Diving in Maldives

In my opinion, is completely overrated. It is probably still a great place to have a beach holiday, but diving, no. I very much preferred my dives in Similans and Sipadan. The water in Similans is comparable and Sipadan definitely has a larger variety of sea life.

That said, I still did enjoy my trip immensely. We were onboard Eagle Ray and we were extremely pleased with their service. They definitely went the extra mile to make our trip enjoyable. 

Everyone was really hoping to be able to dive with whalesharks on this trip, unfortunately, that didn’t happen despite the crew’s effort in searching and our futile jumpoftheboatcrazychasing incident. So, on our last night where we were to have our BBQ dinner, the crew build us a sand whaleshark! In this photo, we were trying in vain to save the sand whaleshark from the rising tide. Hurhur. Seriously impressed with their efforts!

Our super cool dining table at Ghost Island. A first for me.

Earlier in the day, we spent a couple of hours on Ghost Island and decided to wade through waist high waters to get ourselves stranded on a sand bar.

Celebrating our dive with manta rays with beer and cup noodles.

It was also Tofu’s first diving trip and when I realized that Tofu is a complete airhead. Literally. 

Wrinkly fingers and the airhead at the end of a dive.

Our super unsuccessful attempt at spelling Maldives because we forgot about S. Hahahahahaha.

As with all dive trips. We dive. We eat. We sleep. And take some shots in between our 3 main activities.

Great company. No we weren’t doing the usual Asian pose. It is actually the sign for nudis. Hurhur.

Ending of with the usual must have jump shot.

Missing the deep blue! Super keen to check out Nusa Lembongan after seeing the photos on Instagram!

Getting married in Greece..

Is a huge pain in the ass when it comes to getting the documents ready. Very much unlike tv shows with couples getting married on a whim while in a foreign country. Nope. Only in Vegas.

So we were forewarn by our wedding planner that it’ll be a huge hassle and costly for us to get married legally in Greece but we still decided to go ahead with it. Why not? It’s a once in a life time thing plus what’s the point of paying for a fake ceremony when you’ve already done it in your local country.

In case anyone is interested in getting married in Greece, you basically need just 3 documents (sounds simple I know):
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of your birth Certificate
- Single Status Certification

Both the birth certificate and the single status certification has to be endorsed by the MFA in your country, translated by the Greek Embassy or an accredited agency then stamped by the Greek Embassy.

We’ve just complete the above and will be sending them to our wedding planner to apply for a marriage license. BUT no, that’s not all. Upon arriving in Athens we’ll have to make a trip to the MFA in Greece plus our country embassies to certify our documents. More on that after we’ve gone through the process.

So why the hassle? Cause the bf is a Malaysian working in Singapore and has to make 2 trips to KL to get the documents.

Here’s the bf who had to fly to KL this morning and back in the evening.

My #ootd on an empty train! The trains in Singapore are very rarely empty.

And matchy accessories!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

So despite the hassle, I am very much looking forward to fulfilling my dream of getting married to my soulmate in a foreign country.

😊

Saint Malo, Brittany

Spent a couple of days at Saint Malo, a small walled coastal town in Brittany. Small but gorgeous. Pity it was way to cold for us to enjoy our time by the beach.

On a side note, I can’t wait to catch The Host this weekend! Been waiting for like forever!

So, gorgeous place, crazy weather with clear waters. We spent much of our time taking long (crazily cold) walks by the beach and hiding from the rain at the old town of Saint Malo.

Typical of the weather, dark clouds on one side, clear blue skies on the other. Alternating between rain and clear blue skies every 10 minutes or so.

So that you’ll get a clearer picture of the crazy weather, which also turn out to be a great shot.

Gorgeous view of the old town from the national fort.

The BF cranky (but still cute) from the cold and using his phone while I was happily picking sea shells by the sea shore.

The path to and fro the fort which disappears during high tide causing tourists to frantically wade their way back to town. I have more pictures, somewhere.

Stairway to heaven?

Loving old couple enjoying the view.

And, the BEST STEAK ever! Seriously. So good we went back again just for the steak! Had some seafood skewer previously which was pretty damn good too. I need some steak now.

And that’s that.

The girl with (partial) pink hair, finally

I’ve always wanted pink hair. Always. Thus the title of the blog.

There was of course, 1001 reasons for me to not do so.

I didn’t want to ruin my hair.
My work wouldn’t allow me to have pink hair.
What if it doesn’t suit me.
It is incredibly expensive.
I don’t think pink goes well with my skin tone.

And what not.

Yesterday, I felt really pleased with my hair cut and decided to take the plunge (what plunge you say?). As it turns out, the 1001 reasons not to do so really didn’t matter at all.

I am incredibly happy with my (partial) pink hair and I feel absolutely blessed to be working for a company where I will not be judged for having pink hair.

This 24 hours of giddy happiness brought about by simply having pink hair (yes I’m that easily happy) made me wonder, what took me so long? Why did I spend years contemplating and wanting something which could be done easily and definitely within my means?

LF once said that he doesn’t understand why I always seem to restrain and limit myself. I don’t understand why either.

And so, I hereby lift all restraints I’ve subconsciously placed on myself (waves magic wand) and will now consciously make an effort to never stop doing things that make me happy.

What is the worse thing that could happen? If it is something I could live with, what’s stopping me then?

Point of this post? I am finally, the girl with (partial) pink hair.

To live by, in 2013

Saw this on Google+ this morning and I thought it seemed pretty aligned with how I want to live my life in 2013:

1) If it feels wrong, don’t do it.

2) Say “exactly” what you mean.

3) Don’t be a people pleaser.

4) Trust your instincts.

5) Never speak bad about yourself.

6) Never give up on your dreams.

7) Don’t be afraid to say No.

8) Be kind to yourself.

9) Let go of what you can’t control

10) Stay away from drama and negativity as much as possible

Ending this post with my favorite shot from Christmas this year.

 

Here’s to a great year ahead! *clinks glasses of ribena

Half the Sky

Some people read about the plight of others and are immediately inspired to change the world. Fortunately or unfortunately, I don’t.

I do not feel particularly upset nor outrage at what is happening. Mostly cause I don’t understand and I do admit that I don’t. That and the fact that I don’t know myself what I can do to make a difference.

There are so many causes ongoing currently, maternal health, education in undeveloped countries, marine life conservation, environmental conservation, trafficking and so on. Is each less important than the other? No.

I’m inspired and encouraged by modern day heroes and their good deeds but more often than not, I’m disheartened simply by the little acts occurring on a daily basis. Some would say, before thinking of helping others far off, look around you and first help the people around you. I say, while thinking of helping others far off, also act on helping around you. Start simply be smiling, little acts of kindness. Nothing too demanding. Absolutely doable.

How is this linked to saving the world? It is a vicious cycle isn’t it? Unhappiness, stress, mental instability and ultimately extreme cases that affects people in the community. Shooting incidents, murders and what not. Being entirely optimistic, I do think that these incidents could have been prevented if the offenders were happier in life and felt loved.

Yes it could be mental instability. How do you think mental instability comes about?

However insignificant, let us just do what little we can in making our community a better place to live in.

Back to the title of the post, I really do like how Half the Sky was written. What I liked most was how they ended by sharing with readers what they can do to play their part. Always good to know more about what is happening around the world.

Central Park @ New York City

It has been a dream of mine to visit the big apple for many years. I grew up watching Friends over and over again (yes I do know that the set was in LA), CSI NY and most recently, the first season of Gossip Girls. Thus, I came excited and full of expectations. Unfortunately, the NYC I had dreamt of is very much different from reality. That said, I’ve never been a fan of cities so it’s probably me.

New York city is very much a concrete jungle. One that is very well designed and organized I must say. Makes it absolutely simple to navigate the city. However, walking in between buildings all day long just doesn’t appeal to me. My favorite place so far is definitely Central Park.

The pond where I was really looking forward to feeding the ducks only to realized that we weren’t suppose to feed the wildlife. I know I probably could still go ahead BUT as a Singaporean, I’ve been brought up to follow rules and regulations.

 

Cute little furry friends everywhere whom are totally not afraid of humans.

 

Sat on the baseball stand for a while staring at the field just cause I’ve never sat on one before. Hurhur

 

Carriage rides through the park. Reminded me a little of enchanted except that no one was singing and dancing.

 

Gorgeous despite the pollution and the smell.

 

The Bethesda Terrace complete with Christmas carols and a guitarist.

 

The Bethesda fountain, dry.

 

Walked along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir at Central Park wishing I had brought my running shoes. Fantastic views!

 

Interestingly, there were a couple of people protesting against horse carriage rides today. I really do like that people here take actions to enforce/fight for their beliefs instead of just whining and complaining over the internet.

And my new found favorite place is the New York Public Library! Absolutely gorgeous! Till then.

Lazy Sunday in Manila writing about Baguio

Hello from Manila!

My third trip here but sadly, I’ve never really gotten a chance to explore the city. Today would have been a perfect opportunity but it was just too hard getting out of bed. I mean, I should really spend some time enjoying the facilities I’m paying so much for! Plus everyone needs a lazy Sunday once in a while.

Excuses excuses.

Anyway, Baguio. Baguio is amazing! A city in the mountains. Unlike the last time I took a van up the mountains where I ended up staying in a wooden hut with no electricity. The ride up was awesome, circling the mountains where there were natural waterfalls by the road, beautiful valleys and shallow rivers(?).

Stopped by Isdaan Floating Restaurant at Tarlac where we were welcomed by a guy on stilts!

Check out who else was there for lunch!

There was a sign which said to hold the Buddha’s hand and ring the bell joyfully but the bell was like so far away. I guess the key is to join hands with others to ring the bell?

Anyway, the Buddha’s hands were out of my reach too.

I like big butts and I cannot lie. I don’t, really, but it does seem like an appropriate caption.

And this is the only shot I have on the way up as the ride was too bumpy for taking shots with my phone.

Our accommodation for 2 nights, Azalea Residence! Affordable and very comfortable!

Streets (actually street) of Baguio at night.

Incredibly good food at O’Mai Khan! I’m usually not a fan of vegetables but this was so fresh and absolutely delicious!

Ended the night with desserts at a quaint little cafe, PNKY.

Thought this was a really cute scene.

Aileen proudly showing off her phone which is also a little TV with an antenna!

It’s a blurry shot but look at those smiles!

Awesome view at Good Shepard where we stopped by to get the famous Ube Jam and peanut brittle.

Strawberry bean curd by the roads.

The shopping street of Baguio!

Coin pouches made from real frogs. (Grimacing while typing this)

The photo says it all, comes with a male model! Hurhur.

Shops by the trail in the park.

The lion of Baguio that appears to change the color of his mane every now and then. Perhaps to match the season This time, it was a lovely shade of gold.

Till we meet again!

Probably one of the biggest wedding in Bandung

First wedding I’ve attended in Indonesia turned out to be probably one of the biggest wedding in Bandung. Awesome outdoor concept matched with the perfect weather. Definitely not possible in Singapore due to the heat and humidity.

Lo and behold. And this is only the outdoor area.

The happy couple on stage. There was a display of fireworks as the groom kissed the bride.

A little girl in a very cute dress.

Dimps and I trying to photobomb the photobooth area.

VIP area on the second floor.

Indoors with absolutely stunning fake trees complete with a fake grass carpet. Love this shot of Dimps and I.

Fav shot of Pepi and Ernesth! Definitely wedding worthy

Last shot with props before we called it a night.

Headed back to our accommodations with eyes barely open. Hahahahhaha.

This wedding was definitely the highlight of our road trip in Indonesia. The wedding was huge and beautiful, food was awesome (beef fondue and BUBBLETEA!) and the fireworks!

Random morning trek up the terraces in Lembang

Before we start, I’ll like to share that it has been proven that employees whom are given flexibility do put in longer hours. That said, we spent our beautiful Saturday morning in a lovely resort working by the pool.

Spotted this lovely terrace directly in front of our resort which prompted a walk and one thing led to another. We started off crossing the road to get a better shot, saw a path and thought why not, oh look pretty house, oh stairs, oh that looks like a path that goes up and before we knew it we were 2 terraces away from the top.

Yup. Trekked up in jeans and slippers at 12pm.

Pretty much my first time in a strawberry field.

Spot Dimps!

My loyal travel buddy – the red tofu.

The amazing view from the top!

Enjoying the view (Yes I’m in the photo)

I really wasn’t expecting much from the road trip since I had no idea where we were going before I agreed and actually still didn’t have a clue after but it turned out to be totally awesome!

Very much grateful for super awesome colleagues! Looking forward to be back in Indonesia