The New MRT Trains... More Standing Space!

Yup! Your eye are not playing tricks on you - they took out the entire strip of seats.

The next time you climb onboard the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), especially during peak hours, don't be surprised if you see more people than you thought the train could possibly handle. SMRT recently retrofitted some of their new trains with more standing space to support the ever increasing number of public transport users in Singapore. They come as relief, especially to those working in the city centre, whom have been complaining about the overcrowdedness of trains - so much so that they can only board their 2nd or 3rd train.

My take on the situation? First, Singaporeans (and this includes all the PR's and Work Permit kia's) seriously should learn to appreciate what they have. Already the frequency of trains here are shorter than in many other countries - heck, they come every 2 mins during peak hours! How much time can you save? So STOP complaining!

Second, I pity the "burdened". Even now, with most trains having double the number of seats from what you see in the photo above, I still do see people sitting pretty while pregnant mothers hold on to the poles with one hand and support their bellies with their other.

Ah well, just as much, my days of sitting in MRT's are numbered - just take the damn bus.

Dinner @ Izakaya Nijumaru, Singapore

Finally, I can now claim to have eaten at Izakaya Nijumaru. Highly recommended by Alex & June, this place claims to serve value-for-your-dollar authentic Japanese food. We even spotted a few Japanese in the restaurant enjoying their meals~! Interestingly, the place is run by middle-aged aunties in t-shirts and jeans. And if you don't understand Japanese - you will need their help ordering. Their chefs looked Japanese though...

And on to the photos part~! Hehe...


left (Pork Skewers with Chopped Garlic, Lemon and Japanese Mustard)
right (Braised Pork Trotters in Japanese Sauce with Japanese Mustard)


(Pan-Fried Omelette with Ham)


(Stir-Fried Beef in Japanese Soy Sauce)


(Japanese Curry Rice)


(Grilled Mackerel)


(Stir-Fried Market Vegetables with Beef in Light Sauce)


(Grilled Salmon Fillet with Teriyaki Sauce)
All main course came with the standard seaweed flavoured rice, miso soup, a salad, and fruits. I forgotten to take note of the names of those we ordered, hence those aren't how they're described in the menu. Next time, i'm just gonna photograph the entire menu~!

US Factory Outlet Giant To Open In Johor!

Woodbury Common - Chelsea's most famous outlet in upstate New York - is set to open in 2011 in Johor Bahru. The outlet, known for selling top labels at discounted prices, would be housed within the Iskandar Malaysia development. The outlet, a joint venture with Genting Group, is to be called Johor Premium Outlets and although details are not yet available about its size or the labels it will carry, it is expected to boost shopping within the state - especially since its almost a stone-throw away from Singapore.

In their press release, Genting Group attempts to play the patriotic diplomatic side - to "capitalise on the expected throng of tourist to the upcoming Resorts World at Sentosa". But seriously, it's a no-brainer. So yes, I fully agree with this idiot from Berita Harian that "tentunya yang akan menikmati penubuhan kompleks beli-belah itu adalah juga rakyat republik itu (Singapore)". Besides the fact that it makes a damn load of business sense (the lower the cost, the better, right?) and the fact that Singaporeans are brand junkies, there's also the fact that the average Singaporean CAN afford and WILL buy that RM1,000 Coach Hobo. If anything, the fact that Louis Vuitton have stores within 200m apart along Orchard Road says alot about the spending culture of Singaporeans. And mind you, those stores aren't mini-marts - two of them are both double storeyed complete with their own personal stairs/lifts. And no matter the time of the day, there's always a queue to get into the stores.

Anyhow, that article... sigh...

I believe the writer needs to broaden his horizons before he goes barking narrow-minded comments. Funny how he nit-picks about the subsidy - I mean, how much can the subsidy be? And how much can Singaporeans consume? And I doubt Singaporeans travel into JB, braving the at best 1-hour causeway jam, just to get those subsidies. Those people, no doubt, will also buy the rest of their household groceries, which will include things like Ayam Brand "Buatan Malaysia"' canned food and Maggi "Buatan Malaysia" Mee. When we buy Malaysian products, aren't we indirectly supporting that industry - and hence, also contributing to their company taxes which in return becomes the subsidy? Which part of the bigger picture have I failed to see, that has fueled the writer's displeasure with Singaporeans crossing the causeway for "shopping".

Ah well, I'm just glad the outlet's gonna be within my reach soon!!! Man, I can't wait..

Urban: Shop Till You Board!

Boring airport terminals, with only 1-2 duty-free outlets, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Nowadays, airport are allocating more and more space for retail. You don't have to search far to grasp that concept - just look at Changi Airport's Terminal 3. Heck, they're hosting their own flea market!

This weeks Urban focused on the typical Singaporean-year-end-travel-craze. Singaporeans love to travel (well, the city-state IS small) and worse, they can easily afford it! Amongst things they featured were about shopping in airports:

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Narita International Airport
Tokyo, Japan

Must-Buy: Japanese Fashion Labels

• San-Ai Mizugirakuen
  Level 4 Central Building, Terminal 1
  Designer swimwear in pretty candy hues and floral motifs. Prices start from S$30.
  
• Samantha Thavasa
  Level 3 Main Building, Terminal 2
  Japanese designer handbags. Prices range from 3,675Yen for a bag charm to 36,750Yen for a leather handbag.

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Dubai International Airport
Dubai

Must-Buy: Luxury Goods

• Dubai Duty Free, Concourse
  All High-End Labels, such as Givenchy, Paul Smith, Hugo Boss, and Salvatore Ferragamo, including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. Prices are generally 15% cheaper then in Dubai town, and may be up to 70% cheaper than in Singapore.

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Heathrow Airport
London

Must-Buy: British Fashion and Lifestyle Brands

• Kurt Geiger
  Stocks on luxury shoes and accessories from brands such as Jimmy Choo, French Connection and DKNY. Prices are approximately 30% cheaper than in Singapore

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Incheon International Airport
Seoul, Korea

Must-Buy: Korean Beauty Products

• Korean Cosmetics and Beauty Products, such as Laneige, The Face Shop and Etude House
  Prices are about 50% cheaper than in Singapore
  
• Korean Cultural Experience
  Duty Free Arcade, Level 3 Passenger Terminal (Near Gate 31)
  Korean cultural muesum and craft bar that showcases relics that span 5,000 years, including costumes from the Chosun Dynasty, Buddhist artefacts, Korean alphabet exhibits, and the traditional drums and flutes. The museum opens from 7am to 10pm daily. Admisssion is free.

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Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong

Must-Buy: Luxury Goods

• Luxury Labels, such as Hermes, Chanel, Agnes b, Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Loewe
  Prices are about 20%-50% less then in Singapore.

 Extracted from Urban, 20th November 2009

Things You Should Know When Shopping At Changi Airport

Yes, there may be a difference in the amount you pay when you shop at the airport, depending on whether you're departing or arriving.

1. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents enjoy GST-free shopping ONLY when they depart from Changi Airport, and NOT when they return. The only exception to that rule is for liquor (restricted to 1bottle of wine, 1bottle of liquor, and 1x six-pack beer per person) and all beauty products at the 18 Perfumes & Cosmetics stores run by Nuance-Watsons in Changi.

2. All travellers on incoming flights from MALAYSIA are NOT allowed to buy liquor at Changi Airport's duty-free stores. This is meant to prevent liquor trafficing due to the large number of incoming (and cheap) incoming flights from Malaysia.

3. Singaporeans do NOT enjoy GST savings at the DFS Galleria (at Scotts Road). The GST-free prices applies only to those with foreign passports (yes, that includes us PR's). Shoppers should complete a tax rebate form at the customer service counter on Level 4 (with their passports) before redeeming the 7% GST at tax rebate counters in Changi Airport (before departure).

4. Nuance-Watson offers pre-order services on duty-free fragrances and cosmetics, which may be collected at their central stores (in each terminal). In addition, you may choose to collect your pre-purchased items when you return to Singapore. To browse their products, visit http://www.nuancewatson.com.sg/ (with a min 3 working days in advance booking notice).

Extracted from Urban, 20th November 2009

Price Check: Yes To Carrots

http://www.yestocarrots.com/

Facial Care
C you in the Morning Moisturizing Day Cream 50ml S$23.90	C Through the Night Night Moisturizing Cream 50ml	Eye can C Cleary Now Eye Contour Cream 50ml S$24.90
Can you C Me? Eye and Face Makeup Remover 250ml S$16.90	C is for Clean Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser 100ml S$15.90	C the Difference Exfoliating and Soothing Mud Mask 50ml S$23.90
Trouble-free Facial Wash 100ml S$15.90	Totally Tranquil Facial Hydrating Lotion 50ml S$23.90	Total Treatment Facial Mask 50ml
Calming Cucumber Facial Cleansing Gel 100ml S$15.90	Complete Care Facial Hydrating Lotion 50ml S$23.90	Eye Love Cucumber Soothing Eye Gel 30ml
Calm Care Soothing Facial Mask 50ml	Natural Glow Facial Towelettes 30 towelettes
Body Care
C How to Shower Carrot Rich Shower Gel 500ml S$12.90	C the Body Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub 200ml S$15.90	C is Smooth Body Moisturizing Lotion 250ml S$18.90
C Through the Dry Spell Deliciously Rich Body Butter 250ml S$19.90	Pure C Body Mist 250ml S$12.90
Cleansing Cucumber Shower Gel 500ml S$12.90	Cool Calming Cucumber and Aloe Body Gel 200ml	Completely Cooling Body Butter 250ml S$19.90
Terrific Day Shower Gel 500ml S$12.90	Truly Terrific Body Butter 250ml S$19.90
Hair Care
C Loves Your Hair Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo 500ml S$12.90	C is for Conditioner Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner 500ml S$12.90	C is for Hair Care Hair and Scalp Moisturizing Mud Mask 250ml S$15.90
Tempting Tomato Daily Volumizing Shampoo 500ml S$12.90	Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner 500ml S$12.90
Color Care Daily Makeover Shampoo 500ml S$12.90	Color Care Daily Makeover Conditioner 500ml S$12.90	Color Care Leave-in Conditioner 200ml S$19.90
Hand and Lip Care
C Me Smile Lip Butter 4.25g S$5.90 each	Feel the C Pampering Hand & Nail Spa 250ml S$23.50	C a Softer You Hand and Elbow Moisturizing Cream 200ml S$15.90
Cool Conditioning Hand Cream 100ml	Tender Touch Hand Cream 100ml
Prices quoted from: (1) Watsons Your Personal Store, Singapore