South Wales Oct 13

Top Row Left: Crossing Severn bridge from Bristol to Wales, Chepstow Castle, Chepstow high street
Centre Row Left: Chepstow Castle exterior, Chepstow Castle Tower, Tintern Abbey exterior
Bottom Row Left: Tintern Abbey interior, Raglan Castle interior, Caerphilly Castle

Wales is 30 min away from Bristol. To get there, we had to cross the Severn Bridge. Our first stop was Chepstow Castle. It was sufficiently impressive to convince us to buy a 3 day unlimited Castle visits pass around Wales. Hence, we visited Tintern Abbey, Raglan Castle and Caerphilly Castle over the next 2 days (had forgotten about the 3rd day)

Of the lot, Tintern Abbey has an impressive structure, considering it was built about a thousand years ago. Caerphilly Castle is nicest castle of the lot. As it was near Cardiff (Capital of Wales), we managed to catch dinner and some shopping there.

Trips in August - Cheddar Gorge, Bath Spa City and lotsa Golf

Colleagues had recommended Bath as a place to visit for a day-trip. Doesn't disappoint. But we went on a Sunday and there were crowds to some key sites. It's ok, we'll be back. It's only half an hour away by car.

Another weekend, we went to Cheddar Gorge. Had wanted to do some hiking, but couldn't find a parking space. Went home with a bunch of sweet and ripe blackberries though...

Unfortunately, most photos were over-exposed, hence few pictures. Did our first "pub-grub", which is having a meal in a pub. Very common like "coffee shops" in Asia.

Below, golf courses in/around Bristol

Each game costs around £13 - £16 for 18 holes. As days are long, one could play after work and be home for a late dinner.

One of the perks of Bristol/Summer...

Home in Bristol

After living exactly in various hotels and serviced apartments for 12 months, we have finally settled into a more permanent house in Bristol.

Good location near many good schools, and not far from the office. Our neighbour is Chinese, and their two children are exactly Greg and Nic's ages.

It's a very old but recently refurbished detached house with 3 bedrooms. While there are only 2 pieces of furniture belonging to the landlord (bathroom sink cabinet and kitchen-top), he has made much noise about how it should be used.

On the other hand, it has a decent view from the kitchen, its own parking (a pain in this area) and boasts of some best schools around (which unfortunately, Greg couldn't get in).

And while the "junk" garden is full of rocks and uneven grass growth, it has managed to grow some interesting "weeds". One is a blackberry plant that has coiled itself onto a tree (initially, I thought it was a blackberry tree as blackberries were growing on it. Later, I discovered much blackberries growing in the wild but they are all climbers). And when the gardener did not turn up after a few weeks, a tomato plant had sprout up and grew small tomatoes!

Must be the warm weather. Bristol is having the best summer in many years.

Thornbury Castle

Boss Kate's 50th Birthday. Very generous, treated entire team to dinner and stay at Thornbury Castle in, of course, Thornbury, which is only a few miles outside Bristol

Fantastic weather. Gorgeous food and party. Room was exceptional. Greg and Nic refused to go to bed. But of course, who could resist having any less fun in a room in a castle?

Arrival in Bristol

Chilly, wet and gloomy weather greeted us.

Bought a car within a week, transportation here is terrible. Even bus schedules are unpredictable.

As such, we were able to visit many places.

Living in the city centre has its perks. Endless activities, parks and shopping. Good that Bristol is unlike Hamburg, and shops are opened on Sundays as well.

Singapore Stay

Waiting for UK visa...in Singapore.

Stayed at various service apartments in Clarke Quay area, as office is at Raffles Place.

Singapore can be beautiful...if...

KL

Since the project in Japan ended early, there was time before my next posting somewhere else. Hence, I was in KL to do a smaller project in Jan and Feb 13.

KL had changed much since I had last visited, which was at least 8 years ago. The streets looked different as there were many new buildings and malls, such as Pavilion. Gave myself much credit that I had rented an office here...


Twin towers, Chinatown clan house, monorail

My favourite residence at Royal Chulan (which Nic is looking at) has ceilings so high that one will not be able to touch when jumping from the bed...

First Post in 2013

I had forgotten that I have blog!

And I have Japan to thank for. It was a frentic and hectic period of my life. Work was stressful and environment stifling. I was glad the project had ended earlier. Many nights, I had woken up in cold sweat, wondering what I was doing there..

Still, photos captured only good memories, fortunately.

Some parks and areas around Tokyo and Takao.


Shrines and Parks in Tokyo


Shopping and food, Fugu (pufferfish) grilled. Memorable texture, forgetable taste.


Last few days and sushi treat from team mates at Tsujiki Fish Market.


Osaka working trip. Billboards and giant crabs. Osaka aquarium with impressive exhibits.


Disney and some parks. So many that I don't remember the names


Nagoya market visit, shrines and dinner treat from customer (wow! first time, usually the other way round)


Kawagoe with ancient shophouses


Kamukura - shrines, temples, beaches, parks.