Leonid Meteor Showers ♥

18 Novembre 2009 

Still red and scarred with mosquitoes’ sting from Tuesday night. But it was all worth it; more than worth it.

We arrived at our favourite (dark and secluded) spot at East Coast Park on Tuesday at around 330. Both of us did not said a word in view of the layers and layers of clouds above us. At best, one could only spot 2 stars and the thought of that was depressing coz it seems like there goes the chance of seeing the Leonid Meteors! I was so excited before this.

It was indeed a neck straining activity; shall bring a mat along and lie down next time. But just after I finished resting my neck, I looked towards the (supposed) Mars and I SAW A METEOR! Flying into the clouds quickly but leaving its traces slow. I was so excited that I screamed “I saw one!” That was the first…..

Subsequently came an obvious one; a huge one… that I just cant forget how it looks like! This time round, Vampy saw it too! Saw a total of 7 of them for the night:) Finally remembered to make my wish when the last one came. The whole process was just so exciting, to me at least. I just can’t stop screaming whenever I spot one.

The Meteors; they felt magical. It seems like a ‘magnetic’ force. Perhaps it’s really a romantic activity. But the whole process of almost not speaking anything meaning other than “do you see it?” “what do you think that is?” “oh no, I think i’m hallucinating” were indeed an odd magical romance thing. I felt more in love after that.. I don’t know why. It was a very special feeling – Maybe it’s the experiencing of something unique together, or maybe it’s the works of the meteors. hahas.

♥ And I THINK, we made the same wish ;p.

7 Leonid Meteor

25 at Pasta Fresca & haagen daz!

This is a super outdated post but still nevertheless gotto be documented coz it’s anniversary celebratioN!… In actual fact, we wondered off to Selegie Road on a Friday night not having much of an idea of what to have; and we’re always like this. Walking down the shophouses along Selegie Road, we finally got ourselves to settle down in an Italian restaurant again! The second year anniversary was very much more thanwell spent with the extraordinary cusinary skills of Chef Roberto at Garbaldi. It seems like we have gotten hooked to Italian…..

Have seen this place (and its other outlets a couple of time) but have never patronised it personally. Giving it a try; of coz not holding high expectations that it can ever be comparable to Garbaldi! – coz that would deemed many Italian restaurants a failure….

The place had a relatively warm interiors and kinda artsy with the bricks & portrait walls…

Gamberetti Agli Aromi
- pan fried prawns with garlic butter, seasoned with tomato cubes, chopped onions, olives, chilli and parlsey, served with toasted garlic bread

Quite a nice sauce! But not a must try afterall ><

Alla Pastora – Aglio Oglio with Bacon & Mushrooms

I am a sucker for Aglio Oglio; can’t seem to not order them each time I see them on the menu since say about 1 year ago? The essence of the garlic somehow just makes me feel satisfied and happy!

But the surprise is all in this Risotto! Resembling what we had in Serenity, the gravy was nicely blended into the rice grains of the dish. The gravy was amazing and the highlight is honestly not in the seafoods that came with it… I highly highly recommend this!! Vampy made a good choice once again!

A sweet lil photo (that Vampy also commented it as sweet)><

Hooos!! Desserts at Haagen Dazs! Love haagen Dazs ice-cream! 5 different flavours – there’s strawberry cheesecake (awesome), raspberry sorbet (refreshing and reallllly sour but i love:)), Tiramisu (yumyums), Midnight cookies & cream (my most loved in haagen) and Belgian CHocolate (the first mouthful of haagen dazs ice-cream that vampy fed me at east coast more than 2 years ago! arrr, memories ><)

The beautiful LOVE.

français II ♥

Français II has just ended, likely to be in a beautiful note. There is this tinge of being unbearable to leave the language all over again. This sem’s french seems to be better than french I… maybe coz we have all mastered the most basic skeleton of the language and that’s probably the most difficult part to get use to it. But now, it’s all over again

I was glad to have Larzhar as my tutor this time round.. he always bring fun and laughter to french classes. Will try to look for him or francois if i ever go to the expensive alliance francais. Meeting people who are interested in the language/took the language because of the FULFILLING factor was really a nice thing. These people think the same way as me and all we want is the sense of SATISFACTION from learning the language, from being on the way to masteryy of the language.. And I hope i will do much much better than the last time with about double the effort!

AU REVOIR!

Timely Timbre

6 Novembre 09

It has been long since I blogged about more contemporary ongoing stuffs. Time to do that!

The trip to Timbre was timely for a depressing and busy week.. This time round, we were lucky that it had been a rainy day before that and in addition to that, Vampy drove up. Making the trip there much more easy. The breeze was much more stronger than the first.

There is an unspoken comfort with having the breeze and the skies when you’re feeling relatively down. (Other than the inconsiderate table who smoked incessantly behind us, everything was great. Thankfully, they left about 1hr later!)

My love for Sour drinks

The Seafood Platter – His finger food

This is gonna be a new addiction ;p

Back to Pepperoni!

Smiley

The man with his dark Erdinger & my Lime Margarita..

Merci Vampy pour ne me laisse pas seul.

what would you say to me if I told you I had a dream,
If I told you everything, would you tell me to go back to sleep?

thrown away past.

“What?!! Are u serious? That’s so hard to believe!!”  I found myself in dismay upon hearing that.

Before this, I had always know that there are indeed couples who make each other rid off any form of objects and/or memories to do with their past relationships. For keeping those memories-related items were indications of “still feeling”? It was an issue of moving on or not. To the one who demanded, it was a form of assurance; a sense of security.

Yet it was so hard to believe coz that story came from a man who seems to have his decisions made only by himself, one who never gets swayed by others’ ‘instructions’, one who’s firm and rational enough to determine what’s rational and what’s ridiculous, one who doesnt sucuumb easily. As bizarre as it may sound, I witness another incident more recently. A lady removing all the photos to do with her previous relationship from her photo album; photos possibly from one of her most memorable trips. All these efforts for nothing except the fear that the possessive boyfriend would not be able to accept it.

They got thrown away just like this.. never being able to find them back again. The years whick you have walked through with someone whom you have loved so much before suddenly disappeared with these silly actions – pack & throw. The years that were shaped with those once significant were turned into ashes which nobody will be able to find back again. Keeping them doesnt mean you’re still lingering around the past but because they were part of you. Why would one agree to the idea of removing some of their life memories just like this? The parts and parcels of the growing process; be it a primary school puppy love or a high school first love. They once made you lose your breath and perhaps self. They were once the things you wanted the most; the love, the care & concern, the attention. Those includes the times which remind us how silly we were, how immature we were or even what mistakes we’ve made. There are times when we need these memories to come to live to serve as a reminder..

I never understood why anybody would demand the other to throw away everything related to the previous relationship. They forgot that those memories were what that made the person to be today. They forgot that they, too, have a past before. A past that shouldnt be naively named as my ‘past relationship’ but rather ‘my past’.

Embrace the past of another.

 

I think we’re snowblind, we had a hard time
And we can’t see where we are

Lone Rain, Lone Darkness.

School is feeling really peaceful and soothing now. Walking along the central forum.. I see the environment covered with silence. All that we have were the wind, gently sweeping against me. The darkness which emphasised on the self-silence; the silence and emotions one has within oneself. The thunder which can’t do a better job no more in the contribution of sadness & loneliness.

I stood there, enjoying the rare scene. It then occurred to me  that last  night, I felt as if i cried throughout the sleep. As if subconsciously, another part of me is running and crying continuously. It was hard to breathe at certain times.

Yesterday was one of those days I promised myself I’ll outshine. I’ll take it in my pride. I’ll have my revenge whenever I can. The angst been held too long, too hard. Their manifestations in forms of outburst of tears was an indication that I’m already continually at the  threshold level. Perhaps, above it. That nothing can’t evoke the same kind of emotions. I wonder… I wonder why I kept quiet. I wonder… I wonder why didnt I take alil more effort in defending aggressively. I wonder.. I wonder why I was bestowed to undeserving l’hommes?

The darkness, it continues. The footsteps continued to fall slow. The soul continued to ask. The mind continued to hate. The eyes continued to watch.

Protected: je ne veux pas inviter plus problème

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

raindrops.

Had a swim with Vampy at eastern lagoon yesterday. As usual, the skies turned grey on our way out. After swimming for20-30minutes later, it started raining… Yet we continued swimming until the heavy downpour came about. Possibly the first time swimming under a heavy downpour. It almost felt like there was a huge fountain above us. Swimming in the rain was like nothing matters; no worries, refreshing and “who cares about health?” It’s like an ideal world where nothing matters besides doing the things that you wish to do.. Nothing stops you.

The moments with the raindrops were just so different.

And just as we were about to give each other a kiss, lightning came about and we had no choice but to get out of the waters. Wasnt that surreal?

freshness before going bad

With a skillful cut, he turned the dull and unstylish head into one that’s newer and fresher. love the breathing ends as they laid happily on the back and shoulders. love the freshness in the riddance of the old. love the smoothing sliding strands. love the unified hues and the shapely strands. That, it was the foremost feature that others would have judged on. And I was happy; everything was good. I’m content, ready to meet the world with even greater confidence.

The next day, something which I havent expected at all happened. The emotions that one experienced was of direct opposition to the emotion the day before. The voice turned hoarse and the mind went into denial. Tr ying to search for the most vivid image I have in my mind. The exact procedures. The exact details. Yet, for that instance.. my mind went into a blank. It was in the midst of my favourite lesson. I went back to class, sat down and putted up a cheerful self all over again while the tears was disobediently welling up in the eyes. “faites une presentation en la site vous preferez ou une emission…………………” I.. I can’t think of anything to write. I did managed to in the end.. and E knew I was not fine. She told me to go to the ladies. But no. Finally, it was my turn to present and my tears defied. They rolled down my cheeks.  [ Après, LZ a demande si je suis ça va? et non, j'ai allé mal. je me suis sentis bête et triste. Mais, comment je vais dit. Je lui remercie pour pas demander plus. La vie ètait dèloyal. - il n'y avait pas utilisation de pleurer. Rien changera. ] Je sais je ne dois pas ecriter en français mais je me sens comme faire ça………soudain.

Japan: Almost done and ready!

The calendar is counting its way down to 54 days now! And mentally.. after the subtraction of three more semi-hell weeks, the days will race through in the next 21 days. How soon is Japan 21st birthday trip gonna be! I’m so happy! There’s indeed lotsa to look forward to! Most of the planning and booking is done.  6 different accomodations done and booked! Leaving us with.. 4-5 more accomodations to go! The process can be said to be fun though time-consuming.

Just made a booking at the Tokyo bay Ariake Washington Hotel which means birthday eve will be lived in the dreams of the rainbow bridge area; Odaiba!!! (my fantasized obsession with bridges!! – they look great and simply hold a special meaning to me)… Before the colourful lights which lit one of the world’s busiest cities! The majestic charm and the list goes on!… Just booked the Hotel Vibrant Otaru last week for christmas; can’t wait to bask in the white romance of Otaru. Can’t wait to go for the onsens at the top of the hotel at Sendai..in Haginoyu Dormy Inn Sendai Ekimae!! And the two Tokyo Weekly Mansions  (Shinagawa & Asakusa). Another exciting place at Red Ski House where we will be spending our Christmas and Boxing Day! Where we will be in the powdered resort.. learning how to snowboard and ski!

The Onsens that we are very likely to book soon – Daiichi Takimotokan where it offers 7 different kinds of invigorating onsens in Norboribetsu of Hokkaido! It will sure make us radiant and healthy all over again! The ryokan stay is gonna sound so fantastic with the Ryokan locating JUST next to hell valley… tsktsk

Yayyyyyys! I’m so happy and looking forward to Japan as the plan materialises more and MORE! But i’m still kinda worry about travelling around from cities to cities almost every other day. This is the first time where I gotto move from hotels/lodgings to lodgings almost every other day. But mark this down when I say…. I think it’s really gonna be realll fun, realllllll AWESOME!

the financial stresses.

The mind counts on its own… quietly and frantically. Right after buying all her necessities, be it for life or for the coming trip. Or even after spending on something.. anything. Like in an always counting mode, i have to admit that this kinda financial stress is really stressful. It puts me ‘on guard’ and depresses me at times that I’ve to spend so scrimpingly now. Looking at all the lovely things I so wanted yet I have to turn away and stop myself…while still thinking about them for weeks and weeks. sighs.

Planning and preparing for a trip is really not easy especially when you have to make means. It’s not only the trip expenses but also the preparation for winter. tsk. The feeling isn’t very good. At times, I let it go and tell myself well whatever….the finances will has its own way out when it need to…

 

I really really wish i have better better means. But I’ve to say there’s many to appreciate in life; like an awesome “petit ami” who has created many ways for me to save money in these few months..

 

Je voudrais j’ai plus d’argent que maintanent. Je ne suis pas heureuse. Zut! La vie… c’est difficile. Amene-moi dans un rêve est très très difficile!

Sadness: Why she stayed, & Why he stayed?

The Song portrays why a couple still stayed together. For her, he remains as a special person deep inside her mind though things haven’t felt like the same. For him, a relentness trying and perservence of not letting a love which was so strong before die.. Shit you love.. what kinda game is this!?

Guns’N'Roses: This I Love

And now I don’t know why
She wouldn’t say goodbye
Then it seems that I
had seen it in her eyes.

Though it might not be wise
I still have to try
for all the love I have inside
I can’t deny…..

I just can’t let it die
Cause her heart is just like mine
She holds the pain inside….

So if you ask me why
she wouldn’t say goodbye
I know somewhere inside…..
There is a special light
still shining bright
and even on the darkest night
she can’t deny

So if she’s somewhere near me
I hope to God she hears me
There’s no else that could ever make me feel I’m so alive
I hoped she never leave me
Please God you must believe me
I’d search the universe
and find myself within her eyes

no matter how I try
to say it’s all a lie
she what’s the use of my
confessions of a crime
Of passion that won’t die
in my heart…….

So if she’s somewhere near me
I hope to God she hears me
There’s no else that could ever make me feel I’m so alive
I hoped she never leave me
Please God you must believe me
I’d search the universe
and find myself within her eyes

So if she’s somewhere near me
I hope to God she hears me
There’s no else that could ever make me feel I’m so alive
I hoped she never leave me
Please God you must believe me
I’d search the universe
and find myself within her eyes

And now I don’t know why
She wouldn’t say goodbye
it just might be that I had seen it in her eyes
and now it seems that I
gave up my sense of pride;
I’ll never say goodbye…

 

“listen to this very agony-infused song….*

Participants? Call it hardship.

Hardship? Maybe this is too harsh of a word to use in this context but the main idea of it is it’s really really not easy sourcing for your own participants for your experiment! I’m sure my groupmates agree with me for after every session (so far, we had 2 – one for the field study and one for the main experiment ONE), we felt really shag as if we have all lost our energy and enthusiam that we’ve all started out with in the morning. But it was a true understanding and experience of how hard it is for psychology-related studies to get participants and hence the need for compulsory ‘research programmes’ in most universities’ introduction to psychology.

Ask me all and I think i’m ready to tell you what’s the difficulties of such a study. Firstly, it takes luck to spot an appropriate and (hmphs) scarce participant that you’re looking for. Secondly, there’s the ‘chasing after the participant’ part as they took their huge strides towards their destinations. Thirdly, there’s the convincing phase; to convince them to help us in our participant and that their help is really valuable! Fourth, there’s the problem of experimental venue; where even the choice of tables matters! Last but not least, looking through the results and having to void some of them after all the previous 3 steps.

And the first to third steps honestly feels like you’re gonna ask for a cellphone number from an eye candy or so~ But sadly, for an eye candy… you stop after one whether you get it or not. For this, it’s relentless trials of it.

phew. orights. back to my francais!! Il y a un test demain.

 

You made me feel the love.
in a way that seems like you’re the best man in the world.

the love that’s old.

An encounter with an acquaintance today. We always have the same topic despite being acquaintances. It was odd how we naturally and spontaneously spoke about the issues of relationship. It appears that indeed most people think that ‘2years’ in a relationship is already considered as exceedingly long term for non-long-term relationship seekers.

the many used-to to the relationship. sometimes we see learnt helplessness. and it appeared that she has the same problem as me when being with a man who’s already working. Perhaps i’m in a slightly better case than her. but it really makes one wonder when should we mark the timeline as the period of serious consideration. the grumbles, the constant babbling of what-so-ever and the entertainment of our girls worries and days. having the taking for granted. Do we look like we’re so transparent? good question; and it seems like we are. whatever happened to the ladies being more conversational. perhaps the world has changed. i was, however, having implicit gladness when i knew i wasnt the only one but i hate to be like the norm though. how sick is this long term thing?

honestly, this post has no coherence… it’s just bits and pieces of my ill-mind putting together the what-so-ever.

 

If you just realize what I just realized,
Then we’d be perfect for each other
And will never find another
Just realized what I just realized
We’d never have to wonder if
We missed out on each other now.

♥ Dempsey ♥: Margarita’s, Ben & Jerry!

2 Octobre 2009

In a rush to getaway from the city’s hassle and rush and wanting to be part of a ‘district area’. Went up to dempsey hill on a friday night. Probably my first time going up on my own too; on a cab of course! Love to be in a ’secluded’ area though. It makes one feel particularly different! Exorbitant area.. yes I wouldnt deny that. I popped into Margarita’s while I waited for Vampy to reach; noting the hmphs, higher-than-expected prices. Then again, it seems like each meal outside cost at least…………… since……………………..

Painted with Red and Blue and ready with a bunch of city-dwellers who were already ready to embrace their weekends! The boss who spoke with an accent made sure that I wasnt neglected too by attending to me once in a while.

Pretty nice chillax place too but coz we had ben&jerry in mind.. we gave the drinks a miss! Not to forget that Vampy needs to drive.

loves the sour green tomatocillas.. *hope i spelt it correctly*
vampy had their signature dish… rich crabby stuffs! hehs.

And i know exactly how it feels to be with a man who’s super free in doing nothing and with one who’s loaded with work like mad. Exactly know how it feels! Still love the man though!

The usual few culprits!

3 Octobre 2009

Had a heart-to-heart talk with vampy with regards to my sudden emotional changes these days. What he said perhaps made sense… and love those same words from him. Havent heard that for ages. Especially when everything about Vampy now is work! hahas.. from his heart, mind, lips, eyes…. I don’t know if it helps… but thanks anyway.. I appreciate it

 

6 Octobre 2009

Still remember how he ‘braved’ through the rain this morning to send me home in my drowiness still.. risking a potential late arrival in school, insisting a comfty ride back home for me. Everything happened almost in an instant ..before i even got fully awake.

 

And when melodies are gone,
In you I hear a song, I look to you.

mauvais:(

I had half the mind to privatise this entry. At last, I didn’t. I chose not to or at least told myself not to be ashamed of my feelings.

More than 2 years ago, I went for counselling; to counsel myself out of anxiety attacks and worries. Honestly, that should be one of my most carefree times in life yet I was feeling down with stress and anxiety attacks. I/We called it attacks because it comes suddenly and at any time. One vague moment which I remembered was there was this day when I was having great fun at the arcade and suddenly I just felt uneasy and a looming extreme fear and worry. I woke up everyday feeling that i have a whole lot to worry and the physiological registers – rapid rapid heartbeats. This worry became so strong and I knew something was wrong with me. I cried over it cause it sucks having to feel worry about something (yet nothing) everyday. The unawareness of what’s causing those worries was the most hateable and feared cause that would mean I would possibly not be able to get myself out of this cycle of worries.

Now, I hardly remember the exact details of the incident except for a few more detailed incidents. I went back to a blog of mine which was once granted only to my partner then. With the havoc english then, I managed to recall bits and pieces of the emotions of the incident which carried out for almost 2 months before I seeked help.

A short abstract I’ve gotten from the private blog (pardon me for my awfully bad english then..not that it’s good now but it was worst..)

11January2007
” jUST IN 2 DAYS, i tot things thru..why am i so worried?

im just fearful of losing!

i think the counsellor was right!

my life is filled with so much uncertainty now!

im unsure of my future now.

everybody gives me bad comments on psychology,

all of a sudden, i have lost the goal of my life.

Even for the short run, I have no idea where my world would actually go.

I have no fixed plans. No guides. Felt lost?.

Thats y im feeling lost.

And probably the thing why i am so worried on getting a job and going for interviews is because im just so fearful of rejections. Rejections to me is a kind of failure! And for me…its just so hard to tolerate FAILURE!…i cant pardon them, cant forgive myself in facing these failures.”

I remembered how I typed that entry through though. With each thought, I paused and ponder for long..cried while I typed the entry. It was an awful feeling not knowing what’s wrong with yourself yet you feel consistently on the worry.

The counselling moment was, however, unforgettable. I was impressed with the way the counsellor managed to get me talking. She drew a few objects on a piece of paper ..each signifying a symbol or goal that one typically would love to have in the future. There were houses and cars.. I vividly remembered she asked me if I would forsee myself owning a car. And I replied ‘of course’ immediately. Yes, those were the days when you were naive and still having great dreams of your life. Life hasnt been that innocent before. We came to this moment where she discovered what went wrong with me; the constant need of being competitive. I broke down at each of the questions of hers ” so why isnt sleeping a constructive usage of time?” I got stucked and I cried through half of the counselling session.

But trust me that the counselling session was therapeutic. It was a bonus when it was raining outside after i finished my counselling. It was soothing and i told myself not to forget the day’s counselling at least.. not so soon. I gotto walk out of those worrying days.

Yet today, i’m back to a same kind of weird emotions again. Perhaps, cognition. It[s not exactly getting worried this time round. But I get into the ‘upset/depressing/crying’ mode a few times a week. There is no fine line as to what’s happy and what’s not for me these days. For being happy, there’s only one thing and all the others in my life just makes me feel so unhappy. The tension in me builds up on a higher wave each time. I cry suddenly, as and when at the same few topics. And the topics get building up.. to the extent that these days I honestly see no worth in myself. Myself, family, skills, dance, future……….. It’s a miserable feeling knowing that you have nothing to be proud of, with your future becoming dimmer, with your interests jumping at you and swearing you off that you’re not good enough, with you not being able to do things you dream of doing. And as a result of all these, I cope with an amazingly weird habit. Doing that makes me feel guilty but after a while i tell myself… i deserve it especially from the people I hate. I know it’s unhealthy but I can’t resist for making myself feel better. I get angry with so many things around me. Attributing all the negative incidents to myself. There were moments that I can’t study anymore coz there’s a drop of confidence inside me that says ‘you wouldn’t do well no matter how u study’. And I hate to know that i’m nothing.

just nothing.

when i watch what others have to be proud of..

and it hasnt been so easy to cry…

 

I can’t wait to hate you
make you, pain like i do..
still can’t shake you off..
I can’t wait to break through
these, emotional changes..

Deux Ans: Garibaldi

Down the quiet street of Purvis lies excellent Garibaldi

14 September 09 marks our 2 years of journey. To date, we are still uniquely unlike a normal couple. One typical example, We do not chat on the phone at all. But we’re still very much better off than others.  The journey hadn’t come by entirely easy. Within these 2 years, support for each other (particularly for him) was the most important for us. During the down and long unemployment period, during the long-distance times and the insecure times I had. Yet we’re lucky coz we often rebounce back into honeymoon relatively quick. For that the relationship couldnt be described with ‘bearable’ but it’s one which we fell into happily unknowing and so easily.

I remembered the question I posed to him “Don’t you think when you love someone so easily, it’s scary”. And he replied that should be the way rather than mentally coercing to love one due to committal factors. And that reminds me how willing and natural this relationship has been.

The bar lights

Yeah, Garibaldi is at the commoner Purvis Street. But stepping into Garibaldi makes you forget that you are at Purvis Street. Isolating itself with elegant long curtains, the restaurant’s bar is located near the door way. The actual dining area, divided into 2 areas, is located towards the left and that feels even more isolated than the bar area.

 

The Garibaldi’s Menu

 

Flipping through the excellent dishes

Indeed, every single dishes on the menu is extremely tempting. Almost every other home-made pasta, Risotto, starters are calling out to us! Starters have all the dishes which we love… such as Garlic snails, scallops, Foie Gras..

 The Garibaldi – All for ourselves

Simplicity is the core design of Garibaldi – Simple tables and chairs nevertheless makes the place posh with the meticulous arrangement of utensils and wine glasses. The only accessories that the place has were the artistic lights at both sides of the wall and the wine cabinet as the backdrop.

The Complimentary Appetiser: Lightly Smoked Ham and delicious salad w walnuts

I may have forgotten the Italian name of this but the taste of it is still lingering in my mouth. The appetiser which I have forgotten its name. I think the nuts on it were Walnuts and I have hated nuts in my food usually. But this…it was made sweetened and lil sour, in my opinion…Coupled with the salty ham and crunchy vegetable… the different layers of flavours in this appetiser is really interesting. And I really dont mind chewing on more of those nuts. But more importantly, what made the ham nice was its mildly smoked taste and thinly sliced piece of meat. So thinly sliced that it almost didnt felt like it was cut manually.

They serves awesome bread!

And this bread looked simple yet it’s simply just so nice when ate with the olive oil and vinegar. The bread itself was really fragant. And I think I ate 3/4 of those. The scene was pretty funny each time the waiter asks us if we wanna have another bread. It became that we liked it so much that he asks us SO frequently; whenever we finish the one on our plate delicated to the bread. And I’m impressed with the plate which was delicated to the olive oil & vinegar and bread. It fits so perfectly and is really a good presentation!

The first narcissistic shot

(oh yupps, my new dress for the occassion! hehess)

I remembered how panick-y I felt during our first month of celebration. I wanted myself to impress (at least to a certain extent) and it was especially stressful when it comes to choosing what to wear coz the man seem so mindful of what the girl he goes out with wears. Every month I tried to put a new look across to this man. There is something I always believe that a girl has to dress-up nicely once every at least 2 weeks or even one week to remind the man that you’re still beautiful! And to let him feel proud of you~ And even for 2 years, within my budget constraints.. I can’t help it but impulsively dressed up for this special occassion again! (For I know.. the next one doesnt need my dressing up coz it’ll in JAPAN!)

Fegato D’orca – Roasted Rougié Goose Liver with Pandolce Chips, Apple Compote and Aged Balsamic

This is surely a dish to rave for! Even though I still insist Saint Juliens has better ones. The magic in foie gras lies in the heavenly melts underneath the mildly crisp. With the light foie gras taste.. nothing too ’smelly’ (like some other animal’s internal organs) but of utmost heavenly stuff! For foie gras, you really have to eat the good ones to understand the word ‘heavenly’!( Forget about the Sun with Moon one… that’s super disappointing.) Foie Gras coupled with the sweet sauce and Apple Compote gives it another way of eating…slightly sweeter. For the first time, i actually don’t reject the idea of eating it with the toast. it was so thinly sliced that it doesnt dominate the taste of the foie gras but complement it nicely. One dish…3 ways of eating. Oh, DO CLOSE YOUR EYES WHEN EATING FOIE GRAS. It’s like kissing… then you can feel the melts and taste it fully.

I really love Foie Gras!!

Capesante in Degustazione – Degustation of Japanese Scallops Prepared in 4 different Styles

We begun with the most everyday-looking one. The fried scallop with Garib’s home-made tomato sauce. The tomato sauce was different from a mass-made ones.. you can really taste the tomato bits with mild sweetness. This scallop was fresh but not exactly special.

The second style of scallop is believed to be in some mushroom sauce and this was incredibly juicy with its juices oozing out as you take each small bite off it.

The third style was relatively special. The almost raw scallop was my first try. Cold, smooth and soft.. it was topped with fresh salads which really made it refreshing as a whole.  This tasted the most novel to me!

The last style which we indulged on was the nicest as predicted from the way it was presented.. With cream cheese and tomato.. the sauce made the scallop really tasty.

 The waiter’s offer

Just as we were enjoying our Foie Gras, the friendly water offered to take a picture for us after seeing me snapping away non-stop.

The one that’s not on Menu: “Flat and Broad” Pasta with Wagyu Beef

At first impression when it was said off the Captain’s lips, I only took  note of “Wagyu Beef”. And to set my expectations for the night, I expected the pasta to be good in terms of its sauces, bases and perhaps being real creative and authentic compared to those I’ve tried in other Italian restaurants.

I EXCLAIMED when I took my first bite. Nope, I didnt tried the beef, and it wasnt because of the sauce but the incredible texture of the pasta! It was springy and I almost forgot that I’m eating a pasta. I was blown away by the pasta. For the first time, I proclaimed that yes… you can just give me  the pasta and forget about the ingredients and sauces. Coz  the pasta is just so so so good and i’ve never ever expected Pasta (itself) to be THAT good. It’s that kind of having no expectations that blew me away. That was the highlight for me for  the night.

The bounce in the pasta is even better felt when the pasta is made flat. And it’s even nicer when you eat it hot. The Wagyu beef was tender and was a nice complement to the pasta. And the serving of the meat was alil too generous for me! Despite being a sauce-lover, i do agree that this dish is heavily drenched with sauce. But it was really nice..

Must try the pastas at Garibaldi!

Ravioli Di Vitello - Veal Ravioli with Porcini Mushrooms & Cream Sauce

While the Raviolo cannot feel the texture of the pasta as immediate as the one above, it still has a fantastic texture coz Ravioli, having two layers of pasta  together feels slightly thicker to allow one to feel the exact springiness of the flat and broad pasta. Worth a mention was the Mushrooms and cream sauce they used. Light but rich. And the veal were almost shredded and wrapped inside. What makes this good was that even the veal inside had the lingering taste of the sauce.. makes the dish very consistent and well done. Like it!

From then on, it’s really gonna suck eating bad pastas. – almost every one’s compared to Garibaldi’s is bad!

I call this The man -in love- expression..

I forgot when I captured this but this expression is the way vampy always smile to me when we’re alone or hmphs, when he thinks I’m silly or cute. hahas, thats why it’s called the ‘in-love’ expression! And he probably havent seen much of it himself before.

Playing with Colour Swap.  It’s not exactly true (at all) that our days are grey!

The lady’s best pic for the night.

Fondente Al Cioccolato – Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Gelato and Raspberry Coulis

We had a hard time deciding what to order when it comes to the desserts. Garibaldi offers us a wide variety of choices. But no matter what, we are just a pair of damn sucker for molten lava chocolate cake. The thought of having the hot chocolate oozing out is so satisfying. Or maybe, we are just in search of the best (or a better) molten lava cake that could beat Molten’s one.

Garibaldi’s one was somewhat up to expectations. With a scoop of rich hazelnut ice-cream by its side.. the chocolate was crispy on the outside and stickily rich on the inside. Would have been better if it’s more ‘flow-y’.. Nevertheless, this is one good molten lava chocolate cake. One good thing about it not flowing away the cake like this is that you can savour most of the chocolate without it being retained on the plate!

We put off the idea of ordering the Tiramisu by gauging how full we will be after the chocolate cake. Just after we ordered the chocolate cake, I urged Vampy to visit the gents like how he always do. And yes, I had an intention when I said that. I passed Vampy’s present to the waiter.. wanting him to surprise him on behalf of me when he hands him the bill later on.

And that was then when the waiter realised that it was a special occassion that day. He asked “Is it his birthday?” I replied shyly.. “uh… nope, it’s our anniversary. Hehs..”.. The waiter then left with acknowledgement and giggles seemingly having something in mind.  5minutes later, the waiter returned cheekily and told me that we can forget about ordering the Tiramisu as there will be a surprise… I sorta acted ignorant, i think and asked him what was it.. And he gave me a friendly reply.. “no, it’s a secret!”

Even though I sorta expected the Tiramisu to be complimentary later on.. I didnt expect that………………….. 

Tiramisu’ – Tiramisu with Homemade Lady-Finger Biscuits, Licorice Scented Mascarpone Cream
The surprise from the WAITER (not from neither Vampy nor me) hahas, but a lil credit goes to me!!

 The waiter will bring a thin red lit candle and ‘candy wishing block’ along with the Tiramisu. It’s considerably the first time that both Vampy and I got the same surprise at the same time on a special occassion! And 2 waiters brought that in. It was rather embarassing when both of the waiters lingered around our table, jokes about the charging of taking photos for us and not to mention reminding me to blow the candle off before the candle strips down.

How dumb I felt.. but i was just as silly as ever. hahas.

Happy Anniversary, brightly lit

And I appreciate this surprise from the waiter. Ohs, I blew off the candle together with Vampy!

Another Complimentary: The after-meals and chat-complement chocolates.
Black Sesame with Ginger Lime (front) & Honeycomb-filled (back); The guys were sweet, serving us the chocolate when they see us chatting for a substantially long time..

After dinner, we sat at the isolated corner of Garibaldi chatting away. From one thing to another. The night feel different. There’s still silence between us that knows that crossing 2 years is another new phase. I havent know when’s the next evaluation point will it be on our timeline together but it’s really good to have someone knowing each other s o well with you. The telepathic moments when the two of you have the same ideas, cravings and words to say..And telepathic is not easy, not natural. It takes time, understanding or perhaps it could just be known as coincidence; but how many coincidences of such can one have?

The Couple who’s still happily in Love!

If being in a relationship with Vampy is so fun, ‘tasty’ and enjoyable, it’s honestly a good idea to stay longer together. Cheekily, at least until Japan. (hehs, .like what we always say..)

 

best

happy happy 2 years!

HAPPY 2YEARS ANNIVERSARY, VAMPY!

love at Garibaldi.

For all that I know, I’m real blessed to be loved by you and really proud to have you!

Japan: The Magic of Planning

With Lonely Planet guide in my hand and the Japan brochures on Tokyo, Hokkaido, Sendai, etc… the planning begins. Indeed when 2 person plan together, things are made faster because 2 or more sources can be read at the same time. It was so exciting – at least for me! From the talks of touring around in Tokyo itself. how we should make from one station to another and what he wants me to see for sure!

The Odaiba Rainbow Bridge which I have anticipated for years! The brightly-lit coloured bridge is still deeply etched in my mind. Only to be laughed at by him and the mother when I excitedly said I wanna walk on it 14 days to plan and it is my first-hardest-to-plan trip coz this is the first which involves constant accomodation hopping almost everyday. So many considerations have to be made for the transport, accomodation type and cost, location! At a point in time, fatigue climbed on me and before we knew it… more than 4 hours have passed. The clock says 2.30 am and we havent even taken our showers! We were just SOo engrossed in the planning.

Oh yea and Disney! I’ve never been to one before and simply by looking at the ticket prices and disney ambassador hotels make me excited. (But also, ponder hard for my budget!) The thought of being on the rides, being laughed at when i screamed my lungs off and lug tight to the handles of the rides! hahahahhahas..

Not to forget Tokyo tower and walking down the super populated streets of Tokyo!

And and I’m really excited with Hokkaido!! Especially… NISEKO and the romantic small town Otaru!… The thought of staying in a snow-covered lodge house! It’s so sweet! And yes, skiing! I’ve never done it before and im sure this is gonna be a damn good and fun experience!! Snow Mobiles, and the man’s snowboarding! Overseeing Mt. Yotei!

Sendai pageant of Starlight and Sapporo’s illumination for Christmas! Ryokans stay!

And yesyes! The magic is really working from the imagination. .. from ALL the imagination derived from planning!

Anticipating to travel w vampy!!

 

The making of Mojitos

6 Septembre 2009

A 2 man Mojito

Down to the basics: Vampy and I took a moment off our busy schedules to hunt for the ingredients needed for Mojitos and later in the night, we finally go down to making our very own Mojitos! Mojito in one hand and chips on the other in our very own pseudo chill corner in the house sweetts. We had our own fun time muddling those mint leaves and lime. hahas!

And it turned out to be really good..just need a tinge more of rum and it will be perfect!