tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242484462024-03-13T23:45:59.031+08:00ESTHERXIE.COMSingapore Lifestyle and Travel BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2842125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-2735003375906185302022-05-30T14:43:00.006+08:002022-05-30T14:43:55.994+08:00Ho Chi Minh, VietnamI have so many travel backlogs and I'm on the verge of giving up blogging about them all but everytime I look at my old posts, I get reminded why I want to do this. I like the composing part but hate uploading the images. So this was pre-covid, 9 Aug 2019. Went to Vietnam with the family for a short trip. The parents wanted to stay in a proper hotel so we booked Palace Hotel SaigonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-6017047489317161042021-12-31T20:51:00.001+08:002021-12-31T20:51:00.195+08:00Biggest Accomplishment in 2021Bought a car for my dad! He has been riding a motorcycle to work for years and I always find it dangerous especially during wet weather. He often has to go under heavy rain with just a raincoat too. It's a second hand entry level car but good enough for his commute to work everyday. Brought him out to lunch and to view cars! Didn't manage to get any car this day but we went down again Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-66066011983161580562021-12-29T20:49:00.005+08:002021-12-29T20:54:44.811+08:00Turning 31Oh my, I just realized that I haven't posted anything for half a year. And I thought it was only 1-2 months. Lets post photos from my 31st birthday, before I turn 32 with a blink of an eye. Went to Shangri-la Hotel for Japanese lunch. After lunch was massage at Chinois Spa. Afterwards we went to MBS for shopping~Then MBS rooftop for some snacks and drinks.....Beautiful view!&Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-21974166171267509862021-06-01T19:00:00.004+08:002021-06-01T19:01:35.029+08:00Hokkaido, JapanShortly after blogging about my trip to Taiwan in 2018, I realize that I have yet to blog about my trip to Hokkaido in December 2017! I really should blog about my trips immediately after instead of procrastinating. We arrived in Hokkaido at 3pm and the sky was already dim. At 5pm, it became totally dark. So for this trip, we were out and about by 630am on most days and back in hotel by Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-81058568809985785712021-04-24T12:28:00.001+08:002021-04-24T12:28:00.245+08:00Helsinki, Finland Helsinki CathedralGlad we decided to drop by Finland after our trip to Iceland. It was refreshing to be back in the bustling city after the slow days in Iceland. Rainy evening but enjoyed it nonetheless. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-69539724373958877792021-04-19T18:18:00.001+08:002021-04-19T18:18:00.254+08:00Taiwan - KaohsiungI didn't visit Kaohsiung during my first trip to Taiwan so I was kinda excited for it during this trip. Our itinerary was Taipei - Kaohsiung - Taipei and I blogged about the Taipei part here: http://www.estherxie.com/2021/04/taiwan-2018-taipei.htmlOn the way to Kaohsiung, we passed by Chiayi and visited some of the tourist stops too. First, the High Heel Wedding Church, which has Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-18252043257417839452021-04-15T16:16:00.006+08:002021-04-15T16:16:44.707+08:00Taiwan 2018 - TaipeiWow how time flies! It has been more than a year since I last travelled due to the pandemic but I guess it's a chance to catch up on my travel back log! I went to Taiwan in December 2018 and visited Taipei and Kaohsiung. I'd focus more on Taipei in this entry! Tried the pork version of sausage mcmuffin and it's so yummy! Visited Yehliu as part of our "touristy" itinerary but Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-89808407474998574732021-01-25T14:44:00.004+08:002021-04-20T18:56:15.882+08:00NetflixNetflix subscription is one of the best things that happened to me in recent years. Haha. I cannot imagine a life without Netflix anymore. Just wanted to make a list of my all-time-favourite shows on Netflix, the ones that I really enjoyed and would recommend to anyone. Reality Series- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills- Selling SunsetDrama Series- Black Mirror (It's my most most Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-15388746032055149182021-01-16T16:27:00.000+08:002021-01-16T16:27:04.442+08:00Staycay at Hotel Michael + PanamericanaHad a all-girls staycation at Hotel Michael with my mum and sis late last year! Ramen for lunch~Redeemed some tokens for free games at Headrock VR.The zombie busters was quite fun but game over so fast!Panamericana has fantastic views!The interior is also really pretty. Food was awesome too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-42316153181798325392021-01-12T16:23:00.001+08:002021-01-12T16:23:25.581+08:00Staycay at M SocialBooked a staycation at M Social to celebrate my 30th birthday in October! Initially booked Intercontinental Robertson Quay but afterwards they had to cancel my reservation as they were serving SHN guests :( Check in time was 3pm but there was a super long queue outside the entrance - only then I googled and realise this was the norm for M social. The wait time was 45 minutes to 1 hour Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-46416214493302529692020-08-21T15:13:00.001+08:002020-08-21T15:13:02.773+08:00Gattopardo Ristorante Di MareGot to know this restaurant when we were finding some place to have lunch one of the weekends! Most of the place we wanted to go was fully booked but luckily this one was still available. Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare34 Tras St, Singapore 079026There are two levels, downstairs is more casual while upstairs is more formal.Tomato soup with ricotta cheese. I love the rich and strong flavour.I Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-66396789518030726142020-08-17T15:10:00.006+08:002020-08-17T15:10:58.530+08:00Hosting Lunch at HomeOver the weekend, I hosted lunch for the mm girls at my place. Lychee Moscato to add to the mood!For starter, we have Pan Seared Foie Gras with ScallopHomemade buns topped with Cheese and SugarCheesy baked mushroomsMain course was Salmon in garlic butter sauce with roasted potatoes and asparagusBanana cake for dessertWe spent the afternoon playing with my home-manicure kit and mahjong~ IntroducedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-11528229734464093082020-06-15T11:58:00.000+08:002020-06-15T11:58:04.694+08:00Genting 2017Yes, that's right. It's not a typo. Genting in 2017. That's how long I have procrastinate to blog about it. Haha. So we had a family trip with my grandparents to the "new" Genting soon after the indoor renovations was done.Cable car up. I hate cable cars. But I also hate the bus ride up. Guess I have no choice but to choose either one. Haha. First world hotel is my first choice among all theUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-9493113720691265602020-06-10T11:51:00.003+08:002020-06-10T11:52:25.353+08:00Rome, Italy and Vatican CityRome was our last stop in Italy and luckily for us, we finally got a nice modern hotel room! This is the nicest one we had in all our stops in Rome haha.Hotel ZoneVia Alfredo Fusco, 118, 00136 Roma RM, ItalyThe hotel has a small restaurant and since it's located so far away from everything else, we had our meals there quite afew times. Simple breakfast. Most of the smaller four star hotels Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-57694319807134961612020-06-06T16:00:00.003+08:002020-06-10T11:53:15.828+08:00Florence, ItalyWe stayed in Hotel West Florence for our Florence part of Italy and from the outside... looks promising yea? Turns out it's another dated tiny room. It also claims to be 4-star but this would be 3-star standard anywhere else.
Oh well, after our earlier experiences in Europe, we have come to manage our expectations before checking in towards the end of our trip. Still, I dreaded checking in Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-78599765469205811572020-06-01T12:34:00.004+08:002020-06-10T11:53:33.449+08:00Venice, ItalyYes, we stayed in this room with full-red oriental furnishings and wallpaper during our time in Venice. It was very dated and quite scary actually.
The hotel claims to be 4 stars but we have learnt that the standard in Europe is really a big difference from what we are used to in other countries. The 4-star we are familiar with is a more economical version of a proper large 5 star hotel while Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-5039741060730688052020-04-22T16:36:00.006+08:002020-06-10T11:54:03.951+08:00Milan, Italy
Milan!
We stayed in a quiet business hotel located in a quiet area 30 mins away from Duomo di Milano.
Domina Milano Fiera
Via Don Orione, 20026 Novate Milanese MI, Italy
Considered very nice compared to the many other "four stars" hotels we stayed in Europe. Located right next to a hypermart too, so we went there for some shopping too.
Sightseeing! First stop, Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-59646730444873010272020-04-16T13:35:00.001+08:002020-06-10T11:54:12.623+08:00Switzerland - Mt Titlis
One of our highlights in Switzerland was visiting Mt Titlis.
Mount Titlis is 3,000 metres above sea level and is a popular tourist attraction with glacier cave and ski activities.
This was in 2017 before I bought any real winter wear so I only had normal jackets during this trip. Layered 3-4 times and luckily it was sufficient! Actually nope, my ears hurt terribly due to the cold when I Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-53167140842088577182020-04-12T20:50:00.004+08:002020-04-12T20:50:41.561+08:00Easy Recipes for TwoI have been cooking a bit more than usual during this circuit breaker period and here are some simple recipes to share!
Circuit Breaker Day 2
These dishes are super easy!
Curry Chicken Wings + Potatoes
1) Boil curry paste + water
2) Add the wings and potatoes3) Add coconut milk
Stirfry Veggie with Minced Garlic
1) Heat oil, fry minced garlic
2) Fry veggies
Steamed Tofu topped with Black BeanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-57951471957586387402020-04-08T16:00:00.002+08:002020-06-10T11:54:30.239+08:00Switzerland - Lucerne
Switzerland is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
We went to Lucerne and it was love at first sight. It's not everyday I get to see beautiful snow capped mountains from the insides of a bustling city. Yes, I have seen nice mountain views before but it was always in the discomfort of cold, quiet countryside with no modern facilities and it's just not the same.
IUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-69721598885835237362020-03-19T16:02:00.001+08:002020-06-10T11:54:39.275+08:00A Day at GermanyDropped by Germany in between our Journey from France to Switzerland.
It's amazing how we can cross between countries without chopping our passports. We went to this quaint little town near the border. Just a photo log because I don't really remember much except for the clocks and the sweet dessert wine which we bought for our parents.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-9282829381625965922020-03-14T12:14:00.001+08:002020-03-14T12:24:52.929+08:00Journey to getting my driving licence
Ever since I was of legal age, I never had any intention to take a driving licence and was happy to just spend the rest of my life in the passenger seat. I always felt it wasn't necessary for me to learn how to drive but late last year, I suddenly felt that it's a useful skill to have especially to run errands. If I knew how to drive, I wouldn't need to depend on other people. And so.... I Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-36996196384083774152020-03-12T15:50:00.004+08:002020-03-14T12:15:00.579+08:00Cny 2020
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
As usual, chu xi reunion dinner at S home.
I always look forward to Chu Yi lunch at his grandma's place because she always make this super yummy soup + her dishes are all very yummy too.
Another feast at his uncle's place.
How can I start the year without a selfie? Haha!
Love my outfit for Chu Yi! I knew I definitely wanted it theUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-22962632835818908652020-02-22T18:06:00.000+08:002020-02-22T18:06:00.319+08:00GlampingA very tame bacherlorette party for Ruoxuan - we went glamping at East Coast Park!
Jacelyn booked the tent from Wondrous Glamping, and it came with decorations and a dining set up right infront of the sea.
We ordered some pastries from Cedele and original plan was to eat at the dining set up but the sun was too strong and we decided to do it indoors. (But inside also quite stuffy even Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24248446.post-72755601660032081732020-02-19T16:58:00.000+08:002020-02-19T16:58:05.006+08:00Vday 2020For this year's Valentines date, we went to Shangri-La Hotel for dinner at Waterfall Ristorante...Actually I had a tiring and bad day and almost wanted to cancel but he already paid in full and i didn't want to waste the money. So we went ahead... Lucky we did cos my mood liven up after food.
Started off with Foie Gras on sticks.... Yums.
Next up, Carpaccio of Octopus, Tuna and Salmon. HeavenlyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0