Hong Kong

What a memorable, eye-opening and wonderful few days in Hong Kong.

I was in Kowloon, Hong Kong from Wednesday through until Sunday helping with a international school sports tour. 70 of our young sportsmen and women versed Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong in what would be the third annual tournament of its kind.

It was such an emotional couple of days with countless triumphs, a few defeats, laughter and tears. My highlights were the basketball and netball finals - who knew a school sports game could be so gripping!? I was on the edge of my seat until our teams claimed victory in the last few minutes, resulting in a deafening roar from the rest of the students supporting.

My other highlight was during the prize giving, just as Hong Kong was announced as the overall winner. Instead of acting disappointed or groaning as most teenagers (and lets face it, most adults) would have done in not winning the gold, our teams immediately stood up to give Hong Kong a standing ovation. Completely gracious in defeat.

I think back to how I behaved aged 11-14 and I cannot even begin to compare to how these kids are. The camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendships that developed over the few days were clear to see and the students have all returned to Singapore standing that little bit taller. I was blown away by how respectful each student was throughout the trip and well they conducted themselves. It was incredible to be part of the tour and I feel so proud to work for a school who's students are such well-rounded and mature individuals.  

Before the kids arrived a colleague and I had one free evening and the best part of a day to enjoy and explore Hong Kong. We caught a boat from Kowloon to the Island where we ate the most delicious dinner at the Caprice Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel. We chose 'a little bit of everything' cheese platter along with a selection of tasting wines and port.

Once our bellies were full we headed over to the Mid-Levels. The Mid-Levels is a 3km walkway/escalator system running up the side of Victoria Peak. Apparently the escalators travel downwards in the mornings to take commuters to work, and then up in the evenings to take them back again. All along the walkway are cool bars and restaurants with people spilling out of the open doors on to the street. As it's Halloween at the moment, everywhere was decked out with pumpkins, cobwebs and bats. The whole experience of Hong Kong was a far cry from Singapore. Hong Kong felt grittier, more authentic and had heaps of history and character.

The following day we pushed our hangovers to the backs of our minds and trekked for two and a half hours along the Dragon's Back Trail. The views were out of this world - with grassy mountains, the endless ocean and then the juxtaposition of skyscrapers in the distance. The sun warmed our skin and para-gliders floated around above us. It felt so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Mid-Levels or the fresh food market we'd visited the day before.

We ended our trek at Big Wave Bay and cooled off in the sea before heading back reality - AKA, 70 tired but excited students who had just arrived at the hotel.

I've come back to work this week completely exhausted, but with a new lease of life. I learnt such a lot in the short time I was in Hong Kong and I'm going to remember those few days forever.

I think all I really do is work and eat...

AustCham really do put on some awesome events. I've mentioned their epic wine and cheese night in a previous post; well last week I went to one of their other networking events and had a blast. Made some great contacts and I'm already looking forward to their next event... they're doing another wine and cheese night in March. I'm there with bells on!

Work's been crazy again this week so I've been trying to counter the long days by being more active: Swimming in our pool for the first time in ages, tried out a couple of boot camp sessions (which made me ache for days), and of course the usual dragon boating on Saturdays. I'm getting so much better at dragon boating now, they even put me at the front as pacer this week - I'm chuffed to have found something I'm good at and really enjoy doing. 

At the weekend Phil treated me to a slap up meal at an Italian place called Zafferano which is on level 43 of the Ocean Financial Centre. I had a huge octopus tentacle which was delish. We also had a lip-smackingly-good dinner after dragon boating this week. We were craving cheese (I mean, when are we not..) and a mate recommended we try Wine Connection's cheese bar on Robertson quay. Ah.. it's amazing. We had a huge slab of raclette, potatoes, bread, salad, pickles and a huge plate of cold meats.

I'm off to Hong Kong for work tomorrow, and Phil has just left for Melbourne where he'll be working for the next three weeks. I'm sure I've have lots to update on in my next post!

Let's paint the stress away

Work seems to have taken over. 12 hour days, and I'm even dreaming about it at night. Not ideal. 

Phil and I are finding that as we are always so busy, there is never any time to catch up with friends and family back home, watch a movie or read a book. Don't get me wrong, I love Singapore and the lifestyle, but I do miss being able to sit back, switch off and relax sometimes. 

We've just about managed to keep it low-key this weekend: Dinner and drinks with some girls from work on Friday, painting on Saturday, swimming and shopping today. 

I have to tell you about the painting. One of our friends had recommended this little interior design studio called Copper Design who open their doors for people to come along and 'Art Jam'. It's a cool little place with beautiful art, interesting lamps and lots of copper furnishings. Along one side; easels, canvas, paint and brushes had been set up for us when we arrived. We were given a cup of tea, various photos/art books for inspiration and then set to it for 3 hours of painting whatever we wanted.

I'm not thrilled with my painting, but hey, it was such a relaxing thing to do on a Saturday afternoon. It costs just $35 and I'll definitely be back next time I need a zen-weekend.

The Gili Islands - 3 days in paradise

A couple of Phil's friends have been over in South East Asia so Phil and I made the most of them being this side of the world and had a little holiday ourselves.

They flew into Singapore first, so we did what I've been looking for an excuse to do in months and took them to Club 55 to devour plate after plate of cheese and chocolate. Club 55 is so reasonably priced at $48++ for all-you-can-eat. This time was even better than the last as they had a huge wheel of raclette bubbling away onto little individuals portions of fried potato croquettes, pickles and salad. Food heaven.

Not that anyone would need another reason to go there, but the view at Club 55 is also pretty special. It's on the 55th floor (if you hadn't already guessed) of Marina Bay Sands Hotel and I love seeing the expression on people's faces when they see the bay from a height for the first time.

After one night in Singapore, Phil's pals flew off to Bali whilst Phil and I counted down the days until the weekend when we were to head over to the Gili Islands to meet them. We were up at 3am Saturday morning to catch our flight to Bali where we then caught a taxi and a boat over to our first stop - Gili Air.

Advice for anyone travelling from Singapore to the Gili Islands: Don't do it this way as it's a right faff. Instead fly from Bali to Lombok then hop on a quick boat to the Gilis. We arrived a bit stressed and tired after around 10 hours of travelling, but any bad feeling melted away instantly the minute we arrived on the island.

The first thing I noticed was that there are no motorised vehicles anywhere. Instead of cars and motorbikes, everyone gets around by walking, horse and cart or bicycle which meant the whole island was quiet and peaceful. The other thing I noticed was that as there aren't really any street names. Instead the island is filled with colourful painted signs nailed to poles at the side of the streets directing visitors to the nearest villa, bar or beach.

I was expecting the Gilis to feel a bit like Bali, but it's different kettle of fish altogether.

We stayed at a place called H2O Yoga which was a lovely, idyllic little air bnb full hammocks and very fit looking yogis! Unfortunately we ran out of time to do any yoga or meditation practices, but I'd recommend H20 Yoga to anyone staying on Gili Air - yogi or not.

We spent the first afternoon on the beach and in various bars; finishing the evening with a delicious rendang curry (me) and nasi goreng (Phil) and an early night before a day of diving on Sunday.

The Gilis have got to be THE best diving I have done. We saw black and white tipped reef sharks, hawksbill and sea turtles, rays, trigger fish, unicorn fish, parrot fish and about a hundred other types. The visibility was about 20 metres and it felt incredible.

We were on such a high after diving (and the espresso martinis we had afterwards) that we then spent the rest of the evening dancing and singing along to a band called Old Town who were playing in one of the restaurants. Old Town are one of the best live bands I have ever seen or heard (sounds like an overstatement, but I'm not kidding)! I don't remember how many drinks were drunk, but I do remember feeling zero embarrassment when dancing barefoot in the sand in front of a restaurant full of people for hours on end.

Old Town

We met the guys on Gili T the following morning - just a 30 minute, $4 boat ride away. Gili T has a slightly different vibe; a younger crowd, a little busier, and a few more loud bars and souvenir shops. Someone summed the three islands up perfectly: Gili Meno is perfect for honeymooners, Gili T is perfect for young backpackers, and Gili Air is a perfect combination of the two.

We spent the day snorkelling in the crystal clear waters and spotted another huge sea turtle just 20m out from the shore.

We rented bikes and cycled the whole circumference of the island, stopping on the west beach to watch the sun set and take a few obligatory swing photos...

Sunset swinging

We didn't meet the couple that own the air bnb we stayed in on Gili T, but it was so beautiful and their bio has inspired Phil and I. The owners are an Austro/Italian couple who upped sticks and left Europe, and moved to the Gilis to start their air bnb - Rumah Cahaya.

It just shows; when the 9-5 job (or more likely, 8-6 job) and city life ever gets too much, there's always an option to leave it all behind to lead a relaxed life on a little island in paradise.

Divas and Drags

Winesday was the last day of indulgence as I've decided it's about time I got back to exercising again.

A girl from work is on the netball team with the Singapore Cricket Club, and on Thursday she invited a couple of us to play in a friendly match against Standard Chartered. I took a netball to the nose in the first few minutes. I dropped the ball. I ran the wrong way. ...Generally got the feeling that netball and I were never meant to be. It was good fun though so I think I'm going to join the slightly more casual club which is going to be running after work for staff - will be a good opportunity to get to know some of my 399 colleagues as well!

Continuing in the same vain this weekend; I took part (and lost) my first ever competitive dragon boat race! Every year all the different international dragon boat teams enter into 'Divas' where the ladies race and the men put on a drag show - all to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The Gaelics entered two ladies teams.. and came last in both heats... but the boys did us SO proud and won the whole drag show with their outstanding Bhangra performance.

After the drag show,kegs of beer, food and a DJ were all delivered to the riverside where we celebrated alongside all the different international teams.

It was such a good day and we met heaps of cool people. I would recommend dragon boating to anyone who is moving to Singapore as you get to have fun, meet people and keep fit at the same time (as long as you don't drink too many San Miguel's afterwards...)

The Divas

The Drags

It was also Phil's birthday this weekend so we spent a lazy Sunday eating, lying on the beach, and wandering around the S.E.A Aquarium on Sentosa Island. The aquarium was the best I've been to - huge tanks with saw fish, sharks, manta rays and lots of other fish we are hoping to see on our next dive trip.

We had some Japanese food in the evening and went for drinks at a Japanese speak-easy in Outram called D.Bespoke. They make bespoke cocktails based on taste preferences, the decór is beautiful and they sit you in these gorgeous armchairs along the bar. We will have to go back soon!

D.Bespoke and the birthday boy

Singapore's First Wine Tasting Lab

On Wednesday Phil and I popped into 75cl's tasting lab to do what we do best, and drink some wine!

Nuzzled away in Bukit Merah, 75cl's tasting lab is a split-level, airy space filled floor to ceiling with bottles of wine, wine, more wine and spirits.

There were 56 wines to taste on our visit, each costing between $2-$4 SGD for a 30ml measure.

The staff gave us both a smart card when we arrived; so all we had to do was slot the card into the machine, choose our wine, press the button and fill our glass. A pretty nifty concept and meant we could go at our own pace and choose jwhichever wine we wanted throughout the evening.
Here's my new favourite:

NZ, Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir

75cl also have an online shop with over 1600 different wines and spirits available to buy at wholesale price. They've opened this new tasting lab for those of us who want to try before we buy - perfect for wine novices like me who want to build their repertoire.

So the moral of the story is: next time you're in Cold Storage and about to buy a bottle for 50 bucks; put it back and go for 75cl instead. You can try before you buy and save money at the same time. Can't go wrong. 

Happy Winesday!

I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva

It was the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend and it was INSANE. 

On Friday night one of Phil's colleagues had wangled a hotel room on the 35th floor of the Swiss Hotel overlooking the track. We drunk the minibar dry and got very over-excited by everything happening 300ft below us.

View from 35th floor 

Say CHEESE

Once we had polished off a couple of bottles of the bubbly stuff we walked to the Padang and to see Kylie Minogue perform. I don't think I'll ever understand the appeal with Kylie but Phil went cray over her which was rather entertaining!

On Saturday evening (after a day of hungover Dragon Boat training) we saw Bastille and Queen who were both flipping fantastic. I absolutely love Bastille, but Queen was a whole other level of brilliance. I was floating around in ecstasy for most of the evening. In fact, I'd go as far as to say I was a bit like a tiger defying the laws of gravity...

Ahh. I just loved it. Adam Lambert and Brian May are the BEES KNEES.

Queen Finalé

Sunday was race day and before everything kicked off, Phil and I headed over to The Regent Four Seasons Hotel for a bottomless brunch at their Manhattan Bar with some new pals. I have had bottomless brunches in London loads of times with friends, so thought I knew what to expect, but boy was I wrong.

We had unlimited cocktails, wine and beer for four hours, along with some of the most delicious food I have had in Singapore. There was a whole room full of spices, spirits and mixers to make your own cocktail if desired. There was also a whole room dedicated to Baked Alaska desserts. A seafood station with oysters, lobster, clams, prawns and crab. A steak counter with the juiciest and most tender steak with all the condiments and melted cheese. A delicatessen counter with cheese, bread, smoked salmon, cold meats. A dessert counter with loads of little hand-made french patisserie and cakes, along with a whole shelf of cronuts and cookies. 

I don't really believe in heaven, but if I did... 

Cocktail Room

Brunch gang

We left brunch and wondered around the Bay a bit before the race started. I thought I'd had my fill of great music for the weekend, but these geniuses were playing at the Esplanade...

Our seats were on the Bayfront Grandstand - reasonably priced and a really good vantage point as we got to see the cars accelerating on the straight and then breaking to go around the corner. I thought about how bruised and battered I was from the Go Karting I did a couple of weekends ago... then I think about how the likes of Jensen Button must feel after a two hour slog around the track!

This weekend was one of the best I've had in Singapore. Filled with great food, drink, music, sport and of course, great company. What a weekend.

It is safe to say...

Diving in Tioman

Day 1 - morning
After a 5 hour bus ride and a 3 hour ferry ride we arrived on Tioman island, Malaysia at 4am.

I'm writing this on the boat at 9am, after only 3 hours sleep. I feel half dead but am so excited for diving this weekend!

Day 1 - evening
We just got back from our first day of diving. Four dives today around Paya Bakau, Renggis and Genting; the last one being a night dive! The night dive was actually a bit spooky as I couldn't see anything other than where my torch was pointing.. Had some issues with my mask being a bit steamy on that one too which didn't help!

Earlier in the day we did a bit of peak performance buoyancy, drift diving and fish spotting. We spotted a 1.5m black tipped reef shark which was awesome! 

The only slight issue today was that there are 8 people in our group, four of which hate sticking to formation and kicked me in the face a few times.

Off to bed now, another early start and 5 more dives tomorrow!

Day 2 - evening
Such an amazing day! Went to some incredible dive sites (La Bas, Malang and Soyak) where the reef looked like someone had come along and turned the saturation up on everything. We saw loads of blue spotted ray, giant moray eels, barracuda, angel fish, clown fish, bat fish, bumpheaded fish, cornets, file fish, trigger fish and best of all - a 1.5m hawksbill turtle. It took my breath away... which isn't the best situation to be in at the bottom of the ocean. 

We also did some basic navigation; practising using a dive compass and dive computer. I've learnt to maintain perfect buoyancy upside down now too which is fun, especially when looking around all the nooks and crannies of the reef.

Bed now. 6.30am start tomorrow for our final 2 dives.

Day 3 - afternoon 
I'm on the coach on the way back to Singapore. We did two dives this morning: the Sipidan Wreck and another leisure dive at Renggis. The wreck was cool, we went down to 25m and swam around fish spotting, although it was pretty murky down there - maybe 2 metres visibility max.

It's been a great weekend and Phil and I are now qualified Advanced Open Water divers - hurrah! Someone was telling us about a war ship wreck in the Philippines where you can see the bomb craters and dive down through them into the ship! I think that's out next dive trip sorted already!!

Loving the Lights of Singapore

I had my first taste of Wednesday ladies night this week with a couple of girls from work. We went to the martini bar at the Grand Hyatt Hotel where we had lychee, berry, ginger, basil, mint, citrus and espresso martinis all half price, followed by a bottle of champagne courtesy of some guys in the bar. It was a good night. The drinks were delicious and the beef sliders were so good we ordered 4 each.

I'm glad I'm getting to know some colleagues my own age at work. One of the girls I went out with is part of a netball club, so in an effort to try some more new things, I've signed myself up to play a match in a couple of weeks time. Not sure I remember any of the rules which doesn't bode too well...I'd best get practising!

Another night after work Phil and I went to Din Tai Fung and gorged on pretty much all the dumplings. I can't rate Din Tai Fung highly enough. It's super cheap, delicious and you'll never be far from a branch as there about 20 of them across the island. 

We were eating at the MBS branch, and as luck would have it, just as we rolled out of the restaurant the MBS light show began. We've seen the show from almost every angle, but hadn't gotten around to seeing it the best way - sitting on the deck in front of the fountains. Light was projected onto the water from the fountains which told a story of childhood, love and family life, whilst music played from speakers either side. It was kind of mesmerising. At the end of the display everyone gave a huge round of applause... and this is something that happens every single evening in Singapore.

MBS Light Show 

After the light show we walked over to Supertree Grove and watched the Garden Rhapsody. I hadn't seen this before either and, once again, I was completely blown away by how beautiful it was. My parents are visiting early next year and I can't wait to show them - they're going to love it. 

Garden Rhapsody

It's the mid-autumn festival at the moment and in celebration, the Gardens by the Bay have been decorated with lanterns of all shapes and sizes. So after the Garden Rhapsody we wandered around looking at them all - here are some of my favourites:

The mid-autumn festival also means it is time for Moon Cakes! If you  haven't tried them or don't know what I'm talking about, then fear not - you are not missing out (although I should caveat that by saying that some people really do love them, I'm just not one of those people!). If you don't now what they are, Moon Cakes are pastry, filled with red bean or lotus paste, with an egg yolk in the middle. They're dense, fatty, sweet and salty, and at the moment they can be found absolutely everywhere in Singapore. 

Moon Cake

Phil and I are diving off the Malaysian island of Tioman this weekend to make the most of the Singapore public holiday. I can't wait! We did our Open Water course in Thailand in May, so are now progressing to get our Advanced Open Water qualification. We need to show proficiency in underwater navigation and deep diving, as well as peak performance buoyancy, fish ID, drift, night and wreck diving. Eek!! 

Eat, drink, repeat.

Phil's brother was in town for one night last week so we went for a drink at Cé La Vi at the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, followed by another delicious dinner at Level 33.

Cé La Vi is very average and overpriced. Level 33 on the other hand is ace! I had the tenderloin steak followed by something chocolatey which were both out of this world.

Something chocolatey

Even though I've been to Level 33 before, I was still in complete awe of the views across the city. I mean, just look at this...

The view from Level 33

I've really settled into my job now and getting to know some of the other ladies in the team which is good. At the end of the long week, Phil and I went out with my colleague and her husband; starting at the Tippling Club on Tanjong Pagar road, then heading to Meat Liquor for some deep fried goodness. 

The Tippling Club is quite a trendy place. They had scent sticks marked with different cocktails; some of which smelt incredible (like Campfire or Forest), and others (like Grass and Leather)...not so much. 

Marshmallow milk, campfire,
burnt syrup, ash & gin

Salted caramel, citrus
& rum

We finished up the week meeting up with a mate for a Sunday roast at LoKal, then filled our bellies with cupcakes at Plain Vanilla Bakery in Tiong Bahru. It was nice meeting up with someone English for some proper English grub. We have planned to go for another brunch with him and his pals in two weeks when the Grand Prix is on... we are planning to go all-out with a proper Singapore brunch: free flow champagne and all-you-an eat buffet at the top of one of the hotels. 

I feel like I am eating my way around the island...!