07 Aug 2021

07 Aug 2021. Just nice 2 weeks after my second jab, which means I am finally fully vaccinated! :)

It's such a scary experience but luckily there's no major side effects from the second jab. Deciding to still continue with the second jab is like a 50-50 chance I am taking, which brings me back to what happen after my first jab. 

The first jab initially was alright, just only soreness of the injection arm. But then who knows, a few days later, my hand leg and feet suddenly had bad rashes. To cut the long story short, I visited the GP twice since it seems to not be improving, and the result is my left foot is swollen because of that. Thereafter I had a referral letter to A&E and the A&E doctor think it is likely to be due to allergic to the jab. Since the previous visit to the GP, the doctor mentioned not likely to be due to the jab, I decided to seek second opinion at the polyclinic with pictures of the rashes, and thereafter had a written confirmation letter that I am okay to receive the second dose. 

But even with the letter, I was also scared. So was contemplating to go ahead or not even up to the actual day itself. hahahaha. In the end I went ahead with my appointment but then I had to explain a couple of times on my situation and furnish them with the doctor's letter (lucky I had the hardcopy letter) that I can go ahead with the jab since their system actually captured that I am allergic to the jab. But I think I must be too scared/ nervous at the possibility of allergic reaction that my heart rate went up too high hence I felt dizzy and the doctor had me stay back longer to monitor my condition before I can head home. 

2 weeks after the second jab, I am glad that it's over! Just nice for 10 Aug 2021 onwards. 

Hopefully no need for third jab please........ my heart can't take it... hahahah :P

April 2021

April 2021. 

One year from the start of Circuit Breaker in Singapore. 

Covid-19 is still around but then now people are busy waiting for their turn to take the vaccination, and able to get around freely, but still with masks and safe distancing measures of course. My team also started to return back to office once a week for now. 

I also recovering from gastric reflux problem since Dec 2020. I guess that's when it started and actually gotten worse on Chinese New Year period and I finally went to see a doctor and finally got a diagnosis and completed the medication. Now it's much better, just random times it hits. 

Still remember one year earlier, everything was hectic with the situation. Fumbling around of new workarounds in tasks, and taking on the additional work load for another colleague who left. Stressful much and many overtime hours burnt. 

But here I am saying that I am glad I survived! Hahaha. Taking on the additional work load, I learnt a lot on the job since that was something I had zero experience in. Initially was overwhelming and over time I also slowly learnt to take a break. As they say 休息是为了走更长远的路😅

My happy pill whilst working from home kinda also helped me destress~ the one who recently keep creating trouble by wreaking her own cage (digging out all the grass all over, turning the food container and toilet tray over). 

March 2020 Taiwan Trip - Day 7 & 8 (Taipei and Return to Singapore)

Second last day of our trip and we are going to have the Ichiran Ramen. I tried once before at Hong Kong and I just have to eat this since they have outlet in Taiwan too! 

It was raining and the weather was cold and windy. When we arrive, there was people inside but no queue outside. Lucky there was no queue since it's pretty cold outside and we can't wait to be inside where it's warm and cozy. haha.

Thereafter we walked around and settled last minute shopping for souvenirs since we will be returning back to Singapore the next day. 

So fast our trip ended and we have to head back to reality:( 

March 2020 Taiwan Trip - Day 6 (Shifen, Taipei Main Station)

Trying this Xiao Long Bao stall at the roadside before taking the train to Shifen. 

Initially I actually booked the Klook Jiufen Shuttle Bus that consists of transport to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street. And the pickup/dropoff is at Ximen Station which is near our hotel so it's more convenient than having to travel via public transport. But too bad, just before our trip, we received a notification from Klook that the local operator has informed that the activity is not available due to the covid situation. That's why we had to take the train instead.

And here we are, arriving at Shifen station~ 

And look at what caught JS's eyes haha. 

Random wall drawings that we came across

So basically this place is famous for releasing sky lanterns, and they have various stalls offering this. I do not really know which stall is better and the pricing seems to be about the same. So we just choose a random stall and started writing our wishes with the calligraphy paint brush and then the person will help us to release our sky lanterns and even helped to take picture for us. 

Our sky lantern flying up!

After releasing our sky lantern, we then make our way to the Shifen Waterfall by foot. 

Surprisingly shiok

And got Yakult Smoothie to quench our thirst.

And then I saw popiah ice-cream! Another of my favourite! 

At first JS was like he don't want. But I told him that it's very nice, won't regret. And he decided to try also and he like it too. hahaah. 

And then we went back to Taipei Main Station and explore the Taipei Underground Shopping Mall. 

And finally back at Ximending

Bringing JS to try the Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle. If you are there to try, try adding a little bit of their chilli. I feel it taste better with some chilli. Of course don't add too much if you can't take the spiciness. The chilli is spicy! 

Enjoying our food back at the hotel, watching Taiwan variety show.

March 2020 Taiwan Trip - Day 5 (Taipei - Bitan Scenic Area; Elephant Mountain; Taipei 101)

Rise and shine!

First stop of the day: Bitan Scenic Area. From Ximen station, we have to take the train to Xindian station. After exiting the station, you will just have to cross a road and you will be able to find the place.

It was a hot and sunny day when we went there. It would be shiok if the weather had been cold.

This looks familiar?
Common sight when you watch Taiwan dramas when the young couple go on dates on such swan boat. 

At the bridge on our way to explore the area before coming back to take the water bike (aka Swan boat).

We decided to go up the to the Hemei Peak Rest Area. We asked other people coming down, and they said it took around 15 minutes? 

But it sure was a long walk up since it's hot and sunny and the walk up is filled with lots of steps.

Finally we arrive at Hemei Peak Rest Area.. Tiring~

One side of the view at Hemei Peak Rest Area. Can you spot Taipei 101 in the far end?

The other side of the view at Hemei Peak Rest Area

After taking some rest, we decided to go down via the other route towards Double-Heart Plaza and to True Love Wharf based on the map. This time it was a downwards flight of steps, so it wasn't as tiring as the climb up earlier on.

But guess what? It was the wrong choice! Cuz this route towards the Double-Heart Plaza was a one way route. Meaning we have to climb back up the flight of steps we came down from, and then continue to climb down from the main route we took earlier on when climbing up towards Hemei Peak Rest Area!

We only found out when we reached the Double-Heart Plaza and the people there told us. They also thought that there's a route that can lead them back to the Bitan Scenic area from here. Haiz... Imagine how tired we were and happy that we were finally near to the exit point, only to hear this news. And looking at the flight of steps up, boy I nearly fainted. hahahah.

Nevertheless, we took a picture here first. Since we are already here.
Then suck thumb, make our way back up.

And then we rented the Swan boat, choosing the self pedal one where we get 1 hour of time on the boat.

And time to fill our stomach.

BBtea

Pizza and Baked Rice. Yummy!

And see what we saw. Someone bringing his skunk out for a walk! Cute much!

Does the skunk like papaya milk?
It sure does look like it. Isnt it? haha.

And next is to Elephant Mountain. 
Not sure if we are pretty adventurous that day. We still went ahead to climb the Elephant Mountain after the Hemei Peak and pedaling on the Swan boat. 

Beginning the climb

Not going to post the picture of us with Taipei 101. Our faces pretty much shag to the max. This climb up was real tiring. We should have come back on a separate day haha. 

And then we went to Taipei 101 for dinner and explore a bit before heading back to Ximending.

Bought my Sweet Potato Ball

And then I eat a bit feel that it's not enough, I went back to buy another packet haha

And before heading back to hotel, we also drop by Watson to get Salonpas. Our legs are in need of that. 

And mixing with this which I brought to Taiwan. 

That's all for the adventurous experience!

March 2020 Taiwan Trip - Day 4 (Taipei - Ximending)

And day 4 is to travel to Taipei. We decided not to take the HSR train to Taipei so early since the check-in timings at usually in the noon. So we managed to sleep in late before checking out and making our way to the HSR station. 

Buying tiger sugar on the way to take a bus to Taichung HSR station. 

Food~

Upon arrival, we proceeded to check-in at East Dragon Hotel which is just a few minutes walk from Ximen Station. The room was spacious and great! :) 

Thereafter we decided to just chill and spend time exploring Ximending area for the rest of the day. 

We saw a lot of slaw machines and capsule machines while at Taiwan! Here's one picture of me taken with the whole stretch of capsule machines! WOWWW

And cuz JS was craving for Mango Ice shaved. So here we are at one of the dessert shop. 

It looks good right? But then looks can be deceiving! It's super duper sweet that we didn't finish it. It's not the fresh mango (maybe cuz March is not their mango season), but it tasted like syrup kind. Disappointing much. 

Dinner before we explore night Market food

One of my "must buy" and "must eat" when at Ximending!
I think I had this every night during my stay at Ximending the last round I came. And this time, also bought this pretty much every night at Ximending. 

That's all about the chillax day at Taipei Ximending!