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My First and maybe Last trip to Disneyland – Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

08 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Japan, Travel

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This blog post have been sitting in my to-post list for ages… almost 6 years actually! (hehehe…) So, it’s kind of an out-dated one. But since it has been AGES since my last post (more then 6 months), I figure it’s better than nothing. LOL.

When I was young… I always dream of going to Disneyland. It was like one of my ultimate wish. But unfortunately, that dream didn’t materialised until much later. During one of my business trip to Japan, I had 2 days of free and easy slotted right in between meetings. After discussing with my Japanese colleague, he insisted we head to Disneyland when he found out I have never been to one. I was not very keen as I am not a fan of rides or crowd. But, he won. So, we went.

Arriving at the Resort Gateway Station, we took the Mickey Mouse monorail to the main entrance. Resort Gateway Station

Look how cute, the iconic Mickey ears for windows. Mickey Mould window on Train

This was how much the ticket cost in 2008. But, bear in mind that Japanese yen is much stronger then compare to today. One day adult ticket in 2008 was 5,800Yen (which was about MYR230+ then). Today, the same ticket in 2014 is about 6,400Yen (about MYR 190+). So, for those thinking of heading to Japan… now is a good time! (aside from the radiation worry and etc…) Disneyland Ticket price

It was near to Christmas when I go so the whole place was deck with Christmas decoration. They even created snowman Mickey!!! It’s so weird…but still cute. LOL.

DSC04946 DSC04947 DSC05055Since I am not a fan of rides, I think I only went for 2 or 3… really SLOW rides. I didn’t want to spend the whole day hugging the dustbin and throwing up. My colleague was not impressed and he was really embarrassed when I force him to go on the merry go round with me… Hahaha.

What I really enjoy most was checking out the structures and amazing colors of the decorations. How can you not love the iconic Disney Castle, right? DSC04995DSC04959 DSC05014 DSC05017

There were 2 highlights for me during this visit.

The parades in the afternoon and evening. It’s very different. So, I think it’s good to stay for the evening parades as well… Just make sure you dress warmly (in winter) and grab a spot at the front before it starts. The evening show ended with amazing fireworks. DSC05050  DSC05125

And, Meeting Mickey Mouse., of course !!! BUT, I had to stay in the queue for almost 1 hours for that ! And, I was already lucky since everyone rush out from their queue when the afternoon parade started. I decided to forgo the whole parade and ran to queue and meet Mickey.

Did I enjoy myself? Yes – it was ok. Just not as great or fantastic as I hope. Maybe the novelty has already worn off.

Would I go Disneyland again? Maybe not… but then, who knows… never say never.DSC05063

One more week to Christmas 2012

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in Christmas, Festival

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Ho ho hoo… Merry Christmas everyone.

One more week and it’s Christmas ! Yay… can’t wait. I’m really excited about Christmas this year. Why? It’s my first Christmas in my own home. How exciting it that right? And the best part is my baby sis is back from Melbourne to celebrate together. I miss the little brat. It’s almost more than one year plus I have not seen her.

I’ve always dream of having a beautiful tall and huge Christmas tree in my own home one day. Probably from too much American TV. Have you seen their crazy Christmas deco? It’s so freaking fantastic and I LOVE it. But, it’s probably abit too over the top if I do it here. People might think my house is selling Christmas ornaments. lol.

Look at this tree. I took it from One world hotel (PJ). It’s so cute with the big red bow in the centre. Massive Tree in One World hoteland look at all the presents under the tree !!!

Last weekend, we manage to find time to put up my tree in our home. It’s a small one but I love it to pieces. Hub nicely helped me to assemble it while mom, my sis and I deck it up with lights and other trinkets.

My small cute tree with one lone presentAww… it’s so pretty right? My own little Christmas tree…But, only one lonely present for now. hehehe… (hinting hinting to hubby !!!)

Confit de canard chuletz style

04 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Gastronomy, Home Cook Food

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I manage to drag back one can of duck Confit during my last trip toFrance. It’s not light I tell you. The can I bought has 4 duck legs in it. 

Oh yes – for those who are not familiar, Confit de canard is preserved duck (the French method). It is basically duck legs which were salted with some herbs and then later slow cook with its own fat for a long time. Then, the finish product can be kept for months. It is very similar to the Chinese wax meat, except the Chinese version is dry whereas the French versions are soaked in duck fat.

So for Christmas / hubby’s birthday celebration 2011, I decided to try my hand on cooking these babies. Upon opening the can, I try my best to scoop the solidified duck fat into a jar (these are liquid gold!!!). Try not to separate the legs as the legs are very tender and will fall apart easily.

 I used bain-marie (with very low fire) to slowly let the remaining fat melt away. It looks amazing already.

After that, I heat up the sauté pan and place the skin side up. Fry it on slow heat until the skin turn crispy. Once the skin is crispy, you can lift them up. There is no need to fry on the other side as the meat is actually already cooked. Commonly, confit de canard is served in like this with a bit of roast potatoes and salad on the side. But, I find it a bit too dry for my liking.

Hence, I prepare some orange sauce to go with it.

  • 2 Oranges’ zest (bring to boil frmo cold water at least 3 times to rid the bitter taste)
  • 1 Orange’s meat 
  • 1 Orange’s juice
  • 1 shot whisky
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 Using the same pan, I pour in all the ingredients and bring to boil. Once it is boiling, I continue to let it simmer until the sauce reduces to the consistency I like.

I got a little greedy and prepared 3 side dishes. Roast Potatoes, Caramelized Onion and Carrot Salad with raisins and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.  

Et Voilà !

Dinner is served. Confit de canard à l’orange.

 

It was dinner  only serving for 3, so, there was one leg left over… I wonder what should I do with it… ?!!