Seoul - Siloam Sauna, Sigolbapsang, Passion5, Young Plaza and Lotte Department Store

Have not blogged about my travels for a while, especially here. Been thinking of consolidating both the blogs (the other being http://ilovelongvacation.wordpress.com/) because I realise I don't have much time (and content) these days. Will see how - it's tough because both are so close to my heart...

Well, I mentioned briefly about my Seoul trip in end March (we just missed the full bloom cherry blossom by a bit :( ). Went with my sister C and my cousin SS (our first trip together) so it was quite fun :) Took Cathay Airline because it was relatively cheaper and the timing of the flights matched all our schedules. But it was a red-eye flight with a short stop-over in Hong Kong airport so we were a bit jet-lagged when we arrived in Incheon at 6am...



Headed for a local sauna after we left our luggage at the hotel. Siloam is near Lotte Mart (nearest subway station is Seoul Station). Quite interesting. Besides the sauna, Siloam houses many levels of entertainment but we didn't take any pictures inside because we didn't want to intrude into the privacy of the local community - in the changing area, many were walking around in their birthday suits! Haha.

Not really sure what we were doing - the language barrier is quite apparent here because it serves mainly the locals, I think. We soaked in many different types of pools and followed by trying the different sleeping areas set at different temperatures with different setting e.g. salt, jade. We also tried the BBQ eggs and fermented barley drinks - those you see in Korean drama! Haha. There were many other facilities available e.g. gym, karaoke, hair salon, massage spas, restaurants etc. Definitely a place where you can spend a day to relax! Cannot remember how much it costs but I recall telling my sister that the amount is value for money :P



After the bath, we went to Itaewon for lunch and decided to try Sigolbapsang, a small traditional Korean restaurant. There, we tried so many classic banchans for a flat price of 8,000 won each!



Very sumptuous lunch - I think we over-ordered. Should have just ordered 1 more ala-carte instead of 2! Didn't imagined that we will be served so many banchans!



Seafood pancake. I really like this version because it was over-flowing with seafood! Really miss it as I blogged. Yummy!



Spicy chicken stew which was also huge! Thought it would be a spicy chicken soup that will warm us, not fill us up!

After lunch, we explore Itaewon where many foreigners hang out. The area is large with shops, cafes, galleries lining the entire stretch. I'm sure there are many hidden gems somewhere in the gil and dong but we did not really seek them out. Haha. Still suffering from our red-eye flight...



Then we stopped at this place - Passion 5 - for coffee. Didn't manage to take any pictures but the  café was gorgeous with pastries both savoury and sweet! We just had coffee, no thanks to our overfilling lunch. Would have been nice to try some of the sweets... Hmmm...



My mocha - I always have this notion that in a good cup of coffee, the coffee art stays till the last drop if you don't stir it. Haha. Correct me if I'm wrong :P

Left Itaewon for Young Plaza, which was next to Lotte Department Store, which was near Myeungdong. SS checked out the SM Pop-Up Store. First time I heard of EXO. Haha. And this trip, my favourite was Mr.Mr, Mr.Mr. Haha.



While I checked out the highly-raved Style Nanda. Didn't buy any clothes but got away with some 3CE cosmetics :)



SS wanted to go back to the hotel at 6pm! Gosh! So we decided to have dinner at the Lotte Department Food Court to re-charge and to explore the Lotte Department Store a bit more before we call it a day. My cold noodles which was ok. Haha.

We found out that the departmental store closes at 8pm which I thought was really early for a shopping paradise like Seoul. Well, I guess everyone will just head to Nandaemun which we did in the later part of our trip - will share on that later.

It's like only 2 weeks since I'm back to reality. And I think I need a break again. If only we can travel every day...

The Marshmallow Tree and Little Part 1 Cafe

Back with a vigour! LOL. Well, went to a few cafes in March - The Marshmallow Tree near my place (Telok Blangah MRT station) and Little Part 1 Café near Thomson Plaza.

The Marshmallow Tree

 

Been wanting to visit The Marshmallow Tree because it's so near my place! Tried to go once either on Christmas eve or new year eve (half day off from work! yeah!) - went but didn't venture in because it looked kind of crowded. So I went with MQ after we collected our goody bag for the Venus Run (took place on 8 Mar - will blog about the yummy hawker food we had at Satay Club after the run later).

 

Quirky decor.



Located right in a quiet neighbourhood, next to a coffee shop and other local shops. Very hidden, I must say. If not for all the blogs (and word of mouth), I'm not sure how people will get to know its existence....



Small and cosy cafe. Can maybe accommodate at most 20 people?



Ordered the Rose Latte - love it! :)



Wanted to try the swing. But felt a bit shy. Haha. Maybe next time.

Little Part 1 Café

Wanted to visit Habitat but XF suggested this cafe hidden in a private estate instead. Not really the typical cafe with coffees and cakes but quite a full-scale one offering main courses and alcohols. Feels a bit like Holland Village. Haha.



Decor was a bit whimsical, a fairy-tale cottage feel.

Was a really hot day that day(Singapore has not been raining much in March!) so this green tea latte was really good. It's true - sometimes, different drinks do suit different weather (and occasions). LOL.



Nachos with cheese. Really good! Please order if you go :)



Buffalo wings - hot! Nice too.



Wrap with ham and BBQ chicken, I think. The skin was really crispy but overall a bit too savoury with all sauces.



Pork ribs. Half slab. As you can tell by now, we ordered too much for two! Should have stopped at three :P It's nice and tender - would have enjoyed it more on an emptier stomach :P



Was a really early dinner and we kind of saw the sun set in the cafe with all the sun rays dancing around :)

I'm sure many of you are probably cafe-hopping somewhere, enjoying what's left of Sunday - it's like the national hobby now! The cafe scene in Singapore is indeed growing! Sometimes I feel really lucky to be staying here  - so much to cherish and appreciate :)  Well, I had my moments yesterday at Wheelers Yard, so I decided to stay home and well, just enjoy whatever I enjoy doing. Till the next post!

Wheelers Yard

Hi all! It's been so long since my last post! GOSH! LOL. Guess you can tell I'm thrilled to be back to one of my favourite activities :)

Just came back from a holiday in Seoul, so I'm still feeling recharged even though I have gone back to work since 1 April. Thought I better share about my virgin trip to Wheelers Yard before I get backlogged by work (meh).

XF kindly brought GT and me to Wheelers Yard (near Balestier) today although she's been there numerous times. It's so challenging to get there if you do not drive (or cycle :P) - we met at Novena, took Bus 21 (or 131) outside IRAS building (opposite Novena Square) and walked into an industrial park before we got there! And on a rainy day - heard Singapore has not been raining since I went Seoul, so it's been about 2 weeks... and well, it had to rain today. Phew.

Not sure if it was worth the travel. Haha. But definitely a nice place to hang out if you want to avoid the crowd. Literally because unlike many cafes, Wheelers Yard is very very very spacious! See  below pictures if you don't believe me :P



We had our brunch indoors because GT wanted it. LOL. Our next-door neighbours at Wheelers Yard.



One of the private corners. Good if you are just there for a drink. But we preferred the high table so we can eat in comfort.



The long communal tables were separated by the bicycles to create small private tables - thought it was such a good idea! 



The bicycle theme is very strong in Wheelers Yard. I'm sure the bicycle enthusiasts will love it here! We saw a few with their bicycles today :)



Cappuccino! With biscuits from the past :)



My BIG Breakfast. So full! Our neighbours had the cheese fries and fish and chips etc - they look good too!



After brunch, we moved to the outdoors. Really spacious right? :P



And the bicycle shop...

The structure in the warehouse has been left intact, I think. Adds to the charm of the space. See the high ceiling? Such a spacious café...



Last but not least, the facade and its infamous blue gate. LOL. Heard it is a photo spot! :P

It's amazing to see the café slowly fill up as we had our brunch on a rainy day. Guess it has its charm. It's worth checking out if you have not been there, especially if you have great company or you just want some quiet time alone, away from the city buzz...

PS: Cannot seem to locate the website so I reckon there isn't one. But if you Google, you will find many bloggers talking about it, with the address and what not....