Met United Buddy Bears For Second Time

Nowadays, social media network like Facebook, Twitter and even Blog are spreading news way too fast than the newspaper and even in television and radio. All you need to do is snap a photo and post. Done just by few clicks. I can't recall how I came across about United Buddy Bears happened to be in Kuala Lumpur early of this year but I'm for sure it must be somewhere from social media network. Seems like I am the last blogger to blog about this.

So before flying off to Phuket early of this year, I stopped by KL for a day and keep telling to my friend that I wanna meet all of these two meter tall fibreglass bears. Afterall, I met United Buddy Bears for the first time when I was in Berlin, Germany back in yer 2008 and therefore, I am so desperate wanna meet them again for the second time.

I only knew there is a merchandise store located on the 5th floor after I went back to KK =="

Located in front of the entrance of Pavilion KL and I ♥ to see the United Buddy Bears surrounding the fountain.

The unique among the others with holding heart between the two golden bears. ♥♥♥

Unlike the experience I had in Berlin where the bear sculptures are scattered around, this exhibition was displayed at one point and it makes thing easier where you take photo or even hug with them without worrying that you might miss out any of them.

These bears are indeed so colourful and attractive to anyone who passby Pavilion.

Say "Peace" as this is one of the message that United Buddy Bears wanna spread out to the world. 

"Angry Bear" I assume...

My very close and best friend, Chris with one of her favourite bear. 

These bears are everywhere...

Either on your left...

Or even on your right

Met Eisenstein bear for the second time. This is one and only bear sculptures that I snapped for the second time. The rest are extremely a whole new experience to me.

The first and virgin appearance of our own Malaysian United Buddy Bear. This is its first time experience joining the other bear sculptures on the globe-trotting mission.

Unfortunately, I didn't managed to take as many photo as I want with all of these United Buddy Bears cause my friend and I are rushing for last minute shopping in Pavilion. Hunting for a wedding gift for my friend whose wedding will be held a week after my Phuket trip and also last minute to search for a new pair of sunglasses cause mine was broken before my island getaway even started. Deng! I can't live without sunglasses everytime I'm on travelling especially to the island.

Goodbye United Buddy Bears. Till then, hope to see you all again!

And if you're asking which of these bears are my favourite, I would definitely say "ALL OF THEM!".

You can check out this too: Met United Buddy Bears in Berlin

MyeongDong After The Dark

I posted about Myeong-Dong, the infamous shopping street in my previous post before (click here) but have you imagine how it looks like when the sun decides to take a break and the moon takes turn? 

So, after spending almost half of our day visited the love and romantic island, Nami Island, we're heading back to Myeong-Dong. Initially, we decided to visit N Seoul Tower but seems that all of us are so tired and exhausted, hence without thinking too much, heading back to Myeong-Dong is our next alternatives in order to hunt for our dinner. 

Once we stepped out from the subway station, I was so surprised and shocked whether are we reach the exact location? How come the Myeong-Dong I used to know has become another night street markets where a group of street vendors came out from nowhere and setup in the alleys and walkways between the buildings? All I ever heard about Myeong-Dong was it is famous for countless of fashion beauty and cosmetic outlet and crowded with numerous of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and night clubs too but never came across where it will be more happening and bustling during the night time. I just can't explain why but I am deeply in love with street markets. Love to see the different kind of street foods and assorted products selling in the night market which sometimes I couldn't find in the shopping mall.

Cheap and trending garments are everywhere. Some allow to bargain, some not. 

Plenty of handphone accessories especially the casing.

For super huge fans of K-pop, I guess you will be insane when seeing this. Thank goodness I'm not.

Even counterfeit products would not to be miss out in night market of Myeong-Dong.

Boxers and towels of the high ends brand. Anyone interested with this especially the guys?

Love the colourful and vibrant neon light during the night time

Things Must Do When Travelling: Eat McD. Had tried different kind of McD in more 10 countries.

My haul bought from Myeong-Dong. If you love accessories such as necklace, bracelet, ring, hair clip and more, Myeong-Dong has many kinds of varieties.

Seriously, spending just a night to venture around night market around Myeong-Dong is never enough for me. I went again with my friends on the next day - to buy more and eat more. 

Foodie Friday: Fullhouse, Suria Sabah

Finally Fullhouse is arrived in Kota Kinabalu and I'm so excited for that! I always wanna visit this themed lifestyle cafe when I went back to KL last year to continue my study. Unfortunately I didn't managed to visit any of those outlets in KL cause they are located too far from where I was staying. What to do? Doesn't posses a car is like that. But since now Fullhouse is in KK, can't wait any longer to try it.

Up to date, I went Fullhouse three times with my family, friends and my boyfie too. So as usual, this post is compilation from all my visits to Fullhouse Suria Sabah.

#1: It's comprises of two floors and the ground floor are easily being spotted. 

#2: Their menu even has storyline at the back. But then, since like no ending one the story.

Let's take a look at the beverages that we ordered:

#3: From my first visit with boyfie: Chocolate Ice Blended (RM9.90) and Iced Korean Jujube Tea

#4: Two special drinks: Peach & Yogurt Magic Ball Special Iced Blended and Vanilla & Kiwi Ice Blended

#5: Mango and Grape Topped with Green Apple Jelly

Now's here for the main meals:

#6: Wok-Sear Chicken Chop (RM16.90) - I ordered this twice. Served with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies.

#7: Al-funghi Spaghetti (RM14.90) - Served with oyster mushroom and chicken. Boyfie ordered this and he said portion was too small for him.

#8: Fullhouse Club Sandwich (RM13.90) - Chicken, turkey ham, egg mayo, cheese, tomato served with fries.

#9: Teriyaki Chicken Burger (RM17.90) - Served with fries too.

During my second visit, my friends and I spotted Petitfour which I didn't noticed that on my first visit. Coincidentally, my friends were celebrating my pre-birthday so they ordered and treated as my birthday cake. Thank you my crazy and lovely deariests.

#10: Buy 5 and free 1. "Tantalise your taste bud, have a petitfour" - That's their tagline.

Just like what I heard from my friends' reviews, Fullhouse is indeed quite pricey and the portion of the foods are quite small. But then, chill out with family and friends in this beautiful environment with a creative and elegant decoration once in a while makes every penny you spend worth everything. Don't you think so?

#11

Location:

G7 & 1-10
Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Lot 1, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Nami Island, The Winter Sonata Island

Date of Visited: 11th September 2011

On the fourth day of Seoul trip, my friends and I headed to a particular attraction results from the kicking off the Korean wave of the famous Korean drama - Winter Sonata. I guess there is no introduction needed for this Nami Island cause it has certainly became the top blooming tourist spots.

Initially from my research we should take bus but at the end, we didn't do so cause we worried that we might not able to catch up the bus according to the time schedule. We woke up quite late on that day cause so exhausted after spending almost half of our day visiting Everland the day before. Not only that, the map that I got was quite outdated and surprisingly the station to reach Nami Island is not stated inside the train map. Luckily our guest house coordinator was so kind and she tried her best to give us the correct direction and station using the apps of her smartphone. I was shocked when I saw she was using the metro apps and it would tell you how to get there and how long it takes. So cool man!

The journey from Myeongdong to Nami Island required at least 2 hours or more because Nami Island is located outskirt of Seoul. Seriously, there's quite few interchange station needed just to reach this tiny half-moon shaped island and the final one took almost an hour to reach.

How To Get To Nami Island (By Subway & Cabs)
As usual, we started from Myeongdong Station, Subway Line 4 and we have to interchange the following stations:

1. Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Subway Line 4
2. Gunja Station, Subway Line 5
3. Sangbong Station, Subway Line 7
4. Gapyeong Station, Subway Line Gyeongchun.
5. Upon arrive at Gapyeong Station, can opt either to take bus or taxi. But the local recommended taxi cause it cost less than 3,000 won for a trip. You can walk if you want but I warn you, it is so far away.

And here we are at Nami Island. Ok! Haven't reach the island itself yet by the way and this is just the wharf. It is not just an ordinary island but an imaginary country by the name of "Naminara Republic". It has invented its own national flag, anthem, passport, currency stamp and telephone card. Too bad I missed out the passport counter or else, I will have another collection of passport stamp. But don't worry cause there is no passport needed to enter Nami Island. All you need is admission ticket which serve as the visa.

The admission fee for Nami Island is 8,000 won which included 5,000 won for entrance fee and 3,000 won for round trip ferry. The ferry trip took less than 10 minutes. Therefore, don't expecting any seats inside the ferry. Just enjoy the surrounding view and it will make you breathless.

Welcoming board with different kind of languages.

After the trains and ferry trip, finally we reached Nami Island itself but again another pouring day which really spoils the travelling mode.

Can choose either ride bicycle just like the sweet loving couple as the photo above or by foot. We prefer to explore the entire island by foot cause the bike is rent for sure, not FOC.

The scene of "First Kiss" as well as other important scenes of the Winter Sonata drama. 

Among five of us, I am the only one who brought umbrella along. I always carry umbrella with me and never left it behind. This is the "First Kiss Bridge".

Then I noticed that there are two spots of the "First Kiss". Quite confused with that but who cares about it anywhere (unless for the super huge fans)

Because the rain is getting heavier, we got no choice but to take a break before continue to explore further. Have our lunch while waiting for the rain to stop. Ordered bibimbap (steamed rice with vegetables combines with spiciness of Korean chili paste) and Korean pancake.

Thank goodness! Finally the rain has stopped and without waiting any further, immediately we do the things that a tourist or traveller should do; TAKING TONS OF PHOTOS!

There even has a recycling center, environment (protection) school and green store and this shows that the population's commitment towards the environmental protection and awareness.

Souvenirs/Gifts shop. Here is where I send the postcards to my friends and few bloggers too.

Not forgetting, to retrace the star-crossed lovers steps and spot scenes.

This awesome and gorgeous alley of Korean pine trees is everybody's favourite spot for picturesque.

Trails of the Winter Sonata can been seen almost anywhere in the entire island.

Before leaving Nami Island, saying goodbye to this sexy naked lady statue which just standing beside the wharf. Her name is Namimaid by the way. We spotted her before we left the island.

You can visit Nami Island at anytime because it is ideally beautiful at every single season. Just need a lil pray for a fine and better weather so that can enjoy more without getting wet like us. Nami Island is indeed an idyllic place to relax yourself and enjoy the nature at the same time. 

TIPS:

1. The ideal time to visit Nami Island is during autumn season where all the branches of the Korean pine trees are full with reddish orange leaves.
2. You might need at least half or a day for the entire trip.
3. Highly recommended for the newly wed couple to visit this because it is such a romantic places. I even dropped down in postcard to one of my girlfriends saying this is the best place for her and bf for honeymoon.

[Credit To: Korea4expats.com]