Avillion Port Dickson Rendevous! PART 1

Finally the trip that my team has waited for the past few months is finally here! Its our very own retreat, to help us to bond better. But wait a min, aren't we very bonded already. We have spent weeks of together to almost 24 hrs during pre-race and lived with each other during race week, sleep, eat, shit together, practically all the bad and good habits we shouldn't know all are known here. Well, we just cant get enough of each other. haha. Despite our job as event planners, we decided to slack and not plan for the trip. We will just decide as we go. We have chosen to go to Port Dickson, Malaysia and chosen the resort villa at Avillion Port Dickson.

I would say if I wasn't suffering from stomach flu and having an uninvited "aunt" coming, I would have enjoyed better. No wonder my left eye had been twitching for at least a few hours. Well, just need to take it in stride and enjoy as much as I can, its what we called dealing with crisis. 

Since its a long weekend, many Singaporeans would travel to KL, we were, practically stuck in the jam at the Causeway for nearly an hr though its just a 15min ride. Well, the only thing we have on this trip is time, so we ain't worried at all. There are many ways to go PD from Singapore.

By Car:
Drive across the Causeway and head up north from Johor Bahru on the North-South Highway towards KL. At the Port Dickson exit, turn right and you're well on your way to Port Dickson.

By Bus: Take a coach from Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru or from Lavender Street in Kalang Baru towards Seremban (Terminal 1)  From Seremban, hop on another bus that heads directly to Port Dickson or take a cab, which cost about $48 ringgit for us.


By Train: Take from Tanjung Pagar and alight at Seremban and take a bus or cab.

By Flight: Take a flight to KL International Airport and take a taxi direct to Port Dickson. Or ride a bus to Sungai Pelek in Sepang and then grab the local bus that goes to PD.

We took about 3-4  hrs to reach Seremban. and another 20-30mins to our resort. As its Deepvali Holiday, so most of the places are lighted up with lights on the road and singing competitions in the Terminal 1 mall. The town area was truly bustling with people. But the resort is slightly more secluded, which gives it a little more exclusivity.

We ate at this place called Station Kopitiam, which I totally do not recommend. Do not be deceived by the nice interior, we should have gone with our Singaporean instinct, "If there is many people queuing, the food must be good".




Well, actually the fried rice was still alright.                                                                                               But the noodle has a really fishy smell, so no one ate it.                


       










But being a good sport, my team came up with a motto for the trip, "do not let anything upset us, and lets rest and relak" I am totally for it.


My trip to the resort wasn't exactly wonderful as I was nauseous the whole time, when we arrived at the resort, I was feeling really weak and unable to move. In my heart, I was thinking "shit!" I wonder if I can survive till Mon 12am which was departure time, 3 days away!! While waiting for my friends to check in, I stayed by the couch, and was feeling really terrible, and scrambling for my medicine and I found out I have only 3 pills left!!!  I should have thought of that. The words of my mum flashed back, "you shouldnt go, just pay your friends the forfeited amount." If I dont go, they have to pay even more as it was a cost split among 6. But I thought of the fact that we have planned and thought of it so long, I didn't want to miss it either. Well, forget it, I am already here, thinking of the worst, okay I passed by a hospital just now on the way here, if anything I can just go there and check in to a hospital. Sobbing at the thought of it.. Sigh... just didnt want to think so much. I took 1 pill and went to our room.

I would say the pleasant scenery of the place, kind of  took away my sickness. And, of cos, when one of my travel companion, our dear Damei, also offered to help me take my bag, which I totally appreciate, I felt really much better instantly.

    Right in front of the living room, we were greeted by a cosy bed.

   My humble corner.

As I was ill so my team decided to give me the small bed to myself, I actually prefer sharing but I was afraid my germies would spread too, so I took the option.
   

    Jacuzzi Bath Tub

    And next to another shower you can see through to the water below. But the water is pretty dirty, so not
    much fishes to be spotted. 

    And of course, we explore the toilet. haha!

Looking out of our balcony, its the beautiful sea.







When we reached the resort, it was already close to night time, so while the rest savour over the delicious KFC crispy chicken, I took a rest in my corner and ate whipped potato and countless slices of bread that dear Kimmy brought. 


As there is nothing much to do, we decide to go for a night swim. There is about 3 different pools. We went to the middle pool which was right in front of the dinning area, but we guess since its in the dark, shouldnt be too exposed. To the pool, we go!















I sat by the poolside to watch over their stuff as well as rested.

It looks like they discussing some serious stuff, but it was actually, I was winking at Pat of a cute guy at corner who was swimming near them so she was passing message to the rest and they were discussing if he was indeed good looking. haha ya some chick flick talk we enjoy. After much deliberation, they decided "not good looking." HAHAHA. okay I admit its quite dark and I am ill so my vision is slightly blurred.

By the time we went back, it was about 10pm, and at our bathtub, some of them enjoyed a self-made jacuzzi.

After a nice bath, we laze around the nice cosy living sofa, and watched TV. As it slowly slip into the night, Jo and Pat suggested playing TABOO! it was a really funny experience. Looking forward to Jo's turn as she always have a funny accent when she plays. lots of "err.  ahhh.. shit, fuck, damn, oh man... huh what the heck is this word.... " Man, we played till around 1am I think. Everyone slip under the warm sheets of blankets and slept. As I peer outside, it was pitch black...NITEZ.....

Saturday Morning arises!!!! 


My Messy Bed



Took a few photos on the way to the dinning area for our breakfast.






The spa villa



At around 10 am, you can visit the pet farm and feed the animals in it.















Introducing Xiao Bai










Yes, yes they are just doing what nature calls them to do.


Even rabbits have the right to cam whore... It looks so lovely.


A cocky cock. Da Mei's "lets go pet a cock!"



The breakfast buffet is quite alright. By the way, if you plan to go there, be warn that flies and mosquitoes are frequent travelers that visits. Do not be alarmed if 20 of them shares table with you. So bring along your mosquito coil and spray.

Okay, I need to prepare for my trip tmr for the Half-day Royal Caribbean Cruise. They have invited 40 bloggers to participate to blog about the trip. I am really excited as I have never been on a cruise. Yoohoo! So will blog more about it.

And they would offer a 5D4N night Isles of Southeast Asia Cruise if you are the TOP 4 Bloggers!!! Can you imagine??!!!

WAIT! the best part is ........

The winner would win a trip of A 7D5N Western Mediterranean Fly-Cruise onboard Liberty of the Seas which worth $4800.
Places such as Ports-of-call: Barcelona, Cannes, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitevecchia.

Looking forward for it tomorrow! 

Going back to the past....

Ooo! I love this new app called "Old Photo Pro" that can edit your photos to give it an rustic look...

ya , i know whats the socket doing there? haha.



What would you do

Recently, my friend posted up this video that caught my eye. It is about an experiment done on the response of strangers in a bar when they see a man attempting to take a drunken lady out of the place. Check it out!



I got really disgusted by the last few minutes of the video when the 2 married men just keep laughing as the guy was suggesting places he would want to take the girl to. And worst of the all, one of the guy is a cop. And he says that there is alot of complications especially if he is an law enforcer. ELLO! *roll eyes* thats exactly when we need you to enforce the law.

It led me to think about how sometimes when we see a person in trouble on streets it takes a long time for us to react. Remember the case about this couple at the populated public square at the Raffles Place Mrt Station fronting Chervon House. The couple are actors engaged by Lifestyle (The StraitsTimes), to act as a quarreling couple, and not only that, he would pretend to physically abuse her. It was conducted at 3 different places in Singapore.

At this point, if you were there witnessing this, what would you do?
Most response would be to walk away or watch "the good show". Which, true enough is the response of many, doesnt matter if you were in Toa Payoh - representing neighbourhood area, Raffles Place - populated by professionals, or outside Ion - shoppers or tourists. And it was reported that those who took action to response were foreigners. Where are all the Singaporean Men???

Things that goes through most peoples' mind could be:
"if I help her, I also get hit how?"
"if I help her, its so malu!"
"if I help her, later she say none of your business then how".

Well, if I was there, I probably wont help too. But I would call security from some nearby building. What if he hits me? I am so petite.  But I realise this phenonmeon of not reacting immediately is not just in Singapore.
This "phenonmeon" is basically called the bystander effect. It is derived from the infamous case of Kitty Genovese murder. If you have studied Sociology or Psychology, this case would not be new to you.

Case of Kitty Genovese
In 1964, Kitty Genovese was brutally stabbed to death in Queens New York. The attack lasted 30 mins and her assialant left twice the scene and returned to continue the attack. Media reported that 38 witnesses watched from their apartment windows and none called the police or helped. It caused a public attention and sociologists started to investigate this behaviour. Although it was later reported that there not 38 witnesses and the police was contacted at least once during the attack, and many of the bystanders who overheard the attack couldnt see the event.

Could we blame on the person character/ personality or its a social reaction?
Check out the next video. (Warning: Some viewers may find the video disturbing).



In the past, I used to think that if in a crowd, I would be safe as people would help. But according to sociologists, its not true. Check out the next video.



I remembered when I was still studying Singapore Institute of Management, there was a blonde lady literally lying on the stairs at the end of the bridge infront of the school. It happened during peak hour where all students were rushing to their classes. I was shocked and I had to walk past her as the stairs was quite cramped. And she was just lying there with eyes wide open. I looked around and was wondering why no one was helping. As accurately as what the sociologist said, I didnt want to stand out from the group. Till today I still regret that I didnt help or at least ask. But I still wonder at the fact that at least 30 people has passed her before me and no one helped. Well, but, there was once, I ran after a man after he dropped his hp in the bus, I rushed down after the bus and run up a flight of stairs, just to pass him back. I guess because it was a clear responsibility and no one saw the phone except me. Thus there was no diffusion of responsibility.

However, some people do make use of such helpfulness to their own benfits. My aunt was telling me there were a few cases of a woman pretending to be ill and fainted at Tao Payoh bus interchange and when people helped her she asked for money. We still need to be wary of such cases.

Sometimes, we are afraid because we think it is embarassing, but what is there to be really embarassed about? Because we stand out to show that we are kind?
We are afraid because the person might hurt us. then its advisable to find someone of bigger stature or position to help.
We are afraid it would complicate matters, I have nothing to say, except Karma do happens.

But there is one thing I ABSOLUTELY HATE. Its when guys throw their tantrum or show their anger in public by either scolding or screaming be it at their girlfriend or staff. Its totally uncouth. If you want to show your anger do it elsewhere. It just shows how uncivilised and childish the person is because he cannot control his temper. I do agree that girls should restrain from publicly showing anger, especially when using a shoe and hitting her boyfriend's urhmmm... in the public while hurling comments at him, it was rumoured that the guy cheated on her. (if you dont know what I am talking about, check out a video of a Singaporean woman hitting her bf with her shoe) But what damage could a girl do? I guess thats the most we can do, but guys' strength is so much more, well, our parents always tell us never marry a man that would hit you, if he shouts at you in public, it wont be long he would hit you, because he cannot control his temper. Wonder  how true it is?

Just watch the next video.


Well, before Kitty Genovese case, the bible has already talked about this situation of bystander effect, thats where we get the story of the Good Samaritan. Its not about the race, religion, statuts or whatsoever, if its a human, we just need to help. But do make sure you are safe as well.

Be safe!

Never been so sick

What a week for me. Staying in bed all day long. It all started probably last week. I gotten the flu bug from my mum. She is quite strong for her age despite her love to eat junk food and overnight dishes. We have told her to stop eating those overnight food but i guess all mums are the same thinks its wasteful. Anyway, she caught the flu virus and was very ill. I helped by buying her food and etc. I caught it as well. I was still able to go to work for at least 2 days. But on the third day, my health gave way. I refused to eat medicine for my flu as I chose the western way by letting the body fight the bacteria. And indeed it did, on the third day, I was almost completely healed of my flu but ended up with vomiting and high fever of 38.6 degree celsius.

I have written a post of my discrimination against young male doctors. I still do and even more affirmative now. I was seriously sick by this time. after vomitting twice and LS twice, I couldnt eat anything. having high fever and feeling faint. I was desperate for a doctor. I would usually go to Dr Lim and Chan Clinic, but as its always filled with people but I decided to try my luck. As usual, it was "bustling" with patients. Anyway, I went to try my luck at the 24hr clinic, hoping it would be the older doctor on duty. He is quite good at his diagnose and always gives me medicine that would heal within the day. But lo and behold!!! Its the young male doctor again. MY oh MY! you can imagine my disappointment. I totally mark this man! Why, you might ask. if you have not read my previous post. I feel his diagnose is always wrong, charges expensively, imagining other illness that you have. I really do not like this doctor. But I have no choice. I cant afford to wait. I needed medicine now. I shall give him another chance to prove me wrong. And true enough he didnt fail to charge me even more expensive, and this time at $79.00! And best, he says I might have urine infection and ask me to pass out some so he could check. After he checked, he says he found some bacteria and indeed it is urine infection. How am I suppose to know if he is right! Sigh never mind. I shall go home and eat the medicine and see how. maybe after so long, he might have improved in his skill. *looking at the medicine suspiciously*

I went home, ate medicine and slept.

Thursday morning, okay so far. but I still feel nausous and my stomache was still painful.. I decided to go to Dr Lim and Chan, as I still do not trust the doctor. Thank God, I timed myself rightly, and was the first patient, my dear sister visited me during her lunch break and sent me there. *touched*. but she couldnt stay as she got to go back for work. I felt strong enough and told her i am fine i can go home myself. But my dad also called to say he would come to meet me during his breaktime and fetch me home, I felt really touched when they fussed to send me back from clinic. I was served by Dr Chan, a male doc, but he is an old man, so i think still quite safe la. I preferred Dr Lim, the female doctor, she is a very strange lady but she is really good and has been the neighbourhood doctor for more than a decade or two, I think. But she has a way of comforting you. I suppose Dr Chan should be her husband as he is as weird as her but possess an aura that comforts you. He diagnoses it as gastric flu. Well, who am I suppose to believe now? But he only charges me $22!!!!! can you imagine!!!!

Thank goodness my dad insisted on coming to the clinic from work to send me back. I fainted at the table while waiting for him buy food back. And when I awoke, I vomited but as i did'nt eat anything since morning, I could'nt vomit anything out.

I came home, ate the new medicine and slept. Halfway through, I was shivering and got worse, I was shivering as though it was winter and covered myself with a jacket and 2 comforter but to no avail. I shivered for about 30mins and broke into high fever again. After eating fever medicine, I slept and finally, it subsided. At one point I was so weak as I haven eaten anything for almost 1and half day. I couldnt even lift my head or hand, my sister had to feed me. She took time off hearing that I was very ill. *once again very touched* I ate only bread and which was soaked in milo. Upon eating the second doctor's prescription, I was able to walk and and eat better. Conclusion..... the young male doctor has failed me yet again!

Fri morning, I vomited again, but still ate the medicine obediently. It was to be taken every 4 hrly and caused drowsiness, so I ate, rest, ate, rest. The whole day was spent like this. But by nightfall, I was feeling much better. I am still feeling nauseous and giddiness every now and then but decided to take plenty of rest hopefully I would be better soon. Sigh, think I might need to give the Halloween event a miss. I have never attended a Halloween party in my life and was truly looking forward to it this sunday. But given my condition, have to think thrice. Hopefully I would be better by tonight.