Luna Di Cielo

It's a gorgeous full moon outside tonight - everyone's out celebrating Mid Autumn Festival in full force. Me, I had my fair share of mooncakes already and trying to digest my 2 full meals today. These days, my diary has been chock-a-block with tastings - given the number of new accounts - and my belly is looking quite chubby.

My biz partners and I couldn't believe it's our 10th anniversary next year and we're tossing ideas for a fun party to thank family, friends and clients - and doing it our way. Our office is buzzing now that there are 7 of us. It's a proper office alright ;)

The Lion citta' is pumping with F1 buzz and lucky me got passes to catch the action upclose, although I don't see why everyone's excited about the sport - including L who loves his Grand Prix like every full blooded Italiano. He has been in an extremely good mood since getting his motorbike licence, and we've been zooming around town on his new moto. I think he'd be truly over the moon in 2 weeks' time when we land in Nihon - can't wait!

Love Is All Around

As corny as this might sound, love is really all around - if we bother to look in the right places or even ask for it to manifest itself. I found 'love' everywhere - in nature and even on this adorable cat (nicknamed 'Amore') at an animal shelter! It literally has 'love' written over it. Enjoy my photos below - they convey pure love and light... your task this month is to look for 'love' too :)

Love on the ground

Love in the canopy

Love in the skies

Love on 'Amore' il gatto

Mates In Malacca

Over the National Day weekend, I went away on a road trip to Malacca with my old JC mates - F, A, P, A and B. We don't spend as much time with one another as before but when we get together, I appreciate the quality time and laughs. We get the kick from all the constant jabbing and teasing, especially B and I, who are the silliest and we get each other with a hint of a grin or a snigger. 

I've been to Malacca countless times but this was the first time I've stayed at the wonderful Majestic Hotel -and it's worth every penny of the S$230 per night with its heritage charm and luxurious rooms. I looove the bath tub and sprawlingly huge bed, and wasted no time in drawing a foamy bath. We also ate so much that it's indecent to mention. Of course we did our rounds at the usual chicken rice balls shop and cendol at Jonker street, and dinner at the Teochew restaurant and Kengdom, but we also tried the morning bah ku teh coffeeshop for brekkie (thumbs up) and dinner at Nancy's Kitchen (over-rated). Overall it was a great road trip with my mates - love you guys!

August was an indulgent month indeed. A couple of weeks later, I had a staycation at The Fullerton, hanging out with Mic and Margh who were my classmates from Perugia. It was such a joy to see them again, esp Mic who is my dear fellow Cancerian and we def share a lot of giggles together, despite our 20-year difference. 

We laughed at everything and took the piss out of staying at The Fullerton which was quite disappointing compared to the grande dame, Raffles. For S$1,000 per night, the suite was not up to scratch. The high-tea at the lobby was honestly crap and the room service was worse. And with my luck, I stepped on a dead bee at the pool's shower and the duty manager can only looked at me meekly and said 'You better go to the Raffles Hospital'. I told Mic we better move to The Raffles. Lol.

We made plans to go on a tiger safari in India next year and hopefully can meet up in Italia. I do miss my motherland so much so I want to book a flight back for Natale... but before that, I think L and I deserve a vacanza together, so I surprised him with a pair of tickets to Tokyo for his birthday in October. You should have seen his shocked expression, senza parole.

The poor boy's been working his arse off and we hardly spent quality time together, so this'd be a precious trip to eat, play and love. Also, it has always been his dream to visit Japan (it's his first love) and I always remembered our first conversation at the hotel lobby where he was working on a night shift - and I was on my last night in Italy in 2005. 'I want to marry a Japanese girl, (glanced at me), or maybe a Singaporean,' he said in all seriousness. So now I told him this is his last chance to see all the sweet Japanese girls before deciding to marry me. Hehe.

Foto Per Voi

Ciao tutti, I've been experimenting with my new camera Sony NEX - a gift from my cleverest bf - and just wanna post some of my fav nature foto here for you to enjoy! ;) Nature never looks so gorgeous. Get out and enjoy the light.

Five years later

I turn 35 in exactly 2 hours - exactly five years since I've first started this blog in 2005 when I left on my epic solo journey. Things have changed a lot since - making room for new friends, a grande amore, expanding businesses and a bigger consciousness and spirituality. I still make mistakes (I'm not perfect). I still sulk (altho lesser mood swings). I still remember my italiano (grazie dio). And I'm ever more grateful for what I'm blessed with - old friends, health, family, humour, colleagues, appetite for life and of course my love L. 

He always has the best taste in gifts (from flowers, a tasteful ring, fitted dress, even shoes and lingerie). L outdid himself when I opened his gift a few days ago - a gorgeous state-of-the-art Sony Nex-5 camera - 'perche sei molto brava'. 

Most of all, I love his card (he's a poet at heart) - it reads 'there's no gift in this world which could express my immense love for you.'  He entered my world 5 years ago - on the last night of my trip. Today he's sleeping in the same bed, along with my beloved bolster and furry cats. How funny life takes you or is it the other way round?

In any case, I am pleased for coming this far, and look forward to the next stage in my life. Maybe it's time to grow up - or maybe not, haha. Here's a toast *salute!

Something Different, Something New

I never made a mid-year resolution before but with my 35th birthday fast approaching, I find myself with a desire to do something fun, creative, adventurous - anything that would shake me out of my rut and comfort zone and give life a great big hug. So my mid-year solve and gift to myself is to do something different every week - from small things like making myself a fab fresh salad for lunch or changing my hairstyle (both I have done this week!) to exploring a new country. Life is too short to worry about 'will I look good with a fringe?', 'will green look good on me?', 'should I wear gold eyeshadow?' Who cares? Just fucking do it and have fun at it!

Of course, the best birthday gift would be to finally purchase my own home but COV prices are sky high and L's plans are still in limbo, so we'd take a chill pill and see what unfolds at the end of the year. For now, L and I are appreciating whatever time we have together and making the best of it.

Last night on his day off, he made me truffle pasta with freshly shaved black truffles and trickled with more truffle oil - buonissimo e pieno d'amore! Funnily he made himself fried bah-choy vegetables, ate it with chopsticks, followed by a box of smelly durians. We're such opposites.

I couldn't decide if I should celebrate my birthday - half of me wants to throw the party of the year yet the other half just wants to crawl into a hole and let the day pass. Maybe I'll toss a coin by the end of the week or do something different - just as I had decided :)

Kuching Cats

I took 3 days off and flew by Tiger to Kuching, the city of cats in Sarawak, with my folks and sis. Why Kuching, many asked? I replied - 1) becos I've never been there, 2) the ticket is cheap and 3) I want to eat Sarawak laksa. My dear friend A who is a Kuching native was flabbergasted why I want to go there. She said 'but it is soooo boring there!' I didn't believe her, plus I want to see for myself.

AND you know what? The city itself was kinda lacking in action. Ok ok it's probably the last place to look for action but my neighbourhood Elias Mall has more action and people than the whole of Kuching city combined.

After we checked in, we tried to orientate ourselves by looking at the map and once we locate the distance between our apartments and Hilton, we realised how ridiculously small the scale is. At 4pm, everyone was taking a siesta. We couldn't get into the ornate Tua Pek Kong temple or find a decent cafe for tea.

The Main Bazaar souvenir shops didn't have any wares that could part us from our ringgit while the makeshift stallholders outside the shops desperately tried to sell us their tongkali, aprodisiac potions and toxic multi-hue kuehs and sponge rolls.

At 6pm, we were hungry and found Top Spot easily above a multi-storey carpark (just behind our apartments) - where locals and tourists go for a seafood feast. It is almost like East Coast seafood centre where there are many zhee char seafood stalls vying for your attention with their display of fishes, veggies and other ingredients. The fish expert, my dad decided on ABC seafood because their fishes looked the freshest. Boy, was it cheap! The garoupa was MYR56 (S$22), the two crabs cooked in Sarawak black pepper cost MYR24 (S$10!) while the steamed big pomfret went for just MYR36 (S$14). We ate and busted our cholesterol levels, and toasted to my mom's 59th birthday. We love you, mamma!

The next day, we left early in a private van to Batang Ai Hilton for a luxury longhouse experience. Sis and I decided we're not going to risk staying in a traditional longhouse where the headhunters used to kill their enemies and where we have to sleep on mattresses (bedbugs scare). Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy to camp in a caravan or sleep under the stars but that'd be for another trip. Plus it didn't cost much to stay in the Hilton longhouse, the only gripe was it was so damn far. We spent 4 hrs in the van which was skilfully manouvered by our driver through the drizzle all afternoon.

We stopped for a taste of kolo mee, another local delight of plain maggi noodles with char siew but I'd take my laksa anytime. Before long, we reached the lake and made our way to Hilton in a little motorised boat. I must say the scenery was lovely and untouched - no other houses in sight across the lush islets in this man-made dam. The sunset and sunrise were also gorgeous.

After check-in, we went for a traditional longhouse tour 40mins away by longboat. Our guide said this was the nearest longhouse; he has even brought people to a longhouse 4 hours away by boat and hike. I guess those are the types of longhouses where they still headhunt.

When we got there, boy were we glad we didn't opt for a homestay and we also counted our blessings as Singaporeans with our modern comforts. The longhouse comprised a row of 'homes' and the 300+ residents shared a communal corridor space and deck where they do their washing and cooking etc. The head chief has 2 wives and god-knows how many offsprings, and replied to our questions shyly via our guide.

There were a few handicrafts on display for sale to curious crowd like us - from carved wooden sculptures and handwoven baskets, hats and mats. We were more taken with the longhouse cats and kids, than the souvenirs. Soon it was time to go and we indulged in a well deserved lunch of Sarawak laksa (the no.1 reason why I came to Sarawak) and long lazy afternoon nap at The Hilton. At dinnertime, we were surprised to see so many people at the restaurant - it wasn't so remote after all.

The next day after brekkie, we decided on a guided hike in the forest, still moist from the rain. It was humid and soon, we were all dripping with sweat. It was adventurous at the same time as the guide took us through gentle slopes and a tightrope bridge for another scenic view of the surroundings. I'm glad that the world still has these natural spots for animals and plants and hope that we will all protect and treasure what we have on planet earth.

To concerto

I've always liked Andrea Bocelli and have some of his CDs so I can sing along to his songs to brush up my italian. So when I saw an ad that says "Watch Andrea Bocelli live in Singapore at the Botanic Gardens", I was quite excited that the maestro is coming to town. What's even more exciting is that the public stands a chance to win tickets to see him in a ballot - courtesy of YTL. I urged some of my italian classmates and colleagues to join the ballot, ma alas non ci sono biglietti per me.

Dejected, I emailed the rest and was prepared to beg anyone who'd have won tickets to the concerto when A replied to say her dad sits on the board of directors and we'd get the corporate passes! Yaaaay! Better still, she said we'd attend the cocktail reception in suitably cocktail dresses before Andrea comes on the stage. Che fortuna! Now if only she can arrange for some hunky italian escorts... :)

We had a smashing time, R was going at the canapes and camped at the food station while we gawked at the tai tais and black-tie men. We feel a bit under dressed but who cares! Andrea was excellent and his soulful voice echoed through the Botanic Gardens, charming the 12,000+ fans (includg President Nathan). I shouted 'bravo' and soon everyone was shouting it.

Things got even better when A told us that we're invited to the post concerto supper in the VIP tent - in the same breathing space with Andrea, Jimmy Choo and Michelle Yeoh! We bumped into Michelle earlier and almost hopped onto the same bungy with her, had we recovered from being star struck. The tent was gorgeous and we even get to enjoy the vino from Andrea's winery in Toscana. He didn't stay long after accepting a pot of orchids that are named after him but we did get some good shots of him. Arrivederci maestro!

The next day, it was Mom's Day and we celebrated it with nanny and family. Sis and I wanted to treat her to another holiday but she's not up for it so it'd be us and our parents at Kuching - a first time for us in the cat city to celebrate mommy's birthday in May. My new travel motto is to travel to new places. I'm still toying with where I should head to for my 3-week birthday retreat in July. Decisions, decisions.

Lite packin'

I've been under the weather this month; got fever twice in the month and still nursing a nagging dry cough but managed to crawl out of bed this morning (even after a late night of 'Spartacus' episodes which L and I are addicted to) to get some sun and fresh air at the secret garden. The usual kakis are there - although everyone was also recovering from flu. The bug's in the air and we'll ve to manifest our wellness!

What's keeping me chirpy are the new additions to my patch at homes - new pots of mint, basil and dill, as well as a crop of pomodorini from my taller-than-me tomato plants. Boy, do these homegrown little buggers taste good! I just make a simple pasta with them, some chilli, basil and Italian parmiggiano - super buono.

The capsicum plants which I moved to the garden have also blossomed and have sown baby peppers that are the size of an egg. Funnily the seeds came from the normal size capsicums found at supermarkets but I guess they needed more fertilisers and space to reach their full size. But I'm not complaining cos I'm eating the food I've grown. Not many people can claim this, ha (sorry lah, just showing off).

The weather's been crazy hot so I stayed in bed all day - like every other weekend - with a good book or movies. Today, I shared some time with George Clooney - the sexiest, funniest man alive (si, L sa che io amo Georgie). He's a hoot in 'Men Who Stare At Goats' and irresistably restrained in 'Up In The Air'. This guy doesn't just look good but he could direct and act in a range of roles (heard he's dating an Italian model now, at least we have the same passion for Italia).

Anyway I could totally emphasize with his character in 'Up In The Air' and I could well be that person - happily carrying a light bag pack without committments and travelling around the world. Sometimes I want the house, the wedding ring, the kids and designer stove. Then at times, I'd swing to the far end of the pendulum and rejected all these notions, drawn to a rebellious, carefree, free-spirited existence that would bend all rules. 

They say the older you get, the more you know yourself. But I find myself all the more confused becos there are so many options and possibilities. It's like stepping into a supermarket hungry and everything looks good. Decisions, decisions.

I'm not complaining becos it is a good thing to have options. Some people simply don't have the luxury or think they are stuck with only one choice. I guess my challenge is to figure out what I want to fit into my bag pack - the basic precious things I need in this lifetime without them weighing me down. And if it gets a lil heavy, L would be there to carry it for me :)

Travelling tales

My travel itch has been acting up and I'm thinking where next - literally begging L to take a weekend off so we can be whisked away to a faraway isle villa (ok no need very faraway lah). I'm hoping to get away for a short jaunt before July when I already chob 3 weeks leave so I can pack my bags and hit the road again - maybe even on my own, since L's career is uncertain. We are manifesting his dream job and good news are just around the corner! Yes and so be it!

Anyway I've completed a few travel articles including a 6-pager on NZ for F+T mag, and these 2 gorgous spreads for F.B. Mag which is yet to be published. Here are the sneak previews in low-res. You can't beat the joy and pride in seeing your own works in print; the extra pocket money is also welcome. I'm still wondering if I'd publish a book - maybe if I were to live abroad one day.

Reading others' travel tales also inspire me especially if it was as well written as "Head Over Heel - Seduced By A Southern Italian" by Chris Harrison. He's like L, except he gave up everything in Sydney to move to south Italy to be with his woman. I read somewhere - people migrate for 3 main reasons - career, war and love. Love is always the most inspiring reason, isn't it?