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~

When you can't have a vacation....

I rarely do staycation because personally I think with the same amount of money I can go for a 2D1N holiday somewhere nearby in Malaysia. 

Nevertheless, I tried it out for the first time and I really enjoyed myself! It was supposed to be a birthday celebration cum "holiday" for 4 of us! My friend managed to bake a strawberry shortcake the day before upon birthday girl's request and thanks to lunnieah, the birthday cake box was beautifully decorated! =))

Anyway after some research, I booked Dorsett Hotel for $175++, the location was awesome because it is within walking distance from the MRT and the CNY market, yet it is situated slightly away from the buzz so it was relatively quiet at night! 

We got a room on the 7th floor!

We figured that was a door bell! Cool!

Cozy looking room with fluffy beds and pillows!

We watched 2.5 movies on the HBO channel. LOL. Slacking our day in the room!

View from our room!

View from the roof top garden~

Another PLUS point about Dorsett is that there are plenty eateries around the hotel! We went down and there is a cafe there! We walked around the hotel and spotted this Irish Pub serving affordable set lunch and we had our lunch there!

Potato & Leek Soup~ Yum

$12.80/$15.80 nett for main course, drink and soup!

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I pretended I was overseas. Hahaha.

We headed to Cityhall by MRT to visit Public Garden before going to supermarket to buy our dinner! We randomly decided to Lou Hei (we bought the Salmon Yu Sheng for $33.80, not bad!) and have a sushi dinner! =)

Then of course we celebrated the birthday, the prank with inextinguishable candles nearly freak us out with the smoke they produced! We panicked for awhile, thinking if the smoke will activate the smoke sensors!! LOL! 

We headed to CNY market only at 1am! The streets were much quieter and I could take a good picture of the CNY decorations (I was tempted to stand on the road to take a closer picture, tempted.)

Love the colours of CNY!

Because of the awesome location, we were able to have our brunch at The Plain cafe the next morning (@ Craig Road) which is nearby the hotel too.

This staycation was awesome and memorable because of the people and I must say that the location is fantastic especially during pre-CNY season! =D

Purposeful Traveller - A staycation to consider......

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~

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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