Best Trips of 2011 -- A Retrospect

I am dedicating this post to my friends who are planning their getaways next year (special mention to Deng and Nard). May I remind you that this is free of charge but it wouldn't hurt if you'd include me in your list. *wink*

January ✈ 
Manitoba, Canada

Stopover
It was a Looong Flight
The Town at Night
Routine
Breakfast All Day
A Trip to the Superstore
Polo Park
Cherry Love
Around the Town
Buffet Square
Winter Wonderland
Home Bound

May ✈ 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Transit in Kuala Lumpur
Taste of Asia
Decanter Restaurant
Marrybrown
Foodtrip in KL
Hotel Sentral Pudu

May ✈ 
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Off to the Kingdom of Wonders
Hello Cambodia.. Finally!
Tara Angkor Hotel
Before Visiting the Temples
Temple Chronicles: Banteay Srei
Restaurant with No Name at East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: Ta Som
Temple Chronicles: Neak Pean
Temple Chronicles: Preah Khan
Scenes at the Old Market
Koulen Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Wat
Temple Chronicles: Baphuon & Terrace of the Elephants
Temple Chronicles: Phnom Bakheng
Temple Chronicles: Ta Keo
Streets of Siem Reap
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Thom
Ta Prom Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider Temple
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant, SR
Night Market at Siem Reap

June ✈ 
Singapore

Changi Airport, SG
Robertson Quay Hotel, SG
Mondo Mio, SG
Eye Candy at Universal Studios, SG
Universal Studios, SG
Bugis Street, SG
Weekend at Singapore-lah!

August ✈
El Nido, Philippines

Enchanting El Nido
El Nido Beach Hotel
Squido's Restaurant
Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant
A Day in Paradise Known as El Nido

September ✈
Davao, Philippines

Davao City -- A Rundown
Pearl Farm Marina
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day One
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day Two
Maranao Restaurant at Pearl Farm Resort
Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee
Eden Nature Park and Resort
Eden Nature Park Buffet
Marina Tuna Seafood Market Restaurant

September ✈
Baguio, Philippines

The Manor at Camp John Hay Baguio
The Manor Baguio -- The Sweet (Suite) Room
Philippine Military Academy
Sizzling Plate Baguio
Cafe by the Ruins
Le Chef at The Manor Baguio
Little John's at CJH
Tam-awan Village

December ✈
Macau and Hongkong

Manila ✈ Hong Kong ✈ Manila
Macau in One Day
Hotel Benito, HK
Sky 100, HK
Tim Ho Wan, HK -- The World's Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Lamma Island, HK
Maxim's Food, HK
Places I Love in Hongkong

I wonder where my feet will take me in 2012. Hanoi? Another Hongkong trip perhaps? South Korea?

But my mind says, Europe! *wink*

Home bound

After brisk walking for 30 minutes to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 of the Toronto International Airport, which is a HUGE airport by the way, I was relieved to arrive at the boarding gate right on time.  My flight had only an hour and 40 minutes transit time and there is no way I am missing my Incheon flight (I don't want to sleep in the airport thank you very much).  Since I was in a hurry with a heavy luggage in one hand and travel documents on the other,  there's no time to take photos anymore. So unlikely of me, I know!

My flight going to Vancouver was a nightmare sitting in the middle row, so I made sure to politely ask the lady at the check in counter for a window seat, since Toronto to Seoul is a 14-hour flight and I want to have a goodnight sleep this time.  I know I asked for a window seat but she gave me a bed! I can now sleep comfortably. Yay!

The flight was half empty and thank goodness I have no seatmates.

I must say that Korean Air is by far the best airline I have ever flown with.  From the ground staff who will offer free check-in for your hand carry to the very helpful and attentive flight attendants.  They even have red and white wine even if you're flying coach! How cool is that right?

Dinner

Breakfast

Fourteen hours later, I'm in the Land of K-Pop.

Incheon International Airport at 0300H

All stores are closed :(

Boarding Gate 12 = My Gateway to Manila

I wish I had time to spend even just a day in Korea.  Oh well, there's always a next time.  But for now, I can't wait to be back because I don't want you to wait for me too long. *wink*

Winter Wonderland

When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or be a snow angel.

I chose to be the latter! *wink*

Buffet Square

Good thing we arrived early because I heard that this place is
always packed during dinner time

The selection

Salad section

From Chinese to Mongolian to Japanese to Western Cuisine

Ice cream section

Fruit section

Dessert section

My side of the table

First plate

Second plate

Dessert No. 1

Dessert No. 2 Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream is ohh so yummy!

B-square rule

My rule: No diet during vacation.

~o~o~o~

Buffet Square
8-2188 McPhillips Street
Winnipeg, MB R2V 3C8, Canada
Tel.: (204) 632-7333