Crabs Galore at Mellben Seafood

We are at Mellben Seafood today with Nua group. I used to be allergic to seafood, especially crabs. So I'm making up for it now by eating more!

The crab bee hoon is fabulous and many think the same, judging by the long queues. We had to be there before six to guarantee a seat. Any later and the crowds pile up and the wait stretches between one to two hours.

We ordered several crabs and other dishes like the Kang Kong and meats. I'll let the pictures do the talking hehe

Bali Trip 2011 - 19th to 22nd May

Meimei suggested we go Bali for a holiday this year. She was here previously for a cousin's wedding but didn't really get to tour the place. I'm in job transition again and so could fully enjoy the holiday.

Meimei's Aunt had some vouchers of sorts and so we had a room at a luxurious hotel. But before that we stayed a night at the popular Kuta area. It is just by the beach so you'll find a lot of 3 star hotels, eateries and pubs catering to the mostly Oceanic tourist here for the sun and surfing. We went around the area, mostly walking from shop to shop to check out the goods. It's basically pretty much a tourist trap. Dinner was good though, authentic Indonesia fare plus Pork. Interestingly although Bali is part of Indonesia, one of the world most populous Muslim country, the majority of folks here in Bali are not Muslims. Pork is freely sold and consumed in the restaurants.

As we moved north towards the Ubud area, we spotted many padi fields. These are always a comfortable sight. It exudes simplicity and calmness. A marked difference from the hurried city life of Singapore.

I caught my first real sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. It was a real beauty. As the sun sets, the ray hit the horizon and blasts the entire area in bright glowing orange. I know now what a real sunset is like.

A special mention goes to this restaurant which serves a mean barbecued ribs. We went there several times to savour the juicy ribs. It's a very popular eatery in Ubud and you have to be there early to get a table. Customers typically stay the whole night, drinking and dining the night away. So if you don't get a seat you are out of luck.

Overall it was simply wonderful to spend time alone with Meimei. Meimei calls this trip our Honey(Days), as a punt to a Honeymoon. We have yet to go on a real Honeymoon. Hopefully we'll find time to go on more holidays together.

Haa~To! Now Say It With Me, Haa~To!

To-date, our favourite Gelato ice-cream. Not too sweet, not too creamy, just the right combination of cream to ice. It gears more towards a sorbet but still retaining the creamy essence of an ice-cream. We were first introduced to it by LaoDa. It's main outlet is surprisingly nested in a retail outlet within a condominium compound along Ulu Pandan road. It's not easy to get to and is on the other side of the island from home. But we try to stop by every time we are back at Dad & Mum's place.

I really wonder why there aren't more outlets serving Haato. Then again it won't be a good find if it's in every shopping mall now would it. I guess it's that one 'special' ice cream that both Meimei and I both covet and enjoy. So step aside Ben & Jerrys, Haagen Dazs, Swensen etc, this baby outshines you by ten to one!

The Stinky Lion Experience

The award winning theatrical show 'The Lion King' is in Singapore! Meimei and I went with a group of her JC friends. And boy was it good. All the costume and props really made it exciting and captivating. The music and singing just draws you in. I can now see what the hype is all about.


The only thing that soured the experience was the walk to the theater ... I wanted to drive initially but lo and behold, J suggested that we car pool to save on parking. I was totally rejecting the idea the moment I heard it but oh well I don't see anyone else voicing any concerns so I kept quiet. They are after all Meimei's friends and I wouldn't want to be the inflexible husband.


As it turns out, J decided to cheap it out further by parking at Marina Square and so we had to walk the bridge to Marina Bay. Come'on! It was meant to be a classy night out, in nice long dresses and heels, getting there comfortably with time to spare to check out the merchandise and chitchat. But, nooooo, we had to take a 15 minute walk to get there. And when we did get there we were all perspiring and thirsty without time to grab a drink before the show starts.


So when it came to go home, I insisted to take the cab. I can sense Meimei was hurting at the ankles and nothing J said was gonna sway me. I gave him a dirty look when I told him I'm definitely not walking back. Phhhhfffff. I was bitching about it the entire trip home.  


If you can afford a car, what's a few extra bucks for parking ... Yes parking at Marina Bay is horrid - $25?, but I'm willing to pay that for the convenience and comfort. Never again.