South Africa - Johannesburg

We had a family holiday to South Africa - covering Johannesburg and Cape Town with the full extended brood. Since this was a guided tour, i really didn't expect to see too much.

Of course in typical manner, we were shuffled from place to place starting from Voortrekker Monument with the largest marble frieze in the world.



Followed by Kruger House Museum - a house that was made out of milk instead of water when mixing with cement. Now it is just a showcase of times gone by



Union Buildings - The seat of presidency for South Africa



Then comes the 'highlight' of the tour - the stay at Mabula Lodge- with exotic meats for meals & safari drives down the park.

A Day of Freedom, Guy Savoy, Chanel & Ding Dong Bells

On my free day as i cleared my leave in December, i explored Singapore like the Singaporean tourist that i am. There are so many facets and layers to our tiny nation - over the last few years with the changes so rapid & dramatic - that it felt like exploring a whole new city all over again.

I woke up wanting to head to gym. Laze & decided on a splendid lunch instead - Guy Savoy ~ 

For my amuse bouche, i had celery soup with a celery root surprise under the cup.

Followed by Supreme of poularde, foie gras and artichoke, black truffle vinaigrette. Thinking of the vinaigrette still makes my mouth water. Together with the dish is a delicious piece of bread for me to get every last bit of the sauce. 

Their signature - Artichoke black truffle soup, layered brioche with mushrooms and truffles. It felt like meeting an old friend after a long period of time. Warm & comforting - and you felt like you wanted more. The floating pieces of Parmesan cheese with the soup brought a salty contrast on the tongue.


Another signature dish was the Crispy sea bass with delicate spices. The fish was cooked with its scales on - crispy & light.


For dessert, i had cheese from the cheese cart. With some of the most delicious, creamiest, cheese I ever had. I love my cheese soft & rich & they really delivered in all aspects. I couldn't finish it - but so good !


Of course, the sweets while you are paying the bill. Macarons & ice cream, jelly drops. :)

Off to the Little Black Jacket exhibition by Chanel at the ArtScience Museum, this is free & on until Jan 2014. Don't miss it if you are in the area. I was kicking myself for missing it in New York - am so glad that it came to Singapore.







When i left, they gave me a choice out of 3 posters to bring home of the celebrities displayed. Now how cool is that? The marketing really worked - because after that i went to Chanel to look for the little black jacket.


And the day ended watching Dim Sum Dollies - for a Ding Dong Bell Christmas. Emma Yong, you will be sorely missed.

Sometimes, i forget how talented our Singapore artistes are :) i ought to catch more shows in 2014.

I wanted to see Pandas !

So off i went to the Zoo & its new area, River Safari. I was happily surprised that our decades-old zoo has been quietly updating its exhibitions & enclosures. Recently, the zoo added a new area called River Safari where the pandas were held. It was a really fun day. :) We ended up watching the feeding of a polar bear. Cuteness overload - he reminded me of a giant white retriever. Let the photos speak for themselves







When we were at the polar bear enclosure - we were all curious as to why the bear was stranded outdoors under the hot afternoon sun. He was waiting impatiently at the door, clawing it with his paw.


Then we noticed the other side, the zoo keepers were preparing his food in the form of a solid ice cube with pieces of fish frozen within.


When the door opened, he hungrily marched towards his food.


The smart bear started to lick, bite & claw the ice block into smaller pieces.



He used his paw & nose to push the block towards the door. Everyone watching within the chamber was laughing & cheering him on.



Then he started to push the ice block towards the pool




Once he succeeded, he was swimming and twirling his body around the cube. For a moment like this, priceless.


The Red Panda





They had a panda theme restaurant within the River Safari area. :) It was red bean inside - but honestly, how could anyone resist a face like that.



Part of the River Safari highlights were its various aquariums to mimic rivers, mangroves & the sea. One of my favorites was the manatees exhibit. They were so docile and like their namesakes - sea cows - so slow & peaceful.