A weekend of fine street food

25-28 February 2010

We were in Hong Kong recently (well, not so recent really) for a short gastronomic trip. We also took the opportunity of wanting to be in Hong Kong during the Chinese Lunar Year. Streets were buzzing as usual, traffic was horrendous – as usual, people were rude – AS USUAL, but thank God that the food was good – as usual! Hence, we were there!

Ethan was his usual self when on a plane. He looked ecstatic because he knew he wasn’t going to get his usual stay-at-home-routines. The smart boy somehow knew that we were going on a family trip, as he was all jolly and cheerful. This is not his first time in a plane. So, it didn’t look too alien to him.

However, I must comment that I was not very pleased about our Cathay Pacific flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong. The stewards and stewardess were not as friendly, and at one point, it passed to me as rude. They were a number of Vietnamese on board, and typically one wouldn’t expect them to speak English. (not when these passengers looked like they were farmers or one who spent more than half his life in a paddy field.) It looked like they were a couple of families traveling together; and obviously they wanted to sit together. One of the steward was trying to sort their seats out, wanting to make sure that they sat according to their boarding passes and not with their family. Problem was, there were a horde of passengers waiting in line behind the steward… ridiculous isn’t it?!? So there he was, raising his voice to these really innocent looking farmers while the others stood still – just watching, and waiting. I was seated a few rows in front and as I observed the commotion, I just couldn’t help but to think why must he do that. Can’t he just have them seated down first, get the other passengers to their allocated seat, and then finally sort their seating arrangement according to the boarding passes. Sigh – Hongkies. (excuse my language. I know it’s rude to address them this way, but heck, they aren’t any better).


Also, I just couldn’t believe that Ethan wasn’t allocated a bassinet seat as we have requested for it endless times prior to boarding. All they could say was they have put in a request but priority were for younger infants (I don’t exactly know for what reason bassinets are for younger infants… weight? Convenience? comfort?) . Now the problem was, I spotted 3 infants on board and only one was allocated a bassinet.. and yes you have guessed it right, the one allocated was a white baby – probably American. I thought it only happened in Malaysia Airlines, but I suppose it’s an Asian thing. The Asian attendants will treat the whites with pure respect, give the best cabin service and flash their utmost charming smile. Contrarily, the same group of Asians attendants would raise their voices, swift through the lanes without even stopping to assist (an Asian traveler) who just pressed for attendant assistance, created a huge scene and made their fellow Asians looked respectably stupid! Sigh!

Oh ya, I asked for an extra bun for Ethan because they only gave him 2 jars of baby food. My baby eats rice. So, I needed some buns to substantiate his meal. I was told to wait till she finished serving,.. meanwhile, she couldn’t even spare me an additional bun from the huge basket of buns which were filled to the brim. Anyway, I gave Ethan my bun and did not bother making a huge fuss about it.It wasn't a good experience with Cathay Pacific at all. Given a choice, I will not choose Cathay Pacific for any of my travels in future. I thought it was bad, real bad!

So, anyway, back to the trip. The really funny thing about this trip was that it’s a food gallivanting trip. Our unwavering spirit of eating took us places we didn’t know; we just followed the good old Hong Kong best food guide (which were printed in Chinese, but that wasn’t an issue for us because my family could read Chinese – ok, exclude Adrian, Ethan and I. My mum and my two sisters can read Chinese).

This dish, looked nothing special is actually a plate fish floss noodles. It came with a bowl of clear soup and the fish floss was all crunchy and tasty. I tell you, the Hong Kong people really know their ingredients. The combination, although sounded funny but was delicious.

At Yeong’s Noodle, 219 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

Who could miss the most sought after and seemingly best egg tarts in town when in Hong Kong. Nope, we couldn’t! We walked, took the Ting-Ting, walked, walked on the walkalator, climbed some steps, climbed many steps, walked some more and … tasted the best egg tart ever.

I must say it was good. Worth the ‘walked, took the Ting-Ting, walked, walked on the walkalator, climbed some steps, climbed many steps, walked somemore’?… I’m not sure. But we didn’t mind just walking and eating.

And of course, Ethan didn’t mind walking anytime.
It was freedom for him.

Milk toast and steamed milk, Yee Shun Milk Company.

This is a must try for those who likes our malaysian tou fu fa. The texture could pass as tou fu fa, but imagine it even smoother and softer. and when in your mouth, it melts. One funny thing about this place, we each had to order an item. Should we not order, we will be charged a HKD5.00 each. So we had to order; chocolate milk, tea milk, steam milk, coffee and a milky toast. Gee, that wasn’t cool. We left with a stomach full with fluids, or rather milk.

I tell you, this is one of the best buns I've tasted in my entire life. Perfect combination of sweetness, saltiness, is crunchy on the outside and soft like marshmallow on the inside.. Please head over to Macau Restaurant on Coastway Bay when in Hong Kong.

Trust me, It'll leave you wanting more...

Ethan with both the yi-yis at the Peak.

This is not Ethan's first time out of the country. We first brought him to Singapore. He was very well behaved, and of course was his curious self as always! This boy of mine was overjoyed to have his yiyis, mummy, daddy and por por with him for the whole long weekend. It was a good trip really, we ate and ate and ate.

Did I say we ate and ate and ate? Oh yes, I just did!
 

My young man stole the hearts of these ladies in the hotel lobby. And in return, the ladies over at the reception couldn't help but fell so madly in love with him, they gave him soft toys after soft toys after soft toys.

It was a good holiday!

Street Fiestas

We were in Hanoi last year for a short get away. I must say that this place is magical and one of a kind. Seriously an absolutely beautiful place! I fell in love not just with the place but with the food. My hubby and I had such a wonderful time just eating and exploring this lively city by foot.

While having lunch and chilling in this wonderful little café called the Paloma Café on Lý Thuong Kiệt (highly recommended!!! They serve one of the best spring roll I’ve ever tasted) we saw things we’ve never seen before in our entire life. (I will try to write all about the food in another post)

We were on the roll, naming everything we saw outside the café’s huge window. We felt as if we were trapped in a fish tank… just looking at the world passed by. We were enthralled by all that’s happened. At one point, we started writing down things we saw.. mainly the happenings on the main street.

However, when observing even more while walking down the aisles of these quainty streets, we saw even weirder stuffs… We thought it would be amazing penning some of these down. And these are what we have written down but gee, this list probably will never end. Here are some to start with:

1. people playing cards

2. people drinking tea

3. people pouring tea

4. people deep frying food on stools

5. people knocking and bending steel

6. people selling clothes

7. people recycling rubbish

8. people sitting in the middle of the road selling balloons

9. people selling bread

10. people selling drinks in glasses

11. people shaving bamboo

12. people stood by the side of the road sending test messages through their blackberry

13. people pulling their mustache using a twizzer

14. people having their hair cut

15. people selling flowers

16. people selling vegetables and fruits

17. people having their meals on mini stools and tables less than 60cm in height

18. motorcycles carrying ladder

19. motorcycles carrying 3 gallons of water

20. motorcycles carrying a box of plasma tv

21. motorcycles carrying two dogs

22. motorcycles carrying 25 kilo sack of rice and it fell off on the middle of the corss junction, and the motorcyclist had to stop his bike to pick up his sack of rice

23. motorcycles carrying stand fan

24. motorcycles carrying cages

25. 3 adults and a child on a motorcycle

26. old grandmas chasing kids while feeding them dinner

27. a man walking at night

28. a man jogging at nigh

29. a topless man jogging at night

30. a group of men playing cards in the dark

31. couples moonlighting in the park
32. a bike with Gucci leather skin seat

33. a bike with leopard leather skin seat

34. people asking if you’d like a rent a bike

35. bikes bike and more bikes!

36. people cutting chicken

37. drivers sitting in an expensive car (with legs up on the dashboard in an e-class)38. cars parked on a three way divider

39. people pumping air into the motorcycles

40. people sitting down seeing the world pass while fanning themselves 

41. … and the list goes on...

My conclusion, I love Hanoi!

18-21 July 2009

Hanoi, Vietnam

Travelling Across South China Sea

It was a short and meaningful trip back home for me as this is the first time Ethan came with us, back to where I came from, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Also, this happened to be his first time in an aircraft.
We went back for a good friend’s wedding, also an opportunity to meet up with the other side of his family.

Overwhelmed.

He made us real proud parents when he didn’t fuss nor whined during both the trip, going there and coming back. Instead, he was getting all so excited, prancing on my lap as we were sharing the seat. And we it was time for the flight to take off, my little prince tugged himself nicely in my arms, nibbling his little thumb and snoozing off quietly into his little dreamland. Believe it or not, I had equipped myself with children’s atarax “just in case”. I was really pleased when I found out that I need not any of them!

And that's good news for me. More trips back home. YEAY!

His first outstation trip

My sister, Yvonne recently got herself baptized in a catholic church, the St. Francis Xavier Church. Prior to her baptism, she had to attend a pre-baptismal retreat in Melaka, a 3 days 2 nights stay in retreat.

Naturally, by being her sponsor, I was looking forward to going to the retreat with her. The night before the retreat, I was trying to get Ethan to sleep in our bedroom. He didn’t want me to put him to bed and was struggling for almost a good one hour. And finally, mommy instinct told me that I had to call my maid up to the room to put him to bed. Sure enough, when the maid turned up and took him in her arms, he quieted down.

I was perturbed.

I couldn’t really fall asleep that night thinking if I’d to leave Ethan at home the whole day with the maid, he’s so not going to want me anymore.

Biting my lips hard, I told hubby that we will have to cart Ethan to Melaka and the maid was not going to sleep with my little boy. My other sister, Angeline was compassionate enough to understand what I was going through. So, she braved her horrible cough and cold in an hour car journey enroute to Melaka.

It was good seeing my son after one night of not seeing him. This was one time which I thought that motherhood thing has actually seeped into me. Nice!

Since it was a pretty last minute decision, we decided to book a room in the Majestic Hotel, Melaka, though the YTL Platinum Plus. (I must say that this club this the only one community which takes special care of it’s member. To top that, I have gotten invitations to watch a couple Malaysian musicals/stage plays but never could make it.)

Hubby was really excited about the whole idea of getting away, near or far. As for him, the induced thought of the Melaka Chicken Rice Balls drove his will for the one hour drive. However, I had to sneak out of the retreat sessions to check if things were fine with Ethan. I felt really bad about it, but lil sister was really cool about it, assuring me that she understands and told me to make sure the little boy was alright.

It was a great weekend for the family. Not to mention that it’s even better with Ethan behaving himself and enjoying himself in the hotel.

Check out the Majestic Hotel room and you will know why. By the way, that night when we all slept in the hotel, my little champion fell asleep in my arms. I was so overjoyed.

That's Ethan's yiyi preparing for his bath in an open concept bathroom in the hotel room!

This hotel used to be a mansion, dating back to the 1920s. The YTL decided to erect a new building in next to this mansion with it’s facade remains at the heart of the hotel mirroring the original architecture.

I remember reading an article on how the restoration team had to work on the hotel’s renovation by ensuring that the original porcelain flooring remains untouched. I seriously wonder how can that happen.

I must say that the hotel’s design integrates the old with new making it an experience. Lay man term, it feels like staying in a 6 star modern kampong.

Hubby swore that he is definately going back again. My verdict? A MUST! Frankly, the YTL Hotel Properties have never failed us. They might not be the biggest and most grandeured facade hotel, but I just love their so very intimate and unpretentious service, and their very personalised touch. If you are looking for a quiet hideaway with easy access to local food, this is the place to be!

Footprints in Sydney

I was in Sydney again, after a very very long time - 5 years? And this time, I packed my bags, and board the plane all by myself, yes! Very couragious one may say, but really, I was crushed inside for having to leave hubby and lil' E at home. Unfortunately habby is not able to take just that couple of days off, thus the reason I'm travelling alone.

However, I after boarding on the plane, I watched some in-demand movies and went straight to sleep. When I woke up, the stewards were just serving breakfast and 1 hour and 15 mins before we land in Sydney Kingsford Airport.

Nice! That was how I felt....

When stepped out, it was Swine Flu Alert all over Sydney airport! I was amused by the termal videocams set up all over. Passed the cameras and yippie, went straight to the luggage belts.

Not too long later, saw a familiar face. Zuhun was as big as ever. No wonder buddy loves hugging this giant.

I wondered around town on my own, no hubs, no bubs. And that was really good. I could just wake up in the morning, not having to think about what do I need to complete for the day. I could just take my time and do nothing.

Of course I didn't do nothing! I just sipped coffee and smiled.

Spent a good 3 days in Sydney, revisiting and re-living it again. It was indescribable. But most of all, spending some time with buds. That was priceless .

We ate, drank, chatted, gossiped, 'sucked' (ahem, oysters), giggled, laughed and I teared when I left.

Pacific Oyster at the Fish Market.

$18.99 a dozen.

Buds and I each had half a dozen... and

half a lobster, half a dozen of scallops, salmon and tuna sashimi, 3 prawns.. all within an hour!

Sigh, that was what you call a taste of heaven!

Bubbly brunch at PJ's

PJ's
Four Seasons Resort Bali
Jimbaran, Bali

We had brunch on the deck while soaking in the waves of Jimbaran Bay.
The view was astounding while the food, top notch!



The mood at PJ's is always upbeat and casual.

Seating on two decks and at the bar provides a clear view of the beach and Jimbaran Bay.

Smoked Salmon with Scramble Egg, Bagel, Cream Cheese, Capers and Sautéed Mushrooms

Eggs Benedict and Mini Caesar Salad

After 2 glasses of Mimosa
yipeeeeeeeeeeee... pretty happy at 12 noon!

That's Jen and I

dreamland beach

Dreamland Beach
Uluwatu, Bali

one of the many Hindu temples

Gua Gajah
Ubud, Bali
Indonesia

Check out Announcement 1: Women during menstruation are strictly forbidden to enter the temple.

Actually, pets are not allowed as well.
That is why we took a photo right in front of the entrance to the temple with Miko because he is not allowed in.

Ancient belief that when you was your face with the water flowing out from this statue of some goddesses?, you will look younger?
All I was thinking then was that, I don't think I want to risk my face with some water that will have me go back to the dermatologist asking for more acne cream.
To sum up: I gave that a pass.

These colourful sarongs worn by us (tourists) are actually to cover our legs as a sign of respect in this place which is considered sacred by the Balinese.
We thought they looked cool and colourful instead!

A shot of us admiring the sacred tree from a view from above.

Remains of a temple which once stood in this area.

A view from above.

Adrian thought these stones were used for idol worship like on Mount Kinabalu!