Wednesday, October 31, 2012

November Hiatus Coming Up

Alas! I have to admit that I am overwhelmed....
 
In between working my last month in, studying strategic level on my quest for CIMA recognition, preparing the big move overseas, selling my stuff, trying to keep everything as normal as possible...I am bogged down. Not that I am complaining. I am loving every minute of it as everything feels so new and exciting and scary at the same time.
 
But then, I am just running out of time for everything. I would like to continue blogging but have realised that something's gotta give.
 
Of course, this is not a permanent leave. It always happens around this time of the year anyway...when I take a hiatus  a month from writing to concentrate on my studies.
 
Don't worry though. I promise to come back with a vengeance. There is more to tell and I will not be content until I have put my journeys into blogosphere because that's just the way I am. I am slightly unsure as to when my next post will be. I will be taking a break for studies this side and am not sure what awaits me on the other side (Canada). But hopefully the wait will not be long.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

My Jazz And Me



There was just something about you. I knew we'd go well together the moment I laid eyes on you. Even when I drove you out from the Honda dealership, I knew we'd be well suited for each other. You were kitted in my favourite colour, you see. So I just knew.
 
For six years, you've been my companion in the morning when we ride to work, listening to the radio, having breakfast. You were my mate in the afternoon when we make our way home, facing the traffic head on. You protected and shielded me from the sun, the rain, the hail storms, the bird poo that fall from the sky, the garbage that the vehicle in front throws my way, the little stones that hit the windshield and your body........I trusted you to take me wherever I needed to go.
 
I loved you because you were MY ride. Not my husband's, not my family's, but ALL mine. Of course, we often carted the family along on our little adventures, but you were always referred to as MY car. And in that way, you were special to me.
 
However, the time has come for me to go and I cannot take you with me. It is with a heavy heart that I put you up for sale. My only consolation is that I find you an owner that will look after you and appreciate your many talents.
 
I hope that you will serve your new owners as well as you have served me. Bring them stability, safety, protection. I know you will not fail me in this regard, my faithful friend. And maybe one day, someday, I will see you on the streets of Johannesburg, still alive and kicking and putting your best mileage on the roads.

I bid thee farewell.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

A Close And Intimate Wedding

Hubby and me at the "Greek" reception hall

We were recently invited to the wedding of a longtime friend. We had known the groom for over 20 years, actually we were still in our teens when we met, and now, to say that "we were all grown up" just doesn't quite express it.
 
Me with two of my longtime friends

The venue was at Garden World, situated in Muldersdrift. The wedding was attended by a handful of guests. The ceremony was held in a small garden. The minister, who promised not to give a long service, was funny and endearing. The exchanging of vows by the couple was sweet. 

The bride and groom looked on as the minister blessed the rings
 
The hall where the reception was held was magnificently decorated. With the pool in the middle and the pillars on the side of the pool, it reminded me of a Greek setting. There was a loft just above the entrance to the hall, and this served as the dance area where the newlywed had their first dance as well as the traditional throwing of the bouquet and garter.


 
The bride and groom had enough time to give thanks and entertain all their guests.
 
It turned out to be a perfect day to have a lovely wedding.
 
If ever, hubby and I have our "formal" wedding one day, complete with gown and the whole entourage....it was the kind of wedding that I would want.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

It seems apt to use this paradox at a time like this.

The end of September marked the start of my farewell countdown. Well, I was always aware that there was not a lot of time left but I did not fully realise until I went to see some of my old colleagues for breakfast recently.
 
We had not seen each other for a while but have certainly not lost touch. We decided that my impending departure was as good as any occasion to meet and catch up. We spent a few hours and ended our tryst around lunch.
 
It just dawned on me that time is really flying now. I have to say my farewell as it might be some time before I see any of them again.

We have a couple of circles of family and friends so we'd have to plan our goodbyes in several parts.

Indeed, parting is such sweet sorrow, even among friends. I'll be keeping these memories until the next time we see each other again.

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Hula Girl On My Dashboard

It was bound to come out anyway.

I've always had the desire to be in theatres.

Even in my school days in the Philippines, I used to participate in various performances that were held yearly, be it dancing, singing and acting. People always thought that it was the singing that drew me to the theatres, but to tell you the truth....it was actually the make-up and the costumes.
 
No, no, no....no need to deny it. I quite accept that fact that I'm a plain Jane. I was never into make-up as a girl although I loved being made up. I loved donning attires that were out of the ordinary. I loved the whole transformation that I go through after the effort is done. I suppose they just really appealed to my fantasy. Even to this day.
 
So on a recent occasion, when the family was invited to a Hawaiian luau party, I jumped at the chance to show off my love for costumes as I plotted and planned our "Hawaiian" outfit/getup weeks before the celebration. The whole family had to participate...I was "coordinating" after all. And as if that was not enough, I just couldn't resist dressing my youngest up in grass skirt. The result was astounding. She was a bit shy at first but afterwards, she really had that "hula girl on the dashboard" effect down perfectly.

My very own hula girl
Mommy and daddy were not so bad themselves. Daddy had on a normal Hawaiian shirt and mommy had a Hawaiian wrap-around. Pity that the weather was a bit cold that day so the jackets were on when photos were taken.
 

Personally, I love themed parties. I suppose they keep the theatric in me alive. Here's hoping we'll be having some more in the future.

What is your most recent dress up experience?
 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Death Of A Saleslady

From here

Who would've thought that I'd actually make any money out of my junk?

I'd never have known this since I hate, hate, hate selling and marketing. The most selling and marketing I've done was when I was studying for it during my CIMA journey.
 
So it was really quite a surprise that I ended up enjoying selling my secondhand goods.
 
After we received our PR visas to Canada, Operation "Moving On" was put into high gear. There were still so many things to do and prepare, there were still so many items to get rid of, there were still so many stuff to think about...
 
My first step was to go through our media collection (i.e. DVDs, CDs, etc.) and separated the items that were worth something and those that went on the box to the left (trash). I then moved onto kitchenware, electronics. Last of the lot was the big furniture and vehicles. Everything in the house was not spared. As long as it's got monetary value, it went into my SALE pile.
 
I put all my items on Bidorbuy (an auction website), Gumtree (a free listing website), Kalahari (an online marketplace) and even do personal emails to all my friends.

Of course, not every little junk was sold, but I'd say the whole exercise was a success. It helped with the budget a bit and I found I was not such a bad saleslady after all.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Movie Review: The Flowers Of War

Wikipedia image


Can't believe this movie just started showing on South African cinemas recently.
 
A friend lent me a copy of this movie a few months ago, knowing that I loved watching fascinating Chinese-themed movies. The film top-billed an English actor, Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises), so it perked my interest.
 
The Flowers of War is a historical drama war film set in 1937 during the height of the second Sino-Japanese War. It follows the story of John Miller, a mortician sent to Nanjing (Nanking) to bury the head father of a school convent there, but then is caught amidst the war. He seeks refuge at the convent, pretending to be the dead priest. Together with a group of innocent schoolgirls and flamboyant prostitutes, they formulate an escape plan. And although the ending seems hopeful, it leaves a very bitter aftermath.

To say I was moved would be an understatement. After watching the movie, I researched and found that The Flowers of War was directed by the renowned Chinese director, Zhang Yimou. He was also the same director who made other thought-provoking movies like Raise The Red Lantern, Hero and House Of Flying Daggers.

I spent another 4 hours surfing Wikipedia for anything I could find about the "Rape of Nanjing" (or Nanking). I don't know if most of the articles I've read were factually true or false, but it brought me to my core. The hardship that the Chinese people suffered during the wars with Japan was undeniable.

So if you're sorta in the mood for a dark-themed movie, try this one out.

Monday, October 1, 2012

A Hubby Story: You Do Get Me Right?

From here


Just like Bon Jovi, let me start by saying this ain’t a love song. Nor is it a romantic yarn of any sort.

This is just a story about miscommunication, a bit of he says, she says. Although I think this is more of my hubby’s miscommunication than mine because I communicate fine (probably still in denial state, but who cares?).

Of course, I know that I have the habit of telling stories that are sporadic in nature. I’d be on one story and start the next one without warning. And then go back to the first story again. Such was what I did recently whilst discussing several stories simultaneously with hubby. After a while of trying to follow a one-way conversation, he complains that he is having a hard time keeping up because I just jump between subjects too much.

Further, I get annoyed when I am in the midst of telling my story and with the ending in sight, I expect hubby to jump right in and tell me what happens next….and then it just doesn’t happen. Or he tells me the wrong kind of ending.

Sure, most of the time he and I think alike. And we do enjoy our daily banter of ordinary stuff. However, we’re not characters out of a novel from Mills and Boon. We just don’t have that kind of ESP technology to finish each other’s sentences.

So I have learnt yet another thing in all my years of marriage. I must be prepared to talk...and finish my own stories. My husband will sit attentively. Whether he's listening or not is anybody's guess.

Just one label of warning: Men are not Martians and so they don’t read minds. They come prepared to take instructions and be told what you want done. No training manuals. And no batteries included either.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

This Little Tadpole Went To The Pool

She was an odd child. We always had difficulty getting her into the water. You can imagine what kind of tricks we got up to just to get her to bathe. It didn't matter whether it was in the shower or the tub, she just didn't want any water near her face.
 
So we are kinda glad now that she has lost her water inhibitions. These days, she'd be the first to ask to be taken to the gym for a swim at the pool there. Albeit she has not learnt to swim yet, but she is very enthusiastic when she does her laps in the pool, complete in her gear.
 
Look Ma, no hands!
 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

My Emigration Friends On Keeping My Sanity


Well, nobody said that the immigration road was easy. In fact, if you look at all that has been said, most immigrants will tell you that it requires hardwork, dedication and loads of patience. The road can be uncertain at times, when you hear nothing on the other end. You start thinking of the worst. And there are even times you feel that you might as well just give up.

The road I had taken was no less different.
 
The first months into the application were magical to say the least. I had the energy and determination to fill out forms and dig up information as I was spurred on by the mere thought of what our future would be.
 
However, of course, after a while, the excitement died down and depression set in. It was kinda lonely on this road alone. I had my family with me, yes....but they knew no better of the situation and the waiting game than I did. We were all stuck in the same car with no bright light at the end of the tunnel.
 
On a chance googling session I stumbled upon some discussion forums talking about Canadian immigration to be exact. The forums were filled with people, who have already emigrated or are still in the process of emigrating or are still deciding whether to do it or not. At first I used to just stalk these people on the forum and watch all the comments/advices/questions like a hawk. I suppose in the end, the temptation grew too much. I just could not contain myself any longer. I simply had to join the groups so I can contribute as well. (Remind you much of "pay it forward"?)

I took the leap and introduced myself to the group. It really felt great to be part of something bigger. Knowing that each time I needed to let off steam, I was supported. Or if I needed something cleared up, all I needed to do was ask.

3 years down the line, I still visit the forums as often as I can. I crave new posts and am always eager if I can participate in the discussion as well. I know the people in the forum only by their avatars and handles and have not met any of them (yet). But my online friends have become more real to me. They have helped me tremendously and have been instrumental in changing our lives forever.

And somehow it has made the journey so much more enriching.

I am most active in SACanada - for South Africans going to Canada.

I also visit Pinoys to Canada - for Filipinos going to Canada.

I check out Canadavisa - for news about the rest of the world going to Canada.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

From Wikipedia


I think I may have fallen into the trap again.

A few years ago, when I first heard of the Twilight series, I did not think that I would be affected so much. However, after watching the first Twilight movie, I was suddenly overcome to buy the whole series on paperback. It took me a week to finish the 4 books. By the time the second Twilight movie came out, I had the whole story embedded on my head.

Of course, I wouldn't say that I'm a Twi-hard fan. I just had a mild obsession after watching the movie. I occasionally get these teenage symptoms. No biggie. Although I think it might cause some alarm to say that I am almost middle-aged and I'm still getting these tendencies. LOL.
 
This past weekend, the family decided to rent The Hunger Games on DSTV BoxOffice. I must admit, I was quite impressed. It's not the greatest film I've seen and I did find the ending slightly disappointing (I think they were prepping the movie for the sequel)...but it certainly has captured my imagination enough that I want to go on and read the books. I have even already gotten the electronic version of the whole series.

Set in the future where two tributes from each of the twelve districts are selected to fight to the death on live television. The story revolves around Katniss Everdeen (captivatingly portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) who volunteered to become a tribute to take her younger sister's place. Joined by the male tribute from her district, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson in real life, who reminded me so much of Dash Incredible), Katniss and Peeta travel to the Capitol to train with Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) before the match.

And the day finally arrives and the Games begin. One by one, the tributes fall. The movie evolves into almost like a "Running Man" feel (If you're as old as me, you'll remember that old Arnold Schwarzenegger movie).

Without giving away too much, the film is one of raw emotions, inner strength and undeniable bravery. For me, Katniss really stood out like a female gladiator in this live-or-die arena.

I can't wait to dig my way into the book series! And hopefully, by the time the second movie instalment comes out (which I'm sure it will), I would have all the words off by heart.

In the words of the movie: May the odds be always in your favour!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The First Sprays Of Spring


The road to work

In South Africa, September usually marks that spring has arrived. Imagine our surprise, when last week, a few days into September, we had our first cloud outbursts as well.
 
It started the night before. The rain suddenly came and continued on until the early hours of morning. On my way to work, it had started again.
 
Houghton

I love going through the city when it's raining. I see things in a different light. Not to mention that it has not rained for a long time. We've just had 6 months of winter :-) Of course, I don't mean that I love driving in the rain. We all know how traffic it can be on the roads when it's raining. It delayed my trip that morning by 15 minutes.

Johannesburg traffic - can you make out the Vodacom building?

I spent the day cooped up in the office. Not that it was any different from any other day that I spend in the office. I'm an office girl so i don't get to go outside a lot. At lunch, I had a quick break to fetch some food in town.
 
 
This picture was taken before the hail onslaught at around 2pm that afternoon. I was imprisoned in the car by the hail and could not get back into the office. It stopped eventually after 30 minutes.


Going home was bad. Mother Nature did not look like she was about to let up yet. It took me more than an hour to get home because of the traffic because of the rain :-( Maybe I will rephrase that sentence and just say that I love the rain....in moderation.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Pay It Forward

From here

It was more than just the film. The movie was neither that bad nor exceptionally good. But somehow I think what actually struck me (and stuck with me) was the whole concept of asking a good deed to be repaid by having it done for others instead. It was quite the novel idea. And so the expression "pay it forward" became something of a motto in my life.

I've learnt early on that paying it forward does not mean helping out in just monetary terms. Thank God for this as I don't really have much money myself to uplive this motto if that were the case. Instead, it requires, at most, some time and kindness on my part.

I've learnt though that when I help others, I must never expect that the favour is returned. I would always hope afterwards that if I had helped someone, they would in turn help others.

Not that I've already helped many, many, many a soul. I'm no expert at this, even after many years with the motto. Sometimes when I extend assistance, I'm not really sure if I am helping someone or not. Is it really what they need in their life? Or is it just what they want to have at the moment?

Some would call it naivety. Because I've been depressed at times when helping others does not quite work out to the "pay it forward" system in my mind. I suppose I must just learn to accept as well that not every hand lent reciprocates the same way.

But I'm pressing on. I believe in this. Regardless how big or small, I've been a recipient of this gift many times over from wonderful people to stop believing that such a concept exists in the world.

There is a greater appreciation in helping others with something they cannot do for themselves.

There is a greater reward in not counting how many people you've helped along the way.

There is a greater happiness in knowing how your simple smile have brightened somebody's day.

I know it will never be enough. But my one good deed will bring forth three more and another three until (I hope) it makes an impact. This is the whole idea. Simple.

Have you ever paid it forward?

Copyright picture (mjdotcom)

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Maple Leaf According To Missy

It's a little lopsided and asymmetrical but a definitely good attempt by an eight-year-old, I think. No doubt, she'll be perfecting this soon enough.

The maple leaf flag of Canada according to Missy.

Missy's Canada flag
 

Monday, September 3, 2012

VTT - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Recap

Before I came to South Africa, I always had this misconception that animals run amok on the streets of Africa. I even envisioned that elephants are the main mode of travel, as opposed to anything with wheels. My logic was that Africa had all these animals in abundance that the best way was to put them to good use.

After 20 years, I have long accepted that this misconception is what it is, a misconception. Until I came to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park, Botswana. I think pets are classified quite differently in this part of town. Instead of cats and dogs, the streets and hotels of Victoria Falls were filled with small monkeys and babboons and warthogs (or what I happily remind myself as mini-Pumbaa's, haha).

My mental picture of riding elephants was not really far off when we went on an elephant back safari at Victoria Falls.

Come to Africa! Ride some elephants! The myth is true!

We met a "domesticated" cheetah named Sylvester. Well, as domesticated as he is, he was still a wild animal, according to his keeper.


We saw how a herd of elephants crossed the Chobe river and threw mud all over their bodies.

Crossing the Chobe
Mudslinging

Enroute our way back to our hotel at Victoria Falls from our day trip to Chobe National Park, we encountered a lioness crossing the road.

Don't mind me, I'm just crossing the street

Okay, so in South Africa, there are game drives which let you experience seeing all these animals in the wild (much like our game drive in the Chobe National Park recently). But the experience is not quite the same when you realise that you are not in a game drive, you are in the security of a tour bus, and just outside walks a fierce animal, right smack bang in the middle of a town road.

The best I can describe Victoria Falls is basically a semi-urban jungle, where the animals roam free and the tourist beware. Taking nothing away from the main attraction of the waterfalls, it is the best backdrop one could have amidst the wilderness.  I wish I was a bit more adventurous to have tried out the other activities that were being offered at Victoria Falls (i.e. white river rafting, bungee jumping, etc.) It was such a small town but definitely worth the visit.

It is a true African adventure unlike any other.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Second Leg In The CIMA Diploma

I don't know if I should be disappointed that my notoriety in recent years was never enough to get me onto any of the pages, nevertheless, the front page of a newspaper. The last time my name was published, it was in 1993. I had just graduated from high school and the education department decided to let everyone in the town know. I bought my own copy of that paper and had the page laminated. I still have it to this day.

My recent brush with publicity also has something to do with my studies. I've been studying CIMA for the last couple of years and finally, last May, completed my Managerial Level subjects and am receiving an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. But instead of just sending over the diploma (like last time when I finished the first leg), CIMA emailed to say that my name will also be published on a listing as a passed student. And since it's the new age of technology,  the published name will be on their website and not the local papers.

Shame that I couldn't laminate this post....but I was still excited! I just had to blog about it. Now I can't wait to finish off the Strategic Level subjects. I hope to do this in one go in November. Wish me luck!


Click to enlarge

 

Monday, August 27, 2012

VTT - Elephant Back Safari


Of course the whole trip was memorable but nothing feels quite like a truly satisfied child.

In contrast to our early morning canoe trip, our afternoon elephant back safari experience that same day was amazing. My youngest was thoroughly beside herself with excitement, being so close to the elephants. We even got to pet a "domesticated" cheetah.

We arrived at the Wild Horizon Sanctuary and were treated to welcoming drinks. While waiting for the elephants to arrive, our host spoke of the ride and safety precautions we must take while mounted on the elephant's back.

Once the elephants arrived, we were introduced to each one and their history. The guests got excited and we were all given enough time for photo opportunities with the elephants.


After the photos, we were then led to the field where we prepared to mount the elephants. Hubby and eldest rode on one elephant, while youngest and I shared another. Our elephant, Tendai, was a mother elephant who was still nursing her kids. On our ride, Tendai's 2 baby elephants tagged along and were never too far away from us.


Our guide was very knowledgeable about all things elephant....and other things as well. We spoke about everything under the sun. The ride took an hour and we travelled all over the sanctuary, up and down, through some streams and tree branches. Youngest was taking everything in and loved every minute of it. She loved watching one of Tendai's baby, Ntombi, run around gathering branches for food. When thirsty, Tendai nursed her and made funny sounds underneath.


After the ride, we got to interact with the elephants. There were pellets ready for us to feed our elephants. We were briefly taught how to give the pellets to the elephants and off we went.



And if we thought that the day was over, we were wrong. We were visited by a "domesticated" cheetah and its trainer. More photo opportunities, goodie!



After all the events, we were taken to a viewing room where we viewed all the photos and videos taken of us. Youngest urged us to buy the video. And we acquiesced. It was, after all, a perfect day to remember.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

My First "Professional" Cut

So my husband got tired of being the resident barber. After many, many years since our wacky experience with cutting hair, hubby has put his foot down and decided that it's high time. Our youngest daughter, his little princess, deserves a hair salon cut now.

We made our way down to Bruma in Johannesburg (dubbed our local chinatown). Hubby had been having his haircut at one of the Chinese hair salons and he's decided to recommend them for youngest's first ever "professional" cut.

We were greeted at the door and after much funfare and hand signals, youngest was ushered onto a chair. Her hair was shampooed and washed. Youngest was a bit pensive. I think she was a little scared of what she would look like after.

The hairdresser then started pointing to several photos of hairstyles hanging by the ceiling at the back of the salon.

some of the style choices...we chose the 4th one on the left

The stylist snipped and chopped. And then it was time for blowdrying.


And voila! The end result! Not bad. All this for R50 ($6).







Monday, August 20, 2012

VTT - Zambezi Breakfast Drift

So this, out of the whole Victoria Falls planned activities, was the most boring one. I was supposed to have planned to do some white river rafting but hubby thought it too dangerous so we settled on canoeing instead.

This activity also had a very early morning start. We missed the hotel breakfast as we were going to have breakfast whilst canoeing. Our transfer arrived and we were whisked away to our venture point along the Zambezi River.


Our starting point was somewhere in the Upper Zambezi River. We were strapped with life vests while one of the guides gave us some safety briefings with regards the rules of the river - what to do if the canoe tips over, which the guide swears never happens. The canoes we had were Canadian canoes and they are known to be sturdy and stable. We were warned against putting our hands in the water. The river is serene but it houses many dangerous creatures. Crocs being one of them.


Our tour guides were also our canoe paddlers. The trip was early so that we could catch the sunrise while we were canoeing down the river. After which, we'd have some continental breakfast on one of the islands. The trip finishes just within sight of the spray of the Falls.

I must admit that the river is very boring on this activity. It was so calm and quiet. All we could enjoy were some birdlife and lizards that we saw on the river banks. Whilst on the canoe though, I was always pensive, watching the water for any signs of crocs and hippos. I suppose I should be happy that we never spotted any of these creatures, then I'd have to say that we had such a harrowing experience whilst canoeing.

My youngest and hubby also got the chance to paddle on the river. Youngest was so eager. I wonder if she'll take canoeing when we get to Canada?



The rest of the trip was uneventful. We finished about 3 hours later and we headed back into town to grab some lunch.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A Blog Celebrity Grows Up....Part 2

Well, I can't very well say that only one of my daughters is growing up.

Seriously. If my youngest is turning out to be a young lady, it is safe to say that my eldest is doing the same thing. There'd be something oddly wrong with my genes if my eldest is staying put at 13.

As eldest is having her turn at growing up into an independent woman, this beckons that it's time for me to alter her ABOUT page as well.

For keepsake, here's her one before the change.


Monday, August 13, 2012

VTT - Elephant Hills Hotel


Elephant Hills Hotel

We decided to take it easy after our helicopter ride. After all, this was our first day of activities and you don't wanna overdo it. The kids wanted to try out the pool at the hotel and so we made our way down to the pool area.

The hotel offered several pools of different size and depth. Eldest taught my youngest some new swimming manouevres but it was a bit breezy so we didn't stay out long.


Dinner was offered from 7pm sharp at the hotel restaurant. There was a dinner buffet on offer but the family felt that the food was just a bit too much. So we decided to try the ala carte menu. The food was exceptional. Dinner was pricey but I suppose one can't skimp on food.

Breakfast the next morning was served buffet-style, available from 7am to 10am.

The rooms we got were spacious. We got 2 double rooms. Hubby and I shared one room and the girls shared another. Our rooms had a small verandas overlooking the Elephant Hills golf course. And in the distant, you could see the tiny smoke that exudes over the Victoria Falls.

The rooms were equipped with aircons, kettle, electronic safe, TV with some local and satellite channels available.


The staff were accommodating and pleasant. We had some issues with the TV sets in our room and it was fixed promptly after we reported it. We were also treated to welcome drinks on our arrival.

We even had a visitor the one morning. He was on our veranda, taking in the view. Just like us. Of course, we were behind the glass sliding door, watching him taking in the view.



All in all, a very nice stay.