Free Transport in Melbourne

Hi friends, I'm now in Melbourne enjoying my solo trip. I will update more when I'm back in Singapore next Monday. I just booked a day trip to yarra valley wine tasting and puffing billy train day trip for this Wednesday. 

One great thing about Melbourne is the free transport in the city.

Goodbye Singapore, Hello Australia!

Today I went to Challenger to buy powerbank for tomorrow trip to Melbourne. I also went to change currency as I be going there for shopping. I be going there for holiday for the next 9 days to be exact and be back in first week of December. I'm quite excited and scared too as I be going alone but thankfully day time is longer in late November and sun set at around 8.20pm in Melbourne.

I'll read up on where is the best breakfast or I just ask the staff there. I heard they are famous for coffee and I love coffee. I'll update my travel blog on my trip in Melbourne after I return. Meanwhile, you can read my previous posts in this blog which I started in 2013.

Sadly in Singapore, with high rental cost, some restaurants I blogged about have closed down. Some of the restaurants like Xinglong have ceased operation. Ok, that's all, I have to check my luggage and bag and make sure I bring the necessary stuff. 

Coldplay-A Sky Full of Stars

Currently my favourite song is A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay. I also like their other songs like Viva La Vida. They be coming to Singapore next year on 31 Mar and 1 April for A Head Full of Dream tour. 

Initially they only plan for 1 April concert, but due to overwhelming response, they decided to add 1 more date on 31 March next year. Tickets will be available for sales tomorrow at 10am!

http://www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix/Pages/Coldplay-2017.aspx

1 More Week to Melbourne.

How time flies! Next Saturday night I be flying to Melbourne for about a week solo trip. It'll be a trip for me to rejuvenate, reflect and just enjoy myself. I finally submitted my resignation after working hard for the past 11 years. Its time for me to do what I always plan to do but had not much time. During this 1 year break, I intend to read books that I brought, travel and maybe just relax and do nothing. 

Next year, I plan to travel to Hong Kong, South Korea (perhaps), and other places perhaps by myself. For the second half of the year, I plan to study. Maybe I go to Melbourne for study or self-study if I don't enjoy the coming Melbourne trip. 

Hmm, maybe before I travel to Melbourne, I go to Waterloo street Kuan Yin temple to pray for safe travel first.

Pikachu at Singapore Changi Airport 2016

I'm not really a fan of Pokemon game and I have no intention to download the game. But I really like the cute Pikachus dancing at Singapore Changi Airport.

National Gallery of Singapore

My cousins and I finally visited the National Gallery of Singapore, which is a short 10-minute walking distance from City Hall MRT. Arts by local artists and others regional artists are also on display inside the National Gallery, which used to be the Supreme Court in Singapore. 

I planned to see Wu GuanZhong's gallery but it was not ready yet. So we explored other art galleries. Of all the paintings I saw, I like Georgette Chen and Liu Kang paintings mainly because of the pastel and bright colour combination. 

Admission fees is $20 but it is free entry for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. 

https://www.nationalgallery.sg/visit

National Gallery of Singapore used to be a Supreme Court.

Guided tour in National Gallery

                              Life by the River by Singaporean artist Liu Kang

                       Lotus in a Breeze by Georgette Chen. I love this painting.

                                      Sentosa Island by See Cheen Tee

Artist and Model by Liu Kang

Put Down Your Whip by Xu Beihong

Chinese calligraphy 

Abstract Arts

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria. Singapore was under British rule before World War 2.

Samsui women constructed many of early Singapore buildings.

Portraits drawing done by the visitors.

Going to Melbourne Again!

This June I went to Australia Sydney and Melbourne with my youngest brother with a tour agency. We went to Great Ocean Road, Victoria market and Philips island to see cute penguins. We did not spend much time touring the city. Thus this November, I decided to venture to Melbourne again to explore art museum, library, cafe and park.

This time I be traveling solo in late November to early December. Fortunately there is longer day time as the sunset is around 8.20pm so I don't feel so scare. Actually there is another reason why I'm going to Melbourne. I plan to study in Melbourne next year for half a year. So its also a good time for me to check if the place is safe and friendly to foreigners or not. Initially I didn't really want to go. But alas, I didn't realise the hotel booking fees is charged to my credit card. I thought they only charge when I arrive. Since I already made payment, I might as well go there and enjoy myself. This time I be staying in a hotel at Elizabeth street as its cheaper than Southbank. I hope to find great cafe serving delicious breakfast and coffee.

Cooking Laksa for my Father

As shared previously, I don't really cook except for instant noodle for myself. Recently I cooked laksa for my father.Hmm, ok I didn't really prepare everything. Hehe, I just cooked the rice noodle and heat up the laksa sauce prepared by my mum and placed the cooked prawns and egg. A bowl of delicious laksa is ready!

 Home cooked laksa

 Just heat up the laksa sauce with lemongrass

Rice noodle and flat yellow noodle.