Thursday, January 24, 2019

Logic Puzzles with Solutions

Puzzle 1: How do you cut a circular cake into eight equal pieces in just 3 cuts?

Puzzle 2: You have a 3 liters and a 5 liters measuring jug. How are you going to get 4 liters from it?

Puzzle 3: You have 10 sets of 10 metal balls. You know the balls should weigh 10 g each. You know the balls in 1 set are exactly 1 g lighter. You are allowed to use an extremely accurate digital weighing scale only once. How do you determine which set of balls is lighter?

Puzzle 4: You have to fill the boxes with numbers from 1-8 by following below mentioned rules.
Rule 1: Predecessor and successor can’t be besides. Example if we take number 3 in any box, than neither side of 3 can have 2 or 4.
Rule 2: Predecessor and successor can’t be upside or downside. Example: if we take 3 in any box, then the box above can not have 2 or 4, similarly box below can not have 2 or 4.
Rule 3: Predecessor and successor can’t be diagonally either.

Puzzle 5: A Farmer had to cross a river, he had a Dog, a Chicken and some Corn. The Dog will bite the Chicken and the Chicken will eat the Corn if the Farmer is not around. The Farmer can only take 1 out of the 3 on the boat when crossing the river. How the Farmer can cross the river?

Puzzle 6: A dysfunctional family has to cross the river. On one side of the river are a Mother and 2 Daughters, Father and 2 Sons, the Maid and the Dog. There is a boat only big enough to hold 2 people (counting the dog as 1 person). Only the adults are capable of operating the boat. Everyone has to get to the other side, without anything bad happening.
Now the difficulties are : if the Dog is left with anyone and the Maid isn’t there to control him, he’ll bite. The Father can’t be left with any of the Daughters when the Mother isn’t there. Likewise, the Mother can’t be trusted alone with either of the Sons when the Father isn’t there.
Remember! only an adult can operate the boat, and the boat can’t drive itself.


Puzzle 7: A Cowboy need to cross the river with 4 Horses, he can only ride 1 and pull 1 when he cross. The Horses cross river at different speed, A require 1 minute, B require 2 minutes, C require 5 minutes and D require 10 minutes. The duration of the crossing will be the slowest Horse. If base on this logic, he cross with riding A and pulling the remaining Horses will be take 19 minutes in total as follows: A and B cross = 2 minutes, A come back = 1 minute, A and C cross = 5 minutes, A come back = 1 minute, A and D cross = 10 minutes. 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 10 = 19 minutes. But there is a way that he can complete the task at a shorter duration. Can you figure it out?

Puzzle 8: You got 8 eggs, 1 egg is spoil. The spoil egg is lighter than the other eggs. You can use a balancing scale only 2 times. Can you find out which egg is spoil?

Puzzle 9: You got 9 eggs, 1 egg is different. You do not know if the  egg is lighter or heavier than the other eggs. You can use a balancing scale only 3 times. Can you find out which egg is different?






Solution 1: Using 2 cuts to cut the cake into 4 equal pieces from the top, then using the 1 more cut to cut horizontally and you will get 8 equal pieces.


Solution 2: Fill the 5 liters jug. 
Pour 3 liters into the 3 liters jug with 2 liters remaining in the 5 liters jug. 
Empty the 3 liters jug. 
Pour the remaining 2 liters from the 5 liters jug into the 3 liters jug. Fill the 5 liters jug again. 
Pour 1 liter from the 5 liters jug into the 3 liters jug. 
Now the 5 liters jug will contains 4 liters.

Solution 3: Take 1 ball from the first set along with 2 balls from the second set and go on until you take 10 balls from the tenth set. If all the balls are 10 g you should get 550 g for 55 balls. If the weight is lighter by 1 g then it is the first set that is lighter, if the weight is lighter by 2 g then it is the second set which is lighter. By the reduce of weight you will be able to determine the set which is lighter.

Solution 4: 

Solution 5: The Farmer bring the Chicken cross the river.
The Farmer come back.
The Farmer bring the Dog cross the river.
The Farmer bring the Chicken back.
The Farmer bring the Corn cross the river.
The Farmer come back.
The Farmer bring the Chicken cross the river.

Solution 6: Maid and Dog cross first, and the Maid comes back.  
Maid and 1 Son cross, Maid and Dog come back. Father and another Son cross, Father comes back.
Mother and Father cross, Mother comes back.
Maid and Dog Cross, Father comes back.
Mother and Father cross, Mother comes back.
Mother and 1 Daughter cross, Maid and Dog come back.
Maid and another Daughter cross, Maid comes back.
Maid and Dog cross.

Solution 7: A and B cross = 2 minutes, A come back = 1 minute, C and D cross = 10 minutes, B come back = 2 minutes, A and B cross = 2 minutes. 2 + 1 + 10 + 2 + 2 = 17 minutes. 

Solution 8: Put 3 eggs on each side of the balance. 
If the scale tilt then the spoil egg is in the side which is higher. 
Take 2 eggs from the 3 eggs and put 1 egg on each side of the balance.
If the scale tilt then the spoil egg is in the side which is higher.

If the scale balance then the spoil egg is the remaining egg.
If the scale balance at first try then the spoil egg is in the remaining 2 eggs.
Take the 2 eggs and put 1 egg on each side of the balance.
The scale tilt with the spoil egg is on the side which is higher. 

Solution 9: Put 3 eggs on each side of the balance. 
If the scale tilt switch the remaining 3 eggs with the side which is higher.
If the scale still tilt, the egg is heavier and it is in the lower side.
If the scale balance, then the egg is lighter and it is in the set which you had just switch.
Take 2 eggs from the 3 eggs and put 1 egg on each side of the balance and you will be able to find the egg.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

iChing Cipher


Recently had participate in another Treasure Hunt Event named Hunt The Hamster organize by Max Xu of Key Reply, he is a very talented guy who design a Bot software which give very smart reply to online query. The Hints draft by him for this event is really mind blowing and at a much higher level than the Hunt The Mouse Event organize by Sqkii. Although I didn't won the prize but I did enjoy the process of deciphering the hints together with other participants.

With the closure of the event, I realized that the Colour Number Matrix is not sufficient for more complicated kind of Treasure Hunt as it only able to give Number instead of Alphabet. I started to work on this Alphabet Cipher which had took me some time to draft the foundation. As I initially want to use Pyramid or Rubik Cube idea for the Cipher, but as I try out the idea I found that it is too complicated and not perfect as with the 26 Alphabets and 10 Numbers Digits I will only need 36 Variation. The 3 Sided Pyramid give 40 Variations and the Rubik Cube give 54 Variations, as I am thinking about the possibilities I realized that I will need a 6 Bit Binary System for the 36 Variations.

There are only 8 Bit Binary and Hex Code for the existing computer language, the only 6 Bit Binary that I had discover is the Braille Code which is use for the Blind People. So I decided to use the concept to draft my 6 Bit Binary Code and then later adapt the Code to the iChing which is having 64 Variations. As I only need 36 Variations there are 28 Variations in iChing which I never use, above is the Cipher Table.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Treasure Hunt Concept

 Recently participated in Hunt The Mouse Event by Sqkii, after the event had ended I was inspired to create a better hints system for Treasure Hunt.

My Concept is base on Colour Number Matrix Table and it is related to Elements and Mythical Creatures. In the East is a Green Wood Unicorn named Jupiter. In the South is a Red Fire Phoenix named Mars. In the West is a Yellow Earth Lion named Saturn. In the North is a Blue Water Dragon named Mercury. In the Central is a White Metal Griffin named Venus.

The Colour Number Matrix Table start with Prime Number for Yellow Lion, then the Red Phoenix is using Multiple of 4. The Green Unicorn and Blue Dragon is random using a Table which is inspired by the Cicada Reproduction Cycle where it shift the cycle to Prime Number of 13 and 17 to avoid the Predator Reproduction Cycle of 4 Years Interval.

Cicada Reproduction Cycle


Yellow Lion Matrix using Prime Number

Red Phoenix Matrix using Multiple of 4 Interval



Green Unicorn Matrix


Blue Dragon Matrix


This Concept can be use for wide variety as it will give a 2 digits number which can be combine into a 6 digits Postal Code. Below is the Detail Explanation for the Treasure Hunt Concept.




East Green Wood Unicorn (CK Tang) Jupiter
Y9R23R6
 
Pasir Ris 51
(Red House) 191 Big Brass 506996 (R23)
(>Bukit Batok) B16B22R20
(Elias Playground) 625 Boat 510625 (Y9)
(>Sengkang) G13G24R4
 
Marine Parade 44
(White House) 37 Sea Breeze (R6)
Sea Breeze Lodge 449269
(>Pasir Ris) B12G17R25
 
Macpherson 37
(Dragon Playground) 53 Dragon 370053 (R23)
(>Toa Payoh) Y11Y1R11

 

South Red Fire Phoenix (Wheelock) Mars
Y9R23R20
 
Clifford Pier 04
(Merlion Park) 049213 (Y9)
(>Sentosa) G3G25B14
 
Mount Faber 09
(Merlion) 099448 (R23)
(>Clifford Pier) R2R24Y6
 
Sentosa 09
(Merlion) 099958 (R20)
(>Ang Mo Kio) R15Y1B3
(Dragon) 099702 (R23)
(>Toa Payoh) Y11R1R25

 
West Yellow Earth Lion (Taka) Saturn
Y9R23Y20
 
Bukit Batok 66
(Green House) 126B Generous
Hillview Mansion 669076 (Y9)
(>Punggol) B20B4Y20
(Keat Hong Mirage Playground)
818 Truck 681817 (R23)
(>Seletar) Y22Y23B20
 
Tiong Bahru 16
(Park Playground) 1 Train 168732 (Y20)
(>Bukit Batok) R18B3Y6

 

North Blue Water Dragon (Wisma) Mercury
Y9R23B19
 
Sembawang 75
(Park Playground) 117 Ship 759837 (R23)
(>Pasir Ris) G12G2B5 
(Canberra Park Playground)
325 Dinosaurs 750325 (Y9)
(>Woodlands) Y20R3B5
Woodlands 73
(Dinosaurs Playground) 81 Dinosaurs 730827 (Y9)
Fu Shan Garden
(>Toa Payoh) Y10R1B6
 
Seletar 79
(The Oval Playground) 2 Aeroplane 798386 (B19)
(>Tiong Bahru) R5G21R9
 
Sengkang 54
(Compassvale Cape Playground)
287A Ship 541287 (R23)
(>Sembawang) B18B25Y12
 
Punggol 82
(White House) 78 Treasure (B19)
Matilda House 822271
(>Marine Parade) R12R24G16


 
Central White Metal Griffin (Shaw) Venus
Y9R23R18
 
Ang Mo Kio 56
(Dragon Playground) 570 Dragon 560570 (Y9)
(>Toa Payoh) Y10R2R10
(Merlion Avenue 1) 560 Merlion 560218 (R18)
(>Mount Faber) G3G24R23
 
Toa Payoh 31
(Dragon Pillar) 91 Dragon 310096 (R18)
(>Whampoa Dragon Fountain) Y11R1R25
(Dragon Playground) 28 Dragon 310028 (R23)
(>Ang Mo Kio) R15Y3B16
(Dragon Playground) 240 Dragon 310240 (Y9)
(>Toa Payoh) Y11R1R7
(Dinosaurs Playground) Kim Keat Ville
27 Dinosaurs 310027 (R23)
(>Sembawang) B17Y2B5
 
Whampoa 32
(Dragon Fountain) 85 Dragon 310085 (R18)
(>Sentosa) G3Y25Y1

 

Orchard Road
CK Tang Green Wood Unicorn
238864 (WZJ119)
Wheelock Red Fire Phoenix
238880 (YGF9)
Taka Yellow Earth Lion
238873 (XS7)
Wisma Blue Water Dragon
238877 (DC80)
Shaw White Metal Griffin
238868 (XS23)
 


Simei 52 (Four Beauties Portraits)
(YGF9) 520107 (Red)
(XS7) 520116 (Yellow)
(XS23) 520123 (White)
(DC80) 520146 (Blue)
(WZJ119) 520226 (Green)


The participants will start the hunt first by choose one of the 4 Mythical Creatures, they will be given the Colour Matrix Card accordingly depend on which Mythical Creature they choose. They must team up with 3 other people who are holding different colour Matrix Card as they will need all 4 to decode the numbers. After they get the Matrix Card they will be given Hints on the one of the location which is in the area related to their Mythical Creature.

Once they arrive at the Location they will find a Code which will lead them to the next related location, they will also receive an additional partial code which will later lead them to an intermediate location in Orchard Road. For example if the participant choose Unicorn, he will be given the Code B12G17R25. The Code will indicate 12th Blue Number which is 50, 16th Green Number which is 62 and 25th Red Number which is 96. Combine the three set will give 506796 which is the Postal Code for Pasir Ris Red House.

At Pasir Ris Red House he will find another Code B16B22R20 which give 669076 which is the Postal Code for Green House in Bukit Batok which is also well known as Hill View Mansion. He will also find an Additional Partial Code of Y9 which is 23 for the Intermediate Location. 

If the player is smart enough he would be able to link the two locations and find the remaining 1 or 2 locations which is closely related to it. The White House in Punggol which is well known as Matilda House and another White House in Marine Parade which is well known as 37 Sea Breeze Lodge.

After they have collected the Postal Code of the Intermediate Location, they will find 5 Buildings Orchard Road which is related to the 5 Elements. Each Building will contain a Final Code which will lead them to the Final Location in Simei and the 5 Portrait of China Ancient Beauties will mark out an area which the Treasure is hidden.

There are many possibilities with this Concept, as the Number Digits can be use for Number Lock for Hints Box. Also can use IQ Question to test the Participants before they can obtain the Colour Matrix Card and the smarter one will be able to get more cards if they can solve more questions. 

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Operation Sapa Halong Bay

I had been planning for this trip since three years ago, but I decided to choose Taiwan over this due to the fact that the date is near to Chinese New Year. I started to make arrangement for this trip just two months before, as I had heard and seen so much good review online that is related to this trip. As the Squid Fishing Peak Season is around October and November, I thought it would be good to plan for this trip as it is near to the Squid Fishing Peak Season.

As the Travel Agency Misa Travel is no longer in operation I had send my enquiry to three other reputable Tour Agency, they are ASA, Chan Brother and CTC. ASA actually allow to book the trip directly from their website like Misa but as their itinerary is using Bus Coach instead of Train for the Sapa journey I decided to choose CTC instead.

CTC advertise the package at $498, with Vietnam Airline Flight Ticket of additional $425 the whole package will be $913 per person. It also have the option of topping up additional $90 for better Hotel but I prefer Luminous Hotel over First Eden due to the location and online review.

Chan Brother advertise the package at $548, but the Singapore Airline Flight Ticket is almost twice the amount of Vietnam Airline at $790 which make the package at $1338 per person. But I must honestly say that the Singapore Airline Flight Timing is better as it go early and return late which let you get the most from the hotel check in and check out timing.

ASA advertise the package at $788 with Vietnam Airline Flight Ticket included, but when I try to book on their website I found out that there is an additional charges from airport tax and other subsidiary which make the package $963 per person with a $50 error in the calculation which i can't seem to figure out where does the calculation when wrong. And they also doesn't reply to my enquiry on the package, while Chan Brother reply after a week and CTC reply only the next day. 

The initial itinerary is suppose to go Halong Bay first before going to Sapa, but due to the clash of Flight and Train Timing the Tour Agency had to make last minute change to reverse the itinerary which is quite similar to ASA original itinerary.


King Express Train Cabin






1st Dec Saturday (Hanoi)


At 1400 hrs we had Herbal Chicken Soup ($18.50) for lunch at the Changi Airport Terminal 4 before we board our flight. The new terminal had a lot of latest technology which suppose to make the whole process faster, but due to a lot of traveler not familiar with the new system it actually make the whole process slower. Our flight had an half hour delay and take off at 1640 hrs instead of 1610 hrs, we had our dinner on board the flight with Beef Noodle for me and Sweet and Sour Fish Rice for my wife.
 

We arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Terminal 2 at 1825 hrs, after clearing custom we found our driver waiting outside the arrival hall at 0700 hrs. The journey to Hanoi from the Airport is around 45 minutes, we reach the Tour Agency Office of Vietnam Open Tour at 2000 hrs and rest there for half hour before they bring us to the Train Station for our ride.
 

We took the 2200 hrs Train SP3 Track 7 Coach 11 Bed 9 and 11, pay the porter $10 for carrying our luggage as we are not familiar with the local custom. Two girls from Australia share the same cabin with us, we off the light and sleep right after the train start to move out and head towards Lao Cai. It was not an easy night for us as the train had a lot of noise and vibration and frequent stop with emergency brake had disturb our not so peaceful sleep and wake us up every few hours.


Mountains View from Sapa Hotel


2nd Dec Sunday (Sapa)
We finally arrived at Lao Cai at 0600 hrs, we found our tour guide  and arrive at Holiday Sapa Hotel at 0700 hrs after a 60 mins ride on the mini van along the mountain track. We thought a dedicated tour guide would follow us throughout the whole journey but we realized that it was not really practical as the whole journey was too far apart. So we were introduce to our other Local Tour Guide and Local Tribal Guide at the Hotel after dropping off other Tourist at other hotels.








Waterfall at Cat Cat Village

We had our Breakfast at 0730 hrs at the Hotel Cafe with a magnificent view of the cloud and mountains, the Local Tribal Guide will bring us to Cat Cat Sin Chai Village 3 kilometers in the valley at 0900 hrs to see the flowers and waterfall. We watch a 30 minutes Local Dance Performance at 1100 hrs, we took a short rest at a drinks stall before we get a Taxi (150000 Dong $10) for the return trip to the Hotel. We had Coconut, Sugar Cane Juice and two Eggs (80000 Dong $6).

We check in to Room 304 at 1230 hrs and had Pork and Spring Roll for Lunch at the Hotel Cafe. After Lunch we rest for an hours to recharge our body and our phones and camera and explore the town in Sapa at around 1500 hrs. We visit the Lake and the Market but the Market is ending by the time we arrive there around 1600 hrs. We brought 500 grams Chestnut (50000 Dong $3.50 ), 500 grams Grape (30000 Dong $2), one Handicraft Bag (120000 $9) and head back to the hotel as the tour guide is going to bring us out for dinner.
 


Sunset at Sapa Hotel

We had Duck and Chicken for Dinner, and order Mango Juice (40000 Dong $3) and Ginger Tea (20000 Dong $1.50). My wife brought two Handicraft Bag (180000 Dong $13.50) and we head back to hotel and rest for the night at 2000 hrs.



Terrance Padi Field at Lao Cai Village


3rd Dec Monday (Sapa)
 

We woke up at 0630 hrs and had Breakfast at 0700 hrs, the Tour Guide had help us arrange for the Van (US$15 $22) to Lao Cai Village which is 12 kilometers down the valley at 0830 hrs. A local tribal old lady had been following us since we got off the van, I thought she is going to kidnap me and make me her son in law until she finally approach us for selling of some handicraft. We brought a Scarf (100000 Dong $7.50) from her and she give us additional two charm bracelet for good luck.

We arrive at Ta Van Village around 1000 hrs after a 3 kilometers walk and try crossing the Hanging Bridge (20000 Dong $1.50). We return to the hotel at 1100 hrs and manage to have shower before we check out at 1150 hrs. The special arrangement of the private van by the tour guide had allow us some spare time in the afternoon for our own activity. We had Pork, Chicken and Spring Roll for Lunch at the restaurant beside the hotel and order additional Strawberry Tea (18000 $1.35) and Apple Juice (30000 Dong $2)


 Hanging Bridge at Ta Van Village







We did not plan for our adventure to the highest peak in Vietnam Fansipan Mountain (3143 meters) at 1300 hrs, but the Local Tribal Guide had recommend it. The Tram
(100000 Dong $7.50) in Sun Plaza  took about 15 mins to reach the Cable Car Station and the Cable Car (1400000 Dong $105) took about 30 mins to reach the Peak. We took another Tram (300000 Dong $22.50) and finally reach the highest point of our whole journey after another 10 mins ride.

 Scared Peak at Fansipan


I brought some Souvenir (370000 Dong $22.50) and make our way back to the hotel at around 1630 hrs to change our clothes. We brought two Sweet Potato (30000 Dong $2), one Corn (10000 Dong $0.75) and 500 grams Mini Mandarin Orange (15000 Dong $1) for our dinner tonight. The tour guide pick us up at 1730 hrs and we arrive Lao Cai again at 1830 hrs.



We never expect that we would be able to spend two hours at a restaurant near the Train Station at 1900 hrs for proper dinner, we had Pizza (175000 Dong $13.5), Coconut (55000 Dong $4.5) and
Mango Lassi (55000 Dong $4.5). We tips the Tour Guide and Local Tribal Guide (US$12 $18) as per the US$3 per day per person as advice by the Tour Agency in Singapore. We took the 2140 hrs Train SP4 Track 3 Coach 11 Bed 5 and 7 back to Hanoi, and to our surprise we are sharing the same cabin again with the two girls from Australia.





Surprising Cave at Halong Bay


4th Dec Tuesday (Halong Bay)


We arrived Hanoi at 0530 hrs, maybe is was because we are too tired or maybe we are located at the front of the train we manage to get better sleep. The tour guide brought us to First Eden Hotel for Breakfast at 0615 hrs, as there are four different exit at the Train Station we are told to wait for him at the Train. Another Tour Guide came to pick us up at 0800 hrs, we follow the Coach Bus around the town to pick up other tourist.
Five is from Chile, two from Argentina and three from Japan. 

I had an Ice Cream (45000 Dong $1.35) when we stop for 30 minutes Toilet Break at around 1030 hrs at a Handicap Handicraft Centre about halfway between Hanoi and Halong City. We arrived at Halong City around 1230 hrs after a 3.5 hours Bus Journey. The tour guide make a last minute arrange for us to upgrade from two stars boat cruise to three stars, I am not sure if it was because our luggage were too bulky to ride the small boat or it is because they know my birthday is coming.

I brought two Phone Water Proof Casing (160000 Dong $8) from the jetty as I did not expect we would get wet from the Kayak Cave Exploration Activity. We check in to Room 104 of An Nam Junk at 1245 hrs, there were already a family of four from Germany when we board then another four Indians friends from Canada decided to join us at the last minute and delay the departure by half hour.
 

We had Fish, Shrimp, Clam, Squid and Fish Cake for Lunch at 1330 hrs as the boat sail off the harbor I order two additional Pineapple Juice (US$8 $12) for the sumptuous five course meal as compare to our usual three course meal we had at the hotel and restaurant. The upgrade is like a halfway point where we had food that are from those Luxury Cruise while sailing on normal boat.

The first activity is visit to Surprising Cave (45 mins) at 1530 hrs after a two hours scenery voyage in Halong Bay. It is the biggest Lime Stone Cave in the World and it just add on to our World Record Tour since the Taiwan Trip, China Aquarium Visit and Europe Cruise about three years ago.

 Kayak in Lime Stone Cave


I had to go alone for Kayak at Lime Stone Cave (30 mins) at 1630 hrs as my wife doesn't know how to swim, it was very tiring for me as I am unable to sit upright and keep laying down due to my big stomach. The last time I had participate in such activity was more than 20 years ago.


I had a shower and we went for Cooking Lesson at 1800 hrs which teach us how to make Vietnamese Spring Roll, some boat also had fruit and vegetable craving demonstration too. We had
Fish, Crab, Shrimp, Chicken and Spring Roll for Dinner at 1900 hrs. We start Squid Fishing at 2000 hrs after the dinner but give up after an hour later and went to sleep at 2100 hrs.



Sunset at Halong Bay









5th Dec Wednesday (Halong Bay and Hanoi)
 

We woke up at 0600 hrs to see the sunrise and had Taichi Lesson at 0630 hrs at the top deck. We had Breakfast at 0700 hrs and arrive at Ti Top View Point (60 mins) around 0745 hrs for Trekking, the journey going up took about 20 minutes and we had enough time for Coconut Drink (50000 Dong $3.75) and Beach Chair (60000 Dong $4.5) before we return to the Boat.

 Halong Bay View from Ti Top


We manage to had shower before we Check Out at 0930 hrs, we stay at the top deck for scenery before we had
Pork and Squid for early lunch at around 1030 hrs. I settle the bill for the Drinks (eight Pineapple Juice, one Coke and one Mineral Water. US$43 $61.50) and tips (US$20 $30) the boat crew for their hospitality during our stay on board.

We alongside the jetty at Halong City around 1100 hrs and get off the boat to wait for our tour guide to pick us up at 1215 hrs. We arrive back in Hanoi at 1630 hrs and Check in to Luminous Hotel Room 506 at 1700 hrs after dropping off the other 18 tourists at various hotel all around the town.


We went for a walk around town after we settle down in the hotel, my wife brought a packet of Peanut Candy (20000 Dong $1.50) and I brought five T Shirt (500000 Dong $37.50). We had our dinner at a restaurant near to our hotel at 1800 hrs, I had Beef Noodle (80000 Dong $6) and my wife had Spring Roll with Vermicelli (60000 Dong $4.50). I also order a Coke (30000 Dong $2.25) and we had a Egg and Cheese Crepe (25000 Dong $1.80) for dessert.


 Night Market at Hanoi


My wife brought a pair of running shoe
(300000 Dong $22.50) and I brought 500 grams of Jack Fruit (50000 Dong $3.75). We went back to the hotel to drop off the things we had brought earlier, we explore the town further after a short break in the hotel. My wife decide to buy three T Shirt (350000 Dong $27) which is same design but different color to match mine for the coming Chinese New Year.

We manage to get two boxes of Green Bean Cake (Coconut and Taro 52000 Dong $4), my wife finally decide to buy the Pants (60000 Dong $4.50) and I brought Sugar Cane Juice (15000 Dong $1) before we head back to our hotel and rest for the night at 2200 hrs.








6th Dec Thu (Hanoi)
 

We check out at 0430 hrs and had a Hotdog Bun (50000 Dong $4)
and two Honey Tea (110000 Dong $8.50) for
our Breakfast at the Airport at 0545 hrs after we had check in our luggage. I brought some Souvenir (210000 Dong $15) at the shop near to the boarding gate and borad our flight at 0755 hrs. We arrive back in Singapore half hour early at 1235 hrs and concluded our adventure in Vietnam.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Chimelong Safari Park 2016 - Tarzan and Jane at Madagascar


I have try to book for this trip in September and November but had delay until December to finally embark on this trip due to the Typhoon Season. December is a good month as the Weather is cooling and will not rain due to the Typhoon Season from May to October. So I book for the Tiger Airway Flight Ticket ($427) and Angel Baby Theme Hotel (676 RMB $139) from 11th December 2016 to 13th December 2016 for our visit to Chimelong Safari Park. The Park is celebrating its 15 Anniversary and free entrance for children which is below 1.5 Meter for November and December. The White Tiger Buffet Restaurant also had 15 Percent Discount for Birthday Person from 1st to 15th December.

11th Dec 2016 Sunday

We arrived at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 0400 hrs to check in our luggage, our Tiger Airway Flight TR 2986 take off at 0605 hrs and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport at 0955 hrs. We have Roast Lemon Chicken Thigh at 0800 hrs on the flight for our Breakfast. We took the Line 3 Train from Airport to Panyu (9 RMB $2) and alight at Hanxi Changlong Station. The Angel Baby Theme Hotel is a Service Apartment located just South of the Chimelong Safari Park, I had book for Madagascar Theme but due to water leakage we are relocated to Doraemon Theme Room 1801 instead. It is a nice setup with Living Room and Bath Room located at below and Bedroom located at the top. I really like the hanging chair near the window and the mirror at the ceiling of the bedroom.

Angel Baby Theme Hotel

After we had check in at Angel Baby Theme Hotel at 1230 hrs, we decided to explore the area. I am surprised that there are a lot of restaurants and eatery shop below as compare to our previous trip to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom at Zhuhai. We will be able to save a lot of cost by staying at a cheaper hotel and eating at cheaper restaurants. We had Century Egg Porridge and Chicken Chop Rice for Lunch at a Taiwan Eatery Shop near to the end of the Food Street at 1330 hrs. After lunch we cross over to the other side of the Expressway by the Train Underground Pavement to Chimelong International Circus to purchase our Tickets (300 RMB $60) for tomorrow night, the Ticket will cost 80 more RMB for Weekend and Public Holidays.

We explore around Chimelong Hotel after we had purchase our circus ticket, this hotel will cost around 1098 RMB to 5298 RMB ($220 to $1060) per night. There are a few room which have balcony facing the White Tiger and Flamingo Enclosure where you can enjoy the excitement of sleeping with Tiger or Birds. We had manage to save about 75 percent of hotel stay costing by staying at service apartment which is within walking distance of the Safari Park. We proceed to purchase the Safari Park Ticket (250 RMB $50) for tomorrow but realize that the ticket could only be brought on actual day and not in advance. We also realize that the package ticket for Safari Park and Circus will get saving of 85 RMB ($17).

White Tiger Enclosure

Flamingo Enclosure

We proceed back to our hotel and brought 4 Drinks (15 RMB $3), and Toothpaste (11 RMB $2) at a convince store below at 1600 hrs and took a short afternoon nap to catch up with the sleep we lost for the early flight. We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant named COMO and order Pizza, Pasta and Sampler Plate for 174 RMB ($35). It is highly recommended to have dinner at this Italian Restaurant as I felt it had a higher standard as compare to the one we ate in Resort World Sentosa. We took a Train to Panyu Square (4 RMB $1) which is only two stations away to visit a newly open Aeon Mall. As there are nothing that interest us at the Mall, we proceed back to our hotel after I finish my Gong Cha (Imperial Tea) (18 RMB $4) at 2100 hrs. There are a few instant Karaoke Booth at the Basement of the Mall which allow couples and friends to past some time at a very cheap price.

12th December 2016 Monday

We woke up at 0700 hrs and proceed for Breakfast at 0800 hrs at a Restaurant nearby the Hotel with the Breakfast Voucher provided by the Hotel. There are Fried Noodle, Porridge, Bun, Hard Boil Egg, Sweet Potato and Soya Bean Milk, we proceed to Safari Park to purchase the ticket at 0930 hrs and start our adventure for the day. We were also offered the purchase of Ticket for Bird Park at 20 RMB ($4) which is an offer hard to be resist. The Bird Park use to be a Crocodile Farm few years ago, it is about one quarter the Safari Park and a 30 minutes Bus Trip away.

Meerkat

Panda Triplet

Koala Bear

The Hippo Show is at 1100 hrs, Elephant Show is at 1230 hrs and the Amazon Show is at 1330 hrs, but the show location is all located at the south side of the park. We should have enter the park from the north side to utilize the time saving advantage base on the design of the park layout, but as the hotel which we stay is located at the south side of the park we did not have a choice but to walk the extra mile up and down the park to cover the maximum area at the shortest time. We had Chicken Chop Rice (68 RMB $14) near the Tiger Exhibit at 1200 hrs.
Hippo Show at Hippo Theater

Elephant Show at Elephant Theater

Amazon Show at Amazon Theater

We proceed to North Entrance after the shows and took the Train Ride for the Open Safari at 1500 hrs and my camera battery went flat on me halfway through the journey, we also visited the Jurassic Trail after the Train Ride at 1530 hrs. We took the Bus at the North Entrance to go to the Bird Park at 1600 hrs, I brought a Drink at the Entrance at 1630 hrs (10 RMB $2) before we proceed for the Bird Show at 1700 hrs. We took a walk around the Bird Park after the show and took the 1800 hrs Bus back as the park closing hour is near.
Swans at Swan Lake

Vulture at Bird Enclosure

 We actually planned for a Buffet Dinner with the White Tiger at the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant which cost about 150 RMB ($30) but the time is not enough so we decided to proceed to Circus Theater instead and had Fried Dumpling (48 RMB $10) for Dinner and brought two Drinks at 18 RMB ($4). We enter the Circus Theater at 1900 hrs and there are Magic Show Performance for half hour before the actual performance start at 1930 hrs. The Circus Performance last for one and a half hour and ended at 2100 hrs, we both felt it was indeed better than the one we had watch in Zhuhai as there are a lot of Animals involve in the performance.

13th December 2016 Tuesday

We woke up early at 0530 hrs and proceed below and had Sandwich (8 RMB $2) and Drinks (11 RMB $2) at 7 Eleven as the Hotel Breakfast will not be available until 0730 hrs. To avoid the Working Crowd for the Train, we had to take Train before 0730 hrs to the Airport to ensure we had a seat in the Train. We check out of the Hotel at 0700 hrs and proceed on our journey home, we took the Tiger Airway Flight TR 2987 at 1045 hrs and arrive back in Singapore at 1500 hrs.





Monday, November 28, 2016

Cooking with Skinny Beng (Long Lost Brother of Fatty Weng)

Campbell Maggi

It is a Christmas Eve and you are planning for a lormantic candle light dinner. Whats better than a cheap Maggi Mee with a touch of Italian Pasta?

Ingredient:
2 Packet of Maggi Mee
1 Can of Campbell Soup
1 Candle

Direction:
1. Cook the Maggi Mee without the Seasoning
2. Cook the Campbell Soup
3. Pour the Campbell Soup over the Maggi Mee
4. Light the Candle

Note:
You can add some Mushroom for more atas effect



Kraft Pizza

It is New Year Eve and you are planning to watch Fireworks Display for Count Down Party . Whats better than a cheap Toast with a touch of Italian Pizza?

Ingredient:
4 Slice of Sunshine Bread
4 Slice of Kraft Cheese
2 Black Cat Sparklers (Hand Held Firework)

Direction:
1. Put the Cheese on top of the Bread
2. Put the Bread into the Oven for few minutes until the Cheese melt and turn golden brown
3. Light the Sparklers

Note:
You can add some Ham for more atas effect



Mayonnaise Egg Sandwich

It is Valentine Day and you are planning for a Picnic in the Park. Whats better than Mayonnaise Egg Sandwich?

Ingredient:
2 Eggs
4 Table Spoon of Mayonnaise
4 Slice of Sunshine Bread
1 Layang (Kite)

Direction:
1. Boil the Egg for few minutes
2. Mix the Egg with Mayonnaise
3. Spread the Mayonnaise Egg Mixture on the Bread

Note:
Flying the Layang had the same effect as doing Pottery in the Movie Ghost, only it does need to get lasome (dirty).

Monday, November 21, 2016

Relationship of Chinese Zodiac and Element


Good Advantage:
Metal produce Water
Water produce Wood
Wood produce Fire
Fire produce Earth
Earth produce Metal

Bad Disadvantage:
Metal destroy Wood
Wood destroy Earth
Earth destroy Water
Water destroy Fire
Fire destroy Metal

鼠 Mouse
1924 1984 木鼠 Wood
1936 1996 火鼠 Fire
1948 2008 土鼠 Earth
1960 2020 金鼠 Metal
1912 1972 水鼠 Water
Good: Ox, Dragon and Monkey
Bad: Rabbit, Horse and Goat

牛 Ox
1925 1985 木牛 Wood
1937 1997 火牛 Fire
1949 2009 土牛 Earth
1961 2021 金牛 Metal
1913 1973 水牛 Water
Good: Mouse, Snake and Chicken
Bad: Horse, Goat and Dog

虎 Tiger
1914 1974 木虎 Wood
1926 1986 火虎 Fire
1938 1998 土虎 Earth
1950 2010 金虎 Metal
1962 2022 水虎 Water
Good: Horse, Dog and Pig
Bad: Snake and Monkey

兔 Rabbit
1915 1975 木兔 Wood
1927 1987 火兔 Fire
1939 1999 土兔 Earth
1951 2011 金兔 Metal
1963 2023 水兔 Water
Good: Goat, Dog and Pig
Bad: Mouse, Dragon and Chicken

龙 Dragon
1904 1964 木龙 Wood
1916 1976 火龙 Fire
1928 1988 土龙 Earth
1940 2000 金龙 Metal
1952 2012 水龙 Water
Good: Mouse, Monkey and Chicken
Bad: Rabbit, Dragon and Dog

蛇 Snake
1905 1965 木蛇 Wood
1917 1977 火蛇 Fire
1929 1989 土蛇 Earth
1941 2001 金蛇 Metal
1953 2013 水蛇 Water
Good: Ox, Monkey and Chicken
Bad: Tiger and Pig

马 Horse
1954 2014 木马 Wood
1906 1966 火马 Fire
1918 1978 土马 Earth
1930 1990 金马 Metal
1942 2002 水马 Water
Good: Tiger, Goat and Dog
Bad: Mouse, Ox and Horse

羊 Goat
1955 2015 木羊 Wood
1907 1967 火羊 Fire
1919 1979 土羊 Earth
1931 1991 金羊 Metal
1943 2003 水羊 Water
Good: Rabbit, Horse and Pig
Bad: Mouse, Ox and Dog

猴 Monkey
1944 2004 木猴 Wood
1956 2016 火猴 Fire
1908 1968 土猴 Earth
1920 1980 金猴 Metal
1932 1992 水猴 Water
Good: Mouse, Dragon and Snake
Bad: Tiger and Pig

鸡 Chicken
1945 2005 木鸡 Wood
1957 2017 火鸡 Fire
1909 1969 土鸡 Earth
1921 1981 金鸡 Metal
1933 1993 水鸡 Water
Good: Ox, Dragon and Snake
Bad: Rabbit, Chicken and Dog

狗 Dog
1934 1994 木狗 Wood
1946 2006 火狗 Fire
1958 2018 土狗 Earth
1910 1970 金狗 Metal
1922 1982 水狗 Water
Good: Tiger, Rabbit and Horse
Bad: Ox, Dragon and Chicken
猪 Pig
1935 1995 木猪 Wood
1947 2007 火猪 Fire
1959 2019 土猪 Earth
1911 1971 金猪 Metal
1923 1983 水猪 Water
Good: Tiger, Rabbit and Goat
Bad: Snake, Monkey and Pig