We decided to go into town for a look-see, but before doing so, we took a slight detour to King’s Park for a short wander.

Kings Park is a 4.06-square-kilometre (1,003-acre) park located on the western edge of Perth, Western Australia central business district. The park is a mixture of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and natural bushland on Mount Eliza.

Besides tourist facilities Kings Park contains the State War Memorial, the Royal Kings Park Tennis club and a reservoir. The streets are tree lined with individual plaques dedicated by family members to Western Australian Service men and women who died in World War I and World War II.

Credit: Wikipedia

Kings Park has hectares of natural bushland and has the best view point to see the Perth City skyline. It was a great chance to try out more HDR shots with my camera. These two are my favourite ones.

It was Saturday morning, and the lawns were scattered with families having picnics, kids playing footy and friends sitting by eskies having ice cold beers and wine. The walking tracks and cycleways were busy with visitors taking photos and admiring weird bush plants like the indigenous Kangaroo paw and Xanthorrhoea aka black boy.

It was at this point I realised how much I missed Perth, and the lifestyle this country could offer. I too wanted to have this laid back lifestyle, I too wanted to be home by 6 everyday, I too wanted to be sitting on the lawn on saturday morning with a sandwich in hand.

This never happens in Singapore. Perhaps one day I’ll have the guts to move somewhere where I could. Someday.

Travel Australia, kings Park, Perth

The minute my parents told me they were selling the Perth apartment, I quickly booked myself a ticket in November for a week. My friend Duncan hadn’t been to Perth before, so it was a perfect opportunity to show him around. It worked out well for me too because that meant I could do mini-road trips (because I could never do it alone, far too dangerous for a girl to be travelling by herself).

Perth was always my escape and sanctuary, so it was bitter sweet going back there this time round.

First full day in Perth was absolutely beautiful. November is around the time summer rolls in so it was the perfect time to be there. Bottom left is a picture taken from the apartment balcony, look at how all the colours just pop! Almost looks DI-ed.

Duncan said he could cook pretty well, so the only way to test him is to ask him to poach eggs for breakfast. Check out the result above!

Now that’s a brilliant way to start the holiday! Nom nom…

Food, Travel Australia, Breakfast, Perth, Poached eggs

I don’t like using the words “Best Friend” lightly when it comes to describing my friendships.

To date, I’ve only called 3 people my Best friend: My mum, sister and Wayne.

Wayne was and is still my best friend. Though we have broken up, there will always be a special place in my heart for him. I could talk to him days on end about anything and everything under the sun.

Then there are good friends. These are the people in my A-Team, like the Danlis, Nattles, Kimmys (Ma Girlfriends) and Jons (whom I call my best mate just coz he’s aussie).

Speaking of Jon, the last trip down to Perth was extra fabulous because I got to spend a good chunk of quality time with him.

In the past 7 years, we’ve both been through lots of life’s trials and tribulations together, and he has definitely proved his loyalty as a friend. Mate, if you were a girl, you’d definitely be one of my bridesmaids!

He is coming up sometime in April and I just can’t wait to party on up with him.

Do you have a Best friend hierarchy as well?

Friends & Family Clubbing, Friends, Friendship, Jon, Jono, Perth

When I was studying in Perth, I would drive down to the farmers market at Subiaco every weekend to do my weekly grocery run. I just loved walking through lanes and lanes of fresh produce, planning my meals for the week. It just has a different vibe to the wet markets here in Singapore, I don’t know what it is. It’s just different.

Most common items in my basket would be:
- a punnet of strawberries
- Courgette
- Mushrooms
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Grapes

When I went back last November for a holiday, I re-lived my Uni days, walking through the isles picking out vegetables and fruits for picnic baskets, dinners in and breakfast. I’m really going to miss this place.

Subiaco Markets
Station St
Subiaco WA 6008, Australia

Food, Travel Australia, Perth, Subi, Subiaco, Weekend Markets

Whenever I felt like a need to escape, or be taken away to a place for some ‘Me Time’, I would just close my eyes and let myself be transported to this very place in Perth, Australia.

One of my favourite-est places to spend some ‘Me time’ is at this cafe called Barchetta on Cottesloe Beach. It’s not fancy, nor does it have great reviews online for the food. But it does over look the Indian ocean and that just did it for me. It’s perfect for coffee and cake at Sunset with a book in hand.

I brought my DSLR on this trip, and managed to take some really awesome HDR photos. Here are my two favourite shots taken from Barchetta.

Two different sets, two different treatments.

Barchetta
149 Marine Pde, North Cottesloe
Phone: (08)9385 2411
Open: Seven days breakfast and lunch; Tuesday to Saturday dinner
Licensed: Yes
website: www.barchetta.com.au/

Food, Travel Australia, Barchetta, Cafe, Coffee, Cottesloe, Perth

What if there was no light
Nothing wrong, nothing right
What if there was no time
And no reason, or rhyme
What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in your life

What if I got it wrong
And no poem or song
Could put right what I got wrong
Or make you feel I belong

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in you life

Oooooooh that’s right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Oooooooh that’s right
How can you know it if you don’t even try
Oooooooh that’s right

Every step that you take
Could be your biggest mistake
It could bend or it could break
But that’s the risk that you take

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there in your life
That you don’t want me there by your side

Oooooooh thats right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Oooooooh that’s right
How can you know it when you don’t even try
Oooooooh that’s right

Oooooooh thats right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Oooooooh that’s right
You know that darkness always turns into light
Oooooooh that’s right

Music

I have a habit of not finishing what I started. Been sitting on my arse on the PC examination for ages because I just haven’t got round to calling my Golf Pro Vincent to get me tested. This year, I hope to play more golf which means more time at the driving range.

Went to the range with Chris a couple of weeks to go, thinking I would embarrass myself by missing the ball completely. Thank goodness I still had my swing (even if its awful, at least the balls are going just short of 100m on a 7-iron). Goal this year is to hit 100 consistently on the 7.

Golf gloves from Stella McCartney by adidas.

Sports & Wellbeing Chris, Golf, Marina Bay, Marina Bay Driving Range

Birthday morning hangovers are not fun, and the only way to recover is a P.S. Cafe brunch with my favourite eggs benedict and skinny latte. Usually that would have been the case, but I don’t know why I decided to go with something different that day. Had major food envy when I saw the eggs benedict on the table next to me.

Next time, just stick to the usual Angela!

And you know what’s one of the best presents I got this year? Watching my nephew Julian walk/run on his own. He is growing up so fast!

Food, Friends & Family Birthday, Brunch, Julian, P.S. Cafe

Picture speaks louder than words. Continuation of my 27th Birthday at Bedrock & Butter!

Squishy face!

Top left: Me and my friend of 20 years, Danli. (Is it 20 babe? or 21?)
Top right: Readddyyyyyyyyy!
Bottom left: Neighbour, known him since I was a kid too.
Bottom right: My lovely ladies of leisure! Kim and Nat who I have known for yonks too! I love you girls so much xoxo

I remembered what happened just before this picture! HAHAhahha Too funny!

Getting messy now! Lots of 5/10s, sprinklers and kisses!

Thanks for an amazing 27th birthday!

Friends & Family Bedrock, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Bedrock Singapore, Birthday, Butter Factory

On the eve of my actual birthday, I squeezed 20 good friends into the private room at Bedrock for an amazing dinner. Am glad I chose that place in the end.

First class service, food was great, and I had one of the most dramatic candle/sparkler I’ve even seen on a Awfully Chocolate cake.

Wearing my new dress I got through Sloane Elizabeth Robertson.

Food & Travel, Friends & Family Bedrock, Bedrock Singapore, Birthday, SER, Sloane Elizabeth Robertson

So I’ve been lazy with the posts again. Big weekend of posts ahead! My birthday last November was definitely a memorable one spent with close friends and family.

I had to break it into parts because it was pretty epic (pales in comparison to kimmy’s of course) and just 1 post of photos won’t suffice.

Part 1 was with my lovely ladies Janice, Grace, Joanne and Melody at an Italian restaurant in Pasir Panjang Village.

Thanks girls for all the gifts, cards, wishes and most importantly your company at that wonderful dinner!
Lots of love xoxo

Friends & Family, Snaps & Clips Birthday, Happy Birthday

Heard this first on Perez and I love it. You heard it here first…. or second…

The identity of the artists behind Flight Facilities remains mysterious… Rumour has it that this project is the brainchild of Jimmy 2 Sox and (possibly) U-Go-B, two Sydneysiders affiliated with Australian electro labels Bang Gang 12 inches and Modular.

Plans to work together were formed then but didn’t really take off until the following year when they met again at the secret Bang Gang Runway party. This time, real plans were formed and and they started doing some remixes for a bunch other artists such as Bag Raiders, The Lowbrows, Toecutter and Sneaky Sound System.

They are just about to release a fantastic single, “Crave You”, that will be out in a couple of months (March 26th to be exact). They are also planning to release an album called Taking Flight some time in 2010.

Courtesy of umstream

Follow them on their myspace page.

Music Crave You, Electro, Flight Facilities, Music

Here’s my favourite two favourite performances at the Hope for Haiti telethon concert. There are lots of ways and channels to help, here is one of many.

A wonderful rendition of Hallelujah done by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris at the Hope for Haiti benefit concert. One of the best I’ve heard. So far I love the Jeff Buckley version, but I must say this one comes a close second to the Jason Castro one.

Giving Back, Music Hope for Haiti, Justin Timberlake, Matt Morris, Music, youtube

Was having a horrid day at work yesterday, but this came through my email from my sister. I gladly accept her spam emails because it’s always quality forwards

Must have your volume on!

Snaps & Clips Funnies, youtube

Been wakeboarding a fair bit these past few months, and instead of just pictures, here’s a video montage of the thrills and spills….in reverse!

*update
Just realised the video is 5mins long! Perhaps I should cut it down. Will do that tonight.

*update update
Darn it, got a notification on the use of music track on my video. Anyone know how to get around it? Mix-up the tracks a bit?

Snaps & Clips, Sports & Wellbeing video, Wakeboarding

Race Date: This Sunday, 24 January 2010

Safra AVventura is an adventure race consisting of multiple disciplines ranging from trail biking, running, kayaking, rope ascend, abseiling, navigation and mystery tests all rolled into one exhilarating race to fully challenge those with a passion for adventure.

My last adventure race was the Penang Eco-Challenge a couple of years back. We did some training prior, but this time round, a BIG FAT ZERO. Read the post HERE to read how it all goes down in an adventure race.

EgaD! This Sunday!!! Wish me luck! Hope I’m still standing for The Killers later that evening!

Geek & Gadgets adventure race, mountain biking, MTB, Safra AVventura

Found this very amusing. Here are photos form Penang Jamboree 2007 vs 2009

Race Day breakfast at the flat.

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol.

Foot reflexology at Komtar. Exactly the same shop too!

Mannequin Janice at Komtar.

Dim Sum at Restoran Zim Sum.

Nom-ing at Macalister Road

The Fangs

Me and my Chee Cheong Chook!

Food & Travel, Snaps & Clips Penang, Photos, reflections

From left: Janice & Grace.

It’s wonderful to see familiar faces at the finishing line cheering you on! Pain and suffering replaced with joy, gladness and sense of accomplishment.

Friends & Family, Sports & Wellbeing Friendship, Mountain Bike, mountain biking, MTB, Penang Jamboree

Still to date the best I’ve tasted. Fried oyster omelette from Jalan Macalister/New Lane. Good amount of fat oysters, and gooey egg omelette.

Fried Oyster Omelette
Macalister Road/New Lane junction
Price: RM7, 10, 13, 16

Food, Travel Food, Macalister Road, Penang

This is what we all look forward to every time we are back in Penang. Macalister Road Chee Cheong Chook! (hehehe say it out loud, its a bit like the transformer sounds that the autobots make! *geek*)

We first discovered this stall during one of our Penang Jamboree trips, and since then, Chee Cheong Chook has become mandatory on every visit there.

From left: Janice couldn’t contain her excitement! And me taking photos of food again

The pushcart stall is at the corner of Jalan Macalister and New Lane. You can’t miss it! Just look for the stall with hanging pork intestines and char siew above a huge cauldron of congee. They start selling their Chee Cheong Chook from 2pm onwards, but the best time to go is at dusk when the weather isn’t so hot.

What’s in a Chee Cheong Chook?
Congee, pig’s tongue, char siew (barbequed pork), pig intestines (done 2 ways: fried and boiled), pepper and spring onion to garnish.

I know it sounds rank, and I’m the sort of person who is quite adversed to trying new things. But trust me on this, it’s delicious! Especially the crunchy fried intestines, that’s the best part!

Chee Cheong Chook
Corner of Jalan Macalister and New Lane, Penang
Price: RM4, RM4.50, RM5

Other food you can find on Macalister Road

Satay, Carrot Cake, Chicken Wing, Cuttlefish

Food, Travel Chee Cheong Chook, Congee, Food, Penang