2011.12.10 Total lunar eclipse- Did you see it?

Sunday 11 December 2011 0 comments

A total lunar eclipse- an occurance when a full moon passes behind the Earth, and the Sun's rays are completely blocked from striking the Moon. It happens once every 10 years’ time, making last night's total lunar eclipse the most recent!!! Wikipedia noted the next total lunar eclipse to occur in 2018, so did you guys manage to see this last night?

I was one of those lucky enough to experience this, and decided that I would like to share this rare sighting with my lovely readers.

PS: these photos are taken and provided by my friend. I made the photos into slide show so that it’s easier to see. Hopefully you guys will enjoy it!




It’s so amazing, right?!

Coming back to our travel theme, will you look up to take a look at the moon in other countries when travelling? Many of us may not think about it, but there are other experiences instead of shopping and visiting tourist attractions, like moon gazing. Maybe you can try this sometimes at night while travelling – Sit down relaxingly, have a coffee/tea, watch the moon and enjoy the tranquility. It might prove to be a refreshing and completely different experience after having a busy travelling schedule =)

Here are my friend's photos on total lunar eclipse:
(
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.171890752909571.34558.100002659437578&type=1&notif_t=photo_album_reply)

“Why not have “Women-Only” MRT cabins in Singapore?

Thursday 1 December 2011 0 comments

Why don't we have this “Women-Only” public transport here in Singapore as Malaysia has?

In reference to our previous post regarding “Women-Only” taxis in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (KL), in which the Malaysian government recently launched “Women-Only” taxis in KL that caters only to women in order to protect them from harassment and robbery, we decided to reflect on the need to safeguard the women's integrity during travels in our own nation.


Picture of Pink "Women-Only" Taxis in KL, Malaysia




So, how about launching “Women-Only” public transport here in Singapore as well?


In the latest report concerning the population growth in Singapore, our little island is accommodating about 5.18 million people as at end of June this year, which is why our land is constantly developing to cater to the comfort of everyone.

As such, it is of no surprise that our public transport is always packed, especially during the peak hours, and we constantly compare ourselves to canned sardines. Take a look at the pictures, does this remind you of your own experience when you take the public transport during the peak hours?



MRT train cabin crowded with people.

People crowding to board the already full bus.













They even got a Facebook group about the urge to scream at people during peak hours.

With commuters jostling for space to stand, grabbing for the poles and hand grips when the bus or train suddenly stops or swerves, it can get suffocating and uneasy, especially as a female trapped by total strangers everywhere. It is even more unpleasant when people or their belongings are bumping into you at inappropriate places, like your thighs or at the hips, and nothing can be done as it is so packed that nobody can move.

So why doesn't Singapore adopt the same feasible idea as what Malaysia has done? And instead of having "Women-Only" taxis, "Women-Only" cabins in the MRT works as an equally great alternative as well. Due to the limits on our roads, to have "Women-Only" taxis and buses might be a little too much, but the "Women-Only" cabins is actually workable and practical.

Otherwise, I suggest including "Women-Only" cabins just during the peak hours, like the morning rush hours, from 7 - 9 a.m, and evening from 5 - 8 p.m, when the most number of people are travelling, and these cabins can be located at the front or end of the train. Our regional neighbors like Japan and Malaysia are doing so, and it would definitely be helpful to the females in travelling more comfortably, so why shouldn't Singapore have it?

So, what do you think about having “Women-Only” MRT cabins?

Share with us your comments!


Here are some links about Singapore public transport >>
Facebook group page on “Urge to scream at people when boarding MRT at peak hours” >>


10 "Quirky" Travel Items!

Tuesday 29 November 2011 1 comments



We ransacked each other's travel bags for quirky items we bring on a travel. Some items seemed quite normal but the reason behind bring the items sometimes defeats the meaning of a relaxing, slow and easy holiday travel. Read on to find out what our quirky travel items.


10 "Quirky" Travel Items found in our bags are…
1. Alarm Clock


2. Calculator

3. iPhone
4. Wet Tissue
5. DIY map
6. Snacks
7. Camera
8. Deck of Playing Cards
9. Nail Clipper
10. Sanitary Napkins/Pads
Our Team’s thought behind why we bring our quirky items when traveling!

KiraIqa:
“The quirky item I've brought to a travel is…”
1. Portable Alarm Clock – You never would have thought to bring an alarm clock with you during a holiday right? Well, I have and it works for me!! An alarm clock is useful to me as it wakes me up on the right time. I like to keep a timed schedule for my holiday trip so that I can fully utilise my holiday time spent on enjoying myself at the right time. So waking up on time it important!! No lolling in on the bed you sleepy-heads! It's time Holiday Fun Time!!
2. Small Calculator – A "Must-Bring" item to have that is important when you travel! I definitely would have with me a small calculator, be it an application on your phone or the calculator itself. It is useful to me as I have to buy many souvenirs in large quantity for my family, friends and many many relatives. So having a calculator with me to check if i don't overspend just for souvenirs is important. I want some money left to spend on myself some memorable gifts to remember this trip! So bring a calsulator to make sure you don't overspend on your trip!!

Kuchiaa:
  1. iPhone- iPhone is very very very useful, especially when you're travelling! As you know, there is a lot of functions in it, such as map, iPod music, games. The reason why I include iPhone is not only because of it's a smart phone, but it has a quite good camera. We can download some camera applications to do the effect. Two of the recommended cam apps are Pudding Camera & 360 Camera. They allow you to choose the effect and the effect is really very good!TRY IT =)
  2. Wet Tissue- WET TISSUE.WET TISSUE.WET TISSUE. This is a very essential thing in my bag. I always have at least 1 or 2 packets of wet tissue in my bag in case I'm lazy or there's nowhere to find the place to wash my hands. This is convenient for us as in we don't need to worry IF we couldn't find anyplace to wash hands. As we are travelling, wet tissue could be our cleaning helper!
MildredQi:
1. DIY map- as a teenager, I prefer free and easy instead of following tour. However, free and easy needs to do a lot of researches in order to find out the best food, shopping place and etc. For me, I usually go internet rather than buying those travel books as it occupies space in my bag, very expensive and also heavy -,- Thus, I will "Google" about the information I want, copy and paste in the word document and print it out. It saves more money and we are able to get more information that might not be found in books.
2. Snacks- This is what we can't miss to bring when travelling! Due to long travelling journey, we will surely be super bored and we will just want to reach the destination as fast as possible. In this case, buy some snacks (maybe plums?) so that it can awake you during the long journey. Besides of that, if you have carsick, seasick or even airsick disease, plums can help you feel better also. I've tried it before, it really works!

Syaz:
1. Camera – There needs to be photos on every trip you go. Someone needs to be a photographer but it doesn’t have to be just one person. Memories will fade over time but these photos will be forever! Make sure to take many photos!
2. Deck of playing cards – Not really limited to just poker or blackjack. Card games are essential in any trips just to kill time or have fun. You can also bring other card games such as monopoly deal or even Uno!


Nanami:
  1. Nail clipper. Not a usual item to be spotted in a handbag, but it is definitely useful in many situations besides having a broken fingernail. This tool can be use to cut unsightly stray threads hanging off the hem of your skirts or price tags for that beautiful dress you just bought back to the hotel to change into, and certain parts even doubles as a weapon to use in an emergency situation.
  2. Sanitary Napkins/pad. Believe it or not, this item was actually invented for war. With its dependable hygiene standard and reliable absorbency, it can even be used as a first-aid tool. In fact, I had to use it once to stop the bleeding off my arm when I got a rather big cut by a metal rod sticking out of a fence.

Now, share with us your "Quirky" items!

Travel safely with the first “Women-Only” taxis in Malaysia!

0 comments

Have you ever thought of having “Women-Only” taxis?
Now, there really is such a thing in Malaysia.


















Malaysia has recently launched “Women-Only” taxis catering only to women in Kuala Lumpur (KL)!

 


Due to an increase in rape and robbery cases involving taxis drivers and female victims, the Malaysian government has introduced “Women-Only” taxis in an effort to shield women from harassment and robbery.

Safety must be the top priority when you are travelling, especially for women. We believe that this is a good move by the Malaysian Government because it helps to protect women and make them feel much safer when they travel. Especially since parents are forever worrying about their daughters travelling overseas, this would help put them at ease.

These “Women-Only” taxis follows the idea of the pink-coloured train coaches and buses that were implemented last year. The reason for having such train coaches and buses was to help counter sexual harassment towards women on crowded public transport during peak hours in KL.











So the next time you think about travelling overseas, fun shouldn't be the only thing kept in mind, but the safety of yourself and your companions. If you're planning to go to KL for your holidays, especially if on a “all-girls trip”, you can consider taking the “Women-Only” taxis.

More to come in our next post about what we thought about Malaysia's "Women-Only" taxis and what we think Singapore should do! So do return to our blog if find out more about our thoughts on this issue!!

UPDATED!! >> New post link about our thoughts found below!!
"Why not have "Women-Only" MRT cabin in Singapore during peak hours?"
 

Here is the full article we found from Channel News Asia (CNA) >>

Here are some useful travel safety tips we found online >>

 
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