Moving

This is our 2nd time to move to a different house. The first time we moved was more than 3 years ago and I remember telling my Hubby that time that it would be our first and last move. It was really quite a hassle moving all the stuff from one house to the next and not to mention unpacking and arranging everything back in place. I remember it took us 3 months to arrange all our things back into place that time.

But that was not our first and last move because we are moving to a new house again. :) I know it's quite impossible to be 'permanent' in a country that is not your own. I mean, if you're only renting your house, you can't force yourself to live there forever right? Buying a house here in Thailand is not also an option for us because aside from the lack of finances, foreigners are not also allowed to purchase any land in the country.

Anyways, back to our 'move', we only have a few things left to be hauled from our old house to our new house. I'm not sure though if all our things will fit inside the van. It would be nice to borrow someone's truck so all the things can be transferred in a single trip. A chevy with chevy truck accessories would be good but we don't know anyone with a chevy here. Oh well, we just have to make use of what we have and not look for something that's not there . :)

Watery Wednesday - River Rafting

I would love to go water rafting in my hometown in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines again. It's really a fun experience. I guess it's quite obvious that we totally enjoyed this adventure from the smile on our faces in this photo.

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A Long Trip From Taiping

We left my Hubby's hometown, Taiping at 1:30 PM and drove to Penang to get our visa and the proceed to Hatyai, Thailand. At 3:15 we arrived at the Thai consulate and found a number of people were already waiting for the collection of visas and passports .The release of visas was scheduled at 3:30-4:00 pm. But at 3:45 PM there were no signs of releasing the visas but the people patiently waited. We waited and waited and we only got our visas at 5:00 pm. I have no complains for the long wait though because I'm just thankful that we got a 1 year visa with multiple entry. It was still worth the wait. :)

So, we left the embassy and decided to have early dinner so we could just drive straight to Thailand. The dinner took about an hour until we were then off to the ferry terminal at 6:00 pm. But to our dismay, the queue was very long to the ferry. There were just so many cars ahead of us, a BMW, a Mercedes, a Waja but we didn't see a cadillac though with cadillac accessories.. :) But anways, we didn't have much choice but to waift for our turn because taking the Penang bridge would even take more time (and more gas!). So, we waited and only reached Butterworth after more than an hour. Whew! And we thought we could finally rush through the border but then heavy rain met us after Butterworth so, the supposedly 110 km/hr speed became 40 km/hr. We had to take a very slow drive since the rain was so heavy and couldn't see anything in front of us. And thank God that the rain stopped in Gurun and it was only there my Hubby could drive a bit faster.

And by 10:30 PM thai time ( 11pm Malaysian time) we reached our destination Hatyai, Thailand. Whew! That was indeed a very long trip from Taiping. The supposedly 4-5 hours journey became 9 hours for us today. But thank God that we made it back home safe and sound and with our 1 year, multiple entry visa.. :)

Mellow Yellow Monday - Karaweik Garden

This photo is the famous Karaweik in Yangon, Myanmar. From afar ( exterior) the Karaweik is a replica of the royal barge built in 1972. Presently, this is a buffet restaurant and this photo above is the entrance leading to the restaurant.

The Karaweik is located in Kandawgyi Nature Park which also has a zoo, an aquarium, amusement park and a line of restaurants. This is a great place for friends and family to hang out with a great view of the Kandawgyi Lake and overlooking the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Christmas Shopping Rush

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's already the Christmas rush. All the shopping malls and shops mustnow be filled with tons of people doing their last minute holiday shopping. I, for one love to go to shopping malls and get the cheapest deals, but with the holiday shopping madness, I guess I would rather stay back home and shop online instead.

For those who love online shopping and online auctions, there's a new site where you can get the cheapest deals. You have to bid for your favorite merchandise though, but you don't have to despair because you can still get savings up to 90% of the merchandise because the bids can start from 0.00 $. Not only that, for every bid you do, you also get to help fund a charity.

What are the highlights for this site?

1) The auction winner can save up to 80% savings from retail.
2) And if you don't win the auction, you can receive up to 50 bonus bids.
3) You can pay the bid packs through cash, paypal or credit cards.
4) Bid packs are sold at very low prices
5) There are also regular contests and promotions
6) You can receive more bonus bids for their lucrative referral program
7).. and a lot more!

So, if I were you, better head on the the Bidazzled site and be dazzled with their exciting promotions and offers.

Hatyai Ice Dome

Yesterday, our family experienced a -15 degrees Celsius temperature. It didn't snow here in Hatyai but we went to one of the latest attraction of the Hatyai Lantern Festival, the Hatyai Ice Dome. The dome actually features the lanterns from Harbin, China which actually are ice sculptures. Harbin is one of the sources of ice and snow culture in the world.



To enter the exhibition area, one has to wear winter jackets, gloves and boots because it's really not a joke to be inside a 'freezer'! The exhibition area is quite big with different ice sculptures, a big slide and a bar with drinks.

Our kids enjoyed the freezing experienced and they loved the slide. Our li'l girl even went up and down the slide countless of times.




If you happen to visit Hatyai, you can visit the Hatyai Ice Dome which opens until February 24, 2010 every 5:00- 11:00 PM. Entrance fee is 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children with free rental of winter jackets and gloves. If you wish to rent a pair of boots, they charge an extra 20 baht for them. You can spend up to 30 minutes inside the dome. I'm sure you'll enjoy your 'freezing' experience in Hatyai Ice Dome. They also have very friendly and hospitable staff to assist you any time.



I'll post about the Hatyai Lantern Festival next time since we didn't push through going there yesterday because it was drizzling.

Baseball and More

What's your favorite sport? I'm not a very big sport fan but I do support my Hubby's favorite soccer team. I've only learned a great deal about soccer after I got married. But before that, I had zero knowledge about soccer.

Anyways, I'm calling out all the baseball fans and baseball players wannabees, out there. There is great news for them! Aaron Breslow, a great player with a passion for baseball has created a blog that discusses everything about baseball from the latest baseball news to some tips in improving your game. So, you can learn some baseball skills and get inspired from the master himself, Aaron Breslow by just reading his blog. This is actually Aaron Breslow eight blog. He just have so much of passion for baseball that he just couldn't stop talking about it. I've just been through two of his sites and even if I'm not a huge baseball fan but I did enjoy reading through his posts. I could say that I've learned a lot about the game in my few minutes of reading through his blogs.

So, why don't you visit Aaron Breslow blog now, make a comment and get his take on the world of baseball.

This is a sponsored post.

Yummy Sunday - Biryani Rice

Biryani Rice Chicken and Egg.

Biryani Rice is a famous Indian Dish. The Biryani Rice above is from one of the famous Indian restuarant in Penang ( I'm so sorry I forgot the name of the resto..:) ) and boy, their Biryani is so delicious!

Anyways, for those who are not familiar with this dish, according to Mr. Wiki,

Biryani, biriani, or beriani (Nastaliq script: بریانی) is a set of rice-based foods made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word beryā(n) (بریان) which means "fried" or "roasted".

Have a Yummy Sunday!!!

Not Your Regular Travel Site

Do you want a travel site that offers you some unique travel tips, Secret Spots & Hidden Gems
? For me, it would be a great change to go to a very unique and beautiful place but minus the crowd and the people. Tourist spots are usually crowded and filled with, of course 'Tourists' and sometimes I wish that you could be on these beautiful places by yourself to enjoy the scenery and the experience more.

But guess what, there is this site that offers you the 'confidentials'. of every place. And if you want to sign up, you can also get the Perks & Presents (deals, discounts and offers they get by e-mail). I've just browsed through the site and I was amused to see that there are also some travel games that you can play.

This is a sponsored post by Conway Confidential.

Scenic Sunday - Yangoon

This was taken from our trip last May in Yangoon, Myanmar. Yangoon is a small city which is not so modern but it does have a beauty of it own. I would want to go back to that lovely country.

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Intermission: Philanthropy

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Philanthropy means:

1 : goodwill to fellowmen; especially : active effort to promote human welfare
2 a : a philanthropic act or gift b : an organization distributing or supported by philanthropic fund

When we travel to different places, we realize that our eyes are also more open to the differences of each places' or countries' economic status. Like for example, if you come from a rich western country, you get to realize that you are more blessed with so much of comfort and wealth in comparison with the poor, 3rd world countries. It's either you'll be moved with compassion seeing these realities or remain unmoved. But for people seeking to help other people like the philanthropies, it's an opportunity for them to exert an active effort to do goodwill to fellowmen.

I've just come across a Doctor and Philanthropist, Ira Riklis. He has charities and projects to help the children and people who are under privileged and at risk.

Helping other people is indeed not an option for us. Helping others is our proof of loving our 'neighbors' which is God's second commandment for us. And showing our love to others is also a proof that we do love our God with all our heart, soul and strength.

For this Christmas season, can we show our love to others by blessing them too? We don't have to put up charities and foundations to do so but just the mere giving of our extra blessings to other is more than enough.

Let's make some children and adult smile today by helping them out with their needs or simply giving them some gifts they don't expect. A single act of kindness might mean a whole world to those in need.

Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to ALL of you!

Watery Wednesday - Fish Pond

This photo was taken during our trip to Cameron Highlands. I love looking at fish ponds, it's so refreshing and relaxing.

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Health Care and More

When traveling, it is important to be covered with a medical and health insurance. We will never now what lies ahead of us in terms of our health so it is just good to be covered with an insurance to avoid all the hassles in the future.

One such company that can help you is kaiser Kaiser Permanente. It is America's largest non-profit health maintenance organization. They cater to a lot of people including kaiser permanente Georgia and kaiser Colorado .

The Thai 15-Day Visa Rule

I haven't traveled to Thailand for more than a year now and I was surprise to see the 15 day stay stamp on my passport in the immigration counter yesterday. It was just then that I learned that the Thai Immigration has a new 14 day visa rule concerning the foreigners' entering the country by land or sea. This has rule has been effective since November 25 last year and is applicable to all the 40 countries which are eligible for visa exemptions. And this has also been effect in all the 54 land border checkpoints, including the seaport checkpoint at Ranong, popular with Phuket-based foreigners doing visa runs to Burma.

So, we have to go out of the country again in the next 15 days but this time I have to go to the Thai consulate in Penang to apply for our Non Immigrant 0 visa. Hope and pray everything will be approved.

Back in Amazing Thailand

We are back in the Land of Smiles, the Amazing Thailand! We've been away for more than a year now and I'm just so excited to be back. We are actually based here in Thailand for work. But when you're in Thailand, everyday feels like you're in a holiday. LOL! This might be an overstatement but what I mean is that this beautiful country never fails to excite you with its different attractions, its delicious food and gentle people.

I can't even believe that I've already lived here for 6 years but everyday is filled with new learning and discovery on its rich culture, history, people and language. It's really an interesting country to be in.

Anyways, there are a number of very interesting places to visit here in Thailand and they are the following:

Phuket
Chiang Mai
Koh Samui
Bangkok
Sukhothai
Ayuthayya
Patayya
and a lot more

What are the things to do in Thailand?

The choices are endless. But for a start, the The Tourism Authority of Thailand has come up with some trip ideas with respective destinations for you to follow.

• Beaches & Islands
• Arts and Culture
• Outdoor & Adventure
• Family Fun
• Weddings & Honeymoons
• Shopping
• Gateway to IndoChina
• Diving
• Gourmet's Paradise
• Health & Spa

So, your destination will actually depend on the kind of trip that you want. Just for example, you want to experience the beaches and the islands, so you can go to the south where Phuket, Krabi, Trang and the other islands are located. If you want some cultural and historical experience, the the North and Northeast ( Sukhothai, Ayuthayya) would be your ideal destination. And if you are into shopping and would want the cheapest deals in town, then I suggest that you stay in Bangkok where you find their biggest malls, their largest weekend market and other thousands of shops and superstores.

So, what are you waiting for .. Make your plans now to travel to Thailand.

My First Thai Meal

Last night was our first night in Thailand after more than a year of absence. When my hubby asked me where I want to have our dinner, I never any second thoughts of going to our favorite restaurant here in the city, Sugar Rock. I just love this restaurant because their staff ( who are already our friends) are very friendly, their food is simply delicious yet very affordable.

I then ordered my fave Thai food which is Khaw Phat Keng Kiaw Wan Kai ( Green Curry Chicken Fried Rice) with egg. My Hubby had Phat Kra Pao Kai ( Stir fried chicken in Basil leaf) with egg while my kids shared a big plate of Fried Rice. All these dishes were of generous serving and we only had to pay 160 Baht ( 16 RM) for everything ( including a softdrink). Yes, very affordable indeed.

Where to Find Cheap Eyeglasses

Thailand is known to sell all the cheap items from clothes, bags, accessories and even eyeglasses. It's impossible to visit Thailand and not buy a single thing. Their products and items are simple irresistible. I remember our friend who was so amazed that he was able to buy a good reading glasses ( which he still uses now) for only 99 Baht. You can't get that price here in Malaysia.

Anyways, if you don't have plans to visit Thailand but is in need of cheap eyeglasses. You can still get eyeglasses for a low cost. Trying visiting Zenni Optical. It's really true that their glasses are of good quality and very cheap. THey even have a lot of good reviews from very satisfied customers.

Paper Made of Elephant Dung

During our trip to North Thailand a few months ago, we were able to visit the factory of the Elephant Dung Paper. Yeah, I know it's a weird place to go for a trip but then after the trip we were amazed as to how a 'waste' can be recycled and be used beautifully.

When we entered the factory, we expected it to be smelly and unclean but one of the first things that our tour guide told us was that the Elephant dung doesn't have any smell at all. The elephant dung is just plain fiber. Elephants digest their food poorly so over 50% of what they eat comes straight out the other end.

And true enough, there wasn't any smell in the factory. So, how do they make the Elephant Dung to paper?

Here is the process:

1) They collect the elephant dung, wash and boil for 5 hours.
2) They spin the dung to cut fibres for up to 3 hours and they add colour
3) It must be weigh out into equal weight balls.

4) Then sift evenly into frames
5) then dry in the sun.

The result? A beautiful, odorless, textured paper that is ideal to make handcrafted cards, bookmarks, notebooks, picture frames and etc.

this photo is taken from elephantdungpaper.com

For more information about these products or interested to visit their factory you can go to :

Elephant Dung Paper, Thai Elephant Conservation Center
Km. 28-29 , Lampang - Chiang Mai Highway, Hang Chat, Lampang 52190

or contact:
Phone: 081-3872344 Office: 054-224981

Cloud 9 in Siargao

This is a sponsored post.

When I was in the Philippines, I've seen a show that featured Siargao Island. This island is actually famous for it's surfing waves. The 'Cloud 9', is a thick wave with hollow tubes.

According to Wiki,

The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named and made famous by American photographer John S. Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the United States- based magazine in March 1993, and hundreds of his photos in many other books and magazines since his first visit in 1992. Callahan has put the island on the international map and has drawn thousands of surfers and tourists to Siargao.

Well that's a short history of Philippine's famous Siargao. So, if you love to surf, better get your surf clothing ready and head on to Siargao, Philippines.

Mellow Yellow Monday- Fire Dance

It's my first time here for this meme. Above is a photo of a Fire Dance which I've taken 2 weeks ago. This is one of the dances being presented at the most recent wedding we've attended. It was a spectacular performance.

Travel Articles

When you want to travel to a different place, it's always very helpful to read a lot of information about travel, facts and info on your destination. As for me, the internet is one of the most useful and cheapest resources. You might want to check out one of the sites that I've also found which has a lot of good Travel Articles
.

Scenic Sunday- Cendana Hut, Taiping

This is Cendana Hut on Maxwell Hill ( Bukit Larut), Taiping, Malaysia. This is a simple yet beautiful resort that on that hill. If ever you come to Taiping, Malaysia, don't miss to visit this hill. It's actually the oldest hill station in Malaysia. You might want to check this post, An Afternoon at Bukit Larut, if you want to know about this nice place.

For more Scenic Sunday entries, please click the badge below. Have a blessed Sunday!

Travel Healthy

It is always best to be at our pink of health when traveling. I remember being sick and traveling at the same time and it was indeed a very unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. I sure hope that won't happen again. And to make that possible I've come out with a checklist of tips and things to do so I travel with a good health.

1) Make sure to take the necessary health supplements, vitamins and necessary medication before any trip.
2) Get enough of rest and sleep.
3) Take at least 8 glasses of water during the trip to avoid dehydration, esp. if your going to a hot and humid place.
4) If your pregnant or not in good health, always ask your doctor for advice concerning your travel plans. Pregnant women are not adviced to take the plane after their 8th month of pregnancy.
5) Make sure to always bring some snacks and water wherever you go to avoid getting hungry.
6) Bring your prescribed medication with you. Sometimes medicine brands and prices differ in other countries. So, to be on the safe side, just bring enough medication for the duration of your trip. For those who need Tramadol, they can check the tramadol online or buy tramadol bluebook to get the necessary info about this pain medicine or maybe to find out what is tramadol hcl 50mg used for .
7) It is very important for every traveler not to drink local tap water. There are certain places where their local tap water is unsafe for drinking. So, just to make sure and keep your tummy safe, drink the bottled water sold from the stores.
8) Check the status of the country where you are going. Some countries have common sicknesses and disease. In such cases, you must take the precautionary measures like having a vaccine or taking some medication to avoid those diseases.

Watery Wednesday- Elephant Bathing

This picture was taken from the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, North Thailand. The public can get to witness the elephants bathe and play for 15 minutes every morning at around 8 o'clock. After the elephant bath, they then go to the exhibition place to do their elephants tricks, exhibition and painting. You can then get to ride the elephant through the jungle.

So, if ever you get to visit Thailand, don't miss to see and ride the elephants. It's truly a unique and unforgettable experience.