The Shell Eco-marathon challenges high school and college student teams from around the world to design, build and test energy efficient vehicles. With annual events in the Americas, Europe and Asia, the winner is the team that goes the furthest distance using the least amount of energy. This year, the Shell Eco-marathon Asia was held at Sepang, Malaysia.

One of the supporting events was the Shell FuelSave 1L Challenge. A contest which requires you to try to drive the furthest with 1L of fuel.

Our very own Eunice Olsen represented Singapore a couple of years back for the global event in Germany and came in 2nd. This time, Shell organised the challenge for ordinary drivers like you and me.

I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent Singapore together with DK to test our FuelSave knowledge. Both DK and I were part of the FuelSave Challege in Singapore last year. You can read about that HERE.

We got to meet John and Helen Taylor who hold more than 85 World Records, mostly in national fuel economy driving records.

Results at the end of the day? We didn’t win, but that’s ok. We walked away with an experience and knowledge that we can share with family and friends.

Here’s a short video of some footage from the 2 day workshop and driving challenge.

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Random, Travel

It took me 0.02 seconds to say yes when Danli called me to ask if I wanted to go to Bali on Air Asia’s S$50 special.

So fresh off the boat from India and I’m off to Bali this weekend for a much needed break. Yes India was a break and it was absolutely beautiful, but there was a lot to do in very little time.

This weekend is all about doing nothing. Self reflection and personal audit.

India has given me new perspective on life, and the next step is discovering how to live it right. I can’t wait for too long or wait forever for things to happen, I’m not getting any younger.

`

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

Looking forward to Bali to:

Me Time, Travel

To my travel and life experience cronies,

You remind me a little each time to live. And that one can live with very little. What’s material means nothing, it’s what’s intangible that counts. Our collective spirit brings us closer. And with every trip I love you more.

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re travelling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

One of the songs in our holiday CD Compilation

Friends & Family, Travel

Another post which was lost in the drafts. Bear in mind this was written in 2008 when I was still with Wayne and still DH-ing! Both not the case anymore.

Everyone knows there aren’t any mountains to climb in Singapore, all we’ve got is Bukit Timah Hill, just 164m above sea water! sadface.

Not that I don’t enjoy it, I do, but sometimes you need to throw something different into the mix. To get that fix, Wayne, Leon, Lai, Ian and I headed up to Kiara KL, again.

This is the most we’ve ever travelled for mountain biking, think it has been four trips.

This time round, we brought up the Turner RFX for me to use, because I should start getting used to the bike if I was going to go slightly harder.

After this trip, I have to confess I have a problem. I’m scared.

Ever since I endovered the last time at Kiara, it’s never been the same. I’m constantly filled with apprehension and anxiety. All of which spells disaster if you’re carrying that fear.

The thing about doing drops and berms, you’ve got to be mentally prepped, unfortunately I’m having a lot of trouble conquering that mental block.

It’s been months since I last did any downhill riding, and I fear I’ve lost the “Gung-Ho-ness” after that spill.

Is this the end?

The two crazy boys Ian and Ben make everything look damn easy.

Leon’s first trip to Kiara.

At Angel drop, Kiara.

My best shot of Wayne, taken with the Canon SLR.

Note: If you’re going to Kiara, wear something you bought in Singapore. Possibility of wearing same shirt as your friend from Kiara: HIGH.

Half way through the afternoon, I was so ready to sleep.

Sports & Wellbeing, Travel Mount Kiara, Mt Kiara, MTB

There are a lot of mixed reviews on the internet but to me it is arguably one of the best burger joints in Hong Kong. Was first introduced to Shake ‘em Buns by Dru at the beginning of 2009. And the next 3 times I went back to Hong Kong, I was back there at least once. It almost became a pilgrimage.

Don’t expect McDonalds prices here, prepare to fork out around HK$60 for a burger and HK$12 for fries.

My favourite burger is the “South of The Border” which is a beef burger with Guacamole, Sour Cream and Salsa. What sold me was the guacamole…mMMmm i love guacamole.

Shake em Buns
Address: Shop No. 6, , Wan Chai (Entrance at Ship Street)
Tel: (851) 2866 2060
Opening Hours:
Website: http://www.shakembuns.com/

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Food, Travel Burger, Burgers, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Shake 'em Buns

It was our last few days in Hong Kong and one of the items to strike off the list was to have afternoon tea at The Pen.

The Peninsula (香港半島酒店) located at the junction of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is also Hong Kong’s oldest surviving hotel.

Out of the 10 people I’ve asked, 7 said that The Peninsula has the best afternoon/high tea in country, so I guess The Pen it was. All 7 of them also mentioned that we should call to make a reservation a couple of days in advance, just so we wouldn’t have to wait in line for a table.

Afternoon tea was pleasant but slightly overrated. There were so many tables catering to demand, it felt over commercialized and almost canteen-like. But I guess everyone including us were there so we can claim we’ve had tea at The Pen.

Our tiered afternoon tea set comprised of snacks on silver platters accompanied with coffee or tea. For those of you who don’t know, top tier is usually scones, middle is the savoury and the last tier is the sweets. But nowadays no one really keeps to the tradition.

For ours, the bottom tier was raisin scones accompanied by whipped butter, fresh strawberry preserves and clotted cream. You must MUST have clotted cream, and none of that fake cream instant bottle crap. Second tier was finger sandwiches and assorted pastries, and the last tier the sweets: chocolate and cake.

To be honest, it was over-priced, but you pay for the colonial grandeur and ambience which is The Pen. There you are sitting beneath the arches of the lobby, listening to The Lobby String quartet, sipping tea like ladies of leisure. A tad bit chi-chi, and not exactly my cup of tea, so it won’t be a repeat visit. But at least I could tick it off the list.

The Peninsula
Address: Salisbury Road, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 7pm
Dress code: Casual – smart casual

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Food, Travel Afternoon Tea, Hi-tea, High tea, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, The Peninsula

Some people find it very strange that I like birds as pets, the fascination started when I took part in a Children’s Art competition organised by the Jurong Bird Park. One of the prizes I received was a book on the different species of birds at the Park.

That’s when I learnt about Parrots. I still remember clearly the species that caught my attention: Blue Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlett Macaw, African Grey, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and Parakeets/Budgerigars. On my birthday, I convinced my mum to buy me a Budgie and I aptly and boringly named it Tweety.

In Mong Kong, one of the themed streets was Hong Lok Street (Bird Street雀仔街) although correct me if I’m wrong but all the bird stores now sit in Yuen Po Street Garden, still in the same vicinity.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is where songbird owners gather to pageant their feathered friends in their intricately crafted cages. The garden encloses some 70 bird stalls selling cages, birds, bird feed, crickets, worms and toys.

Brian and I didn’t spend too much time here, because the smell of bird poo was making me a bit sick. But still glad I got some nice photos in. The only thing which made my heart sink is the number of birds they packed into a cage. I know it’s a shop, but I just think that regardless, they should be given a more humane living condition albeit temporary.

Yuen Po Street Garden (Bird Street)
Directions:
- Get off at the Prince Edward MTR stationTake exit B1 and walk East
- Turn left at Sai Yee Street, then turn at first right into Flower Market Road.
- After walking the length of Flower Market Rd, on the left you will see Yuen Po Street
Opening hours: 7 am – 8 pm daily

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Travel Bird Street, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Yuen Po Street Garden

After walking past countless plastic bags of fish on Goldfish street, we finally reached Flower Market Street.

I like to think I have green fingers, so the thought of walking through a jungle of plants, flowers and horticulture accessories excites me. It’s the same sort of excitement I get when I’m at a stationery or kitchen store… such a geek moment.

Flower Market Street is lined with endless rows of flower shops touting all kinds of flowers and potted plants. Each store overflowing with buckets of peonies, poinsettias, chrysanthemums and carnations spilling out onto the sidewalk.

Storeowners are regularly fined for putting their plants on the sidewalk, but will risk it in hopes to lure you to their colourful display of nature at its best. We had to meander through the already narrow sidewalks and our best to stay out of the way of women scrambling to pick the best blooms in the bucket. My only purchase from there were a few pink peonies for Auntie Mieke. Hope she liked it!

Did you know, that peonies are one of my favourite flowers?

Flower Market Road (花墟道)
Opening hours: Daily 7 AM-7:30 PM
Directions:
- MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B1 and walk east along Prince Edward Road West.
- MTR Mong Kok East Station Exit C. Walk to Sai Yee Street via footbridge and follow the signs.

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Travel Flower Market, Flower Market Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries

While the Lies spent some family time together, I met up with Brian to explore Hong Kong one afternoon. I was raving about the amazing beef noodles in Mong Kok the night before, so we decided to hit it up one more time. It’s funny how in such a short period of time, I’ve become the tour guide as opposed to the tourist.

I read up about the different themed streets in Mong Kok: Ladies street, Goldfish Street, Bird Street, Flower Market Road, Tile Street and Photocopy Street. And since the first few listed were all relatively close to one another, we thought it would be a good idea to have a walk about.

Let’s talk about the Goldfish or Fish Street first. I’m not too sure what the official name is, but there are a few floating around the internet: The Goldfish Market, Goldfish Street and Fish Street. I’ll just call it Goldfish Street because that’s what I found on wikipedia.

Goldfish Street is on Tung Choi Street, South of Prince Edward Road West. It’s the place to go for anything aquarium related. There are dozens and dozens of shops selling fishes in all shapes and hues and everything else to give them a pretty home. From tanks, corals, rocks, plants and food. You can also find them tortoise and sea horse friends. A couple of shops had more critters like Guinea pigs on sale as well.

We walked past a store with plastic tubs of tortoises in direct sunlight! Brian was not pleased by that at all, being the terrapin lover that he is. On closer inspection, there were a few little guys who have already keeled over. Poor lil fellas

The wall of fish in plastic bags makes good pictures, but it must be awful living in a plastic bag of water the whole day. Then again I’m sure most of these goldfish won’t even remember.

GoldFish Market
Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
Opening hours: 10:30am – 10pm
Directions:
- MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B2 and walk east along Prince Edward Road West.
- MTR Mong Kok East Station Exit C. Walk to Sai Yee Street via footbridge and follow the sign

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Travel Goldfish Market, Goldfish Street, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Mong Kok

Was waiting all day for Dru to be done with work, so I took the liberty to find a Mexican place for dinner. I scoured through the internet and found somewhere nearby at Soho, Central Hong Kong.

El Taco Loco is a small little Mexican place that sits on the corner and on a slope, right next to the Soho escalators. Because of its location and price, it gets a steady flow of customers.

They serve the usual burritos and tacos (duh!), but don’t expect it to be plated nicely. They come in tin foil bowls and plates, and plastic sauce dishes. But that’s what you’d expect for the price you pay!

Good place to satisfy the craving, but not really comfortable for long sit down dinners.

El Taco Loco
Address: G/F, SOHO, Central
Tel: +852 2522 1262
Opening hours: 12:00pm to 10:00pm. 7 days a week

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Food, Travel El Taco Loco, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries

Favourite meal of the day is Brunch and even better if its a place that serves All-Day breakfasts.

It was Mothers’ Day, and the Lies were looking for a place to take Auntie Mieke. Again, I did a little research to find a decent brunch place. Judging criteria: Do they have a website, ratings on review sites, interior shots of the restaurant, menu and price.

First of all, the website was well designed. Ratings were pretty good. Interior shots of the restaurant had a P.S. Cafe vibe (I like!). And the menu was huge! Not only was it huge, items like these won me over:
- Wild mushroom soup with truffle cream
- Lobster risotto
- Roquefort & Bacon burger
- Blueberry pancakes
- Eggs Royale with Smoke Salmon
- Freshly baked scones
- Macaroni Au Gratin

SOLD. I forwarded the site to Dru, next thing Boom! Booked for 6 on Mothers’ Day. Food was great, atmosphere was casual and lively, service good. Definitely a repeat location. I reckon its a great place for hangover brunches, and the owner probably thinks so too, offering “hangover cures” and “pick me up” drinks on the menu.

The Press Club
Address: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
Tel: +852 2525 3444
Website: http://www.thepressroom.com.hk/

Food, Travel Brunch, Food, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, The Press Room

Photos taken at Wan Chai District

Hong Kong skyline from rooftop of J-residences at Wan Chai District.

Snaps & Clips, Travel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Photography

While we’re still in Central Hong Kong, I should bring to your attention what made my eyes light up. A WHOLE STREET OF FANCY DRESS SHOPS! My only regret is not BUYING ANYTHING! You can buy all sorts of accessories, costumes, wigs, hats and face paints at bargain-able prices.

It’s at the pedestrian section of Pottinger Street 砵典乍街 or also known as Stone Slabs Street (石板街) by the locals. Just walk up from Queens Road at Central.

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Fashion, Travel Fancy Dress, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Pottinger Street

Probably one of the best Kebab’s I’ve ever had, second to the Altos Kebab in Perth. But then again everything tastes freakin amazing after a night out on the crawl.

Ebeneezers are spread across the island with outlets in Wanchai, Central, discovery bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and New Territories. The one I visited most was the Wanchai outlet on Lockhart Road.

I recommend ordering:
- Mix (Lamb and Chicken Kebab) HK$62
Roasted Chicken and Lamb, served in Lebanese Pita bread with salad and your choice of dressings
- Gyros (Chicken Kebab) HK$52
Roasted Chicken, served in Lebanese Pita bread with salad and your choice of dressings

Ebeneezers (Wan Chai)
G/F, 52 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2157 0009
Opening Hours: 10am – 6am (Sun-Thur), 10am – 7am (Fri-Sat)
Website: http://www.ebeneezers.com/

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Food, Travel Ebeneezers, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries, Kebabs

Just a bit of trek up the road from the Wai Kee Congee Shop is this pushcart coffee stall – Lan Fong Yuen.

It’s claim to fame is their pork chop bread (豬扒包) and milk tea. We were so stuffed from congee the thought of more food just made me ill. BUT, that didn’t stop us from having a cup of local coffee for a potent java hit.

Dru’s dad was the one who introduced us to this stall, and told us how we were suppose to be sitting on those stools.

Below is one of my favourite photos from that trip. There was a lot going on in that picture, and it captured the moment perfectly.

Lan Fong Yuen (蘭芳園 )
Address: 2 Gage Street, Central
中環結志街2號
Tel: +852 2544 3895 / 2854 0731

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Food, Travel Coffee, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diairies, Tea

With friends in Hong Kong over the weekend, I’m forced to reminisce the 4 trips I made to the island last year. It was 4 freakin amazing trips I must add.

What I love most about travelling is eating like the locals, or finding that hole-in-the-wall place which serves up authentic, tasty and affordable local cuisine. So one of such places I visit repeatedly in Hong Kong is this porridge/congee stall in Stanley Market.

It’s a bit hard to find, and will involve a bit of map skills to get you there. Best time to go is early in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded, but if you’re dying for a taste and you got out of bed late, it’s still open at lunch.

Wai Kee is most well-known for their Yiu Tiao 油條 which is also known as yiu cha kway or Fried dough fritters. Their yiu tiao are made on the spot and comes to your table hot and crispy on the outside, but the inside is as light and soft as a warm croissant.

Here’s what we had, and what I recommend you order:
- Lean pork with Century Egg porridge
- Yiu tiao (油條)
- 炸兩 which is basically Yiu tiao wrapped in Chee Cheong Fun

Note about ordering: Decide what you want before you order. And when you get hold of the lady boss, give your orders quick and loud. Because she has a habit of coming to your table, and while you begin with your orders, she will start walking off. It’s quite amusing, but don’t worry, she’s still listening.

Wai Kee Congee Shop (威记粥店)
Address: G/F, 82 Stanley St., Central
Tel:+852 2551 5564
Directions: Central MTR Station, Exit D1 & D2

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Food, Travel Food, HK, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Diaries

So finally I’ve come to my last post about Perth, and it will be the last post for a long long time. Why am I choking up as I type this? I write this post with a heavy heart and shaky hands, the latter probably alcohol-induced from an over indulgent weekend. Oof!

I guess I knew this day would come sooner or later. We sold our apartment in Perth.

I was fortunate to live in a good suburb in Perth just 5mins away from the City and 8mins away from UWA. 25 Melville Parade South Perth was my home for 3 years. I cooked, cleaned, and beautified my little abode. I’m definitely going to miss that place, and so for the last time, “Goodbye House”!

There’s so much attachment to this place besides the apartment. Perth memories were at emotional extremes: great joys, fear, love and lost.
To name a few:

• Experienced alot of life’s firsts such as: Learning how to drive, growing my own herb garden, first hail storm, first taste of freedom, learnt to play golf.
• Partied like a rockstar during my last semester and still managed to emerge a graduate.
• I had a really emotionally abusive ex boyfriend who brought my self-esteem down till the point I felt unworthy
• Lived in serious fear of stalkers and break-ins when I lived alone in my apartment.
• Met an amazing guy who built back that self-confidence and I went on to date for 5 1/2 years.
• Formed some amazing friendships. Like Jono, now one of my best mates.

Now with the apartment sold, the end of a era just feels more real.

Then there was my wheels (well my dad’s)… a 2003 Toyota RAV4, which faithfully travelled up North and down South countless times but chose to die on me once on the Freeway South just 2 minutes from my doorstep.

I loved my license plate (ANG3L) and now it’s out on the market for the taking for those in WA.

We kept it there even after I moved home to Singapore because we were travelling back to Perth quite often and it worked out cheaper to keep it than to rent a car.

So, to my set of wheels. “Bye Car”!

The only consolation is knowing that Perth is only a hop and skip away and that I have wonderful friends there like Jon & Dave still there to keep the memories alive when I visit.

It’s time I closed this huge chapter in my life. And say goodbye to Perth!

Travel ANG3L, Australia, Perth

The Garden is an outdoor bar/restaurant situated next to The Leederville Hotel on Newcastle Street. I should emphasize NEXT, not IN the Leederville Hotel. For those not familiar, The Leederville Hotel bar is like The Garden’s older ugly sister, same parents but just a shabby, dirty and skanky place to hang.

The crowd at The Garden is far more relaxed, unpretentious and grown up, you won’t find young teens chugging beer and sculling Jaegerbombs here. How? Perhaps by choosing not to serve spirits, and just focus on wine, beers and the exception, Pimms.

The wine list is not huge, and features mostly West Australian wines costing around A$30-50. Beers stocked include Boags, Leffe, and Jon’s highly recommended James Squire.

We chose to sit al-fresco, perched upon high chairs and long wooden tables.

Here’s a sampling of their menu:
lamb kofta with cool yoghurt ($9.50)
Bunbury white bait with preserved lemon aioli ($10)
pork rillettes ($4.50)
Balls of beef and parmeasan with tomato relish ($9.50)
Chorizo and Kipfler potato with rosemary dressing ($12)
Charcuterie plate, crispy pork belly, chorizo, spiced chicken, and lamb kofte – serves 4 ($44)
Crispy baby squid, palm sugar & citrus dressing – serves 2 ($22)

It’s a nice place for knocking back a few beers, and is definitely on my repeat list.

The Garden
Tel: +61 (08) 9202 8282
Open: Lunch and dinner, seven days
Website: http://www.leedervillehotel.com/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=101&na

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Food, Travel Australia, Leederville, Perth, The Garden

One of the best fish and chippie restaurant in Perth is Cicerellos which sits on the fishing pier in Fremantle. The place is huge and can’t be missed if you’re walking across from the city centre to the harbour.

Don’t expect to be served at this restaurant, think of it more of a glorified canteen just to keep your expectations in check. When you enter the place, your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge aquarium which walls the path to the ordering counter.

You order your food from the counter, pick up a electronic tag, and find yourself a seat at the many tables inside and outside the restaurant. It’s quite noisy indoors, so if you want a bit more peace, quiet and sunshine, eat alfresco. But just be ready to guard your food from the hungry Sea Gulls perched on the fence.

When your electronic tag starts buzzin, it means your food is ready for collection from the counter

The two items always ordered are:

• Traditional fish and chips (premium NZ Hoki) – A$12.60
• Fresh Chilli Mussels – A$22.00

Their fish & chips are wrapped in paper. Salt and vinegar available at the counter. Only thing which annoys me: they charge you for tiny packets of tartar sauce. Come on you can’t have fish without tartar!

I like the fact that the Little Creatures micro-brewery is just down the road too! THAT place has just expanded like crazy! Definitely one of the sexiest looking micro-breweries I’ve ever come across.

Enjoyed the little sense of humour on the signs they placed around Cicerellos. I’m sure you can guess what the words abbreviated are.

Address: Fisherman’s Wharf 44 Mews Road Fremantle 616
Telephone: +61 (08) 9335 1911
Email: info@cicerellos.com.au
Opening hours: 10am to late, 7 Days A Week
Website: http://www.cicerellos.com.au/

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Food, Travel Australia, Cicerellos, Fish & Chips, Fremantle, Perth

While walking round Fremantle, I chanced upon an old record shop. After a bit of reading, discovered The Record Finder is the oldest established record dealer in Australasia, operating since 1966.

The family run business is dedicated to customer satisfaction with friendly staff happy to help in any way. The Record Finder specialises in all fields of music and stock all record mediums, LP’s, 45′s, 78′s, 12″ as well as record equipment, VHS and DVD titles, cartridges and styluses. Records are stocked from all genres and in all categories, new, used, and rare or original pressings.

Spent awhile flipping through old LPs and admiring the vintage-ness of the collections they had stocked. Range was massive, everything from the Beatles to the Beastie Boys, they had it all.

The Record Finder
Address: 87 High Street Fremantle Perth Western Australia 6160
Tel: +61 (08) 9335 2770
Email: sales@therecordfinder.com.au
Website: www.therecordfinder.com.au

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Music, Travel Australia, Perth, Record Shop, The Record Finder