Ladurée

Finally, finally, finally, Ladurée is here in Hong Kong!  (It just opened in Harbor City, Tsim Sha Tsui, on December 1, 2012.)  If you love macaroons, this is the place to be.

L'atelier de Joël Robuchon

Splurge of my Christmas Hong Kong trip - lunch at L'atelier de Joël Robuchon.  Since I didn't go anywhere this Christmas, I could afford a little extravagance.  

Afternoon Tea - Cafe Causette @ Mandarin Oriental

An unexpected stop but so glad I went!  My friend text me during my Hong Kong trip and said he got off early and is enjoying afternoon tea at the Cafe Causette at Mandarin Oriental in Central, Hong Kong.  He is a walking encyclopedia of Hong Kong's afternoon teas so I am glad to try whatever he recommends!

Sing Heung Yuen 勝香園

Originally planned for Tex-Mex but ended up trying the famous tomato-based macaroni with beef and a fried egg at Sing Heung Yuen (勝香園).  The place is located in NoHo in an alley.  It's diagonally across from "Homeless" and another famous diner Kau Kee Restaurant (九記牛腩).  I love dai pai dong (大排檔) so this is exactly my kind of food.  However, if you only eat at Michelin's, this is not for you.

Christmas in Hong Kong

I went to Hong Kong for a 4-day trip to visit my friends right before Christmas. December is a good time to go to Hong Kong as the weather is nice, Christmas decoration is out, and there are usually good sales.  The downside is everywhere you go, there is a TON of people.

Since I took a lot of pictures as usual, I am going to do a condensed summary with a few highlights in separate posts (Note: this post will be updated with links later) so it won't be so overwhelming to read everything at once... my friends always ask if I am writing a novel... let me know if you like this format better...

Macau Series (7) - Parade through Macao, Latin City

On random day in December, I noticed this strange voodoo looking doll at the plaza on my daily walking route.  It looks so grotesque I had to ask my friends what it was and what it was for - it's a prop used in the Parade Through Macau, Latin City (澳門拉丁城區幻彩大巡遊)... OKAY!!!

Traveling Solo - Japan (11)

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  I had a fantastic holiday in Hong Kong visiting some friends.

Thank you, Mr. Haru Tajima and Mr. Koji Yamaguchi for mentioning me on your website again.  You can see their post here.  Wow, two features in one month... I am flattered...

This is my last post on this trip.  Hope you enjoyed reading it~  

Traveling Solo - Japan (10)

I am not even done with this write-up and I already bought another ticket to Japan during peak sakura season in April 2013!  Yay~!!! This time 2 of my friends will be joining me~  we will be covering Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama-Hirayu-Shin Hodaka-Nagoya-Osaka-Nara-Akame-Iga in 9 days!!!  A very ambitious plan if you ask my friends :P  

Macau Series (6) - Galinha à Africana

Macau has a very unique place in the world since it was the first and the last European colony in China.  For instance, Portuguese is still considered one of the official languages in Macau under the policy of "one country, two systems".  In addition to inheriting a slower pace of life and an inimitable collection of holidays, Macanese cuisine is also heavily influenced by the Portuguese culture.  

One Day on Earth

Today is 12.12.12 - probably the last repetitive date I would see in my lifetime.  

I saw this video on my Facebook feed and thought it was really cool 

http://vimeo.com/onedayonearth/121212

So here's a little contribution from me :)

All the pictures used in this clip were actually taken on 12.10.12 since I had the day off...  hope you enjoy~ :)

Traveling Solo - Japan (9)

Day 7:  If you read the #2 post to this series, you will notice I did a 180 change to my original plan.  It all started from a conversation over Kobe beef.  The more I thought the more I can't let myself pass on Kobe beef when I am only 30 minutes away from Kobe.  Cost was my #1 issue since real Kobe beef is really EXPENSIVE!

Plaisir

Did you know that Kobe beef is only sold within Japan prior to February 2012?  Outside of Japan, you can only find authentic Kobe beef in Hong Kong, Macau, and the US.  (USDA only relaxed the Japanese beef importation as of August 27, 2012)  The Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association actually monitors how many kilograms of beef was exported and who bought it here.

Traveling Solo - Japan (8)

Day 6: Last day in Kyoto.  Even though I am so tired from all the walking and went to so many places, I felt like I barely saw Kyoto.  In fact, I felt like I barely saw anything!!!  Now I understand why so many traveler keep returning.

Surprise from Searchina!

When I logged in today, my blog showed that I finally passed my first 10K pageviews - wee!  In fact, almost all of the clicks today were from Japan...

Traveling Solo - Japan (7)

Day 5:  My spirits dampen as I woke up and found that it was raining outside.  (It was the only day it rained during my entire 9-day trip so lucky me actually.)  I decided to save Tofukuji to another day but stick to my plan to visit Uji and Fushimi.

Traveling Solo - Japan (6)

Starting from this post, you will be able to view more of my pictures on flickr.com...

Day 4 - I took the bus from K's house to J-Hoppers.  Although the 2 hostels are relatively close (only a 10 minute walk), I didn't feel like walking.  After checking in, I asked the staff if I would have enough time to visit Nijo Castle before heading to Kibune and Kurama.  She said Kibune and Kurama are small towns so I shouldn't have any problem. Yeah!

The Lazy Person's Dinner

I got home yesterday realizing I didn't bring my keys... frack!  I called my dad and he didn't pick up... since it was cold today, I called my auntie and she told me to come over for dinner :)  My uncle even made me perfect fried eggs - exactly how I liked them!  Definitely a perk to be closer to family and friends :)

so there is a photo storage limit on Blogger...

I haven't been able to update lately since my MBP went to the shop again... I just got it back this morning and tried to upload another post...

Unfortunately, Blogger told me I have maxed out on my 1GB photo storage... so I guess until I find another blog hosting place, there won't be any update...

Traveling Solo - Japan (5)

Day 3 - I met up with my new friend from CS at the Kyoto Station and a French couple joined us as well.  We got to Umahoru and walked to Torroko Kameoka Station and successfully bought our cart #5 tickets on the Sagano Sightseeing train! yay!  (in fact, those were the last 4 seats)

Perfumes

I am currently reading a book called "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster" by Dana Thomas, which many of you have heard of, or perhaps read.  It was a recommended read by a friend after I said I need a crash course on luxury brands and I highly recommend to anyone who has even the slightest interest in the fashion business and/or luxury brands.

Traveling Solo - Japan (4)

Day 2 - I was waken up by one of the roommates and I was glad... apparently, I had forgotten to set my alarm!  Originally I planned to move before I start my day sightseeing but since it was already 830am by the time I was ready, I decided to move later in the afternoon... Hindsight #1:  should have waited after the Monster Street Festival!

Beef and Tomato Stew

It's been a while since I have cooked anything.  Mom spoiled me.  But today, I finally decided to make this recipe I saw on YouTube.  I have made it before (so yes, this is my second time) and it was delicious!

Traveling Solo - Japan (3)

Let me just go ahead and say this:  I love traveling alone!!!  I am not sure if I wanted to go anywhere with anyone else anymore...

Here are some advantages on solo traveling: 

1. You get to see everything at your own pace.
2. You will only compromise with yourself.
3. You are more likely to find help from locals.
4. You are more likely to meet like-minded travelers.
5. You will be able to observe and see more.

Weekend Getaway - Singapore (3)

Something scary happened when I was trying to publish this post this morning.  My site counter reset to zero.  Not that I am a blogger that depends on my blog for a living but it was a little depressing.  Then later in the day everything seemed fine again.  Thank goodness!  Finally done with my Singapore recap and I am packing for my upcoming Japan trip!  I am so-so-so excited!!!

I can't get my hands off my plan and I keep tweaking and changing hoping to make it smoother and squeeze more POIs in.  I think I need to give myself an ultimatum and say "hands off".

Sunday:  I think all the walking finally took a toll on all of us and we slept in a little.  My cousins' place is very convenient - only minutes away from the Clementi MRT station and the Clementi Mall.  We had breakfast at Ya Kun (the soft boiled eggs were delicious!) and went grocery shopping! 

Weekend Getaway - Singapore (2)

My Mac was down and the Apple genius told me the hard disk was fried.  Thank goodness I backed up my Mac so no real harm was done.  Hence, this post was delayed (I had to restore my pictures from the backup).  I also got an email from Tiger saying they have finally processed my refund (after another follow up email dated October 3, 2012).  I have yet to check with the credit card company to confirm the refund but at last I am seeing light in the tunnel...  (I think they know I won't go away until it's settled...)

Continuing from the last post:

Day 2:  Rise and shine!  We woke up super early in the morning (730am on a Saturday, hello!) so I could enjoy a final swim at the infinite pool before checking out.  (We stayed with my cousin during the rest of our visit).

Traveling Solo - Japan (2)

Saw this on my Google+ this morning :)
can't wait to be there in person!!

Traveling Solo - Japan (1)

How can you say 'no' to this?  Kiyomizu Temple at night
Picture borrowed from GOTrip HK.
Unfortunately, I am going a little too early for the fall foliage... :'(

Every Cloud has a Silver Lining

Every cloud has a silver lining

Weekend Getaway - Singapore (1)

I am back from Singapore.  Except for the part with Tiger Airways, the trip was AWESOME  (you can read the whole story here). 

I still haven't heard from anyone from their Customer Service Team and I've tried to talk to their reservation desk in person at the respective airports.  Both times the rep working at the desk told me they are NOT Tiger Airlines' employee and they can't do anything about the refund... wow...  Customer service is virtually non-existent.  I emailed them again today... we will see how that goes...

100 Years Before the Birth of DORAEMON

I am not exaggerating when I said Doraemon is one of the most beloved anime character in history.  Doraemon is a Japanese manga series created by Fujiko F. Fujio which later became an anime series and an Asian franchise.  The series first appeared in December 1969 and since its debut, the stories have been selectively collected into 45 books (excluding featured stories) published from 1974 to 1996, which had a circulation of over 80 million in 1992.  (My brother collected all the 45 books plus 22 "featured" stories...)

The Economist

This is not my usual post about food or travel or etc.  This is a recent news article I read from Yahoo! Hong Kong which really got me thinking (or fuming rather)...

Click here for the full article.  In case you don't read Chinese, here is a summary:

An incident with Tiger Airways

Congratulations, you have won a travel voucher to Singapore from Tiger Airways!

That's the subject line on an email I received on July 11, 2012.

my immediate thought - SPAM

Then my memory came back to me... I did entered into a lucky drawing... still suspicious, I went on Tiger Airways's website and entered the voucher code I was sent and it worked!!!  well, I guess Lady Luck must have smiled on me that day...

Weekend Getaway - Hong Kong - August 2012

My friends and I went to Hong Kong for the weekend and we had a lot of fun.  They even agreed to go to Cheung Chau (長州) with me on a hot summer day - yay!

Burmese Mango Salad & Burmese Noodles

Here are two Burmese recipes that my mom made recently, thanks to the instructions from my cousin.  It's called "thayet chin thohk" (pronounced as "the-yet-di-dok") and "khao sw thohk" (pronounced as "kao-swe-dok") in Burmese, both are a very refreshing recipe for the summer.

Macau Series (5) - MGM Macau, Butterfly Pavilion

From now till October 2012, MGM Macau is hosting the first-ever butterfly exhibition.  For those of you that have been to a large zoo, botanical garden, etc., this will be nothing new and may not be even exciting. However, if you happened to be in Macau during this time, I would still encourage you to pay a visit.

Afternoon Tea - the Parlour @ the Hullett House

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know how much I missed the afternoon tea culture in Macau / Hong Kong.  Since I came back, I did not waste anytime enjoying myself~  I had waited a long time before uploading this post because there were so many places to choose from and I honestly can't pick a favorite...

Rice Balls

Do you get bored eating the same thing everyday?  Do you whine and complain about the lack of rotation on the dinner table when you don't even need to lift a little finger and dinner is ready when you come home from work?  I do!  and yes, I know I am spoiled...

Mohinga

My mom and I made mohinga (from scratch) this past weekend - my first time :)  The recipe is not for the faint-hearted and my mom already said "let's only make this once a year..." LOL!!!  For those of you that aren't regulars to my blog, mohinga is the national dish of Myanmar and we have been craving the "real deal" since our recent trip.

Asian Paper Masks

Other than food, I am a little (?) obsessed with beauty products... it's one of the few things I would splurge on.  If you have traveled to Asia, you probably have seen them.  It's one of the products I swear all Asian women have used - paper mask.

Thai Green Curry

I actually made this a while back but never had the chance to write it up.  This is such a delicious recipe it would be a waste if I didn't share.  The ingredients are easy to get and very quick to make even on a week night.

Macau Series (4) - Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

Beyond the glamorous casinos and world class hotels, there are a lot of beautiful places in Macau.  I misses the old Macau a lot and I am going to do a series to showcase some of the prettiest places I know.

Konad Nails

In a corporate world, maintaining a professional image can sometimes mean a boring wardrobe.  Lucky for me, the company policy have yet to establish rules on what color nail polishes I can wear.  Imagine life with the boring nudes, pinks, and reds!!  I heart my mint green, turquoise, and orange polishes!

Happy Feet

Summer is here and it's time to wear those pretty flip flops and sandals.  How embarrassing it would be if your feet is all cracked and full of calluses!  I definitely noticed a thickening layer of calluses since my trip to Myanmar since I basically had to walk everywhere bare-footed.

Lemon Chicken

I cannot believe I have not yet posted the recipe for lemon chicken.  If I have to pick my favorite Chinese dish, this will be it!  The closest recipe I ever posted was the Sweet & Sour Pork, which shared the same sauce base.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (16)

In addition to highlighting some of my favorite places to visit, I felt it will help some of you out there if I provide some recommendation on food in Bangkok as well.  Please note that this list may not be the most current as it's a compilation of two separate visits and the quality might have declined as well.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (15)

Day 17 to 20 - Yangon - Bangkok - Macau

Our host took us to the delicious mohinga place one last time before dropping us at the airport.  We boarded our plane to Bangkok with no further incident.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (14)

Day 15 and 16 - Chaungtha - Yangon

After going to the beach for one last time and bidding farewell to the nice owner, we boarded the 10 am bus to return to Yangon.  The return trip took about 6 hours since the bus stopped twice for souvenir shopping (it's just a snack shop) and a lunch break.  Instead of Chaungtha, Chaungtha (the driver said that song is only played when the bus arrives at Chaungtha... :S), the driver played a Burmese comedy, which was quite funny even though I didn't understand a word.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (13)

Day 15 - Ngwesaung

After breakfast, we met with our drivers and headed to Ngwesaung :) We drove through small villages, woods, crossed 3 rivers, and saw crabs in action on the beach.  It was definitely a highlight of the entire trip and I highly recommend it to any adventurous souls out there.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (12)

Day 14 - Chaungtha

Since we arrived at 3am, the hotel can't really check us in but they were nice enough to let us rest in the employee quarter.  I pretty much crashed on the cushions laid on the ground but the A/C was so cold it kept waking me up.  We decided to turn off the A/C after a while and opened the door even though the staff warned us about the mosquitoes.  No joke!  The mosquitoes almost ate us alive but too bad for them since I brought with me 2 bottles of mosquito repellent and my electric mosquito racket.

Copa Steakhouse

Taking a little break from uploading my never-ending Myanmar / Thailand trip... (I am almost done, I promise!)  Let's talk about food this post :)  (no pun intended - haha!)

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Day 12 to 14 - Yangon - Chaungtha

We spent the next two days exploring more of Yangon with my aunt's family and eating more of the delicious Burmese food.  Pretty uneventful yet relaxing.

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Day 10 and 11 - Inle - Yangon

After a relaxing afternoon back in the hotel, we are ready to head out again.  As I was anxious to return before sunset, I politely declined the guide's offer to dine at a local restaurant instead of the overpriced hotel... I guess I'd rather be cheated on food than to be attacked by lizards again...

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (9)

Day 10 - Inle

After a disappointing breakfast at the hotel, we took the boat and started our sight-seeing in Inle.  Since Inle is basically a large lake, transportation is mainly by boat.  Inle is also home to the Intha people, and other minorities.  The Intha people are mostly fishermen and are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar.  From young kids to old men, this unique rowing style can be seen all over the lake.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (8)

Day 9 - Inle

Our time at Mandalay finally came to an end and we boarded a plane to Heho.  Our guide warmly welcomed us at the airport and immediately, I told her if I don't want to go to Pindaya, what are my options.  Pindaya is mainly famous for its limestone caves called Pindaya Caves where thousands of Buddha images have been consecrated for worship over the centuries... I can't see how this would impress me after being disappointed at the Pyin Oo Lwin cave...

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (7)

Day 8 - Pyin Oo Lwin

After many days under the scorching sun, we spent the day in Pyin Oo Lwin.  At an altitude of 1070 meters and 42 miles from Mandalay, it was a hill station and the summer capital during the colonial period.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (6)

Day 7 - Mandalay

We rode a boat to the town of Mingun after a delicious buffet style breakfast at the hotel.  The main attractions here are the Mingun temple, Mingun Bell, and the Hsinbyume pagoda  (yes - more temples!)  Our guide also took us to visit a local elderly home.  It's funded straightly on donations and it's completely free to the tenants.  Even though it might be a scam, we still left a donation.  (Let karma take care of the rest.)

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (5)

Day 6 - Mandalay

We left Bagan in the morning and boarded a plane to Mandalay.  (Air Mandalay operate a daily route from Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay - Heho - Yangon.  Our departure time gets later and later with each city we visit.)  Instead of a 10+ hours bus ride through the mountains, we arrived in Mandalay after 45 minutes.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (4)

Day 4 and 5 - Bagan

Early morning, we left Yangon and flew to Bagan and spent the next 2 nights there.  Bagan is famous for it's temples and known to be Myanmar's Angkor Wat.  If you are into history, culture, and architecture, this is heaven on earth.  The locals here are also very friendly... it almost seems like everybody knows everybody.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (3)

Day 3 - Yangon

It's a pretty laid back day as we spend most of the day visiting my mom's relatives and friends.  We ate breakfast at a different place and tried out various kinds of traditional goodies.  So good and so stuffed!!

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (2)

Day 2 - Yangon

We started off our day with traditional Burmese breakfast - mohinga and "le-pet-yeh ball-sing" (that's noodles in fish soup and milk tea, easy on sugar in Burmese for you).  After you finish your bowl, you can even ask for more "hin" or soup for free to wash it all down.

Myanmar / Thailand Trip Recap (1)

I just came back from a 20-day trip to Myanmar and Thailand.  It wasn't the usual "get-your-visa-and-go" kind of trip for me and I can't even begin on how many problems I had prior to the trip... at one point, I almost thought I wouldn't be able to go...  I am so glad I didn't give up and grateful I finally get the chance to revisit Myanmar.  (The last time I was there I was ~7 years old!)

Dining in Hong Kong

Since Hong Kong is only an hour away, I have the leisure of visiting this "Pearl of the Orient" several times in the past few months.  Although the purpose of each trip is different, they have one common theme - "good eats".  So below are a few good eats I would recommend to my fellow foodies~

Hot & Spicy Fish Head

Yesterday I went to the market for groceries and saw a freshly butchered bullhead.  The woman who ordered the fish only wanted the body (she told me she is using it for soup) and I remembered the delicious dish I had in Shanghai not long ago... so I thought to myself, it won't get fresher than this and I probably won't have the heard to order a fish to be killed...  so there you go, I bought the head...

Perth Trip Recap (14)

Day 14 & 15 - X'mas with friends!

I want to take this opportunity to thank Antonia again for all her help on our trip!!!  Thank you for lending us your brand new GPS so we didn't get lost in Western Australia.  Thank you for picking us up at the airport on a weekday when we return from Hyden.  Thank you for taking us shopping and introducing us to all the fabulous deals!  Thank you for welcoming us into your home and letting us join you in your Xmas celebrations with your family and friends.  Thank you for taking us to the beach again so I finally get to try short-boarding.  Thank you for the Xmas presents!!  Thank you for taking us back to the airport on boxing day!!  Thank you and thank you again :)

Perth Trip Recap (13)

I was hoping to finish writing the entire trip before Chinese New Year... Oh well... better late than never!  :)

Day 13 - Cottlesloe Beach

We decided to go back to the souvenir shop for more shopping and then head to Cottlesloe Beach.  We stopped at a vietnamese restaurant in between but was slightly disappointed at the pho...  It was quite expensive and not very authentic... (but then again, we were comparing to the pho we had in the US... haha!)

Perth Trip Recap (12)

Yay - my MacBook Pro (MBP) is finally here... it's been forever before I could make the decision between buying in HK or the US... and then also between the MacBook Air (MBA) and MBP.  As usual, the practical me won the argument...  I am still getting use to the Mac interface but the transition wasn't bad at all... Anyways, back to subject...

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Day 11 - Caversham Wildlife Park / Pinnacles / Lancelin 

We joined a day tour with Adventure Tours, which is really operated by Pinnacle Tours, just AUD40 cheaper. (Don't ask me why) It's a fantastic tour and I would highly recommend them.  See detailed itinerary here.  If you have the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) card, you also get an AUD10 discount!

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Day 10 - King's Park / Garden City Mall

Yet another R&R day!  I felt my ankle singing "hallelujah"".  Today, we decided to take it easy so we went to Kings' Park for a picnic.  We stopped at the Woolworth between the train station and the bus stop and picked up some more snacks.  This really turned out to be just more mangoes for me - I can't say no to 2 for $3.50... haha~

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Day 9 - Rottnest Island

Based on our research, Tuesday is the best day to visit Rotto!  See here.  However, be prepared for a 2-hour boat right (one-way) from Perth CBD.  This is one of my favorite places... if given a chance to return, I would probably stay a day or two here  (an afternoon is really not enough).  Also, I would also take the bike rental option offered by Rottnest Express (the ferry) - it's about the same price and seriously, time is money on the island!

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Day 8 - Perth

Today is another planned R&R (rest & relaxation) or in my friend's word "explore" day.  The only goal for the day is to understand where are the bus and train stations and where is Barrack Street Jetty (and how long it takes to get there).

Perth Trip Recap (7)

Computer is fixed!  Yeah!!  Back to my regular update schedule (I hope) :)

Day 7 - Hyden / Perth

We left Albany early morning and started driving to Hyden, the home of the Wave Rock.  (Originally we wanted to go to Ayers Rock but due to a series of impulsive decisions, we didn't go.  It's alright, we will go there some day!)  Since we felt rock-less this trip, we decided to come out to Wave Rock before heading back to Perth.

Abalone Chicken Soup

I have to take a break from my Perth trip recap series as my main computer died on me the other day.  It's is currently at the shop now.  Let's hope it is fixable and won't cost an arm and a leg... 

However, I still feel like sharing this awesome soup that I made the other night.  It was extremely easy and satisfying in a cold winter night.  This is a clay pot soup, which is quite different to the normal boiled soup since this one is double boiled.  Most Chinese would say that this is a better way to make soup since the flavor and nutritions are more condensed, I just think that it taste better and I didn't have to keep checking the kitchen - I just set the timer and let the machine does the rest!

you should not have to add any seasoning

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Day 6 - Albany

Albany Farmers Market - The market officially opens from 8am to 12pm but we read that most items will be sold out by 9am.  Thus, we were really anxious to get there by 8am sharp (nothing comes between me and my food... we pretty much rolled out in our PJs...)  Luckily, the market is really close to the YHA we were staying at.

Perth Trip Recap (5)

Day 5 - Pemberton / Nornalup / Walpole / Denmark / Albany

Per our plan, today is a very intense day.  Not only we have to drive for 4+ hours from Margaret River to Albany, we also got a few planned stops with *moderately strenuous activities* waiting for us... (I actually bought Salonpas at HKIA just in case, which came in very handy later on this trip...) *we are proud couch potatoes*