Sze Wan

New Platform To Learn And To Teach

2011-12-09T13:45:00.001+08:00

I am still committed to volunteerism despite in my busy schedule.

In my new working environment, I am still passionate to give back to the community. With this passion and eagerness to learn more, I have volunteered to run the demo for our product in a family day event organized by our employees women council.

It was challenging to prepare myself in such a short time to face the public and share with them on our product. I have to know the product in detail yet to put in the simplest manner that was less confusing to the public, especially those kids. We started off with a little dull but quickly adjusted ourselves and finally won the attention of our audiences. It was really satisfying to get positive feedback from them and I am really proud to be part of the organizing team.

There will be another demo tomorrow at the Penang Science Fair at PISA.

Friends, do drop by at the event and especially at Motorola booth to show your support :-)

Volunteers rock!

Checkpoint

2011-11-21T20:50:00.000+08:00

A quick check...this is already my forth month here in M.

My 1st 3 months here has been very challenging for me. I got on a POC project when I knew minimal about the whole development environment. With no background on model development and minimum knowledge on embedded especially in radio communication solution, I have started here in M just like a freshie but with much higher expectation.

To cope with my shortcomings, I stayed back late for over 2 weeks, in office for more than 12 hours daily. This project was equally difficult as my last project in 'I' in terms of the stress induced but both stress induction factors were different. In 'I', it was people relation and politics while in 'M' it was the uncertainty and alien environment that drove me nuts.

It was such a relieve and I have so much satisfactory when the project finally completed with lots of positive feedback from the management. It was a great learning opportunity and excellent ramping up path. It opens up my mind on how wide embedded computing can go. Now I can't wait to further my career path in Motorola. There are many opportunities and I am glad to have decided to move on with them.

Life in M

2011-09-06T08:13:00.000+08:00

It has been more than a month since I last blogged and it marks my 1 month service in M.

I am still growing in M. I have a lot to learn here. Everything seems different from my previous position. I find it challenging and believe this position will be able to satisfy my passion for code. Many are asking if M is any better than I, honestly I think each is better in their own way. Every cloud has a silver lining.

For now, self discovery in new environment has gives a lot of positive qi. Life is better with less complain. I am picking up my pace and making more productive time at work place. With all these +qi, it helps drive progress in my research project as well. :D

3 days in office

2011-08-03T19:02:00.004+08:00

We were out for lunch together today. The 'we' that I meant here was not my new M mates but rather my ex-colleagues from I. It felt strange and irrelevant to hear those office gossips from them but really good to see them around especially in my early integration phase where everything in the day is so alien to me. Thanks mates!

Back about my 3 days experience in new office, I love my new environment. Despite of the smaller cubicle, I am happy to be there. It was a huge relieve on the 1st day knowing that my boss has been anticipating my join. My login account was created weeks ago (confirmed this after seeing whole long list of emails since weeks ago), new monitor (still in box) lying on my table and order has been placed for my new telephone set. I am really looking forward to work with him and the whole team.

I am still in setup and learning phase. I am a total 'SpongeBob' now....ready to learn and absorb all new knowledge. Gambate!

Time to say goodbye

2011-07-21T22:44:00.005+08:00

Departure and farewell is part of our discovery journey. We bid farewell to the old and greet the new. It is no stranger for me as well but somehow this round it is different. I can still recall my last day of my form 5, form 6 and university. It was not as heavy hearted as what I am experiencing now.

I guess the different now is I am the only one leaving...leaving my close friends and buddies I made throughout my 3 years there. Back in school time, it was a departure for everyone. We were all occupied with farewell greetings for each other. So it was less emotional and easier to deal with.

Mmmmm....I have already made all the necessary past down earlier and returned my laptop today as I am worried that tomorrow will be an emotional and unproductive day for me. Hope that I will be able to stay calm and not over emotional tomorrow.

Lastly I hope that our friendship stays strong beyond the Intel boundary.

Time to move on

2011-07-06T12:23:00.001+08:00

This has been troubling me for so long...finally I have made my decision to move on after 3 complete years of serving...
Now I really enjoyed my time in intel...hooray!

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Me on social media

2011-06-15T21:31:00.000+08:00

I have been so attached to social media sites. Many thought I am totally into this and they are half right. Those shout-outs and status updates on FB and occasional short post on this page are just a way for me to release my tension. I just love to write to seek attention from friends without specifying whom I am calling out for and to kill some time.

I don't normally literally spell out feelings but I just love giving hints. So don't try to guess as you probably will get it wrong ;P

Blessing Quarter

2011-06-14T21:25:00.000+08:00

Finally back to my blog...really a long stop since my last post.

It has been a busy quarter be it at work, study or home.

Glad that a lot has been accomplished. I am really happy now that so much has been sorted out.

Anticipating my new start and am certain that postgraduate is something I really want and something I can accomplish.

Now that I have the green light from both my academic and my industry supervisor, I just have to kick start my project. No more procrastination, Sze Wan!

Lots of uncertainty and lots of procratinating

2011-04-09T23:42:00.002+08:00

There were too many humps on the way for the past few months. There were too much which I wanted to accomplish but could not find enough time to juggle with all. I wishes myself the best and may I get the best out of this busy schedule for I did tried my best...wish me luck!

Another piece for friends over the ocean

2011-04-07T22:05:00.005+08:00

Wrong decision

2011-03-18T16:06:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I can't help it but to wonder if I have made the wrong decision. Is master degree something I really want and need?
I always wanted to prove to myself that I can achieve anything for as long as I want it. This is how I got myself into such a hard life now juggling between work, study and interest. I also put my finance and future into jeopardize. I am financial tied and changing my career path now seem like the toughness decision now.
Btw a master by half coursework and half research just don't fit well with my characteristic.
Decision has been made and I just have to hang on there. I only ask for a graduation...hope that my coursework result just don't screw me now...aft this sem I ll work on my project...the title is challenging and I confidence that I can make it!

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can't concentrate

2011-03-11T17:00:00.002+08:00

Vlsi final paper I is less than 24hrs away yet I can't concentrate...perhaps I must have too much until lost of interest or because I have too much side track things to worry about...
Feel like sitting for the paper now and move on

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Another battle

2011-03-05T00:03:00.003+08:00

After a long Friday at office, it marks the end of my long struggle on fuse...many envy my following long holiday but it isn't a holiday after all.

My final paper for VLSI design is 7 days away and yet I have the analog topics felt so aliened away. I will start burning mid night oil tomorrow...I must do exceptionally well this round to make up for what I have lost out on on my last semester. Gambate SW!

Why do I do my postgraduate study?

2011-02-27T21:18:00.003+08:00

I can not deny that I am materialistic. I do hope that the master degree can earn me bigger paycheck and better career prospect. This is very obvious for my case and could easily be figured out by my family members and close friends. For those that understand me less, they will most probably be guessing that SW is probably a nerd.

They asked "why not MBA or other management course? Why master in Engineering instead?" since they heard me complaining about my job and my occasional remark that engineering is not my profession of choice to grow old with. Here is my respond, "there were too much MBA grads out there. I just want to be different and wants to do something harder. Besides, this route opens another path to the academic world."

So with these in mind, I pushes myself hard to balance between work, study and leisure as well as other side track activities in GGA. I learn by heart and try my best. Even I am to fail at some point, it is still my effort that counts. I am here to learn, not to zerox other people's effort.

Ujrah Scheme for my PTPTN loan

2011-02-07T20:20:00.004+08:00

I have received the contract via email from the PTPTN authority for close to 2 months already. I kept procrastinating on effort to read through the 21 pages document and to decide on whether to revise the agreement or not. Now that the dateline is approaching, I am forced to decide.

The 21 pages document comprised of 1 page of checklist, 5 pages of authorization and payment forms, 9 pages of loan agreement and 6 pages of guarantor agreement.

As I wasn't that familiar with the Islamic scheme, I decided to google for it. This was an interesting article I got from the search.

http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/07/06/ptptn-issues-1-interest-rate/

It was interesting not because of some fancy terms or the site that hosted it but it was due to those comments received on the post. I wasn't much aware of the poor language used until I scanned through the comments. I agreed with most on SS's average English(*average considering that I detected some incorrect tenses) but thanked him for spelling out our concerns bravely.

I would consider myself as an active internet user. I read and write a lot here. But I do not see how one can improve their grammar by reading online. Reading online can sometime bring more cons than pros if you are not selective about the pages you browse. Generally people tend to use broken English and abbreviations on the cyber space. Our command of the language are mold over the years in school and in our daily conversation. Things do not happen overnight.

So I would blame this on our education system. Our system has failed us over the years. We, the Generation Y are relatively poorer than our predecessor. Now that we are behind track, we should seriously do something to improve this phenomenon. Let me start off myself by reading more news articles online and cut down those status updates on Facebook. The cyber social network is killing the beauty of the language.

Back on my earlier discussion for this post, my analysis shows that the scheme is a gift but the terms and conditions are rights violator empowerment medium. Agreeing to the 1% charges would means that I grant the agency all rights to access my private details as well as my guarantors (*both my parents) details on all agencies they deemed necessary. Why would the agency need so much details? It would be less harmful if they are only granted access to our financial report through the Bank Negara. Why does the clause say 'mana-mana agensi'? Which agencies do they meant here?

I have concerns and worries but I am just an ordinary Malaysian. I ask myself 'Which is the correct channel for us to raise our concern?, What is the correct procedure?, Would our concern be heard?'. Finally 'Am I flogging a dead horse?'.

My worse day in 2011

2011-01-21T22:47:00.001+08:00

Everyones need some motivation to move on be it in verbal or in cash value. I am saying that my day sucks as I don't get satisfaction in both. Instead I got myself into verbal arguement...thank god for I have another excellent session with him. At least time spend there were ok...if not I seriously need time off from this pressure cooker like environment....but I don't have much AL left :s....

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Disbelieve

2011-01-15T10:35:00.003+08:00

Has been quite some time I actually blog but this really trouble me. I won't believe this if I have not seen it myself. Just don't understand what are they trying to achieve from these 2 years. I know myself well and thank god for giving me a clear direction!

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23rd Oct 2010: Heavy hearted

2010-12-25T23:46:00.002+08:00

Had an excellent breakfast at the rooftop cafe of the hotel overlooking the busy pier.

Then it was time to head back to the busy street of Vietnam and the honk beats. We reach the Ha Long Pier at noon and got our lunch. The lunch was comparatively the best out of what we had over the past days in the past short tour we had in Vietnam. I would highly recommend Huang to all those who are interested to take such package in Vietnam.

We finally got back to Hanoi at the peak hour. The traffic was crazy as expected. Our last meal was authentic Vietnam dishes in the downtown.

Our tour finally came to an end when we returned to our homeland on the 24th Oct. Back to reality and work space :S

No photograph for the days as we were exhausted after the long tiring journey.

22nd Oct 2010: Cat Ba...best place for sunset

2010-12-24T23:45:00.002+08:00

Me and my roomies all woke up early in hope to be able to catch a glimpse of the early light. However we were disappointed after shivering for close to an hour to witness nothing...to console ourselves, we earned some time to catch some good shots of ourselves on the junk.

After a fullfilling breakfast, we were transfered out of our junk to Cat Ba island enrouted to another nice island on the park. It was a really calm and enjoyable island. We went biking round the island, passing through jungle, tunnel and paddy fields.

We were then transferred to our hotel, Holiday View Hotel on the Cat Ba island. After the lunch, we got the whole afternoon to ourselves where we went explore along the beach and discovered the Sunspa Resort on the other corner of the island.

Then we spend some excellent time on pier, witnessing the sunset. The sunset was perfect with a golden yolk.

Ended the day over cards and beers...hooray!

For more photo, please refer to fb

21st Oct 2010: Best day of the trip

2010-12-23T23:13:00.001+08:00

We were picked up early morning by our guide, Huang. He was very knowledgeable about their history. He shared about their 1000 years of history since the celebration banner was still hanging everywhere along our way as our past tour, we got free ride round the city. Though this was already our 6th day of our trip, the city still remained unfamiliar for us.

On our hours of bus ride, we had a short stop at a craft shop...an overprice shop. Tour agent should have avoided this as they are scaring every tourist off. Everything was sold 3 to 4 times the usual price....my yam ice cream was 3 fold.

We finally arrived at Halong City at about 11.30am. The harbour was really happening. Huge tourist crowds and tens or hundreds of big and small junk cruises and boats at the harbour. It didn't look as good as we expected for the smoky sky. However the expression of those returning ones ensure us on the total fun we could have here.

We finally being transfered into our junk cruise, Imperial Cruise on a smaller boat. The Imperial Junk was beyond my expectation. With as little as USD97 for 3 days/2 nights, I was expecting something more economical. Our rooms were all with a/c and water heater. The bed were comfortable and clean as well. It was better than APTez in Hanoi City.

On board, we were welcomed by the crew and each being given a cold towel and welcoming tea...kind of like the mild flower aroma of the tea. After the drink, we were served with lunch. As usual, we have French fries, fried spring roll, fried cabbage and fried chicken with onion but this meal was outstanding with the fresh seafood and tasted to our liking. We loved the squid, fish cakes and spring rolls...satisfying meal!

While we were enjoying our lunch, the cruise was sailing towards the Sung Sot Cave aka the Amazing Cave. The sky got clearer and we got better view as we got further away from the harbour. We finally disembarked from the cruise and started our hike...it was more of a walk with occasional stair steps than a hike. The cave has few huge chambers filled with all sorts of natural formation resembling the shape of dragon, forest, tortoise, elephant, Buddha and etc. It was nicely light...humid and cold...unlike in Gua Tempurung. The view from the top overlooking the small islands and floating house in Halong Bay was an enjoyable one.

Next activity was the kayaking. This was the best activity on board. I got on a solo kayak....was really fast on it as the water is calmer than the Batu Ferringhi shore. We enjoyed kayaking despite witnessing a kayak overturned by the waves of a moving huge junk. We also witnessed how fast the crew responded. We enjoyed kayaking and wished we could have longer time here but without those junk around.

Back in our cruise, we saw 'Ang Mo's enjoyed their swim so HJ and I dared to follow but not daring enough to leave our life jacket behind. When we got into water, we got shock. The swim seemed harder than we have imagined. The wave was too strong for us. It swapped us on our face. We struggled to swim to the front of the junk...15 minutes in the water seemed like hours on shore.

After refreshing up, we went to the upper deck for sun set. It was not very nice as it was blocked by the many 'Long's there. We enjoyed the breeze and scenery and wait till the moon moved in with a can of Hanoi Beer on hand...beer was one of the cheapest drink on the menu despite the pricey menu, it was still relatively cheap compared to in Malaysia.

For dinner, we got to enjoy BBQ food...yummy seafood, the squid was exceptionally juicy and tender. The salad was good too. With another can of beer, the meal is perfect till I retired to my room for a hotel shower.

Back on the deck and tried to fish for squid. Finally heard that it takes time for the light to play its role to attract the squid. Left idle for an hour while we were on cards. When we were back on jarrod, there were fishes and squids around. when SY finally got the squid on hook, suddenly the light just dropped and gave us all a shock. That ends our day.

For more photo, please refer to fb

20th Oct 2010: Nice excursion but disastrous evening

2010-12-22T22:43:00.002+08:00

We arrived at Hanoi Railway Station at 5am in the morning. Not sure if it was the lower berth that was more comfortable or it was because I was too tired. I have a good night sleep. I slept all the way till our alarms rang. That was pretty unusual for me when I was travelling. Anyway, Mr Anh was there to pick us up 5 minutes after our arrival like he has told us earlier. He arranged for a van to drop us back in APTez Hotel.

We arrived at APTez Hotel too early. The employees were sleeping soundly when we knocked on the door. We was hoping to check in early but there was no room available. They were kind to arrange a room for us to freshen up. We left the hotel before 7 and went round to hunt for food. We have yummy clear soup chicken phon. As my sore throat and cough were worsening I skipped the chili. The chili was good according to others but it wasn't for me :-( After the meal, we walked around then headed back to our hotel and wait for Perfume pagoda pick up.

At 8, our guide for the day, X. arrived to pick us up. Then we went zig-zagging across the city to pick up other tourists. This was the 1st time to get to see more of the city on broad daylight. We passed by the shopping area in the downtown. There were lots of branded stores there...Gucci, Cartier, LV, Mont Blanc...most probably I were to name all those branded brands to me, they would have it there. After leaving the city, it took us another one and a half hour bus ride to arrive at the river.

There were 5 of us and another man, most probably a Singaporean on board with X. Our boat was hand rowed by a lady in her 30s. Quite small size for a boat of 8. X was very humorous. He spoke mandarin very well. It was an entertaining ride despite the slow pace rower and under the roasting sun. He could still make drastic moves to shake the boat left and right to make our ride more exciting. The scenery was postcard like and marvelous.

When we finally arrived on the other land, we stopped by the counter to claim our cable car ticket. Many foreigner ops for hike up and cable car down to see more. We were too tired for hiking and to race against the cable car. The waiting time and travelling time on cable car was about 30 minutes while the hike itself would take about 40 minutes if we were fit enough. So we stick to our original plan of cable car as our legs were aching. At the stop, I got my 1st cream of the trip despite my cough. The weather was too hot and the green bean ice cream was just too tempting. Glad that I took for it was refreshing on a hot sunny day.

Arriving at the top of the hill, we still have to descend on a long staircase into the Tiger Cave. The cave have a tiger similar natural limestone sculpture at the entrance. In the cave a a typical Chinese temple. There were few goddess and altars for the believer. I was more fond about the limestone :D Then he hike out of the cave and back to the cable car station to head downhill for our lunch in a local restaurant.

The scenery seem better on downhill ride. It was series of green mountains, undisturbed forest with occasional huts in between. Under the clear blue sky, yes no more polluted grey sky as in the city center, this was the best outdoor activity so far in Vietnam considering the weather, environment and the difficulty level. I just love it!

At the bottom, we were served with lunch in a huge local restaurant. The back of the restaurant seem more like a shelter for the pilgrims during festive season. There were lots of empty room with a huge plank platform for resting. There were 1 or 2 more luxury rooms with thin mattresses. This restaurant cum shelter can easily fit over hundred of people.

The lunch seemed to be the worst provided by our many tour package agents. We got the usual dishes but tasted the worst. For starter we have deep fried spring roll and French fries. For main course, we were served with stir fried cabbage, stir fried chicken with onion and lemon grass, deep fried tofu and deep fried fish with white rice. As usual, most Europeans or Australians would praise that the meals were excellent when in fact, they got all the flavors from the additional soy sauce they have requested from the waiter. Half bowl of soy sauce sauce for 1 bowl of rice.

After our lunch, we quickly made a detour to the silver pagoda. This was one of the newest and best maintained temple I have seen in Vietnam. This temple seemed to have element of Chinese and Japanese architecture. The shiny red pillars and windows were astonishing Chinese while the pagoda and it's roof edge were like the Japanese. Under the blue sky, the silver pagoda just stand out. It was a satisfying spot for photographer like myself.

Finally it was time to head back. We got on our sampan again and the ride back was more comfortable as it wasn't that hot. The sunset view from the bus over the paddy fields was mesmerizing. It was a nice short excursion but lots of time spend on travelling. I was too tired that I felt asleep on the bus after witnessing the sunset.

We asked for a drop off at the lake area. We intended to head to KFC for dinner...just curious of their menu in Vietnam but this short detour turned out to be a disaster strike. HJ's camera was stolen from her back on crowded street. Lucky for her purse and passport were in safe. Anyway we decided to lodge a police report. Finding a police station was a challenge to us. The word 'police' was not common here. We finally learnt it from a hotel reception.

Arriving at the police station, our communication skills were put to challenges. No one seem to understand what exactly we were speaking. Only 1 young officer could clearly say 'I know. I know' when we asked if anyone speak English. Those were the only 2 English words from him. After long hand and body gesture communication, they finally got our intention and as usual they were reluctant to take our case.

They asked for hotel contact and got the hotel staff over to talk us into dropping the case. They told us that the camera can not be recovered. Cost incurred on us would be more that what the camera worth...guess they meant they were expecting some bribe to get those officer to hunt the culprit down. We didn't felt bad over the remark for this was not something new we learn about Vietnam and it wasn't our country after all. We were pissed when the hotel staff tried to condemn our country by comparing his friend murder case in Malaysia. Though he may be true to certain extend but when you hear it from him, you just get pissed off.

We have no choice but to drop the case. We headed back to our hotel while searching for food but have no luck. We ended our day with dinner at Hue where we bumped into a Korean with her local friend. They were so nice to show us the right way to wrapped our BBQ meat. Another 鬼佬凉茶, Hanoi beer!

For more photo, please refer to fb

19th Oct 2010: 3 falls in a day

2010-12-07T22:04:00.002+08:00

We started our day with a healthy and filling complementary breakfast from Thai Binh. We were served with egg omelet/scramble egg with French bread with local coffee/tea at Thai Binh Hotel. I have tea as I was coughing very badly and have bad sore throat. Decided not to put up fight against my throat.

Hien met us at 9pm. We quickly finished our breakfast, checkout from the hotel and on our feet towards the valley. Not to forget to mention here was the magically treat of Cinnamon stick. Hien introduces us to the Cinnamon stick. It was almost 1cm thick...guess tenth fold of what we normally use in kitchen back at home. He said that this spice can cure sore throat. So I got my share. It has mild sweetness and a little menthol and anesthetic effect...cooling and a little numbness. I proved to be at help for me.

The moment we stepped out of the hotel, we were swarm by the ladies in black/blue. The scenario was as though as we are honey and bees are all after us. The early of our journey was along tarred road downhill to the valley. The scenery of the valley from the high up was good. I could imagine that it would be better if the crop has yet to be harvested. Anyway it still worth our visit here. Along the way, we passed by the Rose Valley. It was empty as well all the flowers have been harvest for the Women Day.

Along our way, we met a lot of LIB. There were old and young. Some were too young to sell but yet she could still carry along a baby on her back. These children are really poor and forced to skip school over few dollars each day. :S We came across a pair of siblings that were farming on steep hill side, could be about 45 degrees. At one point, he almost slipped and some shouted out in fear for him. After about 4km, we started to dive on a muddy path.

I didn't have difficultly hopping around avoiding the mud spot and natural fertilizer until a steep slope. I tried my best to descent slowly but with my nike air sneaker, it was not helpful at all as compared to their rubber slipper. On the muddy path, my sneaker turned out to be a ski board. the narrow lines were filled with mud. So there I slipped and fell. Quickly, I was back on my feet again.

Then my 2nd fall followed, it really hurts. My reflex system did exactly like what KS done during our Balik Pulau field trip. I held my camera high and allowing myself to fall hard on my buttock. It hurts this time. After the 2nd fall, I decided to keep my camera safe in bag. Looking at my 2nd humpty dumpy fall, Hien offered to carry my precious camera for me.

I continued the rest of my hike with her help...shitly I fell again at another narrow and steep path. Ouch...my buttocks!

After 1 and a half hour and 3 falls, we finally arrived at flat land. By then we have already arrived in the Black Hmong Village. She showed me her house from far, it seem simple and small in between those paddy fields. So after purchasing some pricey souvenir from her, we bid farewell.

We finally stopped at a local operated restaurant by the river side. That meal was remarkable. It top our list of worst meals in Vietnam. The noodle soup has very strong meat smell despite having pork only. The pork taste 10x smellier than what we usually have. I have to force myself to swallow the noodle dry...avoiding the meat, soup and the bad aroma from it.

After the noodle, we were back on track. On our way through the village, we passed by a primary school and hospital. Those children were worries free. They just love his company. The remarkable part of the hospital was the small steel box right outside, looked like a post box, hanging on the pillar was in fact a condom distributor point. The government gave out free condom and encourage them to use it to curb their over populated issue...Bravo! This project should also include STD transmission prevention into its' objective.

Moving on into the 2nd village, there were less LIB. Most ladies are dressed in bright colour. This village also seem less crowded and has more business opportunities. There were many shops selling locally crafted souvenirs. There were also slight change in terms of the architecture, more cement and concrete were used.

At the end of our trek, we passed by another primary school and a community hall. Those ladies and children seemed to be enjoying their time around their family members there. We headed back to our hotel at Sapa along steep and narrow winding road.

Then we were back in Thai Binh to collect our luggage and head to the Hoang Ha Hotel for shower. Glad that our agent already made arrangement for us to have shower there. It was so nice to have hot shower without have to worry about burning the hotel down. Then it was another less delighting meal at that hotel.

By 6pm, we left Sapa on a packed van through winding road downhill. Thanks to the reckless driver, I experienced the latitude sickness...my ear almost burst and I almost throw out. We reached Lao Cai at about 8pm and have to wait long till our train SP4 arrived at the station.

So this was my day. After the 3 falls, my whole body ached and hurts. I have to resort to take the lower deck in hope for a comfy sleep.

For more photo, please refer to fb

18th Oct 2010: First minority tribe village visit

2010-12-05T23:17:00.001+08:00

Even with the late departing, we still managed to make it to Lao Cai before dawn. We were alerted of our arrival minutes before the train stopped at the station. It was a quick packed up.

In the station, we were received by our driver. There were ten plus other who were with us on the bus. The scenery uphill was good. It kept getting nicer as we travel further up.

After an hour long bus ride along winding road uphill. We finally arrived at the Hoang Ha Hotel. We ate our breakfast at the hotel. The buffet was rather simple, fried noodles, fried rice, noodle soup and deep fried eggs. It wasn't to our liking, not because lack of variety but due to the tasteless dishes. The coffee was disappointing too...tasted like burned charcoal. We were thankful for not settling with this hotel as suggested by Anh during our reservation.

Then our guide, Hien came over to our table and introduced himself. He was a young man at about our age and with a smiley face. His command of English was much better than those that we have met in Hanoi this far. He then got his friend to take us to our hotel which I guessed was about half km away from where we were. So with big luggages, we braved the road under the light drizzle.

We didn't know what to expect from Thai Binh Hotel until it was within our sight. Looking through the wide glass door gave us all a relieve and a smile on our face. My first impression was this was a small cozy and warmth hotel. It was a narrow 4 story high hotel. It stood out among others with a natural tone furniture. The white wall looks best with the maple or perhaps white oak wood ceiling and reception counter. I love the fireplace too. Nice to sit beside it.

We got into our room, 302 but later to discover that we have got ourselves 3 rooms instead of 2. So I moved to 303. The room was as cozy as the reception. Each room was equips with a fireplace and an electric heater. The window opens to the pine tree wood behind the hotel. It was so simple yet very comfortable.

Then by 10am, we were back at the lobby to meet Hien. We headed to the Cat Cat Village. We were surrounded by many Black Hmong ladies along our winding journey down the valley. Their English were generally good and understandable. It was surprising that these ladies can speak way better than men in the city. Perhaps their encounter with foreign tourist really change their way of life. They were selling their handmade crafts.

Cat Cat Village is resided by the Hmong tribe. It was down in the valley about 4km away from the Sapa Town. It seemed that this tribe actually shares the same ancestry as the 苗 in China. We have a pleasure time hiking with Hien. We talked about so many things and learned that his hometown was actually under the flood water too. Other than the side talk, we learned the meaning of tea leave hung outside of the Hmong house. It symbolized solemn event in that family and guests were not welcome.

We walked through the paddy fields and houses to arrive at the breath taking Cat Cat Waterfall. It was a great spot for photographing but sadly my batteries were flat :-( The waterfall was our last site of the hike of the day. We hike up the valley and continued to the town on a charted army jeep. We were too exhausted after the bumpy night ride.

We have our yummy lunch at a conducive restaurant by the hill sight. The local dishes were yummy. After the late lunch, it was free time for us to wonder around and to rest. We walked back to our hotel but with a few pit stop. We could not help but to get attracted to the local pastries shop. Those chocolate tarts were so tempting. We did another stop at the Sapa Market. The minority tribes stores were all manned by ladies. They were all so busy sewing their traditional clothings and weaving. Impressive to see that the government gave them so much... assuming that they got it free...hahaha. We were back in hotel after buying few XL size fruits :D

I wanted to hike up to the Ham Rong Mountain but just couldn't get enough strength to go further. By the time I have enough of recharge, it was close to 5pm. It was getting dark and the hike up the hill seem like a mission impossible. So instead, we headed down to the the market. Glad that we all returned with bags and bags of triumphs. Shopping could be one of the best activities on a cold day.

We were back in hotel and waited patiently for Hien's pickup. He arranged for a Vietnamese meal in an Italian Restaurant. Again, the environment was very comfy. After the meal, it was shopping time again and again I returned with bags loaded. I got my best buddies sleeping bags. These were the best gift ever and I was sure we would be using them pretty soon.

Back in the hotel, it was hot shower time. I enjoyed mine but sadly the HJs got traumatized after a nearly blown off experience they got from the gas powered heater. The flame indicator was scary. We ended our night with Heineken beers, cookies and our chocolate tarts over few card games.

For more photo, please refer to fb

17th Oct 2010: Museum of Ethnology & Old Quarter

2010-11-29T20:11:00.002+08:00

Another early day on backpack. We were served with fresh French loaf with fried egg and a cup of Vietnam coffee at hotel. It was worth every cent spend in the hotel.

This was a packed day within the Hanoi City. Our first site of the day was the Museum of Ethnology. It was about 10km from where we stay. We hailed for a cab and speeded through the busy street of Hanoi. We arrived at the Museum at about 10am. Based on review online, we decided to check on the outdoor display and continue indoor if we have time left as those at outside seem more appealing and interesting. First we headed to the largest minority tribe house in the museum, the Cham House. It was a well organized compound with little huts with each serving certain people of the family and for specific purpose. The walls were made from earth and wood combination and the structures were slightly raise above ground.

Then it was hideout at the Ede House. The rain was very heavy forcing us into the house for about 30 mins. Ede House was pretty much like our 'Rumah Panjang'. It was a long house for the whole of the community. The most remarkable part of the house was the awkward shape on the staircase at the front. It seemed to me like boobs, non functionality, for decoration purpose only.

Then we headed to the Water Pavilion right in front of the Viet House. The water puppet show seemed less interesting due to the lack of maintainance. Those puppets' colour faded and the water was full of green moss. So we left half way through the performance to visit the Viet House. It was a concrete made structure with wooden door frame and a over 1 feet of obstacles.

Next in our list was the most interesting building, Bahnar Communal House. It was a high platform, high roof community hall for Vinh Quang commune. However I didn't get why they made it so hard to get into it. Beside the Bahnar was the obscene Giarai Tomb. We were not aware of it being a tomb and forgive our shallowness for taking it as a place to make out looking at the building was surrounded by obscene sculptures.

got what drives us to conclude that way yet?

We continued on the Yao, Hmong and Hanhi House. From our visit, we could conclude that the minorities' houses were very simple and lacking. All made of earth, wood and bamboo. Everything was done under the same roof. It was their stores, their bed, their kitchen and workplace. Many were lacking of windows too. Perhaps windows were harder to make and most probably a luxury to them. There were a pottery workshop within the compound too. Some exhibits were great and were made by local children. No wonder they have so much of masterpieces available for tourist to carry home each day.

We ended our trip with the yummy chocolate tart purchase at the Museum Cafe. No wonder so many people recommended this cafe on the internet. The tart was indeed delicious. The crust were thin and have the correct hardness. We got a fruits tart and opera cheese cake too. These 2 were ok. I preferred the chocolate tart better.

Finally we got back to our hotel to meet up with HJs and to learnt that we each has been robbed off USD4. We each has to pay USD4 for a short shower. We have previously agreed on USD12 but when he learnt that we have 5 pax rather than 3, he was quick to remake his calculation. So just for that 10 minutes shower per person, we were made to pay USD20. For that price, I think we most probably can get a full body massage ready :S

So after meeting up those girls, we continued our exploration. We went to the Hoan Kiem Lake aka Sword Lake. This lake is believed to home an endangered species of long soft shell turtles but no luck. I detected none of them. If I did I would most prob be the luckiest person on earth since last detected in year 1997. Anyway I preferred the night view of the lake better with those colourful neon lights and the cooling breeze. It was hot and worsen by the water reflectance. Luckily they have lots of shady trees along the lake side.

The Ngoc Son Temple sitting in Jade Island at the Northern side of the lake was connected to the shore on the bright red lake. The temple's architecture and build up was pretty similar to any Chinese Temple back at home. Red was always the theme colour with paintings and sculptures of the 4 sacred animal sat on all corners. Opposite the entrance to the temple was the less interesting Martyrs' Monument.

We continued our exploration into the old quarters...heading to the Dong Xuan Market. This was where I bought my pirated North Face smallest backpack. It was really cheap n worth every dongs. Backpacks were incredibly cheap...1 got 1, SY got 1 and SL got 2...shopping Queens! I thought I would have buy more if Dong Xuan has the same to offer as Ben Thanh. I could not get coffee here :-( and the food section was rather small.

Finally we rushed back to our hotel for our 10 minutes shower before our check out time at 5pm. Sadly we ended up being fool by the taxi driver. It was supposed to be few hundred meters of straight road then a right turn and continue straight for 1 or 2 more km only but he ended up taking us round and round in the opposite direction. There was no way he didn't know the direction when we newbies can easily walk around with that map. We kept telling him he was in wrong direction but he kept telling us he needed to make that turn...:S

After the damn pressure 10 minutes bathing time, we checked out from our room. We left our luggage behind and went hunting for food. The hotel reception counter was man by a friendly lady. We consulted her and found out that we are actually on the food street. She recommended us a couple of stalls next door. Finally we settled with the Net Hue. This was a lovely restaurant with air conditioned sitting place. They served real yummy local dishes. I ordered a grilled pork dish served with vegetables and vermicelli, 'Cuon thit Nuong', rice cake with shrimp, 'Banh Ram it nhan tom' and fried banana & coconut milk dessert, 'Che Chuoi'. I loved them very much! This would most probably be our best dinner here. Looking forward to discover more great place to eat.

After dinner, we walked along the Silk road again. We just have too much time to till until 8pm when Anh was supposed to picked us up. We waited from 7.45pm till 8.30pm when he finally showed up. We have a great conversation with our hotel reception lady again...talking bout travelling, schooling and etc. Anh arrived and walked us to the taxi...oh not to forget, then bakery nearby our hotel was great. They sells some interesting French pastries. We got ourselves some French macarons, almond crisps and chocolate cookies for supper in train.

We boarded our train to Sapa at about 9.30pm. Luckily we got the compartment to ourselves. 5 in a 6 beds compartment so that we could have some privacy. The bed was rather hard and the space above was limited. The higher the bed the narrower the space was. It was the opposite in India. As usual I was on the top berth. It was more difficult than I imagined. It was super bumpy and hot...the AC seemed to aim the lower berth...omg! With that condition, I was awaken every now and then....tired!

Today was less interesting due to much waiting time and less sight seeing time. Definitely hope that my bumpy sleepover was worth the scenery in Sapa. Looked forward to Sapa.

For more photo, please refer to fb

16th Oct 2010: Reminder of India and Saigon

2010-11-29T00:29:00.000+08:00

It was a late night flight on the night before. All thanks to the reschedule by our low cost air travel provider, Air Asia. We initially booked for 9pm flight but were rescheduled to 11pm and due to the late arrival of previous flight, our flight only took off at close to 12am.

By the time we arrived in Tune Hotel, LCCT, it was already 1am. It was a short nap before waking up at 4.30am and be in LCCT at 5.15am. We were all seated on the hot seat beside the emergency exit. I loved my 14E seat. It has ample of leg space to give the extra comfort. Our flight took off at 6.40am and we arrived in Noi Bai International Airport on time. The immigration clearance was pretty quick as the crowd in the airport was less. However the baggage was rather slow. We waited for half an hour to collect 2 luggages.

The first impression that I got of the Hanoi City was the people was less friendly as compared to their famous business hub, Ho Chi Minh. We asked for whereto and howto get to our hotel but were offered with overprice taxi services instead. Taxi services offered at counter could go up to USD38 when it was actually USD15 only. We asked for a map each just in case we got separated at times but were given only 1 unclear photocopied map. I could recall how friendly the ground staffs in Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh were. Previously we did not have any difficulty in getting tourism information of the city. Read about my last experience flying into Vietnam at here. Anyway I hoped it will be better when we get to city later.

After hunting around the airport, we finally caught a taxi right in front of Vietnam Airlines taxi stand at USD15 as suggested. We arrived at APTez Hotel at about 10.30am. The hotel was situated at Tong Duay Tan. It was along a hidden alley with lots of food stalls and motorcycle parked by the side. We were greeted by the hotel's friendly staffs. We were thankful for being allowed to check in early. We were given the VIP room, 503 on the 5th floor(the Asian way of counting). The room was clean and spacious. 2 things which I was uncomfortable with were the blue lighting on the plaster ceiling and lack of elevator for a 6 stories high building.

We dropped our luggages in the room, freshened up and headed down to our first destination of the day, the Presidential Palace. En route, we looked for decent local food stall but found nothing. We finally settled with Joma Bakery Cafe, a western cafe. Nice food with excellent environment, nice hideout place from the noise pollution from the crazy traffic of the city. The roads were crowded with motorcycles and all equipped with annoying horn. As usual, I could not understand why horn was used every now and then.

We continued walking under the light drizzle along Dien Pien Phu, passing the Le Nin Park, Flag Tower and our Malaysian Embassy. It was a pleasure walk ignoring the noise and the crazy traffic. The huge trees lining along the both side of the road and colourful lantern and decorative item used for the city millennial celebration made the walk an interesting one.

The Ba Dinh Square was half under renovation. We could only watch it from far. Then we stopped in front of the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum to admire the exterior of the Russian style architectural. We walked ups and down looking for ways into the Presidential Palace and the Stlit house. The officer stationed there were not helpful with poor command of English. We finally figured out that the stilt house was closed for lunch till 2pm from the 2 officer we bumped into.

We decided to head to the famous One Pillar Pagoda first before turning back to the Stilt House. The One Pillar Pagoda was nice but I was expecting something more magnificent since it was highly recommended by many sources. It turned out to be a 2m x 2m temple to house few goddess on the water surface. The temple was supported by a pillar of 1.25m in diameter. As I was busy on the camera, both SL & SY were looking at sourvenirs. They were offered prices in all different currencies which includes 人民币, 台币 but never 马币 was mentioned. I guessed our presences were rare in Vietnam.

Moving on, we headed to the Ho Chi Minh's Museum. It was situated beside the Pagoda. According to our old guide book, the museum resume after lunch at 1.30pm but it was incorrect. We sat by the museum and waited patiently with few other visiting groups, giving our aching legs some time to recover. However when time came, we decided to skip this from our itinerary as we have few other more interesting place to go. So we went back to the HCM's Vestige In the Presidential Palace Area. This area housed the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House and HCM living quarter as well as HCM's used cars garage. It was a nice green garden with a private lake in the heart of Hanoi.

Then we walked along Ong Ich Khiem into Son Thay. We passed the Hung Vuong and then turning into Hang Chao, the screw and electrical appliances street. We got a detour round the Temple of Literature. Stepping into the temple felt like stepping into another world. It was ambiance, all green and no worry about eye sore sight like we have seen in other part of the city. I found lots of comfort in there. I loose myself for a moment here while busy rubbing the head of those tortoise in hope for academical luck. This was surely one of the best attraction in Hanoi.

We continued our journey under the rain, heading to the weekend market within the Old Quarter. On our way, we passed by the wet market along the Ngo Si Lien. There were a lot of light snacks being sold there but we were not daring enough to try on our very first day here. We only tried the fried maze fritter. Seeing BBQ dog sold in the market freak most of us off. I wished I could have the courage to try it on.

We went to the restaurant nearby our hotel for a late tea. I got my first dessert and a beef noodle. Both were so so. Then we stopped by our hotel to ask for clearer direction to the weekend market. The reception highlighted the route for us on the map and we then left.We walked westward along the Silk street, Hang Bong. We arrived at the Hang Dao way too early. Most of the night market merchant has not started their business yet.

We walked to the lake instead. It was nicely lid with colourful neon lights. So much effort being place to make this a community leisure spot as well as a tourist spot.
Then we head back to the night market We walked and walked. The night market seemed endless. We were hungry but we did not see any food around. So we decided to diverge out of the night market street. We ate a yummy chicken Pho at Hang Khoai.

We were so exhausted. We were back in our room at about 10.30pm and I slept at 12 after a can of Ha Noi Beer. It tasted a little bitter but worth every dong. 10,000d/RM1.50 for a can of beer was too tempting.

This was a great day to start our trip. It could be much better if it was dry.

For more photo, please refer to fb

Online photo printing service by eoe Online : Part II

2010-11-28T15:23:00.011+08:00

This is my follow up review for eoe Online photo printing service.

Software : After my last review I continued to explore on the other order method. Their Photo Express Software was great. The uploading feature was pretty similar to its online version but in a better manner. It did the printing size checking prior to upload. Alerting you on the poor quality prior to your upload and so you can avoid wasting time on those photos which you would end up not developing them. Besides, it was also cool to resize all the photos to the sufficient size prior to the upload. With this, you can actually save some time avoiding oversize image upload. As a whole this is a user friendly application, easy to install and simple to use. Score : 5/5 (*this scoring does not take the editing capability into consideration)

The assessment page prior to upload...all my downloaded photos from FB is red out ever for 4R. I am cool with the poor quality as I was only fond of the memories.

I received my 1st order and thanks eoe Online for the kind give away :D. Here is my after printing review.

Timely : I sent in my order on 23 Nov under their Blogger Review Program. The order was confirmed and processed on that very same day. My photos arrived on 25 Nov. That was very fast. Bravo to the proactive response team. Score: 5/5

Packaging : It was delivered on the SkyNet courier system. It arrived overnight. The packaging was handled with care with double seal plastic Skynet bags, no worries about damaged by water. The 4 R photos were nicely placed into the albums. I usually prefered the developer not to insert my photos into their albums as the glossy finish is very prone to fingerprints and smudges but they have managed this well. Perhaps they did the insertion with the help of photo cloth or some fine gloves. The 8R packaging was ok. They have placed the 2 photos into a big transparent bag with a hard paper board in between and finishing it with neatly taped side to keep the photo in place. Score: 4.5/5 (I suggest they offer an option to pack the large photo into a card folder for those who didn't intend to transfer them into albums. This give a more professional appearance compared to a plastic bag with a hardboard. Anyway this is an extra. If they are to offer that, then I will definitely say they are more than 5...perfetto!)

Value for money : You don't have to wait till 31st of every month or specific time of the year for such a promo price. In fact they are one of the lowest I can get in town and best that you don't have to run to the stall twice to get them develop. Score : 5/5

Printing quality : I was a little disappointing with some of the printings. It seemed like they did some contrast adjustment to my photos. Those lovely outdoor photos turned out worse of the whole album. The bright blue sky looked like overexposed white while the earth tone skin was nearer to overshadowed spot. I strongly suggest them to give an option to user on whether auto colour adjustment are needed or not on their photos. I understand that general user need to have their photo to be fine tuned to look more appealing but it is definitely not for photography lover. Please make an option for this. Make it default in your application to auto adjustment and I believe many photo lover out there like myself will know to disable it by our own choice and this will save your time too. Score : 3.5/5

some photos look ok...this is one of the best due to the original colour contrast was not so much different. Tuning the contrast would not give such a huge impact. They did change the WB a bit and it turned out fine. I didn't mind having the original colour too as it tells my story...the sun just set and it will be dark in minutes

this is the worse. It was very lively but turned out that I was like in a bush with some dying roses...so dead! The bright green and striking yellow turned out to be in dirty green and brownish yellow

thanks to the contrast adjustment, my skin was full of blemishes. The earth brown barrel turned out to be plain brown. The blue scarf under lime light became very white.

I love the photo but not the print. The green early summer leaves appeared to be early autumn and worse that I lost all the blue sky and cloud details.

I am upset with this. I love this very much which is why I got this printed out in 8R. I hate the print out. First is that they cropped my photo and second was the auto contrast. Needless to comment more :S

Conclusion : I will give them 4/5. They are good for general use. To tackle my photo kakis, they need to enable the non auto adjustment for us.

I still have 183 more photos in my folder waiting to be printed and I am looking forward to their non auto adjustment option before I proceed. I will just drop them my suggestion and hope that I do not offend them...this is nothing personal.

Online photo printing service by eoe Online

2010-11-22T21:02:00.009+08:00

My friend has introduced me to eoe Online for quite sometime but I have not tried this out just because I have the wrong perception of how troublesome it can be. I was obviously wrong till the moment I decided to get a sponsor for my digital prints and hence giving this provider a try.

Here are the steps that I have gone through to place my order.

1. Registration

Registration was pretty simple but please read the terms and conditions. There were 2 clauses which made me uneasy.

Security risks
Please note that transmissions to and from this website may be intercepted and modified by third parties. Files obtained from or through this website may contain computer viruses or other defects.

No liability
In no event shall eoe Online, its employees or associates be liable for loss or damage that may arise from the use of this website or information available at this website. Nor does eoe Online take any responsibility for the information contained in eoe Online’s website. Any advice is to be used at your discretion.

I have concern about my personal information leak as well as my IPs. I did not understand the need of IC No during registration and strongly suggest that the service provider to remove this field from their registration form. Why bother to keep an information which has no use and may cause so much heboh later? DOB matching is a good enough method to validate individual identity.

In terms of monetary, I didn't have confidence over their credit card payment as it was done through a local company name Commerce Payment Sdn Bhd. Reputable provider like the PayPal and SecurePay are always my preferred choices. Anyway the best choice for me at the moment was the bank in option.

2. Made printing order

There are 2 ways of uploading your photos to be developed. Option 1 would be using the no install option, the Easy Upload Online tool. I will review on the option 2, installation required option, Photo Express Software later.

The Easy Upload Online uses simple activeX upload photo widget.

My average upload speed was 42KB/s. Hence averagely time needed for me to upload a 1MB photo was less than a minute.

I was not even bothered to resize my photo. However if your line was not as broad as mine, you may want to opt to resize to ~0.5MB (600 x 800 dpi) for a 4R print. You may need larger resolution for larger printing. The online too does provide a check on the end of the order to ensure the printing quality but it is best if you can resize up front and not waste your time uploading on your narrowline. I think this feature is good to serve as a reminder.

Upon upload completion, you will have to choose the printing size. The printing size can be made applicable to all photos or you may update 1 by 1. I prefer to apply all the default before I specifically modified few to certain size of my choice.

3. Payment

Next up was the payment page, as mentioned earlier in this post, I did a bank in payment and dropped them details of my payment and my order was complete. Now I will wait for few days before the printing reaches my hand.

Do come back to learn about the other order method and the printing quality!

For more info about eoe Online, please visit http://www.eoe.com.my/en/

Withdrawn Raya Advertisement

2010-11-21T00:08:00.000+08:00

I was not aware of this advertisement until recent forwarded email with this clip attached and titled Iklan Raya TV3 yang ditarik balik. I didn't bother to read the content of the email and went straight to the video. When I first watched it, I was marveled. The advertisement was a breakthrough. It was fantasy like and different from all the previous ads.

I have to admit that the flying beca and the pak cik did reminded me of Santa and his sleigh. But I was not so sure what drove them to withdraw the advertisement. So I went back to the forwarded email and read the content.

It seemed like a group of pro-Islam was accusing that the ad contained non-Islamic element and demanded immediate removal. I did agree with them on the non-Islamic element but personally I thought it wasn't such a big deal. I bet no Malaysian who has access to TV service has not seen any of Santa scene or Siddharta Buddha...oups, I did not even detected the Buddhism and Hinduism lotus until being highlighted by this group of minority.

I think this advertisement is cool for it managed to demonstrate the true cultures of 1 Malaysia. True 1 Malaysia shall be a culture which represents part of past and future of each Malaysians regardless of the ancestry background. It's time for us to unite and we all know that unity begins with tolerance, acceptance and assimilation in you and me!

Live from Vietnam

2010-10-19T09:34:00.002+08:00

This is my 4th day in Vietnam as well as my last in Sapa.

Back in Vietnam for the second time reminded me of my 66 days in India. The non stop sound of horn and crazy traffic are so familiar. Bargaining too is remarkable in this trip. I slashes price like no body's business. All thanks to the alligators here. They can easily markup their merchandises by 10X. Anyway I never expect to buy so much in shortly 4 days but glad that I did. LY, PS, VH and Stella will love it. 100% sure of that.

Looking forward to my visit to minority tribe in awhile. It is going to be a tiring 7km walk.

Tschüss!

Last update before holiday

2010-10-14T10:59:00.004+08:00

I have been quite sometime since I update my blog. So I decided to give an update before I fly off for my holiday this weekend.

Some spammer just annoyed me and so I decide to remove my cbox here.

Moving on on other updates,

My master prog - status unknown. Result is not out yet. Can't tell I will continue on or just stop after sem 1. If I fail, then likelihood is I will quit the program and repay my company for the 1 semester fees. If I pass, likelihood is that I will graduate in 2 or not more than 4 yrs time.
Work - tiring and demanding as usual with a lot of uncertainty factor. I can't tell when is my last day but item 1 above may be the 1 of the many driving factor.
My new home - just moved in into my bro's new house. Got a comfy bed and at a more strategic place to stay in. I now need less time to travel to and from office daily. This equate to better living quality. On my new house, the construction is progressing very well. The house is almost 80% completed. However I hoped that it will not be completed so soon. I need more time to save for my renovation fund.
Leisure activities - I have less time for photographing and editing. However I did a lot of reading on these topics. Looking forward to capture great moments in Vietnam. While on the craft work, I did spend few hours creating 1 and a half monkeys. I will need to go buy more to complete them.
Dream gadget - I want and need an iPhone 4 so badly. My poor memory needs an external support. I have kept forgetting about my early morning and late night meeting. But as usual I have financial constraint. So it will depends on the status of item 1 as well. If I do not repay the fees, then I can probably afford 1 very soon.
Holiday plan - Trip to Vietnam is my last confirmed holiday. Wished I could afford another next year but with all those commitment, it is difficult. Japan and Australia are missions impossible now. Asia countries are difficult as well. :S :S :S

Looking forward to my holiday.

Phobia

2010-09-30T22:23:00.005+08:00

After a year in elementary, 6 years in primary, 5+2 years in secondary and 4 years in tertiary, I have not face such a fear before.

Shortly 5 month in my postgraduate, it was time for final exam. Some how I grew to have exam phobia. I am not sure if it was due to my lack of confidence or due to the fact that I am going to fail looking at my poor carry mark and my incompetence. My financial status made my scenario worse. If I am to fail, then I will most probably have to quit and repay my company for the sponsor.

Anyway thank god that I have finally finished the 2 papers. I did try my best. Now I can only pray for miracle.

Close to drown

2010-08-26T20:50:00.004+08:00

To much of distraction at a time. I could not concentrate. This song totally spell out my feeling now.

11th July 2010: Goodbye Korea!

2010-08-22T23:57:00.000+08:00

It has been years since I last stayed up all night long. Song and I spent so much time together for the past hours.

Finally in the morning, we got ready for our last breakfast together....more kim chi for the last time :D. We finally departed for Incheon Airport at about 8.30am and arrived at about 9.30am. There were long queues at the check in counters. We quickly checked in our luggage. I was thankful for the extra baggage allowance. My luggage weighted 31.7kg and it was checked in straight all the way until Penang without additional charges on me....yahoo! We bid farewell to Kim and Song and headed to our gate. It was such a waste that we didn't have time for the KAL Golden Lounge or time to admire the world class airport.

We boarded MH067 and flew straight back to Kuala Lumpur. This time the business class was completely full but I was too tired and slept on most of the time. We finally arrived in Malaysia at close to 4pm. I bid farewell to the other folks and headed to the Golden Lounge. I continued my flight back to Penang and arrived home at close to 9pm.

These 10 days were very exciting. I got to see the world and enjoyed world hospitality.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

10th July 2010: Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

2010-08-22T22:44:00.004+08:00

This was my 9th day in Korea.

In the morning, we had a very satisfying breakfast prepared by 대모. Yummy cakes and buns...so much on the table :D. After the breakfast, we followed 대부 and 대모 to do some shopping at the local supermarket. The supermarket has all sorts of things and they were all so fresh. 대모 also showed me tips in buying Korean ginseng and Korean chopsticks set. Thanks 대모 for all those tips! My mother would surely love those ginseng and chopsticks.

In the afternoon, we learnt to cook Korean style vegetarian curry from 대모. There could be so many flavours of curry and I love them all. The Korean style was pretty much the same as the Japanese and Hong Kis style. So nice to cook, eat and wash up together.

After the meal, 대부 and 대모 arranged to bring us Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. I was so excited before our road trip. It felt like I was about to go for a family outing. I missed those days going out with my family members. 대부 and 대모 showed us around the world heritage site and told us about their legend. I enjoyed spending time with them and this ended my homestay experience in Korea.

Then we departed back to Seoul and checked in to Lexington Hotel. It was just a quick stop at hotel to drop our luggage. Then we went shopping at Namdaemun market again. I got a lot of souvenir there at a very good bargain but those guys were even better shopper than me :D

Later we walked to Myeongdong Market and met up with Soomin, Jisu and Cha Hee for another round of pizza as dinner. Another special treat for us again. This was the best pizza we got in Korea. I love their beef pizza. It has my favourite beef chucks and onions on it.

Later at night, we went to Hongdae with Jisu, Cha Hee, Song and Kim for supper. We ordered Shoju, 삼겹살 and another meat dish. They showed us how to make delicious fried rice on the pan. The oil and crust were excellent to make fried rice. The night was still young. We continued on our night walking along Hongdae area. We searched and searched for the ideal club for us but we finally changed to a bar instead. It was an ideal place for us all to chat. We were there until 3am and Park asked us to join him in the hotel.

Park bought us another round of drinks and we continued our night in the hotel room watching the 3rd place World Cup Play-off. This was a fascinating day in Korea with the Koreans. The Koreans really exhibited the true Asian hospitality spirit.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

9th July 2010: Cultural Exchange

2010-08-22T19:37:00.002+08:00

This was suppose to be a very interactive day with a lot of focus on cultural exchange.

We have Yueun, Jisu, Inae, Seolah and Sehee joint us at the "Cross-cultural Awareness Programme" at Miseong Middle School. The school visit was very impressive. The environment was very conducive and with complete facilities, WEE room, art room, music room and all that I could name. The middle school students were very hyperactive too.

Our cultural presentation was not satisfying especially with the non Malaysian culture Chicken Dance and Fruit Salad. Perhaps this was my worse ever cultural exchange event. We have no Malaysian music, no Malaysian dance, no Malaysian food and nothing Malaysian other than 15 of us. I blamed on myself for not getting any posters or promotional items from the Malaysian Tourism offices.

The 2nd exchange program was cancelled. We continued our program with lunch at Mr Pizza Restaurant. This time we got a special pizza to ourselves...yummy bacon pizza but again the salad bar was better. Thanks Kim for the special arrangement!

After the great meal and dropping off the Korean youth delegates, we headed to the Goyang City. It was almost an hour ride to the city. We arrived at the Goyang City for the Home-stay program. We were a little early so we got some time to do shopping. I bought a jacket there...hooray!

Finally back in the city council, we were assigned to our homestay. I was with Gangga and Ain. We were picked up by Mr Jung. Mr Jung and Mrs Jung were a nice mid age couple. They have 2 children but both were not at home. I was really impressed to see how this couple able to show their affections. Mr Jung told us a lot about their family. They have a cosy and comfy home.

Later in the evening, 대모 was so kind to make us home cooked meal despite her busy day at work. She purposely made us vegetarian bibimbap. She mentioned that she did a lot of research online about our eating habit. She cracked her head over the appropriate menu for us. Thanks her for the excellent meal and for teaching us how to make a simple Korean meal.

After the excellent meal, 대부 and 대모 brought us to nearby park. for the nightly Water and Light Show. While waiting for the show to begin, we walked round the park. It was a huge park with numerous theme garden. The locals enjoyed exercising in the park. We enjoyed the show very much. According to 대부, this was the largest scale Water and Light Show in Asia. It lasted about one and a half hour.

We got back to home and retired to bed early after a short chat. This was the earliest day I was on the bed.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

8th July 2010: We could be better

2010-08-22T13:33:00.002+08:00

This was one of the worse day I had in Korea. Firstly, my attire wasn't that appropriate for formal calls. It could be better if we were given the program earlier so I could plan my luggage. Secondly was the silent rooms during official meets in which I was stuck right at the middle and being the attention of both parties. Thirdly, being an interpretor wasn't such an easy job. I would said I did a great job but it was just not enough to please some people.

Our program today started with courtesy call to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. We arrived early at the ministry building and have some time to stroll around but I just wasn't in mood despite the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream right in front. Anyway the time was just too short for any enjoyment.

In the ministry office, we were led into the conference room and greeted by the Korean officers, led by Mr Jeon, Director - General for Youth Policy. The meeting officially began with welcoming speech by Mr Jeon. Then it was the speech by our NL in our national language and direct Korean translation by Bryanna. Thank god for our brilliant cooperation, the translation went well and without the awkward and puzzle stares over NL's pantun. I couldn't recall the complete pantun but it began with "Ayam siam .....". I dropped the words from the pantun but still able to deliver his message well :D

After the speech, it was policy and update on youth development in Korea by Mr Jeon. It was very impressive to see how much effort the policy maker team put together for the benefit of its people. Then it was the most embarrassing question and answer session ever. Some less brilliant guys tossed me a paper filled with a lot of less brilliant questions and commanding me to ask them due to his incompetence to speak in English. I refused and did translation for him instead. So at least I was the one who actually ask those less brilliant questions.

After the meeting we headed straight to welcoming luncheon hosted by the ministry. It was a Korean traditional course. One dish after another...there were so many dishes. However being the translator, I could not get to indulge the meal. I could only swallow quickly, clearing my throat to translate for NL and Mr Jeon. One of the most remarkable statement mentioned was "Anak adalah kurniaan dan takdir Allah. Kita hanya perlu berusaha".

Mr Jeon shared a lot on history of Korea. Being translator was good at time. Just an advice for all national leaders to be, please read up about our national history before heading out. Translators or interpretors should equip yourselves too, just in case your bosses have not done their homework. Thanks to all my pass history teachers or else we would embarrass ourselves!

Later in the afternoon, we attended a courtesy call to the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul. We were greeted by our ambassador and officers. We had a speech by our NL and ambassador both in Malay. So this translator got a breakaway for a moment :D After all the official stuff, we were served with tea. They got us yummy mee goreng and some kuih. Those were good but to be honest, I didn't really missed those as much as compared to the others. I could survive months without Malaysian food, just like when I was in India with those roti all the time.

The last official program of the day was the visit to the Seoul Youth Media Center. I was really very exhausted by then but have no choice to hang on, to listen to every word by our kind presenter and make lines of notes in preparation to fill the Q&Q slot. So I asked my questions and did another round of translation of the less brilliant questions. Anyway the visit to the center was interesting with the photographing session and news broadcasting.

Next was the shopping time at Namdaemun Market, one of the many traditional market in Seoul. It was a quick 40 minutes shopping spree there. I only manage to get 5 pairs of chopstick sets and scouted around for the best souvenir price. I got to do it quick purchases on the next visit :D

After the quick shopping, we went back to Lexington Hotel for a quick refresh then it was dinner at VIP restaurant next door hosted by Mr Yu, Ms Park and Mr Park. We enjoyed the delicacies of the buffet and another chat session with our great host.

In the evening, we got together with Song for drinks. She introduced us to Shoju, local berry wine and local beer. We diluted the Shoju with orange juice and yogurt drink. It was such a great combinations. With the drinks on hand, we talked for hours until wee hours again. Thanks Song!

For more photos,please refer to FB album

7th July 2010: Everything above expectation

2010-08-15T15:29:00.005+08:00

Again we started our day with special customized breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast and checking out, we got on bus and headed to Daejeon Youth Simmer.

We arrived at Daejeon after about an hour and a half. Daniel was so nice to make up to us again. The visit to Daejeon Youth Simmer has been very meaningful. The center provided shelter, food and education as well as counselling service to the run away youth. As this nation practices more open and confrontational discussion, problems are always addressed earlier and solutions are being made in time. The policies and facilities in placed really benefiting the youth. This was how things can be improved and better over years. We surely have a lot to learn from them .

After the field work visit, we went over to the Pizza Hut for lunch. The pizza was good but the free flow salad from the salad bar was better. I love the sweet potato salad and the pumpkin salad as well as the noodle salad. 1 slice of seafood pizza and a big bowl of salad made my day. The other Malaysian delegates really enjoyed the meal...1 slice after another. :D After meal, we got another round of shopping spree. I got more facial product from Etude House and Skin Food.

In the evening we were back in Seoul. We visited the futuristic Samsung C&T Corporation Raemian Gallery. It was an eye opening gallery. From the bathroom to the outdoor garden, everything was so advance. They even shared with us their future living space model in the sky. I love the idea and hope that it could be a reality and hope that it can get proliferated to Malaysia.

For dinner we got to a local restaurant which served us black soya tofu with purple rice. A healthy main course with lots of traditional side dishes. One of the dish, raw crab was interesting. It was very juicy with little punch from the chili and was very salty. This dish was only bearable when it was served with rice.

After the meal, we went to the Lotte World to catch the Korea top break dance performance. It was the "The Ballerina who Fell In Love with a B-Boy" by Last for One group. It was a humorous performance with great skills and techniques both in break dancing and ballet.

At night, we 3 LIMs and Ganga went out for supper at a nearby road side stall. We have difficulty to make our order but luckily the 2 LIMs could read a menu in Chinese characters and we just pointed on 2 dishes. Later we learned that it was a cut throat hawker when she charged us RM90 for a plate of egg omelet and spicy fried squid. Well none to blame than ourselves. We should have also asked for the price prior to ordering them. Next time I am gonna flash my calculator.

After returning to my room, I got a long pillow talk with Sung. We have so much to talk, share and prank about. It was really great that we have build up so much trust and friendship shortly after days knowing each other. I treasure our differences and may our friendship stay strong forever!

It was another great day in Korea despite the cut throat hawker. Everything else was beyond expectation. Korea has so much to offer, from the laid back temple to the futuristic gallery.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

6th July 2010: Essence of Tourism in Central Region

2010-08-15T13:18:00.000+08:00

So much of cultural highlight in a day.

Our day started with a customized breakfast for us the 3 LIMs. Thanks Kim for being so thoughtful. The eggs and bacons were good but it would be superb if we got to try local style breakfast :D

After the breakfast, we were on the bus heading to Maisan Provisional Park, the Horse Ears Mountain. This was an inspiring Zen park with multiple tapsa or pagoda. No doubt about the attractiveness of the physical appearance of the park but the myth which I just discovered while writing this was even more impressive. It was believed that the pagodas do not fall or sway even at bad weather, the temple was build by a monk with the help of tiger and if one put water into a bowl during the winter, the water freezes into a pole reaching for the sky.

Oh I also learnt some common religious practices in Korea. Never enter a temple using the main door if there are other options, no shoes in the temple (this was not strictly practice in all Buddhist Temple in Malaysia) and drinking the holy water. I wish to be able to join in a Temple Stay in Korean when I come for the 2nd time. I will surely make another visit to this park to see how it transforms between season.

Next was the savoring of my favourite Korean dish, the Bibimbap. I just loved the mixed rice in the stoneware. It has a strong aroma from the formation of thin rice crust at the bottom. The jelly made of the green bean was yummy to go with other vegetables too. It was a perfect meal for the day :D

In the afternoon, we got to craft center where we get accessed to the traditional paper fan making. Each of us were given a paper fan and some raw materials to decorate our own fan. I made a Korean Flag (*with the moon and earth interchanged) on 1 side and simple flower motive on another. It was an interesting session in a Hanok.

After the craft session, we were on foot round the Jeonju Hanok Village. As the name suggest, this small village has 800 traditional Korean house. All unified in the same wood frame and pillars with white wall and earthy tone roof tiles. We also spotted many stoneware used to made and store Kimchi right outside of the house. Kimchi is the must dish all year round for Koreans.

We made stop overs at the Folding Fan Museum, 韩方文化館 which showcase the traditional herbal and medicine, Gyeonggijeon Shrine (did't have time much time. Only manage to pass by the study place as well as the bamboo garden), Jeondong Catholic Church and the Nambu market.

For dinner we got to taste a simple yet tasty bean sprout soup with rice. I always dislike bean sprout due to it's rawly taste but this was nice. The soup was crystal clear and has got the natural sweetness of the bean sprout. The eggs made it thicker and gave the smooth texture while the seaweed and the fermented shrimp gave the saltiness to the soup.

After dinner, we went to the nearby shopping haven with Daniel and JihYun. I managed to get some facial products at Missha and Innisfree...so cheap. 2 other LIMs bought more than me :D Facial products are the best souvenir one can get from Korea. We enjoyed shopping in Korea.

my travel companions...enjoy shopping here...look at my bags

For more photos,please refer to FB album

5th July 2010: Another day at Amusement Park

2010-08-14T17:12:00.005+08:00

We woke up pretty late today. Quickly we got ready and checked out from our hostel and headed to the Caribbean Bay.

There was so much in the water park. No wonder the water park is the world biggest indoor and outdoor park. Needless to say this place was an eye nourishment for our fellow delegations. But for me the park was another entertaining place for me. With the company of my Korean friends, we enjoyed few exciting rides in the park. We spend 2 hours in the pool and again I wished that I could have longer time in the park. Oh...not to be missed to mention, the open bathroom was a norm here. I did the same too but in a much quicker pace :D After the quick shower, we had lunch in the the park. I got a noodle soup with eomuk. Yummy!

Then I was a long bus ride to the Saemangeum Sea Wall en route to Jeonju City. The Saemangeum Sea Wall is one of their mega development project. It involves 400 km² reclamation land. The was ready but the land reclamation is still under process. Even in mid of the project, the Koreans have placed much effort on branding and beautifying it. There are numerous stop-by site for the leisure of the locals as well as for the admiration of the foreign tourists. Bravo!

We finally reached the Jeonju City at about 5.30pm. Our first destination was at a local restaurant where they served really yummy noodles. Kim prepared noodles with fish stock for us. Noodle was my all time favorite. Needless to say, I enjoyed it very much. I loved the mild spicy thick fish stock base. I championed this round. I could finished it despite the serving portion was extra huge and I was the fastest too :P

After the filling meal, we walked to the nearby Gyodong-dawon Traditional TeaHouse. The tea has mild tea scent. It was calming and refreshing to enjoy the tea in such a peace and laid back environment. According to the owner, the tea was best served with wheat cracker but I found it a little too hard. Anyway thanks Kim for showing us how to make and serve the tea!

Finally at close to 8pm, we went and checked in into our hotel for 2 nights, Jeonju Core Riviera Hotel. After days in Korea without connection, finally my room here was connected. I got a PC in my room and I enjoyed facebooking again while watching Korean tv channel :D

After many dry nights in Korea, we finally broke the spell. For the first time we were out at night for a drink. We were introduced to the traditional rice wine called 막걸리, 'Makgeolli'. We took the wine with some Korean dishes and 1 of them was the silkworm. I like the worm's texture. It was unique and tasted much like fish roe. I did tried out the cashew nut ice cream too...

Everything seem so different and I am eager to experience and see more of the differences.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

4th July 2010: A day at the Korean "Land of Festival for 365 days"

2010-07-31T18:12:00.018+08:00

This was the most exciting day in Korea...so much in a day!

We have a free and easy morning in Seoul. Adventurous Sze Wan would not waste any time abroad lingering in the hotel room. :D So early morning I dated the 2 other Lims to join me to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace. However both the Lims just didn't have the fate to witness the palace greatly blessed by heaven.

The front desk personnel was very helpful. He gave me a map and lead me to the palace on public transport. I traveled on subway line 5 from Yeouinaru to Gwanghwamun. It took me close to an hour to get to the palace from our hotel, a short walk from hotel to the Yeouinaru passing the Yeouido Park and the LG twin towers, the subway ride and another short walk along Gwanghwamun Square.

I arrived at the palace minutes before 10am. Got my ticket and digital guide both at close to RM10 each. Reasonable charges...but too bad that my digital guide didn't work out at first, wasted much of my time. I have less than 45 minutes to spend in the palace but I enjoyed my visit. The architecture was impressive. Really a lot of restoration effort placed in maintaining the 6 centuries old palace. I could not find appropriate words to describe the palace but I would name this palace as a must visit place in South Korea.

I rushed back to Lexington after the short visit...took a little break at the Haechi Madang. 'Haechi' is the mascot of Seoul. It guards Seoul citizens by bringing justice, safety and fortune to the people. So before leaving the exhibition, I got myself a Haechi shaped bookmark. May it keep me safe and well at all time.

I got back to hotel minutes after 12. Relieved to discover that I wasn't the last but on the other hand, I felt bad for branding Malaysia wrongly. After awhile we departed to Yongin for one of the Asia most exciting theme park. We experienced a little havoc during lunch distribution. Thank god that they have a little to spare and managed to pull it even.

We arrived at the Everland Resort Home Bridge Cabin Hostel a little bit ahead of schedule. So I got some time to refresh and for our contingent meeting. Oh not to forget to mention, I got a room to myself again :D.

By 3.30pm, we were all in the hall for mini camp. This was the first official meet up with the Mexican and Alzerbaijian delegates. We were suppose to present our country here but as usual, our presentation was ok after a last minute spice up suggested by me. Initially, we were to have our NL to give a short lecture on general and geographical facts about our country and I translate it, we added a simple 'Rasa Sayang' song into the presentation.

After the Three-party Mini Camp I, we were divided into 3 small groups as usual and with the guide of So Young and Gisu, we ventured in the Everland. This was surely one of the most exciting theme park that I have been to. I really scared everyone off. The 1st ride that we were on was the T-express. It is the world steepest wooden roller coaster...hooray!

The park was so huge. We, the adventerous few with the company of Inae and Jisu. Our day in Everland was filled with thrilled and adventurous ride, Double Rock Spin, Rolling X-Train, Hurricane, Amazon Express, Mystery Mansion and Rotating House...hooray! We stopped for dinner at the Holland Village. I loved the Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Chop. As usual the appetizers were provided free, but I wished to highlight their marinated turnip...a little sweet and sour dish and very crunchy.

Besides those adventurous rides, we manage to catch the Moonlight Parade. The nicely decorated and brightly lid flower cars and mascot together with the cheering background song, it was like I am back to my childhood. The most impressive performance in Everland was the Dream of Laciun light, water and fire performance. The scale of the performance was huge but everything was so detailed and precise. The sound effect was good even in an open space. We love Everland and were so reluctant to leave the park for the Three-party Mini Camp II.

Anyway it was a great time at the Mini Camp. For at least we have more opportunity to mingle with the Mexican and Azerbaijan. I guessed it would be a cooler party if we could get some drinks there. The party ended at 11pm...a little too early for us. The night was still young for the 3 LIMs. Initially we intended to join Jungeun for a couple of drinks but we ended up having pillow talk with Souk Hung. So much that we could talk about...so much has been shared...the talk continued till wee hours.

Another extreme and fantastic day in Korea. Glad to have met so many superb Koreans!

For more photos,please refer to FB album

3rd July 2010: Another great museum visit

2010-07-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

Woke up refresh and recharged in this Korean soil. It was a long and interesting day for me.

My day started with breakfast at 8am in the hotel's coffee shop...yummy sausages and sashimi :P After meal, we met up with a group of Korean youth delegates which includes Soomin, our guide to Myeong-dong on the night before.

We were brought to the Seoul COEX, Convention & Exhibition Center. Here we were divided into 3 smaller group and each assigned 1 or 2 Korean youth guide. I was in 3rd group with KB and 3 others and being guided into Seoul Auto Salon Auto Service 2010 by Grace. She spoke fluent English and to my surprise she majored Scandinavian Languages in Hankuk University. Interesting major...wonder if we have this back at home.

Those interior and exterior modifications exhibited at the auto show were nice but i doubt they were legal on road. Nevertheless, the cars were interesting but the models seemed to be more interesting to many. I enjoyed photographing both the cars and models. I really wished if I could grab hold of my 1000D and captured all this great stuffs. Lesson learned, never travel without my DSLR no matter how difficult it is to carry them everywhere.

As we have some time to kill after our visit, we headed to the shopping mall on the basement. Many familiar brands could be found here. We visited a music stores. I discovered that the average price of albums in Korea was almost similar to Malaysia. Even Koreans production was as expensive as in Malaysia too. And I learnt that Wonder Girls, Super Junior and Rain were not that hot in Korea after all. There were much more better ones.

During noon, we headed to ...could not recall what that area was called now. We took our lunch in a typical local restaurant but not the typical Korean dishes. We got toufu as the main dish and few other cold dishes. It was a nice to experience the Korean food using the Korean way, with flat chopsticks and long spoons. Not to forget their rice in stoneware which one could filled it with some water to produce tea like soup for after meal. The environment was nice as well. Our delegates were mingling well with the Koreans delegates. "사랑해요, Sarang he yo" was the most spoken Korean words by the group.

After the meal, we went to the National Museum of Korea. This was the most interesting program of the day. We were give 1 and a half hours in the museum and another hour to watch the summer cultural performance. 1 and a half hours were not enough for KB and I. We have Grace to guide us through the museum and she was pretty good in explaining about their history to us. We could only cover 2 stories out of the 3 stories exhibition hall but we really did enjoyed it. We wished we could have more time in the museum.

At 3pm, we were back at the entrance of the museum to catch the cultural performance. It was interesting to see how they were able to swing the ribbon on their hat so easily and surprise to discover that they too have their version of 舞虎. The performers also sang a traditional folk song.

Next was dinner time again. This round, we got a whole grilled mackerel to go with 밥 Bap...short-grain rice, thick miso and numerous cold dishes. This meal was really enjoyed by everyone.

After the full meal, we were transported to the ChongDong Theater for the Traditional Korean Arts Stage, MISO. We also got to try on the traditional Korean clothing, the Hanbok 한복. We looked gorgeous in it but seriously the head dress was too heavy for me. My head was tilted all the time.

Then at 8pm sharp, MISO began. It was a story about the love of a lady. In that one and a half hours performance, they managed to showcase to us the Korean traditional dance move, musical instruments and narrative song as well as more of their traditional clothings. It was an interesting performance but I was just too tired and at some point some scenes were too long. I actually dozed off at some points but still managed to capture the message of the performance. Blame it on me please!

poster from visitKorea site. No photo shooting or recording was allowed in there :S

It was an interesting day and we have got a lot of interaction with the Korean youth delegates. All of them have very interesting profiles. Grace majoring in Scandinavian languages, Cha Hee did her internship in Sweden, Soomin doing some international relations(Japanese) and many more with unbelievable profiles. Envy of their system. They really do promote diversity but at the same time still preserved their national identity.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

2nd July 2010: Impressive Koreans

2010-07-26T14:30:00.012+08:00

~Written on the Korean soil~

We finally touched down in Incheon International Airport at about 7.30am. The airport facilities was impressive, there were AEDs everywhere. Though it was not as happening as Singapore Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, it deserved the to be in the list of world 5 stars airport ranking by Skytrax with the other 2.

At the arrival hall, we were greeted by the program manager, Ms. Yu, Mr. Park, Mr. Kim and Ms. Sung. They all spoke fluently in English. We were then transported to the Lexington Hotel passing the Incheon City into the Seoul Metropolitan , experiencing the Seoul traffic.

Malaysian delegation with Ms Yu and Mr Park

When we finally reached the hotel, wao....never thought of getting such a luxurious accommodation. It was a 3 or 4 stars hotel and I was lucky to get the room to myself.

After refreshing ourselves, we gathered at the lobby and went to the hotel restaurant for buffet lunch. This was the first hiccups for the Korean. Our fellow countrymen did not eat those food saying that the food was non halal. With all due respect for my friends, especially the one seated in front of me, I didn't eat much as well despite the superb food being laid.

As I was appointed to be the interpreter for our Malaysian delegation, I have to explained our situation to the Koreans and asked for more vegetarian or seafood meals for our team. It was really hard to explain to them on our Malaysian understanding of 'Halal' food. Got to cover the type of meat, slaughtering method as well as the utensil used. :S Just discovered that the middle East Islamic followers were less strict in terms of food selection.

After the meal, we headed to the Seoul Transport Operation and Information Service, TOPIS operation center. This was the control and monitor hub of the transportation system in Seoul. They have a super impressive and well organized system. The system covered managing the subway system and public buses as well as road traffic management. They have CCTV to monitor the traffic flow as well as the monitor regulation violator. Summons could be issued remotely from here. The visit ended with another round of hiccups from our delegation. Some irrelevant questions were asked :S

monitoring illegal parking violation and issuing summons

We got back to hotel at close to 4pm. The original plan to visit to Cheonggyecheon Stream was canceled due tot he heavy rain. Anyway we 3 LIMs managed to sneak out when the rain lessen and before dinner. We walked around Yoido and stopped by the Yeouido Park, a huge green park in business hub. We discovered many interesting signages and landmarks. We even got to try eomuk, 어묵 by a street vendor.

It was in heavy rain when we went out for dinner at a nearby restaurant, 'Spaghettia'. We were served with vegetarian linguine and seafood spagetthi. It was a quick arrangement by Kim to cater to our special needs. Thank him for such a quick respond!

We also got to meet a new Korean friend, Soomin during dinner. She was so nice to guide us to Myeongdong Market after dinner. So this was my first subway encounter in Seoul. We took the subway line 9 from the National Assembly and transited at Dongjak to Myeong-dong on line 4 subway. After the ride I could only conclude that Seoul was really huge. It took us close to 45minutes to get to our destination.

Anyway it was a worth while journey as I enjoyed shopping for facial product there. They were so cheap here, close to half the price they were sold in Malaysia and all the stalls were so generous in giving away freebies and samples. Luckily we only have limited time there if not I could finish all my money in a night :D

The journey back was interesting as well. Thanks to Soomin for those clear instructions and my excellent instinct *got used to traveling alone in foreign places :P, we didn't have any difficulty getting back to our hotel.

As a whole it was a short day but I enjoyed being in a foreign place and to explore the differences. Looking forward for more on the following days and hope that the rain would stop on the following days!

Not to forget to mention about great Korean hospitality. Kim equipped us an umbrella each after learning that we were not prepared for the weather.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

2nd July 2010: Approximately 25,000ft above sea level

2010-07-26T13:35:00.007+08:00

Despite the sucks PDT, I believe this will be a truly enjoyable trip. The PDT started on the 30th in the Kompleks Rakan Muda Mont Kiara. With the lack of planning, we wasted most of our time there. We made full use of our time by doing last minute shopping and got our name card printed.

Our journey from the kompleks to KLIA was really terrible. The bus was in bad shape, moving at average of 10km/h, dragging the wheels all the way to Putrajaya where we were transferred into another bus. We were worried that we would not make it in time :S

Upon our arrival at airport, we headed to the check in counter and glad to leave our extra huge luggage behind. Never on any of my trip abroad, I have such a loaded bag. I would have packed differently if I were being informed about itinerary earlier.

Anyway, there's nothing to worry about the huge luggage as we were flying on business class. For me, it was superb to learn that I was entitled to the MH frequent flyer miles :-). As we are flying on business class, we got to use the golden club lounge. I tried to psycho the team into the terminal earlier so that we could enjoy and indulge there but some suggested that only light meals will be serve there hence we got to stay out till 9pm.

When we finally got into the Golden Lounge, many regretted for having their dinner out. PT and I enjoyed savoring those yummy delicacies and not to forget our refreshing shower after the sweaty and smelly bus ride.

We boarded our flight on time however there was a short delay due to other connecting flights delay. Anyway it was a pleasant flight on a super spacious and comfy seat. My seat could be lowered all the way and still would not caused any uneasiness to the person behind. After the satay at supper and a shot of Tia Maria, I just laid down and dozed off till the time for breakfast a little while ago.

What more can I expect on this trip? Looking forward to Korea. The next post I have will be written on the Korean soil.

감사합니다!

For more photos,please refer to FB album

True Meaning of Exchange Program

2010-07-15T22:27:00.003+08:00

I was in Korea for Korea Malaysia Youth Exchange Program which was jointly organized by Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia and Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Korea. This was my 2nd exchange program abroad. My first was a 2 and half months in India under AIESEC, :-) another cool NGO run by youth and especially for youth development.

As I was not given any prior hiccups on the program itinerary in South Korea and with my tight and tiring schedule at work, I didn't have much time left to do any reading on South Korea culture. I went to South Korea with an open mind and without any expectation.

With this mindset and perhaps with my past experience being in exchange program as well as running the program itself, I could cope with the cultural difference very well. Through my experience, I found many have the wrong perception of cultural exchange program. In my opinion, cultural exchange program was not just a program where people go abroad and shout out loud about their country or parade with their flags.

For the visiting delegates, I personally felt that it was time where we learn by interacting and listening to people. Of course there were times when we should promote our culture to the hosting country but that didn't mean that all our conversations only revolved around my homeland. We didn't need to call for intensive Malay language class. In my case, I did talk a lot about non Malaysia related issues. This didn't mean that I don't love my country; instead it reflected the maturity level and intelligence of general Malaysians.

Secondly I found it very annoying when people were not sincere and honest in their speech and gesture. We all respect each other individually. The best way to make friends is to be honest to each other. There was no need to say you love the food or pretended that you enjoy the food when you didn't even eat them due to religious believe. I would prefer my guest telling me that they couldn't eat them and would prefer an instant noodle instead.

In an exchange program, host country plays an important role as well. It is really a difficult role to play especially dealing with a big group. On one hand, he needs to promote his culture to his guests and on the other hand, he needs to respect their needs and preferences. So it is best for the host to always communicate with his guests to know their cultural acceptance limit as well as their preferences.

As a whole, the Koreans have done a great job in sharing their culture with us while we fellow Malaysians have a lot to brush up on our hospitality way and we seriously need to raise our cultural acceptance level...maybe CCAP program Korea can be adapted here ;-)

Lastly I would like to thank my host especially Kim, Bryanna, Ms Yu and Park for being such a lovely and accommodating host. Not to forget my new found friends, the group of energetic youth delegates from Korea. I enjoyed my stay there very much thanks to you all!

To all my fellow countrymen heading abroad and to all our exchange program hosts to be, please prove to the world that Malaysians no longer live in our own caves. We are part of the global citizens.

Another trip came, another canceled

2010-06-22T21:28:00.003+08:00

From the pretty empty weekend schedule in the last 2 years, my weekends now are demanding and tiring. With my master program on, I can not have much time for myself.

Sob, sob sob...

Then one plan came, another canceled.

Initially my travel plan for this year was

Family trip in Bali on 13 to 19 June 2010
VTSM gals in Hanoi on 16 to 24 October 2010

with 1 or 2 other short weekend getaways

Then suddenly came my business trip to Folsom from 15 to 30 May 2010. As I was just in the transition mode, trying to cope with new work allocation and study, I have to cancel my trip to Bali :-(

I can not make it to join my department in our quarterly teambuilding. It is so not cool to be able to plan and prepare but unable to join in the very activities. So no teambuilding for me on the 26 June 2010.

And now, I got selected to represent our country to Korea in the Malaysia - Korea International Exchange Program from 2 to 11 July 2010. I will have to skip 2 more weeks of class and a little more money to spend and less annual leave left. With this, I am uncertain if I can still make it for my Hanoi trip. However I will keep this option for now.

To summarize my annual travel calendar

15 - 30 May 2010 - Business trip at Folsom, California, USA
~~13 - 19 June 2010 - Family trip to Bali, Indonesia (PPKed)~~
~~26 June 2010 - Teambuilding at Cameron Highland (Withdraw)~~
2 - 11 July 2010 - Malaysia - Korea International Exchange Program in Seoul, Korea
16 - 24 October 2010 - VTSM gals to Hanoi, Vietnam (tentative)

Happy for some to happen :D and sad that some got canceled :S

Dissapointment from the Selection for KBS International Exchange Program

2010-05-30T14:32:00.001+08:00

This article was written on 30 March 2010 but left unpublished till this moment I decided to spill it all out.

I was disappointed not that I did badly in the camp. I did well and was very outstanding despite me unwilling to fight for chances to outshine everyone there. I felt that everyone should be given equal chances and treated equally. We are all leaders, the cream of our respective organizations. None deserved to be abandoned at the floor. So I just went with the flow and be myself all the time.

I was sad to discover the true fate all fellow Malaysians. I have expected the selection camp to be very competitive but it turned up to be easy. Speaking in English in a bunch of non speaker, so called young leaders whom have dream of leading our country was the easiest I could get there.

I did not understand why majority of delegates there could not speak in English at all. Worse when I discovered that they have already went through one round of selection at their respective state. How can we send ambassador out to promote Malaysia when this person can't even speak any known language at the international arena more over a total foreign language?

Secondly I was disappointed to know that fellow Malaysian young leaders are shallow. In example, my group was given the topic Education to present on. The first idea that came to my fellow team mates' thought were we should present the good and the bad side of what education can bring to us. For good, just highlight his life during adulthood with good career while on the opposite side we will present how the teenage boy would end up being druggies or 'mat rempit'. Why druggies and 'mat rempit'? Was this all that we have? Was this idea appropriate when we are suppose to be Malaysian ambassador?

I respected them and listened to their ideas. Finally when my comment was needed, I managed to convince them on our role here in representing fellow Malaysian youths. I managed to remove the negative elements from our presentation and drive them to the right direction that was to promote Malaysia Education system internationally.

So we came out with brilliant ideas, making 3 scenes for our sketch. In scene 1, we wanted to highlight the education system we have now and our adaptation in making our education aligned with the IT and knowledge base era. One of the example quoted which was astonishing to me was the 'E-book' program launched at the Terengganu state. At first I was puzzled to learn about the program as my fellow team mates knew about the project at the surface only. They kept mentioning about e-book and quoting the physical appearance of the 'e-book', not knowing about what we called as Classmate PC or netbook in general.

Scene 2 discussion was the most hilarious one. We wanted to present what has education brought to us in terms of R&D achievement. So we brainstormed on the inventions by fellow Malaysians. Believe it or not, one can quote 'Microsoft buat Intel Core 2 Duo. Designer it orang Malaysia'. I almost laughed out loud listening to him. I would not blame him for not knowing who designed the processor but despise him for mentioning anything about Microsoft and Intel Core 2 Duo. Thank god, I was there to correct them on this!

Another invention quoted was a fellow Malaysian created a cure to stomach ulcer from mangosten extract. Someone asked what was stomach ulcer and the answer given was gastric...hahahahahaha. Forgive my shallowness. I just don't know the equation for stomach ulcer is gastric. btw I have not heard of any absolute cure to stomach ulcer nor gastric. I didn't say much about this as I wasn't in health care profession.

Scene 3 was about a foreigner

Youth without independent thinking...barely followers in nature. Just tried to outshine peers, but in real fact all are followers.

On the last day, we have our final challenge. It was a public speaking for merely 1 minute. I was nervous too but still manage to do it spontaneously. Earlier, I prepared a 5 minutes speech on the Government Transformation Program. I expected many to talk about 1 Malaysia but I doubt many knew the true concept of 1Malaysia what more about GTP. However I decided to change my topic to 'How to speak in public and how to overcome stage fright?' after listening to few others. They were trembling and shivering. Many could not speak fluently what more spontaneously. I wanted to help them and I mean it. I have no intention to be the best and fight for a place on the kapal belia. I just wished that these future Malaysia Ambassadors would not embarrass us during the exchange. However it was sad that I have been given too little time to share with them.

16 May: Surprisingly cold

2010-05-17T14:44:00.008+08:00

I did a lot of research about California prior to my visit. However weather is just beyond my control...I only brought along a jacket, a shawl and 3 scarves. These were not enough to keep me warm.

We started our day quite late. Worse was we were stuck in the middle of the city due to the road closure for the Bay To Breakers and the Hertz Never Lost system was not helpful at all in this case. We were on the 49-Mile Scenic Drive. We took approximately 1 and a half hours to reach the Palace of Fine Art/Exploratorium.

I really felt in love with the magnificent Roman Greek architecture, Palace of Fine Art. Behind the palace was the Exploratorium. I was as excited as the children here. This place really explained why American kids were so smart. There were a lot of answers to answer to their curiosity. Parents educate their children unlike back at home, Malaysians teach their children and mostly in the copy exactly practice.

We also dropped by golden gate viewing point, Fort Point and the Presidio point. The weather was extreme for late spring. It was so cold at the Fort Point and the viewing point. The Pacific Ocean breeze was super chill.

We were cold and hungry. No decent place for us to fill our stomach. So the best we got were a cold pasta. Another round of meal at Burger King....really a huge burger :P

I was checked into room 313 at Hilton Garden Inn Folsom. This soom has the same setting as the one in SF. I enjoyed the soft bed.

the longest day of my life, 15th May 2010

2010-05-16T15:44:00.003+08:00

15th May 2010 was a super long day. The longest day of my life with a total of 39 hours with a total of 22 hours spent on transit and on flight.

The journey was very bumpy on our way above the Pacific Ocean. Luckily my pill took effect and I managed to doze off despite the unpleasing economic seat. It was more spacious on window seat and safe to have the cabin wall and window to lean and look out upon.

Best of all about this trip was that all the immigration and custom clearance procedure seems so smooth...not a single beep from Penang to Singapore then to Hong Kong and San Francisco.

Oh...not to forget, Changi Airport deserved all the extremely good reviews. So much to see and so much to do there. There were activities and spaces for everyone! But Hong Kong airport has more stores for shoppaholics.

I better go on bed now and today is going to be a long day. SF 49 miles scenic here I come!

Am now in Changi Airport

2010-05-15T15:02:00.002+08:00

So tired now...cant do much other than surfing the internet and window shopping. Saving all my credit limit for my time in Califonia.

Hope that I can have a smooth flight to SF(best to be without the pills) and may I get immigration clearance smoothly.

Oh yes...I just get my flight ticket issued. Both isle and window seats are out :S I want my window seat so badly for the comfort and the view.

1st day into my postgrad study

2010-05-09T22:54:00.003+08:00

I was glad that my postgraduate study finally took off. My first lecture by an old wise man, Prof. Tou was interesting as well as challenging at the same time. He was lecturing on the quantum mechanics, atom, electron and etc. He covered months of form 5 and form 6 Chemistry and Physics syllabus in less than 3 hours. In fact his lecture was more conclusive. Perhaps it was because we now have better understanding of the law of nature.

I am going to have hard time catching up with those lectures while juggling them with my work, family and friends at the same time. May god bless and give the strength and sanity to pursue my dream! I must finish and graduate in the minimum 2 years!

Photos from the last team building

2010-04-07T15:12:00.022+08:00

I was so lazy to update my blogs. I have actually written quite a number of posts but was too lazy to edit my photos for the posts.

As picture speak a thousand words, here I present you only photos from my last team buildings.

VTSM Q1 '10 Teambuilding : CNY Shopping Spree

2010-02-18T13:11:00.003+08:00

As usual, I was in the OC team again. I have been drained with TB since I joined the group. Luckily we still managed to deliver and everyone enjoyed it.

All TB couldn't run without a great meal. So another round of buffet. This time at Tao Cuisine and Lounge at e-Gate.

We would rate the food below expectation. The new menu was not appealing and the service was rather poor. It was slow at the beginning...starving us :S. But towards the end, they could not stop serving us. Keep bringing food to our table and caused us so much of confusion. Food has been passed across tables. We were overloaded.

After the meal, we headed to the QB. Our 1st game as well as the most enjoyable game was at the Jusco Arcade. All of us were like 大小孩, having fun playing the arcade and best was winning the game here entitle our group to additional RM4 allowance to shop with in the following game.

Last event of the day was the shopping. We were given a whole long list of clues for CNY item to shop for.

It was an enjoyable teambuilding despite the rather so so experience at the Tao. We love arcade and we want more of that.

Uncle Kit's Wedding

2010-02-04T20:27:00.014+08:00

the wheel of the day...nicely decorated
Uncle Kit and auntie with his bestman having difficult time identifying his love
sweet drink...tian tian mi mi
marking territory...hahaha
ginger, longan, dates...very common wedding gift...symbolize Prosperity in the family
For more photos from the wedding, click here.

Holiday Season

2010-01-30T23:44:00.009+08:00

Another posting which was left unposted for close to a month in my list....glad that I finally find some time for it.

The original posting time of this posting was 3rd January 2010.

Happy New Year to all my friends!

It has been a while since I last update my blog...just didn't have the urge to update my blog especially during this festive season.

I was in holiday mood since the week I was suppose to visit Sungai Lembing in Pahang. However thanks to rain god, our trip has to be reschedule and most probably without me in it :S

As we were already in Karak Highway when we received the call from the owner of the chalet, we diverted our journey towards Bukit Tinggi instead. Though Bukit Tinggi wasn't much like I have anticipated, I enjoyed my trip there with the companies...I have much great time sweating ourselves trying our luck to get a synchronous jump shot.
So from the initial plan of 3 days 2 nights trip at Sungai Lembing, we spend our time in Klang Valley. So much has been done together...karaoke at Neway, One-U, bowling at Times Square, hiking at Broga Hill, flying kite at Kepong, 'chor tai tee' at EP's house, shopping at multiple malls and on food hunt. Love spending time with them...

my favourite meal...I just love those desserts

My 2nd visit to Gua Tempurung

2010-01-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

This post was left unposted in my posting list for close to 2 months...was pretty occupied in Dec and early Jan.

It was my second trip to Gua Tempurung. I was there with May and my colleges.

This time we signed up for the Grand Canyon Tour, the most difficult of the 4 trail offered. However it was rather disappointing. It was true that it was much longer but in terms of difficulty it was similar to route 3. All the difficult sites of tour 4 was also covered in tour 3...no additional 'phewww...' site on route 4 and worse when we ended up at the other end of the cave, the best place for smoker to gather for puff. So for non smoker like us, we just couldn't enjoyed ourselves there. This place was surely a NO NO. So next time there, please sign up for tour 3 will do.

After the close to 3 hours of caving and close an hour queue in the badly maintain washroom, we left for Ipoh. With WE being our guide in Ipoh, we got to savour the famous Big Tree Yong Tou Fu and the Funny Mountain Tau Fu Fa and stopped by Sin Yoon Loong for a caffeine boost before we head home.

Anyway this was an enjoyable trip and I really have a great time with VTSMers. Hope that we could have more of this to come.

Photo from holiday on the other coast

2009-12-07T12:24:00.000+08:00

This was from my last holiday on the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This was a trip which I didn't really enjoyed much about.

Day 1, it was a long ride to Kota Bharu. We took North South Highway and turned into Butterworth Kulim Expressway at Seberang Jaya. Then into the and Grik Highway en route Baling, Grik, Jeli, Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas and finally into Kota Bharu. Luckily it was a sunny day and the green scenic on the Titiwangsa mountains were breath taking. Our first meal in Kelantan was great too. I love the nasi kerabu and ayam percik served by the Yati Ayam Percik stall at Jalan Long Yunus.

Day 2...my mouth wide open looking at how our public officers were working. We were rushing here an there through out the hold day and yet nothing done (Read my experience here).

I was rotting with the orchids in their office

Our eating out plan wasn't good either. We tried the recommended pulut tapai at Selera CPT along Jalan Long Yunus. None like the tapai and the cendol base was tasteless.

The chinese food at Medan Selera Kebun Sultan was rather poor. After meal desserts in the TeaTalk Kopitiam on the opposite road were less satisfying. And the cough mixture like coffee drink at Hayaki sucked!

Day 3 Most accomplished in a day. Sunrise at Pantai Cahaya Bulan, yummy nasi dagang at Kwang Ling and temples visit in Tumpat. Kelantan has nothing better than the not so well maintained Buddhist temples.
After long hours under the hot sun, we headed back to town for some cool air. So we visited the KB mall, in which my driving skill was put to test...2 turns to get to the car park on the 5th floor. No wonder, the car park attendant stopped me before I got up and asked, "Boleh naik?". I was puzzled. Anyway I answered "boleh" and then only to discover that I signed up for the roller coaster ride. What made the situation worse was we witnessed a MPV on the opposite direction got itself scratch against the wall...ziiiingggggg. Kelantan architect really boleh and the officers lagi boleh. Such a crazy plan can be approved and built to reality.

We didn't stayed long in the mall. My mum was worry all the time we were in the mall. She was worried of how I could drive down later. So to calm her, we left early and hit the car park again and left after another round of roller coaster ride.

In the evening, with the GPS leading our way, we manage to find our way to the best Siamese restaurant in Kelantan. It took us approximately half an hour to Chiang Mai Restaurant at Tumpat. It was worth the drive for the prawn doughnuts and the spicy sour fish...yummy!
We left Chiang Mai minutes after the rain started pouring heavily. Scary moment to be in such an alien place with wild grown one meter tall grass on both side of the narrow path. The raining cats and dogs when we finally passed the clogged bridge linking Tumpat to KB...the bridge seemed flooded. If bridges could be flooded, more over the low lands. No wonder flood was such a big issue to Kelantan. Blamed it on their architects and officers at JKR and pejabat tanah.

Not even half way through the bridge, the KB city in front of us just went black off. No street lights or anything other than the vehicles lamps. This was just a super bad bad for me and my fellow Kelantanese. Wonder how could they stand such a disastrous day? According to the locals, it was normal for the whole or half the city to go back off.

in the world of darkness...in our hotel room

Day 4 My sis learned that her posting would be out today so we were in the pharmacist dept in Pengkalan Chempa early but nothing changed. She got posted to Hospital Daerah Machang. We rushed to the Bangunan Persekutuan for another round of waiting and finally headed to Machang.

Machang was a small town...way smaller than Sungai Bakap.

Day 5...We were back to civilization. I love Penang and am grateful to be a Penangite. Got Haagen Daz buffet treat from sis as my holiday compensation.

For more photos, please visit my facebook album.

IIP : White Cane Day and Mangrove Planting

2009-12-01T12:25:00.001+08:00

These were the 2 recent Intel Involved Program that I joined. I was really into the programs, so they were no photos out of my lovely EOS.

White Cane Day...it was on last October 10th, 2009. There were approximately 200 participants, each volunteer was paired up with 1 visual impaired participant from St. Nicholas. I was enjoying my time talking to him through out our journey.
photographed by Shiu Inn
great to learn from him...he was so optimistic and brave. We were both same age. He was normal until few years back.
Mangrove Tree Planting...it was on 7th November at the Sg. Sembilang, Juru. We were there to plant hundreds of trees. It was under the hot sun at close to 10.30am. I almost fainted at the site after planting teens of trees. Really exhausting to pull myself out of the mud...aiks...I got myself dirty and scratches on over my feet and hands.....Anyway it was an enjoyable and valuable project.

half my pants were in mud...this is how I was after 1 round of washing

Damn...my words were so 准

2009-11-23T10:41:00.008+08:00

My poor car's rear windscreen was broken overnight right in front of my house.

I don't know how much it will cost me but my insurance protection was for maximum of RM800 only. I may need to chip in for the windscreen and definitely I have to pay the full amount for the tint.

I do have a suspect in mind. He is currently one of my neighbour and soon to be not. He is staying and running a 'mamak like' restaurant in my uncle's shop lot. There is controversial between my uncle and him. He has an outstanding rental for 6 months. So my uncle decided to stop his water supply and electric supply. As my father has been helping my uncle to collect the rental all this while, he came over to negotiate with my father. He said we were rich and treated the poor badly...'got to kesian them'.

I overheard their conversation and I advised my dad not to interfere in this matter. It was my uncle's decision to lock the supplies, so let the tenant speak to the landlord straight. We were in no good position and I even said this 'we are in disadvantage looking at all our cars are parked outside. They can easily scratch on our cars and we can't do anything'.

So my dad took my advice and informed the tenant that we were out of the case and they shall deal with my uncle straight. Oh...this was on last Saturday night. So on Sunday morning, my uncle and grandpa were here to negotiate with the tenant. They managed to collect RM500 and a 3000Bahts and recovered the supplies to the tenant's use.

The restaurant's business recovered on Sunday morning and was still opened when I returned home close to midnight yesterday. My car’s windscreen was still fine too. Now on a Monday morning my rear windscreen was already broken.

For the past hours, I was busy calling insurance offices to enquire about my claim...asking if it was necessary to lodge a police report and how was the claiming procedure like while my dad called his friend also our insurance agent over my case. According to him, they didn't have claim over rear windscreen before....yup, normally it was either the front windscreen or the side windows. My case was the one and only one odd case in the office.

I am helpless now. I can't stop those uncivilized acts. I can only pray hard for them to move out peacefully ASAP and my family and I quickly move into my big bro's house ASAP too.

look at the holes and the cracks

obviously this was done with intention

gotto wrap it up before the replacement comes into place

KKM and JKN Kelantan sucked!

2009-11-19T16:46:00.005+08:00

I wonder if this was normal for them?

My sis received her posting letter pretty late if compared to her friends. The letter mentioned that she is to report in for duty to JKN Kelantan on 16 Oct(Fri). As the letters were sent by KKM in bulk, she has to call the state office to confirm the reporting date since it is holiday in Kelantan (Friday is an offday in Kelantan). The officer asked her to report in on Monday, 19 Oct.
My mum and I accompanied my sister there. We left for Kelantan on Sunday. On Monday morning, we headed to the Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri(JKN) Kelantan at Wisma Persekutuan. She was there to report to the state authority. Family and spouses were kept waiting outside while the newly transfered pharmacists were directed to the meeting room. An officer walked in at close to 9am and deliver his welcoming speech. After a winding speech, they were told by the officer that their transfer to the state were not made known to the JKN Kelantan, hence nothing has been arranged for them. Anyway, they were asked to report to the Jabatan Farmasi at Pengkalan Chepa.

So we rushed to the Jabatan Farmasi, hoping that her placement is based on 'First Come, First Serve Basis'. It took us approximately 15 minutes to get there but we were kept waiting long. The newly reporting pharmacists were kept waiting in the meeting room again while parents and spouses were all waiting outside.

While we were waiting, the officers were busy...busy dilly dally, chatting and moving in and out of 'dewan makan'. They were all busy with their Jamuan Hari Raya I supposed. So we could only wait, wait and wait only.

Finally at close to 11 o'clock, one of the newbie's mother who is a doctor, started to 'mengamuk'. Complained to the officers impatiently. Thanks to her mother, finally the 'Penolong Pengarah' went into the meeting room to meet the newbies. Another round of winding lectures, they were told that the department was not prepared for their transfer in. So they were asked to wait till after the placement list being endosed in thier Wednesday department meeting and letter would be out by Thursday morning.

My sisters and her new colleagues asked what should they do before they know their placement and guess what he replied? He said something like this, "Kamu kena datang ke office seperti biasa dan buat apa yang sepatutnya." ...puzzled, 'What can pharmacists do sitting in the meeting room together all day?'

Since we were there with May, she decided to take a few days leave and only return to office on Thursday to get her posting letters while we could venture and discover Kota Bharu.

However on the Tuesday evening, she learnt about the posting decision was out from her friends....didn't the officer mentioned that the list would be out no earlier than Wednesday? the meeting got brought forward, canceled or what :-( My sister and WT were sent to Hospital Machang, in a small and slow pace town. What worsen their emotion was when they discovered X( a 'he') actually got posted to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II. X met up with the officer personally and told the officer that he was a first class honour student and it would be a waste to send him to those hospitals in rural area...well well, I didn't know that the results would matter even after working for a year. Ridiculous!

There were a lot other factors that the officer could take into consideration...gender and distance from the newbies hometown, and the past year performance were more important in my opinion...or to be fair, just do a random draw. Again this prove that in Kelantan, officers were super inefficient and their words could not be taken seriously.

So on Wednesday morning, my sister and WT went to the office to collect their letters and to appeal the department's decision. It was pretty tough for girls to start off their life in an alien rural area. They didn't get to meet the officer. According to his asst., he was away in Johor and would only be back few days later...trying to hide away ya?

My sis and WT have no other choices but to report to Hospital Machang as being commanded. Hospital Machang...physically, the hospital compound was big but the number of patience was low. The bed occupancy was low, approximately at 50%. There were 4 doctors and guess how many phamacist they have. There were 6 pharmacist.

1 hospital : 4 doctors : 6 pharmacists

Given the doctor pharmacist ratio was 1 : 1.5. Crazy! More pharmacist than doctors!!!!!!!!!!!!! This huge hospital was

UNDERUTILIZed and OVERSTAFFed.

They have been hinted that working there was pretty easy...'boleh bergoyang kaki'....

However big the hospital was, there was no quarter for them two. My sis and WT were initially promised a quarter, so we didn't bother to hunt for house elsewhere since the quarter looks fine but later were to receive call from the hospital staff saying that they have overlooked. That huge quarter must be emptied and reserved for another soon to join doctor. Damn...'sekejap boleh, sekejap tak boleh'.

With this kind of management and attitude, Malaysia's public healthcare sector can never progress and we people are going to suffer.

Signing off,
Poor Malaysian

Scroll, Career, Car and House

2009-11-18T10:32:00.001+08:00

Time for reflection again.

Stepping into my 2nd quarter of the century, I have possessed a local made scroll, a stable income career, a local made car and a double story terrace house on joint names. Well...I have a lot now.

At times, I asked myself “What more can one ask for?”. I know there isn’t any definite answer to this question. It changes over time.

When I was in school age, I learned about the importance of education. So I wanted good results to confirm me a place in the university and hoped that it would help me settled in a high profile job and earning big bucks.

When I was in university, I learned about the importance of soft skills and led to the doubt about my past believe. I juggled my studies with a lot of additional activities. So I wanted a simple scroll but rich resume to secure me a career in the correct organization which pays generously.

Now that I am out of our education system and venturing into the working society, I fell lost at times. Unlike old times, I don't have a clear short term goal. It is very vade now. But these, I know are my wishes for the year and many years to come, "May I lead a stable and happy life and for peace and health of all humankind."

Happy Birthday to myself :D and thanks all my family and friends for those wishes, presents and meals ;P

Recent sales and promotions

2009-10-28T21:01:00.002+08:00

I just crashed into these sales recently and was glad to be able to dig so much out of them.

Times Book Mega Clearance at the D'Piazza Mall, Bayan Baru - 6 books for RM20 only....

Levi's Grab'EM Sale. Manages to get 2 pairs of jeans both at 40% off from the original price of RM279 and RM259.
Haagen Daz Indulge! All You Can Eat - RM33.90++...couldn't imagine myself eating so much ice-cream again.

Penang food coverage for Sept/Oct 2009

2009-10-23T15:15:00.000+08:00

Some sharings and comments on Penang food.

Toh Soon Cafe at the back alley on Campbell Street...this is one of the best charcoal toast in Penang.

Sarkies Corner - E&O Hotel...very value for money lunch buffet in Penang...the salmon and oyster are excellent!

超全茶樓 (Sweet Paradise Restaurant)...a very crowded dim sum restaurant in Butterworth. Must be there early to get a taste of the corn bun....oh yes...the steam fish with bihun is another famous delicacies there.

Ecco Cafe...cosy little cafe on Chulia Street...serve excellent freshly made pasta and pizza...I love their pasta...Pasta is a must there.

Restoran Soon Chi...situated along the main road of Jawi. Many food variety...seafood very fresh and at reasonable price.

Sungai Puyu laksa & ais kacang...my frequent visit place in my childhood...always get to customize my ais kacang...additional red bean, corn, no cendol, no raisin and less sugar...yummy!

Ah Ma Dessert...I like the taste and presentation...love their Monte Carlo Chicken, must ask for extra salsa...overall the food and presentation is good...they offer value for money service but looking that its location, it may be a little pricy in this neighbourhood.

Khuntai Restaurant...one of the best Thai food in Butterworth. Must try their tomyam and sour & spicy fish.

Last and not to forget...Haagen-Dazs's current ongoing eat all u can promotion.

Her move to Kelantan

2009-10-16T10:55:00.005+08:00

Instead of Medan, I am off to Kelantan today. My sister get posted to Kelantan. Which exact hospital or KK is still an unknown. She was hoping to be place within urban area.

So Kelantan here I come...going to jalan jalan cari makan!

Oh yes...we may head up to Cameron Highland for a short holiday if she manages to get a week off duty...

Ll update on our journey later! Tschuss!

My Sponsor Child

2009-10-14T10:27:00.005+08:00

It was a year ago when I made my commitment to sponsor her. Initially I wished to be in touch with her but after thinking twice, I wished not to be very much involved with her emotionally. So I kept the first letter I wrote for her. Anyway, she was too young to understand my lengthy words and our letters exchange would be a burden to her family. The past letters and cards were written by her father. I would rather he spent more time with her.

Today I have received an email from WVM on Sponsor's Visit to Singkawang, Indonesia. Shall I go? Shall I meet her in person? Shall I be there to witness what my little contribution mean to them?

To go or not...I pray for her health and well being!

Time to withdraw

2009-10-09T16:47:00.002+08:00

I have been wasting too much of my time on facebook. It's time to withdraw for my own sake...need to dive into my career, my commencing master program, my family and my other favourite pass time.

MidAutumn 2009 Gathering

2009-10-05T13:01:00.000+08:00

It has been years since I last played a lantern. Despite the rain, my cousins still manage to enjoy themselves on the rooftop.

It was time for bonding...mothers, fathers and their children.

VTS Q3 '09 Teambuilding - Georgetown Scavenger Hunt

2009-10-04T21:10:00.015+08:00

After planning long for this teambuilding, it was finally over.

It was really an interesting teambuilding for my team. Here were some questions I prepared for my team building.
Actions on the day.

And usual, we have a great meal...buffet lunch at Sarkies Corner, E&O Hotel.

missed a lot of the nice desserts...all participants were rushing out...I want to enjoy my desserts

VTSMers rocks! We enjoyed our teambuilding very much!
And we are the 2 persons behind the game...me

...and Huey Ling

PGGA 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner

2009-10-04T21:06:00.001+08:00

Finally the gala dinner was over. I am not sure if that was the last of our 90th Anniversary activities. If yes, then I have got all my remaining weekends of this year to myself, friends and family before diving into my study again next year.

So our dinner was on last Saturday, 26th September 2009 at Grand Ballroom of Berjaya Georgetown Hotel. This was the 3rd anniversary dinner of PGGA know to me...from the 80th to 85th and now we are in 90th....time flies!

We have been through the 80th, 85th and 90th Anniversary of the Penang Girl Guides Association

I was the PIC of the backdrop & stage and performance. Being in OC team this round wasn't easy for me as I was really busy. Juggling with office loads, teambuilding planning and preperation as well as Tzu Chi food fair were making me crazy....the timeline was all squashed together :-(

The dinner ended late at close to 12pm with Taps...but personally for me and the bunch of 'eX-Union siao kia', Evon, CW, Pn Toh and Dato Yeoh, the night was still young...we continued our day at McD Greenlane till close to 4am in the morning...at least I ended my day at 4am, the 'siao kia' would have continued till dawn.

We were fast...after 10 mins

Anyway, I was glad that the dinner still went well despite the glintch of time due to our VVIP's 'no show'. Thanks to the all my team mates in the organizing committee and my performance helpers. This dinner could never happen without them. And not to forget her highness for gracing our dinner and have brought so much spices to the night.

group photo with Her Highness

...all photos were from friends...no time to take photo on that night

Interesting weekend

2009-10-04T10:44:00.001+08:00

This post was created on 2nd Sept. I was too busy to sort out my photos till now...been through really tiring weeks.

It was the Merdeka weekend. I was supposed to catch up with my friends since many were back in hometown during this holiday. But after changing this to cater to that and that to this, finally my weekend plan was without any friend. I was with my family at all time.

Sat - movie at home...Fast n Furious, new hair cut, shopping at Jusco...bought some ingredients to cook on Sunday evening.

Sun - yam rice at Kedai Kopi Mutiara for brunch. We were regular to this stall since I was young. I love the 咸菜汤...sour, very refreshing and appetizing. With the yam rice and the thick soya sauce sambal, it was a perfect combination. My dad couldn't help it to ask for another bowl of rice. The 'kuih' stall was another highlight of the kopitiam. My mum bought some karipaps and tapioca cakes(木薯糕). Even we were already full, we could not resist the tempting hot kuih...yummy!

Then it was shopping spree at Sunway Carnival Mall. My parents bought 2 pairs of shoes and exercise wear while I got an air tight good quality and very expensive container for my camera and my contact lens...really broke :S

So for dinner, I ate my mum's fried rice. It was really satisfying to have mum's cooking. And my contribution for that meal was New Zealand Ice Cream. Got 30% off today....hooray!

Monday - All of us woke up very early. We left home at 6.40am to pick my sister from hospital after her whole night up onduty. Then we went straight into downtown, Lebuh Cintra...喝早茶 at 大東酒樓 (Tai Thong Restaurant). This was one of my favourite dim sum shop in Penang. At times, I would prefer this better than Ming Court and Fusan.

After that, I accompanied my mum to the Campbell Street Market. She bought some fresh chicken thighs and bones for lunch. While she was busy doing her grocery, I went round for some shots.

Before we headed back to BM, we went to the Cick N Snap. Finally I bought my new Canon EF 50mm II lens with Hoya filter and a hood...RM370 gone...hmmmm....

Back at home I was busy in kitchen with my mum. She was preparing the grill chicken and potato while I was cooking mushroom soup and garlic bread. It was a perfect meal. Everyone love my mushroom soup. It definely worth the effort and money making your own mushroom soup.

my mum's grill chicken and my mushroom soup & garlic bread

Then in the evening, it was family time...drama time...one episod after another.

Havoc at work

2009-09-08T17:48:00.004+08:00

It was an unfruitful day at office.

Last week during my training, I have to restart my workstation at cube as my offline tester was troublesome. So I went ahead with shutdown -r -t 0 remotely. The workstation which was 1km away from where I was could not boot up into window automatically. Somehow the machine just stuck at BIOS waiting for a local F1 key to boot up...really stupid wasn't it? Luckily with my colleague's help (technically to go to my cube n press the F1 key) the machine boot up fine and I was able to remote login into the machine again. Actually I learned about this problem a month ago but just not bothered as I was busy with some other work.

At the same time, I have issue on my laptop as well. Our IT seemed to force BIOS upgrade on all HP6910p laptop inclusive of mine but the upgrade package was screwed up. Obedient Sze Wan always proceed with the package installation but somehow this package installation was like forever. I installed it for nth times till I finally have to call for installation postpones which in this case, I only have the choice to postpone 60 minutes each time. So just imagined working on a laptop which has a pop up every 60 minutes asking you to install a package...really annoying right?

So today, I have a little bandwidth and decided to solve my problems on both the workstation as well as my laptop.

First, it was the laptop. Contacted the service desk via the chat service and reported my problem. He was very helpful...trying all ways to solve it...checking my registry and event, manually call for the package execution, waited patiently for the installation and for an auto restart(which never happen) yet all these were not working. So he got me to restart my laptop and he continued with his diagnostic. Finally he proposed that I have my hard disk encryption disable and perform the installation again.

So reboot my machine and went into the bios setup...poor me...tried tens of my common possible password combination but failed to get pass the setup password. Without this password, I would not able to get into the setup window to disable my password encryption as suggested by him...trying hard to memorize if I have placed a setup password before and what could it be. It was running late for lunch time...hungry :S

Then I did a little google for some quick tricks and I found this.

It may be useful but not for my case. This laptop is a company property...no way that I can dismantle it and remove the battery. So after lunch, I went back to him for help. He has no idea and his solution was me sending the laptop over to PC service center for the technician to trouble shoot on my issue.

Guess what, it took the technician less than 5 minutes to solve the puzzle. They actually have a default setup password on my laptop...how come this was not known to the service desk personnel?...arggghhh!

So after getting into the setup window and disable my hdd encryption, I headed back to my cube to proceed with the upgrade installation. Installed as like my previous attempt and still no auto reboot as being suggested by the installation package. I was worried it didn't work out for me again. Anyway I just called for manual reboot and thank god for it was finally working. At reboot, upgrading process finally shot off...yes!

Done with laptop, I moved on to my workstation. I contacted the service desk again. This time it was she who came to help. After understanding my problem, she checked on my WS and suggested that it was not due to force BIOS upgrade as I was guessing about as there was no record of any Bios upgrade of my WS in their system. I asked for solution and she suggested that I reboot my WS and check on the BIOS, much like what I did earlier....problem with quick boot option or my boot priority...as I was no expert in this field, I did as she suggested.

Repeating my previous attempt with a little more on here and there. By the end of today, this problem was not solved yet. I have escalated this issue further to the service desk and really hope that they can solve my problem tomorrow with few simple steps.

I was really stressed out by this small problems...these problems didn't seem very important but may be ‘phek chek’ especially during my critical time.

And I really dislike facing all these problems...they were more tiring compared to my project development work...

Raya Plan for friends and family

2009-09-03T10:21:00.002+08:00

Born and raise on Butterworth gave me a lot of opportunity to venture into the nature. It used to be in my weekend routine to go hiking at Cherun Tokun, jogging at Mengkuang Dam, having fun at my grandma's kampung house and orchard. With my outgoing and active personality, I grew to know Butterworth well both in food and landmark...I can easily turned into taman taman just to avoid traffic and find those road side stalls selling the best of its kind in Butterworth.

Many of my friends have suggested I take them round Butterworth but we just could not find time together. As Raya holiday is coming and I have a long 4 days break, I am suggesting to all my friends that lets make trips during these days. Just ring me up and we can arrange something up on mainland.

Dear friends,
Ring me up and we can have fun this Raya together.

Looking forward to our holiday...hooray!

Another RM370 gone

2009-09-02T14:03:00.002+08:00

First RM2180 gone. Now another RM370.

So up to this moment I have spent a total of RM2550.

Canon EOS 1000D + Canon EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS Lens + Toshiba 8GB HSD + Canon LP-E5 battery pack (additional)+ Canon DSLR bag + Hoya 58mm UV filter + Air blower + cleaning solution = RM2180
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens + Hoya 52mm UV filter + 3rd party hood for 18-55 = RM370

Oh ya...I got my camera at the cheapest price one could get at KOMTAR area. I highly recomment Mega Star Photo to everyone. Btw...I was upset to learn the price from Click 'n' Snap. Everyone seemed to be recommending their prices and services here but personally it think they slacked badly after all those recommendation and being so ego and unfriendly.

Petrol Price Increase

2009-08-31T20:44:00.003+08:00

I don't believe in their sweet words...I must have knocked my head against the wall numerous time to believe them.

It may be true that this new price is based on APM as claimed by certain parties but is this system implementation always come on the right time? Does the timing of these moves benefit any party in specific?

Personally I just can not accept this increase. I can not treat my car bad but my gov has never be considerate with me, a poor citizen....has got to tighten my belt to pay for my petrol bill now :S

SHIT...RM2.05for RON97...poor for my pocket but good for my car. RM1.80 for RON95...better for my pocket but worse for my car.

SAD MERDEKA fellow Malaysians!

Busy life!

2009-08-20T16:38:00.000+08:00

I have been busy for the past days...really tiring.

7 June (Fri) - went for the last bowling training at Penang Bowl before the competition during lunch time. Best score of the day 117...not good but not too bad ;P.

In the evening, dinner cum meeting with sister guides at Louis Cafe at Argyll Road to discuss about our coming QGG camp...great time with friends but the food was not up to expectation based on recommendation from other food hunter.

8 June(Sat) - Went shopping with sis and mum. 1st thing that we got was my new Sony Ericson W595. This was my first ever self paying new mobile phone. I was reluctant to pay so much for a phone cause I am not those upfashion people. Was hoping that for my big bro will change his soon and I could just take over his piece but too bad that my KRZR K1 was not inline with my plan. So another RM730 gone this year for my gears...one lens just flew away :S

We also shopped for my bro's new house 红彩 I also got my baking materials...butter, flour, almond chuck, corn flakes, baking powder, sodium bicarbonate, brown sugar, fine sugar, raisin and cherries.

9 June(Sun) - Accompanied my mum to do some grocerries. By noon, I started my baking. First I made the cornflakes raisin cookies dough then kneed them into bite size pieces followed by the making the almond cookies. It took me close to 4 hours to complete the 4 portions of those biscuits.

10 June(Mon) - Stuck in the traffic jam in the early morning...damn...followed by Monday blues throughout the day.

11 June(Tues) - This was a super tiring day. My day started as early as 7.30am and only got to leave office at 8pm. I was early in office for my weekly team meet with my team mates in US at 7.30am. Then from noon onwards, I was in the Auditorium for the DTTC Conference, I was in as participant cum AV volunteer. So it was good to be able to grasp so much from the conference though I was lost at times. I have learn and acquire a lot of new information and technology. Those presenters are really geeks....salute them for their passion and commitment in developing super advance tech. This conference lasted for 7 hours. By the time I arrived home, it was after 8.30pm.

12 June(Wed) - This was my worse day of the week. It was my mum's birthday. I have arrange for dinner with my family members and at the same time I was also involved in our PCD cup, bowling competition which I have totally forgoten when it was scheduled for. Anyway I managed to sort them out on last minute.

So at 4pm, I left office for Penang Bowl. I winded my car window down as it was extremely hot after hours under the sun...this was when my nightmare begin...That stupid power window could not work. It would not be a big deal if I was unable to get it open but it was really shit when I could not wind it up after getting it all down...I was hoping that things would get better after a while but it didn't.

So I have no choice but to head to a mechanic...didn't expect him to repair it completely but expecting a simple workaround like some bypass just temporary get the window winded up first so that I would not be too late for my game. At first the mechanic said it was the switch that malfunction and advise me to have that change. I agreed since he insisted that the switch was really broken and it was a few minutes work...so RM130 just for the stupid switch. Aparently that simple switch took me close to half hour.

When he was done with the switch, the damn window still wasn't moving. Then he continued with his diagnosis procedure and concluded that the motor was broken too due to the malfunction switch. He disamble the unit and showed me the parts saying that the motor's carbon was already exhausted. He can only simply clean it and made it work...so he disambled the part and asembled it back. Too bad that after all the processes, it still could not work. Again I have been place in a position that I could only agreed to his advice. So another RM60 to get the motor change....

After all the dissamble and assemble, I think he must have felt bad for the wrong diagnostic and he suggested that I changed at least the motor. So again I did as he say...saving me that RM130 but wasted my whole one and a half hour there.

I finally arrived at Penang Bowl at close to 6.30am. I felt so bad for not being there for my group. I felt that I was a stranger to my own group. So I decided to keep myself low and be there just a supporter cum cameraman...walk a round for few shots and cheered for PEDAS...till my sister's arrival at 7.30pm.

We drove all the way to Batu Feringghi's Mario's to celebrate my mum's 51st birthday. It was a costly dinner but we enjoyed our night out.

13 June(Thurs) - I could not recall what I had on that day...

14 June(Fri) - my lunch meeting was canceled for my manager was not in. So during lunch I ask Pau and KH out. It has been 2 years since I last met KH....got a great lunch at Apex Cafe.

In the evening, Vern Han and I called for sister guides gathering at her bor's house in tanjung Bungah...got a great time catching up with everyone else...eat and chat till after midnight...oh yes...must mention here that everyone love my cookies :D

15 June(Sat) - went to RedBox at Gurney for karaoke session with YY, KM and MY. In the evening, I attended the Arabian Night organized by the Danz Club. Was there to support Slyvia and Anne...really great to see them enjoy themselves on the dance floor....I just could not imagine myself on the floor...perhaps it would be a 'KAYU' strolling around the floor...haha.
16 June(Sun) - After a tiring week, I decided to stay back at my room in Jelutong. It was a cleaning day as well as a movie marathon day...finally finished with my Desperate House Wife season 5....phew...

Bukit Mertajam : Chin Kang Hu Restaurant

2009-08-16T11:46:00.000+08:00

Found another cheap eating place nearby Juru area. Chin Kang Hu Restaurant (真功夫美食館) is located at Taman Bayu Mutiara, the taman on your left from PLUS Juru exit heading South. They are a row away from the Lin Restaurant (7- village Noodle House). They have started operation in early July but only have their official opening on the 29th July.

The exterior was attractive with the red and white coulor theme...nicely lid and with lots of parking spaces available. I bet you will surely be able to identify this shop with a huge cartoonized Bruce Lee as their icon.

The interior was comfortable too. Wide space, 2 shop lots made into 1 huge dining place...simple white tables and chairs with some features wall...I am a big kid myself...love the Bruce Lee cartoon in his iconic yellow suit...and with its high roof, it is less sophisticated despite the crowd.

Food variety...was rather poor...varieties of steam rice. For non rice, only few types of noodle available.

As both my sister and I were not a fan of rice, we chose to go for their signature Hokkien mee and Kuey Teow soup but ended up in disappointment. The hokkien mee has only average hawker standard. The Kuey Teow soup was good...better than average hawker but slightly behind the 7 village.

The variety of side dishes was poor. Their signature lobak was no longer available, so we went ahead with their fried fish ball and fried spring roll. We were disappointed with these both...both portions were extreme small. The spring roll was hard but not crunchy. It tasted nothing more than the oily chunk.

After this visit I wasn't sure when will be our next visit. We will probably give it another try on their nutrition steam rice or perhaps when we were running late and unable to catch the Lin Restaurant on time....and when I am poor...their dishes are cheap

Playing For Change...a nobel move

2009-08-02T16:29:00.003+08:00

I fell in love with this movement after listening to one of their production on Astro Hits by coincident.

Here, Stand By You brought by Playing For Change.

For more info, please visit PFC at http://www.playingforchange.com

Leisure trip on Seberang

2009-07-30T11:07:00.001+08:00

This was my very first personal outing with VTSMers. We have been talking about going round Butterworth for food hunt but nothing happened until last Sunday.

FF, SY, SL and YC met up with me at McD Juru Autocity at 8.30am. Our first destination was 7 Village Noodle House. This was one of my frequent breakfast shop. I love the kuey teow theng very much especially the semi dry one. Their ramen was good too. Though a little pricy, it was still recommended and a well worth dish. The ramen was RM5.70 which came in a huge protion with generous topping...a half boiled egg, 3 sliced of pork and minced pork. The kuey teow theng was RM2.70 each with rich and clear soup base with minced pork. There were other side dishes available. Personally I favoured their fish nugget and lo bak. Their tong shui was good as well...with the correct sweatness and generous portion of ginko and longan.
Then we continued our trip to Jeti Batu Musang, Batu Kawan to board our boat over to Pulau Aman. The boat ride was RM6 per person for 2 ways and the boat was very frequent. We arrived at Pulau Aman at about 10.15am. We were blessed for it turned sunny after a short while of cloudy day. The breeze was cooling.

Jeti Batu Musang, Batu Kawan...the only jetty to get boat to Pulau Aman

4 VTSM gals and me...set to Pulau Aman

From the old jetty, we walked towards the new jetty passingby the Restoran Terapung. Then heading back and round the island on the other side. There were more occupants on the right of the island. We walked passed the very 'kampung' feel fishing village to Telaga Emas. It has been years since I last stepped into a real Kampung...no traffic, no chaos and no pollution.

natural born model...

the bread winning tools

After going around, we headed back to the Restoran Terapung for our Mee Udang. It was already packed up with customers and we managed to get the 2nd last table available. We were thristy but to our dissapointment, the coconut drinks were sold out...having no other choice, we have to get do with can drinks.

The restaurant received more and more customers. There were many who have to wait for their tables. While we waited long for our Mee Udang. The mee udang was good. RM6 per plate with 3 medium size udang. It taste good...the noodle was soft and flavoured with the soup base. You will definitely like this if you favour '鲜味'.

Until we were about to finish our meal and when i was about o get another can drink, the coconut drink finally arrived...yes the Thailand fragrant coconut was here. I could not resist the chill coconut. Finished it within few sips.

We saw more and more customer walking in and many with bags of prawn mantis. So I went to the jetty to check out. Many were waiting for the fishmen to dock, bringing their harvest. However baskets of harvest were sold off within minutes. 2 families bought all the harvests. We would have to wait for the next sampan if we wished to feast on the prawn mantis and crab.

So we went back to the shore empty handed. YC left early while we continued to Seberang Jaya food court for Yoyo drinks. Everyone love the peanut blend very much...RM1.50 drink that surely satisfy everyone at all time :D

It was still alive when we arrived on the other shore...fresh

Then we went to the Sunway Carnival Mall for a karaoke session in the Amp Square Center. This was my first visit since it was open years back. The system was much better than Reb Box in Gurney Plaza and at a slightly cheaper price too...yeah...found a good spot to kill some time during holiday. This was also a great activity after hours of eating non stop.

Finally for dinner, I brought them to Wai Sek Kai in Chai Leng Park and we patroned the Sim Corner Lok Lok Restaurant. I have not been to this shop but have heard a lot about it's great variety of sauces.

The sauces were delicious. I love the red chile sauce, the thai sauce and sweet garlic sauce best. The sambal udang was very good too. It has a lot of dried prawns...yummy!

SY discovered a stall selling Leng Chee Kang ...Hello Kitty Leng Chee Kang. It has a lot variety of ingredient...definitely worth the RM2.50. The stall also sells a bowl of leng chee kang with extra ingredient at RM4...This was surely way much better that the 'Leng Lui Tong Shui' at Jelutong Market.

the whole bowl was filled with the yummy ingredients

Our trip ended at close to 9pm...great day with great food and people!

For more photos, please refer to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94142&id=533382630&l=6b6f7a4c1a

CBW...after close to a decade

2009-07-29T10:16:00.001+08:00

This was my 2nd official visit to my alma matter CBW. My first visit was 2 years back for guiding movement while this time, I was there representing Intel in our Intel Involved Program, Marine Conservation Awareness Campaign.

The school got a major face lift at the hall, the co-curiculum corner(at the old bicycle shed) and it's gate(the short 100m field track right beside staff room was no longer there and so was the long jump ground) . Other than these, it remained pretty the same as a decade ago.

Back on my our activities there, I signed up for a volunteer program and expecting to share with a small group of students but turned up to be surprised to have the all its students listening to us. As the materials prepared by the OC were limited and goodies being less atractive, we had a little difficult to win the girls attention especially with such a huge crowd and the unclear slide from far back...Imagined our situation on that day...6 volunteers vs ~400 students.

Anyway, we managed to improvise the initial given game and involved the whole school community in our game...We also have the attentions of more than half of our crowd. They were responsive. I was glad that one of the girls actually listen to us at all time and managed to detect the wrong info that I delivered...I will remember the differences between manatees and dugongs for the rest of my life :D

Apart from the talk that we have, I managed to catch up with some of my old teachers...Pn Chew, Ms Pamela, Pn Hasanah, Pn Lee, Pn Lim, Mr Goh and few other. Glad that many still remember me. ;P

Thanks Gan, Nick, Asma, Acu and Jack for making this program a success! KF and Along too.

for more photos, please visit http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94405&id=533382630&l=93b4d55d3b

Best present for MUM

2009-07-25T17:38:00.012+08:00

My mum's birthday is coming next week. So my siblings and I bought her these presents.

RMVB player and Seagate 320GB external HDD.

Now with all these gadgets, my mum can watch her favourite show as she likes.

My 1st DSLR

2009-07-21T22:46:00.000+08:00

Finally after long craving for one, I got myself a DSLR....my Canon EOS 1000D with 18 - 55 mm kit len.

So my first photographing event was on last Saturday. Got a few shots from Yeap Yau's house warming and hundreds from Bon Odori 2009 at Esplanade.

Please enjoy my productions from Bon Odori.

I think they are Malaysians....I love their summer kimonos...
she is our best model...many diff face expression and not much movement...good for me to train my portrait shooting skill

she has to face more than 20 cameramen at a time and for quite some time

the central stage

sis and a beautiful girl

paper doll for sale

Japanese hand painted vase and jars

Japanese dolls up for sale

colourful water balloon up for 'fished'

the most crowded stalls...fishing the baloon and fish up the gold fish '捞金鱼'

this little boy tried his luck for few rounds...finally managed to get 2

mummy hepling the model daughterat the fishing water balloons stall

金鱼佬 at the 金鱼挡

trying her luck...she managed to fish 5 to 6 with 1 paper net

these were the young drummers of the night

Dr Lim G E graced the festival

one of the many food stalls around...roasted chicken by xxx hotel...can't recall which hotel was that from

my sis enjoying the takoyaki

the takoyaki...octopus balls

the japanese pan cake...taste so so

the takoyaki...can get better ones at Jusco QB

pan fried

performers from Perlis and Kedah

they can really dance very well

this was their 3 continous dance...yet they could still be so lively

from the MJA and PJLC...demostrating the BonOdori dance

The rasa sayang moves were very beautiful...very graceful

Malaysians too could look very beautiful in Kimono

one of the best performance I managed to catch on the day

I like this girl very much....very lively move

with the ghost like mask

with the mask

the trainer...she was very lively...very energetic

great performers and great performance

for more photos, please refer to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92520&l=028d6a033e&id=533382630

Weekend getaway from Penang...in KL and Malacca

2009-07-18T08:40:00.000+08:00

On my 3584, I speed down to KL on Friday evening with my parents. We departed from home at 6.45pm and arrived in KL at 10.15pm...3 and a half hour...that was a pretty fast journey :D

Arriving at KL, my first stop was at Serdang Raya, Yoke Heng Restaurant for the yummy claypot lou shu fan and pork ribs. This was on of the many eating places I missed of in Klang valley. Why can't they have their branches in Penang? :-(

Yoke Heng...famous for it's claypot lou shu fun

our claypot lou shu fun...order 2 person share...it is enought for 3

their famous pork rib...with marmite sauce

I started my Saturday with breakfast in the renowned Woo Pin Fish Head Noodle, 湖滨鱼头米粉 at Taman Danau Desa. It was located within the Ho-A-One Seafood Steamboat Restaurant. This was another place which worth driving long for. It took me about 15 minutes drive from Cheras but with a toll at Conought...If not the paying expressway, it will take me an hour on MRR2 then into the KL Seremban highway.

Ho A One Steamboat house the Woo Pin Fish Head Noodle in the morning

After dropping my aunt and cousin at home, we sped off to Malacca. It was a smooth journey down. It took me about an hour and a half to Ayer Keroh toll...followed by another few minutes drive to my brother's place situated at the back of MMU.

Then we headed to Taman Desa Duyong for the Sakura House. It was a terrace house converted cafe...very homey feel. As it was a home cooked Japanese meal, you could not expect too much...rich in choices but tasted so so. However this may be a value for money option.Next stop, we was at the Dataran Pahlawan...went round and round in search of parking lot...I hate this place for we always could not get a proper place to park or ended with a fine note by MBMB...damn MBMB!

Sakura House...1 simple bento only cost

The presentation was good but personally I didn't really like nor dislike the food...just not a recommended place to dine in if you are Japanese food fans

mum's Unagi Bento

We was in Dataran Pahlawan for a mid day food hunt mid stop...our stomachs needed some time to process all our intakes. So we went for Transformer...yeah finally I got to watch it...and it was a great choice for family time...but !@#$^ to the guy sitting next to me. He has been coughing throughout the 2nd half of the movie...causing me having to use my Dettol sanitizer all time...every time he cough, I would have to apply once...Didn't he know what hygiene means now especially with the H1N1 outbreak?

Not to be missed...we had a tea break before the show...though I was full, I could not resist my long crave for drink...my favourite Chocolate milk shake at Wong Kok Restaurant. The thick chocolate milk shake topped with chocolate ice cream was just irresistable.

After the movie we drove for half hour to Umbai for ikan bakar. We ordered a ikan pari bakar cili, butter prawns and squids platter. The main dish, ikan bakar was rather dissapointing...the chili was way too strong and covered the frest taste of the fish. The butter prawns and squid platter were delicious. Not to forget, the otak-otak was good as well. Normally people love to have these dishes with Nasi Lemak but not for me as I was sparing my stomach for next round.

Then, we headed back to town. We went to my favourite cafe in Malacca, the Nadeje Patisserie...We ordered an original mille crepe, strawberry mille crepe, tiramisu mille crepe and a cheese cake. I loved the original mille crepe most. It was best to go with black long coffee....dark and sugarless.

On Sunday morning, we went to the Museum Cafe(Jonker Dessert 88) for the world best cendol...this was always my choice of cendol...better than our Penang Teo Chew Cendol. Cendol. Besides cendol, the Baba Laksa was also my favourite. Unique in it's own way...unlike our Penang laksa nor our Penang curry mee.
After the heavy santan meal, we walked down the street in search for our gifts...the pineapple tarts. As we walked along the road, we found a busy stall selling traditional Nyonya kuih...We got a whole big bag of 'Ang Ku Kueh', Pulut Tai Tai, kuih bingkai and ondeh-ondeh....yummy! These were made fresh in the morning.

We then continued our tour with biscuit feasting at my frequent visit stall...I didn't the name but I just knew my way there. Their tarts never failed me. So we bought a box of pineapple tarts and a box of lotus paste cookies. Mum also got hold of 4 packs of mee sua.

As we were very full but has nothing much to do while waiting for stomach to give a little space, we headed to the Coffee at Cathedale Coffee Art

Next was another biscuit feasting time at Yong Sheng...I always love to shop here. 1.The biscuit taste good, 2. Affordable price as a gift, 3. Good service (the sales person kept offering ;D but my stomach was just too full :S and they deliver it right to your car), 4. We are already their VIP customer (get 15% discount).

I really have given up but as my parents were not very frequent visitor in Malacca, they wished to give Nyonya cuisine a try. So we headed to the Ole Sayang. Ordered a asam fish, ayam poh teng, sambal udang and sambal kangkung. My mum initially said she didn't want to eat rice, just a few bites of those dishes would do, ended up having need of additional plate of rice while for me, I got 2 spoon of rice...need the rice as the flavours were too strong to be taken like that. Anyway it was a great meal for everyone.

Finally we left Malacca at 4.20pm after stuffing my stomach meals after meal in shortly one and a half day. We reached Penang at 10.10pm...so it was a 5 hours and 50 minutes inclusive of a stop at the Seremban Siew Pau Empayar and few other intervals.

I enjoyed traveling with my parents...they were food enthusiacs like me :D

Photos here are from my old collections and from the internet...didn't have my camera with me.

My days in PGGA: 1998 - 2009...GangShow 2009

2009-07-09T22:10:00.001+08:00

Time flies...this is already my 11th year in service at PGGA. I have seen PGGA celebrating its 80th, 85th and now in its 90th Anniversary...

So far in our 90th Anniversary celebration, we have had the Walkathon 2009, Girl Guides Big Line Up and World Thinking Day Celebration 2009. The recent Gang Show 2009 in Dewan Sri Pinang was another blast to our anniversary celebration.

This 3rd Gang Show of ours was remarkable. Never I have seen an local guiding event being package and branded such a way. So much effort being place on its' presentation. Perhaps this was different all thanks to the young blood of PGGA.

we are the featured in the Gang Show logo?

Thanks to our chair, CLK, all committee members and not to be missed my superb cool backstage team who manage the show excellently despite the few unwanted mid show intervals.

this was actually my favourite performance during rehearsal but sadly they did not emerged as the top 3 winners

these young brownies have a lot of courage to perform on such a huge grand stage

wonder how big our stage was? I think we can have 30 people side by side on one straight line

the young and energetic Backstage team

we who made Gang Show 2009 happened...proudly present the Gang Show 2009 committee members...

*all the photos were not my production as I was occupied all time at the back stage...THANK YOU to all our cameramen and camerawomen!

Bloody money sucking & inefficient UTM

2009-07-03T17:21:00.012+08:00

Forgive me if you feel offended by this article. This was just my way to express my uneasiness and my dissatisfy towards our tertiary education system.

This is how my story went and ended up in a havoc...

I made up my mind to do my postgraduate in February....initially i have UTM's Master in Engineering (Microelectronics & Computer) and MMU's Master in Engineering (Telecommunication) and its Master in Engineering (Microelectronics) in consideration. However I chose UTM looking at my interest and the relevance to my current position in Intel.

So on February 23, I sent my application form to UTM on a registered express post for I have been mislead by the date mentioned in their website....which I was later told by the officers who came to Intel to do the introductory sharing that the date was meant for their current final year students who wish to continue on....this was the 1st wrong do of them.

In early April, my friends told me that they have received letter from the university saying that their applications have been received and in the mid of processing them. I did not receive any news about my application but I was sure that my application must have arrived after checking with Pos Malaysia....my friends application forms arrived in UTM in the end of Feb but only heard from them in early April...this was the 2nd wrong do of them...why would it take a month plus just to send out a simple computer generated letter to confirm that our applications have been received....worse when I heard nothing at all from them.

I grew more and more anxious as the days, weeks and months past.

By mid of May, my friends started to receive their confirmation letter and documents...yet there was no news about my application.

Finally on May 20, the uni authority rang me, telling me that they did not received my application payment. So I quickly fax over my receipt. One week later, I finally received the 1st letter my friends received...a little relieves after such a long tense up period.

Time flies...as the reporting date was drawing closer, I could no longer wait patiently. I called the SPS office...after being diverted few times, I was finally in touch with Cik H***m. I was told that I have been accepted and they are now in the process of sending out the acceptance letter.

Then on 25 June, I called Cik H***m again. This time I was told that the letter has already been delivered and I should be expecting it next week. The delay was due to the tuition fee review.

I waited impatiently till the following Monday, 29 June.I called Cik H***m to confirm the status of my application and again I was assured that I have been accepted and the letter was sent out on 26 June...this was their 3rd wrong do.

During this call, she claimed that the letter has been delivered but this time, she said it was only delivered out a day after our last call.So I asked for a hard copy to be delivered to me via fax. Surely I would not make the RM2k payment without any hard copy confirmation...

In the noon of 30 June, the mentioned letter has not arrived in my house yet. So I thought I may be more efficient if I made a request via an email.So here goes my email.

Dear Sir,

I am Lim Sze Wan (ARN: M091014069). I have called previously and have been informed that I have been accepted and official letter has been sent out. As of today, I have not received any related document from your university. Kindly verify and get back to me on my application status.

I have learned that the course registration has been scheduled in Vistana Hotel this weekend. If my application is successful, can you send the document again on pos express for I will need to submit those documents to my company’s HR and need to get the medical check up done?

Thanks.

Another 2 days of waiting. They got on my nerves. It was Thursday, 2 July and I was expected to register on Saturday morning. In my mid of headache, I wrote an email to their Deputy Dean, Dr O****n, and CCed it to a whole long list of people involved...Sadly still no news from them by the end of the day.

Dear Sir,

I wish to get your attention into the subject mentioned above.

I have called Cik H***m for numerous times and have been informed that I am accepted for the Sarjana Kejuruteraan (Elektrik – Komputer & Sistem Mikroelektrik). I was told that the official letter and documents have been sent out last week, 24 June 2009 and expected to register myself this weekend. However up till this moment, I have yet to receive such documents from your university. I have also requested for a copy to be sent to me via fax and I did not receive any as well. Without any proper document from your university, I can neither proceed to get the medical check up nor made arrangement for fees payment.

Kindly get back to me at my email XXX@intel.com on the steps for registration for the course above.

Thanks.

3 July, a day before the registration, I received a call from Cik H***M. Never expected a call from her as early as 8.30am. This time her intonation wasn't that pleasing.

H***m : Lim Sze Wan
Me : Ya.
H***m : Kamu datang sahaja hari Sabtu ini. Surat itu boleh kamu dapatkan di kaunter nanti.
Me : Tapi boleh faxkan surat tawaran kepada saya, baru saya boleh proceed dengan payment. H***m : Saya sekarang ini sudah nak pergi Penang. Tak sempat nak send. Untuk pendaftaran esok, kamu bayar dua ribu sahaja.
Me : Jumlah yuran berapa?
H***m : Semua yuran adalah tiga puluh ribu ringgit.
Me : Ok.
(bump...heard her hang off so quickly)

Minutes later, I received an email from Dr O****n. This is his email.

Dear Sze Wan,
The registration will begin at 12noon tomorrow, vistana hotel. You can collect the second copy of the offer letter there. We are on the way to Penang now. Call my number 019XXXXXXX after 2pm today for clarification.

Regards

No wonder Cik H***m called that early morning in that rude intonation.

Anyway I just rang Dr O****n, wanting to see what he has got to say. By the end of our conversation, I felt so upset. He gave me no explanation for all the delay nor any explanation for the fee increment. I could only recalled a remark from him on the increment "What an unfortunate." Huh? Deputy Dean saying it's an unfortunate...guess not for the case of the university.

So with all this havoc, could one still continue in this university? Not sure about others, for me surely not in this bloody money sucking university and such an inefficient one.

Btw...the letter finally arrived in my house on that very last day, 3 July. The stamp on the envelope dated July 1, 2009.

My 4th team building with VTS-M

2009-07-02T17:45:00.004+08:00

I love team building. This was my 4th team building in VTS-M...2nd that I organized.

In the morning, we played bowling at Penang Bowl. I was in Group 3 with WE, KW and WK. I enjoyed playing bowling with my colleagues. Never expected there were so many master of the game in my department.

WK, WE, KW and me, SW....seem like this group is only for the Ws.

me in action...1st round score - 122...can't remember how many spares and strikes

me...got the Best Female Player...yeah!

After the game, we headed to the E&O hotel's Sarkies Corner. We had a great buffet lunch there. The food was excellent and the price was good as well...Inteller got 15% off...so it was only RM41.05 per person.

my starter...most of the starter dishes were good

I love the curry chicken and the squid...many more main course choices but my stomach just didn't have enough space for all

even though I was full, still could not resist them...these desserts were 10x better than in G-Hotel

syok sendiri after meal... :D

VTSM gals...girl power!