Mom - the pillar of strength

This article is dedicated to my late mother in law who passed away on 26 February 2003 due to advanced carcinoma at the age of 64.

She was suffering from skin cancer diagnosed in June 2002 before she passed away 8 months later, admitted to few hospitals several times and had gone through radiotherapy in Subang Medical Centre.

It was heartbreaking to see her suffering, being a kind and generous person, a good wife, a great mom and granny looking after all her 6 grandsons. His only son, my husband had lost weight tremendously as he was running around, juggling between work and taking his mom to hospital.  It was all upside down as my mom in law was the one who cooked for the family (his three children, 2 daughters and 1 son and their families). My sons were just 6 and 3 years old.  I was working and was not able to take leave all the time.

We actually intended only to get a maid when our bigger house was ready to move in as we were staying with my parents in law in a smaller house.  We had no choice but to quickly get a maid in to look after her and my kids.

Since her passing, his only son had been going the pagoda to pray her every week or at least once a month.  It was a year later that he could at least let go his sadness being very close to his mother.

Till now, we still miss her though 11 years had passed.

My advice, do love your mom dearly when she is still around.

Magnificent View of Halong Bay

It was quite last minute planning as elder son, Sher in SPM year.  So we have actually put all travels/holidays on hold.

My hubby saw the advertisement in newspaper and quickly told me to call up the travel agent regarding Hanoi.  So we were actually the final 5 pax for our group departure during  Raya public holidays.  We departed on 8 August 2013 via Vietnam Airlines.

Ours was 5 days 4 nights Hanoi/Halong Bay/Tam Coc/Van Phuc + overnight on chartered cruise.

Hanoi or Thang Long "ascending dragon" is the Vietnamese capital.  A charming city with old quarter monuments and colonial architecture surrounded by lakes.

Our flight reached airport late night and off we went to the yummylicious Vietnam signature noodle soup before we were checked into our Hotel Crowne Plaza West Hanoi.

The next day we went to Tam Coc - known for Halong Bay on land. We climbed onto the tiny boat for a peaceful river cruise, rowing through a series of interlink caves which was quite a thrill.  We had lunch at a restaurant nearby. And then continued with Bich Dong - standing on the highest temple, you could view the fields and mountain of Tam Coc, State Theater Opera House and Trans Quoc Pagoda.

Rowing boat with legs!

Day 3 we visited Ba Dinh Square - famous square where Ho Chi Minh read the proclamation of independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Residence, Temple of Literature - Vietnam first university was here and One Pillar Pagoda - a historic Buddhist temple.

We then proceeded to Hon Gai Harbour for our 2 days 1 night cruise at Halong Bay. We had our buffet lunch on  board the Pelican cruise. After lunch, we were given our room key.  Great view from our cabin. I could not take my eyes off the view sitting by the window.

At 3 pm, we took a smaller boat to Halong Bay's most famous and one of the largest stalactite cave (Sung Sot Cave) enjoying the unique natural rocks inside the cave. By 6 pm we anchoraged at Tip Top island for a swim.  Dinner was served on cruise.

Before dinner, a small activity was organized where the staff on board taught us how to make Vietnamese Spring roll. We had the spring rolls there and then.  After dinner, you can either choose to watch movie but tell you the television set is so small, enjoy the wind and scenery or go for squid fishing.

 

 

Spectacular views from our room

 

Our room on board Pelican cruise

The next morning we woke up early for tai chi exercise prior to our buffet breakfast. After meal, we explored Luan Cave using rowing boat. We took lots of photo before disembarked back to Hanoi.

Cruising through back to pier

Nighs squid fishing

 

All meals served on the cruise were good.  I have no complaint. In fact all the meals served for this tour were all good.

We went to Hoan Kiem Lake, shopping at 36 Ancient Street and watched water puppet show before our buffet dinner at a large restaurant and we were really hungry by then time we reached the restaurant and buffet is the perfect choice!

Luan Cave

It was indeed a relaxing trip and the most memorable was the magnificent view of Halong Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast, Australia

Our very first accommodation through RCI vacation.

Ideally located  at central of Gold Coast, Wyndham Surfers Paradise Resort was a lovely place to stay. Only 5 minutes walk to Surfers Paradise Beach.  The Sky Point, located just opposite, a walking distance.  Besides the Resort, there was a chinese restaurant.  Opposite the building, you could see the groceries shop, ice cream cafe and Alfresco Italian Restaurant. 

We had our itinerary prepared by Sammi Low, a lovely and helpful lady of PNL Travel an expert of Australia tour.  She arranged all our admission tickets and booking at O'Reilly Rainforest Resort.

We took Air Asia being a cheaper choice and direct flight, departed Kuala Lumpur on 24 May 2012 at 2125 hours arriving on 25 May 2012 at 0725 hrs.  Picked up our car from Avis Car Rental at the airport and off we went to for breakfast at Point Danger. After we checked into our resort, we had a good rest for the day.  Dinner was at Alfresco Italian Restaurant which I would rate it 8/10.

Point Danger

26 May 2012, the very next morning, we left our resort early to go for Tweed Endeavour Cruise located at Pioneer Park Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads.  We need to arrive at pier 15 minutes before cruise depart at 0900 hours.  GPS was set to Maritime Museum Park Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads.  We enjoyed the cruise, went for yabbies' and crab catching, not forgetting fishing on boat as well. It was such a wonderful morning enjoying ourselves. Lunch was served with fresh seafood cooked on board.  

After the cruise, we proceeded to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where we could cuddle the koalas, feed the kangaroos, watch the sheep shearing and my two sons enjoyed themselves on the giant flying fox.

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Catching Yabbies

Adventurous

Koala

27 May 2012, we drove an hour drive south of Gold Coast, approximately 90km, perfect for a day trip to Byron Bay for its Sunday market, had lunch at Fish Head Restaurant, famous for its fish and chips and visited Byron Bay beach and its beautiful Cape Byron lighthouse which was built in 1901.  Cape Bryon is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.
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Light House at Byron

28 May 2012, we went up to Sky Point first thing in the morning, spectacular 360 degree view from the observation deck located on the 77^th Floor.  We spent about 2 hours there before we drove to Dream World, Australia biggest themed park for family fun, thrill rides, entertainment and shows.   

View from SkyPoint

Exciting rides at Dream World

 
 



29 May 2012, we drove to O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat situated at Lamington National Park.. The 69 km journey approximately took us 1 hour 20 mins.  En-route, we stopped at Mount Tamborine Skywalk, explored its beautiful rainforest canopies and also had wine tasting at Mount Nathan Winery, where we bought two bottles of wine, had lunch at a North Indian cuisine at Mount Tamborine. Till now, we still miss the food at that restaurant but I couldn’t recall its name.   
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Great wines here at Mount Nathan Winery

We were worried as we went into a forest but no sign of the resort and it was deeper into the rainforest.  We were served afternoon tea upon arrival with some pastries and scones.  We checked into our Mountain View Room which inclusive of breakfast.  Later after dinner, we went for guided glow worm tour. The next day we encountered lots of colorful birds there and you may go for guided early morning walk. 

Birds everywhere!

The next morning, birds flew to our balcony and my kids were busy feeding the birds.  We also we encountered the beautiful sights of plenty colourful birds near the reception area.  You may also go for guided early morning walk on the walking trails, enjoying the breath-taking views and fresh mountain air. 

30 May 2012, as we only booked a night, we left O Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat with a heavy heart and hope to return one day with longer stay. After checking out, we did not travel back to Gold Coast; instead we drove to Brisbane, exploring this capital city of Queensland which took us about an hour drive there.   We tried out the Wasdee Thai Restaurant at Surfers Paradise Blvd for dinner that night, I rated it 5/10.

Brisbane

            


31 May 2012, on our last day we went to Sea World, a marine mammal park, oceanarium and theme park enjoying the various shows and having a great time there. On the way back to our resort, we dropped by Harbour town for groceries shopping to cook our own dinner.

Enjoying various shows at Sea World

1 June 2012,  our flight home via Air Asia departed Gold Coast at 0900 hours. Overall, a great self-drive experienced exploring Gold Coast and enjoying ourselves tremendously over the 8 days 7 nights there!  Gold Coast is indeed a recommended place for family fun.

The places we explored

On another notes, the fuel here was AUD1.519 for unleaded 91.

Chinese Reunion Dinner

Once you are married, is the tradition your reunion dinner will no longer be with your own parents and siblings according to Chinese custom. Unless your families members are in the same town, lots still practiced reunion with your husband's family members and also your own family members which can be done earlier. 

Being in the busy city, if family members hardly see each other, the reunion dinner holds more meaning of feasting together while catching up with each other.  

Normally my husband's family will have the same tradition food yearly as the feast for the reunion dinner.  In the morning, I would be busy preparing all the tradition food for ancestor worship.  The dishes being Penang Hokkien will be Jiu hoo char (stir fry yam bean with shredded dried cuttlefish and pork belly) , Kiam Chai (pickled mustard green) soup with roasted pig trotter, steam whole chicken, azzam prawn, acar (pickled of cucumber, pineapple, carrot and french bean), curry chicken or pork.  Besides the traditional food, we will have stew abalone with fish maw, oyster and mushroom.

For those whose parents are outstation, they will have to travel earlier back to their hometown in order to back home by eve of Chinese New Year for the reunion dinner.

But nowadays, since both husband and wife are mostly working, lots have chosen to have their reunion dinner at restaurant instead of homecooked meal. This is also due to parents are of old aged and no longer can dish up so many types of food for the celebration.

This is the beginning of the next 15 days which Chinese celebrates for their Chinese New Year, giving red packet to the youngs and singles, also to the elderly relatives or friends, visiting each other.

 

Jiu Hoo Char

Abalone stew oysters & fish maw

Azam koh prawn

Curry Meat

Acar

Charming Taiwan

So it was year end and this time we went on to 9 days 7 nights Charming Taiwan tour by Malaysian Harmony Tour & Travels Sdn Bhd.

Day 1 - 21 December 2013 KL - Taoyuan-Taipei

We had our dinner at home, drove to the KLIA, parked our car at Block A where long term parking first 3 days package at RM129, consecutive day at RM15 per day cheaper than we take airport limo or private van. The 7 of us joining a tour group of 25 people and our fight departing at 1.35 am.

Day 2 - 22 December 2013 Taoyuan

Upon arrival, we went for morning breakfast and then proceeded to Sanxia Old Street approximately 200 metres long where you could see full of old fashioned building and a constant red brick arcade, retained its structure from the early years of the Republic. We also visited the Sanxia Shimizu Temple, well known for its artistic, originally built in 1769. Nearby, there was a shop selling Bull Horn puff similar to croissant, a bit harder or you can say crispy version.

Then we explored the wonderful and magical adventure at Leefoo Village Theme Park in Guanshi.  Lunch was taken here. As today was Chinese Winter Solstice Festival, our local Taiwan guide, Ms Judy a very well experienced guide treated us to Tangyuan, a glutinous rice ball dessert filled with black sesame. It was yum!   

Squid in Action at Shilin

Shillin night market  - a great place for local handicrafts, clothes, tasty local snacks - try their fried chicken, quite a large piece is better to be shared.

By evening we were checked into Taipei Wego Funtel (Dazhi Branch). Its 96 guestrooms are all decorated with a different theme.  Even every floor with different design, a very unique hotel.

This is near the lift area of Wego Hotel

Day 3 - 23 December 2013 Taipei - Hualien

Yehliu

A new day after a good night sleep in a beautiful hotel.  we went to Yehliu, a place where you could see the formation of natural rock with artistic shapes created by erosion and other natural forces. 

Then Jiufen, a place with old fashioned way of life still exists.  We had lunch at Jiufen old street and grabbed some food stuff such as dried longan, ginger tea as souvenir.  The recommended lunch by our guide was beef noodle at Jiufen Old Noodles House. Besides that, try the fish ball noodle and steam chicken (highly recommended) at Yu Wan Bo Zai, a 60 years old shop. We tried the taro (yam) balls for our dessert too.


Stinky Beancurd at Jiufen

We then took public bus to the train station where we took Zhiqiang express train to Hualien.  Once we reached Hualien, our tour bus was already there waiting for us.  Off we went to dinner served with aborigine cuisine, the rice in bamboo.  After dinner, we went for a stroll at their night market before we checked into Hualien Hoya Resort Hotel.

Aborigine cuisine, similar to our Malaysia lemang

Day 4 - 24 December 2013 Hualien - Taitung

Taroko National Park

We travelled to Taroko National Park,named after Taroko Gorge, a place with abundant supply of marble and also Chang Chuen Temple, situated on the valley with beautiful scene.

We stayed at Taitung Luming Hot Spring Hotel tonight, a hotel with hotspring facilities.  You can either soak in its hot spring pools or indulge in one in your room. As today was the Christmas eve, every group of 6 - 8 people was given a langtern writtten with wishes and hopes and let go to the sky at the same time.



Wish Lantern let go to the sky

The colorful florals

Day 5 - 25 December 2013 Taitung - Kaohsiung - Tainan
Visited Fo Guang Shan (Budha Memorial Center) this morning - this is a center of Buddhism in southern Taiwan.  We were lucky to witness the celebration here as it was birthday of all Gods and all representatives from each country were there.  Fireworks were let off substantially.

Celebration in Fo Guang Shan

We went to fruits farm in Koashiung and sampled the sweetness of fruits there. You have to try the fruits in Taiwan, fresh and sweet.

Stayed a Tainan Jianshanpi Jiangnan Resort.  Enjoying the view of the floating lake by palace style boat, unlimited karaoke, watch the fireworks to mark Christmas and also learned to make a DIY souvenir.

December babies from our group, 2 ladies and 2 gentlemen celebrated their birthday during dinner at this resort.

Day 6 - 26 December 2013 Tainan - Nantou- Taichung

Sun M

The magnificent of Sun Moon Lake - enjoy a boat ride to admire the surrounding lush landscape and crystal clear lake water.

We went for a visit at tea plantation in Nantou, bought some green tea powder. The owner of this plantation was such a hilarious person.

Pluck tea leaves

Tonight we stayed at Taichung C U Hotel, visited Wen Wu Temple and Taiwan Times Village, old days of Taiwan.

Taiwan Times Village

Again street food for dinner tonight, we went to Fong Jia night market.

Day 7 - 27 December 2013 Taichung - Taoyuan - Taipei

Once back to Taipei, we had Chiba buffet shabu shabu, loved it!



Taipei 101

We then proceeded to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 and checked into Taipei Brother Hotel.  We left for night market on our own tonight, this time to St Roahe.

Day 8 - 28 December 2013

Today was free and easy.  We had our breakfast in hotel and took the metro rail to Ximending shopping and for their famous Ah Chung mien sien (osyter rice flour noodle), highly recommended.  We then took metro rail to Tamsui Fisherman Wharf, cold and windy where you can see the romantic Couple Bridge.  However, we skipped  Marthyrs Shrine.



Fisherman Wharf



Lovers Bridge





Day 9 - Taipei - Kuala Lumpur

Very early morning flight with packed breakfast at the airport, we were sure to return again to Taiwan, so much more to explore and so much to eat!.