Marrying in Vietnam (Can Tho City)

Finally it happened, the traditional wedding held at my hometown.

Hubby was worried on the quality of the wedding shots so we decided to splurge a little and went for the biggest bridal photo shop in Can Tho city. (1 Hour motorbike ride away)

www.nguyendungphoto.com

It was not cheap by Can Tho standard but i think definitely alot cheaper as compared to Singapore.

Agreed on the $900 SGD package all inclusive of outdoor shots, wedding day shot with video.

Was pleasantly surprised at the nice quality of the photos but slightly disappointed with the video.

Buying GOLD in Singapore

I'm getting married again next month (10 May 14). For the traditional ceremony that is.

The traditional ceremony is not much of a difference from Singapore except that it is really traditional unlike Singapore couples who are more modern in this aspect.

One of the must have for the ceremony is 'Si Dian Jin', 四点 金 (Dowry Jewellery) as part of the betrothal gifts from the groom's family. Gold is not exactly cheap and in order not to get ripped, we began the quest to find the best value Goldsmith in Singapore. There are so many gold shops in Singapore and being first timer to buying Gold, we are at a loss from here.

After some planning, we decided to visit neighborhood goldsmiths since their rent aren't as high as those situated in shopping centers. Maybe with lower rents, they require lower margins? We avoided little India area as there are reports of shops overstating the weight of their gold. After a visit to Bedok, I came across a jewelry set which was quoted for $3.5k/ for 40+grams in Poh Heng. We decided to pay Chinatown a visit next after some 'research' online. Chung Hwa was the highly recommended goldsmith and so we have to see it.

 







https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chung-Hwa-Jade-Jewellery/196853920396078
 
Upon arriving at Chung Hwa, we couldn't find what we were looking, only to realize that they have much stocks hidden inside drawers and boxes. After an hour, we finally decided on the jewelry set for $5k/70+grams. Comparing the few goldsmiths that we have visited, we decided to buy from Chung Hwa as they do not charge GST and charge $3/gram for labor costs and some discounts will also be given if you bargain right. Gold price is standard across all goldsmith and the only difference you are paying is the labor cost and GST charges. Do remember to ask for your gold pieces to be weighed.

24K Earrings

24K Necklace

His 24K ring

 My 24K ring

24K Bracelet

24K gift Bracelet from father in law

 

 Anklet gift from husband

 

Do you have any other recommendation for good, cheap and reliable goldsmith? Do share! 

Long term visit pass (LTVP)

The most concerning issue of mine when I decided to come to Singapore is my long term stay here.

Having previously visited Singapore thrice for visiting purposes, I was thrice summoned to the immigrant office in the Airport for questioning. Thankfully I wasn't denied entry and was able to proceed for my 30 days social stay.

The fourth and last time in the arrival terminal, I was again denied entry at the airport immigrant counter and was led to the immigrant office again. Thankfully this time I was well prepared. I got my hubby to travel together and I have the printout for the appointment of registration of marriage. Unlike the previous 3 times when I have to sit a few hours each time to wait for clearance, an ordeal which I absolutely do not want to endure again, this time I was granted entry swiftly within 3 minutes of questioning.

That was the first obstacle cleared for being able to enter Singapore. After my solemnization, I applied for my LTVP, the second obstacle. If I am unable to obtain the LTVP, I will not be able to stay long term in Singapore. I have heard horror stories of foreign Spouses not granted LTVP for their stay and has to be separated from their love ones. The wait for the result was around 6 weeks in which I also had my 30 days social pass extended for another month to facilitate the wait.  

There wasn't any clear criteria for obtaining the LTVP. ICA only specify that for me to be granted LTVP,  most importantly, my hubby has to prove to have the ability to feed me. Luckily he is earning enough to qualify and after 6 torturous week of wait, my future in Singapore is decided with the approval of the LTVP which is valid for a year. I went for the routine medical checkup for AIDs and Tuberculosis and proceed to book an appointment with ICA for the verification of documents and LTVP collection.

Everything went smoothly on the day of collection which took an hour and half and I felt so relieve when I held the LTVP in my hands.

Link to ICA webiste for application for LTVP application.

http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=175&secid=171

First trip to Singapore Zoo

My first trip to Singapore Zoo. 

Took almost an hour to reach Mandai from our residence in Tampines.

Being a green lover, I am certainly looking forward to this trip with the prospect of many beautiful photo shoots.. of myself :)

We took a bus from Tampines to Woodlands before flagging a cab to the Zoo from Woodlands MRT station. Unfortunately, we went on a Saturday, otherwise we can take the free shuttle bus to the Zoo from Woodlands bus interchange which is only available on Sundays and Public Holidays. Direct buses are also available from Chua Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio MRT stations on every other days.

For more directions on how to get to the zoo by public transport -

http://www.zoo.com.sg/visitor-info/public-transport.html#

And by the way, we got our admission tickets from a lady selling extra tickets from her travel agency at a cool $20. That is almost $4 off per ticket off the discounted price you can get at the admission gate if you are a residence. I have decided against sharing any contacts here and you can contact me directly if you need more information. They do sell discounted authenticate tickets for other attractions as well. I just thought the seller's service was excellent so decided to share a little here.

The Journey Begins.

Not to let the long journey dampen my mood for this fun filled day, I started my Solo shoot within 10 meters from the entrance.

First stop - Bridge with crocodile underneath.  More engrossed with the greenery all around then the  uninteresting crocodiles which seems to be sleeping or dead.

Missed the 'Snake performance' but still happy nevertheless. :))

Just in time for the elephant performance.

 Mini 'Ah Mengs' on show

Tired already need to rest, anywhere will do.

Ah Meng's nest

Many cute penguins 

Beautiful Mandai Lake

 

And this marks the end of this wonderful trip to the zoo Unfortunately I did not take up the ride on the elephant as it was not worth paying for too short a stroll. Maybe next time :p