Apple picking Day

6th of September 2013

Apple farm is so much fun! We had a great time in the Lynd Fruit Farm taking photos, picking apples and eating apples for free in the farm. Tips: bring a peeling knife to peel the apple skin and eat as much as you can. We spent a whole afternoon in the farm in the great season. There are different types of apples available for picking at different dates. The apple picking season usually starts from August to October. We bought a big bag of Honeycrisp appleswhich were so crispy and sweeeeettt... You pay per bag, so we tried our best to fit in as many apples as we can. Hahaz. Check out this cute video of my friends in the farm. 

You might be interested in this video too: How to eat an apple like a boss

tataz. :)

Whitsunday Islands Day 2 - Whitehaven Beach

Photography copyright @ Yvonne Yeu

Day 2 
7/17/2013
Whitehaven Beach

Although it has been 4 months, I am still so excited to write about this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Whitehaven Beach. Really, deeply, in love. The best day trip ever! 

First of all, let's start off by introducing Ocean Rafting Whitsunday. If you like to experience excitement on a speed boat, save time on boat, more time on the sparkling white beach, more time on snorkeling. This is the tour you are looking for! We had Northern Exposure Tour , basically means more snorkeling time. 

The best thing about them is the advertisement flyers do not lie! All those lovely fishes, turtles and reefs in the flyer will come into your eyes. No over edit, they are really beautiful. 

I know everyone would like to fly on a helicopter to see the heart reef and Whitehaven Beach. But if budget doesn't allow you to do so; don't worry, I am sure you will be amazed by the beauty of Whitehaven beach from the Hill Inlet. Breathtaking, Awesome!

Tips: Ocean Rafting is the only tour that has the direct access to Hill Inlet.

#1  Free bus pickup from backpacker place + get swim suit + some warm coffee and tea
It was winter so the ocean remains super cold so swim suit is something great to keep you warm.
We even signed up for the memories media pack. The quality might not be that great but definitely a nice way to keep your memories.

#2 On the speedboat, the cheerful crew members introduced us to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, we bypassed a lot of beautiful islands. Btw: Whitsunday is made up of 74 islands.

#3 DADADA! Arrived at Whitehaven beach.
The most amazing white sparkling beach that I will never ever forget.

#4 Get into the Whitsunday Islands National Park to reach the Hill Inlet.

Spot the grass on the right corner !!
Interesting fact:
It is known as the grass tree . It grows 1-2 cm every year and can lives as long as 600 years!

#5 View from Hill Inlet 

Look at the guys at the back. hahahah

Group photo taken from the Media Pack. 

#6 Went back to the boat for food, the food was served in buffet style and you can eat as much as you like. Very delicious. But drinks were not included so remember to bring your own water if not you need to pay for drinks. We enjoyed our lunch on the beach.

#7 The  99% pure silica makes the beach super white and shiny.
The sands are very fine and you won't even feel hot walking bare foot. :)

#8 Departed from Whithaven Beach to the two snorkeling spots around Hook Island. On the way to the snorkeling spots, we were so lucky enough to see whale. Yes, whale!!! The giant huge big whale~ We were in the deep ocean, the wave behind us was so high that can flood us, we just stopped by for a while to make sure everyone see it. Once again I was over excited and forgot to take photo. Yes. We saved our money on whale-seeing. hehe. :))))

At the first snorkeling spot, there were a lot a lot of fishes swimming around and I saw the Maori Wrasse. (googled it) OMG ! When I saw this big blue fish, I immediately asked dar whether I can get a instant underwater camera. Hahaz. Eventually we bought a underwater camera. The photo quality was not that good. hehe. But who cares, we were so excited at that time. Bro was the fist one to spot the turtle, and I was the next. SO proud!! Look at the turtle, it was swimming with us. :) He was so cute and has a lovely shell. It was great that I can see all these lovely creatures by snorkeling, don't need to dive !

spot the green thing, it's call the 'noodle' which helps us to float.
no life jacket but 'noodles' so more flexible and more room. 

If you are not a good swimmer and need a life jacket, they will be more than happy to provide it. 

 # 9 The evening

I would say $129 + $7.50 lunch including all the snorkeling equipment is definitely a worth of price.
#Whitehaven Beach #Snorkel #Whale #Turtle # Fish #Food

If you like to see more colorful reefs, check on the next post.
Tataz. :)

Whitsunday Islands Day 1 - Airlie Beach

Photography copyright @ Kai Zhe Yeu 

Day 1

7/16/2013

We flew with Jetstar. We departed from Brisbane and arrived at Proserpine. Proserpine is 30 mins away from Airlie Beach. There were 8 of us so we took taxi (van) which was cheaper than bus. 

P.S. Remember to get a name card from the van driver, so that you can make a call on the day back. 

For those of you who don't plan to sail for all the time on your vacation, Airlie beach is a backpacker paradise and a great place to kick start your adventure to the Whitsunday Islands. It's cheap and such a relaxing place! There are a lot of backpackers' hostels that you might get confused which to choose.

#1 Check In 

I think we had a great choice choosing the Base Backpacker which located at the beginning of Shute Harbour Road. Base Backpacker is also near to the Airlie Beach Lagoon and Bicentennial Boardwalk. What I love the most about Base Backpacker is that we have free simple breakfast every morning, eat all you can; we have milks, juices, toast, fruits and cereals. Everyone of us have it which I think is great, not to worry about going hungry before sail trips. And also the rooms are clean with greenery environment and nice air. I can't ask for more. Not to forget it has a common kitchen too, we cooked 2 dinners of spaghetti to save money. I had fun cooking in the kitchen with all the angmo leng zai. Hahaz. 

We booked both day tours at the Base Backpacker information counter. I searched everything online before this trip, so I had something in mind about the price range and reviews. The Base Backpacker gave us extra discounts and great advice about the weather. They were super friendly, super nice, super cheerful. So, hope you choose Base Backpacker. 

#2 Airlie Beach Lagoon 

It is a man-made lagoon but not to bad for a swim. Surrounding it is the Coral Sea, we took our time strolling around the place. 

#2 Bicentennial Boardwalk and Abel Point Marina

Walk along the coral sea from Airlie Beach to Abel Point Marina. Abel Point Marina is the perfect sunset spot.

#3 Airlie Beach Main Street
Not really happening, mainly because the street was under construction and some shops were on renovation when we were there. Nothing much to do at night except chill on a beer and pool. We had a lot of Domino's pizzas which were the cheapest option and can make you feel full. Hahaz.

Fall - 秋

Leaves fall, but some memories never fade.

<The last fall in the United States>  

Photo Credit: Xin Ni Au

22 y/o Thoughts

Being a senior year student, I have lots and lots of thoughts in mind. Despite study, I am thinking about my pathway after graduation. I am lost. I feel insecure and lack of confidence. Although I strive hard on study, I gradually lose my passion and motivation on study. I don't have a great view of what I am going to do next. I screwed up most of the subjects this semester, but this is by far the most challenging stage in my university life. And I know I am growing up to be a better me.  

Dr. Lary Inks (professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource) repeats most of the time in class "what I want you to learn is not for the sake of exams but to help you in your life." I find out about my strengths, my weaknesses and a lots of Aha moment. I love his class.
I would like to share something I had learnt in today's class. I learn to find my passion in life to have no regrets. I used to have so much passion in nutrition, food and opening a cafe. But as I get older, I tend to neglect my passion.
What's your passion? Many of us will say "it's a tough question", "let me think about it." Passion is something you will do when you do not think of money as a return. Without money as a consideration, what would you do as your career? Write down in a blank sheet and you will be surprised of what you have in mind.
Dr Inks ended the lecture with this quote :
"Ten years ago, I turned my head for a moment,and it became my life. " 

For the past 21 years, I have lots of joy and fun with little worries.
Now,it is the beginning of next page of my life.
I wish to find my passion again and never ever forget about my passion. LOVE LIFE :)
 May my dream comes true and so do you.
Thank you everyone who makes it a beautiful memory- 11/01/2013

Photo Credit: Wee Boon Tan