Day 1: Europe - Italy - Rome

The last time I went on a package tour, I swore to Dylan that I would never go on one again. But having to travel to Europe with a clueless husband and multiple luggages makes everything seemingly possible again. So after the long awaited trip, surviving 14 hours of flight, we land into one of the most beautiful city of Europe - Rome.

First stop, the iconic symbol of Itlay - The Colosseum, originally known as The Flavian Ampitheatre. It is also famously recognized for holding gladiator fights and slavery executions re-enacted in the Gladiator movie.

Notice the tiny little holes? It was said that the internal structure was made of premium quality material to hold the stonework. Hence, parts of the structure were extracted to re-use elsewhere.

Even if you're not a Catholic per se, one would certainly have to visit The Vatican City - home of the Pope. We were awed by the architectural intelligence that existed way before blueprints were invented. Every nook and corner of the building were so meticulously measured and designed that if you stand at a certain spot in the middle of St Peter's Square, you would see only one pillar at every angle.

Savouring yummylicious Italian gelato in the icy cold weather...

Next up, we adjourned to Trevi fountain. It was heard that the Italians regarded water as fortune. So almost everywhere, you can see mini fountains to symbolize their abundance of wealth around the city. Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder, it is believed that you would return to Rome. Two coins will lead you to a new romance, three would lead to marriage. I tossed a coin and sincerely wished to return to Rome one day with my love one in good health.

We spent one night in Rome before heading to Pisa and Florence.

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

Reunion dinners used to have a special meaning for me. It bears the definition of bonding, family get togethers and savouring delectable food for 15 hard days. It is also miracle that I can still fit in my pants.

Having to rush through 2 reunions in a night for the past 4 years have begun to wear me out. I have no idea why either side refused or even compromise to hold it on seperate days. The chore of having to gobble down food in 30 mins and then drive at lightning speed to the next destination, only to suffer another round of naggings is simply a killjoy.

Anyhow, despite being so resentful and whiney, I know I should still be thankful that my loved ones are happy and healthy. Enough of complaints, here are the photos.

I didn't win any $$$ during gamble sessions but I hope that doesn't translates to my fortune going down the drain this year. (Mental note: Cannot spend too much. Haha)

Random

Finally found a blog app that is able to upload photos without a charge.

On other news, Chinese New Year came and gone. Jayden has been in daycare for two months now. Everyday he tells me he hates school but always come back with a smiley face. I'm not sure which is the truth.

We're off to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh next week to celebrate hub's birthday - My gift to him including myself. Haha.

Meanwhile, Happy Rabbit Year to all! Huat ah!

Ushering another new year

I didn't mean to have this late post. But I was waiting for *ahem* some overdued photos which is still overdued because someone is busy sipping red wine on the other side of the globe. *looks at C's direction sternly*

Anyhow, despite our ever-increasing hectic schedule, that never stopped us from having our ritual New Year dinner.

This year, C picked a quaint gem spot somewhere on the west. The ambience was good, food came in decent portions, topped up with a nice bottle of wine - simply divine. It is little moments like these that makes me appreciate my life is pampered. :) Thanks for the great food & company!

Our 5th New Year Celebration

I was trying to dig out last year new year dinner posts and I came across my 2010 resolutions.

1. 1 long holiday, probably USA or Japan & 1 short holiday, hopefully to bring Jayden along to Hong Kong [Went to Club Med Bali with my parents and had many other short trips]


2. Be more patient to Jayden [Still trying to attain zen]


3. Celebrating my 30th birthday overseas with my gfs [Celebrated at Festive hotel instead]


4. Going diving again [Unfortunately, I'm not sure when this will ever happen :( ]


5. Getting my dream bag - Chanel 2.55 Classic Jumbo (when can I own you!) [Hopefully in my upcoming trip!!! Got a Balenciaga to make up for the 'loss']


6. Staying healthy - swimming and hitting the gym every week [This has dwindled to once a month affair]


7. Going health screenings yearly - have to plan one for Dylan soon [Did mine, not so good. Still trying to psycho the man to do it]


8. Start saving to plan for house shifting in 2 years time [Savings will start after Europe trip]


9. Stay on my current job at least for > 2 years (I job hop every 2 years) [I don't know if I should be proud of this but I have achieved it]


10. Further studies to enhance my portfolio and of course better pay to fulfil Pt 8 [Not happening yet]

I decided not to have any resolutions for 2011 although there will be some points above that will be on repetitive mode - Health, savings and family. My motto is simple - Keep moving forward and enjoy life to the fullest.

So with that, I leave some photos of the past. I think we haven't aged much! :p

2009 @ Conrad

2008 @ Kushinbo & Flyer

2007 @ Hanabi

2006 - @ The Line with no kids!

Cheers to another great year!!! Now where should we go?