Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Back for its second year, Christmas Wonderland is a yuletide fair which is held over at Gardens by the Bay. I did not know of such event last year, I suppose the marketing partners do a better job this year at promoting the event. Christmas Wonderland yuletide fair is held until 3 January 2016 and the good news is, admission is free. Woot! 

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay shows a wonderful Luminarie light sculptures all around the main square near the Supertrees. The yuletide fair is best experienced at night when all the illuminating light sculptures are lit. We came to Gardens by the Bay around 9PM on a weekday because the crowd on the weekends is really crazy. 

Inside one of the Luminarie sculptures lies a stage used for some Christmas performances like choirs or snow show. The adults and kids love them so much, especially the bubbles-like-snow. 

At the other section of Gardens by the Bay, you will stumble upon the Ice Palace. I wish this is the castle belongs to Princess Elsa in Frozen but it turns up to be an ice skating rink. Since the ice skating rink at Marina Bay Sands is closed for Christmas displays, visitors can ice skate here instead. 

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For those of you who love to dine, there is a set up restaurant in the middle of the yuletide fair. We came with a full stomach so we did not tr the restaurant called Idolize. The concept from outside looks pretty interesting though so you may want to give it a try. 

If you prefer street food, there is a Christmas market in the middle of the yuletide fair too. Do come earlier if you want to try a lot of food though. By the time we were passing by the Christmas market, some of the hot-selling-items like churros were already out. O_O.

There are a lot of game stalls being set up too near the Ice Palace (the ice skating rink). Do come with your kids because well, kids love games, don't they? The games kinda remind me of night market in Taipei. Hahaha. 

How to get to Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay: 

The cheapest way to get here is by taking the train via Circle Line or Downtown Line to Bayfront MRT Station. Take exit B and follow the underground linkway. Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay. 

Seafood Fiesta at Keelung Night Market

Keelung is one of the port cities in Taiwan. It was historically famous as a commerce and trade centre in the 19th century. Now, a lot of people visits Keelung to have a culinary journey at Keelung Miaokou Night Market. And those people includes us, a few hungry monsters. 

Keelung Miaokou Night Market is located adjacent to Keelung Harbour and forms the downtown area of the city. The entrance to the night market is located at the intersection of Aisan and Rensan Roads (愛三仁三路口). You should come to Keelung Miaokou Night Market on a empty stomach.  

There are a lot of delicious seafood being offered in Keelung Night Market. And oh boy, look at the size of these seafood. The seafood are very fresh because they are brought straight from the nearby harbour. 

How about some crayfishes?

Or...holy-moly, look at all these crabs. We decided to buy whatever we can get while we are walking around. The seafood are enough to make our eyes drool. XD

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We finally found a place to seat in a restaurant which sells fried noodle. The restaurant owner is cool enough to allow us to eat the fried noodles together with all the seafood which we bought earlier on. 

We also ordered some alcohols to wash our stomach. The noodle is not bad, but the highlight of the meal had to be the seafood. 

If you think we were too full to eat anything else, you were absolutely mistaken. We still managed to buy a few seafood buns to accompany us on our way back to Taipei. The shrimp and oyster buns sold at Keelung Night Market are fantastic. And cheap too. ^^

If you are planning to visit Keelung Night Market, you may want to visit Keelung at the end of a day touring Taiwan's North Coast and places like Jiufen or Yehliu. The night market will make a perfect ending to a long day. You can go back to Taipei from Keelung by taking one of the frequent local trains from the train station adjacent to the harbour back to Taipei Main Station. 

Sheep Ranch in Cingjing Farm, Taiwan

If you are looking for a farmstay experience in Taiwan, you should make your way to the Cingjing Farm. Cingjing Farm is a mountainous area located somewhere in Nantou. The air up here is pretty much fresh and it is home to a number of sheep ranches. We visited one of those sheep ranches during our last visit to Cingjing Farm. 

The ranches in Cingjing Farm area usually equipped with a bed and breakfast so that visitors can enjoy a farmstay experience here. The bed and breakfast is usually set up like a European cottages. It kinda makes you think you are living like a royals on a holiday. Hahaha. 

After we made our payment for the admission fee, we were immediately welcomed by the clear blue sky and green grassland. So beautiful. We never have the chance to see this in a big city where we are living. 

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The green grassland also serves as a green pasture where the sheep are grazing. You can buy the sheep palette to feed them but be warned though. The sheep can be pretty much aggressive whenever they are hungry and they see food. On your hands.

I don't really like animals so I did not bother to get close to them. There are a lot of poos all around the grass near them too. But if you are an animal lover (in this case sheep lover), you can get closer to them and pet them too (try to get closer to the one who just finish the meal so they will not attack you for food). 

This is the closest I will get to the sheep. LOL. 

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It's Christmas Time in the City of Singapore

Our Christmas adventure in Singapore continues and today we initially planned to visit Garden by the Bay but the crowd scared us off. We have not even made it to the escalator from the one of the MRT exit at Bayfront and the crown has formed there just to ride the escalator up. Oh my gosh. So we ditched the plan and went to Marina Square instead. In the middle atrium of Marina Square, there is a Christmas house and at every hour, the nutcrackers will come out from inside and move to the music. The kids enjoy the show so much. 

There is a Christmas tree set up in the middle too. It's not easy to take picture with the Christmas tree though because you have to really really crouch to take picture of the top of the Christmas tree. 

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We then moved on to Orchard and saw a very cute Christmas cookie house from Da Paolo Gastronomia at basement level of Paragon.  

There is also a Christmas cookies tree. If I have a Christmas party at my own place, I will buy this one. Hahaha. #toobadIdonotevenhaveahouseofmyown

Afterwards, we visited the shopping mall located right at the opposite direction of Paragon, Ngee Ann City. The Christmas tree at Ngee Ann City never disappoints. It's decorated in red and yellow this time. Looks at the amounts of decoration they use to decorate the whole tree. Massive. XD

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

I love December so much because the town is decked in Christmas decorations from head to toes. In particular, I like how the shopping malls in Singapore decorate their Christmas trees because they try to be different from one another. I guess this has turned into some kind of competition between the shopping malls in Singapore. I wonder if the mall who has the most beautiful Christmas tree will get the higher sales for the month? Hahaha. Okay, enough joking, let's check out how the Christmas trees in Singapore for the year 2015 fare.

1. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands decks its Christmas tree with pink as its theme. The Christmas tree is set up on the gift box which also has pink color. Matchy matchy I see. I find them so-so this year so let's check out other malls then. 

2. The Star Vista

The Star Vista is probably more like neighborhood mall instead of major shopping mall. It is located in Buona Vista (which is not really central) but I include the Christmas tree from the Star Vista in anyway because...it's white. If you want to see White Christmas in Singapore version, you can probably visit the Star Vista. They also set up a carousel here so you don't have to go to Garden by the Bay to ride one. 

The white Christmas tree is located pretty high up though so I don't think anyone can take picture with the white Christmas tree. Too bad. =(

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3. Somerset 313

You cannot leave out any Christmas tree displayed in Orchard whenever you want to compare Christmas trees in Singapore. I have not got the time to check out the Christmas tree in Takashimaya though. So for this round, I will only include the blue Christmas tree at Somerset 313. The theme of the Christmas tree is pretty unique because I think it adopts "under-the-sea" theme. The problem is, once the night falls and the light is lit on, you cannot really see the "under-the-sea" details on the Christmas tree. 

4. Vivo City

If you visit Vivo City in December, make sure to make time to pop by to level 3 and go outside to the rooftop area. The Christmas tree set up there is always the highlight of the mall every December. The Christmas tree itself is pretty big but if you can, you should come at night. This is because the power of the Christmas tree in Vivo City lies in its lights. LOL. During the day, the Christmas tree looks mild. =P

Which Christmas tree is your favourite so far? Or you don't mind any Christmas tree as long as there are gifts under the tree? Hehe.

Burger and Cake Date at Patties & Wiches, Ngee Ann City

Sometimes when we are in Orchard, we really don't know what we are supposed to eat. I guess we are spoilt by choices but the choices...are kinda common because in Singapore, a lot of restaurants have branches at the other malls. So yeah, in summary, we are pretty bored by the choices available. And that's the reason why when a new restaurant opens, a snaking queue is always spotted at its entrance. #spoilt #firstworldproblem

Okay, let's go back to our adventure. When we were checking out the latest addition to Ngee Ann City (which is those area which is used to be owned by Kinokuniya), we spotted a new restaurant called Patties & Wiches. I initially mistook the word "Wiches" for "Witches" and was expecting some kind of Harry Potter's theme kind of food here. Hahaha.

Turns out Patties & Wiches offers burgers and sandwiches. Ah, I guess that's where the name came from. The casual restaurant is helmed by Japanese chefs. I am not really into sandwiches because I always thought that is the food that you can create yourself at home. So, I quickly move on to the burgers menu and ordered for myself a P&W Cheese Burger. 

The P&W Cheese Burger comes out pretty simple. A mini portion of fries, tomato and cabbages at the side (they should increase the portion of the sides). The P&W Cheese Burger uses wagyu beef in the patties and hence, the exorbitant price of a burger at SGD 22. It tastes pretty good thankfully. 

Patties & Wiches also serves cakes which are created by the famous Chef Yamashita. I have heard so many good reviews about the slice cakes from Chef Yamashita but never have the time to visit his patisserie at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. We wanted to try Mt Fuji which is a Mont Blanc cake but to our surprise, that particular cake has been sold out that day. So we had to settle with Ichigo, the Japanese version of Strawberry Shortcake. 

Just like any other Japanese cakes, Ichigo has lighter texture (like sponge). The cream and strawberry taste sweet but not too sweet. I guess the main thing that I like about Japanese cakes are the lighter texture which I hope will reduce my calorie intake when eating a cake. True? False? XD

You can find Patties & Wiches at level 3 of Ngee Ann City. I don't think a reservation is required because so far I managed to walk in twice into this restaurant without reservation. 

Com Nam Vietnamese Street Eats at Raffles City

The younger sibling of Vietnamese chain Nam Nam Noodle Bar, Com Nam is brought by the same Les Amis Group into Singapore. It has set up its first chain at Raffles City in City Hall. While Nam Nam is focusing more on the Vietnamese noodle (i.e. pho), Com Nam offers the Vietnamese version of rice bowls. 

Com Nam offers a variety of rice bowls and burgers. The restaurant is not that big so sometimes you have to share a table with other people. Their concept of broken rice (which they claim to be commoner's food in Vietnam) is interesting. Not very sure about the authenticity of the food but at least you will be able to find the authentic Vietnamese sauces on the table. LOL. 

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That day, I am in the mood to try the broken rice and my eyes went big when I saw they have pork chop. Hahaha I know I am such a glutton. The pork chop broken rice bowl at Com Nam taste pretty good especially when you put a lot of sauces on top of it. LOL. 

So far, Com Nam is only situated at Raffles City. It is located just next to Nam Nam so you will not miss them at the basement level of Raffles City. Since we are on the topic of Vietnamese food, where do you usually go for a good fix of Vietnamese restaurant? So far, I have not really tried a lot apart from Com Nam and Viet Express, which is located at Far East Square. Maybe I should visit Vietnam one day to know how the real authentic Vietnamese food taste.

Three Best Cafes in Millenia Walk To Date Yourself

I have been single for a while I started to wonder if I am my best company. LOL. 

But seriously, I often find it hilarious when I talk to myself in my mind. I even wish I can give myself a good high-five. 

If you love to be with yourself but not sure on where to do it without being stared or judged or worse, asked to leave (directly or indirectly by the pressure of long queue outside the restaurant or cafe), well these three cafes in Millenia Walk may just be the right place for you. 

1. Patisserie G

Patisserie G is a nice cozy cafe which is selling all kind of gateaux. There are so many people dating themselves here over a cup of coffee and a slice of gateaux. The cafe is cozy enough for us, the loner, to browse our phone, our laptop or simply do some people-watching while talking to ourselves (in our mind or softly). Hehehe. 

2. Joe & Dough

Joe & Dough is a coffee chain which has a number of locations around Singapore. However, if you ask me which branch offers the quietest place, I have to choose either the one situated at Millenia Walk or the one situated at Marina Bay Link Mall. But I find that the one situated at Millenia Walk to be more comfortable as the cafe is slightly bigger than the one at Marina Bay Link Mall. In addition, it also opens on a Sunday. 

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3. Tart Blanc

I just found out about this little white cafe called Tart Blanc. The cafe's concept is really minimalistic because its space is really small. There are only a total of 6 small tables in the cafe. Tart Blanc spealises in its tarts. It has so many selection of tarts from the normal one to the unique combination like lavender and orange blood chocolate. The tarts taste pretty good and I suppose this cafe will be a lovely place to be with yourself compared to the noisy Starbucks which is just located outside the cafe. 

"Happy is the one who find peace with himself."

Three Good Places to Hang Out in Holland Village

I seriously having a question about my faith and in a dire condition of losing heart. But I guess in time like this, you have more reasons to go to church. To hear the God's words. 

The sermon kinda made me realise not to believe in my current changing moods and circumstances and instead put my hope on Jesus alone. I suppose changing moods and circumstances are similar to the view from the window bus. It's keep changing and yet, we keep moving forward. I hope what I'm wishing for will come true soon. 

Meanwhile, there's no point in mopping while waiting. We may as well be merry and jolly and bring our friends out to have a good meal. How about a good meal at one of the cafe(s) in Holland Village? 

1. Breko Cafe

Breko Cafe sells mostly Western food (like the mains, the burgers, and the pastas) and desserts (cakes! yum!). It is located in the main area of Holland Village called Lorong Mambong. It serves a yummy chargrilled salmon with sides. The pasta salad taste good too as a side dish. 

2. MU Parlour

MU Parlour is another cafe located at Lorong Mambong where you can have a nice burger. We also had a chance to try their cakes. The chocolate cake does not disappoint although it is nearly impossible to dislike a chocolate cake. 

3. The Daily Scoop Ice Cream Cafe 

If you feel like enjoying dessert only while talking to your friends, you can go to the Daily Scoop Ice Cream Cafe and pick your ice cream flavor. The cafe is so popular we barely got a seat here. It may be a tad challenging if you come in a big group. If you don't mind waiting, the ice cream sold at the Daily Scoop is really enjoyable. They have so many different kind of flavors, I have spent quite a long time in front of the ice cream display to ponder upon my choice. My choice of ice cream flavor finally fell on the Rum and Raisin. Yummy!

"Don't worry about tomorrow. 

Don't think about yesterday. 

And don't live in the future. 

Just make it through this day."

Paradise Dynasty, Central Park

Paradise Dynasty is a famous chain restaurants originated in China. It has now been brought into Jakarta by Paradise Group together with its sister chain restaurant called Paradise Inn. If you are confused how to differentiate them, Paradise Dynasty is the one where you can eat the colorful Xiao Long Bao. You can see the different flavor of xiao long bao on the chopstick cover.  

Paradise Dynasty often has offer for people who like to take picture of what they eat (including me). Simply follow the restaurant's instagram (@paradisegroupjkt) and snap a picture of the food and post it into your instagram. You will be able to get free dessert of the day when you show it to the staff.  

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This time around, we ordered the normal xiao long bao because even though the colorful is nice to see, we do not really like some of the taste. Original xiao long bao taste simpler and better sometimes. 

We ordered the la mian too. Our choice fell upon the minced meat la mian (zha jiang mian). The portion is pretty big. If you want to order other dish, you should really share the la mian amongst yourselves. It taste pretty good though. You can ask the waiter or waitress to cut the noodle so that it will be easier to split the dish. 

Paradise Dynasty also sells dim sum items and oh my gawd, how cute are these hazelnut-filled porcupine bao. They look too cute to eat. The filling taste like nutella but I don't mind them since I love the taste of nutella. Yum!

Other than Central Park, Paradise Dynasty has another branch at Plaza Senayan in Jakarta. Do pop them a visit when you are travelling to Jakarta.