Muse : New Year 2013

It's been so long since I've posted, I thought I should at least post one more post to compensate for my incompetence. XD

News Years Day?

How was your News Years Eve spent?

Well, there was a Political Celebration at Pandamaran Field which caused my entire neighbourhood to suffer an electricity shortage for a few hours... TT.TT... The person with the mole on his mouth... what's his name... URGH...Ronnie Liu.. made such a commotion, proof... security surrounding the area 2-3 hours before the event even started.  BIG SHOT. Probably test test electricity until Kampung Raja Uda no electricity. Huhu.

Oh well, at least I could experience how my ancestors showered in the night with a candle in their toilet. 

LOL. Other than that, more personal time for me to deliberate and set up my New Year Resolutions.

1. Eat well.
2. Sleep well.
3. Exercise well.
1. Be able to swim to Pulau Tioman. (Focus on Strength and Resistance training)
2. Be able to complete one full Marathon this year. (Focus on Cardio)
3. Be able to complete Brooks Marathon with a better time.
4. Study well.

Muse : Meeting up with friends

Sometimes, I question myself, why do I go so far, the extra mile just to meet my friends and my teachers?
Not that I think that I am wrong, but it was a question that my mum asked me...

Why are you wasting time to meet with your friends and teachers?

Dear blog,
Even if you've left school a long long time ago, it does not just mean you've finished a phase of your life.
Instead, it means you've grown mentally, emotionally, physically and intellectually (after all, we studied, right?) XD. However, all this are not learned from objects, we've learned them from people, humans that may or may not have the same growth in life with us. Hence, do we disregard these people when they've been the very foundation of our growth in life? They too have been emotionally and mentally linked to our past.

Definitely, it is undeniable that you may have the support of your family but you also cannot deny that you had schoolmates and teachers to support you through your early stages in life. After all, if it were not for your family,  friends and teachers who gave us those tribulations and challenges, we would not have fall and learned to step back up and if not for them, we would not become the people we are today. After all, we are the product of the past and the mold for the future. Next to that, it is because I miss them just as much as my family for I've spent equal amount of time with them and with my family.

Cameron 2123 on a personal level

So... why was I in Cameron when it's not even semester break? Why o why?
Yes... it's sweet potatoes!!! LOL... Well... that's part reason but there's also another real reason why I'm in Cameron, cause it's a trip organized by my church!

So, we visited a few saint's house in Cameron, enjoyed gospel songs with them while receiving updates from them regarding the move in Cameron.

TV gained center space in this house with everybody watching Tom & Jerry while the other house was busy reading the newspaper. LOL

Then... group picture with those that followed through with the engagement to where the shirt!

So... what have I gained from this Church camp? Hrm...

The power of pray reading. As you've seen above, we were walking round and round in the morning... round a school field just reciting bible verses (after a church message). Was there a difference? Definitely, reciting from your heart and reading a verse, I believe the answer is clear, =).

The winner will emerge.

Which reminds me, Cameron Highland is famous for it's steamboat thanks to the cool temperature. So many restaurants offering steamboat would be around that corner; and on one lovely evening after all the church meetings (cramped into one day), there was a steamboat planned. After that meal, while taking a walk round the market, someone managed to spot the cake vendor opening shop. Then, we; surrounding the shop with oohs-aahs, droves of people gathered round to see the ruckus we caused (free marketing) and enhanced the vendor's business. LOL... He really was selling his desserts like hot cakes on that day.

That being said, Cameron Highlands really is a shoppers produce haven. So much so that even this Brother here could hold his head up high while carrying bags of produce.

Cameron Highlands 21-23092012

It's been so long since anybody has heard from me, no?
Well... Hopefully, this will be the missing link from where I've stopped!

Basically, on the 21st of September, I went up to Cameron Highlands and ate lots and lots of sweet potatoes and corn!! XD my mouth looked like D cause I was stuffing so many mushrooms... potatoes and corn into my mouth...=) So here's the gist of it.

I went to two tea plantations...
Cameron Valley and Boh Tea Plantation
So... what's the difference?
Cameron Valley is a smaller tea plantation, has a shorter hike, no jam and o-k food. While at Boh Tea Plantation, their refreshments are horrible.

NEVER go to Boh Tea Plantation to eat their cakes. It taste as if it's not cooked AND their hot chocolate is watery, that being said, if it's cheap; I'll forgive BUT it's charged at premium prices, so watch your pockets when you're here.

SO... which is really worth it?
There are basically two sides of a coin on this matter.

This picture is of me at the highest peak you can climb at Cameron Valley Tea Plantation. The most you'd get is this view, which is rather refreshing but the climb up there is rather dangerous. So, if you're having weak legs (unable to climb steep slopes), have someone that's rather stable to support you.

The above is me at Boh Tea Plantation. In terms of view, my bet would be Boh Tea Plantation. Besides that,  the steps to climb are safer (from the car park) and you'll reach the peak where they've put their tourist rest spot // refreshment area.

The view at Boh Tea is great but do consider how you intend to get there. If you're not so well versed with your car, PLEASE do not be a super-hero and think you'd be able to drive there because there are many blind spots (sharp turnings on a hill to get there) and the bus drivers there really test the boundaries that the small road can hold them before falling off the cliff. So, proceed to Boh Tea Plantation with caution if you're planning to bring your car. Ensure your driving skills are on a sufficient level.

So... were Tea Plantations the only places I gone to while at Cameron?... Definitely... NOT... LOL... I also went to the  Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm (near the Kea Farm area) for the first time (even though I'm Malaysian). XD

You get to be super close to the bees... Mwahhahahah... and it's free... of course... considering the risk you'd be in when you disturb them! LOL, anyway... back to the point, there's lots of flowers there for the bees to feed on. Various flowers, and I strongly encourage you to only buy your honey from the bee farm cause it's really genuine local honey for just MYR 45.00 for a litre. I wish I bought some but ... I don't drink honey... so yeah... I didn't buy any. TT.TT

Oh well... this is just the short highlights of my trip, but there'll be more details later!

1st Week of University

It's been so long since I've been back to school that yes... I did get thrown off balance when I returned to school.

So... how was it? XD Well... I have a lecture mate who's now staying at the same building as me AND I have an event to hold that I'm going bonkers about due to the deadline and the problems that are associated with it. WHY IS TIME RUNNING FROM ME!!!!??@@##!! Oh well...

Law? Usual. Read my English literature; Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

It's a really good book. Introduced me to a different world altogether; the African culture. It has given me real insight towards their culture, their way of thought and how a society braces a different culture.. What's more, I heard a Nigerian boast that he really pays great respect about his parents while reading the book; reinforcing my views as I read further. So... my say? This book deserved the price it won and deserved the number of translation done on it!

I love my Russian class!!! IT RAWKS!!! Just haven't learned to read and write yet. XD

Latest cooking endeavour? Mwahahhahaa... Pop the popcorn!! Pop pop pop!!! 

Ngahahahhahaa.... okay okay okay... From now on... I've also made up a new resolution. I WILL NEVER EAT any deserts if it is not made by me. After all, sometimes... you don't know what's in it and really... the trouble it takes you to do it really makes you think whether it's really worth it to even get the desert in the first place... but yeah... I've toiled and toiled in the kitchen this past week and have come up with a tutorial to make popcorn.

Popcorn

Ingredients

Popcorn kernels

Cooking oil

Directions

1. Pour some hot oil into the wok (enough to contain all your popcorn) and cover it. After some time when you think the oil is becoming hot, add four or five kernels into the wok.
2. Wait till you hear the pop-pop of the kernels before adding the rest of the kernels that you're going to make.
3. While it's popping, shake your pan so that the heat is evenly distributed.
4. When you find that the pop has subsided, set the wok aside. 
5. The pop corn is now ready for seasoning.

Seasonings

Caramel story(I mainly referred to his method to make the caramel but there's basically a long story about this...)

Yes... Like any stupid and confident girl, I thought caramel was as easy as ABC so I made my first batch of popcorn today just after reading a recipe (after much persuasion to try a sweet version) thinking that if I melt approximately 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of water and 1/2 cup of oil, things will work out just fine... YEAH RIGHT... it failed... (after I mixed it together with my popcorn {wasting that as well} hoping that it would stick in the end... which it did not). Amateur-ish of me but I am an amateur in the kitchen... XD, but I found this video rather helpful. Gordon Ramsay... you're my savior. Basically, the ratio is 1:1 for caramel sauce, Liquid : Fat.

So good luck playing with the frying pan. ( I tried at least twice before getting it on the third try)

Caramel (Wei Chin's way)

3/4 cup of sugar

Margarine

1. Turn on the fire, place the sugar in the frying pan and follow Gordon Ramsay... XD
2. When it starts to turn amber in color, get the pan off the gas (just switch it off). Continue rolling it until the all the sugar has melted.
3. Then add in the fat (margarine in my case since it was the only one available at the grocery store downstairs).
4. Whirl it around till all fat and liquid has been well-blended.
5. Immediately drizzle it over the pop-corn unless you're planning on making caramel candy.
6. After it is cooled down, pluck the balled up pieces apart and store it well.

Things I've learned from making caramel

• Don't wait too long when before drizzling the caramel on the popcorn. My caramel hardened because I'm doing caramel sauce, the dry way. (2nd Try Mistake)
• To clean the pan or anything containing sugar, simply heat whatever that has sugar on it with water till it's dissolved into the water or easily removable. (Basically, just imagine yourself making a sugar solution - like a Science student conducting an experiment)
• More tips? Refer to David Lebovitz.

Fragrant butter

If you're running low on butter, extend the usage of it's flavor by melting some butter into oil. Then drizzle over the popcorn.

Olive oil and rosemary

Heat olive oil with rosemary and drizzle it over popcorn.

Olive oil + Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette

This mixture does not last overnight as cider vinegar is water hence it will shrink and moisten the whole batch (spoiling it quicker then ever), so... don't do this if you're not planning to use it.

Paprika and salt

I basically popped my popcorn in the oil containing paprika and salt for an even coating on all my popcorn (stir the mixture in the oil to prevent clumps), after popping, I added salt and paprika again according to taste ( My first batch of popcorn and honestly... since I like paprika, my favorite)

There are basically more seasoning combos for popcorn but it's really up to you in the end cause you're going to be the one eating it... XD... I try to mix in some spices to kick up the health benefits of the food I eat ; hence producing the above combos but basically, they're also one of my favourite spices; therefore justifying my special mention of these spices. Mwahahha

**Special note, just in case you're going to dismiss popcorn altogether because it's unhealthy... think again for I've got research to back me up! Popcorn becomes healthy or unhealthy due to the choice of seasonings, So good luck at your attempt in making popcorn. XD

Lectures on the 5th and 7th of September 2012

On the 5th of September, I participated in The 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture. My verdict of it? Well... Mandarin Oriental is a nice venue. Really classy . Just look at the candid photo I took and you'd think that we were having a super formal and serious meeting... A-hem... yeah right... just chilling at the lobby because we were too early. XD

 Hot 1st Year 2011/2012 Class Representative, Vivien Yeow...

 So how was the lecture? I don't think I've gained so much but these few words still ring in my ears...
Respect must be earned, not commanded. Which reminded me of my uncle who once told me these few words, which has now been repeated by The Right Honourable Lord David Pannick QC in his speech, Scandalising the Judiciary - Criticism of Judges and the Law of Contempt.

Which I believe is a rather neutral point of view for I too share such a view. However, he too shared that the law of contempt be abolished. Me? I think that it is rather reasonable for it to be abolished as there is the Sedition Act and the Defamation Act. However, if I were to forget that there exists both these acts, would my decision change? Maybe.

With reference to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution (the Supreme law of the Land), we have the right to life. Having this right, it is right for us to share our views. However, is it right to injure another's reputation by spouting lies? Definitely not! The judiciary is a body that upholds justice in the country. If even the judiciary is doubted, why not let it be doubted? It should also be open to scrutiny like any other governmental body. We never know, when; how; why; where corruption may occur. So having doubt backed by reasonable facts would put the judiciary on their toes to always uphold justice based on their fair and just judgement! Hence, producing a judiciary that can be trusted and relied on by the public. So why not? If a dog is barking at a mountain, let it bark. The mountain won't move. Similarly, if someone spouts contempt to the court, if the public has no reason to believe them, then the reputation of the judiciary will not be affected. It is only when the judiciary has constantly placed itself in a disreputable position that the public in general will have a unanimous contempt towards the court. Consequently coming to my stand that, the law of contempt is unnecessary as it hinders the government to produce a country that works efficiently, effectively and fairly.

Other than this talk (which I've combined with the 7th talk), what did I enjoy? Definitely the food!! I loved the desserts (ooh... I still remember the Blueberry Cheese Mousse, Chocolate Cake, Lamb Satay and Salmon Sashimi). What did I not enjoy? Having my bags moved everywhere and not being told where it is... Just look at Pauline frowning with her camera, for she too had her bag moved to who knows where... TT.TT

All in all, the lectures that I've gone to rocked to the max! Above is the picture of the 2nd Years that attended (almost typed 1st years... XD).

My first facial

It's been so long since I've return here... but yeah... it is not all for naught for I've become a half-zombie with blisters on my legs... Yeah right... haha....So yeah... the list of activities goes like this.

This Monday, on the 3rd of September, I became a practiced hawk... waiting for the digital clock on my laptop to show 9.00 to register my course... then... I registered at 9.00 to unfavorable co-curriculum classes... Which I think I'll drop to take on in  a different semester.Then, by 11.00 o' clock, I went and did my first facial at Fahrenheit 88... wuuhuuuhuuu, just look at my poor face.

That would teach me to look after my face...My nose still hurts....TT.TT... The girl who was doing my face was like... girl don't cry... and I was like... but it's so pain... XD

I'll update soon~

Recipe - Red lentil veggie burgers

It's been so long since I've posted a recipe post... so here comes one!! XD

Actually, I've been doing lots and lots of muffins these past semester break ( cause my mum needs me to finish up the two boxes of dates she bought last year) but I haven't posted any...hehe... unfortunately but I'd post them soon... LOL... when I feel like it! XD The last one was really scrumptious using whatever was in my kitchen but hey... I will post it up soon! XD if there is an urge to share my super duper delicious secret muffins... and yeah... they're really healthy and worth it compared to those muffins you buy out there... =P cause mine is super duper delicious and super duper healthy... XD super duper dumb to promote me muffins without proof but yeah... it is super duper worth it to whip it up. Now... drum roll please.... I shall present to you... Red lentil Veggie Burgers.

Why red lentils? Cause it's one of the fastest lentils to cook and I have my stock from six months ago to use before it goes really really old and useless. Just in case you don't know what's lentils... I'll post a picture of it here...Just in case there are people like me who don't know their way in the local grocery store...The cooked and the uncooked kacang dhal merah = red lentils.

I've basically tried to follow the recipe to the letter but ... since I'm dirt poor and stupid at times... I've bought wrong ingredients thinking they were what I thought they were... haha... and used them instead! XD

the Chinese Celery ( I didn't know such a thing existed until I read the label... XD ) I used it instead of Parsley leaves.

wait... I did quite a few changes to the recipe... so I'll just post my adaptation here...

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups red lentils

Cooking oil to stir-fry vegetables and bast the burgers

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

a few shakes of white / black ground pepper from the bottle if any... at hand

3/4 cup of instant oatmeal (my 'healthy' sister bought them but didn't even touch them)

1 packet of chinese celery, chopped to the approximate length of your palm

2 large eggs, lightly beaten (to hold the burgers)

1 tbsp of salt 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. In a large saucepan, cover the lentils with cold water by 2 inches and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are very tender, about 10 mins (maybe earlier). Look at my picture to gauge whether yours is cooked. Drain well.

2. In a medium frying pan, heat some oil to stir-fry onion, garlic and carrots over moderately high heat. When carrots begin to soften, add in ALL the Chinese celery (otherwise the celery would be too tough to form into balls/ patties since they'll be sticking out). If not... just follow the lady's example and use a soft vege whereby you can add it later while you're mixing all the ingredients. Stir in the cumin and cayenne and remove from heat.

3. In  a large bowl// the large saucepan you used earlier, combine all of the ingredients. The lentils, breadcrumbs, eggs, SALT, pepper and vege mixture. Mix them well and form it into burgers. Ball them up into small balls and press them down on the pan.

4. Line a baking pan with foil. Brush the foil and tops of burgers with oil and let your oven do the magic for 15-20 minutes.

This smart alec was too lazy to foil up the last pan since this recipe made me about 30 burgers... and guess what... the ones in the pan (fortunately only five) not foiled up broke apart upon removal. This went to my tummy straight/ or the doggies. Not only that... since I forgot to add salt... it smelled fantastic but tasted bland (stupid WC) so they were salvaged by dipping them in chili/ tomato sauce. Last picture courtesy of Damari.

Money, work and life - KID's view

I've started working the week after returning from Singapore. So I'll share a little about what I've gained, emotionally and intellectually. Since I began working without having money as a motive, my views and your views may differ, so if there is any against my view, I'd love to discuss!

As I started work in the first week, I realized I lost my drive to exercise. Then, in the next week, I realized my purse was getting fatter. In the following week, I realized the expectations and mentality of worker bees that run the hive. Therefore, in this post, I hope I'll be able to sufficiently muse about these matters.

Working reminds me of a machine with interlinked screws and connectors that move to perform a certain function; the job/the work. So, other than the job, since the job already makes you mentally, maybe even physically tired, you do not feel like doing anything at all. You'd rather spend the rest of the day lazing around, being a couch potato, going shopping to 'destress' especially if it's a fixed job. HOWEVER, is this how life really should be? Is life for a mouse really limited to the wheel in a cage? The wheel being the job and life being the cage? I hypothesize that many believe that it is so otherwise no one would working their life off!

Today, I had the experience of recording the punch cards of working adults (not students). Unlike what I have always known, I have seen records of working hours of almost twenty four hours by a handful of people in a group of less than ten. Then, with my eldest sister's job as another reference, I believe that it is the norm and expectations of superiors (after speaking with a few) for people to be overworking themselves for the company. HOWEVER, I'd like to raise a CONSIDERATION for these people working their ass off, is it really worth it?

As I was driving home from work one day, I noticed this. The traffic light, thoroughly broken down but cars move on, everyone still goes back home/ to work. Why? Because there is still another traffic light (so replaceable) up ahead that was giving the same instructions for the same traffic. So... what happens to this traffic light? The poor person (probably the lorry driver); if caught will have to foot the bill. What bill? The bill to repair/replace (his and the other) and the bill for troubling others. However, what the heck was going on the mind of the driver when he banged this? Probably, something about WORK since I was working in the port, there can be nothing else but work. LOL. So will he ever be rich; taking the extra mile, working overtime and receiving a minimum of 1.5 times per hour pay than the agreed wages? HONESTLY NOT!

The above is what can be found in my purse right now. Looks just like bills and receipt being strewn around, right? On sight, it seems like a pile of cash and receipts however, as I was musing these thoughts these few weeks while watching my purse, this is how I interpret this picture. The money is so bright, so colourful, so big, so thick; beautiful compared to the dull, smooth, thin white and black receipts. The pile of receipts in fact is actually much thicker compared to the pile of cash but cash seems to be occupying a larger space. This is my observation, my thoughts? I spent so much. Receipts are cleverly made to be thin and not occupy much space in your purse. With it's smooth texture, it feels great to the touch. Though dull, it saves on ink to use black and white. It also does not tear as easily as cash. Cash is made to be thick, so you think you still have lots of it even when you really don't have so much vice versa goes gor the receipts. It's colourful so you'd like to constantly see it and use it. It's big so it's easy to take out.

Conclusively, money has been made enticing compared to receipts. Receipts continue collecting but money never collect itself in my purse; sadly. So, even if I had more money, the pile of receipts will continue to grow and my cash will continue to deplete. **many forget this since they either don't take receipts/ throw them away

Therefore, with man spending time working ungodly hours to earn more money, will it pay to do so? Those cards that I've recorded the working hours and overtime, these people were working for (obvious reasons due to background facts) more money, however this money will not stay with them for long. Why? Because I did a background check on these people and I've grasped that they've been working in the company for years and yes, they've often work these hours. Hence, a smart guess would be that they will continue to work more hours to earn more cash. Consequently, the next question that arose is, how much cash will one ever need to be satisfied? With more cash, more demands... more "needs" from what was previously "wants". Thus, leading to a never ending cycle.

Unfortunately, this isn't what I want; or what anybody wants for that matter. So......How to begin a change? LOL, path a way to make it. Don't just dream or want it, MAKE IT HAPPEN the best way you think will work. Find a solution, this is a life problem so if you never solve it you will constantly have to work on it till you get it. So nostalgic, reminds me of doing my additional maths homework... XD.but this is life and this is reality, if you don't work your way out of this problem, you will have to remain stuck in the problem because money is a need to sustain a person living in a city. **yes... I am being specific just in case some smart Alec caught thought about Tarzan. LOL...

Till I feel like musing more, see you blog.

Universal Studio, Singapore

I visited Universal Studio, Singapore on a Wednesday that was NOT a Malaysian/ Singapore School/ Public Holiday, so if my experience differs from yours if you visit during those times, TOO BAD... LOL, XD

So, how did I spend it? Well... My sister was following Google's map directions there but there is a different way to get there. Now, this is the important question, what time should I go there? If you're going there without the VIP pass, go there during the opening time to buy tickets BUT if you look like a lucky person, hopefully there's a promotion and you'd be getting the VIP ticket to totally skip the super long queue like me and my sister!

What promo? It's this promo... where we got to skip certain queues with an additional $ 2 top up. Well, since I'm already spending $75, I MUST SPEND my time well there and ensure EVERY DOLLAR worth in THERE until Universal Studio satisfies me... XD mwahahhahahahahaha

So, what did I do/ watch when I got there? Mwahahhaa, upon reaching there I did not run hysterically like a mad woman. Non non, I took picture like a civilized human with a prop hat and the props there! 

Then, I saw two big birds (Woody and his gf I suppose... XD, didn't watch the show but I remembered it from somewhere) so...kekeke

Since my sister and I saw everybody rushing to the right route, we walked to the left. (I recommend taking left first to warm-up). The left was Madagascar sponsored by Maybank (the Crate Adventure), nothing much; safe for kids since the worst that can happen is water squired from the zebra's mouth...

The only ride I managed to sit there was King Julien's Party-Go-Round which I think ...hmm... my sis forgot to click my camera's shoot button... TT.TT, so my sister's picture goes here...At least the Zebra looks super happy... XD

Then, it was Far far Away where the smelly ogre lives...

There's Shrek 4-D Adventure which was really stimulating and cool, then the Magic Potion Spin (ferris wheel) right after the adventure and finally the Enchanted Airways (roller-coaster). It was cool, a good start-up for the later crazy rides... XD.

Continue walking and you'd reach the Lost World. The only thing I may regret not bringing is a water poncho for this attraction. The ride will get you wet as you would be in a raft that is directed by water (so... basically you'll get a little water splashing on your clothes) but it was really FUN...The rafting experience! Then at 12.00 there was the WaterWorld live show. IT IS SOO cool, but I really don't recommend sitting at any of the wet zones unless you really want to get splashed for no reason. SOoooo... yeah... be smart, and get your priorities right! There was a camerawoman (Universal Studio) for this, so there's one with me and my sis!

Then, we headed on to Ancient Egypt...where there's two cosplayers you can take a picture with...

The guy from the mummy show... found him while waiting for Treasure Hunters and ...

Nearby the Revenge of the Mummy site.

I LOVE the Revenge of the Mummy. I basically rode Revenge of the Mummy TWICE in a row before proceeding to Sci-Fi City... Mwahahhahah... IT ROCKS! (I did return for more... about two or three more times...*blek...) It goes in every direction, up backwards round and round and it's HOT! I loved the coaster ride and all the movie effects.

Entering Sci-Fi city, there are TWO roller coaster rides... I actually preferred the Revenge over this but among Galactica, I preferred the Human (2 times) over the Cylon (bots - 2 times) not because I'm sitting but because of the Adrenaline... Then there's the Ultimate 3D Battle (2 times),which also rocks but really... in my opinion, everything pales in comparison to Revenge of the Mummy... XD.  So who/ what can I take a picture with? These people outside the Galactica rides and ...

Some bot since I didn't watch Transformers...XD, there's also some car there but since I didn't watch Trans... so it's kind of pointless to get soooo hyped up. XD

So... was it just rides and rides around Universal Studios  (other than Waterworld)? Apparently... NOT!

After watching Lights, Camera, Action! which is mind blowing, I managed to catch The Rockafellas doing street dance and some of the general public dancing in NY section!

Then, my sis and I moved back to Hollywood where managed to hear Daddy O's and Marilyn Monroe (who is super tall) and my favourite... the man that got his head cut off cosplayer!!

 

Then. there's the Monster Rock musical. It is fun, musical and cool so don't miss it... It's the last thing me and my sister did in Universal Studio anyway.... XD, the last show... if I'm not wrong is at 6.00 and the closing time is seven so... XD... go for it!

Basically, there's an MRT from VivoCity to Universal Studio Singapore/ Sentosa (for free). My sister was not aware of it and I was not aware of it but if you prefer the MRT go ahead (I took the MRT back because we found it accidentally) ... if not just take the bus like me! LOL... HardRock Singapore is also over there... at RWS so for those real HardRock Cafe fans... Singapore's Hardrock is there... Yeah... it was just coincidentally that I was wearing a HardRock shirt. XD

Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands

Referring to my previous post, since I was already in Marina Bay Sands, so... I CAN"T just NOT visit Gardens by the Bay, right? It just opened and if I don't go, I believe, I probably won't until the far future. So... from the Science & Arts Museum, my sister and me walked to Gardens by the Bay.

If you're wondering what the heck is Gardens by the Bay, that's the official homepage for it.

There's basically the free of charge garden and the garden that you'll need to pay for.

So... first, I'll share a little about the FOC garden.... XD

I believe the FOC garden is a good place for joggers/ cyclist to have a good workout. Maybe even walkers. It has sufficient greenery and the gardens are themed. The one seen above is an Indian themed Garden. If I recall correctly, all the Asian themes and a few others on the way. But it's not really that spectacular.

What about the mushrooms/umbrella you saw above? Hehe... that's the OCBC skyway.

Looks great right? There's actually a sky bridge connecting these mushrooms but I didn't fork out the $5 to walk since it was actually rather cloudy then. Fortunately too... since the one I paid for later covered for it... So... my sister and I hurried to the Gardens that were covered, the Conservatories that cost me $28.

The first conservatory I visited was the flower dome. Like it's name sake, there are tonnes and tonnes of flowers everywhere...  Well... not just flowers but cactus too and olive trees and all the weird trees that you've either never noticed the name or just never seen before. There's also the Western gardens put up here. 

So what's my verdict about the Flower Garden? It's good if you want to teach your kids to be a herbalist, expose them to plants they've never seen before, or maybe a good place for a garden designer to be inspired by the various plants there. Well, also maybe for those who love to appreciate flowers and greens, this is the place to be. So what about the next conservatory? KaBoom! that is the BOM man... it's so worth it to be amazed there!

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It is simply beyond words. I can't begin to describe this complex structure and how the heck it works but the people who built it are geniuses. Basically you can go right to the top and come all the way down. It's a really nice adventure in the garden. The waterfall (right, it falls from the lost world; the peak of the whole mountain of rock you saw me hugging (virtually at least)) is just an amazement that I still can't begin to describe it in words. So... go for it if you have the chance. Besides that, you being at Cloud Forest also gets you  the OCBC skyway view therefore  I thought it would be a waste of money to go for it. But if you still want to do it, go AHEAD. I'm happy enough with the Cloud Forest! XD