8.30am breakfast on Deck 9. Omelette, hash brown, baked beans, sausages french toast juice.
After breakfast checkout photos. Zumba classes on.
Check out deck3. Library. Jungle room. Techno room. Shops. Play a game of connect 4 with Adam.
11.30pm lunch. Chicken and asparagus pie. Chips with gravy. Mashed potatoes mushy peas. Salad. Fruit salad. Lemonade.
Check out library and deck 3 and 2
Back to room at 3pm JT naps till 5pm
Go down to 2 to try the taste bar. Nonnas meatballs and bruschetta.
Head back up to 9. Meet up with Lily and Mark. We finally locate soft serve on 9.
Dinner at 7.45pm in Empire dining. Served by Junior and Wanyakorn
Penne marinara. Prime roast rib with steamed vegies carrot brocolli potato. Don't eat potato.Mango.raspberry. pineapple sorbet.
9.45pm Watch show. Comedian.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Carnival Spirit Cruise. Day 1 Embarkation. Sunday 30 August
Embarkation Day
Breakfast at 8.30am fried egg, baked beans, sausages, assam lemak. Toast and juice at the YMCA.
Check out at 11am. Catch MRT to Marina South Pier $1.70.
Long walk to terminal. Upstairs to baggage drop. So many people. Need to fill in forms. Lots of waiting. Our check-in is 1.30pm to 2.00pm
Need to wait till then before we need to queue through security check. Then need to wait again and then queue to go up to get ship photo id and room key. Then wait again. Supposedly should be given zone number but none issued. Lady tells us we can join queue to board ship. Another long queue. Photos taken. Snakes through 2 passages..so hot..not air conditioned. Checkin to ship. Surrender passports. Finally free to go to room and checkout ship. 4pm. Go up to lido for food.
Once we have eaten, we then explore the ship. People are still boarding. It takes a while for our luggage to arrive at our door, whereas Lily and Mark's are there waiting for them when they board.
We check out the ship from top to bottom. Scout out the laundry rooms. Explore the bars and lounges. The library turns out to be pretty small and only books and board games, no jigsaws - how disappointing. Shops are closed, which is the norm when they are in port.
Have a nap before dinner. Casual dining tonight so no need to dress up. As we are having dinner, we finally leave port. After dinner we head on up to the top deck and there's a full moon as we say goodbye to the lights of Singapore.
Breakfast at 8.30am fried egg, baked beans, sausages, assam lemak. Toast and juice at the YMCA.
Check out at 11am. Catch MRT to Marina South Pier $1.70.
Long walk to terminal. Upstairs to baggage drop. So many people. Need to fill in forms. Lots of waiting. Our check-in is 1.30pm to 2.00pm
Need to wait till then before we need to queue through security check. Then need to wait again and then queue to go up to get ship photo id and room key. Then wait again. Supposedly should be given zone number but none issued. Lady tells us we can join queue to board ship. Another long queue. Photos taken. Snakes through 2 passages..so hot..not air conditioned. Checkin to ship. Surrender passports. Finally free to go to room and checkout ship. 4pm. Go up to lido for food.
Once we have eaten, we then explore the ship. People are still boarding. It takes a while for our luggage to arrive at our door, whereas Lily and Mark's are there waiting for them when they board.
We check out the ship from top to bottom. Scout out the laundry rooms. Explore the bars and lounges. The library turns out to be pretty small and only books and board games, no jigsaws - how disappointing. Shops are closed, which is the norm when they are in port.
Have a nap before dinner. Casual dining tonight so no need to dress up. As we are having dinner, we finally leave port. After dinner we head on up to the top deck and there's a full moon as we say goodbye to the lights of Singapore.
Singapore 2015
On Thursday 27 August, at around 8.10am, Mark, Lily, Janet and I walked down to Strathfield station, all rolling a bag each, to catch the train to the International Airport. Arrived before 9am and checked in our bags, then went to the departure lounge. No time to stop and eat our usual Macca's pre flight meal. Although our plane was delayed for 30mins and we probably would have had time. As we were flying Qantas, as soon as we could I was watching the movies that they had available.
Arrived in Singapore, and took our time getting out, Janet had to find out where the station was. Eventually got to the station, but then had to go back to another level in order to buy the tickets as the ticket booth wasn't open on the station. Bought our tickets and caught the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut, where we alighted and then walked to the YMCA which still looked the same, but everything else looked different. Mark checked us in to rooms 409 and 410, on the same floor as the dining room for breakfast, so no need to go far. Freshened up and then we headed out to find something to eat. Walked to Plaza Singapura, as this was recommended by Mark's niece. Discovered Sephora and Uniqlo. Mark scoped out the food places and we decided to have dinner at Bangkok Jam - ordered pad thai, fried rice, steamed sea bass, vegie dish, with steamed rice - standard price. Dishes weren't big, but enough for us girls, not too sure about Mark, I think he may have been starving. I did some shopping in Uniqlo, while they finished eating. Bought some work jackets, long pants, - could have saved me packing some.
Friday 28 August, had breakfast in the YMCA breakfast area. Quite a wide variety with both western and asian foods. Had usual, fried eggs with toast, baked beans and ham with fruit, also tried a bowl of congee.
Then we caught the MRT to Bayfront, and walked to Gardens by the Bay. Walked our way through the Malay, Chinese and Indian garden to get to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Janet bought our tickets and we went into the Flower Dome first. Thank goodness it is air conditioned, at least it felt cooler in than out. Lots of beautiful flower displays. So many varieties of orchids. Loved the wooden sculptures of horses, eagles and dragons. I think we covered it all, taking lots of photos. The way out is via the souvenir shop, ended up buying some microfibre wipes as gifts for people at work at S$4 each. Feeling hungry, we ended up buying hotdogs for lunch. After which we discovered a restaurant just around the corner from the snack shops - oh well.
Next we entered into the Cloud Forest. A massive man made structure with a waterfall and lots of different plants reflecting the climb into the clouds. Went up to the 7th floor and then up another level, before slowly making our way down. So impressive, it's very futuristic. More photos and we finally make it down and out.
Make our way to the supertree grove of tall majestic tree structures, not so overgrown with vines but I'm sure it won't take long and then they will look even more impressive. Only Janet and I buy tickets to go up and walk along the bridge that links these structures. Taking a bird's eye view of the gardens and surrounds.
Have spent a day here and still not quite seen it all, but at least we covered most of it. We take the Marina Bay overpass and walk through the Marina Bay Sands hotel, to the other side, but don't actually walk to Marina Bay Shopping Centre. Instead we head down to street level and catch the MRT back to Bugis where we meet up with Mark's niece, Clara. She takes us through Bugis markets - cheap clothes, etc, and we finally end up at a restaurant where her husband, Chris is waiting for us. They shout us dinner, and after dinner we pile into Chris's sedan, 4 girls in the back (lucky Janet is small). He drives us back to Gardens by the Bay, so we can catch the light show. Pretty spectacular. The supertree grove changes colours and the music celebrates Singapore's 50 years. After the light show he drives us to Marina Barrage to see the lights of Singapore city. Then he drops us back at the YMCA.
Saturday 29 August. After breakfast we walk to the bus stop and meet up with Chris and Clara. Take the bus to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Walk through the gardens and end up at the Orchid Gardens. Janet buys our tickets and we all go in. More orchids and flower displays. Then we catch the bus back to Chinatown. They take us to a hawker centre for lunch. Lots of food and so cheap. Couldn't resist buying sugarcane juice. It's so hot. Have hainan chicken rice, milky fish noodles, curry laksa but not the famous char kway teow as the line snakes for miles. After lunch we walk around Chinatown, then some desserts to cool us down, before catching the MRT to Clarke Quay, where we walk to the Merlion fountain. Take our photos and it's time for us to head back as Janet and I are going to meet up with the Chungs. Back at the YMCA, we freshen up and then catch the bus to River Valley Road. Get off a stop too early at the wrong apartments, but eventually we find it and after asking the security guards, make our way to their block. The kids are excited to see us and must be hungry, so we go down to the Zion Riverside Food centre which is like a 10-15 min walk from their place. The food is not as cheap as Chinatown, but still reasonable and they treat us to char kway teow, satay chicken, chicken wings, tofu, and coconut drinks. After dinner we go back to their place but the kids are tired and put to bed, so we chat to Chris for a bit before we head off as well. In the meantime, Lily and Mark have been treated to a home cooked dinner at Clara and Chris's place.
Sunday 30 August. Lily has come out in hives. Our last day in Singapore. We have our breakfast, Janet and I go to redeem our MRT cards and buy our tickets for our train ride to the Marina cruise terminal. We checkout and make our way to the terminal. From the station to the terminal it's a long walk, but there is a covered walkway. When we get to the cruise terminal, it looks very chaotic. Not a lot of signage, so Mark asks someone as to what we need to do. Apparently need to fill out more forms, check our bags in and then wait until our time for check-in is called. Because the ship has been delayed in getting from dry dock to the terminal, passengers have also been delayed in being processed. The cruise terminal looks very new, but in fact was opened in 2012. They really do need more chairs, we had people sitting on the floor, anywhere they could while waiting for check-in. When we finally do hear our check-in time called, it's more queuing. Go through security. They check our forms, then we need to wait again for them to call us to get our cruise cards. Then more waiting to board the ship and this is also another long queue which snakes through a very hot corridor, before we actually get on the ship. By this time, it's like 3pm and we are starving.
Arrived in Singapore, and took our time getting out, Janet had to find out where the station was. Eventually got to the station, but then had to go back to another level in order to buy the tickets as the ticket booth wasn't open on the station. Bought our tickets and caught the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut, where we alighted and then walked to the YMCA which still looked the same, but everything else looked different. Mark checked us in to rooms 409 and 410, on the same floor as the dining room for breakfast, so no need to go far. Freshened up and then we headed out to find something to eat. Walked to Plaza Singapura, as this was recommended by Mark's niece. Discovered Sephora and Uniqlo. Mark scoped out the food places and we decided to have dinner at Bangkok Jam - ordered pad thai, fried rice, steamed sea bass, vegie dish, with steamed rice - standard price. Dishes weren't big, but enough for us girls, not too sure about Mark, I think he may have been starving. I did some shopping in Uniqlo, while they finished eating. Bought some work jackets, long pants, - could have saved me packing some.
Friday 28 August, had breakfast in the YMCA breakfast area. Quite a wide variety with both western and asian foods. Had usual, fried eggs with toast, baked beans and ham with fruit, also tried a bowl of congee.
Then we caught the MRT to Bayfront, and walked to Gardens by the Bay. Walked our way through the Malay, Chinese and Indian garden to get to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Janet bought our tickets and we went into the Flower Dome first. Thank goodness it is air conditioned, at least it felt cooler in than out. Lots of beautiful flower displays. So many varieties of orchids. Loved the wooden sculptures of horses, eagles and dragons. I think we covered it all, taking lots of photos. The way out is via the souvenir shop, ended up buying some microfibre wipes as gifts for people at work at S$4 each. Feeling hungry, we ended up buying hotdogs for lunch. After which we discovered a restaurant just around the corner from the snack shops - oh well.
Next we entered into the Cloud Forest. A massive man made structure with a waterfall and lots of different plants reflecting the climb into the clouds. Went up to the 7th floor and then up another level, before slowly making our way down. So impressive, it's very futuristic. More photos and we finally make it down and out.
Make our way to the supertree grove of tall majestic tree structures, not so overgrown with vines but I'm sure it won't take long and then they will look even more impressive. Only Janet and I buy tickets to go up and walk along the bridge that links these structures. Taking a bird's eye view of the gardens and surrounds.
Have spent a day here and still not quite seen it all, but at least we covered most of it. We take the Marina Bay overpass and walk through the Marina Bay Sands hotel, to the other side, but don't actually walk to Marina Bay Shopping Centre. Instead we head down to street level and catch the MRT back to Bugis where we meet up with Mark's niece, Clara. She takes us through Bugis markets - cheap clothes, etc, and we finally end up at a restaurant where her husband, Chris is waiting for us. They shout us dinner, and after dinner we pile into Chris's sedan, 4 girls in the back (lucky Janet is small). He drives us back to Gardens by the Bay, so we can catch the light show. Pretty spectacular. The supertree grove changes colours and the music celebrates Singapore's 50 years. After the light show he drives us to Marina Barrage to see the lights of Singapore city. Then he drops us back at the YMCA.
Saturday 29 August. After breakfast we walk to the bus stop and meet up with Chris and Clara. Take the bus to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Walk through the gardens and end up at the Orchid Gardens. Janet buys our tickets and we all go in. More orchids and flower displays. Then we catch the bus back to Chinatown. They take us to a hawker centre for lunch. Lots of food and so cheap. Couldn't resist buying sugarcane juice. It's so hot. Have hainan chicken rice, milky fish noodles, curry laksa but not the famous char kway teow as the line snakes for miles. After lunch we walk around Chinatown, then some desserts to cool us down, before catching the MRT to Clarke Quay, where we walk to the Merlion fountain. Take our photos and it's time for us to head back as Janet and I are going to meet up with the Chungs. Back at the YMCA, we freshen up and then catch the bus to River Valley Road. Get off a stop too early at the wrong apartments, but eventually we find it and after asking the security guards, make our way to their block. The kids are excited to see us and must be hungry, so we go down to the Zion Riverside Food centre which is like a 10-15 min walk from their place. The food is not as cheap as Chinatown, but still reasonable and they treat us to char kway teow, satay chicken, chicken wings, tofu, and coconut drinks. After dinner we go back to their place but the kids are tired and put to bed, so we chat to Chris for a bit before we head off as well. In the meantime, Lily and Mark have been treated to a home cooked dinner at Clara and Chris's place.
Sunday 30 August. Lily has come out in hives. Our last day in Singapore. We have our breakfast, Janet and I go to redeem our MRT cards and buy our tickets for our train ride to the Marina cruise terminal. We checkout and make our way to the terminal. From the station to the terminal it's a long walk, but there is a covered walkway. When we get to the cruise terminal, it looks very chaotic. Not a lot of signage, so Mark asks someone as to what we need to do. Apparently need to fill out more forms, check our bags in and then wait until our time for check-in is called. Because the ship has been delayed in getting from dry dock to the terminal, passengers have also been delayed in being processed. The cruise terminal looks very new, but in fact was opened in 2012. They really do need more chairs, we had people sitting on the floor, anywhere they could while waiting for check-in. When we finally do hear our check-in time called, it's more queuing. Go through security. They check our forms, then we need to wait again for them to call us to get our cruise cards. Then more waiting to board the ship and this is also another long queue which snakes through a very hot corridor, before we actually get on the ship. By this time, it's like 3pm and we are starving.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Good Food & Wine Show 2015
So I was told that I could get free tickets to the food and wine show by Vanita at least 2 months before the actual dates, so that's what I did and managed to get it for both Saturday and Sunday. Maybe I should have got some for Friday as well as it was over three days 7-9 August.
Anyway, on Saturday, accompanied by Janet and Evan, we caught to train to Olympic Park and made our way to the Showground where the show was on. Apparently if you were a Citibank card holder you also had some privileges, like a free wine glass for tasting and special seating at the food theatre. We got our free wine glasses but squirreled them away as we don't drink.
It was packed. Getting there just before lunch time was not a good idea. Wall to wall people and they were all trying to sample cheeses, chutneys, yogurt, chips, biscuits, nuts, chocolate and lots of wine stalls.
I really wanted to see the chefs demo in the Food Theatre, so that's where we headed. Managed to get there just in time to see Miguel Mestre do his bit - not sure what he's on, so hyper, but he really engaged the audience. He did so much talking, not much cooking got done. Unfortunately no tastings, unless you paid $55 a head for 3 courses with wines to match.
After his demo, we wandered around, checked out the stalls. Getting hungry at the stage, so Evan bought a sampling of gourmet pies - 4 party pies for $8. Wah expensive. Think mine are better but at least it staved off hunger pains. Plus more food sampling. Then it was back to see the ending of Adam Liaw, but no seats, so left to stand, but not really interesting, so walked around a bit more. Spied Gary Mehigan in a meet and photo area, so jumped into line, not like we had anything else to do, and it wasn't that long. Got our photos taken with him. And then went to line up to see his cooking demo.
While getting in line, who should we bump into but Vanita and her friends. She had just finished seeing Adam and had already seen Gary in the morning. Gary was also engaging and funny. Assisting him was Billie, the winner of this years MasterChef.
After Gary, we went back to the stalls we had staked out and bought some goodies. Chips, biscuits, oils, cheeses, was going to get some lychee cider - but sold out.
Sunday, I went again with Kaylene.
Anyway, on Saturday, accompanied by Janet and Evan, we caught to train to Olympic Park and made our way to the Showground where the show was on. Apparently if you were a Citibank card holder you also had some privileges, like a free wine glass for tasting and special seating at the food theatre. We got our free wine glasses but squirreled them away as we don't drink.
It was packed. Getting there just before lunch time was not a good idea. Wall to wall people and they were all trying to sample cheeses, chutneys, yogurt, chips, biscuits, nuts, chocolate and lots of wine stalls.
I really wanted to see the chefs demo in the Food Theatre, so that's where we headed. Managed to get there just in time to see Miguel Mestre do his bit - not sure what he's on, so hyper, but he really engaged the audience. He did so much talking, not much cooking got done. Unfortunately no tastings, unless you paid $55 a head for 3 courses with wines to match.
After his demo, we wandered around, checked out the stalls. Getting hungry at the stage, so Evan bought a sampling of gourmet pies - 4 party pies for $8. Wah expensive. Think mine are better but at least it staved off hunger pains. Plus more food sampling. Then it was back to see the ending of Adam Liaw, but no seats, so left to stand, but not really interesting, so walked around a bit more. Spied Gary Mehigan in a meet and photo area, so jumped into line, not like we had anything else to do, and it wasn't that long. Got our photos taken with him. And then went to line up to see his cooking demo.
While getting in line, who should we bump into but Vanita and her friends. She had just finished seeing Adam and had already seen Gary in the morning. Gary was also engaging and funny. Assisting him was Billie, the winner of this years MasterChef.
After Gary, we went back to the stalls we had staked out and bought some goodies. Chips, biscuits, oils, cheeses, was going to get some lychee cider - but sold out.
Sunday, I went again with Kaylene.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
A. Cath's 73rd Birthday
Sunday 2 August
Dinner at Bindy's.
She had organised the menu and we had offer to bring a warm winter salad, with beetroot, sweet potato, mushrooms, beans, zucchini, pine nuts (A. Cath added roasted choko and carrots as well) with a garlic, honey mustard dressing and Janet also made a pickled carrot and lotus root salad.
On the menu was nem nuong, bbq'd prawns, flat chicken, slow roasted pork ribs (Evan's contribution) and some bok choy as well as the salads.
And for dessert, Bindy bought a cake, Opera gateaux from St Honore in North Sydney which we jazzed up with some strawberries.
Dinner at Bindy's.
She had organised the menu and we had offer to bring a warm winter salad, with beetroot, sweet potato, mushrooms, beans, zucchini, pine nuts (A. Cath added roasted choko and carrots as well) with a garlic, honey mustard dressing and Janet also made a pickled carrot and lotus root salad.
On the menu was nem nuong, bbq'd prawns, flat chicken, slow roasted pork ribs (Evan's contribution) and some bok choy as well as the salads.
And for dessert, Bindy bought a cake, Opera gateaux from St Honore in North Sydney which we jazzed up with some strawberries.
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