Filed under: - Sarah | Tags: Bike, Bintan, Bintan Triathlon, Break, Relay, Triathlon
I thought I’d interject my Israel series with a Bintan entry!
Early Friday morning, we gathered at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with bikes and baggage in tow.
After an hour-long ferry ride and short shuttle by bus,
We arrived at Nirwana Resort Hotel in Nirwana Gardens,
Quickly settled, registered for the race and went to check out the event area.
After which,
We hit the beach!
Can you spot the odd one out?
(By the way, the water was SUPER clear and calm)
Later in the afternoon, I went with the other cyclists to check out the route. We cycled approximately 2/3 of the route and I was dying 0_0! Plus it did not help that they all had road bikes while I was trying desperately to keep up with my mountain bike.
Anyway, mid-way through that route, my behind was already starting to ache. (And it continued to ache throughout the day)
And it was the same thing for the actual race on Saturday. (Sorry I don’t have photos from along the route. Was rather busy)
That’s me, in blue, just as I complete my 20km bike in 1:17:something-seconds (which was more than the time it took for a friend to complete TWICE my distance :/.)
READ: I.AM.UNFIT!!!
But I do admire all these, and I say this affectionately, old-foggies – 2 or 3 times my age – who completely kick my ass in terms of timing & fitness levels.
Well, the main point is that I SURVIVED!
And got a ‘Finisher’ medal!
(can you sense me beaming 
!!!)
Having experienced a triathlon, even as a relay participant, I can understand why? and how? people can get addicted to subjecting themselves to 1.5km swims, 40km bikes and 10km runs. (within a time span of several hours. NOT cumulative over several days/weeks/years. HOURS.)
My theory is that because they exercise so much, they’re all high on endorphins, thus everyone is really, really happy . The atmosphere is friendly and everyone is very supportive of one another. They’d stand at the sides of the route and cheer participants, encouraging them to keep going.
Also, its the sweetest thing to see parents running the finishing stretch with their children who are waiting for their parents to finish and join them as they run that home stretch. (:
All in all, it was definitely a memorable experience. And I do encourage, if you’ve been considering, to try out for at least one event in your lifetime.
P.S. Sorry for non-fashion-related posts. :/
Filed under: - Sarah | Tags: Gelato, Israel, Tel Aviv, Window Shopping
The morning and afternoon was spent visiting companies like
Israel Aerospace Industries, I’d show you photos of their unmanned air vehicles that we were able to see up close at the factory… But I’m fearful of being earmarked as a potential security threat thus removed the photos :/
Comverse, a telecommunication service provider who works with Singtel.
and
Netex, offering an alternative option for search navigation. Instead of finding as many search results as possible, their algorithms are designed to retrieve only the most relevant select few results.
The company visits were interesting and the primary reason for the trip.
BUT
my photos start from the evening’s explorations of the city (:
And because it was late and I was in a group, not wanting to hold them up too much by my skewed interests, I have a collection of window shop photos.
Case in point, this lingerie store had such cute table legs!
Origami in a bookstore.
Weathered coat and helmet from G-Star.
This measuring tape necklace by Liza Benshtain in a mall display case also caught my eye. (I can’t imagine threading these roles of tape, can you?)
Then we met the Cortez Brothers in the Nike store.
This store looked delicious and beckoned to be browsed. Too bad it was late and the store was closed.
And if you are curious, I was exploring Rehov Meir Dizengoff, a main street in Tel Aviv.
And along the way, stumbled onto this store
With an entrance tucked away from the main store entrances, when I walked into the store, all I could say (repeatedly) was “WOW!”
By far the largest collection of vintage Israeli advertisements from the 1920s 1950s I’ll ever see, the lady (hidden behind the shelves) has amassed this collection and reproduced them on fabric, magnets, postcards and reproduced prints.
She even had an original flyer of The Wizard of Oz with Hebrew printed on the reverse side. It was selling for US$600+ (READ: completely out of budget yo!)
Smaller items like purses, postcards and magnets were more affordable. And I am very appreciative of her efforts towards ensuring that these images are preserved. (I’ll dig out her namecard and share it with all, she sells her wares online!!)
My friend and I easily spent over an hour in the store trying to decide what item to purchase. I’ll have a separate entry for my purchases. (:
This ghost store was really funny.
Perhaps its really clear to the locals but the ghosts seemed rather incongruous to the shoes, bags and leggings being sold. :/
Came across another vintage store. And I was really kicking myself and silently screaming “WHY MUST THIS STORE BE CLOSE!?! NNOOO!!!”
Would have loved to be the proud owner of something, anything (!) from this store. *sigh*
Eye-candied this pink sandal for a good 15 seconds before deciding that I couldn’t afford them even if I tried. hahas.
So, moving on!
We explored and walked around a lot more. And finally ended up near our hotel and indulged in
Gelato! *Slurps!!!*
And the friendly brother-sister duo at the store let us take a photo with them behind the counter!
Sweet right?!
That marks the end of Day 3. I don’t know if you feel tired and reading it, cos recounting each day’s events is. hahas (: plus I probably slept between 4 to 6 hours each night because I’d stay out to explore the area.
I wouldn’t like to see, feel and experience Israel any other way
Filed under: - Sarah | Tags: Day 2, Dome of the Rock, Genesis Land, Israel, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Temple Mount, Wailing Wall
First stop was Mount of Olives.
Yes, its a cemetary. For biblical reasons, it’s a prime spot for Jews to be buried.
In the background, you can see the Dome of the Rock.
And let me introduce our Green Caterpillar.
Our mode of transportation throughout the trip.
Next on the agenda was Old City of Jerusalem.
There was also a bazaar area.
Other than spices, there were foods, jewelry, art pieces, souvenirs and some clothes.
Alas, we did not have a lot of time to spend at this marketplace and nothing caught my eye. ):
So onto the next location…
Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount and Wailing Wall.
It is said that when you leave your prayer at the wall, it will come true.
I left my prayer there. (:
If it comes true, I’ll let you know.
Next up, was a little surprise that our guide had for us.
Genesis Land!
Where we wore
Jesus robes!
And rode camels.
Before taking a short walk to dinner.
Halfway through,
I opened a stall!
And was greeted by Abraham!
who shared some stories as we sat around low tables.
Dinner included pita bread, hummus, the sweetest bell peppers EVERR, lettuce, tomatoes and brinjal for starters. And the main were kebabs and date-honey-glazed chicken wings *slurps*!
Later in the evening, as part of our free-and-easy night activities, a group of us walked around Jerusalem city.
Random hat shop
We came across this funky sunglass store X-ray. They had this random pool ladder in their store.
And this building face is completely painted!!
And to round off the evening, we had gelatos!
From Aldo by Max Brenner.
And instead of taking a cab, as advised by our guide, we took a bus back to the hotel!
That was our combined receipt for 6 people. (:
Filed under: - Jo, Exhibit WC:, Off the Racks | Tags: Baylene, Fashion, Singapore, Style
Just proof that I’m still alive:
Bow front top from Baylene, studded belt from Target, dark wash denim from Uniqlo.
I’ve been
- very inspired but lazy
- putting on weight
- going to Baylene a lot to snap up their clothes. Their prices have been reduced reduced reduced again! (O btw pinks – your black dress is on 30% + 50% off!)
- going to work.. I’m an intern now!
- going straight home after work… and doing nothing in particular
- waiting patiently for the Great Singapore Sale. There’s no better time to spend your money.
- waiting patiently for the Club 21 Bazaar Sale happening this weekend!
- procrastinating..
But at least I made it here today (:
Filed under: - Sarah, Inspirables | Tags: Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Float, Israel, Jerusalem, Qumran
Continuing from my previous post about Petra, Jordan.
After waking up VERY early to cross the Jordan River into Israel via the Allenby Bridge Border,
We stopped at Qumran
Whereby in the mid 90s, in caves much like the one above, the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. These scrolls contain text from one of the earliest records of the Hebrew bible.
After looking around somemore, we headed for our first lunch in Israel!
We were served Mediterranean cuisine – salads, pita bread, grilled meats and olive oil – overlooking the Dead Sea.
Simply put, my belly was very very happy throughout the trip ((((: hahas. I’d be, rather weirdly, going mad over the salad bar with its mountain of beet root and salads doused with olives and olive oils. Then I’d progress into the meats AND desserts till I was over the moon and stuffed everytime. VERY stuffed!
Next on the itinerary was the Ein Gedi National Park where we saw
Hyraxes!
Completely unassuming and looking like larger versions of guinea pigs, these animal’s closest living relatives are…
*drumroll please*
The Elephant!
and I found it soooo cool (!!!) to be seeing them in the flesh!
(Yes, I’m weird. I know)
I learnt and read about them when I was younger (because I really really loved animals, not that I don’t love them still) and these hyraxes teethered on being an urban legend, of sorts.
Seriously, where would I be able to see such a creature in it’s natural habitat?!
My analogy would be like reading and coveting Jimmy Choos and Louboutins, then finally owning and wearing a pair. Its a very different feeling seeing ‘em shoes on glossies versus owning your first pair… Smelling it’s leather. Holding them in your hands. Watching the light and shadows change as you admire them from all angles. Feeling your feet slip into them ever so silkily. And walking in them for hours on end. Different.
Anyway, we could have spent a day there, trekking and soaking up the scenery. (And if you ever visit Ein Gedi, allocate at least half a day there! Find a nice, and relatively quieter spot and picnic there. Be mindful to pick up your litter though. And don’t take any hyraxes home!!!)
There were many more areas to climb and explore. However, we had other places to be.
But that did not stop me
From taking silly photos like this one!
Moving on,
While driving by the Dead Sea, you can’t help but notice how calm it is.
Upon closer inspection, and with prompting from our guide, you can clearly see that the water levels have receeded substantially.
According an article by the Washington Post in 2005, since 1955 the Dead Sea water levels have dropped 80 feet and shrunken to 2/3 it’s original size.
It shows :/
But that didn’t stop us from floating in it!
(the small person in a white sleeved shirt, with feet exposed, floating in the middle of the background is me. For the safety of my camera and to avoid any incidence of it getting rusty from the salinity of the air was kept away)
The experience of floating, which is easy peasy, is as though you are floating with the assistance of a life jacket, just that there is none. (:
Just remember to avoid all contact of the water with open wounds, eyes and mouth. NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE.
Now, if you are wondering if pictures like these
Are actually true,
They are!!! Just that you can’t read for very long because your arms would get tired.
Also, there was a smaller pool by the side filled with Dead Sea mud, the kind that hotels nearby charge customers in the hundreds for spa treatments. I thought I’d fully utilize the opportunity and become…
muddy! (can you find me?)
Perhaps this photos is better? I’m in my shirt that is not-so-white anymore
Mud Monster!!!
The aftermath wasn’t pretty. But my swimsuit and shorts did survive.
Our drive back to the hotel got delayed by an accident up the road.
But finally after dinner, a group of us went to walk around the area.
Whereby their street crossing signs were amusing.
That evening, we met a man who fought in the Six Day War and recounted some of the events that took place.
It was interesting to listen as history came alive through this man. Although, through this trip, and perhaps especially so in Israel, everyone person has a different point of view about the country.
Ok. I hope that was enough eye candy for one entry. Will upload more soon! (and also cos this is only Day 1 in Israel!!!)
Filed under: - Sarah | Tags: Bicycle, Bintan, CJC, Cycle, Hello, Triathlon
If you are reading this, means that I’m already on my way to Bintan for a triathlon relay (biking segment, if not already obvious)
I’ll be away for the weekend. And on Saturday, I will cycle 20km and till my backside goes sore :/
(Source)
And to the people I met at CJC on Wednesday,
Hello! (:
Hi. I’m Jocelyn, a guestblogger for tonight. I’m invading the blog for now cos Sarah is eating and…. cos Jo was my classmate in JC. Actually Sarah was my classmate in JC too. mm then, i’ll blog cos sarah is eating, and both sarah and jo are my classmates.
K, think i should stop cos I’m sounding dumb and not saying anything fashion related.
Will just post a picture then 
Ok bye!
Filed under: - Sarah, Exhibit WC: | Tags: Lining, Outfit Photos, Stripes
Several nights back, met up with some friends.
Bolero: Zouk Flea n Easy find
Top: Metalic grey tank by nicholas
Bottom: The Station 3/4 pants
Shoes: Muane by Aldo
Necklace: from Perth
Wrist: Gift from Jo and necklace from Israel
Bag: Sister’s hamper bag
cute right?!
And the lining is the best part!
Filed under: - Jo, - Sarah, Off the Racks | Tags: Fashion, online shopping, Singapore, Sophistix, Style
Shopping online is not exactly Sarah and I’s forte, because we fear ill-fitting garments, ficticious sellers, ridiculous shipping prices and just downright dirty quality.
Prabjote from Sophistix came to tell us about Sophistix’s Shop-by-Outfit option which allows you to browse paired garments to save you time, money and brain juice on a lazy day.
It is a nice idea, (especially the money saving part) and we offered to come up with our own outfit for Sophistix!
Sarah chose the Amanda vest set and Dora Skirt.
When the pieces arrived we were pleasantly surprised because the quality was far from crummy. The hems were neat, no loose threads.. They were made of soft, wearable cotton. It wasn’t the kind you get in many online shops – unknown stiff material used as an excuse for cloth. (Doesn’t that icky material get to you? It doesn’t feel nice and doesn’t fall nicely!)
And unlike other online shops the clothes are all tagged “Sophistix” – a nice touch for such affordable clothing. (You’d usually get clothes with no label tag, no size tag, and are of unknown origin.)
Things we appreciate about the website
- The pieces were photographed well to show the appropriate details.
- The pieces were photographed from multi-angles
- There are many many many sizes available
- While there is a general size chart, each garment also has individual measurements from XS-XXL. This allows you to compare the item you fancy to one that you already have and fits well.
We both found stuff we loved and worked into our wardrobes, and we’re sure you would too!
Jo’s outfit coming up!
Filed under: - Sarah, Art, Design & Photography, Inspirables, OMGWTFBBQ | Tags: Amman, Jordan, Petra, World Heritage Site
We landed in Jordan in the late afternoon and travelled to our hotel in Amman.
By the time we arrived, it was dark. After dinner, a group of us walked around the small, quiet town. Two (very random) locals offered to drive us to a party in their lorry. We declined.
The landscape was mountainous and houses are built staggered. The place looked amazing! Plus the food was quite yummy too.
In the morning, we went to Petra!
The store owner squat just as my friend snapped this shot. Felt a bit awkward trying to take photos with random hats.
Anyway, for those who don’t know about Petra, a short introduction.
You walk by caves carved out eyons upon eyons ago. (That lady had the most comfy-looking drop-crotch pants by the way!)
And admire remnants of a civilisation past.
You walk and walk and walk and walk, get a lot of sand in your shoes along the way and then…
The towering cliffs, created by an ancient earthquake, part…
And you finally understand why you walked all this way in.
Petra, “stone” in Greek, is famously described as ‘a rose-red city half as old as time’. Declared a World Heritage Site, you’d be daft to give this a miss.
My jaw dropped as my brain slowly tried to process the sheer magnificence of the ruins of ‘The Treasury’. Having studied art history, I was so awed to be in the presence of ACTUAL CORINTHIAN PILLARS!!! O.O!!! (the fashion equivalent would be like seeing, touching, feeling, stroking, grovelling over a vintage couture piece made by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel herself!)
In my heart and mind, I was doing tribal-esque worship dances round the pillars. (:
I just had to caress it. (:
And basically, there is an entire ancient town to explore.
We spent about three hours there and barely scratched the surface of this amazing place.
Note the size of the people in comparison with these ancient buildings. Can you imagine building that without modern machinery?!?
Here are more photos of our time in Petra.
Amongst the ancient ruins.
And being my usual goofy self. !
More silly photos to come!!!
Stay tuned (:
