Friday, December 13, 2013

My Winter Vacation 2013

I have been so busy the last few days rushing all over the places to buy stuffs for my coming Winter trip. Some friends say that we both are a weird couple, who "Never Die Before" and would climb the most dangerous mountains or ski in harshest temperatures. I live here all the time in hot and sweaty weather conditions, so I need some extreme temperatures sometimes to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. That's me, alright!



Tomorrow we will be flying off to Chengdu for 7 days! We will hike around Mount Emei and stay up there for 2 nights in the brutal winter of average -5 degrees Celcius.



We will visit some powerful ancient temples up there as Mount Emei is well known for being one of the 4 sacred mountains in China. It is very important that we need to be mentally prepared and cart along all the right attires otherwise one might freeze & kaput.



We went skiing in Korea some 2 Winters ago and I suffered like hell as my own thick winter jacket and shoes were not suitable enough to walk on ice in extreme temperatures. Even the Winter jacket was not for minus temperatures and I learnt a good lesson! Here at the ski resort, I had to rent their yellow jacket which was perfectly suitable and I could even sweat while skiing. 




Last Winter, we climbed the most dangerous mountain in China which was Mount Hua in Xian. It was scary like hell. My shoes did not have the proper soles that could prevent me from falling down. I slipped & fell painfully on the smooth rocks and ice floors! Ouch!




Look at how scary the narrow paths and everyone had to hold the rusty chains to trek inch by inch!! One wrong step and you will fall below over 3,000 feet to meet your ancestors. Your shoes need to be suitable to trek and climb in such conditions.


 I went to climb mountains again in China during early Spring 2013 and headed to Mount Jiuhua in Anhui Province, China. I was satisfied that I was well and fully equipped with the right clothing, jacket and shoes.
 
 


I was hunting for the right shoes from shop to shop and found them after a frantic search. It was well over RM350 each before discounts. The soles have the most rough and pointed patterns that would hopefully keep me upright without falls.


I also bought 2 new Winter Jackets that are suitable to be worn in cold winters below Zero Degrees C. I will bring along many sachets of 3 in 1 White Coffee, Chilly Sauces, Sambal Belacan and Cup Noodles! I have visited China many times and their coffee flavour needs help! Malaysians are truly blessed with so many types of nicer beverages and chilly sauces.



Besides bringing along 2 sets of Winter jackets each, we also need to bring along different pairs of gloves, scarves, mufflers, Ultra Warm Long Johns (RM238 each!!) and sport shoes. Yes, we will be going to the gym in the hotel we have booked. It is supposed to be the most beautiful hotel in Chengdu - Rhombus Fantasia Hotel.

I am dreaming about my trips in 2014 and I hope to see some European cities like London, Amsterdam & Luxembourg and go East to Fukuoka in Japan. I always have this habit to dream first and then work damn bloody hard to scrimp my money. Pray for me please, thank you.

I have often been advised by friends to shop online in future instead of running around habitually. I am glad that I have found this website - Zalora where they have such a good variety of top notch quality & fashionable women & men's clothing and attire that comes from many top brands. I have earmarked many pieces from Zalora that are suitable for Chinese New Year and my coming trips in Spring and Autumn where I will definitely look stylish with confidence. Best of all, the prices are affordable and the brands are well known.


90 comments:

  1. Glad you are getting the proper equipment for hiking in bitter cold temps.. The more we hike in winter, the more we learn what to do... I bought some 'heated' gloves (comes with batteries) last year---but are not very happy with them.. I'm not sure they work like they say they will. When we hike in winter, it's always my hands and my feet which suffer the most...

    Good Luck. Can't wait to see photos. I'm sure you two will have an awesome vacation...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. So you will be flying there for 7 days huh? Enjoy your vacation..

    Can see that you like mountain hikings.. I am looking at your Mount Hua picture.. Gosh, so narrow and steep.. I guess I will chicken out if you ask me to climb on it.. Your shoes were not suitable, yet you still climbed? How many times you fell? Before climbing up that hill, the instructors never mentioned anything about proper soles and they still let you go ahead?

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    1. I was wondering too. The instructor/guide should have checked on the proper attire and gear since the slope is so dangerous.

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    2. Ya lor, this TM gila one.. The slope so steep wor.. His shoes not suitable, lagi he fell down wor, he somemore wana continue climbing wor.. I really wondering leh..

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    3. errr....how to stop climbing...he stop ppl behind him cant pass leh..and he cannot go back down alone..nanti kena baham harimau

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  3. It's good that you learn from experience.. After that, you will know how and what to shop.. Shop for the suitable clothes and shoes..

    For me leh, dunno la, maybe I am a haupor, hehe.. Or maybe most girls are like that? Or maybe it's just me.. I don't really care about the suitability or what-not.. Most important, the attire must be PRETTY... Haha.. "Oi leng mm moi meang".. Lastime when we went for our winter trips, most important was the winter clothes look "in" and trendy.. Haha.. With colourful scarfs and all..

    I remembered I bought most of my winter wear in MNG.. I tried to avoid super-thick winter wear which will make me look fat (when we are taking pictures).. Haha..

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  4. I shopped for boots instead of shoes, coz that's the only opportunity I get to wear boots ma.. So if the boots or soles is not suitable for mount hiking (should there be any arranged in our itinerary), I "jui tor" dont want to climb only.. kekeke..

    But you may say, susah susah go until so far, takkan you dont want to climb when everyone else is climbing?

    Ok, maybe I will 'kak ngang climb la, for the sake of taking pictures (and blogging about it), but I will only climb halfway.. *Nobody needs to know

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  5. Like I said, maybe it's just me.. I am the type "oi leng mm moi meang", so I don't think I am seh-tak to spend so much on good quality winter clothes la, hehe.. I mean, not that I go travel to winter places often.. I tend to shop for boots, fancy hats, fancy gloves and fancy scarfs, rather than good quality winter jacket or shoes, kekekeke..

    Enjoy your trip, and when you are back, time to shop (online) again for CNY attires! Can't wait for your updates.

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  6. Fuiyoh...anay worked hard and play hard. Must go for extreme weather vacations pulak. Many would have chosen to find relaxing vacation.

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    1. He already mentioned, "that's me"...Fuiyoh, like so yau-ying like that..
      I think ahh, nothing in this world can stop TM from exploring.. and nothing is too difficult for him lor..
      If too sanfu or difficult pun he will "deng ngang seong" one.. Wont menyerah kalah easily, haha..

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    2. with his Letchumi beside him...sure no problem one

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  8. Ah...going for the most beautiful hotel in chengdu snap more photos ya.

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    1. Most beautiful hotel got spa Anay can go naked or not? :-P

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    2. Sure got la but sure he wont post in blog one :p

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    3. Anay,
      Don;t be shy la.

      Your naked spa post will garner millions of visitors to your blog and maybe after that, you can demand shops to pay you, just like Ah Hua said! LOL

      Don't blog for nothing anymore. Wakaka

      SHOW US YOUR NAKED PHOTOS!

      SHOW US YOUR NAKED PHOTOS!

      SHOW US YOUR NAKED PHOTOS!

      SHOW US YOUR NAKED PHOTOS!

      SHOW US YOUR NAKED PHOTOS!

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    4. The fellow sure got put sticker on his burung kakaktua

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  9. How many nights you gonna stay up the mountain? Surely that can't be climb in a day? Freezing at night.

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    1. adui soli ah...commenting buta with one eye open...2 nights ah...dies man.....freezing become popsicle. . must wear super warm . Hmm cant put lotion too leh coz lotion may even be frozen....

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    2. have to put on something for the skin la... Anay knows it. Otherwise, skin, lips all crack. Sakit wor

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  10. Anay & Letchumi, enjoy your vacation. Stay safe .

    Snap photos first of see any flying objects...might be one of those famous kungfu ladies. Emei =Ngor Mei mountain right?

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  11. Yeah, instead of running around the whole city to look and buy your gears, sometimes it's much easier to go look for it online.

    Especialy from reputable online stores :-)

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    Replies
    1. agree agree...at least this one have money back guarantee policy la

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  12. I hope all your gears are suitable and hardy enough for this trip, Anay?

    If not, go shop more at Zalora! LOL

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    1. Somehow this post makes me feel like annay is writing a paid post for Zalora......

      How much you get, huh? Annay is so femes, Zalora must at least give 2 winter jacket as payment :D

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    2. I guess it was Ah Hua who gets paid to write about shops like. Or get sponsors to do it. LOL

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    3. Because Ah Hua sounds so knowledgeable about it. :-P

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  13. From a hot country like us,going to a cold country is sure an experience. Anay terer lacan stand the cold. Must be all those years living in US. ;-)

    Lina cannot stand the cold. Brrrr...

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    Replies
    1. Ah Hua doesn't like extreme weather, too hot or too cold is not suitable for this aunty :p

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  14. RM350 each for shoes is Cheap! :-P

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  15. of course it's good to try different things to enrich our life experience, if we are able to and capable of experiencing extremes weather, why just stay in our own comfort zone?? i've experienced scorching hot weather during Ramadhan in Dubai, but i have yet to experience thick snow under weather which is below the freeze point.. Anay will sure have fun in Chengdu with his balls shrinking into the size of two tiny guli under the brutal cold weather~~ :D

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    1. Ramadhan means "scorching hot" so yes, go Arab countries in Ramadhan sure will experience extreme hot weather. Hihihi

      Both Thambee and Anay are adventurous.

      I want to one day follow their adventurous spirit :-D

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  16. Anay and Letchumi have done with Mount Hua and Mount Jiuhua, next to Mount Emei and what's the last sacred mountains you are going to conquer soon?? that's actually a very proud thing to do, it's like earning yourself a grand slam title.. now, i am thinking of earning myself a grand slam for visiting all the wonders of the world..

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    1. I want to do a grand slam of my own. Wait! Wait! ;-)

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    2. errr, Mak Glam wants a grand slam title of the major international marathons??

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    3. dont wait anymore la Mak Glam. Must do it before age catch up

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    4. dont wait anymore la Mak Glam. Must do it before age catch up

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    5. Age is nothing but a number.

      I hope to still run until I'm 100 :-P

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  17. clothing is surely very important.. i found many Malaysians who are so used to the hot weather in this tropical country, do not have a slight concept on the coldness of winter when they travel to other parts of the world.. they thought it's enough wearing just that "thick jacket" they used to wear in office, and they thought bringing or wearing thick jackets is something so troublesome that they choose not to wear - in the end, caught cold and suffer during the entire trip.. in contract, look at the local, they are wearing more thick clothes than us, even if they feel warm they still wrap themselves like a bak chang, because they know they have to keep the body temperature to keep themselves warm.. unlike many Malaysians, maybe they have not feel the coldness before, they tend to take off clothes even if they feel slightly warm out there..

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    1. Adoi, SK is describing Ah Hua, if not 100% correct, also got 99% correct, wakakaka! Of course that doesn't apply to places with extreme weather like where annay is going now.

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    2. me one of those katak bawah tempurung lor. Never really experience extreme weather like that. If hot weather I can stand but if cold......

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    3. I'll put on not only thermal wear, and layers of clothing underneath my thick jacket, I'll also put hot packs. Cannot stand cold. Dun ever want to live in 4-seasons country as don't want to go through winter. Btrrtrrrrr

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  18. well, if the quality is good and it's suitable for your mountain climbing trip, i think RM350 is not expensive.. afterall sports shoes now are easily above RM300 (if you go for the mid range brand), and hiking shoes are surely more expensive dei.. winter clothes are surely expensive and especially if you get it over here in Malaysia.. so i see each of you have two jackets to wear, one wool and one the "michelin" type to keep you warm.. with your sambal and coffee, i am sure Anay and Letchumi will have a very enjoyable holiday~~ :)

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    1. True true... Hiking and trail shoes can be rather expensive. But they are good.

      If I go for a winter vacation, must remember to buy those non-slip, waterproof winter boots. Zalora got sell or not ah?

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  19. i am very excited for you for your 2014 plan to go to London, Amsterdam & Luxembourg and Fukuoka!! that sounds very interesting.. and yes, i cannot agree with you more, there must always be a dream or a goal, so that we will work hard for it and make it realized.. i am sure Anay and Letchumi will not have problem realizing this plan, and we will be able to see more travelogue and photos from you about these beautiful cities..

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    1. You going Fukouka which month next year, Anay?

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    2. i suggested Anay and Letchumi to go to Busan and then take a boat trip to Fukuoka, that way they can go both Korea and Japan at one trip.. i heard Anay is going there Spring right??

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  20. yeah, shopping online is surely the trend now.. it's convenient and easy, just a few clicks and your items are delivered right to your doorstep!! i have heard a lot about ZALORA of course, and they really have a wide range of products and brands for us to choose from.. don't have to get jammed in the always crowded shopping malls to get your clothes, just sit on your couch and happily get them from ZALORA while you are blog hopping and spamming comments in your friend's blog~~ :p

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  21. The mountain looks so scary, I won't even climb up, I would sit down there and wait for the rest, haha!!! =]

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  22. wow, a very excited trip ahead! Really admire you two. Surely you have equipped yourselves with the appropriate winter wears. Proper shoes too for hiking. Take care and enjoy to the fullest!

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  23. Fuyoh!!! Really daring la both of you! No jittery legs? No way for me to climb.. I am so afraid of heights!!!! I see your pics also my legs felt one kind.. that was my phobia... very very daring... salute!!

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  24. leg shivering looking at the photo >.<"

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  25. U both are indeed the most weird couple I ever came across but at the same time, the most adventurous one. Most couples will choose for those romantic and easy trip, unlike this one. Anyway, enjoy ur trip with your beloved wife. Have a great one and come back with safe and sound =)

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  26. Even I love to travel, I won't choose to climb cause climbing is not my favourite activity. Prefer to take photo, enjoy the scenery, eat (the most important one), island hopping, sun worshiping but never climbing. Hahaha...

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  27. Enjoy your trip, annay!

    I'll be seeing you in a week time~

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  28. Anay climbed so many mountains. In Malaysia and out of Malaysia.

    Lina has not even gone up Gunung Tahan, let alone Gunung Kinabalu. *sob sob*

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  29. Unfortunately I have acrophobia...

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  30. When iis/was the trip? Have fun/Hope you had fun! Or you're just planning to go Winter 2014?

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  31. You are so adventurous tm my legs turn jelly just by looking at the steep mountain

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  32. Have a safe trip and enjoy your trip come back safe and sound

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  33. You can try rock climbing at krabi

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  34. On top of the steep mountain if halfway want to backout also cannot scary

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  35. Finally an update from you Mr TM!!
    But you are leaving and will be MIA again!! Hur hur... :p
    Anyway, be sure to enjoy your trip to the max ok!!

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    1. I also wish to go on a holidays, been thinking about it lately, too bad hubby is not free, haiz~

      And looking at those photos, really seems a bit scary and dangerous for me! But I'll still give it a try if I have the chance, we have to live life to the fullest and do whatever we want while we can. Though seems scary but I think you're well equipped la! But still please be extra careful, look forward to read all about your trip when you come back!

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    2. I've never try skiing before!! Was in Korea during March but skiing wasn't part of the itinerary :(
      So finger crossed now, hopefully one day soon I'll be able to try skiing and share about it with my readers ;)

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  36. the slope is so steep... luckily there are a whole bunch of ppl there to ease the fear of height. if i'm there alone my legs will be shaking like hell.

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  37. Cool! :)

    (pun intended)

    Have fun in Chendu, I would love to go there during winter too! Maybe after our Japan trip. Enjoy your vacation mate!

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    1. Hey, are those wooden skis?

      I heard they use wood skis in Korea, from family who've been there but I didn't have a chance to go skiing both times I went to Korea (first time was business trip, really packed, second time was company trip).

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  38. owh god, i've been wanting to go to chengdu during winter but i still dont get the chance to do that...hmmm...looking at ur photos, I MUST GO!

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  39. Wow...I can see you and your wifey have fully geared up for this adventurous and cool trip....**shivering**

    Have fun and can't see more beautiful photos from the mountain.

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  40. wow, winter in cheng du~ wanna go too~ can sponsor me~ XD

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  41. Wah, I didn't know you're such a dare devil! Have a wonderful holiday & hope to see you soon!

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  42. It's really scary to climb hua shan. Yes, make sure you got all the gears.





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  43. Sorry no new post as yet, Bananaz pretty busy with new biz venture. Shall be going Snow Mountain in Feb 2014 perhaps could pick up quite a few pointers and tips from you.

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  44. Your climbing Mount Hua in Xian is truly a great challenge and you made it even without proper shoes and what not. Gambate!

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  45. one wrong step will fall below over 3,000 feet ! wow ! need mustered up all courage ! i wish to try !!

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  46. Wah! I don't think I can stand the extreme cold weather! Too cold will make my hands numb and my nose runny!

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  47. OMG! Look at that picture of the dangerous mountain you climbed in Xian! I wanna go there too for some good adventure! But afraid of heights lah how?!

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  48. Is snowing over there....nice experienced. Anyway, welcome home TM. For your information, I have one parcel coming your way. Hey, is Christmas season right?...

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  49. I'm afraid of heights one, I don't dare to look down...I'll get shivering and I definitely will cry standing tall up there...

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  50. I agreed that you and your wife get well equipped with good quality winter clothings and shoes.

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  51. you are really ambitious with regard to climbing all the famous mountains in china. i have never been to any of them.
    btw, luckily there is no pooh inside the toilet when you took the pix. or else, i would have thrown up in front of the computer as i am eating while reading ur blog...

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