Seoul Seoul Far

4th day (31st January)

We woke up late again and took the train to Samseong subway station and had our lunch (korean pancake and bibimbab) at Coex Mall. We walked about Coex Mall for a bit. Popped into Bundis and Luni (big bookstore) and ate Baskin Robbins. Then took a slow walk over to Boeunsan, its a nice big temple in the middle of town with an uber huge Buddha’s statue. We bought 2 white candles and lit it at an altar and then walked about the buildings (there’s more than 10 of them) and also cleanse ourselves with the holy water.

Made our way back to Coex Mall to wander around a bit more.

Took the train to Yeouinaru to visit 63 City. It’s the tallest building in Korea. Didn’t bother to pay to go to the rooftop cos’ it was pretty late and we wanted to visit the Wax Museum. Took lots of pictures inside the wax museum. The most impressive of all was that there were the wax figures and replicated scene of The Last Supper. Jesus and his disciples. We wore their frocks and took lots of pictures with them.

And off we went back home to rest.

5th day (1st February)

Today we wanted to wake up early to go Lotte World, but once again we woke up late and took forever to prepare cos’ I wanted to put on fake eyelashes.

In the end we left at 2.30pm. Took the subway to Jamsil, where Lotte World is at. Had our lunch there at some korean restaurant. Ordered Samgaetang and donkatsu, not very fantastic.

Bought the tickets for Lotte World. It cost 50,000won after discount (there’s a 10% discount coupon together with the T-money – EZlink card thingy) and we bought the After4pm Special Pass to enable us to take all rides unlimited.

I sort of teared after taking the bungee drop thingy, it wasn’t so scary but it was the anticipation of the ride beginning that scared me. After that we took roller coasters, stupid rides and went into some horror house that wasn’t scary. But all in all I’m glad I tried at least 80% of the thrilling rides they have. I had so much fun!

Bought lots of seaweed for the office and it’s super bulky la.

And of course I’m eating a lot of Krispy Kreme donuts here. Yummy!

We head off to Sinchon after Lotte World. I wanted to have grilled chicken but I don’t know where the hell it is so we had budaejjigae again. And head off for home.

Tomorrow I be meeting up with my SKT colleagues for lunch before going Myeong-dong for a huge shopping trip!

And visiting the post office tomorrow to ship my winter clothings back home cos’ I want to pack more stuff in my luggage. It’s too small. Right now it’s filled with cosmetics for Suzi and Shuyun. I haven’t buy any for myself! Haha.

Alrights long day tomorrow I gonna try to sleep. I’m quite sad that I’m leaving soon.

Seoul Far

1st Day (28 Jan)

We arrived safely at Incheon International Airport. Decided to take the subway at 6am to the hotel (Uljiro Co-Op Residence @ Dongdaemun). Bad idea, the morning crowd is bad. Taking 2 huge luggages with us on a full train is badddd. Along the way made friends with 2 hongkies, Travis and Winze who are headed to the same hotel, so we walked and found our way together.

Hotel asked us to pay extra 24,000 won for early check-in. We did and slept a little before waking up at noon to go Myeong-dong for chicken shabu shabu!

And we went to check out a Green Residence place in Myeong-dong as I need to find our accomodation for the next 5 nights. No luck at GR, it was full. And we went off to Anguk to check out Noble Hotel, there’s room and its so much cheaper. 50,000 won for a night and we decided to take 1 of the nights in the suite which cost 70,000 won. The wonderful thing about Noble is that there’s in-room desktop with internet and jacuzzi bath.

After that we walked about Insadong a bit and then to Apgujeong to meet Jacob for dinner. He brought us to a beef charcoal grill place. Not knowing that I don’t eat beef. We went ahead with it and he ordered cold noodles for me which I didn’t really like either. Went off to a Flair Bar and I ordered chicken cesar salad. Quite a nice bar, the boys had beers and I watched cocktail show performance by the bartenders and played darts (I was the best).

Went home and slept thereafter.

Day 2 (29 Jan)

Woke up at 12 by the hotel, we had to check out then! Rushed and went off by 12.30 and took a taxi to Noble Hotel.

Checked in and realized its damn cheap. They gave us 10,000won discount for 5 nights stay.

Showered and unpacked a little and went off to Anam to have Biya for lunch. The waiter was surprised to see me again. And I’m happy to eat my favourite budaejigae.

Took a walk to Korea Uni for phototakings and I bought the Korean Language textbook 2! Yay, gonna get back my book 1 from Kenneth to finish up the 1st introductory book before I embark on the 2nd. And bought keyboard stickers with korean letterings for my new laptop.

Thereafter we went off to Edae (Ewha Women’s University) to buy the makeup stash for Suzi and Shuyun. I decided not to buy mine until another day. Too cold to feel like shopping. Went back to Noble after that to put the shopping items and went to have orjingordorbab (squid rice) and cheese ramen. Yummy!

And went off to Dongdaemun to shop. I bought a new winter coat! And he bought 2 shirts. Got too tired, feet was gone and we went to a nice cafe for coffee and cheese cake.

Decided to take a cab home and got scammed! Stupid taxi driver when we got on he told us starting meter 4,500 won and it will increase 800won each time. I thought it wouldn’t jump so much and decided to go for it cos’ we were so tired. Mistake. His meter was tinkered and it jumped like mad and hit 11,400 won within 500 meters. We decided to get off. And he came after us to quarrel. We shoved 4,000 won to him and got on another cheaper taxi after 10 minutes of drama.

Got back and yay! Sleep.

3rd day (30 Jan)

Got up today at noon and only managed to get out at 3. We walked around our area and decided to have chicken and pork cutlet for lunch. And then went off to Gyeongbokgung (a palace).

Entrance was 3,000 won each and man, the palace is huge! We walked around for more than an hour and left. Nothing too spectacular and I realized I been there before when I went to Korea for tour with Steven many years ago. But still, quite impressive.

And we took a walk towards City Hall/Gwanghwamun. And we walked past a super huge outdoor ice- skating rink! Only cost 1,000 won, inclusive of skates and helmet. We didn’t do it cos’ was too lazy and the queue was madness.

We continued walking and my feet were so gone by then. numb and tired. And we went to Toms N Toms at Gwanghwamun for coffee and I wanted to look for Citibank to draw cash but couldnt find one. I eventually found one while we were strolling along Cheongyecheong stream. We walked for damnnnn long and then took a cab from Dongdaemun to Anam for beef shabu shabu. Yummy!

We went to Fiesta for a drink and the owner was surprised to see me as well. Took a photograph with him and we left for Itaewon. Itaewon was boring but filled with foreigners. Hard Rock Cafe was closed. We headed off to Jongro 3-ga after that and realized all the shops were closed as well. Took a long walk thereafter back to Noble.

The in-room jacuzzi bath rocks!

And now I’m done updating the 1st 3 days here. I gonna head off to bed!

Long day tmr!

Off to Seoul!

I’m so excited! Waiting to board the plane to Korea! My lovely country! Not mine but well, it’s like a second home!

I’m thinking of the things I gonna do when I get there. The most important thing is to…

EAT CHICKEN SHABU! omg.

And buy lots of Skin Food, Laneige, Etude House etc!

Eat Krispy Kreme!

Meet up with Jacob and my SKT colleagues. Oh and I bought bak gua for the colleagues.

So excittttting. If only I’m not feeling darn hot from wearing boots. OMG.

Yay no work for 7 days! I’m one happy girl!

Snow snow!

Crossing over to 2010

I should blog more often but nowadays I’m spending more time on WoW (World of Warcraft) and trying to gear up my Level 80 lock.

Time to sum up 2009!

Random events:

1. Finally graduated from SMU after 4 long torturous and memorable years. Got my BSc (Econs) with 2nd major in Finance although only with Merit. But Graduation Day was pretty nice if not for someone spoiling it. HAHA.

2. Before graduating I managed to secure 2 job offers and hence started working right after I ended my exams. I chose my current job over the other one due to the better career prospects. And didn’t really regret it especially after getting the bonus this month! By the way if you don’t already know, I’m doing Legal & Compliance at a Japanese insurance company.

3. First time emceeing a wedding just this month for Suzi’s sister. Realized the preparations for a wedding is not easy at all. Gonna be emceeing Steven’s wedding next year (2010). Kinda looking forward to that. So proud of him, getting married and owning his flat now with Sherry! Congrats my dears.

4. Too much dramas this year with the boys. I’m glad I’m back to where I really belong. I’m sorry I’ve upset people along the way.

5. After 10 years of trying to grow out my hair, I snipped it off to quite a short length this month. Time for changes.

6. I learnt to drive a car in Batam this year! That should count for something. I also passed the Basic and Advance Theories. Haven’t find an instructor to teach me auto driving though. I want a private one. Who got good ones intro pls!

7. I also took M5, M9 and HI after taking up my current job. And passed all at one-go.

8. 2009 is the year of Blackberry, so hooked on it I got myself a Javelin. And now I’m eyeing Onyx (BB Bold 2).

9. Went to Bangkok alone again this year. Was quite happy cos’ the original person I was supposed to go with would have definitely spoil my holidays. And I made some friends while I was there, even went clubbing with them. Sometimes I think I might be a little reckless, or too trusting of people.

10. PPLive is a wonderful invention and I love it so much. I watched tons of movies and dramas on it!

I can’t really think of much more to say. But have to admit that this wasn’t an easy year. Not being a student anymore meant more financial commitments at home and for my loans and though its taking quite a bit of toil on me, being almost the sole-breadwinner at home, I’m learning to cope with it and not let it get to me. Money can be earned yes?

Heading over to Marcus’ place to celebrate NY2010 with the SIM people, its potluck night and hope for fun fun fun!

2010 resolutions:

1. Be on time at work and take lesser MCs. Pile up on vitamins!

2. Fly to at least one of the following countries: Finland/Korea/Taiwan/Hong Kong

3. Try to fart less in public.

Alrights that’s about all!

Happy New Year 2010!

5542G

New laptop. Acer again. I have like 3 Acers lappie (including the one at office).

And the only reason I need a new one is because I want to play WoW on it.

I’m so tired trying to clear my heavy workload at office. At least its December, I can’t wait to start 2010!

Life’s been a little weird these days.

I think I’ve never been happier than before. Just need to tweak my perspectives a little.

Back to status quo with YT. It’s better off that way.

Going to Zoukout, my first in years.

I’m gonna emcee Sarah’s wedding this Friday, and Steven’s wedding next month, kinda excited. I hope I do a proper job out of it!

I love 15 minutes at La Salle, such a nice chillout place!

And I’m glad things are back to how it should be. Happy.

Life in Mono

Okay I realized I seldom blog is because

1. I usually blog when I’m unhappy or too happy – and I’m always bouncing between the 2 extremes these days

2. I tweet more often. Follow me on www.twitter.com/meiyann

3. I’m too busy with work and weekends are pretty much used for catching up with the boyfriend, who spends exponentially more time at his work than I do at mine.

 

Just some random updates:

- My birthday is coming soon and all I want is a Canon Powershot S90! Or cash would be good to contribute to my lovely camera dream.

- Work is between high and low, my boss went on maternity and I’m covering her legal work and those are really tedious, though fun in a weird way.

- Receiving some job offers but I’m  still holding on to my job here.

- I reactivated my World of Warcraft account, so I gonna be playing more often.

- Really wanted to go overseas on my birthday but the ticket prices soared beyond reasonable prices.

- Quite looking forward to emcee Suzi’s sister’s wedding next month, and I haven’t seen Suzi in the longest time!

- I miss Korea so much, words cannot express what I feel. I think I miss the times I had with my exchange friends. And SK internship with Suzi. But life goes on and I want to write a book about my time there!

- Someday, I want to work overseas.

- Austin is getting me mascara from HK, Kuanyee is getting me mascara and noodles from Taiwan, Kenny is getting me colored contact lenses from Bangkok. I don’t have to travel to get my fix.

Oh and I think that’s about it for my random updates!

Oh and at least I know Kenny got me a Country Road sling bag from Aussie awhile ago! I’ve yet to receive it, but totally psyched!

Today I heard some gay story from Kuanyee that started with a jog and ended with a guy asking him “Can I suck your Dick?” LOL. Too funny.

Okay peace out.

I don’t blog (often) anymore.

Passed my Advance Theory! One more HI (Health Insurance) paper to go.

I’m so happy I cleared that cos’ I can’t wait to start reading my books again!

Talking about books, I just finished The Lost Symbol a week ago. Didn’t really like the ending. Then I realized his books are crafted in a way that’s either anti-government, anti-Catholics and now it’s pro-Christianity. Not that there’s anything wrong wit the themes but I rather see some better plot and exciting resolution.

Why do I always feel I’m running out of books to read?

Actually I shouldn’t sell that Grande Expectation at the flea last month. It doesn’t fit into my dream to have a floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books in years to come! That amongst other books.

Anyway I’m quite happy, went over my cousin’s place last weekend and borrowed some of his new stash. The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. And I’m still halfway through for Sophie’s World and The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. And Handle with Care!

I definitely have ADHD. I almost never finished 1/4 of the books I have and I’m addicted to buying new books!

While I was at Borders today, I have this illusion that one day Borders will be my home!

Andddd…

Oh I gave up my chance to transfer to the regional office. Firstly out of convenience and sense of familiarity to my current workplace and colleagues. And I feel I want to learn the operational stuff more than the overseeing of regional companies.

I cannot decide. Should I read now?

the Grape story

I’m having M9 exam tomorrrow morning. Been mugging really hard today since I was too far gone (due to food poisoning) to study for the past few days. May I also say that the long weekend was so wasted on being sick.

Its been also more than a week that I haven’t been to the office. Kinda miss working.

Anyway I was sick from my swollen lymph nodes last week, took 2 days MC cos’ it swelled so bad I couldn’t really swallow or talk without feeling pain. And slight fever.

And recovered enough by Saturday, went over to YT’s place cos’ the poor boy is sick from stomach flu (I think this entry can be called the sick blog entry). Tried to nurse him and by Monday morning he wasn’t feeling too good, I managed to google a place to bring him to see a doctor. I was supposed to go Jas’ place for her birthday and mahjong session, but ended up I had food poisoning. From the grapes I had the night before.

After YT saw the doc, we went back to his place. And I got so feverish and sick from vomitting and diarrhea-ing so much, he forced me to go to the doctor at night for a jab. Which didn’t help much. I felt helpless the whole night. Too hot, and too cold (at one point I was wearing his winter jacket).

And took another day of MC yesterday. Only recovered.. or at least feeling better, now. Thanks to the endless supply of medicines I now have.

 But between all the episodes of sickness, we did have some fun in between.

Watching shows from PP Live, playing Sims 3 together,  him dota-ing and me studying and sleeping. And walking to the Shop n Save to “shop”.

Yeap, happy. I must say I am very contented.

The Past

I know you still read my blog. And this post is for you.

I just spoke with one of his ex-gfs. I know you are still with him.

And found out that he wasn’t 2-timing me when we were together. He was 4-timing me. Wow! And this I found out 3 years after our breakup.

He wasn’t a good man. Why I didn’t leave him earlier, I don’t know why. Maybe cos’ he was a sweet-talker and that he was willing to take care of me.

I was his Saturday girl. Now I knew he had Friday and Sunday girls.

Haha, what a joke when I spoke with his ex-gf. She was with him for 4 years, during which time he was with me!

Suddenly it all made sense why he blew me off every Friday nights, and having soccer matches on Saturday afternoon and tennis matches on Sundays.

And now I recalled the ex-gf walking in on us at a bar in Boat Quay. She came in and shoved him and asked him why he said he was busy. When she left he said she was just a crazy client of his. And I believed him. He was that good a liar.

And now that its all in the past, I just want you to know what he’s capable of. That despite him saying he misses you, he loves you and that you are the only one and all else didn’t matter, he is lying.

So please don’t be stupid and hold on.

He must be shocked I just messaged him and told him what I knew. He was a scum. Totally and thoroughly.

House Flies Flea Market

Concluded the flea market: lousy location, bad sales spot, low traffic flow = not enough sales to cover rental! At least I managed to sell some books. My poor sister did not manage to generate any sales at all.

Want to thank Jasmine+Shijia, TLC for dropping by to buy some stuff.

And Tiak for coming down, albeit late but he did drive me home.

Most importantly, thank you Yaotien for coming to accompany me, have ramen dinner with me! Despite him being busy with his work.

Thank you, thank you!

And for those people who bought books from me, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do.

I’m so tired!

Had so much spicy food today, my stomach is staging a protest.

Got my skinfood and laneige products bought from Korea by Suzi! Thanks dear!

I gonna do a collagen face mask to sleep tonight!