Korea, Sparkling: Chapter 1 - Jeju

The Reliance Travel's Korea tour package that we've signed up covers several major locations in South Korea such as Jeju, Chuncheon, Icheon, Yongin and Seoul. I google for information of these major attractions recently to learn more about them before the trip next month. Herein is my research results.

CHAPTER 1: JEJU has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the country. The hottest summer months averages no more than 34.7℃and no less than -1.5℃ for winter. It is the largest island in South Korea, which came into existence approximately 700 to 1,200 thousand years ago from a sub-sea volcano surfaced above the waters. Another volcanic eruption approximately 100 to 300 thousand years ago formed the Mt. Halla and it rises in the center of Jeju to 1,950m above sea level. The final volcanic eruption that happened approximately 25 thousand years ago created the crater lake, namely Baekrok-dam, at the summit of the Mt. Halla.

The island's nature is well preserved in its prehistoric state and one must visit Jeju to fully appreciate its scenic beauty and mystical myths surrounding the island. It is believed that 3 demi-gods emerged from Samsung-hyeol that is said to have been on the Northen slopes of Mt. Halla and subsequently became the progenitors of the Jeju people who founded the Kingdom of Tamna.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Up); Yongdu-am (Down)

This beautiful island is one of the most visited honeymoon destinations, not just among the Koreans but honeymooners around the world. There are much to see and to do at Jeju. The Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and Yongdu-am (Dragon Head Rock) are some of the hot spots with scenic panoramic view for one to appreciate the beauty of mother nature. One can also explore the Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road) where cars roll uphill with the engine turned off.

Teddy Bear Museum (Up); Chocolate Museum (Down)

Alternatively, there are interesting museums that are fun and educational to visit such as the world renowned Teddy Bear Museum, tea museum and even chocoloate museum. Also don't forget to visit the Korea's National Folk Asset #188 i.e. Seongeup Folk Village at Seongeup and theme park such as the Jeju Miniature theme park.

Seongeup Volk Village
Miniature Theme Park

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In short, Jeju is definitely a "must-go" should you ever consider visiting South Korea one day. Well...at least I know I will o( ^ - ^ )o

Official Video: Sony DSC-HX1

Click here for the Sony DSC-HX1 official video. Great advertisement!!

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

Is it safe to travel now? What are the precautionary actions should I take? I guess these are some of the frequently asked questions, especially with the outbreak of Influenza A virus (H1N1).

According to Wikipedia, this virus is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of flu in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. So, is it safe to travel? Accordingly to WHO, YES! It is safe to travel as WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the Influenza A virus.

As of July 31th 2009, 168 countries and overseas territories/communities have reported at least one laboratory confirmed case of pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Of the total 162,380 confirmed cases, approximately 10,000 cases occurred in South-East Asia with a death rate of 5% (65 deaths of total 1,154) (Source: Extracted from WHO Update #60 on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009). In other words, all continents are basically affected by the pandemic.

WHO Update #60 also further indicated that the global response now focuses on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases, and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally.

The basic rule of thumb:
1. Avoid travelling if you are ill.
2. Contact your health care provider immediately if you become ill upon return from travel.
3. Follow simple preventionary practices while travelling or in daily life such as personal hygiene.

For more information on the WHO travel guide, click here.

PIKOM PC Fair 2009 in Melaka

Yes, PIKOM PC Fair is finally back in town again! And, I'm definitely going there with Choo this round to check out the Sony DSC-HX1 package. Keeping my fingers crossed and looking forward to getting a better deal there (hopefully). Choo and I went to the Sony outlet in Mahkota Parade 1 month ago but decided to wait for the PC Fair, which is just around the corner, to do some comparisons. We all love better offers, don't we?

For those of you who are interested to join the crowd, don't forget to make a trip down to Mahkota Parade Melaka between August 7th-9th, 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm daily)! You might get lucky and find yourself a good deal there. You'll never know =)

For further information on PIKOM PC Fair 2009 at other locations, click here.

Ivory Romance (Part III)

I gave Ivory Romance a call last week. After much deliberation, Choo and I decided not to go for the photo shoot at Ivory Romance. Why? Well, I listed some of my personal thoughts...

1. Rigid: Not allowed to swap or change the content of the package while most of the bridal shops do. For example, there's no need for us to have the art magazine album and hence I thought of exchanging it with additional poses or other items. However, the salesperson commented that customers sign up for the expertise of their photographers, MUAs and designers. Even if I don't want the album, I'll get nothing and won't be able to exchange it for other things.


2. "Free" hair-do: According to the salesperson, the "hair-do" stated on the leaflet was referring to having me wearing a wig instead of really doing my hair with different hair styles. If I choose to have the MUA styling my own hair, I need to pay extra $$ for it. This is rather confusing by reading the leaflet.


3. Special guest features (FOC): When I signed up for this package, the salesperson Yin specifically told me that I can have my husband (or boyfriend back in 2007) as my special guests during the photo shoot for FOC. This was clearly written on the invoice. However, another salesperson now emphasised that there was a miscommunication back then as the special guest can only take photos for 10 poses only. If Choo were to participate in the photo shoot, we have to pay extra RM100 for it. This is absurb!!


4. Soft copies: No soft copies will be given. Additional RM50 is required to receive the soft copies of 22 poses chosen at 4R size. Please be advised that this is before touch up. Well, as you might have guessed by now, more costs involved to own all soft copies after touch up at higher resolution (or dpi).


5. Customer service: I made a request to the salesperson to arrange for us to view and select the photos on the very next day after the photo shoot as we would prefer reducing the number of trips to KL if possible. However, the salesperson told me that it all depends on the photographer and she cannot commit (though she'll try). Well, to me, this is not exactly the best customer service as the date that I've chosen was during the "off peak" period offered by her. Further more, most bridal shops that I know of are flexible about this and more than willing to accommodate outstation customers such as the Dawn's in JB. So, another minus point for it!

Well, I can go on and on and on but it was never my intention to condemn or criticise this bridal shop. I just wanted to express my standpoint and the bottom line is - be a smart consumer! Make sure you clearly understand the package before you sign up and have everything documented as detailed as possible on the invoice. Other wise, you may want to consider walking away from the deal. We have chosen the latter.

Basically, you would want to enjoy yourself during the photo shoot and not ended up walking out of the bridal shop with anger and dismay, wouldn't you?

Wa Zen - Japanese Restaurant in Melaka

Today marks the 5th anniversary for Choo and I. We had a nice and cozy dinner at one of our favourite Japanese Restaurants in Melaka Raya - Wa Zen. Nothing fancy. Just to spend some quality time together. Wa Zen offers a wide variety of food, ranging from bento to ala carte such as Tempura and Sushi. The food was good. The ambiance was good. And, the prices are reasonable as it costs less than RM100 for 2 pax with the amount of orders Choo had placed. Overall, it was a wonderful dinner. Click here for reservation.

Jie Jie's ROM @ June 14th

June 14th was a BIG day for my jie jie and jie fu! They had their solemnisation ceremony at Heng Ann Association Melaka with the presence of both Yap Family and Goh Family. The same place where Choo and I had our solemnisation ceremony.

My jie jie got up really early that Sunday morning for the make-up while we were still asleep. A big thanks goes to my papa as he was the chauffer who drove my jie jie to In Creative Bridal in Melaka Raya. I suppposed to accompany my jie jie but I overslept!!! [Note: Sorry, jie! It won't happen again. I promise =P] Any way, things went well and both of them are now legally husband and wife! The actual day ceremony and wedding banquet will only be held in another 3 months i.e. on Mid-Autumn Festival (八月初十五).

Jie Fu and Jie Jie

We're SOOO happy for both of them! Wishing both of them a blessed and blissful marriage life that filled with love and joy =)