Hainan Tour 2013: Legend of the Phoenix (凤凰传奇）

Brought the 5D4N National Day Special Hainan Tour Package from Deal Website at S$238 each, the package include 4 Night 4/5 Stars Hotel Stay (1 Night Stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island), Tour of Boao Forum, Jade Belt Beach, Betel Nut Valley, South Mountain Cultural Village. As I have to attend the Wedding Ceremony of my wife younger brother on 14th Sep 2013 (Saturday), I book the 13th Sep 2013 (Friday) and 20th Sep 2013 (Friday) Jet Star Flight and book the Tour from 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday) to 19th Sep 2013 (Thursday). Jet Star is having a National Day Promotion where the Return Flight is Free, the flight had cost S$231 each which include 20 Kg Check In Baggage.

Day 1: 13 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0500 hrs and set off for the Airport at 0530 hrs. We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 0600 hrs and had Breakfast at the Airport after we check in our luggage. Brought Two Bottle of Liquor and Two Carton of Cigarette for the Wedding Ceremony at the Duty Free Shop before we proceed to the Boarding Gate. We took off at 0730 hrs and landed at Haikou Meilan Airport at 1100 hrs. As the International Airport had been relocated about one month ago, our transport only manage to pick us up at 1200 hrs.

We arrive at Wenchang at about 1400 hrs and have our Lunch at a Local Restaurant, we finally arrive at the Village at 1600 hrs after another hour drive from Wenchang. We took an afternoon nap and have Dinner at the village at 1900 hrs, I went to sleep early right after dinner at 2100 hrs as I have to wake up early at 0200 hrs the next day to accompany the groom to fetch the bride. Actually that is not really require but since it would be boring waiting at the village I might as well visit Danzhou.

Photo with Bride and Groom

Day 2: 14 Sep 2013 (Saturday)

We woke up at 0200 hrs an set off for Danzhou at 0300 hrs, after 4 hours of journey on the round island expressway we finally arrive at Danzhou at the West Coast around 0700 hrs. The bride side insist that the Bride can only leave at 0900 hrs for auspicious reason and we have to wait like an idiot for two hours. If we have known that earlier, we would have set off at 0500 hrs from the village instead. We were suppose to return to the Village by 1300 hrs or we would have miss the auspicious hour for the groom side and seem like the bride side is purposely stalling our time so that the Bride can dominate the Groom in the future.

We have Breakfast at 0830 hrs and started the Prayer Ceremony at 0900 hrs, the ceremony on the bridge side is also very different from the traditional Chinese Ceremony. Usually Chinese would require both the couple to pray to the ancestor together, but the bride side would require the Groom to pray first and make Cigarettes Offering (Usually Southern Chinese Offer Tea while Northern Chinese Offer Wine) before the Bride do the Prayer.

We finally set off and head back to the Village with the Bride and the Bride Maids from the bride side, the bride side only give a TV to the groom side which I find a bit less as my wife younger sister actually give a Fridge, Washing Machine and Water Heater to the groom side when she got married last year. After 5 hours of journey with a lot of stop in between for the bride side people to go toilet we finally arrive at the Village at 1430 hrs which is way pass the groom side auspicious hour and make prayer to the ancestor before they enter the Village. Most of the friends and relative on the groom side had already left after the Lunch and the Bride is also not willing to make Tea Offering to the groom side.

I finally have my Luncher (Lunch cum Dinner as Brunch is Breakfast cum Lunch) at 1530 hrs and the Bride finally agree to make Tea Offering after much persuasion to the groom side at 1600 hrs. I went to sleep early at 2100 hrs as it was a very tiring day for me today.

Day 3: 15 Sep 2013 (Sunday)

I woke up at 0700 hrs and set off at 0830 hrs for Train Station, we arrive at the Wenchang Train Station at 0900 hrs and brought the Train Ticket at 17.5 RMB (S$3.5) to Meilan Airport. The Train set off at 1100 hrs and we arrive at the Domestic Airport in just 30 minutes, another 30 minutes walk to the international airport to meet up with our Local Tour Guide at 1200 hrs.

The Tour Agency Journey of Dream Pte Ltd seem to have forgot about my booking and made a last minute arrangement on 12th of Sep 2013 (Thursday) after I have send an official complaint to Deal Website when I could not contact the agency for two days to get my booking confirmation for the tour. It is no surprise as I have already expected that there were no other people in the group when the local tour guide met up with us on the Airport on 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday). The local tour guide told us that the Tour Agency had not transfer the payment to them yet and there was no arrangement of one night stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island and we have to pay 838 RMB (S$168) each for the Optional Tour Package.

We arrive at Haikou at around 1300 hrs but we were unable to check in the Hotel at Haikou as the Local Tour Guide was unable to contact the Tour Agency. We went for Lunch at a Noodle Shop nearby while we wait for the Tour Agency to reply the Whatsapp Message which I had send earlier. After trying very hard to contact the Tour Agency, they manage to confirm the booking for the 7 Stars Hotel in Phoenix Island and ask me to pay the Local Tour Guide for the Optional Tour Package and get the Official Receipt to claim from the Tour Agency when back in Singapore. We finally check into Room 1224 of Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel at 1400 hrs.

We take an afternoon nap after check in and have Cray Pot Bone Soup 126 RMB (S$25) for Dinner at 1900 hrs, also brought a Nail Clipper Set at 40 RMB (S$8) the Night Market near to our Hotel and Sleep at 2200 hrs.

天下第一寿： 生母七十，生老百年。

Day 4: 16 Sep 2013 (Monday)

The Tour Guide had arrange for Morning Call at 0630 hrs, we had Breakfast at the Hotel Cafe at 0700 hrs and set off for our tour. First stop is Five Sage Temple at Haikou and we reach there at 0830 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Brought the Photo at 10 RMB (S$2).

We set at 0930hrs and arrive at Qionghai for Early Lunch at 1100 hrs, we arrive at Boao Forum at 1230 hrs to take a Boat to Jade Belt Shore (a Reclaim Beach with Fresh Water on one side and Sea Water on the other side). Took Photos with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore at 5 RMB (S$1).

 Photo with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore

We arrive Xinlong Coffee Factory at 1430 hrs and brought some Candy for 60 RMB (S$12). We check into Room 6406 Bright Moon Holiday Hotel (which is very similar to Mahkota Hotel in Melaka, Malaysia we stay last year) in Xinlong at 1530 hrs. We decided to visit my wife younger sister at Xin Zhong Confectionery at 1600 hrs. I help them do some computer maintenance while my wife help them with the Bakery, we then proceed to a Steam Boat Restaurant nearby where they treat us Dinner at 2100 hrs. We proceed back to the Hotel and sleep at 2200 hrs.

Day 5: 17 Sep 2013 (Tuesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs and had Breakfast at the Hotel at 0730 hrs, the first stop for the day is a Chinese Medical Hall at Xinlong name Hundred Tree Hall. As usual my wife is not happy about the way I made fun of those fake Chinese Doctor which I did during the last Beijing Trip in last year November. The Master will always by chance visit the place for few days and he will always tell you that you got some medical problems which he found out from the foot messager or tour guide who chat with you before. He will always say he could either try to cure you with his internal strength and finally ask you to buy fake medicine from them. I walk out right after and my wife actually pity the foot messager and brought a cheap plaster from them.

We set off at 0900 hrs and I requested the Tour Guide to bring us for Additional Tour of Monkey Island near Sanya at 180 RMB (S$36) each. We reach Monkey Island by Cable Car at 1030 hrs and brought Monkey Food at 10 RMB (S$2) to feed the Monkey before we proceed to watch two performance. We left Monkey Island at 1200 hrs and have Local Specialty Noodle nearby before we go Betel Nut Valley.

 Betel Nut Valley

We arrive Betel Nut Valley at 1300 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Betel Nut Valley is a Tourist Spot with Tribal Culture, it is similar to the Tribe in Yunnan where they know Black Magic. They will put all the poisonous creature into a jar and let them fight and the last survive will be grind into powder for the black magic. It will be cast by getting the husband to ingest the powder by adding into his food, if the husband is unfaithful to the wife he will become very sick and no medication could cure him. The only way is to beg for wife forgiveness before the antidote is given to him.

Tribal Culture are dominated by Women where the Man must work three years in the Girl Family before he can ask for marriage. The first year he must learn to plant rice,  the second year he must learn to collect sap from rubber trees, and the third year he must collect enough Silver Ore to learn to craft 25 kg of Silver Wares as Downy for the Bride (A Head Dress, A Bracelet, Two Bowl, Two Pair of Chopsticks) before he can get married. If any time the bride family are not satisfy with him performance, they will give him a bag of rice and a red hard boil egg and ask him to leave.

 Phoenix Silver Head Dress which weight more than 15 Kg

The Silver Bracelet they wear have strong medical properties as they soak it in Medical Herbs for a long period of time after they have craft it. They usually wrap the Silver Bracelet in an hard boil egg and rub it on the body to remove any poison from themselves. The Egg and the Bracelet will turn Black after the treatment as it had absorb the poison from the body. They usually clean and polish the Silver Bracelet with Soy Sauce, Tooth Paste or Coke after it had turn black from absorbing poison. I brought a Phoenix Craving Sliver Bracelet for 1612 RMB (S$322) for my wife and also brought Two Packet of Honey Coconut for 30 RMB (S$6) and Two Photos for 30 RMB (S$6).

We left Betel Nut Valley at 1500 hrs and arrive at South Mountain Cultural Village at 1600 hrs.

View the Golden Goddess at 20 RMB (S$4) each and brought Blessing Ribbon at 30 RMB (S$6). We had Dinner at 1900 hrs before we go for additional Las Vegas Show at Beauty Crown Theater which recommended by our tour guide at 280 RMB (S$56) each at 2030 hrs.

Tower 5 Room 2003 at 7 Stars Beauty Crown Hotel in Phoenix Island

Finally check into Tower 5 Room 2003 of Beauty Crown Hotel at Sanya Phoenix Island which is the major highlight of the whole tour at 2330 hrs.The Curtain is Automated Open the moment we step into our room, all the switches are touch sensing type. The shower room have three different type of jet spray from the ceiling and a open bath tub at the balcony. With such a impressive Hotel Room of course it will be Sexy Time for me and my wife.

Day 6: 18 Sep 2013 (Wednesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs as usual and have Breakfast at Tower Three at 0730 hrs. As the Phoenix Island is a very big Reclaim Island ready for the Casino Project, the tour guide have to drive us from Tower Five to Tower Three for Breakfast.

First stop for the day is Dr Tea Tea Shop at 0900 hrs, I decided to buy some high grade Puer Tea as an investment for 1600 RMB (S$320) as it have very good medical properties and will age and increase value like vintage wine. Together with the purchase is a Tea Set that change color at high temperature, Low Grade Puer Tea, Kuding Tea which is local specialty. As usual my wife is not happy like the last time I brought the Tianqi Flower in Shanghai Trip last year September, but at least she very impress by the Color Changing Tea Set which I could have brought it at 10 RMB (S$2) at any Bazaar in Guangzhou.   

We arrive at Silk Factory around 1000 hrs, my wife brought five pair of Silk Socks at 100 RMB  (S$20). As we thought we could leave, the tour guide insist that we have to stay for 90 minutes to fulfill the tour package terms an conditions. My wife pity the Sale Girl who had just started the job two months ago and I have to buy a Micro Fiber Blanket at 680 RMB (S$136) which I could have brought at S$40 in Singapore or 150 RMB (S$30) in Guangzhou. The Sale Girl was very happy and sold us a 680 RMB (S$136) Silk Pillow to us at the staff price of 200 RMB (S$40), I was thinking what kind of bullshit is that.

Resort Room at Bird Nest Paradise in Yalong Bay

We finally arrive at Bird Nest Paradise at 1200 hrs, it was another additional tour which I have requested at 260 RMB (S$52) each. It was the famous Rain Forest Resort where the Chinese Movie You are the One 2 (非誠勿扰2) use as the shooting location. We visit the Hanging Bridge for 20 RMB (S$4) brought Photos for 30 RMB (S$6). The Famous Room which use to film the movie cost 9999 RMB (S$2000) per night stay, it use to be 4000 RMB (S$800) per night stay before the movie make it famous. We get to visit the Room for a 50% discount price of 50 RMB (S$10) each due to tourism down season and it come with one free photo per person. The weather suddenly turn bad with haze and thunder storm due to the Typhoon Season, but we were lucky that our tour have come to a fruitful end.

We had Late Lunch nearby at 1430 hrs and proceed to Bamboo Factory at 1530 hrs. The Factory is specialize in Bamboo Charcoal and Fiber, Activated Charcoal created in vacuum condition at high temperature of 2000 Deg Celsius is good for absorbing toxic substances from water and air, it is commonly use in Water and Air Filtration Equipments worldwide. It is also known that acidic water is good for cleaning the body while alkaline water is good for consumption. Activated Bamboo Charcoal have the ability to turn water into alkaline and absorb toxic substances. 

Bamboo Fiber is a new concept which was develop recently during the Shanghai World Expo few years ago. It does not turn moldy like cotton and has higher absorbent rate of three to four times of cotton. It also have a natural anti bacteria properties which make it an excellent choice for clothing over cotton. I brought a Thermos Flask, Seven Towels, Two T Shirts, Five Pair of Socks, Six Pair of Underwear, Two Boxes of 12 Pieces Activated Charcoal Cube, Two Tube of Tooth Paste, a Tap Filter, a Soap for 1847 RMB (S$370).

I was given two chance in Lucky Dip Scratch and Win, the first try didn't get any luck but the second try got me first prize. I was entitled to buy two pieces of Jewelry at 85% Discount so I brought a Sapphire Ring and Necklace for my wife at 1944 RMB (S$390). My wife scold me stupid and choose to ignore me for the rest of the trip but she didn't know that I actually knew how they play the trick and kind of play along with them.

The trick is very simple, there are two bowl of lucky dip. one with all the no prize tickets and the other with all the first prize tickets. They will let you pick from the first bowl and get nothing, then they will let you pick from the second bowl and get first prize. The jewelery price have already been adjusted to 85% more and with the discount you are actually buying the jewelery at the normal price. I remember I did brought a Sapphire Necklace at Penang, Malaysia for my wife few years ago when we went Star Cruise. It cost about 900 Ringgit (S$390) and now I am getting two at the same price instead of one, the only problem is whether it is real or it is of the same grade. 

We finally set off at 1700 hrs for Haikou, the tour guide say he left his tour guide license at the resting room and turn back to search for it, but we know he just went back to collect his commission for the sale. At least it will make him work harder to please us and keep hoping that we would look for him again the next time we visit. The weather had turn very bad with heavy rain as we head back, the tour guide suggest we stay Xinlong for the night as it is not very safe for a drive at the highway in this weather condition. We were lucky that the weather turn better after a while and we stop by at Huangzhu for dinner at 1930 hrs.  

We finally arrive at Haikou at 2100 hrs, the tour guide told us that the 2030 hrs Special Effect Light Show was canceled due to weather and suggested to replace it with Massage. I found out later from the internet that the show ticket was 165 RMB (S$33) each while the Massage was only 65 RMB (S$13) each from the Massage Girl. I have to pay additional 50 RMB (S$10) for an hour extension and 88 RMB ($18) for my wife facial. We check into Room 1011 at Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel Haikou at 2300 hrs and pay addition 350 RMB (S$70) one more day extension. My wife realize that she had left her purple gold earring at the Massage Parlor and I had to call the tour guide to go back to search for it. 

Day 7: 19 Sep 2013 (Thursday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We waited for my wife younger brother at the Hotel before we went for Lunch at 1230 hrs. Our plan for shopping was disrupted by the heavy rain and decided to head back to the Hotel. We meet up with the bride family for Dinner at 1900 hrs as it is Mid Autumn Festival. We went for Foot Massage at 2100 hrs and proceed back to Hotel and sleep at 2300 hrs.

Day 8: 20 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We set off for Airport at 0900 hrs and arrive at 0930 hrs. Our flight took off at 1200 hrs and landed in Singapore at 1530 hrs. It was told that the Phoenix cast itself into the fire and reborn again, traveling oversea for tour is just to learn the different cultures and try to get along with it. A Tour is like daily life, you can choose to ignore all the setback and learn to enjoy it or you can give up and cry about the petty things and spoil the whole purpose of the tour.

Beijing Tour 2012

Brought the 5 Days 4 Night Luxurious Emperor Beijing Tour Package by Gloree Tours & Travels at $398 per person from Deal Web Site, the Airport Tax for Air China Flight is additional $320 per person. Tip for Tour Guide at $6 per day for 5 days is $30, so the whole package cost about $748 per person. The tour package include Air China Flight with 5 Stars Hotel Stay and All Meals, it is consider a very good deal as we only have to pay for the Flight Ticket where the 5 Stars Hotel Stay and Meals are basically sponsored by the Specialty Shop which we have to stay for about 60 to 90 Minutes.

Day 1 Saturday 10th Nov 2012

We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on Saturday 10th Nov 2012 at 0715 hrs and take off at 0930 hrs for Beijing. We arrived at Beijing Airport at about 1545 hrs, by the time we clear the Custom and found our Tour Guide Miss Han it is already 1630 hrs. We immediately board the Van which can accommodate 13 persons and set off for Dinner.

We had our Dinner at Dalian Seafood Restaurant, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Dice, Stir Fry Pork and Vegetable. We proceed to Shijingshan HNA Hotel right after dinner and Check In to Room 838 and 839 right after Dinner and rest for the Night.

Day 2 Sunday 11th Nov 2012


Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue at Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府）

We went to the Super Market nearby after Breakfast and brought Three Set of Winter Glove and Hat at RMB 150 (S$30) for my Mother, Aunt and Wife. The Tour Guide fetch us at the Hotel at 1100 hrs and set off for Lunch. We have our Lunch at Chong Qin Steam Boat Restaurant, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Slice, Stir Fry Pork, Steam Egg and Vegetables.

We proceed to Solana Shopping Centre （蓝色海湾） right after Lunch. As we have to wait for another Group who will join our Tour Tomorrow we decided to hold our Actual Tour Itinerary until they have join us.

We decided to visit Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府）as part of the Additional Tour since we do not have any plan for the afternoon. The Entrance Fee is actually RMB 80 (S$16) per Person but we pay RMB 90 (S$18) for the Transportation and Tour Guide. I brought 40 x Amulet for RMB 600 (S$120) and 20 x Card for RMB 600 ($120) as Souvenirs for Friends and Relatives.

Prince Kung Mansion （恭王府） is related to a Legend, it was once the Mansion of He Shen （何伸） an Eunuch who was well like by the Qian Long （乾隆） Emperor and Promoted Nine Rank and become the Right Hand Man of the Emperor. He was a Greedy person and have accumulated a lot of Wealth and Treasures from his Post over the Years. There are Three Wonders and One Treasure in his Mansion, the Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue, the Treasure Collecting Pond （聚宝盆）, the Nine Thousands Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Blessings and the Number One Blessing （天下第一福） in the World.

The Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） Stone Statue is form by nature erosion and he brought it back from Jiangnan （江南） when he accompany the Emperor for Tour. It immediately bear him a Son which he have long for and it really resemblance a Women Carrying a Child which look like the Goddess of Mercy （送子观音） which give Blessing to Child Birth.
The Treasure Collecting Pond （聚宝盆） is design in the Shape of a Gold Ingot （元宝）, the Money Trees are Plant around the Pond. The fallen leaves will collect in the Pond which signify Money falling into it. It is greatly related to the Feng Shui of Ancient Chinese Tradition.

There are Nine Thousands Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Wooden Bat （蝠） Craving on the Building in the Mansion, Bat was believe to be direct representation of Blessings （福） in Chinese Wordings. The Number One Blessing in the World Hidden in the Stone Forest （石林） located at the Stomach of the Water Dragon （水龙） complete the Figure to Ten Thousands （万福）.

The Number One Blessing （天下第一福） in the World is a Manuscript written by Kang Xi （康熙） Emperor when his Mother is suffering from Sickness due to Old Age. As the Emperor is believe to be the Son of Heaven （天子）, he bear the direct responsibility to Pray for Blessing （祈福） for the Mother Health. He mediated for Three Days and created this Manuscript which actually bring Good Health to his Mother according to the Legend.

The Manuscript represent five worldly desires with one word other than Many Blessing （多福）, it also represent Many Child （多子）, Many Talent （多才） or Wealth （多财）, Many Land （多田）, Many Longevity （多寿）. As Kang Xi （康熙） Emperor only created Three Pieces of Manuscript in his whole life, this Manuscript had been classified as the Number One National Treasure by the National Leaders and National Culture Department.

We proceed for Dinner after that, and have Stir Fry Chicken, Stir Fry Pork and Vegetables. We return to our Hotel after Dinner and rest for the Night.

Day 3 Monday 12th Nov 2012


Forbidden City （故宫）

We set off for National Theater at 0700 hrs right after our Breakfast, Mr Kwok and his Family of four had join us for the Tour for the Next Three Days. The National Theater is some how very similar to the Esplanade Theater in Singapore. We proceed to visit Tian An Men Square （天安门） and Forbidden City （故宫） after that, due to the 18th National Parliament we have to go through very tight security check before we can enter into the Premise.

The Ancient Chinese Feng Shui Belief was included in Most of the Buildings in China especially Beijing the Capital which originate from Ming Dynasty until now. The North was represented by the Water Element Blue Tortoise which is the Position for Elder in the Family, the East was represented by the Wood Element Green Dragon which is the Position for Son in the Family, the West was represented by the Gold Element White Tiger (this was Earth Element in Korean Culture) which is the Position for Daughter (Thousand Gold Girl) and finally the South was represented by the Fire Element Red Phoenix which is the Position for Servant (this can also be Women as Phoenix are usually related to Women).

The Water Dragon run from West to East where the Head is located at Central South Sea （中南海） Headquarter (The Office for National Leader). The Earth Dragon （土龙） run from North to South which is the Central Line which divide the Beijing City, all the Major Building Locations are aligned to this Central Line including the Forbidden City （故宫）, the Heaven Temple （天坛）, Ming Emperor Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） and even the Recent Year 2008 Bird Nest （鸟巢） and Water Cube （水立方） Olympic Stadium.

We have Lunch after our visit at Forbidden City （故宫）, and have Peking Duck, Stir Fry Chicken, Pork Rib, Steam Fish, Fried Prawn, Fried Egg, Duck Soup and Vegetables. We visit the Tea Shop right after our dinner and was taught on knowledge of Tea as our Previous Jiangnan （江南） Tour.


Pagoda at Heaven Temple （天坛）

We visit the Heaven Temple （天坛） after Lunch, it is the Temple where the Emperor Pray for Blessing from Heaven （祭天）. It had a Centre Stone at the Three Level Platform which most believe a person can hear the Sound from Heaven and Hell when standing directly on it. It had also a Echo Wall （回音墙） which you can hear three repeat echo when you shout standing at the middle of it. The Pagoda is build completely out of Wood and all the structure were joint without any Nails.

We have our Dinner at Cantonese Restaurant after that, and have Curry Chicken, Stir Fry Fish, Sweet Sour Pork, Pork Patties, Fried Egg and Vegetables. We went to watch an Golden Sand Myth （神秘金沙） Acrobat Show after Dinner and went back to Hotel and rest for the night.

Day 4 Tuesday 13th Nov 2012


Great Wall Certificate

We visit Jade Factory after our Breakfast and was taught on knowledge of Jade as our Previous Jiangnan （江南） Tour. The only additional Knowledge is that the Jade Bracelet should be worn on the Left Hand as it is Closest to the Heart (this is similar to Wedding Ring Culture).

We visit Great Wall （长城） after that, my wife only complete half the Journey while my Mother and Aunt only waited below. I have to do one and a half journey as Mr Kwok and his two sons lost their way, as you can guess the additional half journey is done together with the Tour Guide out of Good Will to help locate them. I got a Certificate for RMB 30 (S$6) with Photo of My Wife and Myself on it.

We have Lunch after that, and we have Gong Bao Chicken Slice, Stir Fry Chicken, Pork Knuckle Peanut Soup, Fish Ball Soup, Winter Melon Soup, Braised Tou Fu (Bean Curb) and Vegetables. Mrs Kwok decided to treat my family to the Additional Tour of Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） at RMB 35 (S$7) per person in appreciation of my help to find her family.


Ming Emperor Statue at Thirteen Tomb （十三陵）

The Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） of the Ming Emperor are build at a Feng Shui Location with Longevity Mountain on the North, Green Dragon Mountain to the East, White Tiger Mountain to the West and Red Phoenix Plain to the South. The Red Army Leader Mao Zhe Dong （毛泽东） had decided to build a Dam during the Culture Revolution （文化大革命） in 1949 to stop the Water Dragon （水龙） from flowing through the Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） to his advantage as he fortune is lack of the Water Element. So the Head of the Water Dragon （水龙） had been alter to be in Central South Sea （中南海） Headquarter (The Office for National Leader) instead of Thirteen Tomb （十三陵） during the Mao Era.

There is a Gate of Hell where only the Emperor Coffin and the Carrier can past through, we have to Stomp our feet (Left for Guy, Right for Girl) three time and wipe off the dust on our body and shout “We are back” when we return from the Tomb Visit to prevent any bad fortune from following us.

We went for Tibet （西藏） Foot Massage after that, and the Specialist try very hard to convince us to buy Tibetan Medicine by demonstrating Qi Gong （气功） (Ancient Chinese Martial Art Energy Power). My mother and my aunt decided to buy the Herbal Satchel for Soaking Feet after much persuasion.

We went to Wang Fu Jin Walking Street （王府井步行街） after that, we have various Local Food at Dong Hua Men Eatery Street （东华门小吃街） which is located there. We have our Dinner there too and have Crispy Duck, Fried Fish, Stir Fry Pork, Meat Ball, Braised Tou Fu (Bean Curb) and Vegetables. We ask the Tour Guide to arrange for the Legend of Gong Fu Show （功夫传奇） at the Red Theater （红馆） at RMB 280 (S$56) per person. We went for Night Tour of Chang An Street before we return to Hotel and rest for the night.

Day 5 Wednesday 14th Nov 2012


Pagoda at Summer Palace （颐和园）

We visit the Silk Factory after Breakfast and was taught on knowledge of Silk as our Previous Jiangnan Tour. They have 6th Generation Silk Products which kind of remind me of the relationship of Apple iPhone Generation. I brought a Panda Soft for my Nephew at RMB 480 (S$96). I realise that the same thing sold for RMB 240 (S$48) at the Panda House at the Zoo and RMB 180 (S$180) on the Street.

We visit Summer Palace （颐和园）after that, the Kun Ming Lake （昆明湖） is Shape of the Peach （寿桃） which signify Longevity Sea （寿海） and the Ten Thousand Longevity Mountain （万寿山） is Shape of a Bat （蝠） which signify Blessing Mountain （福山）. The Dragon （龙） was Suppress by the Phoenix （风） in the Summer Palace as the Ci Xi Dowager Empress wish to hold Power and refuse to let the Son Emperor Rule. There was Dragon Statue which stretch out the Claw signify the Emperor Begging for things and the Phoenix is located at the center to signify it Authority over the Dragon.


Giant Panda （大熊猫） at Zoo

We went to visit the Panda House at the Zoo after that, most of the Giant Panda （大熊猫） and Small Panda （小熊猫） were lazy and were taking their afternoon nap. There are also Golden Monkey （金丝猴） there which appear much more active as compare to the Pandas.

We have our Lunch at Thai Village Restaurant, and have Fried Fish, Fried Prawn, Crispy Chicken, Sesame Ball and Vegetables. We visit the Jewellery Shop which is located there, and was taught on knowledge of Jewellery as our Previous Jiangnan Tour. The only additional Knowledge is they demonstrate the Refractive Index of the Precious Stone by the Laser. The Boss actually try to convince us into buying Jewellery by giving us a Gift of Jade Pendant and Generous Discount of RMB 12800 (S$2560) Ruby Ring at the Price of RMB 200 (S$40). I brought a Ruby Necklace at RMB 660 (S$132) as a gift for my mother.


Pan Gu （盘古） IBM Tower Shape Like a Dragon （龙）

We went to visit the Year 2008 Bird Nest （鸟巢） and Water Cube （故宫） Olympic Stadium nearby after that. The Bird Nest Stadium were build to match the International Conference Centre which Shape like the Phoenix （凤） when view from the Top, while the Water Cube （水立方） Stadium were build to match the Pan Gu （盘古） IBM Tower which is Shape like a Dragon （盘古） (as Chinese believe Water will provide Energy for Dragon to Soar the Sky).


Willow Tree at Shi Cha Hai Bar Street

We went to Shi Cha Hai Bar Street （什刹海酒吧一条街） after that and watch the Old Beijing Movement Acrobat Show （老北京动起来） there. Visitor are welcome to give Tips of RMB 10 (S$2) to RMB 20 (S$4) after the Performance and I decided to give RMB 20 (S$4) as I can see they really put in a lot of effort into the Performance.

We have Dinner after that, and have Crispy Duck, Steam Fish, Chicken, Fried and Steam Dumpling, Fried Egg and Vegetables. We went to Silk Street Shopping Centre （秀水街） after that, where I realised the Pricing there were to Slaughter Tourist when the same Panda Soft Toy I brought for RMB 480 (S$96) were selling at RMB 580 (S$116) there. Even Android Tablet which selling at Shenzhen （深圳） at RMB 500 (S$100) were selling there at RMB 1000 (S$200). The worst is when I went to ask about a Micro Fiber Blanket which is selling in Singapore at S$30 (RMB 150), to my surprise they actually ask for RMB 750 (S$150) from the start and finally lower down the pricing to RMB 250 (S$50) after much Bargain.

We arrive at Beijing Airport at 2000 hrs and take off at 2330 hrs for Singapore. We arrived at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at about 0600 hrs, by the time we clear the Custom, brought some Duty Free and get our Check In Baggage it is already 0700 hrs. We decided to have Breakfast at Starbucks Cafe before we proceed back home.

An Enchanted Voyage

A dream fulfilled, a fairy tale in the sea. I had spend most of my life working onboard ship, and it had always been my dream to spend a trip onboard a ship without any work involve. The main concern I had is not about the money, but mainly because of the time itself. I had been very busy with my work all these years and never really got a chance to pursuit the kind of life I really wanted. So it had come to a point where enough is enough, and I had to make a drastic decision to get myself away from my work to pursuit a dream which I had never got a chance to fulfill. My management might hate me for my decision as I am suppose to guide the new Assistance Technical Superintendent on the docking repair of the vessel Avon.

I got a very good wife, a wife which a most men could only dream of. She had been very accommodating with me on my work, and had never complaint even I had never bring her on any oversea trip for more than two years. The last trip we had was a family trip to Vietnam when I left my last company. This trip was the only compensation I could make up to her after all these years where we had been married. So I book for the trip on the internet and apply for my annual leave the next working day when I am back at the office. It was exactly one month before my birthday, and everything seem to fall right into place with the Gala Dinner onboard the cruise ship on the exact day of my birthday.

I always wanted a balcony, but my mom had destroy my dream due to her selfishness when we first renovate our new house thirteen years ago. I was very lucky as the tour agency had inform me that there is only one Ocean View State Room with Balcony left when I book for the cruise. It was a chance not to be miss, and I had made the right decision on the spot without much hesitation. I had never regret that harsh decision as both my wife and me actually enjoy the coming voyage which was so enchanting that we forgot everything we left behind back in Singapore.

The whole package cost S$2,218 for two, with Cabin Fare of S$988, Passenger Handling Charge of S$100 and Fuel Surcharge of S$21 per person. We get to enjoy priority embarkation with complimentary drinks, dinning credit of S$200, special access to SPA facilities and exclusive balcony class seat at the Theater.

Day 1 5th Dec 2010 Sunday

We arrival at 1400 hrs on 5th Dec 2010 at Singapore Cruise Center to check in our baggage, proceed to register for our access card and immigration clearance at Level 2 before we board the vessel. We arrival at our new home at about 1530 hrs and was welcome by the staffs with the complementary drinks at the Grand Piazza at Deck 7. I spend S$128 of dinning credit for a Yellow Label Champagne for the Gala Dinner, and proceed to Deck 11 to leave our bags at our Room 11036.

We were a bit late when we arrive at Lido Theater at 1615 hrs for the booking of Restaurant for the Gala Dinner, both Samurai at Deck 8 (Japanese) and Noble House at Deck 7 (Chinese) were already fully book by the queue number 30 and below, and the queue number we get for our booking is 134. So the next better choice we have is the Western Set Dinner at Bella Vista located at Deck 6. The staffs come and pester us to spend our remain dining credit on another bottle of Canalleto Pinot Grigio (Sparking White Wine) which cost S$50 and Chateau Los Boldos Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Wine) which cost S$39. I had over spend S$17 on top of my S$200 dining credit within an hour onboard the vessel, but at least I got two bottle of wine to bring back after the trip.

It was Afternoon Tea at Mediterranean at Deck 12 at 1630 hrs, then it was Carnival Opening Ceremony at Grand Piazza at Deck 7 at 1745 hrs, Sail Away Party at Parthenon Pool at Deck 12 at 1800 hrs and Ship Tour at Deck 12 Activity Center at 1830 hrs. We have our Dinner at Mediterranean at Deck 12 at 1900 hrs and return back to our Room 11036 at Deck 11 at 1945 hrs to wash up for the evening.


Carnival Opening Ceremony at Grand Piazza at Deck 7 at 1745 hrs

I actually planned for the 2015 hrs Juggling Show at Lido Theater at Deck 7 but my wife had took too much time in her shower and I had to change the plan for the evening to Line Dancing at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 2100 hrs instead. Another S$16 was spend on Cocktail Drink while we were at Galaxy Of The Star. We manage to catch the second Juggling Show at Lido Theater at Deck 7 at 2200 hrs before we call it a day at 2245 hrs.

Day 2 6th Dec 2010 Monday

We woke up the next day morning at 0730 hrs and have our Breakfast at Pavilion at Deck 6 at 0800 hrs. It was Line Dancing with Snowman at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 0930 hrs, Latin Groove at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1000 hrs and S$30,000 Bingo at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1100 hrs. I brought two set of Bingo Ticket at S$30 and get a free Bingo Ticket for Bingo Bonanza on Wednesday Morning, I also brought five Instant Win Ticket at S$20 which give one more free Instant Win Ticket. We did not manage to win the Bingo but we did manage to win S$4 from the Instant Win. We have to go all the way to Oasis Casino to claim the prize money for the Instant Win.

We have our Lunch at Pavilion at Deck 6 at 1200 hrs and prepare for our City and Shopping Tour in Penang at 1430 hrs. The vessel arrive at Penang at 1400 hrs and we gather at Lido Theater at Deck 7 at 1415 hrs for the Tour. The Tour cost S$55 per person and include Trishaw Ride, Wat Chayamankalaram Temple Visit and Shopping at Gurney Plaza. We get to buy some Local Delights at Shop and I spend RM 206 for some coffee, biscuit and medicate oil. We have our light dinner at Gurney Drive Hawker, RM 4 for Fried Kway Teow, RM 6 for Satay and RM 4 for Coconut. I brought a Ocean Blue Sapphire Pendant with Platinum Gold Chain for RM 902 at Gold Heart Jewelry at Gurney Plaza for my wife and I was entitled to 9 Lucky Draw Coupon which give me a chance to win a car.


Wat Chayamankalaram Temple at Penang Island

We arrive back at the vessel at 1930 hrs and have our Dinner at Pavilion at Deck 6 at 2000 hrs before we head back to our Room 11036 to wash up for the evening. We went for the Spotlight Crew Show at Lido Theater at Deck 7 at 2145 hrs and call it a day at 2230 hrs.


Day 3 7th Dec 2010 Tuesday

We woke up late the next day morning at 0730 hrs as my mobile phone had adjust its time to an hour later to match the Thailand Time Zone. We decided to skip breakfast and bring along the biscuit we brought yesterday and gather at Lido Theater at Deck 7 at 0745 hrs for the Elephant Riding Adventure Tour. The Tour cost S$85 per person and include visit to Cashew Nut Factory, Elephant Ride at Adventure Safari, Wat Chalong Thai Temple Visit and Thai Buffet Lunch. I spend 650 Baht for the Elephant Ride Photos, 270 Baht on Cashew Nut, 102 Baht on Tiramisu Chocolate and 800 Baht for a dress and two hand bags for wife. We manage to go for Traditional Thai Massage for Two at Grand Merlini SPA at 1500 Baht at Patong Beach and tips the Therapists 100 Baht each for their excellence services.


Cashew Nut Factory at Phuket Island

We arrive back at the vessel at 1630 hrs and wash up for the evening to prepare for the Gala Dinner that night. The evening started with Fashion Show at Grand Piazza at Deck 7 at 1755 hrs, follow by Gala Cocktails at Bellini at Deck 8 at 1815 hrs. The Gala Dinner started at Bella Vista at Deck 6 at 1845 hrs and we have Baked Escargot and Smoked Salmon and Nori for our appetizer, Ox Tail Broth and Cream Of Mushroom for our soup, Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Seafood Thermidor Style Gratin for our main course and finish with Baked Alaska for our dessert. I got a complimentary birthday cake from Blue Lagoon at Deck 7 and it was delivered to our table 55 at Bella Vista with birthday song from all the staffs there.


Gala Dinner at Bella Vista at Deck 6 at 1845 hrs

It was Gala Show Rasputin at Lido Theater at Deck 7 at 2115 hrs, Juggling Lesson with Terry Parade at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 2200 hrs, Game Show with Cruise Director JM at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 2240 hrs. I brought the Terry Parade DVD for S$25 and we call it a day at 2310 hrs and went back to our Room 11036.

Day 4 8th Dec 2010 Wednesday

We had breakfast at Bella Vista at Deck 6 at 0800 hrs the next day morning and Tinikling Traditional Filipino Bamboo Dance at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1000 hrs. I took part in the Game Show The Weakest Link at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1030 hrs and manage to survive until Round Three before I was eliminated. It was Bingo Bonanza at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1115 hrs after that and Lunch at Bella Vista at Deck 6 at 1200 hrs. We spend S$50 on the Slot Machine at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 after Lunch and my wife actually manage to get the winning to S$65 with three lucky hit. But we did not walk away and decided to finish all the credit while we wait for the S$38,000 Bingo at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1400 hrs.

It was Hip Hop Dance at Galaxy Of The Star at Deck 12 at 1500 hrs and we went back to our Room 11036 to wash up for the day at 1545 hrs and check out at Reception Counter at Deck 7 at 1630 hrs. We had our last dinner at Bella Vista at Deck 6 at 1700 hrs and get off the vessel at 1930 hrs.