Family Trip 2016

Every year I take a family vacation with my Mum and sister. This year we headed to Hanoi. Although I have been to Vietnam on a number of occasions, this was my first visit to Hanoi. 

Compared to Saigon and Hoi An, I found Hanoi slightly less progressive in terms of tourism infrastructure. Nevertheless, I am not one to be discouraged when on holiday and certainly had an enjoyable time. We left the planning of the trip to my Mum. Other than booking the flights and hotel, places of interest to see and eateries to patronise were planned by Mum. In a sense by doing so, it offered an element of surprise somewhat, always a good thing while on holiday.

Family trips as such allow us to bond, but it is not without its stress-inducing moments either. Varying interests and expectations sometimes come to the fore, as differing taste buds too. However, when all is said and done, a sense of family reigns supreme and a worthwhile trip is what matters most. 

Photo shot on the Aerotrain at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Keeping The Faith

'A meaningful and heartfelt party that celebrates a milestone reaffirms one's faith that the best is indeed yet to come. Grateful to have been on the guest list'.

 

That was my post on Facebook yesterday. Sometimes we, or rather I, need a reminder that there are better days to look forward to. Although we are oftentimes advised to be content with all the good that we already have in our lives, there are certainly areas that can be improved upon.

 

This year has been a contemplative one, and whilst thinking things through can be a good thing, overthinking can put a damper on one's outlook. So, I shall continue to embrace the optimist in me, reaffirm my commitment to keeping an open mind, and always be willing to take a leap of faith.

 

 

Sunrise on Cua Dai Beach at Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Colourful Experiences

A reminder to self, to lead a colourful life. Having as many experiences as possible in life is something that I always remind myself to do. Despite work commitments, it is necessary to make the time to partake in other experiences.

 

Exercise. A good magazine in hand by the pool. Tea with friends. Dinner with family. Alumni functions. Travel. Reading. The list goes on, and in many permutations.

Doing so enhances one's appreciation of the good that life has to offer. It piques our curiosity, it stimulates our senses. It reminds us to set goals, have aspirations, and to work towards fulfilling them. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to meet people along the way, some of whom will contribute to the wonderful lives that we lead.


Lanterns of Hoi An in Vietnam.

Hoi An

When one returns to a desti-nation repeatedly, one gets to experience the nuances of the place better each time. I recently returned to Hoi An in Vietnam for my fourth visit. A part-work, part-leisure trip, the visit was enchanting to say the least.

 

As one gets to know the streets better, the appreciation of the sights and sounds is enhanced. As one gets to know the locals better, the gastronomic experience is elevated, particularly when one takes heed of their recommendations. And when one patronises an establishment so frequently that the proprietor serves you personally and banters, it makes a return visit so much more inviting.

 

Of course, how much one enjoys a trip also very much depends on the company. Laid-back, easy-going and adventurous travel companions are catalysts for a memorable journey indeed.

 

 

By the river in the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam.

Hoi An Again

Repeated visits to a much loved holi-day destina-tion makes each subse-quent visit even more enjoyable. I recently made my third trip to Hoi An on the coast of Central Vietnam. A Unesco World Heritage city, it is charming and easily navigated on foot.

 

Familiarity is a plus when returning to a favoured holiday spot. I am a creature of habit to a certain extent and I like to head back to familiar food haunts, perhaps experience a tourist site from a different perspective. Seeing new attractions or coming across previously undiscovered gems are also something to look forward to.

Hoi An has been a wonderful experience each time I've visited. Some friends of mine who have never visited have suggested we holiday there next year. It won't take much to convince me to do so.


Riverside in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Doing Our Best

Doing our best is what is most important. Whether our best is good enough or otherwise, having made the necessary effort validates our initiative to make our aspirations come to fruition. We of course always hope that our efforts result in positive outcomes but there are times when our best somehow falls short of what we hope to achieve. Having put our best foot forward, one ought to come to the realisation that perhaps it is just not meant to be.

 

I try not to think that we need to become resigned to the fact that our efforts were not sufficient. On the contrary, I believe that fate must have a different plan. And if so, we just need to carry on, walking the new path that is before us, still putting our best foot forward, with faith and hope as our best allies.

 

For those facing challenges, improvements are in store, as difficult situations can only get better in time. Sometimes when answers are not forthcoming, all we can do is keep the faith and continue on the journey that unfolds as we take a step at a time.


Incense at a temple in Hoi An, Vietnam.

A Mirror Of Life

When the writing for a TV show is great, it can teach us a thing or two about life. Be it from a comedic stance or at the other extreme a dramatic one, plots that mirror circumstances we face in every day life can sometimes help us view things in a different light, from a different perspective.

 

Shows that speak to us are those that make us feel good. Those that lift our spirits when we are vulnerable, those that enhance our sense of gratitude when we are happy, those that make us more appreciative of the important people in our lives.

 

Being entertained is already a plus, learning a thing or two in the process is very much a blessing.

 

 

Cute decorations in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Wise Words

Stepping out of one's comfort zone is a catalyst towards new and exciting expe-riences, don't you agree? I suppose we all know that, but the challenge really is to put that into practice. For many, it is easier said than done. Those who do so however, more often than not, are rewarded with new perspectives.

 

I was having lunch with a good friend recently, sharing news on the latest happenings in our lives. She had this to say ... 'I am not in a position to advise. Just sharing some things that life/God has revealed over time. We are all on a journey, each with own paths and sometimes experiences intersect. In sharing we help shed light hopefully and sometimes we ourselves see things even clearer. I love that you are in a new adventure'.

 

And to that I replied ... 'Aye to that'. To put one's best foot forward and to embrace what good life brings one's way.

 

 

Enjoying an afternoon in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Happy Travels

Travelling companions can make or break a holiday. When one journeys with those who are enthusiastic, considerate and purposeful, the resultant happy travels are catalysts for wonderful memories that one can look back on in time to come.

 

Enthusiasm - for exploration, for communing with the locals, for new cuisines - is infectious. Being considerate - sharing plans, seeking opinions, providing options - is appreciated. To be purposeful - shopping to benefit the economy, promoting local entrepreneurs, being charitable - is engaging.

 

To those heading for a holiday soon, I wish you wonderful travelling companions.

 

 

Photo shot in Hoi An, Vietnam, end September 2013.

Season's Greetings

It's that time of the year again! Christmas is approaching and the new year is just round the corner.

May you wear many hats this festive season and the year ahead ...

A loving companion,

A filial child,

A good friend,

An astute entrepreneur,

An honourable employee,

A food aficionado,

A health enthusiast,

A world traveler,

A giver of gifts,

A compassionate soul.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Photo shot in Hoi An, Vietnam. Do visit the store near the river, in the pedestrian only part of town.

Authentic Experiences

I am always in search for authentic expe-riences when on holiday. Of course I do the touristy stuff, relax in comfort when the opportunity presents itself, shop, you know the drill, but the memorable experiences are the ones that are truly authentic, the ones that reflect the makeup of the country that one visits.

Sometimes it could be a chance encounter with the locals over a meal. A retail experience with talented artisans. A visit to a monument of historical and cultural significance. And the cuisine of a country of course.

When it comes to food, I like to experience the entire spectrum if time permits. I enjoy fine dining. I equally enjoy squatting on a pavement sampling street food. The middle ground too. If I had to pick however, hawker fare wins hands down. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Trying Vietnamese dessert from a street vendor in Hoi An.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I am in major need of some pamper-ing. The past few weeks have been crazy at work. With it being the peak wedding season now, That Special Occasion has been a highly-strung workplace to say the least. My team and I are working at a frantic pace to complete gowns for photoshoots and weddings, and not to mention fielding appointments with brides-to-be planning for their nuptials end 2012 and early 2013. Add to that having to complete weddingsmalaysia 2013 for printing and you can imagine the stress levels I have been experiencing.

Suffice to say, I am not feeling 100%. I ain't ill but ain't in the best of shape either. I think all I need is a few days of good sleep and some pampering - reflexology, massage - to lift my spirits. Some lazing by the pool would help too; although I swim regularly, it's pretty much been lap after lap and then hitting the showers right after, with hardly any time to just chill poolside, a pastime I find most relaxing.

I am certain my colleagues in the wedding industry feel the same. It's basically back-to-back jobs this time of year. We shan't complain really, because it's good for business. We just need to learn to steal some time for forty winks, for a quick coffee, for a nice meal in a relaxing environment. Happy working everyone!

My cousins and I preparing for a massage in Hoi An, Vietnam earlier this year. Photo courtesy of Thoo Ai Peng.

Banh Mi Phuong

Sometimes sampling street food can be a particularly memorable experience while on holi-day. Ha-ving arrived in Hoi An, my cousin Lye Synn kept telling us that we needed to locate Banh Mi Phuong, a street-side Vietnamese sandwich stall made well-known by a visit from Anthony Bourdain. So on a little hunt we went, in search of this nondescript gem of a find.

Butter, fresh mint, spring onion, pate, pork, jambon, chicken, fried egg and chilli sauce, all packed into a crunchy Vietnamese baguette. Need I say more? An absolutely delicious afternoon snack it was. So much so that I went back for more such Banh Mi over the next two days.

Being willing to be adventurous with food while on travels is definitely a good trait to possess. Having meals at fancy establishments, family-run restaurants, quirky cafes and street vendors provide an all encompassing experience. A fulfilling one indeed.

Sam Yee, Auntie Alice, Ai Peng, Lye Synn, Yeong Ken, Honn Ken and I at Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Family

A couple of friends recently com-mented that I come from a pretty close-knit family, just by judging from some of the photos I posted on Facebook. That's certainly true. The majority of my extended family, both paternal and maternal, all live in the Klang Valley, so we get together often.

My late father instilled in me, from childhood, to value family ties. At the onset of every year, I block my calendar for dinner with the extended familly during festivals and celebrations. I very rarely miss these occasions. Some of us go on holiday together every year, an annual ritual of sorts.

As some of you may already know, I just very recently returned from a trip to Hoi An and Danang in Vietnam. We were a group of fourteen; aunts, uncles and cousins. When travelling in a large group, some compromise is needed, and plenty of patience! Still, we had a good time as always.

Dinner upon arrival in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Hoi An

I've just returned from a holiday with the extended family. Six days we were in Hoi An and Danang in Vietnam. I've come back rested and with a nice tan.

Of the two, I prefer Hoi An. A quaint town it is, with Unesco World Heritage status to boot. I love the small shops, the cosy cafes and restaurants, particularly the ones located within the 'pedestrian and bicycle only' part of town.

The people of Hoi An are very much artistically inclined. Well known for its custom made attire and shoes, one will come across a custom tailor and shoe designer everywhere one turns. We were spoilt for choice indeed.

Beautiful lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Big Group

Going on a holiday with the extended family can both be an enthu-siastic as well as a stressful expe-rience. Last year, almost twenty of us 'balik kampung' to China to visit some of our relations at the family village. In a few months' time, about fifteen of us will be heading to Danang and Hoi An, in this year's edition of the extended family holiday.

I was initially undecided about whether to go this time round. But after some cajoling from my cousins plus a bit of tacit pressure from my Mum, I signed up. In fact, everyone else had already booked their flights much earlier. You could say 'better late than never' as I was the last one to confirm my participation.

Now that I have made up my mind to join the group, I am looking forward to the trip. I get along with those who are to be my travel companions for the six days, so it will be an enjoyable experience. Sure, there will be some stressful moments, something that is inevitable when traveling in a big group. But the positive experiences will more than outweigh the little hiccups.

My Malaysian cousins and I with our Chinese cousins in Nam Tong, China, last year.