The Wonders of Mahabalipuram

Ahhh, India! Finally crossed out of my bucket list. Although I wanted to see Taj Mahal in Agra but because of our Indian friend’s advice plus my thorough research about security, it ended up in Chennai. But the visit to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 60 kilometers south of Chennai, was definitely the highlight of this beautiful, exotic trip.

Staying at a beach resort in Mahabalipuram, the area was recommended as one of the best beach destinations of South Asia but it’s definitely not on my list especially the strong, perilous waves.

Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Founded by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, Mahabalipuram is famously known for The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, Krishna's Butterball and Tiger Cave; these monuments and temples were carved out of granite in the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Shore Temple

Descent of the Ganges

Krishna's Butterball

The Five Rathas

Tiger Cave

Photo from Expedia.com

Winga Baw Elephant Camp

My recent trip to the beautiful country of Myanmar (Burma) was more like a birthday getaway, meaning I have to see elephants. :) But I have always wanted to visit the Shwedagon Temple, as well as the temples in the ancient city of Bagan. However, due to time constraints, I was only able to see the former capital Yangon.

The highlight of this trip was, of course, visiting an elephant orphanage in Bago. Winga Baw Elephant Camp was recommended by a friendly Burmese driver/tour guide and the 2-hour car trip was totally worth it. It was such a heartwarming experience to bottle-feed the orphaned baby elephants. I'm forever grateful to the staff of Winga Baw Elephant Camp for entrusting me with this obligation, as I am truly an elephant lover and this encounter was really an unforgettable one.

In the camp, you can have a close encounter with both baby elephants and big elephants. And for about 5 dollars, you can feed them with a basket of bananas. You can also witness some of the elephants in their natural habitat as the elephants are allowed to roam in the nearby jungle. And they always return in the camp at nightfall.

If you're looking for an elephant orphanage to visit around Yangon, I definitely recommend Winga Baw Elephant Camp.

Winga Baw Elephant Camp
Address: Beside Payagyi Bawnatgyi Road, Bago, Myanmar

Admission: 20 USD per person

My Lovely Vintage Finds in Bangkok

Yes, I love vintage... Vintage cars, vintage Chanel, vintage costume jewelry and sometimes, vintage apparels. I have always been enamored of the 1920's, the epoch full of sophistication, elegance and great sense of style. With my antique taste, I do believe I'm an old soul. Vintage fashion would always stir my curiosity and keep me wondering how the previous owners would glamorously don the lovely pieces.

Since I've been to Bangkok countless times, I have discovered some wonderful vintage places around the city and I wouldn't call it thrifting as these are trendy vintage boutiques. So today's blog, I'm going to show you some of my gorgeous luxury vintage finds.


I. Burberry Scarf and Fendi Hanky.

I got these vintage Burberry scarf and Fendi hanky for US $10 each at Eco Shop in Terminal 21. The Fendi hanky is a perfect bag accessory, use it like a twilly or just tie it around the bag handle. The Burberry, I normally use as a neck scarf and I just love the book print.


II. Karen Millen Dress

The story behind this dress is funny! While out with friends in Bangkok, I needed a scarf badly since that night was a little chilly. Told them I will just look for a cheap scarf on the street but there wasn't. And since we're close to Terminal 21, so I just went there to look for a scarf but I found this dress instead, fell in love and bought it! But I made a lot of changes to this chiffon dress. Bought it for US $50 at Basement of Samantha, a vintage fashion shop in Terminal 21.

This is how the dress looks after I redesigned it.

III. Chanel Travel Line Handbag

You wouldn't believe how much I paid for this CHANEL handbag! I bought it for US $75, it was actually US $100 but I haggled so I got it for that price! And yes, authenticated and it's original! The bag was actually damaged on the bottom part so have to send it at a bag spa to have it repaired but then the outcome is perfect.

Will You Make A Difference?

For friends and family in Asia and Europe who entrusted me to donate clothes and other stuff, I already gave them to the orphanages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Your contribution has made a lot of unprivileged children delighted.

If you want to make a difference, it's never too late to start. We cannot help everyone but everyone can help someone and make them happy.

''Sooner or later you realize that real fulfillment comes only from helping others. All of the rest is just temporary.'' - Elie Tahari

House of Joy Orphanage in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Historical Georgetown

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and named after King George III of United Kingdom and Ireland, Georgetown- the capital city of Penang, is one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. Founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company, Georgetown was one of the first British settlements in South East Asia then it became a British Crown Colony in 1867.

Despite the extremely hot weather in the month of March, walking around Georgetown was totally worth it. I am in awe of the historical sites and preserved century-old buildings. Having the reputation of Malaysia's gastronomic capital, never miss to try the street food around. It is the perfect definition for the term ''where east meets west''. Exploring the small alleys was like going back to its rich past where the spice trade was rampant. I wish I had taken more photos.

A Look For Less: Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

One of the things I have learned from my classy grandmother Marina, It's better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. So whenever I go out, I always try to look good not for anyone else but for myself. Since my teenage years, I was already interested in fashion and style. In fact, when I was 14, I modeled for a local designer in my hometown. 

And my motto, I'd rather have a few clothes but with quality than having too many but breaks quickly. So let me tell you my secret on where to shop good quality designer clothes in Ho Chi Minh City. 

As I have mentioned in my previous blog post, Ho Chi Minh is one of the best shopping destinations in South East Asia. Being the factory hub to many International brands like Zara, Mango, Michael Kors, North Face, Nike and a lot more, you can find these brands in the market for half or even one-third of the retail price. Also, since most of these products came straight from the factory, you cannot guarantee to have your size available as sometimes they only come in a few or a piece.

For instance, some years ago, I was lucky to have found an original Tory Burch Travel Flats in my size. I bought at Lucky Plaza for about 100 USD and online it costs 250 USD.

The Kardashian Kollection jacket was also bought in Lucky Plaza for 15 USD
and the Tory Burch Flats for 100 USD.

230 Euros At ToryBurch.Com

If you're looking for winter clothes, sports wear or sports shoes, Russian Market is the best place to go. And for you ladies, the best place to shop for shoes and dresses is Lucky Plaza.

Barbour is an English luxury and high quality brand. In fact, it is a favorite of the British Royal Family. When I was in Scotland a year ago, I went to a luxury shop called House of Bruar. The cheapest Barbour Jacket in the shop was about 180 GBP (230 USD). If you're lucky, did you know you can find them in Russian Market? And you wouldn't believe the price, sold for only 60 USD and yes, ORIGINAL!

These corsets are from La Senza and Victoria's Secret, also can be found in Russian Market. For those who asked me about Victoria's Secret, I took this photo for you! ;)

I found this Zara Leather High Heel Sandals for about 30 USD in Russian Market, which by the way, is still on their website for double the price.

Russian Market:  328 Võ Văn Kiệt, Cô Giang, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

Lucky Plaza Shopping Market: 38 Nguyễn Huệ, 69 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Shopping for friends and family in Europe.

If you're interested of making me your personal shopper, email me at rizlle@yahoo.com

Cacdemode Swim

It was a great privilege to be part of Cacdemode's Buns in the Sun. The event took place at Thao Dien in hustling and bustling, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cacdemode is local Vietnamese brand specializing in modern and uniquely-designed swimwear. Just perfect for any beach party or pool theme occasions. And since it's already summer in Asia, Ms. Cac Lam the creative director of Cacdemode turned an idea into reality about doing a Summer Squad Goals video wearing the latest designs from Cacdemode Swim.

If you want to own one of these lovely swimwear, visit www.cacdemode.com. 

A Great Weekend Escapade

If you're an expat living in Saigon (Vietnam), I guess you can relate to the dilemma that sometimes you just need to take a break from the hustling and bustling of the big city. And the good thing about living in a tropical country is you don't have to travel afar to find the serenity and haven you deserve.

A coastal fishing town in Bin Thuan Province with 12 kilometers that have been transformed into a resort destination, Mui Ne is definitely the weekend paradise you've been waiting for. About 220 kilometers from Saigon, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Mui Ne by bus.

Aside from being one of Vietnam's most popular beach destination, Mui Ne is also dubbed as a Kitesurfer's paradise. If you want to see other attractions aside from the beach then head to the red and white sand dunes.

At night, Mui Ne transforms into a food paradise and party heaven, a perfect concoction for fun!


Our Resort: Mui Ne Bay Resort

Around Mui Ne: Local Seafood Restaurant, Dragon Beach Bar and Lounge

Budget
Bus Fare: 15 USD two way transport
Hotel: 60 USD per night
Scooter Rental: 5 USD per day
Food: 30 USD per day

My Chanel Collection Part Deux

If you're following me on Instagram, you will know that I'm an avid fan of the French luxury brand Chanel. The reason why I became a Chanel lover, as described on my first blog, is because of my mother.

My favorite Chanel pieces are from the 80's and 90's as I am really into vintage Chanel. Most of my Chanel accessories and bags were bought online or in a vintage shop during my travels abroad.

Since I wrote my first blog about my Chanel collection which was two years ago, here's an update of my growing collection.

I really like the black bucket bag (from Chanel Cosmetics) but I regret I didn't buy the big one. I first saw it in Sydney, Australia some years ago but I didn't buy. So happy I saw them again in Bangkok, Thailand. The shoes behind are really cute but I haven't use them yet.

The Jumbo Half Moon Caviar Bag behind was a birthday gift for myself. Really happy when I found it by accident, the moment I saw I said Yep I'll have that bag. :)

These are my costume jewelry earrings collection from the 70's, 80's 90's and now. My favorite earrings are the Christmas tree, very unique and rare. The bag behind is my first Chanel purchase.

My latest Chanel purchase! These are vintage and I love it. :)

If you want to see more of my Chanel collection, follow me on Instagram.