Exotic Eastern Europe - mystery, beauty

The mystery and history of Eastern Europe came to me under the cover of the coldest winter in 28 years. First, it was -7C in Prague, and then it went down to a brain-freezing -18C in Krakow..wow!

But without that deep chill, I wouldn't have picked up my first fox-skin ruskie-hat in Krakow, or brought the true horror of the Holocaust into reality..deep winter in striped pyjamas for the millions who perished in concentraion camps across Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. What an experience indeed.

And then the beauty of Eastern Europe unfolds - exotic Prague, the Berlin Wall, the "Buda" and "Pest" sides of that beautiful city, followed by Vienna and Strasbourg. The contrast between the past and now for these cities is amazing and must be there to really appreciate it. Try to be there, for at least once in your life, if you can. Especially, in winter.

1000 Places to See/Experience #2

1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission ..#2

- Halong Bay, Vietnam

(stand on the front of the boat for that awesome 360-view, with the gentle winds sweeping your hair)

1000 Places to See/Experience #1

1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission ..#1

- Streets of Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam

(in the cool months, the streets are crazy hectic but uniquely caught in a time-warp)

Hanoi and Halong Bay - "Heaven & Earth"

The raw beauty of Hanoi and Halong Bay is simply captivating!
Perhaps it's the cool weather that surprised me. Or perhaps it's the old beauty of hectic Hanoi ("beep-beep!") coupled with the handsome, awesome islets of Halong Bay..

But whatever it was, the combination of Hanoi and Halong was a clear winner for me. I am beginning to learn that my short getaways to world-class beauties like this one at Halong Bay and last year at Angkor Wat have more meaning to me, carving out outstanding meories along the way.


What a way for me to start my own "1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission!", taking inspiration from the travel series-cum-book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die".

And Hanoi and Halong Bay are indeed the first 2 of my own 1000 Places!

12 Months, 12 Cancer Warriors..

In a meaningful tribute to cancer warriors who have successfully beaten cancer, Parkway Hospitals gathered 12 survivors together (for each of the 12 months of a year) at the Old Parliament House in October to give them an endearing afternoon, with family, friends and members of the press.

While an impressive String Quartet serenaded the warriors, Dr Ang Peng Tiam took to the stage to congratulate all 12 survivors who have successfully passed the all-important 5-year milestone. A lovely studio-produced photo-frame was given all the survivors to mark the occasion. This momento certainly gave me even more incentive to pass the next milestone of 10-years.

Goodness, why not aim to go all the way and pass the 50-year milestone all the same!

My 5-Year Milestone!

My 5-year milestone of being cancer-free is here, and it's today, 16-06-11!
Let the fireworks begin..

Thank you to everyone who have supported me, no matter how small or how insignificant you thought it was. I am so grateful, words cannot describe how I feel right now..

The Inner Child in Us..

There's a child in all of us.
And for me, watching Justin Bieber on stage brought back the teenager years, as he brought the house down last month.

And when The Lion King roared on the brand new stage at Marina Bay Sands, I know I am in touch with my inner child. What a spectacle of pure simplicity and beauty, at the same time. Makuna matata!

Seductive Spain and Portugal..

My own "Amazing Race" continues..
This time, it's the seductively beautiful Spain and Portugal!


Until one puts some quality time into Spain and Portugal, you only hear of Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon. But the cities on the outskirts of each main city bring plenty of surprises, from the unique architecture of Salamanca, the flaming suckling pig of Segovia and the quiet charm of Zaragoza ("3653"). Toledo was another gem!

What a grand Iberian trip, indeed!
My "Amazing Race" therapy continues..