I woke up at 5 a.m. because of a dream and a stubborn stomachache. The kind that sends you straight into deep contemplation on a toilet seat. So there I was, semi-meditating in the bathroom, reading, making content, letting the world spin quietly while everyone else was still asleep. Not the worst way to start a day, honestly.
By 7 a.m., I took myself out for a walk around the botanic garden. The air was ridiculously good today. Cool, crisp, not humid, not clingy. The kind of weather that makes you forget Tangsel can be this kind. I walked, I breathed, I stayed longer than planned, while listening to The Underdog podcast. Exercised alone until 8, then continued with indoor weight training until 8.30. A full solo date with my body.
When I got back to the apartment, everyone was still sleeping. Of course. I made myself breakfast like a quiet reward. Leftover salmon fish head, warm chamomile tea mixed with collagen. Sounds odd, tastes amazing. Clean, comforting, healthy. After that, I cooked lunch. Meatball soup with boiled wonton, tofu, and eggs. Then showered, got dressed, and by around 1 p.m. we finally ate together, chatting as we always do. Slow, familiar, grounding.
At 4.30 p.m. we left as a family and arrived at Pacific Place around 6. Immediately greeted by Christmas carols echoing through the main hall. Escalators dressed in viral-level festive decorations carried us up, lights everywhere, the air buzzing. We went stratight to fifth floor, our main destination: Kyochon Chicken.
Yes. We were there because Kyochon invited me as a KOL. And yes again, only for Kyochon I’m willing to do full barter without blinking. I’ve been promoting them voluntarily since 2018. No contract, no brief, just genuine love. I don’t even know how many friends I’ve influenced to eat there over the years, but every single one ends up saying the same thing. Worth it.
The restaurant was packed, but we got a perfect table for four. For the full barter program, we were served the Real Fried Chicken Platter. Sixteen pieces of freshly fried chicken, butter rice, and yuzu drinks. One important note if you ever go to Kyochon: spare an extra 20 minutes. They fry the chicken after you order. No shortcuts. No reheated sadness. Always fresh.
And the taste... still unbeatable. This platter came with five sauces, which meant joy and debate at the table. Spicy Jalapeno Mayo, Honey Mustard, Cheese, Tartar, and Spicy Honey Garlic. My favorite: honey mustard. Always. Drinks were just as good. Blackberry Plum Fizz became the family favorite, with Yuzu Glow as a close second. Thank you so much, Kyochon!
Go home after that? Of course not.
Since we were already out, we wandered a bit. Right outside Pacific Place was SCBD Weekland. Night market vibes, tents, food stalls, snacks everywhere. We walked around, grabbed coffee and tea, chatted as a couple while the kids explored together. Watching them walk side by side, laughing, getting along so well, was a quiet kind of happiness that stays with you.
They wandered far, found lots of cute booths, so we followed. There were magicians, artificial snow, random surprises. Then we stumbled upon another area: Snow Season’s Market. Even better. Turns out there was a Coca-Cola booth giving out free drinks. From there, just crossed the street and we were back at Pacific Place again.
We took more photos with Christmas ornaments, a quick stop at Tous les Jours without buying anything, then finally home. Tired, but happy. The good kind of tired. The kind that comes from a day fully lived 💜
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