UK Day 1 - Onward to Edinburgh

22 Feb - Arrived into London on a foggy early morning. I think we are one of the first flight that landed at Heathrow Airport as the whole terminal 2 is literally devoid of passengers except us and the airport staffs. We proceed smoothly and quickly (Thank God) through the custom and we are on our way to board the Heathrow Express to London!

Empty Airport

Heathrow Express that will get you to London in 15 mins

From Paddington Station, we took an Underground subway to King's Cross Station for our National Railway train journey (About 4.5 hours) to Edinburgh Waverley Station. We must really thank God for He really has planned this trip well for us. Not only we managed to get a low season First Class Pass that is only available for the month of February for foreigners, we also obtained this pass at a further discount through Klook promotional events. Having researched thoroughly on the different railway companies available, we settled on the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for they have the best review for their first class seats, services and meals. We really did not regret our choice as the staffs keep feeding us with drinks, snacks and a complimentary meal on board which comes with charging station and WiFi.

As we are early, we checked out the surrounding at King's Cross and were pleasantly surprised at what we found - The entrance to Hogwarts Castle train platform (Platform 9.75). Not surprising, there is a long queue for photos with the half trolley that has gone into the wall.

Time's up. Boarding at Platform 2 for our LNER train.

And 4.5 hours later, we are at Edinburgh!

After check in, we visited the National Museum of Scotland as recommended by the hotel staff since the entrance is free.

Museum exhibits

On the rooftop, we managed to have a good view of Edinburgh Castle and a clock tower

Before the sun set, we have a leisure stroll down Victoria Street to see these multi-colored shops that seems to breath life into the boring landscape. =p

Side Visit to USJ & Nara

Thank God for blessing us with an affordable ticket to Kyoto such that we can explore Universal Studio Japan (USJ) and Nara Park with the extended weekend break. For USJ, it is a revisit to take the remaining rides that we failed to take the last time. Having prior experience, we took steps to avoid food and rides that are either not nice or not worth our time to queue. 

We are back!

USJ Universal Cool Japan is also having their 5th anniversary and for this current Spring term, they are having 3 new attractions: “Detective Conan: Mystery Challenge”, “Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant” and "Lupin the Third Car Chase XR Ride". However, as we failed to secure the Conan Cool Ticket Pass, we can only ride the "Lupin the Third Car Chase XR Ride" after queuing for it for 120 mins.

Lupin the Third Car Chase XR Ride

We miss the Conan daily event again. By the time we know, all the event task has been given out

A visit to Hogwarts Castle again, without the butter beer

As usual, lots of people even though this is supposed to be a low season

Spent the day slowly touring USJ till the park closed

Stayed at Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, which was conveniently located next to Universal City Station

Next morning breakfast at Top of the Universal where we have a great view of the bay area

After breakfast, it is a visit to the Nara park to look at free roaming deer. Sunday was also the Pokemon Go community day and we have a great 3 hours clearing research tasks and catching the shiny Swinub.

The Golden Temple @ Nara

Pagoda at the Park. We are also wondering why are there so many middle school students at the park on a Sunday...

The legendary deer

Engaging battle started!

Last but not the least, a light event at Kyoto Station

Global Warming Proof

Wow, photos really speaks a thousand words. Now, President Donald Trump, please just accept global warming is REAL.

Aquaman

Synopsis: Once home to the most advanced civilization on Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater kingdom ruled by the power-hungry King Orm. With a vast army at his disposal, Orm plans to conquer the remaining oceanic people -- and then the surface world. Standing in his way is Aquaman, Orm's half-human, half-Atlantean brother and true heir to the throne. With help from royal counselor Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlan and embrace his destiny as protector of the deep. [Source: Internet]

Not a bad DC movie. Fantastic effect with the way these characters interact with the ocean and animals, it just seems all the sea creatures are their friends! And not forgetting throwing in environmental messages and making a point with the way we human pollute our Mother Earth (Are they making a dig at Donald Trump conviction that Global Warming is Fake news?) Overall, a good movie not to be miss!

Rate: 8/10

4Q 2018 Investment Strategy Update

What a way to end 2018! Democrats will takeover the house coming Jan 2019, ending Republican control of both house and senate and doing whatever they wished. Trump forcing a partial government shutdown and blaming on Democrats not giving him the votes to release money to build his wall. USA starting to see the signs of economic strain in Trump's tariff with China with the increased cost passing onto consumers. People worrying about slowing economy as the 2 big economic powers clashing head to head. Oil price has plunged almost 50% from the recent high. S&P 500 has entered bear market (>20% drop from high) with the recent lows while Dow Jones is just a whisker away from the bear market. And of course, Trump's ever volatile temperament with his furious twitter on increasing fed rate (an attempt at making the feds bending to his will) causing drag on USA economy and few more sacking of his team who do not agree with his view. Last but not the least, entered Trump the celebrity day trader, who twittered USA company is in good shape, now is the chance to buy stocks at such an attractive price! Seriously.... I think Trump just don't want his stock value to drop..... what a way to influence the market.

DJI ended at 23327, a drop of 3131 points (-11.83%) compared to 3Q. For Singapore, STI ended 4Q at 3068, a decrease of 189 points (-5.80%) compared to 3Q. DJI decline started in Sep 2018 while STI decline started in May 2018, 4 months earlier than DJI. I believe the current negative sediment will still continue for 2-3 more month, at least until the USA-China trade talks come to a conclusion (Or until Trump decides he cannot force China to Kow Tow to him) in Feb 2019.

As 2018 come to a close, it is time for a review again how do I fare with my 3 year plan (New Investment Strategy 2017 - Growing Passive Income)? It has now passed 2/3 of the journey and below are my result:

Original 2017-2019 plan:

1. 50% Equity, 50% Reits/Trusts
2. Portfolio Yield to be 1.50% in 2017, 2.50% in 2018, 3.75% in 2019.

End 2018 Snapshot:

1. 68.76% Equity, 31.24% Reits/Trusts
2. Portfolio Yield at 1.27% in 2017, 1.42% in 2018 (+0.15% from 2017, but miss 2018 2.50% target)

Below is my end 2018 portfolio snapshot:

On a hindsight, what I have been saying for the past 1 year (Since 4Q 2017) has come to pass. The BEAR has arrived and in a quick fashion too! For me, when people starts panic selling, it is time for me to start cherry picking counters that are at attractive prices. Continuing with last quarter practice, I am focus on defensive stocks such as high yielding equity and opportunistic buys as below:

Transaction 1: Bought in a batch of Singtel in December.

Price of Singtel has become attractive again. At $3.00, it provides about 5.8% dividend yield. Certainly a good opportunity hard to pass up.

Transaction 2: Bought in a batch of Sasseur Reit in December.

I usually don't trust China company due to many examples of bad management and shady results (Fraud. bankrupt...etc). For this counter, since it has physical assets and tied to retail, I decided to give it a try. At current price of $0.65, it will provide about 9% dividend yield according to its IPO forecast, guaranteed for 2 years.

Transaction 3: Bought in a batch of Amara in December.

This hotel company is transforming itself to retail and office landlord. I believe they will start increasing their dividend in 2019. At current price, a good chance to average down the high price I paid in 2013.

That is all for now. See you all in Q1 2019 update and thank you for reading this long long post. =)

13th Year Blog Anniversary

13 years and still counting. While most of my friends has stopped blogging, I still kept this little space ongoing as a form of record to track my life journey. Pretty busy this year as I have already embark on 8 business trips to countries such as India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Pray for good health, journey mercy, prayers to be answered and growing ever closer to God in faith.

Some Statistic:
Page Count: 59841 +1223
Year on Year increase: -1779 -59.26%

Bohemian Rhapsody

Synopsis: Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day. [Source: Golden Village]

Before this movie, I have never knew that so many famous rock songs was actually first produced by Queen, such as "We will rock you", "We are the Champions", which are still sang today at many sports arena. Truly, this band is a legend. This movie is a emotional musical depicting the rise and fall of Freddie Mercury. Enjoy the showtime!

Rate: 8/10

Open Electricity Market

Finally, it is here. Time to switch out SP Power for alternative retailers providing cheaper electricity!

2nd month electricity is free! =)

Referral Code: OHMREFFFABDE
For $20 off electricity bill if you sign up with the above referral

Flight Schedule

Limited time + 5 places to visit = Seeing plane everyday

Pray for safe flight and good health to last the week! =)

A Star Is Born

Synopsis: A Star is Born stars four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (American Sniper, American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook) and multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Lady Gaga, in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper helms the drama, marking his directorial debut. In this new take on the tragic love story, he plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. [Source: Golden Village]

Despite the numerous good reviews, I am truly bored halfway through the show, not knowing what direction the movie is going at or what entertainment it is going to bring to the audience. The plot is pretty mundane to the point of non-existence. If I am to summarize in a few words, it is about the rise of a star and the fade away of  another star which ended in the latter taking his life. The saving grace, I guess, was the songs in the movie sang by Lady Gaga. Not a movie recommended to watch.

Rate: 5/10

Vietnam Day 4 - Ha Long Bay

22 Oct - Coming to Hanoi cannot go without visiting Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as "Land of the Descending Dragon". In terms of geology, the place is truly a beauty, going through a series of tectonic shifts to form the current limestone formation. Be prepared to be amazed by the thousands of isles jutting out from the sea in various form of shapes and sizes. We took a 6 hours cruise to explore this unique feature of Vietnam.

Part of the tour package include a short duration of kayaking or ride on a Bamboo Boat rowed by the local people. For us, we took the Bamboo Boat option to chill out. The trip will take us under one of the rock formation before coming out on other side to enjoy the serene scenery.

Along one of our pit stop for swimming, we saw this super big jellyfish floating in the water near our boat. I wonder if this jelly is dangerous....

We also drop by one of the fishing floating village rearing Garupa for sale. The fish are sure hungry as they snapped up every single thing we threw into the water.

Ended the day with a sunset ride back to the port, with the last 2 hour of the journey drenching us with rain. A good trip nonetheless.

Vietnam Day 3 - Exploring Hanoi City

21 Oct - After breakfast at a village noodle shop which served delicious chicken pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup), we are on our way again for a 4 hours journey back to Hanoi City. Due to the lack of time, the bus eventually drop us at a bus-stop and we have to take a Grab Car to our hotel. Thank God for the wonderful Grab platform invention, or else I cannot imagine how are we supposed to take a transport to Hanoi, with the local drivers not understanding a single word of English.

After checking into our hotel (Antique Legends Hotel) we are off on our food night tour. First stop is the famous Hanoi egg coffee! Served hot or cold with battered egg foam (which is sweet) poured onto concentrated Vietnamese coffee. Certainly an interesting experience!

Hanoi Night Market is another attraction not to be missed. Opened every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a stretch of road is sealed off to vehicles and roadside stalls and local food vendors appears. It runs through the Old Quarter district from 19:00 onward, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. 

Still feeling not satisfied, we looked and found a dessert (Fresh Mango with Sticky Rice) that is uniquely Hanoi. In my opinion, I find the Thailand version tastier though. =p

To round up the night, we had the Cha Ca (Grilled Fish) stirred fry with vegetables. The fish is soft, fresh and tender, not too shabby in my opinion.

After a sumptuous meal, the gang split off for some massage session while we spent the time walking by the lake with the temple (Ho Hoan Kiem). Took a picture of this iconic building before we went back to our hotel. The open space in front of the building seems to come alive during the night, with singing and dancing and people just sitting around and chatting their time away. What a relaxing way of life.

Good night Hanoi =)

Vietnam Day 1 & 2 - Attending a Vietnamese Wedding

19 Oct - Arrived in Hanoi in the afternoon and spend 4 hours on a sleeper bus to a mountainous region north of Hanoi to attend my good buddy (KY) wedding. It was an experience travelling in Vietnam, experiencing the local driving culture with the constant honking and bumping of the not so well paved road. Not to mention that there are no water at the public toilets out of Hanoi city! >.< After a 4 hours of stopping and driving, we finally arrived at our destination.

Was presently surprised that a small beautiful pavilion has been setup in front of the bride's parent house with a complete Karaoke system! Behind the tent is a small area where guests can have their meals. Feeling hungry from the long journey, we tuck in to our first local Vietnamese food of the day. 

Vietnamese food in general, are quite flavorful and they use a lot of herbs to create the unique smell and taste to make the food tasty. Another thing that I found out is that the chicken they use are very lean in fat, chewy in the meat and very tasty. I suspect all their chickens have undergone vigorous exercise as they are allowed to roam around the field and become our well known "Kampong Chicken".

20 Oct - I have the honor of being one of KY brothers to accompany him in the morning to bring the bridal gifts to the bride house for the tea ceremony. This is the view that I got in the morning while changing into my costume - refreshing scene with good clean air!

Complete with traditional Vietnam costume! =)

Congrats Buddy! Welcome to the Club =)

My Hero Academia The Movie - Two Heroes

Synopsis: Deku and All Might receive an invitation to I-Expo, The World's Leading Exhibition of Quirk Abilities and Hero Item Innovations. Amid the excitement, Deku meets a girl who is Quirkless, just like he once was. Suddenly, I-Expo's Top-Of-The-Line Security System gets hacked by villains and a sinister plan is set in motion. It's a serious threat to Hero Society and one man holds the key to it all. [Source: Golden Village]

A spin-off side story from the middle of season 3, where Deku continues to grow and show that All Might has made the correct choice in making him his successor. Enjoy the company of U.A. High School Class 1-A, where the class majority student turns up at I-Expo (Surprise!) and save the day from the villains.

Rate: 8/10. 

Story of Yanxi Palace

2 weeks, 70 episodes...中毒了。。。