Search This Blog

30 April, 2025

Dear Diary | April 2025 Edition

Hello, April.  Welcome to the second quarter of the year. April is the month to satisfy my wanderlust, to get out of the routine and immerse myself into new environment and breathtaking sceneries.

Gardens by the Bay | Sakura Edition

06.04.2025 | The 10th Sakura floral festival is here, showcasing Fukuoka's hidden treasures and the largest variety of cherry blossoms. The magical yozakura (night sakura) experience returns with a dazzling Phantom Castle light show, plus a stunning replica of the historic Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu, and awe-inspiring bamboo lanterns from Japan's famous Takeakari Festival. 

It is something that I wish I could experience in Kyushu.  While keeping it as a wishlist for now, I am happy to experience the cherry blossom vibes here.

Spring escapade to Busan, the port city with rich culture and stunning nature. 

10.04.2025 - 13.04.2025 | After 6 years away, I returned to Korea's embrace - this time, to Busan, where the sea meets the sky. My last journey led me to Seoul in the spring of 2019; now, a new path unfolds by the coast. 

It is sad to hear that "Old man and the sea" sounds boring to the young residents who leave Busan, leaving the aging population behind. For a first timer like myself, Busan has endless wonders awaiting me - places to explore, moments to savour, and a gentle rhythm to lose myself in, where time slows and joy lingers. 

Gwangalli Beach, Gamcheon Cultural Village, Oncheoncheon Stream, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and Oryukdo Skywalk are amongst my favourites throughout the trip. Thank you Busan for the beautiful golden shores, breathtaking mountains and ocean breeze, that invites me to wander, unwind and simply be. 

MODU Korean Samgyetang Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

18.04.2025 | Thanks MODU for treating us such a delicious meal - the rich and potent Korean ginseng chicken broth totally brings us at awe. Feel free to read my review here.

Gardens by the Bay | Tulipmania

18.04.2025 | After the cherry blossom festival at the Flower Dome, the space has transformed into Türkiye's wild tulip field, where the colorful blooming tulips brighten the space along with the Türkiye’s legendary Trojan Horse taking the centerstage, tracing an arc of empire and aesthetics across landscape in Flower Dome. How lovely! 

Starbucks @ 37 Smith Street, Chinatown (星巴克牛车水)

20.04.2025 | Checking out the latest Starbucks outlet in Chinatown, featuring artwork that blends Chinese heritage and the Starbucks experience into a vibrant artistic expression. The "星巴克" signage is beautifully crafted in elegant Chinese calligraphy, complemented by wood carvings. So cool! Not forgetting to say Hi to the playful life-sized Merlion Bearista too.

樂樂體 x 星巴克 "知足常乐" mug

20.04.2025 | Thank you for the Junlefont x Starbucks mug, which is exclusively available at Starbucks Chinatown. "Contentment is Happiness" - albeit short, this phrase holds a lot of significance. Let's celebrate the art of calligraphy inspired by rich storytelling and local creativity of a 18-year-old autistic boy. 


April. It has been a tough month of working on my mental health. It seems to be an uphill task to keep hope alive when life feels bleak. Probably I still need more time to pause, think and reflect..... jiayou to myself :) 

xoxo,
FiSh
30.04.2025

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comment here!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...