I was traumatized and abused by Ginger.

Curiosity killed the cat! In this incident I am the "Cat". I always love to try different kinds of spa treatments that are available in the market and because of that I have so many funny incidents to share. Once, I went to Kuala Lumpur with a group of friends and someone from the group suggested to go massage. Immediately, I raised my hand for approval.  

After 20 minutes, we arrived at this decent looking bungalow and we were led to a living room with spa music and a small water fountain feature on the table. I saw a spa menu displayed on the coffee table, I picked it up and had a good look of its content. One of the staffs, served us a cup of super spicy and hot ginger tea as a welcome drink. Then I was told that their special this month was Ginger scrub. My eye brighten up with excitement. I was quite interested as I have never try this before. So I had chosen a Ginger scrub and Malay Urut (Malay Traditional Massage) for my 2 hours spa treatments.

I was politely assigned to a big treatment room, instructed to change into a disposable underwear and laid down on the massage bed to be prepared for the treatment. My masseur (Khai) excused himself to prepare the ginger scrub. Distinctly, I could hear noise made from mortar and pestle for almost a good 10 minutes and it sounded like just a few steps away from me. I was thinking probably was just next door neighbors preparing dinner as I was literally in a private estate. 

Khai came into the room with 2 bowls which I had no clue what was inside. In this point of time, the air condition was still in full blast and I didn't request to off it as I was still feeling hot from the 33 degrees outside the room. I excitedly got ready for the ginger scrub. Without any warning, Khai clumsily scooped a big portion of raw ginger mash, splashed all over on my back and started rubbing violently as if I owned him money. It was so shocking and rather stressful but me as a therapist myself naturally respect and more forgiving even though this standard of service was rather "unique". Few minutes later, a strong sense of tingling cold and spiciness cooling effect hitting on my whole body. I hold my breath as I thought that was supposed to be. Another 10 minutes later when I realized that the strong concoction of ginger mash and juice reacted on my skin was so unbearable, I sounded the alarm by calling STOP!!!!. I dashed to the bathroom and frantically jumping and hopping like a mad dog, in this case a "mad cat", rinsed off the ginger mash as fast as I could. After a good and long rinse, I hold my composure and acted normally back to the massage bed to continue my massage. Khai was in shocked too and I know he was a relatively new masseur with no proper training at all and he did not know how to react as well.  I just awkwardly smiled at him and instructed him to continue with the massage. 

After a long 2 hour of treatments, which started very badly. I was led to the living room again to wait for my friends to end their spa treatments. And again. Ginger tea was served!! Oh no!! Ginger again! I think I must be shivering when that cup of Ginger tea was in front me. Obviously, I was the laughing stock of that day when I told them my horrific encounter with the Ginger scrub.

My lesson learned was given chance in future I must have a good look inside the bowl or even touch the content before allow the masseur carry out the treatment, especially body scrub. I must say the owner of the spa was too creative by using such self concocted scrub recipe. Oh, my god!!! 

Their excitement of having Chair massage is definitely my privilege!

When I just started been a professional therapist, providing massages for mum and dad was quite a challenge. They would shyly decline my offer as they felt that doing massages is how I make a living and they feel bad to impose on me. Another reason was, just like most of the Asian families, kids (in my generation) usually do not express gratitude or love by having body contact with our parents example like hugging . Thus their thought of me massaging them, felt a little odd and uncomfortable but after multiple attempts of offering and with lots of persuasion eventually they gave in.

These days, obviously it is so much easier and I can tell that every time when I just pull out a chair from the dining table with one hand and with cushions on the other hand,  a big smile display on their face and spontaneously they will eagerly adjust their sitting position, arrange those pillows themselves and getting ready for my massage  hahaha. ( I roll my eyes). I try my best to arrange a short session of  20 to 30 minutes weekly or fortnightly.  I believe this is a wonderful way to show my love and care for them, at the same time I can regularly check on their physical well being (I think you must agree with me, some elderly always try to avoid doctor when they are not well. Usually is because of the medical cost or simply feel too troublesome to deal with it)  . Another awesome advantage is during the massage session I get to spend more quality time with them and naturally the relationship we have are getting stronger and stronger.

Most of the time, I prefer to offer them the massage session 2 hours after their meals. I will focus on areas like head, neck, shoulders, arms, upper and lower back. By kneading, pressing, squeezing and pounding. Like all effective massages, it definitely helps their improve circulation of their blood and fluid, loosen up those tension and stiffness. With regular sessions needless to say it will strengthen their mobility and flexibility.

To conclude, at their age nothing is more important than to maintain their health and have a peaceful life style.

Autumn in Korea is all about the breath taking Colours

Last year during late October, I received an official immigration custom stamp from Incheon International Airport for the first time. Hurray! Strangely, I have been travelling for almost 3 decades but Korea (just 6 hours flight) has never triggered my interest. Anyway, I am so glad that I really enjoyed myself especially during this beautiful season. Everywhere I turned was just so colourful and surreal.

Yes, it was rather cold at 5 degrees but I couldn't  stop staring at those gorgeous colours. 

This is the second largest palace in Seoul, supposed to visit the biggest one but the queue for getting admission tickets was scarily long.

I've been to many different castles and palaces in various countries but there is something very unique about Korean palaces. Mostly were built with low walls, small doors and windows. To me it felt more cozy and friendly compare to those very massive one and is like impossible to cover the whole place within an afternoon.The structures of the palaces were very intricate and colourful. What I really like was it is very serene and peaceful to just slowly strolled aimlessly and enjoy every corner of it. There are quite a few famous palaces that are easily locate just in the middle of the city. That is so wonderful. Best of all, the admission fees are very affordable.

Gentle Monster! A well-known international Korean brand, selling very stylish and trendy sun glasses. People who follow Korean fashion will definitely known this brand.

A famous shopping district that is quite near to Gangnam area. Very vibrant and happening here. 

I saw a few youngsters wearing Korea tourists uniform, walking around helping tourists with any questions or directions. What a friendly touch!

One of the most famous beauty brand in Korea. This is the main flagship store in Seoul. 

I am definitely not a shopper but in Seoul once you walk along the shopping districts (there are so many obviously) you can't help scrutinize and admire the creativity and artistry of their products display and advertisement. Even though some of the products doesn't attract me but somehow manage to trigger my curiosity. I would be somehow cast by a spell to be lured into the shop. It makes window shopping so fascinating.

JeJu Island

This is the starting point of the hike of one of the UNESCO site in JeJu Island

It is quite a pleasant hike. It took me about 35 minutes to reach all the way to the top. It was indeed breath taking (apart from some deep breathing was required along the way). What really took my breath was I saw some ladies wearing heels and they almost reached to the mid of the mountain. Bravo!!! 

This is one of the UNESCO  heritage sites. I feel so cultured. Honestly, it is really 

beautiful. 

While enjoying the view, sun and breeze, a friendly Shiba happily walked toward me for a picture. Aww... isn't that sweet. 

I am seriously lucky to catch this during my short stay in Jeju Island. This magnificent view happen only during autumn and it looks best when it is dry and sunny. Is like a movie set but is real. 

I am just trying my luck whether any Korea entertanment agency looking for next super star. 

During Autumn, there are quite a few parks or islands where you can catch get a feel of what is  Autumn Foliage in Seoul. Some are not far, about 2 to 3 hours from Seoul city by train. So it is nice to have a half day trip to embrace the lovely nature and fresh air. This is what I called LIFE! 

One of the highlight in this trip was this unbelievable park that stretch almost 3 km or more (I think ). Rows of golden, red and yellowish leaves that scattered everywhere along the river bank. So magical! 

I wish I was on a bicycle when I was there. 

I was just thinking what should I have for lunch. 

Famous Korean fast food. I must say it is really quite nice. 

Pang Chang is what I always look forward to before the main course is served. There are so many different kind and mostly are vegetables. It can be very addictive but side effect is you will keep farting if you have it everyday. Well, at least it happened to me.  

In  JeJu Island, barbecue black pig is one of their specialty. There is a street almost all the restaurants selling this. 

A lady will help you to cut and flip when she pass by. It is definitely more interesting when you do it yourself. 

 In Korea, they do have lots of Starbucks and Paris Baguette but I prefer some of their other coffee chains like Twosome place and Angel. Seoul do have very strong coffee culture so almost anywhere you can easily get your cuppa when addiction comes.  

 I have tried the toast like pastry but it is a bit dry for me. I grade it So so.

This is the specialty of this cafe, I have tried the chocolate flavor. Is heavenly good... so good..

This cold noodle is very common in Korea but as a first timer to try this, I think the noodle is a little too sticky for me. I almost choked on it. So probably is better to cut smaller pieces (that is why the scissor come with the noodle) and eat with small bite. The broth is slightly too sweet for me. 

To conclude, I really had a great time in this beautiful and clean country. I will be back.. in fact very soon..... hahaha....

Zzzzzzzzzzz!!!

Honestly, I really don't know what is this pillow for when I first get to know it. This is so marvelous for my therapy work after I realized that it can be a facial pillow when I am treating my customer. It is so soft, light, smooth as silk and most importantly it fits into any face so comfortably that falling asleep during massages is no longer a problem.

I am sure, most of us have this problem about adjusting our facial support when we are having massage. I personally prefer a massage bed with a facial hole than using a normal sleeping pillow while laying on my stomach. The ideal of turning left and right continuously during massage definitely can be a struggle and uncomfortable. At times, even with a facial hole on the massage bed we may need to adjust the facial supporter or folded face towel constantly, by either wiggling down deeper into the hole or lift up repeatedly to get the right and comfortable position. Now by using this product for my customers I can be assured that they can enjoy the drifting in and out of sleepiness during my massage sessions. Hurray!!!  Thanks to one of my regular customers who found this wonderful product for me and most touching part is she hope all my customers get to try this. Aww... what can I say...

It is just so glamorous and classy that I need to explore more....

I am quite sure people who live in this part of the world will not miss the chance to visit Bangkok especially during a long weekend. I just did so last week. To me, Bangkok is always very comfortable and convenient to revisit many times in a year. Apart from it is just 2 hours away and most importantly, it is rather affordable with hotels and fantastic Thai food. So Sawadee!

This trip, what really caught my attention was quite amazing. After a heavy lunch in a relatively new mall call EMquatier. I curiously went to the top floor where I was so mesmerized with what I saw. The soft lighting, dark wood decor, flowers everywhere, big cozy sofas etc. Literally, I thought it was a 5 stars hotel lobby and I started to roam about to find out more. 

 Yes! Is a cinema. Haha...Eventually, since I have no other plan and it was 37 degrees outside the mall. With no hesitation, I bought the tickets to watch The Jungle Book (is a great movie). What a wonderful and entertaining afternoon.