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. 

Something new in Bangkok

For the most recent Bangkok trip over the Jubilee Weekend, we took up the courage to try something different. Yes, Bangkok again!

1. Boating along The Great Longkang.

Our hotel for the first three nights was Holiday Inn along Soi 11. There's a boat stop behind the hotel and I did not realise what a popular mode of transport this is for the locals and tourists until I arrived at the rundown quay. 

For about 11 Baht each we got from our hotel at Nana Chard to Pratunam. We didn't know how to get on the boat and watched with our mouths gaping as people scrambled up and down in a few swift steps. The second time the boat came, we were ready. In we go!

There are little pulleys at the side to hold up a long plastic sheet. If you are lucky and the chap sitting at the end of the bench holds on to those pulleys throughout the trip, you will be safe and not get splashed with murky water. God knows what people threw inside the longkang.

2. Bobae Market

We got off the boat at the Bobae Market stop. Weren't sure where the outdoor market is located, maybe we went at the wrong time, but we ventured inside Bobae Tower. The merchandise reminded me of the 90s. Nonetheless, I bought two knitted tops and a pair of shorts at 300 Baht. Around 100 Baht each. Not too bad.




3. New Restaurants

First things first. Hello Kitty House at Siam Square One! Thank you Mr. Jang for including this in the itinerary. The whole place oozes sweetish girly charm. Cuteness overload.







This trip, we also made sure not to repeat Sortrel or Banrie as much as we love them. We hit the jackpot when we chanced upon Clik. We were in fact lost trying to find Kuppa Cafe at Soi 16. We saw the signage for Clik which serves fusion food and made the detour into a small lane. What a great choice.

The food is absolutely fresh and the ambience is perfect. The place is clean and spacious, and we discovered that it is newly opened in April. The owner is a fellow Singaporean, Chef Clement Ng, and ended up making friends with this multi-talented man. You can tell he put a lot of heart into making his dishes, from the way he describes his work and his philosophy about food. He also showed us the work-in-progress Level 2, which will host private groups and classes.

We will definitely recommend this gem for its food and service. No regrets patronising Clement's restaurant!

(On a separate note, we followed another blog to try out Kalapapruek at Central World. Food was average and service was terrible - made us pay double even though the kitchen cooked the wrong order. We are never going back there again.)

We also went to a place which apparently sells the BEST pad thai. The restaurant opens at 5pm; by then, a long queue has formed. We were 2nd in queue having arrived slightly after 4.30pm. There really isn't anything else on the menu other than pad thai. It wasn't as fantastic as I thought, but at least I can say I've tried it!





There is also a popular chicken rice place located diagonally opposite Platinum Mall. We sat across two Japanese tourists who kept taking photos of the food. I could vaguely make out that they said chicken rice originates from Singapore. I just didn't know how to tell them, the sauce here is different, dude!





Other than that, I took up the courage to try street food finally. My tummy is weak, thus the great fear of running to the toilet immediately. Luckily, Mr Tummy was quite cooperative this time. I especially love the fried chicken outside our hotel!




4. New night markets

At Clement's recommendation, we checked out JJ Green Market - a place where you can find loads of vintage loves. Unfortunately, we went on a Thursday night and the vendors weren't out at full force. Nonetheless, I had a good stroll amongst the few stalls which were open. I bought two cutest toy cars - Beetle and Chevolet, and some wood crafts. I would have bought more if not for Panda's watchful eyes!

The next night, we went to Art Box, which had become popular recently. I adore the buzz and the hipster atmosphere. My guess is that most of the vendors are tertiary students - they are young, innovative and modern. The products are different from what you would find at Chatuchak; prices are reasonable. It is accessible too - Phetchaburi MRT station is just one MRT stop away from Sukhumvit.

Art Box is not held regularly and its venue changes (I think), but if it fits your schedule, it is highly recommended that you check it out!

Our Bangkok trip is once again a success (thanks, Mr Jang, for the planning this time round). We are still thinking of making one more trip before the year ends. Hope to discover more places the next round.