5D3N Korea Part III.

Part I & II
Part IV & V

Day Three (8th March 2014)

The first thing I did when I woke up on day two was straight to the balcony. Opened the sliding door and immediately regretted it. Immediately closed the sliding door and went to wash my face, brush my teeth, put on layers of clothes, gloves and socks, then only went to the balcony again. 

Spent a good less than 5 minutes just looking at the view and breathing in the fresh air.

#nofilterbecauseilazy

Then, time for breakfast at Mont Blanc Restaurant. I remembered not eating a lot because I don't want to have tummy ache and have to go toilet all. Very susah since I'm already so comfy in those layers. Hah.

Right after breakfast, some of us who wanted to go for skiing gathered at the lobby. Put on the ski boots and ski blade (not really sure what you call them) and carry our ski sticks to the ski area. I tell you ah, the ski boots are crazy heavy and tight (for me). 

If zombies attack when you're skiing halfway and in this boots, you confirm die. Walking in this takes more energy than running around a football field.

Can you tell that we're very excited to start?

Everyone rushing to put on their boots, I still slowly take photo all. I don't know how to wear them seriously. Let me just say this again, walking on a normal floor with the boots is madness.

The view is amazingg! Seriously, it's super different when you're actually there looking at it. SUPER BEAUTIFUL!

All the noobs beginners unite.

Every photo that was taken within the ski area is taken with much pain and perseverance, please know that. I have to take out the gloves and with gloves on also our fingers were freezing like no one's business already. So yeah.

If you must, please get the kind of gloves that has special sensory thing on the index finger eh. Very useful. No need to suffer like me. This one compulsory vain shot since selfie is like suicide in the middle of snow mountain.

But we tried anyways with a selfie. My hair! Hahaha. After one click, we were like putting on our gloves so fast as if our life were dependent

The organizer having a fun time skiing although missing the lil baby at home.

We ski-ed for about one hour plus and then we went outside and have ourselves a little snow fight!

Mommy of two boys and mommy of one baby girl :)

It wasn't snowing so Gabriel thew some snow in the air and we all just pretend lah that it's snowing.

After all that snow and stuff, it was time to wash up and check out. Before we hit the highway back to Seoul, we had lunch at a restaurant with the most amazing view. Too bad I had no time to capture them.

I now know why Korean eats so much soup stuff. It's really very comforting to have soup in cold winter. It's very homey and gives you that really nice warm feeling.

After makan-makan, we surprised the Dreamers with a birthday cake for the March babies. Then, we took off to Seoul. 3 hours bus ride journey. I didn't sleep immediately despite the lack of sleep the night before because the view so breathtaking, really cannot resist leh. We stopped once at their rest stop. Of course their rest stop nicer than ours. Cleaner for sure. 

The sun was super bright that time and I thought sure not that cold d ma right. WRONG! Came down without gloves, straight suffer. Quickly went to get a cup of coffee which Leroy chia and Andrew got the spiral potato thing which Leroy chia also. Hahaha. Ehhh the potato thing very yummmy!

First place we went was to the Korean Ginseng shop. Wahh I didn't know Korean ginseng is really famous and good and pricey. Really only rich people can afford to put ginseng into their daily diet. One medium sized box also few thousands already. *faints* Bob the tour guide gave me a small box :)

The two boys and one super adorable baby girl on the entire trip.

Other than ginseng, we also went to cosmetics and liver supplement place. Good thing we adjusted the itinerary and shifted the making kimchi/wear Hanbok a day earlier if not sure rush like mad. 

Eunice, apa lu buat?

Last stop for the night, Myeongdong!

No doubt one of my favorite place to shop in Korea. Both for eating and shopping.

 Though tired, still pretty excited to try the street food :)

Egg pancake something. It didn't look that appetizing so I told Mr Choo that I was just going to share with Andrew. REGRET! It's sooooo good!

Another cabbage like pancake something. This time got bacon.

Cousin with her bestie :)

Actually before the trip I told myself that it was going to be okay if I were to spam makan there and gain some kgs, but then when I was physically there, it didn't felt like I wanted to spam their street food. Quite regret I didn't la. Partly also cos their food is very expensive. Haiz sad lahh.

The streets in Myeongdong very happening at night. So many things to see. People also. Walked halfways can see ladies with bruises around their nose. Yes, that shows that they have just underwent a nose job. Very common there. VERY COMMON. 

Apparently, when they reach their 15th birthday, they demand for a plastic surgery. NOT CHEAP OKAY!

:)

Dinner don't know where to eat so we ended up eating at McDonalds. Uncle Tony sick of korean food d. Haha. Tried the beef bulgogi burger. Not bad. Not bad.

I thought this was such a pretty stall to look at and since I could use some vitamin c in the body, why not?

Straight paid RM10 for a packet of orange juice. 

Everyone's tired but never too tired to crack a smile for the camera :)

After whole day of shopping, we checked into Together Hotel and rested a while, until someone texted saying that it was snowing. We quickly put on our coats and gloves and boots and ran outside. Ohhhhh such joy when I first look at them snow. So perfect and magical. Ahh love that moment.

It snowed really lightly and got very heavy at one point and then light again and then no more. We just stood under it and snap photos and dance around and just basically gong gong stand under it. 

 Day two was special in its own ways because it just was. It was a tiring day, but it was also a really fun and got a lot of new experience kind of day. 

Truly memorable :)

Medical Certificate.

Today is my first MC of the year.

Too tired and with the tension headache since Saturday, I just had to take a day off.

Doctor even gave me a relief muscle meds for my head/brain.

One good news is my blood pressure is finally at the normal level. It has always been low since I had my surgery about 2 years ago. So, that's a good news.

Alright, not going to stay here for long. Need to rest the head a bit more since work starts tomorrow, again.

Peace out.

Homesickness Sucks.

One day in KL nia okay. 

The next two days sure very susah eh.

Just skyped with the fireball and her baby. That helps a lil for the I-want-to-be-home-disease.

Mom called earlier too while I was still working and her voice almost made me tear up.

On another note, I closed two Club Med Kani, Maldives! Both also honeymoon couples. Ahhh. Such satisfaction when I know that they have chosen the right travel product :)

Goodnight you guys :)

Pre-MATTA Fair KL 2014.

So, here I am in KL's office, trying to post an update since I have already gone through my brand/products a few times and I think I should be okay with the information and stuff. 

MY ALARM RANG AT 6:30AM TODAY! IT FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO HIT SOMEONE REAL BAD!

I can't remember the last time I actually woke up at a time after 10am! WHEN!?!?!?

Ohhh.. Actually two days ago I did.. I woke up at like 11:00am.. Okay, fine. Fair enough.

Although it would be super nice if I can sleep in for a few more days in a row. Now, even weekends I wake up early. Sometimes ever earlier than weekdays. Pffft.

The whole entire journey from Penang to KL (HTT's HQ), I slept whenever I can. The eyes just too heavy lah. Even now, I'm like wasting all the energy that's left in me in the office that's so quiet you can hear someone's tummy making noise. My taxi only coming at 6pm to drop me at the hotel. 

Anyways, Club Med's promotion is as much as 40% discount! ALL INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY! Everyone should at least go once to a Club Med Resort. It's super worth the $$$!

All day err-day snacking by the bar, open bar concept, drink all you want, whatever you want, food high class standard, land and sea activities with no hidden charges. You don't even have to bring $$$ out of your hotel room. SERIOUSLY!

Too bad my annual leaves are precious and very limited, abo I sure book for myself. 

So far, it's the only travel brand that I feel comfortable at selling and telling people about how great it is :)

I'm feeling pretty bored now. 

KL's haze is worse than bad. It's a disaster. It's like I don't know KL anymore. Not that I know KL very good like that. Looking forward to dinner with ma boy number three :)

My heart beats a lil bit faster knowing it's going to be tomorrow. Hands-on always calm me down. All the theories and stuff help but not as helpful as hands-on booking. THIS IS INDEED SCARY!

5D3N Korea Part I and II.

I foresee this one to be a really long post with photos, so I shall break them to half-half. No energy to post all today also ah. 

Date: 6-10 March 2014.
Total number of people: 59 (including myself)
Airline used: Malaysia Airlines.


Part III
Part IV & V

Day One (6th March 2014)

I went into office and worked for half a day till 3pm. Rushed home and got myself a long clean shower (since it was going to be an overnight flight and nowhere can bathe sumore). Finalized my packing and off we  go!

Arrived at the airport at about 5pm and waited for all the Penang team to come and have their luggage checked in. Then, we had a short briefing by my colleague, Kah Yin who literally helped us book the entire trip. 

The first flight MH1165 was a domestic one and we took off at about 8:35pm, landed at KLIA at about 9:30pm. For the PEN-KUL flight, only drinks and a packet of salted peanuts were given. You can of course ask for more drinks/peanut if you really want to :)

Our second flight to Incheon International Airport, MH 66 took of at 11pm. At this point, I was so tired already. MAS printed two times for the same seating so there was a bit of mess when we were boarding and all, but was finally settled because the man was nice enought to switch seats with us so that our group can all sit nearby each other. MAS system's fault but the MAS man was so rude to me. Tsk tsk.

We each have a mini TV with a lot of movies (old ones and latest ones), music, TV series etc. I think after we all settled down and feel comfortable, they started serving supper. 

Oh! Before that, they gave everyone a headset each, sealed in a plastic bag and no, you can't bring them home. They will collect them back before the plane lands. Also, each seat has a pillow and a blue blanket. 

All plugged in and ready to watch Frozen, then comes the lady with the sandwich. SUPPER TIME! I think it tasted better than it looks. Or maybe it didn't taste that great also. I remembered it was kinda dry but edible la.

After makan and watch Frozen till the Princess Ana got healed of the ice-struck at the heart, I fell asleep. So, I switched off everything and took about 20 minutes to find the comfortable spot. Then, at about 3:30am, they turned on ALL the lights and serve us breakfast. BREAKFAST AT 3:30AM! *faints* 

That's also because we were going to land quite soon. Two kinds of breakfast you can choose!

Number One: Nasi Lemak with anchovies.

Number Two: Omelette with sausage and potato wedges.

It was rather difficult to scoop those food and put inside the mouth. I then decided to continue Frozen while trying to have my breakfast. That took about 10 minutes and then I gave up and went back to sleep. This time, I no longer can find the comfy spot so I just sleep. Woke up with a strained muscle on the right side of my neck. Very good. 

Day Two (7th March 2014)

When we arrived and walked to the airport through the tube thing, we all immediately felt the winter and stopped to put our winter coats on. IT WAS SUPER COLD even in the airport. Then, we were greeted by the airport staff who speaks just-enough-english-for-me-to-understand-them and brought us to the immigration and luggage carousel and then we found our way out and met with our tour guides :)

Needless to say that the moment we stepped foot out from the airport, we were freezing out hands off already. Ran to the bus like mad girls. Too cold guys, too cold! I was mentally not ready for that kind of cold. Not yet.

After discussing with the tour guides, Bob and David, we decided to bring the 58 excited tourist to kimchi making and wear Hanbok session first before we take the 3.5 hours drive to Ski Alpensia Resort. 

There were so many people in that Kimchi School that it's so crowded and to move also susah. Some people went to the bus and waited since not everyone wants to wear the Hanbok. I didn't try because I was supposed to be "working" and there were too many people. Cute lahh this family *points up*

Then, lunchtime! We all had bibimbap with shabu shabu. Winter makes people get hungry very fast, and thirsty too.

After lunch, we went to a very tourist-y place, Gyeongbok Palace and National Folklore Museum. All the historical stories and stuff. I don't know.. I was kinda busy playing with the boys a lil and taking photos and trying to keep my fingers still warm and alive.

Then, the 3.5 hours of journey begins. It was beautiful when we reached Ski Alpensia Resort. The city itself where we stopped for dinner was already so breathtaking. Too bad I didn't have time to take photos because I was handling the rooming and stuff. I didn't really get to eat too, but it's alright. It was fun :)

After resting a while, some of us went outside to the mart to get cup noodles and snacks, and almost died. Yeah, the cold winter wind almost killed us all, except Nathan because he like no feeling eh towards the cold. We ran like we're being chased or something. IT WAS SERIOUSLY COLD! 

Some of them can play snow fight sumore. Not for me. Hahaha. I hid in the lobby till they were done.

This photo taken from inside the glass door. No way I was going outside with him holding snow like that, No way :)

Ahhhh. day one is finally over. Andrew, Leroy and myself spent the night talking and eating our cup noodles in Andrew's room since he has the room all to himself. 

Only on the first day and it's quite a long post already. Wahhhhh. 

Stay tuned guys! More exciting things about Korea! :)

Short and Sweet.

I am finally back to the island! 

It has been such a sweeeeet getaway though it was a really short one. Short but so many things that were so memorable and super fun. All that experience will be blogged later, maybe tomorrow if I have some time to spare.

Getting ready to work at 1pm today was horrible. 

I woke up and played with baby for a little while and I just wanted to remain in my pajamas whole day. Flying is tiring. Very tiring.

Thursday have to fly again, with MAS. 

Please be safe, people of flight MH370. Please.

Okay, for now I have tons of work to do, although my mind is still in Seoul. Still there. 

Really blessed with this trip and people from Dream Catchers. No doubt it's one of my favorite company/brand :)

Packing for Korea 101.

Question: What is the ONE thing that I will never forget to bring in my handbag when I travel?
(Answer at the bottom.. If you answer correctly, you know me better than 70% of people I know.. I think..)

One my biggest concern of going to a winter country is the packing of clothes. 

How to fit so many things if I want to bring the winter coats too, right? Winter coats are like so huge and puffy and fat, and by just putting them into the luggage, 50% covered already.

Then, my colleagues told me about the vacuum bag that I can get at Daiso for RM5 only. The one thing that I think everyone should have is this amazing bag. This vacuum bag that can transform no-space-place to a-lot-of-space-place. I don't know how to put it into words lah.

Anyways, this is like the nest thing ever, especially for people who travels to winter countries or if you have just so many things you want to carry to another place and you only have one luggage. 

You basically put all your puffy winter jackets/coats, jeans, towels etc and seal it. Then, you use a vacuum and suck all the air out until the whole piece of 'thing' is tight and smaller in size. More compact kind.

I'll show you some photos.

Koay digging nose while I carefully handles the winter coat. Loving itt! As in the coat, not Koay digging his gold.. 

I got the large size one because I didn't know how 'small' it was. From the packaging, like super small nia, manatau so big. Haha.

We did two trials. One on the floor and one straight in the luggage. I didn't plan to bring a lot of clothes because I want to keep my luggage half empty to bring back my shopping products! Hahaha.

Then, I put in the vacuum cleaner's tube in it and start sucking the air. You can see I was holding a red clip thing (comes with the vacuum bag) at the side, so when I turn off the vacuum cleaner, I immediately slide through the red clip till the end. It's like a really big ziploc bag.

After a while though, the vacuum bag became like normal again, as in the air fills up from don't know where. Maybe because it was half empty. So this time, I straight put everything into the luggage, filled the bag with more things (that I don't exactly need).

So, now, it's quite full. See at the side of the luggage and you can know that it's already used the whole half area of this luggage.

Same procedure. Use to red clip to slide to the end a bit and allow some space for the tube to go in. 

And hit the 'on' button. And walaaa! Look at the side again! It's like it only takes up one quarter of my luggage. 

After that, I put my boots, my sister's boots, Longchamp handbag, hairdryer, toiletries and makeup stuff, and I still got three quarter of the luggage empty! 

And I thought it was going to be a disaster packing a night before. I thought I was going to eat a lot of chocolate to cure the headache that I was expecting.. Pheww.

I LOVE THIS VACUUM BAG THING! Oh, and if you are getting one, get the one with a hole that's for the vacuum tube there already. It will usually be in the middle of the bag. I should have gotten that one. It's a lot easier and convenient.

Also, going to a winter place doesn't require you to take a lot of clothes, at least that's what I think. I mean, as I was packing I was thinking too. And surprisingly i didn't pack a lot of clothes compared to if I was going to KL for same duration of days.

Winter means no sweat, no sweat means no sweating. No sweating means no need to keep changing clothes. Hahaha.

Oh wellz. Counting the hours till I can leave the office and finalize my packing.

Winter wonderland, here we come okay?

:)

Answer: A toilet roll!