(Royal Caribbean) Cruise Day 2: Cafe Promenade, Windjammer, Basketball, FlowRider, SeaPlex Doghouse, Vitality Fitness Centre, American Icon Grill, Sorrento's

Started the day of the cruise early (in our definition) at around 10am, which also means that by the time we were ready and out of our room, breakfast service at the restaurants (Windjammers / My Time Dining) already ended. So, we dropped by Cafe Promenade to grab some pastries and (as usual) coffee instead.

Well, we also missed all the morning activities (Napkin Artistry, Sudoku Challenge, Origami Class) that I had initially planned to go for, so we had quite a bit of free time on hand before lunch is served. Sadly, the queue at the Flow Rider was super long as the Rock Climbing closed for the day due to strong wind and the rain. So, we took a stroll around, chilled at the Solarium on the sunbed, take in the magnificent view of the vast sea while waiting for lunch to be served.

Once it was 12pm, we made our way over to Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 14 for lunch, which, sadly, was not great at all. No doubt that they have quite a spread to choose from but the items (that we tried) were very meh. Some were even simply very salty. Like we were eating salt out of the jar. Didn't take any photos of the food because it was quite disappointing.

On to our next activity - the Basketball Free Throw Competition at Seaplex (Deck 15)! Quite many people participated and there were even some (pro) basketball players. Needless to say, as novice players, we did not come in as one of the top 3 players. So, no medals for us. At least we tried. Teehees~ 

After the Basketball Free Throw Competition, we went to take a peek at the FlowRider's queue, and, surprisingly, there was barely any queue (only about 5 people in queue)! WOOHOO~ Off into the queue I go! Yeobo didn't do the FlowRider (he did Boogie Boarding before) so his "duties" were to hold my stuff and to take photos and videos while I Boogie Board! Hehe. SUPER EXCITED! 

It was so much fun, but at the same time, it hurts when the super strong "waves" hit while I was on the board (I had bruises all over both thighs after). As fun as it was, one time is enough for me unlike others (mostly kids) who went to queue over and over after their turn. 

Needed some "fuel" after Boogie Boarding, so we went to grab hotdog buns at the SeaPlex Doghouse. Yeobo had the Coney Island (Classic American All-Beef Kosher Hot Dog ) and I had the German (Thuringer; Pork Genuine Old World Style). Both are so so so so delicious that yeobo went for another (German). 

It started drizzling (again), so we headed back into our room to rest and wash up before heading over to the Vitality Fitness Centre for our gym session. We are not gym people but wow, the gym on Royal Caribbean is amazing. It is huge, has a lot of equipment and its treadmills have a sea view. The best part of all is that it is not crowded!

Once we were done with the gym, we went over to the American Icon Grill (Deck 4) for dinner. We gave up on the food at Windjammers. 

At the American Icon Grill, multi-course meals were served. It is not buffet style, but we are able to order as many items from their menu and as many servings as we want. Basically, the menu has a selection of Starters, Main Course, and Desserts to choose from. 

For Starters, Yeobo had the Escargots à La Bourguignonne and I had the Crispy Coconut Shrimp. Both were pretty good, and at the very least, it is not just plain salty. It has flavors. Hehe.

Escargots à La Bourguignonne : baked snails in garlic-parsley butter

Crispy Coconut Shrimp : breaded coconut shrimp with a pineapple-red-onion slaw and sweet chili dipping sauce

For Mains, we both had the Aged Prime Rib of Beef, which was just okay but it definitely cannot compare to what we had at Chops Grille.

Aged Prime Rib of Beef : slow-roasted boneless beef ribeye with crispy potato croquette, broccoli, and horseradish au jus

To conclude our dinner, yeobo had his Royal Cheesecake and I had the Crème Brûlée for dessert. To be honest, both were just okay. You can't go wrong with a classic cheesecake and this definitely wasn't the best Crème Brûlée for sure, but it is okay.

Royal Cheesecake : velvety cheesecake garnished with glazed strawberries

Crème Brûlée : rich vanilla custard topped with caramelized sugar

Well, with all that being said, the food at American Icon Grill was definitely way better than the food at Windjammers (in our opinion)!

After dinner, we managed to go for another activity - Game Show: Friendly Feud at Boleros (Deck 4) before heading to Sorrento's (again) to grab some pizza to munch on while we watched movies (Wonder Woman 1984 and Love & Monsters) in our room.

It is only Day 2 of our cruise and we lost count of how many slices of Sorrento's pizzas we have eaten.

S O   Y U M !

(Royal Caribbean) Cruise Day 1: Ocean View Stateroom, Sorrento's, Improve Walking in Comfort, Royal Esplanade, Chops Grille

Earlier in July, yeobo and I went on our mini-moon onboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Sea!

Once again, this was an impromptu trip so, undoubtedly, the prices weren't at their cheapest as we picked a sail date that was less than a month away from the time of booking, but, still, I'm so glad yeobo made the decision to go for it because it was W O N D E R F U L !

With COVID still around, it was mandatory for us to get tested before our sail date. Luckily, all the pre-testing costs were already included in our package, so all we had to do was book our appointment and head down to get the PCR test done at least two days before our sail date. 

With all the pre-testing cleared and required documents ready, check-in was a breeze at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. In less than 30-minutes, we cleared immigration, received our tracelets, and off we go - onboard our cruise ship! 

Once on board, we were led to our designated station for a safety briefing (our reporting station was at Schooner Bar) before we were able to head to our room.

For this trip, we booked an Ocean View Balcony Stateroom, which was located on Deck 12 (we pre-picked this) and was furnished with a king-size bed, sofa, balcony, wardrobes, vanity area, and a bathroom. Honestly, it is a cozy little room and a good size for two pax. 

The view from our room's balcony

After unpacking, we quickly head out to the Fitness Center and SeaPlex to book our slots for all the activities for the upcoming days ahead. But by the time we arrived at the SeaPlex, only a few slots for the xbox and foosball were available for booking. So, we booked a slot for an xbox session and went without the foosball. We had more luck at the Fitness Center as we managed to reserve our evening gym slots for the next three days! 

After booking all our activities for the trip, our first stop was Sorrento's to get some pizzas! Why? Because all of the blogs and vlogs I've come across reviewed that their pizzas are one of the best! Honestly, it was really delicious, just that I wished they served Hawaiian pizza too.

Our first (booked) activity for this trip was - Improve Walking in Comfort. It's a "class" to learn about our feet and how to improve posture and reduce stress / pain in the back, which honestly, was very insightful 30-minutes. Now I know why I fall down even when walking on flat surfaces. Hahaha.

After the "class", we found ourselves at the Royal Esplanade admiring some marvelous art pieces and reserving one of Thomas Kinkade's pieces, which will be auctioned on day 3 morning. It was love at first sight for both of us, but more research needs to be done! 

So, off we go for our dinner reservations at Chops Grille! Super excited to dine there as we have heard so much rave about their flavourful melt-in-the-mouth steaks! 

As a start, we each chose an appetizer and soup. So, we had the Tuna Tartare, Grilled Black Pepper Bacon, Wild Mushroom Soup, and Lobster Bisque to share.

Tuna Tartare : avocado, ginger, wasabi caviar

Grilled Black Pepper Bacon : slow-cooked Berkshire pork, sweet and spicy glaze

Wild Mushroom Soup : scented with white truffle oil, chives
Lobster Bisque : brandy, tarragon cream

For mains, we both had the Prime Bone-In Ribeye as recommended by our waiter, along with Truffled French Fries, Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Mushrooms, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese as sides to share. 

Prime Bone-In Ribeye : USDA Prime 16oz bone-in cut, well-marbled for peak flavor, deliciously juicy

The steak is  A M A Z I N G !!

Every bite of it is packed full of flavor and melts in your mouth! The steak was also huge in size. Yeobo managed to finish his, but I couldn't. I was so reluctant to see it go to waste so I ate as much as I could until I was too stuffed. Still, so sad to have to see it go to waste.

Truffled French Fries, Creamed Spinach, and Sautéed Mushrooms

Yukon Gold Mash Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese

All the portions at Chops Grille were huge, including the sides. That aside, out of the five sides we ordered, we loved the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes the best. It is so creamily good! If our tummy can hold more food, we would definitely order more of it. 

There's also dessert, which initially I didn't want to have because I AM SO FULL! But the waiter highly recommended that we get them, so we did. Yeobo ordered the Cheesecake and I had the Red Velvet. Again, the slices were big but really good too. 

Red Velvet Cake

New York Cheesecake

After a 3.5-hour long dinner, we left Chops Grille for a night walk to ease our happy stuffed tummy. Well, the food at Chops Grille was truly divine. We loved every bit of it and did not regret any bit of it. Hehe. It is (perhaps) the best restaurant on this entire cruise ship!

We Are Officially Married !

One month ago today, yeobo and I signed the papers that officially declared that we are married!

We decided to have a very small and intimate solemnization since we are having our wedding next year, so only our immediate family (and my grandpa) were present at the Registry of Marriage (ROM). Besides, ROM only allowed 10 people per group to be at the solemnization and that includes the bride and groom. So in other words, only eight guests were allowed. 

Although it was a small affair, me being me, research to find the ideal vendors began as early as November last year. I've probably reviewed more than 40 portfolios and spoke to more than 20 vendors before I closed the deal on our choice of photographer, videographer, and make-up artist (MUA) for our solemnization. Phew. 

As for the gown, yeobo actually bought that for me, so yes - I get to keep the gown F O R E V E R !

I love it so so so much even though the chances that I would wear it again is probably never. Maybe my daughter / daughter-in-law can wear it when they are getting married in the future and / or it can become their "something old" or "something borrowed". Teehees~ I really is 想太多。

Anyway, those who know me well would know that I’m rarely late (unless I want to) but as it turns out... I was late for our own solemnization! HAHAHA. What are the odds? 

Well, I would say that it is all because of my eyes. My MUA, Patrina from Autelier Makeup (so thankful for her patience), had a really tough time drawing my eyeliner and putting on the eyelash extensions because I couldn’t stop tearing!!! Yes, sensitive eyes and yes, I’m not used to having any eye make-up on. She eventually did get it all in place and girl, she did it fabulously.

It was a mad rush, but luckily, we were next in the line when we arrived at ROM, so it was just a short waiting time and it was our turn.

I can’t express how delighted we were to have engaged Matthew from Depth of Tale as our photographer, and Aaron from Wandefilms as our videographer. They did more than a wonderful job capturing our solemnization and posing us during the mini photoshoot, and considering how much weight we have gained over the years and that yeobo is camera shy; the photos and video turned out really incredible! We definitely highly recommend them for any couples looking! Hehehe.

*Disclaimer: Their style of shoot and edit was what we were both looking for.

Frankly, we didn't expect to have that much fun at the mini photoshoot. But as much fun as we had, it was actually pretty tiring. Plus, the weather was very humid. Thankfully, it was not scorching hot considering that it was around 3pm when we were having the shoot because the sky was cloudy as it'd just rained. Initially, we were all still worried that the sun might be too strong for an outdoor shoot, then we were worried that it might start raining again. Luckily the weather held up well and only after we finished the shoot then it started drizzling.

We are so thankful for all the vendors we engaged that helped make this small special day go by flawlessly, and given a chance, we would definitely choose them again.

Photographer: Depth of Tales  |  Videographer: Wandefilms  |  Florist: Petite Fleur  |  Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Autelier Makeup  |  Fresh Pearls Accessories: eClarity

Thank you for choosing and loving me, yeobo - my favourite person, my lover, my best friend, my prince charming.  I love you, always and forever.

Into Twenty-Twenty-One

2020; the year of the pandemic. The year where countries went into lockdown, borders closed, and streets emptied. It is the year that slowed life down a notch, and it is also the year of realization, understanding and deep appreciation.

Well, by far, 2020 felt the most blurry. But, it is also the year that made me questioned myself about what I am doing in and with my life, whether my life is just going to be as such, and how to live every day in order for it to be meaningful. And... I still do not have an answer to all that yet. One step at a time, right? I will slowly figure it all out.. I guess?

As of most years, 2020 started out being hopeful and bright, with many plans in place, a list of things to do and a list of goals to accomplish. 

Chinese New Year Day 1 (新年初一)

It was all going according to plan until corona hit the world and disrupted it all. And eventually, putting a halt to everything that was planned. 

As the virus hit motherland, we entered into "Circuit Breaker" mode in April and had to work from home till further notice. It was a period of panic and uncertainty but, the best thing that came out of it was that my brother returned to Singapore! Though, it was very tiring for him because of the time difference; he had to work in the UK time despite being physically here. Still, having him around always feels better somehow.

Through the Circuit Breaker, almost all amenities were closed except for the essential ones (ie. supermarket, kopitiam, etc). So, other than working (from home), I baked, cooked, watched countless dramas / shows, gamed and exercised just to pass time. Yes, I was that bored. Plus, it was probably the longest I've ever been apart from boyfriend.

More on what I did and how I spent my Circuit Breaker days over at my Circuit Breaker Days (Because of Corona) post !

Also, one thing that I realised during Circuit Breaker was all the beautiful clear blue skies and stunning sunsets. I think my camera and phone album now has a lot photos of those alluring skies.

When Circuit Breaker came to an end in June, my brother left and went back to London. Many people asked me why is that so. Well, he had to because he is working there. So, as much as we were worried for him, we knew that the day would eventually come and all we can do is to see him off at the airport and keep in constant contact thereafter. 

Dad looking at the flight information while waiting for bro to check-in

Initially, we had hopes that our New Zealand trip (at the end of July) can still proceed as plan but nope. The news that our flight was cancelled came in mid-June, so we had to cancel every booking we made earlier in the year. It was quite dejecting when we got the news and I was feeling pretty sad about it because I was super looking forward to it. But what to do? Sigh.

Anyway, as we moved to Phase 2, gatherings of up to 5 people / 5 guests per household were allowed and some amenities were opened. So... First thing first, I made an appointment for both boyfriend and I to get our hair cut, booked as many classes as I can at the gym I had a package with, and scheduled in all the upcoming gatherings. WOOHOO~ The happiness of being able to meet people face-to-face!

Ivan and Raymond's Birthday Celebration

Elaine's Birthday Celebration

Yes, Whiskey also gets to go out more as we move on to Phase 2! And so far, he is the happiest and most excited when we head to Botanic Gardens. Probably because that's where all his doggo-friends are at. Hehe. 

Look at that happy face of his. He was so tired from walking for the entire day until he wanted to be carried around. BUT.. He didn't want to go home just yet.

Photo shot by @jalan_film04.

And now, to the highlight of the year - After 6 years together in a relationship and after 2 years of him planning, sourcing, replanning and putting it all together, boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed on the 26th of August! 

Honestly, I'm shook! Every time I look back at the photos / videos, my heart melts. I'm truly, very much, utterly in awe on how he managed to bring the magic of Disney's fairytale alive that day and it is definitely a memory that I want to remember for life! And, I will. Because as they say it, "what's on the internet is forever", am I right?

Probably one day, in the far future, my great-grandchildren will find this blog and read all about their great-grandma's life. Hehehe. 

Following the proposal was a lot of meet-ups with friends and family because gatherings can still only be in a maximum group of 5. So, we had to split into smaller groups. Well, it is, after all, a joyous occasion and we are both really blessed to receive so many blessings and well wishes from everyone! Next step - Wedding Day! Which we haven't even decided on a date yet. Hehe.

Anyway, since we can't travel any time soon, we finally succumbed into going for a staycation! But the funny thing is that after I booked our staycation at M Social, we attended a virtual event and won ourselves a 1-night stay at M Social! Hahaha. Such coincidence! That calls for a second staycation but probably in 2021 instead. Hmm..

Come December, as usual, both our schedule were the most packed up with gatherings, meet-ups and get-togethers. Afterall, it is the festive season and corona or not, the warmth of the festive season is in the air.

Some "traditions" still remain and yes, by that I meant the usual get-togethers and gift exchanges among friends during Christmas, as well as hosting of the New Year's Countdown Party on New Year's Eve. The only sad part is that since we can only host 8 guests (as of 28 December), still, not everyone is able to get together this year.

Hopefully, we are able to host everyone next year, but for now, we shall work with what we are given.

Pandemic or not, always celebrating Christmas with baes.

Oh, what an odd year has 2020 been! To close this chapter on 2020, here's a photo with our masks on to commemorate the year of the pandemic which made putting on a mask mandatory.

Okay, so now it comes to the part where I set some resolution for the new year. For 2020, my resolutions involves constant effort and of all the resolutions I set for myself, I am proud to be able to check off more than half of them and the reason that I am able to do that is largely because of corona. So that's another good thing out of it, I guess?

So, for 2021, most of my resolutions revolve around being a better person (both emotionally and physically) as a whole. Health will still continue to be my priority, with an addition of my wellness in line, and moving down the list of my 2021 resolutions would be to stop putting off plans and follow through them for the things that I've set out to do a long time ago.

Well, I'm still figuring out many things as I go by, bit by bit, one step at a time, and 2021 is the year that I set out to do more. So,  please be a great one, 2021.