Archipelago Creamery

Charcoal Waffle with Earl Grey Lavender flavoured ice cream @ $8.50

The mentors and I decided to get some ice cream after lesson today and we settled for this cafe that is situated at some ulu place... ok not really, it's at Nanyang CC. (which is pretty ulu!)

The waffle didn't taste anything special for its price. Thank God the ice cream isn't that bad. We were all expecting more since it's pretty pricey, to us. But then again... cafes are never cheap. Always overpriced.

The atmosphere tho... LOVE IT. I didn't take photos of the place. But let me just say it, I love the whole beachy and sailor theme. Makes me miss my sailor boy. I wonder, what happened to that dude?

Nevertheless, a great day to be sharing so many things and catching up with them. Talking about relationships, as usual. Well I believe love will come when it's meant to be. Let's not rush into things. Take one step at a time. Improve ourselves and always love yourself before you start loving others.

We are all in charge of different levels now but I'm glad we're still pretty close.

Let's keep it this way.

SG X MEL

My Aussie cousins are in town and even though I've been busy trying to catch up with school, I tried my best to squeeze some time for them.

We're not exactly cousins, but because we've known each other for the longest time ever and we are kinda... related. So we just address ourselves as cousins because it's much easier than to explain it to everyone, just like how Amaani said it.

I brought Marini and Amaani around JEM/Westgate because of the time constraint and we had the most posh malay food at Rumah Sayang. Three plates that cost $22. Even Marini was shocked but thank god the food tasted... not that bad. Luckily they still cost much lesser if we're to compare them to malay food in Melbourne.

Amaani has grown so much. She was a cute little baby years ago, and I still can't believe that she's gonna turn 10 this March. But Little Miss Diva still never fails to attract attention whenever we're out together. Her thick accent and that future Miss Barbie attitude probably got us all the stares. But it's okkkkk because she always makes me laugh so much. 

Every part of me wants to go to Melbourne and visit them but... I wanna go back to Korea or Japan. Do you see me problem? 😂

Amaani and I at Yewtee's pasar malam.

I do not have any photos of Marini and Cik Yus. We did take some photos but I do not have them. Not sure where are those photos now... Maybe next time, maybe soon. Sheesh, should I book a flight to Melbourne now? HAHA

Shopaholic Me

FATTY IS BACK FROM KUNMING. 

Finally.

I missed him more than I expected. It's pretty obvious that I'm closer to Fatty than Syafiq. The bond I have with Fatty is just special. I can say it's probably due to the fact that we used to sleep together. When I was in JC, he was still sleeping with me. Unlike Syafiq who would never give a damn when I'm sick, Fatty will usually be the one taking care of me whenever I'm sick and whiny. I still love both my brothers. I can't say equally but if anything unwanted ever happen to any of them, I'll definitely go an extra mile to help them.

I decided to pick him up at the airport last Sunday after my mentoring session at MAEC. 

This year is a little different. I'm no longer helping out with the PSLE kids. I'm helping out with the Upper Secondary kids this time round. Harder, definitely. But the issue here is really, I'm actually helping the kids that used to be my first batch of PSLE kids. How time really flies... they're now going to be done with the secondary education. Has it really been 4 years?

That aside. So Fatty's flight got changed and kinda delayed. So I had to wait for over an hour. It was pretty great to actually meet and talk to the parents of his other classmates. Fatty's life is pretty much planned by me. I'm glad that I chose ACS(I) for him because he got to experience things I didn't get to experience when I was his age.

The moment he walked out to the arrival hall, I saw him carrying this gorilla soft toy. So I thought, oh I wonder what did he get for all of us from China. And before I know it, this is the only thing he bought from China. He clearly does not know how to shop. Sheesh.

Dad was pretty happy to see that Fatty didn't overspend. Instead, he brought back a whole lot of Chinese yuan back. He didn't use much of what my parents change for him. My parents couldn't help it but to just laugh. Every kid is different.

Syafiq and I... oh we are those children who will spend the money our parents give us. If we could spend it all, we would. The more you give, the more we will spend. For me, I think a million times to ask more of what is given to me. But I will try to use all of what is given to me. If I could buy something for $0.10 and I'm left with that, I will buy it. My motto will be to make full use of what is given to you. For Syafiq, he will try his very best to persuade my parents to give more. If he needs to write an essay, he probably would. The more the better, that's his motto.

But Fatty, nah shopping isn't his thing. Clothes? As long as it covers his naked body, that'll make do. Skin care? Wrinkles will appear no matter how much you spend your money on all these anti-aging products. That gorilla... he actually won it at an arcade. He didn't even buy it. Playing games and win something? That's killing two birds with one stone. You can have fun and get something in return. More economical. Let's go with that. Pretty sure that was what went through his mind. Guess in future if he's the richest among the three of us, we all know why.

Fatty with his homies.

According to Daya, Fatty looks like me.

Nope, I do not agree with this.

Not getting any younger...

I had the worst headache ever last night.

Or according to the not-so-helpful Google, migraine.

I told myself I would sleep latest by 11 p.m. and yes, I was already on my bed by then. Texted my friends, scrolled through Twitter and Instagram as usual and then I switched off my phone. Suddenly my head started to hurt a lot. So I switched my phone back on... trying to "google" my ways to solve the headache.

Everything that I came across while researching the various ways to cope with migraine... I tried. Even to the point of gagging myself in the toilet because they said vomiting helps to cope with migraine. Seriously, who came up with this treatment?!

So anyway, I found out last night that migraine is something common among adults and it will either go away later in life or you'll just stuck with it till the rest of your life. Yesterday's migraine was one of a kind. They say, migraine is also affected by your diet. Guess now I really should watch what I eat. Probably something anti-aging, anti-cancer, just anything anti- of all the bad things in this world.

Am I overreacting? HAHA

Paktor?

Last Friday I went out for some drinks and chit chat session with my beloved OG. Up until now, it still amazes us how far this friendship is still going on... we met for a really short period of time for orientation in 2014 and till now, our whatsapp group is still active. Not as active as last time but it's still one of the more active whatsapp groups I'm in.

We hanged around at Cuppage till about 1 and well since Gary and Sam had lessons at 8 in the morning, we all decided to go home "pretty early". Jerome and I decided to cab home together since we stay pretty nearby.

Right after dropping Jerome off at his house, I had a pretty funny conversation with the taxi driver.

Him: Paktor ah?

Me: Huh?!

Him: Don't need shy lah, you went dating ah?

Me: No no, he's not my boyfriend. We're just friends.

Him: Girl ah, give him chance lah. Ah boy so nice, so handsome. *started saying some Chinese words* Why are you too choosy? Uncle thinks Ah boy is good for you.

Me: *shocked, can't stop laughing to myself* 

Him: *continues speaking in Chinese*

Me: Uncle, I'm Malay ah.

He then started talking about how religions make it hard for interracial marriages. Of course, I agreed. You may say love conquers it all, but sometimes we have to put our love towards The Almighty before others. 

He then continued with the topic about Malay girls going for Caucasians. He went on about how arrogant some girls can be when they are dating Caucasians and how they are overly proud about it. Just because they are angmohs. I can't deny it because yes, we all know these people exist. So I kept silent, not really... I just laughed at him.

He actually went back to the topic about how perfect Jerome will be as my boyfriend right after that. Even when I was about to alight, he held on to my change and went on about how I need to lower my expectations towards guys.

But really Uncle, why are you overly worried about my love life? Sheesh.

Missing Fatty already?

Fatty and his classmates.

So my brother is off to Kunming for 6 days till Sunday and... I'm already thinking about how am I gonna survive till Sunday without anyone to annoy. 😭

I sent Fatty off to Kunming just now and well, there were plenty of nerdy boys at the airport. I mean what's surprising right? Fatty has always been the nerd in the family. Hardworking, smart and all about the books. 

But his friends, wow they surprise me even more. Actually not really, because they're just like Fatty. They're nerdy and uncool. They definitely will not be able to survive in a neighbourhood gangster school. I mean I know well enough. I was uncool and I admit I was pretty nerdy in secondary school, it was hard trying to "fit in" and it was even harder for me to take it in whenever I'm reminded of the times when the "cool" kids mock the "uncool" kids. Sometimes you may not realize it... but your words hurt others more than you can ever think. But these nerdy and uncool kids... I know they will grow up, probably be cooler in future and that's the time for them to shine! Probably rich enough to make people beg for their mercy and own this world. Girls will be flocking all over them. I foresee that. Not handsome? Plastic surgery can solve that. Not fashionable? Hire a stylist.

But like any other school, of course there are some who are much better-looking than the others. A little cooler. Isn't it quite obvious in that picture?

Looks aside. What really touched my heart just now was when they all bid goodbye to their parents before leaving. My family is not the type to hug and kiss each other. But them... I even overheard a boy saying to his mum, "Mummy, bye bye! I will miss you so much!" and blew a kiss. 15yo these days barely appreciate their parents' love... and that boy is just such a gem.

So any rich Mummy's boy wanna date me?

Pretty sleepy to be up early but anything for love.

Save me, will you?

Exams are around the corner.

Revision, not completed.

Clothes are getting tighter.

Getting fatter.

Save me somebody?

EXO PLANET #2 – The EXO’luXion in Singapore

First event for 2016.

I'm not a fan of EXO, but yesterday I did fall in love with a few songs and also... Chanyeol. But Daya was crazier than me for this event. So I'm cool alright?

How I wish those are snowflakes.

At The Ramen Stall.

It was pretty last minute and everything was just impromptu. Thank God everything went well yesterday. Japanese food after that helped to spice up the day even more! Still got a lot to improve for this place but... still ok!

EXO PLANET #2 – The EXO’luXion in Singapore

Gary's Insurance Competition

The high society life... as I grow up and make more friends in life, I thank God for all the opportunities to taste the bitter sweet of life. I've experienced many things that I wish to share but the list is pretty endless and, sometimes certain things are better left unsaid.

Anyway, last Monday Gary texted our OG's whatsapp group asking for people especially those who are interested to join insurance to come for a free 8-course dinner on Wednesday. And obviously me being annoying, just had to go, "Halal not?" and he nicely said he could arrange for that. But I brushed off his offer since I have 6:30 classes on Wednesday evenings and the event was planned to start at 6:30.

But he personally texted me to accompany Sam since he's interested and... well Gary needed support and before I even thought of declining that offer again, I bumped into him when I was about to leave the school.

Nevertheless, the event was great. Pretty nervous for the event because... official dinners are so adult and high life to me.

What I wore on that day.

I'm trying to wear more dresses and skirts this year. Honestly it's a struggle because... pants and jeans are so comfortable. Being a girl ain't as easy as you think.

Gary, Sam and I.

The event was held at NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House. It was actually the place that I had my secondary school prom. I just couldn't stop telling Sam about my prom night. Thank God he didn't complain.

The first thing that I did the moment we could enter the room, "Sam they better serve me good food so let's look at the menu!" All I can say is that... the boys find my halal food way nicer than their food. Halal is the way to go, my friend.

This is not halal. According to them, it didn't taste good at all.

Looks are deceiving.

My portion is pretty big for one person. Kept giving the people beside me (even those I just got to know!) and I still couldn't finish them up. What were they thinking honestly? One more thing I don't understand, why do they serve the rice last? Like I need to eat rice with my side dishes. Actually I do know why... rice makes you full pretty fast so it has to be served last but still...

The whole time I was not paying attention until Gary went up... I'm glad to have friends who are interested in insurance. In any case I need help, I know who to seek help from. But really growing older is taking toll on me. The amount of responsibility that you have to take on is just increasing tremendously.

Anyway my photo with Sam got everyone going "Aww" on Instagram. Y'all gotta chill on that. If I ever date someone, it'll be a whole different story.

Life just gets better each day.

For that, I thank Allah SWT.

Alhamdulillah for everything.

Rewind.

The ultimate break-up song back then.

Welcoming 2016!

2016 is here! Can you guys believe how fast time has passed? Honestly my soul is still stuck in early 2000s but oh well, I gotta keep myself going.

Crab in da bag.

Last weekend was Syafiq's 19th birthday so we celebrated it with the paternal side. Kak Nina cooked it for the family. Can't believe I am now an aunty to Kak Nina's and Abang Zuhri's daughter. But still, always so grateful for such a great extended family. 

Crab in da bag is soooooo goood! I mean whatever that has got to do with crab will be good, to me. It's hard to find a halal one in Singapore. But definitely, a must-try!

Everyone did the #2015bestnine so I did one too, just that I didn't bother to post them up. 

2015 has been a great year. I've lost so many people the past few years and well, now I realize that sometimes the reason why our relationships with people ended is because they serve as a learning point to me. In every one of my relationship with someone, be it a friendship or something more than that, I've learnt so many things that I have overlooked all these while. Especially things about myself. 

I've also experienced so many things. I even met people I've never thought I would ever make any contact with. I even got closer to some of them. Truly, a blessing.

2015 is not perfect, of course. It's not all full of smiles. But if you always wanna look back at the things that make you unhappy, you will never be happy. So move along. Think about the happy things and take all of them as memories and learning points in your journey of being a better human being.

To welcome 2016, I decided to meet up with my beloved girls. Though we stay quite a distance from each other, we never failed to text and meet once in a while. Just really thankful that Allah made us crossed paths. 

Since Azreena had to leave early urgently last night, I decided to just hang out with Aisah and her uni friends.

While we were walking down Clarke Quay, I just went like "hey do you guys wanna try?" to the friends I just made 2 hours ago when we were walking towards the G-Max and they actually agreed to do it with me. Lucky for us, it's only $35 since we all are still students. Gotta use the student benefits while you can!

All I can say is that... it's great to start the year by doing things that make you happy. I definitely had a great start last night!

May 2016 be a year full of happiness!

Upgrade.

Last weekend right after I touched down from Bandung, I had a meeting with the MAEC peeps all the way in Changi Village Hotel. No joke but Changi isn't my favourite place as of now. It's so ulu dammit.

Despite all that, I had a great time with the mentors. I can't believe it's gonna be 4 great years with the mentors soon. I didn't expect myself to form new closer friendships with the people in MAEC. Especially now that I'm no longer close to the person who brought me into MAEC.

Up till today, I'm actually quite surprised how far my friendship with Daya has come. We definitely has come a long way. Are we different? Not really. Have we grown over the years? I'm not sure about her, but getting to know her has made me experienced a lot of things I didn't foresee myself to experience.

This is a good example.

I am now officially closer to my boy. 

Am I gonna upgrade from a fan to a lover?

Stay tuned. 😂

End of Year Trip 2015 - Bandung

This year has been anything but magical. Sure, many challenges come with it but I thank Allah SWT for every wonderful moment that comes after.

I just got back from Bandung and this trip came at the right time because I really needed the break.

I still owe a post on my Korea trip but that can wait. I mean everyone's going to Korea now. So if i miss Korea, I can either watch some dramas or just scroll my Instagram timeline.

I skipped school for a week just for this trip.

Took Air Asia this time round. The flight was slightly delayed because it was raining. My whole journey was just... emotional. There was a couple beside me and they couldn't stop being all mushy and clingy. And then there was me who's listening to Zion T's Yanghwa Bridge. On my right, there was that overly attached couple. And on my left, my dad who's snoring away despite the 1 hour 45 mins flight.

We stayed at Chara Hotel.

The hotel is pretty new so in terms of cleanliness, I'll give it a thumbs up. One thing I like about this hotel is that they provide new towels for us every single day. They would change the towels when they're making up the room. Not all hotels do that. Some 5 star hotels don't even do that. 

My dad booked this hotel because of the whole container architecture. The architecture isn't that much wow honestly. But my dad and brothers were crazy about it. Must be a male kinda thing, definitely. Sheesh.

I ordered in-room dining during my short 5 days 4 nights there. No idea why my appetite was really huge there. The chocolate milkshake was good. The food was meh. Even for breakfast, kinda disappointed. They really should improve on that.

I went to the spa at the hotel. Took the most expensive package there because when else can I feel like a rich woman HAHA love the massage and the ear candling! The bath was a lil disappointing because the water heater just had to spoil when it was my turn to take a long warm bath.

There are too many places that I went in Bandung but I just didn't bother to take a lot of photos because... I'm not in my best shape right now so I'm not in the mood for photos lately.

Here are some of the places I went to when I was in Bandung.

Kedai Belacan

The moment I stepped into this restaurant, I fell in love with the greenery in the restaurant. The food here was a lil pricey. We ordered a lot so it's pretty understanding. The must-try here, I must say, is the Gurame Goreng Terbang. I am not a fish person. I am more of a chicken person. But after tasting the Gurame Goreng Terbang, my dad had to buy two fishes to feed all 7 of us. Mind you, the fishes were pretty big. 

But, this restaurant had a cat. So minus a million points for that. The cat just had to come to me out of all the visitors there. Like why?! To all the cats in the world, and all you cats who know how to use the internet and probably reading this, please don't get near me if you see me. I know you guys are fans of yours truly but I'm scared of you guys. So please bear with me.

The Stone Cafe

I ordered steak and honestly it wasn't that great. But I tasted my parents' and my grandmother's food (they had some of their local food) and they tasted great! Kinda regret. I became a big fan of Sundanese food (more of just their soups) after this trip. Sup Iga for the win!

But the view and the atmosphere made up for it. I actually forced Syakir to help me take Instagram-worthy photos and that boy obviously has a lot to learn. 

Best time to come is actually at night. There will be some band playing and Indo bands are no joke good but just underrated because the competition there is too damn high. Everyone seems so talented honestly.

Tangkuban Perahu

It was pretty cold up at the peak. Reminded me of Kyoto at night when Daya and I went out in our PJs in 5 degrees chilly night to get some food at their Family Mart.

Things you should bring if you're planning to come here are a mask and a cardigan. 

Actually I got annoyed by those people who "offered" us to help photos. 

They are obviously just trying to take advantage of tourists but thank God I didn't succumb to them because their photography skills... I'm sorry but not insta-worthy. I mean if I'm paying you to take photos of me, it better be good HAHA not worse than me Daya knows how bad my photography skills are so let's keep it just there.

If you're up here, it's worth going for a super short ride with a pretty horse like this. This horse right here is called Mojang. What a name! The ride is only IDR 50 000. Cheap and hey the horse has pink hair... close enough to a unicorn!

--

As much as I love my trip to Bandung, of course there are some things that kinda turned me off while I was there. 

So my family was lucky enough to have a driver by our side most of the time. This meant that most of the times we travelled by car which is actually ideal if you're travelling as a group like us. I wouldn't say the more the merrier because the traffic jam in Indonesia is no joke. 

Your journey can be approximately about 20 minutes but because of the jam, it can be as long as 1 hour. Trust me, I'm not someone who can stay still in a confined area. At most, I'll sleep. Travelling by bus can be a hassle if you're planning to go on some roads or places. To get away from the jam, it's ideal to travel via the alleys and of course, buses are not able to get on those roads. And if you're planning to go to Pasar Baru (a shopping paradise for aunties honestly!) then it'll be hard to park even the 21 seater mini bus.

On another hand, thanks to traffic jam, I was able to get to know my driver and look around the streets of Bandung even better.

Ariel's House

My driver turned out to be Ariel's ex-driver before Ariel moved to Jakarta. So he actually drove passed his house just for me when I jokingly said I wanted to go to Ariel's house. In case you're wondering which Ariel I'm referring to, it's the Ariel from Peterpan or now known as Noah. I also found out that a lot of Indonesian celebrities are actually from Bandung.

Well, I've always known that Indonesia is filled with so many talented people. Sometimes you just have to stop and listen to those less fortunate street performers in Indonesia. They're hella talented. I wish I can do something so that their skills are being recognized and they can get out of their poverty situation. But here I am, I'm still trying to figure my life out.