Phuket with my best friend

Phuket was a blast!

This was my 2^nd visit to Phuket and the first was when I was 9 years old with my parents and some portions of that trip is still vivid in my mind. But my oh my, how Phuket has developed and changed!

Whacky start @ LCCT before our flight. We had to wake up at 3am due to some mistakes made by Expedia regarding our names on our flight.

I loved the fact that I got to visit and explore more of this island with my best friend. It was his first time and we truly do l love exploring new places with him.

A good friend of mine, Ms N was getting married (finally) to her prince and we decided together that we would love to be a part of that special moment and also to catch up with many other ex-colleagues mine, and what more on a beautiful island.

On the first day itself we rented a bike and explored the island for a good 5.5 hours. The wedding was up north near the airport in Nai Yang so we stayed there as well. But on day 1 we literally traveled all the way down south right up till Kata Beach. If any of you know Phuket, you'll know that's quite a journey, especially on a bike but I loved every moment of it.

The one place I wanted to revisit was the cashew nut factory and we managed to. But some goodies back home.

 The cashew nut factory has expanded
and much more touristy now.

Can you spot the cashews
on the tree?

Cashews being extracted thru
a hand machine from their nut

We then continue our journey down south. Rode on the main highways, coastlines and even explored a bit of  Phuket town.

Day 2 was just spend in Nai Yang catching up with friends. I was asked to help coordinate the dinner which I gladly agreed to not only because I absolutely enjoy it but also cos she's a really good friend. 

With the enchanting bride

The groom who's really a 
black man stuck in a Chinese 
body. This is one dude who can dance!!!

Camwhoring before dinner with my love

Dinner & dance was a blast. We had so much fun, we slept at 4am.

Khim & Ellen

Khim & her hubby, Ton

Theresa & Marcus

Day 3 was a struggle in the morning as we planned to visit the biggest waterfalls in Phuket called Bang Pae. We forced ourselves outta bed by 1030am and started making our journey there.

Having no time to grab breakfast at Nai Yang, we decided we'll have our meal at a restaurant we find near the waterfalls, and that was a great decision. Found this gem of a place called Peang Prai Restaurant. This place is a M-U-S-T when you visit Phuket!

Treetop Restaurant, beautiful view and sounds of the gibbons as you enjoy your meal

Mangosteen Salad. Decided to
try something different

Crab Curry! Yes you've seen right, they peel the meat out for you!!!
I had this dish  3 times in 2 days.

We realised that we were really spoilt by the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia as their biggest there did not impress us. We also noticed that the locals come out to the waterfalls after lunch, unlike Malaysians who go out first thing in the morning. 

We didn't stay long as it got a bit crowded in the afternoon and we were slightly afraid of our belongings so we both took turns to take dips in the water while the other stays with the stuff.

On the way to the waterfalls we passed by a coffee joint called, Monkey Pod  and decided we'll give it a shot on the way back.

Pretty cool place with modern wooden furniture

His

Mine

Mine <3

The ride back from Monkey was one like never before. It started to pour crazy. We took cover under a shade for a bit and continued our journey when the rain subsided only to be welcomed by it 5 minutes later. We decided we'll just ride out in the rain. We were drenched, cold and hurting in some parts with the rain hitting us in full force but it was an unforgettable experience.

On day 4 being our last day, we decided to check out the beach in Nai Yang but waves were too big so we only stayed awhile and adjourned to the resort's pool (there were 3 pools in the resort!!). 

The man has a friend in Phuket so we then got cleaned up and waited for the ride which the friend sent for us. He took us to explore more parts of Phuket town and had our scrumptious Thai lunch at Raya Thai Cuisine. (yes, crab curry again).

The friend owns Flying Hanuman (among many other establishments) so we got to check that place out but unfortunately not enough time to try it out. He also told us that he just purchased an island near Phuket and will be opening another restaurant there as well as some water sports activities by end of the year. Definitely would like to check those out next I'm in Phuket.

Phuket is definitely on my list of places to return to. 

Aly of Lite FM's review on Daikanyama

Aly from LiteFm was so awesome to do a food review on Daikanyama. For those who have not been to Daikanyama before, this is a quick, less than 5 minutes review on our Japanese Restaurant.


Do check out Daikanyama's Facebook page as well for latest updates and our TripAdvisor page for honest reviews.

Stash from BBW Sale : Mediterranean, Food of the Sun @ RM8

Got this book thinking mainly of Z =p She loves experimenting new cuisine and has made quite a few Middle Eastern dishes. This is a really thick book filled with healthy, hearty, light meal, and only at RM8.

ALL Food Comes From India

Penang

I just got back from Penang yesterday.. Actually more like Butterworth cos we stayed at Uncle Alfie's house.. Attended Danee's wedding on Sat night.. Still find it hard to believe that she's married.. She's still like such a baby to us..

Melissa took us to all the good spots to eat in Butterworth - Pokok Ceri Pasembor, Mee Goreng and Mee Rebus.. a small stall that only opens at night selling Char Kuey Teow.. Satay Rojak buah (this one was just addictive)..

Bought a dvd - Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham and we watched it from 1230am to 4am.. It wasn't the first time we were watching it (hmm ok maybe Joel being the exception lol).. So it was really fun as we could remember most of the dialoges.. singing along to the songs.. laughing at the jokes even before it was played.. That was the first night!!

On the second night, after the wedding.. we got back home, changed and headed over to Penang.. Took the ferry and it was really nice.. I have not been on the ferry to Penang in many years.. (It was the first time for Joel, lotsa first for him on this trip lol).. We then drove along Gurney and finally decided to chill at Bukit Ferringhi, at this really secluded spot.. There was a bistro there by the sea.. we chilled there for a couple of hours.. with the waves crashing, under the blanket of sky and stars, with the swaying of the coconut trees.. All us girls wore our heels there cos we didn't know initially where we would be going.. haha.. Had to take off our shoes as we definitely couldn't walk on the sand with them..

After chilling there, we headed over at 330am to Nasi Kandar Beratur (where you literally have to beratur for your nasi kandar).. Hmm I didn't think the food was all that good.. I've tasted better nasi kandar in PJ but the experience was nice..

On this trip as well was the first time I heard my nephew, Jerome say my name.. Ma che teh which stands for Michelle Atteh.. hehe..

So that was the end of my Penang trip.. Short but truly fun and memorable.. Will try to post up pics soon..

Relaxing in Ipoh

Idly or E Der Lee

LOL! My dad was back at my auntie's house and she was cooking him dinner.. Chicken curry and Idly.. so my dad was just texting me on what he was having for dinner..

"Dinner was great! Perema just cooked chicken curry and e der lee for me"

I laughed out so loud.. Read it to my cousins and we just were laughing and laughing..

Second day in Ipoh today.. Yesterday was a super tiring day.. We left the house around 945am.. drove up to Camerons and then down to Ipoh.. I was driving the whole way and way just 'out' by the time I reached Ipoh.. But still pulled myself up to take my nephew to the park and even made a trip to the bride's house..

For the past few months I've been so busy with assignments and just studying for exams that I haven't spent enough time with my nephew.. How much I have missed! He is so so chatty nowadays and repeats everything you say, so much so that we have to be so careful in what we says.. cos he picks up so easily..

Will update more later.. now gonna eat some mangosteens..

People that Make Me Smile

Took my mum out yesterday to One U to buy her her mothers' day gift or should I say gifts.. She was really happy with what she got.. =) But I know no amount of gifts would every come close to repaying all that she's every poured out for me..

In the evening, I met up with a dear friend.. I'm glad I said yes to going out with her cos it's just been too long.. She needed help to look for something.. so we had a really good time shopping and just chatting away.. I never thought that I would grow to care and love her this much.. But I thank God for bringing her into my life.. She has just been the sister I never had! =) Love you babe!

Oh and I absolutely love the movie '10 Things I Hate About You'... I know I know it's pretty random.. But I just watched it again 2 days ago after many years.. And just absolutely absolutely loved it!!!!!

Movie Review: Star Trek & Mothers' Day

I was not much of a big Star Trek fan.. But when I heard of the remake of it, I thought.. hmm maybe I'll go and watch it.. Just for the fun of it... Mum has been a big fan for the longest time and she was really looking forward to it.. My uncle managed to get tickets for his whole family, my family and for my grandma.. I loved it!!!! I was just at the edge of my seat the whole time..

Now I'm a huge Star Trek fan!! Can't wait for Part II..

Michelle's Rating : 9.2/10.0

It's been a really nice day.. Took my mum out for high tea.. although the food at the hotel seemed to have dropped standard, I had a good time out with mum.. We also got some free pampering courtesy of the hotel..

I'm really grateful because my relationship with my mother has certainly come to a different level.. She is such a loving, supportive and amazing mother.. I love her so much!!! Not to mention, she bakes and cooks really really well!! =)

May God continue to grant your heart's desires Mummy..

Drained

I'm mentally tired.. Have been working on my assignment since last night and the most of today.. Today's been a good progress.. Committed my work to the Lord and He just flooded me with points to write up on..

But after hours of looking at my screen, I'm just worn out!!

I've finished 4 out of 5 parts of my analysis.. Tomorrow I hope to finish the 5th part, conclusion and add in all the charts and graphs.. Sounds good? Hopefully I'll keep up to my target..

Class ends at 930am tomorrow.. then just need to drive mum to send some of her books and I'm left with the entire day till about 630pm before I head for dinner and Leadership Empowerment meet..

Once this assignment is completed, I have another to write up on.. Then study for 2 papers and voila!!! I'm done..

Gonna watch some tv now.. Having slight tummy ache.. Must be the rojak I had for dinner..

Ring Ring.. YES!!!

I just collected my phone from the shop.. Woohoo!! No longer phone-less..

A lady reporter and photographer from Flavors Magazine came over to the house yesterday to do a story on mum's cake baking and her latest book - Heritage Cookbook.. It was so exciting.. Mum was working the whole week preparing different little numbers for them including a 3-tier wedding cake and lotsa various desserts.. Guess who gets to eat them??

Also just collected my blood test in the afternoon..

Cholesterol high and low calcium.. Yikes!!! Have to watch my diet.. Doc wants me to come back in 3 months to check again..

Caught 4pm Fast & Furious 4 @ One Utama with mum.. Mum initially was so not interested in going.. But I kinda pujuk her to follow me.. Had no other kaki to go with.. She loved the show!!! haha.. So did I! A good watch! You guys should go catch it..

Can't wait for Wolverine to be released!

Over the Weekend

Easter has come and passed... been meaning to blog in between but somehow just didn't manage to go online..Beyond Tears, the drama was really moving.. Watched it on both Good Friday and Saturday.. Thought the actors did a marvelous job this year.. Kudos to the Production Team!!!

Thank You Lord for dying for me.. Thank You Lord for Life! Help me to lead me my life to the fullest for YOU!!!
Spent quality time with cousins on Saturday night for a really nice dinner at Ginger Tree.. - this really cozy restaurant in Sunway Mentari.. one of my uncles is the chef there so I knew I was in for an awesome dinner.. Was definitely not disappointed!

It's been sometime since I've spent time with them and seen my nephew.. So decided that I'll sleepover at my cuz's place as well.. Jerome slept on my chest towards the end of dinner and the whole way home..
One of my cousin's also pregnant with her second child and was blessed to see her 5 month old moving in her tummy.. I don't think I've seen anyone else look so gorgeous during her pregnancy..

Dinner last nite was just superb!

Pasta Mania

I'm on a pasta craze...

Cooked Spaghetti Bolognese for lunch yesterday..

Whipped up some really fast Mac and Cheese for lunch today.. Which surprisingly turned out so yummy! I don't think I've ever mad Mac and Cheese that tasted this good.. I'm proud of myself.. =)

Mamak

The funniest incident happened last night...

A few of us went for mamak after the awesome prayer meet and was there up to 1am chatting.. we then realised that the waiter serving our table was quite smitten with one of my friend.. towards the end of our mamak-ing session, the waiter and his friend were whispering to each other whilst staring at my friend and heading towards our table.. we were quite curious as to what they were whispering about..

Suddenly, they just burst out in laughter and ran off.. i repeat-RAN OFF!!

We had no idea what was so funny.. it tooks us awhile before we realised that they were actually trying to gather up some guts to come and talk to her.. we were all so blur at first cos we hadn't seen this since primary school..

It was a good night!!