I want to introduce and share with you a Superhost – Michelle & Jay.
I first stayed at Michelle’s Balcony Home apartment at Sindang Station near Dongdaemum in April 2016 when I brought my mum for holidays. A cozy studio apartment spacious enough for 2 persons. During my stay we ran into a small problem with the bathroom and she immediately sent her husband over to help us resolve.
Fast forward 2 years later she now has about 33 homes – 10 homes on the 8th floor in one building and another 23 homes in another building (from levels 4 to 6) at the next alley all located at Myeondong area.
Last Christmas during our family vacay I stayed with Michelle again this time at one of the apartments in Myeondong. (Here’s a peek at the studio I stayed).
The location is super convenient – 3mins walk to the train station “Jonggak Line1”, Cheonggyecheon stream is at your doorstep, Myeondong, Insadong and many more other attractions are all within walking distance! That’s not all your spoilt for choice when it comes to food choices the streets downstairs are lined with restaurants from fast food like BHC to K BBQs like Mapogalaegi and Super Golden Pig.
Her studios are clean, well maintained, stylish, modern and smells nice. From the decor you can tell Michelle takes pride in decorating and designing the place to make her guests feel they are home away from home. Adding her own personal touch.
Not once but during both my trips when I asked if she could help to purchase some items online on my behalf to have it delivered to the apartment before I arrive. She agreed without hesitation.
She is always thinking on the guest’s side and provides everything you want during your stay. She’s very responsive to messaging, always there to offer assistance and advise whenever you need. Even with her expanding business she’s still so nice, humble, attentive and personal, not at all cocky.
I highly recommend anyone going to Seoul to stay at her place. Don’t take my word for it check out her listings here and judge for yourself. She always receive positive feedback.
Having heard so much hype about the theme cafe – Alice is Coming in Taipei I had to check it out during one of my recent trip to Taipei.
Alice is Coming is located at Ximending MRT Exit 3 opposite FE21 Shopping Mall, on the 2nd storey of a shop house.
After Exiting, walk straight down the road and you will see itFrom the outside it doesn’t look very fancy
Once you step through the doorway your immediately transported to another fantasy world just like how Alice was after falling through the rabbit hole.
The Cafe is beautiful decorated, like a page out of the story book. Makes me feel am indeed in wonderland.
We ordered an Afternoon Tea Set – NT860 (ca. SGD40) consisting of 2 sandwiches, 2 croissants, seasonal fruits, scone, macaron, fruit tarts, crepe cake, cup cake, creme brulee, swiss roll and choice of 2 drinks. Not a bad deal for SGD40 but, well they are pretty and definitely instagrammable but unfortunately doesn’t taste as good as it looks.
The matcha red bean crepe was too dry, the cream could be ‘flaked out’, the pastries and sandwiches seems to have been sitting out far too long thus loosing its moisture and freshness, Creme Brulee was watery and not firm. Only the fruit tarts and seasonal fruits were more appetizing.
The saving grace was the aromatic Rose Latte.
We went down on a week day so the place wasn’t crowded, but if you plan to visit during the weekend do make a reservation.
Is the cafe worth a visit? Definitely YES, let out your inner child and have some fun at Alice is Coming.
You don’t have to order food just get a drink instead and chill. I would suggest going there when they open at 11.30am so you can the whole place to yourself to take loads of photo.
Krabi a beach paradise ~ emerald-green waters, limestone cliffs, soft smooth sand and cooling sea breeze. Although September in Krabi is known to be the rainy season, we were fortunate to have clear blue skies and sunshine throughout our stay with only the occasional passing showers in the evening. Going during the low season was great as prices for airfare and accommodation was cheaper plus its less crowded too.
Ao Nang Beach
We flew directly into Krabi via Tiger Airways which takes about 1h40mins. For a peace of mind I had pre-arranged return airport transfers with KrabiShuttle.com, costing B1,198 (SGD46.97). When we arrived at Krabi Airport, the driver was at the arrival hall holding a place-card with our name on it. On our way back he was at our resort waiting for us earlier then the expected time. Good service, reliable, car was clean and they also provide WIFI in the car.
Airport Transfers – krabishuttle.com
We stayed at Peace Laguna Resort, located in the heart of Ao Nang tucked away down a side street away from the crowded main street, noise and traffic. Out front at the resort mainstreet are lots of street kitchens, restaurants, cafes and convenient stores. A 5 minutes walk to the beach via the rear exit of the resort.
Peace Laguna Resort, Ao Nang Beach
We booked a Superior Cottage, 4D3N inclusive of breakfast for 3 (SGD376.98 – quite a steal I would say). From the moment we arrived, the relaxation began. The cottages and pools (they have 3 pools) are set around a lagoon, surrounded by lush greenery and a view of the majestic limestone cliff. There is WIFI connectivity through out the resort and good reception in the room too! The cottage we stayed in was huge, they had 2 double beds plus a day bed, a huge bathtub and a private outdoor shower. Breakfast was alright, with quite a selection and a variety of fruit juices – just stay away from the coffee. In the afternoon from 4-4:45pm they serve afternoon tea and snacks at the lobby. Although the place is a little worn but the surrounding and the rooms are clean and bed linen are changed daily. My only gripe was the mattress is too hard!
Cottages set around the lagoon, amongst the lush greenery and a majestic view of the limestone cliffPeace Laguna Resort – Lobby AreaBreakfast with a breath-taking viewAfternoon Tea & SnacksChill out at one of the sun beds lining the poolPool Time
The beach is beautiful and picturesque. You can see some of the islands from Ao Nang Beach, sea shells lace the shorelines and long tail boats at the shore waiting to ferry tourists to the neighboring islands. A perfect place to relax and enjoy with a couple of beers.
Ao Nang Beach – sea shells line the shorelineLongtail Boats at the shoreline waiting to ferry tourists to the neighboring islandsSit back, relax and enjoy the sea breeze
Do you know that only in Thailand can you find pork bacon and patty in the Mushroom Swiss at Burger King? Well now you know.
Beer is available at B69 (SGD2.70)Savouring a Mushroom Swiss with pork patty and pork bacon
Natasha’s favorite street food is the ‘banana pancake’ aka banana prata.
Time for an afternoon snackCrispy Banana Pancake with Condense Milk and Sugar
Located right outside our resort is a street kitchen, Esan Food & Cooking Inter, that serves authentic home cooked Thai food. They are open daily from 5pm onwards. Seafood were fresh, food were delicious, friendly staff and price was cheap. Excellent value for money.
Esan Food & Cooking InterThe lady chef and her kitchenBBQ SeafoodOur dinner – Spicy Mango Salad, BBQ Flower Crab, Stir Fry Beef, BBQ Prawns & Stir Fry Pork (B1,000 ~ SGD39.20)
A good place for massage is Anda Massage Beauty Salon, besides massages they also offer manicure & pedicure and facial. Place is clean, air-conditioned, friendly and lovely staff who speaks quite good English. Natasha was hungry in between treatments and they offered her a plate of fruits to eat.
Anda Massage Beauty Salon – located along the beach front road behind the Tom Yum Restaurant
We had lots of fun in Krabi truly relaxing, rejuvenating and recharged.
Monkeying around at the bus stopYou can grab a cocktail on the go
An ideal beach holiday spot which is less touristy, quiet and relaxing.
ShenWendys 