~tiffany~

Xavier is 3 mths +

2009-11-04T10:53:00.007+08:00

Time flies, no time to pen down everything about xavier

Recapping....

* 4.02 Kg, 54cm at birth, everyone says "wow big baby". Consider big & tall for my height cos i'm just around 1.5m.

* suck super vigorously for my breastmilk, start from the 1st feed at the hospital, the nurse also says he is really fierce, leaving a painful tear on my nipple, blood almost come out...

* only breastfeed him for 3 weeks, partly I was down with fever & cough...see doctor twice, as fever doesn't come down after complete all medicine given. I know can continue breastfeed even sick but was too tired and milk supply was decreasing, need formula after every breastfeed.

* 6.316Kg, 61cm at 6 weeks. Xavier has his 1st 6in1 injection. slight fever.

*7.5Kg, 64cm at ~3mths. 2nd injection and oral dose of rotarix. no fever this time.

* Since 14 oct onwards, at almost 3 mths, able to sleep through the night without feed from 9.30pm to 6am the next day. (does wakes up in between and need his pacifier) 6 feeds of 150ml during the day at 3hrs interval.

* Head not fully steady yet, maybe around 90%. Able to do mini-push up when put on his tummy, not able to turn over by himself yet but trying to, gets angry and cries when he not able to turn...

* Needs full attention, likes to see pictures, must show lotsa lotsa pictures....his fav - pic of a doggies...hehe, so show him flash cards since around 2 mths old.

My Delivery @ Gleneagles Hospital

2009-08-24T18:08:00.006+08:00

Admission on 17 Jul nite to induce labour the next day morning as my blood pressure was getting higher than my usual (not at high blood pressure level) and my foot was always swollen.

Planned for natural birth at 1st but have to go for caesarean birth as labour was making very slow progress, cervix dilate only 2cm after 8 hrs of labour pain, also expecting baby to be at least 3.8kg...

I chose epidural that allow me to be awake without feeling the operation. At 3.52 pm, 18 Jul my baby boy is born - 4.01 Kg , 54 cm.

Gleneagles Bill Size S$5,448.12 - less Medisave S$4,400= S$1,040.12 Cash
for Caesarean w/ epidural, 2 Bedder, Admission 17 Jul - Discharge 21 Jul

Pictures of GE 2-bedder room at Level 6

Baby stuff

2009-06-01T16:50:00.002+08:00

List of baby stuff bought...

Brand	Item	Qty	U/P (S$)	*U/P (RM)*	Remarks
TollyJoy	L/S Blouse front button (nb)	1	5.25	12.50	Baby World, JB
TollyJoy	L/S Blouse front button (nb)	1	5.59	13.30	Baby World, JB
TollyJoy	L Pants (nb)	1	4.50	10.70	Baby World, JB
TollyJoy	L Pants (nb)	1	2.69	6.40	Baby World, JB
Benbeni	Clothes set coverals, bodysuit, pants, blanket, cap & bib 0-3mths	1	29.90		Expo BB fair, SG
-	Diaper Bag w/ T-shirt, pant,tanktop,cap,4 washcloths,booties,bib	1	gift		Expo BB fair, SG
Bebe	Nooded receiving blanket	1	7.10	16.90	Jusco, JB
Pureen	Towel 2 pcs	1	5.84	13.90	Jusco, JB
-	Mittens & Booties (white)	1	2.18	5.20	Baby World, JB
-	Mittens & Booties (blue)	1	3.00		Expo BB fair, SG
Puku	Mittens & Booties	1	2.32		Expo BB fair, SG
Pigeon	Air filled rubber mat	1	10.92	26.00	Baby World, JB
Anakku	Baby Napkin 12pcs	1	9.20	21.90	Jusco, JB
Anakku	Baby Napkin 12pcs	1	9.20	21.90	Jusco, JB
Pureen	Baby Napkin 12pcs	1	15.30		Expo BB fair, SG
Anakku	One-way nappy liner 150pcs	1	5.84	13.90	Jusco, JB
Anakku	One-way nappy liner 150pcs	1	5.84	13.90	Jusco, JB
Pigeon	Safety Pins 6 pcs	1	2.16		BHG Bugis w/ 20% disc
Pureen	Baby wipes 100 x 2pack	1	4.41	10.50	Jusco, JB
TollyJoy	Baby Wipes 100 x 2bottles	1	5.84	13.90	Jusco, JB
Pureen	Baby Powder	1	2.00		Expo BB fair, SG
LuckyB	Fluffy Powder case	1	5.00		Metro Expo fair,SG
Pureen	Nappy rash cream	1	2.30		Expo BB fair, SG
Thermos	Hot water flask	1	12.56	29.90	Jusco, JB
Ikea	Pot for boiling milk bottles to sterilise	1	32.00		ikea
Pigeon	Plastic Bottle (Small)	1	5.30		Kiddy Palace, SG
Pigeon	Plastic Bottle (Big)	1	4.72		BHG Bugis w/ 20% disc
Pureen	Anti Colic Feeding Bottle (Small)	1	7.31	17.40	Jusco, JB
Pigeon	Milk Powder Container	1	6.32		Expo BB fair, SG
LuckyB	Milk Powder Container	1	4.00		Metro Expo fair,SG
Pigeon	Teats (Nipple Y)	1	4.40		Expo BB fair, SG
Pigeon	Teats (Nipple Y)	1	4.40		Expo BB fair, SG
Pureen	Double Warmer Bag	1	7.94	18.90	Jusco, JB
PiyoPiyo	Detacable Bottle Cleaner	1	6.90		Kiddy Palace, SG
Pigeon	Sterilization Ton	1	5.36		Expo BB fair, SG
Pigeon	Silicon Pacifier	1	3.92		Expo BB fair, SG
Ikea	Bibs 5 pcs	1	3.90		ikea
-	Washcloths 6 pcs	1	5.00		Expo BB fair, SG
-	Bolster 2pcs nb-6mths 100% cotton	1	9.62	22.90	Jusco, JB
Puku	Baby Latex Pillow	1	31.90		Expo BB fair, SG
Puku	Neck Support	1	7.92		Expo BB fair, SG
LuckyB	Head snuggler	1	9.90		Metro Expo fair,SG
Pigeon	Bottle nipple & Veg liq Cleanser-700ml	1	11.76		Expo BB fair, SG
Pigeon	Bottle nipple & Veg liq Cleanser-Refill	1	9.90		Expo BB fair, SG
Pureen	Washing Liquid detergent	1	10.90		Expo BB fair, SG
J & J	Baby wash & shampoo 1000ml moisturizing	1	8.70		Expo BB fair, SG
J & J	Body Lotion 500ml	1	6.90		Expo BB fair, SG
J & J	Baby Oil	2	gift		-
-	Cotton Balls	1	1.90		Expo BB fair, SG
-	Cotton Balls w/ Container	1	2.90		Expo BB fair, SG
Pigeon	Cotton swabs 200 pcs	1	3.60		Expo BB fair, SG
LuckyB	Stroller	1	90.00		Metro Expo fair,SG
LuckyB	Safety Clip on Fan	1	6.90		Metro Expo fair,SG
-	Baby sling carrier upto 25kg	1	25.17	59.90	Jusco, JB
-	Mosquito shield	1	11.30	26.90	Jusco, JB
		*Total*	*509.70*

update additional items bought on 9 Jun 09:-

Powder Puff $1.62 Kiddy palace w/ 15% dis
Piyo 2 pcs cleaning sponge replacement $ 5.87 Kiddy palace w/ 15% dis
Sterilized cotton balls $3.83 Kiddy palace w/ 15% dis
Endo 0.5lt double thermo flask $13.90 Metro

Essential Breastfeeding & Babycare Tips Seminar

2009-06-01T12:08:00.008+08:00

Attended the Essential Breastfeeding & Babycare Tips Seminar last Saturday. This is a very good seminar for new parents, great info. about breastfeeding and babycare. It's a join seminar by Pigeon and TMC.

This seminar very worth to go beside the presentation is good, the goodie bag is very good too.

Goodies bag includes all below:-
* Pigeon Breastmilk Storage Bottles, 3pcs/Set
* Pigeon Disposable Breast Pads 24pcs
* Pigeon Baby wipes 82 wipes
* Pigeon Hand & Mouth wipes 2 pack of 20 wipes
* Pigeon Bottle Nipple & Veg Liq Cleasner 200ml
* Pigeon Guide Book for new mother & baby
* Playskool children height measurement
* & some brochures

Last of all goodies ;-) , refreshment is a full hotel class buffet lunch....yummy...

More info. at this link > http://www.pigeonbaby.info/event.php?news_id=11

Finally, got License to Drive

2009-04-25T15:39:00.006+08:00

Ryan finally got his Class 3A driving license yesterday...he got M'sia driving license only previously & can't convert his license directly due to the fact that he got M'sia license after he got his S'pore PR. Therefore, he needs to take basic, advance theory & final driving test(each passed in 1 attempt) to obtain driving license in S'pore.

We bought our 1st car (a Nissian Latio) last year in end November & collected the car on 4 Jan 09. It's a off-peak car priced at 29,200. So before yesterday, Ryan can't driving his own car in S'pore. But, we managed to use the car during CNY, back in M'sia hometown, by asking a friend to drive the car over to JB custom...

Car Expenses Summary
* Car Loan Installment by MayBank @ 1.99% p.a.(10 yrs loan) = S$292/mth
* Season Parking = S$88.20/mth for via Giro
* Road Tax & Road Lic fee = S$63.50/yr (Paid 1st yr in price of car)
* Car Insurance = S$1,363.25/yr(insured not driving) + S$508.64(insured driving:top up amt after got lic.) = S$1,871.89

Mothers-Get-Together Talk by ParkwayHealth

2009-04-17T10:54:00.005+08:00

Just happen to read in April 09 edition of Mother & Baby Magazine on a Mothers-Get-Together Talk by Parkway Health & co-organised by Stemcord...

Programme Highlights:- presentations on Common Newborn & Infant conditions, Storing your baby's cord blood, Interactive session with nursing specialists on Labour of Love, Baby & You(Post Natal Care) & Breastfeeding and Maternity Tour - Delivery Suite, Nursey & Post-Natal Ward.

I will be delivering in Gleneagles Hospital so think it will be good that we go attend this...and we wanted to find out more about storing baby's cord blood.

Gleneagles Hospital
1.30pm - 4.30pm
Gleneagles Auditorium L3
Dates : 16 May, 22 Aug, 7 Nov 2009
(S$5 per person/S$8 per couple includes goodie bag & light refreshments)

Other dates at Mount E. Hospital as well (check out more at website below)

We decides to join the 16 May 09 Saturday session at Gleneagles Hospital.

Had for it registered online at www.stemcord.com/talk.html

Update: This Talk was cancelled due the H1N1 flu...

FLP's Aloe Mosturizing Lotion

2009-04-13T10:13:00.004+08:00

Forever Living(not Forever 21, hehe)'s Moisturizing lotion for body & hand...

I seldom like to apply body & hand lotion as i really dislike the sticky feeling after applying. Ever since i was pregnant, my skin was very dry and sometimes itchy esp. tummy area...cos its getting bigger & bigger...stretching my skin...so i try out this lotion recommended by hubby. This lotion doesn't have the sticky feeling after applying and skin feels very good, not itchy liao...think maybe becos Aloe Vera help in stabilizing skin. In the product desc. it states that it can be used for face as well but my face is too oily to use it hehe...The only thing about the lotion is, it doesn't smell as nice as other lotion found in the market...but i get used to it after using sometime.

It's product description at this link > https://distrib.foreverliving.com/cms/distrib/downloads/AloeMoisturizingLotion_ver.5final_3.pdf

A pic. of the finish used tube, squeezing out till last drop...cos haven't got time to go buy ;-P

Photos of Lannion

2009-04-09T22:30:00.006+08:00

Ryan was in Lannion last year June for co. training....was just going thru the photos, some photos are so nice...

He was staying in Perros-Guirec, Lannion. Lannion is a town in Brittany, France. Lannion is known to be a telco research center in France.

Heard from local almost everyone in Perros-Guirec know each other...quite alot of retirees...so cozy & peaceful ;-)

Gyne visits & pre-delivery expenses so far...

2009-04-05T14:28:00.008+08:00

12 Dec 08 @ 2 mths 4 days---1st appointment at gyne---S$321 : consultation, ultra scan & blood tests for VDRL, HIV Antibody Type I & II, Rubella IgG Antibody(Red Blood Cells i think...), Haemoglobin & Hb Electrophoresis.

9 Jan 09 @ 3 mths 4 days---S$749 : part payment for delivery package.
~ total package price of S$1,284 includes consultation, ultra scan, vitamins & delivery(applicable only for 3 mths preg onwards).

6 Feb 09 @ 4 mths 4 days---S$185 for blood test for Risks of Down's. This is a high risk for woman at age of 30 or above...

12 Feb 09 @ 17 wks 3 days---S$963 for Amniocentesis---Gyne called on the day before that blood test result shows high risk of down's. Gyne need to draw amniotic fluid from water bag...test is invasive and carries a small risk of miscarriage...we were so worried and pray for the best for our baby... and the result will only be out after 2 weeks. Gyne called on 27 Feb 09 informing us good news that the baby is ok! So happy and relieved...

6 Mar 09 @ 5 mths 4 days---standard consultation & ultra scan.

17 Mar 09 @ 21 weeks 1 day---S$260 : Detail scan : scan full body of baby including his facial features, heart, lungs, etc. The result is immediate.

3 Apr 09 @ 6 mths 4 days---standard consultation & ultra scan at gyne & S$32.10 for glucose screening test. This is a test for diabetes, start fasting from 10pm the day before test...at 8.30am in the morning arrive at test clinic...1st urine & blood sample will be taken and be given a sugar solution that contains 50 grams of glucose, continue can't drink or eat, not even plain water...1 hour later take 2nd urine & blood, another 1 hour later, take 3rd sample after which then can go eat...super hungry!!!

Anime - Gundam 00 Series' Songs

2009-03-23T17:34:00.013+08:00

Ever since brother give me the Gundam 00 mascot robot "Haro", i started to watch the anime Gundam 00 series...currently in it's season 2.

Both it's Season 1 & 2 songs are very nice.

Gundam 00 S1 - Opening Song - Title : "Ash Like Snow" by Brilliant Green

Music Video on youtube > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRapJYmltYQ&feature=related

Gundam 00 S2 - Ending Song - Title : "Trust You" by Yuna Ito

Music video on youtube > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnMHXyqhWo&feature=related

Takashimaya Baby Fair

2009-03-13T17:46:00.003+08:00

Takashimaya Baby Fair (Thur 12 Mar to Sun 29 Mar 2009)

Location : Takashimaya Square (B2)

more info at this link > http://www.takashimaya-sin.com/events_content.html#08

Lilypie.com Counter

2009-02-27T12:33:00.004+08:00

Saw this counter from a friend's blog ... So cute.... we are counting down to the birth of our 1st child... our Doc confirm it's a boy! ;-)

Comparing Saving Interest Rates

2009-02-27T11:42:00.005+08:00

Currently we have ocbc saving alc (0.25% p.a.) and standchart e-saver alc (0.4% p.a.), e-saver alc was at a saving interest of 1.88% p.a. 2 years ago, it drop down to 0.4% p.a. in about 6 months time since the financial crisis. So we started checking out other saving alc offered by other banks. Then, we decided to close Ocbc saving alc, keep e-saver, open 2 new alc :- FairPrice Plus Sav alc and Citibank Step Up a/c.

Ocbc saving alc 0.25% p.a. (Typical sav alc rate)
* Svc fee of $2 for avg bal. less than $1k
* Don't have Ocbc ATM machine near our area, only got OUB ATM machines and it charges $0.30 after 2 cash withdrawal per mth.

Standchart e-saver 0.4% p.a.
* For amt less than $50k
* No min. bal to maintain
* No mthly svc fee
* Internet/Phone banking only

FairPrice Plus Sav alc 0.5% p.a.
* For amt less than $50k
* No min. bal to maintain
* No mthly svc fee
* 1% p.a. for above S$50k
* Internet/Phone banking, ATM access & statement

Citibank Step Up alc 0.3% p.a. + Step up int 0.9%p.a. = 1.2%pa
* I am quite confuse about the additional interest of 0.9% so I just treat it as having a interest of at least 0.3%p.a.
* Worldwide ATMs, with no cash withdrawal charges (This is the main point, hubby was interested to open this alc as he tends to travel alot)
* No min. bal to maintain
* No mthly svc fee with salary credit
* Free cheque books
* Internet/Phone banking, ATM access & statement

Medisave Maternity Package

2008-12-19T10:36:00.006+08:00

Just found out that there's this Medisave Maternity Package that allows Medisave to be used for expenses incurred during delivery & pre-delivery medical expenses (gyne consultations, ultrasounds, test, medications etc.)

So start keeping all the receipts from gyne visits, then submit all the receipts of your pre-delivery consultations to the hospital where you delivery your baby. The hospital will then process the claim together with your delivery bill ;-)

More info at these links>
CPF website
Withdraw limits for Maternity Expenses
Parkway Health Hospital Charges

Jap Anime - Skip Beat!

2008-11-28T11:39:00.003+08:00

Cindy recommend me a jap anime call "Skip Beat!". It's very very funny...hehe...like it ever since i started watching....

Skip Beat! is an ongoing anime airing in Japan. It began airing on October 5, 2008, currently 8 episode on cruncyroll.

It is also aired in Okto with English subtitles every friday at 11pm.

Booking of HDB - Hard Court Area for Funeral Rite

2008-11-20T12:10:00.006+08:00

Today I accompany dad to go Bukit Gambak Town Council to book for HDB - Hard Court Area for Funeral Rite (in chinese is 'Gong Tek') for grandma... this rite has to be done at her 2nd year of passing which is next year April.

I checked the Town Council website beforehand which states booking of 'open area' for funeral rite is at Town Council... but when we reach Town Council, the staff told us that the correct place should be HDB Hub at Toa Payoh...(i was wondering why the website state differently).

So nevermind, we plan to go down HDB hub tommorrow. I told Dad that I will call to HDB 1st before going.... Lucky I called, HDB staff says we need to go see MP 1st to write a letter to HDB. Wah! So complicated one!

MP's Meet-The-People Session is every Monday at 8pm, address can be check at SWCDC website. HDB staff says after we get MP to write letter, they will pass the letter to HDB and HDB will contact us only 2 months before the booking date to go down to process the booking. Also must bring death cert. and a deposit of S$1,500, this is beside rental charge and water & elect. charge. Finally step is water & elect. to be applied at Town Council....;-P

Gundam Mascot Robot "Haro"

2008-11-19T15:53:00.004+08:00

Recently, my bro bought me a toy call " Haro" from Tokyo. He bought 2 of it, so he give me 1. Heard it is like a collection toy...very diffcult to find.

It is a robot from the anime Gundam 00. I am not really into these toys but it's so "kawaii"...it is like a pet, u need to play with it: Talk, Shake and Roll Haro! Haro is also a alarm clock, he sleeps at 9pm and wake up at 7am ....

When he is awake , he reacts happily by lighting up his eyes, pop out its "ears" and plays phrases in response to our voice, move from side to side on the included display base. He tells time when we press the button on top of his head.

Haro would say things but in Japanese only.......like:-

* Haro! Haro! (Hello! Hello!)
* Eii?(Surprise expression)
* Lockon! Lockon! (Haro's owner Lockon Stratus, Gundam 00 Pilot)

He's a great companion when I am bored on my work desk! hehe

Haro san!

EUR/USD Trade - 5 Sep 08 (NFP)

2008-09-05T21:04:00.005+08:00

My EUR/USD Trade today

Fundamentals to look out today is U.S. Non-Farm Payroll data at SGT 8.30pm

Before the data.....hourly chart show a bullish divergence. Double checked on the 4-hour & Daily chart to confirm this trade idea.

I setup the Order Mgt to enter :-

Buy EUR/USD : 1.4223 Stop:1.4208(1%)

Sell EUR/USD : 1.4330 (38.2% Fibo retrace from 1.4544 - 1.4196 range)

Once the NFP was released my order was triggered. Position closed with profit by SGT 8.45pm

**IMPT Note:Never risk more than 1% of trading account.

3 Favourite Websites for Forex News & Updates

2008-07-30T11:43:00.007+08:00

CNBC > http://www.cnbc.com/
* Market New,U.S. Stock and Oil level
* View CNBC Live telecast for Free on every Monday or every 1st day of trading week(i think). Best of all, view Live telecast of any important speech.

GraceCheng.com > http://www.gracecheng.com
* Live News Feed & Market Opinions

Reuters > http://www.reuters.com/finance/currencies
* Articles on Forex providing complete market summary

Nice Restaurant in Taipei

2008-07-20T11:47:00.013+08:00

During April this year, I was in Taipei for about a week as Ryan was there for business trip. He was there for 3 weeks, I join him on the 3rd week.... He was sick upon his arrival in Taipei....flu, fever and stomach ache....He was stopped by the custom officers at the Taipei airport due to fever detected. From his symptoms, they collected his poop poop(meaning his shit) hehe...very embarrassing... After he was diagnosed with some virus due to unclean water or food...he was in Jakarta before this trip...this must be the reason...So must be careful on what u eat and drink in a foreign country. He made several trips to the local clinic and hospital for consultation and medicine. The last medication from the hospital clear the virus completely, it is a strong medicine so normal clinic do not give out, so have to go to the hospital. The custom officials call almost everyday to check if Ryan was recovering. Also before Ryan go back to S'pore, they make sure Ryan do a test to show that he is clean from the virus.

On the 3rd week when i reach Taipei, Ryan was almost recovering. His colleague in Taipei gives us a really nice treat in one of the restaurant near the hotel we stayed(Taipei Fullerton Hotel, it was a different name before, current name is the 3rd name due to change in hotel management, i heard).

Not sure the name of the restaurant, think it is call 95...took a picture of the entrance...it is near Fuxing South Road, Taipei City...its very classy...not sure if S'pore has a similar restaurant like this...the food was very yummy...one of the best i had been to...also the atmosphere and service was great! It is a 'teppanyaki' style serving 8 course dinner. Main course has steak, pork or seafood to choose from...and have side dishes like the starter, champagne, soup, salad, dessert, etc...

Luckily Ryan recover liao, or else he can't enjoy the good food that is infront of us!

To update my blog

2008-06-27T10:49:00.005+08:00

I have not update my blog for months...lost track liao....sometimes just don't feel like writing anything ...have been very moody i think. heehee.

At 1st was too lazy, after was too much things to write liao after I lagged so many months, then don't know where to start liao...ok just write what i remember...

Tokyo Trip 2008 - Day 3

2008-04-01T17:17:00.009+08:00

In the early morning, we take the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku to Tsukiji Shijo Sta. exit A1 - 10mins walk to Tsukiji Fish Market. We had sushi for breakfast!

After breakfast, we proceed to Tokyo Disneyland. A short walk from Tsukiji Fish Market to Tsukiji sta on Hibiya Line, just 1 stop away, change to JR Keiyo Line from JR Hatchobori to JR Maihama (South Exit) => Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo Disneyland's 1 day pass for Adult is JPY5800, Junior 12-17 JPY5000 while after 6pm pass is JPY3100.

Tokyo Trip 2008 - Day 2

2008-03-26T17:25:00.020+08:00

Yahoo weather forecast that it will be a light raining day. It was really raining in the morning when we go out around 8.30am. We took the JR from Shinjuku station via Yamanoto Line to JR Ueno Station. We intend to go Ueno Zoo (JPY600), but we were there on the wrong day, it was closed on Mondays. Nevertheless, Ueno is a great place to visit. Late March to early April will be a better visiting time for cherry blossoms. We were lucky to saw 1 cherry blossoms tree almost fully bloomed. The rest of the trees are "Botak". At the park, we saw kawai...(cute) doggies. The owner was very friendly and let us take lots of pictures with his 3 doggies...

Next, we take the Ginza Line subway from Ueno. to Asakusa, Exit 1. Nakamise, a 250m street both side with about 90 shops, selling mostly souvenirs. It starts from Kaminari-mon Gate and end at Hozomon Gate, entrance to Sensoji Temple. After, we take the Tokyo water cruise from Asakusa water bus sta. to Hindo pier, 40 mins trip on Sumida river(JPY760). Direction to Odaiba: Take from Hinode sta to Odaiba-kaihinkoen sta. via Yurikamome Line.

At Odaiba, we walk around Palette Town and take the giant Ferris Wheel(JPY500 each, discounted price for buying 6 tickets). Great views: Fuji TV HQ, Rainbow Bridge, etc. After dinner, our last place was Tokyo Tower(JPY820). Direction To Tokyo Tower: Take from Odaiba-kaihinkoen sta. to Shiodome via Yurikamome Line and change to Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Subway sta.

~Most fares like transport and entrance fees for children 12 yrs old & below are half-priced.

Tokyo Trip 2008 - Day 1

2008-03-24T12:45:00.015+08:00

It was a Sunday early morning on 9 Mar 08, we depart for Tokyo! It was a 6.05am flight from S'pore to Tokyo. We are advised to arrive 2 1/2 hrs before departure time for security check. Before checking-in, we have to answer some questions by the security offices (It's a connecting flight to the USA, that's why, got this procedure). They ask "What's the purpose of our trip?", "Did we pack our own luggage?", "Did we lend our handphone to others?",etc...

After 7 hrs of flight, we arrive in Tokyo - Narita airport T1 before 2pm (Tokyo is 1 hour faster then SGT). For airport transfers, we have choices of JR Narita Express (80 mins, JPY3,110) and Limousine bus (85mins, JPY3,000) to Shinjuku Station. We chose to take the Limousine bus which departs at 2.25pm.

The Limo bus stops near the West Exit of JR Shinjuku Station. From the hotel direction guide, it's a 15 mins walk from JR Shinjuku East Exit. The hotel doesn't look too far from the map given. JR Shinjuku is a huge station so West Exit and East Exit is quite far away, so the walk from west exit to the hotel will take longer than 15 mins. We end up a bit lost and it's not easy when you are carrying bulky luggages. It will be more recommended to take a taxi from the bus drop-off point. We reached the hotel around 5pm after asking around for direction ;-P

After checking in, we freshen up and plan for dinner and shopping around Shinjuku area. Intends to go to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office observatories on the 48th floor(243-m high), a great view of metropolitan Tokyo and entrance is Free ! It's a 7min walk JR Shinjuku. We were too tired, so we give it a miss.

We have Japanese noodles for dinner at one of these shops which we order through the vending machine. Pay at the vending machine first, pass your order ticket to the food counter and wait for your food to be ready, also clear your tray and food after finishing, fully self-service.

A more detail map from the hotel counter

Pachinko, a gambling game in Japan

My Tokyo Trip 2008

2008-03-23T21:11:00.008+08:00

I've been to Tokyo twice before, it always leave me great impressions and I can't help wanting to visit again. Remembering sweet memories in my 1st trip, 6 years ago and 2nd one 2 years back.

Current trip was quite different from my last 2, I had 9 family members with me. So in total,we have 10 members - myself, my hubby Ryan, my mom & dad, my mom-in-law, nieces-MengYee & XinYi, nephew -YaoYao and niece's friends-Kristina & MeiYing.

Our travel dates:9 March 08 to 14 March 08 (School holidays dates of our young ones) Also, spring has just started ;-)

Previously, I book my air-tickets through airfares.com.sg. It provides all the airlines fares at a glance. Having a mission to save our trip cost to the lowest, I had to do more homework and it pays off. It was cheaper to book direct with NorthWest(NW) airline. At the same time, airfares.com.sg doesn't gives discount even for my group of 10. Their fare for NW was S$871 (included taxes & surcharges) per ticket. I asked whether there is any promotion fares, they said "there is but sold out". Even if there is still promotion fare available, their price is still S$30 more per ticket (This is the service charge they earn). I understand this as they are doing a service business. I must say their ticketing customer service has always been very friendly and efficient.

Finally, we fly via NW to Tokyo, booked direct with NW online for promotion fare at S$425 before taxes & surcharges(T & C), T & C:S$289. Total cost of air-ticket:S$714 (included T & C). Our niece's friends who decide at a later date to join us, missed the promotion fare (just 2 weeks later). Their fare was S$935(included T & C), S$221 higher than ours.

Our stay:Sunlite Shinjuku Hotel. I booked direct with the hotel for its Discount Plan. Just fill in the reservation form online and inform the names of guest, 1 week before arrival, also they didn't ask for credit card details for securing the room. I booked 2 Semi-Double Room @ JPY9,975 per room per nite and 2 Twin Room @ JPY 11,550 per room per nite. Semi-Double Room was quite small but is okay for couples. If there is more budget, I would recommend it's Twin Room which is a lot bigger room.

*~tiffany~*