http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/ en-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/31/3873b700e0ca1cd67266c60bb89316_160x200.jpg <p>Last Friday was Good Friday. We invited Susan and her daughter, Sheryl, to come to our place to celebrate Sheryl's birthday. Belinda also brought her three kids to our place. It happened that her elder son, Daniel, is also celebrating his birthday in March. So I bought two cakes for the two birthday kids. We had lots of fun singing birthday songs! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Sheryl"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/030/2429030_ee4559daa3_m.jpg" alt="Sheryl" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><em><strong>Sorry folks, the disk space allocated to my account has all been used up. Please update your link to our website at </p> <p><a href="http://papamamajojo.blog.co.uk/">http://papamamajojo.blog.co.uk/</a></p> <p>to read more of our adventures!! See you there! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></strong></em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/birthday-cum-easter-celebrations-3934242/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/birthday-cum-easter-celebrations-3934242/Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:32:53 +0100 <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Intempo 2008"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/146/2426146_e490c2aa92_m.jpg" alt="Intempo 2008" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Papajojo and I attended the concert put up by NUS Wind Symphony (NUSWS) on 15 Mar 2008. We used to be former members of this band, previously called the NUS Symphonic Band (NUSSB ). It's thanks to NUSSB that Papajojo and I met in 1993 and became what we are today. This year marks the 40th anniversary of NUSWS and the alumni members were invited to attend the concert. Papajojo and I enjoyed the band performance. It brought back good old memories of us during band practises. We also met other former band members and did some catching up on each other's happenings. We look forward to attend next year's Intempo concert! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/intempo-3927907/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/intempo-3927907/Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:47:20 +0100 <p>Last Thursday, Jojo's school organised an outing to watch a children's musical based on the popular story "The Little Red Hen". I also bought a ticket and went along with Jojo, their friends, teachers and other moms. The school chartered a bus to bring us to and fro the venue. All the kids, parents and teachers enjoyed the fun and entertaining show which lasted about an hour. Jojo and I are looking forward to watching another kids' musical together again! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="The Little Red Hen"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/092/2426092_ac33e04919_m.jpg" alt="The Little Red Hen" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Jojo at the little red hen"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/093/2426093_fbc9fe10c6_m.jpg" alt="Jojo at the little red hen" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/children-s-musical-the-little-red-hen-3927808/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/children-s-musical-the-little-red-hen-3927808/Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:18:49 +0100 <p>I have been kept busy recently by quite a number of things, which explains why I was soooooo slow in updating my blog... <del>excuses excuses</del>... Hee hee...<img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Before I forget WHY I have been sooo busy, I'd better put it down in writing. First, I was busy helping my dear friend, Belinda, in preparing the things required for her school's fund raising event to be held on 29 Mar. I've made about 100 handicraft items to be sold at the event. Then Belinda and I are going to play duet (she plays the clarinet while I play the flute) to musical pieces as another fund raising method. Papajojo graciously agreed to play solo pieces on his saxophone on that day to help in the fund raising. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> So besides busy making the handicraft, I'm <del>supposed to be </del>busy practising the flute... actually didn't practise much because of laziness... cannot!! Must practise very hard this week as the event is going to be this Saturday!!<img src="/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" alt="8|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Next, I started doing volunteer work at the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) about three weeks ago. I used to work there as an OT so I was and am really glad to be able to go back to help out in the dept. I'd go to SGH on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9.30am to 12pm, while Jojo are in school. Timing is just nice for me to drop the kids and pick them up after school. It's a great way for me to get back in touch with my ex colleagues and start familiarising with current OT practises again. Still too early to say if I'll go back to paid work as Jojo are still young. But it's a good start and I'm enjoying it!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Oh, I also started taking dance lesson with two of my good old friends, Ah Wah and Ah Zen. We're learning "Funk Hip Hop" dance, every friday, 8pm to 9pm, at a community club. So far, six lessons were done and I'm happy to say we're pretty good at it! Initially, I had muscle cramps and body aches after lesson but now no more pain. Three more lessons to go and we'll be crowned "Funk Hip Hop Queens"! Haha... <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Then it's my dear friend, Sabnam, who got married yesterday. As she is an Indian muslim, there were lots of celebrations and parties which happened throughout this week. I was there with her and her family and friends celebrating her happy occasion together. Papajojo was very kind and helpful in looking after Jojo after work while I went to Sabnam's place to take part in the celebrations. <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>And the mini Easter party which was held at our house yesterday afternoon... more details on that later! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/my-updates-3923373/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/my-updates-3923373/Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:37:33 +0100 <p>On 10 March, Monday, it was the start of one week school holiday in Singapore. So Papajojo took leave on that day and brought Jojo and me to take the duck tour. It was fun!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Since the Duck Tour is very popular, we decided to go early to get the tickets for first ride of the day at 10am. The ticket counter and tour was located at Suntec City. After a brief explanation on safety precautions and features of the duck tour, we were off to take the ride!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour1"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/029/2424029_6d5202b153_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour1" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>There were lots of Korean tourists and a few Japanese and Pakistani tourists among our group. The vehicle took a short drive to get to the Singapore River. Thank God the weather was good, not too hot, waves not too strong. Fantastic ride!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour2"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/030/2424030_2ed9bac0b4_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour2" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We went passed the Singapore Flyer, the nation's newest tourist attraction. We're looking forward to going up to the Flyer to have a good view of Singapore!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour3"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/031/2424031_7854aadafb_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour3" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour4"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/032/2424032_2485cfb3c1_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour4" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Soon, the vehicle took us to the Merlion. Jojo had fun blowing the duck whistle too!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour5"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/033/2424033_04c23829ad_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour5" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After about 45 mins sea ride, we went on land again and was taken to a 15 mins land ride around Marina area. We saw a Hippo bus along the way. Cool!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour6"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/034/2424034_9c952ad7e8_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour6" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Duck tour7"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/035/2424035_f777ad3176_m.jpg" alt="Duck tour7" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The whole tour lasted about an hour. It was quite a good and fun experience to be on the Duck Tour. Thank God Jojo didn't attempt to jump into the sea during the tour. Do try it yourself someday even if you're a Singaporean! <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/duck-tour-3923203/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/duck-tour-3923203/Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:40:15 +0100 <p>Papajojo turned 41 on Sunday! Happy birthday to you, dear!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>To kick off his birthday celebration, we had a wonderful buffet brunch on Sunday morning. Then we went to the Yamaha shop at Plaza Singapura for him to browse and do shopping. After that, we bought a delicious chocolate birthday cake home. Evening, two of our friends (actually it's Meihua and Suzhen, my sec sch friends) came over, had dinner at our place and sang Papajojo his birthday song. After that, Papajojo entertained us with his melodious Karaoke singing at home. It was a fun and warm celebration for Papajojo. May God bless him with good health, love and happiness always! <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Papajojo"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/027/2384027_d53bdbd56c_m.jpg" alt="Papajojo" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/03/happy-birthday-papajojo-3813164/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/03/03/happy-birthday-papajojo-3813164/Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:59:31 +0100 <p>Yesterday during our Japanese language lesson, my teacher told me that one of her students recently received the result for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) which was held last December. She asked if I have received mine but I had not then. After our lesson, I went to the mailbox to check. Look and behold! There was the letter from the JLPT organiser!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" alt="8|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I was soooooooo nervous when I opened the envelope. The result? I PASSED!!!! I passed the JLPT level 4 (elementary) exam!!! Yippy!!! Thank God for this wonderful achievement!!! I felt sooooooooo happy and overwhelmed by this great news!!!! I immediately called Papajojo and sms to my Japanese teacher about this news. Finally, after a year's learning, I passed the exam. As a SAHM, I felt a great sense of achievement. Sooooooooooo happyyyyyyyyy!!! <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I want to dedicate this achievement to firstly, my Japanese teacher, Yasuda sensei, for her wondeful patience and guidance.She's really very knowledgable and kind. Secondly, to Papajojo, for his patience and guidance too while revising with me what I've learnt for the exam. Last but not least, to my family and friends who have been giving me lots of encouragement to learn this wonderful langauge. Of course, learning doesn't stop here. I'm now even more motivated to take the JLPT level 3 (intermediate) exam to be held at the end of this year. I hope to be able to master this language well so that I can better communicate with my Japanese friends and Papajojo's relatives who are living in Japan. Ganbari masu (means work hard in Japanese) !!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/29/my-exam-result-3795265/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/29/my-exam-result-3795265/Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:19:32 +0100 <p>Last Saturday, Papajojo and Joseph went to the Singapore Airshow 2008 at Changi. Papajojo was really sun burnt on his face and arms when he came home! Joseph was not so badly burnt, thanks to Papajojo for shielding him. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Before leaving the house, they took photos of their matching attire. Joseph wore the T-shirt which Papajojo bought specially for him. It says "Dad's Little Co-Pilot". Joseph also brought along his A380 model to the airshow. It was given by his Guu-Guu in Singapore. Thank you, Mollie! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Jojo and papajojo"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/327/2371327_28d3af0b99_m.jpg" alt="Jojo and papajojo" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Here are photos of the Singapore's Air Force aerobatic team "Black Knights". Exciting!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Black Knights"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/272/2371272_8ffacca65e_m.jpg" alt="Black Knights" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Joseph was rather annoyed by all the noise made by the aircraft during the aerobatic performances. So Papajojo brought Joseph into the indoor exhibition hall to escape from the noise and heat. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Black Knights"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/273/2371273_a8d0534d7b_m.jpg" alt="Black Knights" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After Joseph had calmed down, they went outdoor again to see the world's largest airliner in flight, the A380. Joseph was thrilled and flew his A380 model in his hand!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="A380 Flying Display"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/274/2371274_5a928739af_m.jpg" alt="A380 Flying Display" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>It was getting hotter outdoor so they went back into the indoor exhibition hall to cool down and see all the displays.<img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Here's the Airbus, Boeing and Bell booths.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Indoor - Airbus, Boeing and Bell"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/275/2371275_db7886dd90_m.jpg" alt="Indoor - Airbus, Boeing and Bell" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The other booth they saw was the Changi Airport Booth.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Indoor - Changi Airport Booth"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/276/2371276_4ad5ca5e3f_m.jpg" alt="Indoor - Changi Airport Booth" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After cooling down, they decided to look at the outdoor displays again, such as F-15, KC-135, Chinook and B-1.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Outdoor Display - F-15 - KC-135 - Chinook"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/277/2371277_01dfafc638_m.jpg" alt="Outdoor Display - F-15 - KC-135 - Chinook" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="B-1 - KC-135"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/278/2371278_e8ae18fe33_m.jpg" alt="B-1 - KC-135" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Finally, Papajojo and Joseph saw the A380 being towed back to the display area after the demo flight. Jospeh was sooooo excited seeing the real aircraft while holding the A380 model in his hand. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="A380 Parking"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/279/2371279_b1f5dfe9af_m.jpg" alt="A380 Parking" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title=" A380"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/280/2371280_3fa7e586a7_m.jpg" alt=" A380" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Papajojo and Joseph were exhausted after being in the sun and heat for half a day at the airshow. Nonetheless, they enjoyed going to the airshow together. Great bonding time for father and son!! <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/26/singapore_airshow~3782002/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/26/singapore_airshow~3782002/Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:18:33 +0100 <p>Papajojo bought these identical sets of T-shirts for himself and Joseph when he went to Florida in January 08 for work. Don't they look like brothers?!! ouuuuuu... so handsome... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> Best friend forever!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Papajojo & Joseph t-shirt 1"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/999/2349999_bca8f44aac_m.jpg" alt="Papajojo & Joseph t-shirt 1" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Papajojo & Joseph t-shirt 2"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/002/2350002_5d1a612e9c_m.jpg" alt="Papajojo & Joseph t-shirt 2" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/17/best_friends_t_shirts~3739465/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/17/best_friends_t_shirts~3739465/Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:25:20 +0100 <p>This year, Joseph had a total of three birthday parties. Phew! After all the preparations and fun celebrations, finally Papajojo and I got to get some rest... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>About three weeks before Joseph's birthday, we went to The Concourse Shopping Arcade to get the items for Joseph's party packs to be given to his friends. We bought some wrapping papers out of which I made 20 paper bags. Inside the party packs, there's a packet of soya drink, sweets, bottle of soap bubble, paper balloon, plastic spinning top and a "Char Teck" (a traditional Malay toy made of feather and you use one leg to kick it). Jojo helped out in assembling the party packs. <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Joseph"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/663/2349663_9873de3422_m.jpg" alt="Joseph" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>First party was held at Jojo's play school. During their snack time at 10am, Papajojo <em>(He took leave from work on 14th and 15th Feb for Joseph's birthday. Thank you, dear!) </em>and I brought a cake to their school. Papajojo also brought along his guitar to have music accompanyment while singing Joseph's birthday song. I brought along photos of Joseph while he was younger to show to his friends. Then we lit the candles, sang birthday song, Joseph blew his candles, cut cake, and distributed the cake to his friends and teachers. After that, I put the party packs into his friends' cubby holes. Joseph had a fun time celebrating his birthday with his friends, teachers and family! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Joseph"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/648/2349648_045c335a0f_m.jpg" alt="Joseph" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>When school ended at 1pm, we brought Jojo to the East Coast Chalet, called "<a href="http://www.islandresort.com.sg/">Island Resorts</a>". We checked in at about 4pm and stayed there till Sunday and checked out at 10am. It was fun staying at the chalet. During my childhood and school days, my family and friends would hang out there during school holidays to do fun activities like cycling, sand castle building and swimming in the sea. We wanted to let Jojo have sweet memories too doing these fun activities together.So we spent the rest of Thursday afternoon, evening and Friday morning cycling and playing at the beach.</p> <p>On Friday morning, we put up decorations at the chalet for Joseph's birthday party. See the star fishes, octopus and jelly fish decorations? These were actually done by Alena's mom, Angkana, for Alena's birthday party held on 2nd Feb at their place. Angkana was very kind to let me "recycle" the decorations after Alena's birthday party. Thank you so much, Angkana!! <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>In the afternoon, Jojo's friends from their playschool joined us at the chalet for Joseph's second birthday party. The kids had fun playing at the pool, the playground and the beach. We got Joseph a cake decorated with a "space" theme. He was thrilled! All the kids and moms had a great time playing and talking together! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Joseph"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/649/2349649_12c32db00f_m.jpg" alt="Joseph" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Then on Saturday evening, my mom, my brother and his family, and friends came and joined in Joseph's third birthday party celebrations. This time, we got a simple black forest cake for Joseph. All the kids and adults had fun celebrating Joseph's birthday! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Joseph"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/650/2349650_27737b9358_m.jpg" alt="Joseph" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>A "BIG THANK YOU" for all our family and friends who came to celebrate Joseph's birthday with us. Thanks too for all the wonderful gifts which Joseph and Joanne received. Joseph's birthday celebrations were made special because of all your well wishes and presence. May God also bless each one of you just as you're a wonderful blessing to us! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/17/joseph_s_birthday_parties~3738919/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/17/joseph_s_birthday_parties~3738919/Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:53:20 +0100 <p>Today's Joseph's 5th birthday! Wow, he's five already!! He's a happy and confident child. Really thank God for blessing him with good health. <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Joseph, may you continue to be blessed with good health, love and happiness always!! Lots of love from your Papa and Mama and Joanne Mei Mei!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="joseph feb 08"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/639/2343639_4713465a83_m.jpg" alt="joseph feb 08" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Happy Valentine's Day to all of you too! To my dear friends, thank you for our wonderful friendships! May God bless our friendships to last forever!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/14/happy_5th_birthday_joseph~3724922/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/14/happy_5th_birthday_joseph~3724922/Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:46:26 +0100 <p>We're starting a Chinese New Year (CNY) family tradition this year. Since we already made it a tradition to welcome 1st Jan every year by having Japanese steamboat and watching the Japanese "Red & White Song Festival" program on the NHK channel every new year's eve, being Chinese, we'll set a tradition to welcome the Lunar New Year as well. </p> <p>Papajojo and I decided that from this year onwards, for the traditional reunion dinner on Chinese New Year Eve, we'll make chinese dumplings (Jiao Zi) and have chinese steam boat for dinner at home. It would be nice if all four of us sat together to make the dumplings together but since we were running out of time (and energy!), while Papajojo and Joseph were busy downstairs washing the car, Joanne and I got busy in the kitchen making the chinese dumplings. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Joanne making jiao zi"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/663/2328663_4b4451ae24_m.jpg" alt="Joanne making jiao zi" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>It's fun and easy making the dumplings with Joanne. In fact, this is about the fourth time we did this together. The last time we made the dumplings was about a week ago when Joanne's friend, Alena and her mom, Angkana, came to our place and we did the dumplings together. It was great fun!</p> <p>For the fillings, we had minced pork, chopped napa cabbage, chopped onions and chopped ginger. If you like veggies, you can add more or other kinds like chopped carrots. For seasoning, I added chinese cooking wine, salt, soya sauce and sesame oil. Add an egg, and mix these together, then put cover and put in fridge for about 15mins before wrapping in wonton skins. Then either, steam, fry or cook in boiling soup stock. Easy breezy and yummy! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>After Joseph and Papajojo finished washing the car, we began our chinese steamboat dinner. For this year's CNY reunion dinner, we had chinese dumplings, chicken soup stock, cabbage, spinach, onion, fish balls, canned baby abalone, prawns, fresh fish and vermicili. Simple, delicious and fun! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="2008 CNY reunion dinner"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/710/2328710_e60ed2c2c7_m.jpg" alt="2008 CNY reunion dinner" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/new_family_tradition_for_cny_reunion_din~3693320/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/new_family_tradition_for_cny_reunion_din~3693320/Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:25:51 +0100 <p>My dear friend, Angkana, gave me these lovely fresh ginger which she harvested from her beautiful garden. Thank you soooo much, Angkana! I treasure these fresh ginger so much, I can't bear to use them in my cooking! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="fresh ginger from Angkana"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/628/2328628_67072f6558_m.jpg" alt="fresh ginger from Angkana" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>ps: The bottom right photo was taken by Joanne. Not bad huh?!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/fresh_ginger_from_angkana_s_garden~3693147/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/fresh_ginger_from_angkana_s_garden~3693147/Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:48:54 +0100 <p>Wish all of you a very happy and blessed Year of Rat!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Jojo in chinese costumes"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/612/2328612_14c6047281_m.jpg" alt="Jojo in chinese costumes" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/gong_xi_fa_cai~3691097/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/07/gong_xi_fa_cai~3691097/Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:28:55 +0100 <p>Recently I watched this Korean drama "My Lovely Sam Soon" (my most fav K-drama!!) about this 30 year old french pastry chef who found love despite being labeled as plump and unattractive. She mentioned about this small cake called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_%28cake%29">Maleleines</a>. It's also know as French Cake as the French would dip this cake into hot tea before taking a bit. I was immediately drawn to wanting to try bake this small cake as it sounded soooooooo romantic... you know, French stuff... linked with romantic feeling... ou la la... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I must say it's really easy to bake the lovely Madeleines and they taste great!!! I used non-stick Madeleine cake mold so the cakes came off really nice and in perfect shape. A fantastically delicious cake to have afternoon tea with! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="madeleines"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/024/2324024_bb74453593_m.jpg" alt="madeleines" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>================================================</p> <p><u><strong>Madeleines (makes 18)</strong></u></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br> 4 eggs<br> 3/4 cup granulated sugar<br> 1 tsp vanilla extract (essence)<br> 1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour<br> 1 tsp baking powder<br> 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled<br> Confectioners' (icing) sugar for dusting</p> <p><strong>Method</strong>:<br> Preheat oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C). Grease a 12- or 18-mold madeleine pan. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale in color. Stir in vanilla. Sift flour and baking powder together onto a piece of waxed paper. Gently stir flour mixture into egg mixture in 3 batches, adding butter with last batch. Cover and refrigerate for 10 mins. Spoon into prepared molds.</p> <p>Bake for 5 mins. Reduce oven temperature to 400 deg F (200 deg C) and bake for 5 more mins. Let cool in pan for 5 mins, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. If using a 12-mold pan, let cool, regrease and use to bake remaining batter. Dust cakes with confectioners' sugar to serve.</p> <p><em>Recipe take from book "Muffins & Small Cakes" (avaliable from NLB, call no. 641.8653)</em><br> ========================================================= </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/madeleines_a_k_a_french_biscuits~3683171/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/madeleines_a_k_a_french_biscuits~3683171/Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:54:45 +0100 <p>During Chinese New Year, family and friends will visit each other's house and while catching up on each other's "happenings" for the past year, we'll also consume whatever goodies like biscuits, chocolates, egg rolls, etc which the hosts have prepared for the guests. Although it's more convenient to just buy the CNY goodies from supermarkets and bakery shops, it's not necessary cheaper and healthier than those home-made ones. I wanted to try baking some of them since I enjoy baking. What better food to prepare for your guests other than home-made goodies! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>This year, I went cockkoo and made three types of CNY goodies in just one and half day... almost went crazy after finished baking... Next year MUST remind myself NOT to do this again... or risk really really going bananas... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>First, my first ever attempt at baking Kueh Bangkit. It's a kind of cookie using tapioca flour instead of all-purpose wheat flour. I love its coconut flavour and that "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. But sad to admit, my first attempt at baking Kueh Bangkit has failed. The cookie was too thick and not dried out enough, so didn't have that "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. Instead, it's a bit "chewy", as Papajojo put it. (Thank God Papajojo agreed to help finish eating the Kueh Bangkit I baked... Hee Hee... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0">)</p> <p>I then learnt from my friend, Choy Wan, which she learnt from a baking lesson, that you need to fry the tapioca flour for about 30mins (I think), let it cool and store the flour for two weeks before using it to bake the cookie, in order to get that nice texture. Hmmm... better note this before I attempt to bake this challenging cookie again next year, or else consider the amount of hard work needed to bake it right, just buy them from bakery shops lah... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Here's the recipe of Kueh Bangkit I got from the Life Section of the Sunday Times, 3rd Feb 08.</p> <p>============================================================<br> <u><strong>Kueh Bangkit</strong></u></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong>:<br> 2.5 cups tapioca flour<br> 1 tbsp butter, melted<br> 1 egg yolk<br> 1 cup icing sugar<br> 120ml thick coconut milk</p> <p><strong>Baking Instructions</strong>:<br> 1. Microwave the tapioca flour for one minute or dry fry over the stove till fragrant. (leave to cool before using)</p> <p>2. Sift the flour and icing sugar. Add the melted butter, egg yolk and coconut milk. Mix to form pliable dough.</p> <p>3. Roll out the dough on a lightly-floured surface and cut with a cookie cutter.</p> <p>4. Place on a lined baking tray and bake at 180 deg C for 15 mins or till crispy to the touch.</p> <p>5. Leave to cool before packing.</p> <p>=========================================================</p> <p>Next, I made egg rolls, well actually, flatten egg rolls. Recipe from <a href="http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/page.cfm?name=Ic09s/">here</a>. I used the electric non-stick egg roll mould and finished making them in four hours. Yup, four hours. Made about 200 pcs, I think. After the batter was cooked in the electric mould, I folded it in half, then half again, so the shape was a quarter of a circle. Jojo helped to eat the edges of the egg rolls as I trimmed them. Nice! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Last but not least, almond cookies. Recipe from <a href="http://teainmycup.blogspot.com/2008/01/chinese-new-year-tea-almond-cookies.html">here</a>. It's easy to bake and I like that the almond cookies from this recipe aren't too sweet. Yummy! Well, at least 2 out of 3 CNY goodies I baked are considered successful attempts. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Tomorrow really have to focus on cleaning the house before CNY arrives on Thursday!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/baking_frenzy_for_cny~3682992/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/baking_frenzy_for_cny~3682992/Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:18:51 +0100 <p>This year, Joseph is in K1 and Joanne is in N2. Wait, Joseph, my son, in K1????? Oh my gosh!!! Joseph is in K1!!!!! Wow!! Didn't really realise he's so grown up!!! Oh dear..... I'm in serious denial mode here... starting to feel a bit depressed... HE's IN K1!!! Okay, grab a hold of your sanity, woman!! Take it easy, take a deep breathe... Everything's going to be okay... it's just another phase of his development... he's still your precious little baby... oh my.... I have to start psychoing myself to let go and let Joseph become what he is to become... such joy and agony of sweet motherhood...</p> <p>Well, at least Joanne is still in Nursery class. But very soon next year, she'll be in kindergarten class. Okay, take it easy, take a deep breathe, look at her now and treasure what she is today and everyday. This way, the day when she becomes a K1 kid will seem longer to arrive... I wish...</p> <p>Jojo have stopped taking violin class this year as they didn't seem interested at all to continue learning the instrument. Although I was very torn between "forcing" them to continue learning it and letting go, I finally decided on the latter as it's not healthy, mentally, for them (and me) to be forced to learn the violin when they are not ready to do so. But I'll continue to ask Papajojo to play the violin with them at home regularly so that they'll remember whatever they've learnt so far. I just hope I did the right thing and not be too lenient to them in this violin-learning issue.</p> <p>In school, Joseph is taking up the English Speech and Drama Enrichment course (ESDE) every Wednesday. There's five other kids in the course, all are his friends at school. Joseph really loves attending it. He would share with me what they did during the course and talked non-stop when I went to pick him up. He also enjoyed the "Show and Tell" session whereby he's supposed to bring a favourite toy or book to show and talk about it to his teacher and friends. I hope this course will continue to improve his speech and self expression abilities, and improve his social skills. Most importantly, I hope Joseph will enjoy learning and interacting with his teacher and friends in fun ways.</p> <p>Since the ESDE course wasn't available to younger kids, I let Joanne sign up for ballet lesson. She had expressed great interest to want to learn dancing and every day, she would display some ballerina poses or some funny dance moves. Initially I wanted Joanne to learn Chinese dance as I wanted her to better appreciate her own Chinese culture. But after enquiring a few places, they only take in kids 5 years and older. So Papajojo and I agreed to let her start with ballet dance first. Then we'll see how it goes, whether she'll want to continue learning ballet dance or start Chinese dance.</p> <p>She's learning Baby Ballet at Bt Timah Plaza every Wednesday, after school . So far she had two lessons already and the teacher said she's learning very well! I'm really proud of her!! She looks so grown up in the ballet attire. Will up the photos to share with you later. My wish for her is that she'll appreciate ballet as a wonderful art of self-expression through body language and movement, and as a form of exercise to keep oneself fit and healthy.</p> <p>Since Jojo's enrichment lessons ends at the same time on Wednesdays afternoons, I had difficulty try to fetch them both at the same time. Thank God that Jojo's friends' mummies offered to help fetch one of them while I go get the other. It's really a blessing to get to know the other Stay-At-Home Moms (SAHM) whose kids are attending the same school as Jojo. When we meet after dropping our kids or fetching them to and fro school, we would chat and share about our daily happenings which our hubbies <del>wouldn't </del> might not be too interested to know, and offer sound advise when needed. It's like a social support group for me, that I'm not alone in giving up paid work to put my children as my priority in life now. </p> <p>It's God's blessing that our family financial situation gives me the option to choose to work or be a SAHM to look after our kids who grow up so fast. But at times, I wonder whether I should put my education qualifications to better use by contributing to society in other ways, other than raising happy healthy kids. Well, time permitting, I'll be looking to do volunteer work while kids are in school. The volunteer work hours will be flexible and I'll feel I'm putting my qualifications to good use while looking after Jojo well. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/24/kids_update~3628336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/24/kids_update~3628336/Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:09:08 +0100 <p>Joanne has a new friend in school, well, actually not that new. Her friend, Alena, joined the school last November and is half a year younger than Joanne. So this year Joanne is in N2 class while Alena is in N1 class. She likes Joanne very much and would always want to share things and play with Joanne. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Initially Joanne didn't behave very friendly towards Alena. I guess it's because she already has her own "gang" of friends prior to knowing Alena, so she wanted to play with them instead of playing with Alena. But since early this month one afternoon after school, when Alena and other kids came to our place for play date, Joanne and Alena started to become closer. (I also got to know and become good friends with Angkana, Alena's mom. She's a wonderfully warm person!). <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>From next day onwards since the play date at our place, Joanne and Alena would sit next to each other during lunch time and play together. Joanne would tell me: "I am Jie Jie (big sis), Alena is Mei Mei (small sis)." I love to see them talk with each other and play together. Soooooooo cute! Reminds me so much of my childhood when my sis and I would play together. Even Joseph who usually likes to play alone, started to mention about playing with Alena. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I appreciate very much the precious sisterhood I share with my sis. Although she's now living overseas, we remain as close as ever. It's always been a nagging issue on my mind whether to have a third child so that Joseph or Joanne will have the opportunity to experience the blessings of a wonderful brotherhood or sisterhood. </p> <p>Although we have six nieces (yes, Joseph's the only male grandchild in both Papajojo's and my family!), we don't get to meet them often due to their parents' work commitment and living distances. So Jojo don't get to play often with their cousins. But since Papajojo and I have decided to stop at two, I'm really glad that Joanne now has this wonderful opportunity to experience a close friendship (maybe even consider it as sisterhood!) with Alena. Thank you so much, Angkana, for your friendship and letting Joanne play often with Alena! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/joanne_s_new_friend_alena~3623301/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/joanne_s_new_friend_alena~3623301/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:36:13 +0100 <p>Me: Dear, the news reported that Starbucks is going to start a promotion in a city to charge $1 for refillable coffee.</p> <p>Papajojo: Oh is it? Which city is it?</p> <p>Me: It mentioned Seattle. That's where Starbucks originated from, I think.</p> <p>Papajojo: Oh, no wonder the people there are "Sleepless in Seattle" (title of movie starting Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan).</p> <p>Me: <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/just_for_laugh~3623087/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/just_for_laugh~3623087/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:53:58 +0100 <p>Eversince we came back from Taipei, Papajojo and I have been craving for the delicious cold desserts sold at an outlet called <a href="http://www.icemonster.com.tw/">Ice Monster</a>. We were sooooooo glad and excited when our friend told us that there's an Ice Monster outlet which sells the Taiwanese desserts, right here in Singapore!! Thank you so much Wakana for the info!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So on one hot Saturday afternoon, we went to the Ice Monster outlet at Bencoolen Street, located on the first floor of the building, The Bencoolen, and ordered these; Mango Ice Shave, Strawberry Ice Shave, & Red Bean with Jelly Ice Shave. Yummy!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Mango & Strawberry Ice Shave, Red Bean & Jelly Ice Shave"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/665/2295665_ed72257f90_m.jpg" alt="Mango & Strawberry Ice Shave, Red Bean & Jelly Ice Shave" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>There's another Ice Monster outlet located at:</p> <p>68 Orchard Road<br> #B2-53 Plaza Singapura</p> <p>Will check it out sometime soon!<img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>While in Taipei, we also drank lots of papaya milk in tetra packs. Since we can't find any in Singapore, I made some "home-made" Papaya Milk Shake using papaya, milk and ice cubes and blended these together. Yummy! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Papaya milk"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/666/2295666_e990526e8e_m.jpg" alt="Papaya milk" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/ice_monster~3619649/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/ice_monster~3619649/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:35:20 +0100 <p>Joanne: Mama, can I watch TV?</p> <p>Me: Cannot Joanne, we're going to eat dinner soon leh...</p> <p>Joanne: Mama, don't say leh!!!</p> <p>Me: <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>=================================================================</p> <p>I've always been consciously telling myself and Papajojo not to speak Singlish to Jojo but somehow, sometimes it just slips my mind and tongue. Now Joanne has taken up the role of "Language Police" to correct me and Papajojo whenever we speak Singlish like "leh", "mah", etc... Old habits die hard... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/don_t_say_leh~3619458/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/don_t_say_leh~3619458/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:42:08 +0100 <p>Ahhhh, last day of our Taipei holiday. After a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, we packed our bags and headed to the nearby bus terminal. As it was a Saturday, the coach brought us to the Tao Yuan Airport within 1.5 hours. Very smooth ride. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei Coach to Tao Yuan Airport"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/553/2295553_075245fe06_m.jpg" alt="Taipei Coach to Tao Yuan Airport" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We reached the airport about four hours before departure time as we were afraid of unexpected delay e.g traffic accidents, etc. Thank God there was a fantastic playground for kids so Jojo spent about a good hour at the playground. <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Playground at Airport"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/554/2295554_086df9030b_m.jpg" alt="Playground at Airport" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Since there was some time left, what better to do than to eat?!! We had this very delicious ramen (japanese noodles) at the foodcourt. Very good! <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Ramen at Airport"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/555/2295555_336eac8ff8_m.jpg" alt="Ramen at Airport" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Thank God for the smooth flight home. Papajojo and I were quite reluctant to leave Taipei after such a good time there. Now that we've been there, we really enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Taiwanese, the food, the onsen, the sight seeing, really was a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend to you to visit Taiwan, even if you have young kids to bring along. Now have to plan for our next hotspring trip to Taiwan... when huh, Papajojo?! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/taipei_tour_day_7_of~3619434/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/23/taipei_tour_day_7_of~3619434/Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:36:22 +0100 <p>Having experiencing so many nice hotspring baths on Day 5 of our Taipei tour, Papajojo and I just had to have another visit to another hot spring hotel before the end of our holiday. So straight after breakfast at the hotel, we went to Xin Bei Tou again and visited this hotel called "Mei Dai Wen Quan", located right beside the Mei Du Hotel. Very nicccccccceeeeeeee!!! See the bottom left photo? It's a very precious stone called the "Bei Tou Stone" being displayed within the hotel premise. Beautiful patterns. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Mei Dai Wen Quan"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/676/2287676_2b921fbcb5_m.jpg" alt="Mei Dai Wen Quan" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Finally, after a good soak, we left Xin Bei Tou and went to another district which is easily accessible by MRT. I think the name of this place is called "Yong Kang". There's this very famous dessert shop which was featured in local TV shows and in Japan. Thank God we found it through Papajojo's fantastic map reading skills. We ordered the Tang Yuan (glutinous rice balls) filled with sesame seeds and peanuts, Milk Ice Shave with Red Beans Topping, Beancurd, and Pearl Milk Tea (milk tea with yam balls, i think). Oouuuuuuuu, yummy!!!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Tang Yuan, Milk Ice Shave"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/677/2287677_b38ed9029b_m.jpg" alt="Tang Yuan, Milk Ice Shave" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After the delicious desserts, we walked about the area and found the "Yong Kang Fabrics Whole Sale Market". Woo hoo!!! My favourite place!!! I got to see sooooooo many different beautiful fabrics and I actually bought about S$80 worth of them. I felt quite bad about buying them 'cos that meant extra luggage weight for Papajojo to carry. But he's such a darling, he said it's okay for me to buy the fabrics since I can't get them in Singapore. Thank you so much, Papajojo!!!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Desserts, night market"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/678/2287678_7c6adc6fe7_m.jpg" alt="Desserts, night market" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>See the photos of dessert above? Well, after getting the fabrics, we actually went back to the same dessert shop to eat again!! Hee hee... After that we went to a nearby night market streets and saw soooooo many different types of street food. We settled down in a small shop and ordered Xiao Long Bao, Braised Meat with Rice and Noodles. Very very fresh tasting and delicious!!!<img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="xiao long bao, noodles, rice"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/679/2287679_e64e377fe3_m.jpg" alt="xiao long bao, noodles, rice" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We walked about the night street and saw this poster about Peter Rabbit Stamps being sold at the Post Office. We wanted to get a set of it for Jojo's Guu-guu who loves Peter Rabbit but it was already late and all the Post Office were closed. Hope we'll be able to get it for her during our next visit to Taipei. <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Peter Rabbit Stamp Poster"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/680/2287680_d3197626ea_m.jpg" alt="Peter Rabbit Stamp Poster" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Finally, the last event of the day before heading back to our hotel. We visited another night street market, sooo many different types of yummy delicious food being sold!!! How I wished we could eat all of them then!! If you're going for holiday in Taiwan, must try to visit the many different night street markets to try all the yummy food!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Night Market"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/681/2287681_8cbc6257d4_m.jpg" alt="Night Market" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/20/taipei_tour_day_6_of~3602783/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/20/taipei_tour_day_6_of~3602783/Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:15:00 +0100 <p>Here's something I find interesting to share with you. My sis, who's living in Texas now,emailed it to me. Papajojo, Jojo and I had lived in Texas in 2005 for about a year and whatever's written in the following, to a great extend, I agree!!<img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>==================================================================</p> <p>Subject: To all my Texas friends and those who wish they were from<br> Texas</p> <p>Forget Rednecks, here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about folks from Texas!</p> <p>If someone in a Lowe's store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If "Vacation" means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and everybody s passing you, you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you find 60 degrees "a little chilly", you may live in Texas.</p> <p>If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Texas friends & others, you definitely live in Texas. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/title~3595913/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/title~3595913/Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:19:35 +0100 <p>Day 5, I must say, is the most enjoyable days of our Taipei Tour. Why? Because we got to visit and enjoy the hot springs of Taipei!!</p> <p>This was the one thing that I looked forward to do the most before our Taipei trip. Papajojo and I had enjoyed the wonderful hot springs, called onsen in Japanese, during our past holidays in Japan. When we knew that there are onsens in Taipei, we decided to check out and see if the quality of onsens in Taipei are as good as those in Japan. After breakfast, we took the MRT to the station called Xin Tou Bei. After arriving, we could see lots of sign boards and advertisments for the different onsens in the Xin Bei Tou area. So happy!! We decided to walk around to explore the area and saw this cultural centre about the aborginal race. Interesting displays!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Xin Bei Tou MRT station"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/068/2284068_7b7de51e42_m.jpg" alt="Xin Bei Tou MRT station" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>As we walked further away from the MRT station, we could see more and more hot springs hotels around. See the drain below? There's hot spring water flowing through it!! We wanted to soak our feet in the water but there was a notice nearby warning people that the water in the drain is dirty and advised against doing so. So we continued walking and decided to check out this hotel called Sui Du Hotel.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Xin Bei Tou"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/069/2284069_8521b3a214_m.jpg" alt="Xin Bei Tou" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>It's easy to check into this hotel. We paid about S$60 to enjoy using the room for 2 hours. There's an attached bath tub, big enough to fit all four of us. The hot spring water, very very hot, was mixed with cold tap water to about 39 C. Jojo were initially quite scared of the hot water but after awhile all four of us were happily soaking in it. Very very very very nicccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Sui Du Hot Spring"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/070/2284070_94781f5930_m.jpg" alt="Sui Du Hot Spring" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After a very comfortable soak and rest, we went to this nearby shop to eat Hot Spring Ramen. Apparently, this shop is pretty famous and popular amongst tourists and locals. We ordered seaweed, fish roe, tofu, half boiled egg cooked with hot spring water (said to improve skin and lengthen life span!!) and the hot spring ramen. Very delicious!!! Joseph drew the Sui Du hotel while waiting for the food to come. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Hot Spring Ramen"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/071/2284071_c016becc53_m.jpg" alt="Hot Spring Ramen" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After the wonderful meal, we walked around the area and saw many hot spring hotels. How I wished we could visit every one of them!!<br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Hot Spring Hotels"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/072/2284072_72a1d2fa00_m.jpg" alt="Hot Spring Hotels" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>There was also a public hot spring pools so we decided to check it out. The entrance fee was very cheap, only S$1 per entry. They cleaned the pools every 2 hours so the pools were in good condition. As the pools were opened to both males and females, visitors are required to wear swimsuit before entering the pools. Photography were not allowed within the premises of the public pools but Papajojo secretly took photographs... heehee.. There were 3 hot pools and 2 cold pools. I would have enjoyed it more if only the pools were for ladies only and I didn't have to wear the swimsuit to enter the pools...</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Public Hot Spring"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/073/2284073_ab8eb35297_m.jpg" alt="Public Hot Spring" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Not feeling satisfied with the public pools, we went straight to another hot spring hotel called the Wen Quan Yen Hotel. The fees for 2 hours use was more expensive than the first one we visited as it is located nearer to the MRT station and the view from the hotel room were much better. I love the tatami floors and the decor of the room. Very very nice!!! The hot spring water was also very nice. My skin felt soooooooooo smooth after soaking in it!! All four of us enjoyed soaking and relaxing in the hot spring water so much, we didn't want to leave when time was up. Well, next time we visit Taipei again, we're sure to check into a hot spring hotel immediately after landing at the airport!! <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Wen Quan Yan Hotel"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/074/2284074_9995a5c312_m.jpg" alt="Wen Quan Yan Hotel" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>By the time we left the Wen Quan Yen Hotel and took the MRT station to return to our hotel room, it was about 7pm. We didn't want to go out again for dinner so I went out alone to the Mitsukoshi Departmental store and bought some cream puffs and creme bulee for dinner. Delicious!! Joseph looked as if he was going to doze off any moment while eating the cream puff. I guess he really enjoyed and felt relaxed after soaking in the hot spring water. <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Cream Puffs & creme bule"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/075/2284075_bf1beb781e_m.jpg" alt="Cream Puffs & creme bule" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/taipei_tour_day_5_aamp_6_of~3593706/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/taipei_tour_day_5_aamp_6_of~3593706/Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:15:58 +0100 <p>By Day 4, Joanne's health was still bad. Although her fever had gone down in the morning, her cough and runny nose were still bad. She looked quite tired and was easily upset during our buffet breakfast at the hotel. She insisted to be carried around wherever we went. Poor Papajojo had to become Joanne's personal "carrier". I hope his back won't give way too soon...</p> <p>After breakfast, we decided to visit this tourist spot called Chiu Fen. From Taipei Railway Station (TRS), we bought train tickets for third class train (ie train with more stops in between and free seating) for Papajojo and myself (kids under 12 travel free, yippy!) to go to Rei Fang Station (RFS). Before arriving the TRS, we didn't have free computer access from our hotel room to check the departure time from TRS to RFS. So we had to wait for about an hour for the next train ride. </p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei Railway Station, Rei Fang station"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/159/2276159_7d2e6b4e1f_m.jpg" alt="Taipei Railway Station, Rei Fang station" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>When we reached RFS at about 12pm after the 50min train ride, we immediately went to the ticket counter to check the departure times from RFS back to TRS and bought train tickets for first class train (ie train with less stops in between and fixed seats), departured at 4pm. There was a tourist information counter at the RFS to advise visitors on how to get to Chiu Fen. We were told to take a public bus at a bus stop across the street, opposite the RFS, in order to get to Chiu Fen. We waited for about 20 mins for the bus but there were too many people getting onto it, so we waited another 15 mins for the next bus. It costed NT22 (about S$1) per adult per trip. When we reached the destination, about 15 mins later, thre was quite heavy rain. Thank God we brought along rain coats for Jojo, and a wind breaker for myself. Papajojo felt alright and didn't need extra clothing.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Rain at Chiu Fen"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/160/2276160_f9e831c959_m.jpg" alt="Rain at Chiu Fen" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We took shelter at a small eatery and had quick lunch of rice with meat and soup. Nothing special about the meal so no photos here to show. After that the rain seemed to have lighten a bit so we walked to the famous Chiu Fen Old Street nearby.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Chiu Fen Street"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/161/2276161_abc6902425_m.jpg" alt="Chiu Fen Street" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Despite the rainy weather, there were quite a number of tourists walking through the street. Lots of food, clothes, accessories, handicrafts souvenirs, etc on sale. We bought some of the food like the yam balls, doraemon candy, rice cakes, to sample. Tasted quite good. The not-so-good-thing about Chiu Fen Old Street was the walkway was not totally covered. It was quite a hassle to carry an umbrella to walk around and not to get into other people's way. There were quite a number of steps along the street too, so it's not very elderly or physically disabled friendly. Nonetheless, it was quite a pleasant experience for tourists to see and experience so many different types of Taiwan's local produce.</p> <p>After walking through Chiu Fen Old Street, we took the public bus back to RFS as we didn't want to risk missing our train ride. While waiting at the bus stop, there was an elderly couple who were waiting at the opposite bus stop. They shouted across the road to us, asking us in Japanese where we were going. Papajojo replied that we were going back to RFS and they told us we waited at the wrong station. We should cross the road and wait at their bus stop. We really appreciate their care and concern 'cos otherwise, we might miss our train ride. </p> <p>When we reached the bus stop next to RFS, since there's still time before our train ride, we walked around the area near RFS and found this indoor food court. Since it was still drizzling, we took shelter inside and ate some beancurd dessert. Very smooth, delicious. Jojo in the meantime ate and played with their Doraemon candy...</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Jojo with Doraemon candy"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/163/2276163_0e72c0d377_m.jpg" alt="Jojo with Doraemon candy" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>When it was time to take the train ride back to TRS, boy was I soooooo glad that we bought tickets for first class train!! The seats were sooooooo comfortable and spacious. There's even foot rest too! Thanks most to Papajojo who let me sleep throughout the journey while he looked after Jojo. He carried Joanne most of the time while in Chiu Fen. He's really a very loving and caring hubby and Papa to Jojo. Papajojo, You're the best !!!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="trains, food"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/164/2276164_b6bf2b6910_m.jpg" alt="trains, food" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>See the photos of the food above on the bottom left and middle? That must be the WORST meal during our entire trip in Taiwan. We had it for dinner in one of the restaurants in the underground mall at Taipei City MRT station. The rice in the stone bowl was dry while the ramen tasted rubbery. The only consolation was the dessert we had at another shop. Yummy, refreshing!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/14/taipei_tour_day_4_of~3575051/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/14/taipei_tour_day_4_of~3575051/Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:39:35 +0100 <p>Papajojo left this morning to go to Florida, USA for a working trip. He checked into the brand new <a href="http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html">Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3</a>. It's impressive and beautiful!! Made of mainly glass and steel, it's got high ceiling and huge floor area, good for kids to run about! He'll be coming back on 21st Jan. </p> <p>Dear Papajojo, hope you'll have a good and safe working trip in Florida! See you soon! Lots of love from Jojo and me. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/12/papajojo_s_away_new_t3_at_singapore_chan~3564337/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/12/papajojo_s_away_new_t3_at_singapore_chan~3564337/Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:15:19 +0100 <p>On morning of Day 3, Joanne's fever had gone down but her cough and runny nose was still bad. We decided to take it easy and went to somewhere nearby without much walking so that Jojo won't get too tired at the end of the day. We took the MRT, then switched to the LRT. It was really easy and convenient to take the MRT and LRT. Right next to the LRT station was the Japanese departmental store, SOGO. Very convenient for shoppers. </p> <p>Here's photos of the LRT. Jojo were very thrilled to sit in the unmanned LRT!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei LRT"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/285/2271285_98ede15beb_m.jpg" alt="Taipei LRT" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After arriving the station, we walked for about 100m to the Mao Kong Gondola Station. It's the new Ropeway which started operating just a few months ago. When we arrived at the station, there was a long queue. The queue was orderly and since the weather was cool, Jojo didn't mind the queue. We waited for about 45 mins for our turn to take the gondola. The single trip fare for adult costed only NT50, about S$ 2.50. Very cheap compared to the fare of Singapore cable car (about S$15). There were a total of three stops, the last stop being 300m above sea level. Nice sceneries!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Mao Kong Gondola"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/286/2271286_fa552d3cbf_m.jpg" alt="Mao Kong Gondola" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>As we approached the last stop, it started to rain. By the time we reached the top, it was raining and cold, about 5 degree celcius. We didn't bring enough warm clothing and since Jojo were unwell, after a mere 5 mins stay at the last stop, we took the gondola back. Next time we'll make sure to stay longer at the top to better enjoy the sceneries.</p> <p>After taking the LRT back to the station, next to the SOGO departmental store, we got off and walked around the streets. Lots of shops selling clothes, shoes, accessories, food, etc. We stopped by this public playground for Joseph to play awhile. Joanne fell asleep by then so she didn't get to enjoy the playground.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei playground"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/287/2271287_009f2d2818_m.jpg" alt="Taipei playground" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After a good half hour play, Joseph was tired and we decided to head back to our hotel to rest. By the time we reached our hotel room, Joanne's fever had returned and Joseph fell asleep not long after. </p> <p>Here's the food we had on Day 3. On the top left, it's Japanese Ramen. On top right and bottom left, it's hot stone seafood soup. Yummy! While we were having these for lunch at the food court at SOGO, next to our table was a lady having lunch with her family. She looked and sounded familiar. Then I recalled she's Zhou Ru Zhu, ex-SBC TV show compere, last time hosting TV shows with Zhang Yong Quan in the 80s. Not sure how many of you remembered these two persons but I remembered watching them on TV then. I was too shy to say hello to her so after eating, we just left.</p> <p>On the botoom right, was our dinner. I bought the Meat Bao, Onigiri and Papaya Milkshake at the 7-Eleven store just next to our hotel. I also bought the gyoza and jiao ji which we ate on the first day of our trip back to the hotel for dinner. Simple and delicious!</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Ramen, stone bowl soup"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/288/2271288_516b14d4c9_m.jpg" alt="Ramen, stone bowl soup" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/12/taipei_tour_day_3_of~3564318/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/12/taipei_tour_day_3_of~3564318/Sat, 12 Jan 2008 04:45:50 +0100 <p>When we woke up in the morning, Day 2 of our Taipei tour, Joanne and Joseph began to cough and had runny nose. Papajojo and I were also starting to feel unwell. Wonder if it was the winter flu bug which we caught... Nonetheless, we decided to venture out after a hearty buffet breakfast at our hotel. </p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei Railway Station"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/542/2261542_ff867fedcf_m.jpg" alt="Taipei Railway Station" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Our hotel was located right next to the Taipei Raiway Station and the underground Taipei City Station. So it was very convenient for us to take the public transport to go places. The Taipei MRT system is very much like the one in Singapore. Very convenient and easy to get around. Kids age 12 and below travel free!! Singapore should do this too... The Taipei MRT fees are also slightly cheaper than that in Singapore. There were lots of taxis on the road too. The most common form of transportation for the locals is however motorcycles. Every where you go, you're sure to see lots of them on the road, parked along road sides and car parks. We felt that the air quality of Taipei city was very bad. Next time we'll remember to bring along and wear mask while walking along the streets in Taipei (lots of locals do that).</p> <p>From our hotel, we walked to the nearby National Taiwan Museum and looked around the outdoor exhibits. You'll see the ancient "kitchen" in the picture below, made of stones. Then we walked to the nearby park called the "228 He Ping Gong Yuan" (Peace Garden). You'll see the pagoda and the pool. Very serene, quiet. We were quite surprised to find this park in the midst of busy Taipei city. Kind of like the Central Park in New York. Further down the park, there was people doing all sorts of exercises like Taichi, aerobic dance, sword dance, etc, and kids playing at the playground. Jojo of course ran around the played to their hearts' delight too.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="National Taiwan Museum, Park, Playground"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/544/2261544_9e94989116_m.jpg" alt="National Taiwan Museum, Park, Playground" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After a good half hour at the park, we walked again along the streets of Taipei and saw (below, top pic, left) Taipei City Hall. The pic on the top, right showed the Stop sign in Chinese. Then we walked on and arrived at the "Chong Zhen Ji Nian Gong Yuan" (Chung Cheng Memorial Park). Such a huge, open space. The strong wind almost blew Jojo away... The Concert Hall and National Theatre were under repair. Nonetheless, we could still see some parts of these two huge, beautiful architectural structures.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei City Hall"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/545/2261545_bea5a27115_m.jpg" alt="Taipei City Hall" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Above, see the second row from top, most right pic? Those are dustbins. Very oriental design. One bin is for recyclable waste like paper, plastic, while the other is for non-recyclable waste like food.</p> <p>We then walked to the nearby MRT station located underground. Joseph was absolutely thrilled to see the Taipei blue train. The trains are just like the ones we have in Singapore. Very clean. One big difference though, was that the Taipei trains have seats which faced front and back, not just at the sides of the train. This is more comfortable for the elderly and small children so that they won't slide off their seats whenever the train slowed down or started moving. Hopefully the trains in Singapore will also have these seats.</p> <p>Next stop, the "Guo Fu Ji Jian Guan". It's a memorial hall dedicated to the late Dr Sun Yat-Sen. There's big open spaces surrounding the building and you could see people doing all kinds of activities there like dancing, exercising, kite flying, etc. Very nice place to spend time with family and friends. You can vaguely see the world second tallest building, the "Taipei 101" at the back.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei MRT"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/546/2261546_d765cae9d6_m.jpg" alt="Taipei MRT" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>As we walked towards the Taipei 101 building, we went passed a local wet market. The stalls were set up just by the road side and you could see all the fresh veggies, fruits, meat and seafood displayed at the stalls. The housewife in me just wanted to grab all those yummy food and cook up a storm! Nonetheless, I was thankful that we were on holiday and got relieved from cooking duties for a week. Hee hee... Just then, we saw this shop which sold cooked food like noodles and rice. Yummy. Fantastic meal! The whole meal costed about S$15, very reasonable, value for money.</p> <p>Taipei 101 has a huge shopping area located at the first few storeys of the building. The rest of the storeys are mainly offices. We didn't want to pay to get to the highest floor so we left after a short stay. We then went to this famous shopping street called "Xi Men Ding". Lots of shops selling clothes, accessories, food. We found this famous shop "Ah Zhong Mian Xian" which sold thin noodles. I bought a big serving which costed about $2.50. Lots of people were queueing to buy this dish and squating at the road side to eat it. Honestly speaking, I didn't find it very delicious. Just ok lah. Maybe I didn't know how to appreciate it as well as the locals. After eating that, we visited the dessert shop called "Taipei Dairy King" and had beancurd and soy bean drink. Sorry no pics here. The dessert was only so-so, nothing great we find.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei 101, Ximen Ding"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/547/2261547_4e9885d85e_m.jpg" alt="Taipei 101, Ximen Ding" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>As we walked towards the MRT station, we went passed shops selling sushi, DVDs, clothes, etc. There's even a chinese temple located between the shops. We then saw this famous ancient building called "Hong Lou Ju Chang" near the MRT station. Didn't manage to see more of it as Jojo were getting cranky and tired.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Taipei street, Hong Lou Ju Chang"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/548/2261548_3a897ee4fb_m.jpg" alt="Taipei street, Hong Lou Ju Chang" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Finally after a full day of walking and traveling around Taipei City, we decided to go back to the hotel. When we reached the hotel room, Joanne had a fever and was really grumpy. I went to the Japanese departmental store, Mitsukushi, located across the road from our hotel to buy medicine for Joanne. Thank God it was easy to find and buy children's medicine. Joseph was also given the same medicine for his cough and runny nose.</p> <p>I find that travelling around Taipei city is easy and safe, even with young children in tow. It's definitely more convenient to travel around if you can read and speak Chinese (I felt very "high" and shiok to be able to read and speak Chinese all the time while in Taipei, felt very very "at home"!). But even if you don't, there are maps displayed around the city and MRT stations. The locals are also very friendly and willing to help. Whenever we took the MRT and the trains were crowded, there were people always very willing to give up their seats for Jojo, all the time! We were very impressed by their considerate behavior. Even though it was only the second day of our holiday in Taiwan, Papajojo and I already decided that we'll definitely want to go to Taiwan again. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/07/taipei_tour_day_2_of~3540243/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/07/taipei_tour_day_2_of~3540243/Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:49:32 +0100 <p>I read from the newspaper on Saturday that a Singapore local entertainment-comedian artist, Lan Qin Xi, or MC King as he's more popularly known, passed away suddenly on Friday. He was 40. I was quite sadden by this news. Although I'm not a great fan of his, I enjoyed watching him performed comedy skits on TV in the past years and listening to his radio program which he hosted last year on FM97.2.</p> <p>He's not good looking and not handsome, In fact, he's short and round. But it's his personality and attitude to life which attracted me and his other fans to his shows. His positive outlook to life, his diligent work ethics, his sincerity, etc, all of his colleagues and friends gave a very postive remarks of him during his wake. He left behind his mom and younger brother. Although he's not a Christian (he's a Buddhist), I pray that God will bless his soul. May MC King rest in peace.</p> <p>It's been reported that many men died suddenly when they're in their early forties. After learning about MC King's sudden demise, I was very worried about Papajojo. He's turning 41 this year and I became paranoid about his health. He said he just did a thorough health checkup recently and was given a clean bill of health. I pray that he'll continue to be healthy and happy. Life is short indeed, so we'll cherish whatever time we have with each other. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/07/sad_news~3539502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://mamajojo.blog.co.uk/2008/01/07/sad_news~3539502/Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:10:26 +0100