First taste of freedom.

First taste of freedom.

I officially ended my stint at the magazine today after seven whole months of feasting, writing and more feasting. It's been one hell of a ride, but the post island holiday inertia coupled with the extension has drained enough out of me these past two weeks for me to be glad for a breather.

It shouldn't take me too long to get back into the blogging game now that I've got more time on my hands, but I've got quite a bit lined up for the next couple of days before we leave for Hong Kong so my outstanding travel diary may have to wait.

For now, it's to the bed to repay some of that hefty sleep debt to wake up bright and shiny for breakfast by the bay.

Taking the stairs.

Taking the stairs.


picture from inmagine

I was running late, and further weighed down by the cook books in my bag and another in my arm. I could have easily (albeit illegally) skipped across the road, but I found myself lugging the load up and across the overhead bridge instead because of a promise I made. Now this is all rather new...

On a separate note, my apologies to those who have been asking to see my travel pictures. The post half's crafted but I don't see how I will have time to complete the entry as it's gonna be a busy two weeks ahead. But I'll try. ;)

Easy breezy.

Easy breezy.

I was initially a tad bummed when NTU issued me a work quarantine despite me choosing Indonesia over Perth, but the mandatory week off from the office has allowed me the breezy pleasures of lazy weekdays I didn't know I missed. There is some naughty delight in going to bed on a Tuesday knowing that I had the entire afternoon ahead to do as I would please. And for the first time in awhile, I could set a dinner date without fearing work would keep me back.




So there you have it - a visit by a childhood friend, digging into a tub of ice cream by the bay with newly bought spoons, a morning walk up the hill, a rowdy dinner with the girls where we initiated K's sis into the club, strolling up and down the grocery aisles at one in the morning, brunch with a friend I haven't seen in two years, and mussels, frites and beer by the river with my near and dear.

It's back to work for two weeks come tomorrow before we head to Hong Kong to pay Jinli a house visit. Just as well, for another easy week would whip the magic out of this. ;)

It's a beautiful evening...

It's a beautiful evening...

for a date, but mine's four days from home. So I'm slipping into my new breezy shirt dress for a night of casual eats and boisterous girly chatter at Spruce. ;)

Banana pancakes...

Banana pancakes...



are made for rainy mornings, as they are for sunny ones with the blue skies reflected in the side dish of honey. Off I go into the rain, for breakfast in the city. ;)

I'm back!

I'm back!



From a week of island hopping, choppy boat rides, sunset beach walks, chilly Balinese mornings and chillier nights, copious amounts of food, mind-boggling amounts of sleep, mapping our way around Lombok on a motorbike, relaxing massages, and stargazing.

Pictures to follow soon.

7.35am in Bali.

7.35am in Bali.

It's 7.35am in the morning. Gentle birdsong peppers the air in a haphazardly soothing symphony. The distant crowing of a rooster echoes in the background, while a yellow hummingbird playfully zips about the foliage in front of me. There's a slight chill to the air, and a quiet beauty to the start of the day. Good morning Bali. :)