That France Trip

I've got to put this down on record, even if it's gonna be a short one. We did an epic trip to France in the first week of August (5 days 4 nights) for Chick's wedding! It was an amazing race of sorts because of the long flight, the train ride, and the failed attempt at driving a manual car (darn my skills).  But worth every minute of it.

Day 1

We landed in Paris on an Emirates flight early in the morning, took the RoissyBus, and checked in at InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, right opposite l'Opera where the bus stops. Never mind the jet lag. Dumped our bags, showered quickly, and out we go. 

Because of the hotel location (and because we are cheapskate), we walked to Champs Elysees instead. We went right for Leon de Bruxelles where I gobbled up a big pot of mussels. At around 20 euros for a special menu of mussels, fries, beer ? I am satisfied. 

Then it was another long walk to see the Iron Lady. I can't believe the last time I was there it was six years ago, with Mom. And two years prior to that, Mr. Jang proposed there. Has it been eight years already? I brought my engagement ring back, just to check that the sparkle is still there. It is. 

Homecoming for The Ring. 

Day 2

Early breakfast at Boulangerie Grand Opera (13 rue de Mogador), where they sell the fluffiest pain au chocolate. Then swung by the nearby H&M to grab some cardigans. It was chilly the night before and I didn't want to catch a cold. After throwing everything into our luggage, we checked-out and uber our way to Gare Montparnasse.

Call me paranoid but after the recent spate of attacks in France, I was a rather uneasy while waiting inside the station for our train to Tours. We got some drinks, magazine, and sushi to munch on the 1.5 hour right. And we arrived safely, warmly welcomed by P who was waiting for us.

The highlight of Day 2 has got to be the MANUAL rental car. I thought I still have the skill to handle the complicated metal beast. And cheapskate me didn't want to spend extra on an auto. Wrong move.

I didn't count on a lagging wifi google map, unfamiliar small roads, left hand driving, shifting manual gear all rolled into this panicky Asian lady driver.

To cut the story short, I went anti-direction twice in a failure to control the car, up the tram way (where I made an emergency U-turn across 2 tracks), and finally stalled on a slope entering a highway. Kind souls stopped to help (I could only say 'Desolee! En panne!'); unkind ones honked and glared. I have never felt so stressed.

In the end, we managed to wiggle our way across town, back to the rental company to upgrade into an auto. BEST 100 euro ever spent. To make up to Mr. Jang, I still sped to Chateau de Chenonceau, which we were supposed to visit before going to check in at our hotel at Villandry. In the end, we could only make it to the gift shop, and Mr. Jang gave me a slap on the face with a souvenir for effect.

My bad.

Day 3

This is the day of the wedding, our raison-d'etre in France! In the morning, we popped by Chateau de l'Islette in Azay-le-Rideau, a 15-min drive from our awesome hotel in Villandry (le haut des lys). I wanted to maximise my car rental and our stay in France, so I hit every tourist spot I could. On the way back, we even stopped by a farmers market at the pretty little town of Savonnieres to buy fruits and pizza.

The weather was really beautiful that day. We got slightly burnt from standing in the lawn at the city hall, waiting to catch the beautiful bride for a photo. It was a simple but heartfelt ceremony attended by family and close friends. Truly honoured to be witnessing this exchange of vows.

By the time we got back to Villandry, most of the restaurants were closed. We settled for nutella crepes by a street side cafe just down the slope from our hotel. 

And then it was off to Chateau de Villandry for the party of the century! I was so excited to be attending a wedding in a castle, I didn't realised our tickets for entry into the castle is only valid till 6pm. Thereafter it was only the garden and the reception area which were available for access.

Sad face.

Nonetheless, we still managed to stroll around the chateau grounds and take loads of photos before the reception began. My fave - Elsa and Anna impersonations by Sis and I! And I almost forgot how suave Mr. Jang looks like in a suit.

And we danced, we drank, we laughed the night away...

Day 4

A morning of frantic packing, check-outs and train ride later, the original Fabulous Four found ourselves back at Champs Elysees. BIL and Sis wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower after shopping, as it was BIL's first time in Paris, while we had to go to Lil's house for dinner. So we split up after eating yet another around of mussels. We met back near the Eiffel Tower after 9pm. The long summer days really let us maximise the short duration of our trip.

So au revoir, France! I will be back, like I've always said!

One year on...

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last wrote. I could come up with so many excuses but none of it is valid. I mean, how hard it is to scribble a few words each day, to say thank you for the experiences, thank you for living yet another day?

Cutting the long story short, here are 3 highlights of what I thought was worth putting down in words:

1. Day trip to Tai-O with Mama and Yipo.

I am determined to spend more quality time with Mama and Yipo after Yeye's passing. The void is hard to fill but in their remaining years, I want to create more happy memories for them and with them.

I took a few days off during Chinese New Year and flew back early to stay with them at New Territories. After doing some research, we went on an 'adventure' to Tai-O by taking the 1-hour ferry ride at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier. It costs a mere HK$25 per pax but it turned out to be the ride of our lives because we had to carry yipo and her wheelchair up and down the slippery steps and bobbing boat.

Thank God for helpful passers-by who helped keep the boat steady while we embark and alight. I received half-amused and half-bewildered looks when I explained to them that I'm trying to bring these two elderly sisters (one on a wheelchair) out on a fun trip. Mad, they must be thinking.

Risks aside, we had a fabulous day on the island. God gave us perfect weather and we explored the nooks and crannies of Tai-O's old streets and stilt houses. We even walked 30 minutes to Tai-O's Heritage Hotel to enjoy the view and the beach.

Mama enjoyed herself so much, she already asked me when's the next trip on our bus ride home.  (Yes, we opted for a bus ride back to Tung Chung instead of taking the return ferry, to be safe).

2. Family trip to Perth

Our family trip finally, finally took place in March this year. I didn't realise how much effort it takes to have everyone's schedule synchronised - even if it's only for 5 days!

To be honest, Australia wasn't my favourite country. From past experience, some folks can get really nasty. But perhaps, Western Australia is different. It changed my perception.

This trip was thoroughly enjoyable despite the smothering heat. The food was fantastic, the people are friendly, and the farm stay, especially, was surprisingly fun. I had expected myself to be sulking and cooped up while the rest of the brave hearts go feed the animals (especially the fowl - ugly, evil creatures, in my opinion.)

But in an effort to act brave in front of my nephew, I took his hand and ventured out, squirmy and unwilling. Feeding was still out of the question, but at least I stood less than 10 feet away from the feisty emus and greedy chickens. Achievement unlocked.

Target for next family trip is New Zealand. No more feathery fright for me, I hope.

3. The passing of Gong Gong

I put this last as I wasn't sure how to approach this. For the uninitiated, we Cantonese call our paternal grandpa, Yeye, and our maternal grandpa, Gong Gong.

So yes, I lost Yeye last year.

Exactly a year later, we lost Gong Gong, too.

Amid all the sadness, the closeness in timeline to which we lost two of our dearest family members made me ponder: Who's going next? Whose eulogy should we write? Whose memorial book should we make? Or, does it matter?

Gong Gong has been fighting prostrate cancer for years, and despite the pain he felt in his bones, he insisted on going about his daily life for as long as he can. The resilience he showed in his life and his old age reminds me of 2 Timothy 4:7:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.


And I know he is resting in God's arms now, together with Yeye. Or maybe, they are enjoying a game of chess at this moment?

Rest in peace, Gong Gong. We will take care of Popo too. God will keep her safe. Till the day we all meet in heaven again. 

That very, very short but awesome Bangkok trip

The good thing about this job is that... it's so easy to just hop on a flight for a weekend getaway right after work. And where else but BANGKOK! Heart, heart, heart.

Our tired but excited faces on Friday night. Bangkok is the place I miss the most, after two years of staying in the States. Can't wait...

After a short flight, just enough to complete Chocolat, we touched down in the Land of a 1,000 Smiles. For some lucky reason, the flight attendant of Thai Airways gave me her fresh flower brooch as we left the air craft. Sweet gesture.

And the taxi queue has improved since the last time we were here, three years ago! They now have a machine to issue tickets to direct you to the proper taxi berth.

Couldn't resist calling room service after we checked in at the hotel. Mr. Jang wanted to go downstairs to buy some food and water, but I thought it was too late, too unsafe. Better spend a bit more to buy more comfort.

Saturday was the only full day we have in Bangkok. Shopping was the only thing on my mind, but I have learnt that you've got to feed the man first. So we had brunch at Chatuchak Weekend Market. 

Jeed-Jard was the store we loved from our last trip. We went back - their grilled pork neck and fried chicken hip are still as good. 

Mr. Jang caught a monk buying meat?!




And then the crazy shopping begins. I love this place. They have everything at a bargain!

Paper mate was giving out free pens. Grabbed two. 

A portion of the loot. Resisted decking myself with everything I've bought on the spot.




After a fruitful shopping trip, we headed back to the hotel for a short rest. It started raining as we reached the Mo Chit BTS. By the time we arrived at Chit Lom, it was pouring.

We ducked into Amarin Plaza to hide from the rain. On our way to the rest room, we found a massage parlor which looked clean and decent. It's 400Baht for a 60-min traditional Thai massage session. Very affordable.



In the evening, we took a cab to Sortrel Cottage for dinner and live music. The air was fresh after the day's shower. I love the ambiance - it has a dempsy feel at half the price. And I made a new friend - the lab puppy who was prancing around.

Sunday morning was dedicated to Platinum mall - the wholesale mall. As usual, we ate breakfast at the shopping place (saves time!) Pad thai in the food court, at less than 100Baht. Yum.

Alas, I didn't find anything I fancy after an hour of looking. I must have been too spoilt for variety and price at Chatuchak. It was only at Mr. Jang's warning that we are running out of time that I dashed around trying to find items to buy.

And then it was feeding time again! Mr. Jang likes live music so we chose the alfresco area of Baan Ying Cafe and Meal at Central World. Obviously, I was more interested in the food. Comes in really small portions, though.

And then coffee and dessert at Simply W, just a floor down. I love these pretty cafes in Bangkok.

And then it's time to say goodbye! It's always too short, too soon to say farewell for Bangkok.

But at least, I am bringing home awesome memories and goodies!