by S. Brent Ridge, M.D.
No, I'm not talking about the thoughts that have raced through your bed partner's mind! I'm talking about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
For most people, snoring is just an annoyance, but for sufferers of sleep apnea, snoring can be a significant alarm system.
People with sleep apnea have short periods during sleep where they stop breathing. These periods last anywhere from 10 seconds to 40 seconds and can occur as many as 400 times per night. If you do the math, this means that the average person with sleep apnea spends more than three hours a night not breathing normally or not breathing at all. That can't be healthy.
It's not.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud snoring
Choking sounds during sleep
Falling asleep during the day
Trouble with memory and attention
Irritability
Decreased libido
Impotency in men and menstrual irregularities in women
Heartburn
Dry mouth in the morning
Morning headaches
(I recognize some of these symptoms in Chris & Jaymes, obviously it runs in the family. Jaymes has already taken the Apnea test & is being treated by Dr Jenny Tang of KKH. Although I have informed Jaymes' school about his condition, his teachers & even the principal are still picking on him for falling asleep in class. I hope all of them get OSA so they can understand what Jaymes is going through. Cold-blooded a******s!)
Persons with sleep apnea have a higher death rate than the average person, are five times more likely to be in a fatigue-related car accident, are 10 times more likely to have a stroke, and have high rates of hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias.
Snoring is one of those things that we don't tend to pay a lot of attention to. In fact, many people don't even bring it up when they talk to their doctor. An overnight sleep study is necessary to document sleep apnea, but, trust me - everyone will rest easier if the condition is treated properly.
Perhaps this is one item you should add to your new year's resolution list. Do any of you know anyone with sleep apnea? Or do you suffer from it yourself? If so, share your experiences.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Hosting East Malaysian YE students
Jaymes sent Alex & Sebastian to the airport this morning. They are returning to Sarawak with another 11 students.Chris & I have to go to work because we have quite a number of appointments. So Jaymes brought Nigel & Donald sightseeing. He brought them to Orchard Road to window shop. Then they went back to Parkway Parade to buy ipods. Jaymes brought them for dinner at East Coast Road, the famous Katong Laksa. It was a little too spicy for Nigel.
Chris & I came back late from work. The boys were playing board games. They chatted with us as we were having dinner. They sure do have a lot of hilarious stories to tell due to the cultural differences.
As Nigel didn't eat much for dinner, we brought them out for some supper at Dunman Food Centre. Donald tried cha kuay teow (Singapore Fried Noodles), while Nigel & Jaymes shared a pot of Frog porridge. I also ordered pork & chicken satays & BBQ chicken wings. The boys enjoyed the food.
It was 11.30pm when we got back. The boys played for a while before retiring to bed. Nigel & Donald have to be at the airport tomorrow morning at 6 am. They are flying back to Sabah.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Jaymes is back!!!
I rushed to Singapore Changi Airport after Master Tong left my house. Jaymes' flight from Kansai Airport landed at 5pm.I waited at Belt 33 of Terminal 2 unaware that Jaymes has already landed & was waiting at Belt 35. Lion Stephen called me & I ran over. I thought Jaymes would be very happy to see me & was expecting a hug but he just said, "Hi Mom!".
I was to host 3 Malaysian boys in my house tonight. Two of them arrived together with Jaymes & we had to wait for the other one who was arriving from Narita Airport, Tokyo.
While we waited, Jaymes was having a fun time with the Youth Exchange members. I was surprised that he was so comfortable with them, considering they didn't spend much time with one another in Japan. They were all scattered in different towns & host families.
Jaymes picked Donald, Bryan & Nigel to stay with us. But Bryan's parents came from Malaysia to fetch him. And Nigel's Dad has asked Lion Ivy to accommodate him. So I was given Sebastian & Alex.
Nigel was so moody when he heard that he would not be with Jaymes & Donald. So I had to ask Ivy's permission to let him stay with us. Jaymes then brought them back by taxi while the other two boys & I waited for Chris to pick us up after work.
I fixed a quick dinner while the boys bathed. They had arranged to go karaoke singing with the others. The boys were reluctant to leave Japan. They have so many stories to share. Each of them brought back wonderful memories, lots of gifts & an unforgettable experience.
After dinner, Jaymes brought them to Parkway Parade to meet the girls for a karaoke session. They returned around twelve midnight. It was raining heavily, so Chris & Tun had to bring umbrellas to the boys who were waiting at the bus-stop.
Jaymes came up to say goodnight. It was great to see him again. He has put on weight & grown more matured. Chris said when he gave the umbrella to Jaymes, he noticed that Chris was coughing terribly. He placed his arm on Chris' shoulders & said,"What happened to you? You must take care of yourself!" Chris said he felt warmth despite the cold, wet rain.........
Updates...
I have not been able to post much the past two weeks, yeah, ever since I came back from Seoul. I have been busy helping Chris at his shop. We end each day pretty late, almost every night.
Business has been brisk. Most of the customers came in to get a pair of new glasses either for themselves or their kids. Some wants to get glasses to welcome in the new year. Others want to get a matching pair of glasses for their Christmas party attire. And then there are those who want contact lenses to look pretty.
School's going to re-open soon, so there's the rush for the students to have eye-checks & also new pairs of glasses.
And there are lots of new frames for the coming new year! I'm busy arranging the displays now.
Business has been brisk. Most of the customers came in to get a pair of new glasses either for themselves or their kids. Some wants to get glasses to welcome in the new year. Others want to get a matching pair of glasses for their Christmas party attire. And then there are those who want contact lenses to look pretty.
School's going to re-open soon, so there's the rush for the students to have eye-checks & also new pairs of glasses.
And there are lots of new frames for the coming new year! I'm busy arranging the displays now.
I haven't had time to read the papers nor watch any TV programs. And no time to shop for Christmas presents. Thanks to my friends, staff, customers & students for their wonderful Christmas presents. I have to shop for your presents during the Christmas holidays. hahaha.......
Fan Mei Yeen Optometrist & Contact Lens
1 Coleman Street, The Adelphi #02-35
Tel : 6337 3470
Superstars by Leslie Kee
Singaporean photographer Leslie Kee’s book SuperStars that features more than 300 pictures of near-nude Asian celebrities is already mired in controversy.
In a strictly controlled and conservative Asian society, the book created ripples when some unauthorised reproduction of celebrity Aaron Kwok’s pictures added to Kee’s challenges.
Selling at US$300, this book is banned in Singapore. I have the good fortune to ogle at some awesome photos of several male celebrities.Wah! Nose bleeds!
Check out the pictures here. Warning - has male celebs wearing very little.
Superstars' official website : http://www.super-stars.net/index2.html
近日在网路上不断读到有关《Super Stars by Leslie Kee》的消息。來自新加坡的知名摄影师紀嘉良以“Asia is One”为主题，花上年半时间，找來三百位以中日韩为主的亚太区名人明星、演员歌手和运动健将拍下不一样的硬照，並以切题的《SuperStars》之名举办摄影展及推出写真集。如此阵容，难怪哄动了日本的传媒，並叫在东京表參道山的展览好不热闹。 同样的相展终于移师香港举行，只是开幕酒会过后如此盛事写在香港报纸杂志的笔下，报导的重心都落在照片中巨星袒胸露毛的几点之上，甚么为南亚海嘯災 民筹款的慈善摄影集不过是可有可无的形容词，為了活动或文章更加通順的修饰语。最令人莞尔或咋舌的是编辑自动的将露出脐毛的部分打上格仔，要原本最正常不 過的人体添加几分人工的不雅。 由于部 说说写真集，《Super Stars by Leslie Kee》豪华特別版本限量七千，每部三万円，共六百四十页，封面为Leslie Kee的偶像松任谷由实。另《The Making of Super Stars by Leslie Kee》每部三千五百円，共八十八页，含访问。 以下是摄影集內三百位 Superstars 之名单的部分，当然有我一千零一个偶像梁朝伟的份。有空且看有沒有你心目中的大明星或小星星，如有遺漏請自行补上，待我容后再加。 松任谷由實 大黑摩季 常盤貴子 内田有紀 歐陽菲菲 窪塚洋介 河村隆一 小泉今日子 濱崎步 木村拓哉 中田英壽 大塚愛 坂本龍一 北島康介 中村獅童 倖田來未 長谷川京子 藤原浩 平原綾香 安室奈美惠 瀨戶春樹 西村晃一 吉川晃司 後藤久美子 中島美嘉 淺野忠信 成宮寬貴 相川七瀨 中村祖 竹野內豐 酒井法子 工藤靜香 藤原紀香 山本耕史 小野麗莎 今井美樹 桃井薰 小池澈平 塚本高史 和田秋子 山根和馬 速水茂虎道 山口達也 池內博之 福山雅治 鈴木亞美 妻夫木聰 黑川力矢 小室哲哉 & Keiko Wentz 瑛士 Chara Gackt Hitomi UA TRF TM Revolution Takuro My Little Lover Chemistry Sho 李燦琛 吳彥祖 王菲 陳冠希 郭富城 方力申 楊千嬅 許志安 吳嘉龍 劉嘉玲 張柏芝 陳文媛 楊采妮 張衛健 周群達 梁詠琪 房祖明 容祖兒 何超儀 張智霖 莫文蔚 陳曉東 鍾鎮濤 關智斌 張曼玉 梁朝偉 謝霆鋒 鄭秀文 林憶蓮 余文樂 馮德倫 梁家輝 Twins 蘇永康 鄭希怡 黃耀明 尹子維 黃家諾 Maggie Q Danielle Shine 吳浩康 鞏俐 田亮 章子怡 杜娟 巫慧敏 張銘順 郭小冬 郭晶晶 胡軍 陸毅 李小璐 瞿穎 趙薇 夏雨 張東健 王力宏 舒淇 蘇有朋 連凱 陳柏霖 張震 王心凌 盧志浩 郭品超 阮經天 黃維德 蕭亞軒 吳建豪 范瑋琪 范植偉 蔡依林 鄭元暢 林志玲 徐若瑄 徐熙娣 黑人陳建州 吳克群 范曉萱 吳佩慈 何潤東 邱澤 羅志祥 黃立行 楊祐寧 許茹芸 黃品冠 徐淑娟 元衛覺醒 賀小美 唐志中 施易男 黃湘怡 李秉憲 裴勇俊 Tony Jaa Devon Aoki 崔智友 Dick Lee Johnny Tri Nguyen Daniel Henney 
Fengshui
Chris is a pretty superstitious guy. He believes in fortune-telling, Fengshui, palm-reading....etc. Well, he said he found me through fortune-telling. A fortune-teller in Balestier Road told him his wife would be born in the year of the snake. He was not to marry early. He married me when he was 32, after numerous failed match-makings. He called me his 101th girl.
He would visit fortune-tellers to help him make decisions or picked auspicious dates for certain events. Being a Christian, I hated that but I didn't stop him. He is entitled to his beliefs. What I can't stand was the bogus 'masters' who psychoed (brainwashed) him into paying huge sums of money each time in exchange for better 'luck', which didn't materialise.
I came to know Fengshui Master, Tong Noong Chin from the Chinese newspapers. He was writing articles on fengshui for it then. I find his articles enlightening & practical.
作家，民俗学家，风水师董农政师父。 Master Tong Noong Chin
I made an appointment to see him two years ago, to read my destiny. I was very impressed & in awe because having only met me for the first time, he was able to 'see through' me, accurately reading my character & naming the bad traits I have, just by reading my horoscope! Wow!
Within that hour, I learnt a lot more about myself & how to avoid pitfalls. It cost me only S$88. Later I brought Chris & Jaymes to see him. Master Tong was spot-on again .
Last month I brought a good frined to see him. She gave him the horoscopes of her whole family. Having known them for 6 years, and being very closed to them, I was still shocked to hear Master Tong talked about each & every family member, as if he had known them for years & know them like the back of his hands.
My friend also had the fengshui of her house checked out. They need all the help of the supernaturals because they run very big businesses.
Last year before I moved into my new place, I asked Master Tong to take a look at it. He gave us some advice to counter the bad elements in the house. It has been a peaceful & fruitful year for us.
Today Master Tong is visiting us again to check on the fengshui of our house & to give advice for the new year ahead.
There are a few things to be done. The most important thing to do is to clean up the messy garden because it is causing Jaymes & Chris bad health. We are going to do gardening during the new year holidays!
He would visit fortune-tellers to help him make decisions or picked auspicious dates for certain events. Being a Christian, I hated that but I didn't stop him. He is entitled to his beliefs. What I can't stand was the bogus 'masters' who psychoed (brainwashed) him into paying huge sums of money each time in exchange for better 'luck', which didn't materialise.
I came to know Fengshui Master, Tong Noong Chin from the Chinese newspapers. He was writing articles on fengshui for it then. I find his articles enlightening & practical.
作家，民俗学家，风水师董农政师父。 Master Tong Noong ChinI made an appointment to see him two years ago, to read my destiny. I was very impressed & in awe because having only met me for the first time, he was able to 'see through' me, accurately reading my character & naming the bad traits I have, just by reading my horoscope! Wow!
Within that hour, I learnt a lot more about myself & how to avoid pitfalls. It cost me only S$88. Later I brought Chris & Jaymes to see him. Master Tong was spot-on again .
Last month I brought a good frined to see him. She gave him the horoscopes of her whole family. Having known them for 6 years, and being very closed to them, I was still shocked to hear Master Tong talked about each & every family member, as if he had known them for years & know them like the back of his hands.
My friend also had the fengshui of her house checked out. They need all the help of the supernaturals because they run very big businesses.
Last year before I moved into my new place, I asked Master Tong to take a look at it. He gave us some advice to counter the bad elements in the house. It has been a peaceful & fruitful year for us.
Today Master Tong is visiting us again to check on the fengshui of our house & to give advice for the new year ahead.
There are a few things to be done. The most important thing to do is to clean up the messy garden because it is causing Jaymes & Chris bad health. We are going to do gardening during the new year holidays!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Kwon Sang-woo video
Watch a short video on Kwon Sang-woo's trip to Taiwan & Philippines. He's so cute!!!!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Korean products
I bought quite a bit of stuff, mainly food on my recent trip to Korea. I have tried all of the food that I bought & there are some of them that I would buy again.
Sliced Citroen Tea (10,000 won, S$16.70). I have been drinking it almost everyday since my return from Korea, until Chris stopped me yesterday. It aggravates my cough & my incessant coughing keeps him awake at night.
I like its sweet & tangy taste. There are chopped slices of tangerine rinds which I love to chew. You can buy this tea in Singapore. I think it costs less in Singapore.
Chocolate Mochi Pie (4,500 won, S$7.50 ) & Red Ginseng Mochi Pie (5,000 won, S$8.35). It's glutinous rice cakes with peanut filling & coated with chocolate. I like the sweet chocolate & the savoury peanut filling. The glutinous rice skin is soft & chewy.
I bought these boxes of Tangerine- & Cactus fruit chocolates (10,000 won, S$17) & rice crispy snacks from Jeju Island. These are the local products of Jeju. There is a cactus fruit candy too.
The rice crispy (10,000 won, S$17) is tasty but very expensive. There are only 12 pieces per box. The kids love it.
This is the expensive Ginseng tablets (US$761) that I bought for Chris. He took two tablets a day & lost his voice after a week. Korean Ginseng is too heaty for our climate. American ginseng is more suitable for us.
The Korean salesgirl said I could also crushed a ginseng tablet, mixed it with a little honey & milk & apply to my face for 15 minutes. Good for the complexion but expensive for my pocket.
I bought this sliced honeyed ginseng (38,000 won, S$63.40) on the last day of my trip at a duty-free shop. It doesn't taste as good as the one I tried in Seoul city. there are less than 10 12 slices in a packet. It is too expensive.
I bought 2 tubes of Ginseng overnight cream (10,000 won each) & was given a Ginseng mud mask (12,000 won, S$20) to try. I tried the Ginseng overnight cream. When I apply it, the whole bedroom was filled with the fragrance of Ginseng. I left it on overnight & the next morning, when I rinsed it off, my face feels smoothier. I have yet to try the ginseng mud mask.
The things are really expensive in Korea. I wasn't thinking when I was paying for my purchases. Chris was surprised I bought these, knowing how calculative I am. I was shocked when I converted the prices into Singapore currency. I must be thinking Indonesian rupiah then when I was paying!!
Sliced Citroen Tea (10,000 won, S$16.70). I have been drinking it almost everyday since my return from Korea, until Chris stopped me yesterday. It aggravates my cough & my incessant coughing keeps him awake at night.
I like its sweet & tangy taste. There are chopped slices of tangerine rinds which I love to chew. You can buy this tea in Singapore. I think it costs less in Singapore.
Chocolate Mochi Pie (4,500 won, S$7.50 ) & Red Ginseng Mochi Pie (5,000 won, S$8.35). It's glutinous rice cakes with peanut filling & coated with chocolate. I like the sweet chocolate & the savoury peanut filling. The glutinous rice skin is soft & chewy.
I bought these boxes of Tangerine- & Cactus fruit chocolates (10,000 won, S$17) & rice crispy snacks from Jeju Island. These are the local products of Jeju. There is a cactus fruit candy too.The rice crispy (10,000 won, S$17) is tasty but very expensive. There are only 12 pieces per box. The kids love it.
This is the expensive Ginseng tablets (US$761) that I bought for Chris. He took two tablets a day & lost his voice after a week. Korean Ginseng is too heaty for our climate. American ginseng is more suitable for us.The Korean salesgirl said I could also crushed a ginseng tablet, mixed it with a little honey & milk & apply to my face for 15 minutes. Good for the complexion but expensive for my pocket.
I bought this sliced honeyed ginseng (38,000 won, S$63.40) on the last day of my trip at a duty-free shop. It doesn't taste as good as the one I tried in Seoul city. there are less than 10 12 slices in a packet. It is too expensive.I bought 2 tubes of Ginseng overnight cream (10,000 won each) & was given a Ginseng mud mask (12,000 won, S$20) to try. I tried the Ginseng overnight cream. When I apply it, the whole bedroom was filled with the fragrance of Ginseng. I left it on overnight & the next morning, when I rinsed it off, my face feels smoothier. I have yet to try the ginseng mud mask.
The things are really expensive in Korea. I wasn't thinking when I was paying for my purchases. Chris was surprised I bought these, knowing how calculative I am. I was shocked when I converted the prices into Singapore currency. I must be thinking Indonesian rupiah then when I was paying!!
Kwon Sang-woo in Taiwan & Philippines
Kwon was greeted by about 1,000 of his fans and 100 members of the press at the Taoyuan International Airport, and some 250 reporters crowded Kwon's press conference.
He was given star treatment in Taiwan, dining from a special menu at the most luxurious hotel in Taiwan built by the wife of the late Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-shek. Kwon is the first entertainer to have dined at the hotel's banquet hall.
He was given star treatment in Taiwan, dining from a special menu at the most luxurious hotel in Taiwan built by the wife of the late Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-shek. Kwon is the first entertainer to have dined at the hotel's banquet hall. The following day approximately 2,000 fans took part in a fan meeting and an auction of Kwon's belongings. All the profit made at the auction was donated to an institution for disabled children in Taiwan.
Kwon then travelled to the Philippines on Sunday to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project together with Filipino NGO Gawad Kalinga. He carried bricks during the construction of housing in a poor neighborhood of the Philippines and donated five houses jointly with The Face Shop.
Kwon had visited Indonesia and Singapore last September for the first round of the Face Shop promotion tour.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Korean Snack Food
| When I was in Jeju Island and Seoul, I saw many of these street stalls selling piping hot Korean snack food. The kids in our tour group couldn't help buying them at almost every stop of our trip. It was great to eat them on cold wintry days. By night, the streets of Korea becomes a paradise of pojangmachas. These are the popular wheeled street stalls selling Korea’s all-time favorite snack foods, tteokbokki and sundae. Dozens of pojangmachas line the streets, the rising white smoke from their griddles lures hungry customers. Interestingly, pojangmachas offer an assortment of snacks as one menu offering. For example, the gim-Tteok-sun menu is an assortment of gimbap (rice rolls), tteokbokki (rice-cake morsels in red pepper sauce) and sundae (Korean sausage in hot sauce). A two-selection serving is 2,000 won and a three-selection serving, 3,000 won. | ||||||
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| Prices are similar at most street stalls. The tteokbokki and sundae are extremely spicy, so if you are not accustomed to hot food, try just one of the two and then choose a scallion- seafood pancake, egg roll, fritter, dumpling, or gimbap. Help yourself to some hot broth from the odeng (simmered fish cake on a skewer), which is free of charge. |
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Singapore Science Centre - iFuture Exhibition
I had two guests from Jakarta this morning. They were here to buy computer software, so I brought them to Funan Centre & later to Sim Lim Square.
Chris had to work alone for a good part of the day. I returned to the shop after 3pm. We served a few customers before closing early at 6pm. We were going to attend a preview of iFuture exhibition at the Singapore Science Centre.
When we arrived at 6.45pm, there was a huge crowd inside the centre. There was a dinner reception & when we approached the small buffet table, there was not much food left. We saw only Nasi Kunning (Malay yellow rice), Fried Vermicelli & bo-bo-cha-cha (sweet potato & sago dessert). The trays with few remnants of what looked like vegetables, fried chicken were wiped out. There were several buffet tables scattered through out the hall but most of the food had run out. We both have a plate of Fried Vermicelli.
This is an event organised by Singapore Science Centre, who has invited grassroot members & their families to a preview of their newly refurbished centre. Many of the invited guests have brought their whole families, from babies to children, to grandparents & maids as well.
The organiser has not anticipated the huge turnout despite asking all invited guests to give the name(s) of the people they are bringing. Thus the scarcity of food for the invited guests who came later. They were not late. Dinner reception was at 7pm, but by 6.50 pm, the food was gone. There was no replenishment.
Chris & I walked through the various themed galleries.
At the iFuture gallery, we get on a journey into the future to a state-of-the-art Infocomm technology exhibition occupying more than 4,000 sq metres.
Chris riding the cool Segway i2, costing S$20,000. It is a state-of-the-art personal transporter that moves according to your body movements.
Pick up an 'aerosal can' & spray paint to your heart's content on a virtual brickway. Indulge in Virtual Graffiti!
View office administration in a brand new light at the Minority Report Interface. Explore the office of the future where you can read video mails, open files & more simply by moving your hands. Wow! Awesome!
There is many exciting stuff that we get to try. We spent a good 2 hours checking them out. It was after 9pm when we emerged from the centre. We walked over to Jurong East Centre for a quick but late dinner before taking a bus home. We arrived home at 11 pm.
iFuture (10th Dec '06 to Mar '07)
Singapore Science Centre
I'm having lotsa problems with my computer, I'm unable to upload my photos, even blogger. arrrghhhh..... Looks like I have to wait for Jaymes to come back to solve my problems. I'm an IT idiot!
Chris had to work alone for a good part of the day. I returned to the shop after 3pm. We served a few customers before closing early at 6pm. We were going to attend a preview of iFuture exhibition at the Singapore Science Centre.
When we arrived at 6.45pm, there was a huge crowd inside the centre. There was a dinner reception & when we approached the small buffet table, there was not much food left. We saw only Nasi Kunning (Malay yellow rice), Fried Vermicelli & bo-bo-cha-cha (sweet potato & sago dessert). The trays with few remnants of what looked like vegetables, fried chicken were wiped out. There were several buffet tables scattered through out the hall but most of the food had run out. We both have a plate of Fried Vermicelli.
This is an event organised by Singapore Science Centre, who has invited grassroot members & their families to a preview of their newly refurbished centre. Many of the invited guests have brought their whole families, from babies to children, to grandparents & maids as well.
The organiser has not anticipated the huge turnout despite asking all invited guests to give the name(s) of the people they are bringing. Thus the scarcity of food for the invited guests who came later. They were not late. Dinner reception was at 7pm, but by 6.50 pm, the food was gone. There was no replenishment.
Chris & I walked through the various themed galleries.
At the iFuture gallery, we get on a journey into the future to a state-of-the-art Infocomm technology exhibition occupying more than 4,000 sq metres.
Chris riding the cool Segway i2, costing S$20,000. It is a state-of-the-art personal transporter that moves according to your body movements.
Pick up an 'aerosal can' & spray paint to your heart's content on a virtual brickway. Indulge in Virtual Graffiti!
View office administration in a brand new light at the Minority Report Interface. Explore the office of the future where you can read video mails, open files & more simply by moving your hands. Wow! Awesome!
There is many exciting stuff that we get to try. We spent a good 2 hours checking them out. It was after 9pm when we emerged from the centre. We walked over to Jurong East Centre for a quick but late dinner before taking a bus home. We arrived home at 11 pm.
iFuture (10th Dec '06 to Mar '07)
Singapore Science Centre
I'm having lotsa problems with my computer, I'm unable to upload my photos, even blogger. arrrghhhh..... Looks like I have to wait for Jaymes to come back to solve my problems. I'm an IT idiot!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Jaymes fell sick
At midnight, the phone rang. It showed 'overseas' on my caller ID. I sensed something must have happened.
It was Jaymes on the other line. He informed me that he was sent to a hospital for high fever. He arrived in Osaka on Tuesday. His original Osaka host family is not able to host him because the father has to go away on an urgent business trip. So he has arranged for Jaymes to stay with another Lions' Club member.
The weather is cold in Japan, it is winter. Jaymes might have caught a chill. He's alright now. He was given 3 injections. He doesn't understand what the doctor said in Japanese so he wasn't able to tell me what's wrong.
Anyway, the second host family is very kind & considerate. They let him call me to keep me informed. I asked Jaymes to ask for the receipts for the medical fees so we could send them the money. We have bought travel insurance for Jaymes. The family told Jaymes not to worry about the fees as it has been taken care of.
Jaymes has been updating us on his Japan trip. He's very well taken care of. His first host family treated him like their own son and spared no expenses in showing him around their city. Jaymes has also received many gifts from his Japanese family & friends. The extra two luggage he brought was full & his host father had to pack & ship one box of gifts home for him.
I am truly indebted to these wonderful people. I am looking forward to reading Jaymes' diary on his experience in Japan.
It was Jaymes on the other line. He informed me that he was sent to a hospital for high fever. He arrived in Osaka on Tuesday. His original Osaka host family is not able to host him because the father has to go away on an urgent business trip. So he has arranged for Jaymes to stay with another Lions' Club member.
The weather is cold in Japan, it is winter. Jaymes might have caught a chill. He's alright now. He was given 3 injections. He doesn't understand what the doctor said in Japanese so he wasn't able to tell me what's wrong.
Anyway, the second host family is very kind & considerate. They let him call me to keep me informed. I asked Jaymes to ask for the receipts for the medical fees so we could send them the money. We have bought travel insurance for Jaymes. The family told Jaymes not to worry about the fees as it has been taken care of.
Jaymes has been updating us on his Japan trip. He's very well taken care of. His first host family treated him like their own son and spared no expenses in showing him around their city. Jaymes has also received many gifts from his Japanese family & friends. The extra two luggage he brought was full & his host father had to pack & ship one box of gifts home for him.
I am truly indebted to these wonderful people. I am looking forward to reading Jaymes' diary on his experience in Japan.
National Skin Centre of Singapore
I had to see a doctor the next day I returned from Seoul. I was given a week's antibiotic, cough medicine & flu tablets. I also obtained a referral letter to the National Skin Centre to see a consultant. I rested for a day before going down to help out in Chris' shop.
After lunch, I took the train to Novena. It was a short 10 minutes' walk to National Skin Centre. My appointment was 1.40 pm & there were only 3 patients before me.
I had also booked an appointment for a friend who would be meeting me later.
I got to see Dr Mark Tang after 40 minutes of waiting. There was a medical student who was sitting in to observe his consultation session.
Dr Tang asked for all details of the purpose of my visit before giving his advice. He asked the medical student for her view on my case. I have a minor skin problem which Dr Tang advised me not to worry too much over it. He gave me a night cream to use.
My friend was seeing Dr Audrey Tan for her acne problem. I accompanied her. She was given steroids to consume & medication for her acne problem.
I later asked Dr Tan to recommend a doctor who could do a good Botox job. She gave me three. I am going to need this miracle jab one day. When my friend sees her again in February, I'm gonna ask her for a good cosmetic surgeon. hehehe.....
I noticed that both doctors I saw have flawless facial skin. They weren't wearing make-up! Naked face! Wow! For a man, I have never seen such good complexion. I guess being skin specialists, they have better knowledge to good skin care & convenient access to a flawless complexion. Even the staff at the Skin Centre have good facial complexions too. I should get a job here.
We went down to the Pharmacy to collect our medications & saw several brands of skin care products. I bought a set of skin care products for Jaymes & some toiletries for myself. I presume it is safe to buy beauty products from here because if they are not good, they would not be allowed to sell in a government owned medical centre. The products are recommended by the doctors. The prices are very reasonable.
My friend was very happy with the service & prices here. She had to pay hundreds of dollars every time she sees her doctor at a Orchard Road Shopping Centre. She saved a tidy sum today so she treated me to lunch at Waraku Japanese Restaurant. I would need liposuction if I help her anymore.
After lunch, I took the train to Novena. It was a short 10 minutes' walk to National Skin Centre. My appointment was 1.40 pm & there were only 3 patients before me.
I had also booked an appointment for a friend who would be meeting me later.
I got to see Dr Mark Tang after 40 minutes of waiting. There was a medical student who was sitting in to observe his consultation session.
Dr Tang asked for all details of the purpose of my visit before giving his advice. He asked the medical student for her view on my case. I have a minor skin problem which Dr Tang advised me not to worry too much over it. He gave me a night cream to use.
My friend was seeing Dr Audrey Tan for her acne problem. I accompanied her. She was given steroids to consume & medication for her acne problem.
I later asked Dr Tan to recommend a doctor who could do a good Botox job. She gave me three. I am going to need this miracle jab one day. When my friend sees her again in February, I'm gonna ask her for a good cosmetic surgeon. hehehe.....
I noticed that both doctors I saw have flawless facial skin. They weren't wearing make-up! Naked face! Wow! For a man, I have never seen such good complexion. I guess being skin specialists, they have better knowledge to good skin care & convenient access to a flawless complexion. Even the staff at the Skin Centre have good facial complexions too. I should get a job here.
We went down to the Pharmacy to collect our medications & saw several brands of skin care products. I bought a set of skin care products for Jaymes & some toiletries for myself. I presume it is safe to buy beauty products from here because if they are not good, they would not be allowed to sell in a government owned medical centre. The products are recommended by the doctors. The prices are very reasonable.
My friend was very happy with the service & prices here. She had to pay hundreds of dollars every time she sees her doctor at a Orchard Road Shopping Centre. She saved a tidy sum today so she treated me to lunch at Waraku Japanese Restaurant. I would need liposuction if I help her anymore.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Korea Trip - Day 7 - Good-bye Seoul
Jing Jing & I woke up late this morning. No breakfast is provided this morning. Mrs Yang & the Chuas went for a morning walk & bought back sandwiches & milk for us.
Xiao Lian came to pick us up at 10.30 am. She bought two big trays for of big, juicy Korean strawberries for us. We ate them on the bus. awww, the strawberries were very sweet. It's a pity I couldn't buy some back.
We were told to give a token of appreciation to the Korean bus-driver & guide by the travel agency before leaving on this trip. Each tour member has to pay 4,000 won a day. Which is 28,000 won (S$47 ) for these 7 days. Xiao Lian reminded us about it the night before, so this morning she received the money in white envelopes.
We were brought to this Duty-free shopping centre for lunch. It was Pork Bulgogi but it was too spicy. I couldn't even eat it, so how could the kids?
After lunch, it was more shopping. I bought a small box of sliced Honeyed Ginseng, two boxes of Korean Mochi and Korean pillows. Not ordinary pillows.
According to Xiao Lian (sweet talker, how much is true, yet to verify), many Koreans sleep on pillows filled with buckwheat husks or pine corns. It does not breed dust mites. We can wash the pillow covers & air in the sun once a week. They are good for people with asthma.
I bought a buckwheat husk pillow 荞麦枕头 (20,000 won, S$34) for Jaymes & a Pine Corn (18,000 won, S$32)) one for Chris. Sleeping on the pine corn pillow would improve the blood circulation to the brain. I'll blog about these pillows if it does what the Koreans claim.
It was a last-minute shopping to get rid of remaining Korean wons. The tour members made purchases again. Then at 1.30 pm, it was time to leave for the airport. Xiao Lian checked us in and we exchanged emails & said our good-byes.
There were two hours to kill before boarding, so more shopping inside the departure terminal. We discover another company who sells a different brand of Korean Ginseng but claims they are the official government body for Korean Ginseng. Ha, what about the 'official government body' where we bought our ginseng? So who is the liar?
Xiao Lian came to pick us up at 10.30 am. She bought two big trays for of big, juicy Korean strawberries for us. We ate them on the bus. awww, the strawberries were very sweet. It's a pity I couldn't buy some back.
We were told to give a token of appreciation to the Korean bus-driver & guide by the travel agency before leaving on this trip. Each tour member has to pay 4,000 won a day. Which is 28,000 won (S$47 ) for these 7 days. Xiao Lian reminded us about it the night before, so this morning she received the money in white envelopes.
We were brought to this Duty-free shopping centre for lunch. It was Pork Bulgogi but it was too spicy. I couldn't even eat it, so how could the kids?
After lunch, it was more shopping. I bought a small box of sliced Honeyed Ginseng, two boxes of Korean Mochi and Korean pillows. Not ordinary pillows.
According to Xiao Lian (sweet talker, how much is true, yet to verify), many Koreans sleep on pillows filled with buckwheat husks or pine corns. It does not breed dust mites. We can wash the pillow covers & air in the sun once a week. They are good for people with asthma.
I bought a buckwheat husk pillow 荞麦枕头 (20,000 won, S$34) for Jaymes & a Pine Corn (18,000 won, S$32)) one for Chris. Sleeping on the pine corn pillow would improve the blood circulation to the brain. I'll blog about these pillows if it does what the Koreans claim.
It was a last-minute shopping to get rid of remaining Korean wons. The tour members made purchases again. Then at 1.30 pm, it was time to leave for the airport. Xiao Lian checked us in and we exchanged emails & said our good-byes.
There were two hours to kill before boarding, so more shopping inside the departure terminal. We discover another company who sells a different brand of Korean Ginseng but claims they are the official government body for Korean Ginseng. Ha, what about the 'official government body' where we bought our ginseng? So who is the liar?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Korea Trip - Day 6 - Shopping
This morning we were given a Chinese breakfast spread of plain porridge, vegetable & meat dishes, warm soy bean milk & dough sticks ( 油条 )!!!! Yeah!!!! I miss Chinese food! What a great meal!
Although I still have a bad cough, I just stuffed myself silly with the fat crispy dough sticks. mmmm..... eat first, I will see a doctor when I go back to Singapore!
After the hearty breakfast, I seemed invigorated, I was full of life & energy. Next come the exciting part, Xiao Lian will be bringing us shopping at specific tourist shops. It's time to 'milk the cows'!
In the itinerary, there was the shopping at night markets & wholesale centres which she didn't bring us. Also not much time was given for us to shop. Now all the money saved from not going on those shopping trips will be channelled here. Clever! 聪明！Now, this morning we have half a day of shopping & 3 shops to visit.
This shopping trip was meant for tomorrow morning. But Xiao Lian made it today because she wanted to hire out the bus for tomorrow - to us - for more shopping. She told us the bus would send us to the airport only. There is a whole morning of free at leisure, so if we want the bus to bring us for shopping, we have to pay 10,000 won per person. We rejected the offer. The shopping malls opened at 11 am. Some places opened at 10 am. The bus is going to send us for lunch near the airport at 10.30 am, so what shopping can we get from 7.30 am to 10.30 am?
Ginseng Monopoly Show Room (人参公卖局 ). This is a specially designed showroom for tourists, located in a building, not opened to their locals. Busloads of tourists were brought to individual showrooms where sales girls give sales talk in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia.....etc to extol the goodness of their products. Some of their salesgirls are recruited from Malaysia, Hong Kong, China....etc.
Everybody bought something. I bought a box of Ginseng tablets for Chris, 1440 tablets - a year's supply for US$761 (S$1172).
I believe in the medicinal efficacy of Ginseng. I don't think they are selling fakes but I know I'm paying a higher price for it. This is what happens when you join a tour group. The tour guides earn extra income through commission given by these companies. Anyway, I have no time to look elsewhere for Korean Ginseng, so I might as well buy here.
Also Chris told me the night before that my gamble on Genting International has paid me handsomely, so I'm going to spend a bit of that money for the ginseng tablets.
I was thinking of getting a box of Honeyed Ginseng too, they claimed it used the best quality (& most expensive!) 6-year-old Korean Ginseng, which are immersed in top-grade Honey. You have to slice the whole Honeyed Ginseng & eat 2-3 slices a day. It's really very tasty. I'm afraid I would not stop eating it. At US$761 a box, it is pure luxury!
I would rather save the money towards the trip to Liverpool, UK. Chris' favourite soccer team's hometown. It is his dream to sit in their stadium & watch them play. That's my gift for him. A trip for two, he can bring Jaymes, I don't care for football.
Next we went to a Amethyst (紫水晶工厂 ) Factory & a Cordyceps ( 冬虫草 ) showroom. I didn't buy anything from these two.
It was time for lunch after all the shopping.
Although I still have a bad cough, I just stuffed myself silly with the fat crispy dough sticks. mmmm..... eat first, I will see a doctor when I go back to Singapore!
After the hearty breakfast, I seemed invigorated, I was full of life & energy. Next come the exciting part, Xiao Lian will be bringing us shopping at specific tourist shops. It's time to 'milk the cows'!
In the itinerary, there was the shopping at night markets & wholesale centres which she didn't bring us. Also not much time was given for us to shop. Now all the money saved from not going on those shopping trips will be channelled here. Clever! 聪明！Now, this morning we have half a day of shopping & 3 shops to visit.
This shopping trip was meant for tomorrow morning. But Xiao Lian made it today because she wanted to hire out the bus for tomorrow - to us - for more shopping. She told us the bus would send us to the airport only. There is a whole morning of free at leisure, so if we want the bus to bring us for shopping, we have to pay 10,000 won per person. We rejected the offer. The shopping malls opened at 11 am. Some places opened at 10 am. The bus is going to send us for lunch near the airport at 10.30 am, so what shopping can we get from 7.30 am to 10.30 am?
Ginseng Monopoly Show Room (人参公卖局 ). This is a specially designed showroom for tourists, located in a building, not opened to their locals. Busloads of tourists were brought to individual showrooms where sales girls give sales talk in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia.....etc to extol the goodness of their products. Some of their salesgirls are recruited from Malaysia, Hong Kong, China....etc.
Everybody bought something. I bought a box of Ginseng tablets for Chris, 1440 tablets - a year's supply for US$761 (S$1172).
I believe in the medicinal efficacy of Ginseng. I don't think they are selling fakes but I know I'm paying a higher price for it. This is what happens when you join a tour group. The tour guides earn extra income through commission given by these companies. Anyway, I have no time to look elsewhere for Korean Ginseng, so I might as well buy here.
Also Chris told me the night before that my gamble on Genting International has paid me handsomely, so I'm going to spend a bit of that money for the ginseng tablets.
I was thinking of getting a box of Honeyed Ginseng too, they claimed it used the best quality (& most expensive!) 6-year-old Korean Ginseng, which are immersed in top-grade Honey. You have to slice the whole Honeyed Ginseng & eat 2-3 slices a day. It's really very tasty. I'm afraid I would not stop eating it. At US$761 a box, it is pure luxury!
I would rather save the money towards the trip to Liverpool, UK. Chris' favourite soccer team's hometown. It is his dream to sit in their stadium & watch them play. That's my gift for him. A trip for two, he can bring Jaymes, I don't care for football.
Next we went to a Amethyst (紫水晶工厂 ) Factory & a Cordyceps ( 冬虫草 ) showroom. I didn't buy anything from these two.
It was time for lunch after all the shopping.
Day 6 - Kyongbok Palace 景福宮
Kyongbok Palace 景福宮
The massive 340, 000 square-metres palace complex was built in 1395, the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo,becoming the largest & most important of the kingdom's 5 grand palaces.
However, the palace’s history is a troubled one. Left in ruins following the Japanese invasion in 1592, Kyongbok Palace not was rebuilt until 1865, under the reign of Prince Regent Taewonkun.
Less than 40 years later, though, part of the complex was again demolished as Japan took control of the Korean Peninsula and built its colonial government on the site.
In the 1990s, the South Korean government launched a huge project to restore the ancient palace to its original glory.
The palace is actually a series of main buildings within a huge compound within Seoul's city limits. Its considered the biggest and most beautiful palace in Seoul. Set amidst the vast walled grounds are lotus ponds, ancient stone pagodas and elegant pavilions.
Within the palace complex, the main hall, Kunjongjon, is an imposing structure, where many kings conducted official business and received foreign guests. The structure is beautifully crafted and has many colorful eaves.
Sajongjon is another beautifully crafted and decorat ed building. It is near the centre of the complex and served as a kind of office for the king. It was also a conveniently short distance from the king's bed chamber.
Kyonghoeru is the attractive two story pavilion which appears on many post cards. It is almost surrounded by a scenic lotus pond and it is the largest elevated pavilion in Korea. This facility hosted many royal parties and banquets in its time, and is sometimes used even today on very special occasions.
參观始建於公元1395年由朝鲜王国创始者李成桂建造的正宫 【景福宮】, 共佔地１２万６千坪，內有举行君王即位大典及文武百宮朝礼仪式的勤政殿， 摆设国宴的庆会楼等建筑，雄伟而富丽的殿閣，烘托出极尽荣华富貴的气派，祥瑞之喜鵲飞翔於宮內，那份宁靜令人心 旷神怡，有如置身於世外桃 源。在韩国当属历史悠久、气派雄伟的古建筑。但在战乱中已有众多建筑被毁，现存的仅有勤政殿、庆会楼、康宁殿等10余处建筑，气势与中国故宫相比，可谓是小巫见大巫了。
续专车參观南韩 总统府－【青瓦台】。
Day 6 - Kimchi Making Session
After visiting Kyongbok Palace, we arrived at a Kimchi Showroom, not the Kimchi Museum.
We have to put on an apron for a hands-on session on Kimchi-making. Each member is given a 400g portion of Kimchi. There is the ready made sauce & ingredients and we have to coat the Korean cabbage with the ingredients.
Then it was sealed and given to us.
We have a photo session which we can put on Korean traditional clothings & pose. It was a mad rush because another two groups of tourists arrived. So we have time only for a couple of photos. And while we were taking pictures, one Taiwanese group was having the Kimchi-making session - in the same room. And outside the room, another tour group was putting on Korean traditional costumes, waiting to take photos. The showroom was doing a roaring business.
We also heard the Taiwanese tourists placing orders for tens of kilograms of Kimchi, to be packed into boxes & sent to the airport for collection. Some of our tour members also ordered a total of 5 kg of Kimchi to give away as gift. It cost 10, 000 won per kg of Kimchi.
Xiao Lian said the Taiwanese are big buyers of Korean Kimchi. They would buy a few kilograms or sometimes up to tens of kilograms per person. Wow! How to finish eating all that? So much!
We have to put on an apron for a hands-on session on Kimchi-making. Each member is given a 400g portion of Kimchi. There is the ready made sauce & ingredients and we have to coat the Korean cabbage with the ingredients.
Then it was sealed and given to us.
We have a photo session which we can put on Korean traditional clothings & pose. It was a mad rush because another two groups of tourists arrived. So we have time only for a couple of photos. And while we were taking pictures, one Taiwanese group was having the Kimchi-making session - in the same room. And outside the room, another tour group was putting on Korean traditional costumes, waiting to take photos. The showroom was doing a roaring business.
We also heard the Taiwanese tourists placing orders for tens of kilograms of Kimchi, to be packed into boxes & sent to the airport for collection. Some of our tour members also ordered a total of 5 kg of Kimchi to give away as gift. It cost 10, 000 won per kg of Kimchi.
Xiao Lian said the Taiwanese are big buyers of Korean Kimchi. They would buy a few kilograms or sometimes up to tens of kilograms per person. Wow! How to finish eating all that? So much!
Day 6 - Lotte World 爱宝乐园
There was an hour to spare before dinner, so Xiao Lian brought us shopping at a underground mall of a MRT station. The train station is so huge and there are many unique shops. It was fun checking out the shops.
It's fun to shop in Korea because the mixture of shops at the few malls I visited was different. And you can find some unique shops own by young entrepreneurs. My main grouse was the steep prices. In Singapore, every mall looks the same because you see the same shops in each mall.
Dinner was Pork Hot Pot again. My throat was hurting terribly so I requested for noodle soup for my dinner. They gave me instant noodle to add to the soup. The kids saw me eating noodle & all wanted it too.
The last 'highlight' for the day is Lotte World Adventure Park 爱宝乐园. The filming site for Korean TV drama, Stairways to Heaven (天堂的阶梯), starring Kwon Sang-woo (权相宇) & Choi Ji Woo (崔志友). It's a really beautiful fairy land! Too bad I wasn't in the mood to enjoy it because of the cold waether & my being sick.
It's a fairy land for the young & young at heart. We each have 5 free rides & only two hours before the theme park closed. Xiao Lian brought us on two rides. One was the underground boat ride of the Adventures of Sinbad. I screamed when the boat dashed down from a high point. Then we took a tour across Lotte World on the World Monorail.
Yang Fan, Jing Jing & their mother rode on the Merry-go-round while I took pictures for them. Jing Jing & I tried to locate the painting shown on Stairways to Heaven, but it was gone. Xiao Lian said it was there a week ago when she came. grrrr............
We then went to watch a show display of water & fire at the Fantastic Odyssey.
At 9.30 pm, there was a boring laser show. zzzz..... the end, back to the hotel.
We reached our hotel at 10.30pm. We are staying at the 5-star Seoul Ritz Carlton Hotel tonight. It is a truly grand hotel. I tried to order some food later in the night. A platter of seasonal fruits cost 50,000 won (S$84) & a cup of hot chocolate cost 9,500 won! Forget it, better go to sleep early!
前往世界第七大遊乐 场－【爱宝乐园】，是一个 结合了休闲、娱乐、教育与文化的 国际性渡假圣地，具有二十四年历史的欢乐世 界；在美洲探险地区中有龙捲风、彩虹之旅、天旋地转、禿鷹要塞、幻想特级、惊魂鲨鱼等遊乐设施；在欧洲探险区中有玫瑰花园、野外舞台、宇宙探险、雪橇场、 遊乐场等遊乐设施与表演节目；在魔幻世界地区中有挑战急湍、疯狂弹簧椅、松鼠遊戏、空中狂舞、海盜船、汽车王国、宇宙战斗机等遊乐设施；在伊克托利亞太探 险地区中有熊貓、四不像、北极熊、企鵝等珍奇动物及猩猩、紅鶴、海狗、孔雀等精采表演节目，而地球购物中心能让您亲身体验到在世界各地购物的快乐，令您彷如置身於奇幻世界，带給您终生难忘的回憶。
It's fun to shop in Korea because the mixture of shops at the few malls I visited was different. And you can find some unique shops own by young entrepreneurs. My main grouse was the steep prices. In Singapore, every mall looks the same because you see the same shops in each mall.
Dinner was Pork Hot Pot again. My throat was hurting terribly so I requested for noodle soup for my dinner. They gave me instant noodle to add to the soup. The kids saw me eating noodle & all wanted it too.
The last 'highlight' for the day is Lotte World Adventure Park 爱宝乐园. The filming site for Korean TV drama, Stairways to Heaven (天堂的阶梯), starring Kwon Sang-woo (权相宇) & Choi Ji Woo (崔志友). It's a really beautiful fairy land! Too bad I wasn't in the mood to enjoy it because of the cold waether & my being sick.
It's a fairy land for the young & young at heart. We each have 5 free rides & only two hours before the theme park closed. Xiao Lian brought us on two rides. One was the underground boat ride of the Adventures of Sinbad. I screamed when the boat dashed down from a high point. Then we took a tour across Lotte World on the World Monorail.
Yang Fan, Jing Jing & their mother rode on the Merry-go-round while I took pictures for them. Jing Jing & I tried to locate the painting shown on Stairways to Heaven, but it was gone. Xiao Lian said it was there a week ago when she came. grrrr............
We then went to watch a show display of water & fire at the Fantastic Odyssey.
At 9.30 pm, there was a boring laser show. zzzz..... the end, back to the hotel.
We reached our hotel at 10.30pm. We are staying at the 5-star Seoul Ritz Carlton Hotel tonight. It is a truly grand hotel. I tried to order some food later in the night. A platter of seasonal fruits cost 50,000 won (S$84) & a cup of hot chocolate cost 9,500 won! Forget it, better go to sleep early!
前往世界第七大遊乐 场－【爱宝乐园】，是一个 结合了休闲、娱乐、教育与文化的 国际性渡假圣地，具有二十四年历史的欢乐世 界；在美洲探险地区中有龙捲风、彩虹之旅、天旋地转、禿鷹要塞、幻想特级、惊魂鲨鱼等遊乐设施；在欧洲探险区中有玫瑰花园、野外舞台、宇宙探险、雪橇场、 遊乐场等遊乐设施与表演节目；在魔幻世界地区中有挑战急湍、疯狂弹簧椅、松鼠遊戏、空中狂舞、海盜船、汽车王国、宇宙战斗机等遊乐设施；在伊克托利亞太探 险地区中有熊貓、四不像、北极熊、企鵝等珍奇动物及猩猩、紅鶴、海狗、孔雀等精采表演节目，而地球购物中心能让您亲身体验到在世界各地购物的快乐，令您彷如置身於奇幻世界，带給您终生难忘的回憶。
Monday, December 11, 2006
Day 5 - Nami Island 南怡岛
We went to Chunjeon. We are going to take a ferry to Nami Island, the famous filming site of 'Winter Sonata '( 冬 季 恋 歌 ) starring Korean stars Bae Yong-joon (裴勇俊) & Choi Ji Woo (崔志友 ).
The ferry had just left when we alighted from the bus. So we had to wait in the cold for the next one. It was so icy cold when the wind blew. I was shivering and there was no place to hide from this coldness. My nose started to turn runny again.
There were many tourists going to Nami Island. When the ferry finally arrived, we rushed to board it, only to find there were no seats. Some Koreans went to stand on the deck. How do they do it? Why aren't they feeling cold? It's -5 deg C for God's sake!
We arrived on Nami Island 10 minutes later. Like a leaf floating on top of Cheongpyung Lake is the tiny Korean Island of Nami. There are no cars on Nami island, and so the air is so crisply clear and fresh. With only a circumference of 6 km, the half-moon shaped island can be walked across in a matter of minutes. There is simply no need for the use of cars.
We had to walk then. And it was a long walk, until we came to two rows of trees lining a path, the Central Pathway. Xiao Lian wanted all the couples to act romantic & lovey-dovey when taking pictures, like the ones that Bae & Choi took in their TV drama. Jing Jing & I turned into director, camera-man & make-up artist. It was so fun directing them to pose.
I took a picture with Yang Fan, not a lovey-dovey one. We were 'wrestling' each other. hahaha....
The young families & teens went to take more pictures while I sat beside a huge campfire to warm my almost frozen body. When the others were done with their posing, we continued our stroll back to the ferry terminal. The atmosphere was relaxed and people were strolling around, chatting and enjoying the scenery.
Campfires were conveniently dotted around, providing warmth and a welcome break. The shore is lined with wooden lodges where travellers can spend the night. Nami Island is a particularly enchanting place to be. I was mesmerized by the rows of chestnut trees and authentic cottages.
And that's it on Nami Island. We came all the way here to take a few pictures. Gosh! I almost freeze my butt off!
While waiting for the ferry, a TV production set came filming at the ferry terminal. It was a teenage drama, so no big stars. Many people gathered around to watch. Nobody was supposed to make noise while camera was rolling.
The poor young actor & actress were shivering in the cold in their summer clothings. Once the director shouted,"Camera!", they have to look 'lively' & act. And when the director shouted,"Cut!", their assistants would rushed towards them with jackets, thick blankets & hot beverages. Fame comes at a price.
The ferry finally arrived & I was glad. We were heading back to Seoul. The bus ride would take an hour and a half.
The ferry had just left when we alighted from the bus. So we had to wait in the cold for the next one. It was so icy cold when the wind blew. I was shivering and there was no place to hide from this coldness. My nose started to turn runny again.
There were many tourists going to Nami Island. When the ferry finally arrived, we rushed to board it, only to find there were no seats. Some Koreans went to stand on the deck. How do they do it? Why aren't they feeling cold? It's -5 deg C for God's sake!
We arrived on Nami Island 10 minutes later. Like a leaf floating on top of Cheongpyung Lake is the tiny Korean Island of Nami. There are no cars on Nami island, and so the air is so crisply clear and fresh. With only a circumference of 6 km, the half-moon shaped island can be walked across in a matter of minutes. There is simply no need for the use of cars.
We had to walk then. And it was a long walk, until we came to two rows of trees lining a path, the Central Pathway. Xiao Lian wanted all the couples to act romantic & lovey-dovey when taking pictures, like the ones that Bae & Choi took in their TV drama. Jing Jing & I turned into director, camera-man & make-up artist. It was so fun directing them to pose.
I took a picture with Yang Fan, not a lovey-dovey one. We were 'wrestling' each other. hahaha....
The young families & teens went to take more pictures while I sat beside a huge campfire to warm my almost frozen body. When the others were done with their posing, we continued our stroll back to the ferry terminal. The atmosphere was relaxed and people were strolling around, chatting and enjoying the scenery.
Campfires were conveniently dotted around, providing warmth and a welcome break. The shore is lined with wooden lodges where travellers can spend the night. Nami Island is a particularly enchanting place to be. I was mesmerized by the rows of chestnut trees and authentic cottages.
And that's it on Nami Island. We came all the way here to take a few pictures. Gosh! I almost freeze my butt off!
While waiting for the ferry, a TV production set came filming at the ferry terminal. It was a teenage drama, so no big stars. Many people gathered around to watch. Nobody was supposed to make noise while camera was rolling.
The poor young actor & actress were shivering in the cold in their summer clothings. Once the director shouted,"Camera!", they have to look 'lively' & act. And when the director shouted,"Cut!", their assistants would rushed towards them with jackets, thick blankets & hot beverages. Fame comes at a price.
The ferry finally arrived & I was glad. We were heading back to Seoul. The bus ride would take an hour and a half.
Day 5 - Myeong-dong
I was looking forward to shopping at Dongdaemun Market. It is the nation's busiest shopping area. Here, traditional open-air market stands alongside modern shopping malls. You can find almost everything you need at Dongdaemun Market. It is full of shoppers all year round & is open all night long, enabling people to enjoy both shopping & other cultural activities at anytime of the day or night.
We were brought to Myeong-dong. This is the financial district which plays a pivotal role in the Korean economy. I t has recently earned the reputation of being a centre of fashion. There are many luxurious boutiques, live music cafes, as well as restaurants for every taste.
明洞：听名字，也许会以为是个大山洞，其实这是自由购物区，繁多的商品让人目不暇接，价格更是让人眼花缭乱，由于韩国消费水平高于我国，所以一般东西的价钱要高出好多.
We came to Doota Fashion Mall & were given 2 hours to shop. I went shopping by myself because I have to get my stuff. I scoured 5 storeys and there were many boutiques, fashion accessories, bags, shoes....etc. Very well designed, good quality products. I would love to buy the clothes but most are winter wear, and it is not suitable for Singapore's hot weather. I couldn't find what I was looking for.
Just when I was about to look for the rest, I saw the directory guide & it shows that on the 7th floor, there are souvenir shops. I took the lift up & voila! I hit the jackpot!
I found the souvenirs that I want. Posters, photos & memorabilia of Kwon Sang-woo!!!! Yeah!!!
He's not my idol, I'm not crazy over him either, I just need a hunk to look at occasionally to fantasize...... hehehe.... A few girlfriends, I shall not mention your names, have also asked me to buy memorabilia of popular Korean stars. Ladies, I bought lots of Kwon Sang-woo photos & posters!!!!
Cradling my precious purchases I went to look for the group. They were waiting for me. We then proceeded to dinner. We are having Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) tonight.
Each of us got a bowl of the soup. The chicken was stuffed with glutinous rice, red date & ginseng. The soup is very delicious. Wow!!! Steaming hot soup on a cold night. I drank the whole bowl of soup but couldn't finish the chicken.
Ten minutes later, I discovered blood when I blew my nose. OMG! Was the Korean ginseng too heaty for me? It's just a small 2-year-old ginseng!
We checked in to Holiday Inn Seoul Hotel. It's comfortable & a great place , but the whole night I couldn't sleep. I was tossing & turning in bed, was it the Korean Ginseng soup or Kwon Sang-woo? hmmmm.......
We were brought to Myeong-dong. This is the financial district which plays a pivotal role in the Korean economy. I t has recently earned the reputation of being a centre of fashion. There are many luxurious boutiques, live music cafes, as well as restaurants for every taste.
明洞：听名字，也许会以为是个大山洞，其实这是自由购物区，繁多的商品让人目不暇接，价格更是让人眼花缭乱，由于韩国消费水平高于我国，所以一般东西的价钱要高出好多.
We came to Doota Fashion Mall & were given 2 hours to shop. I went shopping by myself because I have to get my stuff. I scoured 5 storeys and there were many boutiques, fashion accessories, bags, shoes....etc. Very well designed, good quality products. I would love to buy the clothes but most are winter wear, and it is not suitable for Singapore's hot weather. I couldn't find what I was looking for.
Just when I was about to look for the rest, I saw the directory guide & it shows that on the 7th floor, there are souvenir shops. I took the lift up & voila! I hit the jackpot!
I found the souvenirs that I want. Posters, photos & memorabilia of Kwon Sang-woo!!!! Yeah!!!
He's not my idol, I'm not crazy over him either, I just need a hunk to look at occasionally to fantasize...... hehehe.... A few girlfriends, I shall not mention your names, have also asked me to buy memorabilia of popular Korean stars. Ladies, I bought lots of Kwon Sang-woo photos & posters!!!!
Cradling my precious purchases I went to look for the group. They were waiting for me. We then proceeded to dinner. We are having Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) tonight.
Each of us got a bowl of the soup. The chicken was stuffed with glutinous rice, red date & ginseng. The soup is very delicious. Wow!!! Steaming hot soup on a cold night. I drank the whole bowl of soup but couldn't finish the chicken.
Ten minutes later, I discovered blood when I blew my nose. OMG! Was the Korean ginseng too heaty for me? It's just a small 2-year-old ginseng!
We checked in to Holiday Inn Seoul Hotel. It's comfortable & a great place , but the whole night I couldn't sleep. I was tossing & turning in bed, was it the Korean Ginseng soup or Kwon Sang-woo? hmmmm.......
Kwon Sang-woo 韩国天王权相佑
Filmography:
Drama : Delicious Proposal (2000), Legend (2001), Currently Dating (2002), Into the Sun (2003), Stairway to Heaven (2003), Sad Love Story (2005)
Movie : Volcano High (2001), Make It Big (2002), My Tutor Friend (2003)
Once Upon a Time in High School (2004), Love So Divine (2004)
Awards:
Daejong Film Festival : Most Popular Actor, 2004
Baeksang Art Awards : Best New Actor, 2003
Daejong Film Festival : Best New Actor, 2003
Blue Dragon Film Awards : Most Popular Star, 2004
Kwon Sang-woo 权相佑 
Drama : Delicious Proposal (2000), Legend (2001), Currently Dating (2002), Into the Sun (2003), Stairway to Heaven (2003), Sad Love Story (2005)
Movie : Volcano High (2001), Make It Big (2002), My Tutor Friend (2003)
Once Upon a Time in High School (2004), Love So Divine (2004)
Awards:
Daejong Film Festival : Most Popular Actor, 2004
Baeksang Art Awards : Best New Actor, 2003
Daejong Film Festival : Best New Actor, 2003
Blue Dragon Film Awards : Most Popular Star, 2004
Kwon Sang-woo 权相佑 
Kwon's breakthrough came in the phenomenally successful comedy My Tutor Friend, as a troublesome high school boy who is tutored by a college student of the same age (played by actress Kim Ha-neul). In this year he also starred in My Good Partner, the world's first movie made for mobile phones, and in the music video collection Project X.
His next film released in early 2004 was also a great hit. Once Upon a Time In High School portrays the authoritarian society of the 1970s through a notoriously violent high school. Simultaneously, his TV drama Stairway To Heaven (天堂的阶梯) was winning over high ratings on TV. The drama was eventually screened throughout Asia and helped to turn him into a regional star. However Kwon's followup film Love So Divine, about a priest in training who falls in love, earned poor reviews and did not get much attention from audiences.
For 2006, Kwon returns in a big-budget action noir titled Running Wild, about a detective, a prosecutor, and a criminal who are all equally vicious.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Day 4 - Hanjeongsik 韩食正餐
We were brought to this small restaurant which serves Hanjeongsik (韩食正餐) .
In Jeonju, this type of cooking brings together 8 or 10 local ingredients in 12 to 13 basic side dishes, in addition to 5 or 6 special dishes. Sides dishes in Jeonju are not only extremely plentiful & extravagant but also both salty & hot yet sugary, creating a delicious & unique taste.
韩食正餐是晚宴性质的传统专门料理, 是以全州引以为豪的十八味或十味材料均匀配制的十二, 三种基本小菜的基础上, 加上五, 六种菜肴而成的韩国饮食文化的代表性饮食.
I finally tasted fish tonight, albeit two small ones. They were extremely salty, like our local salted fish.
I counted a total of 25 dishes.
I enjoy the meal tonight. So did Jing Jing & her Mom. After dinner, it was back to the hotel.
Photos will be uploaded when I get back to Singapore.
In Jeonju, this type of cooking brings together 8 or 10 local ingredients in 12 to 13 basic side dishes, in addition to 5 or 6 special dishes. Sides dishes in Jeonju are not only extremely plentiful & extravagant but also both salty & hot yet sugary, creating a delicious & unique taste.
韩食正餐是晚宴性质的传统专门料理, 是以全州引以为豪的十八味或十味材料均匀配制的十二, 三种基本小菜的基础上, 加上五, 六种菜肴而成的韩国饮食文化的代表性饮食.
I finally tasted fish tonight, albeit two small ones. They were extremely salty, like our local salted fish.
I counted a total of 25 dishes.
I enjoy the meal tonight. So did Jing Jing & her Mom. After dinner, it was back to the hotel.
Photos will be uploaded when I get back to Singapore.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Bae Yong-joon brings K-Wave Expo Opener to a Halt
The Hallyu Expo in Asia celebrating the march of Korean pop culture across the continent opened Wednesday at the International Convention Center Jeju at Seogwipo’s Jungmun Resort. Tourists from Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong filled more than 2,000 seats, chiefly to catch a glimpse of the actor Bae Yong-joon. But Bae, a goodwill ambassador for the event, was late for the opening ceremony, which started 30 minutes behind schedule due to his tardiness.
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When he finally showed up during Jeju City Mayor Kim Tae-hwan’s opening address, Bae, his hair tied up in a ponytail for the filming of the new drama “Taewangsasingi”, waved and smiled. It was his first official appearance since promoting the movie “April Snow” last year. Chaos ensued. The fans, mostly women between 30 and 80 who had come to Jeju by charter plane, shouted for joy, drowning out the mayor’s speech. Bae laid a finger on his lips to quiet down the excited crowd, but it took 10 minutes before Kim was able to wrap up his address.
Fans braved sharp gales in the island to get a glimpse of their idol. Digital camera in one hand, binoculars in the other, they hung on Bae’s every little gesture. A 57-year-old Japanese fan who gave her name as Kiyoko said she made the three-night visit to Jeju only to see Bae and was satisfied to get a look at him even from a long distance. Asked why she likes Bae so much, she answered the Korean actor was graceful and gentle, qualities rarely found in Japanese men.
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Event organizers said more than 4,000 fans came to the island from Japan, Taiwan and China on Wednesday alone. They expect 50,000 foreigners and 100,000 Korean tourists to visit Jeju during the event’s run. Flight tickets to Jeju are sold out, and 90 percent of hotel rooms near the event venue are booked. The expo ends on March 10 and other Korean stars to take part include Lee young-ae, Song Seung-hun, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Jun-ki, TVXQ, BoA, Kangta, Super Junior and Kim Hee-seon.
Korea Trip - Day 3 - Daegu
Morning call at 6.2o am. We checked out of the hotel at 7am for breakfast. To make up for not serving us the Abalone porridge yesterday, we were brought to this little restaurant near Yongduam Dragon Rock (龙头岩 ).
There was the usual side dishes of pickled vegetables. The porridge was cooked from rice grains and was too watery. I tried 'fishing' for the abalone. There were 4 tiny, diced pieces of it in my porridge. hahaha..... they call this Abalone porridge (鲍鱼粥).
After breakfast it was straight to the airport for our 9am flight to Daegu (大 邱), Korea's 3rd largest city. Our driver drove 5 hours from Seoul to pick us. He would be driving us the next few days sightseeing before heading back to Seoul.
Aaahhhh, it was very, very cold. We arrived at Donghwasa Temple (桐 华 寺) which has a history of more than 1000 years. There is a 33m high statue of Buddha, the largest in Korea, created as a prayer for reunification. The stone tower, stone light, the lion statue & the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size.
The temple was once used as the headquarters of the monk troops who fought against Hideyoshi's invasion.The religious tradition ofthe nation guarding Korean Buddhism has lasted from the days of adopting Buddhism to this day. Donghwasa Temple was built in A.D. 439.
It is a very beautiful & scenic place. It is so tranquil & appealing. Chris would love it here, maybe I should send him here for a month of religious studies.
After the temple tour, we went for lunch. This time we get to sit on the wooden floor which was heated by pipes running underneath it. The guys have to cross their legs while the ladies have to sit with both their legs placed sideways. It was uncomfortable for me so I sit like the guys and all the ladies followed suit. We had Mushroom Hot Pot.
I find the Korean dishes so simple to prepare. Boil a pot of stock and just dump everything into it. No frying, or oily dishes to wash. Wish my boys could eat like this. I am actually getting a bit sick of this hot pot thing. I haven't eaten fish nor fruits for days. I'm beginning to miss Singapore food.
After lunch, Xiao Lian brought us to Jungangro Street ( 中央路) for an hour of shopping. There was so much to see. The group members split up to do their own shopping. I went alone in search of a bookshop to buy my item.
The signs were all in Korean so I approached two teen school girls. And they brought me to a big bookstore - Kyoyo. I couldn't find what I want because I couldn't read Korean & the salesgirl couldn't understand English. I didn't buy anything. I would love to buy their books. They looked so attractive.
I saw The Face Shop. Kwon Sang-woo is their product spokesman. There is this life-size poster of him outside the shop, for a moment I was contemplating grabbing it & run. But I couldn't have run very far because the street was so crowded. I could see the headlines, "Singapore achuma grabbed Korean Superstar".
I met the group after an hour. On the way to the bus, Xiao Lian bought a Birthday cake. Ah, someone's birthday today!
There was the usual side dishes of pickled vegetables. The porridge was cooked from rice grains and was too watery. I tried 'fishing' for the abalone. There were 4 tiny, diced pieces of it in my porridge. hahaha..... they call this Abalone porridge (鲍鱼粥).
After breakfast it was straight to the airport for our 9am flight to Daegu (大 邱), Korea's 3rd largest city. Our driver drove 5 hours from Seoul to pick us. He would be driving us the next few days sightseeing before heading back to Seoul.
Aaahhhh, it was very, very cold. We arrived at Donghwasa Temple (桐 华 寺) which has a history of more than 1000 years. There is a 33m high statue of Buddha, the largest in Korea, created as a prayer for reunification. The stone tower, stone light, the lion statue & the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size.
The temple was once used as the headquarters of the monk troops who fought against Hideyoshi's invasion.The religious tradition ofthe nation guarding Korean Buddhism has lasted from the days of adopting Buddhism to this day. Donghwasa Temple was built in A.D. 439.
It is a very beautiful & scenic place. It is so tranquil & appealing. Chris would love it here, maybe I should send him here for a month of religious studies.
After the temple tour, we went for lunch. This time we get to sit on the wooden floor which was heated by pipes running underneath it. The guys have to cross their legs while the ladies have to sit with both their legs placed sideways. It was uncomfortable for me so I sit like the guys and all the ladies followed suit. We had Mushroom Hot Pot.
I find the Korean dishes so simple to prepare. Boil a pot of stock and just dump everything into it. No frying, or oily dishes to wash. Wish my boys could eat like this. I am actually getting a bit sick of this hot pot thing. I haven't eaten fish nor fruits for days. I'm beginning to miss Singapore food.
After lunch, Xiao Lian brought us to Jungangro Street ( 中央路) for an hour of shopping. There was so much to see. The group members split up to do their own shopping. I went alone in search of a bookshop to buy my item.
The signs were all in Korean so I approached two teen school girls. And they brought me to a big bookstore - Kyoyo. I couldn't find what I want because I couldn't read Korean & the salesgirl couldn't understand English. I didn't buy anything. I would love to buy their books. They looked so attractive.
I saw The Face Shop. Kwon Sang-woo is their product spokesman. There is this life-size poster of him outside the shop, for a moment I was contemplating grabbing it & run. But I couldn't have run very far because the street was so crowded. I could see the headlines, "Singapore achuma grabbed Korean Superstar".
I met the group after an hour. On the way to the bus, Xiao Lian bought a Birthday cake. Ah, someone's birthday today!
Day 3 - Daegu Spa Valley
I had a nap on the bus on the way to Spa Valley.
There were two options for us. One was to put on swim-wear & go to the indoor heated pool. Another option was to strip & bathe with the Koreans and you could also have your back scrubbed by the ajuma (Korean for aunt). I chose the latter. It took quite a lot of persuasion to get Jing Jing & her Mom to come with me. It's not easy to bare yourself in front of others, especially your teacher.
We each get a locker to keep our clothes & valuables and a small towel. You either cover your breasts or the pelvic area with it, there's not enough cloth to wrap around your butt. It was quite awkward for us, but when you step into the women's bath area, you would not bother with covering yourself.
You guys must be thinking, "Whoa! So lucky to see a whole roomful of naked women!" To tell you the truth, I was the most attractive naked woman there. It being working hours, most of the women were elderly housewives & their young grandchildren. I tell you it was the most depressing sight I have ever seen. The saggy, wrinkly, droopy skin....... arrrgh.... knowing I'm gonna look like that one day, I'm going to show more of my still young naked body to Chris when I get back.
It was very natural for the Korean ladies to walk around naked in the bath house. They would bathe right there, washing their private parts for all to see. There was a cafe & they would sit there in their birthday suits eating or drinking. Nobody would stare, except us foreigners. I didn't dare to stare but I couldn't keep my jaws closed. hahaha.....
Xiao Lian joined us in the hot pool & sauna. She later brought us to the outdoor hot pool. The air was chilly outside but the hot pool was great. It was very relaxing & refreshing.
We tried the scrub-back (25,000 won each, S$42.50). I have to first lie face-up on a bench, the ajuma poured 2 pails of warm water on my whole body, and rubbed bath lotion on my whole body. Then she took a bath scrub and started scrubbing away. She doesn't understand English but she was chanting, " Dirty! Dirty! Dirty!". She made me touched the dead skin she had removed from my body.
Oh my God! I'm so dirty! I do scrub myself when I bathe but yet there is so much grime & dirt! Gosh! It's embarrassing! I must get myself the exact bath scrub she's using. She told Xiao Lian,"Singapore dirty!" Oh my, what's this got to do with my country?
But I had my revenge when Xiao Lian's turn came. She had as much grime as me, so I screamed back,"Korea dirty, dirty! Very dirty!" And Koreans are supposed to have a good scrub every week! hehheh..... embarrassed eh?
It was good after that scrub. My skin felt so smooth & clean! The ajuma didn't scrubbed very hard, it was very enjoyable actually. She washed my face with a seaweed cleanser & specially put on a yoghurt mask for me. She told me to rest in the Steam Room. I was so pleased I wanted to hug her but she was taken aback & started screaming. hahaha....
We spent more than 3 hours at the Spa. I had forgotten to bring my shampoo & bath lotion, I had to buy. Each 20ml of shampoo or bath lotion for 500 won!
Jing Jing went down to the ground level to try the 'Fishy Treament'. There is this pool of fish where you put in your legs & let the fish eat away your dead skin. Jing Jing said it was ticklish.
We had dinner at the restaurant in Spa Valley. It was Pork Hot Pot - again! The little boy celebrated his 10th birthday by cutting the cake that Xiao Lian bought. He gave each member a slice. I had to skip that as I am having a terrible sore throat now.....
There were two options for us. One was to put on swim-wear & go to the indoor heated pool. Another option was to strip & bathe with the Koreans and you could also have your back scrubbed by the ajuma (Korean for aunt). I chose the latter. It took quite a lot of persuasion to get Jing Jing & her Mom to come with me. It's not easy to bare yourself in front of others, especially your teacher.
We each get a locker to keep our clothes & valuables and a small towel. You either cover your breasts or the pelvic area with it, there's not enough cloth to wrap around your butt. It was quite awkward for us, but when you step into the women's bath area, you would not bother with covering yourself.
You guys must be thinking, "Whoa! So lucky to see a whole roomful of naked women!" To tell you the truth, I was the most attractive naked woman there. It being working hours, most of the women were elderly housewives & their young grandchildren. I tell you it was the most depressing sight I have ever seen. The saggy, wrinkly, droopy skin....... arrrgh.... knowing I'm gonna look like that one day, I'm going to show more of my still young naked body to Chris when I get back.
It was very natural for the Korean ladies to walk around naked in the bath house. They would bathe right there, washing their private parts for all to see. There was a cafe & they would sit there in their birthday suits eating or drinking. Nobody would stare, except us foreigners. I didn't dare to stare but I couldn't keep my jaws closed. hahaha.....
Xiao Lian joined us in the hot pool & sauna. She later brought us to the outdoor hot pool. The air was chilly outside but the hot pool was great. It was very relaxing & refreshing.
We tried the scrub-back (25,000 won each, S$42.50). I have to first lie face-up on a bench, the ajuma poured 2 pails of warm water on my whole body, and rubbed bath lotion on my whole body. Then she took a bath scrub and started scrubbing away. She doesn't understand English but she was chanting, " Dirty! Dirty! Dirty!". She made me touched the dead skin she had removed from my body.
Oh my God! I'm so dirty! I do scrub myself when I bathe but yet there is so much grime & dirt! Gosh! It's embarrassing! I must get myself the exact bath scrub she's using. She told Xiao Lian,"Singapore dirty!" Oh my, what's this got to do with my country?
But I had my revenge when Xiao Lian's turn came. She had as much grime as me, so I screamed back,"Korea dirty, dirty! Very dirty!" And Koreans are supposed to have a good scrub every week! hehheh..... embarrassed eh?
It was good after that scrub. My skin felt so smooth & clean! The ajuma didn't scrubbed very hard, it was very enjoyable actually. She washed my face with a seaweed cleanser & specially put on a yoghurt mask for me. She told me to rest in the Steam Room. I was so pleased I wanted to hug her but she was taken aback & started screaming. hahaha....
We spent more than 3 hours at the Spa. I had forgotten to bring my shampoo & bath lotion, I had to buy. Each 20ml of shampoo or bath lotion for 500 won!
Jing Jing went down to the ground level to try the 'Fishy Treament'. There is this pool of fish where you put in your legs & let the fish eat away your dead skin. Jing Jing said it was ticklish.
We had dinner at the restaurant in Spa Valley. It was Pork Hot Pot - again! The little boy celebrated his 10th birthday by cutting the cake that Xiao Lian bought. He gave each member a slice. I had to skip that as I am having a terrible sore throat now.....
Friday, December 08, 2006
Korea Holiday - Day 2 - Jeju Island
I was awoken by the morning call at 6.30am. We were to have breakfast at the coffee house in the hotel. It was buffet-style. There was Continental breakfast besides the Korean dishes. There was supposed to be Abalone porridge this morning, so we were stirring the pot of porridge, looking for pieces of abalone. It was beef porridge.
After breakfast, we boarded the bus for a tour of the island. I had put on thermal clothings beneath my blouse & long pants. I had on my thick jacket, gloves, scarf & mouth cover, but why do I still feel so cold? Coming from a tropical country with an average temperature of 30 degreee Celcius, I simply have no idea how cold it could get in winter. Mind you, this is only early winter.
Jeju Island is widely known as Honeymoon Island because of its romantic tropical settings. And the men on the island lead leisurely lifes because the women will do all the work. The women are hardworking & virtuous. The men live like emperors here. Perhaps Chris should emigrate here.
Our first stop was Green Tea Museum but it was closed. So we took some pictures of the tea plantation. We then proceeded to ride ATV motor cars. The men & the kids went for a spin round the track. The ladies stayed indoors, next to a fire stove, warming our delicate fingers.
On the way to our next itinerary, we stopped at a Tangerine Orchard. We had to pay 6000 won (S$10) each to pluck two tangerines & take some photos. We were given a small box of mini tangerines. Xiao Lian said these mini tangerines are sweeter than the big ones. We had to take her word for that though.
The bus came to a Magic Road (神奇之路 ). At the beginning of a gradual slope, the driver switched off the engine of the bus and we watched with our mouths wide-open. The bus was moving by itself up the slope!
There were many cars & buses that pass here. And when they reach this part of the road, they switched off their engines & sit back, letting their vehicles climb up the slope by themselves! It's amazing! Anyone can explain?
We alighted from the bus to take a closer look at the road, trying to figure out how it works. I tried an experiment by getting my student, Jing Jing to lie on the road. Of course it didn't work!
Our next stop was Yongduam Dragon Rock (龙头岩). It is one of the most unusual lava formations, it looks like a roaring dragon rising from the sea into the sky. It is at the bottom of a cliff. The group went down to take pictures while I stayed at the top. The steps looked slippery. And there was a strong breeze.
200万前年熔岩喷发后冷却而形成的岩石，高10米，看上去象是在龙宫生活的龙欲飞天时突然化作石头一般。正是由于岩石一端颇似龙头，故得名龙头岩。这里 也有个传说，讲一条龙想升天，但最终未能如愿,所以岩石只剩下了龙身体的部分，而龙头在台风时被雷电击落了。从龙头岩向东约200米有一处龙池，据说是龙 嬉游之地，因而得名龙池。池水清澈见底
And then it was lunch time! We went to this restaurant where they serve fantastic spicy pork slices from their famous Jeju Black Pigs. The meal was so delicious, that my students & I dream of it every day since then.
After lunch it was back to our sightseeing. We went to Sungsan-Ilchulbong Peak (城山日出峰), a volcanic crater hill offering a splendid view of the coast. We have an option to climb the peak. I opted out. I couldn't climb with a bad knee. My students & an elderly Mr Chua climbed right up to the peak while the rest did it half way.
I stayed below the hill, browsing through the many souvenir shops. Xiao Lian didn't go with the group, she recommended me the local products of Jeju. I ended up buying boxes of Tangerine & Cactus Chocolates & flavoured rice crackers. It cost me 50 000 won (S$84)!
When the rest came back from their climb, I persuaded them to try the snacks. hehehe.... They bought quite a lot too. The snacks were expensive but tasty. They are great gifts for relatives, friends & colleagues.
It was almost 5 o'clock when we arrived at Jeju Folk Village（济州民俗观光村). It shows traditional houses in the olden days. Xiao Lian had to rush us through the exhibits. It was like only half an hour to see some of the site scenes from Korean TV drama Dae Jangguem （大长今）and half an hour waiting for the bus to bring us to the exit. And it was getting colder as it got dark.
By this time, the whole group has got to know one other better. We were exchanging good-natured banter with one another. The Peh & the Tans are pretty accommodating and friendly.
I was so glad to slump down on the seat of the bus. It was a tiring day. Xiao Lian announced that we didn't have enough time to visit Teddy Bear Museum. What?!
Since I am in Jeju, I want to take a look at the place. I was so excited about visiting it after having seen it on the Korean TV drama, Princess Hour. I was willing to pay for the 6000 won (S$10) entrance ticket! But nope, the museum closes at 6pm & if I like, I could extend my stay in Jeju while the rest would be going back to Seoul early next morning. grrrrr....
And there are the filming sites for All in as well. We are not even going to visit any one of those.
So disappointed.
And oh, there is a 100-day Korean fair in Jeju Island now, beginning 29th November, featuring many Korean movie & TV stars. Korean TV drama idol Bae Yong-joon (裴勇俊）was the guest of honour at its opening. And hundreds of his Japanese fans turned up, mostly aunties, spending more than 2 million won (S$3400) each just to see him! Insane!
We had Seafood Hot Pot (海鲜火锅) for dinner. There wasn't any prawn or fish in it, only a crab that is boiled until it is mushy, some clams & vegetables. The soup tasted fishy. Some of the group members couldn't eat it. The driver had to bring them to a supermarket to buy bread for dinner.
We went back to the hotel after dinner. My sore-throat is getting worse and I'm beginning to have a runny nose. I have lost my sense of smell. Well, time to take a hot shower & slipped beneath the warm covers. Oh, the hotel beds are heated......mmmm.......
After breakfast, we boarded the bus for a tour of the island. I had put on thermal clothings beneath my blouse & long pants. I had on my thick jacket, gloves, scarf & mouth cover, but why do I still feel so cold? Coming from a tropical country with an average temperature of 30 degreee Celcius, I simply have no idea how cold it could get in winter. Mind you, this is only early winter.
Jeju Island is widely known as Honeymoon Island because of its romantic tropical settings. And the men on the island lead leisurely lifes because the women will do all the work. The women are hardworking & virtuous. The men live like emperors here. Perhaps Chris should emigrate here.
Our first stop was Green Tea Museum but it was closed. So we took some pictures of the tea plantation. We then proceeded to ride ATV motor cars. The men & the kids went for a spin round the track. The ladies stayed indoors, next to a fire stove, warming our delicate fingers.
On the way to our next itinerary, we stopped at a Tangerine Orchard. We had to pay 6000 won (S$10) each to pluck two tangerines & take some photos. We were given a small box of mini tangerines. Xiao Lian said these mini tangerines are sweeter than the big ones. We had to take her word for that though.
The bus came to a Magic Road (神奇之路 ). At the beginning of a gradual slope, the driver switched off the engine of the bus and we watched with our mouths wide-open. The bus was moving by itself up the slope!
There were many cars & buses that pass here. And when they reach this part of the road, they switched off their engines & sit back, letting their vehicles climb up the slope by themselves! It's amazing! Anyone can explain?
We alighted from the bus to take a closer look at the road, trying to figure out how it works. I tried an experiment by getting my student, Jing Jing to lie on the road. Of course it didn't work!
Our next stop was Yongduam Dragon Rock (龙头岩). It is one of the most unusual lava formations, it looks like a roaring dragon rising from the sea into the sky. It is at the bottom of a cliff. The group went down to take pictures while I stayed at the top. The steps looked slippery. And there was a strong breeze.
200万前年熔岩喷发后冷却而形成的岩石，高10米，看上去象是在龙宫生活的龙欲飞天时突然化作石头一般。正是由于岩石一端颇似龙头，故得名龙头岩。这里 也有个传说，讲一条龙想升天，但最终未能如愿,所以岩石只剩下了龙身体的部分，而龙头在台风时被雷电击落了。从龙头岩向东约200米有一处龙池，据说是龙 嬉游之地，因而得名龙池。池水清澈见底
And then it was lunch time! We went to this restaurant where they serve fantastic spicy pork slices from their famous Jeju Black Pigs. The meal was so delicious, that my students & I dream of it every day since then.
After lunch it was back to our sightseeing. We went to Sungsan-Ilchulbong Peak (城山日出峰), a volcanic crater hill offering a splendid view of the coast. We have an option to climb the peak. I opted out. I couldn't climb with a bad knee. My students & an elderly Mr Chua climbed right up to the peak while the rest did it half way.
I stayed below the hill, browsing through the many souvenir shops. Xiao Lian didn't go with the group, she recommended me the local products of Jeju. I ended up buying boxes of Tangerine & Cactus Chocolates & flavoured rice crackers. It cost me 50 000 won (S$84)!
When the rest came back from their climb, I persuaded them to try the snacks. hehehe.... They bought quite a lot too. The snacks were expensive but tasty. They are great gifts for relatives, friends & colleagues.
It was almost 5 o'clock when we arrived at Jeju Folk Village（济州民俗观光村). It shows traditional houses in the olden days. Xiao Lian had to rush us through the exhibits. It was like only half an hour to see some of the site scenes from Korean TV drama Dae Jangguem （大长今）and half an hour waiting for the bus to bring us to the exit. And it was getting colder as it got dark.
By this time, the whole group has got to know one other better. We were exchanging good-natured banter with one another. The Peh & the Tans are pretty accommodating and friendly.
I was so glad to slump down on the seat of the bus. It was a tiring day. Xiao Lian announced that we didn't have enough time to visit Teddy Bear Museum. What?!
Since I am in Jeju, I want to take a look at the place. I was so excited about visiting it after having seen it on the Korean TV drama, Princess Hour. I was willing to pay for the 6000 won (S$10) entrance ticket! But nope, the museum closes at 6pm & if I like, I could extend my stay in Jeju while the rest would be going back to Seoul early next morning. grrrrr....
And there are the filming sites for All in as well. We are not even going to visit any one of those.
So disappointed.
And oh, there is a 100-day Korean fair in Jeju Island now, beginning 29th November, featuring many Korean movie & TV stars. Korean TV drama idol Bae Yong-joon (裴勇俊）was the guest of honour at its opening. And hundreds of his Japanese fans turned up, mostly aunties, spending more than 2 million won (S$3400) each just to see him! Insane!
We had Seafood Hot Pot (海鲜火锅) for dinner. There wasn't any prawn or fish in it, only a crab that is boiled until it is mushy, some clams & vegetables. The soup tasted fishy. Some of the group members couldn't eat it. The driver had to bring them to a supermarket to buy bread for dinner.
We went back to the hotel after dinner. My sore-throat is getting worse and I'm beginning to have a runny nose. I have lost my sense of smell. Well, time to take a hot shower & slipped beneath the warm covers. Oh, the hotel beds are heated......mmmm.......
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Korea Holiday - Day 1 - Seoul
We arrived at Incheon International Airport, Seoul around 6 plus in the morning. We had to wait for our tour guide who was late.
Our guide finally arrived and she is Ms Hwang Bong-Ryeon (黄凤莲), we were asked to call her 'Xiao Lian'. She's 35, married with a 5 year-old boy. She speaks fluent Mandarin. She studied Chinese language during university & went for further studies in Beijing for 3 years.
We were asked to go for our breakfast before we set off. We had an hour. We walked around the huge airport & finally settled for soup noodles. And boy! was the food expensive....a simple bowl of noodles cost 5500 won (S$9.15). Ok, this is the airport, prices are high. But a Burger King Whopper Junior with cheese is going for 4400 won (S$7.35)! pheeeew!
We met Xiao Lian after our breakfast. She taught us some basic Korean greetings before leading us to our bus. And we got chided for not greeting the driver in Korean!
When we went out of the airport, it was cold! I didn't expect the weather to be so cold. I thought it was around 16 degree Celcius. When we spoke, there was 'smoke' coming from our mouths.
I only wore my long pants, and I did pile on a couple of T-shirts. I put on my jacket. The coldness was biting into my legs. It's like being slashed multiple times with a knife, the cold blade cutting into my flesh each time. Aaarrrghhhhh.....
We ran up the bus. The seats were stone cold. We huddled close to each other. We set off for our first destination - Everland Resort. What?! Go to a theme park in this freezing weather?
Admission to the park is already paid but we still had to pay 25000 won (S$41.75) for 5 rides! The elderly couple didn't want to go in as they wouldn't be taking any rides. Xiao Lian's face crashed. She was getting impatient with us.
We reached Everland Resort after an hour. It was so cold when we got off the bus. I didn't want to go in but there was no other place to hide. I would freeze to death in the bus.
There were many Korean students queuing outside the theme park. They were on a school outing. My goodness! The girls wore mini skirts & stockings, even in this cold weather!
I was glad that I came. Everland is a fairy land come true for me! It's so beautiful. And the staff of Everland were dressed in cute costumes. Ooooh! It's awesome!
I was nearly frozen. We had to run to a souvenir shop every now & then to keep warm. There were some electric heaters scattered around the park which we readily rushed to use. I bought a mouth cover because my face was almost frozen. There were some really cute animal hats for sale too.
We took the cable car to the bottom of the hill. There were many rides & attractions. We went for the Safari World ride, to see the liger. It is the result of mixed breeding of a lion & tiger. We were so close to the ferocious lions & tigers. We also saw some huge bears. They came towards the driver walking on their hind legs! The driver then threw biscuits into their wide open mouths. He even made them wave their huge paws.
We had lunch at an alpine lodge. I had Pork Cutlets with Mashed Pumpkin Croquette (11500 won, S$19.20) & a hot chocolate for 3000 won (S$5). After our meal, Yang Fan & I just put our heads down on the table & took a nap.
We were then left on our own to explore the park. We walked round the park, stopping ever so often to get some warmth from the heated shops. We finally managed to walk back to the entrance.
We took a 2 & a half hour ride to the city for a Korean Hot Pot & Bibimbap dinner. It was great drinking hot soup on a cold day.
After dinner, we went to the domestic airport for our flight to Jeju Island at 6.45pm. At the airport, I bought some Dunkin Donuts to takeaway. It was a one-hour flight to Jeju Island. It was colder in Jeju Island because of the wind blowing in from the sea.
We checked in to Jeju Travellers Hotel at 9 plus. I was so tired, I washed up & went straight to bed.......
Our guide finally arrived and she is Ms Hwang Bong-Ryeon (黄凤莲), we were asked to call her 'Xiao Lian'. She's 35, married with a 5 year-old boy. She speaks fluent Mandarin. She studied Chinese language during university & went for further studies in Beijing for 3 years.
We were asked to go for our breakfast before we set off. We had an hour. We walked around the huge airport & finally settled for soup noodles. And boy! was the food expensive....a simple bowl of noodles cost 5500 won (S$9.15). Ok, this is the airport, prices are high. But a Burger King Whopper Junior with cheese is going for 4400 won (S$7.35)! pheeeew!
We met Xiao Lian after our breakfast. She taught us some basic Korean greetings before leading us to our bus. And we got chided for not greeting the driver in Korean!
When we went out of the airport, it was cold! I didn't expect the weather to be so cold. I thought it was around 16 degree Celcius. When we spoke, there was 'smoke' coming from our mouths.
I only wore my long pants, and I did pile on a couple of T-shirts. I put on my jacket. The coldness was biting into my legs. It's like being slashed multiple times with a knife, the cold blade cutting into my flesh each time. Aaarrrghhhhh.....
We ran up the bus. The seats were stone cold. We huddled close to each other. We set off for our first destination - Everland Resort. What?! Go to a theme park in this freezing weather?
Admission to the park is already paid but we still had to pay 25000 won (S$41.75) for 5 rides! The elderly couple didn't want to go in as they wouldn't be taking any rides. Xiao Lian's face crashed. She was getting impatient with us.
We reached Everland Resort after an hour. It was so cold when we got off the bus. I didn't want to go in but there was no other place to hide. I would freeze to death in the bus.
There were many Korean students queuing outside the theme park. They were on a school outing. My goodness! The girls wore mini skirts & stockings, even in this cold weather!
I was glad that I came. Everland is a fairy land come true for me! It's so beautiful. And the staff of Everland were dressed in cute costumes. Ooooh! It's awesome!
I was nearly frozen. We had to run to a souvenir shop every now & then to keep warm. There were some electric heaters scattered around the park which we readily rushed to use. I bought a mouth cover because my face was almost frozen. There were some really cute animal hats for sale too.
We took the cable car to the bottom of the hill. There were many rides & attractions. We went for the Safari World ride, to see the liger. It is the result of mixed breeding of a lion & tiger. We were so close to the ferocious lions & tigers. We also saw some huge bears. They came towards the driver walking on their hind legs! The driver then threw biscuits into their wide open mouths. He even made them wave their huge paws.
We had lunch at an alpine lodge. I had Pork Cutlets with Mashed Pumpkin Croquette (11500 won, S$19.20) & a hot chocolate for 3000 won (S$5). After our meal, Yang Fan & I just put our heads down on the table & took a nap.
We were then left on our own to explore the park. We walked round the park, stopping ever so often to get some warmth from the heated shops. We finally managed to walk back to the entrance.
We took a 2 & a half hour ride to the city for a Korean Hot Pot & Bibimbap dinner. It was great drinking hot soup on a cold day.
After dinner, we went to the domestic airport for our flight to Jeju Island at 6.45pm. At the airport, I bought some Dunkin Donuts to takeaway. It was a one-hour flight to Jeju Island. It was colder in Jeju Island because of the wind blowing in from the sea.
We checked in to Jeju Travellers Hotel at 9 plus. I was so tired, I washed up & went straight to bed.......
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Winter Holiday in Korea
Had a mad day packing my luggage, hehehe..... last minute rush, I'm sure I have forgotten to pack something. I am going for a one-week holiday to Seoul & Jeju Island with some friends & my students. They had booked a 8D6N tour package with Chan Brothers Travel. I hate tour packages, I haven't bought a single tour package for the past 10 years & now I have to travel with a group of total strangers, eat with them & spend a week of my life with them.Yucks!!!
Chris rushed home after work to drive me to the airport. My flight was 10.35pm, so we had dinner at Ajisen Noodle before meeting my friends & students. A staff from Chan Brothers Travel was there to help us check in.
There were 13 of us on this tour. There are two young families who are friends and my group of 6. Later I found out the two families are the Pehs & Tans. My group consists of an elderly couple, my students & their Mom. Ok, it doesn't look that bad.
When it was time to depart, it was hard having to say good-bye to Chris. He would be all alone in Singapore. He's going to be freed from me for a whole week! Anyway, a few friends would check on him frequently and I gave him a log book to sign-in & sign-out daily. muahahaha........
As there was an hour to kill before boarding time, my group went shopping in the duty-free shops. We bought some cosmetics & perfume & left it with the shop for safe-keeping & would collect them when we return.
At 10.35pm, the flight took off. The seats of Korean Air was so hard & uncomfortable, we have to endure 7 hours of discomfort. I have to shift my butt often so I could rest on my fatty deposits. The air-hostesses were young & pretty though. They have such good complexion!
A choice of of Chicken Rice or Bibimbap was served for supper shortly after take-off, I couldn't eat that as I was still feeling full. I was actually feeling queasy. Uh-oh, I think I'm gonna be sick.
Yeah, I did half an hour later. I threw up a few times & had to request for medication for motion sickness. Exhausted from all those puking, I closed my eyes to try to sleep. haiz.... getting sick on a holiday is no joke. I'm having a sore throat. I think I'm going to have flu..........
Chris rushed home after work to drive me to the airport. My flight was 10.35pm, so we had dinner at Ajisen Noodle before meeting my friends & students. A staff from Chan Brothers Travel was there to help us check in.
There were 13 of us on this tour. There are two young families who are friends and my group of 6. Later I found out the two families are the Pehs & Tans. My group consists of an elderly couple, my students & their Mom. Ok, it doesn't look that bad.
When it was time to depart, it was hard having to say good-bye to Chris. He would be all alone in Singapore. He's going to be freed from me for a whole week! Anyway, a few friends would check on him frequently and I gave him a log book to sign-in & sign-out daily. muahahaha........
As there was an hour to kill before boarding time, my group went shopping in the duty-free shops. We bought some cosmetics & perfume & left it with the shop for safe-keeping & would collect them when we return.
At 10.35pm, the flight took off. The seats of Korean Air was so hard & uncomfortable, we have to endure 7 hours of discomfort. I have to shift my butt often so I could rest on my fatty deposits. The air-hostesses were young & pretty though. They have such good complexion!
A choice of of Chicken Rice or Bibimbap was served for supper shortly after take-off, I couldn't eat that as I was still feeling full. I was actually feeling queasy. Uh-oh, I think I'm gonna be sick.
Yeah, I did half an hour later. I threw up a few times & had to request for medication for motion sickness. Exhausted from all those puking, I closed my eyes to try to sleep. haiz.... getting sick on a holiday is no joke. I'm having a sore throat. I think I'm going to have flu..........
Monday, December 04, 2006
Kim Choo Rice Dumplings
Chris drove me to Joo Chiat Place to buy Kim Choo's ba chang (rice dumplings with meat fillings). There are several types of meat fillings. There are the popular Nonya, Sambal Chilli, 5-spice Pork and now a XO rice dumpling that is stuffed with dried scallops, salted egg yolk, pork, sambal chilli.....etc. 
I bought a box of mini Nonya rice dumplings (S$6), another box of Sambal Prawn rice dumplings (S$8),
That's how small a mini rice dumpling is!and a box of otaks (grilled spicy fish paste, S$5). Diced fish is mixed with spices, scooped into coconut leaves that are secured with toothpicks at both ends & then grilled. Yummy!
The sales assistant recommended their soon kueh (steamed turnip cakes, S$4). I don't like them. The skin was too thick & the turnips were not cooked long enough.
Kim Choo Kueh Chang Babi 60 Joo Chiat Place Tel : 6344 0830 109 East Coast Road (branch) - free dumpling making lessons all week
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Friday, December 01, 2006
Facts about Bill Gates
1. Bill Gates earns US$250 every SECOND, that’s about US$20 Million a DAY and US$7.8 Billion a YEAR!
2. If he drops a thousand dollars, he won't even bother to pick it up because during the 4 seconds he picks it, he would’ve already earned it back.
3. The US national debt is about 5.62 trillion dollars, if Bill Gates were to pay the debt by himself; he will finish it in less then 10 years.
4. He can donate US$15 to everyone on earth but still be left with US$5 Million for his pocket money.
5. Michael Jordan is the highest paid athlete in US. If he doesn’t drink and eat, and keeps up his annual income i.e. US$30 Million, he’ll have to wait for 277 years to become as rich as Bill Gates is now.
6. If Bill Gates was a country, he would be the 37th richest country on earth.
7. If you change all of Bill Gate's money to US$1 notes , you can make a road from the earth to moon, 14 times back and forth.But you have to make that road non-stop for 1,400 years, and use a total of 713 BOEING 747 planes to transport all the money.
8. Bill Gates is 40 this year. If we assume that he will live for another 35 years, he has to spend US$6.78 Million per day to finish all his money before he goes to heaven.
Last but not the least the best one!!
9. If Microsoft Windows' users can claim US$1 for every time their computers hang because of Microsoft Windows, Bill Gates will be bankrupt in 3 years.
2. If he drops a thousand dollars, he won't even bother to pick it up because during the 4 seconds he picks it, he would’ve already earned it back.
3. The US national debt is about 5.62 trillion dollars, if Bill Gates were to pay the debt by himself; he will finish it in less then 10 years.
4. He can donate US$15 to everyone on earth but still be left with US$5 Million for his pocket money.
5. Michael Jordan is the highest paid athlete in US. If he doesn’t drink and eat, and keeps up his annual income i.e. US$30 Million, he’ll have to wait for 277 years to become as rich as Bill Gates is now.
6. If Bill Gates was a country, he would be the 37th richest country on earth.
7. If you change all of Bill Gate's money to US$1 notes , you can make a road from the earth to moon, 14 times back and forth.But you have to make that road non-stop for 1,400 years, and use a total of 713 BOEING 747 planes to transport all the money.
8. Bill Gates is 40 this year. If we assume that he will live for another 35 years, he has to spend US$6.78 Million per day to finish all his money before he goes to heaven.
Last but not the least the best one!!
9. If Microsoft Windows' users can claim US$1 for every time their computers hang because of Microsoft Windows, Bill Gates will be bankrupt in 3 years.
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