[Shopping] Getting a Backpack

Is it GSS already? Was wondering if there're any good bargains on bags? Been looking to get a backpack for the longest time but just can't decide which one. How does one decide on their bagpacks? For myself, guess am more of a utilitarian, but would also love to have something that's good looking! Sounds like a dilemma, ya?

Out there on the streets, been seeing a lot of Herschels and lately, alot of Kankens! And boy, these do cost quite a bit! Am all slings and satchels these days. And, totes. For light travel, there's the duffel. Just haven't gotten that backpack... yet.

Been to shops to look around, but most shops with interesting backpacks look like they are targeting the younger crowd. Of course, there are online shops that carries women's backpacks, so that could be one option.

The young-at-heart me would want something like this:

Herschel

Then, was thinking of whether to have backpacks with laptop compartments....

American Tourister

Or perhaps this? Something wild!

Girls Street Punk Rivets

Hmm, I know what's the issue. Needa actually see myself in-front of the mirror with the bag. Main reason? Big butts. Sighs.

And so, the search continues...

On a side note, have you seen the queues at post office lately? Especially for parcel collection. Seems like many are really into online shopping nowadays. Shopping from the comfort of your home, with so many more choices as compared to normal shops and often times, it's cheaper too!

Either way, the parcel collection at post office definitely have room for improvement. Queueing an hour+ for a parcel collection on a weekend morning is no joke.

Ju Shin Jung @ Guillemard Village

Located at 102 Guillemard Village, near Mountbatten MRT station. Mountbatten is about 18 minutes away from Bishan Interchange Circle Line. Once reached, take Exit A and head straight right out of the station. It's about 4 to 5 minutes walk before turning right to Guillemard Village.

entrance

This place was actually chosen because our party of many, has young children. Ju Shin Jung has a play area for the kids.

for the kids

Best to inform service staff on which table having buffet and which are doing ala-carte before ordering. Children above 1.2m are counted as adult in terms of buffet pricing.

menu

BBQ buffet items are unlimited portions of pork belly, pork collar, marinated beef bulgogi, marinated chicken and prawns. Each buffet pax is entitled to one soup (choices are clear beef rib, bean paste, kimchi, spicy tofu, bibimbap or noodle with beef soup). One can have unlimited rice too.

private rooms

Barley tea and plain water are placed on the table, so please feel free to help yourself.

roasted barley tea 보리차

The side-dishes are brought out once orders are placed.

side dishes 반찬

Two sides are recurring per pax, while the rest are shared amongst the table. In total about 7 variants of side dishes.

anchovies

very chewy cuttlefish

kimchi

The side dish that I liked most, was the seaweed/kelp like thingy in tangy cold soup.

very appetising

Requested to John, the friendly service staff that attended to our table, to start us off slow. Hence, the meat portion that he brought out was a smaller portion (maybe a 2 pax portion for the 3 of us).

pork collar, pork belly and 2 mushrooms

marinated meats (pork and beef), marinated chicken and tiger prawns - waiting for their turn in on the grill

While waiting for the grill, am having the clear beef rib soup (galbitang 갈비탕). First time having this, hence there wasn't any yardstick for comparison. Soup was very clear and light. The ingredients included thinly sliced radish, one red date, one small ginseng, spring onions and few pieces of beef. There was a bit of vermicelli inside the soup as well.

galbitang 갈비탕

clear beef rib soup

Ju Shin Jung provides table service where their staff can assist in grilling of the meat. However, they tend to get busy hence be prepared to grill your own as well. Didn't mind as it was quite fun to do so.

pork collar and pork belly sizzling away

copious amount of greens and garlic slice

The meats are placed at the sides of the grill once it's done. Diners can then pick it up from there to eat.

ready to eat

Pick up one sizzling hot pork belly, smear on lots of bean paste, one slice of garlic, some kimchi and wrap it all up with lettuce. Lovely.

yummy meat vege wrap

Go for the marinated chicken. Juicy thigh meat, well marinated and grilled till skin attained that smokey char. wOOohOOO!

grilled chicken on the left

After all that's done, and bills paid, the digestion tea was brought out.

digestion tea or omija 오미자차

BBQ lunch buffet per adult is $29++ and towels are chargeable. Didn't mind though as the towels were fun to do, especially the kids were pretty amazed by it.

magic towel

add water to 'grow'

天晴 Appare Udon & Tempura Japanese Restaurant @ Novena Square 2

Yup, am back at Appare again. This time round for dinner with an old friend, dear Flo. Sharing this place with her, since she stays nearby.

Walk near the store, and one will be greeted with "いらっしゃいませ!" 

shop's sign

tempura, made to order

Started with a small glass of cold draft beer. Nothing beats an ice cold beer after a day of work.

Kirin draft 300ml @$8++

As usual, made it a point to try something new at this place.

potato salad @$4.50++

Potato salad nicely seasoned and mixed with some cucumber for variety in taste.

Since one of Appare's specialty is tempura, suggested to Flo to try one. "So that we can eat it with the salt." I said.

pork ribs and prawn tempura (@$2++ and $3++, respectively)

flavoured salt

The tempura sauce here is abit different. Dark coloured, akin to soy sauce. Made with kelp and actually quite nice to eat with the deep fried meat. Pork ribs tempura was tender with a bite. Could've mistaken it for pork belly though.

deep fried chicken wings (@$8.50++)

Am lamenting the fact that nowadays, more and more shops are being less generous with the wings. Just 2 full wings for this price, well, pricey lor. Unless of course, if these chicks were flown from Japan then can understand. But maybe one can have the option of local wings so that we can have more of a good thing?

These little wings are actually tasty, marinated just nice and had a homely feel. Though it was deep fried, it doesn't felt too greasy. The pile of greens at the side, was good balance for the meat.

Definitely need some carbs by now.

seafood chirashi (@$16.50++)

Fresh seafood from Hokkaido. Thinly sliced salmon, scallops, tuna and cooked prawns topped with small mound of ikura. The amount of rice was just nice for one female. For guys, think you'll need to order something more.

Rudy, the friendly guy in the shop, divulged that his chef is from Osaka and the boss is from Tokyo. Recent addition to the menu included sashimi (not printed in menu) and chicken shabu-shabu. Chicken is imported from Japan, it seems.

Geen tea is complimentary. Service was always courteous.

ありがとございます、ごちそうさまでした!


ps: thanks Flo for the meal!