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Monday 18 March 2013

Vietnam free and easy : Ho chi minh Cuchi tunnel and Cao Dai Temple Tour

Sinh Tourist. The more famous agency where most people booked their cuchi tunnnels and other tours.
I booked from Viet vacation travel because I find the sinh tourist has more people on each tour bus and also I don't like the crowd I see in there.
Actually is ok to book from any of the travel agencies at the backpackers area. My tour bus picked up people from various agencies. We booked from different agencies but end up on the same bus and tour group.
Price may differ by a bit and you can pay in USd or dong.
There are smaller group tour but it will be slightly more expensive.

The bus and our English tour guide. His English was ok. There are times I don't understand what he is talking about.
He is a nice and friendly guy.







Some random shots on the bus ride

We stop by for a drink, snack and toilet break before arriving at Cao Dai Temple.
The toilet is clean and dry.






Cai Dai Temple.
I don't think it was really worth the few hours ride.
We watched the prayers for a few minutes and walk around the temple.
Then went back to bus because there was nothing much else to see and the weather is like hot and humid. It was around 30+ degress


Stop for before going to cuchi tunnels.
The food was quite bad. and the restaurant was hot and humid with no fans or air conditioning.
I will recommend you pack your own lunch and enjoy it on the bus.


MAn demostrating how they hide in the small hole in the olden days.

Roofs on the ground and houses built underground.


Deathly traps.


sounvenirs? 
If you are buying empty bullets, remember to keep them in your check in luggage and not hand carry luggage. If not, it will be confiscated.

Shooting range.

Durable shoes made from tyres.
The sunset.

Overall. The trip was cheap but bring your umbrella, food and cold water as weather is hot, sunny and humid.
Cuchi tunnel was definitely more interesting than the temple.
I will suggest a half day city tour which just bring you to cuchi tunnels.

Sunday 17 March 2013

Just EAt : Singapore Halia at Raffles Hotel

The hallway


 Ordered two small dishes( Celraic Lasagne and oriental pulled duck) and  three big dishes(HAlia Chilli Crab, Seafood in Saffron Orange broth and Sous Vide Baharat chicken Leg)  for four girls.
Sides can be added.
My friend likes the Celraic Lasagne. I like the toasted mushrooms that is scattered on the Lasagne.
As I am a meat and seafood lover, I prefer the Seafood in Saffron Orange broth as there are seafood like mussels, salmon, cod, prawns. It does not taste spicy. More of a milky and sweet soup.
Halia chilli crab taste good but the taste of the crab is not really prominent so is more of a chilli crab sauce with pasta for me.
The Chicken leg was tender and the skin crispy.
The oriental pulled duck is a no for me as I don't like sesame oil and the soba is coated with sesame oil.

 The Desserts:
Ginger Nougaut PArfait, Sticky toffee pudding and white chocolate mousse.
We were not customed to the taste of ginger so it taste a bit usual. However, it taste better when eated together when the caramelized pineapple.
The Sticky toffee pudding is more of a moist and dense sponge cake. Eat is with the ice cream and caramel. Average.
I enjoyed the white chocolate mousse the most, the white chocolate is sweet and the chocolate ice cream taste good with the crumbs.


 As the original shop is situated at botanical gardens, I think that is why there is a number of fake trees in the restaurant.
We did not order drinks. The bill came up to around $170.
The service is good. Waiters and waitresses are friendly and attentive.
Quiet place for a Saturday evening.
Around half of the restaurant was filled.




Singapore Food: Porridge Buffet at Crystal Cafe





The food available.
Is not fantastic but I think is worth the price.
for people who want a simple but traditional buffet.
Good place to bring elderly who prefer chinese and not too expensive food.

Orchard Grand Court
131 Killiney Road
Tel: 68302020

Available: 12pm-2:30pm; 6pm-10pm
Monday - Thursday Lunch and Dinner
Friday Lunch
Lunch $13.80 for adults $11.80 for child.

Friday Dinner.
Weekends, eve of public holidays and public holidays
$15.80 for Adults $13.80 for child

not inclusive of gst and tax