Voyager of the Seas Day 1

1st day - 10 May 2016

Booked a 7 nights 8 days cruise with Royal Caribbean from 10 May 2016 to 17 May 2016 on the Voyager of the Seas. The destination of this cruise is to Hong Kong, with two port stopovers at Thailand and Vietnam. We did it directly on the international website instead of going through the travel agencies so it is easier to plan the dates. Singapore's website gave us some problem at the time of booking, hence we did it on the international website. Payment has to be paid by a credit card the currency was actually seen in USD but can be converted to SGD upon checkout. We chose to prepay all our gratituities (the tipping custom) instead of later so we know exactly how much we are paying.

They have different classes of ships and ours is under the Voyager class which ranks in the middle in terms of size and features. We chose a stateroom on deck 7 with a balcony so that we could have a  nice view of the sea. We were given the choice to choose the exact stateroom number we want and the time we would like to have our dinner at the main dining room. There is traditional dining (fixed dinner time: 5.30/8.30pm) and my time dining (make reservations everyday at your preferred time) at the main dining room. I remembered we wanted 5.30pm slot as 8.30pm is too late but there's was no slot then. Hence, we selected my time dining and put ourselves under the waiting list for our desired choice. In the end, we got it and it is reflected on the seapass card (time reflected as 6pm though which is better for us too). We have booked our trip at the end of January and we waited patiently for the time to arrive!

I was so excited that on the day before, I just cannot do anything else! Bf came to fetch me about 12pm to the cruise terminal along with his parents. We have done the online check in at least 3 days prior to the sale date, so we did not need to fill up any forms other than the illness declaration form. We chose to link our seapass card to bf's credit card for any payment on board. This is really a good choice so that on the day before you disembark, you don't have to waste time queuing at the guest service counter just to pay your bills! The queue on our 7th day was really long. 

The queue to check in was fast and we got our seapass card very soon. Headed up the ship with a few rounds of verification by the crew and handed over our passports to them so that they can clear customs at the various countries. A welcome photo was taken for us from the start. All the photos taken professionally by the RC crew can be reviewed at the photo stations at deck 3 before we decide to purchase. We did not purchase any of them though.

We started the embarkation process at about 1.30pm and reached our room at about 2.30pm. My luggage was already outside our stateroom but his was nowhere to be seen. Our luggage were left too far apart when we checked in, and they probably transported them in separate groups. We quickly went for lunch at the Windjammer restaurant [omg the fries is so good] at deck 11 before it closes. Emergency drill was set at 4pm and everyone was to report for it. This was when our stateroom attendant, Yadav Babban, introduced himself to us and guided us to our stations for the drill. I think he comes from India and he is a very friendly and approachable person. By this time, bf’s luggage finally found its way to our room. 

 

We proceeded to our station stated on our seapass card, C10, at deck 4. We stood in single files, closed together, and that was quite stuffy as time goes by. Attendance was taken to ensure the passengers all go through this important drill. RC provides wrist bands which identifies with specific reporting stations. Children are expected to wear these wrist bands linked to their respective stations at all time. Parents, if separated from their children, were reminded to report to their stations immediately during emergencies as the crew would escort the children to them. This is a such an effective and efficient way, isn't it. 

Windy!

After the drill, we went back to the room to chill, unpack, and watch the ship sail away! We had a dinner reservation at 7pm at Giovanni’s Table. This is a speciality restuarant in which we had to pay an additional amount of fee to enjoy the food. We made the reservation online directly and had paid in advance for it [about 70 SGD extra in total]. There were like 4 courses to choose from, the appetizers, pastas, mains and dessert. It seems to be so much to eat but since we have already paid for it, both of us chose one from each category. 

We were served quickly during our time there as there were only a few tables occupied. Most people are probably trying out the main dining room on their first night. The table size at Giovanni's was just right and ambience was not bad. Our waiter, from China, introduced himself to us and for the whole time, he provided prompt service to us. Although we did have some problems depiphering some sentences and food items, his overall communication is good. 

Before we choose from the menu, we were given some warm bread which taste really good, despite it being a little hard. He recommended this bread dipping which consist of olive oil, vinegar and cheese. At first, we were kind of freaked out by this combination but the result was a good mix of sour and salty taste. Olive oil is really not oily tasting afterall :P. However, butter still wins the battle.

 

The next dish that arrived was this cold dish, consisting of cold cuts, weird vegetables and cheese. This kind of cheese is a little too smelly. The cold cuts are rather salty and not appetizing to me. And I don't actually eat those greens presented to us. We were debating about whose appetitizer choice was it but it just does not make sense. This does not look like toasted bread or scallops. We asked our waiter and realised that this is complimentary from the kitchen to make sure we eat till our heart's content. On the other hand, our real choices is very yummy, garlicky well done scallops with parma ham and cheese bread.

 

For soup, we both had seafood based because vegetable soup is just not appealing enough. The soup is separated from the ingredients and only added when placed in front of us. Here we are, a seafood soup with no soup!

From the pasta category, we chose the risotto and ricotta. The risotto has a strong mushroom taste which I find it okay if I was not full already. The ricotta is a spinach wrap with creamy cheese sauce. The sauce is very rich so 1 each was more than enough before we get sick from the taste.

Before our maincourses arrive, bf was given a much larger knife to cut his steak. I cannot remember the taste of the steak but the fish was a little dry. Also, just look at the portion of the fish, which restaurant serves 3 large pieces of fish in one dish?! I was shocked because we were already quite full then. The potato side dish is really good though because of the cream sauce and crunchiness of the potato.

When the customers beside us has finished their dinner, the waiter brought out the dessert in a push trolley and explained the details of each dessert to them. I was listening to him and so I already knew what desserts I would like to try. I was expecting them to keep the desserts back to the chiller or something but it was left right there. I prefer cold desserts to taste a bit harder so I was not expecting much from our last portion of food. The desserts really do not taste good, whether chilled or not. 

We walked around the ship, exploring the decks, the activity places, the chapel. Deck 5 is where parades and events are held. We found a dance dance revolution machine at the arcade but, it was out of order! Disappointed, if not we would sure be spending some money there. There are a number of shops like Solera, Coach and Swarovski for us to shop for duty free items. Throughout the cruise, there are also multiple sale events for these brands. If you have forgotten to pack some of your basic necessities, fret not. There is a store which sells toothbrush, sanitary pads, deodorant, sunscreen and so on.   

At the same level, there is a Cafe Promenade which opens 24 hours, so we always go there to refill our water bottles. Of course, there is a kettle provided in the room for us to boil some water but the tap water already has some funny smell. The boiled water taste weird too. Remember to bring your water bottles for convenience although they do not allow direct refilling of water from the dispenser [just pour into your cups first].

Before we ended the day, we sat at the Star Lounge to listen to the singers perform. 
I remember my mood that day to be of anticipation and bliss. <3

Royal Promenade Shopping - Deck 5

Guest Service - Deck 5

Main Dining Room - Sapphire, Deck 3, 4, 5

Chapel

Star Lounge - Deck 5

Cafe Promenade

Just the moon and the reflected light HAHA.
 

Experience with Tendon Inflammation

About last year October..

I kept feeling pain in the inner knee area after I used the Ushape. I thought it might be some bone problem, but it may also be muscle inflammation.

First Western Doctor Consultation 

I decided to see the doctor after about two weeks of non recovery. He pressed onto the inner knee area and concluded that it is the tendon that is hurting. I have most likely accidentally pulled a tendon because I did not stretch well before I stepped on the Ushape. :/ I never learned my lesson (pulled the back thigh hemstring the last time I tried fast exercise). He gave me some Arcoxia tablets for pain relieve and anti inflammation. Everything was recovering actually, then suddenly it became the same as before. I suspect it is because I ran for the bus, sudden sprinting aggravated the injury again! T.T

Second Consultation 

My second visit to the doctor concluded that the location of the pain is now slightly lower. It is still the tendon swelling and he gave me the same medicine since it had worked the first time. The only thing to note is to walk slowly and not run. Bf wanted a pinkie promise that I wouldn't run for the bus, sooooo cute. However, despite me slowing down my footsteps to appreciate the world, the pain seemed to have gotten worse. The doctor had given me a potential option of injection to relieve the inflammation so I went for the third visit with the expectation of an injection. 

Third Consultation

During consultation, the doctor however did not manage to find my painful spot at the inner knee area anymore. The pain spot somehow shifted to below the inner knees, at the inner calves. At that spot, it wasn't the tendon anymore, it is the hemstring that is hurting. Maybe it is because my leg was hurting, and my body shifts to walk in a different and wrong way, causing pain in another area. -.-  This time he did not give me any medication already (eaten too much) and he don't recommend injection. He just advise me to use those medical topical creams which can be found outside. Consultation is more expensive this time though, because I think no medicine equals to less earnings also. 

Much money wasted as a result of no proper stretching before exercise. This is a very important lesson- to do adequate and quality stretching before any form of exercise. I waited for another week but my inner knee area was still hurting quite bad when I start walking right after I was awake. Also, it has been so long since I exercised.

Bishan Chinese Doctor
In the end, I went to the Chinese doctor I used to visit last time for my neck and back. He did acupuncture on the knee with 4 needles. As I am probably a little allergic to the needles, my skin started to form red bumps around the needle. One of the spot was bleeding like a cut when the needle was out and the doctor said it was normal. It even became blue black. Medicine is then applied to the area and bandaged up. I think I do feel better although not fully recovered. At least, I don't feel much pain now right after I wake up. I went back a second time, this time he used electrical pulses on the knee area and then bandaged it up again. I don't know why but it got worse. 

Yishun Chinese Doctor

At this time, my mum had another contact for Chinese doctor at Yishun. Hence, she brought me there for the first time. There is one main Chinese doctor and two china aunties (tui na auntie) within the clinic. The massage aunty helped me to tui na first. After which, the doctor did the ending massage which is way more painful. As my injury has been 1 month plus, the doctor suggested to '出血'. He took a needle and poke my knee area several times in fast movements so that the 'bad blood' would come out. He then used the ba guan suction to suck out the blood. O.o. It is really scary and painful to be 'stabbed' like this even if the needle is small.

BACK TO EXERCISING :D

It helps! The tightness slowly subsides. Subsequently, I went back weekly for another 3 times or so. Now I am still going back every fortnightly as recovery will take longer at the end. I have almost recovered, though I still feel the strain when you stretched that inner knee area. I regretted not going to the Chinese doctor from the start because my injury became "old" and it is harder to cure. I am now slowing down my pace and I don't sprint for transport [one reason being the change of job and I don't have to take the bus anymore!]. I went back to jogging too and everything is good. I am so happy I can start exercising again!

I have spent quite an amount of money on an injury I could have prevented. So if you are reading this, please take care of your body & health!

Few months later now, I am actively exercising and stretching well before each workout. I feel stronger! :D

Chir Chir

I ate at Chir Chir Bedok Point awhile ago and found this place really good! I cannot remember the names of the dishes already since it has been some time ago! They provide those utensils you can use to grab a chicken drumlet without dirtying your fingers [that duck web feet looking thing]. Alternatively, they have plastic hand gloves if you wish to just dig in with your hands.

 

 

The purple drink is a mixture of berries and sparkling soda which taste super refreshing, soury and gassy. It came in a jar, only half filled, and the rest of the soda in the tall bottle is then poured and mixed together.

This chicken dish is their signature, with spicy chicken tenders in creamy base sauce & mashed potato topped with some buttery taste whipped cream. We mixed everything together and the whipped cream accentuates the delicious taste of the cream base. Since the chicken tenders are also spicy, it makes the whole dish very appetising despite the cheesy creaminess. The menu stated that there are rice in the cream but I don't really taste it. 

While the food here is very tasty, the downside is that a meal here can be quite expensive. The chicken dish itself cost about $30 and the drink about $15. The dinner is about $50 plus but both of us were not full at all. 

It is still worth it though! :D

Foot Mask Baby Silky Foot

I have tried a foot mask some year ago and the peeling effect was really awesome. I believed I tried babyfoot brand which was bought in Hong Kong. This time, I just got what was available on qoo10 at about $7 each with shipping. I think this is quite reasonable and cheap as compared to other alternatives. I ordered two so that bf and I can couple couple together since his feet always seems to peel. 

In each box, there is a pair of large plastic 'socks' and the liquid pack in right and left packaging. The socks are quite big in size but if your feet is like size 10 male size or somthing, it is just going to fit just nice (like for my bf's case). There is double layer in the socks to provide more protection.

The first step is to wear the socks on both feet. Pour each pack of liquid mask into each socks. Tie the ribbon at the ankles so that the socks can stay in place better. Keep the mask on for 1.5 hours before you proceed to the toilet and wash it off. During this period of time, it is best to just sit down and watch tv or use the computer. I recommend that you move your feet to spread out the liquid, ensuring that it covers more surface, maximising the effect. 

After the first and second day, nothing happened! I was so disappointed and thought that it didn't work. Then the third day it starts to peel a little like the below. Yay! I can peel the skin at this point without feeling pain. Haha.

As days pass, the skin continues to peel and peel in larger pieces. It drops everywhere I walk at home so I recommend some home slippers during this period of time. Also, skin will start to drop more after every shower and bath upon contact with water. That is when I start to peel off all the almost-dropping skin if not they will just be littered all over. 

It might be quite gross to some people but I felt shiok to see dead skin come off and new skin gets reborn :D. My heels were very dry. It comes to a point I was so fed up with the dropping skin, I decided to soak my feet in warm water and rub them to make the skin drop off. Even after doing that, there is still some areas left. 

I think after about 4 to 5 days, you will finally have more "clean skin". The heels are clearly less cracked, although I think I need a few more consistent treatment to get the thickness off. The packaging instructions state that the best interval to use the mask is every month as that is the time required for the skin to renew itself. 

 

Overall, I love peeling foot mask! Gives you nice smooth feet, at least for awhile before the friction slowly "destructs"  them again :)

FORLINO

31st December 2015`
It is our 7th Year Anniversary. I love my man so much so much. 

Work ended at 4pm [what half day is this??] and baby waited for me near office. On my way to meet him, I saw a rainbow! It was drizzling and I was struggling to keep my dress in place.

Baby secretly tricked me into walking around Esplanade to kill time before dinner. He made plans for dinner at this restaurant named Forlino, which required a reservation one week in advance :D. Our first fine dining experience and it was kind of weird and exciting at the same time. The dinner consists of a fixed menu with 5 courses from the soup to the dessert.

The soup is served first. The name is so foreign to us so the waitress told us that it is beetroot soup. It's is a nice creamy beetroot soup in a bandung pink shade. Too bad it's only that little, like an espresso. We were supposed to use the teaspoon to drink the soup but how much can you drink with that small mini spoon haha. 

Bf researched that we are not supposed to cut the bread but pinch it with your fingers instead. I just used a fork to eat my bread :p. 

The seafood appetizer is so nicely displayed. It's looks raw though and I was quite nervous about it since my stomach can't handle raw dishes that well. The salmon taste like it is smoked but the taste is not as strong as those I have eaten outside. The shrimp is tender, slightly saltish and taste of freshness. So is the squid? The best is the fish roe which burst and melts in your mouth. Wooohoo. And that green thing, we have no idea what that is. It's kind of cold and tasteless, but has a texture like chocolate truffles. If I remembered correctly, it was emitting some 'smoke', like dry ice. Haha. 

Sparkling water cost $9. Sparkling water is not nice. It's like soda with no taste which is sooo weird. But okay it helps you to burp lol! Mixing it with some juice might be nice.

My favourite part of the dinner is this! 

The pasta is so al dente with the texture like ee mian. The sauce is creamy, with pangs of yuzu and lemon, and it just taste so good. Scampi is also soft and flavourful. Give me more, give me more.

The breaded mushroom taste so different and omz. Then we heard people around us asking the waitress what that is. And it is breaded oyster mushroom!! Have you eaten breaded mushroom made from oyster mushroom? Damn good. I told my bf that the fish taste like fillet O' fish from macs. Succulent and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. I don't like the black thing, don't know what those are, probably truffles.

The beef taste like braised pork to me. I don't eat so much beef but this doesn't have a very strong taste of beef.

Not my kind of dessert. Just some pistachio sponge cake and cream cheese and some sweet sweet stuff. Haha. 

I look at him and my heart is smiling secretly. 

I am blessed to have someone who can love me so much. <3

Jovi Clay

I just realized I never posted this! This is my favourite type of clay so far, even though you will read about my disappointment. 

Following Super Dough, I experimented with Jovi clay [1kg, $6.95]. I cut the big piece into half so that I can seal one of them first, hoping it can last longer. To my disappointment, the clay appears more greyish than white upon opening. It is much harder and drier than Super Dough.

By the texture and colour, I realized that this clay is for the pottery kind of crafts. I tried to mix in some acrylic paint but it was a mega failure. It doesn't take paint colours well, or rather, it doesn't take colours well if mixed before clay is dried. This clay has to be painted on after it dries. While it may be hard and dry, water works wonder here. The clay can stick together well with some kneading, scraping and water. For example, to ensure the pig's legs stick well, you can use an ice-cream stick to scrape the surface clay together. Then, use some water to smoothen the surface with your fingers. Water can also smoothen the creases on the surface! Other clays require some kneading and reshaping to remove creases.

Jovi clay dries hard and heavy. It can be used as decorative ornaments or paperweights. The colours after being painted on are vibrant and exact to the original colour. You cannot bend or break it with the strength of your hand, but it may or may not break when dropped. I tried dropping this clay from a distance about the height of a chair twice, and it survived. It should be quite durable unless you keep dropping it or from some super high point.

I guess the end product is a little uneven on the surface, as portrayed in the picture. But this is not the kind of professional pottery making that moves and smooths, so it's expected. 

This is my creation after a few trials. I super love this and am so proud of myself hahaha. I tried making sadness with grace clay and jumping clay but the end result is o.O.

The good points:

Add water to increase moisture,
Parts stick together without glue,
Creases can be erased,
Can be cut easily
Durable end product,
Paint on vibrant colours,
Takes varnish well with shine, 

The bad points:
Does not mix with acrylic paint,
Does not take moulds,
Clay is harder to knead,

The verdict: This clay is definitely not going to give you the same kind of end product like the others, but if you like pottery and painting, this is a good choice. Clay will continue to remain knead-able as long as water is added, so you can take more time to perfect the shape.

When you wish for someone to do something you would like but the other party is uncomfortable with it. You have to first show that you will and are willing to do it too. Better if you can teach and make the other party feel at ease. Words are just words if not actioned upon. It's not about equality because I know there will not be equality.