Chymes

C Hun, Desmond and Suan Bee are friends of mine from the wedding industry. Together with Kevan, they've recently realised their dream of opening a boutique bed and breakfast. It's called Chymes and is located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

I had the good fortune of being invited to stay whilst I was up in Penang for an event this past weekend. I run out of adjectives to describe the place ..... cosy, intimate, creative, chic, quirky, homely. I like the deft touches like the cookies, the mint pillow, the lamps, the rainshower. There are some rough edges but what's there to complain, they've only just opened, so there's much time for further improvements. I for one am looking forward to the path towards the beach!

I could sit the whole day working on the verandah and it would be bliss.

Photo of C Hun, Kevan, Desmond and Suan Bee in The Living Room at Chymes.

Penang Gang

Suan Bee, Beatrice and C Hun of Touching Hearts Wedding Concepts are in town from Penang and I had dinner with them last night. Desmond of Confetti joined us too. Considering the vast amount of time that Desmond spends in Penang, I guess he qualifies to be termed the ‘Penang gang’ as well.

It is always a pleasure getting together with industry friends from interstate. Apart from exchanging news on the respective wedding scenes, it is also refreshing to share new ideas and banter about the goings-on in our lives. Whilst Facebook and email certainly help us keep in touch, they can never measure up to conversing in person.

Good food, sinful desserts and great company, a wonderful Friday night out indeed.


Photo of C Hun, Beatrice, Suan Bee, yours truly and Desmond, shot at Alexis in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bali

I am in Bali. Eileen and Richard’s wedding is tomorrow but I’ve already been here for 3 days, on this 5th trip of mine to the island of the Gods. Bali is one of those few places where I feel totally relaxed once I hit the tarmac after disembarking. The spirituality of the people and the vast beauty of its landscapes arouse one’s positive outlook on life. Leticia, Tjun Hong, Debra and I have been spending time hitting the streets of Kuta, visiting the cultural heartland that is Ubud and appreciating the rice terraces of Tegalalang from our perch at the Rice Teras Café, the latter bestowing us with one of the most magnificent views I have set my eyes on. We’ve left the bride and groom to last minute preparations, and we look forward to meeting up with the rest of the Malaysian troupe, in particular Desmond, Cindy, Carolyn and Yeh who arrive today.

For me, a holiday is very much about experiences. Admiring the sunset on crowded, world-famous Kuta beach allows one to marvel at the multi-coloured hues of the sky, sharing the moment with total strangers united in awe of something we take for granted everyday. Relaxing with a Balinese massage refreshes the tired mind, rejuvenates the battered body and revitalises the weary soul. Communing with good friends over meals at restaurants with unsurpassed ambience enhances the sojourn.

And at the end of the day, in the stillness of the night, floating in the tranquil waters of the pool, looking up into the starlit sky, one can’t help but make a wish upon a star for all things good, whether it be for health, love, career or the opportunity to return to this island time and again. Bali instills in me the spirit of optimism, that there are always better things to look forward to, better encounters to cherish, better relationships to nurture. And that kind of outlook is what all holidays should inspire.


Photo shot at Rice Teras Café, Tegalalang, Bali, Indonesia.