A little bit overdue! :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thank You, Dear!
Thank you dear for the BEST anniversary present!
The travel, the loots and the fun that we had.... I truly appreciate it!
LOVE YOU!
The travel, the loots and the fun that we had.... I truly appreciate it!
LOVE YOU!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Houston Day 9
It's our last day in Houston. Our flight is scheduled at 5.45pm on 8th May 10 (Houston time). We had a bit of an argument with the Singapore Airline's Customer Service about our assigned seats so we were told to go to the airport 3.5hr earlier to make that request. Before departure, I decided to do last minute shopping as we had not bought anything for our mothers for Mother's Day. Hubby decided to stay as he wanted to do last minute packing. So I went to The Galleria alone. I had only 2 to 2.5 hrs to shop!! Impossible but I will manage!
Went to Macy's as they were having early morning sale for Mother's Day. I really did not what to buy for both mother and mother-in-law. At last went to the handbag's section even tho we had bought handbags before this. Then I saw an Etienne Aigner handbags for sale slashed at 75%. It's nice and simple and it's black, very suitable for the 2 elderly ladies. Went to the price check machine to check on the price and I had to do it 3 times cos I could not believe the price! It was going on sale for USD16!! I grabbed 2 pieces and made the purchase. Even the cashier was amazed at the price. Happy...I went around Macy again but I told myself better get no more handbags or wallets. We had no more space in our luggage. It was a hot day and I was sweating in the departmental store. Oh ya the reason why I had to do this last minute shopping was because of a pair of flats that I saw in Coach the other day. I had to check it out for the last time or I will regret it for life! I went to Coach next and saw the shoes. It was going for USD79, slashed from USD179. I think and think and decided not to...bodohnye!! ( I saw the same shoes here in KL yesterday and it was selling at RM800!!!)
I made my way back to the apartment as it was nearly time but was diverted to buy some other stuff. Went to Nordstrom but things are a bit more pricey there. Walked back and saw hubby at the reception. He was relieved to see me cos I was late by 20 minutes! Heheheh.. I guess I lost track of time. Went up and saw all packed up. Sad to leave but Mahdi was already waiting downstairs for us. Snapped a few pictures and made our way to the airport.
We checked-in and found out that our baggage was in access by 31kg!! The kind lady told us that she would let us through since we only checked-in 3 pieces of luggage. We heaved a sigh of relief cos it would cost us USD55 for every 1lb in access!! Phewww!! Nak argue about the seats assigned pun I am too thankful to argue! hehehe... and we had with us 7 hand-carried items. Went through the agonising custom checks and we waited for another 2hrs to board the plane. We got the middle and window seats but I told hubby, let's think positive or we would be miserable all the way back. It was full house and we asked the stewardess if there were any aisle seats, please let us know. Like I said, service sucks! They did not get back to us....and I decided to give up! Took my panadol and flu pills and dozed off to sleep...yeay!!
Hubby with 7 hand-carried items
Transit in Moscow, changed some money to rubles and bought 2 fridge magnets. It's so difficult to communicate with them and the it was so hot at the airport. Waited for the next plane to Singapore. Did the same and dozed off again. Food this time was horrible!! Started talking to the guy sitting next to us and he is from Jakarta who is now residing in Oklahoma. He is back for holiday for 4 mths. He is doing his own business in US and he was the one who is the distributor for Blackberry in Jkt. We talked about ipad and he told us that he would not recommend ipad, instead get an iphone! It's more worthwhile!
Anyway, we arrived in Singapore at about 5.45am on Monday 10th May. Called Sekcoh and then had breakfast at T3. Then we went out to meet up with Sekcoh to pass her Coach bags to her in exchange for 6 packets of Rex chicken rice and then we headed to T2 for our next flight which will be at 12.45pm. We sat at Starbucks so that hubby can do his work. My legs were hurting so I just sat around. No energy to move about!
Time to fly and back in KL. The taxi driver was really surprised at how heavy our bags were. One of the bags were tagged with HEAVY LUGGAGE - 27KG!
Now back to reality and time to plan for our next trip end of this year....insya-Allah!
I've been wanting to say this... ala Ryan Seacrest....
HOUSTON...I'M OUT!!
Went to Macy's as they were having early morning sale for Mother's Day. I really did not what to buy for both mother and mother-in-law. At last went to the handbag's section even tho we had bought handbags before this. Then I saw an Etienne Aigner handbags for sale slashed at 75%. It's nice and simple and it's black, very suitable for the 2 elderly ladies. Went to the price check machine to check on the price and I had to do it 3 times cos I could not believe the price! It was going on sale for USD16!! I grabbed 2 pieces and made the purchase. Even the cashier was amazed at the price. Happy...I went around Macy again but I told myself better get no more handbags or wallets. We had no more space in our luggage. It was a hot day and I was sweating in the departmental store. Oh ya the reason why I had to do this last minute shopping was because of a pair of flats that I saw in Coach the other day. I had to check it out for the last time or I will regret it for life! I went to Coach next and saw the shoes. It was going for USD79, slashed from USD179. I think and think and decided not to...bodohnye!! ( I saw the same shoes here in KL yesterday and it was selling at RM800!!!)
I made my way back to the apartment as it was nearly time but was diverted to buy some other stuff. Went to Nordstrom but things are a bit more pricey there. Walked back and saw hubby at the reception. He was relieved to see me cos I was late by 20 minutes! Heheheh.. I guess I lost track of time. Went up and saw all packed up. Sad to leave but Mahdi was already waiting downstairs for us. Snapped a few pictures and made our way to the airport.
We checked-in and found out that our baggage was in access by 31kg!! The kind lady told us that she would let us through since we only checked-in 3 pieces of luggage. We heaved a sigh of relief cos it would cost us USD55 for every 1lb in access!! Phewww!! Nak argue about the seats assigned pun I am too thankful to argue! hehehe... and we had with us 7 hand-carried items. Went through the agonising custom checks and we waited for another 2hrs to board the plane. We got the middle and window seats but I told hubby, let's think positive or we would be miserable all the way back. It was full house and we asked the stewardess if there were any aisle seats, please let us know. Like I said, service sucks! They did not get back to us....and I decided to give up! Took my panadol and flu pills and dozed off to sleep...yeay!!
Hubby with 7 hand-carried itemsTransit in Moscow, changed some money to rubles and bought 2 fridge magnets. It's so difficult to communicate with them and the it was so hot at the airport. Waited for the next plane to Singapore. Did the same and dozed off again. Food this time was horrible!! Started talking to the guy sitting next to us and he is from Jakarta who is now residing in Oklahoma. He is back for holiday for 4 mths. He is doing his own business in US and he was the one who is the distributor for Blackberry in Jkt. We talked about ipad and he told us that he would not recommend ipad, instead get an iphone! It's more worthwhile!
Anyway, we arrived in Singapore at about 5.45am on Monday 10th May. Called Sekcoh and then had breakfast at T3. Then we went out to meet up with Sekcoh to pass her Coach bags to her in exchange for 6 packets of Rex chicken rice and then we headed to T2 for our next flight which will be at 12.45pm. We sat at Starbucks so that hubby can do his work. My legs were hurting so I just sat around. No energy to move about!
Time to fly and back in KL. The taxi driver was really surprised at how heavy our bags were. One of the bags were tagged with HEAVY LUGGAGE - 27KG!
Now back to reality and time to plan for our next trip end of this year....insya-Allah!
I've been wanting to say this... ala Ryan Seacrest....
HOUSTON...I'M OUT!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Houston Day 8
We were up early as my hubby's boss would be fetching us at 8.30am to go to the Johnson's Nasa Space Centre. We had our breakfast and got ready. Due to the not-so-good review that I read the night before, I was not really excited.
Anyway, it took us about 30-40 minutes to reach our destination. Once we reach the NASA area, the GPS went bonkers as it could not detect the new roads there. So we went round and round a few times before we reached our destination. We had to use our 'built-in GPS'.
Once we reached there, there were bus loads of students who just arrived. It was so crowded so we immediately bought our tickets before to avoid the long queue. It cost USD19.95 each but since we had the coupon from the hotel, that was USD5 off the regular price. Once inside, hubby and I decided to try out the Space Simulator. That was another USD4. Well, it was an ok-ok experience. Nothing fantastic. Wished they had the 3D effect for us to be able to experience the "going into space" feeling. Then we waited for the next show. The blast-off show. The children enjoyed it but I found nothing fantastic about it... hahahaa!!
The next one was the talk about Life in Space. Very interesting and informative. The lady explained to us about Life in Space and showed us the LIVE video of the astronauts that are currently in space now. Next we moved on to another talk about how they carried on with their everyday life in space. How they sleep, how they store their clothes, how to go to the toilet and shower, etc etc. Very interesting! Then we waited for the tram to go through the NASA ground. It took us about 30 mins to wait for the tram and before we could board the tram, we had to have our bags checked, take off our belt and went through a metal detector door. The tram tour took about 1 hour.
We went to the actual NASA buildings where they work and prepare all the things for the astronauts to go into space. Houston is not the launching pad to space but it's a place where they train the astronauts before they go into space. So we went to the Space Mock-Up facility where the astronauts train. They are put in real situations so that they will be prepared for life in space. We were told the next batch of astronauts going to space will be next Monday. I forgot to charge the battery for my camera the night before and it went 'kaput' at that very critical time. Arghhh! Had to resort to using my hp's camera to take the pictures. I am damn pissed with myself. Bodohkan!
After that, we had to board the tram again. It slowed down when it reached a group of trees that were planted to honour each and every one of the astronauts that had passed away. Some died during the course of their work and some died due to old age. It was really touching and sad when I passed these trees. Each tree has the name of the astronauts that had passed away.
Then we went to a place where there are 2 replicas of the space ship. Since my camera went 'dead' and I have only an inferior camera phone, I have no mood to take any photographs. We went back to take the tram back to the station. We were told that it's a tradition to scream and shout once the tram passed under the bridge. So that's what we did....SCREAMMMMM!!!!
We bought some souvenirs and then to Hillcroft for lunch. The sun was scorching hot and I could feel my skin burning. Had our beryani and off to TJ Maxx again cos hubby wanted to change one of the jeans he bought yesterday. So hubby's boss sent us there and left cos she had to return the car before 6pm. Did the exchange and bought some more stuff. After buying more stuff, we went to a cafe nearby for a drink and had bread and butter pudding in vanilla sauce. It was so yummy!! The best bread and butter pudding I ever had in my life, even better than the one at the then Cafe Vienna. Rested our feet for a while before going into another shop to look for shoes. Then we hailed for a cab to go back to our apartment. We have to pack by tonight. So many things to pack. Our room was filled with our shopping bags. I really didn't know where to start. At the same time, we did our laundry so at least I won't be bugged with dirty laundry once I reached home. We ended up with 3 big luggages to be checked-in and 7 hand-carried items. I wonder how much the access baggage going to cost us. Wait and see!!
I was already feeling unwell. I was having ticklish throat and runny nose. Went downstairs to the 24/7 mart to purchase some medications. The really nice and kind reception staff gave me some cough drops and recommended me some medication to last me the long flight home tomorrow. Then when we were about to go upstairs, she came and gave me a bottle of vitamin C drink, on the house! I was really touched! I am very impressed with their level of service the moment I stepped into the hotel and this last act of kindness really touched me to the core!
It's my last night in Houston and I am going to miss this place. Love the place the moment I stepped on US soil and I hope I will be back again. The staff at Staybridge Suites at 5190 Hidalgo are really friendly and kind and I am going to miss them. The service is excellent and I will definitely stay in Staybridge Suites again wherever they are available. Fond memories I will never forget.
I'll be back!!
Anyway, it took us about 30-40 minutes to reach our destination. Once we reach the NASA area, the GPS went bonkers as it could not detect the new roads there. So we went round and round a few times before we reached our destination. We had to use our 'built-in GPS'.
Once we reached there, there were bus loads of students who just arrived. It was so crowded so we immediately bought our tickets before to avoid the long queue. It cost USD19.95 each but since we had the coupon from the hotel, that was USD5 off the regular price. Once inside, hubby and I decided to try out the Space Simulator. That was another USD4. Well, it was an ok-ok experience. Nothing fantastic. Wished they had the 3D effect for us to be able to experience the "going into space" feeling. Then we waited for the next show. The blast-off show. The children enjoyed it but I found nothing fantastic about it... hahahaa!!
The next one was the talk about Life in Space. Very interesting and informative. The lady explained to us about Life in Space and showed us the LIVE video of the astronauts that are currently in space now. Next we moved on to another talk about how they carried on with their everyday life in space. How they sleep, how they store their clothes, how to go to the toilet and shower, etc etc. Very interesting! Then we waited for the tram to go through the NASA ground. It took us about 30 mins to wait for the tram and before we could board the tram, we had to have our bags checked, take off our belt and went through a metal detector door. The tram tour took about 1 hour.
We went to the actual NASA buildings where they work and prepare all the things for the astronauts to go into space. Houston is not the launching pad to space but it's a place where they train the astronauts before they go into space. So we went to the Space Mock-Up facility where the astronauts train. They are put in real situations so that they will be prepared for life in space. We were told the next batch of astronauts going to space will be next Monday. I forgot to charge the battery for my camera the night before and it went 'kaput' at that very critical time. Arghhh! Had to resort to using my hp's camera to take the pictures. I am damn pissed with myself. Bodohkan!
After that, we had to board the tram again. It slowed down when it reached a group of trees that were planted to honour each and every one of the astronauts that had passed away. Some died during the course of their work and some died due to old age. It was really touching and sad when I passed these trees. Each tree has the name of the astronauts that had passed away.
Then we went to a place where there are 2 replicas of the space ship. Since my camera went 'dead' and I have only an inferior camera phone, I have no mood to take any photographs. We went back to take the tram back to the station. We were told that it's a tradition to scream and shout once the tram passed under the bridge. So that's what we did....SCREAMMMMM!!!!
We bought some souvenirs and then to Hillcroft for lunch. The sun was scorching hot and I could feel my skin burning. Had our beryani and off to TJ Maxx again cos hubby wanted to change one of the jeans he bought yesterday. So hubby's boss sent us there and left cos she had to return the car before 6pm. Did the exchange and bought some more stuff. After buying more stuff, we went to a cafe nearby for a drink and had bread and butter pudding in vanilla sauce. It was so yummy!! The best bread and butter pudding I ever had in my life, even better than the one at the then Cafe Vienna. Rested our feet for a while before going into another shop to look for shoes. Then we hailed for a cab to go back to our apartment. We have to pack by tonight. So many things to pack. Our room was filled with our shopping bags. I really didn't know where to start. At the same time, we did our laundry so at least I won't be bugged with dirty laundry once I reached home. We ended up with 3 big luggages to be checked-in and 7 hand-carried items. I wonder how much the access baggage going to cost us. Wait and see!!
I was already feeling unwell. I was having ticklish throat and runny nose. Went downstairs to the 24/7 mart to purchase some medications. The really nice and kind reception staff gave me some cough drops and recommended me some medication to last me the long flight home tomorrow. Then when we were about to go upstairs, she came and gave me a bottle of vitamin C drink, on the house! I was really touched! I am very impressed with their level of service the moment I stepped into the hotel and this last act of kindness really touched me to the core!
It's my last night in Houston and I am going to miss this place. Love the place the moment I stepped on US soil and I hope I will be back again. The staff at Staybridge Suites at 5190 Hidalgo are really friendly and kind and I am going to miss them. The service is excellent and I will definitely stay in Staybridge Suites again wherever they are available. Fond memories I will never forget.
I'll be back!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Houston Day 7
Today is the last day of exhibition for hubby. He will be coming back early. He called and told me that his boss rented a car and will bring us around for more shopping. And she will extend it till the next day so that all of us can go to the Nasa Space Centre together instead of paying for a cab.
Got ready and waited for hubby to come back. We went to Hillcroft again cos all of us had not had our lunch. This time, we went to the Chinese restaurant. Good food and the serving was damn huge! The owner is a Pakistani guy who trained a Mexican cook to cook Chinese food... hahahahaaa... interesting! But the food was good!! Then we went to TJ Maxx to shop for a luggage bag and as usual, we got carried away. Hubby who is usually not interested in shopping, went mad in TJ Maxx. Then we moved on to Marshall which is next door. I told hubby that I will be applying for a job for him here in the US...hahaha! Hubby agreed! Yeayyy!!! A Laura Ashley teapot cost only USD9.99. I bought 2 mugs from Laura Ashley and it's only USD5.99. Stuart Weitzman shoes are on the clearance shelves.... and over in KL, those who goes into Stuart Weitzman boutique, the muka so atas one!! hahahaha! The household stuff there were so tempting but better not! No more space in the bag! But just had to blog here that the Green Pan there is selling for USD12.99 and over here in KL, the price is exorbitantly at RM200 and above!! Now I know why the Americans have nice kitchens.
Hubby's boss sent us back to the apartment. Since it's still early, we went out again and walked around the area. Walked past The Galleria and we ended up somewhere...not sure where tho! Walked and walked till we decided to buy a drink at Starbucks. Coffee at USD2 plus..the most! Coffee in hand, we walked back to the hotel. The cafe was too crowded! We realised that we actually walked quite far from where we stayed. Finally reached the apartment. Early morning tomorrow... so better sleep early!
Got ready and waited for hubby to come back. We went to Hillcroft again cos all of us had not had our lunch. This time, we went to the Chinese restaurant. Good food and the serving was damn huge! The owner is a Pakistani guy who trained a Mexican cook to cook Chinese food... hahahahaaa... interesting! But the food was good!! Then we went to TJ Maxx to shop for a luggage bag and as usual, we got carried away. Hubby who is usually not interested in shopping, went mad in TJ Maxx. Then we moved on to Marshall which is next door. I told hubby that I will be applying for a job for him here in the US...hahaha! Hubby agreed! Yeayyy!!! A Laura Ashley teapot cost only USD9.99. I bought 2 mugs from Laura Ashley and it's only USD5.99. Stuart Weitzman shoes are on the clearance shelves.... and over in KL, those who goes into Stuart Weitzman boutique, the muka so atas one!! hahahaha! The household stuff there were so tempting but better not! No more space in the bag! But just had to blog here that the Green Pan there is selling for USD12.99 and over here in KL, the price is exorbitantly at RM200 and above!! Now I know why the Americans have nice kitchens.
Hubby's boss sent us back to the apartment. Since it's still early, we went out again and walked around the area. Walked past The Galleria and we ended up somewhere...not sure where tho! Walked and walked till we decided to buy a drink at Starbucks. Coffee at USD2 plus..the most! Coffee in hand, we walked back to the hotel. The cafe was too crowded! We realised that we actually walked quite far from where we stayed. Finally reached the apartment. Early morning tomorrow... so better sleep early!
Houston Day 6
Hubby was still not well but he had no choice but to go for the exhibition. I was supposed to meet up with an old friend who just migrated to Texas about a month ago. But there is still no concrete plan yet. So, I decided to go to Katy Mills Mall. It's about 40 mins from my hotel. Since I need to buy an extra luggage bag, I thought why not check it out for any good deals. It's something like Houston Premium outlets. Mahdi, the Ethiopian cab driver, fetched me and sent me to Katy Mills. The cab fare was about USD50 (yeah.. it's like water!).
I headed straight to Books-A-Million. It's a huge bookstore and the books are dirt cheap! I bought 4 books for USD15! Hard cover novels are selling at USD6...the most! Told myself that buying all these books will add the weight to my baggage. Better not! So, I decided to choose those lightweight books. Then, I went around the mall. It's not crowded cos it's the middle of the week and I came during office hours. So, I took my own sweet time to look for stuff. Bought a few t-shirts for the brother, myself and hubby. Bought shoes...yeay!! At last I found a pair that I can fit in and cheap! Bought some souvenirs and then I am feeling so dead tired. Went to buy some cinnamon rolls with pecans. Here, the servings are huge. The amount of pecan nuts they put managed to satisfy my craving for pecan nuts for a long time! Hehehhee...
And then.....I remembered! How to go home?? Erk! I called Mahdi but he was somewhere far from Katy Mills. He asked me to call the Yellow Cab and if there was still no cab, then he would come and fetch me but I had to wait for sometime because of the heavy traffic in Houston. I called for a cab and waited. After about 20 minutes, a cab came driven by a migrant. Once I boarded the cab, he told me he needed to fill up gas. Damn! Another one trying to rip me! Stopped at the gas station and he did not even stop the fare metre. I did not say anything knowing very well that I am not familiar with this place. I decided to keep my mouth shut. Shortly, I received a message from hubby telling me to meet him at The Galleria cos his boss will be bringing us to the beryani place at Hillcroft. Told the cab driver about the change in venue. Once I reached the Galleria, the fare was USD55 (phew!). Gave him USD60 and he said thanks! Hahahaha.. damnit! No way am I going to give it to him! I told him I am waiting for my change! He just smiled and started digging in his pockets. Idiot! (Berani la cos dah reach a familiar place!)
Went for dinner at Hillcroft with hubby and his boss and packed some food back. So many halal restaurants there..... they even have Halal Chinese food! Took a cab back and hubby got his much needed rest as he was still feeling unwell.
I headed straight to Books-A-Million. It's a huge bookstore and the books are dirt cheap! I bought 4 books for USD15! Hard cover novels are selling at USD6...the most! Told myself that buying all these books will add the weight to my baggage. Better not! So, I decided to choose those lightweight books. Then, I went around the mall. It's not crowded cos it's the middle of the week and I came during office hours. So, I took my own sweet time to look for stuff. Bought a few t-shirts for the brother, myself and hubby. Bought shoes...yeay!! At last I found a pair that I can fit in and cheap! Bought some souvenirs and then I am feeling so dead tired. Went to buy some cinnamon rolls with pecans. Here, the servings are huge. The amount of pecan nuts they put managed to satisfy my craving for pecan nuts for a long time! Hehehhee...
And then.....I remembered! How to go home?? Erk! I called Mahdi but he was somewhere far from Katy Mills. He asked me to call the Yellow Cab and if there was still no cab, then he would come and fetch me but I had to wait for sometime because of the heavy traffic in Houston. I called for a cab and waited. After about 20 minutes, a cab came driven by a migrant. Once I boarded the cab, he told me he needed to fill up gas. Damn! Another one trying to rip me! Stopped at the gas station and he did not even stop the fare metre. I did not say anything knowing very well that I am not familiar with this place. I decided to keep my mouth shut. Shortly, I received a message from hubby telling me to meet him at The Galleria cos his boss will be bringing us to the beryani place at Hillcroft. Told the cab driver about the change in venue. Once I reached the Galleria, the fare was USD55 (phew!). Gave him USD60 and he said thanks! Hahahaha.. damnit! No way am I going to give it to him! I told him I am waiting for my change! He just smiled and started digging in his pockets. Idiot! (Berani la cos dah reach a familiar place!)
Went for dinner at Hillcroft with hubby and his boss and packed some food back. So many halal restaurants there..... they even have Halal Chinese food! Took a cab back and hubby got his much needed rest as he was still feeling unwell.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Houston Day 5
Nothing much happened either on Day 5.
I walked to The Galleria to change some money. Met hubby there and he was really feeling lousy then. Ate some snacks from the food court and I went to Victoria's Secret. A trip to US is not complete if you don't go to Victoria's Secret....right?? Hehehehhee Bought some stuff and we decided to go for Halal food at Hillcroft. Took a cab there. We were ripped off... $22 for a 10 min journey. We could not find the shop that we were supposed to go so we decided to go to the first Halal shop that we see. We went to Shawarma King and had our dinner there. Not bad but the rice sucks!
We decided to call our regular cab driver instead this time. And this time, the fare was only $9!!! Argh!!! Idiotic cab driver! I wished I took down his cab number. Reached our room and hubby was feeling really sick... gave him some medications and told him to sleep. I was with a friend online to try to figure out when and how to meet her. She is new here as well.
Hubby asked me whether we should extend for another day since his conference will end this Thursday and we were supposed to go home so there is not much time for him to go around Houston. Of course, I said YES! Made some calls to change our flight plans and we will be going back on Saturday (8th May) instead! Yeay!!
I walked to The Galleria to change some money. Met hubby there and he was really feeling lousy then. Ate some snacks from the food court and I went to Victoria's Secret. A trip to US is not complete if you don't go to Victoria's Secret....right?? Hehehehhee Bought some stuff and we decided to go for Halal food at Hillcroft. Took a cab there. We were ripped off... $22 for a 10 min journey. We could not find the shop that we were supposed to go so we decided to go to the first Halal shop that we see. We went to Shawarma King and had our dinner there. Not bad but the rice sucks!
We decided to call our regular cab driver instead this time. And this time, the fare was only $9!!! Argh!!! Idiotic cab driver! I wished I took down his cab number. Reached our room and hubby was feeling really sick... gave him some medications and told him to sleep. I was with a friend online to try to figure out when and how to meet her. She is new here as well.
Hubby asked me whether we should extend for another day since his conference will end this Thursday and we were supposed to go home so there is not much time for him to go around Houston. Of course, I said YES! Made some calls to change our flight plans and we will be going back on Saturday (8th May) instead! Yeay!!
Houston Day 4
It's the first day of the OTC conference here. We woke up early for breakfast and hubby had to leave by 8am. We managed to engage a cab driver, OJ, to pick up hubby and send him to the venue. After he left, I stayed around for a while at the library cum business centre. I could not get online from the room as hubby needed the travel adapter so I used the computer in the business centre. Chatted for a while then picked up a book from the library and plunked myself onto the couch.
Bored, I went back upstairs to pack some of the stuff that we bought the day before. Panicked!! Not enough space for all the things bought including our own clothes....we need another bag! I have no idea how am I going to pack all those bags and wallets bought... but we were told not to pack all the bags and wallets in the same bag cos a colleague of my husband did just that and discovered all her bags were missing upon reaching KL. We will try to figure it out.
I decided not to go out today cos enough damage had been done yesterday. Better stay in and watch tv.
In the evening, once hubby reached the hotel, we decided to walk to The Galleria, which is about 5 mins away. I also need to get 2 more bags from Coach for a dear friend. Got the bags and we walked around a bit before hanging out at the food court. Hubby was not feeling well so we decided to return to the room.
Bored, I went back upstairs to pack some of the stuff that we bought the day before. Panicked!! Not enough space for all the things bought including our own clothes....we need another bag! I have no idea how am I going to pack all those bags and wallets bought... but we were told not to pack all the bags and wallets in the same bag cos a colleague of my husband did just that and discovered all her bags were missing upon reaching KL. We will try to figure it out.
I decided not to go out today cos enough damage had been done yesterday. Better stay in and watch tv.
In the evening, once hubby reached the hotel, we decided to walk to The Galleria, which is about 5 mins away. I also need to get 2 more bags from Coach for a dear friend. Got the bags and we walked around a bit before hanging out at the food court. Hubby was not feeling well so we decided to return to the room.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Houston Day 3
Hubby had to go to the exhibition venue again to some last minute preparations that he could not get it done yesterday. We had breakfast and then he left for the venue. We were supposed to meet up my old classmate who just moved to Houston about a month ago for dinner. But since her husband was called to work at 8pm that night, we think we should move it to another day as I planned to go to Houston Premium Outlets that day. I had to wait for hubby to come back but was not sure what time he could make it back to the hotel.
I was so excited to go to the outlets and was waiting eagerly for hubby to return. It was nearly 2 pm and I get so restless cos the outlet close at 7pm on a Sunday. I cannot waste time as I reckoned I need a lot of time there. We managed to arrive at the outlets at about 3.15pm and I made the dash for the COACH factory outlet. Saw a long queue outside and quickly joined in the queue. The moment we were allowed in, I started looking for the bags that my friend asked me to get for her. They said that those bags can only be found in the retail outlets and not in the factory outlet. Only then I started looking for my stuffs!! I felt like the character from the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic. Picking up this and that, leaving my hubby behind the moment we were allowed into the store....hehehee! Got my loot and hubby queued up to pay for them. You can see the queue was mainly made up of husbands lining up to pay for their wives' loots while the wives continue to go around looking for some more things that could be passed to the husbands.... hahahaha It was a sight!
Next, we went to Kate Spade's store. Grab some more things and headed next to the next store. We took a break and I told hubby that we should go our separate ways so that he could get something for himself as well. I went on to buy some clothes and a pair of shoes for myself. Hubby managed to get himself a pair of Levi's jeans at such an unbelievable price. We ended up with 6 big bags and seriously, I do not know how the hell we are going to bring them back. Luckily, there was a cab around. When we hit the highway on our way back to the hotel, the cab driver received a call from a lady whom he has been waiting for 2 hrs before we took his cab. He had to make a U-turn to pick her up. The lady is from London who is here to attend the same conference as my hubby and they ended up talking about it and found out that the world is so small. Her company used to bid for the job that was offered by my hubby's company.... and she was supposed to be in Oran when hubby was there.... small small world! She was at the outlet before the shops were opened at about 10am and was there till they closed at 7pm.... hahahaha!!
Reached our hotel at about 8pm before we headed to Walmart again cos hubby needs to get another travel adapter for the exhibition the next day. Unfortunately, they ran out of it and we ended up buying some more things for people back home. Went back and straight to bed... exhausted!!!
p/s: Oh ya! the cab fares here are really draining our wallet. It costs us USD120 to and fro the Premium outlets for a 30 min journey. Fares to Walmart cost us USD12 for a 10 min journey.
I was so excited to go to the outlets and was waiting eagerly for hubby to return. It was nearly 2 pm and I get so restless cos the outlet close at 7pm on a Sunday. I cannot waste time as I reckoned I need a lot of time there. We managed to arrive at the outlets at about 3.15pm and I made the dash for the COACH factory outlet. Saw a long queue outside and quickly joined in the queue. The moment we were allowed in, I started looking for the bags that my friend asked me to get for her. They said that those bags can only be found in the retail outlets and not in the factory outlet. Only then I started looking for my stuffs!! I felt like the character from the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic. Picking up this and that, leaving my hubby behind the moment we were allowed into the store....hehehee! Got my loot and hubby queued up to pay for them. You can see the queue was mainly made up of husbands lining up to pay for their wives' loots while the wives continue to go around looking for some more things that could be passed to the husbands.... hahahaha It was a sight!
Next, we went to Kate Spade's store. Grab some more things and headed next to the next store. We took a break and I told hubby that we should go our separate ways so that he could get something for himself as well. I went on to buy some clothes and a pair of shoes for myself. Hubby managed to get himself a pair of Levi's jeans at such an unbelievable price. We ended up with 6 big bags and seriously, I do not know how the hell we are going to bring them back. Luckily, there was a cab around. When we hit the highway on our way back to the hotel, the cab driver received a call from a lady whom he has been waiting for 2 hrs before we took his cab. He had to make a U-turn to pick her up. The lady is from London who is here to attend the same conference as my hubby and they ended up talking about it and found out that the world is so small. Her company used to bid for the job that was offered by my hubby's company.... and she was supposed to be in Oran when hubby was there.... small small world! She was at the outlet before the shops were opened at about 10am and was there till they closed at 7pm.... hahahaha!!
Reached our hotel at about 8pm before we headed to Walmart again cos hubby needs to get another travel adapter for the exhibition the next day. Unfortunately, they ran out of it and we ended up buying some more things for people back home. Went back and straight to bed... exhausted!!!
p/s: Oh ya! the cab fares here are really draining our wallet. It costs us USD120 to and fro the Premium outlets for a 30 min journey. Fares to Walmart cost us USD12 for a 10 min journey.
Houston Day 2
Went down for breakfast and then off we went to look for hubby's computer cable and a travel adapter. We decided to take a walk and explore the place for a shop that sells what we are looking for. And we really walked!! We reached a big store called Best Buy selling all these electrical and computer stuff. Managed to get what were looking for. Burnt USD130 for forgetting to bring them... argh!! What a waste! I managed to touch and try out Ipad. Damn! It feels good and I am so tempted to buy it but they only have the most expensive one in stock. Anyway, it's only the second day so I cannot afford to 'burn' all the money too early in our trip... hhehhehee...
The weather was very hot. The sun is burning my skin but we had no choice but to walk back to our hotel. On the way, we passed by a shop selling clothes and most of them are plus sizes. Hoorey!!! Love it! Love it! I feel small when I entered the shop. Everything else is so big... hiks! Managed to find 2 jeans, 1 top, 2 accessories and 1 sandal. And it cost me USD60 plus after the USD20 discount given... GOD! I love this country!! Happy! Happy! Went back to the hotel and decided to cook for lunch while hubby went out to the exhibition venue to do some last minute preparations and meeting up with his boss over there. Actually I cant remember what I cooked. I think fried rice with salmon in Kashmiri paste and mixed vegetables.
Later a night, we went to Downtown Houston to Hard Rock Cafe. Hubby and I decided that we are going to buy at least 1 HRC memorabilia in each country we visited and we are doing just that. We bought 2 tees, 1 shot glass, 1 cap and 1 fridge magnet cum can opener. On top of that, we bought the membership card for HRC and received 1 HRC pin and since we got a coupon from the hotel, we received another pin for free. I love free stuffs and this country is full of coupons for you to get free stuffs or at a discount.....isn't it great!!! We had a drink each at HRC and we can keep the glasses after that! Yeayy!! So another 2 big glasses for us to bring home.... :)
We walked down the road in Downtown Houston and since it's a Saturday night, everybody was out partying! We walked till we reached a quiet road and decide to hail for a cab to go back to the hotel. A cab stopped across the road and another one behind. The one behind started honking the one in front and after a while decided to stop beside the cab in front and called out to us whether we want a cab. Since he came later, we decided to go to the other cab. These 2 guys started shouting at each other..... saying all those vulgarities and my cab driver even said the 'N' word to the black guy. Hubby and I were so afraid that he would get out from his cab and started shooting at our cab driver.... but luckily, he left! Phew!! Scaryyy siot!
Ok, Day 3 will be next!
Later a night, we went to Downtown Houston to Hard Rock Cafe. Hubby and I decided that we are going to buy at least 1 HRC memorabilia in each country we visited and we are doing just that. We bought 2 tees, 1 shot glass, 1 cap and 1 fridge magnet cum can opener. On top of that, we bought the membership card for HRC and received 1 HRC pin and since we got a coupon from the hotel, we received another pin for free. I love free stuffs and this country is full of coupons for you to get free stuffs or at a discount.....isn't it great!!! We had a drink each at HRC and we can keep the glasses after that! Yeayy!! So another 2 big glasses for us to bring home.... :)
We walked down the road in Downtown Houston and since it's a Saturday night, everybody was out partying! We walked till we reached a quiet road and decide to hail for a cab to go back to the hotel. A cab stopped across the road and another one behind. The one behind started honking the one in front and after a while decided to stop beside the cab in front and called out to us whether we want a cab. Since he came later, we decided to go to the other cab. These 2 guys started shouting at each other..... saying all those vulgarities and my cab driver even said the 'N' word to the black guy. Hubby and I were so afraid that he would get out from his cab and started shooting at our cab driver.... but luckily, he left! Phew!! Scaryyy siot!
Ok, Day 3 will be next!
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Houston Day 1
We arrived in Houston after a grueling 28 hours on the plane. We landed at 2.30pm Houston time. The journey started off on Thursday night (29th Apr 10) from Kuala Lumpur. We took Singapore Airline which took us on the route from KL-Sin-Moscow-Houston. Once we landed in Singapore, we took the skytrain to T3 for our next flight out to Moscow. We spent a couple of hours at T3. Frankly speaking, I find it very impressive. They took the time to think of all the minute details to ensure that the passengers had a good time while in transit. Foot massage machines are everywhere, they have free movie screening, a lounge where you can eat, shower, go to the gym, have your hair and nail done and even massage services.
After some supper, we boarded the plane to Domobe,Moscow. The journey was approximately 10 hours. The seats that were given to us were really uncomfortable, especially for my bad knee. So, we requested for the first row where there is a big leg space for us to stretch. The stewardess told us that we could only sit there till Moscow and had to return to our original seats as the seats had already been assigned to the Russian passengers boarding from Moscow. Well, it's better than nothing, right? We enjoyed the first leg of the journey and had a good sleep.
Once we reached Moscow, we had 1.5 hours to walk around the airport. We bought some souvenirs and then on to the second leg of the journey. We had to return to our assigned seats and that was the start of my painful and restless journey for the next 12 hours!! My whole body was aching real bad. I stood up and did some stretching to ease the pain but it was only for a short while. The whole time, I was counting the hours for us to land in Houston. I felt sick!!
Once we landed, I was quite surprised to pass through the immigration quite easily. As hubby is attending the OTC conference, there was a special lane for all delegates so that made it easier. We then found ourselves a cab and made our way to Staybridge Suites at the Galleria on Hidalgo. Very friendly staff and a very nice apartment. The whole place is cosy and it makes me feel at home! Once we checked-in, I cooked some instant noodles and planned to go out to Walmart to buy some groceries that will last us for 1 week. It was about 6pm then. I told hubby that I need to nap for a while but we ended up sleeping till midnight! We showered and went out at about 2am. The kind reception guy called for us a cab and we headed to Walmart to have a late supper at MacDonald's and then shopped for our groceries. That was when I told hubby that I want to move here! They have lots of stuff and the range of organic and low-fat products are endless! And most important of all, they are cheap!!! Things are cheap, period!
Bought our stuffs and then called for a cab to come and pick us up. We waited for nearly half an hour and at last made it back to the apartment. The kind reception guy, Chike, was happy to see us safely back to the apartment. He is really, really nice! Thanks Chike!
After some supper, we boarded the plane to Domobe,Moscow. The journey was approximately 10 hours. The seats that were given to us were really uncomfortable, especially for my bad knee. So, we requested for the first row where there is a big leg space for us to stretch. The stewardess told us that we could only sit there till Moscow and had to return to our original seats as the seats had already been assigned to the Russian passengers boarding from Moscow. Well, it's better than nothing, right? We enjoyed the first leg of the journey and had a good sleep.
Once we reached Moscow, we had 1.5 hours to walk around the airport. We bought some souvenirs and then on to the second leg of the journey. We had to return to our assigned seats and that was the start of my painful and restless journey for the next 12 hours!! My whole body was aching real bad. I stood up and did some stretching to ease the pain but it was only for a short while. The whole time, I was counting the hours for us to land in Houston. I felt sick!!
Once we landed, I was quite surprised to pass through the immigration quite easily. As hubby is attending the OTC conference, there was a special lane for all delegates so that made it easier. We then found ourselves a cab and made our way to Staybridge Suites at the Galleria on Hidalgo. Very friendly staff and a very nice apartment. The whole place is cosy and it makes me feel at home! Once we checked-in, I cooked some instant noodles and planned to go out to Walmart to buy some groceries that will last us for 1 week. It was about 6pm then. I told hubby that I need to nap for a while but we ended up sleeping till midnight! We showered and went out at about 2am. The kind reception guy called for us a cab and we headed to Walmart to have a late supper at MacDonald's and then shopped for our groceries. That was when I told hubby that I want to move here! They have lots of stuff and the range of organic and low-fat products are endless! And most important of all, they are cheap!!! Things are cheap, period!
Bought our stuffs and then called for a cab to come and pick us up. We waited for nearly half an hour and at last made it back to the apartment. The kind reception guy, Chike, was happy to see us safely back to the apartment. He is really, really nice! Thanks Chike!
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