LOVE LIFE, CHERISH MOMENTS

     Hiyaa mates! It is so good to be back to my retreat sanctuary, which is this little online space of mine, to share beautiful views, amazing food and unique experience with my dear readers. I've recently returned from the southern land of New Zealand for a short family trip, in conjunction with my birthday and a new milestone in my medical career. We tried to make it an annual thing, making effort to spend time with each other while exploring the wonderful world out there. This time around, we chose to go NZ as dad is a huge fan of nature and what's better than spending some quality time with your loved ones, uninterrupted, fully soaking in the goodness of nature? So come with me, join me in this wonderful journey down south!

Just be prepared for lots of green and blue hues

    First thing first, so we booked the trip rather late, approximately 1 month before. It was just an impromptu decision. We tried to get the best deal in September, luckily it was around the MATTA fair (travel fair in Malaysia), so we gotten some good deals via Malaysia Airlines. It costs us around RM 27++ per person for return flight from KL to Auckland. Next it was all hardcore research by yours truly because we opted for the 100% self-drive, free and easy tour around NZ. I just casually spent some free time reading travel blogs, YouTube travelogue and official NZ tourism guide. There are actually many reliable sources out there, you just need to search hard enough.

I've never notice the beauty of our own KLIA #prettylights

Here we go! The flight itself took roughly 10 hours, we were so exhausted from the rough ride

   In terms of transportation, although NZ has some public transport (train and buses) here and there, but it is not extensive enough to properly cover the main attractions in the North Island. I would reckon that self drive tour is the only recommended option, especially when you are travelling in group. You could also rent a Camper-van (which most of the young couples do) or go for the hitch-travel. Renting a car is so simple and convenient in Auckland. Once you cleared the security, there will be various car rental companies (Herz and etc), feel free to compare prices there. However, i strongly urge you to inquire at the tourism information counter, as they will provide a lost of cheaper car rental companies around the airport. We were lucky to find Apex Rental just a stone throw away from the airport. It costs us about 430 NZD for a 7-days car rental + insurance. Shuttle service is provided by the company to and fro airport, with excellent service as well. Some important points to note: driving system in NZ follows the British way (driving on the right side). NZ roads includes Motorway (like highway or stateway, some requires tol), Highway (long and winding) and some countryside road which may not be tarred. Just be cautious of single way (especially when crossing narrow bridges) and animals crossing (really common)!


   Accommodation wise, we chose to go with half hotel and half AirBnb, reason being we truly believe that the essence of travelling is to live like the locals, in terms of daily living. AirBnb gives us the luxury of living like a local kiwi at an affordable price. I'll share more in terms of that later on as we proceed in the travelogue. For Auckland, we went with Grand Millenium Hotel, right in the heart of CBD (Central Business District) Auckland.

View right outside of our hotel-Auckland Sky Tower

Pardon my poor quality photos, as i totally forgot to bring out my camera

Fresh & Sweet Oyster Platter- 25 NZD

Seafood Chowder- 37 NZD Creamy soup base with fresh mussels, clams, prawns, squid and seasonal fish, paired with sourdough bread

Fish & Chips- 26 NZD Beer battered seasonal white fish, served with fries and tartar sauce

Lamb Cutlets- 43 NZD Spice-rubbed lamb cutlets served with beetroot and mint peas

Viaduct Harbour

Clockwise from top: Bacon & Egg, Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon- 6-14NZD One of the best bagels ever!

If you know me, pastry and coffee is my muse

Absolute charm: Mussel Fritters

Coffee-to-go at Chuffed- 3.80 NZD

Famous Aqua S seasalt icecream with seasonal taro and pumpkin twist-5 NZD each

My farmer's outfit to Farmer's Market

Tiger Prawn Spaghetti--RM 26.50 Aglio Olio with tiger prawns, baby spinach, garlic, lemon crumbs and chili.

Sally & Chives--RM 25.50 Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, chives and tobiko caviar served with buttery toasted brioche.

Flat White--RM 11.80

Watermelon Lychee Cake Sponge cake layered with watermelon, lychee cream filling, topped with fresh strawberries and assorted fruits,

Rose Lychee Almond Crumbs Rose and almond roll cake filled with cream and blueberry jam, topped with buttery crumbs.

#flatlay #desserts

   Let's begin with our mains. There were some hits and misses. The tiger prawn spaghetti was well cooked, very al dente, but was flavoured too heavily on salt and oil. This aglio olio lacked of spices, depth of flavour and i wasn't impressed with the rubbery prawns as well. On the other hand, our salmon scrambled egg topped with salmon roe was a fresh creation in the brunch scene. However, i didn't enjoy the fishy salmon and soggy toast. Thank goodness for the desserts which saved the day. My favourite was the watermelon lychee cake. The entire item was light and fresh, with the juiciness from the watermelon, light rose flavoured sponge cake and lychee cream filling. This masterpiece is to die for. Mr. J preferred the Rose Lychee Almond Crumb which tasted amazing as well.

   Overall, i kinda appreciate the creativity behind the cake bar of Naj & Belle. They fully utilized their baking strength in creating various mouth watering cakes. However, i hope the same can be reflected from their mains as well, perhaps more fine tuning and improvement of execution is needed. That's all for today! xoxo

More Information~
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/najnbelle/

   Malaysia is ever changing, from its weather to anything beyond. However, i find one thing is certain throughout the seasons, there will always be a scorching hot day that one would hope to stay indoor, grab a cup of iced cold drink and have a cold shower to chase off the immense heat away. In days like this, i would love to have a bowl of cendol and sometimes, a fancier option--a bowl of Korean bingsu. Hence, today i'm going to introduce to you guys, a personal favourite of mine--OW:L Espresso.

   Located right beside Inti College, within Menara Rajawali's first floor, OW:L Espresso is pretty much very accessible and easily recognised. I believe bingsu doesn't need much introduction since it is already a huge hit since few years back when it was first introduced to the nation. Since then, i've tried a lot of these from various outlets but was never satisfied until Mr. J brought me to this cafe. I was recommended to try out their best sellers--Mango Cheese and Chocolate Brownie on my first visit. Subsequently, i returned with friends to try out their Instagram-worthy Panda and Green Tea Bingsu as well.

Mango Cheese--RM 23 Milk based bingsu topped with fresh water lily mango cubes, cheese cake slices,  biscuit crumbs, a scoop of mango ice-cream and drizzled with mango syrup.

Chocolate Brownie--RM 18 Chocolate milk based bingsu topped with pieces of brownies, almond flakes, oreo cookie crumbs, a scoop of chocolate ice-cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Panda Mocha based bingsu, topped with chocolate ice-cream, oreo cookie crumbs, almond flakes, chocolate syrup, crowned with cotton candy with oreo cookies.

Green Tea Milk based bingsu, topped with matcha milk syrup, green tea ice-cream, red bean mochi, red bean paste and almond flakes.

   As you can tell, i am a fervent supporter of OW:L Espresso's bingsu, because i'm simply in love with the incredibly soft and fluffy ice flakes present in all of the bingsu above. The mild but milky flavour of bingsu, paired with several different sets of unique texture and combination of flavour made all of the desserts so irresistible and delicious. My personal favourite goes to Mango Cheese, because i love the fact they use fresh mangoes and real cheese cake pieces. The whole item screams summer with its vibrant colour and refreshing flavours. If you are up to something fun, you could also try out their dry ice cookies and macarons, which will definitely earns you much likes on social media.

   I hope you enjoy my belated post today. My apology for being late for this entry as i was feeling under the weather and was recovering from my illness. Nevertheless, i promise to bring forth more interesting updates and adventures in my next post. Stay tuned! xoxo

More Information:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/owlespresso/?fref=ts