Countdown for Eclipse

Hooray! Al least I did not let myself down.

Notice the change on the side of the blog. Yes! I finally changed the New Moon Countdown Clock to Eclipse Countdown for USA. It's made by someone though.

I just realised that I have no idea when Eclipse the movie is coming out in Singapore. I went to check it on the net, but, strangely, there isn't any news. Weird... With about 3 more months to go, it is strange news that the release date is not yet out.

I had collected eclipse pictures way before, which is a very good idea as it's hard to find nice eclipse photographs now. I have this one which is very, very lovely. I plan to use it for my own Eclipse countdown clock.

It's hard to make a countdown clock from scratch. I don't have the programme necessary to edit the picture, aka Adobe Photoshop. I now rely on Photobucket and Scrapbook to add words to the pictures. For the clock part, most websites do not allow use of one's pictures to make them, or else, it will cost money.

Last year, I stumbled across a website that would allow me to change another person's background. And voila, I have my first countdown clock to celebrate the release of New Moon. Even till now, I'm still proud of my attempt. Frankly, the picture chosen conveys so much and the tagline is just fantastic.

All I need is inspiration to start on the long journey on making another countdown clock that is up to my standards.

Diffferent Wavelengths

Feeling rather melancholy and depressed these few days. It must be the fact the school will be reopening soon... Gone with the wind are the holidays.

Why do I, do I love ... holidays? Because I don't have heavy responsibilities, I don't have to answer to myself or to others. I can laze around and be myself. I can read when I feel like it. I can do what I like, when I like.

With school comes responsibilities. I don't have much chance to read or use the laptop for purely entertainment purposes. I have to stress myself over projects and tests and what not. I came back home each day feeling worse for wear.

Urgh... Words can't describe how I feel. It's like suffocation. I just wish this feeling would pass.

Frankly, I don't see why is going to school so exciting. Perhaps I operate on a different wavelength from others. As it never cross my mind to think about school that way. To me, it's an obligation and the answer. However, I would like to continue with University.

Or maybe its because of the exciting things happening without me? Reading all those news about the Wizarding World makes me depressed too.

Whatever is going on with me, it better pass. I have to get myself together as I storm through my senior year. Then it's good riddance.

Opening Date for WWHP

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I heard the most exciting news!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is set to open its doors on June 18th 2010!

If I thought I was excited before, I was mistaken. You can't imagine the anticipation coursing through my blood when I first saw the news.

Oh gods, I wish mightily to go on its grand opening day. However, that is not possible. For one, I just have to live on the other side of the world. For another, cash. Besides, the place is going to be flooded, and I mean really flooded with HP fans and not months after opening.

Gahhhhh! I can't believe some of things they are introducing in this theme park! It's going to be a surreal experience indeed. They want fans to have a complete experience in the world created by J. K. Rowling. And that's the best part, Rowling is involved in this pet project from Day 1. How cool is that?

It is going to be such a treat! Even if I have to drag myself onto that plane, fly halfway across the world and perhaps sat myself on my first roller-coaster in my entire life, I'll be there.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey sounds terrifying and unique. It will be inside the castle itself and the waiting line will not seems long because there are so much to see inside the castle. Woohoo!

I am going to be spending and spending when I get there. So much to see, so much to buy! I may be years late, but one is never too old to go to Hogwarts.

I have been planning for months now. Years, maybe, when I first saw reports of plans to build Hogwarts. Why else would I be sticking to my job?

I'm going to save, save, save and then spend and spend in Universal!

I may be not be there this year, but next year, I'll be ready. Once I graduate, I am free! The problem now lie at "Who will be going with me?"

This is probably a once in a blue moon chance and I have to make the most out of it. As I said, I don't have the privilege of living in the States, where most of the happening things are. If I make this trip, it will possibly be the first and last in a few years.

I am searching for a packaged deal, which will include accommodations and park entrance ticket, air ticket will be most welcome. Actually, air ticket is what that bothers me. A freaking S$4000 plus just for air ticket on Singapore Airlines?

I would rather sign up for a tour package. But what if the airline they have is not SIA? I guess since I'll become a "sick cow" once I'm on the plane, it doesn't matter much if the airline is SIA or not.

The grand opening is going to be awesome! Some of the Harry Potter actors/actresses will be there and perhaps J. K. Rowling as well. I can only read it in reports. Sighs.

Wow, wow, wow! It's like Christmas came early this year. I really envy those who can make their trip to Orlando this year.

For more info:
http://www.mugglenet.com/app/news/show/3359/page/1

Taiwan 2010 Part 2

17th March:

Twisted and turned our way through the mountainous roads to Kenting. Kenting is made famous for being a filming site for the film, Cape no. 7.

Boy, was it frightening! The roads are quite narrow and it's all thanks to the skillful navigation by the young driver. If you looked down, it's a straight drop to the treacherous waters of Taiwan Strait.

The daunting and long journey was enough to turn to upset my delicate stomach. There was nothing much to do on the bus, except sleep and watch the tapes the tour guide played. I did both, though I spent more time sleeping. The 21 of us were loosely distributed in the 40 seater bus. I got to have 2 seats for myself.

Finally, we reached Maobitou. It literally means "Cat's nose" in Chinese. If you look at the pictures I had taken, I don't think it looks like a cat at all. It is this huge rock facing the Taiwan Strait.

The place was once again full of tourists, mostly those mainlanders from China. It was quite windy up there as we watched the waves licked the rocks.

Made our way to Eluanbi Lighthouse, the only armed lighthouse in Taiwan.

In the evening, we had dinner in a restaurant located near the merciless and magnificent Pacific Ocean. It's too bad that the camera hasn't managed to capture exactly what I saw that day. The photos just don't do the view justice. The sun had set and the waters met the skies in a distinct line. The beach is not filled with pristine white sand but coarse blackish sand. Imagine, the next side of the Pacific Ocean would be America.

A litter of puppies played nearby. They were so cute! Squeal! I could have cuddle them, if I cuddle animals. They loved to play with shoelaces. I love their antics as they tried to climb up the stairs and dug a hole.

Tonight, we stayed at Luminous Hot Spring Resort and Spa located in a secluded spot of a mountain. The hotel is grand with even grander rooms. Or maybe it's due to the fact that I stayed in the honeymoon suite with my mother.

Wow! You can put on a show with its full transparent glass bathroom. The bathroom has a shower area, the basin area and a private stone tub which hot spring water flows as you turned the tap.

The bed, complete with white canopies, in right in front of the transparent bathroom. Of course, heavy curtains can be drawn. All in all, the best hotel we have stayed at.

18th March:

It's just too wasteful to leave the hotel so early in the morning. After all those hours to get there, we just have to say bid goodbye. Alas, we had a train to catch at 8 am plus.

The buffet breakfast was the finest among all the hotels.

Took a 3 hours train ride to Hualien. Originally, the train ride should be shorter and able to offer us a look at the Pacific Ocean. But, the that train got booked up.

Met the coach driver at the station and went to Taroko Gorge. More mountainous roads. However, the natural view that greeted us was worth it. Nature in its finest is there. Those marble slabs, washed and smoothed by the rushing water are in its galore.

We had to wear safety helmets as we walked under cliffs due to unstable rocks caused by earthquakes. There are places warded off and rocks debris litter those areas. We were told to stay near the sides.

Took many pictures of the wondrous features that nature has to offer. The place is off limits for marble harvesting. It's a nature reserve of sorts and belongs to the government.

Taiwan is going through a dry period, thus, the streams are almost dried. You can say that that they have a love-hate relationship with hurricanes. They can't live without it yet it is damaging.

Stayed the night at Charming City Hotel.

19th March:

First, we went to Ilan National Centre for Traditional Arts. It's a huge place where the shops are built like the shophouses of the past. These shops promote and sell traditional and not so traditional crafts, toys and food. We didn't spent much time there.


We went to Chiufen next. It's once again located up on the mountains. It's an alley with lots of small shops selling Taiwanese cuisines and crafts. Since it's an alley, with steep staircases and narrow paths, it doesn't help that the place was crowded with tourists and locals alike. I even spotted Caucasians which was quite the rare sight in Taiwan. Or perhaps they just hand around the Taipei region.


Taiwan's first cinema can be found there and a teahouse is made famous by a film.


At night, we check in our last hotel for this trip, Hotel New Continental Taipei. Our room was quite small, with no bathtub, but the room itself is beautiful in the modern way. My hopes of getting a nice soak before leaving was dashed.


We went to Shilin Night Market and bid farewell to the coach driver as he won't be ferrying us to the airport the next day. It's quite sad actually.


The family didn't linger on at the night market. We ate there and then took a cab to Taipei 101. It was a good plan, no? I have been wanting to go there to shop from the day it was decided that we were going for this trip. I even went online to check out the brands.


It's a good thing we had some time this night, because I'm seriously angry that we will only have 45 minutes to visit Taipei 101 the following morning due to time constraints. The shops will only be open around 11am and we had to leave Taipei for Taoyuan International Airport around 1pm.
Anyway, the taxi fare was cheap, approximately $200 plus, equivalent to S$8 plus. Besides, the driver allowed the five of us to squeeze into his cab.


Wow, Taipei 101 is more awesome than I thought. I went directly to Esprit, and bought a blouse. Actually, the designs are mostly the same as those sold in Singapore. The prices are not exactly cheaper as well.


Went to Tommy Hilfiger next. We saw this other family in our tour group who apparently had the same idea as us. My mother and I bought their polo shirts. I coveted some designs but they are all too expensive.


We just walk around level 1 and basement 1 because level 2 to 5 are reserved for branded goods. Level 6 is a exclusive area for members who can shop and dine all they want. From level 5, you can take the fastest elevator in the world and shoot your way up to the 99 storey of the building. Obviously, you have to pay for the view.


Had supper in the huge food court in the basement. They sell everything, well, not everything. For one, I want to try out Mister Donuts, but they don't have it there. I ordered McDonalds and it isn't as nice compared to what we have in Singapore.


I went to the Jasons supermarket after seeing it on the Travel and Living channel on the first day. It's akin to what we have in those shopping centres in Orchard area. Gourmet ingredients for foodies. Huge, red apples, Taiwan strawberries, different types of cheeses, etc.


Too bad the strawberries are expensive, or I would have bought them after hearing about it from the tour guide.

Took another cab back to our hotel.

20th March:


No morning call today! We have our time free until 10.45am where we have to check out. As it is, we woke at 6am and had breakfast before going back to our rooms to laze about and do last minute packing.


Went to Taipei 101 as a group and we had 45 minutes. I remembered that there is this shop, Roots, that caught my attention last night. Went there and bought a shirt. I wanted one of those jackets so badly. It's really gorgeous. My mother love their bags but they cost a whooping s$400 plus.


I console myself with the thought that Singapore will have this brand and I can buy what I want when I get back. Who would have know it that the brand doesn't exist in Singapore?! I thought I saw this brand before. Argh! I really like their line of clothes. Just too bad...


Had our lunch at this super quirky restaurant called Five Cent Driftwood Restaurant. Have a look at the photos and you'll know what I meant. The tour guide told us that people who went there will surely whipped out their cameras and start flashing away.


Everything is quirky and unique, from the toilets to the tables to the ceilings to the chairs. The ceilings are done in wavy patterns. We had to climb 4 storeys before having our lunch.


Finally, it's the end of our tour. Reached the airport and said goodbye to the tour guide who have been great.


The flight back got delayed again! What's wrong with China Airlines, seriously? Reached Changi Airport Terminal 1 around 9 plus.


Home sweet home.

Taiwan 2010 Part 1

Well, I'm back. Back to work as well. Time for a recap.

13th March:

So, we woke up early in the morning and made our way down to Changi Airport. The grandparents were there too. I'm not going to go into too much details here. Just that this day was a very unfortunate day and that "suayness" can come in many forms. Simply put, this day was 'Bloody Brilliant'.

First, the computer system for China Airlines went down in Changi Airport. They had to check each passenger in by hand. Then, the computer system got working again, so the handwritten stuff was nil. Check-in again.

Little did we know that the tour group will missed the flight due to overbooking. Yes, I know that overbooking among airlines is a norm, it's the "surest" way to cut down possible losses. But, this day, they didn't foresee that due to the large number of students taking the flight to return home, the chances of a vacant seat was close to none. That, was China Airlines' fault.

We missed our flight despite the initial thought that the flight will wait since it was already delayed because of the slow check-in. And the tour group was the only one left behind. Chan Brothers was at fault too. They didn't send enough man-power to help our group. Other tour agencies had 2-3 staff at hand to take roll-call and check-in procedure. Us? It's just one person. I understand that not everything was his fault, he's only a man, how can he run both sides?

The manager of China Airlines compensated each of us S$150 each and we were to take Garuda Airlines to Jakarta, Indonesia before transiting to China Airlines. The flight from Singapore to Jakarta was terrible. Our new China Airlines flight was delayed, again. Besides, instead of the initial 4 hours journey to Taiwan, it now went to 5 hours.

Finally, we touched in Taoyuan International Airport, hours behind our original schedule. We could have reached in the afternoon, but no, because of so many contributing factors, we had to reach there at night.

Then, when things couldn't get any worse, my family luggage weren't there. The other tour group members safely claimed their luggage, but not us. We found out that they went to KL. How brilliant is that? It's like we're on the roll, except that it's bad luck. Actually, my father already said beforehand that somebody luggage will get lost in the mess.

For the first time, we can claim insurance. And for the first time, we have to nothing except the clothes on our back and hand-carried bags.

The tour guide was kind enough to make us a stop at a local mart to get our necessities. The hotel we checked into is pretty nice. Four Points by Sheraton. We were treated to this gigantic plate of fried rice each after all that hours spent a-wasting on air and ground.

Thankfully, I wore a tank-top inside my dress-shirt. I could, at least, wear my jacket with my tank top for sleeping.

14th March:

A brand new day! We made our first stop at the National Palace Museum. It houses the very famous Jadeite Cabbage from the Qing Dynasty among other ancient Chinese relics and treasures.

The place was chock-full of people, mostly tourists, I think. We aren't allow to take photographs inside the museum and have to wear this earpiece when the tour guide converse with us. The signal isn't very good and it keep picking up conversations in Japanese and English that the other tour guides were speaking.

As the place was crowded, we visited only a few exhibitions. It is quite interesting though, although I have the feeling of information overload. I love history, except the dates and what not part.

My brothers bought a lot of pseudo cabbages as souvenirs.

After lunch, we went to Ximenting which is this busy street with all sorts of street food and clothes targeted at the young and trendy. It is something like Bugis Street in Singapore. Since it was a Sunday, naturally, the place was crowded with the younger generation.

I bought a shirt quite unwilling, because I had to change. The luggage had not arrived. Besides, it's not like it's a habit of mine to wear a new shirt not washed yet.

We tried the white bittergourd juice mixed with lemon. It's very refreshing indeed. I just love the taste of bittergourd despite the fact that I don't eat bittergourd at all. I wanted to buy one of those shiny white bittergourd back.

The tour guide took us to take the metro and then the bullet train down Taichung where we will be visiting Fengjia Night Market. We had mini steamboat for dinner.

We did not stay long at Fengjia Night Market. It's crowded, smelly and generally, not my cup of tea. I realised that for the Taiwanese, motorcycles must be quite affordable. There are road lanes dedicated to motorcyclists and the road sides have parking lots of motorcycles. It seems as though majority of the young generation can afford a motorcycle.

We went to this Nike store and I bought a shirt there.

Stayed the night at DeBao Hotel. Tonight, we'll be getting our luggage back. Hooray! Normally, it will take more than 2 days to reach, but my father asked for the express delivery which meant that we will have to pay US$50 for it.

15th March:

Bright and early morning. Left the hotel for Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. It was a long journey. Past by many mountains.

Taiwan officially has 9 tribes, but they spilt it to 14 as of now. It is said that a fifteenth one is coming. So, the Culture Village we went to preserve the culture Taiwan's 9 hill-tribes. These include the houses, living styles, clothing and equipment, etc.

It is very informative and I enjoyed myself. The Village also boost a very lovely and grand European-styled garden in which the drama series, The Little Princess, filmed at. Furthermore, there is a theme park inside this Village too.

At first, we rode the cable car up to the top of the mountain with the tour guide which we'll then make our way down on foot and see the different things by ourselves.

The weather was quite cooling there. We stayed till 4pm before going to Wenwu Temple. It overlooks Sun Moon Lake and the water was lit up with the setting sun beams. It is a pretty sight.

We stayed the night at Miracolo View Hotel. Wonder how the hotel got its name? I reckon it is because the rooms overlook the magnificent Sun Moon Lake. My room is quite luxurious. Not only is the bathroom beautifully and wonderfully equipped, there is also a window bench made with clear glass and wood. It's Japanese-styled.

16th March:

Woke up very early to take pictures of the rising sun and the waters of Sun Moon Lake. Indeed, it's a sight to be reckoned. It is misty in the morning. It seems as though the waters and the sky are one.

Left for Sitou National Forest Recreational Area. It is an area with trails and accommodations. It is a one of the many preserved forested area in Taiwan. Tall trees and blooming flowers are in abundance here given the cooling weather. Occasionally, thick mist will rolled across the skies like waves. Took lots and lots of photographs here.

Went to the University Pond where university students of the past used to hang out at. There is a bamboo bridge across the pond and all seems whimsical.

Next stop was NanYuan Resort Farm where we will stay the night. Today is one of our more relaxed schedule.

The rooms in the farm is built in the European-style. Everything is made of wood and each room area is really big. The houses are built on water and the window overlook the pond. The beds are these Japanese-made healthy beds that are supposed to improve blood circulation and work out your kinks.

There are lots of activities on the farm, even water golf. There is a tiny plot of land in the middle of the pond and one is supposed to hit the ball there. Of course, if you missed, the ball fall into the water. It is pretty difficult to achieve that.

We were taken on a tour around the farm when we first arrived. We had a cruise around a huge pond and got introduced to the different kinds of plants in the farm. Flowers are extremely luscious here.

Good huh? B***** Brillant, that is.

Sighs.. Bad business. Missed flight. Delayed Flight. Lost baggage. Please, let the bad luck stop now.

5.58am now. Woke up at 5.15am to bathe. Taxi's coming at 7.00am.

Results for Sem 2.2

*Set off Fireworks*

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*Punch fist in the air*

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Edited at 2.10pm: CGPA of 3.76! Do you think I will have a shot at the Director's Honours List this time round?

OMG! I'm so, so happy right now!!

Nearly had a heart attack when the SMS came in just after 11am. This is what I've been waiting for for nearly a month. All those stress, all those emotions, I can't believe I'm saying this, but, it's all worth it when I lay my eyes on the grades.

2 distinctions! An all new record for me! Travel and Leisure and Managing SME deserve the honours. All the other subjects are As. As I said before, As really are addictive.

Club and Resort - A. Wow, I can't believe it! I thought the second test was pretty difficult. Guess they moderated it.

Communication Skills 2 - A. Not quite surprising. Perhaps only that I must have did well for my interview.

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Travel & Leisure - Z. Another Wow. I thought that my test was kind of screwed as I left some blanks. The group project is a major plus factor.

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Managing SME - Z. No surprise here. I wanted a distinction for this subject ever since Day 1. Good teacher equals good grade.

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Franchising Business - A. Ahh well, I must be content. If not for that disastrous day, perhaps, just maybe, I can get a distinction? Glad that the teacher liked our work so much.

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World Issues - A. Big surprise here! I thought World Issues is a pretty boring yet difficult subject. The contributing factor must be the group project.

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All in all, to sum up this semester grades is "Big surprises. Expectations reached".

Thank you, thank you, in so many thousand languages! To all the lecturers, to my group members, to myself, of course, to those who supported me.

Now, I must wait for the GPA. *Rub hands in glee* It's going to be goooood.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... (sort of)

...The taxi's waiting, he's blowing his horn...

...Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Lyrics borrowed from John Denver's Leaving On a Jet Plane.

That's right, I'm leaving for Taiwan tomorrow morning. I'll be back on the following Saturday. Things will have to wait till then. Yay! No work for a week, how cool is that?

Just hoping that the flight to and fro will be smooth and safe and that I'll have fun. Not forgetting, shopping!

Results out today! Heard a rumour that results via sms will be out around 11 plus. Can't wait!

Eclipse First Teaser Trailer

http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2010/03/11/at-last-the-eclipse-trailer/

Eeeeeeeeppppppp! OK, fangirl moment over. Know that I don't type these things often. This entry will commemorate the release of Eclipse's first teaser trailer.

Eclipse's first trailer is out today in the States! I am extremely hyped-up over it. And it's looking good for a first trailer. Because, after this, there will most likely be another teaser trailer and the full trailer, like most movies.

Not bad, not bad at all. *Happy sigh* This is enough to sate my thirst for the time being.

It has an haunting feel in its accompanying music and I just love the dark clouds in this trailer. It shows something foreboding. The colours here are very lovely indeed, without that ugly blue tint in Twilight the movie and it's not that "orange-y" in New Moon.

The few dialogue are chosen nicely to complement. Although, I have to say some of these dialogue are whispered out instead of saying. Without subtitles, surely I'll be at a loss. This 1 and a half minute of trailer truly showcase David Slade's eye for details and beauty. He is, to quote, "a cinematographic genius".

I love those scenery shots actually, unlike some others. It sets the feel and tone nicely of what they want to portray. Anyway, this is just the first teaser trailer.

One thing bad about it was the fact that Rachelle (original Victoria) left the set and BDH is the new Victoria. Given that she does not get much screen time anyway, this issue is alright to me. Although, I must say that I was upset, like many other fans, when the news came out. I hate changes.

With most things looking good, Eclipse will be awesome, with fingers crossed. David Slade has to do the book justice because it seems like not only is it a favourite of mine, it's a favourite of many other fans as well. And why shouldn't it be? Eclipse has the right amount of humour, love, action. It is an aftermath and road to something. It just sits well with me.

Can't wait for the movie in June, perhaps? Seriously, I have no idea when it will be released in Singapore.

Adieu, for now.

Eclipse Movie Trailer Sneak

http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2010/03/10/10-sec-eclipse-preview-now-on-line/

Eeeekkk! This just came out in the States! I am so glad I managed to catch it and rushed out this entry to commemorate!

It may only be a 10 second preview trailer of Eclipse, but fans are quite excited over it. Afterall, it's been months since we get any substantial news about the movie franchise. Tomorrow, we will be treated to the first showing of the first trailer of Eclipse movie. David Slade had better give the book justice.

Naturally, I am so excited over it. I must have watched it a few times since it came online a few minutes ago. I just have to catch the setting and 2 liner dialogue. *Swoon* I love the way Taylor said his line "until your heart stops beating..."

Ahhh! Within minutes, in the world of Twitter, Eclipse becomes a trending topic worldwide. This is the power of internet.

Can hardly wait for tomorrow's trailer! At first, I thought I was sort of over Twilight. However, I managed to surprise myself with my enthusiasm and excitement. Well, I am glad, I am not giving up until I have the full series in my hands.

Watching this trailer just reminded me that it's high time to work on my Eclipse movie countdown clock. I know, I know, I keep dragging it. But, once I return from my trip, I will start to work on the clock. I have managed to get hold of some pretty nice eclipse pictures.

I am thinking of something simple yet lovely. Something with the tagline "Can't fight with an Eclipse". Or maybe a poetry line.

Tomorrow, here I come! And of course, a date with my cousin and brothers to watch Eclipse in June!

Feeling Good

Or more specifically, good gut feel. I have this good feeling about my results for this semester. I slaved away just for this day of "glory".

Gahhh, I can't wait for tomorrow or Friday to roll in! There is a rumour going around saying that tomorrow will be the day where grades via SMS will be sent out. If that is so, then, my wait will be shorten by a day.

If not, on Friday, the website will predictably crash again due to the high influx of students logging in at the same time to check their results. It doesn't matter if I log in on the dot, because apparently, there will always be people faster than me. Furthermore, those staying nearer to school will have easier access than me who stayed so far away.

Anyway, I will be really pleased if I can get my aim of at least 4 As (with a Z), and 2 B+. I had a secret fixation of getting all As in one go. This is probably my only chance to do this. And I can get to show those who have a seed of doubt.

So very excited! This will be the perfect incentive for me to go shopping during my trip to Taiwan on Saturday. Yay or nay? All will be revealed either tomorrow or Friday.

I'm not going to go all complacent, obviously. I have strict goals in my mind. This is but a stepping stone. However, I think I more than earn it to celebrate. Anywho, I'm not going to think too much into it, although, truth be told, I have been thinking for at least a month now!

Finger crossed!

Alice in Wonderland movie review

Went for the showing of Alice in Wonderland 3D from Tim Burton at Jurong Point's Golden Village.
It was sort of a last minute decision. We were asked by my cousin whose family were going for the movie at 1.30pm. In the end, the three of us went alone via MRT since the parents had to go for the travel briefing by Chan Brothers.
We were seating quite near to the screen. Put on the 3D glasses when the trailers started and realised that the glasses were flickering and just plain weird by showing an array of colours when viewed. And there were no 3D effects. I was a bit sceptical then but chose to ignore it. I had enough after a while and asked for my cousin's pair to try on.
Hers were so clear! I decided to change mine before the movie started. The person told me the glasses were probably out of battery. Ahh, this second pair were much better. All the better to enjoy the movie with.
The movie is superb! I love the visual effects and the whimsical feel to it. It's truly a Tim Burton's film, what with his special touch and perspective. Just the right amount of humour that is entirely Tim Burton's.

Although, the film does not focus specifically on Alice's adventures from the first book we all knew, it was still awesome. Tim Burton said it was not a sequel, and was an adaptation from the Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass books.
The veteran actors and actresses were great in their roles. But, like many others, I feel that Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of the Red Queen is deliciously evil and funny. Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter deserves a recognition too. Other notable actors/actresses are Anne Hathaway (White Queen), Alan Rickman (who lends his voice to the Caterpillar), etc.
The movie is even better in 3D, in my humble opinion. I know, more and more films are coming with 3D to tempt the viewers and increase the size of their wallets. It's more expensive for the viewers too. Sighs, it's not possible for me to keep going for 3D movies.
I would love to see the movie again, on DVD. Except it will be without the 3D glasses. Not that I love those glasses. They are heavy and because I'm wearing my own glasses, it can't seat comfortably. Throughout the whole movie, I had to use my hands to keep the 3D glasses on. It will be totally great if the 3D glasses evolute into a lighter, better adjusted glasses which will be well-suited for all viewers.
Well, that concludes the Alice in Wonderland 2010 review.

Celebrations

On Sunday, we celebrated grandmother's birthday as well as the end of Lunar New Year with a feast at Spring Court Restaurant in China Town.

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It was great fun! We had a private room all to ourselves, all the way up on the 4th floor. The restaurant is in the old housing concept; tall but narrow. But, surprisingly, it was all quite grand. I love the toilets especially. It's special, what with it situated outside of the building retaining the old world charm and yet very modern.

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Shared a bouquet of flowers with my brothers which we bought for grandmother. The bouquet had 3 red roses and wild flowers to complement. Originally, I wanted to go with the sunflowers as it seemed much casual.

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Surprised my grandmother with the appearance of my cousins and their spouses. My father invited them along but apparently, didn't tell grandmother.

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So, 19 of us were spilt into 2 tables, adults on one table and the teenagers on another. However, because there wasn't enough seats for the adults, my mother and auntie sat at our table. Had one of those set dinners since it was still, technically, the Lunar New Year.

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There is Karaoke in the room too. Naturally, we were all quite shy and didn't sing much. Although, we listened to lots of songs. After much cajoling, some of them picked up the mike and sang.

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Had ice-cream cake which was bought by my auntie. It was a huge cake, as seen from the picture above. And we took our family tradition picture; mirror picture.

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My uncle ushered us all up to the highest level to take a family photo. We shifted tables and chairs as that place is a banquet room too. Wow, this is the first place the whole family, and I mean whole, took pictures together.

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Soon, it's time to get going as the time (3pm) was up and the staff were to have their rest.

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Thus, Lunar New Year 2010 came to a close.

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21st Winter Games

Woah! I just love the Winter Olympics at Vancouver! Yeah!

Will update again later~