Shenzhen, China - Day 1 The Arrival, Sushi & Shopping

Date of Visited: 28th May 2011

There it goes! My family trip after almost 5 years ago where my family and I went to Hong Kong together. And this time around, even my sister's boyfriend from Singapore tagged along with us. This is my first oversea trip for the year 2011. (Yeap, another backdated travelogue)

Shenzen is the only city of China that directly fly from Kota Kinabalu via AirAsia without any transit and the journey took almost 3 hours. Situated in the south of Southern China, Shenzhen is indeed very near to Hong Kong. So when next time make a trip there, do spare more time to "hit 3 birds using one stone" - by plan a trip to visit Shenzhen, Hong Kong and also Macau. Unfortunately for us, it was only 4 days 3 nights trip, so we can only venture around Shenzhen city. Somemore, I just visited Hong Kong and Macau few months ago.

Aerial view of Shenzhen

Everything in blue

Immediately upon check-in, we went for lunch. My dad brought us to the nearby Japanese restaurant which was few walking distance from our hotel (will blog about it soon). I kinda doesn't like the attitude and behaviour with the China's driver which they tend to like to keep on "hon" their car. All along the way from hotel to the restaurant, the driver never stop keep making those noises even for a second. It is very annoying for that!

The public transport

The menu and ambiance of the restaurant

Itadakimasu!

Regarding the price, I can't really recall any of them but they do have more variety and choice which can't find in most typical Japanese restaurant in Malaysia. After done with lunch, now we have more energy to kick off the day - SHOPPING!

Located just behind our hotel, this shopping complex is totally insane. For shopaholics, this is must visit place especially for the ladies where you can do all the madly shopping. For the first few floor, it is fully occupied with clothes and garments and trust me, you probably might need at least a day to venture all around. No! Maybe 2 days! Gosh!

This is the shopping complex looks like.

For those who went China and shopping there before, I guess you might know the rule when comes to bargain with them. For those who never, here is an advise based on my personal experience. Before you bargain with them, make sure you are 100% sure want the item. If can't meet your expected price, you might just leave but you may pay the price for your action. They will SHOUT SO LOUD and everyone nearby you, will definitely look at you. I never experience this before but I saw thousand times in a day inside this building. Damn scary!

After shopping for more than 5 hours, it's time for dinner. We dined in a restaurant located inside the shopping complex. Just a glance from outside of the restaurant, this is one of the most grand restaurant I ever encountered.

Warning! A sinful food.

Because this dinner was having together with my dad's friend and his family, so I unable to snap as much photo as I mostly did in most of the time. I guess the photo itself (above) has make your saliva drooling at this moment.

My first day ended with sushi for lunch, shopping like mad and tempting Chinese food as dinner. And you know what? My mom continue shopping on the next day. Deng! So prepare my Shenzhen Day 2 with full of non-stop shopping experience.

My haul for first day.
Can't you believe for less than RM100, I managed to grab all of these?
2 dresses, 1 short, 1 blouse for myself and 1 collar T-shirt for boyfie.

Note: Notice the spelling mistake of my watermark. It suppose to be Shenzhen but I mistakenly spelled as Shenzen. Will edit it once I back because while you are reading this right now, I on my way for another vacation. First trip for the year 2012. Stay tune to find out where I am heading to.

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Recap of My 2011 History & My 2012 resolution

Happy new year to all my readers and here it is, my officially first post for the year 2012. Talking about the year 2011, I try to figure out what has it brought to my life. Change my life dramatically or just the same old simple life I had?

Beginning with the month of January, this month totally gave me a mixed feelings indeed. The month for the 1 year memorial of the lost of someone that is so important in my life but then it's also the month that my boyfie and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary we'd been together. Somehow somewhere, I still miss you a lot, my dearest late grandfather.

My own handmade card to the boyfie.

My career life started to change in February where I was being promoted as audit semi-senior along with my boyfie. Yup, both of us were working together under the same field. Like they said, when salary increased, the responsibilities also getting heavier. Beside that, being part as one of the Company's sport committee, I was given a real opportunity to organise the Company's annual dinner - with lots of grand and exclusive prize sponsored by our boss including iPad, Canon compact camera, iPod and more. Too bad I didn't won any of those.

Then the following month, March is where again another year for me to blog candle. No more blast and happening celebration like I had in previous year, but I grateful to celebrate this important day with my family, friends and not forgeting, with boyfie too. A simple birthday celebration marked my life another meaningful and remarkable moment when got to celebrate with all the loved one.

This year my birthday celebration filled with lots of foods.

Fast forward to the month of May is where I began my travel journey for the year 2011. First, went to Kuala Lumpur for less than 2 days just to attend my friend's wedding. Frankly speaking, friends are important to me and has become part of my life. If I really got the time, I will try my best to attend their wedding even it is so far away. Therefore for me, good friends are meant to be kept, but for a friend that doesn't meet the definition of a friend at all, sorry to tell you are not meant to be part of my life, dude! Next, travel oversea with my family which I will mention about it later.

My friend's wedding in Mines, Kuala Lumpur

Officially being a semi senior for less than 4 months, I finally decided to tender a resignation letter and terminate my services in the month of June to further my study - to continue my professional accounting papers which I had keep extending for so long.

My farewell treat by my colleagues. Thanks and I really miss them a lot.

Say Hello Again to Kuala Lumpur in July. Thanks to my friend and his sister for giving me a great place to stay during my study there. I really owed them a lot for their courtesy and taking a very good care of me.

My comfort place somewhere around Kuala Lumpur. Enclosed with private bathroom somemore

Went Malacca with my friend's sister aka my housemate in August after my last trip to there was like almost 5 years ago. Deng!

My Malacca travelogue

Among of all the month for the year, I love the most would definitely be September. The first reason was having TWO trips in a month and secondly, a visit to KL by boyfie.


My class ended in November and I went back KK immediately. Somehow, I think home is the most coolest place to be on earth. I used to like KL life once when I was a KL college student before, but after working in KK for almost 2 and half years, I think KK still the best. KL life is so complicated and such a hectic life, really doesn't suit me at all (my two cents opinion, no offence)

Can't imagine how long I never fly with one of the world best airline after the existence of the world's lowest fare airline?


Having the worst nightmare where study non-stop for day and night for my exam which held in the month of December. Anyhow, my exam ended in the middle of month, and from there onwards, I started a new working life - working with my dad. Not my choice but what can I do. I still missing working with my previous employer somehow.

Gosh! Too many things to study.

So, that's summarised all my life for the year 2011. Wondering how about my globe trotting? One of my #2011 resolution has achieved and that was visited at least 4 different countries in a year:

1. Shenzen, China with family. The last trip we went together was back in year 2005 where we went Hong Kong together with my late grandfather. Although went Taiwan with family in 2010, but it is incomplete without the other family members.

2. Seoul & Jeju Island South Korea with my Europe trip gang. After travelled together around Europe in 20 days, four of us "back in action again" since we promised to meet and gather for another trip after our graduation.

3. Singapore with boyfie. Thanks a lot to boyfie to accompany me for this sweet trip and I guess he must be damn tiring and exhausted for walking a lot during the trip. Like I mentioned above, he came KL first before going to Singapore, and again he did a lot of walking too which he never did in KK. Walking from KLCC to Pavilion, Low Yat, Sungai Wang, Berjaya Times Square and almost walking everyday for almost half hour from the place I stayed to LRT :P

4. Jakarta & Bandung, Indonesia with mommy. At first, it supposed to be a trip of three but last minute, my friend can't managed to join us. However, proudly to say, my mommy and I managed to complete our journey to travel around this where most of them claimed to be so-called-not-safety place without the help of any travel agent. *Hebat right this anak-beranak!*

Although I am not an avid traveller which I really hope I could be someday, I guess this year is where I travel a lot and fly a lot too. Travel via airplane for 16 times, which I never travel so frequently in my entire life. Not forgetting, taking 6 different airlines during the whole trip for the year.

Talking about #2012 resolution, never in my mind to think about it but since many of you did shared it, so I won't be hesitate to share about my #2012 resolution too.

1. Earn and save lots lots lots of money to fulfill the 2nd.
2. Travel at least once a month but it has to depend whether I manage to achive the 1st. Hopefully manage to visit at least few of the places I listed under "My Travel Bucket List" in DT Travel page.
3. Losing some weight to reach my ideal weight. Looks like I to need take my ass up to go and do some exercise.
4. Time for a new and better camera. Perhaps Canon DSLR or Panasonic latest camera, GX1.
5. Complete my Europe trip saga and 2011 trips post
6. Read more travel magazine to sharpen my writing skills and enhance my travel knowledge
7. Start and set-up my own business in providing accounting services and tuition center.
   
8. Browsing for a great location and stylish house (hopefully but seems impossible)
   
9. Erm.. Guess that's all for this moment. Worry I might not able to achieve the above by the end of 2012.
   

Looks like 2011 had been a fruitful, awesome and eventful for me, at least. Now, it's time to brace myself for the brand new year. Hopefully it will be more happening and eventful throughout the year 2012. Most importantly, be healthy and happy always, right! Hope you guys a have a great one too!

Last but not least, welcoming these two new gadgets into my life. Seriously, can't live without them. For your information, these two are the best ever birthday present I ever received.

Deng! So many things happened actually but I can't mentioned all here especially my life throughout the blogging world. Seems like I gonna continue blog about it in my next post.

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Top 3 Commentators for Year 2010-2011

Deng! Less than 4 hours gonna bid goodbye to the year 2011 and then, brace yourself for welcoming the year of 2012 soon.

Now let's back to the main topic. Refer to few of my previous post, I did mentioned that I will give a lil gift for those who always come and support my blog especially for those who leave a trail or comments in my blog. I remembered Armstrong did mentioned before in his blog that every bloggers love comments. Who doesn't right? Therefore, I decided to reward the top 3 commentators of my blog to show my lil appreciate for what you did to my humble blog.

*Let's the drum roll...............*

Begin from the bottom top 3

Rexs Leonard J. Madan from Si Aki Borneo - with 30 comments

I remembered most of his comments on my previous posts were all about the photo I took for my Japan trip. Thanks for a lot for the compliment but I think Aki's photography skill is much better than me.

UPDATED on 08.02.2012: Rexs a.k.a. Aki did a post regarding the gift that he received. Do check out his blog - si Aki Borneo: Year of the Dragon's Luck: Early February.

Here's the small lil gift for you, Rexs:

• T-shirt from Bandung, Indonesia
• Fridge magnet from Bandung, Indonesia
• Face mask from Seoul, South Korea
• Handphone ornament from Seoul, South Korea

For the top 2

Mei Tzeu from Sketches of Life - with 34 comments

A blogger cum my own friend who I met during college time. She is very active in blogging and if not mistaken, she started blogging during further her study in United Kingdom. What I loves about her blog is her food posts. Everytime when I wanna find great foods around Kota Kinabalu, her blog is the one that on my mind.

Here's the gift for you, lady:

• Unique handbag which can only found in Bandung, Indonesia
• Fridge magnet from Bandung, Indonesia
• Face mask from Seoul, South Korea
• Handphone ornament from Seoul, South Korea
• A black headband

Finally for the winner goes to...

Ken Wooi from kenwooi.com - with 40 comments

He claimed himself as not-so-famous blogger but who on blogsphere doesn't know him? In my opinion, not matter how famous he is, he is one of the most down to earth blogger. He is willing to sit down, read the blog and comment it. Ken, no matter what post did you published either personal, advertorial or anything, your blog is the best one lah!

Here is my gift to this famous blogger:

• T-shirt from Bandung, Indonesia
• Bookmark (special edition) from Bandung, Indonesia
• Face mask from Seoul, South Korea
• Handphone ornament from Seoul, South Korea
• Earphone (Orange colour; Ken, your favourite lah)

For the rest, how I wish I could reward something for you guys too but unfortunately, I can't or else, definitely there will be heavy damages in my bank account. But I really like to thanks thanks a lot to all of you. If without you guys, my blog wouldn't go so far.

Here are the list for those who comments at least 10 and above:
1. Armstrong - 27 comments
2. Shirley Tay - 24 comments
3. Biqque - 16 comments
4. Nava.K - 16 comments
5. SJB aka Sue J-B - 15 comments
6. Miss. Tina - 15 comments
7. Sailor - 13 comments
8. hcworld of Travel and Photography- 13 commetns
9. CathJ - 13 comments
10. Jeff Chuah - 11 coments
11. Daniel Chiam - 11 comments
12. Eric Lee - 11 comments
13. Cutebun - 10 comments
14. de engineur - 10 comments
15. maso.tee - 10 comments


Hey, but wait! I did randomly pick someone from the list above for giving the best comment. And the one that give the best comment is...

Sherrie Pui from cutebun

The comment given by her:
"Awesome guide. I feel like reading lonely planet! =D I wanna go Japan. Yosh!"for the post "Top 5 Things To Do or See in Osaka, Japan"

The prize for you

For the four winners above, hope you guys like the small tiny little gift that I prepare. By the way, don't forget, to leave your name and mailing address to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com to courier the gift to your doorstep.

So, that's the end and final post of my blog for the year 2011. Blogging for almost 4 years, this year is the first year that I managed to reach more than 100 posts. Hopefully in 2012, I could post more on travel blog and not forgeting, more trips, travel and vacation to come. *wink wink*

Before I end this, I would like to wish to all my readers;

Wishing this new year brings you with new hopes and new opportunities to explore.

*✫✫✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫ ✫✫✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫✫✫
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✿♥❀♥❁•*¨✿❀❁•*¨`*•.✿❀❁•*¨`*•.`✿♥❀♥❁♥❀♥❁

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

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Tyrol, Austria

Small Note: Being abandoned for almost 2 years in order to give way to blog of other places first, and now decided to resume my trip around Europe in 20 days back in year 2008.

You know how exhausted and tiring to sit in a bus for almost 12 hours a day for the straight 20 days?

The 6th country that we stopby during the trip around Europe in 20 days. Austria (somehow sounds like Australia) is one of the landlocked country in Central Europe. Once we reached Tyrol, one of the city situated in the west of Austria, this city somehow give me somekind of feeling that I was in Switzerland.

The clear blue sky and the green mountain in Tyrol is really similar to the one I saw in Switzerland.

Not only for the scenery, even each and every of the structure and design of the building also similar to Switzerland.

This is the guest house that we're overnight during our stayed in Austria.



Nestled in the Alps with a river which runs through it.

Although we didn't managed to do sightseeing for the attractions because most of it being blocked by the mountains, but this is one of the coolest place to plan for an extreme outdoor activities such as skydiving. Few of my tourmates from Australia did skydiving by jump off from the small aircraft and managed to witness the spectacular view of the city. So envy with them but imagine how expensive it was? To jump off one time like that, it cost almost RM1,000. Maybe I should start earn and save money by now and feels the satisfaction of using own money, right?

Even though we didn't do the skydiving, but we rent a bike and cycling around the town. The weather on that day is cloudy and windy and we're absolutely love these kind of weather. It was the perfect time for us to cycling around. (Hey, I just did cycling too yesterday around one of Sabah's magnificent resort with boyfie).

What an amazing scenery? The city with no pollution and all you feel is the fresh air. It is absolutely a healthy place to stay.

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Indonesia Trip Teaser

Hello everyone! It's been a hectic period for me for the past few days as I was sick, tried to adapt to my new working environment and doing my last minute plan for my trip. Yeap, currently I'm somewhere around Indonesia and guess this year will be another year for me to celebrate Christmas in oversea as in previous year, I was in Taiwan celebrating Christmas.

Indonesia is my fourth trips of the year and it is also will be my final year end holiday. Hopefully no more sudden trip again because I'll busy with other things soon I get back to KK. So far for this trip, everything is under control (hopefully) and what amazed me was the people over here was so friendly. However, things are expensive especially on the transportation and foods.

We took direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Jakarta.

Then on the next day we reached, we took train from Jakarta to Bandung.

This is what I hate when comes to travelling - Heavy rain really spoil the travelling mode

We stayed so near to the shopping mall and street which means, soon we'll burn a hole in our pocket.


But for a non-shopaholic like me, I did plan for few sightseeing around the city. I can't stand if shopping everyday lah.


It will Christmas soon in the next few days. Hereby I wish everyone especially to my dearest readers,

Merry Christmas to all of you!


May this wonderful festival bring abundant joy and happiness throughout your life!

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Foodie Friday: Pancake House International, Karamunsing

Frankly speaking, I am not a big fan of pancake neither do I ever crave for it too. But my two nasty besties send me a photo and try to seduce me while I was doing my revision in KL and told me that there was a newly opened franchise restaurant in KK city, hence I replied to them that I love to try once I am back to KK. Who doesn't love to try new thing?

A day after I reached my beloved KK city, both of them brought me to the place we'd promised before. Gosh, the gals seems like the regular customers of the restaurant. Had tried this, had tried that before but for me, everything is completely new - so it took a long time for me to decide which to order.

For those who is die-hard-pancake, it's a must try!

Not just they do serve pancake, there are lots of other choices to choose including western foods like steak, burger and more.

3 of us decided to order the set meal, as it is more worthwhile for money.

A set meal come along with a drink and we prefered Iced Lemon Tea.

Spaghetti taste nice and for the taco, I would live to give thumb up for the taco. Unfortunately, disappointed with the fried chicken, it taste salty.

A sandwich, a salad and taco too.

A meal wouldn't complete without order their signature dish - Pancake.

It's not bad after all trying the pancake. But somehow, pancake still not my favourite food. Another new place in KK town for family and friends come together to enjoy an awesome foods.

Location:
Pancake House International,
Ground Floor,
Karamunsing Complex,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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Top 5 Things to DO or SEE in Osaka

Small Note: I'm back from my almost 2 weeks hiatus mode. Done with my exam and now I can start blogging. Yipee!

Since AirAsia X has just commenced their new route to Osaka, Japan end of last November, I really felt wanna go again after saw the promotion price for less than RM650 for the return flight. It is damn freaking cheap, seriously. Since ever my maiden visit in Autumn 2010, I really wish go and revisit Japan again especially Osaka, as it is also the main getaway to Kyoto, Nara and even Kobe.

Hence, I decided to resume my blog by starting my humble sharing of the top 5 things to Do or See in Osaka, based on my own personal experience:

1. Osaka Castle

Known as Osaka-jo in Japanese language, this is another classic style of the Japanese castle. Osaka Castle is Osaka's famous landmark and even it is notable to be the symbol of the city with its 500-years incredible history. The castle even features museum where you can see historical artifact. The most recommended season to visit will definitely during the spring season as the castle will be surrounding with magnificent sakura blossom bloom, which usually takes place in early of April.

Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5.00 pm
Admission: 600 yen
How to get there: The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokeo on the JR Loop Line.

 
2. Umeda Sky Building 
Stands upon 173 meter tall, Umeda Sky Building is the most amazing piece of architecture featuring two 40-storey towers in the district of Osaka. The two main towers are connected with each other by The Floating Garden, a rooftop observatory on the 39th floor. However, too bad this place is not recommended for those who afraid of height because during getting to the top, you will experience see-through glassed-in escalator for the final five floor storeys.

The open air observatory offers a great and spectacular night view of Osaka City.

Opening hours: 10:00 am - 10.30 pm (entrance until 10:00 pm)
Admission: 700 yen
How to get there: 10 minutes on foot from JR Osaka Station or Hankyu Umeda Station.

3. Shinsaibashi Shopping

Shopping from head to toe, shopping till you'll drop will be the most probably especially to the ladies that it is hardly to avoid when visiting this shopping haven in Osaka. Shinsaibashi Shopping Center is the largest shopping area in Osaka which extends up to 580 meters in a north-south direction and approximately 180 stores including old-established shops, department stores, and those selling major brand products such as Shiseido and Kose which stand next to each other. One unique and vibrant shopping experience shouldn't to be miss.

  4. Dontobori

Another Osaka's most famous tourist spot, Dotonbori is the most happening and liveliest area when the day turns to night. This single street runs through the Dotonbori canal is packed with many restaurants and become the main destination for both domestic and foreign tourists for a food hunt in Osaka. What Dotonbori amazed me was the hundreds of colourful neon lights and advertisement signboards brighten up the street during the night time, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Giant Crawling Crab sign.

5. Okonomiyaki & Takoyaki

Just like Tokyo is famous for sushi, Osaka is non-exemption for that too. A must try Osaka's famous local delicacies, Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) which to be known as "Osaka Soul Food" and Takoyaki (octopus ball) when visiting the city of Japan's spiritual heartland. These two dishes are belief originated from Osaka and being popularised by a street vendor sinceafter.

So, interested going to Osaka, Japan and wanna experience all the above?

Frankly speaking, even myself would definitely love to make another revisit again to cover some other area which I miss out during my first visit including;

Universal Studio Osaka, the first theme park located outside USA

Source

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest public aquarium in the world

Source

Till then, sayonara and hopes you guys enjoy reading of my this small lil sharing!

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