Sebrinah Yeo

Sunday, 27 June 2010

Beijing - Cheng De, China (Day 5)

Sebrinah Yeo June 27, 2010 0

Day 5, 12th May 2010, in Beijing - Cheng De, China

Check out of the hotel.. Nothing special so I won't say much about this hotel. First destination in the morning after saying "Goodbye" to "my" so-called "American Breakfast" is to the 1st storey of the Watchtower which is actually now a Museum of Folk Customs of Beijing but the whole building is the Watchtower of Zhengyang Gate. Inside the Museum, we were shown the Beijing map by a female Chinese Professor who is the leader there. She explained in detail to us about the Chinese theory based on Confucianism, Chinese Cosmology & especially Feng Shui, behind the layout & designs of the Imperial Palace along with the whole of Beijing.

The Dutch windmills of Zaanse Schans

windmills

Sebrinah Yeo June 27, 2010 0

Ratianda's Dutch columnist and her husband take Malaysian guests for a visit to the famous Zaanse Schans (website: www.zaanseschans.nl) with it's five windmills, museums and much and much more to see and to do.

The Zaanse Schans is a delightful village on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops.

This enchanting village has been lovingly established by relocating local houses, windmills, storehouses and barns to form a remarkable replica of a typical Zaanse village of the seventeenth and eighteenth century.

Apart from the cluster of windmills, characteristic wooden houses and delightful shops to visit, there are intriguing traditional Dutch crafts such as wooden shoes, pewter and cheese making, several fascinating museums, restaurants and even the possibility of taking a boat trip on the river.

The Zaanse Schans is open daily throughout the year.

With its traditional green painted houses, warehouses and windmills the Zaanse Schans gives the feeling of having stepped back into the seventeenth or eighteenth centuries. However this is not an open air museum but a colourful living and working neighbourhood. Most of the buildings were re-located from other areas in the Zaanstreek in the 1960’s and 70’s as owing to urban development they were under threat of obliteration.
The Zaanse Schans offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape as it was before and after the industrial revolution. This panorama makes the Zaanse Schans a vital link in the European Route of Industrial Heritage. A visit to a working industrial windmill is a unique experience. Paint mill De Kat and oil mill De Zoeker are open daily from March to October. From November to February most of the windmills at the Zaanse Schans are only open at the weekends. The Jonge Schaap is open all year. The Zaanse Schans has a number of fascinating museums to tempt the visitor. The Zaans Musuem has a large collection of interesting artefacts and presents a variety of changing exhibitions. The museum combines a complete picture of the history of the area with an impressive view over the local landscape.

The smaller, specialized museums such as the first Albert Heijn Grocery shop, the Bakery Museum 'In de Gecroonde Duyvekater', The Dutch Clock Museum, The Noorderhuis Costume Museum are all situated at the Zaanse Schans in listed buildings bringing the history of this oldest industrial area to life. There is no entrance fee for visiting the traditional Dutch workshops such as the Wooden Shoe Workshop, the Pewter Foundry and the Cheese Farm at the Zaanse Schans. Opening times may vary, but generally they are open daily throughout the year. The most enjoyable way to see the surrounding area is from the water. From April to October river cruises are available along the river Zaan not only for a splendid view of the Zaanse Schans, but also for a more detailed examination of the traditional and picturesque Dutch houses, windmills and other interesting sights along the way.

Beijing, China (Day 4)

YaShow Clothing Market

Sebrinah Yeo May 29, 2010 0

Day 4, 11th May 2010, in Beijing, China

The day begins with breakfast and a tip for facial care by our tour leader, Xiao Yan, natural way for a facial mask is mix egg white, pearl powder and honey, the best remedy for all skin care!
Yes, pearl powder is not easy but it's the best! So Pearl Factory is our next stop.

Beijing, China (Day 3)

Wangfujing Street

Sebrinah Yeo May 22, 2010 0

Day 3, 10th May 2010, in Beijing, China

The breakfast at the hotel is "Very Good" ! Our tour leader, gave us a tip, if he says it's "Very Good" means it's worth the value and obviously very good (lolx)... But if it's no good and not worth it, the answer is "Okay Lah"... So this is "my" American Breakfast! I LOVE IT!

Beijing, China (Day 2)

Yin Yang

Sebrinah Yeo May 17, 2010 0

Day 2, 9th May 2010, in Beijing, China

Arrived at 6.10am, after all the standard procedures; One thing Malaysia fail to have and China is lucky to have is the super cool crisp clear wind on a sunny day... A great day to kick-start our holiday experience in Beijing, China!

On the way to breakfast in the coach bus, I was fascinated by the scenery's and the cool vehicles that you rarely see anywhere else in the world! The streets has lots of "pollen" floating around the air & it was near Xiao Jie bridge that I took picture of these bicycles (New & Old)...

After breakfast, we were supposed to check-in, however, due to the delay in our flight the local travel guide, Mr. Yan aka Xiao Yan, took us to the "Back Gate" of the Palace Museum or better still, the "Back Gate of The Imperial Palace" and right opposite of the "Back Gate" is a man-made mountain!

Inside the "Imperial Palace" we entered a gate that is famous for it's name and historical beliefs called "The Lucky Gate" (The name explains it all... lolx). We even browsed through the window of where the Emperor (King) sleeps and surrounding his room are other rooms where his concubines sleep.

At the exit of the Emperor's chamber, there's a big "Jade" resembling something like a "Yin & Yang" shape that represents peace and great luck! Soon after we took a stroll at the "Forbidden City" just outside the "Imperial Palace"... It seems that of all the tour group that Xiao Yan took (all from Malaysia) we broke the record for walking at "The Forbidden City" for up to 3 hours and 15 minutes all the way.

Soon after the "Forbidden City" visit, we ventured to the "Temple of Heaven". Over there we were told that there used to be a "Ginseng" tree near the premises. However, after the "Temple of Heaven" was opened to the public, it disappeared without a trace! Weird?! But it was written in the historical relics that the "Temple of Heaven" forbids female to enter because female is "Yin" and male is "Yang". Also "Yin" is like the moon, is represents "cold" and "Yang" is like the sun/earth, it represents "life & warmth"... (Or something like that hehe)

Wanna know MORE about the "Temple Of Heaven", Click HERE!

After that, Xiao Yan took us to watch an acrobatic variety show! It was a 1 hour live performances from 5.30pm - 6.30pm that ended with a blast! What I mean to say was, the had a cage the shape of a ball and first a motorbike went in and went round and round in it... But it ended with a blast when 5 motorbikes went in and they switched off the lights! It was like a super huge disco ball!! And it was amazing! Never seen before in life! Not even in Europe! A MUST-WATCH performance! Everyone was awed by their spectacular performance!

After dinner, we went back to check-in to our hotel and ended the day with laughter's and smile! (Ps. Xiao Yan can really make you laugh... hehe)

KLIA - Beijing, China (Day 1)

Trip

Sebrinah Yeo May 16, 2010 0

Day 1, 8th May 2010 - The beginning of the 8 Days 6 Nights (Beijing - Cheng De - Tian Jin) China Tour!

Today we met the tour group for the first time, from up to 10 different tour agencies, we were gathered by China Express Tours & Travels Sdn Bhd. Our local tour guide that will guide us to & fro throughout the whole tour is Perry. Very friendly and humble guy! Can't wait to book the next tour with Perry again... Two thumbs up!

Here ya go, pictures at the KLIA airport... Nothing special (lolx) but Perry assist us in going through all the airport procedures, staying there by our sides and again very friendly! Imagine taking care of a group that is unknown to one another of 31 participants! Well they did! Great experience and Perry has so much story to tell! I love listening to each and every one of them because it's full of wisdom and wonders! Makes me kinda eager to be a tour guide like him too hehe... ^^ (Ps. No, I'm not in love, I just admire him for who he is and what he does -nonetheless- Someone I can look up to)

Nokia : The Rookie (MY & SG)

Zouk

Sebrinah Yeo April 08, 2010 0

Think you've got what it takes to be "The Rookie"?! Think again! Join in the fun & exciting challenge as Nokia Malaysia & Singapore brings you "The Rookie"!

What is it all about?

Here's a description "ripped" off the main site :

Nokia is looking for 12 dynamic individuals to battle it out for internships at four high-profile companies. Armed with just a Nokia E72, Nokia Messaging and their wits, contestants will take on a series of challenges. Of the final four contestants, the ultimate champion will be crowned The Rookie and win a RM10,000 cash prize. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be The Rookie, seize this opportunity and prove it.

Well, first of all... I'm guessing you gotta be knowledgeable in Nokia and its services to go through with the challenges. (I guess...) But the best part is, you get to choose which company you want to have an internship with one of 4 companies that are leaders in their field!

Nokia Malaysia : The Rookie (Nokia, Universal Music, Standard Chartered Bank, and 8TV)

Nokia Singapore : The Rookie (Nokia, Microsoft, Standard Chartered and Zouk)

Talk about "free media exposure" and good records to add up to your CV for a brighter much wider future!

Prizes up for grab! For the lucky 12 contestants that's gonna battle out street-wise, street-smart & likewise... (etc...etc...) Final 4 will win the internship at this 4 LEADING COMPANY! But only 1 will be crowned "The Rookie" with

CASH PRIZE RM10, 000(Malaysia)

CASH PRIZE $S5, 000(Singapore)

Think you've got what it takes? Then what on earth are you waiting for?! Go submit before the dateline!

Dateline : 28th April 2010

Malaysia

Singapore

If I had this chance! I would never miss it! Opportunity comes once in a lifetime!

If I were to submit, I would choose Nokia or Universal Music!

Not participating? You still get a chance to grab yourself some WORTH value-for-money cash voucher! *Limited. While Stock Last...

You can find this here (right at the bottom) : Malaysia or Singapore

But thanks to my current job & thanks to Nokia...

I'm well-trained about Nokia products & services and I'm definitely not available during those 2 months period. May & June 2010! But I wish, all those lucky contestants all the best and a great big THUMBS UP for the 4 Leading Company who brought us this spectacular CHANCE OF A LIFETIME!

(Ps. We're watching over you... participants... contestants... public... people... young graduates... etc... etc... )

FIND OUT MORE HERE!

Nokia Malaysia : The Rookie

Nokia Singapore : The Rookie

AN ECLIPSE NOVELLA

Vampire

Sebrinah Yeo March 30, 2010 0

THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER

An Unforgettable New Novella from International Phenomenon
Stephenie Meyer

LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS WILL RELEASE THIS INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON NOVELLA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

NEW YORK, NY (March 30, 2010), announced today that it will release the first new title from Stephenie Meyer in nearly two years. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is a novella told from the point of view of Bree, a character originally featured in Eclipse. Approx. 192 pages! Amazing! Just imagine, first Twilight... Then the following sequels comes out which "almost" completes The Twilight Saga and now there are two sides to every story!

You'll see Bree Tanner in Eclipse this 30th June 2010.

*Spoiler* She's a newborn vampire together with a vampire army ready to attack the Cullens and and Bella will be the ultimate prize for their victory (Not!). A pure hatred revenge from one single vampire, leads to a whole bunch of "lost" newborn vampires aiming for blood and victory. (Blah blah blah... Something like that... Go read the book!)

Best part is, every "one dollar" for each book sold in the US from the first printing will be donated to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which supports disaster relief efforts such as those in Haiti and Chile. You can also make a donation and learn more about their relief efforts worldwide through this American Red Cross link that will be shown on the dedicated site Bree Tanner.

“I have been moved by the generous outpouring of support for the recent crises in Haiti and Chile,” said Meyer. “I am glad that sales of this book will support the American Red Cross with their amazing efforts abroad.”

Check this out; Stephenie Meyer mentioned this :

As a special thank you to fans, Meyer is giving them exclusive access to the novel on a dedicated website, www.breetanner.com, from June 7 to July 5, 2010 where fans from around the world will be able to read the book online in English. “I’d always considered The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner as something for the fans,” said Meyer. “They have been so supportive of all things Twilight.”

You heard that!! The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner will also be available as an ebook beginning at 6:00 a.m.EST on June 5, 2010. Yay! Extra hugs & kisses to Stephenie Meyer! She's not only talented and amazing, she has a great big huuuugggee heart that is more phenomenal than "The Twilight Saga" phenomenon!

I'm getting my cash ready to grab this at the bookstore when it's out (in Malaysia... I hope it comes out soon)

I will read for free online but I'm going to get the book too! Because I love the cover and it's best to have a copy with me everywhere I go... PC radiates major radio-waves that's poppin' my acne up-front! LOLX!!

Find out more :
Special Message from Stephenie

The Twilight Saga

Bree Tanner (Dedicated eBook Website)

American Red Cross

Stephenie Meyer

Love World Love Sloggi

world

Sebrinah Yeo March 26, 2010 0

My Favourite "Habit"

Yes, it's true. Common knowledge says having a "habit" is something negative most times but not necessarily. As individuals, we have our good points that can be bad points to another individual alike.

This is my motto "Never Judge A Book By It's Covers". Everyone is different and special in their own ways. But bring together a crowd and you can definitely make a difference. (Especially for the environment!)

Thanks to "Sloggi" with their brand new eco-friendly range where lingerie is made out of recycled materials It's great to have comfort, security, quality, excellence and a wide range of choice for everyone to choose. We not only satisfy our desires (on colours, type, design & etc etc...hehe), however, we get a chance to take part in saving the environment that God has blessed us with.

My favourite "habit" is... Whenever I'm driving (shhh... don't report me... =P) or whatever it is I'm am doing outdoors, I'll never miss the chance to look "up" the sky... It's true that looking out at a field that's covered in all nature greenery will help ease stress (thanks to the amount of oxygen from plants).

Yet, for me it's slightly different; I love the clouds, the sun, when and where the sun sets, the shapes and sizes of the clouds and just about anything with these natural wonders up above us! It's like watching heaven in "full focus"! Of course, with my year long best pal "my" Nokia N85 with is amazing 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens and the OLED display, snapping images of those "Must Have" sceneries are the best!!
(Ps. I snap them everywhere and at anytime, with any chance I manage to find - even when driving *Warning : Not a good example*... But I can't help it.......)

Enjoy my collection! Cheerx...!

To wrap it up; These are my strong feelings of what I love most about the world "Our" world! Which is why I love Sloggi too! Their quality of the material are as silky smooth and soft as the clouds you see in the images I've capture!