Home [Vancouver]

Dear pipsqueaks,

It's been ten months since I've last been in my beautiful home city of Vancouver. 'Tis true, we never really know what's so special about a place until u no longer have the freedom to enjoy it whenever u like. So many times I hear my friends say, "oh, u eat out so much, but I don't find them any different". Well, of course! U live here, so u don't realise just how unique the availability n quality of the cuisine that's here in Vancouver at your pleasure to enjoy. For me, I only have 5 days, n most likely 5 out of 365 days as I don't plan to be back any other time this year. So, indulge as I like.

Once again, I'll let the pictures do the talking simply because we didn't do much around the city, except to run some errands. The rest of the time? Well, u guessed it! Meal gatherings with friends! What a good way to attempt to complete both my to-eat list n my to-meet list at the same time! So here goes...

(Me & my partner in crime- my sister! Get ready, Vancouver!) 

Home [Taiwan]

Dear pipsqueaks,

It sure felt a whole lot longer than 3 months since the last time I was back, but I mean, possibly, this is the difference with "officially" being away from home than just going out for a holiday. Closely resembles the same "moving out" feeling as most brides probably feel. Even if they're just moving to a house down the same street, it's the "officiality" of the move that's upsetting. You're not really going anywhere physically, but u no longer refer to that place as ur home anymore if someone were to ask where u live. So every visit feels like a return from a long time away. Possibly.

Of course, way before my arrival, I've already spoken with the head chef at the house about what I wanted to eat: home-cooked meals! Sure, Taiwan's known as the food heaven, but for me, mom's cooking beats all. Her udon n hot pot n soup...things I can only dream about when I'm living in my kitchen-less place in KL. Well, even if I had a kitchen, it's never the same when she makes them. It always tastes better when she makes them, n u can say I'm just being sweet, but the secret ingredient is "Mama's Love". That's right. I'm all for it. So, not a surprise, mom had it all prepared for before we got home: hot pot! Now that I think about it, there's nothing really too too different about our hot pots, but it's precisely the whole family-feel that seals the deal. Having the whole family crowd around the pot, eating n catching up...nothing beats this. Nothing. Oh, n we decided to run out for some marinated side dishes to have alongside our hot pot, n u'd never guess the line up! Ridiculous~ but no worries, there was enough for everyone :)

(this was only the middle of the line up too!) 

(I know this may look scary for some, but TRUST ME, u gotta try it)

Post- "Around the World" Thought

Dear pipsqueaks,

Just a short update before the trip recap for Taipei, Vancouver and Paris...

Definitely still suffering from jetlag, but such a trooper for showing up to work right after landing (giving myself a pat on the shoulder). Can't believe I even cleared out most of my emails in one day! So efficient :) But anyway, it was a long trip with food and fun binges. The phrase, "I haven't been hungry since I left Malaysia" held true until the moment I landed in KL. Quite a comfort to see some familiar faces, and hope to stay longer next time to meet up with the rest that I didn't get a chance to see this time around. Hell-sprint through Heathrow for my connecting flight- never doing that again! I ran so fast that I managed to board just before closing, but my luggage didn't make it. Pooh, but that saved the hassle to drag it with me across town as the airline offered to delivery them to my doorsteps the next day. Paris was just the most amazing. Spoiled in every way by the French Connection with creative home-made meals and romantic walks around town. Even got to meet his family...*squeal*. That reminds me, I really gotta touch up on my French.

Anyway, update soon with full story and pics! Can't wait to re-live the holidays ;)

Axiata Cup 2012- Semi Finals

Dear pipsqueaks,

What a fun way to spend the weekend in a crowd of very enthusiastic fans! Although, I wasn't feeling so fantabulous in the morning, I weighed the pros and cons of making an appearance, and finally decided, "what the heck, it's only 5 stations away, and I really need to get out of the house before I go crazy". So I went, hoping to see some action between the Indonesia Garuda and the Malaysia Tigers. Except, once again, the tournament took a hit with a few Tigers MIA.

When I entered the FOP- with the whole dimming of the lights with search lights flaring and breeding of excitement with the pumped-up music- it was a great atmosphere. Usually, I'm quite easily influenced by the energy sporting events give off, so it's not a surprise I was more than happy to see it all begin! I must say, they did a really good job with the Badminton Stadium and the whole look and feel. Honestly can't imagine this was the same hall that I visited back in June when the office was there. Anyway, so began the introduction of the teams, and seeing how the Tigers were missing a few, u could feel the Malaysian crowds silent disappointment in the air.

(becoming infected by the atmosphere...)