Chinese New Years celebrations...

New dress, check.

New haircut, check.

Pedicure, check.

Awe...Chinese New Years.

So, even though I am not Chinese, ok maybe that is stating the obvious, but  I do love celebrating Chinese New Years, minus the firecrackers at 8:30 a.m. 

It has taken me some time to finally sit down and write out my experiences during my second Chinese New Years because you see it is a busy time. Think of a typical North American Christmas and times it by 10. Yes, it's that busy. First its the work prior, such as cleaning the house, shopping for new clothes, baking cakes, preparing dishes, organizing open houses between relatives, oh yeah and getting pedicures and or manicures done. As you can see it's a lot of work.

The reality is Chinese New Years is a special and important time for the Chinese culture. It is a time where families and friends reunite, a time where the we would somewhat consider 'spring cleaning', and technically the New Year's is about the beginning of spring. There are so many traditions that are said to evoke good luck, or to bring wealth to a family. For example, most houses always have tikoy which is a type of sticky cake. This sticky cake is left out for the Kitchen Gods to receive on Chinese New Years Eve. It is believed that the sticky cake will cause the Kitchen Gods mouth to be stuck so that he can't 'badmouth' the family to the God of all Gods, this is also why everyone cleans their homes top to bottom right before the New Year begins. 

I can't forget about the firecrackers, which are set up just before midnight on the eve of Chinese New Years. The firecrackers, and fireworks, are set off to celebrate the beginning of the New Year, but also to ward off bad spirits. Many families tend to enjoy the firecrackers a bit much and set them off nightly and some mornings as well throughout the celebrations. Oh and by celebrations I forgot to mention that Chinese New Years spans 15 days, although to be honest generally only first 5 or so are the major days...yes only 5.

This Chinese New Years is the Year of the Dragon, which is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Since it is the year of the Dragon many traditional dances incorporate a dragon into the dance. Also in Miri each year a large market is held for a week prior to the New Year where a traditional Lion Dance is held each night. The market is always interesting with loads of food, and New Years items for sale.

The first day of Chinese New Years is always a flurry of activity. Everyone dons a new outfit and visits the elders in the family, or at least we do here. The rest of the days are generally spent visiting family or friends during the their open houses. We held an open house here on the fourth day in which friends and family came to visit. We also had traditional Lion Dancers visit the house. Lion Dances travel from house to house and business to business performing throughout the New Year celebrations. In return the family or business owners give them angpo (money in a red envelope). By having this dance performed at a home or business it is believed to bring luck and wealth to the family or business owner. I wonder if just being here will bring me luck. I can only hope.

Lion Dancers travelling door to door.

Dancers at the Miri, Sarawak market.

More dancers at the market.

Escaping the crowds from the New Years market.

Adventures and misadventures in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

With a population of about 900,000 it is also just north of Singapore, and by just north I mean, you can literally see Singapore from some parts of Johor Bahru.

While we only had a few days in Singapore we decided that we would spend some time back in Malaysia at Johor Bahru. Since I heard they had just opened up the Premier Shopping Outlet I was enticed to check it out. So, while we were eating our breakfast at the beautiful Sentosa Resort, an island off of Singapore, and before our full day at Universal Studios, we booked a five-star hotel on Agoda in Johor Bahru.

Tip: When in Asia, www.agoda.com, is a great website to get deals on booking hotel rooms.

It wasn't till about 6 p.m. that we left Universal Studios to pick up our bags and head to the bus to take us to Johor Bahru. The day before we had learnt that conveniently enough there was a bus stop to and from Johor Bahru that left from the resort. It was like it was almost meant to be.

We went and got our tickets from the ticket office, a booth in the parkade where the buses come and go, and were told that tickets were to be purchased from the bus driver, unfortunately we didn't have any small change. So, of course I asked if we could change some of our Singaporian dollars into smaller bills. There were three of them in the ticket booth that was about the size of a ticket booth at the fair, only one spoke very good English, and they all said no they didn't have change. The attendant told me that the bus driver will have change when we can pay for our tickets. Phew.

So the bus finally arrives, we wait until all passenger board to ensure there is change for us to purchase our tickets. I enter the bus, hand the driver a bill and he shakes his head and tells me he has no change. Now, just to note our bus driver is one of the same individuals who was in the ticket booth to begin with. Sigh. I go back outside the bus and discuss with Ridley. We ask if he'll take Malaysian Ringgets. He shakes his head "No." Sigh. I look at Ridley with a confused look, irritated and annoyed and say, "now what." Then Ridley gets on the bus and with his best Manglish asks if we can pay in Ringgets. By the way Manglish is slang Malay English and generally locals are well versed but unfortunately this particular driver was not so versed. We weren't sure what he was versed in to be honest. So, Ridley steps out of the bus and as he's looking at me a stranger from the bus speaks with the driver, following which looks at us and says in plain English, "You guys can pay in Ringgets." At that point Ridley and I were so thankful, that we finally were able to get on the bus and make our journey we hopped on board and paid the driver. But for the record I was still annoyed that he didn't understand me and I am sure he was doubly annoyed that he couldn't understand either of us.

After we made several stops within the city we finally reached the border in about an hour and a half. This is where it gets a wee bit tricky. We all disembark from the bus and head through customs and security checks following which we weren't sure what to do. So we followed the crowd and low and behold the bus meets us on the other side. We see fellow passengers who were traveling on the same bus waiting and we join the crowd. We had no idea what we were doing but it all worked out. So we head into Johor Bahru and are dropped off at JB Sentral, the main transport hub for the city. We grab a taxi and are on our way to our five-star hotel. Finally.

Our bus to Johor Bahru.

Awe...The Zon Regency by the Sea, it sounds so, well not sure what it sounds like but hey it was $80 Canadian and came with two buffet breakfast, it had a pool and was located next to a major shopping district, we hit big. We walk into the main foyer and go to the front desk, where there are no staff. Ridley says to me under his breath, "I don't have a good feeling about this." I thought he was being silly, so what if the staff were in the back playing on-line poker, okay I don't know if they were playing on-line poker but you get the idea. Only a few minutes later a sweet young man checks us into our room on the 14th floor. We get into the elevator and head to our room, it was then the first of my gut instincts kicked in and I realized that we may have been buffaloed about the Zon being five-star. The carpet was stained it smelt like stale smoke and we could hear the band. It was then we realized that all the rooms at the Zon overlooked an atrium area where a band played until 1 a.m. Yes. 1 a.m. Oh well, we knew we would be so tired that it wouldn't matter. We open the door to our room and we see that it is large, bonus. And that's where the positives start and end. Here is a short list of what I could see, the carpet was stained, there was marks on all the walls (from what I am not sure), the toilet or shower leaked (we weren't sure which one so flip flops were worn at all times, even in the shower), there was a dark substance (which I think is blood but I probably watch too many television shows and let my imagination run wild) on the door of the bathroom (so I used a cloth every time I would open and close the door), and the window looked like it could fall out of the frame at any moment. I even slept with my socks on which I am not sure why because lets be honest I had access to wash my feet but not my socks. Sigh. So after looking at two other rooms, thanks to the helpful front desk staff, we finally just settle for the one we were in, it was late and we were hungry. So, we left the room in search of the food and decided not to go back until it was bed time. The less amount of time spent at the Zon, the less amount of time I would spend searching for more marks on the walls.

These are a few photos we have of either of us anywhere near the hotel, and we weren't even at the hotel. It was a place we would rather not look back on rather than have evidence of the filth in photos. Here we are at an outdoor restaurant having Otak Otak, fish paste wrapped up in pandan leaf. 

The next day we went to the closest Starbucks which happened to be attached to the hotel, ok one more positive but that's it, and looked up hotel accomodations. This time we choose Blue Wave for $55 Canadian and it included a buffet breakfast, perfect. Cheaper and looked nicer. It was actually one of our choices when we first booked the Zon but it was only four-star, never again will I be fooled by stars. We then had breakfast checked out some of the stores at the Zon and said our good-byes.

When we arrived at Blue Wave we were immediately relieved to see staff at the front counter, good sign. We were able to check into our room a bit early and yes it was worth the move. We then headed out to the Premier Shopping Outlet where I was in heaven. It could be compared to the shopping outlets you see in Vegas on a bit smaller scale, all the name brands were there including Burberry, Armani, Lacoste and of course my favourite the good ol' Gap.

Tip: When the front desk staff at a hotel, you aren't comfortable at, tell you that a cab ride is $70 Ringget to a location you have never been, don't fall for it. The cab ride only cost us $30 from the city to outlet.

The outlet, although located about 30 minutes outside of Johor Bahru, had a great mix of high-end and Shelley friendly prices, was well worth the trip. I was able to get a pair of pants and three tops all for $20 Canadian, a steal of a deal if you ask me. However, even though I love my purchases, Ridley said that the zebra at the zoo want's her pants back. Pfft.

That night I was treating Ridley to dinner so I quickly looked up a few restaurants on-line and came up with two Italian eateries that had excellent reviews. Off we went in our cab and told the driver we were headed to Rosemarino's. He didn't know where that was, sigh. We gave him the address, he still didn't know where it was. He took us through what appeared to be a residential area, stopped at an outdoor cafe asked a few people and we finally found it. It was closed. Sigh. Ok, restaurant number two, Gianni's Trattoria. This one he found, right away, it was in the restaurant district a must if you want to just wander around and figure out what to eat by the amount of people clustered at one place.

And, Gianni's was a hit, although a bit on the expensive side for Malaysia it was well worth it. So, our trip to Johor Bahru was saved. Even though it may have cost us a small fortune just to have a nice meal out it was the experience that will be remembered forever.

I heart misadventures, especially when they are shared.

After our favourite meal at our favourite little Italian restaurant. 

Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, oh my...

Filled with history, culture and exotic foods Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are next on my list. I am really looking forward to the next adventure and will be headed out in just a few weeks.

This time I am, and for the first time, taking a tour with G Adventures, a Canadian travel company that provides small group tours across the globe. I will be landing in Ho Chi Minh (Siagon), Vietnam to start the first leg of my journey. I will be arriving a few days before the tour departs to try and get in a few sights of the massive city including checking out some of the war tunnels. It is in here where I will meet up with about 15 other like-minded travelers before we head out on our travels. This is what the nine days will look like:

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2 Mekong Delta Day Trip

Guided Mekong Delta day trip with boat cruise and visit to candy factories.

Days 3-4 Phnom Penh 

Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Prison and Killing Fields. Cyclo ride through Phnom Penh. Option to visit Royal Palace, National Museum, Central Market. Travel day with border crossing Vietnam–Cambodia on Day 3.

Days 5-7 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Optional visit to Tonle Sap floating village, Angkor National Museum.

Day 8 Bangkok

Travel Day. Border crossing into Thailand.

Day 9 Bangkok

Depart at any time.

Now, the next step is to decide when to return to Malaysia, currently home base, from Bangkok. I want to see a few sights of Thailand so I am now doing a bit of research into what a couple extra days will look like.

If you could travel to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand what would top your list?

Singapore, so much to do, so little time...

Awe Singapore.


I heard Singapore was a clean, friendly, and safe city. But, what I didn't expect was how clean, friendly, and safe it truly is.


From the moment we disembarked from the plane and entered the arrival hall of the Changi Airport it was like I entered a whole new world. Because we are budget travellers we decided to take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rather than a taxi to the hotel. So off we went to the train following the ever so helpful way signage. After a few stops to ask for directions on which MRT line to take to our hotel, we headed to the electronic ticket dispenser where we weren't the only tourists. It was here where we experienced our first dose of helpfulness. Here stood an elderly gentleman giving all, and I mean all, the tourists in line directions on how to use the ticket dispensers. He literally went from one person to the next, kindly asking where they were going and then proceeded to show them exactly how to obtain a ticket and map out their route.


Here's the deal, Singapore has a population of over 5 million people but one would never know it. Transportation using the MRT, LRT or bus systems was a breeze. The trains arrived on time, the passengers were courteous and the maps were well, Shelley friendly, and trust me if I could figure out how to get around, anyone could figure out how to get around. Sometime I can be a wee bit directionally challenged.


Best travel advice before you head there...check how close your hotel is from the MRT line. We ended up staying at Oasia Hotel which unbeknownst to us was literally steps from one of the main MRT lines. The convenience of being right next to a major shopping centre and transportation was well worth it. After arriving at our hotel we quickly dropped our bags and headed out for our first misadventure, er I mean adventure. First stop, China Town. We had a list of places we wanted to hit up in the few days we were in Singapore and China Town was top. 

Even though we went to Singapore January 2 Chinese New Years
decor was everywhere.

It was just after lunch when we arrived in the city and we were starving. So of course any place that had anything that resembled food I was ready to pounce. Lucky for me we happen to come across Bee Cheng Hiang which sells some of the best jerky in Singapore. We bought chili beef jerky. Not sure if that was such a wise choice since it was middle of the afternoon, and scorching hot and we add in some spicy meat to top it off...like we didn't need to drink enough water already. But, all in all it was delicious and I'd have it again every day, I mean, any day.

Shortly after purchasing our spicy beef jerky we came across a local chinese restaurant, and it was packed, so we decided that it must be a good place to eat and plunked our bags down for a rest and some lunch. 

Enjoying my rice and dumplings.

Dumplings...at a Chinese restaurant in Singaopore. I'd tell you what the
name was but I couldn't read the sign, see below. 

All I could read was $4 BBQ Stick...good enough for me when the place
is full you know the food is good.

After our quick bite to eat we were anxious to do some exploring. So we managed to hit up the market, wander the streets and visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a must if you are China Town. Following our tour of China Town we then went to the harbour where all the cruise ships come in and of course more shopping. Then that evening we headed to Clarke Quay, a place that is, the place to be in the evening hours. We hadn't planned on going to Clarke Quay until I read about it during the flight. Thanks to Malaysia Airlines in-house magazine and an article on the Singapore sights we made another checklist of stops. We wandered around and decided that we would have a supper at, you guessed it, the only 'mexican' restaurant along the riverfront, which is where Clarke Quay is located. So, here we sat in what we thought was an authentic mexican outdoor restaurant only to find out the owner was from the Philippines. But, in all honesty I am positive his is of Mexican descent, he really knew how to cook up a mean taco and home-made guacamole. 

And that was Day 1.

The next few days we spent explore Little India, Marina Bay Sands Resort (another must see when in Singapore), and Orchard Way. 

Our tour of Little India in Singapore.  

At the Tekka Market in Little India. 

A huge contrast from Little India to Orchard Street.

And of course when in Singapore it is also a must to hit up Universal Studios and the Zoo. 

And...after it all we didn't want to leave...

A sneak peek into Singapore...

So,  I went to Singapore.

And I loved it. 

Now, I am not sure about most of you but when I visit a place I generally find myself thinking, "yeah, I could live here." But, seriously I could live in Singapore. It was and is a country that is impeccably clean, has an amazing history and culture and yet is modern and unique all at the same time. 

Here is just a few highlights of what turned out to be an amazing vacation. More to come soon...

So much to do so little time, but loved our time at  Universal
Studios and all that Singapore has to offer.

China Town in Singapore is amazing and filled with decor
getting ready for the Chinese New Year.

The Marina Bay resort is definetely a must see, especially
in the evening hours.

The view from Sentosa Island.

At a Buddhist Temple in China Town. 

Facebook launch...

Yes, it's official Freckled Faces + Favourite Places has launched a Facebook page.

Now, don't go on thinking that this means an end to my blog...that is far from it. I will continue to ramble along here but will also be showcasing a few highlights on Facebook as well.

Stay tuned there may be more to come, and make sure you check us out and 'like' us on Facebook.

Remember this is a two-way street. I want to hear all about your adventures, misadventures or future travel dreams too!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Freckled-Faces-Favourite-Places/290246634326818

Embracing traditions...

Something old.

Something new.

Something borrowed.

And.

Something blue.

Traditions are something that are passed down from generation to generation and most are founded by a persons culture and or family. On this particular day Ridley's Mom took me to his cousin's dowry celebration. I wasn't sure what to expect but all I knew was that according to tradition the groom's family presents gifts to the future wife's family in form of a dowry. These gifts include but are not limited to sweets, money, fruit and even a pigs leg. But the most interesting thing to me is that each gift has a meaning. For example sweets are often included in the dowry to symbolize a sweet marriage. Each family differs in what they give and what they accept. Because here's the thing, each family has their own customs and either accept all the dowry, or just some of it and return part of it back to the grooms family. Ridley's family believes in sharing the dowry, in other words they only keep a portion and return much of it back to the grooms family.

I love the fact that we all have our own customs and traditions. And I love the fact that I get to learn about Ridley's family and his Chinese traditions and customs.

The world would be a boring place if we all were the same.

"People without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."