Brunei Day Trip Highlights

Last year, I took a few months break from blogging, so I have quite a backlog. This year, I want to start the year right, with good blogging intentions, which hopefully I will be able to sustain, so here is my post on our Day Trip to Brunei.

You may be wondering why we only did a day trip, well, I went for work to check out the market opportunities there, so we were only there for a day, with some drive thru sightseeing along the way.

It was my first time in Brunei, and if there is one important tip you need to remember, it's that the Brunei Dollar is pegged against the Singapore Dollar, which means, Singapore Dollars are widely accepted in Brunei. So instead of changing currency upon arrival, just make sure you have Singapore dollars (which I didn't have.... Toink!). 

If you're Pinoy, your first stop (or last) should be the Jollibee right outside
the airport.

The chicken joy here is better than the one in the Philippines!
They have Chicken Strips too (which I missed) but don't order that,
It's not as tasty as the Chicken Joy. Bring Cash. Cards not Accepted.

Our first detour for a quick photo op was the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque which is known as one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific.

Our host, Jay!

We also passed by in front of the Istana Nurul Iman the palace of Sultan Bolkiah.

Then we did a quick look around The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei's famous 6-Star Hotel where you can stay for the low, low price of US$200. Seriously. That is such a steal.

We didn't have anytime to check out the rooms, but if the hotel lobby is any indication, it does look like a nice place to visit, especially given the cost.

We also drove by Kampong Ayer, a community of houses on stilts built on the Brunei River dubbed "Venice of the East" but I didn't get to take a photo because we were in the car, and it didn't remind me of Venice at all. Hahaha.

Of course, no visit is complete without stopping in a
souvenir store. Lolo Pete got this cute monkey for his
newly born grandson.

It was a very productive day trip, given that we fulfilled our work objectives, did some drive thru sightseeing, bought some souvenirs, had a good Chinese lunch, and made it back to KL in time for dinner too. 

Thank you Jay Jerrick PJ boy for arranging. Next time we go back let's stay at The Empire. just saying.

I'm back... My 2017 Highlights

I'm back!!!

I was on quite a long break this year. I admit, there were a few months when it felt like I took a sabbatical from life. I focused on getting healthy and I am happy to say that it worked. I am definitely more inspired and more energized, full of excitement for everything that is going on in my life, my passion projects included.

Since I am just getting my blogging groove back, let me make this my 2017 year end post as well.

There are a lot of things I am very thankful for.

1. The start of this year was very difficult for me financially. I don't know what happened, but it sure seemed like for the first few months of the year, all I did was dip into my savings come credit card payment time. I had to actually tighten my belt and NOT SHOP... and this lasted until October. (No wonder I got burned out with life!!! Hahaha). So I am thankful that I not only survived that very dark period this year, fingers-crossed, it seems to be over. Whew!

2. I gained 20+ freaking pounds, a sister in law, and I lost it. The 20+ freaking pounds, not the sister in law, which I am happy to keep. Kasi no return no exchange daw, according to my brother.

This is me and the extra freaking 20+ pounds.

On the rare occasions I posted photos, I had to choose the most flattering

filters, and crop the hell out of my arms.

Welcome to the family Reena!!!

Timmy and Reena's HK Wedding Feb 17, 2017

3. I got the shock of my life when I did my Annual Physical Exam in March and I stepped on the scale. OMG... so that's why I had to give most of my clothes away. I told myself I needed to make a change and get healthier. I decided to give the NutriBullet another try. I found a smoothie recipe I actually liked, and I take it every single day as a meal replacement. I realized that eating a later low calorie breakfast helps, I take my smoothie mid-day with a low calorie snack, then I take the other half at dinner with some protein and a lot of veggies. I feel lighter, more alert, and not deprived at all because I still eat all my favorite food (steak fat and foie gras included).

This is me 20+ pounds lighter. Thank you NutriBullet.

November 2017, 0 degrees weather, Budapest

4. Things were quiet travel-wise on the work front this year. But I was blessed with many travels with family and friends.

The whole family, Timmy and Reena included, with Auntie Celita and Auntie Lilian went to Europe for Holy Week.

Barcelona

Paris

I was able to bring my family to places I've visited before that I really enjoyed.

Lyon

Segovia

We had the best apartment overlooking the Aquaduct.

We ate at all the well known Cochinillo places (so I could blog about which

one is the best, coming soon)... so know you know how I gained 20+ pounds!!!

Marrakech

Where I gave Papa the shock of his life. You can read post on that here.

We visited my boss in Sri Lanka in November.

I've always wanted to visit a Tea Plantation. We not only did that in

Nuwara Eliya, we got to go Tea Plucking too.

Old Town Square in Prague.

I was also able to visit a lot of new places.

Brunei for work.

Visited Melaka with Jay's family and Anelle.

They have the best Christmas Markets in Vienna.

Walking Tour during a snow storm in Bratislava.

Can you spell Budapest?

I got to visit an old favorite too, maybe for the last time.

Painting shopping for the boss at Bogyoke Market

in Yangon.

5. My passion projects are doing well, with the 2018 collection in the works.

I have a new partner in growing Wanderlust online.

I am so glad the training brought us together Kate!

My leather crafting hobby did surprisingly well this 2017.

I already have products in the pipeline for our 2018 collection.

Wanderlust is truly inspired by places, to take you places.

I thank God for the time he gave me this year to recharge and reclaim my health.
I don't know what is in store for 2018 but I continue to pray for the best.

Give Good. I believe in Karma. It will come back. just saying.