I hope this helps someone. I travelled to Milan city from Malpensa airport in November and got my wallet stolen. Here's what to do if you find yourself with no cash or credit cards in any big European city due to pickpocket or theft, but have a phone (hopefully with data) and passport. Story below too if you're curious. 

Before anything: buy travel insurance before you go, and take photos of your passport and ID to save a copy on the cloud/email. 

1. Lock all your overseas credit cards or disable the magnetic stripe use; contactless is ok if you did the above, but Milan is still very cash reliant and credit cards need the physical card and PIN. 

2. Report the crime/theft within 24 hours but you DON'T have to do it immediately. Go to somewhere safe and find the right police station to do it. 

3. You can borrow cash from your hotel if they are friendly, but I won't count on it. To get cash, message or call your friends/family back home to send it via Western Union (send them your passport pic) and you can collect it at any WU branch near you - all they need is your passport to verify. There's usually a WU agent nearby or even in the tobacco / small shops in train stations. Note the opening hours. If your phone is stolen, ask the hotel to lend you their PC and you can email your family member and forward them your details. 

4. Report the crime to the Milan police station within 24 hours. You need an official police report to claim for theft with the travel insurance. The polizia di stato I found was open even on a Sunday morning and near the Duomo (next to or at Palazzo Castani). I had difficulty finding the right police station because they have different types of police stations so the best is to ask a policeman/woman on the streets.

Prepare a statement in English and use Google translate to translate to Italian for better comprehension. I filled out my incidence and stated clearly the items lost (important!). 

5. File the travel insurance claim after using the report when you get home, there's 14 days to do it. 

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So this was what happened: 

On 6 November 2021, I was coming in from the airport express at the Garibaldi FS metro platform for the M2 line towards Gessete at 5.38pm with my luggage when a group of girls surrounded me as I stepped into a crowded train. In the midst of the chaos, one of them grabbed my luggage handle and kept asking me where is the station. I told her I don't understand, and I can feel her grabbing my luggage handle so I tugged it back. Finally I got off the train instead of staying on and the doors closed and the train left. When I looked down with a sinking feeling, my bag was unzipped and my wallet was gone. Fuck. That was the first thought that came into my mind. Second was, so stupid. I then checked my bag to see if anything else was taken, and luckily my passport was quite deep inside. And I was holding my phone when the incidence happened. 

The group must have collaborated to steal it from me. Granted I was a super easy target but this is the first time I had my wallet stolen (phone in Lima wasn't fun too but at least I had my cash) in a concerted effort and my heart was beating super fast. 

In shock, my next action was to go to the counter staff for help. She wasn't very helpful at all, asking me to go to the police station at the Duomo to make a report - and acknowledged that there's nothing we can do about the wallet and cash. I almost followed her instructions too even though I said I have no cash on me at all. She said I'm fine to travel as long as I'm on the inside of the train. Err but what about going back (I realised the ticket is valid for 90 mins) but yes it was peak hour and my luggage n bag was with me. 

I was also locking all my cc cards from my phone and texting the group chats, but it was 1am SG time. Luckily Rhea and my brother were still awake - they helped me block my dbs debit card with the token at home. My heart was racing - I don't have a single dime on me so how am I going to go around??  

So many thoughts of should have and could have ran through my mind. If I had just diversified my cash. If I had just stayed in the train. If I should have just yelled back. Or have the zip in front. Even having my Netherlands or Singapore sim card taped back on my phone would be something. So many what ifs.  

In the end my brother and Rhea advised for me to go to the hotel instead of the police station because maybe the hotel can give me cash if Rhea transferred in SG. But finally they found a better solution, which was to use Western Union instead. That was such a godsend because it's much more reliable (the hotel staff couldn't even speak English properly). I couldn't find the WU at first but finally realised its underground and got the shopkeeper to help give me 200 euros after failing 3x (my passport name was given wrongly). 

I'm so thankful that was still time to walk to a open Western Union branch nearby from my hotel, so I could buy water and food, instead of going hungry and thirsty. Oh and best of all FWD site was down for scheduled maintenance and hotlines are long closed at 1am in the morning. All that was a perfect storm.  

Anyway, I've learned my lesson! These pickpockets are pro. Here are five things I learned from this ordeal (actually I know it just caught off guard after not travelling for so long!) 

1. Keep your cash, cards and passport close to you, preferably in the inner pockets 

2. Diversify your cash and cards if possible to leave maybe 10 euros in the luggage or inner bag pocket. 

3. Hold your bag in front of you always, hand over the zip. NEVER have an open bag.

4. Keep your sim cards with the phone, not wallet. 

5. Don't bring out your NRIC card or driver's license when you travel. Photocopy your passport and keep a digital copy on the cloud.

Now that Singapore had various Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangements with European countries, I thought I will share my experience on what you need to prepare before you visit a VTL country from Singapore and before you fly back! There are extra steps and more minor inconveniences but it's still SUPER worth it to travel overseas if you can.

Before trip 

1. Check and book your VTL flight back (not go there). Note that not all flights are VTL and there are specific dates. Also there is a n95 or surgical mask-on requirement for the entire flight duration, except meal times (they do serve food!). No cloth masks. Pack enough disposable surgical mask for your trip. 

2. Get your vaccination status notorised (so it is acceptable by international standards) online - super easy, just need your Singpass and passport number. You can then either print out a copy (QR code on same page as details, print two pages in A5 landscape) or save a pdf copy on your phone (make sure you have enough battery then!) 

3. You can upload that pdf during the online check in for your flight out if the option exists

4. Check the country's entry requirements for paperwork. For Netherlands, they only require you fill a health declaration form upon entering which the air crew will provide (which they did not even check at immigration. Update as of 13 Nov: You'll need an official negative ART/PCR to enter. 

For Italy, I read somewhere you need an official negative ART within 48h to enter, so even though I went in via Amsterdam, I still did it in Singapore at Parkway Shenton for $28 +$5 for the printed memo. PCR results can be uploaded on the notorised site but not ART so I had to get a hard copy. Please call the clinic to check if they have the test kits before going down (because the one near to me was out). But nobody checked at all.... 

During trip (enjoy the fresh cool air!!!) 

1. Show your vaccination proof when they ask for it. They might try to scan using their country's app or ask for the Green Pass. Explain they have to use normal phone camera instead for yours because it is a Singaporean cert or show the print out. Most times at this stage they will try to scan it with their app (very stubborn) and it will fail so they will just shrug and read your vaccination pdf/print out to check it is Pfizer or Moderna and date of vaccination, and let you in. 

One lady at the Cathedral insisted to verify the cert with my passport, which was used to book an audio guide so I don't have it on me. Luckily I had a photo of my passport on my phone and it was ok for her! I also had 3 ladies reject me from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, saying ONLY the EU green pass is acceptable. Even though the Milan Cathedral took me, and so did the Amsterdam MOCO museum and the Brera Pinacoteca (I had the hotel call ahead to verify first because they said only green pass on the website, but they are ok with international passes. You just have to buy tickets and reserve an entry time slot online which you should do anyway for ALL attractions and restaurants). 

2. Keep a mask on indoors including inside or on trains/metro, malls, shops and museums/galleries. Good practice to just have it in your pocket and only remove (or not) when you are outdoors in fresh air. 

3. Find and book an official ART (no need PCR since 11 Nov) 48 hours before your scheduled departure home in the overseas country. The departing VTL flight check in counter will require you to show it and your vaccination cert before you go get your boarding pass and drop off bags. 

4. Go to the Changi Safe Travel concierge website to book and pay for your on-arrival PCR test ($160 SGD). 

5. Within 3 days of leaving, fill up an online health declaration form that ICA needs (link from the Changi Safe Travel checklist). It's not a complicated form, it just needs your passport last 4 digits and contact info as well as tick all the boxes to submit. Also no need for Singpass. You don't need to upload the ART or PCR results on this form as well, just prepare to show it on arrival. Do it to avoid trouble upon landing!

The ICA reminder at Schiphol check-in desk

On Arrival 

2. Follow the signs for the on-arrival PCR test after going to the baggage counter. 

It is in an outdoors tent about 5 mins walk away, so get a trolley. Super fast when I was there, just show your paid-for test QR (otherwise you buy it on the spot) and passport with boarding pass to the person, who will print out a few stickers after verifying. They will then direct you to a booth and swab your mouth and both nostrils quickly. Then you are done. 

3. Go straight home after by private hire car or taxi, no public transport or shopping allowed (they herd you to make sure), and wait for results by email or SMS. They said up to 24h but we got ours in 5 hours. It should also show in your TraceTogether app 

That's it! I hope this Vaccinated Travel Lane stuff helps, though the situation is so volatile and Denmark has taken us off their VTL because the EU is recommending us off their list. I guess only time will tell but travel will definitely bounce back no matter what. So good luck, take care and most importantly, enjoy!  

I tested the latest earbuds by SonicGear, the Earpump TWS 12 ANC, and did a video review which you can check out here. Pretty happy with them seeing how the price at S$89.90 is about one third of the newest 3rd gen Airpods (not even Pro) and it has active noise cancelling. 

Friends of mine will know that I am very much supportive and into sustainability, especially when it comes to sustainable food. Hence I was very much pleased when I was invited to try out the special local edition menu at one-Michelin starred (congrats, again!) Alma by Juan Amador beside Goodwood Park Hotel. This modern European restaurant has always been one of the stalwarts of the local fine dining scene but I never got around to trying it out and what better way to be inducted than with a local sustainable lunch? The restaurant has that easy, relaxed vibe as well which I like. 

Here's the menu, which is only available for lunch and has been extended till 3 November (this Wednesday)! There's also a vegetarian option (refer to the website). They have collaborated with Backyard Productions on the menu, which included getting some locally grown greens from them. It's great that we are eating stuff grown closer to home - smallest carbon footprint AND supports the local economy. 

Started with a couple of snacks which was terrific. The Red Snapper had a salted egg foam while the smoked barramundi had a crunch with the tempura-ed kale. 

There's also this. I knew I was having a 5-course lunch, but I couldn't help but finish BOTH potato buns which came warm and soft, like a friendly hug. The peppered butter was also so sinfully good slathered over the buns. 

We started properly with this 28 types of greens called My Singapura Garden. The salad was pretty to look at and even more deliciously when all the different plants had their own bitter/leafy take that was complemented by a hidden layer of tomato jelly underneath. Apparently the greens are plucked from Packet Greens, MEOD, Archisen, Livfresh and Hydro Urban.

Next, the incredibly photogenic Threadfin. It's actually a ceviche of tiny cubed fish cured in citrus salt, with dollops of sour plum cream swimming in a seafood broth. This made a strong impression on my tastebuds and woke me up for sure, for the next course!

Which was this gigantic trio of Frog Legs in crispy garlic and balsamic batter with chilli padi and mala. Not overly spiced and in fact, looked and tasted like Korean fried chicken except much juicier with the frog legs! Seriously.. if only frog legs are more readily available outside of the typical porridge. This was probably my favourite so far. 

But the Quail held its own too. All these non-chicken but like chicken protein making a splash! The quail's stuffed with glutinous rice, and roasted well. The hearty taste from the rice and use of Asian flavouring just makes this very palatable to my tastebuds for some reason. And I suspect, for the locals too! This was a great recommendation by the waitstaff when I was asked to choose between the pearl garoupa (which is technically challenging as a dish) and this, since I already had fish earlier. 

Lastly, I didn't expect much but this Goat's Milk custard dessert blew me away as well with how delicate tasting it was without a strong goaty taste in the milk. The slightly funky edge was mellowed with the basil sauce and the lemongrass granita with the tiny cherry tomatoes. 

I ended this superbly satisfying lunch with their signature Gula Jawa Canelé. Which apparently can be bought in 10s (pre-order, delivery). It's so good too and underrated! Caneles are really one of those hard-to-do dessert items if you compare the effort to bake them compared to like making a creme brulee, for exmaple. So kudos to chef, and for incorporating our region's gula. 

I was genuinely very impressed with this 5-course menu which managed to be 80% local and sustainable by sourcing greens and proteins from our local producers. The dishes were executed with a sensibility to showcase the ingredients AND represent our local flavours, while retaining elements of surprise and fun in the sophisticated cooking methods. Hats off. I would 100% recommend anyone who is looking for a treat in November to book this lunch within the next 3 days! 

Alma by Juan Amador

22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221 (beside Goodwood Park Hotel)

Lunch Tuesdays to Saturdays 12–2pm

Dinner Mondays to Saturdays 6–9:30pm

Closed on Sundays

Reserve on chope.co or quandoo.sg or call 67359937

Thanks Yong Chuen and Alma for the invite!

I was invited to try out 2 new local chef collaborations at Luke's Lobster's latest and largest branch at Great World City (the first at Scotts Isetan and the second at Jewel), and man did I jump at the chance to try, having been to Luke's Lobster launch a year back. The new branch at Great World is indeed quite spacious and airy, perfect for a chillax dinner or lunch. 

Here's the menu at the store - I think the prices are pretty much the same as the initial launch from 1 year ago. Very minimalistic but straightforward menu! 

Here's are the rolls, along with a Clam Chowder (S$11.50) which was chock full of clams and potato chunks and VERY satisfying. It's really one of the most worth it clam chowder you can find in Singapore, I must say. 

And in October till mid-November, they have collaborated with Birds of a Feather chef Eugene See to offer a simple looking but punchy Sichuan Mala Lobster Roll (S$30.50). And contrary again to expectations, this is NOT the kind of mala spice you'll get with the hotpot or stirfry places. Instead, the fresh lobster's cooked with Sichuan pepper oil, powder and preserved mustard greens, soy sauce, black vinegar, imported Dou Ban Jiang (preserved soybean paste), egg yolk, lemon and Birds of a Feather’s signature red chilli oil, and topped with  sea salt, more Sichuan peppercorns, chilli and cumin powder. I must say, this roll took my heart away. The curry aioli one was nice, but I do prefer this more delicately spicy rendition. Maybe because it is not THAT spicy as well that I liked it.

It really was quite the bummer when the 2-pax restrictions came back again, but at least we were still able to dine out! I recently went to Clos Pasoh for lunch because I've been wanting to visit this French restaurant for a while now and what better occasion than to have a leisurely Friday afternoon lunch to celebrate very much in advance, a friend's birthday. The restaurant itself's really beautiful. Classy without trying too hard to look hipster, pleasant without being placid.