Winter Solstice Festival 冬至

12月22日 2007年 是华人欢庆非常重要的传统节日-冬至。至今不少地方仍有过冬至节的习俗。冬至仍具有合家团圆以及怀念祖先的意义，这一天，一家大小一起搓汤圆，汤圆滚好了先祭祖先，然后一家人一同分享，象征圆满丰收，融洽温馨的意思。每人吃一碗汤圆，还要加添一些，这叫做「添岁」，意思是吃了冬至汤圆，加添一岁了。过去传统的家庭都是自己以糯米来制做，但现代人生活忙碌，一家人很难得聚在一起，冷冻汤圆成了现代工商社会的职业妇女的最爱，是最简单又方便的过节食品，即使忙碌也能轻松享受过节的气氛。记得小时候在家里，全家人一起搓汤圆。不但能体会到那份暖暖的感觉，每个人都可以体验自己动手搓汤圆的滋味。其实可以跟家人一起搓湯圆是幸福的! 我们以前还会比赛谁能够一次搓多粒汤圆或者在短时间内搓出多粒汤圆...好好玩喔。结果搓出来的汤圆都变形啦。过节嘛开心就好。老人家说吃颗汤圆长一岁。现在想起觉得好笑。儿时的我们都会盼着能早日长大。现在的我呢，就怕年岁增长得太快。吃汤圆时早已不数汤圆了。年级愈长..过节的气氛大不如从前。让年轻的一代懂得以前的习俗这是很正确的作法唷。到现在我还是喜欢搓汤圆，對我而言真是件趣事。传统口味纯糯米制的QQ汤圆还是我长期喜爱。今年就比较特别，我品尝了一些市面上所卖的芝麻、花生等口味的。不久2008 年将迈进。新的一年(鼠年-戊子年）已经来临，我应该要好好想想新一年将有什么新的计划和目标吧！想给自己定一份计划来激励自己。

22nd of December year 2007 was chinese big day called "Dong zhi"冬至. "Dong Zhi"冬至 is the thanksgiving of the Chinese calendar. "Dong Zhi" literally means "arrival of winter". Chinese celebrate "Dong Zhi" 冬至, a time where families have a reunion and enjoy bowls of glutinuous rice balls (Tang Yuan),which is served in a bowl of sugar syrup that has been boiled with a few pandan leaves. Traditionally, the Tang Yuan are in colours of white and pink. For good luck, families prefer to have some pink tang yuan to mix with the white ones. The roundness of the rice balls symbolise "completeness" and "unity". Winter Solstice festival or Dong Zhi Festival is more important than chinese new year,therefore we have the tradition to eat "Tang Yuan" 汤圆. And, there's the saying that after eating 汤圆 "Tang Yuan" during "Dong Zhi"过冬, they will grow older by one year. Chinese festival dishes usually have auspicious and meaningful names. Tang Yuan (汤圆) sounds similar to "tuan yuan"(团圆) which means family reunion. Normally my parents will keep some "Tang Yuan" for praying purposes on that day. we used to pray first then eat the "Tang Yuan". Since I am not at my home town during "Dong zhi" 冬至this year, I have the chance to taste those ready-made modern ones, which usually come with fillings in the rice balls - sesame paste and peanuts, the sweet one is just a dessert. I also try the Hakka salty "Tang Yuan" are served with a sauce made with fried pork and vegetables. Really delicious and lots of flavoured..But I more prefer the traditional home-made QQ small red and small white one with no fillings. Still remember those younger days.. mummy taught us how to prepare home-made "Tang Yuans".. roll the dough (white or pink) into a small ball on the palm, then cook with rock sugar and pandan leaf. ... At that time, me and my brothers will eat the number of "Tang Yuans" according to our age.. now ask me to eat those with fillings according to my age, I will choke man.. After eat "Tang Yuan"汤圆 I am older another one year old.. Hai!! getting older and older and older.. sad :( The new year 2008 is coming, I have to start think about setting goals or do some planning for the coming new year.

圣诞节快到了Xmas coming soon..

圣诞节快到了。我们可以在广场圣诞装饰感受到圣诞节的气氛。我就在双威广场拍了几张照。

Xmas just aroud the corner. Christians began to celebrate Xmas. Now most shopping mall full of beautiful decorations.

Them Again 小猫咪又出现了

Today morning, I saw them again, 3 kittens and their mama MIAO. For their safety shouldn't be hanging around car park. But I saw front of my car, there was a plastic bowl full of water and another yellow bowl full of cat food biscuits. Seems somebody was care about their living life. But why they still let them hanging around car park. Wat should I do? I need to go to work on first day of the week. Then a malay lady come out from apartment, she saw me standing stare over the 3 kittens playing and crawling around my tyre, she come to help me. She was gentle try to catch them out from the tyre, but they are not cooperate, maybe they know how to protect themself. Kittens are alert. Sounded to us like getting very angry and they ready to attack with their claw- get out of the way! It's not good idea to catch them, I told her better use stick or things can remove them away from my car. Of couse not using violent treat them. She go get his umbrella, and manage to separate them away from my car. Im glad she was there helping me. We watching all kittens scramble into a hole in front my car which the hole was link to ditch. I believe that was a shortcut way they come out play at the car park. Those People who provide food and drink surely know the kittens like to go through that hole.

今天一早，我过去停车场拿车去上工，我又再看到三只小猫咪和猫妈在我的车轮底。哎呀！怎么搞的。竟然有人在我车前面多了他们的粮食。一碗装水，另一碗装满猫饼干。那些有心人有没有考虑到，停车场的车子经常会进进出出的。对小猫咪很不安全。经过上一次惊吓。我不想有任何事情发生在我身上。当我烦着这一次不知道要怎样把他们隔离我的车。刚好一位马来妹从公寓住宅出来。看到我的处境。走过来帮手。她以为用手抓它们出来就可以了。怎知它们很抗拒人家抓它们。它们发脾气了而且懂得用爪防身。马来妹也被它们的野性吓到，结果不敢用手抓它们。我告诉她上次我们是用扫把把它们隔开。当然不是用暴力来对待它们。她就去找雨伞把它们隔离车子。还好有她帮忙。同时我们发现到小猫咪从我车前面一个洞口处爬进去。它们应该平常是通过沟渠道来回停车场逗遛。不然那些人就不会把猫粮食放在我的停车位前面。它们习惯一个地方很难会换地方。

Today I receive 2 hands on things. One is a invitation card, x couleage vincent getting marry this month, so he invite us to attend his wedding launge. Another couleage few days ago come back from China.She bring some souvenior for us. She told us the trip was quite worth just need to spent not more than 2 thousand.The view was good and imaging scenery. The hotel they stay was pleasent and convinient. Thus, the food provided still can digest and acceptable. Only 1 thing they can't stand was their attitude and behaviour while they treat tourist.

今天在公司收到了两种不同的物件。哈哈！一个是红炸弹（请帖），另一个是手信。旧男同事vincent这个月请酒席。另一位女同事佳丽前几天从中国游玩回来。千多块就可以到很多地方游玩，景色优美。吃住她说还满意算不错了。旅行团的时间比较紧逼匆促。只是她较不满当地人的礼貌品德有很大的差别。她买了手工艺品送给每人一个。每一样手工艺品都有它的含义。嘻！她送给我的是爱情长久。它是用一种树叶制成吊饰品，手工精致独特，都说是旨意爱情当然连形状也是心形的啰，而且还有一股自然散发出香味能够帮助驱蚊子。对了，我比人家还多了一样东西。嘿，在本地是买不到的。多谢啰！:p

今天三餐自己煮 Today cook at home

今天一早，天气晴朗，阳光普照 。快快拿衣服洗了之后，拿出去晒。枕头和抱枕也拿出去晒。最近天气也不定，一时半天炎热，一时阴凉。所以很难预算天气的转变。今天早餐我准备了，面包和半熟蛋。午餐就炒饭，晚餐就排骨意大利番茄酱。前一天买了香蕉。今天的三餐就这样解决了。我很少准备三餐因为蛮费神要吃什么。其实用料不齐全，所以有什么就尽量用啰。

小猫惊魂记 A kitten hiding under my car!

On 1st of November, Thursday was my unforgetable nightmare experience. Early morning I go to car park to take my car. There was a piece paper stick on my car window. It written "Please be careful when you want to reverse your car as there are 3 kittens underneath your car. Thank you." I was shock when I look at my car below. 3 kittens playing hidding around my tyre. Mama Miao saw me quickly come out waiting beside my car and look over at me. I never catch a kitten before, I don't know how to make them out of my car. I quite depress and try to look around hope who can help me to get them out of my car. A malay lady cleaner walk pass my car, she was going to swap along the car park. I ask her for help. She told me she also never catch a kitten before. Oh my god! I need to rush to work. We tried many ways to make them out. They are very mad at us. They became fierce and showing their craws..So scary! My goodness. At last, they change their mind to move to my next door car. Hah! Another victim been chosen. I reuse the notice paper stick on the car window. Im glad 3 kittens safely out from my car and gathering with their Mama Miao .

That day, I work late. When I drive my car out from office. I heard a cat or kitten MIAO MIAO inside my car. I thought was my illusion cos I saw 3 kittens safely come out from my car. When I reach traffic lights, the MIAO MIAO sound become more clear and louder. Motorcyclists and driver front of me keep looking around the side road. It make me more nervous and afraid a kitten was hiding inside my car. After I pass the traffic lights, I quickly stop by near hospital eligal parking. I can't stand the kitten keep MIAO MAIO. I have to search for the kitten. I also scared that if I keep driving my car way back home, I might accidentally killl the kitten by my own car. Without wasting time, I call my couleage for a help. At first, he thought I was kidding. When he heard the kitten start MIAO MIAO, he became serious and use touchlight trying to find the kitten. It was very hard for us to keep track where the voice came from. We decided to change the location to another housing estate or restaurant more brighter place to search for. While I drive out to main road. I can saw from my back mirror, a small kitten drop out from my car behind. I can't stop my car bcos I was at main road, cars keep coming. I did take U turn back to look for the kitten. The kitten was not there anymore. My couleage wiped his mouth and sighed, saying Buddhist mantra "A-mi-to-fo" we could only praised the Buddha.

Kuan Yin Celebrations 观音诞

Kuan Yin, sometimes spelled Kwan Yin, or Quan Yin. 'Kuan Yin' is the Buddhist goddess of mercy; it is one of the most popular figures in Chinese mythology. In chinese cultures Kuan Yin's celebrated on the 19th Day of the 2nd, 6th and 9th Chinese Calender months. In strict Buddhist Tradition they celebrate Kuan Yin's birthdays 3 times a year. One Earthly birthday, and two more to do with various levels of ascension. 农历二月十九日、六月十九日、九月十九日，都是观音诞(民间信仰习俗节日)。其实这三个日子分别是：观世音菩萨出生、成道及出家的日子

01.08.2007 was second time Kuan Yin's birthday (19th Day of the 6th Chinese Calender months). Lost people have visit at my nearest temple. I had bring flowers and fruit to pray at the temple. I was surprise that after I finished pray at the temple, I went to collect my fruit and found out my fruit was not there. Somebody must didn’t mean to be mean taken away.
01.08.07(农历六月十九日)是第二次观音诞，我那时带了鲜花和水果到附近观音庙供拜。原本拜完后就去收水果回去吃平安，没想到水果不见了，猜想有人拿错水果吧。

Tomorow was 19th Day of the 9th Chinese Calender months. So for me, I have decided to go nearest temple to pray and celebrate third time Kuan Yin's birthday on the day October 29th 2007. If you are Buddhist you can go to Kuan Yin temple. Otherwise you are free to honour her in your own special way. It need not be elaborate, just what 'feels' right for you. Some prayers will prefer to pray to statues of Kuan Yin at home. It is said to have a Kuan Yin picture or statue in your house brings good luck and protection to the household and family. I'd say place fresh flowers incense and give offerings of fresh fruit before her as gifts. Then, meditate, invoke her and simply wish her Birthday, and thanks her (as always) for all the blessings she sends your way.
明天是第三次观音诞，29.10.07(农历九月十九日)。我会再次到庙拜拜。每个节日都有人庆祝，一些人前往各观音堂供奉水果，鲜花，烧香膜拜、祈求平安和好运；一些人家还在家中供奉观音像。

“ 人拜你也拜，你懂佛吗？ 不懂。但如果参拜能净化人心，又多添了份慈悲， 不解佛，佛也含笑点头。”载自《中国报》

How you celebrate the mooncake festival this year?

For me, I got chance to celebrate mini minor festival with my couleages and relatives. Yesterday was Chinese Mooncake Festival day. In office, we spent tea break time savoured variety of mooncakes with chinese tea. After work, few of us had dinner together at steamboat buffet restaurant. After finished dinner, I went back home. I can see few houses hanging colourful, shapes and patterns of lanterns. Lanterns always facsinates me. During Chinese Mooncake Festival, I only got chance to comes out and play lanterns with my cousins. I went to meet up my cousins at the playground. Colourful lanterns with candles already hanging around the playground. Me and my brothers prefer the traditional type of lanterns. Make us thought of our childhood. The neighbourhood kids would gather around to play lanterns. As adults will watch them play with their lanterns and candles. I believe some people enjoyed replacing the candles each time the wind blows off. It's like a task given to us to take care of our lanterns. I also like to decorate the shapes by putting colourfull candles on the floor or on the sand. Children play with lanterns and a joyous time is had by all. As soon as I sat down. One of the neightbour's lantern got burn into frames. Things will happen when children play lanterns with candles. I look at the sky search for the moon. Ya! The moon is the fullest and brightest! But the cold wind keep blowing all the lanterns and candles. Lots lanterns falls down. Look like it going to rain soon. We decided to pack up all the lanterns and belongings ready to leave the playground. Our celebration was end by that moment we leave.

My Snow Skin Mooncake 我的冰皮月饼

每年中秋佳节来临之际，很多商家，酒家，饼家，住家都炮制出多款口味月饼。一直都会品尝月饼的我，最多只吃一小块块。因为觉得太甜了，吃多很腻。为了让自己可以体验自己亲手做月饼的喜悦，我选择制冰皮月饼。这种月饼只适合低温保存，不用烤箱的，比较容易做，自己动手又能控制油和糖等分量，比外面买得更合口味。馅料就用自制的红豆蓉和奶黄馅。所谓“自制月饼，健康好味”。在网上找了个方子试验了一把。结果第一次做了这种月饼并不理想，表皮太硬了，很干燥。可能方子用料不准确。

The mooncake festival or mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept 25 this year which is also the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese Calendar. Already, stalls offering mooncake have been set up in shopping malls and major Chinese restaurants, hotel, bakeries offer a range of mooncakes to suit all tastes. Some people prefer made own mooncake at home. I do like mooncake. But a quater, maybe half of one once a year is just about right. Mooncakes are high in sugar and fat content, so I try to eat them in moderation. I've never made mooncakes in my life. So this year I made up my mind to make own (Snow skin/Chilled) mooncake. Snow skin mooncakes are usuallly eated chilled. It's also much easier to make than the baked ones. For the filling I use red bean paste and custard paste. All ingredients and moulds can get it any baking supply stores or supermarkets. I try to make my first snowskin moncake but unsuccesfully. I learned and found some problems in making the snow skin mooncakes. Never try never know.


左图：制作月饼剪报

Left Photo: Newspaper cutting about mooncake recipe

最后决定参照近日报章上（星洲日报-大都会副刊2007年9月16日）一篇有关手工制月饼的方子。觉得做出来的效果还可以接受。我都会把做好的月饼给同事吃，告诉我这些月饼需要改进的地方。多数用料和模具都在超市或专售店可买到。只是现成糕粉在我家附近无法买到。从网上得知，糕粉是指熟的糯米粉，入模前滚一点糕粉是为了防粘。要制出糕粉就是将糯米粉放进烤炉用160度烘烤大约25-30分钟至颜色发黄盛出，或下白锅干炒（中火）至呈微金黄色即成，或蒸15分钟，或使用微波炉高火加热2分钟，再过筛即可。

The second batch snow skin mooncake was made on next day where the new recipe that I refer from a Chinese Press "SIN CHEW DAILY" (星洲日报) Metro Edition segment(大都会) article was dated 16 September 2007 and it featured a housewive who made various type mooncake annually using their own recipe. Practice makes perfect and I am over-joyed that I've finally managed to make them second time! I bring few pcs sharing with my couleages to taste. They love it and give some comments. I very satistified and will try to improve more for the next time. I have problem finding "Koh fun" where I stay but I came across a recipe for making it at home. "Koh fun" - commercialised cooked glutinous rice flour. It can help prevent sticky on hands while roll the dough and to ease releasing the mooncake from the mould. Making of "Koh fun": Put glutinous rice flour on a tray and bake it in the oven at 160c for 25-30 minutes, stirring the flour every 10 minutes./to dry fry the glutinous rice flour under low heat and then sieve it./ Steam the regular glutinous rice flour for 15 minutes. /Microwave it in 2 minutes with high heat till it is slightly brown. Let it cool and use as directed in recipe.



左图: 香浓的冰皮月饼！（有红豆馅和奶黄馅）
Photo: My snow skin mooncakes with red bean paste and custard paste. Yammy!

"明月光，照家堂

团聚月，喜气洋

中秋节，聚一堂

乐融融，月饼尝

祝大家《中秋节快乐》！"

常说很压力的人

“压力很大”是现代人因为某人或某事感到精神上不适时，最常说的一句话。

压力如何吞噬您的健康？
人们常说“有压力才有动力”，适当的压力对人是有好处的。但是长期处于压力之下，也会给健康带来隐患。
压力大视力会变差工作压力大，可能会导致眼球内血管的水渗出到视网膜上，造成视力减退。
压力大易患抑郁症　如果你手边的工作积压得越来越多，你就可能会陷入抑郁症的泥潭。
研究人员发现，工作压力越大，患抑郁症的可能性越大，而且工作压力大的女性比男性易患抑郁症。
压力大动脉易硬化 感到工作有压力的中年人很容易发生动脉硬化症，也是心脏病和中风的危险因素。
压力大伤大脑 随着激素在身体里的急剧上升，压力会使人的大脑出现问题。压力大的人常常感到精神紧张或失眠，同时大脑无法正常运转，最终会出现剧烈的头痛、记忆力丧失等不良反应。
压力大损皮肤 压力导致的激素在通过皮肤表层释放时会引起粉刺、皮疹和发痒的斑点等现象。
压力造成免疫体系紊乱 极端和长期的压力会降低你血液中的血小板，从而使人容易受到疾病的困扰。

专家帮您轻放压力
张业祥(江西省精神病院心理科主任、江西省师大应用心理学硕导)
- 要充分考虑到自身的特点，因为每个人都有稳步发展的长处和短处，在选择目标时要注意扬长避短，充分发挥稳步发展的长处。

- 要达到目标，就像上楼一样，必须是一步一个台阶地走上去。制定计划就像设计楼梯一样，将大目标分解为多个易于达到的小目标，那么您每前进一步，达到一个小目标，都能使你体验“成功的感觉”，而这种“感觉”将强化您的自信心，并将推动您发挥稳步发展潜能去达到下一个目标。

- 有劳有逸，应该注意保证睡眠时间和饮食规律，在工作之余给自己留点时间，做些自己感兴趣的事情，如打球、钓鱼、书法、绘画、音乐、烹饪、郊游、睡懒觉等，都能使您紧张工作的大脑松弛下来，这能使您在下一个工作单元中保持较高的工作效率。长期、持续、紧张的加班工作，不但提高不了工作效率，还会影响您的身体健康。

- 如果条件不具备，通过多方面的努力仍不能达到目标，那么您应该分析一下，这个目标对于您是否合适。如果不合适，再努力下去只能是失败，就像是一楼向十楼蹦一样，再蹦下去只能是多跌几个疱(挫折、失败)，这时您可以说一句“我尽力了”，适时地退出，重新设立新的目标，就像俗话说的“别在一棵树上吊死”。

因人而异的减压处方:
1. 外企职员: 每天我都保持在天亮前起床的习惯，然后独自在寂静的街道上散步。

2. 公务员: 每天我都告诫自己不要对任何人、任何事随意地发表消极的评论。当你对别人赞扬、鼓励的时候，看到别人的笑脸，我自己的心情也会很晴朗。

3. 报社记者: 每天早上上班，我都会给自己15分钟时间来沉思，把今天要办的事罗列一下，让工作有条理。当一天工作结束，我会发现原来自己今天干了这么多事，这会觉得自己很棒！

4. 国企领导: 总是记着我的太太，因为她是一个很乐观很开朗的人，每当感到压力很大，我就会想起她，想到她会怎么解决这些难题，这样我就会看到生活的乐趣，恢复平静。

5. IT业精英: 喜欢在办公室的电脑上，家里的冰箱上，甚至是洗手间的镜子上写上我喜欢的立志的话。

6. 干部: 我喜欢一个人在家大声地唱歌。虽然我五音不全，但是全神贯注地歌唱，会使我精神状态焕然一新。

7. 私企老板: 回忆一下小时候快乐的生活，就会想到为了我的孩子过上幸福的生活，我还要努力，这样我就感觉好很多。

8. 工人:每天晚上，我总会花点时间照顾我的花草和小鱼。给它们浇水、喂食，甚至和它们说我今天的工作和糟糕的心情。这个时候，我会觉得自己是平静的，看着另一种生命状态，我会有一种幸福感。

9. 使馆人员:每天都感激一个人。这个人也许是你的上司，他没有安排你加班；也许是你的同事，他为你买回午餐；也许是你的父母，他们提醒你注意身体；甚至是公车上的售票员，她在给你找钱的时候给你一个微笑。学会用感激的心对待世界和身边的人，快乐就是这么简单。不过我有时候也做不到。

10. 主持人: 我一感到有压力，就睡觉，相信一觉醒来一切都会好的；要不我就洗澡，让自己放松在蒸汽里。不过我老公和我不一样，他好像更喜欢看书，一看书好像就很平静。

<<载自 江西心理咨询网>>

Holiday to Singapore and Phnom Penh, Cambodia 到新加坡和柬埔寨金边游玩

2007年8月 新加坡3天，柬埔寨金边4天之旅

SINGAPORE(新加坡) 第一站
新加坡一年皆夏，任何时候都适宜旅游。而且从5月一直持续到7月底的“热卖季”，很多商品和消费场所都有打折和各种形式的优惠，为旅游提供更多乐趣。为了迁就时间到柬埔寨。就错过了“热卖季”。还好一些牌子还有减价，买了几件衣服。

Day 1 第一天

左图：Aerotrain Boading Platform to Gates. 通过乘搭有着三节车厢的单轨车（Aerotrain）前往入境大堂办理入境手续。



左图：I moved to the business class lounge SILVER KRIS LOUNGE(新航头等舱的休息室)to wait for my flight (Flight delay more than 4 hours) 可惜啊，计划赶不上变化，先是因为天气原因，推迟了4个半小时多。结果呆在Lounge等待。Lounge里的配置和其他航空公司的贵宾室各有不同, 这里有提供各式酒精的饮料，也有小点心。



左图：Singapore Airlines boading 终于新航飞机降落了。


左上图： I'd had the chance to sit in bussiness class. I order dish "Chicken Burger". Meal and service both great. But a bit rushing to finished my meal before arriving. The flight from KL to Singapore takes about 1 hour to arive at Singapore Changi Airport. 难得机会乘坐商务舱和体验了一把头等舱的感觉。吉隆坡到新加坡的行程大约一小时，所以必须用最快的速度用膳。


左图：At last, we arive at Singapore Changi Airport. 到达新加坡樟宜机场已经傍晚了。如果不是延迟时间，原本还想逗留机场逛逛。



左图：Before go dinner, check in at Meritus Mandarin Hotel(5 star hotel) - Along Orchard Road in Singapore's main shopping and entertainment belt, and near the central business district and embassies. 入店文华大酒店-一家真正的五星旅馆，非常大。座落在新加坡乌节路四周环绕着高级购物商店、休闲娱乐及商务区。

左图：Dinner time, having steamboat at Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant. 晚餐就是在鼎兴美味鱼头炉吃火锅。还特别加料龙虾肉和大鱼头。蛮丰富的一餐。 吃饱了就回酒店。


餐馆资料：
Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant 鼎兴美味鱼头炉
Address 地址：
Blk82, Tiong Poh Road #01-03, Singapore 160082.
Operationg Hour 营业时间：5pm to 4pm

Day 2 第二天
左图：Early morning having breakfast with my family at Triple 3 in the Meritus Mandarin Hotel Singapore (the buffet restaurant). There was two choice to dine al fresco by the pool or in an air-conditional comfort. Regarding to brochure and sef from internet, Triple 3 is the only buffet restaurant in town to be awarded "Best Buffet" titile by wine & Dine Magazine. My old friend had try their lunch and dinner buffet, she said their buffet was not bad. I only tried their breakfast. Maybe next time if I got chance to try their buffet either lunch or dinner. Dont u just love it when ur stomach's all full? So guys it's better to empty stomach before having your meals buffet. 一早起来和家人到酒店里的一间名餐厅Triple 3享用早餐。由于我们住的房间并不是豪华套房(包早餐)，还好我们的早餐有打折扣。朋友曾告诉我这里的自助餐值得试一试，尤其是他们的中午自助餐和晚上自助餐。这一次只能试早上的自助餐，那要等下一次有机会的话，再来这里品尝中午自助餐或晚上自助餐。如果大家胃口大，吃自助餐一定吃得痛快和满足感。

Triple 3, Meritus Mandarin Hotel Singapore
Address 地址： 333 Orchard Road Orchard Road, Singapore
Cuisine 风味： International
Operating time 营业时间：
*Excepting High Tea, the buffet are open daily 除茶点以外，这些自助餐每天都有。
Breakfast 早餐：7:00am to 10:00am
Lunch 午餐：12:00noon to 2.30pm
Dinner 晚餐： 6:30pm to 10:00pm
High Tea 茶点： 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays)

左下图：Meet old friend and have lunch together. I tried the 海南 chicken rice in "Chatterbox at Mandarin Hotel", on Orchard Road.It's very delicious. Everyone in the cafe will order this. 约了老朋友见面吃午餐。我们到文华酒店里面的"Chatterbox" 吃海南雞飯。单看外相都吸引人了。吃了还蛮饱的。














吃完午餐，我们到附近的高级购物商店逛逛。
After lunch, we go shopping at nearest shopping mall such as Wisma ATRIA Shopping Centre, TAKASHIMAYA Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City and Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd (opp Takashimaya). Singapore's more expensive mall, packed with Prada, Gucci and other luxury brands.















左图：
After we shopping a while, we have tea break at one of the plaza foodcourt call "food republic". My old friend introduce one type traditional Singaporean delicacy which call "Tutu Kueh". "Tutu Kueh" are small cakes of rice flour, with a filling of grated coconut and palm sugar(gula melaka). They are then steamed in moulds that give them their characteristic shape. Give a bite then you will taste the fragrant and delicious paste. I find out from net, it actually a Malay style of Tutu Kueh called "Putu Piring". Why it call "Tutu Kueh" because the sound made by horns with rubber bulbs used by itinerant vendors to attract customers. The second sweet desert was "Longan Dessert/Longan Tong Sui". It good to drink on very hot days because it help to nourish our bodies for health's sake. After finish high tea, we continue our plan next shopping. We realise the sky turn to dark, rain start to fall. I have to bring my mom back to hotel before it getting heavy rain. We have to cancel our plan. It's time to say goodbye. We both gave a quick hug and said goodbye to each other. A good bye means have a nice life and maybe we will meet again. 四处逛了一阵，我们就停下来休息。晓燕（老朋友）就带我们到美食广场吃些甜点。嘟嘟糕（Tutu Kueh）， 是一種老式糕點， 也是很多老一輩新加坡人兒時的最愛， 至今已不常見。嘟嘟糕的名词是以前賣糕小販會騎住單車，沿途按住「 嘟 嘟 」響的喇叭代替叫賣，可愛的名字也由此而來。嘟嘟糕的表皮是使用粘米粉，而馅料有花生和椰絲兩種口味，米糕鬆軟，內餡酥香可口。初吃第一啖，不太甜，口味單純，这种糕要趁熱食。第二甜品是龙眼糖水，能补充肌肤失去的水分。外面的天空突然暗起来，一阵阵的微风吹过来。不久就下起雨来。趁雨还没下很大，我和晓燕不得就此离别。我得赶快带我妈妈回酒店。 有句：相逢又告别，归帆又离岸，既是往日欢乐的终结，又是未来幸福的开端。我相信我们还会再见面的。

图下：总算有点收获 ，买了两件衣服和纪念品（三件新币十块钱）I thought I wouldn't buy anything else since carnival sales season ended before August. At least, I bought 2 clothes and some souvenior. (which cost 10 Sing dollar for 3 items)









图上：At night, we plan to have dinner in Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant 翡翠皇宫酒家(located at 391 Orchard Road -Takahimaya Shopping Centre 04-19). Because the restaurant not far from our hotel where we stay. We decided to take a walk to CJPR. Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant serving exquisite Cantonese cuisine. I would like to say good food, good service and opulent atmosphere. 晚上七时正，我们徒步前往离酒店不远一家坐落Takahimaya Shopping Centre 里面名翡翠皇宫酒家吃晚餐。翡翠皇宫酒家，正宗的新加坡口味。翡翠皇宫酒家在新国是无人不知。整体用餐“环境不错”，“服务周到”。一看店面就知道价格较贵。注重菜式和环境兼优的食客，翡翠可以一遂你的心愿。

图下：以下是其中的几道菜。第一道有鸡谷草汤，鸡谷草是下火的好材料。其余的有烧鸡干，花雕海参，蒸鱼，烧鸭等。Below shows few dish we order.










Day 3 第三天
一早，我们在酒店里的自助餐厅用早餐。中午，我们就到Owen Road 吃肉骨茶。吃过马来西亚肉骨茶，汤内有当归等药味，而新加坡的制法是肉味占重，可谓各施各法。我们就点了三大锅的排骨汤，白饭，猪脚醋，蒸鱼，油条等。。。 说话间，菜已经上桌。
Next day morning we have our breakfast as usual. Our lunch was Singapore Bak Kut Teh at Owen Road.














左图：我们的下午茶是吃新加坡出名的糕点-这糕点叫水粿吧！一般新山人都用福建话方言叫“Zui Kuih” 。水粿铺了满满的特制菜圃碎，配上辣椒酱，好味好香！Our high tea dessert: Steamed Kuih In A Bowl - they called it “Zui Kuih” serve with special made dried turnip and some sos chili.

图下：我们的晚餐就在房间用餐。点了意大利肉酱面，鱼片粥和冰淇淋。
We decided to order room service for our dinner. We order Spaghetti bolognese with chicken $24.00, Mandarin conge served with fish fillet slices $19.50 and strawberry ais cream $8.00. (choose from the menu)










Day 4 第四天
今天我们会乘坐新加坡胜安航空公司的飞机到柬埔寨。我们提早到新加坡樟宜机场。到了机场，我们前往入境大堂办理入境手续。飞往柬埔寨班机是下午四时起飞。登记后我们就在机场四处走走。
We will take our flight to Phnon Penh, Cambodia(our next destination) around 4.00pm. Our flight was Silk Air Airlines新加坡胜安航空公司. After breakfast, we back to our room to pack our belongings. Then we took teksi to go to Singapore's International Airport - Changi新加坡樟宜机场. We check in early just so we can shop for duty-free shops. There are multiple floors at Changi Airport, and moving sidewalks, shops, eateries and a transit hotel. Which was perfect for us, since we had about 3 hours before boarding.




























上图： 乘坐胜安航空的商务舱。没想到在商务舱可享用杯面。毕竟杯面在哪里都容易找到。可能根据旅程地点有关吧。 Fly on Singapore SilkAir. Again business class sit. About the dish they only left cup noodles when was my turn to take order. Quite weird sit business class serve this type of dish. We can easily can get cup noodles any places. Maybe it related to the trip destination.

下图：Phnom Penh International Airport outside view. 金边国际机场外观。














下图：到达机场后直接到<来福士皇族酒店>登记。Raffles Hotel Le Royal <来福士皇族酒店>五星级豪华酒店，1929年开业，位于金边的中心，仅20分钟车程可至国际机场。充满当地历史色彩，风格独特。酒店共有4层楼，拥有169间客房，设施齐全。从酒店可轻松便捷至城市的名胜景点，例如皇宫﹑俄国市场和国家艺术博物馆。我知道，这是很难得的机会住在这座五星级的豪华酒店，手拿相机不停的东拍西照，搞到人家以为我是一名记者呢。哈！After arived airport we went to Raffles Hotel Le Royal to check in. Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, a hotel with those rare attributes of history and style. It was first established in year 1929. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is only 20 minutes' drive from Pochentong International Airport and within easy access of the city's attractions such as the Royal Palace, Central Market, Russian Market and the National Artefacts Museum.



地址Address：金边 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh(Off Monivong Boulevard) Sangakt Wat Phnom,Phnom Penh Kingdom　





我们住的套房名为"Khmer Suite"。The suite room we stay name "Khmer Suite" ．







欢迎果汁饮料。welcome drinks.
































左图：吃早餐时，自己到自助餐台取食物。瞧！这是我自己配的早餐。搭配到有点怪怪。
:P Breakfast Buffet at Hotel. Emm.. This is my choice of breakfast look like! Look a bit weird..



左图：中央市场
Central Market (Psah Thmei)

左图：中央市场内观设计有欧式建筑特色。
The distinctive yellow domed Phsar Thmey (Central Market) is a ‘must see’ when visiting Phnom Penh, both as a historic building and as a shopping destination.

左图：中央摊位多数经营首饰。
The central interior of the market houses an amazing display of gems and jewelry.

左图：售卖各式各样纪念品，手工艺品等。
Offer a good range and variety of shopping opportunities and products such as souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios.

左图：摆卖酸甜水果摊位。 Little trader sale sweet sour mix fruit stall

左图：摆卖当地炸昆虫零食
Cambodian love for eating deep-fried insects









左图：看！他们炸不同昆虫种类来卖。我没胆量去尝试，一是没胃口吃，二是怕不大卫生。有谁曾经品尝过的可告诉我味道如何？哈！
Check this out! Got many choice of deep fried insects. For me, I don't have the appetite to try it. Maybe it isn't really fresh, re-fried and might have loadsa preservatives.. so.. hmmm.. If you guys who dare to try it, let me know how was the taste look like.




左图：猜一猜这一堆是什么？我的天！像似爬虫类！Guess what creature of that? Gosh! It looks like worm species.




左图：我们无法进入王宫参观。因为去到那边刚好是休息时间，结果只能外观。Unfortunately we cannot to visit the castle because it was rest time. We just only pass by.


左图: 金边 (Phnom Penh) 其中一条河流名叫湄公河。Mekong River near Phnom Penh Cambodia

柬埔寨金边是东南亚唯一没有公交系统的首都。金边骑摩托的人很少戴安全帽。
Phnom Penh has few traffic signals and no stop signs. There are lack of regulation (or enforcement of basic traffic rules). In Cambodia, there is no law requiring helmet wearing. They wear cap hat to cover head when not wearing helmet.

4天逗遛柬埔寨金边圆满结束了。吃完早餐我们就退房直接到金边国际机场。然后前往入境大堂办理入境手续。并在金边国际机场乘马航专机离开金边回国，回到自己温暖的家。
Early breakfast check-out from hotel then transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport 2 hours before international flight departure. We took the Malaysian Airlines flight coming back to KL.





左图：再见啦！柬埔寨 Goodbye! Cambodia















左图：flight meals -Fish Curry Kapitam Style















左图：flight meals -Vegetables Cheese Pasta

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA(柬埔寨) 第二站
柬埔寨是一个资源匮乏的国家，东西普遍很贵。当地人的素质实在不敢恭唯。即使在金边， 除了酒店， 只有临着洞里萨河的那条街上是灯红酒绿, 俨然是国富民安的景象。可是, 当你不经意走到一条街道, 你会看到人们将木板铺在地上，席地而睡；洗过的衣服则摊在草地上; 看到孩子们穿着又脏又破的衣服, 光着脚在泥浆里玩耍, 惊叹贫富的悬殊。我的感觉可以用一句话来形容: 一边是天堂, 一边是苦海! 大多数的用品都是依靠进口的。街上行人还不少，满大街都是摩托车。街上不是轿车就是摩托车，很少有自行车，行人也很少。而且很多都没带头灰，那里的女性都喜欢坐半边。听说那里的交通汽车多数采用Toyota 而摩托车就采用Honda。电话通讯方面，他们那里喜欢用Nokia 品牌电话。听说到油站打油是非常贵的。中央市场（Central Market）, 是金边最繁忙的市场，原由法国建筑师设计建造，十字形圆顶金碧辉煌。有点象我们这儿的襄阳路市场，买工艺品、旅游纪念牌和假名牌，也有当地人的日用品如衣服、小家电、日化用品等。神秘的吴哥窟原本以为有机会到哪儿观光，由于我妈妈老人家怕劳累，结果取消了这个念头，陪她在酒店休息。从网上得知吴哥窟的门票是20美元一天、40美元三天、60美元一周。4天的旅途，包括了来回飞机、住豪华酒店，对于这短短的几天假期已经非常满足了。


TIPS:

1. 去柬旅游最好带现金(美元)。在那边刷信用卡要加收3.5%的服务费. （因为要通过泰国的银行专线） 那边任何年份的美元都收。尽量带或收无损坏的钞票。因为有些蛮计较要求你换别张钞票。

2. 多换些1元的面额的美元, 那边几乎所有的交通都是以一美元计收的(TUKTUK, MOTO). 金边市区很小, 不需要坐TAXI.(5美元). 从机场到市区一律7美元。

3. 货币- 柬埔寨货币单位为Riel(瑞尔)，面值大得吓人，1美元=4000瑞尔(有浮动)。
小插曲：柬埔寨首都是金边，曾属于法国殖民地。用的钱币叫里尔/瑞尔，一美元等于4000里耳/瑞尔，说的是高棉语。不过由于他们的经济来源大多是依靠旅游，所以美元都流通，甚至很多商店都用美元标价。很多当地人都会说英语（为了生活没办法，找吃嘛）。柬埔寨90%是佛教徒、6%信奉回教、剩余的4%是基督教徒。