Chester

Back from Chester! It was a great trip. Thank God for smoothness of getting on the right trains and in time in the morning cos the bus was a bit late! Anyway, Chester...Love the little old town...so cool that they still preserve the city walls so you can walk above the road level and see the historical landmarks in the town. I was done sightseeing in about 2hrs and I didn't even use my bus ticket that I bought with my train ticket. Partly also cos the Grosvenor Park was closed for upgrading..Weather-wise was quite gloomy at first with drizzle..then cleared to blue skies then back to gloomy..heard from L that it rained non-stop in B'ham! Here are some pics but more to come in my online album...

Hi squirrel!

Eastgate Clock

Water Tower - Love this pic cos of the blue sky (NO photo editing done!)

Chester Rows

St John's Ruins

This is the City Wall path above road level

Another part of the City Wall

Cos I had lots of time, I decided to check out Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet that I read about and R told me that her friend brought her. I was surprised that I could use my bus ticket! That same bus also goes to Liverpool! Then I wonder if the ticket will be able to take me there too! If yes, then it's a steal! Anyway many buses from Chester go to Liverpool and also Crewe (where I changed trains). Anyway, it's huge but different from JB's cos only single level..a bit like Adelaide's but single row of shops so span over a huge space of land. But as expected, I didn't get anything. Almost got tablet cover and an overnight weekend bag (design v similar to Cath Kidston actually!) but didn't cos realised my tablet is much smaller (it's in SG and I only got it after I came over so didn't see it at all)..as for the bag, it's a want. Took a look at Fossil bags too..maybe next time if I'm in the mood, I may buy. I also daringly went in Mulberry and their handbags cost £1+K! My black sling bag I got online (supposedly Korea style) looks vvv similar to their design..

Headed back to Chester as it was going to be heavy downpour and thank God, it started when I got into the sheltered bus stop. When I reached back to Chester, the rain stopped! So I continued to walk on the City Wall that I skipped..and then went to the shops.

I almost bought this 10" Me To You bear cos it was 50% off! Something of that size to hug will be so nice...but then I thought about how to bring back...it's a want, not a need...so didn't buy in the end..anyway it will be strange to buy for myself.

And then I saw Primark and went in to have a look. I couldn't quite believe it! The Angora socks..they marked down to only £1! And they had the wallet I had put my eyes on...so bought them! The sequinned dress that I quite like and tried on twice before was on mark down too but mostly big sizes left. The other black lace on purple dress left all the halter neck designs. Btw, those dresses were marked down to only £3!

I quite like the town...rather tranquil and historic. It's a good mix of taking the sightseeing or shopping routes. Just walking along the City Walls was relaxing and some points, breathtaking enough to me.

On my way back, bought rice and milk cos weather forecast for tmr is showers again..so I don't have to specially head out tmr.

I haven't open my Uni email yet and not intending to till tomorrow. Have been thinking if it's worth resubmitting just for 2 marks for a 10 credit module out of 180 credits. But I don't know how it'll reflect on my transcript (if there is) so I guess I'll still have to do it. How I wish it was a mistake. How I wish there's moderation! N got 50 and A got 70. I didn't reply in the grp chat. I clearly haven't gotten over it but much better than yesterday. As for visa...if I don't get much info from the ISAS, I might ask the programme lead if there has been such cases before and if there's a easier way to do it. There's a reason why they put in their website that intl students will be MSc!! And I noticed my student card also says course end date 01/09/2014...so I don't know why my CAS reflected as May 2014, for the actual PGDip. Re-read the sponsorship letter and it says cover VISA fees too. Anyway will probably check with HR again. Anyway I've informed that the official last day of my course is 29/08/2014 and awaiting for our admin staff to provide documentation.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

early bday gift!

Spent some time trying to squeeze R's stuff into my haversack by repacking this morning. Finally got it in but it was tooo bulky that it can't be zipped. So left it back in the canvas tote bag R left with it. Carried it and it was quite heavy and I doubt I will be able to carry it for the whole morning before I meet her friend at Trafford Centre. Smsed to say I am changing plans and check if she can meet earlier so I can drop off stuff. Reply was negative. Was quite upset. I'm helping both of them so I don't understand why end up I've to carry the stuff around while I tour the city?! I'm not going to risk making my shoulders ache further. Will pack again and decide again on wed.

Didn't go out today though it's quite sunny...but I hear the winds..still quite strong. Anyway I don't have urgent need to go out..maybe wed will go buy rice n milk.

Anyway, I got my early bday gift from my beloved family! Such a surprise! 破费了！And I had decided to buy a wallet of the same brand to bring back SG when I saw in London. Love them a lot! Heng I waited at the door when I saw the postlady cos Poppy almost chewed off the wrapper of the package!

I'm vv looking forward to my Chester trip tmr! Forecast for tmr so far is sunny which is great! Looking forward to taking beautiful photos to share too. Maybe it won't be my only trip there! Will be leaving at 6+am and back ard 5+pm in B'ham. Shall update tomorrow when I'm back!

*Added: Toxicology assignment results is out and I can't believe it. I failed! though it's provisional and subject to another external examiner. I don't know what was expected. Now requesting if I can be reassessed if the marks are final. What a shock to me! Looks like Jan is not good at all. Was thinking of starting on my lit review soon cos might not have time when uni starts and submission is end Feb.

And my VISA extension doesn't seem that simple too. The Intl Students Unit in Uni don't seem as helpful as they appear to be. Just throw me general info...and it looks like I've to fork out another £400+ which I'm not sure if my scholarship will cover. Other option is that I leave before VISA expires which is end July.

Praying for guidance.

100% Singapore!

Nice sunrise this morning! Forecast was sunny with chances of rain..it was cold today..ard 12+pm, it was less than 5°C!

Had this for lunch - how healthy huh? Haha..cos I bought celery and thought I better start eating them.

Was asked by Christine from church to choose hymns from 2 hymnals she passed me to bring home! Those who know I'm going to Chester all say I'll love it there. Now I wonder if I've given myself enough time (8.50am- before 3.35pm). Shall keep time closely!

As for Manchester, finally arranged to meet R's friend in Manchester and will be meeting at Trafford Centre..so my initial plan to go only if I have time turns out that I will get to go there! Only thing is I'll be carrying the stuff ard cos she only can meet in the afternoon. Shall see if there're any lockers around.

Was watching some shows on xinmsn and 100% Singapore is GREAT!!! Really makes me miss Singapore..yet proud to be a Singaporean...hahaha!

Oh yes, Happy Birthday to my dearest ah ma!!! Prayed for good health and strength each day!

Lovely sunset after the rain

Hmm..nothing much to update...weather was showers but not windy as yesterday. Watched shows then did some planning for my Manchester trip. Saw this place: Trafford Centre and was wowed by the architecture..but it takes 45min by bus from the city centre. Don't know if to go there first then explore the city or the other way round. I guess it depends if I'll be carrying stuff too.

Anyway, here's a lovely sunset at the end of the day! 雨过天晴

Hope the main door is fixed...C helped to saw bits off..else I'll have to wake him up to open the door for me tmr for church..hahaa!

Cooked Chicken Rice today...since I'm Hainanese, so it should be Hainanese Chicken Rice! Haha..my dad should be so proud of me! Too bad L and C cooked their lunch/dinner so didn't try. Cooked 2 thighs and a small breast portion and have more left for tomorrow (put aside some chicken in case I want to cook noodles with it..maybe on Mon).

Chester booked!

I just finished doing my travel plan for Chester! Yes, I've booked my train tickets for next Tue! I decided to cos I am getting a little bored here already...and the weather forecast next Tue is supposed to be sunny!! Anyway I've plans to check the town out after L told me and seeing some photos online. It'll be an early start cos I booked the train that leaves at 7.15am! And it takes me about 30min bus ride to the station from my place...hah..but I will be back in B'ham at 4+pm. After planning out my route, seems like quite a lot to see there...cos I wanted to add in Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet too..but shall see how things go. I'll just go and explore Chester and if have time then add in the Designer Outlet cos it takes about 1h ride return.

Today didn't do much...cos weather forecast is supposed to be windy and there's travel warnings across UK. But the sun shoned into my room while I was on my laptop this morning. Finished watching the 8th episode of Home Decor Survivor Series 5 (that's the latest on catchup too). Managed to watch part 2 of Celebrate TV 50 on xinmsn..not sure why some videos can be viewed cos I also watched "The Place We Live In".

Tomorrow's forecast is showers again..and Sun is windy..so no right guesses where I'll be...haha!

Halesowen

It was a beautiful day today!! Had planned to go and check out Halesowen (L says it's read as Hales-owen) Abbey and then went to google maps and saw surroundings, doubt I can get there unless I hike or cycle...so changed my mind about going there and went to the High St instead.

Halesowen Parish Church

Halesowen Parish Church

Halesowen High Street

Halesowen High Street

Bought my crispbread, stroopwafel and ginger from ASDA..I got a shock at the queue!! Long queues and people buying as if the shops will be closed for the next few days! I wonder why.

These knobs of ginger cost my 61p (about S$1.22)..out teaspoon as comparison

Then I passed the butcher there and saw them selling pork hock for £1! So after paying at ASDA, went back to buy. Had wanted to cook chicken rice today for L & C too but apparently L is working late today (she went at 12pm today) and C is on day off. Then cos I saw the pork hock, thought I'll cook soy sauce pork (not much meat to make german knuckle).

After that, went to Aldi to get the vegetables that are on offer. The Savoy cabbage attracted me a lot..hahaa! I had went to google how to cook it..most recipes are for soup and some are cooked like stir fry..so bought to try. Tills (cashiers) at Aldi also long queue!

Cucumbers, celery, 4 pc garlic and savoy cabbage (all 39p each!!)

Savoy Cabbage

And then spotted brie on offer too! Just nice for my crispbread! So there you have it, the English (or maybe it's ang moh) way of eating!

Multigrain crispbread with garlic and herb brie

Had started stewing my pork hock since I came home abt 2.30pm..hope it'll turn out yummy!

Have been watching Home Decor Survivor 5 to get ideas for my room. No, not my UK room but back home...if I can be bothered, will make some changes to my new room (I think I'm taking over my bro's room). I quite like Hanwei's ideas!! V creative and lots of diy. Have seen v pretty home deco stuff here and i Scotland..maybe when I'm travelling before I go back, I can get some here cos surely it'll be overpriced in SG!

Weather forecast is WINDY tomorrow so I guess it will be another stay home day...then it's the weekend and forecast is cloudy. But next Mon and Tue supposedly to be sunny..I might just go to Chester for a day trip on Tue since there's not much to see here..haha!

**Added: Presenting my braised pork hock aka 猪脚!!

And I didn't know we should close the toilet bowl cover when flushing to prevent germs from spreading all around the toilet including our toothbrush, towel etc. that we have in the toilet! Learnt from Home Decor Survivor..hah

Wet and windy New Year

Slept ard 10pm last night cos was a bit tired (not sure if it's cos of 2 glasses of white wine L offered which I couldn't refuse)...then suddenly loud fireworks and bright lights woke me up. Grabbed my hp and switched it on to take some photos and video. Think people were putting off fireworks at the park opp cos I could see the fireworks from my room window. Then realised the car was not there...L & C had gone to catch the fireworks.

Managed to capture this pic

Anyway today L's friend came over and knocked on the door...and L thought it was me trying to get out of the house - later she told me that she thought I was going to church! Anyway, entertained her friend for about an hour then watched local shows on youtube...watched 三菜一汤 and A Note to my Teenage Self. Later going to watch 摆家乐 5 cos I've kinda finishing catching up on The Voyage..at episode 23 now and only uploaded till 26..so shall wait and watch all one shot..haha! It's brilliant that people upload our local shows on youtube so people like me who are overseas can catch them! Btw, xinmsn catch up TV doesn't work overseas.

It's been rainy and gloomy today with strong winds but weather forecast for tomorrow is sunny. Intend to check out Halesowen tomorrow cos I passed it on my way to Merry Hill the other day and was attracted by this huge church near the high street (the main streets here are called High Streets). Then read that there's this Halesowen Abbey which looks like a photo spot and it's free! So might check it out tomorrow - can't find the entrance of it on the map but probably will figure it but when I'm there. Depends if I have time after that to go Aldi...changed vege offer and cucumbers are 39p these 2 weeks! Just nice, can make my bibimbap one day...and garlic 4pc is 39p!!!! Yay! Celery and savoy cabbage too. If not I'll just get them on Fri.

Still deciding if I should go Chester next Tue...Toxicology results should be out on 6 Jan..and timetable for our module starting on 13 Jan will be out on 6th too. I'm not sure how detailed our framework for lit review should be...I had done a brief one.

Oh ya, finished reading "Why Mars and Venus collide" and I must say, it's quite interesting and probably a good book for couples to read, though it's Western-based.