HKH - Day 3

3rd day on Hong Kong. Actually yesterday another funny coincidence happened. During our flight here, there was a lady sitting beside us we remembered her because she was quite bossy, kept asking why there was a delay and when the food will arrive, wanted her tray to be cleared immediately. While we were shopping yesterday we actually bump into her again !! She was carrying lots of designer shopping bags. Probably one of those tai tai type whose gone on a shopping spree in Hong Kong.

Today we covered Tsim Sha Tsui area. Had a walk along the river and avenue of stars. I guess this is the only time we were out seeing the sights of the city. Took some pictures (only holiday pics I think :) Once the shops open around 11am we were back to the shops anyways it was a really hot day today and I for one was glad to get out of the heat. Went to Sogo and Esprit outlets. Bought mooncakes and more almond biscuits for relatives and friends. We took the MTR back to the hotel to unload out goodies and then it was off in the afternoon to Mong Kok.

Mong Kok was really crowded, probably because it was a Saturday afternoon and it seems like everyone was out and about. I think it is really confirmed that we look like Hong Kongers, we were again asked for directions. Visited Langham Place, bought more stuff before we headed for the Toy Mart. The CTMA Centre had lots of toy shops but they were mainly selling Anime and Manga stuff or collectible 12" Dolls. Nothing much in there but it was an interesting place. I think they close off the street to cater for the night festivities. There were lots of people on the road and buskers from musicians to -Boys bopping away to other magicians showing off their tricks. There were event I think some students protesting of at least just venting their frustration. One was spotted writing something and another guy had his face painted and he just knelt on the road side.

By now both our feet were aching and we headed back to the Hotel for pre-dinner cocktails. After which more shopping and I finally found some Star Wars Toys, at the most unexpected of locations. A Popular Bookstore !!

MAN

1. G2000 Men's Long Sleeve Shirt - HK$150
2. Esprit T-Shirt - HK$69
3. Star War Toys (4 pieces) - HK$440

WOMAN

1. Esprit Blouse - HK$149

2. Ladies Shoes - HK$240

3. G2000 Ladies Blouse - HK$150

4. H&M Skirt - HK$199

5. Ladies Shoes La Saunda - HK$399

Add to that some other misc. stuff like the 5 boxes of Mooncakes (and they gave us 2 free boxes) which cost HK$970 total and some bags, and clothing for relatives which came up to HK$434 for 1 sling bag and 3 skirts and 3 t-shirts.

Now I have to figure out how to pack all the stuff into our luggage :)

HKH - Day 2

So here we are Day 2 of our stay in Hong Kong. What did we do, well being the typical Singaporean, it was shopping, shopping and more shopping.

We got our Octopus cards to travel on the MTR. I must say it was a very pleasant journey to travel on the MTR, efficient, cheap and fast. It gets you practically where you want to go. They had quiet zone. I am not sure what that is but basically 1 carriage of the train is designated a quiet zone. They even have 1st Class passage where a special carriage exclusively for 1st Class ticket holder, you get a seat and it's a more comfortable ride.

Our first stop for the day was at Citygates Shopping Centre on the outskirts of town, lots of factory outlets there, bought clothing and stuff. Spent the morning there. We headed out to Causeway Bay later in the afternoon before returning to Mong Kok in the evening. The weather was really hot but it was not as humid as Singapore. I think I walked so much that my legs were aching at the end of the day.

I think I somehow look like a local. People think I'm some Hong Konger. While I was with the missus, some lady comes up to us and ask me for directions on the MTR (in Cantonese !!) I think my missus told her to go check with the station people. Then while I was waiting for my missus outside a shop, a guy comes up to me and again ask for something, probably directions but I had no idea what he was talking about, the only Cantonese I know is 'Yam Cha'. Some more when I was waiting in line to pay for some groceries, the 2 guys in front of me when the cashier spoke to them she spoke in English (granted that one of them looked foreign but the other looks Chinese) but when it came to my turn she rattles of something in Cantonese, probably the price, I just handed over the money based on what the displayed showed and took my purchases.

One of the interesting items we purchased was this Hello Kitty Moon Cake container which came in a matching bag !! It was really cute. Now, I'm looking for Star Wars theme moon cakes, they could come in the shape of the Death Star !

There was also a Lego show at the Century Plaza, they had an Olympic theme, they did the Bird's Nest, Water Cube and of course it being Hong Kong, the Equestrian Events.

For this Olympic Stadium, they recreated the opening ceremony, and if you look closely you can just make out the last torch bearer running around the stadium top.

All the above were done with Lego Bricks. It's really amazing.

Surprisingly, I think I ended with more stuff today than the missus. I think she give me chance and tomorrow will probably zoom pass me. She's been complaining that there is too little time. I guess men shop faster than women. So what did we get today? Here's the breakdown between what the man (that's me) and the woman (the missus) got......

MAN

1. Adidas Liverpool Jersey (HK$261)
2. Esprit T-Shirt (HK$99)
3. Timberland Short Sleeve Shirt (HK$295)
4. Ralph Lauren Polo T-Shirt (HK$441)
5. Ralph Lauren Kids Shirt (HK$150)
6. Ralph Lauren Kids Swimwear (HK$102)
7. Star Wars Might Muggs (4 figures) (HK439)

WOMAN

1. Esprit T-Shirt (HK$129)
2. Le Saunda Shoes (HK$199)
3. G2000 Skirt (HK$89)
4. G2000 Pants (HK$135)

And to top it off there was the miscellaneous items such as :-

(a) The Hello Kitty Moon Cakes (HK$108)

(b) Almond Cakes 8 packs (HK$120)

HKH - Day 1

Finally I'm off on my Hong Kong Holiday. I've never been to Hong Kong, it's my first time there, the only other time I was ever close to the place was in transit. We took an early morning flight from Changi T3 woo hoo .... first time going through that. First time also I am flying after my Lasik operation, and I was telling the missus, sure kena stop one, damn sure one, confirm they will check why the picture of me in my Passport not as handsome as the person in real life. The missus almost falls over the luggage when I said that. As we were going through immigration I told my missus, we use the auto-gates clear faster but she refused as she always had problems with the gate and her thumbprint. So we went with the human immigration officer. The lady who cleared us was quite nice and chatty and lo and behold she asked me how come I not wearing glasses. So told her went for Lasik. I got through.

Our plane was schedule to leave on time but then someone did not turn up for the flight and there was a delay to get his luggage off the plane due to security reasons. I think we got one of the new planes with bigger personal TV screens and a whole host of stuff you can watch / listen or play. Seats I think were a little wider as well and more leg room even in economy. Had lunch on board which was specially prepared by Gordon Ramsey, he's the guy from Hell's Kitchen. It was good. Mind you this is airline food we are talking about here.

Arrived in HK about half an hour late due to the delay. As we were clearing immigration it was our turn next in line when that particular HK immigration officer decides to close his lane, What the hell, not sure why they closing lanes when there is a huge crowd arriving. Maybe the guy had to go shit or something. SO we had to move to another lane. Cleared immigration got our ride to the Hotel.

Man the Hong Kong traffic jam is horrendous. Our coach was stuck in it and it took like forever to get to the Hotel. We were staying in the Royal Plaza. The Executive Club where again we were taken to the top floor to register and our rooms were on the top level as well. Great view.

After checking in we went for a walk around the area, man now I know why I never visit Hong Kong. Most things in Mandarin and everyone keeps talking to me in Cantonese, which of course I just reply back in English. So difficult event to order stuff. Well the missus did not waste much time and soon the first purchases have been made. Tomorrow another day and another Shopping Mall to conquer.

CLONE WARS - 27th Aug (SNEAKS)

STAR WARS : THE CLONE WARS animated movie will be released on 28th August in Singapore but thanks to my missus who's colleague had some link that she got an invitation to watch a screening of the movie a day earlier. A guest was invited and since no one wanted to go and she knew I was a BIG fan of Star Wars I got the invitation, I don't understand how no one wants to attend the movie event of the year !!

I've always tried to get an early screening of the Star Wars movies. When the The Phantom Menace was released, the gala premier was going at $100 a ticket I believe, at that time that was a little bit too much for my pocket. When the second movie was released Attack of the Clones, me and my friends decided to get the first screening we got our tickets early but the day before the release my Grandma passed on and out of respect, I did not watch the movie until all the necessary rights were done. The final instalment Revenge of the Sith, I was holidaying in New Zealand at that time and I queued up and got my First Screening Tickets which was a midnight show on the day of release. Technically since New Zealand is one of the first countries to see daylight I was ahead of everyone else in watching the movie. I remember the occasion, drove down to the cinema at around 11pm to catch some of the 'festivities' with costume characters from the NZ 501st Legion in attendance plus all the other fan boys in their finest costumes which some were really good, lots of lightsabres all over the place. Mind you this is winter time in NZ and it was freezing outside. Security was tight, it's like going through airport security, all bags going into the cinema were checked, I think they took away handphones and any recording devices.

NOW, it's the Clone Wars, and I got to catch it today at the Cathay Grand. First time at the Cathay Grand and I must say it was great, I think you need to catch this movie on a digital screen. It's so clear on a digital screen. Outstanding. I got there early got my tickets hang around and at around 7.20pm we were let in. There was free popcorn and drinks for each seat. Very COOL. People were still getting their tickets at 7.30pm. The introductions started at 7.45 and the official movie began around 7.55pm. It was awesome I like it very much very cool digital effects.

Mighty Muggs

Here's my collection of Star Wars Mighty Muggs, don't have the full set yet still missing a few figures. They are pretty cool stuff and do look nice with their rounded features. Can't wait for the clone wars to open on 28th August.

Here's a photo of some friends finally did something about it, don't think they will recognise themselves in there hee hee ....

Clone Army

I signed up for the Army Bay Run, I collected my number tag and timing chip the week before the run. The run was held on Sunday  24th August. It rained the night before on Saturday big thunder storm. On the morning of the 24th, it had stop raining. I got up early (4.30am which may not be early for some but it's a Sunday) and made my way down to the venue.

I took part in the 10km run considering that the route took us up the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, I was a little concern about tackling that uphill climb. The start point was along Esplandae Drive and the Padang was the end point which was also the main reporting area. The nights rain had really made the ground wet and the field was really muddy. Dropped off my bag and prepared for the run. I really liked the baggage area because they actually thought of everything, The bags were sealed in a plastic bag which made it sort of waterproof and keeps out the dirt as well as provides some security. It started to drizzle as I did some warm ups. Oh dear I thought, might need to run in the rain ! Luckily it was a brief drizzle and the skies cleared by the start of the race.

We were flagged off by the Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at 7.30am. The Half Marathoners were flagged off at 6.30am. The start took the runners through the business district before we hit the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, down to Suntec and turn out towards the F1 Pit Complex and U-turn at Lavender before heading back to the Singapore Eye and the Esplanade and finally finish off at the Padang.

It was a really hot and humid day. It was not really comfortable in the beginning, got worst along the way but I finally felt comfortable around the 6km mark and made it back to the finishing line in what I think should be under 1hr 15mins. A good time and I was pleased with it. After the finish, the whole Padang was muddy and the mud was those that could pull your shoes off your feet. The carnival was not too bad just that it was difficult to move around as the ground was muddy. I collected by bag and that was where an ambulance was trying to make it's way through the crowd, in the other direction medics were pushing a man in a trolley towards the ambulance. Both man and ambulance met just at the place where I was to get my bag. (the baggage area was along the road) It was a Caucasian man and he seemed to have passed out his eyeballs were rolled back. They bundled him into the ambulance with his wife and kid in tow and rushed off. Just hope he is ok.

Anyways I did not stay long this round just looked at the stuff they had on offer they even had food at the carnival for the runners, like ice cream, pizza and even Ramly Burgers. By 10am I was home. My shoes were so muddy (see below picture of my muddy shoes) that I took them off before I got into my car and drove back in my socks. Really weird feeling to be driving in your socks only.

 

Space Tax for the 'MIllenium Falcon'

Well not exactly Space Tax but road tax and it's not exactly for the Falcon but for the car, how time flies and it's Road Tax time again. Well I have to tell you about 3 interesting things that happened today. Firstly had to renew my road tax and I went to the LTA to get it done seems they moved the counters to the 2nd floor. What was cool, or what I thought was cool people could disagree was that the door handles were shaped like steering wheels !! That was really interesting.

The other rather silly thing that happened was that I had my visit to the Optician today as it was my 3 months after my Lasik surgery checkup so I got to the clinic and there were 3 people at the reception, 1 lady was busy with some stuff on a monitor the other lady was busy talking on the phone and I was served by this other lady who took my details checked the appointment and told me that the doctor had an urgent surgery and would be in late. She suggested I could get a coffee or breakfast and then come back again. I said ok so took the lift down to the first floor as I got out of the lift, my phone rang and when I answered it it was the Clinic and they called to informed me of my appointment and that the doctor would be late. I told them I was just upstairs talking to her colleague about it. Well the good news is that it seems the power in the eyes are not there but still there is astic which makes it hard for me to focus, it's still a little blurry at times. But it's so strange, no power just astic.

Final Interesting thing was that I got an SMS from a colleague of mind which reminded me that the date today is the 20th of August 2008, which if you write it out it is 20082008. Wow, isn't that cool, guess we wait for next year when it will be 20 September 2009.

The Force is Dumb with this one ....

What a week it has been. Last Thursday I had a late night, stayed up till the wee hours of the morning, catching up with some work. (well nothing new there :) In the end so tired decided to call it a night, turn the lights and was heading towards the bedroom and then it happened, wham !! I walked into the wall !! Now how dumb is that, I usually have pretty good 'night vision' but for some reason I turned too early and walked into the walk with a loud THUMP !! So loud that it woke the missus up. Man it hurt for a second, I was thinking to myself - wah like that sure got "buay dooku" tomorrow morning. Surprisingly next morning no blue black or anything. Told the missus 'see I like Iron Man' head of steel, she said 'more like the Blob' head too bouncy to have any impact.

Friday was of course the day Singapore's Table Tennis team was going for a medal in the Olympics, the first in 48 years. Of course nothing much happen in office at first but then everyone started talking around 5pm about what the score was. So me being the itchy guy at around 5.45pm decided to check out the results some guy on the NewPaper was doing a minute by minute blog of the events, so I got to find out what was happening there. I have to admit it was really thrilling. Outstanding Job to the Table Tennis Players.

Then there was Michael Phelps, who got his 8th gold medal, totally awesome and who can forget Usain Bolt the Insane Jamaican 100m runner who broke all speed records and became the fastest man on the planet ! Totally INSANE time. Also watched some gymnastic actually I was just looking for Nasty Falls by the gymnast but that never happen a couple of minor spills was all I caught, guess I'm one of those that just wants to see some one fall ha ha .. Fencing was really cool, love that sport but not sure how the scoring works, makes you just feel like Zorro doesn't it.Caught a little bit of judo and wrestling some greco roman style wrestling, hhmmm.... still prefer the good old WWE. I caught some diving as well as my missus liked that sport. There was this China woman Guo JingJing, well I told my missus hey that sounds like a Panda's name, wonder how someone who's name is so Pandaish can be so graceful on the springboards.

Saturday also saw the start of the EPL. Ya go Liverpool you can do it this year. Opening match was in some ungodly hour of 0030 am !! What the hell how am I suppose to watch that just caught the first half only before I fell asleep. ........ and before you know it the weekend's gone and it's back to work.

The force is really weak ....

What a silly thing to happen today, I thought I had left my wallet in the car this morning so I went down and wanted to pick it up before heading to work, considering that fuel prices were still high I wanted to catch a bus. Got to the car and realised that the wallet was not there !! hhhmmmm .... finally it dawn on me that I had left it in my room instead of the usual place. Now the estate has a security pass that opens the doors to the lift and without my wallet I could not get back up !! So in the end with no wallet but luckily still had my car keys I had to drive to work.

Must be really getting old to forget these things, the good thing about it all was that with no wallet and no money, all I had was some small change enough for a bun and that with my coffee was all I had for the day. Guess the diet kicks in now !! Maybe I should leave my wallet at home more often. Now that's a thought.

I had my haircut over the weekend. Usually I have it done at REDS Hair Dressing at Parkway Parade. Normally call in advance to make a booking with the hair dresser Patricia who has been the one who has cut my hair for the last 13 years !! Yep ever since I went to REDS long long ago after I return from my studies, after a few stylist did my hair, she was the one who finally could cut it the way I like. The missus uses her now as well after I introduce her to Pat. Well Pat has moved on and she finally open her own shop called "Yoshiki", it's now still at Marine Parade near Parkway where the McDonald's is. Not sure what Yoshiki means but it's some Japanese name I think. "Yoshiki Hair Dezain" yes that's how it's spelt. Interesting. We were lucky she had just open her shop the day before and the missus was the one who needed some hair straightening done.

The Force is Weak with this One

8 August 2008 or 08/08/08 a lucky day for some. The number 8 has been long associated with prosperity for the Chinese, with that there was a special lottery of $8million as a top prize to be drawn on the 8th of August. Alas I was not the one .... again !!! :( How fitting that there were 8 winners of the top prize.

August 8 also marks the start of the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, I managed to catch a bit of the opening ceremony which started at 8pm. Actually just the ending where the flame was being lit which was awesome the only other one which I remembered was that archer who shot the flaming arrow into the cauldron in Atlanta I believe.

On August 9th it's our little Island Nation's Birthday too. Singapore turns 43 on this day. The day started with me and the missus making our way to Holy Family church where there was a Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebration. Basically couples who were having their wedding anniversaries could register and attend to renew your marriage vows. But they had it for couples who were celebrating their 5, 10,15, 20 ....etc.. (basically every 5 year anniversary) It was a nice affair there were 43 couples in all ranging from 5years to 60 years. We got to church and registered they had little "goodie bags" for all the couples

Here's the little tag we had to wear actually me and the missus did not realise it but they had 2 different tags - Chai Ling - Aldrin and the other one was Aldrin - Chai Ling. I think we may have worn the wrong tags !!

Here we are getting blessed by the residing priest. Man do I look different without my glasses.

In the end there even was a cake and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Overall it was a really nice ceremony. Towards the end as it was also National Day there was the singing of the National Anthem and boy was I surprised, I think I seem to have forgotten some of the words to our own National Anthem. Aiyo call myself Singaporean some more aiya chia lat leh ..... ..... .....

Looks like more practice is in store. Anyway's here's wishing Singapore ..

HAPPY 43rd BIRTHDAY

Legacy Collection

Finally packed and took some pictures of the new Star Wars Legacy Collection 1st Day release. I just got a set of 4 just to make up the the droid. Turn the figure over and you get one of the parts for an extra figure which you can fix together to make another figure.

Clone Wars preview

Finally caught the Clone Wars Preview when I went to catch The Dark Knight. Looks good, not sure if I can catch the first screening of the movie !! Anyways the Dark Knight is an awesome show, one of the best Batman movie's ever. Joker (Heath Ledger - hope I got his name spelt correctly) was really awesome now I know why everyone said he was good. Have to say the best played Joker. They said it would be dark ya I guess it was a bit with lots of blood and gore, I think the censors clip of a part here and there to reduce the gore. Joker was played to perfection. Harvey dent (aka Two-Face) not too bad the special effects were good at the end. Alfred, hhmmmm.... not the best. Commissioner Gordon, well ok not too bad. Lucius Fox, well played by Morgan Freeman. Batman, now what's with that voice, sounds like he has dentures in his mouth or braces or something. Every time he puts on the Bat suit he adds the new Batman accessory the Bat-Braces !! Gotham was too bright for my liking, looks like a normal city. Batmobil wow cool, should have more airtime. Hey what happen to the cave damn, miss that good old cave. Overall it was a good comic book movie.

Clone Wars Figures

First look at my Clone Wars collection which I finally got together a set of 1st Day issue figures, which basically are the same as the next se just that they have foil stamp logo's and a 1st Day of Issue Sticker. The normal ones are not foil stamped.

The Clone Wars Figures Set

No.1 - Anakin Skywalker

No. 2 - Obi-Wan Kenobi

No. 3 - Yoda

No. 4 - Captain Rex

No. 5 - Clone Trooper

No. 6 - General Grievious

No. 7 - Battle Droid

No. 8 - R2-D2

Me and the missus also had a birthday celebration at Clark Quay on Thursday Night. Had a small little cake and this was what some of the cheeky friends got us

Pics are not that clear I guess as it was taken with my camera phone and in hast. But man doesn't that piggy look cute, and I am not referring to me.

Star Wars Month

A long time ago

in a blog

far far away .......

{cue Star Wars theme song}

AUGUST 2008 is STAR WARS month !! With the release of Hasbro's Clone Wars and Legacy Collection just last week (26th July) and the upcoming Clone Wars movie on 28th August. I do declare that it's an offical Star Wars month. Nothing but Star Wars on this place for this month :)