Back from long break....

It's been a while since my last post....lots has happened but wasn't able to update.

My little one has been keeping me occupied, leaving me no room for anything else. She's a handful indeed but we love her to bits.

LO decided to pop up early, almost a month ahead of her due date. Everything was unplanned and I didn't even managed to take a pregnancy photo. Nevertheless, we were delighted with her arrival. Breastfed her starting from the third week....it was not easy but I managed. Will not elaborate further as those who breastfed will understand what I mean...do email me should you like to know more about how I managed and my entire breastfeeding process.

My girl is now 11 months. Went for a short and relaxing trip to Cameron Highlands a month back and am glad that all 3 of us enjoyed it. I was surprised that an infant actually knows how to enjoy a holiday...

Taking a Break....

Am on a long, long break and will continue to be for at least a couple of months more...not being able to access the net freely. Yup, I don't have internet at home and have limited access in the office. Not really complaining though...don't even have enough time to rest at home. I need more time! Feeling so tired these days....

Been having the whole day sickness lately, nausea and throwing up a number of times every day. Uh-huh, you got it! Little one is on the way : )

Got no photo to update at the moment. Came out for dinner without thinking about wanting to blog. At 13 weeks today and counting...



Some cheery tarts WK bought me a couple of months back. Just had to put a picture even it's not related. Love to have photos on each of my post. These tarts are only half a size larger than a RM 0.50 coin but they cost at least RM 2.00 each. Don't taste as good as they look though...and I can't even look at food photos nowadays...nausea, nausea, nausea....

Hanoi Fried Fish - Cha Ca and more...

We had one morning to do a quick tour around the city, so we asked the hotel reception what we could do or eat. I tried asking her name a couple of times but still could not get the actual pronunciation, so will refer to her as Ms. Hotel. Here's what she recommended:

Ms. Hotel: You MUST try the fried fish. Have you heard about it?
Us: No. Where is it? Is it far from here?
Ms. Hotel: It's on the list of 100 things you MUST eat before you die. You MUST try! It's very famous. It's not far from here, I can help you to call a taxi.
Us: Really, Ok. (in our minds, imagining that we are going to eat a whole fish, wondering what's so special about this fried fish)

Anyhow, we went to this place called Cha Ca La Vong and another street she recommended for rice cake. The whole street was filled with shops selling rice cakes in packages for wedding favors. Will let the photos do the talking....



It's fried fish fillet, not a whole fried fish! Taste wise, something different...tasty but a bit too oily for me.









Dried/preserved fruits...































Rice cake, which taste a bit like the 'ang ku kueh'.

The Real Hanoi

Been away for the past couple of weeks. Busy with work again...as much as I'd like to write but just couldn't find the time and energy to. Wish I could write more as it eases my mind and make me happy while looking at the photos on my blog. Yeah, although the photos are of lousy quality, I'd like to think more of it as remembrance rather than art.

I've manage to capture a few pictures of Hanoi during my work session in Hanoi. It's a pretty decent place to visit should you like french buildings and would like to know more about the
Vietnamese culture.

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. I've always thought that Ho Chi Minh was the capital. But no, Hanoi being not only the capital is a major tourist attraction.





























The hotel was good although just a budget one at about USD35/night.















The people are friendly and accommodating but only a few speak and understand English. Instead, we had to learn a few Vietnamese language to be able to move around and order some food. The hotel of course is the best place to ask for help when you are in need.



























No, food is not cheap. A bowl of rice noodle (like koay tiao soup here) cost as much as USD1.5 minus the comfort of sitting in a proper restaurant. Yes, these plastic/wooden chairs or tables and kind of hygiene are what you'll get. But definitely the local taste, which is light and healthy. The better restaurants cost whey more without the actual Vietnamese feel.

This was called Brittle Fried Noodle. I was expecting a plate of noodles and it turned out I got some crunchy fried flour (taste a little like 'taupok') with lots of 'choi sam' and some beef. Taste was good no doubt but it was more like a snack rather than a meal.

Honeymoon in Perth

We booked a package from MATTA fair for this trip. No doubt, it was a BUDGET trip...but we enjoyed ourselves tremendously!

We were on free and easy, hotel and breakfast included...booked a day tour to the PINNACLES, went on the Swan River and Fremantle cruise, explored Perth city the rest of the time...

View at the jetty

The Perth Mint entrance @ AUD15/personListen to gold history in Perth and witness liquid gold pouring

PINNACLES Day-tour: AUD155/person inclusive of visit to Caversham Wildlife Park and Lancelin sand dunes.

Timid Koalas @ the Caversham Wildlife

Hungry Kangaroos @ the Caversham Wildlife

Mini buffet lunch by the tour

Sand boarding @ Lancelin Sand Dunes

Swan River cruise: AUD38/person round trip

Fremantle by cruise: AUD25/person returnView at Fremantle Market

And the rest....City Highlights....