The Bintan Escapade

We're back from Bintan, burnt like bright red lobsters! This short get-away has been perfect, much needed for us to recharge and spend some real quality time together, with just us in the bubble for that few days. No work, no Internet to distract either of us.

Suffered major embarrassment on the way there though, where I got so sick from the ferry ride, that I puked my entire lunch of mee siam back out. Haha, sorry for that. But it was a really, really horrible journey there. The waters were so choppy due to the monsoon period, and when I heard the people around me started puking, I followed suit.

Damn gross, damn loser of me. I do get sea sick, but I think this was the first time that I threw up. When the captain said thank you and hoped that we had enjoyed the ride, one guy could only point his middle finger in response.

The Floral Suite was pretty nice, though I was kinda all psyched up for the Banyan Tree experience, given that Banyan Tree was our first choice. I guess being next to the beach does speed up the wear and tear quite a bit. Overall, it was a spacious suite with a very lovely, private sun deck where we spent a lot of time lazing on.




Only managed to get a little bit of suntan when we were lazing by the pool and walking on the beach yesterday. But in the end, it was not too little, judging by how red we turned out.

I realise that my skin condition has changed ever since I started developing eczema - in the past, I would turn brown, never patchy red (with white spots) like this. I suspect that the eczema has caused my skin to turn so red and itchy.

Looks like I can't have a healthy skin colour as long as I still have eczema. Looks like I'm destined to be white forever. =p


The Boy enjoyed himself so much, doing nothing, that he's now eager to plan the next few trips to neighbouring resorts. He says it's the best type of holiday, cos "got no shopping". -_-

Meanwhile, here's a snapshot of the Jemej Bintan Escapade!

Bintan Here We Come!

It was a very last minute decision, when I realised I needed to make use of the off-in-lieu (for the CNY Sunday that I was working) by next week. So in the last couple of days, I tried booking us a short get-away. There was a fabulous, unbelievable travel trade offer for Angsana Resorts, but alas, they were all fully booked.

Even contemplated, and was PREPARED to pay an arm and a leg for Banyan Tree, but fully booked too.

Man, everyone celebrating our ROM anniversary and my birthday in Bintan or what?!

Anyway, got us a nice looking suite in Bintan Lagoon and we'll be off in a few more hours!!! Till Sunday, have a great weekend everyone!

Oh man, I better start packing NOW......

Milan - The Fashion Capital

I've been so engrossed in checking out our accommodation for Italy, that I decided that I would not further kill any more brain cells thinking of what clothes to pack in my luggage. In fact, for a shopaholic like me, it's quite no-frills for me when it comes to packing clothes for holidays.

I tend to pack a couple of pairs of jeans, plenty of t-shirts, a couple of coats and only 1 pair of walking shoes. No "fashion parade" of sorts. No overloading of luggage - I try to save as much space as I can, so as to accommodate all that shopping. And then I end up looking the same in every picture.

And this I was intending to do, till r@e reminded me that I'm not going to just any country. I'm going to Italy - that is, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan - one of the fahion capitals of the world. A country where it has always been well-known for stylish-chic fashion, a trend-setter, home of Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo and all. In short, the MOTHERSHIP of a true-blue shopaholic/fahionista.

Come on, EJ, what were you thinking of??? IT'S ITALY LOR!!!!!!!!

I was ashamed. To think that I was even contemplating carrying a backpack. R@e thought it was a joke. "I don't think Italian women carry backpacks lor. And you want to carry that into the Prada boutique???" she asked.

That's it. All of a sudden, I decided that just for today, only today, I would break that rule of saving up more money (than usual), just before we set off for the trip. I shopped with a purpose. And I was mighty pleased with the find. :D


Ok, back to tripadvisor.....

Mudgod & Ms P: Paradise Found

Finally, after so many years of being together, we saw Mudgod & Ms P got married on Saturday 12 May. Being such a simple and easy-going couple, the signing ceremony with the JP in the morning was a simple yet very sweet affair too. I suspected Mudgod teared. Awwww.... it was really sweet.




Then, it was off to Tioman! After 3 hours on the bus and 1 hour on the boat, we arrived at the lovely island at Japamala Resorts. With only 11 huts, each and every with its unique design and different facing. It was a really quaint, boutique resort that anyone can go and seek solace, revel in God's beautiful creations. The view from our Sea Cliff Villa was awesome, you can shower while facing the sea! :D








As the sun sets, the newly wed strolled in along the boardwalk. It was all so beautiful. Their exchange of vows was really sweet, Mudgod's one being VERY unique. It was a pity he didn't mention that he would give up gaming and soccer though. Blinkymummy, aka Mudgod's couz, was there clicking away on her camera joyfully - was kind of surreal, to have met her and her "Good Fren" - all coming "alive" from the virtual world of blogging!






After sunset drinks, we adjourned to the dining hall for some really yummy dinner and more drinks. Everyone was in a jovial mood, especially seeing how gleeful Ms P was! Mudgod, on one of the very few rare occasions, had a tad too much to drink... and so did everyone else. Shutterbug's impressive drinking ability, as I've read before on his blog, was also put to the test. Although he probably passed with flying colours, whilst snapping pictures away on the side, of Jemej (getting tipsy) with our tiny camera!! So, even my lil camera, when in the hands of the Shutterbug, can turn out well!




Overall, it was a beautiful celebration, it was a fantastic getaway. Everyone had so much fun. Big thank you to Mr & Mrs Mudgod, for giving us such beautiful memories. The Jemej will surely be back again for a weekend retreat! Here's a peek at the rest of our weekend on Paradise.

Shopping Fix - Part 2 of the Jemej Honeymoon

Part 2 of the Jemej Honeymoon - to get my shopping fix (for the lack of in NZ) with a 3-day stopover at Sydney, grand finale!!

Syndey was, incidentally, where we took our first trip together. It was where we got the first of our babies, the Bridgeclimber Bear. Bridgeclimber Bear has since travelled the world with us, as you would see him doing some cameos every now and then in our holiday shots.

Digress a bit. This guy, who left a comment on our Bridgeclimber Bear picture in flickr, apparently brings his bear around the world. Check It Out!!

Now, being back in this same city where our romance was a tiny bud a few years ago, as husband and wife, made this trip extra special. Funnily, we had a knack for taking similar photos, as we retraced our steps back then. See how different we look, in just a space of a few years!





















Here's the rest of them, The Jemej Shopping Honeymoon in Sydney.

Meh Meh Everywhere

I know this is long overdue. It's been 2 months since we came back from our honeymoon to New Zealand, South Island. It was a most beautiful, relaxing road trip. Nobody in the world (literally at some stages), just us. And the meh meh sheep.

So many places we went to, so much memories we gathered. Won't describe the trip, will let the pictures speak for themselves. Only that I have to add that I most enjoyed it when I saw my hubby prancing around the greens. And then there was useless me almost at the brink of throwing up, seasick whilst out whale watching.

And not to forget the flat tyre when we were 2 hours away from civilisation at Milford Sounds. And the incredible Franz Josef glacier. And the Remarkables. And his backside aching from the constant driving (whilst I was soundly sleeping away). Though I must say I always managed to wake up at the right moment to marvel at the nature around me: Zzzzzz....Look! Meh meh sheep! Zzzzzz....

Enjoy, the Jemej Honeymoon to NZ.

Airebus - Airbus with an E

Was over in KL over the weekend, thus explaining the lapse in updating the blog. We just tied up with the Airebus, catering passengers direct coach rides from Singapore to KL. We were thus tasked to "test" this ride. A 5-hour journey, the ride on Friday was smooth and seats were really comfy with lots of, lots of leg room. Much better than taking the plane. They even served a meal on board.

Over in KL, we checked into the Westin. My room had a great view of the city - try spotting the Petronas Towers outside. Bed was of course, HEAVENLY. Sleep was pure luxury, with the exception of my missing "bolster" - the hubby.


Did a few hotel site inspections on Saturday, which helped us see how far more creative and innovative the F&B concepts in Malaysia can be. Certainly, there's a lot that we can learn from, including the genuine warmth and hospitality of Malaysians in general.

Tried to do a bit of shopping, from KLCC to Sungei Wang to Berjaya Times.... don't know why there wasn't anything that appealed to me. Nothing at Vinnci too!!! Not fated to spend money this trip, haha. =p

BACK!

Holidays should be at least 3 weeks. By then, it's almost time when you start missing home, when you are ready to come back. This way, you don't get the "arghk, I wish it can be longer" kind of feeling.

We came back last Sunday, after a flight delay by Qantas. It had us hanging around the Sydney airport (not one with the greatest shopping in the world) for 5 hours. We ended up playing silly finger/eye games with each other. Don't fly Qantas.

Many have since asked me how does it feel to be married. I tell them, "I hope my husband still remembers that he just got married." Cos other than our superb honeymoon, the week back has been an absolutely hectic one. It was work till almost midnight every day, with back-to-back gala dinners. The Boy is already complaining that the Jemej home misses the woman's touch. I have been too tired each day after work to do my usual fussing around the house.

Inevitably, I have neglected my blog too. Now that things are more stable, we have no more wedding-related errands to run, there will be lots of update coming up very soon...

First of all, here's what we were supposed to put up, following some requests just before we left for NZ. The concept video, which we played during the wedding dinner. I hope you all don't start thinking we are a couple of freaks... hahaha... ENJOY!

Honeymoon Here We Come

2 minutes to boarding time. I just have to get my hands onto this. New Zealand, here we come!

Mrs Heng, out.