My Yogyakarta Trip Part 1 - Historical Spots

It has been awhile since I have abandoned this site. The reason is, I have been busy ( chasing my HK TVB dramas + tuitions). And another reason is I have gained a lot of weights *cry*. I have gained 5 kgs and my pimple problem is not healing as well. This gives me no motivation in writing blogs. But, I checked my google analytics today, and found out that even I have not been writing for about a month, my visitor number has only dropped 26%, so there is actually people reading XD

Okay, enough of crapping (and showing off). I have just came back from Yogyakarta (also called Jogjakarta/ Jogja), Indonesia to visit my cousin studying there. It was an awesome trip! It was a 4 days/3 nights trip. I will split my trips into different sessions - historic spots, tourist attractions, things to do, shopping, hotel and food guide.

The tourist attractions can be quite boring as the places are all old and historic (ya, I hate sejarah too!) I bet most of you do not know Jogjakarta is the place where the Candi Borobudur is located. We learnt about Candi Borobudur in Sejarah, remember?

First up --> Candi Borobudur
Candi stands for temple. Even though Borobudur was not selected by UNESCO as one of the 7 wonders, but it is still considered a 'wonder' because it is a miracle for people from ancient time to build such a complex monument. And I was told by my cousin that Borobudur was initially built without using cement, just by stacking the stones up, how possible is that?

Me. ( fat stomach :$ )

Awesome carvings!

Arghh, vandalisme!

Trying to hog the stairs :P

A tranquil buddha.

My cousin trying to touch the buddha inside the stupa :)

(There is a saying, if you can touch the buddha's belly, your wish will be granted true!)

Stalls selling ornaments outside Borobudur.

Tips & Expenses:
1. It is always hot in Borobudur, umbrella and sunscreen is a must!
2. Do not walk alone when passing by the stalls at the exit, the souvenir sellers will bug you to death.
3. Entrance ticket - Rp15k ( ~RM5) for local, or USD12 for foreigner.
4. Photo permit - Rp1k (~RM0.40)
5. If you are superstitious like me, when reaching the top of Candi, do circulate the top a few times clockwise for good luck. (My sister and I went the wrong way, we went anti clockwise, hope we dont get bad luck instead!)

2. Kraton
Kraton is actually a palace where the royal families are residing in. However, it was closed when we reached there. :(

Can only look from far, since the palace is closed.

3. Museum Kareta Keraton (Sultan's Carriage Museum)
This museum shows different horse carriages used by the Kings in different dynasties. The carriages come in different design and different usage. Looking at these carriages reminded me of Cinderella :)

A luxury, German-inspired bronze carriage.

Carriage's wheel that as tall as my sister.

Guess what, this uncle is 109 years old! And he was a horse ostler of the royal family.

Guess what again, this carriage was used for funeral.

Tips & Expenses:
1. Kraton and The Carriage Museum are next to each other.
2. You will be approached by some so-called "tour guide" to bring you around when you reach a tourist spot. It is good to have someone explain things to you. Just remember to give them a token when leaving. We gave the "tour guide" Rp10k (~RM3.60)
3. Entrance ticket - Rp3k (~RM1), photo permit - Rp1k (~RM0.40)

4. Taman Sari (Water Palace)
The Water Palace is like a place for the Sultan to have his entertaintment. I could imagine the glorious days of the Javanese King and how romantic this place used to be. However the place now is kind of old and unmaintained.

Taman Sari from far.

A very pretty garden which is actually a place where the ancient singers and dancers performed. The area was made such that the sound system appeared to be "3D".Very canggih.

They have this tunnel thing, which used to be the water pathway towards the palace.

The pool where the concubines (gundik-gundik) used to bath. And the Sultan would look from the tower and choose the "lucky" one.

(The pool was very dirty that day. They should have cleaned the pool)

Expenses:

1. Entrance Rp3k (~RM1), photo permit Rp1k (~RM0.40)

Lastly..5. Museum Ullen Sentalu

This museum is located uphill at a very cool and tranquil place. The museum displays items on Javanese history. However, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the museum. It is a very pretty museum surrounded by trees and flowers.

At the entrance of the museum.

Surreal environment~

After touring the museum, we were given this gingery drink called Ratu Emas Tea. (Pardon my sister XD)

A statue of God of Fertality ( Dewi Kesuburan)

Camwhoring at Winter Sonata scene :P

Expenses:

Entrance ticket Rp25k (~RM7)

Alright, I think I will end this post. So tired posting up the pictures. Will continue on other parts when have time :)

Review - Dr. Mist and Playboy Deodorant Body Spray

I have just finished using the Dr. Mist Deodorant Spray, which I have heard good reviews on it, so I bought it. This is a fragrance-free deodorant and it can be used on arms and also feet. What I have to say about this product is, my body odour is too strong and this deodorant can only helped me to suppress the smell in only a few hours. *shy*

So, I shifted to this Playboy Deodorant, which is actually a for-men product, lol. I am a Playboy fan, I cant say "no" to anything with the rabbit head on it . The flavor for this deodorant is "hollywood", which I found the least strong among its range. It says "24h" on the package, and it should last 24 hours. I find this deodorant does a better job in "covering" the B.O, but the contra is the smell is too strong. Maybe I should use men's deodorant next time.

Job Hunting Finally Comes to an End !

Wow, see, rainbow ~~ :D

After 4 months of job hunting and after 20++ interviews, I finally got an offer. I am so happy!! I am very lucky to have friends and family who helped and supported me during this tough period of my life. I want to say thank you to you all ~ *tears*

Muahahaha....

I will start working in November, a bit worried because I have been kind of slack down in these few months, hope I can survive in this new company. Yay!

Review - Sabai-arom Kaffir Lime & Thai Grapefruit Shampoo

As requested by foxy, I am now doing the review for the shampoo that my sister bought from her bangkok trip. This is a brand called Sabai-arom, which is quite well-known in Thailand, their products can be found in the famous Boots store.

When I first saw the package, I saw the lime picture on the label. I thought this shampoo must be very drying, as lime is acidic. But, after using it, the shampoo is not as drying as I thought. I think this is because of the Grapefruit oil it uses. I love this shampoo! I like everything that is in citrus-flavour. The Kaffir Lime ( or limau kasturi in Malay) has a refreshing effect that I like a lot. It reminds me that during the Chinese New Year, my mum will buy Kaffir Limes and chuck them into the bath tub. It symbolises a new beginning or something like that in Chinese tradition.

The aroma therapy benefits of the shampoo.

You would thought that it would smell something like the dishwasher, but it doesnt, haha! It is a mixture of grapefruit and lime, a very refreshing smell. As you shampoo, the bubbles on your hair will diminish and then the hair is kinda like tangled-up, but once you rinse it, the hair becomes smooth again. I like this shampoo because it is not drying and the scent is great!

The colour of the shampoo doesnt look very nice.

According to my sister, the shampoo costs her about RM30 something for 200ml. For me, I think it is slightly expensive, but I guess it is reasonable because the ingredients are 95% natural as written on the package. And for the de-stress factor, I think it is still a very good shampoo.

More Interview Questions - Xilinx, Usains, Intel and JVC

Time has passed and I have been jobless for almost 4 months. I am still waiting for reply, I cant wait to tell the world, therefore I am looking for the day to come.

I have compiled a new version of interview questions, click here for those who are interested. Questions that I have posted previously, click here.

Shopping - Eu Yan Sang 130th Anniversary Sale

I was in Eu Yan Sang Queensbay Mall today, and the shop was packed with people. Eu Yan Sang is having a big sale for its 130th Annivesary, many things are 50% off.

If you have been reading my posts, you would that I am a fan of Eu Yan Sang. I needed to restock some honey. So, my housemate and I bought:

Essence of Chicken with Ginkgo Biloba Extract x 3 = RM90

Honey with Propolis (NP: RM59) + Honey with Royal Jelly (NP: RM69) = RM80

I got two voucher of RM5 from EYS too!

Review - Montagne Jeunesse Hot Vanilla Self Heating Mask

It has been a long time since I made a review on beauty product. Actually, I have had some products to review, however I got no mood. Due to my three months of stressful job-hunting period, I have been holding back to buy new products and shopping.

Now, I can say that I am seeing my rainbow is coming soon. My miserable days will be over, but things are not confirmed now, I will update once it is confirmed. (lol, i hope you get what I mean).

So, I was walking in Guardian today, and I found this range of mask having a promotion, buy 2nd piece for 50%. So, I bought two masks. One for RM5.90. This is a clay mask with Vanilla flavor, yum?, lol. I bought this because it says "Opens & Deeply Cleanses Pores!". My face seriously needs some cleansing as dead cells are piling up and my forehead is very "dirty".

Me in my shower cap. Sorry for blurr picture, taken using webcam. :)

It was my first time to use a self-heating mask. And what I can say is... It's really hot! The mask is muddy, the texture is something like the cream foundation that you put on face. The moment I put the mud on my face, I felt the hot sensation on my skin, it was not warm, but hot! But after awhile, it cooled down. I am guessing that the mask reacts with water, because when I rinsing off the mask, I felt the "burning" sensation again!

The mask smells like Vanilla, like a Vanilla yogurt. It actually tasted sweet, lol, I accidentally tasted some because it dripped onto my lips. It was yucky, dont ever try it. For the result, I would say the mask worked quite well on deep cleansing my skin. Because after I washed, I could see my blackheads are less bulging, and also the pimples on forehead are easier to be pressed out.

I would buy this mask again. And I will review another mask of Montagne Jeunesse in near future.