Melaka

Went to Melaka last week alone.
Having too much time at home is not a good for me especially when I do not have the motivation to
do any of my usual things like sewing, reading or watching drama.
Hubby could not join me due to his work schedule (Japanese tuitions) so I have to do this on my own.
Which I must said. I enjoyed it!

Sometimes once a while traveling by myself is not a bad idea.
I used to travel on my own after I got married, such a time like this has became lesser.

This is not my first time to Melaka as many of you know. I spent about 3 nights there and I really love the food and streets of Melaka, Especially the slow pace and quietness of this small town when you are there on weekdays, with lesser tourist crowds, I got to move around the places easily without squeezing with the people.

Overall. Satisfied.

I love Melaka.

Taiwan.

I love Taipei.
I love the people and their rich reading culture.
I really hope to have a few Taiwanese friends.
Really wish.
I am sure I will visit Taipei again.
This time will go alone to experience this city and what she can offers.
Old streets, bookshop and nice cafe.
Love you, Taipei. Taiwan.

Tainan.

I was told by a friend about Tainan couple of months ago when I thought of visiting Taiwan again.
The last time I was in Taipei was 5 years ago.
I didn't explore many places except the bookshop and the Taipei city.
Frankly speaking, the night market and Taiwanese food did not impress me at all.
Even till now.

But I must say this trip to Tainan opened my eyes to a whole new experience of my impression of
Taiwan.
Reason I chose Tainan was because of the old city, old streets.
I like old things.
Tainan is an old city, lesser crowds, lesser shopping malls.
I kind of in tune with the pace of the locals.
But not the food, I am sorry.
The taste not quite mine though, ok I shall commenting the food.

My friend and I stayed in 2 minsu 民宿 in Tainan.
In Tainan, minsu are popular than hotels since there are so many old buildings reserved here.
Most of this minsu's owners are young people in their early 30s who love old architecture and furniture.
We stayed 2 nights at 巧寓,  and 1 night at 木子 , both restored house with retro furnishings.
The stay was definitely the highlight of our Tainan trip.

I wouldn't recommend long stay in Tainan as the really nice old streets are
in the Tainan Train station area.
Just 2 nights are good enough then you can move up north to other city.
Here in Tainan, you will find most of the tourist attractions like the old streets, temples and architectures.
If you are thinking of more than 3 nights, try exploring the out skirt of Tainan.
Apparently, Tainan is about the same size of Singapore.
So I always said to my tourist friends who comes to Singapore, 3 nights is the max.
You know what I mean?

Taiwanese are really friendly people.
Be it asking a local for direction on the streets, restaurant staff or an uncle selling carrot cake in the market.
They are all very kind and friendly to help you whenever they can.
Really nice people.

Joanne.

I had known Joanne for 13 years.
We used to be colleague in a design company.
And we could click very well at that time so we became friends since then.
I still remember our first trip together back in 2000.
First traveling with her and our first time to Tokyo.
For the past 12 years, though we didn't really meet up very often.
We did try our best to keep in contact.
Many things happened in our lives.
We got married, I attended her wedding and she attended mine.
I am glad she still stay the way she is and even better.
After 13 years, we decided to 'reunite' and go for a trip together.
It was really a reunion trip to me.
Hope in near future we can do this again. :)

Vintage

I think I have finally found a pattern I love.
Made this dress out of some cheap light fabric at a shop which I so happened discover
at Tiong Bahru market.
Also in the shop some leftover vintage fabric that owner did not know what to do with it.
So he sold me all (the fabrics with blue prints) at $5.
I am so blessed.
I made this dress pattern and I love it.
Will do a few more dresses and officially this is my signature dress from now.

2nd.

Already 2 years.
We did not have any big celebration today because I was unwell.
Just the two of us.
2 cups of tea.
Everyday for the past 2 years, we have been doing this.
Thank you for everything my dear husband.
Happy Anniversary.

Painting.

I love this fabric prints.
The Japanese yukata (浴衣) belongs to my hubby.
I think he took it by mistake from a hotel he stayed in.
Well, he wants me to sew something out of this.

Sew.

Things I sewn lately.

A top, a boppy pillow for a friend's baby boy, pannier for my hubby's bike and at last, a sling bag.

Left.

An empty table.
And last meal in office canteen.
This will be very good memories for me from now.

Move.

If you are someone who follows my blog. You will notice I have been using a lot of single word as tittles of my posts. Usually most of this tittles took me less than a second to come out but this one took me a few. I need a word to 'wrap up' my 9 and almost 10 years service in my current company which I will be leaving soon in less than 2 weeks time.

Why did I decide to go? So many reasons, I am tired...I am bored...But I guess most important of whatever reasons I can think of is, my time is done here and I have to MOVE on.

I used to think that I can work here till I retired... It's a big company, in fact it's the biggest publishing company in Singapore where you find most of the newsstand magazines here. I had every opportunities given to me, as a magazine designer, I had done so much and learned so much.

Of course, nothing is perfect. There were times I was caught in situations when I could only think of quitting. It is very highly demanding job and stress is inevitable. Along the way, I was hurt by people and felt discouraged. But now all this does not matter anymore, the past is past, whatever 'question marks' in my head is no longer important to me anymore, I learn to let go. I choose to move on with my life.

I don't want to be so negative here (which I am not). There are bad times and of course, good times. Many good things happened to me this 9 and half years here. I got to know such wonderful colleagues and they are now my good friends. For all this years, because of them, I could 'hang on' for so long. This is the longest years I stayed in a job. We worked hard and played hard. We never give in so easily when comes to creativity. We strived to do our best for the mag. We fought the toughest fight. Yes, for all this years. We are together through thick and thin. This will be the greatest memories I would want to remember for the rest of my life after I depart from here.

So what's next for me? At this moment, is just travel, reading and lots of thinking. I wonder what it is like the first morning when I wake up not and need not go to work. I will enjoy this very moment just for a while. I will find something to do, something I enjoy. I want to discover that with God's help.

Cake.

This is SERIOUS baking.
I am not joking.
My beautiful Birthday cake and photo by M.

Tart.

I had a friend who can bake very well.
This lemon tart was so delicious that everyone who tried this think she needs to open a shop.
Lots of effort put in to perfect this tart, be it the crust or the curb.
Because I had tried her many attempts to make it taste and look it's best.
First the crust, then the curb, then the crust and then the curb.
And she did it.
Out of 10, I gave her a 9.
Plus a star for never stop trying.