the Vodafone project now. Varun is also leaving us – moving on to the Optus project. Really sad to see them go – but I guess it was bound to happen in time.

Last night we went to Kareoke with Adrian, Mark, Munik and Christian. Mark is sooo HiLARIOUS when it comes to Kareoke – you have to experience it for yourself. He’s really good at the Ricky Martin songs cos he puts full emotion, facial expressions (and by this I mean “Constipated Eye-Squinting” looks haha) and voice expressions (think Michael Jackson) when he sings. Christian and I were mocking him during Kareoke – soooo funny! All three of them are Phillipino so it makes sense that they LOVE Kareoke. It’s always fun going with them =)

I’m on the way back to Sydney now with Adrian – on a small Qantas plane. First time I’ve ever been on a plane this small travelling from Auckland. It only has three seats on the left and three on the right – with just ONE aisle down the middle. It’s meant to be screening “Pride & Prejudice” at the moment – but due to some “technical difficulties” (in my terms, it means we haven’t got the movie), they’re showing an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond” instead.

Ooo also noteworthy to mention I got to hang out at the Qantas Club (cos Adrian’s got membership) – and ate lots of cold salad food, coffee and coke. I’m really full now so I don’t know how I’m going to finish the meal they’re about to serve.

I’m so glad that I’m flying back this weekend – don’t think I can handle the long weekend in Auckland by myself, especially with no one there really to hang out with. I don’t know who I’m going to hang out with when Adrian is gone. It’ll be so weird – I wonder if I’ll be able to cope finally on my own. Independency has a price – Hmmms!

I’m soo Soo SOO addicted to “House” at the moment – I grabbed the first 11 episodes off Denise last week and I’ve already finished watching it. She’s got the next 11 episodes so I might get it off her this weekend. I can’t wait! I plan on buying an external Hard Drive to deposit all these movies onto – a 500GB Lacie one costs about $700 (might be cheaper on eBay I’m hoping). She also has Prison Break and Lost – must get off her and become a vegetable couch and watch these episodes allllll day =)

This weekend, my itinerary includes:

Sat night: High School reunion (another one) with more peeps, perhaps Bamboo?
Sun Day: Yum-Cha with Mum & sis, then lunch and cricket for Pumi’s Bday
Sun Night: Warrick Farm festival
Mon Day: Take Adrian out to explore the wonders of Syd – haha. Meet up with Denise perhaps for brunch and to grab the movies off her?
Mon Night: Fly back to Auckland for another week at work.

*Hugs*

Jenn

All About Shane

Tonight I had dinner with just Adrian – Shane decided to hit the gym and work out his arms and go for a swim ;) We tried a new place to eat this time – a Korean Restaurant just around the corner from the Langham. Mega Cheap – but the food to me seemed somewhat “sweet”. OD’ed on Sugar - Strange I tell ya!

Me having a go at this Drum Thing - I was pretty good at it ;)

We then met up with “Beefed-Up” Shane to play a bit of air hockey down at the Metro and Adrian FINALLY has met his competitive match, cos he lost his first NZ Air Hockey game to Shane, 3-9. We soon came to realise that not only Shane was good at that, he was also good at Basketball AND Pool! Talk about a man with many sporty talents.

Adrian & Shane - OoOoo tension

We then headed off to play some pool at a bar down at the Metro and he ended up entering the Pool Competition there! Pretty exciting stuff cos he’s pretty good at it. First round he took on this Gothic-looking dude, who brought along his own Cue! Too bad he ended up losing to Shane. However in the next game Shane ended up losing to this Kiwi-tall chic – it was a close game, but it just wasn’t meant to be *pouts*. Good fun to watch and cheer him on though ;)

The three of us then went to grab some liquid at Starbucks (Chai Tea for Adrian and I – and for Shane…a kids Hot Choccie drink!) It was funny cos the chic at the counter was like “We don’t normally sell the “Kid’s Drink” to adults, but this time it’s OK”). Pretty ironic cos Adrian and I were going on about how Shane came to NZ as an innocent young Boy and after a night out at Globe Bar, he’ll be leaving NZ as a Man. Haha! Yep tonight was really all about Shane =) We’ll be sad to see him leave tomorrow – BooOooO!

Yummy Liquid!

Jenn’s thought for the week:

I’ve heard a lot of people say that only real “Beauty comes from within”. I believe the reason people say that comment is because they make an Excuse for their insecurity of their so called “lack of outer beauty”. If deep inner Beauty was the “Real Thang”, then why do those people who commented this spend so much time in front of a mirror trying to cover flaws and enhance the appearance?

Seriously, if you’re beautiful on the inside in the eye of the beholder – then you will definitely be beautiful on the outside too ;) And no, you’re not fat!

Miss Backpacker @GLOBE

Good Morning all!!

Third week in NZ for this year and counting =)
Shane’s over here at the moment – so we’re taking him out to see the “highlights” of Auckland. Last night was heaps good – we had yummy Thai for dinner at “Mai Thai” and then we went down to “Globe Bar”, and as most of the Vodafone guys who have travelled to NZ know, it’s THE place to be on a Wed night. “MISS BACKPACKER NIGHT!!!”

So a bunch of chics are picked at the bar to enter into this competition – 6 to be exact and they’re given a bunch of dares to do until the last chic stands. And she wins HEAPS of stuff like- $200 cash, $60 Bar tab and some $300 holiday tour thing here in Auckland.

The dares started off with:
- Barcardi Breezer skulling competition (with one chic drinking OJ cos she was on antibiotics – pfft – wateva!)
- Best Skipping (Boobs bouncing)
- Best Pole Dancing

And then it got REAL dirty with:
- Crunchie Sucking
- Girl-on-girl kissing
- Stripping!!

So yep – interesting night. Shane was really excited though (wants to go to "Miss Backpacker" night everytime he's here haha) – he got picked up by this old dude at the bar who kept asking him if he could buy Shane a drink. SoOoOO Hilarious!!

We then headed out to “Margherita’s” which make the coolest “FLaMinG Shots!” – where both Adrian and Shane had a go at. The place was quite dead, so after a Jug of Beer and a tall glass of my fav Cranberry & Vodka – we headed back to Globe which was packed out and danced =) OOOOoooo also worthy to mention – Shane and I had a beer skulling competition and I won! Woohoo! =) I have a witness, so I’m not lying ;)

I went home at about 12:30 cos I was sooo buggered, but the guys stayed out playing pool til 2am.

Sooo jealous right now cos Jenny got to go to the Backstreet Boys concert and got to sit front row on the side, which was really really close to them. So close, she got to touch em!!! My gawd – so jealous!! hehehe

Ok one of my friends bailed out on me for the 50cent concert for Fri 17th Feb! Anyone interested – let me know ;)

*Hugs*

Jenn