New Zealand South Island, Rainy West Coast and Sunny East Coast

30 Oct - 8 Nov 2011

The trip started with Qantas labor union strike on 29 Oct which delayed the flight. So I had to book SIA on 30th Oct instead. Well, the first dinner I had was seafood themed. Which was a welcome especially after the Qantas delay.

Seafood!!!

Fast forward to the West Coast trip, still being inexperienced in planning trips, I did not check the weather beforehand, therefore, the 4 seasons of West Coast greeted us.
We visited Greymouth and the roaring waves,

Big Waves

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with cold wave descending frequently, "sugarcoating" the forest on the mountains. We got hit by lots of hail. The glacier itself is magnificent though.

Franz Joseph Glacier, with frozen trees on both sides of the valley

However, when we are leaving the west coast, the weather clears up. Giving us a taste of what it would look like on a nice weather, which is what spring should be.

Lake Mapourika - Morning mist with still mirror-like reflection

Southern Alps still have the trees frozen even though the weather already cleared of rain and hell.

After the not so successful trip to visit the west coast, bro decided to bring us to Akaroa on a sunny day.

Akaroa - French Town in a crater

Lastly, before we leave New Zealand, we went to visit Christchurch city center, which most of the areas still closed due to the earlier earthquake.

Still closed off section of Christchurch

Last thoughts, I'll be back!! (with better preparation)

Suwon, Korea

29 Nov 2011 to 3 Dec 2011 - Suwon

Well, the business trip to Suwon is mostly busy and eat Korean. One thing about them is Kimchi for all 3 meals (as it was winter). Only the finally before the flight back to Singapore me and my colleagues had the time to sight see Suwon.

Korean BBQ.

DIY spicy beef.

High Grade Beef (only 2nd best in Korea as we are told)

Suwon palace. Autumn scenery in winter?

Fried Oyster

I will be back in the future, Korea!!

Desaru, Johor

22 Feb 2011 - Desaru Beach

Depressed from not finding a job, I joined my cousin to relax at Desaru beach. I did a lot of fooling around there.

Rocks that look like mud??

I like this view!

Hermit Crabs: they will abandon shell if you turn them upside down in midair.

Barnacles??