Universal Studios Hollywood

This was my second visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
This time round, it was near the Christmas season and hence it was considered peak season.
It was really crowded. I would not suggest you visit during peak season as the queues to all attractions were super long and it was so crowded everywhere. Plus the ticket price was more expensive during peak season. You can check online for the peak and non-peak seasons.
We had no choice as we were only in LA during the peak season.

Christmas Deco

A feel of the crowd

I got to zoom in to get a shot without heads in front of the globe

Pano view of the lower lot

Studio Tour - was my fave from my last visit but this time round, I got a terrible headache from queuing at least a good 2 hrs for the ride.

Colorful Simpsons

Review of Taipei Starbucks 101 Level 35

Today I am going to review this place which many people rave about on internet with my personal experience.

Let's go back a bit to Dec 2016.
I was in Taipei and at the time, the research I did on internet did not mentioned about the new reservation system. I did what most people do, went to level 1 of the building trying to get a ticket from the machine. After a while, I realised it was not like that anymore. I asked the front desk and they told me the new booking system is to call in advance to reserve. I left disappointed and for the next few days, tried calling but to no avail.

This experience made me even more excited to go up to take a look.

Fast forward to Dec 2017, I tried to call international one week before my expected arrival. First day, I cannot get through after trying like 100x. So I prepared myself that the same thing will happen, it is unlikely to get through the line. I took a relax view of this itinerary, if I got through, so be it.
On Boxing Day, I gave it another try not thinking that I will call through, and surprisingly someone answered on my third try. I was really excited and looking forward to it.

This is my opinion of the place after my trip there.

Entrance to Starbucks Level 35

Firstly, the place is quite small. They take about 20pax per 90mins, and when we went up, the place is already quite packed. There is no enough seats for 20 of us coming in at once. In addition, the office staff were also coming in as it was 2pm in the afternoon. Next, for a place with so many people, the air-conditioner was not working particularly well. The outside temperature was around 16 degree and I felt really hot and stuffy inside.

The place was packed and stuffy

Being non-competitive, we were finally left with window high seat and as we sat and ate our food, we soon realised that it was facing the west sun which was setting at that time. The glare was so strong that we did not last more than 40mins.

The not-so-clean window

Thirdly, the windows were not particularly clean to take good pictures.

The glaring sun view

Lastly, the service was average.

Lone Tree @ Punggol Waterway

It is not difficult to locate this tree, on location, it is not outstanding, but the pictures always turnout wonderful. Wonder how it will look like when the building behind is up.
The 2 pictures was taken over a span of 2 months.

Noon light

Evening light

Updated note: This tree was removed after it was stroke by lightning and according to authority, it died.

Punggol Waterway - Lor Halus

This is my second visit in 4 years, more developed than the previous time with more links.

It is extremely hot in the afternoon, do slap on much sun protection if you are planning on the late morning or afternoon walk as most trees are still very small and could not provide much shades.

If you are planning to come in the early evening, do remember your insect repellent as the mosquitoes are quite fierce.

 

Tulipmania Floral Display 2015 - Gardens by the Bay

Finally make time for this in its third edition.
This year, the setting is colorful magical fairy tales.

There are Cinderella‘s carriage, Rapunzel’s tower, and the ginger bread house of Hansel and Gretel. There is even a red tulip named “Singapore”!

Very pretty sight indeed.

Wilby Central @ Queen Street

Wilby Central Service Apartment
No swimming pool but there is a shuttle bus that goes to the other outlet at Bukit Timah for the use of pool

The lounge for coffee and biscuits

Breakfast Place available on weekdays

Jacuzzi

Gym

Room for 2

Kitchenette

TV and write desk

The view

Entrance

 

Jen Hotel

One of the latest new addition to Orchard Road.
We decided to celebrate Christmas & Boxing day here.

The view is superb 

Like the touch screen lift

View

Good size room

MBS view

Room card

Pool

Not crowded

Night view from room

Day and night views