Life in between Travels

I had a few weeks of good rest after SSEAYP and before starting work the beginning of this year. The few weeks of rest were good, immersing myself in the festive and celebrating the new year. Of course, this kind of life has its optimal time frame, too long I don't think it is good, especially for the pocket, hahaha.

So, I got myself a job (as planned) while waiting for Chinese New Year to arrive (the reason why I choose to stay in Singapore instead of leaving straight for New Zealand) Though work life is kind of boring (this time I didn't choose an exciting job (barista) like what I did the previous time because of the short time I will be in Singapore), life outside work is still very much enriching and fun. =)

I still visit cafes.

Did picnic and kite flying.

Participated in the WWII Bunker Tour organised by NHB

Together with like minded friends, we did our own Chinatown Heritage tour

Participated in Terry Fox Run as usual

Cycled from Woodlands to Changi, nearly breaking my old bones.

Amidst of all these, I have met quite a number of friends from SSEAYP as well. Through these meet ups I realised SSEAYP is not just about making friends onboard but also keeping them after that. 

Before I know it, Chinese New Year holiday is over and I am at the last week of my work. Now, I am waiting for March to come, where I can have a bit of time to try other things before heading to Chiang Mai and Pai, and then New Zealand in April.

Today a friend shared a newspaper article with me, here are some extracts that encouraged me once again. Maybe it can encourage some people as well..

人在世间，只拥有有限的时间，能自由自在的使用它，是人活着的证据吧。

Purposeful Traveller - 人生有很多阶段，但不一定要按部就班。

Ipoh Old Town - Bringing back childhood memories

On my way back from Penang, I stopover Ipoh for a night. Ipoh had became one of my stopover points in Malaysia after I visited two of the most impressive cafes last year - Burps & Giggles and Buku Tiga Lima. 

This time round I found even more things in Ipoh! The mural paintings that brought back my childhood memories~ We totally enjoyed our mini reminiscing session at this alley where all the paintings are! hehehe. Some photos to share! =)) 

The highlight would be visiting another cafe by the same owner - MISSING MARBLES! At the same time, introduce SLT to these cafes that got me going back Ipoh again and again! hehehe. I really must say the cafes are an art themselves. You have to see it for yourself!! hehehe.

As this road trip ended, I am in preparation of my next BIG trip. Stay tune! 

Purposeful Traveller - Memories made

Art in Georgetown, Penang.

Finally I can have a breather, wanted very much to share the photos from my Penang & Ipoh trip! 

The art and creativity in Georgetown always inspire me =)

Doodling in a cafe~

Waited pretty long for this "art" to be done!

Love the doors and mosaic tiles I saw in Penang.

This door deserves some attention.

Ending off with this quote I saw in The Camera Museum that impacted me.

Purposeful Traveller - So many things to explore~

Two Cafes in Thomson V Two

It's been awhile I blogged about cafes I went. Most of the updates I did it through instagram instead. =)

Anyway just want to mention this 2 cafes I went because they are so near to each other and I feel that these are alternatives to the already crowded Upper Thomson eateries area. Visited OZ Specialty Coffee as we were around Bishan area. A small cafe with only 5 interior seats, the rest are outside, lucky it was at night and pretty windy. hee.

Ordered a cappuccino and waffles and chit chatted with the young owners. I was pleasantly surprised when I was given a latte on the house! =)

Cappuccino and the free latte!

Belgium waffles with frozen berries and ice cream. A slight twist to the usual waffles~

I get to know November 8 through OZ's instagram! We went November 8 on 2 separate occasions. This cafe is much bigger and definitely a good place for gathering. =)

Tried their waffles on both occasions

I will be going Penang in March! I hope to do some cafes in Penang entries then!

Purposeful Traveller - Updates done! 

Cafe - La Ristrettos

I visited this cafe a few days ago whereby I was in the midst of preparing for exams, blame it on the construction noise near my house. LOL. Okay, it is an excuse for me to get out (again).

Just did random googling wanting to find a place that's not too far and accessible by MRT. Lo and behold, I found this cafe in the least expected place - NOVENA MEDICAL CENTRE (like.. seriously?!!)

When I stepped out of the lift, it was that "hospital smell" but as I approached the cafe, stepped inside the cafe, the coffee smell comes. LOL. 

It wasn't crowded when I reached at about 2. Perfect for me to study. hehehe. A really nice place. =)) The prices for the stuff were reasonable and I got for myself a sandwich and a hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate for $5~

Chicken sandwich for $11. 

I will head down there again if I am around Novena!

Their opening hours is until 6pm only and closed on Sunday! I guess its more for the office crowd. It is located at #08-37 in Novena Medical Centre. =)

Purposeful Traveller - Coffee the next time?

Cafe - Little Prince Cafe @ Somme Road

I wanted to study in another cafe but I took a wrong route and ended up near Somme Road. I have been wanting to visit Little Prince cafe but I was quite hesitant when I saw that the place was rather small and I was afraid I may be hogging to their seats. But I went in anyway because the shop was empty... =P 

I must say I enjoyed my time there (besides the studying)! The coziness, the drawings on the walls and the hospitality of the service staff. =))

That explained why I returned for a 2nd visit the following day and I brought my friend along!! =)

I sat at that corner, when I was tired from studying I turned and grabbed the "Little Prince" book and started reading. =))

I ordered a hot chocolate, $4.50 and a orange sponge cake, $3.90 on the first day.

My second visit I ordered an English breakfast, $4.50, because I love the cup.=P (Cupcake I brought there myself. haha)

It's just a 5 mins walk from City Square Mall!

Purposeful Traveller - I will go again! (on a weekday afternoon for sure!)

Cafe - The Power of FIVE.

Had a movie screening in the afternoon hence we decided to meet for brunch before it. 

Baker & Cook, a part time cafe but full time bakery, located at Martin Road (Robertson Quay area). The interior seatings are rather limited, hence we have to make do with the alfresco seating (not advisable for a HOT afternoon) haha.

I love how the pastries are displayed, wanted to order them all.

Thank God this time round there were 5 of us. Yes, THE POWER OF FIVE!  We ordered so much of food!!

Carrot cake! Less than $5~

Ham Quiche with salad, $9~

l

Plain Bagel with cream cheese, $5. Caramel Walnut, Almond Chocolate Croissant, Apricot Danish, Cappuccino.

Overall I am satisfied with the food!!! I will definitely go back again for the pastries. =)) I shall try their flagship store @ Hillcrest for a different variety.

Purposeful Traveller - Worth going back for a second time