With faith and love

Prayer

Saturday, December 12, 2015

How shall I describe the feeling that I am facing now?

Shall I continue pursuing what I studied or shall I give up? I fear rejection again. I am hopeless and demoralised. I didn't choose all of this.

When you pray, you pray that God gives you strength to survive this but can I pray to run away. I am such a coward but I am so tired of all these. :_(

I pray for a miracle. Please pray for me too.

Labels: thoughts

How airbnb apartment can affect your holidays?

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Hello! I'm here to pen down my experiences for my accommodations booked via Airbnb. I stayed in a total of 3 apartments (2 from Melbourne and 1 from Taipei).

1) Melbourne (South Bank)
Entire Apartment, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Toilet

View from the balcony

These photos are taken from Airbnb site and the real apartment looks 90 percent similar. The location for this apartment is fabulous because it is very near the city and casino. Hence we don't have to park our rental car in the city which can cost a bomb.

Rented for 2 nights for about SGD$600. $50 per pax per night. I think the price is very affordable for the location.

We didn't get to see the owner of the apartment and he seemed an expert in doing this because he just send us a text message via airbnb with all the instructions needed (e.g.: carpark space/ locks).

I enjoyed my stay here and would definitely recommend to friends and family who are planning to go over. The only con: 1 toilet shared among 6 people!

2) Melbourne (Brunswick)

Entire Apartment, 3 Bedroom, 1 Toilet

Standing outside the apartment.

The walk way from the main door to our 3 bedrooms and living room. Weird dimension. Haha

3 Bedrooms, sorry for the mess.

Walkway to the toilet, kitchen and living room

Living room and kitchen

Messages from the host

Living room

This apartment is located 25 minutes drive away from the city, hence the rental was cheaper. Rented for 2 nights for about SGD$480. $40 per pax per night. There are some nice cafes located nearby.

The living room was packed with entertainments such as PS 2 or 3 (can't remember) guitar, DVD player etc.

The hosts were very kind but we didn't get to meet them on the first day because we were travelling from great ocean drive and only reached at 9 plus at night. They provide us with tea, milk and snacks which made us feel very welcome.

On the last day of our check out, the host was there to assist a smooth process for us. I really enjoyed my stay in this apartment.

The minus point for this apartment was the non carpeted flooring but they do provide heater. Hahaha the host did tell us about the noise from the tram located outside the house but I guess it didn't bother us and also 1 toilet shared among 6 of us.

3) Taipei (Ximending)

Entire Apartment, 1 Bedroom, 1 Toilet

My most recent stay in September 2015 in Taipei which is also the reason for this post. The experiences was a awful one. It's not like being in danger but I rather book a hotel than to stay in this apartment.

We stayed a total of 4 nights for $480. $60 per pax per night. When we stepped into the house with the host's friend, let name him Alex. as the host was not in town. There was an cockroach that welcome us which made us very awkward. What a bad start. Haha

Well, enough of his explanation of the existence of cockroach, we proceed with our plan out.

Return for the day and don't even want to sit on the sofa after I shower. The sofa stained with ?? and there were little small insect crawling on the floor.

The bed sheet with yellow stains all over. I know this is due to old bedsheets but I just felt disgusted.

Anyway we called Alex and he came over to change bed sheet for us and guess what, the bed sheet he changed was even more dirty than the initial. I guess he was really embarrassed and quickly offered to change to another bed sheet.

When we thought everything was finally okay, we went up to the bed and there was a awful smell. The smell of perspiration >.< Sigh! We were too embarrassed to call Alex over to change bed sheet again so we just lay a towel on top of the bed sheet and slept.

Next morning, Alex came over to make sure we had a good night sleep and we did complain about the smell from the bed. He did not hesitate to change bed sheet for us again which make me feel so bad. I offered my help to change and I realised the smell was from the mattress and not the bed sheet. Opps Need febreze!! I told him it's was alright because the smell is going to stay. I can see he was helpless and trying his best to accommodate our requirements.

Of course the toilet cleanliness was no better. On our last day, the ceiling from the toilet was peeling off which landed on the floor. Sigh..

We decided to stay on since there was no refund and I guess we were lazy to find another hotel. The accommodation really affected our mood and we dread returning back every day.

We were pissed because the photos from Airbnb appear to be so clean and had no bad reviews but the house was old and slightly dirty. We drafted up a bad review for the apartment but decided not to post it because how could we? Alex was so kind and nice. Sigh. So maybe that's the reason why there wasn't any bad review.

Anyway to give some credit to the apartment is the location. Located in Ximending, really very convenient to travel around and of course the very kind Alex.

Moral of the story for myself is to take reviews from Airbnb as a pitch of salt. Hopefully my next experience will be an awesome one!

Good Night!

Labels: australia, free&easy, holidays, taipei, taiwan, thoughts, travelogue

Travelogue to Taiwan Part 4

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Day 5 (Taipei)
06/09/2015
Places visited:
Food: Wu Lao Guo 无老锅 | Cama Cafe | Addiction Aquatic Development

Started our day late and decided to have lunch at a popular Japanese restaurant I saw on Facebook. However, we didn't manage to dine in because they were fully booked. :( I was very disappointed because we travelled all the way there and wasn't given a chance to queue.

Alright then lets do Wu Lao Guo 无老锅 again. Took a taxi to the nearest branch and this time we didn't over-order. Haha

We ordered the Mala 麻辣 to try as recommended by the waiter. Surprising it wasn't as spicy as I thought. Normally when I ordered 麻辣 broth, it will never get refill because my friends and I would give up after a few sip but the 麻辣 broth is quite mild and has a rich herb taste which was a good choice for my sister who has a weaker tummy.

Wu Lao Guo 无老锅

No 124, Section 1, Xinsheng S road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100

Stopped by this cafe because of the alluring aroma. Nothing beats having a cup of cold coffee on a hot day.

Cama Cafe

No 6 Section 3, Heping E Road, Daan District, Taipei City

大安区和平東路3段6号

Reason to return: Try other beverages!

Can you guess where we were?

Taking some photos while waiting for our "seat". No chairs because you stand as you dine.

We ordered a 980 TWD set to share which consist of a salad, fish ( I don't know what fish was that), salmon miso soup, assorted 6 piece sushi and a tiger prawn. I don't find it worth but never mind, it's holiday! Haha

A bowl of mixed sashimi, my favourite definitely will be the uni. This place is quite interesting but I still prefer to have a seat to dine after waiting 45 minutes.

Addiction Aquatic Development

No 18 Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E road

台北市民族東路410巷2弄18号

Direction: Alight at Zhongshan Jr. High School Station and take bus 74 opposite the station.

Reason to return: Hmm, maybe not, my legs are tired.

Day 6 (Taipei)
07/09/2015
Places visited: Yong Kang Street | Shilin Night Market
Food: ?breakfast | Yong Kang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉面 | Smoothie House

Simple but super satisfying breakfast at ?breakfast again. Hehe Croissant Pork Burger! Thumbs up!

Wanted to try the pork ribs instead of pig intestines but sister suggested that I should eat this with her since I am not going to order the next time when I am here with S.

Decided to try this because Taxi uncle highly recommend us to Yong Kang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉面. Food was nice but not fantastic, I guess we were not hungry to fully enjoy our lunch.

Yong Kang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉面

No 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan South Road, Taipei

金山南路2段31巷17号

Reason to return: Beef noodles

Wow. so many people = must try!

Ordered the most simple Super Mango Snowflake Ice with Panna Cotta!

It's worth having a snowflake dessert especially in the hot weather!

Smoothie House

No 15, Yongkang Street, Da'an District, Taipei City 10650

06 大安区永康街15号

Reason to return: Mango Snowflake dessert!

Shilin Night Market was the best night market I enjoyed myself in Taipei. Plenty of shopping and delicious food around the market!

Very sinful beef chunks cooked with burnt torch. Every thing tastes superb when you cooked with burnt torch!

This is extra extra large Taiwanese Sausage! Didn't dare to try though cause it's too much for both of us.

The must try shop when I was researching for things to eat in Shilin Night Market.

I was looking forward to this because I really miss the delicious potato twister in Seoul. Hmm personally find the potato twister at Myeong Dong is still the BEST.

Is alright because the guy who fried your potato twister is quite good looking yeah? Haha

Shilin Night Market

Day 7 (Taipei)
08/09/2015
Places visited:
Food: Two men 二男料理

Back to the Japanese restaurant where we missed during fifth day. We were there to queue at 1030 am when the store opens at 1130. Ah ma came well prepared with a foldable stool. The queue was so crowded at 11am.

See the young boss in the middle, same age as my sister. Haha Anyway we were the first few that were seated to our table and the restaurant was filled up quickly. Ordering was chaotic and every one was shouting and rushing to get their orders in.

Finally get a waiter attention to give us some recommendation after the chaos. I told him that I wanted the famous bowl of chirashi don and he told me SOLD OUT for the day. Instantly felt so helpless and annoyed. Queue for an hour and didn't get to eat their signature dish. oh well.. Apparently the boss limits the number of signature bowls to sell per day and that day was 9 bowls.

The torture of watching but not allow to eat because it was not yours.

Since we can't have the signature bowl then lets settle with second best. It's awesome as well! Chef was very generous with the portion of sashimi. New found love sashimi - Flounder

My sister ordered a tiger prawn for me to compensate the missing prawn you see in their signature chirashi don. Haha I find the prawn a little over-cooked and salty.

Favourite Uni sushi :)

A platter of mixed sashimi to end our lunch!

Two men 二男料理

No 36, Section 3, Xinbei Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

新北市中和区中山路3段36号

Direction: Exit 2 at Banqiao Station and take bus 307

I like going Taiwan because the people are generally nice but we went during the wrong period. It was so hot and the whole place was infested with mosquitoes! D: Note to self: Do not travel to Taiwan in July and September.

Labels: free&easy, holidays, taipei, travelogue

Travelogue to Taiwan Part 3

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Day 4 (Taipei)
05/09/2015
Places visited: Jiu Fen 九份｜Wu Fen Pu 五分埔｜Rao He Night Market 饶河夜市
Food: ? Breakfast 问号早餐｜Formosa Zhang 胡须张

Breakfast at ? Breakfast place 问号早餐.

? Breakfast 问号早餐

Hankou Street Section 2 Lane 83 Taipei 108

台北萬華区汉口街二段76号

Reason to return: Croissant Burger, saw someone ordered and we need to be back to try this.

Haha food was not bad and very homely. Haha We had a full breakfast before proceed to Zhongxiao Fu Xing Station to take bus 1062 to Jiufen 九份.

I was hoping that the weather will be cooler or maybe rain but it was mad hot and crowded.

Ordered a cold brew coffee to quench our thirst!

Light and crispy pastry with taro paste from misty! Super love!

Tried their fish ball soup and tau pok with fish paste. I don't really fancy the fish balls because the texture is very dense and doesn't feel bouncy. Haha however the tau pok is quite special.

Something not to be missed in my itinerary was to eat taro balls. We tried the famous Ah Gan Yi Yu Yuan 阿柑姨芋圆 which is located uphill. It was a total disappointment. I tried every flavour before discarding into the bin. The standard must have dropped because there were many good reviews.

Jiu Fen 九份

Jishan District Ruifand District, Xinbei Taiwan

瑞芳区基山街

Took bus 1062 back to Houshanpi station to shop at Wu Fen Pu 五分埔 where is the garment wholesale area. The whole place was quiet which was unlike the crowd I had seen 2 years ago. Anyway we didn't buy any clothes. The clothes were either low quality or too expensive. I think we are so spoilt with the good quality clothes our local e-commerce can provide.

Wu Fen Pu 五分埔

Yongji Street, Xinyi District, Taipei

信義区永吉里

Avoid Mondays. I think you should just avoid it. Haha

Since we were near Houshanpi station, decided to eat Lu Ruo Fan 卤肉饭 at Formosa Zhang 胡须张

Delicious rice and pork chop!

Formosa Zhang 胡须张

No 533, Yongji road, Nangang District, Taipei City 115

台北市永吉路533号

Reasons to return: Lu Ruo Fan 卤肉饭 and try other dishes

At Rao He night market that was extremely crowded which I find a little breathless. Tried this spring onion wrap with Taiwan sausage. It wasn't good. The spring onions were too raw.

Told my sister to get a bubble tea while I queue for a black pepper bun. She was looking around to choose which store and I told her that bubble tea can never go wrong in Taiwan. Just pick anyone. So this bubble tea from this store really cannot make it. Hahaha I should slap myself.