Much has happened since my last update. My trip to Krabi was fantastic, and I dove Phi Phi for the first time. Visibility and currents were not the best, but I still managed to see some stuff. Got caught in my first ever barracuda tornado too, which was nice.

My next trip after Krabi was to Tioman, and that's where I managed to screw up my sinuses enough to prevent me from diving for a good while at least. My eustachian tubes are clogged and sounds are a bit muffled in my right ear, but it should go away eventually. Nevertheless I had a great time. I did my first ever wreck dive and saw a gigantic batfish - I had no idea they could grow to that size! When I recover I'd like to dive Raja Ampat and hopefully by then I'd have my own set of tiny fins instead of having to make do with ill-fitting rental gear. It helps, too, that I currently live above a dive shop which stocks almost everything imaginable.

Meanwhile, pictures:

Wednesday 15th August

Heading back to Singapore in a few days. Japan was um.. interesting and I had a great time despite not knowing the language. I spent most of my time in Tokyo with the exception of day trips here and there. Here are some handy tips for those wishing to come here soon:

1. I have found that foreign bank cards are almost impossible to use at ATMs with the exception of 7-11. There are a dozen and one different chains of convenience stores and if you find a 7-11 it is definitely recommended that you get out a few bob if you foresee yourself running out of cash soon. POSB and DBS cards work fine at 7-11 ATMs as they carry the cirrus logo. I'm not sure about UOB cards, though. The same for credit cards, they're not used as often as they are in outher countries, especially when paying for food.

2. It is exceptionally hot at this time of the year. I found it to be FAR hotter than Singapore mostly because indoor places that you'd expect to be air conditioned (e.g offices and department stores)are not. In Singapore you'd spend maybe 10 minutes out in the sun before you find yourself in the comfort of an air conditioned underpass or bus. This isn't the case here. Be prepared to sweat like a cow.

3. Diving, my newly acquired favourite pasttime, is also exceptionally expensive in Japan. We did have a great time while we were at it, though, but it is definitely not something we could afford to do on a regular basis. To give you an idea, a three day one night trip to Tioman with transport, accomodation and all meals provided cost between 300 - 350 SGD (Just over 60,000 yen)on average from Singapore while the same price will get you only as far as a one day dive here. Despite this the waters were fantastic and the reefs appear to be in a much better condition than Malaysia or Thailand. Waters in summer averaged about 19-21 degree with the exception of thermoclines, which basically freezed our butts off.

4. Do take the time to explore the unbeaten path. You can get the main tourist traps done within the first 2 days or so, then take your time exploring the 'piss alleys' and little roads around Tokyo. I went for a run in my area one evening and was really surprised to discover little shops that were lost in time and small little establishments with old Japanese women sitting around fanning themselves. So cute.

5. It's allright if you don't know the language. Just don't act like a jerk and expect people to understand you. You will be surprised how far a smile, a small phrasebook, some humility and an immense amount of bowing and nodding can get you. Whatever it is, let yourself be surprised. I ordered what I thought was fish but turned out to be pork. It was absolutely gross and hard (crunchy actually) but I learnt to identify the character for Pork after that - problem solved!

6. Domestic flights are also extremely expensive, and so are shinkansen tickets out of town. I'd definitely, DEFINITELY get the Japan Rail pass in future. I realised this already on my last trip to Japan but didn't think about it this time round. You really do save a lot of money on that and it makes things all that more convenient should you decide to get out for a bit on a whim. Rail passes are only available to foreigners BEFORE they enter Japan so plan ahead.

7. Returning back to point 4 - Jogging on pavements can be a tad bit challenging especially around residential areas since there are a million and one traffic lights you have to stop at. I don't know about elsewhere but in Ebisu I saw very few people running in public. I reckon most just head to the gym. Parks are nice for running but they take a while to get there (unless you drive). It's not impossible to run outdoors though, you just need to do it at the right time at the right place I reckon, and that is *if* you can take the daytime heat.

8. Japan seems to be a very smoker friendly place. You can smoke in many restaurants and bars In public though, there are designated smoking areas and at some train stations there are smoking rooms for you to have a puff without killing other innocent bystanders. All in all a good trip and it helped that I was here for 'free'. We might end up coming back here again for longer in the near future.

Next stop Krabi, Thailand !

Sunday 29th July

Still in Japan - will be here for a while. Just got back from a weekend dive to Atami, and am quite burnt. I upload my photos regularly so you can see an almost photo-essay like record of my time here. Oh by the way, I *heart* daiso very much.

Monday 1st July

Back from Pulau Aur in Malaysia- went there last weekend to continue my diving adventures , and here are some pics. Next stop, Tokyo! Recommendations (especially dive sites) are welcome!

Saturday 2nd June

Back from Koh Tao!! I had a great time diving.

Koh Tao is an hour and a half away from Koh Samui by boat, and there is really little else to do on the island except dive. Scooters are available for rent on the island (sans helmet) but many tourists inevitably meet with accidents and have to spend the rest of their holidays bandaged. Not fun if you are planning on touching sea water. We stayed with Crystal Dive Resort on Koh Tao and had a wonderful experience.

Food is extremely cheap (Thai Food, that is) and it is entirely possible to get by on $5SGD per day on food / drink. There are a surprising number of GOOD Italian / Tapas places on the island and a hearty pizza at Farangos is definitely recommended if you're hungry enough, as pizza portions are huge. Koh Tao is also well stocked with many pharmacies, clinics, and 7-11 shops so you will be able to get most of your basic items there.

Many dive resorts offer discounted lodging at 200 - 300 bhat per night for a basic room if you sign up for one of their courses.

The island is inhabited by many Europeans who have either stayed on to teach diving or open other businesses such as restaurants, bars and even real estate companies, which lends a very international feel to the island. However anyone looking for a slice of authentic Thai hospitality will be sorely disappointed as Koh Tao is really only good for diving. If you are looking for a slice of Thai culture I'd suggest heading elsewhere.

I did a short specialisation in underwater photography and realised that it really is a completely different thing altogether. Colours tend to 'disappear' the deeper you go.

But hey hey I did manage to get some half-decent photos but I'll need a lot more practice and a much better camera for future use, though.

Just an hour away from Koh Tao is Koh Phangnan, home to Thailand's infamous Full Moon parties. At the tip of Koh Tao is Koh Nang Yuan, an eco-conservation project which disallows any form of plastic bottles or cans to be brought on to the island.

Because of the need to stay on land for at least 18 hours before flying (due to cabin pressure / nitrogen levels in your system) we spent our last day splurging on good food and a luxury hotel in Koh Samui. It was extremely decadent considering our time on Koh Tao was spent in a basic hut with no hot shower, no flush, and no air con. Still, most of our time was spent on the boat anyway so it wasn't as bad as it sounds.

Overall, this was a very good trip and we'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking to be certified whilst having a vacation.

Next stop - who knows? I'll go wherever time and money permits.

Meanwhile here are some photos. Enjoy!

Me descending using a reference line. LOOK AT THOSE TINY FINS!! blub blub blub blub blub blub..................

Wednesday 9th May

Next stop, Koh Tao, Thailand!

Monday 23rd April

Back! I was too sick to dive properly but the waters were beautiful. Here are some pics I managed to take:

Sunday 15th April

Next stop, Scuba Diving in Malaysia! I look damn sexy with kiddy fins, a tank I can't carry and a mask half filled with water, believe me.

Meanwhile, the Nike + Ipod thing is a great motivator for workouts. I can now run for the bus when I'm late for work without dying. Hooray.

 

Sunday 28th January

Aaaand here is the photoset for Amsterdam:

 

 

Tuesday 23rd January

I'm well chuffed. My travel photography has been published in the Straits Times! YAY! Everyone go submit your photos now too!

Here's the original, which I've used as my new splash page.

 

Here is the article in the newspaper:

 

 

Saturday 13th January

Here is my flickr set for Madrid. I don't have the energy to write in detail my experience yet but I will recommend the following:

1. Pimentos de Padron are the best tapas in the world. They are perfect with hot crusty bread and lots of sea salt. Also good ar patatas bravas, which you cannot go wrong with. Calamari, cured ham (Jamon) and seafood paellas are also great things to have. Avoid touristy places with big paella signs outside, though - those are really expensive by SGD standards. Some tapas places like La Zapateria have portions (raciones) of paellas and that's all you really need, I reckon. Dinner starts late so have your tapas first before heading for a proper dinner (if you're not already full by that time)

2. The underground metro is extremely comprehensive - just 1 Euro per one way trip including transfers from one coloured line to another. There are other fare categories, such as 1.50 euro for longer trips and stored value cards which work for about 10 trips or so. Switching between lines may get tricky sometimes but it's otherwise a very good, efficient network. Getting from Madrid's Barajas Airport to the city centre is also a breeze. Just think of the MRT system with a lot more coloured lines (including pink, baby blue and yellow) and a lot more ""City Hall Transfer" stations, and you should get the idea.

(A general travel tip to anywhere in the world is to always be extra careful of pickpockets and carry your bag in front of you. Especially when standing on escalators.)

Pickpocketing is apparently also rampant at El Rastro, so stay alert.

3. Go to La Zapateria (Calle de Victoria) and Bravas (nearby) for EXCELLENT and CHEAP Tapas. In the spirit of true "Tapaism", Some tapas places are standing room only, and the more popular ones are usually crowded.Don't let this deter you. Just head to the counter and order in your best Spanish possible. Eat up, pay, then leave for your next tapas joint. Next door to La Zapateria is a seafood tapas shop that has very very cheap house wine. You can see the prawns at their window. Other common signs outside shops are "Bocadillas" which are basically sandwiches / rolls which you can eat for cheap. A few middle eastern Kebab shops also provide value for money.

4. Visit the three museums but be prepared to spend the whole day looking at art. Set aside at least 2 hours for each museum. Even more if you're in the Prado. Wear comfy shoes.

5. No visit to Spain is complete without pigging out on Chocolate con Churros. Head for Chocolateria San Gines just off calle Arenal if you get the late night cravings for sinful chocolate and hot crispy fried churros. Dip churros into chocolate. Eat. Die happy. This place stays open till 7am every day!

6. If you have extra time do explore the outskirts to Avila, Seville and Toledo.

7. You CAN get by with not knowing Spanish but it's good to know a few words for ordering food (e.g La Cuenta Por Favor) however, you can definitely get by for months and months just by knowing one sentence:

"Mi no Habla Español!"

Head to Chocolateria San Gines for delicious Chocolate Con Churros, open till 7am everyday.

One of the more touristy tapas shops along the Plaza Mayor

Giant Paella picture outside a restaurant tempts hungry tourists

Paella "racion" at La Zapateria along Calle de Victoria

Many places sell ham in all sorts of different combinations

God loves us because he invented Pimentos de Padron - green peppers roasted to perfection sprinkled generously with sea salt. Not spicy at all, just delicious. so don't worry.

House wine at Tapas cafes sell between 1.50 Euro to 3 - 4 Euros per glass. These were about 1.80 Euros each. Very drinkable. Beer is about 1.50 - 2 euros per glass also.

 

 

Flickr Photoset here:

I will hopefully update something about Amsterdam eventually.

 

Thursday 14th December

I leave for Europe in a few days and will be back after the new year. So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.This year has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I went to Surabaya, Hanoi, KL, Barcelona, Dublin, Northern Ireland , and other parts of Ireland I didn't get to see in 2005. I will end my year touring the Netherlands, Ireland, and Madrid. I'm learning Spanish and have gotten as far as "donde estas biblioteca" which will be of no use whatsoever but cool to know.

*Edit: I forgot to add that I'm going to see the Blue Man Group!!!! EXCELLENT! I couldn't end the year on a better note. I really REALLY like them, another one of the things I've wanted to see in my lifetime. I've even written to them to ASK them to come to Singapore, can?

On a personal level, I did pretty well work-wise, and my family and relationships are all still doing well. And I sweat the small stuff a lot less than I did last year.

Thanks for visiting cheryltan.com. See you all in 2007. ROCK ON!

Me dressed as Singapore Idol Contestant Paul Twohill at Halloween 06. Jolly Good.

Wednesday 11th October

Next Stop, The Netherlands (and Spain again!!!!!)

This time we're heading to Madrid, Dublin and Amsterdam for Christmas. (The entire purpose is to see the family, of course, but side trips are expected since I do live on the other side of the world.

Adding in transits and side trips, I'll also be setting foot in Dubai, London and maybe, just maybe, a quick visit to Poland, which I expect,will change me for the better.

 

Saturday 16th September

Pictures from Belfast - plenty of murals. I watched an episode of Lonely Planet on Ireland / Belfast a few years ago and have wanted to visit it (especially the Shankill and Falls) ever since. So we decided to take a day trip there.

It's It costs about £10 to take the tourist bus to see the sights of Belfast, or if you're el-cheapo-grande like us, you can do the same tour on foot.

Our DIY walking tour was MUCH cheaper, and far more rewarding.

We stopped by the tourist office (which was very VERY good and very comprehensive) in the city centre to get some free maps, and while we were there we stumbled on DIY walking tours of the Shankill and the map of the tour bus routes, which, is definitely do-able on foot, especially after a pint of guinness or two.

It takes aobut 1 1/2 hours by train from Dublin to Belfast and tickets are relatively affordable. Bus rides from the train station to the city centre are free - just show the driver your train tickets (on the relevant bus - we just looked at the signs on the buses, - there are diffferent buses with different numbers that pass by, we just hopped on one that said "city centre" and asked strangers when to get off along the way. It takes about five minutes...).and he'll let you through. We found that there were very VERY few road signs along the way - which meant we had to backtrack and ask for directions quite often..

And the crappy Northern Ireland weather meant that we were cold and damp most of the time, so carry a foldable umbrella in your bag. (It can't rain ALL THE TIME, though...)

 

 

 

Thursday 7 September

I'm back! Too many photos to sort out. Just too many. Arrrg!

I visited Barcelona, Dublin, Achill Island (County Mayo), Glendaloch (Wicklow) and Belfast (Northern Ireland). Because it was the peak of summer, there were several festivals going on at the same time. We attended a busker's festival in Barceloneta beach and spent our last day partying at the Festa Major De Gracia till 4am, then catching our flight back to Singapore at 7am.

Tiring, but worth it. In Barcelona, Wine is cheaper than a toothbrush, Estrella beer is great, and Patatas Bravas is delicioius.

In Belfast, we walked the Shankill and Falls roads, saw the famous murals, and learnt a thing or two about its history.

What an education, this trip has been.

Anyway, here is my slideshow of Barcelona, and here is a short video clip of Barceloneta beach. Large video clips, so wait for a while, and the video transitions are a bit wonky but I can't be arsed to fix them seeing that I took two weeks to finally get it out. SO BE NICE. Okay?? Okay.

I don't know where my next stop is, but I'll make a big fat annoucnement when I do!

Thursday 6 July

Uh, planning the next trip. Update soon.

*Update: I'm going to SPAIN!

Bahrain was a bit inconvenient for us, with regards to flights, etc. However, Singapore Airlines has just launched an almost direct flight to Barcelona with a re-fuel in Milan. So we took it. Yup, so it's Spain and Ireland for summer.

Whoa, like, far-out, dude.

 

 

 

 

 

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