Thursday, April 16, 2009

Singapore Zoo (新加坡动物园)

When I returned to S'pore for my CNY's (Chinese New Year) celebration, we took the opportunity to bring my little ones to visit Singapore Zoo. It been years since my last visit where I still remember Ah Meng, the famous Orang Utan was still alive (He died on 8 Feb 2008). I was quite impressed with "open zoo plan" where you don't see cage or high fencing blocking your view. It is really good for photography. Not to mention, Singapore is well known with its cleanliness upkeep, so is the zoo which is clean and well maintained. It is also easy to walk around but if you are tire of walking, you can also take the tram rides with some cost incurred.

My son was 15 months olds when he visited the zoo. He really enjoyed watching those animals close up. There's many things to see but we didn't get to see them all. My little ones was excited watching the polar bear swimming and playing freely in the pool just right at the glass front. We manage to catch the Elephant show at 3.30pm and had our photo taken with the orang utan up close. These Orang Utan happily enjoying their food (banana) given by the zoo trainer and one of them act mischieviously by snatching his partner's banana. The audience was well entertained by their amusing act. My little ones also enjoyed walking along the treetop trail watching the monkey roaming freely at the compound. It was really fun though we were really tired after a day walk!

White Tigers lazily roaming around



The baboons

Playful Polar bear


Strong muscular leg..Mr Cheetah!


Oh...Who want to Ass...The Rhinos....


Come play with me!


Its fun fun fun time!



Its show and work time!




Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Why Play ALone? Spice up your time @ www.viwawa.com

Being a full time mummy, most of the times we will be occupied by our little ones and busy dealing with household chores and cooking daily meals. After a day hard work (when my baby fall asleep), I will spend my times playing online gaming or surf net. It will help me to relax and release my whatever tireness that I have had for a day. Usually, I will log on to http://www.viwawa.com/ and start my gaming for at least 3 to 4 hours till late night. Well, there is also other games for you to choose. However, my favorite ones are Growords, Sushido and Wahjong. You will definately find challenge and enjoyment in your gaming. You can also creates your own wawa. Its really fun..you may want to have a try!


See my viwawa's doll ...isn't it cool???

My Cooking Journal 1 - Steam Chicken Thigh with Oyster Sauce

I have always wanted to compose my very own "secret recipe" journal to remind myself of my "creative" cooking during my times in dubai as a FULL TIME home-maker. I still remember the last time that I cook for myself and husband (boyfriend then) was when I were studying in Adelaide in year 1999-2000. When back home in S'pore, I would rely on my mom for my meals at home. I don't need to scatch my head and having headache about what to cook for the family. My mum will take care of everything. Now and then, I have to think of different kind of dishes to cook for the family. I started to realise being a house wife wasn't an easy task especially when at the same times you need to baby-sit a 16 months toddler . He can drive you crazy and make your day hectic.

First of all, I wish to start off with a simple dish that my husband and myself would enjoy. I also wished to highlight that some S'pore ingredient is unavailable in Dubai. For example, dried scallop, local Anchoy also known as ikan bilies or dried shrimp (they do have in Middle East style), XO sauce, hor fun (or kuay tiao), thicker bee hoon where we used for laksa etc...Any way, this dish is very easy to prepare and it takes only 20 minutes to cook and 15 minutes for preparation.



Ingredients:


1) Chicken Thigh, 7 pieces - remove extra skin and fats
2) Ginger, 1 piece - minced
3) Garlic, 1 clove - minced
4) Spring Onion, 1 - chopped5) Red chillies, 1 - chopped




Seasoning:
1) 2 tbsp oyster sauce
2) 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
3) 1 tbsp sesame oil
4) 1 tsp sugar (prefer brown sugar)
5) dash of white pepper
Methods:

1. Arrange the chicken thigh in a plate and marinate them with the above seasoning for 1 hour

2. Spread the minced garlic, ginger and chillies on top of the chicken thigh
3. Then set the wok, when the water is boiled, steam it for 20 minutes

4. When done, sprinkler spring onion on it and is ready to serve

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Desert Safari, Dubai

Another memorable trip that I would like to mention was the Arabian Desert Safari tour, Dubai which I went last December 2008. I should say is an opportunity not to miss if you visit any part of middle east. The natural beauty of Arabian Desert is marvellous. Our experience Desert Safari driver cum Guide drove us up the fine sandy hills with force, known as Dune Bashing. It feels like a roller coaster ride with excitement and thrills. When we reached at a spot in the Big Red Dunes, we could enjoy the magnificent scene of the desert.



Later when we arrived at the traditonal desert camp, we could have the opportunity to ride a camel, try henna painting and shisha (hubbly bubbly) etc. The BBQ dinner which include a variety of Arabian grill was considered delicious. While enjoying our dinner, we were also being entertained by a traditonal belly dance. It is really worth to visit!







Our experience driver releasing the air of his 4WD jeep's prior entering the desert


A drive through the sandy hill desert


Camp site