Pearl Anniversary in Year 2020

Wow that will be a real long journey thinking of we will achieve our 30th Wedding Anniversary in December 2020, one and half more year to go. We met for the first time on 4 February 1984, this marked 35 years of knowing each other as of February 2019.

Lets think about it. Marriage is not all about bed of roses. Nothing is easy in life, you have to work towards it to achieve success and happiness.  We have our happiness and arguments too!

A happy marriage is about three things:

memories of togetherness

forgiveness of mistake

promise to never give up on each other

~Surabhi Surendra~

I would like to share as this is interesting to read, message shared by my ex-colleague, Tina on her FB:-

For those couples so eager to call it quits and throw in the towel on your relationship because everything isn't perfect....here is some food for thought

Lifelong commitment is not what most people think it is.  It is not waking up to make and eat daily breakfast. It is not cuddling in bed till you both fall asleep. It is not a clean home filled with laughter and love making daily.

It is someone who steals all the covers and snores, it is slammed doors and a few harsh word at times. It is stubbornly disagreeing and giving each other silent treatment till your hearts heal, and then forgiveness.  It is coming home to same person daily that you know loves and cares about you in spite of, and because of, who you are.  It is laughing about the one time you accidentally did something stupid. It is about dirty laundry and unmade beds.  It is about helping each other with the hard work of life.  It is about swallowing the nagging words instead of saying them out loud. It is about eating the easiest meal you can make and sitting down together at a late hour because you both had a crazy day.  It is when you have an emotional breakdown and your love lays down with you and holds you, and tells you everything is going to be okay. And you believe them.  It is about still loving someone even though sometimes they make you absolutely insane.

Loving someone isn't always easy, sometimes it is hard. But it is amazing and comforting and one of the best things you will ever experience.

Be blessed to have a wonderful partner in your life.

Classic Of Eastern Europe in Autumn

The last trip with mom with lots of photos taken of her will always be in my memory.  I was glad that I had took her along most of my travel abroad though I could not be 100% be with her all the times back home.  May she rejoice in the merits of the Dhamma Dana we have done in memory of her and she attain Bliss of Nibbana.

Why Eastern Europe? All because my husband suggested it! We took Emirates with transit in Dubai.
It was 6 October 2018 our group of  24 pax (out of which my side 7 and my ex-colleague 3 pax) on 11 days 8 nights which covered Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.  The places that I mesmerized the most was Hallstatt, Austria's oldest Alpine village tucked between mountains and waters. Another amazing one was Zugspitze Mountain, at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We took a cable car up to 2962 meters to the summit of Germany's tallest peak.  This mountain marks the international border between Germany and Austria. Such a breathtaking view of the Alps.

Highlights of the tour were as follows:

1. 4 Star Hotel with American breakfast.
2. Special meals : Prague dinner with dar bkeer, Hungarin Goulash Dinner & Folk Show, Vienna Schnitzel, Germany Pork Knuckle.
3. Prague - Hradcany Castle, Historical Tram Ride, Crystal Showroom, Prague Cruise
4. Budapest - Fishermans Bastion, Matthias Church & TemptonMus
5. Vienna - Magnificient Schonbrunn Palace
6. Salzburg - Mirabell Garden, Mozart's Birthplace & Hallstatt Salt Mines Tour
7. Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle (Horse Carriage), Excursion of Top of Germany - Zugspitze Mountain

Do take note that Ingolstadt Village for factory outlet shopping in Germany is closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.

When we on our way to Hallstatt, a terrible major accident happened that involved school children and we were stuck in a very bad traffic for hours as road was closed and there was a diversion. Luckily our tour leader, Alex was quick to contact his office and suggested that we swapped with Salzburg which was suppose to be next day itinerary.

Recalled mom was having problem catching up with the rest of the group and I waited to walk slower with her.  Her energy weakened since 2018 and she could not walk as fast as she used to be. She also complained of having breads daily but soon she got used to it and started to love the bread.

Overall, we had a great trip.

Winter in Enchanting Turkey via Singapore Airlines

It was August when my schoolmate since primary school, Louisa had suggested to me if I was keen to travel to Turkey in December 2018,   I said why not since I was not sure where to for a family trip in December where younger son was on semester break and elder son can be off since it will be a Christmas week.  So we both checked around a few travel agent and decided to follow Malaysia Harmony Tour and Travel Sdn Bhd for 10 days 7 nights Turkey Delight & Safranbolu, a Unesco World Heritage from Dec 25th till Jan 3rd.

Discover Turkey the rich and ancient heritage country,  was 5 hours behind Malaysia time.  We took Singapore Airline which need a transit at Singapore Changi Airport. It was a group of 24 pax and the first 12 who registered, which included my group of 6 pax was given a freebie of Mud Bath which was really surprise to us as we were told  only during the tour.   Wonderful experience indeed. Besides, all in group were entitled to 10 Freebies, interesting right or just a marketing gimmicks; hot air balloon on lucky draw, panoramic view of Istanbul at Pierre Loti include cable car, enjoy Turkish tea at Bophorus Cruise Tour, Photo stop at original Brat Pitt's Trojan Horse, Wifi in the Bus, Dried Apricot, Authentic Turkish Ice Cream, Evil Eye Keychain, Fridge Magnets and Turkish small coin purse.  We also received 24" free trolley baggage each.

Our flight out to Singapore departed 2145 hrs.  Our flight from Singapore to Istanbul departed 0150 hours.  During the transit, we were each given SGD20 for your spending at the airport. How cool was that and this promotion will be until 30 September 2019 with terms and condition applies. 

We touched down Istanbul at 0825 hours.  Off we went to visit a few attractions in Istanbul before we proceed to Safranbolu where we stayed in Ottoman styled hotel on cobblestone streets.  Our tour basically covered Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Canakkale and finally back to Istanbul.

The road trip though was long but thanks to wifi in the bus. 5 star hotels; hot thermal hotel, cave hotel and Ottoman boutique) provided were all good and the meals were acceptable  The best part is Hot Air Balloon at Cappadocia and The Cotton Castle, Hierapolis, a natural site famous terrace for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing water. The local guide was very good explaining to us lots about history of all the places we visited.

Do consider going in April as every year, Istanbul hosts on of the biggest Tulip Festival in the World.

Private Group Tour Danang

Both me and husband with a group of friends, all in 6 families with 19 pax headcount.  It was arranged by friend who knows Jacky of Jacky Vietnam Travel from his previous Hanoi trip.  Jacky arranged everything for us for the 5 days 4 nights tour from 5th till 8th July 2018. The timing was not right as it was summer, scorching hot weather with actual temperature highest 37 degree Celsius and night temperature about 28 degree Celsius.

We bought air ticket via Air Asia which fly direct to Danang for cost of RM1239.80 for 2 person.  Local full board tour with 3 nights stay at 5 star hotels cost us USD700 (RM2870 @ 4.1) for 2 person.  Total RM4,109.80 which comes up to RM2,054.90 per person for 5 days 4 nights tour inclusive tipping for guide and driver, all entrance fees and Mandarin speaking guide.

Bana Hill

Our flight arrived Vietnam time 12.05 pm, we were greeted by Jacky and Zheng our Danang tour guides.  As soon as got on the 44 seaters coach, we were provided with wet towel, mineral water and sweet Lychee. We then proceed to lunch at a Madame Lan Restaurant for noodles before continue our journey to Hoi An.  This restaurant was chosen since it is an air condition restaurant. We checked into Royal Hoi An Hotel located at Hoi An, just 5 minutes walking distance to Ancient Town. We had dinner at the restaurant facing riverside before we we sent back to hotel.  

The next day, we were taken to Cam Thanh Eco Tour and then checked into Hai An Beach Hotel facing the sea. This hotel is just 15 minutes away to airport.   It has taken too long for us to check in as the hotel was just opened to public on the same day i.e. 5 July 2018.  However, this is a beautiful hotel.

On the third day, after breakfast we proceeded to Bana Hill about 40 minutes from our hotel.  As it was school 3 months summer holiday, this place was packed with people and tour group. You have to go up the hill by cable car. We assembled at 3 pm to travel down the hill and then back to hotel for rest.  We were picked up at 7.30 pm for river dinner cruise at 8pm.

Our Full Itinerary: 

DAY  1 DANANG ARRIVAL 

Pick up from Danang airport to transfer to Hoi An to check in hotel.  On the way, stop at local restaurant for local noodles and coffee.

After check in hotel, had a rest before we walk about 5 - 10 minutes to Hoi An ancient town, Asian trading port in the 17th & 18th centuries such as Chinese Communal House, Hoi Kien Temple, ancient Tan Ky Merchants House, 400 years old Japanese bridge. The VND20,000 is blue and has a picture of this Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An on one side.

Dinner with Vietnamese set menu was served at local restaurant near the Ancient. town.  Free and easy for some shopping at their night market after dinner. As someone's birthday falls on tomorrow, at midnight, there was a small party with drinks, snacks and cake organized to celebrate the occasion.

DAY 2 HOI AN COOKING CLASS - ECO TOUR AT CAM THANH COCONUT JUNGLE VILLAGE

After breakfast in hotel, we check out at about 9 am.  We were dropped at a village explore the are with wood carving demonstration. Then by boat for another an hour journey, transfer to Cam Thanh Coconut Village by boat. We were given welcome drink and then we take the bamboo basket and learn how to catch crab.  There was an entertaining performance dancing to the Gangnam Style song on the bamboo basket.

After about 30 minutes ride, we were back to restaurant for cooking class. After the lesson, enjoy food that we have prepared.

About 1 pm we board bus to get back to Danang.  On the way, we visited Nuou stone village, Linh Ung Pagoda but we skipped Marble Mountain as it was too hot.

We checked in Haian Beach Hotel and have taken almost 45 minutes to an hour for check in as the rooms were not ready even it was almost 3pm check in time.  In the evening we were taken to a restaurant for buffet. After dinner, free to go around the hotel for some foodstuff shopping. 

DAY 3 BANA HILL 

9am pick up from hotel to Bana Hill which is about 40 minutes away.  Board the cable car to the top and then tram to explore Le Jardin D'Amour, Debay Wine Celar and ling Ung Pagoda.  Then continue second cable to car to visit the French village, enjoy street music, watch Art's statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple , Linh Phong Monastery.  Buffet lunch at local restaurant.  

After lunch, join in Fantasy Park with walking in fairy forest, discover dinosaur Park, enjoy 5D wild west, 4D death race ride, 3D mega 260 degree, ride on journey into underground, enter Jurassic Park etc.

3 pm return by cable car leaving Bana Hill. 4 pm visit to Lotte supermarket. Then back to hotel.

8 pm dinner on Dragon cruise. Enjoy Han river and weekend fire show at Danang dragon bridge.

DAY 4 DEPARTURE 

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Danang airport. Our luggage was heavier from the cashew nuts and Vietnam coffee.  Jacky was so sweet as he gave each family 2 boxes local food product, a cap and an embroidery drawing as souvenir.

Japanese Bridge at Ancient Town, Hoi An

Boat Ride

Dragon Bridge

Paradise Maldives

A place that is so relaxing, a wonderful place for honeymoon. Flight from Kuala Lumpur takes about 4 hours cost us RM1344 for 2 person.  Maldives is 3 hours behind us. Upon arrival we bought 7 days sim card at the airport from Dhiraguu which cost USD22. Our flight was on 18 January 2018 arrived late evening via Air Asia.

We have heard of how beautiful Maldives is and after much thought, why not as we were able to get reasonable accommodation through RCI Vacation club by just paying SGD168 (RM525) for 7 nights stay at Filitheyo Resort. If you book online, this resort will cost you RM6,700 for 7 nights stay. However, food is costly.  We paid daily half board meal (breakfast and dinner) for USD69 per person. And you have to pay for Green Fees at USD6 per person per day. 

As our flight via Air Asia arrived late night, we have to stay at White Harp Beach Hotel, Hulhumale which takes about 10 minutes from airport. They provided complimentary airport transfer for RM260 per night stay inclusive breakfast and wifi.  The next morning we were supposed to be transferred back to airport for us to check in for seaplane but their driver overslept and did not turn up.  As compensation, the hotel provided us with lunch and dealt with Filitheyo and to rearrange for transfer by seaplane.  We finally left the hotel by 3 pm to be transferred to airport to check in our flight via seaplane. We were on the last seaplane flying to Filitheyo.

Seaplane takes about 35 minutes follow by transfer to boat journey about 15 minutes to reach Filitheyo Resort.  Seaplane pricing differs depending on season.  The time we went was USD460 to and fro per person, the cheapest season.

Check in check out process was smooth for this 18 years old resort. Friendly and helpful staff from sales office, front desk, housekeeping to restaurant. International buffet was good with more of Asian/Maldivian cuisines on Thursday night.

You will find a gym, spa, library, swimming pool, main bar, sunset bar and on site dive center. We were booked into watervilla with private sundeck where you can slip right into the turquoise ocean into house reef with abundant of fishes and marine life. Stunning view of sunrise and sunset. We could see Mantra Ray, Dolphin, Shark and colorful fishes.

Basically, if you like quietness, this is a vacation for you where you just snorkel, dive, swim, relax, reading books, watching sunrise, sunset or just do nothing.

If your return seaplane to airport is early, a local guide can be arranged by front desk to take you on walking tour to Male which you need to pay USD1 per person per way for ferry ride 
from airport to Male. You just need to pay the local guide tipping.

Sea Plane

Villa by the sea

Mantra Ray