Grainy no more

I contemplated for the longest time to get a DSLR for many obvious reasons - too expensive, too high maintenance and the sure killer was too bulky.

"You must get a DSLR for your Europe trip", came a voice ringing in my head. I thought my trusty Panasonic LX-3 semi-pro camera would do the trick until I saw C's photos. The scenaries were breath-taking.

It didn't help much that there was an IT fair that had to come just a couple of weeks before my trip. "Is it a sign?" I asked myself. I applaud myself when I tried to push that idea out of my head and convinced myself that I didn't need this baby. That was until I test-run on Dewi's new toy - the EOS 600D. That is it.

Like they say, let the pictures do the talking. Of course, with my star model.

Now even with a bad photographer, with a bad angle, the quality looks good!

Jayden with his score chart.

The context behind is that the boy has to do something independantly, like brushing his own teeth, wearing his own clothes, keeping his toys and he'll be rewarded by 1 sticker. Collect 10 and he gets his favourite toy.

Jayden is pretty proud of his score chart and beams at the fact that he's just 2 sticker short of getting his prize. Keep it up son!

To Saigon

The man in the house usually leaves me cracking up my brain whenever an occasion arises - birthday, anniversay, festive season and whatever memorable day shared between us.

"I don't need anything" he said for his birthday. And because we were, or rather I was, itching for a short trip prior to our Europe escape, I chanced upon Tiger Airways having a really good bargain, and the rest is history.

The jade lettuce is actually a national treasure of Taiwan

Lunch first then sight-seeing. Need to build up energy to walk, walk, walk!

Behind us is Mr Ho Chi Minh himself

The city retained various ancient architecture, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European.

As you can clearly see, going by foot doesn't bring us to many places of sights. And so it was dinner time!

Very interesting place where they laid out all the food spread in tables and you'll get to see how it's cooked. Food is yum-meh too.

Of course, other than giving your eyes a feast, one must do justice to their wallet by spending in a foreign land right? So it's shopping time!

This is HCM's version of Chinatown. It was more like a warehouse to me cause everything came in bulk and quantities and people were unloading, unpacking, packing, shipping out goods every single second! And did I mention in an orderly manner too? Shops were categorized by types so one section can be selling footwear, then another section hats, then another clothes. Very neat!

Took a day tour to visit the 'must-go' chu-ci tunnel, where they perserved the place when the war took place. It consists of a large network of underground tunnels used by their people to move around. We had a go to 'crawl' inside the tunnel which was already expanded for tourist purposes. I can only say, I cannot imagine myself being part of the war and crawling through these dark tiny holes, not knowing when I can see light. I truely emphatize the people.

Of course, after all the walking, eating, sweating, it's time to chill out with a cup of their home roasted coffee before heading to the airport. A great short trip after all!

Sipping hazelnut latte at their version of Starbucks cafe

Cheers!

February is always busy

Ever since I got to know the man, February was never a quiet month anymore.

Every 7th day of the week in that month, would mark a special meaning to us. 7th Feb - Our ROM Anniversary, 14th Feb - Valentine's Day, 20th Feb - Dylan's Birthday. Very convenient for me to combine all occasions to one gift too. :p

Knowing that Dylan needed a new pair of shades, selecting a gift for him was a breeze. Until it came to my turn, the golden question "So what do you want?" - in case he got me a box of horror gifts that would highly end up in the darkest corner of the house.

It took a while to pick the shade in the design and colour that Dylan wanted. I'm glad he went for my suggestion. Then a voice echoed "Why don't I get pair also?". I think the SA managed to pick up the vibe and conveniently suggested "We have this nice pair of shade in the same color lens as your hub." and proceeded to lay it on my hands. The rest is history... ...

Oakleys in the same color lens for our anniversary cum valentine's gift - how appropriate to the theme! :D

On other news, we also had mini celebration sessions on both side of friends. Lots of good food, fun and laughter. Can you see why I don't bother to make a "Eat less" resolution for this year?

Happy 33rd Birthday to my old man!

Next up, your birthday treat from me to Ho Chi Minh! :D