Monday, April 30, 2012

One of my favourite experiences in Barcelona was the Museum of Ideas and Inventions.

Filled with quirky things, ideas and innovative (but sometimes useless) items, it was a fun way to spend an afternoon.
One must weigh herself after 2 weeks of pigging.

A relief to know i'm Kate Moss's weight! There's also the weight of Yoda and Frodo.
Silly inventions can be bought at the gift shop too, i was tempted but knew it is actually quite useless! They had a bubble wrap calender for 17 Euros, where you can pop a bubble a day, hard for the bubble wrap maniac!

You need to experience winter to know almost everyone tucks their hands in their pockets to keep warm if they aren't wearing gloves.

So here comes the invention...
Not for sale are also inventions like a TV remote control that is shaped like a wand! It looks like magic as you channel surf with a flick of the wrist.
 I think the best ideas and inventions are created to serve a need.
Ingenious!
Imagined by Pep Torres who wrote (i adapted his copy) and created every item (not photographed here) by hand, the relatively small museum featured a resident exhibition that shows normal day-to-day life over the next 300 years through a series of inventions that stimulate reflection about our present.

The below are some of my favourites but not the entire exhibition.

A Tour of the Future by Pep Torres

With both men and women being more promiscuous, relationships are short lived. Instead of feeling the the empty spot where she/he used to occupy, by 2158 onwards, nobody who had any sense would buy a double mattress that could not be split into two. Therefore, Puzzle Bed would be the future. The bed can be split into two to become singles so no worries if your jilted lover decides to scoot with her/his half.
As if driven by the force of gravity, fashion, which had progressively lowered trouser waists during the 21st century, uncovering navels and underwear reached its height of expression with the Japanese-born Barcelona designer, Nokito Mas (i love how Pep's fictional character is a Japanese particularly for this fashion trend of the future).
21st century's fashion, low waist jeans with no visible panty line.
Pep imagined the future fashion concept will be called Tube Fashion, where that cloth is removed from the crotch area leaving just two legs and giving a total view of the wearer's underwear.

Pep must have not seen the below image already circulating over the Internet 5 years ago.
Not surprisingly, the photo source claimed its the fashion trend in Japan.

However, wittingly, Pep predicts that by 2095, the legs will join up to the waist again and fashion came back to the traditional high waisted trousers.

If he wasn't an inventor, i'd say he can be a fashion designer!

At the end of 2150, the growing number of people living alone will spring up fried eggs pre-packaged and ready to eat. With houses ridiculously expensive and the hectic pace of life, everyone will eat precooked dishes to save time and the extra space needed for a kitchen can be dispensed with.
As society evolves to one that is only concerned about themselves, Pep imagined Plant 'O' Metic, an ingenious flowerpot that is able to move around by itself in search of the precious sun rays whenever the owner goes on holiday.
In 2230, data storage capacity had reached its limit on all the materials tried to date. The growing demand for memory and processing power for the new holographic and material transmission devices marked a turning point in technology which enabled a series of advances to be made for which the existing storage media were insufficient.

Brain tissue would be kept stable so that it provided the almost unlimited memory and processing power. Even though existing memory was carefully erased from the tissue (provided by anonymous donors), cases arose in which the tissue attained a certain degree of self-awareness and asked itself not 'who am i' but 'what am i'. This will trigger an ethical debate.

This was my favourite "imagination of Pep" and the only photograph i took of the entire Future exhibition.
With the terrible eating habits of millions of people, there'll be the Happy Mirror as a way of increasing self-acceptance and self-esteem before leaving home. The invention consisted of a slightly convex mirror that stylised the reflected image to the desired degree, using a control that adjusted the mirror's curvature.

No one will buy mirrors that can't be manipulated in the future. Already in the 21st century, men are putting on make-up, girls can't do without make-up and there's a new addiction. Photoshop.
And because of the Happy Mirror becoming a standard item that was present in all homes, the difference became even starker between those who devoted their lives to staying extremely thin and those who were simply a little plumper.

In 2278, there'll be the Weight Ticket system for public transport where people paid by their weight since the amount of energy required to carry 50 kg was not the same as that required to carry 100 kg.

From then on, the people who used public transport bought 1000kg tickets. Before inserting the ticket in the machine, a platform weighed the passenger and subtracted the weight from the card. The less you weighed, the more trips you had for your ticket.

During this period, it is common for politicians to promise reductions in the price per person kilogramme during election campaigns.

Funds you are using is not in your practice, because it is the issuance of credit cards, credit cards that are protected by security is similar to a prepaid credit card. People to apply for a credit card or prepaid credit card that is protected by a security is generally people with bad credit or unemployed. Prepaid credit card credit limit is the amount loaded on the card. And financial cost to the prepaid card is not interested. You may give a credit, depending on the institution that is secured with a credit card that is protected by security, the use of your credit line, which is up from 50% to 100% of the deposit. Therefore, give the credit card company that are protected You have a zero risk.

Because it gives the opportunity to be able to shop in the same way as if you had a credit card to rebuild credit history of you, you are not protected, the credit card is protected by a security is very beneficial There can be. Company to issue a credit to purchase as rental car companies a lot of these, such as airline tickets that are protected, the payment history of customers to either Experian, and Equifax ie credit bureau three major regularly and Trans Union must have a credit card to make sure that you reported. To credit, this report is to rebuild your credit history over time.

By integrating the bill for closing unnecessary accounts, to help manage the payment you may be financially advantageous. By not applying for credit too many in a short period of time, which is another factor that would help to rebuild your credit rating. In addition, the credit that is protected by a security even though it is similar to the prepaid card, they are certain fees are not attached.
The advantage is, as using the machine to pay (ATM), was purchased after payment interest on the balance, in the merchant bank, to that of the credit card unsecured deposit automatic cash in order to pull normal to the deposit are similar. According to the above steps, we will continue to strengthen your credit rating.

Unsecured credit cards are issued to the patient a good credit rating to excellent. Credit rating is dependent on certain criteria as one capability to repay such loan. These criteria, which includes payment history and financial stability, and employment history. Individuals with excellent credit, you will receive the most low-interest rate. Major factor in order to maintain excellent credit, in order to avoid the penalty for late fees, we have to pay the loan on time.

Please read the credit contract customers to ensure that you understand their obligations to creditors. If you do pay on time, we will continue to strengthen your credit rating. There are a number of advantages such as low interest balance transfer low APRS, high credit limit, business name options, annual fee, up to 12 months, such as credit cards and unsecured. By integrating the bill for closing unnecessary accounts, to help manage the payment you may be financially advantageous. Is another factor that would help by not applying for credit too many in a short period of time, to maintain a good credit rating.

It takes time to rebuild the integrity of your credit, and patience. If you pay your bills on time consistently you, the improvement of credit rating will be shown over time. Hopefully, thanks to you, quick fix to improve your credit report except for mistakes or inaccuracies that can be modified is not available. Credit information in your experience has been maintained, Equifax, Trans Union for seven years and by credit ie. Therefore, bad credit information will remain on your report for seven years. Disappear as a good thing, positive information and negative information, this is to rebuild your credit rating without a doubt.

Because it can be to shop in the same way as if you had a credit card given the opportunity to rebuild the credit history of you, you is not secure, and apply for credit cards that are secured very You can be beneficial. Purchase car rental, airline tickets many companies like this, the company that issued the credit that are protected, experience bureau, reporting a payment history of customers to either Equifax ie credit three major regularly and Trans Union must have a credit card to make sure that you. To credit, this report is to rebuild your credit history over time.

Business Credit Card
There are very popular for small business owners many advantages they offer for the business credit card. The advantage is that we have in iCreditOnline.com best part of the business, balance transfer 0% intro April, annual fee, high credit limit, low interest rates, cash rewards, such as tries to pick a card design , Credit Card American Express, Advantage, Chase, Bank One, Bank of America, Discover, Citibank, from banks and other households with the approval of the credit card online contains the online account management bonus miles, free ,. But it is possible to obtain a decision in less than 60 seconds and a secure online credit card application, to waste time go to the bank why. Online credit card approval online credit card using the application is fast and easy!

Student credit card

That either still living in the house, with a student credit card while attending a school away from home can be advantageous. It gives you an opportunity to establish a trust of students at an early age, you begin to assert their independence. It is useful in case of an emergency, it is rather than carry cash, the following issues and it is safe to carry a credit card for students. Credit card for student parents find that it is very convenient. They can make a deposit to the account of their children while you are away from home. Students are to avoid identity thief, you must be aware of the receipt of credit card.

If you pay your bills on time consistently you are, get a student credit card is established, good credit rating is a method, you begin to build a good credit history while in school. To establish a good credit rating, and maintain, it will get a personal loan in the future, or build a home to purchase a vehicle easily. Students are not committed to their financial obligation is not a good idea to get a credit card and student. I can not make your monthly payments, you can find yourself in debt, when you run a balance, will destroy your credit rating.

Student credit cards, have a generally higher interest rates. We offer some of the best student credit card from Chase, the access rate to detect the introduction of 6 months 0% APR, annual fee, to the online account at iCreditOnline.com. Online credit card approval with online credit card application is quick and easy!

Description of some of the credit card we offer:

It provides the benefits of using this credit card within a specified period and using a credit card balance transfers or 0% APR intro credit card, without any interest payments on the principal. This credit card has been sold to individuals with good credit rating to transfer the balance from high interest rate credit card credit card 0% intro April.

Earns a percentage on purchases made by credit card for cash rewards or cash back. Will be credited to your account this reward or cash back.

Debit cards, checks and cash to carry will be performed. This card is used like a credit card with certain limitations such as not being able to rent a car like that. Purchase transactions in order to cover the purchase, which is incidental at the time of having sufficient funds check or savings account. You must enter a personal identification number (PIN) verification of funds in the POS terminal.

Low interest rate credit card can save you money. Having a good credit rating will qualify you for some of the credit card provided by the best low-April.

Prepaid credit card credit limit is the amount loaded on the card. And financial cost to the prepaid card is not interested. Therefore, give a prepaid credit card company you will have a zero risk. People to apply for a prepaid credit card is generally people with bad credit or unemployed.

Credit card that is protected by a security are protected by the amount of funds you have an account with you. You may give a credit, depending on the institution that is protected by security when you use your credit line, which is up from 50% to 100% of the deposit.

Unsecured credit cards are issued to the patient a good credit rating to excellent. Credit rating is dependent on certain criteria as one capability to repay such loan. These criteria, which includes payment history and financial stability, and employment history. Individuals with excellent credit, you can receive a low interest rate of almost instant approval credit card online. Major factor in order to maintain excellent credit, in order to avoid the penalty for late fees, we have to pay the loan on time.

Secured Credit Cards- Consumer Tips

Whether you do not have a credit card with no credit or damaged your credit card is protected by a security is a good tool for building a good credit history.

Members Tom,  was filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy a few months ago. Now he is in the process of rebuilding his credit history. The task but it is not easy, with the persistence of the patients he has seen progress already. He will check his credit score, have seen a gradual improvement every day.

1 - Even In addition to correcting the mistake of all, what is the smallest, to his credit report, he has been using a credit card that has been protected.

2 - This card is protected is an important tool in the overall process of building or rebuilding credit.

You need to consider the credit card is protected whom?

People do not have a credit history at all.

People with damaged credit history.

And credit card is protected by security What is?

Card that is protected by a security certificate is held in credit card deposit to savings account, and deposits of financial markets. The amount of deposit required will be different for each card from the card, the minimum amount typically in the range of $ 250 - $ 500. These funds, you can earn a little interest is considered to be a security, because they are being held in a savings account. The maximum amount of credit card use, you will be determined by the amount credited to the savings account. The full amount of the deposit limit and sometimes, other times, it will be the percentage of the total.

Card that is protected is not the case, it is to keep in mind that the debit card, which is credit card is important. If full payment has not been carried out every month, interest is charged on the balance. And lending institutions, we use the deposit to pay the debt only as a last resort. Despite the fact that the card is fixed, it is also possible to damage the credit.

The advantage of credit card that is protected by security What is?

To establish a trust. If you have not you had a credit card, a good first step for establishing a good credit, we have apply for a credit card that is protected by security. I say it and be willing to take the extra step for people to establish, according to Assistant Professor, Department of Economics Austin Peay State University in Louisville, KY, TN, Jerry Plummer, the card that is protected by "security is most useful for people. credit. including credit history "

To re-establish credit. If your credit history is damaged, you can qualify for a credit card that is protected by security just for you. Helps to qualify you for the card using the card, which was properly protected, rebuild your credit within the scope of the parameters set, it is not secure. If you had to file for bankruptcy, until it is discharged, however, may not be eligible.

Exceed the preset limit is not allowed. If the spending habits of the poor was part of the cause of bad credit, credit cards that are protected by security help keep spending in check.

This is useful for transactions that require a credit card. You need to use hotels and car rental, a credit card. You have not met the conditions of the unsecured card, if you have to do for the card is protected, you can still do a deal.

What should I avoid when shopping for a credit card or looking for something, that is protected by security?

Fee. I think this is a region will, and you want to research when shopping for a credit card that is actually protected. Some cards eat away the credit that you have a savings account is protected by much, execution fee is included with hundreds of dollars. Professor Plummer, but is said to be the best card without a fee, small one time fee will be all right. $ 35 - annual fee for the card is protected by an attractive security is usually the range of $ 20. "Initial cost" Please note the fee or hidden "registration fee" like this

Interest rates. You do not necessarily have to settle for the best interest rates just because you do not have a bad credit you something. Interest rate on the card that is protected by security charming beyond 19% will not be heard. Becomes available most competitive rates around the shop.

Please read the disclaimer. Director of Education for Linda Tucker, Arkansas, Memphis, consumer credit counseling services in Tennessee, we have emphasized the importance of reading the fine print. By doing so, you can know the obligation your exact issuing company: for example, grace period, if you have not made full payment, what happens if you have not made full payment How do you good fee is attached. Understanding these details will help to ensure that it does not hurt your credit further.

Fraudulent offer. To protect themselves from credit card fraud as well as unsecured cards you need to note the Federal Trade Commission offers.The fraudulent, give the following advice:

    Offers of easy credit. Be guaranteed to get your credit can not be nobody. Before you decide whether or not to provide your credit card, legitimate credit providers, check your credit report.
    Call the credit card number to '900 '. You will pay a call by using the prefix '900 '- you may not receive a credit card.
    Company or companies will also offer "credit repair" credit cards "These clinics. Credit", you may want to offer to clean up your credit history for a fee. However, you can fix your own mistakes and a real old information by contacting the credit directly. Please remember that the habit of only time and good credit to regain your creditworthiness.

When I would target credit card or unsecured?

It may take several months to see improvement in your credit history. Bankrate says, when you begin receiving your e-mail flyer for your credit card unsecured and has improved it a good indicator. However, it is recommended that you continue taking things slowly. Help when you use a card that is protected by a security, or you get a credit card is not secure, and to learn healthy habits to remain in control of your spending and credit.

Where can I find a credit card that is protected by security, where?

Most companies do not advertise the card that is protected by security. But you, you can visit the Card Reports section of  to find a way how to apply. Click on the link entitled "Cards for consumer credit [No] or poor."

Other Tips

Tom is recommended that you stick to one or two cards, to keep spending to a minimum. The goal is for each month is off is that they pay the card.

Tucker, stressed the importance of pay for each month the payment amount, if it is not able to charge late fees, increased interest rates, authority is lost, and credit history is adversely affected.

And a department store card or gas card, please make sure that in contrast, you have to get a credit card.

Banks and credit unions also reputable, one of the local, please make sure that you issue a card. And is not intended and that the bank issuing the card automatically.

Issuers of all three major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Equilibrium) has not been reported. It does not waste money to get a card that report to all three institutions is important, your time otherwise. Fortunately, the card that is protected by a security such as the card is usually unsecured credit facility (required to verify this before you apply there) to report to.

If you've filed for bankruptcy, you will need to wait until it is discharged before qualifying for a card that has been protected.

If you you have a credit or bad, to get one only if you can not get the credit because it does not have a credit record. Plummer, "They will not admit it, even in many companies, people (finance and insurance) F & I like that car, will not be counted as credit," he says. Because if you do not need the card is protected and they're really, doing more harm than good you are.

Finally, there is a bad credit credit cards and not in any circumstances, the best way to build good credit is to set a budget and stick to it.

, It is possible to check your credit score online on a daily basis - Equifax Experian, and Equilibrium, - you can pay a fee to any of the following three one credit. For more information, please refer to the section of our credit information. Tom is recommended to purchase, Microsoft Money 2004 comes with a membership of 1 year of Experian (value of $ 99.00).

To find out more about correcting the errors in your credit report (2), I read an article how to fix our credit report mixed or split.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

When you are a fan of horror movies like The Descent


or absolutely adore movies like Sanctum


A real caving expedition is a must do when you visit Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, Great Britain. For 21 pounds, I crawled, climbed and slided like in the movies.

Cameras were not encouraged for the expedition because we're warned that we'll get REAL dirty!
Are you going to find out what's behind that URL?
Spotted it at The Central, Clarke Quay.
 Plus we'll be crawling on our bellies or backs and plenty of tight squeezes that scrape your sides, a camera will be a burden. But i'm a cam whore blogger!
Before, look how clean our overalls are.

After, a collection of dust and mud.


Cheddar Gorge was one of my favourite activities. It was quite a workout and i got blue-blacks all over my knees after. Turning off the torches, it was pitch darkness. For a moment, i allowed my imagination run wild. Thinking of The Descent was NOT a good idea.

The last few scenes of the above video was not part of the caving expedition. They are lit up areas of other caves with walking paths you can visit as part of an all-access ticket (18 pounds). Most of the time  the instructor made us go the claustrophobic way while he just got up and walked round the rocks to meet us on the other side. While we huffed and puffed our way, he took the "secret passage". That's the caving experience for tourists.

Cave explorers however leave no markings, they rely on memory to find their way out (exactly the same way in). Marry a cave explorer, he'll never forget your birthday or anniversary.

Advertorial


The idea of a week without makeup is enough to make waterproof mascara streak down many a rouged cheek. But according to one makeup expert, the challenge is worthwhile one for women to consider. It’s good to give your skin a breather from wearing make-up. As much fun as it is to play with makeup, it can be as confidence-boosting, if not more so, to go without it.
“The modern aesthetic is not a face with makeup. It’s not chic anymore. We try to narrow down their skin products, their hair products and their makeup products,” said a magazine beauty editor.
When women aren’t worrying about goopy mascara or cakey foundation, they can concentrate on living life instead of looking pretty.

How to Go without Make-up
  • Concentrate on your skin care. The best way to go without makeup is if you’ve been taking great care of your skin, so you can show it off. If you’re feeling confident about your skin you’re going to feel good about going without makeup as well.
  • Get a cleanser, a gentle exfoliant and a sunscreen. Most of the anti-aging creams out there are too rich for a woman under the age 35. If you still feel like you need anti-aging products, incorporate it; but, just like with makeup, less is more.
  • Have your lip balm handy. If your lips look healthy and moisturized, you won’t look scraggly.
  • If you must have something on your face, try a tinted sunscreen with SPF. They a small amount of coverage and sunscreen — makeup or no makeup, you should wear sunscreen everyday.

How to go with Less Make-up
  • Swipe on some mascara.
  • Apply a bit of a multi-tasking color product — a palette or stick you can use on your cheeks, lips, even your eyes for a touch of color. A quick application will give you a slight amount of polish and a little glow.
  • Dump the dozens of products you’re toting around and replace them with two essentials: a sunscreen and a lip balm to keep your lips looking sexy all day long.

Get more skin tips from Porcelain Face Spa's blog!

Friday, April 27, 2012

I'm a Calender girl!


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Because i have a short attention span, i am not a fan of museums due to the large amount of text waiting to be read.

Unless, its Museum of the Strange in Taipei. Even in London, city of museums, i didn't do a single one, instead i went for unconventional experiences like eating blind.

I didn't particularly remember bawling my eyes out at Titanic, the movie, so i wasn't particularly interested in anything associated.

However, one lonely night in my hotel room in London, i chanced upon a channel where they pulled together live footage of the Costa Concordia accident. Kudos to the brave victims who stayed calm stranded on deck as the ship slowly sunk. They were the ones who used their phones and cameras to record footage with commentary. Talk about holiday videos.

I was kind of excited visiting the Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands. It was a sophisticated place so i dressed elegantly for a visit to the museum, The Titanic Artifact Exhibition.

Herve Leger knock-offs are a plenty in Far East Plaza, costing a fraction of the original. They are very figure hugging so either work out or suck in! I do both, but here're flat tummy secrets.

Matching my dress, i accessorize simply with just a Casio Sheen watch and pearl dangling earrings. With a pattern like that on a dress, less is more!
It's Titanic's 100th anniversary when tragedy struck in 1912. Photography is not allowed in the exhibition but nothing stops a blogger!
These are real quotes of passengers. They survived.
To be honest, i almost sped through the exhibition due to cold, hunger and fatigue. Plus there was too much to read! However, thankfully i did read the first artifact and i got hooked!

There're so much story telling behind the tragedy. Lost at 2.20am on April 15, 1912 and discovered on September 1, 1985. For 73 years, she lay deep down in freezing waters of the North Atlantic.

Expeditions started in 1987 and since then, there're endless treasures waiting to be discovered. The most recent dive to the Titanic was in 2000, each dive (by remote operated vehicles) lasts between 12-15 hours. Takes 2.5 hours to reach the wreck site and another 2.5 hours to return. The submersibles take on extra water in order to be heavy enough to dive. The submersibles also descend with their engines off to converse battery power. That's how deep the Titanic is! The sea is black.

These perfectly preserved au gratin dishes were discovered from the sand where they were found lined up like dominoes. The cabinet in which they were kept protected them from the sinking. Over time, the cabinet's wood rotted away, leaving the dishes stacked neatly together in the sand.

I suppose photography is not allowed due to the fact that these artifacts are all real objects, one and only, I'm guessing they are light sensitive as all artifacts are. I spotted thermometers in these glass cabinets. So if you are going to sneak pictures, please, do it without flash.

It's chilling when you see pieces of the ship wreck. The glass cracks, the twisted metal, goosebumps arose as i put myself in the victim's shoes.
I did lose a friend to the sea. He and his wife were on a work trip and went on board a cruise. The cruise was overloaded and it sunk. The newly weds were trapped at the lower deck and there was no way up or out. The wife couldn't swim.

When their bodies were hauled from the sea, the couple was locked in embrace. They died in each other's arms.

The exhibition was amazing, it had realistic and extensive re-creations of the First and Third class cabins, the Grand Staircase where you can dress up and take a picture for a fee, the Verandah Cafe, the Promenade Deck and Boiler Room.
In the foreground is the exact angel statue that was extracted from Titanic,
in the background is the re-creation of the Grand Staircase where the angel used to be.
Stepping into the re-created areas, it reminds me of my adventure on Royal Carribean, my first cruise.
Re-creation of Titanic's first class cabins. It felt really grand.

This is Royal Carribean.
These days, cruises no longer have the disparity of classes. The difference is only the size of the rooms (with a balcony or not/ with a small or big window) but facilities, amenities and food is the same regardless if you paid $300 or $600.

However in the Titanic, it was meant to be THE inaugural journey across the Atlantic for the who's who. 
We would look like the who's whos if we were on board the Titanic.
However, the cruise recognizes that they will not be able to cover the cost if they only cater to the rich. So they sold tickets to third class passengers who were mostly European immigrants looking for a better life in America.

A third-class ticket on Titanic to New York cost $40 ($900 today) which was a far cry from the $4,500 price of a first-class luxury suite (around $103, 000 today). A third-class cabin would likely be occupied by up to four strangers who spoke different languages.

Ain't i glad that today's cruises have no disparity of classes.
Royal Carribean's double suite.
Cabins were cramped and very plain in design. The ceilings were covered with a tangle of pipes and support beams, and the noise and vibration of the engines could always be heard and felt. Despite these conditions, many third-class passengers found their accommodations to be more than adequate. Unlike other liners, which used straw, Titanic's bunks had real mattresses. The Ship also featured open-air deck space on the Poop Deck, which many rival liners lacked. Poop deck, is that where they go to poop? It wasn't explained.

The bathrooms were also an improvement for many who had never used indoor plumbing. Titanic's two bathtubs for its 700 third-class passengers would not suffice today, but were manageable in the time of the once-a-week bath. No wonder if you can remember the opening scene of the Titanic movie, it wasn't just the rich who were excited, even the third-class passengers were over the moon.
 All first-class cabins were exceptionally large, offering fine materials and craftsmanship that rivaled that of the world's finest hotels. Abundant closet space, private baths with full bathtubs, and hot and cold running water were standard. Although Titanic's first-class passengers were granted access to all of the Ship's facilities, certain extras were not free of charge. Imagine paying $103,00 and still the gym, the sauna, the squash court all required an additional fee. Food was also not free.
Unlike the Royal Carribean where we ate and ate and ate because its all inclusive.
Activities were also inclusive on the Royal Carribean.
Except spa is payable.
The most breath-taking re-creation was the Promenade Deck. The photo i took doesn't do it justice, you've have to see it for yourself.

This deck is only accessible to first class passengers while third class was kept out. Thankfully on board the Royal Caribbean, everyone could get some sun.
Even the cutlery and toilet sink/ soap dish etc between the first, second and third class had much difference. First class used mainly crystals and porcelain while the second class used ceramic and glass. Third class's cutlery looked horrible.
Third class artifacts on the left, second class on the right.

This is first class.

The memorable scene in the movie was Jack and Rose clinging on to their dear lives in the waters. At the exhibit, you get to touch the iceberg!
On the night of April 14, 1912, the waters of the North Atlantic were below freezing, registering close to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Because salt water freezes at a lower temperature than freshwater, the saltwater ocean was colder that night than the freshwater iceberg before us. As a result, most of those lost during Titanic's sinking did not die from drowning. They died from hypothermia- a rapid mental and physical collapse that accompanies the lowering of body temperature.

I'm quite surprised to see letters, paper notes and many personal items recovered from the wreck. I thought paper tears in water!
In total, more than 1500 lives were lost.
The Captain and crew on the Titanic were commendable.
Royal Carribean Ship Captains.
Oh, and surprisingly, Singapore had a part to play in the history of Titanic!
And as the Chinese believed, at least the deceased had a good meal before death (first-class).
A visit to the Art Science Museum is highly recommended for this exhibition. It won't be there for long now, i think it's ending soon. These rescued artifacts serves as a reminder of the legendary liner, life's fragility and the human spirit's enduring strength. I'm going to watch the movie again! The exhibition also showed me how astounding the movie paid to details.





Sunday, April 22, 2012

Drink Up

As Singaporeans, we take drinking water for granted. We expect them free in restaurants because our tap and toilet bowl water (for dogs please) can be drunk. We never had to pay for water and when actress Joanne Peh made a racket for being asked to pay for water in Nandos, it reaffirmed our cheapskate way of quenching thirst.

I beg your pardon, some choose water as a choice of beverage not because its free but because its healthier than sugar ladden drinks.

BUT we wouldn't want to pay for water, so it still makes us cheapskate.

As a budget traveller, you will want to drink and take water everywhere. Despite wine being as cheap as water, we still want to save..or so, we thought.

From extensive travelling and drinking (water), i've learnt that not ALL nations give free water.

In Asia out of Singapore, you generally don't drink tap water because being elitist Singaporeans proud of our tap water but not Newater, we don't trust other parts of Asia. So we're happy buying bottled water everyday, not costing more than $1.

In Europe however, its not always for free, which is quite a bummer especially when you later find it on the bill for 3 Euros (SGD 4.70). Unless you know how to ask in an European language before ordering water. Then again somehow in an European country, you don't want to appear cheapskate.

The below is a list which is not exhausive but hopefully gives an indication of free water in Europe. Do note that each restaurant varies too, i make a verdict based on general visits.

If waiters ask sparkling or still, it's usually a hint that they charge for water. You can however ask for drinking tap water, and if they look puzzled, it means they don't have it. The repetition is for confirmation that despite it being tap water, it is drinkable.

When all else fails, count on Macdonald's. They always dispense free water.

Australia: Free
Austria: No
Italy: No
Germany: Free
France: Free
Switzerland: Free
England: Free/ No
Spain: No

Italy was the worst. The waiter in the restaurant despite speaking English didn't bother explaining to us ordering 1 x water means a bottle to be shared among 4. So everyone raised their hands for water and though he looked shocked, he mocked us by bringing 7 litre bottles and charged us Sgd 6 each. Better yet, we can't take the bottles out with us because he refused to give us the caps.

On the topic of water, whilst we pay $3 for a bottle of Evian in Singapore, in the French town Evian, the spring water is absolutely free!
In Evian, where Evian is from, you will find spas offering water treatment with that same water you find bottled in our shores. Up on a slope in the town you'll find a water fountain where it is the direct source of the spring water. It's just one fountain in the entire town.

I took a ferry across lake Geneva for SGD $80 for the entire journey that includes return train, subway and a ferry (board a ferry from Ochy).
In the French town, i found the best fondue melted with 3 cheeses.

I am not a huge fan of cheese but it was by fortune, i decided to randomly into a restaurant that offered cheese fondue. I have a penchant for ordering anything that has a chef's recommendation star next to it anyway.

You're kept busy eating a cheese fondue. The constant stirring, dipping and eating.
I did not expect to finish all but i just could not stop eating!
After a heavy meal (surprisingly i didn't fart alot after. I thought cheese makes you fart.), i went hunting for the Evian fountain. I expected holy water, i expected a grand sight due to the fact of Evian being "branded water" in Singapore..

From afar, i spotted 2 Asian girls filling up their truckload of empty bottles.

They don't let me down. They filled up a good 40 litres worth of Evian, they came from a nearby town.

"Do you bathe in them?" I asked.
"No, no. Just drinking." She replied with a Thai accent.

Alas, the fountain wasn't holy grail as i thought it would be. The floor was wet and dirty with mud prints. I took a 2 hour one way journey to taste Evian.

No wonder Evian spelt backwards is Naive.